A former fortress, made into an airship-port, and now converted into a convention center for all the world nations, the Castle of Steeds was built on a mountain like Canterlot. The fortification had escaped destruction in the Equestrian Civil War by having been allied with Celestia. Unlike Canterlot Castle, it was never upgraded to repel cannon fire, and its aging walls were for show. Twilight gleamed such details from the tiny guide book she bought. Walking through the wings of the airship-port terminals, she marveled at the old stone work to their left and new giant glass window to their right.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Rarity’s whine. “Darling, why ever did you drag me along?”
“Rarity, I need your negotiation skills. You managed to talk Diamond Dogs down.”
“Twilight, you think I’ll be of any use?”
Twilight had overcome a great degree of her social anxiety, but like Fluttershy’s namesake, shyness wasn’t a problem to be solved in a day. Her natural bookish disposition to her own lament meant she would fight it for the rest of her life. “Of course, I read some books like Meeting Ponies, but I’m not naturally social like you.”
She waved a hoof as if to shoo away her embarrassment. “Well I’m flattered; I’ll try my best to help you, dear.”
Twilight nudged Rarity slightly with a wink. “Spike will be there too.”
“Oh right, Spikey’s an ambassador.” said Rarity. “I wouldn’t want to distract him from his job.”
Twilight reassured Rarity. “You’ll calm his nerves. We’re more support than anything else. Luna wants me to learn, until then I’ll just be another smiling face.”
Rarity became unexpectedly bitter. “If there’s anything I learned from high society it is that they’re all smiling faces.”
They passed a newspaper stand. The front pages of several major publications had different pictures. Several had depictions of the assassins and others had scandalous faux images of Spike and Luna.
Twilight sighed. “The assassination attempt or Luna dating Spike, the newspapers are unsure what is the bigger headline.”
“You would not believe! I saw a terrible tabloid about Spike and Luna. I’m surprised even a Princess is fodder for their brand of journalism.”
Twilight sighed. “They wrote some mean things too about me how I’m ‘Princess Wait and See’. I’m still in training!”
Outside the council chamber door, Luna answered some reporter inquiries. Captain Nightshade and Fancy Pants kept the flock back from shoving their microphones into Luna’s face.
A reporter with a bowler hat asked. “Due to the recent assassination attempt, are you concerned for your life?”
Luna responded. “Security matters of the Peace Summit will be discussed in the meeting today. Thou shall have to wait for the press release.”
Another reporter asked. “EQD News would like to know how the Peace Summit will go? Does your association with a dragon mean you’ll favor their side in negotiations?”
“Sir Spike is a knighted ambassador of our nation, regardless of race. Mine personal life is my own.”
A smarmy reporter shoved herself to the front. “Equestria for Equines is concerned over allegations of your illicit affair with the reptile.”
Fancy Pants whinnied in disgust. “Equestria for Equines is a racist publication!”
The smarmy reporter persisted. “The ponies of our nation have a right to know if their Princess is a perverted deviant monarch styled after Mare Antoinette!”
Nightshade pushed the reporter back. “You have your answer! Press for more and I’ll give you my lance tip first!”
The smarmy reporter cried out to his peers. “Help! I’m being suppressed!”
Another couple of reporters in the crowd murmured in agreement. “Yeah, freedom of the press!”
More reporters pushed and shoved to get answers from Luna.
Luna held back her anger instead she exploded orders. “Captains, CROWD CONTROL!” She turned for the door in disgust.
“Back away!” Nightshade hissed and pushed back the flock. A flurry of photography blinded her. She smacked a reporter with the blunt side of her lance.
A tabloid reporter shouted to his camera pony as Luna left through the closing door. “Get a picture of the Princess’s hindquarters! That’s the billion bits photo!”
“I say, we won’t be having that now.” Fancy Pants sparked his lightning magic and caused the cameras to explode.
Several angry reporters accosted Fancy Pants. “You owe us new cameras!”
Fancy Pants smiled smugly. “Photography of the Council Chambers is expressly forbidden.”
Rarity was fuming at the reporters she huffed. “Those horrid ruffians! They’re just big bullies!”
Twilight couldn’t stop her as Rarity walked towards the reporters still beating at the doors.
She shouted to be heard over their inane questions. “You ingrates! What’s wrong with loving someone of a different race?!”
Rarity’s outburst had silenced the reporters for a moment.
The Equestria for Equines reporter scoffed. “Interracial relations are an affront to nature. Dragons are monsters! They eat ponies!”
“Not Spikey! You all judge him without knowing or caring what he goes through!”
The reporter shouted back. “If the Dragons conquer Equestria, we’ll all be slaves or squealing livestock!”
Twilight joined into the debate. “We aren’t at war with the dragons. That’s the purpose of the Peace Summit. That’s sort of rhetoric is counterproductive.”
“Princess Twilight is a dragon sympathizer!”
Another reporter shoved a microphone in Twilight’s face. “Can we quote you that ‘you favor a dragon ruled Equestria’?”
“Do you condone the policy of appeasement!?”
“That’s not what I said.” Twilight backed away as the reporters swamped her.
“You leave her alone! You big bullies!” Rarity tried to push the reporters back to no avail.
Nightshade and Fancy Pants jumped into the fray.
Fancy Pants cleared his throat and turned toward Nightshade. “Could you kindly use your—”
“Gladly.” Nightshade deployed her leather wings and flashed her fangs. Her crimson eyes became aglow. “Eyes of Fear!”
The mob became transfixed by Nightshade’s glare. Some started cowering away.
Fancy Pant used his horn to darken the hallway and summon some lightning effects.
The reporters retreated and then broke into a full run when a bolt of lightning cracked through the air.
Where the Equestria for Equines reporter had stood there was now a watery puddle. Everypony recoiled at the new definition of ‘yellow journalism’.
“Ewww!” said Rarity and Twilight as they stepped away from the puddle.
Nightshade retracted her wings and lowered her stance. She spat at the corner the reporters disappeared off to. “Cowards are easily cowed. A millennia ago such impudence would be punishable by death.”
Twilight turned to Nightshade. “What was that? Bat pony magic?”
Nightshade cuffed her hoof over her mouth hiding her still extended fangs. “Mild mind control.” said Nightshade, hesitantly.
“Thank you all every so much for repelling those ruffians away,” said Rarity.
“I say it was our pleasure,” Fancy Pant smiled widely. “We certainly couldn’t leave such an outspoken lady undefended.”
“Argh!” Twilight rubbed her forehead. “I never knew the press could be so frustrating.”
Fancy Pants bowed. “Princess Twilight, I beg your pardon but where is your personal guard?”
“Huh?”
“Typically a Princess has a companion captain to guard her life. Her majesty mailed you a roster of appropriate officers last week.”
Twilight blushed. “Companion captain sounds intimate… I’m not sure I can find someone like my brother Shining Armor was to Cadance.”
Nightshade nodded. “It takes time to build such a bond and it’s hard to find someone to even begin with; however, do not take too long. A squad of my guards can shadow you safely until then.”
“Thank you again,” Twilight said, smiling.
Rarity leaned in and tapped Fancy Pants’ plate armor. “Sir Fancy Pants is it? I don’t believe I’ve been introduced to this side of you.”
“Yes milady, I am and have always been a knight. My high society self was simply a persona I enjoyed playing as. I had hoped for a quiet retirement but just as I thought I was out they pull me back in.”
Rarity nodded. “I’m glad the crown has someone such as yourself under their employ.”
Twilight levitated some a large stack of notes. “Have you both seen Spike? I’ve been reading some books about the Griffin Kingdoms. He has personal experience so I was wondering whether some of my info is outdated.”
Rarity asked. “Yes, where is Spikey?”
Spike had seen the scene unfold. He was glad to have friends fight for him.
“Right here.” Spike waved a claw and revealed himself from behind a pillar. “I saw you guys fighting those reporters, thank you. I was going to pop in and say something, but you sort of took the words from my mouth.”
“Spike, you said you weren’t a social movement but we’re going to begin one. We’re not going to let casual racism stand.” Rarity spoke with fiery passion in her voice.
Spike felt a protective urge when he noticed Rarity. “Rarity, I’m sorry… but what are you doing here, though?”
Rarity batted her eyelashes. “You didn’t want to see me, Spikey?”
Spike blushed under Rarity’s charms. He suspected with such an affect Rarity wasn’t completely out of place.
Twilight interjected. “I’m new to diplomacy; I thought Rarity, of all ponies, could help me. I’m very nervous. I’m supposed to represent Equestria.”
Spike grinned and preempted Twilight’s panic attack by placing a claw on her shoulder. “It’s actually very boring. Trust me, it’s not as hard as you think. I mostly spent my time as ambassador just goofing off.”
Fancy Pants chuckled. “The lad is right; also you don’t want it to get exciting either.”
Rarity added with a sour tone tempered by her own experiences. “I thought it was a high society party with false smiles and backroom deals.”
Nightshade gave a wry smile. “She gets it.”
Spike sighed. “Yeah, that’s the hard truth.”
Nightshade pointed a hoof at the door. “Let us speak of this later. The security conference is about to begin, and we must find our seats.”
“The warm up before the game?” asked Spike.
Nightshade nodded.
As they entered Nightguards shuffled out and formed a defensive perimeter around the door.
The tables were set in concentric circles; Luna held the center on her podium as her ponies took their seat. Various Royal Guard divisions found their appropriate positions. The Wonderbolts in their blue flight suits took their spot in the left wing following a Captain with a multi-hued mane. The regular Royal Guard army held the right wing in their gilded armor spearheaded by a Captain with a blue coat. Robed and lightly armored soldiers of the Mages’ Corp stood on Luna’s left alongside with Fancy Pants. Luna’s elite Nightguards regaled in ebony armor took up her right with Nightshade heading.
Luna tapped her thick manila folder onto her podium as a light signal for attention. “Hark, the Peace Summit is but mere hours away. Soon all the world’s eyes shall be upon our fair Equestria. For many months now, we hath enacted measure after measure of security. Yet in recent light we cannot exclude the possibility that any of the attendants are our enemy. Even our own may fall prey to the enemy’s control. Let us summarize our plans of action.”
Fancy Pants spoke. “The Mages’ Corp is on high alert for mind control. The units stationed here were formerly in the Changeling inquisition search. Our boys will ferret out any mind puppets. Anyone showing the empty headed signs of possession shall be immediately suspect.”
Luna smiled. “Ah, pay special heed thine mages to not collar the reporters.”
There were some light laughs interspersed amongst the ranks.
Luna flipped her folder to the next file. There were specifications for Griffin armaments with pictures of black spheres. “Griffin Grenadiers: their bombs may spell trouble.”
Captain Rainbow Dash smiled as she answered. “My Wonderbolts will be able to take them out of the sky before they can even dive bomb. They take an average of ten seconds to light their grenades. I bet we could beat that time in seven seconds flat. ”
Luna nodded. “Captain Dash, we have no doubt of thy aerial prowess. We may count on thine ability.”
She flipped to a page detailing Zebra warriors. There was a paper clipped note with a picture of purple potion. “Zebra Zerkers: they drink brews that numb their pain in battle.”
An Earth Pony Captain with a blue coat and mane spoke with a southern drawl compounded by the face she was chewing gum. “Our Earth Pony infantry bi’n taught to go fe’r da killing strikes. Their anatomy lessons should’ve taken hold by now. If they ain’t learned by now I’ll be bucked til Tuesday.”
Several Captains coughed at the crude reference.
“Thank you, Captain Frost. As always we appreciate thy candor.” Luna continued, flipping to a page concerning dragons. Photos of the giant crimson dragon were paper clipped on. “Lord Firestorm and lesser dragon lords to attend are not much of a threat. However, Lord Aldred is a real concern.”
Nightshade replied from the wing filled with her fellow bat ponies. “We have our two cloud carriers circling the Summit site. We can at least hold him off until we call for reinforcements. Your elite guard will not fail.”
“Indeed, the dragons are wiser than to test our airships’ cannonry.” Luna flipped to another page and issue. “Next, onto the matter of guard positions and rotations for the week’s duration for security reason the postings thou hath been given were false. We shall hence forth set the new patrols and time tables…”
Rarity and Spike exited the Security Conference with a sigh of relief. Hours of talk, paperwork and projector presentations left them with stiff limbs, tired eyes, a lusting for caffeine, and choking for fresh air. Walking out of the grand doors the sunlight that pour through windows blinded them. They, along with many ponies, shuffled, out eager to exercise.
Spike stretched his wings. “Not so hard was it? I told you.”
Rarity paced about to confirm her legs still work. “Spikey, you were right, that was positively boring.”
Spike cuffed his mouth with his claws as he yawned. “Yup, that’s the gist of it. The Peace Summit is going to be a whole week meeting after today’s greeting day.”
Twilight was a perky as ever. “That wasn’t so bad. I learned a lot about the inter-service rivalries and relations. It felt like a school lecture.”
“Exactly! I hate lectures! Totally not my learning style!” said a voice behind them. “Geez, I thought I was going to keel over in boredom!”
Cutting in between them was the feisty Captain of the Wonderbolts. She had a teal coat and wore a darker blue dress uniform with flight goggles dangling around her neck.
“Rainbow!”
“Heh,” Rainbow Dash smiled. “Wassup guys? Sorry I wasn’t able to say hi before things began. I had to tie up loose ends.”
“We hardly see you now you’re the Wonderbolt Captain,” said Spike.
“Yeah that’s a real bummer, but I got my hooves full whipping the newbs into shape. Once things calm down and I got some competent officers trained up, I should be back. I’m changing the culture around here. We’re going to value team work a lot more now.”
An orange coated and purple mane Wonderbolt ran over and whispered into Rainbow’s ear.
“Ugh! Seriously?” Rainbow Dash groaned. “I gotta go guys, apparently the 13th squadron brought practice lances to the real deal. The Wonderbolt’s aren’t all acrobatics! This isn’t a game.”
Rainbow growled to psyche herself up. “Time to put on my game face. It’s angry drill sergeant time!”
Rainbow put on her flight goggles and flew off with her lieutenant.
Spike nudged Twilight with his elbow. “Once Rainbow passes her busy period… maybe she could be your Companion Captain?”
Twilight blushed. “Spike!”
She then glanced over her shoulder and hushed her voice. “You think she’d accept?”
“Definitely, darling. You should go ask her now.” said Rarity.
“You’re right! I’m going!” Twilight flapped her wings flying off. “Rarity, I’ll see you back in the hotel room!”
“Twilight, do be a dear and hang my hat on our door if you and Rainbow need some private time!” Rarity kept a gentle smile that would have been the masquerade ball mask.
“Rarity?!” Twilight shouted back.
Spike and Rarity giggled at the dip in Twilight’s flight pattern.
“So romantic!” Rarity laughed. “Twilight simply has to relax a little.”
“She’s always been high strung.” Spike grinned as he recalled her sister’s various freak outs over the minute details. “You two are rooming together?”
“Twilight and I thought we could bring back memories of our sleepover parties.”
Spike smiled, those were good times.
Spike was left with Rarity as Twilight disappeared after Rainbow. There was a tiny awkward moment as Spike scratched his head spines while Rarity touched her hooves.
Spike broke the silence first. “I think there’s a dining area in the airship-port terminal, you wanna check it out?”
“Absolutely!” said Rarity.
After ordering some coffee and some cakes, Rarity and Spike sat at the comfy couches provided. They sprawled themselves out and thoroughly stretched their limbs. Rarity and Spike laid down on their backs, head to head. They stared at the passing clouds through the glass ceiling of the airship-port terminal.
“Oh look at you my Spikey Wikey. You look ever so much like a dashing gentle drake. I could just eat you up!” Rarity rolled over and admired Spike wearing his suit with his saber hanging from his side.
Spike laid his head back and wiggled in his clothes. “I’m loving this suit you made. It’s so comfy.”
“You remind me of Opalescence with a new sweater!”
Rarity’s cat was a mean creature; age did not make it much friendlier. One time he accidentally stepped on the feline’s tail while working with Rarity and was nearly scratched to death. Spike was glad he had scales thicker than fur. “Rarity, how do you get Opal to wear those sweaters without her biting and scratching you?”
“Whatever do you mean Spikey? Opalescence is the kindest cat I know!”
“She’s got tiger blood or something.”
Rarity flipped onto her back again and joined Spike’s cloud gazing. “Oh Spikey, I wish we could bring back those days with just you and me working side by side at the boutique.”
Spike did not nod. “No, those days were torture for me; being besides you… knowing you didn’t even see me.”
Rarity shook her head. “That’s not fair.”
“Why then the string of hobby horses, Charmless Princes, and various flavors of the week? It killed me inside watching you chase them... At the end when things didn’t turn out like you liked…every time I had pick up the pieces.”
“Spike, you were just a baby dragon back then!”
“What about when I was your size? You just continued all the same.”
Rarity’s face scrunched up as she let his words hit her. “Yes, I was foolish but Spike… you don’t know. I’ve looked at you for quite some time now not just your outside but inside. Everything I know goes back to that night… I failed you. I let the outside get to me. I shall always be sorry for that. I want to formally ask for your forgiveness.”
“Rarity, I forgive you… it’s just my scales, teeth, and claws are part of me too.”
“I know, darling. I know. I wouldn’t change a thing, not now.” Rarity continued. “Maybe a slight trim on the claws… those could do some serious damage to a lady in the throes of passion.”
Spike coughed as lewd crept into his head. “Rarity!”
Rarity giggled. “Oh Spikey, you’re too easy!”
Spike and Rarity were interrupted by a disturbance at the restaurant counter. They recognized the odd Griffin and Zebra couple.
The Griffin pounded his claws on the counter. “Bloody Helhiem, no meat on the menu?”
The Zebra mare pulled the Griffin away from the frightened sales-pony. “Reagle, this is a pony establishment.”
“Zaza, I know but confound it they’d know they’d be receiving us. You’d expect some basic accommodations. I’m taking points off.”
Zaza smiled. “I am glad though that they don’t have kippers and sardines. I always have to wash the taste out after kissing your big beak.”
“You know you like it,” said the Griffin.
Zaza blushed.
Reagle continued his tirade. “I swear by Odin’s beak, a Griffin can’t live off veg.”
“We could have gotten you some good game on the way here if you didn’t tip off that yellow Pegasus that you were buying supper instead of a pet.”
Reagle rubbed his beak, “The lass sang us a song and everything. It didn’t feel right not telling her.”
“Then don’t complain,” said Zaza.
“These Equestrians are daft lot, food is food. Must everything be a pet? I swear they’ll be making pets of rocks next.” Reagle sighed. “I guess it’s canned rations again.”
“Yoohoo.” Rarity waved a hoof at the pair.
Spike said, as he followed her. “You know Reagle and Zaza?”
“They gave me some good advice.”
Spike remembered hearing how Rarity had met them journeying to Zecora’s hut.
Zaza gave an acknowledging nod. “Lady Rarity and Ambassador Spike, again it is a pleasure. I see you’ve made amends.”
Spike noticed how close he was standing next to Rarity. He back away slightly. Rarity noticed too and her face winced with slight hurt. Spike confessed. “We’re working on it.”
Rarity rubbed the crimson cloak of the Griffin. “Darling, we simply must get you a better cloak.”
Reagle chirped hesitantly. “Aha, good to see you two... umm too.”
“Same here,” said Spike, perplexed by the Griffin’s tone. “Early for the Peace Summit huh?”
Reagle replied with a cynical chortle. “Heh, I think the only peace to be had is a piece of your fine country. In the talks to follow, we’ll be mostly arguing the details.”
Zaza whinnied harshly. “Reagle!” The Zebra mare shoved a hoof at Reagle’s side.
“Oww! What?” The Griffin shrugged with open claws. “I hate politics. I hate all ticks in general.”
Spike was equally cross as Zaza. “I saved your life. I thought we were friends.”
“That we are, however, it’s best you don’t consider any of us friends for this little gathering. The only reason I’m telling you this is because we’re friends and that you saved my life.”
The crazy logic made sad sense to Spike. He internally thanked the Griffin for his honesty in all its brutality. Reagle Hawkmor, alongside his adoptive brother Shining Armor, was another role model he ascribed to match.
Rarity was more cautious and skeptical. “Aren’t you the Griffin King? Isn’t peace your responsibility?”
Reagle scratched his head plumage. “It’s different in the Griffin Isles. We’re called the ‘United’ Griffin Kingdoms but it’s coalition of private principalities driven by self-interest. I can’t control the Griffin houses if they all call for war.”
Zaza sighed. “Reagle’s right… the Zebra Confederation is much the same. Different tribes vie for dominance though we speak with one voice. Ours is a choir and certain voices are louder.”
Rarity asked. “Can’t you both try for peace?”
“That we’ll try,” Reagle said, smiling.
Zaza bowed. “Getting our hopes up for the summit, I suppose the least we can do is to consider peace.”
Rarity asked. “The delegation from the Griffin Isles and Zebrika are the same?”
Spike nodded. He recalled what he wrote in his report to Luna. “The lethal combination of their alliance defeated Prance and Naponean; the Griffin flyers rule the skies, the Zebra infantry legions conquer the ground. They hire mercenaries for magic.”
“That’s sort of what Equestria has with Pegasi, Unicorn, and Earth ponies, isn’t it?” Rarity smiled. “A Griffin and Zebra together though, isn’t that a crazy love story?”
Spike playfully pulled Rarity close with a single arm. “Well, I heard a story just as crazy. It’s about a pony and a dragon.”
“Darling, do tell me how it goes.” Rarity closing in with her breath tickling his neck.
Rarity and Spike were interrupted as Luna stepped forward. She held her head high, her face stoic.
“Luna,” said Spike in surprise.
Luna was all business in tone and gesture. “Sir Spike, thou asked to be privy to mine secrets, follow me.”
Rarity picked up on Luna’s professionalism. “Spikey go; I know when duty calls.”
Luna took Spike to a control tower of the airship-port. It was emptied in advance of them. There was a clear view of the old castle and its new additions through the glass walls.
“Okay, Luna, what’s up?” Spike asked.
Luna took a breath before speaking. “This Peace Summit is a farce. Tis most likely we will be picking our allies for coming conflict rather than avert war. Regardless of the diplomatic repercussions; we are tempted to attack our enemies should they reveal themselves during these proceedings. In the trappings of this fortress, our foes can be quickly dispatched.”
Spike was reminded of Luna’s combat style. In her duel with Amorpheus, she went for the throat first. “You’re not the princess of pragmatism; how about we try to make peace before we start slinging arrows and cannonballs?”
“Sir Spike, this is ‘realpolitik’, idealism shall not serve us. In thine role as ambassador thou hast made friends with many leaders, however, these leaders are subject to the nations they command. Should war be to their benefit, they will war.”
Spike gritted his teeth. “Okay then what’s the game plan?”
“We intend leverage the Griffins and Zebras against the Dragon Dominion whilst presenting an outward face for peace with both. In the last hours, if the peace breaks, we will war against the Dragons. Dost thou have questions?”
“No, I see that as the most logical conclusion. I’ve been to Dragon Dominion; they’re not who we want to ally with. I’ve also seen how the Griffins and Zebras treat subjugated lands… it’s only a little better.”
“Tis the lesser of poisons we pick. To the cause of Peace, we wish thee to discretely albeit seemingly unintentionally, to reveal that the Griffins are ready to commit 30 fully operational War Wings. Drop the dragons this information.”
Spike recalled his worldwide tour, Luna had ordered he secretly gather details concerning each of the countries he visited. He remembered seeing a massive map where the Griffins had posted their War Wing airships. “The Griffins use three-fifths of their War Wing fleet for internal security and maintenance of their vast territorial claims.”
“Indeed, however, our spies tell us that the Dragons have no knowledge of this.”
“I see it would make them real reluctant to fight.”
“In the meanwhile we will convene with the legendarily lecherous Griffin King. Using mine feminine wiles, we will convince him that Dragons are more numerous than they have estimated.”
Spike chuckled. “Luna, you certainly have feminine wiles.”
Luna playfully swatted her hoof at him. “Down, Sir Spike.”
“Woof woof,” said Spike.
The two shared a light laugh to diffuse the tension in the air.
Spike sighed. “I don’t like lying… but your plan is sound.”
Luna became serious in tone again. “Whilst thou may question mine motives in private, should thee undertake to undermine us in public, then we shall consider it treason. Dost understand?”
“Politics is about wearing masks while lying through our teeth.” Spike grit his own teeth and lowered his voice to a growl. “I get it. I just don’t like it.”
“Sir Spike, we wish thee would not speak of what we do in such a manner. Thou must accept the necessity of our role.”
He blurted. “Luna, if you’re so into ‘realpolitik’ why are we together?”
Luna looked lost. “How dost thou mean?”
“Let’s face it, I’m a dragon. There’s tons of rumors circulating that you’ll favor the Dragon Dominion in negotiations because our association. You’re risking much more by being with me. Why?”
“I love thee.” Luna said softly and simply.
Spike took pause.
Luna continued. “If thou ask of it, I shall reveal our relationship unto public. I care not what follows.”
Spike’s heart swelled. Luna was willing like Rarity to sacrifice her public image for him. It sparked a sense of guilt and happiness at the same time. He couldn’t ask her to make their relationship public.
“Luna...” Spike scratched his muzzle. “I love you, too, but I don’t want to be an undue burden. Telling me is enough. Also, thanks for talking to me about all this.”
Beyond the airship-port terminal was the proper castle. Luna and everyone stood in the grand foyer to greet the guests. Food and refreshments were laid out to engender a casual atmosphere; however, there was an underlying tension along with the air of pretense. Spike saw Luna had put her unmoving facial mask like a fine layer of Rarity’s makeup. Standing beside her, he decided to don his own, although with a friendlier slant.
A pony guard crier called for attention. “Hear ye! Hear ye! The Peace Summit shall now convene!”
He pulled out a scroll and began reading from it. “From the Griffin Kingdoms, King Reagle Hawkmor, the Whirlwind, and his Queen Zaza Zakar, Death Stripes.”
The Griffin King and his strange choice of Queen entered along with an entourage of other Griffin nobles. The couple gave a light bow to Luna.
The crier asked aloud as he looked at his list while scratching his mane. “If Zaza isn’t the Zebra leader, who is?”
Zaza strolled over to the crier and whispered in his ear. She took a quill from her saddle pouch and wrote a new name.
The crier continued. “From the Zebra Tribal Confederation, the newly appointed Chief of Chieftains, The Wizened—” The crier read the unfamiliar and unplanned name. “Zecora?”
Zecora was attended by a dozen Zebra dignitaries and scores of warriors as she walked to Luna. She gave a light bow as well. “My father has passed on. I now lead the Zebra Tribal Confederation. Princess Luna, I am glad to greet you formally.”
“Chief Zecora, we recall seeing thee at the Nightmare Night festival.” Luna smiled with a skeptical brow raised. “Were thou spying on our beloved Equestria all this time?”
Zecora shook her head. “I have lived for many years in your country. I did not mean to beguile. It was a while that I was in uncertain state of exile.”
Spike should have realized Zecora’s significance when he saw her at Everfree aboard the Zebra warship. The shaman sage’s reclusiveness and living location in the dangerous forest were her own choices of necessity. Even when she first entered Ponyville shrouded in a cloak made more sense now. “Wow, Zecora when were you going to drop this one on us?”
Zecora sighed. “Spike, if my people did not ask for my return, I would have died with my identity. My secret was for everypony’s safety.”
Luna nodded. “Zebrika has been torn asunder by conflict for a generation. We hope thy new appointment may alleviate thy country’s ills.”
“I shall fight for peace within my nation and that of our relation; peace is my mission.”
The crier announced the next guest. “The Leaders of the Changeling Kingdom regrettably cannot attend due to their ongoing war with the Prench. In their stead is the Changeling Ambassador, Captain Husk, Warrior Caste Command Class.”
A taller winged Changeling walked through the grand doorway accompanied by squad of soldier caste Changelings. One of them licked her lips at some of the pony guards.
Husk turned to reprimand the Changeling. “Feed on them, and you’ll eat my hoof.”
The intimidated Changeling walked to the end of the line.
The other ambassadors in foyer expressed disgust and some fear of the insect like ponies. Luna strode to greet them without so much as blinking.
Husk walked forward and bowed. “Princess Luna—”
Luna ignored Husk. “Mine eyes see through thee. The left member of your array is not Warrior Caste.”
The Changeling in question sighed. In emerald flames she revealed herself to be smaller than the soldiers.
Spike recognized her as the Changeling that flirted with him and Rarity in dream space.
The Changeling was undaunted by Luna’s gaze. “I’m Tibia; mommy called me that because before my growth spurt I was only so tall.” The Changeling raised her hoof to demonstrate. Her innocent tone was mixture of mischief and genuine naivety.
Husk bowed. “Forgive us. This was not planned.” He shot a scolding look at the littlest Changeling.
Luna chuckled and arched her neck to stare the Changeling in the eye. “Thou art the cutest Harbinger of the Swarm mine eyes have ever set upon. We shall permit thee entry so long as thou art attended and do not make meals of others.”
Tibia chirped like a cricket. “I’ll behave!”
“Thank you, Princess.” Husk escorted his tiny charge away.
“Changelings, huh?” Spike shrugged.
“Their previous daring daylight invasion of Canterlot counted upon mine absence. Had they attempted to invade during the night we might have spotted them.”
“They have the perfect masks for politics. I mean, they can literally change their faces,” said Spike.
Luna nodded. “Tis why we forbade them transforming on the Peace Summit grounds. Without their magic, their intentions are more easily read.”
Several posh blue suited ponies entered the foyer. The leader of the group shoved a piece of parchment into the face of the crier.
The crier turned to Luna. “The Prench Empire, I mean the Republic, has an envoy with the following message. The First Consul Lord Imperator Naponean refuses to attend a Peace Summit until the United Griffin Kingdoms acknowledge him as their lord, the Zebra Confederation is to send a tribute of a thousand slaves if they desire peace, the Changeling Kingdom is to unconditionally surrender—”
The various Ambassadors sneered disdainfully; Griffins placed their claws on their sword handles, the Zebras pointed their spears at the Prench dignitaries, and the Changelings hissed with their horns sparking with the beginnings of offensive spells.
“Furthermore Princes Luna is to—” The crier coughed. “—bow before him while wearing a—”
Fancy Pants levitated the parchment from the crier before he could continue.
A Prench dignitary spoke with an upturned nose. “Your patsy is not done reading our Emperor’s decree.”
Luna blasted her voice. “That is enough! Begone from mine sight!”
The posh Prench dignitaries huffed. “Mademoiselle, we are still to negotiate terms. Shall you wear the pink tutu or the—”
“We shall hear no more profanities from your so called Emperor Naponean! We would not permit him to come even if he deigned to darken our halls with his presence. Extending an invitation to this Peace Summit was a courtesy. Clearly, this choice of action is a declaration of war!”
The lead Prench dignitary recovered from Luna’s voice blast. “Your invitation is fit only to spit upon. Our Emperor Naponean is most dissatisfied by your country’s ‘claimed’ neutrality. While we do not war in the open, your embargos and alliances with Prance’s enemies are effectively the same. If you wish to declare war, Naponean gladly accepts. Your continent shall be the next he conquers.”
Luna calmed herself. “Convey my words exactly as we speak them. We shall not honor him by acknowledging his illegitimate state with war. The embargos shall continue. Nay be doubled! Any further insult, and we shall test our new airships upon Prance.”
The Prench dignitaries were effectively pressed out of the foyer with Luna’s guards at Fancy Pants’ lead. Nightshade kicked the door close as spanking the last two of the Prench ambassadors on their rear.
Fancy Pants fixed the collar to his armor suit. “I fought their so-called Emperor Naponean during the first war. At his defeat, the fools exiled him while they should have executed that rat. My honor be damned, I should have killed the cur.”
Luna nodded. “We would concur, Sir Fancy Pants.”
Fancy Pants groaned. “I hate the Prench.”
A statuesque white unicorn sashayed forwards. “My Husband, shall I remind you I am Prench!”
“Fleur Di Lis?!” Fancy Pant’s jaw fell open.
Fleur spoke passionately, letting her voice fill the foyer. “I beg of you all! Do not confused Naponean with Prance! Naponean is a despot though he rules the country he does not represent our beloved land. The Prench Resistance is currently fighting for freedom as we so speak! Let not my compatriots’ blood be spilled in vain!”
Fleur lowered her head and did a body bow to Luna. “Great Princess of Equestria and mistress of the moon, please do not tighten the embargo. The Prench citizenry suffer greatly when grain is in short supply.”
Luna shook her head sadly. “Naponean’s armies march upon their stomachs. We would not feed his legions with our surplus.”
Fleur pleaded. “When his armies are lacking, Naponean takes from the people anyway.”
“Very well,” Luna said. “We shall not tighten the grain embargo but luxury import and export goods shall incur triple their tariff.”
Nightshade examined Fleur. “How did you get into this chamber? You’re not on the list.”
Fleur began to sweat as Nightshade directed her lance at her.
Fancy Pants turned to Luna. “My wife, please forgive her… she must have just been eager to see me.”
Luna turned to Fleur. “Thou art the leader the Prench Resistance, though thou resides in Equestria, we are aware of thy activities overseas.”
Fancy Pants looked to his wife with demanding eyes. “I thought you were retired!”
Fleur tapped her husband’s armor. “I thought you were too! Here you are moonlighting as Luna’s Captain.”
“It’s a security concern, she got through. Whatever her role is, she is to be detained.” said Nightshade. Bat pony guards pressed their lance tips to Fleur.
Spike suggested. “Maybe Fleur can be admitted as representative of Prance?”
Luna smiled. “It shall be. Fleur De Lis thy emblems are symbolic of Prench Heraldry, tis fitting. The nation of Equestria recognizes Fleur De Lis as the ambassador of true Prance.”
Fleur bowed. “Princess Luna, I am honored and true Prance thanks you. I was hoping we could discuss military aid for my Resistance fighters.”
Luna said. “There shall be time for that later. Thou hath risked much revealing thyself here. Be assured we will not betray thy confidence.”
“Honey, I think we need to talk.” Fancy Pants pulled his wife away as they bickered.
Spike sighed he recalled his history lesson with Twilight. Prance was nation with strong and long history before the Prench Revolution; the country’s imperial culture was the example of the world. The decadence though of the monarchs, especially Mare Antoinette inspired a bloody uprising and lead to the current military dictatorship. The turmoil made a diplomatic envoy impossible. “I never even visited Prance. I heard it was quite the sight.”
“Nor have we…” Luna looked sadly.
Spike raised a claw. “Maybe we could go one day when they’re free.”
“Nay, Sir Spike, even should Prance be free…. we shall never be. Mine duties demand we are chained to our seat of power…”
“Luna, I’m sure Equestria will still be standing if you left for a week. You need a vacation. Maybe you can delegate duties to Twilight when she get a hang of it.”
Luna whispered in his ear. “Sir Spike, I should love to go on a vacation with you.”
Spike’s wings deployed when she nibbled slightly. He tugged his collar as he heated up. Spike tried steering the line of discourse towards a more innocent avenue. “Maybe we could bring friends.”
“I said with you.” Luna kissed him on the lips.
Spike eyes shot open as Luna closed hers. The Princess had effectively declared her love for him on the world stage. Luna was indeed forever bold. The various ambassadors still in the foyer looked on with shock at the audacious act.
“Is the Princess kissing that dragon?” asked a Griffin whose beak was left hanging open.
The rigid Royal Guards themselves turned their heads. Spike was surprised that the statues didn’t turn their heads. He almost started kissing back when the crier interrupted them along with the rumors and murmurs in the crowd.
“Hailing from the Dragon Dominions, their Representative, Lord Firestorm, the Mountain Master.”
With his chest stuck out, Firestorm entered with a confident stride.
Luna quickly pulled back while winking to Spike before Firestorm could even notice.
Firestorm gave light bow to Luna. He pulled out a small scroll and read from it. “My Lord, father Aldred, shall communicate through the proxy pyromancy as his eminence’s presence is too great to appear physically.
Several lesser dragonlings brought forth a palanquin that bore a stack of fire wood.
Luna nodded. “Very well, we shall announce his arrival whenever you wish to light the flame.”
“My Lord father wishes that all attendees know that he will still be striking distance, should proceedings go awry.”
A Griffin ambassador cawed in protest drawing a ceremonial sword. “That is a threat!”
Another shrill cry came. “We will not be coerced!”
“A peace treaty signed under a sword is no treaty!” A Zebra neighed as well.
“Fear and fire is the realm of the Dragon Dominion, not here!” shouted a pony.
Reagle stepped in front of the Griffin who drew the sword. “Fool, sheath your blade lest you wish I draw mine.”
Reagle’s mere motion to draw his saber caused lesser Griffin lords to back down.
Zecora calmed the Zebras with a gentle nudge. “My tribe, we shall not break the peace today. We are better than to let empty threats sway.”
Firestorm continued reading from his scroll albeit hesitantly. “My father also wishes to state it is a promise not a threat and that all dread the dread dragon: Aldred, He Who Swallows the Sky, Supreme Leader of the Dragon Dominion, Conqueror of the Ice Wyverns—”
Spike interceded. “Garble, maybe it’s best you tone down your dad’s rhetoric.”
Firestorm snorted a small plume of fire. “I’m Lord Firestorm.”
Luna shot the red dragon an intimidating glare. She flashed her fangs for extra emphasis. “Lest ye be ready to fight a combined coalition, we would suggest thou listen to Sir Spike.”
Firestorm nodded nervously and rolled back up his scroll. He whispered to Spike. “My dad expects a lot.”
“You’re your own dragon; you don’t have to follow the pattern of the past,” said Spike.
Firestorm gave a reserve nod. “Sometimes, I don’t know.”
The rest of the arriving ambassadors were uneventfully announced and greeted by Luna. Minor and weaker nations produced only a single diplomat that warranted little to no introduction. The Ibex Empire produced a sickly old goat that more or so represented the state of their leadership. The ambassador of the Buffalo was large but held little charge, pony encroachment on the frontier had all but extinguished his native nation. The last of the Diamond Dog ‘barbarian clans’ had a representative come with a hunched and diminished stance. The dog held his tail between his legs as he pleaded for mercy for his once proud people.
Luna’s ‘realpolitik’ rang true. Weaker nations bowed before the strong, whilst the strong struggled against one another on another playing field. Spike was impressed by Luna’s kindness as she still gave the small the same dignity due to larger nations. As the last diplomat introduced themselves, the sun was setting. The affair had left everyone exhausted, and it had only been the beginning of the week.
Spike rejected Rarity’s and Luna’s offer to stay the night in their respective rooms. He wished for time alone to think. Finding his hotel room attached to the airship-port terminal, he hung his suit and sword on a coat rack, promptly plopped onto his bed falling fast asleep.
In the morning Spike went to get some coffee at the airship-port cafe'. Many reporters wore hats; however, Spike spotted one with a familiar fedora. Reverberation of fear shook him to the spine. His frills extended and his breathing became terse and quick.
The gray stallion was sitting ever so casually in the rest area.
“You?!” Spike lunged and used his saber to flick the stallion’s hat upwards.
“H-how can I help you?” asked the stallion, his voice shaking.
The other reporters took noticed and gasped stopping in their tracks.
Spike relaxed when he saw that the stallion’s weak eyes had none of Amorpheus’ menace. He noticed how his own presence was frightening the poor pony. “I’m sorry; I thought you were someone else. Please, every-pony, go about your business. I’m sorry for the disturbance.”
The reporters went back to their coffees and lattes. Spike was surprised that they didn’t sensationalize his freak out. He supposed they weren’t fully awake yet without their coffee. Amorpheus, the undead emissary, still was a barb in his mind. The enemy had won yet withdrew; the message was fear, the echo of which still lingered.
A chill touched Spike’s shoulder as a cold hoof tapped it.
“That would be rather obvious, wouldn’t it?” Another voice spoke.
Spike slowly turned his head, his eyes widened to see his enemy. His foe wore a bowler hat and had different set of light brown fur; however the glowing red eyes were unmistakable.
Amorpheus traded back the bowler hat for his fedora. Spike saw that all the journalists had stopped their conversations and any sort of movement. In the reporters’ eyes were green glints.
“Have a seat.” Amorpheus levitated a seat out for Spike opposite him. He gave sinister smile.
Spike was still locked where he stood.
“I insist; I do ever hate hurting civilians, but if you call out I shall have no choice.”
Spike drew a chair. In his nervousness he almost sat on the floor. Opposite Amorpheus, he sneered at the dead revenant.
“You and I can never be threatened with our own lives. Ironic isn’t it?”
Spike growled. “What are you doing here? How did you get past security?”
Amorpheus chuckled. “I go where I please. Your mage security is fine for all but me.”
“How’d you change the color of your coat? Paint?”
“I am change itself. If you prefer gray—” With a flash of spell fire, Amorpheus turned his coat back to gray.
“You’re a Changeling.”
“I was once that… and many things. I was a husband, father, and soldier.”
“How many families will be torn apart if you disturb this peace conference? Countries will be at war.”
“Strange, that you should speak of family and country. Do you how I died? Most importantly why I died?”
Spike raised an eyebrow. He knew Amorpheus was revenant, if he revealed how he died Spike would know how to send him back.
“You’re on a rant, might as well go on.”
“I died because my love and loyalty to family and country came into conflict. Personal good and general good, what will you choose?” Amorpheus tried to sip his coffee, only for it to drain out of the semi sealed scar in his throat. Setting the coffee cup aside, he grimaced at the scar Luna had left.
“Having your coffee and drinking it too?” Spike quipped, shakily.
“You understand, then.”
“No, you haven’t said anything of value.”
“Your defenses are for naught. Last night your slumbering guards locked the doors to their rooms but left the doors to their minds open. You never suspected, but a reverse invasion of dream space is possible. At my command, those guards will turn this Peace Summit into a nadir of fear. The nations of the world will believe that Luna ordered the assassination of their leaders and ambassadors. All the worlds’ powers will then converge to destroy this little republic with righteous fury.”
Spike was sweating now. “Okay, why haven’t you done that yet?”
“Simple, while it serves our goals… it isn’t the best path forward.”
Spike hesitated to ask. “Wh-What do you want?”
Amorpheus passed his hoof over the table. In the shadow, a dagger formed. “I hear Luna has a special affection for you. I want you plunge this dagger into your Princess.”
“No bucking way, I’m not killing Luna!”
“Who said kill? That’s the exact opposite of what we want. My or should I say now our mutual master bids you stab her without killing her. I know you have the skill to do so.” Amorpheus gestured with his hooves at his own grin. “I want you smile as you do this. You must break her heart without stopping her physical one. Then you are free to flee the scene immediately and live out your days in exile…”
Amorpheus scratched his chin with a hoof. “I forgot you’re immortal. I imagine that will be a certain hell for you.”
“You’re sick.”
“They’re not my orders,” Amorpheus sighed, there was no malicious glee in his voice. “After you do this, you will be forever a fugitive. Are you willing to sacrifice yourself for your family and country? Can you hurt the one you love in order to save them?”
“This is crazy. I have no assurance that you’ll honor this.”
“I could set the plan into motion now. Anyhow, recall how I spared your life and the lives of those you held dear. I also dueled Luna one on one until your intervention forced my hoof. My honor is intact.”
“Okay.”
“Anyway, I will be watching.”
In flash of green fire, Amorpheus transformed into a perfect likeness of Fancy Pants. “I say, old sport; we have pressing engagement to get to.”
Spike recoiled in disgust. Amorpheus’ mannerism mocked the aristocratic knight he styled after. “You’re a monster.”
“Lad, is that anyway to speak to a Captain of her majesty?”
“No, sir…”
“Now put that dagger away, we wouldn’t want others to scream bloody murder?” Amorpheus started walking and waved for him to follow.
Spike took the dagger of darkness and shoved it into his tuxedo. The sinister task set upon him was cruel alone in concept.
Amorpheus had brought a nightmare into the waking world and now was guiding him deeper into his hell. Spike’s mind raced in a futile circle for solutions ranging from the impractical and impossible. He hoped for anything to save him from having to hurt her. Each step of his plodding feet brought him agonizingly closer to that point of breaking.