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// Ch 8: The Maiden and the Trickster 
// Story: On Wings of Grace 
// by Midnight Solace 
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Celestia sat on her throne, her mind a maelstrom of thoughts as she once more went back to what Twilight said before tossing her into the mud. “You’re not my princess anymore.” thought Celestia darkly as she imagined what she would do to her faithful student if she got the chance. Celestia needed to remind Twilight just who her ruler was and who had given her those wings she so gallantly paraded around. This thought and others of its kind were all that took root in her mind as one of her guards let in an unannounced pony, resulting in an icy glare from her in the guard’s direction. He bowed before quickly leaving the throne room, shutting the door behind him, but not before she saw the flash of fear on his face. “That guard may have an unfortunate accident later.” thought Celestia maliciously, the gears already turning in her mind. 

She eyed the pony, who was just looking up at her eagerly, an evil grin on his face. He could most likely sense her irritated mood, seeing as how the other ponies that came to petition her were all too eager to dash out of the throne room at first chance they got. But this pony just stared up at her, and all she could feel from him was a cold determination. But for what she did not know, but his expression unnerved her. “What is it that you wish to ask of me?” asked Celestia, her voice belaying her barely suppressed anger. The stallion chuckled, looking back up at her before a green flame surrounded him and Celestia had to avert her eyes. When she looked back, a changeling stood in place of the stallion. Celestia’s eyes took on a hard edge as she spoke, her voice like a wisp of death. “Get out of my city, you pest, before I squash you myself.” she snarled, already preparing a lethal spell. The guards were just outside the door and a simple word from her would bring them running in, ready to skewer the bug. But his next words froze the command in her throat. “I’ve heard you’re having control issues with dear Twilight Sparkle.” said the changeling, trotting up so that he was practically right in front of her throne.

She narrowed her eyes at him, but didn’t say anything. She had no reason to respond to the changeling. At least, not any that she wanted to voice. Noticing her silence, the changeling continued, eager to place his offer on the board. “Yes. I have heard of your little fallout with the princess of magic. Most of Equestria has. In fact, I’ve heard that a large portion of the ponies living here in Equestria have begun siding with her, as they see her as a preferred choice to you.” taunted the changeling as he began to circle the throne. Then he leaned in next to her ear before whispering ominous words into her ears. “They prefer her over the Insane Princess. Although you would never openly show how much that gets to you.” whispered the changeling, disappearing in a puff of smoke and green fire as he appeared before her once more. Those simple words had almost sent her over the breaking point, but she managed to rein herself in. Just barely, though. She knew her mind had been going for a while now, as her actions had become less and less reasonable and more… costly. Even Discord had expressed his concern, and for him to be concerned about anything, the situation had to be serious.

But she was unwilling to relinquish her control over an entire country, one she had fought tooth and hoof for, to a filly still getting used to her new wings. Wings that Celestia herself had given her, expecting a loyal subject, not a rebellious foal to fight against her. She scowled, remembering the days when Twilight would follow her every command to the letter, comparing it to the now unwilling princess. She looked back at the changeling with renewed interest as his words flowed across the empty air like sweet honey.

“You are practically alone now. No friends. No allies. No one to keep the dagger from your back.” said the changeling. At this, Celestia’s head swiveled, her magenta eyes catching the changeling’s cold blue ones. “That is not true. My sister will always have my back. We've always watched out for each other.” said Celestia, though there was a sliver of doubt in her words, a fact that Zurgis did not dismiss. “Oh, she does, does she? Is that why she has been dead-ending so many of your decisions lately? Is that why she stayed behind with the other alicorn while you were tossed into the mud? As far as I know, she has just been leaving you behind while she continues to move forward; always looking to the future while you dwell on the past. To her… you are nothing more than an old toy that she keeps around to amuse herself.” said the changeling. Once more by Celestia’s ear, the changeling whispered its accursed words. “To her and all of the other ponies that call you their princess, you are nothing more than a liability. You are a relic of the past that they wish to forget in exchange for their shining new idol, Princess Twilight Sparkle.” said the changeling, backing away.

But then a smile graced his face, the smile of a predator that sees his wounded prey limping toward him. Celestia knew of his game, but his words still haunted her, echoing around inside her skull. “But you are not worthless to us. Chrysalis has grown soft, becoming friends with ponies instead of using them to further our hive. In fact, she has become friends with the pony you loathe more than any other. She no longer deserves the title of queen. But you. We know of your immense power, your incalculable wisdom, and your love of leadership. We respect and admire such qualities, especially when they can help us.” said the changeling, his words finally sinking in. “What is it that you want of me?” asked Celestia, her normally powerful, regal voice now soft and barely more than a whisper. The changeling’s smile spread wider than ever, his fangs gleaming as he realized his triumph. “I want you to become our new queen. Unite the kingdoms of changeling and pony and usher in the age of a new and glorious empire.” said the changeling. 

Her mind raced with the possibilities as his offer sung in her thoughts, promising her the world. But his next words stung her, but only slightly as the words truly sounded appealing. “Then you can end the life of Twilight Sparkle and take control of your new kingdom while providing us with food.” said the changeling, looking up at Celestia expectantly. Celestia was very nearly on the cusp of giving him the answer he wanted, but something held her back. It was an annoying something, but it was there. That irritating hesitation would not let her simply give him the answer both he and she wanted. So instead, she turned to him, a smile on her face. But it was cold, emotionless. After all, if she was to be a queen, she must start acting like one. “I… agree with your words. However, I would like some time to mull it over, as it is not a decision made so lightly.” said Celestia, smiling down at the changeling, who shivered beneath her gaze. But at the same time, he smiled. “Of course, my queen. Should you wish to contact us with your answer, you need only speak into this and we will hear you and come to begin your coronation.” said Zurgis before hacking a glob of green goo into his hoof, watching as it hardened into a dark green crystal. He placed it on the floor in front of Celestia and quietly made his way out of the throne room, donning his disguise once more, a smile on his muzzle.

Luna landed on the balcony outside of the throne room, her appearance earning her a greeting from her night guard. She asked where her sister was and they directed her to the throne room. As she neared the door, she could almost feel the dark emotions flooding out from inside, but on the outer edges, there was something… darker. Something that deeply disturbed Luna to a degree she hadn't felt since she had been Nightmare Moon. She felt madness leaking from her sister. The darkest emotion one could feel, for it fueled all the others. She braced herself and pushed open the throne room doors.

Celestia heard the throne room doors open and quickly stashed the green gem she had been looking over in her magical mane. She smiled as Luna walked into the room, closing the doors behind her with her dark blue magic. “Hello dear sister. I am so happy that you decided to return to my side rather than stay with that little filly, Twilight.” said Celestia as she giddily leaped off of her throne and moved to embrace her sister. But she was stopped by Luna’s hoof, causing her to look up into Luna’s eyes. Her sister’s eyes were soft, yet firm and determined, as the changelings had been; only her sister’s eyes were flooded with emotion. Pain, sorrow, regret, joy, hope, and desperation all held a place in her eyes. “Sister, what is wrong?” asked Celestia, worry filling her voice. “Sister, I need to speak with you and I need you to listen.” said Luna, pushing Celestia away. Celestia looked at her sister. That madness showed its ugly head again as Luna began to speak.

“You have to make up with Twilight Sparkle, sister. This rivalry is tearing Equestria apart.” said Luna, not bothering to sugarcoat her words. At this Celestia’s eyes hardened, her affection for her sister being pushed aside by her pride. “I do not need to apologize for anything. She is the one that has offended me. She should be the one begging for my forgiveness.” said Celestia, her voice icy. “Celestia, you've been making worse and worse decisions since Twilight received her wings. Your jealousy is clouding your better judgment.” said Luna. “I AM NOT JEALOUS.” yelled Celestia, the energy crackling around her. Luna stamped her hoof, actually cracking the stone floors as she tried once again to force the truth into her sister’s thick skull. “You are jealous. You are acting like a foal that is not getting what she wants and your kingdom is suffering for It.” yelled Luna. “I am not a FOAL. I am protecting this country!!” screamed Celestia, her eyes flashing dangerously as her mane flashed with power around her.

Luna stared into Celestia’s maddened eyes before asking a single question. “How?” asked Luna. This surprised Celestia, temporarily stopping her mad rant. “What?” asked Celestia. “How are you protecting this country if you act like this?” asked Luna, taking a step forward until she was right in Celestia’s face. “Answer me.” said Luna in a low, whispering voice. But Celestia couldn't because she had no answer to give. “Until you can give me a certain answer, I am relieving you of your title. And should you choose to do something foolish. Just know that I will be taking Twilight’s side, for she wants what is truly best for this country.” said Luna as she walked out of the throne room, not looking back at her sister. As the door closed, a single tear slipped down Celestia’s cheek as she shakily brought out the green jewel from her mane and held it up to her face.

“C-changeling.” called Celestia to the stone, not expecting an answer. So she was surprised when a multi-toned voice responded from the jewel. “Yes, my queen. Have you decided?” asked the changeling. “Do it. I wish to become your queen. When can it be done?” asked Celestia, her voice still shaky, but certain of her decision, whatever consequences it may bring. “We can be there and complete the process tomorrow, my Queen.” said the changeling. “Good. I want it done as soon as possible.” said Celestia, already heading towards the throne room doors. “What are you planning, my queen?” asked the changeling. Celestia cast sleep spells on all the guards she passed, putting them to sleep so they would not remember her walking by. When she reached Luna’s bedchambers, she gently pushed them open, seeing her sister sleeping peacefully, curled in her dark blue sheets; her traitorous sister. Horn glowing brightly with her spell, Celestia breathed her answer into the gem. “Taking care of my first problem as queen.” she said, casting the spell.