Princess Celestia had been at her throne all day, going through her plans for the day. Everything rested on the final defeat of Sunshine and her little band of traitors to Equestria. After finding out that her own faithful student, as well as the Element of Laughter had both betrayed her, she needed to rush Operation: Harmonize into full swing soon. Everything was all set. All she needed was a green light from Nimbi.
Hope filled her when Nimbi entered the throne room, looking particularly confident. “Your Majesty, I have good news to report. We have captured the traitors.” He announced.
Celestia breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s very good. Any news from the alicorn?” She inquired.
The alicorn, which the mages had named “Lemon Drop,” showed a lot of promise and was eager to be given a mission. She hoped that, despite her initial playful nature, that Lemon could eventually be molded into a proper princess in time.
“The only news I got from her is that she has decided to play a game with Sunshine. Keep her busy while the plan is underway. That way, if somehow she is defeated, by the time Sunshine can return to stop you, you would have already won.” Nimbi reported.
Celestia was a bit surprised by Lemon’s strategy, but that surprise quickly turned to approval. Whether Sunshine won or lost, she’d be out of the way completely. It was perfect. “Excellent. By the way, did you capture Twilight and Pinkie Pie?” She asked. She wanted to know why her student had left her.
Nimbi shook his head. “One of the traitors gave up willingly, and provided some information. He said that they left quickly after joining.” That news shocked Celestia. So where was her student then? “Also,” Nimbi continued, “he has requested an audience with you.”
The sun princess raised an eyebrow as this request. Surely it couldn’t hurt, right? “Very well. Bring him in.”
Nimbi bowed and nodded, then left the room. A few minutes later, he brought in a snow-white pegasus stallion, who looked particularly dejected. The stallion had his wings bound to his sides. Celestia recognized this stallion as one of Sunshine’s simulated friends. A pony who had his memories reworked to suit Operation: Harmonize. It wasn’t something she was proud of, but it worked. Most of the time, at least.
The stallion stepped forward and bowed. “Your Majesty, my name is Snowstorm. I used to hang out with Sunshine all the time. I just… I can’t believe Sunshine would wish to commit acts of treason of her own volition. Please Princess, tell me she’s been brainwashed or something.” Tears started welling up in his eyes. “I just want to see her again, to hang out just like we used to. Maybe even a little more…”
Celestia didn’t know what to say at first. This poor pony had been through so much. Maybe it was better if he just got his memories rewritten again. No, she was not going to subject an innocent pony to that kind of torture again. “Fear not, my little pony. I promise things will turn out okay in the end.” She reassured him. It would be enough for now, until she could find a solution. “Nimbi, please release this stallion’s bindings. He is not a threat to Equestria.”
Nimbi nodded and released Snowstorm. He gave his wings a shake and was escorted out by another guard. “So, is everything ready, Princess?” Nimbi asked.
Celestia nodded. “We are ready. Mobilize the guard. We commence phase three immediately.”
Today, humanity would know true harmony.