Chapter 11 (Part One): All According to Plan?
(Twilight)
***
It wasn’t much of a surprise that she couldn’t pick up anything more than a few wispy bits of Celestia’s trail. Luna switched over to the vibrant energy that would lead her to Cadence. What game art thou up to this time, sister?
As the shadow of the mighty night princess passed over the heart of Canterlot, Luna released a sigh. As usual, citizens darted into their homes or cowered as she trotted nearby. Luna proceeded down the cobble streets until she came upon a stretch of road covered in broken glass.
A brown colored stallion was busy sweeping up the mess, looking down as he worked. The black bangs of his mane covered his eyes slightly. With a quick spell, the shards rose off the ground as if moving back in time. The storefront of the ‘Masquerade Costume Shop’ was good as new.
“That was quite the spell... Princess Luna!” The stallion exclaimed. “I didn’t expect one such as you to be out this time of day. He knelt down before the princess. “Veneer at your service.”
“If thou art wondering why we are awake, we figure that a polyphasic sleep cycle will be more productive than traditional habits.” Luna lowered her head. “Thou mayest rise, my subject. We grow tired of our subjects’ groveling and cowering.” She turned to indicate the ponies freezing in the street or fleeing with a wide berth.
“You sound flustered your Highness. Why don’t you come inside and tell me about it?”
“We do not truly have time for...”
The stallion was already heading through the doorway. “A cup of coffee and an open ear are the least I can offer for fixing my store.”
"We suppose..." Luna accepted a cup of plain black coffee and followed the brown fellow as he reorganized various masks and costumes around the shop.
“We are befuddled at how news of our reform has not become known in our kingdom? When will it be acceptable for us to kiss foals on the forehead and cut unnecessarily large ribbons with giant scissors? It appears that the blight of Nightmare Moon will haunt us forever.” Luna gave a critical look to the stallion. “Why art thou so calm in our presence? Art thou not worried we will bring darkness upon thy soul?” She almost went into the Royal Canterlot voice.
Veneer chuckled, hiding a bit of nervousness as he pulled a Nightmare Moon costume off of a rack. “How could you be mistaken for this? Nightmare is a cold black, while you are a majestic mix of purple and blue. Besides that, your cutie marks are complete opposites.”
Luna blushed slightly, but became dower once more. “If what thou sayest is true, a large majority of our subjects are unobservant and judgemental. The acceptance of this would mean the masses are somewhat naturally ignorant.”
“Exactly, so it’s not your fault they misunderstand you,” Veneer said with a hopeful smile.
Luna sank to her rump. “Our education system has failed the ponies of Equestria.”
“Are you really going to blame yourself for that? You were sealed in the moon for the last thousand years.”
“We suppose...yes. Thou art right. However, this means The Council and mine sister are to blame!”
"I'm not one to get between family, but that does seem to be the logical conclusion." Veneer gave another hopeful smile.
"Yes, how could we have skipped over this logical path?" Luna finished her cup of coffee and conjured up some bits onto the cashier's counter.
"I'm glad to help, but there is no need to pay for my advice your highness. After all it is you who repaired my window."
"This is not for thy words, but instead for all of thy Nightmare Moon costumes." The dark alicorn started removing six very convincing costumes from the rack nearby.
“Ah, so you are a fan. Those are my most popular this time of year. I think I have finally gotten the starry mane down pat. I oversaw the enchantment myself. It will even disguise your magic to match Nightmare's. Though I am curious what your highness plans to do with so many?"
Luna finished her coffee and set the cup down on the counter. "WE WILL GIVE THEM MAGICAL LIFE TO CREATE AN ARMY OF NIGHTMARES AND RETAKE THIS UNGRATEFUL CITY!” As she spoke lightning struck from a mini storm above Luna. She noticed Veneer was just staring at her. “We were only acting in jest. What we do with our purchases is none of thy business. Oh, and could we get a holding apparatus for all of these?"
Veneer chuckled uneasily. “I figured you must be joking, but my ears would not agree.” The stallion put the costumes into three shopping bags. “If you’re looking for Celestia, she bought my only extra extra large bunny suit and went flying off with some pink mare with a blue mane riding on her back.
"We thank thee for thy services." She gave a shallow bow and left with a jingle of the bell above the exit.
Veneer wiped a few beads of sweat from his brow. That was close. I thought she would shut me down for sure. Veneer looked at his cutie mark of a white pony mask. She sure has a nice flank for being imprisoned for a thousand years. Before getting back to work the middle aged stallion couldn't help himself from imagining some sort of lunar aerobics.
***
Luna continued to track the Love Princess until she came upon a mass of royal guards peering over the edge of Canterlot Falls. Luna landed quietly behind the guards and placed her bags on the ground. The guard’s heads all moved upward as Cadence appeared from below and landed gracefully amongst the guards ponies.
The Love Princess lowered Bon Bon to the ground before the guards. “Is this who you were searching for?”
One of the guards nodded after he knelt down to bow. “We believe she may be a spy, Your Highness.”
Luna walked up to the two ponies. “We do not mean to interrupt, but we are looking for our sister. Hast thou seen her?”
The guard looked to Cadence. “Does she mean ‘we’ as in you and her or ‘we’ as in old Equestrian, because I thought Celestia was your aunt?”
“It would be the latter. Luna, I have not seen her but when I do, she’s gonna get it.”
“Cadence, we believe it is not healthy to grind one’s teeth. What has caused thee such upset? Hast she gotten thee with the pranking?” asked Luna.
“I would stay and tell you all about that except I need to question this suspect first, then I’m going to destr... I mean have a chat with your dear sister and the Guard Captain. Judging by how many guards it took to catch this mare, she may need another escort.” Cadence gave a stern look at the nearby guards, who shuffled uncomfortably in embarrassment.
“May we join thee? It has been ages since we have participated in interrogation. You can tell of your quarrels along the way.”
Cadence couldn’t turn down Luna’s eager pleading eyes. “Fine, you can come along. If you are looking for Celestia as well then we can work together.”
***
The air felt cold and stale on her coat. It was too dark to see anything, but she could tell there must be some sort of table in front of her. The shackles connecting her forelegs together clinked against the cold metal surface before her.
“Aghh!” Bon Bon yelped as a bright light flickered on, momentarily blinding the mare.
“So, Bon Bon, if that’s even your real name,” Cadence said cooly. Bon Bon couldn’t see the princess’ face past the blinding light as Cadence spoke again. “Our cutie mark records say that’s who you are, but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t be a spy, or an assassin! I want to know what you were really doing in Canterlot?
“What are you talking ab--”
A second voice chimed in from behind the light. “We doubt thou just happen to lookest like the impostor. Now tell us what we want to know and maybe this will rather end less painfully.”
“I... I’m just a sales... salespony, nothing else.” The cream mare quivered. Why me? Why does it always have to be me?
“Likely story. Why would you just happen to come all the way from Ponyville today?” Bon Bon could hear Cadence pacing in the dark.
“Twilight! Twilight said it would be a good business move!” Bon Bon blurted out in fear.
“Exactly!” A hoof pounded down on the metal table. Bon Bon caught a glimpse of a metallic blue horseshoe before it receded into the dark. “Thou would think it a good business deal to remove one of us from the mortal plane. Thou must tell us who is working with this Twilight so we may smite them?”
Bon Bon heard scuffling and hushed conversation.
“Luna, can I see you outside for moment?” Cadence whispered while lightly ushering Luna out the door. Bon Bon closed her eyes and waited for whatever was to come next.
“I thought we agreed you would be playing good cop and I would play bad cop,” Cadence said.
“We are most apologetic Princess Cadenza. We thought we were playing the cop of goodness? We are more used to yelling and threatening. It often leads to confessions.”
If that’s what she calls good cop, then I’m scared to see what she thinks is bad. “You're supposed to sympathize with the suspect. Make them feel that if they confess, the punishment will be less severe.” Cadence cut off Luna just before an objection. “No, telling them things ‘will end less painfully’ is not encouraging for the suspect.”
The lunar goddess scraped a hoof across the stone floor. “Oh, we are starting to understand, Princess. How hast thee become so familiar with interrogation techniques?”
“I’ve learned a lot from Shining Armor lately. Would you please stop calling me princess? Now--”
“We are sorry daughter. We will no longer use that title.”
“Just Cadence... just call me Cadence. It’s less complicated that way.” I should have just let it go.
“Very well,” Luna said, oblivious to Cadence’s frustration.
“Now, I’m relatively sure this mare is a salespony like she said.”
“What makes thee so sure?” Luna asked.
“She’s probably talking about Twilight Sparkle. If she were a professional spy, she would not be so careless as to affiliate herself with somepony as well known as an Element of Harmony.”
“That is a most logical deduction. That means we must simply ask if Twilight Sparkle is who she was speaking of.” Luna conjured a quill and paper. “We will send a letter to Twilight to confirm this mare’s story.” She quickly finished the message and sent it off in puff of magic.
“Now you are getting into the swing of things,” Cadence said as the pair made their way back to the interrogation room. Luna stopped at the door.
Luna looked puzzled. “We do not see how gathering information from suspects correlates to pendular movement of objects.
“You know, getting the hang of it?”
Luna looked around the hall. “Hang on to what?”
Cadence clasped a hoof to her forehead. “No, getting into the swing of things is a way of saying becoming more skilled in something. You really should get out more.”
“We just went out today. Ah, here is the letter we seek." A scroll appeared in a puff of magic. Luna unfurled the scroll.
Dear Luna,
It is most unexpected to hear from the Princess of The Night. I hope we can chat some time under better circumstances. I am the one who suggested Bon Bon to head to Canterlot and I can assure you that she is not a spy. Please give her my apologies. I wish there was a way I could make it up to her.
Your loyal subject, Twilight Sparkle.
A good twenty minutes later, Luna and Cadence left the interrogation room.
“Perhaps offering monetary compensation was not the best idea?” Luna said.
“That Bon Bon sure knows how to drive a hard bargain.” Cadence looked over at Luna. “By the way, what are you doing with all those Nightmare Moon costumes? A better question is what is Bon Bon going to do with one?”
“Why must everypony be concerned with my purchases?” Luna huffed.
Later that day, Bon Bon happily boarded a train on a full stomach. She gave a menacing look at the train attendant who insisted he help carry her large sack. It turns out going to Canterlot was profitable after all.
***
“I never thought that I would want to skip a city planning meeting, but there are so many more important things for me to get done right now. This is like the third meeting today,” Twilight said.
“I never thought I would be wearing clothes I borrowed from Princess Luna. What am I supposed to do while you're busy? I can’t exactly do my job like this,” Shining said, indicating his pink coat. Luna’s dress was spotted with dirt and sweat.
Twilight scratched her chin with a gold clad hoof. She had placed a warming spell on all her shoes so as not to surprise herself with the cold metal like before. “You have a point. I know! I’m giving Shining Armor paid leave until further notice.”
“Okay that’s great and all, but who will handle the new recruits and manage the squads?”
“You will,” Twilight said matter of factly.
Shining contorted his feminine snout. “I don’t get it.”
“Shine Bright can be the new Captain of the Royal Guard.” Twilight continued to smile at her brother.
“You expect me to just waltz up to my squads and say, “Hey I’m Shine Bright. Shining is on vacation so I’ll be the new Captain that nopony has heard of before.” The mare stopped in front of the Council Chambers. “Besides, Cadence still wants our heads.”
Twilight winced. It wasn’t easy being hunted by your favorite foal sitter. “I don’t see why it won’t work. Your guards can’t exactly question a superior officer, and Cadence wouldn't expect you to just return to your job.”
“But... I--”
Twilight had already entered the meeting room and the doors sealed tight.
Shining expelled a deep breath and turned away from the towering doors of the main council chamber and headed out of the grand hall.
This day can’t possibly get any worse. A little chuckle left his mouth. “It can’t get any worse! Yeap, at least I have that for comfort.” A little swagger appeared in his steps as he left the hall.
“What can’t get any worse Ms. Hot Flank,” one of the guards to the Grand Hall said as Shining passed. The other guard whistled.
Shining’s cheeks reddened with embarrassment and rage. Damn, it just got worse... or did it?
The pink unicorn whipped around and glared at the two guards. “That is no way to speak to a superior officer! Silver Drop, Wingnut, give me forty wingups!”
“Whoa hottie’s got some lungs. That doesn’t mean you can boss us around. Shining Armor is our boss,” Wingnut chided.
“And even if you were, how can you prove it?” Silver Drop added on.
“Not anymore he’s not. The name’s Shine Bright, and I’ll be your Captain until Shining is back from vacation. However, seeing the sorry way you seem to act in his absence tells me he may be on the chopping block.” With a flash of magic the two guards were pressed against the marble walls by a shield spell. It’s funny. My yelling voice reminds me of mom. “As far as proving my rank, I don’t think you can afford to be wrong. Now drop and give me fifty!"
“Yes... yes ma’am. I mean yes sir ma’am sir!” The two pegasi fell to the floor and began their punishment while ‘Shine Bright’ yelled in their face.
Maybe I’ll find some joy in today after all, Shining thought as he headed for the barracks for a shower.
“What in Tartarus just happened?” Wingnut asked as he saw the captain round a corner.
“I have no clue, but we better finish these wingups and get to work in case she comes back.”
“I already miss the old boss.”
***
Twilight’s hooves clacked on the stone floor of the Council Chamber. It wasn’t often that one could hear their own hooffalls in this chamber. During most of her visits the room had been packed with dignitaries and politicians. It struck Twilight as odd that she had been the first to a meeting she just heard about. Thinking she may as well have a seat in her chair while she waited, the alicorn made her way over the mosaic of the royal sister’s cutie marks.
Before she even reached the table in the center of the room, a pattern of sapphire blue light lit up on the floor. Twilight could sense magic being released into the shimmering lines. With a quick leap she landed safely in front of the room’s exit... or so she thought. She found that the towering doors were locked. A second spider web like design had begun to appear under her hooves. She turned away from the doors as the magical energies stored within took hold of her legs and she was stuck. The princess flapped her wings vigorously trying to break free and yelled out in anger and fear.
“Who’s behind this?! Guards, guards I’m under attack!” She continued to struggle against the bonds. “You won’t get away with this, whoever you are!”
“Are you so sure, Your Highness?” a sinister voice echoed throughout the room from the floor all the way up the vaulted ceiling. The curtains were magically drawn over the massive stained glass, enveloping the room in darkness.
Sapphire magic, could it be... “Cadence is that you?”
“Cadence? Why would the Princess of Love attack her aunt? Isn’t she supposed to love and tolerate all her subjects?” The stranger’s voice was clearly full of malice.
Twilight closed her eyes and started analyzing the spellweave for weaknesses. I just have to stall until I break free. The web of crossing arcane energy was laid out in her head. Twilight noticed that something about Celestia’s magic made the patterns as clear as reading a book. Let’s see what we're up against. It looks like a holding rune... and agh. Twilight could feel pressure on her horn. Alright, he also put in a magic suppression matrix. That would explain why I feel weaker, and the headache. Just stay calm. I Just need more time to think.
“Do you really think you stand a chance at defeating me?” There was a hint of fear when Twilight spoke in Celestia’s voice.
“Oh, I don’t think your demise is a democratic decision for you. There’s no way you will foil my plans this time.” Whoever the male voice belonged to was staying hidden somewhere in the room.
Who does this jerk think he is? “Could you have chosen a more cliche evil voice disguise? I will find a way out of this,” I hope. “By the way, in this democratic republic only the Council members are voted on, so technically your attempt at a witty insult is incorrect."
Twilight believed she identified all but one spell in the complex trap. I need to know what this is before I risk an escape. Think Twilight think!
“Foolish Princess Celestia. Soon you won't be lecturing anypony. By now I bet you have figured out the nature of that containment rune. A holding spell to keep you where you are, a magic suppression spell to keep you from tearing my head off, and for added security, I linked the magical drain from you to the holding and draining spell. The harder you try to escape, the more trapped you become.” A short evil chuckle echoed of the walls. “Judging by the look on your face, you have no idea what that last spell does do you? Although what should I have expected from one as ignorant as she is arrogant? You only have yourself to blame for letting me get to this point. The ‘high and mighty’ Princess Celestia always has things ‘under control’.”
The taunting voice was grating on her. “Just shut up! You have no idea what she... what I go through to keep everypony happy! Now come out here and fight me you coward!” Twilight summoned all her strength and fought against the circle’s grasp. If I suppress my magic output the circle can’t grow stronger. I just have to rely on brute force to walk out of this. The pain in her front leg was immense. The joints in her legs were being tested every second, but she was moving. She finished a second step and panted as the bluish tendrils settled back over the leg she had just moved.
“Well we can’t have that now can we?” said the voice.
Twilight sensed the activation of a new spell in the patterns below her hooves. It must have been the one she couldn’t identify before. It was taking some time to fully activate. Whatever it is, it must be powerful.
“Just because you have been around for thousands of years you think you know what’s best for all of us. I couldn’t find a way to remove that pesky immortality, so I settled with completely removing you from the equation.
I... I can't fail. I have to win... for Celestia. “What do you plan on doing?”
Whoever was watching ignored her question. “It’s funny you know. I would never have come across this little spell if somepony hadn’t left the restricted section of the archives unlocked. It turns out Luna created some very impressive spells while she was Nightmare Moon.”
Twilight grunted. This is all my fault. I left the door unlocked... and now... The alicorn shook her head and slowly struggled on. Just a few more feet and she would be free.
He doesn’t want to be seen, so he obviously needs to keep his identity secret. He must have also used magic to make this trap, so he must be a unicorn. What did he say before?
‘There’s no way you will foil my plans this time.’
‘You think you know what’s best for all of us.’
Without a doubt, Twilight knew who this was. A small amount of confidence returned to the young student. The clues all added to one suspect. “I will stop you! General Double Edge!” Twilight was about to reach the boundary of the circle. She looked behind her and noticed the floor was rapidly disappearing. The alicorn was left clinging to the to the edge of the gaping hole below. Her gold clad hooves scraped on the floor; she was unable to pull herself up. Twilight looked down. Are those clouds?
Twilight turned away from the distraction. “Why are you doing all of this? This is madness!”
A white unicorn in well decorated armor emerged from the darkness. He had two long swords strapped to his sides. Double Edge smiled down at the helpless princess, illuminated by the light from the blue expanse below. He plucked Celestia’s tiara from her head and spun it in his magic. “Madness? No, I’m pretty sure this is an interdimensional portal,” he said as he kicked the goddess in the face and she fell backwards.
***
To Be Continued.