Bliss in Darkness

Not a Moment Wasted

After the meeting, the eight of us left to converse over lunch. I was grateful to receive some actual food because I have not actually eaten anything for quite some time. If not for my powers sustaining me, I would be in pretty bad shape. I learned the names of the six ponies who seemed to be the protectors of this land. Applejack, the orange farm pony. Twilight Sparkle, the purple unicorn and also Celestia's prime student. Rarity, the fashion obsessed unicorn, who I would have to ask for some decent clothes. Fluttershy, the meek yellow pegasus. Pinkie Pie, the dangerously spastic earth pony. Rainbow Dash, whose name speaks for itself.

I learned that each of them possessed souls that reflected the Elements of Harmony. Applejack was honesty, Rarity was generosity which was good news for my wardrobe, Fluttershy was kindness, Pinkie Pie was laughter and Rainbow Dash was loyalty. Twilight Sparkle brought the whole group together with magic, and that's how they were able to defeat my Nightmare possessed body. They were apparently a force to be reckoned with, and I'm glad they are on my side. I prefer more direct and brutal means of ending my foes, but this world was a lot different than mine.

We finished our lunches and headed back to the throne room to decide where I would be staying and what my role would be in this crazy pony society. I secretly hoped I would get to stay in the castle not only because it was decadent and comfortable, but also because I would get to spend more time with the beautiful princess of the night. I still had no idea what I was going to do regarding Luna, but I would probably think of something. Starting completely over like this was both stressful as hell and also very relieving. I didn't want to push my luck.

"So Charles. What is it that you are good at?" Celestia said for some reason using my real name.

"To be honest, I prefer Charlie," I said correcting her, "But as for a talent, I do not know. Humans do not get 'cutie marks' or anything like them, and I never got to the point of working full time on earth."

"Exactly how old are you before you start working 'full time' as you put it?" She questioned. I figured she was interested to know when earth children came of age to function on their own, but I was an unusual case so I could only answer for myself.

"Well according to the law, at the age of eighteen human children are adults. They don't always act like it, but in the eyes of the law they are functioning members of society. It is that age when most kids leave their parent’s home. It was different for me however, and the details of my childhood are particularly painful to recall." I answered, hoping that she would not pry further into my past. For the first time since arriving in the throne room earlier, I felt the sense of dread creep upon me again. What if they found out about my past? What if she can read my mind and knows what I did? The questions poured into my mind uncontrollably as I awaited Celestia's response.

"I am excited to get to know you more Charles, and you seem like a genuinely good person. I think this meeting should end and we all get some well needed sleep!" Celestia exclaimed suddenly, obviously making an excuse to talk to me alone. Everypony in the room sighed, obviously not ready to leave the company of such a strange guest as I'm sure they all still had many questions to ask me. I also sighed. Not in disappointment, but in angst of the questions she will be asking me. My past was new to even me, and the torture was still fresh in my mind. I did not want the ruler of this land to suspect I may snap and go on a killing rampage.

As soon as everypony fled the room, I turned to Celestia. "So, what was that all about? Can you not just request to talk to me alone?"

"I don't know what you are talking about Charlie." She said with her mouth closed and her eyes wide staring at me in deep concentration.

'So you are a telepath. I trust you heard everything I have been thinking?' I thought curiously.

'Yes. To be quite honest... it worries me that you keep such things a secret. It is a sign of weakness.' She thought with a concerned expression on her face. "But I think we should talk about this normally, keeping a telepathic link is tiring, as you well know" She then said physically.

"Ok, but I'd like to do so in private..." I said eyeing the guards. They looked very confused, not hearing the internal part of our conversation.

"Very well. Follow me."

***

I followed Celestia to her chambers, eyeing the many tapestries and stained glass windows. It was a rather brisk night in the castle, and I decided the first thing I would do after this meeting is find rarity and get myself some damn clothing. I couldn't help but notice that Celestia was keeping an eye on me as we walked. Every time she turned a corner, her head would tilt just far enough to catch me in her peripherals. It was unnerving, as this is the way Nightmare Moon would watch me as she led me through her castle. I prepared myself for the worst as we approached a large golden door that appeared to be sealed by a magical force.

"Would you have any objection to Luna joining us for this conversation? She is a Princess too and I want to give her more responsibility." Celestia said in a calming tone.

"I would not mind her presence Princess." I said, swallowing a lump in my throat. Luna was vastly older than I, yet i still felt like I had to protect her from my own mind. I was scared she would think differently of me if she knew all the atrocities I had committed in my previous life.

"Then I shall request her presence immediately." Celestia said as she closed her eyes and charged up her horn. In a flash, Luna was standing in the middle of Celestia's bedroom. She was dressed in dark blue silk pajamas. I chuckled on the inside as her eyes widened the size of dinner plates as she realized where she was.

"TIA! Why would you teleport me in the midst of company without warning me!!!" She screamed at the top of her lungs. I could only suppress a laugh at this display of embarrassment.

"I'm sorry dear sister, but your presence was requested." She stated calmly as she raised her left hoof towards me.

"Woah you're not pinning this on me! Isn't there something else we should be talking about?" I said, desperately trying to change the subject.

"Yes. Luna, come out from behind me."

"Only of he promises not to make fun of my jammies..." Luna said so quietly I could hardly hear. Did she just refer to her clothing as 'jammies'? I was dying inside from the cuteness. She was just like Claire had been. I stifled that though immediately as the conversation intensified.

"That is not important. I believe our guest here has some... secrets he would like to reveal to us?" Celestia said as she glared into my soul.

"Well you aren't making it any easier for me Princess, but you deserve to know the truth about me." I said grimly, expecting to be killed or banished as soon as I was done explaining. I then began the long and gruesome retelling of the events of my previous life. I told them about my family and Claire, who I loved dearly. I told them about the boys who had tried to kill me, and I told them of the brutal experimentation I had been put through just because I had been born different. I then choked back tears as I recapped the deaths of my parents, and countless animals and men that worked in the facility. I told them of my trek back home and the deaths of those who caused it. I finished my story, all the way up until Nightmare Moon took hold of me, allowing me to see the events for myself all over again. I only hoped they would take pity on me.

As I finished the story, both Luna and Celestia were in tears. Luna was full on crying, but Celestia was still reserved and looked as hard as the stone that held the castle together. Not a word was spoken for minutes. I got on my knees and finished my story.

"That is not the end of it, Princesses. When I was trapped in my broken mind, I recalled all the events prior to taking that potion. At first, it broke me. I cried, and when I had no more tears left to shed, I was overtaken by rage. But something happened that I can't explain... I became calm. I believe it has something to do with the Elements of Harmony. Right before I regained control of my body, I made a choice to simply start my life over again and use my powers how I saw fit. The first thing I saw when I awoke was six ponies crying over the deaths of their princesses. I used my powers that day to save you two. I believe I have gotten over my past, and I can assure you that these scars are all that remains of my darker self. I have come to terms with my life, and I humbly ask you two... please give me a chance?" I said shaking in fear of what may happen. These alicorns have been nothing but hospitable and kind to me, if not a bit wary. I had no idea what to expect from them. Finally, Luna got up and whispered in Celestia's ear. The sun princess simply nodded and slowly backed away to the corner of the room.

Nothing could prepare me for what happened next. I had complete control over life and death, something that neither of the princesses had control of. I could kill them if worst came to worst, but I had made the decision to leave that path. I would accept any form of judgement they passed onto me, good or bad.

It was good.

Luna approached me, reared up on her hind legs and embraced me with all her might. Her beautiful dark wings extended fully and joined in as well. They were soft, and they tickled my shirtless body. I was caught off guard and was stunned momentarily as my mind tried to wrap around this change of events. Celestia hadn't even spoken yet, but by allowing her sister to comfort me I felt I had been forgiven. I returned Luna's embrace with all my might. I whispered a quiet 'thank you' into her ear. As quickly as it began, the comforting embrace ended. I stood up and turned to Celestia who was smiling.

"Redemptio per adversitatem invenitur." I said to her. This would be the last time I thought of my favorite Latin phrase, as I felt that it had fulfilled its purpose.

'Through adversity, there is redemption.' I heard the translated phrase in my mind. I would have been surprised, but right now I was too overtaken by joy. The crushing burden of my past was finally off my shoulders, and I had been accepted for who I truly was.

Now, to go find Rarity...