It had been some time since Twilight Sparkle last saw Canterlot Castle, and in that time it had become no less luxurious. If she weren't so familiar with the sight, she might have taken a moment to pause and awe at the beautiful visage. As it was, however, she had to wait as her friends did so without her.
They might have come to the castle a couple times, but it takes some time for the disbelief to rid itself from your mind. She knew from first hand experience, after all.
She took the short time to glance out at the pink dome that stood tall above them. Once more, she found that the Princess wasn’t telling her something. She also had the sneaking suspicion that they had informed Aurick again, as he had suddenly disappeared a couple days prior. Also there was the fact that Rarity heard rumors about a strange creature and a monstrous looking pony in the castle.
To be fair, Twilight understood where the Princess was coming from. She was just a civilian. Celestia’s personal student, perhaps, but a civilian nonetheless. She wielded the Element of Magic, her friends holding dominion over the rest, but they were not soldiers. They never received any training, and they certainly couldn’t be used to counter every threat.
The princess herself had mentioned they were a last resort. So she knew, knew, that she shouldn’t expect to be told about these kinds of things. Yet, at the same time, she couldn’t help but feel as though she wasn’t trusted with the knowledge. A fact that hurt her more than she cared to admit.
The princesses knew Aurick for only two months, and they were already trusting him with this! Granted, he was over five hundred years old, with who knows how many years as a mercenary, but…
She let out an audible sigh as her gaze lowered from the pink bubble above. She shouldn’t be thinking like this. Not right now, at least. Whatever was happening, this was supposed to be a happy occasion. Her brother was getting married! Sure, he didn't care to tell her he was dating. Nor did he care to tell her who it was. Or even give her a larger notice than a day…
Her eye twitched involuntarily.
She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath and exhaling in a slow, practiced motion. It did wonders to calm her, a smile returning to her face.
None of that mattered. She was happy for him, and despite how forgetful he was in informing her, she would do her best to make sure he had a great wedding. He deserved that at least.
Nodding once to herself, she turned back to her friends. They had all recovered from their reverie and were prepared to make their way towards their destination.
Twilight was more than happy to do so.
~-~
Chrysalis looked out a window, a small smile upon her face as she watched the meeting far below. Twilight Sparkle and the other Elements of Harmony had met up with her brother at the castle gates. Twilight and Shining Armour were in the middle of an embrace as she peered out, before her eyes rose to the horizon.
Things were all going according to plan. For the most part at least. That chimera’s actions had worried her extensively. The worst part was that she couldn’t know how successful Aldrin was. He was one of her finest soldiers. Loyal to a fault and worked harder than any other.
Even so, she couldn’t help but feel a creeping dread caress her spine. If Aldrin was too slow and that damned chimera released her prisoners…
No. She had to trust her underlings. She could not falter here. One slip and her plan would be ruined. She simply had to trust Aldrin to do his part, and she would, in turn, do her own.
Her gaze lowered down to the gates once more. The Elements were entering the castle, excited smiles upon their faces.
They had no clue what was coming for them…
~-~
Cadence couldn’t help but smile as the city of Fillydelphia came into view. It had taken a large portion of the day, but they would be able to make it before the day was out. She would be able to arrange safety for the rescued prisoners, as well as roundup the guard to help fight back this Chrysalis that Carina had told her about.
“Almost there.” She spoke to herself, a sigh of relief escaping her as she did so. At her side, Carina nodded. The changeling had been spending most of his time with her, evidently terrified by Aurick and Ashwyn. Though she couldn’t particularly understand why.
The fact that she could see him stiffen, his eyes looking past her, told the princess of love that one such person had decided to wander over. Shifting her gaze, she found Aurick had moved up to look at the city.
The elf still wore a mask of peace, but she could feel his heart, and knew that he had none. Despite that, a somewhat genuine smile appeared upon his face as he saw how close they were.
“How fast can one of those train things get us to Canterlot?” He asked, not bothering to face her.
“Just under a day, I believe.” She responded with a furrowed brow. She knew precisely why he was asking. As what was meant to be her wedding would take place tomorrow. “Fear not, Aurick.” She continued. “We shall rally the guard and take down this Chrysalis.”
“No, you won’t.” The statement shocked her. What was he saying!? “Do you honestly believe the guard would take you at your word that the guards of Canterlot Castle, and the princesses have been mind controlled? Sure you could get somewhere with accusing her of being an imposter, but that would take too much time. It’s best to just go there, kill that bitch, and be done with it.”
“K-kill…” Cadence was taken aback by how brazenly he had declared such a thing. Sure, wasn’t happy with what this Chrysalis had done, but to kill her… that seemed a bit much. “No! We’re not going to be killing anyone!” She told him firmly, a hoof slamming down to emphasize her point.
She regretted it immediately.
The falsities on his face faded away in an instant, and the elf turned to look at her with cold eyes that seemed to almost look through her. “She is going to die.” The elf stated matter of factly. “I don’t care if you help or not, so long as you don't get in my way, but mark my words. She will not survive.”
Cadence found herself unable to respond, her mouth suddenly dry. Thankfully the elf, turned away, his long legs taking him away from the Alicorn. Cadence’s own legs were shaking slightly from the interaction.
She had never heard such… malice in anyone's voice. She didn’t believe someone who could have earned her Aunt’s respect could have said something like that.
It only showed she still had much to learn before she could truly take on the role of a princess.
The elf is pissed off don't piss off the elf.
Why was this out of my bookshelves ?
I missed so much how could I forget this.
I have a sneaking suspicion that the elf might be a tad upset... just a tad.
he an elf that has lived centuries and that forced to dream happy memories things that most likely are dead and gone or now forever out of his reach and now he finds the place he was in was all a lie he is beyond pissed
Well, they are all about to die.
9625939
The heck with Winter... Aurick is coming.
Should be fun to see what's happened down below in the caves where they left Applejack in charge of the prisoner, Pinkie Pie.
So, I was perusing and saw this in the featured updates. I must say, I have some reservations...
Chapter 1: Appearance
Chapter 2: Prison Break
-57 chapters hidden-
Chapter 60: Escape
...
Only 59 chapters for the characters to go from starting to break out to actually getting out?
(I'm joking, of course)
Well that was a nice read to wake up to
It does indeed little heartbutt, for I assure you both of your lovely aunts have done so before.
Well, now Carina and Cadance can bond, anyhow.
"if any have cause that these two should not wed..."
Door opens - elf walks into room with slow methodical pace and a face cold and pale as death itself. He points at the bride and speaks one word.
(what is elven for 'Die'?)
The bride falls as her pink coat disappears to reveal chitin.
The elf turns and turns and walks out.
-room erupts in panic-
Luna tried to grab his attention, he states in a cold voice "I don't abide Traitors" and continues out.
---
When I get into a story, my brain fills in the future. I don't expect this to actually happen, cool as it would be. Aurik isn't an enchanter the dnd sense, but if he was.. one of the highest (9th) level enchantment spells is Power Word Kill.
Its called responsibility. As a ruler you have to be willing to put the good of your people above your own morals. That includes finding a permanent solution to problems that threaten them, and there is no more permanent solution than dead & burned to ashes. Take this lesson to heart and you just might not be reduced to a living battery against Sombra.
Bravo. More. Please?
Uh. I really don't want Chysalis to face Black Flag. Hopefully she gets blasted away again by the Power of Love and not bug spray.
9626108
What are the odds of that happening. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, I got a good chuckle out of it.
Awe, Cadence just learned that if you want to be able to command someone to not do a thing, you have to have an answer to "And how are you going to stop me?". What a lovely chapter, looking forward to the fireworks. :)
Is it bad I actually potty feudalism right now. The only reason she one before was cause he made a wrong assumption. Aurick won't make the same mistake twice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6BbvCC0VI0
Soon...
9626260
It sounds like Rarity's last name.
Bel!
oh, the title of this chapter reminded me of a scene in a comic book, "welcome to the jungle".