As Princess Twilight Sparkle relocates to Canterlot, her faithful Captain of the Guard Fizzlepop Berrytwist wonders if she's prepared for the newest changes and challenges in her life.
Equestria's leadership is undergoing its first exchange of power in over a millennium. As Princess Twilight Sparkle relocates to Canterlot, her faithful Captain of the Guard Fizzlepop Berrytwist wonders if she's prepared for the newest changes and challenges in her life.
Contains spoilers for the finale of Friendship is Magic.
Cover art: Vector by ejlightning007arts, edited by CobaltBlaze93, and background by Fakkom.
Tempest leaned against a pillar on the outer edge of Canterlot Castle's courtyard, as she sipped a cup of the Apple Family's famous cider. It was quite tasty, and due to the events of the past three days, the barrels weren't even starting to run dry as Canterlot's first Friendship Festival was beginning to wind down for the night.
"Not much of a party goer?" Princess Twilight asked, who was sitting against the other side of the pillar, munching on a chocolate and peanut butter covered marshmallow rice bar.
The dark orchid unicorn smiled weakly at her.
"I just don't think it'd be a good idea to mingle." Tempest replied, with the Princess of Friendship nodding in understanding. In the hour since her fireworks display over Songbird's performance, she had gotten quite a few glances of worry or anger. Not to mention that Canterlot E.U.P. had been keeping a distant but constant watch on her. She was content to sit here, enjoy the company of Twilight and her friends, listen to the other non-headlining musicians, sip at her cider, and await the inevitable.
As if her thoughts were on cue, the two ponies heard the sound of approaching armored hoofsteps. They looked to the left, and saw a squad of four E.U.P. royal guards come up to them.
"Tempest Shadow, please come with us." The lieutenant stated.
"What is the meaning of this, Lieutenant?" Princess Twilight asked as Tempest set her cup of cider down and got to her hooves, uncertainty having overcome her expression.
"She has been summoned to the throne room by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, Your Highness." The lieutenant immediately replied.
"I'll accompany her." Twilight said, likewise getting to her hooves as two of the guards came to Tempest's left and right.
"That's not necessary, Princess. We've got this under con—"
"I'm not questioning your control of the situation, Lieutenant. I'm merely exercising my royal prerogative; I go where she goes. Now, shall we?" Twilight asked expectantly.
"Very well." Was his only response before performing an about face, and began escorting the two mares back towards the castle, surrounded on all sides. Tempest kept in step with the guards on her left and right, looking up at the clear night sky above Canterlot, wondering if this was the last time she would see the stars.
The inevitable had arrived.
"Captain Celaeno, on behalf of a grateful city and nation, we would like to offer our personal thanks for you and your crew's valiant defense of Canterlot in her hour of need. I invite you to stay as long as you like." Princess Celestia told the five parrots who had been gathered in the throne room in the closing hours of the Friendship Festival.
"Thank you, Your Majesties. I think we would like to kick back for a day or two after everything that's happened. But, sooner or later, my crew and I are going to have to figure out what our next move is going to be." Celaeno replied, her crew showing varying expressions of excitement upon the realization that some R&R was in their immediate future.
"I would actually like to offer you an option, Captain. I understand that you lost your vessel when you voluntarily sheltered Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends. I also understand that the Storm King's raiding fleets were somewhat extensive, and not all of them were here. I would gladly provide you and your crew with a suitably-sized airship from our fleet, along with Letters of Marque. Sail under the flag of the Equestrian Royal Navy as privateers, help us hunt down the remaining Storm Raiders, and return the treasures and riches to the nations they stole it from. On top of standard salaries for Royal Navy Privateers, I can offer you 10% of whatever stolen loot you find."
Celaeno's eyes widened just noticeably.
"I believe we'd be mad to refuse an offer like that, Your Majesties. When do we start?" She asked, and heard whispers of disappointment from her crew behind her, who now thought that R&R time was slipping away.
"First, take some time off, a couple days minimum. After that, our tailors can have you fitted for uniforms, and then you can be taken to the docks to inspect our available vessels, and we can make whatever adjustments you may require."
"It would be our pleasure, Your Majesties." Celaeno said, giving a bow, her crew following her lead.
"My aides will show you to your accommodations in the castle for your time here in Canterlot. Have a pleasant night."
As Celaeno and her crew turned towards the exit, the doors opened, and in came four more E.U.P. guards, escorting Princess Twilight and Tempest Shadow.
"Wouldn't want to be her right now." Boyle mumbled in passing as they were lead out of the throne room towards the guest suites. With one matter closed, Celestia and Luna now turned their attention to the other matter that was surrounded by her royal guards, and accompanied by Twilight.
"Tempest Shadow," Celestia began, unfurling a scroll. "You knowingly and willingly conspired with an enemy force to spy on our military, to invade and subjugate your native and sovereign nation, and overthrow the ruling government. This amounts to high treason, and is punishable by life imprisonment." Celestia formally stated, but not able to hide the anger from her voice. "How do you answer?"
Tempest couldn't maintain eye contact with the reigning monarch, and her gaze fell to the marble floor and red carpet beneath her. She took a breath, and just as she was opening her mouth to give her response, she felt a light gust of air and saw a shadow pass over her. When she lifted her head to look, Twilight descended and landed on the carpet directly in front of her, wings flaring out defensively.
"No." Twilight challenged defiantly. "Princess Celestia, I must formally object to these charges."
The Princesses of the Sun and Moon shared glances of surprise, before Celestia turned back to Twilight.
"You realize what she did?" Celestia asked her former pupil, as calmly as she could muster.
"Yes."
"She trained and led an enemy fleet directly to our gates."
"Yes."
"She openly and directly attacked four Heads of State."
"Yes."
"She had half of this city's population in chains and muzzles."
"...Yes."
"Very well, Princess Twilight Sparkle, I will humor you. Your objection is sustained, and I would very much like to hear why Tempest Shadow here should not be in chains for the rest of her days."
Twilight took a breath, and glanced back at Tempest, before looking her mentor in the eyes.
"I am not denying that she should be punished for what she did. But she acted in our defense when it mattered most. She jumped in front of the Storm King's obsidian orb and took the hit herself. If it weren't for her sacrifice, he would have triumphed, and none of us would be here talking about it now. I will not allow that fact to be omitted or ignored. I can't stop you from imprisoning her for the rest of her life, but you cannot convince me that it wouldn't be an absolute waste. She has opened up her eyes, she has seen the light, and shutting her away now would be antithetical to everything my crown stands for, and it would forever change my opinion of this court."
Tempest felt her throat go dry as she saw Princess Twilight Sparkle stand unmoving between her and Equestria's rulers. With guards still behind and at her immediate sides, she didn't dare take a single step. The silence seemed to hang in the air as she felt her heart pound against her chest.
The two royal sisters exchanged glances again. Neither one appeared convinced, but Celestia's justifiably angry expression seemed to soften just a bit as she turned to face Twilight again.
"What then, Princess Twilight, would you suggest?" Celestia asked.
For the first time since her tirade began, Twilight's spread wings fluttered momentarily. She had not mentally gotten that far. She shifted on her front hooves, and looked back at the unicorn who was under watchful heavy guard. She stared at her for a moment, swallowed, and then turned back to face Celestia and Luna.
"I request that she be released into my custody. I will take full and complete responsibility for her from this moment forward." She said, finally able to fold her wings into her sides. With that, she slowly stepped off to the side, off the carpet onto the marble, and silently awaited her mentor's decision.
Tempest felt her blood go cold when Celestia's eyes met hers, and she swallowed a nervous lump in her throat. For the very first time, the black armor around her chest felt restraining. She could tell from Celestia's expression that she was nowhere close to entirely convinced. After a few more silent moments, her sparkling, wavy tail twitched visibly.
"So be it." She stated firmly. She swiftly nodded to the guards, and with a crisp salute, the lieutenant turned immediately with the rest of his squad, and filed out of the throne room. Tempest quietly let out a breath she didn't even realize she had been holding. She couldn't find it in herself to move an inch as Celestia and Luna silently walked between her and Twilight, and likewise left the throne room without another word. When the doors closed, she finally turned her head to look at Princess Twilight, who was smiling at her in relief.
"P-Princess... I-I... I don't know what to say." Tempest said at last, having not spoken since the courtyard.
"You don't have to say anything," Twilight replied, coming up to her. "Now I'd wager we've overstayed your welcome. Let's get one of the last trains down to Ponyville, and I can show you where you'll be staying."
Life in the Ponyville E.U.P. was all about routine. Training, drill, patrol... And now, for the first time in a considerable amount of time, logistics.
For the past three weeks, any guardspony not on active patrol duty was assisting in packing up nearly every single room with personal items of Princess Twilight's. After the official, though disastrous coronation yesterday, they were nearly done. The only areas of the castle that had been left virtually untouched were the common areas; the foyer, dining room, kitchen, and guest rooms. Truth be told, the vast majority of items that had been boxed up were books.
For Major Fizzlepop Berrytwist, it was a change that she wasn't sure she was adjusting to properly. Every day, the castle felt emptier and emptier. Twilight had told her the troubles she went through when she first got the castle, all the lengths she had gone to to spend as little time in here as possible.
She was beginning to get an idea as to why.
She made her way down the main hall towards the throne room, and remembered the very first time she had made these very same steps in this armor; the day she was commissioned as Princess Twilight's Captain of the Guard, and began her search to form a small volunteer squad.
That was specifically what she wanted to speak with her about right now.
Lighting her horn up, the large double doors to the throne room were pushed open, revealing the six thrones surrounding the Friendship Map, with the hologram of the continent currently displayed on the surface. At the far end, on her throne, was Princess Twilight, with some more paperwork that she had been buried in for the past month.
"Princess Twilight? A moment of your time perhaps?" Fizzlepop asked, announcing her presence and standing at parade rest.
"Absolutely. I could use a break from this anyways. What can I do for you, Major?" Twilight asked, setting the papers down and getting up from her throne.
"Well, as my squad is composed entirely of volunteers, I know you're not expecting anypony to transfer up to Canterlot with you. I think I probably should have come to you with this sooner, but I didn't know how best to put it." Fizzlepop began.
"Major, I would hope that you and I have known each other long enough where we can be straightforward with each other, even if it's not always pleasant." Twilight replied.
Swallowing, Fizzlepop maintained eye contact with her Princess, and took a breath.
"I would prefer to stay here as well, Your Majesty. I don't want to go to Canterlot."
"O-Oh. Really?" Twilight asked, honestly not expecting that.
"Don't get me wrong, this choice was not one I made lightly, and with how you've changed my life over the past two years, I'd love to stay at your side. But at the same time, I also want to consider Ponyville. This entire town welcomed me with open hearts and hooves. I don't want to turn all those relationships into long-distance ones. Not to mention that your school and castle will also need looking after too. Is... Is that alright with you?" Fizzlepop asked, unable to hide all the nervousness from her voice.
"Well, it's just one more hiccup to figure out. I'll let you know what I can do."
"Thank you for the consideration, Princess. So... You think this thing will still be as active?" Fizzlepop asked, motioning to the map with a hoof.
"I'm honestly not sure. We'll need somepony to keep an eye on it, I suppose. Still don't like this thing, I take it?" Twilight asked.
"It sure is picky, I'll give it that. Didn't even alert us to Chrysalis spreading all those rumors."
"Well, maybe the map isn't as privacy-invading as your first impression led you to believe. Honestly, I don't believe it should have, anyway. Elevating ourselves above lies, rumors, and prejudice... We shouldn't need a supernatural map or tree to help us with that. No, that should be our own responsibility at all times."
"Wholeheartedly agreed, Princess. Now, I won't keep you any longer. I'll go check on the next train being loaded. Thank you again for hearing me out." Fizzlepop concluded with another bow, and turned and made her way out of the throne room.
After seeing another loaded train off towards the mountain valleys where Canterlot was, Fizzlepop returned to the castle, and took an hour to polish up her armor, as it had gotten a bit scuffed in all the moving that had been going on these past couple weeks. She had just finished applying the last coat of polish to her helmet when there was a knock at her bedroom door.
"Come on in." Fizzlepop replied as she put on her helmet, her mohawk mane popping up through the slat in back. The doorknob turned, and the door opened to reveal a towering white alicorn, who had to nearly duck below the top of the door frame to enter the bedroom.
"Major Fizzlepop, good to see you again." Celestia greeted upon entering.
"P-Princess Celestia," Fizzlepop stammered surprisingly, turning to her completely and offering a polite bow. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Lieutenant Colonel Speartip came to me this morning and informed me that Princess Twilight had requested to retain his services as head of the Canterlot E.U.P. He hasn't given her an answer yet, but according to her correspondence, none of the Ponyville squad will be transferring. Not even you, if he accepts."
"That's correct, Your Majesty."
"I just wanted to come and make sure that it wasn't due to any remaining ill will towards me. My sister and I will not be remaining in Canterlot." The Princess of the Sun pointed out.
Fizzlepop blinked and her face momentarily showed surprise.
"Princess Celestia, I never harbored any ill will towards you. Not then and certainly not now. You were only going to give me exactly what I had coming, before Twilight stepped in with her incredible act of mercy. There are still times I wonder if I've fully repaid her for what she did for me. That's why my decision to stay here was so hard. I don't want to leave her side, but I know she doesn't want to pull me away from the friends I've made here in Ponyville these past two years."
"Mm. Now that I can understand. It even gives me a bit of nostalgia when I left Twilight in Ponyville because she didn't want to leave her new friends. It led to where she is now."
"I know you wouldn't have any issue with me accompanying Princess Twilight to Canterlot, because you and your sister are leaving. But can you speak on the behalf of every citizen that I put in chains?" Fizzlepop asked, taking a seat on her bed.
"That is also fair, I suppose. No, I'm afraid I cannot." Celestia admitted.
"I know some time has passed, but I don't want any of Canterlot's populace to feel uncomfortable with my consistent presence. But mainly, the reason is... They admittedly had a back row seat to what happened up on the mountain, but Ponyville welcomed me with open hooves. Some members of my squad have come and gone, but it is still 100% a volunteer outfit. I don't want them to simply abandon their efforts here, I don't want them to move up the mountain just because Twilight did, and I don't want to leave the friends I've made in my time here. In addition to not wanting to put Speartip out of a position he has no doubt become very familiar with, I also wouldn't want to invite any difficulties that would almost certainly come if Canterlot's E.U.P., all of whom tried to defend Canterlot from me, suddenly had to answer to me."
"That's as good a reason as any, Major, and honestly, I'm not sure you'll ever be able to pay Twilight back. At least, not in the sense that you're probably thinking. I must admit, I wasn't going to give you a ghost of a chance after what you did to Canterlot, but she was willing to. I really wasn't sure what to think of that for the first few days after she took you from the throne room. But that is precisely why she is the Princess of Friendship and I am not. She sees a ray of hope, of light in ponies where others, even me in all my years, might see only darkness. I am nothing but optimistic for the reign of her and her friends."
Celestia took a seat next to Fizzlepop's bed, and looked her in the eyes.
"Because of that light that Twilight sparked in you, you've done some truly great things here over the last two years. I was wrong about you, Fizzlepop Berrytwist. I am absolutely ready to admit that now. You should be very proud of who you've become, and everything you've accomplished."
Fizzlepop smiled, and bowed her head in response.
"Thank you, Princess. That really means a lot, coming from you."
The rest of the day had gone pretty much as each and every day had for the past three weeks. Save for the large castle that was being moved out of, life in Ponyville went on as it always had. Now, it seemed they were finally finished. The very last of Princess Twilight Sparkle's non-daily belongings had been packed up and headed on the last evening train up to Canterlot.
Before she retired for the night, the Princess of Friendship had asked to see Fizzlepop in her private study. As she stepped closer to the doors, she could only assume that she had received a definitive answer up from Canterlot about this morning's request. Taking a breath, she knocked on the door, announcing her presence.
"Come on in." Came the almost immediate reply. Fizzlepop opened the doors, and walked into what was essentially Twilight's office, whenever she elected not to take care of her chosen work in the throne room. The room that had looked a bit more cluttered for the past two years now looked positively spotless, save for the oak desk that sat in the center of the room in front of the rear window. The bookshelves and filing cabinets had all been moved up to Canterlot a week ago.
"You wanted to see me, Princess?" Fizzlepop asked, coming to the front of the desk, and assumed the parade rest position.
"Yes, I did, Major." Twilight began, looking up from her current piece of parchment in front of her. "Please sit down." Twilight motioned to one of the two chairs on Fizzlepop's side of the desk. The unicorn did so immediately. Twilight cleared her throat.
"Fizzlepop, I've thought long and hard about what you told me today in the throne room. Simply put, I couldn't imagine being in Canterlot without you."
Fizzlepop's ears drooped just momentarily as she remained composed in her chair.
"But I'm certainly going to have to figure out how." The Princess continued.
The unicorn's lips couldn't help but curl up in a smile.
"As the Princess of Friendship, I wouldn't dream of pulling the head of Ponyville's EUP away from all the friends she has made over the last two years. So I've prepared a couple things..."
Twilight reached into her right desk drawer, and pulled out a small, polished oak box, opened it, and slid it across to Fizzlepop, who picked it up, her eyes widening. Inside, was a pair of silver oak leaves; the insignia for the second highest field rank in the E.U.P. Guard. Twilight pushed her chair back, and got to her hooves, quickly followed by Fizzlepop.
"Major Berrytwist, your service to me, and to Ponyville, has been beyond exemplary. You are a fine officer, and an even better friend."
Twilight's horn lit up, and Fizzlepop heard soft metallic pops as the gold oak leaves on the sides of her neck guard that denoted her rank of Major were removed. They were levitated away as the two silver leaves were levitated out of the small oak box to replace them.
"By the power vested in me by the Township of Ponyville, and the sovereign nation of Equestria, I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto."
Twilight saluted her Captain of the Guard, and promptly got a crisp one in return. Then, Twilight sat back down, and rotated the piece of parchment she had been working on, and slid it to Fizzlepop's side of the desk.
"With a change like Equestria and Ponyville alike are going through right now, I figured your Oath could use some... Tweaking."
Fizzlepop grabbed the parchment with her magic, and read:
I, Fizzlepop Berrytwist, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Township of Ponyville, and Headmare Starlight Glimmer of Ponyville's School of Friendship against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, so help me gods.
Her smile couldn't help but widen.
"Thank you so much, Princess." Fizzlepop said, as she took the quill Twilight offered, and signed on the line at the bottom.
"Lieutenant Colonel Berrytwist, your standing orders are to protect and serve the Equestrian township of Ponyville and the School of Friendship. You are also to escort the local Friendship Council members to Canterlot Castle when it is convened once a month. Also, consider yourself a council member yourself, as you'll be participating as well."
With that, she walked around her desk, and threw her hooves around Fizzlepop as the tears threatening the corners of her eyelids finally spilled over.
"I'm going to miss you so much..." The Princess of Friendship sniffled as Fizzlepop returned the heartfelt hug.
"I won't be far," Fizzlepop reassured her. "I'll just be down the mountain. And it sounds like I'll be seeing you once a moon or more."
Twilight released her from the hug and wiped her eyes.
"I know, I guess it just seems farther away than I give it credit for. Nearly every day these past two years, I've seen you grow and discover more about friendship and yourself. It's the same with Starlight... I don't know how I'm going to handle not seeing you almost each and every day. But... I guess I'll have to find a way to manage. Well, enough is enough. I'll let you get to bed. I'm sure you need rest for tomorrow morning."
Fizzlepop smiled in return.
"Sleep well, Princess."
The quiet murmurs of the Ponyville morning were suddenly overtaken by a magnificent trumpet fanfare. The attention of the hundreds of ponies that had gathered at Ponyville Station for the formal farewell parade for Princess Twilight Sparkle was directed to the north, as the royal procession that had started at the castle was now closing in on the train that waited to take her to Canterlot. Instead of taking a small chariot like she had at her first coronation in Canterlot, she had opted to walk with her six friends through the entire parade route, stopping to shake hooves, hug, and sign autographs. It had started at the front doors of her Castle of Friendship, and made the route down to the marketplace, town hall, and through the south neighborhoods to the train platform, where the heaviest crowds were waiting.
Lieutenant Colonel Berrytwist had silently accompanied her the entire way.
A podium had been set up before the steps to the platform proper, and that's where most of the crowd had gathered. Between the podium and the steps, were two distinct sets of E.U.P. detachments. On the left, towards the Town of Ponyville, was the entire Ponyville E.U.P., and on the right, towards the waiting train and past that, the rolling prairie and hills of Ponyville's outskirts, was the Canterlot E.U.P. Honor Guard, led by Lieutenant Colonel Speartip. Once Princess Twilight was on board the train, she was their responsibility. Together, the two sets of guards formed a corridor to the steps of the train platform, where the caboose was waiting to receive the Princess of Friendship.
The cheers got louder as Twilight approached, and she took her time greeting and signing pictures for everypony who had come out to bid her farewell. As she slowly made her way towards the podium, Fizzlepop made her way up the stairs to the end of her side of the corridor, standing at attention as Princess Twilight stepped up to the podium, with Mayor Mare sitting off to the side by the Ponyville E.U.P., and the crowd finally started to die down as she prepared to speak.
"I will never, ever be able to truly express how much this town has meant to me, nor what it has done for me over the last few years." Twilight began, already getting choked up. "All of you are truly something magical and wonderful. You have all played a part in making me the Princess I am today. I can only hope I will do you proud in Canterlot, and not a day will pass by when I don't think about you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much."
Twilight took a step back from the podium and gave some final waves as the crowd erupted in cheers again. She turned, and looked at the stairs to the platform, and the two columns of guards on either side.
"Present arms!" Fizzlepop barked the drill command, and on the same beat, both Ponyville and Canterlot guards raised their hooves, spears, and staves in salute to the departing Princess as she walked between the two columns, and came up the stairs. She paused at Fizzlepop, who was holding her repaired aetherial staff at attention, while her other hoof held a salute.
"See you in a few weeks, Lieutenant Colonel." Twilight told her over the cheering crowd. Though she tried her best to remain on ceremony, she couldn't deny the Princess of Friendship.
"Safe travels, Princess. Thank you for everything." She replied with a smile, her saluting hoof and staff not moving an inch.
Princess Twilight blinked away the last of her tears, and turned towards the waiting caboose. The moment she was aboard, Fizzlepop ordered a parade rest, and the Canterlot E.U.P. began to file into the passenger cars ahead of the caboose. When everypony was aboard, the doors shut, and the locomotive's whistle gave a mighty cry, and the Friendship Express began to pull away from the station, with everypony present waving goodbye, and Pinkie Pie giving chase down the tracks.
Fizzlepop watched as Twilight came out onto the exterior rear of the caboose and waved her last goodbyes to the crowd, as she giggled at Pinkie.
Fizzlepop's eyes shot open, and she found herself in her bed. She sat up as quietly as she could, and listened for anything out of the ordinary as her eyes searched her darkened room as best she could.
"Tempest..." A gravelly voice called out.
She had known something felt off, felt wrong, and that confirmed it; she wasn't alone.
Lighting up the tip of her horn with a mote of light, she looked around the room for her staff, but couldn't find it. Cursing herself for probably forgetting it down in the barracks last night, she got up off of her bed and made a beeline for her door. She pulled it open and jumped out into the east wing hallway. Her head darted left, then right, finding nothing.
"Poor little Tempest... All alone..." The voice taunted.
Standing ready to strike at a moments notice, Fizzlepop continued to survey the empty hall for any sudden movement. As much as she strained to stay focused, there was something about the voice that seemed familiar... And unsettling.
"Come out, intruder!" She called out, her voice echoing over the floors and walls.
"Only I have the power to make you whole."
She inched down the hall, looking at the shadows and reflections in the crystal walls. After a dozen or so steps, she broke into a gallop towards the main hall, heart pounding against her chest. If she could get down to the barracks...
"Too slow!" The voice taunted, and she heard a faint but quickly approaching whistling behind her. She turned at the top of the stairs just in time to see a black glass sphere slam into her chest. The green crystal within exploded out in a cloud of gas.
She felt herself go numb, and was unable to move her legs as she saw them begin to crystallize into obsidian, a feeling that snaked up her body as she fell down the stairs. She tried to scream, but the crystallization had reached her chest and neck, and she found herself unable to breathe. Her hardened body flipped end over end one last time before landing hard on the marble floor at the base of the stairs, and she felt her form begin to crack and crumble.
"Knock knock, Tempest."
She shot up in bed in a sweat, and saw her horn fiercely glowing in the mirror of the adjacent dresser, about to fire off a spell. Taking a deep breath, she let the focused energy safely dissipate from her horn. She jumped slightly at a knocking at her door.
"L.C.? Everything okay?" A concerned stallion's voice asked.
"Who is it?" She asked, unsure of anything at the moment.
"Captain Thunderlane, ma'am." The voice replied, and suddenly her surroundings started to come back to her. She looked at the morning sun out the window, and then to the clock on her bed. 8 AM.
She had overslept. Again. Damn it all, that was the third time this week.
"Yeah, sorry. Give me a moment." She said, letting out another deep breath. She removed the blanket over her, and stepped onto the floor, going to her attached bathroom and taking a quick drink of water from the sink, and toweling off the sweat on her face, forehead and neck, before going back into her room and answering the door, seeing Thunderlane, who had taken one of the third shift patrols last night.
"Sorry about that, Captain. You look like you've had an interesting night. Report." Fizzlepop told the charcoal pegasus, noting the grass stains on his hoof guards.
"You're one to talk, L.C.," Thunderlane informally jabbed, noticing how unkempt his commanding officer looked in the doorway. "But I'll take you up on that. I made an arrest at Sweet Apple Acres late last night."
Fizzlepop scoffed.
"I must still be dreaming... You're being serious?" Fizzlepop added when Thunderlane's expression didn't change. That was new. They helped keep the peace at large gatherings, and occasionally had to help tipsy ponies home after one of Pinkie's more rowdy parties but actually taking a pony into custody? She couldn't recall that ever happening in her two years. Ponyville's crime rate was insanely low.
"Caught him with a bag full of apples on the orchard, picking them right off the trees. Fast one, too. Almost didn't catch him." Thunderlane continued.
"You told Applejack before coming to me?"
"Just got back. She and Mayor Mare are waiting for you at Town Hall. As for him, I've got him downstairs in one of our empty bunk rooms. Rivet's not letting him out of his sight. Ponyville doesn't have anything else remotely close to a jail cell." The pegasus reported.
"You good for a bit longer?" She asked him.
"Yes ma'am. Where do you need me?"
"Switch places with Rivet. If he tries anything, I'm betting you're the one who'll have the easiest time catching him. Send Rivet with a message to Mayor Mare's office, telling her I'll be there within the hour. I need to shower so I can think clearly."
"Aye, ma'am." Thunderlane saluted, before turning and heading down the hall. With that, Fizzlepop shut her bedroom door and went back to the bathroom, turning on the shower head. Quickly getting it to the best temperature, she stepped into the stream of water and let the last bits of hazyness from sleep wash away.
It had been just over a week since Princess Twilight had left for Canterlot, and things back here had not gone smoothly, at least not for her. Her restless nights had only gotten worse over the last nine days. From merely tossing and turning, to only getting a couple of hours of sleep at a time, and now unsettling dreams and nightmares were setting in, and everything was beginning to take their toll as the nights dragged on. She was very fortunate that she had drilled her small squad into a well-oiled machine that could occasionally function without her, because right now, she felt rusty and broken down. Thunderlane wasn't that thick-headed, he had to have known something was off about her.
After a few minutes in the shower, she felt marginally more awake, but she still wasn't going anywhere without coffee. She quickly dried off, went back into her room, tugged on her black body sleeve, followed by the plates of armor, the helmet last of all. Before leaving the room, she removed the blankets, sheets, and pillowcases from her bed and placed them in a small pile next to the nightstand; she'd have to make time for a load of laundry today, because last night had made her bedding damp and smell quite unpleasant. With that, she stepped out into the hall with a yawn, heading down to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee.
Admittedly, things had started to change well before Twilight's departure, too. After being made the School of Friendship's guidance counselor, Starlight had scaled back her role in the guard considerably. When she was offered the position of Headmare, she had officially resigned her commission as squad Battlemage, trying to let Fizzlepop down as gently as possible. She didn't have to do anything of the sort however, as the two of them were close friends, and she had assured Fizzlepop that she would jump in an instant to help in any emergency that required her expertise.
She hadn't been the only one. As her tenure as a Wonderbolt increased, Rainbow Dash had also resigned from the Ponyville E.U.P., and it made Fizzlepop wonder if Thunderlane wasn't too far behind. But so far, he hadn't mentioned any intention to depart yet. Rivet was one of her longest serving members, and enjoyed the duty, as well as the supplement to his construction paycheck. Grubber was still making the best food in the region, as well as helping run the cafeteria in the School of Friendship.
When it came to Twilight's closest friends, most of them had gotten on with their lives too. With Rainbow moving up the ranks of the Wonderbolts, she spent less and less time in town. Pinkie Pie helped out in Sugarcube Corner, but she was beginning to travel Equestria with fellow party planner Cheese Sandwich. On the days she was in town, Rarity was teaching Yona and Sandbar the basics of running Carousel Boutique, and when she wasn't she was at one of her other stores, either in Canterlot, Manehattan, or Las Pegasus. Applejack and Fluttershy were the only Elements of Harmony that were still local pretty much full-time, and Fizzlepop couldn't see either of them going anywhere anytime soon. Applejack had her family farm, and Fluttershy was entirely committed to her expanded animal sanctuary.
But for Fizzlepop, 'castle madness' had most certainly set in. She couldn't stand the emptiness. There was still a friendship feast every Saturday afternoon, and the E.U.P. still mostly gathered for chow, but apart from that, the day-to-day activity in the castle had most certainly died for the time being. When she retired for the night, she felt like the only pony in a mansion built for fifty, which was the case more often than not so far. Grubber was frequently her only company in here, but he had long been given his own room, right next to hers.
With a hot cup of coffee levitated in her magical grasp, she returned to the main hall, and exited the large front doors out into the Ponyville morning. Berryshine was out in front of the castle entrance, and Blossomforth was currently on watch in front of the School of Friendship.
The school was absolutely her favorite place to patrol and mingle this week; it was by far the most lively, even now, in the weeks before a new school year started. There was always something happening, whether it was summer classes, or a field trip, or simply redecorating or renovations for the new class came in.
Whenever she found herself alone in the castle, the knot she felt in her stomach was the most prominent. Out here in the bustle of Ponyville's morning, it was somewhat lessened, but still there regardless. Like her disintegrating sleep pattern, it had only worsened over the past week, and she was beginning to wonder if she should schedule a doctor appointment to see if anything was wrong. For now, it could wait. Having reached downtown, she entered town hall with a salute from Bulk Biceps, who was on watch for the day. She didn't have to ask to see Mayor Mare, for she was already out in the common area talking with Applejack.
"Good morning, Mayor Mare, Applejack. Sorry I'm late." Fizzlepop greeted, sipping at her coffee.
"Mornin' L.C. I'm sure grateful that Thunderlane was there when he was. I usually have to ward off timberwolves or gophers or rabbits, but fellow ponies? I have to admit, that's somethin' of a rarity."
Fizzlepop didn't mind the abbreviation since her promotion; she figured ponies might as well save the syllables to speed conversations along.
"His name is Damiadon Thunder." Mayor Mare began, opening a file folder. "Born in Las Pegasus, 20 years old... Bit of a rough history of drifting, from what the telegram we were wired this morning tells us. Nothing too serious, just a string of misdemeanors and a rejected Wonderbolts application."
"Miss Mayor, I have to confess, I believe this is the first time I've ever had to take a pony into custody. I'm not really sure on the procedure here." Fizzlepop admitted.
"Well, according to Applejack, and based on what Thunderlane recovered, this amounts to not even 25 bits of stolen produce. That's petty theft in every law book I've read." Mayor Mare answered.
"Applejack? This happened on your property. I'm open to suggestions. Ponyville doesn't exactly have places to keep him locked up, and I'm not sure if Speartip would laugh at me if I sent him up to Canterlot for incarceration over less than 25 bits." Fizzlepop told the farmer.
"Yeah, you're right about that. This isn't worth that much trouble, but maybe all this fella needs is some honest work to set him straight. It's your call, but if you want to bring him back to the Acres, we'll put him to work. We're in the middle of harvesting season, we could always use the extra help."
"If you think that's the best solution, I'll go take a look at this guy and bring him to you when I can." Fizzlepop told her.
"Sounds fair. I'll be there all day, bring him by anytime."
"Thank you very much, you two. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got meetings to get to. I trust you can handle it from here." Mayor Mare thanked them, before retreating back to her office, leaving Applejack and Fizzlepop to see themselves out.
"Say, are you alright, L.C.? You're looking a little rough around the edges." Applejack commented as they exited town hall back into the morning sun.
Part of Fizzlepop wanted to be annoyed at the remark, but decided to let it go. Element of Honesty and all.
"A bit of a rough night. Listen, are you sure bringing this punk back to your farm is a good idea? What's stopping him from taking off once I leave?" The unicorn asked.
"Oh, I think I've got somethin'. Rainbow's got a week off from the 'Bolts, and she's staying with me. I reckon she'll catch him even faster than Thunderlane did." Applejack answered.
Satisfied, the two mares went their separate ways for the time being, Applejack back towards the farm, and Fizzlepop back to the castle to check on its first prisoner in the history of ever.
'Rainbow staying on a farm for some time off? Now I've heard everything.'
Fizzlepop had returned to the castle just in time to see Derpy dropping off the day's mail with Berryshine.
"Morning, Derpy. Morning, Lt. Berryshine. I'll take that off your hooves." Fizzlepop greeted, taking the single piece of mail that Derpy had dropped off for them. She quickly ran the envelope along the tip of her staff, and pulled out the parchment within with her magic.
"What do we have, ma'am?" Berryshine asked as Fizzlepop began to read through the contents.
"Looks like an application. Haven't gotten one of those in awhile, a new recruit might finally mix thi... Oh you have got to be kidding me..." Fizzlepop's tone went from interested to flabbergasted in a single sentence.
"Ma'am? What's wrong with a new recruit?" Berryshine asked.
"Absolutely nothing, if it wasn't the featherbrained thief we've currently got downstairs... As you were, Lieutenant." Fizzlepop said, feeling a headache coming on as she ascended the stairs and shoved the front doors open.
There was that knot in her stomach again...
Grubber came out into the main hall from the kitchen after finishing up the dishes from this morning's chow.
"Hey, Fizzlepop. Did you leave without breakfast this morning? I could whip you up something if you like." The hedgehog offered.
"No thanks, Grubber. I'm not feeling hungry, and I've got a situation downstairs that I need to attend to. Sorry, maybe next time." The unicorn replied with a half-hearted smile and not even pausing in her gait as she headed for the basement.
Descending the cobblestone steps to the basement, she passed the training room and armory, and saw Thunderlane standing at the entrance to the second bunk room.
"Is he in there?" She asked him.
"Yes, ma'am. Napping, I believe." Thunderlane replied.
"Thank you, Captain. You are dismissed."
With a salute, Thunderlane trotted away from his post as Fizzlepop rounded the corner to the doorway, and saw the dark grey pegasus snoring on his back on the bottom bunk in the corner. Walking up to the bunk didn't rouse him in the slightest, so taking one last look at the application he had filled out before his apple swiping spree, Fizzlepop held her aetherial staff behind her shoulder, and brought it forward with force, whacking the closest pole of the steel bunk bed with a resounding clang.
Needless to say, Damiadon Thunder was up. He was so up that he smacked his head on the bottom of the top bunk.
"Oof! Owwwww!" He groaned as he rolled off to the side, and slumped to the stone floor of the bunk room, holding his head in pain.
Fizzlepop noticed that he had a striking resemblance to Thunderlane, except this pegasus' mane and tail was darker, longer, and not to mention mangier and more unkempt than any member of her squad.
"Damiadon Thunder?" She asked.
"Uggh... Yeah, that's me. Dami for short. Talk about a wake up call..." He said, sitting up and rubbing the top of his head.
"You can start by answering two questions. One, why did you steal produce from a very good friend of mine, and two, why did you think I would take a punk petty thief into my squad?" She demanded, her commanding voice reverberating off of the walls, which only seemed to exacerbate her growing headache, but she wasn't about to change her demeanor with this guy.
Continuing to rub the pain on his head away, Dami looked up at her with maroon eyes as he leaned up into a sitting position.
"I needed to eat, and I needed a job?"
Fizzlepop scoffed.
"Well, I've got a job for you, and needless to say, it has absolutely nothing to do with the E.U.P. Guard of Ponyville. Get up and follow me." She commanded, turning around and walking out of the bunk room, turning and waiting for him to follow.
"But ma'am, I can fly and fight. I'd be a great addition to your team." He protested as he got to his hooves, and came out into the hallway with her.
"Just because you can fight and fly, that doesn't make you E.U.P. material any more than it makes you Wonderbolt material." Fizzlepop brushed him off.
"I just figured if the Storm King's commander could get involved in the E.U.P., my chances gotta be good."
Fizzlepop leered at him for just a moment before lighting up her horn and shoving him against the cobblestone wall, lightly pressing the tips of her staff to his neck.
"Alright, listen up you sky dropping, I've had a rough morning, and you have reached the end of my patience. I'm not sure what you think you know about me, but trespassing and stealing isn't exactly an express application for my squad. Ponyville prides itself with its low crime rate, so I get a little cranky when some punk thief from out of town mucks that up. So you can come with me, do exactly as I say, or I can hogtie you and toss you in the baggage car of the next train up to Canterlot, where they certainly have the facilities to no longer make you one of my many headaches today. Do I make myself clear?" Fizzlepop asked, her snout millimeters from Damiadon's.
The pegasus nodded, trying not to get his neck pricked by the four prongs of the unicorn's staff. Seemingly satisfied her stare had burned a couple holes into his irises, she dropped him to the floor, and planted the bottom of her staff on the ground with a clang, making him wince. When he looked up at her, she merely pointed a hoof down the hall to the exit.
"Move." She commanded.
As Damiadon got to his hooves and began walking a few paces in front of her, she was glad the threat got to him. Truth be told, if Speartip took her seriously enough to jail a pony for 20 bits worth of petty theft, it probably wouldn't be for more than a week, then he'd be out and probably looking for his next mark. She was hoping Applejack was right; a little community service and honest work might be able to set him straight.
"Up the stairs and to the left." She barked at him, and they left the basement and came out into the main hall. They exited the castle once more out into the mid-morning daylight, and descended the stairs.
"So where are we going?" He asked her.
"Right back to where you stole from. Down that path. And if you're thinking about taking off into the sky, just know that the only thing between you and freedom is a few dozen rather explosive fireworks if you even as so much as spread your wings. Move." Fizzlepop commanded, so focused on the pegasus in front of her that she didn't notice Berryshine's widening eyes at her tone. She had rarely heard her commanding officer be this cross with anypony, let alone in public.
Damiadon didn't ask any further questions on the march out of town, though he tried to remark about the lovely vistas that the countryside provided. Fizzlepop ignored his attempts at small talk. Ten minutes later, they arrived at the front gates of Sweet Apple Acres, where Applejack was performing some fence maintenance.
"Hello again, L.C. And you must be our unexpected visitor from last night." Applejack greeted Fizzlepop, and less cordially, Damiadon.
"Here he is, Damiadon Thunder, your newest farmhoof. You said he got away with about 25 bits of produce?" Fizzlepop asked the farmer.
"Sounds about right." Applejack answered, nodding.
"Then how about you try and get 100 bits worth of labor out of him, as a start." Fizzlepop replied. While Applejack wasn't quite expecting a request like that, she didn't let it show in front of their guest.
"I'll see what I can do. Now Damiadon, if you work hard, you'll get three hot meals a day, and a warm place to lay your head at night. Sound like a fair deal for community service?" She asked the pegasus.
"Well, I've had worse offers." He replied, only to hear a sparking sound coming from the horn of the armored unicorn behind him as she bit her lip frustratingly.
"Uh, I mean, thank you for the opportunity to pay you back for what I took from your land?" He immediately added nervously, as a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail came down from the clouds and landed next to Applejack.
"You're welcome. Now, Rainbow here will show you where you'll be staying, and also where you'll be working today. Follow her, and don't try anything funny. You don't want to get on her bad side." Applejack warned.
"Lucky I don't pound you into the dirt right now..." Rainbow spat, her tail flicking in annoyance, having heard about what happened last night.
"Now Rainbow, I only want you to pound him into the dirt if he starts slacking off." The farmer replied, getting a satisfying gulp out of him in return. With that, the two pegasi walked off towards the barn, and AJ turned her attention to the moody Fizzlepop.
"Were you serious about that, L.C.? I'm all for making him work off what he took, but four times that?" Applejack asked.
"Yeah. He actually applied to join my squad before he pulled this little stunt. If he thinks he has what it takes to do that, then a week's worth of harvest should be a walk in the park for him. I'll check in later on, see how he's doing."
"I see. Well, you understand that once I get 25 bits worth of work out of him, I'll have to start paying him." Applejack said.
"Don't pay him a bit. Just come to me at the end and tell me how much I owe him, I'll take it out of the squad's petty fund... But you know, don't tell him that. As long as he doesn't cause anymore trouble in town, make him your newest scarecrow if you think it'll help set him straight. Like I said, I'll check back in a few days."
With that, Fizzlepop turned and headed back towards town.
The dining room was quickly becoming one of Fizzlepop's least favorite places in the castle. She glanced at the clock, and saw that it was 2130 hours, and she was the last pony sitting here at the tables. Her eyes fell from the wall clock back down to the plate of food that she had barely touched; this was why she was growing to despise the dining hall; every single one of Grubber's plates looked divine enough to feature in a 5-star restaurant, and for the past week, she couldn't bring herself to eat barely any of it. He had managed to keep meals fresh and exciting over an entire year of running the kitchen, always bringing back squad favorites once or twice a week. Local eateries had started to take notice of the word spreading around town, and had so far unsuccessfully tried to poach the hedgehog out of the castle kitchen and into theirs; he had even once gotten an offer from Canterlot.
Her eating habits had decreased to a few bites every meal, and forcing herself to be clandestine when she took her plate to the kitchen only made her feel worse. She knew Applejack never minded getting castle leftovers for her pigs, but lately she felt like it was nevertheless wasting food, and thus the effort that Grubber had put into it. And it wasn't like she felt hungry through her shift... she just didn't feel like eating lately.
With a sigh, she pushed her chair out from the table and got up, silently taking her plate to the kitchen, putting it in the fridge for leftovers if she felt any hungrier in the morning. With that, she shut off the kitchen light and walked out of the dimly lit west wing hallway, her hoofsteps echoing on the crystal floor. Stepping out into the main hall, she headed back to the foyer, passing Amethyst on her nightly patrol, nodding in greeting, before heading upstairs and into the east wing, to her bedroom. Having already removed her armor before dinner, it was only a matter of drinking a few sips of water in the bathroom, before she crawled into bed for the night.
Her eyes shot open. There it was again, that overwhelming sense of dread. She quickly shot up in bed, and lit up her horn. The staff in the adjacent corner of the room glowed, and she summoned it to her grasp as she got out of bed.
"You know, you've been leading me on quite the chase," the malevolent voice echoed through the walls. She galloped to the door, yanked it open, and cast illuminare as she leapt out into the hallway, and a brilliant spotlight shone out from the tip of her horn.
She wished it made her feel better, but the light from her horn made the hallway shadows all the more pronounced as she made her way towards the main hall.
"I could use someone like you. Smart. Talented. Driven."
"Never!" She shot back as she arrived at the main foyer, skidding to a halt on the first set of stairs as they split off into the east and west wings, as well as the second floor balcony ringing the foyer. With her Illuminare spell, her head darted every which way, looking for an attack from any conceivable angle, as the disembodied voice laughed.
A shadow passed over her, sending her gaze back towards the east wing from which she came. Out of the pitch black, came two brilliant opal eyes and a pair of elongated black horns. Another two steps, and the towering form of the white-coated, black-armored satyr came into the full illumination of her light.
"Come then, Tempest," The Storm King taunted, planting the bottom of the Staff of Sacanas on the marble floor, sending a chilling reverberation through the entire hall.
"Show me what you can really do."
He acted first, leaping into the air over the flight of stairs, staff over his head, and brought it down towards the unicorn. She brought her aetherial staff up in a defensive position, holding it horizontally over her head to block the blow as she was forced to take steps back up the opposite flight of stairs. He landed on the carpet with a thud, and was ready with a second swing. Fizzlepop was ready, leaping back up another three stairs, and countered. The Storm King merely leaned back out of the way. With his towering form, even the stairs didn't give Fizzlepop even a second's advantage of height. He thrust forward, and she deftly sidestepped, countering again and slamming the front end of the Staff of Sacanas into the floor as she took another three steps back to remain just out of reach as he also started to ascend the west wing staircase.
"Haha, it's like you're not even trying! This was the pony I put in charge of my invasion?! Talk about a personnel slip-up!" The Storm King taunted.
It didn't take her more than a few moments to realize she was being toyed with. The swings she was able to counter forced her to take more steps back, and then there were times he didn't even attempt to get around her staff, and swung full force into it, and the force of the blows likewise forced her back even further if it meant keeping a hold on her weapon. He was in complete control, and she was barely able to maintain a defense as she was pushed back along the second floor towards the exterior balcony.
"Let's get this storm started!"
He swung out to the right, and was blocked, but he had anticipated the move, drew the Staff of Sacanas back just far enough to slip by her block, and thrust forward, jabbing the jeweled tip of Sacanas into her chest, giving her a paralyzing shock. He cackled menacingly as lightning surged through her.
"Deliver the punchline, Tempest, because this has gotta be a joke!" The Storm King pulled the staff back, brought it around his shoulder, and swung forward with all his might before Fizzlepop could recover from the jolt.
There was an earsplitting crack as the staff made contact with the tip of her horn, emitting a shockwave that sent her flying backwards and smashing through the doors to the front exterior balcony. She cried out in pain as she flew through the air and landed on the balcony, rolling over the shards from the stained glass door. She heard her staff land on the marble floor with a metallic clang as she came to a stop, and in front of it, just outside the remains of the door, she saw the smoldering top half of her horn, moments before the Storm King crushed it to dust as he stepped out onto the balcony.
"Ba-ba-ba-BOOM baby!" He shouted, rising the Staff of Sacanas above his head, lightning surging forth into the night sky. Thunder rumbled as Tempest struggled to get to her hooves. Sparks of blue energy spat from her horn uselessly as she tried to telepathically reach for her staff. The moment she was able to get to a standing position, she felt herself forced back by a violent wind, and lifted up into the air moments before colliding with the railing. She reached out and clung onto it for dear life as the raging tornado between the castle and the rest of Ponyville touched down on the ground behind her.
"Where's your precious princess to save you now?!? Hahaha!!!" The Storm King laughed triumphantly.
"No... No...!" Fizzlepop pleaded as she felt her grip loosening. The deafening wind finally became too much, and the crystal railing slipped from her grasp.
"Twilight!!!" She cried out as she was carried off into the storm.
"Enough!" A commanding, feminine voice called out over the storm. Suddenly, the violent winds seemed to die down, and before she could fall to the Ponyville streets below, she felt herself caught in the grasp of a larger pony, and risked opening her eyes, and saw Princess Luna glide back down to the balcony, set her gently down, and saw her horn glow a brilliant, blinding white In a flash, the sickening skies had been replaced with a clear starry calm, and the Storm King vanished. Lastly, she reached a hoof up to her forehead, and confirmed that her horn was still intact, and finally let out a deep breath, along with some tears.
"P-Princess Luna..." Fizzlepop began, trying to get herself under control. "H-How are you here? I... I thought..."
"I have maintained a connection to the realm of dreams, so that I may provide aid to struggling ponies. For the vast majority of the last millennium of my sister's reign, I was imprisoned in the moon, so it didn't feel right to resign my obligations of watching over my sleeping subjects. If it were solely up to Princess Twilight all the time, I fear that she would get no rest at all." The Princess of the Night replied.
Fizzlepop wiped her eyes, lit up her horn, and levitated her staff that had been dropped inside the doorway to the balcony, pulling it to her, taking hold of it and planting it on the floor of the balcony, leaning forward on it.
"Is everything alright, Fizzlepop? The single most noticeable disturbance in the dream realm is recurring nightmares. This is not the first night, is it?" Luna asked, taking a seat next to her.
"More like night five or six..." Fizzlepop answered as she stared out onto the now peaceful Ponyville night. "Things have slowly been getting worse. A knot in my stomach that I can't explain, going absolutely stir crazy in this castle... Sometimes going an entire day with hardly eating a thing."
The unicorn sighed through her nose, and glanced at Luna.
"I don't know what's wrong with me. I've never felt like this before." Fizzlepop confessed.
"Not even when you left home the first time?" Princess Luna asked her.
"Honestly, I think I was too angry and bitter over what had happened to me to care all that much."
"These feelings have coincided with Twilight departing for Canterlot. 'Leaving the nest' can be a considerable struggle for young mares and stallions. You're leaving those who have watched over you your entire life."
"But I haven't gone anywhere. Twilight did. I'm hardly alone on a day-to-day basis, that's obvious, but... It still feels like I am. It still hurts." Fizzlepop admitted, her expression turning sorrowful.
"Perhaps if you were too bitter to feel any kind of homesickness or separation anxiety from your parents or friends when you left your hometown, maybe that's what you're going through now. No doubt you had to grow up impossibly fast to survive beyond our borders when you were younger. Maybe your mind is taking a few steps back to feel now what it couldn't feel then. With everything Twilight has done for you; offered you friendship, spared you from our judgement, given you a home and a purpose... Is it so far-fetched to consider, that perhaps a part of your subconscious has latched onto her as a child would a parent or guardian?" The Princess of the Night asked.
Fizzlepop had never considered it before, but she listened to Princess Luna's words, and took them to heart. A guardian? Yes, absolutely. The image of Twilight defiantly standing between her and Celestia's sentence was forever etched in her mind. Then she brought her down the mountain and gave her a shelter and a future. Once she was set on her path down here as Captain of Ponyville's E.U.P., she had gotten through the initial days with her reassurances and encouragement. Princess Twilight had become much more than a friend; she had been her guide and guardian for two years now.
"So what do I do? I mean, I can't go up to Canterlot chasing after her every time I start to feel this way."
"You are correct, that is probably not the best, nor most practical solution. But a solution must be sought if your nightmares are to cease. There are times to lean on others, Fizzlepop, and there are times to stand on your own. You did so before with a young, cold heart. Perhaps now you must go back and learn to do it over again with a warm, compassionate one. You never gave yourself the chance to cope with separation as a younger pony. Maybe now you should set aside some time to do so. As for how, well, that is what you must find out. Like you said, Princess Twilight has departed, but you are hardly alone. Seek solace from your friends and colleagues. Good luck, Fizzlepop."
With a flap of her wings, Princess Luna took to the night sky, ascended to the moon, and vanished. Fizzlepop took one more breath, and the balcony under her hooves and staff fell away, sending her into a free fall into blackness.
Fizzlepop bolted up in her bed, returning to the waking world. Taking a deep breath, she glanced over at her clock, and saw that she hadn't been asleep even four hours, and once again found herself and her bed a damp, sweaty mess. Running a hoof through her mane, she got up to get a drink of water.
It hadn't even been two weeks since Twilight had left.
After she had gulped down a glass of water at the bathroom sink, she set the tumbler down on the counter, and looked at herself in the mirror, and shivered. She no longer saw the esteemed E.U.P. Captain looking back at her; nor the wanderlust who had seen far more of this world than most Equestrians ever would.
All she saw was the scared little unicorn filly coming out of that cave. Her emotions bubbled to the surface and she couldn't stop further tears from escaping her eyes as she turned from the mirror, shut off the bathroom light, and returned to her bed, curling up, and softly crying herself back to sleep.
Grubber came out from the kitchen and found Fizzlepop as the only remaining pony in the dining room following breakfast service.
"Hey, Fizzlepop, are you doing alright?" Grubber said, coming up to the table with a small stack of strawberry pancakes, climbing up to his chair and sitting down next to her as she poked at her half-eaten hash browns.
"I just had a rough night, that's all." Fizzlepop answered.
"Well, I think it's been a few rough nights, based on what I've heard."
The unicorn shot her friend an annoyed look, before returning her gaze to her half-eaten breakfast. Apparently these crystal walls weren't as thick or as soundproof as she'd like.
"Yeah, I'm not sleeping well..." Fizzlepop admitted.
"And you seem to have lost your appetite, too. Sorry, it's pretty hard for the castle chef not to notice." Grubber added, pointing to the food on her plate.
"Princess Luna was luckily able to help me last night. It's more than missing friends. It's like... Kinda like homesickness, but different. When you stay home but somepony else left."
"Princess Twilight?"
"Yeah. I miss her, Grubber. Like, really, really badly."
"Hey, I get it," Grubber sympathized. "She's done so much for us, starting with saving your life, and now that's she's not here on a daily basis anymore, yeah, being affected by the absence is pretty understandable."
"It's a bit more complicated than that. I left home when I was pretty young. I was too angry to really go through any kind of homesickness back then. I didn't really miss my parents or my former friends. So Luna suggested that... Maybe that's what I'm going through now, with Twilight, and that I should find ways to cope the way a younger pony would. I'm just trying to figure out what to do about it. And I guess I have to, with what Thunderlane and Rivet said to me yesterday."
Grubber did hear whispers that two of her most senior officers had cornered her in the barracks after dinner yesterday...
"L.C., we don't exactly know what's wrong, and you don't have to share details with us, but we both feel like you need to take a day or two for yourself. You look like hell." Thunderlane said directly.
"I'm fine, Captain."
"We also hope you respect your squad enough to not blatantly lie about your well-being to our faces like that, ma'am." Rivet interjected.
Fizzlepop's ears began to fold back, and she couldn't look either of them in the eyes.
"Berrytwist, we know how much you care about this squad, and in return, we care about you too much to let you do this to yourself. You don't need to share anything with us that you don't want to, but at the same time, we feel that you need to take some time to get some personal things sorted. Now are you going to do us that courtesy, or do we have to get Redheart to declare you medically unfit? You know I'm not above doing that." Thunderlane said.
The pegasus' tone was caring and full of worry, not threatening. She absolutely knew he would resort to that if he felt forced to.
Saying nothing, she nodded silently, and removed her helmet.
"Alright. You win, Captain."
Grubber gave it some thought as he finished off the last of his pancakes, while Fizzlepop mainly just moved three quarters of her uneaten pancakes around her plate.
"Actually, that gives me an idea for after today's Friendship Feast. Speaking of which, Thunderlane, Gallus, and I have to get started on that." Grubber said, taking his plate to the kitchen. When he returned, Fizzlepop had found it in herself to take one more bite before deciding she was done.
"Want me to help out at all?" Fizzlepop asked.
"No no, this is your day off. You do whatever you like to unwind, and I'll be back in a few. Don't worry about me."
With that, Grubber left the dining hall towards the kitchen, leaving Fizzlepop to scrape the rest of her breakfast into the waste bucket, and take her plate to the kitchen and give it a quick rinse, where the hedgehog, pegasus, and griffon had already gotten started for the weekly community luncheon every Saturday.
Deciding to take Luna's advice, Fizzlepop decided her first stop of the day would be the School of Friendship. Exiting out of the main doors into the Ponyville morning, she noted that this was the first time in a very long time that she was outside without her armor. Trotting down the steps and turning towards the school, both Berryshine and Blossomforth had to check themselves, as saluting a superior that was out of uniform was deemed inappropriate.
The unicorn stepped through the School of Friendship's main entrance, and saw just under a dozen ponies doing a variety of tasks, from hanging welcome banners and painting and polishing walls and fixtures. The first day of classes was just about three weeks away, and Ponyville's population was set to jump considerably for the school's second year. She made her way down the main hall towards Administration, and went to the Headmare's Office. The door was open, so she knocked on the door frame to announce her presence, and Starlight Glimmer looked up from the current paperwork on her desk.
"Fizzlepop, well isn't this a surprise. Come in, come in. What can I do for you?" Starlight greeted, magically pushing a chair out for her on the other side of the desk.
"Morning, Starlight. I'm hoping you and I can talk for a minute, if you have the time." Fizzlepop replied, taking a seat.
"I have more time than you think. I was actually just wrapping things up here. Sunburst insisted I take a breather today." Starlight said.
"Heh, so you and I are in the same boat already."
"What do you mean?" The headmare asked.
"I'm not sure how much you know, but I've pretty much been placed on unofficial medical leave while I figure out how to put some pieces together. You were the first friend to come to mind because I remember how you told me that our fillyhoods were somewhat similar."
Starlight used her magic to softly close the door to her office, locking it.
"I'm glad to know they said something, because I was getting pretty close to doing so myself. I'm all ears, Fizzlepop." She said, pouring two mugs of cocoa, an old habit from her days as a counselor, sliding one to her friend's side of the desk.
"How have you been these past couple weeks? Since Princess Twilight left?" Fizzlepop asked.
"I can't exactly complain. Getting the school ready for the new year has kept me plenty busy." Starlight replied.
"Do you miss Twilight at all?"
"Every day."
Fizzlepop scoffed.
"How are you dealing with it? Because I'm barely functioning... I'm hardly eating, that empty castle's driving me nuts, four hours of sleep a night if I'm lucky, nightmares... Luna had to swoop in and rescue me last night."
Fizzlepop averted her gaze and ran a hoof through her mohawk as she poured her heart out to the former counselor.
"Now it's gotten to the point that my squad has sidelined me for fear of my health until I figure this out. Luna told me that it might have to do with how young I was when I left home; that Twilight's departure is making me go through this because I didn't when I was a filly."
Starlight took another sip of cocoa as she took in Fizzlepop's words.
"Well, I know how I said that our fillyhoods were similar, but there is no doubt in my mind that you had it harder. After Sunburst left, I stayed at home, sheltered, with my magic. You were around the same age when you left Equestria, with no stable magic. How you managed to survive out there is beyond me."
"Mostly by sleeping where I could, making money where I could, and stealing my next meal when I couldn't make any."
"Exactly. Every day was a struggle for you. I think Luna is right; your mind couldn't afford to go through detachment or separation anxiety because it had to focus everything on surviving."
"So we're too different?" Fizzlepop asked.
"Well, there could be similarities. Maybe what helped me could help you. When Twilight took me in, yeah, I fell back into the comforts I enjoyed when I was younger. You've seen my room, Fizzlepop. Does it look like the room of a battlemage or school headmare? No, it looks like it belongs to a 10-year old filly."
"Yeah, that's true."
"I always enjoyed flying kites when I was a filly, and I still do it today. What did you enjoy? Don't think about it too hard, just name the first thing that pops into your mind." Starlight asked.
"Playing ball with my friends." Fizzlepop replied.
Starlight smiled softly.
"Well, I think I have the perfect thing for you. I was planning on doing it anyway. You up for a game of Buckball?"
"What's Buckball?"
Starlight had taken Fizzlepop back to Sweet Apple Acres, and walked along the fence line. Towards the southwest end of the property between the dirt road and the hills of apple orchards was a clearing with a large white painted circle on the grass, with smaller circles painted inside it dividing it into smaller zones, and a center line splitting the court in half.
"This is a buckball court. It's a game played by all three races at once." Starlight told Fizzlepop as they stepped onto the court, the center of which had been played on so much that it had been stamped down to the dirt.
"Heh, you actually managed to get here first." They heard a familiar voice coming over the hill. Applejack came over from the barn followed by Damiadon and Big Mac, who was pushing a small cart with rubber balls and wooden buckets.
"And I brought a sixth, too." Starlight replied, motioning to Fizzlepop. "I was just starting to explain to her how the game works, she's a first-timer."
Starlight lit up her horn, and brought over a bucket and a ball over to the two of them.
"Like I was saying, it takes all three races to play. The kickoff is in the center circle, over there." Starlight began, pointing to the smallest circle in the middle. "The earth ponies are on offense. Their role is to kick the ball into their team's basket. The pegasus are on defense. They guard the opposing team's basket. They can use their wings, hooves, heads, and bodies to block an incoming ball, but cannot interfere with the bucket in any way, or fly into the unicorn's play area. As you can imagine, the unicorns are the goalkeepers. They can levitate the buckets anywhere in their play area. If a ball is scored, they pass the ball back to their kicker. Rounds last five minutes. Sound simple enough?" Starlight asked as she took a second bucket and offered the first one to Fizzlepop.
"I... Think so?" Fizzlepop asked, taking the first bucket in her magical grasp.
"It's alright, L.C., it makes more sense in actual play. Let's get some practice rounds in. Big Mac and Rainbow can be on your team. Starlight, Dami, you're over here." Applejack directed. Once everypony was in their positions, they had the first kickoff. Applejack got the first touch, and sent it towards Starlight's basket, only to be deflected by Rainbow down to Big Mac, who kicked it up, and Fizzlepop quickly lined her bucket up with the ball's arc. But a split-second before it sunk in, it was caught by Damiadon, who rolled into the trajectory and tossed it back to Applejack as he completed his roll and dipped back towards the center.
'Huh. Whad'dya know, I guess the punk does know a thing or two about flying.' Fizzlepop thought to herself.
With the two agile pegasi on defense, it was a fairly low-scoring round, with the first point going in Fizzlepop's bucket at the three-and-a-half minute mark, with a low shot that nearly hit the ground before Fizzlepop scooped it up just in front of the boundary line, and before Damiadon could dive down and block it.
"Nice aim!" Fizzlepop told Big Mac.
"Eeeyup. Nice reaction time." The red stallion replied.
It was certainly more intense and complex than playing catch years and years ago, but after a 45 minutes of playing 8 rounds, they were ready for a meal, and to her surprise, Fizzlepop felt and heard her stomach growl in hunger.
"Well, that was a nice break, and after lunch, we're gonna get back to work. Thanks for the game, you two." Applejack said as Dami and Big Mac packed up the buckets and balls.
"Hey, AJ, Dash? Can I talk to you for a second?" Fizzlepop asked once she was confident Dami and Big Mac had gotten out of listening range.
"I'm gonna head over to Fluttershy's in a minute, but how's he doing?" She asked the two of them.
"Honestly? Not bad." Rainbow admitted. "The reason we were able to take this game break today was because of how we've gotten a little ahead of schedule with his help."
"Yeah, once he started workin', his attitude seemed to improve, and with a bit of small talk over the course of the last week, we've learned a bit about his life. He ain't such a bad guy, he's just had a lot of bad luck. So maybe all he needs is a little hoof up." Applejack added.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that." Fizzlepop said, only for her stomach to growl again.
"And I'm glad to hear that." Starlight commented.
"Here," Applejack began, digging into the saddlebags she had put back on, and came out with an apple granola bar. "Something for the walk to Fluttershy's." She finished as she tossed the snack to Fizzlepop before she and Rainbow followed Big Mac and Dami's trail back to the farmhouse.
"I'm gonna head back into town for a bite to eat. You gonna be alright?" Starlight asked.
"Yeah," Fizzlepop replied, nodding and already starting into the granola bar. "Thanks, Starlight. I think this really started to help."
Starlight came in for a quick hug.
"Happy to do it. Come to me anytime you want to fly a kite."
By the time Fizzlepop had climbed the first and only hill to Fluttershy's cottage, she had finished the granola bar AJ had given her, and her stomach was satisfied for now. She saw Ponyville Tower on the next hill, and the home of the resident animal caretaker off on the right, before the treeline of the Everfree Forest began. She walked up the path, walking past all manner of birdhouses that had been set up in the trees in the front and side yards, and came up to the front door, and knocked. There was a small chattering of woodland critters in response, before the door was opened and Fluttershy greeted her.
"Oh, hello Fizzlepop. Come on in." The pegasus greeted, a bit surprised to see the orchid unicorn out of her armor. Fizzlepop stepped through the doorway, and took in the relative zoo that was Fluttershy's den.
"I was just about to start some afternoon tea. Would you like some?" Fluttershy asked, trotting over to her kitchen.
"Yeah, that sounds great. I came here to see if I could get a bit of advice." The unicorn replied as she heard the pouring of water and clinks of ceramic china, moments before Fluttershy came out with a silver platter containing tea service for two, and a plate of small, diagonally cut cucumber sandwiches.
"Certainly. What can I help you with?" Fluttershy asked as she sat down in the right chair and invited Fizzlepop to sit in the left as she poured two cups of ginseng tea.
"Well..." Fizzlepop began as she accepted the teacup in her magical grasp after the pegasus had offered it to her. "I guess I'm wondering what you as the Element of Kindness do after you've had a stressful or bad day. Like, how do you unwind and relax?" She asked, taking a sip of tea.
"Well, I doubt my Element has very much to do with it. I have bad days just like anypony else." Fluttershy admitted.
"And a string of bad days? Or a bad week?" The unicorn asked.
"Well, I think I can guess where this is going. You're looking for ways to de-stress? So that a bad day doesn't turn into another one?"
Fizzlepop nodded, taking a bite of cucumber sandwich.
"It's gotten bad enough where my squad has noticed, so I'm kinda taking some time off until I can figure out how not to let it affect me so much."
"Let what affect you so much?" Fluttershy asked.
"Twilight being up in Canterlot. I haven't been coping with that too well. I've never dealt with anything like it before. I left home at such a young age and had to focus so hard on surviving from day to day that my mind really never had an opportunity to miss home. So I think I have to find a ways to de-stress and unwind like a filly would. So I was looking for ideas."
"Well, if my animals aren't helping when I'm feeling down, sometimes I read, or go to the spa, or listen to music." Fluttershy told her.
"Music?"
"Oh yes. Music can touch us and affect us in ways that nothing else can. It can energize us, put us to sleep, help us reflect... The magic of music. Just like friendship. You can't see it, but it's definitely there. You can feel it." Fluttershy said as she went over to a record player she had on a small shelf in the corner. She leaned down and started sorting through the dozens of record sleeves she had on the shelf below, before turning around with one selected and in her wing. She came back over to Fizzlepop and offered it to her. She took it in her magic, and looked at the cover.
"Songbird Serenade..." She read. She recognized the pony on the cover from the Friendship Festival in Canterlot, but had never remembered her name.
"She's one of the most famous singers in Equestria right now. I think you might like some of the songs on that album. I'm pretty sure Twilight left a player somewhere in the castle. If not, I'm sure you can get one from the school, or even go buy one from Frying Pans and Record Players downtown. Who knows, you might even find yourself dancing."
"I was never much of a dancer." Fizzlepop confessed.
"You don't have to be, especially if you're on your own. It's another outlet for energy and emotion. I love singing, but I almost never do it in public, except if it's with the Ponytones for a special event. For somepony like you, think of it like physical training. Just go with the flow."
"Well, I'm willing to try and see what works." The unicorn replied, finishing off her tea.
"And also, for somepony like you, another piece of advice. I know that when you're on duty, you have to be tough and reserved and all that. So, maybe a way to unwind like a filly would is to take a little time for yourself, each day, and be vulnerable for a little bit." Fluttershy suggested.
"Like I said... Whatever works. Thanks for the tea and sandwiches, and the record." Fizzle repeated.
"Happy to do it. I hope it helps!"
With the tea and a couple cucumber sandwiches, Fizzlepop figured she was good until dinner. She was glad that buckball had gotten her appetite back, but right now she was afraid she was going to rebound after another bad night. Hopefully Fluttershy was onto something here.
It was a quick trot back to Ponyville, and the populace was either going about their afternoon errands, or starting to get together for dinner. As Fizzlepop rounded the next corner, and the front doors of the castle came into view, she saw Grubber enter the main hall, shutting the doors behind him, and she was fairly certain she saw him carrying a gift bag that was taller than he was. Her curiosity piqued, she made her way down the main road, and passed Berryshine on the way up the stairs, and entered the main hall in time to see Grubber start to climb the stairway to the second floor, looking very much like he had when he had carried the loudspeaker down her airship's boarding ramp.
"Grubber?" She called, getting his attention. He paused on the fourth step, turning back to her, peaking around the right side of the bag.
"Hey Fizzlepop. How's your day off been so far?" He asked, coming down the steps onto the red carpet.
"Pretty good, I'm starting to feel a little better. Say, what have you got there?" She asked, coming up to him. Whatever was inside was obscured by a few layers of tissue paper.
"For you." Grubber answered, letting go of the bag once he saw the unicorn's magic take hold of it and lift it from his arms.
"Thanks... What did you get me?" Fizzlepop asked.
First she removed the pieces of tissue paper, then began to magically tug at what looked like to be a purple throw pillow. She began to pull it out of the bag, and then began to notice the details. First she noticed the ears. Then the mane. She got as far as the expertly embroidered eyes before she quickly stuffed the Princess Twilight Sparkle plush back into the bag and was darting her head around making sure nopony else was in the foyer.
"Grubber!" She whispered with wide eyes, her cheeks turning a most delightful shade of red. "Where did you get this?"
"Plushies and Pillows, east side of town." He answered calmly. This had been the home of the Princess of Friendship for some time, there were at least a half dozen places that sold varying styles of Twilight Sparkle dolls.
"You honestly think the head of the Ponyville E.U.P. should be seen with something like this?" Fizzlepop whispered, not wanting her voice to echo, as her cheeks tinted further.
"Um, no? So don't go parading around town with it, duh." The hedgehog answered nonchalantly. The unicorn didn't look entirely convinced as she peeked at the bag's contents a second time. "I mean, you told me how you might need to find ways to cope the way a younger pony would, so I thought I'd get you the first coping mechanism that came to my mind. Should... Should I take it back...?" Grubber asked nervously.
Fizzlepop looked in the bag a third time, sighed softly, and looked back at the hedgehog in front of the stairs.
"No. Thank you, Grubber." She said, bending down and pulling him into a hug. "I'm gonna go listen to this record Fluttershy lent me. Did we keep any record players in here during the move?" She asked.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure there's one in the east wing study. Have fun. I'm gonna get dinner started. It'll be ready in about a half hour."
With that, now that he wasn't dropping Fizzlepop's gift off in her bedroom, he headed down the west wing hallway on the first floor, to the kitchen, while Fizzlepop continued up to the second floor. With the east study a bit farther down the hall, she made a quick stop at her bedroom to drop the gift bag at the side of her bed, and grab her staff, then continued on with the record onto the study, which was four doors down past her room. She went inside, flipped on the light, and closed the door. The shelves had all been emptied of their contents in the move up to Canterlot, but sure enough, there on the end table between the two chairs was a record player. Removing Fluttershy's record from its sleeve, she placed it on the turntable, making sure the speed was at the correct setting, turned it on, and gently grabbed the tone arm with her magic, and set it gently down on the record.
After hearing the beginning three piano chords of the song, she immediately recognized it; it was the one that she had done a few fireworks spells for at the Friendship Festival.
I know you, you're a special one Some see crazy where I see love You fall so low but soar so high Big dreamers shoot for open sky
While she had initially started gently rocking with the piano chords, when the drumbeats started, she started nodding to the beat, remembering how she saw the crowd do before Twilight had come over to her.
So much life in those open eyes So much depth you look for the light But when your wounds open, you will cry You'll cry out now, and you'll question why
She planted her staff on the carpeted floor, and began doing some spinning kicks like she was used to from physical training, but this time it was slower, to the beat. Holding her staff as she imagined one would a dancing partner, she alternated hooves and breathed in and out with the flow of the song, beginning to lose herself in the music.
I can see a rainbow In your tears as they fall on down I can see your soul grow Through the pain as they hit the ground I can see a rainbow In your tears as the sun comes out As the sun comes out
Songbird's voice had started to fade through the chorus, and in her mind it was now Twilight singing to her as the second verse began, gliding overhead, watching her dance around the room, as she continued to twirl and stretch her hooves out towards the walls of the study.
I am here and I see your pain Through the storms, through the clouds, the rain I'm telling you, you cannot escape You can do it, just feel, baby
As the chorus started a second time, she very gently slid the chairs and table back to the end of the room, giving her enough room to pick her staff up and begin incorporating it into her routine; twirling it, vaulting and balancing on it for a few moments, even. It was exhilarating. She felt bits of her troubles and worries get flung away with every swing, every kick, every beat and every breath.
When the song came to an end, she felt winded; quite unexpected for a song that ran just over three minutes. But as she stood there cradling her staff in the center of the room, taking deep breaths, she brought a hoof to her face and realized that she was crying. This simply beautiful song had really touched her. She pulled up the chairs and table, sat down, and reset the record, starting the song over, and just sat and listened to it again, sitting sideways and reclining on the arm rests, tapping her back hooves in midair to the beat.
Here comes the sun, smiling down Here comes the sun, smiling down Smiling down...
After the weekly Friendship Feast for lunch on Saturday, Grubber was officially off until Monday morning, most the E.U.P. either went home to cook their own meals, or went into town to patronize one of the many local restaurants. But that didn't mean the hedgehog didn't like putting together hearty meals for his close friends; cooking for three instead of dozens meant the process was much less hectic, took less cooks in the kitchen, and the food could be much more personal.
Ever since accepting the position of Head Chef of the castle from Princess Twilight, the kitchen had undergone a slight remodeling, namely in making the entire room easily and quickly accessible to a creature that didn't quite reach the height of a full grown pony. Fortunately, this had been accomplished by simply adding a non-slip 'curb' to the floor in front of all the counters and appliances. When he wasn't using them, they easily slid underneath so ponies could use the kitchen as they saw fit.
With Thunderlane's and Gallus' help, cleaning up after today's Friendship Feast took barely an hour, and he had been able to run downtown for a quick errand before coming back to prepare dinner for a much, much smaller crowd. Tonight was just him, Starlight, Sunburst, and Fizzlepop, and he was doing a pony favorite; boiled carrot dogs on lightly toasted brioche buns. The carrots were actually the easiest part; get the pot of water seasoned and boiling, drop them in, then most of the work consisted of getting the toppings selected, washed, diced, and put into their own serving dishes, so that they could add what they pleased at the table.
One of the simplest side dishes to go with carrot dogs was crispy hay fries; depending on what area of Equestria you were in, some establishments even served them as a topping. Tonight, it would be on the side. The first thing he had done was getting the oil up to frying temperature so it was ready to go when everything else was; a couple minutes was the difference between amazing, crispy hay fries and soggy limp ones.
Once he began to smell the seasoned carrots in the boiling water, he knew it was time for the final steps. He lit the front left burner and set down the cast iron griddle. Once it was up to temp, he opened the split-top buns and pressed them to the heat for 20 seconds, toasting the inside to a perfect golden brown. Just as the buns were coming up, the hay fries were done as well. With those pulled up out of the oil, he was now running against the clock. He quickly got the buns plated, grabbed a pair of tongs and got the carrots out of the pot and placed in the buns. After the hay fries were done draining the excess oil, they were quickly plated, and given a pinch of salt. He placed the four plates alongside the serving dishes with the toppings onto a wheeled cart that was barely under his height, and pushed it just down the hall to the dining room. Pushing the cart through the doors, he saw Starlight, Sunburst, and Fizzlepop already seated, the latter was bobbing her head, probably got a song from that record stuck in her head.
"Smells delicious, Grubber." Starlight said. When the cart came up to the table, the three unicorns helped out by levitating the topping dishes to the center of the table, while he went around and placed the plates in front of each of them.
"Presenting, Carottes Brioche de Grubber," the hedgehog announced, getting a few chuckles as he placed two carrot dogs in front of Starlight, two for Sunburst, and one for Fizzlepop, who fortunately was nearly salivating at the inviting smell. By the time everypony was served, and Grubber was seated with his own plate, Fizzlepop had covered her carrot dog with every single topping, taken her first bite, nearly a third of the bun, and while the hedgehog's first thought was it looked like she hadn't eaten in a week, he remembered that it sadly was not so far from the truth.
To the hedgehog, unless he had prepared something formal, etiquette was merely a suggestion. This wasn't Canterlot or some fancy fine dining establishment. These were good old carrot dogs with good friends, and noisy eating, belching, and not to mention the way the orchid unicorn was quite nearly inhaling hers were some of the greatest compliments the chef could get for his food. Even the two unicorns sitting across from her found themselves quite unconcerned for her sudden lack of manners, and were just happy to see that her appetite had returned with a vengeance. Had she eaten the fries with her hooves instead of magic, they were confident that she'd be licking the salt from them. They could hardly blame her; nothing beat fresh carrot dogs and fries after a long day.
Fizzlepop had been the first one to finish, quite understandable having been given half the portion size, and had the foresight to wait until Grubber had finished what was on his plate.
"Hey Grubber? Did... Did you make any more?" She asked.
The hedgehog's heart skipped a beat as he smiled.
"You bet. Be right back!" He said, quickly grabbing her plate, with barely crumbs on it, and put it on the cart as he scampered back to the kitchen. He had made more, and the awesome thing about boiled carrot dogs were the longer they rested in the simmering liquid, the more melt-in-your-mouth they got...
"Well, I'd certainly say that was an amazing improvement." Starlight remarked to Grubber as they headed upstairs to retire for the night, heading to the east wing, after electing to help out with the dishes while Sunburst took care of some last minute chores over at the school.
"I'll say. I don't know what you and Fluttershy said to her, but I guess it's really started to help. Magic of friendship and all that, I guess." Grubber wholeheartedly agreed. The hedgehog was simply ecstatic that he had to return to the kitchen during dinner to make Fizzlepop an entire second helping, after days of getting plates back from her with mere bites taken from it.
As they started to pass Fizzlepop's room, Starlight noticed that her door was cracked enough to see the bed, and couldn't help but take a peek. She wasn't able to stifle a soft giggle as she stopped Grubber and pointed into the room.
The unicorn was out like a light, visibly drooling on her pillow, with a Twilight plush tucked halfway under the blanket with her, held to her chest with her right front leg.
"We can't take all the credit," Starlight whispered. "You helped her too."
Grubber smiled as he looked in at his friend, as Starlight's magic quietly gripped the doorknob and softly clicked it closed.
Mornings were usually the time when the castle was busiest, and the activity was always concentrated in and around the dining room as the E.U.P. gathered for breakfast, and the past couple weeks, they had also been accompanied by the school staff that was getting everything ready for the new school year in just under a month.
Fizzlepop came into the dining room in full armor, like the rest of the squad that would be on duty immediately after breakfast, after the best night of sleep that she had gotten since the castle had emptied out. She stepped up to the buffet, got pancakes, strawberry syrup, and hash browns, and a glass of orange juice before sitting down across from Thunderlane and Rivet.
"Morning, L.C. You're looking ten times better." Thunderlane said, getting a smile out of her as she removed her helmet and set it next to her plate.
"Captains, I wanted to thank the two of you. Not just as my officers, but as my friends. It takes courage and commitment to stand up to your commanding officer, and see that she takes care of herself, if she's clearly not doing it on her own. I'm not saying it's going to be smooth sailing from here on out, but I'm hoping that the personal issues that I'm dealing with won't get as bad as it did these past two weeks, and to that end, I think I'm done with the 16-hour shifts. I'm going to be taking a little time for myself, each and every day. Can I count on you two to split up the slack?" She asked.
Both stallions smiled at her.
"We thought you'd never ask. You can count on us, ma'am." Rivet replied.
"Excellent. So did I miss anything yesterday? What's on the agenda?" She asked, starting into her pancakes.
"It was pretty much business as usual," Rivet began. "I did make a note to check on that pegasus at Sweet Apple Acres today, his community service hours should definitely be up by now."
"Have Applejack send him over to my office this afternoon. I have something I'd like to discuss with him."
Damiadon had seen very little of the castle on his first trip in here, as he was rather quickly taken down to the basement to be held. But this time, he was escorted upstairs, into the east wing. Walking past about seven doors, he had honestly lost count, and his guard escort, Blossomforth, knocked on the door.
"Come on in." Came the immediate response. The uniformed pegasus opened the door with a wing, then stepped aside, ushering him into a small office, with the dark orchid unicorn sitting behind it. Blossomforth shut the door and returned to her post.
"I was told you wanted to see me, Lieutenant Colonel?" Damiadon asked.
"Yes, I did, please sit down, Damiadon." She said, using her horn to gently push out a chair for him on his side of her desk. He sat down, while she pulled open a drawer, and several moments later, came up with a considerably sized cloth bag. When she set it down on the desk, the chinking sounds made it obvious it was full of bits.
"Applejack says your community service was quite satisfactory, but you put in a little bit more work than what was needed to cover 25 bits worth of produce. So here's the rest of it; 126 bits in total." Fizzlepop said, writing down the amount in a ledger she had in front of her on her desk. Then, she slid a file folder over to the center, and flipped it open with her magic. Dami recognized it as the application he had put in to the Ponyville EUP.
"Through these past few days, I've realized how I saw a lot of myself in you. A pony with just an overly frustrating string of bad luck, just trying to survive with the means they had available, and what I needed was a helping hoof up. So I'm going to offer the same to you. Damiadon, you can take these bits, and leave, or, you can use it as an initial deposit for your armor and gear, and be out front at 0500 on Monday morning to begin recruit orientation." Fizzlepop said, rotating a piece of parchment and sliding it towards him. It was an Oath of Enlistment, with his name on it, just awaiting a formal signature. He spent a few moments looking at it, before clearing his throat, and looking back up at the unicorn.
"Well, Lieutenant Colonel, please allow me to say that I'm flattered and truly appreciate the change of heart, and I do sincerely apologize for the remark I made to you downstairs. But Applejack and Big Macintosh have invited me to stay at the Acres, as a permanent farmhoof. Cider season is coming up, and they're gonna need more help. They're good ponies, and the fact that they are inviting me to stay means a very great deal to me. So..." The pegasus paused, sliding the unsigned Oath of Enlistment back to Fizzlepop's side of the desk.
"I'm going to have to respectfully decline the offer." He finished.
Fizzlepop nodded at him.
"I certainly respect reasoning like that, Damiadon." She said, pushing the bag of bits towards him. "Best of luck, and I'll probably be seeing you around. You're one serious Buckball defender." Fizzlepop said, putting the oath back in the file folder, and returning it to the drawer.
Dami smiled, stood up from the chair, shook her outstretched hoof, and turned to leave the office.
He had farming to do.
The rolling hills of central Equestria flowed by, and the views became more spectacular as the Friendship Express continued to climb into the mountains as it ascended to Canterlot. As the sun rose in the east, Fizzlepop's eyes seemed to be glued to the capitol the bigger it got.
"I don't think I've ever seen you this excited to return to Canterlot, Lieutenant Colonel." Starlight commented with a smirk, sitting across from her with Fluttershy, as Applejack had chosen the seat next to the armored unicorn.
"Yeah, so it's been a long month. Can you blame me?" Fizzlepop replied, smiling back at her.
"Oh, not at all. I was barely able to sleep last night." Fluttershy immediately offered.
"Yeah, I'd reckon that we've all missed Twilight a bit since she moved up here." Applejack supported.
Fizzlepop had been to Canterlot a handful of times, both willingly and otherwise, since being taken to Ponyville after the Friendship Festival. She had come up here for formal recognition after their successful expedition to Mount Aris. She and all of her squad were unfortunately among the Ponyvillians who were taken under Sombra's spell for his assault on Canterlot. She had helped Sandbar gather as many allies as they could and brought them to the hills in front of the city gates, where Chrysalis, Cozy, and Tirek were confronted and defeated. Finally, her most recent trip had been accompanying Twilight and the others for her hilariously horrendous coronation as she took over for Celestia and Luna. Each time, she had noticed at least one look of concern, or worry, or judgement from a passing pony; one of quite a few she feared would never forget what she had helped the Storm King do two years ago.
The train finished it's climb, and pulled into Canterlot Station. As they disembarked from the train, Fizzlepop noticed that something was different this time around, as a chariot was waiting to take them to the castle. Usually they had walked, and it wasn't that she minded, but the quicker they got there, the sooner they got to see their friend, and the more time they had to spend with her.
They all piled in and enjoyed the swift, smooth ride right through the streets and right up to the front steps in the castle courtyard. Though she considered herself the escort for Applejack, Fluttershy, and Starlight, she knew it was merely a formality, especially since she was officially made a council member for what would be monthly meetings. Her magenta armor plates made her stand out from the Canterlot E.U.P., who all wore gold plate. The only customization they were permitted was the dye applied to the artificial manes on the helmets, to match their tails and manes underneath the helmet. It was a feature that her helmet had forgone, instead implementing a long slot allowing her rose mohawk to pass through. So formality aside, she was for all intents and purposes, a guest along with the rest of them.
As they passed through the front doors to the south receiving area, they immediately laid eyes on Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie, who had all gotten there before them. Everypony immediately closed in on each other for greetings and hugs.
It truly had seemed longer than a month.
"Honored guests, we can proceed to the banquet hall whenever you are ready." Lieutenant Colonel Speartip told them. Fizzlepop still wasn't used to being here without being told where to go, always under watch. But the itinerary she had received from Twilight a couple nights prior made it abundantly clear; she considered them her equals when it came to 'royalty', and they were allowed to go wherever they pleased.
"Hope I didn't put any retirement plans on hold, Lieutenant Colonel." Fizzlepop remarked to her expedition partner as she walked along side him towards the banquet hall.
"Nonsense. I love serving this city, and I honestly wasn't looking forward to that coming to an end. So we both got what we wanted." Speartip replied.
Together, the seven of them walked through the doors to the banquet hall, and were amazed at what was done with the place. For an event meant for just eight ponies, over-the-top didn't quite do it justice. Along the banquet hall hung different colored banners, matching one of their coats, and embroidered on each of them, was the cutie mark of the respective councilor. Fizzlepop's included, as she saw the neon pink and blue fireworks explosions on the dark orchid tapestry.
"Whoa..." Applejack reacted as their gaits slowed upon taking in the overwhelming decoration.
"Well I had to give the decorators something to do. Lemon Hearts wouldn't let me hear the end of it." Came a familiar voice from the only large table that food had been placed on. A voice that Fizzlepop had been longing to hear.
They all laid eyes on Twilight as she stepped around the table and smiled at her friends. All at once, they rushed towards her and shared a group hug, something that Fizzlepop didn't quite feel right partaking in, especially in her armor. But as the seven of them separated, Twilight immediately turned to her and stepped up to the unicorn.
"No standing on ceremony today, Fizzlepop." The Princess told her, before coming in for a hug, which she immediately returned.
"Well, this was the reason why I didn't want any of you eating on the way here. Let's dig in!"
Now that they had finally reunited with their Princess, they finally laid eyes on the spread that had been put on the table. Steaming hot pancakes, hay cakes, hash browns, fruit, and pitchers of milk, orange juice, apple juice, and grape juice.
Twilight's itinerary had made it obvious that this was going to be one of the most non-royal royal affairs Canterlot had ever seen. At first, Fizzlepop had imagined something far more formal, with meetings and outlines, and meticulous planning of a degree that only Twilight Sparkle was capable of. But after she had gone through the whole thing yesterday afternoon, it was looking to be little more than a fun day on the town with good friends. Shopping, bowling, a tour of how she and Spike had been redecorating the castle, and only an hour, if that, of sitting down to discuss matters of regional and national importance.
"So, last item on the list, this is more towards Applejack, Fluttershy, Starlight, and Fizzlepop..." Twilight began, checking off another box on her scroll. "It's been called to my attention that my castle in Ponyville has seemed a bit... Empty, since I've come up here. I'm certainly open to suggestions on how to fix that." Twilight said, addressing the eight others sitting at the round table that had been set up in the throne room for the evening.
"Welcome Week for the next school year kicks off next Monday. We could put international visitors up there in the guest rooms. After that, our class is a bit bigger than last year, so opening up the west wing for group sessions, study halls, and even additional dormitory space wouldn't seem like such a bad idea." Starlight answered.
"Sounds like a plan. Fizzlepop, as the intermediary castle caretaker, how would you feel if I brought on some help for you to delegate some of that off to? I've got some ponies in mind."
"Alright, well I think that about wraps things up. I've had an amazing time with all of you today, and I want you to know that these council gatherings won't always be up here; I know Ponyville has been dying to see me. But, seeing as the last train down to Ponyville leaves in 20 minutes, I'd like to get you on your way home."
With that, she stood up, followed by all the others, and a last round of hugs were had all around before they started towards the exit.
"Fizzlepop, can you stay a moment?" Twilight asked as the rest filed out of the throne room. The unicorn turned back as Twilight stepped up to her.
"So I've heard through the grapevine that you've been having more trouble than you're letting on." The Princess said as non-judgmentally as she could.
Fizzlepop's eyes widened slightly at the accusation.
"Should I even bother asking who you've been talking to, or who's been talking to you?" The guard asked, feeling a twinge of annoyance and frustration, though she thought it best to quickly let it pass.
Twilight merely raised an eyebrow, and Fizzlepop knew she wasn't going to be satisfied with answering her question with another one. They were both better than that.
"Alright, fine. I've been going through some pretty serious separation anxiety. It's something I've never been through in my life. I guess 'just down the mountain' is farther away than I give it credit." Fizzlepop admitted.
"Why didn't you come talk to me?" Twilight asked, concern filling her voice.
"Twilight, you have been my guide and best friend ever since you brought me to Ponyville. But I can't cling to you forever. I can't come running up to you here in Canterlot whenever I become a faltering mess. You and I both know that wouldn't be appropriate. I can't be another burden. Yeah, it was bad during the first week or two. Some days I manage, some days I can't manage so well, and when that happens, I've got friends, and coworkers... And even other Princesses, who have been helping me discover ways to cope."
The Princess of Friendship nodded understandingly.
"Fair enough. It sounds like you've been doing some adjusting on your own. But on the days you can't..." She paused, stepped forward, and pulled Fizzlepop into a hug. "I want you to come see me. Because you are not a burden to me. Is that clear, Lieutenant Colonel?"
Fizzlepop squeezed back, returning the hug.
"Perfectly, Your Majesty."
"Alright," Twilight began, releasing the unicorn from the hug. "Now, I think it would be a bit embarrassing if my friends' escort missed the last train of the night. See you in a month?" Twilight asked.
"Who knows, maybe sooner." Fizzlepop replied with a smirk, and turned to the door.
"Oh, and Fizzlepop, just one last question..." Twilight called as she was opening the door. Fizzlepop turned, and saw the Princess giving her the most innocent of smiles.
Fizzlepop leaned against the right-side window of her seat on the Friendship Express, resting her head on her hoof, trying not to fall asleep and instead enjoy the beautiful visage of the starlit prairies of central Equestria. It had been a long day, and now she was ready to fall into bed and call it a night. She wasn't sure she was going to make it that far, as the rhythmic sound as the train wheels traveled down the rails was nearly enough to make the unicorn catch forty winks.
Whenever she made the return trip to Ponyville via rail, she was always reminded of when it happened the first time...
It felt like ages since she had seen such beauty. There wasn't a cloud in the sky as the last train from Canterlot steamed down the mountain. Down in the prairie, settled between the bank of a river and a large expanse of forest was a fairly-sized town that only got bigger with time. The voices of Princess Twilight's friends seemed muffled and distant as Tempest stared down at her front hooves, looking at the black steel hoof guards that were still around them. She was still stunned beyond belief that they weren't in chains, and that she now had a view like this, instead of three cobblestone walls and a set of bars.
"Tempest?" Came the voice of Twilight, who was sitting next to her on the cushioned bench. "Are you alright?"
The unicorn tore her eyes away from the moonlit hills, and looked to the Princess of Friendship. Those eyes... No judgement, only genuine concern.
"I... I don't know, Princess." Tempest answered.
"Tempest, please. To my friends, it's just Twilight."
She was still bewildered how a pony this powerful could open herself up to someone who had just tried to take her power not even a day ago.
"You have to understand, Twilight... Ever since I left Equestria, I've had to scrape and fight for every single thing I could ever call my own. I was always chasing after rumors that I thought could make myself whole again. I did so many reprehensible things in the name of making myself stronger. I don't want to blindly accept this clemency. I want to earn it. That, and your friendship." She said, returning her gaze to the prairie that kept getting higher as the train came down from the mountain.
"Let me make one thing clear, Tempest. My friendship? It's not something you can earn. It's something I offer freely, and you have to choose whether or not you want to accept it. You've been away from home, and alone, for a long time. And just as I told my very first student; if you're willing to learn, I'm willing to teach you what I know. You'll have the power to make Equestria an even better place."
The unicorn glanced back at the Princess, and nodded without a word.
"And don't worry; the bedroom where you'll be laying your head at night; I'm sure you'll find plenty of opportunities to earn that."
The train's speed began to slow as it pulled up to the platform, as ponies started to get up and gather their things. Tempest stood up after Twilight. The brakes hissed, the Friendship Express came to a complete stop, and she followed her to the open doors and stepped out onto the platform.
"Welcome to Ponyyyyvilllle, Fizzlepop!" Pinkie Pie called as she bounced down the street on her way home.
"Here's hoping she's not off to get her Welcome Wagon. It's nearly midnight." Twilight said with a chuckle.
Her group of friends slowly parted one by one to their residences, until it was just her, Twilight, and Spike, walking up to a most impressive looking castle.
"Welcome to Ponyville, Tempest. There's no place I'd rather be."
Fizzlepop was completing her morning walk of the castle after breakfast before she headed out, after another good night's rest after a day with Twilight and the others up in Canterlot. She checked her timepiece as she stepped down into the main foyer, and as if on cue, the front doors opened, and Derpy came floating up to her and began digging in her mailbag. Fizzlepop smiled as she noticed the mailmare had polished up her Pink Heart of Courage that she kept on the bag's strap. Princess Twilight had very quickly arranged for her to formally receive one at a ceremony in Ponyville after her actions in the opening moments of the Canterlot attack.
The pegasus' hoof came out of the mailbag with another yellow envelope, and it left Fizzlepop wondering who was interested in joining up.
Gallus was up bright and early, ready to continue helping with Welcome Week preparations, as ponies and creatures were starting to arrive from all over for the official start in just a couple days. It was a great short-term gig, in addition to helping out in the castle kitchen and school cafeteria. So far, over the summer he had been staying in the dorm that he had shared with Sandbar throughout the school year. With a new one starting shortly, he was probably going to have to vacate if he wasn't an active student. He had been in the process of hunting around Ponyville for a room to rent.
After he had washed up, he grabbed his saddlebags, and went and opened his dormitory door just as the head of the Ponyville E.U.P. was about to knock on it, surprising them both.
"Oh! Oh, good morning, Lieutenant Colonel Berrytwist. What can I do for you?" Gallus asked as she stepped aside so that he could step out into the hall.
"Actually, I'm here to see what I can do for you. Derpy dropped this off this morning." Fizzlepop said, walking with him down the hall, opening a tall yellow envelope, and magically pulling out an application to the Ponyville E.U.P., with Gallus' claw writing and signature. "May I ask why you want to enlist in my squad? Cooking not cutting it anymore?" Fizzlepop asked, having gotten used to seeing the griffon helping Grubber in the cafeteria most afternoons.
"No, it's not that. I'm enjoying helping Grubber cook for the students, and I'd also like to do so for the rest of the E.U.P. I just figured that I'd need to build up some actual military experience if I want to eventually join the Canterlot E.U.P." Gallus told her as they stepped outside into the central gardens of the school campus.
"That's certainly an aspiration you've got there." Fizzlepop admitted.
"Thanks. Princess Twilight, and really, all of Equestria, changed my life for the better. Getting what help I could to face down Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy at Canterlot... That felt great. If I could eventually work my way up to helping the Princess of Friendship on a daily basis, I'd consider that a pretty successful military career." The griffon continued.
"Well, in that case, Gallus. Meet me in my office this afternoon, we'll get a few things signed, and after Welcome Week, you can begin training to be the first international member of the E.U.P."
"Sounds great, Lieutenant Colonel. See you then." Gallus said with a salute, then made his way to the commons while Fizzlepop left back towards the castle, where, in the ten minutes she was in the school, had a wagon of luggage currently parked out front next to Lieutenant Berryshine.
"Ma'am, you have a couple visitors in the foyer. I believe they're looking for you." Berryshine told her when she was back out front.
"Thank you, Lieutenant. As you were." Fizzlepop replied as she trotted up the steps, and returned inside the front doors, seeing a unicorn stallion and mare walking towards the main staircase.
"Where do you think we should start looking? It's a pretty big place. She might not even be in here." The mare asked, a voice she immediately recognized.
"Glitter? Spring?" She called, and they turned upon hearing their names behind them, and their smiles widened when they saw their old friend.
"There you are!" Glitter Drops exclaimed, as they galloped down to embrace the childhood friend that they hadn't seen in several months.
"What are you two doing here?" Fizzlepop asked happily. "You know anything about that wagon out front?"
"Yeah, that's ours. Princess Twilight didn't tell you? She offered us a break from Vanhoover weather management. We're your new castle caretakers!" Spring Rain told her. Fizzlepop's smile only widened.
"Y... You're moving here? Really?" She asked excitedly.
"I guess maybe she wanted to surprise you. Yeah, she told us if we wanted a chance to reconnect with you on a more constant basis, that she had an opportunity for us. We immediately accepted." Glitter added.
"Well, let me help get your things inside." Fizzlepop offered, heading back towards the front doors and opening them all the way. "So from weather to castle management? That's quite a career shift. I don't ever remember pegasi putting unicorns on Ponyville's weather team." She commented, grabbing the first couple suitcases.
"Well, I was an event coordinator a couple of times up in Vanhoover. Managing something like the palace in Canterlot is a whole other level of crazy, so this seemed like an appropriate step up. The pay is reasonable, and it reunites us with an old friend.
After all the pair's belongings were in the foyer, the three of them returned to the wagon and began to take it back to the train station.
"Twilight effectively wants to donate the castle to the town. She said Ponyville did so much for her that she wants her castle to be a way to continue to give back to the town that made her the Princess she is, even when she's away." Glitter Drops said. "Plus, I've always wanted to study some of the Everfree Forest's wildlife in my spare time, and this is the perfect location to do that from."
"Well, I'd very much appreciate it if I or one of my squad accompanies you for those studies. It's a dangerous place, but adventurous." Fizzlepop replied.
"And I'd love to see the Castle of the Two Sisters. So much untouched history and catacombs." Spring Rain added.
"Something tells me I'm going to be accompanying you two quite a bit." Fizzlepop chuckled. But it's not like she wouldn't crave the adventure to begin with. A few minutes later, they had the wagon returned, and were on their way back.
"Well, let's get your stuff organized, and then you can see how amazing of a chef Grubber is." Fizzlepop told them.
"He'd better be, with a name like that." Spring Rain laughed.
"We've got our work cut out for us. Twilight informed me that she wants the next council meeting to be down here. So we'll have to plan for that, plus everypony who's going to want to see her again." Glitter said, already eager to get to work.
Starlight Glimmer made her way through the first floor east wing hallway, some of the luminescent crystals being the only interior light source at this late hour. She made a left at the double doors of the library and pushed them open, finding Twilight sitting at a table with a very familiar stack of file folders. She looked up from her work when she heard the doors open.
"Hey, Starlight. How's Tempest?" The Princess of Friendship asked.
"Well, normally I'd say 'settling in', but honestly there's not much of that to do. She didn't arrive with anything, no clothes to put away, no belongings whatsoever." Her first student answered.
"Mm. She's been gone a long time, and she doesn't have a whole lot to show for those years abroad." Twilight mused.
"Are those all of your friendship reports?" Starlight asked, recalling the time she saw Twilight making her way through the 'A' section before their trip to the Crystal Empire for Flurry Heart's crystaling ceremony, where she was reunited with Sunburst.
"Yeah, and it's making me wonder if... Well, if it's enough, you know? I guess my second student isn't going to be any easier than my first. I had to back off and let you approach my lessons your own way. I'm just wondering how to go about that with her. She's so adamant on 'earning' her place here." Twilight explained.
"I mean, yeah, I kind of get wanting to stand on your own four hooves, even under a new teacher. She's nothing if not fiercely independent." Starlight added.
"So with so much to learn, how do I let her do that?" Twilight asked. Starlight put a hoof to her chin in thought for a few moments.
"Maybe by letting her use what she's already good at." The unicorn suggested.
"What do you mean?"
"I'll be frank, on the day of your lecture at the School of Magic, I really just lounged in your throne room for a good twenty minutes before you showed up. You could really use some guards for this place. From what I saw in Canterlot, she's certainly a fierce combatant. She'd be perfect."
"You mean you think I should make her E.U.P.?" Twilight asked, setting her current file folder down.
"Well, if you want to get all official... Oh what am I saying? Of course you do. Yeah, why not? It would give her something to strive for, a goal to push towards, using the physical prowess she's honed over the years of being out there."
"Well, when you put it that way... It sounds like a pretty good idea. We should probably ask her what she thinks about it."
"What I think about what?" Asked a voice behind them. They turned to see the dark orchid unicorn at the library door that Starlight had not shut. "Sorry, I wasn't eavesdropping, I was just wondering where the kitchen was. I'm looking for a late snack. Cider from the Friendship Festival is starting to wear off." Tempest asked, her stomach rumbling in agreement.
"Yeah," Starlight couldn't help but chuckle. "Maybe I should have shown you around a bit before taking you straight to your room. You looked pretty tired, that's all. Real easy, head back the way you came, out into the foyer, into the west wing, and it's the second door on your right."
"Great, thanks." Tempest replied, turning to leave.
"And, while we've got you here. Might as well see what you think of it now. Twilight's told me how you'd like to earn your place here, and we think we've come up with something. Ponyville has been the home of a princess for nearly a year now, and an E.U.P. presence really hasn't been established. Would you like to be the beginning of that establishment?" Starlight asked.
"A... A royal guard? Me?" Tempest asked, her eyes widening at the realization of what was being suggested. Twilight stepped forward.
"Normally, the short term solution would be to request a detachment from Canterlot, but while you've got a lot to learn about friendship, you already know quite a bit about handling yourself in a fight. If you'd like to put that expertise to good use, I would willingly put you at the head of a new E.U.P. branch, in service to myself, to Ponyville and her citizens."
After everything that she had done, she would have never fathomed something like this being a possibility. But here it was, indeed; a chance to prove her worth, to a pony, to a Princess undoubtedly worthy of her every ounce of effort and energy.
"I... I would be honored, Princess." Tempest replied, bowing her head.
"Alright then. You can go get something to eat. First thing tomorrow morning, I'll get a hold of Rarity and see when we can schedule you to be fit for a new uniform. Until then, have a good night, Tempest." Twilight told her.
As Tempest turned and exited back to the hallway, Starlight slowly closed the door after she had left, turning back to Twilight.
"Twilight, I have to ask... Is there anything we can do for her horn? Anything at all?" Starlight asked, at a lower volume even though the subject in question had left the library.
"I have actually been giving that a little thought. I don't think it's possible to restore anything that she lost, but if we can craft an aetherial conduit, it might be feasible to stabilize what magic she has left. Can you get in touch with Sunburst? We'd need his expertise on such matters." Twilight asked.
"I'll get a hold of him first thing in the morning. You can actually get your hooves on aetherium?" Starlight asked. Even in all her travels, she had never seen the incredibly rare element.
"The Canterlot Mages Guild has a very securely guarded stockpile. But I think I can manage to get them to send me some. Royal prerogative and all. Sunburst would have to tell us how to go about crafting the conduit. But I think we can come up with something." Twilight said, glancing to the closed library doors.
"I know it would mean the absolute world to her."
Many Moons Later...
Luster Dawn followed her towering mentor and teacher Princess Twilight Sparkle through the main street of Ponyville. She had finished meeting with Headmare Starlight Glimmer earlier in the day, and had just had the heartiest dinner at Colt's Jr., the Princesses favorite hayburger joint in town, wrapping up with cupcakes at Sugarcube Corner with some of her classmates that had come from all over, even beyond Equestria. Now officially enlisted in the School of Friendship that Princess Twilight had founded over two decades ago, she would be spending the night in the Ponyville Castle of Friendship and Community Center while dorm assignments were squared away over the next few days.
They came up to the front steps to the castle, where a tall orchid unicorn mare stood watch, and she bowed when Twilight approached. She looked to be around the same age as Twilight's council of friends.
"Luster Dawn, allow me to introduce General Fizzlepop Berrytwist, one of my oldest and dearest friends. General, this is my student Luster Dawn."
"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Dawn. Twilight's told me that you're quite the star pupil." The E.U.P. guard replied, getting a light tint from her cheeks in return.
"Luster will be attending the school this year. I figured she'd like to stay in the castle until Welcome Week starts in a few days. Care to show her where she'll be staying?" The Princess asked.
"It would be my pleasure, Your Majesty. Ms. Dawn, please go have a look around the foyer, I'll join you in a moment."
All to happy to see a new castle, Luster trotted up the stairs and pushed the front doors open, leaving Princess Twilight with her first Captain of the Guard.
"How've you been, Fizzlepop?" Twilight asked.
"Can't complain, Twilight. How's Gallus doing up there?" Fizzlepop replied.
"A chip off of the old Ponyville block, that's for sure. Speartip couldn't have been happier with his replacement. Figured it was finally time. Too much longer and I was going to have to air drop him over Canterlot Retirement Gardens."
Fizzlepop smirked.
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind when you start to get that idea for me." The unicorn replied.
"You? Why I wouldn't dare. You'd chase me out of Ponyville with your walker before you'd let me do that to you."
As always, Fizzlepop found it quite difficult to stand on ceremony with her best friend, and broke into a fit of laughter with her.
"Take good care of her." Twilight said, still chuckling.
"You have my word, Princess." the General replied, before Equestria's ruler came in for a hug, which she returned earnestly.
With a final bow, Twilight's horn lit up, and she vanished in a flash of purple-white light. Fizzlepop headed up the stairs, and entered the main hall, where Luster Dawn was looking at all the pictures and tapestries that had been set up for the quickly-approaching Welcome Week. The second floor interior balcony had the official flags of six different nations draped over the edge.
"Alright, Ms. Dawn. Welcome to the Castle of Friendship. Please follow me and I'll show you to one of our finest guest rooms." Fizzlepop said, walking towards the main staircase.
"Awesome! So, how long have you been friends with Princess Twilight?" Luster Dawn asked, coming into step right next to the orchid unicorn.
"About half my life now. I owe her everything I've got here. She saved my life, spared me from a rather considerable prison term, and helped me turn myself around here."
"Prison? Really? And they let you become E.U.P.?" Luster asked as they made their way up the stairs.
"Yeah, I'm not afraid to talk about it anymore. I left Equestria at a pretty young age. I was in a pretty dark place as I saw lands far beyond our borders. With Princess Twilight's help, I was able to open up my eyes. Before I came along, Twilight didn't have anypony to keep watch over this place. I was her first guard, and I built the squad from the ground up while being one of her students at the same time."
"Sounds impressive. Your armor looks great. Personally, I think it's better looking than the Canterlot uniforms." Luster offered. Fizzlepop smiled.
"Thanks. So, School of Magic, huh? What's that like?" Fizzlepop asked as they made their way down the east hallway.
"Pretty easy, to be honest, well, you know, except for the friendship part. Up until today, I thought that was holding me back from my true potential." Luster replied.
"Well, on the first part, don't let my castle caretakers overhear that. School of Magic dropouts." Fizzlepop whispered mischievously. "Secondly, you'll be amazed where friendship will take you. It doesn't limit your potential, it magnifies it. If there's one thing I've learned in my time under Princess Twilight, it's that alone, we are limited. But together, we can achieve the impossible."
The two unicorns came up to the sixth door on the left.
"Alright, here we are. If you know anything about cooking, the kitchen is available whenever you like, all we ask is that you clean what you use. But Grubber makes some unbeatable meals, let him know and he'll be glad to whip you up a late night snack. He's the fourth door on the right, I'm the third, and our two caretakers Spring Rain and Glitter Drops are the second. Let us know if there's anything we can do for you during your stay. Breakfast is served in the dining room from six to nine in the morning, lunch from eleven to two, and dinner from five to eight. You've probably become a little familiar with Ponyville over your visit today, but please let me know if you need to know where anything is."
With that, General Fizzlepop opened the doors to the single bed guest bedroom, and beckoned Twilight's star student inside, where a five-drawer dresser, nightstand, full size bed, and private bathroom waited.
"Have a pleasant night, Ms. Dawn." Fizzlepop said as Luster jumped up and plopped down on the bed.
"Thanks. I'm sure I'll love it here. I've heard that there's no place in Equestria quite like Ponyville." Luster replied, looking back over at the guard in the doorway.
