Chapters ~~~
The sound of hoof steps could be heard echoing through the spiral staircase that led to Celestia's dungeon. Fluttershy had been woken by Twilight a few hours earlier, saying that there was important business that they had to attend to immediately.
Fluttershy squeaked when she stepped on a loose stone that fell out of place down the dark abyss of the stairwell. Twilight was not giving Fluttershy much of a reason as to why they had been escorted via chariot to Canterlot. Only the two of them had came, just to add to Fluttershy's confusion.
Two Celestial guards were behind them, walking a bit too fast for Fluttershy, but she was trying her hardest to keep the same pace. Twilight seemed preoccupied and too caught up to be worrying about how fast she needed to be going down this dark path.
Everything was cold and wet. Fluttershy shivered. Perhaps Twilight wasn't slowing down because she was an Alicorn now, and wasn't as easily worn out. She trotted down, deep in thought.
Fluttershy tried to coax her friend into telling her why they were here in a deep dark scary dungeon, but the lavender mare never gave back a response, she just merely figeted with her hooves.
She tried again.
"Did Princess Celestia send for us?"
"Now that I think about it... Yes. When we reach the bottom, we will meet Princess Luna and she will explain what's going on." Twilight seemed worried.
"Twilight?"
"Yes?"
"Um, do you have even the slightest idea on why we're down here?"
Twilight Sparkle sighed out in frustration. "Nope. All I know is that Princess Celestia sent me a scroll telling me that she needed you and me at Canterlot's dungeons at once. I hope Princess Luna knows much more than I do."
After what seemed like an eternity, they finally reached the bottom.
They were greeted by two Lunar guards, who opened two large spruce doors that led to another dark stone room inside. The celestial guards stayed behind them.
Twilight nodded her head in salute and walked inside. Fluttershy did the same.
When they entered, they saw Princess Luna sitting inside on a chair at the far end of a black marble table. Given that it was about midnight, her mane flowed even brighter and seemed more... Alive.
"Hello Princess Twilight. I see you have brought of whom we shall be of need."
"Absolutely."
"I welcome you with thy warmest regards, Miss Fluttershy."
The Princess of the night smiled at her.
"I'd love to be of service, your highness."
"Please, just call me Luna."
She returned the smile. "Of course."
After a few moments of stillness, Luna broke the silence.
"Please seat thyself. Thou must be tired after such a long journey."
Twilight agreed without argument. "We are."
They sat down at the end of the table, which wasn't very far, considering how small the table was.
This time, Twilight broke the silence.
"What is the 'horrid' problem that you needed us here for Luna?"
She let out a deep sigh.
"Thy Princess of the sun has different opinions than me. Although I tried to convince of her, she insisted. She has decided to reform another villain that thou hast slain."
So that's why Fluttershy was needed here.
Twilight frowned. "Which villain?"
Luna said it with a cold icy tone. "King Sombra."
Nope. Fluttershy timidly gave up. Discord may have been a bit of a bully and brought disorder, but he never tried to kill, abuse, or enslave anyone.
Twilight looked dumbfounded. "King Sombra? As in the former tyrant of the Crystal Empire?"
"Indeed."
Fluttershy looked towards the ground. Tyrant.
Twilight scowled. "But I thought the power of the crystal heart destroyed him!"
"Darkness can be contained, but never defeated, young princess."
"How did he even manage to survive the explosion?"
Luna's ears perked up. "We are not entirely sure. His horn managed to survive it though."
"How did he get down here?"
This time Fluttershy softly asked.
"On goers found him whilst on a trip outside thy Empire's boundaries. When he was found, he was very weak. Thankfully, we found him while he was still powerless. If not; well, I still lay awake trying to sleep at night wondering what."
"So you want Fluttershy to reform him?" Twilight asked.
"We believe after thou's success with Discord, thy shall be able to do the same with the King of Shadows."
Fluttershy had never been more afraid in her life. King Sombra was probably one of the most dangerous antagonists they had ever faced. She doubted herself. "What if I can't reform him?"
Luna sat up against her chair. "Well, you have reformed the god of chaos in one day, Fluttershy. He may be a bit rough around the edges, but is certainly not hurting anypony." She came back to the original topic. "But if thou fail, we shall go with thy Princess of the Night's original plan."
Twilight was on the edge of her seat. "Which is...?"
"We would either obliterate him or imprison thou."
Fluttershy nervously sighed. She would have to at least try.
After a few more moments of eerie silence, Princess Celestia appeared in a poof of golden glowing dust. Her mane wasn't glowing. It was faded compared to Luna's. She looked tired.
"Hello Twilight. I am glad to see that you brought your friend Fluttershy. I believe my sister has told you everything that you need to know?"
"Yes your high- I mean Pri-" she sighed. "Celestia."
She let out a small chuckle. "Glad to see you too, Twilight. Now, on a more serious note, Fluttershy, do you think you can take on the task at hand?"
She looked at the three princesses that stood before her. She had to at least try.
"I do."
"I am glad you agree to help with our plan." She nudged Luna.
A small grumble came from the princess.
The shy pegasus mare looked at the ground. "So... You want me to speak with him now? As in... Right now?" She asked.
"We believe that would be best." Celestia replied.
"Do not worry kind one. The former king hast been stripped of his dark magic, and is powerless." Luna implied.
"I-I'll see what I can do."
Luna handed her a dark grey crystal key with bits of red chipped in it.
"This is thy key to his cell. Do not fear, kind one, we know thou shall prevail."
Fluttershy let out a weak nod and walked out of the room. But she didn't know where his cell was. Oops.
"Uh, which way is his cell?"
"Three doors to the right."
"...Thanks Celestia."
She took a deep breath and exited the room, for real this time. The mare slowly walked towards the cell. After what was not long enough, she finally came to her intended destination.
Fluttershy bit her lip. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybes she should just... No.
She had to try. Everyone deserves a chance. Even ones like Sombra.
Fluttershy inched towards the door. After a few moments, she finally found the courage to open it.
Gradually, the mare stepped in.
Inside was a dark gray stallion with a black mane, and three grey crystals for a cutie mark, she noticed, different from the last time she had seen him. But the most noticeable thing about him was his horn. It was no longer as curved, but it was still a little bit. The tip was red, but not as much of the color was left. It was just a faded Crimson. His eyes were still an angry ruby red though, and Fluttershy would hate to see them erupt in flames.
He was laying and the cold hard ground, with chains around his hooves.
Fluttershy sat in the doorway for a few moments, unsure of what to say or do.
While the stallion had certainly changed, he was still frightening to look at. Perhaps she wasn't cut out for this after a-
"So, I assume you are my, 'reformer'?"
Sombra's tone was dripping with sarcasm. He looked grumpy. But Fluttershy couldn't blame him, not with all of those heavy chains wrapped too tight around him.
"Well?"
"I-I'm... Fluttershy ..." She whispered timidly.
Her voice was so quiet he normally would have never heard it, but it was very silent in the dungeons, and Sombra was the only one there.
"What an ironic name." He muttered.
They stood there for a few minutes, not saying a word.
Fluttershy asked him in a hopefully, "So, um, do you want to leave?"
"No." He stubbornly stated.
He turned around, facing away from her and towards the stone wall.
"Why not?"
"I'm not falling for a trick as clichèd as that. After all these years, you expect me to be led out to my execution by some mare? It is the most shameful end I could ever even comprehend."
How was she going to convince him to leave? He would probably die chained up here, or eventually have the princesses execute him. The pegasus shuddered at the thought. Fluttershy bit her lip. She needed to be firmer with him.
But nicely.
She turned her head. "Is that so?"
"I refuse. The princesses you have pledged your allegiance to are foolish aristocrats with no knowledge of anything whatsoever. You act as if all you Equestrians are the superior race and refuse to even acknowledge other's requests or biddings."
Fluttershy inched back. Sombra's outburst surprised her. If this was him as cranky, she'd hate to see what he looks like angry.
Not to mention he disgraced Princess Celestia. Good thing they hadn't decided to let Twilight reform him. She would've let him have a piece of her mind.
"Perhaps we can compromise..." The mare said. Fluttershy held up the key.
Sombra's eyes widened. This mare was his ticket to freedom! He could feed off of her fear to regain his power. Those idiot princesses may have stripped him of his dark magic, but that didn't mean he couldn't use it again.
"Let's make a deal. You promise to be good and not hurt anypony and I let you stay with me at my cottage instead of this... Place."
She began to unlock the chains around his hooves.
Sombra scoffed at the idea again of being taken from his prison by a weak mare.
Perhaps it was a trap. This mare might seem innocent and defenseless, but she could just be pretending and leading him to his certain death. Perhaps she was the executioner. Sombra would not be surprised. He had been tricked before.
The unicorn did not respond. Sombra kept himself on the ground, refusing to yield. He did a quick scan of the yellow Pegasus. She had no weapons, did not look physically strong, and had three pink butterflies for a cutie mark. Definitely not an executioner.
Sombra let his guard down, just a little. This gave the mare some hope.
They stood there in silence again, for a few more minutes.
Fluttershy interrupted the quiet. "Please?" She asked pleadingly.
The fallen King looked at his choices. He was being given a chance by the princesses for some reason. He could go with this mare to be 'reformed' or lie here to rot in the dungeon. Perhaps when the time was right, he could slip away and take back what was rightfully his. Then those two would finally bow down to him.
"Fine." Sombra let out a sigh of defeat.
He tried to stand up, but to his dismay, was just as Luna said; weak. He fell to the ground.
Fluttershy let out a surprised gasp.
"Oh! Maybe you should lean on my shoulder. Here, I'll carry you out, ok?"
She walked closer towards the dark unicorn, and helped him up. He remained emotionless and did not say a word.
Fluttershy noticed that he had many scars along his body, probably from when the crystal heart had defeated him. The wounds were healing though, thanks to what little was left his magic. Hopefully not too much. But it certainly would take a while. Even if he had been a tyrannical ruler, it still seemed like a very harsh punishment, even for ones like Sombra.
They walked out of the cell into the hall where the princesses and many more Royal guards were waiting for them.
Celestia smiled. "I am glad to see you are back, Sombra."
His face remained a blank slate.
The sun goddess sighed. "Very well then. I suppose one does not turn evil and back to good in a matter of minutes. Please, have the guards escort you."
She pointed towards what might have as well have been an entire legion of celestial guards. Fluttershy nervously frowned. Maybe the princesses hadn't been sure if his magic was gone after all.
~~~
When they arrived, the sun was breaking dawn.
Twilight had came with them, inspecting Sombra.
He appeared to be a little different and not as threatening but he still had a look of violence washed over him.
They stepped off of the chariot.
They all stood in the growing light, tired from staying up for the past 24 hours.
A guard stepped off of the chariot. "Twilight, if there is any problem, even the slightest, report to Canterlot at once."
Twilight sleepily nodded. "Of course sir,"
"Well, we will be on our way then. Take care."
Celestia was either very trusting, or very crazy. Did she have any idea how dangerous this former tyrant of the crystal empire was?
She looked behind her. The stallion appeared tired, and was struggling to stand upright. Maybe he was tired after all, although, he may be pretending so he would appear weak and then strike when given the chance.
Twilight frowned upon him. He was still dangerous, even without his dark magic, or what little he had left. Perhaps when she got home she would read a book about the properties of dark magic, and its usage. The Alicorn yawned. Maybe after she got some sleep, though.
Sombra walked towards Fluttershy's cottage.
She leaned in towards Fluttershy when he was several feet away.
"Be careful, ok?" She warned.
"...I'm sure we can make progress."
"Remember what the guard said. This pony is nothing like discord, Fluttershy. He is very dangerous, even without magic. Monitor him at all times, ok?"
"Sure thing, Twilight."
The Alicorn felt a little better after warning the shy pegasus.
Maybe things will turn out fine after all.
~~~
Twilight and Fluttershy caught up with Sombra, and the three of them walked towards Fluttershy's cottage, but were stopped by a pink blur.
"Hi!!!"
Pinkie Pie zoomed in between Fluttershy and Sombra. She jumped up and down, clearly excited.
"My name is Pinkie Pie! It's really actually short for Pinkamena Diane Pie because I grew up on a rock farm and had a family that harvested rocks with my three sisters and mom and dad and we had *awesome* holidays there and it was super fun but I moved here to Ponyville and lived with the Cakes at SugarCube corner but now I live with my colt friend Cheese Sandwich just across the street but that's not important right now! I heard that there was this totally evil unicorn that Fluttershy was gonna reform like discord so I just had to come on over and see what you were like! Hey you look different! Did you get a new manestyle? No! You- You dyed your coat! No? Oooooh ooooooh I know! I know! You are actually pretending to be normal and reformed but in actuality you're gonna take over Equestria and then the Crystal Empire once your full power is restored because the Royal sisters didn't take away all of your dark magic! Well, sorry to break it to you, mister, but you can't do that! The readers of this story don't want you to turn back to evil with no plot development! They wanna see Fluttershy reform you so they can ship you two and make you their OTP and write more FanFiction, Fan art, and-"
"Uh Pinkie?"
Twilight confusedly looked down at Pinkie.
"Yeah?!"
"Um... Maybe you should get some rest. (You've probably been drinking too much cider). I know how you love making new friends and showing them around Ponyville and driving them slowly insane with your unique habits, but maybe you should tone it down a bit this time?" She yawned again.
"Ok! I'll go make cupcakes instead! Cheese was wanting me to make some cherrychimmychanga ones anyway!"
She zipped away, as fast as she had approached. How could she be so hyper at 2:00 in the morning? Well that was a dumb question. It's Pinkie Pie. Was there really a needed further explanation?
"Please tell me we won't be seeing any more of her." Sombra pleaded.
Fluttershy let out a soft laugh. "Oh no, I'm afraid that's just the beginning."
~~~
Author's Note
A/N Hello guys! Just want to tell you guys a few things before we get too deep in this My Little Pony FanFic (OHmYgOD I actually just wrote that down). Yes, this story revolves around a crack ship. If you do not like those ships... I am sorry that you have just wasted ten minutes if your life reading 3,027 words about it. Turn back now before it's too late!
Just in case some of you are wondering why I made Luna's dialogue so much more 'medieval-ish'... In my headcannon she's obviously much more powerful during nighttime and is inclined to speak that way, also because it's hard for her to ignore so many old habits (like me).
Also... Just to let ya' know, I wanted to make the first chapter kind of fun, but the rest/ majority will be kinda dark. Hopefully not corny though.
I will try to aim for updates ASAP. I apologize if I am not posting any updates for a while. I'm a little busy with school and cello practice, but I'll try to manage.
Constructive Criticism is always welcome! There's always room for improvement!
Bye! :3
"Diane! Posture!"
"Y-yes... Of course mistress. Forgive me for my mistake."
The headmistress scoffed. "I don't have time for any of your hasty apologies! Now go and sit correctly, like a lady!"
"Yes, Headmistress." She mumbled, bowing her head.
"And I expect you to be here after class. There are a few issues I need to speak with you about."
Heavy dread weighed down her body. What could she possibly want this time?
The rest of her class carried on, slow as usual, yet seemed to whizz by considering she would be scolded after class. She sighed and leaned back against the chair.
"Diane! Posture!"
"Of course. My apologies, Headmistress."
~~
The grandfather clock let out its cheerful chime, even though anyone was far from cheerful after three hours of class with the Headmistress. The crowd of young mares flocked out, hoping to make it to the next class on time. 'Maybe I can blend in with the crowd,' she thought, 'and Headmistress will forget that she wanted to speak with me.'
"Miss Diane?"
Too late.
She sighed and turned around. "Yes, Headmistress?"
Headmistress turned around, facing the wall. "Please, have a seat."
She made her way to her usual seat, in the front of the class.
"I would like to speak about you concerning the subject of your father." Headmistress said solemnly. She tousled with her bright red mane.
"Of course, go on right ahead."
"I understand that he has a very important position in the King's council, and that he is a high ranking military official and noble. But, Ms. Diane, that is not what I wanted to talk to you about. It's about your real name. 'Fluttershy' was it? Well, it certainly suits your character better." She let out a half-smile.
The Headmistress was smiling?
"H-how did you know?" She let out desperately.
"I have my sources."
"I-"
"You never knew your mother for a very long time, did you?"
Her face flushed. All of the other girls had families to return to, and mothers to teach them sewing and cooking personally, and siblings and other heirs. All, except her.
"I never knew my mother very well until the accident when I was a foal." She muttered.
"I can tell. What relationship you seemed to have lacked with her you make up for in your personality and nature."
Headmistress stood up out of her chair and tousled with her red mane. "I do not believe that this school is fit for you, Ms. Fluttershy. There are other places that I think would suit you more well."
She walked over to a bookshelf and took hold of a scroll hidden among the books.
"There is an academy in the Crystal Empire that I think would be much better to your liking."
"The Crystal Empire? But, it's so far away!"
Headmistress raised an eyebrow.
"And you have friends and family here that you do not wish to leave behind?"
"Well, no, but, it's just- I've became so attached to this place. Father never keeps me in the same place for long. I've never had a real home. I only visit the family estate once every year during the summer."
Headmistress sighed. "I know what it feels like switching from place to place, Fluttershy. I was once like you. My parents never kept me in the same place for long either. But your father has just sent me an urgent message, wishing for you to switch schools at once. He believes that is best for you. You need to accept changes, and live with them. Otherwise you will never grow and flourish; never bloom into the flower that you are supposed to be."
"I suppose you're right." Fluttershy replied.
"The Crystal empire is an offbranch region of Equestria. I expect that you have a vast knowledge on the area?"
"Of course, Headmistress."
"Good. Then you will leave tomorrow morning."
"But that's so soon!"
"That is the nearest train going towards the Empire. The next one doesn't go until next month, and it's a cargo train. Now, please, go to your room and pack your things."
"Yes, Headmistress."
She ran out of the classroom, and flew through the halls. It was embarrassing enough that she was a pegasus in the elite world of unicorns, but flying was strictly prohibited. Not that it mattered, anyways, since she would be leaving. She made her way down the hall, silently coaxing herself not to cry, and realize that she had lost another home.
Now it would be destroyed.
It happened every time her father sent her somewhere. Some business rival probably had a daughter here, the last heir or something similar. And since he had found another academy with another rival's daughter, it was time to leave. All places seemed to disappear, except for that dumb family estate that was rebuilt.
She rushed into her room, and closed the door. She didn't have much time. Since she had been informed, there were only a few hours left until the accident would happen. She wasn't sure how it worked, just that every time she left her home it was destroyed, or every time she became close to someone they got hurt.
Tears pricked her eyes at the memory of friends and family who had died because of Fluttershy and her... Curse.
'Mother,' she thought sadly.
The memories of the family mansion burning down clicked in her mind, but she quickly pushed the image aside. Now's not the time for that. She needed to leave.
Fluttershy grabbed her suitcase and filled it up with her few possessions. Her school uniforms, a picture of mother, the letters she wrote to mother, her diary. She shoved them into her little suitcase and made her way out the door. For being the daughter of a noble, she certainly didn't have much.
She exited the hallway, and made her way to the spiral staircase that swooped down below the chandeliers.
She stood at the edge of the staircase. So many girls were at this school. How many of them would die because of the curse? How many would die along with the target?
She let out a small sob. Headmistress would probably die, too. She bowed her head and emotionlessly looked down at the ground. Maybe she could stop the curse.
Maybe if she killed herself their lives could be saved.
She looked over the railing, about seven floors down. There had been rumors of girls throwing themselves over, but the teachers dismissed them as hoaxes, and nothing more.
Perhaps she could be the first one to actually do it.
She started at the ground, so far away. As much as she wanted to... She couldn't do it. She sobbed and flew down the stairs. She hated this place, she just wanted to leave.
She just wanted to go home.
~~
Fluttershy looked at the train she was about to board. It seemed nice, her father probably paid for it. She spat at the ground, and cursed his name under her breath. She walked inside and calmly took a seat in the back.
For a few minutes it was quiet, until a group of fillies started to flock around the windows facing the school.
"Look mother! The school! It's...it's burning!"
"Good gracious Amber Sands, whatever do you mean?"
"Look for yourself."
Fluttershy's eyes widened in horror. Fire? Already? It had happened before, but it was not common. She wondered how many lives would be lost because of her. If she had only warned them... Would warning them even have saved them? She'd tried it before, but no one believed her. Not until she heard their dying screams.
When the crowd had left, a few families grew a bit worried that the flames would reach the train station, so they took off, blasting into the north. Many passengers didn't make it onto the train in time, so it was remarkably empty. Fluttershy gazed out the window. Tears streamed down her cheeks. It was her fault. It was her fault. It was her fault. It was...
~~~
"Dearie, are you awake? You fell asleep. The train's about to take off again. You need to get off darling."
Fluttershy leapt out of her seat. "O-oh my! My apologies, Miss. I've had a long day."
"Oh no, please my apologies Miss. It was quite rude of me to wake you up."
"No! I mean, um, it's fine. Miss...?"
"Rarity." The young mare finished.
"Thank you." Fluttershy smiled.
"So, what brings you here to the Crystal Empire?" Rarity chided.
"I've transferred schools and will be going to an academy for my last year of education."
"My! What a coincidence! I've transferred from Canterlot to go to an academy here too. Which one?"
"Lady Claire's Prestigious Acedemy-"
"For Young Mares." Rarity finished.
"Yes. I see we are going to the same school. Well, at least I'll know one mare there." Fluttershy laughed.
"Me too, ah, Miss-?"
"Oh! My apologies. It's Diane."
"Pleased to meet you, Diane."
Fluttershy smiled warmly back at her. "You too, Miss Rarity."
Rarity happily chatted away while the two grabbed their things and headed off the train.
She hoped after graduating to open a botique and attract the attentions of some fashion capitalists who could invest in her clothes line. Then she would open a chain of stores after her business took off. She couldn't quite think of a name just quite yet, but she was sure it would come to her.
Even though Fluttershy was smiling at her new friend, an echo played through her mind.
Your fault, your fault.
Author's Note
A/N
Hey guys! Just to let you guys know, this fic takes place in an alternate universe, but I won't get too out of hand. Don't worry, the whole 'Diane' thing will make sense soon. I have big plans... (￣^￣)ゞ Think of the setting as a Victorian era, with fancy things and such. Critisim welcome!
When Fluttershy arrived at the academy with Rarity, she was honestly more than just surprised.
"This place is amazing!" She said in awe.
"Oh my Solaris! Do you see those silk curtains they're using for the decor? Why, they must be ahead at least three seasons. I absolutely must see the head designer in charge of these rooms one day!"
The two mares made their way inside through the arched doors. When they were inside, they were certainly in for a shock. It was decorated heavily with silks, fabrics, paintings, and even more riches. Rarity almost fainted over one of the couches.
"Well, I knew my scholarship was going to bring me to an elite society, but this... This is almost too much to bear. Why, isn't it amazing Diane?"
"Yes, it certainly is."
"Are you young mares lost?"
And elderly light blue pegasus walked up to the two of them. She had her brown mane put up in a tight bun, and had on maroon glasses. Even though she had a strict appearance, she seemed kind at heart. Hopefully not too strict.
"We're new students to the academy." Rarity chimed.
"Well, I welcome you two lovely young ladies. Please, come this way. I'll get your registration forms."
They walked towards the pegasus's desk where they gave her their names and information.
"Ah, Rarity, I'm glad to see a new scholarship student this year. We don't see much of those. And Ms. Diane, what a lovely original name. I've never heard one quite like it. Is it short for Diana?"
"No, it's just Diane."
"Well, it seems very homely."
The blue pegasus smiled and handed them their identification cards and keys to their rooms.
"Now, you two better get to bed. The sun's about to set, and Solaris knows what could happen to two pretty little mares like you when it's dark out."
"Yes ma'am." they responded.
"Go on then, I'll see you around,"
The two walked off, and went to the main hall.
"Well, I suppose this is when we part ways." Rarity sighed.
"I'll see you around." Fluttershy replied. Rarity giggled.
"I hope we find some time when we're not studying to spend with each other. See you around, Diane."
Fluttershy smiled warmly and Rarity returned the gesture. Fluttershy headed out of the hall into the staircase. She looked down at her papers and forms. She didn't have a lot of classes, just sewing, some veterinary classes, and culinary classes. She sighed and treaded up the stairs where she made her way up to her room. Perhaps another good nap could help clear her head. She needed to spend as little time as possible with these new people. That way it would hurt less when she had to say goodbye.
~~
A bell resounded with a tock. Fluttershy yawned and rolled out of bed. She looked out the window. The sun was already starting to rise. She would have to hurry and get dressed. She got out of her nightgown and into her uniform.
After running down the stairs to barely make it in time in the dining hall where the academy took attendance, Fluttershy heaved a sigh of relief and sat down at a table. What she needed was some food in her system. She yawned and grabbed a plain bagel. While munching in her snack, one of the mistresses rang a chime to show that the school needed to be quiet. After a few moments of silence, she began her introductory speech for all of the new students.
"Now, I know that this is a big change for some of you transfers, and you filthy scholarship winners need the most shaping up of all, but I'm sure that after our classes and courses, you'll be sure to grow up into the fine, young mares that you ought to be. Now, every day we will take attendance, and I expect you girls to keep silent while I'm doing this. If there are any objections to such a request-"
"Hey!" A sharp whisper rang through Fluttershy's ear.
"Yeah? What is it?"
Two light brown unicorns with freckles and a similar frizzy brown manes were (unsuccessfully) trying to secretly communicate with each other behind Fluttershy. It was hard for her to concentrate over them, but the mistresses's speech was very dull, so Fluttershy figured she had nothing better to do than listen to whatever those two had to say.
"I heard that initiation this year is gonna be different!"
"It's not called 'initiation' Sayu! That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Since when did we call it that?"
"Nevermind that! Anyway, I heard from one of those rich top honorary mares that we're going to be taking a class speacializing in our cutie marks!"
"Woah? Seriously?!"
"Yeah!"
"-and I would like to let you know that a new course has been added this year. It is a bit personal, but it is very imporatant and has to do with your character. You will all be personally tutored in this subject, twice a month. It will be a special private course concentrating on your cutie mark."
Fluttershy's ears perked up in surprise.
"See! I told ya!"
"Can't believe that a rumor you passed on is actually true. That's a first."
"Whatever."
"Now, please. Silence girls!" The mistress looked directly towards the mates behind Fluttershy. After she looked away, the two shared a quiet laugh.
Mistress cleared her throat. "I would like to have all new students be brought back to their rooms. You will be given the first day off. Your headmistress is having trouble traveling here. Her carriage got stuck in the middle of a battle up north. Don't worry, we believe she's fine, but until she gets back, there will not be any classes for you to take. Nothing can be done until it is arranged and organized under her care."
Rumors sprung up before Fluttershy had a chance to see what was going on.
"Oh my, I hope she's all right."
"I heard rumors of a rebellion under the new king's rule."
"I heard that he's really a horrible tyrant!"
"I doubt that. Most likely he's just more strict than our last. Such a shame good ol' king Cloudust had to die. I heard that is was an assassination."
"How?"
"What?!"
"Why?"
"I'm not sure."
More rumors about the royal family and the war circled around Fluttershy and her peers. She wondered how much truth was in those lies. There must be a grain of truth about it, right?
From what Fluttershy had heard, the Crystal Empire was suffering from economic failure and was in very high debt thanks to the war with the barbaric countries to the North. She wasn't very sure how or why the war had started, nobody really knew. It had been going on for as long as she had remembered. All that she knew for sure was that there were horrible people that would do horrible things if they learned she was an Equestrian***.
***In this story, Equestria is the name of the continent where all civilized countries lie, i.e., the Crystal Empire, Prance, or the Griffon Kingdom***
The last news she'd heard about of the war was that the king had sent a special type of bird that could memorize entire conversations and then instinctively fly back towards their home.
"Miss... ah, Diane. Please this way."
She was pushed along with the crowd of girls back into the hallway up to her room. She sighed. Perhaps a nap could help her take her mind off of things. She'd rather sleep than socialize.
〜〜
A knock on her door awoke her from her slumber. "Ms. Diane! Your lunch is ready!"
She wondered why in the back of her mind lunch was being served in her bedroom instead of her being called to the dining hall, but didn't think much of it and let the server inside.
"Glad to see you're doing well. A few friends of yours alarmed the mistress that you didn't show up to lunch, since you didn't wake up after the lunch bell had rang. Routine lunch has already passed, but you always have the choice of eating it separately in your room if you'd like."
"Oh, thank you." She politely replied. Rarity must have been surprised when she couldn't find her at lunch and just automatically assumed the worst.
"Of course. Ring if you need me." The server bowed and walked off.
Fluttershy looked down at her lunch. A small vegetable sandwich and some light carrot soup. She wasn't very hungry, so she only ate a few bites. After her lunch, she laid back down to take another nap. She was very tired all of the sudden.
She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep...
Ring, ring. The bells rang noisily. She rubbed her eyes and looked at her clock. It was only three in the afternoon. No extracurriculars were taking place at the moment, nor were there any dining periods at this time either. What could this be?
Three knocks tapped on her door and a purple crystal pony barged inside. Fluttershy silently thanked herself for sleeping in her uniform. The last thing she needed was to be caught out of uniform for inspections on the first day. These were inspections, right?
"Ms. Diane, I am sure you know about our country's terrible war. So of course you know that many citizens are being drafted to help the cause. Now, I am also sure that you're informed of the new individual classes this year too, correct?"
"Yes ma'am,"
"Then I am sure it will be of no surprise that we are in need of your special talent. The king himself has requested a faunal communicator to help with a new problem. The birds we've sent aren't speaking back correctly."
"Oh my," she said. "I wonder what could've gone wrong?"
"The King and his court have no idea. That is why they are in need of your assistance. You are the nearest communicator, even if you are a young mare, and, of course, I'm sure you will take pride in knowing that a young mare like you has been given the task of a stallion's job, and will fix the problem quickly and efficiently, while behaving at best since you will be reflecting the school's system."
"Oh yes, of course."
"Good. I am glad to see that we are not at an impass. Now, please pack your things. You will be at the palace for a long while. There are quite a few birds you need to speak with."
Author's Note
Yes! Finished chapter! Yessss!!!
If you guys have any questions or see any problems I need to fix, please let me know. Tysm for reading! ( *｀ω´)
The king sat on his throne, bored. The entire day had been dull and lackluster. No information had been sent back yet. All of the birds that they had received were twittering gibberish. Could the enemies have learned of his plans? Perhaps they used a new form of magic to keep the birds silent. Or maybe... Perhaps a spy...?
The young king rolled his eyes at the thought. There was no possible way a spy of all things could slip through his mist. Only the most trusted of his advisors were given the honor of overhearing plans or helping form them.
A dark blue crystal pony with a light blue mane stepped inside. She was out of uniform, but seemed a bit anxious and jumpy. He'd rather not frighten her on the first day, so he let it slide.
"Sir?"
"Yes?"
"Soldiers found another mass of birds 54 measurements north of the eastern boarder."
"How many?"
"We are very unsure, Sir, but a rough estimate is about 20,000."
"We never sent nearly that much!"
"Yes, Sir. I am aware. It is possible that the enemy may have tricked us, or bred the birds. It is even possible that they fed them false information."
"Nonsense. There is bound to be at least one bird in those thousands that has at least one piece of helpful information."
"I suppose, Sir."
The king leaned back against his chair.
"You are dismissed."
The servant walked out of the throne room, as quickly as she had entered.
The hours ticked by, minute by minute, second by second. Today seemed to be lagging on forever. The clock appeared to move even slower by every second. Everything was in a haze. The clouds didn't even appear to move at all...
It was oddly quiet.
Sombra had never remembered such a vast silence before. Not a bird twittered, nor a citizen trot. Where was everyone? Sombra slowly closed his eyelids. He was very tired. He hadn't gotten any sleep in such a long time. He just needed a rest. Just a small one. A quick nap never hurt anyone.
He stretched out and yawned. He then proceeded to very slowly close his eyes and-
Wait.
Something isn't right. The king has been restless lately, but he hasn't been working himself over. 20,000 birds? They sent much more than that. Something isn't right. What was wrong?
He sat up at looked over at the clock. It ticked very slowly. Before Sombra could fully process what was going on, a tremendous urge overtook him, and he laid down. He felt exetremly tired. His heartbeat was slowing down. Its beat was weak. He numbly lifted his head up to see a servant smiling down at him as he died, paralyzed.
~~~
The king bolted upright from his bed. Rain poured from outside. He was in cold sweat and breathing heavily. He calmed himself.
'It's just a bad dream. Nothing to worry about. Perhaps I need to work to get this off my mind.'
Sombra observed his surroundings. He was in his study, where he had fallen asleep studying maps of the north. He would head down to the kitchen and have some coffee to wake him up.
"Good morning, Sir!" A maid cheerfully trotted down the hall, happily singing.
"Good morning to you too, Melanie."
The maid turned around. "Sombra, are you alright? You look awful."
"No," he yawned. "I am fine. I just didn't sleep well last night. No need to worry about me. Carry on."
"If you say so, Sir."
The two walked opposite ways.
Sombra wandered through the palace in a daze. He really was tired. Maybe he needed more sleep after all. He made his way down the halls, until finally facing the kitchen door where he could-
"Morning, Sir!" The palace director greeted him as usual. But what was she doing in the kitchen? She always stayed to her schedule. She never had breakfast this late in the morning.
"Oh, Sombra! You look horrible! Did something happen?"
"No, I'm fine, really."
"Did you get any sleep last night?"
"Well..."
"Sombra! You need your hours of rest. A good ruler cannot function unless he is properly healthy. And a lack of sleep is not healthy. Besides, what are you doing here in the opening hall? The kitchen is that way."
"Oh."
The palace director sighed heavily. "Did you even realize you were in the wrong room? Sombra, you need to get more sleep. After breakfast, go take a nap. And no caffeine."
He rolled his eyes sleepily. "No, I need to get my work done. Still have a meeting with animal com-"
"Your animal communicator is already here."
"There's only one?"
"There is a very bad storm down south that is keeping any of the southern trains from running. They have no way of coming here."
"Of course there is."
"Skip breakfast and go to bed."
He yawned in reply. "But, I'm not tired."
Director rolled her eyes. "Sombra, please. Not in front of our guest."
Sombra perked up. "Guest?"
"Yes. Like I said, at least one of the animal communicators was able to make it. She's a school-mare from Lady Claire's Prestigious
Sombra looked up to see a shy yellow pegasus looking down at her hooves quietly waiting out their argument.
"My apologies, Miss Diane. I haven't been getting enough sleep lately, which I'm sure you've heard." He nudged the director.
Just then, a maid came by. She tousled with her mane and gasped. "Sombra! You look awful! What happened?"
"He's fine. Just didn't get enough sleep. Could you be a doll, Minty, and show Ms. Diane to her room?"
"Oh, that's fine. Please, come this way."
The two mares left the hall. Director remained quiet until their steps could be no longer heard.
"That Diane is a strange one. No, more like peculiar. She seemed reluctant to enter the building and jumped out at every little thing. I heard she's some noble's daughter."
"The last thing I need is another noble to be on my back. Just treat her nicely and don't make her hate it here."
"Sure thing, Sir. You go on back to bed."
"If you say so."
Sombra lazily walked back to his room. When he got there, he gladly leapt onto the comfort of his bed and slept like a foal.
Author's Note
I wrote this chapter at 11:18 PM. Can ya' tell? I got home and just randomly felt the inspiration to write this so, here you go.
