//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 : Bitter Memories // Story: Captains, Queens, and Princesses // by protopony //------------------------------// Castle Canterlot sat atop the mighty Canterhorn deep in the heart of Equestria. For nine centuries the Princess of the Sun had ruled from this marvel of ancient pony construction. The golden spires of the city caught the rays of the setting sun and held them fast long after it had set. The city was a beacon of hope and prosperity to all Equestria which had just finished the renovations made necessary by the attack of the Storm King. Artisans and contractors from across the nation had come forth and banded together to restore their beloved diearchs home and seat of government. Here they were given a unique chance to update the normally singular color scheme that permeated the city. After nine hundred years the celestial pallet of white and gold was accented with lunar tones of blue and purple. The darker colors encouraged some craft ponies to try some new styles of architecture and artwork. New grotesques and gargoyles turned their stony eyes upon a city in the mists of a transitional period. Classical and gothic districts began to pop up near the castle adding a surreal checkerboard pattern to the city. A welcome change after the progressive sameness the city maintained for generations. A greater change still from when there was only a small one chamber cave near the peak of what was once called The Wailing Mountain. After the destruction and abandonment of The Castle of the Two Sisters nopony dared approach the towering peak. Day and night the refugees who farmed at the base of the mountain could hear the keening wail of sorrow that emanated from on high. Ten years later for the first time crying would stop at night as the princess finally slept. More time passed and the ponies below finally began to send their best fliers up the mountain side with food and drink for their heart broken princess. It wasn’t long before it was perceived that those delivering to the princess may be finding favor with her, and eventually when the princess was done mourning her lost sister there was little doubt that those she favored would be rewarded for seeing her through such a hard time. For a year the earth and unicorn ponies sat in impotent rage as the pegasi flew to the top of the peak delivering food and water by the arm full. Till the day one determined earth pony completed work on an ornate copper plate made from an old shield. It had taken the craft pony months to emboss the ornate sun and moon symbol into the surface of the plate. And longer still to convince one of the pegasi to jeopardize her place in the race by carrying it, instead of the large basket of bread she normally took. But the efforts paid off as the next day after a year of silence the princess finally responded. A small tear stained note was found with the empty baskets and water skins. “Thank you for the plate. It’s very beautiful.” It read. An arms race of sorts began. The fastest pegasi were no longer guaranteed to find favor with the princess. Instead they had to band together with the best earth pony artisans to make suitable gifts for her. Many alliances were foiled as certain gifts were returned with the empty containers. It was quickly learned that the Princess had no care for daggers or spears or weapons of any kind. The battle with her sister was apparently still too painful. Likewise any item with the sole depiction of the sun or moon were rejected. Only the sun and moon together or none at all were accepted. The earth and pegasus ponies had never worked so well together. The unicorns protested. None could teleport that far, and no enchantments or spell they could weave would last long enough to be of use to the princess. In desperation the fastest unicorns raced up the mountain side trying at least to be the first unicorn to give some token of their empathy. And by shear dumb luck and not a little inconsideration they learned how to level the playing field. Their furious stampeding up the mountain woke the princess from one of her reprieves and her crying began again in earnest. The pegasi near the cave entrance had to turn away least they be blamed for disturbing the princess and causing more grief to come upon her. When the unicorns again woke the princess in the middle of the contest, this time on purpose, tempers flared. Under the shadow of the Wailing Mountain and the very sound of grief itself, an agreement was reached. No pegasi could fly to the princess cave, and in exchange no unicorn would cause the window of opportunity to close on any non-unicorn victor. All racers would travel by hoof. Celestia went many days without food as the racers would eventually grow so loud that her slumber would be disturbed and her grief would overcome her once more. On the 7th day no pony dared race up the mountain for fear of causing another wild run that would again bring the princess more pain. It was here that two ponies began their way up the mountain, earnest in their attempt to bring refreshment to the famished Princess but determined not to wake her from her rest. All eyes were on them and many breaths were held as they advanced to the cave. Their easy steady canter up the mountain path didn’t seem to wake the slumbering Celestia and their families held deathly still convinced that at the last second one would sprint ahead of the other. But they simply deposited the small offering of food and wine at the bedside of the slumbering Goddess. Successful in their endeavor the example was followed and from that time forth the contestants cantered up the mountainside and any runner who broke this rule was forbidden from participating further. Thus over the years as Celestias grief was cried away the Wailing mountain because known as the mountain ponies only cantered upon, or the Canterhorn, and the city that sprang up as Celestia began to reform the country became the place ponies canter to, Canterlot. The city was much smaller then but thanks to Celestias contest the tribal segregation was minimal at best. Years of fighting together for favor had erased much of the old prejudices and it was a victory for her when she was asked to join several families of the "contest" winners together. She thought she was finally making progress when the royal guard was reestablished and all ponies were eligible for service regardless of tribe. How Celestia wished that manipulating ponies was as easy today as it was then. Maybe then she wouldn’t have to trick her little ponies into letting her spend time with her family. A rare smile found it’s way to her face. Family. Deprived of it for centuries Celestia and finally been able to bring one together for herself. Her sister returned thanks to Twilight. A beautiful niece with her charming husband, with an adorable foal to spoil. Her surrogate daughter away on her own but reconciled to her, again thanks to Twilight. And Twilight herself, ascended. It had taken FAR too long but they were here now and they were hers. Too many mistakes had already nearly ripped parts of it from her. She’d protect it this time. Her smile became a frown. Thinking about the good always came with a price. The unwanted memories followed shortly after. Celestia pushed the memories away as the coach stopped. A small commotion arose as her guards dismounted and pushed the gather crowd back. She was greeted with the usual “ooohs” and” ahhhs” as she exited the carriage. She smiled and waved to the crowd, singling out fillies and colts, and foals especially. Her public satisfied she allowed Captain Flash, who had touched down a moment earlier, to lead her into the station. Norther Spur station was a fine terminal. Clean and functional. With ample room to send and receive large numbers of travelers. A small outdoor cafe served any passengers who planned for a quick snack or meal on their trip and the unfortunate late comer who had missed their departure time and was forced to wait. The Pegasus captain made way to the small guard post and began speaking with the ponies on duty. Celestias presence would have halted service at the station as travelers and workers would have stopped to gape at that solar princess. If it hadn’t been stopped already. Even though most had lived all their lives in Canterlot chances were that only a few had ever actually seen the Princess up close. The demands of government and the nobles, kept her in the palace most of the year. Mostly the nobles. If it weren’t for Day court Celestia might not ever see the everyday pony. Gilded cage indeed. She thought to herself. “Your highness.” A very low, very scared voice interrupted her thoughts. “Warbling Whistle at your service, what can The Northern Spur do for the crown?” The voice was attached to a black unicorn stallion in a hit top hat. His two toned green tail twitched nervously. Celestia offered an apologetic smile to the unicorn. “I’m sorry to inconvenience you so, Mr. Whistle, but I’m afraid we’re looking for somepony, perhaps would could talk in your office?” The business pony nodded and held out his hoof directing the princess to the offices. Flash and the guard began a search dividing themselves into two pony teams and headed for the trains. ***** “Pip! A thousand apologies for my tardiness!” Princess Luna burst into the council room her magic throwing the doors open wide and amplifying her voice. “A happening most strange occurred and we were waylaid.” The council room was enormous. Set in a side chamber just off the throne room the solid marble in the room was dark and clouded. Torches along the wall appeared to reflect in the polished surface of the stone. The white flecks in the black marble swirled and looped lazily. Even the marks and lines in the floor and had been positioned in such a way as to draw the eyes to the head seat, one normally filled by Celestia. The felt topped circular table was low giving the impression of those seated around it of being gods on high. The Sturdy high backed chairs and been carved from the finest ebony wood that could be found and cushioned with the alternating colors of the Solar and Lunar courts. White then purple. The felt on table top was patterned in such a way as to represent all of Equestria and was stretched along it marking every road, town, city and public works in the country. Luna briefly wondered what it would take to commission a magical map as fine as Twilight Sparkles in the castle of Friendship. Pip Squeak sat at the head of the table. As his name suggested he did little to fill the Celestia sized seat. It had been eight years since that wonderful Nightmare Night in Ponyville. Pip had just moved from Trottingham. Mrs. Mayfly had asked the older fillies and colts if any of them felt comfortable enough to transfer to other orphanages to open room for the overcrowded one he currently resided in. Though he was scared Pip was confident he could manage and a small town like Ponyville, nestled just under Canterlot had to be the safest place ever. He’d never been so happy to be so wrong. Living in Ponyville was a disaster a day, and he wouldn’t have changed it for the world. The cutie mark crusaders keep every day exciting and the Elements of harmony occasionally even brought real danger to their door steps. But by far the greatest thing was meeting Princess Luna on Nightmare Night. Every year after that the Princess would visit Pip in person asking after his friends and his life. Was he eating well? Did he have a warm bed to sleep in? She had been so proud of him after winning the student council election. Pip was overjoyed to have somepony so interested in him and his life, his eyes had filled with tears as the Princess presented him with a simple set of dark feather quills and a crystal inkwell. Even thought the inkwell had probably cost more that the lifetime budget of the school, the simple quills, a pair of Luna's own discarded feathers were Pips most prized possession. After getting his cutiemark, a white parchment with bits on it, for reducing wasteful spending in Ponyville, Miss Cheerliee always bought too much chalk, the princess had insisted he intern at the castle and see if he liked actual administration. Three days a week he served as Mrs. Inkwells gopher during the day and gave an accounting at night to the princess. Luna loved the little colt, his earnest desire to help and his naturally upbeat attitude brightened her spirits. His simple declaration that she was his favorite princess had meant so much to her at the time, and still did. Once learning that Pip had no parents Luna had vowed ever after that Pip Squeak and his daughters and sons would be favored of the moon. The princess of the night trotted to his chair and prepared to lift him in her magic. Weather by some trick of the light or perhaps her state of mind she saw Pip differently. Gone was the tiny foal who had melted her heart with his adoration. In its place was a fine young stallion. “By the full moon itself!” She exclaimed. “When did you grow so?” She placed an affectionate kiss on his forehead and set him on the floor. “Let me look at you.” Eight years of decent care and been good for the once undernourished colt. Pip had reached the stage of growth where he, like most ponies his age, were all legs. He had added nearly a foot to his stature but thanks to Luna he was bit thicker than others his age. He turned a couple of circles and trotted in place. The splotches in his coat were well defined distinctly marking the boundaries from white to brown. He wore his mane in a medium length uncombed but well cared for. The brown blotch over his eye had darkened considerably Luna thought it quite dashing. Her eyes grew glossy. “How did this happen? When did you become so handsome?” She sat on her haunches and stared. “How long before somepony comes and steels your heart away from me?” Though her tone was light Luna was indeed worried. Pip groaned the way all children did when odd complements made them uncomfortable. He walked forward and placed his hooves around her neck in a tight hug. “It better not be that Diamond Tiara.” She mock scolded. “I much prefer your pegasus friend Rubble? Rabble?” Pip laughed, “Rumble and no, not Rumble, Princess.” “Ah yes, ‘work hours’.” She sneered making hoof quotes. “No, We shall stay this way a bit longer then we may work.” She pulled Pip in closer and wrapped her hooves around him then she slowly opened her dark wings and wrapped them around him as well. “I am so proud of you.” A muffled “Fank you.” Sounded from somewhere in her wing. Luna broke the embrace and sniffled as she wiped the moisture from her eyes. Pip likewise cleared his throat and rubbed his forearm across his snout smearing the fur with his tears. Luna sighed. “Very well Councilor. Council us.” Hopping back up into Celestias chair Pip made a grand gesture of pulling out a number of files from his ledger. He took several moments to arrange and organize them as Luna also chose a chair and made herself comfortable. “Have you told Princess Celestia about your proposed plans for Night court?” Luna winced, “We have not.” Pip started. “Princess, it’s nearing the end of the fiscal quarter. If you don’t hurry several members of the staff who serve in night court will have no time to find gainful employment when you dissolve it.” Luna winced again Pip had advised her when she first suggested the course of action that may ponies would find themselves out of a job by years end. “Assistant Judge Stone just relocated form Manehatten and he brought some of his staff with him. Bunny Ears a public defender, Spinning Lariat a state prosecutor, and a minotaur who served as their bailiff.” Pip began making notes. “I’ll get the paperwork ready and see if we can have them either transferred back to Manehatten or to the Day court, whichever they decide on.” “You have our thanks, Pip.” Luna stepped down from her chair. “We shall talk with Celestia before daybreak, though I am loathe to do it, hardworking ponies my come to harm by my inaction. Was that all?” Pip Smiled and nodded as he began to gather his files, “With night court suspended for as long as it has been yes, your highness." He bowed low. "It’s my pleasure to serve Princess.” The pair straitened the chairs and left the conference room. The great golden throne of Canterlot sat vacant as the two ponies left the throne room. The silence was loud in Lunas ears and she stopped and stared. The throne seemed to mock her. Its cushioned seat was far too large for the moon. Se set her jaw her decision was right, lunar court was a disaster. In ten years she had had only a hundred or so petitions that were worth mentioning. The first year had been the worst, ponies who had had their solar petitions denied seem to think that the lunar court was some kind of appeals board and ninety nine percent of them were petitions that Celestia had already heard. The one percent was Lady Rainbow Dash demanding to be made a Wonderbolt. Far better for her to be either patronizing the arts or bringing the military back up to standards. Thanks to the Storm King it might be easier to insist that ponies had grown a bit soft in her absence. Perhaps Celestia could be convinced the country could use a more dedicated fighting force. Not likely. She thought. Even a thousand years ago Celestia was a consummate diplomat. Not even the changeling queen besting her a few years ago had convinced Celestia to mobilize the troops. She walked passed the throne. So where did that leave Luna? Celestia fought tooth and nail with the nobles to reinstate Night court. It was clear she wanted the younger Princess around and active in Cantelot Politics. Luna was just still having troubles fitting in, she would find a place. First thing was first, Night court had to go. Pip was quiet. Princess Luna was deep in thought and young stallion didn’t really know what to say to her. He was sure that the Princess didn’t want to talk to Celestia about her decision but unless she did a lot of ponies would be seriously inconvenienced and soon. He was about to mention that Princess Twilight was always ready and willing to help him and his friends when they had a problem but he was stopped by Lunas outstretched wing. Pip stopped immediately and looked to the Princess. She stood silent as she surveyed the gardens, her eyes and ears rotating slowly. Her wing folded back to her side silent as a shadow. A crumpled form lay on the ground just inside Pips field of vision. Lunas horn lit and an ornate long sword drew from her right wing. Pips eyes widened, a real sword! The blade was made of a dark metal he couldn’t identify and the surface was either mirror polished or just reflected the stars in the sky by default. The hilt was made of what appeared to be white ivory carved into the likeness of two wolves. His heart was pounding in his ears and his hooves felt numb with excitement. He nearly fainted when Lunas magic placed a similar dagger in his mouth. “Be alert young one, trouble’s ahoof.” Her voice was quiet but urgent. Be safe. She silently pleaded. It had been many years since the princess of the night had actually used her blade in battle. Relatively speaking. The last time she remembered even unsheathing her sword Discord had been in power, or perhaps King Sombra, she wasn't quite sure. The blade felt good and familiar in her magical grasp. Her wings closed tightly to her sides and her muscles tightened under her fur. Her mind raced back millennia ago "A cunning foe will help you forget all you know." Her zebra blade master had once told her. Though every instinct compelled her to rush to aid a fallen pony she continued to scan the immediate area, carefully checking every shadow for waiting enemies. Luna cautiously approached the form crumpled on the marble floor. The mess of fiery red hair concerned Luna and there was no mistaking the dark barding covering the maroon fur. Captain Fizzlepop had been beaten, possibly killed. Luna measured every step as she approached the unicorn. Her body was oddly positioned, rear legs folded under her body forearms extended past her head. Luna was reminded of a yoga instructor Celestia asked her to meet with. She had finally made it to the fallen captains side and breathed a sigh of relief. Fizzles barrel was slowly rising and falling, she was alive. She stood over the prone form for some time, waiting for the ambush to come. Pip shook with excitement and fear. His mouth had long ago gone dry and even though the dagger was unfamiliar and tasteless in his mouth he dare not spit it out. Magic gathered in Princess Lunas horn and a cluster of red fireworks shot forth into the night sky. Within seconds a flock of pegasi touched down and the entire garden area lit up it magical lights. Pip felt a hoof on his shoulder. “Easy son, no sudden movements, yeah?” Pip nodded, slowly. Lunas voice echoed across the gardens. “The colt was with me. Clear him and escort him home, leave him armed.” Having no other choice Pip allowed himself to be led away. As the guard led Pip away Luna breathed a sigh of relief. “Sound the general alarm, we’ve intruders in the palace. If they still tarry find them.” ***** “Ooooooooohhhhhhhh.” Twilight was extremely uncomfortable. How come every time I do something nice it blows up in my face?. She scolded herself. Her preening had found another bent feather and she worked carefully to realign it among its fellows. “Mmmmmmhhhhhhhmmmmm.” After a few minutes of Twilight working on her wings Cadence had finally relaxed and had floated a small container of cleaning cloths, makeup and cotton balls within reach. She had begun removing the makeup ruined by her earlier breakdown. That’s when the moaning started. “Wow Twight you are good at that!” The surprise in her voice masked her unspoken questions. But Twilight had been expecting as much from the alicorn of love. “I take it you get a lot of practice on your friend Rainbow Dash?” Normally such questions would have caused Twilight to cough and sputter and insist that Rainbow and she were indeed just friends. Not that any pony ever believed her. But after ten years of slumber parties, awkward mix-ups and just plain colt-foolery Twilight had grown weary of the adolescent game. Weary at least of being on the receiving end. Why couldn't anypony just ask her if she was seeing somepony. She wouldn't be offended. She had no reason to be. All this tenderhoofing around the subject made thinking about it distasteful for the Princess of Friendship. Cadence though she was so clever huh? Fluster me a bit with some inappropriate moaning and hope I’d spill some juicy detail about my love life? “On Sunday yes.” She tried not to smile, to keep her expression bored and passive as if she just kept talking without even thinking. “We had to change because I don’t think she knew that Fluttershy and I were already doing it on Wednesday and I didn’t want her to think I’d been double dipping.” “Double Dipping?” The surprise in Cadences voice would have brought a smile to Twilights muzzle had it not been full of feathers. “Is that not the term?” Twilight asked casually. “I never promised Rainbow that I wouldn’t do it with anypony else, and Fluttershy can be so dirty.” She smiled deviously. Excellent execution, Twilight. Why thank you, Twilight. Cadence coughed and cleared her throat, rather loudly. “So you’re pretty partial to feminine wings then?” Twilight smiled no wonder ponies did this to her all the time, it was so easy. “Not necessarily, Rarity and I polish each other’s horns at the spa on Thursday days.” She heard and felt Cadence stifle a giggle. “Wow, Twilight. I never would have imagined, what about Pinky Pie or Applejack don’t tell me you exclude them?” Crabapples. Twilight thought, she’d already laid on enough innuendo that if Cadence wasn’t suspicious now she definitely would be if she added more. Abort or double down? Double down and get caught lying and Cadence would never let her live it down. Back out and Cadence would just change tactics later and try again. Deciding that the game had run its course anyway and that she and Cadence could laugh about it later she made her choice. An alarm horn sounded, magically amplified throughout the apartment startling her and interrupting her train of thought. Panicked she blurted out, “AJ, Pinkie and I have a threesome on Tuesday mornings!!" Thankfully Cadence had not heard her as she had moved to look out the window leaving Twilight seated on the floor, several feathers sticking from her lips. Oh thank CelestiaShe had begun to stand and join Cadence at the window when a sleep voice stopped her. "What's a threesome?" A blurry eyed Flurryheart asked her Aunt. Cadence spun around. "Twilight!!" “Buck.” She stated. "TWILIGHT SPARKLE!!" Cadence was aghast. Flurryhearts wings covered her mouth. “Uuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmm. Somepony’s gonna get iiiiiiiiiitttt.” It's a curse. Twilight thought. “Perhaps.” Interrupted an authoritative voice. “But not now.” Princess Luna strode into the room, she motioned the three smaller princesses away from the couch and directed the two guards with her to it. The pair moved in on hind legs physically carrying the larger unicorn. Twilight gasped as the guards carefully placed her stalwart captain on the couch then retreaded through the doors. “Fiz! Oh no! Fizzlepop can you her me? What happened?” “We know not.” Luna started. “Pip and I were in the conference room and heard nothing. It appears that you also heard nothing?" Cadence shook her, No. "No." Twilight added. "We were talking and didn't hear. You mean Fizzle was attacked just outside?" Twilight looked horrified. Her Captain, her friend attacked just beyond her door! "Neigh, twas closer to the me than you." "Celestia! Somepony nearly took her head clean off. Medic!! Somepony!" Twilight had begun a simple medical scan of the unicorn. An bruise the size of a watermelon that covered nearly the entire underside of the captions chin was illuminated. The front door of the apartment opened and a guard pony with white medic bands covering his shoulders came into the room. He saluted Princess Luna then began emptying his bag. "Field medic Midnight Tonic, princess can you give me any particulars?" The medical pony had begun pulling bandages, potions and ointments from his bag. He glanced at Fizzle and noticed the Spell. "Taking over princess." Twilight stepped aside and transferred the simple spell, she moved by Flurry heart and lifted the small alicorn and set her on her back. "Good evening!." she tried to smile and leaned forward. "I could use some nuzzles right now." The tiny alicorn giggled and leaned forward happily touching noses and rubbing them together with her aunt. "Ok. Auntie Twi." Twilight relished in the simple act. Enjoying the physical contact seemed to help push her worry and anxiety away. "I'll tell you something embarrassing about daddy if you promise to forget all the words I just said." she whispered conspiratorially. The alicorn filly giggled again. "Promise?" Twilight nodded. Chewed her bottom lip then turned to the couch. Flurryheart stood taller on her back and rested her front hooves on Twilights head so she could see. "We need you to ensure her health but not wake her." Luna was explaining to Midnight. The medical pony looked confused but didn't interrupt the Princess. "We must know what happened and to learn it we will go to her mind." Midnight nodded and finished applying a healing ointment to the bruised chin. He then carefully wrapped a brace around Fizzles neck. He looked reproachfully at the Dark princess. "Will that keep her under or shall I sedate her? Also In the future please be more careful about moving anypony in such a manor, Princess." Luna nodded accepting the reprimand. "Our magic will keep her slumbering. Take your leave find Captain Flash and my sister, they will need to be here." The Princess of dreams settled down on the floor near the captain and lit her horn. Twilight began to lift Flurryheart and passed her to her mother. "Can you bring me with you? I have to know she's OK," An outstretched wing stopped her. "We will find all our answers together Twilight Sparkle, all of us." Luna's voice was unyielding. "But Fizzle slumbers and we must protect the privacy of her dreams, they may be mine to shepherd but they are HERS. Explain our situation to Celestaia when she arrives and be ready."