//------------------------------// // Preparations and Execution // Story: The Elder Sign // by Mithos //------------------------------// Three weeks passed slowly. My mind subconsciously checked the days off, the countdown clicking away the time before the disaster. It was like waiting for a nasty storm the pegasi had scheduled. You knew it was coming; there was no changing it. You knew it was going to be bad, but you couldn’t stop it. All you could do was wait, watching the clock tick time away. All the while my attitude shifted up and down like a light switch. Some days I was excited and optimistic. I was expecting all sorts of awesome things to happen at the Gala that would open up an entirely new life for me. Life was great and beautiful and everything was going to turn out sunshine, smiles and rainbows. Other times, the cruel reality set in. I was a loser and was going to stay a loser. I dreaded the Gala. I spent these days sicker than a dog and within galloping distance of the nearest bathroom. I feared what would occur when I met the princess, if I even did. On the day of the Gala, I was at my desk. I focused more on my work now then any other day I had been there. Thoughts about the coming evening were kept at bay as I poured over lists of figures concerning a divorce. It was boring, but it was needed to keep me from imagining what would happen at the Gala. My last few nights alternated between nightmares involving Luna rejecting me to happy fantasies where we became a couple. Today was a down day though, and I could only focus on dark thoughts and misery. I rubbed my eyes. These lists were hard to read. My eyes wandered over to the article I had pinned to my cubicle wall. I had looked at it probably a hundred times over the last three weeks. It was a simple thing; just an article talking about one of Princess Luna’s early appearances since her return, where she had presented diplomas to graduates of Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. It even had a photo of her at the podium onstage. I remembered that day well. After all the tests, the papers, the assignments, I was finally done. I couldn’t be happier. I made a best friend, got a caretaker/assistant, got my cutie mark… I passed. A diploma on stage from Princess Luna, up on stage, she was so cute… The last thing I wanted to think about was that day! I shook my head, making my mane even less tidy. I focused my thoughts instead on the scroll I had received three weeks ago. Hex had asked me to bring it when we went shopping for formal attire the next day. He wanted to take a look, saying he knew who sent it. He smiled when I showed it to him, explaining it was just a prank his editor had done to drum up excitement for his next book. I accepted the explanation initially, but the more I thought about it, the more the whole thing bothered me. Every time I brought the letter up again, Hex would laugh it off. He told me to focus instead on the Gala, and what I would say or do to impress Princess Luna that will, “facilitate you two doing it.” (His words, not mine!) I shook one more time and switched my focus back to the papers in front of me. I had more pressing matters to deal with. The minutes and hours ticked away. ----- It was finally time. I had dressed in a simple black tuxedo jacket with a red bowtie, combed my mane and tail so they were mostly straight, and was now in the carriage across from Hex Pen. He seemed just as formal and tidy as I was, save for his blue bowtie. I wondered if he chose it to match the blue flight suits the Wonderbolts wore. As we rode along, I couldn’t help but feel ill. I was ready to throw up from the sheer dread of this night. In my mind, I saw it ending most likely horribly. All I had to do was suffer through it. Hex kept bringing up other topics, like his new book or the weather or, “hey, you look a little green. Oh wait! You’re always green! I’m hilarious!” As we rode closer, I seriously contemplated bucking him into the castle moat. “I wonder how beautiful Spitfire is going to look in a dress…” Hex muttered for the bazillionth time. Our carriage had reached the castle wall and was waiting in line behind several others. I moved my gaze away from the window and glared at him, saying, “Considering she’s always in her flight suit, I bet she’ll be in that.” He smiled widely, “Then she’ll look great as always!” That’s it. On the way back, he’s going in a ditch. A thought occurred to me and I asked, “How did you get invited anyway?” He seemed surprised, and replied, “I am THE talented author HP Lovecraft! One who was born to write stories to scare the sanity out of ponies! My cutie mark is the proof of my prowess and abilities! Why wouldn’t they invite me?” Typical answers for Hex. Didn’t really answer my question, but I didn’t press the issue. Another thought popped in my head. “Whatever happened to that scroll I gave you?” Hex kicked the door open right as I finished and yelled, “This is gonna be THE BEST NIGHT EVER!” Where in Equestria does he get this energy? ----- My sickness had not subsided as we entered the entrance hall of the Royal Palace. Hex was more excited than I had ever seen him, saying breathlessly, “I can’t believe it! The Grand Galloping Gala! The Wonderbolts! Spitfire! In person! I’ve seen a lot of their shows, but I mean, I’ve never been THIS CLOSE to meeting them in person, and isn’t this awesome, their show’s gonna start soon WE NEED SEATS!” Before I realized it, Hex had galloped at full speed through one of the doors leading out from the entrance hall. I chased after him, but he was already long gone. I slowed to a stop and tried to catch my breath. My stomach was tightening, and I feared any more running would make me throw up. “Was that the author, HP Lovecraft?” I heard somepony ask behind me. I turned to reply, but whatever words I had died in my throat. It wasn’t just any pony that was standing there. It was a tall, pure white alicorn. The ruler of Equestria, the sun princess, Celestia. I opened my mouth to say something, anything! Everything I tried to say came out as garbled noise and stutters. Why did I have to be so awkward?! She smiled, and said, “Relax Emerald Shine. You need to calm down, or else you won’t be able to enjoy the Gala.” I stopped talking and simply nodded. “You…know, um, my name?” I asked, slowly piecing the question together with as few ums as possible. She nodded, replying, “I’ve known your name since you came to my school.” I’ve never met personally with the princess, even when I was at her school. The closest I had been was at my graduation…which I don’t want to bring up. It was surprising that she would know my name. She looked over my head (it was weird being shorter than her.) and asked, “You’re still friends with Hex Pen, correct?” I nodded immediately. I added, “He invited me.” Yes, I subtly worried she would kick me out. She looked down at me again with a kind smile and said, “I’m glad to hear that. Perhaps you can get him to introduce you to my sister, if you can find her.” “That sounds- wait, what?!” I gasped. She seemed surprised, saying, “HP didn’t tell you? Princess Luna is a fan of his. She was the one that insisted he be invited.” SON OF A MULE. Talented author my flank, the bastard was invited because LUNA likes him! Note to self: KILL HIM. “Are you alright?” Celestia asked. Drat, I suck at hiding my emotions! I shook my head, put on a smile, and said, “Yes, I’m just a little surprised that one of HP’s fans would turn out to be the dear Princess Luna. It is interesting, considering the legends surrounding Nightmare Moon mention the stars similar to Lovecraft tales. I didn’t think Princess Luna would want ponies to draw the connections.” There was an odd pause. Celestia seemed taken aback. Oh no, I brought up a touchy subject! WHAT THE HAY DUDE? I immediately bowed and apologized. She shook her head and said, “No need, the connections were bound to be made.” I nodded. I felt terrible, like I just brought up some festering secret that never should be mentioned. Or maybe it just seemed that way to me. She brought her head closer to mine as she said; “I suggest you do not speak of that subject with my sister. Also, be warned if there are any repeats of last time, you will be imprisoned before sunrise.” Her expression startled me. She was deadly serious. Coming from the ruler of Equestria, those words didn’t feel like a simple warning. They were a threat. Before I could say anything else, the Princess stepped back and said, “It’s nice to see you again, please enjoy yourself tonight.” With that, she turned and trotted away to greet other guests. I need to find Hex. My stomach lurched. I snapped my mouth shut tight. Maybe a bathroom first...