Unforgotten

by Riddle-Me-Think


A Day to Reflect

I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic


A lavender hoof lifted to lightly knock on a deep purple door, the sound resounding through the building as Twilight patiently waited at it’s threshold for somepony to answer. Normmaly, Twilight would have just entered in through the door, as the Carousal Boutique was a busness. Though today, that wasn’t the case as the shop was closed for the rest of day, and leaving Twilight to wait for somepony to answer the door.

She gave a smile as the door did soon open, it’s latch clicking and door coming open as Rarity gave a suprised, if not please greeting, “Oh, Twilight. I didn’t expect you over today. Please, do come in and tell me what I owe the pleasure of you visiting me.”

Smiling at the apparent positive change Rarity had, Twilight said, “I came over to check up on you.” Thankfully getting out of the slightly chilly wind as she went on, “And see about those plans for the spa.” Admettedly wanting to get a day down so she could place it down on her calendar.

“Oh, yes, that.” Rarity smiled while slightly stumbling with her words. “I will be honest, I wasn’t sure if I felt… up to going.” Closing the door behind her friend while adding, “I do have some more orders to fill out, dresses don’t make themselves you know.” Head held high and moving with the lavender mare—

“Translation: I don’t feel like showin’ off my figure.” Rarity almost seemed to cringe at Roma’s… bluntness. The tan mare moved into the room, apron over her front as she told, “Marshmallow’s been takin’ every chance she could to avoid the place. And it ain’t doin’ her any favors.”

Taking a breath to compose herself, Rarity insisted, “Roma, please. I can deal without the spa.” Then gave a smiled, “I’m perfectly fine with it.”

“No. You’re not.” Roma said with a deadpan look. “I can tell when you’re lyin’, remember?” Lifting a brow adding, “Hard to lie to a changeling.”

Rarity let out a suffible sigh at that, though chose not to argue about it. It was draining enough trying to make the near immovable mare to stop anything she put her mind to. Though for Twilight’s own self, she wasn’t completely sure what was going on. Though, she supposed that Roma was still taking maters into her hooves, and from the looks of it, has been helping Rarity out.

With this in thought, Twilight asked with an almost awkward smile, “I’m sorry, were you two getting ready for dinner or…”

Smirking and giving a snort, Roma waved off, “Naw. Grub’s still cooking Sparkles. Casarol’s still got an hour or two left before it’s ready to be munched on.” Then gave the mare a look over and commented, “Shoppin’ trip?”

Shifting some, the lavender unicorn said, “Yes. I needed to pick up a few things and I thought to come here and ask Rarity about her plans to the Spa.” Then further explained with, “Applejack told me a few days back, but she didn’t know the time so I thought I’d roll my shopping, getting a day and seeing how Rarity was doing all in one.”

Rolling her eyes, Roma said, “Yeah…. that does sound like somthin’ ya’do.” Turning around and telling back, “Go on Marshmallow, socialize! You could use it!”

Letting out a low sigh of aggravation, Rarity admitted to Twilight, “Sometimes… sometimes I don’t know if she is trying to help, or purposely trying to aggravate me.” Though in the back of her mind, Rarity did concede that it was possibly purposeful… just so Roma could feed off of said aggravation.

“Maybe she’s trying to help you vent your frustrations?” Twilight tried to suggest helpfully, though she wasn’t sure if it was helping. The slight irritated look that Rarity gave certainly didn’t tell her it was the right thing to say, though it was dropped moments later with the white mare giving a sigh.

“Sorry Darling, I’ve just been a little… wound up tight lately.” Rarity admitted to her fellow unicorn. “Admittedly, I’ve been feeling a tad depressed too being cooped up in this house of mine.”

Feeling a familiar feeling of a warm body and a limb over her shoulders, Rarity relaxed and slightly basked in the friendly hug Twilight was giving her, the mare saying, “I don’t blame you, Rarity. It can’t be easy to get over what… you were put through.”

Smiling at this, Rarity let out a dry chuckle and agreed, “It… it really wasn’t.” Taking a deep breath in before letting it out, “I suppose I have been a tad… jittery about leaving the house still.” Then glanced towards the kitchen with a slight smile. “Well, at least not without Roma around.” Turning her blue eyes to Twilight and telling, “As crass as she acts, Roma is a rather good friend underneath it all.”

“I’ve noticed.” Twilight smiled in agreement while moving over twords another room. On a thought, she asked, “How has Sweetie Belle been doing too?” Knowing from Applejack alone that Apple Bloom was currently on watch. The mare could only assume the same was said for the rest of the Crusaders, but it was more better to ask than just simply assume.

Giving a sigh on that, Rairty told, “Besides a minor tongue lashing from my parents, nothing too server.” Shaking her head and going on, “I think the whole ordeal alone was enough to give the dear a good idea of how much trouble she was in. That alone was punishment in itself I believe.”

“Still.” Rarity continued on while following Twilight, the later of which was placing her bags down and taking her seat at the table in the dinning room, “Her actions were still irresponsible, and only a small amount of punishment was still needed.”

“As long as she’s alright.” Twilight agreed wit a nod. “Does that mean she’s still allowed to visit you, even know she’s still grounded?”

There was a slightly muffled laugh behind a hoof as Rarity told, “Nothing of the sort Twilight. My parents know that they can’t keep her away.” Then let out a slight sigh, “Mostly because they become so busy and don’t have anypony else to watch over the dear.”

Though this was true, Twilight had a feeling that Rarity also missed her sister around and took whatever chance she could to actually spend time with the young filly. Bare in mind it didn’t conflict with her own work. Twilight still smiled at the thought, recalling having the same relationship with her brother when he wasn’t around nearly as much as he used to be. Even more now, with miles separating them.

“Well, it’s good to know she has a caring older sister to be there for her.” Twilight told with a nod. Continuing to smile, she went on to say, “And I think Roma’s starting to enjoy her around too.”

With a dramatic sigh, Rarity said, “Honestly, I don’t know if that’s a good thing—” Then began to sway with a hoof over her forehead, “—or the beginnings of a horrible tragedy in the making. Hevans, it’s been an uphill battle to keep my darling sisters free of my parents already… unique taste in fashion and their own choice of… subpar use of speech.” Then gave a shutter saying, “But Roma?”

Peeking her head around a corner, Roma said, “Hey! Got a problem with me bein’ honest with Shortcake?” Looking a bit ticked off.

Rounding to look at the mare, Rarity craned her neck around to tell the vendor to her face, “When I hear my little sister asking me what ‘broodmare’ and ‘clopping’ means?” Then made a upturned nose of a huff, “I very well have reason to be concerned for her well being as a future proper lady!”

“Oh come on, Marshmallow— I didn’t know she was listening in on the time!” Roma complained, moving to be more into view and lean on the door way. In her hooves, the pony steered a bowl of batter and went on, “The kid was just there when I was tryin’ to tell Serenity to take a hike.”

Twilight shiffted awkwardly and asked, “W-well… did you at least… answer her to prevent any future probles?” Trying to steer the conversation back to something more civil.

Letting out a long sigh, Rarity nodded, “That I did Twilight.” Then gave a slight backwards glare, “No help from my own local headache.” Getting an amused snort from the tan mare that retreated back to the kitchen. Still, she refocused on the task at hoof and went on, “It was… not an ideal topic to touch for me. Truthfully, I wanted to avoid talking about it but…” She dragged off and shook her head with a near defeated sigh.

Having an understanding nod, Twilight said, “I can understand why.” Knowing the subjects touched during that time would have gone dangerously close to what happened with the far Cinder Lock— not anywhere ideal for Rarity’s current state.

Feeling a need to shift topics for her friends sake, Twilight smiled, “So… when do you plan to make a trip to the spa?” Smiling as she told, “I’m sure Fluttershy would love to go with you— like the rest of us. Maybe sometime soon?”

Smiling to that, Rarity said, “The dear has been fretting over me lately. She comes around everyday that we normally go out for our weekly spa treatment.” Then gave a sigh as she slightly batted at the end of her curling mane, “I just have been more.. self-conscious over myself.”

Scooting over to get herself closer, Twilight placed a hoof near one of Rarity’s own, giving the mare a smile as she glanced her way. 
“I know, Rarity.” Twilight told gently, “But this isn’t you.” Trying to think of how to encourage the mare— but not push too much either. “I know it’s not easy. It isn’t for most.” Then assured, “But I know that you can get through this, you just have to try and remind yourself that you’re still a strong, independent lady.” Then warmly added, “And you have me, the girls— even Roma around to help you.”

Having a somber smile, Rarity said, “The thought is… it’s touching Twilight.” Slightly letting herself sag into a slouch, something tat she would normally abhor, “Maybe you’re right. Maybe… a day out with you girls all do me some good.” Then slightly joked to her friend, “Maybe finally get Rainbow Dash to hold still and take a manicure for those hooves of hers.”

Letting out a snicker, Twilight told, “Rarity, I think it would take a miracle for Rainbow to ever do something like that.”

“It would, wouldn’t it?” Rarity soon agreed with a laugh, thinking about the idea and letting things slip into a comfortable silence between them both. Looking down at her idle hooves, Rarity tried to think of somthing, even considered asking if her friend wanted any tea while she visited.

It was then that she caught something that, by some chance, was missed. Really she wasn’t sure how she missed it before, though she figured it was that she wasn’t really paying that mch attention at the time. “Twilight, where ever did you get such an interesting little pendent?” Eyeing the slightly glowing book-shaped pendent around her friend’s neck. “It’s glow certainly goes nicely with your coat— though I think I would have gone with a more… darker coloration of metal?”

Blinking and looking down, Twilight smiled and used a hoof to hold it up to show it more to the fashionest and tell, “You mean this?” Gaining a smile and telling, “It’s a gift Mask had sent for me. Apparently it was supposed to come in the mail sooner, but it was held up.” Then rolled her eyes as she added with a amused smile, “And the glow is a high-band security rune powered by my magic and tuned into only for myself and Mask.” She then added, “In short, if he can’t find me, he can use a spell to track me because of this pendent.”

With a questioning glance at the pendent, Rarity asked, “Isn’t that a little… extreme Darling?” Not sure how Twilight was taking the whole situation on somepony just… always knowing where she was at all times. A rather large breach in ones privetey in her own mind.

Though Twilight seemed to assure her with, “He’s just concerned Rarity.” Then shifting slightly herself and admitting, “Really… I actually feel a bit more safer with it.” Using her hoof to press the pendent onto her chest and tell, “I might have worked past what happened months back with the Quasi scouts… but I still remember it and how I…” Cutting herself off from there before shaking her head.

Taking a calming breath, Twilight soon said “I just feel safer knowing that if something happens to me… at least Mask will be able to find me.” Having a comforted smile, she affirmed mostly to herself, “I know he would. He’s shown me that he would.”

For a moment, Rarity felt her heart flutter at the romance before her, and couldn’t help but say, “I envy you sometimes Twilight.” Getting a startled look from the mare, “Even without what happened to me, I envy your… well, your ideal romance with that rapscallion of a stallion. He might not be a prince charming…” Then showed a rueful smile as she told, “But he does make for a charming rouge for your story.”

That made the two dissolve into giggling and laughs at the thought, and how true the statement rather was.


The peace talks had gone as well as they could have, Celestia supposed. Sardonic was certainly not an easy changeling to deal with, having savagely gone at every possibility that he could like a hungry wolf. Every attempt was always acumponied by a look of distrust that Celestia had more than gotten used to during her more earlier years when she began ruling Equestria alone. And by now, that same experience has served her now to calmly divert each strike of his words with little effort. Though she still gained a headache for her efforts.

Admettedly, she was slightly concerned for the two changelings that had been under her care. Sardonic had brought up the thought of punishments, but only left that he would carry it out after they had gone to the hive. But in the meantime… they were left behind with the other changelings he garrisoned in her city for this whole diplomatic situation.

She gave a weary sigh, and hopped there deceit would carry through. She had asked Intrusive once if the changelings being sent would be able to successfully hide among Sardonic’s numbers. In turn, she was told they where changelings that had training for Stage-4 shapeshifting, even if they were commons. None, not even Sardonic himself, would be able to sense them out, or know the difference.

Be that as it may, they were not all infiltrators. Scouts, Seekers, Knights, Guards, Mages and more— but scarce few were actually the Infiltrator classification that could more effectively spy.

Then again, they weren’t fully there to spy. Just to stall for time or cause trouble if Sardonic chose to try and harm them anytime soon.
For now, the alicorn sighed and read over the last bits of the scroll before her— the terms of their ‘agreements’ just before Sardonic took his personal guard and left back for his clan— with the forty plus fake Solar Gaurds. Looking over it, Celestia could clearly tell by the terms alone, that he was stalling for something. He had something that she didn’t know.

“Do you have anything else to report, Captain Armor?” Celestia lifted her eyes to look at the good Captain, looking and sensing for anything off. Still, she had asked Intrusive to look over all her guard and even a few individuals for any Infiltrators or potential spies. As of yet, nothing had been found to show any to have been replaced with changeling spies.

“No, your highness.” Armor crisply told from his place, Cadence to his left with Blue Blood, while Evening Harvest stood to his right. “Sardonic has fully withdrawn and the…garrison is currently residing in one of the barracks in the eastern wing.” In all honesty, Shining Armor was not looking forwards to having so many… strange changelings around.

Celestia nodded and hopped to get around to seeing the changelings and looking them over some. From what Iota and Ventral had somewhat shared, most of them are from a group that they normally grouped with. Meaning that Sardonic had freely given them their potential allies to splintered off from himself. But for some reason, that bothered her, more than it did comfort.

Shinning Armor still went on telling, “So far things have been quite. I’ve mostly posted the guards to keep an eye on them, but not get too close.” He shifted and admitted, “I’m using some of the... newer elements of the Shadow Guard to keep a more closer and subtle eye on them.” As new as the group was, the Lue, Gem and Quasi were already starting to pull their weight into this Shadow Guard— even if the rest of the military was leery of them. But Shinning Armor was grateful for their constant surveillance on this situation.

Celestia gave an approving nod, and was going to speak until she felt the words taken out of her mouth. “Impeccable as always, Captain Armor.” Luna striding into the room, ready to take charge of the nightly affairs. “The nobility do not know what they are trying to remove from command, seeing as your performance is the best one can offer for your position.”

“He’s also the best choice for my guard, Aunty Luna.” Cadence could not help but joke in turn, “You did say that I was supposed to take up a larger responsibility, and it would call for the formation of my own guard.”

Luna felt a up twitch of the edge of her lips, and admitted, “Verily, Armor is uniquely qualified for your needs, my Niece.” Then shook her head telling, “I merely find it unfortunate that he can not hold both positions, as it were.”

WIth an amusing thought, Celestia said, “Well, if worse comes to worse, we could always place Prince Blue Blood into Guard Captain to the overseers.” Getting a few dumbfounded looks, though surprisingly none so more than Blue blood himself.

“A-Aunty, you can not be serous!” The Prince shaking his head saying, “I-I am far from qualified for the task! I work the treasuries and monitory workings of the Canterlot, I certainly—” Only to hold his tongue as he spotted a… glint of mischief in Celestia’s eye.

Letting out a long breath, the white stallion said, “Aunty, I realize you need to alive the tension now and then, but must I be the end of your jokes?” Feeling the edges of his once blossoming fear, slowly melt away into relief.

Releasing what just happened, the others either let out relived sighs of their own— or slight chuckles at the day monarchy’s small prank. The later of which smiled, “I’m sorry Nephew, but you were always much to easy to rile up.” Getting a ‘princely’ pout from the stallion that flourished a clipboard and began working out something.

“But joking aside.” Celestia soon spoke up in a more serous tone, “The situation as it is, requires Shining Armor to keep his position. Until this situation is resolved, maybe then he can return to evaluating his successor as Captain of the Guard.” Settling her gaze fully on the stallion in his royal purple armor, Celestia told him, “I know you want to have the list of candidates filled out and ready when you finally give the position up. But as of right now, I need all of your focus on the changelings here.”

The order itself wasn’t needed, Shining Armor understood just what they were dealing with. He gave a single salute and said, “I’ll be sure to coordinate the Solar, Lunar and Shadow Guard on the matter, Princess. The Arcanes will be set to secure all relevant information in Canterlot while what few Nighthunters we have will take more active patrols from here until the end of the agreement.”

There was a very highly approving smile on her muzzle as Celestia nodded, “That is what I like to hear, Captain Armor.” Then used a hoof to wave for him and Evening Harvest to leave telling, “Go and inform both Colonel Monsoon and Major Merge of these events post hast, Captain. I’m sure Warrant Officer Harvest can inform Second Lieutenant Watcher of this development herself.”

“By your leave, Princess.” Evening Harvest saluted like her superior before both she and the Captain turned and left out the doors and leaving just the royalty behind.

Letting out a somewhat tiered sigh, Celestia asked, “Nephew… how are the nobility holding up?” Slightly using one of her large wings to be ready to start massaging her head for the possible headache to come. Normally she would have waited until she was in her chambers, but as of right now, the stress was slightly weighing on her.

“As well as you might imagine when you have a large parade of insectoid ponies marching up the streets.” Blue Blood said dryly, “I’m already dealing with them as it were, Upper Crust is pulling a few strings and Fancey Pants has been a use in keeping a few of the nobility level headed.” He gave a glance to his clipboard, magic flaring to flip a page and add, “As extra note to be aware of, we recently had a letter come in from Appleloosa. Apparently problems with their exchange of goods with Canterlot and some gold having gone missing.”

Interest perked, Cadence turned to her relative and slightly stepped closer to take a look at the documents asking, “When did this happen?” Having a clue about this situation, knowing that there was a rather large shipment and transfer of gold going on between both Canterlot and Appleloosa. She knew that it would cause a bit of a stir in the small towns stability.

“I would say around three days ago.” Responded the stallion, slightly moving the clipboard more for the pink alicorn to read over, “But it might have reached us sooner if some vagabond in the ranks didn’t mix up the documents.” The irritation clear in the princes tone at information like this being misplaced.

Before Celestia could begin massaging her forehead, a dark wing made itself known on her back, making the tall pony glance to see her sister standing beside her. “Sister, allow us, to handle this.” Slightly smiling as she motioned her head to the other royals, “You have been working yourself too often with too little rest. With your meeting with Sardonic, you need time to regain your wits. It will be needed soon, I have no doubt.”

Thinking on it a little and soon giving a nod of agreement, Celestia admitted, “Sardonic has been a rather ruthless negotiator during all of this. Some rest might do me well.” Lifting herself from her throne to leave for her chambers.

“Don’t worry Aunty.” Cadence assured, “We’ll be sure to get some of the more smaller things taken care of before tomorrow. Then you can focus on more important things in the morning.”

Taking his list back, Blue Blood said, “Like some of the new funding you want to ensure for this ‘Shadow Guard’ of Aunt Luna’s.”

Turning her head to Blue Blood, Luna told, “Perhaps instead of plaguing my sisters mind with needless details, you should begin telling us, being Cadence and I, of the matters to be attended to tonight.” Then turned to Celestia to nod her head, “And leave my sister to sleep without a worried mind.”

“Very well.” Blue Blood stiffly said, “Just please Aunty, don’t have us working all night.” Eyes focused on his clipboard as he told, “You might be able to afford to work all night— but my looks will suffer from a lack of sleep.” Then seemed to gain a slight hint of worry, “Bags under the eyes do not make a presentable image for a prince— or waking up late to not properly tend to my mane!”

With a sideways glance, Cadence said, “I know image can be important… but sometimes I wonder if you take it a step too far, Blue Blood.”

Even as she left them, Celestia slightly smiled at listing in on them all as Blue Blood could be heard, “Unlike mares with their more perfected beauty bestowed to them, the perfection I give off needs to be tended to like a garden of roses!” Then went on with his little tangent, “It is not enough to just be the best, but look the part as well for others to just see what it is to be the absolute best.”

“And you wonder why you’re still single.” Cadence seemed to say with a smugness in her tone, and making the stallion splutter at her jab. This in turn, made Celestia give off one last smile before she fully left them to their work.


It was latter decided, after a few days, that every pony would meet up during the weekend for a trip at the spa. Twilight was more than happy to mark the event down on her calendar when she retired home, and made some plans to go out and let her other friends know— provided she had a scarf with.

Each passing day was getting colder, and the autumn winds were finally rushing in full force. She found herself making another quick trip to a logging house to gain more firewood, feeling that the sudden drop in tempter might call for more heat in the coming weeks.

It was during this time that she had come to notice that all around Ponyville, the disguised changelings were more scarce. She at first wasn’t sure what was going on, seeing as she was used to a few greeting her every day by now. But with this slight change in behavior, Twilight found herself gravitating towards anypony, or angling in this case, that could explain what was going on.

With a smile gracing her lips, Twilight called out, “Cypher Splash!” Making the young orangish mare to slightly jump at being called out, “Hi, mind if I ask you a question?” The lavender unicorn trotting right up and giving a look of honest curiosity.

Blinking and shuffling just a bit, Cypher asked, “Oh, sure thing Miss Twilight. What can I help you with?” The younger unicorn trying her best to not shift around too much in place.

“Please, you don’t need to call me ‘miss’ Cypher.” Twilight assured with a small giggle, “We’re friends.”

Slightly shaking her head, Cypher said, “Sorry… I can’t help it. I sort of…” Trying to find the right words before going with, “Respect you. And it feels a little strange if I…” Stopping herself as she felt Twilight place a hoof on her shoulder, feeling the calming waves of assuring and the mixed hints of amusement.

“Cypher, really, it’s fine. You don’t have to always address me as miss if you don’t want to.” Twilight’s sincere words and smile only seemed to reinforce what Cypher thought and felt, though to the pony’s own right, she wasn’t aware of this going through the others mind. “Now, can you help me understand something going on with the changelings in town?”

Blinking and snapping out of her internal thoughts, the younger faux unicorn said, “Uh, right. What did you need to know Miss Twilight?”

Letting off an internal sigh and just letting the ‘miss’ part be ignored, Twilight said, “I’ve noticed that most of the changelings have been… well, missing.” Giving a glance around as she asked, “Are they doing something or prepping for something?”

Trying to think of what had been going on in the grapevine, Cypher tapped her chin and shook her head, “I don’t think so.” Then rolled her hoof with, “I think their just getting ready for winter.”

Tilting her head, Twilight asked, “Why’s that, winter is still a few months off.” Though had a slight owner if some of the changelings just hadn’t gotten around to preparing their winter gear or be ready for when it got colder.

Though, Twilight was a bit taken back when Cypher told her, “Yeah… but we changelings don’t really like the cold.” Patting her chest, the young faux mare told Twilight, “Even if we can change forms to keep warm— we changelings really don’t like the cold. You might see a bit more less of us during winter, since we’ll be trying to stay as in-doors as possible where it’s warmer.”

“Is it really that much of a problem?” Asked Twilight, wondering how she didn’t notice this before during last winter. Though, in all fairness, she wasn’t aware of so many changelings before all of this or never knew who they were.

“More like an annoyance.” Cypher rephrased the mare, “We can always just change form with a fur coat or feathers— but in our base forms?” She thought about it and admitted, “Well… we can’t produce enough body heat to keep warm. And our shells really don’t help.” Holding a hoof out saying, “Their great for keeping us protected or to warm up in the sun and even hide— but do anything good when we’re exposed to the cold.”

“I see…” Twilight nodded in thought, knowing that she had another thing to place in her guide book… and another thing to ask the twins about if it was alright to put in said guide book. Soon enough, the learned unicorn smiled and said, “Well, thank you for your time Cypher Splash.” Nodding to the younger mare, “It was enlightening.”

Breaking out into a fairly large smile, Cypher bowed her head and said, “I’m glad to have been helpful Miss Twilight.” Head lifting back up and turning away, absently adjusting a small scarf around her neck before trotting away, adding, “If you need anything else, let me know!”

Lifting a hoof an waving the unicorn goodbye, Twilight called back, “I’ll be sure too, Cypher!” Then turned away and began trotting for the spa where she planned to meet her friends. Though on her way there, Twilight could not help but glance back with a… curious tilt of her head and slightly pressed lips. Something about that… talk seemed different. Maybe I’m imagining it. She soon brushed off and shook her head. Maybe Mask’s paranoia is rubbing off on me! She giggled at the thought and refocused on her walk.