//------------------------------// // Chapter 18: Secrets and Lies // Story: Settling In // by pchn00 //------------------------------// Chapter 18: Secrets and Lies The train ride to the Crystal Empire was almost a full day so Jen had a lot of free time to do…nothing. She’d finished her book and since she couldn’t bring anypony along with her, her only company was Bleeding Heart. “Hey Heart, were you there when the order was broken up?” I was not. A cadre of dragons had gone berserk and I was tasked with dispatching them. I felled the beasts but succumbed to my wounds. I know not how long it was from my death to the death of the order. Did Luna not tell you to stop pursuing this subject? The filly grunted softly and rolled onto her back flexing her wings with a sigh. “Yeah I know. I’m just…curious I guess. Maybe I’ll ask her about it when I get back. Hey! Did you know Luna and Celestia when they were younger?” I met the sister’s only once. When they received their arms and were inducted as full knights. All in the order are required to attend when one of the thirteen were replaced. “What were they like?” Mm. We spoke only briefly. Luna seemed much the same as she does now. Quiet and thoughtful. She preferred to let her sister do much of the talking. Now Celestia was the exact opposite. Very much a fan of her own voice and prone to action without thought. I heard a little of their exploits. They always achieved their goal but with a good deal more property damage than any other knight before them. “Huh. That doesn’t sound at all what I’ve heard about Celestia from Twilight.” Bear in mind she has had nearly two millennia to mature Jennifer. Tis a long time. “Oh, yeah that’s a good point. Jeez it’s hard to imagine they’re so…old.” Assuming they were the age they appeared at the time, they are no older than I. “You’re a ghost Heart, it doesn’t count.” Of course. Have you given anymore thought to your rune? “I dunno. I’ve had a couple ideas but none of them really…fit with the Mercy motif. How’d you come up with yours?” The knight I received Mercy from was…zealous in her belief that she should take all the ills of the world upon herself, thereby sparing her fellow pony from suffering them. While I applaud the thought I had little interest in eventually crippling myself permanently as Martyr had. I added the rune to heal wounds taken by Mercy to avoid such a fate. “Oh. Yeah that’s a good point. The only one I like so far is a rune that would allow me to teleport to my friends’ side. Think that’s doable?” Aye. Thy mana is certainly potent enough to impart a permanent enchantment of that sort to the blade. Though learning the spell of teleportation may prove quite the challenge. If memory serves spell casting is not thy forte. “Hrm. That’s true. I dunno, I’ll keep thinking about it. Maybe I’ll make a list or something and we can look over it together.” I would be honored to assist thee in any capacity Jennifer. Jen jerked upright as her door slid open. “Aha! Thought I heard somepony familiar.” Standing in the doorway was the changeling Tak, in his public pegasus shape. “Heya kid! Howya doin’?” Blinking at the sudden appearance of the strange creature but happy for a distraction Jen grinned. “Good! What’re you doing here? Are Trixie and Umbra with you?” “Yup! We’re ridin’ in th’regular cars with the normal ponyfolk.” The changeling prince casually let himself into her car looking around with an appreciative whistle. “Princess Luna sure takes care’a you don’t she?” With a sheepish grin Jen shrugged. “Yeah I guess. I’m on official royal business.” “Ahh say no more. Hush hush an all that I bet?” At her nod he chuckled. “I know how all THAT goes. Don’t miss it fer a second t’be honest. All that royal rulin’ nonsense can give anypony a headache.” Jennifer had a hard time believing the goofy changeling was familiar with the subject but she didn’t see any need to comment. “So what’re you guys doing? I guess Umbra’s all better?” Tak flopped back on one of the plush cushions in the royal car and helped himself to a few grapes from a nearby bowl. “We’re takin’ our show on up t’the Empire. Trixie always wanted t’see it an she got Umbra all fired up about a whole city made’a crystal so…here we are. An’ she’s doin’ good. Back’s a lil stiff back in that coach car…” Jen rolled her eyes and laughed. “You guys can ride up here with me. There’s more than enough room.” A look of (very fake) contrition crossed the stallions’ features. “Are ya sure? We’d hate t’impose.” “Yeah I’m sure. It’s fine.” No sooner had she finished speaking then the door slid back open admitting the two mares. Trixie smiling broadly as she took in the very posh royal car, while Umbra simply looked embarrassed. “You just HAPPENED to wander by my car and hear me talking to Heart huh?” “Oh well y’know…” Umbra huffed. “We saw you from the window when we boarded the train at Canterlot. I did not wish to impose but Tak and Trixie insisted you would not mind.” “Hmph! Don’t rope Trixie into this; it was all Tak’s idea!” The showmare’s words were a bit hard to believe as she made herself just as comfortable as Tak in just as short amount of time. The young alicorn settled down more slowly, eyeing her companions with a small frown. “If you wish your privacy we will leave.” Jen shook her head. “No you guys are more than welcome to share the car with me. I was in for a lonely trip. I wish Luna had told me a bit more about why I’m going to the empire.” The company was certainly unusual but Umbra and her friends were good folk once you got over their oddities. “Jennifer do you happen to have that book by Starswhirl with you? I was hoping to read it for myself.” Jen glanced over at Trixie, curious about her dropping her third person manner of speech but shrugged. “Sure you can borrow it for a bit…but you gotta be like SUPER careful or Luna’ll kill me.” Fishing out the book the filly passed it over to an eager Trixie, who wasted no time cracking it open. Tak was happily gorging himself on all the good cheer in the air. Jen looked to Umbra and found the young alicorn staring rather intently at her bracelet. “Uh…did you want something?” Looking guilty at having been caught staring Umbra shifted on her cushion. “Your bracelet. Will it work for anyone?” With a shrug Jen worked it to the end of her hoof and flicked it Umbra’s way. “Go nuts. But I kinda need it back.” Gingerly the ebon coated mare worked it over her own hoof and up her leg. “How do I activate it?” “Just press a hoof to the charm you wanna change to.” Nodding slowly she did as instructed. The familiar silver light filled the car. IN the alicorns place was…a human woman. Very tanned skin and the same snowy white hair and red eyes. Modest curve and an impressive musculature made for an impressive looking woman. Her black feathered wings were impossible to hide now, and her horn still stood proudly on her forehead. Slowly the young woman was flexing her hands open and closed with a small smile. Tak moved over to sit with Jen. “Her family, the folk who raised her were shaped like you. From the waist up I mean. Kid’s probly always wondered what it was like.” Jen oh’d softly and nodded. “Well uh, happy to help?” Umbra’s smile was growing. “I want to grab something!” Not one to let such a comment pass Tak grinned. “I got somethin’ for ya t’grab!” Umbra looked confused while Jen and Trixie pelted the changeling with a barrage of pillows. Punishment properly meted out the unicorn went back to her book while the pegasus turned back to Umbra. “Why don’tcha get a drink from the ice box? You can pop the tab with your fingers and everything.” The alicorn turned human tried walking upright, and didn’t make it very far before she settled for crawling on hands and knees to the drink cooler. “How do you move about with only two legs?” Jen shrugged. “Lots of practice. Baby humans crawl like you are now when we’re first born. I’m sure there’s some kinda smart explanation I never bothered to learn.” Her childlike smile never fading Umbra eagerly grasped a can of apple juice. Ever so slowly she worked her fingers around the tab and popped it open with a little delighted squeal. Slowly she took a drink. “This is…more fun than I expected.” Tak finally dug himself out. “Well now I wanna try! Gimme.” Looking at Jennifer for permission first, when the filly shrugged indifferently Umbra worked the bracelet off and offered it to the changeling. “What do you need this for? You change shape at will.” Lifting his hoof for Umbra to slide the bracelet over he shrugged. “We gotta stay kinda the same mass. Like when I squish down to a pony or a drone shape I get pretty beefy y’ever notice?” “Now that you mention it I suppose I have. I assumed it was to make yourself appear more impressive.” “I don’t need t’look more impressive. My natural awesomeness oozes no matter what shape I take. Observe!” With a flash there was another human in the train car. This one male, with slicked back blueish hair and eyes as red as Umbra’s, though he had the same catlike pupils he had as a changeling. His twisted horn remained, as did the insectoid gossamer wings. “Whoa this is freaky. My hooves are all wiggly.” Jen blushed and looked away from the VERY nude human guy in the cabin. “Hey gimme the bracelet.” Tak fumbled with his new hands before slipping it off and working it over Jen’s hoof. “Wow these things ARE handy. Haha, handy. Get it?” Trixie didn’t look up from her book; she just sent a new avalanche of pillows to bury the man in the car. With a little smile Jen eyed her new charm. “Huh, I thought I’d get alicorn and changeling.” Umbra raised a brow. “That is how you acquire more charms? Have other races use your bracelet?” “Yeah. My fillyfriend Echo became a normal pegasus and I got the night pony charm. Then my dragon friend Spike wanted to impress a mare so I picked up dragon too. I guess alicorn is just a mix of the three tribes so it doesn’t need it?” Shrugging a little Jen tapped her new charm. The rush of her body changing was weirdly familiar now, even if her new shape was the weirdest she’d been in yet. Her coat had become a glossy black buglike shell. The feathered wings were gone replaced by insectoid gossamer. Her horn was back even if it stuck out in a jagged crooked shape. She blinked up at the others with eyes identical to Tak’s save they were green rather than red. She could feel the fangs in her mouth. “Ooo this is weird.” Even her voice had an odd buzzing quality. “Hey! Yer a royal changeling huh? Must be cause’a my awesome genes.” Jennifer was busy buzzing her wings experimentally. “Oh yeah? What’s the difference?” “Eh about two feet’a height and more magic. Plus if ya run inta any drones y’can totally boss em around.” With a laugh the young changeling grinned. “How do I y’know…change?” “Oh. S’real easy. All ya do is focus yer magic up an picture whatcha wanna be. Even th’littlest hatchlings can do it.” Smiling mischievously Jen eyed Trixie a moment before doing as Tak told her. She could feel the familiar sensation of her mana waiting to be tapped swirling around in her middle and brought it to her horn. Changing as a changeling was a lot different than with the bracelet. The bracelet was a sort of instant poof…this time she could feel her body softening as chitin became a blue fur coat. Her mane flowed freely in a new silvery white color. Her wings vanished and soon there were two Trixie’s in the car. “There ya go! Easy right?” Clearing her throat Jen-Trixie smirked. “The great and powerful Trixie demands a can of juice! Fetch it for her before she drops a giant star bear on your heads!” Tak was howling with laughter by now rolling around the floor of the car clutching his sides. Even Umbra looked to be working hard to avoid laughing at her friend’s expense. Trixie looked up from her book glowering. “Oh very funny.” Flicking her head Jen tugged Trixie’s hat and cape over to herself, settling them about her head and back. “Prepare to marvel as Trixie performs magical feats your tiny NORMAL pony minds could only dream of!” Flourishing her hooves Jen reached behind the recovering Tak’s ear coming back with a bit. “Behold! Trixie has pulled a bit from your ear!” Umbra finally lost her composure and her soft titters joined Tak’s renewed guffaws. Trixie’s lips were pursed tightly but Jen could see she was fighting back a laugh of her own. Smiling gently the disguised girl floated Trixie’s clothes back to her. “That’s actually pretty fun to do.” “It’s called showmareship. You have a flair for it. If you get tired of Equestrian politics or whatever it is you do with the princess let me know. I’ll find a spot for you in the show.” Jen relaxed her disguise returning to changeling form. Just in time for the door to slide open and an angry conductor to poke his head in. “I know this is the royal car but everypony is complaining about the noise and…” The stallion trailed off as he took in the two humans and changeling sitting in the car with a unicorn mare. Slowly he backed out and slid the door shut. “…eh I’m sure nothing bad’ll come of that.” *** Naturally the foursome was greeted by a dozen angry looking guards from the Crystal Empire. Each was back in their normal shape (or disguised normal shape in Tak’s case). “We know at least ONE of you is a changeling! You’ll all come with us to the barracks for questioning until your true identities are confirmed.” Smiling sheepishly, saddlebags over her flanks Jen approached. “I can clear all this up for you guys real quick. I’m Jubilant Surprise, Luna’s student? I’m here to meet with Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor. I can explain everything, really.” Their captain’s stern gaze never faltered. “Very well, word will be sent to the Princess. Until then you WILL come to the barracks to await her arrival. Princess Cadence may be the youngest of the alicorns but she’s still got enough magic to put four changelings in the ground if you bugs try anything funny.” Tak was bristling at the insults thrown around about his people but Trixie and Umbra both leaned into him from either side offering silent comfort. Umbra was clothed in a black cloak covering her already hard to spot wings, with a hoof to shield her eyes from the rumored radiance of the empire. With a sigh the disguised stallion fell into step with the other ponies. Despite the unpleasant circumstances all four visitors to the empire were stuck by its beauty. Everything shined and glittered with dazzling radiance…including the ponies now that they were in the bright sunshine. Happy ponies trotted by chatting and shopping like any other pony town, save these ponies looked to almost be made from the crystal their home was named for. Their small procession received more than their fair share of stares, mostly because of the armed escort. Too soon in their opinion the impromptu tour ended and they were led into a small room. “You’ll remain here until the Princess or prince consort arrives to question you directly. Don’t give us a reason to be sorry for trusting you this far.” The imposing guard pony slammed the door shut and all four could hear an audible click as the door was locked. “So uh…does the princess know about Tak?” Umbra nodded slowly. “Yes. Luna sent word that I would be coming with a changeling companion. Even so she felt it best we keep his identity secret from everypony in the empire save the royal couple.” Sighing in relief Jen grinned. “Well then there’s no problem.” Even knowing it was all a misunderstanding it wasn’t exactly a pleasant wait. All four turned as the door opened admitting a powerful looking white unicorn stallion. Jen recognized him instantly as one of her rescuers that came for her on earth. Slowly he gazed about the room of nervous ponies, focusing in on Tak. With a quick jerk of his head he motioned for them to follow. “On your hooves. We’ll talk once we reach the palace.” Jen’s smile faded a bit at his stern tone, but she withheld comment until the angry stallion gave the go ahead. They were briskly lead from the barracks through a back door. Several guards looked unhappy at being ordered to remain behind but Shining WAS the prince consort after all. The former guard captain kept glancing over his shoulder at his charge seeming to have trouble deciding which to be focusing his ire on. He ushered them through the streets at a brisk trot. The crystal palace was a huge spire of beautifully sculpted crystal reaching nearly to the clouds as far as Jen could see. Several staircases led upward from thin legs supporting the palace. Beneath the spire was a gently pulsing heart carved of crystal. Heart d’you see that? Think it’s anything like the one that powered the citadel? Possibly, though ours was far larger. Powerful earth pony mana permeates the air of the empire. I have heard tell this heart can be used to protect the empire in times of dire peril. “Don’t dally back there!” Jen was snapped from her silent conversation at Shining Armor’s shout. The filly galloped back to the group blushing at the chastisement. The stallion lead them up the nearest stairway and into the palace proper. None of them got a good look at anything as he kept them moving at a brisk pace through the corridors, allowing them to stop once they reached a spacious office. Shutting the door behind them Shining took a seat behind the desk. “I’d like somepony to explain to me why there are rumors spreading like wildfire through the empire about a changeling invasion.” All four shared guilty looks. Jen cleared her throat softly. “W-well…didn’t Luna tell you Tak would be coming?” “Yes. And Cadence allowed it against my will I might add. But she was lead to believe he would keep himself disguised as a pony at all times. Now that the ponies KNOW a changeling is in the empire rumors and panic are going to spread like wildfire!” The punctuated the statement by slamming a forehoof on his desk. The little group was looking properly contrite. “Um…it wasn’t his fault sir. The changeling they saw was me.” His eyes widened as he rounded on Jen now. “How is that possible?” A frown instantly appeared on his face as she lifted her leg to show the charm bracelet. “It um…picks up new forms when some other species uses it. Tak and Umbra were being human and I wanted to try being a changeling…” Slowly the prince nodded. “I see. It was still very irresponsible. Especially you three. She’s a filly but you’re all adults and should know better.” Jennifer was bristling a bit at the implication but it was Umbra who spoke now. “Yes. You have our apologies. It was a very poor choice in judgment on our part that lead to this situation at all. The fault lays with myself over any of the others.” The powerful stallion grunted softly. “You three are free to go. Keep your noses clean, we’ll be watching. Princess Luna is vouching for you but as far as I’m concerned you’re potentially dangerous criminals running loose in my city. Don’t make me regret it.” With a deep sigh he looked to Jen. “As for you…we’re going to make an official announcement. Explain to the public who you are and how you…change shape. We’ll say I dunno, it’s part of your education on Equestria alright? That should settle everypony’s mind.” “Yes sir. That sounds just fine.” Nodding firmly he again looked to the young alicorn and her friends. “Your wagon is waiting for you at the train station. I’ll have one of the guards escort you to it. The empire can be confusing for first time visitors.” Trixie looked relieved to hear it. Umbra bowed her head. “Thank you, we will not cause any more trouble in your city. You have my word.” “Go ahead and hold onto the book if you want Trixie. I’ll be here for a week according to Luna so as long as you drop it off by then and be SUPER careful with it…” “I will Jennifer. Thank you, it means a lot to me.” Tak had remained silent throughout the exchange, not even meeting Shining Armors eyes. The three bid farewell to Jen and took their leave, leaving the filly alone. Shining’s demeanor softened instantly. “Well that was a little bit of unexpected excitement hm?” Shuffling from hoof to hoof Jen still looked rather contrite. “I’m REALLY sorry about all this.” He shrugged. “It’s fine. I can’t blame you for being curious. It was just bad timing. There’s bad blood between ponies and changelings at the best of times, but Equestria was nearly conquered by them a couple years ago. Just hinting that one is around can start a panic. I’ll talk to Cadence and we’ll address the people this afternoon. Did you get a chance to have breakfast on the train?” “No we kinda stayed up super late then got woken up when it pulled into the station. Then uh…we got arrested.” Stepping around his desk the stallion opened the door with a smile. “Well let’s get something to eat hm? Cadence inherited her aunt’s sweet tooth and I have to fight for my morning donuts.” “Ooo I haven’t had a donut since I came to Equestria. Can’t get one ANYwhere in Ponyville. It’s practically criminal. Can I drop my bags off first?” “Oh sure. C’mon we’ll go by your rooms first. You’re staying across from our uh…other guest.” “Other guest? Does this have something to do with why I’m here?” “It does. I’ll let Cadence do the explaining.” The matter settled for now Shining Armor took Jen to the west tower. The room was a bit smaller than the one in Canterlot but no less comfy. Plus it was like, all made out of crystal which was super cool in Jennifer’s opinion. “This is why I stayed y’know? You can’t see big crazy cities made out of crystal back on Earth.” Shining chuckled as he led the way back down to the dining room. “Well I’ll give you that. Your world has plenty of interesting stuff in it though. I love all those crazy sports you humans play. We have hoofball and racing. Not much else besides some track and field.” Jen eyed him curiously. “You’ve studied my world?” “Oh! Uh…well yeah had to. Y’know for the…rescue?” “Oh…yeah that makes sense. Worried the Red Wings or something would be guarding me?” “Something like that.” A pair of crystal pony servants opened the doors admitting the duo to the dining room. This was almost identical to Canterlot’s…maybe it was some kinda universal palace design or something? The table was just as big but most of the food was piled at the head where who Jennifer rightly assumed was Princess Cadence was seated, happily piling up pastries onto her plate. She was very pink…no doubt Pinkie was a big fan of hers. Her mane and tail had a unique three toned color scheme, yellow pink and purple. Oddly they weren’t flowing around like crazy like Luna’s did. The princess of the crystal empire looked up as her husband arrived with their guest and smiled widely. “Hello! Welcome to the Crystal Empire, Jennifer. I’m sorry I wasn’t at the train station to meet you. Shining insisted I stay here ‘for my protection’.” The young pony shrugged flexing her wings in the act. “Oh it’s not a problem. We had a little excitement and from what I hear you guys have had more than your fair share of changeling trouble. I’m sorry to’ve caused such a hassle.” “That’s putting it lightly. Would you like some breakfast?” “More than anything.” Jen took the cushion on Cadence’s left while Shining took the one on her right. Eagerly she began scooping what few donuts remained (Shining Armor managed to get ahold of one himself). Dissatisfied with the amount Jen turned to the stacks of pancakes and bowl of eggs happily heaping up her plate. “Looks like you have some competition for the morning gorge dear.” Cadence huffed. “She’s a growing filly; it’s not THAT much food.” Her husband had a far more modest amount of food on his plate. “And what’s your excuse?” “Hmph. You know I have a big appetite.” “That’s not the only thing that’s going to be big if you keep at it like that.” He was smiling to show he was just teasing. “Mmhm. So Jennifer, how have you been enjoying Equestria?” The princess had to purse her lips to keep from laughing at the eager young ponies less than delicate dining room manners. Jen had still not managed to master utensils with hooves so she just dug in face first. Washing down a huge mouthful of food with the weirdly sparkly juice, Jen grinned. “Oh it’s been great. Except for Discord and Umbra nearly killing me. And fighting the cerberus the other day…other than THAT it’s been great.” Shining just raised incredulous eyebrows. “You fought a cerberus? What was this?” Jen had started in on a jelly donut by the time he started his question. Swallowing it nearly whole she shrugged. “Like Monday I think? Wrap Up day I remember that. Me and Ditzy Doo were flying south to get the birds right? Then I saw these ponies being chased by a pack of diamond dogs. So I swoop down and am all “I am Lady Jubilant knight of the order! Get lost!” They did not get lost. So I smacked ‘em around then they brought out this cerberus that I uh…killed.” Her enthusiasm faded a good deal at that. The prince looked stunned but Cadence gently brushed Jennifer’s cheek with her wing. “I’ve never been forced to take a life myself, but I’m told it’s never an easy thing to do. You’re a very brave young pony Jennifer.” “Mmf. Thanks. I had Bleeding Heart with me though so I wasn’t all on my own. It was pretty terrifying though.” She laughed a little. “Bleeding Heart is one of the ancient knights right? The previous owner of Mercy?” Jen nodded resting her leg bearing Mercy on the table. “Yup. I can talk to her and call her out when I need to. It’s crazy rough on my mana though.” “You know I’ve read that Mercy is the most powerful of all the Arms of Harmony. It’s not too surprising since Starswhirl himself crafted it. He was the most powerful unicorn of his time, if not of all time. Though Twilight might give him a run for his money.” Shining puffed his chest with pride now. “That’s right! Little Twily’s well on her way to being the best mage of all time.” “All I know is Mercy, Night Singer, and a little about Corona. And then you have Convalescence right?” With a little nod the princess tapped her torc. “I do. How has your bonding progressed?” Jen had cleaned her plate in record time and settled back, belly full. “I’m ready to add my rune. I just dunno what I wanna add.” “It’s a big decision. Fortunately there’s no rush since as far as I know my aunts and I are all that remains of the Order.” “How’d that all work out anyway?” Cadence daintily made her way through her sixth donut. “Well Convalescence was the only arm my aunts saved besides their own. I was exploring the palace when I was younger and blundered into Aunt Celestia’s trophy room. I found it in a case there and well…it wanted me. So now here I am.” Jen listened quietly to Cadence’s story. “Wish mine was that easy. We almost got eaten by giant spiders underground and me and Rainbow Dash fell off a cliff. We found Bleeding Heart’s resting place down there with like ten dead dragons.” Four dead dragons Jennifer. Jennifer flicked Discord’s gem more prominently into view from its place on her hilt. “I noticed the gem was getting warmer the closer I got. Mercy blocks out the whispering it tries to make you go all…crazy Discord with.” “Well your story is certainly more exciting than mine. I’m sure you have plenty of exciting stories from your time in Equestria.” The princess sat forward a little eagerly. “Dear while I’d love to hear her stories myself, we have a bit of official business first? Not to mention you haven’t explained WHY we called her out here.” Cadence’s face fell. “Poo. You’re right. Alright Shining, you get the address to the people ready while I show Jennifer her reason for coming.” The couple shared a kiss before the stallion departed, leaving the girls alone. “Well! Let’s go see your job for the week hm?” Swallowing back a sudden bout of nerves Jen rose and followed the princess. “I’m not sure what exactly I can do that you can’t. Unless you need somepony who can turn into a human, dragon, or changeling.” “Dragon and changeling? How does THAT work?” “My bracelet? I poke a charm and poof.” Cadence frowned, gently lifting the bracelet from Jen’s leg to examine it. “You have SIX charms? How come you get SIX?!” Jen stepped back looking confused. “Uh…w-well…I found out if someone who’s race isn’t on the bracelet uses it a new charm forms. For them to change back right? Only when they DO, the charm sticks around.” “O-oh…that’s…interesting.” The princess returned the filly’s bracelet. “I’m sorry I ah…don’t know what came over me!” She forced a laugh, leaving Jennifer to stare curiously. They continued on in silence for a few moments, heading toward the west tower again. “So…who’s their other sister?” “Hm?” “Well Celestia and Luna are your aunts right? Luna’s never talked about a second sister.” “Oh! Well…I’m…adopted. I was too old to call Celestia mom so I went with aunt instead.” “Oh. That makes sense. So how come you’re a princess and not an empress?” Cadence smiled now that the questions turned to an easier subject. “Well the empire used to have an emperor but he wasn’t exactly a shining example of what ponykind has to offer. They switched to kings and queen’s for a bit. Then their last king was unpleasant to say the least. So now they get a princess! I was a princess in Equestria before the empire returned so I was happy to keep the title.” “That’s kinda neat. Though how come Luna and Celestia don’t go by queen?” “The same reason. I don’t know the whole story but I guess the previous ruler left a bad taste in everypony’s mouth. I’ve only just met Luna what with the whole banished to the moon business, but Aunt Celestia would never tell me about it when I asked.” “Don’t you think that’s a little, I dunno…weird?” “I did. But I’ve come to learn that Princess Celestia doesn’t use her ‘listen or be severely punished’ voice lightly.” Jennifer lapsed into silence at that. This was the mare who turned Discord to stone for over a thousand years and locked her sister in the moon for a millennia of her own. “Alright here we are…it sounds like she’s awake.” Curiously Jen followed the princess into the room across from her own. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting, but a scowling alicorn filly with a white coat and pink mane and tail (what’s with ponies and pink?) wasn’t it. “…wait did you drag me out here to BABYSIT?” The filly’s eyes blazed and she leapt from the bed. “BABYSIT?! Do I look like a BABY to you you…goofy looking pegasus! What kind of color is GREEN for a coat anyway? You look like some kind of giant vegetable!” Cadence cleared her throat gently. “Jennifer, I’d like you to meet Princess Celestia.” Thoughts flashed back to all the stories Twilight and Luna had shared with Jen about the benevolent, wise, and gentle princess of the sun. “Well does the giant cabbage have something to say or did you bring her here to just GAWK at me?” The shrilly shrieking little filly didn’t quite measure up to her image. Jennifer felt her wings involuntarily begin to rise as her anger did. “Hey! You watch your mouth you little brat!” The pint sized princess’ mouth fell open in shock. “You…you can’t talk to me like that you….you…PEASANT! I am a princess! Princess of the sun! I’ll…banish you! To um, to…a place far away! Then put you in a dungeon to the place I banish you to!” Jen narrowed her eyes snorting down at the little brat. Diamond Tiara was nasty but this was bordering on ridiculous. Rounding on the adult princess Jen didn’t look to be calming any. “WHY am I here princess?” Cadence draped a wing over Jen’s back and gently lead her from the room, shutting the door behind them. “I don’t know what to do!” All at once her demeanor shifted from the friendly composed princess to…a sleep deprived wreck. Jen was just noticing the feathers out of place on her wings and the circles under her eyes. “I’ve been a foal sitter my whole life! Foals love me, I’m great with them! But she…she’s so…AWFUL! I’ve tried every trick I learned and nothing works. She’s always so mean and angry. She destroys anything breakable we let near her. We’ve had to start keeping her in her room at all times.” Glancing back at the door the pegasi’s wings slowly settled. “Why is she like that? What’s going on?” Taking a deep breath the princess composed herself best she could. “It’s an alicorn thing. Every century we need to…take a break. A week of magically induced sleep allows us time to recharge our mana. Only with Luna gone Aunt Celestia couldn’t just vanish for a week. I was too young and inexperienced to look after Equestria alone so she kept putting it off. After the Discord incident she finally succumbed only…she needed more than a week long nap. She had to totally rejuvenate herself. She was a newborn foal when we brought her back. She looks about six or seven now so she’s aging rapidly. Luna says she’ll get her memories back as she ages but until then…” Jen was frowning now. “Until then you’re stuck with the little brat?” Cadence winced, but nodded. “We are. I’ve tried bargaining, bribing, pleading, begging, games, books, everything! Nothing’s working.” Jennifer could think of ONE thing the princess hadn’t tried. “I think I have an idea.” Brushing her charms quickly she traded her wings for a horn and stepped back into the room. “Oh…the cabbage is back. Why are you a unicorn? Too dumb to fly? Oh wait you have to be smart to do magic too!” Jen ignored the jibes and looked around the room slowly. Reaching out with her magic she flicked open the large trunk against the far wall. Jackpot. Snapping the lid shut again Jen hoisted the toy chest into the air and started to leave. “Hey! Th-thief! What do you think you’re doing!” Jennifer paused at the door. “Toys are for fillies who can behave. You can have them back if you eat your breakfast like a good girl. If not…the books go next.” The little white alicorn charged across the room delivering a little kick to one of Jen’s hind legs. “You can’t do that! I’ll tell Cadence!” Keeping the chest hovering in the air Jen turned and leaned in close to Celestia the filly. “Wanna know a secret?” Now Celestia may be an extremely mean little filly right now…but every kid, pony or otherwise loved secrets. Despite herself she was learning forward to hear. “I’m in charge now. Cadence asked Luna to find her the meanest, toughest foalsitter in all of Equestria. So here I am by royal decree. It’s going to be just YOU…and ME from now on.” The little pony’s eyes widened in horror, and she didn’t protest again as Jen left, gently shutting the door behind her. Passing the quietly watching Cadence she opened her own door and plopped the toy chest against her bed. “We’ll see if punishment doesn’t straighten her out a bit.” The gentle princess was chewing her lip now. “You don’t think you were too harsh?” “Mmm. I have a couple problem fillies at the daycare. They’re the school bullies and Cheerilee for some reason turns a blind eye to their nonsense. After spending almost a solid week sitting in the corner for two hours after school they came around. They’re not perfect, but they can interact with their classmates without making them miserable.” “I see…I’ve never had to punish any of the foals I looked after. You won’t be…too stern will you?” Jen shook her head. “No I’m not gonna spank her or anything. I didn’t get punished a lot as a kid but the worst was when they took stuff away. So we’ll start with the toys, than the books. Then we’ll move on to sitting in the corner and no dessert.” “Oh dear. Well I’m glad you’re here. I don’t think I’d be able to do all that to her. She practically raised me for years I just…don’t know what to do.” “Well you’ve got me for the week! I’ll see what I can do. Should we go find Prince Shining Armor?” Cadence nodded still watching Celestia’s door worriedly. “I suppose. And you don’t need the titles. Just Cadence and Shining Armor will be fine.” *** The address to the general public went pretty well. The crowd of shimmering ponies were pretty worked up at first but once the royal couple explained things, and Jennifer demonstrated her bracelets abilities they were all calmed quickly enough. Soon Jen was back upstairs. Cadence and Shining had their own duties to attend to but both trusted Luna’s judgment, and so trusted Jennifer with Celestia’s care. The young unicorn stared at Celestia’s door for a moment, before going into her own room and settling in front of the toy chest. Gently nosing it open she rummaged for a bit, digging out a coloring book and box of crayons. Than using her magic she nudged Celestia’s door open, and while in full view of the doorway she sprawled on the carpet in her own room and went about coloring. It didn’t take the filly long to investigate the open doors. “Hey! Those are mine!” “Well. It’s in the toy chest, that’s in my room now. So that makes them mine. And I felt like coloring.” Celestia’s cheeks puffed and her little wings flapped a mile a minute as she stomped about in a circle…not leaving her doorway. Apparently Cadence was firm when she needed to be and the filly seemed unwilling to cross the threshold. “I’m going to start screaming!” Not looking up from her picture of ‘Daring Do’ Jen’s magic fetched her iPod from her bag. Resting it in front of herself she stuck the ear buds in her big pony ears as best as they’d go before turning it on. “Go ahead!” Cadence wasn’t the punishing type; she DEFINITELY didn’t seem like the ignoring type. Jen saw Celestia take a deep breath from the corner of her eye and braced herself…she’d seen Luna bellow angrily and wasn’t sure what to expect. Instead of a keening wail…the filly deflated slowly when she realized Jennifer wasn’t even looking at her. Still pouting a little she crept to the very edge of her doorway. “…what is that?” Jen looked over moving one of the buds out of her ear. “What’s that?” “…I said what is that?” “Oh. It’s called an iPod. It plays music.” Celestia wrinkled her nose. “Is it magic?” “Nope. Just a tiny machine.” “I want to see it.” Jen lifted it with her magic, holding it in clearer view for the filly across the hall. “No…I want to see it up close!” “Oh. Well…I suppose you can come in my room.” Celestia’s royal rump hit the floor as her pout escalated. “Cadence said I’m not allowed.” “Who’s in charge now?” “…you?” “Yup. You can come to my room.” Gingerly…as if expecting the princess to descend on her at any second Celestia stepped a hoof out of her room. When it was clear no such princess was about to materialize she dashed across the hall as fast as she could, eyes wide and breathing heavily. Her wings flexed a bit as she calmed and cautiously approached the older pony in the room. Eyes flicking from Jen to the iPod she crept closer until she could clearly see the little device. “How does it work?” Jen set her crayon aside and turned to face Celestia fully. “You move through the song titles with this little button, than when you find the one you like you push this one and it plays.” Jennifer had it playing from her Disney playlist so she just popped the cord for the buds out and let the regular speaker take over. “Under The Sea” began to play loudly. Celestia’s eyes widened and she bolted back toward the door at the unexpected noise. Slowly she calmed and crept closer again. “That’s amazing! Are there tiny musicians inside?” “Nope. You guys have records right? I guess it’s best to imagine it like a tiny record player.” Her wings flexing with her nerves Celestia crept closer again, prodding the iPod with her hoof. When it didn’t jump up and bite her she gently picked it up in her forehooves turning it over. When it became clear it did nothing other than play music she lost interest quickly enough. “I want my toys back.” “That’s nice.” Jen went back to her coloring. Celestia bristled, wings flexing open again. “I ate breakfast and didn’t yell at the servant or anything! I did what you said!” “Hm. That’s true. Why don’t you color with me?” Eyeing her new authority figure suspiciously Celestia settled on the floor next to her, taking one of the crayons in her mouth and going to work coloring the birds in the picture a painfully dizzying array of multi-hued splendor. For such an eyesore the filly selected each color after careful study. Jen couldn’t help but remember when she was just starting out drawing; it took her forever to pick the color on anything when she decided to color her pictures. “So. How come you give Cadence and Shining Armor such a hard time?” The filly shrugged. “…dunno.” “You sure you don’t know? Cadence is really nice. She just wants what’s best for you.” Celestia’s purple orbs started to smolder with anger again. “No she doesn’t. She wants to keep me locked up in the castle forever.” “What makes you say that?” The miniature sun princess’ composure snapped and she slammed her hooves down on the book, snapping the crayons in her way. “Because it’s true! She never lets me go outside! She doesn’t let me see anypony but the servant who brings my food! And that Shining Armor is no better! He won’t even let me go to the bathroom alone!” Jen eyed the broken crayons with a little frown. “If I go talk to Cadence do you promise to stay in my room and behave?” Celestia gave a noncommittal shrug. “I asked you a question Celestia.” The filly winced. “…fine. I promise.” Jen smiled. “Good. And pick up those broken crayons too.” Celestia huffed, but she was already doing so as Jen stepped outside shutting the door behind her. It was simple enough to get directions to Cadence’s throne room. The princess was holding court much the same as Luna did. Fortunately a very bored looking Shining Armor was also in attendance, and he was all too happy for the excuse to sneak out. “What’s up?” Jen glanced back toward her room. “What’s the deal? You guys keep Celestia stuffed away in her room all day every day?” Shining frowned a little pulling her away from the throne room. “We can’t let anypony know about her condition. If word gets around that we’re one sun princess down the griffons or dragons might start getting ideas.” “I think that might be why she’s so uh…nasty. I mean she’s a little kid right now right? Kids like to run around and play outside and junk. She needs to get outta here.” The stallion was nodding. “I don’t disagree but there’s no way an alicorn filly isn’t going to get tons of attention.” Jennifer’s eyes lit up and she grinned. “What if she wasn’t an alicorn?” *** “Alright so here’s how it works. You put on the bracelet and touch the charm you want. Just pick one then we get to go outside.” Celestia stared at the charm bracelet wide eyed. “There’s a dragon! And…a bat? And some kinda bug?” “Yup. Night pony and changeling. I think it best you stick with one of the regular pony tribes.” Nodding slowly she filly fidgeted with the bracelet over her foreleg. “And Cadence said it was ok?” “Who’s in charge?” Biting her lip Celestia poked at the earth pony charm. She yelped as her wings and horn vanished. “It really worked! I’m an earth pony?” Jen reclaimed her bracelet. “For the afternoon. You ready to go outside?” Slowly Celestia began to smile. “I am!” “Alright. First thing’s first. You’re name isn’t Celestia. How about uh…Sunny Days?” Now she was frowning a little. “What’s wrong with my name?” Jen shrugged. “Nothing. But nopony is supposed to know you’re here right? It might look funny if a filly named Celestia with your coat and mane is running around, earth pony or no.” “I guess Sunny Days is a nice name…” “Alright you’re Sunny Days. And I’m your older sister Jubilant Surprise, got it?” Nodding a little Celestia fell into step with Jen as she nudged the door open. The filly had to force herself not to charge ahead. She was going outside! She didn’t want to upset the at times scary pony watching over her. Shining Armor was waiting at the end of the hall watching with the hint of a frown on his face. Celestia’s canter slowed and stopped altogether as she gazed up at him. “Hello Prince Shining Armor! I was about to take my sister to uh…a park maybe? Introduce yourself.” The little filly peeked up at the prince. “Hello…I’m…Sunny Days.” Slowly his frown faded. “Well that sounds like fun. And it’s nice to meet you Sunny Days. Why don’t I escort you ladies? I know a good park. Lots of foals playing there. It’s a holiday today so nopony’s in school.” “That’d be nice. Thank you. You say thanks too Sunny.” “O-oh yes. Thank you sir.” Shining looked over Celestia’s head at Jen with a raised eyebrow, mouthing ‘wow’. The young mare shrugged with a smile. “Well…let’s go see that park hm?” *** “You’ve been here an hour and look at her!” Jen laughed. She was sitting with the prince at the large public park near one of the empire’s schools. Celestia was racing about with a group of foals engaged in some game or another. “I’m sure Cadence is an awesome foal sitter in most cases, but sometimes kids need y’know…a firm hoof.” “I guess it just never occurred to me to PUNISH…” He dropped his voice. “To punish Princess Celestia of all ponies. That was a good idea you had with your bracelet too.” “Eh it was kinda an obvious solution when you thought about it. I’m sure if you guys had one you’d have done the same thing.” She laughed. Shining didn’t seem to share her mirth. “Yeah you’d think…so. How are you doing Jennifer? After that mess with those men back on your world?” “I’m fine. I mean…it was scary and I was pretty sure I was gonna die. But a couple of the agents were pretty nice. I mean you met Agent Miller. She’s the one that helped us and took that bullet for Luna.” “She seemed like a good woman. I know somepony’s who’re familiar with your world think all humans are greedy meat eating monsters, but I know different. I’ve seen plenty of examples of the good your kind has to offer, and can bring to Equestria for that matter. If it weren’t for you Discord would probably be ruling us all.” Jen rolled her eyes. “Meh. All I did was some fast talking and nearly bleed to death in an ancient castle. If it were for Twilight, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash I’d probably be wreaking havoc right alongside him by now.” “Well what about those ponies you saved from the diamond dogs? Where would THEY be without you?” “…in their belly?” She laughed. “I get what you’re saying, and thanks.” Jen ran a hoof along Mercy’s shield. “I’m doing well though. Not sure WHAT I’m doing. I’m running a daycare, revolutionizing the film industry, training to be a knight for an order of knights that doesn’t exist, weighing in on Equestrian politics on my weekends, and dating a member of the same sex and different species.” “Sounds like you’re trying to figure out just what you want to be doing with your life. I think there’s a word for ponies like that. Back in my day we called them teenagers.” Jen stuck her tongue out. “Very funny. But you’re right, I know it’s part of growing up and all. I wish my stupid butt mark would show up and tell me what I’m supposed to be doing.” The stallion laughed now. “That’s not really how it works. A pony gets their cutie mark when they discover what they’re destined to do, what makes them TRULY happy. Do you have anything like that?” With a heavy sigh Jen flopped onto her side. “I dunno. I love the daycare and my weekends with Luna. I love to fly and my practicing with Heart at night. I love drawing too. I just dunno.” “Well don’t think about it too much. Your mark will come when its time, I promise.” Jen fidgeted with her hooves. “What if it never does? Cause y’know…I’m not a real pony.” “Hm. I can’t tell you I know a whole lot about how cutie marks work beyond what we learn in school. I’m just a soldier y’know? I’m a prince now but that’s still who I am where it counts. We try to look at things simply. And from what I can see you’re a pony. Maybe not JUST like anypony else. Most ponies don’t swap between tribes, or turn into humans and changelings. But you’re all Equestrian where it counts.” He poked her gently in the chest. With a little grin she rested her hoof over the spot. “…you’re a lot like your sister. You don’t use the same big words she does, but you’re a lot smarter than you look.” Now he laughed. “Well thanks so much.” He looked back at the park, seeing Celestia still happily at play. “How’re things at home? You’re living with Pinkie Pie right? THAT’S gotta be an experience.” Jen’s cheer vanished abruptly. “…it’s fun sometimes. But she’s really…over bearing. Always trying to mother me. We had a big fight before I came up.” “Sounds like she’s just worried about you. When you disappeared for those few days she was in a panic, running all over ready to burst into tears at any second. She was up in arms the first night you didn’t come back but her friends convinced her you were just staying overnight with your father. When you still weren’t back the next night she made Twily send a letter to Princess Luna and got the whole rescue in motion.” A loud groan came from the young unicorn now. “I know. I know she worries I just...I had a lot of independence at home. My dad was always working and mom when she WAS home was trying to plan her next night out and away from the house. I got to come and go as I pleased. When dad knew they’d both be gone for a while he’d hire a babysitter. That’s how I met Pinkie y’know? When she and the others were on their study trip or whatever. Dad hired her to babysit me. Dunno how he got her number…or where she got her phone. I should ask her sometime…” “Hm. It sounds like you were…ignored most of the time.” A little frown found her lips and she shrugged. “I guess. Not by Pennie though.” She was smiling a little now. “I’d never had anyone want to y’know…spend time with me doing stuff I liked. She loved looking through my sketch books or going on our nature walks. I…jeez I’m kinda an idiot huh?” “Kinda. You’re one of those things? Oh! Teenagers! I forgot. Old age and all. I’ve heard your kind can get ornery with authority figures.” With a grunt Jen bucked him in the flank sending him right off the bench. “Oops! My teenage rebelliousness got the better of me!” Without warning a bright magenta bubble popped into being around Jennifer, bouncing her off the bench and rolling her gently along the grass. “Only one way I know how to deal with teenagers. Discipline.” Frowning a little Jen gave the bubble an experimental kick. When it didn’t give she charged her horn and punched into it with a shot of magic. The prince looked a bit surprised by the force behind it, but his bubble shield didn’t fade. With a smirk he gave it a gentle kicking sending it, and its occupant rolling across the park. “Hey everypony! Who wants to play a little hoofball?” Jen’s eyes widened as the ball rolled about sending the world spinning end over end. “Don’t you dare!” Of course all the fillies and colts cheered at the unusual spectacle and soon poor Jennifer was being kicked back and forth from one end of the field to the other. It was approaching lunch time before the bubble finally popped and a very dizzy young mare spilled out onto the grass. “Ohhhh….” Celestia was giggling wildly as she and Shining Armor approached. With a little chuckle the prince levitated Jen from the ground settling her on his back. “I think I’m ready for lunch. Let’s head back to the castle.” Jen was in no fit to agree or disagree. Celestia nodded cheerfully. “Alright! Thank you for taking me here Shining Armor.” “Thank Jennifer; it was all her brilliant idea.” Glancing up at the green pony…who was looking a bit greener than normal Celestia’s ears folded back. “…maybe I’ll say thank you later.” *** Jen opted to skip lunch and instead spend the afternoon recovering on her bed. It’d been an hour and she was still a little dizzy when she tried to stand up. Celestia was happily playing with a few soldier toys and a big dragon doll at the foot of her bed. The little filly was restored to her former alicorn status and Jen’s bracelet was back on her leg where it belonged. Just as the young mare was feeling up to joining her charge on the floor there was a soft knock at the door. Without getting up Jen used her magic to swing the door open. “Oh, hey Cadence. What’s up?” Cautiously the elder alicorn eyed the filly in the room. “I just wanted to see how everything was going so far…” Celestia spared the princess only a brief glance before happily going back to her game. “Just fine. I’m recovering from being the ball in a hoofball game earlier but other than that…” Now the filly giggled delightedly earning a huff look from her foal sitter. Cadence again stared at her regressed aunt. “Can I speak to you for a moment Jennifer? Privately?” Nodding a little Jen hopped off her bed. “I’ll be back in a minute Celestia. You stay here alright?” Getting a distracted ‘um hm’ from the princess-to-be Jen followed Cadence from the room shutting the door behind them. “Why don’t we chat up in my room?” “Alright…I’m not in trouble am I?” “Oh no! Shining said you were delightful this afternoon and that you’re obviously working wonders with Celestia. I just wanted a chance to have a private chat.” Relaxing now Jen fell into step with the princess. She and her husband made their home at the top of the tower she herself was staying in. Their chambers were much the same as her own if bigger obviously. A small kitchen was set in a nook off to one side while another doorway led to their wash room. “Tea?” “Please. I’ve gotten a taste for it thanks to my weekly preening’s with Fluttershy.” Cadence smiled faintly as she set the kettle on to boil. “That must be nice. Living in Ponyville. …doing normal things with normal ponies.” Jen raised an eyebrow. “I guess. I mean it’s not all normalcy. Discord, crazy alicorns, diamond dogs. What was it like when you were a filly?” With a very unprincess-like snort Cadence flopped down on a plush cushion. “Not quite the same. Aunt Celestia meant well but she could be very strict. I was never allowed to set foot outside the castle except for the occasional trip to the garden and that was always under heavy guard.” Seeing the look of concern forming on Jennifer’s face, Cadence waved a hoof. “Don’t misunderstand I really did have anything I wanted. Except well…what you have. The freedom to have a semi-normal life.” “Well I mean, you were a princess right? You alicorns are super rare. I guess I can understand a little caution. I’m just a human kid who bops around from tribe to tribe.” Frowning a little Jen tapped a hoof to her chin. “You know I thought I’d be seeing more permanent parts appearing by now. It’s been a few months.” Cadence regarded her curiously. “What do you mean?” “Well the acclimation y’know? Me turning into an Equestrian? Luna said it’d take a year or two but I dunno, during the race I had parts popping up all over. Right now if I’m human all I have is whatever tribe’s dominant aspect I belong to at the time.” “Hm. I’m afraid I don’t know much about it myself. Magic isn’t my strong suit.” The kettle began to whistle and without raising the princess poured a pair of cups and drifted them over. “Really? Me too! I suck so bad at spells. Like I know a couple easy ones but that’s about it. I’m leaning toward staying pegasus to be honest. But I’m gonna be going earth pony when I get back to Ponyville. I’m gonna help the Apple family on the farm.” “Oh that sounds like so much fun! You’re so lucky. Princess Luna seems to give you a lot of free reign.” “Well she just wants me to find where I belong I think. I’m pretty sure it’s not as a unicorn. Twilight says I have great potential for magic but I dunno, it’s super boring? I’d rather be outside flying or doing stuff with my friends than stuck in a tree reading all day.” “I know exactly what you mean. I hated all the magic and history and those sorts of lessons. I’d have much preferred to be…I don’t know a weather mare maybe? I bet I’d have been good at it.” Jen grinned playfully. “So go make some weather. Just cause you’re an alicorn doesn’t mean you HAVE to be a princess right?” Cadence took a small sip of her tea, smiling a little while Jen fumbled with the cup in her hooves. “Aunt Celestia certainly seemed to think so. I do good things for the crystal ponies, and they need to be shown some kindness. They’ve had many dark times and it’s time for them to get a little cheer injected into their empire. Maybe one day when things calm down and they can have one of their own lead…who knows?” Another light sip. “And what of your own future Jennifer? Do you plan to remain settled in Ponyville? I hear only good things about your daycare, even all the way out here.” Jen finally got the cup to her lips sipping a moment…before with a grimace she remembered she was in unicorn shape. Huffing at her own stupidity she transferred the cup to her magical aura for holding. “Nope. I’m gonna stick around for a bit. On earth I’m not really an adult yet. I know that’s not how it works here but y’know…it’s ingrained in my head that I get to be on my own when I hit eighteen. I want to explore the unmapped territories of the world.” “Oh? That certainly sounds ambitious and exciting.” Happily sipping at her tea now Jennifer shrugged. “Back home we already have everything mapped out. Here though you guys have so little documented beyond Equestria other than “so-and-so lives here”. I want to change all that.” She stared down into her cup quietly for a few moments. “I was also thinking of trying to find more Arms of Harmony. It seems like…I dunno something worth doing?” “Planning to reform the Order?” “Ha! Me? No nothing like that. But I dunno…it was important at one time right? Maybe somepony important like Luna or Princess Celestia would consider it if more of the arms were found.” “Hm. I think you sell yourself short Jennifer. You’ve done some great things since you’ve been here. I’m sure more greatness is in store. You shouldn’t dismiss your own accomplishments so easily.” Slowly she rose. “Would you excuse me a moment? I need to use the little filly’s room.” Jen blinked and nodded. “O-oh sure. I’ll just uh…wait here.” Laughing gently the princess stepped through the other doorway gently shutting the door behind her. Setting her teacup on the floor Jen cantered toward a large vanity bearing dozens of photographs stuck to the mirror. With a little grin she saw most were pictures of a little filly Twilight Sparkle. More than a few of Cadence with her now-husband, and even a couple with her aunt. It was a shockingly ordinary looking bit of furniture for an immortal pony princess to possess. She was about to turn away when something resting in the vanity caught her eye. The faintest glint of a silver chain could be seen resting in partially opened drawer. Against her better judgment Jen’s horn lit and the drawer slid open fully. Her eyes widened at what she found. A delicate silver bracelet, almost identical to the one around her own foreleg rested within the drawer. The only difference was instead of bearing a half dozen charms this one only held one charm, a little silver human. Eyes narrowed in suspicious Jen slid the door back to its former position. “So! Cadence is kinda a funny name for a pony.” The princess was just stepping from the washroom. “You think so?” “Mmm. Well most of them are named after y’know…stuff or the things they do. Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor, Rainbow Dash…Luna. Cadence sounds more like a human name than anything.” There was a slight pause as the alicorn in question smiled. “Well my full name is Mi Amore Cadenza. I just prefer Cadence.” “Huh. I don’t really see how the two are connected.” Another brief pause, if Jennifer wasn’t staring so intently at the princess she might have missed the faint frown. “Well…Cadenza and Cadence sound a bit alike don’t they?” “Hm. I guess they do. So! Princess Celestia adopted you?” Now her smile was back, warmer this time. “She did. When I was just a little filly.” “So what happened to your parents?” The smile vanished instantly. “O-oh well…I…don’t like to talk about it.” She didn’t sound as sad as someone would expect of somebody talking about losing their folks. Jen wasn’t exactly tight with her parents but them dying would probably leave a sore spot for her. No Cadence sounded evasive. “No? Sorry I’m just a bit curious about where you guys come from?” “Who?” “Well alicorns. I mean there’s only three of you. Well four counting Umbra now. So where’re the rest of you?” “Oh! Uh…well…these are…really questions you should be asking Princess Luna I think.” Jen was slowly advancing and the princess was slowly stepping back. “Why? Is it some big secret? Something I should maybe know about that Luna’s been hiding from me?” Cadence ‘eep’d’ softly as her rump hit the back wall. “H-how about send her a letter? Right now! I bet she could be here in a flash! Oh she’s probably asleep we should wait until tonight!” Her smile was big, faltering, and totally fake. Not saying a word Jen reached into the vanity and retrieved the charm bracelet. Cadence’s smile fell as she followed its path through the air with her eyes. Wordlessly the young mare laid it at the princess forehooves. “How about you contact Luna now?” Cadence stared down at the bracelet, her bracelet for a time. “You have to understand Princess Luna did what she did to make this easier on you Jennifer, and for the safety of all of Equestria.” She didn’t bother to pick up the bracelet, but her horn glowed brightly bathing her body in its baby blue hue of magic. Jen stepped back as the alicorns body dwindled and shrank. Fur and tail vanishing, hooves softening. Soon a young woman sat in Cadence’s place. Her hair the same Technicolor craziness and her eyes remained their gentle amethyst color. The large golden torc hung off her neck a bit comically, and she rested her crown on the floor with the bracelet. “The bracelet is really just for Shining now. He wanted to you know…do it for me.” She was blushing gently. “You have to understand the power we have here Jennifer. What you did with Discord spoke volumes for your character, but you’re a young girl. Sometimes power can go to a person’s head you know? Princess Celestia handled my arrival in Equestria by keeping me under her care at all times. I wasn’t allowed to go outside or make friends. It was five years before she finally let me venture from the castle. I was only eleven when I came to Equestria. Being told you were destined to…to rule over people as a princess? That’s a lot for a little girl to take in.” “Luna took the opposite direction with you. She gave you the freedom to go out and live among your future people. To learn what they had to offer and how you could best serve them. Maybe she should have told you the truth from the beginning; I don’t know exactly why she didn’t. You’ll have to ask her that. But I do know she had, and still has your best interests at heart. We’ve talked a lot since she was back, especially over the last few months. She’s very proud of your progress you know?” The whole time Jennifer was staring down at her forehooves. Did you know about this? Nay. I had no idea Jennifer. Luna and Celestia were ponies when they joined the order, and this is the first time I have met Cadence. This is…good news is it not? Does not every young filly wish to be a princess? Grunting softly Jen looked up at Cadence. She slowly rose to her hooves. “I’m….going for a walk. Please don’t follow me or send the guards to chase me down. I’m not in a very good mood all of a sudden.” Cadence remained seated on the floor, not moving until Jen turned the corner and started her way down the stairs. “…oh Luna is going to be so angry at me.” *** Celestia glanced at the door as it opened, and her eyes went as big as saucers at the naked human girl with a horn plodding into the room. She followed her movements silently as she knelt down and retrieved some clothes from her bags getting dressed in her jeans, hoodie and sneakers. “Is…everything ok?” Glancing down at the filly the girl shook her head. “No I uh…don’t think so. I guess you knew about this too?” The young pony furrowed her brow. “I…think. A little? My memories are fuzzy a lot. Coming and going but I remember you. Humans. I remember that’s what I was…and my sister, and Cadence too.” “How long ago did you really come here Celestia?” Snorting a little in frustration the filly shook her head. “I don’t remember yet. I’m sorry. Is…there anything I can do to help?” Jen chuckled softly. “No I don’t think so. I’m just going to go for a walk. I’ll be back soon, don’t worry.” “Ok. Is it um…alright if I stay in your room? I kinda like it.” “Sure. I don’t mind.” Jen gave her a quick pat on the head before departing. She popped her ear buds in and cranked the volume on her iPod, studiously ignoring the surprised stares from the staff. Shining Armor was standing by the stairs from the palace, watching her in concern. She refused to meet his gaze and just climbed down and made her way onto the streets of the city. The crystal ponies gave her several curious looks but they’d seen her human form on the balcony during the announcement earlier in the day so no panic began. Jennifer please talk to me. Your pain is my pain now, what concerns you? What DOESN’T concern me Heart? I just found out Luna’s been lying to me from the second I set foot in her stupid castle. I thought we were…I dunno what. Friends at the very least? This seems like something kinda huge to keep from me. Aye. I suppose it does. Though thine requested opinions during the night court make sense now do they not? Hmph. So what she was grooming me to be a princess the whole time? What am I supposed to be princess of? Foalsitting? I know not her motives Jennifer but before thine anger grows try to consider it from her perspective. Would thou have been happier locked away in the castle as Cadence was? Of course not. I just don’t see why she had to keep this a secret? I guess she wanted to…to test me? To see if I was worthy? That kinda makes it worse. I suppose it does. This is a betrayal of the trust thou hath given the princess. Even so, try not to get too angry. We would not want to inadvertently destroy half the empire in a tantrum. Heh…I know. When I’d get mad back home I went on long walks. It helps clear my head. That’s all I’m doing. Very well. Perhaps we can find a place to spar yes? That always seems to ease thy mind. Nothing like getting smacked around by my swords ghost to clear the cobwebs. That’s actually a good idea Heart, let’s see if there’s space in that park. With a destination in mind Jennifer’s steps became more purposeful. She got a few blocks into the city before one of the large buildings caught her eye. A ‘Public Library’ sign hung over the entrance. Hey wasn’t the Empire gone for like a thousand years? Aye if the stories are to be believed and I have no reason to doubt them. Wicked King Sombra sealed it away for a millennia as punishment when he was dethroned. So…maybe they have some old books? Some old unaltered books? …perhaps. Grinning now Jen bounded up the stairs and into the library. A few ponies milled about within wandering the shelves. The oldest looking stallion Jen had ever seen was shakily maneuvering a book cart along the shelves, placing books back in their places. He didn’t shine and shimmer like the other crystal ponies, but the girl shrugged it off. He was the first normal looking pony living in the crystal empire aside from the royals she’d seen. “Excuse me sir?” He looked up and Jen flinched back involuntarily. His eyes seemed to have an unpleasant red hue burning within the pupils. When she blinked it was gone, and he smiled a very gap toothed smile. “How can I help you young lady?” Rubbing her arm a bit Jen hesitated. She was getting a weird feeling from this old stallion. “Uh…do you have any books on the Order of Harmony?” “Of course, of course. Right this way.” He set a slow pace as his old bones carried him through the shelves to the history section. Had Jennifer, or Bleeding Heart for that matter, been more attentive to their surroundings they’d have noticed the old mare sleeping in the head librarian’s office was in fact not sleeping at all but very much deceased. Both were more focused on finding the tidbit of knowledge on their ancient order than examining every half opened door they passed alas. “Ah here we are…this is a good one.” He nodded to the exact book Jen was seeking. ‘The Founding of the Order’. Slowly she took the book from the shelf and felt an odd little tingle run through her fingers. She nearly dropped it but shook off the sensation. “Is there a reading room I can use or something?” “Of course. Up the stairs there. All the doors are unlocked, take your pick.” His near toothless smile split his face again. With a hasty thanks Jen took the stairs two at a time. Finding one of the private rooms unoccupied she settled on the cushion and eagerly flipped through the pages. “They’re here!” Read then. Let this infernal mystery be ended. *** Luna was not in a good mood. Not only had she been awoken more than a few hours early by a near panicked Cadence, but the crystal princess was in her human form no less. “Explain to me again…very slowly how this happened?” The image of the young woman in Luna’s mirror took a deep breath. “We were chatting in my room. I went to the bathroom and she must have been looking at the photos on my vanity. The drawer was open or she was snooping, I don’t know which. Either way she…well she found this.” Cadence held up her bracelet. Luna’s nostrils flared angrily. “She is not the type to snoop so you or your husband’s negligence is the cause of this latest catastrophe. No doubt she is hurt and angry, she tends to jump right to anger in such situations not that I can fault her in this case. Keep an eye on her, she is not likely to cause trouble but if trouble finds her I expect she will react harshly. I will be taking the next train to the Empire.” Turning to the doorway where she knew a pair of guards waited she bellowed. “Fetch me Cadet Echo! Tell her, her presence is needed IMMEDIATELY!” The sound of two pairs of hooves galloping at top speed greeted her ears. “Where is Jennifer now?” Shifting uncomfortably under Luna’s angry gaze Cadence offered a wan smile. “She’s at the library. She’s in human shape so not hard to keep tabs on. Everypony remembers her.” Luna took a deep breath nodding slowly, before her eyes widened abruptly. “Get her! Get her away from the library immediately! Send Shining Armor and drag her back in a shield if you must but get her out of there NOW!” Cadence’s own eyes widened in alarm at the princess’ sudden urgent tone. Nodding dumbly she stumbled to her feet and dashed from her rooms, only just remembering to become a pony again on the way. Wings flared and trembling Luna trotted to her balcony. “…I am sorry sister, this is too urgent.” A panic would grip all of Equestria as the sun abruptly set in the middle of the afternoon, giving way to Luna’s bright moon. A frenzied Echo flapped right up to Luna’s balcony. “L-lady Luna? What is it? Why is the moon out now?” “I do not have time to explain. Come close cadet, Jennifer is in terrible danger and we must be off.” That was all the young guard needed to hear. Tucking her wings in she gripped her lady around the foreleg. With a burst of silvery radiance the princess and cadet vanished into the pillar of silver light, whisked to the moon for instant transport to the empire. *** Alas if only I’d paid more attention to their mother, Galaxia. I may have seen the coming trouble. At first she was much like her daughters. Quiet, calm, composed and eager to learn. While Celestia and Luna joined the knighthood she remained with the unicorn aristocracy. Slowly insinuating herself into their court with threats both implied and acted upon. They were so powerful, the three mares from another world. The sisters confided in me their true natures and that of the mare accompanying them. Apparently when they first arrived in our land they were alone and helpless, before being discovered by the young mare who was even then serving as their body guard. I learned little of her before she disappeared but she struck me as a good sort. “What kind of name is Galaxia? I guess it’s in keeping with the Luna and Celestia theme huh?” Aye. Read on. Neither paid any attention to the distant rumble, passing it off as thunder. Time passed as it tends to do. I thought little of Galaxia as I saw less and less of both her and the unicorn court. Things progressed as usual. We had little to do in the knighthood save ordinary peace keeping. Most turned to us to settle disputes and the like and we were only too happy to mediate. We never ruled, merely offered our services as a neutral third party eager to keep things peaceful. I still thought nothing amiss when Galaxia requested a knight run an errand now and again. I knew enough to know she’d attained a noble title of her own but she only seemed to have Equestria’s best interests at heart. My concern started to grow when the knights she sent out stopped returning. It was not unusual for one of our number to undertake long journeys, often sending little word of their progress but months passed without word. Young Bleeding Heart had already been missing for a time and I was preparing a search party for her when news of some sort of otherworldly visitor drew my attention elsewhere. I accompanied Celestia and Luna to the far reaches of our lands to a forest known as the Everfree. A creature that resembled a male ape had taken up residence within the forests boundaries. He identified himself as Daniel, a young squire in a knight hood from his own world. He was friendly and eager to cooperate, if a bit surprised at our appearance. Apparently where he is from ponies do not talk, but are simply beasts of burden. With the most powerful of our order away Galaxia saw her chance to strike against the Citadel itself. Her magic was somehow greater than her daughters by a significant amount. The powers of the heavens themselves seemed to be at her beck and call. The Citadel was destroyed utterly, reduced to rubble and buried beneath the ground. The sisters and I returned with our strange visitor in tow, completely unprepared for what awaited us. It had all been a part of her plan to remove the only threat to her planned rule. Galaxia somehow drew power from the adoration of the unicorns that fell under her sway, growing in strength with each new sycophant. And she had many. Preaching the perfection of the magic using unicorn race she felt it was her destiny to lead them and bring the other two tribes under their sway as laborers. Once the tribes were dominated she planned to extend her reach. Celestia and Luna stood against her but were swept aside with no effort on Queen Galaxia’s part. I am a powerful spell caster but seeing the raw magic the queen wielded I knew I had no chance. I spirited the sister’s away along with our new friend Daniel to the Everfree. Magic worked oddly there and if anyplace was safe from her reach it was the most unusual forest. A great darkness had grown in our land like a cancer, spreading and infecting everything it touched. I fear the queen is unstoppable. The sisters and Daniel make plans to fight back, trying to drag me into them…but I know a hopeless cause when I see it. My beloved citadel…my order of harmony that my friends and I worked so hard to establish. All of it gone in an instant. It was then that Celestia and Luna revealed to me they too were from the same world as Daniel. Their protector assisted them in blending in by giving them pony shapes, but they were just as human as he. They hoped that by accelerating Daniel’s absorption of mana he would be able to tip the scales and dethrone their mother. Against my better judgment I prepared the ritual. It worked…after a fashion. Rather than a pony Daniel became an…amalgamation of many of the creatures found in our land. I worried what the sudden influx of power would do to his mind, but he assured me he was in control and willing to do what must be done for us. Truly the lad embodied the knightly spirit, and had things ended differently I’d have happily inducted him into our own order. Daniel’s battle with Galaxia was truly devastating. Our country was ripped apart by the forces the two unleashed. Celestia and Luna leant their own power to the struggle but even still the queen was proving a match for all three. It was then I began to ponder where her power came from, and if it could be severed. Acting quickly I crafted a spell of forgetfulness. Possibly the most potent spell I’d ever created. I recalled the sisters and they agreed to lend me their power. While Daniel struggled alone against her we three enacted the ritual. All at once the sounds of battle vanished. The creature Daniel had become looked confused for a moment, before he smiled and vanished as well. No trace of the thing he was fighting could be found. The sisters were devastated at the apparent death of their mother and departed my company immediately. Galaxia was gone. Gone and forgotten. I will now begin removing every trace of her existence I can find and place powerful spells on this journal so that nopony save one of the order may open it. If her name would be remembered and spoke aloud there is a chance she might return. And heaven help us if she does. The important thing is Galaxia was finally defeated, but at such a great cost… Jen frowned snapping the book shut. “Jeez that’s a little crazy.” Aye. I think it best we depart, and take this book with us for Princess Luna to deal with herself. “Yeah good idea…” Jen stood with a frown turning to the door before gasping and stumbling back, tripping over the cushion and sprawling on her back. In the doorway stood a middle aged woman. Hair black as pitch and eyes the same inhuman obsidian color. Small lights twinkled within those ageless depths and the woman’s hair writhed and twisted constantly. Huge feathered wings, just as black and filled with twinkling motes rested on her back, while an identically colored horn jutted from her forehead. A smile spread on her lips. “My savior.”