The Ballad of Midnight Edge

Princess Celestia sat on her throne waiting for something to happen, a guard rushed into the hall. He was visibly concerned. "Your highness. There is an alicorn requesting a meeting."

"Let her in. I have been waiting for her arrival." Princess Celestia expected her arrival, she was informed of the situation by an S.M.I.L.E agent. She was eager to know exactly what was going on. She also intended to meet the other involved ponies.

The group walked through the entrance, once they got close enough, they bowed before the princess. Applejack and Midnight Edge bowed in a less solemn manner, as if they were already familiar with her. In Applejack's case it was a sign of respect, to Midnight Edge it was a way to display security.

"Rise. There is no need to bow before me." Princess Celestia spoke kindly, she was not sure what to think, but considered it unfit for an alicorn to bow before her. Most of the group followed her request, except for Bernardt and Midnight Gears who kept their faces near the ground as if they were not able to see her.

"Bowing before you is the least we could do. We are not equals, even if I was an alicorn we would never be equals." Midnight Gears felt the weight of her actions every time the princess spoke.

"I would like to hear your side of the story. I was informed you built an entire city of machines. My agent suspects you intend to invade Equestria, but I doubt her words."

"I... I wanted to bring progress to Equestria, to offer new tools to our people. But I made a mistake. I should tell you everything from the beginning." The false alicorn finally looked at her in the eye, holding back tears as she spoke.

"Speak then."

"I am not an alicorn. I am just a unicorn with wings. I lack the might of true alicorns." The mare spoke, wondering the best way to explain everything. "I sought progress in science and attempted to become an alicorn through it, but it was impossible. I took a mutagen formula which gave me these wings, it made me stronger and provided me with unique inspiration to create, to bring progress. But the price I paid was greater than the benefits. The mutagen affected my sanity, it made me unstable. I created many things, but I have realized they were things Equestria never needed."

"Is that machine one of your creations? It looks almost alive. There is no need to underestimate your potential."

"Being praised by Princess Celestia herself is such a pleasant experience. I assume you already know our names, but I find it necessary to introduce ourselves. My name is Bernardt First of Twenty. The first sentient construct ever made. My master is Midnight Gears, the Princess of Artifice." The sentient spoke with pride

"I am not worthy of that title! I never deserved it." The mare spoke with tears rolling down her face. "After all I have done I would not be surprised if I was kept in a dungeon."

"I consider that is not necessary." The princess approached her penitent subject. "You need guidance, not punishment. I see great potential in your creations. Bernardt is an example of that potential. Our scientists have been trying to combine magic and science to create a lifelike machine for years. They could use your knowledge and skills."

"But I am unstable, I could end up building weapons and soldiers again."

"I trust you will not do that as long as you have friends to guide you. Would you like to work with our best scientists? I think it would be the opportunity you need to start anew." Princess Celestia extended an offer to the young mare.

"I... I accept your offer. I shall do my best."

"But master! What about your city, your kingdom, your creations, my brethren? We can't just let them rust into oblivion!" Bernardt was concerned with the fate of his master's creations.

"I have no kingdom. That city is just another part of Equestria. It's fate rests in Celestia's hoof now."

"That might be true, but your friend is right. We should not let an impressive engineering feat fall apart out of regret." The alicorn spoke with an idea in her mind. "That city represents a great opportunity to our researchers. It could serve its intended purpose after all."

"Well. You might hire a few cooks and other staff to send there. My sister's creations are apparently unfit for cooking. In fact except for the twenty sentients, her creations lack any creative skills. I don't think they should replace ponies in most activities." Midnight Edge spoke calmly.

"Perhaps Equestria is not ready for all those machines, and probably many of them will result unnecessary. But they possess great potential. Our scientists could learn much from them. Midnight Gears, I entrust you with a very important task. Work with our scientists to bring innovation through your creations. I know you will do great things from now on."

"Thank you."

"It is time to move on to the next reason for our meeting. Midnight Edge, I am well aware of your situation. My agent insisted I should interfere. Twilight Sparkle already decided what should be done, but I think you need my word too."

"I would like to know what you think of it." Applejack stated, curious about the stance taken by the highest authority in Equestria.

"My sister spent time observing your dreams. According to her, both of you are pleased with your relationship and how things have progressed since the time I was informed of it. As you know, My sister and I are older than all of you. We consider the disparity of age in your relationship nearly inconsequential, yet we know there will be many challenges you will face in the future."

"We will overcome them. Our love makes us stronger." Babs Seed spoke with joy and confidence.

"I know. We believe Twilight Sparkle made the right choice. Our agent is against your relationship, but she respects our decision."

"And so we will marry with your blessing. Once Babs reaches adulthood of course." The stallion was not surprised with Celestia's response. Somehow he felt she had been watching over them for a long time.

"I think our meeting is over now. Would you like to dine with my sister and I?" Princess Celestia relaxed before her guests.

"Actually your highness... I just came up with and idea." Midnight Edge responded, extending an invitation to the princesses.

...

The group, now including Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, dined at The Tasty Treat. The owners were surprised by the visit of such distinguished guests, as well as the strange appearance of some of them. The princesses found themselves in the need of requesting to be treated as equals, yet as soon as they requested so the mood lightened considerably.

The ponies enjoyed the delightful dishes served on the table. A deserved rest after the stressful events which took place earlier. After a peaceful night the ponies took separate ways. The princesses returned to their castle, pleased with the results of the meeting. Midnight Gears and Bernardt prepared themselves to join the Royal Science Division. Midnight Edge, Applejack, and Babs Seed stayed at the royal castle for the night and took the train back to Ponyville in the morning.

...

As the train advanced Midnight Edge looked through the window. The sky was clear and calm. He felt relieved, the weight of his quest finally gone.

"It is over. Now I can do whatever I want."

"That means you will leave soon, right?" Babs Seed knew the moment was closer, but she knew he would return someday.

"Soon, but not now. Maybe I could stay for Heart's Warming eve."

"Great! Too bad you might not be here for Hearts and Hooves day."

"Honestly I never liked that date. Not sure that will change soon. But I could give you a call on Hearts and Hooves day."

"I was planning to call you every week anyway. I think I understood how to use that flower thingy."

"The void communicator? Keep it safe. Those things are not easy to come by."

"Just like our love."

...