Equestria, Canterlot, 06-08-05, 9:25 A.M. A.N.M. (After Nightmare Moon)
It was a journey of only a few minutes that brought the alicorns to the manor of the Lady Lemyre. When they got there, the royal mares saw that the house was surrounded by yellow police tape. Detachments of both Celestia’s Guard and Luna’s Guard were present.
A lovely Nocturne mare approached the alicorns as they made their way to the entrance of the manor house. “Your Highnesses, I am sorry that this has interrupted the meeting you were all having; however, the state of the Canterlot Police Department is in such disarray. They have no standards as on how to handle something like this.” Commander Radiant Wings rubbed the back of her head with a hoof in aggravation. “I’ll be honest; I am not sure the Lunar Guard have any standards as to what to do.” She then motioned for the alicorns to follow her, giving an amused glance to Rainbow Dash’s self-conscious air.
A few short minutes later, the mares were all standing in front of the doors leading to the private chambers of the Lady Lemyre. The doors had been blown off their hinges. Luna looked at the mess in shock. “What in Faust’s Name happened here?!”
“Around eight o'clock this morning, one of Lady Lemyre’s personal maids came running to the local precinct screaming about ‘a horrible attack on her Ladyship’s person.’ All I have been able to determine is that something of a highly unusual magical nature has occurred.” The captain gestured for the alicorns to precede her as she continued to explain.
“Whatever happened here blew the doors down as well as every window, yet caused no other structural damage. My building experts say that this part of the house is far longer than it should be based on the original blueprints, yet so far we have not found any evidence of secret rooms or the like.”
The alicorns all walked into a room that looked pristine. Absolutely nothing was out of place; even the bed looked fine, though it did look as if nopony had slept in it.
Luna’s horn was a-glow as she scanned for hidden glyphs and the like. Celestia shook her head as a low, distracting hum continued to vibrate her horn; this had been happening on and off all morning.
The most distracted of them was Rainbow Dash. Ever since she entered, she could feel the vibrations of spent shadow and darkness mana. Both were twisted from their usual forms in a way that was unfortunately very familiar to the rainbow-maned alicorn. She followed the trail the residue was giving off, and stood before a tall bookshelf on one of the walls. “Twilight, there’s something in this direction,” she said to the purple alicorn that had trotted up next to her.
Twilight lit her own horn, scanning for sealing runes. Finding nothing, she turned to Rainbow. “Are you sure Rainbow? I’m not sensing anything here; there’s no spell of any kind on anything in this room.”
Rainbow fluffed her wings in frustration. “I know there’s something here,” she said. “It’s some of that same twisted mana I ran into when I fought Sombra’s Shade.” She looked closer at the bookshelf. She could sense that light was somehow passing around its edges.
Her mouth twisted in a confused frown, Rainbow cast a useful spell that one of the pegacorns who had helped her and Twilight on their journey to the Crystal Wastes had taught her. The spell did nothing other than cut off abruptly. Her frown deepening, the cyan alicorn tapped into the x-ray spectrum of light in frustration. Let’s see the bitch try to hide anything now, she thought to herself.
All at once, she could see the hidden door. Walking up to it, she pushed in the several books that were linked to the gears inside. The bookshelf swung open on silent hinges, revealing the secret entrance. “Zounds, it seems as though Princess Rainbow has found what we were seeking!” Luna said, a happy smile on her muzzle.
Twilight looked at her marefriend in shock. “Rainbow, how did you find that?” The mare in question blushed.
“Oh, one of the Guardians taught me a couple of things.” Rainbow tapped the gears on the other side. “I used a spell that can be used to track metal. It’s supposed to ping when it finds something. Unless of course that said metal is nul-steel, as this seems to be made of.”
Twilight facehoofed. “Ugh, so that’s why my scans were off; I wasn’t getting the full scan.” She frowned. “But how were you able to see it well enough to unlock it?”
“Oh, that’s because the ‘Lady Lemyre’ wasn’t smart enough to line the shelf with lead, else I would have had to blast my way through.” The cyan alicorn looked smug, at least until she saw the confused looks the other alicorns were wearing. “Um, you do know I can use all the entire spectrum of light, right? I can even ‘see’ telegraph communications and crystal telephone calls if I want to.” She shook her head to dislodge the thought. “Not that I wanna ever do that again; once was enough.”
Twilight’s look of confusion slowly cleared. “You mean to tell me that you can ‘see’ in the x-ray spectrum?! That’s not possible; a pony’s eye’s don’t have the cones or rods to see that high!”
“Actually, that is only partially true,” the Captain spoke up. “My tribe can see in the ultraviolet spectrum, which is close. And I should say that it makes sense when you take into consideration the Realm My Princess is in charge of.” The Nocturne mare bowed to Rainbow Dash, making her blush self-consciously.
“Ah, yeah, I really should have said something first,” Rainbow said sheepishly. She looked more closely at the Captain. “One of Selene’s Faithful huh?” The mare nodded.
“‘Tis fascinating, but I think this should wait until we explore yonder tunnel,” Luna said, an amused expression on her muzzle. Flushing in embarrassment, the two mares followed the rest of them down the short path.
Stopping in shock, the alicorns and the Nocturne looked in disbelief at what they found. A vast collection of questionable magical paraphernalia graced the shelves. Hanging on one wall was the one thing that Celestia recognized; the Scrying Mirror of the Royal Unicorn Family, the glass part-way between its shattered and rejuvenation states. Further exploration was halted by the shocked gasp that Cadance let out.
There, in the center of a runic circle surrounded by broken crystals dark in color was a statue of a pony made of pure crystal. The statue bore the cutie mark of the Lady Lemyre.
“Well, this is most certainly unexpected,” Celestia said at length.
A few minutes later, all who had explored the secret room were in the foyer of the manor. Captain Radiant Wings was pacing in aggravation.
“Just what the hay happened in there?! I mean, I’ve heard of that sort of punishment, yet I was given to understand that it requires an alicorn present to cast it!” In her frustration, the Captain lost the formal way she had been speaking up until that point.”
“I’m just as confused as you are Captain. I know from some of the reports that Princess Twilight was forced to call on Harmony’s Law, but this is the first time I’ve heard of this having been done outside of the presence of an alicorn or Priest of Harmony.” The tone Cadance spoke in was one of confusion.
Rainbow Dash was frowning. Ever since she had entered that room, the harmonic connection she had to the Tree of Harmony had been vibrating. Something that Angela had told her suddenly made sense. Her expression clearing, she spoke one word, her voice giving off a resonance as she did so.
“Hope.”
With a flash of brilliant rainbow light, the embodiment of Harmony itself appeared before the group. She bowed briefly before the Day and Night Princesses, a merry twinkle in her eyes. Rainbow Dash just rolled her eyes at this display.
“Princess Hope, while it is good to see you, I would ask as to how you were able to punish one of our nobles without our awareness,” Luna said, a look of deep dissatisfaction on her muzzle. “As I do remember Clover herself requesting that you at least do so only with the approval of an alicorn.”
The Aspect of Harmony looked at the midnight blue alicorn, as if measuring her. After a moment, she nodded. “I would tell you, Princess Lunara, except it isn’t my place to do so. All you need to know is that My Law, Clover’s Law, and the Founder’s Law was called last evening, around the same time that Princess Celestia dealt with the Demon of Pride.” She bowed again in thanks. “I have to thank you for that; you enabled me to Send the others of its ilk away so that they would do no further harm.”
“But who would Call those Laws, and who would have the knowledge to do so when even my sister was unaware of what was transpiring?” The look of anger on Luna’s muzzle was enough to frost glass. Indeed, those present could feel the temperature in the room fall by several degrees.
“Again, it isn’t my place to say, though you yourself should know who all have the authority to do so. You should thank them once you find out, as doing so is irrefutable proof that the one pulling all of the strings for the Dark One here in Equestria has been dealt with.” The Aspect of Harmony walked towards an open window as she continued to speak. “In any case, I’m needed elsewhere now. Good day to you Sisters; the Blessings of Harmony are with you all.” So saying, the alicorn flew off.
“Well, it seems as though there’s more to this than we were given to understand,” Luna said at length. “There’s no use in asking Hope any further; she was probably asked by whoever it was that Called the Great Laws to not say anything. Though there are few outside the Council that have that authority.”
Twilight abruptly facehoofed in aggravation. “I should have realized this sooner. The Junior Council of Eight received all of the evidence I had sent them concerning House Lemyre’s involvement in what had happened in Ponyville months ago. The only thing is, I don’t see any of those ponies doing something like this without the approval of the main Council. Not without cause…” she trailed off.
“What would give them cause? As I understood it, the evidence against this House was circumstantial at best. And not for a lack of trying,” Luna said in irritation.
“That’s just it LuLu; Twi and I did more in each of the cities that we visited on our journey than look for clues connected to the stuff that was in that blasted book,” Rainbow said. “Every single time we were diverted from our primary goal, it was always to clean up one or more of the ‘Dark One’s plans. And every single one of those efforts was connected in some way to this House.” She pointed to the wall, where a picture of an elegant zeppelin was hanging. “Like that for instance; in Mareago we ran into a thief posing as me that was stealing secrets and stuff from other businesses. Turns out somepony from the zeppelin company that House Lemyre owns hired the con-pony.”
“There never was anything concrete to go on,” Twilight continued when Rainbow paused to catch her breath. “Whenever we’d get close, key documents would be found missing. And there were never any witnesses to whatever it was we were looking for. The few we did find were either criminals, or were in no position to tell us anything.”
The Captain nodded. “Just as Centurion Marigold informed us when she came back to Canterlot after following a trail that led to San Prancisco.” The Nocturne mare sighed. “Your Highnesses, I think it would be best if we continue to discuss this when my Guards-ponies have a chance to gather all of the evidence. If you will excuse me, Sovereign, My Princess,” she bowed in turn to both Rainbow Dash and Luna, who nodded. She then left to chivvy her officers into getting the evidence together.
“Celestia, I think it would be best if we all returned to the castle; I suspect more evidence will be waiting for us there,” Twilight said to her mentor.
Celestia nodded. “Quite right Twilight.” The others all nodded before teleporting back to the castle to await more information.
They didn’t wait for long.
It was just a few moments after they had arrived to one of the lesser conference rooms that a small herd of ponies joined them, one of which was Glorious Sunrise.
The mare in question was carrying a small pile of scrolls in her levitation aura. Twilight looked closer at the mare, and realized that there was something special about the sash she was wearing. That’s the official slash of the Archmage, Head of the Council of the Eight. If she’s wearing that, then that means… Twilight was unable to finish her thought as the mare began speaking.
“Your Highnesses, I’ve been made aware that you have seen the evidence of Princess Hope’s judgement on the late Lady Lemyre of House Lemyre. We have already sent word of what has occurred to her son Blueblood, along with the ruling that the year-ban placed on him has been rescinded due to mitigating circumstances.” She then cleared her throat nervously before continuing.
“What you may not be aware of is the change that has occurred within the Council of the Eight. As of nine o’clock this morning, the Junior Council has taken over responsibility of said Council, due to an unwarranted- and completely illegal -Vote of No Confidence in the persons of Princess Celestia Dos Everfree, Princess Lunara Dos Everfree, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza Crystalia, Princess Twilight Amelia Sparkle Armor, and Princess Rainbow Prism Dash. Said Vote was made at thirty minutes past eight; the majority of the former Lords and Ladies sitting on said Council had pressured the only three that had abstained into casting the Vote.”
“Word has been sent to the Heirs of all but House Belle, House Apple, and House Armor that their Lords have been remanded for treasonous actions, and await Sentencing by the High Court. Judgement and Sentencing has already been passed on the former Archmage, who has lost her title as a result of breaking the Confidence of Princess Celestia Dos Everfree.”
“Late last evening, I felt the resonant tones that come from the Scrying Mirror of the Royal Family whenever it shatters. Said occurrence only occurs whenever a unicorn of the royal blood attempts to summon demons. I immediately informed my superior, who informed me that she knew, and also informed me to do nothing. I took umbrage at this, as it was further evidence that even she was caving into the pressure that the unlamented former noble was bringing to bear on the First Houses.”
“I immediately contacted my fellow Junior Councilors, and we called the Great Laws on the unicorn in question. We were later forced to do so on the entire Council this morning.” Sunrise sighed. “I took no pleasure at all in informing my teacher that she was a traitor to both the Mage’s Council, and to the Princess she had served her entire life. She called me a foal.”
“We have been working diligently, and have found the entirety of the conspiracy to undermine both the authority of the Alicorn Council, as well as the Council of Eight. We have sent word to have all remaining conspirators arrested.”
“The scrolls I brought here detail the evidence that was presented before the remaining three who sat on the Council before myself and my compatriots. Needless to say, none of them were surprised, as similar threats and promises of wealth were made to them as well; nothing worked of course.”
The alicorns all took a scroll and began to read. It only took a few lines before Luna threw her scroll down in disgust. “And the foals wonder why I have little love for nobles,” she said sourly.
Twilight wore a shocked expression on her muzzle. “I don’t understand; Clover the Wise is one of the smartest ponies I’ve ever met. She should have seen that the Princess couldn’t be held accountable for the underlying motivations for the decisions she’s made. Every single one of them benefited us Equestrians.” She flushed. “I know that I was both hurt and endangered by some of them, yet I do understand that pride wasn’t the only reason she kept those secrets. She really had no way of telling me anything until after it was all done; I wouldn’t have believed her anyway even if she had.”
“All due respect Princess Twilight,” the council-pony said in response, “but the evidence of demonic influence was just the excuse Clear Mind needed. The Title of Clover has been rescinded, as it has come to light that she has used political blackmail to secure her position.”
Sunrise looked sad as she continued. “My former teacher was foremost a self-serving, selfish politician before anything else. Even her acquiescence in stopping the General Assembly was part of her plans, as there was a petition to have her removed as Archmage before the Assembly. She’s not even as skilled at magic as she’s claimed; a clever network of bribes and threats helped secure her position. She was always proud that the greatest achievement in her career was the fact that ‘I’ve been successful for years in keeping that frigid alicorn in my confidence.’” She said that last part with an apologetic look towards Celestia. “I’m sorry that I’ve kept that from you My Princess; I had to act as if I was in agreement, else she would have picked somepony ‘more suitable’.”
“I’m not surprised at all, frankly; her entire family are some of the biggest supporters of an ‘alicorn-and-pegacorn-free-Equestria.’” The statement Rainbow said was met with confused looks. “Oh, Grandpa Prism took me to her house one day when I was little; I saw some of the ‘literature’ she had in her office.” She smirked. “Boy, was he mad when I told him what I saw.”
Celestia shook her head. “And I would have seen something earlier, as her teachers had told me when she was still in school that ‘she was far too ambitious and conniving’ to be trusted. My pride led me to ignore the rumors that she was the lead of a cheating ring, one that a later Dean of my school closed down.”
“Where is this mare now?” Luna asked.
“Sequestered in a prison cell in the prison just outside Canterlot, on orders of the Mage’s Council. A number of her supporters within said Council are there as well,” Sunrise said in response.
Twilight looked sad. “She always seemed to like me; was that all an act?” she asked, her tone sad.
Sunrise shook her head. “She had no personal feelings for or against you Princess.” A thoughtful look crossed the unicorn’s muzzle. “Actually, I think she might have thought more highly of you than she let on, though I’m not sure of the details.” She snorted in anger. “I was chosen as a successor because of our family connections, and because I was ‘the most moldable one I’ve found.’” She then grinned; it was not a nice grin. “Her expression when I ‘betrayed her confidence’ was sweet; turns out I was smarter and less moldable than she thought.” Luna, Cadance, and Rainbow all grinned at this statement; after a moment, Celestia and Twilight did so as well, though Twilight’s smile was still a bit sad.
“Well, I’m sure you are all up to speed on what has recently been done. You should be happy to know that this Council has rescinded the standing order against Princess Hope’s ‘interference’, as it’s been called. We’ve formally requested her assistance in the defense of Equestria. It makes sense; the Power she represents is the very foundation of our beliefs, and what saved our bacon back when Tirek broke free.” Sunrise then nodded to the alicorns before her and the other Councilors left the conference room.
Celestia sighed as the alicorns were now alone, Luna’s Captain of the Lunar Guard having excused herself a few moments after the Council of Eight left. “I don’t know as whether or not this is all a good thing; none of this would have happened had I not allowed pride to rule my life for so long.”
The others were surprised when Rainbow slapped the table with her hoof. “Celly, you need to stop blaming yourself; it’s not helping,” the cyan alicorn scolded her. “Did you do what you did just out of pride?” Celestia shook her head, wondering just where this was coming from.
“Then there’s no reason for you to blame yourself. Whether or not you did all of that out of pride or not doesn’t change the fact that your heart was in the right place. Even what LuLu went through wasn’t just out of envy; she wanted to be able to express how much she loves us all.” Luna nodded in confirmation of this.
“And telling everypony would have been just as bad. Riot training for the Wonderbolt Reserves made it very clear what can sometimes happen when ponies learn bad information. Mass panics and riots have come from such things.” Rainbow shuddered as she recalled pictures of the riot that occurred in Manehattan shortly after Princess Luna returned.
“Rainbow Dash is right. I may have been angry that so much was kept from me, but most of it I got over after I realized that you had good reason.” Twilight sighed. “Everything I said last night hurt me to say more than anything else. I wasn’t angry at you for any of it, just that you had the gall to take me to task for ‘keeping secrets’ when I had no choice in the matter. Everything just boiled out.”
“And it needed to, Twilight. I should have come clean with you and your friends the moment my sister returned to me.” Celestia then turned to Rainbow. “But Serenity is right; I need to put this behind me. I’ve learned from it, and I will no longer keep anything from those who have a right to know.” She then teleported a thick scroll into the room. “It’s time I did to these what I should have done ages ago.” She then incinerated the scroll with a burst of plasma.
All the mares smiled at this. The discussion turned to the rest of the evidence provided by the Council, as the Alicorn Council turned in one mind to the matter of protecting Equestria from the forces that were allied against it.
Far to the north, a dark presence screamed in pain as his first, last, and greatest weapon was destroyed, forcing him to try other means to end the existence of those who continued to stand in his way…