//------------------------------//
// A Bright City, and a Dark Temptation 
// Story: The Orphan Princess 
// by Patched Pumpkins 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 2

I had expected very strange things to happen today, but dying did not fall into that category. Even if I wasn't in a panic, I wasn't able to use my wings at will yet, so I figured I really was going to die. I didn't really want to, especially now; I had had a good day for the first time in a very long time and it was about to end in a smack, or perhaps a wet splat. Neither were comforting thoughts.

Tears streamed from my tightly-shut eyes and felt as if they flew upwards and floated on up behind me as I plummeted towards the quickly rising ground. I couldn’t even move my hooves, the wind blasting around me was so strong, not that it would do much anyway.   I was helpless, all I could do was hope for was a quick death and a nice afterlife.

The wind was knocked out my me as something collided with stomach, apparently stone didn’t hurt much to impact from hundreds of floors up, and was… soft? The wind’s direction changed too and my mane starting flapping to the side instead of upwards. I slowly and reluctantly opened one eye and saw the ground again; thankfully I wasn’t falling towards it. 

I realized very quickly that someone, or rather, somepony had caught me. Although the wind tried to force my neck in the opposite direction, I found the strength the look slightly to the left and saw blue. That regal blue belonged to only one pony I knew; I realized then that Luna had caught me. 

I didn’t have the nerve to speak, so instead I opted to crawl further up Luna’s back and bring two forelegs around her neck and tied my hooves around in an attempt to keep myself safe. I was probably holding on tight enough to strangle, but I didn’t care very much at the moment, I was too concerned over the very near loss of my life.

I held my grip on Luna steadily and she glided for a moment longer before dropping in altitude slightly so that I didn’t panic. Luna directed herself to a street that lay fairly close to the castle and prepared for a landing. We landed harder than I thought, so when we did I flew around Luna’s neck a couple of times before I shot off and landed on the ground in a dizzy and pathetic heap. 
After feeling around for any bumps or bruises on my head while lying on the ground, I opened my eyes and found two blue, but seemingly faded eyes staring back at me. “WE TOLD YOU. WE TOLD YOU TO LEAVE THE EDGE, BUT THOU… thou jumped.” I had heard older people yelling before, but I had never heard anything so loud and angry and terrifying and scary… and concerned. 

Completely terrified, I began to shiver and cower in fear. I shut my eyes tight and forced myself to hold back tears. I had been yelled at a lot in my life, but I had never gotten resistant to loud reprimanding or anger-driven shouting. Hannah had, and I was jealous of her resilience, and although I lacked it, she made up for both of us.

I was scooped up from the ground and my small body was once again wrapped in a hug. That kept happening, I was getting hugged a lot today, not that I minded; I just wasn’t very used to it. I was still shivering, and I didn’t think I could calm down due to a mix of my fright, and my shock.  “Shhh, it’s okay,” Luna cooed, “I’m not angry, I was just scared.” I was still shivering, but she continued, “it’s okay, you’re okay. It’s okay,” she comforted and repeated as she began to stroke my mane. 

After a while, I’m not sure how long, but after a very long time my shivering subsided and although I remained a little on-edge, I had calmed down. She placed me back on the rock-tiled road and I stared at the crowd I just realized had formed, and the crowd stared back at me with worry. My cheeks grew hot in what I can only assume was a blush. I tried a reassuring smile, but in reality it probably looked very stupid, or in my case, cute. 

“Come on, I’ll treat you to a snack to calm the nerves.” Luna said and I heard a clip-clop as Luna touched back down, taking a respite from floating and holding me. I was tossed up and I landed on Luna’s back softly, and she began a brisk trot forwards. I looked at a few ponies’ expressions as they made way for Luna and I, the ponies had silly little smiles glued to their faces, and I swear I heard someone ‘Awwww’. 

After we made some progress on the road, I looked back and noticed the mass of ponies that were observing Luna and I had already dispersed. The castle was already in view even though we hadn’t gone too far down the road. But instead of progressing onwards to the castle, Luna took a sudden turn and headed down a rather dark, shady alley.

“Uh, L-Luna, I know you’re mad, but whatever you’re p-planning, just know: I’m sorry.” I said, worry clearly defining my voice as it wavered. A light became visible at the end of the alley, and it began to flicker. Under the flickering light, was a green door that was oddly pristine in the otherwise grime-infested alleyway. 

“I already told you, I’m not mad,” Luna assured me, although I had my doubts, I didn’t know what we were doing here, but it made me uneasy. I never cared for dark places, I always felt like they invited dark things to abduct me. “I told you I’d treat you.” She said in a voice that made me gulp in fear for my wellbeing, and I thought she said that she wouldn’t beat me for mischievous behavior!

We reached the door and after a moment, the door was surrounded in a blue aura and swung open. I wasn’t expecting the invasion of light that attacked my eyes, and as such squinted fiercely. Luna didn’t squint; instead she seems perfectly prepared for the light’s surprise attack. Luna walked through the threshold and the light enveloped us. 

The door closed and a small bell atop the door rang like one you’d here after opening a shop’s door. “Luna! I see you’ve used the ‘secret’ entrance again! You always loved the shadows,” exclaimed a stallion. He was a bit blurry in my vision as my eyes were still adjusting to the light’s intrusion. His mane appeared—although blurry—to be brown and his coat looked to be a mustardy color. “Oh! Is that your filly? She’s cute.” He asked as my vision was beginning to return to a normal state.

Luna blushed lightly, “N-no, she’s just a visitor, she’ll be returning home soon,” Luna said but began to trail off at the end.  “May we be seated? This filly has had a rough day.” Luna said.

“I wanna sit,” I pleaded. Shush, I was tired. My vision had almost returned, and I noticed that the stallion before me had on a white cap and had white clothes which were odd considering I had only seen ponies in armor so far. He resembled a chef though, which I assumed was his goal.

“Of course, My Lady,” he responded and I think I felt my blush burn through my coat. Even if it was mock respect, it was still a form of respect, something I wasn’t use to. 

He led us to a plain brown table adorned with large salt shakers that looked to hold different colored sprinkles. I liked sprinkles. 

I was examining the sprinkles and their interesting colors until Luna interrupted me. “Are you feeling better?” Luna asked in a sincere tone, her expression matched her tone looking to be one of legitimate concern.

“Huh? Oh, yea. I’m just not good with loud voices, but I’m okay.” I answered. 

The stallion I met earlier walked over to the table. “The usual, Luna?” He asked, and Luna nodded. “And what about you, My Lady?” He asked, facing me with a pleasant small.

I blushed again but didn’t take my eyes off the pink sprinkles. “Something pink.” I said quickly, but corrected myself. “Wait, what can I have?” I asked, embarrassed I didn’t even know what they sold here.

“Well donuts, of course! Have you not heard of me? I am the world-renowned Donut Joe, rivaled only by the Pink Ponyville Menace!” He told me more dramatically than he had to.

“Uhmm, a glazed donut, and maybe some… coffee?” I asked, hoping they had at least one of those two; I wasn’t exactly familiar with pony cuisine. 

“Of course, My Lady,” He said and trotted off. I would have blushed again, but I was more concerned with analyzing the sprinkles assorted to be in the formation of a rainbow.

After a rather long time of scrutinizing the different sprinkles, and even trying to count them, Luna broke the silence. 						 		"Why did you jump?” Luna asked suddenly. 

I didn’t know if I should tell her, but I didn’t really want to lie to the person who saved my life. “I… Uhmm…” I began in attempt to buy time for my excuse when I had the brilliant idea to just be vague, and not lie completely. “I heard a noise! A really loud one too, and I was really scared so I, uhm, lost my already terrible balance.” I told her, staying as close to the truth as possible without actually declaring it.

“I see.” She said, although something in her eyes told me she knew I wasn’t telling her everything. “Well then, no more ledges for you.” She said and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. We sat in silence for a moment before Donut Joe came around and handed us our requested meals before leaving us to peace. 

I took a sip from the coffee and felt the nerves that were still on edge calm themselves. It wasn’t scalding hot, like I had expected, it was lukewarm; just the way I liked it. I temporarily put down my coffee and took a bite of the donut, but it didn’t end there. I devoured the donut faster than I had eaten anything my life, and I knew in that moment that Donut Joe deserved his name. How could the Pink Ponyville Menace even hope to compete with such delicacies?

Luna laughed at my condition. After I finished my donut, I looked at my now glazed hooves with glassy eyes. Filled with 	despair, my lips quivered as I licked my hooves for any remaining glazy goodness. “Perhaps you should have savored it,” Luna commented, and I looked up in my sorry state, ashamed I had just murdered something so delicious in cold blood. 

I grabbed a napkin and wiped my hooves. Yea, that’s right, I ¬grabbed a napkin, like, gripped it with hooves. I was pretty confused, knowing it was probably impossible to do what I just did, but at least 80 percent of what had occurred today was impossible, so I shrugged it off. Luna waved Donut Joe back over and gave him a few gold coins which I personally thought was a lot of money for just donuts and coffee. I finished my coffee, and Luna once again threw me on her back and we headed out the front door this time. “We’re heading back to the castle, sweetie. Celestia will want to hear from you by now.” I was caught off guard by the ‘sweetie’ remark and unconsciously corrected her.

“Emma,” I told her. I completely forgot why I was holding the name back and just gave it to her. I pleaded silently that she didn’t realize where that name was common.

“So you do have a name, interesting. I like it by the way, it’s unique.” She told me and my fear abated. “Princess Emma, sounds nice, doesn’t it?” She asked.

“I-it d-d-does.” I stammered, quite happy I had just been called a princess this time, even though they had called me that before, it felt better to hear my name incorporated with the title. 

“Hold on, I’m going to fly to the throne room.” Luna informed me, and I grabbed her neck tighter than ever; over the last couple of hours I decided I feared heights.

Luna made a sudden jump and her wings expanded and flapped, creating a strong gust of wind behind us as we propelled forward. We flew for a while before Luna set down on a stone bridge connecting two towers of the castle. I still held Luna’s neck tightly as I didn’t really feel safe being so close to an edge again. I closed my eyes and didn’t open them again until Luna stepped inside one of the towers.

When I opened my eyes again we were in another staircase. I sighed loudly, even though I hadn’t walked up any of these stairs, the sheer amount tired me out. After about a minute of stair-climbing Luna trotted down a wide hallway where guards were stationed along the wall, instead of patrolling like usual, I figured we were nearing the throne room. 

I was right. We approached a large door guarded by two pegasi clad in golden armor whom wielded spears they currently had positioned in an X over the door. As they spotted Luna the spears shot upright and allowed Luna to pass. I was pretty excited to see the throne room; I figured it would be very impressive if any of the guards were a testament to that. 

The wooden doors creaked as they were forced open by Luna’s magic. As I had expected, the throne room was beautiful. If they had a currency here and not just gold, it would have cost millions! The floor was solid marble with a massive, long red rug lining from the entrance all the way up the steps to the throne. The walls were adorned with extremely intricate stained glass depictions mostly of ponies accomplishing things. The throne was covered in jewels of all kinds, and looked to be made of gold except for a red cushion lining likely placed for comfort. Atop the throne sat Celestia who looked a tad bit nervous, but was trying to keep her expression of anxiety hidden so that Luna and I couldn’t see it.

As we approached Luna called out, “Sister! Is there any news regarding Princess Emma’s parents?" She asked and I winced. Twice. Once at the mention of my name, and another at the mention of parents. 

“Princess Emma, hmm?” Celestia mused, “A nice name, befitting of a princess. However, I am sorry to inform you that the pegasi that have returned so far have not found any castles or cities missing a princess.” I whispered a near silent ‘yes’ under my breath, Celestia’s realization would come soon. “However, some pegasi have yet to return. I am certain they will find the home in which you belong.” She said and I thought I liked this castle, I wouldn’t mind staying here, seeing as I didn’t 	have much to return to. 

As that wave of thought crashed over me a sudden tsunami of thoughts crashed on my brain and threatened to flood the area. I realized once they understood I really was parentless that they wouldn’t hesitate to throw me right back in an orphanage. On extinct I called out, “No! D-don’t send me back! I won’t go!” I shrieked terror falling over my body and washing away my rational thought process.

The guards stationed near Celestia flinched and the other’s face flashed a scowl but disappeared back into stoicism so fast it made me wonder if there ever was a scowl on his face to begin with. At least Luna had the sense to look shocked at my outburst; Celestia remained indifferent to the outburst and continued in a level, almost sweet tone. “So you do have parents? If you ran away you should have confessed the truth, I would have found out soon enough.” She informed me content in her ability to decipher honesty from dishonesty. 

I looked puzzled for a moment but still attempted to justify my outburst and try and crush Celestia’s self-righteousness.  “No, I was referring to the orphanage,” I told her in a futile attempt to keep my voice calm. I was still on the verge of screaming. 

Celestia sighed, likely thinking she wouldn’t get through to me. “Of course, my mistake. You needn’t worry, no alicorn I knew of will be sent to the orphanage.” Celestia assured me. I didn’t like Celestia, make no mistake—but her assurance to keep me out of an orphanage was quite calming, and I appreciated it. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t let Celestia know I was pleased with her word to keep my out of an orphanage, so I huffed in response.

Luna remained silent until then, “Sister, if there isn’t anything left of importance, I think I’ll show Emma her room.” Luna said, and I perked up after realizing I may very well be staying here. 

“You may in a moment, but there is one more matter I would like to discuss.” Celestia said but before continuing added, “But the subject of discussion is not a suitable topic for children. I’m sorry Emma, but you’ll have to excuse Luna and I for a moment.” Celestia said, still sweet as ever.

I looked to Luna, but she shook her head. I exited the room on less-wobbly-but-still-horribly-shaky forelegs. Once I exited, I noticed the guards posted at the door had left their positions. Needless to say I took full advantage of my situation. I pressed my ear to the shut door and listened intently.

“What is it, sister?” That sounded like a muffled Luna.

“Luna, I have grave news. I received word just today that Discord was not in his chambers. I sent the pegasi that have returned from the hunt for Emma’s parents to search for him, but to no avail. Hopefully we will locate him soon, as he seems to have some explaining to do.” Said Celestia, it was definitely Celestia; I sensed the air turned bitchier the moment she spoke.

“What would he need to explain? He is free after all…” Luna trailed off, or perhaps spoke too low for me to hear.
“Yes, but the levels of magic we discovered, and there was—” Celestia was cut off as I was enveloped in a light blue bubble of magic.

I heard a male voice behind me, he sounded young, “Hello there, and to whom do I owe the honor of meeting a new princess?” He asked and he turned me over in his magic so that I got an upside-down perspective of white unicorn with a blue mane, tinted with lighter blue. His cutie mark was mostly visible and it depicted what looked like a shield. I hadn’t the slightest inkling as to what that represented.

“My name is Princess Emma. Now I command you to put me down!” I yelled and put extra emphasis on princess so that perhaps I would gain an air of superiority. It didn’t work.

“Ah, Princess Emma, has anyone told you it is impolite to eavesdrop especially on royal—” I cut him off using the same trick I used on Luna, levitating him. I escaped the bubble and turned to land on my hooves, but my turn didn’t happen quite as fast as I had intended, and as such, I landed on my side, dignity mightier than ever. 

“Ha!” I yelled content I just one upped a unicorn on my first day here; I got to my feet as fast as possible. He had already risen back to his hooves, and looked at me with a smirk tugging at his lips.
“Smart girl,” he commented.

“Of course,” I added still feeling superior.

I was enveloped in another bubble, but this time the shade was slightly tinted. “Can you free yourself now, Harry Horsedini?” He asked me.

I of course thought that I could but was surprised when my magic refused to leave the bubble I was incarcerated in. “Still can’t defuse a magical barrier? You’ll learn in time.” He said and suddenly let me out of my bubble. “Shining Armor, captain of the Royal Guard, a pleasure,” he said and extended a hoof.

I didn’t know what he wanted from me, so I just bumped hooves with him. It seemed to satisfy him. “Now, there will be no more eavesdropping, and I won’t be a tattle-tail.” He told me matter-of-factly. 

“Oh? Thanks, Umm, Shining,” I said, fully expecting him to inform on me. 

“No problem, now if you’ll excuse me, princess, I have news of Di—I have news.” He said cutting himself off but his half-smile never faltered. “Have a good evening, Princess Emma.” He said as he opened the door with his magic. Still only ajar, Luna trotted out of the throne room.

“Good evening, Shining, or, rather ¬very good evening.” Luna said and it hit me, before I thought Cadance was just really into some weird form of BDSM, but now. 

Shining’s smile faltered for a moment, adopting a puzzled look, but his smile quickly recovered. “Good evening to you as well, Luna,” he said and walked into the throne room closing the door behind him.

Luna turned to me and I already knew what was coming. She threw me on her back again; I decided at that moment that I needed to learn to walk normally as fast as possible. “Where are we going now, I’m getting a little t-t-tired,” I said, yawning. 

“Good, we’re heading to your room now.” Luna said as she trotted down the hallway. “If you need anything, I’m only a few doors over, and you can always call for a cook or a maid.” Luna told me as if it were nothing. Overnight, I had gone from having absolutely nothing to everything. I was pretty sure I loved Equestria.

I didn’t comment until we reached our destination, instead I thought about how fantastic my life had become, and how sad it was that Hannah couldn’t be here to experience it with me. If Hannah were here I thought transitioning would be easier, but even though I hated thinking it, I knew if Hannah were here I wouldn’t be getting all the attention I was enjoying so much lately.

A door opened, and Luna put me down, “This is your bedroom, I hope it is adequate…” Luna trailed off. It was unlike anything I had ever seen, and my mouth went agape. “You don’t like it? I suppose I could—” I cut her off with my leaping-hug. 

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” I continued over and over again. “This is the nicest place I’ve ever even thought about staying in. Thank you!” I said and hugged her a bit tighter before dropping back to my hooves. 

Luna looked to have a massive smile on her face, “I’m glad you like it!” She exclaimed with a smile, but it quickly dissipated, “I wish to stay with you longer, but I have other… responsibilities right now. I look forward to our morning together.” Luna said and gave me a hug, which I returned.

“Goodnight Luna,” I said as I entered my new bedroom. The bedroom was massive. My bed was large enough for, like, 10 ponies, and I had a large red carpet with golden patterns lining it. There was a golden chandelier that gave off a soft glow, making the room seem very cozy. There was a large table situated in the room, and it looked to have dinner prepared, but I was too tired to indulge in anymore food.  I had a desk in the corner of the room, complete with drawers, a quill, and inkwell. There was a large mirror near the desk, and the clothes! There were too many outfits too count, that excited me more than a pony should be over clothes. There was a large white balcony hidden behind white shades illuminated by the white glow of the moon. I wisely kept away from the balcony. My nightstand alone was probably more expensive than the whole of the orphanage. 

I walked, more steadily now, to my nightstand and flipped on the lamp atop it. Although it might be embarrassing to admit, I couldn’t sleep with the lights off if I was alone, so I made sure to turn on any lights I could get my hooves on. Content with the light fixtures and their positions, I crawled into my massive bed.

I got comfortable under the heavy sheets and promised myself that tomorrow I would take a shower; I was much too comfortable then to bother. I dropped my head onto one of the many pillows and closed my eyes, preparing for sleep to embrace me.

That was a very big fright you gave our little filly here.

I jumped out of my bed and put my hooves over my head as I shook. “Who are you!?” I asked, very loudly.

Who am I? Good question, but I believe you've already heard of me, a shame I couldn't be there to welcome you into the castle.

The voice was coming from inside my head. I figured maybe I was going crazy. “Who are you?!” I demanded, but my voice quivered. 

Why, the only one who actually cares about you, that’s who!

“What are you talking about, Luna likes me!”

Don’t be so sure, leaders are quite adept in the art of deception. That’s why they’re leaders.

“T-that’s not true,” I said losing faith in my own words. I didn't know who to trust, really. I only just got here, who was I to trust somepony so fast?

Oh, but it is. Trust me, they’re just using you to get to me

He put extra emphasis on the ‘me’. “Who are you!?” I yelled as loud as I could, infuriated.

Ah, you’re no fun. I’m Discord, of course, and this—he paused for a moment—is the filly I was taking about.

Hey, Emma.

“H-H-H-Hannah,” I choked out, tearing up.

That’s right! At least you knew one of us. Now, Hannah, am I such a bad guy?

Nope! He’s pretty great, Em. If… a little bit odd.

See? I’m a nice guy—odd? Hmph. So how about it, filly, how about you help the one guy you can trust—the one guy who loves you.

“W-w-what d-d-do y-you w-w-want?” I asked through my now blinding tears.

Oh not much, just a little participation for Team Discord.