//------------------------------// // The Heart is Honest // Story: Heart and Soul // by Kanashimi //------------------------------// Twilight needed to get to the Princesses. For If the Princesses fell, the world they knew would cease to be. She ran through the eerily empty streets. As she neared the gates of the castle the sounds of battle grew much louder than before, making her heart beat faster. The entire castle exploded in a burst of fire. Twilight heard the inhabitants scream in agony and terror. Fear grew in her heart but she pressed on anyway and ran into the courtyard, hoping to save a few from the flames. There was one survivor. Twilight approached him carefully, fire surrounding her on all sides. The bodies of many guards and nobles lay strewn about. Finally the man turned to face her. His hair was red, eyes yellow and filled with a bloodlust even the greatest of beasts would cower in the presence of. Twilight screamed, eliciting a response from both Rarity and Pinkie Pie that involved high pitched screaming. Applejack jumped and dropped her apple cider, then sighed when she realized nothing was wrong. Twilight slowly realized it was all just a dream and covered her mouth with her hands. “I’m so sorry girls! I’ll get another cider for you Applejack.” She ran out of the room before the others could stop her. “I’m goin’ after her.” Applejack threw the newspaper she had been reading to the side and ran after her friend. Fluttershy slowly slinked back into her seat, having taken cover immediately after Twilight screamed. “I hope she’s okay.” “She must have had a bad dream is all.” Rarity fanned herself and loosened a few of the buttons on her shirt. Rainbowdash held her stomach and bit her lip trying not to laugh at her friends, but failed miserably, earning a harsh glare from Rarity. Pinkie didn’t care, she had been laughing the whole time. Twilight hurriedly ordered a drink for Applejack from the refreshments stand and took a seat at one of the train cars booths. She took a deep breath, attempting to settle her nerves. Why was Canterlot in flames? Why was there a human standing in the midst of it all? What happened to the Princesses? Were they okay or already- No that was impossible. They were two of the most powerful beings alive, a fire like that wouldn’t kill them. They would be busy trying to save everyone else. But what if this was a prophecy? What if all this was going to happen and she was the only one who knew about it? What if she couldn’t do anything to change this possible fate? What if- “Twilight! Can you hear me?!” Applejack shook her friend. She'd been trying to get her attention for the last thirty seconds. Twilight looked straight towards her friend and couldn’t help but smile. Of course everything would be fine, she had her friends to back her up. “Uh, Twilight? You okay? Why are ya starin at me like that? You alive?” Applejack placed her hand on Twilights forehead to check her temperature. The smaller girl couldn’t help but giggle and blush. “Im fine Applejack. Have a lot on my mind is all.” Aj backed away and smiled. “Ya’ll gave me quite a scare. Have a bad dream?” Her voice was as warm and comforting as homemade apple pie. ‘Wait, that makes no sense Twilight.’ She shook her head of these nonsensical and cliche thoughts before she turned her attention back to her friend. “Yes. I’m fine now thank you. You don’t have to worry. Lets grab your drink and get back to the others.” Applejack nodded and the two of them headed back to their seats, the rest of the ride contained only laughter and short naps. ________________________________________________ It was late into the night and Luna was busy gazing up at the moon and stars. Her sister had been shocked at the information Luna relayed to her earlier that evening. While describing everything Kagatsuchi had told her, Celestia received a letter from Twilight and read it with interest. The Princess of the Day was even more upset after learning the contents of that letter and sent a letter back requesting the Elements presence. Then teleported to the library without saying a word to Luna. She was used to it, they've been doing it that way for centuries. They would inform each other at the right time and in their own manner. ‘Now is not the time to be idling around gazing at the stars. I have many questions that must be answered.’ Luna flew off into the sky, her destination unknown to all but her sister. _________________________________________________ The Elements and Spike all arrived at Canterlot’s Castle gates just as the sun began to set. Twilight shivered, remembering how vivid her dream was. But this time her friends were there with her. She felt far more confident with their support. Twilight breathed deep, looked at all her friends and then entered the castles main hall without a trace of fear. The young girl did not expect her brother to be standing in wait for them, but this only made everything that much better. “Shining!” Twilight couldn’t contain herself and charged straight into her brothers arms, who laughed and pulled her into a tight hug. “It’s good to see you Twilight. How was the train ride?” Twilight pulled away from her brother. “It was great! We had a lot of fun.” After taking a good look at his face, she noticed the entire left side of it was dark and bruised. “Dude what happened to your face?” Rainbowdash blurted out while looking entirely unconcerned. ‘leave it up to her to say it in the worst way possible.’ Twilight shook her head. Shining Armor’s face twitched. “A uh, sparring partner of mine hit me in the face with the end of his practice sword. Nothing serious, should have worn a helmet.” he scratched the back of his head. “Now come, the Princesses are waiting for you.” He quickly turned around and led them into the dining hall, where both Princess Celestia and Luna awaited their arrival. A feast lay in wait for them, the highest quality foods from all over Equestria lay on the table. Candles lined the table and servants scurried about. “Good evening girls and Spike. Please take a seat anywhere at the table.” Celestia motioned towards the seats lined up all around the table. Twilight said bye to her brother and took the seat closest to Princess Celestia. “So why did you call all of us here? We need to beat up some bad guys again?” Rainbow punched the air, rudely allowing food to fall out of her open mouth. This earned her a slap on the head from Rarity. Celestia giggled. “Not exactly. You see-” “Someone tried to kill Celestia yesterday morning.” Luna shouted after slamming her cup down onto the table. Everyone at the table sat in stunned silence, Celestia face palmed and shook her head. “Luna! I told you to let me tell them!” “Well how else were you going to say it?” Luna rolled her eyes and rested her cheek on her fist. “W-wait! What?! Someone- Celestia- huh?!” Twilight’s pupils shrank and she started hyperventilating. “Twilight calm down! Everythin is okay!” Applejack grabbed her friend by the shoulders, obviously not calm either. “We are all gonna die!!” Screamed Pinkie Pie, scaring Fluttershy into hiding. “Pinkie!” Rarity scolded as she grabbed at her heart. “Where is he? Let me at him!” “Everyone please calm down!” A few minutes later, Celestia managed to restore order. “S-So Celestia what happened? Please tell us.” Twilight calmly addressed her mentor. Celestia and Luna went on to tell the seven all about what happened. The shocking approach, the fierce battle and then the imprisoning of the assassin. Luna of course, told a dramatic story of their battle. Earning oo’s and ah’s from her audience despite the seriousness of what took place. “The bad guy has already been taken care of right? So why do you need us?” Rainbowdash slouched in her seat. Twilight nodded in agreement. “What is it you called us here for?” Celestia closed her eyes and sighed. “The assassin is from an old Eastern country we used to be allied with.” Luna explained her conversation with him and Celestia told them how she knew him and why she felt he was not an enemy. “Just cause you knew im’ before don’t’ mean he gits’ a get out of jail free card. He still tried ta' kill you Princess!” Applejack slammed a palm down onto the table. Twilight placed a hand on her shoulder, Applejack visibly relaxed. “Princess Celestia, do you think it’s a conspiracy?” Celestia smiled proudly at her student for a moment, then immediately returned to her previous expression. “You are correct. I do not feel he is an enemy, I think Kagatsuchi was scarred and used by the emotions our true enemy caused him to feel. I believe there are people in Canterlot plotting against me and my sister.” Celestia looked from person to person to make sure the message sunk in. “Think about it girls. First Twilight realizes something strange about the end of the Eastern war, around the same time an attempt on my life is made by a man I thought was dead. I received a report from Whitefire and the other commanding officers who went with him of information that clashes with Kagatsuchi’s. Kagatsuchi is not the type to do anything for political power or riches, only for justice.” Celestia stops to catch her breath. “So yes. There is some sort of conspiracy going on here.” Silence once again fills the room. Each one of them deep in thought about this unique problem, one they had never faced before. “So how can we help?” Rainbowdash rubs the back of her head, unsure of what to do and tired of the silence. Celestia stands up, places her hands on the table and leans forward. “You will stay in the castle until this crisis is over, do not worry you will be compensated for the trouble we are causing you. I can not tell you the details now, but I need all of you to be on high alert. You will receive various assignments, playing to each one of your abilities. But the most important mission is for you, Fluttershy.” “M-me?!” Fluttershy squeaked and shrunk into herself. “Your mission today is to go and talk to Kagatsuchi. Now before you freak out I need you to listen to me.” Celestia gently placed her hand on one of Fluttershy’s shoulders. Applejack shot out of her chair. “Now wait just a darn minute! She has to go talk to that guy right now? Alone? Princess I have to say I don’t agree with this.” Luna stood up as well. “Do not worry Honest Applejack, I will accompany her. She is safe with me.” “Wait! This doesn’t make any sense! Can’t one of you go talk to him again?!” Rainbowdash jumped to Fluttershy’s side and placed a wing around her shoulders protectively. “The only thing that can break through that guy's sadness and warm his heart, is Fluttershy’s kindness. If we stop her, he will never be happy again.” Pinkie’s compassionate voice silenced her friends. Aj and Rainbow looked towards her wide eyed. Twilight giggled, every once in a while Pinkie Pie came out with something astounding. Luna shook her head. “The pink one is right, that man’s heart has been hardened by years of brewing in his own emotions and anger. Years of survival against the physical horrors of this world and the nightmares of his own thoughts. The only thing keeping him from ending his own life the whole time, were thoughts of revenge on those who unjustly slaughtered the ones he loved. Now he feels he has nothing to live for.” Fluttershy stood up, no longer shaking. Rainbow looked towards her with one eyebrow raised. “I-I’ll do it. Please, take me to him.” Her voice shook but her body showed no signs of fear. Luna smirked, nodded her head, and began leading the way to the dungeon. Her stride long and graceful. “What?! Fluttershy dear are you sure you want to talk to someone so dangerous?” Rarity’s eyes nearly fell out of her head. The Element of Kindness turned and smiled towards her friends. “Don’t worry about me girls. Princess Luna will make sure I’m safe. B-besides, I have a feeling he is truly a kind person.” With that Luna and Fluttershy carried on without interruption. _______________________________________________ The fire of the dungeons torches were weak and dim, not unlike this mans current state of spirit. Kagatsuchi’s face showed signs of mourning. The stone walls of his cell showed signs of his anger, a few fist shaped craters here and there. When Fluttershy entered his cell he didn’t bother to look up. There was no point in trying to converse with these people any longer. He had already made up his mind. “E-excuse me? S-s-s-sir?” For some reason this soft ,warm, voice forced him to make eye contact against his better judgment. “Why are you here girl? My fate is already sealed.” Though he tried to sound angry his voice came out gentle. He couldn’t bring himself to yell at this girl and it frustrated him. Fluttershy tilted her head. “W-what do you mean?” She needed to start slow, she could tell from a glance he was on the edge of a breakdown. Kagatsuchi sighed and straightened his back so he could get a better look at her. She was young and beautiful, time would take care of that. “I am but a stain on the progress of this world. I will commit seppuku in front of the Princesses tomorrow evening.” “But why?” Fluttershy took a step closer, her confidence growing. The samurai’s face twisted into an angry scowl. “Why?! I failed! I failed my loved ones. I allowed the innocent of my country die. I even failed to serve out the justice they all deserved! I would like to die in an honorable fashion at the least!” He stood up and looked down upon the girl in front of him, tears trailed down his cheeks. This girl did the most unexpected thing and smiled at him. It was not one of pity, but filled with pure unadulterated kindness and empathy. “That’s not it, is it?” Kagatsuchi stepped back, his eyes full of something he had not shown to anyone his whole life. Fear. “What?! I don’t understand what you mean!” Fluttershy stepped forward and took one of his hands in hers. “You are afraid aren’t you?” “I fear nothing! Let go of my hand!” He did not attempt to shake her off, but tried to back away from her. “What you are afraid of is not on the outside.” Her grip on his hands tightened. “What you fear is yourself. Isn’t it?” Kagatsuchi stared into her eyes, looking for any sort of ulterior motive, any evil or cruelty. All he could find was kindness. “Get away from me!” He snatched his hand away and pushed her to the floor. She did not react like the normal Fluttershy did, she reacted the way she did when one of her animals were injured and scared. She got up, brushed her hair to the side, smiled at him and slowly placed a hand on his shoulder. His breathing was heavy and he watched her hand carefully, but allowed her to do as she wished. Fluttershy knew better than anyone else how painful healing is. Many struggle against the process because of this fact. Because they believe they don’t deserve it or that it will actually harm them. She herself struggled against it many times. “You do not fear for your own safety, you fear for the safety of others. The reason you tell me to leave, is because you think you will harm me.” Fluttershy gently lead him to his cot and sat him down. “You are suppressing something that is a part of you. The only way to let go of this fear, anger, sorrow, and loneliness is to accept that part of you.” Kagatsuchi turned his face away from hers. How could she have seen so far into his heart? What was she? “If you knew what it was you wouldn’t want me alive either girl. Don’t try to pretend like you know how it feels to be a monster.” Fluttershy only smiled. “I may not know how that feels, but I know how it feels to be called weak, cowardly, stupid, and a waste of life.” He laughed. “Are you telling me to accept the evil in me too?” She shook her head side to side. “I’m telling you to see the good in it. To see the truth of it. I learned, with a lot of help, I was none of those things. I turned the negativity I was fed by myself and others, into what my heart truly desired.” Kagatsuchi slowly looked back at her. “What your heart truly desired?” Fluttershy shook her head up and down. “What is it you truly desire?” He closed his eyes and focused inside of himself. Memories of experiences he subconsciously treasured surfaced. Kagatsuchi remembered the time he fought against a hungry manticore in order to defend a couple of fox cubs. The fox’s trusted him with their lives from then on, he was only eleven when it happened. He remembered the time he jumped into a raging river in order to save a drowning farmers girl playing too close to the Everfree. He remembered all his minor and major acts of courage. They all entailed protecting someone else. Kagatsuchi remembered on the darkest nights he never felt alone, because the moon shined down on him from above. Basking in its soft comfortable light after a bloody battle was the only thing that filled him with hope. The moon was like a friend who showed their support and strength in the direst times of life. His eyes shot open. Kagatsuchi’s posture straightened and his eyes filled with a clarity only those who were enlightened experienced. “Thank you girl, your kindness has reminded me of the truth and shown me my own selfishness.” Fluttershy smiled and let out a breath she had been holding the whole conversation. “T-there is no need to thank me. What are you going to do now? I-If you don’t mind me asking.” “I will accept my entire being, no matter what it is, and use my strength for what I believe to be the path I must take.” Suddenly the room grew brighter and his face locked in a serious expression. “You can come out now Princess Luna, no need to hide your presence.” Luna stepped out from the shadows and smiled at Fluttershy. Her attention refocused on Kagatsuchi. “We are curious to know what you believe your strength should be used for. Do you wish to speak to our sister now?” Fluttershy exited the cell and stood behind Luna, her shyness returning to her. Kagatsuchi bowed to Princess Luna. “Yes. I would be honored if I could make amends with your sister, in whatever way I can. Please be there when it happens. I have something important I wish to request.” Luna gave him a curious look. Then turned to Fluttershy and beckoned her to follow. “We will attend as well. Come sweet Fluttershy, it is late and we are sure you wish to sleep.” With that, the two of them left the dungeon. Fluttershy felt pride in what she had accomplished. _____________________________________________ “You totally owned it Fluttershy!” Rainbowdash pulled her into a bone crushing hug. Super proud of her friend's awesome victory. “It was nothing.” Fluttershy squeaked, trying to catch her breath. She and Rainbowdash were sharing a room in the castle. Of course the room was ridiculously large. Two king size beds sat next to each other on one end of the room, two dressers sat on the wall opposite them. A bathroom lay just to the left of Fluttershy's bed and the exit lay to the right of Rainbowdash's. Rainbow promptly let go of Fluttershy when she realized she was having trouble breathing. “ So uh, how did you do it?” Fluttershy smiled brightly, excited to share her adventure with her closest friend. She told of how she approached him, the amount of emotional distress he felt. She told of how she got him to open up to her, of how the conversation ended and then of Luna’s praise on the way back. Rainbow could tell how happy and excited Fluttershy felt. She was thoroughly impressed with how brave Fluttershy could be. It made her admire her even more. But she would never admit that to her, Rainbowdash was too cool for that. “Damn Flutters! I knew you were the perfect choice for the job all along.” Rainbow stuck her nose into the air as she hovered a few feet above her bed. Fluttershy narrowed her eyes and smirked. “Weren’t you the one trying to get someone else to do it?” RD fell back down on the bed, red tinting her cheeks. “I was just worried is all! Didn’t want you getting hurt! I knew you could do it you know!” Fluttershy giggled and started walking towards the bathroom. “I know, thank you for being there for me Dashie.” She looked back toward her friend wearing the most sincere smile. Rainbow smiled gently back at her. “Don’t mention it.” ___________________________________________ Celestia ran right into her sister on her way to check on how the mission went. The two of them stumbled backwards and laughed. They composed themselves before getting back to business. “Did everything go well Luna?” “Yes it went perfectly. Fluttershy is amazing at healing scarred souls. He desires to make amends with you. He also requested I be there when it happens.” Luna crossed her arms and looked out into the night. Celestia’s smile grew bright and sunny. “I am very pleased to hear this. Do tell why he wants you to be there?” The Princess of the Night looked into her sister’s eyes. “He said he had an important request for me.” Celestia nodded and sighed. “I can hear how loud the next meeting is going to be. I’m sure quite a few of our noble 'friends' and generals will have something to say of our soft treatment of Kagatsuchi.” “To the Moon with them. Personally we have no idea why you let the half of them hold the posts they do now. Especially that Whitefire. We never liked him.” She huffed and turned completely towards the window. Celestia draped an arm around her sisters shoulders. For a long time she said nothing. Hesitation apparent through her body language. “Do you trust me Luna?” Her voice filled with uncertainty. Luna looked up at the moon and shook her head. “Forever and always, dear sister.”