//------------------------------// // 011 - Decompression // Story: Welcome to Distopia // by LucidDreamer //------------------------------// “Hey.” John booped the noodle dragon with his nose. She… didn’t look that good if he was being perfectly honest. She was zoned out, probably stuck in her head (again). “Lorraine. Sweetie.” He booped her again. “Dearest Noodle (for the time being.)” Lorraine blinked and looked at him. “Huh?” “Yay. You’re alive.” He said. He couldn’t show that he was worried. Thanks to changeling he could feel the bubbling emotional volcano that was brewing. He kept up his smile. “Are you.... Functioning okay? I can’t really ask if you’re okay, because you’re clearly not, but… What can I do to help?” “Am I doing the right thing?” Lorraine asked quietly. “Was it wrong of me to want to change?” “Yes and No. In that order.” John said with a nod and a somewhat stern face. “I want you to be happy, and if that involves you turning into something else just as, or somehow even more, cute then do it.” He smiled. “Now, will there be backlash because of this, of course. But this is your choice. Your health, physical and mental, and comfort are key. I’m pretty sure you haven’t been doing well for awhile… aaaand I feel like a bad boyfriend for not talking to you more about how you’re doing.” “I didn’t want to bother you.” Lorraine replied. “And to be honest... I just want to feel like me again, and this doesn’t feel like me, harassment or not.” “Of course you didn’t want to bother me.” The smol bug rolled his eyes. “Sweetie, I’m your boyfriend, bothering me comes with the territory.” “Should I leave?” Twilight spoke up from her chair. “I mean, I don’t want to interrupt your heart to heart.” “No, I think you should hear this.” Lorraine shook her head. “Now, I’m worried that we’ll make her uncomfortable.” John frowned a little. “Meh. This is a learning experience for you, Twi.” “Oh absolutely.” Twilight nodded. “I can compare this to how it’ll be when I have a coltfriend.” “Twi, no. You shouldn’t compare relationships like that.” John shook his head. “But, anyway,” he looked back at Lorraine. “Seriously, how much of a mess are you feeling right now? I just want to gauge what you say compared to what you’re feeling.” “Luna’s reaction was a bit of a slap in the face. I guess I should probably elaborate a bit more, huh? At least for Twilight’s sake.” Lorraine looked over at the purple mare. “I’d appreciate it.” Twilight nodded, though she did set down her notes. John nodded at her when she did that. Lorraine looked at John, who looked back at her. “I might need some help with this.” “Of course.” John nodded. “Okay, shit… Where to start?” Lorraine said with a sigh. “I guess the first thing to cover is, what life was like before I got here.” John took a moment to settle himself against her side. "Remember how I told you that I was looking after my mum?" "Yes, you've mentioned that you never left the house because of that right?" Twilight replied. "Yeah... I'm not saying I didn't like being there for mum or helping her but my everything was pushed aside. I couldn't get too expressive because it annoyed her, I couldn't tell her about my problems or my worries, as petty as they were because she was in pain and tired and just couldn't deal with it." Lorraine explained. "So I just got into the mindset of others are more important than me and I just... Fell back into that mindset when things started getting too stressful." There was a soft ~clunk~ as John face-hoofed. “Sweetie… Lorraine. I love you, but you matter.” He sighed, got up and nuzzled her. “You are just as important and valid as everyone else and you are allowed to feel and express your emotions. No one is going to put you down for that.” “Luna did.” Lorraine replied. “Note, now that she’s not a demi-god anymore, remind me to slap the shit out of her for that.” John growled. “Anyway, baring Luna, no one else should put you down for feeling. And if they do… I have a mind to go Godzilla on whoever says anything otherwise.” “I agree with John. You shouldn’t have to suppress yourself just because you feel other ponies are more important.” Twilight nodded. “Though it sounds to me that you associated Luna as a mother figure and acted accordingly.” John blinked. “I see it. I’m not happy about it, and I’m not surprised, but I see it.” He looked at Lorraine. “That’s not a dig at you, just… I know the history of you and your mom, and I’d’ve preferred that it didn’t repeat itself, but God dammit Luna. I would have thought someone who has been through x amount of shit would be a bit more humble and understanding.” “Well, I believe you hit what Pinkie would call, her Nightmare Button.” Twilight said, tapping her chin in thought. “So, to you a modern term, she was triggered. Maybe she’ll come to her senses, in a manner of speaking, when she’s had some time to calm down?” “I’m still going through with the change, even if it doesn’t change how people see me in Ponyville, fuck ‘em.” Lorraine said bluntly. “I wanna be something I’m happy being, and something I’m happy showing off to others.” “And more power to you for that fact.” John nodded. “This sounds a lot like Species Dysmorphia.” Twilight said, getting the other two’s attention. “Basically, it’s when a race does not feel comfortable as a member of said race. It’s why species changes are actually a thing. Were you anything else, a simple Maximized Polymorph would have been something relatively easy.” "This whole thing feels wrong, I was given this form and had these expectations forced on me by a society that places far more value on what a person is compared to what I'm used to." Lorraine replied. "At least when I'm something I'm happy being I'll have the confidence to stand up for myself more. This isn't something I'm doing on a whim." she paused and ran a paw through her mane. "I've been looking for a... Not a way out, but a way of handling things better for over a month now." Lorraine sighed. "I'd pretty much given up on anything working and planned to just put up with the harassment and what's expected of me..." she admitted. "Then Princess Joy told me I had options, that I had a choice... I just wanted everyone's opinion, I wanted to try." “And now you actually do have options.” John nodded. “I’m perfectly fine being a bug. Hell, my superhero fantasy was always a shape-shifter anyway. However you, to quote, I never asked for this.” He said in a gruff voice. “Very true.” Twilight nodded. “Not that we’d have any idea what any Higher Powers are actually thinking.” She gave a small giggle. “Are you feeling any better Lorraine?” “A little?” Lorraine replied weakly. “I’m gonna be second guessing myself for the rest of the day.” “I figured you’d say that.” John sighed and nuzzled her again. The door to their suite opened and Blueblood, followed by Celestia, came in. The suited stallion magically tugged along a little tray. On which was something that looked like a bowl of green pudding, a little plate with a grilled cheese sandwich, and a plate piled with small brown squares dusted in white powder. “Terribly sorry for the wait.” Blueblood stated as he trotted over and set the tray on a table. “Oh my God lamingtons! You guys have to try them!” Lorraine said happily as the small plate of coconut covered chocolate cakes were hovered in front of the noodle dragon. Which was quickly taken. “I haven’t had lamingtons in years!” “Somebody knows what you like.” As the bowl of the pudding like substance was set in front of John. “Thanks Blue.” Twilight smiled, taking her grilled cheese. “Of course. Apologies, my small shelled friend, but our chef wasn’t exactly sure what to serve you.” Blueblood said with a nod. “I am not surprised.” John shrugged, leaned his head down, and poked the substance with his tongue. His head reared back and his eyes went wide. “Wat. What is that stuff?” “To my knowledge, some kind of condensed emotion jelly.” Blueblood said with a hum. “We serve it to any changeling hive dignitaries that stay here.” “Huh.” John blinked. Every time he tried a bit, he made a face. “And I’m gonna file the multiple hives thing away for later.” “How do you even know how to make this?” Lorraine asked, staring at the plate of cakes. “It’s actually a Tartarusian recipe.” Celestia spoke up finally. “Our head chef basically just guesses what certain individuals will like.” “Huh.” Lorraine said, before actually taking a bite out of one of the cakes. “How are they?” John asked. “Good, want one?” Lorraine held out the plate. The small bug, batted a cake onto a waiting hoof. He ate it and made a happy humming noise while his wings buzzed. “I will return shortly.” Blueblood said with a smile as he walked out levitating the tray. “I know the day has been rather harrowing.” Celestia spoke up. “To some more than others. I just want to make sure that everyone is doing alright, at the very least.” “I’m fine.” Twilight quickly said, before digging back into her sandwich. “I feel like I did something wrong, and I don’t know what to do. Well, besides sticking to my guns.” Lorraine replied. “You didn’t.” John said, looking at her. He looked back towards the Solar Princess. “I’m… eh.” He sighed. “Mostly defensive and pissed for Lorraine’s sake.” “I’m not surprised.” Celestia shook her head. “I want to apologize for my sister’s behavior.” “You’re not the one that needs to apologize.” John huffed. “Well, Luna is still rather emotional.” Celestia said with a sigh. She sat down. “Perhaps a short history lesson. Luna and I were created by our associated deities. Solaire for me and The Nightmare for Luna. Luna has always…” She hummed in thought for a moment. “She’s struggled with her role. The Nightmare was nice and kind at first. However, Luna… almost abused that in a sense. You see, Luna was not content with her role, and The Nightmare accommodated her to a point.” Celestia frowned sadly. “Luna was the one that attempted to create Eternal Night. She was arrogant and did not care for the Balance. She just wanted… more recognition from the populace. If they would not accept her, she would make them accept her. The Nightmare… took exception to that.” “So, The Nightmare intervened and used her Guardian to set the world right again.” John said with a hum. “And the one thousand years on the moon thing was Luna’s punishment for basically breaking the world, at least temporarily.” “Yes.” Celestia nodded. “And the other Gods were not pleased with The Nightmare either, with the exception of Solaire. They expected The Nightmare to act sooner than she did.” John nodded as Twilight hummed then spoke up. “Thinking back on it, Nightmare Moon, or The Nightmare actually, wasn’t really that much of a threat. Everything that happened to us in the Everfree felt more like a test or an obstacle. And her lines on the balcony that Princess Celestia was supposed to appear on were, prove that you’re worthy of the light. I thought that she meant sunlight, but I’m starting to think she meant something more metaphysical.” “She does love to be subtle… When she’s not showing off.” Celestia said with a small giggle, before her face fell again. “The Nightmare used to be so compassionate.” “And now I’m depressed.” John spoke up. “Apologies John, I was just hoping to clarify some things.” Celestia looked at the smol bug. “Eh.” John shrugged. “Gimme some time to sit and decompress and I’ll be good.” “So, maybe I shouldn’t have bothered researching this stuff anyway.” Lorraine said with a small sigh. “If I knew Luna would’ve reacted like this, I would’ve just kept my mouth shut.” “Lorraine, you can’t change the past, well…” Celestia paused. “Ahem. You can’t change the past, but you can change your future.” “That sounds like it came out of a fortune cookie.” John said flatly. Celestia glanced at him. “... I may or may not have had Neighponese take out.” John blinked. “Sorry to get off topic again, but, you have a head chef who can guess what food someone wants because shenanigans, why did you order take out?” Celestia actually blushed. “I like take out.” “Nothing wrong with that.” Lorraine nodded. “So, what’s your opinion on the whole changing species thing, and going to The Nightmare to do so.” “I may be biased, but I would have gone with Solaire, however I can see where you’re coming from. That, and your unstable magic would be safer converted with her over any other God, well sans Mem, but Mem doesn’t really speak with anyone.” Celestia nodded. “It’s The Nightmare’s job to find people in your situation and help them. Personally, I think she still does care and just refuses to show it.” “Oh God.” John face-hoofed. “Luna turned an entire Goddess into a tsundere.” “A what?” Celestia blinked at the smol bug. “I’ll explain later.” Twilight offered. “Thank you.” Celestia turned her confused gaze towards Twilight, shook her head, then looked back at Lorraine. “Ahem, as to my thoughts on your changing… If you aren’t happy being this,” she gestured a hoof at all of Lorraine, “and you have the ability to change that. Then do it. I want my subjects to be happy, and that does include you two.” “That’s very kind of you.” John said with a smile. “Just note that this probably may not change things in Ponyville, it might, in fact make some things worse, but those are consequences you will have to live with.” Celestia added. “Yeah, I know. But if anyone has a problem with it, then they can take a long walk off a short pier.” Lorraine said with a small huff. “Very well.” Celestia smiled. “So long as you know.” Twilight levitated the plates and bowl into a pile as Celestia stood up. “If I may ask, since I’m curious, what do you plan to do with the rest of your day. I would love for you to meet Shining and Cadence this evening.” “And I’d like to meet them.” John said with a nod. “I want to make sure Lorraine’s okay, beyond that, I might take a look at the castle library. I honestly want to look up stuff on the Gods. Color me intrigued.” “Well, I was going to visit Applejack when I came up here for the interview on Wednesday. But I could always go do that now.” Lorraine said. “That sounds like a lovely idea.” Celestia smiled. “Oh! I can take John to the library!” Twilight jumped up, then immediately deflated. “But I also wanted to spend the day with Princess Celestia.” “Go be with the Princess.” John waved a hoof at her. “I can just find it via a helpful guard or something.” “I can just have my guards direct you.” Celestia nodded. “Cool.” John said. “So we have our plan. Meet… somewhere… at some point… at some point in time.” He shrugged. “I tried.” “I’ll have the guards send for you before dinner.” Celestia said with a small giggle. “Sweet.” John nodded. “Good idea.” Lorraine agreed. The castle dungeon wasn’t as horrible as Lorraine imagined. It was close, the floor walls and ceiling was gray stone, as opposed to the white stone of the castle proper. Wall sconces bearing torches kept the hallways well lit. There was a rather nice guard at a desk keeping watch over things. The same guard was leading Lorraine into a cell block. She was then led into a small room. There was a seat in front of a small alcove that had a pane of glass with another seat on the other side. The guard left and a moment later, Applejack trotted in and sat down. Applejack looked well all things considered. She didn’t have her mane and tail in braids, so they were hanging loose. She also appeared to have lost a little weight, but beyond that, she appeared just fine. The mare looked at her. “Ya look like shit.” Lorraine did, in fact look like shit, were you to actually get more than a passing glance at her. Her fur was scruffy, she had bags under her eyes, and she also had lost some weight. “Yeah, well that’s what happens when you get harassed day in and day out.” Lorraine replied. Applejack winced. “Ah can see that.” There was a moment of silence. Then. “Ah’m sorry.” “For what?” Lorraine asked. “Fer what. Girl, Ah harassed you and yer changelin’. Ah was a righ’ racist bitch. Ah fuckin’ decked ya because I thought you were gonna… I don’ know corrupt mah family or some dumb shit.” Applejack shook her head. “I was wrong. The girls and Spike come ta see me every weekend. I don’ righ’ deserve it fer been as pigheaded as Ah was, but they still come.” “Well, I just wanted to hear you say it, and it would be cruel leaving you here to rot.” Lorraine said with a small sigh. “I would’ve come by sooner to try and make things right between us, but… let’s just say I’ve been rather busy.” “Oh, don’ y’all worry about me none.” Applejack waved a dismissive hoof. “Y’all got bigger problems than me ta worry abou’. Though, I feel that ya kinda deserve an explanation. Fer, ya know, my problematic attitude.” “I just want to make one thing clear first. I don’t care about you, but we both have friends that do, so I’m here for their sake. I’m willing to try being friends with you again, because they care about you.” Lorraine said sternly, then winced a little. “Sorry if that was harsh.” “Filly, I’m used to harsh.” Applejack shook her head and sighed. “Reminds me.” She took a breath. “So, when Ah was a filly Ah didn’ want my life ta end up as just some farm mare. Against Granny’s protests, Ah decided ta visit mah aunt and uncle in Manehatten. Aunt and Uncle Orange.” She leaned back in her chair. “Whooee… They were… different. See, they not only were rich due to their fortune in the Orange industry, emphasis on industry. Not only did they think they were nobles because of some earth pony way back in their family tree. They were fuckin’ hard core Traditionalists. More so than most other Traditionalists.” At the noodle dragon’s somewhat confused look, Applejack sighed. “See, Traditionalists are like this. The mare is the head of the house. The stallion, any stallion, is subservient to the mare. Everypony sticks to their own kind, because the mare is responsible for continuing the family line. See, I might have gotten all prim and proper for a Summer, and I might have gotten homesick after a time. But when that rainbow called me home, and Ah got mah Cutie Mark, those ideals. Those teachin’s from the Orange’s, those stayed. Ah didn’t listen ta Granny as much. Ah figured that Ah was the head a the household now. Big Mac wasn’ mah brother anymore, he was just a stallion that was doin’ a bit too much work on the farm for mah likin’. Apple Bloom was young, she didn’ know what was right yet.” Applejack shook her head. “Ya do a lot of thinkin’ when ya don’ have much else ta do in general. It doesn’t help that Ponyville as a whole only encouraged that kinda thinkin’.” Applejack sat her chair back down. “Lorraine, I know ya don’ think to highly a me, Ah don’ blame ya, but Ah truly am sorry. Bein’ in here has given’ me some time to rethink mah perspective.” “Okay.” Lorraine said somewhat awkwardly. “Aww, Ah’m sorry fer talkin’ yer ear off like that.” Applejack chuckled. “I just… wanted ta clear the air as it were. Anyway, how’s Ponyville? How the farm? Anything change for the better?” “Well…” “So… Lemme get this straight. Y’all exploded, met a couple Gods, and Luna is actually as bad as Rainbow thought she was?” Applejack said with a somewhat confused look on her face. “At least the farm’s doing well and Apple Bloom made some friends.” Lorraine offered. “Now that is a bright light there.” Applejack nodded, only for a guard to poke her head into the former farm mare’s room. “And it looks like that’s all we’re allowed.” She stood up. “Lorraine, thanks. And, sorry… again.” “It’s okay.” Lorraine replied. “Want me to pass a message on to Apple Bloom?” “Yeah.” Applejack nodded. “Tell her ta follow her heart.” The library… was rather overwhelming. It took a little time, and some help from the librarian, he found a few books and a nice quiet table to read. His first choice, Solaire. He cracked open a book. One that he wasn’t sure was a history book, a fantasy book, or a religious text. Solaire. The Golden Sun. The First Star. The Guiding Light. After Nightmare was birthed from the waters of Chaos, and A’tuin began his rise from the depths of sleep. Solaire walked the benighted world. He was cold, and struck two pieces of stone together. The sparks ignited and created The First Flame. The First Flame warmed him, and brought light to the dark world. John blinked. “Well… It could really be anything for all I know.” He shrugged and switched over to something that looked a little simpler. This hefty tome seemed to contain information on all the Gods. “Oooo!” He ooo’d. “It features heralds and servants and stuff.” He bounced a little in his seat as the book opened with a thud. “Solaire, God of Fire and The Sun.” He said allowed as he flipped through the book. “There we are.” He paused on a page. “Solaire. God of the Sun. I already know this… Herald-slash-Guardian is Princess Celestia.” He mumbled to himself. He flipped a few pages of blocky paragraphs of various info and history/myth. John wasn’t even sure if anything in these books were even first hand accounts. He paused when he saw something. Underneath a black and white picture of some kind of stone pictograph was a line that caught his eye. Ancient Pre-Unification Tablet of a Giant of Flame. John blinked and got a proper look at the picture. The pictograph depicted a bunch of tiny four-legged things that he assumed were ponies. At the top was some large winged and clawed creature. What caught his attention was in the center of the pictograph. A biped. Compared to the ponies, if scaling was anything in this image, it was gargantuan. It was a giant biped. It had hands. It’s face was carved to show that the head seemed to be a different material than the rest of the body and bore some kind of mohawk-like crest. It’s eyes were almost almond-shaped. It appeared to be shooting something out of its outstretched hands. “Eh?!” John yelped. “Da fuq?” He quickly flipped back a few pages. Giants of Flame. Servants of Solaire, these beings helped shape the world alongside the other God’s servants and guardians. Above all other servants, the Giants of Flame protected the various young mortal species against great wild beasts and entities that wished to do them harm. It is said that Solaire crafted them so they might take a hold of their own destinies. “Soooo…. Those are a thing.” John said, flipping another page. With their duties done, and the races no longer needing them, the Giants of Flame became still. Their fires burned out and they became as stone. Nothing more than giant statues. Ancient soothsayers believed that were they needed, the Giants of Flame could rise again in defense of the mortal races. “Coooool….” John blinked. “Dammit now I wanna go look for one.” “Oh my Gods!” A high-pitched voice made him jump. “Jesus!” John yelped and whirled around in his seat. A mare in a maid uniform, with a white coat, brown mane, blue eyes, and glasses, was staring at John. “You are the cutest little thing! Where’s your hive little guy?” “Ummm, what? I don’t have one?” John blinked. “But you look so healthy!” The mare took a few steps forward. “And your wings are so shiny!” “Thanks.” John perked up a bit, standing up in his chair and stretching his shiny wings out. “Apparently, and as far as any pony can tell, I am a very healthy, albeit small, changeling.” “You sure are.” The maid nodded, then seemed to catch herself. “Oh, I’m so sorry! I interrupted your reading and I was very rude. My name’s Starshine.” “And you’re a maid?” John asked. “I may be new-ish, but isn’t that a stallion thing, you know, serving?” “Well Canterlot’s a lot more progressive, well, once you get past some… most of the nobles.” Starshine tittered. “Well, good on Canterlot, I guess.” He smiled and spied a noodly form plodding towards him. “My love! Hello!” He said happily. Starshine looked over at the approaching noodle dragon and blinked. “That’s a luck dragon.” She looked at John. “She’s a luck dragon.” “Well, she is for now.” John chuckled and hopped off the chair. “Heyyo, how was it with Applejack?” “Good.” Lorraine replied. John just felt warmth coming off Lorraine and it was like sitting next to a fire while also being under a snuggly blanket. “That’s great. What brings you in here, checking in?” “Kinda, yeah.” Lorraine nodded. “Have you seen Alastor?” “Nope.” John shook his head. “Haven’t seen him since he went out earlier. I would not be surprised if he’s planning something.” He chuckled. “He’s a grown demon deer thing, and apparently Canterlot’s a lot more progressive, so he should be fine. Unless you want to find him to apologize and hug him.” “I’ll say it before and I’ll say it again, I was an idiot last night.” Lorraine frowned a little. “Well, tell him when you see him next, or maybe ask one of the helpful guards if they’ve seen a bright red buck around here somewhere.” John said with a small smile. “Ummmm, are you two a couple?” Starshine asked. “Hmmm?” John looked at her. “Oh, I didn’t see you there, yeah.” Lorraine nodded. “Hi, I’m Lorraine.” “I’m Starshine.” Starshine nodded. “You two are adorable.” “Awww thanks.” John grinned and nuzzled Lorriane’s leg like a happy cat. The noodle dragon leaned down to nuzzle him back. “D’aawwww.” Starshine cooed. “Gonna go looking for Alastor?” John asked. “Yeah.” Lorraine nodded. “Well, good luck. I think I might continue reading for a bit, a least until I get tired of reading.” He replied with a smile and trotted over to hop back up into his claimed chair. “Okay, have fun.” Lorraine said with a nod. “And, I should probably get back to work, I’m not being paid to stand here.” Starshine giggled and trotted off. “See ya.” John said with a wave. “Again, good luck sweetie.” “Thanks.” Lorraine nodded and plodded off. “Announcing, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Guard Captain Shining Armor.” A mare at the double doors leading out of the rather large dining room. John and Lorraine stood off to the side with Celestia and Blueblood as Cadence, the pink pony princess, and her (probably) fiance Shining Armor trotted in, looking very formal. John waited patiently as the pair trotted over. He glanced at the massive, overly long table that you would normally see in some gaudy, Gothic old movie. “Caddy!” Celestia actually bounced on her hooves in excitement. John blinked and looked at the Princess in confusion. Lorraine simply sat next to John quietly. “Auntie, you don’t need to do this every night.” Cadence rolled her eyes. “But friends!” Celestia pointed at John and Lorraine. Shining gave the pair a look. He looked strangely stern. “Awww! Look at you two!” Cadence cooed trotted over to the pair. “Hi, I’m Cadence.” “Hey.” John said with a smile. “Hi.” The noodle dragon said bluntly. “The love coming off the two of you is wonderful.” Cadence said. She suddenly swept the smol bug up in her fore-hooves and held him out to Shining, holding the smol bug under his forelegs. “Shiny! Look it!” As if planned. John stuck his tongue out. "Blep." “Mmmm… hmmmph…” Shining’s jaw locked up as Cadence somehow trotted on two legs and held the changeling mere inches away from Shining’s face. John reached out a hoof and just started petting the bridge of Shining’s nose. Shining snorted, dropped his head, and just burst into laughter. “I knew we could do it.” Cadence set John down. “He has a thing about messing with whoever Auntie Celestia brings to dinner. So, we messed with him back.” “Fuck yeah, brohoof.” John held out a hoof and Cadence bumped it. Celestia was shaking, clearly trying not to laugh. Lorraine sighed. Grinning, she shook her head. “Language.” “I have a coltfriend in the military, I am fucking used to language that can curdle milk.” Cadence glanced at Lorraine. “Well shit, okay then.” Lorraine said with a nod. “You okay dude?” John asked Shining as he caught his breath. “Oh, shit. I haven’t been gotten that bad in a while.” Shining said through a few slow breaths. “Did you plan this?” “Man, sometimes you just gotta say fuck it and go along with whatever.” John shrugged. He heard a noise and looked around to see a couple unicorn stallions trotted in. One was levitating a normal-sized dinner table and the other was levitating a few chairs. Once the table was set down and the chairs arranged, a mare came in and quickly set the table. “No! Put me down! I do not want to go to dinner! I am a Princess, Twilight Sparkle!” Came a loud complaining. Everyone turned to see a very exasperated Twilight levitating a struggling Luna. “Luna! You made it!” Cadence said happily. “Cadence! Talk to Philia! Reverse this!” Luna demanded. “Awwww, are you being fussy?” Cadence said in mock baby talk. “How dare you!?” Luna gasped as she was set in her seat. She went to get up but Cadence gave a small but intense glare. “Hi.” Lorraine waved at the former Lunar Princess before plodding over to the table with John and Shining. “Lorraine.” Luna blinked and froze. “We apologize for what we said to you, speak to The Nightmare on our behalf, please.” “You’re not really sorry are you?” Lorraine asked. That seemed to shut the small blue alicorn up. “Thought so.” Lorraine sighed as she sat next to John. John and Lorraine sat on one side of the table. Celestia was at one end and Shining was at the other. Next to Shining was Cadence, and next to Celestia, was Twilight. Sandwiched between Cadence and Twilight, was Luna. “Lorraine, sorry, I went looking for Alastor but he’s nowhere to be found.” Twilight apologized. “It’s fine, I’ll just wait for him to show up next.” Lorraine nodded at the mare. “Oh, Lorraine, I hope you enjoy our dinner tonight.” Cadence said happily. “We heard about what happened.” She looked over at the pouting Luna. She looked back to Lorraine. “How are you holding up?” “Mentally and emotionally drained, but can’t complain.” Lorraine said with a small shrug. “Still gonna change species, still gonna ask The Nightmare to do it.” Luna opened her mouth to say something, then paused. Then her face hardened. “I still cannot believe you’re going through with it.” “We’ve talked for, how long? I thought you would’ve understood.” Lorraine frowned at the blue mare. Luna opened her mouth only for a purple hoof to press over her mouth. “Shut.” Said Twilight. “Congratulations Luna, I’ve stopped caring, are you happy now?” Lorraine deadpanned. Luna looked at her, seemed to think for a moment, then looked down. “Sorry about that.” Lorraine said. “How’s everyone else been?” “Read a lot. It was fun.” John spoke up. “Day Court was… Day Court.” Celestia said with a sigh. “I agree, Day Court was Day Court.” Twilight nodded. “Hey, can I sit in on Day Court sometime?” Lorraine asked. “I don’t see why not.” Celestia smiled at her. “I’m kinda curious and I just wanna watch.” Lorraine said. “It’s as boring as you’d expect.” Cadence said with a small sigh. “I don’t care. It’s necessary, right?” Lorraine asked. “Well, yes it is.” Celestia nodded. “I prefer paperwork over Day Court, and that’s saying something.” Shining chuckled. At that moment, servers arrived with platters of various foods. Conversations turned to lighter topics as food and drink was shared and enjoyed. It turned into quite the nice evening.