//------------------------------// // Chapter 12: Good intentions // Story: Apprentice of the Stars // by Vohira //------------------------------// Chapter 12 Good intentions Waking up in the late afternoon of next day, was for Twilight a disconcerting experience. She was still unused to her new, larger, winged body. She barely avoided losing balance, when she tried to leave her bed without remembering that she was now as tall as Celestia. “This is going to take some time getting used to...” The newest alicorn muttered as she walked to her balcony. The sun was beginning to set. Twilight looked over the edge of the Everfree Forest, to see Ponyville in the distance. She sighed not knowing, if she would be even welcomed there right now, in the town where Nightmare Moon made her first public appearance. But then something occurred to her, she was the same pony, she just looked a bit different. Her friends should accept her as she is now, she had to have faith in them. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad... Suddenly another thought crossed her mind. The townsponies were quick to judge by the appearance alone. And she knew that at least Applejack was disconcerted with the way she handled Appleloosa... so maybe she had something to worry about when it came to her friends. Her ears flickered as she heard the doors opening, the purple alicorn turned her head only to see Princess Luna coming towards her. A silent sigh escaped her lips, as she turned back to looking at the horizon. Not a minute later she saw the dark alicorn standing beside her. “Good evening Twilight. I hope you slept well...” Luna’s voice carried in it a lot of concern but also uncertainty. “As good as it could be expected...” Twilight turned her head once more to look directly at the Night Princess. “What do we do now Luna? I can’t live in the castle forevermore, hidden from the world.” Luna closed her eyes, and exhaled slowly. “I understand...” When the Princess of the Night opened her eyes, she looked Twilight in the eyes. “Ultimately it is your life Twilight, however I would advise against revealing yourself to Equestria right now. I ask this of you as a friend, but I also order it as your superior. Do not leave the castle grounds and avoid the guests, at least for the foreseeable future.” There was a steel edge to her voice as she spoke. Luna saw a flicker of dismay on Twilight’s muzzle, but she understood it perfectly. “Give me some time Twilight, let me talk with Celestia first. I have avoided that talk long enough as it is and now, I have even more important subjects to discuss with her.” Twilight stared at Luna with a mixture of disbelief and dismay. But quickly it morphed into a cold look. She wasn’t certain why she had the sudden urge to rebel against Luna’s wishes, she knew that in the end the other mare had her best interest at heart. However even with that understanding, she also knew that Luna was asking for a lot... and she didn’t specify the time she would have to stay hidden. “And how long exactly do you want me to stay hidden?” “I am not certain. However I think it’s best for you to wait until I return form Canterlot. With Celestia’s support I think it would be no longer than... two weeks?” Luna spoke slowly, considering every word, although she was uncertain on the time Twilight would have to stay hidden. The purple alicorn instantly caught onto the uncertainty in Luna’s voice. “You don’t know, do you?” The question was simple really, Twilight didn't feel the need to clarify what exactly she was asking for, Luna would know. She heard the dark alicorn sigh. “There is a lot at stake here now. And a lot we have to consider, if you are to reveal yourself. Your overall appearance is a minor thing Twilight, but the fact alone that you're an Alicorn now...” Luna frowned slightly deep in thought. “Equestria may not react well to it. If the nobility is still the same as it was in my time, they will do everything to ruin you... probably. Only Celestia can guess their reaction to such news right now.” Luna tapped one of her hooves on the floor, still deep in thought. “Also you do have a... reputation for the Appleloosa incident.” Twilight flinched slightly knowing it well enough. The reaction the guests gave her at the ball was everything she needed to know. “Do you think that maybe I could convince them, that I have only the best interest of Equestria at heart?” “I don't see why you can not try Twilight, but it may prove to be harder than you think.” Luna sounded sincere and sympathetic. “And I don't know how you could do it, seeing that there is no great threat to our country and subjects right now.” Twilight thought about Luna’s words. They were true enough, she was certain that in the future someone or something would try to attack them, but how long would she have to wait? It made her feel a bit depressed. Suddenly her eyes widened, there was one threat that wasn’t resolved as thoroughly as they all thought. “What about the changelings?” The question was asked silently. “They were banished Twilight, you know it.” The Princess of the Night answered looking at the larger mare curiously. “Chrysalis would be foalish to try something again so soon after her defeat.” The purple alicorn knew that it also was the truth. But when she thought about it... Twilight realized that it was her only chance, for a quick solution to her current major problems. The fact that she would like to have her revenge on the changeling Queen, was only a... tiny part of the reason why she began to think about changelings in the first place. She shook her head, revenge was not the way. However then the memories from the diamond dog mine came to the front of her mind. She could feel the remains of the anger and hate rising again within her. Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm herself. “So you see Twilight, patience is the way here. I will try to convince Celestia to tend to this matter as quickly as possible.” Luna’s voice took on a soothing quality. But at this moment something occurred to Twilight. Wasn’t Celestia disappointed with her? This was also a chance to show her old teacher, that she was better than what she did in Appleloosa. Also she was certain that, if she were to bring Chrysalis to justice, not only would she gain in the eyes of the Princess but also everypony else. Even Luna would have to recognise that kind of deed, even if it meant defying Luna’s wish and order at the beginning... That train of thought lead her to a new realization, she was an alicorn. Luna’s equal, more or less. Yes, she took an oath to serve Luna... but as a unicorn. A sly smile formed on her muzzle. For her this logic was good enough. So with all those thoughts, Twilight said the first thing that her mind and thoughts supplied. “No, it is not.” Luna visibly recoiled from Twilight, taking a step back at the coldness and a bit of venom in the lavender alicorn’s voice. Now that she looked closer, Luna saw how tensed the other mare was. “Twilight, you should realize that revealing yourself right now would only...” The Night Princess went silent seeing the intense gaze of her friend. “And what could they do about it? Run? Fight me? Please...” Twilight’s tone of voice took on an arrogant quality. “Even Celestia would be... no match... for me...” At the end a look of confusion spread on the lavender muzzle. But Luna could only stare with wide eyes and shock written across her own muzzle. “What... no, but...” Luna stared as Twilight lowered her head to look at her hooves, her mane obscuring the view of her muzzle. She could hear her mumbling something too silently to understand. Then suddenly she lifted her head. “Luna, how strong do you think I am?” The question was so random that the dark alicorn sputtered. “I do not truly know...” Was what the Princess of the Night finally said. “Well then... I will need to find out.” Twilight’s words shocked Luna into silence once more. “Are the rumors and books true Luna? Changelings live in the Wasteland’s central mountain range?” Twilight’s question made Luna nod her head in answer before she thought about it. Dread began to fill Luna as she saw a very familiar set of armor lift itself from the floor near the bed. The helmet, chest piece, and armored shoes... “Twilight what are you doing?” As she asked that Luna, stood straighter and with a serious look on her muzzle. Finally overcoming her shock. “Killing two birds with one stone.” Twilight answered spreading her wings. Luna's horn ignited with magic but she was a heartbeat to slow. A dazzling flash of light and the crack of magical discharge signaled Twilight’s trademark teleportation spell. Luna cursed loudly, and screamed in frustration. This afternoon was degrading quicker than she thought was ever possible. ********** It was just after sundown, when Celestia sat in her private study with a slice of chocolate cake and a teacup on a small table near her. She sat there staring into the fire. Thinking about the argument she had with her sister not a week ago during the first ball hosted in the restored old castle. She was doing this on a daily basis from that day. Just thinking about her sister and herself. Somepony knocked on the door, it was hasty, urgent. The castle staff knew not to disturb her during those times, so when the Princess of the Sun scowled in the direction of the doors she wondered what was going on, that demanded her attention. A golden glow surrounded the door knob, and the doors swung open. Celestia was ready to berate the unfortunate pony outside, and was just opening her mouth when she realized who stood outside. It was Luna. “Sister, may I come in?” Although she was tensed and her expression was that of urgency, Luna managed to sound polite. “Yes, of course...” Celestia was a bit surprised. She didn’t expect Luna to came to her first. Her little sister had a history of being stubborn. Even if she was angry at Luna for the first two days, now it morphed into more or less self disappointment, at what she said. However what caught her attention was her sister’s body language. Something went wrong, she could tell. “Cely, there is... I don't even know how to say it...” Luna started to talk after she sat near her sister. She was thinking how to say it without making it look like it was less bad than it truly was. But she couldn’t do it, couldn’t bring herself to downplay what have happened with Twilight. She feared that this time, Celestia would truly become angry with her... She gulped loudly. “If you want to apologize, there is no need. It was me who pushed you too hard in the end.” The white alicorn sighed and looked at her golden clad hooves. When she allowed her sister to have her own place... She should have anticipated such outcome when she gave up Twilight to her sister. “Hold your apologies until you hear me out sister.” Luna whispered with a guilty look on her muzzle. Ever so slowly, she began to tell Celestia what had happened after their little argument. She told about the Mirror and what had happened to Twilight. As Luna’s story progressed, Celestia's expression was growing more grave with every revelation. When she heard what had happened to Twilight her eyes widened in disbelief. However when she learned about the conversation that took place not even two hours ago she couldn't help it... “What did you do Luna...” The five whispered words, along with the look of horror on Celestia’s muzzle were enough to bring tears to Luna’s eyes, and the dark alicorn collapsed on the pillows they were sitting on before the fireplace. “I’m so sorry sister.” Luna whispered, while laying on the pillows with closed eyes and a few tears still falling from her eyes. So it was a surprise to her, when she felt a large wing drape over her back. “It is not only your fault Luna, we all are responsible here.” Celestia said with a sad sigh. “So you have no idea where Twilight went?” “Sadly no. Her teleportation took her so far that it became untraceable.” Luna said while she slowly sat up and dried the last of her tears with her hoof. “But her last words... I just hope she doesn't do something stupid.” After Celestia’s words both of them fell into silence. Thoughts about Twilight occupying both their minds. ********** In a flash of light, Twilight materialized upon a mountain top. She was on the southeast border of Equestria. In the moonlight she could see the to her left the green planes of her home... to her right was the depressing emptiness of the Wastelands. Twilight wanted to sate her curiosity, and see just how powerful the Mirror had made her. Intentionally or not, it was now her power to command now... She needed to know, so that she would not bring any harm to those around her, that she cared for. So a plan was quickly formed in her room at the old castle. It was risky... but the gains if she were to succeed, would be far greater than just helping her gauge her strenght. Slowly Twilight unfolded her wings. They were a new addition to her body, but somehow she knew... that she knew how to use them properly. She jumped forward and flapped her wings, at first the motions were a bit unsteady and she wobbled in the air. But as she flew further into the Wastelands she gained more confidence and not two hours later, she was flying like any other pegasus. Close to midnight, judging by the Moon’s position, she saw her target. It was a curious sight. From afar it looked like a small mountain, one of many in the small mountain range. But if one were to get close enough, they could be able to see that it was made of something different than surrounding rock. At a shorter distance the smaller towers and other outcroppings that looked hoof made became visible. There was little to no activity at this time around this strange settlement. Without being noticed she managed to get close enough that she could make out, what she suspected, were windows. She could see some blueish light flicker in most of them. In that moment her ears flickered as she heard a silent buzzing sound to her right and above her. Quickly, without hesitation, she turned and fired a highly overcharged Magic Bolt. A silent yelp of pain was all the sound that her target managed to release, before being fried by the potent magic. She saw with her draconic eyes how the blackened form began to fall towards earth and slowly began to crumble in the air. Only small pieces made it to the surface, rest of it turned to ash. With that one sentry taken care of, she searched for an entry point. She had a specific target in mind, and really didn’t want to deal with the populace of this hive. She cast a quick Chameleon Spell on herself, and then silenced her hooves with another one of the stealth-kind spells. She really had no true idea where to head, but she bet on one of the three locations, bottom, center or the top of the structure. She decided to start at the top. Ready and with a simple plan, she landed on the roof of one of the towers and listened for a few minutes. There was no sound coming from inside so with a precise beam of raw magic she cut a hole in the roof, caught the cut out part and gently levitated it to the floor. Only then did she jump inside. The staircase that Twilight found lead to a large corridor, that seemed to form a circle close to the outer walls of the hive. It was quite large and she could make out the darkened silhouettes of guards patrolling the corridor, using their bright green hornlight to help them see. There were some blue crystal emitting a weak light, but nothing she had to worry herself with. After some time, and three more disintegrated changelings, Twilight reached a set of grand double doors made of black marble. There were no designs on it to mark what was behind them. Igniting her horn, Twilight delicately applied her magic to the door slowly and mostly silently pushing them open just enough to slip inside. Slowly a predatory grin stretched her lips showing of her fangs. The chamber was large and circular, crude pillars of stone near the walls held up the domed ceiling. And in the center, on a small dais laid a larger dark shape, sleeping by the looks of it. Twilight approached the one being she despised more than anything in the world. When she was but a body length from the dais she canceled the spells on her. “Hello there...” As she said those words, the purple alicorn watched as the changeling in front of her jumped up, then using her wings put more distance between them. “Chrysalis.” “You!” The Changeling Queen shouted in disbelief, she recognized the coloring and the cutie mark. “What are you doing here?!” “Simple really, I’m doing a service for Equestria... and for myself.” With those words Twilight fired a barrage of over a dozen standard Magic Bolts, surprising herself a bit. The last time it took her almost three times as long to fire them in such quantity. However Chrysalis side stepped most of them and created a simple shield to intercept the rest. After that she immediately went on the offensive, firing a concentrated beam of raw magic. Twilight met this attack head on, unleashing her own beam, both of them colliding in the air and fighting for dominance. “You can’t win Sparkle!” Chrysalis said through gritted teeth. “I do believe I can. It’s not me that is struggling here...” And Twilight was right the collision point of the beams began to quickly move towards the Queen. “But you are... just one mare!” The changeling said disengaging and dodging before the beam hit her, avoiding a quick defeat. In the same time the doors to the throne room banged open, as changelings poured into the chamber. Twilight quickly realized that this situation could end badly for her. So she concentrated. At the tip of her horn a ball of dense energy began to form. “Stop her!” Chrysalis’ command rang through the chamber and now, almost a hundred changelings, advanced towards her creating a wall of bodies that threatened to crush the lavender alicorn. “Tsk...” It was all the warning that her enemies got, before Twilight released the hold on her spell. It exploded creating a sphere of energy that expanded quickly, it looked almost like a thin, see through layer of swirling pink magic. It illuminated the chamber in a bright glow, before it smashed into the advancing changelings. For them it was like passing through a wall of lightning. Their bodies spasmed and those in front rows and majority of the rest were killed instantly. Suddenly the only sound in the chamber was that of bodies hitting the floor. Chrysalis although hit by the spell, was just breathing harder, her wings twitching. She had lost control over them making her unable to fly for now. Twilight saw her opportunity and created a Lance out of her magic, with a thought she hurled it at the large changeling. Then created another one, and another... The Queen raised a hasty shield when she saw the magical construct flying her way. She was shocked when the magical lance smashed through her shield and nicked her in the neck. The second one flew very close to her right side, and when the third approached she dodged, getting over her shock. When she dodged the fourth one she briefly caught a glimpse of the deep holes in the rock wall that were made by this spell. Twilight began to get bored of this after she created eighth Lance. She teleported in front of the changeling Queen, quickly turned around, before her opponent had time to react and bucked her in the chest. An unpleasant cracking sound was heard, as the changeling Queen’s chitin and bones gave. Twilight’s kick cracking the chitin and breaking ribs. Chrysalis gasped painfully and took a few steps back. Stumbling upon a fallen changeling, and falling to the floor. In that moment a few of the braver and still alive changelings in the chamber, tried to tackle Twilight from behind. She dodged and killed most of them, be it with the use of magic or just kicking them with enough force to bury her hooves deep in their bodies. But one managed to land on her back and began viciously biting her. Twilight shouted in outrage and charging her horn, send magical sparks coursing through her body creating a magical armor. The changeling on her back screamed in pain and fell off of her. When the purple alicorn focused again on the spot where Chrysalis laid, she saw just the dead changelings. Quickly she spun around searching for the Queen, only to see a pair of black hooves coming at her head. The hit was strong, and Twilight was sure that only her helmet saved her from gaining a concussion. Without thinking she retaliated, charging her horn and firing another barrage of Magic Bolts from point-blank. They connected, throwing the large changeling away from her. When Twilight looked up, she saw Chrysalis slumped under the wall, breathing hard. Some kind of green fluid dripped slowly from her mouth and a small rivulet flowed from the crack on her chest. Surprisingly the purple alicorn saw that the changeling Queen was still conscious, observing her through half closed eyes. The purple alicorn’s ears twitched again as she heard buzzing coming from the corridor signaling that reinforcements were coming. For a moment she closed her eyes to asses her magical reserves and found them satisfying, not even a quarter of her energy was spent. However that didn't mean that she wanted to fight the whole hive. So Twilight approached her target. “Chrysalis, stop them.” Her voice was cold and had an undertone of hate in it. “Why... should I...” Chrysalis laughed, despite it looking painfully, some of the green fluid flying from her mouth when she laughed. “There are hundreds of my subjects... you will eventually... run out of energy.” “One, I can easily run. Two, I can kill the majority of your hive before I would even had to run. Three, stop them or you won’t live to see another day.” Twilight said it all looking at her downed enemy with a sneer. She saw Chrysalis scowl, but then the buzzing stopped. Twilight looked behind her at the doors, making sure to have the Queen constantly at least in the corner of her vision. There at the doorstep, stood changelings, just watching. “Now what Sparkle?” Chrysalis spat with disgust in her voice. That was a good question and Twilight pondered it for a few minutes. She had so many options... Although she wanted to show Equestria and the Princesses that she had only their best interest at heart. “Now, I shall take you to Canterlot, where the citizens and Celestia will decide your fate.” Twilight said it slowly, a bit unsure at this course of action. She saw Chrysalis opening her mouth to object. “Or I kill you on the spot. Your head would serve my purpose just as well...” The purple alicorn frowned slightly... That was not true. But it was tempting for some reason, if she played it right... She shook her head, enough blood was spilt tonight. She had her revenge, she now knew her strenght. “If you will not kill me, the mob or Celestia will...” Thanks to her spies she managed to put inside the city she knew that her kind was hated in the city, maybe not so much by the Princesses themselves but, she could not be certain. “It is still... a choice...” Anger was slowly rising in Twilight, did she not present Chrysalis with a promise of fair trial? For the being that wanted to enslave Equestria it was far too kind... Twilight brought a hoof to her temple as she felt a headache beginning. “You will come with me, willingly. Or I shall kill every changeling in this hive... before your eyes, and then I will kill you slowly and painfully...” Twilights mood was rapidly worsening and the headache was not helping. “You don’t have it in you Sparkle...” Chrysalis said with a hint of fear showing in her eyes. She was beginning to see that, the purple alicorn before her was becoming unpredictable. “Do you not see my kindness? The choice I offer you... You and your kind deserve to die, and here I am offering you a trial...” Twilight whispered, making it barely hearable for Chrysalis. Then she scowled deeply. “Am I not merciful?!” The power of her shout made the chamber shake and Chrysalis visibly trembled as she shied away for the enraged alicorn. When Twilight reigned in her emotions she saw the slightly trembling Changeling Queen. Suddenly she realized that what she had done... she had fallen lower than the changeling Queen probably. It bothered her, but she decided not to show it in front of her. “Trial... Take me.” It was said with such timidness that it surprised Twilight. Nodding, her head and not saying a word twilight conjured thick iron chains and bound Chrysalis’ legs and wings. Twilight realized that the large changeling wouldn't even look at her. She looked around the chamber littered with dead or severely injured changelings, and closed her eyes. She wanted this... but now that it was done, she felt she had lost in some way. With a final look at the changeling Queen she teleported them both away.