//------------------------------// // The Fateful Event: Unveil // Story: Two-Sided Prequel II: Who You Work For // by FerociousCreation //------------------------------// Ch. 52 Coco stood with Chrysalis, Cadance, and Celestia as she explained how she and Fang ended up kissing. “So he told me that he was glad I was a part of his story, and I wanted to thank him for everything. After all, I wouldn’t be here if he didn’t find me in Manehattan. And then… well, I can assume you know what happened next.” Coco blushed, her eyes dancing around the ballroom, seeking out the stallion. But her search yielded no results and gave up quickly. “I must admit, Coco,” Cadence spoke, “it makes me happy to see yourself in love with him. Romance is a lovely thing when it blooms.” “In love is a strong statement princess.” The cream mare’s cheeks lit up even more, not sure if she was in love with Inferno Fang. “The moment was perfect, so… it just happened.” Celestia looked like she was about to speak. “Do not deny your emotions if you truly do feel strongly about him.” The princess turned her attention to the queen. “Wouldn’t you agree?” “I say Coco should give herself more time before leaping into something that changes your life. You two are strong friends. That I know.” Chrysalis had to keep herself from frowning, knowing this would be the last night Coco will see Fang. Unless the unveiling goes well. “Everypony,” Coco interjected, not sure how to take in all the advice given to her. “I am truly grateful for the wisdom you all have, but let me decide for myself.” “As you wish,” Celestia nodded, glancing at the ponies who made their way around the large room. “We all have a will to follow, no matter what others may tell us.” The next few hours went by at a nice pace of time. Coco and Chrysalis made sure they spent the rest of the evening with each other. They talked not only with the two princesses, but also with Velvet, Stitch, and even Platinum. Fang was nowhere to be found, however, and it was a mystery to Coco. She wanted to talk to him about the kiss they had when they danced earlier. Then again, he was probably on his own thinking about it himself. But Coco told herself she will see him another time. And when that time comes, she will bring light to it. It was 11:37. Coco, Chrysalis, and Celestia stood at the entrance of the castle as the princess said farewell to guests who began to make their leave. “You want to know something humorous, my friends?” Princess Celestia asked lowly with a sneer. Coco and Chrysalis glanced at each other before looking back at the alicorn. “Normally, the Grand Galloping Gala is a boring and awful event.” “Really?!” Coco exclaimed. Other ponies looked at her with a bothered stare. Her ears fell back in embarrassment as the two tall mares giggled at the small outburst. It took a short while before Coco was able to speak again, no longer flustered. “From what I have heard from other ponies, it was the place of opportunities, where employers come to look for experienced talent.” Chrysalis nodded as well, curious as to why the host would harshly criticize her event. “All I do is just greet ponies as they come and go,” Celestia replied before another guest walked by. She gave the pony a nod, and the unicorn complimented the princess on another wonderful gala. “But because my attention was elsewhere this evening, I was able to spend my time with great ponies.” “And I can assume the 'great ponies' that you spent time with was us, correct?” Chrysalis smirked, knowing most of the night, Princess Celestia’s attention was with herself and Coco. “You can say that.” Celestia winked before watching a couple approach her. Coco smiled as she saw Derpy and Time Turner come forth, their diamond crowns glistening in the light. “Hello, you two winners.” The words slightly burned her tongue as Coco spoke her words, still upset about the contest. “Good evening, ladies,” Time Turner spoke to those he approached with a polite bow. Derpy stopped herself to bow as well. But the mare’s back hoof got tangled in her skirt and fell forward with her arms sprawled out. Thankfully, the trophy did not slip from her cranium. Coco and Celestia took a step forward to try and help the clutsy mare, but her stallion was quickly at her side, helping her up. “Either when Derpy is head over hooves for me or for just being clumsy, she never ceases to make me smile.” Nopony could help but smile at Time Turner’s sweet gesture. The gray pegasus blushed and kissed her lover’s cheek in response to his kindness. After saying their farewells, Derpy and Time Turner left hoof in hoof. As the minutes went on, Coco glanced between Chrysalis and Celestia. She pondered when the changeling queen was going to make her move. On que, Chrysalis turns to the princess and speaks, “It was nice to have you show me around Canterlot. I have a much better picture of this kingdom you so graciously rule.” Celestia smiled in response with a shrug. “It is my duty as a friend to help those unfamiliar with my home.” “And I bet you two had a great time together, yes?” Coco Pommel beamed. The mare was beginning to think the time for the unveiling was about to commence. “We did.” Celestia glanced at another passerby with a nod. “However, the only thing I have not shown you around was the castle. Would you mind?” An interesting question, considering it was the princess who suggested it. Coco was expecting Chrysalis to bring light to take them someplace quiet by casually bringing it up. Even the queen seemed surprised with the statement. Knowing she had to take this chance, Chrysalis pretended to sound humble about the question. “You do not have to.” She found it hard to sound convincing. After all, Chrysalis did not want to go through with revealing herself to the princess. The only reason the changeling was going through with this was only for her friend. “But I insist.” With her white arm, Princess Celestia gestured her hoof to the hall to Coco’s left. To those who think the Queen of Changelings has no heart, they would be wrong. Chrysalis had an unnerving feeling in her breast as her pulse began to increase. Something was not right. And she needed to pull her facade even closer to her face. “Might my friend come along as well?” “Of course. We wouldn’t want to leave her alone by herself, now do we?” Does she know it’s me?! Chrysalis watched Celestia smile at her friend. A smile that too was a facade. Does she suspect Coco for being a changeling? It was easy to maintain her expression; however, Chrysalis was starting to worry. No! Stop. Get a grip on yourself. You have gained enough food for yourself and you are here on a peaceful harvest for love. Perhaps my actions tonight may sway Celestia. Hopefully... “Why would we leave such a mare to trek on her own?” And if Princess Celestia tries anything rash, I will strike her down as I did one year ago. “If you both don’t mind.” Coco looked at her friend, now believing the time has come. Taking the first step to a potentially great future, Celestia said with a wide smile, “Then I shall assist you both with a tour of my home.” As the alicorn walked a bit ahead of Coco and Chrysalis, the changeling mouthed “remember.” Coco nodded, remembering to pretend to play ignorant when the queen tosses the vail off. As they walked past a pegasus guard, the princess stumbled a bit, her golden shoe falling off her hoof. “Oh dear!” The instant Celestia lost her hooving, the shining guard went to her side and helped place the apparel back where it belongs. “Thank you.” “Of course princess.” He thumped the butt of his spear on the tile with pride, glad to assist his leader. Resuming his post, the pegasus stilled himself as he once did before. “Sorry about that,” Celestia apologised, turning her head back with a worried grin. “These shoes of mine can be a bit difficult sometimes.” “It is fine,” Chrysalis replied, not sure what to make of the stumble. “Shall we?” Without another word, Princess Celestia marched forward with Coco and Chrysalis in tow, leaving the room behind them. Before rounding a corner, Coco looked back to see the polite pegasus. He was no longer there. Wonder where he went… *** The air grew a lot colder as the night went on. However, Stitch was not aware of the crisp air as she walked beside Platinum in the garden. Both walked in silence, not sure what to say to break the quiet atmosphere. Somehow finding themselves back at the cedar tree, where they first met, they looked at each other with a smile. “So, this is where we met, hugh?” Platinum finally spoke, not what else to say. “Yeah.” Stitch had to look at the moon to keep her eyes off the bat pony. He may make her cry again. “And… I am glad we became friends.” A hard lump formed in the changeling’s throat and had to swallow it. But the pain was too much and she began to sob a bit. “Must you look so upset when you tear up?” Platinum gave the mare a sad smile. He stepped closer in hopes to comfort Stitch. The mare noticed the invite and moved close toward him. Too close. Their sides touched and both flinched. But they found it hard to step away, and even more difficult to look away from each other. To Platinum’s disappointment at himself, the shiny tears ran even faster. “Try smiling.” Daring to go further with his attempt to stop the waterworks, the bat pony rose his hoof to Stitch’s chin, lifting it slightly up with a gentle push. Thankfully, he got what he wanted. Stitch giggled as she grinned, not wanting to move herself. “You are very sweet, Platinum.” A pink mist flooded out of the stallion, the love clouding around the cedar. “And now I want to… return the favor.” The moonlight shined down brightly as if to try and mimic the sun’s light. It was as if Princess Luna was watching the moment between the stallion and mare, trying her best to make the evening more lovely for the two. Platinum and Stitch stared at each other, blush flooding their cheeks. They both wore the same expressions that held the same thoughts. The two wanted to do show more affection, but they had just met only a few hours ago. Perhaps romance can start after a single night. Making the first move, Stitch wiped her tears first, then placed an arm around Platinum’s neck. To the stallion’s surprise, he saw no salty streams on the mare. “You are not crying,” he beamed, leaning further into Stitch. “Maybe it’s because I trust you.” Their noses pointed at each other, drawing closer like magnets. Stitch had to lift her head up if she were to connect her lips with Platinum. By the time their mouths were near, neither of them had their eyes open. A loud whistle pierced the quiet night. Platinum’s ears twitched at the sound and gasped, looking to the air. A figure darted through the black sky, “fweeting” once more. “What is it?” The stallion could feel Stitch’s warm breath on his neck, uninterested in the sudden noise. Platinum’s pupil slits thinned, his eyes wide with shock. Princess Celestia was in need of assistance! “Stitch!” Platinum grabbed the mare’s shoulders not too tight, but enough to emphasise his serious attitude. “I- I need to go!” “What’s wrong?” Stitch turned her head in curiosity. “Does it have something to do with that whistle?” Hooves trampled through the soft grass and the two turned to see Velvet looking nervous. “Did you hear ‘the call!?” The stallion bared his teeth with frustration. “Ugh, if only we were on watch tonight!” With his white fangs still visible, Platinum glanced down at Stitch who was admiring his teeth. “I mean no insult to you.” Stitch didn’t seem to mind the comment, but the situation about ‘the call’ was confusing her. “What is going on?” she asked, her voice demanding an answer. Without answering the question, Platinum stepped away from the mare and fanned out his leathery wings. “Bagh! I don’t care if I am not on tonight’s watch. I am going to go protect the princess!” “Brother, no!” Before Velvet could get to her sibling’s side, Stitch was in front of him. “W-what do you mean?” Oh no! Was the queen found out?! The changeling’s eyes widened with fear as a fresh stream of tears rolled down her cheeks. With no warning, Platinum leaned toward Stitch and kissed her lips. With her breath taken, Stitch stumbled a bit as her knees buckled in. His cheeks flushed, but the serious expression the stallion wore was still bore. Looking to his sister, he spoke with authority, “You watch her. And let nopony near the two of you until I get back.” He turned around, his wings almost hitting the two mares. “There might be changelings about…” Platinum leapt high into the air with a quick burst of speed. After rounding the castle, he saw several pegusi were grouped up at the roof of a tower. Touching down on the tile, the stallions looked to Platinum with hard stares. “I didn’t know we had bats on watch with us tonight…” a guard commented in a gruff tone. Others joined in with the harassment and laughed at the small jab. “Do we have a visual on Princess Celestia?” Platinum ignored the snide comment, wanting to get to business. A light-blue guard gestured to window below where three ponies walked through the halls. “She is being followed by two mares. Apparently, Princess Celestia is showing them around the castle according to Stand Guard as he watched the three trek into the castle.” Platinum didn’t care if Stand Guard was among them, but was thankful he saw the “loose shoe” signal. Looking harder into the windows, Platinum recognised the two followers. His realization almost caused him to stumble off of the roof. “I- I saw them together earlier! And I know the cream one personally!” *** “What is interesting about these halls was that they were crafted by earth ponies,” Celestia spoke, gesturing to the large walkway with a smile. “It was the unicorns that added the final touches, such as adding the drapes, carpet, and various other decorations you see.” “And what about the pegusi? What did they contribute?” Coco couldn’t keep her curious mind shut as she spat out another question for the princess to answer. “They were the ones who sought out materials throughout Equestria. With their abilities to fly, finding marble and white stone was not a problem.” Turning back, but without stopping, Celestia asked, “Any more questions?” “If she does ask anymore,” Chrysalis interjected, “I give you permission to call her questionmare.” A laugh escaped Princess Celestia, amused at the silly pet name. “How amusing! I can assume your friend keeps you quite busy with her questioning, does she not?” The two larger mares glanced at Coco to see her bothered with the teasing. “Oh, I apologize if I had upset you…” Celestia frowned. “It’s fine,” Coco grumbled a little, but managed to hold a sarcastic smile. They may both be leaders, but that does not mean I appreciate the heckling from either of them… The three rounded a corner and Celestia resumed her tour as if the joking never occurred. “To the right here, we have Star Swirl the Bearded’s old office.” “Shall we see what is inside?” Chrysalis asked almost too quickly. The door to the old wizard’s dwelling swung open even faster. “But of course.” The princess gestured the Coco and Chrysalis to enter with a light smile. The earth pony walked in with ease. However, the queen was beginning to think Celestia was catching onto what was going on. Nonetheless, Chrysalis too, entered. An anchient desk that was riddled with dust and age rested by the window. Nothing rested upon it aside from a brass lamp that had no oil in it. To the left of the desk was a long bookshelf that stretched alongside the wall. Novels that bore long lost runes peaked Coco’s interest as she walked over to them, almost wanting to ask what they mean. “I remember when I gave Star Swirl the Bearded this small place.” Celestia entered, her voice sounding a bit louder than usual. Coco turned around to see the princess standing in the middle of the room with Chrysalis beside the door. The queen stared hard at Celestia’s back, looking as if she wants to impale the princess with her black horn. “He was a wonderful stallion. And-” KUKUNCK! The door was closed shut by Chrysalis, sealing the three mares in the small office. Noise became void as they stood all stood still. “Why did you close the door, Your Majesty?” From Coco’s perspective, she noticed Princess Celestia’s slate-faced expression. She did not look worried, but not angry as well. “I wish to not have an audience of any potential onlookers…” Chrysalis spoke with her normal voice. Remember Coco: pretend. Doing her best to fake being surprised, the earth pony gasped loudly at the change of voice. Turning around, the white alicorn now wore a frown. “I was hoping… Praying even… That you were not her.” “So you had your suspicion?” At this point, there was no need to hold her disguise anymore. The lovely white fur Chrysalis wore was now replaced with her black skin in a quick flash of green flame. “When?” Coco shivered in place with her eyes wide. She did shake not with fear, however. The mare was now nervous, not sure how things were going to play out. “Your name,” Celestia spoke low, her brows now creasing and her horn looking sharp.