A surprising amount of ponies had shown up at the memorial service. The expedition members, their families, the families of the dead. Some nobility that thought showing up would look good on them.
Luna, Celestia, Midnight, Twilight.
"That was really good," I said quietly to Midnight as ponies started to drift into groups a couple of minutes after her speech.
"So was yours," she answered, forcing a sad smile, "Thanks for letting me do it. I'm not much for public speaking, but..."
"Neither am I," I admitted, "But sometimes it's worth it."
I had pledged that all the income from my new book was going to go to the families of the ones that died during the expedition. It wasn't much, but it was all I could do. I couldn't bring them back, but I could do as much anyway.
Midnight glanced around and then stepped closer, "Last night we got a visitor," she whispered, "A batpony knocked on our door, she said you sent her. Wouldn't give her name and she had her cutiemark taped over."
"How did it go?" I whispered back.
"We took all the readings," Midnight whispered, "They match what we got from you when we subtract the unicorn and alicorn magic resonances. Mostly."
I blinked at her, "Mostly?"
She nodded, "Twi thinks it's just a male/female difference. We need to scan another stallion to be sure, but I think she might be right. We still need a few more examples to be certain."
"I'll see what I can do," I whispered to her and then stepped back, looking over as Tempest moved to join us, "If you two ladies excuse me, I just saw somepony," I said and gave them a small bow, wings half spread before I made my way across the room to the food table where Dee was balancing a plate on her wing while scanning the selection.
"Going by Dee right now?" I asked as I slid up next to her.
She glanced at me and then nodded, "Please."
"So, what have you been doing since we arrived?" I asked as I took a plate, putting some apple slices on it, floating it in my magic.
"To be honest, mostly sleeping," Dee admitted and then eyed me, "Your horn is better.”
"Doc says light magic use is okay," I agreed with a nod, "I'm doing as he says, I do not want to live through that again."
Daring nodded slightly before she glanced around, "...you got a minute?"
"Sure," I agreed.
She glanced around and then motioned towards a side door and I followed her, letting it close behind us as we stepped into the corridor.
"What's up?" I asked.
Dee shifted, "Just..." she started before she shook her head, "I hear things, okay? Apparently there is some petition going around among the nobles and some of the more prominent families."
I raised an eyebrow, "A petition?"
"Demanding that you're not allowed any sort of official power," Dee said seriously, "I only heard about it from somepony on the Equestrian education board. I haven't seen it, but it used this expedition, your use of 'dark magic' and the dangers of other creatures as examples."
"Do you know what they intend to do with it?" I asked with a frown.
"Apparently the plan is to present it to Princess Celestia during a day court hearing," Dee said and shifted her wings, “to put political pressure on her.”
I nodded, "Did they say when?"
"I don't know."
"Okay," I agreed and stretched my wings in thought, "Better get to work replacing the throne and the hangings tomorrow then just to be sure. Nothing much to do about the windows, but maybe if we cover them with foam or something. Maybe wool, that’s somewhat resistant."
Dee blinked at me, "Page?"
"I just think it would be a terrible waste of a historical artifact if it melts when Celestia hears them," I told her, "Because I'm fairly sure if they present something like that, she'll melt the general surroundings."
She shook her head, "Page, this is serious! While their actual power isn't much, but with the nobles united they have forced things through in the past!"
I shook my head, "I already knew there would be some kind of counter push," I told her seriously, "And if they want it aimed at me, go for it. See how well that goes for them.”
Dee looked worried, "But.."
"No, I'm actually serious here," I said, "If they present Sunsh-Celestia with that cold, she's going to melt something, possibly the petitioner. I need to talk to her about it in private first."
"But what if they... force it through?" Dee asked, sounding worried.
"Oh no, I get less official duties," I said and rolled my eyes, "Whatever shall I do."
"Page, I'm just worried it-"
I stepped forward and touched her with my wing, "Relax, Dee. Worst come to worst... say I lose all official mandates?"
"...Yes?"
"Oh no. I only still have the ear of four of the Princesses, married to one of them, close friends to the rest... and I just got a bunch of free time to use anyway I like. For example, helping thestrals."
She looked uncertain, scraping her hoof against the floor, "I just think it could be bad."
"It can be," I agreed, "But I'll talk with Celestia and we can get ahead of it. Don't worry about it."
She sighed softly, "...Just be careful, okay? Let me know if there is anything I can do."
"I will. Thanks for the warning."
"Least I could do," She said with a small smile, "...We should get back before somepony notices we're gone."
I just nodded in agreement.
As soon as this is over, I need to talk to Celestia.
“Hey, Dee?” I said, looking at her with a smile, “Really. Thanks for telling me.”
She smiled back, “You’re welcome. Just thought you should know.”
ah so the racist bastard known as Neighsay finally makes himself known.
Ah, gotta love skewed priorities. "What's that? A petition to rob me of the rights that all alicorns have? Better stock up on asbestos."
Nice chapter, I just hope we won't get another crisis cliffhanger before the next Page story
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It's not really skewed, though. As he said, even without any power on paper he still has the ear of everyone whose opinion matters. (Sometimes he nibbles on them.) The petition wouldn't accomplish anything even if it somehow went through, so the future historical relics are in fact the main concern.
Why are they being pricks? Didn't he literally save all of their lives basically in front of 'em?
Don't we just love how greedy and stupid politicians are nowadays? Some only think of themselves and enriching themselves to the detriment of others in need of true help while also worrying about their positions. Especially when they have done things that are considered criminal activities.
"Ahem." Pony-Umbridge clears her throat condescendingly. "Lord Page, I regretfully inform you that you royal duties have been... suspended for the... foreseeable future."
Page stares at them in silence for a long moment. Sweat condenses at the back of their necks. A handful of guards tense as the dark thestral alicorn rises to his hooves. This was it... This was the moment they had been waiting for... A second Nightmare.
"Woohoo!" Page screamed, scattering papers into the air. "It's about freakin' time. I can't thank you enough... Now I can take that vacation, work on all of these personal projects..."
"W-what?"
"Peace, losers!" Page yells as he trots passed wearing a Haywaiian shirt and sunglasses.
Neighsay: I summon "Nobility Snub"! This petition will force you to strip Lord Page of all official duties for the crown!
Celestia: Ha..hahaha...HAHAHAHA! You made a tactical error and activated my trap!
Neighsay: W-w-what?!
Celestia: I activate "Royal Wedding Blessings"! By marrying both Luna and I, Page is declared King of Equestria!
Neighsay: Nooooooo!!!
Page: Yeah take that you stup---wait wut?!
Hahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha... HAHAHAA... Hahahahaha Hahahahahahaha
Celestia burns this Nobels a new one Luna will possible kick some Titels and territory down a peg or two. Remember who is in charge and ask what they did for the Nation. Page alone did more than most!
So *Sips Tea* I suppose it is time for page to utilize the power of rumors, propaganda, and most terrifying of all... Politics which all fall under the branch of "Stories" albeit tangentially?
What effect do they think this is actually going to have? As Page said, he's married to one of the princesses and friends with the rest. Even if he didn't have any political power he could probably just present his case to Luna or Celestia and get things done anyway. In fact, it'd probably go smoother since it was one of them putting forth the bill or whatever.
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"Rich pompous nobles" and "think clearly" do not belong in the same sentence, unless separated by the words "do not," "rarely," or "never."
No, don't tell Celestia, give Discord a heads up and say "wouldn't it be funny if they got exactly what they wanted, and until Page voluntary took up power again they were all turned into thestrals. Though, perhaps without the ability to hide it." Then after he's done laughing, tell Luna and wait for the madness to unfold.
Wouldn't change the plot much but would be very fun to read : ).
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Chancellor Neighsay: "Princess Celestia, I have a petition..."
Lord Page: "Before you present it, Neighsay, may I ask a favor from you?"
Chancellor Neighsay: ".... a.... favor?"
Lord Page: "Yes. Tell me, where can I sign your petition?"
Chancellor Neighsay: "... wut? ... "
Princess Celestia: ""
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Well, this only means that some fraction of really wealthy people not only suck our money, but also suck our blood. So it not just sucks, but sucks squared.
On the other hand that means they suck to suck. That's kinda...
Meanwhile in dreamland.
“Lord Thrombottom?”
“Lady Whorchester? The whole committee? Where are we?”
“Your all dreaming.”
“Lord Page? What is the meaning of this?!”
“Baseball.”
“...Base...ball.”
“Yes. Baseball. You see back in the human world we had a game where people would play as a team. Infield, outfield, throughout, the team would need to work as a unified force, working together toward a common goal.”
“Human world? Are you saying your an alien?”
“Mmhmm. Now where was I? Oh right!” Producing a bat he then brutally bashed one of the Nobles over the head with a sickening thunk. Wiping some blood from his face. “You aren’t going to completely remember this so let’s get to the point I was making. You don’t like me. I certainly don’t like you, but we are on the same team. So let’s work together. Kay?”
They simply nod in horror.
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Hope you like this little idea: Enjoy!
Hope you enjoyed this little idea
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Best comment.
"ah page, I see you're in my court early...and in my court....with a catapult. Is there something I ought to know."
"Nope, I'm just here to watch and observe."
"...and the catapult?"
"Its for your use actually-"
"AH HA, THERE HE IS, MY LADY CELESTIA WE PRESENT YOU A PETITION TO BANISH THIS EVIL CREATURE!"
"Oh page-sensei, you're so thoughtful!" Celly said, setting the catapult.
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...
oh fuck that s a domain is actually terrifying.
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Awww... But i put so mutch effort into mine
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It's okay Black. There's always the next chapter~! *pat pat head*
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Fine
I try be less creative and more cute/funny than
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"Must not use my mind flaying powers for evil, must not use my mind flaying powers for evil, must not use my mind flayi-"
"What's that my page?"
"NOTHING!"
All caught up, wooo-
Welp, time for either the political system to be purged in preparation for thestral-normalization, or for Page to get murphy'd hard
I'm leaning both at once, honestly.
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Congrats for catching up~! Now if you haven't been reading the comments then prepare of a lot of over-analyzing...and silliness! (For we are very very very silly!)
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I noticed, and I haven't any regrets.
I'm at least sane enough to have not read them all- but I will officially side with the Chrysalis and Celestia factions, just for the record~
A petition to strip him of power... and responsibilities. That he actually kinda wants to come through...
So that's how it will transition into his whole changeling status stuff...
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Could you please go thru and edit your oneshot please? I don't have the faculties needed right now to read thru this mess and I really want to read it.
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Not exacly sure in what way. More spacing in between so its easyer on the eyes?
Uhhh... What?
If they present Celestia with that... cold?
...What?
derpicdn.net/img/view/2014/7/5/667689__safe_solo_oc_meme_image+macro_reaction+image_artist-colon-immatoonlink_juxtaposition+bait_oc-colon-viva+reverie.png
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it means without warning, or unexpectedly.
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That's all well and good, but conphusing as phuck to anyone not phamiliar with that usage.
"Yeah and? -Page in in head probably
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"You want me to lock up the monsters that do not belong in Equestria? Very well. Guards! Take these pethetic excuses of garbage away."
preview.redd.it/35lqnh5xrfb51.png?auto=webp&s=6b79d37240ab613a7d45618e5aedb1667f3d0263
Literally this chapter in one image
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Accurate beyond belief
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It would probably make better sense, to say, "present Sunsh-Celestia with that, cold,..."
I have to work some of this comment section creativity into my stories ♡
Bro for a sec I thought he got that petition rolling himself. To get less work.