Equestria Noir Case 24 "Eternity's Cry"

by Jacoboby1

Chapter 1 "Coronation Interrupted"

Twilight…had wings…

As she stood in front of me that’s all that I could take in. Twilight, bookworm lovable dork Twilight, was a princess.

I just stood there as Celestia and the others left for the night. It was just me and Twilight there in the middle of the darkened road of Ponyville. I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t know how to feel. I just felt a strange anger… Like, somepony had taken away Twilight and replaced her.

“Private?” Twilight said finally, looking at me with concerned violet eyes. “Just say something, please.”

I finally found words again and asked, “When were you going to tell me?”

“It just sort of happened, Private,” she said. “I was planning on telling you when you got home. But, I didn’t think you would be right here after I changed.”

I looked down for a minute then finally said “Is it permanent?”

“What?” Twilight asked, looking at me aghast “Private, of course it’s permanent!”

“Don’t just say that like it’s a good thing!” I yelled, I don’t know what was wrong with me. I just couldn’t accept it. I just couldn’t. “Do you realize what becoming a Princess means? You’re leaving behind your friends, family, me above all for a crown and a pair of wings!”

“What are you talking about?” she asked angrily. “Just because I sprouted a pair of wings doesn’t mean I’m going to leave you, or my friends and family!”

“But Twilight! You’ll be immortal!” I yelled at her.

“Not yet! Celestia said that there’s a special ritual that makes me immortal! That she’ll do it after the coronation!” She fired back. How can she be so casual about this?

“Twilight don’t you realize what you’re saying?” I yelled at her “You can’t become immortal! I won’t-“

“Allow it?” Twilight asked, her voice having an edge that caught me off guard.

“Twi…”

“You know, I wanted to keep denying it because I love you,” she said, looking away “When I’m with you Private I felt I can do anything. But you know what, maybe you don't like it that way!”

“Excuse me?” I cried.

“For the first time in my life I did something truly great! I’ve become the first unicorn to ascend in centuries! I wrote my own magic for Celestia’s sake! Not once did you congratulate me on that, and I know exactly why! Because you want me as a fainting violet!”

“Now hold on!” I yelled at her.

“No you hold on, Private! For once in your life you listen to me!” she yelled. “All our time together I’ve been running behind you. Now I suddenly do something great and you’re against it? Sorry, but I don’t need my coltfriend’s approval for anything! You just want me to be dependent on you! That’s arrogance if I ever saw it!”

“It’s not arrogance if I’m right!” I yelled at her “When you first worked with me me you were throwing up at a crime scene!”

“Don’t try and deny it!” Twilight yelled “You believe I should be some fainting violet needing you for aid, every time I turn around! I'm NOT. I've NEVER been! I LOVE you, and care about you, and WANT to be with you, that's something totally different! I THOUGHT we were partners!"

“But, Twi…”

“Equestria needs another princess there’s no doubt about that” Twilight argued “If becoming immortal is what Equestria needs then I will go through with it!”

Her words cut through me like a knife. She… how could she?

“FINE!” I yelled “Go to your fancy castle and become a princess! Go have your immortal life! I hope you like it!” I turned around “Because it’ll be without me!” I then stomped off into the dark, not looking back at her.
___________________________________________________________
Perspective:???

It is nearly done, my master.

Twilight Sparkle has ascended?

Indeed, she will be instrumental in my plan.

Your daughter failed once. I hope you will not repeat the mistake.

The crown will make sure she will come to learn, and the Alicorns will return.

You will have your race back, and your people will worship a new god.

Yes, my master, it will be done…
________________________________________________________
Perspective: Rainbow Dash

I flew in through our window into our suite at Canterlot Castle. Rarity, AJ, Flutters, and Pinkie Pie were all there. I shook my head. “I tried to talk to him, but Private just utterly refuses to talk to Twilight. This is just beyond weird.”

AJ nodded. “Ah agree, Sugercube. Usually those two are like peas in a pod, now they won’t even look at one another.”

“I tried talking to Twilight,” Rarity said, looking down “but she keeps distracting herself with the coronation and refuses to talk about her beloved.”

“That’s so sad” Fluttershy said, “I always imagined Private and Twilight would get married someday. But, I had no idea all it took was one fight to break them apart like that.”

“It’s this whole thing with Twilight becoming an Alicorn,” AJ said. “Ah mean, what’re we supposed to do now? She can’t stay in Ponyville forever, she’s gonna have to come here for princessing.”

Pinkie, for once, was silent through it all.

“Hey, we can’t think about that” I spoke up “Both Private and Twilight are our friends, we can’t let split them apart.”

“Your loyalty to both is admirable Rainbow” Rarity said “But, at the end of the day what happens if they do split?”

I lowered my head and landed on the ground “I, hadn’t thought about that. All of this is just messed up! Those two are like the power couple! We shouldn’t even be thinking about them splitting up!”

“But ya gotta admit, Rainbow, it is a big possibility, and we gotta think about just what side we take when all of this goes to heck,” AJ said glumly.

“Stop talking like that!” Pinkie cried, causing us all to look at her. “I can’t believe this! Twilight and Private are both our friends! We’re sitting here wondering what’ll happen when they split when we all know they shouldn’t! Private and Twilight love each other very very very much! We as their friends should support that!”

We all got quiet for a minute, then Flutters spoke up “She’s right, we can’t let them split up. It’s wrong of us to even think about it.”

“Fluttershy darling I appreciate your optimism,” Rarity said, looking at Fluttershy with a concerned expression. “However, I doubt there is anything we can say to either of them. This is a problem they have to resolve as lovers.”

“Ah just hope nopony gets hurt in the process,” AJ said. “Ah was real hopin' that they would stay together. When they first came into mah home to help with Big Mac, they just seemed to click, ya know?”

“Which makes it our duty as friends to get those two back together. We’ll talk to Twilight after the coronation,” I said with grim determination.

Everypony else nodded. We were going to make this work, one way or another.
_______________________________________________________________
Perspective: Voidera

I stood in the stain glass hall with Tia beside me. She used her magic to construct a new window dedicated to Twilight Sparkle’s ascension. She looked over at me and said, “I don’t know if I could feel more proud of her.”

I smiled and looked at her window “She embodies Izanami in her veins. Izanami always wished to one day be a princess. Now her descendent has fulfilled that dream.”

Celestia then lowered her head and said sadly, “But, you and I both know what happens next.”

“You had heard about the lovers spat her and Private had,” I said, looking down myself. “I had hoped it would go over better.”

“It’s a hard thing to accept, for both parties,” she said, walking over and nuzzling me gently. “No matter what though, we will do what we can to stop what’s coming.”

“Tia, if I may have a moment alone?” I said, looking at her violet eyes with my own red ones.

“You wish to pray?” Tia asked knowingly.

“If that’s alright,” I said. “I just, wish for some comfort in our decision.”

“I will give you as much time as you need, but be ready for the coronation,” she said, and kissed me on the cheek. “I do so enjoy seeing you in a tuxedo.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever understand modern fashion,” I said with a laugh. “Your dress looked ridiculous.”

She rolled her eyes. “The nobles insisted I wear a traditional gown. Sadly they have no concept of tackiness. I’ll see you soon, my love.” She then turned to walk away, leaving me alone.

I walked forward and sat in the center of the room and closed my eyes. I put my hooves together and my horn glowed brightly. I then said, “Faust, grant those in this kingdom protection for what’s to come.”

Voidera, it has been a while since you have walked this earth.

“Forgive me, I have not been diligent.”

Do not fret, child of Dragons. I understand your plight and am simply glad you remembered me.

“Faust, must it be done? It would be easier if I or Tia simply told Pri-“

Prometheus’ descendent must face this. He must learn as he did all those months ago.

“But,”

I know you worry for him, he is your student after all. But, you know from personal experiences that the best lessons are taught when one experiences them first hoof.

“Forgive me for doubting you.”

Many do, I did not expect you to do otherwise.

“It must be done? There is nothing I can do?”

“Just get in that tuxedo and look impressive. Trust in your student and your beloved, for I have seen all that can happen. This is for the best.”
_____________________________________________________
Perspective: Private

I walked in the halls of Canterlot castle. The coronation was going to happen soon. I didn’t dress up for it, simply coming in my trench coat and fedora. I couldn’t sleep last night. I kept dreaming about everything that Twilight said.

How could she just be so casual about the change? Like it was nothing to become immortal? Did she even think for a minute how I would feel?

How could she just leave me behind?

I felt hurt from the argument. When Tailspin asked me this morning how everything went. I just sort of grunted and went about breakfast barely eating. I sat down in the hall and reached into my coat to pull out the black box containing the ring I planned to give Twilight.

But, after last night would she still even consider it? Wanting to be with a unicorn like me?

No of course not, because apparently I’m an arrogant stuck up jerk.

Maybe, maybe she wasn’t the right one. I just deluded myself into believing that I could find love again. I deluded myself into believing that a mare as wonderful as Twilight would be within my reach. What was I going to say to dad? To Cadence and Shining Armor? To Tailspin…

I slipped the box back into my coat and sighed. I’d try to apologize to Twilight once it was all over. Maybe we could still be friends?
_____________________________________________________
I went to the ceremony hall and moved into the crowd of ponies on either side of the walkway up. I saw Celestia, Cadence, and Luna standing up front. I made eye contact with Cadence, but I got a disappointed look from her. I flattened my ears in shame from her expression.

I hated to imagine what Shining must be feeling right now.

I then overheard some of the ponies talking amongst themselves.

“Did you hear that this mare was Celestia’s student?”

“To think one so young could accomplish so much.”

“I must admit though, I never expected one from such a common family to bring forth a princess.”

It began it seems. Nobles were already scheming of how to gain favor from Twilight. But, hey it wasn’t my problem anymore. She didn’t want me.

I felt hollow inside, like a part of me was ripped out and everypony started worshiping that part. I felt the ring in my trench coat the whole time. Twilight was a princess now, she was going to be immortal. She wasn’t going to remain with me.

I closed my eyes and then opened them again as the doors opened. I watched Twilight, clad in a beautiful dress walk down the walkway. I barely heard the cheers around me as I simply looked at her. I felt an immeasurable guilt in my heart.

Our eyes met briefly, those beautiful violet eyes I loved. But, then we looked away from one another. I wanted to run up there and apologize to her right in front of the crowd. But, I’d only get in the way more. She’d find some way to chastise me about interrupting her ceremony.

I looked down as she made her way up to the front of the room. I saw Spike holding a crown in his claws, smiling at Twilight. Didn’t he know what she was doing? Then again, it was Spike. Yet another person I’d have to face after this.

Still, something was wrong. I felt a strange cold air…

I looked at the crown, and watched as it was placed on Twilight's head. Then before my very eyes a blue mist came out of the crown. MIASMA!!!

Everypony in the room gasped in horror as the mist entered Twilight. Her friends yelled as Twilight fell over. I was about to run up there myself, when I saw somepony acting suspiciously. He was clad in a black cloak and he was running away from the crowd. He had to be involved somehow!

Just hold on Twilight, I'll come back soon!

I ran after him and followed him into the hall. The pony was tall, I could tell by the legs his coat was, grey? I leapt after him and he turned and fired a bolt of green and violet lined magic at me. It hit me, yet I didn’t feel as much pain as I would from a normal magic bolt. It couldn’t be Sombra, he was destroyed! He was also smaller…

I then yelled, “Stop! Whoever you are!”

I chased him through the halls until I came to the stained glass room. The windows depicted several different events in Equestria’s history. Right now, I was focusing on this bastard.

I pulled out Blackbird and aimed. “I will shoot if you don’t stop!” I yelled.

He stopped at that, and turned to look at me. Slowly he lifted his hood…no way!

“Adamus?” I yelled.

My grandfather was there, looking at me with a look of scorn. He had the same eyes as Sombra and a sinister grin on his face. “You always were an impudent child, Preventus.”

“You have no right to call me by that name!” I yelled.

“As arrogant as your mother,” he said with a sneer. “Neither of you could ever learn your place.”

“What did you do to that crown?” I yelled “I know you had something to do with it!”

“I simply obeyed the will of my master,” Adamus said. “He promised to restore my family name should I aid him. All he asked was that I swap dear Princess Twilight’s crown with a better one.”

“You bastard!” I yelled. “You absolutely delight in ruining my life don’t you? First mom! Then Tailspin! Now this!”

“You were a mistake,” Adamus said coldly. “A bastard child created when that chicken seduced my son. Now, I plan to fix that mistake.” His horn glowed the same dark magic that Sombra wielded.

He aimed at me, I braced for what was coming. The bolt hit me full in the chest and I was knocked backwards. Suddenly a portal appeared behind me. I briefly wondered where it had come from as I fell through…
__________________________________________________________
Another variation, dear brother.

One could ask, how much would this variation change the constant?

Lives, lived, will live.

Deaths, died, will die.

Past, Present, Future,

All to aid.

In the coming of a better age.

But the question is, for who?
_______________________________________________________________
I groaned as I slowly opened my eyes. I was still in Canterlot castle alright. However, things were different.

The walls no longer depicted the elements of harmony, Spike saving the Crystal Empire, the royal wedding. Instead, it simply showed Twilight with a rather cold expression.

Who changed the interior design around here?

Adamus! I looked around for my grandfather, I was alone. I remember, falling through some kind of portal. Who made it? More importantly, where am I?

“Stay where you are!” I heard an authoritative voice call.

I turned and saw a pair of unicorn guards in violet armor glaring at me. I cried, “Officers, there was a stallion here! A unicorn that tried to take Twilight’s crown!”

They looked at each other and said, “Are you unwell? Why would a unicorn steal her majesty’s crown?”

“It was right in the middle of the ceremony,” I yelled. “There was the mist that came out of the crown! It-“

“A very unusual story,” one said, “but sadly, it’s not flying. We can see your firearm, sir.”

How? It was inside my trench coat.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an ineffective assassin,” the other said to his friend. “He seems not to know about the eyes of truth.”

I then looked at their chests, I saw they had symbols on them not dissimilar from the one of the Eye of Truth, the family heirloom I gave back to the zebra. They said they could see through my trench coat with it?

“Come with us,” the first one ordered. “Her majesty will deal with you.”

“Celestia knows me!” I said, as they came up to grab my forelegs in their magic.

“We don’t know who this Celestia is, but obviously this is some feeble attempt to appease yourself,” the other said as I was dragged by him. “Do not struggle assassin.” He used his magic to open my trench coat and retrieved Blackbird. “It will make it easier on all parties involved.”
_______________________________________________________
I was unceremoniously dragged and thrown into some kind of throne room. I groaned as I tried to get up off the floor. I felt the magic of one of the guards shove me down though. Keeping me practically prostrate on the floor.

“Your highness,” one said, “We found this unicorn in the stained glass hallway. He was armed with this.”

I heard a very familiar voice say, “Thank you, Magnus. I will hold onto this for now.”

Wait, I know that voice…

“What shall we do with him, your Highness?” The other guard said.

“Check his DNA, Thane. I wish to know who he is,” the voice said again.

I felt my foreleg get yanked to my side and winced as I felt something injected into it. Maybe they were taking blood sample of some kind?

I then heard magic being performed by Thane and he said, “A hybrid M'lady, but his DNA doesn’t seem to match any of our databanks.”

“A hybrid? How did he escape from the camp?” the voice demanded.

“I don’t know, M'lady!” Magnus said.

“Inform Captain Blueblood there may be a breach in security. I wish to know exactly how this unicorn came to enter my castle.”

What the hell was she talking about? Did Blueblood have a brother or something who was in the guard? And what did she mean by her castle?

I had enough and stood up forcefully, knocking the two guards aside. “Listen here, la-“ I stopped as I looked on who was on the throne.

There was Twilight, but she was as big as Celestia. She was clad in similar regalia and shoes with her cutie mark was depicted on them. Her mane was longer too, coming down to her side. She looked amazing, almost like a goddess…

“Why do you stare unicorn?” she asked coldly. I never knew Twilight to speak like that.

“Twilight!” I yelled in joy “It’s me, Private!”

She just raised an eyebrow.

“Preventus Phelps Eye?” I tried again. “Detective?”

She looked at me for a long time. Then down, and then up again as she said,

“I don’t know you…”