The world is primed for war, a prophecy of the lunar monarch's return has brought forth a cult dedicated to the fall of the Solar empire. But Celestia has known what is needed for a thousand years. So she her daughter Princess Twilight to find i
In a world ruled by a Solar Empress, nine hundred years of forced peace under an Imperial caste system have led to decent in the hearts of ponies. A prophecy of the lunar monarch's return has brought forth a cult dedicated to the downfall of the solar dictator. For a thousand years the Solar Empress has known the key to victory is the Elements of Harmony. But with the banishment of her sister her connection to them was lost. So she has sought out those who could whiled them. Little does she know that as she moves to guide destiny there are those who move in the shadows trying to bring them under the sway of the moon.
With the world primed for war, unknowingly a Princess is sent to find her destiny. But when friends turn into foes and her world view is tested will she remain true to her Imperial mother or will she succumb to the darkness. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Once upon a time in the magical land of Equestria, there lived a Princess who controlled the sun and the moon. After she and her sister defeated Discord, a being of Chaos and mischief, they were granted governance over the three pony tribes. Princess Celestia governed the Unicorns and the Earth ponies while her sister Princess Luna governed the Pegasi.
But then Princess Luna, feeling rejected by the ponies of Equestria who feared her night, turned her back on her sister vowing to bring everlasting night. Giving into her anger and jealousy she became Nightmare Moon. After the destruction caused by their fight Princess Celestia felt she had no choice but to use the Elements of Harmony against her own sister.
Having to now shoulder the burden of governing all three races Queen, Supreme Commander, and Chancellor Celestia watched in horror as her ponies fought one another over petty matters like her proper title. Ponies were willing to die over what somepony should call her. The rift between the pony races seems to only intensify.
So it was on the eve of a Pegasi rebellion did Empress Celestia step in. Bringing forth strict change and sweeping reforms Empress Celestia was able to restore harmony to the ponies of Equestria. Guided by her three most trusted companions, Shadow Kicker, Sunbeam Sparkle and Apple Tree the nation forged from their efforts will forever be known as the Great Solar Empire.
Two cloaked figures stood in a darkened room. The smaller of the two finished reading the excerpt from the ‘History’ text and spat on it. In a feminine voice the smaller one spoke, “The tyrant’s end is near, all we need now is for our dark Queen to return so that she may extinguish the tyrant’s flame.” The larger figure nodded, “Indeed, my little initiate, all that is required is to be there when she returns. To put a stop to the meddlesome tyrant and her schemes. My initiate, you will be the key to stopping her and her Princess from finding the Elements.”
“Yes my master, but surely the tyrant has given the Elements to her chosen already.”
“No, she cannot. It is predestined that only her successor can wield the elements but without the test of worth titles and appointments are meaningless. So too it with us. Though our Queen is not here to grant it we have determined that it is your destiny to server as the vessel of the Elements. Your test will be to defeat Princess Twilight Sparkle and gain use over the elements.”
The small figure bowed her head, “I understand I shal not disappoint her Majesty.” As she raised her head the hood fell away revealing a the blue fur of a unicorn mare with white mane. Her indigo eyes shined in the candle light.
“See that you don’t, Dame Lulamoon initiate of the Lunarians. Her highness Queen Luna shall reward you greatly upon your success.” The still cloaked stallion bowed his head slightly before he raised a hoof in the air in salute. “Down with the Sun Tyrant.”
“Down with the Sun Tyrant:” Trixie repeated. As she made her way out the door she reversed her cloak showing her signature cape. stepping from the nondescript building her smile was true, soon the ponies of Equestria would be free. As she looked at the position of the wretched sun she realized that she had a few hours before she was due back at the castle. Putting aside thoughts of rebellion and war her smile became truly genuine. ‘Maybe she could but on a little show for the kids before work,’ she thought as she made her way into town.
Princess Twilight Sparkle loved to read. Ever since she was a little filly, even before she was taken in by Empress Celestia and made princess she had loved to read. now of all the activities, luxuries, and indulgences afforded to nobility, reading was the least likely to cause a scandal. Other ponies couldn't be trusted, her hooves couldn't be trusted, her mouth couldn't be trusted. All her effort on studying to be the perfect socialite had been wasted after a few inconvenient fiascos. Thinking of them she suppressed a shudder.
First there was the Grand Galloping Gala incident. At first she was just bored out of her mind. Then she had been asked to dance. In hindsight her brother had tried to warn her. She will forever be known in the Ball community as Princess Spazle. After a series of these small embarrassments Twilight began to loathe social events altogether.
Then there was that time with Duke Blueblood came to her room. His intentions seemed innocent. He said that he wanted to discuss hosting a party on his new air yacht. After an hour or so going over details he left and Twilight thought she had grown just a little closer to the Duke. Little did she know that according to the Canterlot times they had grown more than a little close. For a week rumors of the Duke’s conquest of the Princess spread far and wide. Finally Twilight had demanded that Blueblood denounce the rumor and tell everyone the truth. As it turns out the events of that night were far different in the Duke’s mind. “A loving night of passion… Something so much more… In the afterglow of passion I jokingly asked her for her hoof in marriage. Being a bit naive she had thought me serious. Well as a gentlecolt I could not let her honor be besmirched, and as I had taken her virtue I thought ours is a love that could last.” It took months of public announcements, interviews, and even some medical and magical testing just to prove her honor was intact and nothing of the sort had happened. Still to this day it was believed that Twilight was carrying the Dukes child and a private wedding would happen any day now.
Books however held no malice towards her, no envy, desire for political gain, no judgements. Books did not disapprove of her behavior. She found her favorite spot in the canterlot gardens. Under the shade of the large oak tree she pulled out her books and prepared herself for the simple pleasure that came with learning. Twilight finally opened the book she had brought with her, “Ahh book my old friend, what do you have to teach me today.” Twilight read the title page, ‘Summer Sun Celebration: a thousand years of sunrises’ “Ohh” this will be good.
*****
Dame Rainbow Charger Dash wore a scowl as she stormed from the Charger clanhold. Why was it so hard for her family to understand, she was going to be a Wonderbolt no matter what. So what if the Chargers ran weather production, so what if tradition dictated that she take over for her father. The Strikers had nobility in the bolts, heck even some Chargers served in the past. Rainbow sighed heavily she hated all this nobility horseapples, so much rules so little time to do what she loved.
Before she realized it Rainbow was flying through the city. As if running from her responsibilities she flew like a thestral out of Tartarus. As Rainbow began to take notice of her surroundings she noticed where she had flown to. The Earth pony ward was set on a few plateau steps jutting out from the mountain. Though set apart from the city the Earth pony ward was a marvel, lots of open space, beautiful mansions, even a few orchards. One particular orchard caught her eye as she came to land among the few apple trees.
*THWAK… thud thud thud* came a sound that Rainbow had been hoping for. *THWAK… thud thud thud* Rainbow watched as the orange earth pony mare bucked another apple tree. She was a strange sight, mane and tail styled, her sweeping gold tresses seem to not notice her activity. The fancy pony also wore a dress shirt leaving her jacket hanging on a tree branch.
With a huff and a wipe of her brow the fancy apple farmer looked up at Rainbow Dash. “Why Dame Charger, what do we owe the pleasure of your visit.”
Dash pouted having been spotted, “You can drop the act AJ I’m just hiding from my dad.”
In a transition quicker than a jackrabbit with its tail on fire AJ dropped the fancy act and picked up her usual Appleatian accent, “Whooee, Ah just came out to work off some stress. when Ah noticed yah I was afraid yah needed somethin.”
“And what need have I of the great Baroness Applejack Apple.” Rainbow asked in her most pompous noble accent.
AJ rolled her eyes, “So what you and your dad fightin about this time, weather duties? Inappropriate conduct in public? Or is he trying ta marry yah off again?”
Rainbow shook her head, “No its the wonderbolts again. He says I have to stop playing around and take my place as his successor.”
AJ was a bit surprised at this, “Didn’t yah all work that out last week? Your dad would hold down the fort while you pursue your dream then in five years, you would take your place as his successor.”
“Yeah, its kind of weird when I brought up our deal he seemed to get angry. Kept saying I didn't have time to fool around and stuff. In fact he kept going on and on about not having the time, and… time being short… you don't think...”
AJ could see Rainbow’s thought process and knew where it was heading. AJ put a firm hoof on the distraught mare, “Now hold up there sugarcube, your dad is a strong stallion, still in his prime, and ah highly doubt anything could take him down. Now if yah think bout it, most likely those vultures sniffin round your position as successor are puttin the pressure on your dad. As he delays his position grows weaker and he needs tah know if you're serious. The problem is ah think he had wanted yah to have a fall back incase yah got hurt or if yah didn't make it in. But if yah don't jump in now theres no guarantee it'll be there when yah need it.”
Rainbow reflected on what AJ was saying, it made a lot of sense. So her dad had been looking out for her and she had yelled at him. After a few moments in silence Rainbow looked up at AJ. “So if I make it clear that I'm going to go out for the wonderbolts no matter what, do you think he'll understand?”
“Can't say for sure sugarcube, but ah think that if you’re happy your dad will be happy.”
Rainbow smiled, “Well I’ll tell him that I renounce my title, and if I somehow don't get into the wonderbolts, as if that would happen, I’ll carry the consequences. At the very least I’m sure there is some podunk town out there in need of a weather manager.”
Applejack smiled knowingly, “Boy Dash all of Canterlot is clamoring for position and title and you and ah are the only ones tryin to get out of ours. You're in line to be Duchess of Cloudsdale for cryin out loud.”
Dash laughed at that “And what about you Imperial Visier Apple? Would you go give it all up to go back home to your brother and sister?”
“In a heartbeat, unfortunately if ah dont that means Applebloom will have to and she don’t even have her cutiemark yet. Ahm secretly hopin that Empress Celestia appoints Cloudkicker as her mothers successor.”
Dash laughed at that, “Fat chance, shes more worthless as a noble than I am and that her not even trying. Shes a damn good guard, and the most dependable pony anyone can know, but…”
“That girl got more mud on her than a diamond dog after a rainstorm.” AJ sighed heavily, “Ah know and she ain’t rarein for the position. With Princess Sparkle the only other candidate taken out of the runnin ah think ah better be ready to face facts.”
“What about the rumor about that third candidate that was chosen after Archmage Velvet Sparkle was appointed?”
“Well Dame Trixie Lulamoon was chosen as a favor to the outgoing Archmage. But in nine hundred years the only ponies to be appointed to the position have been either a Sparkle, a Kicker or an Apple. Ah doubt her Imperial Highness will just toss tradition out the window just like that?”
Dash sighed, “Man this is why I hated politics.”
AJ nodded sagely, after a pause “Welp I best be gettin back,” Switching back to a proper Canterlot accent, “I must not keep Duchess Granny Smith Apple waiting. I do believe were I not to check on her she might seek the company of her late husband all too soon.”
Dash chuckled also switching to proper speech, “And I as well, my honored father may not hold such a title as my dear mother. But his disfavor does mean my allowance will be cut more than it already has. And I need every bit so I may attend the Wonderbolts athletic performance this weekend.”
Applejack smirked, “Well fair day to you Dame Rainbow Charger Dash.”
Rainbow Dash smiled ruefully back, “And you as well Barroness Applejack Apple Orange.”
The duo burst into laughter as the headed their separate ways.
****
Rarity checked her apparel, it was not ideal for such a sophisticated event but it was necessary. She observed the courtyard with her keen and discerning eye, nobility and common pony alike were mingling. Her clothes issue aside her looks were flawless, she was sure that she would catch the eye of some fancy noble or even some rich young entrepreneur. Garden parties were good lighting for her as the natural sun showed off her flawless white coat and gorgeous amethyst hair. But the best thing about this particular party was the host.
Duke Blueblood stood in the center of the garden showing off his newest Airship. He was front and center a faint look of sadness in his eye, no doubt due to the very public breakup between him and that trollop of a princess. Rarity had felt sorry for Princess Sparkle after being painted in such a foul light after the Gala last year, but then she heard that the new Royal couple to be was none other than the Princess and the Duke. For her to denounce their relationship so vehemently could only mean that the Princess didn't care for the Dukes feelings. It was all so tragic.
The Duke pining after the Princess as they grew up together. He finally working up to courage to confess his feelings. She granting him audience in her bedchamber. A steamy night of passion. But then a rumor, her chastity called into question. She needed to cover up their relationship. So she asks him to make it go away. But he misunderstands and tries to spin the rumors away knowing that after a few week the hype will die to barely an ember. But thats not good enough, her perceived chastity is more important than his feeling. She tramples all over their time together saying it was nothing but rumors and speculation.
Rarity sighed, “Oh Duke Blueblood how I wish I could mend your broken heart.”
“Oh silly Rarity if his heart were broken how would he be alive? Unless hes a zombie. *Gasp* Its a zombie invasion, we better stock up on brains. I wonder how brain cupcakes taste.”
Rarity quickly shoved her hoof into the pink bakers mouth. “Pinky! there will be no discussion of brain cupcakes at our booth.” The proper mare stated as she removed her hoof from the offending pink mare.
Pinkamena Diane Pie stood next to the refreshment table wearing a serving outfit styled to look like a an airship attendant but instead of the usual navy or khaki colors, it was white with diagonal pink stripes. Rarity was dressed in a matching set. Pinkie smiled at her partner, “Ok Rarity, but I think he looks all sady and mopey like someone who is all sady and mopey from losing their special somepony. “
Rarity looked toward the stallion surrounded by young eligible mares, “Nonsense he hides his pain well but the truth is in his eyes.” She was jealous, she wanted to be among the throng trying to comfort the heart broken Duke.
“Nope, I’d say more bored.” stated Pinkie.
Rarity rolled her eyes but said nothing. She noticed that the of the dessert buffet most of the blueberry cupcakes were gone. “I’ll get us some more blueberry surprize.”
“Okey Doky Loky.”
Rarity wondered why she was here doing such menial tasks. It was all her parents fault. though her parents were common ponies form common families Rarity knew she was more than just some common unicorn. Her father had had a successful hoofball career and so while not royalty rich they were comfortably opulent. But living in Ponyville did nothing for her socially and so she had set out on her own to make a name for herself in fashion. But that too suffered setbacks as Ponyville was in not a very fashionable place. And so her designs usually went unnoticed to all but her favorite clientele, her friends and family. Unfortunately materials cost money and since she refused to take more than half price for a friend’s dress, she usually was short of bits. Thats where she ran into problems. After her investor, her beloved papa, had hoofed the bill for a third new set of fabrics and thread, he told her The Worst Possible Thing. Get a job.
So after talking with her friend Pinkie Pie she had learned that Sugarcube Corner was catering this event. It became her personal mission the get this job it was a double win. Earn the bits to make her dresses, and get to see the Duke. But her she was, working. getting sweaty, having to wear theses awful clothes. If she had known she would have made them herself. But alas, Rarity used her magic to lift the tray of cupcakes from its box. After bringing it to the table Pinkie was nowhere to be seen. A streak of panic ran through her… The Pink menace was on the loose.
Dame Trixie Lulamoon arrived in Canterlot park just as her dear assistant Spike had finished setting up her stage. Just as most things she slipped into her role as kind benefactor and master. “Well done my dear assistant, are the children ready for the Great and Powerful Trixie?”
Spike grinned happily at his master, “Yes, mistress Trixie all the children from the orphanage are here. I have also finished setting up the pyrotechnics they are ready when you are.”
The Great and Powerful Trixie nuzzled her dear assistant, “Well done Spike, why don't we go see if we can't get you some rubies when we’re done.”
Spike’s face lit up at this, “Yes mistress Trixie.”
Taking her place just off stage Trixie donned her stage cape and hat. She took a few minutes to make sure her tricks were in place and her equipment was functioning properly. All was in order so she gestured to her assistant. In his blue top hat and vest that matched her own outfit he plodded out onto the stage. There was a clamor as the fillies and colts cheered the young drake. As the applause subsided the drakes voice called out to the crowd. “Welcome fillies and colts to the greatest show in all of Equestria. Behold, for you are about to witness the magical abilities of one of the most powerful magicians in all of Canterlot. Put your hooves together for The Great and Powerful TRIXIE!”
With that Trixie’s show began. Since her audience were mostly foals Trixie used a lot of flashy visuals with a dash of slapstick humor where spike would play the bumbling assistant. The duo even had a bit that made fun of Trixie’s habit of referring to herself in the third person. Card tricks, sleight of hoof, misdirection, prop magic, much of Trixie’s tricks used precise magic control which was her forte. But what made the show special was inclusion of the audience in her act. Having the fillies and colts experience the magic for themselves was what drove the excitement.
Letting Spike clear the stage Trixie addressed the audience, “Now for Trixie’s final act, she will perform a great feat of magic… Without the use of any unicorn Magic.” This statement was punctuated with her traditional flare. Some murmurs from the more sceptical of audience members. As she had hoped, there were now adults among the children. But as she looked there were few unicorns. And fewer still seemed receptive to participating. Then she saw her mark. Sitting under a tree reading a book was a unicorn mare with a purple mane and tail. “Excuse me miss, under the tree with the book.” The mare looked up confused for a moment. “Pardon us but could you help Trixie, it requires the assistance of a lovely unicorn such as yourself.” Trixie gave a smile indicating the stage with a gesture with her head. As realization dawned on the mare she looked apprehensive with the moderate sized crowd that was watching. “Alright fillies and gentlecolts give the young mare some encouraging applause.”
The crowd was happy to oblige and so the young mare, seeing her chance for escape with any sense of dignity gone, lowered her head in silent resignation. As she approached the stage quiet murmurs of recognition among some of the older fillies and colts started to spread through the crowed. Trixie gave no indication of recognition as it would be breaking character. She needed to maintain her poise since it was a new trick and it involved somepony unfamiliar with it. A lot could go wrong.
As the mare reached her spot next to Trixie, the trick had begun. First familiarize the audience with the mark, “Thank you, please introduce yourself.”
“Hello everypony, m.. my name is Sparkler Doo. Some of you might recognize me from Morning Light Orphanage, I was adopted into the Doo clan a few years ago.”
Trixie smiled, some of her apprehension melting away she moved on to the the next part. Produce prop for inspection by mark. In her magic Trixie pulled out a strange piece of cloth affixed to a metal ring. Most of the unicorns in the audience recognized it right away, as did Sparkler who wore a look of perplexed curiosity. “As some of you may know this is a magic restraint. It prevents the wearer from using their horn.” Trixie floated the device for the audience to see. “Miss Doo will now demonstrate that this device is functional and also ensure that Trixie wares the device throughout her performance.”
Now Sparkler looked a bit nervous having been put back in the spotlight.Begin misdirection draw all attention to the prop and the mark Trixie leaned in and whispered to the young mare. “Don’t worry the device does not lock so it can slide off with just a hoof, if you're uncomfortable we can end it at any time.” Trixie offered the device to Sparkler. The young mare took the magic restraint, apparently comforted by Trixie’s words. The young unicorn placed the ring over her horn and wrapped the cloth around her horn securing it in place. After a few test charges Sparkler looked up at her horn in curiosity as the magic was drained away before it could be used. Trixie pulled out a ball from her cape, “Now miss Doo if you please. Please attempt to levitate this simple ball.”
After several failed attempts the ball remained untouched on Trixie’s hoof. “I can’t,” Sparkler declared as she removed the device from her horn.
Trixie smiled, “Well done.” she stated simply before turning to the audience once again. “As you can see this device is authentic and Trixie will be unable to perform any unicorn magic, but such is meaningless before the Great and Powerful Trixie!” Trixie stated with her usual flourish and flash bangs.
Now prepare the audience's suspension of disbelief. “What you are about to witness is a feat of incredible magic. Starswirl’s third law of magical principal, ‘all ponies posses magic.’ We each posses within us latent magic that allow all sorts of wonderful things. Not only unicorns but pegasus and earth ponies as well. Our cutie mark,” Trixie pointed out her own, a magic wand over a crescent shaped nebula of stars. “is an example. It represents our natural talents and manifests front our innate magic. One of the greatest Magi of a generation was the Amazing Hoofdini, an earth pony stallion with a talent for magic. What I will attempt to do is recreate his amazing act called ‘The Art of Translocation’. The great Hoofdini was remarkable pony and the fact that his talent was magic despite being an earthpony is more so. So as a unicorn Trixie could not possibly match such talent.” With that Trixie used all her magic to conjure up lights and sparkles as though some great transformation were occurring. Trixie levitated into the air and her hair whipped about in an unseen wind. Her magicians hat was blown off stage where her dear assistant stopped it moments before it blew off into Canterlot. As she floated higher the inhibitor was slowly lowered onto her horn. The moment it made contact with her horn everything suddenly stopped. Trixie fell to the stage down on her fetlocks, with a feigned weakness she steadied herself and stood up.
Trixie made a flourish with her hooves but no lights or sounds accompanied it. The audience cheered and clapped their hooves as if the trick itself was her physically becoming an earth pony. Prepare for finale, have mark take her place, while checking dear assistant for complications. A slight wobble of unsteadiness drew Sparkler close. Trixie smiled at the kind gesture as she secured the cloth around her horn so that it wouldn't easily slip off. She looked just off stage towards her scaly assistant who gave her the sign of all clear. It was a strange gesture, his fourth opposable digit on his claw was pointing upwards while the remaining three were closed in a fist. It was some strange dragon sign that Trixie never understood, but she knew that was his gesture that everything was good. “Now the Great and Powerful Trixie will perform her greatest act, ’The Third Principal of Magical Translocation’” Again she made a non magically aided flourish.
Finally trigger act, allow for surprise to set in, repeat act until all prepared pyrotechnics are used then act will be complete. Trixie closed her eyes and let her face show complete concentration. Suddenly she opened her eyes and began chanting in a strange language. Pagua Sonfa Pagua Sonfa Pagua Sonfa As Trixie chanted she slowly rose onto her hind hooves as she often did when she made her grand flourishes. But instead of her usual arm flailing her movements were more precise and fluid. It was similar to the martial arts taught to Guardponies. As Trixie slowed to a stop she stood on two legs her arms folded in front of her with her fetlocks together. Suddenly Trixie shouted, “KATSU!” and slammed her front hooves down. An explosion of light, sound a some smoke enveloped the stage and instantly Trixie and sparkler were on the roof of the stage about ten hooves above the stage. As what had happened slowly became apparent the crowd began to cheer. Sparkler was in aw and waved down at the crowed, just as the applause began to subside another Shout from Trixie. “KATSU!” Again she slammed her hooves down and in another flash of light sound and smoke the duo were gone. Only this time they were behind the audience. More cheers went out but Trixie wasn't done yet. Another shout and more hoof stomping, “KATSU!” Again they disappeared but as the croud looked around they were not in the immediate area. “There they are,” Somepony shouted pointing at a terrace several blocks away and several stories up. The duo were now waving from the building Sparkler picked up a white rose from the planter and waved it at the crowed. The crowed could barely hear Trixie shout “KATSU!” And another explosion of light, sound and smoke from the stage revealed The Great and Powerful Trixie and her lovely assistant still holding the white flower in her teeth. The crowd went wild.
Trixie removed her horn restraint and took a bow. Cheering and clapping resounded throughout the park area, after a few moments Trixie gestured for quiet. “Sparkler Doo on your honor do you swear that Trixie did not use her horn at any time since she put it on herself?”
Sparkler smile was a wide as the moon. “No you did not.”
Another round of cheers and applause erupted from the group. After another moment Trixie gestured to Sparkler, “How about a round of applause for miss Sparkler Doo and my dear Assistant Spike.” Both took a bow. Trixie smiled genuinely and simply enjoyed the pure joy on the faces of all the fillies and colts. As the applause seemed to die down Trixie bowed, “Thank you all for watching The Great and Powerful Trixie!” More flourish and a good five seconds of blinding pyrotechnics.
****
Raindrops was mad. Ponyville was suffering from a minor drought and yet Cloudsdale kept refusing her rain requests. Partly it was due to the fact that Raindrops was not a Charger. Clan managers usually got priority over non Charger weather managers. But despite the fact that Ponyville was a farming community and many ponies required the rain to maintain its crops, places like Manehatten use the water to maintain luxuries, got priority for rain distribution. And yet this was not the reason Raindrops was mad.
The Mayor of Ponyville Mayor Mare was upset at Raindrops for not helping her with her scheme to get Lord Big Macintosh Apple. It was an unwritten rule among the mares of ponyville that the young, eligible, handsome, and oh so very rich stallion was off limits. He was allowed to approach any mare he wished of course, but no mare could try gaining an advantage over the rest. But for the Mayor to try using the drought conditions to withhold water from the apple farm just went too far for Raindrops. So the Mayor was not pleased to find out that despite her orders to the contrary, Raindrops had been sending the usual rain to Sweet Apple Acres. Yet this was not the reason Raindrops was mad.
Raindrops stood before her sisters house mentally preparing herself to knock. Taking a breath Raindrops knocked quietly and waited, allowing time for her sister to register that somepony was outside. After a long pause the door opened and a soft voice called out, “W.. who is it?” A familiar teal eye looked out through a pink mane.
With barely restrained anger Raindrops addressed her sister. “Hey Flutters, Dad came to see me today. Mind if I come in?”
“Oh my, yes come in.” Fluttershy opened the door letting her sister enter shutting out the chill of the late afternoon. Fluttershy went into her kitchen to prepare some tea and crackers while Raindrops sat herself on Fluttershy's couch. Raindrops was silent as she collected her thoughts, and sooner than she'd have liked her sister returned with the tea service in her hooves. After she poured the tea Fluttershy nervously tried to break the silence. “So… how is.. dad?”
Raindrops shook her head suddenly weary from the emotionally draining day. “Not good Flutters, these stupid conspiracy theories of his are getting worse.”
Fluttershy nodded her agreement, “I know, that SSY1K has always been very scary. Whenever I think about Nightmare Moon…” The yellow Pegasus shuddered at the thought.
Raindrops patted her sister on the back, “Its just a story Flutters, the problem is he started believing them. You’d think if Celestia had a secret breeding program intended to breed the perfect weapon there would be monstrous super ponies running around. But the idea that dad of all ponies was chosen to sleep with half Equestia as part of this program..” Raindrops felt her anger rise again. “NO HE did this, HE broke up our home, HE hurt your mom, HE is the one responsible for his own mistakes.”
Fluttershy was cowering back a bit, she didn't fear her sister anymore. But old habits die hard and being on the receiving end of that rage as a filly had made it into a conditioned response.
Raindrops noticed the fear she had inflicted on her dear sister.. again. She regretted all those years of misplaced raged she had directed at the filly and her poor mother. Those were the days she still believed in her crackpot father and his stories. But as she grew older and realized one hard fact, fairy tales were not real. They were stories to explain the harshness of the world to children. Raindrops tried to swallow her bitterness staring into her cup she realized that Fluttershy was trying to talk to her. “I’m sorry Flutters what was that?”
“I said, so what did he want?” The yellow pegasus smiled at her sister kindly to show that past transgressions were forgiven.
Raindrops breathed deeply, and in one breath let all the pain and bitterness be washed away. With and air as clean as spring day after a shower she recounted her day.
****
Cloud Kicker lay awake in her bed, her mind was in turmoil. Why did it have to be this way. She loved her family but what they wanted her to do was… a betrayal pure and simple. Why did the Clan leaders need more than they already had. If anything they were better off the way things were. When was it that the Clan had lost its way? All of them, each Pegasus clan, all the Unicorn houses, and the Earth pony corporations. All they wanted, all they cared about was power. Where was love? Where was Family? Why is it that Power for the Clan was more important than the ponies in the Clan.
Clouds thoughts were interrupted by a shifting of weight in her bed. “What wrong Cloudy, you're not your usual frisky self.” A sleepy eyed unicorn mare asked as she looked up at her bed mate.
Cloud Kicker looked at the cute mint green noblesse she was sharing her bed with. “Just thinking about stuff, go back under.. my ‘roommate’ will be home any minute now.”
Countess Lyra Heartstrings rolled her eyes, “Oh please, you should just make your move already. Get that stuffy stuck up roommate of yours in here with us. Right Bonnie?”
The cream colored earth pony mare crawled from under the covers, with a hoof she wiped the tasty mint flavored candy from her muzzle. Kissing her beloved Countess she frowned in a pouty manner, “Lyyyraa~ Princess Twilight is not just somepony to be conquered by our dear Cloudy. If she was then Blueblood would have at least stood a chance.”
“I think Duke Blueblood went about it all wrong. He should have announced his intentions, probably in a letter or other less public forum, give her a few days before repeating the process. She is a bit dense after all.” spoke a voice from under the covers on the other side of Cloud Kicker. A white pegasus with a pink and green mane poked her head out of the covers.
“Oh~ Is that how you wanted to have been wooed Blossomforth?” Yet another voice and another mare entered the conversation. A blond maned gray pegasus with one walleye. Baroness Ditzlerya Derpy Doo smacked her lips “Mmm Watermelon.” The white mare turned pink and the other mares all kissed her unable to resist her cuteness. Blossomforth’s coat became red.
“Well if it will work for Blossy, it’ll work with Twily?” Stated the mint green Countess.
“What makes you say that,” Cloud Kicker asked as she too sunk under the covers.
“I mean its Blossy, shes practically Twily’s clone. From their frumpy sense of style down to their near insane level of perfectionism.” the green unicorn said as she brushed a hoof through the pink and blue curls of Bon Bon.
Said earth pony mare began to coo in pleasure. Lyra smiled as she imagined what Cloud was doing to the mare to cause such reactions. “But.. Blossom… is more, Mmm… physical and Princess Twiiiiieee~ Twilight is… oh Cloudy…”
Lyra chuckled at Bon Bon’s reactions, “Yeah Twily never had to go through basic like most of us. But magus combat training can be just as tough just in different ways.”
Ditzy chuckled as Blossom went under kissing the grey mare's neck. "Yeah Blossy is more like the Princess twin, than a clone.” A wet licking sound issued from under the covers, “Hmm warm,” Derpy panted. “It would be total twincest. Ouch! Hey Blossy not so rough.”
“Hey enough with teasing already.” From under the covers, a muffled Blossomforth protested.
“Sorry~” a contented Derpy chirped.
Coming back out, Cloud Kicker looked towards the door. A smile spread across her face, “Ahh Princess Twilight comeith. Behold.”
The other mares scuttled under the covers as the sound of hoofsteps approached the door. “Cloud Kicker, are you busy? Can we talk when you're done?” The voice of Princess Twilight Sparkle called into the dimly lit room.
“Sure Twilight, come on in we’re just having tea.” A few snickers from the covers went unheard as the door opened.
Twilight Sparkle used to Cloud Kicker’s antics was not surprised the find the mare in question actually in bed. Also expecting to find somepony in said bed was also within the realm of possibilities. “Cloud I really need to talk to you, alone.” So when Lyra Heartstrings popped her head from under the covers to protest Twilight was not phased at all.
“Come on Princess, why not join us. It’s really comfy in here.”
However when Ditzy Doo also presented herself it gave Twilight pause. “Oh yes, Twilight you really should. Cloudy’s muffin is really good.”
“Oh its quite alright, but the last thing I need now. According to rumors I’m going around lifting my tail for every stallion that comes along. I.. just want to talk to Cloud Kicker alone.” Twilight gestured towards the door, she really didn't like pulling rank but if Cloud was up to her usual antics she just might have to.
Cloud Kicker was about to say something but was interrupted by yet another mare, “I beg your forgiveness Princess,” A cream colored earth pony said appearing from under the mystical blanket of mares spoke up. “Cloud Kicker was merely helping us, please don't punish her.”
Lyra patted the bare on the head and smiled genuinely. “Its ok Bon Bon,” Lyra’s horn lit up as the blanket was pulled away to reveal yet another mare.
Blossomforth smiled sheepishly sitting up. That was when Twilight noticed the tea set. Five cups, a brass teapot, a tray of muffins and candies (eww melted candy), and what Twilight hoped was tea just about everywhere. “Sorry guys I kinda spilled the tea.” Blossomforth said.
Derpy walleyes rolled in opposite directions, “Yeah we noticed, its ok we were all gonna take a bath after this anyways. You can't have an undercover tea party and not expect for it to end up a big mess.” Derpy looked at her soaked flank, then licked some sticky substance off her hoof. “Mmm, watermelon.”
Twilight fought down her disgust. “Well If I could just talk to Cloud, you ponies can use my personal bath.” Four mares faces lit up at the offer.
“Wait first thing I need to tell you all something.” Cloud Kicker breathed deeply as she addressed her friends. “This will be the last of my ‘special parties’.”
Twilight was a bit shocked, it was like a fish suddenly declaring that it would only breath air. The other reactions were a mixture of shock and dismay. “Not that I’m not glad you've decided to turn over a new leaf, but why the sudden change.” The Princess inquired of her friend.
“Well due to family obligations, yada yada yada, I am getting married…” The room went silent. The palace went silent, it was as if the entirety of Equestria was frozen in that moment.
“… to your brother.” The world resumed to spin, so did Twilight's head, then nothing.