//------------------------------// // Chapter 76: Pavane for a Dead Prince (Bonus) // Story: Trash of the Royal Castle // by Netap //------------------------------// Is it not a wondrous sight? Those stars glimmering in the night sky? Is it not a wondrous sight? The sparks of untamed Mana escaping the horn of a fledgling Unicorn? Is it not a wondrous sight? The intricately woven web of symbols, a work of art that is not but a piece to a larger puzzle that is our world? Is it not a wondrous sight? The shadows extending over our land as the sun sets and the moon takes its place? Is it not a wondrous sight? The Golden Splendor of the throne where the Princess sits? Is it not a wondrous sight? The tears which rain from the cries of the sister, who wishes only to be loved by her subjects. Is it not a wondrous sight? The ear in which I whispered the truth, forgotten by my years of preparation? Is it not a wondrous sight? The Spells flying across the city as the Sun and the Moon fought for dominance? Is it not a wondrous sight? Such a grand and encapsulating Distraction? Is it not a wondrous sight? The Curses which I threw at my own family, as I butchered them in our ancestral home? Is it not a wondrous sight? The eyes of a Filly, hiding underneath the shrubbery, hoping to escape the carnage which I hath committed on this most illustrious of days. Is it not a wondrous sight? The Blood of my Father which stained my hooves, As I spread his body across the Everfree as nothing more than dust? Is it not a wondrous sight? The Queen of the Deer, who innocently got caught in the carnage I partook? Is it not a wondrous sight? Our manor on this most illustrious of days, as the Sun banishes the Moon, And the blood washes away the fire? Is it not a wondrous sight? The Celebration of the masses, Cheering for the defeat of their very own princess, to the sister who wanted nothing more than to be happy? Is it not a wondrous sight? The Shield, The Mask, The Flower, The Blindfold, And the Shovel? Is it not a wondrous sight? The Journal of My Teacher, Left without Guard as the Pillars Comforted the Sun? Is it not a wondrous sight? This magnanimous Plan of mine, coming to fruition as all the pieces of the Puzzle fell into place? Is it not a wondrous sight? The Statue in the garden, The Being who fell for my plow with never the thought? Is it not a wondrous sight? The Gem which I held, A Shard of a greater being, who so foolishly trusted a Liar such as I? Is it not a wondrous sight? This Well of Untapped Magic which I have found deep below the darkness? Is it not a wondrous sight? The Months I spent in the Depth, As the ones who should have stopped me were none the wiser? Is it not a wondrous sight? This Masterwork of Magic that will fulfill my Vision, As I ascend higher than the Moon and Sun? Is it not a wondrous sight? The Anger in the heroes' eyes as they arrived too late to stop me? Is it not a wondrous sight? The fear in their soul as the hopelessness of their victory made itself apparent? Is it not a wondrous sight? The Fool who acts as the lead of the circus, Hardens his mind for a most illustrious performance? Is it not a wondrous sight? The acceptance on their face as they sacrificed their bodies in order to banish us all into Limbo? Is it not a wondrous sight? The Gem I held, The Puzzle for the return of an even greater Being, which would attract the attention of a mind curious and hungry? Is it not a wondrous sight? That I have planned this all? The Defeat? The Banishment? The Return? Is it not a wondrous sight? The Genius that I was, who thought of any conceivable option in advance? Who had an escape planned long before the heroes thought of Banishment? But truly, Is it not a most wondrous sight? That even I could not have planned for the curious mind to free me? For who would have considered? The Filly who hid under the Bush as the Blood flew above her head, would survive long enough to bear children, and those same children would bear more spawn, as the House which I made sure would go extinct with the Moon miraculously survived, as the Last Descendant of my Father's blood approached my Prison. Oh, How Poetic! How Miraculous and Wondrous Indeed! That I have found a Pony who I wish so clearly to Kill in this day and Age! That I have found a Pony who I wish so clearly would Kill me in this day and Age! "Know This, Dearest Nephew, That when you free me from this prison, We will do battle for the fate of the Future. And Only one of us may walk away the victor..." Oh, How Poetic indeed...