Under the Sun's Wings

Chapters

2: The Sun and the Moon
3: In a New Land
4: The Sun's Judgement
5: Hope
6: Shattered
7: The Errors of His Way
8: Like Day and Night
9: First Lesson
10: Regret
11: Hazelnut
13: Dinner with Ponies
14: Rest
1: Shattered Dreams
12: Stoking the Embers

2: The Sun and the Moon

Crimson Flask paced back and forth in front of the massive doors of Solaris’ chambers. He adjusted his coat collar and slicked back his mane, frowning as it returned back to its normal messy self.

There was a loud crash as the doors flew open. Crimson yelped as he jumped back.

“Blueblood, I do not know how many times I have told you, fund it yourself! You are not getting tax money for it, nor are you getting an increase in your stipend!” a voice boomed from within.

“B-but!” Blueblood stammered as he backed out of the room.

“Blueblood, if you ever pull a stunt like this again, I swear there will be consequences. I am getting fed up with your behavior!”

“But—”

“Enough! Now leave!” the voice shouted.

Blueblood’s ears flattened as he hung his head. Crimson looked up at him, a gentle look on his face.

“What are you looking at, peasant?” Blueblood snorted.

Crimson rolled his eyes in response.

“Hmph!” Blueblood replied, lifting his head as he walked away.

Crimson stood back up, remembering the matter at hoof. Slowly, he took a peek inside the now open doors. There, he saw his boss, Lord Solaris [1], standing with his back turned towards him and wings flared. He could hear him breathing heavily.

You know, maybe I should come back later, Crimson thought as he sat beside the door, out of view. He rubbed his forehooves together, biting his lip. Yeah, now is not the best time to tell him. I should wait until he calms down. [2]

“Who is it?” Solaris called from inside his room.

Crimson jumped. “U-um, it’s me, my lord.”

“Enter.”

Crimson gulped audibly as he adjusted his glasses. Taking a deep breath, he quietly walked inside and gently closed the door behind him. Again adjusting his glasses, he walked to the center of the room and sat on a pillow.

“Ah, Dr. Flask, it is good to see you,” Solaris said as he turned around to face Crimson. “So, what brings you to my chambers today?”

Crimson’s eyes widened slightly as he looked up at Solaris’ crimson eyes. Even though Crimson Flask had personally met and talked with Solaris many times, he always felt nervous when meeting him. Standing more than twice the height of the average pony and having an ethereal mane and tail that looked as if a fire was blazing out of him, Solaris was truly an intimidating figure.

Solaris looked down at the dazed pony. He smiled and asked gently again, “So, what brings you to me on this fine day, doctor?”

Crimson blinked and adjusted his glasses. “Well, sir, we found another one near the city.”

Solaris’ smile vanished. “Was it another dead one like the rest that we found?”

“No, sir, it’s actually alive,” Crimson responded.

“Excellent!” Solaris exclaimed as his smile returned. “Then we proceed as planned.”

Crimson tugged his collar while his eyes darted around.

Solaris looked down at the unicorn in front of him, raising his eyebrow. “Crimson, is something wrong?”

Crimson rubbed his forehooves together. “While we technically found one, it’s not the type we were looking for.”

“Wait,” Solaris replied as he shook his head. “What do you mean we didn’t find the right type? We wanted to see if we could find one of their soldiers or infiltrators alive.”

“Except,” Crimson interrupted weakly, “we found a worker.”

Solaris squinted his eyes as he looked down at Crimson. “What do you mean we found a worker?”

“W-well,” Crimson began shakily, “preliminary tests show that the changeling we have is neither a soldier nor infiltrator. Her chitin exoskeleton is nowhere near as strong or thick as we have seen with the changelings that invaded. I suspect that she is most likely a worker.”

“What makes you say that?” Solaris asked.

"I found this with her, so it must belong to her,” Crimson said as he pulled out a small book from his coat.

Solaris grabbed the book with his magic. He turned the book around to examine it before opening the book and begin reading its contents.

Solaris frowned. “This is the diary of a child. A weak, naive child. Tell me, Crimson, was this changeling conscious when you found her?”

“Yes, she was,” Crimson quickly replied.

“And how did she react when you found her?”

“Not that well, to be perfectly honest,” Crimson confessed as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Crimson stopped for a moment as he rubbed his eyes. “I-I’m sorry, it was just hard for me to look at her. What do you do when someone looks at you as if you were a monster? I couldn’t look at that face. It was just too much. She was so scared at that point. I mean, I actually had to cover her face so I could work. That was not easy for me, my lord.”

Solaris slowly looked up at the ceiling, his eyes distant and cloudy.

Crimson looked up at Solaris, waiting for him to respond, yet Solaris just sat there, unmoving.

“My lord?”

Solaris blinked, shaking his head.

“Is everything alright, my lord?”

“It’s nothing. Just memories,” Solaris answered softly.

“Oh,” Crimson replied. He wanted to inquire further as he was curious but felt it would be a bad idea to pry any more.

“Back to the matter at hoof.” Solaris sighed. “This is not good at all.”

Crimson quickly bowed as low as he could, shaking while shutting his eyes tight. “A-a thousand apologies, Lord Solaris! I did not know my actions would cause problems for you. B-but I am a doctor, and I s-still have my Hippocratic Oath to follow! I c-couldn’t just let something die in front of me and—”

“Stop!” Solaris ordered as he rubbed his forehead.

Crimson instantly stopped, not even daring to breathe.

Solaris took a deep breath before looking down at Crimson Flask as his face softened. “Crimson, please get up.”

Crimson slowly opened his eyes and lifted himself to all four hooves. “Y-yes, my lord?”

“Crimson,” Solaris continued softly as he knelt down in front of him, his eyes staring into Crimson’s. “Do you know what makes someone a monster?”

“Um,” Crimson replied, rubbing his forehooves. “Is it doing bad things, my lord?”

“Not exactly." Solaris looked back up. “It is when you start to enjoy doing bad things. That is when you truly become a monster.”

“Oh…”

“Crimson, I would be disappointed if you didn’t help her. If you took enjoyment out of her fear, that would be troubling. But you didn’t because you are a good pony with a gentle heart. You never have to worry about doing the right thing, understood?”

“Really?” Crimson asked as he stood wide eyed and his mouth slightly agape.

“Yes,” Solaris replied as he stood up. “I am upset not at you, but at me. Did you happen to read her journal?”

“Part of it,” Crimson said as he straightened his coat. “Once I found out what it was, I thought it was best to stop reading it and give it to you immediately.”

Solaris sighed, holding a hoof to his temple. “The problem is that she is a mere child. I needed a soldier or infiltrator for my plans, not a messenger girl. Is she awake now?”

“Actually, she won’t be for approximately another month. She has some very serious injuries, so I was forced to put her in an induced coma. I felt this was necessary to make sure her body heals properly and more quickly,” Crimson replied.

“Hmmm,” Solaris said as he rubbed his chin. “I trust your judgment on this subject. Also, this will give me time to figure out what to do with her when she wakes up. I want you to keep me informed concerning her status. In addition, I want you to gather as much information on changelings as possible while you are at it.”

“I will, my lord,” Crimson said with a slight bow.

Solaris smiled as he placed a hoof on Crimson’s back. “We are on the same page, I hope. You did do the right thing and have nothing to worry about, understood?”

“Yes, thank you, sir.”

“And,” Solaris added, “you do not have to address me like that, my friend. We are friends, are we not? You earned the right to be informal a long time ago.”

“Sorry, force of habit,” Crimson apologized as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Thank you, Solaris.”

A flame flickered on the end of a candle, casting a warm glow through Solaris’ chambers. Solaris sat over his desk, examining Honeycomb’s satchel. He reached in, pulling out a piece of charcoal. Are they forced to write with charcoal? His ears flicked when he heard a soft knock on his door.

“I am busy right now. I do not wish to be disturbed.”

“Too busy even for room service?" came a familiar voice, clearly feigning hurt.

Solaris chuckled slightly as he got up. He turned around and opened the door, seeing his little sister. “Not fair, Luna, you know I will always have time for you. Please, come on in.”

Luna smiled as she walked in, taking a seat in the middle of the room. Solaris walked over to a trolley with a coffee pot and poured two cups of coffee. He then sat across from Luna, levitating her a cup whilst keeping one himself. Luna nodded in thanks and took a sip.

“So, Luna, what brings you to my room at this hour? I thought you would be doing something on your shift, not that I don’t enjoy your company.” Solaris followed this with a sip.

“Well,” Luna replied, “I have heard from my staff that you captured a changeling.”

“I did,” Solaris said, looking down into his cup.

“And that was your plan, wasn’t it?”

“It was.”

“So why are you making that face? Is the coffee not to your liking?" Luna teased with a grin.

“I feel trapped.”

“Brother!” Luna exclaimed as she burst out laughing. “I do hope you see the irony in that. Really, the captor feeling trapped?”

Solaris smiled and chuckled quietly. “Yeah, you’re right about that. It is a silly notion, isn’t it?” He let out a sigh as he continued to look down into his cup.

“So tell me, brother, what are you brooding over this time?” Luna finally asked when the laughter left her.

Solaris lifted his eyes up from his drink, looking into his sister’s. “I got the wrong one.”

Luna raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Solaris closed his eyes and sighed. “I wanted to capture one of their soldiers or infiltrators. Although we beat them in the end, they still got in undetected by us. But...”

“But what?”

“I got a worker,” Solaris continued. “And not only a mere worker, but a child at that.”

“Hmmm,” Luna said, rubbing her chin. “What makes you think it is a child?”

Solaris’ horn glowed as he levitated the small journal in front of his sister. Luna grabbed it with her own magic and started reading it.

“That seems like the journal of a child,” Solaris remarked.

" 'I can never be a legend, but that does not mean I can’t be part of one...' Oh dear," Luna muttered, flipping a page. " 'I will bring you along with me, so that I can write down all the details of our victory.' "

Luna sighed. "It seems we have a young changeling seeking glory and honor, just like ponies her age did in the past."

"We could put her on trial, but our ponies would treat her like a monster. We could interrogate her..."

"But we'd just be wasting our time." Luna set the book down on the desk.

Luna sat there, her face scrunching slightly in thought. “Well,” she finally said, “why not just let her go if she holds no importance to us?” [3]

Solaris shook his head. “In a word? Justice. She worked for the queen. She helped the invasion. There need to be consequences, even for a child...”

“So? Give her a spanking and send her home. There's no sense keeping her here. She is a child, so treat her like one."

Solaris stared at her flatly.

"Admit it," said Luna, a grin appearing on her face, "you're just mad because they cocooned you.”

“It took me days to wash the green out of my coat.”

“Did I ever tell you you're a terrible actor?"

Solaris raised an eyebrow. "Nothing I said has been anything less than the truth."

"It took a day.”

Solaris sighed. "Fine, but it was still hard to wash out."

"But that's beside the point. I was talking about your oh-so-convincing job of feigning defeat at the hooves of Chrysalis."

"What would you have had me do? Pummel her to death with my bare hooves in front of all of Canterlot?”

“No, but you could have tried a tad harder.”

“I’m sorry, but where were you?”

“How could you say such a thing?” Luna asked as she leaned back, feigning hurt. “I just did exactly what you told me to do. You told me that we should not intervene, so that our ponies can figure it out by themselves.”

“Ok, still,” Solaris replied.

“My point is that you could have done a better job.”

“Luna…” Solaris said as he looked at the ground. “I just couldn’t risk prolonging the fight. I can’t become that again.”

“Solaris!” Luna exclaimed as she stomped her hoof. “Look at me.”

Solaris lifted his head, a crestfallen look on his face.

“You are not that. You are better than that. No more of this talk.”

“But—”

“Enough of that," Luna interrupted her brother with a hug. “You’re a good pony with a good heart. No more of this talk, understood?”

“Yes,” Solaris said, returning the hug. “Thank you, Luna.”

Luna let her brother go, sitting back in her seat. “Still, there is the matter at hoof. If you are not going to let her go, then what will you do? I don’t need to remind you that we have a child on our hooves, and you said so yourself that if she is found out, our ponies may take matter into their own hooves.”

Solaris scrunched his face in thought for a minute. “I think I got an idea,” he finally said.

“Is that so?”

“Yes, I think I found a way where I can keep an eye on her and keep her out of the public, but I need to work on a few things before I finalize it.”

“That is good,” Luna replied as she stood up. “You can tell me later. I have court that I must attend.”

“Very well, take care, sister.”

“Good night, brother.”

Solaris watched as Luna left her room. His eyes drifted back to the changeling’s diary. “Looks like I have to watch over a child yet again.”

Author's Note

[1]: Both rulers have opted to using a different title for them. Though they are technically Prince and Princess of Equestria, they have established long before to be called Lord and Lady. This way, they could differentiate themselves from the nobility, which Solaris fathered long ago. Though the nobility do have the title of “prince” or “princess”, they hold no real power.

[2]: Over the years, Solaris has established himself more as the stern, authoritative fatherlike figure. At times, though very rarely, he has had a temper where he would stomp his hoof down and draw a line, not wanting to be questioned at all. During those times, he would not allow a second opinion and demanded that what he wanted was carried out. However, ponies have accepted that and do not have problems because his rulings have always turned out to benefit Equestria as a whole. He has been kind and fair, and ponies trust his judgment even at those rare times.

[3]: Luna, in contrast to her brother, has established herself as a motherly figure for the nation. Where Solaris views things in a more authoritative way in which his ponies learn things for themselves with little assistance, Luna takes a much more gentle approach. She would rather comfort her subjects and take a more active role in helping her ponies solve their problems.

Thanks to amactia and Kevinltk for editing.

In addition, thanks to Elric of Melnipony and theRedBrony for proofreading.

3: In a New Land

There was a faint beep in the distance—a soft, rhythmic noise permeated the background. Honeycomb’s ears flicked as the sound reached her awareness. Slowly and ever so slightly, her eyes opened, unable to recognize anything as everything was just a blur. Every breath for Honeycomb was labored and slow. She tried to move, but her body only twitched in response.

Honeycomb blinked a couple of times, trying to clear her vision up. “W-where am I?” she weakly muttered.

“Ah, wonderful, you’re awake!” a voice to her side called out.

Honeycomb’s eyes snapped open.

A pony’s head appeared right above her, looking down. “Why, hello there,” the pony said with a smile.

Honeycomb froze. Everything that had happened—the invasion, the explosion, and finally, him—flashed through her mind. She had been captured. Honeycomb jumped up and tried to back away, causing the previously soft beeping sound to grow louder and more erratic. She gave a small shriek as her back hit something, effectively preventing her escape.

“Whoa, whoa, easy now,” the pony said as he lifted a hoof. “Just take it easy.”

Honeycomb’s eyes widened as she focused on the pony. His light brown coat, his black mane and tail, the square glasses on his nose, the blue overcoat and orange scarf: this was the pony that she saw when she awoke in the forest. She gasped as she remembered her injuries, quickly lifting her right forehoof and inspecting it. The last time she saw it, it had been nearly split in two. The leg in front of her, however, was intact and uninjured. She tapped it with another hoof to make sure it was real.

“Easy now, Honeycomb, j—”

“How do you know my name?” Honeycomb interrupted.

“Oh,” the pony replied. His horn glowed as a small book floated towards the changeling. “I found this with you. I assume it’s yours.”

“My diary!” Honeycomb cried out as she grabbed it with her hooves, hugging it tightly to her chest. She curled up in a ball, closing her eyes and wishing that everything around her was a bad dream. This was, of course, not the case, and she knew she would eventually have to face the world again. After a minute or so, Honeycomb finally looked up to examine her surroundings. She was in a rather spacious cave with a large, solid metal door at one end. She looked down at her body, noticing that a few wires were attached to her. Her gaze followed the lines to where they were attached to various strange machines.

“W-what is going on?” Her eyes darted around, seeing nothing but peculiar devices and sackfuls of papers. Unable to comprehend what was happening, she started to hyperventilate.

“Honeycomb, relax, everything is going to be fine. I am not here to hurt you. I know this is a lot to take in but please just calm down.”

Honeycomb sat on the bed, quivering, while her pupils shrank. What do I do? she thought. Should I try to escape? No, I don’t think I can. I can’t risk it. After a few seconds to take some calming breaths, she stammered out, "O-okay.” Honeycomb kept her eyes on the pony, watching for any sudden movements while clutching onto her diary as she sat there.

The pony smiled gently in response as he took a few steps back. “Well, I think I should start from the beginning and introduce myself,” he said as he sat down. “My name is Dr. Crimson Flask. I am the director of the Bureau of Science for Equestria as well as the palace doctor. I am here to help you, so you do not need to be afraid of me. You should still take it easy, however; you’ve been in a coma for about a month now—”

“A-a month?” Honeycomb shouted.

Crimson sighed. “Indeed. You had some internal injuries that were pretty serious. Given the circumstances, I felt it was best to put you in an induced coma, so you could heal faster.”

“S-so you’re not going to dissect me or anything?” Honeycomb asked quietly.

“Oh, goodness, no!” Crimson replied, his face twisting. “Why would I ever do such a barbaric thing? I am a doctor; I try to save lives, not take them.”

Honeycomb gave a sigh of relief and felt her shoulders relax, no longer feeling she was in any immediate danger. “So then where am I?”

“Canterlot,” Crimson replied.

“Oh." Honeycomb's ears flattened slightly when she realized she was in the middle of enemy territory. She looked down at the ground, hugging her right foreleg. “So where exactly in Canterlot am I?”

“Well…” Crimson adjusted his glasses. “To be exact, we are in the palace dungeons. But it’s not what you think! My superiors and I want to keep you hidden at the moment for your protection. The public is aware you exist, but very few ponies know that you are actually here right now. We felt it was best to keep you here so that we can keep you out of the public since, well... you know."

"Oh..." Honeycomb shuddered at the thought of being brought out in front of angry ponies.

"To be honest," Crimson continued, "the palace never really uses these dungeons anymore. They are pretty much abandoned. Took me awhile to clean this place up, but I got it done.”

“O-okay…” Honeycomb replied. Does this mean I am stuck here for now?

“If it’s okay with you, I would like to ask you a couple of questions.”

“I guess so,” Honeycomb answered softly, still looking at the ground.

Crimson tried to give a reassuring smile as he attempted to make eye contact. His horn glowed, levitating a clipboard and a quill in front of him. “Now,” he began as he adjusted his glasses with a hoof, “let’s start with something easy. How old are you, Honeycomb?”

“Um, seventeen,” Honeycomb replied as she curled up even more.

“Hmm, and is it correct that you are a worker changeling?”

“Yes.”

“Now, ponies have very little information regarding changelings, and I was just wondering a few things. Can you feed on emotion as well?” Crimson scribbled down some notes as he spoke.

What do I do? Honeycomb thought as she bit her lip. Should I give them any information or not? I am a changeling, and I don’t want to give them anything that can hurt our kind. But is what I eat that important? I mean, I don’t want to starve. Will they treat me badly if I withhold anything? Will they treat me better if I do tell? Would they hurt me if they catch me lying? I mean Queen Chrysalis lied and that didn’t turn out well at all. I just want to go home—and I am hungry.

A silence hung between the two before Honeycomb finally answered, "We normally eat regular food, just like everyone else. Only soldiers, infiltrators, and the queen can feed off the emotions of other beings; workers can’t. It has to be given to us from the changelings that can drain it from others. Workers, like myself, just stay at the nest, so there was never a need for us to feed off emotions directly.”

“If that is so, then why feed off emotion?”

“Well, there is a lot more energy in emotions than food.”

“Hmm, that is really interesting. Well, I guess there is really no need for this then,” Crimson said as he moved his scarf out of the way, revealing a black band around his neck.

“What is that?” Honeycomb inquired, staring at the previously hidden item.

“It’s a magical device that our research department made. They told me that it is supposed to prevent a changeling from feeding off of my emotions.”

“Oh, then are you going to take it off?” Honeycomb asked.

Crimson adjusted his scarf back into its original position before picking up his notepad. “Sadly, I cannot. Lord Solaris told me to keep it on just in case. Have to follow orders, you know.”

“I see...” Honeycomb replied, an ashamed look on her face. Do they not trust me? Well, I guess that makes sense. I mean, we did attack them.

“Another question,” Crimson said. “Why did the changelings invade our city?”

Honeycomb tensed and bit her lip. “I… I don’t want to talk about that.” Queen Chrysalis would be displeased if they knew our situation.

“Oh,” Crimson replied as he put the notepad down. “Well, I think that’s enough questions for now. So, Honeycomb, would you like some food?”

Honeycomb’s ears flicked. “F-food?”

“Yeah. Didn’t know you were going to wake today, so here, take my lunch. I can easily eat later.” Crimson floated a brown bag next to the changeling, smiled, and nodded his head. “Go on, you can eat it if you want.”

Well, if he was going to poison me, he could have done it easily when I was in a coma. I guess it’s okay. I am hungry after all, Honeycomb thought. She reached into the bag and pulled out a sandwich wrapped in plastic. She looked in between the slices of bread, seeing brown and red. “What is this?”

“It’s a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.” Crimson chuckled. “Why, have you never seen one?”

Honeycomb shook her head.

“Wait, are you serious?” Crimson asked in surprise. “You mean you’ve never heard of them?”

Again, Honeycomb shook her head. “We… don’t have much of a variety of food where I live.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that.” Crimson rubbed his chin. “Well, go on and try it.”

Honeycomb unwrapped the sandwich and held it next to her muzzle, sniffing it to make sure it was okay. Cautiously, she opened her mouth and took a nibble out of the corner. Her body froze, and her eyes widened in shock. Suddenly, she started rapidly shoving the sandwich into her mouth, taking large bites out of it. In a matter of seconds, the entire sandwich was gone.

Crimson stood there, eyes wide and mouth agape. “Wow, you must have been hungry.”

Honeycomb wiped her mouth with a hoof. That was delicious! I‘ve never had anything like that before. Do all ponies get this kind of food? It was so creamy and good. I don’t know how to describe the taste exactly, but it was very sweet.

“There’s more food in the bag if you like,” Crimson finally said.

Honeycomb looked down into the bag and let out a large gasp. She instantly pulled out a red apple. “Y-you guys even have fresh fruit?”

Crimson was taken aback slightly. “Of course, we have lots of fruit. Some farmers here have acres upon acres of fruit orchards.”

“Really?” Honeycomb asked, a surprised look on her face.

Crimson nodded his head.

Again, she began with a small bite. She nearly cried, never before tasting something so sweet and delicious.

Crimson raised an eyebrow as he watched the small changeling devour his apple. She didn’t leave anything left, not even the core. “I guess you like sweet things.”

Honeycomb nodded in response.

“Feeling better?” Crimson asked.

“I guess so,” Honeycomb replied as she wiped her mouth.

“Well then, if that is the case, I would like to run some tests on you. Would that be okay?”

“Tests?”

“Yes, just to make sure you are okay. You did just wake up from a month long coma, and I want to make sure everything healed correctly,” Crimson answered as he adjusted his glasses.

Honeycomb bit her lip, looking at the various blinking machines. “I don’t know.”

“I promise it won’t hurt.”

“But why do you need to ‘test’ in the first place?”

“Well,” Crimson said as he slicked back his mane. “You may look fine on the outside, but both you and I have no idea if there is still something wrong on the inside.”

“But I feel fine. Why would anything be wrong?”

“Because, you had severe internal injuries when I found you. I know you are scared and that everything must be going very fast for you, but I promise that I will not hurt you.”

Honeycomb stared at the ground, curling back up. “I… I just want to go home. Why can’t I go home?”

Crimson sighed as he too looked at the ground. “I know you do, it is just that you are in a very tricky situation. I personally wouldn’t mind letting you go, but that is not up to me. What happens next is up to my superiors.”

“But then what is going to happen to me?” Honeycomb cried out, tears forming in her eyes. “I’m scared, okay? I am stuck here, and I have no idea if I am going to live to see another day. How can I trust you when we were just enemies?”

“No, no. Please don’t, Honeycomb,” Crimson said softly. He reached out with a hoof to comfort her but pulled it back when he saw her looking up at him. “Look, I don’t think there is anything I can say to make you believe me. But I will say this. If my superiors or I wanted you dead, then why did we bother spending so much time, effort, and money to save you? I had to perform an eight hour surgery on you. I don’t know what my superiors want, but I know they are fair and kind. I don’t think they are going to hurt you.”

“Wow." Hardly believing what she had just heard, Honeycomb wiped her eyes with a hoof.

“So, can you let me help you?” Crimson asked with a gentle smile.

Honeycomb bit her lip, staring back at Crimson. “O-okay,” she finally said after a few seconds.

“Thank you,” Crimson said. “Here, let us start with something simple.” His horn glowed as he levitated a stethoscope over.

Honeycomb stared at the strange object in front of her with both curiosity and fear. “What is that?”

“This,” Crimson replied as he placed the earbuds in his ears, “is a stethoscope. It allows me to hear your heartbeat and lungs by simply placing this piece right here on you.”

Honeycomb cocked her head as her fear morphed into disbelief. It can hear my heartbeat? But it just looks like a tube with a metal disk.

“Here,” Crimson said as he pulled the stethoscope out of his ears and floated the instrument towards Honeycomb. “If you are still nervous, you can use it on me.”

Honeycomb gasped. “What?”

“Go ahead.”

Honeycomb slowly reached out, grabbing the device in her hooves.

"Go on, it will be fun," Crimson replied with a smile as he sat down on his haunches and unbuttoned the top portion of his coat, revealing part of his chest.

“But how do I use this?”

“Simple, just place that end in your ears, and place the metal disk right here on my chest.”

Honeycomb looked at the device in her hooves then up at Crimson. Cautiously, she walked towards Crimson.

“Go on,” Crimson encouraged with a smile.

She placed the earbuds in her ears and slowly placed the other end on Crimson's chest. Honeycomb let out a small gasp when she began to hear a steady, rhythmic beat. “Oh wow…”

“Pretty cool, ain’t it.”

Honeycomb sat there, her eyes staring off in the distance. I could hear my fellow changelings’ heartbeat if I placed my ear on their chest. But this is so clear. His heart sounds like mine.

“Do you feel better now?”

“Yeah,” Honeycomb replied as she gave the device back to Crimson. “O-okay, I trust you.”

“Thank you,” Crimson said he put on his stethoscope. “Let's get started. This won’t take long.”

Honeycomb stared at the ceiling of the cave while lying on her bed. Her eyes drifted downwards, looking at the seven lines she carved into the wall, each mark representing a day since she woke up from her coma.

I’m bored. I am captured by my enemy, and yet, I am bored. I feel like I should be nervous, but I can’t, Honeycomb thought. Where is Dr. Flask? He is usually here by now, I think. I wish I had a window at least. It’s hard keeping track of time.

She sighed before rolling onto her stomach. “Well, at least Dr. Flask is nice. I just wish he was here right now. I am hungry.”

Honeycomb quickly sat up as she heard the large metal door open.

“Oh, hey, Dr. Flask,” Honeycomb greeted as she quickly jumped off the bed. “What are we going to do today? Did you bring any food, I am hungry.”

“Well… today is going to be different,” Crimson replied as he averted his gaze.

“Dr. Flask, what is wrong?”

“My superiors are coming shortly to decide what do with you.” Crimson sighed.

“What?” Honeycomb said as she tilted her head. “Your superiors? Who are they?”

“Lord Solaris and Lady Luna.”

Honeycomb’s eyes bulged as she gasped. “What? You mean the rulers of Equestria?”

“Yes, you need to get ready. I don’t know exactly when they’re going to arrive, but it’s going to be soon. It’s almost dawn right now, so when Lord Solaris and Lady Luna are finished with the sun and the moon, I think they’re going to come here.”

“B-but what is going to happen to me?” Honeycomb asked as she started to hyperventilate.

Crimson bit his lip, staring at the ground. “I’m not sure. Neither of them told me what they had planned or what they were thinking.”

Honeycomb bent over slightly, a sudden wave of nausea hitting her. I didn’t know the rulers of Equestria would be coming here! Are they going to be mad at me after Queen Chrysalis put one of them in a cocoon?

Crimson Flask gently patted the trembling Honeycomb on the back. “There, there,” he said softly. “I know you’re nervous and scared, but Lord Solaris and Lady Luna are very nice ponies. They wanted to save you. I know they'll be fair with you. They know you’re young and a worker, and you didn’t play a major role in the invasion. I’m sure they’ll show leniency with you.”

Honeycomb tried to control her breathing as she looked up at Crimson Flask. “Y-you think so?” she asked, still slightly hyperventilating.

“I believe they will. When they ask you a question, answer it truthfully. We do not want to bring in an interrogator. So please, be honest. Also, make sure you address Solaris as Lord Solaris and Luna as Lady Luna. Again, don’t give them a reason to be upset with you. I’m sure that if you do what they say, everything will be okay in the end.” Crimson gave an attempt at a reassuring smile.

“O-okay,” Honeycomb responded, barely above a whisper. She closed her eyes and exhaled, trying to slow her heart rate.

The two sat there in silence, each wondering what would happen. After a few minutes, there was a soft knock on the door. Both Crimson and Honeycomb instantly turned to look.

“Dr. Flask, are you in there?” a commanding voice rang out from behind the door.

“Yes, my lord!” Crimson immediately called back as he rushed to open the door.

Honeycomb froze and felt her throat clench. As soon as the door opened, a massive pony with a white coat walked through, ducking his head just to fit through. He had a mane and tail that looked like they had been set ablaze, and, even from her viewpoint, she could tell that this pony had a massive pair of wings with a horn to match. Each step the pony took just made it look like he was growing larger and larger. Finally, he stopped right in front of her, towering over her, his red eyes staring down at her.

Honeycomb trembled as she looked up at the pony. He was the largest being she had ever seen. Standing in front of her was one of the rulers of Equestria, regent of the sun, Lord Solaris.

Author's Note

Thanks to amactia and Kevinltk for editing.

In addition, thanks to Elric of Melnipony and theRedBrony for proofreading.

4: The Sun's Judgement

The sound of hoofbeats echoed through the cavernous tunnel. Torches adorning the sides flickered as two ponies walked down it.

“Now, brother, are you sure you need to do such a thing?” Luna asked.

“I’ve already said, sister,” Solaris replied, his eyes focused ahead of him. “It must be done.”

“But do we really need to do this?” Luna questioned as she kept pace with her brother. “What is one meaningless changeling really worth? Their race cannot even move without us noticing them.” Luna’s eyes moved forward, staring in front of her. “In a sense, you have them trapped,” she added in a soft tone.

“Good,” Solaris answered as he continued to walk, his expression unchanging.

“Then, why not let her go?” Luna asked, her eyes looking back up at Solaris. “She holds no strategic importance to us.”

“She holds a debt to Equestria and must pay it. Child or not, she willingly participated in an activity that threatened our subjects’ safety.”

“And their leader?”

“Her time will come.”

“Very well, brother,” Luna conceded as they both stopped at a metal door. “But remember, Solaris, that she is just a child.”

Solaris nodded. He looked at the door and called, “Dr. Flask, are you in there?”

“Yes, my lord!” Crimson Flask quickly replied from the other side. There was a scuffle of hoofbeats as the door opened.

“Don’t be too harsh, brother,” Luna said softly.

Solaris glanced down at his sister for a second before he walked into the room.

Honeycomb sat there, trembling as she looked up at the terrifying pony in front of her. Holy… he is MASSIVE! I didn’t realize he looked this big up close. I only saw him from afar. His mane… is it on fire? Dr. Flask said he was nice, but he looks terrifying from here.

“You are Honeycomb, I presume?” Solaris said, his face bearing no expression as he looked down on the small changeling.

“Y-yes…” Honeycomb stuttered, her body shivering. She looked slightly to the side where Crimson was sitting in the back of the room. Next to him, she saw a pony that was almost as big as the one in front of her, although, she did not look quite as intimidating. Crimson, however, was waving his hoof at her while shaking his head towards Solaris. Honeycomb looked up and quickly added, “Lord Solaris.”

“And is it true that you willingly took part in the invasion of the capital of Equestria, Canterlot?” Solaris asked, his face still the same.

“Y-yes, I did,” Honeycomb said as she averted her eyes while clutching her right foreleg. Quickly, she snapped her head back up. “But you have to believe me, I was only a messenger, Lord Solaris! I never attacked anyone or any—”

Honeycomb instantly shut her mouth and froze when Solaris raised his hoof.

“I already know what you did. One last question: Why did the changelings attack Equestria?”

Honeycomb bit her lip, knowing her interrogator would easily see through any lie she told. Solaris' unwavering gaze bore right into her, making her tremble. “B-because…”

“Because what?”

Honeycomb sniffed, tears starting to well up in her eyes. I am sorry, Queen Chrysalis. I am trying not to tell.

“Because what?” Solaris repeated as his ear twitched.

Honeycomb bit her lip harder. Maybe if I stay quiet, he will not ask me again.

A minute passed as foreboding silence hung in the air. Solaris’ eye twitched ever so slightly as he looked down at the trembling changeling. “I need an answer,” he stated with a hint of anger.

Honeycomb just shook her head slightly in response.

“Answer me!” Solaris suddenly shouted as his wings flared while slamming his hoof on the ground.

“Because we were hungry!” Honeycomb cried out as she curled up into a ball, her body shaking as she wailed. “I am sorry, okay? Please don’t kill me! We were hungry and kept getting worse over the years. We were desperate! We can barely grow any of our own food, so we had to rely more and more on taking energy from emotions. Okay, I am sorry. Just please don’t hurt me!”

Solaris' stern face suddenly softened as he looked away from the pitiful bawling changeling before him to his sister. The two rulers gazed into each others eyes as though they were having a silent conversation.

Solaris sighed as he looked back down at the changeling. “Honeycomb,” he said, his voice taking a comforting tone. “Please stop crying.”

Honeycomb continued to cry, her body twitching from an occasional hiccup.

“Crimson.” Solaris sighed as he rubbed his forehead with a hoof. “Please make her stop.”

“Yes, my lord,” Crimson Flask replied as he made his way over to sit down next to Honeycomb.

Carefully, he gently rubbed her back with his hoof. Honeycomb’s body tensed from the sudden contact. “Shhh, easy now, Honeycomb,” Crimson said softly as he continued to rub her back. “No one is going to hurt you right now. There is no need to cry.”

Honeycomb sniffed as she lifted her head, looking up at Crimson. Crimson smiled gently as he held out a handkerchief with his other hoof. Honeycomb sat back up, taking Crimson’s handkerchief and rubbing her eyes and nose. She sat there for a minute, catching her breath.

“Feeling better?” Crimson asked.

Honeycomb nodded after she blew her nose.

“That is enough, Crimson. Thank you for your help,” Solaris said.

Crimson bowed his head and made it back to his original seat. He gave Honeycomb a reassuring smile.

“Now, back to the matters at hoof,” Solaris said.

Hearing Solaris' words, Honeycomb tensed up before venturing a look back at Solaris.

“Honeycomb, you willingly took part in the invasion of Canterlot and committed a crime against Equestria. By aiding the invading army, your actions caused harm to my subjects. By law, there should be serious punishment,” Solaris proclaimed.

“But—!” Honeycomb jerked up.

“However,” Solaris interrupted as he raised his hoof, “this situation is different, and leniency should be applied. You are not a soldier, you are young, and I feel you did not understand the ramifications of your actions. Tell me, why did you want to be a part of the invasion?”

“I―” Honeycomb weakly began as she looked down at the ground. “I just wanted to be part of something important. Something b-bigger than myself.”

“But did you think about how your actions could have caused harm to others?”

“N-no, Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb answered, bowing her head in shame.

“I had a feeling. Glory and adventure are temptations that many of my own subjects desire. I cannot blame them nor you for wanting that. However, you still committed a crime, and something has to be done. But, as I said, a harsh punishment is not necessary for you,” Solaris said.

“Then what?” Honeycomb asked nervously as she looked up at Solaris.

“Under normal circumstances, you would be forced to go to trial, but because of the nature of your crimes and the animosity of those who were hurt by the invasion, many of my subjects would demand a serious punishment or worse, take matters into their own hooves. While I would not allow an execution of any sort, they would most likely look for a very long prison sentence,” Solaris explained.

Honeycomb began to tremble in fear as numerous images of angry mobs of ponies humiliating and torturing her flooded her mind.

“However,” Solaris quickly added, “I feel that is far too harsh a punishment. So now, Honeycomb, I need you to listen very carefully to me.”

Honeycomb weakly nodded, still shaking.

“First, can you change your appearance like the other changelings that attacked?”

“Y-yes.”

“Good, that makes things easier. I am going to offer you a much more lenient alternative. It is simple. You will work as my assistant disguised as a pony for one year here in the palace. By working for me, you will be under my protection. No pony will know your true identity, but if somepony were to figure out your real identity, I would be able to intervene. In addition, not only would you be paying back Equestria the debt you owe, it would also allow me to keep an eye on you.”

“W-wait, what? What do you mean by assistant?” Honeycomb gasped.

“It means that you will assist me in doing simple tasks,” Solaris answered. “You worked as a messenger in the invasion, so it is something similar to that.”

Honeycomb was speechless. She did not know what to think or say as she tried to process what she heard.

“If you do work as my assistant, that means you will be employed by Equestria, just like every other pony that works here in the palace. You will also be given room and board in the staff housing.”

What do I do? If I work for him, no one else will know I am a changeling. What do I do if he mistreats me? A year seems like a long time, but prison seems much worse nor does a mob of angry ponies. I don't want to get hurt...

“I-if I accept, then no one will hurt me?” Honeycomb asked meekly, tears in her eyes. “Y-you promise?”

“If you do exactly what I say and follow all the rules, then no pony will hurt or mistreat you. I give you my word on that.”

What do I do? Can I trust him?

“There is one last thing you need to know before you make your decision,” Solaris said as his horn glowed. A black band appeared from behind him and floated in front of Honeycomb. “If you do take my offer, you will have to wear this.”

Honeycomb stared at the object. It looked familiar, but she could not pinpoint why. “What is that?” she asked quietly.

“This is a band that I took from our research department. You may have seen Dr. Flask wear something similar, but I modified this one to completely block all changeling magic. If you wear this, you cannot feed off of any emotions nor can you change forms which means if you are disguised as a pony, you cannot change back as long as this is on. In addition, it will allow me to track your movements.

“Once this is on, you will not be able to take it off. I am aware that this a lot to demand, but I need to ensure the safety of my own subjects. I am taking a risk by offering you this alternative,” Solaris explained.

That is why it looks familiar, Honeycomb thought. It was just a simple black band with a small metal buckle. “It is not going to hurt, is it?” she asked, shivering while she rubbed her eyes.

“No, it will not,” Solaris answered.

I have to do it… I don’t want to suffer. She reached up to grab the band. “O-okay, I’ll do it.”

“Then you need to pick a disguise, I will let you decide if you want to be an earth pony, pegasus, or unicorn as well as a cutie mark for yourself,” Solaris said as he floated the band over.

“A cutie mark?” Honeycomb asked, grabbing the band in her hooves.

“It is a mark that us ponies have,” Solaris explained. “In short, it is a mark that symbolizes something about the pony. Can you think of anything?”

Honeycomb looked back down at the ground, thinking. Finally, she looked up and asked, “Would my name work?”

“If by that you mean an actual honeycomb, then yes, that should suffice,” Solaris answered. “Now, you need to think of a form that will not draw any attention to you.”

I don’t know what to pick. I haven’t really thought about this when I was in contact with any ponies. The only ones I have got a good look at are the three that are here right now. I can’t look like their rulers. Not only that, but what form? I mean, I don’t want to lose the ability to fly or do some magic. Then again, I am really bad with magic, Honeycomb thought. Her eyes moved away from the ground towards the corner of the room. She saw Solaris’ sister, and sitting next to her was Dr. Flask. Maybe…

All of a sudden, a green, flame-like aura surrounded the changeling. Solaris blinked at the sudden light. Instead of a changeling, there was a small pegasus. She had a light-brown coat and a black mane and tail. Unlike the solid blue eyes from before, now they were regular blue eyes. Adorning her flank was a picture of a honeycomb.

“That will suffice,” Solaris remarked.

Honeycomb shifted slightly, feeling her new disguise. She rarely ever changed forms since there was never a need to back home. It felt… different to her. Instead of a smooth carapace, she was covered in fur. Instead of insect-like wings, her wings were now adorned with feathers. She reached up and rubbed her head, feeling her mane and noticing the lack of a jagged horn.

She reached back down and picked up the band in front of her, examining it one more time. Just as before, it was just a simple black band with a metal buckle on one end. It looked so simple yet held powerful magic within it.

“I know it is much, but it has to be done in order for this to work. I will remind you again, once you put that on, you will not be able to take it off. Do you understand?” Solaris asked, his voice firm.

I have to do this. It is the only thing I can do. I have to do it. Slowly, Honeycomb lifted the band, her hooves trembling. Tears again started to form in her eyes as she wrapped the band around her neck. She slowly slipped one end into the buckle when all of a sudden, there was a slight flash from the band. Honeycomb gasped out loud as she felt the wind knocked out of her. She bent over and panted, taken by surprise at what had just happened.

I… I can’t feel any of my magic. It is as if it just disappeared, Honeycomb thought. She closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on changing forms, but nothing happened.

“You start work tomorrow. Be outside my chambers at 8:00 AM tomorrow,” Solaris stated as he turned around. He made his way to the door when he looked over to Crimson Flask. “Dr. Flask, once she is ready, bring her to the staff housing. I have arranged for her to meet with Feather Duster, the head maid. She will give Honeycomb a room and show her around the castle. Is that understood?”

Crimson Flask bowed his head and complied, “Yes, my lord.”

“Good,” Solaris replied as he walked out of the room, his sister following him.

Honeycomb sat there as the metal door slowly closed. She clutched her foreleg as she started to cry, finally grasping her situation.

Author's Note

Thanks to amactia and Kevinltk for editing.

In addition, thanks to Elric of Melnipony and theRedBrony for proofreading.

Special thanks to:

Ponysopher for helping me brainstorm.
Letedwend for proofreading.

Also a HUGE thanks to Conicer for yet again drawing me an awesome picture. I owe this beautiful man so much. If you like the cover art or this picture, please give him your thanks.

5: Hope

Solaris sat in the dining room as he flipped through the morning newspaper. His ears flicked at the sound of silverware gently hitting a plate.

“What is bothering you, Luna?” Solaris asked as his eyes skimmed the newspaper.

“What? What ever makes you say that?” Luna replied, holding her fork and knife in midair.

“Because.”

“Because what?”

“You are actually making sounds when you eat. So what is bothering you, Luna?”

Luna stared back, her eyebrows knit together. “I do not make noises when I eat.”

“Exactly, you never do. But you are now, so something must be wrong,” Solaris casually replied.

Luna grunted as she threw her silverware down upon the table. “Fine. I am extremely displeased at how you managed this situation. A year of being a servant, no, your servant. Are you mad, brother?”

Solaris frowned as he put down his paper. “What did you think I was going to do, sister?”

“Something less… less crazy than this,” Luna replied as she waved a hoof. “Maybe slap her hoof, scare her a little, then send her back to intimidate the rest of her kind.”

“She is going to work off the debt that she owes to Equestria.”

“You’re punishing her by keeping her as a servant…”

“She’s an enemy of the state,” Solaris retorted with steel eyes.

“She was only following the orders of her superiors...”

“Orders of war!” Solaris barked as he stood up. “I could argue that all the changelings are guilty of war crimes… preying on civilians…”

“She is nothing more than a messenger.”

“For the enemy.”

“That does not change the fact she is a child!” Luna stated harshly as she stood up in anger like her brother.

“I am treating her like a child, Luna! She is not being left to rot in prison, not facing a public trial, nor put in stockades in Canterlot Square. I am allowing her to work, here, in Canterlot. She is being paid a salary, just as much as any other pony would have if they were working for the palace. Not only that, she gets a roof over her head, a warm bed, as much food as she wants, and yet you say I am being too hard on her?”

“Are you not taking out your anger on the only changeling you can get ahold of?”

Solaris clenched his teeth, his mane and tail swaying a little more rapidly. His eyes, just for a moment, became a darker shade of crimson. “If I were to take out my anger on the changelings, there’d be nothing left but ashes.”

“Brother!” Luna rebuked sternly as she stomped her hoof. “Calm yourself. Is that what you want? A massive pyre in the wastelands so the whole world will know your rage?”

Solaris blinked as he sat down and brought a forehoof up to his temple.

“Remember where you are, brother, and what you worked for. I do not need to remind you what happens when you give in to your wrath. What will our subjects think of you then, what of your student, Twilight Sparkle?” Luna sat back down on her seat, keeping her eyes on Solaris.

Solaris exhaled loudly, sitting upright again. “Luna, if you are having a problem with this, why did you not voice your opinion when we were down there?”

“Brother, I am not that foolish,” Luna replied.

“What?”

“Solaris, I know never to question you in public. I know how much that upsets you.”

Solaris gasped. “Luna! You know you are the exception. You are just as much a ruler as I. How could you say such a thing?”

“Because I would be just as upset if you did the same thing. We are both prideful in that regard. When a decision is made, we both agree to it. It does not look like a co-rulership to our ponies when we question each other in public. We do that behind closed doors.”

“Luna—”

“Brother,” Luna interrupted. “There is no more need to talk on that particular subject. This does not change the fact that I am extremely uncomfortable about this ruling of yours.”

“The plan has already been set, Luna.”

“This I know, but I will warn you, brother. If this matter gets out of hoof, I will intervene. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Luna.”

“Good,” Luna replied as she got up. She walked to her brother, nuzzling his cheek which Solaris returned in kind. “Just remember most of all, Solaris, she is a child, so treat her as such.”

“I will.”

“That’s good to know. I am off for the day. I will see you at sunset.”

Solaris watched as his sister left. He let out a large sigh when he was alone. “This is going to be a long year…”

Crimson stood there, his eyes wide and mouth agape. Working here… For a year? Crimson blinked as heard sniffling. Instantly, he looked back down at Honeycomb. Oh dear…

Instead of a changeling, he saw a small pony about to cry her eyes out. Slowly, he placed a hoof on her back. He gave a slight gasp when he felt real fur instead of a hard carapace. It was warm, just like any other regular pony.

Honeycomb looked up at Crimson, her blue eyes were red and puffy. “A-a whole year?”

Crimson bit his lip. “Look, I know that it sounds hard. B-but look on the bright side, it could be much worse.”

She sniffed louder as she wiped her face with a hoof. “I guess…”

Crimson forced a smile. “It’ll be alright.”

Honeycomb sniffed louder as tears streamed down her face again. All of a sudden, she flopped down on the floor and started to wail, the whole situation finally sinking in.

Crimson quickly picked her up and embraced her in a hug, trying to soothe her.

“I-I just want go home!” Honeycomb cried out.

“I know…”

Crimson sat there, comforting Honeycomb as she let it all out on his shoulder. It took nearly half an hour until Honeycomb finally calmed down. Crimson’s horn glowed as he levitated a handkerchief in front of the poor changeling.

Honeycomb sniffed, looking at the floating piece of cloth. She closed her eyes in concentration.

“What’s the matter?”

Honeycomb opened her eyes, blinking a couple of times. “O-oh yeah… I forgot, no magic,” she replied as she reached out with her hooves.

“Feeling better?”

“Y-yeah,” Honeycomb said after wiping her face.

“Come on now,” Crimson replied as she rubbed her back, “let’s get up. We don’t want to keep Feather Duster waiting.”

After Crimson helped her up, he couldn’t bear to see Honeycomb looking down at the floor silently. He raised her chin with a hoof and looked into her eyes.

With a reassuring smile, he said, “Be strong, Honeycomb. Everything’s going to be just fine.”

Honeycomb looked up in amazement at the grandeur of the Canterlot Palace. Tall ivory walls and pillars, numerous paintings adorning the walls, immaculate tile floor that shone with her reflection, massive stained glass windows… it was all a testament to the wealth and excess the ponies possessed. Honeycomb was dumbfounded. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine such extravagance existed. Yet even all the luxury in the world could not make the poor changeling in disguise ultimately forget where she was.

Honeycomb blinked, her eyes focusing on the brown pony in front of her. “Umm, Dr. Flask, where are we?”

“We’re almost to the staff housing.” Crimson looked back at the disguised changeling with a somewhat reassuring smile.

“B-but what if someone finds out who I am?” Honeycomb asked, her eyes darting around. She gave a small squeak and ducked behind Crimson when she noticed a guard on the other side of the room.

“Well,” Crimson replied as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t think that is likely. That um… band… Lord Solaris gave you is pretty powerful. I suspect no one aside from Lady Luna or Twilight Sparkle could break past it.

"I also think one of the reasons why Lord Solaris wants you to work under him is because I doubt no one will question you while working for him. He will be able to watch over you and make sure you remain disguised."

“Oh… I guess that makes sense.”

“Now come, Honeycomb,” Crimson replied as he started walking. “The staff housing should be right around this corner—ooof!”

Honeycomb gasped as Crimson walked into a large, brown, burly unicorn. She was about to help Crimson up but froze in place when she noticed the other pony was wearing a set of royal guard armor.

“Oh, sorry!” the stallion apologized as he picked up Crimson. “Didn’t see ya there. Are you okay there, mate?”

“Y-yeah.” Crimson winced as he rubbed his head. “I’ll be fine.”

“Dr. Flask!” the pony cried out. “It’s you! How have you been, my friend? I haven’t seen you as much since the changeling invasion. Was wondering where you went off to.”

Honeycomb gulped, her heart pounding in her chest.

Crimson blinked as he shook his head. He looked up at the other pony, rubbing his head. “Oh, good afternoon, Iron Shield. I should have figured it was you, felt like I walked into a brick wall.”

Iron Shield gave out a hearty laugh, roughly patting Crimson on the back. Crimson, on the other hoof, winced as his legs buckled slightly.

“Oh, you’re always a funny one, Dr. Flask. What can I say, the guard makes me work out a lot.” Iron Shield chuckled. “So where have you been for the past month? The rest of the guard and I were wondering where you went. The replacement they hired, boy are his hooves freezing. It is like he puts them on ice first before he sees us.”

Crimson gulped slightly as he adjusted his glasses with a hoof. “W-well you know, been very busy since the invasion. Had a lot of extra work heh heh…”

Honeycomb bit her lip, shivering slightly.

“You and me both, my friend,” Iron Shield replied. “Everypony has been busy. The guard has been on increased alert and has all of us doing extra patrol duty. Yeah, it is extra work, but it is needed. Got to be alert for another a—” Iron Shield stopped, his eyes drifting from Crimson to the small pony behind him. “Hello, and who do we have here?”

Honeycomb’s body stiffened as both ponies looked down at her. Crimson was biting his lower lip while the other pony was staring at her with a raised eyebrow. Iron Shield bent down and brought his face right in front of hers, his eyes staring directly into hers. Honeycomb gulped, beads of sweat starting to form on her forehead.

“Dr. Flask,” Iron Shield said, his voice low. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Um,” Crimson said, his eyes darting back and forth as he adjusted his glasses. “Tell you what?”

Iron Shield spun around to face Crimson, a large grin on his face. “That you had a daughter!” Iron Shield exclaimed.

“What?”

Iron Shield laughed as he placed a large hoof across Crimson. “How could you not tell me you had a little one of your own? I mean, I knew you were pretty young, but you could have told me you had a daughter at least. She is a spitting image of you!”

“B-but!”

“How sweet of you to bring her to work! Wait…” Iron Shield gasped as he let go of Crimson. “Don’t tell me it is bring your daughter to work day. My little one has been waiting for this for a long time now! I can’t make her wait for another year—”

“Iron Shield,” Crimson interrupted. He gave a slight cough as he adjusted his glasses again. “She is not my daughter.”

“What?” Iron Shield said as he blinked his eyes. “Not your daughter?”

“Yes, er, no.”

Iron Shield gave a slight gasp before quickly bowing in front of Honeycomb. “My apologies, young miss! I am sorry for the confusion. You just look like a winged version of my friend here.”

“Oh,” Honeycomb squeaked, looking at the two other ponies in confusion.

Crimson gave a slight cough.

“Well,” Iron Shield said as he rubbed his chin. “I guess that makes sense. The math doesn't add up once I think about it. I know you are young, Dr. Flask, too young to be a father of a pony her age. Well, unless you were a stud when you were really young.” Iron Shield chuckled as he nudged Crimson’s side with an elbow.

“No, no. I can assure you that I have not fathered any foals yet myself,” Crimson replied. “Iron Shield, this is Honeycomb. I was just taking her to meet Feather Duster. She will be working for Lord Solaris temporarily.”

Iron Shield gasped. “You mean she is going to be Lord Solaris’ personal assistant?”

Both Honeycomb and Crimson gave a slight nod.

“Well, well, well!” Iron Shield exclaimed as he looked down at Honeycomb. “You are one very lucky pony, Honeycomb! To be Lord Solaris’ personal assistant. Heck, the guard fight each other just to have shifts around Lord Solaris or Lady Luna. But to be his personal assistant, what a honor!”

“Thanks?” Honeycomb mumbled as she fidgeted with her forehooves.

“You know, I never heard of Lord Solaris ever having a personal assistant. He tends to be a secluded pony himself. Aye, the only thing I can think of that is similar to this would be when he took Twilight Sparkle as his personal protegé.”

Honeycomb blinked in confusion. “Who?”

“Oh yes, Honeycomb, you weren’t here when Twilight Sparkle was growing up,” Crimson chimed in. “Twilight Sparkle was picked as Lord Solaris’ personal protegé at a very young age. He raised her as if she was his own daughter and taught her about magic. She was a very intelligent filly who always wanted to impress Lord Solaris and learn new things. Unfortunately, that meant trying new spells. And well, there have been a few incidents…”

“Incidents?” Iron Shield chuckled. “Imagine a small filly not even to my chest blowing out an entire wall that was made of stone and twelve inches thick! I was there! Oh, you should have seen it! I swear I have not seen Lord Solaris more proud or happy!”

“Yep, I remember that day.”

“Or the day she turned half the guard’s coat pink. Oh boy, that was an awkward week. Hard to be taken seriously if you’re bright pink and in armor.”

“I heard Lord Solaris did find that quite funny.”

“Did he? I knew he could reverse Twilight’s mishap, but he just let it run its course. Bet he found it amusing during his court.”

“I must admit, I would have love to seen that.”

“Ahh, those were good and chaotic times. Hard to imagine our bookish filly saved Equestria, how many times has it been, I think three.”

“Really?” Honeycomb asked.

“Indeed,” Iron Shield replied with nostalgia. He looked up at the ceiling, “good times indeed.”

“I just remembered!” Iron Shield blurted out. “I am going to be late to my shift! Sorry, you two, I would love to stay and chat, but I have to go!”

Honeycomb watched as the guard ran past them and down the hall. She gave a large sigh when she saw him disappear, her racing heart starting to calm down.

“See,” Crimson said as he wiped his forehead. “They couldn’t see past it.”

“I guess,” Honeycomb replied, her legs still wobbling nervously.

“Come now.”

Honeycomb followed Crimson again, this time stopping in front of a wooden door. She looked at it, noticing a sign that read ‘Head of Staff: Feather Duster.’ Honeycomb stiffened when Crimson knocked on the door.

“Feather Duster, it’s me, Crimson.”

“One second!” a voice called, followed by sounds of paper ruffling.

Honeycomb gulped again, anxious that another pony was going to see her up close.

The door opened, revealing a middle-aged earth mare with a grey coat and brown mane and tail.

“Oh, hello there, Crimson,” Feather Duster greeted as she hugged the unicorn. “Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“Yeah.” Crimson chuckled as he adjusted his glasses. “Been a bit busy with other things.”

“Haven’t we all?” Feather Duster giggled. “Oh, hello there, young miss!”

“Feather Duster, this is Honeycomb. I am sure Lord Solaris informed you she would be coming today.”

Feather Duster gasped. “This is her? But she is so young, I mean she is still just a filly.”

Honeycomb shivered slightly as she was once again in the spotlight.

Feather Duster offered a soft smile. “There, there. No need to be worried. You are one lucky pony! To be Lord Solaris’ personal assistant, that is a huge honor!”

“T-thanks…”

“Now, Feather, can I leave this to you?”

“You bet, Crimson.”

“Wait,” Honeycomb cried out as she held out a hoof. “You’re leaving?”

“Sorry, Honeycomb, but I have other work to take care of at the moment.”

“But…”

“Honeycomb,” Crimson said as he sat down in front of Honeycomb. “I have to leave. You will be just fine. Just be strong, okay? I’ll see you soon.”

“Okay…”

Crimson smiled as he stood up. He brought his head next to Feather’s ear and whispered, “Hey, Feather, Honeycomb is really shy. Don’t ask her too many questions, especially personal ones. She is really nervous about this job.”

Feather Duster smiled and nodded.

Honeycomb watched as the only pony who she was comfortable with walk away, leaving her alone in a new place with strangers. You can do this Honeycomb, no one figured out who you are.

“This way, Honeycomb,” Feather said in a singsong voice. “First, I will show you where you’ll be staying.”

“Staying?”

“Yep. Lord Solaris told me you will be living in the palace for a while, so we have an open room for you.”

“A room?”

“Of course! Where else do you think you will staying?”

The dungeons?

“Now come, it is close by.”

Honeycomb got up as she followed the older mare. She kept her distance away from her as she nervously looked around. Again, they stopped at another door.

“Here it is,” Feather announced as she opened the door, motioning Honeycomb in with a hoof.

Honeycomb gasped as she stepped in. A single bed, white walls, a few pieces of furniture, and even a carpet could be seen. To any other pony, it would seem to be like a normal room. But to Honeycomb, this was much different. This was luxury compared to what she lived in back in her barren homeland or to a dungeon beneath the castle.

“Well, I know it’s not much,” Feather said as she walked in. “But it should have everything you need. We got a bed, a dresser, and a night stand. Also, behind that door is a small bathroom with a shower. Now, I forgot to ask, but where are your belongings?”

Honeycomb shook her head out of her daze. “My belongings?”

“Yes, dear, do you have a suitcase or something?”

Honeycomb bit her lip. But I don’t have anything except my diary. “Oh, well I was planning on getting it later,” Honeycomb lied.

“Well we have a long day ahead of us. Come, I’ll show you around the palace.”

Luna let out a large yawn as she bent down and stretched her back, letting out a small moan as she felt a slight pop in her back. She stood up and adjusted the silken robe that hung around her frame. She moved towards her balcony, ready to close the curtains and call it a day.

Luna’s ears flicked as a knock came through her door. “Visitors? I was not expecting any visitors…” Luna said to herself. “Yes, who is it?” she called out.

“It’s me, Crimson,” came a muffled voice from the other side of the door.

Dr. Flask? What is he doing here at this hour? “Come in, Dr. Flask,” Luna replied as she lay down in the center of the room, crossing her forehooves.

Luna watched as the door slowly opened, followed by a brown unicorn. She gave a small smile as she watched the unicorn try to enter her room as quietly as possible.

“My apologies, Lady Luna, I was wondering if I could talk to you for a min—” Crimson froze as he laid eyes on the lunar alicorn. Here she was, without her regalia and wearing a robe.

“A thousand apologies!” Crimson blurted out as the color of his face matched his name. “I d-didn’t know you were about to head for bed. I’ll leave you alone right—”

“Dr. Flask.” Luna giggled as she held a hoof in front of her muzzle. She couldn’t help but find the bumbling unicorn funny. “Relax, it is quite alright. Come sit,” she said as she motioned with a hoof.

Crimson did what he was told, fidgeting with his hooves.

“Lady—”

“Just Luna is fine.”

Crimson bit his lip, averting his eyes.

“Crimson,” Luna said softly. “What’s wrong?”

“I…”

“Crimson, there is no need to be afraid. Please, speak your mind.”

Crimson worked his jaw. “I am having issues regarding Honeycomb.”

“What about her?”

“I am… with all due respect to you and your brother, I am having issues regarding her punishment,” Crimson confessed.

“Well that makes two of us it seems.”

“Wait, what?” Crimson looked up at Luna with astonishment.

“I also have serious issues regarding Honeycomb’s so called punishment. I think it is way out of line and much too harsh,” Luna continued.

“Really?”

“Indeed, Crimson.”

“So you didn’t agree to her punishment?”

“That is correct. I did not.”

“But, if you do not agree with this, then how did this ever get enacted in the first place?”

Luna scrunched up her face, her cheeks puffing out slightly. Yes, brother, how ever did you enact this without telling me? “My brother… failed to mention this to me.”

“Well,” Crimson began as he adjusted his glasses, “then you can stop it, right?”

Luna sat there as she rested her head on a hoof. “Unfortunately, I cannot do so at this moment.”

“B-but why not?”

Luna sighed loudly. “It is… complicated, Crimson. In short, my brother made this decision behind my back.”

“What?”

“My brother never told me what he was going to do with Honeycomb. All he told me this past month was that he was going to make Honeycomb ‘pay off her debt to Equestria’, so to speak. In all honesty, I did not think my brother would take it this far. I imagined that he was going to scare Honeycomb, slap her on the wrist, maybe keep her in a cell for a week or two, then send her off, so she can send a message to the rest of her kind.

“But I did not think he was going to go this far. I only learned of what he was planning the same time as you did. If I were to have my way, Honeycomb would have already been sent home.”

Crimson sat there, his eyes wide and mouth agape in awe. After a few seconds of silence, he shook his head. “Luna, apologies for speaking out, but aren’t you upset at what he did?”

Luna sighed again. “I would be more upset if it wasn’t for the fact that I did the same thing to him too.”

“What?”

Luna looked up at the ceiling. “It was right after the changeling invasion. My brother, who I love dearly, is a very prideful pony. He was furious at what transpired and wanted to mount a counterattack, but that would have been a terrible idea. Not because we would lose, Crimson, but for other reasons I do not want to talk about…

“I wanted to focus on rebuilding instead. There was too much damage done to Canterlot. Ponies needed help with rebuilding, not more fighting. There had been enough loss already. After they failed invading, I knew that the changelings, as a whole, would not be a threat. They burned all their resources for the invasion. It would take them a long time to recover from their loss, and by then, we, as a nation, would be more than prepared to deal with them.

“So I made the proclamation without consulting my brother, knowing that he would not overrule me. If I did consult him, he would not agree. He was upset that I did not talk to him, but I made my argument, and he finally agreed. I still know that my brother wants to send a message to the rest of the changelings, but that opportunity is in the past, and my brother knows that.

“In reality, my brother is using the same tactic I did. I don’t blame him really. Please understand, Crimson, my brother is truly a good pony who has the best intentions; I know that in the bottom of my heart. We both share the ideas and vision, but we have different methods on how to approach them. My brother is much more direct and would rather go in a straight line, regardless of how much resistance he will face. I, on the other hoof, would rather take the path of least resistance.

“Understand that this is how my brother views the situation. Honeycomb willingly took part in the attack. Yes, she is young and does not fully understand the situation, but that does not change the fact she took part in it. To my brother, it is not fair to the ponies who lost their homes, livelihoods, and their loved ones. How would they feel if they saw the enemy simply walk away without any punishment?”

“I… I would imagine they would be upset,” Crimson confessed weakly.

“I bet they would. Look, I think Honeycomb’s role was so insignificant that we can turn a blind eye to it. But not to my brother. She still played a role and therefore, has to repay her debt, but at least my brother truly is taking her age and role in consideration. That is why he is spending his own time to oversee this entire thing. Does this help to make the whole situation more clear?”

“I guess it does,” Crimson said weakly.

“Crimson, I know that this will not remove all the doubt you still have. But I will promise this. I will be watching this situation personally. If this thing gets out of hoof, I will challenge my brother, even in public if I have to, to remedy this situation.”

“You will?”

“Indeed, Crimson. Does that make you feel better?”

“Yes.” Crimson sighed with relief. “Yes, I do feel better.”

“Crimson, my friend, can you do me a favor?”

“Of course, Luna.”

“Please, do not think less of my brother after this. He means well, he truly does. He highly values your opinion and character, and it would truly hurt him if he lost you as a friend.”

“He does?” Crimson asked, his eyes wide in amazement

“Indeed.”

“I will, Luna. I respect him greatly as both a lord and a friend."

Luna smiled. "I am glad to hear that."

“Well, I thank you for your time. But I do not want to keep you busy, and I have other things I need to do, so I would like to excuse myself.” Crimson got up, a small smile now on his face.

“No worries. Oh and, Crimson,” Luna said.

“Yes?”

“Please keep this conversation we had just between us. I would very much appreciate if you did.”

“Of course, Luna,” Crimson replied with a slight bow.

“Thank you, Crimson.”

Honeycomb panted slightly as she kept up with Feather Duster. Even though she regained some of the strength she lost from being in a coma, her legs were getting sore from all the walking. She had spent the entire day being escorted around the palace as Feather Duster showed her the various places that she may need to know. She was led to the various departmental offices, the throne room, and even the cafeteria. Honeycomb still did not believe Feather Duster that she could eat all the food she want. Feather Duster seemed to be a nice pony, and nopony had even a hint that she was a changeling in disguise. Honeycomb was feeling slightly better. Maybe this would not be as bad after all.

“To be honest, Honey,” Feather Duster said as she walked down the halls. It was just her and the disguised changeling. “I am slightly envious of your position.”

“Why, Mrs. Duster?” Honeycomb asked.

“Oh please, just call me Feather. I don’t need to feel any older.” Feather giggled.

“I’m sorry. Why, Feather?”

“Oh, it is terrible for me even to think,” Feather replied, a slight blush on her face. “But you get to be next to Lord Solaris all day long, the most powerful pony in all of Equestria! His personal assistant, no less. Oh, I am a horrible pony, here I have one of the highest ranking jobs in the palace staff, and I’m jealous of the young mare that Solaris probably picked just because… I’m sorry, I’m just jumping to conclusions here. Don’t pay any of what I said any mind, Honey. It’s just an old mare ranting.”

“Uh, what?” Honeycomb said flatly as she blinked once in confusion.

“Though I imagine I’m not the only one who’ll be jealous. It is considered one of the highest honors to work for either Lord Solaris or Lady Luna. It is quite competitive among both the guard and the staff here at the palace to get shifts near or around our rulers. As far as I know, I never heard of Lord Solaris taking a personal assistant. He tends to be pretty private pony himself.”

“Oh… ok…” Honeycomb replied, a little confused.

Everypony is going to be jealous of me? she finally thought to herself.

“Don’t worry, Honey, I’m sure you’ll be just fine,” Feather said with a smile.

So everyone keeps telling me… I sure hope so…

Author's Note

Special thanks to me editors amactia, Kevinltk and theRedBrony. Where would I be without them?

6: Shattered

Snap!

Solaris frowned as he lifted his broken quill, looking down at the large tear in the middle of his parchment. Frustrated, he bit his lower lip as he unfurled his large wings and gave them a hard flap, scattering loose pieces of paper in its gust.

He sighed loudly as he folded his wings and rested his head on a forehoof, taking a minute to calm down. Slowly, his mind wandered to the meal he had with Luna.

Are you not taking out your anger on the only changeling you can get a hold of?

Solaris frowned. It had been over a month since the changeling invasion. Everyone played their part. Twilight came to the rescue and freed both Cadence and Shining Armor, who then used their powers to repel the invading force. Luna did damage control in the background, making sure key structures and facilities were intact. Lastly, he played his part. He feigned defeat and let himself be humiliated. With that, Equestria won.

But rumors were floating across the neighboring nations. That Solaris was not as strong as others believed, that he was getting soft. Solaris clenched his teeth.

I know what I had to do, but why, why can’t I get this out of my head? Why is the invasion still bothering me now?

It would be too dangerous to fight. I can not risk another incident. I did the right thing, so why am I still so tense?

Solaris let out another sigh. His horn glowed as he levitated the mess he made into a trash bin, already filled with broken quills and torn parchments. Staring at another blank sheet of parchment, his ears dropped slightly. He pulled out a new quill and resumed his work, the sounds of writing once again filling the air.

Like before, his mind began to wander as he wrote, drifting back to the invasion. He could hear Queen Chrysalis’ mocking laughter. He clenched his teeth and his eyes narrowed, red creeping up in the corners of his vision.

An abrupt knock came from the door, causing yet another quill to snap in his tense grip.

He turned his head, his mane and tail starting to sway rapidly. "Who," Solaris snarled, his voice suddenly dropping several octaves, low and rumbling that it almost shook the paintings on the walls and came out more as a terrifying growl than a voice, "is it?"

“Now, just one last stop, and we should be done for the day,” Feather announced as she led Honeycomb up a flight of stairs.

“Oh… okay,” Honeycomb panted as she climbed the stairs. Her legs were sore. She would have loved to fly up but was informed earlier that flight was prohibited inside the palace. Honeycomb gasped as she made it to the top. She fell to her haunches, panting slightly.

“Oh my, Honey dear, if you were tired, you could have told me,” Feather said, a worried look on her face.

“It’s... alright… I am just... out of shape right now,” Honeycomb said.

Feather frowned as she looked at her own flank. “You and me both…”

“What?”

“Nothing!” Feather exclaimed. “Now, our last stop is Lord Solaris’ personal chambers—”

“Lord Solaris?!” Honeycomb shouted as she instantly stood up.

“Yes, of course,” Feather continued. “No need to be worried, dear. Just need to show you where it actually is, and he told me he wanted to talk to you before you start tomorrow anyway. Now, before we go in, I just want to give you some general tips.”

“Okay.”

“First, always address him with respect. Not only does he want that, but we, as the staff, want to be professional. Second, if sitting in the same room with him, remember to sit with good posture. Keep the back straight and don’t slouch. Again, we want to look professional to him and to the public. And lastly, if you need any help with anything, don’t hesitate to ask me, any of the other staff, or the guard. We’re happy to help. Is that clear?”

Honeycomb nodded.

“Excellent! Come now, Honey dear, his room is right over here.”

Honeycomb followed Feather Duster, making their way until they stopped at two large wooden doors, a large sun engraved on them. Beside them stood two unicorn guards.

“Good day, boys,” Feather greeted as she walked up to them.

“Good day, Mrs. Feather Duster,” they both replied in unison.

“Just here to drop off Lord Solaris’ new assistant, Honeycomb,” Feather remarked as she made her way up to the door.

Honeycomb watched as the guards nodded then returned to staring at the wall in front of them. She looked back at Feather Duster who was adjusting her uniform and straightening herself out.

This… this may not be that bad after all...

Honeycomb stood at attention when she heard Feather Duster knock on the door.

“Who,” a deep and foreboding voice suddenly called out, “is it?”

Honeycomb gasped as her eyes widened, and the fur on the back of her neck stood upright. The voice was deep, guttural, and menacing. She could feel it rumble throughout the halls, even throughout her own body.

She looked around, her heart pounding in her chest. Both the guards and Feather Duster held the same expression as her: Eyes wide, fur on end, and trembling.

Feather Duster worked her jaw, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. She looked at both guards shakily then back at her. Honeycomb saw it in her eyes… Fear.

Feather gulped loudly, her body shaking like a leaf in the wind. “U-um,” Feather replied in a shaky voice. “I-it’s me, Feather Duster. Y-you told me you wanted me to bring your n-new assistant to see you today...”

The three ponies and disguised changeling stood outside, on edge, awaiting the response which seemed to take all too long to come.

“Bring her in,” Solaris commanded from his chambers, his voice suddenly normal. Both guards exhaled simultaneously. One of the doors unlatched and creaked open ever so slightly.

Feather looked back at Honeycomb, a forced smile on her face while the rest of her body shivered. She motioned to her with a hoof, pointing at the opened door.

Honeycomb gulped again as she slowly got up. She walked in front of the door, placing a hoof on it. She turned to look back at Feather Duster who had a weak smile on her face. It did not help calm her own nerves, especially when she could see Feather was just as scared as she was.

Tentatively, Honeycomb opened the door and made her way in, gently closing the door behind her. She sat down, shivering slightly.

In the middle of the room was a huge, sturdy, and ornate oaken desk, behind which sat Lord Solaris. Even though she sat as far as possible from the ruler, his presence towered over her. His mane and tail waved as if it were a large flame in a breeze. Remembering what Feather Duster told her, she straightened herself. Honeycomb silently sat there, watching him write.

With Solaris ignoring her for the time being, her eyes started to scan the large, spacious room. She saw the lush white carpet covering the floors, a massive bed on one end of the room, and a large book case crammed with books and scrolls on the other side. There was a large glass door that led to a balcony and another partially open door that must have been the bathroom.

Suddenly, he stood up and walked in front of his desk. Honeycomb almost jumped on the spot, instantly sitting up straight.

Solaris lifted up a hoof, beckoning her. “Honeycomb, come here.”

Honeycomb obeyed as she sat in front of Solaris, looking down at the ground to avoid eye contact.

“I take it you met Feather Duster?” Solaris asked, an emotionless expression on his face.

“Y-yes, Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb weakly answered, adding a slight bow of her head.

“And she showed you around the palace?”

“Y-yes, Lord Solaris.”

“Good,” Solaris answered. “Honeycomb, look at me.”

Honeycomb slowly lifted her head, staring into the crimson-red eyes of Solaris. She was slightly smaller than the other ponies, but sitting in front of Solaris made her feel like she was sitting in front of a dragon.

“I am only going to say this once, Honeycomb,” Solaris spoke, his voice smooth and calm and his expression merely emotionless. “I have been around for a long time, and many have tried to change that. But I still stand. Consider this your first and last warning,” Solaris stated as he lowered his head, bringing himself to eye level with her. “Do not try me, Honeycomb, I will not hesitate to act. Is that understood?”

Honeycomb quickly nodded, her whole body shaking while her heart pounded in her chest.

“Good,” Solaris replied as he lifted his head. “I will see you at 8:00 AM tomorrow.”

As Honeycomb scurried out of the room, she silently thanked the heavens that this day was over.

Honeycomb tossed and turned in her bed. The sound of someone rushing through the hall reached her ears, but she ignored it, desperately trying to catch at least a few hours of sleep.

A deafening crash was heard right outside her door.

Honeycomb’s eyes shot open. She looked around in a panic, wondering what was going on. There was a loud rumble as the floor shook. Honeycomb quickly jumped out of the bed, fumbling for the light switch.

The door suddenly blew off its hinges.

Honeycomb yelped, ducking as the door flew past her. Slowly, she lifted her head and looked up.

“Honeycomb!” a blatantly undisguised changeling called out as it appeared in the doorway. “Quickly, we’re here to save you!”

“What?!”

The changeling closed his eyes, a green aura coming from his twisted horn. A green bolt of energy shot out, flying towards Honeycomb.

Honeycomb yelped as the projectile hit her neck. The band that she was wearing clattered to the ground. Honeycomb gasped as she felt a weight suddenly released itself from her. Her eyes drifted to her hooves, black and hard, just like they were supposed to be. She glanced into the mirror on the wall and saw her usual black chitin coat shining in the moonlight that was coming in from the window. She could see her insectoid wings had returned as well. Tears of joy welled up in her eyes.

“We’ve come to free you, now let’s go!”

“Wait, really?” Honeycomb asked, choking slightly as she hiccuped.

“Yes! Now hurry!”

Honeycomb quickly got up, ready to sprint towards the door. “Wait,” she cried out as she turned around, grabbing her diary on the nightstand next to the bed. “Okay, I’m ready.”

At that moment, time seemed to slow down for Honeycomb. Her fellow changeling was still standing right outside the door, beckoning to her with a hoof, albeit very slowly.

Then, a bright orange light started to glow in the hallway. The changeling blinked in confusion, turning his head to see what the source was. His eyes slowly widened in horror.

Honeycomb covered her face with a hoof as she was hit with a blast of hot air. In front of her door was a massive inferno, the changeling from before was nowhere to be seen.

“H-hello?” Honeycomb whimpered.

“Where,” a deep, low rumble came from the fire as two crimson dots appeared amongst the smoke and flame, “do you think you’re going?”

Honeycomb gasped, stumbling back as a large, white form emerged. Honeycomb whimpered loudly as she bumped against a wall behind her. “L-Lord Solaris!” she cried out.

His horn glowed, a yellow aura forming around Honeycomb’s neck.

Honeycomb cried out as she was roughly lifted in the air, futilely grasping the aura with her forehooves while her wings and legs flailed wildly. “I-I was not planning anything! I swear!” she cried out, tears rolling down her cheeks. She gasped as felt the grip tighten.

“I warned you!” Solaris growled, his eyes glowing red.

Honeycomb struggled to breathe, choking loudly. “I’m sorry!” Honeycomb sobbed as she stared into Solaris’ burning eyes. “Please spare me! It was a mistake, I won’t leave! Please, it won’t happen again!”

Solaris flicked his head, throwing the hapless changeling across the room. Honeycomb hit the floor face first, skidding across the floor. She groaned, trying to crawl away.

“No,” Solaris growled, as he lowered his horn, pointing it directly at Honeycomb, “it won’t.”

“PLEASE NO!” Honeycomb screamed.

But Solaris was not there. Nothing was there but a dark and quiet room. She panted loudly as she looked around her moonlit residence. She turned to her nightstand, fumbling to turn on the lights. Catching her breath as her heart raced, she looked down at her hooves, still soft and covered in brown fur. Her hooves drifted up to her neck, feeling the collar that trapped her in more ways than one.

It was just a dream…

She reached for her journal with a shaky hoof.

365 days left.

Honeycomb curled up and started to cry.

Author's Note

Special thanks to me editors amactia, Kevinltk and theRedBrony.

And yet again, a massive thanks to Conicer for yet again drawing me another awesome picture. I owe this beautiful man so much. Please give this man thanks.

7: The Errors of His Way

Sit up straight.

Hold head up high.

Eyes to the ground.

Don’t speak unless spoken to.

Wait for orders.

Deliver a message.

Wait again.

Try to sleep.

Such was Honeycomb’s first week since she started working. Everyday was just the same as the last. She would arrive early in the morning then sit down in Solaris’ room and wait for orders.

That was the worst part of it all, the waiting. Solaris rarely gave her work. Out of the entire week, all that she did was send a message a grand total of five times. Most days, she would just sit there, doing nothing but wait in fear. She did not dare move nor even look at Solaris. Honeycomb was afraid the moment she slipped, the moment she was not following the rules, she would be harshly punished or worse.

The constant fear ate away at her, invading her dreams and making it nigh impossible to sleep. Even though the nightmares were different, they all ended the same way: She would make a mistake, provoking Solaris' wrath.

To make matters worse, she had trouble eating. From sharp fangs to blunt molars, she was not used to eating with a completely different set of teeth. Eating hard foods caused both her teeth and jaw to be sore. Honeycomb tried to change her diet to softer foods, but her anxiety simply killed her appetite anyways. The lack of food was beginning to show, her coat was ragged and her ribs were starting to show.

She secluded herself away from others when she was not working. If she was not in Solaris’ room, she would purposely avoid all contact with anypony and rush straight to her room. Even the few times she delivered something for Solaris, she simply did not enter a conversation or excused herself when one started.

All the stress and obstacles she was burdened with were becoming more and more noticeable as Honeycomb once again found herself jerking her head up, almost dozing off while on duty. She quickly shook her head, trying to shake the persistent exhaustion away. Her eyes widened as she instantly sat up again, Solaris in front of her and writing at his desk.

Honeycomb gulped, trying to wet her parched throat and hoping Solaris had not noticed that she almost fell asleep. She was dehydrated, but she had to be. The first day she drank something before she started to work, she spent the rest of the day trying to hold it in. So she purposely dehydrated herself before work so she didn’t have to use the restroom and disturb Solaris.

The anxiety came back as she became more aware of her surroundings. It felt like a knife was constantly being pressed against her throat. One simple mistake and she would be dead. She tried to focus, but exhaustion was once again creeping in, causing her breath to become ragged and short and her eyelids to droop.

Just as Honeycomb was about to nod off, a knock on the door snapped her out of it.

Honeycomb yanked her head back up, sitting at attention.

“Honeycomb,” Solaris said as he continued to write, “see who it is.”

“Y-yes, Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb replied weakly as she made her way to the door.

Honeycomb gulped as she leaned her head near the door. “Who… who is it?”

“Kitchen staff,” a voice from behind the door announced. “Lord Solaris requested refreshments to be delivered to him later in the morning.”

“Retrieve it for me, Honeycomb,” Solaris commanded, again not bothering to look away from his paperwork as he continued to write.

Honeycomb quickly obeyed as she opened the door slightly. Standing outside was a copper-colored unicorn wearing a white chef’s outfit. He gave a quick bow before turning around and walking away. She looked to the space next to where he was standing, seeing a small trolley with a coffee pot on it.

She quickly grabbed the trolley and pushed it inside, making sure to close the door gently. Carefully, she pushed it to the middle of the room, her hooves shaking.

Honeycomb sat back down, her eyes darting back and forth from the trolley and Solaris. She sniffed, her eyes combing the trolley. On top was just a large glass pot of black coffee, and beside it was a small plate with two biscuits and a napkin.

“Here,” Solaris said as he placed a mug beside him on his desk, “pour me a cup.”

Honeycomb tried to calm her racing heart. “Y-yes, Lord Solaris.” Still unaccustomed to not being able to grip things without magic, she awkwardly twisted her head to place the handle in her mouth, wincing as she bit down. Ignoring the pain, she carried it to Solaris, giving a quiet sigh of relief when she successfully placed it down on the desk.

Rarely this close to Solaris, Honeycomb trembled as she anxiously looked up at him, but he continued to stare at the paper in front of him, his quill dancing around on the parchment.

Honeycomb blinked, remembering her job. She gulped, slowly picking up the pot in her trembling hooves.

The pot started to shake in her hooves as she lifted it above Solaris’ cup. Honeycomb tried to concentrate and calm her hooves, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

Her eyes widened in horror when the pot started to slip out of her hooves. She tried to readjust her grip, but her frayed nerves only allowed her to clumsily fumble it. Getting desperate, she grabbed it with her forehooves as hard as she can. There was a loud noise as the glass pot shattered on her hooves.

Honeycomb sat there, her mane in her eyes. The immaculate white carpet was covered in broken glass and coffee—covered in the evidence of her failure. Slowly, Honeycomb drifted her gaze upwards, taking in a large black stain on Solaris' pristine white coat and his stone-faced expression. Cowering, she turned her head to the floor.

Solaris lifted his now wet foreleg.

Honeycomb closed her eyes, bracing herself.

Solaris shook his leg free of excess coffee.

“P-please, Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb weakly stuttered, struggling to pronounce every word. “I swear it won’t happen again. Just give me one more chance.”

“Honeycomb,” Solaris said softly.

“P-please don’t kill me.”

“Honeycomb, look at me.”

Honeycomb looked up, her eyes were wide with dark circles around them while her pupils were the size of pinpricks. Bags had formed under her eyes, and tears flowed down her cheeks.

Solaris reeled back slightly, his own eyes widening, as he stared at her. Regaining his composure, Solaris closed his eyes. After what seemed like an eternity, Solaris’ eyes opened, staring right into Honeycomb's, before drifting down.

“Honeycomb, your hoof,” he said, worry in his voice.

Honeycomb blinked, her eyes following Solaris’. She saw the stain on the floor, a hint of crimson-red mixing in. Honeycomb lifted her hoof, a large shard of glass protruding from it.

“You’re hurt,” Solaris said with concern.

Honeycomb stared at her hoof, trembling, as blood dripped out of the wound. Honeycomb sniffed loudly with a small hiccup, tears welling in her eyes. Don’t be scared. A tear hit the ground. Why am I scared? No, don’t cry, not in front of him, not again. At least act brave.

It started slowly but quickly escalated. Honeycomb cried loudly, her chest heaving, as the stress from the week’s events were simply too much for her to bear any longer.

“Honeycomb, there is no need to cry.”

Honeycomb jumped back slightly when she felt something on her face. Opening her eyes, she saw a soft cloth dabbing her cheeks.

“Shh, shh. It’s alright, Honeycomb, just breathe,” Solaris said as he levitated the cloth, drying her face.

Her trembling died down. Slowly, she raised her head. Solaris' expression was... unreadable, as always. But the eyes behind this inscrutable mask suggested something different, something she had thought impossible coming from him: kindness.

“Here,” Solaris said as he held out his hoof, “let me see.”

Honeycomb sniffed, slowly placing her injured, trembling hoof on top of Solaris’ hoof. It was warm to the touch.

“Just relax,” Solaris spoke.

Honeycomb sniffed again, her heart calming down. She looked back up at Solaris. His face was different again. A warm smile donned his face, his expression soft. It reminded her of Dr. Flask. It was comforting. “Okay…” she said quietly.

Solaris’ horn glowed a soft yellow while Honeycomb winced as the glass shard slowly slid out from her flesh.

Solaris tilted his head, inspecting the wound. “It is deep, but it is nothing serious,” Solaris stated as he floated over a white cover from the large bed and tore off a large strip, carefully wrapping it around Honeycomb’s injured hoof. “This will hold the bleeding for now.”

“But isn’t this from your bed?” Honeycomb asked, stunned as she felt the pressure around her leg from the makeshift bandage.

“It is,” Solaris replied as he tied the final knot, nodding at his work. “But it is nothing more than a sheet, Honeycomb. That can be replaced.”

Honeycomb flexed her hoof, a small red dot forming on her bandage. “Um, thank you?” she said, stealing a glance at Solaris.

A small frown and a look of worry formed on the ruler’s face.

“Is something wrong?” Honeycomb asked nervously.

“Don’t move.”

Honeycomb gasped slightly as she felt Solaris’ hoof under her chin, slowly lifting her head. She stared into the diarch’s crimson eyes, gulping.

Solaris moved his head closer. “Honeycomb… have you been getting enough sleep?”

“What?” Honeycomb asked in surprise.

“You don’t look well at all.”

Honeycomb trembled. “I-I have been having some issues sleeping lately.”

“But why?”

“I rather not say…”

“Honeycomb,” Solaris said as he removed his hoof, “please tell me.”

“I’m afraid…” Honeycomb answered as she lowered her head.

“Of?”

“Of you…” Honeycomb confessed, her ears flattening.

“Honeycomb,” Solaris replied, his eyes drifting down. “Wait…”

“What?” Honeycomb watched Solaris lean his head slightly past her, inspecting her body.

“When was the last time you ate?”

“Three days ago…”

Solaris blinked, his eyes wider than normal. He quickly turned his head, levitating a small plate to him. “Here,” he offered as he held out his hoof, a small biscuit on it, “eat this.”

“I’m not that hungry to be honest, Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb replied, staring at the offered treat.

“It doesn’t matter if you're hungry or not, you need to eat something. Here, take it.”

Honeycomb picked it up in her hooves, inspecting it. After a few seconds, she finally said, “I can’t eat this…”

“What do you mean? You told us you can eat normal food.”

“It is not that I can’t eat food… it is because this is just too hard for me to eat.”

“Too hard to eat, what do you mean by that?”

“It is hard to explain.” Honeycomb looked back down at the ground. “Ever since I changed forms, I haven’t gotten used to using a different set of teeth. All my teeth are blunt compared to what I had before. I tried eating solids, but that would make my jaw and teeth sore.

“So I tried eating softer foods, but there were not that many options. Then I lost my appetite along the way and just kinda stopped eating a couple of days ago. I was just too stressed, and I felt nauseous most of the time and well…”

“Honeycomb, I…” Solaris replied softly, crestfallen. His head snapped back up. “Hold on,” he said as he grabbed a parchment and quill from his desk.

Honeycomb watched Solaris quickly write on the parchment, blinking in confusion. She squeaked slightly as he stood up, folding the parchment.

“Honeycomb, stay here, I will be right back,” Solaris said as he made his way to the door.

“Okay?” Honeycomb said in confusion as she watched Solaris leave the room.

Honeycomb sat there, alone in Lord Solaris’ personal chambers. What, she thought as she stared at the door, just happened?

Her eyes drifted down to the mess again, causing her to frown at how big the stain was. Black mixed with red on the once immaculate carpet. She scooted away from it, trying to distance herself.

Her attention drew towards Solaris’ desk, rather what was on it. Staring at the various letters, Honeycomb marveled at the exquisite cursive writing. It was nothing like her scratchy writing.

“Wow, that’s pretty,” she murmured. “I didn’t know he could write like that.”

She stopped herself. What did she think of Solaris? When she first met him, and for the past week, all she could think of was that he was strict and terrifying. But was that all he was? She caught a glimpse of a gentler side. It was still stern but also warm. Something that she never really saw before.

She didn't think she would trust any pony as much as Dr. Flask. A stray thought entered her mind. It was terrifying yet exciting, offering a possible glimpse of hope. What if she could warm up to Lord Solaris, just like Dr. Flask?

Her train of thought was interrupted when the door opened again as Solaris strode back in, a large suitcase with a red cross on it levitating by his side.

Honeycomb sat back up in attention. Her eyes widened as Solaris didn’t sit but lay in front of her. Even though he was still taller than her, it was strange to almost be at eye level with him.

“What is that?” Honeycomb asked as she looked at the strange box Solaris was carrying.

“First-aid kit, it is used to help treat injuries.” Solaris laid it down next to him. Gently, he pulled her foreleg towards him. “While your wound is not bad, it is still deep. Deep enough to require stitches.”

“Stitches?” Honeycomb blinked in confusion.

“Yes,” Solaris replied as he unwrapped the makeshift bandage.

Honeycomb shook her head. “You mean like sewing?”

Solaris raised an eyebrow before chuckling slightly. “Yes, it is like sewing.”

“But wouldn’t that hurt?” she asked nervously.

“If done properly, you shouldn’t feel more than a slight pinch. It is nothing to worry about, that I can assure you.”

Honeycomb watched as Solaris opened the kit. First, he rubbed a wet cloth over her cut. It stung at first, but Solaris told her it was to supposedly ‘clean’ the wound. Honeycomb’s ears flattened when she noticed Solaris had pulled out a small needle.

“Just close your eyes,” he said softly. “It will be over in a few seconds.”

Honeycomb shut her eyes tightly, her outstretched hoof trembling.

“Ready?”

She nodded, bracing herself.

One, two, three, four, and five slight pinches.

“Done.”

“What?” Honeycomb asked in disbelief. She looked down at her hoof, a neat cross-stitch replacing her gash. “That’s it?”

“Yes,” Solaris replied as he floated over a roll of gauze. “I told you it was not as bad as it sounds,” he continued as he began wrapping Honeycomb’s hoof.

Honeycomb gasped as a gentle yellow light surrounded her hoof. It was warm… and pleasant. “What?”

“And that is to help it heal much quicker,” Solaris answered as he cleaned up, closing the kit. “I may not be an expert healer, but I have been around long enough to know a thing or two.”

“Thanks,” Honeycomb replied softly as she moved her hoof.

A silence hung between the ruler and the changeling. Honeycomb looked around, every now and then lifting her head and catch a glimpse of Solaris’ face. It was different, stern but with a soft, gentle undertone. She never stared for too long, but her curiosity made her constantly check his face for any changes.

“I think I've been unfair to you, Honeycomb,” Solaris admitted softly, breaking the silence.

“What?” Honeycomb gasped in surprise.

“I did not know you were under this much stress, nor did I think you would physically run into any issues changing forms like that. For that, I apologize. Other than having problems eating, what caused you to be so stressed the past couple of days?” Solaris asked.

“I… I don’t know if I should say,” Honeycomb muttered.

“Honeycomb, there is no reason to be afraid right now. Nothing will happen if you are honest. You told me you were scared of me, why is that?”

“I… that day when Mrs. Feather Duster showed me around the palace. When I met you… you said that if I tried anything, you wouldn’t hesitate to act. So I thought if I messed up in any way, I would be punished.”

Solaris sat there, his face slightly scrunched in concentration. Honeycomb started to become nervous, wondering if she said something she shouldn’t have. She was about to open her mouth to apologize when Solaris spoke.

“Honeycomb, I want you to understand my view on this. Your role in the attack of Canterlot, although small, caused my subjects to get hurt. Yes, I know it was not your intention to do so, but that does not change the fact that you did it.

“In war, there is no honor, no pride, no glory, just suffering. I don’t say that because I feel that way, Honeycomb. I say that because I have witnessed too many of them in my lifetime. The ending is always the same.

“With that said, Honeycomb, your arrangement was not designed to torment you. Yes, you need to repay the debt you owe Equestria, but that does not mean you have to be miserable. It is simply a job. This is my fault for not making my message clear. What I meant was I would take action if you deliberately tried to hurt someone innocent.

“Honeycomb, if you make a simple mistake, that is fine. We all make mistakes, even me. Do you understand what I mean, Honeycomb?”

Honeycomb stopped trembling, lifting her head back up. “I-I do.”

“Do you feel better now?”

Honeycomb nodded.

“Good, there is no need to be afraid of me or anypony else hurting you.”

“Thanks—”

Honeycomb was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Perfect, it is here,” Solaris stated as he stood up and made his way to the door.

Turning to see who it was, Honeycomb saw Solaris talking to a pony wearing a white outfit, just like the one she saw earlier.

Her eyes widened as Solaris placed a tray, a large bowl of what appeared to be some sort of stew on it, before her.

“Eat,” Solaris said as he sat back down in front of Honeycomb.

“I…”

“It’s fine. There is nothing hard in it. You need to eat something, Honeycomb, or else you are going to get sick.”

Still unsure what was going on, Honeycomb slowly picked up the spoon that was next to the bowl. Opening her mouth awkwardly wide, she took her first spoonful.

Her eyes lit up in surprise. “Wow—it’s good.”

“Eat as much you can, alright?”

Honeycomb nodded. It took her a while, but she finally managed to finish it. She looked back up at Solaris.

“How do you feel?” he asked, his face having the softer look to it again.

“Better… but tired.”

“Then go rest.”

“What?”

“I want you to take the remainder of today and tomorrow off. Go rest and eat, alright? We will start again the day after tomorrow.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Honeycomb slowly got up. She tested her right, injured foreleg, wincing slightly at the pain, but it was manageable. She opened the door, looking back at Solaris, a slight but gentle smile on his face.

Maybe… maybe I can make it through this.

“Tell me, oh great king, why is your city burning?” Solaris shouted as he threw the griffon across the blazing room. “Where is your great army? The army that can conquer both the Sun and the Moon?”

The griffon skidded across the room, his lavish clothes charred or burnt away, his crown long gone. The once proud king of the griffons was reduced to a quivering mess covered in blood and scorch marks, the charred remains of his fallen guards surrounding him. He let out a loud squawk as a yellow aura formed around his neck.

“Tell me, Alexander,” Solaris roared as he lifted the griffon king into the air, holding him right in front of his face. His own blood-red serpentine eyes reflecting in the griffon’s. “What did you think would happen? What did you think would happen when YOU ATTACKED MY KINGDOM!”

“I will call off my army. We will concede lan—” Alexander gasped, his talons failing to grasp the tightening aura his neck.

“Call them off?” Solaris growled, his voice low and guttural, “Why should you? Let them come. Let there be a pyre on our borders. Let them come, and they will be cast upon the pyre like so many of their brethren.”

Alexander struggled in Solaris’ grasp, his wings flapping uselessly behind him. His beak opened as he tried to choke out a response.

“A king should be there, shouldn’t he?” Solaris growled, exposing vicious fangs. “A king should offer them a warrior’s funeral. After all, you ordered them to their grave.”

“Please spare me!” Alexander cried, his cheek feathers damp with tears of desperation and eyes wide with fear. “I swear on my life that I will never attack Equestria again!”

“How can you swear on something when you don’t own it?” Solaris asked, his eyes squinting. “I grow tired of you, oh Great Alexander. I never did like you… I think it is time we bid our farewells.”

Alexander let out a gurgle, the aura tightening around his neck.

“Brother!” Luna cried out as she jumped from the flames of the room.

“Luna,” Solaris replied as he turned his head.

Luna reeled back slightly as she gazed upon her brother.

“You're just in time,” Solaris continued, giving a cruel smirk filled with fangs. “I was about to bid farewell to the great griffon king.”

Luna looked at the struggling griffon, his terrified face quickly turning blue. “Enough, brother, you have won.”

“Almost,” Solaris said as he turned his head back to the griffon. “Just one more thing…”

Luna’s eyes widened in horror. Gently, she wrapped her forehooves around Solaris’ chest as she tried to pull him back. “Come, brother, don’t do something you will regret,” she said softly.

“No,” Solaris snarled as he stood firm. “He must pay.”

“Brother, enough,” Luna continued as she tried to pull Solaris away, “it is time to go home.”

Solaris took a step forward, clenching his teeth.

“Brother, enough!” Luna cried out as she tightened her grip. “They have learned their lesson, he has learned his lesson. Let him be, let him live in his shame knowing how easily you have beaten him. Let him be a message for his people, a message to never trifle with us again.”

“No, he must die!”

“Brother, please,” Luna begged. She raised her forehoof, gently turning Solaris’ head to face her own, soft teal eyes staring at him. “Do it for me, your sister. Please?”

Solaris blinked as his breathing slowed. “Fine,” he relented as the griffon king fell to the ground with a hard thump.

“Thank you, brother,” Luna said as she pulled Solaris away from the fallen king.

“Perhaps he should be let to live in shame…” Solaris said grimly as he walked away with Luna. He stopped as his hoof hit the hilt of a sword of a fallen guard. “But…”

His aura grabbed the hilt as he turned around, lifting it above the defeated king. Luna gasped in horror.

The sword swung down with vicious strength, blood splattering the floor.

Alexander cried out, clutching his side as he writhed in agony. “M-my wing, my wing!

“Let that be a constant reminder, King Alexander,” Solaris remarked grimly as he kicked the missing wing into a nearby fire, “to never trifle with me or my allies ever again.”

Solaris turned away from the fallen king. “Farewell…”

Solaris quickly sat upright with a gasp, his body shivering and covered in sweat. He sat there, panting loudly. He shook his head violently, the cries of the fallen and the smell of burning feathers still invading his senses.

What do you do when someone looks at you as if you were a monster?

Solaris leaned forward, burying his face in his hooves. “I don’t know,” he said softly. “I really don’t know…”

Author's Note

[1]: Ever since Luna and Solaris took power, they began a process of demilitarization, stressing that a large military would only hinder the spread of Harmony. At 132 N.E.E (New Equestrian Era: established after the fall of Discord and the beginning of the diarchy of Luna and Solaris.), ninety six years before the fall of Luna, the Griffonstan Kingdom attacked the border Equestrian settlements.

When King Alexander took power, he quickly built up a large military force. Arrogant and ambitious, he viewed the small military of Equestria as a prime opportunity to expand the Griffonstan nation. The Griffon Invasion of 132 N.E.E was the shortest and last formal engagement between Equestria and the Griffonstan Kingdom.

Thanks to theRedBrony and Kevinltk for editing.

Also, thanks to amactia for helping me brainstorm and editing.

8: Like Day and Night

Honeycomb watched as the doors to Solaris’ chambers closed with a small thud. She blinked, still processing the events that transpired. Honeycomb stood there as she looked around the empty hallway before inspecting her bandaged hoof, putting some weight on it. A small sigh escaped her lips when she didn’t feel any sharp sting of pain.

Suddenly, she let out a massive yawn while falling down onto her haunches. Her wings flared out as she continued to yawn. A small ‘pop’ in her jaw caused her eyes to shoot open. She instantly bent over as she clutched her jaw with her forehooves, keeping her eyes shut until the pain slowly dissipated.

“Ow…” Honeycomb whimpered, “that hurt.”

Slowly, Honeycomb stood up and folded her wings, or at least she tried to. She grunted as she struggled to fold her wings to her sides.

“How,” she said with a groan, “do ponies deal with these wings?”

Honeycomb let out another groan, sitting back down. She concentrated, trying to fold her wings. After a few seconds, she gave up with a sigh, having to use her hooves to manually fold her wings. She twitched as she felt some of her feathers rub her sides. “And these feathers? Fur and feathers everywhere, how do ponies live like this?” she murmured to herself as she stood.

Her hooves wobbled as she felt a wave a dizziness hit her. She steadied herself, another yawn escaping her muzzle. Her eyelids felt heavy. Lazily, she lifted her head towards one end of the hall.

Slowly she walked, one step at a time. There were moments that she would close her eyes and doze off for a second, only to jerk her head up shortly after.

For the first time in a long while, she did not think of her situation, her captor, nor even the future. For once in the past few days, she had a full stomach, and her mind only thought of one thing. Just a few more hallways and she would be at her destination, and in there was the only thing she thought about. Her bed.

She could imagine the softness of her bed.

“Honeycomb,” a voice softly called out.

The warmth of the blankets.

“Honeycomb,” it said again.

Or how smooth the sheets were.

“Honeycomb,” the voice called louder as she felt something touch her shoulder.

Honeycomb shrieked as she gave a slight jump, her wings flaring out. As soon as her hooves touched ground, she spun around.

“Sorry!” Crimson apologized as he held up his forehooves. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Oh,” Honeycomb replied as she folded her wings with her hooves again.

“Are,” Crimson said as his eyes widened, “are you okay?”

“Yeah,” Honeycomb answered as she yawned, covering her mouth with a hoof. “You just surprised me is all.”

“No,” Crimson replied. He gave a slight wince as he looked over the changeling. “I mean, are you feeling alright? You don’t look that well.”

“I’m fine, just tired,” Honeycomb replied.

“You um,” Crimson said nervously, “I don’t mean to be rude, but you don’t look too well.”

“Oh,” Honeycomb muttered as she looked over herself. Do I look that bad?”

“Are you sure you are alright?” Crimson asked, a nervous look on his face.

“Y-yeah,” Honeycomb muttered. “I just had a rough week, is all.”

“Are… are you sure?”

“Yeah…”

“What about your hoof?”

Honeycomb lifted her bandaged hoof. “Oh, this? It’s nothing, was just an accident.”

“An accident?”

“Y-yeah, I just hurt it. It’s fine now.”

“You’re sure you are fine?”

“Yeah,” Honeycomb replied with another yawn. “I’m just really tired, is all.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, I was just heading to my room right now.”

“Oh, okay,” Crimson said softly. “Look, Honeycomb, if anything is wrong, you can tell me, you know that, right?”

Honeycomb weakly nodded, “Yeah.”

“Okay,” Crimson replied. “If you need anything, please just ask.”

“Thanks.” Honeycomb nodded weakly. “I’ll see you later.”

Honeycomb made her way to her room on her shaky hooves. She slipped inside, the door clicking close behind her, and meandered over to her bed. She mustered the last of her strength to simply flop down onto the bed.

She exhaled as she closed her tired eyes. Honeycomb let sleep claim her, and for once, she knew that there would be no nightmares tonight. No dreams of longing. Only peaceful slumber.

A black mist worked its way through the windows. Silently, the black mist coalesced together, teal eyes appearing from the cloud, as a hoof stepped out. Luna took a seat on a pillow in the center of the room.

Luna watched her brother sigh loudly as he leaned back, running an ink-stained hoof through his mane. Luna blinked as she leaned to the side slightly, her teal eyes scanning the disorganized desk of her brother. Parchments and quills were strewn about while three empty coffee pots were sitting on the corner.

"And so I came into the bedchambers of the tyrant and oppressor of innocent servants,” Luna said softly.

Solaris instantly turned around, his wings flaring out. “Who—!”

Luna blinked in return.

“Luna.” Solaris sighed, folding his wings back in and sat back down. “What are you doing?”

“And I gazed upon him,” Luna continued, “and beheld his greatness; for great was the number of empty coffee pots around him, and great were the ink stains on his forehooves, and as he raised his head, blinking and blearily mutter—"

“What are you talking about, sister?” Solaris interrupted.

Luna tilted her head slightly. “Hm?”

Solaris inhaled and exhaled slowly. “May I ask what you are doing in my room this fine evening?”

“You know why I am here.”

Solaris raised an eyebrow.

Luna nudged her head forward slightly.

Solaris continued to stare blankly.

“Brother, I heard about Honeycomb. Tell me what happened,” Luna urged softly.

Solaris flinched, turning his head away.

“Well?”

The two alicorns sat there, a silence between the two.

“Brother, please tell me.”

Solaris sighed as he leaned back. “It was nothing.”

“Really, brother—”

“No,” Solaris interrupted. “I actually mean nothing. I made Honeycomb do nothing. I just made her sit around all day.”

“And how did she take it?”

“She was scared. I didn’t make her do anything, but it seems like she feared me in ways I didn’t expect. She cut her hoof on some glass she broke and begged me to spare her life for her mistake.”

“And what did you do?”

“I bandaged her wound, gave her something to eat, and tried to explain to her that I wasn’t going to hurt her.”

Luna worked her jaw slightly. “But what about her condition? She was emaciated.”

Solaris bit his lip. “She had trouble eating.”

“Why?”

“She told me that her jaw hurts because she is not used to having teeth like ours.”

“That actually bothered her? I thought they can change easily.”

“I thought so too, but apparently their disguise is so good they can actually feel it.”

“Was that all?”

“That, and her stress killed her appetite.”

“And you did not notice this.”

“No.”

Luna rubbed her temple. “How?”

Solaris sighed. “I ignored her…”

Luna continued to rub her temple. “Brother, let me make sure I heardest thou correctly. You force her into servitude. Then you make her stand perfectly still in your study for hours on end while you neither speak to her nor look at her?”

“She could lie down if she wanted,” Solaris quickly replied. “I mean, if she wanted to do something, she could have, just as long as she didn't make any noise.”

"And do you think she would have dared to as the obedient servant?"

“But—”

“Thou art truly the embodiment of kindness.”

“I—”

“Not to mention,” Luna interrupted, “that I am sure you gave her a warning about how if she somehow screws up, you'll crush her like a bug. It should not come as a surprise that she would beg and plead for her life when she did make a mistake. Like spilling a pot of coffee on her captor.”

“I didn’t want that!” Solaris exclaimed.

“No,” Luna replied as she shook her head. “You got exactly what you wanted.”

Solaris’ eyes widened. “I don’t want her to beg at my hooves for her life!”

Luna shook her head again. “I will tell you what you want. You want to be the master of all you survey. The lord of all the lands. And there is nothing wrong with that. You rule your nation with peace and harmony for all your subjects whom you wish to do nothing more than admire and love you. Yet you would force your so-called enemies to bend to your will and bow before you, using violence and fear to attain the peace and harmony that you desire if you must.”

“I—,” Solaris said as he took a step back, looking away with an uneasy look on his face. “I do not want to be the lord of all lands. I do not force others to follow me! That is outrageous.”

Luna gently placed her hoof under her brother’s chin, turning his head back to her. “Yes,” she said softly, “yes, you do.”

Solaris jerked away.

“Brother…”

“I do not!” Solaris shouted as he started to pant.

Luna shook her head again. “Brother, really?

“I have had enough of this,” Solaris stated as he turned away.

“Very well,” Luna replied, “Lord Solaris.”

Solaris turned his head, giving a hard look at his sister. “What are you getting at?”

Luna sat there, staring back. “I never really did like that title. Lord… such a… commanding, authoritative title. Lord Luna… just does not sound right. Too harsh, strict sounding.”

Solaris squinted his eyes.

“I don’t see why we should not be called ‘Prince’ and ‘Princess’. We were called that long ago.”

“I have told you, sister,” Solaris said, “we have to differentiate ourselves from—”

“From the rest of the nobility. To show that we are the rulers of this nation,” Luna finished. “But not just for our ponies, but for everyone else, isn’t it?”

“But I am not…” Solaris said, his voice low. “I am not a tyrant. I am not cruel.”

Luna wrapped her forehooves around her brother. “No, no, no. Brother, I never said you were,” she said as looked up at him.

Solaris looked down, his shoulders slumping.

“You are exactly like father. You know that,” Luna continued. “I saw it when we were foals. I see it now. Father was strong, kind, and loving. However, he was very prideful and made it clear that he was the father, and we were the children. That’s you. You will guide our ponies and our nations. You will protect them, care for them, and try to make the best life for everyone.

“But you want to make it clear who is the father, who is the head of the household. You want to be on top. I see it in how you act, how you display your commanding presence.”

Solaris relaxed, sitting next to his sister.

“But,” Luna said, her voice low. “You can become so blinded by the ends that you pay no mind to the means. When our enemies attack us or our ponies, you tend to lose sight of what is important. Your priority no longer is just to protect but to enact justice and vengeance. When that happens, you do it with such ferocity that even I become scared.”

“Luna, I would never harm you or our subjects.”

“It is not just them,” she squeezed him a little closer. “Our enemies are people too. Look at the changelings. What they did was undisputably wrong, but if what Honeycomb said was true, and they were that desperate for food, then how should we see them? Everything is not as black and white as you always make it out to be.”

“But sister—”

“I once heard a most interesting analogy once,” Luna interrupted. “I find it very fitting. One of these days, brother, you'll wake up with a donut on your horn, and you'll go around the whole day with it because everypony is too afraid to speak up to you about it.”

“What is this about?”

“Brother, do you think our ponies should fear us?”

“Of course not. They have nothing to fear,” Solaris quickly answered.

“Except for becoming our enemies.”

“But that will never happen.”

“You don’t understand, brother,” Luna said as she again looked up to her brother, her wings wrapping around him. “We are already distant from our subjects to begin with. That is the nature of our positions. But when you punish our enemies with no mercy, our subjects become afraid of becoming your enemy. Honeycomb is your donut, brother. You need to do something about her before she gets seriously sick. They will do whatever it takes to not be on your ‘bad’ side, so to speak.”

Solaris slouched forward in Luna’s embrace, a saddened look on his face.

“It has happened before. Remember your wife after the Griffon Invasion?”

Solaris turned his head away from Luna.

“Do you know how I became aware of Honeycomb’s condition? Crimson ran into Honeycomb after you told her to take the day off. He noticed her condition, and it concerned him greatly. He wanted to tell you, but when he went to knock on your door, he got scared. He could not muster up the courage, so he came to me instead. He is afraid of you.”

“But he is my friend. Why would he be scared of me?”

“You intimidate him. You intimidate a lot of ponies. We are physically intimidating to some degree. You keeping Honeycomb here is not helping.”

“But I showed her mercy.”

“But you need to show more mercy, brother.”

A silence filled the room.

Solaris leaned further into his sister's loving embrace, nuzzling her. "Am I a monster, Luna?"

Luna remained in reverent thought for a long time. "We all have monsters in us, brother." She looked down. "You and I most of all. 'Tis how we battle these beasts that shows us for what we truly are.

“We each let them out once. You as a foal, where father had to stop you and I so many years ago, where you had to stop me. There are monsters inside you and I. But it is our job to make sure they are never freed because if they were, then everyone would fear us and grovel at our hooves.

“We cannot let that happen because we are lonely. We want to guide our ponies, and we desperately want to be loved in return. It is selfish desire of ours, but it is what we want."

Solaris sighed. "What do I do, Luna?"

"Well, you could always let Honeycomb go…"

"I can't do that. It would not be fair.”

“Ah, just like father, clinging to your ideals,” Luna stated with a smirk.

“Luna…”

"It is simple."

Solaris looked down into Luna's soft eyes.

"Show her that Lord Solaris is no monster."

“And how would I do that?”

“Well…” Luna said as she bit her lip. “Hmmm, good question. Well, you told me that she has problems adjusting to her disguise. If she has problems with something as simple easy as eating, what about flight?”

“What do you mean?”

“Our wings and changeling wings are different. Do we even know if she is able to fly with a different set of wings?”

“What do you want me to do?”

Luna blinked. “Really?”

“What?”

“Teach her then. Teach her to be a pony, so she can at least function in our world. You had pegasi foals before, so I know you can teach her to fly.”

Solaris pulled himself out of his sister’s grasp.

“What is it, brother?” Luna asked as she folded her wings.

“I can’t,” Solaris admitted.

“What?” Luna said, a little louder than she would have liked. “And why is that?”

“Because I don’t like her, Luna. I don’t hate her, but that does not mean I like her.”

“But brother—”

“But what?” Solaris asked as he shook his head slightly. “You don’t expect me to fraternize with the enemy, do you?”

“There you go again, brother,” Luna said with a loud sigh. “Clinging to your ideals. You of all ponies should know that creatures are not divided into ‘good’ and ‘evil,’ ‘friend’ and ‘enemy.’ Can you not see her as an enemy, but rather, a child that made a mistake?

“Yes, I know your pride was hurt when you had to fake your defeat. I get it, brother. I truly do. Your authority was challenged, and it bothers you. But it will get better. It will take time, but it will get better. But that does not mean you have to take it out on Honeycomb. Is it that hard to see her as a child first?”

“But Luna!”

“Were we not once enemies?” Luna cried out as she placed a hoof on her chest. “Do you see me as an enemy or your sister?”

“What? No!” Solaris exclaimed as he took a step towards his sister. “Of course I see you as my sister. I would never see you as my enemy. Not in the past, not now, not ever.”

“If you can forgive me for my wrongdoings, brother, then you can see Honeycomb for what she truly is.”

“But sister—”

“Enough, brother,” Luna said as she looked up at her brother, her face stern. “I will make this very easy for you. Either you take care of her, or I will take her in my charge.”

“Luna…”

“And you know exactly what will happen if she is under my care. I am going to let her go.”

“Sister!”

“What will it be, brother?” Luna asked, her teal eyes staring at him.

Solaris sighed as he hung his head. After a minute, he finally said, “Ok, sister, I’ll do it.”

“Good,” Luna replied as she quickly embraced her brother again.

“Then what will I do with her?” Solaris asked softly as he leaned into the embrace again.

“We can give her a small task here and there,” Luna answered. “Nothing serious nor strenuous. Just something to keep her busy.”

“I guess I can find something.”

“Why not take her to your court? Have her announce who is coming rather than yourself. At least it will give her something to do and allow her to see you help others.”

“But what about important things that she should not hear?”

“We can set those up behind close doors. We always get a warning ahead if it is something that dire.”

“Maybe.” Solaris sighed. “But as you said, I have to make sure she can fly at the very least.”

“And one more thing”

“More?”

“Brother,” Luna replied, her voice cold and grave. “Under no circumstance will you use father’s method of teaching somepony to fly.”

“What?” Solaris asked in surprise, his eyes widening. “Why not?”

“Why not? Why not?” Luna gasped as she pushed away from her brother. “Throwing some poor soul off a tower and telling them to start flapping is never a good idea. It is so stupid that I can not think of anything else to say about it.”

“But it works!”

“Brother! I just spent the last couple of minutes telling you the end does not justify the means!”

“But father never taught you that way—”

“Thank the Sun and the Moon that mother yelled at father after she learned of his stunt.”

“But we always catch them—”

“That’s beside the point! Don’t you remember your first pegasus foal? Poor Skyhoof was crying in his mother’s hooves for hours after you ‘taught’ him that way!”

“He was one of the best flyers Equestria ever had!”

“And you think pushing him off a tower when he was not ready was the reason?”

“Sister—”

“Don’t ‘sister’ me!” Luna exclaimed as she threw her hooves into the air. Suddenly, she froze, a small grin forming on her face. “If I recall,” she continued in a low voice, “a certain brother of mine was also wailing in his mother’s lap. Sobbing about how scared he was…”

Solaris inhaled sharply, a faint tinge of red forming on his face.

"So, do you think Honeycomb will fare better than you?"

Solaris sighed in defeat. “Fine, sister, I concede.”

“Good,” Luna replied as she leaned forward, resting against her brother.

Solaris wrapped a wing around her.

“It is like I have to tell you everything. How ever did you survive without me?” Luna asked.

“I have no idea,” Solaris replied. “To this day, I still wonder that.”

“Well, Equestria still stands, so I guess you must be doing something right.”

The two sat there, enjoying each other’s company and watching the moon drift lazily across the sky through the balcony window.

“Luna.”

“Yes?”

“You have changed so much since your return. It surprised me. I am curious to why though.”

Luna smiled in return. “I was wondering when you were going to ask me that.”

“You were?”

“Indeed.”

“So, may I ask why?”

“It is simple really. I just found out who I was.”

“What do you mean?”

Luna chuckled. “Since we are having such an intense discussion, I will answer your question with another. Do I remind you of anypony right now?”

Solaris exhaled lazily, his nostrils flaring. “To be perfectly honest, you remind me of mother more and more.”

“Well, there is your answer.”

“What do you mean?”

This time it was Luna’s turn to sigh. “For the longest time, brother, I never knew who I really was. When we were young and took power, I never figured out what I really want. And then when ponies started to fear the night, I tried acting like you and father to command their respect.”

“Luna.”

“And we know that did not work. So when I came back, I tried that again in Ponyville and that failed. I never knew what I really wanted to be, and I can’t be you or father. It is not me. So I tried acting like the only other pony I knew, and do you know what?”

“What?”

“I like it. I really do like it. I can’t act like you or father. If I did, I will never escape your shadow.”

“Luna,” Solaris said softly.

“So I will be like mother and shine in my own light. I think it is fitting.”

“What is?”

“You like father, and I like mother. Just like them, we are opposites.”

“Opposites?”

“Aye,” Luna said with a smile, “like day and night.”

Author's Note

Thanks to amactia, theRedBrony and Kevinltk for editing and basically saving me with the last scene.

Also, thanks Evehly for not only pre-reading, but making a picture of what Solaris looks like. You can find it here if interested.

9: First Lesson

Honeycomb let out a small moan as she rolled in her sheets. A soft ringing was annoying her ears. Her bed felt wonderful. She hated to admit it, but it was much better than anything she had back at home. Honeycomb rolled over again, covering her head with her sheets. She already slept for an entire day but wanted to go back to sleep.

Her face scrunched, the ringing in her ears getting louder. She groaned as she covered her head with her pillow.

Go away, she thought.

The ringing continued, getting louder. Honeycomb slowly opened an eye. She was able to ignore the ringing for a while, but now it was getting too bothersome.

Her bleary eye focused on the clock on her nightstand.

8:29 AM

Honeycomb blinked slowly as she hit the clock with her hoof, sighing in content as silence filled her room. She turned back over, her eyes closing.

A soft ticking sound from the clock filled the room.

Honeycomb’s eyes shot open as she sat up on her bed. She grabbed her clock with her hooves, her blue eyes staring at it.

8:30 AM

Honeycomb’s hooves started to quake, the clock slipping out of her hooves as she began to hyperventilate.

Oh no, she thought.

“Oh no!” Honeycomb cried out as she jumped out of her bed. As soon as her hooves touched the ground, she bolted out the door, slamming it behind her with a kick.

Why, why, why? she mentally screamed at herself. Why didn’t I wake up? No, no, no!

Honeycomb’s hooves pounded the ground as she ran through different hallways.

I just made a mistake, and now I make another?

She skidded as she took a sharp turn.

I had a chance to make things better, and I just threw it away.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she ran up a set of stairs.

Up this set of stairs and turn right. It should take me ten minutes to get there sprinting. Maybe if I sit outside, I can say that I was there the whole time. I mean he didn’t really leave his room the times I was there. That, and he barely noticed me anyway. Yeah, that should work.

Honeycomb made it to the top of the stairs, taking a sharp turn to her right.

Everything is going to be ok—

Honeycomb tumbled backwards as she ran into something. Her head jerked backwards as she fell to the ground. Instantly, she curled up and clutched her muzzle.

“Ow,” she weakly whimpered through her hooves, “that really hurt.”

Slowly, the sharp pain in her muzzle was replaced by a dull ache. She sniffed loudly as she inspected her hoof, making sure she was not bleeding.

Honeycomb shook her head as she slowly stood up. “Sorry, I didn’t see you there.” She froze when she saw a set of white hooves.

Her heart sank as she looked up. There in front of her stood the ruler of Equestria.

Solaris looked down at her, his face expressionless.

Honeycomb fell to her haunches, her eyes wide in fear. Why him?

“You’re late,” Solars stated flatly.

“I… I… I,” Honeycomb stammered.

“Why?”

“I… I slept in,” she weakly replied.

Solaris raised an eyebrow, his crimson eyes staring down at the changeling.

“You slept in?” Solaris asked, his voice cold.

“Y-yes,” Honeycomb replied.

Solaris squinted his eyes, his ear flicking ever so slightly.

“I’m sorry!” Honeycomb blurted out as she began to hyperventilate. Again, she felt tears starting to well up in her eyes. “P-please, I know I messed up again… b-but it won’t happen again!”

Solaris’ face still remain unchanged. “Didn’t you say that last time?”

Honeycomb’s pupils shrunk. “B-but,” she said with a choked sob. She gulped, tears beginning to run down her cheek. “Mercy—”

“Stop,” Solaris commanded, his voice stern.

Honeycomb straightened her back, gulping again as she tried to hold back her tears.

“Just stop.” Solaris sighed as he lifted a hoof to his temple. “That… that came out wrong, but just stop. You’re not in trouble, so stop. No crying, no begging, alright? You’re fine, just relax.”

“But—”

“Honeycomb,” Solaris said sternly, his eyes staring into hers. “Look at me, you are not in trouble. Stop worrying. Understood?”

Honeycomb nodded as she sniffed loudly, quickly wiping her face off with a hoof.

“By the way, how is your hoof?”

“My hoof?” Honeycomb replied as she looked at her bandaged hoof. “It feels fine…”

“Good,” Solaris replied. “If it starts bothering you, tell me.”

Honeycomb nodded as she stood back on all four hooves. “So… I’m not in trouble?”

“No,” Solaris replied, “but with that said, do not let this become habitual. I am not that patient. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir,” Honeycomb said weakly, looking back down.

Solaris, however, did not respond. The two stood there, an awkward silence forming between the two.

Finally, Honeycomb lifted her head. “What are we going to do today—”

Solaris raised an eyebrow again at the sound of a loud gurgle. However, Honeycomb’s face turned red as she clutched her stomach.

“I take it you didn’t eat breakfast.”

Honeycomb shook her head.

“When was the last time you ate?”

“When I last saw you… sir.”

Solaris exhaled loudly, brushing his hoof through his mane.

Honeycomb looked up. “Is… is something wrong?”

Solaris closed his eyes, placing a hoof between them and rubbing his forehead. “No,” he said flatly. “Nothing is wrong.”

“Are you sure?” Honeycomb asked. She instantly regretted her question when Solaris glared at her. She lowered her eyes, looking at the ground.

Again, another silence hung between the two.

“Follow me,” Solaris commanded as he began to walk down the set of stairs.

“Yes, Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb replied as she instantly stood up, following him.

Solaris walked through the various hallways of his castle. He listened to his own hoof hitting the tile floor beneath him.

What a great way to start the day, Solaris thought as he let out a sigh, his nostrils flaring slightly. His ears flicked as he heard another set of hoofbeats behind him. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Honeycomb practically jogging to keep up with him. Again, he let out a small sigh as he slowed down his stride.

While it took longer than he liked, he finally made it to his destination, the Palace Dining Hall. What was once a formal dining hall, Solaris converted it to a palace cafeteria centuries ago. He was happy that ponies could actually use it now.

Solaris stood at the doorway, his eyes scanning the dining hall. The room itself was packed with both the Day Guard and the palace staff starting their shifts while the Night Guard and graveyard shift staff workers were finishing theirs. He stood there for a few seconds, just watching his subjects eat and enjoy each other’s company.

“Lord Solaris!” a pony shouted with the clatter of plates.

There was a shuffle of hooves as everypony in the room rushed out of their seats. In unison, all of the guards saluted, placing their right forehoof on their chest, while the rest of the staff bowed. Solaris walked forward, his hoofbeats echoing through the large, silent hall. His lips curled up ever so slightly as he gazed across the room.

“At ease, my ponies,” he said after a few seconds. He stood there, his eyes still scanning the room.

“My lord,” a voice called by his side.

Solaris turned his head, seeing a large unicorn saluting next to him.

“Sergeant Iron Shield reporting, my lord,” the unicorn said, puffing his chest out.

“Yes?”

“Do you need assistance with anything, Lord Solaris?

“Actually,” Solaris said as he looked back out across the room, “I do. I need a table.”

“Right away, sir,” he said with a salute. He brought his hoof to his muzzle, letting out a whistle as he looked at a group of three guards. “Steel Wing, Nightshade, Safe Guard,” he called out with a tilt of his head.

Solaris watched as two of his guard and one of his sister’s Night Guard cleared a table. He looked back down at Iron Shield. “Thank you, Iron Shield.” A smile formed on his muzzle as he watched the guard’s face light up, puffing his chest out more. He looked back down at the Honeycomb. “Come.”

The alicorn made his way to the now cleared table. It was nothing more than a simple table with seats fixed to it. He silently worked his jaw as he stared at it. There was a problem for him. He was simply too big to use the seats. Shrugging, he moved to the end of the table where there were no seats and simply sat on the ground instead.

“Sit, Honeycomb.”

“Yes, Lord Solaris,” the changeling replied as she sat down on a seat. She looked around, hunching slightly. “So why are we here, sir?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

Honeycomb shook her head in response. “No, sir.”

“Honeycomb, you need to eat. You are already malnourished to begin with, and I don’t need you passing out.”

“Yes, Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb replied as she started to get out of her seat.

“Honeycomb, just stay here.”

“But,” Honeycomb replied as she looked over at the display of food near the front, “how am I going to get food?”

“Just sit.”

“Um, okay, Lord Solaris.”

Solaris looked down, seeing a yellow earth pony mare wearing a white uniform bowing near him. “Rye Bread.”

“My Lord,” the mare replied as she stood up. She gulped as she tugged her collar. “I am… I am surprised to see you here, not that it is a bad thing of course! I hope your meal earlier was up to your standards. A thousand apologies if—”

“Rye,” Solaris replied with a smile, “everything is fine. Your meal earlier was wonderful as usual, so please, relax.”

“Oh,” the mare replied, taking a sigh of relief. “May I ask why you are here, my Lord?”

“Why yes, my assistant here has not had her breakfast. I am here to escort her.”

“Oh,” Rye Bread replied. She looked at the disguised changeling sitting nearby. Her eyes widened. “Oh…”

Solaris bent down, moving his head near the cook. “As you can see,” he whispered, “she is underweight. I am currently monitoring her health.”

“I see,” Rye said with a slight bow. She looked over at Honeycomb, a sad face forming while her ears flattened slightly.

Honeycomb hid under her mane, looking back at Rye.

“Do you have anything particular in mind, my lord?” Rye whispered back.

“Something soft and easy on the stomach.”

“And for you?”

“Coffee. You know how I like it.”

“Of course, my Lord,” she replied with a bow. She looked back over at Honeycomb, offering a gentle smile before walking off.

Sitting back up, Solaris looked back down at Honeycomb. “Your food will be here shortly.”

Honeycomb nodded, keeping her head down.

Solaris sighed as he straightened out his neck. He could feel all the eyes in the room staring in his direction. It was much quieter now than it was before. His ear flicked as yet another awkward silence formed between himself and the changeling.

“So,” Solaris finally said, “are you feeling better than before?”

“Yes, sir,” Honeycomb replied quietly.

“Were you able to sleep well?”

“Yes, sir. I slept all day yesterday.”

“That’s good.”

Honeycomb looked around, her ears flattening. She looked back at Solaris, her eyes not making contact with his own. “Lord Solaris, may I ask a question?”

Solaris blinked, surprised by Honeycomb’s question. For a second, he wondered if he should let her, but decided there was no harm. Besides, if he didn’t, he would be hearing it from Luna.

“You may,” he said, looking down at the changeling with curiosity.

“Are we going back to your office after this?” she asked quietly, again keeping her head down.

“No, we are not,” he replied. Solaris watched as Honeycomb perked up slightly, sitting up straight and looking attentively at him. He couldn’t blame her at this point. He didn’t want to sit there all day doing paper work.

“Then what are we doing?” Honeycomb blurted out.

Solaris raised an eyebrow.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to speak out of turn, Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb muttered, her body sinking a bit into the seat.

“I don’t want to talk about it right now. Not in public,” Solaris replied. His ear flicked as he heard a shuffle of hooves next to him.

“My Lord,” Rye said with a bow, a tray of food on her back.

“Rye,” Solaris answered with a nod. He watched as the mare placed a tray, carrying a large bowl of oatmeal with apples, a side of bread, and a glass of orange juice, in front of Honeycomb.

“And for you, my Lord,” she said as she held out a large coffee in front of him.

“Thank you,” he replied as he grabbed it with his hoof. “That will be all.”

“Of course, my lord,” she answered with a small bow before walking away.

He took a sip, looking at the changeling. “Eat, we have much to do today.”

“Yes, sir,” Honeycomb replied as she picked up her spoon.

Solaris sat there, staring down into his drink. How do I this? he thought as he took another sip. How do I teach someone to fly again, let alone a changeling? I am centuries out of practice with this.

Will it be harder to reteach her to fly? She learned to fly as a changeling but not as a pegasus. Perhaps I will get lucky, and she already knows how to fly as a pegasus. That would be nice.

He looked back at Honeycomb who was quickly eating her food. His ears flattened slightly at the sight. I can’t remember what it was like to be that hungry. I don’t think I've ever been that hungry.

Honeycomb grabbed her glass with two hooves, quickly downing it.

What am I supposed to do? I did not expect things to turn out like this. Why couldn’t she be more stronger, resilient, and able to withstand this? Someone that has been trained. She could have been defiant for all I cared as long as she did her job. But this? What do I do with this changeling who is struggling in her disguise, who cries and begs if I simply look at her wrong?

He watched Honeycomb finish her drink.

I am taking care of a child is what I am doing. But she is not mine. She is not my foal, she is not my student, but she is some changeling that wanted to play soldier. What do I do? I can’t just let her go. It’s not right. It would not be fair to my subjects.

Solaris leaned back slightly, closing his eyes. He reminisced all those times he spent with his children all those years ago. He remembered teaching them, watching them grow, and watching them make their own families just as he did. A small smile formed on his muzzle. He remembered all of them, his proud sons and daughters.

But then his smile faded as he remembered what happened afterwards. His own sister was gone because of him, his children grew apart from him, and he was alone. No comfort, no warmth, no companionship. No matter how bright he made the sun, he always felt he was in the dark.

That all changed almost a decade ago when a little Twilight Sparkle came into his life. Again, his lips curled back up in a smile. That small, eager, purple filly who was always by his side, always wanting to learn, and always wanting to impress him.

But you already have, my faithful student. You brought my sister back and saved this country. You have done more than I could have ever imagined. You could never let me down.

He just sat there, letting the memories of the past come back to him. The sounds of the room slowly became more and more quiet.

Solaris twitched slightly, his eyes opening. He blinked, shaking his head. Did I just fall asleep? His eyes drifted down at Honeycomb, widening ever so slightly. There she sat, staring at her unfinished bowl of oatmeal while the bread laid to the side untouched.

“Finished, Honeycomb?” Solaris asked as he stretched his neck.

“No, Lord Solaris,” the changeling replied, staring at her food.

“Are you full?”

Honeycomb nodded in response.

“Alright then, lets go,” Solaris said as he got up.

“I can’t,” Honeycomb replied, still staring at her food.

“What?” Solaris asked as he stopped.

“I can’t leave. I have to finish.”

Solaris squinted his eyes slightly. He closed his eyes and let out a sigh. “Why?

Honeycomb looked up and blinked. “What do you mean, why?”

Solaris raised an eyebrow, staring at the young Honeycomb.

“But,” Honeycomb said as she looked around nervously. Her voice dropped. “I can’t waste food, right?”

It was Solaris’ turn to blink. He was not expecting that answer. “What do you mean?”

“I can’t waste food, right? We can’t let anything go to waste.”

“Honeycomb,” Solaris said as he sat back down. “It’s fine. We have enough food.”

“But, Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb blurted out. “What if something happens?”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know,” Honeycomb answered quietly. “There could be a shortage or drought or crop failure or there is not enough food next season or—”

“Honeycomb,” Solaris interrupted.

Honeycomb froze.

“Honeycomb,” Solaris repeated with a softer tone. “It’s alright. We have more than enough food. Much more than you think.”

“But—”

“It’s fine.”

“Still…”

“Come on, Honeycomb. It’s fine, really.”

Honeycomb worked her jaw.

“C’mon, lets go.”

“No.”

Solaris’ ears flicked up, his eyes squinting as he looked at Honeycomb. “What?”

“I can’t. I just can’t,” Honeycomb exclaimed as she rubbed her leg with a hoof. “This is one of the things I was taught to never do. I just can’t throw it away, not me.” She gulped, her pleading eyes looking up at Solaris. “Please, Lord Solaris, can I just take it with me? I can finish it later.”

Solaris sighed as rubbed his hoof through his mane. “Honeycomb, it is fine.”

“But I am just not comfortable with this, Lord Solaris.”

Solaris worked his jaw for a moment. “Alright,” he said as he grabbed the tray away from Honeycomb. With a few large bites, he finished the remainder of her meal. “There, better?” he asked as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.

Honeycomb looked up at him, her eyes wide. She nodded her head silently.

“Then let’s go,” Solaris said as she stood up.

Honeycomb panted slightly as she trotted behind Solaris. Although she didn’t have to jog, she had to walk faster than what she was used to in order to keep pace with the longer stride of the alicorn. She stopped as she stood in front of a pair of large oak doors flanked by two guards. Her head tilted slightly as she looked at it. She never saw this door before.

“Lord Solaris!” both guard exclaimed with a salute.

“At ease, my ponies,” Solaris replied as he looked at both of them. “Make sure nopony disturbs us.”

“Yes, my lord,” both guards replied as they opened the doors.

“Come, Honeycomb,” Solaris said as he walked forward.

Honeycomb followed, walking past the doors. She squinted her eyes as she felt the sunlight hit her. She remembered the last the time she had been outside was the day she was captured. It took a few seconds, but her eyes adjusted. A sigh escaped her lips as she closed her eyes. It felt nice to feel the sun once again. Honeycomb jerked her head back when she heard the heavy oaken doors close behind her. She turned her head back, finally taking a look at her surroundings.

It was a small opening that was walled off by tall castle walls. It appeared to be a small garden with a fountain in the middle. She quickly focused her attention as she saw Solaris walk near the base of the fountain, sitting down. He turned and looked back at her.

“Take a seat, Honeycomb,” Solaris said.

Honeycomb nodded as she sat down, keeping her distance away from the alicorn.

“I have a feeling you’re wondering why we are here.”

The changeling nodded in response, making sure not to make eye contact.

“You told me you had problems eating earlier.”

Again, Honeycomb nodded.

“And it seems the problem stems from the fact that you are not used to wearing your disguise.”

“Yes, Lord Solaris.”

“I didn’t think that you would have a problem changing forms like that. I assumed that changelings can change forms easily and stick with them.”

If I was trained like our infiltrators or my Queen, I could, Honeycomb thought as she shook her head in response.

“Have you flown since you were here?”

“No, Lord Solaris, I was told flying is prohibited inside the palace.”

“That it is,” Solaris replied. “But have you flown outside on your own?”

“No, Lord Solaris.”

“That is why we are here in my private garden today. I want to make sure that you can fly. This area is off limits, so nopony should disturb or see us.”

“Oh…”

“Go ahead,” Solaris said with a slight nod of his head. “Try.”

“Alright,” Honeycomb replied. She closed her eyes, focusing. Her face scrunched in concentration as she tried to extend them. Unlike her wings when she was a changeling, the wings in her current state required much more dexterity and control than what she was used to. She gave a small grunt, her wings twitching as she finally extended them.

“Is something wrong?” Solaris asked.

Honeycomb turned and looked at her wings. It was the first time she really took the time to examine them. Her eyes widened as she studied them, watching the feathers slightly move with a slight breeze. They were so alien to her, her normal translucent wings now replaced with feathers.

‘Well?” Solaris asked again.

Honeycomb blinked as she looked back at Solaris. “I… I am not used to them. They are kinda hard to move.”

She wilted slightly as she watched Solars heave a large sigh, running a hoof through his mane. She watched as the alicorn turned his head and looked up at the ramparts surrounding them. The changeling blinked, trying to read his face. “Is something wrong?” she asked, making sure to keep her head low.

“No,” Solaris replied as he looked back at her. “Just remembering things from the past.”

“Oh.”

“So, let’s get started.”

Honeycomb nodded as she gave a test flap of her wings. She actually felt confident standing on all fours. Focusing, she began to rapidly beat her wings, just as she was used to. She gulped when she felt her hooves not leaving the ground. By now, she should have been flying. Her face scrunched in frustration as she tried to beat her wings even faster.

A gasp escaped her lips as she flopped to the ground, panting. She wiped the sweat off her face, her wings twitching. “I…” she muttered. “I can’t fly. Why can’t I?”

“Hmm,” Solaris replied as he got up. “I see the problem.”

Honeycomb sniffed as she looked up.

“It’s alright,” he replied as he walked forward. “The problem is you're trying to fly like a changeling when you need to fly like a pegasus.”

“What?”

“I noticed this during the wedding,” he replied. “It seems changelings beat their wings rapidly, much like an insect. You need to fly like a bird or pegasus.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You’re beating your wings too fast. You need to slow down and put more force into each wing beat.”

Honeycomb looked at her wings then up at Solaris. “How would I do that?”

“Like I said, put more effort into each beat rather than beating your wings as quickly as possible.”

“Can you show me?”

Solaris stopped, standing in front of Honeycomb.

The changeling lifted her head as she watched the larger alicorn. She tilted her head, taking a chance and stared at his face. His eyes were distant and his head hung there. He looked… confused.

“Alright,” he said quietly as he lifted his head up, puffing out his chest slightly.

“What,” Honeycomb asked, “really?”

“Indeed,” Solaris replied as he unfurled his wings.

Honeycomb’s eyes widened as Solaris stood in front of her with his glorious wings unfurled. Unlike before when he seemed only to exude anger and contempt with her, suddenly Solaris wore a much gentler expression. She couldn’t read him, but the rough edges Honeycomb was getting used to were nowhere to be seen. No longer fearing for her life and for once looking up to Solaris for guidance, Honeycomb couldn’t help but admire his regal form and stature. In that moment, she understood why these ponies celebrated him as their leader. He embodied the image of strength that they all relied on.

“Let’s start with the basics.”

Meanwhile, in a watch tower above, Luna watched the scene unfold below from a window.

“Your Highness.”

Luna turned her head, seeing a seasoned grey unicorn guard at the stairwell. “Lieutenant Star Light,” she replied with a smile.

The veteran guard gave a bow. “Are you ready to be escorted to your room, or would you like more time, my lady?”

“I think I am about ready. Thank you for asking.”

“Of course.”

The guard waited, keeping a respectful distance from his princess as to not invade her privacy. He stood there, looking at her back.

“May I ask a question, your Highness?” he suddenly asked.

“Of course you may, my little pony. What is on your mind?”

“Thank you,” he replied with a nod of his head. “I am curious to what you are doing.”

“Me?” Luna replied with a chuckle. She looked down at her brother, watching as Solaris pointed at his wing then at the young changeling’s. Solaris gave a flap of his wings, hovering in the air. “Just watching the sights. Times have changed.”

“Indeed they have, my Lady. Sorry to disturb you.”

“No, no,” Luna replied as she looked back at her guard. “As I said, I was about to finish anyways. But since you asked a question, may I ask you a question, Star Light?”

“Of course you may, my Lady,” he said as he straightened up.

“You have been a guard for a while, is that correct?”

“Twenty years of service and planning to add many more to that.”

“And Equestria and I thank you for your service,” Luna replied. She gave a small smile as she watched the guard puff out his chest ever so slightly at the compliment. “Do you think my brother is a good teacher?”

The guard blinked in confusion. “Um, you mean Lord Solaris?”

“Of course.”

“May I ask why?”

“Just curious is all. You've been here for a while, but I have not.”

The guard’s eyes widened. “I do not mean any offence—”

“Shh, it’s alright. I know you don’t. I am just curious. I have been gone for a long time, so I just wondered is all.”

“Well,” he replied, relaxing. “I’ve never been taught by him, but I did watch him mentor Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadence, just as the rest of older guard. Judging by their accomplishments, I would say the results speak for themselves.”

Luna turned her head back down towards her brother and Honeycomb. A smile formed as she watched Honeycomb hover over the ground for a while before landing back down on her hooves. Luna’s smile grew a little larger as she watched the young changeling give a small jump of excitement.

She turned her back towards Star Light. “Indeed, come now, let us go.”

“Of course, your Highness.”

Honeycomb exhaled, flopping face down onto her bed. A groan escaped her muzzle as she stretched her limbs and her wings. She lifted her head, watching as she furled and unfurled her wings. A smile formed on her lips, happy that she had much greater control over them. It took her most of the day, but she had finally managed to fly. She got most of the basics down, but she didn’t think she was going to try anything drastic yet. Solaris did tell her that he would continue to help her. She groaned as she lifted herself up, grabbing her diary with her hoof, opening it to her latest entry. Honeycomb blinked.

“I haven’t wrote anything since I started?” she muttered to herself as she grabbed a pencil. “Well, probably should write something.”

She chewed on her pencil. “What do I write?”

356 Days left…

Well, it’s been a strange week to say the least. I am here, in Equestria, working for them after I invaded them. But I had to, right? I’ve been scared, but things seem to be getting better. I mean, their leader is teaching me to fly as a pony. He is not even a bad teacher, honestly. Actually, he was quite good at it. He showed me how to flap my wings, showed me what feathers are important, and how to take control over these wings.

Still, these wings are way more complicated than a changeling’s. I don’t know how ponies fly with these. What else?

She stared at her diary, recalling all the events that happened. She had been scared to death, she cried and begged for her life, again. Not that proud about that. Then she hurt herself, was healed by the enemy, and was now being taught how to fly.

Honeycomb blinked as she realized something. She had never been angry yet.

I should be angry, right? I mean I am being forced to work for them. But still.

She looked at her room for a moment. In Equestrian standards, it was nice but nothing special. But to her, this was substantially better than what she was ever used to. And then there was all the food. She would never imagine that they would have so much that they can throw away leftovers. The very idea was foreign and alien to her. She already ate her dinner, and made sure that she only grabbed what she could eat. But she was full. Even though she was forced to serve Solaris, she had to admit that Solaris was different than she first imagined. She missed her friends, but in Equestria, she was not hungry nor cold. She looked back down at her diary.

What am I supposed to feel?

Author's Note

Thanks to theRedBrony and Kevinltk for editing.

10: Regret

Luna stared at her food, idly poking it with a fork. She looked up at the empty seat in front of her. Her eyes looked up the clock on the wall. Where is he? The sound of a chair rubbing against the immaculate tile floor filled the room. She let out a snort as she made her way to the door, opening it.

She took a breath to collect herself. “Excuse me, guards.”

The two night guards guarding the door turned around, saluting. “My lady,” they greeted in unison.

“Relax, my little ponies,” Luna replied with a smile.

The two guards nodded as they resumed their guard positions. “Is something wrong, my lady?” one of them asked.

“Actually, yes,” Luna answered. “Have you seen my brother?”

“No, ma’am.”

“I see,” Luna replied. She took a step forward. “Thank you.”

Both guards stepped forward, standing ready at her sides.

Luna smiled in response. “While I do appreciate the gesture, I am fine, thank you.”

“Are you sure, ma’am?” the other guard asked.

“Yes,” Luna replied.

“As you wish, my lady.”

It was a curious thing for Luna to fly at night alone. No matter how many times she did it, for as long as she lived, it was always a pleasant way to relax. She wished she could have done it more, but being a princess took most of her time.

But now was a time when she really felt the need to fly. Walking around the palace to find her sibling with no success was frustrating to say the least. She checked his chambers, the gardens, the library, and even the meeting rooms for officials to see if something went longer than expected. But she could not find him. To make matters worse, none of the ponies she asked had seen him recently as well. Really, how hard was it to spot the largest pony in Equestria that had a mane of fire?

Luna let out a sigh as she did a small aerial flip. As she twisted her head, she spotted something in the corner of her eye. Out in the distance, in the very back of the palace, stood a white figure with a fiery mane and tail. Luna rolled her eyes. “You are truly easy to spot, you know that?” She adjusted her wings, gliding down towards her sibling who was standing in front of two statues.

Her hooves made a small ‘click’ as she landed. She took a step forward, folding her wings. “Your food is getting cold.”

Solaris didn’t turn, his eyes fixed on the statue to the right.

Following her brother’s gaze, Luna turned her head to give the statue a better look. She let out a sharp, quick gasp. The statue hooked into something faint and familiar from deep within her, as if a thousands years of suppressed worries were suddenly wretched into the surface. She instantly recognized the unicorn it was depicting. She was a beautiful mare. Lithe and tall, her presence instantly commanded the attention of every stallion. Said mare did, for the moment Solaris looked upon her, he was awe struck.

Luna took a step forward, seeing the plaque near the base. It confirmed her guess.

Lady Star Shower, Second Consort of Lord Solaris

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother

114 - 174 N.E.E

Let her spirit brighten the future

It was her grave.

Luna turned her head to the statue to left. Again, memories were dredged up as she gazed upon the figure. Wild, determined, and majestic, the statue was of a small, but strong earth mare, strong enough to temper Solaris’ fiery nature.

Lady Hazelnut, Consort of Lord Solaris

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother

16 B.H - 68 N.E.E

Her strength lays the foundation

“What do you want, Luna?” Solaris asked, his voice quiet and distant. [4]

Luna exhaled, composing herself. “I was wondering where you were. You are late for dinner.”

Solaris didn’t move. “I must have lost track of time.”

“Yes, you have.”

“Just go eat without me. I am not in the mood.”

“I do not like eating alone.”

Again, Solaris refused to move.

“Solaris, look at me.”

Solaris ignored her, his gaze never leaving the statues, causing Luna to scrunch her face.

“Solaris, look at me now.”

Solaris sighed before finally turning to face his sister.

Lady Luna, Regent of the Moon, Keeper of Dreams had seen many things in her life. She had faced Discord at his height, banished Sombra from the Crystal Empire, and even saw herself fall from grace, only to be given another chance. But here… here was something that was new to her: her brother looking tired. She gaped as she saw his shoulders were slouched, his ears splayed back, his eyes red, and she could have sworn that the fur under his eyes looked damp.

“B-brother?” Luna asked as she blinked. “What are you doing? What is going on?”

Solaris turned back to face the statues. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

She stepped next to her brother, draping a wing over him. Thoughts raced through Luna’s mind, trying to figure out what to do next. Her brother was the pillar of Equestria, somepony that can be relied upon, a pony that you can depend on. He always knew what to do, even if it was wrong. He followed his path, but now… Never had she seen him look so… lost.

“My beloved brother, what is wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong.”

“Please, there is no point of hiding it.”

“Nothing—”

“Solaris, don’t,” Luna interrupted. “Please, for mine and your sake, do not repeat the mistakes I have made. Do not hide your problems.”

“Luna, I… I”

“Is it Star Shower?”

Solaris deflated even more, his wings sagging.

“I remember,” Luna said as she tightened her embrace on her brother, “you told me that you were having marital problems with her after the Griffon attack so long ago. I knew it worsened your depression afterwards, and I tried to help. But you didn’t want to talk about it. Out of respect for your privacy, I conceded. I assumed it got better afterwards. I talked to Star Shower later, and she assured me that everything was fine.”

Solaris let out a bitter laugh. “Of course she would…”

“Of course she would what? What do you mean?” Luna asked again. She watched as her brother worked his jaw, biting his lower lip. And then there it was: a tear dropping from his eye.

“Solaris, brother, please. Do not let this rot and fester inside you.”

Solaris choked slightly, desperately trying to keep a strong face. “She was terrified…” he said, his voice breaking.

“Of what?”

“Of me.”

“What do you mean?”

“She saw, sister. She saw me.”

“Saw what? What are you talking about?”

Tears were flowing down his cheeks, only to have them wiped away by Luna. “You remember what I did at the Griffonstan nation’s capitol?”

“Yes, yes I do,” Luna replied, her own ears splaying back.

“You know what I looked like during that time. She saw that.”

Luna’s eyes widened in realization. “B-but, I snuck you back in. I made sure no one saw you. I ordered everypony to stay clear.”

More tears came from Solaris. “She must have slipped past. But she must have saw me. Star Shower saw me covered in the blood and ashes of my foes. She did not see her husband return. Instead, she saw a monster.”

Solaris shook his head and looked up at the night sky. “After coming back, she… she changed. Star Shower was always… timid, delicate. After that though, she was terrified of me.”

“How do you know that?”

“She was so… obedient.”

“Obedient? What do you mean?”

“She tried to make sure everything was perfect for me: making sure the cooks made the best food, I got the best drink, and making sure the children behaved. She always agreed with whatever I said and allowed me to do whatever I want.”

Luna’s eyes widened. “You mean…”

Solaris sighed loudly. “I would never force anypony to do anything. I could never do that. But Luna, I enjoyed it. She was always following me and paid attention to my every need. It felt great. I felt so loved.”

“She does, brother. That is why she married you. That is why she stood by your side until the end.”

Solaris winced, a pained look on his face. “One day, we were having an argument. You remember Starlight?”

“Of course I do, I remember all your children.”

“He wanted to join the Guard. I was fine with it, but Star was adamantly against it. Looking back I can see why. The invasion was still fresh in her memory. Anyway, the argument escalated. I should have just backed down, but I didn’t. I can’t remember what I said, Luna, but I said something to really make her upset.”

“So, what happened?”

“She slapped me.”

“You… you must have made her really upset, especially after you told me she tried to indulge you. What did you do?”

“I can never forget what happened. My own wife, the mother of my children, prostrated in front of me. She groveled, begging me for forgiveness, swearing that such a thing will never happen again, and that she would be a good and faithful wife from now on. I will never forget the look on her face.”

He stood up and smashed his hooves into the ground, cracking it. “My own wife, begging for her life when I vowed to never hurt her, to protect her! She was terrified of the same pony that was supposed to let her feel safe!”

Solaris fell back down on his haunches, tears flowing more freely. “L-Luna, my own wife feared me.”

Luna wrapped her hooves around Solaris’ weary body. “Brother…”

“It was never the same after that. I asked if she was okay, if there was anything she wanted. She said everything was fine, but I knew it wasn’t. She never dared to come too close to me, and everytime I tried to touch her, she looked at me as though I were about to strike her. I tried to comfort her. I tried to rekindle what we once had. But it just never felt the same.”

Luna’s ears flattened, tightening her grip slightly.

“I… I offered a divorce, so she didn’t have to be near me. She refused, saying that nothing was wrong. I don’t know if she thought it was some kind of test or something.”

“Then what happened?”

“You already know, Luna. She lived the rest of her life by my side.”

“Brother…”

Solaris sank into Luna’s embrace, trying to hold back his tears. “Did she ever love me?”

Luna sat there, trying to think of what to say. She knew her brother had problems with Star Shower, but to put him in complete doubt…

“Luna, do you remember what you said about Star Shower when you first saw her?”

“I… I don’t think now is the time for this.”

“What did you say about her?”

“I was jesting at the time.”

“Luna.”

Luna sighed, adding her wings to wrap around Solaris. “Fine. I said that she was a mare bred to be your wife. I remember when she first came to our palace and how she caught the eye of everypony, especially you.”

“I know. She came from a lower family in Manehattan.”

“Brother, why bring this up?”

“I think… I think she was pushed to marry me from the beginning.”

“Why would you think that?”

“Think about it, she came from a family nopony knew about. If that family got their daughter to marry me, they would instantly climb the social ladder. What if she never really loved me? What if she was forced to be with me for the rest of her life?

He stomped a hoof into the ground again. “How? How could I let that happen? I watch over this land. I worked to abolish arranged marriages. How could I let a pony suffer like that, to be forced in a loveless marriage? I—”

“Brother,” Luna interrupted softly. “Stop, no more.”

“But—”

“Brother,” Luna repeated as she looked up at him. “Maybe she was pushed into marriage, maybe she wasn’t. You cannot spend all your time thinking about what could or could not have happened.”

Solaris just sat there, his eyes distant.

“I want to believe that she did love you. She carried your children, loved them, took care of them, and she did stay by your side to the very end. I had seen her smile and laugh when she was around you. Even though your marriage might have been far from perfect, do not think she resented being with you. If she really wanted out, if she truly couldn’t be by your side, I don’t see why she wouldn’t take your offer. Star Shower was a stronger pony than she looked.”

“Regardless of what you say, it doesn’t change who I am,” Solaris said quietly. “I am a horrible ruler, father, husband,” Solaris looked back at Luna, pain and guilt etched onto his face, “and as a brother. I failed you all those years ago.”

“No,” Luna quickly replied, glaring at Solaris. “I failed on my own, brother. That was my fault and mine alone. Is that clear?”

“But, sister—”

“No! It was my fault, my burden. Is that clear?”

“Luna—”

“Is that clear?”

Solaris hung his head. “Yes, sister.”

“You ruled for a thousand years, and Equestria is prospering. What could make you think you were a bad ruler?”

The elder alicorn sighed.

“Look at what you have done. Brother, both the dragons and the griffons are our allies. I would never imagine it possible. The griffons are our closest allies, the griffons, Solaris. Do you know how many centuries of bad blood there was between our nations? After all of that, after their last invasion, they stand with us as our most loyal allies. Do you still think you did a bad job as a ruler?”

“It only looks like that because Bucephalus is the current griffon ambassador.”

“And the hundreds of years before that?”

Solaris did not respond.

“What standard are you trying to live up to?”

Solaris looked at Luna. “My standards.”

Luna sighed as she shook her head. “You put such impossible standards for yourself. You think you failed at everything, but you haven’t. You were a great father and a great husband. Just look at your children. I remember how happy you were with them, how happy you were with Hazelnut and Star Shower. I believe that she did care about you, I truly do. Is that why you haven’t taken any others, because you think you failed just that once?”

“I never said that was it…”

Luna’s eyes widened slightly. “What do you mean?”

Solaris worked his jaw, his shoulders tensing. “When I,” he uttered, struggling to say the words, “when I banished you, I was devastated. Not only did I fail to ease your worries and prevent you from falling, I also could not save you and had to resort to using the Elements of Harmony, and all that accomplished was sealing you away for a thousand years.”

Luna placed a hoof on Solaris’ shoulder. “Brother, I already told you it is my burden to bear.”

“I know you did, but it doesn’t excuse what happened afterwards. I was… depressed. I became a recluse and refused to be seen in public. I… I started to drink.”

“Brother, please don’t tell me—”

“I did. I drank to forget.”

“No,” Luna replied softly, “you know I don’t like it when you drink too much.”

“I know, you don’t have to worry about it now.”

“I hope not.”

Solaris lifted his head, looking at the night sky. “I don’t know how long I was in my chambers, I can’t remember. Days, months, years, it was just a blur for me. It must have worried our subjects.”

Luna leaned more on Solaris.

“I remember the palace begged me to come out and meet them. They tried everything, saying that there was good food and drink for me. I conceded, and they led me to the dining room. They threw me a surprise party, something to cheer me up.”

“That sounds nice.”

“It was, but then…”

“Then what?”

Solaris gritted his teeth, his mane becoming more erratic. “They dared…” he hissed, his teeth gleamed as they grew sharp. “They dared to talk about you in a negative light. They wanted to celebrate what happened. The very ponies that shunned you dared to bring it up in front of me.” Solaris crashed his forehooves into the ground, small fissures erupting from the impact.

Luna jumped slightly.

“How dare they mock you, after what they did to you, after what they took from me! It was their fault that you had to undergo through so much suffering!”

Luna’s eyes widened, quickly tightening her embrace. “Solaris, brother, calm thyself.”

Solaris panted slightly, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “I saw red again that day…”

Luna’s heart sank a little bit. “You didn’t lose control, did you?”

“If you’re asking if I hurt anypony physically, no. But that didn’t stop me from shouting at them with all I had. I berated them, I insulted them, I… I cornered them and just screamed at them, venting everything.

“I destroyed the party, broke every piece of furniture and statue I could find. I just had to vent at something.”

“Oh, Solaris…”

“I locked myself in my room again, determined to not leave. I just moved the sun and the moon, that was it. I didn’t want to see our subjects. I was just so angry at them. That one time, Luna, I wanted to lose control, just to unleash everything I had. But I couldn’t. I refused to allow myself to lose control. If I did, then any hope of bringing you back would vanish.

“But it hurt so much. I wanted to leave, Luna, just leave the throne, the palace, the nation. Just leave it all behind. If they didn’t want you, then they shouldn’t have me.”

Luna nuzzled her brother. “So, why did you stay?”

“I made an oath… I just couldn’t ignore it.”

“Well, it was good that you didn’t. I do not think the nation would of lasted if both you and I weren’t there. Think about it, with a small army and no Twilight Sparkle and the new bearers of Elements of Harmony, the nation would be ripe for the taking for any invaders.”

“Maybe…” Solaris sighed. “Anyway, after the so-called celebration, I just resumed mourning in my room. I didn’t want to leave. My guard, my staff, everypony begged me to come back out. I didn’t. I was bitter and miserable. Inconsolable, I suppose. But one day…”

Solaris gently leaned on Luna, nestling his tired head against her neck. “One day, just like all the other horrible, painful days before it, there was a soft knock on my door, just like all the other soft, pleading knocking before it. At that time, I was already ignoring everypony who knocked. They all wanted to help me, console me, but I just couldn’t take it. Every voice I heard was like a dagger in my chest, and I was already on a bed of nails. They just made it that much more painful for me.

“But this pony was different. When she spoke to me, it did not hurt. For the first time in what already felt like an eternity, a tiny ray of sunshine shone in from between the clouds. Curious who the unfamiliar voice belonged to, I had to open the door. I couldn’t help myself.”

Luna nudged him gently.

“She was beautiful, Luna.”

“Ah.” Luna nodded in understanding.

“Her coat shimmered in the sunlight, her silver hair flowed like a river, and her blue eyes were like the summer sky. Luna, her grace and beauty rivaled that of my dear Star Shower. And that’s… hard for me to admit.”

“Star was a stunningly beautiful mare.”

“I know,” he sniffed, “but Windy Gust could have given her a run for her money.”

“Windy Gust, hm?”

“Windy Gust,” Solaris repeated wistfully. “She had a heart of gold, too. She took one look at me and somehow instantly knew exactly what I needed. A simple touch. That’s all it took. One gentle caress of her hoof and her silent understanding. I cried, Luna. I cried so much before that, but I absolutely bawled in her embrace.

“She was so nice to me, Luna. I really needed somepony, and that somepony was Windy. It felt like she understood. Well, maybe she didn’t quite understand what I was going through, but she understood enough to see my pain. And that was what I needed.

“We talked for days. Just talked. I told her how I felt about… you and you-know-what. It felt good to just talk about it, with somepony who would listen. After a while, she got me out of my chambers. We flew together in the gardens that day. A lot of ponies, the castle staff, and my advisors came to me. It felt like they were trying to hoard me. Windy shooed them all off. I didn’t have to say a word to them.

“Eventually, we talked more about her than me, and I began to wonder just how she happened to come across my chamber door in the first place. I think I at first assumed she was just a chambermaid, and I was in no state of mind to question it. However, I found out that she was born to an impoverished family of weathermakers. She was good at it, but it wasn’t a particularly prosperous career back then.

“The question of how we happened to cross paths kept gnawing at my mind. I had to ask her eventually. When I finally did, her trepidation in answering was all the answer I needed. She never actually answered, but I knew what it was. My advisors and guard had found her and tossed her at me in hopes of getting me out of my room. They must have promised her a fortune for her services. Needless to say, I was not happy about this.”

“Oh no, what did you do?”

“Well, she begged me to forgive her. I told her there was nothing to forgive her for. She had helped me, and her feelings and actions were genuine. Windy cared for me, just not that way though. It was my advisors that I was… less than pleased with.”

“What did you do to the ponies responsible?”

“Ultimately? Nothing. I definitely let them have a piece of my mind and more than their fair share of being shouted at, but I understood exactly why they did what they did. They lost one leader, and they were desperate not to lose another. They put their nation first and foremost, and admirable though as it was, it was still at her expense. So I can’t say I didn’t hold a grudge against them.”

“And what became of this Windy Gust?”

“Ah. Windy.” Solaris nodded. “She was under the impression that she had been ‘sold’ to me as a wife. And she was completely prepared to go through with that. Of course, I couldn’t let that stand. I had already banished my own sister, and the last thing I wanted my little ponies to think was that I was a tyrant who would take whatever mare he wanted for a wife.

“No, I gave Windy a big bag of bits worth three times what she was paid and made her promise that she would go and live her life however she saw fit.”

“Did she?”

Solaris nodded. “Yes, she did, just as she promised me she would. I attended her wedding, you know. It was some scrawny little stallion who had tried to court her many moons before I met her. His family was poor as well, and Windy’s family was trying to get her married into money, so they never really had a chance together. When she left me, she left with her head held high. The first thing she did was ask that stallion out on a date.”

A smile appeared on his face at the memory. “I’m glad they did start courting each other. Windy would come and talk to me about him and about life. I could tell they were very much in love.” Solaris sighed. “She didn’t visit me much after they were wed. But that’s to be expected I guess.”

“After that, Luna, I refused to take another pony in marriage. It was just too much for me really. With Star Shower and Windy, it didn’t make me feel right. Many suitors came, but I knew that all they wanted was the status. I couldn’t find one on my own, because what mare would refuse the Lord of Equestria? Besides…”

“Yes?”

Solaris looked beyond the two statues. Behind the two mares stood eleven other statues of various ponies. “I remember my eleven children, and I remember their children, but after that, it gets fuzzy. I try to remember all of my descendants, Luna, but I just can’t.”

Luna lifted her head, finally looking at the rows upon rows of tombstones. She let out a slight gasp as she placed a hoof on her stomach.

“You were right, back then. It hurts, Luna, it really does, to see all your loved ones pass away before you. It just never stops for me now. My line still continues, and I have to watch it all end the same way. I had to build an underground crypt just to accommodate them all. It’s so heavy, Luna. It’s gotten to the point where I think it’s easier to just distance myself from them.”

Luna nuzzled into her brother’s side.

“Do they hate me, Luna, that I still look the same? That I still stand? I failed—”

“Dearest brother…” Luna gently shook her head. “For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve only ever tried to do good. How you can consider yourself a failure at anything when you have accomplished so much is a mystery to me.”

Solaris looked up at Luna. “But—”

Luna placed a hoof over his mouth. “Look at me. I am here now, am I not? We might have our disagreements, but in the end, I will always love you. You are a good brother.” She held him close. “We both make mistakes, you know. You and I have the luxury of having very long lives with which to make very many mistakes, but it also means we can enjoy the good things that come our way.”

Solaris opened his mouth, as though to say something, but remained silent.

Luna merely smiled. “Come, brother. While our food may be cold now, at least we can eat it together.”

Author's Note

4: Before Harmony, the calender era used before New Equestrian Era.

Thanks to theRedBrony and Kevinltk for editing.

Also, thanks to Evehly for pre-reading.

11: Hazelnut

A brown earth mare looked at the sky. The sun was just there, not moving randomly or instantly swapping places with the moon. There was no chocolate milk rain, no soapy roads, and no floating objects. Everything was normal, and that in itself was extremely strange. “What is that bastard Discord planning?” she muttered to herself.

“Hazelnut, Hazelnut!”

The mare turned around, seeing a blue pegasus land near her.

“He’s gone!” the pegasus shouted as she grabbed Hazelnut, a large smile upon her face. “He is gone!”

“What?” Hazelnut replied, squirming. “Stormy, what on Earth are you talking about it?”

Stormy Gale let go, staring into the earth pony’s eyes. “Discord! He is gone!”

“What!” Hazelnut exclaimed. “How is that possible? Not even multiple armies could have stopped him! What force could have stopped him? Was it the dragons?”

“No,” Stormy replied, hugging again. “It was two ponies, a brother and sister, that stopped him.”

“H-how is that possible? How could two ponies stop that sick bastard?”

“You remember those rumors that something was challenging him for the past couple of months? Well, it was them. They were fighting him, and they finally beat him!”

“They were real? I thought it was some crazy story going around.”

“Well, it is real!”

“But, but how can two ponies stop him?”

“That’s the thing, Hazel, they're not ordinary ponies. I heard they are called alicorns.”

“Ali… alicorns? What are those?”

“Apparently, they are all three races combined! Think about it, an earth pony that could use magic and fly! Apparently, they can control the sun and the moon.”

“That is not possible!”

“But it is! The brother’s name is Solaris, and his sister’s name is Luna.”

Hazelnut blinked, dumbfounded. “It’s over?”

“Yes!” Stormy replied as she hugged her friend again. “It is finally over.”

“I can’t believe it,” Hazelnut muttered, a tear rolling down her cheek.

“I know,” Stormy said quietly. Suddenly, her ears perked up as she pushed away from her friend. “I forgot to tell you, they are coming here!”

“What?”

“Solaris and Luna are coming over to the castle. C’mon we gotta hurry, so we can catch them.”

Hazelnut jumped up. “Really?”

“Yes, lets go! I want to see what an alicorn looks like!”

Hazelnut tried to stand higher on hooves. She let out a grunt as she was shoved. The throne room was completely packed. The entire village tried to fit inside for the chance of seeing their saviors. “Stormy, I can barely breathe!”

“I know,” Stormy replied, grunting. “It is so damn crowded in here.”

“They better show up, or I am gonna—”

The doors opened, the room becoming completely silent. There was a soft click as a large pony walked in. She was a mare with a dark coat, a mane full of stars, and the moon as her cutie mark. With her chin held up high, she strutted into the room, exuding pride and confidence.

“Wow,” Stormy said quietly, “she is pretty.”

“Yeah.”

There was another sound, one of loud hoofbeats. A larger pony with a white coat marched in, his blazing mane and tail flowing in the air. His gaze was solid, strength emanating from him.

Just like that, both of them were gone, exiting through another door to meet the representatives from the three tribes of ponies. It took a minute, but finally, everypony in the room came back to their senses, murmuring to one another at what they just saw.

“Wow,” Stormy said, “that was something. Did you look at that stallion?” She turned to Hazel when she did not hear a response. “Hazel?”

Hazelnut was staring at the door that the two alicorns went through, a strand of drool dripping out of her open mouth.

“Hazel!”

Slowly, a smile curled up on the earth mare’s face as she wiped her muzzle with a hoof.

“Hazel?”

“I am going to make him mine.”

“What?”

Hazelnut grabbed her friend face with her hooves.

“Eww, your slobber is still on them.”

“Oh, sorry,” Hazelnut replied as pulled her hooves away.

“You were saying?” Stormy asked as she wiped her face.

Hazelnut gave a toothy grin. “I am going to make that magnificent bastard mine!”

“Skyhoof,” Hazelnut called out, extending out her forehooves. “Come here, come to mommy.”

The large, grey pegasus foal wobbled to his mother.

“There’s a good boy!” Hazelnut exclaimed, wrapping him in a hug. “Look at him, Stormy, he is only two years old yet is so much larger than other colts his age. I wonder where he got it from,” she said with a smirk.

“Yes, I do wonder,” Stormy replied as she rolled her eyes. The blue pegasus turned her attention to the colt, smiling and waving a hoof at him. The colt laughed in response as it clapped his hooves.

“I called you a crazy mare three years ago, yet here you are, consort of Lord Solaris, co-ruler of the newly-made Equestria,” Stormy said.

“I told you I could,” Hazelnut replied with a smirk. “Just had to use the ole’ Hazelnut charm.”

“Well sorry, I didn’t think he would even be interested in finding a mate. I thought he was some ancient being who was beyond such things.”

“Well my friend, I can assure he was very interested in finding a mate,” Hazelnut replied as she waggled her eyebrows. “And need I remind you he was only twenty-one when I met him. I was sixteen. All things considered, it was pretty normal minus the whole alicorn thing. He is just a regular pony at heart. ”

“I know, you already told me.”

“Still,” Hazelnut said as she hugged her foal, “I am surprised I am only two years younger than Luna. Not going to lie, I too thought they were some ancient beings from another time when I first saw him.”

“Yeah. But here you are, some old mare living in a castle.”

Hazelnut rolled in her eyes in response.

“So, how have you been?” Stormy asked.

“Busy,” Hazelnut replied, “it takes a lot of energy to deal with this bundle of energy, but I am happy.”

“Can’t you just get a hoofmaiden?”

“I could, but I don’t want to. Skyhoof is my foal, so I will take care of him.”

“And your husband?”

“Same as usual, busy with his sister rebuilding all the damage Discord caused. But still, I couldn't be happier. I have my foal, I have my stallion that I love, can’t complain really.”

“That’s good.”

Hazelnut sighed, a smile forming on her face, her eyes distant. “I remember it so clearly.”

Stormy groaned, her hoof hitting her face. “Hazel, I don’t need to hear how you met Solaris again.”

“It was a great day,” Hazel continued, her smile even larger. “I was working as the castle gardener, and I just finished setting up the flower bed. But then he came, all alone, looking for a break.”

“Please, Hazel…”

“I threw the ole’ charm at him… you know, gave him a flirty look, a flick of my tail.”

“Hazel…”

“And then I ruined the flower bed that day… and a few others. I was sore for a week, but it was so worth it.”

“I can’t believe you just said that in front of your son. You’re lucky he is too young to understand.”

Hazel looked down at Skyhoof, giggling in her hooves. She lifted him up, rubbing his nose with hers. “Don’t you worry, Skyhoof, mommy will tell you how you were made when you get older.”

“You’re a crazy pony.”

“Maybe I am.”

Skyhoof laughed, his small wings beating.

“Aww, look at that.” Hazelnut cooed and she hugged him again. “Already trying to get into the air. I can’t wait till your father teaches you to fly.”

Author's Note

Thanks to theRedBrony and Kevinltk for editing.

13: Dinner with Ponies

Solaris snorted as he paced around his room.

“How dare they question me!” he hissed under his breath. “I gave them so many years of peace and prosperity, and yet when the first signs of adversity hits, it all means nothing. I have been here for over a thousand years, of course I can handle this situation.”

Solaris’ hooves clicked loudly against the floor.

“And my own bloodline challenging me!? Do they not know where they come from, that everything they have is because of me?”

The alicorn stopped, panting heavily as his wings fidgeted. He bit down, grinding his teeth as the edges of his vision slowly tinted to a red color. Solaris’ mane and tail started to wave erratically as he could feel his blood starting to boil from his anger. His anger against the changelings attacking him, anger that his own bloodline would be so blatantly disrespectful to their patriarch, and anger that his own subjects would not trust his judgement. He raised his hoof, his muscles flexing and tightening, ready to crash into the floor beneath him.

Solaris closed his eyes and exhaled loudly, slowly lowering his hoof down. Not now, he thought to himself. Control it, I do not need another scene. The alicorn opened his eyes, slowly turning his head to the balcony window. The night had just started, and he didn’t want his sister to state the obvious.

But that did not change the fact his blood was still hot. Wings flicking in agitation, he walked towards the balcony, opening the doors and letting the night air in. The alicorn unfurled his wings and bended his legs slightly.

In an instant, he launched himself into the night, beating his massive wings. As his altitude increased, a few stray clouds passed him along the way, the night air getting colder. It took the large alicorn a while, but finally he reached as high as he possibly could. The air was extremely thin and freezing. His wings flapped hard to keep him up, and he could see his breath in front of him.

Most pegasi could not even dream to reach this altitude, while the remaining few would barely be able to get close. But this is what the alicorn wanted, alone with his thoughts. He looked down, able to see the tiny city lights below along with a few clouds.

It would be extremely unlikely for anypony to see him, unless they were using a telescope. Solaris chuckled at the thought of his prized student gazing at the night only to see him. If such a thing would happen, he would get a barrage of worried and stressed letters, highlighting the dangers of high altitude, freezing temperatures, and a detailed list of other hazards.

He exhaled, his breath condensing before his eyes. Solaris beat his wings, flying towards the horizon.

Luna stared at the throne room floor before her. The once immaculate floor now had large cracks near the base of her throne.

“Do I need to ask who did this?” Luna sighed as she rubbed her head with a hoof.

“Well…” a maid next to her replied, shuffling her hooves. “Not really…?”

The princess exhaled loudly as she tightened her night robe.

“Apparently, there was an issue with His Highness and Prince Blueblood,” the maid continued.

“That will do it.” Luna flicked her mane back.

“Yes, well reports say that Prince Blueblood—”

“No need, my little pony,” Luna said as she cut off the mare. “I already have a vague idea on what happened.”

The maid nodded. “Also, His Highness is not here at the moment. The last reports say that the city guards saw him flying off. We… well, we are confused on what we should do. Should I request a patrol be sent out for him?”

“That will not be necessary.”

“Are you sure, My Lady?” the mare answered with a slight bow.

Luna chuckled and smiled. “Family matters is a touchy subject for him. In addition, it is safe to assume what mood he is in right now, and well, we all know how he is when he is like this.”

“Of course, My Lady.”

“Well, good thing I do not have court today. Please inform the staff to take care of this floor. I want it repaired before court starts.”

“At once, My Lady.” The maid bowed again before walking off.

The princess looked at the once immaculate floor. Once again, she exhaled as she rolled her eyes. “What a waste of bits.”

Honeycomb held the tray of food in one of her forehooves. Her eyes scanned the packed cafeteria, filled with members of both the night and day guards, along with the castle staff. She was not used to seeing this many ponies here. Under normal circumstances, she would have been eating later due to her work where less ponies would be present.

The changeling was going to eat at her normal time, but the stress from her first day speaking at the court made her hungry. She was hoping to find a place for herself, but all the tables were taken. Now, Honeycomb was wondering if it was worth starving a bit longer rather than having to chance the giant crowd of ponies. Her eyes darted back and forth, wondering if she could sneak out with her food since it was prohibited to take plates and utensils out of the dining area.

The poor changeling was stuck in a predicament. Maybe if she just ate her food standing…

“Honeycomb!” a voice called out

The changeling’s ears flicked as she turned her head. A gray unicorn with a jet-black mane sitting in a table in the corner was waving her hoof at her. She remembered that pony from a while back but forgot her name.

“Honeycomb!”

The changeling’s eyes darted back and forth, trying to find any cover. Her ears flattened slightly as she realized she was stuck. She let out a small whine when she saw the unicorn rise from her seat and trot towards her.

“Yo!” the unicorn said as she walked up towards the changeling. “Seems like you are looking for a place to eat.”

“Err…” Honeycomb whimpered.

The unicorn blinked then smiled. “It’s me, Scarlet Velvet. Remember? We met a couple days ago.”

“Oh, um, hello?”

“C’mon, we can make room for you at our table.”

“No, that is okay, really. I don’t want to be a bother.”

The changeling gasped when she felt her tray of food taken away and her hoof grabbed.

“Nonsense,” Scarlet replied as the tray of food floated in a red aura and she pulled Honeycomb with her. “Don’t worry, I don’t bite.”

“N-no, that is really quite alright,” Honeycomb stammered as she was dragged through the crowded cafeteria.

“Aw, stop worrying so much,” Scarlet answered as she dropped Honeycomb’s food on a small table.

Honeycomb gave a gasp in surprise when she was quickly pushed into the seat right next to another gray unicorn. Her ears flattened as Scarlet Velvet sat right next to her, sandwiching her between Scarlet and the other pony. Honeycomb gulped from the contact.

The changeling looked around. On her right was Scarlet Velvet, while on her left was another light-gray unicorn mare with a silver mane and tail and green eyes. Across from her were two stallions. And they were all looking at her.

One of them was a day guard pegasus. To Honeycomb, he looked like every other pegasus guard. How they all look the same she did not know, given the variety of coat and mane colors that ponies posses.

Sitting next to him was another pegasus with a dark-gray coat and a silver-white mane and tail. He was wearing an extremely neat vest and a button-collared shirt, not a single wrinkle or strand of fabric out of place. His mane was combed to what appeared to be perfection, and his coat shined in the cafeteria lights. The gray pegasus looked more like the noble and elite class that she saw earlier.

“So,” Scarlet said as she wrapped a hoof around Honeycomb, “as you guys know, this is Honeycomb.”

“Hello.”

“Yo!”

“Nice to meet you.”

Honeycomb squirmed slightly from the additional contact. Under normal circumstances, the changeling would be having a mild panic attack. However, the recent events at court provided her some comfort, knowing that Solaris lashed out when other ponies threatened her. In addition, at some point, she was going to have to deal with a situation like this where she would have to talk to other ponies. Although, she wouldn’t mind if she did not have to talk to other ponies during her forced time here.

“As I already mentioned, I am Scarlet Velvet. Scarlet is just fine,” Scarlet said as she pointed a hoof at herself. She then moved it to the other mare. “You met my sister, Gleaming Marble.”

The mare smiled and waved at her.

“Here we have Rook.” Scarlet pointed at the guard.

“How is it going?” the guard replied with a smile.

“And last but not least, we have Silver Hoof.”

“Silver is just fine. Regardless, it is a pleasure to meet you,” Silver answered with a slight nod.

“Well, now you know the crew, so to speak,” Scarlet said as she removed her hoof from Honeycomb. “We saw you alone up there, so we decided to make some room.”

“Um, thanks,” Honeycomb replied. It was hard enough being alone with ponies she did not know, but the close contact was making it just that much harder.

“Yeah, sorry about the lack of room,” Gleaming said. “Next time, we will grab a bigger table.”

“We didn’t expect to see ya,” Rook explained as he finished chewing a piece of food. “You’re normally not around at this time.”

“Well, my schedule changed today,” Honeycomb explained as she adjusted the collar on her shirt.

“Regardless, it is still nice to finally meet you,” Silver replied as he sipped his drink. “You are one of the ponies others have been talking about for quite a while.

Honeycomb noticed the ring of silver fur around the base of his hoof. Well, now I know why. The changeling looked at her food then at the other ponies. “Why is that?”

“Well,” Silver continued as he put down his cup. “You are the new assistant of Lord Solaris.”

“Is it really that special?”

“Well, yeah,” Scarlet said. “Lord Solaris never had a personal assistant before as long as I can remember.”

“We found it strange that he would take one all of a sudden,” Gleaming added. “Not that we are complaining.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that,” Honeycomb answered.

“Yeah, how did you get that position? You must have some amazing resume or something. Did you graduate from a prestigious school or something?” Rook asked.

“Was it Canterlot Academy, Manehattan Prep, or something like that?” Scarlet guessed.

Honeycomb shook her head.

“If you don’t mind, we are quite curious on how you got your position,” Silver said.

Honeycomb looked as all four ponies stared at her, wilting under their gaze. She rubbed her forehooves under the table. “Actually, that and my past is something I rather not talk about.”

“Oh, sorry about that,” Scarlet said quickly. “We didn’t mean to pry.”

Honeycomb sat there, staring at her food.

“Hey, Honeycomb,” Scarlet continued, “if you don’t want to sit was us, it is okay.”

“We don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” Silver added.

“Look, Honeycomb, if you are worried we are trying to take advantage of you, that is not the case,” Scarlet explained.

Honeycomb’s ears perked as she looked up. “Huh?”

“We are not trying to get a favor or something like that from you because of your position or anything. To be honest, we wanted to hang out because it is rare for the staff here to have ponies our age. My sister, Silver, and I are rather young to be working as a staff member. Gleaming and I work here because of our mom, while Silver here is interning here.”

“Actually, it is common for cadets to be my age,” Rook explained. “But guards and staff usually tend to stick with their own groups. Silver and I are childhood friends, known each other since we were foals. He introduced me to Scarlet and Gleaming and have been friends since.”

“Yeah, we don’t want to give the impression that we are trying to use you or anything,” Gleaming said. “Just nice to see ponies our age, easier to talk to and hang out with, ya know.”

“Oh,” Honeycomb replied. I didn’t even think about that.

“Look, like I said,” Scarlet said. “You can leave if you want, we don’t want to intrude or give the wrong impression.”

Honeycomb sat there, looking back at her food. Her first instinct was to pick it up and leave. She took a deep breath. I am going to have to do this. Better now than later. “No, that is fine, I am just… a little shy, is all.”

There was a collective sigh of relief on the table as the other ponies smiled.

“Awesome!” Scarlet cheered joyfully. “If you ever need a seat, see if you can find us here, and we will make room somehow.”

“So, Honeycomb,” Rook said as he picked up his food again. “I heard you were speaking for Lord Solaris at court.”

“Y-yes.”

“I am curious, well all of us really, we all know Lord Solaris may have been a tad… what's the word, angry at court today.”

Honeycomb looked up.

“Don’t bring all of us in this!” Silver snapped.

“Yeah!” cried the two unicorn sisters.

“Oh yeah, like you guys are totally not curious as to what happened.”

The other three ponies turned their heads away slightly.

“Yeah, exactly, don’t blame me for saying what we are all thinking. Anyway, everypony pretty much knows what happened. We’re curious though if you know what happened when he sent everypony away.”

“Well, he sent me away too, so I was not there,” Honeycomb replied. She was technically not lying, knowing it would not be a good idea to tell she was eavesdropping.

“Huh, just wondering,” Rook replied.

Everypony went back to eating, making small talk with one another. Honeycomb sat there, slowly eating her food.

“Well, it is only natural Lord Solaris vented.”

“It has been quite some time since he last did that.”

“Yeah, I didn’t know Canterlot captured a changeling.”

Honeycomb coughed hard, covering her mouth with her hooves.

“Wow, you okay there, Honeycomb?” Scarlet asked.

“Y-yeah, didn’t chew my food well enough.”

“Hehe, make sure you chew food there, drink something.”

“Anyways,” Gleaming continued, “I didn’t know we supposedly had a changeling.”

“I don’t think it matters really,” Silver remarked.

Honeycomb looked back at Silver. “Why is that?”

“Simple, Lord Solaris said it was taken care of. No point in speculation or anything. I trust his and Lady Luna’s judgment. If they said no need to worry about it, then there is no need.”

Everypony nodded as Honeycomb took comfort in Silver’s woods. She was afraid more ponies would have shared Blueblood’s statement and try to actively locate her, but if nopony wanted to or was afraid of doing so, that was better for her.

“So you trust his judgement?” Honeycomb asked.

“Of course, we are loyal to both our rulers. I trust in their judgement.”

“That,” Rook added, “and they have done a pretty good job.”

“Yeah, that is a silly question, Honeycomb,” Scarlet said. “Of course we do. Why wouldn’t we?”

“Sorry,” Honeycomb answered, “I-I have not been here long.”

Honeycomb sat there, eating and listening to the conversations around her. She heard about the other four ponies’ day, something called hoofball, and other things about Equestrian culture. It was interesting for her to see and hear a completely different culture, even though she was not in the most ideal position to do so. Nevertheless, it was interesting to see how common ponies acted rather than just Solaris.

The others asked Honeycomb a couple questions. Luckily, they were not that intrusive and superficial. Questions such as how long she has been in Canterlot, what she thought of the palace, and what she did for her job. She told them about how she runs small errands for Solaris, fetching and delivering things, and how she just started speaking at the court. That interested the others the most.

She did leave out how she can’t leave the palace without direct permission, is not really qualified for such a job, and the fact the she is a changeling forced to work off a sentence for being part of the invasion.

As they continued to eat, she would occasionally look at the gray pegasus. She found him odd simply because he looked more like a noble than some staff member. The changeling wondered if maybe he came from a higher class family, though it would not explain why he was eating in the castle’s cafeteria.

“Is there something I can do for you, Honeycomb?” Silver asked with a slight smile as he looked back at her.

Honeycomb blinked, her concentration broken. “What?”

“You have been looking at me for while. Is there something that I can do for you?”

The changeling blushed as she tried look away. “Well I…”

“Yes?”

“I don’t mean to be rude, it is just you look different from the others.”

Silver’s ears perked, and his eyebrow raised slowly. “How so?”

“Well, you look more like the nobles and elites that I see in court…”

There was a loud snort as Rook pounded the table with a hoof, his other covering his mouth as he tried to stifle down a laugh. Honeycomb looked in confusion as Rook swallowed the rest of his food.

“No,” he said, hitting his chest with his hoof, “he dresses like that because he is—”

The table jerked violently as Scarlet sat up a little. There was a loud yelp as Rook rolled over to the side, clutching his hindleg. He rolled on the ground slightly, hissing.

Scarlet sat back down as if nothing happened. She look back at Silver. “You were saying, Silver?”

“I take care to make sure I look professional for my job,” Silver replied with a slight chuckle.

“By the Sun and the Moon,” Rook hissed as he doubled over in pain, “that hurt!”

Honeycomb looked down at him before Scarlet tapped her on the back. “Oh, he is just being a foal at the moment, just ignore him.”

“What?! You charlie horsed me!”

“Nonsense, don’t know what you are talking about.”

Honeycomb looked back at Silver, a slight smile on his face. “Oh, that makes sense. Mrs. Feather Duster said something about looking professional.”

“Exactly,” Silver confirmed.

“Ow my leg, I think you bruised it.”

“I am an intern here at the Castle Affairs. It was extremely competitive for the single spot, so I want to make sure I have a good impression.”

“Castle Affairs?”

“Yes. Basically we make sure everything runs smoothly for Lord Solaris and Lady Luna on the political side.”

“Oh.” Honeycomb shifted her hooves. “I just thought they kinda do what they want.”

“Well they do. Basically, every week we give them a schedule for the following week. They approve what they want to do, and we just help with the timing.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“Hmm,” Gleaming said. “I figured you would since you work for one of the them.”

“Well, he just tells me what to do and I do it. I thought he kinda just did what he wanted whenever,” Honeycomb answered.

“No, he keeps a tight schedule,” Silver said. “That and we do other things. Arrange meetings, look over things, and do some work for them in their name. If something requires either ruler’s attention, then we bring it up to them.”

“I see.”

“I am still down here… Yeah, a bruise is forming,” Rook said as he slowly got up.

“We don’t care,” Scarlet replied quickly.

Honeycomb looked at the guard before working on her food again. Eventually the others got up, cleaning up the table and stacking their plates.

“Well, Honeycomb, we got to head out and get ready for tomorrow,” Scarlet explained. “If you want, you can hang with us if you want to.”

“Yeah, take it easy, Honeycomb,” Gleaming added.

Silver nodded and waved a hoof.

Rook tried to give a smile as he limped off.

After the others left, Honeycomb sat there for a moment. She looked at her empty dishes, taking in what happened. It did make her somewhat nervous being around other beings that did not know who she truly was, and she did feel on edge making sure she did not say or do something that would warrant suspicion.

However, what was comforting from it was that it gave her something to do. Normally, when she was done working, she would eat alone then go to her room. She would sit there, alone and bored with her thoughts before she fell asleep. But being around others did take her mind off that and kept her occupied. It wasn’t the worst thing sitting with others, and she did find comfort that the other four ponies seem to be loyal to the crown, and thus not looking for the real her.

Honeycomb got up and put her plates away. It took her a while to realize how late it was and how much time she spent eating with the others. She yawned as she headed for her room.

Author's Note

Thanks to Kevinltk for editing.

14: Rest

There was a loud thud as Solaris’ legs buckled slightly as he landed on his balcony. It was early in the morning, the sky still dark. The moon was already down, and it was his turn to do his duty. With a yawn, his horn glowed, setting the sun on its path. Luna always enjoyed putting a little extra when she did her part, and the white alicorn always wondered what would happen if ponies knew how nonchalantly he raised the sun when nopony is looking. It was earlier than normal, but it wouldn’t be that big of a deal. Maybe somepony will wake slightly earlier when his sun shines into their windows. He was too tired to really put any flair into it or to care.

But that was another thought for another time as Solaris opened his balcony doors, walking in afterwards. He stopped, letting out a large yawn as his wings flared out. A grunt escaped his muzzle as he could feel his joints pop. It has been a long time, a very long time, since he felt this exhausted. Sure, he has been mentally exhausted on a routine basis, usually when he had to deal with a large amount of pointless meetings and hearings, but being physically tired was another story.

But it felt nice, mentally and physically he felt refreshed. His mind was clear, and he was no longer fuming from the previous day’s event. Solaris twisted his neck and back, groaning as he felt another series of pops in his joints.

He shook his head and made his way next to his desk. The alicorn’s horn glowed as he opened the large drawer on the bottom, brushing away a stack of parchment and picking up a brown bottle with a small glass. A smile creeped up on his face he tucked both of them under his wings.

Next, he went to his restroom, getting water from his sink. He stopped, looking at himself in the mirror. A much more rough and rugged-looking pony stared back at him. His normally pristine, smooth coat was rough and mangy looking, his mane was all over the place, and his feathers were ruffled. Solaris puffed out his chest, smiling, before he put a grim face on.

He missed this look, a look that was more acceptable eons ago. To him, this rugged look was much more preferable to the clean, sterile look he put on day in and day out. Besides, he did not like that some labeled him as a ‘pretty’ pony.

Looks aside, he made his way out of his room and into his castle. He made a few turns and went down a couple set of stairs without really having to think where he was going. He lived in his castle for so long that he just relied on his muscle memory to take him to his destination. Finally, he stopped before a door where ‘Castle Affairs’ was plastered on top. I know it is early, but somepony has to be here, he thought. With a shrug, the alicorn opened the door to the department office.

“Sorry, we are not open yet. Can you please come back later?” an eloquent voice called out in the back.

Solaris stepped into the room, frowning as it was completely empty. Guess I was too early, I’ll just leave a memo then…

The ruler’s ears flicked as he heard hoofbeats.

“I am sorry, but we are closed can you—”

Solaris looked down as a grey pegasus stopped. He had seen this all the time when he comes unannounced. First, they stop their sentence. Next comes the wide eyed surprise, followed by the immediate bow. If it happened to be a certain purple unicorn, additional steps could follow, such as freaking out and breaking into a panic, presenting a long list, or a hug and a nuzzle, depending on the mood.

Solaris stopped his own train of thought and focused back on the pony in front of him. His silver mane and tail were perfectly combed, and his outfit, impeccable. To the alicorn, it was odd seeing a pony like that here. It would be more fitting if said stallion was at a high end event meant for the social elite. He did have a dress code, but he never enforced one to this high of a standard.

“Lord Solaris!” the pony cried out in his bow. “I didn’t expect Your Highness to be here. If you are looking for your schedule, I can go retrieve it for you. We didn’t know you wanted it this early.”

“No, no,” Solaris replied. “Please rise, my little pony. There is no need for such formalities here.”

“Yes, my Lord,” the pegasus said as he stood up.

“Is Dusty Parchment here?” Solaris asked as he looked around the empty office.

“No, my Lord. The office is closed for another hour so, and Mr. Parchment and the others are not here yet.”

Solaris looked back down at the grey stallion. “And you are?”

“Silver Hoof. I am the intern here, so I arrive early to set up the office and other things.”

The alicorn’s eyes shifted slightly down, seeing the mentioned silver fur around the pegasus’ hooves. Names are getting quite literal these days, he thought. He looked back up at the pegasus, his head tilting slightly.

“Y-yes, my Lord?” Silver asked.

“I did not know that they made interns work this early. It seems strange that you are the only one here.”

“No, my Lord, I just volunteered to come in early and set up the office. Just trying to make a good impression.”

“I see,” Solaris said. “Anyway, inform Mr. Parchment to cancel all my scheduled plans for today. I’m going to be doing something else.”

“Yes, my Lord,” the grey pegasus replied with a slight bow.

“Alright then, keep up the good work, and also tell Mr. Parchment that I told him not to overwork you.

“Thank you, sir.”

What an interesting pony, Solaris thought as he closed the door behind him. Dusty never told me he had an intern. Have I been that out of touch lately? I used to know everything going on here. Well, that was a couple hundred years ago. Hope that pony was not sick. His face looked slightly red. Maybe I should have said something… With a shrug, he made his way through a couple of hallways to a small door.

“My Lord!” a guard replied with a salute.

Solaris blinked as he came back into focus. He looked down at the white pegasus guard. “At ease,” he answered.

The guard nodded. “What can I do for you, my Lord?”

Solaris opened the door, “Just make sure nopony disturbs me.”

“Yes, my Lord”

With a nod, Solaris made his way through the door, squinting his eyes slightly as he was bombarded by his own sun. The alicorn was standing outside in a small clearing covered in grass surrounded by high castle walls. To his right, a small fountain bubbled, while his left was a large tree.

He let out a loud sigh as he walked under the tree. With a yawn, the alicorn not so gracefully flopped down on the grass below him, unfurling his wing and retrieving his hidden bottle and glass. This was his personal space whenever he wanted to work outside and be alone.

Solaris looked at the bottle.

Manehattan Select

18 years

With a smile, he opened the bottle, pouring a small amount relative to his size and stature. He quickly took a sip, scrunching his face slightly as the liquid burned. “Nothing beats drinking whiskey during the day,” he sighed to himself. “Just wish I could do it more often, but nooo, it is not proper she says…”

Solaris sighed louder as he stretched out his limbs and wings. He took another sip, letting his mind wander.

Luna’s eye twitched at the sight before her. There was a light thump sound as her hoof connected to her head. Before her was Solaris, ruler of Equestria, a god among ponies, her brother, sleeping on the ground. He was laying on his side, his limbs sprawled everywhere in whatever direction, and his mane and coat was a mess where patches of dirt, grass, and dust clung to his fur. His mane covered his face slightly, but that did nothing to hide the fact that his muzzle was open and his tongue was hanging out. There was even a small puddle of drool.

Luna would be lying if she was not tempted to kick her brother out of his slumber. Her eyes scanned around, her frown deepening when she spotted the brown bottle and glass. Both objects glowed a faint, light blue as she levitated them near her. Luna sniffed the opening, her nose scrunching as her sinuses were cleared. The bottle itself was almost completely empty.

“Really, at this hour?” the alicorn muttered under her breath.

Luna tilted her head slightly, making sure the door to this opening was still closed. She took the glass, breathing on the lip of it before she rubbed it against her chest fur. The bottle of whiskey floated as she emptied the little amount left into her glass. Well it would be a shame to waste it. Besides, it is night for me compared to everypony else, Luna thought.

The princess took a sip, shuddering at the slight burning sensation. At least he has good taste.

“Since you finished it, I don’t want to hear you complain when I drink it.”

The aura of the glass faded for a fraction of a second before Luna regained her concentration and composure. She looked back at her brother, a crimson eye looking back.

“How long have you been awake?” Luna asked as she set the glass down.

“The moment you came in here.”

The princess frowned. “So you pretended to sleep, even though I was here.”

Solaris grunted, slowly getting his forelegs under him to sit upright. “I had a feeling you were going to hit me or something, so yes,” he said with a loud yawn.

Luna gave a slight roll of her eyes.

“So,” Solaris continued, “what do I owe for the Princess of the Night’s presence at this hour?”

“Well, for starters, you were not present at breakfast.”

“Guess not,” Solaris responded lazily.

“And may I ask what you are doing here?”

Solaris twisted his neck with a loud pop while Luna winced at the sound. “I am resting.”

“Resting?”

“Taking the day off, to be more exact.”

Luna raised an eyebrow. “For what reason, to be exact?”

“Because I feel like it. That, and I think I earned one after all these years.”

“And how does a ruler of Equestria take a day off?”

“By canceling everything and doing nothing.”

“You canceled all your responsibilities for the day?”

“Mmhm,” Solaris mumbled.

“And how does one do that exactly?” Luna asked, a hint of frustration mixed with slight disappointment in her voice.

“I just told the staff to cancel everything, not hard.”

“So you gave them more work?”

“Well, that is why we pay them, am I right? Besides, I think I reduced their work by canceling everything. Should be easier than setting it all up.”

“Oh yes,” Luna said with a sigh. “All that preparation made the previous days for naught.”

Solaris rolled his eyes as he levitated his bottle of liquor. “We pay them well, and besides, it is not like I do this everyday.” He tilted his head back, trying to see if there was any liquid left. Solaris frowned when his efforts were fruitless.

“Stop that.”

Solars looked back at Luna. “Don’t say anything when I get another.”

“Like tartarus I am. You drank the entire bottle… in the early morning, no less!”

“I didn’t drink an entire bottle…”

“Okay, so how much did you drink?”

“...”

“Well?”

“How much did you drink?”

“There was literally a drop left.”

“An entire bottle minus that…”

“By the stars…”

“I don’t see the big deal…”

“An entire bottle of hard liquor. That is way too much for anypony.”

“Well, in my defense, you and I are not normal ponies. We are much bigger than them, thus I can drink more.”

“That does not change anything.”

Solaris shrugged.

Luna frowned, shaking her head. “And besides, you look like a complete mess. Go take a bath.”

The white alicorn yawned as he lay back down. “I don’t feel like it. I’ll do it later when I wake up.”

Luna scowled slightly, her wings ruffling. “You look completely undignified. What if our subjects saw you like this?”

“Well, that is why I am here, so ponies don’t see or disturb me. And besides, I don’t think I look that bad. Nothing wrong with appearing gritty.”

The moon alicorn placed her head in her hoof, shaking it. “By the stars, not only is my brother stubborn, but he is just as vain.”

“Says the pony that wants me to look dignified. When I said you were like mother, I did not mean for you to be mother.”

Luna rolled her eyes. “You are acting strangely.”

“What can I say? I am in a playful mood so to speak.”

Luna smacked her head again with her hoof. “Great, you are drunk.”

“I am not drunk.”

“Yes you are. You are acting strange.”

“No, I am not. I guess I am in a… playful mood so to speak.”

“Pfft, you, playful? Your personality is as dense and blunt as a brick.”

“I am not drunk.”

“Yes, you are.”

“Okay, maybe a slight buzz.”

“I cannot believe you are acting like this. It is so undignified.”

“Says mother.”

Luna huffed, her face scrunching in frustration. “Just go shower at least or something.”

Solaris lifted his head, rubbing his chin slightly, a sly grin on his face. “Only if I can get a few pretty mares to do it for me.”

The moon alicorn glared daggers. “You lecherous ass.”

“Hey,” Solaris said with an exaggerated frown. “That is not being nice to donkeys.”

Luna threw her hooves up in frustration as she turned around. “I give up. I don’t know why you are acting like this, but I am done. Go and be lazy. What a shining example for the rest of us. If you want to sleep all day, then do it.”

“That was my plan.”

Luna made her way to the door, her head shaking.

“Oh, Luna,” Solaris called out.

The Princess of the Night tilted her head back.

“If I asked, how many ponies do you think would be willing to give me a bath? I don’t mean to brag, but I think a few mares would do it.”

Luna jerked her head back towards the door, lifting her muzzle in disdain. “You are so insufferable!”

Solaris chuckled as laid back down. “Maybe I should let Luna have the moon out all day. At least the sun won’t shine in my face.”

Honeycomb yawned as her wings ruffled on her back. It was not even noon, and she had a crazy morning relative to the past few days. The changeling did not get as much sleep as her wings kept her up at night. For some reason, her feathers kept rubbing and itching her back anytime she moved. When she tried to sleep with her wings extended, her feathers kept rubbing against each other in a way that bothered her to no end.

Honeycomb thought she was going to have a rough day due to her wings and the lack of sleep. The changeling groggily did her morning routine, only to find out that Solaris was not in his room and that she did not have to work today. She was not complaining though. Now, she could try and get some sleep. However, since she was up, there was no harm in getting some food first.

Honeycomb let out a grunt as her wings ruffled in irritation yet again. She made her way through a series of hallways before turning a corner, her ears flicking as she picked up a conversation.

“I have my orders. Lord Solaris requested not to be disturbed.”

The changeling looked at two ponies talking to each other. One was a guard, and the other pony appeared to work in the kitchens, based on the white uniform and chef’s hat.

“Yes, and I have mine. I was ordered to bring him his food by none other than Her Highness.”

“But he told me to not let him be disturbed.”

“But Lady Luna ordered the kitchens to bring him something.”

“I don’t want to disturb him if he is doing something. Can’t you see I am trying to keep my job.”

Honeycomb stood upright for a brief second hearing Solaris’ name. She was curious as to what was going on, but she felt that it would be best not to interfere. The changeling kept her head forward, trying to look casual as she continued toward the cafeteria.

“Miss! Miss Honeycomb!” the pony with the chef attire called.

Honeycomb winced before she stopped. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself before turning towards the two ponies. “Yes?”

“Thank the sun and moon you are here. Can you help me?”

“With what?”

“You see,” the guard said, “I was told by Lord Solaris not to let anypony disturb him, but apparently, Lady Luna also ordered the kitchens to bring him food. Now, we are stuck.”

“But,” the chef replied, “you did let her through early this morning.”

“Well, what am I supposed to do in that case? Both of them are my boss.”

“Can you please go in and drop off his food, Honeycomb? We have no clue what to do when we both have conflicting orders. We figured it would be okay if you did it.”

Honeycomb jerked in surprise. “M-me? Why me?”

“You’re his assistant,” the guard said. “Surely he will allow ponies that he trust dearly.”

“But,” Honeycomb gasped.

“Please,” the chef said. “We could really use the help.”

“Please.”

Honeycomb wilted as the two ponies looked at her.

Why am I doing this? Why did I say ‘yes’? Honeycomb thought to herself as she pushed the large cart of food. First my wings, then a lack of sleep, and now this, and WHY is this so heavy?

Honeycomb grunted as she looked up. She was in a small clearing, much like the place where she did flying practice, but smaller. Her eyes widened as she saw the white alicorn laying under a tree, his wings sprawled out. She could not see his head, though she could definitely see that his mane and coat were ruffled and dirty.

“Um,” Honeycomb muttered, “Lord Solaris?”

The alicorn did not stir, however. Honeycomb looked around, biting her lower lip. What now? Is he asleep? If he was, why would he sleep here? I mean, he is royalty. Why would he sleep on the ground, and why is his coat a mess?

Slowly, she walked forward, making sure to make no sound. The changeling had no idea why she was doing this in the first place. Honeycomb wanted to leave the food there and leave, but if Solaris was awake, then he would expect an explanation or something.

Honeycomb silenced a slight gasp. Solaris was resting his head on his forehooves, his eyes closed. She could now see his chest and sides slowly rise and fall with each breath. Slowly, even more so than before, Honeycomb turned around, hoping to get out as quickly and as quietly as possible. The changeling really did not want to be here when he gets up. Although she was forced to be here, things were slowly falling into place. Life was manageable and predictable, up this point. She really didn’t want to start fearing for her life all over again. Honeycomb bit her lower lip, looking back to make sure the alicorn did not move.

Her heart stopped. Solaris was still laying on the ground, but looking back at her was a large crimson eye.

There was a low rumble emitting from the alicorn as he slowly got up. He twisted his neck and wings, cracking them in the process.

Honeycomb froze as Solaris slowly brought his head towards her, staring directly at her.

“I was wondering when you were going to make an attempt at my life,” Solaris said in an unwavering voice. “Though this has to be the worst attempt so far.”

“What?!” Honeycomb cried out as she falled on her rear. Her heart pounded in her chest as she began to hyperventilate. “L-Lord Solaris, I would never!” She was ready to throw herself on the ground before Solaris held a hoof up.

“Honeycomb, stop. I was just kidding. It was a joke.”

Honeycomb gulped. “A joke?”

“Well, a bad one apparently,” Solaris replied as he sat back down with a thump. He let out a loud yawn before speaking again. “So, what brings you here?”

Honeycomb panted, slowly trying to calm her racing heart. “I… I was asked to bring you food.”

Solaris turned his head, seeing the cart. “I see,” he said as he got up again, walking towards it.

“I didn’t mean to wake you,” Honeycomb quickly replied. “I was trying to be quiet.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Solaris said as he pulled the tray under the tree. “You woke me the moment you came in.”

“Sorry, Lord Solaris.”

“I said don’t worry about it. I am hungry anyways.” Solaris lifted the dome lid, revealing a mountain of food.

The amount of food did surprise the changeling, but after a second of contemplation it made sense. Any living thing as large as Solaris would require a massive amount of food to function. However, what really surprised Honeycomb was the speed at which Solaris was eating his meal. It was not like he was attacking it like a savage beast, but he was definitely not taking small nibbles or bites out of it.

Honeycomb couldn’t help but stare. The whole scene before her seemed surreal. Here was one of the two leaders of Equestria, easily the most powerful and influential nation there is, acting in a way that she would never have imagined.

To her, Solaris had this aura of rigidity around him. Every being around him acted with the utmost respect and fear. Even as a changeling, an enemy of Equestria, she recognized that Solaris was a commanding figure. It was easy to see why his peers obeyed him without question or hesitation. His massive presence simply demanded it from everyone around him. It was easy to see why everypony was on edge around him. But right now, it seemed like he had a much more calmer demeanor around him.

It had an effect so far. Ever since she had been working with Solaris, she always felt that Solaris did not like having her around when they had to work together. They rarely, if ever, talked, and she was always on edge while working. There were a few moments here and there that were different, but for the most part, she felt like she was unwanted when working. But at this moment, the alicorn seemed indifferent of her, not caring if she was here or not. It was an improvement to say the least.

Honeycomb’s mind snapped back into focus as Solaris grabbed a large pitcher of water underneath the cart. Without grace or using a glass, she watched the alicorn finished the pitcher as quickly as he ate. Again, she was surprised at just the sheer volume of it. Like the meal before it, it was just as large. That helped explain why the cart was so heavy.

“That is much better,” Solaris suddenly sighed as he finished. “I needed that.” Solaris stretched his neck and limbs, giving them a slight shake to them before laying back down. The alicorn propped his head up with his hoof, looking down at the changeling. “So, Honeycomb,” Solaris sighed out lazily, “why are you here?”

“Well, I was just sending the food here, sir.”

“No, I mean why did they send you specifically?”

“Oh, I was walking to get food and then a few ponies stopped me. They didn’t know if they should bring it in or leave you alone.”

“Hm… go figure,” Solaris said with a shrug.

“Is there anything else you need, sir?” Honeycomb asked. Her body suddenly twitched, her wings ruffling as they bothered her again.

Solaris raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?”

Honeycomb tried to settle and smooth her wings out, “Oh nothing. My wings just have been bothering me today. They keep itching and rubbing against me.”

“Hmm,” Solaris replied with a deep rumble, “sounds like you need to preen your wings.”

“Preen?”

“You know, every pegasus has to preen their wings once in while. Feathers get misaligned and dirty, so every now and then, they have to be taken care of.”

“Oh.” Honeycomb looked at her wings. “I thought only birds do that.”

“Well, anything that has feathers really,” Solaris replied.

Honeycomb extended a wing and examined it. Just like Solaris said, if she looked closely she could see a few feathers at odd angles. She looked at if for a moment, and then back at the alicorn.

“Hm?”

“Well,” Honeycomb mumbled, “I am not exactly sure how to…”

Solaris raised his eyebrow again, a somewhat confused look on his face. “You don’t know?”

“Well, changeling wings normally don’t have feathers…”

The alicorn opened his mouth to say something but closed it quickly. Slowly, he got up and sat in front of Honeycomb, looking at her wings. “All right, extend both your wings out.”

Honeycomb blinked in confusion but complied. She squirmed a bit as Solaris brought his head in close, examining her wings. Honeycomb was going to ask what he was doing, but she let out a loud yelp as something yanked on both of her wings. The changeling jumped back a bit, her wings beating.

“Better?” Solaris asked, levitating a small bunch of feathers in a golden aura.

Honeycomb looked at the feathers then back at her wings. She gave them a quick beat and then folded her wings back in. “Wow, that does feel better.”

“Good.” Solaris got up, heading back to his spot under the tree. With a flick of his head, he tossed the feathers in the air, and they suddenly combusted up in flames, burning into nothing before they could touch the ground.

Honeycomb jumped a bit at the sudden spark of flames.

“I was just getting rid of them. It's a habit of mine,” Solaris explained as he laid back down. “You should probably learn how to take care of your wings, but if you need help, in the meantime, I can take care of it.”

“Oh… thanks.” Honeycomb watched as Solaris let out a large yawn before extending out his wings. Again, the changeling felt this different vibe from the ruler of Equestria. It was one of indifference, but still better than before. “Do you need anything else, sir?”

“No,” Solaris replied as he rested his head on his forehooves. “I will see you tomorrow. In the meantime, you still have the day off. If you need something to do, you can always go to the library and read something.”

“I can?”

“Yes, if they ask for a card, just tell them I sent you. You should have access to the public section, so you can read something if you want.”

Honeycomb nodded as she made her way to the door. She looked behind for second, watching the alicorn turning his head away and getting comfortable. It was a strange day indeed.

Honeycomb yawned loudly on her bed, her eyes straining a bit as she stared at the pages. She turned her head to her nightstand, looking at her clock.

“Already this late?” Honeycomb mumbled as she rubbed her eyes. She placed the book down titled Wing Care for Foals: A Guide to Wing Care for Non-Pegasi Parents.

The changeling had a small stack of books around her on her bed. The changeling immersed herself with books ranging from history to pop-culture, trying to learn as much about Equestria as she can. She figured that the more she knew, the easier it was for her to fit in.

Honeycomb blinked lazily at her diary. Like every night before, she had been documenting her times here. She placed her hoof on it, holding it there.

“Eh,” Honeycomb mumbled again as she removed it, rubbing her eyes instead. “No more words today. I’ll deal with that later.” Honeycomb yawned as she flicked off the lights and throwing the blanket over her.

Author's Note

Thanks to Kevinltk for editing.

1: Shattered Dreams

From the diary of Honeycomb, a worker of Queen Chrysalis’ hive.

Dear Diary,

I finally did it! After much begging and pleading with my superiors, I finally got to meet Queen Chrysalis herself! I then begged her to let me be part of the invasion. I am just a simple worker, not a soldier or infiltrator, so of course she denied me.

But I was determined. I’m not strong, nor will I ever be a hero. I can never be a legend, but that does not mean I can’t be part of one: something that will be remembered forever. I want to be there when we changelings stand victorious over Canterlot.

My show of determination must have worked. She was skeptical at first, but she ultimately agreed. I will be her personal courier and assistant during the invasion.

Even though I will merely be sending simple messages, I’m so excited! I have never left our borders until now; I have never even seen a real-life pony face to face. All that will change, thanks to the generosity of our Queen. I will not disappoint her! I will bring you along with me, so that I can write down all the details of our victory. I cannot wait to stand victorious by her side. Now, I can really be part of the story, a story where we are triumphant!

Honeycomb's chest heaved as she coughed violently, splattering the dirt in front of her with blood. Looking around, through her tear-filled vision, she spotted her satchel lying on the ground; it was tattered but still intact. “W-what happened?” she groaned.

She began to push herself up, only to collapse face-first into the dirt when her right foreleg didn't obey. Honeycomb lifted her head to look, only to gasp in horror at what she saw. Her leg hung uselessly by her side, connected only by a twisted mess of flesh. Honeycomb screamed.

Closing her eyes, she turned her head away from it. Wanting to get her mind off the mutilated leg, Honeycomb tried to piece together how she ended up in such a wretched state. She remembered hearing an explosion, and when she turned around to see what it was, all she saw was a wall of violet before everything faded into darkness.

“No no no no!” she cried out as her eyes flew open. “This isn’t real! We couldn't have lost! Queen Chrysalis won! She beat their leader! I saw it with my own eyes! This is a bad dream, wake up, dammit! This can’t be real.”

Her eyes darted around everywhere except near her leg. Not recognizing her surroundings nor seeing anyone that could help, she began to hyperventilate. “I don’t want to be crippled! I don’t want to lose my leg. I just can’t!” Tears started to pour from her eyes. “Queen Chrysalis, help me,” she sobbed weakly. “Please help me, I’m scared, a-and I don’t know where I am. Chrysalis, my queen, help me...”

Minutes passed, and no help came. Honeycomb continued sobbing to herself, her eyes shut tight so she could avoid seeing her leg again. “Please,” she cried out. “Help me! Someone—anyone, please help me...”

“I hear something!” a voice called out. “It’s this way. Over here!”

“Is someone there?” Honeycomb responded in a trembling voice, swiveling her head to desperately find her savior. “Please help me!”

She heard some rustling in front of her. Her pupils shrunk as a light-brown male unicorn, wearing a large white coat and a pair of saddlebags, walked out from behind a tree.

“I found it,” he announced while slicking back his mane. He adjusted his glasses as he stared down at her with an expressionless face. Honeycomb let out a loud whimper as she saw two more ponies: unicorns wearing the armor of the Equestrian Guard.

“It seems that we have found a live one, gentlecolts,” the unicorn with glasses remarked. “A live one with a grave injury.” His horn glowed as he lifted off his bags and placed them on the ground behind him. He turned around and began to rummage through his bags. “All right, we need to hurry; we have our orders.”

“W-what are you going to do, what’s going on?” Honeycomb asked, her eyes darting from the two guards staring at her with blank faces to the other unicorn digging through his gear.

The unicorn stopped and turned back around to look down at Honeycomb, a surgical mask over his muzzle. He answered softly through his mask, "Nothing to worry about, little one.” His horn glowed as he levitated a small vial, containing a green liquid, and a large syringe with a long needle in front of him. His attention turned from Honeycomb to the large syringe in front of him, filling it with green fluid from the vial quickly but carefully. He then tapped the syringe with his hoof, removing any air bubbles. Once done, he looked back down and pointed the needle towards her. "It would be better if you didn't move."

Honeycomb’s heart began to pound. “No! I don’t want to die!” She tried to push herself up with her intact limbs, struggling to escape.

“Dammit, this is not good,” the unicorn muttered through his mask. “She’s becoming hysterical. You two, hold her down. Make sure she doesn’t move her neck or limbs.”

Honeycomb cried out again as she was pinned down by the two guards’ magic. Honeycomb stared helplessly at the unicorn looming above her. “Please don’t do this...” she whimpered.

The unicorn gazed down at her, his expression hidden behind his mask. He turned around for a second as he grabbed a large white rag out of his bag. “It would be best,” the unicorn said as he held the rag in his forehoof, “if you didn’t watch.”

Honeycomb wept uncontrollably as the rag covered her eyes. “Please don’t kill me!” she wailed. “I’m sorry! I’m very sorry! I don’t want to die, please spare me! I was just a messenger! I didn’t actually do anything!”

“Relax, little one,” the unicorn replied softly as he gently placed a hoof on her neck. “I’m not trying to kill you.”

“Y-you’re lying!” she shrieked.

“Well, it seems like I can’t say anything to make it better.” The unicorn sighed. “Regardless, I think it’s only fair that I mention this is going to sting slightly. So brace yourself.”

Honeycomb’s response was cut off by a gasp as she felt a pinch in between the chitin plates of her neck and chest. Afterward, the piece of cloth on her face was removed. Feeling her body go limp as her heart rate and breathing slowed down, she looked up at the unicorn through her drooping eyelids. "I don't want to die..." she mewled weakly, tears flowing from her eyes.

“Don’t worry, little one,” the unicorn replied softly. “Everything is going to be okay.”

A small whimper escaped Honeycomb as her eyelids finally closed.

Author's Note

This story will contain a character called Solaris instead of Celestia. I know that it is a large change, but here is a detailed explanation on why I did it. Some historical and major events in Equestrian history will remain mostly the same, while others will be different.

Thanks to amactia and Kevinltk for editing.

In addition, thanks to Elric of Melnipony and theRedBrony for proofreading.

12: Stoking the Embers

Honeycomb sat at a table in the cafeteria, chewing her food. The changeling looked down at her hoof, staring at her half-eaten bread roll. A content sigh escaped her lips. Even though it was only bread, it was nice to start eating more solid foods. Over the past few days, her teeth ceased bothering her, and she had been learning how to fly.

She continued munching on her meal slowly as she looked at the saddle bag sitting next to her. Honeycomb was confused when she was given it a few days ago. Solaris told her that she had to practice writing her name in cursive and read from some official looking book. It was a good thing it was only her name, since she never learned how to write cursive. That, and the reading contained all sorts of complicated protocols and was quite dry for her taste. She had no idea why she was being told to do such things, but she wasn’t going to question Solaris. Things were going smoothly, and she wasn’t that stupid to ruin it. Her situation was not the most ideal, being stuck in hostile territory, but her current situation was tolerable.

The changeling closed her eyes, thinking about her food. She never imagined she would have a luxury like butter with fresh bread. A muffled sigh of content left her lips as she took another large bite.

“Yo!”

Honeycomb’s ears perked as she looked up, slowly chewing. There were two mares in front of her, both grey unicorns. One had bright-red eyes and a jet-black mane, while the other had green eyes and a silvery-white mane.

“Hey there!” the white-maned mare greeted.

Honeycomb blinked while both mares continued to smile. She looked to her sides, expecting to see some other pony respond to the pair. Slowly, she swallowed her food. “Me?” she asked quietly, pointing to herself.

“Well, yeah,” the mare with red eyes replied, “who do you think we were talking to?”

Honeycomb put down her food, her ears flattening. “I’m s-sorry, do I… do I know you two?”

Both mares giggled. “We’re sorry,” the green eye mare replied. “I am Gleaming Marble, but you can call me Marble if that makes it easier. This is my sister, Scarlet Velvet.”

“Scarlet works just as well,” Scarlet Velvet added.

Honeycomb’s eyes shifted between the sisters, her hooves shaking slightly under the table. “Have we met? I am sorry if we did, but I have been rather… busy. I apologize if I have forgotten—”

“Whoa,” Scarlet interrupted. “Easy there, no need to apologize. We never officially met.”

“Oh,” Honeycomb replied, trying to make herself seem smaller.

“But you probably know us,” Scarlet continued as she pointed to herself and then her sister.

Honeycomb shook her head. “No, sorry.”

“What?” Marble replied, her eyes widening. “Really?”

Again, the changeling shook her head.

“You know Feather Duster right? Every employee goes through her at some point.”

Honeycomb nodded, trying to hide behind her mane.

“We’re her daughters,” Scarlet interjected.

“Oh…”

“I thought ponies knew us,” Marble replied with a shrug. “Guess not, but that doesn't matter!”

“It doesn’t?”

“Nope!” Scarlet replied as she sat down from across the disguised changeling, her sister following her lead. “Because we know you, Honeycomb!”

Honeycomb’s eyes widened, her heart now pounding in her chest. “W-what, how do you know my name?”

“Yep!” Marble said as she brought her head closer, smiling. “Everypony knows who you are!”

Honeycomb gulped. “T-they do?”

“Of course,” Scarlet answered. “Do you think ponies wouldn’t notice? The moment you showed up, everypony noticed. You are making quite the splash here at the palace.”

“Yep, you’re the talk of the town!” Marble exclaimed.

Honeycomb looked at the two mares smiling at her, trying to sink lower in her seat. “Why? What did I do?”

“Seriously?” Marble asked as she looked her sister.

“You’re kidding, right?” Scarlet replied.

Honeycomb shook her head.

“You are the assistant to Lord Solaris himself!”

“Is… is that a big deal?”

“Of course it is!” Marble interjected.

“Why? It is just a job, right?”

“Just a job?” Scarlet said. “You are the assistant to one of the two rulers of this nation! As far as I can remember, Lord Solaris never had a personal assistant. He is a private pony. Only a few beings are in his inner circle.”

“Yeah,” Marble continued, “the only chance we get to see him is from afar, either at court or just catching a glimpse as he walks around the palace.”

“Oh,” Honeycomb replied, “I didn’t know that.” That, and I am not really his assistant. Captive is a better word, she thought.

“So,” Scarlet whispered as she leaned over the table, her sister copying her. “What’s he like?”

“Yeah,” Marble added, “what sort of stuff do you have to do for him?”

“Oh… um… I don’t know if I should really talk about that kind of stuff,” Honeycomb mumbled.

“Aww, really? Well, I guess that’s understandable, him being a ruler and all,” Scarlet replied as she sat back. “So, what about you?”

“Me?”

“Yea, you. It is quite rare to see a pony our age working here that is not in the guard. Most staff members tend to be older and more experienced. It is pretty hard to actually get a job here as a staff member. It is pretty selective. We were able to get in because our mother is the Head of Staff, but we are just interns.”

“Yep,” Marble said. “So it is really cool to find another pony our age to hang out with. Come, bring your food and sit with us. We and our friends would like to get to know you better. It is not easy being the new pony.”

“Friends?” Honeycomb muttered, trying to shrink more.

“Over there,” Scarlet directed as she pointed at a table in the corner with a few guards. The guards, in return, waved in response.

Honeycomb gasped when she saw the guards, her hooves trembling below the table.

“Come on, it’s no fun to eat by yourself,” Scarlet remarked with a smile.

Honeycomb looked at Scarlet and then her sister. She gulped as she looked down at her finished food. What do I do?

Both sisters continued to smile.

“S-sorry,” Honeycomb muttered. “Lord Solaris needs me shortly.”

Scarlet and Marble frowned, their ears flattening. “At this hour?” Scarlet asked.

Honeycomb nodded.

“Well, then it would be best not to keep him waiting.” Marble sighed.

“Y-yes,” Honeycomb replied as she got up, placing her tray on her back.

“But hey,” Scarlet said as she looked at Honeycomb. “Next time, you sit with us, okay?”

Honeycomb weakly nodded, taking a step back as she tried to get out of there.

“Promise?”

The changeling again nodded.

“Alright then, see ya around, Honeycomb.”

Honeycomb quickly turned around, rushing to her room.

Honeycomb looked at the shaking parchment in her hooves. She tried to steady herself, but she could not stop herself. Honeycomb looked up from her parchment, gazing out over the throne room. There were a constant shuffling of ponies around her, multiple voices adding to the commotion. She gulped, seeing the eyes of many ponies staring up at her.

“Is the guard ready?”

“Of course.”

“Is the list of registered suppliants ready?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Do we have enough forms?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Honeycomb sighed as she tugged on the collar of her shirt, and looked down at her outfit. Feather Duster had given it to her and insisted she wear it. According to her, it was the standard business attire, a white-collared button shirt and a black vest. She had no idea why ponies would wear such things. For her, it kept bothering her, the constricting clothing rubbing against her fur. Her ears flicked as she heard a door near her open.

“Lord Solaris!” a pony called out.

Instantly, the guards in the room saluted while everypony else bowed. Honeycomb opened an eye, looking up from the ground as she watched Solaris walk to his throne. When he finally sat down, everypony assumed their normal positions.

“Welcome back, my Lord,” greeted an older looking guard near the base of the throne.

Solaris gave a slight nod and a smile as he adjusted himself on his throne.

“L-Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb whispered as she took a step closer to the alicorn. “I don’t think I am ready for this.”

Solaris raised an eyebrow. “Honeycomb, you will be fine. We went over this already.”

“But how do you know?”

“You have been practicing for a while. You will be fine.”

Honeycomb gulped as she looked down. “But what if I mess up?”

“What do you think will happen?” Solaris asked, his expression stoic.

“I dunno. I don’t want to upset you.”

“I told you, Honeycomb, you don’t have to worry about that.”

“But what if somepony else gets mad?”

“Then they will have to answer to me.”

“But—”

“Honeycomb, if you spend all your time worrying about what will go wrong, nothing will ever get done.”

Honeycomb weakly nodded as she sat back up. She had no idea why Solaris wanted her to be the speaker in his court. When he first told her, she wanted to question his decision, but the thought was quickly quelled.

“Lord Solaris,” a guard said, saluting at the bottom of the steps to Solaris’ throne, “we’re ready.”

“Alright,” Solaris replied. “Let them in.”

Honeycomb gulped as she watched the large oaken doors slowly open, a large line of ponies making way their way in. Her ears flattened as she saw the line extended past the doors.

“Go on, Honeycomb,” Solaris urged quietly, “they should all be in order.”

Honeycomb tried to calm herself, her hooves shaking. She looked out at the crowd, her ears flattening when she saw them looking back at her. Honeycomb looked back at Solaris, only to see him nod.

The changeling closed her eyes, letting out a large sigh. She coughed into her hoof before looking to the crowd then back at her parchment. “W-welcome to the court of Lord Solaris,” Honeycomb announced, trying to project her voice as loud as she can. “Suppliants will be seen based on the registered order. The court will see all suppliants that are registered, or until court has run out.

“Those not seen today will be placed in the front of the registered list and will be first seen tomorrow if they choose to. With that said, Lord Solaris’ Court will now proceed. Will the first suppliant please step forward?”

A brown unicorn stepped forward, giving a slight bow.

Honeycomb looked down at her parchment.

Cappuccino Cup

Honeycomb’s ears flattened. What? she thought. She coughed into her hoof again. “Cap… Cappu…”

“Cappuccino,” Solaris whispered.

Honeycomb looked behind her, seeing Solaris giving her another nod. She took a deep breath. “Cappuccino Cup of Canterlot.”

Honeycomb gave a parchment to Solaris then resumed her position by his side. The changeling looked down at her list, the line of ponies much shorter. She sighed, glad she was almost done.

It started out roughly for her. She stumbled her words at first, but as the day went by, she got better with each passing petitioner. The more preoccupied she was, the less she thought about her situation, and thus the less nervous she became.

Honeycomb let out a groan as she stretched her back. Stifling a yawn, she looked down at the next pony on the list.

Prince Blueblood, 54th descendant of Lord Solaris

She blinked. Solaris had a foal? Honeycomb thought.

There was a low murmur in the room, causing Honeycomb to lift her head. A rather large, white unicorn strutted in through the door, holding his head up proudly . If he was really related to the rulers of Equestria, she could see why.

“My Lord,” the unicorn greeted with a slight bow.

“Blueblood,” Solaris acknowledged.

Honeycomb looked back at the alicorn. She was not sure, but for some reason, his voice seemed to have sounded… colder?

“I am here for a request,” Blueblue stated, lifting his head slightly higher.

“Blueblood,” Solaris replied, a stoic expression on his face. “If this is about earlier, I already told you my answer.”

Honeycomb watched as Blueblood’s nostrils flared ever so slightly. “You have me wrong, my Lord,” Blueblood replied as he placed a hoof on his chest. “I am here for another matter.”

Honeycomb barely heard the alicorn’s sigh, even when she was standing only a few feet away from him.

“Honeycomb,” Solaris called quietly.

Honeycomb turned her head. “Yes, Lord Solaris?”

“Fetch me a glass of water,” he commanded as he nodded towards a tray with a water pitcher.

“Yes, sir,” Honeycomb complied as she hurried to fulfil the request.

Solaris adjusted himself in his throne, straightening his back. He looked back at Blueblood at the base of the throne. “And what would that be?”

“Well,” Blueblood said as he puffed out his chest, “I heard a rumor.”

Honeycomb brought the tray next to Solaris, grabbing the pitcher in her hooves.

“I have more important things to worry about rather than listening to rumors. If you have come to my court for such a thing, you are wasting both yours and my time,” Solaris stated.

“And I would agree with that statement,” Blueblood retorted. “It is indeed a waste of time for important ponies to listen to silly rumors.”

“So then, why are you here?”

Honeycomb slowly poured the water into a glass, making sure not to make another mistake.

“I hear we have a changeling,” Blueblood remarked, a smirk on his face.

Honeycomb barely managed to suppress a yelp as the pitcher shook in her hooves. She held on to it, but not before spilling a small amount onto the tray and floor. “I’m sorry!”

“It’s fine,” Solaris said coldly, his gaze fixed on Blueblood.

“B-but—”

“Honeycomb, I said you’re fine. That’s enough,” Solaris whispered.

Honeycomb nodded as she took a step back. She looked at the crowd, hearing the agitated murmurs among the crowd and the guard. Her hooves started to shake, her wings twitching while she gulped. The changeling tried to calm herself. Don’t make a scene.

“That is not a rumor,” Solaris stated, his expression unchanged. “My sister and I already announced that we found a changeling after the attack, and said changeling had been taken care of.”

Honeycomb could hear the murmurs increase among the other ponies.

“But you did not let me finish, my Lord,” Blueblood continued as he started to pace around. He looked at the crowd of ponies, a smile on his face as all eyes focused on him. “The rumor is that the changeling is still here in the palace.”

A gasp filled the room.

“Enough,” Solaris said sternly, silencing the room. He looked back at Blueblood. “Why would you say such a thing, Blueblood?”

“If,” Blueblood emphasized as he again looked back at the crowd, “a filthy changeling is here in Canterlot, then it should be put on trial!”

The murmurs grew even louder as a few ponies nodded their heads.

“That is not needed, Blueblood. I told you, my sister and I have already taken care of it.”

“So, are you saying that the changeling is still somewhere in Canterlot?”

Solaris’ ears flicked. “Are you questioning me?” he asked, gritting his teeth slightly.

“Of course not,” Blueblood replied as he continued to walk. “Like I said, it is just a rumor. But if we did, don’t you think we should have a trial? I mean, if one of those vermin was here, don’t you think the public is owed that at least?”

“I told you, Blueblood, it has been taken care of,” Solaris reaffirmed, his voice low. His mane and tail started flicking a little more than normal.

Blueblood looked back to the crowd. “But those monsters attacked our fair city. Do the citizens of Canterlot, nay Equestria, deserve to see justice served?”

Honeycomb watched as even more ponies crowd nodded their heads in agreement. She took a step back, looking back at Solaris.

“Those foul beasts tarnished our lands and attacked our citizens. Ponies would not feel safe if they thought the enemy still wandered the streets!” Blueblood continued.

Again, Honeycomb looked out to the crowd, now hearing ponies voicing their agreement with Blueblood. She gulped as she looked back at Solaris, looking for any form of solace, but instead her eyes widened at what she saw.

Lord Solaris’ ears were slightly splayed back as he was gritting his teeth. The angry glare he was shooting at the unicorn before him sent a chill through Honeycomb’s body. “Blueblood, that is enough.”

Blueblood stomped his hoof. “We urge you, Lord Solaris, retribution must be dealt! Those vermin must suffer!”

“Blueblood, cease this foolishness.”

Blueblood called out to the crowd. “Don’t you want justice? Have you not suffered enough? Is that not fair?”

There were a few stomps of hooves as more ponies agreed.

“Blueblood, enough… you are overstepping your boundaries,” Solaris warned, exhaling as his wings twitched.

Honeycomb whimpered as she retreated further back towards Solaris. The room felt smaller, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Don’t you agree though, Lord Solaris?” Blueblood argued. “Even you have suffered from the invasion. Surely you want revenge on the miscreants who struck you down.”

The crowd erupted into an uproar, yelling their support at Blueblood’s words.

“Enough!” Solaris roared as he stood up, his wings flared out.

The entire room fell silent, every pony’s eyes wide in fear.

“Get out,” Solaris growled.

Both the guards and the crowd looked at each other in confusion.

“Get out!” Solaris roared as he slammed his hoof down, shattering the floor beneath it.

The crowd took a step back, their eyes wide in fear.

“NOW!”

There was a loud roar of hooves hitting the ground as everypony, including the guards, left the throne room.

“Stay, Blueblood,” Solaris commanded as his eyes fixed on the stallion.

Blueblood looked up with wide eyes as his ears splayed back, falling to his haunches.

Honeycomb shrunk back as she looked up at Solaris. “L-lord Solaris?” the changeling whispered.

“Leave, Honeycomb,” Solaris commanded, his eyes fixed on Blueblood.

“Y-yes, right away,” Honeycomb replied quickly with a bow. Without wasting a second, she turned around and made her way through the back door.

The door closed with a thud as Honeycomb leaned her back against it. Her heart pounded in her chest as she tried to calm it, panting loudly. She looked at the empty hallway, her eyes closing as she relaxed slightly.

That was too close, she thought as she slid down, sitting. I thought ponies were going to find out about me.

Her ears twitched as she heard muffled sounds through the door. Her heart raced when she heard the word ‘changeling’. Are they talking about me? she thought to herself. She gasped, placing her ear on the door. That was Solaris’ descendent. What happens if Solaris listens to him? Would Solaris go back on his word? He told me I wouldn’t have to go on trial if I worked for him, but what if Blueblood manages to convince him?

Honeycomb gulped as she bit her lower lip. She looked down at her hooves, rubbing them together. She tried to placate her fears, but then she remembered the crowd supporting Blueblood. Her eyes drifted up towards the door handle. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door slightly and peaked through the crack.

Solaris stepped down from his throne. His hooves stomped loudly, cracking the floor’s immaculate, marble tiles. “You little bastard! How dare you show me such disrespect, in my own home!” the ruler spat, his voice cold and hard.

Blueblood took a step back, his head darting back and forth, hoping that there was another soul in the room. “L-Lord Solaris, what ever do you mean?”

“DO NOT DARE PLAY IGNORANT WITH ME, BLUEBLOOD!” Solaris roared loudly.

The smaller stallion wilted even further as he scurried back, his eyes wide with panic and fear as he started to hyperventilate.

“You dare to challenge me?” Solars asked with a clenched jaw, his voice almost a growl.

“B-but I didn’t do such a thing!” Blueblood cried out in desperation.

“Do NOT lie to me!” Solaris roared as he threw his head in front of his great grandson.

The smaller pony let out a yelp of terror as he huddled to the ground, not daring to make eye contact with Solaris.

Solaris glared down as he started to walk around Blueblood, his eyes glowing a faint red hue. “You come into my court, question my policy in public, and try to turn my subjects against me. How is that not challenging my authority?”

Blueblood laid low on his stomach and trembled, his nose almost touching the ground and his tail curled around his side. “I-I w-was just looking out for the good of the public—”

Solaris reared onto his hindlegs before slamming both his forehooves into the ground, mere inches from the prince, sending fragments of marble into the air and causing the ground to tremor. “How many times must you lie to me? Are you trying to make me angry?” Solaris put a forehoof on his head, closing his eyes and exhaling loudly. His shook his head a moment later, his mane and tail blazing wildly. “You…” Solaris said, his voice low. “You better thank the heavens that your Aunt is here, because if she wasn’t, I would have struck you right here and now.”

Blueblood let out a whimper, bringing his face to the ground and closing his eyes.

“Challenging me in such a manner and lying to me. For the ‘good of the public’, ha!” Solaris barked as he threw his head back for emphasis. “Since when have you ever been a public servant?”

The smaller pony did not reply, daring not to speak.

“I know what this is about,” Solaris said as as he walked around the Blueblood. “You are still upset at the fact that I won’t let you use public funds to fix your house. Oh what a tragedy it must be for you to pay out of your own allowance. No, you just want someone to suffer for your own amusement.”

Solaris again stopped in front of Blueblood, his wings flared out. “Look at me, and tell me I am wrong.”

Blueblood’s body quivered as he slowly lifted his tear-stained face, his eyes wide with fear. His ears drooped back as he immediately tried to curl back at the sight of Solaris’ crimson-red eyes. “I-I j-just… b-but I…”

Solaris did not move, his face hard.

“N-no,” Blueblood said, his voice barely a whisper as he lowered his gaze. He was no longer able to look at Solaris. “I just heard that there was an enemy changeling and…”

“And what if there is a changeling here, Blueblood? How does that change anything? What would you want to happen?”

“I…”

“Would you want to put them on a sham of a trial? Do you want to be the prosecutor, so you can have it beg and cry for its life in front of you? Do you want them hanged, so you can watch its hooves flail helplessly in the air? Or will you show mercy and just have it beheaded, so you can be the champion?”

“I… I don’t know.”

“If you wanted to talk to me like a responsible, respectful pony, you could have done so in private. That is a privilege only a few ponies have. If for some reason you thought something was wrong, you do not make a scene in public and disrespect my name.”

The smaller pony gulped.

“I am disappointed in you in so many ways, Blueblood.”

Blueblood winced and shrunk even more.

“Not with your recent behavior, but overall. I tried to stay my hoof and let you correct your ways on your own, hoping that you could see what others see, but I was wrong. You have been nothing but arrogant, thinking that you were somehow better than everypony else. I get so many complaints about you, Blueblood, so many that I am suprised when you don’t get one. You demand others to bow and treat you with respect when you have done nothing to deserve it and only step on those when they do.”

Blueblood inhaled sharply, tears flowing freely from his eyes.

“So let me remind you,” Solaris warned coldly, “your title of ‘Prince’ is in name only. You wield no power over others. Where you are right now, your lifestyle, only exist because you share some of my blood… however small it may be.”

“This is the last straw, Blueblood, one more complaint about you or your behavior, and I will take everything. Your rank, your house, your money, and your property. You will have nothing.”

“But those are mine!” Blueblood cried out as he jerked his head up.

“NO!” Solaris yelled as he thrusted his face into Blueblood’s own. The ruler’s eyes stared directly into the smaller pony’s eyes. “It is my house! It is my money! Everything you think you own belongs to me! I am the one who had given it you! You only have it because I made a promise to your ancestors that I would make sure their descendants are looked after, but I will revoke that if need be. It is mine! My title and my power is there because I earned it. I had freed this land and unified it. I had protected it over many generations. There is one, and only one other pony that can lay claim to such a thing, only one who has the same authority as I do, and you are not her!”

Blueblood was practically a quivering ball of fear, desperately trying, but failing, to sink into the ground and disappear from Solaris’ glare.

Solaris lifted his head up, folding his wings to his side. “This will not go unpunished, Blueblood. For your actions, for your disrespect of my name, you are going to donate all of your yearly allowance to help those that are rebuilding from the attack. You are going to host a fundraising event, and do whatever it takes to help those in need. You are going to do this with a humble approach, even if you have to wear a mask and lie to look the part. And if you cannot do that, then you will find a pony who actually does care to host. I better be hearing of the community work that you will be doing soon. Is that clear?”

“Y-yes,” Blueblood whimpered quietly, turning his head away.

“Yes what?” Solaris growled.

“Y-yes, Lord Solaris,” Blueblood replied louder as he bowed, his nose touching the ground.

“Now, get out of my sight,” Solaris ordered.

Blueblood quickly got up and nodded his head before running out a side door.

Solaris stood there, exhaling loudly as he tried to calm himself. He turned around and made his way to the backdoor.

Honeycomb quickly jumped up and scrambled away from the door, standing at attention. The changeling did not want to provoke the alicorn any more by letting him know that she eavesdropped on what had just transpired. Although she did not hear everything, she thought she had a good idea on what happened.

Honeycomb let out a small gulp as Solaris walked through the doorway, slamming it behind him with his back hoof. He turned and look down at Honeycomb.

“Y-yes, Lord Solaris?” Honeycomb asked as she stood rigid.

“Your service will not be required today. Go and take the day off,” Solaris replied.

Honeycomb’s ears flicked. His voice sounded normal, but there was something harsh hiding underneath it. Not wanting to anger him further, she nodded. “Sir, are you sure?”

“Yes, I will see you tomorrow at the normal time,” Solaris answered as he walked away, his hooves hitting the ground harder than normal.

Honeycomb stood at attention until Solaris was out of sight. She slumped down and leaned back against the wall, her heart racing in her chest. Taking a moment, she closed her eyes and tried to steady herself. When her breathing steadied, her eyes opened, staring at the end of the hallway where Solaris had left.

She replayed the scenario in her head over and over. The changeling was shocked with what she had witnessed, Solaris yelling at his own offspring in such a wrathful manner. She thought she would surely be discovered, to be dragged to a trial or some gruesome end. The ponies in there wanted blood, and would have if Solaris did not intervene in such a way. It was obvious to her that no pony would bring up the subject after such a display.

Slowly, a slight smile appeared on her muzzle. Did he just protect me?

Author's Note

Thanks to Kevinltk for editing.