Thread 71: Stories 1-15

https://archive.moe/mlp/thread/22571091/
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>AJ
"Celestia"
~~~~

>Hey, Tia? Ah' gotta question.

"HA HA! And I, you see, have an entire army at my command! DO YOUR WORST, AND I SHALL BRING THEM UPON YOU!"

>Kay.

"...Shoot."

>Figured that rear o' yours was mostly full o' hot air.

"Oh ha ha."

>Anyway, just wanted ta' know, what's on the other side?

"Sweet release."

>...

"I mean, the other side of what?"

>The mountain. This mountain. What's on the side that ain't got the castle?

"More mountain."

>...

"..."

>...

"..."

>...That it?

"What else would there be? Do you think it's structurally sound to put two massive structures on either side of a mountain? That's stupid."

>Ya' could just put some storage stuff back there.

"...Oh, yes, I suppose we could. Would likely raise us some money, too."

>Yep. So, Ah'd say ya' lost a couple hundred thousand bits never doin this before and it's all yer-

"THERE IS NO GAG BIG ENOUGH!"

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

>Chrysalis
"SA"
~~~~~

"Okay, what does this one do?"

>Ah ha! You now get to witness the ultimate technique of dear cousin Pyrrhocoris! She was known as the Fire Bug!

"...I am suddenly noticing a lot of flammable material and wish for you to-"

>BEHOOOOOLD!

There was a large, continual hum, and for a moment he knew fear.

...And then nothing happened.

"...Uh-"

>Hold up.

With that, she started rolling around his desk. But rather than scatter, as was normal, they all stuck to her, and clung tightly.

>....Ta daaaa!

"..."

>...

"..."

>...What? It finally worked right!

"...What the fuck does that have to do with fires?"

>What? Uh, nothing I guess.

"Then why..."

>...

"...you know what? Nevermind."

>...

"...That's not coming off, is it?"

>Do you have a spatula?

"...sigh."

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

>42
"18"
~~~~

>So, how have things been going-

"THEY'RE BAAAAAAHAHAHAAAAAACCCKKK! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

>...I take it you are less than thrilled that our kind has arrived.

"I THOUGHT I ESCAPED THEEEEMMMMMM!"

>It's not that bad.

"THEY"RE IDIOOOOOTTTSSSSSSS!"

>...Admittedly, I am having a hard time arguing with that one.

"I thought I was free, that I had fled to a magical land full of wonder and happy and a magical prince of love who was going to sweep me off my hooves and do so many things to me, BUT THEY FOLLOWED MEEEE!"

>Now, see, technically none of that other stuff you said isn't true-

"I'LL NEVER GET AWAAAAYYYYYY!"

>...Probably not, no.

"UH BUUUUH!"

>...Do you want me to go get Shining?

"...Yes. I want Shiny-hugs. I want Shiny-hugs so much it hurts."

>Alright, I- oh, blast, he's skiing.

"Monster. You are a monster."

>I can go get Cadence.

"Cadence?"

>What? She seems like she would be a lot softer to hug.

"...huh... she would be pretty soft and squishy."

>And her coat has got to be smooth after all the work she puts into it.

"Probably smells great too."

>Oh yes, I suppose you would be close enough to... smell it...

"...Forty Two?"

>...

"...Forrtty Two? You still there? Hellooo? I-"

>GAH!

"GAH!? WHY GAH!?"

>...Oh, sorry, I was thinking about... battle formations.

"Battle formations."

>Flanking... lots of... well, not a lot lot, but flanking. Just the right amount... of flanking I mean.

"...Oh... uh, kay?'

>How is that second date coming?

"..."

>...Eighteen?

"..."

>...Eighteen you're worrying-

"MWWWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA!"

>...

"..."

>...

"...Sorry, thinking about...stock reports."

>Stock reports.

"Glorious... glorious stock reports... with allll the...numbers."

>...

"..."

>...Do you ever wonder how we became friends?

"Right? Seems like we don't have a lot in common."

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

>Prostimare
"Guard"
~~~~

Today was going to be a good day.

It wasn't often she had gotten the chance to say that, but today? Today was going to be a good day.

The line to the ice-cream shop may be long as the dickens, but today? Today was going to be a good day.

The stares she got were a bit intense, but today? Today was going to be good day.

"Miss? I'm gonna have to as you to stop out of the line."

...Or so she thought.

>What'cha mean? Why?

"Look, don't make this any more difficult, it's just that the others in the line noticed you're that pony that hang out with you-know-who, and they would rather not have you be around them."

Was this the first time a guard had told her to leave a shop, get out of the way, or just generally not be in the area anymore? Hardly. In her line of work, the moment someone recognizes you is the minute you need to be gone. That said, for once...

>But... but I'm just sitting here! I ain't doing nothing!

"Look, don't make me have to take it a step further. I don't want to have to get rough, but I will."

That, in her line of work, was the scariest thing you could possibly hear. A guard telling you that you had to do what he said or else he would get rough normally did not end well.

While she'd been smart and quick enough never to have to see just how far it got, lots of mares around her place ended up giving... 'refunds', is what they were called. They didn't just have to give up some money, to put it simple. She still remembers Bouncah after she got caught. Took a lot to keep her out of jail... a whole lot. Guards got away with whatever they wanted in certain places, and you couldn't exactly file charges. You couldn't argue, stop them or fight them. They were in the right, and you lose.


With that in mind, it wasn't hard to see why her heart positively seized up, straight up refused to pump anymore blood or beat a single beat more. The moment he moved towards her, she was two seconds from tearing off in a sprint like a frightened rabbit. Even with her makeup on, even looking just as high class as any other Canterlot highbrow, she still knew. She knew she didn't have the same pull any of them had. If a rich pony got arrested, they could threaten to have the guard disbarred, they could wreck lives. But her? She couldn't even break even most days.

No matter how much she hated it, she was still getting ready to run.

And she would have, if a shadow hadn't suddenly cast over her. She didn't need to turn to hear the breathing. Didn't need to move just to sense the rippling power behind her. Honestly, the look on the guards face was enough.

Enough to make her feel something special in her chest, and give her the push to step forwards, right into that guards face and poke him.

>Now you listen here! It's against the law ta' get rid of someone iffin' they're not causing any trouble and you know it! This right here is a violation of basic rights, and if you touch me I'm allowed to defend myself against it! Course, someone else can step in too, iffin' they wanna! Cause right now you ain't got no cause and you just threatened me with harm, which means Ah'm in my rights to protect myself in any way I see fit! This here's discrimination and harassment, and I ain't putting up with it!

He wasn't even looking at her. Didn't even pay her any mind, and she did not give a damn. She was poking a guard! She was telling off a guard, and nobody could do anything about it! She was in the right, and she didn't have to put up with stuff just cause 'that's the way it was'! There was no description for how she felt right now, no way to put it in words at the elation when he started to shuffle back, away from her.

"...S-sorry for the misunderstanding."


He sounded positively mousey. More Squeak than Stallion. She got to watch, for the very first time in her life, as a guard, a guard! Turned and ran away. Him, not her. For once, him... not her.

'The fuck was that all about?'

She leaned back, arching her back in a funny little way that looked painful considering how it bent her spine, her nose pointed straight up into the air... or rather, straight up towards the scrunched, befuddled face of the giant changeling towering over her.

>Awww, ya'll know guards, just throwin' their shit around like it don't stink.

'I have no idea what the fuck that could mean.'

>They jus' be takin' chips without playin' the game!

'I feel like you're just making this up.'

>Nooo! They're runnin' around like their armor ain't loose!

'...Speak changeling.'

>I don't know how ta' talk that!

'You're doing it right now!... Sort of.'

>What? Speakin' Equestrian, honey.

'Is that what you all call it? Well, you're wrong, you're speaking changeling.'

>Hey, whatever you say, sugar bean!

'Don't... ugh, I do not care anymore. Did you get my sundae?'

>Ten more folks ta' go! No cuttin', honey! That's the same iffin' you're a Queen or a... well, I guess Queens can cut if they want, but I ain't got no crown, no ma'am!

'What? But the line's clear.'

Sure enough, the ones in front of her had decided to... 'vacate the premises', quite quickly.

>Oh... well, what do ya' know...

'...You are smiling.'

She was. She was absolutely beaming as she walked up to the counter and put her money down. Her money, not Chitania's, she figured the mare deserved a treat on her.

>Yeah, guess I am.

'Why?'

>Why wouldn't I?.... It's a good day.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

>Watchdog
"Vekir"
'Twilight'

>So let me get this straight, we're going to the Gryphon Kingdoms.

"Mhm!"

>The Gryphon Kingdoms that are-ACCORDING TO YOU-on the verge of some kind of...election...civil war...thing.

"Uh huh!"

>And we're going there so you can sight see in the middle of what's probably gonna be some kinda big old tangle of politics and crazy knight dudes who'd probably want to challenge me to a duel...or set an angry mob on me.

"Yus, what is there not to be getting about this?"

>...I'm gonna like this trip.

'Vekir, Watchdog!'

>Oh hey, how's it goin', nice lady?

"Greetings, Twience Princess! You save me the trip of saying goodbye, yes? We are leaving soon for the land of Catbirds!"

'...Vekir, that is an awful, AWFUL idea, did you not hear about-'

>She was there.

'...and we're okay with this?'

>Well ya DID kind of upgrade me to make sure skippy here didn't get hurt. If you can't trust a great big strong gorilla dog robot to protect someone, who can ya trust?

'Point...Vekir, are you sure about this?'

"It is job of an ambassadassador to go to far off lands, no matter how dangerous! Vekir fears no evil catbird, for good catbirds and robot dog are there to stop them."

Twilight gives Watchdog (who is admiring his reflection in his metal arms) a skeptical look.

'Riiight, well, at least let me help you with that. Watchdog....Watchdog!'

>Huh? Oh right right, what is it?

'Touch the square panel on your left forearm.'

>What like-

'LET ME...get out of the way first, okay?'

>Suuuure...now?

'Now.'

Watchdog does as told and-

BZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

-a metallic prong bursts from his palm, crackling with electricity.

'It's a short-range taser.'

>...cool.

'Oh, and Vekir, there's one more upgrade I didn't have time to show you.'

>Oh cool, what'd you give her? Some kinda raygun?

'...no. Say 'Cheese'.'

"Cheese-"

Ka-chak!

A flash goes off to one side of Vekir's visor.

>Ow, my eyes!

"What was thing?"

'Wait for it.'

A small piece of paper is dispensed from the side of Vekir's suit, Twilight grabs it with her magic, holding it up to the Morlock. A photo of Watchdog getting surprised by the flash slowly comes into focus.

"A painting!"

'A photograph, I figure you'd be less than artistically inclined with all the things you're going to see, so I figured I'd install a camera subsystem so you don't have to haul paints and easel with you around the world. Just point at what you want to keep as a momento and say 'Cheese'. The suit will handle the rest.

"Many thanks, Twience Princess, Vekir shall use this only for good."

'...could...COULD you use a camera for evil?'

"Vekir promises not to find out."

'Good girl.'

>Gah...so we good?

'Yes, you're good. Just make sure you're well supplied and you have all your maps up to date and you never go somewhere absurdly dangerous like Transyl-'

"ONWARD, ROBOT DOG! TO GLORIOUS AMBASSADORIALISM!"

>ALRIGHT! LET'S DO THIS!

'...they'll be fine...oh Celestia, please let them be fine.'

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 >42
"Spitfire"
~???~
~~~~~~

"And what in the hell is that?"

>This is the... 'straight-shooter 2000'... huh.

"Is that the best model?"

>This is version 2000, how many more kinks could be left?

"That's just branding."

>But the mark says "Fawntaine"?

"Not that kind of... nevermind. What's it for?"

>According to the brochure, 'this wonder of metal will have you shooting with 100 percent accuracy every time within three weeks, or money back.

"...Isn't that supposed to say 'or YOUR money back'?"

>Typo?

"...Sure."

>Well, the storelady said it was perfect for me, so I'm assuming it won't be an issue.

"Really?"

>Yep. I said I needed something to help someone shoot straight, she took one look at me, and boom. Sold.

"Huh. So, what does it-"

~TARGET ACQUIRED!~

>Oh look, it's already-

~FIRING!~

*CLICKCLICKCLICKCLICKCLICK*

>...

"...So, I'm noticing it's aiming at you."

>That it is.

"And that it is spinning an awful lot."

>Uh huh.

"...Not loaded?'

>Figured unloading it before I knew how it worked was prudent.

"Wise choice."

>...

"...Gonna return it?'

>No... I relish a challenge. I can make this work, and I take this only to mean another obstacle stands in my way of a perfect army. One... I shall forge.

"Really?"

>It is in my veins, this need to beat others into submission, and this is no different!

"Really."

>My passion burns with a thousand fires!

"...Really."

>I LOST THE RECEIPT OKAY!?

"...Yep."

>GO EAT A DICK!

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>2
"SA"
~~

>Gonna biiiiiitte! NOM!

"..."

>Hey, Shiny, you okay? Ya' normally pretend ta' be in pain causa shark bites, it ain't no fun unless yer' thrashin' around goin' OH NO! THE SHARKS GOT ME!

"...You know, I never really asked you."

>Yes ya' did! And I said no! I ain't goin' ta' the dentist! Marchmalleys don't need chewin' anyway!

"No, I mean... about this whole... Eighteen thing."

>What'cha mean?

"Well, you see, uh... you know we went out on that grownup date, right?"

>Ya huh.

"Soooo... well, you just got adopted. Would it bother you if... uh... if more than just Cadence was mom?"

>...Ain't followin'.

"This is weirdly hard to explain... okay, you know how I'm your dad now-"

>YEP!

"And Cadence is your mom-"

>UH HUH!

"So, what if there was... another one?"

>...Like... two whole mommies?

"Yes."

>Like, not a not-mom?

"Yes, not like not-mom."

>...What'd be different? Would I have ta' eat double brussle sprouts cause o' dinner?

"No, Two."

>ACK! Do I have ta' go ta' two different schools!? NOT THE ME TWO! THE REAL TWO... I know I'm the real Two, you know what I mean!

"I do, and no. You wouldn't."

>Do I gotta hug more?

"I literally do not see how that is possible considering, but let's say yes."

>That ain't so bad!

"...is that it?"

>What else would be different? Ya' keep actin' like it's bad, but I don't get it!

"Uh... I don't know. I can't think of any major changes between you and her considering how much she already does. I'm just asking if it would bother you."

>...Nu uh!

"Nu uh?"

>Nope!

"..."

>...

"...That's it?"

>Yep!

"Huh... not sure what I was expecting. Guess I thought you'd be confused."

>Nope!

"Any reason why not?"

>Shiny, I was stuffed in the drafty corner a bit ago, and then I got a daddy and a mommy and everything went awesome! Why would another one be bad? Especially Eighteen! She already takes me ta' get ice cream and the park and helps me with my schoolwork! Makin' two mommy day cards don't sound that hard.

"...Sound logic, I guess."

>A duh, that's why I gots a A on my spelling test!

"Huh... good job."


>Soooo-

"She's not there yet, in case you were wondering. I was just checking to make sure you weren't going to be bothered.

>Why?

"You'll understand when you have... on second thought, hopefully never."

>Shiny? Yer' eye just started twitchin'.

"...Nnnggghh..."

>...this is gonna be somethin' I get later, right?

"Sure. Let's go with that."

>Kay! Can I go back to playing shark?

"...Really? I just drop a bombshell you might be calling Eighteen mom, and that's it?"

>Ya huh!

"..."

>...Sooooo?

"...Duuuuun dun.... dduuuun dunnnn."

>Dun dun dun dun dun dun-

"Bum bum bum bum-"

>DUN NUN NUN NUN!

"DUN NUN NUUUNN!"

>RAWR!

"OH NO! SHARK ATTACK! AND ON LAND TOO! YOU LIED TO ME, MOVIE POSTER! BEING OUT OF THE WATER DIDN'T HELP AT ALL!"

>RAWRRAWRAWR!

"OH WOE IS- OW! NO FANGS! OWOWOWOWOW!"

>AH'M BEHIN AUFEHNTIC!

"CADENCE HELP!"

>RAWWWRRRRR!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

>SA
"Applejack"
~~~

"Come in."

There was exactly three beings in the entire world who knocked before entering.

On of them was Fluttershy, despite the fact she worked here and did not need to knock.

The second was, embarrassing enough, 29, who was nothing if not formal. And annoying too, but mostly formal.

The third was...

>Howdy. Done enablin' her for the moment?

The white stallion just rolled his eyes, trotting right up to her without a care.

"See, that's not very diplomatic of you. I'm here on diplomatic reasons."

>Ya' say that, covered in what Ah'm assumin' is confetti.

"...Twili wanted to play pop the balloon. Spike cheated."

>Ya' don't say. So, Prince Shinin' Armor, what diplomatic reasons do Ah' have ta' thank fer' your whitey presence.

"NO!"

>..

"THAT IS OUR WORD!"

>...

"Me and Celestia, specifically!"

>...

"...A-hem. The reasoning concerns my newest 'guests'."

>Iffin' she sicked ya' on me ta' complain, not gonna lie, Ah'm gonna lose a lot o' respect for ya'.

"Funny, but no. Nothing like that. It's actually a pretty reasonable request, all things considered."

>It's Chrysalis, ain't no such thing as reasonable with her.

"Of course. Well the issue of the Queen of the foreign populace currently residing in my kingdom-"

>Meanin' the bug monster

"...Fair warning, you say that around Two? I'm going to hit you."

>It's just her, not anyone else. Well, cept maybe the biggun.

"Not better."

>...Fine.

"As I was saying, via request of the foreign leadership currently residing within my borders, she has asked for me to act as a mediator to-"

>By that you mean she's hidin' behind ya' and ain't even gonna ask me ta' my face like a real mare. What a shock.

"Are you going to keep interrupting me?"

>Just get ta' the point already.

"...Fine. She wants to know where you sent Twelve."

>...Sent him?


"Yeah, don't be like that. He took out what's her name on your request, you signed her into his guardianship, and you did so only if a guard of the royal army was present and accounted for at the time of transference, and said guard was to watch out for her the entirety of the trip to the new location."

>...And?

"And there was a guard there, with him, as he took her, and with him as he got on a trip to NOT Canterlot. It turns out, said guard specifically bought the ticket and gave the location of destination. Which means someone you hired, specifically, for this job took them to a specific location. Noticeably, she is worried about her subject vanishing under your orders. Now, I personally know you would never do any of the worst case scenario she's thinking about, so I'm not worried, but she is. Just tell me where you sent him so I can tell her so she can go make sure he's okay and stop fretting that he's being dissected or something, because despite what you tend to think she does care about them, and does not want them hurt."

>...

"...is there a problem?"

>Hm? Oh, uh... nope! No problem at all! Uh... sorry though, I can't tell ya' where, see I had ta' take Screwloose somewhere... uh, special. Don't want her knowing about it.

"Are you serious right now? Applejack, even I can see that's an utter load, you can't just go behind her back and send her subject off wherever without telling her. Do not make me go get her, because I will take her side on this, and-"

>No no! Ah' get it totally, and Ah'm happy she's so worried bout him, really! Good show on her! But don't you worry none, Ah'll have someone go fetch him right quick and have him ta' her soon enough, and she can talk all she wants! Just gimme some time to send someone ta' go get him, kay? That's all Ah'm askin'.

"...Applejack-"

>Come on, ya' owe me this one.

"...Fine, I'll tell her to wait a bit, a little bit, but seriously, this is worrying her."

>Ah' see her concern, and Ah'll make sure everythin' is just fine. Look, Ah' know me and her ain't on the best terms right now, so maybe this'll be a good way for her ta' see Ah' ain't goin' at her neck while her back is turned, ya' know? Ah've got this, don't you worry none.

"Well... okay. Just remember to tell her next time you do something like this-"

>After what happened, ain't makin' this mistake again, Ah' promise you that. Did a lot o' stuff behind her back she didn't like, might as well try somethin' new and do somethin' she'll like, right?

"...Alright, thanks. And sorry, uh... I wasn't there to help out when things got dicey."

>Yeah, well, nobodies happy with how that went down. Even still, ya' never know, they like it over there. Might be for the best. Ya'll have a good day now, ya' hear?

"You too. Later, Applejack."

She waited till he was gone.

Waited till she could no longer hear his hoofsteps on the other side of the door.

Waited and waited until she was sure he wasn't coming back, nor in hearing range.

She waited, until...

>....Jetset? Uh... N-need ya' ta'... ta' do me a solid reaaaaaaallll quick.

Sweat dripped from her brow as her horn flickered, shaking hooves reaching down as she opened a drawer, a very specific drawer, a drawer that carried very, very specific things...

Most notably, the request form to send a guard off with Twelve when he took Screwloose into his custody.

And the request for funds to only be used for a train ride to Canterlot.

And the request form for the very specific location she was to be taken to.

All of them crisp, and ready.

...Not a single one of them signed or completed.

>...A-Ah' might'a... might'a messed up... just a bit.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NC
>Chrysalis
~~~

>MOM! MOM MOM MOM MOM MOM MOM MOM MOM MOMMY MAMA MOTHER MA' MOM MOM MATRON MOTHER MOM MOM MOM MOM MOM MAWMAW MOM MOM MOM MOM MOM MOM-

"WHAAAAAT!?"

>...Hiya mom! This is Shiny!

'Hi.'

"...Oh my, he is rather attractive-"

*ZAP!*

>MOM NO!

~NO MORE! YOU HEAR ME!? NOOOOOOO!~

*a thousand Queens appear*
*All get 'that' look in their eyes.*

{OH MY GOSH! LOOK!}

{SOOO SEXYYYYY!}

'...Oh, fuck...'

*They all charge.*

'Cadence, I want you to know I love you-'

{MOVE!}

*They trample him*

'...wha-'

(OH FUCK NO!)

{CHITTYYYYYY! CHITTY WE GOT BODIES AGAIN! LET US SHOW YOU THEM!}

{In ALLLL THE BEST WAYS!}

(OH FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK!)

{That's what we were hoping for!}

(NOT AGAIIIIIIINNNN!)

*Everyone gets to watch as the stampede of Queens chases Chitania off into the distance*

'...'

>Huh.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Non-Canon
>Pinkie
"Sweetie Belle"
~~~~
>Welcome to Not Late Night /pa/ with your host Pinkie Pie! It's during this time that content does matter and serious discussion happen! Now for our main guest...SWEETIE BELLE!!!

"Hiya!"

>So you're not so smart any more eh?

"Yup."

>...oh, I used up my one question. I didn't even get to ask if you were back to crusading again.

"Oh, we're-"

>Nope, it's too late. I can't take it back now. Don't worry. We'll all see you again when you get screen time.

"Am I getting screen time later?"

>...Hey, look at the time! That's the end of our show! Don't forget that there's going to be jello for lunch.
Sweetie Belle wakes up.

"I love lunch time!"

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

>29
"Ghost kids"
'Passer by'
~~

>Okay, so, this is going well!

"Ya' look like a fag."

>Be silent thou- I mean, ya'll need ta' be quiet ya' whipper snapper!

"Ain't nobody gonna buy yer' a fuckin' old man."

'Mommy look! He's old!'

'Honey! Don't draw attention to the decrepit old pony... Sorry!'

>...

"Take it back, these fucker's are obviously as dumb as your stupid ass."

>...How did th-... did YA'LL die again? Gang shooting?

"NO!"

>...

"...Stabbing. How'd ya' know I was in a gang."

>Wild guess. So, what is your final request.

"...Wait, seriously? I ain't done nothin' but called ya' a fucking poncy fag since I've seen ya'."

>If something like names were enough to dissuade me, I would have quit a while ago. What do you desire?

"...C-can..."

>...

"...Can ya' read me goodnight moon?"

>Yes.

"Ain't ya' gonna ask why?"

>Nope... Goodnight moon, goodnight-

"Ya' know it by heart?"

>Long story. As I was saying, goodnight, moon, Luna bids you adieu...

~~~~

>...goodnight moon.

'Mommy? Why is he talking to himself?'

'Because he's crazy honey.'

"...Yeah, think that's plenty."

*FLASH!*

'MY EYES!'

'OH DEAR CELESTIA! AHHHHHH!'

>...It's the little things...

'AHHHHHHH!'

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

~~~

"What on earth are you doing up here?"

When her guard had informed her someone had accessed the sacred room containing the Crystal Heart, Cadence had wasted not a moment more. She had hurried as quickly as she could, running through the halls just a touch quicker than she should, not really caring that it was cracking the finish on her freshly manicured hooves. She had to be there, in this room, now.

She had known it was Chrysalis, of course. If she let a guard see her at all, she was hiding absolutely nothing. The one thing that even now unsettled her about the Queen. Either Cadence knew everything she was doing, or nothing until it was already happening.

Even still, this explained nothing as she watched the Queen before her, her back turned to the door, sitting some distance away from the Heart and staring. Staring forwards like she was a firefly drawn to a flame, staring fowards with an odd sense of almost wonder, and awe.

"Chrysalis?"

Tentatively, she approached the Queen, cautious as she did so. Even now, she had not moved, nor shown any sign she acknowledged she was no longer along in the room.

"Chrysalis, are you okay? You're... just talk to me."

The massive black form before her took a deep, deep breath, sides expanding out as she inhaled a waft of the crisp, clean air of the Empire. She let it out slowly, as if she was savoring every moment of it, the flavor of nothing at all.

"I miss it."

Despite her relief that the Queen was speaking once more, she could not for the life of her understand what she meant.

"I don't understand, miss what?"

"...That."

A single hoof pointed forwards, jutting ahead. Even with her back still turned, Cadence could just barely make out that she was indeed pointing to the Heart.

"Oh... you mean the power."


She sounded a bit bitter, she knew. She hated that part of Chrysalis, of anyone really, who would ever pick power over love. That they would take love and use it as a weapon was disgusting to her... even though she was forced to admit, she too had relied upon it to defeat Chrysalis before. It was hypocritical, but she did not care. She hated anyone who would pervert the power of love in such a way. You used it to empower you to protect those you loved, not to harm deliberately.

"Ye....... no."

The slow coming of her second answer broke her mind from her thoughts, drawing her back to earth and away from her more dark ideas.

"No?"

"...No, there's a yes too. I miss being that powerful, I miss being able to control reality itself and destroy anything without a care. I miss being... invincible. I miss that, yeah... but that's not what I really miss."

"I don't understand, what do you miss instead?"

"...The plan."

She watched as the Queen's shoulder's slumped, just a bit, a slight deflating as if she had been pricked by a needle, and she was a balloon. Slow, steady, but there.

It only confused her more.

"Chrysalis, you need to talk to me."

"...I miss having a plan. A set goal that was going to fix everything in one fell swoop. That was it, that was everything... I miss the plan."

That seemed almost comical, considering.

"And what plan was that?"

"Get the power in the Crystal Heart, become almighty, finally rule this place."

Her heart seized, feeling painful in her chest as it suddenly refused to pump a single drop of blood more. She stumbled back, eyes wide and full of terror.

"Y-you... you actually were going to conquer us?"

She chuckled, dark and low.

"Of course I was. And not just you, but Canterlot as well. What, did you think that just because we watched some movies that I didn't still want... all of it? The world, the power, my Queenship above all... I wanted it so bad it hurt. I was just waiting for the day I could seize this power and become something no being could ever stand against. Everything, from being in this castle to learning how to make you think me harmless to learning the ways to obtain the Heart was all towards this goal. I wanted to be the Queen above all others, my race empowered beyond imagination, no longer beheld to the love of others. We would have enough to sustain us for the rest of time... and I would rule it all."

She didn't know when she had slipped into a fighting stance, didn't know why either. Chrysalis had, almost comically easily, defeated her before. Back before the wedding even her full might was nothing compared to a somewhat weakened changeling Queen, and she had been locked away without a care. There was nothing she could do, seeing as her most potent attacks would only make Chrysalis stronger, but she could not just stand idly by if there was a threat before her. She had been the one to let her in, at least one of the ones responsible, she had to deal with it.

"So then... if you really did intend to conquer us, what changed?... Or has anything changed at all?"

A single, shaking hoof reached up. It was unsteady, unstable and weary, but that chitinous hoof reached up all the same... and touched her own lips.

"...I was wrong."

In a moment, all that rage, all that suspicion just seemed to melt away. Three little words, spoken so sincerely, took the fight from her in an instant.

"Wrong? About... what?"

"...Do you think I didn't know why he didn't just use his shield and thrown me out? Did you really think that line about Two would fool me? I know, he was just trying to use me, to 'fix me' and redeem me so that he could be rewarded with his wings. He didn't care about if I was better, he put up with me so that he could get the reward he wanted so much, that was it. He didn't care about me, or my people, or anything like that. He tolerated me, he did not want me around. He didn't want me, just his wings..."

Her hoof trailed over ebony lips, slowly and deliberately.

"...But I was wrong. Even when I had nothing left, no power, no life, no hope... he saved me."

Another breath left her, just as slowly, just as painfully, as the last one had.

"He couldn't have faked that. There was no way to save me without giving me love... real love... pure love, for me, no one else. He had to feel that love for me, right then, and he had to give it to me. Nothing, not even another Heart itself, would have saved me right then. My only hope was Shining Armor, loving me."

Wide, sparkling eyes looked back to the Crystal Heart, getting lost in its glow.

"...And he did."

The princess felt breathless, stunned, unable to move or breath. She had known that Shining Armor had to kiss her to save her, of course, he would never hide something like that from her and made sure to tell her it had not been something he would ever do normally, but she had assumed it had merely been a way to give Chrysalis power, never had she dreamed that...

"Chrysalis..."

"And, after all that... it turns out I can't even use this thing anymore. If I try, apparently I'm going to burn out again, faster, and more permanent this time. For a time, I was the most powerful being in the world... and even still, I kind of miss it."

"Does that mean..."

She laughed.

Perhaps it was a bit cruel to do, perhaps it was a bit spiteful and bitter inside of it, but nonetheless, Queen Chrysalis laughed.

"That's the thing... even if I got the power again, it wouldn't change anything. I don't... want to take Empire, anymore. I think if I tried to take it... I would just end up giving it back. Even if I became like that again, I don't know what I'd do. I don't have an easy answer anymore, and I miss it. I miss it... I miss the plan."

"...Do you have another one?"

"Of course. I've always got a plan, Cadence... but this one is more risky, though, and it might not work, certainly won't work as well as me being a Goddess and forcing everyone to bow to my whim. That would have been easy... this way is hard."

It was some time before Cadence moved again, before she trotted up next to the Queen, and eventually sat down beside her, joining her as she gazed upon the Heart.

"...Harder doesn't mean worse, you know."

"I know, but easy was so much more tempting."

"It always is, but it's not always what it seems."

"Guess that's true..."

They remained there, stationary, side by side as they watched the warm glow, watched the light bleed off in waves. Both of them, more than any other being alive, could feel what that gemstone was truly capable of, understood it... like no others did.

"...Cadence?"

"Yes?"

"Did I ever actually say sorry for beating you up and locking you in a cave?"

"No, Chrysalis, you have not."

"How about that..."

Not a word more was said. Not a word more between them. Yet, at the same time, nothing more seemed to need to be said.

They watched, together, as one, as the light shined brightly.

And if anyone had been looking, they would have seen it shine... just a bit brighter than it ever had before.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

>SA
"Velvet"
'Nightlight'
~~~

>Hi mom and dad! Happy anniversary!

'OH FUCK NO AGAIN I'M SO SORRRYYYYYY!'

>HA! Got you, dad... again.

'...I have no son.'

"Oh hi Sweetie! What actually brings you down here?"

>Jussst waiting for the rocket to get refueled, thought I would say hi.

'Is it bad that I'm jealous of our son? I wish our adventures got as crazy as his did.'

"Yes, honey, it's bad. That's what leads to the little princesses who are in every pageant."

'...Ironic considering.'

"Let's not be cruel honey. So! How are things over in the Empire now that you have the changelings over there?"

>Not as bad as expected.

'Any other changelings trying to jump you yet?'

"HONEY!"

'TELL ME I'M WRONG!'

"Well, okay, you aren't, but still!"

>No dad, no other changelings have tried to 'jump' me yet.

'Good... or bad, I don't know how you react to that.'

>It's good.

'For you maybe.'

"DEAR!"

'What? I wish that many mares were attracted to me... not that I would ever cheat on you, just the idea of-OW!'

"YOU ARE SLEEPING ON THE COUCH TONIGHT!"

'I said I wouldn't cheat on you! What, you don't want other mares to find me attractive-OWOW!'

>Dad? Stop talking.

"LISTEN TO THE BOY!"

>SO! Changing the subject, I am happy at least one of them is staying over here.... you know the one... has she been harassing you? Looking at you cross? Please tell me she looked at you cross so I can call it an international incident and make her hurt.

"You mean that giant monster thing? No, she's been fine."

>You sure? Haven't been harassed by a technicolor nightmare by any chance, have you?

"Noooo, why?"

>That's her disguise. She looks like a clown dropped in funion rings, or at least she did back at Partyland.

"...Come again?"

>Back at Partyland, she disguised herself like a clown got ran over by a tyedye factory somehow.

"..."

>...Mom?

"Hm? Oh, nothing, just funny, I guess?"

>I find very little about her humorous.

'Son? You eye is twitching.'

>...

"...Okay, stop stalling, TALK ABOUT MY GRANDBABY!"

>She's moving to the blue room tomorrow.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

'And there goes my hearing.'

>...So did you actually forget your anniversary today?

'YOU CRUEL MONSTER! Stop tricking your dear old dad!'

>...

'...I-it is a trick, right?'

>...

'...R-right?'

>...

'...Why do you have opera tickets?'

>Because mom likes the opera.

'...Ah... ahhhh...'

"...NIGHTLIGHT HOW COULD YOU!"

>Mom? You're not fooling anyone.

"...I'm bad with dates!"

'Ha ha! Equality!'

"You're still sleeping on the couch."

'DAMN!'

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Non-Canon
>Pinkie
"Twilight"
~~~~
>Welcome to Saturday Morning /pa/ with your host Pinkie Pie! It's during this time that content does matter and delicious pancakes are served! Now for our main guest...TWILIGHT!!!

"...what?"

>Question time! If Shining Armor dies are you going to put him in a Dreadnought, so that he serves even in death?

"...WHAT!?!"

>...Oh I grabbed the wrong twilight. That's okay. This was still a good episode anyway.

"Pinkie, what's going on? Where are we?"

>You're on my not really late night show...Don't worry about it. I'm about to win and find the surprise...you're sleeping on pancakes by the way.
Twilight wakes up.

"I'm pancake. I mean awake."

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 >Spike
"42"
~~~

>...Hey.

"Hello."

>...

"..."

>...

"...Your princess hit my Queen."

>Your Queen made my Applebutt feel bad.

"Yours did it first."

>Pretty sure if we trace this back to the wedding, she'll come out on top.

"Touche."

>...This gonna be awkward with us now?

"I wouldn't train with me for a little bit if I was you. I will probably get painful."

>Yeah, kind of figured...

"..."

>...DT's probably mad at you guys, by the by.

"The fuck did I do?"

>Moved without telling her?

"I didn't move anywhere, I've lived over there since before I even met her, I just didn't realize it yet."

>Huh... fair enough.

"..."

>...You look like you want to-

"DODGE!"

*CRACK!*

"...You are sloppy."

>PAIN!

"That is unrelated to any prior events, I assure you."

>SO MUCH PAIN!

"...DODGE!"

>THIS IS BULLSH

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________