//------------------------------// // Chapter XXI - Soothe // Story: Collateral // by Ogopogo //------------------------------// I peered out through the crack of the curtain like a little colt at his first school play. Outside, in the city square, there were ponies waiting for the speech. I’m still not sure how Marmalade managed to talk me into this last night. It must have been somewhere between... Moving on, Marmalade took it way better than I thought she would. My explanation, that is. Make no mistake, she still had given me a solid whack for what I had done, but she sort of agreed. In fact, she would have helped if I had given some warning. She also miraculously took the news of the hatted pony in stride too, not like I had. Anyhow, she had been convinced that she and Cadence could stop ponies like him with their plan, and she managed to convince me to help. I wasn’t going to lie and say that I didn’t have some doubts, but so far it was off to a good start. Cadence hadn’t been lying when she had said she was going to put her full support behind this either. She had organized for a stage to be set up and flyers were sent out in the immediate area, a fairly respectable area at that. This was a sort of a test run in that sense, as the ponies watching were the type most likely to overlook our mistakes. Young families, older couples... They weren’t the fanatical mob which would try and storm the stage at the sight of me. Still, Cadence had managed to find a few extra guards to stand watch, a couple of them coming from those returning to Canterlot from Manehatten. Behind me, Marmalade sighed. “Amethyst, get away from there.” I glanced back at her and saw the worry etched into her face. “What?” “If somepony sees you, it could ruin this whole thing. She was right. I gave the curtain a little tug shut. “I just... Sorry, I just worry a bit.” She pulled me in for a hug. “Don’t,” she whispered into my ear. “A month from now, I bet we will be walking down the street and ponies will barely spare you a second glance.” I didn’t want to spoil the moment, but Marmalade was being far too optimistic. Maybe in a month I could show my face, but I doubt I would be tolerated. Canterlot couldn’t change that fast. Ponies couldn’t change that fast. Cadence cleared her throat. “Marmalade, it’s time to start.” She was about as dressed up as she could be without wearing a gown. Marmalade nodded, suddenly finding great interest in fiddling with her mane. “Alright. Just as we practiced last night?” “Well, perhaps not quite, but yes.” She grinned. “You’ll soon learn the trick to this is being quick on your hooves. Just something to keep in mind, if you don’t have a response for a question, deflect subtlely and give a partial answer. Nopony likes their question ignored. Or at least, that is what my aunt taught me.” “OK, I got it.” Cadence turned to the curtain and took a breath, calming herself. Then stepped forward into the sunlight. In spite of Marmalade’s advice, I peered out through the crack in the curtain again. “Once again, I would like to thank you all for coming to this event. It warms my heart to see ponies attending, even in these troubled times.” She paused, and swept her gaze across the crowd, meeting the eyes of the onlookers. “Equestria has always been a nation founded on the ideals of friendship and harmony. Even in the earliest of days, what we accomplished, we accomplished together. It didn’t matter if it was earth ponies, pegasi or unicorns; we thrived on our friendships and always will. As our country grew and eventually met the borders of other fledgeling nations, our friendships did not end. The honourable and prideful gryphons, brave and capable minotaurs or even the mystical and awe inspiring zebras. Our bonds were forged strong with these races, intertwining our fates. “But it would be wrong to hold ourselves as the most peaceful or perfect races on this planet, for that is a title no race can lay claim to. Over our many years, we have had to live with the effects of conflicts. The cause may have been an external threat, or perhaps it was of our own making. War, loss, death... We experienced all of these things. Yet, each and every time, we have come to form deep meaningful relations with races who some might have called our enemies.” I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed; she obviously had a talent for public speaking. I wonder what else Celestia had taught her? “Do you know, the first true war we ever fought was with the gryphons? It was called The War of Dawn’s Edge and it took place nearly twelve hundred years ago. It was also a war which should not have happened. Bandits were striking at gryphon border villages, retreating back into Equestria to prevent the gryphon patrols from following. This went on for many months, and though Celestia promised to stop them, she failed. “One cold winter day, when the sky was a clear as a still lake, a gryphon patrol managed to spot the bandits on their way to attack. They fled, and the patrol gave chase. But encumbered with heavy armour and weapons as they were, the gryphons soon fell behind. They crossed into Equestria unknowingly, and by chance met a detachment of the Royal Guard. From the glint of the rising sun off the gold armour, the patrol mistook the Royal guard for the bandits. Only when there was no more than ten times the distance between you and I did they recognize their mistake, but it was too late. The commander of the Royal Guard panicked and issued an order to fire.” Cadence wore a sad smile. “Thus begun the conflict. Four months later a treaty was struck, but not before twelve thousand were killed, all of which was the result of a series of mistakes. Yet, scarcely two years later, the gryphons were our staunchest ally and one of our foremost trade partners. They remain so to this day.” She was working the crowd well, though I had a feeling this might not work so well if they were any less receptive. “So why is it that changelings are not given the same chance the gryphons were?” This got some cries of outrage, but Cadence waited patiently for them to subside. “I understand the trauma of the invasion; I suffered much at the hooves of their queen, but does a single meeting mean we should give none of them a chance? To answer the question I heard somepony say, do you actually know who changelings are? Do you understand anything about their culture? Have you actually met and spoke to one?” The silence was the answer. “I’d like to invite a pony up on the stage with me who has: Lemon Marmalade.” “Good luck,” I whispered. Marmalade gave me a smile and trotted onto the stage. The next ten minutes passed swiftly. Marmalade spoke extensively about her time with me, thankfully leaving out the personal bits. She told them about my magic and how it felt to be feeding me: like nothing. More than once I felt extremely embarrassed; she was giving me far too much credit. She was painting me out to be a hero even though she knew I was anything but. She answered the questions asked dutifully while Cadence acted as a sort of moderator, that was, till a certain question was asked. “Where is he now?” Marmalade shrugged her shoulders and gestured towards where I was hiding. I froze. “He’s just behind there. Princess, would you open the curtain?” This had to be her getting back for something; she hadn’t said anything about this! The air tingled with apprehension and fear, though curiosity ran dormant as the curtain slowly began to part. They wanted to see if their princess’s words were true. Was I really the monster changelings were made out to be? In that moment, I finally understood how much trust Marmalade and Cadence had placed upon me. I could really screw this thing over and more or less condemn changelings throughout Equestria for years to come if I wanted. Of course, that wasn’t going to happen. Nonetheless, I needed to be careful with what I said; I doubt I could take back my words so easily here. All I needed to do was go out there, say a few words and answer a few questions. Nothing too hard. Shock and apprehension filtered through the audience as they saw me, and many mouths fell open, but there were no screams. In fact, everything gave way to confusion, even more so when I gave a friendly smile. I licked my lips. “Um, hello?” I could hear Marmalade’s hoof smacking into her face. That had come out wrong. Regardless, it managed to shake them from their stupor. “Hello there, I am Amethyst. Marmalade has been telling the truth, though I don’t think I deserve some of her praise...” I fidgeted as I tried to think. “I wish I had had time to prepare something,” I shot Marmalade a look, “but I guess I’ll just have to make do. Right off the bat, is there any questions?” No one in the crowd really seemed eager to be the first to speak. They all sort of just stood there, staring back at me, happy to examine me like a newly revealed statue. I glanced over at Cadence. She motioned for me to continue. When I turn my gaze back to the crowd, I noticed a small hoof raised in the air. “Yes, you in the back?” The mare standing next to the colt panicked when she saw his hoof raised, trying to shush him. That colt wouldn’t let her. “My friends say that changelings can transform into anypony they want. Can you?” “Yes, I can, though I try not to do it too often.” “Can you transform into somepony for me?” I glanced at Cadence again, she nodded. “Sure, who would you like to see me change into?” “Princess Luna!” That was a little much, for a number of reasons. “Sorry, but I’m afraid I can’t do that, at least, not without her permission.” He seemed crestfallen. “Why not?” Because somepony would take it the wrong way and freak out. “Because it’s not a very nice thing to do. Would you like it if someone made themselves look like you and did things you wouldn’t do? “Oh... I guess that make sense. Could you change into me then? It’s alright.” His mother looked horrified by his request. “I don’t think your mother would like me doing that. Is there somepony else, like a fictional character or–” “Amethyst, why don’t you change into me,” Marmalade said, trotting back out to join me on the stage. I was surprised to say the least. “You’re sure? She just nodded her head, looking into my eyes. For a moment, I summoned my thought, trying to imagine Marmalade and how she looked, bar a couple of things. Then I let the wash over me. Halfway through the change I realized a mistake, and corrected it, hopefully before anyone could notice. The ponies watching on gasped as there was suddenly two Marmalades, not just one. The little colt loved it. “Cool!” “Yes, it is sort of cool, but it’s not nearly as useful or as beneficial as you might,” I said, trying my damndest to imitate Marmalade’s voice. I got most of it, but I still missed a few of the intricacies. I was never that good with voices. “I’d much sooner be myself then someone I’m not, mostly because I like who I am. And even if I didn’t, I’m not going to steal someone’s life just because I might not be satisfied with my own. Anymore questions?” This time a few hooves went up instantly. I picked one randomly. “How can we tell a changeling apart from a pony?” “Well, the easiest way is it you notice something different. Sure, I might look like Marmalade, but it doesn’t mean I’ll act like her. I can’t change my personality no matter how much I want; I can only pretend,” I released Marmalade’s shape. “There’s other things you can do, like ask about something which only they might know, but personality is mostly what gets it.” I struggled with my thoughts for a moment. “You have to be observant because there is no such thing as a perfect copy. I have to hold in my mind what I want to look like, so there’s no way I’m going to get everything. Maybe I miss a dimple, or the streak of grey in a mane. Just look for the small things, and stop obsessing over the large ones.” After that, everything got easier. From questions regarding my magic to things like my mane, the crowd seemed eager to ask; as curious as an inquisitive cat. Occasionally Cadence and Marmalade might step in to add something, or ease the pressure off me, but I did most of the talking. While I was speaking, something caught the corner of my eye. The moment I recognized him, I stumbled on my words and came so close to plowing through the crowd. My heart skipped three beats and my breath seized in my chest. The same stallion who led the burning of my parents and Marmalade’s inn, and who killed the changeling. This time, he wore a set of glasses and a vest. He was smiling, because he knew all too well I couldn’t do anything to him. If I so much as looked at him funnily, he would convince the crowd I was an evil bug meant to be squashed. This time, I was not going to fall for his tricks. Knowing my attention was on him, he raised his hoof. “I have a question if you wouldn’t mind hearing it,” he said. His voice was just so... Normal. “I’m sorry, may I get your name sir?” He bowed low, but only I could make out the mocking nature in it. “My name is Pizzicato, but my friends just like to call me Pitz. I have to say, this whole speech has been very interesting. I have to ask, would you be willing to do this again? Certainly there are other areas of the city where you might accomplish more with something like this.” Pitz... So the bastard finally had a name, even if it was fake. “I’m afraid that is for Princess Cadence to decide, not me.” “Ah, well, I suppose I can take it up with her then. I have to ask though, one of my friends works at the castle and I’ve heard some particularly interesting rumors from him.” My breath hitched in my throat. Oh hell no. I know exactly what he was going to say next, and I was powerless to stop it. “I just so happened to hear that some of the changelings involved in the invasion were captured. Rather than being kept in cells, they were given a room; treated like royalty even. Surely, as changeling you must be aware of this?” The crowd began to murmur uncontrollably. Any answer I gave, he would twist into something else, but to say nothing would be to ignore him. Then it would look like I didn’t want to answer the question. I opened my mouth to speak. “Pizzicato, while I appreciate your concern, there’s no need to worry,” Cadence cut in. “Furthermore, the situation is hardly how your friend describes it.” “Then, what is the story?” She shook her head. “Now is not the time or place for that,” she answered. “However, I would be more than willing to offer you an invitation to a press conference I am holding this evening.” For the fraction of a second he looked as though he had bit into something sour, but he composed himself instantly. “This is the first I am hearing of such a meeting.” Wait... Had Cadence just caught him off guard? Cadence smiled. “You do seem like a stallion who likes to keep an ear to the ground, but it should come as a surprise; the invitations were only sent a couple of hours ago.” “Well, I could understand that.” He bent his forelegs in a slight bow. “I do apologize Princess, but I’m afraid I cannot accept your request. I have other things to take care of tonight.” Without another word, he turned around and left. If only I could follow him. Cadence stared after him, then gave her head a little shake. “Does anypony have anymore questions?” Her hopeful smile died when no hooves were raised. It seemed Pitz had managed to end, but not reverse, what had been going to well. “Well, if that is the case, I’d like to thank you all for your time. If anypony does have any further questions, please come to the castle and I would be happy to address them there.” The crowd applauded lightly as Cadence led Marmalade and I back behind the curtain. Soon after, I could hear the crowd began to dissipate. Marmalade was the first to speak. “You’re holding a press conference? Why didn’t you tell me?” “I wasn’t thinking of it last night,” Cadence answered with a sigh. “In fact, there wasn’t even going to be a press conference three minutes ago. If one pony has an inkling of what is happening inside the castle, though, that means he is not the only one. I would rather get the story straight from the start then have ponies believing rumors.” She fell silent. “Amethyst, I know you won’t like it, but could you speak with Chrysalis and get her side of the story?” She’s right: I didn’t like it. “Why can’t you?” Marmalade kicked my shins. “Amethyst,” she hissed. “Think about that for a sec.” Oh, right. Things were sure to be just peachy between the two of them, given that Chrysalis had locked Cadence away for weeks in the cavern and had nearly ruined her wedding. Dealing with Chrysalis was probably the last thing Cadence wanted to do, if she could even will herself to do it. “Alright, I’ll talk to her.” The tension across Cadence’s shoulders disappeared. “Thank you Amethyst. I do apologize, but I have to get back to the castle at once to write the invitations. Lieutenant Blossom?” The pegasus of the Solar Guard hovered nearby. “Yes Ma’am?” “Could you and several others accompany Marmalade and Amethyst back to the castle?” “What about you, princess?” “I’ll be teleporting back. Please, let them take their time; neither of them have been out of the castle in a few days. Also, if either of them see anything they would like to purchase, please pay for it from my funds.” Blossom saluted. “Understood, princess.” “Marmalade. Amethyst.” Her horn glowed and in a blink of light she was gone. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It’s not like we took advantage of Cadence’s generosity, but we didn’t let it go to waste either. I would love to know where Cadence got these guards too. Compared to some of the other ones I had been stuck with. They were “there” without hovering, and four of them were more than enough to ease any worries. To say the rest of that morning had been pleasant, would be a gross understatement. Were it not for the few stares directed our way, the morning would have been perfect. We slowly made our way back to the castle through a winding path through the markets, sampling things and stopping to look here and there. I bought us cinnamon buns, and at Marmalade’s urging, another four for the guards who were with us. OK, I’ll admit, perhaps Marmalade and Cadence were right. From the smiles on the faces of the ponies who watched as I nearly shoved the buns down the throats of the guards as they blabbed on about how they were on duty, it wasn’t hard to see how things could change. News of the meeting had gotten around, and as I continued around, I actually had a few ponies come up to ask me a few questions or just say a few words of greeting. There were still plenty who tried to avoid me or gave me dirty looks, though. A couple hours had passed, and there wasn’t too much left between us and the castle. Marmalade pulled me into a bookstore she liked to frequent, while the guards had waited outside given the confined space. I sort of browsed through the shelves absent mindedly while Marmalade looked at architecture books. I’m pretty sure she was already looking for ideas for a new inn. Anyhow, I found a couple neat spellbooks I wouldn’t mind trying. Unicorn magic was something I had never really experimented around with, and it would at least give me something to do while I waited around. They certainly had books at the castle, but they were likely a little beyond my capabilities. There were a few other ponies in with us looking through the shelves, though most tried to stay clear of the aisle I was in. I read the spines of the book as I walked along the aisle, tilting my head to read them. Spells and Incantations for Dummies. Enchanting for the Beginner. Four Tricks to Casting. Advanced Telekinesis and Teleporting. That one sounded a little beyond me. Foal’s First Spell. Amethyst... Wait, what? There was a piece of folded paper was tucked between two books with my name written on it. Sure, I guess it could be about the actual quartz, but somehow I doubt that. I glanced around to make sure no one was watching and pulled it out and opened it up. 235 Blue Row. Come tonight. -Starlight An address? From Ocean Wind? How had he known I would be here? Unless... I quickly trotted to the end of the aisle to see the hindquarters of someone who looked like Starlight, or someone with her cutie mark, disappearing out the door. She must have dyed her tail or something, because it was purple. I wish the note had been a little more descriptive, because it left a lot to be desired. I folded the note back up and tucked it into a book I had been eying. I’d have to figure out how to slip away tonight. Marmalade was still looking over a book when I walked up behind her. “Ready to go? Cadence will probably want me to talk to her sooner than later.” She looked, then back down at her book. “Ok, let me just me put this book back.” “Just buy it, alright? I’m getting a book?” I showed her the spine. “See?” “I don’t need it though.” I pulled the book from her grasp. “For masters’ sake, I’ll get it then.” Though I paid for the books, I felt a little bad pulling her away from the store. There was still time aplenty before we had to be back at the castle. I just wanted to get the meeting with Chrysalis over with quickly. It would give Cadence more time to prepare, but more importantly, it would give me more time to find 235 Blue Row.