Chapter 4
Part 3: Kindling
The eerily empty streets, the sealed windows and the gloomy lighting gave the city a deathly feel, although it wasn’t enough to hide its jaw-dropping beauty. Posh-looking houses with themed decor, baroque mansions with impossible, yet charming geometry, colorful adornments riddling the multiple plazas, which were already astonishing by themselves thanks to ornate fountains that spat crystalline water, creating seemingly impossible figures on the air… feats of architecture that could easily be competing for worldwide recognition back in earth where everywhere in this marvelous city. I felt like I was in a splendorous version of Greece, or Italy, which was a positive change from my humble little city and Ponyville.
Solaire, in an attempt to keep us both awake and alert, explained me its history with thorough detail as we sluggishly dragged ourselves throughout the streets. I made my best to listen to him, nodding frequently and frowning quizzically if I wished to know more about a certain subject. Shining gleefully joined our chat, trying to focus on something else other than the constant shrieking coming from above, which was nothing more than a monotone buzz now.
10 minutes later...
Both soldiers fell silent as we turned a seemingly random corner that led into an exaggeratedly wide road. Solaire held me upright, allowing me to fully admire the palace that awaited two blocks ahead of us.
My bloody God, rococo doesn’t even begin to describe it. Ivory towers with serpent twists that visually floated on thin air, branched among them by gleaming golden bridges, an enormous crystal cupola, with a circular opening on its top and the half of a colossal telescope peeking through it, a garden that could easily be mistaken for a jungle, with its very own river cutting through the dense vegetation and other wildlife... the entrance building was… Jesus Christ, it resembled Pisa’s famous Duomo, but even bigger, more impressive and overworked than the latter. A fallen piece of heaven is the closest thing to a description I’m able to come up with.
-Amazing, isn’t it? – Shining grinned, I remained speechless.
-Now let’s just hope they let us in… - Solaire hissed as he spoiled his partner to resume the march.
-The Entrance Hall is currently hosting our fellow soldiers, and the Throne Room is being used to accommodate the residents of Ponyville, and as an improvised extension of the infirmary, which is busting with injured ponies… I think we won’t have many issues on that regard; it ought to be safe to simply enter thorough the front door- The Captain replied as we closed distances with the golden fence encircling the Palace –Princess Celestia is currently meeting Zecora in her bedroom, let’s just hope their chat lasts long enough so we can get you patched up-
-Cheers for that; I doubt he’s keen about jumping fences and arguing with an angry Princess at the moment- Solaire joked darkly as he gave a quick glance to my leg. Some blood was starting to leak through the many cracks the impact had left behind –Don’t worry mate, we’re almost there- He whispered soothingly, I smiled in appreciation.
We found for our surprise that the golden gates of the fence were spread open, without any guard or soldier keeping an eye for intruders or unwanted strangers. Shining murmured something about “discipline” and “punishment” as he shut the gates behind us.
-Ah, give them a rest Shiny; they’re tired, not everypony had the chance to remain in a comfy palace bedroom while their fellows put their flanks in the line- Solaire commented with a sardonic smirk. Shining shot him a withering look, though he was smiling as he did so.
I reckoned they were both long-time friends, as they chatted, finished each other’s phrases and cracked jokes fluidly and naturally.
The Captain hurriedly walked past us, leaning against the pair of ridiculously huge and ornamented crystal doors. Light and blurry shadows came from the other side of the translucent glass. He patiently waited for us to catch up with him before shoving both main doors open.
The sudden wave of sound and bright light forced me to close my eyes. I caught a brief exchange of murmurs between Solaire and Shining, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. Solaire tightened his embrace as the Captain left us, blending with the crowd and leaving me in charge of the soldier.
-Okay listen up; Cap’s warning Blackburn of our arrival: we need you back in action as soon as possible, and she’s probably the only pony fit for the task- Solaire explained before cocking his head to the right –Keep your head low and avoid looking at anypony; I’m sure there are still a few rarities in there that share Celestia’s mind regarding you, and we gain nothing by provoking them, roger? – He whispered, I nodded and let my head drop down, staring at the white tiles under our feet. Somehow, the thought of us: filthy, sweaty and bloody, entering such a pure and clean place made me draw a smile.
A murmur arose from the large mob as Solaire and I squeezed our way towards the carpeted stairs leading to the Throne Room.
-Is he alright?
-What if Celestia sees him?
Their questions remained unanswered, as the only words the soldier spoke were a few polite “sorries” each time he was forced to push someone aside.
-Stairs- He warned, pulling me upwards to ease me some of the work. I kept nodding down, though I wished I could’ve been able to take a good look of the, I supposed, gorgeous interior. Someone on top of the stairs opened the doors for us, and whispered a quick “good luck” as we passed by. I faintly recognized the voice as one of the many soldiers I had fought alongside with.
-You can look up now- Solaire said as the doors closed behind us.
I tried, really tried to look up, admire the comforting beauty of my surroundings… but I couldn’t, my head weighted too much. A severe cough made me retch, forcing me to spat the bloody drool forming in my throat. Solaire gasped as I slipped from his hooves, but caught me by my left arm before I could collide with the ground.
-Somepony help us! – He shouted as he tried to prevent me from falling. Someone I wasn’t able to see got hold of my right arm, raising me upwards until my shoulders were aligned with each other once again.
-Over here! – Blackburn’s voice shouted from the distance. Solaire gave the stranger a grateful glance before pointing towards the source of the voice.
-Got it- A familiar female voice said, realization gave me the strength to raise my head.
-Berry…? – I mumbled as I glinted the side of her face.
-That’s my name- The fuchsia pony replied as she turned her head to me, giving me a quick smile.
Gentleness was gone; they both dragged me onward as fast as they possibly could, shoving anyone blocking our way, which, needless to say, was painful as hell.
-Oh my Celestia… - Blackburn said, her voice was suddenly extremely close… when did we get here? –Go fetch me the vaccines Solaire, and quickly, he’s starting to doze off- The soldier added, her voice much colder and professional than seconds before…
The entire world fell silent as I found myself standing on a large stretch of green land. Bizarre shapes moved in the far distance... rushing towards my position…
A prick on my arm.
Wait… why am I lying down?
-Adrenaline, we can’t let you fall asleep... or Celestia might decide that she doesn’t want you awake- My chest plate… where did it go? Who’s holding my left arm?
-He has pieces of shattered metal stuck in his hoof, why didn’t you take them out! – God, again with these time jumps… my head… ough…
-I still can’t cast any magic… this would be so much easier with it… - My hazy vision caught the sight of Blackburn putting on a pale medical mask and the two soldiers carefully sliding the battered pieces of metal off my legs. The young pony quickly hoarded my injured leg.
-Oh heavens no… oh heavens no…
-What!?
-I… I don’t know! Did any of those bastards touch him? – What…? What’s going on…?
-Yeah… one got hold of his wounded ho... -
-I cannot believe this… this isn’t… it can’t be gangrene... –
-Good luck- The owner of the brief whisper… Berry, oh God please don’t leave me, don’t you dare! My left arm fell on the thin mattress of the gurney I was lying on, next to the ripped, filthy and bloody piece of cloth I used to call a shirt.
-Oh my Celestia… - Shining muttered as I heard Blackburn being pushed aside.
-Solaire- The young pony took a deep breath before muttering –Bring me the saw-
“WHAT!” My whole body jolted with incredible strength.
-Keep him still for Celestia’s sake!
-I can’t inject him the anesthesia if he keeps shaking like this!
-Anesthetize him? Are you kidding? We need him awake!
-Are you bucking suggesting that I should bucking cut his bucking hoof off while he’s still bucking awake?
-I… I don’t know…
-Then shut the buck up and stop bucking talking! – The shout was followed by two grips of steel closing around my naked arms.
I started to hyperventilate. Oh God, oh God, when did this reach such levels of madness…
Blackburn’s masked face suddenly appeared in front of my eyes. She caressed my cheek as a sob came from behind the white paper.
-I’m so sorry Nathaniel… I’m so sorry… but there’s no other choice… if it reaches your heart... – Why? What is it? My body stopped shaking, my arms succumbed to the overpowering soldiers. My own eyes started to get teary… was this really going to happen?
-Now… - Blackburn murmured, a painful stab on my left arm made my whole body jolt violently one last time. It didn’t take long for me to realize what kind of substance was making its soothing way throughout my circulatory system.
-Don’t do it… please… - I croak as my healthy leg swayed drowsily, my vision already darkening…
It can’t be… it can’t end like this…
The darkness morphed, acquiring impossible shapes that defied my sanity, haunting scenarios that emphasized the broken state of my body and mind, thorough tortures performed by twisted shapes with the faces of my beloved ones... sporadic and, sadly, brief flashes of blissful memories were the only comfort in this terrifically vivid nightmare.
-And it won’t- A reassuring voice whispered in the midst of my own subconscious torture, cleansing the darkness and finally waking me up.
My eyes shot open.
-It can’t be… it can’t end like this… - My lips muttered by themselves. I closed them shut and rose my pain-throbbing head with a broken groan. The room I was in was a simple cube, painted in complete white. The only thing that broke its harmonic color was an open door on my left.
I started to hyperventilate once again; this looked exactly like the room I woke up... two, three days ago? Did Trixie somehow get her hooves on me? It can't be... it can't end lik-
A familiar figure walked inside the room, closing the doors behind her with care.
Buzzing calm overtook my body as I recognized the pattern of colors on the pony's coat.
-Zecora… - I murmur with the biggest grin on my face. The zebra spun to face me, a bit startled; I was slightly worried when I noticed her wet, reddish eyes, though her smile comforted me. She was holding one of her many golden necklaces, though it was broken in two linked semicircles, sort of like an unused handcuff.
-I knew this was a good idea… - The zebra said to herself as she circled around the gurney, halting next to my right arm. She gently pushed my head downwards, and ordered me to open my mouth. She carefully bent one of the openings of the necklace over my tongue –I give you three seconds to remember what this is- She whispered darkly as a thick drop of liquid fell into my throat.
I didn’t even need a single second to realize what it was and what I was about to experience. My pupils dilated in fear as my hand leaped from the gurney and closed around her hoof in the blink of an eye. I muttered a quick prayer (a curse, rather) before an agonizing pain coming from my chest made my whole body squirm violently, which definitely didn’t help to make things better.
“It’s the same goddamn thing all over again…” I thought as the familiar, excruciating pain of my lungs being ripped apart forced a broken scream out of me. “Familiar”… dear God, I never thought I’d reach that point… how much pain and madness have I been through since I landed here? And the fact that its inhabitants were, well, ponies… the premise is simply laughable…
-Close your eyes! You don’t want to see this! – Zecora shouted over my screams, I somehow found the strength to nod back and push them shut, but all my efforts were in vain when my leg was suddenly set ablaze.
I couldn't scream, as my mind was too busy trying to comprehend what was the cause of the sudden searing pain. My neck rose by itself, answering my question a bit too graphically.
Every single vein inside my injured leg pulsated viciously against my skin as if trying to break free. I realized to my horror that they were no longer blue, rather a sickly black that had already consumed my entire leg and was quickly corrupting the veins near my right kidney. Zecora attempted to push me down in a lying position, but my right arm swung wildly towards her cheek, connecting a harsh slap that made her recoil in pain. I clenched my wounded knee against my chest and started sobbing loudly as the violent healing process took place a few centimeters under my chin.
The seconds that followed are hard to describe; I felt insanity embracing me… vivid images of me torturing Trixie, murdering Celestia… even Fluttershy for Christ sake flashed in my mind as I kept weeping and clutching my leg..
“Maybe I should’ve stick with Trixie…”
“Kill Celestia…”
“Escape from this God-forsaken hellhole…”
“Back… at home…”
-THIS IS MY HOME! – I roar.
And then, poof, everything was gone.
Pain, madness, sadness, anger… everything banished as fast as it came. My body collapsed on the soft mattress as my sight refocused and my ears caught the sound of my still a bit unstable breathing. A pleasant tickling traveled throughout my body, awaking my muscles again. I swiftly jumped off the gurney, without any traces of dizziness left, though I still found myself rubbing my temple by sheer instinct.
-Thank Celestia… it turned out okay… – Zecora sighed, ignoring the fresh red mark of my palm covering half her face and giving me a smile.
-What in the world was that? – I ask with crystal clear voice while pointing at my leg; not even a single scar was visible.
-Something you fought out there… it infected you with… something- The zebra chuckled –I’m unable to answer that question properly; I’m sorry- I shrugged it off; answers could wait, specially that one.
-Did they seriously want to cut my leg off? I doubt I was hallucinating… by that point, at least- I say with a frown.
-Yes, and you better thank me for it… you can’t blame them Nathaniel; everypony’s having a hard time adapting to this situation, just like you. Nopony knows exactly what to do- Zecora replied in a more serious tone.
-I guess you’re right… just take a look at Celestia… - I murmur absently.
I twirled as the door suddenly blasted open, my right hand already closing around the dagger on my waist. For my surprise, I couldn’t find my loyal little weapon anywhere. I reacted quickly and kicked the gurney down, sending it sliding across the room and blocking anyone from coming in, giving me time to stupidly search for the claymore in my back, which, obviously, wasn’t there.
-Nathaniel! That’s enough! – Zecora shouted as she placed a hoof on my shoulder, pulling me backwards. I shook my head, what was I doing?
-I… I’m sorry, I got carried away… - I stutter, amazed and slightly terrified by the rapid improvement of my reflexes. .
-Show yourself! – Zecora exclaimed as we both faced the doorframe. The newcomer calmly obeyed; he gently pushed the gurney aside and walked inside the room.
-Christ… you should’ve knocked Solaire… I’m really not up for any kind of surprises at the moment… - I sigh as I greeted the soldier with a smile.
-My apologies; you were threatening to topple the castle with your screams when you suddenly fell quiet... you had me worried. Good to see you back in action- He said as we both shook hands –May I borrow your friend? We’ve got a lot to talk about with her- The soldier added as he turned his gaze towards Zecora.
-“We”? – I ask harmlessly, as I was unable to find any trace of hostility in neither the soldier’s eyes nor voice.
-Blackburn wants to ask her about… well, medical stuff I can’t really understand, and also, Shining doesn’t want the Princess to see you two together- Solaire explained, I gave the soldier a puzzled frown; he simply shrugged and pointed at the zebra with a nod.
-Did the reunion go well? – I ask as I turned to face her, Zecora looked away.
-Let’s... let's just say that I might’ve ended up worsening the situation... – She answered sheepishly.
-How badly? – I ask again, unable to hold back a groan.
-I…. I made her cry… - I groaned for a second time before facing Solaire briskly.
-I must talk with her, right now- I say, the soldier slowly stepped aside, revealing the open exit of the room.
-I’ve no orders concerning you; you’re free to leave. Face her, run away and hide, provoke a revolution… it’s up to you; just don’t end bucking everything up for us- Solaire said, forcing a smile out of me; I was flattered by the soldier's trust and kindness.
-You don’t need to worry about that, I haven’t saved your life just to damn you afterwards… any idea how to get to the Princess? I don’t fancy getting lost in this maze of a castle– I ask.
-Follow the signs pointing towards the eastern wing of the castle. Once you’ve walked enough, you’ll be greeted with a three-way junction. Don’t turn left nor right, just open the doors ahead of you, they’ll lead you to the Royal Chambers. I doubt you’ll get lost, just be ready for a looong and lonely walk- Solaire answered with a sly smirk.
-You take care Solaire, this might well be the last time I see you- I say as I gave the soldier a friendly slap on the back.
-Just leave already; I’m so tired I might even start crying- The soldier replied half-jokingly, I obeyed and jogged out of the room.
I instantly covered my eyes, blinded by the orange light of the many candelabrums adorning the long, carpeted corridor. The only path to follow was forwards, as the room I had just came out from seemed to be the furthest room of a no-end corridor.
I halted the second I stumbled upon a window; I contemplated the unholy dark skies from the safety of my bright sanctum. I quickly found myself rambling about my chances of escaping and forgetting everything and everyone… living as a criminal, or hunting Trixie alone… but I discarded such silly thoughts, they would only lead to my definite imprisonment or even worse, death, and the idea of being an outlaw didn’t appeal me in the slightest.
I kept running through the endless corridor, following thoroughly each sign that had "Easter Wing" written on it… stir up a revolution? I could… could I? And what would that accomplish? It’d be a waste… now that I finally have the chance to smooth talk things out I might as well take it. Yeah… there’s only one possible option. I held the bloody, shabby shirt that barely had enough cloth left to cover my chest tightly and took the first turn to the right.
But how would the conversation go? Should I feign forgiveness? Beg for mercy? One thing’s for sure; I can’t let her set me off, give her a solid reason to punish me. Just act cool, explain my situation and try to comprehend hers: staying calm will be the deciding factor.
I sighed in relief as I reached the junction Solaire mentioned. Without bothering to peek where the other corridors lead, I headed straight for the doors.
I flinched as a gust of cold wind licked my arms as I pushed open the doors with ease. A familiar torrent of screeches promptly plugged my eardrums.
“Jesus…” I thought as I took my first step outside, staring flabbergasted at the thin bridge connecting the corridor behind me with the Royal Chambers. There weren’t any kind of safety measures, not even a handrail to get hold off. I reckoned that only Pegasus were allowed to cross it, or advanced magicians that could easily teleport to safety in case of an accidental slip. I didn’t particularly fear heights, but my guts still ached as I carefully made my way to the other side, bracing myself from the vicious current of wind that threatened to blow me away if I wasn’t cautious enough.
I kicked the doors leading to the bedrooms open, got hold of both knobs, and flung myself indoors. A loud thump resounded throughout the corridor as the wind took care to close the doors for me. I lifted my head and examined my new surroundings.
A short hallway lead to a wide circle with a total of 6 doors, each of them had a silver nameplate merging with the auburn wood. A lit, brass candelabrum hung from the crystal ceiling. I halted right under it to warm and preen myself a little, trying to at least try to look half-presentable. My shirt was practically gone, and only had enough silk left to cover half my upper body. The tough cloth of the trousers still held up remarkably, but they were beyond filthy, as with the battered trainers. My father’s badges were the only piece of my outfit that remained intact, and thank bloody God for that. I silently prayed for a shower and clean clothes as I toned down the pointed spikes the wind had left on my hair.
I chuckled as I read one by one the names inscribed on the silver plaques, amused by the lovely reunion that awaited for me behind one of them.
Three of the plaques shared the same inscription: Honor guests, two had the names of the Princesses on them, and the last one belonged to someone named “Cadance”… no clue who that was.
I strode towards Celestia’s bedroom as soon as the mandatory snooping was over. I didn’t want fright to haze my mind and fill it with doubts. I opened the door gently, but decidedly.
And there she was. Somehow, her presence caught me off guard; after all I had been through, I expected to find a legion of new monsters to fight or some sort of inauspicious surprise, but not this time: I had made it; I had found who I was seeking.
Her cold, stoic expression wasn’t enough to cover the subtle remnants of her crying. She sat, in an almost dog-like stance, on the only armchair of the room. I would’ve loved to pry every nook and cranny of her room, as I always like to do, but I knew it wasn’t the time for that.
-Take a seat- She said, with a moderate and polite tone. I smirked as I slowly walked towards a shabby, wooden stool a couple of meters far from her expensive and comfy-looking seat.
-Is this some kind of twisted metaphor? – I ask as I rubbed the dusty stool with my hand, refusing to sit down. Instead, I walked past her, halted next to a beautifully crafted window, and rested my hands on its windowsill –I propose that we speak from equal to equal; I honestly think I deserve it. My most sincere apologies if that sounded rude - I say, pointlessly trying to see through the black coat enveloping the valley. I heard her standing up. I counted up to three before turning to my right. I smiled as our gazes met: we both shared a similar height, with me being the taller of the two. I bent forwards so our eyes could be at the same level.
Celestia began talking:
-That friend of yours… I’ve never been treated like that… she kept insisting and insisting, trying to convince me about your innocence… she didn’t give a flying feather about my status as a Princess… - I chuckled -I found myself giving in, slowly realizing how unfair and selfish I had been… and I just couldn’t withstand it… I hope you send her my apologies- She explained.
-Does that mean I won’t have to worry about my life anymore? – I ask, the Princess curved her lips into a smile.
-Of course not: what you did out there was beyond honorable, considering how this world has treated you-
Those words broke my façade of confidence into a million pieces. I closed my eyes as tears quickly began to stream down my cheeks.
-Don’t… don’t cry please… - Celestia whispered, embracing me with one of her wings after a brief second of hesitation.
-I’m... so happy to finally hear that… - I murmur with a tiny smile –It’s hard to believe that all my efforts are finally paying off… - I laughed as a Celestia broke into a weep –Don’t you start crying too: my heart can’t handle it… - I joke as I placed a friendly arm around her shoulders.
-I’m just… shocked; I finally see why she wanted to protect so badly… you’re no different from us… - She said, sniffling as she kept trying to cut her sobs.
-That’s exactly what I thought when I met Twilight and the others… - I confess with a bitter laugh.
-I just want you to know that I’m extremely sorry for everything I’ve done to you, directly or indirectly. I can only hope that you give me a second chance- She concluded after a brief silence.
-You can be damn sure I will… - I whisper as we both hugged each other properly. I ignored the annoying voice in my head that kept screaming that she didn’t deserve my forgiveness, that I was throwing my life out the window, that I shouldn’t be treating her like this... but this was just exactly what I pictured as impossible, the thing I and many others had worked, suffered and wished for: peace.
Things could only go uphill from now on, they had to.
-You can come out now Luna… - Celestia said, I twirled as I heard a door creak open. The aforementioned walked out of what appeared to be the bathroom, with a wide grin on her face.
-You heard everything? – I ask, a little bit embarrassed. My suspicions confirmed when she nodded –Oh God… I rarely get so emotional… - I mumble, trying to cover up my blush.
-Even big guys have their cute moments- Luna giggled.
-Oh, stop it, you... mind if I take a seat? – I croak, though I was already sprawling on the armchair –I literally haven’t had the time to realize how hungry and sleepy I was… - I explain, unable to hold a yawn.
-That makes two of us then… I need a shower; I stink - Luna commented as we both got infected with a yawning spree.
–You look awful Nathaniel, what happened out there? – Celestia asked, examining worriedly the multiple stains of blood on my clothes and skin.
-Shining hasn’t explained it to you? – I ask, both Princesses shook their heads.
-The last time I spoke to him was to order your execution… - Celestia answered meekly.
-No grudges- I say as I curled on the armchair and began to explain what had happened: the frenzied escape from the valley, rescuing Solaire and the dizzy memories from the last hours. My head ached each time I tried to scrape the details from the last part.
-I reckon Blackburn could explain every detail to you if you really need them… - I conclude, purring as I buried my back deep within the soft pillows.
-You saved Solaire? – Luna asked, staring at me with disbelief.
-Yeah… probably the best decision I’ve made since I landed here… he’s such a nice fellow… why the question? – I say, arching an eyebrow.
-He’s probably our most skilled warrior, a remarkable title for an earth pony. He’s also… a close "friend" of mine- Luna explained.
-We’ll have time to talk about that later sister, as for now, we finally have some work to do- Celestia said, a brief blue twinkle sparked in front of my eyes before I could formulate a question.
-Guess Trixie got tired of being such an annoying little brat- Luna smiled as her horn blazed blue –We’re going to get rid of the darkness, care to join us? – She added while closing her hooves around my left arm. She yanked my butt free from the armchair with surprising strength.
-Sure, thanks for asking… - I joke, stretching my stiffen muscles.
-You’ll want to witness this- Luna replied with a smirk.
-As charming as a nap sounds, I guess you're right- I say, smiling back.
-Quit the cackling you two and hurry up- Celestia grinned as she magically swung the door of her bedroom open, we both quickly shuffled out the room.
-So… where are we going exactly? – I inquire.
-My bedroom- Luna replied, a "cling" coming from the lock of the neighboring door followed her words. She bowed sarcastically as she held the door open.
I was slightly shocked to find the room in complete darkness, and the prompt thump of the door closing behind me made me turn back sharply. My arm whizzed dangerously close from Luna’s nose as I did so.
-Easy there boy- She said as her horn sparkled, lighting up a bunch of sweet-smelling candles that emitted a dim blue glow, filling the entire room with a pleasant, gentle luminescence. The whole room felt like a true personal sanctuary, not like Celestia’s bedroom, which felt much more crude and lackluster. Luna’s bedroom sported abundance of furniture (finding among them, for my joy and surprise, a couple of expensive-looking speakers), the aforementioned, unique lighting, and an overall cozy feel. I could only keep praising Luna’s tastes as I snooped every inch of her room.
-This goddamn bath is twice as big as my bloody bed! And it has a TV! Oh my God... – My cheers echoed throughout the room -Uh... bad habits, can't really do much about it... - I stutter nervously as I walked out the bathroom. The Princesses stared at me with funny looks and smiles on their faces.
-Don’t worry about it; it’s nice to finally hear somepony praise my tastes- Luna said, glimpsing her sister mockingly.
-I still find the lack of light disturbing... - Celestia said as she magically flung the thick black curtains open, revealing a roomy balcony. Multiple baskets holding large, old-looking papyrus formed a circle around a rather modest-sized telescope.
-Big fan of astrology I see- I comment as Celestia held the bay windows open.
-You name it; now, could you give us a… how did you call them.... hands? – I nodded –Thank you; dismounting the telescope is no easy task- Luna said as we both halted next to the fragile apparel.
-And why don’t you use some of that handy magic? – I ask as I knelt, swiping some dust off its black surface.
-It’s slightly complicated; you know how water can end up rusting iron? Using magic on certain things can cause a similar outcome, and I don’t fancy losing this old family heirloom any time soon- Luna explained as she showed me the whole dismantling process, I mimicked her without a problem, and offered myself to carry the rather heavy telescope inside. I ducked as Celestia levitated the baskets inside the room, and whistled in admiration as I carefully placed the relic on top of Luna’s soft sofa; astrology didn’t particularly pique my interest, but I knew that thing was worth quite a bit.
-You may want to stay inside, Nathaniel- Celestia said as I placed a foot outside. I obediently recoiled as I noticed that her horns had begin to shimmer.
Brisk gusts of air revved up as the horns of the Princesses blazed with more intensity.
-My God… - I mutter in amazement as my surroundings lit up with blinding light. I got hold of a nearby shelf as I felt an unseen force pushing me backwards. A sphere of… pure magic enveloped the sisters as they walked towards the edge of the balcony. The whole room shook wildly as their magic lashed out at me, launching me across the room and pinning me down against the furthest wall.
-Ready when you are my dear sister! – I heard Celestia shout over the chaos. The extreme pressure squashed my bones against the mahogany door, which I could already hear it cracking from my weight. Ironically, not a single object or piece of furniture seemed to be affected by all the mayhem.
-Fire! – Luna yelled enthusiastically.
Every single sound in the world disappeared as my feet landed softly on the ground, feeling as light as ever.
In the midst of the calm, I heard a gentle twinkle, just before the shockwave of the spell sent me flying backwards.
I grunted as I literally ripped through the wall, landing messily on the carpeted floor of the corridor outside. The silence broke abruptly with a thunderous sound of an explosion that I thought to be quite similar to the noise produced by a bloody A-rank supernova. I clenched my hands around my ears and got myself back on my feet, my back hurting as hell as I did so.
I gasped as I saw both Princesses lying on the ground, completely immobile. I rushed inside the intact room (ignoring the giant gap I’d just blasted through, of course) and squeezed through the open windows.
I couldn’t help but to freeze, abstracted by the view in front of me. An enormous opening had appeared on the sea of darkness the sky used to be, allowing for the first sunbeam to brighten the valley for the first time in hours. The sunlight provoked a chain reaction that quickly spread its way throughout the entirety of the dense flock of creatures blocking the sun, scorching them into dust in mere seconds. I walked past the unconscious sisters, completely captivated.
The sun flared excessively bright for a couple of seconds before cooling down to a gentle, warm orange. My eyes quickly adjusted to the lighting, fast enough to see the thick cloud of dusty remnants of the creatures get blown away.
I let my hands fall to my sides. I was greeted by an absolute absence of sound. Fearing I might’ve gone deaf, I clapped my hands, and grinned as my clap echoed throughout the serpentine towers of the castle.
An intense, fuzzy sensation dug into my chest: joy. The low position of the sun and the gorgeous red horizon meant that night was about to fall over Equestria…
"My home..."
I stood, resting my elbows on the fence of the balcony, entranced by the view and my own thoughts.
-Jesus! – I yell as something suddenly pulled me downwards. I twirled on my heels and found Celestia trying to reincorporate herself with the help of my shoulders. I didn’t hesitate to grant her a helpful hand –Excuse me; seeing the sun again totally stole my attention- I explain with a slight blush as I knelt next to Luna. I smiled as I heard her sibilant snores.
-You better carry her to bed: doubt she’s waking up anytime soon… - Celestia said as she rubbed her forehead, grimacing as she did so –Augh… I'm exhausted... - She whined with drowsy eyes.
-A coffee might help- I comment as I lifted a curly Luna between my arms. She didn’t react in the slightest; she was totally absent to the rest of the world.
-What happened here? – Celestia asked as she stared at the wasted door, looking slightly amused. I quickly explained her the reason as I left Luna lying on top of her comfy-looking bed.
-Stop making me jealous… - I whisper as I covered her with a silky blanket, her lips involuntarily curved into a smile.
-I tried to use the same spell I casted to safeguard the room on you, but it didn’t seem to work- Celestia explained as our gazes met. I tapped the badges hanging from my neck with my thumb, and told her about the enchantment. The fact that I was breaking one of Trixie’s rules made me smile.
-Do you want me to destroy it? – Celestia proposed as soon I finished talking, I quickly shook my head in denial.
-Sorry, but this is probably the last thing that bonds me with my past life, and I honestly feel much safer wearing it in a world where most of the population is able to simply throw me away if they please- I reply, covering my father's legacy with my hands.
-I understand- The Princess concluded with a nod. She turned to face the opening were the door used to be. Her horn sparkled briefly, and I heard a distant “cling” coming from the corridor –First door to the left, please, enjoy a long shower, you deserve it. I’ll be keeping an eye on my sister; don’t forget to meet me here when you think you’re finished- She added with a wide smile, I thanked her enthusiastically before jogging out the room.
-Wait… I must ask you something- I say, halting where the doorframe used to be –Twilight and the others… where are they? – I ask with care, as I knew it was a rather delicate theme. For my surprise, Celestia burst out laughing.
-Where do you think I’m sending you to! Dammit… you spoiled your own surprise! - Celestia said between chuckles.
“Oh no… not now..."
I stuttered a simple thank you, feigned a grin and disappeared from her sight. The fake smile vanished from my lips as a question I had been burying deep inside my mind arose over the rest of my thoughts.
I was free; no longer “working” with Trixie, I was no longer her… manwhore or whatever she had in mind for me anymore. I had the freedom to choose to be with anyone I wanted… or simply embrace loneliness.
Did I really want to be with the… three! Christ… ponies, waiting on the other side of the door?
The answer came quite easily, for my surprise.