The sun rose over the pristine kingdom of Canterlot..and, Princess Luna let out a sharp breath upon finishing with her sister's duty.
"by zacherle, How does my sister do this with such ease?!" said Luna, as she trotted back from the balcony. no sooner did she return to her chambers, there was a rapping sound on her door.
KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK!!!
Luna looked to the door. "Enter."
the door opened..and, in came one of Celestia's guards. "Forgive my intrusion, my princess."
"oh, think nothing of it..You have anything to report?"
"yes..the airship that Princess Celestia is aboard is approaching Canterlot." the guard swallowed hard, then spoke again. "we assume it's purpose is to return the princess..but, the stallions are more that ready for an impending attack."
Luna nodded. "tell your stallions to be on guard..but, to not fire unless fired upon first. We have to assume to this 'Helix' will be a potential ally, rather than an enemy like Gryffin."
"Yes, your highness." said the guard as he turned and left.
Luna exhaled sharply, her mind deep in thought. she still had a foreboding feeling of this human female..and, her convenient rescue of her sister, her apprentice and son.
but, knowledgeable of her own dark past, she decided to at the very least give Helix the benefit of a doubt.
the princess of the night strolled out of the castle where numerous guards were gathers in the royal courtyard.
everypony looked anxious. as if expecting 'something' to happen. Luna would be lying if she said she wasn't feeling that way herself.
all eyes looked to the sky as a dark shadow blanketed them all.
Luna held her breath, gazing upon the airship that loomed above them all. she had never before seen such a massive vessel. it was even bigger up close, looking more like a leviathan than an actual ship.
a hatch suddenly opened from underneath the ship..and, a smaller (but, still large) aircraft lowered down from it. as the craft landed, a hatch opened from it with a hiss and a ramp lowered with a whirl of gears.
Luna felt a swell of relief as she saw her sister, Twilight, and her nephew Onyx exiting down the metallic ramp.
"SISTER!!" Luna galloped over to the three. "So good to see you back safe."
Celestia smiled warmly. "I do hope I didn't worry you too much, Luna."
Luna darted her eyes at the guards "well..we all know very little of your "host", so we were understandably concerned for your safety."
"An issue I intend to remedy." said Celestia sternly.
Luna raised a brow, confused. "What ever do you mean sis-"
"SO..This is Canterlot." said a voice. everypony looked, and saw a dark haired human woman walking down the ramp with a another woman of her species with messy red hair. "My..such Class. such pristine glory."
"BLECH!!" scoffed the second woman "It's a tad too 'bright' for my tastes. it's so sweet, it makes my teeth hurt."
the Canterlot guards gathered around the two female humans. understandably expecting hostile intent.
"Guards, Stand Down..Helix and Scarlett are our 'guests', not out enemies." commanded Celestia
The guards obeyed their princess, while Luna approached her sister and fellow ruler. "Guests?"
Celestia nodded. "I was a guest aboard Helix ship, where I was given full access and learned a great deal of her and where she comes from. and, it's only fair to give Helix an equal oppertunity to be a guest in my home as well."
"Yes.." began Helix, a smile on her face. "My first stop will be the Canterlot Library..I would like to brush up on my equestrian history."
Scarlett scoffed at this. "nerd."
Onyx looked at Helix. "you..think sometime later we could resume my training?!"
Helix eyed the human prince of equestria. "Yes..LATER. I have other things to attend to..and, so do you."
Celestia looked at Helix. "Would you like to be taken to the room that you will be staying?"
"Yes, that would be nice, thank you."
"Good. Guard, take her to the V.I.P. suite-"
"Um, P-Princes?!.." began Twilight, stuttering
Celestia looked to her apprentice. "Yes, Twilight?"
Twilight darted her eyes, looking nervous..then, she finally spoke. "I..k-know this is an odd request. but..c-can I escort Ms. Helix to her room?"
Celestia placed her hoof on her chin, pondering this. "hmm..Well, I don't see why not. Go right ahead."
Helix raised an eyebrow, a smirk on her face. she then followed Twilight towards the castle doors. Scarlett remained behind, crossing her arms with a scowl on her face.
"Aren't you going with Helix?" asked Onyx
Scarlett eyes the prince. "When I get AROUND to it. I would much rather get my bearings on this city..just in case."
as Scarlett walked off, Onyx called out. "In case of What?!"
Scarlett stopped, and glance back at him. with a sly smile, she replied: "In case we are attacked like that griffon did when he ambushed you. All of that could have been avoided if "SOMEone" had been more alert and aware."
Before anyone could say anything else, Scarlett leapt away like a gymnast and soon disappeared from view.
Princess Luna walked up to her sister and adopted nephew. "Something about that one makes my skin crawl..BUT, there is wisdom in her words, too."
Onyx frowned as he gripped his arms. "yeah..I know."
Helix strolled down the long halls with Twilight, her hands behind her back and a smile on her face.
the ruby eyed woman took the time to admire the décor of the castle. it was very "medieval disneyland" in her opinion.
"what a charming dwelling." said Helix, finally "It almost reminds me of my citadel back home. only a bit more.."brighter"
Twilight glanced at Helix..then back at the path in front of her. "I..h-hope you enjoy you're stay in Canterlot, Ms. Helix."
"oh, don't be so formal: Call me Helen, or Ms. Lynx." said Helix with a smile
"um..o-okay."
the two soon began to travel up a staircase before finally reaching the door at the top. Helix entered the stateroom, and found it to be a fairly large one.
the furniture was a mix of sculpted marble and carved wood. and, the curtains, both on the windows AND the bed, had a mesmerizing pattern.
In short, this room was obviously the next best thing to the princesses own bedchambers.
"My..now this is what I call "class." said helix, as she walked over to one of the windows "oh, my..I can see the whole town surrounding the castle from here."
"Yes.." began Twilight, approaching Helix "a-and, you are of course free to go anywhere you wish in Canterlot..of course, you m-may need Princess Celestia's permission to access some areas."
"Oh, but of course." said Helix, facing the unicorn "I would expect no less."
Twilight looked down, a frown on her face. "Something on your mind?" said Helix, a smirk on her face
Twilight Sparkle looked back at Helix..she tried to speak, but Helix cut her off. "The answer is STILL "No."
"B-But, HELIX!, I-!"
"Ms. Sparkle. I know you want nothing more than for me to use my Evolution Ray to make yourself an Anthro..and, thus at last have SOME future with Prince Onyx.
but, nothing good in any world ever comes free. I mean, you get everything you desire..but, what do I get?"
Twilight knelt down before Helix, behaving as if the human before her were Princess Celestia herself. "name your price..I WILL PAY IT!!"
Helix snickered at Twilight. "You think this is about MONEY!? don't insult me, child."
Twilight looked up at her. a pleading look in her eyes "what would I have to give to make you give me what I need!?"
Helix tapped her chin, pretending to be thinking. "oh..I don't know. I am sure I'll think of something, eventually."
Twilight immediately stood up onto her hooves. "BUT-!!"
"LOOK." began Helix, sternly "Assuming I would change you, You wouldn't be the first "equestrian" that I hyper-evolved. In my travels throughout the cosmos, I've bestowed the very gift you are longing for to two other unicorn mares.."
Helix smirked at Twilight, savoring her desperation towards her. "THEY had something to offer me. something far more valuable than mere wealth. I am not a genie, my dear..You want a wish?, then you will have to impress me first."
Twilight hung her head, her eyes shut tight and teeth gritting. "what must I do?"
Helix smiled a sly smile. "I already told you: "I. Don't. Know. Yet."
Helix then turned back to the window. "Shouldn't you be back in Ponyville? you know, studying 'friendship' and that jazz."
Twilight sighed sharply, defeated. "I suppose I am." said Twilight, as she rose up. "If you're..ever in Ponyville. l-look me up, I live in the library."
"Yes..I know." said Helix, still gazing out the window
Twilight let out another sigh, then turned and left. Helix just smirked to herself.
"How long have you been watching?" said Helix, at last
out of the shadows emerged an anthro unicorn mare. one with golden yellow fur and red/yellow mane. "Long enough..so, are you REALLY going to give Twilight Sparkle the same gift you granted me?!"
"Only if it's mutually beneficial to me."
Sunset Shimmer stepped forward, her hooved legs making a 'clopping' sound as she approached. "Having Trixie as a fellow "Anthropoid" is one thing..but, I refuse to accept Twilight Sparkle as a "sister-in-arms!!"
Helix smirked as she turned and faced her chief magic specialist. "Still holding a grudge?"
"Twilight RUINED my life!!" snapped the unicorn "She stole my mentor from me, took the Fame, Admiration and Glory that was rightfully mine..and, the affections of a Wonderful Stallion."
"Correction: YOU'RE Twilight ruined your life..the one from YOU'RE Equestria. but, this is a new world..one with a "different" Twilight Sparkle in it. and, as soon as I have confirmation that there isn't another Sunset Shimmer in this Equestria..you will PUT ASIDE the animosity you feel towards Twilight, and treat her as if you would anyone else.
If you start acting hostile, she will question my motives..as will Celestia, which will severely jepordize my plans!!"
Sunset growled lowly in her throat, her mouth cracked open to show her grinding teeth.
"Regardless of your emotions..I COMMAND you to bury them, at least for a moment, and not give any of these equines reason to doubt us." Helix approached Sunset Shimmer, bring her faces inches away from hers and staring right into her turquoise eyes. "Am I prefectly clear..MS. SHIMMER?!"
Sunset clenched her hand tightly..then, at last released her grip. "transparently..MY LADY." replied Sunset, venom in her voice
"Good. Then, return to the Harbinger using whatever spell you used to come here and wait for my word." said Helix, her tone suddenly sweet
Sunset did a respectful bow. "As you command..my mistress." charging her unihorn with invisible energy, Sunset suddenly disappeared into the darkness like a shadow.
All was not peaceful in the Griffon Empire.
..though, that was hardly a surprise, given the "erratic" nature of it's tyrant ruler.
but, this was different. for once, Emperor Gryffin wasn't demanding more servant girls to sodimize or kill for his amusement.
no..the griffon populous was, at least for the moment, safe as their ruler was too busy being furious to terrorize them.
CRASH!!
a griffon guard was startled at the sound of an object smashing to pieces..followed by loud, angry yelling.
"oh, good..he's peeved." said a guard, who then looked to the other guard station at the double doors. "You!, go in there and see if you can calm down our emperor."
the second guard just rolled his eyes. "and, what makes you think I want to do that?!"
"I don't give a dragon's ass what you want!!" snapped the guard "just go in there and do something!!, the emperor's been like this since we found him yesterday."
the second guard groaned loudly. he then entered the doors..where he narrowed missed being hit by yet another object.
"d*mmit..D*MN IT!!!" yelled the Griffon Emperor
the guard smirked..then, put on his best straight face as he spoke. "something bothering you..MY LIEGE?!"
Gryffin eyed the guard..but, snarled loudly as he turned his back to him. "I HATE that b*stard child of Celestia's..I hate him with every fiber of my being."
the guard had an unamused looked on his face. "do tell."
Gryffin took a pony skull into his taloned hand..and, crushed it in his palm like brittle. "that boy..would have been my greatest weapon." began Gryffin, his tone low "I trained him myself..taught him everything I know of battle and war. and, HOW does that miserable whelp reward me?!: By ESCAPING from my clutches, and mocking me with every moment he continues to breathe!!"
Gryffin turned around quickly, flipping his royal cape around as he did. as he paced around, the guard watched his movements like a hawk.
"I was so close to gaining my revenge. SO.. CLOOOOSE!!" Gryffin struck at a nearby table, smashing it into a wall. "My plan was Fool Proof!!, It should have worked!! but he.., HE-!!"
the Griffon Emperor screeched loudly, making the windows crack. "There is no way he could have repelled me..NO F*CKING WAY!!"
the guard cracked a smile..but, quickly hid it. "calm yourself, my liege..you'll get him. it's only a matter of time."
Gryffin glared at the guard angrily..but, then he suddenly smiled wickedly. "Yes..you are right, of course. I may not have succeeded today, but I WILL.
Someday soon..I shall have that Prince Onyx's head mounted on my wall. and, use his bones to pick his flesh out of my beak..oh-ho-ho-ho, just watch me.."
the guard looked a bit disturbed at Emperor's Gryffin's sudden 'good mood' "yes..well, I shall just leave to your fantasies, then."
as the guard walked off, Gryffin called. "What is your name, soldier?!"
the guard paused momentarily. without making eye contact, he replied. "Pantheon."
"Well..Pantheon. Thank you for lifting my spirits..I see now why you are my elite guard."
Pantheon turned..and, did a bow to the griffon emperor. "oh, you can ALWAYS depend on me to be here for you, my emperor.."
While Pantheon was smiling..deep down inside, however..he was SEETHING with rage. (("yes, my EMPEROR..you can cound on me to be here. I don't really have anything else to do anymore. not after you tore out my wife's throat, and burned my daughter alive."))
Pantheon smiled. "With your permission..I'd love to return to my post, now."
"Granted."
Pantheon turned, and left. shutting the doors behind him.
"How'd it go?" inquired the lone guard at the doors.
Pantheon eyed him. "We shall get some sleep tonight..provided our emperor doesn't throw another "festival" that makes the town square run red, again."
the guard eyed him. "What's YOU'RE problem?!"
"NOTHING." said Pantheon, lying through his beak. "I am just tired, that's all."
the guard nodded. "fine. then go find another guard to relieve you."
Pantheon didn't need any more convincing. he immediately marched off, leaving his fellow guard behind.
BUT, once he was sure he was alone..he stopped for a moment. feeling raging ebbing with him, the griffon angrily slashed into a wall, scarring the stone deeply.
"d*mn him.." growled Pantheon "d*mn that wretched, vile son of a b*tch!! I hope this 'prince onyx' guts him like a fish!!"
Unknown to Pantheon..somebody was indeed watching him. but, not another gryffon..instead, he was being spied on by a sparkling orb of light.
the light wisped away like a shooting star, disappearing into the very winds themselves.
It was nightfall upon the kingdom of Canterlot. and, the royal family was preparing to have dinner. although, tonight was going to be special..for the equine princesses were to dine with their human guests.
Currently, only Celestia and Luna were present at the still empty table. awaiting the arrival of the food and other attendants.
Princess Luna kept casting brief glances at Celestia..who noted every single one of them.
"Luna..is something wrong?" Luna didn't respond. she only murmured something in a whispered tone.
"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that." repeated Celestia, wanting a proper answer
Luna exhaled sharply. "n-nothing, it's just..Nothing."
the Sun Guardian cast a glare at her young sister. "Luna..you know I don't like it when you keep secrets. now, tell me what is troubling you, my sister."
Luna breathed out..speaking as clearly as she could. "It's of our 'asteamed guests', the.."Hue-Mans."
Celestia groaned, rubbing her temples with her hooves. "not THIS again."
"We know so very little about them." began Luna "the one called Helix reminds me of that changeling queen who attacked us not too long ago. and her underling, the "Scarlett"..has a look of pure bloodlust in her eyes."
Luna looked at her sister. "I am unsure of their intentions."
Celestia nodded. "I understand..I too felt the same way about them at first."
"What changed you're mind?!" inquired Luna
"When I discovered that there is 'another side' to Helix..one she keeps hidden from everypony. one that is VERY familiar to me. and, Scarlett, well..her behavior is due to past hardships that she had to endure. so, I pity her."
Celestia looked at Luna. "Make no mistake, I did not fully trust them..BUT, they did save my life, and the lives of those closest to me. for that reason, if nothing else, they should be allowed a chance to prove themselves."
Luna looked down, exhaling sharply. she of all ponies should be the last to be lectured on "chances"
"very well..then, I too shall give them a chance. BUT, I shall remain on guard never-the-less."
Celestia smiled. "That is all I ask of you, dear sister."
At that moment, a dark haired human walked in. "Hi, Mom..Aunt Luna."
the two royal mares looked upon Onyx with warm, loving eyes.
"Hello, Son."
"Greetings, dear nephew."
"So..where's Helen?" said Onyx
Luna raised a brow. "Helen?"
"He means "Helix", Helen is her true name." explained Celestia
"oh."
Celestia looked to her son. "She isn't here, yet. But, she should arrive soon."
"oh.." said Onyx, sitting down beside his mother. "okay."
Luna made a soft noise in her throat. "why would "Helen" have a fake name."
Celestia shrugged. "must be some human tradition...Or, a personal habit of hers."
Onyx tapped his chin, pondering. "hmm..maybe I should give myself a secondary name."
Celestia looked at Onyx. "Oh?, and what would you call yourself, other than the perfect name that I bestowed unto you so long ago?"
Onyx thought for a moment. "how about.."Jet."
Luna repressed a chortle a this. "JET!?"
"Yeah..WHY?, what's wrong with it?!"
Luna couldn't answer..she was too busy snickering as she tried to resist the urge to burst out in laughter.
"oh, LUNA..leave him alone." began Celestia, trying to avoid any embarrassment to her son. "It isn't like you've never given yourself an alternate name."
Celestia then raised a brow, and smirked. "Moona."
Luna immediately stopped laughing. frozen still, her dark blue face now "red"
"(stifled laughter) "Moona!?", are you Serious!?" exclaimed Onyx, fully amused
"HEY!, Don't laugh!! I'm not the only pony who gave herself a name!!" Luna then glared at her sister "SOLEANNA!!"
Onyx was now choking on his own repressed laughter. "M-MOM!?"
Celestia remained calm, not taking Luna's 'potshot' in any offense. "I thought it was a good name for me."
The joy of the family was sadly brought to a halt by the arrival of 'another' family member: Prince Blueblood.
it was no secret that the blonde maned unicorn despised his "cousin", Onyx..but, Celestia held on to some hope that he might come around.
Thankfully, Luna was a bit more realistic than she was.
"oh..hello, "cousin." said Blueblood, who said the word "cousin" as if it left a bad taste in his mouth
Onyx had no more love for Blueblood than the unicorn in question had for him..but, he put on his best smile regardless, and tried to be civil for his mother. "Always a pleasure to see you, too..COUSIN."
Blueblood grumbled as he sat quite the distance away from Onyx. after a few minutes, he became impatient. "Where is the food!?"
"Still being prepared." said Celestia
Blueblood grumbled. "I'll fire those cooks, and lock them away in the dungeon for their laziness."
"You don't have that kind of authority *thank zacherle*..and, besides: That isn't how we do things." said Luna, sternly "All creatures are to be treated with respect..even servants."
"Oh, PLEASE..they are lower than those changeling abominat-" one look from Celestia shut Blueblood right up.
Onyx smirked at his mother "you have GOT to teach me that trick."
Celestia smirked right back at him. "maybe when you're older."
At that moment, a pony dressed in regal clothing walked in. he blew a trumpet, and spoke out loud. "Presenting the Earth Ambassador: Lady Helix of Helixopolis."
the royal family watched as two human walked into the dining room. both of them female.
"Greeting, Helen..so good of you to join us for dinner." said Celestia, cheerfully
Helix grinned. "Well, so long as I am a guest in this charming castle. It is only courteous to attend you're little banquet."
Scarlett just rolled her eyes at this.
"oh, grateous..not more hairless apes." muttered Blueblood. unfortunately, Blueblood wasn't quiet enough with his insult..as Scarlett was immediately glaring at him.
"WHAT did you just call us!!?" snapped Scarlett, her eyes burning
"Settle DOWN, Scarlett." said Helix, sternly "We came to dine..not battle. and, besides: any fight with Prince Blueblood would be a short one, anyway."
"Really?" said Blueblood, feeling flattered
"Oh, yes.." continued Helix, smirking "when it comes to combat, your are about as dangerous as butterfly."
It took a minute before the unicorn finally figured out what Helix meant by that. Onyx, however was already smickering.
"how DARE you mock a Prince of Equestria!!"
"BLUEBLOOD." said Celestia, sternly "Need I remind you that Helix is our guest. and, if you ever expect me to bestow the crown to you again..then, you had better prove to me that you can be civil by showing respect to you're peers."
"I will when SHE gives me the respect that I deserve!!" snapped Blueblood
Helix snickered as she sat down. "oh, I have given you all the respect that a selfish, arrogant, superior minded prince deserves: Absolutely None. If you don't like it, then I suggest you give me a good reason to treat you otherwise."
Blueblood grew redfaced at this..to which Helix just laughed. "Oh, would you just look at him, Scarlett?..He's just like the 'OTHER' Prince Blueblood, you remember him?!"
"To my never-ending displeasure." said Scarlett, who by now had sat down next to her boss.
Helix continued to chortle. "He ALSO believed he was the center of the whole universe..that he was Zacherle's gift to ponies, perfectly perfect in every way..heh-heh, then reality slammed hard on him like a warhammer to one's skull. when his guards couldn't tale his insolence anymore and abandoned him in the midst of a changeling invasion."
Helix smiled wide, savoring the horrified look on Blueblood's face. "I wonder whatever happened to his remains."
"I managed to salvaged his skull." began Scarlett "heh-hah-hah!, I use it as a paperweight."
"What ARE you two talking about?!" question Luna, confused
"Oh, we are referring to events we witnessed on ANOTHER Equestria.." said Helix "one that exists in another universe."
"Another Equestria?.." said Luna, bewildered "can there BE such a thing!?"
"There is." said Helix, relaxing in her chair. "I've SEEN them myself."
"and, in this other Equestria, my cousin Blueblood was eaten alive by changelings?" Onyx stifled a chuckle. "I'm almost afraid to ask, but..how was his funeral?"
"oh, it was DAYS before anyone noticed he was gone. so, by the time they figured out he was DEAD, there wasn't much that could be done about it."
"Could we PLEASE talk about something else!!?" snapped Blueblood, redfaced
Scarlett glared daggers at the unicorn. Helix, however..took it all in stride. "Oh..very well."
Thankfully, the maids and butlers all walked in at that time with carts and silver platters of various food.
as usual, the Celestia, Luna and Blueblood received vegan diets, while Helix, Scarlett and Onyx received mixed foods.
"Why don't we talk about your work, Ms. Helix." began Luna
"my work?"
"Yes. I would love to better understand what you do."
Helix grinned as she took a small bite of lettuce with a tiny fork. "well..goodness, where should I begin?!"
"well..why don't we start with early life. what can you tell me of you're family, Helen?"
Helix eyed the dark blue mare. "that's a bit personal, don't you think?"
"I mean no harm. I just wish to know you, that's all."
Helix stared off..and, smiled. "alright..I suppose it wouldn't hurt to talk, Confess, maybe."
"go on."
the woman exhaled sharply. recounting her earliest years. "I was never close to my parents. My mother was beautiful, famous..RICH. in some ways, she was "royalty" herself. unfortunately, her career left her with very little time for me.
I spent most of my childhood with my father..who hated me."
"Why would he hate you?" questioned Luna
"because he was sexist. he wanted a STRONG Son..instead, he got ME: a weak little girl. and, he never missed an opportunity to remind me of that. anytime he felt down, all he had to do was walk up and give me a give smack across the face..and, he felt better. Sometimes, he would verbally abuse me, calling me a "worthless, stupid little b*tch"..and, some others that weren't very nice."
Luna had a look of disgust on her face. "oh, my..That's horrible!"
"Didn't you're mother do anything about it?!, surely you must have told her." asked Celestia
Helix chuckled lightly as she took a drink of wine. "Mother was more worried over how my abuse would make HER look, than any well being for me. She told me to keep my mouth shut, and cover up my scars and bruises with make-up. *she had AH-LOT of make-up.*"
Onyx narrowed his eyes. finding Helix's story oddly similar to his own suffering when he was a "prisoner" on Gryphon. "Didn't you find any relief?!"
Helix smiled. "Well..I learned to doctor myself at a young age. which eventually led to my interest in Science, which I practiced at odd hours. Away from the prying eyes of my wretched father."
Blueblood snorted as he ate his carrots "loudly."
"When did it all end?" said Onyx, sternly
"When I was twelve. mother's fame died out, and my injuries became so severe, mere make-up could no longer hide them. in the end, my father went to prison for child abuse..and, my mother, unable to cope with being a 'hasbeen', was committed."
"Committed?" questioned Luna, confused
"To a Mental Institution." said Helix
Celestia and Luna remained confused. So, Scarlett, he was eating a pot-roast, spoke for Helix. "It's like a prison, only it has padded cells and the inmates are all crazy people."
"ANYway, My life really took off after that." continued Helix. "with my uncaring parents no longer dragging me down, I was free to pursue my scientific endeavors to my heart's content. Why, some of my greatest successes originated during my earliest years in high school..which flourish come the college years."
"You sound alot like Twilight." said Onyx, smiling
Celestia tapped her chin. "last night..when I was a guest aboard you're ship, It was explained to me that your sole goal in life is to eradicate chaos, and restore order."
"EverLASTING order." corrected Helix
"yes-yes..could you explain HOW you came to that way of thinking? You couldn't have just decided upon such a crusade overnight."
Helix put her claw-like hands together, a brooding look on her face. "no..it didn't. It was a gradual process."
"When did it start?" asked Celestia
"Let's just say that despite the technological marvels that my world possesses, It is anything BUT perfect. Apart from the organized crime, corruption in the law and extreme terrorism, It can be difficult to see any "sunlight" in a thunderstorm..
At first, I thought it might be easier to just..Run Away to a better world *like this one*, which was one reason why I constructed my first Trans-Dimensional Inducer. to venture to other worlds, and find the hope that I desperately craved.
BUT..no matter where in the multiverse I went, I saw the same thing: Violence..Chaos..DEATH. oh, it came in different packages, to be sure. but, it was all the same everywhere: Chaos Reigned, and innocents suffered.
So, one day..I stopped running. I decided to dedicate myself eliminating chaos, bringing about True, Everlasting Peace and Order. decided to give people hope, rather than just wait for it to happen."
"and..how DO you go about you're crusade for Order?" inquired Luna, her tone suspicious
Helix smirked as she held a half empty glass of wine in her hand. "Ask Celestia..SHE has been aboard my airship."
an unsure look formed on Princess Celestia's face. "You're..airship seems more like a war machine. crewed by a grand army, armed with the most advanced weaponry that I have ever seen."
While Scarlett nervously picks at her steak knife, Helix just chortles softly as she takes another sip of wine.
"Si quieres la paz, prepara la guerra. " said Helix, calmly. predictably, nobody, except Scarlett, knew what Helix had just said.
"I'm sorry, What?!" said Celestia
"It's Spanish, a human language." began Scarlett, matter-of-factly "It's translates: "If you want Peace..Prepare for WAR."
"Indeed." said Helix "It pays to be proactive, not wait for danger to come before you do something. but, to be ready for any threat..even the one we don't expect, or NEVER expect, to happen."
Helix looked right at Celestia. "Think of what happened only yesterday..Emperor Gryffin ambushed you in your own kingdom, and nearly killed you're precious Onyx. If you were more prepared, like I am, then you wouldn't have needed me to come to your rescue. You could have fought him off all on you're own."
"Y-Yes, well-"
"And, what if the Griffon Emperor decided to invade RIGHT. THIS. Very. moment., His forced would be at your gates before you even had time to think up a plan."
Celestia stampered and stuttered, trying to find words to make a reasonable argument..but, could find none to rebuff the human's words.
instead, she just sighed..hanging her head low.
"you..are right." admitted Celestia, defeated "I was ill prepared for a surprise attack. and, even my best guards cannot match the ferocity of a Griffon Warrior."
Helix frowned. "yes, well..perhaps I am being a tad too hard on you. It isn't you're fault you choose to 'Flee', rather than 'Fight'..It IS you're "Nature", afterall."
Celestia looked at Helix. "Nature?!"
"Despite you're 'sentience', you are still no different than the feral equine back in my world. True Horses and Ponies tend to stay in large groups, and run at the first sign of trouble.
That way, if ONE becomes a lion's next meal..the others live to graze and run another day. It is VERY rare for an equine to face danger head on."
"But, I am not an animal, Ms. Helix." said Celestia, almost feeling offended
"Not in the broader sense. but, despite your human-like mentality..you do have "primal instincts" that manifest on occasion."
"oh, don't be ridiculous." said Celestia, eating her grass and hay salad
"oh, no?.." began Helix, eyeing the princess "What of all the times you're "son" has eaten meat?. don't tell me you've never felt a tad "queasy" when watching him consume flesh."
Celestia glanced at Helix, a nervous look on her face. Onyx eyed his mother. "Mom..is that True?!"
Celestia was silent, darting her eyes around nervously. Onyx repeated his question. "Do I..d-disturb you?"
Blueblood choked out a laugh, then quickly acted like nothing was wrong when Luna glared at him.
Celestia looked right at Onyx. "Onyx..I love you, son. more than anything. and, I don't care what you are..but, yes: when you eat meat..I do feel "disturbed." it's very scent makes me feel ill."
"But, of course it does." continued Helix. "You are a herbaceous species, plants and vegetation are you're diet. as such, carnivorous diets make you uneasy, because your primal instincts see it as a sign of danger..that YOU might become the next meal."
Celestia said nothing to rebuke Helix's claims. Deep down..she knew she was right.
"That's ridiculous!" said, Onyx finally "I, mean..Yeah, I eat meat. but, I would NEVER even dream of killing and eating ponies like some monster."
"Actually, SOME humans back in our world DO eat 'horse meat' but, only in some nations." said Scarlett, with a sly grin
Onyx grew pale at this..so, Helix spoke up. "YES, but in MOST countries it is considered illegal for humans to feast on equines. not when they are more useful as workers and pets, than consumption."
Luna raised a brow at this. "Workers?..PETS!?"
"Don't take it the wrong way, Princess..many humans treat equines just as well as other people. So, don't think that 'my world' is one where YOUR kind are abused slaves, or anything like that."
Helix looked at Celestia. "the POINT is, that while you may find my methods of peace "questionable"..one cannot argue with the results."
Celestia was silent..but, eventually nodded in agreement.
after a brief silence, Luna spoke up again. "What of Scarlett?..what is HER story?"
"None of you're d*mn business, that's what!" said Scarlett, biting aggressively into a hunk of meat.
"SCARLETT, be polite." said Helix with a firm tone
the red haired woman glared at her boss. "Just because YOU told these grass eaters your "sob story", it doesn't mean I'M gonna do it."
Helix smiled weakly at the others. "You really must pardon my assistant's "attitude." Her past is a touchy subject, one she doesn't discuss with just anyone."
Blueblood scoffed at this. "Like I even care. the problems of peasants is beneath me-" SWOOSH!! Blueblood was silenced by a knife that flew by suddenly, slicing off bits of his mane before remaining firming embedded in a wall.
the knife was Scarlett's..who threw it at him in rage.
the room grew deathly silent as Scarlett cast a death glare at the petrified unicorn. "say one more insulting word to or OF me again, FILTHY BEAST. and next time..I'll bury my knife into YOUR HIDE!!"
Blueblood fainted, and fell right out of his chair.
while Onyx chuckled at this, Helix just glared at Scarlett. "It would seem 'SOMEONE' lied when she told me that she had taken her medication before we came to dinner."
Scarlett glared right back at Helix. "those d*mned pills of yours dull my senses, I need to be SHARP!!" growled Scarlett
"Scarlett..TAKE YOU'RE PILLS." said Helix, sternly
Scarlett grumbled as she took out a tin case from her pocket. she opened it, took out two capsules and swallowed them in one gulp.
"what..Are those things?" asked Luna
"Medication that I made 'specially for Scarlett. It helps to quell her more "aggressive" behavior. otherwise, she goes into an explosive rage against the slightest thing that upsets her."
Celestia cringed upon remember when Scarlett brutally beat the griffon emperor near to death. If THAT was a more "tamed" Scarlett, then she dreaded what an out-of-control Scarlett was like.
Just then, a loud ringing was heard. Helix pull out a small device from her pocket. she put it at her ear, and began speaking.
"Yes?. oh..this had better be important, I am having dinner with-, OH..I see. Well..Okay, I'll be right there." BEEP!
"Is..something wrong?" asked Celestia, curious
Helix looked at the Alicorn. "Oh, no..not at all. something just came up, So I must leave you for a moment to take care of it."
Celestia nodded. "I understand..more than you know."
Helix nodded as she scooted her chair back and rose up from her seat. "Scarlett, COME."
Scarlett grumbled something in a foreign language. but, she too also got out of her seat. once the two humans departed, Luna looked at Celestia. "alright..I suppose Helix, or HELEN, is a poor soul with noble intentions. But, that Scarlett person still leaves me with feelings of Dread and Concern."
"Give her a chance, dear sister. Anypony with that much angry must have been through great pain..and, deserve our sympathy."
Onyx was still and silent, his mind brooding on many different things. He at last focused on Helix, and wondered just what sort of 'important business' that she was taking care of.
Helix walked down a darkened corridor and into the castle gardens. stopping near some rose bushes, she patiently waited.
In no time at all, an sparkling orb of light raced towards her. it stopped before her, and materialized into a life form. the being in questioned looked like a human, but had elven ears, insect wings and was no bigger than a "breezie."
"Vidia..and, how is my favorite little spy?!, anything to report?"
the dark haired fairy nodded. "my reconnaissance at Gryphon has born fruit."
"and, what "juicy" facts have you found for me?"
"That there is at least ONE in Gryphon who hates the griffon emperor just as much as Prince Onyx does."
Helix grinned at this. "Hmm..that could prove useful in the near future. But, I need alot more that just 'One-Griffon-Hates-His-Guts' to seriously act upon it."
Vidia nodded. "Understood. I shall return to the kingdom on the mountain, and continue my observation." with that, the fairy flew away at an incredible speed, disappearing into the night.
Helix smirked as she watched the night sky. "I knew bringing that moody pixie fairy into my fold would payoff one day."