Chapters The Queen visits Ponyville
Celestia was in her throne room in the Royal Palace, the biggest building in all of Canterlot. She had just finished reading her latest letter from Twilight Sparkle, her star pupil. The letter arrived as it always had, in a swirl of smoke and green flames. She was about to write a reply when another letter arrived. Except this letter was different.
It arrived in a swirl of white smoke and a twirl of golden flames. There was a flash of light and it hovered in the air, unaided by Celestia's magic. The parchment was made of golden leaf paper, and stamped in red ink, with a golden F emblazoned within the ink.
It had been such a long time since she had seen one of these letters. There was only one pony that these came from. Her mother. Queen Faust.
Celestia broke the wax seal and read the letter.
Daughter,
I know it has been quite some time since I last contacted you, and first and foremost, I would like to apologize. I've been busy. However, the purpose of this letter is to inform you. I shall be visiting Ponyville soon, and I should arrive within the next few days. I cannot wait to see you again.
Mother
Celestia paled. Oh no. Mother, here? Celestia started to struggle for air, her breathing erratic. She yelled to her sister, " Luna, get out here, right now! "
Celestia heard a large bump come from her sister's chambers. She must have fallen out of bed. Slowly, a door opened, and a yawing, tired Princess Luna stepped into the throne room.
" Dear sister, dost thou know what time it is? We are a nocturnal being! What could possibly be the matter to wake us at this most bright hour? " Said Luna with a hint of sarcasm.
Celestia handed her bed-headed sister the letter. Her eyes widened. She jumped in joy. " Oh! Our mother shall be visiting Ponyville! How exciting, is it not, my dear loud-mouthed sister? We have not laid eyes upon her in so long! "
" You think this is a good thing?! " Shouted Luna. " It's the farthest thing! Okay, okay, we can handle this. Um. Um. Um. "
" Ist thou alright? " Inquired Luna.
" No! This place is a sty! Ponyville is a sty, as is Cloudsdale! " Celestia was in full-blown panic mode.
Luna looked around the palace. Not a thing was out of place, and the floors, walls, and ceilings all shined. She could see her own reflection in the marble flooring. She said to her sister, " Celestia, we dost think that thou...might be overreacting the teeniest bit. "
" Of course I'm not! We need to get things fixed, now! " Celestia yelled. " I know! I know what I can do! You and I, sister, will clean the palace, while I send a letter to Twilight! She'll be able to organize a cleaning crew. I know she can! "
" Excuse us, Tia, but did you say that we would clean the palace? As in, you and I, together? We don't think so! It is unbecoming of a princess to exert herself in such a task as menial as, ugh, physical labor. "
" There's no time for that! " Celestia exclaimed as she thrusted a feather duster towards her sister. " I'll write my letter, then help you clean! " Celestia dashed off.
" TIAAAAA! "
Twilight was studying her newest book, The History of Ancient Civilizations: Volume One . Spike was, once again, reorganizing her bookshelves. He was on the ladder, just about to place a book in it's rightful place as he burped a plume of green fire and was propelled off the ladder. He landed next to Twilight with a thud. The letter from Celestia landed across his face.
" Spike, be more careful! You don't want to hurt yourself, " Said Twilight as she picked up the letter with her magic. She opened and read the letter.
Twilight,
My mother, the queen, is going to be visiting Ponyville sometime soon! It's urgent that you arrange a cleaning crew for Ponyville, and send all the pegasi back to Cloudsdale so that they can clean it! Please hurry!
Celestia
" That's strange. There's a queen? Celestia's never told me about her. This is definitely weird, but also exciting! Come on Spike, let's go round everypony up! "
" Ugh... "
Twilight had just finished the clean up in Ponyville. The place looked spotless. All the windows shone and sparkled, the grass was a pleasant, warm green, and there wasn't a hair out of place. She was walking back to her library when she was greeted by two of her friends, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.
" Heya Twilight! Cloudsdale is all cleaned up! " Said Rainbow Dash.
" Yeah, it was really fast! " Chimed Fluttershy.
" I'm glad to hear it. Ponyville is immaculate! Now, I guess we just wait for the queen to get here, " Twilight laughed.
Meanwhile, Applejack was busy getting ready to make some of her delicious, and famous, apple turnover. She kneaded though dough thoroughly, and Applebloom helped while Big Mac went to get more apples. Granny Smith watched Applejack work over her shoulder. She nodded her satisfaction.
In the Carousel Boutique, Rarity was busy making a dress. The other ponies wouldn't care how they looked as much as she did. She would make a fabulous dress, one that would dazzle even the queen. You had to look your best for royalty after all. As she worked, she sang softly to herself, " And that's the art of the dress... "
Celestia was frantically going over a checklist that she had asked Twilight to make for her. Ponyville, check; Cloudsdale, check; Canterlot, check. All sparkling and clean. Celestia sighed. She could finally start to relax and calm down. Or so she thought.
She had just relaxed when another golden letter popped into existence with it's normal golden fanfare. She quickly popped the seal and read it.
Celestia,
I've been thinking about my visit for quite some time now. I've decided I want to land, for I am arriving by pegasi chariot, in Ponyville. I think meeting the normal townsfolk first would be a great welcome to this corner of the world. I shall arrive in 24 hours. See you then!
All my love,
Mom
The Queen visits Ponyville
Chapter two: Meeting Queen Faust
The ponies of Ponyville had gathered in the main square to await the arrival of Queen Faust. Both Princesses were there to welcome their mother. Celestia was a little nervous, a light sheen of sweat starting to form on her coat, but it was much more under control than yesterday. Luna was practically shaking. She was so excited that she had magically reverted to her younger form, the one seen when she was cured from her bout as Nightmare Moon. Her mane no longer had the ever-flowing, semi-transparency she had as an adult, but was once again a solid blue.
Vinyl Scratch was off with the group of musicians Celestia had called in to announce the queen with some fanfare. Vinyl would be able to get some background music going with her large sub-woofers that she reserved for special occasions, while the main orchestra would be led by Octavia and Lyra. It would be a grand moment, one that nopony would forget.
Celestia checked a nearby clock. 11:58. The queen should be arriving within two minutes. She looked around anxiously, the moment of truth just around the corner. It was thirty seconds to twelve when a speck appeared in the sky. It was the queen.
The chariot grew closer and closer, and circled the town a few times. Finally, it landed right in front of the crowd with precisely two seconds to spare. The music fanfare started, with the orchestra and Vinyl's booth working together to make the most welcoming music.
It was a closed chariot, and the door opened. Out stepped the queen, with a mane and tale of deep red, almost brown. Her fur was pearlescent white. Suddenly, the crowd before her cheered, and the music got livelier. Confetti cannons boomed and rained tiny bits of paper down onto the ceremony.
Luna ran toward the queen. " Mommy, mommy, it's been so long since I've seen you! " She shouted as she nuzzled with her mother. Celestia calmly walked toward the queen.
" You always liked being right on time, didn't you Mother? " Celestia asked, with humor in her voice. Her tension was gone now that her mother was actually here.
The queen spoke, with a voice of a thousand crystals tinkling together with the slightest wind, " Of course, my dear Celestia, of course. Punctuality is never a bad thing now is it? "
" I suppose not. So, what do you think of Ponyville? "
" It's quite the rustic place, just as I made it. "
" What do you mean, 'just as I made it'? "
" Do you not remember our last conversation? I recall it quite clearly. "
" What are you...Oh. That. Yes, I remember now. "
" Oh, but let's turn to lighter subjects, eh? Show me around, introduce me! "
" But you already know everything about these ponies, how they act, what they do, what they're like... "
" Well of course I do. But they hardly know me at all. "
And so it went. Celestia had taken on the task of introducing all of the town's residents to the queen. The line was... " Gigantihumongonormous! I can't believe we're at the back of the line! I help set up the party for the queen. And what do I get in return? The end of the line. Great. " Said a sour Pinkie Pie.
" Oh Pinkie Pie, don't worry about it. If the queen is anything like Celestia, then she'll be kind enough to meet everypony, even the ones at the back of the line, " Twilight said.
Pinkie hmph'd and sat on the ground, grudgingly eating a cupcake. Twilight had awaited this moment ever since she got Celestia's letter. It was quite exciting. Twilight was joined by the rest of her friends in line. Applejack was walking the line, trying to sell some of her apple products. Rainbow Dash looked bored out of her mind. Fluttershy was trying to hide behind Pinkie Pie, she was so nervous with so many ponies around. And last but not least Rarity had shown up, in a gown of dazzling purple.
Her dress accentuated her feminism. The daring purple had been traced with outlines of white stitching and embroidery. Each stitch held a small cluster of rubies. It went alone well with Rarity's mane and tail, and the rubies seemed to pay tribute to the queen.
However, Rarity was quite distraught. " I go through the huge effort to make this one-of-a-kind dress, and I get stuck in line? " She whined. There was no consoling her. Just as she was getting to the point where none of her friends or nearby ponies could handle her, a re-transformed Luna walked up to them.
" Hello there girls. You shan't have to wait in line much longer. " Luna said.
" What do you mean, Princess? " Asked Twilight
" We, as in, I, are escorting you to the Royal Palace. Princess Celestia has asked the queen, Queen Faust, for a private audience with her star pupil and her friends. We shall depart immediately. "
Before Twilight, or anyone else, could say another word, Luna worked her magic and teleported them into the castle.
" Now, you all shall be staying overnight, for the audience is in the morning. It will take the rest of the day, at least, for Mother to visit Canterlot and Cloudsdale. " Explained Luna. " You are free to roam Canterlot for the rest of the day, and you are to be back before nightfall. Any questions? No? Good. " And with that, she walked down the hall, and entered her own chambers.
The group headed out to do their own things. Rarity had gone out to do some shopping, Applejack had gone out to try to sell more of her wares, and Twilight went to visit the library. The rest had stayed behind.
" Thanks, but no thanks, " Said Rainbow Dash. " I don't like Canterlot's hoity-toity attitude. I'd rather fly around instead, maybe head back to Ponyville for a bit."
Pinkie Pie had went to bed straight away, still sour about the line issue. Fluttershy had also went straight to bed, her fear and nervousness on overdrive.
The three that went out were not out for long. It was sundown faster than they knew it, and they found themselves in their respective chambers, exhausted from the day's events. They all went to sleep, eager to wake up and meet the queen for themselves.
After a night's peaceful sleep, they were woken by the sun. Each stretched comfortably on the soft, silky beds that they had been allowed to use.
They had been shuffled into the throne room by some of Celestia's guards.
And there, In between her daughters, was Queen Faust herself. She was a large, almost intimidating alicorn, for she was easily at least one and a half times the size of Celestia. She would have been scary, had she not had such a motherly attitude and bearing. She spoke.
" Ah, hello there Twilight Sparkle. Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy. Applejack. Rarity. Pinkie Pie. It's such a pleasure to meet some of Celestia's personal friends. She's told me so much about you! You all slept well I presume? " Faust said.
" Yes, Your Majesty, thank you very much for your generosity. Luna has told us you wanted a private audience with us. May I ask what for? " Inquired Twilight.
" All will be answered in good time. For now, I have to make something up to Miss Pinkie Pie. " Faust said as she turned toward the pink mare. " I understand that you are upset. I apologize for the inconvenience, and as an apology, let me throw YOU a party! "
Without another word, her horn flared, crimson magic flowing. Out of nowhere, a party appeared. Snacks, beverages, music, balloons, all popped out of nothing. Everything needed for a party was there.
The ponies had a grand time, dancing, singing, and just partying in general. Even Luna stepped in to dance, but her moves were a bit...dated. As their little soiree came to a close, the music died down, and eventually, the entire party vanished, back into the nothingness from whence it came.
" That was fun, don't you think girls? " Asked Faust.
" Definitely! One of the best parties I've ever been to! " Said Rainbow Dash.
Pinkie Pie walked up to the queen and stared at her for a second, before closing the distance to squeeze her into a bear hug. " That WAS fun! Apology accepted. "
" I'm glad you accepted my apology. Now, onto more serious matters. Celestia told me you six are the best to handle...odd situations. I have something to explain to you, and I'm not quite sure how. Celestia, help me out. "
Celestia chimed in, " Girls, as you know, this is my mother, Queen Faust. She is the oldest of all the alicorns there ever were. She is the first alicorn. She is more powerful than anything else in this world, able to create and destroy with simple thought. I have chosen you six to bear the truth. "
Twilight was confused. " What do you mean? " The rest of the group listened intently.
" Well, my faithful student, I'm saying that she is the Creator. Of this entire world. Of me and Luna. You. Your friends, families, neighbors. Everyone and everything was made by her and is controlled by her. "
Everyone in the group was having trouble taking this in, but Twilight was the only one who spoke. " So... You're saying we have no control over ourselves? Everything about us, even down to our very core, is not really ours?.. We've... We've never had free will. This whole time, nothing was ours... " Twilight started to tear up.
After a moment, she began full on sobbing. She didn't know what to think, and neither did her friends, who stood there, looking on in shock. Twilight felt betrayed. Without thinking, she teleported the group back to her library and hugged them all as she was wracked with sadness. Every single one of them felt their minds go numb with the shock of what had been said. What were they going to do? They didn't know. Nothing seemed to matter at that point.
Back at the castle, Celestia confronted her mother. " You knew that would happen! These ponies are fragile! They aren't like the alicorns of the old days! " She shouted.
" I know, but they'll be able to handle it. And when they get back, I'll explain what needs to be done. Do not fret about that. I know what has to be done, for the better of everypony. I know what I must do. "
The Queen visits Ponyville
Chapter three: The queen's sacrifice
The three alicorns were standing in the Royal Gardens,
" I must give up my control. I must... I must give up my immortality. My very life. And give it to you. To all the ponies; not just in Ponyville, or Cloudsdale, or Appaloosa, or Canterlot, but all over the world. Twilight was so distraught... I've always given choices, but never allowed them true free will. Sure, they develop their personalities on their own, but I control it all, like some sick mastermind watching his plot unfold... " Said Faust, quite stricken by her revelations.
" Mother, please don't speak like that! " Pleaded Celestia
" Yes Mother, it is most unbecoming of a queen. " Said Luna
" You don't understand. I've been keeping the entire world in shackles... I have to fix this. I... I must prepare myself. Celestia, please get Twilight and her friends over here, but not by force. Write a letter. I'll be in my chambers if you need me. " Faust said.
Celestia sighed and used her magic to start her letter.
Dear Twilight,
I'm sorry for having to put you and your friends through such an ordeal. I know it must be hard on you... Look, Queen Faust would like to talk to you about a way she can fix things. Make them right. Please, if you find it in your heart to just listen, one last time, it'll be better, alright? Please reply soon. I await your letter.
Celestia
Back in Twilight's library, the purple mare had just finished reading the letter out loud to her friends. She asked them, " Well girls, what do you think? "
" It's not like we have a choice, is it? " Dash said sarcastically.
" Ah'm with Rainbow. Everything was fine until that queen showed up, and now our minds all are screwy! Ah don't like her, and want nothin' to do with her, " Stated Applejack.
" I don't...exactly...like her either, " Whispered Fluttershy
" She made me work so hard on a dress, and didn't even compliment me on it! She's not worth my time." Said Rarity.
" Well...I did have to wait in line at the party that I threw, but she DID make it up to me by letting us have our own private party in the royal palace... Okay. I'll go with you Twilight! " Chimed Pinkie Pie.
" Okay Pinkie. We'll leave soon. Everypony else... When we get back, we'll let you know how it went, okay? " Twilight explained.
All she got in return was a " Mmkay " from Applejack as the rest of the ponies went home. Twilight sighed. It was time to go.
" Alright Pinkie, we're heading to the palace. Ready? " Twilight asked.
" Ready Freddie! "
" Here we go. " Twilight fired up her magic, and they were whisked away in a swirling vortex of purple light.
They appeared in the royal gardens, where Celestia, Luna, and Queen Faust were waiting. Faust was the first to speak as the two ponies, purple and pink, approached. " Welcome back girls. I see the others aren't quite happy with me. I understand. What I have to talk about however, is very important, but also nothing more than a formality. "
" What do you mean, Your Majesty? " Twilight asked.
" Well Twilight, I have... I've decided to give up my control. Once I fix things, everything around the world shall have it's freedom, it's free will, restored. "
" That sounds like wonderful news! Wait til I tell the girls about this! "
" That's another thing I wanted to discuss with you two. Neither of you will be going back. "
Pinkie was perplexed. " What do you mean we won't be going back? "
" In order to fix what was wrong, there's...a certain process I must follow. I must return free will to the world, and erase the cause of it's shackling. "
Twilight jumped in, " Well, how do you do that? "
" I must make a great sacrifice. I will give up my immortality, my life, to restore the world to how it should be. "
" But... surely there's another - "
" There is not. And my decision is final. "
" I see... But, what do you mean we cannot go back? Why not? "
" Because it will be such a large event that time will distort. It may jump forward, but that is unlikely. More likely, you, and the rest of Equestria shall be launched back to some random point in the past. "
Pinkie jumped in again, this time with tears in her eyes, " But, but, but, you're nice! You're good! You... You threw me a party! " Pinkie started sobbing. " It's not fair! It's not fair! "
" I know it's not Pinkie, but I haven't been fair to the world. I have to give back. "
" Will... Will I remember you at least? The par-par-party was really fun. " Pinkie sniffled.
" No Pinkie, you won't. I'm sorry. I'm glad I have at least one pony who called me friend, and was able to have one last day of fun meeting nice ponies. If, somehow, magic permits, maybe some semblance of me will remain, and I'll be able to observe you, and remember our good times. "
At this, Pinkie's hair drooped to the side, the way it did when she was mad or depressed, and she started shaking and crying uncontrollably. Twilight didn't know what to say, or how to react. Queen Faust embraced Pinkie in one last hug. Pinkie almost broke the queen's neck, and she almost didn't let go. Pinkie hated losing friends.
" I've said goodbye to my daughters already, but... in reality, this reality at least, you are all my children. My creations. But do not fret. Even without my hand, you all would have existed anyway. My magic will take care of that." The queen stepped a few steps back. " Farewell, my daughters. Farewell,Twilight. And goodbye to you, Pinkie Pie, goodbye, my friend. "
Twilight had to hold Pinkie Pie back as the giant alicorn's horn lit crimson one last time. Suddenly, the queen's body turned into trillions of tiny pinpricks of light. The lights started dispersing, making it seem as if she was fading away. The fade started at her tail.
Her head was the last thing to go. She had time to look Pinkie Pie in the eye and mouth the word 'farewell'. Just before her eyes vanished, a single tear was shed, and it went and landed in Pinkie's outstretched hoof.
The queen's horn seemed to linger in mid-air. As the very tip of it dissolved in light, there was a flash of light and a soundless explosion as time warped and twisted, an explosion that nopony in the world would remember.
The entire world was sent back in time. It was sent back in time two weeks.
The bell at the school in Ponyville had just rang, and a group of foals had just ran out of the school building, crowding around Featherweight, who had just gotten his cutie mark. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stood in the doorway and sighed.
" I give up. " Said Sweetie Belle.
" I've got it! " Shouted Applebloom, who had appeared from inside. She jumped over her friends and tossed a newspaper at them. " The answer to all our problems! "
" The Foal Free Press? "