CYOA - Cadance

>The train is bumping along the tracks
>You've been riding for a couple of hours now
>But you're excited
>Twilight and the gang are taking you to the 'Crystal Empire'
>You thought Celestia ruled everything
>But apparently, Twilight's brother is married to some third princess
>And she rules over this Crystal Empire
>As the train stops, you're eager to get off
>Luckily the ponies here fixed the train station in town
>Otherwise you'd have to walk miles to get here
>Already you're impressed
>Everything seems to be made of crystal
>Even the ponies!
>It looks amazing
>Rarity seems to enjoy it as well
>"TWILY!"
>Holy shit dude
>You see a unicorn running over
>God damn this guy yells loud
>He hugs Twilight and starts talking to her
>He sounds like a complete dudebro
>Whatever, he seems nice enough
>What really catches your eye is the pink alicorn coming over
>She is gorgeous
>Absolutely stunning
>Your mouth hangs open as she comes closer
>She talks to all of the six ponies before noticing you
>"Oh, this must be the human. Anon, right?"
>Her voice is the sweetest thing you have ever heard
>You think you've fallen in love right there

>You quickly regain your composure
>You gracefully bow before her
"Yes, your highness. I am Anon, the human, and it is a pleasure to meet you."
>"Oh my, such manners."
>She smiles at you
>And you smile back
>"It's exciting to welcome a new species to the Crystal Empire."
>You bow slightly once more
>"Please, you don't have to do that. For now, just consider me a regular pony."
>You nod and follow along
>All nine of you walk into the castle
>You've never seen anything more spectacular
>The crystals makes the whole place shine in a grand way
>As you're inside, Cadance turns to face you
>"Since you're the newcomer, I think it's fair you get to choose where we go."
>All eyes fall on you
>Oh God, the pressure

>The pressure is uncomfortable
>You feel spaghetti forming in your pockets
>Oh, God, why did they have to force you to this?
>You twitch nervously as they all stare at you
>Not wanting to take too long, you speak
"Let's fly to the castle."
>All of the ponies around you look at you weirdly
>Fucking shit, fuck
>Spaghetti consumes your body as you wait
>"Uhm, we're already in the castle, Anon."
>Cadance gives you a weak smile
"Heh, yeah."
>You can't manage more than that
>The embarassment is too much
>"Uh, well then. Let's just continue on."
>Saved by the princess
>You let out a sigh of relief as you all continue on
>As you're walking inside the castle, Applejack nudges your leg
>You look down to her
>"Whut was all that 'bout, sugarcube?"

>As she looks to you, you suddenly get an urge
>You stop up and wrap your arms around her
>"Whut the!"
>You hug Applejack tightly
>When she realises what you're doing, she hugs back
>The two of you fall slightly behind the rest as you stand there
>Applejack's fur is so very soft
>It's amazing
>And her muscles really show during the hug
>Realising you should probably be with the others, you break the hug and hurry back in line
>Applejack follows suit
>"Now, never mind whut you said, whut was THAT 'bout?"
>She sounds confused, but happy
>A warm, tender smile is on her lips

>You simply smile at Applejack
>She shakes her head and trots onwards
>As you're walking through the castle, you look at all there is to see
>Truly, this castle is far more impressive than the one in Canterlot
>The crystals makes everything so beautiful
>You wish you had a house made of crystals
>Every once in a while, you notice Applejack looking back at you, smiling
>You smile back at her every time
>The nine of you enter a library of size you have never seen before
>This place is absolutely enormous
>Your jaw drops for the second time
>Cadance notices
>"Do you like our library, Anon? It has almost every book you could ever dream of."

"Oh my God. I think it's Twilight's dream come true!"
>Everyone laughs at that
>Except for Twilight
>She's just blushing
>"Oh yes, Twilight has spent a lot of time in here."
>Cadance shoots Twilight a sly smile
>"Yeah, sometimes we can't even get her out of here."
>Even her brother is going at it
>His voice is sort of annoying, though
>How Cadance decided to marry this guy, you have no idea
>He pisses you off so immensely
>His dudebro voice, perfect hair
>It's like that jock from high school all over again
>You return your attention to the books once more
>"Go ahead and look around, if you please."
>Cadance' sweet voice fills your ears
>It's like the best of music massaging your eardrums
>She is absolutely magnificent

>After looking around for a moment, you turn towards Cadance
"It's fine. I'm not one for reading."
>Twilight gasps
>Everyone laughs at that
>Poor pony is making a fool of herself
>"Well, then. Let's continue to the museum."
>Holy shit they can fit an entire library and museum in here?
>Ponies are crazy
>As you're walking through the halls, Twilight approaches you
>"Hey, Anon?"
>You smile at her
>"What's 'God'?"
>Her question surprises you
>Then again, religion is a strange thing, if you think about it
"Do you not have concepts of gods in Equestria?"
>Twilight shakes her head
>You think for a moment
"Basically, on Earth, a lot of humans believe an omnipotent being created everything. All the planets, stars, life. Everything. That is God. People worship him."
>Twilight's eyes go wide as you speak to her
>You feel like Jesus teaching his disciples
>"Wow, that's amazing! But, is it true? Was your world really created by something so powerful? Magic like that sounds impossible!"

"No one really knows, Twilight. That's why there is faith."
>She still looks at you like you're someone important
>Someone she looks up to
>Well, she does, literally
>"You're going to have to tell me more of this once we're back home! I have to document everything!"
>Already she's making plans for this
>You giggle at her
>She's gone into autopilot about writing, documenting and sharing every part of it
>You just shake your head and follow the rest of the ponies
>Going up a flgiht of stairs, you reach a large door
>Two guards open it and all of you go inside
>"Welcome to the museum."
>This place was even bigger than the library
>How they manged to build this is beyond you
>All of you walk around the place
>"We have tablets from millenea ago, armor used by the pegasi in the internal pony wars and much more."
>You don't understand the importance of these things
>But obviously they are important enough to be on display
>"Now, I have some knowledge of Equestrian history, particularly that of this empire. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them."

"Tell me, why is it called an Empire? There was an empire I was really passionate about on my home world; I'd like to learn if there are any parallels."
>Cadance looks genuinely surprised at that question
>"Well, a long time ago, this WAS an empire spanning far and wide here in Equestria. That was before Celestia and Luna."
>Now this you had never heard before
>"It was not a great empire. It was ruled by greedy unicorns who wanted power. They took it... any way they could."
>Cadance' eyes start getting wet
>"This empire helped a lot of ponies. Brought peace. But it did so through strife and war."
>She wasn't enjoying telling this one bit
>"When one particular pony rose as emperor, ponies started an uprising. He had no regard for peace and so enslaved the citizens. He forced them to find gems. In his madness, he caused his own downfall. The empire was hidden beneath the earth for a thousand years."
>Twilight told you the rest of this story
>About Sombra and everything that happened here
>Cadance looks sad
>Like she just had to deliver terrible news
>Even though this happened far in the past

>A sudden thought enter your head
>You're not sure why you even thought of this
>But now that it's there, it's nagging you
>Like a fly in a silent room
>You don't know if this is appropriate, but you have to ask
"Excuse me, but, if Sombra had slaves, couldn't he have a descendant still around?"
>That quickly got everyone's attention
>"What do you mean?"
>Cadance sounds confused, but also worried
>You don't know how to phrase this properly, so you just speak
"Well, on Earth, slaves were often... raped. Emperors and monarchs were keen on that. Couldn't that have happened here, too? Couldn't there be a descendant of Sombra walking about?"
>Total silence
>You expected the ponies to be mad at you
>But none of them seem to be
>"I... I don't know."
>Cadance sounds genuinely worried now
>"I guess that could actually be true. Guard!"
>A guard immediately rushes over
>"Yes, your highness?"
>She mumbles something to him
>He nods and hurries off
>A dark cloud seems to be hanging over everyone's heads
>The mood changed completely now
>And still nobody speaks

>The whole scene is quite uncomfortable
>No one speaks
>Everyone seems to be brooding
>It's getting on your nervous
>And since it's your fault, you feel the need to undo it
"So, can I charge my 3DS here? I really want to play Sonic Lost World."
>Once more in this short timespan, everyone looks to you
>Everyone seems confused, too
>"What's a 3DS?" Twilight asks
>You simply smile at her
"It's a video game machine from Earth. It needs electricity to work."
>"I'm... afraid not."
>Cadance looks at you like you're a drooling retard
>You just smile at her and shrug
"Oh well, let's continue on then, shall we?"
>Everyone is back to talking
>Mostly about how strange you can be sometimes
>At least it got them in a better mood
>As you continue walking, Cadance approaches you
>"Twilight was right when she told of you. You do say strange things sometimes. Is Earth really that much of a strange place? Is everyone there like you?"
>She smiles as she asks
>Probably didn't want you to feel bad

"Yeah, everyone there is weird. They all want to fuck horses."
>Sometimes you wonder why you even open your mouth
>Cadance raises and eyebrow at your remark
>"Everyone? Then, shouldn't that be normal, then?"
>She does have a good point
"I, uh, I guess so."
>She giggles
>Holy fuck it's adorable
>Not only is she majestic and beautiful, but also cute
>Absolutely a 10/10
>"I'm sure the horses of Saddle Arabia would love to hear about your people."
>You laugh heartily at that
>Okay, she has humor too, 11/10
>"Well, Anon, it certainly is something else with a human around."
>With those words, you see Twilight's brother coming over
>"Hey! Are you two getting along well? I'm Shining Armor, by the way. Cadance' husband."

>You don't like this guy one bit
>He's that perfect kind of jerk
"Oh yeah! I know you! You're a pretty cool guy!"
>Shining smiles at you
>It looks genuine enough
>But you know his kind
>He's just enjoying the attention
>"AJ sure talked a LOT about you!"
>Cadance immediately turns her eyes to him
>Shining just looks at you in confusion
>"Uh, she did?"
>You just give him your best smile
>"Yeah, she really seemed to have enjoyed her time with you."
>You can feel Cadance giving him a stare
>The wife stare
>Luckily you've never experienced it
>But it seems like a horrible thing
>"W-well, I'm glad she liked it."
>After that, Cadance and Shining fall behind the rest of the group
>You can hear angry mumbling from behind you
>You mentally pat yourself on the back
>Twilight comes over to you
>She's looking back at her brother and his wife
>"Anon, what's with them? What happened over here?"

>Gotta play this smoothly
>You take just a brief second to get your head in the right place
"I... I don't know. I just mentioned how much you all told me about the Crystal Empire and how much you loved it!"
>Twilight doesn't even look at you
>With sadness in her eyes, she just stares at the fighting couple
>Finally she sighs and looks to you
>"I really hope they get through it. I don't know why they're angry, but I'm sure they will get better."
>She doesn't sound too convinced about that
>"Well, thanks anyway."
>With that she goes back to chatting with Fluttershy
>She occasionally looks back towards the royal couple
>You just smirk to yourself as you walk around the museum
>Nothing really catches your eye
>Museums were never really your thing
>Suddenly, Cadance is next to you
>She almost scared the shit out of you
>"Anon, what exactly did you mean with what you said before? Tell it to me straight."
>She sounds displeased
>You're not sure if she's mad at you or Shining
>You hope to God it's at Shining

>You really have to put on your best poker face for this
>Shrugging, you look at the princess
"I don't know. Applejack mentioned something about his throwing form."
>"I see."
>Cadance gives you a slight nod, then goes back to her husband
>You sigh quietly in relief
>Although the museum is huge, you only spend ten more minutes there
>They aren't the most exciting minutes
>Cadance is with Shining Armor the entire time
>The rest of the ponies are just chatting amongst themselves
>As you leave, Cadance speaks
>"Well, this concludes the tour. The castle is always open to all of you. Please, go and see everything there is."
>She's so composed
>Not even a shed of sadness in her eyes
>It's commendable
>As you turn to leave with the rest of the ponies, Cadance pulls you to the side
>You're not sure whether you should be excited or scared
>Luckily, she doesn't look mad
>"Look, I'm really sorry about all that before."
>She sighs
>"Sometimes being married isn't all flowers and happy times."
>She lifts her head and smiles at you
>"Thank you for being honest with me. It means a lot. You've certainly learned from the best."

>Right there you see a golden opportunity
>And you grab it
"Heh... Yeah, I know what it's like being married."
>You give Cadance your best weak smile
>Her face distorts into sadness
>"Oh, I... I'm so sorry. I... didn't know."
>You shrug at her and continue
"That's okay... It's been a long time, you know?"
>Even though you're full of shit, you still feel sad
>At least it's helping your act
>Cadance places a hoof on your shoulder and looks you in the eye
>"If it's any consolation, I think you'd make a great husband."
>She smiles warmly at you
>It feels nice
>Like you can feel it spreading in your body
>Smiles feel great
>So you smile back at her
>The gently, majestic pony princess
>She truly is fantastic
>Absolutely amazing

>You're lost in her eyes
>They are so very beautiful
>Oh how you want nothing more than this pony in front of you
>And as you stand there, lost in her beauty, you speak
"And I think you'd make a great wife."
>You instantly regret your words
>You scream internally while watching Cadance
>She actually blushes ever so slightly
>It's difficult to see, though, considering her color
>"Thank you, but I'm sure I have my fair share of bad parts as well."
>She giggles and you join her
>You just stand there in the hallway, giggling away with the princess
>You wouldn't mind a life like this
>"Well, then. Since you're new here and everypone has already left, care to take a walk in the castle gardens with me?"
>She gives you a warm, motherly smile
>Again you feel nice
>It's like she has some sort of power
>But you don't care if it's magic or not
>It feels great

>Everything feels great
>Like a warm summer day inside your body
"For some reason, I feel good around you. Like an aura of sorts."
>You don't even care that what you said sounded slightly creepy
>Life just feels good!
>Cadance giggles at you
>"Sorry, I have that effect on people."
>Wow, she sure doesn't mind complimenting herself
>"My special talent does revolve around love, after all."
>She nods to the cutie mark on her flank
>True enough, a big heart made of crystal
>Maybe it isn't an ego thing after all
>"I hope it doesn't bother you."
"Not at all."
>Cadance just giggles again
>You realise how dreamy your voice sounded
>It's actually slightly embarassing
>You feel yourself blush slightly as you look away
>"Well, then, would you care to join me?"

"I'd love to."
>You smile at the princess
>"Let's go then."
>The two of you walk side by side into the gardens
>Although the castle was magnificent, the gardens took the cake
>You had no words for what was before you
>Partially due to not knowing technical terms for gardenwork
>Flowers of all colors graced the garden
>Trees the kind of which you had never seen
>Even flowers made of crystal!
>They were absolutely amazing
>And they smelled like the greatest of things in life mashed into one
>They must have been magical
>Cadance is smiling at you
>She enjoys seeing you amazed like this
>You completely forget about her for a few minutes as you walk about
>Everything about this place is great
>Ponyville and Canterlot is normal compared to this
>This is true magic
>"Enjoying yourself, Anon?"

>You spin to face the princess
>She's smiling at you
>A content smile
>You look into her eyes
>Her pretty, amazing eyes
"Yes..."
>All there is are her eyes
>Oh those eyes
>Never before had you seen eyes like those
>Deeper than the vastest of oceans
>More magnificent than all of the planets and the stars
>More beautiful than a single flower in the desert wastelands
>Oh those eyes
>Those eyes were moving closer
>"Anon? Are you okay?"
>You snap out of it
>Cadance is right next to you
>She isn't worried or mad
>She simply smiles
>How she manages this composure is beyond you
>But it is incredible
>"Feeling all right?"

>You gulp and giggle nervously
"I-I feel kind of guilty."
>Honestly you felt bad about this
>Granted, this pony was absolutely fantastic
>But she was married, after all
>What you were doing, or at least thinking, was morally wrong
>It brought some shame to yourself
>You did pride yourself on being a decent man
>"Oh, don't worry about it, Anon. We're just enjoying each others' company as adults."
>She doesn't even bat an eye
>She just continues smiling at you
>You wish to some day be as calm and collected as yourself
>It is a great mystery as to how she does it
>Then again, being a ruler did require such composure
>But being able to show that very same composure to simple people such as you
>It was so very impressive
>"Though you do have a tendency to stare. Especially when I look at you."
>She giggles at that
>Your cheeks burn up at that remark
>She was right about that
>But with such a beautiful creature in front of you, who wouldn't stare?

>Still, she did deserve respect
>Not only was she a princess, but also a married pony
"Do you want me to stop?"
>Again, as she always did, she simply smiles
>"Stop what? I see nothing wrong with what you're doing."
>Now it's your turn to smile
>The two of you continue your walk in the gardens
>Everything between the two of you has become far more relaxed
>Cadance even cracks a joke along the way
>In truth, she was like a gentler version of Celestia
>You're just enjoying her company, and hopefully she returns that feeling
>As Cadance is telling you about her time as a ruler, you spot something in the corner of your eye
>A guard is running as fast as he can towards the two of you
>Cadance immediately changes her tone as he approaches
>"Yes, what is it?"
>Her regal aura is back
>It's amazing seeing her change like that
>The guard hands her an envelope and whispers something in her ear
>After that he salutes her and runs off
>Cadance looks worried
>As if something is going to pop out of the envelope and destroy her
>She just looks at it
>Doesn't even open it
>Simply looks at it

>After a few minutes of silence, Cadance still hasn't open the envelope
>It's probably a dumb question, but you ask it anyway
"Is it for me?"
>Cadance looks at you in surprise
>Ultimately she smiles, as she always does
>"No. But it is related to you, in a way."
>You look at her in silence
>"I told the guards to carry out an investigation regarding Sombra's potential descendants."
>Now you're starting to feel worried as well
>"This is the result of the investigation."
>Cadance looks back to the envelope
>She sighs heavily before finally opening it
>She takes out a single sheet of paper and reads
>Your heart is pounding at full speed the entire time
>And the look on her face does you no good
>She slumps to the ground and throws the paper to the side
>"There is one."
>You can't speak through your nerves
>"A pony. Here in the empire. No more than a filly."
>Cadance sobs at the end
>And it takes only a few seconds before she loses control
>She cries her heart out
>Letting out all of the frustration and anger
>Crying harder than a filly who just lost her parent
>Her composure is no more
>She has broken, just as any other pony would
>Just as even Celestia would

>It breaks your heart to see her like this
>But you know not how to properly console her, so you simply ask
"Do you know the filly?"
>Sadness coats your words
>And you hope to God the answer isn't
>"Yes."
>With that, she breaks completely
>There's no shed of happiness left in her
>Cadance has become sadness incarnate
>"A sweet filly."
>She manages to control her crying while speaking
>Even now, even after this, she has some composure
>"An innocent filly."
>All Cadance was
>All happiness and joy she had shown
>It was gone
>There were only tears and sadness in her heart
>And there you stand
>A mere human
>With no power to right things
>No ability to make things better
>There you stand, watching the princess cry

>You can't take it any longer
>You kneel down and throw your arms around her
>She returns the hug and puts her face on your shoulder
>Gently, you stroke her mane and her back
>She soaks your shirt with her tears
>And as you sit there, with the princess in your arms, you realise she needs someone else
"Guard!"
>You're not sure if anyone heard you, so you shout again
"GUARD!"
>Slowly, Cadance is running out of tears
>As a guard approaches, she is still sobbing in your arms
"Get Shining Armor, it's urgent."
>Worry overtakes the guard's eyes as he sees the princess
>"Yes, sir."
>He immediately rushes off
>All you can do is simply stroke Cadance' mane and gently shush
>Rocking back and forth with her in your arms
>Anything to calm her down
>Little by little, her sobbing quiets down
>Until she is simply sitting there in silence
>Hugging you tightly
>You speak not
>She needs time to rest
>She needs all the time she can get
>"What do I do?"
>Her voice is but a whisper
>Rough and jaded
>Your hand never stops stroking her mane

>For a moment you think
>You're not sure what Cadance would do without your advice
>But surely it could be nothing good
>You speak with careful words and a gentle tone
"You could adopt the filly."
>Cadance lifts her head at that
>It almost breaks you to see her eyes in this state
>Those beautiful eyes full of tears
"With you around, surely she'll grow up to be good."
>Cadance looks away as she thinks
"Her past can stay hidden until the time is right."
>Cadance seems torn
>Like she wants to say yes
>Wants nothing more than to simply do so
>But for some reason can't
>"Anon, she is a descendant of Sombra. If we aren't careful, she could grow too powerful. And there would be nothing I could do."
>You sigh heavily at her words
"I know. But give the filly a chance. Give yourself a chance. With you around, she could be good. She would lead a normal life. A good life."
>Cadance seems about ready to start crying again
>In the distance you hear hoofsteps
>You look up and see Shining Armor rushing towards the two of you
>You know this is probably the last you'll see of Cadance for a while

>This is your chance
>Probably your only chance
>Shining Armor may be able to see both of you, but you don't care
>You look Cadance in the eye and move in
>Either she doesn't manage to react, or she doesn't care
>It doesn't matter to you, at least
>You kiss her with all the passion and joy you have
>Pressing your lips onto hers
>Enjoying every second the two of you are connected
>Enjoying her soft fur on your hands
>Enjoying what will probably be your last happy, living moment
>Shining Armor is probably going to kill you
>Or at least throw you in a dungeon for the rest of your life
>But you don't care
>All you have ever wanted since arriving is the love of this mare
>The unobtainable princess
>This perfect creature of love
>And in that brief moment your lips are connected
>You are happy
>Truly happy
>It feels like the world stopped and waited hour for you to finish
>When in reality, you were connected for no more than few seconds
>And as you let go of Cadance and get up, you are shoved to the ground
>A loud voice and harsh words fill the air
>But you hear them not
>You lie on your side in the grass, looking at a crystal flower
>It's beautiful
>Perfectly shaped and its smell so magnificent
>You hear hoofsteps trail off into the distance until there is only silence
>And then, then you get up
>Looking around the empty garden
>Filled with the most beautiful flowers
>And you realise that moment made you a better man

>If Shining is going to kill you or imprison you, you want things to end well
>You slowly walk over to the paper lying in the grass
>You pick it up and read
>"Descendant of Sombra found. Amount: 1. Name: Freeleaf. Address: Key Street #23."
>Freeleaf
>You would have to find this pony
>And bring her to Cadance
>That was the last thing you had to do
>You stuff the envelope and paper in your pocket and leave the garden
>With confidence in your step, you walk through the castle
>You take everything in as if it was new
>The beautiful, crystal walls and ceiling
>The armored guards standing at every corner
>And as you leave the castle, you take in all of the city
>The entire empire
>It truly is a magical place
>Through the streets you roam, looking for the right place
>Looking for the right street and house
>Ponies around you stare in wonder
>They've never seen a human before, of course
>Some of them even try to speak to you
>But you have no time for that
>All you need is that one house
>And as you reach the house, you feel not nervous
>You feel sad
>Sadness for the fact that you are about to take a filly from her family
>Give her to another mare
>But it has to be done
>The alternative could be far worse
>And with calm hands you knock on the door
>A crystal pony opens
>She, too, stares at you in wonder
>"C-can I help you?"

>With sadness in your heart, you reach out to the pony
"Come with me if you want to live happily."
>The pony just looks at you in confusion
>"But I live here."
>It pains you to look at her
>Looking at the filly who will have to leave her home
>Her parents, her friends
"You need to come with me. It's for your own good. The princess wants to see you."
>The filly gasps at that
>"The princess wants to see ME?"
>You nod slowly to her
>You show her the piece of paper and the envelope
>Intentionally holding your finger over the part containing Sombra
>All the filly sees is the official seal on the envelope
>And her name and address
>And as she sees the words that will remove her from her family, she smiles
>She giggles
>It breaks your heart
>But you can't cry, not now
>"I'll go tell my parents! I'll be right back!"
>You put your hand on the filly's head and pat it
"There's no need for that. I'm on a secret mission for the princess, you see?"
>"Oooooh."
>Her wonder and happiness is too much
>You feel tears forming in your eyes
"I'll just leave a note right here, okay? So your parents don't get scared."
>You move your head so the filly can't see your eyes
>See the tears creeping down your cheeks
>You put the envelope and paper on a drawer
>And take a pencil from a cup to add
>"Freeleaf is in good hands. Your child will be all right. Please do not worry. The princess is taking care of her. She will return one day."
>And with that, you and the filly leave

>The filly skips and jumps through the street as you walk
>Constantly giggling and cheering
>She's going to meet the princess, after all
>This is a great day for her
>And as you watch her express her happiness, you cry
>Tears stream down your face as you walk
>You just want this to be all over
>Her sweet, innocent voice fills the world
>You wish you could run off with her
>Raise her as your own
>Somewhere safe and secluded
>But that will never happen
>No, she has to be taken to Cadance
>Cadance will be able to help her
>Save her from her own doom
>And as you reach the castle, a final tear drops from your eye
>The guards, knowing who you are lets you in
>The filly gasps in wonder and awe as you walk the halls
>Up a flight of stairs you go, to the hall that leads to Cadance and Shining's room
>And as you reach the end of the stairs, you see two guards rushing towards you
>You kneel down and look the filly in the eye
"Go to that room there at the end. The princess will be in there. Go to her and tell her your name, okay?"
>The filly nods and scampers off
>Excitement in her step as she gets closer to that fateful meeting
>The guards reach you and you turn your back
>The cuffs land around your wrists and they take you away
>By order of the prince
>You are to be imprisoned in the dungeons
>And you cry not as you accept your fate
>You feel happiness in your heart
>You saved the filly
>You did all the good you needed to

>The dungeons are quite spectacular
>Just like the rest of the castle
>Even the bars are made of crystals
>It brings a slight joy to you, knowing this is where you will spend your life
>At least it is nice to look at
>You are put in the very first cell of the row
>The only cell to be occupied
>Hopefully the guards will speak to you
>Otherwise this could get so very lonely
>You stand in your cell, looking out the tiny, barred window
>The gardens are out there
>Fitting, really
>That is where you sealed your fate after all
>You spend some time in your cell
>You know not how long
>Until you hear a voice in the hall
>A sweet, loving voice
>And you hear the guards leaving
>You turn, with hope in your heart
>And there she is
>Cadance
>Staring at you in disbelief
>"Anon..."
>With her magic she opens the door and runs to you
>She throws herself in your arms and hugs you tightly
>It feels good
>It warms your heart
>"Anon, please believe me when I tell you this was not my doing."
>You believe her
>Of course she would never do this to you
>"I'll let you out of here, don't worry. You are not going to spend your life here in this place for what you did."
>You smile, a tear in your eye
>"But you have to tell me one thing: Why?"

>You lean back and out of the hug
>Cadance, for the very first time, looks worried
>Now it is your turn to smile
>Hell, you even giggle at her
"I'm not sure. Heat of the moment, maybe."
>You chuckle heartily at Cadance
>Oh, life can be good sometimes
>There she is, the perfect mare
>Her face twisted into worry
>The usual smile and composure gone
>"Anon. That wasn't a heat of the moment move."
>You chuckle one last time before speaking
"Maybe not."
>Your smile never leave your lips, however
>Cadance fails to see the humor of the situation
>Well, she couldn't be perfect in the end
>Of course, no one is, really
>"Anon, I've tried talking to Shining. There's nothing I can do. I couldn't convince him to set you free. He's furious."
>Even now the smile is present on your lips
>Even knowing what she will probably say, you smile at her
>This fantastic mare and amazing ruler
>"You'll have to leave, Anon. Far away. Shining would send his guards to Ponyville if necessary. I-I'm sorry."
>Tears well up in her eyes as she speaks
>She is truly sad
>Truly wants happiness for you
>And that is enough
>You need no more than this
>Once more the two of you hug
>The princess once again sobbing quietly in your arms
>Down here in the prison cell
>With the garden in sight

>The hug doesn't last as long as before
>You have more pressing matters to settle
"Where is the filly?"
>Cadance moves back and out of the hug
>She looks at you, her characteristic smile back
>"Freeleaf is fine. I've explained everything to her. Except for the Sombra part."
>You smile at that
"Will she be okay?"
>Cadance nods
>"Freeleaf is a smart filly. She understands. Thank you. I don't know if I could have done it myself."
>You just smile and stroke her mane gently
>A few minutes pass like this
>You and her, enjoying each other's company
"But I can't leave, Cadance."
>For the first time ever, the princess seems angry
>"You have to! You can't spend your life in here!"
>You just keep smiling away
>She really didn't quite understand
"Cadance, I don't want to leave. I'd rather be here, closer to you."
>She looks at you in frustration
>"Anon, if you don't leave right now, you're going to have to spend your entire life in jail! Is that really worth it?!"

>With happiness in your heart you smile
"Yes."
>Finally she gives up
>She admits defeat
>She slumps together in your arms
>With the time you have left, you stroke her mane
>"Why wouldn't you just run?"
>She whispers at you
>She has no energy left
>Gently, so very gently, you stroke her soft and beautiful mane
"Because, Cadance, I'd do anything to be near you. Even give up my life."
>With those words, she looks to you
>"But-"
"We may not have known each other long. But you have shown me something no other pony has. Something truly amazing. It was always you, Cadance. I could never leave this."
>Tears well up in her eyes
>She puts her hoof on your cheek
>You hold it firmly in your hand
"It was always you. Never forget that."
>Just as you feel the need to plant your lips on hers, you hear hoofsteps in the distance
>"He's coming."
>You simply nod and let Cadance go
>For the last time you touch her soft fur
>As she leaves your arms, you feel empty
>But she will be close
>Till the end she will be there
>As she closes the gate you feel your heart imprison itself
>Locking up and leaving the key
>And you see Shining enter the room
>He looks at you in contempt
>Speaks with words of venom
>"So, there you are. Fitting for such a horrible person. I hope you suffer in there for what you did. You'll spend your life in there, you know?"
>You simply smile at the stallion
>A truly happy smile
"I know."
>He snorts in frustration and leaves
>Leaves with Cadance
>The perfect mare

End