Parents' Night Out

Hoofsteps echo through the halls of Canterlot Castle. The night is dark, and guards stand at attentive watch, but an intruder is in the castle. An intruder is in Equestria, and not a single pony knows their name.

Celestia carries a box and a basket in her magical grasp, providing a gentle golden light to the wing she traveled. In the box, six elements of fearsome power, once used to bring harmony to the land. In the basket, a creature. A creature of no name. It had no language, no home, nor recognizable form. There was a beating heart, a steady breath, and an unknown magic within him. He may as well be anonymous, as no pony, nor land has claimed him.

The question: Is this creature friend? Or, foe?

Celestia walked steadily, focused and with purpose. Using the chamber used to be an exciting and wondrous task for the Royal Sisters. Whenever there seemed to be a question that filled them with indecision, the orb would provide guidance. Perhaps it would be through outside knowledge, or through an explanation of events to unfold from a decision. The chamber was used to make many of the critical decisions that made Equestria the peaceful land that it is today. It‘s used to locate disappearing ponies. Predict on-coming threats to the well being of its citizens. Or, even predict unruly weather to carefully plan early harvests.

However, following the events of the betrayal of her sister, Luna, the path to the chamber was one that was avoided at all costs. A relic only spoken of in hushed tones. In fact, the mythical object unknown, to those outside of the castle grounds, along with the other supernatural artifacts of Equestria. Use of the orb is prohibited. Only to be used in the most grave of circumstances.

The Princess of Equestria traveled these halls in silence, resigning herself in her task. Her silence not due to fear, but for duty. Celestia knew well that if the orb deemed it the best path, this creature could not live in this land. The creature would need to find a home in Tartarus, the moon, or worse. But, her advisors demanded a decision. A decision of life or death. A decision she could not make alone.

She approached the large double doors, illuminated by the golden light of her horn, and paused. The box she carried with her opened, and six colored orbs floated around her. They generated a stream of rainbow light as they pushed open the door, opening the chamber for the first time in almost one-thousand years.

A supernatural light came from the room as she entered, the doors closing behind the Alicorn. With a nod, the Elements went to work once more, lifting a large, crystal orb in the center of the room up into the air. The orb hummed gently as it hovered in the air.

“It has been a long time.”

Celestia placed the basket on the ground as she looked up to the object.

“Yes. It has,” Celestia said. “We have made an effort to make our own choices as a society.”

“Even if the choice is unwise?”

“That is the only way we may learn. The mistakes we make define us.”

“Does the banishment of your sister define you? Or does it define me?”

Celestia held her tongue as she moved beside the basket on the ground.

“A new creature has come to this land. The creature, we assume to be young, cannot navigate on its own, let alone fend for itself,” Celestia says. “Some call for its removal, saying it’s a threat to our land. Others wish it mercy, and to raise it to appreciate our ways.”

“And why do you come to me?”

“We wish to seek guidance,” Celestia answers. “If we do not need to expel this intruder, then we shall not.”

“Is that so? Or do you simply want an excuse to avoid an event like our last discussion?”

“There was no other way,” Celestia says calmly.

“Do you truly believe that? Or do you believe it was that I saw no other way?”

“You showed me it was the only way to save the lives of this land, which is why I am here today. I wish to preserve the ponies that live in Equestria. I do not wish to place them in harm’s way by accepting this being into our world.”

The orb goes silent and emits a gentle green glow. Celestia watches on, silently, focused on the task.

“If I ask you to cut this creature down, would you comply?” the being asks.

“No,” she states.

“This being will harm nopony in this land, but he shall be singled out. This being of no name would live a life isolated by his appearance. Inside of him lies a great power, and a gentle heart. It will foster desire in those whom are unclean. Knowing this— Knowing that he will be subjected to this life, you will not cut him down?”

“No,” Celestia says. “Even those whom are unclean deserve the chance to live, even if it is a life of exile. We shall accept him into our own then.”

The orb changes to a bright white.

“You still remember your lessons well, Celestia. I am proud of you. This one will require a careful eye. Allow him to blend in plain sight. Change his form and give him a name suiting his nature. He will grow to live in the ways of your land.”

Celestia lets out a slow breath; a smile grows on her face.

“That, is a relief,” she says quietly.

“Allow him a family. He will be loved. He will be cherished. However, he will face hardship and pain at royal hooves.”

Her eyes returned to the crystal, unsure of how to react.

“Then we shall place careful watch over him. He will not come to harm. We shall allow him to be adopted. He will live a normal life and never know of the decisions made here. He will be safe.”

“Then you have said so.”