//------------------------------// // Six // Story: I See You. // by crystaltunes //------------------------------// Time was a ticking machine. It was cruel, no mercy whatsoever. No matter your situation, no matter your urgency, it would go on. If one was left behind? Then be it, time would say, it’s handles endlessly turning. The world would continue revolving, regardless of the lives left behind. Sometimes Celestia wished she could crack the little hands, and block out the alarms. She wished it would just stop for once, and just give her a second to inhale properly before the world would hurl another dilemma her way. Wishes like that never get answered, even for all powerful alicorns. Think of the others. If everything just stopped for a few damn minutes… If everyone would just look at her, and see she was trying, wouldn’t the world be better? “Noooot really,” Luna chimed in, pulling the mare back into reality. How long had she been wondering so sentimentally? “A good minute, probably. Jeez, the rest of your life I’ll be forced to hear this crap?” she snorted. “I wish I’d been assigned someone who thought something useful, let alone did.” Wait- assigned? What the actual hell? Were deceased souls given ponies to haunt, or ponies to teach? But, by who? “Geh! Shut the hell up,” the ghost spat. “I’m not answering any crappy question of yours! Go on with your worthless theories, as if I could give a hoot! As if she would let me, anyways.” Celestia went silent. It had been this way for long, and it would be this way until she had taken her last breath. Yesterday, the queen had written away her rights to the ghost in exchange for her secret kept underground. She didn’t want to hide it. But she knew exactly what would happen if the people knew. She was scared. Miserably scared. Inhale. The whole week had been extremely draining- even more than usual. She’d been longing for a little pony contact, but now, she wanted to lay in bed all year. Decade. Exhale. One thing Celestia had realized after the vow was created was that Luna was becoming harder to see. On most occasions, the princess didn’t want to see her. It’s not like she did now, but when she closed her eyes and searched around the room… She only saw an outline of the once vivid demonic filly. “Lookin for something?” Luna chuckled. “Maybe open those windows of yours. It’s almost 6:00, ya know?” Another observation was that the harsher Luna’s words were, the more mature her voice would get. The more relaxed her sentences, the softer and more childish it would become. It was quite rare for the ghost’s voice to be kind. “I’m serious, moron. You know what? Screw it. You’re a lost cause.” Sighing, the alicorn twisted her head to the bedside clock. 5:59, crap! There would not be enough time to transfer her magical energy and “raise” the sun. “Maybe you should LISTEN TO ME FOR ONCE!” Luna suddenly roared. Celestia shook her head, trying to get the ringing voice out of her ears. It didn’t work, so she just began to light her horn with magic. Deep breath… She extracted the aura from her horn. Senses of pain shot down sharply throughout her body, ridding her of any relaxiation that was left. She slowly pushed the magic towards her head, forcing it through her flesh. It felt like she was forcing a knife into her skull, pushing it only harder and harder. This time, the magic left a numbing sensation- similar to what she felt during sleep paralysis. Celestia tried to keep quiet, but her body was fatigued already. Focus on the magic, it’s late already! The sun has to rise. She heard some creaking and movements, but she was sure it was just Luna. Wow. She’d accepted it fully now? That Luna was there? That she just wasn’t an old, hallucinating hag? Focus… There’s no time… The magic tore through her skin, viciously trying to reach her organs and provide her body some energy. She cried out, tears forming in her ducts. After a few minutes, it was funny transferred. She nearly collapsed near her bed, but the princess somehow held herself up. Gasping for breath, she merely looked to her side- “Princ-“ Standing there, mouth unable to form words from pure surprise, was the yellow-maned guard. He had seen everything- the transfer of magic, her near collapse, and… every ounce of pain that she had just went through. If he didn’t assume she was crazy before, he definitely did now. Crap. Crap. Crap. “Blueblood… I…” Celestia mumbled. “What the hell, Princess? What- what in the… what did you just do to yourself?” he gasped, voice shaking. His crystal eyes were tired and weary, though struck with pure horror. His helmet was noticeably damaged, and his remaining front foreleg was bruised. Something had happened. “I- can…” the princess was completely caught by surprise. She had never in extremity expected that someone would uncover this part of her secret. Nopony was supposed to know she got no sleep, that she was up all night- nobody would understand, would they? Nobody was supposed to know the pain she went through just to get her body to function. They’d think she was just some mad old princess, if they already didn’t. So she had never planned a thing for if it actually happened. She had nothing to say, the one time she needed to explain everything. But how could she? And in turn, Knight Blueblood was shocked. Beyond words. Every part of his body was sore, and aching- Celestia knew for a fact he worked harder than any other subject under her. The knight knew the Princess was going through a rough patch- but he had faith that she would pull through. Celestia always had the determination and love for her citizens- that would come back. Just because she screwed up one time publicly… That one little error would not ruin the godly image of her that he carressed and knew. But now? Now, what the hell was this? What was she doing to herself? Had she completely lost her sanity? Was he wrong? Why, why why? Why in… Why in hell was this happening to him…? His Celestia, the only one who was there for him, through thick and thin… Why her? Anyone else. Anyone else. Anyone else. Blueblood had this… secret. Even as a foal, he wanted to be important to somepont. Maybe not even important. He just wanted to be loved. That’s all. But with such a rough exterior, who would ever warm up to him enough? His parents never really had time for him. If he messed up, however, they were quick to blame and get frustrated- even hit sometimes. They wanted him to become something big, something that they could be proud of. So he tried, extremely hard. It never was enough, not even for a measly hour of just… talking to him. That’s all he wanted. He just wanted someone to stay with him. But he needed to try harder. As he grew into a teenager, he soon realized everything he tried was never enough. Maybe they didn’t care at all. It wasn’t any use. So all he wanted to do was run away- the furthest he could get from his parents, only the bleak reminder of their unexistant love remaining in their stern eyes. He was just a kid… And he wanted to leave. He wanted to make a change on the Earth, and do something important. Maybe he could prove them wrong. He ran away. He joined Royal knight training. It was a stupid choice, and he knew nopony from his family would support the decision; “You should’ve become a doctor, a lawyer! Now your life is at risk!” But he was tired of fearing his family, following their guidelines. He trained his hardest, motivated by the others, as well as the history he had learned as a colt. He loved the stories of Celestia and Luna, and how they protected Equestria and brought forth night and day. Blueblood wanted to protect them aswell, and be of service to his land. However, because of his young age, he wasn’t permitted to become a knight quickly. His classmates were regularly picked but, but he had no family to run back to. So he often slept outside the cold, freezing castle- until he was found and brought inside by Princess Luna. Blueblood was so young, so scared, being led by the princess into the main room to be examined. He even feared for his life. The colt lost his breath when he saw the sun princess. Beautiful, elegant- she was even more enchanting than the stories portrayed. And more than all, she was merciful. He expected sharp orders to come out from her mouth, like the insults that poured from his mothers mouth, but- she… heard him out. He explained his situation, about his family and how he joined the Knight training. Celestia pitied him, and took him in. Blueblood was sure he was dreaming- him? Somepony as worthless as him, to be taken in by such a magnificent queen? But each night, after his immense training, he would be called back to the castle. He was given a nice room to sleep, and good food to eat; Celestia called for him every time, and they would talk for a bit. At first, the colt was hesitant, but when realizing how much Celestia cared, he opened up. After a year or so, he even picked up calling her “auntie”. It delighted him, but he wondered why his parents didn’t even look for him. No matter the love from others… No matter how much he resented them… No mater how much he was reminded of their cruelty from every little bruise… That thought never faded from his mind. They really didn’t care. But Celestia did. Every night was the same, until he was of age to genuinely join the knight service. The stallion began to sorrow a bit, realizing he would spend less and less time with his “aunt”, whom he loved dearly. He was one of the best in the army, passionate and swift on his hooves. Celestia’s care for him only strengthened his reasons to fight. Soon, Blueblood became an inspiration to many, becoming a general and fighting bravely. Whenever he was home, and when he was off duty, he would try to spend some time with Celestia. Though both were insanely busy, their bond never broke. The princess cared for him, and loved him for who he was. That was why he struggled to save her life, to get to her when Nightmare Moon destroyed the castle. That’s why he kept living even when he lost a limb. Why he kept going even though she was never the same since Luna was banished. So… why her? “Blueblood, please… just hear me out. I didn’t get any sleep last night. I didn’t get any energy. I was working on… confidential… I needed to get the energy or I would literally just pass out while raising the sun and moon, and this was the only wa-“ “Celestia. We both know that is a lie. We both know… nothing has been the same since she was banished. This isn’t a one time thing, isn’t it? Have you been getting literally no sleep? Is that why you look like a zombie of yourself? Is that why you cry out, why you…” his voice staggered, though it was stern. A stern yell Celestia hadn’t heard in so long. “What? I look like… you can…” “EVERYPONY can tell, Celestia. Nopony knows whats going on with you. They all think you’re nuts, they all think you’re crazy, that you’re no good! And here you are, literally torturing yourself, and… heaven knows what else you’ve done but… What is this? Why? What’s going on? Just talk to me, I’m worried. Everyone is worried.” “I’m not torturing myself. I…” she laughed a little, a tear rolling past her cheek. “I’m… so sorry, Blueblood. I know what everypony thinks, is that why you’re bruised up? Were they protesting? Oh Lord, what do I do…” “Why… Aun- your Highness, why did you run out on the Summer Sun Celebration? What happened? Please.” Blueblood’s voice reeked with concern. “Blueblood, I… I panicked. I haven’t been in front of a crowd since… Luna was banished. I did that to her. I hurt her. It was my fault she turned this way. And I… Should not have run away from them. But they will not understand, they never will. I won’t transfer energy like that again, I promise it was a one time thing. I’ve just been working so hard indoors, its never been expressed outdoors.” she spat, her ducts watering up, knowing nearly every word she spoke was a lie. The knight sighed. “You’re backtracked on your work. Look, I know how much her banishment has phased you. But she’s coming back, no matter how long a thousand years may feel. And I know you probably feel guilty… but… you did your best. She knows you love her. Promise me now you won’t do it again. I’m… It’s getting hard, you know?” he paused. “I love you like a real aunt, like a mother, even. But it’s hard supporting you sometimes. It’s really impacted you. But I will continue supporting you. I broke up the protest, just… try to express yourself outward more. Also, its 6:10…” Celestia looked at him, pain reflecting in her eyes. Wouldn’t it all just be a lie? Why did he care so much? Why did he trust her so much? “I promise.” He looked at her one more time, putting on a worried gaze. He nodded and trotted out. “Lies, lies, lies. He cares about you so much, it’s really a shame, it is.” “Stop it.” Celestia muttered. “I will not focus on you.” Closing her eyes, the princess wrapped her magic around the moon, pulling it from all sides. Her grip tightened, and her forehead was wrinkling a bit. She thrusted in downwards, as forcefully as she could, but it wasn’t gone entirely. “Ugh, you make it look so hard. It’s not that big of a deal, just try to swiftly pull!“ Celestia tugged harder now, until it finally dropped. Her job was not over yet, though. The shining sun now made her eyes weary, she no longer wanted to gaze into its depths. She shut her eyes tighter this time, and pulled forward. Foward. Foward. Forward… For….ward. “Finally, goodness gracious! You act like you’re giving birth every time.” Celestia drew in a sharp breath, sweat streaming down her face. Her chest burned. She wanted to lay there forever. But she had work, citizens to care for. She looked towards her pile of work which had tripled over the past days- and sighed, forcing herself over to start and finish it. Eyes heavy, she was like a machine. Her hooves moved without order, her brain too tired to think it through. Her answers came by nature, not thinking hard. Unable to think hard. Hours of work were completed, and hours of work were to go. Finally, Celestia saw a letter she had to focus on. It was covered in gold and pearls, royally packaged. Her eyes lazily skimmed the title: “Regarding the Treaty of Equestria”. Wait now, treaty of Equestria? When had she agreed to this? She rapidly ripped open the envelope. Dearest Celestia, It has been long since I have written you a letter, or likewise. I hope you and your people have been keeping well; I wish I could say the same for Hippogriffia. However, Mount Aris has been attacked by a vicious monster, which we are unable to beat with the armies we have. He calls himself the “Storm King”. We are forced to find an alternative and escape- our land has been invaded and we do not have the power to take it back. I remember- maybe a decade back- we had made an agreement to start a formal treaty. I’m sure you were bound by your work, but neither of us formally agreed on it. Now that my country is of need, I ask of you to agree to it. We are unsure of whether we can evacuate in time- our home is being destroyed. Please, Celestia- you know our strengths, and that we will gladly help you in times of need. Thank you. Queen Novo Another piece of paper was stuffed in the package: the treaty letter. “A war, hm?” Celestia mumbled. It had been long since she had dealt with something this… serious. Queen Novo never really had good relations with the princess- eh, maybe even bad. They had agreed to make a treaty, but shortly afterwards, all export from Equestria to Hippogriffia was banned. She had no idea why, but it had impacted the economy. And… now Novo was in need. No, multiple Hippogriffs were in need. This was real, extremely real. She needed to ask someone advice- someone wiser than her, someone who would know what to do. “If everything went normally, if you were normal… then you would know what to do. Exactly what to do. It’s tragic, actually. You could’ve done so much.” The ghost muttered. “Star Swirl. He’s the only one… Who will know,” Celestia whispered. “Exactly… What to do.” “But he’ll press you to do things you don’t want to. Remember last time?” Luna giggled as Celestia winced from the raw memories. “It’ll only be worse this time, so… Maybe figure it out yourself. Also, he’s-“ “You know I can’t do it on my own. I’ll mess up. It’ll all be my fault. Not only my citizens, but- but hers, as well.” “As if you already hadn’t…” Luna was right, though. If Celestia were to approach Star Swirl, he’d make her do something crazy and out of her very tight comfort zone. And he obviously wouldn’t give her a straightforward answer. But again, it was… Her comfort zone, or the safety of thousands of creatures. “What will it be, ‘Sister’? Will you be selfish, or will you be a big girl and do something responsible for once?” “I’m not-“ “You know you are. I knew it. You’re horrible, why did I even have hope? You’re too scared to ask Star Swirl. You’re too lazy to think about what to do yourself. So ignore the letter, ignore it all, just like you ignored me. Maybe that’ll kill off some more important people and you’ll learn your lesson then.” “… Please, Luna, I just-“ “It’s pathetic.” she spat. “Pathetic. I’m dead, Celestia. I am dead. You know why. You know what happened. Is history going to repeat itself, this time with a thousand more lives at stake?” Silence. “No. No… I’ll… I’ll do whatever to make the right decision.” Celestia said, fear lurking in her voice. Her soul- unready, unknowing; Something inside of her knew she wouldn’t be back for a long time. She opened the door.