The Princess and The Stray

by Gone For Now

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, Dark
Length: 7992

Princess Yucca, a once stray alicorn creation, now lives with Princess Celestia. But as time progresses, she begins to feel uneasy with the established ideals of pony society. A society built on the sole protection of harmony and peace.

"When Princess Celestia came into possession of a once stray alicorn creation; she took it in order to raise it as a guardian of harmony in secret. A shadow in her ever expanding light. But as one can imagine, things don't go exactly as planned."

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-12-20 00:31:17 UTC

The Final Countdown: 10

***THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: 10***

It was another beautiful night in Equestria as expected of Princess Luna. However on this particular night bore a special occasion. An equestrian grand ball was being held in Canterlot, much to many others surprise. However it wasn't the Grand Galloping Gala; not as prestigious in that sense. It was more of a private gathering between nobles and delegates, and it was the presence of a now familiar newcomer which troubled Princess Celestia. She never enjoyed having this little individual present at social gatherings of such high standard. Yes, at one point Princess Celestia had acquired herself a little juggernaut of a creature. A young alicorn filly whom was lost without her guidance, or so she believed. Of course Princess Celestia would fabricate a side story for this alicorn, seeing as news of a stray roaming about couldn't really be a good thing on most terms. But Princess Celestia was starting to wonder if it could ever be a good thing, seeing as she was now dealing with the drama which came with her decisions.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stood atop a large grand staircase leading down into the dining hall of Canterlot Castle. They weren't dressed for the occasion but many of the other nobles and visitors seemed to care little if at all due to the Princesses' naturally apparent grace. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna each wore welcoming smiles as they were constantly approached by their present citizens and prestigious guests; but on the inside they were frowning, heavily. Princess Celestia in particular couldn't seem to take her eyes off a certain young mare in the distance. This mare was currently munching on snacks alone at a table. She wore a beautifully sewn cloak as well. Of course Princess Celestia knew that this mare's talents were broad in range and only grew more efficient with each passing day. But as she blocked out the words and constant adoration of her guests, she wanted nothing more than to make her way over to that mare, as if a protective mother not wanting her child to be hounded by persistent individuals who may want to use her. Her brows furrowed as she huffed a bit beneath her breath, remaining stuck in place at that position in order to tend to those who kept approaching her. Her sister Luna was stuck in pretty much the same exact scenario. Princess Celestia was then suddenly torn away from her current thought process by a guest whom practically demanded her attention. She glanced down at him. "Y-Yes yes, you must forgive me. I just seem to be a little, distracted, tonight."

Princess Luna didn't fail to notice her sister's angst or displeasure in the current situation. It was in that moment she to eyed the young mare at the lone table. And as she looked in that direction, she saw the mare was soon being approached by the delegates of Saddle Arabia, much to her displeasure as well. Princess Luna's brows furrowed then to, as she glared a bit in the mare's direction muttering to herself. Put on a good show little one.

The young mare currently kicked her hind legs back and forth while her rump was seated in a pretty large wooden chair in comparison to her size. She possessed a certain appealing aura about her, one which drew other ponies to her. As she sat there munching on wheat crackers; her eyes widened as she turned her head slightly over and back to get a good look at the two ponies whom were approaching her. She gulped down from chewing her cracker and then blinked a bit, eyeing them up and down for a moment before baring a soft smile. "Why; hello there. I reckon there's something I can help ya with Sir & Madam?" She giggled softly beneath her breath as she closed her eyes soon afterwords, still continuing to wear that welcoming and pleased smile. Her wings were hidden for obvious reasons; but with such mastery over the illusion school, it was unsurprising how talented she was. However, the pursuit of knowledge was always one of her more favored beliefs.

The mare delegate only blushed lightly before looking to her fellow companion and letting off a sigh of adoration. "Oh isn't she adorable love? She is well spoken for her age as well. The rumors we've heard may be true it seems." The mare bowed her head before the child. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance little- Eula was it? We have heard many things about the strange new pony who has taken residence in Canterlot, and has earned herself even a seat among the house of nobles. A designer? A caretaker? An athlete? As well as educated? And obviously very sweet. It seems that those unbelievable stories may just be true after all. But what has me most curious, are your origins." She paused before raising a brow at the little mare with a quirky smile. "Where does a mare of such unquestionable talent come from? A mysterious foreigner perhaps?"

Eula just blinked before masterfully and swiftly using telekinetic magic to face her chair towards them to look the mare in the eyes as she spoke to her. She closed her eyes halfway with a dazed expression as if she were lost in deep thought; before acknowledging the two again with a smile. "It's a mystery darling! It wouldn't be any fun if I told ya everything now would it? But to give ya a hint~" She raised a brow at the mare and leaned in closer. "I'm not from around here yep yep!" She then manifested a cupcake before nibbling at it elegantly and closing her eyes, chuckling softly beneath her breath. She cocked her head to the right, "So, is there anything I can help ya folks with while I'm available? I am quite busy yep yep; and have a lot of studying to do later. The world will not change itself ya know."

The mare looked to her stallion companion for a moment before there was a lengthy silence between them. The mare seemed hesitant but then let off a light sigh and just nodded plainly before looking to the younger mare and smiling a bit. "Yes, in actuality there is something you can help us with. We didn't really come here to simply ask questions little Eula. We actually came to see what you were like, and from what we've heard in rumors you are not living with anypony nor are you housed under a specific name. We were curious, would you like to come with us? We would love to take you back to Saddle Arabia, I'm sure your talents would be of much more use there."

The stallion nodded as well before regarding the child with an accepting smile. "Yes; with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna watching over Canterlot and the entirety of this region, I see little reason for such a talented child to be wasting away here in such a manner. In Saddle Arabia you can truly make a difference, an impact."

Eula blinked a bit; as if confused by their request. "Ya want me to go to a different land with you?"

The stallion and mare nodded.

The mare continued with a smile, "Why yes Ms.Eula; we would like, no, we would LOVE for you to-"

"Why forgive me for the intrusion but Lady Eula still has quite a bit to learn about *these lands before she can venture off on such a quest.*"

The two delegates' eyes widened before they turned to regard who'd spoken.

The mare gasped; "P-Princess Celestia! Why, we didn't expect you to make your way all the way over here personally. What a surprise."

Princess Celestia chuckled a bit as she practically strode over to the younger mare's side. "Yes, I was planning to introduce Lady Eula personally. But it seems these days she's caught the attention of quite a few prestigious individuals herself. Of course she is far too young to be accepting such offers though, don't you believe so?"

The mare blinked a bit as if confused before raising a brow. "W-Well I don't believe so Princess Celestia; it's not as if she wouldn't be taken care of."

Princess Celestia closed her eyes with a smile. "She is taken care of quite fine here though, is she not? All I'm saying is perhaps it is too soon for her."

The mare frowned a bit before striding up to Princess Celestia. "That is not what I am implying Princess. All I'm saying is perhaps the child can make her own decisions about where she does and doesn't want to go. Perhaps a new experience would be best for her. She could be royalty in the lands of Saddle Arabia."

This caused Princess Celestia's brow to twitch a bit as her nose wrinkled up, "She has far more status here than you know."

The mare delegate groaned as it was apparent both of them were getting quite annoyed, "Well Princess Celestia~ It suuuure doesn't look like it!"

Princess Celestia gasped, "She's present here at a party is she not? What's it matter to you what she does with her life anyhow my dear comrade?"

The mare struck back, "What's it matter to YOU Princess Celestia?"

Princess Celestia flinched for a moment, before drawing back and remaining silent for a moment. A crimson blush appeared on her cheeks due to embarrassment.

The mare delegate blinked a bit, before suddenly appearing quite ashamed. "F-Forgive me Princess Celestia I didn't mean to cause offe-"

She raised a hoof interrupting her for a moment. "No no it's fine." She sighed, "I- I have said quite a lot as well and started it, I didn't mean to-"

"Princess Celestia!"

Princess Celestia's eyes widened as she glanced back and noticed a stream of nobles making their way towards her. Her expression sunk not long afterwords in the form of a heavy sigh as she just shook her head and frowned; "Well, it seems my night is far from over." She then looked back to Lady Eula, whom seemed lost in her own little world with dazed eyes now that all the attention had been drawn from her. Such a cold blank look caused the Princess's heart to ache. Yucca.....

Hours later, Lady Eula would be sitting on the railing of a porch overlooking Canterlot City from the throne room. She had a cold stare as she looked upon the many delegates and nobles departing from the castle, like small figures she could crush with ease. She didn't say anything, and only remained silent to herself in thought.

"Yucca?"

Lady Eula glanced back at the individual who'd called out to her to where she saw Princess Celestia approaching her somewhat cautiously. It hurt her a bit to see her approach in such a manner, as if she were a wild animal that needed tending to, or a weapon that was about to go off. Her eyes saddened somewhat but she kept her overall demeanor the same as she continued sitting and looking down ahead. "Yes Auntie? You don't need to talk to me like that you know."

Princess Celestia chuckled somewhat nervously, "F-Forgive me, it must've become a habit."

The word habit struck a cord with Yucca as she glared back at the Princess, wondering what use of such a word implied about what Princess Celestia was always thinking about her. For now she brushed it off and continued to look back down towards the departing nobles and delegates. "Auntie Celestia, why do I have to hurt others?"

Princess Celestia frowned somewhat again before wearing a firm expression. "So you can protect many more."

Princess Yucca's expression twisted into one of conflict as she appeared heavily distraught. "Then why're you so scared of me?"

Princess Celestia flinched yet again, as she shook her head. "I...I am not afraid of you. It's just that-"

Princess Yucca glanced back at her, obviously still hurt. "You're scared of me. You can't hide it." She paused, "So, if I'm a protector, why am I so scary?"

Princess Celestia found herself silent with Yucca's pleading stare, and desperate to answer her. But no words came, and she was feeling more and more troubled by that fact as she just stood there staring back at her waiting for some piece of advice or something to naturally flow from her lips. But there was nothing.

"Because, you are still dangerous. I was once a protector to, but any can plunge into the depths of despair if given the right motivations."

Princess Celestia's eyes immediately snapped wide as she glanced back at the one who'd spoken. "L-LUNA!"

Princess Luna didn't hesitate to continue however. "Child or not, you've been selected for a role to play Yucca. As I raise the moon and my sister raises the sun, you protect the sanctity of harmony from the background. We don't have to like what we do, but we must make the best of it without over-thinking things. Trust me, for nopony knows better than I what such desires can do to you. We alicorns are not meant to carve out our own paths as we see fit. We have been given far too much responsibility, far too much power, for such a convenient choice. But that doesn't stop us from having a guide to help us along the way." She paused before glaring a bit at the smaller alicorn still disguised. "You are an alicorn like it or not. And your destiny has been bared upon your flank." She raised a brow, "There is no choice now."

Princess Yucca looked forward again before appearing displeased with that answer for obvious reasons. "Why can't I be like Princess Twi-"

Princess Celestia uttered unquestioningly, "Because Twilight's role is far different from yours. You are not one in the same Yucca."

And Princess Yucca's face scrunched up in that moment as she started to tremble, struck by such words as she closed her eyes tight, sobbing to herself openly. She appeared far more vulnerable than Princess Celestia had seen her in some time, and she only sat there, unable to hold back her weak defenseless state.

Princess Celestia's eyes widened yet again almost in shock of this display, as it caused her to immediately glare back at Princess Luna.

Princess Luna flinched in surprise, as if astonished her sister would direct the blame in her direction. It caused Luna to glare back in suit.

Princess Celestia huffed, before sighing heavily and approaching Princess Yucca and wrapping a hoof around her. She turned the younger mare towards her to face her as she placed a hoof atop her head. "Yucca, why don't you go head on over to the Crystal Empire now. We've talked about this enough for tonight. Besides, now would be a wise time to start your studies in the arts of shadow magic. Despite how hesitant I am for you to explore such a school; only by knowing of it intimately can you counter it, and we never know when another Sombra might show up someday. While you're over there, ensure not to draw too much attention to yourself from Princess Cadence."

Princess Yucca sniffled, feeling like an absolute child due to her current pitiful display. She only muttered, "O-Okaaay...I, I got it. You don't need to worry."

Princess Celestia sighed yet again as she pat the mare's head. "I'm beginning to question that."

Princess Yucca hopped from the ledge sluggishly, and lowered her head, still sniffling and giving off light wheezes as she proceeded back into the castle and away from both princesses. She then put on that cold expression again with dried tears as she shook her head, concentrating yet again. "Focus Yucca, now's not the time for weakness." And with that the young mare disappeared with use of a relocation spell in a spew of purple mist and dust.

As both Princess Luna and Princess Celestia were alone, there was only a lengthy awkward silence between them.

Princess Celestia was the first to break the silence as she faced away from Luna, only gritting her teeth angrily as she practically trembled with innate rage. However she calmed herself as she exhaled, before touching a hoof to her forehead, then turning towards Luna. "What were you thinking sister!? Why would you go and hurt her like that!?"

Princess Luna scoffed before rolling her eyes and raising a brow at Celestia. "Hurt? She was bound to get hurt anyhow due to your clueless reaction sister. I only decided to spare her any more lies and deceit and tell her the truth for once. Sugarcoating the situation and pretending she isn't what she is won't help anypony, especially not us."

Princess Celestia shook her head, almost baffled by Luna's words. "The truth? Luna what you said was far from the truth. She is not some hopeless little filly shackled by her destiny. S-She has choice, we all do." Princess Celestia's tone suggested she didn't even believe her own words. "She's....She's got a say in the matter."

Princess Luna frowned. "You must stop allowing your emotions to cloud your judgement sister. She is not Twilight, and you need to stop growing close to her as such." Princess Luna touched her forehead now as she shook her head with a sigh. "Oh I knew this would happen. That is your problem, you've grown too close to her and stopped realizing just what it is we're dealing with here. There's no time for regrets sister. She has already taken a life as is, her innocence is shattered, there's no preserving it now. You made the decision to go through with this, and I supported it, but we cannot stray from it now that she has managed to spend a significant amount of time involved with our lives. If you'd kept your resolve about what she was doing, she wouldn't be questioning whether what she does is right or wrong. YOU are her role-model sister, what is she supposed to think if even the very path you guided her on you yourself start to question and resent? What sort of message is that supposed to send?"

Princess Celestia's nose scrunched up as she swiped a hoof. "She was planning to leave Canterlot sister!"

Princess Luna snapped, "YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT CELESTIA!"

Princess Celestia flinched.

Princess Luna huffed and continued. "Princess Yucca is offered opportunities all the time, she is used to this sort of thing. Besides she knows she must put on a show for the delegates and nobles who approach her, it is what she's meant to do. Granted she has been drawing too much attention to herself as of late but her hobbies do not define who she is. The mark on her flank does. So you need to stop worrying about isolating her and start worrying about getting her in the right mindset." Princess Luna's brows furrowed as her eyes saddened. "For both of our sakes." She paused, "We cannot deter Yucca from this path she's already started. You and I both know she is perfect for the role, even though I needed some convincing in the beginning as well, I now see just how successful it was Celestia. Yucca is able to rid the world of villains whom are untouchable to us, ones who would go around this world and commit heinous and grim crimes against the innocent. At times, diplomacy is not an option; I see that now. It is best if such individuals sometimes, disappear. Whether it comes at the hooves of a child or adult matters little, if it is all she knows, then she can learn the true value behind it."

Princess Celestia was silent for some time as she muttered. "When did we ever sound so cruel sister?"

Princess Luna muttered undoubtedly, "When we decided that monsters such as Sombra were not fit to trot upon these lands. One life for a thousand. One life for peace. One life for countless others. One's misery and despair, for endless happiness and sanctity. It is a trade-off for the greater good Celestia. Imprisoning them would be foolish. Tirek escaped and nearly vanquished us all, yet due to his relations and involvement with us, he is protected by such petty morale guidelines. If that is cruelty, then I have no words."

Princess Celestia glanced back at her sister, almost in dismay. "Are you really with me on this?"

Princess Luna nodded. "Of course. Because you are my precious older sibling, and your words are wise, proud, and true. As your sister, when you are crumbling and breaking down, I will be the one to put the pieces together for you, build you back up. As I will do with Yucca, should it ever come to that."

Princess Celestia suddenly bared a hesitant but true smile in regards to her sister. "Thank you Luna....I needed that."

Princess Luna only continued to give her sister a blank and almost expectant stare. "Don't mention it sister. It is only a fraction of what I must repay you for, for saving me from the depths of despair when I needed you most. You never gave up on me, despite having the simplest solution before you the entire time. I thank you for that."

Princess Celestia's smile widened, before she embraced her sister in a silent hug. They remained there in the midnight, for a moment. A single moment in time.

Princess Yucca trotted alone with her hood raised, along the streets of Canterlot. She was heading towards the train station. She was still disguised as a unicorn, and appeared to be in deep thought, still with dazed eyes as if unable to concentrate on anything besides the thoughts which flowed through her mind.

"E-Excuse me! Miss!"

Princess Yucca's eyes widened as she glanced over at the individual calling out to her. It was a slightly bigger mare, which caused her to glance up with a curious expression. To her surprise, the mare was also cloaked and hooded, as if disguising her appearance. "Hm?"

The anonymous individual chuckled. "E-Erhm sorry, I was just curious. Uhm, you're Princess Eula correct? Otherwise known as the Unicorn of Many Talents?"

Princess Yucca frowned, as if not wanting to deal with this. She muttered, looking ahead and at the ground. "Yes. But the name does not ring true Miss. It is only a sham."

The anonymous individual sighed. "Aw, I'm disappointed to hear that."

Princess Yucca nodded before continuing on ahead. "Yea....."

And as she trotted away, the anonymous mare kept her eyes on her, turning around for a moment and stepping into the lamp light. She pulled out a small checklist before using magic to levitate a pen and write upon it, Lady Eula. And beneath that, she had a small checklist which had marks besides certain bullet points; categorizing physical features of the mare. The mare lowered her hood, revealing a deeply curious Princess Twilight Sparkle. She closed her eyes halfway before glancing back at the departing unicorn. A small smile crept onto her face, a smile of exhaustion and relief as she muttered quietly to herself. "Have I finally found you?"

The Final Countdown: 9

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: 9

Deep in the middle of the Badlands, dark clouds stirred and gathered, amassing at a center point from within the massive canyon. Emerald thunder boomed, as numerous travelers who found themselves attempting to cross through the barren rocky landscape, found themselves instead wanting to seek shelter towards the south instead.

One particular unicorn raised a brow at her father, as she wore thick brown rags. "Papa what's happening? Is the sky sick?"

A stallion, one who bore a rugged older appearance; shook his head as he gulped. "N-No, of course not hun. Hurry, we must make our way back down the road."

The unicorn blinked a bit curiously, "But why? Are we in danger?"

The stallion snatched her up, placing her on his back. "No, we're alright for now. But it's just not safe ahead is all. Let's not cross at this time."

And together the two began making their way in the opposing direction down the beaten dirt road.

"My Queen, are you certain this is wise?" I feel I've asked this question before. A lone changeling inquired to his Queen as they remained situated in her throne room.

Queen Chrysalis smirked to herself as she raised a brow at the changeling with a snicker. "Of course you fool! This won't end up like last time!" And beneath the Queen's hooves would be a large, pulsing pink, runic symbol. She chuckled eagerly beneath her breath. "Oh yes; this certainly will be much different from last time."

The same changeling continued persistently. "B-But my Queen, did you not say you would abuse such knowledge?"

Queen Chrysalis glared back at her subject in annoyance, almost in a quiet yet absolute rage. "You dare question my reasoning? I do this not to wage war against the ponies, I do this merely to gain the upper advantage against them, to simply have an upper edge should they ever, say, dare break a pact of their own?"

The changeling shook his head, "My Queen. I do not wish for you to have to go through the same experience as last time, both negative, and positive."

Queen Chrysalis flinched in reaction to those words, as she snarled and her nose wrinkled up. "What are you saying?"

The changeling frowned heavily. "Are you certain this is not simply to fill the void left by Lady Yucca's departure?"

Queen Chrysalis practically froze as her pupil's dilated, and that intensified rage only manifested as she let off a roar of frustration. She immediately turned, lifting the changeling with powerful telekinetic magic. "SHOULD I TEAR YOU LIMB FROM LIMB FOR QUESTIONING ME!? When did it become so tolerable to speak to your QUEEN in such a manner you whelp!? You think I would do this over misplaced feelings for some child!? You believe I still dwell on such things!? I am a changeling! Love is only but a form of nourishment for me! You dare suggest that I do this over petty whiny insecurities!? I AM QUEEN CHRYSALIS! Not a bedridden mother!" She huffed and huffed before calming herself a bit, simply staring at the changeling who continued to tremble under her telekinetic grasp. She glanced away, slowly lowering him and catching her breath. She then looked to the surrounding changeling subjects, and her multitude of guards before trotting off towards the back. "Start the ritual. I tire of waiting."

As the changeling subject dropped to the tiled floor, he coughed and wheezed, shaking his head. "It won't work my Queen!"

Queen Chrysalis halted in her tracks.

The changeling continued, "You will only find yourself with a deeper longer lasting scar! We are changelings who care for our own! Create one of these monstrosities yourself!? And your care for it will only add to that of the void which you've already acquired! Your loneliness is no hidden secret my dearest Queen!"

Queen Chrysalis snarled, "SILENCE HIM AND TAKE HIM TO THE DUNGEONS!"

And the guards didn't hesitate to follow such orders, after all this changeling was only a supposed whelp. They started by gagging his mouth, and only dragging him to the dungeons with use of their telekinetic prowess as well. A band of four guards began escorting the outspoken changeling.

Queen Chrysalis smirked to herself. "Hah, idiot. As if I would let such emotions cloud my judgement." She paused with a saddened expression, "I won't make such a mistake this time around." She made her way towards the back away from the room. "Now let us begin, start the manifestation process!" And with those words, she faced the ritual area with a wide devious grin, as if hungrily anticipating the results of this long awaited process. And her changelings didn't hesitate to make their way towards that runic circle, those of which whom were conducting the actual casting process, bore black robes as each of their sharp horns began to crackle with green magical sparks. Queen Chrysalis only stood there wearing her grin, fiercely still as she remained situated towards the back as the spell progressed further and further.

And as the changeling who'd spoken out against the Queen's actions earlier was still being dragged down the halls, he sighed heavily, shaking his head as he heard the starting of the process. He grumbled beneath his breath, only closing his eyes soon afterwords as he realized there was nothing he could do.

Queen Chrysalis just continued to watch, as soon as it appeared as if a wild emerald hurricane were gathering within her throne room quarters. But she didn't falter, she did not hesitate even when many of her subjects began to retreat. There from within the hurricane she saw the sparks flicker and her chosen ingredients rise to the air. There four colored strands remained elevated, absolutely still in the eye of the makeshift hurricane. One being sapphire, another pink, another white, and another green. The four strands wrapped around one another, as they soon became one, followed by a mighty ignition which sent majority of the changelings flying back crashing against the walls as Queen Chrysalis remained still and unfaltering while still wearing that fierce grin, as a bombardment of dust and smoke wrapped around her, covering her entirely.

Minutes passed and the dust would not settle, even after the spell had finished.

Many changelings were still attempting to gather their senses as they rose, coughing and wheezing as they tried to make sense of the situation.

Queen Chrysalis however only trekked forward as her eyes were wide with anticipation as she attempted to make her way slowly towards the center of the room. She almost appeared absolutely controlled in the way she eagerly made her way forward with slow zombie like trots. She just continued to creep ahead inch by inch. Is this what that meddlesome mare had seen when she created Yucca? Is this the same feeling that coursed through her? If so, how one could ever abandon their own creation was beyond her. Chrysalis felt like a filly venturing into the toy store for the first time. She couldn't put her excitement into words. The idea of crafting her very own being through the powers of dark magic, it all sounded so compelling. Leave it to Celestia to discover such a perplex form of magic. But Queen Chrysalis blocked out such thoughts for the time being, as she continued to make her way down the center isle leading up towards the throne, as many of the changelings whom were still recovering just watched their Queen wearily as she attempted to make her way to the center of the room to see her, desired product.

And soon enough, the outline of a tiny figure had come into view, one whom was the size of a relatively small equine creature.

And Queen Chrysalis froze, as did many of the changelings. Queen Chrysalis actually found herself gulping, uncertain about what action she should take next.

Soon the outline rose sluggishly, as it suddenly turned to its left with a bounce, then to its right. It was obviously looking around as it began circling itself as it soon called out in a tiny soft feminine voice with a thick accent. "Dost thou know thy way out of the shadows!?"

Queen Chrysalis raised a brow, before exclaiming eagerly. "Do not be afraid. Come now, trot into the light."

Soon the outline of the tiny figure gasped as it turned towards the sound of Queen Chrysalis' voice. It could be seen readying itself in a defensive stance. "A-Art thou dang'rous?"

Queen Chrysalis raised a brow, still uncertain about all of this. Why was it this one had a very peculiar accent, and why was she already speaking? Of course Yucca was unable to speak full sentences for the longest time. Was it perhaps due to the ingredients she chose? She trekked a bit closer. "No, I am not dangerous." Well to you, at least.

The figure then repeated its sudden cautious singular bounces, one to the left, then right, then behind, then back towards Chrysalis. "Hmmmm! Righty then!" And soon, emerging from the dust and debris would be a, little filly. She bore a white coat and long thick white fangs. Her wings consisted mainly of angelic white feathers, followed by sharp sapphire ones at the tips and smaller pink situated between them. Her mane was ethereal, as it bore the colors of all four strands used, with a singular green strand coursing down her bangs. She also had a bare rump, signifying that she had yet to discover her destiny. She raised a brow at the Queen then, lowering her head almost frozen and stunned by what she was looking upon. "Art thou a bug?" She shook her head then smiled confidently "Dearest bug, we shall escapeth this realm of shadows!"

Queen Chrysalis snarled fiercely then with a surprised gasp, "A-...A BUG!? WHY YOU-"

But almost immediately the filly cowered, covering her head with a scream. "Eyaaah! D-Dost bug seeketh harmeth against thy body!?" She immediately succumbed to pleading with the Queen as she shook her head desperately, spreading her two front hooves as she exclaimed, "W-We can cometh to an agreement! Doeth thou wisheth to cometh to an agreement with oh gasted of fillies!? Oh filly promises thy she is sweet! For love is all I seek!" She sniffled beneath her breath.

Queen Chrysalis was disgusted as her nose scrunched up in annoyance. "UGH! DISGUSTING! Such cowardice!!!"

The filly gasped before crossing her hooves angrily as her brows furrowed. "Doeth thou not approveth of diplomacy!?"

Queen Chrysalis in that moment swayed from left to right, as she turned and only looked up towards the ceiling. She had a look of utter defeat, and utter loss. She just began to laugh, chuckling beneath her breath before her chuckling turned into wild laughter as she began to roll around on the ground.

The filly immediately rose with excitement and eagerness as her eyes widened looking down upon Queen Chrysalis. "Dost the bug wisheth to play!?" She raised a brow at Queen Chrysalis in that moment. "Thoust been warn'd I am a strategic master!" She soon began bouncing around the Queen eagerly. "I call thee jack and queen!"

And while this happened, many of the changeling guards began to surround the two, looking upon them observantly and in absolute confusion.

Twilight sat towards the back cart of the train, using a reflective mirror spell to still keep her eyes on the nearby Lady Eula. Twilight wore a bitter expression as she just remained there, stationary in her cloak not attempting to give a hint to who she was. She knew if Eula truly was Yucca, which she was fairly certain of, then getting too close to her would certainly give her identity away. It was perhaps only the fragments of her friends within Yucca which kept her from getting discovered at this point. Thankfully it was also quite dark from within the train. Many of the passengers were sleeping due to it being so late at night, and the only light which graced the inside of the carts was that of the moon due to the operator having the courtesy to turn the lights off so majority of the passengers could get their rest. There were few who used their little makeshift lamps located overhead in order to dimly light their areas, and unsurprisingly, Lady Eula was one of them. Twilight just kept her gaze focused on the tiny floating transparent mirror which allowed her to focus on Eula, who seemed to be hard at work studying something; looking over a numerous amount of scrolls.

Twilight's own eyes bared a hint of regret. She couldn't help but think to herself as she looked upon this familiar, yet unfamiliar unicorn who sat ways away from her. Did she make the right decision rejecting Yucca back then? She couldn't help but wonder. The once tiny little filly was certainly growing up abnormally fast, as expected; but, what she was growing up into is what surprised Twilight. She was no doubt a very graceful young mare, and one whom was maturing into a beautiful symbol of Canterlot nobility. Twilight felt a hint of pride behind the scenes, but she knew she didn't deserve that. She didn't deserve to feel anything. She gritted her teeth then as she felt an uneasy amount of frustration the more she thought about it. It wasn't meant to be like this. She didn't want to be the only one left in the dark in regards to Yucca's future. She didn't want to be isolated from her life if she were to be raised by ponies anyhow! Yet, she was. And Princess Celestia was now the one in charge, just like always. Twilight's frustration only continued to grow more and more as she sat there. Until at one point she huffed, shaking her head. No! She wouldn't be isolated from this. She didn't have to sneak around to question her own pony. HER creation! Her eyes snapped wide as she froze. G-Get it together Twilight. This isn't like before. But she was firm in her beliefs in that moment. Past circumstances may have sent Yucca away from her, but she still had the right to question and speak to whomever she wanted. Especially, Yucca.

Yucca sat alone at the table as she continued to look over the scrolls. She had a look of frustration as she sighed heavily, before raising a brow. She muttered, "Now this is just silly. Of course the quantum analogy cannot add up if there isn't enough sugar particles to make up the final result. This recipe is a work of science..."

"Why hello there again Lady Eula. May I have a word with you?"

Yucca's eyes widened as she glanced up, it was once again the taller mare from earlier; the hooded one in particular. "O-Oh, erhm, hello again. Yea, it's cool."

But this time, the mare lowered her hood. Revealing an all too familiar face. "Great! I've been dying to speak to you on certain matters for some time actually. And since you happened to be going to the same place I'm going, I was thinking this can be a far more lengthy discussion compared to that brief little chit chat we had earlier."

There was a brief moment of awkward silence as the two just stared at one another, while Twilight only wore a welcoming smile.

Yucca's eyes immediately widened as she just looked upon that familiar face, almost petrified by it. She then glanced down hurriedly at her scrolls, and especially, her closed knapsack which remained attached to her side. Her heart began to race as she didn't say another word. She only glanced back up at the one speaking to her. Princess Yucca's sudden frustration and rising panic was apparent as she gritted her teeth nervously, attempting to assess the situation. P-Princess Twilight!?....

Princess Twilight Sparkle regarded the unicorn with a chuckle, "But erhm, first off, Lady Eula? What might be in the bag?..."

Yucca glanced back down at her knapsack nervously. She then looked back to Twilight Sparkle, still remaining silent.

Princess Twilight proceeded closer to the unicorn, "Lady Eula, are you going to answer my question? I'm just a little curious. There's no need to be all uppity about it. I'm sure whatever you have to show me it'll be quite alright. I mean, it's just from one studious mare to another? Isn't it?" She smirked then, as if eagerly anticipating for the unicorn to make her move, whatever move she'd make. Surely if Lady Eula were a legit unicorn, she would have nothing to hide being an ordinary studious noble pony. But Twilight already had a good feeling what was within the knapsack, familiar habits and something she'd already witnessed when Yucca visited her in her castle.

As they remained stuck in that moment together in the dimly lit cart, that lingering gaze they shared was as if they knew it were a silent message to one another. Yucca was on the edge, and Princess Twilight was the one with the upper advantage. Yucca glanced to the lower right with a bittersweet smile. It always felt like this when it came to Twilight, that they were always at odds. She recalled that duel from long ago in her mind. She chuckled softly before exhaling. She closed her eyes and bore a wide smile at Princess Twilight afterwords as she whispered. "Then that'd ruin all the fun silly." She smirked a little before appearing tired, "You were always watching, weren't you?"

Princess Twilight flinched as she cocked a brow at the mare. What is she-

And Yucca suddenly let off an ecstatic roar with her Canterlot voice. "PRINCESS TWILIGHT! OH MY GOSH!"

Immediately majority of the ponies whom were either sleeping or minding their own business were called to attention as they glanced in that voice's direction.

Yucca got in Twilight's face with an expression which mimicked her tone. "I AM ONE OF YOUR BIGGEST FANS!"

All of the ponies immediately began rushing towards the cart, some in curiosity and others eager to meet Princess Twilight in person.  "Princess Twilight!?"

The voices now echoed across the cart, "Here!?" "Princess Twilight!" "Out of my way!"

Princess Twilight's eyes widened as she glanced around hurriedly, "W-Wait! One second everypony I have to-" but she didn't have the chance to finish as she got hounded by countless individuals, crashing into her, brushing her mane, attempting to simply bathe the princess in adoration. As Princess Twilight attempted to squirm her way through the crowd, she saw in the distance making her way to an opposing cart would be Lady Eula, whom flashed the alicorn a humored wink. Princess Twilight seethed with rage in that moment as she immediately used a relocation spell to situate herself atop the train cart. She paced heavily as she exclaimed, "It won't be that easy." Princess Twilight stumbled as she attempted to gather her footing from atop the train cart. She glanced down at it as she yelled in frustration, "It's not going to be that easy!"

Princess Twilight glared down at the surface she stood upon as she could still hear the anxious ponies trotting about trying to find her. She appeared to be in deep thought as she glanced up towards the starlit sky as the train continued to surge along the tracks which lead along the mountain side which lead deeper into the Crystal Mountains. Princess Twilight spread her wings as she nodded to herself, and then closed her eyes as she let herself fall off the side of the train before flying at its side, peering through each window as she kept up with the speed of the train. Her eyes glanced about to get a good look inside the train as she immediately focused on a few carts ahead. She squinted as she saw hurriedly retreating towards the front of the train would be Lady Eula. Hurrying to the front won't make a difference you know...

It was in that moment Princess Twilight flapped her wings with greater momentum, proceeding to catch up with the retreating unicorn. And as she finally reached a point where she'd become parallel with Yucca, she glanced at her with a smirk. And as Lady Eula was attempting to reach the front of the train, she cocked a brow as if getting the feeling that somepony were watching her; and to her right she caught sight of Princess Twilight which caused her eyes to widen further in confusion. Princess Twilight then flashed her a cocky nod before gliding to her right and left in a steady repeated rocking motion. Lady Eula continued to trot hurriedly while also observing Twilight. And it was then, Princess Twilight coursed far to her right while keeping up with the train, and making her way back in a reverse motion and instantly using a teleportation spell to get within the train, snatch the retreating unicorn, then repeat as she relocated both of them to appear on the roof of the train cart. Both ponies crashed on the surface atop the carts as they skidded and rolled almost falling off as each of them caught balance and used magic to hold themselves in place. Twilight yelled, "Yucca! I know it's you. Now just admit it!"

Princess Yucca huffed as she struggled to rise to her hooves, while attempting to keep balance. "Y-You're the one being silly! Leave me alone Princess Twilight!"

Princess Twilight was growing far more impatient as she groaned. "You're not fooling me! I know who you are! You told me yourself that you were now with Princess Celestia!" Princess Twilight's eyes saddened as she suddenly appeared a bit more desperate. "Just tell me what it is you're doing! You've been caught red hoofed!"

And this caused a hint of anger to appear in Princess Yucca as her brow twitched and she snapped angrily. "B-BUT I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!!!!"

And it was only then Princess Twilight recalled just exactly what she was dealing with. She muttered nervously with a slight smile, "W-Wait...Yucca; listen, I wasn't-"

Princess Yucca only continued, no longer acknowledging Twilight's presence as the air around her began to grow hot and heavy. Rainbow sparks began to flicker in the night sky as the younger mare's mane began to flutter wildly along with the wind. "All you've ever done is blame me! Blame blame blame! I didn't do anything wrong! But you're still chasing me! I'm being kind to you Princess Twilight! I'm being kind to you!" She appeared lost, in a flurry of her emotions. "But maybe I should just be honest! Maybe I should stop worrying about what happens to you! If you want to know so bad! Maybe I can just show your silly little head just what you want to know!" And since she'd fell into her belligerent rant, she'd glared at Princess Twilight. "Maybe, you don't deserve kindness! Or loyalty! Or generosity! Won't you just let it all go ya dummy!?"

Princess Twilight took a few trots back as she gulped and lowered her head, as if preparing herself. "What is it Yucca? I know you rarely come outside, rarely show your face. Now that you've really let the cat out of the bag, maybe you can tell me what you've been up to with Princess Celestia? What? Did the cord snap between you two?"

And Princess Yucca soon made her way up towards the unicorn as her brows furrowed. "I asked you a question first!"

Princess Twilight gave a determined glare towards Yucca as she muttered. "And here's my answer." She tackled the unicorn off the side of the train, sending both of them tumbling down the mountainside, as Princess Yucca was forced to unveil and spread her wings, taking for the sky with a snarl.

As Princess Yucca remained there elevated for a moment, she saw as her scrolls tumbled and rolled down the snowy hill as she appeared panicked, surprised, and overall in shock with how desperate Princess Twilight was to get her answers. She only looked at the fellow alicorn in disbelief, still attempting to catch her breath.

And as Princess Twilight tumbled for a moment longer, she immediately flapped her wings in a free moment, taking for the skies and straight towards Princess Yucca with an eager wide smile as she began laughing, now possessing more momentum then ever. "There you really are! Yucca!"