Celestia is the ruler all wish to achieve. She has the perfect kingdom and happy subjects, but how did this all happen? What caused her to learn what it takes to be a good ruler? And what did she got wrong first?
Celestia is tormented by memories of her past. This causes her to lose her cool while finishing an important treaty for Twilight to take with her to Zebrul, the land of the Zebras. Celestia leaves Twilight with answers to her panic, a mysterious book written by herself and an author Twilight has never heard of before. Now Twilight reads the book while she negotiates the ups and downs of Zebrul.
Nostalgia was something that Celestia often dreamt of; fond past memories of times with Inkwell or Sunset Shimmer that would comfort her as she slept. Recently though, her dreams were plagued with flashes from a time before her kind kingdom of Equestria. A time when her white fur and rainbow mane would cause ponies to cower and run, and when her voice was harsh and severe, instead of sweet and playful. The times after Discord, when leadership was beyond her. A time when she had to be the student, instead of the teacher.
With this, the image in her mind struck her with such force she leapt from her bed, Celestia’s horn aglow ready to tear apart any threat to herself. However, she found herself alone with her thoughts and her fears. She looked out her window, spotting Luna coming back to her perch, smiling at the reminder of how far she had come from then. She had her sister, and her citizens were happy ponies who would be happy to call her friend. She would not find sleep tonight though, not until the treaty to continue passage between Equestria and Zebrul, the land of zebras, was finished.
Celestia found herself having to rush off though, lest she be late to raise the sun. “Oh how late did that vision keep me to have caused this?” She knew she would not be late by more than a minute or two, but she was still embarrassed to have almost forgotten about her most important duty. It did help clear her mind though, watching as the sun rose above the horizon. What was once so taxing, now almost therapeutic. Or at least routine at this point. Her calm morning would not last though.
“What is this? It looks quite formal. Dear Griselda…” Celestia cringed seeing the draconequus. Head of a pony, and the body parts of other creatures was always unsettling to see. Seeing the spirit of chaos play with important documents was horrifying though, even for a thousand year old princess
“Discord, put those down. They are important, and you promised to leave my castle be as a part of your reformation. Therefore you had better have a good reason to be here, and a plan to leave soon. Please.”
“Don’t put your tail into a twist.” Discord doing just that while chuckling. “This is merely a friendly visit, because we are such good friends. Besides, I’m being good and not doing a thing to your precious, uh, precious what exactly?”
“A deal speaking of the recent closing off of the waterways to Zebrul. I had to stop ponies from going there recently,”
“Stop ponies from travelling eh? Sounds awfully restrictive of our supposedly kind princess and ruler” Discords eyes narrowing and suddenly shifting to surprise. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite newly promoted princess. I hope you have been doing well dear Twilight.” Discord curling around the now worried Twilight, having walked in just a moment earlier.
“I came as you wanted princess, to act as advisor and ambassador for the treaty with Griselda. However, why is Discord here?” Normally the purple alicorn was calm and intellectual, but the last line had come out angry and annoyed.”Are you here to ruin another meeting of princesses, even against Celestia’s orders?”
“I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.” A halo appearing around Discord as he glowed innocently, and with a snap a flock of doves flew out from him. “I had this irresistible urge to come and see what our dear princess was up to. I honestly didn’t know that you were coming. Now, about this treaty.” Celestia felt her annoyance rise at the spirit in front of her, and his dangerous curiosity.
“If I tell you why I need to make the treaty, will you leave us be?”
“Cross my heart and hope to fly.”
“Alright. I suppose it cannot hurt more than your presence in the castle would. Griselda, high counselor of the zebras, has become increasingly paranoid and isolated over the years. Her most recent action has been to place ships along the currents that take ships to and from Zebrul. They have stopped many such trips of travelling ponies, and her latest letter distresses me greatly. It talks of capturing the poor ponies who only seek knowledge, and to start guarding the air, in case any pegasi decide to try to set hooves on her lands. She still allows her own citizens leave, but trade between our two kingdoms must be kept open and fair, otherwise the zebras may take advantage of the one sided trade system. Therefor, I am trying to placate her worries and allow my people the freedom to her lands.” Celestia smiled within, knowing she had done her past justice, worrying about her little ponies need for excitement and adventure.
“And if, by chance, she were to tighten the restrictions further? Or starts to trap her own zebras in exchange for the allowance of your own ponies? Could you let that happen?” Even though Discord was using his normal mischievous tones, Celestia looked frightened. Twilight stepped forward, between Celestia and Discord.
“That is why I am going to negotiate terms, and as a sign of goodwill, I will even be tying my wings back and Zecora will give me an enchanted ring that will block my magic. This way Griselda will be able to be calm in my presence, for we will be on even hoofing.” Twilight was beaming at Discord while the chaotic being crossed his arms and huffed.
“Fine, I was just trying to stir things up a little bit around here. I hear palace life can be quite dull, or at least that’s how Cadence tells it.” As Discord prepared to leave though, Celestia chimed in with,
“Thank you for your input Discord. Perhaps if I believe I am being too soft, or need a new perspective on an old problem, I may call upon your help again.” Discord looked shocked, then sincerely bowed to Celestia before snapping, and in a flash was gone.
“What did you mean again?” Twilight’s eyes held fear within them as Celestia looked back. The princess helped calm Twilight by brushing her dark blue and pink mane, bringing Twilight in close, knowing her pupil deserved to know what troubles she had been facing, and why she had been so annoyed this morning.
“Twilight, I do not wish to talk about it now,” Celestia now putting the finishing touches on the treaty, “I want you to go on your journey. It will take time, so if you want to know what has been plaguing me recently, and what Discord has taught me, take this story from my room. I wrote them with an unexpected friend and was supported by the journals from my teacher so as to fill in the holes neither of us could. Now go please.” Celestia now handed Twilight the treaty and a scroll with the title of the book she was supposed to read.
Celestia went off in another direction then her room. Twilight would be so scared, so worried for her sake. It warmed Celestia’s heart to know she was cared for so deeply by one of her dearest friends. However, fear and doubt sprang up in her mind. She knew Twilight put the sun princess on an almost unattainable pedestal, and that the book would show just how weak she had been once. Would the young filly think so kindly of her ruler afterward, or would the story reveal too much, and break all of the illusions the young mare had of the ancient ruler.
Falls and Follies of a Princess By: Celestia and Crowd Raiser Supported by: Jack's Notebooks
Chapter 1
Jack looked at his annoying red, white, and black streaked mane, annoyed with it as he was almost everyday. Not only did it not fit his gray coat, but it almost had a mind of it’s own as he finally got it to cooperate in the task of getting out of his face. He knew it was just his mind working on overdrive as it always did, and it slightly distracted him whenever he needed to think, actually allowing him not to over complicate what was in his head. Still, the fact that every morning it stuck in his face did get tedious. It had done so since he was five, so in essence, as long as he could remember.
Now was not the time for reminiscing though, for now was the time for planning. He had finally found the Unicorn resistance, and although the name might make you think there would be a bunch of unicorns in it, this was not the case. It was instead a group made up of pegasi and earth ponies such as himself, and finally he had found out where their meeting was being held tonight. And that is why he was only now taking care of his hair, because he expected a long night in front of him and had slept through most of the day.
Finally he set out through the streets of Canterlot, looking at the newly made construction sites that lay further towards the borders, and turning his head to see the spectacle that was Canterlot castle. It was technically incomplete, only having a grand hall, a front gate, and two large spiraling towers that made the princesses watch towers and rooms. Even though it was small compared to stories of castles made before Equestria was founded, the 25 year old stallion still had his breath taken away looking at it’s magnificence.
And with a turn along the street, the castle was out of view, blocked by crowded, shabbily built homes and stores. This was the entrance to “Lower Canterlot” as he had heard many unicorns call it. Here is where many of the earth ponies and pegasi without castle jobs lived. Jack was one of the lucky ones to have inherited his present dwellings, instead of being trapped down here in dirt and grime. He passed by many shops, politely declining the offered wares until entering a small tavern on the side, where he finally grabbed something to eat.
Of course, this action had no amount of randomness to it as someone else might suspect. No, this was his usual dinner spot if he went out, and it was also where tonight’s meeting was to be held. He trotted over to the barkeep, who promptly asked him what he might be drinking. “Unicorn horn” was Jack’s curt reply, though on the inside he chuckled at the code word. Quite fitting for a resistance against unicorns I suppose.
The bartender looked shocked though. “Jack, I’m glad to see you and all, and I know how much this means to you, but you’re late.” He said all of this calm and casually as he was supposed to and pointed upwards with a hoof showing where the meeting was. Jack at first turned to go as if nothing was wrong, and then what the colt had said hit him. The bartender still swears to this day that no pegasi has been faster than Jack as he galloped up the stairs.
He burst through the door, cutting off a stunning white mare with a blue and green mane, who looked like she was arguing on stage with a red coated and orange maned pegasi stallion. Every eye was on him, and boos started up as the intruder was spotted. Many ponies stood were up, knives in mouths as if ready to kill Jack. All Jack could think of was that there were more ponies than he had expected to be here. Just as the regular cat calls in anger at the intruder began, the pegasus on stage spoke up.
“Welcome friend to our meeting. It seems you came just a wee bit late, and for that you will be punished. Now, come up here so you may receive your just desserts.” There were chuckles amongst the crowd as Jack slowly cantered through, ponies parting in front of him, smiling in anticipation. The gray colt was simply wishing he had made a better first impression. “Now, my name is Crowd Raiser and my annoyingly righteous friend here is Peace Treaty. Now what might your’s be?”
The stallion’s smile was an obvious attempt to make Jack feel better, but Jack knew what was coming. He really did wish he had a cutie mark like Crowd’s multiple pony heads, or Peace’s olive branch carrying dove. He bent his front knees, lowering his head as he did so as to bow to the two obvious leaders. “My name is Jack, and I am honored to be here.”
A gentle and kind voice hit his ears as Peace finally talked, “Jack what?”
“Jack of all trades?” Crowd teased in his loud and deep voice.
And with that the crowd had fun at Jack’s expense as names starting or ending with Jack came up from the crowd. “No, it is simply Jack.” His voice had the effect it always had when he needed to project. Most didn’t think twice about his crisp, clear voice. That is until an edge crept in to get his point across. “I cannot remember the few years I had with my parents, having than been taken in by an old dying unicorn. He was the one who told me to give myself a name until I discovered my cutie mark. I now live in his house, saddened that he will never know my true name.”
The crowd had silenced, as most sad stories will cause to happen. Peace put a hoof onto his shoulder, and only now did Jack realize just how young she was, maybe only a year or two older then him. “That is sad indeed. I hope we-” Anymore kind words she was about to say were stopped as Crowd slammed his hooves down in front of Jack, causing Jack to back up out of reflex.
“Leave. You are not welcome here spy.” Crowd came closer to Jack, wings out wide adding to the intimidation he already had by being more than a head taller than Jack. “You nurse off of the teat of the unicorns. Sooner or later they would probe your mind, use their magic to find the secrets they want and you will involuntarily betray us all. Unless your plan was to tell them all along.” At this point Crowd was almost muzzle to muzzle with Jack, glaring into eyes that had not even flinched.
“Stop it Crowd, he has lost his adopted father. We accept all,-” Jack raised a hoof to Peace Treaty, silencing her while never breaking Crowd’s stare. The crowd was raising in tone, booing Jack, on the verge of storming the stage in fear of Jack being a unicorn sympathizer. They stayed back though, for Jack gave them no time to execute such a plan.
“Why are you here Crowd? In fact, why is anyone here at the resistance?”
“To rule ourselves.”
“Equality.”
“Justice” All screamed from the crowd, probably chants done by Crowd at some point, but they faltered as Crowd said and merely watched Jack. Crowd was trying to get in his head, but no pony had succeeded so far. Why would this be any different?
“I am here because of the violence. To make sure there is a counterpoint to the hate that people feel, and so that we may search for a peaceful solution instead of bloody revolution.” Peace had come up to the two of them, putting a hoof on Crowd’s side, trying to get him to move. Now, all eyes were on her. “We all have our reasons to be here. Rosebud,”pointing at a young mare, “you want to find all the exotic flowers that the world has to offer, especially after you got out of town and found the rose you named yourself after. Flash Dance,” pointing to a pegasus flying near the rafters, “You want to chase storms and prove your flying ability in the most extreme weather; weather that is not allowed within the city limits.”
The crowd was shocked, suddenly remembering their own personal reasons for why they were here. Crowd’s anger had not been quelled yet as he continued to glare into Jack’s green eyes. Peace moved over to Crowd, her eyes downcast as she took a sharp intake of breath. Her voice was full of sympathy, the pain of using this against her friend evident. “Then there is you Crowd. You were off giving a speech to the courts in the castle, hired by the princesses to help sway ponies opinions to a certain side of an issue. Coming home one day though, Howdy Pie wasn’t there and Speed Racer was crying for her missing mother.”
“Stop it. Don’t bring them up.” Crowd danced away from Peace, stumbling away on his own hooves. “Leave them be.” Peace continued though, staying near the stallion, never letting him get away.
“You told Howdy Pie to keep within the city, that sooner or later jail time was not all she would receive. She wanted to show little Speed what the forest was like though, give her room to run to her heart’s content, and to soar like no one else had ever dared. Because of this, one day coming home a letter awaited you nailed to your front door. What did it say?” Peace stood over an almost broken Crowd at this point, glaring down at him, challenging him to bring the story to an end.
Jack had been standing on the stage dumbfounded by the switch in tone. He had been so prepared to argue with Crowd, but this gentle mare had shown an in depth knowledge of the people here, and had caused all the anger to come out of the stallion who seemed to have large reserves of prejudice against unicorns. His curiosity was burning too strong at this point though, and he had to know. “What happened? Who were Howdy Pie and Speed Racer?” The room’s silence burst with ponies murmuring similar questions.
Crowd stood up, shaking as he started the finale of his tale. “I came home, a letter on my door, signed by the princess’s scribe. It said that after five cases of leaving the city, and trying to convince others to join her in leaving the town as well, the punishment was to be much more severe. Howdy Pie was to be executed, and her child taken under the princesses’ care to make sure she flew straight and that her father could continue with his vital job.” Crowd was looking far into the distance, tears streaming down his face. His voice would have been a bare whisper had he not spent so much time in his life projecting and letting others know what he thought. The last line though, went only to those on stage. “I watched as my wife was executed, and I still don’t know what happened to my little girl, even after ten years.”
“AAAAAA!” Zecora was shocked out of her reminiscing. The young purple mare had come in only about half an hour ago asking her to enchant a ring with magic dampening capabilities. Since then the white and gray zebra had been brewing the concoction, happy she could help the new princess. Twilight for her part had started reading a book, a slightly worried look on her face. Now she had a panicked look on her face, and a dangerous light in her eyes.
Luckily, Zecora always kept something around in case one of Twilight’s magical mishaps got to her house, but first she shoved the purple mare out of the house. Afterwards, to a cabinet she flew and grabbed a vial filled with black salt. She threw the vial against the front door and it scattered throughout the room. Just in time Zecora thought to herself as a large flash of purple energy came from her front lawn. Now if only she could have spared her garden.
Twilight was at the moment trying to remember what was going on. She looked behind her as she heard a creak. Looking, she saw a white pony with gray stripes on her body looking sadly at her garden. Wait, Ponies don’t have stripes, nor do they normally wear earrings and golden collars or rings on their hoofs. Twilight’s mind finally got back in gear. “Zecora, oh my, what just ha-.” Twilight looked around herself to see scorch marks on the trees, and could feel the magic radiation in the air.
“What is it that happened to you? So as to make pay these trees you slew?” Zecora’s mystical voice and verse helped calm Twilight a little. As well, a little embarrassment was turning her mind away from what she had-
“Zecora, it was terrible. Celestia gave me this book, said it told why she was troubled recently. But it depicted a resistance against Celestia. Celestia, one of the most generous, kind, fantastic ponies to have ever existed. But what they said she did was simply horri-.” CRASH! Twilight would have probably continued to panic had she not flown into the tree Zecora’s hut was a part of.
“Perhaps tea is in need, before you cause yourself to bleed.” Zecora led Twilight into the house where she was told about merely the first chapter of the book Twilight was reading. Zecora knew she could not help the neurotic mare with what troubled her, but could try to help her think of something else. “Even though you are furious, the state of my hut does not make you curious?”
Twilight took a moment to look around the wooden room, marveling at the similarities to her own home in Ponyville. Of course, where as Twilight’s was filled with books, Zecora’s had masks laid about, medicine cabinets, and potions and poultices for almost all ailments. She was astounded at how clean and neat her house was. Wait, hadn't she just burned trees outside of her house. “Why is your house unharmed when my magical, uhm, incident caused those trees to be marked by burns?”
“Very wise indeed you are. I make a dust that will keep magic barred. Hence why my hut will stay strong, while does not the glade you wronged. It is similar to the damper you require of me. The power of such mixtures you now can see.” Twilight did spend a few moments appreciating at how powerful such small potions she held in her house were, even to be able to stop her magic dead in it’s track. “Now you head to Zebrul, and I will help, so they are not cruel. A piece of advice, so Griselda may be nice.”
“Within the royal courts so they are not terse, you must remember to always speak in verse. Many zebras that are trained, so that they are not caned. Griselda must always be your better, or else you may uneven her kelter.” Zecora looked worried, something that doesn’t occur often when she can normally sit calm while plunder seeds rip apart her home.
“Wait, does that mean you weren’t cursed? I created many theories as to why you always speak in verse, from curses, to potions gone awry, to a zebra speech impediment. Now with this, you could actually give me straight answers!” Zecora stared worriedly at the excited young mares face as it smiled wide at the prospect of learning more from Zecora, without the admittedly confusing verse she always spoke in.
“I am sorry little filly, the reason I object is not silly.” Twilight’s face already turned down hearing the verse. “I was raised for twenty years, only allowed verse within my ears. Now, to even think about,” Zecora paused, once more thinking about her speech, “I do not think I would live without.” Now if I may, I still have lessons to say.”
Twilight smiled sheepishly, nodding her head politely. “The last accord has to do with magic, something with Zebras that is tragic. We worshipped the dragons grand, giving into their every demand. This was in search for magic recipes and potions, ones to fill every function. Then we find ponies, at first to call them phonies. Magic they had learned, all while dragons they scorned. I fear I must admit, that your horn I do envy just a bit.
Twilight nodded, now being able to peer into Zebra culture more. She had overlooked the treaty before, finding a few references to dragons. This also explained why the treaty had been written in verse, and why she still had to finish reading the treaty. “Wait, why aren’t I bringing Spike then? Celestia had told me I couldn’t.”
Zecora nodded, a smile spreading on her face thinking about the young assistant of Twilight’s. He was almot a teenager by now and was maturing fast. “The reason is twofold, to keep Spike’s heart from growing cold. He would be coveted, a dragon by peacefulness and love coated. He would be showered with gems, with greed left unhem. Even if dear Spike found control, Griselda would seek his soul. It would be hard for him to take, unless goodbyes you did make.”
“What, why would Griselda want Spike? Sure he’s nice and all, but I doubt that he would work for her, especially if he was never allowed to return.” Zecora started worrying about having used her powder already, seeing as the young mare now was on the verge of a panic attack, and worse news she still possessed.
She will want him for lust to sate. She will want the virile dragon as her mate.” Twilight by now was glowing her horn ominously, and breathing shallowly from the news. Spike taken from her by some power corrupt dictator, she could hardly think about it. “She would want him as a symbol of her power, but you have no reason to cower.”
“And why is That!?” Twilight screamed, now in the air, a few objects lifting with her as she hovered only an inch from Zecora’s face.
“I think to Griselda’s dismay, that the plan was for Spike to stay.” Zecora smiled at Twilight as she landed, looking thoroughly embarrassed. The poor mare had let herself get completely worked up about a situation that would never come to pass.
“Note to self, long distance teleportation, one successful explosion of magic, and a near freakout shortly after, just a little too much magic for one afternoon.” Twilight let out a yawn and stumbled a bit, her eyes losing focus. Zecora went next to her, steadying her with her own body.
“My bed you may stay, sleep for as long as you may.”
Jack had arrived at the Everfree Apple almost two hours before the meeting. The meeting last week had ended shortly after Crowd Raiser broke down. It was hard to really talk after watching such a great man break like that, the shame being evident on poor Peace Treaty’s face. She had been shaking as she chose the next location and time. Crowd Raiser had warned him that he would pay if he didn’t come to this meeting, and that he still had to be punished. Now it was three days later, and Jack was terrified as to what Crowd may have decided.
Walking in he tasted the sweet yet sour smell that came from the multitude of bodies and sweet apple spiced cider that was the large tavern’s specialty. He found a table on the edge, trying to avoid attention from the other patrons. Crowded areas like this always made him feel a little claustrophobic, afraid that a fight might start, an accident that he would be unable to excape as everyone rushed for the door. He was snapped out of his thoughts by a sweet melodic, yet familiar voice.
“What might you be having tonight sir? And please don’t say me, I’ve heard it seventeen times tonight.” Jack was thankful he wasn’t a pegasus as Peace was standing in front of him, the blue and green hair falling messily around her face, and a wonderful barmaid outfit hugging her body.
“Uh, uhm, I- I would like some hay and oars please.” Peace raised an eyebrow at him. “Hay and oats I mean! Yes, I would like hay and oats please.”
Peace’s slight giggle just slammed into his rising amount of embarrassment as he just looked down, not believing he had been so clumsy in response. “I’m sorry sir, but we are out of that at the moment. Perhaps you would like to try our unicorn salad. It helps you resist the elements.” Peace winked at him, a soft smile on her face. She must have been loving her role that night.
“Yes, I think that sounds fantastic.”
“Fine, but you’re paying the check first.” Peace put a piece of paper in front of him, and his curiosity beat his thoughts of Peace as he snatched the paper. It merely said cellar, so it was off to the cellar with him. Jack thought he had been smooth and subtle, but just caused Peace to giggle at the young colt as he almost sprinted down the cellar, bumping into a few other patrons in his rush.
Reaching the cellar, the smell of fermenting beer and wine hit him, almost sending him tumbling down the stairs. Jack always had hated alcohol, it always clouded the mind and the smell was terrible. Recovering from this though, he saw a stage made up of tables supported by barrels, and in front were tables being set up by a lone pony.
“Alright, now I don’t have to kill you, but you and I need to talk. Why don’t you start with why you are against our rulers?” Crowd was setting up the tables, and even though the warning was evident, it was said with a smirk and a joking attitude. Jack grabbed a tables and started pulling it to place.
Jack’s voice came out much deeper and calmer than before, sadness creeping within. “Well, at first it was my cutie mark. I believed with all my might that I had a cutie mark that was to discover new places. I looked into the forest with hope and longing, but then my adopted father’s sickness really took affect. He had been fighting it for most of my life, but about six years ago his health started to fail on him. As it got worse, his status as archivist got him the best health care he could hope for. But the cure wasn’t in the city.”
“They wanted to go look for ingredients, try a few new recipes or find a flower that might be able to at least ease his pain. The guards simply said no though. When I tried heading out at night, Luna’s Night Guard beat me halfway to chaos. A month after that, I watched as he died, telling me to always reach for the stars, never stop trying to learn and get stronger. His last words were to allow nothing to limit my growth, to never let the past he collected deter me from reaching the future. So I don’t understand why the princesses allow the past to hold all of us behind the world, behind the walls.”
Crowd was stunned. Who he thought was just some punk colt trying to join the newest movement had some purpose behind him. He was happy that he still had to be punished, and that tonight should be interesting. Of course, he still had tables to move before that. Jack now spoke, back to his childish voice. “ So you want to talk about Howdy and --”
“Remember, I still need to punish you. I would change the subject NOW!” The sharp edge at the end and Jack’s worry made him snap to literally the first thing that came to mind.
“Is Peace single?” Crowd let out a raucous laughter as Jack punched himself in the face trying to take back what he had just said. “Ah, my eye!”
“Look you. I might come up with the slogans and get everyone pumped, but that girl runs this program, balancing books, paying bribes, and coming up with our security measures. You’re going to have to try hard if you want to take up some of her time. She cares about this movement, and I’m thankful that she stops me from speaking only of war and anger. Of course, I do that sometimes anyways.”
Jack nodded, digesting the information thinking about how to impress mare, or at least getting to know her better. Crowd left him alone to his thoughts, rehearsing in his head the meeting. He was going to have to reinvigorate everyone tonight if he didn’t want to lose membership. Besides, there were still tables to be moved.
