“This Sweet Clover was quite a curious little thing.” Applejack chuckled as she related the tale of her day to Twilight. “I went through the whole story of how the earth ponies came ta be the caretakers of the sheep and cattle an’ such.”
“Did you tell her about the importance of the economic advantage that cattle and sheep gave the earth ponies in production of dairy and clothing?” Twilight asked. “That was a very significant turning point in pony history. Since the earth ponies now could produce those products with greater efficiency and in larger numbers, they significantly lowered their prices, making such items available to everypony at affordable rates. The effect on the market lead to an increase in dairy stocks, which in turn….”
“Twilight, I jes told her a story.” Applejack deadpanned. “I didn’t tell her ‘bout all that complicated stuff. Fact is, I don’t really know it that much myself.”
“Well, the details are very important.” Twilight insisted. “After all, the increase in dairy products lead to a greater production of Gouda cheese, which lead to a chef discovering how Gouda cheese went well with apples, which lead to an increase in the purchase of apples by cheese connoisseurs.”
Applejack gave Twilight a confused look. “…Uh, say again? All I heard was apples and cheese goin’ good together.”
“I have a question.” Spike piped up. He had been listening with interest the whole time, and looking a lot more thoughtful than usual. “If that’s why the earth ponies are in charge of the cows and sheep and stuff, then why is Princess Celestia over all the other races? You know, minotaurs, zebras….”
“Dragons?” Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Hold on a sec.” Applejack interrupted. “I thought the dragons ain’t under Princess Celestia’s rule?”
“They’re under her sun.” Twilight stated firmly. “Just because they don’t acknowledge her as their sovereign does not change the fact.”
“But that doesn’t sound very fair.” Spike piped up. “I mean, the cows and sheep who didn’t want to follow the earth ponies could just go back to the way things were. But it’s not like the dragons or griffons could live without the sun. And I don’t think Princess Celestia would abuse her power like that. Plus, she doesn’t seem to do anything about the dragons. Or the griffons for that matter. I mean, I know she raises the sun and all, but does that give her the right to rule over everyone?”
“Princess Celestia is in charge because she is a good ruler.” Twilight insisted.
“Yeah, but that doesn’t give her the right to rule.” Spike replied. “I mean, you’re an awesome leader, but you don’t have the right to replace Mayor Mare.”
“That’s because Princess Celestia has a system by which our leaders are elected.” Twilight stated, frowning at the young dragon. She didn’t like all this talk about Princess Celestia not having the right to rule.
“Yeah, but what gave her the right to rule a bunch or races which never elected her?” Spike pressed. He was getting a little steamed that Twilight was insinuating that Princess Celestia had the right to boss around whomever she pleased.
“She protects our entire world, and she is in charge of raising the sun!” Twilight retorted. “I think that’s reason enough to be in charge!”
“Oh, and what’s gonna happen to anybody who doesn’t want to be ruled by her?” Spike snapped. “Where else are they gonna go, huh? The moon?”
Twilight snarled in anger. “How dare you speak about the Princess like that?!” she shouted. “You sound like one of those malcontents who blame Princess Celestia for the whole Nightmare Moon incident!”
“And you sound like… like… a dictator!” Spike hissed.
“Woah, now.” Applejack said, futilely trying to intervene. “Now, why don’t we jes take a minute ta….”
“You’re just calling me a dictator because you’re angry I made you reshelf the library after you mixed those books up!” Twilight snapped.
“You’re darn right, I’m angry!” Spike shouted. Tears were now brimming in his eyes, both of rage and hurt. “So you’re just saying that we serve you or else? Heck, Princess Celestia isn’t even the rightful ruler! By all rights, Discord was in charge first! So she can just invade a country, throw down its ruler, and take control, and that’s okay with you?!”
“Discord was a terrible and cruel ruler!” Twilight cried, on the verge of screaming. Having her beloved mentor associated with that… lunatic was too much for her. “The ponies wanted her to rule them!”
“Yeah, the ponies!” Spike shot back. “Not the griffons! Not the Diamond Dogs! Not the dragons!”
“Don‘t you hear who you’re listing?” Twilight cried. “A bunch of monsters, bullies, and dimwitted crooks! Why should we listen to them?!”
Twilight suddenly noticed what she had said as Spike’s face was filled with shock and hurt.
“Spike… I… I didn’t mean….”
“Oh, didn’t you?” Spike asked, his voice now low and trembling as he tried to hold back the tears. “What would you do if I wasn’t your ‘number one assistant’?” He made quotation marks in the air with his claws as he sarcastically pronounced the title he was normally so fond of. “What if I didn’t want you bossing me around? Would you just kick me out on the street? It’s not like I have much of a choice. I don’t have anywhere else to go. You can just tell me to do whatever you want, and I have to, because I don’t have a choice.”
Spike plodded to the door, opening it. He turned and cast a tearful, injured look at Twilight.
“No wonder Gilda hated you ponies.”
Spike slammed the door shut as he left, leaving Twilight staring after him.
“Ya know, not ta kick ya while yer down, but you deserved that.”
Twilight turned towards Applejack in surprise. “What? He was the one talking in a way that was borderline treason.”
“Then I’m sure the Princess would be happy with how y’all handled it.” Applejack replied with a stern glance. “Wouldn’t she?”
Twilight sighed. “No.”
“Listen, Twi. I respect ya. Y’all are ‘bout the smartest mare I know, and yer usually one ‘a the nicest. But I want you ta listen, and listen good.”
Applejack stuck her face up in Twilight’s. “Nopony… and I mean nopony, not even Princess Celestia herself, has the right ta boss others around unless the others give ‘em that right. We earth ponies may be in charge of the cattle and sheep, but one thing we’re all taught from when we’re foals is that we never, ever, ever act like we deserve that power.”
Applejack backed up. “I reckon y’all should chew on that for a while.” she said as she exited the door.
As the door shut behind Applejack, Twilight sank to the ground. She put her head in her hooves and began to cry.
“Oh, Celestia.” she wept. “Am I really that wrong?”
And in the back of her head, there was a nagging, little thought that just ate at her, making her feel all the worse.
“Could Celestia be wrong?”
*************************************************
Rarity was in her boutique, carefully working on a new ensemble for Roseluck. She was quite pleased with the miniature roses she had designed all over the outfit, and was just adding a few leaves when the door opened, the bell above it ringing to announce a visitor.
Rarity quickly turned about and trotted over to the door to greet her potential customer.
“Welcome to Carousel Boutique.” she announced grandly, her eyes closed as she gestured dramatically with her hoof. “Where everything is chic, unique, and….”
“Rarity, it’s me.”
Rarity opened her eyes to see Spike standing before her.
“Oh, Spikey, it’s you. I thought….” Rarity trailed off as she notices Spike’s expression. His eyes were red, and he was looking more unhappy than she had ever seen him look.
“Spike, what’s wrong?” she asked.
Spike took a deep breath. “Rarity, I have to ask you this. I’ve been meaning to ask you this for a long time. I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable, so I waited, but… well, now I have to know. Right now.”
“What is it, Spike? Rarity asked. Inwardly, she felt a rising feeling of dread. She knew very well what it was, and she didn’t know how she would respond. And in the state he was in, Rarity knew that Spike would be extremely sensitive.
Spike looked up at Rarity, his eyes shimmering with tears. “Do you love me?”
Rarity’s eyes darted about nervously. “Well… of course I do darling. I love all my friends.”
“You know what I mean.” Spike stated.
Rarity sighed. What had Applejack always said? The truth was always the best way, even if it hurt at the time. And besides, no matter how hard she tried, Rarity couldn’t come up with a lie which wouldn’t make things worse.
“Darling… Spike… I… I honestly don’t know.” she sighed. “I admit, your devotion and chivalrous behavior is quite charming, and I would be lying if I said it did not endear you to me.”
She shuffled uncomfortably before she went on. “But… well, you’re a dragon, and I’m….”
“A pony, I know.” Rarity was shocked at the cold tone that Spike’s voice had taken. “And I’m just your little dragon servant to cater to your every whim.”
Rarity looked hurt. “Spike, I never thought of you like that.” she stated firmly. “I always thought you were such a gentlecolt… er, dragon, when you would help me out. I never saw you as a servant.”
“I gave you my heart!” Spike cried, breaking out in tears again. “And you don’t even care! It’s all because I’m a dragon! You said so yourself! I’m a dragon, and you’re a pony!”
“Darling, I didn’t mean….”
“Well, I’ve had it with ponies!” Spike shouted, stomping over to the door and throwing it open. He stood in the doorway for a moment, and gave a shuddering sigh.
“I’d hoped you were different.” he uttered.
As the door slammed behind him, Rarity stared out the window after him with concern, her eyes wet.
“Oh, Spike.” she sighed, slumping down onto her chaise lounge. She shook her head. “This isn’t like him. And he came in in tears. Something must have upset him. I can only guess that he and Twilight had a falling-out. But what was all that about having had it with ponies?”
Rarity got to her hooves. “I must find out. I must find a way to help him.”
*************************************************
Rarity was trotting along when she saw Rainbow Dash sitting on a cloud a few meters above the road.
“Rainbow dear, did you happen to see Spike come this way?” she crooned up at the cyan pegasus.
“Yeah, Mr. Sunshine just left.” Rainbow snapped angrily.
Rarity looked concerned. “You didn’t say anything to upset him, did you?”
“Upset him!?” Rainbow Dash cried, zipping up to Rarity. “I saw him looking glum, so I flew up to him and asked him how he was, and he just grumbled that he didn’t need to talk or something. Then I said I wouldn’t be much of an Element of Loyalty if I didn’t help out my friends when they needed me, and you know what he said?”
Rainbow Dash stomped angrily. “He said I wasn’t much on an Element of Loyalty at all! He said that I was a jerk because I ditched Gilda for ‘my pony buddies’.” Rainbow mimicked the sarcastic tone in which Spike had pronounced ‘pony buddies’. “And then he said that Gilda had every right to hate us!”
Rainbow Dash turned towards the sky, yelling angrily. “Like he even knows what it’s like!” she shouted. “Like that doesn’t plague me enough already! Like I don’t already lie awake at night, wondering what happened to the old friend I ditched, if she’s okay, if she’s in trouble, and if it’s all my fault!”
Rarity gently put a hoof on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder. “Darling, I… I never knew you felt so strongly about Gilda.”
“I’m the Element of Loyalty.” Rainbow Dash uttered, her voice now numb as she tried to mask her pain. “Do you think it wouldn’t torment me to ditch a buddy?”
“Gilda was being quite unnecessarily unfriendly.” Rarity assured her. “She even yelled at Fluttershy, if you recall, who was an older friend of yours than Gilda, and the poor dear hadn’t done a thing to merit it.”
“I know.” Rainbow Dash mumbled. “Gilda was being a jerk. I don’t put up with anypony bullying my friends, and I’m not about to stick with someone who does. I would have done the same to you girls if the tables had been turned. Not that it wouldn’t hurt me worse than anything, but because I’m loyal, I could never abandon any friend to a bully.”
“I guess the choice was harder for you than you let on.” Rarity stated.
“You have no idea.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “Gilda was never a fan of ponies. I cut her a lot of slack, because I knew she had been bullied a lot by ponies as a… chick, cub, whatever young griffons are.”
“Oh.” Rarity said softly. “That might explain why she seemed to dislike us.”
“Yeah, I let a lot of that stuff slide, because we were friends, and because I knew she’d had it rough.” Rainbow Dash admitted. “Heck, I even heard about the Fluttershy thing, and shook it off, because I knew Gilda had always been a bit jealous of Fluttershy’s friendship with me. So then I had to go apologize to Fluttershy about Gilda’s behavior later. Fluttershy is probably the only mare who understood why I didn’t call Gilda on that. She even felt sorry for Gilda, and said that I did the right thing by giving her mercy.”
Rainbow then sighed deeply. “But… well, Gilda just kind of crossed a line where her excuse of being bullied didn’t cover it anymore. She’d grown too bitter. And though it hurt more than anything, I had to ditch her.”
Rainbow Dash put her head in her hooves. “Now I’m always worried about what’s happened to her. And I’ll always feel like her hatred of ponies is justified because of me.”
“That’s not true.” Rarity assured Rainbow Dash. “You can’t let somepony do cruel things just because they’re your friend. And if they won’t stop, then they aren’t being a very good friend.”
Rainbow Dash nodded glumly, and Rarity patted her on the back.
“Come on. Let’s go find Spike.” she said gently. “I know he might have hit a nerve, but… well, he’s not himself right now. And he is our friend.”
Rainbow Dash nodded, giving a sniff, which she quickly pretended was because of the weather.
“Yeah… I don’t need to lose another friend.”
Twilight was pacing her library in a tizzy. On the one hoof, she wanted to go after Spike and bring him back. But on the other hoof, she had to find out if she truly was wrong. She knew Celestia. The Princess was as kind and sweet as could be. She wouldn’t abuse her power. Spike was just blowing things out of proportion.
Wasn’t he?
Twilight’s famous paranoia had already begun to grow roots. Did Spike have a point? Was Celestia really forcing her rule on a bunch of races that didn’t want it? Of course she couldn’t make everyone want her to rule, but did she have the right to rule over them? Didn’t the other races have the right to autonomy?
Twilight sighed to herself as she packed her books. She had made up her mind. She had to first answer these questions for herself before she could answer them for Spike or anyone else. She would have to take the train to Canterlot, because she couldn’t send a letter without Spike. Before she left, she wrote a note.
Dear Spike,
I’m sorry I fought with you. I should have tried to listen better. I’m going to Canterlot to ask Princess Celestia some questions. Be back soon.
Love, Twilight
P.S. To make it up to you, I got you a tub of ice cream. It’s in the freezer. Don’t get sick eating it.
She left the note on the library table, then trotted out the door.
“I hope I’m doing the right thing.” she murmured to herself as she strapped on her saddlebags.
*************************************************
Spike was stomping down the path that lead out of Ponyville. He was so mixed up with anger, hurt, regret, and misery that he couldn’t make up his mind about what to do.
“I never want to see another pony again.” he mumbled.
“What?” A pink head popped out of the bushes, giving Spike a start. “Why wouldn’t you want to see a pony again? I mean, I would be reallyreallyreally sad if you never saw me again.”
Spike sighed. “Leave me alone, Pinkie.” he grumbled.
“But I’m your friend.” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “And a good friend should always try to cheer their friends up!”
“Look, I don’t want one of your stupid cupcakes or your annoying songs, okay?!” Spike snapped. “I just want all you ponies to leave me alone!”
As Spike walked off, Pinkie Pie stared after him. His comments hurt her a little, but she could see the pain and sorrow beneath them. And she couldn’t let anybody go off feeling like that, especially not a friend.
She trotted up next to Spike. “Do you… want to talk about it?” she asked in an uncharacteristically soft voice.
“No.” Spike said firmly.
“Then… can I just walk with you?” Pinkie asked. “I won’t sing or anything.”
Spike sighed. He knew he was being rather unfair in his judgment of all ponies. Pinkie Pie might have been annoying at times, but she was very hard to stay mad at. Plus, he didn’t want to be alone as much as he said.
“I guess.” Spike said with a sniff.
For a while the two walked in silence. Spike had to admire Pinkie’s respect for his wishes. She didn’t even crack a question when he turned and started in the direction of the Everfree Forest, she just paused momentarily before plodding on beside him.
“Pinkie, I… do you think ponies deserve to boss the other races around?” he asked.
Pinkie Pie looked surprised. “Absolutely not! Never ever, nuh-uh, no way, never!”
“Even the… bad races?” Spike asked.
Pinkie Pie raised an eyebrow. “What bad races? There aren’t any bad races. Only bad individuals.”
“What about the changelings? Or the Diamond Dogs?” Spike went on.
“Or dragons?” Pinkie asked, giving Spike a sympathetic look.
Spike stared in surprise. “How… how did you…?”
“Well, you were crying when I saw you.” Pinkie Pie replied. “And then you started asking me these odd questions. And since you’re the only non-pony in Ponyville who isn’t a donkey or something, I kind of guessed they were about you. I mean, why would you ask about Diamond Dogs in the first place? Unless maybe you made friends with one. But I don’t think you would try that, after what they did to Rarity.”
“Rarity can go work in their mines for all I care.” Spike sniffed angrily.
“Aw, you don’t mean that!” Pinkie exclaimed, patting Spike on the back. “I know you really, really like her! Like, really, really, really, really, really like her.”
Spike’s eyes watered, and he flopped down on his rump and began to cry, holding his head in his claws.
“She… she doesn’t like me, though.” he choked. “It’s because I’m a dragon. And Twilight said that Princess Celestia should boss around all the other dragons and Diamond Dogs and stuff, and then she got mad at me when I said that was wrong.”
Pinkie sighed and sat down on a nearby stump. She picked Spike up in her hooves and sat him on her lap, hugging him gently.
“It’s okay. Now, why don’t you tell your Auntie Pinkie all about it?”
*************************************************
“Applejack!”
Applejack heard a voice outside that she knew well, but still didn’t quite believe that the owner would show up to Sweet Apple Acres on a day like this. It was drizzling and muddy, and to top it all off, there were a lot of dead leaves and sticks blowing around. It was hardly the weather for….
“Rarity?” Applejack exclaimed in surprise as she opened the door. “What in the hay brings you….” Applejack trailed off disentrance as she noticed that, despite her stylish boots and umbrella, Rarity’s white coat had quite a few splashes of mud upon it, but she was paying it no heed.
“Is somethin’ the matter?” Applejack asked worriedly. For Rarity to ignore the state of her coat meant that something was very serious.
“Spikey-wikey’s ran off!” Rarity exclaimed tearfully. “He asked me… er, something, and I think I gave a wrong answer. I… think I hurt him dreadfully.”
“T’weren’t yer fault.” Applejack replied sternly. “It’s Twilight who’s got the apologizin’ ta do. I just thought he jes left ta blow off steam, so I let him be.”
“Did Twilight and Spike have a fight?” Rainbow Dash asked. She had followed Rarity, and now stood with a bedraggled mane in the doorway.
Applejack sighed. “Twilight might be a bright mare in most ways, but sometimes she has a lot ta learn. I know she means well, but when it comes to the Princess, she tends ta get a little… well, not ta sound mean, but a mite blindly defensive.”
“What happened?” Rarity asked.
Applejack motioned them to come in. “I’ll tell ya. But only cuz we need ta help Spike. Twilight may have been a foal, but if she’s the mare I believe she is, then there ain’t no need fer us ta scold her. Celestia knows she probably feels terrible right now. Speakin’ of which, I’m surprised she ain’t here with y’all.”
“She… left.” Rarity said softly. “She left a note for Spike and went to Canterlot to speak to the Princess.”
“Yeah, what’s up with that?” Rainbow Dash asked angrily. “She ditches the guy who’s basically her little brother to go ask the Princess what she should do?”
“Don’t be too hard on her, Rainbow.” Applejack said. “Twilight’s jes had her strongest beliefs shaken ta their core. Y’all can’t blame her if’n she’s lookin’ fer help.”
“Whatever do you mean?” Rarity asked.
Applejack sighed. “Well, see, it all began when I was telling’ them why the earth ponies are in charge of the sheep an’ cows….”
*************************************************
“Your Highness!” A guard trotted into the royal throne room, bowing before the Princess of the Sun. “The Princess Twilight Sparkle, wishes to have an audience with you.”
Celestia’s face lit up. “Of course! Send her in right away!” she exclaimed happily.
The guard dashed off, and a few seconds later, Twilight walked in. But from the serious look on her face, Princess Celestia could tell that her former pupil was not here for a social visit.
“May I speak to you in private, your Highness?” Twilight asked flatly.
Celestia nodded. “Very well. Will my quarters do?”
Twilight nodded her assent. Celestia then dismounted her throne and led Twilight down the halls of the palace, until they reached Celestia’s private chambers. Once inside, Celestia closed the door, and put a sound-blocking spell over it.
“Now… what is it that troubles you, Twilight?” she asked, turning towards her earlier student.
Twilight took a deep breath. “You can do this, Twilight.” she told herself. “Best just to get it out into the open, rather than languish in doubt the rest of my life.”
“Your Highness,” Twilight spoke up, “I don‘t mean to speak out of turn, but I have come to wonder… I know that it’s for the common good, but… well… um….”
Twilight was almost ready to back out of it when the image of Spike, shocked and hurt, came back to her. And because of what she had said.
“Is this what I believe?” Twilight asked herself. “Is inequality the price of paradise, and can paradise even exist with inequality? Isn’t friendship about equality?”
She steeled herself and closed her eyes tightly before she blurted out her question.
“What gives you the right to boss the other races around?
She winced, half-expecting to feel lunar soil beneath her hooves at any second.
Nothing happened.
She cracked open her eyes, and saw the last thing she expected to see.
Princess Celestia was smiling.
“I’m very glad you had the courage to ask me that.” Celestia said warmly.
Her horn flashed, and a portal opened up into a realm of stars.
“Come.”
*************************************************
“So… why are we heading towards the Everfree Forest?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“I’m heading to Zecora’s.” Spike replied numbly. “Maybe I can work for someone who isn’t a pony. Someone who doesn’t think they deserve to boss me around.”
“I don’t think Twilight really meant what she said, Spike.” Pinkie Pie said softly. “I mean, you know Twilight. She likes to boss everypony around. She isn’t mean about it. That’s just Twilight. I don’t think she thinks she deserves to boss others around.”
“Yeah, well she thinks Princess Celestia does!” Spike retorted. “I don’t care if she raises the sun, that doesn’t give her the right to force other races to obey her!”
Pinkie Pie looked about, unsure of how to reply to that.
“Hey, why don’t we visit Fluttershy before we go?” she proposed.
Spike sighed “Pinkie, I don’t wanna….”
“Do you know anypony… or any not-pony, who’s as nice as Fluttershy?” Pinkie Pie asked.
Spike sighed. “I guess not.”
“See?” Pinkie Pie stated cheerfully. “She’ll understand you. And maybe she can help out, too!”
*************************************************
Twilight found herself surrounded by light and stars. Images of all kinds of creatures from all over Equestria hovered about her.
Celestia sat down, and Twilight sat beside her. With a flash of golden magic, Celestia pointed towards the various images.
“Tell me, Twilight. What do all these creatures have in common?”
Twilight looked at the images passing before her. Ponies, griffons, donkeys, minotaurs, cows, Diamond Dogs, sea ponies, and more all flashed before her eyes. Twilight tried to find some connection between them all, but whenever she thought she had something, along came a creature which went against her idea.
“They all… are your subjects?” Twilight guessed.
Celestia shook her head. “They all are alive.” she replied softly. “They each have their own lives, their own beliefs, their own customs. Some of them are very different, but they all share this world.”
She turned towards Twilight. “We share the world, Twilight.” Celestia stated. “It is not ours to rule, simply because I and my sister raise the sun and moon. Did I make the sun? No. I merely keep it on its course. So why should I act as if it is my sun? Others raised it before me.”
Twilight looked surprised. She had never thought of the sun as anything but Celestia’s.
“But… shouldn’t the other races respect you for all that you do for them?” Twilight asked.
Celestia shook her head sadly. “I do not deserve any more respect than anypony else… or any other creature, as well.”
More images began to float past as Celestia went on, showing what she spoke of.
“I raise the sun, which is essential for bringing life to the world, and I do my best to protect this world. But it is also essential that we have weather, so that the world will stay in balance, and crops, so that we can have food. Does that mean that your friends Rainbow Dash or Applejack have the right to rule over others?”
“No.” Twilight replied.
More images floated past. “Look at the animals.” Celestia said. “Some ponies may not think of them as very important, but they too are essential to life. Worms help till the soil for new plants, while caterpillars and rabbits help keep those plants from overrunning things, and birds and foxes keep the caterpillars and rabbits from overrunning the plants.”
Celestia turned to Twilight. “You see?” the solar princess asked. “We each have a place in this world, a job to perform. Some jobs are bigger than others, but that doesn’t make the others any less important.”
“But what about Diamond Dogs? Or dragons?” Twilight asked. “Surely being bullies and thieves is not a good thing.”
“It is not.” Celestia agreed. “But allow me to show you something. Something you need to see.”
A new image appeared before Twilight, and the lavender unicorn’s eyes grew wide with surprise. The image showed a changeling, smiling as she nuzzled a baby changeling in her hooves.
“Now do you understand?” Celestia asked. “The Diamond Dogs do tend to be thieves and troublemakers. The dragons do have a disrespect for most other races. But of all races, only the changelings have ever stood against us in open war. They represent a great threat. We could, of course, destroy them. I do not deny, the thought has crossed my mind before. But who am I, mighty as I am, to choose who deserves life and who does not?”
Celestia sighed, shaking her head. “These creatures have lives. Families. Hope. So long as they are alive, there is still a chance that they can change and use their skills for good rather than evil.”
“But what if they don’t?” Twilight questioned.
Celestia lowered her head, and sighed deeply. “There are instances… very sad instances… when, in order to defend ourselves or others, we cannot allow an evil being to continue their threat. That is why, much as I love Luna, I had to banish her to the moon when she became Nightmare Moon. But so long as a being is alive, there is still hope. You and your friends proved that by bringing my sister back to me. And if you recall, your friend Fluttershy managed to befriend even Discord himself. If he can change, I believe there is hope for anyone.”
“So that is why I don’t intervene in the lives of the other races.” Celestia went on. “I could, of course. I could overthrow them and rule with an iron hoof. And yes, it would bring stability. But it would be the stability that the Crystal Empire had under Sombra’s rule. They may have been very secure, but even so, did that make Sombra a good ruler?”
“No.” Twilight replied quietly.
“That is why I must rule with kindness and mercy.” Celestia said softly. “King Sombra may have been able to control his subjects and force them to do what he desired. If it were he in my place, the dragons and the Diamond Dogs would never bother us, and the changelings would be all but extinct. I cannot do the same, unless I wish to be as Sombra became. Dragons still mock and challenge us. Diamond Dogs still rob and plunder our lands. Changelings still devour the love of many races. But though Sombra would never have had to deal with this like I do, I have something he never would have found.”
More images began to show up. Celestia raising the sun at the Summer Sun Celebration. A few guardsponies laughing together off-duty. A unicorn and an earth pony nuzzling one another. A familiar draconequus giving Fluttershy a noogie.
“I have harmony.” Celestia stated, turning towards Twilight. “And through harmony, I have subjects who follow me out of love rather than fear. I have my sister back, thought I was not sure I ever would. And my subjects have freedom, and happiness, and peace. We may have to deal with the likes of the dragons and the Diamond Dogs, but when you fight with kindness instead of cruelty, whenever you defeat an enemy, you gain a friend.”
Celestia smirked. “And I daresay that for all his power, Sombra would have been no match for Discord without the power of harmony, while you and your friends not only managed to defeat him, but to befriend him as well. You turned the greatest threat in all of Equestria into an ally.”
Celestia lowered her head to Twilight’s level. “That, Twilight, is the true magic of friendship.”
*************************************************
Spike sat on Fluttershy’s couch, sipping the cup of hot tea that the butter-colored mare had made him.
“I don’t know what to say.” Fluttershy said softly.
“Me either.” Pinkie sighed. “And I usually am good at saying stuff. I talk all the time.”
“It’s okay, girls.” Spike sighed. “I know you’re trying to help.” He looked up at Fluttershy. “You know, I guess I should have asked your opinion in the first place.” he stated. “I mean, if anypony would understand bossing others creatures around, it would be you.”
“Oh, I don’t boss them, I just ask them nicely.” Fluttershy replied.
“But what about the Stare?” Spike asked. “Heck, you could make anypony do whatever you want with that thing.”
“Oh, absolutely not!” Fluttershy exclaimed, aghast at the very thought. “I know that some creatures are very unfriendly, and I’ve had to use the Stare sometimes, but I only use it when I have to.”
“But why haven’t you chased all the monsters out of the Everfree Forest?” Spike asked. “I mean, we still have some cockatrices in there, and that hydra is still in Froggybottom Bog.”
“Well, it’s their home, too.” Fluttershy responded. “I try to persuade them to be nice to others, but even if they aren’t, it wouldn’t be right to force them away from their homes.”
“But you still use the Stare to force them to do stuff sometimes.” Spike replied, sipping his tea.
“Yes, but it’s for their own good, and the good of all the other creatures.” Fluttershy replied. “After all, Celestia’s guards arrest thieves and bad ponies. Some creatures are just unwilling to be nice and get along with others, and are just causing harm. When they act like that, we really don’t have a choice. We have to stop them from hurting others. But still, I don’t have the right to force things to be just the way I want them to.”
Fluttershy sighed and walked over to the window. “Sad things happen in nature, Spike. Cute little bunnies get eaten by wolves. Cute little mice get eaten by owls. And sometimes ponies get gobbled up by hydras. It’s always sad, but that’s the price of harmony. Nature thrives on balance, but it isn’t always nice. I will try and protect the little creatures. I’ll try and help the bigger creatures find something else to eat. But when you have great power, like I do with my Stare, you must also have a lot of kindness, and be very merciful, or you’ll end up being a bad ruler.”
Fluttershy turned towards Spike. “You see? Both you and Twilight are right. Princess Celestia should be in charge, but not to boss everyone around. She should be there to protect others from harm, or protect others from doing harm. But there must be balance. The dragons didn’t elect Princess Celestia, so she shouldn’t boss them around. But if the dragons attacked Equestria for no good reason, then Princess Celestia should defend us from them. And if the ponies were attacking the dragons for no good reason, then believe it or not, I would actually help the dragons, even if they’re really scary, and I think Princess Celestia would, too.”
She fluttered up to Spike. “After all, do you really think those dragon bullies who chased you and Rainbow and Rarity and Twilight would have gotten away with things if Princess Celestia hadn’t been so merciful?”
Spike sighed. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” he said softly. “I guess I can kind of see what Twilight was trying to say, even if some of it was wrong.”
“You see?” Fluttershy said softly. “It has nothing to do about if you’re a pony or a dragon or a griffon or a zebra or even a changeling. It has to do with who you are in your heart. Bad creatures should be stopped from hurting others, no matter what race they are. But we should try and stop them with kindness, not force. I’ve found that you attract more flies with honey than with vinegar.”
“That’s a pretty wise analogy.” Spike mused.
“Oh, is it?” Fluttershy asked. “I was just remembering the time I tried to catch a few flies to feed to the little froggies in the stream outside. The flies didn’t like the vinegar.”
“But… when should we use force?” Spike asked.
*************************************************
In the starry realm, Twilight was asking Celestia the same question.
“I mean, we can’t just let others stomp all over us, but where does one draw the line?” Twilight questioned confusedly. “Where do we draw the line between justice and mercy?”
Celestia sighed, and bowed her head. “Twilight, I have had millennia of experience.” she uttered. “And yet I still ask myself that same question from time to time.”
She turned towards an image of Discord, who was being scolded by an image of herself who seemed to be covered in whipped cream and peas.
“That is why I have such great mercy in my heart.” Celestia stated, shaking her head with a smirk at Discord’s antics. “Because if I am to pass judgment, it must be the only feasible choice. I did not send Discord to Tartarus, nor did I send Luna. Tartarus is for those who are eaten up by wickedness, who choose hatred over love and harm over help, and who are so stubborn that they refuse to change, even if they are miserable in their hatred.”
She sighed and went on. “But while there are those who belong in Tartarus, I also know that there is hope for any soul. In some cases, like in the case of Tirek, that hope is merely hypothetical at best. But that is not true of nearly as many beings as we would believe.”
Celestia shook her head looking up with tearful eyes to an image of her, standing in shock as Luna was enveloped with magic, transforming into Nightmare Moon.
“Luna blames herself so harshly for her past mistakes.” Celestia uttered softly to Twilight. “But to be truthful… while her actions were wrong, it was exactly what I needed. Before that, I had distanced myself from the evil beings of Equestria. I thought I was so different. Better, even, for choosing what was right while they chose evil. I was young, and proud, and so, so, incredibly stupid. I thought the world was filled with heroes and villains, and that was it.”
Celestia wiped a tear from her eye before continuing. “But when Luna… my dear, beloved sister, took the path of evil herself, my entire world was shattered. I had known Luna her entire life. She was always the more stern of us, but I had never seen a pony more dedicated to justice and the protection of others. To see her change, to see her become one of the villains, was something I could barely even comprehend. I knew Luna had a good heart. At first I tried to blame the Nightmares. But try as I might, I could not deny the fact that though Luna’s actions were indeed influenced by a Nightmare, It was her, and her alone, who let it inside her. And that broke something in me, something that I only wish had been broken centuries earlier. My pride. My sanctimonious, foalish, stupid, selfish pride.”
Celestia gestured towards an image of herself at the gates of Tartarus. The image of Celestia was heaving out a familiar ugly statue. Behind her, hordes of beings were swarming out, many of which Twilight could not name. And above them, the sky was blackened with changelings and dragons. Twilight stared in utter shock, unsure of what to say.
“I daresay that the first three hundred years after Luna’s banishment were the hardest in my life.” Celestia stated, her voice sad and distant. “I rarely force my power as supreme ruler, but that was one instance I did. I was hated by ponies from all corners of Equestria for the Great Exoneration. I was called many cruel things: a tyrant, a foal, a corrupt and evil leader, an ally of evil. The list was endless.”
Twilight shook her head in disbelief. “Why have I never heard of this before?” she asked.
“Because it isn’t common knowledge anymore.” Celestia explained. “I was doing what I believed to be right: giving mercy to those I had once thought myself so different from. But many ponies thought that I was making deals with the evil beings of Tartarus. I of course didn’t release all of the beings within its confines. Tirek, for example, would have only been foolish to release. But Luna’s banishment had caused me to see the world through different, more understanding eyes. I released those who I felt had paid their debt, or who had hopes of change. I put the statue of Discord in my garden rather than in a dark cell, so that he could at least enjoy the view. I let the Changelings swarm to the Badlands. I let the dragons return to their original nesting grounds.
And the ponies rioted. Never was I so shocked at the hatred and anger I saw. I had seen anger and hatred before, but this was different. I had taught them this. I had drawn a line where good and evil were indelible lines, and one side could never cross to the other, and I had taught the ponies to hate those who turn to evil, rather than pity them.
It took centuries to undo that mentality. Most history books were banned on account of being pure slander….”
“Actually, it would be libel.” Twilight corrected.
Celestia chuckled and rubbed Twilight’s mane with her hoof. “Pure libel.” she went on. “They were little more than the rants of anger and bitterness, against me, against the other races. Of course, I didn’t ban the publication of works which disagreed with me. Many works are still in my library which ridicule my choices in a more truthful but still ruthless manner. Sometimes I read them and wonder if they were right. But then I remember my sister, and know I made the right choice.
It took many years. But my detractors soon found that far from being cruel, I had become far kinder. I was far more merciful to all, and far more understanding as well. There was a time when a group of ponies, who believed me to be in league with Tirek for the Great Exoneration, formed an alliance and stood against me. But once they were finally captured, at their hearing, I released every one of them. I knew that they were merely misguided by what I had taught them, and I formally apologized before the court for leading them astray. Many of them eventually joined my royal guard.”
Celestia turned towards another image, this time one Twilight knew well. It was when Celestia was welcoming back Luna from her banishment as Nightmare Moon.
“The Equestria Luna left was a harsh one.” Celestia sighed. “Luna was the first voice to speak up for my new empire, a world of understanding, and while Luna still remains the more stern of us two, she was the first to suggest that there was hope in the hearts of monsters, and that darkness was not necessarily associated with evil. I respected her opinion as my sister, but I disagreed with her. I thought it was just a minor thing. Luna always has been prone to be very vehement and dramatic about her opinions. I didn’t know how strongly she felt… until it was too late.”
Celestia turned towards Twilight. “Luna is the reason for some of your more… interesting studies. Do you remember Enmity 101?”
Twilight nodded. Of course she remembered that day. She had never been more shocked than when, on her fourteenth birthday, Celestia had taken her to a deep dungeon to practice dark magic. Before that, Twilight had assumed that anger and fear were forces to avoid at all costs. But that day, Celestia had shown her how, such emotions, when controlled, can be used for good.
“Luna’s studies into dark magics worried me at first.” Celestia stated. “But over time, she convinced me that anger, fear, and even hatred, so long as it was for evil and not for those who enact it, can be used for good. Her banishment taught us both the danger of going too far. For her, it taught her not to let her anger and hatred turn against others. For me, I learned not to hate those who had given in to hate themselves.”
Celestia was silent for some time as she stood in thought. Eventually, she sighed and shook her head.
“Luna’s transformation into Nightmare Moon was terrible.” Celestia said to Twilight. “We both blame ourselves, but we both know that neither of us is entirely innocent. But even in that most terrible time of my life, something good arose. I learned to love my enemies, and to do good to those who did evil to me. This, Twilight, is what all I have worked for, is based upon.”
Twilight nodded her head. “Thank you, Princess.” she said softly. “You’ve cleared up a lot for me.”
Celestia gave Twilight a smile as warm as the sun. “I’m glad I could help.” she said.
Light enveloped them, and they appeared back in Celestia’s chambers with a flash.
“Well, since you’re here,” Celestia said, “would you perhaps like to stay for dinner?”
Twilight shook her head. “Sorry, princess. I have somepony… somebody I need to see.”
Knock knock knock!
“I’ll get it!” Pinkie Pie cried, dashing over to the door of Fluttershy’s cottage.
As she threw open the door, she saw the three bedraggled figures of Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity.
“Is Spike here?” Applejack asked. “We can’t find him anywhere.”
“Yeah, he’s here!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “But um… he’s kind of sad right now. He needs a little cheering up.”
“I know.” Rarity said softly, trotting inside.
On the couch, sipping the warm tea Fluttershy had made him, Spike looked up at the snowy unicorn, then looked away, biting his lip. Rarity shuffled awkwardly as she hung up her coat.
“Are y’all okay, Spike?” Applejack asked.
Spike gave a little shrug. “Yeah, I… I guess so.”
Applejack sat down, putting a comforting hoof around the young dragon’s shoulders.
“Y’all know we’re all here for ya.” she said softly. “And well… we all love ya. Right, girls?”
“Of course!” Fluttershy replied, giving Spike a gentle nuzzle.
“Yeah, you’re one of my favoritest friends!” Pinke Pie squealed.
Spike turned towards Rainbow Dash. “Hey, Rainbow… um… sorry about what I said earlier.”
“It’s okay.” Rainbow Dash replied. “You were just blowing off steam. And I… well, I’m not gonna get all mushy like the others, but… you’re a pretty cool friend.”
Spike smirked. He knew from the awkward look on Rainbow Dash’s face that that was the closest thing she would say to ‘I love you, too.’
Applejack turned towards Rarity, who was standing silently in the corner. “Rarity? Ain’t y’all gonna say somethin’?”
Rarity looked back at Spike, then awkwardly at the ground.
“Could you girls… give us a minute alone?” Rarity asked in an uncharacteristically soft and nervous voice.
The others all looked at one another, then nodded to Rarity and went into the kitchen. As she left, Pinkie Pie gave Spike a wink.
As soon as the others were gone, Rarity gave a deep sigh.
“Spike… I… I’m sorry.”
Spike shuffled uncomfortably, unsure of how to respond.
“S’okay.”
“No, it isn’t.” Rarity replied. “I hurt you deeply. And I cannot bear for that. I just….”
She shook her head confusedly. Sitting down on the couch next to Spike, she looked him right in the eye.
“Spike… I know how you feel about me.” Rarity said gently. “I’ve known long since before you told me. And I find it endearing. You’re charming, you’re loyal, and you know how to treat a lady.”
She broke her gaze, staring down at the cushions awkwardly. “Spike… I… I just don’t know how I feel.” she said softly, as Spike stared up at her with an inscrutable expression. “I… I just don’t know, Spike. I don’t want to get your hopes up, but… I just don’t know.”
She gently put her hoof on his hand. Spike gave a shy gulp. To his surprise, so did Rarity.
“You are the first… sadly, the only… person ever to truly declare their love for me.” Rarity stated. “And Spike… that really touches me. But… everything is just so different than I expected it to be. You’re young, even if only a few years less than myself. You’re not the prince or famous star that I expected I would meet, although you are more gallant than any knight I have ever met. And… it isn’t that I dislike dragons, Spike. I….” She looked about awkwardly, making sure the others weren't listening. “I looked up a couple books on the matter, and they spoke of Tirek placing a curse on some ponies and… well, long story short, dragons are actually closely related to ponies.”
Rarity wrung her hooves awkwardly. “So, um… it wouldn’t be beyond belief that a pony and a dragon could be together.”
“Why did you look that up?” Spike asked.
Rarity tried to look at Spike, but her gaze just couldn’t seem to meet his.
“Spike… I don’t want to get your hopes up. Everything is just so different than how I expected it to be. I just… I really do not know, Spike. Your feelings… my feelings… it’s all rather… unexpected.”
“Your… feelings?” Spike asked hesitantly.
Rarity sighed. “Spike… I know you want an answer, but… I can’t give you one. I can’t give one to myself. All I can say is… I need time. Time to sort this whole thing out. But Spike… I… I just want you to know… there have been times when I’ve lain awake at night, thinking of you. I don’t know how I feel, and I don’t want to give you false hope, but… well… oh, ponyfeathers.”
With a sudden twist, Rarity embraced Spike, and, quickly, gently, kissed him on the mouth. Spike’s eyes shot wide open in surprise.
Rarity blushed, and scratched the back of her neck with her hoof. “Well, um… just… don’t give up hope just yet, Spikey.”
Spike’s face lit up beet red. Then, with an elated sigh, he fell back onto the couch.
“Rarity… I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry, too.”
“Kiss and make up?” Spike asked with a joking grin.
Rarity gave a coy smile. “Well….”
Knock knock knock!
“I’ll get it!” Pinkie Pie squealed, leaping out from behind the couch.
Rarity’s face lit up bright red. “How long was she…?”
Pinkie Pie opened the door. Standing there in the rain, her mane bedraggled and her feathers ruffled, was Twilight.
“Is Spike here?” she asked.
“Um… yeah.” Pinkie Pie said awkwardly.
“Can I talk to him?”
Pinkie Pie looked back questioningly at Spike. Spike nodded.
“Let her in.” he said.
As Twilight came in, Rarity gave Spike a little pat on the head.
“I’ll leave you two to talk.” she whispered to him. She gestured for Pinkie Pie to follow her into the kitchen, leaving Spike alone with Twilight.
Spike and Twilight stared awkwardly at one another for a few moments.
“Spike?” Twilight said softly.
“Yeah?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Me, too.”
Twilight suddenly dashed forwards, scooping up Spike in her arms and hugging him tightly. Spike returned the embrace with equal strength.
“I was wrong to say those things to you.” Twilight said softly. “I was wrong in my train of thought, and I was wrong to be so foalish.”
“I was wrong to judge everypony else so harshly.” Spike replied.
“I love you, Spike.”
“I love you too, Twilight.”
Twilight set Spike down on the couch. “I learned a lot today.” she admitted. “I really had my eyes opened to just how blind and narrow-minded I was.”
“I kind of did, too.” Spike sighed.
“The real world isn't as simple as we wish it was, is it?” Twilight asked. “I’ve been a foal. I though with all my experience and learning, that I knew so much about friendship. Now I see that I’m just beginning to learn what friendship truly means.”
Spike chuckled. “Yeah, well… wasn't it one of those famous pony philosophers you like to read about who said, ’I am considered the wisest pony, for I alone admit that I know nothing.’?”
Twilight rubbed Spike’s head fondly. “You really are growing up.”
“That makes two of us.” Spike replied, snuggling against Twilight.
