//------------------------------// // All's Fair in Love and Budgets // Story: The Magic and Mysteries of Friendship // by The Stainmore Phoenix //------------------------------// As the gang stepped off the train at Ponyville, a certain landmark was missing. “Where's the library?!” Twilight cried. The library was indeed gone. All that remained of it was a hole in the ground where it once stood. “I don't like this,” Soundstar said. Just then, a very unusual sight came hurrying towards them. A Changeling, looking flustered, angered and hurt. “Woah there speedy,” Amplitude said, as Sombra III summoned a chair and the Changeling sat down. “What's got your rockets at full thrust?” “Those....those....incompetent dunces called the “City Council”,” came the bitter reply. “Making a “Budget” and cutting all unnecessary expenses. The library was the major cut. It wasn't earning enough to pay it's way forward.” Twilight slumped, ready to cry. What was, in essence, her new home, was now gone. “We'll work something out,” Soundstar said, soothing Twilight. “I've a spare room,” White Orchid offered. “It's kept ready for guests and the like.” “That's kind,” Twilight muttered, feeling broken. “This isn't the first time they've done this,” The Changeling huffed, starting to get wound up. “You mean, they've pulled this in the past?” Aquatis Storm asked. “Yes,” came the hiss. “It happened when ponies complained the Town Hall was falling apart and the “Council” voted to not spend the money to repair it, seeing it as an unnecessary expense.” “I can see,” Sombra III said, glancing at the Town Hall as a wall caved in. “There's nothing we can do to change their minds,” the Changeling muttered. “Any suggestions are seen as us making unwelcome ideas.” “Oh,” Sombra III said. “That kind.” To change the topic, Rarity asked if there was a place where their royal guest could rest. The Changeling raised a brow. “No,” he said. “The owner set fire to his hotel, for an insurance payout.” “Idiot,” Hurricane huffed. “Dinnae wurry, he can stay wit' me.” Sombra III was grateful. The Changeling then departed, to catch the next train to Canterlot to tell the news to the Royal Archivers. “Poor fellow,” Somerset said. “Having to report this whole thing to the council in Canterlot.” “Agreed,” Dorset replied. “Who was that anyway?” “Prince Thorax,” Dr. Aquatis Star replied. “The King of his Changeling Hive is King Smoke and the Queen is Queen Mirror.” “Oh?” the others turned to the doctor. “What of this Queen Chrysalis character?” “She's been dead for 350 years. She was tyrannical and her own hive overturned her and the two I mentioned took over and have been running the Hive in peace, even allowing their Changelings out in to the world to intermix,” he explained. “It's taught in Equestrian History 205. Anyone take that class?” “Nope,” came the reply. “Figured,” he replied. “Basics, she tried to host an attack while Luna was on the moon, trying to remove Celestia and take over. Her hive didn't like the idea and overthrew her, then had her burned at the stake.” “Sounds like the appropriate punishment,” Sombra III said. “It's standard whenever there's a royal in charge who does things that do not please the common ponies.” The others nodded, finally grasping at what was said. After agreeing to meet up for dinner, the group split off with the guests going with their respective hosts. As they split up, Thorax returned. He cursed under his breath and made his way to where Dragonstorm was sitting, sipping tea. “Hello, Prince,” Dragonstorm said. “What's up?” “I wanted to see Twilight,” he said. ' “About what?” the former guard asked. “Her sleeping arrangements,” the Changeling Prince said. “She's staying with White Orchid for the time being.” the former guard replied. “That's good,” the Changeling prince said. “That reminds me, I must pick up some roses. Anyway, thank you for the information.” The two bid farewell and parted ways. Dragonstorm hoped things wouldn't get worse. They did, as per the usual with “Budget” running ponies. This time, they were planning to open up all sorts of new art museums and planning on cutting the school back even more. “This is getting out of hoof!” Thorax huffed at dinner that night. The group had been kept up to date on all the latest moves. If things got any worse, or these “Budget” cuts put essential businesses at risk, then a “Royal Vote of No Confidence” would be called. The difference between a “Vote of No Confidence” and a Royal Vote of No Confidence” is in where the main vote is carried out. A “Vote of No Confidence” can be called by the ponies should there be no trust put between the residents and their elected officials. A “Royal Vote of No Confidence” is where the royals in Canterlot get involved. If they see the elected officials doing things that are of a questionable nature, they step in and hold a vote to replace them with appointees until an election can be called. Thorax had relayed that there might be a “Royal Vote of No Confidence” if these officials don't stop. “Isn't that a bit extreme?” Twilight asked. “Depends. Do you remember the “Desperate Times call for Desperate Measures” phrase?” Thorax quizzed. “Never heard it,” Twilight replied. Thorax explained, while everyone else ate in silence. Once he finished, Twilight said nothing and ate in silence. However, the embarrassment of being given a lesson showed in her reddened cheeks. “Hey,” Dangersignal said. “We've all done embarrassing things.” “Not knowing a common phrase?” Twilight asked. “Yours is a bit lighter. Your brother hasn't forgotten when I set his wedding Tuxedo on fire,” Dangersignal told her. “Simply because he said he was “On Fire” when he struck a date with Cadence.” “You set fire to Shining Armor's tux?” Rainbow asked, trying to clarify what she heard. “Yes,” Dangersignal replied. Everyone howled with laughter. Thorax, who managed to catch his breath asked what Shining Armor plans to do to get Dangersignal back for his stunt. “Oh, he's waiting for me to sleep in the castle as a guest,” Dangersignal replied. “He's gonna do something, but I don't know what.” “I hope you survive,” Thorax said. “I survived foalsitting Cadence, Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle,” Dangersignal said. “Considering Cadence managed to burn down the kitchen trying to bake cookies.” Everyone was soon talking and laughing like old friends. Even Thorax was enjoying himself immensely. Once dinner was done, everyone went their separate ways, hoping the next day would be better. Boy they were wrong, when more “Budget” cuts came in and completely ruined the enjoyment from the previous day. This time, all choir and band events were cut due to them “not being profitable enough”. “Great!” Soundstar snarled. “They can't be that greedy!” Thorax huffed, exasperated. Knightstryke turned to see, to his horror, several places, including Sugar Cube Corner being shut down. “Lads, I think we need Canterlot's interference,” he said. “They just shut down several businesses that are the livelihoods of many ponies.” As they stood, a member of “council” came up. “They aren't paying their way,” he said. “We can't have dead branches kill the tree.” Dragonstorm sighed and made his way to the station to catch the next train to Canterlot. While the journey itself was uneventful, he certainly wasn't going to be diplomatic when it came time to let what was on his mind loose. “This is going too far too fast,” he muttered. Leaving the train, he made straight for the castle. The guards let him pass after he explained he was here to seek an interview with the princesses. Once inside, he looked around before spotting Luna, who was reading a book. She glimpsed up and smiled. “It's been years, young Dragonstorm,” she replied. “However, you seem troubled. Pray, speak what's on your lips.” Dragonstorm told her everything that was going on in Ponyville. Luna's expression turned to one of horror. "I'll see what I can do, but I can not make promises,” she said. He nodded and returned. As he stepped off the train, he found the group looking at a sign in the park. “45 bits for a picnic?!” Aquatis Storm roared. Dragonstorm looked at the sign. Indeed it had a picnic price and even prices for just strolling through the park. “They'll fine anything,” he sighed. A few minutes later, they made their way back to their new meeting place, Fluttershy's house on the edge of the Everfree. Once inside, Dragonstorm gave his report, which didn't help lighten the mood. “That's dandy, just dandy,” Thorax huffed. “They can't work miracles that fast,” Dangersignal said. “They still have to jump through hoops.” Thorax simmered down, but they soon heard raised voiced and peeked out the window to see Celestia, with Canterlot Financiers, standing before the Ponyville Council and the financiers were waving papers in front of the council. “You haven't been keeping up with production because of your cuts!” one barked. “Tourism here has been down!” “Because it doesn't pay it's way!” came the retort. “Our returns show the opposite!” the other nearly shrieked with rage. An argument broke out, which Celestia quelled easily, then said plaintively, “I am putting these financiers in charge and they will report to Luna or Me directly, should you cross your boundaries.” The Ponyville council groaned. Celestia gave them such a look. That shut them up and Celestia turned to look around, before finding the team in Fluttershy's house. “Princess,” they group said, bowing. “Please, stand,” she said. “No need to bow, as we are one in the same." “I don't know what you mean,” Twilight said. “Strip the title away and what am I at the end of the day?” she asked. “A pony?” Thorax said. “Exactly,” Celestia smiled. “Titles are simply labels.” “Excuse me, Princess, but you don't normally pay visits to citizens,” White Orchid pointed out. “I know, but I have come to say, things will sort themselves out,” Celestia said. The group breathed a sigh of relief. “When will these changes take effect?” Tintin asked. “Wait and see,” replied Celestia sweetly.