The Second Party
Cadance
I watched the zombie of a pony before me illustrating the proper way to condense your magic into a shield. It was an impressive and useful skill but, I will freely admit that I was more concerned with my teacher than the lesson she was giving. In the one week since our last midnight tryst, I had seen Sunset’s decorum sharply decline. She still held a single-minded focus on her tasks with complete disregard for every pony else, but I could tell from the circles under her eyes that something was wrong. The times that she would almost drift off to sleep standing up didn’t help either, but any time I mentioned it to her she would glare at me before informing me to focus on my lesson.
I was half tempted to mention that having a teacher that is dead on their hooves is not much of a teacher, but considering the last time I had questioned her effort she had… well snapped. I may not be the smartest of ponies, but I can learn from my mistakes. The rather terrifying end of our first lesson aside, the rest of it however, was a wonderful experience, as I got to learn from the strongest Unicorn of my time. It was amazing she spared no time figuring out my current level of Unicorn magic control and even gave me a book on how to fully use my newfound Earth Pony strength. If this was the amount of effort she put into teaching some pony she didn’t like I could only wonder how much she gave some pony she did like.
However she didn’t seem to like any pony other than Celestia, and I had seen firsthand that the relationship was rather strained. According to a few of the guards they had a rather explosive falling out about four years ago. Before that, however, Sunset was a bit bullheaded but was inseparable from Celestia, where one went the other followed. According to one of the librarians that I had overhead, Sunset had been caught with a book of dark magics. She hadn't been expelled from the castle so she had likely committed a lesser offense. I doubted Celestia would simply allow Sunset to remain within this castle's walls after learning dark magic.
I wish I could say that I couldn’t see it, but I could see the unicorn in front of me using dark magic. She was scary enough with regular magics, wherever she went she often burned the air. She at times seemed more like a force of nature rather than a pony. Her performance with the training room door was eye-opening. If Celestia hadn’t stepped in when we first met… I didn’t want to think about what would have happened. Thankfully the fiery Unicorn kept her temper checked most of the time.
That didn’t mean she wasn’t a nice pony, just that at the moment she was much scarier than nice. That was no reason to give up, however. I had dealt with ponies that favored magic over others before and came out on top. Celestia wanted the two of us to get along, and if she was willing to put aside her dislike of me I could do the same. That said I could only force myself to smile as I watched Sunset shake herself awake only to repeat the same thought.
“In general the denser you make your shield the fewer projectiles will get through. That does not completely mean you are protected by your shield, however many magics can get through a simple shielding spell and more esoteric magics can pierce even the strongest of shields.” Sunset lectured, pausing every so often to stifle a yawn. She then demonstrated by forming a flickering red shield around a watermelon and then proceeded to blast it to smithereens.
She then asked me to form a shield around another watermelon she had prepared. I nodded and focused on my will, feeling my horn contort the magic to my will. Imagining a bead of force erupting from the watermelon to become its shield. I then proceeded to watch in horror as the watermelon exploded, expecting to get covered in the now pulverized fruit. I quickly closed my eyes and waited for the watermelon's flesh to hit me… Slightly opening an eye to see a red shield dissipate allowing the watermelon guts to fall to the floor in front of me.
I turned to Sunset to thank her but she simply nodded as if she expected this to happen. She proceeded to ignore my terror and simply stated “That is why we started with fruit.” Before she summoned another watermelon and told me to try again. “This time focus on forming the shield around it, not starting from within it.”
Glaring lightly at my tutor I tried again, following her advice, and a faint pink smoke was surrounding the watermelon. I let out a triumphant smile as I turned to Sunset, who had once more had to shake herself awake. She congratulated me in her usual backhanded way. Recommending I spend an hour or so practicing on fruit a day before I felt comfortable enough to move on to living creatures. After a few hours, and more practice Sunset announced that this session was finished. “I have ordered a book for you to learn more defensive ways to use your Pegasus magic. It will be initially up to you on how to best learn, however.” She concluded and then in a burst of flames left.
She knew how to exit. I will give her that. Didn’t make it any less rude, however. Disregarding the foul temperament of my teacher I did have to get going myself. I began the solitary journey through the castle, towards the room that Celestia designated tea room. She wanted to continue to discuss the details of my future. Over the last week, we had been making plans and considering possibilities, Of which included my coronation to an actual princess.
I couldn’t help but be impressed at the thoroughness of Celestia. She was considerate of my every feeling and opinion. Whenever I felt as if something wouldn't be a right fit, she would offer numerous alternatives. Even with my rather foalish desire to finish up my schooling at Canterlot High, she agreed with it. Saying that it would be good to experience even more of Canterlot. It is as everyone says “Princess Celestia always has a plan.” Being able to see the planning process, no being a part of the process was an amazing experience.
Upon making my way to the tea room once again, not getting lost at all this time, I raised my hoof and lightly knocked.
“Enter” Came the warm voice of Celestia. I pushed forward the door and once more saw her lounging in the same chair from last week's tea time. I waved a short greeting with my wing before sitting down in the offered chair. “How have you been Cadance?” Princess Celestia asked as she put down a large purple binder.
“Pretty good Auntie, I didn’t even get lost today.” I had nearly gotten lost in the Crystal Castle again. You would think that after exploring it for years at this point that my sense of direction would be better. But that was in my dreams so Celestia didn't need to know about that. I also didn’t count the fact that I had accidentally gone to the gardens instead of the kitchen this morning. After all I was hungry after a long night of searching and just woke up, it was an honest mistake that wouldn’t happen again. “I also managed to get Ramse to stop calling me Mi Amore Cadenza finally,” I said, pausing to shoot her a heat-less glare. Celestia simply gave me a smile in return and my glare grew smaller.
We both chuckled as she levitated two empty marble white teacups. Then summoning two bags and placing one in her bag and placing one next to my bag. Again? I willed my magic to lightly grab the tea bag. Imagining two spectral hooves gently grabbing it before placing it into the awaiting cup. After a few seconds of concentration, I succeeded. I relaxed my mental hold and smiled at Celestia.
“Impressive, you didn’t even need a second bag today. I am glad to see that you are putting forth the required effort to master your new talents.” Celestia said as she returned my smile. I was glad she hadn't mentioned the first time she had me do this little practice of hers. I was still mortified that I had covered her in tea leaves. “And if I recall correctly you and Sunset had another lesson today. What did you two go over today?”
“We mostly went over the theory of basic shielding spells, but at the end, we practiced. I even got it at the end… Well after I exploded a watermelon.” I admitted after a short pause. Celestia nodded before responding.
“I am glad to hear that you have started with the basics and have been going over the theory behind the magic you cast. All too often those that are gifted in the arcane arts rely on their natural talents to get by. Never questioning why they can do something, only knowing that they can.” Celestia said without a pause. At this moment I could easily see the resemblance between her and Sunset. “Your Unicorn magic aside, have you been having any trouble with your newfound strength? Has there been any difficulties with your Pegasus magic?” Celestia questioned as she adopted a thoughtful look.
“Other than a single incident I have been good on the newfound strength, as Sunset got me a book on various Earth pony techniques and battle strategies.” That’s strange. I could see the spark of surprise in her eyes. “I also haven't had time to just go out and fly lately so I have no idea about my Pegasus magic. But Sunset also has ordered a book on Pegasus techniques; however, that hasn’t arrived yet.” I concluded as I watched Celestia’s face. It shifted from the previous look to a blank wall showing no emotion.
It was not a pleasant face, especially in consideration of the bright and sunny smiles that often adorned Celestia’s face. Her always present smile shadowed, her eyes still as bright, but now there was a sharpness that wasn’t there before. Gone was the ever-present warmth, replaced with a coiling heat that spiraled from the Princess of the Sun. It was unsettling how quickly she changed. What was worse, I had no idea what I had said that had caused the change?
I could see Celestia's eyes piercing into me, it felt as if she wasn’t just seeing me, but my very soul. I stayed still in this heated silence waiting for Celestia to… do something, anything at all. I have no idea what caused this. All I said was that Sunset was teaching me. Celestia was even the one who asked her to do it. I was even against it.
“If you wouldn’t mind me asking, has Sunset done anything strange lately.” Came the warm reply from Celestia. The room quickly returned to its welcoming warmth. A small questioning smile rested upon her lips. I would have believed that everything was fine were it not for the fact that her eyes still held their previous sharpness. I gulped before responding, trying to wet my parched mouth.
“Not really. Other than looking exhausted I have only seen her twice, since our previous meeting.” I coughed out. Looking towards Celestia she motioned her head towards me to continue so I continued. “We by chance met the night after my first lesson at the kitchens. Well, I couldn’t see her but she is the only pony that makes you feel like you are standing in a volcano when she is mad. And when I called her name the heat disappeared immediately.” I finished and grabbed my teacup attempting to drink it only to realize that there was no water. Only the teabag that plopped against my muzzle.
“She is exhausted is she?” I could hear Celestia mutter under her breath. “If that is everything, I believe everything to be alright.” Why would it not be alright? Was something wrong? I mean Sunset has acted strange even hostile ever since we first met, but why would Celestia act like this? Especially when she asked Sunset to be the one who taught me. She was the one who recommended that I put aside the first meeting and be the bigger pony. After I was nearly a pile of ashes.
“Would there be a reason everything wasn’t alright?” I asked as I pushed the tea bag back into the cup. Celestia looked at me, the sharpness from her eyes fading as she sighed. Instead of immediately responding she summoned water into the two teacups. She began to stir her own for a minute before responding.
“I am sure that you have noticed that Sunset and I do not get along?” She questioned in a voice that sounded too small to come from the pony in front of me. Putting aside my introduction to Sunset and the horror show that had been performed. That was an understatement judging from the performance Sunset put on during the previous tea time. Some rumors had even spread to my village. About how the ruler of Equestria and her student no longer saw eye to eye. That the student had fallen into the habit of burning all those who get in her way.
My introduction to the royal castle had confirmed the truth of those particular rumors, while the rest of them seemed more and more likely. Taking a moment to collect myself. I then nodded my head once, barely a tip of my head, but it was enough to confirm what I knew Celestia already had known yet wanted confirmation.
“I am concerned with the possibility that Sunset would harm you in a misguided attempt to re-earn my favor.” Silence reigned once more within the tea room after Celestia spoke. Ah. That… yeah that would be a reasonable concern considering our introduction. We are better now. Much better than attempted murder, but if I thought Sunset would sooner pull me out of a fire or add more fuel. Well, I knew that I would be a charbroiled Alicorn. I had hoped that after what had happened she would calm down and she did. Somewhat by ignoring my entire existence it felt like. Until Celestia asked her to be my teacher.
“If you are so concerned with Sunset hurting me why did you want her to teach me?” I couldn’t help, but break the silence to ask the question that had been rattling around within my head since I first heard Celestia say those words.
“It is as I said initially, so the two of you would be able to move past your beginning and be able to work together in the future. Alone you both will be blazing stars that could bring the best from every pony, but together believe that you both could change Equestria for the better.” Celestia replied with her softened tone. “However, I had been prepared for a multitude of outcomes for my proposal. None of them had Sunset freely helping you. As much as it shatters my heart to say she isn’t a kind pony anymore. I have seen her become twisted over the years and I fear that she has a plan regarding you.”
Silence reigned once more as I digested the words that Celestia had spoken. That painted a rather different picture of the most recent meetings that I had with the amber unicorn in a far darker light. I had no misunderstandings if the two of us were to cross wings she would be the victor. She was a magical prodigy who had spent years under Celestia’s tutelage and I was a pony that managed to get lucky. I would be fortunate to be incinerated instantly.
“I am sorry Mi Amore Cadenza but your safety is not something that I am willing to risk. I truly wish that Sunset wouldn’t dare harm you but on the chance that I have once more misjudged her, I would rather ensure your safety.” Celestia softly stated as she pulled out a small silver brooch from under the crook of her wing. “This is a form of added insurance, as long as the sun is in the sky no matter where you are you can be returned to my side.” She stated before gently pushing it towards me. It slid over the ornate table with not a sound made, before stopping just a hoof away from me.
I gingerly grabbed it feeling the cool metal through my hooves. It was completely made of silver with intricately designed stars surrounding a larger sun. I looked back to Celestia who had fallen silent watching me inspect the brooch. Pausing to collect my thoughts I spoke up finally.
“Wouldn’t Sunset be able to see this? Or detect it? I know she has quite a few diagnosis spells in her arsenal.” If Sunset were to find out that I had something like this… I had no idea how she was going to react other than throwing copious amounts of fire at me. Which would be something I would rather avoid. I had nearly been a flash-fried pony once, I would rather it not happen again.
“I designed it so that once it is put on any pony that it would use its magic to cloak itself. Using their unique magic as a cover for its actual purpose. After it has attached itself to your magic it would appear to simply be a brooch to even the mightiest of spells.” Celestia answered with a calm and collected tone. Her soft eyes met my frantic gaze and I couldn’t help but relax slightly.
I slipped it onto my mane attaching it at the base. After a short moment, I felt a wave of cool rush over my body before dissipating. “To activate it simply use your magic to twist the sun on the brooch.” It took me a moment but my magic grasped at the small silver sun and twisted it. There was a flash of disorienting light and I found myself splayed out next to Celestia, who looked down at me from her chair. An amused smile rested on her lips. “I do believe that it works then?” She questioned failing to hold back an amused chuckle.
“It does” I huffed out as I pushed myself back up and trotted back to my seat. Sitting down with a thump I picked up the tea. After a few quick sips, I once more spoke up. “If Sunset is as bad as every pony says she is… Why is she still here?” My voice ended quieter than it had started, but based on the look on Celestia’s face she had heard me all the same. Her face once more was comparable to a marble statue. Only breaking when she picked up her teacup and took a sip.
“That is a question that I have heard all too often as of late.” She answered her eyes, meeting mine, but not looking at me. “I could say it is for several reasons, to ensure her safety, to rehabilitate her of her new ways, to see what good she can still contribute to Equestria. It is not something so wonderful or great, but in truth, it is because I am selfish.” She concluded only at the very end did her vision return here. No longer caught by whatever she was seeing in my place.
She didn’t answer my question. Based on the way she had reacted, the reason was a deeply personal one. We both took some time to drink our tea. Each adjusted to the words that had been said. After I drained my cup I began to fiddle with the new brooch that adorned my mane. Hoping that I would never need it. However, Celestia had known Sunset for far longer than I had. Things weren’t looking the greatest on that particular front.
“While I may be selfish on this matter, I promise you this Cadance upon all that I still hold dear that if Sunset harms you she will be ejected from this castle to never return.” Celestia stated with finality, her mane flashing. At this moment I could see the pony that had ruled Equestria for countless years. “Let us not discuss such matters anymore. Do you have any other topics you would prefer to discuss?”
“Well, are you still requiring my coronation to be such a grand event? I mean the inviting of foreign dignitaries and a ball? I can’t help but think that it is a bit much.” I questioned my voice starting small but growing louder. This was Celestia, the one pony who everyone could count on. She smiles at me, shaking her head lightly.
“I am sorry but as the future Princess of Love-” I felt my cheeks begin to warm as I once more heard my future title. “-You are expected to perform your new role. In this case, a large coronation to properly introduce you to the entirety of Equestria.” She once more chuckled at the face I realized that I was making.
“Isn't it supposed to be my coronation?” I let slip past my mouth. Celestia’s eyes lost their amusement and softened.
“It is but you will soon find out that no matter the pony we all have our parts to play. From those that work the fields, to the guard-ponies, to even us Princesses we all have expectations set upon us according to our role.” She said as she got up and wrapped one of her wings around me. I burrowed myself into the offered warmth.
“I didn’t want to become a Princess. I didn’t want any of this. I…” I mumbled into Celestia’s side. Embracing the hug that was offered by the larger pony. “I was no pony, not special like you at all. I was a foal sitter and a half decent matchmaker.”
“I have seen countless ponies and believe me when I say this Cadance no pony is more special than one another. We are each special in our unique ways that are incomparable to one another. You say you don’t want to be a Princess? Well, let me tell you a little secret.” Celestia’s voice lowered as she continued. “I didn’t want to be one either.”
She didn’t want to be a Princess? That made no sense. Celestia was the only princess Equestria had. She was there from the beginning. She with a single hoof had pushed back countless horrors and monsters. Tirek, Discord, Grogar, and so many more. She was the shining pillar of light that stood strong as Equestria's foundation.
“If you didn’t want to be a Princess why are you one?” I couldn't help but ask the alicorn in front of me.
“Because I love all my little ponies. They needed a leader, a protector, and some pony to guide them. Just like you wanted to protect your home. Your family.” Celestia said with a bright smile. The hug that I was embraced in, tightened slightly as Celestia continued. “It’s not the crown, nor the title that makes a Princess. It's the pony, and their capacity to care. Cadance, I know how much you care. That alone makes you a perfect Princess.”
At this point, I couldn’t help but begin to wipe the tears that had fallen to my muzzle on Celestia’s wing. She was perfect. She knew exactly what to say to make me feel better. I felt the shadow that had hovered over me since I had gained my horn dissipate. Now replaced with the warmth of the Princess of the Sun and her faith.
“What happens when I mess up?” I couldn’t help but ask. I didn’t have the experience of Celestia. Nor did I have the power of Sunset. What I had was my knowledge of love and the skills of a foal sitter. If I was to help rule Equestria I doubted those skills would be in high use.
“I will be here to help you learn from your mistakes. You don’t need to worry about being perfect. All you need to worry about is doing your best.” Celestia said with a soft smile once more adorning her lips.
The silence was not broken until Celestia had to go meet with the captain of the guards about an hour later. “Cadance you may not see it now but I have seen that you will be a Princess that every pony looks up to,” Celestia said as she left the tea room.
“Thank you, Auntie,” I called back. Still not moving from my spot. Taking a minute to collect myself. Celestia knew best right? She after all had been around and ruling Equestria for nearly a thousand years. She couldn’t possibly make a mistake. I straightened my back as I hopped out of the chair.
I would do my part to ensure that I would be ready to help rule Equestria. To that end, I would first need to finish learning how to properly use my new strengths. Luckily enough I had a rather fancy tome that would teach me how to use them. I began making my way to the library with the Faithful Battle Tome in the hoof.
I hadn’t gotten too far into it and wanted to continue my progress. It was a rather strange book, all things considered, a collection of notes with countless additions and subtractions edited in over the original writings. It provided all sorts of ways to use your strength to your advantage. From turning a pony into a wrecking ball to a nigh unmovable blockade. That is not even considering the numerous diets and exercises that it contained. All to improve one's body to the extreme.
It was a true piece of beauty for within its pages the heart and souls of countless soldiers were preserved. I could feel the love and care they had put into this tome. Each made sure that their additions and changes were of the best that they could provide. So that in the future their knowledge would be in turn cherished.
After I entered the library I found a cozy chair and proceeded to pick up where I had left off. Losing count of the hours that passed while I had my muzzle in the tome. It was only when I heard a polite coughing that my eyes slid from the pages to a brown pony.
“Excuse me Princess Cadance, but I am the last librarian and my shift has just ended.” The brown pony said in what I believed to be a Manehatten accent.
“Ah, my apologies. I will leave immediately.” I quickly slipped the bookmark into its new spot and began to slip the battle tome into my saddlebag. “I sort of got caught up in my readings and lost track of the time.” I received a polite smile in return from the pony as I quickly exited the library.
Feeling the time quickly catching up to me as I felt my stomach begin to complain that I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. The tea with Celestia didn’t count. Especially with the added amount of food that an alicorn needed. I had easily doubled the amount that I had eaten since I had ascended. The thoughts of food and at the urging of my stomach I started to trot to the kitchen.
Thanks to getting lost so much over the last two weeks even in the darkened halls of the castle I knew my way around. Taking a glance at the large swaths of darkness I resolved to ask Sunset how to cast a light spell. Unlike her, I didn’t have any sort of night vision and so I went guided by the moonlight. The torches giving off faint traces of light, but that paled in comparison to the reflected light from the moon.
Upon making it to the entrance of the kitchen I pushed open the doors and grabbed one of the prepackaged meals that Ramse had prepared on my request. Pulling open the bundle I saw a daffodil sandwich that was elegantly prepared. Quickly chowing down on the sandwich, making sure not to make a mess, I grabbed another bundle before repeating the process.
The entire time I was staring at the door lit by candlelight wondering if Sunset would come through once more. If this was going to be the next part of her plan. That this would lead to her and Celestia once more being close. I sighed putting down the second sandwich as I lightly rubbed at my eyes. This was complicated.
Sunset… hates, would probably be the most fitting description, for me. Is currently at odds with Celestia, and is now teaching me upon her request. I was warned by the ruler of Equestria herself that Sunset would potentially harm me. To that extent, I was further warned that I was being used as a pawn by Sunset to regain her place in Celestia’s eyes. With how focused she is on making sure that I fully master the material she has prepared for me.
That all makes sense but like with many things regarding the ponies of the castle not everything fits. Sunset was abrasive and dodged every question that Celestia had asked of her during the tea party. Always sidestepping the questions that were directed at how she was doing or turning them towards me. Otherwise she had been content to stay silent, her eyes staying fixated on Celestia. Rarely straying from the Princess that had raised her. When I looked into her eyes I could see a deluge of emotions so deep that I couldn't tell what she was feeling.
However she didn’t always wear her hatred. There were moments, few as they were, that she seemed just like a normal pony for a moment. At times a smile would flicker upon her face before being smothered. It was at times like that she seemed much less like the demon she was touted as, but as a brilliant Unicorn who was going to change the world. She was a complicated pony who at the moment was disregarding her ill will toward me and still teaching me.
In truth, she was going beyond simply teaching me. She was giving me invaluable advice when I asked for it. Finding a priceless tome that would teach me how to use my newfound strength. I was glad I took Celestia’s advice to be the bigger pony and offer the hoof of reconciliation. Even after nearly getting incinerated.
Hopefully, the two of us would bridge the remaining divide that still existed between us. Ignoring the possibility that she was using me at the moment for the hope of a friend my age. As it was just the two of us until I got to enter Canterlot High.
“The future looks bright all things considered” I couldn’t but yawn as the candle by the kitchen door flickered out. In turn, I once more looked towards the moon that still hung on the horizon. The mare on the moon was unobstructed by the clouds that had begun to cover the sky.