There was a knock at the door, shattering the silence of the small office. Seated at her desk, Celestia didn't move. She'd been staring at the bare surface of the desk for some time. Even after the loud knock she did not budge or flinch. Her eyes remained on the smooth surface. There had been papers before her some time ago, but they were gone now. She couldn't recall when they had been removed. The whole day had been a haze, as had the one before. Now she simply sat and stared, the stress and worry had finally worn her down enough that her fatigue was too strong to ignore.
The knock came again, and Celestia sluggishly turned her head in the direction of the door. Her horn glowed as she pulled the door open with her magic. She did not wait to see who had come, expecting a guard or attendant with a new report. She had begun to dread them as bearers of bad news. Levitating a pen before her, Celestia awaited a piece of paper to sign. Instead she felt something on her shoulder. She looked up to see a gentle smile on Luna's face.
Luna spoke first, her voice calm and warm. "I have spent the past days in anger. I felt as if I had been led astray. Because of the hurt I felt, I was blinded to the effect of my actions. Cadence came and spoke to me before she left, and for it I am glad. I now feel I would have been lost without her wisdom." Luna took a step forward and hugged Celestia. Her older sister was shocked for a split moment, but quickly accepted the embrace and returning it.
"What did she say?" Celestia whispered, weariness saturating her words.
"That I have walked this dangerous path before," Luna whispered back. "I did not forgive you in the times long ago, and many suffered for it. Should I not forgive you now, my resentment may build once again. I know you have kept secrets. I know you have hidden the past." Luna felt sadness welling again in her sister's heart, and she hugged her tighter. "For so long has loneliness been your only companion. I thought in my own darkness that I was the more cursed of us both. I was banished to solitude, my essence trapped far away. But, I had the stars as my companions, I listened to the songs of the cosmos and they comforted me. Left behind, you were tasked with repairing a kingdom, governing on your own. Of us both, you were the one truly alone. What companion had you but yourself? Of us, you were the most burdened. How should I be the one to place judgment upon you if you had only yourself to turn to?" Leaning back to look at Celestia's face, Luna smiled at her. "I sincerely ask for your forgiveness, dear sister."
Celestia's countenance broke, tears streaming down her face a she laughed weakly. Hugging Luna again, she had to fight to get the words out, "Of course--of course, Luna. I will always forgive you." Pulling away to wipe her tears, Celestia nodded quickly in gratitude. She felt a burst of life and energy that had been utterly foreign to her only minutes before. Now, she felt lighter than air. A thought popped into her mind, making her laugh again, "How long have you been practicing that speech?"
Feigning surprise at Celestia's question, Luna gave a reserved chuckle before composing herself. "I had at first thought to simply wash my hooves of this entire matter. But what an ugly feeling it left in my soul. So, I then considered my words carefully." She tapped a hoof against her chin thoughtfully. "For the speech? Only the majority of the past day--or so." The sisters looked at one another, and started laughing together. "Do not spoil my moment! I was so nervous that it would be for naught!"
"Never, Luna. Not a word was for naught." Wiping her face, Celestia kept smiling. She looked exhausted, but relief was washing over her so much that she hardly felt it. "I was so scared that I had taken a turn down an already traveled path."
"I will not so easily be drawn to the path of darkness as before. You should have more faith in me." A worried expression banished the smile from Luna's face. "I admit, I did not react well to the revelations of the past several days. That is a conversation for another time, though."
Celestia shook her head in return. "No, sister. I think now is the best time to be forthcoming. Secrets have served me well before, but now they will only do greater harm. I have spent too many years relying on unreasoning habit. Centuries I have spent, as you stated, alone. I think it best that those habits be put to rest."
"Perhaps," Luna said as she let a grin pull at the side of her lips. "But before we commence such a sober conversation, we should have the whole of our company present. Before you have dealt with these concerns alone, but no longer. Our numbers of sovereignty have quadrupled. All need be present, only then can we approach the dangers of this escaped creature with every confidence."
This statement brought Celestia to a thoughtful, though downcast gaze. "Cadence made all haste back to the north. It would be unkind to demand of her to return so soon."
"This is no time for our kindness. This is a matter of greatest attention and importance." Luna let a soft sigh from her nose before she also shook her head. "But I believe it best to also extend our apologies as we ask this of her."
Turning towards the window, Celestia spoke absentmindedly, "I agree."
"I am more interested in the fact that my indomitable sister has been afraid for my integrity. I dare say I have not had the most outstanding record, but let us leave what has passed as only a painful lesson." Closing her eyes, Luna lifted her head and appeared deep in thought. "I have learned from the mistakes I have made."
"Then I envy you. I feel that all of what has happened over the past several days is all my fault," Celestia said in a somber voice. "Everything that's going to happen--those will the stories I am known for." She took a sharp, deep breath. The strength to battle her emotions was waning, but she had just enough to continue. "Luna--I'm terrified. I've done so much for Equestria. Tried so hard, never considering that I could be sealing its fate."
Drawing her sister's head down against her shoulder, Luna embraced Celestia warmly. The show of such emotion and compassion had been uncharacteristic of her before, now her sister was truly surprised. When Luna spoke, it was with a voice much softer and kinder than her usual, "Celestia, be at peace. No one shall argue the good you have done for Equestria. Without you, all would have been lost. So many times have you placed yourself between innocence and the path of destruction. For one thousand years, you were the stalwart defender of righteousness. We could debate methods, but I do not question your intentions. You did what you thought right."
Again Celestia had to resort to a whisper as she buried herself against Luna. "But I have broken promises, destroyed trust, betrayed those to whom I gave my word. That creature-"
"Sister," Luna interrupted. "We must take heed of the wisdom of our fellow Princess. His name is Tobias."
"T-Tobias. It--he--he," she stuttered. "He predicted that the powers of the Elements of Harmony would leave me. My connection to them would wither, and it would be my fault. Disloyalty, dishonesty, unhappiness, unkindness, all these things I am guilty of. Without them, my magical powers have diminished, and his prediction came true."
"Do you truly believe these are facts of your character? Disloyalty, dishonesty, unkindness? These traits do not describe your heart."
Celestia sniffed, trying to regain her bearings, "Yet despite all that I've done, the Elements have still passed on."
"Perhaps this only means that the time had come for new bearers to take possession of them. We do not know," Luna comforted.
"But it--he did! Nothing he's predicted has ever been false!" Celestia pulled away suddenly, marching to the window and peering out as if searching the lands for a sign of the creature she ranted about. "Now he is unleashed upon our homes, our subjects! They are innocent and I have allowed such a monstrosity to walk free!"
"Sister!" Luna's shout drew Celestia's wide-eyed gaze back inside. "This obsession is unbecoming. We are princesses, you and I. We must set an example." She slammed a hoof on the wooden floor, the metal guard on her leg leaving a scuff on the wood. "We must be of stalwart visage. Our appearance must be hearten and encourage our people in the face of darkness. So long as you obsess and recoil you can only bring fear to those who would seek you for strength."
"I don't know what else to do," Celestia muttered.
Luna snorted in response, but her expression was more of passion than anger. Her voice rose, emboldened. "We shall take upon ourselves the path to victory just as we have before! We have overcome such darkness, such despair, and all times we have gained back the light and hope that our subjects adore. The powers of harmony are wondrous tools. The strength of love has made safe all of Equestria on two separate occasions in as many years. Are these not things from which you may draw courage?"
A sad smile spread over Celestia's face as she walked back towards her sister. "I have no lack of courage, Luna. I would charge headlong into the most vicious evil, even if I had no hope of survival. No, I'm scared for our people. I'm scared that he will punish them for what I've done"
"It is a possibility," Luna said apologetically. "Which is why we must gather Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight Sparkle. With them, we must bring to light all knowledge of Tobias we have available. Even I am much in the dark about his true nature."
Upon hearing this, Celestia was visibly affected. Her eyes flinched, shutting tightly as she took in a sharp breath. She held up a hoof before Luna could rush to her side. "Forgive me. A thought," she paused as if searching for the right word. "Overwhelmed me. I fear I am the one who has kept you in the dark on such matters."
"You? It is no fault of yours," Luna assured "I decided long ago to wash my hooves of this whole matter. I even promised to distance myself, and have kept it all this time."
"To whom did you make this promise?" Celestia asked pointedly. "Do you remember?"
"I--well," stuttered Luna as she trailed off. She thought deeply, but the pensive expression was slowly turning to a frown. "I do not recall, not entirely. Mother, perhaps. I made her a promise--but I do not remember what it concerned."
With a far-off look on her face, Celestia nodded. She did not seem encouraged as she spoke, "I feared as much, but I had held out a hope. Perhaps--this won't be as easy as I'd first thought. It doesn't matter. The truth must be known, and it's my responsibility to reveal it. I am the one who has kept it hidden for so long."
"Why?" Luna asked. "For what great reason did you fight to keep this hidden even from me? Was it your own promise to mother?"
"No--I mean--not entirely. I did make a promise to mother that I have not honored, and for that I will be held responsible. But I have also confided in others before, and it has never ended happily."
"Then let this time be different. Twilight Sparkle and Cadence are so young, and they have eyes not clouded by the darkness of the past. I have great trust in them both, Celestia."
"As do I," Celestia agreed.
"Then confide in them, and in me. You no longer need face this alone, so do not believe that you must."
Celestia grinned again, genuine happiness breaking through her mask of fatigue and weariness. "Luna, how did I keep everything together for so long without you?"
"Wisdom, wits, and a great deal of luck perhaps? If not, I am not adverse to aiding in the cleaning of your messes. We are not perfect."
"Well," Celestia said jovially. The sisters laughed, but they could not hide the anxious tone they still carried in their hearts. "You are wise, Luna. If I had listened to you before, so much evil could have been averted. Now-"
Luna again interrupted her sister, "Now you will cease this self-blame. You may hide it well, but I am not so easily fooled. Guilt and blame serves none. We shall seek resolution together."
"Yes, of course," agreed Celestia. Her mood was already improved greatly, and now she felt a spark of motivation rising in her. "I have letters to send. There is a lot to discuss."
Luna nodded in response as she said, "Yes, there is."
"I have to warn you, Luna. I have never found a solution," Celestia spoke gravely.
"You did not have Twilight Sparkle. I doubt there is a pony in Equestria more capable than she. Have faith, and have trust, sister. We will prevail."
Celestia still appeared unconvinced. She may have been laughing only moments before, but doubt was already taking hold of her again. "I simply do not know how the past can provide answers. It has only sadness and darkness."
"But it has the truth, my dear sister. The truth may offer the greatest tool of all for victory. It may offer clarity." Nodding her head in confidence, Luna turned back to the door. "I will take my leave. I have great faith in you, Celestia. We shall overcome this together." They shared a hug, and Luna left the office. The clack of her hooves growing softer as she moved away.
Sitting back at her desk, Celestia sighed. Tears were welling in her eyes, but she still smiled. Her sister had given her strength she didn't even think she had available to her. She'd given her hope, and that was a more powerful gift than she could have imagined. Using her magic, she took out two spare pieces of paper and a quill. It took her only a moment to think of the words, and she began to write to her fellow princesses.
Soon, she had sent the letters on their way. Standing alone in her office, Celestia watched the horizon as she once again sighed. No smile accompanied it this time. "Oh Luna," she lamented. "I only hope you can still forgive me once you know the truth."
The truth...
I wonder if the truth is "There is No Luna?"
-SYA, The Horse
YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!
hmmmmm.
I think.
I think it IS all Celestia's fault.
I see no reason not to take Tobias words at face value.
What if Celestia summoned him. Not intentionally, but rather she tried to summon something sentient and ended up with him. An adviser of sorts. The experimentation was both what gave him the foresight and the corruption. In short: Celestia tried to cheat the system and build herself an Oracle that would simply give her all the answers. It only partly worked. Tobias doesn't seem to be able or willing to just lie to Celestia. He could have made her look truly foolish instead he gives helpful if cryptic statements. Not being able to lie to the summoner is a fairly standard thing in fiction.
Only what she got a was powerful creature that didn't have to listen to her and probably dared to question her. Those two he killed on arrival may have been the actual summoners or had some other function in the ritual.
She hates him so much because he is her responsibility and she is pushing guilt from that back onto him. The Star Swirl and the other researcher probably figured out the truth and Celestia killed them to keep it under wraps, and she probably believed that they went mad by siding with it.
interesting can't wait for more
Just a small issue I saw. At the end of your description, it says: "But one thing is assured, it bodes not well for Equestria."
It'd make far more sense if it were "But one thing is assured, it would not bode well for Equestria"
So Celestia is still lying.
I kinda hope this "Mother" figure speaks to her somehow at some point, and is just absolutely disgusted with her,
And so it begins....
Long live humanity!
Long live Justice!
Yeah, I think Tobias has just been treated so badly for so long he doesn't care about others - or not as much anyway. I await more backstory references and the next chapter.
The question is, why does Tobias always tell them the truth about prophecies. My guess is everything he said about himself is technically true but worded in such a way it implies something different to what actually happened.
5541026 starswirl and the other researcher are the ones celestia implied he killed actually, because they were influenced by his madness or something.
5541056
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After seeing what kind of shenanigans Twilight causes and her generally immature way of dealing with it in the show, this leads me to wonder how Equestria is still standing. I mean, she's nice, but damn if she actually sucks at friendship and being smart. It still amazes me that she took Applejack's side on the bat situation instead of the animal expert's; especially after the parasprite incident when she was supposed to have learned to listen to her friends more.
Whenever I read stories like this one, I can't help but think how much I would own these ponies if I had superpowers in this situation.
5541124
True, but this Celestia is an admitted liar. Including breaking solemn promises to Mother. And yet keeps going back to this thing she basically claims to hate unconditionally.
And before anyone brings it up, the guard who was decimated, Tobias claims she touched the bars to his cell. Given the power involved, that would mess up anyone.
5540964 Maybe the truth is that there is no truth, and that they are all a simulation. There is no spoon...
5541014 THE TRUTH?! THE TRUTH IS WHAT I SAY IT IS!!
Faust damn it Celestia, you mind erase Luna when she was younger to make sure she doesn't remember the promise that concern of Tobias and your mother. Don't deny the truth!
5541026 An interesting theory, to be sure, but let me produce a matching part of it I have conjured during my meditations…
I believe that Tobias' presence in Equestria is, indeed, a summoning by Celestia, of one who can see the future. Tobias is, unfortunately, going down the 'brony in Equestria' route. His prophecies are simply him spouting out information about the show as cryptically as possible, because he EXTREMELY dislikes Celestia's attitude to his lack of control over his abilities. Said abilities most likely came from being mutated by the presence of magic in Equis' atmosphere, a la Spider-Man and/or Hulk. And since he was given these powers on the fly, and because of their twisted effects on ponies, he was locked up before he gained the chance to hone them. And because of this, he drove Star Swirl and others mad from his power.
5541254 well, that theory hinges on the belief that he has a memory that can survive 1500 years of abuse, physical and psycological torture and just normal forgetfulness.
The theory is technically possible but I don't think it is correct.
I assume that humans are simply the That Which Should Not Be of equestria, like what a shoggoth theoretically would be.
5541014
Awww, I was going to say that....
Very good chapter, next chapter is going to be very interesting.
5541157 she could not understand the power of pinki to predict and power of tobias seems to be much more complex and its greatest achievement was to complete a spell written by another unicorn
she is very smart but does not seem to be very creative
5541630 She has intellect and intelligence, that cannot be disputed. But her wisdom is severely lacking. Sometimes she is able to give insight into certain situations, but the rest of the time she is blindsided or unable to comprehend the situation. She is young however, and with age there will come greater wisdom.
I think I know where this is going, but I cant be sure.
What happens when ordinary life forms and animals come into contact with the human? Can he "talk to them in their heads" too?
Humans arent that fast. how did he get into the distance and make the light show if he's walking. Or can he really use magic. Or was that Tirek. I was never sure.
You know if he can compel ponies to do things via remote control, and then erase their memory of it, it kinda kills that pony as a character since they're not going to experience any "character development" that way. He could make the Pony Pope throw an orgy and there'd be no way to blame the pony. I kinda thought that was a bit of a flat spot in the thinking.
Fimfiction did not update me when the last chapter showed up. When today's showed up I saw 2 unread suddenly appear but with differing posting dates. Lame.
Yeah, lets ask Twilight how to kill a creature whom can see the God-forsaken future...
Honestly Celestia, your best chance of success lies with handing him a picnic basket labeled "Friendship?"
Good luck you big, soft, cake-eating, daughter of a horse, you.
5541205 Maybe the truth is that MAH SPOON IS TOO BIG!
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This story is taking quite a different tone than it was in the beginning, and it's kind of disappointing. I can take a guess that anyone who hears Celestia's true version of events will at first be shocked and repulsed, but then Celestia is probably going to cry and be all remorseful and then everyone is going to forgive her eventually; it might take days or even a few weeks if Twilight reacts especially poorly, but Celestia will be forgiven. I don't even know the full story yet, but I already know that Celestia doesn't deserve to just be forgiven. She deserves years upon years of punishment, equal to the injustice she inflicted on Tobias.
Of course, I don't know any of this for certain, but considering how the writing of Celestia's character made a complete 180, I think I'm at least close in my assumptions. A few chapters ago, Celestia was a human-hating bitch, but now it's like a full on rush to repair that image into a remorseful woe-is-Celestia 'she just made a few mistakes, give her a break!' victim of circumstance.
Most likely there will be a fight between Celestia and Tobias(Because you can't write a fic like this without a fight with the main protagonist), and in the fight Tobias might not be as powerful as we were led to believe at the beginning of the story; why that is may be because of a deus ex machina, or just simply the author decided he made Tobias too powerful. Regardless, Tobias will probably win, Celestia will pour out some shitty apology to him, and then Tobias will choose not to kill her. Or something like that.
Bottom line, Celestia will get off the hook. No punishment for the beloved Princess, right? Like really, what is she going to have to suffer? A month or less of healing from injuries in the fight, maybe a few scars on her previously pristine coat, the disapproval of her subjects after they find out about her deeds?(Until they finally forgive her, of course!) I'm sorry I'm being hard on the story here, but it just feels like the Celestia-lovers who complained in the comments got their way, and now the story dynamic is rapidly changing. Tobias was imprisoned for over 1500 years, and tortured! I wanted to see Celestia get true justice for this shit, not a happy ending where everyone forgives each other.
5541910 nothing actually changed. I have a prewritten script I am running from, and only expanding upon it for the chapters. My plans remain primarily unaltered, and i make only very minute changes by following the comments. Mostly grammar and keeping track of currently existing plot holes.
While I might not be taking a dbz approach to the plot (everything explodes!), I have a complete plan. I don't want to change what I have on my script because people yelled at me. I like the plot I have. While I won't reveal what is going to happen next, I really can't say that there is an easy way out of the situation at hand. A simple solution woulld feel cheap to me, and it doesn't fit with the characters I am trying to portray.
Especially since Tobias has been effectively AWOL since his escape.
I will take this route though. The ponies in the show do complete 180s a LOT. I simply played off that mentality, and figure they handle emotions at a more rapid rate. Especially having emotional support. While again things have taken a turn for the OOC in many regards, that basic idea is still in play. I am hoping I may steer you away from disappointment quite soon. You have been very inspirational to me, and I thank you.
5541978
One question: considering Tobias´ capacity for prediction, what would stop him from pulling one "just as planned" after another?
5541899 I wouldn't call his capture a defeat, more like he got tired. He obviously is patient, and his magic affects unicorns most strongly, yet he apparently brought Sombra back from the dead. So, either he is playing the long game until he can have his deals honored, or he is bored of the cell he has been in for one thousand five hundred years.
5542003 Tobias' abilities of prediction and perception have been touched on, but not fully addressed. There are factors to it, that is for sure. His personality and character will play into it as well. The more complete answer to your question simply has not been reached in the story yet.
5542043 Thank you, friendly person! I shall correct that post haste!
Know what the truth is Celestia? You did not heed your deals and now.....
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5542005 It's possible he brought Sombra back, but he might have another plan. Hard to say. Still, seems to be the most likely thing.
Dang, it's time for miss sun to fess up, i suppose that it won't be pretty.
LOve it soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo muuuuuuuuu-
uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhHH!!!!!!!!!
Celestia you cowardly bitch. You deserve everything that's coming to you.
5542200 True. Then again, bending one of the most powerful unicorns in the history of Equestria just sounds like a good Friday afternoon for him. I mean think about it, he has a record of doing so. Starswirl and his predecessor in studying him were both unicorns. He accidentally drives pegasi insane with out a magic collar on them, yet earth ponies are actually largely unaffected by him for at least a six month time frame. After all, there must be a reason that every one is cycled out of the oculus after six months down there.
One wonders what the truth is, that Celestia is so afraid of her friends and sibling possessing it.
5541180 I'm actually hovering around the same theory as you, and for the guardmare, the idea that she may be aware of the truth isn't far-fetched at all. Think of it, stuck alone for 45min, drawn to him by unknown means (Possibly, the so called "Animal magnetism" we humans possess) and did nothing but talk. Surely in that time he could have told her his life's story, already at the brink of tears from his tale and so focused on hearing more, she draws closer to ask. The gate opens, she jumps in surprise, briefly touching the bars, bars charged with enough electricity that it can vaporize flesh from bone. Found screaming by her comrades, thinking he drove her mad, she'd heal in the medical ward stewing on what she heard, remembering the pain the cage brought her and the thoughts of the prisoner she herself once thought evil, has been trapped, surrounded by such pain, has sent her in a spiral of depression, realizing the Princess she swore to serve had allowed for him to live in such conditions. Unable to tell others what she learned, for she may have been told of Star Swirls fate, and has kept everything bottled up.
Perhaps even, awaiting to fulfill a promise.
Sorry, for all thats going on, the blame falls firmly in Celestia's lap. Tobias told her that her connection to the Elements would fade, and they did. Because she betrayed him, experimented on him, tortured him, lied to him. Broke faith and even considered how to kill him. She is at fault. And she knows it.
Celestia: Luna yo' the truth is, Tobias is our father.
Luna: That's-That's fucked up yo' I thought he was our double first cousin or somethin'.
Celestia: Nah I'm just shitt' ya he's actually- *CENSODERED*
Ok. I have seen a few points of interest that I believe need to be addressed, despite the greatness of this story.
1. Tobias has existed since before the Tribes, so that means he also pre-dates all the major villains and has said himself that he knows things that will/may/could happen and this has been proven time and time again. It is also stated that Celestia comes to him for counseling whenever she hits a major issue/block. All issues with the major villains have taken place in Equestria, so Celestia couldn't have been completely blind to these rising issues. Nightmare Moon was caused by her ignoring Luna. Sombra came to power due to Celestia not keeping tabs on any major players within her territory which resulted in him becoming infected with dark magic. Tobias knew about all of this and could have helped prevent such events had Celestia not screwed him over countless times and made him... less than pleased with her.
This leads to my second point.
2. Tobias clearly stated that he had been ripped from his world against his will and if context is anything to go by... rather violently. And then he also states that the only reason he lashed out was due to him being in a panic over said events resulting in the two deaths. If we look back at all of the major and minor villains of the show that they have come into contact with, we will see that both Celestia and Luna tried reasoning with each of them. Begged Nightmare Moon and Sombra to turn from the dark arts. Asked Discord to stop his antics. And each of these major villains have done far worse than Tobias. So why is it that after killing ONLY two ponies in a BLIND PANIC that Celestia and Luna believe it to be the right plan to lock up the strange unknown creature that they have absolutely no prior knowledge on without even bothering to ask what had occurred. There seems to be a bit of an issue that needs to be explained to me here.
My third point.
3. Celestia had Tobias locked up for over (again context) 1600 years and not once did she or Luna before and after the NM incident bother to ask him why he did what he did. This seems to be extreme oversight on their part compared to meetings with other villains. Then, after being given valuable information countless times while he is still a prisoner, Celestia believes it to be a good idea to screw Tobias over on each and every one of their deals, even those that are absolutely harmless and mundane. I mean come on, she denied him a simple piece of STRING... STRING. And then she believes she has the right to demand even more of him. Not only this, but she purposefully kept Cadence and Luna out of the loop concerning Tobias aside from what Luna already knew. Countless times has this choice of action resulted in catastrophic results.
And my final point.
4. Not once, even when he broke out aside from those two deaths at the beginning, has Tobias intentionally killed any pony. Yes, being near him has... adverse effects... but they are not intentionally caused by him. Add to this that Celestia is practically immune to this influence so far as we know and she has had +1600 years to talk to him and she didn't bother trying to get his side of the story when he was most likely willing to give it at the beginning. This just doesn't seem reasonable. Discord did worse than Tobias and yet he was simply turned to stone and then set free eventually. And he was there for far less time. And yet Tobias sits bored in his cell. His conversation with Ion Cloud shows that he is not some mindless beast nor a murderous monster and yet he is treated far more harshly than any other.
I love this story so far and would like to see it continued. I would just really like these questions to be answered. Please.
5541026 5542913 I figured the summoners where Celestia and Luna's parents. And that he killed them unintentionally with his power.
I know that Celestia says he killed Starswirl. But I am not sure she is being completely honest.
What if the promise was not to blame him for what happened or something like that?
5542913
Alternate universe.
The author has a lot more freedom in creating and manipulating the world history and its characters. The author will most likely address your points, but not within the specific parameters you set. The timeline follows some canon events, but the author may change it as he sees fit so long as it does not contradict what he has already established in the story.
However, if you wish to keep close to official canon, then the answer is that ponies are xenophobes. They had a war with buffalo/bison. They shunned a zebra (which is also a equine). They hated each other and only got together for Hearth's Warming because it was peace or death by Wendigo (if you take the story at face-value and not as an allegory of how total war and mutually assured destruction nearly killed three races of equines). Gilda can be explained by cultural differences (pony herd mentality vs griffon honor system). Rainbow Dash had presumably earned GIlda's respect through competition and/or loyalty. Everyone else basically ran her out of town.
Now imagine a true alien. Something that has never been seen before. Then it kills two citizens of the pony population.
Xenophobia + Ruler that sees herself as a mother figure of a nation + two dead citizens with implied close connections = Irrational Ruler
Discord had at least been around for Luna and Celestia to get to know as the crazy god-cousin 1000 times removed. Not to mention blatant xenophobia/racism in their everyday speech patterns like: "everypony", "anypony", and "nopony".
Tobias had no chance at being treated fairly.
5541978 I feel worried because the main bulk of that comment, the "Celestia is going to get off because fuck justice, Right?" was ignored.
I see three options. You are...
A. Ignoring it because you really don't want to punish Celestia for some unfathomable reason.
Supported by the statement;
This applies because the only thing he suggested changing was not letting Celestia go unpunished. On the flip side it could just be you stating that your word is law and no changes will be made to the script. Period.
OffTopic(Also, why would you be posting a story chapter by chapter if there is an unchanging narrative? Is it exploiting Fimfiction's view system, maybe impatience, or something? I don't know.)
B. Your going with punish Celestia to at least some degree. I don't see how you could not at this point without a huge copout.
C. Are fucking with us and are sitting there laughing smugly right now.
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Okay, this suggests that it won't be the simple forgiven nor punished Celestia. I'm gleefully awaiting how this story is headed if this is the case.
5543249 no cop outs, justice was planned from the beginning. Also, by script I mean I have an outline to the end. It still takes me a few days to write a chapter and get it edited. Bullet points and minor notes are what I have. I'm not trying to manipulate anything, not even smugly laughing. Just building off a blueprint.
After each chapter is finished, I post it. I considered stopping until the whole story was complete, but got relatively negative feedback in that regard.
5541778 Which is why it is not a spoon. There is no spoon, only THE spoon
Have I blown your mind yet?
buuuaaaa I want more
The greatest irony I can imagine next, is when Celestia calls Twilight and tells her, her side of the story, Tobias had already been around Twilight and telling her everything in the few days it took before Celestia decided to "confess". Oh it'd be great if the "Truth" was similar to the Celestia of "Resuscitatio Artium Magicarum", half-truths that allow her to admit her sins and guilt but coated with enough lies that only the observant could see past it.
Just the thought if Twilight arrived, heard the story, cried a little and gave words of comfort to her former teacher, headed off home, and as she closed the doors and sighed in exhaustion, Tobias would step out of the shadows, eyeing him warily she'd answer "You were right".
5541382 An equally plausible theory… But we'll just have to wait and see, won't we?