The princess of the day stood over a circle adorned with various symbols and relics, her face set into a look of utter concentration. One small miscalculation, especially from a spell of this magnitude, could not only be disasterous, but could easily drain her of her godlike powers for a few days. It had to be perfect.
Perfect.
Princess Celestia allowed herself a smile. She idly remembered her most faithful student—Twilight Sparkle—and knew that any slight miscalculation would more than likely not bode well with the young unicorn's obsessive nature, and would end up with her student losing faith in her abilities. This had to be perfect. Not only to safeguard her student's mind, and sanity, but also to ensure the safety and future of Equestria. The alicorn's horn then glowed a bright, golden yellow—much like the sun itself, before releasing it's magic to the world. The spell sprang to life with a bright glow that went unnoticed by the city of Canterlot.
Hours had passed since the princess had cast the ritual spell. The alicorn's room was silent, save for the soft breathing coming from the new addition to her chambers.
Success, Celestia thought to herself, and she would be right—the spell was a complete success, though she hadn't anticipated that whatever being she called upon would be unconscious; though she saw it as a small blessing as upon further inspection of the creature before her the princess was able to take in it's details.
Her eyes scanned the being that she had summoned. She judged that she was female, definitely not equine, blonde and well built; obviously apparent by how her unzipped one-piece outfit showed off her well-toned body. Upon noticing something, the solar princess leaned in and noted a thin, winding scar, running the length of the female's torso. Like a serpent. With a shake of her head to clear away any stray thoughts, Celestia then took in the details of the female’s clothing. The outfit in question was an odd design, puzzling Celestia as to its exact function. From what she could see, it was made of pure white, much like snow—appearing to favor function over style.
The woman in the bed chose that moment to stir. She’s waking up. The princess, acting quickly, teleporting herself outside of the room. Celestia knew the female wouldn't take her appearance well, opting instead to mimic the woman's species with an illusion spell. One minute had already passed. Celestia heard shuffling within the room.
She’s awake. She idly thought.
Before Celestia entered the room, she glanced quickly at her reflection in the white marble wall. Her reflection stood a respectable six feet, adorned in a long-flowing, elegant, pink and white dress. Her multi-colored mane no longer streamed with an ethereal wind. Instead, gravity took its long-denied possession, allowing it to fall downwards in its natural pink. Her eyes remained the same, albeit a bit smaller than their usual size.
After taking a moment to adjust her posture, the princess gave the door a polite knock before entering. The woman lay on the bed no longer. Instead, she leaned on the balcony railing, overlooking the city of Canterlot. Celestia was unable to discern if her knocking had been acknowledged. Regardless, she cleared her throat.
"I see you've finally awoken," Celestia said.
"Where am I?" the female asked. Her emotionless eyes met Celestia’s curious ones.
The princess only smiled as she crossed the room, her illusion holding together well. "You are in my palace, located in the city of Canterlot," the princess informed her, with a nod towards the city. "I am Princess Celestia. Might I have your name?"
The female was silent for a few moments. Celestia got the impression that she was weighing her options.
"I have been called by many names," the female finally declared neutrally.
Silence took over as Celestia waited for the female's name, but none came.
"I see." the princess finally broke the silence with a question. "What shall I call you?"
"Boss." she replied.
Celestia nodded and gave another warm smile, which was not returned; The Boss' icy cold eyes continued to bore into her. The princess wasn't fazed. "I see. It's a pleasure to meet you, Boss. Would you care to join me for tea?"
After their introductions, Celestia had led The Boss out of her personal chambers and down into an empty throne roome. The princess was glad she had dismissed her guards for the day.
"I'll return in a moment. Please, make yourself at home." Celestia said, before leaving The Boss alone in the throne room.
It was at that moment The Boss let out a tired sigh, before walking to an open window. She gazed out at the quiet city below.
"Jack," The Boss said to herself. "You killed me. And yet here I am, in a strange land. Alive and well." Several minutes passed in silence, as The Boss was left alone to become lost within her thoughts. Why am I here? What purpose does any of this serve? Is this my punishment?
"Boss?"
Jack?! The Boss reacted on instinct, drawing her combat knife while turning in anticipation of an attack. Further appraisal of the situation revealed that her opponent’s hands were empty. Celestia simply sat near a small table, which sported a teapot and two cups sitting atop it. Assorted snacks, rolls and butter knives sat neatly among the teacups.
"You shouldn't sneak up on me," The Boss said, quickly regaining her composure while sliding her small blade into it's sheath. She made her way to the seat across from the princess.
"I apologize. I assure you, startling you was not my intention," Celestia said, as she grabbed the tea pot in her illusionary hands. The Boss, however, furrowed her brows at the princess' hands. Something was off, and The Boss knew it.
"It's fine," she stated plainly. The Boss knew something wasn't right with the way the princess moved. For starters, the teapot hadn't shaken in her grasp. Not in the slightest.
"I wish to speak with you, about an important subject regarding the safety of my kingdom," Celestia started. The Boss simply nodded, stealthily slipping a butter knife beneath her sleeve. Seeing this as agreement, Celestia continued, "I would like to discuss the matter of 'Loyalty' with you."
"I see," The Boss said, continuing to mask her emotions. "So tell me, princess, what does 'Loyalty' mean to you?"
Celestia smiled. I’d hoped she’d ask this question. The princess took a small sip of her tea before speaking. "Loyalty is the strongest bond to form in friendships between individuals. Being loyal to those you care about, is an important lesson in friendship. Without loyalty, there would be only chaos and disharmony. Peace can only exist when you stand by those you love."
The princess, satisfied with her definition, took another sip of her tea. "Tell me, Boss, what does 'Loyalty' mean to you?"
The Boss was silent as she thought for a moment. What is 'Loyalty'?, she idly thought for a moment, but she knew the answer already. "Loyalty is being loyal to the end, to your purpose. Being loyal means giving up everything you love. Be loyal to yourself and your own beliefs, because only then can you hope to protect those you care about."
The throne room was silent. The Boss used this to her advantage. "Who are you?" she asked.
The question confused Celestia, although she didn't show it. "I am Princess Celestia." Her answer served only to reinforce The Boss’ adamance with her question.
"Who are you?" she repeated.
Celestia was unsure how to respond. Her eyes narrowed as she watched The Boss carefully. "I'll only ask one more time, princess." The Boss' voice rose, ringing with authority. "Who are you?"
The solar princess rose from her chair to answer, annoyed by The Boss' repetitive questioning. "I am Princess Celestia" she stated loudly. A glint of silver caught her off-guard, racing towards her forehead. Reacting on instinct, Celestia channeled her magic around the silver projectile, halting its flight in mid-air. In doing so, however, her concentration broke, dispelling her illusion. The Boss remained unfazed.
"A disguise?" The Boss questioned. "Hide behind it long enough and it'll rub off on you, princess. And then, you'll lose sight of who you really are," The Boss said with a condescending tone.
The butter knife clanged to the floor. Celestia-- now without her illusion—sat back down and regarded the Boss, frustration creeping across her face. "You knew?" Celestia asked, with no small amount of annoyance.
The Boss' face was unchanged. "The teapot and your cup gave it away. They were far too still to have been held by human hands."
"You're not surprised by my appearance?" Celestia asked, surprised by The Boss’ lack of emotion.
"I was killed. I was dead. Yet here I am, alive and well."
The summoning spell. It was indeed focused to find a being of 'Loyalty', but to pull a spirit from the other side? I’ll have to look into this further, but that can wait.
"I still do not understand your concept of 'Loyalty'," Celestia said, hoping of changing the subject.
"Don't expect me to repeat myself." The Boss’ neutral tone persisted.
"I see. Then, perhaps a different approach is required," the princess suggested. "As you have previously witnessed, I am capable of casting magic. Perhaps, if you'd allow me to, I could take a look inside your memories; experience what you have experienced in the past. Perhaps then, I'll understand your unique concept of 'Loyalty'."
The Boss wasn't unfamiliar with the concept. The Sorrow, her old lover, was able to do the same—albeit with the dead, not the living.
"Shall I take your silence as a no?" Celestia asked.
The Boss shook her head. "I'm ready. Do as you will." The alicorn nodded while she closed the distance between the two. She promptly placed her horn against The Boss' forehead. Memories flowed into Celestia's mind, assaulting her psyche:
Jack, are you ready to begin your training?
You must try harder!
This isn't good enough. You disappoint me, Jack.
You're getting better. I'm impressed.
In order to survive in nature, you have to know nature.
Don't you 'what's up?' me. I'm talking about your camouflage.
Sokolov comes with me.
Now that all five of us are together, it's time we all go to the depths of hell itself.
I'm defecting to the Soviet Union.
I'm loyal to the end. To my purpose.
What about you, Jack? What's it going to be?
Loyalty to your country, or loyalty to me?
Your country, or your old mentor?
The mission, or your beliefs?
Your duty to your unit, or your personal feelings?
You don't know the truth yet, but sooner or later you'll have to choose.
I don't expect you to forgive me.
What is this fairy disguise? It's going to rub off on you. And then you'll lose sight of who you really are.
I may not be able to bear children, but I still have a family.
See this scar? This is proof that I was once a mother.
I gave up my body and my child for my country.
Prove your loyalty! Face me.
Jack, or should I say Snake. You're a wonderful man.
There's only room for one boss, and one snake.
BANG!
Celestia immediately broke the connection, taking a few steps back. Tears had begun to well in her eyes, but they were quickly quelled and hidden behind her usual royal posture. The Boss' expression remained unchanged from the experience.
"Are you satisfied?" The Boss asked.
"I think I now understand where your definition of loyalty comes from," the princess said with a small nod. "It may not be identical to what I have learned in all of my years, but they are both born from love and pain." The Boss was silent as she listened intently to Celestia's revelation. "We are both from very different worlds. While my kingdom knows only peace and harmony, your world only knows war and anger. However, we have both learned the value of loyalty, through the experiences of love and pain. Loyalty is being loyal to yourself and, in doing so, being loyal to those you care about. Because there is nothing more true to you, than your own beliefs. It is those beliefs that allow one to be loyal."
"Interesting concept," The Boss said as she mentally assessed the new information. "However, loyalty isn't so easily defined. I'm loyal to the end. I don't need friends. That is where we are different."
"I understand," Celestia said calmly. "Although, there is somepony I would like you to meet, if you have no objection?" The Boss raised an eyebrow out of curiosity.
Celestia looked to the closed doors. "You may enter," she said loudly, before turning her attention back to The Boss. "Boss, it is my pleasure to introduce to you, 'Loyalty' embodied." As Celestia spoke those words, the door opened.
A single, cyan-colored hoof stepped in.
