//------------------------------// // Chapter 12 // Story: The Eighth Element?! // by PaisleyPerson //------------------------------// Chapter 12 “Please! You have to let us see her!” “Somepony get them out of here!” “Who’s there?” Hearing the commotion, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza waltzed to her chamber doors. Throwing them open, she found a couple royal guardsponies trying to drag a gray pegasus mare with golden wall eyes and a stallion with a brown-on-brown color scheme away from her bedroom. “Who’s this? How did you get in here?” “Please, your highness,” the Doctor threw off the guard and crawled forward, trying to look as pathetic and desperate as he possibly could. She looked down at him, one eyebrow raised. He’d peaked her curiosity, anyway. “We really need your help.” “We need you to cast a love spell on our friends,” Ditzy put in. “A love spell?” Cadance repeated. “I’m sorry, but I can’t help you. Love spells are highly dangerous and unethical. It is not my place to play matchmaker, nor yours. If the ponies you’re talking about are truly meant for each other, they’ll figure it out on their own.” “They did! Believe me, Princess. Why, if it hadn’t been for us, they would be engaged!” “Is that so?” “Please, hear us out, Princess.” Cadance heaved a heavy, if not reluctant sigh, but then nodded to dismiss the guards. “Very well.” “Thank you,” Ditzy was still trembling, anxious about what may happen if they were caught. “You see, Princess Cadance-” “Please. Call me Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” “As you wish, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. As I was saying, these two ponies, Acrylic Storm and Torchwood, they’re very much in love. But just the other day, Torchwood and I were talking- just innocent, idle chit chat, is all- but I seem to have led him to believe that Acrylic was seeing somepony else. I was merely referring to her business relationship with another stallion in Canterlot, but now Torchwood won’t speak to her. She doesn’t know what’s the matter, and he won’t listen to a word she says! I’ve tried reasoning with them myself, but they’re both equally bull-headed and stubborn. And, Princess, most tragic of all is that last I heard, Torch was preparing to propose! Everypony will tell you that they’re perfect for each other! It’s destiny! But it was all my fault. Princess, I’m begging you- help me fix this!” Ditzy nodded support. “It’s true,” she assured, but her voice cracked. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza didn’t look convinced. “All we need is a little love spell- just a temporary one- to rekindle their feelings for each other. Just so they can hear one another out. Please, your highness.” “I’m sorry. But if it is true love as you say, these ponies will work it out for themselves.” “You have to do something! All of time and space depends on it!” The Princess almost appeared amused at this. “Pardon?” “This love, or lack thereof, could dramatically alter Equestria’s timeline. Essentially, Princess, the fate of Equestria depends on this.” “And how do you know this?” “Believe me, Mi Amore Cadenza. I’m telling you the truth.” Ditzy solemnly nodded. That much was true. Cadance finally appeared to be considering the proposal. “Very well. If this love is truly as important as you say, then I suppose it is my duty as Princess to step in.” “Brilliant!”