A Love For Madness

by ShadeJak


Meetings

“Boo!” Peachy shouted excitedly as she darted into the guest room after I’d opened the door as carefully as I could with my magic, prompting Alice and I to start laughing.

“Peachy...” Celestia muttered from within.

“Well, sounds like she's fine to me” Luna’s voice said from the guest room, likely through the skype video.

“Completly fine...” Celestia deadpanned.

“Oh... You look like you need a bath Luna,” I heard Peachy say.

“So I've been told”

“Let me guess…” Yellow magic engulfed the door knob and it swung open, exposing me and Alice to the ponies inside. “It seem we are being spied on,” Celestia remarked.

“Hey,” Alice said weakly, waving.

“...Heh, caught us,” I said, rubbing the back of my head sheepishly.

“How did you know?” the filly asked.

“Well I doubt you could be so quiet by yourself,” Luna replied.

“Hey!” Peachy cried out indignantly.

“Alice, Cadance please come in and meet Luna,” Celestia said, smirking at us. “Make no comment about the state of her mane though,” she added quietly.

“I heard that!” Luna protested, and as I got into view of the screen I could see what she meant; there was a distinct possibility her mane had been the battleground for an army of sugar-high weasels.

“Hello again, Luna!” I said with a smile, refraining from speaking my mind about the state of the other alicorn’s mane and gesturing to Alice, who waved shyly. “This is Alice, my friend I told you about.”

Luna nodded and smiled to my friend. “Well hello Alice.”

Alice laughed nervously when the alicorn’s attention was one her. “Hi... It's... an honor to meet you, Princess Luna,”

“I like your new look Cadance, it fits you well,” Celestia commented, taking note of the crown and neckpiece replicas I was now wearing and causing me to blush a little while Luna and Alice continued talking.

“No, the honor is mine. After all, you helped my n-niece when she needed it the most…” Luna seemed a little distracted, or distressed over something as she spoke, but her gratitude towards my friend seemed sincere enough.

“I-it was nothing,” Alice replied. “Anything for my best friend after all h-..she did for me when we were still in school. I'm just glad she's okay, now.”

Luna glanced over at Celestia and Peachy through the screen for a moment, over something, before returning her attention on Alice and smiling. “You know what? I think you're a pretty cool person; I like you.”

“Thanks. Must be a relief not to be dealing with the really creepy-obsessive fans of the show for a change, huh?” Alice asked. Admittedly, I could only imagine what the stranger fans would be like once they got wind of all that was happening, if they hadn’t already. It wasn’t like I’d really taken the time to surf the internet and find out but I was a little afraid of what I might come across.

“Well, I've uh, kind of been avoiding people,” Luna explained. “You're the first human I've talked to in a while.”

“I guess I can understand that,” Alice replied. “Your position I can only imagine how scary it'd feel.”

“Oh, that reminds me...” Peachy approached the screen and did her best puppy-dog eyes. “Could you help me with my flying once we are all back at my house?”

Regrettably, Celestia’s earlier claim about Luna’s apparent weakness for foals would be put on delay as the other alicorn seemed distracted by something when the filly made her attempt on her. “Uh, yeah, sure,” Luna muttered, looking the other way at something out of frame. “Once I actually get back to the house.”

“Hey, Luna? What's that Peachy's holding?” I asked suddenly, trying to fool Luna into looking at the filly while she was still putting on the big adorable eyes trick.

“I don't know—” Luna began, looking for a second, then returning her attention to whatever else she was occupied by then doing a rather comical double-take. “Well, that's new…”

I immediately laughed as Luna clearly now was having trouble looking away. “Taught her a new trick.” Alice remarked from beside me.

“More like reminded me how it worked,” Peachy said.

“It’s highly effective on all princesses so far,” Celestia said with a wink to her sister.

A second passed and Luna suddenly looked away again and disappeared out of frame, and a shudder was heard. Returning a few moments later, Luna looked at us again, wearing a rather forced smile. “Y-yes, it was rather adorable,” she said, attempting a larger smile.

“What is it Luna?” Peachy asked, confused while a look of worry came over Celestia’s face.

“N-nothing, I'm fine,” Luna said, attempting to keep a jolly demeanor like a child trying to keep their parents from finding out they’d flooded the bathroom.

“Luna...” Celestia began, getting only silence from her sister.

“You're a sucker for foals, too, aren't you?” I asked, hoping with some desperate optimism that maybe she was having trouble taking Peachy’s stare or some antics her sisters may have been causing with less capability then she needed.

“I don't think it's about foals,” Peachy said nervously.

“Don't worry about me Tia,” Luna said, sighing. “You have enough of your own problems to worry about other than your silly sister.”

“Oh no, don't even try. Last time I ignored you, we both know what happened,” Celestia warned.

“...Is everything okay?” Alice asked, genuinely worried, but Luna said nothing.

“Luna! Is something wrong over there?” I asked, more worried now.

“No, it's alright Cadance, just a couple p-problems. Nothing I can't take care of on my own,” Luna insisted, though I wasn’t entirely buying it, and I doubted anyone else in the room did, either.

“What happened to you after we each went our own way?” Celestia asked.

“…It'd be better if I didn't say,” Luna replied.

“It wouldn't. If anything, it would only make me worry more. Please little sister...” Celestia pleaded.

“Luna, I can't make your decision for you, but sometimes, it is better to let others help you when something's giving you problems then to bottle it and hope it goes away. Believe me, I know,” Alice insisted.

Luna looked downcast for a second. “I understand, truly I do, but, I'm just not ready to talk about that yet.”

“I understand,” Alice replied, likely disappointed Luna didn’t wish to share whatever was bugging her so much while I just glanced to the side, concerned as well but choosing not to press on it. Some people just needed time, I suppose. I just hoped it wasn’t anything extremely serious that could put someone’s life in danger.

“I understand Luna...” Celestia said, conceding as well, and suddenly another thought came to mind on what I could shift the subject to.

“Luna... did Aunt Celestia... did she tell you about Sunset Shimmer?” I asked.

This prompted an immediate response from Luna, who immediately snapped to attention. “What?” she asked abruptly.

“I hope you liked Equestria Girls because... it's most likely true,” Celestia explained.

“I always personally liked it,” I explained, before realizing that was entirely irrelevent. “But the point is, she remembers Sunset Shimmer existing.”

“And you think she may be here on Earth?” Luna asked.

“In one of two ways, yes.” I replied.

“I hope so. It would give us a way back home,” Celestia said. “I just hope she didn't try to get back to Equestria and that she still lives here.”

“That's what I mean...” I began, sighing. “…if she never went back, she'd still be here. If she did, well the portal would have reopened shortly after Discord started his rampage given the time frame... she would have had no idea what she was walking back into.”

“But even if she did, there's a chance Discord might have banished her like he did... all of you,” Alice suggested.

“Do you think you could keep an eye out for her in the dreamword?” Celestia asked.

“I can try, but it'll be really hard,” Luna explained. “At first, there was no way for me to tell who was having what dream, but as time progresses it's getting easier…” she remained quiet for a moment. “Like I said, I'll try, but no promises.”

“If it's a chance that a way back can be found, it's worth it.” I replied.

“I agree,” Luna said with a slight sigh before muttering something about more work.

“Comes with the royalty territory, I suspect. I know I have plenty to worry about when we... get back,” I replied. A lot of leading, a lot of decision-making, a lot of rebuilding… fun times ahead.

“Yeah, no kidding. It'll be difficult for all of us,” Luna replied.

“Don't worry, I'll be there to help,” Peachy offered, prompting Celestia to stare in disbelief at the filly and wondering if it was a joke or not, as I doubt Peachy really had any idea what she was talking about. Luna, meanwhile, couldn’t help but laugh a little.

“I guess as was said a dozen times in Spider-Man about great power, huh?” Alice mused.

“Right…” I muttered, rolling my eyes.

“I love Spider-Man,” Peachy remarked.

“So...” Celestia began, looking back at the image of her sister on the computer screen. “I suppose we should go soon.”

“I suppose...” Luna replied with a sad sigh.

“Yes... I- the girls must miss me.” Peachy added.

“Just as long as everypo-“ I caught myself, giving a facehoof. “…everyone keeps in touch.”

“Of course.” Luna said with a smile. “Maybe we could even meet in person at some point, Cadance and Alice.”

“I'll look forward to it,” Alice replied, smiling back. I could only imagine how weird it must have been for her; most fans would kill to meet Celestia, or Luna, and she had now met both.

“Of course we'll stay in touch. You are family after all Cadance.” Celestia assured me.


“Thanks, Aunt Celestia,” I said, blushing.

“Yeah, if you have any problems, just contact one of us,” Luna said, before a beeping sound suddenly went off from the speakers.

“Well, that's cue; my phone's about to die,” Luna explained with a sigh.

“Oh,” Celestia muttered, sighing slightly. “See you later then, Lulu.”

“I'm still trying to figure out to work a phone without hands,” I replied.

“Later Luna.” Peachy said with a wave.

“Great meeting you!” Alice said, waving as well.

“Bye all!” Luna replied, returning the wave as the skype video cut off.

A few seconds went by before I decided to speak up again. “Well... at least we have something of a plan, now, I suppose…”

“We do. Could I have a piece of paper and a pen?” Celestia asked.

“Sure thing,” Alice replied, leaving the room for a moment and returning with Celestia’s requested items, and the alicorn princess wrote down an address.

“There, it's where we’re staying for now,” she explained.

“Just be sure to autodestruct it once you memorized it,” Peachy remarked, prompting an eyeroll from Celestia.

“Thanks, Aunt Celestia,” I said while Alice wrote down her own number on another sheet she’d brought.

“In case you need to reach me or Cadance,” Alice explained.

Celestia perked as if realizing something. “Do you think we could have a bag? And some food and water for the way back?” she asked.

“I'm pretty sure I got some old shopping bags I can spare,” Alice replied. “Just try not to drop anything.”

“Could you add my phone number please?” Peachy asked the other alicorn.

“Oh, good idea,” Celestia agreed, writing it down while Alice headed off to the kitchen to find a reusable shopping bag and returning with one that she was putting some water bottles and some leftovers from breakfast that she’d put in plastic Ziploc bags. “Will this do?”

“Not the kind of May any of us were expecting, I gotta admit...” I thought aloud.

“Definitely not,” Peachy replied with a laugh.

“Yes, it will be perfect,” Celestia told Alice, smiling. “Oh, before I forget, there should be two other ponies there at the moment. A pegasus named Shadow and an unicorn named Fireball.”

“Once we're a little more set up here, I'm sure we'll have a chance to talk to them,” Alice replied.

“Names like that, I assume different as night and day?” I asked.

“Oh yes. They are quite funny to see,” Celestia explained.

“At any rate, it's been a pleasure having you two,” Alice said, “And... thank you... so much for helping my friend,” she added, looking down at me.

“Yes... thank you again.” I replied.

“It was my pleasure,” Celestia assured us.

“I hope to the see both of you again,” Peachy said as we filed out of the guest room. “I know that my sister would love to meet Alice.”

“Oh, which one?” Alice asked.

“You do good mane brushing, Alice. I’m willing to bet both,” I answered.

“The three of us,” Peachy said with a wink, prompting a laugh from Celestia.

“You just made an irresistible force Alice,” Celestia warned jokingly.

“Good to know,” Alice said with an amused smirk as we reached the doorway overlooking a small balcony for sitting outside, which would have allowed for a more subtle way of leaving then out the front door.

“I... guess this is goodbye, then,” I said, nuzzling my aunt, who returned the favor. Reopening my eyes, I saw Peachy looking up at me eagerly and wanting a maternal nuzzle as well. Rolling my eyes in amusement, I did the same for her.

“Stay out of trouble now,” I told the filly. “And tell your sisters who you got to meet.”

Peachy giggled. “I'll try,” she replied. “Are you sure you want them to be impatient to meet you?”

“I doubt I'm THAT big a deal. Still, that's up to you, Peachy.” I said with a laugh.

“Stay safe both of you,” Celestia said. “And feel free to contact us at anytime.”

“We will. And contact us anytime, too,” I replied as Alice and Peachy talked amongst one-another and exchanged a hug. “Especially if there's any leads on a way back.”

“Don't worry Cadance, we will,” Celestia replied, extending her forehoof an inviting Alice into a hug as well.

“Well, I hope for the best for you,” Alice said and we gave our final goodbyes and bid the two ponies farewell.

~

“I feel like I should start a vlog for this,” I mused as I used my magic to work the keys on my laptop, licking my lips from the tasty egg roll and vegetable lo mein I’d had for lunch as Alice and I sat on the couch together. It’d been almost two hours since Celestia and Pinkie Peach had left, and we’d pulled up a few searches on my laptop regarding other disappearances, which seemed to include a few athletes from the Olympics in Tokyo of all places!

“I don't think I can fight off the number of bronies that'd show up here if you did," Alice teased, smirking at me as she finished her own Tso’s Chicken, which I had mixed feelings towards. My body felt… aversive… towards the idea of eating the spicy chicken, but I still had such fond memories of the times I’d eaten it when I was still human. It was really going to bug me, having to swear off meats for the rest of my life.

“Do you think they’ll find Sunset Shimmer?” Alice wondered, having chosen to reread the comic that featured her.

“I hope so. One way or another she might be their best chance at finding a way home. I remembered enough from before Discord… got me… why wouldn’t she? I’m sure even if she did go back, she’d have to at least remember some idea of where she was before crossing through that would come back to her when she… well… turned back,” I explained. Suddenly, realization came over me, making my magic fade from my fork and causing it to clatter on the coffee table. “Alice?”

“Yeah?”

“My parents… did they ever…?” I asked.

Alice’s eyes widened. “Oh god… I totally forgot… I mean, you just showing up yesterday and… oh, god, I’m so sorry!” she facepalmed in embarrassment. “The cops came by once, asking when I’d last seen you, I think they tried to reach your ex as well but I don’t exactly keep track of her. Your parents called, I told them I had no idea where you were because… well… honestly, I didn’t!”

I facehoofed immediately. “My cellphone, I think it’s still at my apartment. Probably loaded with missed calls and needs a recharge...” I rubbed my chin with my hoof. “I’m still paid off for the month on everything so they can’t evict me or anything, though I’ll bet work has already fired me for disappearing practically a whole week,” I muttered. “I should have my spare key in my bag’s back pocket,” I used my magic to float my bag over and tore the velcro on the back open with my teeth, and dug my muzzle in, until it brushed against something small and metal. “There it is!” I said proudly and looking back over at Alice. “We can go by my apartment later… first I need to go see my mom and dad…” I gulped, trying to think of how I was going to approach them with why I’d disappeared. With the reports on the news it’d be logical to assume I was part of the odd pattern of disappearances, but it didn’t seem the reason was public news yet… boy were they in for a surprise…

“You sure you want to… like that?” Alice asked, concerned as she looked me over.

I sighed, rubbing my shoulder with my forehoof, my tail flicking back and forth anxiously as a million unpleasant scenarios played out in my head over how they’d respond to the discovery their son had turned into a female alien horse. “Alice… they’re my parents. As insane as all of this is, they deserve to know what happened to their only child… for better or for worse…”

“…Would you like me to go with you?” she asked, a look of heavy concern on her face.

I immediately threw my forelegs around my friend and hugged her, nodding as tears flowed from my eyes.

“Yes… please…” I whispered. Just as I had done for her when she had come out with a difficult secret to her parents, now she was willing to do the same for me. I couldn’t ask for a better friend if I tried.

~

The drive had been almost an hour, with a long ride down a highway and several turns into the suburbs I’d grown up in to conclude it. The ride had been quiet for the most part, with several of Alice’s tracks playing from her mp3 player on the stereo system that had helped pass the time. I found I could fit comfortably sitting in the passenger seat, and kept a simple sheet over myself to avoid being seen by any passers-by.

Looking at the streets around me as we drove closer to our destination brought a sense of nostalgia to me unlike any I’d had before. This wasn’t just me going to where I had grown up; this was a look back at the life I’d once had… the life I’d thought to be the truth… before all of this. Before learning that I wasn’t who I’d thought I was. Celestia had said both Cale Amos and Cadance were equally important, but why did it feel like Cale was drifting further and further away? Was it because as a member of Equestria’s royalty I had far more obligations there that I could not afford to stay here even if I wanted to? Had I grown more used to this form? Was it knowing this is who I really was, in a past life?

My questions remained unanswered as we parked on the street, just outside the yard. Alice looked down at me, attempting an encouraging smile that didn’t completely reach her eyes as I could tell she was worried, too. I took a few breaths and drew the sheet over myself and opened the door. Alice headed down the driveway and to the small path leading to the front door, looking back at me as I slipped over to the bushes and sat down, shaking all over. Turning, I peered through as she rang the bell.

It didn’t take long for a tall, middle-aged man I knew as my father for the last twenty-five years to answer the door, and gesture for my mother to join her when he saw who stood there.

“Alice?” I heard him say, clearly surprised to see her. “What brings you out here?” I had a feeling he suspected it was about me, but was willing to hear her out. My mother looked equally concerned.

"Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Amos..." I heard Alice say while I remained hidden, my body trembling all over from what I was about to face. "I got something to tell you... and, well, show you. It's about Cale..."

“Y-you’ve seen him? Where is he? What happened to my son?” my mother pleaded, far more anxiously then I think she intended to.

Alice remained silent for a moment. “Yes, I… he came by yesterday. He’s fine… as fine as he can be, anyway.”

“What do you mean by that?” my father demanded. “Is he here? Where is he now? We’ve tried calling several times and he never picked up!”

“Yeah, I’m getting to that… I…” Alice stammered, looking back towards me and sighing. “Look, just promise you won’t freak, okay. It’s… you heard about the disappearances, right?”

“Yes,” my mother replied. “Cale, was he a part of that?”

“Yes,” Alice answered. “He’s… when he was gone, he became… different. I have a feeling it’s the same way with everyone else who disappeared.”

“Different? How? You haven’t explained anything straight!” my father protested. “Is he here? Yes or no?!” he demanded.

Alice shook a little. She was unsure how to present me, and my parents pressure wasn’t helping, but I could understand their pain. To have your child just vanish one day without a trace, then have one of his friends show up a week after and say they found him would do the same to anyone, I imagine.

“Yes! Yes, he is! He’s…” Alice took a deep breath. “Cale, come on out…”

Slowly, I emerged from behind the bush, still concealed with the sheet like a makeshift cloak and not making eye contact with anyone. When I reached the steps where Alice stood, I took a deep breath and brushed away the part that covered my head like a hood and stared straight up at my parents, both of which staring down at me agape and looking miles tall.

“Hey mom… hey dad…” I said nervously.