//------------------------------// // 7. Rise to the Challenge // Story: Shades of Grey // by Inquisitor M //------------------------------// 7. Rise to the Challenge “Oh my gosh! What is Princess Celestia going to say?” Twilight stared at the empty table where the pile of books had been. Arriving in the audience chamber, she’d first discovered that there was no meeting scheduled, and second that the hair around her mouth was devoid of even a drop of saliva. As much as she wanted to share a few choice words with Sonata, the situation heralded a much bigger problem. After her long sleep, she had dozens, if not hundreds, of questions that needed answers, and Princess Celestia had lent her the Encyclopaedia of Forbidden Magics to start her research. It was an ancient tome, filled with exactly the kind of dangerous and controversial material the title implied, and she had been immeasurably proud to be trusted with it. Now, it was missing. “She’ll be so disappointed. She won’t be able to trust me anymore!” Her eyes flicked around the shelves of the study. Some of the books that were missing had come from these very walls, but there were still holes where they had once been. She hadn’t seen another pony since she first came down here, and there were no other ponies here now. “Twilight, you’re being silly,” she said to herself. “Sonata wouldn’t have stolen it. She’s one of Princess Celestia’s tutors at her own school.” Her eyes flicked around the shelves of the study. For some reason, reality had not altered itself to a more acceptable form, and the holes were still where they were before. “I mean, sure, she’s mean spirited, and a little stuck-up…” Again, her gaze fell on the empty table where the stack of books had been. “And she can be hard muzzled, and ruthless, and…” Twilight sighed heavily. “Yep, she totally stole it.” ( II ) Bedecked and bejewelled as Luna’s lady in waiting, Rarity walked with her head held high, accepting the attention that came her way—even when some of it was in questionable taste. With a little time to think, she equated it to the backbiting and gossip that went on at fashion shows across Equestria. She would be just as proud to represent Princess Luna in any one of those as she was now. “Is it always like this?” she quietly asked the pegasus at her side as they strolled through the lower parts of Canterlot castle. “Aye.” Rarity angled her head slightly to look at the pegasus with a raised eyebrow. He was scowling less, but she remembered the warning about his public facade. Down here, the many ponies she had seen in the courtyard were engaging in business, whether it was mercantile, political, or the more serious art of gossiping. It didn’t seem to matter which was which when it came to giving Rarity not-so-discreet glances and talking in hushed tones. Passing beyond the public hall, which sat below the audience chamber, Splashdown led her along a corridor, down a wide flight of stairs, and into the bowels of the castle. Magically augmented candles lit these corridors, with only one end of the level having windows, but rather than gloomy, Rarity found the lower light and the deep browns of varnished woodwork gave the place a warm, earthy feeling. Turning a corner, there were two of Luna’s unicorn guards in the same colours and armour as their pegasus counterparts. Each stood before a door, one each side of the corridor, and both looked up as Rarity and Splashdown approached. “Lady Rarity,” Splashdown said. “May I present my comrades, Silverlight and Vanilla.” Each of the unicorns responded when named: Silverlight, a larger unicorn of Canterlot stock, gave a reserved smile and a polite nod, whereas Vanilla beamed a cheesy grin and waggled his eyebrows. “Knock it off. Luna’s expecting us.” Vanilla rolled his eyes and bucked the door he guarded with one leg, hammering the same ritual knock that Rarity remembered when Luna arrived in her room. My room. In Canterlot castle. With Pri— stop it! Focus, you need to be here for Luna. This is your chance to get it right. Without pause for reply, the door swung open by Vanilla’s amber magic and Splashdown strode in, gesturing for her to follow with a flick of his head. Inside, Luna stood in the middle of a series of tables arranged in a ‘U’ formation, behind which were eight unicorn stallions. Thunderer stood behind Luna to the left, and Splashdown stopped just inside the door, directing Rarity with his eyes to the similar spot on her right. The tables themselves were well crafted yet bland, but the walls captured Rarity’s attention completely. Every wooden panel was a masterpiece of artistry, and the ceiling like a single, giant sculpture, spreading out from the centre. They had no colour, and the detail was hard to make out, but she found the hundreds of tiny carved ponies breathtaking. Equally so was Thunderer’s voice. “The Lady Rarity of Ponyville, lady in waiting to Princess Luna!” The room fell silent and Thunderer smirked as Rarity shot him a quick glance. Luna, too, gave her the thinnest of smiles before her face hardened and she turned back to the unicorns in front of her. “Please continue, Wind Caller.” “Umm, yes. As I was saying, Princess, there simply isn’t enough to go on,” said the dark brown unicorn on the left. The one on the right, a light grey stallion, animated a quill and sunk it into an inkpot on the desk, ready to take more notes. “If we are lacking some detail that would help us, then please enlighten me. As it is, I am afraid we have found nothing more than several dozen vague references that have led to unsubstantiated hypotheses that get us nowhere. Princess Celestia assured me that there would be some new information today, but so far I have heard nothing. I apologise for saying this, Princess, but you’re simply asking too much of us.” “No apology is necessary.” Rarity immediately recognised the formal tone that the princess hid behind. “We understand that the task is difficult, and we were expecting assistance from my sister’s protege this very morning. We ask that you send your representative to an assembly to be held this afternoon, after we have consulted with her. Is there any other way we might assist you in the meantime, sir?” “No Princess. I just don’t think there is anything we can do that we aren’t doing already. Of course, we would be honoured to do more as soon as we can.” “Err… Princess?” The turquoise unicorn on the end of the row shrunk down, sweating under the glares of the other unicorns. “There was one thing we—I mean, I—wanted to ask.” “Speak,” Luna said with a burst of volume that made the stallion flinch. “Well, there was… err, a rumour that—” He cleared his throat. “There was a rumour that the team from Princess Celestia’s school had some new information and weren’t sharing it with anypony. We really didn’t want to, well, gossip, but this seemed too important not to mention.” The stallion grinned, but wilted under Luna’s silent gaze. The princess glanced at each pony in turn. “You are not to discuss this until this afternoon’s meeting. Is that understood?” The stallions nodded unanimously. “Good. Then you are dismissed.” Luna centred her gaze on the wall in front of her, frozen like a regal statue except for her lightly billowing mane; all conversation was officially over. As they filed out, the unicorns kept their distance from Luna where possible. Their attentions were mostly either fixed on the princess, or obviously fixed everywhere except her, but one by one they all glanced at Rarity on their way past. She noted various kinds of responses: inquisitiveness, surprise, concern, distrust, and one that she translated into ‘who is that gorgeous unicorn in the fabulous outfit’. She smiled back at the last one. “Clear,” Thunderer said as the door closed after the last pony. Luna let out a long-held breath, her whole posture sagging. She flapped her wings twice before carefully tucking them back against her sides. “There are five more groups. I’m afraid I was serious when I said there was much to do today. I do not mind if you desire a break, or to leave at any juncture. You may come and go as you wish, but... I am grateful to have you here.” For a moment, Rarity was sure she witnessed a crack in Luna’s mask—as if she had been allowed to peer inside and see the weight on the princess’s shoulders. “I do not like these official duties,” Luna continued. “Some of these ponies come with very high expectation of me that I am not sure I can live up to, and others will never trust me no matter what I say. The few that are neither are usually… quiet.” “Well I’ve certainly never been called quiet, Princess,” Rarity said. “Just Luna, please.” “Oh. Yes. Luna. I—I’ve been known to handle the spotlight once or twice, you know. It was I who asked to spend the day with you after all, and I’ve no intention of changing my mind after you were so kind as to agree. You may rest assured that I will be enjoying myself no matter what Canterlot throws at me, as long as I’m at your side.” “I like this one,” Splashdown said. “Can we keep her?” Both mares turned and scowled, but the guard either didn’t care or didn’t let it show. “I’ll go and check to see if the next room is ready for you, Luna.” He moved off without awaiting a reply. “Don’t mind him, Lady Rarity,” Thunderer said as the door closed again. “He has a heart of gold, but his cutie mark should have been his hoof in his mouth.” Even at a normal volume, his voice would have sounded fitting coming from a pony half again his size. “Oh, I don’t mind, dear, but it wouldn’t do to let him get too comfortable. There are ladies present, after all.” Looking towards Luna, she saw the princess’s wicked grin appearing. “Prin—Luna, might I ask what these meetings are actually about? Did you mean Twilight when you mentioned Princess Celestia’s protege?” “Ahh, yes,” Luna’s voice was softer now. “The protege in question is indeed Twilight Sparkle. These meetings are to consult my sister’s research teams in the hope of finding a solution to Stormcloud’s problem. In the thousand years I have been away, we are no closer to understanding why he is different. My sister summoned Twilight Sparkle yesterday, yet she has not offered the results of that meeting. That is what will make today so much more… frustrating.” Rarity smiled; it was good to hear Luna refer to her imprisonment without a flinch. “I’m afraid I don’t really understand what the problem is. I don’t remember much of him. I was busy—” she grimaced before uttering the last words “—getting dirty.” Luna giggled. “Come, Lady Rarity. I will explain as much as you wish to know later. For now we have more researchers to address. Onward, Thunderer!” Even Thunderer raised an eyebrow at Luna’s shift in manner, but didn’t hesitate to open the door. The princess followed behind him and Rarity took one last look around the ornate room as she pondered the strangeness of her place at Luna’s side. Don’t worry, Prin—Luna. I’m not leaving you, but I hope we run into Twilight. ( II ) Twilight gained an enthusiastic bounce in her step as she approached her target. After prowling the castle for a couple of hours—much of which was wasted fretting over whether or not she should be prowling the castle or what would happen if she were caught—she found the colt she had seen with Spellsong, Autumn Haze. He was sitting outside one of the meeting rooms behind the audience hall. “Hey! Don’t I remember you from the School for Gifted Unicorns? I’m Twilight Sparkle. Isn’t your name Autumn Haze?” “You can’t come in!” he blurted out, cowering away from Twilight. The look in his widening eyes was much the same look she’d given Sonata just hours ago. She forced herself to speak calmly. She didn’t wish that look on anypony. “I didn’t ask if I could go in. Why are you so jumpy?” Autumn Haze shrunk back and avoided eye contact. When Twilight moved in front of him, he shut his eyes tightly. “Wait a minute... she’s inside, isn’t she? Sonata’s inside with Spellsong, right? Probably Amethyst too, and anyone else who’s here from the school.” Before her eyes, the colt started trembling. She lay down and softened her voice even more. “Autumn Haze, did somepony tell you not to talk to me?” “Umm… It’s Red. Autumn Red.” Twilight grimaced. “Oh, I’m so sorry! What do your friends call you?” “Just Red.” “Well then Red, you can just call me Twilight. Now, did anyone tell you not to talk to me?” Red finally managed to sneak one eye open a fraction to look at Twilight. “Not exactly,” he said, his voice getting even quieter. “So let me guess... they are inside, and you’re not allowed to let me in?” The colt nodded silently. “Would you feel better if I promised not to go in?” Red opened both eyes fully and look right at her. “You’d do that?” “Well of course I would, Red! What in Equestria have ponies been telling you? I don’t want to get you in any trouble. Besides, they have to come out eventually. I can wait,” she said with a smirk. “Now, how about we just have a nice friendly chat? I imagine you have all sorts of things you want to ask an older student.” Red looked back at the door behind him, then to Twilight again. “Was... was Miss Sonata always this mean?” “Mean?” said Twilight. “Well, yeah, I guess. I can remember this one time, just when we were supposed to be going home for the weekend…” ( II ) By the end of the third meeting, Luna's doubts about Rarity’s desire to see them through were understandable. The drone of book-smart ponies with too many ideas and not enough facts did not mix well with a repetitive format: a few apologies from both sides, a lot of idle speculation, and no noteworthy progress. Luna had called an unscheduled break, laying out on the floor and closing her eyes. She looked more drained after each meeting, and Rarity lowered herself to the floor in front of Luna, making every effort not to dirty to her courtly attire. In turn, Luna opened her eyes and smiled. “I know this cannot be what you had in mind, Lady Rarity. I am sorry for that.” “Oh my stars no, Luna—” “My stars.” Luna gave her a hard stare. Rarity’s head rocked back. “I’m sorry Luna! I didn’t mean… wait.” She paused, her mouth hanging open slightly, until Splashdown chuckled. “Ooooh!” She beat a hoof on the floor. “I am never going to get used to that!” Luna laughed aloud. It was everything Rarity could have hoped for, and her momentary scowl melted in the wake of a broad smile. This is what she wanted—this is what she needed—yet she could not help but remember how utterly she had failed before. Will alone could not stop her smile from melting away. “Pray tell me, my lady,” Luna said, softening her voice. “What manner of woe doest thou suffer?” “Nothing Prin—I mean, Luna. We can talk about it later, if that’s alright?” This time there was no scrutinising, Luna simply smiled and closed her eyes. “I heard you mention growing horns again,” Rarity said quietly. “Does it have anything to do with the question you asked me last night?” Luna’s face hardened. Oh dear. I wish I hadn’t asked. “It does, Lady Rarity. I did a great deal of research because of Stormcloud. He was a pony of two parts. He begged me to help him remove his magic completely, yet he refused to let it go. The last time I cut off his horn, it regrew from nothing in less than an hour. I could see it reforming before my very eyes.” Luna’s voice became weaker as she spoke, and Rarity could feel Thunderer’s eyes boring into her. “Luna? Your research, is that why you came to see me last night? Why it was you and not somepony else?” “Yes. I alone knew understood what had afflicted you, because I alone created the spell that did it to you. I could not have forgiven myself if I had not seen you returned to full health. There must be another way to deal with Stormcloud’s problem, even if it merely grants us more time. I visited him just before I came to your abode last night. He is suffering, but there is nothing more I can do, save to find the answers he desires.” Luna’s face tightened. “I will find a way this time, Lady Rarity. I swear it.” “Luna, I—” “Luna.” Splashdown used his full voice to speak over the hushed conversation. “Might I borrow Lady Rarity from you for a while?” The princess tilted her head. “If the lady desires your company, then of course you may.” Looking up at the guard, Rarity could read nothing from his face beyond the missing undercurrent of mirth he had shown thus far. Thunderer, by contrast, had shifted his stare to his comrade, and Luna had already closed her eyes again. She pushed herself up to her hooves, the silent gesture being sufficient to answer his request. Splashdown led her out of the room and along the corridor. The unicorn guards still stood in the hallway, and Rarity held a suspicion that the pegasus was remaining quiet until they were out of earshot. “Thank you,” he said as they turned a corner. Rarity appraised her escort with a raised eyebrow. “Whatever for?” “You’re officially of station, so… permission to speak freely, m’lady?” Rarity nodded. “I mean it. Thank you. You got dumped in at the deep end and I want you to know I appreciate what you’re doing. I had you pegged wrong, but I don’t apologise because it’s my job to doubt. Luna seems to trust you, and Thunderer hasn’t voiced any concerns. As far as I can see you really do seem to have Luna’s best interests at heart, but, it also means I really don’t want to pull my blows when I say this, so…” With a sharp intake of breath he continued. “What in Celestia’s mane do you think you’re playing at?” For a moment, Rarity didn’t even react, but when she did, she scowled and raised her voice. “Sir! I have absolutely no idea what you are referring to!” “Simple. You’re all dressed up and being called Lady Rarity, but you’re perfectly happy just calling her Luna. Don’t you think that’s a bit off? I’m thinking that maybe you’re enjoying this a little too much and forgetting what’s best for Luna.” “Of course I’m enjoying it! That would be why I asked to be here, would it not?” Stamping a hoof she added, “To think I was actually starting to think you were a very nice pony!” “Alright! Alright. I’m sorry. Look, I think you’re starting to see why we’re so defensive of Luna, and it doesn’t have anything to do with needing big, strong stallions to protect her from danger. Luna comes first, always, so you tell me: are you here for Luna? Or just to prance about in a fancy dress and a few baubles?” Go on. Say it. ‘Yes Splashdown, you’re absolutely right. I’m loving it. I get to be treated like a princess, by a princess, and I love it.’ Rarity shook her head briskly. She frowned and pursed her lips, but in the silence, her indignation waned. Splashdown raised himself up to his full height. “I’m sorry, Rarity. I really am. For all my bluster, I’m not really skilled enough to say it any other way. I guess you’ll probably want a little time to yourself, or at least away from me, but… well, you know the drill. Just give me the order.” I will not fail Luna. “No. Escort me around the floor before we go back,” she said, looking him right in the eyes. “Please.” Splashdown blinked. “Uhh… sure, I mean—Of course, m’lady.” He took up his usual position and waited for Rarity to pull alongside before he moved off. It took several minutes to walk the outskirts of the conference room corridors, and on the way back, Rarity noticed him glance at her several times. “And just what are you smiling at?” “I think I’m starting to get why she likes you.” ( II ) Red was a fine example of when to apply to word gifted to a unicorn. The story of his first mural, a sunset that earned him his paint-splodge cutie mark, captured Twilight's imagination thoroughly, but no so thoroughly as to dismiss the recollection of how frightened he'd been at first. Only Sonata could have warned him not to talk to her. Clearly, she needed to be exposed for what she had done, and clearly, Twilight was the pony to do it. Nopony had paid the two any mind until a grey unicorn in Luna’s livery eyed them both as he walked past. He knocked on the door, and Twilight rose to her hooves, pushing herself against the wall to stay out of sight of whoever answered. The hallway filled with the sound of talking ponies as the door creaked open, and quickly, a line of school staff began filing out. Twilight didn’t recognise either of the first two ponies, but the third was Spellsong, who only looked at Twilight for a moment before turning his attention on Red. The old, orange pony gave a mute gesture of his head, signalling for the colt to follow. Amethyst came out next, his coat and mane the colour of his namesake. He paid Twilight no mind, pausing only to make space for Red to fall in line. After him, Sonata finally appeared. “Where’s my book?” Twilight pounced forward, almost nose to nose with the tutor. The procession halted, and she felt every pair of eyes turn on her, the guard’s included. Sonata narrowed her eyes, then looked to Spellsong. “Miss Sparkle,” Spellsong said. “I do not appreciate my staff being ambushed by an ex-student of my school, let alone one who I expect to know better.” “But... she tricked me into leaving my books behind and then took them! She stole the Encyclopedia of Forbidden Magics! It’s only—” “Enough. I am on business with Princess Luna and I do not have time to tarry because of this insolence. If you have evidence for your allegations, please present it accordingly and it will be dealt with. Either way, we are on a schedule and this interruption is over. Is that clear?” “But… my book.” Twilight turned towards the open doorway as the last ponies shuffled out. “I bet it’s in there!” she said, looking to the guard. “Guards!” Vanilla bellowed. Two castle guards in the usual golden armour raced around the corners at the end of the corridor, slowing to a brisk trot as they arrived. “It seems that Miss Sparkle has an unhealthy interest in the contents of the room occupied by Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns. These fine mares and stallions are due to meet with Princess Luna. Could you please arrange for their belongings to be guarded until they return?” The pegasi nodded, and Spellsong started the column of ponies moving again. Vanilla looked directly at Twilight. “I request that you do not follow us, Miss Sparkle.” Twilight stood in silence as the column moved off, and one of the guards pulled the door to and sat in front of it. The other marched off, but one was certainly enough to squash any ideas she might have about getting in while the school staff were away. “Miss Sparkle,” the guard said. “I hope you’re not planning to abuse your brother’s station by asking me to let you in.” “What? No. Actually, that would have been a good idea...” Twilight sighed. “Sorry. I suppose I should go and explain all this to Princess Celestia. Have you heard anything about Shining Armour since he moved away with Princess Cadence?” “No Miss,” the guard replied without breaking his stoic on-duty character. “But I can tell you he’s missed.” “Yeah,” Twilight said, plodding away slowly. “He is.” ( II ) Rarity stood a fraction closer to Luna this time. Splashdown’s challenge didn’t quite makes sense, but the parts that did were still disturbing. She’d pledged herself to do whatever she could for Luna, but she couldn’t pretend that she wasn’t enjoying the perks so much that it was distracting her from that task. Maybe she was missing whatever it was that had Splashdown spooked. The fourth meeting had proceeded just as the others had, but Luna looked stronger afterwards. When Thunderer sounded the all-clear, the princess turned to Rarity. “Is everything all right, Lady Rarity?” “Please, Luna, don’t worry about me. I’m just glad to be here. I’m far more worried about you, that’s all.” Luna didn’t try to hide her scrutiny of Rarity’s reply, leaning forward and staring with a slight tilt of her head and a narrowing of the eyes. Appearing satisfied, she straightened up and smiled. “As you wish. Splashdown, perhaps we can move things along? Lady Rarity and I would appreciate some private time before luncheon, if possible.” As Splashdown left, Thunderer gave Rarity an encouraging smile and she returned it warmly. All three ponies were silent for a minute until the door popped open and Splashdown walked back in. He gave Luna a nod, but the position he stood in blocked Rarity from easily exiting the room. Waiting patiently, she wondered if he felt the need to apologise again—and wondered again if she ought to do the same. “Ponies are going to start talking if you keep this up,” Rarity said as the door closed. “They already are, only they aren’t talking about us. Vanilla just brought the unicorns from Celestia’s school down. He said your friend Twilight Sparkle caused a bit of a scene when he went to collect them from upstairs. There was shouting.” “Twilight! Where is she? What happened?” “Accused one of the tutors of stealing a book, I’m told. Vanilla had to call the castle guards to keep her out. Knowing what this place is like, even the cooks will know about it by now.” He turned towards the door. “In case you hadn’t worked it out, that’s what we’re here for. We’re the wall that stands between Luna and anypony that doesn’t show the greatest of respect for our princess. And I mean anypony. Your Twilight included if it’s called for.” “Twilight would not lie about something like that. Is there anything we might do? Where is Twilight now?” “Don’t know; don’t much care. I just thought you’d want to know.” Gesturing towards the door with a hoof he added, “Shall we?” “No.” Rarity gave him a severe frown. “You may not care, but I most certainly do. I absolutely insist that you let me speak to Vanilla at once, so that I can ask him exactly what happened.” Splashdown sighed. “You’re going to cause trouble. I can tell.” “If you mean I am going to stand by my friends, then yes.” ( II ) Applejack: “Awww, ain’t that just like Twi.” The scroll had been waiting for Applejack when she got home from looking for her friends. She’d gone to see Rarity first, but discovering she wasn’t in, made her way to see Fluttershy instead. Unfortunately, she hadn’t been at home either. She already knew Twilight was off in Canterlot, so she tried calling at Sugarcube Corner, only to have Mr. Cake explain that Pinkie was busy organising a party. Since Applejack figured that Rainbow Dash would simply come to her if she were needed, and because what passed for her home was a little high for a social call, she returned home contented. Most everypony was doing something, somewhere, and busy ponies weren’t worrying ponies—in her experience, at least. “There I am worryin’ about askin’ too much of her, and she writes me a letter to apologise for not thankin’ me.” “Eeyup,” Big Mac said from across the table. With a broad grin and bright eyes, Applejack put her hat back on. “Sounds like she has things under control, too. Sure does take a weight off the mind.” “Does that mean you might actually concentrate this afternoon?” Big Mac asked at his usual, languid pace. “An’ just what is that supposed to mean Big Macintosh?” Her big brother shrugged. Applejack stamped a hoof. “Well fine! Ah guess we’ll jus’ see who gets their work done first then!” She stormed out of the kitchen to resume her chores. “Guess not,” Big Mac said to the empty room. With another shrug, he poured himself the last of the soup from the stove.