CHAPTER 3: TRUE INTENTIONS AND BREAKDOWNS
“Are ya sure about this Rainbow?” Applejack asked again as she paced at the train station. “Ah feel rotten fer doin this.”
“Listen,” Dash said. “Summer Sun is in one week, and then you promised you would tell your ‘Special Somepony’ how you feel.”
“If Ah recall, you said Ah would do that.” The farm pony growled glaring at Rainbow.
“Your right, you could always just,” Rainbow paused and went right up to Applejack’s ear and yelled as loud as she could “TELL HER!”
“Ow.” Applejack muttered as she shook her head waiting for the ringing to stop. “Well are ya sure the Princess will even see me, seems like knocking down a tree just ta get an apple.”
“Your right AJ.” Dash said. “We can go back to Ponyville and you can just..”
“Ah get it.” Applejack grunted. “Ya sure Spike sent the letter.”
“Yep he got it, he gave to me to and I’m giving it to you!” Pinkie Pie said as she suddenly appeared next to Applejack. She reached into her curly mane and gave Applejack the letter before zooming off again.
Applejack just starred as Rainbow chuckled at Pinkie being Pinkie. Applejack opened the letter and read it aloud.
“Dear Applejack, You are welcome to visit me this afternoon as I am anxious to hear about your unique problem.” She ended as she glared as Rainbow Dash. “What did ya tell her?!”
“I just told her you had a special problem that needed her attention.” Rainbow said.
“Ya what?!”
“Oh look your trains here.” Rainbow said as they train pulled up. She pushed the farm pony on and was quick to take off. Applejack huffed as she found a seat and took the ride in stewing silence.
XXXXX
It had been three weeks since the meeting when Luna made an appearance, since then Twilight’s life had returned to what it was. Late night’s studying the newest spell and reading about some forgotten history she found utterly amazing. There were times when The Mayor would ask for her assistance, normally it was just a second opinion on a small matter.
Still Twilight was happy to help, The Mayor, The Cakes, Cheerilee, Derpy hooves and her adopted daughter Dinky Doo. All tried to solve their own problems when the town flooded Twilight with their own problems. Now school was out for the summer Cheerilee helped with decorations keeping the troublesome Cutie Mark Crusaders busy with various tasks..
Still Twilight, Shooting Star and Spike where busy finalizing plans for Summer Sun. Pinkie Pie was on her way to Canterlot to make sure Celestia approved of her choices for the celebration. Rarity along with Fleur De Lis who decided to stay in Ponyville until Summer Sun was over had a hoof in decorations.
Sweet Apple Acres was busy with the hardworking Apple family making apple fritters and pies for the occasion, while Fluttershy worked with her birds teaching them to sing a new song for when Celestia raised the sun. Rainbow Dash worked tirelessly to get any rain events done and out of the way and keep the sky clear for the big event.
Yep, things where fine, what could possibly go wrong?
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Applejack was not in the best of moods on the train ride, she had too much to do at home to go to Canterlot all on a hair brained idea by Rainbow Dash. Applejack winced as she heard a squeaking sound from next to her. She looked and saw Pinkie Pie bouncing on seat next to her happy as can be.
“Howdy Pinkie.” Applejack sighed. “Watcha doin here?”
“I’m going to make sure Celestia and Luna like my snacks for Summer Sun,” Pinkie said happily. “Cuz if they don’t like them, then they aren’t happy and if they aren’t happy then the whole party is RUINED!” she ended with a dramatic flair. She gave Applejack a curious look. “Are you going to see Princess Celestia about your hoof in mouth disease?”
“Mah, what?” Applejack questioned.
“Oh silly,” Pinkie said as she waved a hoof at Applejack. “Rainbow Dash told Spike to tell Princess Celestia you had hoof in mouth disease so you could really go and ask her about your feelings for Twilight.” She ended with a smile, which quickly turned into a gasp as she covered her mouth.
“Pinkie,” Applejack said. “Ya can’t tell anypony.”
Pinkie nodded, then took her hooves from her mouth, made a gesture to lock her lips, then took the imaginary key, placed in on a box that wasn’t really there. Proceeded to dig an imaginary hole for the imaginary box and bury it.
“You can trust me!” Pinkie said with a salute.
The train ground to a halt and Applejack and Pinkie Pie left the train. To Applejack’s surprise Princess Celestia was there, with her normal warm smile.
“Hello my little ponies.” She greeted. She looked over Applejack. “It seems the letter I got from Rainbow Dash was misleading, you look perfectly healthy.”
With a gasp Pinkie quickly jammed Applejack’s hoof into her own mouth. Applejack removed her hoof and glared at Pinkie.
“Pinkie Pie.” Celestia said. “I do believe the bakers would love for you to test some sweets they made for Summer Sun.”
“I’m so there!” Pinkie Pie said as she rocketed off leaving a smoke copy of herself. “Hey wait up!” the copy called and raced off.
“Thanks Princess.” Applejack sighed.
“Follow me Applejack.” Celestia said her face turning impassive. “I do believe this should be discussed behind closed doors.”
The two walked in silence, Applejack felt awkward with Celestia. Applejack was a simple farm pony, she worked the land and worked hard, but it wasn’t anything amazing. While Celestia seemed to give off an aura of magnificence. It felt like too long before they reached the door to her private audience chambers.
Celestia opened them and Applejack followed her in. The chambers where decorated in a variety of bright colors. Applejack felt in total awe, as she removed her old Stetson hat and placed it on a nearby table..
“So,” Celestia said keeping her features impassive as she sat down on a massive pillow. “Being that you are in perfect health, why did you send me that letter?”
“Well,” Applejack said nervously. “Ya see Rainbow sent the letter, Ah didn’t even know about it, this whole thing was her idea!”
“What whole thing?” Celestia asked her face wearing a bemused but puzzled expression.
“It’s like this,” Applejack started. “Ah wanted to see ya ta ask ya about, mah feelings, about Twilight. Rainbow got it in her head, that we needed ta send ya a letter, told me she would take care of it. Boy is she ever gonna git it.”
“Why ask me?” Celestia asked. “I cannot make ponies fall in love, that’s Cadence.” She gave a teasing smile.
“Well,” Applejack said. “Can Alicorns love jus regular ponies? Does it happen a lot?”
“Alicorns feel the same emotions as regular ponies,” Celestia assured Applejack. “In fact I fell in love one time, with an earth pony. It was painful when his life ended, I felt empty inside, Luna had long since been banished, and I had nopony to turn to.”
“Ah’m sorry Princess,” Applejack said. “Heck, I shouldn’t be here makin ya upset. Ya got enough ta worry about without petty worries.”
“No worry is petty,” Celestia said. “So tell me, what are these feelings you feel towards Twilight Sparkle?”
“Ah love her.” Applejack said softly.
“Oh.” Celestia chuckled, then it sunk in and her eyes widened. “Oh! I see. While this is a shock, I fail to see the need for such secrecy.”
“Ah’m jus scared.” Applejack admitted. “What if she doesn’t feel the same way?”
“Expressing matters of the heart is never easy Applejack,” Celestia stated. “There is always that feeling, the one you are having now, doubt.”
“So what do Ah do?” Applejack asked.
“Tell her,” Celestia said wrapping a wing around the earth pony. “Even if she does not feel the same, there is always the bond of friendship. Does that make sense to you my little pony?”
“Yeah,” Applejack huffed. “Sorry Ah wasted yer time.”
“You did no such thing!” Celestia admonished. “I’m honored you came to me for advice, I’m sad I couldn’t give you what you sought. Yet I hope I gave you some encouragement. I do know for a fact Twilight is rather fond of you.”
“She’s admitted ta carin fer me.” Applejack blushed. “Ah kin live with that, but still, Ah have ta let her know how Ah feel.”
“Yes,” Celestia said. “The letter said something about Summer Sun, another idea of Rainbow Dash?” Applejack just nodded causing Celestia to chuckle. Then there was a green puff of dragon smoke and a letter appeared, Celestia took it in her magic and quickly read it. “Applejack.” She said after reading the letter. “I need you to fetch Pinkie Pie and wake my sister, I have to go to Ponyville, but I need to see if I can get Cadence and Shining Armor.” To prevent questions she showed Applejack the letter.
Dear Princess Celestia,
Twilight’s gone nuts! She locked herself in her room and won’t talk to anypony! We need help!
Spike
“Sounds like a doozy.” Applejack said.
“A mega doozy!” Pinkie said appearing under Applejacks hat the was on a table and appearing next to Applejack. “Maybe that’s why I got my mega doozy feeling but I’m fine now!” she then shuddered and began shaking “Nope there it goes again!”
“I need you two to wake my sister,” Celestia said. “I’ll try to get Cadence and Shining Armor here.”
Celestia quickly raced away and a guard showed the two Luna’s quarters. Applejack quickly snatched her hat off of Pinkies head. They entered the chambers and saw Luna sleeping and snoring.
“Well might as well git this over with!” Applejack announced then with a heartfelt “YEEEEE-HHAAAWWWW!” sprung into the air and landed on Luna! To her dismay the Lunar Princess just rolled over in her sleep.
“WHHHHEEEEEEEEEE!” Pinkie cried as she did the same. She got the same result.
“Why yes, I would love some cake.” Luna said sleepily.
“Ah got an idea!.” Applejack stated, but as she turned to Pinkie, she saw the pony was on Luna’s bed right next to Luna’s ear, with a megaphone.
“FREE CAKE!” she screamed her voice echoing in Luna’s chambers.
Luna woke up instantly, covering her ears. She glared at Pinkie, who zoomed next to Applejack.
“Sorry Princess.” Applejack said.
“WHAT?” Luna screamed.
“We’re SORRY!” Applejack yelled.
“I am in no mood for a party!” Luna yelled backed. As she shook her head to get the ringing to stop.
“She said she’s SORRY!” Pinkie screamed. At a Luna who had just gotten the ringing to stop
“I heard.” Luna said curtly. “Why are you waking me up at this hour?”
“Twilight’s gone Loco in the coco.” Pinkie said. Before she could explain further Celestia walked in. She quickly explained the situation to her sister. Luna’s face grew grave as she nodded.
“We should depart.” Luna said.
“I fear this would happen.” Celestia admitted. “I’m unsure what we can say to her to sooth her fears.”
“Well,” Applejack said thoughtfully. “Let us handle it.”
“I fail to see how that would work.” Luna said curtly.
“I have to agree,” Celestia sighed. “I’m sorry Applejack.’
“Listen,” Applejack said calmly. “No offense, but the two of ya really ain't what Twi needs right now.” She got hard glares from both sisters. “Y’all are used ta the whole livin forever thing, Twi ain’t she needs her friends, Ah reckon she’s scared.”
The two sister exchanged glances. “Very well.” Celestia said. “We will be here if you need us, please allow us to transport you there.” Her horn glowed and the two element bearers where gone in a flash.
“Are you sure that was a good idea Tia?” Luna asked regarding her elder sister with worry.
“I am.” Celestia responded. “Where it Pinkie, I wouldn’t have, yet Applejack is the element of honesty. I do believe she was being truthful when she told us we wouldn’t help matters. As much as it stung I do believe her friends can coax her out of hiding.”
“What of Cadence?” Luna questioned noting the absence of the Crystal Princess.
“She and Shining Armor where stuck dealing with delegates from Manehattan.” Celestia explained with a sigh. “All we can do now is wait Luna. If you will excuse me this calls for some anxiety relief food.”
Luna opened her mouth to protest, but her older sister already walked past her and left the room. Luna grumbled “This is why the nobles make those cursed fat jokes.” She grumbled.
She left to hopefully catch up with her sister. Only to find Celestia wasn’t in the hallway. She sighed as she entered her chambers, now all she could do is wait.
XXXXX
“Twilight?” Rarity called yet again from outside Twilight’s room. “Darling, can you please let us in? We just want to talk to you.”
“No!” Twilight screamed from in her room.
“So what happened?” Fluttershy asked. The timid Pegasus was just doing her daily routine when a frantic Shooting Star brought her to the Library along with Rainbow Dash and Rarity. Spike wasted little time in informing Princess Celestia about the matter.
“Where the hay are Applejack and Pinkie Pie?” Rainbow Dash demanded.
In response Applejack and pinkie appeared in a golden flash.
“Goodness are you two ok?” Rarity asked.
“Ah’ll let ya know when mah stomach catches up with me from Canterlot.” Applejack groaned.
“No cakes please,” Pinkie whined. “I think I’m gonna be sick.”
“Ok at least we’re all here.” Shooting Star said. “Spike do you know what happened? I was at a meeting with the mayor, when I came back she was in her room.”
“Well we were just talking and I said something about living forever and she got all weird. Like Twilight stress mode but a lot worse.” Spike explained. “She started to really freak out and ran into her room and locked herself in. Since then Rarity has been begging her to come out but she’s refused. Even Rainbow tried to drag her out after sneaking in her window, Twilight just teleported her out.”
“Ah think Ah know what’s wrong.” Applejack said quietly.
“What is it dear?” Rarity asked.
“Well,” Applejack said. “She’s an Alicorn now and Ah recon she’s gonna be livin a mighty long time. Long after we…well..ya know.”
“You mean?” Fluttershy gulped.
“Oh come on!” Rainbow Dash cried. “That’s so stupid! We’re gonna be around for awhile so why worry about it?”
“Listen,” Applejack said. “Ah want everypony but Star ta go downstairs, let me try talkin ta her. Ah think she needs some honesty bout now.”
The others went downstairs with Rarity being the last, she placed a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder before leaving.
“Star,” Applejack said “The door shielded?”
“Yep.” Shooting star replied. “By at least five wards. Applejack you sure you want to do this alone.”
“Ah think Ah should.” Applejack said. “Well, here goes.” Then louder. “Twilight! Listen sugarcube I wanna talk ta ya!”
“No!” came the response.
“Twi,” Applejack called. “Ah’m gonna ask nicely one more time, if ya still refuse. Ah’m gonna break down yer door an drag ya out an no magic in the world will help ya outa that!”
“My door is protected by seven magic wards.” Twilight replied. “Do your worst.”
“Star.” Applejack said. The black unicorn nodded and her horn glowed blue.
“Harder…than….I…expected.” Star grunted. “Almost….there…” she panted. “Now….AJ!”
On cue the farm pony kicked the door with her powerful hind legs. The door burst open, before Twilight could teleport Applejack away the farm pony pounced on her knocked her to the ground and pinning her.
“Let me go!” Twilight raged.
“No!” Applejack shouted. “yer gonna listen ta me even if it kills me!” She noticed Shooting Star motioning the others up.
“Please don’t” Twilight sobbed. “No pony understands, what this means! I’m going to watch you all die! I can’t do a thing about it! My best friends will be gone! Forgotten! Just distant memories!”
“That ain’t true!” Applejack scolded. “Yeah, we ain’t gonna live forever, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be forgotten! We’ve got somepony who will always remember us!”
She noticed the others had joined her. Twilight cried at the sight of her friends. Applejack let her up and she instantly hugged the farm pony. Her friends joined in a group hug on the Alicorn.
“You girls don’t understand.” Twilight said between sniffles. “What will I do when you leave me?”
“I’m sure I’ll have plenty of children after finding my dream stallion.” Rarity cooed. “They’ll want to know just how fabulous I was!”
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dashed chimed in. “Who will tell all the Pegasus of the future just how awesome I was?”
“And all my little animal friends and any fillies or colts I have?” Fluttershy questioned.
“Somepony will have to tell the next generation of Pinkies how to party!” Pinkie chirped as she bounced.
“An the next generation of Apples.” Applejack said. “Yer gonna have friends, jus not us. We’ll live long happy lives with ya sugercube.”
“You also have Celestia, Cadence and Luna.” Star said. “I know this is hard but you have us.”
“You’ll always have your faithful and ever so handsome dragon assistant.” Spike said assuming a heroic pose.
Twilight sniffled as she looked at her six pony friends and her one dragon friend. Friends til the end, she smiled between her tears.
“Thanks girls.” Was all she could choke out.
“Don’t thank us dearie,” Rarity cooed. “We just do what good friends do.”
“Yeah,” Twilight admitted. “Well we still have work to do.”
Her friends nodded and after another group hug the filed out. Applejack was about to leave with Rainbow Dash when she heard Twilight call her.
“Hey AJ,” Twilight said. “was the Princess able to help with your hoof in mouth disease?”
“Yeah,” Applejack growled as she glared at Rainbow Dash. “There is somepony who I wanna thank fer that.”
Rainbow Dash sensing Applejack’s intentions quickly fled the room with Applejack in chase.
“Get back here!” Applejack yelled. “Ah’ll show ya hoof in mouth!”
XXXXX
Twilight chuckled as she turned to Spike and Shooting Star, the small dragon hugged Twilight.
“I’m sorry Twi.” Spike choked.
“It’s ok Spike.” Twilight cooed. “You where a good little brother.”
“Cut that out!” Spike cried turning indignant. Twilight just hugged Spike in response.
“You know Spike,” Shooting Star said. “We should check how the cakes are coming with the snacks at Sugarcube Corner.”
“Alright!” Spike said happily. “Taste testing, now there’s a test I love! You coming Twi?”
“I’ll catch up.” The Alicorn said.
Spike and Shooting Star left and Twilight proceeded to clean up her library, it was all very minor but she needed just a few minutes to collect herself. Just as Cadence said, when the realization hit her, it was far from pleasant. She suspected Spike had informed Celestia, but where was she?
Was it good that Celestia didn’t arrive? What would have Twilight have said to her mentor in her anger? The young Alicorn shook her head as she straightened up the last of the mess made. She smiled to herself, she knew her friends would be there for her. That alone gave Twilight Sparkle comfort. She smiled again as she left her library.
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In the kitchen of Canterlot Castle it’s not unusual for one or both of the royal sisters to indulge in a sweet. After the Gabby Gums gossip column published a picture of Celestia indulging herself in sweets. She tried to cut down, yet at times like this she would often over indulge. The same could be said for now as Celestia returned to her chambers floating a line of cakes, pies and sweets in her magic.
“There you are!” Luna cried as she spotted her elder sister. “Thou hast enough sweets to supply Ponyville for next Nightmare Night.”
“I’m sorry Luna,” Celestia said as she floated some sweets to her sister. “Snacks?”
With a smile Luna took the offered collection of pie, donuts and cake. The two sister waited as the time seemed to drag by. Luna knew Celestia well enough to know how anxious her older sister was. “I am sure things will be fine Tia.” Luna comforted.
As Celestia was about to respond she saw the familiar green dragon flame that produced a letter. She quickly took it in her magic and removed the seal and unfurled the letter. Luna studied her face which was curving into a relieved smile.
“Good news?” Luna asked.
“Very,” Celestia replied. “It seems Applejack was correct.”
“Tis good to hear.” Luna said. “Tia, hast thou told Twilight?”
“She has much she needs to deal with,” Celestia said. “Now is not the proper time, perhaps after Summer Sun.”
“You will be held to that Tia.” Luna said. “Hmm tis time for evening, care to join me sister.”
Celestia smiled as she joined her sister, to end the day and bring in Luna’s much appreciated night.
XXXXX
As night settled over Canterlot. A lone figure dressed in black loomed outside the window of Zubera.
For three weeks now Gilda has been outside of Zubera’s window hoping to hear something she could use. The process was frustrating with Gilda only catching precious few vital hints. Most of the time all she hear so far where simple scraps about somepony coming back. After that Zubera would either move away or lower her voice, frustrating the Gryphon to no end.
So tonight Gilda was on the ledge, so narrow it could barley support her, trying to find out just why the Gryphon King would send Gilda here to spy on his own daughter. Gilda edged closer.
“..when she arrives at Summer Sun, make sure she gets everything she needs for her entrance.”
Entrance? Celestia?
“…the balance of power will be in our favor. Spread the word tomorrow.”
Gilda have to resist the urge to scream in frustration. Either Zubera was on to her, or she was just overall a very vague Gryphon.
“…Morning Dew, will be with us very soon.”
Now there was a name that Gilda knew. Even in Gryphon history, Morning Dew was very infamous. A hate filled unicorn who plunged equestria into Civil War. The unicorns, Pegasus and earth ponies all fought each other. The dead was said to be in the tens of thousands.
It ended when a pony with the wings of a Pegasus and horn of a unicorn ordered the fighting end. When Morning Dew challenged this newcomer, she lost or that’s what the old mares tales said.
In any case, she was banished to Tartarus and the newcomer now called Princess Celestia took the throne. It made Gilda wonder how Morning Dew was still around. Still if Morning Dew was involved then her work here was done.
Quickly and quietly Gilda left her her temporary mountain side home.
XXXXX
In her chamber Zubera heard the sound of wings flapping like she did for the past three weeks. She summoned two of her best fliers.
“Follow her to where she is staying and dispose of her. I want no corpse found, do it quick. She’s far too dangerous to toy with.” Zubera ordered her guards.
“Yes my lady.” They said in unison. Before leaving Zubera turned to another Gryphon dressed in a light blue robe. With holes for her wings.
“You’ve been tempting fate.” She cautioned. “What if Celestia finds out?”
“My old friend trusts me,” Zubera said. “Perhaps too much for her own good. It matters not, I’ve known Tia for some time. I know what I need to do should the time come.”
“But?” her advisor questioned. Zubera smiled at her advisor.
“Trust me.” Was all she said.
XXXXX
Gilda was nearing her makeshift home nestled in a mountainside. Still she didn’t go to her home. Ever since she left Canterlot she was being followed, she remained over Ponyville. She flew in the wide open skies attempting to taunt her pursuers to engage her in combat.
“Oh come on.” Gilda grumbled.
She spotted movement to her left, she was able to dodge the attack of the first griffin attacker, but still kept on guard for his partner. She couldn’t see the second attacker, which worried her. The first one flew in a circular pattern to engage Gilda. Gilda was able to avoid the attack. She heard a whoosh behind her.
“Horsefeathers.” She grumbled.
Before she got hit she was a familiar prismatic streak as a rainbow maned mare tackled the other Gryphon. Rainbow Dash has no time to celebrate as the attacker now went after her. Gilda was doing her best against her opponent, he was no slouch in ariel combat. Still Gilda knew her share of tricks.
She began flying with her attacker right behind her, looking in the sky she saw that Rainbow dash has the same idea. The two headed straight for each other, only to veer off at the last possible moment to cause the attackers to collide with each other, while no enough to cause them to lose consciousness it did disorient them long enough for Dash and Gilda to escape.
When they got clear, Gilda glared at the Pegasus.
“What do you think yer doing!” Gilda growled.
“Oh I dunno,” Rainbow quipped. “Maybe helping out a friend, you know what, I don’t need this. I finally find you being attacked by two gryphons, I help you and you still have a problem!”
“It would have been better if you just ignored it.” Gilda grumbled.
“Whatever.” Rainbow snorted.
“They are part of the Royal Airguard!” Gilda yelled. Rainbow Dash froze in place. “Listen, I’m in it deep, I want you to leave and forget you ever saw this.”
Rainbow Dash opened her mouth, but she found no words as a chariot carrying Princess Luna landed. Rainbow dipped into a bow. Luna glared at the gryphon and Pegasus.
“By the rights bestowed upon me, it is my duty to place you both under arrest.” Luna said.
“Wait!” Gilda cried. “Rainbow Dash just acted to save me, she didn’t know what she was doing!”
“Then you shall be taken to Canterlot for questioning.” Luna said as her guards herded the gryphon onto the chariot. “I shall meet you there.” The chariot left with Gilda looking at Rainbow Dash.
“What are you going to do to her!” Rainbow Dash screamed.
“What I must,” Luna said. “Be thankful Gilda asked us to be easy on you. The charge of being an accomplice to a spy of the Gryphon Kingdom would not be pleasant.”
“I don’t care!” Rainbow raged. “I know Gilda she wouldn’t do anything wrong! Well, not that wrong, I mean she was a jerk, but I’m sure she changed.”
“Let me tell you the consequences if I decide to arrest you.” Luna said. “You would be expelled from the Wonderbolt Academy, lose your job as Weather Team Leader. Your dreams sadly would end Rainbow Dash. I do not want that. So for your own good, please, tell me what you saw. I will tell my sister, no further actions will be taken.”
Defeated Rainbow Dash fell to her haunches. “All I know was I saw two gryphons chasing Gilda. Then they attacked her, I tackled one, then we made them crash into each other.”
“Thank you Rainbow Dash.” Luna said with a small smile. “Go home, accept my word that no punishment awaits you.”
Rainbow Dash left in a multicolored blur and Luna was gone in a flash.
XXXXX
The next morning Celestia raised the sun as her sister lowered the moon. Celestia looked to her sister. The previous night she was told everything by her sister, including the promise to Rainbow Dash.
“Has Gilda talked?” Celestia asked.
“She speaks very little.” Luna said. “We sent word to the king.”
“Has she implied Rainbow Dash?” Celestia questioned.
“She has been quite adamant that Rainbow Dash, not be punished. So much that she won’t talk unless she has assurance of such.” Luna said.
“Zubera’s latest story?”
“She is now uncertain there was a Pegasus.” Luna sighed. “Has she always been this poor of a liar?”
“All I know is what I was told. That something was spying on her the past three weeks. Now her advisor turns up, dead and stuffed in a crate. I don’t know what to think anymore sister.”
The sister turned as the door opened and Zubera walked in, her feathers ruffled, eyes red. “Has that terrible Gryphon been punished?” she asked.
“She is in interrogation.” Luna said.
“I need to know Zubera,” Celestia said gently. “Did she act alone?”
“I don’t know!” Zubera wailed. Causing Luna to roll her eyes.
“Go, clean up and take some time to get yourself together.” Celestia suggested.
Zubera nodded as she trudged away her guard following.
“Thoughts my sister?” Celestia asked after Zubera left.
“Her story has been inconsistent,” Luna said. “I know she is a friend Tia, but we cannot trust her.”
“I know.” Celestia sighed. “Still I need to be sure.”
“There is more news Tia.” Luna said as she shifted uncomfortably. “From the Shadow Realm.”
“Another escape?” Celestia asked.
“Several.” Luna replied. “They are still unsure as to whom. I have already summoned Shining Armor from the Crystal Empire.”
“Have Cadence remain in the Crystal Empire,” Celestia said. “If Sombra is one of the ones who escaped she will be needed there. Also make arrangements to free him.”
“Tia!” Luna cried.
“I don’t like it either sister,” Celestia sighed. “He did prove he could be trusted, it was only by his own request that he’s stone again. This is one time we truly need Discord. Worry not he will remain on a tight leash my sister. I will go to Ponyville myself to get Fluttershy.”
“As you wish sister,” Luna said as she left.
Celestia sighed as she went to the statue garden, there he stood, this time in a heroic pose. A week after Twilight became an Alicorn Celestia decided to attempt to reform the former spirit of chaos. To a degree it worked, Discord could be tamed and handled by Fluttershy. However after a week Discord decided that he would rather be in stone. Not for his dislike of the company he kept, but rather of the fact, he couldn’t trust himself not to cause total chaos.
Celestia had to admit she never expected Discord to admit such a fault. She managed a smile at the statue.
“Time to come back.” She whispered as her horn glowed.
END CHAPTER