//------------------------------// // Power Ponies Annual #1 // Story: Daring Do and the Agents of F.O.A.L.E // by PONYMARTYR //------------------------------// "Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean, she's just a filly!" "There is something special about her, and I don't want her falling into the wrong hooves." “You talk of her like she’s an object! Who are you afraid of? The Balefire Club? You think they actually exist?” Madame le Fleur sat quietly, watching the two ponies argue. After spending a lonely week alone in the spacious Canterlot Tower, she had time to think over how her life got so out of control. Shadows of her past crept in the darkness, making it hard for her to sleep at night. If she knew she was going to be this much trouble, she wouldn’t have said yes. Now the equally spacious School For Gifted Unicorns loomed around her, sending mixed messages to her addled brain. Such grandeur should make her feel important, but it only heightened her terror. The way they spoke of her in hushed tones. What am I? Princess Celestia sighed and walked across the room to look out the large window over Canterlot. “They do exist. Which is why we exist.” She turned and walked over to le Fleur, placing a gentle hoof on her head. “When I founded this school, it was only for gifted unicorns. Over time I learned that the magic that binds us works in mysterious ways, and I made it my goal to teach them how to control that power for the greater good.” “You mean like a task force.” “To put it so bluntly, yes. Some ponies wish to paint those special from them in a negative light. While others wish to abuse their power and rule by fear. Superiority.” “And you don’t?” Celestia chuckled. “I haven’t heard of a better idea, sister.” Luna spread her wings and raised her voice. “Maybe the magic that binds us is something we can’t fully control. Maybe we’re not as special as we think. At least, not anymore.” “What are you saying, sister?” “We’re already showing weakness by taking her in!” le Fleur shrank under Luna’s accusing hoof that jabbed in her direction. “I’ve seen her dreams! The secret she keeps from us!” Celestia frowned. “Don’t you think I know that? But casting her aside because of that makes us no better than them!” “It’s always about them, isn’t it? What about us? We have to do what’s good for the kingdom!” “Showing compassion is not a sign of weakness!” Celestia snapped. “You think the ponies should see us behaving like the enemy?” “To some, we already are the enemy.” Celestia cocked a brow. “Whatever personal qualms you have with me or my subjects should not affect your position as princess. She stays and my decision is final.” “You’re making a big mistake, sister.” Luna shook her head. In a flash as brilliant as the moonlight, she was gone. Celestia looked over to the filly and let a faint smile cross her lips. “Don’t be upset, little one. No one is mad at you.” “I want to go home...” le Fleur muttered, eyes glued to the floor. “I’m scared.” “Everypony is scared at first. But soon, you’ll be in control of your power, and others will see you how I see you.” “I hope so...” The years went by in almost a blur, and soon a brave teenager stood before Celestia. All the training and guidance to make her into the top student at the academy paid off. Le Fleur admired herself in the mirror of Celestia's chambers, taking in the sight of a pony from the wrong side of the tracks now clad in a brilliant blue graduation uniform. She turned and smiled to the alicorn. "Thank you, Princess, for giving me a chance." "Please, call me Celestia." For a brief moment, she looked humble, a faint blush on her cheeks. "And it is my belief that everypony deserves a chance." "Oh! I wanted to show you something!" Fleur closed her eyes and blinked out to her room, then reappeared almost as quick as she vanished, her graduation cloak hitting the floor upon her arrival. "Presenting, the all new, all different, Madame le Fleur!" Celestia bit her lip, trying not to laugh. There Fleur stood, head to hoof in a gold bodysuit, layered with a green striped top and a pink balerina dress. Roller blades that glittered blue adorned her hooves and her gold tiara rested in front of fuzzy fake Breezy antenna. "It certainly is different," Celestia wheezed, wiping a tear from her eye. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to laugh." "You don't like it?" Fleur frowned, pointing her doe eyes that had become infamous around the Colts dorm at the mighty princess. "No, I love it! But... perhaps you would prefer something more professional?" "Like an official uniform?" Fleur' s tail began to wag like an excited puppy. "I get to be on the team?!" Celestia stifled another chuckle. "I didn't say that. I can't deny your power is unique, but that is all the more reason we need to be careful." She locked eyes with Fleur and felt her face grow hot. "So I'm not on the team?" Those doe eyes again worked their magic. Celestia fell to her rump, eyes locked onto the sad face of a heart-broken filly. She couldn't help but notice that Fleur's body looked a lot like her own at that age. She could potentially share her own frame when fully grown, but Celestia didn't want it that way. She wanted her while she was still manageable. "Something wrong, princess?" Luna's voice echoed in Celestia's head. She wasn't making a mistake! She was practicing the kindness she preached for Faust's sake! She knew the risks, as well as the magic that had its grip on her right now. Celestia's brow furrowed and she could feel sweat forming. If she could stand up to Discord's magic, she could handle a filly not in control of her power. "Everything is fine. I... I'll discus with the team later..." "Yay!" Fleur hopped on her hooves like a rabbit and disappeared back to her room. Celestia slumped back and sighed. The thick air of the room dissipated, which let her realize how hot she was. "I hope I'm not making a mistake..."