The Quest Through Time

Chapter 14

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Palace, Ghidious was sitting on his throne, looking at a large map of Equestria. An aide soon came in and spoke softly, “My Lord, Generals Bellatrix and Leon are here to see you.”

“Splendid, let them in,” Ghidious said, nodding.

The doors opened and both Bellatrix and Leon entered. Both bowed before Bellatrix said, “I have a report from the Eastern front. Cloudsdale as of now ceases to exist.”

“Really?” Ghidious asked. “Hm, what a shame, I always did like that city, back in it’s prime days. Wasn’t that where you were born General?”

“…Yes my lord,” Bellatrix said. “But… it had to be done. Unfortunately, most of the rebels escaped.”

“Heading back to their last garrison in the north,” Ghidious said. “It’s just as well.”

“Sir, you wished to speak with me?” Leon asked.

“Ah yes,” Ghidious said. “My apologies for having you transfer so much, but I need you back with the Calvalry Unit, as our planned attack of the north will begin less than a week.”

“But… what about Hoofington?” Leon asked.

“As far as I know now, Hoofington has already fallen,” Ghidious said. “The media is already saying that hundreds, almost all of them are dead. Poison in the water.”

“…Raines,” Leon growled. “My lord, I did not authorize this. My orders were clear to him and the others.”

“Do not worry yourself Leon,” Ghidious said calmly. “As soon as General Raines returns he will be dealt with appropriately. Unfortunately, this may generate more sympathy for the rebellion.” He then looked back to his map, where he had pieces representing his forces on all parts of the map. “Now… if we combine our forces for one large attack, the end of this war could finally come to an end. Any suggestions?”

“Attacking from the air will be our best motive,” Bellatrix said. “Their fortress is strong, but even that could not hold forever against aerial strikes. Leon and his fleet could easily punch a hole through the top.”

“But they will have artillery along the perimeter,” Leon pointed out. “Artillery that was scavenged from other vehicles, which could easily punch a hole in our ships. The fleet will have to hold back until the defenses are nullified.”

“Very observant,” Ghidious said. “Then we shall attack from the air, and when necessary, our other forces will join in.”

“I can have the fleet assembled immediately,” Leon said.

“Not yet,” Ghidious said, putting up a hoof. “Our troops are tired, weary and a day or two’s rest should be enough for them. Leon had to admire Ghidious for not being hellbent on ending the war so quickly. “Besides, the Gala is tomorrow and I’ve already planned a speech that will be broadcast all over Equestria. Even the rebels will be able to take part in hearing it. And of course you two will be accompanying me.” The two of them looked at each other. It was no surprise, seeing as how only the rich and high-ranking members of the military were invited. “That shall be all then. You two are dismissed.”

“Kind of strange to hold a Gala days before an invasion,” Bellatrix said as they left the palace.

“Perhaps it’s to raise morale?” Leon suggested. “This war has gone on longer than any of us wanted it. Bella… I figured since we’re going to be at the Gala… would you like to come as my date?”

Bellatrix smiled, and for once it was a sincere smile. “Of course I would…but you do realize we do this every Gala?”

“…You’re right,” Leon said. “But this is for real this time, not just because we’re going to be there. I want you to come as my date, for real.”

“Well, in that case…” She then went up and kissed his cheek. “It’s a date then, but don’t get any ideas.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Leon said.

Soon after they left, Ghidious rose from his seat and headed to the top of the western tower. Time to pay somepony a visit. Reaching the top floor, he did not bother even knocking and opened the door. “What a beautiful day it is. A perfect day to go out for a stroll, wouldn’t you say so, Princess Cadance?”

Cadance stood by the window, looking out as she usually did, each day that she has been here. On the day that Celestia was stripped of her throne, Luna had taken Cadance to what had been thought as a safe haven for her. But, it did not take long for Ghidious to find her and since then she has been imprisoned in the castle. Since then, she had almost always refused food, except for times when hunger got the best of her. She was also given a shower and a clean bed, but despite these accommodations, she still felt like a prisoner, because she knew she was one.

“My dear…” Ghidious said, shaking his head. “Why must you always look so sad and depressed? I have given you everything that you could possibly want.” He walked up to her slowly and faced her. “Is that not enough? Is there… something more that you want?” He put a hoof to her face but turned away at his touch, refusing to look back at him. “You want to leave, to be free. You’ve always been given that option Cadance, but yet you refuse to do so.”

Suddenly Cadance responded with a short, mocking laugh. “I choose to stay because I know you well enough that you always have a trick up your sleeve.” Now she was staring at him. “Because you know if I leave you’ll never see me again.”

“That may be true…” Ghidious said. “But you are right, I always have a trick.” He paused slightly. “I wonder how your dear husband is nowadays. Captain Shining Armor, despite his true loyalties, had decided to stay loyal to the crown to protect what he cares about most: you. But I hear he is retired now, poor lad. It must be so sad for you Cadance… to know that you’re forced to outlive your one true love. Perhaps that’s why Celestia and Luna never found love… the heartbreak would be too much for them.”

“Your words will have no affect on me,” Cadance snapped.

“Oh… but perhaps these will,” Ghidious said, smiling. “If you were to leave now… and join the rebellion, why I’m afraid your poor husband may get involved in a terrible accident. Now wouldn’t that be a shame?”

Cadance’s face changed to a look of horror. “You wouldn’t…”

“Oh I would not harm him for no reason…” Ghidious said slyly. “If you catch my drift…”

“…Fine,” Cadance said. “If I have to, I will stay here. But realize this, I know Celestia is free of that prison you put her in, and soon she’ll find Luna, and then, you’ll be sorry you crossed any of us.”

Ghidious chuckled in amusement. “My dear… perhaps you are not aware of this, but Celestia’s power over the years has diminished quite substantially, even if she’s not willing to admit it. Her time is coming to an end, we all know this. We alicorns are not immortal; we all eventually die just like the others. I’m afraid draining her power has diminished her time left on this world. So believe me, I am not worried in the slightest, but I will look forward to meeting her again if I have to, it would be my pleasure to end her life permanently.” He then headed towards the door before turning back and saying, “It was good talking to you again Cadance. I hope you continue to enjoy your stay here.” He closed the door and was gone.

(A/N: For this last part, the song I’m using here is “Discovery in Sadness” from Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus.)

Cadance turned back to her window, looking the deep blue sky and the soft white clouds that covered it, like a constant moving picture. *“My dear Shining Armor…” she said softly. “I hope you are well… I’m afraid we’ll both have to wait a bit longer before we see each other again. I just wish you could send me a sign, any sign that you are okay and I do not need to worry.”

She continued looking out, feeling silly that she was hoping to hear from him. But suddenly, she saw a blue twinkle in the clouds and the light, whatever it was, zoomed off onto the horizon. Cadance smiled, tears coming to her eyes. “So you did hear me,” she said, laughing slightly. “And you’re okay… that’s all I need to know…” The tears slid down her cheeks and suddenly her smile disappeared as she lowered her head and broke down, sobbing quietly.