//------------------------------// // II. To Tell the Truth, to Tell it All // Story: The Night is Passing // by Cynewulf //------------------------------// II. To Tell the Truth, to Tell it All Applejack hated the sound of the ancient, iron-bound gate slamming shut. It was all the harsh, grating of metal on stone, but more than that, it was cold, final—it was dead. Her ears turned downwards and she closed her eyes, grimacing as the gates of Canterlot shut away the outside world for the evening. The small crowd that gathered to greet them at the gate quickly flocked to Rainbow and Twilight, barraging them with questions of the outer world. A few tried speaking to Rarity, but she was never approached quite as immediately. Thankfully, Applejack had long ago learned that none of the crowd seemed incredibly interested in her. She was fine with that. Hay, I’m glad they aren’t all crowdin’ me. I like bein’ able to hear myself think. Rainbow Dash reveled in it, coming alive in the attention, puffing out her chest and giving the crowd her award-winning smile. Ponies bombarded her with questions and requests for the whole story, but she parried their larger queries with the more exciting pieces of the tale. Applejack tried to catch her eye, but Rainbow wouldn’t look at her for more than a second. She couldn’t tell if it was simple distraction or something else. Rainbow hadn’t wanted to talk much on the way home. The ponies that hounded Twilight were far more disappointed. The former protege of the princess simply marched forward, one hoof after the other, down the wide main boulevard of Canterlot. She looked lost in her own thoughts, a scowl on her face and her eyes staring down at the stones she trod upon. Applejack adjusted her hat, thinking about the tingling sensation of Twilight’s magic depositing it there. Trippin’ and forgettin’ it like a fool... Twilight continued on, staring down, until a tall gray stallion with black mane and tail blocked her brooding advance. He narrowed his eyes as he spoke, like somepony who had caught a foal breaking curfew. Applejack disliked him on sight. The way he looked at Twilight just made Applejack feel sordid. Twilight looked up at the interloper, and Applejack wished she could see Twilight’s face as he spoke. “Twilight Sparkle. My name is Trotsany, of House—” “Sorry,” Twilight said softly, “I need to go. I’m sure that the Princess is probably better suited for your request.” Twilight tried to move around him, but he planted a gray hoof on her chest. She looked up into the face of the noble pony and he quickly went pale, his hoof falling away from her weakly. He sputtered at attempting some sort of reply, but Twilight simply continued on, the crowd surrounding her retreating into quiet whispers. A part of Applejack would've paid a lot of bits to have seen Twilight's expression, but most of her just silently watched her go and shivered in the cold night air I guess it was too much to ask for, her feelin’ better by morning. ‘Course, I ain’t sure I’d be feelin’ much better if I’d seen ‘em. Applejack hadn’t looked; out of respect, of course, not fear or anything. She tried not to think about it too hard. They had burnt the whole house. Applejack refused to touch the bodies, and Rarity hadn’t been able to get very close knowing what was underneath. Even Dash had been somber as Twilight set the house ablaze, and they had all watched as the darkened Ponyville evening was lit with the towering flames of a funeral pyre. The crowd was dispersing, and Rainbow was beginning to make her own way up to the High City. Applejack came up beside her. “How you holdin’ up, sugarcube?” “Hm?” Rainbow blinked. “Eh, fine, I guess. I mean, we’re all okay, aren’t we?” Applejack let the callousness pass. Rainbow had been almost as troubled as Twilight as they sat around the fire the night before. “‘Course we’re all okay. You headin’ straight up to the Princess, or are you makin’ some stops?” Rainbow shrugged, unfurling her wings and flapping them once. “Don’t exactly have anywhere to go in Canterlot but there.” Applejack sighed. “Y’know yer always welcome with us, Rainbow. An’ I’m sure Fluttershy would love some company. The ‘mostly permanent’ kind. It’s a big house she’s got for just one lil’ pony.” “Yeah, yeah, I know. Let me guess, you’re gonna go home first?” “Rightcha are there, sugarcube.” She gave Rainbow a smile. “Tell Twi an’ them for me, wouldja?” Rainbow nodded, and Applejack stepped back to make room as she flared her wings out. With a push, she lifted off into the air. “See you in a bit, AJ!” And then she was gone. Applejack’s eyes lingered on Rainbow’s swiftly retreating form, and she sighed. Sometimes I envy ya, Rainbow. Flyin’ off wherever you wanna go... But then something caught her eyes. Something blue and moving fast, flying as fast as Rainbow was. Something coming right towards her. She grinned and her heart leapt in her chest as she waited for him. It didn’t take long. Soarin’ was one of the fastest pegasi alive. He landed right in front of her, stirring up a tiny cloud of dust. She suppressed a chuckle as he landed and then stumbled. “Heya. Don’t hurt yerself there!” Her favorite pegasus recovered with a goofy smile on his face and trotted over to her.  “Hey. Scout fliers said that you four were coming back emptyhoofed, and I was wondering how you were holding... up. Applejack?” He finally noticed the ugly gash that ran below her right eye. She realized where he was staring, and tugged her hat down. Her cheeks burned. “Ain’t nothin’. I’m fine, ya hear? ‘Sides, ain’t you supposed to be on duty, Soarin’?” Soarin’ chuckled, pushing the hat back up playfully with a wing. He kissed her on the unscarred cheek. “Hey, now, you know me. Whenever I can, I’m bailing.” Applejack glared at him. She had half a mind to say something about that before he shook his head. “Nah, Spits just told me that I’ve been on rotation too long. She gave me the week off to do my own thing. Well, our own thing.” Applejack rolled her eyes. “Right. You gonna walk me home, ya big fool?” “If’n yer willin’,” he replied, mimicking her accent. It was a terrible impression, and she punched him for it. “Can it, pretty boy,” she said, grinning. “‘Sides, I think yer gonna wanna hear what all went down in Ponyville.” He shook out and settled his wings, and together they set off towards the middle city. “Anything to stave off the boredom of traipsing around in the mud, my lovely apple pie.” “I hate you sometimes.” “Oh, I know.” The avenue from Old Canterlot up to the greater Celestial Tier was adorned by a series of arches with pennants flying on them. They caught Applejack’s attention and held it. As best she could, she relayed to him the events in Ponyville. He listened, the humor draining from his face as she continued. When they came to the marble archways, she briefly paused her tale. Soarin’ was about to speak, but her eyes caught his, and he held his peace. They walked through the arches in companionable silence. While she didn’t enjoy Canterlot life, there were parts of the city she truly loved. The gateways between the lower and middle tiers were some of those places. The tightly-packed, bustling traffic gave way to open gardens, where stone pathways led through fresh-trimmed grass and bursts of floral color. A few ancient oak trees provided shade along the way from the sun. Already noon too, Applejack noted. She knew that Princess Luna was trying, but the days were still short. Things were going to fall apart without longer days to grow and work in. But walking along the paths she loved, some of her good spirits returned. “...I guess that’s all t’ tell, really. I wanna hear ‘bout the guard though. And your pegasi. What’ve you been doin’?” Soarin’ shrugged, focusing on her while her gaze wandered over the marble arches. “Not much. Kind of the same old thing: a bunch of wide-eyed newbies and a handful of grumbling old officers. I got a new kid in my wing yesterday, though. Prism Rays, good kid. A bit... er, boy crazy? Wide-eyed, average flyer. Not exactly what I’d have picked out, but he’ll do. They kind of all have to do.” “You’ll have them ready, Soarin’. I know ya will. Wonderbolt, remember?” He nodded. “Yeah. Wonderbolt.” He looked away. They passed ponies going the opposite way on business. The middle tier was quieter, away from the hubbub of the grand gate and it’s street vendors. The streets were still lined with tall buildings, but there was more green life. Just the way Applejack liked it. They took a right, headed towards her Canterlot home. “Y’know, I wonder if Rainbow knows yet.” He chuckled and shook his head. “I doubt it. Spits only figured it out because I wasn’t coming back to the barracks some nights. Her and Rainbow... they’re pretty similar. It’d take something pretty drastic to make her realize she likes somepony, let alone somepony else liking a certain apple-y applehat.” She resisted the urge to punch him, and instead awarded him with a chuckle—if only for variety. He beamed. “Ain’t like we’ve been tryin’ that hard. I mean, it’s still secret an’ all... but Rares knows for sure. Twilight ain’t noticed nothin’ about nopony in a long while, and I know Flutters knows. Celestia alone knows the workin’s of Pinkie’s mind.” Soarin’ raised his eyebrows. A young couple passed, sharing some private joke. Applejack watched them, sighing. Soarin’ looked down, and then spoke in a lowered voice. “Applejack... do you think she’s coming back? Celestia, I mean.” Applejack didn’t hesitate. She shot him a questioning look. “Of course I do. She’s Celestia. Ya think she’d off an’ abandon us? She’s loved an’ cared fer Equestria so long that it would be impossible to think ‘bout it at all without her.” Soarin’s wings fidgeted. “Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m not giving up, AJ. I don’t like the kinds of talk I hear sometimes about the Princesses, and I don’t hold with those who talk it. I’m just... What if she just got tired? Not hated us, or didn’t love us or any of that stuff. But she just didn’t want to do it anymore? Or what if... what if she’s dead?” Applejack growled. “Soarin’, don’t be a fool. It ain’t becomin’ of ya.” He shot her a tired smile. “It’s what I do best! I know, I know. I’m just thinking. Twilight and Luna knew her best, Applejack, and they’re... like, I don’t know. Depressed? Not exactly hopeful. The way you all talk,Twilight is nothing like how she used to be. She’s withdrawn, sad, listless. The Princess...” He looked around, and Applejack did too. There were far too many ponies for this conversation out here. Luckily, they were almost to Applejack’s home. They took another turn, and in moments they were inside Applejack’s townhouse. Applejack closed the door behind them, and the two stood in her living room. “Applebloom’s still at school. Macintosh... ain’t got no idea. But we should be fine talkin’ in my bedroom. I’d rather the cousins not hear—” “I’d rather not hear too, if you don’t mind.” A rumbly, bassy voice filled the room. Applejack flinched. Soarin’s eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. Big Macintosh stood stock-still in the hallway, eyebrow raised. Applejack shook herself, putting a hoof on her chest. When she caught her brother directing his attention at Soarin’, she rolled her eyes. “Stop bein’ mean to him.” “I ain’t.” “‘Course ya ain’t. C’mon, Soarin’, let’s go. Macintosh, you play nice.” “Eeyup.” She knew that the big red stallion held no real animosity. He was simply a quiet sort. But it was hard for others to read him like she could. They bypassed her brother and headed up to her room. She closed the door behind them and then promptly collapsed on her soft bed. Applejack felt it move beneath her, and knew Soarin’ had sat at the edge. “I swear I never meant to make a bad impression on your brother,” he began, and she pictured him with his wild mane thrown back, his green eyes regarding her. She stretched. “Nah, he ain’t got anythin’ ‘gainst ya. Just bein’ a big fool, that’s all.” He continued. “Is this how your room looked back on the farm? I’d just met you then, so I never got a chance to see—” “Gettin’ distracted, hon.” He sighed, and she turned to watch him scratch his mane with a hoof. He wore a puzzled look on his face. “Sorry, yeah, I know. It’s just... I’m not exactly thrilled to be talking about it. But Princess Luna is stalling out. And... ah, yeah.” He grinned at the confused look Applejack gave him. “Right, sorry. Stalling out is when you fly straight up until all your speed bleeds off, and gravity catches up to you, and you start to fall. Kinda. It’s not important. That’s what she’s doing, though.” “She won’t do anythin’?” “Nothing,” he said, and flopped down beside her. “Princess Luna won’t communicate with the senior officers and all she does is sign things. A lot like how you talk about Twilight, actually. I talked to Page Turner while you were gone, remember him?” She shook her head, and he continued. “He’s one of Luna’s aides, guy who brings her paperwork, reports on stuff, helps her out. He says she’s depressed, that she doesn’t go anywhere that’s not strictly necessary.” Applejack scooted closer to him. She hadn’t realized how sore her hooves were until now. Smiling, she lay one on Soarin’s chest and pulled him into a kiss. “It’ll pass, hon. The Princesses won’t abandon us. Luna is a good pony, an’ so’s Twi. It’s just... like a storm, or a long cold night, that’s all. It’ll pass; they always do.” He grunted and moved to face her. She smiled, and teased that goofy grin out of him. She loved that smile, how he flashed those teeth so freely, like smiling was as natural and needful as air. She loved that silly mane of his that would never be still and lie low. His eyes reminded her of the leaves in her beloved orchards, hiding the apples that were the foundation of her family’s life. He kissed her on the nose, and she giggled despite herself. “If you say so,” he said softly. Rarity walked the palace halls, her lips pressed tightly closed while her eyes kept alert, scanning her surroundings. She watched every passing servant and every bored guard. In short, she looked for signs of the abnormal. It was an unfortunate duty, but one she did not bear alone. It was true that Rarity was no Fluttershy, but she was decidedly detail-oriented and she caught things that Applejack, Pinkie or even Twilight might have missed. Things like the sidelong glances barely visible in periphery as she walked by; the subtle narrowing of a particular noble's eyes as they passed in the hall. It was not news to any of the Element Bearers that something was cancerous in the halls of high Canterlot. While the noble House of Belle had long been disenfranchised—a little under seven hundred years—they still kept their horns held high and their ears to the ground, catching the hushed whispers.. Her father had wanted to get away from it completely, be a simple country pony with simple country joys. He had gone out of his way to cast off the legend of the name of Belle, but Rarity had held fast to it. As a Lady should. She passed two Solar Guards, both of them white pegasi. The tiny insignia on their gold-painted barding identified them as levies from House Rowan-Oak, who had ever been thorns in the sides of anyone who would rule over them. They were against Luna. They eyed her subtly. Most wouldn’t have caught it, but Rarity had learned to bask in attention and noticed when ponies watched her. She resisted the urge to put a dash of sway into her step as she left them behind, just to fluster them. Charity won, and she continued normally. Beyond just some mildly impudent looks from guards, she was more troubled by the strange air in the palace. When her friendship with Twilight was young, and the princesses ruled together, the serving ponies had smiled and sung as they went about their duties; she had felt at ease, safe here, surrounded by such light. But now the halls were silent, the castle staff wore stoic grimaces, and the Solar and Lunar guardsponies hurried past each other, trading nothing save suspicious eyes. She was so caught up in her reverie that she almost missed Fluttershy standing quietly outside the doors to Luna’s apartments. In fact, she would have, if Fluttershy hadn’t spoken softly. “Um... Rarity?” Rarity jerked, and searched until she found that familiar pink mane. “Ah, Fluttershy! I’m dreadfully sorry. I was quite lost in thought. Were you waiting?” “Only for a little while. It’s alright. I don’t mind, you know. There’s a lot to think about.” Rarity tutted, gesturing grandly. “Now, now, Fluttershy, we mustn’t be too modest. You are quite deserving of attention! Shall we go in already?” Fluttershy shifted her weight, flapping her wings once. “I suppose.” Rarity took the door handles in her magic and pushed. The room beyond was ornate, in its own stark way. It was a brutal sort of beauty, Rarity had always thought, and befitting a ruler who prized the night time. Fluttershy and Rarity walked into the antechamber. It was a massive starfield, painted intricately by a team of royal artisans to be both accurate and majestic. Soft, cloud-like nebulae drifted across the walls while above, tiny lines of silver and gold drew together patterns of constellations; the stars that comprised them shone even brighter. Rarity was still impressed: pure, Canterlotian Diamond was expensive and rare. It was also dangerous, in the possession of a spellcaster with the will to use it. A single diamond would not only amplify and channel a user’s magic perfectly, but it would also add in its own bizarre touch of wild magic. Makes the impossible possible, they say. “Is Luna here yet?” she asked Fluttershy, as they fully entered the chamber. Rarity gestured to a ebony couch, carved up in slender tail-like spikes at the ends, and they sat. “No,” Fluttershy answered. She sighed. “I saw you watching the guards.” “Yes... it’s rather hard to miss, dear.” “Not if you’re Twilight. Or Dash, too, I guess.” “It doesn’t seem any worse though, Fluttershy. There’s no need to be down in the dumps,” she said, trying her best to offer a comforting smile. Oh yes there is, Rarity. Oh yes, there is. But we shan’t give it all away. Twilight shan’t either, if I can have a word with her! Not in detail, at least. “Oh, don’t worry, I’m fine.” Her wings fidgeted, and her ears lay flat against her skull. “If you're sure, Fluttershy," Rarity said, as the shy mare retreated behind her flowing mane. Well, that's that then, she thought, taking a deep breath. "Twilight came by, didn't she?"” Fluttershy nodded eagerly. “Yes, she did! Oh, but she came storming by me and she was so very upset! I tried to talk to her, honest, but she just didn’t want to, and...” Rarity raised a hoof to shush her. “There, there, it’s quite alright. I can imagine.” Fluttershy looked back down at the exquisitely tiled floors. “I’m sorry.” “No need to be, darling. Did she say anything about what happened down in the valley?” Fluttershy shook her head, her long mane still hiding her face from view. “Oh, no, I did try to ask but she wouldn’t say. She just told me that it wasn’t time yet.” “‘Wasn’t time yet.’ Wonderful,” Rarity groused, jumping up. While Fluttershy looked on, she began to pace before the great doors. "Fluttershy, I must admit, I am somewhat worried. Twilight... we found something in Ponyville. Something terrible. I'm rather concerned that Twilight may do something rash. She's refused to speak with anyone since—she summarily rebuffed even myself!" Rarity huffed, turning to Fluttershy. "Can you imagine it? Twilight, our Twilight, fixing moi with such a look that I was left quite distaught!" Shivering a little in the coolness of the chamber, Rarity resumed her pacing. "I suppose, in hindsight, it may have been just a bit...uncivil of me to expect her to sim—” “She’s angry at the Princess.” Rarity stopped hoof extended in a sweeping gesture, her mouth open in midsentence. She stared at Fluttershy, blinking. The pegasus seemed to shrink. Coughing, Rarity put her hoof back down. “I... come again?” Fluttershy murmured incoherently. Rarity’s ears flicked forward, and she squinted. “Come again? I’m sorry dear, but honestly, you must speak up!” “I think Twilight is angry at—” The antechamber doors slamed open and Rainbow Dash entered, smiling grimly. The sudden noise made both of them jump. Fluttershy squeaked in alarm, and Rarity glowered at Rainbow. Rainbow, for her part, flattened out her grin and met Rarity’s eyes. “She’s on her way. Applejack just got here.” Rarity sighed. “You’re a ruffian at heart, Rainbow. The nerve! Your entrance was deplorable. Now, kindly, where is Pinkie Pie?” “Oh, I’m here!” Through the still open doors, the pink pony bounced in, smiling. Rarity could summon up no words of discouragement for her behavior. Pinkie was Pinkie; it was the only constant. “Splendid. It’s wonderful to see you again, Pinkie—” “And you too! I haven’t seen Twilight yet, but I saw Applejack and Dashie and Flutters and now I’m seeing you! I heard Twilight is kind of sad, but I’m sure—” “—but I’m sure we can catch up later. You say Twilight’s on her way here?” Pinkie took a deep breath then nodded. Rainbow landed beside her and as Pinkie began another long string of comments, she unceremoniously stuffed a hoof in her mouth. Pinkie continued, unperturbed. “Sorry, yeah, she is.” Rarity was torn between a chuckle and a sigh. “Yes, well before she gets here, Fluttershy...” she looked back and found her still hiding behind her mane on the couch. “Fluttershy thinks that Twilight has some manner of contention with our princess, and I think she might just be right. We should be prepared.” Pinkie finally wiggled out of Rainbow’s reach and began again. “Yeah, but I was gonna say—” Rainbow groaned. “Pinkie, can you be still and can it for just a sec?” Pinkie wilted, frowning. “I was just gonna say that Twilight’s gonna give the Princess one of those things.” Rarity cocked her head to one side, coming closer to the pair. “Those things? Whatever do you mean, darling?” “An ulty-mate ‘em. You know. Like demands and stuff.” Rarity raised both eyebrows. “Ah! An ultimatum, Pinkie. Does your Pinkie Sense tell you this, or...?” But Pinkie shook her head. Her smile returned. “No, no. I just know. I pay attention.” She looked past Rarity to Fluttershy. “Just like Flutters! I may not be quite as good at watching, but I know my friends. Twilight thinks too much.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “She’s an egghead, Pinks. It’s what they do. That’s not special.” She took to hovering again, and Rarity watched her, distracted. Bored already, Rainbow? My, but I wish I could fly. “No, Dashie! I know Twilight thinks a lot, but this is different! She’s just... thinking. Like, thinking about thinking. Oh, I mean...” She looked down at her hooves as if trying to choose between them. “She’s thinking without doing, perhaps?” Rarity offered, confused. Pinkie brightened. “Yes! She just sits and does nothing allllll the time. It’s boo-ooring! And she frowns like this.” She imitated Twilight rather well, Rarity thought, sitting slouched over with a pained expression. “And just cooks like a baked bad. She just gets worse and worse.” “And you think she’s going to be... er, ready?” “Yup!” Pinkie said, cheerfully, as if this wasn’t dire news at all. Rarity blinked, and once again decided that the confusion Pinkie caused in her was the only constant. But she couldn’t really argue. As Pinkie happily bounced off to greet Fluttershy, Rarity considered that perhaps it was for the best. Twilight needed to stop bottling things up. She too had noticed it, though perhaps she would never have put it quite as Pinkie had. But it had been so easy to excuse away. Twilight was having a bad day. Twilight was busy. Twilight was reading reports and paperwork. Oh, but I’ve neglected you, Twilight. She sighed and followed Pinkie. All they could do was wait. Fluttershy didn’t talk much. It wasn't so easy for her to speak up like others did—she could only be so brave most of the time, and so she chose her few words as carefully as she could. When she did speak, she tried to make sure it was important. Between those important times, she sat quietly and watched. So often, in fact, that she'd become very, very good at watching. So much so that she noticed things. Things like, for instance, that despite her bouncing and smiling, Pinkie kept glancing at the door. Rainbow was staring at the stars, but she wasn’t moving her gaze from constellation to constellation; her head didn’t move at all. So she wasn’t actually looking at them, Fluttershy decided. Rarity had returned to her pacing. Pinkie was humming to herself after an unsuccessful attempt at trying to goad Rainbow into talking to her. Fluttershy also listened. It was something else she was very good at, and so when Applejack spoke in the hall outside, it was Fluttershy who heard her first. Her ears flicked forward, and she half rose from the soft couch. “They’re here,” she said quietly. Everypony in the room turned to face her, and she shrunk back again. It was enough to cease Pinkie’s humming. Seconds later, the doors did indeed open to admit Twilight and Applejack. Twilight’s eyes flitted between the four ponies in the room, never settling on any of them for long. She didn’t smile, and she didn’t say hello. Twilight didn’t do that a lot these days, Fluttershy noticed. Applejack smiled as she entered, and tipped her hat to Rarity, who was nearest. “Sorry I was late, girls. Went by home to see the family, y’know,” Applejack said, her smile lingering. Not even Twilight’s moody stomping towards the couch on the far corner could dampen that smile. It was infectious, and Fluttershy felt one creep over her face. “It’s quite alright, Applejack. I must confess that I did the same, myself. I dallied long enough to see Sweetie and then came straight here. I hope you were able to see Apple Bloom. How is your brother?” Applejack smiled at her. “Aw, Apple Bloom’s doin’ fine. Thankya for askin’. And Mac is just alright.” “You should’ve passed along my regards, Applejack!” Rarity said, leaning in with a smile on her face. “And my, I simply must ask about your... techniques. Or what you’ve been doing with yourself, you know. You’re simply glowing.” She was. Fluttershy understood what Rarity meant. Applejack's face burned a sudden crimson. "Ugh, I swear, Rares. Shove off," she hissed, lowering her eyes. "Indecent," she muttered. “Oh, but where’s your sense of fun?” Rarity giggled. “I’m sorry, Applejack, I thought you might laugh. I suppose that was a bit mean of me. Forgive me?” “Yeah, fine. O’ course.” “Excellent.” She lowered her voice, leaning in even farther. As she spoke, Applejack’s eyes wandered over to Twilight and stayed there. Fluttershy looked at Twilight as well. She didn’t move, staring at the stars, her expression still dour. Fluttershy strained to hear the whispered conversation. The words flew quickly between Rarity and Applejack, as Applejack’s hat came down like a bridge between the two. “Has she said anything, Applejack?” “Nah. Nothin’. Ain’t heard a peep outta her. She was just amblin’ ‘round when I got here. Waitin’ fer me, I guess?” “Possible. I’m worried she’s planning something rash.” Rarity looked over at Twilight, pawing at the floor with a hoof. “Ain’t nothin’ we can do ‘bout it, I suppose,” Applejack whispered when she turned back. Rainbow hovered over them, and both ponies looked up sharply at her. The pegasus looked down questioningly, and Fluttershy watched Rarity and Applejack break away from one another, coughing. Rarity gestured towards the center of the room, and Applejack walked forward, removing her hat. With no more conversation to tune in on, Fluttershy set her attention back to observing. Outside, there was a flurry of movement. She heard a deep, masculine voice call out a greeting, and then the shuffling of arms. Princess Luna appeared in the doorway. It was widely enough known that Luna was tired, but seeing her now... The princess had pronounced bags beneath her eyes, so much so that it seemed her head was drooping under their weight. Her mystical mane, flowing and dotted with stars, hung limp and frazzled, a dull and flat blue. Her shoulders slumped, and her normally graceful hoofsteps dragged across the carpet. She attempted a smile as she entered, casting her graceful presence through the room, but it didn't hold. Fluttershy could plainly see how it faltered, and when it came at last to Twilight, it fell and died. Luna's attention rested on the unicorn, as if she could already plainly see the future there. Greetings, our little ponies," she spoke, her crisp alto voice fracturing as it strained to fill the room. "We sincerely apologize for our rather dilatory behaviour of late. Shall we proceed?" Without a word, the six friends followed her through a second set of doors into the inner chambers of Luna’s apartments. They passed through a long hallway of black inlaid with gold, and took a right into a simpler room. This was Luna’s study, constructed from ancient cut stone and furnished with classical styles. It was served by simple candles, which lit at a glimmer of the Princess’ horn. The bookshelves lining the walls were of mahogany, and the small desk and long table were of blocky, sturdy design. For a royal study, it was comparatively modest. Sighing, Luna took her place at the desk. The others sat in chairs around the long table, Twilight at the end most opposite of Luna. Fluttershy chose last, and she sat beside Twilight. Luna opened up their council. “We would hear from the four of you that ranged afield, but We would like to start with an account of what happened in your absence. House Blueblood has banished the Lunar Guard from the proceedings in the Assembly of Houses Major.” The news was met with silence. Such a thing was unprecedented, some could argue near treasonous, but only Rarity and Twilight truly understood that immediately. Fluttershy pieced together what such things really meant by her observation of them, and saw how their eyes went wide. Rarity dared speak up first. “That’s... that’s rather grave, Your Highness. Are they perhaps trying to hide something?” Luna snorted derisively, dismissing the idea with a wave of her hoof. "Hardly something so cunning. Insofar as it's anything, they're just making perfectly clear what they think of Our ruling authority. Self-entitled foalishness. We shall simply wait it out." “I hear that a lot these days.” Time ground to a halt, and Fluttershy’s heart hammered in her chest as she slowly turned towards Twilight. Twilight sat, her hooves idly crossed on the table, staring down the length with the same stone-faced expression she’d worn since her return. “Twilight Sparkle. We are... not entirely sure We heard thee correctly. Wouldst thou please repeat thyself?” “Certainly. I said ‘I hear that a lot these days’.” Luna rose from her seat, standing on all four legs, raising her head high as she stared back at Twilight. A hint of irritation was plainly visible in her narrowed eyes. The tension between them pressed down on the room, and Fluttershy could hardly bear it. She bowed her head beneath it, her mane falling over her face, hiding one of her eyes while she shut both of them tight. But she could still hear. “I would like to make my full report, Princess.” There was a moment of silence—of hesitation—before she heard Luna reply. “Proceed,” the princess said, delicately. “Ponyville was a death trap. Exactly like Captain Ice’s expedition to Mareford three weeks ago. We were ambushed; not only that, but they were better prepared, and more heavily armed than I’ve ever seen them. They’re getting stronger. If there had been any more of them, the town could have been a fortress.” It was quiet for a moment, and Fluttershy dared to peek, catching the Princess blinking a few times as she took the words in. “That is a grave piece of news, Twilight Sparkle. We sense that you have more than just this to say, however. We would hear your thoughts.” Twilight barked a harsh laugh, all the more mocking as it bounced through the room off the bare wood and stone. "Oh, I have plenty to say, alright. The sun doesn't shine but six hours a day at best, and yet the guard sits idle inside Canterlot instead of going out and protecting towns and ponies. And that's just the top of the list of things going wrong, which is getting a whole lot longer than the list going right." The growing tension filling the room snapped, and a chill fell in place as everyone stared at Twilight. Almost everyone. Fluttershy shivered and shied away, hiding as much as she could behind her rosy mane. Twilight might question sometimes, but this... this isn’t like her at all! “You can hardly fault Us for the sun," Luna began slowly, cautiously. There was patience in her voice—no, lenience. "We have done what best we can. It is entirely different from Our moon, Twilight. You know this better than most, from your own research into potential unicorn assistance." Twilight paused, seeming to relent, if only a little. "Yes. I know you can't help the sun not behaving. But the Royal Guard still sits and does nothing! We've nearly lost Equestria, Luna! The whole country—all of it. Nopony is safe on the roads, towns are open to attack, left defenseless—abandoned. I worry that sometime soon, when we leave these walls all we're going to find out there are the dead and those that made them. We aren't doing anything. Marauders roam the land unchecked. They have shootsticks and rough blades now, Luna. How long until they get their hooves on something better? How long until they find real weapons, like repeaters and spellblades? “We would think those hard to come by,” the Princess said. Her brow furrowed. “Furthermore—” "And what if they aren't?" Twilight spoke quickly now, the weight of her fears pushing the words out. "Rioting in Stalliongrad just last week left over a hundred ponies dead. Everyday, average ponies—civilians—running around with weapons in the streets—” "We know what you would say. We could not send soldiers in number to bring order Stalliongrad for fear of causing an incident with the Griffons of the north, as you well understand." Luna sighed; the confrontation was wearing on her patience. "We ensured that aid was sent—" “It wasn’t enough,” Twilight spat icily, her glare still matching the eyes of the princess. “You sent a token force of guards north to escort half the supplies they asked for. It was Fillydelphia all over again; they still haven’t recovered from the Market Fire. And that reminds me, Princess. Those repeaters and spellblades being hard to come by? Just how long has it been Bell Armory was under proper guard? Has anypony even bothered checking it in—” “ENOUGH!” Twilight fell silent, her jaw clenched, eyes lingering on the cracks in the rosewood around the princess’ descended hoof. Luna paused a moment, drawing a deep breath, pushing aside her risen temper. "Twilight Sparkle, thou wilt cease thy condemnations presently," she eventually said, her voice straining beyond an angry hiss. "We understand thou art hounded with guilt and frustrations, for We are as well. But such is not just cause to stand before Us and cast such indictments." The princess breathed a rattling sigh, seating herself again and raising a hoof to gently massage her temple. "We would think thee friend to Us," she said quietly, "and so are easily inclined to clemency, but do not test us, Twilight Sparkle. We do not have the patience we once did." She's fallen into full formal Old Equestrian now. Fluttershy squeezed her eyes shut and hid her face away, her breathing and heart quickened. Please be over now. Oh, please, be over. "'Twas no mere trap or ambush that prompted thee to such words as these, Twilight Sparkle," she heard Princess Luna say, her voice strained, tone laden with exhaustion. "Pray, tell: what is it that drove thee to this end?" “What drove me to this, Princess? Do you want to see? Would you like me to show you?” Fluttershy heard the soft chimes of magic, and was seized by a shiver as a deep coldness fell on the room. An itching, static charge raced over her coat as the spell built, until eventually she could bear no more— Suddenly it was gone. Hesitantly, Fluttershy opened her eyes, but the fleeting moment of calm was crushed by mortal terror. Twilight had brought out the dead of Ponyville, and Dodge Junction's last citizens stared their empty, lifeless eyes out at them all. Fluttershy beheld the faces of the lost, hanging deathly still in the air, captured in a single moment forever. They stared down at her from some awful abyss, their eyes open wide. Their coats were graying, falling apart, just beginning to show signs of rotting. Her eyes were held by a single face, one she almost felt like she recognized, but couldn’t place. It was a stallion with short hair. His mouth hung open, perhaps in a scream, or perhaps just caught in mid-sentence, as some monster indifferently ended his life. Tears washed down her face like a flood. Time swept past her unnoticed, words spoken around her unheard. The faces took up her whole attention.  It was too much. “For the love of Celestia, no more!” Fluttershy cried, her voice risen to a wailing scream. The images were gone in an instant. Fluttershy hyperventilated, staring ahead, her eyes darting from place to place. They slid over Applejack, who sat gaping, and settled on Twilight, who looked at her with unguarded shock. Fluttershy felt like she was going to be sick. She was suddenly faint, and her tears burned against the cold, trembling skin of her cheeks. She needed to get out, away from here, anywhere but where those faces, those eyes could see her. It wasn't real! It was just an illusion! her mind protested, unheard. She clumsily pushed herself from the table and stumbled from her chair, legs threatening to collapse beneath her. Adrenaline drove her to the door, shaking hooves fumbling to open it until a maroon aura enveloped the handle and it swung wide, spilling her out into the hallway. Fluttershy tried her hardest not to be sick. It would be so much trouble for the serving ponies to have to clean up after her. Just... just be still, and don't think. Don't think and it goes away. Twilight just showed... a picture. That's all. It wasn't real. She sank down onto the hallway floor, struggling through deep, even breaths. But, oh, Celestia. Twilight wouldn't lie. Oh no, this can't be, it just can't be real! A little calmer now, she tentatively opened her ears to the room she'd just fled—but from within, she heard nothing. At least, nothing loud enough to pierce her own frantic, heavy breathing. There was a creaking of wood, then the echo of hoofsteps, and then a shadow was cast beside her as somepony came from the room and laid a gentle hoof on her shoulder. Fluttershy dared peek upward, and her eyes found Rarity and a sympathetic smile. She laid her head down again, still shivering slightly, and closed her eyes, leaning into her friend's comforting warmth. Rarity sighed, running gentle, soothing hooves through her tousled mane. “That’s what I found, Princess. T-that’s what I f-found in Ponyville. Because you won’t act! Because no one will act!” Twilight had recovered—well, recovered enough, because even from outside the room Fluttershy could hear the tears in her voice. “We... Twilight Sparkle, we do not under—” “We sit up here and do nothing! We lost contact with Manehattan months ago! They flat out refused to even speak to royal messengers! Vanhoover is dark. Las Pegasus is dark. Fillydelphia was set on fire, and now won’t answer us either. Do you know what happened to the ponies of Dodge Junction? They’re ashes! I had to burn their bodies in Ponyville! And that was the best we could do!” Fluttershy heard Twilight pound the table with her hoof, and flinched. The faces of the dead were back, clouding her mind’s eye. No, no, no! She opened her eyes and stared down at the floor. “Twi—” "I'm not done, AJ. Luna, if we sit here in Canterlot and do nothing and ponies die because of it, what does that mean? What does it mean, Princess?" Twilight wasn't yelling anymore; her words were hard as iron. Her voice needed no raising now. “We have done what We could!” the princess contested, but Fluttershy could hear how her voice shook. She'd never expected something like this. Not ever, not anything like this at all. Please, no more. Please be over. Please be friends again. “Princess, can you really say that? Can any of us say that? Raiders roam the valley freely, arguably control it. The roads aren’t safe. The railroad was cut. Griffon bands have been spotted on both coasts, kingless and lost, harassing and waylaying townsponies for food or worse. It’s been a year and a half, and we’ve done little but sit here, waiting. Just waiting, to... to starve, or be murdered in our bed by House Rowan-Oak!” "Twilight Sparkle, We beseech thee," Luna pleaded. "By virtue of our crown–nay, by our friendship, please, cease thine assault. We have done n–" "Nothing! And that's exactly the problem! We haven't restored the sun, we haven't secured the country, and it's clear Celestia isn't coming back any time soon. Ponies are dying out there while we just sit here and talk about it. Something... something has to change, Luna," Twilight implored, her voice breaking as her iron-clad indictments began to weigh heavy. "Luna... please, we can't just stay here like this. I saw them—I saw them all, dead in that cellar, and I just... what if it happens again? What if next time it's Hollow Shades, or Appleloosa, or—" “Don’t say another word,” Applejack growled. “Just don’t you dare, Twilight Sparkle.” “I’m sorry, I just—” “Yer just done, and that’s the end of it.”  Fluttershy heard the rustling of heavy cloth, and a quiet but sharp knock as what had to have been Applejack's trusty hat was thrown down on the table. Her lungs and throat still burned a little, dried coarse by her earlier panicked gasping, and when she rubbed at her eyes her hooves came away wet. But with Rarity's soothing embrace, which the pegasus was very glad for, she was able to cautiously peek her head back into the room, flinching only a little when she saw Applejack glaring at Twilight with eyes that could melt steel. "Consarnit Twilight, it ain't right to go around using the dead to make an argument like that. Just calling them up like that at all... ain't natural, but we can talk 'bout that later. Ya gone done something darn well and wrong, girl, just to say your piece. Near about scared Fluttershy into an early grave, darn near scared me half to death..." She sighed, shaking her head, turning her eyes to Luna. "Princess, if'n you don't mind?" “Of... of course. That is—if thou art done, Twilight Sparkle?” Luna said, back in her chair. It was so timid that Fluttershy struggled to hear it over her own breaths. “Something has to change. That’s all I have to say,” Twilight said wearily. Her surprise attack was completed, the battlefield quieted. Now it just remained to pick up what pieces remained. “Thankya. Look, I’m sorry Twi. An’ I’m sorry, Princess, but Twi is right.” They all stared at her, all but one. Applejack took a deep breath. "Twi's right," she repeated, more resolved this time. "Though she said it in a way I don't rightly agree with. But Princess, it's the cold truth of it. Food's startin' to run low—dangerous low, like. Nopony's brought in much harvest in a while. Haulin' food in is a chore on mountain roads to start with, but darn near impossible with ‘em so dangerous. Nopony’s willin' to do it. Winter's comin', an' I don't rightly know how well we're gonna hold out. Now don't take me wrong, Canterlot ain't gonna starve, but some of us... might not make it." She swallowed, shaking her head again. "No sense splittin' hairs. Some of us won't make it." Fluttershy lay still against the wall, listening, still feeling shaky. Applejack was right, and she knew it. She closed her eyes, and prayed that no more tears would come. There’s nothing I can do about it, either. I’ve seen it too, Applejack. “We had... been...” Luna could summon no real answer. Applejack continued, her voice firm, but not unkind. “I know. There’s been a lot to think ‘bout. But the truth of the matter, if you’ll pardon me, is that if we don’t somethin’ quick, ponies in Canterlot are gonna starve. An’ I don’t even know ‘bout the rest of Equestria. I remember hearing that riotin’ ponies in Las Pegasus broke into the food supply and the buildings caught fire.” Rainbow interrupted. “And they could have done that in other places too, or stolen food for themselves! Those raiders kind of only ran because of who we were. I mean, c’mon, me? Applejack, best apple bucker in Equestria? The frickin’ Princess’ protege? Not everypony’s got that to fight these guys... er, and Rares, I guess.” Pinkie swallowed and tapped the table with a hoof. Her voice didn’t bounce, but it wasn’t broken. As she spoke, Rarity smoothed Fluttershy’s hair, fussing over her. “I think Twilight is right too. After all, look at how grumpy all these ponies are. Sometimes a little change’ll go a long way. I mean, maybe it’s time to think outside the chimney!” She gave a little grin, extending a hoof. No one laughed, but Fluttershy appreciated her for trying. “Everypony is sad,” Pinkie said, and as she spoke her usual boundless cheer seemed to fade. “Everypony looks down when they walk. Even if they get enough food to live, they won’t know how to! Nopony laughs, or smiles, or sings anymore! And that’s not fun at all. They’re forgetting.” “Pinkie...” Twilight began, but Pinkie wasn’t done. “I’m serious, you guys. I know I joke a lot, and maybe I’m... me! But, it’s really bad when ponies are sad like this. I try and try, but I can’t do it all by myself. You can’t throw a party for a whole city with just one pony! It’s about... oh, what word is it?” “Uh... morale?” Twilight offered. Pinkie turned and pointed at her with a smile. “Yeah! Yeah, that one! Morale is important and stuff.” Fluttershy rose. She still felt ill at ease, but she also wanted to be with her friends. I can’t hide forever... I mean, I probably could, but... She stepped back inside. Nopony acknowledged her at first, focused on the matter at hoof. Luna whined, and Fluttershy was shocked to see just how run down she really looked as the princess laid her head on the table between her forelegs. Was she... Has she even been hiding how tired she really is?  "What wouldst thou demand of Us, Twilight Sparkle? Thou hast laid Us low, torn away Our illusory successes, but in turn have yet to offer solutions. We have indeed been wanting in Our rule, but not for lack of attempt. We did send royal scouts and missives to Manehattan, and Vanhoover. The former were turned away; the latter lay in distant fields, feed for blossoms after so long as has been." Luna shuddered, her breath catching, but she held her poise. "We trust thee unfailingly, for thou art Our noble sister's chosen aspirant... and, We would pray still, Our friend." The princess lifted her head, and matched her eyes to her challenger. "And so I ask you, Twilight. Will you not help me?" Twilight stared back at her, her eyes wide. Her mouth opened and worked, but no sound issued forth. Fluttershy watched, fascinated. She didn’t think it would really work, did she? As Twilight stalled, Fluttershy’s mind raced. She wants to go after Princess Celestia, but she can’t help with everything. She inched a bit further into the doorway, ears flat. I can’t just run away.  I have to be here. I have to help. It’s what a friend does. Oh... oh, dear. Her heart hammered in her chest, but she had to do it. She took a deep breath. “E-excuse me, Princess, but I think I have an idea.” Every eye on the room turned to her. Fluttershy’s breath caught in her throat. She stared back at them, her eyes darting from face to face. “I-I well, I mean, if you don’t mind, I—” “Sweetest Fluttershy,” Luna said, gently interrupting her sputtering. “Do not be afraid. Please, speak your mind.” How best to respond? If it was being faced with everything that held Twilight's tongue, kept her hesitant... I can help. It’s the least I can do, Twilight. “I hear things,” Fluttershy began, staring down at the table. She traced the lines in the wood with her eyes as she continued. “About the Crystal Empire. And food. A lot of ponies think that the Empire is doing well. Some of the refugees say that they’re sure of it. We should see for ourselves.” “And borrow some?” Twilight interjected, the gears behind those eyes beginning to turn. “Oh, um, yes, if they don’t mind. And maybe some soldiers so we can make the roads safe and talk to the rest of Equestria again. So... some of us, at least, should go north.” Everypony stared at her, and Fluttershy once again tried to become invisible. “The rest can go west. That’s... that could work, ” Twilight said softly. “Yes, I hadn’t thought about the Empire, but I’m sure Cadence and Shining would help. All we need was a hoof up, and then we could win back some of the towns, and from there...” Luna cleared her throat. All eyes were on her. She had straightened up, and some of the old strength was back in her. Fluttershy was grateful. “We begin to see. Three shall go one way, and three the other: one direction leading to hope for the present, the other opening doors to the future." Luna paused, glancing at the ponies arrayed around the table. "Fluttershy, We—I. I would ask you to go north." The quiet mare timidly nodded, and the princess turned her eyes to the end of the table. "And Twilight... I would ask you to forge your way west, and find my sister." “Of course,” Twilight blurted out. She flushed, but continued. “I’ll go, and if she’s out there, I’ll find her. I’ll bring my teacher back.” “An’ I’ll go with ya,” Applejack said, taking her back from the table and placing it firmly on her head. “Somepony’s gotta keep an’ eye on ya.” “Ooh! I wanna go, I wanna go! I’ve never been there before!” Pinkie cried out, waving her hoof about like an excited schoolfilly. Applejack managed a chuckle. The three ponies who had volunteered exchanged smiles, and Fluttershy could feel some of the tension pass. Rarity cleared her throat. “And that leaves Rainbow and I to accompany Fluttershy north, then.” Luna spread her hooves out, as if to concede. “So it does. Will you take up these quests? Will you bear our hopes, Fluttershy? And will you seek out my sister, Twilight Sparkle? Find her, and bring her home?" Fluttershy mustered her strongest smile. "I'll do my very best. I promise." Twilight took a moment, though, before raising her eyes and nodding. "If she's out there, I'll bring her back. Or die trying." Fluttershy’s ears flicked as she blinked in confusion. If?  "I would prefer it not come to that, Twilight," Luna said, a smile tugging at her words. "Let it be done, then. All of you have my blessing on these quests. My hopes, and those off Equestria, go with you."