I stared at the scene in total shock. Two of Canterlot's Royal Guards pointed deadly-sharp, golden spears at Mage, who lay defeated on the ground, eyes tightly shut. I didn't know what to do, but I certainly did not want to see my friend get stabbed or hurt in any way. "What's going on..." I asked slowly.
One of the guards turned, looking as if he'd just realized I was standing there. The other kept his spear inches from Mage's face, as if daring her to move. "Our royal duties, ma'am," the one facing me said sternly. After taking a look at my wings, he added, "Er, your highness."
I raised my eyebrow at the title. I wasn't exactly an official princess yet, but I guess being an alicorn automatically makes you royalty. I resisted the urge to smile in such a tight situation. "And what might those duties be?"
The guard hesitated, internally debating whether or not to tell me. "We were sent by Princess Celestia to go after this imposter." He pointed a hoof at Mage. "Says she's actually a changeling."
My eyes widened and I gulped nervously. How had they found out? Had they known all along? Surely there was an easy way out of this, there always is. But even of there was, my mind was drawing a blank.
"Speaking of which, do you know her?" The guard suddenly asked, dragging me out of my thoughts. Then I realized what he was asking. It was a question I had an answer to, yet didn't know how to reply, knowing one answer could end with an unwanted consequence. I looked in Mage's direction for help, and noticed her eyes were open now, and she slightly shook her head.
"Oh, um...No! O-of course not!" I stuttered nervously, looking back up. The guard gave me an 'Are you sure about that?' look, before turning around to face his partner again. They shared a nod, then shouted for Mage to stand up. I knew they were taking her to Canterlot Castle. "Wait!"
"Look, we don't have time-"
"I know, I know." I also know I shouldn't be talking to a Royal guard in such a manor. I honestly don't know what I was thinking-doing-whatever. So, I asked, "Can I come with you?"
The unamused guards in front of me share a confused look. "I...guess so." Behind them, Mage raised an eyebrow, just as confused as them. I smiled sheepishly, and she rolled her eyes with a hopeful smile. I didn't know it was possible to be messing around at a time like this.
One teleportation spell later, the four of us stand in one of the long halls of Canterlot Castle. Surprisingly enough, I'd only been here once or twice. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and the view was even more amazing. You could see all of Canterlot from there. But despite these qualities, I hated the floor being so far from the ceiling. It made me feel small. I could only imagine having to stay there all day and night.
"Ahem." I snapped back to the real world and smiled embarrassingly, which only earned me more eye rolls. Mage and I walked side by side until we came to a stop in front of a pair of double-doors. I guessed this was Princess Celestia's room. We were informed to stay out here and wait.
"Your highness?" The guard said as he entered the room. "We got the changeling."
Princess Celestia looked up. "Did you take care of her?"
He gulped. "We had some...trouble."
The princess raised an eyebrow, then sighed. "Bring them in."
We were shoved roughly into the throne room. The guards bowed, then left the room. I scowled after them.
"Princess Sportsy Sketch, I haven't seen you here in a while."
I whirled around. "Oh, uh..." I bowed. "Sorry your highness."
"It's quite alright. I see you've gone and made yourself a new friend." She glanced in Mage's direction, who was looking very pale.
"How'd you know?" I looked at the ground.
"Oh, I know everything, Sportsy. Did you know about her secret until now?"
"Yes." I jumped in front of Mage. "But she isn't like the others! She just wants to be normal! Please-"
Celestia put up a hoof to stop me. "Don't worry, she's going to be fine."
"What are you going to do with her?"
"We'll take good care of her here at the castle." It was beginning to sound like we were talking about an animal, sick and dying while the doctor couldn't do anything to help.
I frowned. "Well then I'll stay here with her." I said, standing up straighter. I was not about to give up on Mage yet.
The princess shook her head. "I'm afraid that won't be necessary, Sportsy. I think it's time to say goodbye to your friend."
"What?! No!" My eyes filled with tears as I ran over to Mage, and she did the same. We embraced in a hug, both of us crying. I wondered for a moment how she felt right now. Was she just as sad as me, wondering why life was so unfair? Or was she accepting her fate, no matter how sad it was?
We pulled away from each other, wiping at our eyes. "I'll miss you, Sportsy," Mage sniffled.
I decided to play along. "Me too." I looked up to Princess Celestia, and with a kind smile on her face, she nodded. With that, I walked out of the room. I passed through the long, intimidating hallway and all the way out of the castle. Of course this wasn't the end. I wasn't about to lose one of my only friends so quickly, and even if she wasn't my friend, it's not like I'd let the princess do something awful to an innocent pony. I began to come up with a plan, one that wouldn't get me in trouble, but would save both me and Mage. Operation changeling was a go.