Who Rules?: Relations

“Do you understand what I am asking of you?”

Twilight stared at her briefly, blinking slowly. Her surroundings lured her eyes away, trying to provide the opportunity for her brain to make sense of the oddness. An expanse with no true form or shape, extending beyond vision in all directions. The only sign of stability rested beneath her feet, in the form of a glowing white road.

“What?” Twilight asked, turning back to her mentor.

“I cannot stress enough what this will mean. What will happen in your life. Nothing will be the same.” Somehow Celestia seemed taller here. More regal in a way.

“I…I don’t understand.” Something about this was familiar. “Where am I? What’s happening?”

“This transformation will change you in every way, Twilight. Ponies will see you differently. Perhaps even those closest to you.” The tone in Celestia’s voice was serious. Very serious.

“I don’t believe that,” Twilight heard the words coming from her mouth, unaware that she had even said them, “my friends have always stood by me and are the most important ponies in my life.”

Swirls of color raced past them on either side, looking something like walls. Twilight was trying to figure out exactly where they were and what was going on. She was also wondering why she wasn’t asking any of those questions.

“Your truest friends, no. Those will always be with you, but you may find that there are ponies that you thought were friends—or even more than friends—who don’t see you in the same light.” Celestia was walking along the pathway now, and Twilight was following her.

“Then this is good. It will get rid of friends who aren’t really friends.” It still made sense to Twilight when she heard it again.

“Sadly, no. What it will do is bring out the worst in friends who will now see you as the means to an end. And more, it will create friends who aren’t friends at all—who just want to be near you because of what, and not who, you are.” Okay, so Celestia’s words made sense, too.

Images flashed by. Moments in Twilight’s life plucked from time and put on display for both of them to see. Brief glimpses into events that shaped her life and turned her into the mare she was today.

“I…I understand.” She thought she did, anyway. “You can transform me.”

That brief nod made her feel good and confident, too—even if she was terrified inside.

“You’ve already done it,” Celestia answered. “I don’t have to do anything.”

“What?” Twilight looked behind her and saw a pair of wings standing proudly from her back. They twitched for a second, as though they were waving hello to her for the first time. “I don’t understand. There’s a ritual. A new magic that I have to undergo.”

“And let’s not forget that you have a mission to undertake. I’m not doing this just to see my most faithful student change into something new. I need you to help me, Twilight. I need you to do things for me. I can’t do everything myself, you know!” Why wasn’t Celestia answering her? And why was she talking that way? Celestia never talked that way. And she was walking so fast, getting further and further away.

“When did I get my wings? I’ve never had wings before.” The wings were new. No doubt about it, and there should have been something more to the way she got them. They don’t just appear out of nowhere or with a song or something. “Wait for me, Princess!” Twilight sprinted down the pathway, but Celestia kept getting further and further away from her.

“Twilight.” The voice startled her, and she turned to see Celestia standing beside her, smiling gently.

“I thought you had gone.” The words were more like a sigh than an actual statement, and Twilight thought they made her sound a little needy. “I have so many questions to ask.”

“You already asked them.” Twilight blinked at Celestia’s words. “We spoke about this and what had to happen for hours. You remember that.”

“What?” Twilight shook her head slightly. The walls along the path turned back into a distant nothingness. “I don’t…I don’t understand.”

“Of course you do. You just keep running through this same moment again and again. It doesn’t change, Twilight.” Celestia began to fade into the background with the emptiness. The path beneath her feet turned soft, and Twilight began to sink into it gently. “I’m sorry, Twilight.”

“What?” Twilight’s world went grey and the sound of Celestia’s voice changed as it became first more distant, and then closer.

“Twilight?” The voice was very close. “Sorry, but it’s time to get up.”

Get up?

“Hey, Sparky? I’ve got your breakfast ready for you.”

With a tired flutter, Twilight’s eyes opened to see her marefriend sitting beside her bed. The light was a little painful at first, but she adjusted quickly.

“Tru?” Twilight muttered in a groggy tone.

“Good morning,” Trueblood answered. “I’m really sorry to wake you up. I know it’s very early, but…. You seemed to be in the middle of a pretty intense dream.”

“I…. Yeah, I guess I was.” Her voice echoed off the walls, tinged by the iron that held her inside the small room. A single window with the requisite bars cast an odd shadow in the earliest light of the day. There was little to dim the echo, as the room only contained a table with two chair and the bed that she was currently using. The bed, however, was soft, and the table and chairs solid and well made. All in all, not bad accommodations for a prisoner—especially when she took a deep breath this morning. “What’s that smell?”

“Ah!” Trueblood pulled back, gesturing to the table. “That would be fresh blueberry pancakes with a warm strawberry compote, along with a side of hay fries.”

Obviously, she wasn’t fully awake yet. There was no way her marefriend said what she thought she heard. “Pardon? Did you say pancakes and…and hay fries?”

“Oh yeah!” Happily trotting a few steps away, Trueblood moved to the far side of the table, positioning herself in front of a healthy stack of food. “Have you never had pancakes and hay fries together?”

“Uh, no.” Twilight sat up and shook her head, letting her mane fall roughly into place. A quick jump down, followed by a few steps, took her to the side of the table opposite Trueblood. “And I’m having trouble believing that I’m seeing it right now.”

A loud tsking sound accompanied a hefty roll of Trueblood’s eyes. “And here I thought that your world was civilized. I’m going to have to re-assess where you’re from.” She couldn’t make it all the way through her sentence without snickering.

“Uh-huh. Well, the feeling is kinda mutual right now.” Twilight eyed the food with caution. Her magic brought a fork-full of food up to her face, and after only a moment’s pause she took the pancakes into her mouth. A warm, sweet sensation coated her tongue, drawing forth a pleasant sound from the back of her throat.

“Now the fries,” Trueblood said with a nod towards the side dish.

Twilight’s eyes narrowed, but she grabbed a couple of the fries up and held them. From across the table, Trueblood stared at her with anticipation. There was only a slight hint of hesitation as she popped them into her mouth. Her eyes went wide.

“Tha’s goot,” she muttered through a full mouth.

“Told you,” Trueblood’s said with confidence as she scooped up some food of her own.

Both mares ate for a minute, concentrating more on the food than on anything else. Twilight looked up and smiled.

“So, what’s happening today?” Twilight asked.

Trueblood swallowed her bite down with a little difficulty. “Let’s worry about that later, okay?”

“Tru,” Twilight sighed, “it’s not going to matter when you tell me. What’s happening?”

Now it was Trueblood’s turn to sigh. “As I suspected, the council has accelerated the proceedings. You’re going to be taken to court today to hear charges and opening statements.”

“Really? I…I thought I might have a couple more days to prepare a defense. Have something ready,” Twilight answered.

“You’ve got a couple of hours, not days. The court is to convene just after lunch.” Trueblood tried to smile, but her lips simply pulled back into a line.

“Okay. Okay, well then,” Twilight shoveled a massive helping of pancake into her mouth and began to chew madly. “I don’ haff time for a slow breagfass.” She swallowed and forced a smile onto her face. “I’ve got a lot of work to get done this morning.”

* * * * * * * *

The door clicked lightly behind her, sealing Chrysalis in her own private bedchamber. She stood there, staring across the room while her lips gently curled up on the edges.

“Well well well,” she purred, “to what do I owe this visit?”

She lay on the bed, the covers rustled and half covering her body while a single hoof traced small circles in front of her. With her head held low, she was able to look out from half lidded eyes with a smile.

“I believe there was an offer of some…special bonus for agreeing to help you out.” Fleur’s voice was thick and rich. Her tongue barely appeared between her lips as she pursed them gently.

Very deliberate steps brought Chrysalis towards the bed, and the mare waiting upon it. She raised her head up, and her eyebrows even higher. With every step her tail flicked out to a side, first right and then left, repeating over and over.

“And what makes you think that you get to determine what that meant? Or when it might happen?” Chrysalis stopped just shy of her bed, paused, and then turned left and began to walk around it slowly.

“I’m here,” Fleur answered with a shrug. “I suppose I can leave if I’m inconveniencing you.”

Her hoof moved to the edge of the sheet covering half of her body, but was quickly stopped by the words of the changeling queen.

“No. No, I don’t think so.” Chrysalis stopped at the head of the bed, positioned behind Fleur. “Unexpected isn’t always an inconvenience.”

From where she stood, Fleur was a long reach for her hoof, leading to Chrysalis’ magic taking the place of her actual touch.

Fleur craned her neck up, stretching and turning it to accommodate the magic caress running along it. With some magic of her own, Fleur pulled her mane to one side, leaving her neck and shoulders more open.

“You’re brash,” Chrysalis said.

“I’ve been called worse,” she replied, glancing back over her shoulder.

“I’m not sure if I like brash.” Chrysalis’ magic slipped lower, pulling the sheet down Fleur’s back. Fleur watched it move and slowly turned her head away once again.

Taking a deep breath, Fleur paused, waiting until the sheet had made its way to her flanks before replying. “I can still leave if it’s a problem.”

Chrysalis snorted a laugh. “You will leave only if I give you permission.”

“Oh? Is that how you play things?” Fleur asked.

“It is how I insist upon things,” Chrysalis growled in response. She yanked the sheet away, leaving the mare totally uncovered, with her multi-colored cutie mark radiating off her pristine white flank.

“Enjoying the view?” Fleur turned her head slightly, but not enough to look at Chrysalis directly.

“I’m about to do more than just view it.”

Fleur felt hooves move onto the bed, stepping up until the other mare stood over her. She looked up into the glowing green eyes of the changeling and smiled. A long tongue traced the outside of Chrysalis’ mouth before pulling it back in. A sudden burst of green flame surrounded the changeling, and when it faded she appeared exactly the same—for the most part. Fleur’s eyes moved across Chrysalis’ body, stopping on the obvious change. The rather large obvious change.

“You must be joking,” she stated plainly.

“I don’t believe that I am, no,” Chrysalis answered. She raised her head up and looked down her muzzle at Fleur. “I am without compare. I have had both of Equestria’s previous princesses whimpering and begging for more beneath me.”

An eyebrow went up on Fleur. “You must be proud.” She gestured towards the massive member dangling between Chrysalis’ legs. “Nonetheless, that…beast…is not going inside me. Any part of inside me.”

“Yes, it is,” Chrysalis growled.

Fleur stared her in the eye. “No, it is not. I promise you, Your Highness, that I cannot accommodate that thing at all.”

“You’d be surprised what you—”

“No.” Fleur moved on the bed, shifting her weight and sliding towards the edge.

“Stay where you are!” Chrysalis barked.

Fleur ignored her and took her first step off of the bed.

“You insolent mare! If you don’t stop this moment I’ll—”

“You’ll what?” Fleur turned on her, staring at her once more. “You’ll force me to stay? Make me have sex with you?” She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

For a few moments, Chrysalis’ glared down at her from the bed. Then, starting with the corner of her mouth, her attitude changed. Her lips curled up and her eyes closed down, and slowly Chrysalis lowered herself to the bed, lying very much in the same manner as Fleur had before her.

“I don’t believe that brash is a strong enough word.” The hum of Chrysalis voice was accompanied by a buzz of her wings. “Tell me, Fleur, what was it you had in mind, then?”

There was a hesitation, but Fleur made her way back to the bed, standing beside it, looking into Chrysalis’ eyes.

“Can you make that thing smaller? About half as big as it is now?” She gestured vaguely towards the other mare’s groin.

Chrysalis laughed. “I can do anything.”

Green flame erupted around her once again, and when it faded manhood between her legs had altered considerably.

“Much better,” Fleur’s voice turned silky.

“Excellent. Now crawl to me and I will—”

“Your Highness,” Fleur cut her off again, “why don’t you just lie back and…and let me treat you like the royalty that you are?”

“I set the rules in this bed,” Chrysalis said slowly.

“Of course! I am simply making a request, Your Highness.” Fleur closed her eyes and then barely reopened them. “Please?”

Chrysalis sat there, her fang peeking out from between her lips. Her tongue came out and teased the tooth, playing back and forth for a moment. Gradually, she leaned backwards, relaxing until her head lay propped against her pillow. “Show me what you can do, mare.”

A wide smile grew on Fleur as she slid up onto the bed, keeping her eyes locked with the changeling. She drifted closer, positioning herself between Chrysalis’ legs. Fleur’s hoof traced up along the chitinous leg, stopping when it reached the thigh.

“Thank you for this, Your Highness,” Fleur purred. “I understand the honor the I am receiving and the,” she paused and looked down at the member waiting before her, “gift that I am about to receive.”

Her hoof moved further, reaching the point where leg met groin and lingering.

“It’s not size that makes a magnificent lover, Your Highness. For many mares, a larger penis is actually worse than a lesser one. A mare can always work with something smaller, finding ways to pleasure both herself and the stallion, but,” her hoof gently passed across the base of Chrysalis’ shaft, “something too large can be a problem. A painful one. A normal mare can’t make herself larger the way that you can, Your Highness.”

The hoof began to move in a small circle, eliciting a reaction from Chrysalis’ member. It began to rise up to meet the touch.

“With what you currently have, there are many options available, however.” Fleur’s voice was coated in honey. “Some obvious, and some not so much.”

Bending over slightly, Fleur placed her muzzle alongside the now erect shaft. Her hoof moved to the side, allowing enough room for the mare’s tongue to take over. Beginning at the base, Fleur slowly licked up the length of Chrysalis’ tool, pausing to swirl around the head twice before she pulled back. Still staring at down, she spit onto her hoof, and then raised back up and looked Chrysalis in the eye once more.

“A stallionhood this size is one that fits in many places.” Her hoof moved back, now sliding up and down the length slowly. Her tongue licked across her upper lip. “For example, I could easily fit it into my mouth. My tongue already tasted it, so I know that wouldn’t be an issue. Just imagine me placing the head of it inside my mouth, where my tongue could play over it again and again while I apply a soft suction.”

Her hoof began to move more smoothly up and down.

“I doubt I could take the whole of it, even at this size—which, I’ll have you know would still put most stallions to shame—but I would try. My gag reflex is something that I am proud to control, and it would be nothing for me to push down on you until the head of your cock was actually into my throat, cutting off my air as my muscles tried to swallow it down. I would push myself down onto you, desperate to take every inch, but my need for air would fight against me, and I would have to pull back, gasping desperately.”

The tempo of her hoof on Chrysalis’ shaft increased.

“Again and again I would try, getting a little further each time, until finally…. The sensation of my chin striking the flesh beneath your dick would give you the proof that my will was able to overcome the limits my body tried to set upon me. In my own triumph, I would linger there, perhaps longer than I should, until I could no longer hold off my body’s needs. As I pulled off of you, choking and coughing, I leave a long trail of spittle behind, still connecting my mouth to your rock-hard cock.”

Every time her hoof reached the apex of her travels, she now added a slight twist, spiraling around the head before she slid it back down.

“And that was just the appetizer. Dripping wet from what I’ve done to you, I crawl up and position my own sex above yours, adjusting my weight until everything is just right, and pressing down. You penetrate the lips of my pussy, the warmth of my arousal flooding down over your hardness. That same liquid coats your cock and makes it easy for me to take you all the way down on my first try. My hips rest against yours as I shift and squirm, taking a selfish moment to enjoy how full you make me feel.”

Fleur shakes her head and bites her lip. Chrysalis’ breath has already become heavy and ragged.

“But that’s not enough. I move up until you are just inside me, and then push all the way back down. I want to continue to go slow, but we both know that isn’t going to happen, and I stop holding back. My body moves like a jackhammer, attacking your cock with an unrelenting passion. I want it. I want you to come. I want you to fill me up completely.”

Nodding, Fleur narrows her eyes to slits, still locked with Chrysalis’ gaze.

“And you’re going to, aren’t you? You don’t want to disappoint.”

Her hoof was a blur of motion along Chrysalis’ shaft.

“Don’t disappoint me, Your Highness. Come for me. Please.”

With a sound hovering between a snarl and a growl, Chrysalis erupted. Streams of white shot out, covering the changeling’s stomach and barrel in a sticky coating. Fleur didn’t stop, continuing to milk out everything she could; she kept her hoof in motion until the last drop fell from the tip of Chrysalis’ cock.

Slowly, Fleur removed her hoof, watching the thin line of semen trailing away as she pulled back until it snapped clear.

“I hope that was enjoyable, Your Highness,” Fleur said softly.

“You made a mess. I don’t like a mess,” Chrysalis grumbled with a smile. “Now what am I supposed to do?”

“Oh, don’t worry, Your Highness.” Fleur shifted, moving herself further up the changeling’s body. “I’ll take care of that. Our morning is just beginning.”

With an ease and grace belying the situation, Fleur’s tongue came out as she lowered her head down towards Chrysalis’ barrel.

* * * * * * * *

“I don’t believe it,” Luna said as she walked in the room. “They told me it was true, but I still wasn’t believing it.”

Turning over her shoulder, Celestia tore herself away from her view of the morning sun, looking back to see the luxurious form of her wife approaching. “What is it, Luna? Is there something wrong?”

The black alicorn stepped to the table, looking down at its contents. A small array of muffins, pastries, and fruits were gathered together in an attractive display. A plate littered with light crumbs rested in front of her sister’s seat, with only a half-filled cup of tea waiting beside it.

“You ate breakfast,” Luna said at a barely audible level.

“I do that every day, Luna. It’s a habit I’ve formed over the past several hundred years,” Celestia laughed.

The turn of Luna’s head shifted her ever-flowing mane, causing it to waft up and away from her head. Her mouth remained slightly open as she stared at her wife before speaking. “You ate in our room. Not at the table downstairs, but up here in our room.”

“I’m aware of that, too,” Celestia stated. “I was here for it.”

A heavy weight seemed to fill up the room as Luna filled her lungs. “Alone. You ate breakfast alone, Tia.” She shook her head. “Why?”

“No reason.” Celestia shrugged with a smile. “I suppose if anything I just wanted to be away from a certain princess this morning.”

The smile on Luna’s face was much thinner than her sister’s. “Which one?”

“What?” Celestia’s head pulled back slightly. “Chrysalis, of course.”

“Are you sure?” Luna stepped around the table, ending directly across from her wife. She sat down gently.

Both of Celestia’s wings twitched slightly as she adjusted herself where she sat. “What sort of question is that?”

“Why don’t you tell me? I would like it if you told me something. We haven’t really spoken much lately, it seems.” Luna tilted her head. “And we haven’t been intimate in days now.”

“Is that so? I’ve been so busy that….” She sighed heavily. “I’m sorry, Luna. I wasn’t aware.”

Luna blinked twice, and took in a deep breath. “How unusual. You’re normally very, very aware of everything that happens around you.”

“Well,” Celestia began and then paused, “sometimes it’s nice to not be aware of everything.”

A long moment hovered over the table, pushed away as Luna stretched her forehoof across towards her beloved. “Tia, please, tell me what’s wrong. We’ve had too much difficulty between us in the past. I want that all to be behind us.”

“I do, too!” Celestia was quick to answer. “I want that more than anything, my love.”

“Then why won’t you talk to me?” Luna pleaded, extending her hoof further towards her wife.

Finally, Celestia reached up and took Luna’s hoof in hers, holding it tightly.

“Because right now there is nothing to talk about,” Celestia answered weakly.

Luna sat there staring across the table. The only sound in the room came from the birds and the wind rushing past the open window. The sunlight beamed in, striking the table and illuminating both alicorns in a bright, pure light. Luna felt so cold.

“It’s late,” Luna swallowed back. “I need to be going to sleep.” She pulled herself away from the table and slowly stood back up.

“No. No, Luna. Please, stay and having some breakfast. There is still plenty here on the table,” Celestia stated.

“I’m not very hungry this morning, Tia. Sorry.” She turned and took several steps away.

Celestia moved, pushing herself slightly back from the table, but stopping before she rose all the way to her hooves. Her entire body leaned forward, almost trying to will the legs to stand and move after her sister as she walked away.

Then Luna stopped, her back still towards Celestia. In a singular slow motion, she turned back to look at her sister.

“You know,” Luna began, “once, long ago, I took some very drastic measures when I thought that ponies I didn’t know were shunning me completely. Do you wonder what might happen if something similar were to happen with a pony I cared deeply for?”

The words broke the final barrier holding Celestia back. She rose to her feet and took a couple of steps forward. “Luna, I—”

“No.” She stopped her sister cold. “No, Tia. Whatever this is, it is seated deeply in you and I am too tired to deal with it right now.” Luna took a deep breath. “I do not want to do anything rash.”

“You would never do anything rash, Luna,” Celestia said. “Not now.”

Luna’s lip curled up, revealing a sharp fang in her mouth. “And I thought you knew me better than that.” She turned back around and took a step forward. The shadows on the far side of the chamber grew darker and began to crawl across the room towards her. “I’m going to sleep, Tia. I’ll see you tonight at sundown.”

The darkness swallowed up Luna, taking the majority of the bedroom with her, leaving Celestia staring into it from the beam of sunlight radiating across her coat.

* * * * * * * *

“If the room would come to order, please.”

The pony sitting behind the bench in the courtroom was black with a light brown mane. Streaks of white at the edges revealed her advancing age, but no more than the deep lines surrounding both her mouth and eyes. She waited for the room to become completely quiet before continuing.

“I am Judge Maven of Canterlot, head of the First District Court of New Equestria, and I will be overseeing this case. This is a formal hearing of actions against our nation, and the defendant has waived the right to a trial by jury, requesting instead to have a bench proceeding. Today I will be hearing opening statements from both sides, beginning with the prosecution. After you have completed them we will recess for the afternoon. No direct questions or evidence will be brought into play today. Have I made myself clear?” Her voice was even and firm, with a slight rasp behind it.

Twilight nodded from her table, and looked over to see the two ponies on the other table nod as well. She hadn’t been given the names of the ponies, but seeing them made her feel a little dry in the mouth. Both of them—a mare and a stallion—were dressed in the most formal attire she had ever seen. It wasn’t regal like she had seen at court with Celestia, but more…intimidating. Clean lines and sharp edges to every cut of cloth. She made a mental note to ask Rarity what she should call something like that once she got back home.

“Very well, I believe,” Judge Maven looked at the notes in front of her, “Frank Axiom,” she nodded to the stallion, “and Vesting Claus,” indicating the mare, “are the prosecutors assigned to this case. Which of you will speak?”

“I will, your honor.” The stallion stood from the table and stepped in front of it. “Good afternoon. Well, as good as such a day could possibly be at least, for we are here with a most unpleasant task. Fantasia Coldheart was, at best, a monster. Every pony, griffon, dragon, and in fact, every living thing in all of the Six Kingdoms came to fear her and her seemingly unquenchable thirst for power and adoration. Every single mare, stallion, and foal knew what she looked like” He turned to look at Twilight. “That mare is clearly not Fantasia Coldheart.”

Twilight pulled her head back and narrowed her eyes at him.

“But she doesn’t have to look like her. She doesn’t even have to be her.” He turned back to the bench. “It is my understanding that becoming an alicorn isn’t something that simply happens. Now, I don’t profess to know and understand everything about the ways of the more elevated ponies of the world, but according to legend a new alicorn is born from the ashes of the old one—much like the phoenix that live in the Dragon Wastes.” He gestured towards Twilight. “So, where did she come from? Well, in part we can answer that: she comes from an alternate world, where Equestria and the surrounding kingdoms exist, not entirely unlike our own. So, surely that means that she has been reborn in her current form due to the untimely demise of one of her world’s rulers. Except…” He turned to look at Twilight, scrunching his face together slightly. “According to reports obtained from Ambassador Earnest of New Equestria itself, all of the alicorns of her world are fine.” He shook his head slightly. “No change at all.”

Immediately Frank Axiom spun back to face the judge. “Of course, there are also stories of some alicorn offspring being born with the same gifts, but it has been already established from her previous visits to the Six Kingdoms that Twilight Sparkle was born a unicorn. A very, very gifted unicorn, who, as I’m sure we all know, assisted us in gaining our long desired freedom from Fantasia Coldheart herself.” He turned and bowed to Twilight. “Thank you. We are in your debt.”

He walked a few steps and then turned towards the bench once more, shrugging his shoulders slightly. “So, why are we here? She’s a hero. Recognized as such on two worlds.” He nodded and then slowed to a stop with a twist of his head. “Except for the alicorn part. Where did that come from? Unless…”

His tone changed, hardening as he stood slightly taller. “Twilight Sparkle was present at the defeat of Fantasia Coldheart. She was there when the Empress of the Six Kingdoms was finally put down. What if she did more than that? What if Coldheart was able to impress some of her own power and transfer it to the most gifted unicorn present at the time? We all know of the Empress’ ability to absorb power into herself, so is it too far fetched to believe that Fantasia Coldheart was able to imprint herself onto another pony? Even without that pony knowing it herself?”

The stallion changed positions once more, staring directly at Twilight. “We put it to the court that Twilight Sparkle is not Fantasia Coldheart—yet. That a moment before her demise, Empress Coldheart transferred a fraction of her own power into this mare, and has begun to slowly transform her into a new vessel to contain her evil. That Twilight Sparkle is the living embodiment of Coldheart’s legacy!”

“That’s ridiculous!”

Twilight turned around to see Trueblood standing at the rail, glaring across it at Frank Axiom. Her breath was fast and short, causing her nostrils to flare out wide with each breath.

“Tru!” Twilight whispered loudly.

“I’m sorry, but that is total manure, and he knows it!” Trueblood’s voice remained at the same elevated volume.

“Superintendent!” Judge Maven drove her gavel against the bench. “You will remain respectful in my court, or you will be removed!”

“I—”

“Tru!” Twilight shut her down with one growled whisper.

She looked at Twilight and took a deep breath. Without another sound she sat back down in her seat in the first row.

Judge Maven returned her eyes to the proceeding. “Thank you, Mr. Axiom.” Her gaze shifted to the other table. “Ms. Sparkle, I understand that you have chosen to defend yourself? Is this correct?”

Twilight stood, raising her head high. “Yes, Your Honor.”

“I must warn you, Ms. Sparkle, that I do not condone this as a wise action. Are you sure that you wish to continue as your own counsel?”

“I am quite sure, Your Honor.” Twilight nodded once.

“Very well,” she leaned back behind the bench, “you may give your opening statement.”

Lighting her horn, Twilight straightened the papers sitting upon her desk, placing them in clean order. Then, she set them to one side, positioning them on the end of the table in three stacks. Content, she stepped around the table, moving into place precisely one-third of the way between her table and the bench, and three steps in towards the center of the room.

Lowering her head, Twilight cleared her throat and then raised it back up to look at the bench. She took a deep, heavy breath.

“Your Honor,” she began, “I’m innocent.”

Twilight turned around and began to walk back to her desk.

“Ms. Sparkle?” The judge called to her. “Is that the entirety of your opening statement?”

Looking back at the bench, Twilight smiled. “It is, Your Honor. It’s my understanding that the prosecution has to prove their claims through a presentation of evidence that will be weighed by you to establish the truth in the ultimate outcome of this trial. My claim is simple, and not one that needs complex confirmation. I’m innocent.” She shrugged. “What more needs to be said right now? I’ll say more as they present their case against me.”

“If that is your decision, Ms. Sparkle…” the judge clarified.

“It is, Your Honor. Thank you.” Twilight moved back behind her table and took her place once again.

“Very well.” Judge Maven brought her gavel down once more. “We are in recess until tomorrow, when the proceedings will begin.”

The entirety of the courtroom began to move, with the noise the judge had quieted earlier quickly returning. Twilight felt a hoof touch her just above her flank.

“Damn, Sparky,” Trueblood began, “how can you be so calm about this? I always thought that I had nerves of steel, but you put me to shame.”

A nervous chuckle preceded Twilight’s words. “Oh, please. I’m terrified. I’ve just been keeping myself too busy to worry about it. I could go off the rails any second now.”

“Oh,” Trueblood said. “I…I guess we better get you back to your cell, then. Wouldn’t want you to do that in public. It would look bad for the trial.”

“Yeah. That’s a good idea.”

The two walked together out of the courtroom and back towards her cell, allowing a small chuckle between them before they even cleared the doors.

* * * * * * * *

“Hello, Princess.”

The voice came from behind her, but Chrysalis didn’t bother to turn. She kept walking straight ahead, keeping her step and demeanor unchanged. She answered the greeting, regardless. “Ah, I had heard you were here on a visit. It’s so wonderful to see you again, Princess.”

“I feel exactly the same.” Cadance kept pace behind her, just off to Chrysalis’ right side. “I’ve heard some wonderful opinions about you, Chrysalis. You’ve done some magnificent things since your appointment.”

“Well, of course I have. After all, I have everypony’s best interest at heart.” She chuckled before she continued. “And I suppose you know all about heart, don’t you?”

The windows of the Hall of History were set very high, providing room for tapestries to cover the walls. As was the tradition, each tapestry was devoted to a different era from Equestria’s past. Notable stallions and mares were stylistically displayed, providing more of a hint at their nature than their true appearance. If any pony were to take the time, the plaques underneath each tapestry described the pony, the time, and the reason for its inclusion in this noted hallway.

Neither Chrysalis nor Cadance glanced to either side as they walked its length.

“I never did get a chance to thank you for coming in and aiding us after that unfortunate incident,” Chrysalis continued. “So, thank you. I’m glad you saw fit to clear me of all wrong doing.”

“You’re welcome.” Cadance’s voice was light and clear. “I take my responsibilities very seriously.”

Chrysalis stopped, and Cadance did the same, remaining a few paces behind the changeling. Turning to her right, Chrysalis moved around to face her body towards the wall, and a bright blue tapestry. Her head continued to swivel until she was looking directly at Cadance.

“And how do you suppose I take my responsibilities, Cadance?” Her voice buzzed lightly.

“I suppose that remains to be seen, but I know you care deeply for your changelings. I’m just hoping that the concern that you are showing for all of Equestria is just as genuine,” Cadance answered.

“How…pleasantly direct,” Chrysalis laughed.

“I’ve played enough games with you in the past, Chrysalis. I don’t see the need to do it anymore.” A toss of her head moved Cadance’s mane, sliding it away from her face.

“Games?” A single hoof went to Chrysalis’ chest. “I have no idea what you are talking about, my dear.”

“Don’t call me that,” Cadance answered. “Princess or Cadance is fine, but….”

“But don’t remind you of old times together?” A green fire erupted around Chrysalis, and when it faded a very familiar figure stood in front of Cadance. “What about now, sweetheart? Is this okay?”

Every hint of smile faded from Cadance’s muzzle, and her eyes narrowed to slits. “Change. Back.”

“But Cady,” the figure appearing as Shining Armor stated, “I thought this might be a better way for us to talk. You know, make you feel more comfortable around me.”

“I believe that I have made it clear on more than one occasion that you—or any other changeling—attempting to impersonate myself or my husband would be met with immediate action. Right now that action is telling you to change back,” a thin smile worked its way back onto Cadance’s face, “stay that way and we’ll see what might come next.”

A heavy sigh and another eruption of flame took Cadance’s husband away, and leaving behind a somewhat stallionish pegasus mare with a close cropped blue mane and deep purple coat. When she spoke, her voice was rough and dry, like brittle leaves underhoof.

“This better?” she asked.

“And who are you supposed to be now?” Cadance asked.

Her laugh was short and sharp. “Don’t know me? Princess, I’m none other than Commander Mistral. I led the airborne in the War of Dragon Aggression a few centuries back. Or don’t you read?” Her hoof pointed to the tapestry in front of her. “Y’see, I’ve made it a point to learn this kind of thing. It’s important to know your country and its history if you are gonna inspire everypony.”

“I…” Cadance’s eyes flashed between the figure standing in the hall, and the one stylized on the wall. The resemblance was undeniable. “It’s an excellent reproduction, Chrysalis. No pony has ever questioned your ability to fake things.”

Another flash and the true form of the changeling returned. “Oh, Cadance, you wound me. I fake nothing. Everything I do is very, very real.” Chrysalis turned her head. “Which reminds me: why are you really here, Princess? There is nothing on the agenda calling for a meeting for another two months.”

“Personal visit,” Cadance answered.

“I see,” Chrysalis purred. “Well, if you wanted some personal time with me, you could have just sent a message. I would have been happy to visit both you and your strapping husband in your own…home.”

There was a long pause. Cadance took a moment, breathing in while bringing her hoof to her chest, and then slowly letting it out again. “Not that kind of personal,” she finally answered.

“Well, the offer still stands.” Chrysalis’ body wavered slightly as she adjusted from hoof to hoof. “I miss Shiny’s touch sometimes.”

The sound of Cadance’s hoof smacking against the floor echoed only slightly, swallowed up mostly by the yards of cloth hanging on the walls. “Dammit, Chrysalis! I want to trust you. I really, really do. I always try to look at you with open eyes, trying to give you the benefit of the doubt, and what do you do? You throw things in my face. Again and again. Yet, you stand there with the audacity to ask me why I’m really here? Are you joking?”

“Fell Brightclaw!” Chrysalis shouted as she turned fully to face the alicorn.

Reflexively, Cadance took a step backwards. “I…I beg your pardon?”

“Fell Brightclaw, Princess. Ever heard of him?” Chrysalis’ hoof shot out, pointing once again to the blue banner beside her. “She did, I’m sure. But then, you weren’t sure about Commander Mistral, were you?”

Taking her own step back, Chrysalis tossed her head slightly, causing her wispy mane to rise up behind her for a moment. “Fell Brightclaw was in charge of the allied griffon forces that fought with Mistral in the War of Dragon Aggression. Neither Equestria nor the Griffon Empire had the forces to keep the dragons out of the sky by themselves, so they fought together. As one. Side by side, in a completely integrated force. Yet, there is no griffon here.” She turned slowly, looking around the entire hall. “Nor any non-pony for that matter.”

“What do you expect! This is a hall to honor Equestria’s heroes!” Cadance insisted.

“Then where?” She stepped up to Cadance, their muzzles practically touching. “Where are the tapestries for the others? The stained glass? Anything?” Chrysalis snorted, causing Cadance to sneer. “Before you answer, I think you should know that there is a statue of Fell Brightclaw AND Commander Mistral standing together in the War Memorial Garden of the Griffon Empire. Honored as one.”

There was no room between them, but Cadance moved forward nonetheless. “And are you aware that immediately following that same war, the Griffon Empire marched into Equestrian lands, claiming them as due reward for their assistance to Equestria during their time of crisis? If it wasn’t for Celestia another war would have immediately followed, but she had the foresight to see this coming and had already put measures into place. She agreed to let the griffons have that land, because of all the weather stations she had put into place along the border. They would take that land, but all the rain would be completely controlled by Equestria. The King backed down, removed his forces, signed the peace accord, and things have remained peaceful since.”

“Yes! More manipulation through threat by our dearest Sun Goddess!” Chrysalis bumped against Cadance, their horns crossing against each other.

“Defense! She made no aggression!” Cadance’s wings went wide.

The air hung in the hallway, defying any wind or breeze to move it at all. A light formed between the two horns, seemingly strong enough to push them apart slightly. Real or imagined, it was enough break to allow Chrysalis the opportunity to step backwards.

“Nor have I. Not since my coronation.” Her voice became a calm buzz in the hallway. “Despite what you and Celestia might think, my actions have never been made to harm Equestria since I took the title of Princess. Not without unnatural mental influence, at least.”

“Do you really believe that?” Cadance lowered her voice to match Chrysalis.

“You don’t? What would have you think otherwise?” She turned away, beginning to walk calmly once again. “Unless this is some other matter. If that’s the case, I have to ask what that has to do with the welfare of Equestria? Or are you not able to separate a personal matter with the affairs of state?”

Standing still, she watched as Chrysalis neared the end of the hallway. “You of all ponies should know the danger of letting emotion control your actions. Have a good day, Princess,” Chrysalis said.

The changeling rounded the corner, and then Cadance turned around and walked towards the other end of the hallway.

* * * * * * * *

The sound was making her skin crawl. It was something she couldn’t precisely describe. There was a tearing quality to it, but it seemed subdued, lying beneath a wet noise resembling walking through rain-soaked mud. Each and every time she heard it, Apple Bloom tried to turn further away, lest she see what was actually happening.

“I pity you, Apple Bloom.” The voice was calm and even, baffling Apple Bloom even further. “Stuck in such a simple form. Not understanding the limits it confines you to.”

“Look, uh…” Apple Bloom glanced over and immediately regretted it, though somewhere beneath the scars lay something identifiable, “…I’m gonna say lady. Look, lady, I don’t know why you called me here for this, but,” she turned away, “can we just get to the point.”

“I’m going to need you to act very soon,” she said directly, her hoof pulling a needle and thread through her skin.

“Act? Is that another way of sayin’ fer me ta get all the ponies riled up again?” Apple Bloom remained angled towards her, but kept her face directed at the ground. “Ah’ve been doin’ that pretty much ever’ day now.”

“Annnd yoou’ve beennn doinnng it magnnnnificently.” Her voice suddenly elongated every word, distorting them slightly. Curiosity got the better of her, and Apple Bloom looked up to see the needle sewing together a piece of the mare’s cheek. A bit of bile rose up in Apple Bloom’s throat before she could turn away. “But no, it’s timmme to move beyonnnd that now.”

The sound of lips smacking together was almost enough to get Apple Bloom to look up again, but experience over ruled and she kept her face down. “Ah don’t understand.”

“The trial won’t work. She’s going to win. She’s too clever and the fools working against her are little more than charlatans,” she said. “We’ll have to take other measures.”

“What?!” The word was a shot, and Apple Bloom’s head sprang up with it, staring at the mare once more. “You told me all Ah had to do was git that alicorn lady into enough trouble that she’d be taken to trial. After that all I was supposed to do was keep talkin’ bad about her! That don’t sound nothin’ like what you’re sayin.’”

“I’ve changed my plan,” the mare said as she set her equipment down on the table next to her. “Further steps are going to have to be taken.”

“You best not be askin’ me to hurt her,” Apple Bloom stated.

The other mare laughed, with the echo in the room reminding Apple Bloom of creaking trees in a high wind. “Hurt her? What do you think was going to happen to her from all of this?”

“You said you just needed some of that magic she had. That you was gonna get that to fix yerself and then…”

The mare waited, but Apple Bloom remained silent. “And then what?”

“Then you was gonna give me back mah family.” The scowl on the young mare darkened her face beyond the shadows of the room.

“And I will,” the mare stated, “after you’ve done what I’m asking now.”

“And then what? You keep addin’ stuff to this and I ain’t never gonna get them back! You promised me! You said you knew where they was, and that I was gonna—”

“Apple Bloom!” the mare snapped at her. “Look at me. Look!”

Without moving her eyes, the younger mare replied, “Ah see you.”

“Do you really?” She stepped back, letting the light wash across her more completely. “Have you ever truly looked at me?”

“Truth be told, Ah try not to.”

The mare was a somewhat tall unicorn with long, thin features, but that was the least notable thing about her—if you could say she had any one distinguishing trait at all. Her entire body was a lacework of flesh. A stitched together arrangement, quilting various colors and textures of skin and fur. The thin bits of mane remaining on her neck fell in small patches along the length, a menagerie of colors that complimented both none and all of her simultaneously. Her eyes were of different hues, one blue and one green, and there was something about her mouth that seemed…wrong. It never truly seemed to line up with the angle of her eyes.

“You see a monster, don’t you?” she asked. “Everypony sees a monster. They never bothered to truly look at me, either.” Her eyes trailed to the table and the needles and suture lying upon it. “It’s my gift to be able to do what I do. To be what I am.”

“And just what the heck are you anyway, lady?” Apple Bloom sneered.

Another laugh before she answered. “You know my name and you never use it. Eidolon. Say it once, just to amuse me.”

“No,” Apple Bloom answered.

“So brazen.” Eidolon turned away and walked several steps. “No pony knows this castle like me. I can be anywhere I choose. I know everything that happens here. It’s my home.” She turned back to the younger mare. “And I know where Empress Coldheart imprisoned your family.”

Apple Bloom leapt forward. “Where are they?! Tell me, please!”

“Ah ah ah! In time, child. In time.” She took a deep breath before continuing. “First you have to do something for me.”

“Ah…ah need to know they’re all right. Just…just let me talk to ‘em, okay?” Apple Bloom pleaded.

“I can’t do that, child. And I’ve already brought you proof. Many, many times. Bits of their coat. Samples of their writing. Secrets only they would know.” Eidolon shook her head. “No, I think I’ve done enough. It’s time for you to finish your end of the deal.”

Taking a step back, Apple Bloom’s face went hard. She brought her hoof across her face, wiping away any trace of a tear that might have formed against her will. “Ah won’t hurt her. Not even for mah family. Ah won’t hurt her.”

“Hurt her?” A smile grew on Eidolon’s face, stretching the fresh stitches on her cheek and parting the flesh slightly. The shadows once more swallowed Eidolon as she stepped further away from Apple Bloom and deeper into the room. “I don’t want you to hurt her. I just want you to make her very, very angry.”

* * * * * * * *

No pony ever saw this room except for her. Not even Celestia, though Fleur knew that was only due to the respect they shared. As secret as she would like to think it was, there was no hiding something in the castle from the princess. It was likely that Celestia had shared knowledge of it with Luna at this point, too. It only made sense.

Of course, the situation with Luna was very different from the one she shared with Celestia.

The familiar whistle rang through the room, causing Fleur to close her eyes and raise her shoulders slightly. Immediately she reopened them and pulled the kettle from the flame, levitating it over to her. With her hoof she lifted the lid from it and peered inside, making sure there weren’t too many bubbles forming—she had no desire to scold the leaves, after all.

Replacing the lid, she moved the kettle over the top of the ceramic bowl. As she poured the water, the leaves contained inside began to dance. Flecks of green, brown, and black all scattered about, interlacing and tumbling on top of each other until the pour stopped and they began to settle into their new role. Even as Fleur moved the kettle away her mind began to count down. After so many times it had become second nature to her.

Setting the kettle down onto its lace cozy, Fleur carefully shifted the cup into place. Porcelain the width of heavy paper rested on a slightly thicker plate, both a color that matched the mare’s coat, but with a weaving line of gold tracing along its outermost edge. Resting it upon a fine lace doily, she adjusted the handle of the cup to point directly to the right, causing a delicate tinkle of sound for just a moment.

The countdown came to an end, and Fleur lifted the ceramic, carefully straining the contents into the porcelain. When it was half filled, she lowered the bowl and put a matching cover on top of it. The vapors from the cup lifted up, covering her nose at first, and then being pulled inside as she inhaled deeply.

Her lips smacked softly as she pulled a single cube of sugar from a nearby bowl and dropped it gently into the brew. A spoon of pure silver was raised up and then lowered into the cup and turned around circumference three times before being removed and put back in place.

Looking down at the table, Fleur smiled. Everything was in its proper place. Sitting up perfectly straight, she floated the cup to her mouth and allowed a slight slurp as she took in the first sip of this newly brewed cup.

“Ooooh,” she purred. “Heaven.”

She allowed herself a second sip before placing the cup—handle directly to her right—back upon its saucer.

A turn of her head and a flare of her horn cast the spell that turned the unseen bag visible once more. The paper rustled as she pulled it free and carried it over in front of her, looking over the various pages briefly before moving them along to the wall a few steps away and directly across the table from where she sat.

Portraits of three princesses—Celestia, Luna, and Chrysalis—hung upon the wall, surrounded by a clutter of papers that had been assigned to each of them. Long strings wove their way from one image to the next, sometimes stopping and sometimes moving on to another and even another before finally coming to an end.

The new pages floated over, one by one being put into place on the wall in what Fleur deemed their appropriate place.

The teacup rose up once more and Fleur sipped from it once more, even as the strings began to weave a new web to integrate the newly added papers on the wall.

* * * * * * * *

“I do believe this is a first,” Luna said with some pride. “All four of Equestria’s princesses sitting together at the same table.”

There was no reply. Silence ruled over the table, as Luna sat opposite her sister, while Cadance and Chrysalis stared at each other across the narrower distance between the two side chairs. The array of food was in place, but no pony made any motion to eat just yet.

Finally, Celestia broke the spell. “It is momentous, Luna. And as I look over this table I see a great promise for the future of Equestria. Strength and compassion in equal measure, enough to guide our ponies into a prosperous life.”

“Well said, Auntie Celestia,” Cadance stated. Using her magic, she raised her goblet. “A toast to Equestria!”

“And to the Crystal Empire!” Luna added, raising hers in unison.

“As well as the Changeling nation,” Chrysalis chimed in.

Celestia laughed softly. “Of course, but there is no need to single those out. We are all a part of a greater Equestria today.”

“Indeed we are,” Chrysalis buzzed. “It’s always good to know that you have a warm, welcoming home for you and your kind.”

“As long as they stay warm and welcoming in return,” Cadance replied.

“Cadance!” Luna snapped. “I would request that you not bring any past issues into the present. We are at peace today, with no sign of that changing.”

“I must agree with Luna, Cadance. We shouldn’t be bickering over irrelevant matters.” Celestia raised her goblet higher. “To Equestria and its princesses!”

She took a deep drink, followed by Cadance, Chrysalis, and finally Luna in short order. As the cups returned to the table food began to move to plates. A melange of berries passed between several plates, followed by a casserole of beats and carrots accented by fennel, and many other delights created by the chefs of the castle. The one plate that remained empty was Chrysalis’, who waited until the dishes came to a rest before summoning a mushroom pate to her plate accompanied by some whole-grain crostini.

“It always amazes me at your ability to calm matters, Celestia,” Chrysalis said as she spread some of the pate neatly. “It’s a wonder that you stepped down from the throne at all.”

“It was time,” Celestia answered. “And it is only a leave, not an abdication.”

“Oh that’s right.” She raised the crouton up and took a delicate bite. “How long is that going to last, anyway? Have you already made your plan to demote your sister once again?”

“You know there is no timetable,” Luna answered for her sister. “There is no need to be antagonistic, Chrysalis.”

Turning to Luna, Chrysalis bowed her head slightly. “No offense meant, Princess.” She shrugged. “I was simply wondering how scared she was of you.”

“Scared?” Cadance asked. “There isn’t any fear between them.”

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. “Oh, I’m sorry. I must be tasting the wrong emotion, then. I would hate to question your authority on the matter, Cadance.”

“It has nothing to do with fear,” Celestia chimed in. “Luna is an excellent ruler, and Equestria is in good hooves.”

“And you have no reason to fear me, do you, Tia?” Luna asked.

Taking a deep breath, the corners of Celestia’s mouth forced themselves upwards. “Of course not, Luna. That time is well past.”

“Yesitsbeenseveralweeksnow,” Chrysalis mumbled.

“What was that?” Cadance asked. “I’m afraid I didn’t quite hear you, Princess.”

“Oh, forgive me. I was just thinking out loud,” Chrysalis stated more clearly.

“No, I would really like to know what—”

“I am curious, though,” Luna interrupted Cadance, “how long do you think you will sit aside, Tia? You seem to be a bit…uneasy lately. Are you having second thoughts?”

“What?” Celestia recoiled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Well, you have been somewhat distant,” Chrysalis stated while chewing a second bite of her meal.

“I have not!” Celestia proclaimed. “Where did you get such an idea?” Her eyes locked upon Luna, who stared back across the table.

“Just an observation,” Chrysalis said gently.

“Observation or conversation?” Celestia asked as she turned to Chrysalis.

“Well, let’s call it observations of conversations,” Chrysalis laughed.

“Stop it!” Cadance shouted. “You are just being a petulant child, Chrysalis! Just…stop!”

“I’m simply making small talk at dinner, Princess. If you don’t like what I’m saying, please feel free to offer up a topic of your own,” Chrysalis stated. “Like how productive a visit you’ve had so far.”

The table rattled, causing several items to rise into the air, and a few to fall to the floor. Three of the gathered princesses pulled back, their magic grabbing items close to them as they leapt away from the table. Then their eyes slowly tracked to Luna, as she stood up, her hoof still resting where she slammed it down.

“This is a pleasant meal,” she growled. “A place of respite from the ordeals of the day. I will not have this turn into something that adds to my stress! All of you will behave yourselves or you will be removed from the table—at a minimum.” Slowly, she lowered herself back down to a sitting position. “Have I made myself clear?”

A moment hung in the air, waiting for someone to claim it, which was finally done by Cadance.

“Of course, Auntie Luna.” Her voice was tender and low. “I’m sorry.”

“As am I,” Chrysalis continued, “please do forgive me, Luna.”

Luna looked at both of them and nodded in turn, then moved her eyes across the table to her wife. Celestia stared at her and Luna thought she saw something glimmer in the corner of her sister’s eye.

Without another word, Celestia looked at her plate and raised a bite of food to her mouth as the servants rushed to the table and began to straighten the mess that had been made.

…to be continued