The time has come at last. I'm both excited and terrified of what's going to happen at the Gala with the princesses. I've got allot to explain, some requests to make, and at some point I'll have to get Luna alone so we can talk. There's allot of heavy shit going down at the Gala tonight and it's not going to be all rainbows and unicorns like it was in the show. Perhaps that wasn't the best turn of phrase to use..
Anyways I'm all dressed up, Cara is all dressed up, and we're on our way to the Gala. The streets of Canterlot are a cluster fuck of noble ponies all dressed up and walking into walls because their noses are so stuck up in the air. Strangely enough there seems to be less changelings around than normal which is setting off all kinds of warnings in my head. They're not supposed to attack for a while now but I'm still a bit nervous about tonight. Magic, princesses, changelings, and a portal to another world. What the fuck happened to my life?
"Dad? What's wrong?" Cara's voice brought me back from my thoughts.
"I'm just a little nervous about tonight. You know how I feel about large crowds." I said in response while pulling her into a half hug.
She giggled then poked my chest. "Are you sure it's the crowd? Ooor could it be because Luna asked you to dance with her?"
I snorted a laugh. "Alright ya little brat, don't make me tickle you in front of everyone here."
-=-=-=- -=-=-=-
"It is time sister, is everything taken care of?" Luna asked anxiously while watching ponies filter into the castle.
"Yes, I believe we've taken all the precautions we can without having more information about our special guest. Let's hope this doesn't backfire on us." Celestia said with a hint of worry.
"Have the element bearers been briefed on the situation?"
"Yes, Twilight Sparkle and the others are already in possession of the elements. While a bit more nervous than before, they'll all be going about their own business by my request. Should things take a turn for the worst, they'll be watching for my signal to use the elements." She let out a small sigh. "I just hope we're being overly cautious. I hope we make a friend tonight but I'm worried that we might be inviting an enemy into our home."
Luna's look hardened as she looked down in remembering their conversation with the being. "Dear sister this creature essentially stated that it was more powerful than armies of its own kind. It even admitted to knowing the future of pony kind and of Equestria itself! We know nothing of this creature other than what it has told us so we have every right to be cautious!"
"I know Lulu, I know. We will have answers soon enough I suppose, the Grand Galloping Gala has officially begun." Celestia said noticing the growing crowd waiting to be greeted by their princesses.
-=-=- Graphite -=-=-
"Hey, bitch. Mind your own damned business." I said to some random noble in an ugly ass dress. She walked off in a huff, probably to go throw a tantrum somewhere private.
"Dad be nice, she wasn't hurting anyone."
"Maybe not but her staring and scowling was pissing me off."
Cara shrugged. "Some ponies don't like griffons, she's not the first or the last to stare at me. Just ignore them like I do."
"Still don't like it when people are mean to my baby girl."
"Dad!" She whined. "I'm not a baby! I can handle myself now, I'm not going to fall apart just because somepony doesn't like me!"
I sighed at that. She's right, she's come a long way since I first adopted her and sometimes I forget that. "Sorry kid, I know. I may not be your real father but I still feel like I need to protect you no matter what."
"A common ailment among all parents and guardians I believe." A masculine voice said beside us. "Sir Quill and miss Cara I presume?"
I turned to see Shining Armor standing tall in his polished golden armor. He went to the Gala? I figured he'd be off with Cadence considering neither were in the Gala episode. Maybe he was a background pony at some point and I just never saw him...
"That's us. To what do we owe the pleasure, captain?" I responded.
Why is he glaring at me?
"Your presence is required by the princesses right away. Follow me." Without warning he abruptly turned and started walking towards the grand staircase to the throne room. Cara and I exchanged looks and shrugs as we began to follow the captain.
We made it through the crowd with ease, with him in the lead everyone moved out of the way of the armored stallion. Nopony wanted to impede with the business of the captain of the royal guard and I don't blame them, he has a commanding presence. We arrived at the doors and after a nod from Shining the two guards allowed us to enter. Upon looking around the room I noticed the large amount of guards.
"Dad, who is that?" A confused Cara asked while pointing at the third alicorn in the room that I hadn't noticed yet. This might be a bit more complicated than I originally thought. Princess Cadence is here to.
Before I could answer her Celestia greeted us and introduced us to everyone. We were met with mixed results from what I could tell. Luna was happy to see us, of course, and Cadence seemed amiable but Shining Armor and his guards seemed hell bent on ignoring me.
Princess Cadance's amiable smile slowly changed to an excited grin as she glanced back and forth between me and Luna. She saw me watching her and somehow her smile grew even bigger with a hint of mischief. Deciding to avoid whatever conversation she was about to start I spoke. "So, what's going on? Why the impromptu meeting in the middle of the Gala?"
Any previous trace of smiles left the room and even Luna looked a little annoyed.
Clearing her throat Celestia spoke up. "I've asked you to be here because we may need your help Sir Quill. In just the few months that we've know each other you've become a very close friend to both my sister and I, and that is why we wanted to warn you."
"I still don't think you should divulge such information to some noble."
"Shining I am well aware of your preference for discretion but Graphite and his daughter mean a great deal to me. I would prefer that he be aware of the problem so that he may be better prepared." Luna spoke up.
"Aware or not, what's some noble unicorn civilian going to do against this thing?!" Shining said indignantly.
Before Luna could retort Celestia interrupted. "Captain Armor enough. Sir Quill, while untrained, is likely far more powerful than any of your own troops in terms of magical proficiency." Shining looked offended but stayed silent. 'Ha! Dickhead.' I thought.
"Now back to the original point, later tonight a very important and possibly dangerous guest will arrive." She then proceeded to tell me about the 'being' from another word and how dangerous he could be. Little did they know that they were telling that very same being their plans. They should really be more careful about these things, I mean seriously they are so fucking lucky I'm not evil. It's a good thing all the villains that they're going to face are so damn stupid.
-=-=- 2 hours later -=-=-
Cara yawned as she sat next to me watching the ponies dance. Meanwhile I sat thinking about when I should make the change and confront the princesses. They haven't tried to contact me through magic yet so I guess they're just waiting for me to choose when to show myself. Should I even do this? The only reason I had planned on going through with this was so they might give the portal back. Lets say that they do give it back, what then? What about Cara? Could she maybe come through with me? Would she even want to...
'Speaking of Cara.' I thought to myself. Looking at her with my magic sight I saw the dim glow of my shielding spells. It's been a while since I last charged them up and since I'm not entirely sure what's going to happen later I started to charge the spells until they were too bright to look at with my magic sight spell.
"Impressive shield work. I'm starting to understand why the princesses put so much faith in you." Said the voice of Shining Armor. "However don't assume that that means that I trust you."
'It's probably better that you don't.' I thought. 'Not that I'm going to do something bad, mainly just lie allot.'
"I don't expect you to." I said "Isn't it your job to question the legitimacy of any and all those that go near the princesses?"
A bit taken aback he said, "I wouldn't put it that way, but you're not wrong." He chuckled. "Anyways I'm here to escort lady Cara to Princess Celestia because you have a promise to keep." He said gesturing towards the dance floor.
I didn't have to look to know what, or rather who he was gesturing at, but I did anyway. Luna stood among the ponies off to the side of those who were already mid dance. Thankfully it seems that Pinkie Pie hasn't made her appearance yet so I guess now would be the best time to do this. I'm honestly a little more nervous about this now that I'm looking at her in her beautiful gown. I know I should keep my distance but I can't deny what I'm feeling or the ramifications should things go badly with the meeting and I somehow get caught.. As far as I'm aware they plan to keep the meeting with the 'being', a.k.a the other me, civil unless circumstances dictate otherwise. However now isn't the time for such thoughts, I have a date to dance with.
-=-=-
That went surprisingly well considering my lack of dancing experience as a pony. I livened it up a bit with some more human-like moves that I knew, and that seemed to make us an even bigger center of attention. As if the rumors weren't already spreading, our little show of enjoyment and admiration towards each other caused quite a ruckus. I can already hear the new rumors spreading throughout the crowd as we sat taking a break after the dance. However I couldn't care less, I had a beautiful mare at my side that I really cared for. However there is one question that's been nagging at me for some time now. I decided to ask since we had essentially been sitting quietly for a few minutes now.
"What caused you to ask me to dance? The way you went about it was kinda out of nowhere if I'm honest." I asked Luna. She had essentially walked up to me, in front of several nobles and her sister, and asked me to dance with her at the Gala. Her face was practically glowing red with embarrassment the entire time but she held her head high and waited for my answer. I obviously said yes.
Luna apparently caught off guard by my question nearly dropped her drink before stammering out an answer. "W-well tia suggested the idea, a-and I had said no at first. I didn't want to push the idea on you, and I hoped that you would ask me first." She said shifting nervously beside me.
"What changed your mind?"
Her embarrassment was replaced with a somber smile. "Tia reminded me of who and what exactly I am. I am Princess Luna, an immortal alicorn. I believe her exact words were, 'The average life span of a pony is ephemeral compared to us Lulu. You shouldn't waste the time you could be spending with those you care about, because in the blink of an eye they could be gone forever.' Sorrowful words, but more true than I'd like to admit." After a moment of silence a she visibly brightened and started to blush again. "Her words allowed me to realize that I'd regret missing out on you, Graphite."
My heart thundered in my chest, I understood what she meant. To say that I'm surprised would be a lie, I saw the signs and I knew where this was headed. She's right. I may not be immortal but things can change in the blink of an eye and I for one have enough regrets in my life as it is. Everything around us seemed to disappear as we leaned towards each other. Forcing back the memories and regrets of my past, I decided to throw caution to the wind just this one time.
-=-=-=- -=-=-=-
Celestia watched as her sister practically skipped across the room towards her. She thought she knew what had happened but she'd need to talk to Luna about it later to confirm her suspicions. For now though she had other things to attend to that were more important to Equestria as a whole. After sending Cara away with Sir Quill she had sent word to the elements, along with Princess Cadance and Captain Shining Armor, asking them to meet with her. The evening was drawing to a close and the time for the Gala was almost up, and the being had yet to show up. Celestia planned to discuss how to move forward should the being not make an appearance. She was considering trying to contact him through magic when her thoughts were interrupted by an approaching guard.
The guard bowed and quietly said, "He's here, your majesty."
Celestia froze, the time had finally come. Standing up straight she applied her usual stoic tone. "Has he complied with our conditions for entry?"
"The inhibitor ring was accepted without complications and locked in place."
Celestia nodded, 'So far so good.' She thought. "Bring him in." The guard bowed again and left just in time for the other two princesses, Captain Armor, and the elements to arrive. The others seemed to noticed the guard and the look on Celestia's face, and realized what was going on. Everypony was silent as they waited staring at the doors to the main hall. Luna had lost her previous jubilation and now stood tall with a weary look on her face. The Captain showed no emotion, and Cadence looked slightly scared. Even the normally energetic element of laughter stood stock still waiting for the inevitable entrance of the being. The Gala continued around them, ponies dancing and feasting without realizing the tension between the most powerful ponies in the room.
-=-=- Graphite -=-=-
Did you know hooves could sweat like palms? I didn't until now. Why did I think this was a good idea again? Do I really need to go back to earth and all that bull shit? Unfortunately for me however it's too late to back out, I've already shifted forms into my red and white fake alicorn self and put on the inhibitor ring that the guards gave me. I nearly laughed out loud when they saw me walking towards them wings spread and horn glowing. Seemed like they couldn't decide if they were supposed to bow or not so they were half kneeling when they asked me what business I had at the castle. They nearly shat brick when I told them that I was the alien that their princesses were waiting for. Once one of the guards managed to pull himself back together he started fumbling with the inhibitor ring attached to his armor. I helped him out by levitating it from him and securing it to my horn. I felt the slightly familiar tingle of my magic being drawn in and dissipated by the ring. I wonder if the ring was technological or magical in nature?
Not long after one the guards left to alert the princesses he was back with reinforcements. "I'll escort you to the princesses. Please try not to disturb the other guests."
I nodded and started to follow behind him as the rest of the guards surrounded me. I trusted the princesses enough to not worry about being surrounded, though I could easily destroy the ring and escape at any point in time if I needed to. This late in the Gala things were already starting to calm down so it was fairly obvious to the guests that something was going on when a group of guards entered the room in formation. It was slow at first but word was spreading quickly and ponies were starting to stare. Annoyed I flexed my back muscles which inadvertently shifted my wings enough for somepony to notice. At first I only heard mumbling and a few gasps but eventually it turned to a full fledged gossip session between the nobles close enough to see me. As short as the walk was it felt as though it had taken hours under the scrutiny of so many ponies. As distracted as I was by all the chatter I almost ran into the guard when he suddenly stopped.
Finally looking at the princesses I was met with an almost comical sight. Celestia and Luna seemed equally stunned by my appearance. Shining now stood between me and the rest of the group and directly in front of the surprised looking Cadence. Twilight looked like she was about to blow a gasket and the rest of the elements stood slack jawed except for Pinkie Pie who was smiling. Creepy much?
Deciding that laughing at them would make the wrong first impression, I calmly broke the silence. "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance." I started while holding the bow until after I spoke each name. "It's good to finally meet you face to face. I hope my arrival hasn't caused any issues." I said gesturing towards the silent Gala guests.
Celestia came out of her stupor and spoke to the gathered crowd. "The time for the Grand Galloping Gala is at an end. Thank you all so much for coming to this years event, please take care on your way home." She then looked to the guards. "Four of you go and start ushering the rest of our guests out. Everyone else," she said pointedly looking at me. "please follow me to the dining room."
-=-=-
We all sat quietly around the dining table watching each other, unsure of how to proceed. Nopony seemed to know quite where to start the discussion so I sat quietly and waited for something to happen. I however didn't have long to wait because Twilight interrupted the silence.
"Are you really an alicorn?" She asked, seemingly breaking everyone out of their staring.
Again, I hate lying unless it's absolutely necessary. Currently lying would be counterproductive and pointless, so I might as well tell the truth to hopefully earn their trust. Unless they ask what I've been doing for the past few months, then I might have to bend the truth.
"No. In the time I learned to use this worlds magic I somewhat accidentally grew these wings with a spell. However they're basically useless as I have no pegasus magic to allow them to work correctly." I replied while spreading and closing my wings.
Having broken the proverbial ice, the princesses looked calmer and Twilight started to rant about the impossibility of my statement but was ultimately cut off by a scowling Luna. "When we last spoke you mentioned that you knew of ponykind and its future and yet you accidentally created a portal here? This seems far too coincidental for my liking."
"That's something I cannot explain. Where I'm from magic does not exist and until I showed up here, I thought your kind was fictional. To save us all some time I'll just say that your world and everything that happens in it are just a story to my kind. I doubt anyone back home even knows you all actually exist." I explained with a sigh. "The fact that I'm here now is supposed to be impossible, at least for my kind anyways. My best guess is that something or someone on this side formed that portal."
There was a moment of silence before Celestia spoke up. "If that is true then why say that 'you' accidentally created the portal when we spoke of it before?"
With a chuckle I explained exactly what happened when I first started the portal and what it was supposed to be originally. Questions were asked and answered until I had basically told the entire story of what happened until I woke up on this side of the portal. There was some arguments about my honesty from Luna but Applejack settled that with her lie detecting skills. However I did leave out a few details like the thief's pony name and my coloration. Once it was clear that I didn't come here on purpose everypony seemed to visibly calm down, even Luna.
"Why wait so long to tell us this information? Had you come to us from the beginning you'd likely be back home already." Celestia asked.
"Honestly? I was bored." I laughed at the looks of confusion. "I didn't really want to leave this world yet and I figured I had plenty of time to get to the mirror. I guess I got distracted and didn't really think about the possibility of anyone finding it. Until, of course, the day that I found it was missing."
Celestia nodded and leaned back turning to look at Luna while smiling. "Still think he's evil Luna?"
Luna grimaced at her sister before looking at me. "I suppose my fears were unwarranted. I am still unsure about his involvement in that prophecy you spoke of."
This peaked my interest, but before I could ask about it Twilight spoke up for the first time in a while. "Princess Celestia, what prophecy?"
"'He will arrive from another plane of existence and with his arrival balance will be restored as the moon princess rises once again. Succeeding his arrival many great evils will threaten the land but you will always overcome each obstacle. Trust in my words for they are true, but be warned each evil will be more powerful than the last. You must have faith.'" Celestia cited from memory. "These words were spoken by the voice of Starswirl The Bearded, through the elements, just over one thousand years ago immediately after Luna's banishment. I don't know what part you played in Luna's return, but I thank you."
All but the three princesses sat in stunned silence for a full minute before Twilight jumped up to start fangirling over Starswirl. I was stuck on the prophecy part, could it really be about me? For that matter, what's this bull shit about me playing a part in Luna's return? I literally sat around in the library and did nothing that day. This could be problematic. Have I already affected the timeline? How could I have if this prophecy was told a thousand years before I got here? "Princess I nev-" Just as I had started to deny playing any role in Luna's return the doors to the dining room blasted open sending a powerful wave of magic throughout the room. I felt the familiar crawling sensation of changeling magic trying to eat away at my shields as a group of changeling strode into the room.
Unaffected by the spell I first turned to see how the others fared from the blast and my blood ran cold at the sight of the princesses and the mane six scattered around the room frozen in place where they had fallen. Shining still stood having shielded himself in time for the blast but even he was unmoving. I felt the strange magic absorb into my shields strengthening it against more attacks. Call me overly cautious if you want but I always keep quiet a few spells cast on myself and Cara that mostly consists of different shields. The main one I am relying on now absorbs magic and strengthens itself against magic of the same type, however it is weak to physical strikes. I had a shield that blocks physical attacks but that was shattered by the initial blast.
"Well aren't you a strong little unicorn!" A voice called out with a laugh.
"Queen Chrysalis." I said, recognizing the voice. I looked up to see the queen of the changelings standing in the doorway surrounded by her drones and several guards with glowing eyes. She had bewitched the guards... "May I ask why you have decided to attack tonight? Shouldn't you be preparing for 'your' wedding?" I asked while shooting a glance at Cadence.
She seemed mildly surprised by my foresight but chose to ignore it. "There's still time for that later, I'm after something else right now. Conquering Equestria can wait." She said as she started walking towards me with her eyes stared into mine. "This may be arrogant of me but this was far too easy for my liking. I had honestly expected a fight, not this!" She said gesturing towards the paralyzed princesses.
"It is a little underwhelming, I'll give you that. However you seem to be forgetting something important." I said while spreading my wings and taking up a defensive stance. "I still stand while the rest have fallen. This toy," I pointed to the ring on my horn. "means nothing to me. It can't stop me and neither can you." With a quick release of my magic I shattered the ring allowing my magic to irradiate around the room. From what I've seen of this world so far, I can out magic anyone so long as they aren't monstrously overpowered. My own spells can absorb and reflect almost anything without any real issues, so in theory, I should be able to handle this.
A vile smug grin split Chrysalis' face as she stomped her front hoof three times. Behind her movement caught my eye and I saw myself walking into the room dragging an unconscious Cara along in a green aura. The changeling posing as the other me shifting back to its original form.
"Change your look however you like Graphite Quill, I'll always find you."
-=-=- -=-=-
Luna lay stunned by the surprise attack spell and cursing herself for her inability to counter the spell. The unfamiliar magic had trapped her in her own body, forcing her magic down and out of her reach. Worry and doubt crept into her mind, had the creature waited for her to relax before initiating the attack? Taking in her surroundings she saw the creature, or rather the human, still standing strong where he had been before, except he now faced the destroyed doors and the beings standing there. Her doubt grew even more once he greeted the tall changeling by its title and name. Was he in league with the changelings? She felt angry as they spoke of the simplicity of their victory, then horrified when the human blasted apart the nullification ring. Only one with potent magic could even come close to destroying a ring of that quality, and yet he had done so effortlessly.
She hadn't payed much attention to what they said until a familiar young white Griffon was brought into the room by her friend Graphite Quill. She wanted to scream, tell him to run for his life! Until Graphite's form dissolved in flame transforming into another changeling. 'If Cara is here, then where is the real Graphite?' She thought as she felt her heart drop. The changeling queen smiled and spoke while the human froze staring. Then to her horror and disbelief her question was answered by the changeling queen and the humans response. If she weren't already down and paralyzed she'd have dropped to the floor crying from the sting if deceit. Her heart broke as she realized Graphite Quill was fake all along. She never even noticed the castle shaking around her.
-=-=- Graphite -=-=-
Anger, pure hatred, and contempt bled from my very soul. Fuck the storyline and fuck this impotent overgrown fly! I could feel my magic lashing out in reaction to my emotions, the air around starting to heat and cool erratically. It took everything I had to keep myself from bringing down the castle on top of Chrysalis. I knew Cara was fine and just in a magically induced sleep. However the idea of someone using her against me added to the fact that she outed me as Graphite Quill in front of the princesses infuriated me. I glared at Chrysalis, reaching out attempting to dispel the changeling magic around Cara only to see the green aura seep further into her. I won't risk any further attempts, they have the advantage for now. Gathering control over my magic I bit back my anger and relaxed my stance.
"I had wondered where she was. I should have known better to be honest, you are the queen of disguises after all." My resigned sigh echoed in the silence of the room. "What do you want Chrysalis?" I asked in defeat.
Que stereotypical evil Disney queen laughter. "Muhahaha! Are you truly this easy to beat?! It's amazing how long you ponies continue to rule while being so weak!"
"Can we skip past the gloating and get the the part where you do what you came here to do?" I said irritably.
A slight look of annoyance crossed her face before returning to a look of amusement. "Very well Sir Quill, lower your defenses and come closer."
"What of the princesses?" I asked.
"I'm feeling generous today, they're safe for now. I'll be back to take my place as Queen of Equestria later!"
I did as I was told and lowered my shields while casting some other more discreet spells. Hopefully I can get the danger away from the princesses before she decides to be smart and take over the throne right now. Dumbass villains always fail because of stuff like this. Just because it was easy to take them down today, while they were distracted might I add, doesn't mean it will always be this easy. Regardless I'm thankful that she's so full of herself, it makes her complacent. Complacency means death in war, and that is exactly what she started when she kidnapped Cara.
I walked up to Chrysalis in resignation, knowing what was going to happen next. As I looked into her eyes everything else faded from existence until all I saw was her, and all I felt was the overwhelming urge to submit to her every command.