//------------------------------// // A Diplomats Regret // Story: Clockwork Wings // by Aphotic //------------------------------// Corkscrew and Red Cross took off on what they said was an "adventure". I, on the other hoof, was left alone to wonder the vast corridors of the camp. I continued to walk through the debilitated camp, watching every new perspective thrown my way. URCF troopers not trying to enforce marshal law, instead, they are helping build and secure barge lines for the ships. Pegasus ponies were helping the Brands recover from their instability in their new life. This was astounding to say the least, for it seemed harmony was never truly lost in Equestria, it was just hidden from view. As I cantered through the camp I couldn't help but see...Something. It was only a glimmer but it looked like Celestia. I galloped into the direction, hoping that it was who I thought. I quickly rounded the corner, drifting a few feet before stopping. Dust was flung up from under my hooves and into my lungs. I coughed weakly as the dust began to settle; as my lungs began to clear I proceeded to search for Celestia. It was almost as if my mind was playing tricks on me but I wanted to know. It seemed after she left everything spiraled out of control. Equestria was devastated after her sudden disappearance. After the loss of our princess the URCF had free reign for the first time since their appearance in Equestria. With no boundaries on their movements and no restrictions on their moral outlook social anarchy soon followed. I knew this truth all to well, forced to live with this daunting knowledge even when I was a foal. Though it seemed like a blind chase I wanted to be sure that it was, or wasn't, Celestia. So I continued to pursue this shadow of a pony. Following it through every corridor and around every bend. I never truly got a good look but the nearly rainbow sparkle of their hair grabbed my attention. Eventually the pony turned into a room, as I got closer the boisterous sound of Corkscrews laughed could be hear. I was confused but excited all the same so I got closer. I crept to the edge of the of the mold infested door. Eventually the voices of both Corkscrew and Red Cross could be heard. "So, lets see here we got enough supplies, weapons, ships, and troopers to defend the camp," Red Cross said. "Although we have plenty of food we do not have much medical supplies left. With all the Brands coming in with all the severe injuries they've maintained, well, we may run out very quickly." "Well that's no good," Corkscrew replied. "Maybe I could take Fluttershy out to gather plants and spare parts tomorrow. It'll be good for her to do something that probably won't get us killed." "I agree, it would do her some good to have a nice, relaxing time instead." The mysterious pony replied. "Perhaps I could join you, I haven't made many visits to the surface since I came down here." I listened closely to this enigmatic voice. It was all to familiar and I just needed to know. I carefully peeked my head around the corner, the sight of a multi-colored mane was the first thing I noticed. Then a hoof shot from the other side of the door, I vibrantly squeaked as the hoof grasped my frontward leg. My hooves were effortlessly drug behind me as the pony yanked me into the room. I closed my eyes as a sudden rush of anxiety came over me. Then I felt a leg wrap itself around me, "Ha, it's ok Fluttershy, nothing to worry about," Corkscrew said with some enthusiasm. I trusted Corkscrews words and proceeded to cautiously open my eyes. And the first thing I saw was the most awe inspiring thing I've seen in years. Celestia was standing before me with a prudent, well practiced smile adorning her face. My heart began to race at her sight, my wings began to stammer and flaunt themselves, as if showing off for the princess. She chuckled for she could see my un-refined glee. I squealed happily and jumped towards Celestia, crashing into her. I rebounded off her, falling flat on my flank in front of her. She just looked down and smiled, I felt silly do I couldn't help but blush. "Oh my, I thought you were lost forever, Celestia!" I said with avidly. "No, I was never gone but hiding.” Celestia conveyed. “The URCF would stop at nothing and were pressing war unless I stepped down. I couldn't risk the lives of my ponies so I hid myself, hoping that the inevitable problems would be solved with little recourse." "B-but you could have done something, couldn't you?" I asked. "I'm afraid not, Fluttershy. This situation would have to run it's coarse, although the damages done are severe we are trying to repair them. Though we are only putting a dent in reversing their grisly crimes." Celestia said with a heavy heart. By the look in her eyes you could see she too questioned her actions years ago. That she wanted to go back and fight, but her decision was already made, set in stone one would say. I just looked up at her, knowing that even a seasoned diplomat can't hide their regret. I rose off my flank and walked to Celestia with open hooves. She saw my invitation and accepted my understanding. I embraced Celestia, letting her know that I understood her actions were made for the betterment of pony kind. "Thank you, Fluttershy." Celestia said quietly as I removed myself. "Now, we must attend to the matters at hoof. The medical supplies will only last for another week or two, so, Red Cross." "Yes mam!" Red Cross spouted as he was pulled back into reality. "I need you and Corkscrew to go find the parts for braces, supports and replacement limbs." Celestia stated. "Sounds easy enough!" Corkscrew replied. " Fluttershy, you will accompany me on my journey to Red Rock Springs, there we may be able to trade for some herbal remedies and plants." "O-ok, are you sure you want me?" I asked quietly. Celestia chuckled, "Yes, Fluttershy, I wish for you to accompany me if that not to much trouble?" "Oh my yes, thank you!" I replied happily. Celestia just nodded her head in agreement with my statement. "Well it's going to be getting dark soon, Fluttershy, this is my room so if you want you can stay. I, on the other hoof, have to go run some maintenance on the electrical systems." Corkscrew said. "Yeah, I'll be staying here to but I won't be back for a while. Got to check on the patients at ward 4, said somepony is have problems in rehab." Red Cross stated. I just beamed thankfully and let Corkscrew and Red Cross run their rounds. Before Corkscrew left he managed to peck me on the cheek as he passed. My cheeks reddened with bliss at his actions. My blood ran hot through me and my body followed quickly behind it. I felt a hoof on my shoulder, "I think he likes you," Celestia said as she trotted out. I could tell she wasn't being completely serious. Soon, the three of them were gone and I decided to find a place to rest. I searched the room for a bed but all I found was a pink hammock. I trotted over to the straggly hammock and I noticed something was placed on it. There was a note on the bed. I reached down and softly gripped it, bringing it close to my face. The not read, "Sorry, best I could do :D, XOXO Corkscrew." I laughed aloud for a while as I climbed into the decrepit hammock. To my surprise it was actually comfortable, wrapping around my sides and holding me tight. I nuzzled myself deeper into the hammock, finding comfort almost immediately. Though I wanted to sleep all I could think of was all of the amazing things that happened to me. It seems every time I'm with Corkscrew something just wonderful happens, well, almost every time. I just couldn't wrap my mind around how quickly my life was turned around after falling into Corkscrew. How everything was joyful or made so by his bright outlook on life. I continued to ramble on in my head, my eyes grew heavy, and the last thoughts I had were of him. "Thank you," I whispered as I fell into a dream state.