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- > Be Prince Anonymous.
- > And you can scarcely believe the information set out before you.
- > Yet here it was, clear as day.
- > Pictures, of your wife...
- > Your wife betraying you.
- > One of your contacts said they had something juicy for you, but you had never expected...
- "How much?"
- > You keep your voice even.
- > The lanky stallion shuffles slightly. They're always so easily intimidated.
- > "Six-hundred bits. A thousand if you want the name of the stallion."
- > Hmm. Quite the high offer.
- > An unreasonable offer.
- "I'll give you five-hundred for the pictures and the stallion's name."
- > A more reasonable offer, you thought.
- > The stallion's scoff suggested otherwise.
- > "I know how much you don't want this to get out. My price remains the same."
- > You hated when they knew they had a good hand.
- > But maybe you could convince him otherwise.
- > You swiveled your chair around, facing the gardens outside your window.
- "And I know how much you enjoy staying out of prison, Featherweight."
- "I'm being generous by offering you anything at all. And suddenly I'm in no mood to negotiate."
- > "But your reputation-"
- > You silence him with a gesture of your hand.
- "My reputation will remain sterling, if not improved by this information. It's my wife who would suffer."
- "I'll not ask again, Featherweight."
- > You hear him shuffle from behind you.
- > He then gives an exasperated sigh.
- > "Fine. It was Private First-Class Flash Sentry, sir."
- > You hear the photos drop onto the desk.
- "Perfect. Simmer will compensate you on your way out."
- > You gesture with your hand that he's free to go, and the door opens behind him.
- "It's been a pleasure."
- > He grunts, then turns to leave.
- > The door closes.
- > Your arm lashes out.
- > A fifteen-thousand bit vase is the victim of your rage.
- > A gift from a Gryphon delegation.
- > It was almost three millennia old.
- > Shattered on the floor.
- > This was unfortunate.
- > Very unfortunate.
- > Much of what you had built was dependent on your relationship to Twilight.
- > Your status as Prince was what had enabled you to build political capital.
- > It enabled you to start building up a repertoire of secrets.
- > Your livelihood depended on you maintaining that title, if this information got out...
- > But it wouldn't. Because you could stop it.
- > Because secrets were your profession. Usually they just weren't so close to your identity.
- > And usually keeping them secret didn't hurt so badly.
- > But most importantly, you had to stop this from happening again.
- > Twilight wouldn't cheat with just anyone, she's not quite so stupid as to risk her reputation carelessly.
- > This Flash Sentry must have some strong connection, something irreplaceable.
- > So really, covering this up was more a matter of dealing with him at this point.
- > Getting up, you walked over to a bookcase.
- > Pulling back the "Tome of Cyclical Entropy," the wall begins to shift.
- > Revealing your pride and joy.
- > Behind the false door, row-upon-row of filing cabinets.
- > Dirt on just about every person on this damn world.
- > Knowing exactly where to go, you navigate the room flawlessly until you reach it.
- > A cabinet labelled "E. Royal Guard - Canterlot Region."
- > Pulling it open, you move to guard assignments to Ponyville.
- > It doesn't take you long to find Flash, but you have almost nothing on him.
- > So this would have to be indirect.
- > The Captain of the Ponyville Guard was one "Gilded Light."
- > Opening his file, a grin spread across your face.
- > You did so love the game.
- > Closing it, you return the rest and close the cabinet, taking it with you back to your office.
- > You carefully navigate the shattered porcelain of the vase.
- > As you take your seat in your comfortable chair, you pull out a quill from the desk.
- > Some parchment from a cabinet.
- > And you begin to machinate.
- "Dear Captain Light."
- > Best to begin formal.
- "I am writing you regarding one Miss Shining Diamond."
- > And hit hard, and fast.
- "I am well acquainted with your improprieties with her."
- > Appear civil.
- "I hope dearly that you know the cost of infidelity in Saddle Arabia."
- > But make clear the threat.
- "If you wish to avoid a political catastrophe which could cost you your life..."
- > The threat to him.
- "And the possible costs to your family."
- > The threat to what he holds dear.
- "I have only one request."
- > Make the task easy.
- "You will order Private First Class Flash Sentry to stand guard alone at the Babbling Brook."
- > And show how simple it will be for him to keep this all safe.
- "His posting will be beside the Everfree."
- > Leave no details out.
- "Burn this letter after reading it. Tell no one, I will know if you do."
- > And make clear your power.
- "Further instructions will follow."
- > And that was all it took.
- > You'd have Flash out of the way in no time.
- > And then you'd only have to deal with your unfaithful wife.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- > Looking at yourself in the mirror, you carefully adjusted your tie to make sure it lined up perfectly.
- > Appearances were important, after all.
- > You had to make sure this event was memorable.
- "Sapphire, the platinum cuff-links, please."
- > "At once, my Prince."
- "And the matching crown, as well."
- > The blue-toned pony bowed, making an affirmative noise, before backing out of your room.
- > Moving over to the window, you looked out over Canterlot proper.
- > Your suite at the Castle was a thing of beauty.
- > An amazing view of the city.
- > While your wife lived in her castle in Ponyville, you stayed mostly in Canterlot.
- > At the castle which still represented the heart of Equestrian government.
- > Making regular trips out to the township, of course.
- > It was a necessity. Ponyville was still a backwater. There was little in the way of political gain to be made there.
- > You had carefully arranged political cover for your trip to Ponyville.
- > Ordinarily, if there was a threat, you would have someone else take care of it.
- > There was too much political risk in addressing a problem yourself.
- > But this 'Flash Sentry' had made things personal.
- > He had opted to not only risk Twilight's entire life, but yours.
- > That was something that called for action.
- > And you fully intended to deal with him yourself.
- > It had been too long since you had gotten to enjoy any real fun, anyhow.
- > While the game was still fun from afar, you missed the personal touch.
- > But you required a solid alibi. Or your wife would know something was up.
- > So you pulled a few strings.
- > The door opens behind you.
- > "Your cuff-links and crown, sir."
- "Thank you, Sapphire."
- > The train ride was luxurious, but it was what you were accustomed to.
- > You spent the duration of it looking over plans for an extension to the Manehattan train network.
- > Unlike your fellow Royals, who tended to delegate most of their labour, you preferred the personal touch.
- > It was what had made you so beloved amongst the populace.
- > Upon your initial arrival, you had been reviled; the ponies were a naturally suspicious lot.
- > But you had struggled endlessly to make the inroads necessary to win the hearts of the people.
- > In no small part by winning the heart of a princess.
- > And it was that focus on the individual issues that had won you that reputation.
- > That, combined with your ability to get what needed to be done finished.
- > Your door opened, a servant bringing in a cup of coffee.
- > "Your beverage, sir."
- "Thank you, Collar. An incredibly prompt delivery, I must say."
- > Even the stuffy old stallion becomes bashful at your comment.
- > "You flatter me, sir."
- > Of course you flattered him.
- > Flattery got you everywhere with the average citizen.
- > Made you seem humble, real. Something tangible.
- > Where their princesses were their deities, you were their messiah.
- > When the door closed, you returned to looking over the expansion.
- > It was a good distraction from the struggles that would be ahead of you.
- > Your purpose in Ponyville was ostensibly covered. You were opening a new orphanage this evening.
- > 'Anonymous' Home for The Hopeful.' Funded by one Filthy Rich.
- > One Filthy Rich with a lot of secrets.
- > But you only hoped you didn't encounter Twilight this evening.
- > You knew she would be in Ponyville, and likely know about your event.
- > But you couldn't predict what your reaction would be to seeing her.
- > You knew you had to keep your cool...
- > But you must confess, it stung. Harshly.
- > Hopefully she would wait until after Flash was dealt with.
- > Upon disembarking your train, you almost immediately spotted Mayor Mare.
- > And you also spot a veritable flood of the press.
- > They hounded you everywhere. You were a bit of a celebrity, after all.
- > Your guards move out to hold back the tide of press while you move towards the Mayor.
- > You had won her innumerable political battles in exchange for information in the early days.
- > It's why there was still a Mayor in this town when a Princess ruled it directly.
- > Something otherwise illogical.
- > As if there would ever be a 'Mayor of Canterlot,' for instance.
- > You address her.
- "Mayor Mare! It's such a pleasure."
- > "My Prince! It's been too long since I've seen you personally!"
- > You lift the small mare up into an embrace, and you hear the snapping of cameras behind you.
- > Putting her down, you brush a lock of hair out of her face.
- "Why, I was here not two weeks ago and saw neither hide nor hair of your beauty."
- > She gets a little flustered.
- > "Well, you could've dropped by City Hall! You know my door's always open for you!"
- > It's always hard to tell if she's playing the game quite like you are.
- > Or perhaps she's genuinely an admirer, like the rest.
- > You preferred to believe the former. Made it easier to deal with.
- "But I suppose we mustn't waste time with pleasantries. The sun's already falling and I have a ribbon to cut!"
- > She laughs and swats you with a hoof.
- > The mayor says to follow her, and you do, your guards moving with you.
- > You look to your watch.
- > Flash would be at his post now.
- > Your mind wanders briefly as to whether this is the right course of action.
- > When you look up, you notice you've fallen behind a bit from the Mayor, and pick up the pace.
- > Always have to look busy.
- > Because even if you spend every waking moment working for Equestria...
- > If it doesn't look like it, then they won't think you are.
- > And that's guaranteed to lose you the favour of the people.
- "And thus, it is my pleasure to officially declare Anonymous' Home for the Hopeful open for business!"
- > You bring down the giant scissors on the big red ribbon, slicing it in two.
- > As you open the doors, a bunch of foals run into the building.
- "And of course, to prove that this is a home fit for a prince, I'll be staying the night!"
- > The thundering roar of hooves on the ground echo through the township.
- > A rousing applause, merely for cutting a ribbon and giving them your presence.
- > The foals were for show, of course. The orphanage wouldn't open until tomorrow.
- > You had need of the building for tonight. Those foals would be put up at the local hotel for the evening.
- > Looking at the crowd, your entourage begin to disperse them as you move into the building with the Mayor.
- > "I can't tell you how much I appreciate this, Anonymous. Every time you stop by it seems a big boon for my career."
- "Happy to help, Mayor. I'm sure you realize this helps me as much as it helps you."
- > She chuckles, hiding her face behind her hoof.
- > "Oh as if you need political help. Everyone loves you."
- > You chuckle lightly.
- "I do seem to have that effect on people. But I'm sure you need to get home, Mayor. I won't keep you."
- > She bashfully kicks her hoof.
- > "Oh, I always have time for you, My Prince. But I suppose we can carry on tomorrow."
- > You move to escort her to the exit.
- "I'll see you in the morning, then?"
- > "You can bet on it!"
- > You watch her until she's firmly out of sight, before closing the door.
- > You turn to your Guard Captain, an imposing Gryphon.
- "Talon, I want you to watch this door and the windows."
- "No one comes in, no one looks in. If Twilight comes by, one of you stall and the other notify me."
- "In no other circumstance am I to be disturbed."
- > He snaps a sharp salute.
- > "Yes, Sir!"
- > Good.
- > You remove your crown and wrist-cuffs, placing them on the table.
- > You likewise remove your blazer, and place it over one of the dining chairs.
- > You roll up your sleeves.
- > Moving around the rear-portion of the orphanage, you head near the stairwell to the second floor.
- > Behind the stairs is a door, leading down to the basement.
- > Which you take.
- > And once downstairs, you go through the trapdoor beside the icebox.
- > In the sterile room there is a single occupant.
- > Your prize for the night. Bound and gagged.
- > Strapped to a table.
- > Yes, you think you'll have fun tonight.
- > You did miss the personal touch.
- "Hello, Private First-Class."
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- > A voice draws you from your slumber.
- > Cracking open your eyes takes considerable effort.
- > And the intense light from the top of the stairs blinds you.
- > You move a hand to cover your eyes, and avert your gaze.
- > "My Prince, it's six-thirty."
- > You groan loudly.
- > You should have stopped earlier last night.
- > But he kept on going.
- > So you had to.
- > Your bones feel rusty as you move up into a sitting position.
- > Snaps and crackles all the way.
- > Your eyes finally adjusting, you can see your Guard Captain at the top of the stairs in the light.
- "Thank you, Talon."
- > He makes an affirmative noise, turning to leave.
- > The small door closes, returning you to the relative darkness of the cellar.
- > Small, magic-powered lamps are around the room, but they provide little light.
- > Grime cakes your once immaculate white dress shirt and vest.
- > Pulling yourself up from the floor, you nearly slip.
- > Seems you passed out in a wet spot, a terrible shame.
- > Your whole body moves slowly, aching from sleeping on a stone floor.
- > Looking down at yourself, long red splotches stain your clothes.
- > Beyond any hope of cleaning, you supposed.
- > Slowly, your hand moves to the buttons of your vest, and you discard it.
- > Then your dress shirt.
- > But the pants stay.
- > You stand tall, stretching to shake off the stiffness in your joints.
- > Your immaculate form glistening in the wetness.
- > Seems the stains weren't limited to your clothes.
- > Your gaze draws over to a table on the far side of the room, holding what you needed.
- > It was the only immaculate portion of the room, you had required that it remain so.
- > You move over, slowly, to the table, and hear something snap under your foot.
- > A long, white, yet thin stick.
- > Reminded you of a chicken wing from back home, if it was oversized.
- > Ignoring it, you continue to the desk, and pull yourself up on it.
- > You sit beside the object of your affection, your back against the wall.
- > A solid oak box, with Twilight's cutie mark emblem emblazoned on the lock.
- > Reaching down into your pants pocket, you withdrew a small key.
- > And slid it slowly into the box.
- > And as you pulled it back, it revealed perhaps your greatest treasure.
- > One of the only things you got to keep when you arrived.
- > Six cigars, Cubans.
- > Originally of twelve.
- > It was a terrible shame this world didn't have Tobacco.
- > Or at least some pony equivalent of Cuba, to reminisce at.
- > In the second compartment, your lighter.
- > Specially engraved, although you had no idea what the engraving meant.
- > You had forgotten a lot of your previous life, but you remembered what these were.
- > Flicking the lighter on, you put the cigar in your mouth.
- > You light the tip, and inhale deeply.
- > The hot feeling of smoke in your lungs makes you feel alive.
- > After holding it in for a second, you exhale slowly.
- > Letting the fire roll out of you.
- > And as it finishes...
- > You begin to speak.
- "You know, Flash, I detest murder."
- > The room remains completely silent, save your breath.
- > You take another long drag from the cigar.
- "It's terribly ineffective. Leaves too many holes to cover up."
- > You look at the state of the room before you.
- "Too much mess to clean."
- > Another drag.
- "But it's not all about the practicality. There's a personal reason."
- > The cigar is draining quickly, and you feel strength returning to your limbs.
- > Your impressive physique flexes, shaking away the stiffness.
- > The room is rapidly filling with smoke.
- "I don't like to end a life. I know it's not who I was before I came here."
- > Standing back up with the cigar, you approach the table where Flash was initially bound.
- > It's vacant now.
- > It's occupant had gone on quite an adventure.
- > Your fingers run along the shoddy wood.
- > It wasn't well built, but it didn't need to be.
- > It just needed to hold him still 'till you got here.
- "It's why I'm smoking now. Because I feel like..."
- > You pause, looking for an apropros thing to say.
- "If I'm going to take away something from you that is so precious, I should lose something too."
- > You clenched the Cigar end between your teeth, holding it there to free up your hands.
- > You picked up your vest from the floor, and laid it out nicely on the table.
- "Something from myself before I became this."
- > The cigar is nearly done.
- > You once again withdraw it to your hand, as you meander over to the lump in the corner.
- > It's not moving.
- > And it's certainly not the same colour it started out as.
- "I'm not sure what I'll do when I run out."
- > You kneel down, observing the lump.
- > There was little in the way of defining characteristics left.
- "But I do hope you understand, I didn't choose to do this lightly."
- > You rub out the nub of the cigar on the ruined corpse.
- > No reaction.
- > Not even a twitch.
- > Your work was truly done.
- > Moving back up, you gather up your vest and shirt.
- > You would leave the box for another to collect.
- > You couldn't risk sullying it further.
- > You then turn around, and look toward the door.
- > You pause for a moment.
- "I'm sorry it had to be this way. You could have avoided this."
- > You begin to move.
- "But you chose a fight you couldn't possibly win."
- > You're at the exit quickly.
- > You look back one last time.
- > And give a little salute.
- "Rest in peace, Private."
- > Climbing the stairs back up to the main room, you see Talon waiting for you.
- > Along with two of his subordinate Gryphons.
- > You hold out your clothes for one of the subordinates to take, which they do.
- "Burn them, there's a fireplace in the dining hall of the building."
- > He looks briefly to Talon, who gestures for him to go.
- > The Gryphon takes off quickly.
- "I'll be taking a shower. I expect that room to be collapsed before I finish."
- > Talon snaps a sharp salute.
- > "It will be done, My Prince. A new suit is in the bathroom."
- > He gestures to a specific door in the hallway.
- > A smile spreads across your face.
- "Thank you, I can't imagine what I'd do without you."
- > You move into the bathroom, and turn on the shower.
- > Taking off your pants and undergarments, you jump in immediately.
- > The water is like ice, but it feels like sweet relief.
- > The water flowing off you is tinged crimson.
- > Taking some of the soap, you begin to lather yourself.
- > This was reckless, you knew.
- > Coming here in person, you mean.
- > But sometimes principle overwhelmed logic.
- > And under the cold water, you knew you would be fine.
- > Your sins were washing right down the drain.
- > But as you look at the drain, you notice not all of it goes down so well.
- > A bright orange feather, tinged red.
- > Must've stuck to you with the caked on grime.
- > Picking it up, the red drains from it under the water.
- > As you turn off the water, you carry the feather with you out of the shower.
- > Your put on your shirt and new pair of of pants.
- > Your new vest.
- > And your blazer, from last night, with the cuff-links.
- > You slide the feather into one of the inside pockets of the blazer.
- > And lastly, you put on your crown.
- > You had returned from the darkness.
- > And there was only one problem left on your mind.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- > You're sitting before the fireplace of the orphanage.
- > Watching the flame waver back and forth.
- > Your foot tapping on the floor.
- > Now the real battle began.
- > You were entirely unsure how precisely you were going to handle the situation with Twilight.
- > And that disturbed you.
- > You never left things to chance.
- > The dim sizzle of what was once an incredibly expensive suit smouldered in the fireplace.
- > The ashes would need to be removed as well.
- > But you had no viable solution to the problem presented to you.
- > Divorce would crush everything you have worked so hard to achieve.
- > And if you challenged her on her affair, it would reveal your complicity in Flash's disappearance.
- > While you had plenty of material to control Twilight's silence with...
- > Experience has taught you that princesses are volatile, and difficult to manage with your trade.
- > You look away from the flames, your eyes closing.
- > None of the scheming mattered.
- > You knew you couldn't bring yourself to control her.
- > While the rational side of your mind said to play her...
- > You knew you couldn't.
- > You rose up, and moved over to the window.
- > You couldn't sit still.
- > There was so much at stake.
- > Your father had always said 'Great men know their strengths.'
- > 'The Greatest men know their weaknesses.'
- > You couldn't even remember the man.
- > But you remembered the phrase.
- > She was your Achilles' Heel, your one weakness.
- > What an irony.
- > What is a man to do when his weakness turns on him itself?
- > Twilight was invulnerable, to most of the populace.
- > You had made sure of that.
- > Because...
- > Because you loved her.
- > Which was tainted now, forever.
- > Every time you saw her face you would remember those pictures.
- > How in the hell could you ever be intimate again.
- > She would know something was up, immediately.
- > You prided yourself on your ability to put up a face to match any occasion.
- > And yet she could always tell when you were out of sorts.
- > And always find a way to cheer you up.
- > Your hand runs up through your hair, and you find it still damp.
- > Hell, you doubt you can keep your mask on just speaking with her.
- > A circumstance which was rapidly approaching.
- > A subtle rage brewed in you.
- > The rage of uncertainty.
- > You withdraw your key from your pocket, and run your thumb along it's grooves.
- > For now, you would have to keep it under wraps.
- > At least until Flash was long forgotten.
- > For all you know, she might tell you about it.
- > Beg for forgiveness, the whole nine.
- > That would complicate things even further, it occurred to you.
- > But had she intended to do that, she would've been at the train station.
- > So you supposed guilt was likely what she was feeling.
- > The grooves of the key are wearing a cut into your thumb.
- > And as a product of that, an unwillingness to approach you.
- > It was the most logical explanation of how you managed to evade seeing her all night.
- > You were prepared with a whole song and dance to avoid her if she showed.
- > When you had a plan, you could do anything.
- > You just boiled down your action to the steps.
- > It was how you dealt with stress, ignore the surrounding context.
- > Focus on what you need to do.
- > But your brain wouldn't permit it, here.
- > You knew the easiest solution to your problem.
- > Blueblood had mentioned it repeatedly over the course of your time in Canterlot.
- > How it is that he remains a permanent Prince without a Princess or a pair of wings.
- > His dearly departed.
- > How easy it would be.
- > Your mind immediately conjures the full plan.
- > A poisoned chalice, with Baktic Acid.
- > Uniquely found in the Falstad Republic, a Minotaur country.
- > Invite the ambassador back, as an act of good will.
- > Your thumb stopped running along the key.
- > Political tensions already festered between the nations.
- > Twilight had already spoken down to an ambassador.
- > An assassination would be expected.
- > Your foot stops tapping.
- > There's a knock at the door, and your guards answer it.
- > You could mourn Twi to win their hearts...
- > And when the war inevitably started up
- > Lead battles to win their minds.
- > You can see yourself, standing in the field, donning Equestrian armor.
- > Commanding the ponies in battle.
- > And in doing so uniting Equestria...
- > And destroying one of its enemies.
- > And becoming more beloved than ever before for leading despite your hardship.
- > The familiar voice of Mayor Mare at the door.
- > It would be so easy to accomplish.
- > You knew you could best the Republic.
- > And it would help Equestria.
- > Your heartbeat slows.
- > The sound of hoofsteps entering the orphanage.
- > The plan gives you comfort, a feeling of familiarity.
- > An ability to detach yourself from reality.
- > But you know it to be a false confidence.
- > The plan failed to account for you.
- > And your weakness.
- > When the sound of steps reaches the entrance to your room, you turn.
- > A friendly smile on your face.
- > Not a sign of stress upon you.
- "Mayor! I hope you slept well!"
- > And the game begins anew.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- > "Why yes! You don't get to look this good without your beauty sleep!"
- > The mare slowly sauntered across the room until she could speak in a lower tone.
- > "The paperwork is filed for Flash's 'transfer.'"
- > A small smile spreads across your face.
- "I appreciate it, Mayor. Can't imagine where I'd be without you."
- > She titters, poking your leg with a hoof.
- > "Don't mention it, Anon. Anything you ever need."
- > And she bumps your leg with her flank.
- > "And I do mean anything."
- > She's definitely playing the game.
- > And you love it. There are so few who appreciated the art like you did.
- "I'll have to keep that in mind. Care to have lunch?"
- > You were stalling.
- > You knew you had to go to the Castle, but you needed more time.
- > Time to compartmentalize your encounter with Twilight.
- > The Mayor strikes a dramatic pose.
- > "Why Prince Anonymous, I would be delighted. You sure your wife won't mind?"
- > She might.
- > Twilight had always been a protective mare, a little controlling.
- > It was in her nature, you supposed.
- > Like you, she craved structure.
- > Things following a neatly laid plan.
- > It was what had drawn you to her.
- > It was what had drawn her to you.
- > She exposed you to a whole other dimension of organizing, the study of magic.
- > While not innately capable of casting yourself...
- > You had designed a number of devices based on its principles.
- > Like the special watch you wore on your wrist right now.
- > In return you had exposed her to a far more complicated field of planning.
- > The study of politics.
- "I'm sure she won't mind if I'm a little late to visit."
- > On your way out of the orphanage, you see quite a number of foals waiting outside.
- > Alongside the press, who had returned to catch the Prince in the morning.
- "Good morning, my little ponies!"
- > A roar of approval surged through the crowd.
- "I think I can safely say this home is one of the comfiest around, and perfectly fit for the best little foals in Equestria!"
- > You kneel down and pick one up, ruffling her mane.
- > A little dark blue filly.
- > She giggles and swats at your hand to try and get you to stop.
- > You grin as you place her atop your head, giving her a piggy-back ride.
- "But I think all of you deserve a treat, first. Ice cream's on the crown today!"
- > Yet more cries of approval, and a horde of foals swarming around you.
- > The filly on your shoulders makes a squee of happiness.
- > You start making your way to the local ice cream parlour, carefully avoiding stepping on anypony.
- > It occurred to you that knowing Twilight, she had to have some sort of plan in motion.
- > It would be unlike her to dive into an affair without checks in place.
- > She's typically not so reckless as to risk getting caught.
- > Flashes of cameras surround you, and you take it in stride, leading your troupe of foals to their destination.
- > The Mayor is at your side, chatting to a young colt.
- > You were surprised she didn't have foals of her own, actually.
- > Nor a stallion, for that matter.
- > A family was a political asset.
- > Especially given the political climate in Ponyville rapidly changing...
- > Before long, this little town would be a metropolis like Manehattan or Canterlot.
- > Being the seat of royalty tended to do that to a town.
- > And with that population, political challengers would arise.
- > Perhaps it was time to discuss her political future.
- > Well, that could wait.
- > You had appearances to keep up for now.
- "Here it is! Go in and order whatever you want, you little rascals!"
- > The filly on your shoulders practically leaps off to enter the shop.
- > Foals.
- > You were sitting in the ice cream parlour listening to one little foal tell a story.
- > Well, pretending to listen anyway.
- > You had a remarkable talent for pretending.
- > The shop owner had practically exploded with joy at your presence.
- > Oddly, not even at the financial impact of such a big purchase.
- > Nor the further financial incentives of association with your name in the press.
- > She just gushed over you from behind the counter.
- > When you had called her by name...
- > 'Bubblegum Swirl, how could I forget the owner of the best Ice Cream shop in Equestria?'
- > She had practically exploded with glee that you remembered her.
- > It was amazing what an impact you had on these ponies.
- > But sadly, your mind remained many miles away.
- > Your meeting with Twilight grew ever closer.
- > In fact, you'd probably have to head there once all the foals were done.
- > To visit your loving wife.
- > It was a struggle to keep a grimace off of your face.
- > But you couldn't risk it with the cameras all around you.
- > The foal has wrapped up his story.
- > You start clapping your hands, the rest of the foals follow your example.
- "Why, that was terrific Skystreak! You'll be the next Shakespone yet!"
- > The colt blushes, but excitedly jumps up and down.
- > "You really think so? Thanks mister Nononymoose!"
- > You let out a chuckle.
- > You ruffle his hair as well as you stand up.
- "Well, fillies and colts, I fear I must be off to go visit my princess."
- > A collective 'awwwwwwwwh' cries out through the shop.
- > Including one from the owner.
- > Adorable.
- "But you lot can feel free to drop by the castle any time I'm in town. That's a promise."
- > That made their expressions do a 180. A cheer erupts.
- > The instructors start shepherding out the foals.
- > Chiding them about the ice cream on their faces.
- > "Good luck, My Prince."
- > The Mayor had snuck up beside you, giving you a grin.
- > She gives you a pat on the back of the leg before following out the swarm.
- > It was time.
- > As you approach the castle, the media frenzy remains relentless.
- > Constant pictures, everywhere you went.
- > While it was sometimes annoying, you knew it was for the best.
- > It was a constant reminder.
- > To keep up your face at all times, no matter what.
- > To never give the impression of the turmoil inside you.
- > Because a frown could provoke a national outcry.
- > An inquiry into who or what had wounded the normally exuberant prince so badly.
- > And that inquiry might find more than it has any business finding.
- > When you reach the courtyard of the castle, you hear your name cried out from above.
- > "Anon!"
- > Looking up, you see a lanky purple dragon flying down from one of the balconies.
- > Prince Spike.
- "Spike! It feels like it's been forever!"
- > The dragon doesn't stop as he glides low, tackling you onto your back.
- > He was bigger than you, now.
- > "That's because it HAS been forever! I've missed you!"
- > A tight hug envelops you.
- > You can feel the heat radiating from his inner fire.
- "Well miss no more, buddy. I'm here for a while."
- > You can see the grin spread across his face.
- > He adored you more than any other in Equestria.
- > You were partially responsible for his growth, after all.
- > You had worked your magic to learn about his specific breed's ageing habits.
- > It was part of what had won Twilight's affection so many years ago.
- > You pat the dragon on the side, signalling him to let you up.
- > He gets up off of you, and then helps you up.
- > The dust slides off your clothes itself.
- > Thank you, magic.
- > The giant grin remains on Spike's face.
- > "Well, c'mon! Twi's been locked up in her study for days. God knows on what."
- > "And we both know the only one who can break her out of that daze."
- > He does an eyebrow waggle.
- > You smile back.
- "I'll see what I can do."
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
- > Moving toward the castle proper, Spike begins to regale you with his exploits.
- > His romantic exploits, primarily.
- > The little Drake could have almost any mare he wanted.
- > He was royalty, after all.
- > Yet his sights remained set on his true love.
- > The element of generosity.
- > It stunned you that she remained single.
- > It stunned you further that she continued to play coy to his advances.
- > When Spike still looked young, it was understandable.
- > But now, you couldn't fathom why she didn't give in.
- > Perhaps she simply liked the chase.
- > As you pass the main entrance, you gesture to your guards that they were dismissed.
- > Only Talon remained, joining the Royal Guards in the castle courtyard.
- > He was fiercely loyal.
- > You wondered when the poor sap had time to sleep, with how diligently he followed you.
- > But he was your most trusted advisor.
- > Apart from your wife, of course.
- > Hm.
- > Perhaps he had moved up in the ranks, you supposed.
- > Entering the castle, you're immediately struck by a feeling of claustrophobia.
- > Like the walls are closing in on you.
- > You feel trapped.
- > Yet, through it all you persevere.
- > While you were away from the cameras, you had Spike here.
- > And it would crush him to know that you were upset.
- > Especially if he were to discover the reason why.
- "So Spike, where's your sister hiding?"
- > "The archives, of course. She's barely been eating, too."
- > So your guilt assumption was likely right.
- > No doubt Spike was writing it off as her usually obsession with new knowledge.
- > At least she had the decency to be upset about her betrayal.
- > Looking around while walking, a thought strikes you.
- "Where are all the guards? This place is barren!"
- > That was generally a bad sign.
- > Spike scratches the back of his head.
- > "Gilded Light has them all on a search. One of his guys went missing."
- > Oh?
- > Seems they would find out too late that Flash went to the mayor for a transfer.
- > A terrible shame, that.
- "Oh? Is Gilded here?"
- > Gilded in person, Light in letters.
- > The differentiation gave you more plausible deniability.
- > "Nope, he's out with the rest of them searching the Everfree."
- > Useful.
- > Walking by the door to his office, you distract Spike.
- "I don't recognize that statue..."
- > Of course you recognized the statue.
- > Spike looks at you with disbelief, before turning to the statue.
- > "That's a replica of Luna's first Night Guard, Silverwing! He's so awesome, this one time..."
- > And while he's distracted, with perfect timing, you withdraw a letter.
- > And slide it under the door.
- > It should keep Gilded Light's conscience clear.
- > And your footsteps covered.
- > As Spike wraps up his little tale, you comment.
- "Fascinating. Let's carry on, though. Gotta bust Twilight out of her trance."
- > The door to the Royal Archives.
- > You had spent many a day down there, learning everything about Equestria.
- > Its culture, its heroes, its history...
- > Its villains.
- > You knew the ins and outs of what every Equestrian thought the model citizen was.
- > And what they reviled in anypony.
- > It was essential to crafting your political persona.
- > The archives even possessed knowledge of foreign cultures.
- > Every border state to Equestria, in fact.
- > You and Twilight had spent months combing through the collective knowledge when it was uncovered.
- > It was initially sealed away, only uncovered by Spike accidentally.
- > There was something magical about it, that it seemed to perpetually generate new knowledge.
- > News about recent events would be found in tombs in sections you and Twilight had picked clean.
- > It was the eternal source of joy for Twilight.
- > And where she went whenever stressed.
- > It was how she dealt with stress, absorbing knowledge.
- > It helped her keep her mind off the real world.
- > You knock lightly on the door.
- > But your intentions for subtlety are lost on Spike, who barges in.
- > "Twi! We've got company!"
- > You smiled.
- > Spike's presence would make a useful excuse for yourself.
- > It would allow you to play the game when you encountered Twilight.
- > You did have to keep up appearances, after all.
- > And if you focused on that...
- > Then it wouldn't hurt so much.
- > Entering the Archives, you close the door behind you.
- > The room always had a certain ambiance, with it's dark blue lights.
- > While you and Twilight had attempted to integrate regular lighting, it was always snuffed out.
- > Twilight could never locate the source of the magic preventing the light.
- > Looking ahead, you saw down the aisle Spike start descending a stairwell.
- > There were seven floors you knew of, and Twilight could be on any of them.
- > Better to follow the drake, he probably knew where she was.
- > Keeping up a brisk pace, you reach the stairs and follow him down.
- > All the while he's calling her name.
- > Yet no response comes.
- > Perhaps she's ignoring him, deeply involved in her studies.
- > It would be like her.
- > On the fourth floor, he exits the stairs.
- > As you exit the door, you recognize a voice.
- > "Hey, wussup?"
- > Her voice.
- > She must've been sleeping. She sounds tired as tartarus.
- > Even still, her voice is like silk in your ears.
- > "We've got company, Twi!"
- > You turn around the stacks, and you can see them.
- > She sits at a table by dim blue light, from one of the magic candles.
- > "Who is it?"
- > Spike gestures in your direction.
- > As she looks up, her eyes meet yours.
- > Your heart seizes, for a moment you think she shot you.
- > It's the only explanation for this pain.
- > Your mouth feels full of cotton, and you struggle to swallow.
- > But you force the mask into position.
- > You had to keep up appearances.
- > For Spike, of course.
- "Hey, Sparky. I'm home."
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- > Your mind tells you to move toward her.
- > But your body is frozen in place.
- > Fortunately for you, she does the movement for you.
- > "Anon!"
- > She cries out ecstatically.
- > Jumping out of the chair, she gallops in your direction before taking flight.
- > Much like Spike, she tackles your chest.
- > Her hooves going around your shoulders.
- > But unlike with Spike, you don't fall.
- > You catch her and put your arms around her as well.
- > The soft feeling of her hooves on your back feels like fire.
- > Every point of contact is torturous.
- > Her face snuggles into your chest.
- > "I missed you..."
- > A cringe briefly lights your features.
- > How the hell could she maintain such an air of joy.
- > How could she play the game so well, when you could barely do it.
- > Assuming she's playing, that is.
- > Perhaps you never meant as much to her as you thought...
- > If she could ignore her betrayal like this.
- "I've missed you too, Sparks. It's been a while."
- > The words are like poison in your mouth.
- > They come out naturally, but burn away at you all the while.
- > She looks up, obviously aiming for a kiss.
- > But suddenly, hesitation.
- > From both of you, it seemed.
- > Rather than going for the lips, she went for your neck.
- > And you went for her forehead, at the base of her horn.
- > She was playing the game as well.
- > She had to be.
- > The alternative was too horrible.
- "Spike tattled, missus. Sounds like someone's been neglecting their food."
- > The dragon huffs over by the desk.
- > But a large smile remained on his face seeing you two interact.
- > That was what mattered.
- > Appearances.
- > She adjusts in your embrace so she can turn around.
- > Looking over at Spike, she points a hoof, childishly laughing.
- > "Traitor!"
- > They briefly quibble about loyalties.
- > The topic itself feels toxic to you.
- > But worse, is the manner of their discussion.
- > It feels so natural.
- > So much like before.
- > Gods, you wish it could go back to before.
- > When you didn't have to pretend around her.
- > The only one you could be yourself with, who understood you.
- > And you had lost that rock.
- > A cold fury is building in your chest, but you keep it in check.
- > You would have to be your own rock.
- > For the sake of Equestria, and all those within it.
- "Well, on the plus side, your flanks are feeling more toned for it."
- > That earns you an indignant "Hey!" from Twilight.
- > And an uproarious laugh from Spike.
- > Especially when a rumble from Twilight's stomach seals the deal.
- > You let out a laugh.
- > You hope that sounded natural.
- > You gently let Twilight down, before gesturing towards the stairs.
- "But as much as I appreciate them, we'd best get you some food, before you start eating books in your sleep again."
- > As she moves past you, lightly responding to your comment, you still feel frozen in place.
- > Your eyes following her as she moved to the stairs.
- > She was beautiful.
- > Why did she have to be so beautiful.
- > Reaching the top of the stairs, you follow her out of the archives.
- > The hallways remain barren.
- > You needed to know that she was playing the game.
- > That she was hurting too, under that relaxed face.
- > It was a risk to bring up the subject, but your conscience demanded it.
- "So Spike tells me the guard's off looking for somepony?"
- > Twilight briefly sputters.
- > A great burden feels lifted from your shoulders.
- > Her composure returns immediately.
- > But that reaction was all you needed.
- > "Yes, one of the junior members of the guard disappeared near the Everfree Forest."
- > A terrible shame, that.
- "Disappeared? Do they think it's desertion, or did some beastie nab him?"
- > You can see her façade crack again.
- > This time she can't fix it quite so fast.
- > "Gilded Light said he wasn't sure yet, they were looking into it. They're all combing the forest now for a trace."
- > Then he had played his part admirably.
- > Ponies place such value on harmony, on trying to keep things the same.
- > Never changing.
- > The chaos of uncertainty frightens them.
- > They'll do anything to keep the status quo, or at least the illusion of it.
- > Sacrifice anypony else to maintain their own harmony.
- > It's why you had to keep this marriage together.
- > It would rend this country asunder otherwise.
- > Sadly, in this case, you were the sacrifice.
- > You reach the kitchens, where a chef immediately trots up to Twilight.
- > But you gesture with a hand for her to relax.
- "Don't worry about it, Cuisine. I'll make us all some lunch."
- "Gotta prove that what you taught me stuck, right?"
- > The chef mare blushes immensely, but capitulates, offering the kitchen up to you.
- > The personal touch.
- > While you were cooking, you sent Spike out to invite Talon in.
- > In the early days, Talon had always refused to eat with you.
- > "I could not disgrace the Fylkir by eating in his presence."
- > A title you had earned among the Gryphons.
- > It made it difficult for you to build the personal connections you liked in your business.
- > You were working a number of frying pans.
- > The title translated loosely to Peacekeeper.
- > It was the most respected honorific in their culture.
- > It was a religious title, really.
- > While they were warlike by nature, and always aggressive...
- > They valued peace all the more for it, believing those who could attain it to be Godlike.
- > A fire flares up over Twilight's meal.
- > Looking over it, you see it is ready, quite a bit before the rest.
- > Such is the nature of vegetarian dishes.
- > You put it under a heat lamp.
- > Four years ago, you personally had stopped a civil war between member states of the Holy Accipi Empire.
- > In return, they declared you Fylkir, and offered you anything you could want from their people.
- > It was why you had a personal guard of Gryphons.
- > The Empire was a political body formed of all the various independent Gryphon Kingdoms.
- > They valued you as if you were one of their own, and felt the ponies were unworthy of protecting you.
- > On the flip-side, the ponies thought the Gryphons were inappropriate for protecting their prince.
- > But their presence is good for Equestria.
- > It has shown the ponies that the Gryphons are not all blood-thirsty warmongers.
- > And it has shown the Gryphons that the ponies could exemplify the core Accipi virtues.
- > Loyalty, Respect, and Self-Sacrifice.
- > Those virtues made them the perfect confidants.
- > The meat is done.
- > You begin to plate the meals. Including one for Talon.
- > Fortunately, you managed to convince Talon it was alright to eat in front of you over time.
- > The poor Gryphon even used to pray to you.
- > Now, you think, he prayed for you instead.
- "And Lunch is served!"
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
- > Setting down the meals in front of everyone, you took your seat.
- > Right beside Twilight, as always.
- > The long table had two chairs at either end, and twelve along the sides.
- > Talon and Spike both went for the seat right next to you.
- > But Talon is a little faster, and Spike has to settle for next to Twilight.
- > It never ceases to amuse you that Talon treats the rest of Equestria's royalty like commoners.
- > Twilight gives a little indignant huff at the display.
- > You clap your hands.
- "No sense standing on ceremony, let's dig in!"
- > Spike and Talon tear into their food ravenously.
- > Spike, because he always did so.
- > Talon, because he hadn't eaten in hours, instead opting to stay at his post.
- > Beside you, you hear Twilight sigh in contentment as she takes the first bite of her meal.
- > It was Eggplant Parmigiana, one of her favourite dishes.
- > You always made it for her the first day you were visiting Ponyville.
- > Spike was rambling on to Talon about something or other.
- > Him and Talon had always had a mutual respect for one another, as outsiders.
- > It was something you knew well from the early days.
- > Your eyes return to Twilight.
- > You were tempted to not make that dish this time.
- > It felt like you were soiling those memories.
- > But you and Twilight were creatures of habit, and everypony in the room knew it.
- > Had you done otherwise, they might've picked up on it.
- > And that would be unacceptable.
- > Your knife cuts through the steak on your plate like butter.
- > To most ponies, seeing carnivores eat meat was unsettling.
- > But for some reason, Twilight had always been relaxed about it.
- > She always said she understood, but you had no idea how.
- > She always understood everything about you.
- > You feel a hoof touch your nose.
- > Her soft, velvety hoof.
- > You had been staring.
- > "Bit for your thoughts?"
- > Fuck.
- > You were sloppy.
- > The game demanded your constant attention.
- > Yet you allowed yourself to be lulled into a false sense of security.
- > Could you help it?
- > Your former security blanket was right there.
- > Gazing up at you with her big, beautiful eyes.
- > It still awed you how she managed to keep this up.
- > You had taught her well, it seemed.
- "Can't I stare at the most beautiful mare in the world for a moment?"
- > The truth behind that statement made it hurt more.
- > Across from you, Spike makes a 'blech' expression, poking his tongue out.
- > It was followed by a genuine smile, though.
- > Twi moved up and pecked you on the nose.
- > The small action sent a chill down your spine.
- > And an ache through your heart.
- > This was becoming intolerable.
- > Keeping up your expression, you turned back to your food.
- > You couldn't keep this up.
- > It was emotional torture.
- > How in the nine hells were you meant to keep this illusion up for the rest of your days?
- > You needed to get away from the castle.
- > There was never any structure while you were here.
- > It was the one place where you allowed things to go with the flow.
- > It was the one place where you usually didn't wear a mask.
- > And you were having difficulty putting one on right now.
- "So Twilight, I was thinking we could go out for dinner tonight."
- > Take the bait...
- > "Oh? Where to?"
- "Aria's Hall. Been forever since we've had a real date night, hasn't it?"
- > Her eyes light up with excitement.
- > "Really?"
- > You wonder if it's genuine.
- > Aria's Hall was where you had taken her for your first date.
- > It was very much so a high-society affair.
- > Dinner, dancing, the whole lot.
- > You'd been many times over the years, but it had been a while since your last visit.
- > "But... Reservations there go back months, and I'd hate for somepony to lose their spot."
- > "I'm not so sure we could just decide this on the fly."
- > You were tired of playing politics.
- > Playing romance would enable you to distract yourself from your emotions.
- "I may have already arranged plans, but if you didn't want to..."
- > It was a lie.
- > You couldn't have possibly arranged such plans.
- > But you wouldn't have a problem getting into Aria's Hall.
- > There was guaranteed to be a wealthy sap you could... persuade to give you his reservation.
- > But when you saw the big smile spread across her face.
- > Her mouth is covered in sauce.
- > You knew you would do anything for her.
- > "Well then, I can't rightly say no now can I?"
- > Excellent.
- > "But, I'll need to get ready! I can't go there looking like I've been sleeping on a bunch of books for days!"
- > It was true, she didn't look in tip-top shape.
- > Her mane was sticking out at random angles.
- > Her fur ruffled.
- > Her feathers in dire need of a preening.
- > And yet she was still perfection in your eyes.
- > Why...
- > She pushed back the chair, and got up.
- > "I'm going to have to go see the stylist. Cuisine will clean up the plates!"
- > "See you tonight, Anon!"
- "6:30, Sparky."
- > You'd find a spot at that time.
- > "Gotcha!"
- > She spreads her wings, and flies out of the room at incredible speed.
- > With that done, you turn to Talon.
- "Find me those reservations. You know who to contact."
- > "Yes, my Prince."
- > Within a split second, he's gone as well.
- > Leaving only you and Spike.
- > He breathes deeply, before looking over to you.
- > "You guys are so adorkable."
- > The dragon's comment strikes a nerve.
- > Once upon a time, you found such a comment to be a compliment.
- > Now, it hurt.
- > Because it was referring to nothing but a construction.
- > A falsity, built out of necessity. An illusion of happiness.
- > But you don't let it show.
- "I do try to be ever entertaining, Spike. Have you got any plans with the missus tonight?"
- > Spike sighs.
- > "As if. Rarity's impossible to woo, I'm almost tempted to give up at this point."
- > It would probably be for the best.
- > But those were not the words he wanted to hear.
- "Hah! Those sound like quitter's words, and I know you're not a quitter."
- > You point your fork at him.
- "I'll have Talon rustle me up a second reservation for you, I expect you and her there at 6:30 sharp mister."
- > Panic sets in on his eyes.
- > "But Anon!"
- "No excuses! Get to it bucko!"
- > In a panic, he jumps out of his seat and tries to run the way Twi and Talon did.
- > He falls briefly, but continues out.
- > You laugh lightly as he makes his way out of the room.
- > You let out a deep sigh.
- > Your heart is finally beginning to settle down.
- > It's been almost ten minutes since everypony else left the room.
- > Leaving just you here.
- > Cuisine had dropped by once, to collect the dishes.
- > But you had told her you were not quite done.
- > Without even looking, she had left.
- > You could finally think straight, and work on how you intended this evening to go.
- > If your mind was focused on making the date perfect, then you would be fine.
- > So long as you had structure, you could handle it.
- > But your mind had been torn asunder.
- > You felt emotions you hadn't known personally for a long time.
- > Doubt. Fear. Sadness.
- > You had spent your entire life building up walls against those feelings.
- > And Twilight had torn them down from the inside.
- > As your eyes gazed over, they once again caught Twilight's plate.
- > Half-finished.
- > She had never left anything of that dish behind.'
- > Not once, in all the years you were married.
- > Not even if Celestia demanded her immediate presence.
- > You casually lifted up the plate.
- > And threw it at the wall.
- > It was a priceless artifact.
- > An irreplaceable part of the castle, having come with it from the Tree of Harmony.
- > And yet, as it shattered against the wall, spreading the leftover meal everywhere...
- > And fractured crystals across the floor...
- > You felt a certain satisfaction.
- > The heat in your chest subsided.
- > It was time to plan.
- "Cuisine, if you wouldn't mind, I accidentally dropped a plate..."
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
- > Looking at yourself in the mirror, you gave a whistle.
- > Looking impeccable as ever.
- > Not a sign of distress upon your features.
- > It was getting close to 6:30, and you had seen neither hide nor hair of Twilight.
- > In that time you had briefly worked out, and changed your suit.
- > And occasion as formal as Aria's Hall demanded something a little different.
- > As such, you were now wearing a tuxedo, an incredibly expensive one at that.
- > Personally designed by one of your wife's friends.
- > A pony with whom one of your closest friends was deeply infatuated.
- > A pony with whom you would be joining this evening for dinner.
- > You were sure she would appreciate you wearing her designs.
- > She always used to go on and on about how well you carried her work.
- > And how much she valued a challenge in designing something.
- > That was a mare who understood the value of appearances.
- > At times, you could swear she played the political game.
- > She knew precisely how to deceive an audience about her feelings.
- "I think gold will go nicer with this suit."
- > You look over to the pure white pony attending you.
- > She had just moments before finished trimming your hair.
- > "Yes, my Prince."
- > She moved over to the side of the room, and brought over gold cuff-links.
- > And a golden crown.
- > Laced with rubies.
- > One of two that you possessed, and you switched between for occasion.
- > The platinum one was better suited for playing politics.
- > The coldness it emanated gave you an air of authority.
- > It was a practical, imposing symbol of why you were their prince.
- > By contrast, the gold was inviting.
- > It felt warm and made you appear even more benevolent.
- > It could evoke passionate feelings.
- > And in the game of romance, passion was what was critical.
- > You look at how well it matches your tuxedo.
- > Yes, Rarity understood how important this all was.
- > Yet Rarity had purposefully avoided politics, opting to pursue art.
- > An admirable goal.
- > A very different goal from yours.
- > Power.
- > You thought your choice better.
- > It meant that you could change Equestria for the better.
- > It meant you could save lives.
- > Or destroy them, if it was for the greater good.
- > But art could have considerable impact, you knew that.
- > Art could sway the minds of the powerful and the wealthy alike.
- > Art win the hearts and minds of millions for a cause.
- > It was a far more admirable pursuit than wealth, at any rate.
- > You rest the crown atop your head.
- "That's perfect, Gleam. Thank you so much for your help."
- > She bowed deeply, her face flushed.
- > "I-it was my pleasure to help you, my Prince."
- > You turn to open the door, leaving the salon of the castle.
- > A carriage awaits to take you to Aria's Hall.
- > You quickly get in, shutting the door behind you and placing you in silence.
- > The carriage immediately gets moving.
- > Your thoughts wander back to Rarity.
- > Yes, both your passion and her passion could obtain wealth easily.
- > The wealthy adored the artists and the politicians.
- > Because you were their access to satisfaction.
- > Their wealth bought them access to you, rather than seeking to be like you.
- > It was a shallow pursuit.
- > Survival by proxy.
- > But you understood it, you incorporated it into your play.
- > They thought their money made them important, and that was why they had access.
- > But in reality, they were a tangent; their money itself was important.
- > That was no way to live.
- > Arriving at the building, you exit your carriage with purpose.
- > You see none of your party there.
- > But the damage is done by your presence alone.
- > Immediately, the paparazzi swarm that always attends this locale shifted focus to you.
- > Questions shouted from the crowd.
- > Flashes of photographs being taken.
- "Hello, my little ponies!"
- > And the crowd goes wild.
- > Such simple words.
- > Said by every damn ruler of this country.
- > But so valuable.
- > Checking your watch, you see that it is 6:40.
- > Fashionably late, as ever.
- > Twilight and Spike were likely inside already.
- > It was sensible, you supposed. Being out here could grow tiresome for some.
- > Not for you, though.
- > You knew that this part of the game was a part that so many members of the public valued most.
- > Seeing you as you went on a date.
- > Something so innocuous, but so important to so many.
- > You imagine Rarity would be slightly later than you, knowing her.
- > Assuming the poor Dragon managed to finagle her into it.
- > He better have.
- > Talon had nearly had a stroke when you told him to get another reservation beside yours.
- > But that Gryphon is resourceful.
- > As you move up to the door, a greeter with an incredible moustache gestures for you to follow him.
- > Walking through the restaurant, you hear mumblings from ponies all around you.
- > "It's him! It's the Prince!"
- > "Do you think he'd let us get a picture with him?"
- > "Oh my, he's looking fetching, isn't he?"
- > You keep a sterling smile on your face.
- > Truly, the game could be played in this environment.
- > As you near your table, you find your suspicions confirmed.
- > Twilight and Spike are sitting at two separate tables, right beside one another.
- > Chatting back and forth.
- > But the words cannot reach your ears.
- > The world seems to have slowed to a stop.
- > She is immaculate.
- > Your breath is caught in your throat.
- > Her accessories perfectly accentuates her appearance.
- > Her mane is done in precisely the style she knew you liked.
- > Her coat and wings perfectly groomed.
- > And yet, the sight does not hurt you as seeing her earlier did.
- > The very sight does not freeze your blood in your veins.
- > Your heart does not ache.
- > For in this environment, you could compartmentalize it as a construction.
- > It was part of the game.
- > You approach the table from behind Twilight, without her noticing.
- > You make a shush motion to Spike, who notices your approach but keeps his appearance neutral.
- > And when in position, you swiftly scoop her up.
- > Your arms under her forelegs to lift her.
- > She squeals in surprise.
- > And you whisper hotly in her ear.
- "Surprise, Sparky."
- > She lets out a long whine.
- > "Anooooon, I told you not to do that!"
- > You laugh lightly.
- > You set her back down, and move to your seat.
- > The atmosphere feels just perfect.
- > Here, in this place...
- > In the sight of the public and high society,
- > In the company of your friends...
- > It seems like everything is real, there is no illusion.
- > It seems like you can pretend forever, and never worry again.
- > It seems like it doesn't hurt.
- > Like it won't hurt when it ends.
- > And that's what's important.
- > Appearances.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- > You take your seat opposite Twilight.
- > It looks ridiculous, if one's honest.
- > Twilight looks positively tiny being surrounded by you and Spike.
- > But at least your smile is genuine this time.
- "Hope I didn't keep you waiting to long."
- > She chuckles behind her hoof.
- > "Oh, not terribly."
- > She gets a sly look on her face.
- > As reaches over for her wine, she fires a quip.
- > "As if you didn't measure the time it would take you to get here to the second."
- > She knew you too well.
- > Fortunately, you knew her just as well.
- > You raise an eyebrow.
- "And you didn't? I'd bet my life savings you have the calculations filed away somewhere at home."
- > A grin shows on her face.
- > It feels heavenly to see.
- > "In triplicate! Anything less would be gambling with the evening!"
- > That earns a light chuckle from you as you remove your jacket.
- "I dearly hope you got that signed off on by a guarantor, or we're flying blind here."
- > A loud 'blech' emerges from the side.
- > Looking over, you see Spike with his finger in his mouth.
- > His lips curled into a smile.
- > "You guys seriously need a room for all those nerd pheromones."
- > You can tell his smile is forced, however.
- > His eyes are darting around.
- > His fangs are embedded in his bottom lip.
- > He was always bad at hiding his emotions.
- > He's worried Rarity won't show.
- "Did you manage to convince the missus?"
- > He twidles his claws together.
- > You can practically smell the insecurity.
- > Perhaps what he needed was a wingman.
- > While it had been years since you had put these skills to work for another...
- > Perhaps you could aid him tonight.
- > "She said she would, but I'm a little worried."
- > You look back at Twi with an expression of barely controlled excitement.
- > You see she's looking at you with the identical look on her face.
- "She'll be here Spike. But if you want to win her heart..."
- > "Then there's a few steps we'll need to take. We'll walk you through it!"
- > It felt good.
- > To be so in sync with her again.
- > To pretend for just a little while longer.
- > Together you could conquer any challenge.
- > The dragon groaned loudly.
- > "I'm not so sure that you guys know the first thing about wooing a lady."
- > At that, Twilight adopts a faux-outraged pose.
- > "Hey, lady right here! I know what it takes to woo."
- > And you take your jab.
- "While I concede Twilight has no idea what a lady might want, I've never steered you wrong Spike."
- > Yet another outraged gasp.
- > But this one is accompanied by a zap to your exposed forearm.
- > You flinch briefly, but give no other indication you noticed it, keeping your look facing Spike.
- > This was normal.
- > The dragon sighs loudly.
- > "I suppose my way hasn't been working. I'm open to suggestions."
- > You both pull your chairs over to his table.
- > Twilight conjures up a piece of paper.
- > While Spike didn't think in terms of the stages of a plan...
- > He could still follow a written one.
- > "Alright, so Spike, we're going to need to start with your introductions..."
- "Needlessly romantic. Hoof-kiss, pull out her chair, the whole nine. You know Rarity."
- > Twilight has a quill in her magic and is eagerly drawing out a battle-plan.
- > He sighs and covers his eyes with his talons.
- > "What did I get myself into..."
- > A grin forms on your face.
- > Your hand snakes behind Twi's head to scratch her ear.
- > It twitches in your grasp.
- > Your heart melts at the feeling.
- "The best decision you ever made."
- > "Why hello darlings! I'm terribly sorry I'm late, but one of my dresses ripped on the way here..."
- > The plan is in motion.
- > Spike sweeps out from his table, and takes her hoof in his claw.
- > And he lays a chaste kiss on it.
- > "Why Rarity, it's delightful to see you tonight."
- > Oh God.
- > The way he said that was cringeworthy.
- > Why in the nine hells did Twilight put that in the plan.
- > Though, you suppose she knew Rarity better than you did.
- > Perhaps the mare liked a little cheese with her wine.
- > He then swooped around to pull out her chair.
- > "Oh my, Spike. Such the gentledrake!"
- > She was being dramatic.
- > But you supposed so were you, thus far.
- > Using emotions you knew you should feel.
- > Rather than the ones you felt.
- > But in using them they began to feel genuine on their own.
- > Rarity speaks up again.
- > "My, you're all looking dapper this evening. I feel positively under-dressed!"
- > She's being silly, of course.
- > She's looking stunning, as always.
- > Perfectly matched accessories and dress.
- > Perfectly styled mane.
- > The pinnacle of fashion and beauty that she always aspired to be.
- > Yet, in your view, she seemed positively dull compared to the radiance sitting across from you.
- "But of course, Rarity. My tux was made by one of the best seamstresses in Equestria!"
- > A smile covers her features.
- > The time to strike was now.
- "Now... If only I could remember her name."
- > And now you had been zapped by two mares in one night.
- > Hopefully the papers didn't take that the wrong way.
- > As your meals all arrive, Spike and Rarity are engaged in an intense discussion.
- > About what, you might ask?
- > The political tensions in the latest Daring Do book.
- > Spike had gone off the script.
- > And despite the best efforts of you and Twi to nudge him back on topic...
- > The drake was just too excited to stop.
- > But, Rarity still seemed engaged.
- > Giving up, for now, you turned back to Twi and spoke quietly enough that the others couldn't hear.
- "Seems like Spike had enough of our shenanigans."
- > Her face near the plate, she chuckles lightly.
- > The way the light strikes her hair is enough to stop your thoughts.
- > After swallowing, she speaks up.
- > "Maybe we should've cut down on the steps a little bit."
- > Maybe.
- > At this distance you can somewhat see through all the work she had put into her appearance.
- > There were the vestiges of bags under her eyes.
- > But you wondered how far he was going to go off script.
- "Still think he's going to ask her to dance?"
- > She gets a frown on her face.
- > "He better, or I'm going to give him such a talking to."
- > She looks over in his direction.
- > But the two of them are so involved in their own world they don't notice you.
- > You were hoping he made sure to as well.
- > You and Twilight had some of the best moves around.
- > And it would mess up his play if you and Twi left to dance and he felt too awkward to ask.
- > The sacrifices you had to make.
- "Even if he doesn't, we could still go dance after dinner."
- > Her gaze turns back to you.
- > The way her eyes sparkled.
- > "I'd like that."
- > So would you.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- > "So... Want to dance?"
- > Finally.
- > Spike had been tittering with Rarity over wine for about eight minutes now.
- > The food long done.
- > You can see Twilight release a breath she had been holding as well.
- > "Why, Spikey! I thought you'd never ask!"
- > While Spike's face continued looking at Rarity, his eyes darted over to you.
- > He said earlier he had no idea how to dance.
- > And your and Twilight's attempts to explain failed utterly.
- > Both of you had essentially said to let the music control you.
- > To shut down your plans and let it flow.
- > It was an interesting point of agreement the two of you shared.
- > One of the few places you were comfortable giving up structure.
- > Wiping your mouth with a napkin, you scoot your chair back.
- > And Twilight does the same.
- "Hope you two don't mind if we join you."
- > Rarity chuckles behind her hoof.
- > "Oh, by all means dears. I do ever-so love watching Twilight dance."
- > Oh?
- > Twilight's face flusters at that.
- > "You know I've gotten a lot better, Rarity!"
- > Hmm? Did she used to be terrible at dancing?
- > How odd. From the first night you went here on, you and her always stole the show.
- > "Oh, I'm sure dear."
- > A predatory smile is on Rarity's face.
- > A thought occurs to you.
- "I don't believe you've ever seen the two of us dance together, Rarity."
- > She redirects her grin at you.
- > "Why, no, I don't believe I have."
- > Hm.
- > Sorry Spike, but you had romance of your own to execute.
- "Then how about a little wager?"
- > "You should know a lady never bets, Anonymous."
- > You do.
- > But you also know that Rarity is a sucker for competition.
- > You gesture dismissively.
- "A friendly competition, then. To see who can steal the show, us or you two."
- > You can see the intrigue on her face.
- > And the panic on Spike's.
- > They would do fine, you were sure.
- > Familiarity bred a fantastic dancing partner, not strategy.
- > The ability to know how your partner would move.
- > Rarity makes an affirmative noise, before tossing back the rest of her wine.
- > "It might be a little unfair, our side's short a princess to draw attention... But it is on!"
- > She also took the rest of Spike's wine.
- > The poor dragon made a whimpering sound.
- > She rose up out of her chair and her magic tugged on Spike's collar.
- > As he looked at you, getting pulled to the floor, he shot you a look of betrayal.
- > You smiled deeply.
- > That's what he got for dropping script.
- > You feel a soft presence by your leg, and looking down you see Twilight rubbing against you.
- > Incandescent as Celestia's sun.
- "So you used to be a terrible dancer?"
- > She giggles lightly, hoofing at the ground.
- > "I still am. Just not when I'm dancing with you."
- > You were horrid at it without her, as well.
- > There was something about being together, though, that usually made it acceptable to lack structure.
- > Something that made you comfortable at all times.
- > A shame that that comfort was gone.
- > You hoped it wouldn't impede your ability to beat Rarity and Spike.
- > You finished off your wine.
- > It was time to win.
- > As always.
- > Reaching the floor, you noticed how immensely crowded it was.
- > No doubt you'd have that solved rather quickly.
- > Intimidation was a powerful force on the dance floor.
- > You quickly surveyed the battlefield for Spike and Rarity.
- > They were on the far side of the floor, just getting started.
- > It was clumsy, but you knew they'd find their stride.
- > You feel Twi's wing brush up against your hand.
- > The soft texture sends shocks up your arm.
- > "Ready, my dashing knight?"
- > It was the same set of words from the first night.
- > She said it every time you danced here.
- > And you always had the same response.
- "As ever, my shining star."
- > The first time, you had both burst out laughing at that.
- > Yet now, the words held a special power.
- > With that, she jumped up on her hind hooves.
- > Her wings resting over on your shoulders.
- > Her head laid against your chest.
- > And you slowly began to sway.
- > It was the beginning, you always had to start off slow.
- > You were already attracting attention by virtue of your very presence.
- > If you got right into it, then it would be over too soon.
- > But these thoughts are barely whispers in your mind.
- > Because while your mind wants to think about the performance...
- > All it can focus on is Twilight.
- > Her gentle eyes staring up at you.
- > As you slowly swayed back and forth on the dance floor.
- > You didn't need to concern yourself with anyone else.
- > They would move out of your way.
- > Nothing else mattered at the moment.
- > Not history, not heroes, not villains.
- > Just the dance.
- > But, of course, the pace couldn't stay slow forever.
- > Your once short steps began to develop into strides across the floor.
- > Perfectly in tune with the music.
- > Perfectly in tune with Twilight.
- > You maintained the simplicity of the dance for now, just expanding the range of movement.
- > And every time you went for a longer leap...
- > Twilight's was just as long.
- > It never ceased to amaze you how she could move like that on hooves.
- > Yet, by shifting the weight into your chest with her hold, she could stay stable.
- > You each kept the other in motion, and kept them from falling.
- > But it couldn't remain so simple for so long.
- > A smirk crosses your features as you look down at her.
- > The music was building.
- > It was time.
- > Your leg kicked forward, almost as though to trip her.
- > And her hoof slid forward, falling back into your arms.
- > A perfect dip.
- > Flaring her wings, she pushed back against you.
- > And you used that force to spin around, twirling her with your arm before pulling her tight up against you.
- > Linking up once again, you briefly sway before another pulse in the music has you push her away.
- > Holding her by her hooves.
- > The risky play, for most ponies such a move would mean falling.
- > Too early, to the floor.
- > Too late, into your partner's crotch.
- > But you and her knew the exact moment to pull back.
- > And as you collided once more, you were once again sashaying across the dance floor.
- > The flash of a camera briefly blinds you.
- > In that moment, you briefly became aware of your surroundings, and noticed that it had become mostly barren.
- > But the touch of a wingtip against your face brought you back to what was important.
- > Twilight.
- > You needed only to look into her eyes.
- > Everything was going to be fine.
- > At the last peak of the song, you once again performed the dip.
- > But this time, rather than a spin at the end of the move,
- > When she pushed you up high you used the momentum to pick her up.
- > She slid around to your back, on your shoulders, her forehooves cascading down over your arms.
- > And she struck a pose above you, as you fell to a knee.
- > And gestured grandly with your hands.
- > The dance floor was entirely empty, save one other couple.
- > A drake and a unicorn, posing in a very different but still excellently executed fashion.
- > Seems that it was a draw.
- > A terrible shame, that.
- > Your face looks up to Twilight above you as cheers erupt through the restaurant.
- > Her beautiful eyes staring back.
- "Looks like a tie."
- > She smiles broadly.
- > "Looks that way."
- > And in that moment, when you didn't need to think.
- > When the world didn't matter.
- > Your lips met.
- > It felt like pure bliss.
- > And in that moment you knew that you didn't need to pretend.
- > You could fix this all.
- > It was only a matter of work.
- > Vaguely, you were aware of an incredible number of camera flashes.
- > No doubt this picture would be riddling the newspapers tomorrow.
- > But, that's not what really gets your attention.
- > You heard a gasp from Rarity silenced quickly as well.
- > Good to see the dragon still had a talent for mimicry.
- > Hopefully his night was as good as yours.
- > Your kiss ends all too soon.
- > And you know precisely what to say.
- "I love you."
- > "I love you too."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- > Returning to your tables, you found that you were incredibly sweaty.
- > An unfortunate consequence of not paying attention to your appearance for a period.
- > The skies had darkened considerably outside, and Luna's night had started.
- > But you couldn't tell that well, because it had evidently started to rain.
- > Thick, dark clouds obscured the stars.
- > "But really, Spikey, I had no idea you could dance like that!"
- > The drake has been a bubbling mess before Rarity's compliments.
- > "T-thanks Rares, I just sort of followed your lead though."
- > She pokes his chest with her hoof.
- > An indignant look on her face.
- > "Now Spikey-wikey, don't you lie to me. I suspect someone took some lessons!"
- > Hm.
- > You hadn't paid them terribly much attention, so you had no idea how good they had been.
- > The drake was blushing, but merely gestured with a claw instead of responding.
- > "I thought so. Now, to pay the bill..."
- > For a second, you thought Spike was going to be foolish enough to not pick it up.
- > He just stood there smiling like a dolt.
- > Until you nudged him with an elbow.
- > "I'll cover it Rarity!"
- > A smile covered her face.
- > But not a friendly smile.
- > A competitive smile.
- > "Oh, but Spike, I couldn't possibly..."
- > Oh, to be young and in love.
- > You tune them out at that point.
- > You had already set bits on the table for yourself and Twilight.
- > Looking back to her, you feel a sense of comfort.
- > She's looking worse for wear than you are from that dance.
- > Her perfectly styled mane fraying in a couple of spots.
- > Her fur lightly damp from working up such excitement.
- > But a genuine look of happiness on her face.
- > At least, you think it looked genuine.
- > Yours certainly was.
- > Departing the restaurant, you move to open the door to your carriage.
- > It was pouring rain.
- > You and Twilight clamber in quickly, but Spike stops outside with Rarity.
- > "Hey Spike, I had a great night tonight..."
- > You can see her eyes dart to Twilight.
- > And Twilight gives a nod.
- > They had something going on, you're sure of it.
- > But Spike doesn't notice.
- > He's probably too concerned with how soaking wet he's getting.
- > "Yeah, it was great Rarity. Thank you so much for coming."
- > But as his claw reaches for the carriage door, a blue aura holds it back.
- > "Well, Spike... You know, it doesn't have to end here. The Boutique's just around the corner if you wanted to join me."
- > The look on Spike's face was priceless.
- > You dearly hoped one of the cameras caught it from a good angle.
- > He was awestruck.
- > He briefly looked in at you.
- > And you gave him a nod.
- > "I'd love to, Rarity! See you guys!"
- > At that, he slammed your carriage door shut.
- > You and Twilight held your expressions still for a moment.
- > And as soon as you were out of earshot from Spike and Rarity, erupted into giggles.
- > You were the first to get control of yourself.
- "By Celestia, that was so adorable!"
- > You reach to a bottle of wine in the side of the carriage, and take a sip.
- > You were parched from that dancing.
- > Twilight takes a little longer to calm down.
- > "Did you see his look? Like a deer in front of an Ursa Major!"
- > The imagery makes you choke on the wine.
- > You had missed this.
- > This not having to think about things business.
- > You were always so analytical, it felt nice to be able to cast that aside briefly.
- > But the thought brings you back to the harsh reality.
- > You would have to deal with what she did tonight.
- > When you got back to the castle, probably.
- > You still weren't quite ready to forgive and forget.
- > While every part of you screamed out to do it, you knew you couldn't.
- > It would eat at your very soul to ignore.
- > And doubtless, at Twilight's as well.
- > If her recent behaviour according to Spike was to be believed.
- > You wouldn't be surprised if she was the one to bring it up when you arrived.
- > But you knew now that you could fix this.
- > With time and effort, you could both fix this.
- > "Hey, Anon?"
- > You look over to her.
- > She's gazing listlessly out the window.
- > Watching the raindrops collect upon it.
- "Yeah, Sparky?"
- > Her gaze remains fixed outside.
- > She can't look at you.
- > Reality is closing in on her as well.
- > She's nibbling one of the flowers on her neckpiece.
- > When she was nervous she nibbled.
- > "Thanks for tonight."
- > You lifted up the bottle.
- > No sense letting the alcohol go to waste.
- "It was my pleasure, and here's to many more!"
- > But as you take a drink, you watch a deep cringe flow across her features.
- > It's only there for the briefest of seconds.
- > Is she worried you're going to divorce her when she tells you?
- > That this evening was potentially the last you would have?
- > Perhaps she didn't know you as well as you thought she did.
- > She had to know you'd place your marriage above such mistakes.
- > That you'd place her and Equestria above yourself.
- > You had always sacrificed everything for them.
- > But she remains silent for the remainder of the carriage ride.
- > Which leaves you to stew in your thoughts.
- > Sadly, you couldn't use the time to plan.
- > Because you knew you would be alone with her, and you could never plan for that.
- > It concerns you immensely.
- > Stepping out of the carriage, you help Twilight down as well.
- > Her mask has shattered completely, in the privacy of the Castle courtyard.
- > A look of pure sadness highlights her features.
- > You poke her nose, breaking her out of her reverie.
- > She looks up to you.
- "Bit for your thoughts?"
- > A sad smile crosses her features.
- > "I'll tell you when we're inside."
- > You knew it was going to hurt to discuss.
- > But seeing her this sad almost tore you apart.
- > Entering through the grand front gates, you dismiss Talon to your office.
- > You would meet him there later.
- > Looking back at your wife, her frown has returned.
- > She was normally so optimistic.
- > It almost made you feel bad for being the cause of her sadness.
- > Even if it was her fault.
- > But as the old saying goes.
- > 'T'is better to purge a wound with salt and fire then let it fester 'neath a bandage."
- > It wasn't a pony expression, but a Gryphon one.
- > You rather preferred their way of thinking.
- > As you both neared your room, the tension between you could be cut with a knife.
- > She opened the door first, and entered.
- > And as you entered, you saw her staring out the window at the rain.
- > As you moved to take your jacket off, she spoke.
- > "Leave it on."
- > What?
- "What? Why would I-"
- > She looks back at you, her eyes red and teary.
- > What in the nine hells...
- > "Answer me honestly Anon..."
- > "What did you do to Flash."
- > Your blood froze cold in your veins.
- > And your mask shattered.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
- "So then you know that I know."
- > The words escaped your lips before you could stop them.
- > They had no emotional inflection.
- > You needed facts.
- > You needed to sort out what was happening.
- > Her horn glows, and from the desk two white envelopes arise.
- > And from one, you can see the orange feather float out.
- > "I recognize your handwriting, Anon."
- > Your missives to Gilded Light.
- > He had turned them over to Twilight.
- > "Did you think he wouldn't tell me? He knows I'll protect him."
- > That son of a bitch.
- > Nothing would protect him.
- > You reach up and pull the feather out of her magic.
- > As your fingers weave through the feather, you speak measuredly.
- > This was not a direction you had been anticipating. You were blindsided.
- > You couldn't rush into things.
- "Does it matter?"
- > She then turns around, looking back out the window.
- > "I'll ask again. What did you do with him."
- > A white-hot rage building in your chest.
- > You feel control slipping away.
- > You had done nothing wrong.
- > It was her betrayal that had prompted all of this.
- > You had simply endeavoured to solve the problem she created.
- > You had given up everything since day one for her.
- > And yet she dared take the high ground?
- > Your grip tightens around the feather.
- > Until it snaps in two in your grip.
- "I did what was necessary. What you could not."
- > You begin an advance, but her magic envelops you.
- > It holds you in place.
- > "Stop playing the fucking game! Tell me!"
- "I killed him, and I'd gladly do it again!"
- > You shouted it louder than you had intended.
- > You hoped there were no guards around.
- > But your control was fully slipping away now.
- > Rage was beginning to consume your words.
- > By what right did this harlot judge you?
- > She has not responded to your outburst, so you continued.
- "He was a risk to everything we have worked to create, Twilight."
- > You continue to struggle against her magic in futility.
- > Your words come out like venom.
- > You were in privacy.
- > The game wasn't needed.
- "And had I left him alive he would've undone both of us. With him gone, we can fix this."
- > But she could not be left off the hook.
- > Your strength is beginning to overwhelm her magical bonds.
- "I just don't understand, what the hell were you thinking?"
- > She had to account for what she had done.
- > The white-hot furnace in your chest felt unbearable.
- > You needed to get this out.
- "Don't you care about me? Didn't you give a damn about what that would mean for us?"
- > But you weren't the only one.
- "For Equestria? Are you so selfish?"
- > The words come easily to you.
- > You had felt them all day, every time you looked upon her.
- > But had suppressed them.
- > Now, you felt righteous rage.
- > Had she apologized, you would've moved on.
- > But to judge you...
- > As if she had any right.
- > As if she wasn't the one who had caused all this.
- > At that, she turns around to face you.
- > Her face conveys nothing but pure hatred.
- > As you go to speak again, her magic seals around your jaw.
- > Preventing you from speaking.
- > "Now you're going to listen to me. This has been tearing me apart inside."
- > You continue to struggle against your restraints.
- > Fuck magic.
- > And fuck Twilight too.
- > "And I can't fucking deal with this. You don't think I haven't thought constantly about what I did?"
- > Tears are falling freely now.
- > Not only from her eyes.
- > "That every time I saw you I felt a lance of guilt through my heart?"
- > The fire in her expression is dying out.
- > Replaced with a solemn sadness.
- > It was deserved!
- > It was your betrayal!
- > "And now, every time I see you, I'll be reminded that I'm not only responsible for betraying you, but a pony's death."
- > "And I can't handle that."
- > Well she'll have to.
- > You didn't have any other option.
- > And she didn't deserve another one.
- > "And so I won't. I can't play these games, and I can't play pretend any longer."
- > ...
- > What?
- > "I'm filing for divorce."
- > She...
- > She couldn't.
- > Those words are like a douse of water on the fiery rage in your heart.
- > The rage drains from your face immediately.
- > But not only does the rage flee you...
- > So too do all other feelings.
- > Her magic fades from covering your mouth.
- > But the restraints on the rest of your body remain in place.
- > She turns back to the window.
- "Twilight... But what about Equestria?"
- > Her words are cold and resigned, but she does not turn to address you.
- > "Equestria will heal with time. But I can't heal so long as I'm with you, and you can't heal either."
- > A stack of papers on her desk levitates into the air.
- > Divorce papers.
- > She had planned this all day.
- > "All we can do is pretend. I know you like to do that, but I can't handle it."
- > Your body went limp against her restraints.
- > Your head hung, staring at the floor.
- > Your voice was resigned, but your words harsh.
- "You selfish whore. I won't sign those. It's a betrayal of our ponies to give up."
- > That brings back her anger at once.
- > She walks up to you with a glare in her eyes.
- > "They're not your ponies, Anonymous. They're mine. Get out."
- > Your eyes raise to meet hers.
- > Gods, she was beautiful.
- > But so terrible.
- "No. We're going to fix this, here and now."
- > At that, her face contorts.
- > "I'll send the paperwork to you."
- > And suddenly, your world is thrown backward.
- > Her magic forcibly throws you out of the room, against the wall on the opposite side of the hall.
- > A loud, sickening crack rings out from your left leg.
- > Your body slides down the wall to the floor.
- > Your leg bending in an unnatural direction.
- > And the door to your room slams shut.
- > There are no guards in the hallway.
- > She had anticipated this.
- > Planned it.
- > Looking at your leg, you knew you should be in incredible pain.
- > But you felt nothing.
- > For what felt like hours, you simply sat there, making no movement.
- > No sound.
- > Until eventually, you pull out your ceremonial sword.
- > Using it as a cane, you rise up.
- > And begin limping to your office.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- > Your office was in shambles.
- > Bookcases fallen to the floor.
- > Your desk upside down.
- > Glass covered the floor, shattered relics from bygone eras.
- > Your knuckles were bloody from the effort.
- > You were rather impressed with yourself.
- > To create such damage with a fractured leg.
- > And you had indeed determined that it was fractured.
- > Right below your left knee, the bone had simply been snapped.
- > You were vaguely aware that you should get it checked out.
- > That every second potentially put you closer to death.
- > Yet you had spent all your energy on this pointless destruction.
- > Now, you sat in a chair on the balcony.
- > Before you, on a table, is a picture of your wedding day.
- > And your box of cigars.
- > They were the two things in your office you couldn't bring yourself to destroy.
- > They were your anchors to reality.
- > It occurred to you that there was a real chance you die here.
- > If that bone had punctured a vein, you could be getting poisoned.
- > Or maybe it didn't even need to do that.
- > You weren't a doctor.
- > At least it would punish Twilight more to know she took your life.
- > What's this?
- > A knock at your door.
- > No one should even know you're here.
- > And if they see your office, it will be clear to all of Equestria that something is up.
- > You couldn't let that happen.
- "Go away."
- > But the voice on the other side is not what you expect.
- > "Are you sure, my Prince? A maid saw you limping."
- > Talon.
- > You shift around in your seat to face that direction.
- > You briefly consider dismissing him.
- > But you knew that would be foolish.
- > Talon could be discrete.
- "I didn't realize who it was. You may enter, Talon."
- > He opens the door.
- > His eyes first survey the state of your office.
- > His visage remains neutral in the face of such destruction.
- > As he rounds your desk, his eyes looking at the destruction, he begins to comment.
- > "Seems you've made a lot of work for me toni-"
- > Yet when he looks upon you, your leg bent at an obscene angle...
- > Pure shock runs across his face.
- > And his feathers puff out.
- > An interesting response, you hadn't seen it before.
- > Talon was always a relaxed operator.
- > You chuckle lightly.
- "We'll need to come up with a story to tell that maid."
- > His eyes cannot stop staring at your leg.
- > The skin was black and purple now where the bone had broken.
- > "My Prince, we need to-"
- > You cut him off deftly.
- "I fear that you may need to start calling me something else. She's filing for divorce."
- > His eyes snap back up from your leg to your face.
- > Disbelief now highlights his features.
- > Yet as quick as you see it, he returns to a neutral stoicism.
- > But his voice continues to bleed empathy.
- > "Then you shall return to being my Fylkir first and foremost. And you need medicine."
- > He begins to move toward you, seemingly intending to carry you to a doctor.
- > But you hold out your hand to stop him.
- > A loud bark of a laugh escaping your throat.
- > It was time he knew.
- "I don't deserve that title either. I built it on a lie."
- > He freezes in place.
- > His eyes once again meet yours, as he waits for you to continue.
- > And so you do.
- "I was responsible for positioning your clans against one another. Lord Tungsten and Lord Yarrak."
- > You feel a weight lifting from your shoulders.
- > Even if he turned on you for this, it would be worth it.
- > You have deceived him for too long for this loyalty.
- > No more masks.
- "The Accipi Empire was poised for war with Equestria. So I manipulated them into fighting one another."
- > At this point, he begins moving again.
- > But only over to the railing of the balcony.
- > His gaze shifts over Ponyville.
- "It was a simple task. Tungsten had a great many indiscretions, torture and the like."
- > The Gryphon continues to stare out at the town.
- > But you knew you had his full attention.
- "It was enough to get him removed from office. So he did as I said and picked a fight with Yarrak."
- > But, there had been complications.
- > Not every plan could be executed flawlessly.
- > Especially before you had such valuable allies.
- "But it all went further than I had expected when Yarrak killed him."
- > You breathe deeply.
- > The truth.
- > It was such an unfamiliar feeling to you.
- > You never shared the truth with anyone but Twilight.
- > The more who knew it, the more compromised you were.
- "I felt joy when that happened. Accipi had no more attention to spare for us. I had created an opportunity."
- > You remember fondly how pleased you were with Yarrak's foolishness.
- > How you had woven it into your narrative.
- "And so I marched an army in between coalition forces and commanded Yarrak and Tungsten's son to treat."
- > A wonderful day.
- > The Gryphons had been eating out of your hands.
- > They had never wanted to fight one another, it had been pure machination.
- > It made them so pliable.
- "And negotiated the peace deal that got me named Fylkir. It was a lie, the title is a lie. I thought you should know."
- > He looks over in your direction.
- > You half expect him to lash out.
- > He could easily kill you right now, given your state.
- > And yet, instead, he speaks.
- > And they are not the words that you expect.
- > "That is what makes you a great Fylkir."
- > What?
- > Your mind cannot process that sentence right now.
- > But he continues.
- > "Your pony ethics are soft. They do not take into account the harsh realities of life, and yet you judge yourselves by them."
- > He moves into your office, and begins fixing the furniture.
- > As he does, however, he continues to speak.
- > "There's a reason the Accipi do not value honesty or kindness as ethical maxims."
- > He shows immense strength pushing back up the bookcase.
- > And diligence in returning the books to its shelves.
- > "Honesty is an impediment to peace. An honest answer only ever causes suffering, where a simple lie could create joy."
- > He then moves to your desk.
- > First removing the shelves, and then flipping it back up.
- > "Kindness is an impediment to justice. Perfect justice and any mercy are naturally incompatible."
- > "You will let people get away with horrendous wrongs for your kindness, and they will commit them on others as a result."
- > He begins to collect the fractured glass and porcelain into a bin.
- > And attempting to straighten pictures.
- > "It is why we boil our system down to three virtues. Loyalty, Respect, and Self-Sacrifice."
- > "They ensure that what needs to be done, will be done. And it is understood that we act in accordance with what is best for all."
- > "Results are what is important. You stopped two wars, if this is true.
- > "You are my Fylkir."
- > He briefly stops, and walks up to you.
- > One of his wings extends, resting on your shoulder.
- > "You are not a Gryphon. But you are not entirely a pony, I think you can understand."
- > You did.
- > At least, you thought you did.
- > A grin falls across your face looking at Talon.
- "I was unaware I had a philosopher in my employ."
- > A smile forms on his face.
- > "Basic tenets of our religion."
- > "We are raised comparing ourselves to the ponies. We know why we prefer our way."
- > You had always said that you preferred the Gryphon culture.
- > But that left you with a difficult decision.
- "Then I suppose we ought to plan how to fix this."
- > His wing withdraws contact as he resumes his cleaning.
- > You churn the ideas in your head for a moment.
- > There was one concern which needed to be dealt with immediately.
- > A loose end that needed to be tied.
- "I want you to get me Gilded Light. Quietly, Twilight will have agents protecting him."
- > The Gryphon is nearly done fixing your destruction.
- > He would depart when it was suitable that no questions would be asked.
- > "Of course, my Fylkir."
- > The title gives you comfort.
- > You were doing what was right.
- > Even if your people could never understand it.
- > There could be no loose ends.
- > Turning around, you open the cigar box.
- > Five left.
- > You withdraw three cigars, and put them into the pocket of your blazer.
- > There was no turning back at this point.
- "His wife and daughter as well. I want them all in a room together."
- > The floor was clean.
- > Your office was in order.
- > "As you wish, my Fylkir."
- > Gilded Light clearly did not fear his secrets.
- > He did not fear the impact of them on his family.
- > But you would make him learn to fear you.
- > He would learn the cost associated with betrayal.
- > All of them would learn that cost.
- > The time for kindness had passed.
- > Justice was what was needed now.
- "Oh, and Talon?"
- > He paused at the door.
- > He looked back, waiting on your every word.
- > Loyalty.
- > You knock over the picture of your wedding day.
- > The glass frame shatters.
- "Do send a doctor this way, would you? My leg is starting to hurt."
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- > Dear Princess Celestia.
- > This is Anon.
- > I'm terribly sorry to be contacting you so early, but I know you're an early riser.
- > First of all, I hope you're doing well. Things have been great here in Ponyville.
- > I'm writing to inform you that myself and Twilight will be hosting a dinner this evening.
- > At the castle in Ponyville, of course.
- > I would be ever-so delighted if you could attend.
- > I feel like it has been terribly long since we have had a real opportunity to talk.
- > If you could pass along the invitation to Luna as well, it would be appreciated.
- > The more the merrier, after all.
- > I know you have a busy schedule, I'll understand if you can't make it.
- > But your presence would brighten up what's sure to be a drab affair otherwise.
- > And I can only imagine the joy on Twilight's face were you to show up.
- > I appreciate your consideration.
- > ...
- > Prince Anonymous I, Peacekeeper
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- "I'll require a cane."
- > Talon nods, and heads out of the medical bay.
- > But your doctor yells at him all the way out of the room.
- > Your doctor had been droning on and on.
- > But at your interruption, her commands grow in quantity.
- > About you needing plenty of rest.
- > And not moving.
- > And generally being excessively overprotective.
- > And putting the entire wing of the castle on high alert.
- > You had refused to tell her the details of how you were injured.
- > Simply telling her that it was not her concern, and that it would be dealt with.
- > You knew there was no way of effectively preventing this scandal.
- > But you could mitigate the damage by averting responsibility from Twilight.
- > There was a plan in motion for what precisely the details would be.
- > But you couldn't have her implicated.
- > Or there would be questions raised.
- > As your doctor finally seems to be at an end to her droning, you decide to silence her.
- "I appreciate your recommendations, doctor. But I am terribly busy, and cannot stay here."
- > The look on her face is heartbreaking.
- > Like you told her you were about to go jump off a bridge.
- > "But... My Prince, surely nothing can take a higher priority than your life and health?"
- > How you wish that were true.
- > But a great many things required your immediate attention now.
- > And you couldn't be restricted to this bed while they unfolded.
- "I have faith that your splint will hold. I will keep pressure off of it."
- > She sighs deeply.
- > The poor pony was driving herself insane trying to convince you to stay.
- > You place your hand on her withers.
- "Listen, my friend. I appreciate your advice, genuinely. But a Prince must be ready to sacrifice for others."
- > She relaxes under your touch.
- > "You know I can't stop you. But please, be careful."
- "I will."
- > Shortly thereafter, Talon returned with a cane.
- > It was an immaculately well crafted piece.
- > Silver pommel, in the shape of a Gryphon.
- > Talon had a gift for art, it seemed.
- > You had to wonder how it had been crafted so quickly for a being like you.
- > Doubtless using magic, you supposed.
- > Or perhaps, given the craft, the Gryphons had prepared for such an eventuality.
- > You cared not to inquire.
- > As you rose up, you carefully balanced your body using the cane.
- > Your doctor had insisted on crutches, but that would create the appearance of a very bad wound.
- > To be fair, it was a very bad wound.
- > But you had hoped that a cane would suggest something lesser.
- > Like a sprain.
- > Something which might not cause quite the controversy.
- > Your pants effectively covered all of the splint and cast.
- > And your feet were able to remain covered by shoes.
- > The damage was not down there, it was up below the knee, after all.
- > To the average citizen, it would look simply like you were limping.
- > Not that your leg had snapped.
- > The unfortunate part was that it was unlikely to ever fully heal.
- > Which meant you had to get familiar with this cane.
- > Even in the best case scenario, according to the doctor, it would still hurt to put full weight on it.
- > You would never run again.
- > You would never dance again.
- > But those were small sacrifices, looking back.
- > Running had never been terribly important to affairs.
- > If speed was an issue, you had individuals who could work far faster than you.
- > But dancing...
- > Well...
- > You supposed you never were very good at dancing alone anyway.
- > Hobbling back to your office, you find a number of documents on your desk.
- > You had one of your Gryphon guards return to Canterlot and obtain them.
- > Along with dropping off your message to Celestia.
- > They would be critical to setting up your plans after tonight's dinner.
- > However, as you walk past the slightly fractured mirror, you notice something.
- > You had no idea where your crown was.
- > Your clothes were a mess, still wearing the suit from last night.
- > And your crown was missing.
- > The doctor definitely didn't remove it.
- > Which probably meant that it had fallen off your head at some point.
- > The logical side of your mind told you it likely fell lose when you were thrown at the wall.
- > But the emotional side told you that meant it was in front of your room.
- > But the emotional side was an irrelevancy.
- > Your clothes were in that room.
- > You swiftly about-faced.
- > Well, as swiftly as you could given your circumstances.
- > And began the march to your bedroom.
- > The halls remained mostly barren.
- > An occasional maid or guard.
- > But far fewer than there typically were in the castle.
- > Were they still out looking for Flash?
- > That suggested that Twilight had not told anyone.
- > Which was good.
- > As you neared your bedroom, you notice the door still closed.
- > Your eye was caught by a shimmer.
- > Right by the potted plant.
- > Your crown.
- > It was slightly dented along the back.
- > One of the rubies knocked loose.
- > But you still picked it up.
- > But as you bent down to grab it, a voice catches your attention.
- > "Hey Anon!"
- > It was Spike.
- > What the hell was he doing back here so early?
- > You swore he was making a home run play last night.
- > He should still be over at Rarity's.
- > You look up at him.
- "Spike? What the hell are you doing back?"
- > He's got a huge grin on his face.
- > So he had some degree of success, at least.
- > "Oh, Twilight showed up at Rarity's about something urgent. Girltalk, apparently."
- > That... was unfortunate.
- > If Rarity knew, then there were more lose ends.
- > Sorry, Spike.
- > But you could not tolerate lose ends this time.
- "Yeah, she ran out of here in a rush this morning. Celestia's coming for dinner tonight."
- > He scratches his head at that.
- > You bend back up, the golden crown in your hand.
- > "Why couldn't I be there for them to talk about that?"
- > But as you straighten back up and make a move for the door, he notices the cane.
- > "Anon! What happened to your leg?"
- > Hmph.
- > You supposed it wouldn't hurt to start the plan a little early.
- "A guardspony attacked me. Not sure which one, but Talon is investigating."
- > He gasps in shock.
- > He quickly leans down to get a closer look, but you shy the leg away from him.
- "You don't need to worry, Spike. It's nothing too serious."
- > He looks skeptical.
- > "If you're hurt, Anon, you should be resting in bed. Not up and about!"
- > His concern was adorable.
- > You reach out with your right hand and pat his shoulder.
- "I'm fine, Spike. Now, you go get out of that suit. You smell like Tartarus."
- > He chuckles at that.
- > But the concern still remains on his face.
- > "Like you smell any better. But take it easy, for me, alright?"
- > You nod.
- "Of course."
- > Upon entering your bedroom, a sense of dread overtakes you.
- > The previous night flashes through your mind.
- > Your rage.
- > Her rage.
- > This room was forever tainted by that memory.
- > A flicker of a powerful fire still roared in the fireplace.
- > Magically created to last a long period without risk.
- > Moving over to the closet, you open it up.
- > Your clothes remain in tact.
- > That was a good sign.
- > Pulling out a new suit, you lay it on the bed.
- > Sitting down, you carefully remove your jacket.
- > Then your shirt.
- > But the hardest part came now.
- > Removing your pants was an immense struggle.
- > The Doctor had initially simply cut them off, then re-attached them via magic.
- > But you didn't have that option.
- > And shifting your leg through it sent immense pain shooting up your body.
- > You dearly hoped that would get more manageable with time.
- > If that pain had to be a constant feature of dressing yourself...
- > You imagine your appearance might suffer.
- > But perhaps appearance did not matter as much as you thought.
- > Your philosophies had gotten you nowhere.
- > They had cost you everything.
- > You regarded the crown once again.
- > The golden crown, giving the impression of warmth.
- > When you finish getting on your new clothes, you move over to the couch in front of the fire.
- > You hold the crown in your hands.
- > It was damaged anyway.
- > You cast the crown into the flames, and for a time watch it sit there.
- > It's fascinating how the gold flakes off slowly, in pieces.
- > How the gems begin to slide out as the tension weakens in the metal.
- > But you of course didn't have time to watch the full event.
- > You had documents to review for this evening.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- > There's a knock at your office door.
- > Hmm. You hadn't been expecting anyone.
- > There was no way Talon was done that quickly, was there?
- "Talon, how the hell did you finish so quick?"
- > There's a bit of a cough outside.
- > Then, a clearly feminine voice attempting to sound masculine rings out.
- > "Uh, you know me boss. Super fast."
- > God damnit.
- > This mare did not deserve to be a princess.
- > But you'd play along.
- "Oh, that's fantastic. Then you have the key, you can open the door yourself."
- > It was a silly little game.
- > But it meant the world to you right now.
- > "But, uh, boss, I lost the key."
- > As if Talon would ever do such a thing.
- "Well, I'm sure you know about a million and one lockpick spells, Celestia."
- > You put the documents on the table into your desk.
- > You can practically feel the pout that accompanied the whine on the other side of the door.
- > The knob is briefly illuminated with a golden glow.
- > And the door swings open.
- > And there's the pout.
- > The pout that could render any sensible stallion subject to her every whim.
- > "You're no fun, my faithful student-in-law."
- > Her nickname for you.
- > Yesterday, such a comment would have hurt to hear.
- > A reminder of better times.
- > But today those nerves were numb.
- > They had to be, because that title could soon be lost.
- "Gotta be careful who you tell about that spell, or the royal treasury will be empty in a week."
- > She chuckles lightly, before moving into your office proper.
- > "I've been very careful over the past millennia, don't you worry sweetie."
- > She practically treated you like a son.
- > Which made sense, given that Twilight was practically her daughter.
- "So, didja manage to get Lulu to cave in?"
- > Celestia sighs, rolling her eyes.
- > "She's sleeping right now, but she said she'd be here for dinner."
- > She pokes you in the side with a hoof.
- > A brilliant smile illuminating her ever-beautiful face.
- > "But who knows with her, that mare seems to have no concept of time."
- > She walks past you, heading to the balcony.
- > But stops suddenly.
- > "What happened to your mirror?"
- > Now, you could begin your plan.
- "Unfortunately, a deranged Guardspony broke into my office last night."
- > Her serene expression turns dark very quickly.
- > "Who?"
- > Always to the point when it was serious.
- > She truly was an artful ruler.
- "We don't know yet. He was in full armour and had white fur, but that describes a million guards."
- > "You saw him?"
- > Hook, line, and....
- "Yeah, he came in to attack me, not the office."
- > Her eyes go wide.
- > She rushes over to you.
- > "Did he hurt you?"
- > Sinker.
- > You instantly feel her magic floating over your body.
- > Searching for damage.
- > H-er eyes widen as the pulse centers around your leg.
- > "Anon! You get back to that medical ward right this second!"
- > It always warmed your heart how concerned she was about you.
- > But it was getting rather tiring how everyone thought they knew better what you needed.
- > How best for you to 'heal.'
- > You knew what it would fucking take to heal.
- > It would never heal.
- "But Celery, I've got a dinner to plan!'
- > She loved it when you played up the petulant child role.
- > Made her feel like a mother, something she never had the opportunity to be.
- > Terrible shame about the sterility associated with ascension.
- > Twilight had a terrible time dealing with it.
- > "I think I told you not to call me that mister. And that injury is serious!"
- > You feel the chair softly, slowly pull back in her magic.
- > And the leg of your pants simply phase out of existence.
- > "Goodness, Anon... What could he have possibly wanted?"
- > And now you plant the bait.
- "I'm not sure, but he was blabbering a lot about Twilight. Not sure if it's just deranged obsession or what."
- > A look of steely determination crossed her features.
- > She backed up, and you saw the aura of her magic fall over the room.
- > Feeling for all the inconsistencies and damage.
- > "What the... Did you try and fight him? Everything's damaged, it's just cleverly hidden!"
- > You let a grin fall onto your face.
- "Yep, and I beat the fucker too. Had him running with his tail between his legs."
- "Talon's been on his trail since last night, we're hoping to figure out who it was."
- > Her eyes match yours again.
- > It was time for a lecture.
- > She never did approve of your choice of guards.
- > "He should've been here to protect you, Anon."
- > Sadly, had he protected you he'd be in a lot worse trouble.
- > Assaulting a princess and all that.
- "To be fair, Princess, given that it was an Equestrian who assaulted me..."
- "And Talon at least helped clean up after."
- > That causes her expression to change in an instant.
- > The look on her face is sympathetic.
- > Like she feels partially responsible.
- > It broke your heart to lie to her like this.
- > To make her feel like it was her ponies who had hurt you.
- > But it had to be done.
- > For the greater good.
- > "Anon, I swear I'm going to find who did this. You have my word."
- > You were counting on her finding him.
- > Terrible shame the Captain of the Guard couldn't be trusted.
- > That would make her feel even worse.
- > She had personally appointed him, after all.
- "You don't need to worry, Celes-"
- > She cut you off.
- > Now she looked angry, not sad.
- > "I do need to worry. One of my guards hurt you. And I will deal with them."
- > "You can tell Talon to relax his search. The criminal will be brought to justice."
- > Celestia was incredibly protective of you.
- > While you and her shared the same rank and state-sanctioned powers...
- > Everyone knew who the big fish at the show was.
- > You let a smile show.
- "I understand. I'll back off the investigation."
- > She lets out a sigh.
- > "I know you probably want revenge, Anon. But... this is my responsibility."
- > She turns around, looking in your cracked mirror.
- > "I've taken great strides to keep the guard always in their best state. To avoid abuses."
- > It was crushing your heart to hear this.
- > To know that your lie made her feel like she'd failed.
- > She didn't deserve this.
- > But then, neither did you.
- > "And it's my duty to bring them to justice. I will solve it personally."
- > And it had become necessary.
- "I trust I'll still see you for dinner?"
- > She lets out a soft chuckle.
- > "As if I'd miss it for the world. You know how much you and Twilight mean to me.."
- > A terrible shame, that.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- > Loud whining.
- > The crying of a young filly.
- > "Please, Shimmer, just calm down. It's going to be fine."
- > The voice of a stallion.
- > The sound grates on your ears.
- > It is a voice you were only somewhat familiar with.
- > You didn't spend a terribly vast amount of time here in Ponyville.
- > But his attempts to quell the filly's screaming fall on deaf ears.
- > "B-but the rope hurts!"
- > Thank the Gods this room is soundproofed.
- > You enter the room with two Gryphon guards.
- > Talon stands watch outside.
- > You limp into the room slowly.
- > Your cane making loud taps against the ground.
- > At the sound of your movement, the filly silences herself.
- > All of them remain silent.
- > As you turn the corner into the main room, you remain out of view of your guests.
- > They're all facing a wall.
- > Bound to chairs.
- > The lights are dim, but bright enough to cast shadows on the wall.
- > But the shadows lack definition.
- > You rather enjoyed the ambiance.
- > You remain silent, to watch their behaviour.
- > To see how they react when they don't know what's happening.
- > When people are uncertain, they show their true character.
- > They lash out in ways they wouldn't if they understood.
- > It was a lesson you had learned well.
- > You don't need to wait terribly long for the Stallion to speak up.
- > "Who's there?"
- > You remain silent to his question.
- > Lash out.
- > "Who the fuck are you? I'm the Captain of the Guard!"
- > He's pulling rank.
- > Adorable.
- > But quickly, his ferocity vanishes.
- > "If you're the one who sent me those letters, I had no choice! The princess knew something was up."
- > You imagine she did.
- > If only he knew the cost of obeying her.
- > Surely, he must suspect that he's not leaving this room.
- > You continue to stand in silence.
- > Awaiting another response.
- > Yet, he's not the one who speaks next.
- > The mare beside him is.
- > "Please, we just want to go home. We won't tell anyone about this."
- > You tap your cane on the floor.
- > The Gryphons head back into the small hallway leading to this room.
- > Out of sight.
- > "Please..."
- > Out of mind.
- "Enough."
- > A gasp rattles out from the ponies.
- > They must've recognized your voice.
- > You suppose you had on occasion seen the stallion around.
- > "My Prince? Oh by the sun and stars we're saved!"
- > The mare is optimistic.
- > A terrible character flaw.
- > You would have to remedy that.
- > "There are traitors in your ranks, my Prince. Gryphons abducted me and took me here."
- > You withdraw a cigar from your blazer pocket.
- > And light it.
- > "They were working for Talon, I just know it! I knew they couldn't be trusted!"
- > You take a deep inhale of the tobacco.
- > And slowly exhale it.
- > Pony guards always were suspicious of your entourage.
- > Felt like they were an affront to their dignity.
- > It was part of why Celestia had always disliked your guards.
- > Her military advisers were against them.
- > But unfortunately, you could not permit his delusions to carry on.
- "They brought you here at my behest, Gilded Light."
- > His back goes stiff at that revelation.
- > "B-but I..."
- > His jaw is slack.
- > No doubt his precious little world is crumbling around him.
- > With his idealized Prince and Princess, to whom he was eternally loyal.
- > Whom would defend him no matter the situation. Give up everything for him.
- > Unfortunate that the man he dreamed of was an illusion.
- "You need not worry for your life or the lives of your family, Gilded. Provided you do as I ask."
- > Visibly, you can see some degree of stress melt out of his withers.
- > He's trying to look back in your direction.
- > But his restraints prevent him from doing so.
- > "What... Do you need me to do?"
- > Wonderful.
- > It was so much better when they cooperated.
- "As I imagine you're aware by now, I was the one who sent you the letters. Betraying the order of a Prince is treason."
- > He quickly begins stammering.
- > "But, I had no idea it was you! Had you signed them, I would've destroyed them at once!"
- > You shuffle slowly over to a table at the side of the room.
- > And withdraw a knife from the table.
- > At the sound of the slick metal being picked up, he freezes again.
- > You move over behind the smallest chair., every step accompanied by a tap of your cane.
- > They know precisely where you are at all times.
- "You may claim that, Gilded. But your loyalties are in question. I need insurance."
- > Your hand rests on the shoulder of the filly.
- "I need you to stay still, alright sweetie?
- > She nods, and otherwise remains still.
- > "Ok, mister prince."
- > Her fear-filled voice tears at your heart, but you ignore it.
- > Gilded is struggling to look over at you.
- > You push the blade into his field of view.
- > Right at the neck of his filly.
- > "Please! No! Anything but that! Anything!"
- > The blade is close enough to split fur.
- "I need you to be cognizant of the costs of disobedience. Remember this picture."
- > You withdraw the knife.
- > And move over to his chair.
- > And slice the ropes.
- > They fall around him with a loud thud.
- > But he does not move.
- > He remains frozen in place, staring over at his filly.
- > Moonlight Shimmer.
- > Such an adorable name.
- > To his other side, his wife.
- > You hadn't bothered with her name.
- > She was more incidental to this situation.
- > But she had the most lustrous orange fur you had seen.
- > It reminded you of somepony you despised.
- > Somepony responsible for all of this.
- > You let the knife rest at her neck.
- > But you do not look at her. Your gaze remains fixed on the wall.
- "There is a table to your right, with a quill and parchment on it."
- > At first, there is no response.
- > He just continues staring forward.
- > And after a minute passes, you feel rage beginning to build.
- "I am not making a suggestion. Go to the table."
- > He continues to stare bleakly forward.
- > But, in time, his body begins to move.
- > He robotically rises, and trots over to the table.
- > "What do you want me to write?"
- > A defeated soul.
- > Perfect.
- > It was suitable for what you needed done.
- "A suicide note. I will tell you the specifics as you write it."
- > There is barely a reaction.
- > But his voice sounds out again.
- > How you wish you could silence it.
- > "Do my wife and daughter get to live?"
- > At that, his wife lets out a gasp.
- > But you lay a reassuring hand on her head.
- > Honesty.
- > Honesty could cause great suffering.
- "You all get to live. Just not here. I will find somewhere suitable for you."
- > When a simple lie could create such joy.
- > You could see the relief in his expression.
- > It was better this way.
- > "Where do I begin?"
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- > The dinner was soon.
- > You stared at yourself in the cracked mirror.
- > You could scarcely recognize the man before you.
- > Never before had you allowed such bags to form under your eyes.
- > You had barely slept in three days.
- > Only a short period when you dealt with Flash.
- > Your posture was horrible.
- > A natural consequence of walking with the cane.
- > You had always taken a pride-filled stance.
- > Yet now, it required more effort than you could expend.
- > Your hair, freshly cut yesterday, now was messy atop your head.
- > Five o'clock shadow along your jaw.
- > Your suit was messily wrinkled.
- > This would not do.
- > You may have lost drive to wear your mask.
- > But you would not give her the satisfaction of breaking you.
- > You open the door of your office and address the Gryphon out there.
- "You, Seraph. Fetch me a new suit from my room."
- > "Yes, Lord Fylkir."
- > One of Talon's subordinates.
- > Talon's work was too critical for you to be taking up his time right now.
- > Moving into your bathroom, you turn on the shower.
- > Once within it, you withdraw a razor blade.
- > And begin fixing your facial hair.
- > And then the hair on your head.
- > Exiting the bathroom, you find the suit waiting for you.
- > You put the fresh suit.
- > Platinum cuff-links.
- > Yet, there is one thing you do not keep from your typical garb.
- > Your platinum crown remains on your desk.
- > And you leave it.
- > You didn't need it.
- > It was time for dinner.
- > "Good evening, fair Anonymous. We hope you are well this eve."
- > It was always fascinating talking to Luna.
- > She had been waiting for you in the parlour, along with the other guests.
- > Dinner would be soon.
- > But it could not begin without Twilight, of course.
- > Who had still yet to arrive.
- > You dearly hoped she would at least continue to play the game at least one more day.
- > While she had mostly adopted her speech, she liked certain words.
- > Like calling you fair.
- > If you didn't know better, you'd swear at times she was hitting on you.
- > But you suspected she was teasing.
- "As well as can be expected, I suppose. I imagine Celly told you all about what happened?"
- > Her face takes on a grim expression.
- > "She had mentioned you suffered a wound most dire. Your leg, I believe?"
- > You nod.
- > There was no sense hiding it from her.
- > While Luna did not have the protective instinct over you that Celestia did...
- > She remained concerned. In her own special way.
- > "At least you haven't let it keep you down. Better to die standing up!"
- > You let out a polite laugh at that.
- > Luna was another who shared a good deal in common with the Gryphons.
- > No doubt a product of being from another time.
- "No doubt, but I do so hope that things aren't quite that dire."
- > She lets out a chuckle, before moving to another topic.
- > You mingle for a short while longer, when the doors to the castle open.
- > And in moves your wife.
- > You feel your breath leave your lungs as you gaze upon her.
- > Her mane is...
- > Not done.
- > Her dress...
- > She doesn't have one.
- > She looks...
- > Normal.
- > Immaculate.
- > So beautiful, and so terrible.
- > A swarm of partygoers move over toward her at once.
- > They had already had their fill of gossiping with you, Luna and Celestia you supposed.
- > Even Spike had been dragged in on the action, much to his chagrin.
- > Although Blueblood remained, as ever, a center of attention.
- > As the only stallion royal, you suppose it made sense.
- > But, casting your view over to Twilight, you see her desperately looking about.
- > Ignoring the party guests.
- > That was... unconventional.
- > She did say she was tired of playing pretend.
- > She continues to scan the room until she spots you.
- > When her eyes meet yours, they light up.
- > But as her eyes fall, they take on a deep sadness.
- > They lock on to the cane in your hand.
- > Perhaps someone had told her.
- > Perhaps it had been Celestia, it would not be unexpected.
- > She begins to move through the crowd toward you.
- > But you cannot allow her that small mercy just yet.
- > Holding up your wine glass, you tap it with a fork.
- "Everyone, we've officially got the full party here. To the dining hall!"
- > The ponies begin aggressively shuffling out of the parlour and into the hall.
- > And you allow yourself to be swept up in the flock.
- > Luna keeps to your left side to ensure your leg is not bumped into.
- > But it seems Twilight will have none of this.
- > She flies over the crowd, and lands right beside you.
- > The other partygoers huff and puff at her display.
- > Even you find it hard to resist the urge to scold her for her indiscretion.
- > "Anon, we need to talk. Please."
- > There is an expression of sincere sadness on her face.
- > But you could not allow yourself to be concerned with that.
- > She was feeling guilt only now that she had wounded you physically.
- > It was clear she did not feel guilt for the real damage she had inflicted.
- > Perhaps she was worried that divorcing you after you were wounded would hurt her reputation.
- > She had proven herself so selfish.
- "We can speak over the meal, dear."
- > You had taken your place at the head of the table.
- > While typically for such affairs you were at the side, in Ponyville you were the primary Prince.
- > And Twilight the primary princess.
- > So you sat at the forefront, with Celestia and Luna to one side.
- > And Spike and Blueblood on the other.
- > And nearly fifty aristocrats following each of them down the sides.
- > The time was so close.
- > You stand up, carefully, and slowly.
- > And raise your glass of wine into the air.
- "My friends and colleagues, I appreciate your taking the time to visit us on such short notice."
- "I recognize that we all have terribly busy schedules, minus Prince Spike and Princess Luna."
- > You get a couple of indignant 'HEY's out of that and some light laughter from the aristocrats.
- > They were ever-so easy to entertain.
- "But the reason I have called you all here tonight is for a day of celebration."
- "I have with me a treaty, bound and signed by the Farin Woods, consenting to peace with Equestria."
- > Gasps ring out throughout the room.
- > Celestia, in particular, has a look of shock on her face.
- > The Farin Woods, a Deerborn country, had been harassing Equestrian borders for ages.
- > Because of their guerilla tactics, they had never been fully dealt with.
- > But now, they had.
- "And so, I propose a toast! To peace in our age!"
- > An uproarious cheer echoed through the halls.
- > As you clinked your glass with your wife and the other princesses, your eyes focused on Twilight's glass.
- > As she drunk deep from the crimson wine.
- > Deeper than you had expected, actually.
- > You sit back down, and the table quickly breaks off into conversation.
- > While the rest of the conversation interests you, you address Twilight.
- "So... what did you want to discuss?"
- > She looks about briefly, to ensure some degree of privacy, before moving her face close to yours.
- > Her eyes are puffy, like tears are about to fall.
- > "I... I..."
- > "I'm so sorry Anon."
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
- > She should not be doing this.
- > Not right now.
- > You needed to control this situation.
- > If anyone else heard...
- "Twilight, calm down. We can discuss thi-"
- > "I burned the divorce papers. Last night."
- > What?
- > But, no, she couldn't...
- > "I... I need to explain myself. If you'll let me. I understand if you won't."
- > You are barely cognizant of her words.
- > Your eyes affixed to her glass.
- > "But I beg of you, please, give me a-"
- > She coughs into her hoof briefly, before continuing.
- > "-a chance to fix this."
- > You turn to look at her.
- > Her brilliant, shimmering eyes.
- > Her perfect hair.
- > She couldn't do this to you. Not right now.
- > And yet, you could not deny her.
- > You never could.
- "Speak quietly."
- > She nods, and reaches for her glass of wine for quick drink again.
- > You do not stop her.
- > "Last night, I..."
- > A look of discomfort falls across her face.
- > She corrects where she intended to begin.
- > "I suppose I should start at the beginning. With why I... was with Flash."
- > A dodging way of putting it.
- > But suitable.
- > You had been curious about that detail.
- "Continue."
- > "We were incredibly drunk."
- > You almost laugh at the bluntness of her statement.
- > But the sombre atmosphere prevents you.
- > Your gaze continues to scan the tables, ensuring your conversation remains private.
- > "And... It had been almost a month since I had seen you. At the Royal Soiree in Manehattan."
- > "We had barely even spoken that night either. You had ambassadors to please."
- > Had you truly spent so little time together?
- > You suppose you had been distant.
- > Twilight attempts to clear her throat, but is struggling.
- > "It's not a justification, but it's what happened. And... After, when I woke up, I told him never to speak to me again."
- > That was... curious.
- > Featherweight had given you the impression that this was a repeating cycle.
- > "I had hoped I could bury that betrayal, but even when I thought you didn't know... It ate me up inside."
- > Her hoof runs over her chest.
- > She's nibbling on a bit of salad.
- > She always nibbles when she's nervous.
- > "When I had heard you were coming from Canterlot, I thought I could tell you all of what happened."
- > Her expression is heartbreaking.
- > The look of a defeated mare.
- > Of your mare.
- > "When Gilded came to me with the letters, asking me to protect him, I... I couldn't believe it."
- > "Like I could say we were even. Like... Like I didn't have to feel guilty any longer."
- > She lets out a loose chuckle.
- > But it leads into a bit of a coughing fit.
- > "And then I realized what happened to Flash was my fault, and I felt even more guilty."
- > Her eyes cast down to your meal.
- > Eggplant Parmigiana.
- > Her favourite.
- > "But when we went to-
- > Another cough.
- > "- dinner... I just felt so relieved. Like the whole world was right again."
- > She takes another drink of wine.
- > And moves to refill her glass.
- > She has been drinking it down incredibly quickly.
- > "And when we left Aria's... The whole world came crashing down around me."
- > She's swallowing thickly.
- > Another cough.
- > You maintain your look on the table.
- > You can't look at her.
- > Not now.
- > "I had initially ordered those papers for you. If you wanted to leave me."
- > "But when I was cornered... I panicked. And I've hurt you for it..."
- > Her hoof lays on your leg.
- > She tries to get you to look at her.
- > But you can't.
- > "If you're still willing to try..."
- > "I think we-"
- > She starts coughing, but tries to talk through it.
- > "I think we can fix-"
- > The coughs overwhelm her for a moment, but it calms.
- > When she thinks she's calmed down enough, she tries again.
- > "We can fix this."
- > And she coughs again.
- > And hot crimson flies over the table.
- > A scream erupts from your right.
- > As you look over to Twilight, a look of pure shock is on her face.
- > Blood drips down from her muzzle, staining her fur.
- > She pushes back the chair in panic, but another racket of coughs cause her to fall on her back.
- > And you feel hot panic flow through you as well.
- "Twilight! Someone get a doctor!"
- > The words were supposed to come out as authoritative.
- > But they come out as a struggled plea.
- > Vaguely you're aware of Luna running out of the room.
- > And Celestia attempting to command the nobility to calm.
- > You push back your chair to move to her.
- > You were meant to get up on your right leg and move to her.
- > You attempt to get up on your left.
- > The splint snaps, and your bone flies loose.
- > Yet you do not feel the pain.
- > Your collapse atop her.
- > Staring into those beautiful eyes.
- > As the whites around them slowly filled with red.
- > Her hoof lightly pressing against your chest.
- > "A-anon?"
- > She's barely whispering.
- > She hacks up blood once more, and it strikes you across the face.
- > You lean in close to her ear.
- > Your body is heaving with unshed tears.
- > It wasn't supposed to be this way.
- "I'm so sorry..."
- > It was barely a whisper in her ear.
- > The movement of her hoof is slowly fading.
- > You can feel her pulse through your hand on her neck.
- > Through your cheek at the side of her face.
- > She weakly croaks, trying to form words you cannot bear to hear.
- > Neither can you bring yourself to look back at her eyes.
- > To gaze into those brilliant orbs.
- > And so you stay beside her head.
- > Listening to her pulse.
- > "I..."
- > It is slowly fading.
- > Her body is seizing in your hands.
- > "Still..."
- > Her hoof holds still against your chest.
- > Her back hooves cease movement as well.
- > "Love..."
- > She can't do this to you.
- > She betrayed you.
- > "You."
- > And like that, her body stops seizing.
- > The hoof falls down against her.
- > And her pulse stops.
- > And with it, so too does yours.
- > And neither would start again.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- > Slowly, you cracked open your eyes.
- > The room you were in was shrouded in darkness.
- > A roaring thunderstorm rages outside the window.
- > A dull beep by your head.
- > You're back in the medical bay.
- > Alone, at the moment.
- > Your mind attempts to piece together what happened.
- > After what happened to Twilight...
- > After what you did to her.
- > Panic had ensued.
- > Celestia and Luna had managed to keep some degree of order.
- > You don't know how long you laid there by her side.
- > It felt like an eternity.
- > They had to pry you off of her, eventually.
- > The first time they tried...
- > You had lashed out at them.
- > At Spike.
- > You supposed that was a poor decision.
- > Doubtless the situation was as hard for him.
- > Well, not quite as hard.
- > He wasn't the cause.
- > But you weren't thinking straight.
- > You weren't thinking at all.
- > Irrespective, eventually you had lost the strength to resist their efforts.
- > When you were pulled away...
- > Seeing her fur matted with blood.
- > Her body shock-still.
- > Seeing her eyes.
- > Wide, and stained fully red with blood.
- > But no longer shimmering.
- > That was when you had lost control of your tears.
- > Dimly, you were aware that you were still covered in her blood.
- > You would have thought they would have cleaned you.
- > But perhaps they were still too busy with the fallout.
- > You had no idea how long it had been since that time.
- > Once they had separated you, time was a blur.
- > A blur of oaths for vengeance from Celestia.
- > Cries of rage from you.
- > Talon.
- > He had taken you to the medical bay, at Celestia's order.
- > And he had been the target of your rage.
- > You had told him and his entire troupe to get out of your sight.
- > To never set foot in this castle again.
- > It appeared they had complied.
- > But the cinders of that rage had burned out.
- > You felt numb.
- > This was her fault, yet again.
- > Had she not...
- > Had she not apologized.
- > Then your plan would have worked.
- > Had she come back playing the game.
- > Wearing her mask.
- > Then you would have felt like this was a victory.
- > Like you had won the day.
- > You would have been a saviour to Equestria.
- > The prince who put Equestria above his own losses.
- > You know the words to be lies.
- > They feel empty, and hollow.
- > Honesty.
- > Perhaps there was more to it.
- > Perhaps the Gryphons weren't always right.
- > Looking down, you see an IV drip inserted.
- > But you have no idea why.
- > Surely, you weren't lacking fluids.
- > Perhaps some sort of painkiller.
- > Your leg had to be in a much worse condition after your foolishness.
- > A crack of lightning.
- > You were stunned at how much rain had been falling.
- > Two nights in a row, no less.
- > Sitting up in your bed, you look around the room.
- > A lancing pain erupts from your leg as it shifts in the bed.
- > It seemed those painkillers were not working.
- > But there was another concern.
- > You were naked.
- > Your suit, still stained with grime and browned blood, sat on a chair.
- > Your cane beside it.
- > Your watch, however, remained on your arm.
- > It was close to one in the morning.
- > If you stayed here, things would work out for you.
- > Gilded's manifesto would be found in about five hours, in your office.
- > Neatly folded into an envelope and slipped under your door.
- > Everyone would know of the Captain of the Ponyville Guard, who killed the princess.
- > And then himself, with his family.
- > Celestia would never forgive herself.
- > Her selection for guard, after millennia of experience, not only crippled someone who was like a son to her...
- > He killed her most faithful student.
- > It's possible she might even begin to withdraw from political life.
- > The stress and grief of this weighing on her.
- > You knew she had done so in the past, when intense strife had struck.
- > Typically when she was naive enough to take a lover.
- > Or The Banishment.
- > Or any number of other circumstances.
- > There was an entire executive council in place to assume control should that happen.
- > Although, with Luna back, who knows how things would work out.
- > Either way, you would be clear to take on a more prominent role.
- > You could unite the world as the proper leader of Equestria.
- > But, you had come to realize...
- > You were not the proper leader of Equestria.
- > You never had been.
- > You pull out the IV drip.
- > Turning to the side, you unplug the heartrate monitor.
- > And you pull off the heartrate monitor's attachments to your chest.
- > You couldn't allow that to happen.
- > A kindness could allow someone to escape great injustice.
- > Did you deserve to escape?
- > Your body moved on autopilot.
- > You knew what you had to do.
- > You attempt to move out of the bed.
- > But when your torso reaches the edge, your leg moves.
- > White-hot pain lances through you, and you feel dizzy.
- > Unfortunately, your position meant that this caused you to collapse off the side.
- > Onto the tile floor.
- > You suppress a scream.
- > You lay on the ground for a little while.
- > Waiting for the pain in your leg to subside.
- > They had re-splinted it.
- > However, now the splint glowed with a dim light.
- > It had been magically reinforced to prevent a break.
- > When you feel stable enough, you pull yourself over to one of the chairs.
- > Pulling yourself up, you sit in it.
- > In the chair beside you is your suit.
- > You pull out the blood-stained dress shirt first.
- > And begin to put it on.
- > You leave behind the blazer.
- > You put on the dress pants next.
- > That part of the process takes you easily an hour.
- > An hour of intense agony.
- > But ultimately, you are dressed once more.
- > Taking your cane from the wall, you rise up.
- > And move out of the door.
- > The medical bay was barren.
- > Not a nurse or doctor to be seen.
- > You imagine at this time of night they have a skeleton staff keeping an ear out.
- > It wasn't a public hospital, after all.
- > Strictly for guards, most of the time.
- > Speaking of guards, you were surprised there were none here.
- > Even when you exited the medical bay, the castle was barren.
- > But it worked well for you.
- > You imagine they would not be as permitting as yesterday about your movement.
- > You know where you are headed.
- > And as your office comes into view, you're struck by the lack of guards.
- > Seems Talon had taken your words to heart.
- > Loyalty.
- > What did it really mean.
- > Obeying your command, or doing what was best for you?
- > Perhaps they were synonymous in this case.
- > Opening the door, you see the room exactly as you left it.
- > Even the small white envelope on the floor.
- > Picking it up, you shamble over to the fireplace.
- > It is nothing but cinders at the moment.
- > But you can fix that.
- > Your cigar box is still out on the balcony.
- > Getting rained on.
- > You move out, and open it up.
- > You withdraw the lighter.
- > You pause for a moment.
- > And throw the box off the balcony.
- > You didn't need it any more.
- > You then move back to the fireplace
- > And you hold up the letter.
- > You stop for a minute, in consideration.
- > Before a steely resolve washes over you.
- > You bring the lighter up, and ignite the letter.
- > Before casting it into the fireplace.
- > Gilded didn't deserve that.
- > He would be remembered as a hero.
- > But a thought occurred to you.
- > He wasn't the only loose end you had planned to tie.
- > And looking to your watch, the other would be tied soon.
- > You needed to move.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
- > When you turn around to leave the room, you're once again struck by your mirror.
- > You had spent such time fixing your appearance yesterday for dinner.
- > To make everything perfect.
- > And yet now, you couldn't bear to see yourself.
- > Especially with... Her all over you.
- > Looking in the mirror, your body locks up.
- > Her final words repeating endlessly in your head.
- > Frustration builds within you.
- > It wasn't fair.
- > But it was.
- > The guilt building up in you...
- > You somewhat understood what she felt now.
- > The guilt of betrayal.
- > It burned worse than anything you had ever felt.
- > Your leg paled in comparison to the ache in your heart.
- > The ache of guilt which had festered in you for years.
- > With every betrayal.
- > With every justification.
- > Every time you did something for the greater good.
- > You had signed it away as being for the best.
- > That you couldn't do wrong.
- > Looking at yourself now, your eyes have gotten worse.
- > The dark rings thick under them.
- > Bloodshot.
- > Like a man driven to madness.
- > The responsibility of ruling demanded darkness.
- > All of you understood that, to a degree.
- > The royalty, that is.
- > And yet, you had never considered it darkness.
- > It was necessary.
- > But perhaps there had been other ways.
- > You just had never considered them.
- > Your right arm lashes out, and smashes the mirror before you.
- > The glass shatters, and flies through the air.
- > A shard slices cleanly along your hand.
- > The sting feels nice.
- > It feels like the beginnings of justice.
- > You had always lashed out when angry.
- > Destroying things.
- > Ponies.
- > Because you could not express yourself properly.
- > Because the slightest infraction would cause a national outrage.
- > Because you were perfect for them.
- > There was only one pony you could ever be yourself with.
- > Looking back, it had been ages since you had spent real time with her.
- > You had been caught up in the sway of politics.
- > Neglectful.
- > And you could never be with her again.
- > Never look at her shining smile.
- > Never slowly preen her wings as you discussed your days.
- > Never intricately plan something meaningless, just to do it together.
- > Never discuss magic for hours on end.
- > Never love.
- > You move over to your desk and withdraw a cloth.
- > This wallowing was meaningless.
- > You couldn't save Twilight at this point.
- > And you couldn't save yourself.
- > But there was still somepony you could save.
- > Somepony who meant the world to your closest friend.
- > Your brother.
- > You would not betray Spike as well.
- > You had your fill of betrayal.
- > You wrap the cloth around your hand, tying it tight.
- > The cloth is immediately stained red with blood.
- > A substance you had seen far too much of lately.
- > Taking your cane, you move to exit your office.
- > Looking to your watch, you realize you had to hurry.
- > Your reminiscing was costing you precious time.
- > Your agent would be at Carousel Boutique any moment.
- > As you walk through the empty halls of the castle, the only sound is that of your cane on the tile.
- > And the relentless pounding of the rain and thunder outside.
- > This would not be easy.
- > You had difficulty enough walking in general, right now.
- > Walking in the muddy, rainy conditions outside...
- > It was an irrelevancy.
- > You had to do this.
- > Equestria needed a prince who could lead her into a new era.
- > That was no longer you.
- > But there remained one who could save this country.
- > You were confident in that.
- > But if he lost her tonight...
- > He might never recover.
- > Not so soon after Twilight.
- > Reaching the front gates to the castle, you finally encounter some guards.
- > Not your Gryphons, but the regular staff of the castle.
- > They move toward you, but you will have none of it.
- "I'm going out."
- > They attempt to comment, but you ignore them.
- > One of them moves to get in your way.
- > You look down at him.
- "Move, or so help me you will lose everything you hold dear."
- > No doubt the look of pure insanity about you influenced his capitulation.
- > Once upon a time, you would have persuaded them to let you pass.
- > With pretty language and compliments.
- > But you couldn't do that any longer.
- > Your mask was long gone.
- > The storm continued to rage outside.
- > The winds were intense, blowing trees to their sides.
- "You will stay here."
- > You couldn't risk them knowing.
- > If you were implicated in this assassination, then the story might come to light.
- > That would crush Spike. And potentially Celestia.
- > Perhaps it would be better if they knew the truth.
- > But not like this.
- > The guards remain at their posts as you take your first step out into the mud.
- > Your cane sinks deep into the earth.
- > As does your right leg.
- > This would be difficult.
- > And so it proves to be.
- > Every step takes an immense amount of concentration.
- > The wind whips at you harshly, irritating the cuts on your hand even through the bandage.
- > The cold of the intense weather seeps into your heart.
- > And the rain has you soaked to the bone.
- > But you carry on.
- > When you are almost to the boutique, a particularly strong gust of wind knocks your cane out from under you.
- > You fall face first into the mud.
- > Searing pain erupts from your leg as it jars against the ground.
- > Desperately, you attempt to find purchase to lift yourself up.
- > But your hand continues to slip on the slick ground.
- > Pulling your head up, you look at the boutique.
- > The lights remain on.
- > And you can see, atop the front awning...
- > A dark pony-shaped shadow.
- > Peering in from the upper level through a window.
- "Hey!"
- > You attempt to call out, but it comes out as a croak.
- > It would be impossible to hear you in this weather.
- > You needed to get close.
- > And so you once again attempt to push yourself up.
- > And succeed.
- > You begin to move to the boutique.
- > You would not fail this time.
- > You couldn't.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
- > You eventually reach the side of the boutique.
- > And collapsed against it.
- > Your entire body ached with exhaustion.
- > You had so little sleep...
- > But you had to carry on.
- > You tried calling out to the shadowy individual, but they still could not hear you.
- > As you looked up, you saw the awning not too far up from you.
- > You needed to get even closer still.
- > Which meant climbing.
- > Ordinarily, you would have little trouble climbing up there.
- > You had a powerful physique.
- > But you were weak right now.
- > Weak and crippled.
- > Just focus.
- > Focus on what needs to be done.
- > Balancing on one leg, you throw up your cane to the awning.
- > The silver pommel hooks over the edge, the cane hanging down.
- > You grab on, and try to pull yourself up.
- > But your hands slip right off.
- > The rain had made it too slippery.
- > You pull down the cane.
- > You had an idea.
- > Tearing off your shirt, you wrap the cloth around it.
- > While the shirt was wet, you could still grip it.
- > The shirt was still stained.
- > With her blood.
- > It pained you to see it.
- > How could the rain not wash it away?
- > Why couldn't it just go away?
- > You nearly lapse back into a shocked state.
- > But you tear yourself out of it.
- > You needed to do this.
- > Hooking the cane back on to the awning, you heave on the cloth.
- > It makes a loud stretching noise, but holds.
- > With one leg against the wall, you start pulling yourself up.
- > Desperately, you slowly ascend.
- > Your one leg is burning with the effort of pulling up.
- > But when you're near the top, a slippery spot strikes your foot.
- > And you fall back into the mud.
- > Immense pain blossoms across your body.
- > Particularly from your leg.
- > You hear a loud ringing sound in your ears.
- > And your vision flashes white.
- > The world is spinning.
- > You can't focus...
- > You can't do it.
- > But you have to.
- > You push yourself up, swallowing your nausea.
- > Your muscles scream in resistance.
- > The world continues to spin as you reach out to grip the cane.
- > You miss it, falling against the wall again.
- > You can't do this...
- > You're too weak.
- > But if you don't, then everyone loses.
- > And you won't let that happen.
- > Your hand takes up the cane again.
- > And you make another attempt.
- > Your vision is darkened around the edges.
- > And you can't concentrate.
- > Your foot slips again.
- > But this time, you shoot out your other leg.
- > And catch the wall against it.
- > You can feel the bone shift out of place again.
- > An incredible pain shoots through you.
- > But the magically-enhanced splint prevents it from giving in.
- > You attempt to scream in pain.
- > But it comes out barely a gasp.
- > Forcing yourself to overcome it, you push up on your shattered leg.
- > Before catching the wall again with your right leg.
- > Relief floods through you as the pressure is released on your bad leg.
- > And you catch the ledge with your hands.
- > You slowly, but surely pull yourself up and over.
- > You could see him from where you were.
- > Pulling up the cane, you struggle to your feet.
- > The surface is slippery, but with great care you manage to rise.
- "Hey!"
- > That gets his attention.
- > But you notice something horrifying.
- > The window is open, and his crossbow is out.
- > You move in his direction.
- > And he pulls back from the window.
- > Perfect timing, as ever.
- > Now you could solve this.
- "Apologies, but I no longer require you-"
- > A loud twang sounds out.
- > Your breath catches in your throat.
- > Pain spreads out from your chest.
- > You look down.
- > A shimmering steel bolt.
- > Embedded in your chest.
- > Your eyes can't look away from it, but you force them to.
- > Your eyes look back up to him.
- > There is a panicked expression on his face.
- > Time seems to stand still.
- > The only thing moving being the rain.
- > Until you speak.
- "You shot-"
- > Another twang sounds out.
- > The bolt hits you in the stomach this time.
- > You can feel it penetrate deeply.
- > And a third twang.
- > It lands beside the second shot, another in your stomach.
- > The pony then turns, and sprints off the roof.
- > You watch him go with a look of disbelief on your face.
- > Fucking mercenaries.
- > Your body resists your commands to move.
- > But slowly, your hand moves to one of the bolts in your stomach.
- > It's wedged in deep.
- > Removing it would kill you faster.
- > You prepare to call out to Rarity for help, her window still open there.
- > When suddenly, fatigue overwhelms you.
- > Your legs give out from under you.
- > Loudly, your body smashes against the roof.
- > And you roll harshly off the side of the building.
- > You land on your back in the thick muck.
- > You would think that fall would hurt quite badly.
- > But you can barely feel a thing.
- > The bolt in your chest was pushed in further by your fall.
- > You focus on your breathing.
- > In and out.
- > When you hear a door open.
- > And a male voice ring out.
- > "Is anypony out there?"
- > He shouldn't be here.
- > He can't see you right now.
- > Please, just go back inside...
- > "Anon?"
- ---------------------------------------------------------
- > "What're you doing here?"
- > You can barely hear him over the continuing roar of the rain.
- > You try to lift your head to acknowledge him.
- > To tell him it's all fine.
- > But you can't.
- > You don't have the strength.
- > "A-anon...?"
- > You hear a gasp.
- > So he's noticed.
- > He runs quickly to your side.
- > And sits beside you, looking over your body.
- > "No..."
- > You feel his claws touch the bolt in your chest.
- > He's shaking.
- > Uncontrollably.
- > "Rarity! Rarity get help!"
- > His voice is a screech to your ears.
- > He's on the verge of tears as it is.
- > He collapses beside you.
- > "Please, Anon... Don't do this to me..."
- > A morbid sob escapes his mouth.
- > He can't control himself.
- > "Rarity!"
- > His screams echo into the night.
- > You muster the strength to speak.
- "Spike... listen to me."
- > He looks up to you.
- > His eyes filled with hope.
- > "Anon! You're ok!"
- > It hurts more than your wounds to dash his hopes.
- > But he needs to listen.
- "Not for long. Listen closely."
- > You can feel the darkness closing in on you.
- > You didn't have long.
- "You need to find Talon, and tell him to stop the plan."
- > The door opens once again.
- > And you hear Rarity say something, but you can't make it out.
- > But you hear Spike's scream.
- > "Anon's dying! Get help! Now!"
- > You can't see her, but you presume she left when he turned back to you.
- > "You'll tell him yourself, Anon. It's going to be fine..."
- > It pained you to see such denial.
- > You wished you could play pretend for him one last time.
- > But he needed to hear this.
- "It's not, Spike. And there's more you need to do..."
- > You cough, and pain flares up from your wounds.
- > They're oozing blood.
- > "No! You can't just give up! We can save you... We have to..."
- > You managed to lift a hand.
- > You hold the side of his face.
- "You need to take care of Velvet for me. And Celestia."
- > His eyes are bloodshot.
- > Tears falling freely.
- "They're not going to do so well after this. See them at least once a week."
- > "Stop! Stop talking, it's just making you weaker."
- > He puts his claws under you, and attempts to lift you.
- > But that causes more blood to ooze up from your wounds.
- > And you cough intensely from it.
- > So he immediately sets you back down.
- > "Anon... Please, just not right now... I can't..."
- > Sobs break up his words.
- > Your hand falls from his face, back to the mud.
- > He starts coughing, choking on his tears.
- > "You're all I have left..."
- > His claws cover his face.
- > He can't bear to look at you.
- "That's not true. You have Rarity."
- > He lays down beside you, his arms wrapped around his face.
- > The puddles from the rain around you had turned crimson.
- "And you need to remember her. Always."
- > Yet more crying.
- > But you knew he was listening.
- "Cherish her every day. When she's your princess, never neglect a second."
- > You wish you had someone to tell you this before.
- > But you never had anyone.
- > You lost that when you came here.
- "Because she'll be gone before you know it. And you'll want those memories."
- > This cough is accompanied by blood.
- > A lot of it.
- > You spit it out.
- "Above all, never change."
- > You tilt your head to the right.
- > He's staring forward, blankly.
- > Tears freely running.
- > "I won't, Anon. I promise you. I promise..."
- > His eyes look back at you.
- > You attempt a serene smile.
- "Good. You always were a better prince than me."
- > You can hear the shouts of guards in the distance.
- > But the darkness is closing in on you.
- > But at the voices, Spike perks up.
- > "They're here! You're going to be fine!"
- > Sorry.
- > You're so sorry.
- > That you can't be stronger.
- > But you're so tired.
- "Goodbye, Spike."
- > "What? No! Anonymous, stay with me, please!"
- > Your eyes close.
- > They're too heavy to keep open.
- > "Stay with me, just a little longer!"
- > You wondered if you would see her again.
- > If you would get to be with her.
- > "Help him! Now! Hurry!"
- > To see her smile.
- > "Please..."
- > Would she forgive you?
- > "I don't care! Save him!"
- > You had long forgiven her.
- > But you had done so much worse.
- > "What do you mean stopped?"
- > But who were you kidding.
- > You wouldn't get to see her.
- > "No. Do it again!"
- > She deserved so much better.
- > "Again!"
- > But still...
- > "Please..."
- > A man could hope.
- > A man could dream.
- > And with that final thought...
- > You let the darkness consume you.
- > And the voices fade.
- > And you begin your everlasting dream.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- > You are Gwalor Skytalon.
- > Best known among the Equestrians as Talon.
- > And it has been three years since Equestria lost it's royal couple.
- > One, a national hero, who had saved the world time and time again.
- > The other, their most treasured Prince.
- > Your best friend.
- > Your only friend, at the time.
- > You are currently visiting their grave.
- > A monolithic statue, rising tall into the sky.
- > It depicts Anonymous with Twilight hanging from his back.
- > Both pointing to the skies.
- > It rests on the border between Equestria and the Holy Accipi Empire.
- > It was the only place they could be together.
- > Their deaths had caused such immense political upheaval.
- > The Gryphons had blamed the ponies, because it was a pony who had slain the Fylkir.
- > The Ponies had blamed... Well, you. And by extension the Gryphons.
- > They blamed you for your failure.
- > That you could not protect Twilight and Anon.
- > If they had known the truth, you had no doubt you would be dead now.
- > Both lives weighed heavily on your conscience.
- > And they forever would.
- > It made these trips to this monument painful.
- > So painful you nearly wished you could leave.
- > But you made them once a week.
- > Not alone.
- > But alongside your new Fylkir.
- > The second in almost four centuries.
- > It would figure that it would be another Equestrian.
- > They seemed to have a talent for peace.
- > The dragon was laid out before the statue.
- > Speaking to them about the events of the week.
- > He did so every week. He said he did it so he wouldn't forget.
- > Often times he would fly around the statue.
- > The years had not been easy on him.
- > The tensions between Equestria and Accipi grew quickly.
- > Especially when Celestia withdrew from public life.
- > And, rather stunningly, so too did Luna.
- > When the executive council assumed control, that left only two Princes to challenge them.
- > And Blueblood was hardly capable.
- > So war brewed, as the hot-headed politicians debated whose fault the tragedy was.
- > And skirmishes broke out.
- > You had avoided them, trying to find peace on your own.
- > But you didn't need to.
- > Equestria provided an answer.
- > When the Ponies and the Gryphons had clamoured for war, he rose up.
- > Like the Prince he was, he brought all parties to the table.
- > He was the one who had proposed this monument.
- > And rallied Equestrians and Gryphons alike to build it together.
- > A symbol of unity.
- > An instruction to stay true to the wishes of the late couple.
- > A reminder.
- > So no one would forget.
- > Spike certainly hadn't.
- > And neither had you.
- > The young drake had aged at an incredible pace since their passing.
- > While he did not grow larger, he unquestionably grew wiser.
- > In his gaze now was a wisdom surpassing any you had ever known.
- > You admired him.
- > He could reconcile justice with kindness.
- > Truth with joy.
- > "He does love to be dramatic, doesn't he?"
- > The Fylkir's wife.
- > She always accompanied him here.
- > They were practically inseparable.
- > Even when you were discussing security with him, she was present.
- > They did everything together.
- "I think he's earned the right to a bit of theatre."
- > A smile creeps upon her face.
- > As she gazes back out at Spike by the statue.
- > You suspected she knew the truth.
- > Or at least suspected it.
- > Since there was never a culprit found.
- > Only two dead rulers, and a dead guard captain.
- > With his family.
- > There was a reason she was meant to die, after all.
- > But she never revealed it to Spike.
- > You could respect that.
- > "Well, if we don't go bug him he'll be there all day."
- > She was the only one who could break him out of these reveries.
- > You watch as she trots down to him.
- > She always broke him out of it the same way.
- > Her hoof to his muzzle.
- > 'Bit for your thoughts?'
- > It reminded you of another couple you had known quite well.
- > You see them moving back toward you, and snap to a salute.
- > Spike chuckles as he approaches.
- > "How often do I have to tell you to relax, Talon?"
- > You keep your steely appearance, but reply.
- "Too often, sir."
- > He moves past you, and you move to follow him.
- > Three years ago, Equestria lost two of its greatest heroes.
- > Only you would ever know what actually happened.
- > And in their place rose one to best them all.
- > Your Fylkir.
- > The best hope for peace.
- > And you would follow him until the end of your days.
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