MLP FIM: Season 4 Rise of the A.M. (a what if story)

Chapter 3: The Prince and Four Princesses

Simon was first to leave the throne room. He spread his wings and took flight, Safire watched him out of sight with clear disapproval.

“Sister, can you round up a few guards to accompany my apprentice?”

“Of course little brother,” said Safire with a bow and left.

Arthur waited until the doors closed so that he tell the king his curiosity about Safire.

“You should get going Arthur,” suggested Sullivan. “With the amount of energy Simon has, I expect he will be waiting outside with in seconds.”

“Yes sir, it’s just that… never mind it’s probably nothing.”

Arthur left the throne room before the king could reply and when he was back in the halls Safire was waiting beside the doors. Could she have been eavesdropping? She gave Arthur a perplexed look as he glanced back for a second look, but he must be thinking too much into it. Her own brother trusts her as do most of the citizens of the Sapphire Kingdom so, why shouldn’t he? Once outside the castle, the suns warmth greeted him, but looking around his surroundings there was no sign of Simon Streaks or the escorts. Thinking that one of the two must be waiting by road leading out the kingdom he galloped off. His thinking was off as he found out there was no one at the road either. Just then the sound something big flying overhead caught his attention and when he looked up he saw Simon who was wearing yellow uniform that had black patterns on it. Spotting Arthur he came soaring down only to hover a few feet from the ground.

“Aha so this is where I find you!” he said cheerfully. “Anxious to get going eh? I like it!”

“Actually I thought you would be here waiting for me,” said Arthur.

“I think we might be fine if we leave now,” said Simon taking in nothing that had just been said. “Notch and I have a bet on who will get The Crystal Empire first.”

“I said… Wait did you say Notch?”

“Yep!”

“As in the Notch? Leader of the Holly Head Hornets?”

“The same!”

Arthur starred in disbelief as an unbelievable thought came over him. Now amongst further inspection at Simon’s uniform, it was the exact same as a member of the Hornets.

“No way,” said Arthur smiling at his own foolishness. “You know for a moment I thought that you might be a member of the Hornets.”

“That’s right!” said Simon beaming at him. “Speechless aren’t you? Yeah, I suppose I may not look it when I’m not in my uniform, but you know the one they call Lucky? That’s me.”

Arthur looked up at the Pegasus in front of him in complete shock. Simon laughed.

“You’re an odd one Arthur. Tell you what; I’ll give you an autograph later.”

Simon turned and made to fly away when Arthur snapped out of his confused state and suggested that they wait for the guards that were supposed to escort them. Simon refused this request and offered to go on ahead while Arthur waited.

“Look, King Sullivan put me on this assignment with you and we’ll arrive at the same time.”

Arthur looked up at the sky and told Simon to bring him a cloud. When Simon returned, Arthur made magic flow through his horn and concentrated on what he was about to do.

“Only Pegasi can walk on clouds kid,” said Simon notably.

“I know,” said Arthur when the magic died out from his horn. “ That’s why I cast a spell that will make it possible for me to walk on them as well.”

With out hesitation, Arthur leaped onto the cloud, gained his balance and by using his magic once again, he made the cloud glow and was able to control where it went. Looking impressed, Simon flew upwards and headed straight; Arthur tailing close behind. The feeling of his mane and tail blowing back as he flew behind Simon was strange. It was chilly in the sky, and as his mane that was waving from behind felt like his fur could fly off at any given moment. Arthur took a moment to look below him as the sight of trees and mountains passed by with ease. The scenery didn’t last though. As the two went further out, the more the clouds thickened and they were forced to climb higher and continue on their course from a safer altitude. At the speed Simon was going the time flying to their destination didn’t seem long at all. In fact, Arthur thought only minutes had passed since they left. Simon slowed his pacing and pointed below.

“We have to descend otherwise we’ll fly right passed it!”

He circled around once before he dove into the overcast disappearing beneath it. Arthur followed, all the while using his horn as a spot light in order to see where he was going. The beam of light only went so far though. A strong cold gust of wind greeted him and controlling the cloud became difficult. Looking below him he saw nothing but a grey mist. Just when he was about to make a break for the top of the overcast, the grey broke away and he saw a vast valley surrounded by mountains. Poking out of the ground being illuminated by the sun were multi colored crystals and a train track ran straight through the center leading to a station.

“Incredible isn’t it?” asked Simon to Arthur. “Ever since the King Sombra was defeated, his curse over the land vanished along with him and the Empire can once again live in peace.”

The two landed at the station where a train had just arrived. Mares, Stallions, foals and fillies were piling out and were welcomed by small shops open for business. Further ahead a large banner hung high and stitched in purple writing was, “Welcome The Crystal Empire! Host of this year’s Equestria Games!” As Simon and Arthur joined in the herd of ponies, a few heads turned to them. One Mare nudged another and signaled her to look at Simon. Clearly she thought she knew who he was or at least they knew his team name.

“You’re quite popular.” said Arthur noting some young admiring fans.

“Yes, you could say that,” said Simon smiling gratefully at the waves he was receiving undoubtedly confirming the suspicions.

Simon went inside a shop and emerged moments later with two cinnamon buns. He handed one to Arthur who didn’t noticed how hungry he was until he took a bite.

“Aha! If I’m not mistaken, that would be the rest of my team and your escorts!” exclaimed Simon with delight as he looked up at the sky.

Arthur looked up to see seven Pegasi. Two of which were wearing armor and were pulling a royal carriage behind them. The Pegaguards pulling the empty cargo looked at Arthur with a mix of frustration and relief while one of Simon’s teammates marched forward and gave him a sharp poke with their hoof.

“Lucky, despite the bet you and our fearless leader had…”

“River, we made it hear and that’s all that matters isn’t it?” said Simon sheepishly to her.

River wasn’t amused.

“The poor guards were worried sick about the king’s apprentice! I thought you would’ve had enough sense in you to put ridiculous bets like this off for once!”

“Easy River,” said one of the four-team members behind her.

Judging from the presence he gave off when he spoke and the fact that all of his companions eyes were on him; he must be their leader, Notch. Taking advantage of the Hornet’s heated discussion on their fellow member’s actions, Arthur went over to the guards who were waiting for an explanation.

“Sorry about this,” he said apologetically. “King Sullivan said I had to be with Simon when he arrived here so…”

“It’s fine,” replied one of the guards. “As long as you’re safe that’s all that matters.”

“How’s this? I’ll pay you guys double when we get back to the kingdom. Sound fair?”

The guards snorted in agreement.

Once the Simon and River seemed to have cooled down they all went to the entrance of The Crystal Empire. Arthur having promised to represent King Sullivan rode in the carriage. The Hornet’s said their goodbyes to Arthur when they had arrived. Simon stayed behind for a few seconds to tell him to watch for them during the opening and closing ceremonies before he too took off. One of the guards asked Arthur if they should go to greet the leaders of The Crystal Empire and Canterlot. He agreed and the carriage moved through the Empire as many citizens and tourists bowed in respect as they passed by. Arthur had just noticed how very different the citizens of the empire were from the tourists. Everyone was shining bright as if they too were part crystal. Straitening up ready to make a good first impression; he smiled at them and waved in appreciation. Finally after what seemed like hours of nothing but bowing and cheerful welcomes by young ponies Arthur’s carriage came to a stop.

“Thank you fellas” said Arthur leaping out of his lift. “Now, where would I be most likely to find the princess at this time?”

The carriage had stopped not at the castle, but in the center of town. Before Arthur could ask what was with the hold up, one of the guards tapped him with his hind leg.

“Perhaps it would be better if you would look around on your own.” He whispered. “We have a while before the games start. Meet…”

“You’re probably right,” said Arthur, cutting the guard off. “I’ll meet you two at the castle later.”

The guards went on ahead while Arthur took this time to take in the sites. The empire was bigger than he had expected the center was all a town with stores that were more like large tents and houses were on every block. Businesses were booming with tones of ponies greeting the swarms of tourists with all kinds of things. The food, which included crystal corn, made Arthur wonder if biting into it would be a good idea. Several of the stands had ponies, who, by the looks of it didn’t look like they were from here. One was a white unicorn with purple hair and blue eyes. At her post, was a collection a well-made hats and a small dragon? Arthur blinked as to make sure he wasn’t seeing things, but his eyes were not fooling him. There was a small dragon calling out

“Hats and flags for sail! Come get your Equestria Game hats and flags! Made by Ponyville’s talented team of designers!”

“Ponyville?” inquired Arthur.

“That’s right, Ponyville!” shouted an excited voice from behind making him jump. “Oops, sorry.” said the voice again.

Letting the fast beating of his heart slow down, Arthur looked at the pony before him. Her coat as well as her mane and tail were pink. She had blue eyes and her cutie mark was three balloons; two were blue and the other yellow.

“Who are you?” asked Arthur.

“I’m Pinkie Pie!” she said positively glowing with delight. “What’s yours?”

“Arthur. I’m here for…”

“Oh, are you here for the games?”

“Yes, but…”

“Would you like a hat or a flag?”

“Not now.”

“What about crystal corn”

“Perhaps later, but for now I’m…”

“Oh wait let me think…”

She put her hoof on her head and sat there puzzling.

“Look,” said Arthur taking this time of silence to get to his question. “I’m here looking for the princess do you know where she would be at this time?”

“Huh, is that all? “ said Pinkie. “You should have asked me that before.”

“Then you know where she is?” said Arthur relieved that they were getting somewhere.

“Yes, but… I can’t take you there,” said Pinkie.

“Why not?” asked Arthur.

“Because she’s busy getting ready for the games like everypony else.” said Pinkie and before Arthur could ask about any other royalty branch that would be arriving at the Empire, Pinkie was going on and on about what she thought about games and telling him about her favorite games and was asked what his favorite game was.

When Arthur refused to answer her she would simply move on to another topic. He was about to cast a hearing spell when another voice rang out. Pinkie immediately grew silent. Arthur turned around to look at the one who had intervened, but no one was there. At first he thought that when he turned back the pony would pop out of nowhere again but to his relief she didn’t. He continued his travel around town asking about any other princesses, but he came up empty handed. Feeling disappointed at zero success so far, Arthur came to a stop next to a sider and pie stand. Having nothing else to do he went ahead and paid for a mug of cider. He received his drink from a pony with an orange coat, green eyes and wearing a farmer’s hat. Her face hade white freckles and long blond mane and tail that were tied in the back by red ribbons. Arthur asked the pony if she knew anything about the whereabouts of the princesses.

“Hmmm… I can help y’all out with that,” she said in a southern accent.

“You don’t say? But how can I be sure you’re not just pulling my leg?” said Arthur sounding suspicious.

“No legs are being pulled here. I just so happen to know where one is. I can take y’all there if you’d like.” she said with a wink.

“Ok. Try saying that without winking this time,” said Arthur.

The pony laughed and told one of her assistants to take over while she took Arthur to where she believed one of the princesses were.

“So, why’re ya so interested in meeting the princesses before the games?” she asked

“I’m from the Sapphire Kingdom and…”

“Well I’ll be,” she said stopping in her tracks and turning to face him. “You must be the king!”

“Actually I’m…”

But before Arthur could finish the pony took her hat off, bowed to him and apologized for not realizing things sooner.

“Of course, you must be his son,” she said leading him onward again. “I think one of the princess’s I know may not come as a surprise to you after all.”

“Come again?” inquired Arthur. “One of the princesses you know?”

“That’s right. Let’s see… here we are, but wait.”

“What for?” asked Arthur.

“You don’t expect to meet her or any of the princesses with out being dressed properly do you?”

Now that she had mentioned it, Arthur was in such a hurry that the thought of him wearing something for the occasion never came to mind. After all he was there to represent the king of his kingdom.

“You have a point,” said Arthur thoughtfully. “Right, now where can I…”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” said Applejack feeling important. “I know just the pony who’ll fix y’all right up!”

She led him straight to the stand where the white unicorn and small dragon were and whispered in the unicorn’s ear about the predicament. The unicorn looked like she might faint, but with the speed of cheetah she told the dragon to take over, took one of Arthurs hooves and took him inside the tent. Several other ponies were inside it and stared curiously at the two of them. When she told them what was going on they wasted no time and immediately began taking measurements and testing out colors for an outfit. As each clothing piece was put on every now and then the unicorn would say words like, “Too plain, ” “Too dark,” “What on earth were you thinking!?” and “Definitely not.”

“Ms. Rarity,” said one of the fashion designers as his work was disapproved. “Maybe you should try?”

“It really doesn’t have to be anything special.” said Arthur.

“Nonsense!” “A son of the king from the Sapphire Kingdom needs to look his best during occasions like these.” Replied Rarity as she used her magic to scroll through colors and draw a quick illustration of what she was visualizing while the designers placed the measured sizes they had taken on the work space.

“About that, I’m not...”

“No, no. Say no more. Just leave everything to me,” said Rarity holding up a hoof to cut him off.

She stopped what she was doing to glance over at Arthur and stared at the red markings on his body.

“Those won’t come off,” said the same pony from before.

“What are they?” Inquired Rarity raising an eyebrow.

“I don’t know,” said Arthur. “I woke up one day and they were just there.”

Rarity made no further inquiry about the markings and continued with her work. The designers made to wash his mane and tail with the time they had left. When she was done she had made a brown and grey suit complete with a small cape. She eyed Arthur carefully making absolutely sure that nothing appeared to be out of place then clapped her hooves together with delight at her work. The other designers around them surveyed Arthur, clearly waiting for his say.

He looked in the mirror and saw that the suit had covered most of the red marks below his neck and the cape hid his own mark.

“Yes,” he thought to himself. “This should work nicely.”

“What do you think?” asked Rarity.

“You’ve done this before haven’t you?” said Arthur knowledgably.

“Yes your excellence.” Rarity replied blushing a little.

“Thanks everypony I appreciate it. How much do I owe you?”

“There’s No need to pay us!” said Rarity aloud as Arthur was about to conjure up his sack of bits. “Really it’s no trouble at all your majesty, I mean… well,” she blushed again and bowed so low that her face was covered by her mane that flopped to the floor.

The designers bowed as well, thanked Arthur for dropping in and one of them escorted him out even though the tent wasn’t that wide and he was inches away from the opening. When he emerged the pony gave him one last bow and quickly sank back into the tent. Arthur saw Applejack waiting by one of many souvenir stands and headed over.

“Hewwwi!” she said lifting her front legs excitedly. “I told y’all that Rarity would fix ya up. And from the looks of it…” she stepped closer for a better look. “She washed ya too.”

“Shall we be off then?” said Arthur hoping that this time Applejack wouldn’t come up with another reason as to why he shouldn’t see one of the princesses.

“Yes. Come on, this way.”

The inside of the salon was a singlewide room. The walls were tan and the floor blue with a white swirl at the center. Purple crystals rose to the shaded ceiling. Scents of various shampoos, perfumes, and polish hung in the air. The seats were mostly unoccupied and a shiny mud bath was at the far end. A Crystal pony welcomed the two and asked Applejack if she would like her main to be done.

“Sorry, but we’re busy at the moment. Ya see, the Prince of the Sapphire Kingdom has arrived and…”

“Prince?!” came a shocked voice from one of the seats that had its back to them.

“Yep!” replied Applejack. “How ya comin along over there Twilight?”

“Uh… I’ll be there in a moment!” answered the voice sounding nervous.

A good feeling came over Arthur as he realized that he wasn’t the only one having their nerves tested. The crystal pony bowed to him and told him and Applejack to have a seat while they waited. They sat down and only seconds had passed when, with out warning, and to Arthur’s surprise and horror, Pinkie Pie and two Pegasi that he did not know arrived through the golden doors. Pinkie hopped her way over while her companions flew. One had a light blue coat, red eyes and her somewhat long mane and tail were rainbow colors. Even her cutie mark was peculiar; a cloud with a rainbow lightning bolt. The other was yellow with green eyes and long pink mane and tail. Her cutie mark was three pink butterflies. When Pinkie spotted Arthur she hopped over and started bombarding him with questions.

“Pinkie!” shouted the blue Pegasus. “I had to fly you away from him last time, so please for the love of Celestia bring it down a little!”

Applejack cleared her throat and introduced them.

“Rainbow’s probably right Pinkie. Y’all do best to not question him too much. This is the prince of the Sapphire Kingdom. Arthur.”

Pinkie did the smallest of double takes and bowed while the two hovering above quickly landed and did the same

“Hello Prince Arthur. My name is Rainbow Dash,” said the blue Pegasus.

“And I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle,” said a voice from where the chair was once occupied.

Arthur shot up and bowed his head.

“The pleasure is all mine Princess,” he said.

The two of them looked up at each other and when Arthur saw the unicorn in front of him, he shot back. Twilight being a little shorter than he was had a purple coat and eyes. Her mane and tail were a dark blue with a pink and purple stripe running down the middle. A golden tiara laid on her head. She was also an Alicorn.

“You’re the princess of The Crystal Empire?”

“No, that would be Cadence. She is the princess here and my brother, her husband, is captain of the royal guard in Canterlot .” Replied Twilight. “I am the third princess of Canterlot.”

“Right,” said Arthur, the doubtfulness in his voice unmasked. “If you’re the third princess of Canterlot, then I must be the prince of the Sapphire Kingdom.”

“I am the third princess though,” said Twilight unsure if she wasn’t that confident in saying so the first time.

“Uhuh…” said Arthur unconvinced. “This is really funny and all but, I for one know that Canterlot has only one princess. Celestia if I recall correctly and her sister Luna was banished long ago.”

“You are right, but Princess Luna is back and is has become the second. And I as of recently have become the third.”

When Arthur didn’t look assured she turned to her friends for help. Of course all of them told Arthur that she was telling the truth, but he didn’t buy it and accused them of collaborating with her in a practical joke to waste his time.

“Now hold on there partner!” said Applejack annoyed. “No one is involved in anything! And we are most certainly not wasting your time!”

“I see no evidence to the contrary!” said Arthur stubbornly.

“What book did you read? What was it?”

“The only book on Canterlot history.”

“Then it needs to be rewritten.”

“It most certainly will not! Or are you saying that there is another book on their history that I have over looked!”

“He’s right Applejack,” said Twilight bringing the argument to an abrupt halt. “The book he is referring to is the only one in existence. No one outside of Canterlot and Ponyville would know that Canterlot has gained two Princesses. I don’t think that The Crystal Empire even knows that Princess Luna has changed and I had just informed them that I am the third Princess.”

“Wait, let me get this straight,” said Arthur rubbing his forehead. “Princess Luna… The Nightmare Moon has changed and took her role once again as the second princess of Canterlot and you have just been announced the third?”

“I know how that all must sound to you. Believe me I was surprised too at first when I had become the new princess. But I promise you it’s all true.”

Arthur frowned at her, turned and made to leave the salon. The golden doors closed behind him, leaving Twilight and her friends speechless.