The Legacy of Belladonna

Chapter II

Excursion

It was six months since Belladonna was awoken and began her new life. As promised, the lonely cottage that was on the verge of ruin was transformed into a suitable home within a week. During that time, Belladonna stayed with the princesses in Canterlot, going over the basic functions she may had forgotten. Among her lessons was the use of magic, enabling Belladonna to levitate items as well as other spells. Upon moving, Celestia began to send Belladonna a small stack of books every week.

After she moved, Belladonna discovered that she had a talent in potions. By harvesting various plants in the Everfree Forest, she was able to establish a large garden for which she uses their products to create anything from healing potions to potent poisons. As part of a deal, Belladonna sold her potions to the Royal Guard, with the princesses’ permission of course. This enabled her to procure bits for the necessary supplies she had to get at the neighboring town: Ponyville.

However, Belladonna found herself unable to socialize with the ponies there. Other than the shopkeepers, she never spoke to anypony else unless it was necessary. She also began to hide her Cutie Mark so as to look more approachable. Unlike other ponies, her Cutie Mark appeared frightening, a fact Belladonna found out when overheard a group of foals whisper to each other as they spied on her during one of her visits.

Now, six months and still no memory of her past, Belladonna grabbed a brown cloak and placed over her body, short enough for her to walk but long enough to hide her Cutie Mark. She then used her magic to place empty saddlebags on her back and proceeded to leave her home.

The trek between her home and Ponyville took a half-hour, fifteen minutes if Belladonna ran. But she preferred to walk as the scenery was quite calming. Especially once she came to town and found busy as always. She did, however found the town once to be deserted. That was because everypony was at the coronation of Equestria’s newest princess: Twilight Sparkle.

Genuinely, Belladonna was curious of the two princesses she had yet to meet. She had heard of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, aka Princess Cadence, but had never met her during her stay at Canterlot. She had heard that Twilight Sparkle was not only a resident of Ponyville, but a pupil of Princess Celestia and a national heroine. Hearing this made Belladonna what exactly was she like.

Upon seeing Ponyville over the last hill, Belladonna used her magic, which emitted a grey-white aura, to open one of her saddlebags and pulled out a list. As she entered town, she began to read off her list.

“Let’s see. Apples, carrots, celery, milk, eggs-oof!”

Her muttering ceased when she found herself bumping into another pony. Landing on the ground, her magic released her list and it fluttered to the ground.

“Oh! I apologize. I was not looking where I was going!” Belladonna apologized.

A feminine voice reassured her as Belladonna began to stand.

“It’s ok. I get like that, too.”

When Belladonna looked up, she found her list, surrounded by a magenta aura, float in front of her.

“Here. I believe this is yours?”

Taking the list, Belladonna spoke.

“Oh. My thanks. I don’t know what would have happened if I lost this.”

But as she set the note back into her saddlebag, Belladonna found herself facing what she thought was a unicorn until she saw that she had wings.

Belladonna gave a soft gasp as she spoke.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle?”

The lavender mare in front of her nodded, her friendly eyes becoming confused.

“You…know me?”

Belladonna slowly nodded as she answered her.

“I-I was the only pony here when your coronation day came. Didn’t know about it until my last visit.”

Twilight blinked in surprise.

“You were here? I’m surprised you didn’t hear about the coronation until the day after.”

Belladonna raised a hoof to stop her.

“I live a great distance from town. I only come here once a week to obtain food and other necessities. So I do not receive much news on current events."

Twilight blinked again before speaking.

“That explains why I don’t remember you. Though I would've remembered your accent. What’s your name?”

Uncertain, she answered the new princess as she bowed.

“My name is Belladonna, Your Highness.”

It was Twilight’s turn to raise a hoof.

“You don’t need to bow or call me ‘Your Highness.’ Just my name is fine.”

As Belladonna rose, Twilight spoke out a thought.

“You said your name is ‘Belladonna,’ correct?”

Belladonna nodded. Twilight answered her mental question.

“I was reading a book about plants a little while ago and read about the atropa belladonna, or also known as belladonna and Deadly Nightshade.”

Belladonna decided to speak before the new princess could get the wrong idea.

“Actually, I don’t know my real name. ‘Belladonna’ is the name Princess Celestia gave me after she found me.”

This caused Twilight’s eyes to widen.

“Princess Celestia? But…she never said anything about somepony named Belladonna.”

As Twilight went over whatever Celestia spoke about, Belladonna realized that she was talking to a pony for more than a few seconds. It was a strange, but nice concept. Raising her hoof again, Belladonna spoke up.

“I was only found six months ago in the ruined castle in the Everfree Forest. I’ve lost my memory and didn’t know who I was. I still don't know who I really am. I was lucky that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were there to help me.”

“But then why the name?” Twilight asked, taking a mental note to send a letter to the princesses later.

“Because there was a patch of belladonna outside the castle that was in bloom. Celestia and Luna were coming up with names when Celestia spotted the plant. It was Luna who commissioned my house to be fixed up for me to live in.”

All of this information was a surprise to Twilight. Why did the princesses kept such a secret from her? Did Cadence know? So many questions when through Twilight’s mind that Belladonna thought her silence meant their conversation was over.

“W-well. I must take my leave. It was…pleasant meeting you, Twilight Sparkle.”

Realizing that she made the mare think she had overstayed, Twilight spoke up as she walked alongside her.

“Oh! I’m sorry, Belladonna! I was just lost in thought. You see…Princess Celestia usually tells me everything. But she hasn’t said a word about you. I was just trying to sort out my questions.”

Belladonna gave Twilight a confused look as they walked.

“Well…I’m sure there’s a good reason. Perhaps it was to give me some peace and quiet so I could try and reclaim my memories.”

Twilight gave a thoughtful, yet concerned look to Belladonna. She kept asking herself over and over on why Celestia and Luna would keep this shy mare a secret.

“Perhaps the only way I can get any answers is if I can ask them myself.”

“Maybe you’re right, Belladonna. But still, it must have been a lonely six months.”

Belladonna frowned as her ears drooped.

“You have no idea.”

Twilight frowned at this. Once upon a time, she thought friendship was nothing but a bother. A needless accessory. The Old, well Older, Twilight would have thought Belladonna’s living situation was a paradise. But the new princess had learned that friendship was a very important thing that must never be discarded.

It was then she got an idea.

Placing a hoof on Belladonna’s shoulder, Twilight spoke.

“Hey. How about I join you in your shopping? There’s no doubt that my friends are working in the market today, what with it being the Farmer’s Market and Crafts Fair going on.”

Belladonna blinked in surprise.

“A Farmer’s Market and a Craft Fair. In the same day?”

Twilight nodded.

“There was a debate at the last town meeting about what should take place. Ultimately, a decision couldn’t be made. So it was settled that both events would happen.”

Belladonna was uncertain. On one hoof, she disliked being the center of so much attention. On the other hoof, Twilight was extending a hoof of friendship, something Belladonna hadn’t experienced since meeting the princesses. In addition, it would be rude to refuse such an offer. She sighed in defeat as she answered Twilight.

“Oh, very well. I suppose it could not hurt to look.”

Twilight beamed as she started walking with Belladonna to the town square.

Upon reaching the square, both unicorns found the place more vibrant than usual. Stalls upon stalls created various rows of food and crafts as well as other stalls that sold different items. Twilight smiled in delight while Belladonna gaped, overwhelmed at the sight of so many ponies in one place. Placing a hoof on Belladonna’s shoulder, Twilight spoke.

“Come on, Belladonna! Let’s go!”

The grey mare felt a gentle push as the princess led her into the frenzy. Her stomach churned in anxiety and delight. She kept making sure her cloak continued to cover her Cutie Mark as she followed Twilight through the crowd. The thickness of the crowd was almost too overwhelming for Belladonna as she was close to ending this expedition had Twilight not stopped in front of a specific stall within the first section.

“Over here.”

She led Belladonna to the stall as an orange mare hung a green flag from the stall’s banner. She was a strong-looking Earth Pony with not only an orange coat, but a blond mane and tail, both tied at the ends with red ribbons. On her head was a brown Stetson hat that seemed to be the mare’s prized possession. The only markings Belladonna could make out were a trio of apples for a Cutie Mark and a face full of freckles. Her emerald eyes caught sighted of the lavender alicorn within her company.

“Howdy there, Twilight. Come to see my wares?” she spoke, revealing a country accent.

Twilight nodded slightly as she motioned Belladonna to come closer.

“Sort of. I’ve met a new pony today and I’m introducing her as I help her shop.”

She then gestured to the grey mare.

“This is Belladonna.”

Then to the orange mare.

“Belladonna, this is Applejack. She and her family run the local apple orchard: Sweet Apple Acres.”

Belladonna was uncertain on what to do. Should she say hello? Or was that too formal?

But before the grey mare could answer, Applejack smiled at her.

“Well, well. ‘bout time a member of the Apple family learned yer name.”

Twilight blinked in confusion as Belladonna made the connection and flushed with embarrassment.

“You knew her already, Applejack?”

The farmpony nodded as she spoke.

“She’s a regular customer every week. Never says much. Just paid for her apples and left like a Vampire Fruit Bat out of Tartarus before me or my kin could have a conversation.”

Twilight looked to the newer mare as she spoke in astonishment.

“Is that true, Belladonna?”

Belladonna made a circle in the dirt with her hoof, speaking as she kept looking down at said circle.

“I-I didn’t want to bother anypony. I just purchase for what I need and go on my way. I…just…never made time for conversation.”

Applejack shook her head as she sighed.

“She’s shyer than Fluttershy. And I didn’t think it was possible.”

Belladonna blushed in indignation.

“I’m not circumspect! I just…I don’t know how to, oh what’s that word?”

“Socialize?” Twilight asked.

Belladonna nodded.

“Yes. That’s the word.”

But Applejack just waved her hoof nonchalantly.

“Well whatever it is, I’m just glad to finally have a chance to talk to ya, Belladonna, despite the fact that you talk funny. Now what can I get for ya?”

Remembering her task, Belladonna answered as she pulled out her list.

“I need about a bushel of apples. Any will be fine.”

Twilight did some mental math in her head and was forced to speak.

“Are you going to carry an entire bushel of apples around the square? With this crowd.”

Once again, Applejack waved her hoof nonchalantly.

“Don’t fret, Twilight. Of the conversations we do have, we have an agreement that if Belladonna orders more than a dozen apples, we just set up a wagon to help her. By far, only Big Macintosh made the deliveries on account she lives a half an hour out of town.”

But just as the conversation was about to continue, Belladonna felt a sharp pain in her head. Rubbing a spot with her hoof, she easily identified the pain.

“Oh, no! Not now!”

Seeing Belladonna’s pain, Twilight spoke.

“Belladonna? Are you ok?”

Her amber eyes looked to the alicorn and the Earth Pony.

“It’s nothing. Just a migraine.”

This caused Applejack to raise a skeptical eyebrow.

“Now that can’t be us, can it?”

Belladonna shook her head, despite her pain.

“No. I just get migraines all the time. Always at the worst moments too.”

She then turned her gaze to Twilight.

“I’m sorry, Twilight. But I must to cut my trip short. Once I get a migraine, I direly need to rest.”

She then placed her bit on Applejack’s stall as she spoke.

“Thank you again.”

She then turned around to the edge of town, but stopped to look at Twilight.

“And thank you, Twilight.”

Twilight blinked in confusion.

“For what?”

Belladonna answered simply, her eyes wincing in pain.

“For simply talking to me.”

She then left the square and started her trek home.

Twilight kept a stunned gaze on Belladonna until she vanished. Once the grey mare was out of sight, she turned her attention to Applejack. The Earth Pony mare sighed. “Well, she wasn't lying. I looked for any lies during our talk and she didn't tell one untruth.”

Twilight’s eyes saddened as she spoke. “And she looked like she was in so much pain.” She sighed.

“I wish I could’ve talked to her more.”

Applejack looked to the alicorn with a thoughtful gaze. She was equally interested in Belladonna as Twilight was. She was a mysterious mare that was just as much of a mystery to herself as to anypony. Applejack had been trying to figure her out for months, but to no avail. She saw similar determination in Twilight’s eyes to learn more about Belladonna and why she was so interesting to her.

Twilight was in her own thoughts. Though disappointed that her time with Belladonna was cut short, Twilight remained concerned for the grey mare. In addition, there was the fact that Celestia knew about Belladonna and never told her.

Looking towards the south, Twilight spoke.

“I’m gonna send a letter to the princess later. I refuse to let this go.”

As Twilight walked off, Applejack sighed as she shook her head.

Belladonna…

Once she was out of the town, Belladonna wasted no time in galloping home. While normal migraines were nothing but a nascence, Belladonna’s migraines were far from that fact. Once she reached her house, she dashed inside and headed to her bed as she began to lose consciousness. As the world faded into black, Belladonna made a plea.

“Please, princesses. Help me.”

Belladonna’s mind…

After moments in darkness, the vision Belladonna was experiencing began to make itself known. It started like all the other times, a fire, blood, and wicked laughter. This was soon followed by a more detailed vision. One that always frightened Belladonna. Mostly…because she couldn’t do anything to stop it.

In this dream, as the flame faded, Belladonna witnessed a disturbing scene. Under an orange, smoky sky, strange creatures, mere shadows, were being impaled by others like it, their limp bodies facing the sky. The scene paned backwards to reveal it that it was being shown in a stone basin, where six robed figures surrounded it.

Suddenly, the sound of a door bursting open caught Belladonna’s attention. She turned around to find one of the robed figures being stabbed by a sword with a wavy blade. Belladonna’s eyes trailed the sword and gazed upon its owner: a bipedal creature with monstrous features. His angered eyes focused on the remaining five as they screamed. She proceeded to hear female voice behind her shout.

“Malik!”

Belladonna could only watch as the being sent some sort of spell at a male figure, the impact killing him instantly.

Looking behind her, Belladonna found a bald female biped calling again as she backed away.

“Malik!”

Belladonna backed away, fear overtaking her as she was forced to watch the beastly being cast another spell. This spell, he sent to the screaming female, causing her flesh to explode off her body, revealing her skeleton. Her clothing covered in blood.

Belladonna’s voice remained caught in her throat as she watched the fourth figure was quickly decapitated by the beast. Her eyes caught the last figure trying to sneak away, only to be stopped by the beast. The elderly male tried to fight back, but his magic, apparently, was spent. Without another option, the elder gave out a call.

“Malik!!!!”

He tried to run, but the beast laughed wickedly as he casted another fatal spell.

“Call your dogs! They can feast on your corpses!”

The contents in Belladonna’s stomach nearly escaped her as she saw the beastly figure use some sort of power to make the blood from the fresh bodies fly into his maw like an airborne red river. The figure then hid as a new being, clad in armor, ran through the door. It looked around until the beast appeared behind him and struck him on the back of the head with his sword.

The scene then changed to some sort of dark area. There, Belladonna a figure tied in chains as another voice spoke.

“For failing the Circle, Malik of the Sarafan, you are hereby damned!”

Belladonna proceeded to watch as Malik’s body became nothing but bone as something from them made its way towards the armor she had seen earlier. The action caused the armor to move on its own, much to the mare’s shock. The voice from above once again spoke.

“The pleasures of the flesh are no longer yours.”

Belladonna then looked up and saw another robed male as he proceeded to speak.

“You have but one purpose, Damned One. You will serve us for eternity.”

The vision changed again. This time, it showed a golden haired female biped casting some sort of magic on a set of scales. Just as Belladonna thought all was going well, a shadow emerged and as the female turned, she screamed as Belladonna was forced to watch her being stabbed by a knife, the assailant clouded by darkness. The female, bloodied and on the ground, reached to the scales, before her arm collapsed, the scales becoming uneven.

The scene changed once more to a monument Belladonna had seen in nearly every one of her visions: nine pillars on a stone dais, reaching higher than the sky. Each of the pillars had a different colored band, giving Belladonna the impression that these weren’t ordinary stone columns. Her suspicions proved correct as the white marble became dark grey and cracked.

Back in the Waking World…

When Belladonna awoke, it was already dusk. Her migraine was slowly getting better as she slowly sat up upon her bed. She groaned as she placed a hoof on her head.

“That’s the third vision I’ve had this month. But what does it all mean? And why do I get the feeling that these are not my memories, but something important?”

Silence was Belladonna’s answer. She groaned as she used her magic to record on a piece parchment the vision she had seen. This was joined by drawings of said vision until it was 10 o’clock at night. Once she was done, Belladonna opened her bedside table and pulled out a small pouch.

Weary, Belladonna made her way to her den and started a fire in the fireplace. Once she got a good fire going, Belladonna tied the papers together with some twine before pouring the pouch’s contents onto the documents.

This was not the first time she had such visions. Sensing how important these visions were, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna gave her the powder, telling her to sprinkle on her letters before casting them into a flame. It was a special messaging system in case something happened.

Once Belladonna was finished, she tossed the documents into the flames and watch them disappear into a puff of blue smoke, making its way out of the chimney and toward Canterlot.

Belladonna sighed as she went out into the moonlight to check her garden.

“Please. Let these horrid visions end soon.”

In Canterlot…

The Princesses were exchanging duties as usual when two puffs of smoke appeared. One blue, one green. Both took the forms of scrolls as the sisters used their magic to catch them.

“Interesting.” Luna muttered.

They both read their respective scrolls before turning their gazes upon each other.

“What does Twilight wish for?”

Celestia answered as she handed Luna the letter.

“It seems Twilight Sparkle has finally met Belladonna. She’s demanding to know why I haven’t told her about her. And is asking for information about her.”

Luna frowned.

“You can’t tell her who or what Belladonna is. The last thing we want is a panic.”

Celestia nodded as she looked at Luna’s stack of mail.

“You know, just because we know who she really is doesn't mean you need to be so hostile when we talk about her.”

Luna sighed as she and Celestia entered the parlor to discuss the ponies in question.

“I know, sister. But even as I see her, I can’t help but see her there. Under that mask we made her wear.”

“But you can at least try to put it out of your mind when Belladonna is included.” The elder sister chided the younger.

The pair remained silent as Luna went over Belladonna’s documents.

“It seems that Belladonna had another vision. Quite graphic, by the description.”

Celestia frowned.

“Is it her memory?”

Luna shook her head.

“No, thank Faust. But…it does detail specific events in history.”

She handed Celestia the documents and waited for her sister’s response. Celestia frowned as she read on.

“The Slaughter of the Circle and the Corruption of the Pillars. These are indeed important events, Luna. But the question is: why did she see this when she wasn't even there?”

“I am unsure,” Luna spoke, “but I wonder if this was triggered by her encounter with Twilight Sparkle and the Element of Honesty? Or is it something else entirely?”

Celestia disliked the very idea. Even though she liked Belladonna as she was at the moment, she feared the risks of trigger objects. Question was why she reacted around Twilight and Applejack.

Sighing, Celestia spoke.

“I’ll tell Twilight about Belladonna and not about the creature she used to be. I am both anxious and curious to see where this will lead us. Although I will have to speak with her directly. This matter is too delicate to be written.”

Luna sighed as she thought to herself.

“I wonder, Tia. What exactly do you see in *her** that tells you she could be redeemed? What do you know about ‘Belladonna’ that I don’t?”*