Twilight kept mostly to herself during the journey, even though her friends were with her on board the Crystal Cruiser. It was possible, likely really, that she would have felt more comfortable in the presence of her friends who would be joining her across the universal barrier. But somehow, she just couldn’t bring herself to face them right now. They had come, but did they belong in the danger she would put them in?
Princess Cadance would be there, probably furious with Twilight's lack of communication. It didn't matter that she had sent no messages ahead. Cadance had ears too close to Twilight's program. Twilight had no doubt in her mind that she would beat her to Flurry’s Vigil.
Twilight suspected that she had her own independent programs probing the universal barrier, finding other ways to cross. But she knew they had no chance of success, and hadn’t worried about the competition.
If there was one relief not having Spike join her for the trip, it was that she had no way of receiving messages. The Crystal Cruiser was too small for a radio, so there would be no wireless communications either. Cadance would not be able to demand they slow to take her aboard at a port somewhere.
Princess Twilight leaned out over the bow of the ship, staring down at Flurry’s Vigil. Even from a great distance, she could see the settlement, its vast clearing of burned trees scarring the land.
It was unlike any other pony settlement she had ever seen or indeed ever visited. It had been built with no regard to the damage it did, or the wildlife that was living there. It was not so much a city as a vast military compound several blocks in size, with an entire detachment of crystal pony soldiers on duty at all times. What they were protecting against, or what their role would be, she had no idea.
Twilight had burned a few letters for Shining now, each one suggesting different ways he might take over for Princess Cadance in the daily affairs of the Crystal Empire. But she couldn’t quite bring herself to write it. The citizens of the Empire would have to endure her rule a little longer.
There were no other vessels landed here, so they had the entire dock to themselves. As they finally lowered the Crystal Cruiser, she was unsurprised to find Princess Cadance waiting on the ground, surrounded by a small group of crystal pony soldiers.
The princess strode purposefully up the landing ramp before it was even fully lowered. Her wings spread for balance in the high winds.
Twilight advanced past the captain, not wanting him to take any of Cadance’s anger for his role in this.
But for all the anger she had expected, Princess Cadance only smiled. “Twilight, you should have written that you were coming! Without a message from you, I wouldn't have known not to return to the Crystal Empire. I could’ve missed your trip!”
You're almost never in the Crystal Empire anymore, Twilight thought. She extended a hoof and shook Cadance's outstretched leg the way she might've done in simpler times.
“I heard the good news from your observatory!” Again that reminder that Princess Cadance had access to information she shouldn’t. But when the princess funded all of Twilight’s experiments, she could only plug so many leaks.
“I didn't want to get your hopes up in case this destination proved to be a failure. That said, we ran a few tests. I crossed personally to verify the conditions, and check the tracking spell. It’s a match.”
For a moment, Cadance only stared, one eye twitching slightly. There were no bags under her eyes, no redness, or other evidence of the chronic exhaustion that must be wearing her down. What spells could she be using to keep alert through her long search for Flurry? “I don't believe I asked you to protect me from anything, Twilight. This is my daughter's life. I don't need anyone else deciding for me when the information is too hard to hear.”
Twilight nodded apologetically. “Of course, Cadance. I'm sorry, but now that you're here, I can tell you everything I've seen. Why don't you join us?”
Together, they walked down the landing ramp, with a relieved captain and crew following close behind.
Twilight only waved weakly to her friends, as she saw them crossing the gangplank, not wanting them to get dragged down into Cadance’s gravity well with her. If they failed to get Flurry back, Cadance would likely hold a grudge against all involved. Best insulate the ones who weren’t Alicorns.
Twilight was certain that if Princess Cadance got her way, they would have crossed immediately. Fortunately, she wasn't the one who understood the magic. Instead, Twilight moved according to the plan she had prepared, supervising the unloading of her supplies.
The scientific facilities at Flurry’s Vigil included a large transport building meant for her eventual use. It was a vast space, 50 meters or more across plenty large for her apparatus. Power generation so far from civilization would have been a problem of course, but she had prepared several large generators that would be enough to provide for their needs. Barely.
Twilight stood outside the building as they were mounted to their platforms and the disgusting chemical fuel was poured. The smoke burned her nostrils as the engine started, their massive turbines beginning to spin. It would take several hours for them to prepare enough energy for a single crossing.
“So tell me what you observed. What is this world like?” Cadance asked, as soon as they were standing together in the temporary control room. Equipment boxes were still being unpacked, but all of Twilight's most important crew were there.
Twilight retreated subconsciously from their motion, not wanting to get in their way as they plugged everything in.
Of course, she probably could have set up everything herself in less time. But these ponies were the ones who would be responsible for bringing her back. She had to learn to trust their technical aptitude. If they were unable to operate the equipment, she might never see her home again.
“Not everything we learned was good,” Twilight said, her voice tentative at first. “The world beyond is habitable by every definition we know. The air is breathable and it has familiar plants. Its configuration seems remarkably similar to Equestria and the alternate world accessible through the mirror. However, there are significant differences.”
Princess Cadance leaned closer, ears perking with attention. “Differences that would be dangerous to my daughter?” she asked.
“We can't be certain,” Twilight admitted. “I believe this world must have some equivalent to Alicorns in their magic. As soon as we crossed the barrier, a being of significant magical competence was there waiting for us. Likely he sensed the first probe when we sent it across, so he knew where to wait.”
Twilight explained their exchange, leaving out any details that she feared might frighten the princess. The important thing was that they had been granted permission to retrieve Flurry, and even the endorsement of whatever magical beings passed as this world's authorities.
“It doesn't seem terribly friendly of these aliens not to return Flurry to us themselves,” Cadance said. “If they're so powerful that they sensed you coming across, shouldn’t they have sensed my daughter? They could have sent her home months ago.”
Twilight's mind spun with the technical ignorance evident in that question. “Sensing an intrusion into their world would have taken very little power to do. The energy involved in crossing is massive and we weren’t trying to be stealthy. But someone smart enough to see us trying to cross might not have the power to cross universes themselves. Aside from a few rare exceptions, most ponies don’t have that power either.
Cadance nodded, gesturing for her to continue. “So there was someone waiting. What were they like?”
“Friendly enough for a diplomatic relationship,” she answered. It probably would’ve been easier to just lie. But she couldn’t lie, not to a frightened mother, nor to one of her good friends. “Ponies often operate with a friendship bias. We’re surrounded by creatures that responded well to us. But there is no reason to assume that other worlds will be the same. We were very fortunate that no members of my scientific team were lost before now.”
Based on the same odds, Twilight felt lucky that she was still alive. She’d crossed over more times than anyone else. She would neglect to share that little detail.
“So when do I get my daughter back?” Cadance asked. “We have permission, we know where she is… what’s left?”
Twilight produced the folded scroll, containing her plan for the first mission across, though she didn't hold it where Cadance could reach. “The first thing to remember is that we're hundreds of miles away from Ponyville. This likely translates to a significant difference on the other side.
“The first trip will just be about establishing the safety on the other side. If we do that, then we’ll try to locate Flurry. Hopefully we will find more friendly beings who are willing to share information with us. If not—”
Cadance cleared her throat. “And if not, a detachment of the Crystal Guard will be more than happy to secure her release.”
Twilight shuddered at the thought. Samaritan had been friendly with them, and it was true that they’d seen no evidence of overwhelming magical power. But he had discussed other beings, the so-called “Body Invisible.” For all they knew, his magical weakness might just indicate his position. Maybe he was the magical equivalent of a messenger for an organization with thousands of Alicorns.
But she couldn't say that to the princess, not without provoking another serious reaction.
“Let's just hope that won't be necessary,” Twilight said.
“Once we cross to the other side, a tracking spell will easily be able to point us towards Flurry Heart.” Assuming that she was still alive. Some part of Twilight had spent the entire journey wondering if this Body Invisible, knowing exactly where their intruder was, would kill her as an excuse to further entangle their two worlds.
The Changeling Invasion was bad enough. Ponies don’t need to fight a war with another world they can’t even see. Maybe leaving Spike behind was the wrong move after all. She could really use Celestia’s advice.
“So when do we go?” Cadance asked, looking around the room again. “Looks like your ponies are just about done getting things set up. Before sundown?”
“Cadance…” She closed the distance between them in a few quick strides, lowering her voice to a whisper. She’d been dreading this moment during her entire flight up. But if she didn’t say it soon, the other Alicorn might tear their mission apart the way she’d done last time. “This isn’t going to be easy to hear—but if you want the best odds for your daughter coming home safely, you shouldn’t be part of the first mission.”
Even with those few words, she could see Cadance tense. Ready for an argument, if Twilight gave her the opportunity. So she didn’t slow down. “I know I can’t possibly understand how hurt you are, and how desperate and helpless you feel. But that’s why I brought my friends, the Elements of Harmony, to come with me.
“You’re hurt and afraid. They care about Flurry too, but not so much that it affects their judgement. The safest place for you to be is right here in the control room.”
For a moment, she wasn’t sure if the princess had even heard her. Princess Cadance spun abruptly, so sharp she nearly whipped Twilight with her tail. “This trip,” she said, her voice quavering. “But once you confirm where she is, once you know she’s safe… I’m going. There’s nothing in this world or that one that could keep me from Flurry.”
She stormed out, joining her guards near the exit and taking off into Flurry’s Vigil.
Twilight sighed, still feeling like the weight of the Alicorn’s anger was pressing on her. Static Variable approached slowly, his ears pressed flat to his head. “Princess, the capacitors are nearly charged. What should we do?”
“Get Rarity and Applejack in here,” she said. “We’ll be going as a small team at first. The others are welcome to come and watch, but they won’t be crossing.”
He nodded, hurrying off to obey.
Princess Cadance is the Alicorn of Love in all its aspects. It stands to reason she is very emotional. That aspect is overriding her logic and intellect because it directly conflicts with her mother's love for Flurry. It's her aspect and it may lend the expedition the needed power to succeed in the end. We can only hope.
Yup!
Pinkie! What are you doing here?
Pinkie Sense! Queasy tummy plus involuntary facehoof means you're worried about putting us at risk even though us risking our lives together is literally the foundation of our friendships.
You... have a Pinkie Sense specifically for that?
And it's come up often enough that I recognize it. We're here for you, Twilight. Don't forget that.
Sorry, that went on a bit longer than I intended it.
I have a sense she should be much more worried there. Just because they can't get a functional portal going doesn't mean they can't tear what should never be torn.
I'm honestly astonished that Cadence was willing to allow even a one-mission grace period before she insisted on going in. Hopefully the prep work will lessen the inevitable calamity. I'm nowhere near optimistic enough to think Cadence won't rampage across an unsuspecting Earth; I just hope the impact can be kept relatively under control.
There is no way in the depths of Tartarus, no matter what she told to twilight, that she isn't going to go through that portal either the second it opens, or just after Twilight and 2 elements go through. Her crew will make sure the portal won't just close. Twilight should NOT trust her word on this matter.
Give Cadance a heavy seditive, problem solved
Cadance is going to be a problem in the long run.
Cadance is going to pull a Spike. Odds 842 to one for. She really should be stoned for the time being...
Keep going! ;)
10391110
Short-term. It's be a long-term disaster in terms of relationship.
Twilight would never go for that.
Cadance seems calmer than before, but her presence is still very likely to be a liability. It's like combining the worst of Rainbow's rashness with a volatile emotional bomb backed by the power of an Alicorn.
That utter silent fury. She's definitely looking for an outlet for it. Twilight has to find Flurry in the first go if she wants to dissipate it quickly. No doubt Cadance's presence on Earth is bad for everyone involved.
I'd be surprised if Shining isn't feeling the same way Cadance is. Though he might have already realized he'll have to cover for her even without Twilight's suggestions. That might be a greater burden in a way.
Can't imagine Cadance remaining in power for much longer if this never gets resolved.
Not quite. There's only one and she's a complete novice. Still, it's wise not to underestimate any possible opponent.
Are you really that quick to violence at the first sign of resistance?
Wow. Can't help but think that Twilight took that as a threat.
10391059
Completely depends on the situation, though. Yes, raw anger and even violence may be what is needed to cut through obstacles if Earth's magical organizations are malevolent enough. It may also lead to violence where none was necessary. Misplaced anger might spur the entirety of the Body Invisible against the expedition. All the result of miscommunication. The conflict might get bad enough that our resident alicorn, Kyle might be mistaken as an obstacle or threat to Flurry and might have to defend herself.
10391154
Certainly the calm before the storm. Just looking for an outlet.
im waiting for the meeting between our mc and cadence and flurry choosing that moment to call our human turned alicorn mom
10391238
She's still not chaining them together and making them walk in circles, so she's probably got a while yet before the Crystal Ponies rise up.
10391276
Not tyranny, but it appears she's starting to neglect her duties. It's understandable that a mother would do whatever she can to save her child. But the longer this goes on, she'll eventually have to return to ruling the country. And if she can't put her people's needs over Flurry's, she'll have to abdicate.
The little background details are a pretty strong argument for the abolishment of the monarchy.
yep, seems to be the best time for them to find flurry heart after that betrayal thing the last chapter. This also increases hype and my hopes that the betray l don't get cleared up for things to be more epic when they meet.
10391295
Well, she is redirecting a substantial portion of the Crystal Empire's economic wealth towards the efforts to find her lost daughter...
10381315
You're right, but Kyle may see betrayal, simply because she expects it, because she feels she is betraying the lil pone in some way.
10391379
Well, it's a good thing for her the expenses bore fruit. Hopefully, she won't have to move the Crystal Empire towards a war economy.
This could go bad quick. There's no guarantee that Cadance won't stow away or teleport onto the ship at the last second. Mama alicorn is pissed and she's coming for her baby. I honestly think it would make more sense for Twilight to bring Celestia or Luna along as a level of maturity would be highly helpful in any diplomatic process and in the event violence is necessary, a nigh immortal goddess with cosmic power would be extremely helpful.
If things proceed as they are someone's going to die. And there's a non-null chance it's going to be Cadence.
Yeah, from what I’ve seen of the magic on the human side, they’re going to be hitting a lot of trap spells.
10391351
...wat
10391384
True, true
10391261
Its annoying that I can see this as possible.
I don’t like this. Cadance should not even be in the Control Room. Something is going to go wrong, and I’m afraid to say that signs are pointing to Cadance being the cause. She’s far too unstable.
The way this is heading isn’t good.
A big thing I don’t like that’s happening is the impact this whole fiasco is causing. A military base built without care for the environment around? Generators using “foul liquids” and spewing smoke? It’s a rapid industrialisation that, if things go sour, might reflect on the rest of Equestria, and that’s not a good thing. The ponies have been buddy-buddy with nature but Flurry’s Vigil is being described as a blot on the map that is antithesis to that idea. It’s too... human.
Nobody mention what Cadence is going to do when she finds out Flurry has another alicorn "mommy"?
10401118
I'm aware. I'm saying it's frustrating and a little ridiculous that she still considers it that despite ample evidence that they aren't mere animals. It's just very insensitive and demeaning for someone to go and refer to breast feeding as something bestial for apparently weeks.
10401123
The point isn't that breastfeeding is animalistic, that's completely false, and is a downright retarded statement. The point is that admitting that It's a maternal thing forces her to acknowledge that she's, for all intents and purposes, a mother. By saying it's animalistic she avoids the reality that she's currently mothering Fae, rather than just taking care of her for the time being. It's like how she avoids the fact that she's physically a girl; by avoiding the topic. When questioned about the gender thing, she says they can call her whatever, avoiding the conversation entirely. By dogging the idea that it's a maternal connection she avoids the idea of at all being a mother figure to Fae. Intellectually, she probably understands that it's not actually bestial and that Fae is far to intelligent to be an animal, however emotions screw with perception. She's rationalising the avoidance of the topic by pretending it doesn't exist. Pretending that there's no maternal connection, because there's no maternal side to their relationship. That it's more like a person taking care of an animal, rather than a mother taking care of her child, despite near infinite evidence pointing to the latter of the two.
10401315
Whoa okay dude - chill with the slurs.
10401321
Sorry, I feel rather strongly about the topic. The way breastfeeding is viewed in society is downright abhorrent. Either way, you understand my standpoint on the topic irl.
10401332
I can agree with you on that!
10402084
Sure, but the "homicidal incoherent irrational mother" is a pretty old sexist trope.
I'm definitely surprised that Cadance was willing to wait out for this next trip. Maybe she's not as off the deep end as I was imagining.
10410927
That can change very fast, and very easily.
I'm just waiting for shit to hit the fan.
Oh, she wasn't protecting you. She was trying to protect the world Flurry is in from your irrational mania
Whew. Finally she said it.