A Little Piece of Heaven
Blue Ink couldn’t begin to put her feelings into words, all she saw was their planet growing huge in the windows. What she heard as only a mere star a moment ago by Lady Starfall, was probably causing mass panic across the very world she looked upon. The view for Luna was an old one that she had seen for a thousand plus years, it no longer brought a pause to her for admiration that it would her assistant. She instead focused her attention on the woman that spoke to her.
“You are Samantha correct?”
Samantha nodded respectfully to the princess.
“Indeed I am princess, is there something I can help you with?”
Luna pointed to the large screens above the windows.
“I would like to see my subjects at Ponyville, the one’s that the 225th and Trixie helped liberate. “
The console operator that could do that turned back to his keyboards and punched up the view. The left screen showed a very detailed live action view centered above town square. Now Luna was impressed with a view, she could literally count the diamonds of Rarity’s cutie mark as the seamstress looked to be sleeping on her hooves. It was merely a waiting game as trains ran in and out of Ponyville to take the newly liberated ponies back to their homes and families that were waiting on them.
“Cecilia surely has something in common with Twilight Sparkle in organization, but thank you for giving peace of mind. However, my presence is required elsewhere.”
Luna glanced down at Blue Ink to still see her staring out the window.
“Are you ready to go Blue Ink?”
Blue Ink snapped out of her daze to shake her head and blink a few times looking up at her princess.
“My apologies, this is…a bit too much to take in.”
Sorrow spoke up gesturing to a large glowing pad towards the back of the area.
“Blue Ink, I can understand if you’re uncomfortable with the sudden change of perspective. I’m certain no living person enjoys leaving their comfort zone; there are plenty of things I can provide to set you at ease. What is it you do when the stress of your job strikes the hardest?”
Blue Ink followed behind Luna blushing slightly as she answered Sorrow.
“I volunteer at the Canterlot orphanage by reading stories to the young foals. I like seeing them smile when they don’t have much to call their own. It helps me believe that my assisting duties help somepony when Luna is upset with mistakes I made.”
Luna frowned looking at Blue Ink, causing the smaller mare to avert her eyes. Luna spoke up putting as much sincerity behind her words that she could.
“I value your assistance and dedication to staying by me despite my moods. I have gained an unhealthy reputation among the staff for not giving praise for the hard work they do for me, perhaps in the near future I could come with you and read to the children as well.”
Blue Ink never got a chance to respond as the pad glowed a bit brighter and then chilling blackness. Blue Ink screamed and when her vision returned a whole room filled with people was deathly quiet and staring at her. They were in what could be considered a small park of sorts with many doors leading off of it, but two large lines leading up to where they stood. A lot of the people in this room did not wear uniforms like the people in the first room. Quite a few had what could be considered children with them that started crying or acting real shy towards what they saw.
The civilian population got the first real view of a new race, and watched as the smaller of the two just fell down in a heap. Civilian workers that ran the transport hub moved into action, but stopped rushing at the hand signal from Sorrow. The closest worker diverted to speak with the captain.
“Lady Sorrow, is your guest in need of medical attention?”
Sorrow glanced over to see Luna looking down at her assistant with her horn lightly glowing; she looked back at the young man who asked the question.
“She was having a hard time adjusting before we transported down here, this being her first time I’d imagine the shock of it was too much. She is fine, which I’m almost certain her princess will verify shortly. I don’t think we’ll chance another trip until I have time to explain it better beforehand, so you can start moving the line on the other side. We’ll walk it from here; it’s not far thanks to this trip.”
The young man bowed slightly before retreating back with the others, they began merging the two lines and the hum of the second pad began as whole groups disappeared in a fraction of a second. Luna levitated her unconscious assistant up and settled Blue Ink on her back.
“The shock of that certainly didn’t help, but she is resting comfortably for now. I will know more when she wakes up, how much further do we have to travel?”
Sorrow answered as she led the way off the pad with Luna following her.
“It is about 20 minutes from here, but you’re not against elevators?”
Luna laughed at the thought of her first ride in an elevator when she returned from her banishment. It was a glass front elevator on the side of a Los Pegasus hotel. The guards were outside of the car flapping their wings furiously to keep pace with the ascending car while still keeping an eye out for danger. Tia seemed fine, but Luna’s wings twitched with nervousness. She was the first one out of the car once the doors opened, and let out a slow breath to help calm down her rising emotions. The brush of her sister’s wing and the comforting smile Celestia gave relaxed the rest of her worry away. Luna put that same smile on that her sister had and responded as Sorrow pushed the call button.
“I will be fine Lady Sorrow, but my wings may twitch a bit.”
Sorrow nodded stepping towards the doors as the chime sounded and the doors opened. Inside the large elevator stood a childlike version of Sorrow, but lacking the draconian traits that Sorrow had. Sorrow abruptly halted seeing her, and with quick assessment took a knee.
“Come on over and tell momma what’s got you up this early?”
The little child sleepily stumbled over into the waiting arms of Sorrow, and Sorrow stood back up still holding onto the child. Luna stepped onto the elevator and the doors closed she felt slightly uncomfortable with the child looking at her.
It spoke sleepily to answer the question.
“The public communications is buzzing with the arrival of Princess Luna in transport hub twelve. The increasing volume interrupted my dream program, it’s almost reaching the volume that took place when the Barnum family came to live on board. I got curious, and since you were with her I came to see for myself if what they say is true.”
Sorrow patted her on the back setting Glaxia down.
“Princess Luna does have that gentle yet mysterious appearance to her, her assistant although is having a bad time adjusting which caused the scene in the hub.”
Glaxia rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.
“Since I’m up can I go with you to see Yulee and Shion? I think the princess is nice, and it’s a shame her assistant is having a bad day.”
The door chimed and opened and Luna calmly stepped off into the hallway, silently happy to be out of the elevator.
“You are too kind in your assessment of my character Lady Sorrow, and I apologize for interrupting your rest…”
Luna trailed off not having the child’s name to address her properly, but the young child stepped out and held out her hand.
“I’m Glaxia, I’m the mind of the ship you’re in, Shion and Yulee are my sisters, momma worked hard to give me a body so I could interact with the people and experience emotions.”
Luna smiled and reached out with a forehoof and Glaxia took it and shook it lightly. Luna set her forehoof back on the deck and spoke as they began walking again down the hallway.
“Your mother must love you very much to give such a gift; I’ve never met someone who was never born from another.”
Officers and enlisted moved to the sides of the hall quickly pulling salutes as the group passed before moving on after they passed by.
Sorrow spoke up; “I had reached the programming limit for artificial emotions, and while similar it wasn’t enough. Given the work of The Masters in altering me, I can no longer have children of my own, and while, ethically, I struggled building a vessel for Glaxia. I’m attached to her, and I’m glad I did it.”
Glaxia smiled as they approached a set of huge doors that were labeled forward hangar. Glaxia took the three steps over to wrap her arms around Luna’s neck the best she could.
“I tend to space out a lot when I talk with my sisters; it was nice to meet you Princess Luna. I hope Blue Ink’s day gets better.”
Luna shifted her weight so she could lift her forehoof to rest softly on Glaxia’s back.
“It was nice to meet you too Glaxia and experience some of what you offer to everypony that lives here.”
(Forward Hangar, prior to Luna’s arrival on Glaxia)
Despite what Sorrow sent Mindy and Lola to do, that was forgotten as Cecilia almost knocked her mother to the deck in a hug. Jez only smiled as she approached and hugged her father, and Trixie and Chrysalis were left wondering how two females had children. Cecilia was let out of the hug and she side stepped and indicated the changeling and the pony.
“Mom, I would like you to meet Trixie and her majesty Queen Chrysalis of the changelings.”
Mindy Barnum scrutinized each with her eyes making both clearly uncomfortable and she spoke to Chrysalis first.
“I wish to make it quite clear Chrysalis, I bow to no crown. I will address you only by name, I address the captain by name only, and I serve as an officer. So make no mistake in believing that it is just you.”
Chrysalis looked between the four hybrids present, other than for height and clothing they looked the same. She just had to ask, given it was near impossible to be exactly the same.
“Even my best spies cannot duplicate the same disguise perfectly; I can always spot the flaws. I can’t spot the flaws between you and your chosen mate, how is that possible?”
Lola shifted her attention to the changeling answering the question.
“Me and Mindy were created by science to be the same, science so powerful it affects even our children. When they reach maturity Jezabelle and Cecilia will look like us physically, where science cannot control is mind or soul of a living being. That much I am thankful for, that is where the flaws begin. Now that I answered your question, mind answering a question I have since my daughters have been rather vague with details to Glaxia as to what a changeling is.”
Chrysalis closed her eyes and let the green flames of her magic envelop her for a brief moment before they dissipated leaving a near perfect copy of Lola. Chrysalis explained her voice spot on for Lola.
“We change our appearance to mimic those whom we wish to feed off of.”
Lola looked a bit closely; “So you don my appearance to feed off me?”
Chrysalis shook her head; “My target is your mate, the love she gives you I would feed upon.”
Lola turned somewhat upset; “Not while I have anything to say about it.”
Chrysalis allowed the flames of her magic to sweep over her returning to her natural form.
“In theory you wouldn’t have anything to say, because you would be incapacitated or killed to prevent the chance of the truth coming to light.”
Mindy shifted her attention to Trixie, not wanting Lola to get upset at their guests.
“You bear clothing that is flashy in nature, clearly not meant to fight. What occupation do you serve for your leadership?”
“Trixie is a storyteller, one of the few that remain of a great family of storytellers. I have never been a fighter in the sense of combat, but in the sense of survival I have fought endlessly. The need has brought me to make terrible decisions that only by the grace of your family I was able to recover.”
Lola raised an eyebrow and curious she asked Trixie.
“In what way did my family aide?”
Trixie indicated Chrysalis with a hoof.
“When her majesty approached me with an offer that would make me famous again I took it without much thought. When the truth presented itself I was ashamed and labeled a traitor by my own kind. To ensure that I would not stray Chrysalis placed a curse on me that if I refused to do what I agreed I would turn to stone in a week. After much internal debate I couldn’t continue being a traitor, and I didn’t want to just turn to stone without trying to make up for some of my sins. I broke Tatiyana out of imprisonment and together we made our way to Ponyville to bring word of a coming attack. Tatiyana offered me friendship, and I finally saw its merits. Unfortunately my curse came to pass and I couldn’t do anything to help her in the fight. That is where your daughters come in with the gift they gave in restoring the lives of the fallen. I have thought on my actions and while it would be easy for me to blame Queen Chrysalis for her actions and misleading offer, It was my fault for not asking the details, I took the deal willingly, and she should not be blamed for the fool that I was. So I gave her the same chance Tatiyana gave me and that is why we are standing here.”
Lola nodded a bit looking to her left to smile at Cecilia.
“It is good to hear you have not wasted what was given then, and have accepted fault for you actions. There are some similarities to our story within your own; we both had to fight for survival. We are not a large race like we were in the beginning, hunted by dragons shamed by their defeat and spurred by fear, and by pirates who wish only to exploit our talents in combat. Each choice we make has to be carefully thought out, because it involved not just mine or my mate’s life. While The Lady of Sorrows left little option for us to come with, she did promise a future for our children, which makes this prison seem more a home.”
A human appearing woman walked up to the group carrying a small bag with her. Tatiyana stood with her still carrying her pack from the mission, and the young human spoke with a soft voice that reminded Trixie of Fluttershy.
“I apologize for interrupting Senior 1st lieutenant, but I have orders to verify these two guests pose no medical risk to us. Commander Crescent Claw will oversee and ensure everything goes without undue stress or pain.”
Mindy half turned to the voice, and turning fully once she put name to face.
“Vivian, if you’ve orders then you needn’t apologize. We were merely exchanging pleasantries and stories, I’d like to catch up with my daughters, and will you need be performing physicals for them as well?”
Vivian shook her head.
“Captain Jezabelle has no reason to be checked, and Commander Cecilia has been verified through Yulee’s logs of her condition throughout her stay below. Glaxia’s scans, when she passed through the hangar doors, revealed little change in the commander’s medical state. She is deficient in certain dietary proteins, but from what observation is reporting of local cuisine it is within reason. A simple shot would correct the issue, and given Yulee’s dispensary logs she administered several such shots when need arose.”
Mindy nodded and waived the young nurse on and she and Lola moved on a bit to give the four some privacy.
Vivian looked up at the ceiling.
“Glaxia, could you transport in the three partition screens I set out earlier please.”
They arrived in a flash set up in a T, and Vivian gestured to them.
“If you would each please take one side, we will begin.”
Trixie found the procedure to be rather gentle, a bunch of questions, and a blood sample was all that was required. However, she could have done without the overly sweet woman’s voice. It made her think more and more that this was the galaxies equivalent of Fluttershy. Chrysalis was a bit more difficult, some of the questions she didn’t understand. Injuries in the hive were either minor which healed, or major in which the affected were killed rather than have crippled ruin the efficiency of the hive as a whole. When it came time for the blood sample, Vivian found her hand and the needle glued to the partition by a green substance. Tatiyana rolled her eyes and freed Vivian’s hand before fixing Chrysalis with a hard glare.
“Don’t do that again, you could simply say you don’t like needles. We’d gone with a different approach to it.”
Vivian set the contaminated needle aside and cleaned her hands off before taking another from her bag.
“You explained that you feed off emotions correct?”
Chrysalis didn’t move her eyes from the fresh instrument in the young nurse’s hands. She was curious about this old topic but cautious not to let it be a ploy to get her attention off the needle. She responded while trying to maintain eye contact with Vivian and keep the needle in sight.
“That is correct, while it is the biggest source, we do eat other things as well.”
Vivian nodded and she made no move as she held the needle at her side.
“Would you feel better if you had something to eat?”
Tatiyana looked at Vivian clearly uncomfortable with the thought of Chrysalis feeding on the overly kind nurse.
“She was told not to by Cecilia, Chrysalis could lose her chance if…"
Vivian looked at Tatiyana and the sweet tone shifted to that of annoyance.
“The commander of the 225th does not live my life or make choices for me. If I choose to allow my patient to feed on my emotions then no one, not even the captain herself can hold it against her or me.”
Tatiyana’s remaining argument died before being spoken, despite Vivian’s naivety of what she was about to undergo the young nurse was right.
“Why?”
Vivian looked back at the changeling to answer Chrysalis’s single word question the kindness returning to her voice.
“You don’t trust me, so I wish to give you something that you can use against me.”
Chrysalis laid down folding her hooves under her.
“You hide a great pain under that kindness of yours, if I take even a little, the dam you have built to contain that sadness could break, and could overwhelm you unchecked. Knowing this do you still offer such willingly despite Tatiyana’s warning?”
Vivian moved the needle closer and Chrysalis had her forehooves under her and half raised herself up before Vivian pulled it back.
“I’m quite sure, but if I do this you will have to concede to finish the procedure.”
Chrysalis grumbled settling back down glaring at the needle.
“I’ll concede if only on the grounds you offer such a generous gift in return. You might want to sit down for this; I do not know how this will affect you. Think only of the emotion you wish to give, and you should recover after a few hours.”
Vivian knelt down before sitting back on her legs.
“Glaxia let it be recorded that I do this willingly and that by no means will Queen Chrysalis be held accountable by any leadership. You may begin your majesty.”
Trixie snuck around to their side of the partition and watched in silence as the two seemed to just stare at each other. Tatiyana was watching closely, and the green aura lit on Chrysalis’s horn. In a few minutes the kind face of Vivian vanished and Chrysalis stopped as the kindness she was feeding upon was soured by feelings of failure and rejection.
Vivian stood up, and coming closer she knelt back down.
“Close your eyes; you’ll feel a slight pinch is all.”
The procedure went off without any further trouble. Vivian retreated back starting to sniffle, and more than once having to pause to wipe tears out of her eyes. Trixie asked the question while she raised a hoof to gently place it in Vivian’s free hand.
“I’m here to listen, so is Tatiyana.”
Vivian jerked her hand away and the tablet chimed with the results.
“You’re both free of any diseases that pose harm to us; you can roam within the areas permitted by leadership.”
Tatiyana took the items out of Vivian’s hands and put them away in her bag before forcefully turning her by the shoulders to look her dead in the eye.
“You are not fine, so don’t begin to say that you are.”
Vivian just poured her story out for the three to hear, and Chrysalis felt bad now for taking the young nurse’s offer. Unfortunately Vivian wasn’t good with volume control, and the sound of footsteps and horseshoes approaching their end of the pier. The partitions were lifted away and standing around the four was the combined Barnum family, Glaxia’s child form, Sorrow, Luna, and a conscious and standing Blue Ink.
Chrysalis let out a sigh as she rose onto her hooves without turning to look behind her.
“Before you let your anger run its course Cecilia, it was Vivian who offered freely what I consumed, and spoke to the sky goddess Glaxia to record her permission. I warned her of the consequences myself as Tatiyana did voice your warning to which Vivian dismissed.”
Glaxia looked at her mother.
“I became a sky goddess?”
Sorrow looked at Glaxia
.
“Not yet, but can you replay her permission on my ear set.”
Sorrow listened to it and glanced over at Cecilia.
“She gave her permission in full knowledge of the consequences; you have no foundation to hold your warning against our guest.”
Vivian composed herself the best she could and letting go of Trixie’s hoof she stood back up.
“It’s my fault captain, I’m too kind for my own good sometimes, but it’s my job to make sure my patients get better. It can’t always be done with a medicine or a surgical procedure. I listened to a changeling that had no hope in her voice, yet she stands on one of the very doorways to a place you made that gives hope to the defeated people among the stars. I can’t give Queen Chrysalis what she truly wants, but I can give her the little piece of heaven that you gave me when I stepped off on a pier much like this one.”
Vivian wiped her eyes and stood straight and pulled a decent salute.
“Quarantine procedures are finished, both patients passed, and I take my leave.”
Sorrow nodded and Vivian dropped her hand and picking up her bag she turned to go. Chrysalis turned and spoke quickly causing Vivian to pause.
“Thank you Vivian.”
Chrysalis put on her best smile which was kind of awkward since she was not used to giving genuine smiles.
Vivian merely nodded and continued on her way, Sorrow looked at Tatiyana.
“Tail her Tatiyana; she is to go home for the rest of the day.”
Tatiyana waited till Vivian turned off the pier before she started after the nurse.
(Canterlot, before sunrise)
The guard outdid themselves in keeping panic to a minimum, it was aided by a statement from Celestia stating that Princess Luna had met with and received word that the vistors were allies of Cecilia. As the time for sunrise approached Celestia waited nervously on the balcony for her sister’s return, she looked at the size of Glaxia and couldn’t help but wonder how such a ship could support so many. If she hadn’t been so tired early this morning she would have gone with her sister, but this development would tax her patience with the paranoia of her subjects.
She felt the pull of her sister’s magic, and Celestia blinked a bit looking around to see the moon disappearing below the horizon. Celestia smiled and spreading her great white wings she leapt up as her magic lifted the sun in the dawn. Its first rays leaving her silhouette for the briefest of moments, tipping to the side in a slow gliding turn she glanced over to her sister’s balcony to see Luna watching her. Celestia rolled back the other way and with a few graceful flaps she glided down to land with the soft clicking of her shoes on the stone.
“You look exhausted Luna, was your visit that stressful?”
Luna leaned forward to nuzzle the side of Celestia’s neck, seeking comfort in her sister’s presence as well as warmth from the chill of the news she had.
“I wanted to hear what she had to say and condemn her with my own words. Chrysalis explained every question I had as to why; she explained it through history of how her subjects were treated through others. She surprised us all by taking off her crown, and she told me that if she fails then her successor will come to claim it. She politely excused herself and had our host return her to the hive.
Luna leaned back and looked into her sister’s eyes.
“I cannot in good faith blame her at all, for I have misjudged her before hearing the truth. I failed to see the larger picture until it was too late. Changelings can feel as we do, every time they were shunned by whomever they met it hurt.”
Celestia thought on it for a moment and when it dawned on her where her sister was going with this her eyes widened just a bit.
“Surely you can’t be associating this with what brought on the nightmare.”
Luna turned and moved into her room, Celestia followed watching as Luna levitated down several aged books from her shelves.
“Shortly after my return and cleansing by the elements I slipped my guards to recover these. There were at least five more, but these were the only ones I could find among the rubble despite my heavy enchantments to spare them. They were written in the months leading up to my banishment, they will make you understand why I feel the way I do. Chrysalis and I have made the same mistake for nearly the same reasons.”
Luna stacked the small books on her desk, and yawned a bit holding a hoof up to politely cover her mouth.
“I must rest dear sister, and I’ll speak more with you when I wake.”
Celestia nodded and moved alongside on Luna’s left. Her large white wing unfolded to drape softly over her sister’s back. She gestured to the books with a hoof.
“I don’t need to read those to understand, I trust you Luna, and I will not repeat my own mistakes by doubting you. When you wake we can discuss what we can do to help her, but I wish you pleasant dreams. If you need me, don’t hesitate to call on me.”
(Ponyville)
Trixie entered the library, and hung her hat and cape on the rack by the door. Laying on a oddly shaped couch was Rarity, sleeping soundly, moving about quietly was the little dragon that followed Twilight everywhere. Trixie cleared her throat softly to get the little dragons attention. Spike dropped the feather duster and spun to face Trixie, his expression of surprise melting to that of unimpressed.
“Keep your voice down Trixie, but why are you here?”
“Trixie is here to see Twilight.”
Spike gave a contemptible snort of smoke before turning back to dusting while answering Trixie.
“What business do you have with Twilight, and I might tell you where she is.”
Trixie held onto her patience least she get loud and disturb Rarity from her rest.
“Trixie’s business involves a discussion with the mare who studies friendship on a daily basis.”
Spike paused in dusting, refusing to turn and look at the mare as he spoke.
“Not surprised, you can try to sell me whatever story you got cooked up, but you’ve made a bigger mess of things here in Ponyville than the Ursa did. What are you really here for?”
“Trixie looked into the eyes of Twilight just before Trixie left last night, and she saw something in them. Trixie wants to know if her suspicions are correct.”
Spike spun around looking rather angrily at Trixie.
“Get out.”
Trixie shook her head.
“Trixie told you her business, now you uphold…”
“Get out.”
Spike’s shout made Trixie’s ears flatten, and Rarity began to stir on the couch. Trixie just turned around and walked to the door levitating her cape and hat to follow.
Rarity lifted her head in time to see Trixie leave and sitting up she turned and Spike turned back around to continue his chore.
“Spike, was that Trixie just now?”
“You saw her yourself Rarity, why ask for what you already know?”
Rarity was now awake and concerned; it wasn’t so much the fact that it was rudely spoken, but that it was Spike saying it to her.
“Spike, come sit with me for a moment.”
Spike hesitated and this worried Rarity more. She normally held the little dragon in her hoof outside of Twilight. He eventually set the duster down and walked over and sat on the edge of Rarity’s couch. Rarity shifted closer to gently place her hoof on top of his hand.
“Spike, you have never been this way to me, I would like to be thought of as someone to confide in. What is wrong, why did Trixie upset you?”
Spike hung his head, he truly felt rotten for acting the way he did to Rarity.
“I promised Twilight I wouldn’t talk about it, even to her closest friends without her permission. I guess its okay if you Pinkie Promise not to tell a soul, cause I really need some help with understanding how I feel.”
Rarity knew firsthand the seriousness of a Pinkie Promise, and knowing she was a terrible gossip Rarity felt reluctant to make the promise. She looked at Spike and made up her mind.
“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. I promise not to tell a soul what you are about to say.”
“Twilight called me in here last night, and with Jezabelle’s help she figured out she likes mares.”
Rarity smiled happily, but asked the question of how that could be troublesome.
“Well that is certainly a shock to hear, but…”
The thought suddenly struck Rarity of what she saw last evening.
“She wants to ask Trixie, do you know if Trixie is into mares?”
“Well that’s not the real problem, she was raised believing mares don’t date mares. Even if she gets over that hurdle I don’t want Twilight to make the wrong choice. I don’t want all her hard work to be for nothing when word gets around she associates with a former traitor. I don’t want it to ruin you by being a good friend to her, and Shinning isn’t here to do the job of big brother. I’m sure if he was he would be disappointed in her little sister, and possibly me for letting it happen.”
Rarity had to brush away a small tear forming in her eye with her free hoof.
“Oh Spikey Wikey, you are much too young to carry such burdens. I do understand your fears, and I’m almost certain that Twilight is aware of the risks. Love is one of those things that is eludes. Why even to a goddess such as Cecilia, Cecilia couldn’t predict falling for Tatiyana. One thing is certain Spike, neither I as a good friend, or you as brother of Twilight can make that choice for her. Oh we can chase off any stallion or mare that comes calling for her, but in the end it would only hurt Twilight.”
Spike nodded before looking up at the door.
“Jezabelle explained as much, that it might take a broken heart before she finds the special somepony for her. I just don’t want to experience brokenhearted Twilight.”
Rarity turned to look at the door with Spike.
“I don’t think anypony would like to see Twilight hurt like that, but that is where we as good friends and family step in to help her through it. Spike, I promised to keep this a secret, but if it starts to trouble you more don’t hesitate to come and speak to me about it.”
Spike turned his head slowly to look at the side of Rarity’s head the perfect thank you coming to mind. He moved his hand from under Rarity’s hoof; this caused the fashion pony to look back. Spike was already leaning towards her and with the distance now shortened he planted his first kiss right to Rarity’s lips. Rarity’s eyes went wide for just a moment at the bold move, and Spike was just as shocked.
Spike broke the kiss he stood up. Rarity closed her eyes and let out a sigh as a shiver went through her body. Spike looked on the nervous side, but better overall.
“I’m sorry if that was impolite, but you’ve always thanked the most important moments with a kiss. I was going for your cheek, but you turned and…”
A hoof silenced him.
“It was quite alright Spike, but you should probably finish your chores before Twilight returns.”
Spike shook his head stepping back.
“I have to go apologize to Trixie first, Twilight will scold me, but it’s nothing I haven’t dealt with in the past."
Rarity got to her hooves.
“Would you mind some company, I feel rested enough to make it home now.”
“You never have to ask Rarity, you can accompany me anywhere.”
Spike went to open the door and Rarity smiled stepping out into the late summer day. Twilight was walking back with Trixie beside her, and Spike finished locking the door to turn around when the two unicorns stopped seeing the other two out front of the library. Twilight broke the silence between the two groups.
“Sneaking off to help Rarity?”
Spike shook his head and gestured to Trixie.
“I was leaving to find Trixie, Rarity offered to accompany me as far as the boutique.”
Trixie noticed a different temperament, so perhaps her assumptions after leaving were correct. His guilt would compel him or his shouting woke Rarity and she brought about this second meeting. The reasons behind it were of no concern to Trixie as she herself was partially to blame for his outburst.
“Trixie will take up Spike’s current chore while he is escorting Lady Rarity to her door and when he returns Trixie will give him all the time he needs to privately speak what is on his mind. This should satisfy all parties correct?”
Twilight grimaced at the thought of making a guest work.
“Trixie, I usually don’t make a habit of having guests clean when they haven’t slept yet.”
Trixie waived a hoof dismissively in the air.
“Trixie is fine, she will be finished in no time, please carry on Spike, because it is improper to keep a lady waiting.”
Spike started towards the boutique.
“Twilight should have the list somewhere of what I’m supposed to do; you just need to ask where things are until I get back.”
Twilight unlocked the door and Trixie stepped in after the unicorn. Twilight turned around once Trixie closed the door.
“Alright Trixie, you managed about 10 minutes before Spike gets back. What did you really come find me for?”
Trixie pointed with a hoof at the landing at the top of the stairs.
“Trixie has seen those eyes given once before when her parents looked up at the daughter they would leave to a cruel world alone. Explain why you looked at Trixie the way you did before she left, otherwise I would be sleeping like a sensible mare that has been up most the night and long into this day.”
Twilight gestured to the books that surrounded both of them.
“There are no books in here to explain how hollow I felt when I was resurrected in the gift that Cecilia gave us all. I just happened to feel it at the party when I saw Tatiyana and Cecilia together. I love my friends, I love reading, I love magic, but I’m missing the love of a special somepony.”
Trixie felt a slight blush form on her face.
“So you love Trixie, is that what you are trying to say in so many words?”
Twilight sat back on her haunches and waived her forehooves dismissively while sputtering out repeating a single word.
“No, no, no, no, no…”
Twilight put her hooves down and taking a deep breath went on explaining.
“I don’t know Trixie that is the problem I still have. I realized the problem existed before my death, and out of curiosity of what I saw in helping Cecilia I wanted to ask her help in the matter of identifying what I was attracted to. Thankfully that never happened given what Jezabelle explained to me, but she helped me solve part of my problems. The problem I have is acceptance of my own attraction to mares. You’ve met my friends Trixie, and while they would do everything to help me. This is one thing I feel uncomfortable asking their help with. I’ve grown up being taught loving another mare is socially unacceptable, and while I never seen Princess Celestia act indifferent to a same gender couple…”
Trixie interrupted moving close enough to rest a right forehoof on Twilight's left shoulder.
“You’re afraid of losing what you have, so you seek answers from Trixie. Twilight this explains some of what Trixie saw, but not all of it. Trixie will concede the fact you are better than her in magic, but Trixie has been playing with smoke and mirrors for some time Twilight Sparkle. You seek me because despite a princess’s pardon, no pony will ever fully trust anything I say, in other words I become the ultimate secret keeper. If something were to come out of this, what will you do?”
Twilight went to say something but closed her mouth suddenly before taking a moment longer to think and when she responded she sounded a bit unsure.
“I don’t know Trixie, I’m certain at some point if things progressed further I would need to tell my friends and family. Trixie, are you comfortable with this, you’re actually into loving a mare?”
Trixie nodded gesturing to a couch.
“I actually jump the fence time to time, but I walk the side of loving mares more often than stallions.”
Twilight settled onto the couch, Trixie had to smile as Twilight sat a respectable distance from her. She shifted down the couch until she could rest her head against Twilight. Even through her cheek she could feel the battle of nerves going on in the lavender unicorn. Trixie couldn’t think about it anymore, the softness of the couch and her fatigue washed her away to sleep. Twilight tried, but eventually she grasped a pillow and switched places with it. Trixie sleepily moved her front hooves to grab the pillow and pull it tighter mumbling incoherently before falling to deeper sleep.
“Should I wait outside?”
Twilight turned and Spike smiled despite the look of horror fading from Twilight’s face. Twilight took a few deep breaths to calm her racing heart.
“Spike, don’t scare me like that.”
Spike just nodded and indicated Trixie with a wave of his arm.
“So the Great and Powerful Trixie is taking a nap?”
Twilight nodded and still keeping her voice down spoke.
“I talked to her about my problem.”
“Which one, you have so many?”
Twilight’s ear flicked dangerously and her horn lit up and a list from somewhere floated to in front of Spike.
“My personal problem we talked about yesterday with Jezabelle. Since you’re in a joking mood, how about you finish this list of chores Trixie never completed for you.”
Spike took the list and set it down on a nearby table.
“All joking aside Twilight, I have been requested in Canterlot by the princess. We are to leave on the next available train, and we are to bring nothing as we will have everything provided once we arrive.”
Twilight blinked a bit at the sudden summons, and the distinct lack of a letter in Spike’s possession.
“Where’s the letter?”
Spike rolled his eyes mumbling a bit before truly answering his sister.
“Twilight, the letter detailed what I was being called for, something of which is private even for you, Princess Celestia told me to make sure you didn’t read those parts. I know you’re good with magic, so I destroyed the note so you’re magic couldn’t take it from me.”
Twilight looked to her desk and a quill wrote out a note.
“Alright, let’s go Spike. I just wonder what Princess Celestia would need you to do?”
Spike and Twilight left out the door and headed for the train station. Fifteen minutes later a young dragon jogs up to the door. Spike finds the door unlocked which made things easier as he flung the door open and got inside quickly before closing the door speaking as he turned around.
“Twilight, I’m sorry, I know it doesn’t…take…that……long.”
Spike trailed off as the library was quiet, and Trixie was sleeping on the couch. There were no hoof steps approaching that his ears could pick up, no muffled greeting from upstairs.
Spike cautiously entered peering around the corners and looking intently at shadows to be sure nopony was hiding there to get the jump on him. He noticed the quill in the inkwell which was a sign to check the desk. He moved over and reading the note gave him chills. He spotted something that could possibly help him, picking up the glasses and putting them on he noticed a single line of text appear in one of the lenses.
YUL: “Is there something you need Rarity, Twilight?”
Spike was amazed at the simple yet magical purpose of the glasses.
“Whoa…why do the girls get to play with all the cool stuff?”
A line of text that was his words appeared below the greeting line. A response was quick to follow.
YUL: “If you are a young pony, please give the glasses and microphone to an adult. They are not toys.”
Spike blinked and taking a deep breath he spoke.
“I am Spike, Twilight Sparkle’s dragon assistant. Twilight was just ponynapped by someone appearing as me. The note left says they are going to Canterlot on the train, can you help me?”
YUL: “I have twilight in the third to the last passenger car. Glaxia has confirmed, through recorded scans, that indeed a changeling is sitting with her. There are more in the passenger car as well. Given Twilight’s vital signs from here she is aware of her situation, but she appears to be calming down.”
Spike repeated his earlier request.
“So what about helping me?”
Spike went on to mumble to himself.
“What could be in Canterlot that would prompt a group of Changelings to risk being caught and killed?”
A text prefix of GLX appeared below Spike’s questions, Spike found out the microphone was quite sensitive indoors to picking up even mumbles.
GLX: “So far all scenarios have three common facts given the information I have of Twilight Sparkle. She knows Canterlot’s layout, she is a student of your Princess Celestia therefore she could possibly bypass normal security, and she is an element of harmony making her a valuable hostage should their cover be blown.”
Spike worried a bit more reading that, and he was fuming earlier about Twilight getting close to Trixie. If she unknowingly aided these changelings to commit a crime there would be a chance that Twilight could lose considerable standing with the equestrian public. Rarity would without a doubt come to support as would the rest of her friends and they would come under the scrutiny of the public eye. The mess would all be cleared up in a few statements from the princesses. Spike looked at the sleeping Trixie.
“Now I understand a little on how she feels.”
GLX “To whom are you referring to Spike?”
Spike shook his head; this was a waste of time. Time he didn’t have if he was going to stop them from ruining Twilight’s life.
“Trixie, sorry if I was confusing you both. If you can’t help me directly and in the next 10 minutes I have to go. So what’s the answer on helping me?”
Yulee responded first to be followed by Glaxia.
YUL: “I cannot assist do to my presence in the hangar would be missed and regulations disallow me from using my IMMT system while within Glaxia.”
GLX: “I’m sorry Spike, but I cannot help you either do to regulations. I will try asking mother if I can, though it might take more than ten minutes.”
Spike’s anger returned in force and his dislike for these newcomers was growing.
“So you only help when it’s convenient or serves your leader’s purposes. You can tell Cecilia I’m borrowing something of hers. I’ll return it when I’m done.”
Spike set the glasses on the desk and dropped the little microphone moving to the bookshelves. Only four beings in Spike’s knowledge knew the library as well as him. Two were goddesses and by default of power could find anything they needed, and the other two would be Twilight and himself. Spike being the one to clean up after every mess made got him keen to discovering books not sitting right. It did not take long for him to find what he was looking for in the cookbook section. The ribbon fell on the floor soon as he pulled the book from the shelf. Replacing the book on the shelf he looked at the object he was told specifically by Cecilia never to touch without her permission.
“Alright, if I just touch it like I did when I helped her with all my other friends then nothing bad should happen.”
Spike picked up the ribbon almost expecting sudden magic to strike him. He was met with nothing so he moved onto the next thing, examination of the ribbon to find out how to unlock its potential. All those years of watching Twilight had taught him a thing or two on research, and studying the symbols he noticed they were interlinked till the ends where two halves of the same symbol. Flipping the ribbon so that it draped over his neck, he placed the two ends together. Spike was disappointed in the ribbon, or maybe he had been tricked with a fake. He went to pull the ends apart and they wouldn’t budge, and that made him notice his claws starting to turn gold.
“This isn’t going to end well.”
(Canterlot)
Twilight stepped off the train with who she knew was not Spike at all. The train ride had been eventful to say the least; her changeling escort had the saddest task anyone could bear. She more or less followed the little dragon through the station and past the guards standing watch. Twilight waited until they were out of earshot of anypony.
“You sure there is nothing we can do to help your queen?”
The changeling shook his head, and to see such actions out of a likeness of Spike still disturbed Twilight just as much as the news.
“We discussed this on the train Twilight Sparkle, my queen ordered this, and it was her finial wish since her chances are very low. If by chance she does survive it, she is hopeful with a change in leadership a solution can be found between us.”
Twilight decided to probe again despite her lack of success, using a slightly different tactic.
“You never did say what it is she was going to do that was so dangerous, it cannot hurt you or her chances for me to know that.”
The changeling approached the orphanage, the foals and young ponies were in the side yard playing. He stopped and turned to look Twilight in the eye, an annoyed look crossing his features.
“We’re here, and nothing personal Twilight Sparkle. You are a unicorn of great magic, how can I trust that you couldn’t send word to your princesses and they say something to the wrong ponies.”
It didn’t take long for realization to hit Twilight as her eyes went a bit wide for a moment before she took a quick look around for anypony watching them. She looked back to see the spot where the changeling was standing. She looked and saw him walking up to the main door, she quickly galloped to catch up, stopping at the door to compose herself before entering calmly to come up beside the changeling.
A young mare walked into the reception area with a young foal on her back.
“Welcome to Canterlot Central Orphanage…oh hello Spike, Twilight, your parents have already dropped off their monthly donation.”
The changeling shook his head indicating the office behind the mare.
“We’re not here to drop off a donation; we are here to speak with Abby Belle.”
The mare nodded and waived them to follow as the foal on her back started to cry. Twilight’s nose crinkled at the reason why, and was happy to enter the office. The young mare spoke to the older mare at the desk.
“Spike and Twilight Sparkle to see you maim, I have to go change this little colt so I haven’t had the time to get the manner of business.”
The older mare let the quill settle back into the ink well her magic releasing it, Twilight had to blink a bit seeing the dark green aura it had, and she kept the bit of information to herself.
“Thank you Lilac, I will ask them, but you can go.”
Lilac left pulling the door closed and Twilight looked right at the mare.
“You’re a changeling, I recognized the aura of your magic.”
The mare nodded and gestured to the chair.
“I’m sorry for troubling you Twilight Sparkle, but given anypony can enter I must refrain from confirming your suspicions for now. What I can tell you is that my purpose for being here is not one of hostile takeover, or intelligence against Equestria. I was sent here with a changeling female and given express orders by her majesty Chrysalis to see to her training as a replacement if she should die. In effect I was tasked with her chosen successor, and we chose this place as our cover since hardly anypony ever gives an orphan a second look. We do not prey upon the emotions of the foals here, we are not that callus or desperate, and the princess was adamant we continue restraining ourselves.”
Twilight blinked herself back to the present quickly voicing a question.
“So what happens now that I know?”
Abbey Belle stood up and trotted around her desk to stand closer to Twilight.
“I will fetch the heir to the throne, and she will accompany you to the castle alone. My part and the part of my assistant beside you is done, you can have the guards take us if you desire it. You can even have us arrested along with the heir to the throne once you get beyond the doors with her. If you’re accomplishments speak anything of your character, you find the good in those you meet. I have lived apart from the hive too long to return to it, and wish to only remain here and provide for these less fortunate ponies.”
Abby Belle moved towards the door resting a hoof on the lever.
“In time I will die and my secret will be revealed, I can only hope by then my legacy in helping will outweigh the negative that is my kin’s curse to bear. That is all I have right now Twilight Sparkle, hope, and it’s riding on your back.”
Abby pushed the lever down and exited the office closing the door behind her.
Twilight looked at the other changeling in the room, armed with a winning hoof this time she asked an old question.
“Alright, now what exactly is Chrysalis doing, or this succession is over before I walk out the door.”
The changeling could even snort smoke in an annoyed fashion like Spike. He stood up and looked right at Twilight.
“She is going to assassinate the griffon commander by impersonating one of his trusted advisers. Even if she survives it, she gave up her title by giving her crown to Princess Luna. She is nothing more than a standard female at this point, whatever happened to her when she met with your princess changed her.”
Twilight sighed looking at the floor her eyes moving from side to side as if reading an invisible book.
“That doesn’t sound like the queen Tatiyana and Trixie described to me either.”
Twilight’s eyes turned sad as the words from the changeling began to come to an inevitable conclusion she didn’t like.
“This was a one way trip for her; she is hoping to receive a mortal injury in the process so that she doesn’t return to such a shameful position in the hive.”
“It is the gamble you take when you lie to someone who is offering help.”
Twilight turned to the voice of a young filly standing in the open door. Twilight stood on her hooves to properly greet this soon to be queen. She was shocked to see the young filly bow to her.
“It is an honor to finally meet you Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight blushed a bit at the gesture.
“I’m not that important to have ponies or changelings bowing to me.”
The filly stood back up and waived a hoof for her to follow.
“We have an appointment to keep Twilight.”
Twilight followed the filly out and paused to look at the waiting Abbey Belle.
“I’ve had a lot to think about since I got on the train, I guess it doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside. What matters is the pony on the inside, and I hope these children get the best possible future.”
Abbey smiled and took a bow speaking as she did.
“This is why you deserve the respect we give Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight continued on out the doors to meet up with the filly waiting outside.
“I never got to ask your name.”
The little filly spoke up as she kept in character shifting closer to Twilight as a group of guards approached from up the street. She waited till they passed before answering Twilight’s question.
“I’m Arcadia, but what is Ponyville like? I’ve never been out of Canterlot or very far from the orphanage.”
Twilight smiled hearing some genuine curiosity for once. It was a forced subject change she was happy to oblige.
“Well, it is a lot smaller than Canterlot. The ponies are very friendly and they have taught me a considerable amount in terms of making friends and what friendship really means. I was raised in Canterlot for most my life, and never really socialized unless I had too. I could almost be rude at times in my desire to be left alone to read my books and practice magic.”
Arcadia listened attentively as Twilight began to wind into the story of her finding friendship, and wasn’t put off on by many tangents Twilight skewed off on to. It made the trip seem short, and the various odd looks by ponies who knew Twilight were easily overlooked. This did not stop those old acquaintances from following at a distance to try and catch a bit of gossip. Twilight ended her story rather abruptly as both filly and mare came to a dead stop. One of said old acquaintances had planted herself in their path.
“Twilight, have you secretly had a filly, and not told us about her?”
Twilight shook her head, and looking at Arcadia she gestured to the stranger in front of them giving introductions.
“Arcadia this is Stardust Memory, Stardust Memory this is Arcadia. As to secretly having a child I hate to break the bad news and say no.”
Arcadia smiled brightly once Twilight established she was an old friend of sorts.
“Twilight is taking me to see the princess, have you met the princess before?”
Stardust smiled at the little filly and nodded; “I was in Twilight’s class at Princess Celestia’s school, when we graduated we each got the chance to receive congratulations from the Princess herself. I have taken a job working for Princess Luna in astrological planning.”
Twilight ears twitched at the news, standing up in interest.
“How is that going for you?”
Stardust smiled at the interest Twilight showed in her job.
“Better thanks to you teaching Luna to tone it down some, but it’s a challenge to keep providing Luna with new ideas for the arrangement of the stars while keeping navigation constellations in place. It’s a challenge I like, but I heard you died defending Ponyville. Cecilia’s gift brought a lot back here as well, and I have heard some of their stories. I was wondering what it was like for you while you were dead?”
Twilight was clearly uncomfortable with the subject.
“I’d rather not talk about that Stardust.”
Arcadia interrupted in the short silence between the two mares.
“Twilight and I should be going; it was nice meeting you Stardust.”
Stardust nodded and moved out of their way.
“My apologies Twilight for upsetting you, I was clearly out of line in my question.”
Twilight shook her head.
“You don’t need to apologize, Stardust, perhaps later when I feel ready I can send you a letter about it or come for a visit. There is more pressing issues about myself that need addressed before I worry about what is past.”
Stardust trotted away leaving it at that, it didn’t take long for her to be pulled aside by the others watching from a distance and grilled with questions. Twilight glanced at Arcadia before moving forward again. The rest of the trip was filled with silence, and the guards were quiet as always. Going about letting them pass with the usual checks, the guards at the door to the throne room opened the doors. Twilight snapped out of her thoughtless trance when Arcadia gasped. Twilight stopped instantly, and the throne room was devoid of any other official pony. There were more guards than normal, and Celestia sat on her throne looking normal. At the foot of her throne was Abby Belle. Off to the side stood a medium sized Interstellar Dragon. It was yellow scaled with gold claws, a gold chain of interlinked symbols hung around its neck, and Twilight was proud of herself being able to distinguish it given she had met Isis. There were some overlapping features on this dragon as well, Twilight wondered if that was common with females on this species of dragon. Celestia broke the silence in the room.
“You seem well my faithful student, I was expecting an audience with a princess shortly, but that will have to wait. I was told you had been misled by a changeling appearing as your dragon assistant to come to Canterlot at my summons. I was hesitant to alert your friends until I knew more, but imagine my surprise when my guards told me they spotted you leaving the orphanage.”
Twilight bowed properly with a simple nod from Celestia she stood back up to begin explaining the situation.
“I was misled until we got on the train, after that I was told the truth. I know that Queen Chrysalis gave up her crown to Princess Luna, and that the heir to it would come for it. I know that her decision to do so cannot be undone. I have learned that if no queen rises, the hive will fall apart leading to the extinction of all changelings. I have seen a changeling give rather than take, and desire nothing more than friendship. I can see how this looks, and given the past it would seem easy to throw them all in the dungeon. There is no justice in allowing a species to go extinct, the moment of the victory would be brief, but the guilt will last forever. I do not want that guilt on my conscience, even if it wouldn’t happen in my lifetime, it is the knowing it will happen that prompts me to forgive.”
The dragon spoke up its voice carrying feminine pitches confirming to Twilight it was female at this point.
“Then why couldn’t they be honest from the start, why mislead you and cause me worry?”
Celestia added quickly before Twilight could respond to the question.
“I’d like to take a moment and clarify that this dragon is Spike, Twilight, and that through his worry over you he broke a promise to Cecilia in using the ribbon without her permission. I have no doubt that your friends have already scolded him for it, as I relayed the scolding from the Lady of Sorrows when I informed her. I have no doubt Cecilia will add her own when she wakes up, and has to come and correct what I cannot do.”
Twilight finally understood the necklace now, and for a brief moment she held a displeased look at her changed assistant. It faded as she understood the reasons why he would break a promise, the same reasons she was about to answer his question with.
“Spike, you were upset with Trixie this morning for what she asked and what her association could potentially cause for me. Changelings assisted in attacking my home, and were indirectly responsible in my death, and I hated them for forcing us to do something like what we had to do. I hated them for hurting my teacher, and hurting my friends as I lay there dead. I probably would have had the one who came for me arrested and brought here for trial. Like I said before, once I got on the train he was honest about who he was. On the train I had to listen, and when I did it became clear as to why I was chosen. I study friendship, I bear the Element of Magic, and I’m the student of Princess Celestia, and all that has brought me to see the good in things.”
Twilight paused to take a breath before continuing on a slightly different subject.
“I’m glad you tried to help me Spike, and while you’ve been scolded I’m sure you knew the consequences when you did what you did. I know you to be responsible and thankfully you haven’t misused what has been granted to you. I cannot force you to forgive as I have, I just ask that you trust me.”
Twilight looked back at Celestia.
“Princess Celestia, I’d like to introduce Princess and soon to be Queen Arcadia of the changelings.”
Twilight moved away and Arcadia’s ears flattened back for a moment, taking a deep breath taking a step forward she spoke.
“I wish to apologize for causing you worries Princess Celestia, and for misusing your name in order to summon your student to Canterlot. However, it was a situation where the full truth would have done more harm than good. I came to Canterlot when I was old enough to hold a decent disguise. I was handpicked by her majesty to be her successor. I have seen the good and the bad your little ponies are capable of, and I want to take those lessons learned and try and better our image so that I do not need a little fillies form to hide behind. I can stand in front of you as my true self, and not be thought of a monster.”
Arcadia took a moment so that all that could sink in and give Celestia a chance to respond. Celestia indicated Abby Belle; “This changeling that stands at the foot of my throne claims she was your teacher, and that she desires nothing more than to continue her job managing the orphanage. Is this the giving that my faithful student spoke of a moment ago?”
Arcadia nodded speaking as she did.
“She was left behind during the first invasion of Canterlot, left behind because she disagreed with the queen’s actions. That action alone shamed her from ever holding any respect with the others in the hive, but it proves a point Princess. We are not just mindless drones; we have feelings of our own. The hive mind is what is dangerous in that those feelings can become public to others and worse the queen who might view the feelings as a weakness. Weakness is frowned upon in the hive, weakness is usually destroyed. It will be one of the first things I change if I become queen. Abby Belle is stronger than even I for learning how to give than take, she has brought about changes that have bettered the lives of the unfortunate that she cares for, she has sought donations outside of royal funding to send a few that have desired it to prestigious schools. It’s the hardest lesson I have had to learn, and I still fail those teachings if today is any more proof of that.”
Celestia received more than the simple answer she was looking for, and glanced around the room.
“I forbid what was spoken here from leaving this room, under penalty of death. The changeling Abby Belle as she is known is free to go, and her true identity is to be kept secret unless she herself confesses to those she trusts. My apologies for disturbing you Abby Belle, but you are free to go.”
Abby Belle bowed respectfully before joining the guard that came up beside her to escort her out of the room. Before the doors closed Luna stepped in along with Cecilia. Celestia noted the crown resting on a pillow that floated in her sister’s magic.
“I see word has spread to your ears dear sister, and good afternoon Cecilia.”
Arcadia turned to bow, along with Twilight, and Spike did his best. Luna merely smiled speaking as she started to approach and join her sister resting on her own cushion the little pillow with the crown coming to rest beside her. Cecilia opted to stand beside Twilight a small smirk on her face seeing the nervousness creep into Spike. Luna answered her sister.
“I was unaware until Cecilia arrived in my chambers and woke me about an issue with Spike she will need our help with. It was a door guard of mine that let slip that the princess of the changelings was here. I take it this adorable filly is the one?”
Celestia nodded and Arcadia spoke up moving to stand where Abby Belle was.
“Princess Arcadia of the changelings your majesty, I’m the chosen heir of Queen Chrysalis.”
Luna glanced at the three others.
“I would like a moment with the princess alone. We’ll join you in the castle gardens for a small bite to eat.”
Cecilia had a few laughs with Twilight as they made their way outside. Spike was finding out that bigger was not always better in some things. Doors being one of those unpleasant things, but eventually they made it to the castle gardens. It was there that Cecilia finally gave Spike a serious look.
“Spike I forbid you touching that ribbon for a reason, imagine my response when Yuma barged into my parents quarters going off like an explosion for my negligence. I’m not going scold you. I assume she has already spoken to you?”
Spike’s feminine voice spoke up, the embarrassment in the tones clear enough. Twilight started to giggle hearing her assistant.
“Celestia has passed along Sorrow’s scolding, Rarity was upset, Applejack just gave me a look, Rainbow Dash said that it “wasn’t cool” what I did, but she flew with me to the edge of Ponyville limits. Pinkie thought it was funny when I talked, and Fluttershy sympathized a little.”
Cecilia shook her head.
“Not the her I was asking about Spike, the former holder of that necklace.”
Spike swallowed hard, and looked away.
“Yeah, she did, she sounds pretty bitter.”
Cecilia sighed reaching over to touch the forearm of Spike.
“She has right to be Spike, my sister and I have isolated her, sealed her away from her divine power due to the fact that the amulet of Arcadia Celfus was originally the amulet worn by Queen Nepta Celfus. Queen Nepta sacrificed herself to save her children’s world from their dying star. That selfless act caught the attention of divinity, and she was welcomed into their ranks and given the task of overseeing her children’s progress. She can’t do that anymore until we defeat Braxus and take the amulet back from him.”
Twilight with her quick mind put it together.
“So the amulet and the necklace were once one piece? Like Isis’s, for example, but how can Spike use it if he’s not an Interstellar Dragon?”
Cecilia turned her head giving Twilight a smile.
“That is correct Twilight, they were once one piece, and together they are a direct link to Nepta. The reason Spike can use it is the fact Nepta is oversight over all draconian races in the universe. To become a goddess you are given equal responsibility. When Braxus stole the amulet he was caught just before a clean escape. An elder dragon by the name of Runai managed to split the amulet in hopes of weakening it. It cost him his life, but it worked to some degree. The necklace part of the amulet was returned to the Celfus family, it was in the possession of SalSane when she disappeared off the cliffs of Six Day Canyon.”
Twilight looked at Spike.
“So my assistant just became a god?”
Spike coughed suddenly and Cecilia removed her hand stepping back to turn her body to face Twilight.
“No, it is merely a link, but what Spike has done is given her a way out of isolation through him. Hence the different look. The best she can do is what she had in life, meaning Spike is very powerful now, and until I finish the judgment of all the souls I killed I’m too weak by myself to remove her from him. I came in hopes that with Celestia and Luna backing my spell I can force her back and remove the necklace. If not, Sorrow will take him aboard Glaxia, he does not have a choice in the matter, and I for one agree with Sorrow. If Braxus were to find Spike, he would kill Spike to sever the link and take the necklace and then it would be a war of divinity alongside a war among mortals. I will not let that happen Twilight, I will kill Spike myself before I allow the reckless greed of Braxus to consume the universe.”
Spike spat out rather viciously, causing Twilight to jump away from him as birds of all kinds flew out of the surrounding trees.
“Just as you butchered how many in the greed to have your dear old mother back?”
Cecilia spun around speaking with just as much heat and a little hurt in her voice.
“I will not see my sin repeated Nepta.”
The two stared at each other.
Cadence stopped and looked between the two, Shinning Armor equally curious. Even the Crystal Empire had heard of Cecilia, and Spike had kept them up to date through Twilight’s letters. Cadence cleared her throat forcefully.
“Umm, is this a bad time?”