//------------------------------// // 2. Canterlot (Stop 1) // Story: Dysphoria, Arc 5: Equestria // by thedarkprep //------------------------------// 2. Canterlot (Stop 1) “I am coming with you and that’s final!” “I’m sorry Ms. Pie, but you are not!” Steam filled the atmosphere as air escaped the train’s engine in sharp hisses. The hisses themselves joined the rumbling of the engine in a loud duet, which sadly did nothing to muffle or distract from the argument taking place at the station platform between a pink coated mare and blue coated stallion. A group of ponies surrounded them, watching the scene with mild amusement, and within this group Rose found herself struggling to make a choice. “On the one hoof I could just explain to Pinkie why she can’t go; she’ll listen to me and that will be the end of it,” Rose thought. “But on the other, if I don’t step in I could continue to watch Dusk try and fail to keep her off the train.” Rose wanted to continue to weigh her options but she was rather aware that time was of the essence. “It was fun while it lasted,” she thought as she sighed. “Pinkie, you can’t go with us,” Rose said. At this point Pinkie had been butting heads with Dusk with a determined glare, which she broke the second she heard Rose speak. “But why?” she asked. “Because we have to travel light and the Equestrian Equality Envoy does not have unlimited resources. The only four of us that are traveling are Dusk, Timetable, Organizer, and myself. We just don’t have the room to have any tag alongs,” Rose explained. “But… But… What if you forget me!?” Pinkie cried, causing everyone to take a step back. “I won’t forget you Pinkie, and I’ll be back before you know it and you can throw me the biggest party in the world, ok?” Rose pleaded. “Ok,” Pinkie said, calming down. “As long as you Pinkie promise that this is what you think and that he’s not putting you up to it!” Both mares turned their attention to the disheveled looking stallion. “I Pinkie promise,” Rose said. “Ok then,” she said, hopping away to rejoin the rest of the group. Rose watched her go as Dusk walked closer. “The reports I read gave the impression that the pink one was one of the friendlier ones,” Dusk muttered, causing Rose to laugh. “She is,” Rose responded, “You just need to be better at making your point.” Dusk gave her an incredulous look. “You do realize that you said the same exact things I said, right?” “Yeah, but you’re not me,” Rose responded, causing Dusk to roll his eyes and walk away scoffing. Rose watched him go with an amused smirk as the rest of her friends approached her. “Now darling, resources aside, are you sure you do not want us to accompany you?” Rarity asked, “I could make and pay for my own travel arrangements if need be.” Rose turned to look at the unicorn. “No, it’s ok,” she said. “It would get really expensive and I’m sure I can manage.” “Well, how about we just meet you at one stop then?” asked Applejack. “I have family in Manehattan I could stay with when you go there as long as you give me enough time to prepare for it.” “And I could meet you at Cloudsdale,” said Rainbow Dash. “I wouldn’t even have to stay there, I could fly there and be back.” “And have you leaving your chores and your training?” asked Rose. “It’s the middle of the harvest season and don’t you have to go to Wonderbolt Academy training again?” “Yeah, and?” answered both mares. “Well, it’s probably not the best choice to leave the farm until the work is done,” said Rose while looking at Applejack before shifting her gaze to Rainbow Dash. “As for you, I’ll be in Cloudsdale at the same time you’re at the camp and it would be a horrible idea for you to ditch training to come see me.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash stared at each other before letting their heads hang. “I reckon you’re right Rose, but I still would feel better if I went with you,” Applejack said. “Yeah, it’s not like we don’t think you’ll be awesome, but we’re just nervous for you is all,” Rainbow said. Rose gave her two friends a hug. “I know, and I’m nervous too,” she said, “But I know that you’ll be there in spirit just like I’ll be here with all of you, so it’ll be ok.” “Cough” The noise caused the three mares to break from their hug, turning to face the source of the sound. “Sorry to interrupt,” Timetable said. “But we have to go soon if we’re going to get to Canterlot on time. If you haven’t finished your goodbyes, I would suggest doing so.” “Sorry my flank,” Rainbow muttered under her breath while glaring at Timetable, causing Rose to step in between them. “Rainbow, stop,” Rose exclaimed. “She’s just doing her job by making sure that all my packing was not pointless.” “Yeah, Rainbow. Besides, the girl does need to get going after all,” added Applejack. Rainbow looked back and forth between the two mares before sighing. “Fine.” “I’ll go ahead and say my goodbyes to the rest of my friends and I’ll be in the train shortly,” Rose told Timetable who nodded in return before disappearing into the train. After that, saying goodbyes was a rather quick process, involving a few hugs and many wishes for a safe trip. It wasn’t long at all before Rose found herself waving and staring out the window, watching the disappearing figures of her friends as the train backed away from the station. “Oh dear, you’re already missing them, aren’t you?” asked Dusk as he took a seat next to Rose. “Perhaps. Don’t you ever miss home, Dusk?” “Every once in a while, but only when I’ve been gone for a year or so after traveling all of Equestria,” Dusk commented. “But you’re going to be gone for a month at most. This is hardly a long journey.” “Some of us don’t travel that much,” Rose responded with a blush on her cheeks. “I lived in Canterlot all my life before I had to leave, after which I spent the remainder of my time in Ponyville, with the exception of the changeling thing, which then brought me back to Canterlot. I’ve never been away from my family and friends except for the time I spent traveling between the two places.” “Well, this is no different,” Dusk commented. “We’re headed to Canterlot and then we’ll make our way back to Ponyville, after making a few extra stops. Think of it as taking the scenic route and you’ll be ok.” Rose could not help but smile. “Thank you, Dusk,” she said. “I think I’ll do that.” “Lovely,” he said. “Now, let’s get you to the work room in which you will find your luggage so you can change and be ready for Canterlot.” Rose followed Dusk to the following cart in which there was a collection of desks, filing cabinets, five saddle bags, and Rose’s luggage. “I see the saddlebags and my luggage, but where is everypony else’s?” Rose asked. “We don’t have any luggage,” Dusk answered. “All we need is in our saddlebags, unless you count the paperwork in the filing cabinets, that’s pretty important. Remember, you’re the only one here that wears clothes on a regular basis, Ms. Diva.” Rose wanted to say something back but she couldn’t argue his point. “Exactly,” he said smirking, “In any case, go ahead and change into something formal. You don’t have to hurry since we still have a while before we get there but I figured you might as well.” Rose nodded and Dusk began to leave, however, Rose called out to him. “So what kind of welcome should we expect when we get there?” asked Rose. Dusk stopped and thought for a moment. “It won’t be anything too special; the formal attire is just that, a formality.” “Nothing special, he said…” Despite her untimely exile from the city, Rose prided herself in understanding the workings of Canterlot. Collectively, she had spent years studying the city, its population, and the culture, meaning that there was little about the city she could not anticipate or determine. It was such observations that led her to discover that a simple cloak was enough to avoid detection and that ponies almost always saw what they wanted to see rather than what was actually there. This understanding of the ponies of Canterlot also allowed her to anticipate all social changes, important events, and societal hazards, allowing her to avoid all of them without much effort. The city kept no secrets from her. And yet, she had failed to anticipate this. “Maybe I’ve been gone too long,” Rose muttered as she stepped onto the train station platform. As soon as she stepped out, Rose was greeted with applause and cheers of such magnitude that they forced her to stagger for a second. Dusk soon stepped up to her side, and the two walked into the city with Organizer and Timetable following closely behind. At first, Rose had been impressed at the number of guards posted at the station, assuming them to be there to protect the city from possible threats, no doubt in response to the changeling invasion. She had been nervous about the interrogation and security checks that were to come, but as they continued their walk, Rose noticed that the guards were not approaching any of them. In fact, they had yet to move. “You’ve got it backwards,” Dusk whispered beside her. “Also, don’t forget that you’re here as an ambassador for transkind, so smile and wave if it’s not too much to ask for.” Following his command, Rose turned to the gathered crowds, waving at them, smiling, and nodding as they entered the city proper. It was inside that Rose found even more ponies cheering and applauding, joined now by the twinkling of flashes and the sound of camera shutters. Rose could see that ponies, civilians and reporters alike, were pushing against the guards as they struggled to move forward or get past them. The guards, however, stood unmoving and strong. “I get it,” Rose whispered to Dusk. “They’re not here to protect the city from intruders; they’re here to protect visitors, namely us, from the city.” “Exactly,” responded Dusk quietly. “And we’ll be doing their sacrifice a disservice by dillydallying around instead of getting to our destination. Let’s pick up the pace, shall we?” “Sounds good,” Rose said. “But where exactly are we headed?” “Oh, the center of the city, right in front of the castle,” Dusk said. “There will be a stage set up as well as a few tents. The event should already be underway, so we can go there, regroup, see what needs to be done, and wait for your turn to speak to the crowds. First things first, though. Let’s go.” The four headed towards the center of town, finding that the crowds seemed to disperse the closer they got to it. Once there Rose noted that Dusk had been right. The event was in full swing. A multitude of tables surrounded the plaza, each holding a vast number of pamphlets. Ponies grabbed the pamphlets as they walked or talked in between the tables, the various information kiosks, and the stage on the back. Rose had expected the stage to be empty, but she instead found it to be holding a multitude of ponies and their various musical instruments. She neared the orchestra until she found a gray mare with a dark grey coat playing the cello. The two locked eyes and a smile appeared on each of their faces, after which the cellist went back to playing as if nothing had happened and Rose stood there listening. In fact, she would have stayed there until the end of the piece, had she not found herself pushed towards the tents backstage. “Come on, Ms. Rose, the music is for those enjoying the event, not the ones putting it on,” Dusk said as he nudged her. “Right now that second group includes you, so let’s go.” Dusk continued to push her until they found themselves inside the second tent. “You three wait here while I figure out what’s going on,” he said, then went over to talk to a pony sitting at a desk. The two talked for a short while before Dusk hurried back over. “We’re in luck,” he said. “The orchestra is playing for 10 more minutes, after which we can go ahead and move on with the speeches before the orchestra plays their second set. We’re right on time.” Timetable let out a sigh of relief, much to Organizer’s amusement, but Rose was unable to share in their relief. “I go on in ten minutes?” Rose asked. “Yes, after which you’re free for a good number of hours,” Dusk said. “There won’t be a panel today, so we won’t need you until tonight when you’ll be answering questions for a few reporters. Whether you want to spend that extra time before and after the interviews listening to the orchestra, hanging around here, visiting friends and family, or just wandering the city is really none of my concern as long as you check in at the hotel at some point and as long as you’re ready to leave to Cloudsdale tomorrow.” Rose nodded and turned away silently. “No comeback? That’s not good,” Dusk said. “Oh goodness, you’re nervous aren’t you? What’s wrong?” “I don’t know what to say,” Rose answered. “I kept trying to come up with speeches but none of it sounded good. I figured something would come to me before I had to speak, but I’ve still got nothing.” “Is that it?” asked Dusk, much to Rose’s annoyance. “Right, shouldn’t trivialize. Anyway, don’t worry Ms. Rose, it will be ok. All you have to do is introduce yourself, tell them about the changes that need to happen in terms of laws and policies, and tell them about your struggles. It doesn’t have to be in that order but as long as you cover those things you’ll be good. This is just like the trial over Summer’s schooling.” Rose shook her head. “No it’s not,” Rose said. “Back then I was fighting for Summer, so that he would be able to be happy and grow up the way he’s supposed to. I was fighting for him and I had a clear goal in mind. With this, I don’t know what my focus is. I know what I need to do, but not how.” “Then it’s not different all then,” Dusk commented. “You’re still fighting for Summer and every colt like him. It also happens that you’re fighting for every trans filly, stallion, and mare, but do not think for a second that what we’re doing won’t impact Summer’s future. As for your focus or purpose…” He stared into her eyes, taking care to enunciate every syllable. “…You are fighting so that no pony will suffer what you suffered again. And for that to happen this city needs to understand that pain so that they may also help prevent it.” Rose thought about that statement before nodding. “Ok, I’m not scared anymore, but I’m still nervous,” she said. “Baby steps, Ms. Rose,” Dusk answered with a grin. “It’s a start.” The remaining minutes went by fast and soon Rose found herself walking up the stairs to the stage, looking around for her friend. However, it seemed that all the musicians had long since cleared the area. Rose heard her name being announced, and she cautiously walked to the front of the stage, stopping at a podium that had been prepared for her. She looked into the crowd. The plaza had become silent from the second that she had stepped up to the microphone. From the podium she could see a multitude of ponies staring at her expectantly, with open mouths and bated breaths, still as portraits. There was still movement coming from the reporters and photographers anxiously doing their jobs, but they could not detract from what Rose was experiencing. For the first time since she had accepted her role as an “activist,” Rose completely understood what part she was supposed to play. “They want to learn from what I went through,” Rose thought to herself. “They want to know my struggles and hear my ideas.” She smiled. “Who am I to deny them?” Rose adjusted her microphone before beginning to speak. “Hello everypony! From the reception we got when we arrived and from the vast number of Canterlot reporters that inundated Ponyville this past summer, I’m going to assume you all know who I am. However, I will go ahead and introduce myself just in case. My name is Evening Rose.” And so Rose spoke to the crowd, telling them about herself and the struggles she had faced. She told them about how hard it was coming to terms with herself, about the efforts and events that took place before she could just live as she was, and she finished by recounting Summer’s story. “…I do not mind all I went through for Summer, because he will now get to live a better life than I had. He won’t have to suffer the way I did, and he will grow up with love and understanding as every pony should. However, Summer’s case is not unique, and neither is mine. My reality is the reality of plenty of ponies out there, and they too have the chance for something better. All I’m asking is that you help them. Through changing laws, through adapting procedures, through having these conversations we can change society. These changes need to happen so that transponies will know the love, equality, and harmony they deserve. Thank you.” A moment of silence followed Rose’s speech, before the audience erupted in applause. Rose in turn took a bow before walking off-stage and into the primary tent, where she found Dusk waiting. “You did splendid!” he exclaimed. “Absolutely beautiful. Canterlot is in the bag! Well, not that we weren’t going to win Canterlot no matter what, but still! This makes it oh so more decisive.” “What are you talking about?” Rose asked. “Canterlot normally disapproves of this kind of stuff. The society is too stuck up. Honestly, I’m surprised this many ponies showed up and that it went so well.” “Normally I’d agree with you on your comment about Canterlot,” Dusk responded. “But things are different as of late and everything was to our advantage.” Rose tilted her head in confusion. “Well, for starters we have you. You’re a celebrity, so ponies were going to show up no matter what – but not only are you a celebrity: you’re a local hero. You were born here, and despite your exile you came back to fight the changelings, which was something that every newspaper stressed. To the locals you are an example of how great Canterlot is, and you serve as much of a symbol to them as you do to us. Secondly, we have had a lot of support from some key players in Canterlot recently. Fancypants and Hoity-Toity, for example, have given their support both in bits and in presence to our cause, I’m assuming after hearing about it from Rarity. Their presence here brought a lot of ponies out, and their support I’m sure is doing wonders for us. Then there’s the matter of noble families, which-“ “There you are!” The shout turned both ponies’ attention towards the front of the tent before Rose found herself tackled to the floor by a white unicorn with a blue mane. “Vinyl! I don’t think we’re… Oh, well, hello Rose, Dusk. Fancy meeting you here.” Rose turned to look at the newcomer as she struggled to get up from the floor and away from the unicorn’s embrace. “Octavia! Good to see you,” Rose said. Octavia took a deep sigh. “Vinyl, let her go so she can give me a proper hello.” “Fine,” Vinyl answered, releasing Rose, thus allowing Octavia to get a hug of her own. “Ah, Ms. Octavia. Didn’t really expect you see you,” said Dusk. “And who is your friend?” “Marefriend actually,” Octavia corrected him. “and her name is Vinyl Scratch.” “The famous DJ?” asked Dusk. “My, you picked yourself a good one, Ms. Octavia.” “Wait, you two know each other?” asked Rose. Octavia shrugged. “Our knowledge of each other is purely tangential,” Dusk answered. “I needed somepony to talk to the director of the Canterlot Orchestra to perform for less than their usual fee since the Triple-E does not have unlimited funds, and I figured a friend of yours was the best place to start.” “We’ve only met a few times,” Octavia continued. “And each of those times it was strictly to talk figures and contracts, but Dusk has an uncanny ability to become rather informal regardless of what happens to be going on. Much like you, actually.” She looked at Rose, who in turn narrowed her eyes. At this point Dusk was called away to meet with some important guests, leaving Rose, Octavia, and Vinyl alone. The pegasus decided to use this chance to change the topic rather than dignify her statement with a response. “So, how did your parents take your relationship with you and Vinyl?” she asked. “They loved me!” Vinyl answered smiling. “Indeed they did,” Octavia said. “Despite the window incident.” “Really?” Rose exclaimed, “I would have thought they were going to be completely against it.” Octavia thought for a minute. “I think they were just happy that it wasn’t you,” she said. “Ouch,” Rose said, feeling a bit self-conscious. “Oh don’t be like that,” Octavia said. “For the record, it has nothing to do with you being trans and everything to do with them having met you when you were struggling to come out of your idiot phase.” Rose thought back to the first time she met Octavia’s parents, grinning at the memory. “Fair enough,” Rose said. “So, how long can you two hang out?” Octavia and Vinyl looked at each other before responding. “Well, there’s two more speakers going on before the Orchestra goes back onstage,” Octavia answered. “Vinyl will be staying for two more days, so we can spend the rest of the day with you, outside of my second set, if you would like.” Rose smiled. “I would love that,” Rose said. “The only other thing I have to do today is visit-“ “Right this way Mr. Rhyme.” Rose stopped mid sentence at hearing the name, before turning around to face her mother and father. There was some silence as the parents and daughter stared at each other, with Octavia and Vinyl subtly stepping in between them while readying themselves to protect their friend. Dusk, sensing the tension, made to speak but found himself interrupted. “Sis, is that you?” All eyes followed the colt as he ran towards Rose, with Vinyl and Octavia separating just in time for the colt to avoid them in his mad dash towards his sister. “I’m so glad you’re here,” Perfect said, hugging Rose with all his might. “I really missed you.” “Doesn’t seem like it with all the letters you’re not writing me,” Rose chided gently. “Oh, that,” Perfect said, blushing, “Yeah, I’ve been distracted by writing to Summer, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t miss you.” “I know Perfect,” Rose responded. “I missed you too.” With tensions pretty much cleared, Dusk allowed himself to speak. “Now that that’s been sorted,” he began. “I should probably explain why your parents are here.” “So they’re not just here to drop off Perfect?” Rose asked, to which Dusk shook his head. “I would think not. This little event would not have been possible without them, so the least I can do is grant them full access to our facilities,” Dusk responded. This statement earned a round of questioning looks. “Remember how I was telling you that Canterlot was pretty much a guaranteed victory?” Dusk asked with a smirk. “I told you that we had key players in our camp like Rarity’s friends who moved big sections of the city onto our side. However, that is nothing compared to what having your family on our side has done. The Rhyme family has given many resources, monetary and otherwise, to the Equestrian Equality Envoy, supporting our programs and research quite openly. Their involvement in turn put pressure on other noble families like the Scales or Gems, which for the most part followed suit. You know how Canterlot is: once the real nobility supported us, the local citizenry did the same, either because they wanted to follow the trend or because it was finally socially acceptable to make such a move. Your father and family pretty much won us Canterlot before we set foot here; our visit was just a formality.” Rose stared at Dusk in shock before chancing a glance at her father. Her eyes begged for him to confirm or deny the claim, but Rich Rhyme stood there motionless, returning her stare with a disinterested glare. “See sis? I told you that they had changed,” Perfect said. The sound of his voice broke Rose from her reverie, allowing her mind to work out the questions that she needed to ask. She turned to look at Octavia. “Could you please take my brother outside?” Rose asked her. “I need to have a chat with my parents.” “Why?” asked Perfect, but Octavia only nodded before nudging Perfect towards the exit. “I don’t want to go,” he pleaded. “I’m old enough. I can be a part of this talk.” “It’s ok, kid,” Vinyl said, following along. “It’s probably going to be boring anyway. How about you and I talk? It’s been a while since you were in Ponyville.” Rose waited until her brother was out of the tent and out of earshot before speaking. “What’s your angle?” she asked. “What do you mean?” Rich responded. Rose studied his features, looking for a sign of what he was feeling or thinking. She found nothing. “Are you doing this because you feel bad about what you did? Are you doing this for Perfect? Because you’re afraid that if you don’t ‘approve’ of me he’ll leave you too? Are you claiming you really changed? What is it you’re trying to do here?” Ilene was taken aback by the harsh tone of Rose’s questioning, recoiling behind her husband. Rich failed to react. “Make no mistake, we still do not approve,” he responded. “But we are not doing this for Perfect’s benefit. We could easily keep him away from you if we thought that would be best. We also do not base our personal opinions and actions on looking for the approval of our son. We are the grownups, after all.” “Then why?” asked Rose. “Like it or not, we’re family. We are your parents and that cannot be changed. That brings certain responsibilities with it,” he said. “The world out there is a dangerous place for ponies like you; too many ponies would hurt you if they had the chance, or kill you, or mistreat you. By helping organizations like the Equestrian Equality Envoy, we are helping to change that.” Rose felt herself shaking with anger. “So it’s the world that’s dangerous then? Not you, right? Or is it only ok when it’s you that’s hurting me?” yelled Rose. “Or did you forget the state I was in when I FLED Canterlot to save my life? When I crashed into forests because I was too hurt to fly and then had to crawl my way to Ponyville?” Rose was actively trying to provoke a response from her father, but he would not budge. “I lost control, I’m not denying that. But we searched for you, sent teams into the forest to find you, and nothing came off it.” “Oh, so then you’re doing this because you’re guilty? Because you want to atone for what you did?” she asked. “By giving money and ‘resources’ to help other transponies because you feel bad for what you did to your own?” “I’m not apologizing, am I, Evening?” he responded coolly. “I have not asked for forgiveness or understanding. I know the state of mind I was in when that happened and I’ve dealt with it. I don’t have guilt over what happened, nor regret. Also, to be honest, I couldn’t care less what becomes of the rest of the transponies of Equestria. I have yet to make any statement of acceptance or encouragement to ‘the cause’ because it’s not a fight I’m fighting. This isn’t for me and it isn’t for them. It is for you.” Rose examined the words but could not identify any lies within them. This calmed her mood, if only due to suspicion. “Why try to keep me safe?” Rich gave an annoyed sigh. “Because you are family and it is our job to protect you whether we approve or not,” he said. “Now, pay attention, because you’ve already made me repeat myself and you know I do not like to do that. We disagree with your choices, but we will tolerate them because you’re family. We will protect you from harm because you’re family. We have to stick together, because you’re family. I’m sure you weren’t the fondest of us when you came during the changeling invasion. Why did you?” Rose flipped through her memories. She recalled thinking during the train ride to Canterlot about the confusion she felt at the time about returning. She did not know why she was going, but she knew she had to. She had to find out who the new Slant Rhyme was. Thinking further, Rose remembered sitting in her cell as the attack began. She had been trying to figure out where to go when she remembered that a changeling was with her family, ready to kill if necessary. “I wanted answers from ‘Slant,’ and I knew that he was dangerous,” she answered. “Then I found out that he was prepared to kill, and I realized that I needed to save Perfect.” “Just Perfect?” asked Rich with a piercing glare. “No,” Rose conceded. “All of you were in danger and I needed to help.” “Then you do understand,” Rich responded. “If up to me I would put a stop to this nonsense, but you can make your own decisions now and our job is not to approve of you, but to keep you safe. Family comes first and we have to keep the family together.” Rose took a few deep breaths before nodding. “Fine,” Rose said. “But I don’t forgive you for what happened. I just can’t.” “And that’s fine,” Rich responded. “I’m not asking you to. I am, however, asking you to put it aside for now for the sake of family.” “Fine. I promise I’ll be civil, and to coexist for as long as I’m here,” Rose said. “Good,” Rich said. “Now that that’s settled, there are two things I want to mention. The first is that you, Dusk, Vinyl, and Octavia are invited to the manor after the events of the day conclude for dinner. The second is that while I’ve already been informed by Dusk that you have lodgings at a hotel, you’re welcome to stay in your room should you prefer it, it being your room. Perfect has not been told of this possibility so as to not get his hopes up and to not pressure you, however; so, the choice is up to you.” Rose thought for a long time before answering. She knew she should say no – after all, she had already decided that she could never go back. And yet, she found herself wanting to. She looked at her parents, both of whom disapproved of her existence and yet still extended this invitation to her. She thought back to Perfect’s visit in Canterlot that had been suggested by her parents. “We could easily keep him away from you if we thought that would be best.” The words rang through Rose’s mind. She knew they were truthful. With great efforts, Rose met her father’s stare. “Sounds good on both accounts,” Rose said. “Splendid,” Dusk commented. “Well, I must say I’m glad this sorted itself out, it would have been rather awkward if one of our main supporters and the star of our little effort were at odds with each other. We should probably go get Octavia and Vinyl though and fill them in.” No sooner had he spoken than Octavia’s voice rang through the tent. “No, you cannot enter,” she said. “They are having a rather important conversation at the moment.” “It’s ok Octavia,” Dusk called out. “They’re done talking. Get back in here.” The tent opened as a pony stepped inside, but this pony was not Octavia. Instead, a royal guard looked around the inside of the tent before moving towards group, closely followed by Vinyl, Octavia, and Perfect Rhyme. “I’m sorry if I’m interrupting,” the guard said. “But I come bearing a message.” “It’s quite alright,” Dusk said. “What’s the message?” “It is a summons sir,” the guard responded. “Princess Celestia requests an immediate private meeting with a Miss Evening Rose. They ask that she come unaccompanied to the throne room as soon as possible.” Rose could not help but to stare at the décor of the castle as she followed the guard through the cavernous halls. After all, not many ponies were allowed inside this part of the castle unless there was a specific event or if said pony was attending to official business, neither of which Rose could claim to have partaken in before now. As such, despite belonging to the noble Rhyme family and despite living in Canterlot for most of her life, she had never seen any of the portraits, decorations, or luxuries that now surrounded her. “And to think that Twilight probably sees all this as commonplace,” Rose thought to herself. Rose continued walking as her attention was caught by a particularly shiny chandelier, which held her gaze even past the point where she needed to turn her head to keep it in view. “We have arrived,” said her escort. Rose turned to face the guard who was standing next to a giant set of golden doors, watching him as he took a deep breath, knocked, opened the door, and announced their presence. “Your Highness, I present Ms. Evening Rose.” Rose followed behind him as they stepped into the throne room. The room itself was very large, its size made to feel bigger by how empty it was. In all, there were only five ponies taking care of various tasks, four members of the Royal Guard, and Princess Celestia herself. “Thank you Post Haste, that will be all,” Celestia said. The pony took a bow before leaving the room, leaving Rose standing by herself. “My little ponies,” Celestia said, calling for the attention of all the ponies in the room, “I wish to have a private word with Ms. Rose. All court tasks that cannot be completed outside of this room are hereby postponed, to be resumed tomorrow. I also ask my guard to take a position guarding the door, as I assure you that my guest is no threat.” Every pony in the room turned to face the princess, bowing before making their exit. As the door closed, Rose and Princess Celestia found themselves alone. “Thank you for taking the time to see me, Rose,” Celestia said, “I understand that you are busy, but I wanted to be able to talk to you directly.” “It is no trouble, Princess,” Rose said “If my memory serves me correctly, I have not seen you since the changeling invasion,” Celestia said. “How have you been in the interim time?” Rose was surprised by the question. “I’ve been fine,” Rose said. “I’m sure you’ve read about what’s been going on, but overall I can’t complain.” “Yes, I must admit I have kept up with your exploits in the media,” the princess admitted. “Although, you seem preoccupied, or rather confused. Is something the matter?” “No, Princess,” Rose responded. “It’s just, your guard told me you requested an immediate audience with me so I assumed there was some sort of problem. I was just caught offguard by the informal questions.” The princess let out a soft laugh. “Oh no, I did indeed tell my guard to invite you here for a private audience at his earliest convenience,” the princess explained. “But I did not mean for him to think it was an urgent assignment. Although, Post Haste does tend to take things very seriously, so I am not entirely at fault.” She gave a soft sigh before continuing. “No Rose, there is no crisis this time,” the princess explained. “I called you here to talk and nothing more. I feel like I owe you this much at least, especially since I’m unable to contribute to your fight. I’m sure you have questions for me, or resentment, knowing I could ease your struggles and the struggles of those like you but refuse to do so.” Rose looked at the princess, who for the first time did not seem unapproachable. For the first time that Rose had seen her, Celestia looked equine in nature, nothing more or less. “I don’t resent your lack of involvement, Princess,” Rose said. “But I do question it. I understand you wanting the cities to exercise self government, but surely on this type of moral issue your interference wouldn’t be disastrous.” “I believe you are right in that point,” Celestia conceded. “It would probably be a very peaceful change, with hardly a mention or complaint. Nopony would call me a tyrant, nopony would riot in the streets, nopony would question me or my choice. And yet, I am still not sure that would be for the best.” Rose felt questions rise to the tip of her tongue, but refused to allow them to travel further. “Do you know why ponies believe me to be a deity?” Celestia asked. “Because you’re immortal, have unlimited wisdom, and uncontested power and control?” Celestia allowed herself a sad smile. “Yes, I do think that’s what ponies believe,” she said. “And on a lot of accounts they are right. I do hold great power, for example, as one needs to be able to move celestial bodies. I also do have uncontested control, since ponies rarely opt to disagree with me. Lastly, I will never die of old age. And yet…” Celestia stared out the window as she continued. “…and yet these are things that should cause concern rather than praise.” A silence developed in the room while Rose waited for the princess to continue. “I will not die of old age, but I can die, Rose. And if ponies don’t know how to govern themselves when that happens they will collapse. My sister, Cadence, and I will not live forever. No pony can, and the more we are used as a crutch, the less practiced our ponies will be when they have to stand on their own,” Celestia said. “No pony would argue against me, but that does not mean I am right. Gods are infallible, but I am not. I make mistakes; I make them all the time. I make spelling mistakes, I can be fooled, I eat too much, and I have a habit of changing my mind when I see ideals I have held for years become antiquated and obsolete.” The princess stood up from her throne, turning her gaze back to Rose. “And yes, I have a lot of power. I could make a decree and make everything the way it should be. I could order Equestria to side against ignorance and you could go home tomorrow,” she continued. “But that would be me abusing that power. A benevolent dictator is still a dictator. All I can do is encourage ponies to take steps in the right directions, praising them when they do what I believe is right, but allowing them to make mistakes. Those are their mistakes to make without me. And so I am sorry…” A small crack appeared in her stoic mask. “…I’m sorry I’m standing by, watching this unfold without assisting. I’m sorry for my inaction, but I fear that my involvement, even if for the right reasons, would breed greater troubles.” Rose was taken aback by the sincerity in the princess’s statement, but quickly recovered. “You need not apologize, Princess,” Rose said. “I understand the position you’re in, and despite my uncertainties, I do not blame you or resent you. Instead, I thank you for the things you ARE able to do, things that you are not required to do but do regardless.” “Thank you, Rose,” Celestia said, recovering her regal smile. “And despite not being able to be public about it, you have my full support.” “For what it’s worth, you have mine as well, my dear, if for different reasons.” The disembodied voice rang through the throne room, followed by echoing laughter, causing Rose to frantically look around the room. She failed to pinpoint the location of the voice, as it seemed to appear from all directions. She turned to look at the princess who seemed both calm and undisturbed. “Discord, so nice of you to join us,” she said. The draconequus materialized in mid-air to Celestia’s right, still laughing. Rose was startled by his sudden appearance and had to struggle against her instinct to flee the premises, a struggle that was not unnoticed by the creature. “Oh my, I do believe I’ve frightened her,” he said smirking before turning to look at Celestia. “For the record, that one does not go against my parole as I did not scare her on purpose, funny as it was.” “Duly noted,” Celestia said, rolling her eyes. “In any case: Rose, I want you to meet Discord.” “Nice to meet you, deary. I look forward to being your shadow,” he said shaking her hoof. “What?” Rose asked. “Let me explain,” Celestia said. “Oooh, I do love Celestia’s story time,” Discord said, materializing a floating chair for him to sit in. Celestia merely ignored him. “Discord is the god of chaos and a very dangerous entity. However, he has been recently reformed and performs tasks for the kingdom using his skills and magic in exchange for his freedom. As long as he doesn’t terrorize ponies and as long as performs his duties, he is free to come and go as he pleases,” Celestia explained. “He has recently expressed interest in following you along as you travel through Equestria, and since he does not have any upcoming tasks, I have granted him that request.” Rose looked between the two in shock. “Why does he want to follow me?” “Discord?” the princess asked. He stared at her for a second before feigning surprise. “Oh, my turn to talk? Very well then,” he said. He then snapped his fingers before materializing again in very close proximity to Rose. “One of the perks to being the god of chaos is that I can sense when chaos is going to happen. Natural chaos, as opposed to what I do, has some traces that I can sense, and there is something really big coming this way,” he explained. “Something huge, turbulent, and rather severe is going to happen, encompassing all of Equestria in chaos. Whatever this something is, it has to do with you, and based on the little trip you’re taking I have a few guesses as to what it might be. You’re probably going to say something or do something that will spark this chaos all through Equestria. Your actions will beget this upheaval, and so I want to be with you when it happens so I can watch it all unfold.” “Wait. You’re saying that my actions are going to bring disharmony to Equestria?” Rose asked. “Oh indeed,” Discord said gleefully. “And since I’m not causing it this time, I get to enjoy it without violating my parole. That’s one of the perks of my agreement. Since natural chaos is needed to maintain order, I don’t have to stop it, and since I don’t have to stop it, I might as well enjoy the show.” “How can I go through this project knowing that?” Rose asked, “I have to tell Dusk that I quit. I cannot have this on my conscience.” Discord eyed her curiously. “Interesting. I would’ve thought you cared more about your silly little cause than that,” he said. “And here the princess was worrying that you’d be mad at her over something that you’re more than willing to throw away.” “I’m not throwing it away,” she responded. “I’m just protecting Equestria.” “At the expense of the transponies you were going to ‘protect’, I believe,” Discord said. “Oh you sure are whiny; I’m already having second thoughts about tagging along. Look, chaos happens. It does. If you really care about your cause, then don’t worry until it appears, and deal with the repercussions then. Stressing out about the future is no way to live.” Rose thought for a long moment. “Do you know when it will be?” she asked. “Nope,” he responded. “Could be any time in the foreseeable future and it could be any event or anything you say or do, which is why I have to stick around you the entire time. I mean, I guess I could just look into the future and see what it is that sparks it and what shape the chaos takes, but honestly, that would feel like cheating.” “Wait, you can see the future?” Rose asked. “Yes, it’s one of my many abilities,” he said. “But before you ask, no, I’m not going to peek. For one, it’s less fun this way. The surprise is half the fun; anything else would be dreadfully boring. Also, it’s probably for the best that you don’t know what you do that triggers it. You might actually try not doing it and then where would we be? Short on entertainment, that’s where.” Rose gave Celestia a pleading look and was about to speak when Discord cut her off again. “Oh, that’s the best part by the way,” he said. “She totally agrees with me.” Celestia closed her eyes, but nodded. “Knowledge of the future is a dangerous thing, Rose,” she said, “Sometimes ponies bring about their own fates by trying to avoid a vision of the future, other times ponies escape the future they saw and in turn grant themselves a worse one. In almost all cases, it ends up being that ignorance of the future is truly bliss. Chaos is part of the natural order of things, and if you have a part to play I would rather you play it than to bring about worse suffering by trying to avoid it.” She turned to look at Discord. “I have given Discord the permission to tell you the future if he feels like the future event is one you should know about and if you agree that you want to know,” she continued. “Since he is not looking into the future of his own accord, this will not be an issue, but should he decide to and should he give you the option, I strongly suggest that you turn it down. For your own sake.” Rose stared for a long moment and took various deep breaths before responding. She had read many stories exploring this very scenario. She knew that if she thought objectively, the words of the princess would ring true. She hated to admit it, but if she was really meant to be the catalyst of the chaos Discord predicted, there was little she could do about it. “Very well, Princess,” she said. “I will play my part, whatever it may be, in the company of Discord.” “I am delighted by your response,” the princess said. “And do not worry about Discord: he cannot and will not harm you or anypony else. Also, nopony but you will be able to see or hear him, so do not worry about him making a scene or attracting attention. He may be a bit over the top, but I’m sure you’ll find his company to your liking.” Rose was about to respond when a snap found Discord blocking her line of sight while holding empty travel bags. “I am ready for this trip,” Discord exclaimed. “We’re going to have such fun!”