(2-1) Receiving A Very Short Interrogation
My ears lifted automatically at the sound of hoofsteps coming towards my cell, and I lifted my head up to see Celestia coming my way. She kept the neutral expression on her face as she once again wrapped her magic around me like a shackle and led me out of the cell off to… somewhere. At least I wasn’t being yanked now like I was before, although I didn’t take that as a good thing. I could tell she was trying to keep her anger contained, doing her best to try and hide how she felt about me, but wasn’t doing a very good job at it. It actually felt like the more she tried to hide it, the more it grew. Outwardly, she was now doing nothing to express her hate for me, but I could still feel it radiating off of her. It was scarier now than it was before, and I almost wished for her to try and drag me so she could release some of what she felt. I didn’t want her to take it all out on me later.
We walked for what felt like an impossibly long time, through dozens of hallways and up and down numerous flights of stairs. She was either trying to get me lost or wear me out, though I was betting on the latter, because by the time we finally got to where we were going, I was starting to lose my breath. Evidently, Sombra didn’t keep himself in quite the shape he needed to be in. Then again, this was probably his body’s third day being active in the last thousand years.
The room we entered was small, a bit smaller than a small bedroom, and contained a table, three chairs, one of which was occupied by Luna, three walls, and nothing else. It was a bit different than what I was expecting, but then again, I guessed that they didn’t want to have to sit in the dungeon to interrogate me.
“Sit,” Celestia ordered me. I obediently listened, and stuck myself in the chair directly opposite of Luna. She herself sat down next to her sister, the two of them simply watching me as I sat, not saying anything. They might have been waiting for me to begin, but I wasn’t going to dare speak to them first, and patiently waited for them to start asking questions. I glanced at them occasionally, long enough to make it seem as though I wasn’t afraid of them, but not long enough to appear threatening.
This went on for a while, what felt like nearly a half hour, before the elder sister finally spoke. “Tell us who you are,” she told me, almost demanded me, in an even tone.
I opened my mouth, ready to just simply say 'I’m not Sombra', then stopped. That wasn’t going to be enough, and I knew that. Their follow up question would just be “And who exactly is that?”. Then I’d either have to tell them that I’m an alien from another dimension or lie and say I’m a pony whose soul is in Sombra’s body. Either way, this “interview” wasn’t going to go well.
I sighed and put my head on the table. “Why does it matter?” I asked. “You won’t believe me whether I lie or tell the truth.”
“And what exactly has given you that impression?”
I gave her a look that told her she knew exactly why, and stayed silent. She might have wanted me dead and been able to kill me at a moment's notice, but already I was getting fed up with her attitude towards me. Still, however, she stared silently back waiting for my answer, and I told her, "Because I can feel the hate you seem to have for me."
She sat silently for a little while longer, as if debating her response, then said, "If you're not Sombra as you claim to be, then there is no hate I have for you."
That was a lie, and I knew it was a lie. If that was true, then when I said my case back in the room they found me, she would have given me the benefit of the doubt. Instead, she immediately ordered Cadance to shoot at me without a second thought.
"Now, again," she instructed, "Tell us who you are."
My fear of her was slowly leaving, being replaced with anger. She was the ruler of Equestria! She was supposed to be the first one to have sympathy. But instead, all I was getting was seemingly irrational hate from her. "What could Sombra have possibly done to make you this upset with me?" I asked.
"I would advise you stay off the subject and state who you claim to be."
I lied. My fear wasn't disappearing. The way she said that made me feel like I was poking at something that should not be touched. But my anger for her was still there, and I reluctantly told her, "I'm some creature from somewhere far away who was stuffed inside this body."
“Elaborate.”
“Well… I don’t know what more I’m supposed to tell you. I’m some creature in Sombra’s body, who just wants to leave.”
“Tell us just what kind of creature you are.”
I sighed. I might as well be honest, not that they were going to believe me. “I’m a human being from outside of Equestria who wants to get out of Sombra’s body and leave. I don’t know magic, I have a regular job...,” I paused, watching her look at me, and continued, “I don’t know what else I’m supposed to say without sounding completely crazy to you.”
“Tell us how you became trapped inside of Sombra.”
"I- I don't know. One second I was working at my desk, the next, I was in that room."
"So you're telling us you are a displaced being?"
I thought about it for a moment, then answered, "Yes."
She considered what I said for a second, then responded, “You’re right. If you were to go into further detail, I would believe you less than I already do.” At least she was being honest. “Besides, assuming you are a “human being” who’s trapped in the body of the tyrant before me, we could never let you leave here.”
Luna and I both gave her a look, and I tensed up, another sudden well of fear coming over me. I didn't want to stay here for the rest of my life, and certainly had no plans on staying in the dungeon. However I pushed it down and tried to get myself relaxed again. She was likely trying to see if I would react to her words. Or maybe she just wanted to scare me. I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case. Either way, I was deciding right then that I wasn’t going to let her get to me.
“I guess friendship doesn’t matter anymore,” I muttered.
“What was that?” Celestia asked as she stood up, towering over me. She was clearly trying to intimidate me, and while it was working, it wasn’t nearly as effective as it would have been before.
“The Princess of Friendship and the ruler of Equestria both wanted to kill me even after I surrendered and tried to explain my situation. Even now, this "interview" is designed to intimidate me, seeing as you're dismissing me without trying to learn anything new about me. You haven't even asked me my name. It's not fair."
I kept my head on the table as I said all of this. I wanted her to see the injustice of the situation, but I didn't want to look threatening. What I did seemed to work, because a few seconds later, she sat back down and said, "Tell us your name."
I didn't appreciate being still being commanded what to do, but took the opportunity and answered, "Alex."
"Well, Alex, tell us where one must hail from to acquire such a name."
"Earth," I said simply.
"And where is this place you speak of?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but I do know it's nowhere near here."
"Tell me," she asked, "is there a nation called 'America' where you claim to hail from?"
I went wide eyes at that, completely shocked by the question. "How could you possibly know that?" I got out.
"Because we've heard this very story many times before, Sombra. You are not the first, nor will you be the last, to try and get out of your crimes with this ridiculousness. Now, are you ready to confess your identity?"
"I- why- how is this possible?" I stammered, every bit of fear I had when I first got here coming back to me. "How am I supposed to confess to something I haven't done?"
I felt her magic wrap around me for a third time, and heard her say, "This is a waste of time. You're going back to your cell."
"You know as well as I that you cannot keep him down there," Luna said.
Celestia stared ahead as she walked back from dropping her prisoner off, as though she couldn't hear her sister. Sombra was lying, and she knew it. He would be kept down there as long as she saw fit.
"You saw what I have seen. You know as well as I that he is truthful."
"Just as easily," the white alicorn started, "he could be using a spell to distort what we've seen in him. He does have a proficiency in dark magic, and has demonstrated the ability to easily manipulate others perceptions of reality in the past."
"That seems rather unlikely."
"Yet still a distinct possibility."
Celestia took several more steps forward before stopping and turning around. "Come along, Luna," she called.
Her sister stood where she was, casting a look of disapproval. "You cannot behave this way," she told her, the tiniest bit of anger working into her voice. "You cannot keep him down there based on something he did not do. If he did not admit guilt after that stunt you pulled, it's highly likely he's being truthful."
Celestia only gave her a look of annoyance before continuing on.
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interesting seeing there been others and from the way celestia speaks about them seem innocents have already perished at her hoofs
10135093
I'd certainly hope not. That'd make Celestia an outright tyrant close to the head-spikes-wall variety.
Good so far. This story has gotten my interest. Keep doing what you are doing.
10135097
at the very least they're statues in her garden
If Celestia is aware of a mirror that can go to another dimension, surely she is aware of the possibility of an extra-dimensional being. And that Alex is indeed telling the truth.
ah the good old good cop -luna and bad cop -celestia- but taken to a whole another level.
Its best princess -luna- and tragic back story/wtf -celestia-
Alex is stewing in his own hatred.
Hello, mass lying gambits? Geez, Celestia does have a reason or two to not trust him. Though, I do wonder why all the people from Earth ended up in criminal bodies... And why they’re all from America.
10135102
if that is true and they are in the same situation as alex then celestia might need to go to trial as these proberbly happend while luna was on the moon which would be what should happen but celestia will likly just "deal" with him or see the truth and set him and the others free after some investigating then go about her day i mean luna got sent to the moon for the equivenlent of a tanturm that lasted not even a day and got banished for 1000 years so what would be the appropreate punishment for celsetia?
10135097
I would argue that she already is one. By all appearances she is the dictator within a totalitarian government. She has no equals (the other princess act as equals in name only) or checks. She is able to institute execution of judgement without any semblance of a trial, or assumption of innocence without proof.
How did this story get so many comments? It isn't even 10K words long!
Celestia is making me angry...
10135158
I am more curious as what happened to Alex's predecessors.
10135158 10135198
I think the much better question is why they all appear to be ending up in Sombra's body.
10135166
You mean the time she tried to kill Celestia, or at the very least cause serious physical harm to her, as well as try to take over the entire kingdom and literally fuck over the natural order of day and night?
That is a bit beyond a 'tantrum'.
What you said is the equivalent of saying a school shooting is 'just childish fun'.
So, I truly hope that Celestia is only having a bad day because Alex brings back bad memories, but right now it is starting to look dark.
The most likely thing is that Celestia killed the 'displaced' to keep the peace. A lost creature that inhabits the body of a criminal, talking about being in a unknown form in a foreign land. To make Celestia believe them they tell her about possible futures, and the past that they know about. This can not stand because of several reasons;
1. The potential threat if some one in her court, or a foreign country finds out about this 'prophet' is massive.
2. Celestia do not want to lose power, with new ppl comes new ideas, ideas and tech that Celestia cant begin to understand, things that can potentially kill her, or move ponies view away from her view of what the world should be.
3. Some one that does not believe her to be a god, some one that dares to stand up to her. (she keeps telling them that she is not a god, but is that not what a benevolent god would say?).
4. Accepting a national threats or criminal to stand with her during times when she is barely holding on is a huge risk she cannot take. The best way is to interrogate them about that they know, and then kill them to remove all possible lose ends.
10135191
That is simply how an absolute monarchy works, though. Absolute authority. Which, yes, does tend to frighten people used to living in a democracy, but that doesn't make the monarch a tyrant. The difference between a monarch and a tyrant lies in how cruel and oppressive the monarch in question is. Equestria is a land of plenty that has known peace and prosperity for a thousand years, where ponies are free to do what they want and pursue the careers they want with little to no worry about schooling or healthcare, and even those without jobs who provide primarily volunteer services (like Fluttershy) can do so freely while not having to worry about starving.
"Tyrant" is the among the very last words on the list of things you can attribute to Celestia. Or, well, the canon one at any rate.
Celestia seem to be a heartless Tyrant. I guess the best that can happen is a non pony to defeat her. Stripping her of herpower or imortal life.
10135093
I guess Celestia executes everyone she is displeased off. Or let them get executed.
10135097
One can only hope Tirek,Chrysalis or somone like Cozy Glow put a end to Celestias rule.
Luna seem to be the obviouse next in line.
10135119
What do it matters? She is a imortal able to move the Sun. As long as the Elements of Harmony remain in the Pony Race possession and Discord keeps his Friendship with Fluttershy she can do whatever she feels like. Indefinitly imprison or simply murder. Who would stop her? Luna is still magicly to week to to fight Celestia and sge never fight 'fair' anyway. No point if she didnt get her way.
10135166
Publishing of her crimes. Removal from her position of leadership. Cuting of her Horn perhaps?
At the very least Banishment from Equis for some time and permanent banning her from any leading position. Period.
10135193
Topic heavy.
/////
I wonder if the real Sombra was the lesser evil after all...
/////
As long Celestia keeps holding her image up and silence everyone knowing of her action everything is fine.
Daybreaker ( i guess that who Celestia is now for quite some time ) just have to play nice with her Element Puppets and keep Discord 'entertained'. Noone will overtrow her for the time being.
My statement is simple: Celestia is a bitch.
10135255
lets discus what would happen if celestia got hit by the elemets as she is now i think the most likly thing to happen would be either stoning or de-alicorning if that is possible what do you guys think
10135279
Or there were numerous displaced persons who were legitimately innocent of the crimes their body committed, but they were declared guilty regardless.
10135254
A benevolent and competent tyrant is a tyrant nonetheless. Tyranny can be defined as a measure of absolutism just as much as it can be a measure of oppression.
We have a lillte bit of Bitchlestia here
10135292
what if celesetia acting like this is what screws her over later like this is what whoever brought alex there wantid and this helps them and allows them to eventuly destroy all of celestias work
Welp, on another note, there is no country on earth called "America", there is a Continent called America, which due to its shape, its been divided in three sub-continent parts, North America, Centre America and South America, nortt America host 3 countries, "Canada", "The United States of America" and "Mexico", thouth citizen of USA for some reason call their own country as the entire Continent, really not sure why is that, perhaps an abreviation? not to say the entire countrie's name and just say the last part, that actually makes them look bad in the ayes of all other citizens of the other countries in the same continent.
If Equestria Girls is canon in this particular case, and if comics involved different dimensions are also canon, Celestia should understand that a being appearing from some other dimension is a possibility. Perhaps, one already visited her, and for one reason or another, was considered guilty for whatever crimes the original owner of the body of the criminal committed. Then, either more people were displaced or actual criminals copied the story - if that story actually worked.
I also believe Celestia's judgement is clouded considering who Sombra is and what he might've done to her or those she cares about. Perhaps a part of her wants to be fair, but a larger part of her simply wants to see Sombra punished. I wouldn't really say she's being intentionally unfair without hearing about her side of the story. Yes, she is objectively unfair, but if previous displaced people acted badly or a lot of criminals copied a story about a displaced that was not a criminal, it's understandable why she's being harsh. Besides, if Sombra is as intelligent as ponies claim he is, and if he's able to go to such levels of deceipt, then their fear – however paranoid they may seem – are justified.
10135240
10135093
What if when Alex asks for their names, he get names like:
(Humans - who Celestia say they were)
Charles Mansons - deranged serial killer pegasus
Adolf Hitler - unicorn supremacist
Ted Bundy - earth pony serial killer
Jeffrey Dahmer - Griffin who ate ponies
And so on.....
10135279
There is a fourth option
I'm not sure how, but Celestia needs a slap around the back of the head. I'm waiting for everyone to gang up on her and watch her realise how unjustified she is being. Or perhaps she doesn't realise and things get extra dicey. I guess we'll see.
[Edit] Oh I understand her point of view, have suspicion, but don't mistreat people just because they're suspicious. That would be a very anti-utopian world.
A great start to chapter 2, as usual, I'm excited to seeing what will happen next.
At this point he should just ask if they're going to:
A. Keep him locked up forever until they force him to say he deserves to die.
B. Skip right to the execution if they've decided they don't need proof of guilt to kill someone.
C. Or they want him to suffer so instead of killing him they'll stick him in a cell for the rest of his life.
Its probably one of the three since they obviously hate Alex too much to ever let him go.
10135337
You're talking about a benevolent dictatorship, I think. A benevolent tyrant is by definition impossible, either by modern or ancient definition, as by modern definition a tyrant is defined by a lack of benevolence, and by the original Greek definition as someone who seized power unconstitutionally (which Celestia never did, she and Luna were originally granted their positions by the then leaders of Equestria, and she became the sole ruler of Equestria for a thousand years because she defended her position from Luna, who did try to take Celestia's position by force).
But if we're talking a benevolent dictatorship, then yes, Celestia has been a benevolent dictator for close to a thousand years. Given the state of Equestria, I can't really argue with the results.
10135448
Tyrant in its modern meaning can mean oppressive authority, totalitarian control, or both.
We don’t know how the sisters received their power. Additionally, wether or not it was retaliatory or justified Celestia certainly disassembled the diarchy and consolidated power unto herself. Likely without legal permission or precedent. This allows Celestia’s rulership to fall under the classical definition as well. Although this all falls under what is likely incredibly biased and revisionist historical accounts.
10135471
Celestia didn't, Luna did. Celestia only reacted to Luna's destruction of the diarchy and attempted regicide. Yes, that means Celestia got more power. That's what happens when one half of a diarchy tries and fails to take all the power, and the other half is left standing to clean up the mess.
As for how the Sisters got into power, we know from books and comics that they were put into political power by the then leaders. Even the show tells us Starswirl was their teacher when they were young, training them to one day take full power.
Yay Luna! :)
Oh well too bad that he can still say his human name, I was hopping that he would be unable to say otherwise. for the chapter I think most of the behavior made sense. From the look of thing Celestia just doesn't want to deal with him and is more then content at just letting him rote in the dungeons, I would wonder how he will manage to get out with out knowing how to use his magic. On that note I wonder his they will try to saw his own off or seal it in some way so that he wouldn't become a threat to anyone? I wonder what is getting Luna to be getting curious about Alex. I am wondering if Luna could just explore his mind to find him out, and why she didn't use it against the original Sombra when he took over the Crystal Empire. I wonder how he just seem to have arrived in front if the princesses and the Mane Six like that out of nowhere, I would have guess this is reason fore suspicions.
Instant "Oh sh*t" reaction when she said that. Literally, chilled blood.
If Celestia is *so darn certain* about his "dark magic" you'd think she'd have spells and external resources to detect, compensate, and correct for any influence he might *potentially* be exuding. It really feels like she's desperate for it to be false. And in fairness to her, it would certainly be more convenient if he really was Sombra and could just sickle him away, instead of now having to consider the problem Alex's truth unearths.
Really, Luna was a background star here, twinkling her protest but affecting little. Here's to hoping she can shine brighter and turn Celestia's irrationality away.
Keep going! ;)
10135399
Our bet is on "Celestia was mind-reading" for $191 bits.
10135274
I suspect her to be a water downed version of Daybreaker. Maybe it fixes her head to get hit by it. Since its 'save anyway' lets just do it =p
10135292
A bit morbid to joke about a seriouse matter... Than again its easyer to digeste a heavy topic (metaphoric) that way.
But seriously i think she need a Friendship deep tissue massage in form of a fancy element blast.
10135304
Remember ll the redit story about entiteld individuals that get there ass handed to em? Celestia so far avoided the shitstorm. Hope she get a reality bitchslap to get her to a sane mindset again.
10135337
Reminds me of a saying:
The difference between a madman and a genius is there success.
Also:
The difference between a hypocritic leader and a legitime one is perspective.
Maybe she is really thinking she is the 'good guy' and cant understand how far she has fallen:
10135384
Huh... Very good point. Im willing to give her the benefit of a doubt and say her actions are misguided but 'partaly' justifyed.
10135399
Its there always one? But having a option and chose one are different things. Celestia by this point probably chose all of em at one pointor another.
10135417
Indeed. There are many action that can archiv her goals but she is acting like a spoiled entiteld bitch about it. That one thing: No matter if she is wright or wrong, she missused her position and is hypocritic enough for Luna to trow it at her head.
Celestia creates her own enemys by acting totaly out of line. That cant be excused. Politeness behavior should be the very least in her position a must. She just is a dick about it because she can.
Why do I get the feeling she has found many Innocents guilty on account of not believing they were from another word stuck in a guilty parties body ...
10135448
"Life long enough to become the villain" seem to fit.
10135471
The history books is written by the victors. More important re-writing is not a issue if your a imortal total leader. Because 'she was alive than and know the truth ( dont mean she gives it if its not fitting to her goals ). Can be good and evil. Its particular harsh ones you know enough exampels of both sides.
I can name many story outside fimfiction in popular mangas were both a clear to see.
10135572
Only Luna & the elements (the stones) cant go against Celestia. Noone can challange her minds state without getting 'wiped up the screen' of history 'past-present & future.
10135565
I suspect Celestia deals with every displaced cloaked and dagger. But he literally was infront of everypony important. She cant murder him quitely anymore. A bold but very good move from who or whatever denied Celestia to deal with it the easy way backstage.
That what politics hate: Getting watched. They cant just do whatever they wannt ith someone or something if they cant trow money or influence at a problem to 'make it dissaper'. Remember Snowden? Its hard to get rid of a person in quite ones hes in public view. Hes only 'crime' was speaking up against corruption in the gavourment leadership and its actions.
10135826
Because she is already in deniel. For Example:
Celestia had this case of displaced 1001 times. She always imprisoned, executed or banished em on principle because they all are evil and non of them were innocent.
Now someone shows up. INFRONT of her Sister, Niece and Element users. She cant denie from herself anymore what she did to the 1000 before him.
Remember the Vader Dilemma? He couldnt face HIS actions AND the blame HE ALONE was to blame for.
Celestia so far only had to deal with her actions against Luna. Now she would have to face the weight of her crimes she commited with 'her justice, her actions for the bigger good'. Its a bitch to find ot your one the worst of em.
Celestia really is a tool to everyone around her in this.
10135837
What bugs me is that I don't see a reason why Celestia would do this. The same Celestia who forgave her sister for trying to usurp her and who gave even Discord a second and even third chance. Why would she turn around and condemn other innocents just like that?
10135837
indeed good point on letting others for doing te dirty work for her.
10135380
We say America and call our selves Americans because the United States of America has no true origin. Irish, English, Spanish, French, Russian. A whole bunch of territories original conquered by these ethnicities were combined by the efforts of a new kind of people calling themselves 'Americans'. A people made up of castaways, pilgrims, and refugees who made a country not based around the suppression of Personality through dictatorship or monarchy.
Mexicans can claim origin from the Spanish, Canadians through the French. Americans have no luxury, if one claims Americans came from the English settlers, then an American with Irish roots will tell you his family story of fleeing famine. A third generation Chinese immigrant will tell you his story of being the first person in his family to go to college. An Israelite who has fled the war with ISIS will tell you stories of IEDs and public executions, then about how he carved a new life as an American.
(Also, what else are we supposed to call ourselves? United Statesians? Some call ourselves US citizens or USA citizens, but that's a mouth full. So Americans it is.)
10135953
Luna is her sister and Discord is to strong to risk him become a enemy.
Sombra in her eyes is a easy kill.
Sweet Tirek’s tits, what is Celestia‘s problem? Quick, we need 200 cc’s of Fluttershy, STAT!
10136165
That is fine and all, in Spanish and other Latin languages, we have a word for people from EEUU, Estadounidense, the English language does not have a word for it, though, I sometimes wonder how many problems can and will appear for the word, a person from Ecuador can rightfully claim he is American, he lives in the continent of America, now in court he can too, but if that court is in USA, how they legally differentiate it, you call yourself Americans out of tradition, you are referring yourself be part of your country, not the continent, while others refers to the continent, and not the country, I find it messed up, in a legal way, espetially in an international court.
10136560
Simple, in an international court, call yourself an Ecuadorian or a citizen of Ecuador. And 'Americans' call themselves Citizens of the USA. And then if someone refers to themself as an American, they are legally required to define themselves as a citizen of the country, or the continent (which should lead to a fine for deliberately misleading judges or jury.)