Disclaimer: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and all associated characters, settings and stories are the rightful subjects of Hasbro, the HUB, Studio B, and Lauren Faust.
Chapter 8
With Twilight’s friends and Shining Armor’s departure from Canterlot, Magicon found himself essentially alone with Princess Luna. Though it wasn’t the first time it happened, Magicon still relished in it. He always liked her more than Celestia and the two of them had grown close ever since her return to the throne. Princess Cadance was preparing a tour of Equestria to boost morale and confidence after Celestia’s death and Magicon was quick to get her out of Canterlot for his plans. It wasn’t that Cadance would be a problem; far from it. It was just his chances of success would be greater if Cadance wasn’t in Canterlot for his plans.
He didn’t know how long Shining Armor and Twilight’s friends would be gone but he knew they would be gone long enough to successfully accomplish his goals. He began settling back into his old routine: ruling Equestria, helping Luna, and doing what he could for ponies everywhere.
He accepted his increased role in Equestrian Affairs. Since Celestia’s death and Luna’s near constant tiredness from raising the sun and moon as well as her nightly court duties, Magicon was in charge of the Equestria’s days affairs. Luna couldn’t do it all by herself and Magicon knew it.
“Please Princess, I beg you to relinquish some of your duties to ease the load you carry,” he had asked her one day after noticing how tired she was from the day’s activities.
“Thank you Magicon. You are too kind, but I am more than capable of doing this myself."
“Your highness, I must insist.”
“Even if I relent to your demands, are you sure you would be able to perform the duties?”
“We know each other very well, Luna, and we both know that you’re straining under your current responsibilities. I can ease that burden for you.”
“But how do I know you will carry it out correctly?”
“Because I have done it before. Worse even, remember when you and your sister would shed your royal duties temporarily? Who ran Equestria? Who was in your debts? Who was doing your job, save for the sun and moon? This pony right here.”
“Yes, yes I know, but during those times you knew they were never permanent. We always came back and they were never more than a few days. This will be permanent.”
“I realize that.”
“You also had us to come to in case of emergencies. That won’t be the case now.”
“You’re still an alicorn and you’re still alive and ruling. You will be able to deal with any emergency that befalls Equestria. And also, who’s to say I won’t come to you now in case of emergencies?”
“Because…because…” Luna hesitated before mumbling out her next words, “I don’t think I’ll be able to handle it on my own.”
Magicon paused, somewhat baffled by her statement. “What...erm…what do you mean, princess?”
Luna looked over at Magicon with a heavy heart and sighed. “I just don’t know if I can do it, Magicon. I’ve always ruled alongside my sister. I’ve never ruled Equestria by myself.”
“You’re not ruling Equestria by yourself, Luna,” Magicon reassured her. “That’s why I’m here: to help you. I don’t mean to fill Celestia’s hooves and I never really will. She left her mark on Equestria forever and nothing can change that. I am merely following her act with a mediocre performance, so to speak.”
Luna looked over at him and rubbed the back of her neck, attempting to reconcile her thoughts.
‘He is completely trustworthy. He has given years of service and dedication to Equestria. He has the experience and skill necessary to do it. He would fit the role perfectly. We’re also so close. Oh, but what about my suspicions; especially after Shining Armor’s legitimate question about a cover-up? Could Magicon know something that nopony else knows? Could he be involved with Red-Blood? Could he actually be Red-Blood? What?! No! Impossible. I would’ve felt it. I would’ve known it. Celestia would’ve known it and told me. There’s just no way he could’ve done it or know anymore than what I know.’
As Luna thought Magicon sat quietly and waited. He knew she was thinking and wanted to make the best decision possible. But her tired state and the recent events weren’t making any decisions easier.
Deciding to ease her mental burden, Magicon suggested, “Luna, if I may put your thoughts at rest, let me say that whatever you decide I respect it though I’m not sure Equestria will.”
Luna snapped out of her thoughts and looked inquisitively over at Magicon, “What do you mean?”
“Well, I simply mean that should you decide to run Equestria by yourself your subjects will suffer to an extent. You already said you can’t do this by yourself and if you try to somepony is going to end up on the loosing end and by force of habit it will be your subjects.”
“Magicon! How dare you assume I would allow my subjects to suffer? I love them with all of my heart and would do anything for them.”
“Then give them a ruler that they can trust and who will know how to run Equestria during the day.”
“You and I both know who that pony is and I have no real choice here, do I?”
“Not unless you want to have a breakdown or have your subjects suffer. What harm can come from my ruling? Equestria has changed and we must move with that change.”
Luna sighed and slowly nodded, “Very well Magicon. You shall be the Ruler of Equestria by day and I will maintain my status as Ruler of the Night.”
“I’m glad and thankful for your wise decision, your highness,” Magicon bowed to emphasize his words.
“Consider it your repayment for the times that my sister and I left you in charge.”
Magicon suppressed a chuckle, “Yes, well, very good princess.”
That had been two days ago and now Magicon savored this new position. Since the day was always busier than the night Magicon was now basically running Equestria as he deemed fit. All of Equestria was at his hooves and only Luna stood in the way from it being the actual truth. She would have to get out of his way and soon.
There was more to removing Luna than just lust for power though. There was Red-Blood’s plan that needed finishing. Red-Blood had been a criminal mastermind; no, an evil genius. One who knew not only how to plan and scheme but also knew how and when to act. Though Magicon was just one of his pawns in his ultimate plan for the death of Alicorns, Magicon felt that his place was the most important. Mission 19 was already a success and Mission 20 would be one too.
He felt the growing arrogance of his task and his power as Ruler of Equestria and he liked it. For so long he had to hide. For so long he was alone. For so long he had suffered and now his redemption had come. He had deceived everypony and none would ever know the truth before it was too late for them. Everything had gone perfectly, no wait it hadn’t. There was something that had gone wrong that could pose a problem: Shining Armor.
“If he becomes suspicious I’m going to be in deep trouble. He must not know the truth. His search for Twilight will give me the time I need to prevent the truth from becoming known. I can’t trust Shining. I was foolish to think I could. Now he knows my past and can use it against me. He knows about my parents which probably makes him suspicious. He might think that I wanted to avenge my mother’s death and my father’s abandonment by taking it out on Celestia. Oh how foolish he is. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
“My personal past only helped me grow and become what I am today. My struggles brought my in contact with my old master and with Red-Blood’s philosophy and plans for Equestria; an Equestria without alicorns. One down, one to go.”
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Do you think we’ll actually find her?” Fluttershy asked.
“We have to. We’re not giving up or going home until we do,” Rainbow Dash confidently stated.
The six were seated in a railway coach heading north towards the Griffin Kingdoms. The latest reports from Shining Armor’s tracking indicated that she was either close to or over the border.
“Rainbow Dash is right. She’s our friend and we have a responsibility to help her in times like this,” Rarity asserted.
“But even with all them fancy royal guards and all, do ya’ll think Twilight will actually be found?” Applejack asked.
Shining Armor chuckled, “You underestimate the capability of me and my men, Applejack. I have no doubts in their ability to conduct a search, especially for my sister.”
“And what if they should fail?” straight-haired Pinkie Pie harshly asked jumping directly in front of him.
“They won’t and we won’t fail, Pinkie. We can’t,” Rainbow Dash said. Pinkie Pie acknowledged Rainbow’s words but still glared at Shining Armor and made an ‘I’m watching you’ gesture towards Shining Armor before returning to her seat.
“Ok, say that we do find her but what if she don’t wanna talk to us?”
“Oh Applejack darling, why would you say such a thing?”
“Because of her emotional frenzy over Celestia’s death. Ya’ saw the way she ran out there a few days ago. We don’t know what kind of Twilight we’ll find where we’re goin’.”
“Applejack, do you think we’re going to find a deranged Twilight or something?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Naw, course not. Ah’m just worried ‘bout her. Ah mean ah don’t think she’ll wanna see her friends.”
“It’s not about what she wants Applejack, it’s about what she needs,” Rarity remarked. “Look, I know Twilight is going through a lot right now but we can’t assume she’ll be insane and not wanting to see her friends and her brother. I’m sure if we stick together and help her, she’ll be honest with us.”
“Yeah, I mean Twilight was so close to Celestia but she’s also really smart. She can’t keep her emotions inside her and I’m sure she’s thinking and trying to find the best way to help herself, I hope,” Fluttershy squeaked in.
“Yeah, and even if she doesn’t want to talk to all of us, she may be willing to talk to one of us in private,” Rainbow Dash added.
“We can only hope,” Shining Armor lamented. “We can only hope.”
They all stared out at the vast countryside and growing mountains as their train chugged along. This wasn’t an adventure to solve a mystery or help the princess. It was a journey to save their friend and help ease the pain for her, for them, and for Equestria.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
“You summoned me, your highness?” Magicon asked in the doorway of Princess Cadance’s room.
“Yes, I wanted to talk to you, if you’re free.”
“I always have time for you, Princess Cadance,” Magicon politely allowed and entered the room closing the door behind him. Her sweet, yet skeptical eyes followed him as he sat down and drank a cup of tea she offered.
“So, what can I do for you, Princess Cadance?”
“Please end the formalities, Magicon, just plain Cadance will do.”
“Yes, Cadance.”
“I need to know something and please be honest with me.”
Magicon remained silent, though his thoughts were already coming up with possible answers to a variety of questions.
“I know Shining Armor went to visit you two nights before Celestia’s death.”
A sudden pang of shock hit Magicon, but he continued to hold his expressionless face albeit with greater difficulty.
“What I want to know is what you two discussed and what became of it.”
“With all due respect, Princess Cadance, that is a private matter between and Shining Armor and I.”
“I am not asking for the information for public purposes, I am asking as a concerned wife who has noticed changes in her husband’s behavior.”
“Again, Cadance, I must deny your request. That matter is private, but I will tell you that you shouldn’t be concerned with it. It has nothing to do with you or Equestria.”
“Haven’t you noticed how often you get into arguments with my husband? Hardly a day passes where you two don’t end up in an argument. Something happened that night between you two and I must know what it is.”
“Cadance, I’m sorry if Shining’s behavior has changed but I’m not the one responsible for it.”
“But what about your arguments with him?”
“We simply have different opinions and are vocal about them. We’ve argued in the past. I see nothing different about our arguments now and then.”
“The fact that your arguments are so heated and scaring me and Luna is a sign that something has changed. What happened that night?”
“I won’t tell you, Cadance.”
“Don’t make me force my magic on you.”
Magicon laughed, “You were never the type of pony to throw threats, especially empty ones. Besides, we both know that your signature spell requires two ponies in order to work and you can’t use it on yourself.”
Cadance sighed before continuing with a hushed voice, “I didn’t want to have it come to this but I must know what caused my husband to change.” Her horn began glowing pale blue.
“Make one move against me and I’ll have you arrested,” Magicon declared.
“Magicon! You would do such a thing?”
“Don’t make me, Cadance. I don’t want to but I will do it to protect the ponies I lov-” Magicon cut himself short his face now bright red from anger and embarrassment.
“Lov-? You mean love?” Cadance suddenly found herself flustered and distressed. Shining Armor couldn’t be? He wouldn’t. He wasn’t cheating on her and with another stallion of all ponies? Impossible!
“No. No. No! Cadance, it’s not like that! I would never-”
“Shut up!” Cadance yelled tears now in her eyes. “I’ve had to deal with my aunt dying and the other one isolating herself in the same week! And now on top of that I have a husband that’s cheating on me?! And with another stallion of all bucking things!”
“Cadance please! I didn’t! I swear to it!”
“How can I trust you now?” Cadance asked as she collapsed into sobs, “you wouldn’t tell me what happened and I have no choice but to assume the worst! It all makes sense anyway. The cover-up question, Shining Armor’s changed behavior, your arguments, and now this! Oh I can’t stand it!”
“Cadance please stop crying! That’s not the truth! You’re the pony who represents love and let me ask you this: did you actually see or feel any real love between me and Shining Armor?”
Cadance ceased her sobbing and paused, “Well, not quite.”
“Exactly! Shining Armor and I are merely good friends. We’ve done nothing like that. He would not betray you like that. He loves you Cadance, I see it. You are everything to him. I’m just a good friend, nothing more. You’re his world and more and he would never leave you for any other pony, mare or stallion.”
“But there was something I saw, perhaps just the tiniest hint of real affection.” Her crying resumed.
Magicon was beyond red with embarrassment as he forced out the words. “Well, um…yes, Cadance. I won’t deny that I did have some feelings for him when we were younger and before he became involved with you. But we never did anything, I swear! He doesn’t even know my past feelings for him. They were not mutual. I know that he only likes me as a friend and nothing more. And I’ve moved past my old feelings. I’m not attracted to him anymore.”
Magicon’s words somehow calmed Cadance and her sobs quieted as Magicon telekinetically brought a hoofkerchief to her.
Her voice was muffled and hoarse as she spoke, “Magic…Magicon…please be…honest with me, is what you say…true?”
“Absolutely Cadance. I would never do anything to hurt you or Shining Armor. You better get ready to leave.”
Cadance nodded and began composing herself with Magicon’s assistance. They didn’t talk much afterwards other than checking over items for Cadance’s departure.
They walked through the palace together to Cadance’s carriage. Her tour was going to be a few weeks so saying good-bye was not easy. Arriving at the carriage porch they were greeted by the small smile of Princess Luna and Royal Guards.
“Do take care of yourself, Cadance,” she advised.
“I will Luna. I promise.”
“Cadance, I hope that we can see past prior events and remain good friends,” Magicon hoped.
“Of course, Magicon, and I’m sorry for my attitude. It wasn’t right of me to be so forceful.”
“No, Cadance. It is I who should be sorry. I should’ve been more open with you.”
They both smiled and hugged each other as Luna looked on.
“Cadance I just want to say, on behalf of myself, Magicon, and all of Equestria, we thank for your kindness and love to everypony. Your commitment to Equestria during this dark time will bring us to a new light.” Princess Luna bowed before Cadance and Magicon quickly followed.
“Please Auntie Luna; you give me too much credit.”
“I give credit where it is earned and you have earned it. Now go and help Equestria.”
Cadance smiled and nodded before Luna and smiled at Magicon who returned the gesture.
Climbing into her carriage, Cadance stated, “Keep me updated with my husband and Equestrian Affairs.”
“Will do Cadance,” responded Magicon as Cadance’s carriage took to the sky leaving him and Princess Luna standing alone. She turned around and began walking back inside with Magicon following her.
“She’s a wonderful pony,” remarked Magicon as they strode back to the throne room.
“She is indeed. I hope she has great success in her mission.”
“Oh, I’m sure she will. Cadance is not the type of pony to back away from a challenge, especially for a cause she believes in.”
“You’re right, Magicon, and I wonder why were you and Cadance apologizing just before she left?”
“Oh, it was small, trivial matter; nothing that you need to be concerned with.”
Luna shrugged and dropped the issue. Magicon could be trusted. He was not just the essential Co-Ruler of Equestria; he was also a personal friend. If something was a problem he would bring her attention to it.
Desiring to change the subject Magicon suggested, “You better get some rest, Princess. We have a few more hours until the end of the day.”
“That sounds like a good idea, Magicon. You will manage running Equestria?”
“I have not failed you yet Luna and I will not fail you.”
“Very good, then off you go.”
Magicon separated from Luna and went to the throne room while she returned to her chamber. Arriving there, Luna collapsed on her bed with a loud thud and sigh. So much had changed in such a short time and it was overwhelming to anypony, especially to her. She had lost more than just a sister; she lost the light in her life. Sure, she could raise the sun everyday, but she didn’t enjoy a moment of it. Each day and each sun bore a painful reminder of everything that was Celestia: her warmth, her confidence, her determination, her loyalty, and her love.
Everypony aspired to be Celestia. Nopony aspired to be Luna. Nopony even cared about her. She had redeemed herself and taken her rightful place at Celestia’s side and that was it. Nothing more. Her existence was not celebrated, her role in the night was not noticed All the ponies cared about was her sister.
She wasn’t meant to rule Equestria by herself nor did she ever expect herself to preside over her sister’s violent death. Celestia left nothing for her; no plans, no prophecies, nothing. Luna had to pick up the pieces and each one was a struggle; a struggle that was becoming more and more difficult. She could pass on the tasks but how much could she pass on before her very presence would disappear?
‘Does anypony really care about me? Do my subjects even like me? They always liked her more; they always trusted her. They never really loved me. They always loved her. No. I mustn’t think like this. It was these feelings that drove me to hurt Equestria and Tia. I won’t do that again. I won’t hurt the ponies I love. What would Tia think? What would she say?
‘She’d probably say ‘Oh, Luna I’m so disappointed in you,'. She wouldn’t approve of the way I’ve handled things. They’re pathetic next to her. She did everything right while I…’
Luna sighed. She knew these thoughts were false yet she couldn’t shake them. Past feelings of disappointment and embarrassment could not be erased; nor could the memories of her sister. That’s all she had left of her; those precious memories.
Luna had only been back in Equestria for a few years and now she was alone. Why did Celestia have to go so soon? Why didn’t see leave anything behind? Why hadn’t see taken more precautions? Why did she do so little in one thousand years? Why? Why?
Attempting to cast those thoughts aside, Luna slowly walked out onto her balcony. The cooling air calmed her thoughts but the last rays of sun could still be seen. To Luna these were the painful reminders of her sister. Tia had made her last breaths at this time; she struggled to live, and failed. Luna understood failure all too well. She had been a failure most of her life and would never be as good as her sister.
Nevertheless, she made a promise to herself and to Tia: she would not abandon her throne while she lived. In the name of her sister, she would continue to rule Equestria. It was what Tia would’ve wanted.
Taking a deep breath Luna watched the last rays of sun slip beneath the horizon and turned towards the now-darkened horizon and began raising the moon. Its feeble light did not give the warmth and joy that was Tia’s sun but it gave the comfort and calmness of reflection and meditation. She could think about the unanswered questions that persisted and invaded her mind. She didn’t know if she had any answers nor did she know if she could fine them.
The only thing that she definitely knew was this: her sister gave everything to Equestria, including her life, while she still remained for mysterious reasons. What she didn’t know was that a malicious smiling, crimson-coated unicorn hid in one corner of her chamber watching her intently, his horn glowing.