//------------------------------// // Chapter 42 - Aching Anxiety // Story: Fear Within // by VirtualCipher //------------------------------// "Twilight..." "Twilight..." "Twilight..." Fear was right behind her red, watery eyes, lips slightly parted and hardly breathing at all, stricken with horror as she absorbed the troubling news Princess Celestia disclosed. Twilight was in disbelief, completely shattered. This feeling of angst didn't just take away her words, it paralyzed her. Both ears picked up the sound of the princess' delicate, concerned and soft voice, but the young alicorn was unable to answer at this difficult moment, she was lost in her own worries. Gently, the alicorn blinked, only providing discomfort towards her heavy, wet eyelids. Shaking much like a scared filly who had woken from a nightmare, the Princess of Friendship was slowly breaking out of her shocked state as her petrified, small pupils began to shiver, much like the rest of her body. Her protégé, another friend had been captured. Taken by The Hunter. Canterlot's throne room only contained four souls, four troubled ponies. Twilight, Celestia, Luna and Shining Armour. The three ponies all stared at the young alicorn with worriment in their eyes, trying to bring her out of the senseless world she was in. Finally, she looked up to the graceful, white alicorn, who showed only empathy and comfort towards her. "He... He took Starlight..." Twilight whimpered, her voice diminished greatly by the dread that consumed her. Looking at her with sympathy, Celestia condoled, "I am sorry, Twilight." "They're doing this to get to me." The young alicorn sniffled. "Hurting Spike wasn't enough for them and now they're targetting my friends." In a sudden flash of anger, she stomped both hooves onto the ground, "I should have been there! Maybe I could have- I-" Lightly, Celestia placed a hoof under the young princess' chin and spoke softly, "I am distressed as you are, but Starlight made a sacrifice. She made a choice so she could keep Flurry Heart safe, to keep Cadence safe. What she did was noble to keep them together from The Hunter. But I promise you, we will find her." Shining Armour couldn't stand to see her sister in such a disturbed state, it pained him. It was obvious just by looking into his eyes that he held hatred for The Hunter and the rest of his enemies. Although his anger rose like smoke from a chimney against, he couldn't deny the trepidation freezing over his stomach. The fact that his home had been infiltrated and her daughter was almost taken away filled him with chills. Both his daughter and wife were on his mind, hoping that they were alright after The Hunter's attack. "He's gone too far." He growled. "Who does he think he is? Attacking my wife and trying to steal my daughter. What did he even want with Flurry Heart anyway?" "I'm afraid we do not know The Hunter's true intentions, but Cadence did specify in her letter that no harm would come to her," Luna informed, turning away from the frightened alicorn. "And you believe him?" He asked, almost shocked. "I don't know what to believe, but what we do know is that the treacherous Queen Chrysalis and Fright are moving ahead with their plan." The Princess of the Night told. "However, what they'll do next remains a mystery," Celestia added solemnly, her expression wearing only angst. "A mystery we must prepare for," Luna instructed, giving a determined look. "They're going to hurt Starlight," Twilight shivered. "We need to find her, we need to find them!" "I'm afraid there's nothing we can do," Celestia sadly confessed. "We know nothing of their location, we don't know where they are. I am sorry." "No... No!" The young alicorn raised her voice. "I gave up when Spike needed me the most, I'm not repeating my mistakes again! Both him and Starlight, they don't deserve any of this, I'm going to find them!" "Twilight," Celestia eased. "Starlight is strong and she needs you to be strong. We will find them, I'll make sure of it, but right now all we can do is wait until they reveal their next move." "Maybe not," Luna approached. "Tonight, I will do everything I can to contact your protégé in her dreams, and if what you say is true about Discord supporting us from the shadows, then I'll do everything I can to contact him as well. I promise you, Twilight, I won't stop until Starlight is located." With her erratic breathing calming, the Princess of Friendship nodded her head and sighed, "Th- Thank you... Thank you, but there has to be something we can do now. There's no telling what she could be going through." "Right now, you need to rest," Celestia soothed. "Today, you have done so much to help your friends. You cannot strain yourself. Leave Starlight and Discord to us." "But-" "We will inform you when we have made contact with one of them," Luna notified. "My sister is right, you need some rest." "And what about Cadence?" Twilight asked, tilting her head a little. Before any of the Royal Sisters could respond, Shining Armour interjected, causing all eyes to target him. "I believe it's time I relieved my position here in Canterlot and return to the Crystal Empire." He answered. The Crystal Prince possessed a stern look, his eyes glazed over with seriousness as he stood tall, wishing for no objections, however, this only raised many questions for Celestia. "Shining Armour." She calmly addressed. "I don't think that would be wise, not in the state Equestria is in." "With all due respect, Princess." He responded back, his voice holding back irritation. "The Crystal Empire is my home, Cadence and my daughter need me. You can't just deny me to see my family!" "I'm not trying to do that," Celestia disagreed, almost looking hurt by the unicorn's tone. "But we all know wandering about the open lands of Equestria isn't an option, not after the breakout." "I appreciate your concern," Shining Armour sighed. "But they're my family. After what happened, what The Hunter did and what he tried to do, Cadence will need me by her side. What if something like this happens again? Flurry Heart would have been taken if it wasn't for Starlight, they could be back and I need to be there in case they try something like this again." "But what of Ponyville?" Luna questioned, arching a brow. "When we take back that town, our soldiers will need you. We'll need you." "The Royal Guard can manage just fine without me." He told, a little bit of anger infiltrated his tone. "Just... Please..." Whatever rage he had boiling in his blood, he did his best to let it fade, calming himself. "This is my family we're talking about. I don't know what I'd do if Starlight didn't intervene with The Hunter's plan." At first hesitant, Celestia and Luna exchanged looks of uncertainty, until the elder alicorn let her eyes gently shut and respond with a nod, unlocking her eyelids and showing empathy. "Very well, Shining Armour." She granted. "I understand your worries. I won't deny you seeing Cadence and your child, but please, I wouldn't approve of you leaving immediately." "My sister is right," Luna joined in. "Night has fallen upon us, with the prisoners of Tartarus lurking in the dark, your journey may be riddled with danger. I advise you wait until tomorrow." Although he rejected the idea of waiting, he couldn't deny that Princess Luna withheld a point. With a sigh, Shining Armour agreed, "I understand. However, Holly and I will be taking an airship and depart first thing in the morning... I hope that won't be a problem." He said, nonchalantly. "Not at all." The elder alicorn said. "And Twily." The Crystal Prince his head to the side a little, gazing at his sister. Snapped from her own little word, Twilight stared at her brother, hearing his gentle and calm voice which was a sudden change from before. "You're welcome to come with me." He kindly insisted. "You and your friends. Maybe Starlight left a clue, we could investigate." "I... I don't know... I..." She stammered, still trying to rekindle her composure. "Perhaps you two should get some rest," Celestia advised. "It's been a long day and we need to prepare for tomorrow, whatever comes our way, we need to be ready." She turned to Shining Armour, sympathy invading her voice and eyes, "You have every right to be upset with me. It was wrong of me to keep this information from you... Both of you. I thought it'd be best for you to heal first before informing you on more stressful news. I hope you understand." "Just... Just forget about it." He breathed, empty of anger, but filled with exhaustion. "Come on Twily." He gestured his hoof, heading to the exit. Fear made her limp, the way she moved was almost similar to watching a filly walk for the first time. However, after the first few steps, the Princess of Friendship managed to forge her path just fine, although, the Royal Sisters could still see the trepidation glued to her legs. "Rest easy, Sparkle," Luna cooed. Twilight didn't bother to say anything, not in an act of rudeness, but a lot played on her mind. Starlight was in the hands of The Hunter, the masked vandal who despised her. Shining Armour along with his sister had left. Both sisters looked at each other, exhausted and worried, but they had work to do. The worst was over with. "You did the right thing, sister," Luna approved. "I know it was hard, but they needed to know." Celestia unlocked a sigh, "I know. But this shouldn't be happening, we must put a stop to this madness quickly." She turned to her sister. "Please, do everything you can to contact Discord. We need him if we're going to find the changelings." "I will do everything I can." The Princess of the Night nodded. "What?!" Twilight's friends gasped. When she broke the news about the recent attack in the Crystal Empire, they all reacted differently compared to the young alicorn. Instead of stunned, silent and mangled with dread, each and every one of her friends were shocked to the core but raised many questions. Everyone in the guest room had widened eyes, their mouths hung open as shivers crawled through their bones. "So, what happened exactly?" Rainbow Dash asked, hovering in the air with disbelief in her eyes. Twilight breathed out heavily, doing her best to maintain her composure, explaining carefully, "According to Cadence's letter, The Hunter broke into the Crystal Palace, tried to abduct Flurry Heart until Starlight intervened. She managed to save her but costing her own safety. They have her, just like they have Spike." "That doesn't make a lick of sense," Applejack said, baffled. "If The Hunter nearly had Flurry, then why would he suddenly change his mind and snatch Starlight instead?" "That's not our concern right now, Applejack," Rarity put aside. "Starlight needs us." "What can we do?" Fluttershy quietly asked. "We don't know where they are." "And I thought nothing could ruin this day!" Pinkie Pie screamed into her hooves. "Nothing!" "I say we charge down to Ponyville, take our home back from those rotten Diamond Dogs and make them talk!" Rainbow Dash growled. "They have to know something about the changelings' hideout." "That's not such a good idea, Rainbow," Applejack allayed. "Applejack's right," Rarity backed up. "With the contraptions the Diamond Dogs possess, we'd only be putting ourselves in danger." "Well do you two have a better idea?" The cyan pony asked. Taking some time to think, it was evident on Rarity's face that she had trouble with her thoughts, she looked puzzled while Applejack turned to the struggling alicorn. "Um, Twilight. What should we do?" Doing her best to hold herself together, she shook her head slowly, "I don't know. Princess Luna is doing everything she can to make contact with both Starlight and Discord in their dreams but with each second passing by, something terrible could be happening." The Princess of Friendship informed solemnly, lowering her down in what appeared to be in shame. "I can't believe I've allowed this to happen... Again..." "This isn't your fault, darling," Rarity eased. "Yeah, no pony could have expected this," Fluttershy comforted. "Well, I should have!" Twilight exclaimed, whatever frustration she bottled up only irked her. "I'm a princess, I should have known they'd so something like this after what happened to Spike. They've made it clear that they're targetting my friends and... and..." Draining her own breath, the alicorn halted her words for a moment. "He really was right, wasn't he?" The alicorn choked. "No one is safe." Silence fell upon the ponies as they exchanged looks of concern to one another. "Listen here, sugarcube," Applejack approached. "What Starlight did for Princess Cadence and her foal was mighty brave, but this isn't somethin' ya can blame yourself for. Ah know ya worried, ah am too, but Starlight's strong, and you know that." "She did what was necessary to keep the princess and her daughter safe," Rarity added. "It wasn't just brave, it was noble." "Yeah!" Pinkie Pie chimed in. "In fact, she's kind of like you!" She looked at the lavender alicorn. "Smart and brave, you're both shades of purple and you're knowledge of magic is as big as my party cave." She smiled, doing her best to cheer up the struggling alicorn. "We'll get them back," Rainbow Dash assured. "All we have to do is wait until Princess Luna makes contact with Starlight." "And Discord," Fluttershy added. "I'm sure he could still help us." "I hope so," Twilight uttered. "I'm proud Starlight stepped in to save my niece, but it doesn't make it any better now that Chrysalis, Fright and The Hunter have her." Worried, she averted her gaze from her friends and pondered, unlocking a frail sight, "Wherever she is, I just hope she's okay." As the alicorn turned to the clean window of the room, she stared out into the young night. What her enemies were planning with Starlight haunted her. Helpless, Twilight wanted things to go back to the way they were. "Shouldn't we... I don't know," Rainbow Dash began, twiddling her hooves around as she looked at her friends. "Form a plan? Stage some sort of rescue?" She suggested. "We need details," Rarity answered. "We can't just arrange a rescue if we're unaware of what we're up against." "I suppose waiting is our best option," Fluttershy quietly joined. "I know it's frightening to not know the answers, but what else can we do without knowing where they are." "They could be anywhere!" Pinkie Pie said. "They could even be in Ponyville!" "That may be likely, Pinkie. After all, those depraved Diamond Dogs are there." The alabaster unicorn said with a shiver. "We won't know until Princess Luna finds Starlight's dream," Applejack declared. "It's been a long day and ah think we should give the princess sometime. When Luna knows where she's being held, then we'll discuss what we'll have to do. Alright, girls?" As the others agreed with the cowgirl, they had faith Luna would find their missing friend and know her location, but despite their hope, no one could deny the trepidation crawling over them. "Are you going to be okay, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked as concern took over her eyes. A few seconds passed while the alicorn formed her words, snapping out of her deep thoughts as she responded with a voice of assurance, although, it was weak, "Yeah, I'll be fine." She stated, a smile failing to cross her face. "I just need some time alone with my thoughts." Just as the Princess of Friendship turned to the door, Pinkie Pie was quick to block her path, shaking her head rapidly as her back connected with the bedroom's door, "Nuh-uh. Not gonna fly, Twi." She denied softly, not showing any sort of anger and it was evident as a small smile stayed intact on her pink face. With an arched brow as she leaned her head a little to the side, Twilight presented a confused stare upon her friend, "Um, Pinkie... What are you doing?" "Stopping you from being lonely. You've been alone throughout most of the day and it's not right, not for you. You're the Princess of Friendship and you need your friends, especially after all that's happened." Amused, Twilight lifted a smile. It was small and frail, however, it did bring comfort as she recognised Pinkie Pie's kindness. "Pinkie, I appreciate your concern, but I'll be fine." "I don't know, Twi," Rainbow Dash hopped into the conversation. "I mean, she does have a point." "You could use the company," Rarity interjected. "And ya must be hungry, ya did wake up late after all," Applejack convinced. "And am assumin' ya skipped breakfast." "I don't know girls," Twilight said with a hint of uncertainty. "I just don't feel like doing anything." With a sigh, Applejack approached the struggling alicorn, "Listen sugarcube, we're all worried about what's gone down recently, but ya can't keep doin' this to yourself. Ya need ya strength." "The night's still young. Why don't we take you out for the night?" Fluttershy suggested. "That's if you want to." Her confident voice was quick to transform into a whisper. "See!" Pinkie Pie beamed. "Even Fluttershy's on board with us. Come on, Twilight. I'd give anything to see you smile again. Even if it was just for a second." As the alicorn looked around the room, gazing at her friends who supported her. With a defeated sigh, a smile rose as she spoke, "Alright." Pinkie Pie's face conveyed pure happiness as she moved from the alicorn's path. "I know just the place that'll satisfy your hunger, dear," Rarity made way for the door, her friends following. "Yeah, and we'll come up with a plan to get Spike and Starlight back!" Rainbow Dash assured, hovering out of the room. "We'll take the Daring Do approach!" As her friends left, Applejack turned back to Twilight and said, "Ah'm mighty sure Princess Luna will find Starlight. Just remember, ya don't have to deal with this alone, we're all in this together." "That's what I'm afraid of," Twilight quietly mumbled under her breath. Sadly, the Princess of Friendship and inhaled deeply, marching out of the guest room and following her friends. She felt something different when she was with her friends, she almost felt afraid to be near them after finding out The Hunter's most recent capture. Although her friends were her strength, Fright easily demonstrated that they could also be her weakness. She didn't want to lose anyone else. No one else needed to suffer. Staring off into space, admiring her night, the darkness that obliterated daylight shined their stars that dreamed for attention. Once again, this was sadly not another night for Luna to properly appreciate her work. From her bedroom, reaching out from her balcony, she continued to gaze off into the night with her thoughts running wild like a stampede, that was until her pondering came to an abrupt halt. Luna's eyes widened as her ears flinched upon hearing the familiar and delightful sound of Pinkie Pie's voice. From her balcony, she watched as the pink pony and the rest of her friends leave the Royal Palace. They all looked cautious and the Princess of the Night took notice of how the Element of Laughter did her best to lighten the mood. She couldn't resist the smile creeping over her. "Don't worry Twilight, I'm sure Princess Luna will find Starlight faster than Rainbow Dash clearing the skies." She smiled, turning to the alabaster unicorn as she took the lead from her friends. "Hey Rarity, what's this place you had in mind?" With a sudden gasp, she squealed in delight. "Please tell me it's what I'm thinking?" Amused, Rarity responded with a light chortle, "If the establishment you're thinking of is The Tasty Treat, then you are quite correct, darling." The Princess of the Night continued to watch as the six ponies carried on with their path, however, she took notice of how Twilight faltered in her steps, falling behind from her friends a little. Her smile faded upon seeing the worried alicorn. Concerned, but determined to make things, Luna took her eyes off the Princess of Friendship and the rest of her friends and put her focus back on the night sky. "I'll find her, Twilight," Luna confidently whispered to herself. "I promise. I'll find them."