Chapter. 19 – A Brewing Storm
“Dear Aunt Cadance and Uncle Shining,
“It has been three days since Trixie and I came to Ponyville and as you requested I am now writing to you for a generic update on how we’re doing. Honestly there is not too much to say, really; but no doubt you won’t accept that answer from me, so instead I’ll give you a rundown of what we’ve done and found.
“Ponyville is a nice place; very quiet, but weirdly not as peaceful as you’d think. While the ponies are friendly there are more than a few characters that ‘spice’ up the town. The most boisterous is a group of three fillies called the ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders.’ They’re actually good fun, but their antics are something to be believed. The three of them do not have their cutie marks, hence the name of their group; so to try and find them they will attempt anything and everything.
“The most recent one was something called ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders Basket Weavers.’ Sure this sounds innocent and uneventful; but they somehow managed to completely cover themselves in tree sap, set alight to over a dozen baskets before somehow rescuing a few of the baskets by means of fishing poles and the local river. Amazingly they weren’t even grounded, because all the damage was focused on the things they had made themselves. They were occupied for the rest of the day after the incident, scrubbing out the sap from their coats.
“Everything else has been pretty smooth going, honestly. We discovered that Ponyville is home to Sweet Apple Acres, the makers of Zap Apple Jam; so as you can imagine we got them to agree to do the catering for next year. They accepted and even asked if they could branch out and get help from some of their other family members as well as the town; so really by hiring them, we’ve managed to get the whole town involved in the catering, which is cool.
“The town’s decorations have been assigned to a mare called Rarity; as she is the only pony in town that’s prestigious enough to keep the nobles happy. She is actually a really, really impressive dress maker, who specialises in embedding gems into her designs. She’s the one who taught our host, Sunset Shimmer, how to look for gems for me. Isn’t that generous of her; not that I’d expect anything less from such beau talented mare.
“Moving on, music and entertainment is proving a little difficult; there have been a few good leads, but nothing that will please everyone. It has gotten to the point that Trixie and I have been brain storming about having multiple acts; but for that we’re going to have to return and talk to the committee about this idea.
“The rest is all straight forward; the Mayor is, of course, delighted to host such a prestigious event. The weather teams have all been prepped and are planning the weather leading up to the big day. So really we’re almost done with our initial scout of the town; probably another day or two and then we will be on our way back to Canterlot.
“As for our host, Miss Shimmer has been very accommodating for us; to the point I feel a little sorry for her, honestly. The Golden Oak Library is an actual tree house, as in a house made within a giant tree; and because of that Miss Shimmer has been sleeping in the basement while Trixie is using the master bedroom, and I myself am sleeping within the living room/kitchen.
“Actually Miss Shimmer is a genius; after the first night sleeping on a military cot, I was a little sore, tired and not really looking forward to sleeping on it again. Miss Shimmer must have noticed my mood when we sat down together again at dinner, because she excused herself to go and see one of her friends.
“She comes back twenty minutes later being accompanied by a pegasus called Rainbow Dash and floating next to the two of them is a piece of cloud perfectly sized for me. Here’s where her genius comes into play; she enchants a spare sheet with a long lasting cloud walking spell over it. So from then on I have been sleeping on an actual cloud, and it has been amazing! I think even Trixie has been jealous of my bed; I think I’m actually going to miss it.
“Truthfully we do not actually see all that much of Miss Shimmer. She’s up and working by the time Trixie and I get up –which is another thing; Miss Shimmer must be a ninja or something. Everyday so far she has to walk past me – to get to the kitchen– while I’m sleeping, prepare some breakfast for all of us, before eating hers and casting a preservation spell over the rest and then leaving again. All without disturbing me in the slightest.
“Anyway, she’s working by the time we get up in the mornings; and then is out having a walk right after dinner and doesn’t come back until after dark. I can’t say for certain but I think she’s trying to avoid Trixie; they had a slight argument the first night we arrived (it was totally Trixie’s fault) and while things have calmed down, I think Miss Shimmer feels it is better to give Trixie space. Which is ok with me, because I keep staring at h there’s something about her I think I don’t trust.
“She’s polite, been more than accommodating and helpful when asked; but then she also has this knack of appearing out of nowhere (and not just because she is crazy good at teleporting) whenever we really could use her help.
“Like this one time when Trixie and I somehow (and don’t ask me how it happened) got lost and ended up inside the Everfree Forest. After trying to find our way back out, we stumbled across a clearing and just beyond that was a patch of pretty blue flowers. We were going to investigate them when out of nowhere Miss Shimmer turns up and tells us not to touch them.
“Turns out the flowers were Poison Joke, (neither Trixie nor I could recognise them at the time, I swear!) then she escorted the two of us out the forest and back into town.
“When I asked what she was doing in the forest; she told me she was visiting a friend called Zecura who lives in there. At first I thought it was strange, but the ponies in town confirmed that there was indeed a zebra living in the forest and that her name was Zecura.
“So it could have been a coincidence, but there have been a few other situations like it (nowhere near as severe) where she turns up to offer a helping hoof; and as uncle Shining likes to say, ‘Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time its enemy action.’ Not that I’m saying she’s an enemy, quite the opposite; but there is something about here that feels a little off, you know. Like how such a clearly talented unicorn is satisfied with working in the public sector as a librarian.
“Well I can clearly see that I am rambling, and this is the third attempt at writing to the two of you. So I am going to call this letter done here before anything happens to this thing and I have to start all over again,
“Give aunt Celestia (I still can’t believe your making me call her that) my regards, and I will see you all again in a couple of days at the latest.
“Your favourite nephew, Spike
“P.S – Trixie says hi and could you pass on to Princess (her words not mine) Celestia that she, once again, apologises for leaving her assignments back at the castle. That she’s only two thirds through them is something that I wish to add to this missive. (And before you ask; yes, I am also about two thirds done with mine.)”
Princess Cadance let out a wishful sigh as she read the letter from Spike. It sounded like he was having a good time in Ponyville; making some friends around his age in the form of these ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders,’ and it appears this mare ‘Rarity’ has captured his heart, at least a little. She released a small giggle when she noticed that scribbled out word. ‘Oh Spike, you should know that no one can hide love from me, especially when I care about them.’
“Well Shiny, it sounds like they’re having a good time at least. Let’s hope that can last.” Cadance’s gaze travelled away from the innocent letter to look at her husband, sitting next to her on the love seat within their quarters of the castle.
His worried emotions were not nearly as well hidden as hers were. “I don’t like this Cady, not one bit. The two of them should be immediately recalled.”
“It’s too late for that now. Any movement by the guards will only hurt them.”
“We let them go to some Podunk town alone and unguarded; I should have at least gone with them.” He huffed as he crossed his arms over his barrel. His wife just looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
“Hmm, the former Capitan of the Royal Guard escorting two individuals by train. No, I can’t think of anything more suspicious than that. Sigh, you were the one that requested they be allowed to live their lives without this knowledge burdening them.”
“Yeah, when they were still in the castle, or moving around Canterlot. I could have had ponies watching them for anything suspicious; but now they’re on their own and defenceless. Cady, they haven’t had any significant training in self-defence. Yes, I know they are both strong and can look after themselves; but we’re not talking about something minor. This is a serious threat.”
“Which is why we have the dummy teams. I don’t like this any more than you do honey, believe me I don’t; and nether dose Celestia. I want them both here right now wrapped in my forehooves, safe and sound; but you were right, they need to be able to live their lives.”
“I just don’t want them…” he looked away from his wife’s understanding and forgiving eyes. “I just don’t want to lose him.” His voice was low and sounded defeated saying his true thoughts out like he did.
“I know, Shiny. I know. But they’re both friends now, and if one of them is in trouble you can bet the other will try and rescue them. You more than even me should know how loyal Spike can be to ponies he cares about; and yes he cares about Trixie.”
Shining Armor hung his head in shame at his words; he quite liked Celestia’s student, she was quite the character, but with this latest development… “I just can’t believe that they’ve set their sights on her now of all times.” His eyes moved on their own accord to the door where their study was. Within that room, sitting innocently on his desk, was a copy of a letter; an innocent letter depicting a sinister promise.
He sighed before refocusing his sight onto an unknown spot somewhere in the air above his head; his mind going over what was known about this latest problem.
“One week ago the castle receives an anonymous letter stating the planned killing of Princess Celestia’s student; Trixie Lulamoon. The letter was examined and confirmed to be an authentic calling card of Equestria’s most wanted known killer; the Violent Rose.”
This is where his wife picks up the path where his mind is travelling. “It was decided between Princess Celestia, Capitan of the Royal Guard, and us to keep this situation quiet from Trixie; both for her piece of mind, but also because of her habit of running head first into questionable situations. You yourself agreed with all of us that while her sense of humility is doing much better, her bravado and self-righteousness would demand that she be out there trying to defeat them.”
“So instead we have two other teams pretending to be her –one here in Canterlot and another who has gone off to pretend to be in hiding in the town of Hollow Shades– while we have sent her off to the quiet town of Ponyville on a believable mission for her to do. What I have a problem with is that they are still without a guard.” Shining Armor feels his wife’s hoof gently pat his shoulder in understanding.
“Yes Shining, having them be escorted would be safer; but we’re trying to keep them hidden. Double bluffing that Trixie is off on an inspection mission to the next location of the Summer Sun Celebration unescorted is a risk; but if we want her to live her life that is what we need to do.
“The two other teams are much more believable to be her considering the threat and in each location we quietly established traps to try and capture this killer; again making them seem more believable. Besides, Trixie and Spike are not unguarded.”
This was clearly something that had been bothering Shining Armor for a while now. His horn blazed to life with a light raspberry aura as the whole sweet was covered in layer after layer of protective shielding. Again and again, the elaborately decorated walls of their private living room were covered in a deep pink aura matching what was being emitted from the unicorn’s horn.
Before Cadance could say anything a dome of magic appeared around the settee that the two of them were resting upon; and the whole process started up once again. Shining Armor was sweating hard and his breathing was ragged by the time he was satisfied.
“There, huff, that is every single Barrier, Shield, Obscurer and anti-Divination ward I know; custom as well as stock. Pant, cast three times over. Huff, there is no way anything can see and/or hear us without my knowing. Phew, not even Aunt Celestia could get through all that without alerting me. So, are you finally going to tell me what both yourself and Celestia have been hiding from me about this Sunset Shimmer pony.”
Cadance reached out with a hoof, “Shiny it’s not that simple…”
“Of course it is Cadance. I am former Capitan of the Royal Guard, now forcibly retired from the position when I became prince consort to you; there is no higher clearance level that anypony can attain. Are you telling me that this mare is so much of a state secret, that literally only Celestia and yourself can know about her?”
“Well, no. Members of Celestia’s private guard know of this secret as well–”
“And I have a higher security clearance level than they have. Sigh, Cadance is it really such a dark thing to know about?”
Cadance wilted under his honest, but determined eyes. “Shining, this really is a big secret that will have a very negative outcome if our allies get even a hint that we have such a thing. If you really, truly need/want to know about it I have Celestia’s permission to tell you. However in less than a year we’re both hoping this big secret will be dissolved and it’ll be much safer for me to tell you about it then.”
“In less than a year? You mean this is connected to what’s going on with the Summer Sun Celebration?”
Cadance shook her head, “no Shiny, they are not connected. This is something else that requires the celebration to happen before it can be dealt with. I know you’re not happy about not getting the full story of what’s going on with the celebration; and no doubt this is yet another secret that will leave a sour taste in your mouth. But I promise you there is nothing you can do with the information right now; if anything you knowing could actually affect the outcome. Well at least the piece that partakes to the Summer Sun Celebration.”
“All right Cadance. I do trust you and Celestria as well. If you are sure there is nothing I can do with the information, then I believe you. I just don’t like feeling helpless, you know.” His body language was one of defeat and begrudging acceptance of the situation.
Cadance hated to see her husband like this; she knew he just wanted to help the best he could, even if it was something as simple as holding a shared burden of a secret. Perhaps there is something she could share to help ease his conscience.
“Shiny, if all this gets too much for me, I’ll tell you; but as I said, hopefully, this will all be over within a year. To help you worry just a little less about Spike and Trixie; I’ll tell you just a little about Sunset Shimmer. Remember this is still a major secret; I suspect that you’ll eventually be able to figure some of it out. So I trust you to realise that others will be able to work it out too if this is talked about.
“Your light hearted joke about Sunset Shimmer being a secret agent is not too far off from the truth. She is not a secret agent; however she has had significant training. If what Celestia told me is to be believed –and I have serious doubts about how truthful this is– Sunset Shimmer can hover in place for an estimated five hours before tiring.”
“What?! None of our pegasi troops can come anywhere near that level of hover time, not even General…wait that can’t be right? Sunset Shimmer is a unicorn, isn’t she?”
“Shiny, I would find that a difficult workout; not impossible sure, but certainly a workout. But you’re also right, Sunset Shimmer is a unicorn. Apparently she developed the spell Polymorph so much that she has actually grown her own pair of functional wings with instincts.”
This just frustrated Shining Armor even further. “But that doesn’t matter. She could develop literally perfect wings with that spell and still not be able to fly. That’s not how they work; they require pegasus magic to actually function.”
“Well she’s managed it somehow according to Celestia, and she wouldn’t lie about this. She’s also the one who suggested Sunset Shimmer as a contact from the start; so she must see something in her that’s trust worthy. But you see what I mean, right? If she can hover that long, then her well spring is more than a match for most everyone.”
Shining just shook his head, “wellspring size is not the only factor. In fact it is only a minor factor; the biggest factors are training and experience.”
Cadance simply smiled. “While I cannot vouch for her experience; I can say that she’s had as good a training regime, if not better, than our Royal Guard. I can also say that her training specialises in defeating powerful foes.”
“Better than…ok let’s say I believe you about the training and the wellspring. We’re talking about fighting an assassin; somepony that we’ve never even seen before.
Cadance gave him a reassuring smile. “Trust me when I say, I believe those two are in safe hooves.”
“My Dearest Princess Celestia,
“It is I, your humble servant who gives you not what you want, not even what you need, but what those with the power request. Now I have been quite the busy bee recently, as I’m sure you are at least partially aware, and it took until now for me to realise that an important anniversary slipped past without my noticing. Now do not worry your beautiful head off trying to remember what it could be; I remembered and that is all that matters, for I am going to give you a special gift in celebration of it.
“In fact, this is a gift that has been requested for quite some time, so not only am I going to be making your day special, I shall be making someone with power happy as well; because they gave me quite the bit of said power some time ago to give you this gift. Ah, but that was their fault for not specifying a where or a when; that would have required more power from them.
“So rejoice for while my next rose is still not meant for you, its intended is one you hold close and dear. Ah, how lovely it shall look my soft, delicate and beautifully coloured Fleurs Vertes; resting peacefully upon the cold, still azura coat that is Trixie Lulamoon.
“Oh, I guess I spoiled the surprise; but then I would hate for you to be bored. So prepare your guard all you like; have your student hounded at all hours. I will be there, unseen, waiting for the perfect time to strike; and when I do there will be a beautiful rose resting upon her still chest. Oh I cannot wait.
“Your most beloved servant, The Violent Rose.”
Celestia finished re-reading the letter and placed it back down onto her desk. A weary sigh escaped from her mouth as a hoof was brought up to rub her eyes; things just seemed to be getting more and more complicated.
She flung her head back in exasperation.
“The Violent Rose is as arrogant as they are dangerous. Not much is truly known about them, though it is suspected that they are male due to some of the wording within their ‘Promise Letters’. Their calling card is a rare and uncommon light jade coloured rose named Fleurs Vertes; it is found on every one of their kills.
“Enough evidence has been discovered to confirm that they are a pony but tribe is unknown; due to the versatility and difficulty of the murders, however, a Unicorn is the most likely suspect.
“He’s been quiet for two years, and then three murders within three months; all with his signature rose, all proven to be his calling card. Predator has confirmed that he is not one of theirs or that they have no knowledge of who he is. They have also confirmed that his style, while effective, has nothing in common with their own ways; further separating themselves from this monster.
“That they finally have a defensive agent once again hopefully means that situations like these will become a thing of the past. Sigh, a part of me wonders if my interference with Sunset Shimmer has prevented her in tracking this monster down and disposing of him.
“Oh Philomena, why are things never straightforward and simple. This was supposed to be a quiet planning phase so that the Summer Sun Celebration goes off perfectly. But not only do I have to keep an eye on a very deadly pony, I’ve also got to deal with this pain in the flank trying to kill my student.”
Celestia looked over to her long-time friend and familiar; the sight was not a pleasant one. Philomena was clearly getting on in her years with this latest cycle; not quite time for a burning day yet, but Celestia was certain it would happen within the next few years.
Intelligent golden eyes looked over to her companion and long-time friend. With a few squawks along with several motions of her whole body; she responded to her carer.
“I did not jinks myself and I most certainly will not reap whatever my words sowed. Nothing about this situation is my fault. Sigh, but nothing I can do now will alter the course that fate has taken us on.”
A few chirps and a whumph from a wing was the response from the large fire bird.
“Yes, I have a pony there who I suspect is more than capable of handling the situation; I just do not know how much I can trust Sunset Shimmer. While dedicated to the betterment of Equestria, Predator is still just a highly trained group of assassins. While it is clear that Sunset Shimmer is a good pony at heart – that she still thinks of other ponies even with her lack of emotions is proof of this– I cannot bring myself to fully trust her.”
“Squak, ruffle ruffle churp.”
“Sigh, no I do not know what Violent Rose is talking about with an anniversary. There are too many events that he could be talking about, it is almost impossible to narrow it down to a single incident. Especially since he said it was a missed one.” Celestia moved her gaze towards the large glass doors where the balcony lay.
The sun was bright and shining happily down on the ground below. There was a few clouds around and every so often the streak of a pegasus flew past; there was rain scheduled for tonight in Canterlot.
The paperwork was forgotten as the noise of the doors being knocked upon engulfed the private chamber. With royal approval, the doors opened almost silently into the room; revealing the stationed pair of golden armoured guards opening said doors with a hoof each and one other pony.
The pony brought a small smile to Celestia’s face, as they were a very familiar face. The posture and gate were immaculate and precise; each step taken into her office was with practiced precision. Time has not been merciful to the unicorn stallion, however; the once glistening, slick backed, black mane was a distant memory. Now just as lovingly looked after, but the white wash it had received did not do it justice.
Matching the degrade in colour was his coat and body; while both still in perfect presentation, the bold white of their coat had lost its sheen and the body as a whole was gaunt and clearly slowing down.
Coming to a stop a respectful distance away from his princess, he bowed his head deeply; amazingly keeping his monocle in place without any use of magic that Celestia could see.
There was a definite rasp and slight airiness to his voice; but every word was spoken with exactness and clarity. Clearly Quick Quill was getting on in years and ready to retire, but his performance in his duties was still second to none.
“Princess the delegates from Moodrid, along with their retinue, are resting comfortably after their journey to Canterlot within the ambassador suits five and six. The castles kitchens are currently preparing a formal dinner which is due to take place at the later time of ten this evening; as is custom for the people of Moodrid.
“There is scheduled, before your late dinner, some entertainment from ourselves; we have the Canterlot Royal Orchestra preparing some of your favourite pieces from throughout your history. However we have received a request from the ambassador, they wish to put on a performance as well.”
Celestia’s ears perked up a little to the news, “as I’d imagine they would. Their national dance of Flamenco is a powerful performance. Their ponies have also come a long way in the art of Dressage, if the rumours are true. Did they specify what the entertainment would be?”
“They did, Princess. However the delegates wanted it to be kept a surprise for you, so you shall have to wait and see.” He rose an eyebrow ever so slightly above his monocle at Celestia, “besides; I know how much you like surprises.
“Regardless, with this slight change in proceedings I am afraid the function shall be starting as soon as you are done putting the sun to bed for the night. I suggest that you begin to prepare yourself now while you have the time to do so. I fear it shall be a long night ahead. Shall I arrange the baths for you?”
Clestia nodded her head, before watching Quick Quill leave her office. She let out a small tired sigh before looking back over to Philomena. “Sometimes, I hate what I’ve become. I cannot assist in protecting my student right now; all because some cows wish to discuss the possibility of the idea of emergency water relief, in case their current drought gets any worse. It’s not even an agreement; just the vague idea of the possibility of an agreement.
Philomena was looking at Celestia in disbelief before a quiet squeak was emitted.
“What? They are actually cows. Moodrid is a nation of both cows and earth ponies. Did you think I was insulting them? Sigh, I just hope I’ve played this correctly; I do not like trusting such a wildcard. But Sunset Shimmer is, perhaps, the only pony available to me that could both keep Spike and Trixie safe, as well as capture the Violent Rose.”
Philomena took off from her perch and landed on the desk in front of Celestia. She cooed softly as she rubbed her head over Celesita’s neck and barrel, trying to give some comfort however she could.
“Thank you Philomena, if for nothing else than allowing me to vent a little; but I better get moving, or else Quick Quill will start having kittens if I’m not there soon.”
Philomena chirped once again, this time with clear intensions.
“No, Philomena, as much as I’d enjoy whatever it is your thinking of; the delegates from Moodrid are particularly thorny. They are renowned for holding grudges. I spent far too long getting back into their good graces; I don’t want to lose it again. Especially since I believe tension will rise next year.” Celestia gave one final winged hug to her pet before rising from the desk.
She had obligations ahead of her; ones that she would have enjoyed had they come at a more convenient time. ‘Global politics waits for no pony; not even me, the alicorn who raises the sun and moon for them all.’