• Published 1st Jan 2022
  • 727 Views, 45 Comments

Second Tour - Natedogg2006



A story in which Fizzlepop decides to handle a problem the Twilight way.

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Political Posturing

There were audible gasps from around the table, followed by an excited squee from Fluttershy. Her wings began flapping of their own accord and Fizzlepop suddenly found soft yellow chest fluff on her face.

"Oh my goodness I'm so excited for you this is the best news ever I really really really hope Twilight convinces you to wear a wedding dress because that would be so amazing the two of you are going to be so happy together this is so great eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!"

Fizzlepop was only slightly bemused at the fact that she seemed completely unable to remove the dainty forelegs that now had her in a death grip by force. But experience had taught her the method of removing an Element of Harmony who had gotten a little too excited. So once the hug went on for a lot longer than was reasonable, she decided to relent. Her forelegs wrapped around her pegasus friend as she returned the hug. "Thank you so much Fluttershy. But we are about to hit the ceiling."

This seemed to catch the excited mare off guard, causing her to loosen the hug and take a look around. She realized that in her excitement her wings had apparently not stopped flapping after tackling Fizzlepop in her seat for the hug. In doing so she had subsequently drug her out of her seat, vertically.

Fluttershy smiled sheepishly as her wings now slowed and she gently placed her friend on the floor next to her seat, allowing her to retake it with a gentle laugh. She took her own seat after, managing to keep her blush to a minimum. "Sorry, I'm just so happy for you. Both of you. I think you're both really good influences on each other."

"The two of you are meant to be one, the might of you together is second to none. And this is not just in a fight, I've seen your ability together to make things right." Zecora raised her glass in acknowledgment.

"I think it's great too boss, all jokes aside for a moment," Morningstar added, flashing her a genuine smile. "But it seems like you know what you want to do, so what did you need us for?"

Fizzlepop seemed to be processing their words for a moment. She fought back some heat coming to her face before responding. "Like I said, I want to ask her, I just don't have any idea on how to do it. How to do it right I mean." She scrunched up her face as the heat threatened her cheeks once again. "You're all my best friends. Even if you don't have any good ideas, I still value your council on this matter."

The beginnings of another squee could be heard, but Fluttershy's excitement was this time met with a raised hoof in front of her and a hoof each on her shoulders to hold her in place. She blushed harder, but cleared her throat as she began. "I'm under control this time. I was just going to mention that you might be overlooking a simple solution to this. One we kind of all forget about since we're so close to Twilight."

Fizzlepop narrowed her eyes in thought. "And just what is that? I make it a point to remind myself that I've found love well above my station so I don't start taking my current life for granted."

Fluttershy smiled a smile that would look more at home on Pinkie Pie. "Actually, this is probably one of the weird things about dating Twilight. Something that not noticing actually makes you a better marefriend." Zecora nodded in understanding while the resident soldiers still seemed confused. "You're about to ask a Princess to marry you!"

Morningstar's eyes widened in realization as he turned to his commanding officer. "Oh right boss, is this even legal for you?"

"Yes, I checked. Five times. And exchanged several correspondences with Prince Shining Armor. If Twilight says yes than the only thing that could stop it would be literally every other princess objecting."

"That doesn't seem likely to me, but what has your deeper perspective allowed you to see?" Zecora asked.

"Shining is trying to downplay it, but I'm pretty sure Cadance is already planning our wedding. And reception. And honeymoon. And about five baby showers and I'm not even sure how that works. But what I'm saying is, as long as Twilight says yes..."

The whole table decided not to comment on the very out of place, very shy smile that Fizzlepop couldn't keep off of her face at the moment. Fluttershy decided to reach out and take the mares nervously tapping forehooves in her own. "I'm one hundred percent sure she'll say yes. She loves you and the both of you are so lucky to have found one another."

Fizzlepop removed one hoof so she could hastily run a foreleg across her eyes. "Thanks. I needed that." The other occupants of the table were quiet as their hooves parted. She took a steadying breath, then one of her forehooves shot out. Morningstar rolled his eyes as it ended up pointing at him. "One word of this to the troops and I'll boil you in oil and feed you to my timberwolves."

"Oh, like no pony knows you're actually a sweet heart." He smiled mockingly as Fizzlepop straightened up in her seat. He decided to change the subject. "So what I think Fluttershy is saying is that you should do a big proposal like in a fantasy novel?"

Fizzlepop rolled her eyes at the deflection, but it made Fluttershy brighten again as she elaborated. "Yes, it's already the perfect setup. You'll both be in some of your most elegant outfits, and they'll be so many important creatures to witness. It will be like declaring your love to the whole world at once."

"Doesn't sound like a bad idea boss. What do you think?" Morningstar looked to see his commanding officer giving him a perplexed look.

"Fluttershy is a civilian, so I wouldn't expect her to understand. But you have no excuse."

Seeing Morningstar's confusion, Zecora decided to elaborate. "Fairytales end much differently than in a book, for most royal unions there is a hook."

"Ah, right. That is a thing isn't it." Morningstar conceded.

"I know fairytales aren't real, but are you saying royal unions never get real happy endings? Because we already know that's not true." Fluttershy inquired, looking a little disheartened.

Fizzlepop shrugged as she took a drink from her glass. "I'm sure some situations like that really happen. But for the most part making a grand gesture like that is a political move, not an act of love. And it would be even worse for me."

"Oh right," Morningstar confirmed with a slight chuckle. "A political marriage between a hero princess and a warlord. Borders would be getting fortified in a hurry."

Fluttershy now looked very disheartened. "B, but that's not what it is at all. You're not evil anymore, in fact I don't think you ever really were."

"But I have a high enough profile as a villain that leaders will recognize me, and many have an ax they wish to grind with me as well.

"Even if it was at another's request, I'm sure you must have caused much unrest. And since this is so, I wonder what is your ultimate goal?"

".... I'm basically going to this conference to act as bait." Fizzlepop admitted with some hesitation.

Fluttershy looked shocked at this. "Twilight is using you as bait? For what?"

"No, this was my idea. And it took me a while to convince Sparky to go along with it. But it is how I ended up becoming the head of security for the event even though Equestria isn't hosting."

Morningstar seemed impressed by this revelation. "Ha, than no way are you going to have the chance to propose there. You're gonna be real busy."

Fizzlepop gave an evil laugh. "You have no idea."

***

Commander Berrytwist walked the perimeter of the banquet hall. Within the four walls of this very building currently we're over three hundred of the most important creatures in the world. Kings, Queens, Princesses, Princes, Barons, Dukes, and even a High Chieftain. There was enough authority in the room to throw off the order of the entire planet if even one thing went wrong.

And it was her sole responsibility to make sure that didn't happen.

She turned a corner, squaring her stride as if on ceremony. Keeping the look of being completely in control was very important. That was why the number of visible guards in the room was minimal. And why she needed to make sure those that were hidden were not slacking off in their hidden positions. And she had to do that without appearing to do so. Everything had to be done with precise, exacting detail.

And yet she had to suppress a smirk. Every detail was exactly right. No creature would be stepping out of line on her watch. She took another sharp turn, coming to a hault at a spot that overlooked the entire hall. Checking in each direction, she moved with authority to assure to all in attendance that they were as safe as the could possibly...

"Do you have to swish it with every move you make?"

Fizzlepop let the smirk break onto her face just the slightest bit. "I have no idea what you are talking about Princess Sparkle."

"Oh give it a rest Fizz. Almost every creature in the room has figured it out already. We aren't exactly subtle you know." She gave her marefriend a quick nuzzle, one she didn't respond to.

Fizzlepop turned on a hoof again, now proceeding to march away from her marefriend. "Well maybe it wouldn't be so obvious if you didn't keep interrupting my rounds."

Twilight scoffed at that while rolling her eyes and walking quickly to keep pace with the taller mares long, confident stride. "You mean your excuse to show off your cape and how cool you look in it."

"Excuse me your highness, but this is a cloak. It is also official military issue and has absolutely nothing to do with looking 'cool'."

"If that's true, why do you insist on swishing it every time you turn? Or stop? Or sometimes when you're just standing idly?"

"If her highness has some issue with militaristic mannerisms," she now turned very dramatically on her hoof. The heavy purple cloak fluttered around her as she did, revealing the pink lining underneath. She now stood face to face with the mare of much higher rank than her, but still gave a smug smirk. "Than maybe you shouldn't be dating a soldier."

The princess didn't back down from the display. "You look really good wearing my colors." She flashed her a look with half lidded eyes.

Fizzlepop turned away quickly, and definitely not to hide a blush most ponies wouldn't catch through her fur anyway. "Indeed," she stated, showing her confidence. "I'm thankful you had Rarity come in as an outside contractor when the royal tailors were deciding on the dress uniforms for the Friendship Guard."

Twilight snorted a laugh. "Oh come on. You didn't look that ridiculous in Celestia's white and gold designs."

Fizzlepop rolled her eyes. "I could have pulled off Luna's dark purple and nightshade black just fine though."

"No. Tempest Shadow would have made the edge lord look work. My gentle and sweet Fizzlepop needed some softer colors." Fizzlepop rolled her eyes at the loving look Twilight now gave her. "But still, why did you go with the cape."

Fizzlepop turned her nose up higher as she continued her rounds. "It is a military issue, class A, dress cloak. And although they have fallen out of fashion in the current era, cloaks are an extremely functional and practical form of clothing."

"That doesn't explain why you keep swishing it every chance you get."

"That is called commitment to the look. And you of all ponies know i like to commit." Fizzlepop now turned and smiled smugly. She noticed Twilight's ear twitch just slightly as her expression changed to one of understanding.

"Exactly how many hidden blades does that thing let you carry?"

A look only Twilight would recognize now came to Fizzlepop's face. Twilight could see barely contained glee behind her marefriends impressive mask of stoicism. "So, so many," she said under her breath as a smile threatened her features. "Just... so many. You'd never be able to find them all." She turned away again, swishing her cloak but then readjusted it so it hugged around her tighter.

Twilight couldn't help but to laugh out loud at the behavior. "You might make it look a lot cooler, but secretly your a bigger dork than me."

"Yes, I am totally a weapons nerd. I could tell you the history of each type of weapon I'm carrying right now, although it would take a few hours."

Twilight responded with a distinct purr to her voice. "Oh, I can't wait for this conference to end so we can get to our anniversary vacation."

Fizzlepop chuckled as she came to a stop. "Yes, but it does look like we might be delayed a little longer."

Twilight looked confused, then rolled her eyes. "Really, again?"

"Uh-huh. You mind putting up a three o'clock?"

Twilight's horn flared to life. A moment later a large battle mace made loud, but ineffective impact with an invisible barrier to the pairs right side. Both casually looked over, then up, at a massive minotaur drawing the mace up for what looked like another swing. Neither mare betrayed any reaction as instead he began what had to be a practiced speech.

"Terror of the east, Tempest Shadow. Long have I waited for the chance to settle the score between us. Prepare yourself to face your ultimate defeat at the hands of Golden Grit." The minotaur stood proudly as he posed with his weapon raised.

Fizzlepop shook her head slowly. "Hey Grit. I like the new mace." He seemed taken aback by the mare's nonchalant tone as she turned to face him. "But while it is authorize for the dignitaries bodyguards to carry weapons, unprovoked attacks are ground for ejection pending consideration of the head of security."

He leveled the weapon at Fizzlepop, confirming the mares suspicions that it was indeed larger than her entire body. "You! Your mere existence provokes me. I swore an oath after our last encounter that I would avenge myself and my troops. By my hand, Tempest Shadow will be no more."

He swung the weapon again, it now coming down on top of her. Again, it bounced harmlessly off the barrier. "Somepony already beat you to that unfortunately. But if you wanted to 'even' the score I've got bad news for you. I believe your down about four battles to me, and there's only a few time slots left."

He seemed to be very confused as she reached under her cloak and produced a scroll. "What are you talking about?" His voice had lost a lot of the grandeur at this point.

"Time slots, for officially sanctioned duels. Did you not read the itinerary for the event?"

He went back into a battle stance and his voice perked back up. "The only reason I'm here at all was that I'd heard rumors that you might be here. I have no other reason to be here than to end you."

"Well that will have to wait. I'm booked at: 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30, and 3:45. So, anything after 4:00 will work. Preferably later, I'm going to be sore."

"Actually Fizz sweety, I think the later spots were taken. Pharynx got challenged to another couple. He still won't catch up to you though." Twilight said this while producing a quill and marking on the parchment.

"Dang. So 4:00 or 4:15. Can I put you down for 4:15?" She asked this while flashing the now very confused minotaur a clearly unpracticed pleading smile.

"That.... will be fine." He watched as Fizzlepop wrote on the parchment as well. "I'm not sure what's going on right now."

"Allow me to properly introduce myself." She held out a hoof. "Fizzlepop Berrytwist. Commander of Princess Twilight Sparkle's Friendship Guard. I am also her personal bodyguard and, as she's been very indiscreet about, her marefriend." The minotaur's jaw dropped, as did the mace in his grip. Violent sparking came forth from Fizzlepop's horn as she snagged it before it hit the ground. "I'm also the head of security here, so please refrain from causing any other disturbances. I'll grant you leeway on your attacks only because I know you have reason to distrust me. But that's why I proposed the dueling system in the first place." She lifted the mace up to where he could grab it again, betraying none of the pain such an action should be causing her.

He took it back into his grip. "Uh... thank you?"

"You're very welcome. I look forward to seeing you at our duel. Now if you'll excuse us. If you're here than I'm sure her highness would love to meet king Platinum Core. Shall we m'lady." Twilight just giggled as Fizzlepop bowed before her to present her hoof. They left Golden Grit still confused where he was.

"Ok, so it was a really useful tactic to leak the fact that you are here. A lot of reclusive realms came to these peace talks just because of that. I still don't like that you're putting your neck on the line for it though."

"Official duels. That means regulation. Padded weapons, extra armor, even a point system. I'll be sore tonight, but I'll be fine in the morning. Promise."

Twilight eyed her skeptically. "Did you and Zecora finally figure out how to make that muscle relaxer?"

Fizzlepop smiled triumphantly. "First batch that works right. We even figured out how to minimize the paralysis to about three minutes."

"I should have never introduced you two." Her hoof went to her forehead as she walked, but she quickly straightened up. "That being said, I'm going to want a full body massage the moment we get home."

Fizzlepop couldn't help but notice some color come to Twilight's cheeks. She smiled wickedly. "Yes my Princess."