Luna's Deception
After a grueling journey back down to the south east. The party lead by Sin finally reached the mountain side capital city of Equestria: Canterlot. Had it not been for the heavier cloaks provided by a near by village, it was questionable if the four would have survived the trip. Granted the southern side of Equestria was a welcome bit warmer than the northern, however, not enough so that proper winter clothing would be anything less than necessary.
"Finally," Spike proclaimed taking a seat on the recently snow covered ground. The party had gotten used to trudging in the quasi-frozen winter precipitation in recent weeks; not to say they particularly enjoyed it by any means. Matter of fact, Macintosh and Shade would audibly curse whenever they witnessed pegasi preparing a storm for the day. Though, the many hours of perseverance and encouragement they gave one another, had hardened the hearts and minds of all involved.
Add to that Spikes joy that he had finally been given his own things, true to his word, Sin had began to assist the baby dragon in his growth by allowing him to hold more than just a food supply. Though, whenever the wyrm would act in any kind of over indulging act of greed, the liberty pony would immediately remove one item from the dragon's satchel as punishment. It took some getting used to, and left Sin sleeping with one eye open after a certain incident that involved a gem carving set.
"We've been walking for six damn weeks!" The purple dragon announced shifting his neck to the side with an audible crack.
"N' it paid off." Macintosh said before her looked onto the great castle held within the city walls. He and Spike had talked about the fact that Hearths Warming Eve was coming up, and the play that stared their six friends, and even Spike himself as the narrator. They spoke of their concerns about seeing the others there, and even though they dismissed it as unlikely, a small churning still lingered in their stomachs about their friends and families reactions to seeing them again.
Star Shade had been given a darker blue cloak instead of a tanned brown one, and in typical 'Shade' fashion, he managed to some how add a zipper to the front so that the non-hooded cape turned into a sleeping bag. The more Macintosh thought about it, the more the black pegasus reminded him of a certain pink party mare from back home. He cringed, the thought of the two meeting each other sent his heart into an unprecedented race of terror.
"Parties and violence... yea, I can't see that ending well either."
Sin checked over the cache of gems he had personally stored under his cloak to trade for currency, compliments of Spikes new hobby, the jewels had been expertly chizzled to pleasing shapes, and very well shined. If what Mac and Spike said were true, then Canterlot would be full of Unicorns just itching for some new gems to work with, and with such a supply and his willingness to under cut the competition, the liberty pony assured the others that they would be able to raise funds for a decent hotel.
After a quick break, the party quickly approached the base of the mountain, the sun beginning it's post mid day decline. Macintosh hoped by all things pony that they would get into town at least before the cold night overtook them again. He had grown quite aggravated with sleeping on the ground in winter weather, not to mention some... Other things that happened in order to preserve body heat at night.
It didn't take the group long to reach the city gates, though the red stallion had never been to the capital before, he was confused by the lack of ponies coming in or leaving the area. He had heard about pegasus drawn chariots flying to escort the royal sisters to and from their palace, though he couldn't imagine that many could afford such a luxury. As they approached the opened city gate, two golden clad royal guards greeted them with their typical stone and serious expressions.
"Halt!" one of them called, both bringing their spears to block the entrance to the city. "Identify you-" He stopped as soon as he saw the young dragon give a long and impatient groan. "Oh, the assistant of her majesties pupil." The earth pony guard gave a quick solute, his associate following soon after. "My apologize, please; Princess Luna is awaiting you."
Spike gave a snide smirk before proudly marching by the guards, mumbling to Mac about how his reputation had proceeded him. Sin followed behind Star Shade who gave and received a skeptical glance from the Celestial guardsponies.
Mac's mouth gaped after entering the city, some how it seemed alot smaller from outside the wall. Magnificent alabaster marble pillars arose with golden domes off in the distance, shops and residents were decorated and primed clean for the event that was to come in a few days. The crowd mostly consisted of higher class unicorns, some gave Mac an odd and curious glance before continuing on with their noses rung high.
He looked down to the cobblestone ground, he had never seen this style of flooring save a few roads he had traveled on a special deliver of apples outside of Ponyville. "I suppose we should head to the Castle." Sin sighed before he continued on the road. Mac was still stuck in awe of the magnificent detail of the City, there were different floors to it; the roads connected to a few ramps that lead to the higher levels, and with each level gained the buildings became even more luxurious, and it's inhabitants more... judgmental.
About half an hour later, and some strange and glances that dripped with a superiority complex, they had finally arrived to the palace proper. As they approached the heavily guarded main gate, Macintosh noticed a rather large gathering of ponies restricted by a phalanx of royal guards, however the ponies weren't looking at the guards nor the castle. They were all intently focused on a larger green earth pony with a mallet for a cutie mark.
The green ponies voice was rough and loud, he was yelling at the gathered about something to do with the workers being extorted and not having a say in how the fruits of their labor are used.
"They take our time and our labor! Give us nothing more than what THEY deem we are worthy for! The gentle laboror gets the scraps from the tables while THEY live in comfortable homes and have enough for all, but to themselves! And the supposed 'government' those who are supposed to protect us, turn a blind eye! Well I say NO MORE!" He called, summoning a wild cheer from the crowed before him
Before anymore could be said, Spike had convinced the celestial servants to let them pass. As the three walked in, the farm stallion noticed Sin staring intently at the rally leader.
"Sin?" Mac called.
Sin stood motionless, his attention fixated on every word the green pony was saying. Mack nudged the brown stallion who gave a surprised jump. "Huh?" Sin called absently, almost innocently. Mac pointed his hoof indicating to follow. "Right, right. Sorry." He apologized as he began to walked to catch up. Mac eyed the liberty pony with concern, Sin walked forward but his head was still turned to listen to the preaching.
After they were finally out of ear shot, Mac noticed Sin relaxed, though his head was down trodden. Before he could question it, they entered the main hall and were greeted by two very tired looking black clad Royal Night guards. They recognized Star Shade immediately and narrowed their eyes, which the dark pony returned with a growl.
"Star Shade, who'd a thought I'd see your happy flank again?" Called the left guard, his voice dripping with venom.
Mac decided to stop this before it got started and held up a hoof. "We don' wan' any trouble naw." he called atracting both the guards attention. "So, ta' us to th' princess, or clear out!" The stallion bit his tongue but kept his face stern. he was surprised at how rude he had been, it was true he was tired and cranky from his time out in the wilderness; but he had never once even considered speaking to anypony in such a way. Let alone the personal guard of Princess Luna herself.
Both the dark unicorns eyes brows shot up, their eyes shrinking at the forceful command of the red giant before them. They agreed that arguing was not the best option and lead the way to see the Lunar pony.
"Nice job." Shade called happily from behind him. Mac nodded with a somber smile at his approval.
Mac took this moment to look around and enjoy the scenery and decorations of the inside of the castle. Many tapestries hung over the pure marble white walls, giving a good contrast to the red velvet carpet that lead up to the main stairway. Though the guards lead them down a hallway where the red velvet slowly turned violet than a dark shade of blue, the half celestial and half lunar tapestries gave primarily way to the later. Dark blue fire torches lighted the darkened hallway now, he could hear something behind him and he turned to find Star Shade breathing heavily.
Not that it was surprising, considering it was his trial after all, though with Sin around, he couldn't imagine the former lunar guard being imprisoned again. Finally they reached a pair of long navy blue doors with a crescent moon on each. Both lunar servants moved to open them, a bright blue light coming from within cased Mac to shield his eyes momentarily, when he allowed his hoof back down his eyes eyes widened again upon discovering the numerous dark colored ponies from within.
The two Lunar servants beckoned and the group followed, save for Shade bit his lip and his eyes narrowed. Mac looked back and wondered over to the stallion to see what was ok. "I- I" he stammered, "I don't wanna go back in the cage." He shook his head taking a few steps back from Luna's chamber. Macintosh advance placing a comforting hoof on Star's shoulder. He had never seen Shade like this, he was usually such a care free and happy pony, albeit a very random and psychologically unsound one, but never in the months spent together had the dark stallion ever shown such genuine terror.
"Don' you worry non'." Mac cooed. Shade focused his yellow eyes on Mac's comforting green ones. "Ya got friens' wh'll be righ' ther' witcha." he gave a comforting smile, Shade took a long breath and returned it. A quick thanks and the two entered the chamber to find Luna talking to Sin and Spike from atop her black and navy throne. She nodded her head and dismissed the court before her. A few minutes later, the darker shade of ponies had cleared out of the room, leaving only Macintosh, Sin, Shade, Spike, Herself and two guards standing by the door.
"Star Shade." Luna called, beckoning him to stand before her.
Shade took a calming breath and marched over the blue carpet to stand before the stairs that lead up to Luna's throne. He looked up at her with a surprising amount of resilience in his eyes as he awaited for her to speak.
Luna's gaze was not as hard as Mac had remembered it being last she saw him, a small waver of hope stood in his dread ridden heart. What if he was wrong, what if Sin's words didn't sway the lunar Alicorn?
"Star Shade, Former Night Guard to my very throne. You have been deemed a threat to yourself and to society." Luna proclaimed standing up. She began to descend the stairs, her eyes hardening the more she looked at the bat pegasus. "Your mental state, has been observed and considered unsound, you were imprisoned in the Swirl prison due to your lack of resolve and disobedience to my crown."
The last part cause Shade's eye to twitch slightly.
Mac watched as Luna stopped at the bottom of the stairs, causing the down trodden former subordinate to step back. Luna continued with a scowl. "You abandon me, you abandon the code of the Lunar Guard, and You abandon the very reason you were born, how do you plead?"
Star Shade's eyes narrowed at her last topic. "I was NOT born to serve you," He growled looking up from the very interesting piece of carpet. "I am not guilty, and no amount of judgment you pass will change that fact."
"Okay!"
"..."
"..."
"... What?"
"I said Okay." Luna chirped smiling brightly.
The mouths of: Sin, Mac, and Spike gaped at the sudden change in personality of the princess. How does a... when did she... Luna looked around to find the flabergasted faces gawking and she giggled, placing a hoof over her muzzle to help hide it. "You should see your faces." She snickered before she calmed down and began to speak again. "I've heard what happened to you, Star Shade, and I want to make it clear that I'm very displeased with it."
Mac could only nod his head in agree, he couldn't help but be stuck on the fact she said "I" instead of "we" when addressing herself.
"And as such" Luna continued, "You are here by pardoned for of your supposed crimes." She spat the last word with loathing. Star Shade stood emotionless to the sudden and abrupt revelation. Macintosh let out a small cheer before walking up and patting him on the shoulder.
"Congratulations Star Shade." Sin called with a small smile. Shade merely looked forward blankly.
"WOO HOO!" Spike chimed walking up to the other side of shade and patting him on the back. "You see Shade, it all worked out in th-"
The dark pegasus broke the small wyrm's words as he fell like a statue onto his face, a small thud echoed through out the chamber. "Uh Shade?" Spike called looking down to the paralyzed pony. "You alright dude?" Star didn't reply, he simply sat with the awkward tilt of his frozen fore hooves and head supporting his arisen lower body. Spike looked over to the amused princess and quirked a brow. "I think you broke Star Shade, princess."
"He'll be fine." Sin stated lowly, putting his hoof on Shade's back and set the rigamortis stricken pony upright. "We thank you for your time, your majesty." Sin bowed before he looked back to Luna again. "Will that be all you need?"
Luna's expression turned from playful to a sadistic form of mischievous. "Oh no, no Mister Sin." She shook her head. "There is still going to be a trial, it just wont be for Shade."
Shade's ear twitched with interest.
"Oh?"
Luna shrugged nonchalantly, "I'm afraid we have had a string of strange weapons appearing in over ten prison cells all over Equestria. One of them was given to the hooves of a foal napper. Sorry to say, we must bring YOU to justice for your crimes against the law, and against us."
Sin stood for a moment and processed the information before he shook his head and cast his eyes to the ground. "It was a trick." He scolded himself for being fooled so easily. "I can't believe I fucking fell for this."
For a moment, a look of sympathy shot over Luna's eyes before they hardened back to those of a ruler. "Yes, I'm afraid you were tricked into coming here. And as of now, you personally are not to leave the castle grounds until after you have been judged. Celestia has heard alot about you from her student: Twilight Sparkle, I assume the two of you have met?" She said, her glance shooting to Spike; who laughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of his head.
"We have," Sin stated simply.
"Good. than come, we must meet with my sister to set a time." Luna walked briskly past the four travelers and wondered out the door back to the hall.
Mac let out a sigh of relief and disappointment. He was happy that Star Shade would be allowed to go free, but disappointed that Sin was now being charged for what he had done. Though, a feeling of conflict ran over him, did he really try to help a foalnapper?
He helped YOU didn't he? A voice in the back of Big Mac's mind hissed.
Yea but, what if he kne-
Oh yes, because Sin would knowingly help a pony who wanted to take foals away and do Celestia knows what to them.
"Shade." Sin nudged the pony, breaking him from his statue like state with a blank stare. Sin gave him the closest thing he could muster to a warm smile. "You don't have to go back in the cage."
Mac was a bit taken aback by that. After the princess had not only tricked him into coming her to face his own trial, all he could think about was how Star Shade felt. A mix of pride and anger flashed over him, pride that Sin really cared about his friends, and anger over the fact that he might actually be admitting that he deserves to be here.
After Sin snapped the now pardoned pegasus free, the three migrated out of the room to follow the lunar princess. Who stood impatiently outside the chamber with a foreleg patting repeatedly on the ground. "Come then, we can't keep our sister waiting to long."
And there was the "our" instead of "my" again.
After a brisk walk down the hall, Macintosh looked over to the groups ring leader to find his face wasn't the stone cold it had been before. His mouth was open for short breaths, and he repeatedly gulped the closer they came to the main hall. "Y'all righ' Sin?"
Sin nodded then gave a little nervous chuckle. "Never been in the presence of Royalty before." Sin admitted as the left the darkened windowless hallway into the bright and open marble entryway. After their eyes readjusted to the light, they followed Luna up the staircase.
"Pft, don't worry about it." Spike scoffed, easing the tension between them as they approached the throne room. "Celestia is the most patient, kind, and loving ponies I know. After you explain to her what you've told us; I'm sure she'll let you go."
Mac couldn't help but smile, if anypony knew the princess, it was him and Twilight.
"What if she's right though?" Sin asked, more to himself than to Spike. "What if I did plan to help a foalnapper escape? I didn't see anyone do it, but then again, i didn't really study those who were arrested with out charge." He hung his head in guilt.
Spike blew a raspberry. "Eh, I'm sure one misunderstanding wont hurt your chances." Luna used her magic to open the door. A large and angry voice boomed from the newly revealed enterance, a voice Macintosh could only describe as a rival to Luna's Royal Canterlot Voice.
"TEN YEARS IN THE DUNGEON!"