Focused eyes

by Banksyt

Jail house blues

I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is magic nor any of the trademark entities that appear in the following chapter. You’re still reading this?

Jail time blues

“Mr. Plum, I must ask. Did you see any fish?” Celestia asked trying her damned hardest not to snicker. She sat on a bench while Plum tried to dry off. A small trail of water following behind him.

“Oh har har your majesty. I did not but maybe you would like to try your luck maybe?” He shot back as he shook the last of the water out of his coat. Leaving a large spray of water all over the gray tiles. He was still woozy from the sudden change in scenery and had to sit next to Celestia on the bench. “Oh... Celestia, please no matter how much fun it may seem to do that whenever you please” Plum grabbed his stomach forcing the recent wave of nausea back down, and with a few labored breaths continued “don’t ever do that again.” Plum was familiar with magic of course. Half his staff were Canterlot unicorns, the rest unicorns from around Equestria, the only other non-unicorn besides himself was Heavy. He makes the cupcakes, and take allot after his nieces singing style. Sometimes Plum wonders what would happen if they ever met, but he knows it would never turn out well.

"Cheer up plum; you've done better than most of the guards here in Canterlot." Celestia chuckled. No other pony except Twilight had lasted this long without throwing up. Celestial cringed slightly as the name passed through her mind. It didn't bring her pain or discomfort; she couldn't ever imagine it would. But she would be lying through her teeth if she said it didn't confuse her greatly. At first she had thought she was not going to chase after Twilight. That in her mind she was ready to relinquish Twilight to... To... Celestia chided herself for not knowing the mare's name. Celestia felt like she didn't care, but she did. More than she cared for anything else. She wanted to make amends with this mare, to clear the distaste that lingered in her mouth whenever she spoke of Celestia.

But why did she want to sit down and talk with her. She didn’t quite understand why she wanted to become acquainted with her 'competition'. But Celestia could not bring herself to see the mare in a bad light. And she knew that Twilight would feel the same. Celestia sighed deeply, tipping off Plum as to where her thoughts were leading. He stilled his self for a second making sure he was okay to talk, “Celestia, what’s wrong now?”

“It’s nothing Plum. Come we must be going, you are ready to go yes?” She said without a trace of happiness or joy.

“Please Celestia, please sit down. You need to talk it out, and I'm here to listen.” Celestia tilted her head to look at the sky, as if she were contemplating just flying away into the night. But she sat back down on the bench slowly and spoke softly.

“I am having second thoughts. I’m confused plum, I've never been in this position and it's scaring me. I’m not sure how or why, but it does Plum. It scares me. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve always known what I wanted when it comes to relationships, or because Twilight is involved.” Celestia dropped her head a let out a slight chuckle, “She’s grown up so much hasn’t she? I remember when she was just a little foal coming to perform the admittance test at my school. She probably didn’t know how great a magician she would become and neither did I. Her future from the moment she opened her first book was set, but not in stone. Her destiny was still in her hooves, everything she is now in her full glory is the product of her hard work. And I think, I think that was what drove me over the edge. Her patience, her quick thinking and most of all her love of books. In a way I think, she reminded me of my sister. They are alike in more than one way Plum. But that wasn’t what kept me loving her; something else fueled my love for her. And I don’t know what it is Plum. It’s like the one question that if we knew the answer we’d somehow know it all. But the answer eludes us at every turn... I just don’t know what to do anymore Plum. I want to be with Twilight but I can’t bring myself to break anypony’s heart.” As Celestia finished her monologue Plum couldn't help but feel pity. It felt like a stone was materializing in his chest. It was that gut wrenching feeling you got when read or watched something really sad and deep. But luckily he was a Pie, and Pies knew how to be optimistic.

“Now Celestia, if I was my niece which I know I am not. I would be singing to you, so count yourself lucky there. But in all seriousness your majesty, what happens in love and relationships can never be blamed on just one party.” Plum stopped and quickly turned his head round, watching for the tell tale signs of the pink pony. Satisfied the comment went unheard he continued “No pony can blame you for how you feel, and neither can you be blamed for the decisions others make. What I'm trying to say Celestia is that whatever happens is nopony’s fault. ‘You can’t break something that isn’t yours to brake’ is what my grandmother always used to say.”

“A wise mare, I'm sure.” Celestia’s voice had lifted a few tones; it was not yet her happy soothing voice yet. It was far from it, but progress was being made and that was all that mattered. “But despite that Plum, I still don’t know if I am one hundred percent confident here. I don’t what to hurt anypony, and somepony is bound to get hurt here. And I don’t doubt no matter which way this turns out, I will have regrets.”

“Celestia, in whatever you do, and you should know this best. You will always regret something.” She nodded confirming his point. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t live. Regrets shouldn’t deter you from something you truly want Celestia. Now come on, I didn’t let you teleport me halfway across the city just so we could sit here and sulk. We have an agenda, let’s move!” Plum shouted with renewed vigor, the last remnants of his nausea fading away. He attempted to stand up very quickly but lost purchase on the slippery surface of the bench and face planted into the side walk. Celestia giggled a little and stood up herself while plum quickly dusted himself off. “I meant to do that your majesty.” he said while he activated he best poker face. Celestia only laughed more.

“You truly are more like your niece than you give yourself credit for. Hmmm, now where are we? Ah yes, I know where we are now. Follow me.” She began to trot down the path with an air of dread. And Plum couldn't help but notice. But before he could open his mouth to comment Celestia said “Plum, if we don’t make it out alive, I want you to know what you’ve done for me. I will never forget.” He nodded and gulped. They rounded the corner and there it was. The house hold of the sparkles, infamously known between the sisters as 'jail'. And have on many occasions agreed that time doesn’t work quite the same as Equestria in that house.

They walked up to the door, the deep maroon wood standing in their way. Its aged hinges looking as strong as they did when they were made. The many scratches and dents in the door just adding to its dark demeanor. The door was like warning, to any who dared approach it. And it did more than symbolize, it kept ponies out. It did its job better than any door in Canterlot, for in truth the door was designed for its job. Centuries ago, the door was part of the house that held one of Equestria’s most dangerous criminal. But since then the house was taken down, and parts of it sold off. Many have disappeared of the face of the earth but the door remained. And Celestia was intimidated by it. She looked down to Plum standing by her, and he was any better off. “A...Are you quite sure this is the place?” he whispered quietly as if the door might hear and become offended. Celestia nodded apprehensively, wishing she could just turn around and say this wasn’t the place. But she wasn’t about to walk away from her fears, even if they were well justified. She lowered her head in defeat and carefully knocked thrice upon the hardened the door. Just three loud thumps reverberated from the door, nothing more nothing less. The door was there as a door, not musical instrument.

Voices could be heard from within the house but Celestia couldn’t make out what they were saying. Then they died down, and silence rang out. But before long the door slowly swung open, and standing behind it was Dusk, Twilight’s father. And to Celestia’s horror he was...grinning.

*~*

*30 minutes earlier: 7:30”

“Um Sunshine... Do you know where we are?” Fluttershy asked tentatively as she looked around. Fluttershy knew they were in Canterlot somewhere but she could not place exactly where. But it was familiar somehow. Sunshine nodded, she knew where they were.

“Yea, I know where we are. But I just don’t know how...” Who knew that right beneath everpony’s feet was the entrance to a massive labyrinth. This man hole was a major health risk; any pony could fall down it, wander and get lost. Sunshine had half the mind to bring it up with Canterlot authorities. But for now she marveled at how peaceful Canterlot was at ‘night’. There wasn’t a soul on the streets saver herself and Fluttershy. But it didn’t feel empty; it felt like the energy of the city never died. The ponies may go to sleep but the city never truly dies. According to her internal clock it wasn’t before eight in the morning. And with the prolonged night she didn’t think ponies would begin getting up until ten. Then things would really get out of hoof, who was going to explain to them that the sun was likely not to come up? It definitely wasn’t going to be her; it was a miracle she was still standing look back at what she had been through. Sunshine didn’t know how much longer she could go.

“Sunshine, I think you need to rest. You’ve been through so much. Here lean on me; we need to get to the palace.” Fluttershy soothing voice and motherly tone were too much for Sunshine and so she did as she was told.

“No, the palace is too far Fluttershy. But Twilight’s house is close by.” Sunshine said pointing a hoof in the general direction of the aforementioned house. Fluttershy nodded and they began walking down the deserted streets. The journey wasn’t hard seeing as they could see where they were stepping ninety percent of the time. And it was slightly warmer on the streets of Canterlot than in the heart of the mountain. They passed through the square with the fountain and before long found themselves in front of the house they had visited yesterday. Fluttershy knocked on the door and Sunshine called out to Twilight’s parents. “Excuse me? Mrs. Sparkle? It’s me Sunshine, here with Fluttershy. Is anypony home?” No pony answered, and so they stood outside for a few more minutes, while Sunshine frequently called out to them. But then they heard hoof steps, getting closer. And slowly the door swung open to reveal Twilight’s mother standing in the doorway. Her disheveled mane hung from her around her shoulders and her face was scrunched up like a ball of paper. She did not look friendly. At all. Sunshine felt a chill travel down her spine, and she couldn’t decide whether it was the cold temperature or not.

But as soon as Star Sparkle had appeared, she disappeared as her husband Dusk Shine dragged her back into the house. After a large array of cartoon sound effects he re-emerged from the house to greet his visitors. “Fluttershy! Sunshine! Whatever brings you back so early? Did you come to retrieve something?” He asked.

“No, we didn’t Mr. Dusk. But I’m afraid it’s a long story, may we please come in. Sunshine is hurt and I don’t think she should be in this dreadful weather any longer. I’m sure you understand.” Dusk gasped as her realized that Fluttershy was right; Sunshine did not look the mare that had left his house earlier. He nodded frantically as he quickly ushered in the two mares into the house. He rushed ahead quickly gathering two blankets, and setting them down in the living room where he motioned the two pegasi to sit.

“I’ve got the kettle going and I shall be back soon with some hot drinks and a first aid kit. Please, please make yourself comfortable.” He darted away to find the items. Fluttershy sat Sunshine down and covered her with the blanket, then did so for herself. She sighed happily; the night had been very stressful for the shy Pegasus. She was physically and mentally exhausted, but she was happy that everything was okay now. Sunshine and herself were both alive, they had made it successfully out of the mountain and now they were enjoying the warmth and comfort from Twilight’s family house. Her ‘adventure’ was over now, and she had fulfilled her promise to Twilight. All that was left to do was to wait and rest. Fluttershy lay on the ground just as Dusk returned with the drinks and first aid kit. The sweet smell of chocolate wafted over to her, and forced her back into alertness. Nothing woke Fluttershy up faster than a nice hot cup of hot coco, a nifty little secret Pinkie liked to exploit whenever they had slumber parties. Dusk set the first aid kit down on the coffee table in the middle of the room and carried the hot coco to the two mares sitting near the cold fire place. He lit the fire and set the coco next to them. “Now, will you excuse me while I go and make my wife presentable.” Under his breath he said “Celestia help me”. Without out letting anything on he continued “If you need anything at all just call.” and as he walked away “Please call me back.” But before he could take one step up the dreaded staircase Fluttershy called out to him.

“Mr. Dusk? Mr. Dusk sir?” He swiveled round quickly and began walking back to the living room. “My prayers have been answered!”

“Yes, Fluttershy?” He asked standing at the entrance to the living room.

“Could we...If it’s not too much trouble... get some straws?” Fluttershy asked shyly as she pointed to the two mugs lying close to her.

“Of course Fluttershy, nothing is too much trouble for you and Sunshine. Just hang tight one second while I fetch them.” and so he disappeared back into the kitchen. After a minute of aimlessly looking around the room Dusk returns with two squiggly straws. Far more squiggly than necessary. “Excuse me Fluttershy; I’m afraid these are the only ones we have. Twilight had a sort of... phase with these things.” He said as he slipped the two straws with loop de loops to make you dizzy if you followed it.

“Oh, it won’t be a problem. Thank you mister Dusk.” Her eyes slowly floated over to the straw that sat in front of her. And it was really hard to keep from giggling. I didn’t know Twilight loved straws so much...” So she beamed quietly. Dusk sensed that he was no longer needed and with a heavy hoof trotted back to the stair case. He dragged himself up the stairs and as he stood outside his bedroom he prayed once more. And as he pushed the door open slowly he knew the next 5 minutes of his life were going to be painful ones.

“Honey... It’s time to wake up now...”

*7:40*

A vast array of mechanical appliances lay strewn on the floor around the bed. They included drills, two thousand watt speakers, blenders and the odd timer. Dusk was spent, he loosed his magical control from the gong he was holding up, fell to his bed where his wife slept peacefully and soundly. Being completely exhausted he fell asleep instantly, but as he closed his eyes his wife opened hers. She yawned as she stretched her hoofs outwards bumping into Dusk. She rubbed her eyes and spotted him laying face first in the sheets; she smiled and moved off the bed.

After putting away the appliances that lay on the floor into she sat down on the bed next to her husband. He was sleeping so soundly, Star smiled. She raised her hoof, and then brought it down in a chopping motion right on the back of his head. “~ooooowwww, do you have to do that everytime?”

Star leaned down and pecked him on the cheek before replying “Of course honey, or do you prefer I use the speakers?” Dusk shook his head vigorously before rolling over to the other side of the bed. “Now, what say we go entertain our guests?” She said as she walked out the door.

*7:46*

Sunshine was having a hard time trying to calm Fluttershy down. The loud noises had started so suddenly it had scared Fluttershy so violently that the sharp intake of air was enough to finally get the coco through the straw and burn her tongue. She had her fore-hooves around her Fluttershy’s neck trying to comfort her. But despite her best attempts the yellow mare continued to shiver. Sunshine was completely at loss at what to do at this point. As she sat there trying to clam Fluttershy down she heard hoof steps descending the stairway. Reinforcements, thank you Luna! So as Dusk and Star walked into the room fully expecting Fluttershy and Sunshine to be quietly chatting away. They were of course shocked to find them in complete disarray. “Sunshine! What happened?” Dusk shouted at the two mares. The sudden burst of loud noise pushing Fluttershy back into another fit of shivers.

“Ssssshhhh!!!” Sunshine raised her hoof and hissed at dusk to shut him up. She had to keep them from talking, otherwise Fluttershy they would be in for a very long day.

“What happened?” Dusk tried to whisper to Sunshine before she promptly shut him up by forcing her hoof into his mouth. He better not have a hoof fetish… “mepfhsfefhlsfkjnfs” Dusk tried to communicate that he was quite able to shut himself up but all he could manage was an incomprehensible babble of noise. And in the end just stopped trying, Sunshine sure that he wasn’t going to try saying anything took her hoof out of his mouth and put it to hers to emphasize that there was to be not noise whatsoever. And gave them a stare that would have made Fluttershy proud, if she wasn’t slowly recovering on the floor next to them. And then Sunshine proceeded to usher the two horrified unicorns into the dining room. Then quickly returned to put a blanket over Fluttershy.

At the dining table Star and Dusk were sitting quietly, not talking. Not even whispering for fear of Sunshine’s gaze (gaze<stare). So as Sunshine walked in they nervously looked at each other. Sunshine sat down opposite them, and sighed. “I’m sorry if I did anything to offend you, but Fluttershy is a very, how would I say? Fragile soul. And she does not take well to loud noises and surprises. And when...whatever happened upstairs, well happened that was quite the combination of both. I confess I was quite surprised myself.” Sunshine pauses to look at the facial expressions of Twilight’s parents, “look you can stop looking at me like that okay? Please stop.”

Star was the first to speak. “Oh, upstairs? No need to worry dear, Dusk was just trying to wake me up.”

“With a power drill?” Sunshine asked with a cocked eyebrow.

“She’s a very deep sleeper. Last year I had to use a bucket of ice cold water, but all I did was get the bed wet.” Dusk explained. Twilight’s parents are truly....interesting... “Well enough of my wife’s sleeping habits, how come only you and Fluttershy have returned? I thought you were all traveling in a group.” Sunshine’s demeanor quickly became very despondent.

“We...We broke up.” This was almost true in two ways. That is if Twilight still loves me.

“Oh? How come? Did something happen?” Star asked not quite sure what Sunshine was trying to say.

“Have you seen what time it is?” Sunshine said with the smallest amount of effort possible. She tried to point at the window but her hoof slumped back down to the table. Dusk And Star looked at each other with confused looks. What could she possibly mean? It was still relatively dark so it must still be some time in the night. Dusk stood up and trotted out of the dining room to the kitchen where their clock was hanging above the stove. Star looked tentatively at Sunshine before extending a hoof out to her and smiling; even if it was a forced smile her intentions were good. Sunshine felt the hoof touch hers and she raised her head to see what it was, when she saw whose hoof it was and the smile that donned that face. She couldn’t help but smile back; At least I still have Twilight’s parents on my side. When the kitchen door swung open again and Dusk walked in a state of shock Star sparkle jumped up to aid him. Even with the aid of his wife Dusk was slow to settle back at the table. His mouth was agape, but no words were leaving it. For a second Sunshine was almost scared that it was because of her, but then she remembered what she had sent him to do. She thought something like this was bound to happen.

“Ho...How?” Dusk finally regained his voice to ask that one simple question. And everything would have been fine and dandy if she had known.

“I don’t know... but I have a hunch...” There was only one thing that would have kept Celestia from raising the sun that night. Me.

“What? What's going on, somepony tell me please?” Dusk turned his head to face his wife and then whispered to her.

“Its seven fifty and the sun has not risen yet.” Star Sparkle shook her head, and just kept shaking it.

“No, no, that can’t be, you read the clock wrong! Never in the history of Equestria has the sun ever been late!” She shouted at him, her denial clear for all to see.

“Dear, please... please calm down. I would never lie to you. The sun has not risen. Please, Sunshine, do you know anything about this?” He asked, hoping she might have at least some insight into the situation. Star turned to face Sunshine, and Sunshine instantly felt scarred.

“No... I...I don’t know... I can’t say... I’m sorry.” She let her muzzle fall back into her hooves to avoid eye contact with either of Twilight’s parents. If they knew it was because of her, there would be no way they’d let her stay with Twilight.

“What do you mean you can’t say? Please, anything. If you know anything about Twilight, please tell us.” The desperation was becoming more and more apparent in Star sparkles voice, Sunshine just couldn’t bear to put her in this position.
“Twilight...She’s fine. I think... I don’t know anymore. We parted a long time ago...”

“Where did you see her last? Why did you girls leave the group? Where were you the entire time? When did this happen?” Sunshine couldn't handle the pressure and snapped.

“I don’t know alright! She disappeared with Celestia and I went to find her! But when I found Celestia she was crying and she said that Twilight had run off! Then I got mad at Celestia! But Twilight got back and got mad at me! So I left! I don’t know what happened to her! So stop Asking ME!” Sunshine huffed in the wake of her sudden outburst. Then realizing she just shouted at Twilight’s parents hit her face in her hooves again. Dusk and Star looked at each other with concerned faces, and then Star walked around the table and nuzzled Sunshine. Sunshine confused at the comforting gesture raised her head to see the look of concern on her face. But who is she concerned about?

“Suussshhh Sunshine... It’ll all be okay. I’m sorry if I raised my voice, but you understand right?” Sunshine nodded her head; she knew motherly instincts all too well. “But why did you get mad at Celestia?” Sunshine’s heart throbbed, she really didn’t want to explain it to Twilight’s parents but she knew she had to.

“She... Celestia confessed her love for Twilight...” To Star and Dusk were shocked would be a grave understatement. The ruler of Equestria, in love with their daughter!? Their lives in Canterlot left much to be desired in the surprise section. But today was just filled with them. But after a minute of electrified air, Star settled down enough to speak again.

“She...*sigh* Now I see why you were so mad. Sunshine, you had every reason to be mad, but perhaps the situation could have been handled better. And for what it’s worth, we still consider you part of the family.” She looked to Dusk, and he nodded as well. But then he heard knocking at the door, so he went to go look. Then he ran back and hissed at the two mares.

“It’s Celestia!!!” Sunshine looked to Star with pleading eyes, but Star just ignored them. A wide grin appearing on her face. She looked at Dusk and he instantly knew what she was thinking. So he went to go let them in.

*8:00*

Comments

[Zerg]

SHARE ALL THE LOVE!

I would prefer twilestia but the othe way is atequal terms.. I just hate seeing them sad :(

[hyourei]

All three should listen to Discord's sound advice.

[PPFW Combo Breaker]

If in doubt start a fire burn a witch doctor, inhale the fumes and let the voodoo tell you what to do
This is pretty good

[Banksyt]

186432 Soon my friend, soon.

[Fallen Knight]

Of my desires for how it would end its as following :

1. Twilestia
2. 3-way
3. TwiShine *shrugs* cant think of a better name

[The Propagandist]

MOOOOOOOOOORE! moremoremoremoremoremoremore! when will the next one be out? you are killing me over here!

[The Propagandist]

It has just occured to me I am yet to actually compliment you on your writing. I would like to thank you for writing such an excellent story! keep up the amazing work!

[fwamp2012]

When can i expect some more of this lovely story?