Chapters The next day was just like the last wherein the sun was shining, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. I found myself waking up in a strange bedroom.
"Where am I?" I wondered aloud, getting out of bed.
Going over to the door, I opened it, only to find Spike standing there.
"Twilight's made breakfast, if you're interested. Everypony, except Spitfire, and Soarin' who went back to wonderbolt Headquarters is in the dining room."
"Sounds good," I said, smiling, going back over to make the bed.
"Well, well! Look at you! Having Breakfast with friends!" called out a familiar jovial voice.
Discord appeared out of thin air, and I rolled my eyes.
"What do you want, Discord?"
"I just wanted to say that I'm happy for you, believe it, or not, and when the Princesses talk to you about what they're going to talk to you about, listen carefully, and try to keep an open mind about it.
"I will."
"Good," Discord says. "Well, I need to get back to tending to Fluttershy's animals. Ta-ta!"
The Draconaquis wiggled his fingers at me, and disappeared again.
I made my way down to the dining room, and everypony was there, just as spike had said.
I sat down between Fluttershy, and Princess Luna just as Twilight cantered in carrying big platters of pancakes, maple syrup, a pitcher of orange juice and a big bowl of gems, some of which were levitating in her magic. She gently set them on the table, and smiled.
"Dig in everypony."
The food was passed around the table, and the meal began with everypony in a happy mood.
"Six String, there is something we wish to discuss with you, regarding certain ponies," Luna told me.
I nodded.
"I know what you're going to say, Princess, and it's best to let it go, and move on, not letting it weigh heavily on my mind, and looking toward a better, and brighter future with those who truly care about me."
"But surely you can see that these vile fiends must be dealt with."
"No, I can't, your highness, and don't call me 'Shirley'."
There was a pregnant pause, as Spike, and the six Element bearers sat with muzzles agape, and eyes wide that I had just mouthed off to the princess of the night. Celestia had shot orange juice out of her nose, and was gigglesnorting uncontrollably like Pinkie Pie.
"Six String!" Twilight exclaimed, shocked at what I had said.
"I do agree that justice should be done, but if we treat them badly, just because that's what they did to me, then we will no be better than they are."
Celestia smiled.
"You show great wisdom in your words. However, As my sister has said, they must be punished for their crimes."
"What do you suggest, Princess?"
"They should stand trial for their crimes, and any memories, photographs, and other things that they have of you will be removed from their home, as well as their minds, just as your memories of them will be wiped from yours," said Celestia. "You will be as strangers to each other when, and if you ever see them again."
Applejack spoke up.
"If y'all believe that is best. Though Ah don't understand how a few harsh words spoken by closed minded bigots is really a crime."
"It's a hate crime, because the persecuted him for his beliefs, and lifestyle, darling," Rarity told her.
"Yeah! Though It'd be funner to pound 'em!" Rainbow Dash said driving one of her fore hooves into the other for emphasis.
"We're trying to avoid any violence though, aren't we?" Fluttershy asked.
"Yes, Fluttershy," I said. "We are."
"We can still have a party later, right?"
"Of course we can! " Discord said appearing out of thin air. "First thing's first though, 'The trial of the century'."
"I don't like it, and I don't feel comfortable about it," I sighed. "Besides, there aren't any laws about hate crimes against certain groups."
"Then it shall be done quickly, quietly, and without a trial to avoid any complications." Celestia stated.
"That just makes it seem more underhoofed, and makes me feel worse about it."
"Then what would you suggest, Nimble Hooves," she asked, causing me to wince in displeasure. "I mean Six String."
"One final chance to accept me for who, and what I am, and if they refuse, then a restraining order will be placed against them barring them from coming within 500 yards of me, and from ever contacting me again."
"That's all?!" discord groaned. "Come on! Where's your spirit of vengeance for the wrongs committed against you?!"
"I don't have one. Once they've been barred from coming to within 500 meters of me, and from ever contacting me again, then the matter will be closed. If they break the restraining order, then further punishment can be implemented. All pictures of me that they might have will be removed from their home, if they haven't been already by my former family at the same time that the restraining order is served."
The three Princesses, and the other elements all nodded in agreement while discord muttered something about how Justice wasn't being done, and how if he'd been in charge he would have had them slowly, and brutally killed for their crimes.
"Well you're not in charge!" Spike said grabbing a handful of gems "So keep your opinions, and thoughts to yourself!"
"Fine. Since my suggestions are going to continue to be ignored, I'll go see what my old friend Jean-Luc, and his shipmates are up to. I was just trying to help, you know. My sense of moral outrage literally went through the roof when I had heard what your family had done to you, Six String. You should be free to live as you see fit, as long as it's not hurting anypony, and crossdressing doesn't hurt anypony at all. Besides, you look better in mare's clothing than most of the mares on Equis, present company excepted."
"Only because nopony can look as good as they do," Spike retorted.
"The three Princesses, and the other element bearers blushed.
"I'm going to go before I say anything that might land me hot water later. After all, everypony here knows where I live."
He disappeared in a flash of white light, and everypony, and Spike breathed a sigh of relief.
"Now that that matter has been settled," I said turning to the Princess of Friendship. "I heard you've gotten a new apprentice of your own Twilight."
She nodded, and I mentally kicked myself for being so far out of the loop that was only recently hearing about Twilight having a pupil, just as Twilight was once Celestia's. Of course I was still out on my last tour when it happened.
"Starlight Glimmer. She'll be back from the Changeling Kingdom tomorrow."
"I'll stop by, and introduce myself. I hope I can be friends with her, just as I am with all of you.
"I'm sure she'd love to meet you."
Author's Note
I hope everypony caught the two references in the story. The first was the "Don't call me 'Shirley'!" joke from the film Airplane.
The second was to Captain Jean-Luc Picard, and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D/ U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E from Star Trek The Next Generation, and its films (Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis).
Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna went outside , and Twilight, and I followed them with twilight wearing her saddlebags.
"Are you certain that this is how you wish to proceed in this matter?" Celestia asked turning to me.
"Yes, I am," I said with a nod. "No more running from my problems."
"Very well. Then we shall," replied Celestia, boarding the Royal Chariot. Luna, Twilight, and I joined her, and the team of Pegasai who had brought the Chariot there from Canterlot sometime before Celelstia had raised the sun, flapped their wings, and began running to be able to gain altitude. It didn't take long before we were airborne, and on our way to Cloudsdale.
"It's a lot different," I said.
"Hmm?" Luna asked.
"When you have wings, and can fly, but are doing so without actually flapping your wings."
"Haven't you ever ridden in a chariot, or carriage before?" asked Luna.
I shook my head.
"Not even when I was a really little foal."
"I can understand why this would seem strange to you then," Luna said.
"Don't worry," I said grinning like an idiot. "I'll try not to get too airsick."
"I would rather not have to have the Royal Chariot cleaned, if you don't mind." said Celestia.
"I won't puke, though this whole situation that I'm in makes me want to."
"What do you mean?" Twilight asked.
"The fact that my family did what they did to me. It's disgusting, sick, and wrong. I'm not mad at them, just saddened, and disappointed in them for doing something so cruel to a member of their own family."
Twilight draped a wing over me, a gave me a comforting hug.
"I guess that I'm also ashamed of myself for denying the truth for so long that they were right about me."
"Nimble," said Celestia softly, calling me by my birth name. "I can't tell you how many times that I had those same thoughts after Luna was consumed by Nightmare Moon. I felt like I hadn't done enough to help her. Later after her return to normal, thanks to Twilight, and the other Element Bearers, I realized that I had been foolish to think that way, because I had done all that I could."
"And I felt the same way you do now after the nightmare had been purged from me by the Elements," added Luna. "Yes, I was ashamed of what I had done. But I had been under the influence of a malevolent entity. So I was not to blame, though I did often berate, and belittle myself for it for a long time after anyway."
"Don't worry," Twilight said. "Things will work out fine."
"I hope your right."
It was another hour, and a half before Cloudsdale came into view.
"My parents will probably be working at the weather factory right now, so it would be best to go there."
Celestia nodded, and gave the order to the team pulling the chariot.
"Take us to the weather factory."
The Pegasai pulling the chariot immediately obeyed, and took us to where we wanted to go.
Twilight, and I disembarked, followed by Princess Luna, and lastly Princess Celestia.
"Wait here for us," she commanded, and the Pegasai all saluted.
Celestia, Luna, Twilight, and I went in through the front doors, and the employees who saw us walk in all bowed.
"Wh-What can I do your you, Your Highnesses?" asked the black furred yellow maned yellow tailed Pegasus mare receptionist who had a picture of what appeared to be a scroll, and a quill pen on her flank
"We must speak with Cloud Kicker, and Featherwing immediately," Luna said.
"Of course. I will get them for you," said the receptionist.
"We will also require the use of the conference room," said Celestia.
"I'll be right back to show you the way," the receptionist said going through a set of nearby double doors.
Ten minutes minutes went by, and soon she returned.
"Follow me, please." The receptionist said. We all followed her, and she led us to the conference room, which was on the top floor, and over looked the factory. supposed that it would have to, so the bosses cold make sure that the employees aren't just sitting, or standing around, and not working.
"Can I get you anything?" she finally asked.
"No, we'll be fine. Thank you," Celestia told her.
The receptionist bowed, and quickly left, closing the double doors behind her
"Did you bring the R.O., Princess?" I asked Celestia.
She just smiled, and nodded toward Twilight.
"Ah," I replied. "So that's why you have your saddlebags, Twilight."
"Yes, though I hope the restraining order won't have to be used," said Twilight. "That's why I'm here, to show your parents the magic of friendship, and to help them to remember the good times together that you'd once had as a family."
We didn't have to wait long before a nervous knock came at the door. Twilight went to open it, and when she did, my parents, Cloud Kicker, and Featherwing were standing there. They hadn't changed much since I'd last saw them. Their white pelts were still pristine, and their manes were just as I remember. My mother Featherwing had a light pink mane, and tail just like my sister Arabesque,and my father Cloud Kicker had a blue mane, and tail like mine. Upon seeing the three Alicorn Princesses, they bowed.
What can we do for you, Your Highnesses?" they asked standing up again.
That was when they saw me.
"What is that...that thing doing here?" asked my father.
Celestia sighed sadly, and shook her head, closing her eyes.
"Please come in," Celestia told them, as twilight stepped to the side to allow the two Pegasai entry. They stood, and stepped into the room, and once they were inside, Twilight shut the door again.
"I was afraid that you would react in such a manner to Nimble's presence. I had thought that you could act civilized for once in your lives, rather than exhibiting such boorish behavior, and being an embarrassment to the Pegasus race, as well as to Ponies in general, so I have prepared prepared this."
She turned to Twilight who pulled a rolled up scroll from one of her saddlebags with her magic, and gave it to Celestia. The white Alicorn broke the wax seal, and unrolled the scroll. using her magic to make a pair of reading glasses appear on her face, she cleared her throat, and began to read it aloud her own royal Canterlot voice.
"ON THIS DAY, THE SEVENTEENTH OF MAY IN THE YEAR OF SOLARIS, WE PRINCESS CELESTIA CO-RULER OF EQUESTRIA, AND BRINGER OF THE DAYLIGHT, PRINCESS LUNA CO-RULER OF EQUESTRIA, BRINGER OF THE NIGHT, AND GUARDIAN OF DREAMS, AND PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE , PRINCESS OF FRIENDSHIP, AND BEARER OF THE ELEMENT OF MAGIC HEREBY DECREE THAT CLOUD KICKER, AND HIS WIFE FEATHERWING ARE TO REMAIN AT LEAST FIVE HUNDRED YARDS FROM THEIR SON, NIMBLE HOOVES, ALIAS SIX STRING AT ALL TIMES!!!! WE ALSO DECREE THAT ANY VIOLATION OF ANY KIND OF THIS RESTRAINING ORDER WILL RESULT IN PUNISHMENT MOST SEVERE!!!!"
My parents... no, Cloud Kicker, and Featherwing stood there, as Celestia used her magic to give the restraining order to them.
"Why would we ever want to get close to that piece of manure?" asked Cloud Kicker
"This is Madness!" Featherwing exclaimed. "Princess Luna, Princess Twilight, please tell me that you're not agreeing to this!"
"WE CONCUR!!!" Luna, and Twilight said in unison, using their own Royal Canterlot voices, their eyes both glowing bright white.
"You are dismissed from our sight!" said Celestia.
Cloud Kicker, and Featherwing bowed again, opened the door, and left the room. After they left, I collapsed to the floor, and began to sob. Instantly, the three Alicorns surrounded me, and wrapped their wings around me to comfort me. I felt a magical aura around my body, and went limp, because even though it wasn't quite mid day yet, I had no energy left in me, and wouldn't have been able to walk, or even fly if I wanted to. Twilight's magic held me until the four of us got back out to the Royal Chariot again. Then the magic dissipated.
"Why didn't you try to remind them of the good times they, and I had had together as a family, Twilight?" I asked, once we were airborne again.
"Because I could see it in their eyes from the moment that they walked in, that it wouldn't have done any good, because they wouldn't have listened anyway," she told me. "I'm so sorry, Nimble."
"I'm the one who should be apologizing. If I'd just never been born, Equis would be a better place."
"I know for a fact that you don't believe that and that you know that Twilight, Luna, and I don't either." said Celestia
"Indeed. Everypony has a purpose in life, even when things seem to be at their bleakest, and as though the pony does not. You have done nothing wrong, and therefore should never have to apologize for being who, and what you were always meant to be. Because it had already been decided for you long before even your ancestor, the first Pegasus was created." Luna added.
"I'll need to pull my flight status with the Wonderbolt Reserves, launder, and return my uniforms, and empty out my locker."
"That won't be necessary. The Wonderbolt Academy, and the cloud arena, are still in Cloudsdale, but are far enough from their home and the weather factory that it won't violate the order." Celestia said.
"Well, I'm sorry anyway for pulling you into this drama. I'm sure you all had better, and more important things to do."
"Not really," said Twilight.
"Besides," Luna said smiling at me, as Twilight wiped away my tears with small cloth she had pulled from her saddle bags. "You're our friend."
3. Brother And Sister Reunion?
"I'm not sure where Arabesque would be. I haven't seen her since I was forced out of my home here in Cloudsdale."
"That will make it difficult to find her, then," said Twilight.
"If anyone can do it, Twilight, it's you," I told her. "After all, you are Ponyville's resident 'egghead'."
Twilight giggled.
"What do you know about your sister ?" Luna asked. "It migfht be useful in helping us to locate her."
"When we were younger, she wanted to be in the Equestrian Ballet Company," I said.
"They're based out of Manehattan," said Twilight. "We could probably be there within the hour."
"True, but I'm not sure how tired the team of Pegasai pulling the chariot is right now. I wouldn't want them to collapse from exhaustion.
"Thanks for your concern, but we'll be fine," One of the Pegasai said.
"I'll remember that when you start whining, because you're too tired to fly," I snarked.
"What're you, nuts?!" another one spoke up. "We do this kind of thing all the time!"
We trekked onward toward Manehatten. I'd never been there before, so this would be my first time seeing that bright shining jewel of a city.
The team of Pegasai landed the chariot right in front of the EBC Theatre, and the three Princesses, and I disembarked, gaining attention from nearby onlookers who all bowed at the sudden appearance of their sovereigns. Celestia, Luna, Twilight, and I went in through the front doors, and crossed the foyer to the auditorium. The Alicorns made their way down the center isle toward the stage, but I stayed at the back of the auditorium. Suddenly, the director who was a rather nervous looking tan unicorn stallion with a dark brown mane, tail, and eyes, and a megaphone cutie mark saw the Princesses, and bowed.
"Welcome to our humble theatre, Your Highnesses," he said. "It's not every day that it is visited by Royalty. I, of course, am stage performance, director of the Equestrian Ballet Company."
"We wish to speak to Arabesque," said Luna. "Is she here at the moment."
A white furred Pegasus mare with a light pink mane, tail, and eyes, and a pair of Ballet slippers for a cutie mark stepped forward.
"I'm Arabesque," she said.
"There is a matter that we must discuss with you privately," Celestia told her.
Arabesque nodded, and trotted over to the right side of the stage, and down the steps, cantering over to were the Princesses now stood.
"Let's go out to the foyer," Twilight suggested, and the four of them started heading back up the center isle again.
I turned, and went back out to the foyer, going around a nearby corner to stay out of sight, before Arabesque could see me. When I heard the door to the auditorium shut again, I knew that they were all out in the foyer.
"I don't understand what I've done to receive the honor of being visited by three Alicorn Princesses?"
"'We have come here regarding your family," said Luna.
"Did something bad happen to my parents?" I heard Arabesque ask in a worried tone.
"No," I said finally stepping out from where I was standing,and making my way over to them "But you should listen to what the Princesses have to say anyway."
"Who are you?" Arabesque asked me.
"Arabesque, this is Six String," Twilight said.
"Six String the folk singer?"
"Yes," Luna told her.
Arabesques eyes glinted for a brief second as she stepped closer to me.
"Nimble? Is that you?"
I nodded, and suddenly, I was knocked over by a white, and pink blur in a pink leotard, and pink legwarmers. Arabesque wrapped her wings, and forelegs around me, and nuzzled my cheek.
"Wait until our father, and mother hear about this! My brother, their son is the famous Six String!"
"Your parents, not mine," I said."
Arabesque let me up, and gave me a worried look.
"I have severed all connections to them, because they decided to be hateful closed-minded bigots, and not accept me for being the effeminate crossdressing marecolt that I am. Now they are forbidden to go within 500 yards of me."
"That was more than a bit harsh."
"But completely necessary," Celestia said.
"Now, you have a choice to accept your brother, or be separated from him forever.
"I'm so very sorry Nimble," said Arabesque hugging me again. "I do accept you for being who, and what you are. I could say that I was young, stupid, and didn't know any better, but I did. so I have no excuse for my behavior, or how I treated you. I hope that in time, you'll be able to forgive ou..my parents, and I."
"I already have," I said. "The only reason that their punishment wasn't more severe, is that just want to be able to move on without my past looming over my shoulder like the specter of Nightmare Moon..no offense, Princess Luna."
"None taken."
"Does this mean that I'm expected to stop associating with them too," asked Arabesque.
"Nopony ever said that," Twilight told her. "But as far as they're concerned, Nimble never existed."
"Of course any, and all photographs with Nimble in them will have to be sent to the castle in Canterlot to be altered magically, so that Nimble is not in them," said Celestia. "They will be sent back to their rightful owners once the task is completed."
"Okay," replied Arabesque, turning to face me. "Nimble, I live in Manehatan now, so anytime that you want to visit me, fee free. I'll let you know ahead of time if my parents will be there, or not, so you can avoid them."
"Well, I will need somewhere to pass out after I get drunk at the post show celebration when the 'bolt's, and I are in town."
"Wait, you're in the Wonderbolts?!"
"The Wonderbolt Reserves actually."
"Still, that's something. They only accept the best of the best of the best."
"Thanks."
"My couch will always be available to you."
Arabesque, and I hugged again.
"Love you sis," I whispered to her.
"You too. I'm proud of you, and everything you've accomplished." she whispered back.
"Thanks," I replied, as Arabesque released me again. "If you're ever in Ponyville stop on by."
" I will. The next time that you're here in Manehattan, though, I'm taking you shopping for some proper mare clothes. I'll make a lady of you, if it kills me!"
"Which knowing Nimble, it probably will!" Luna quipped. We all laughed, and Arabesque went back into the auditorium. I followed her as far as the doorway.
"Hey, twitchy!" I called out to the director, who glared at me evilly. "Switch to Decaf!"
I turned, and walked back through the foyer to the waiting chariot outside with the Princesses right behind me, and feeling like a majority of the weight from the burden that I had been carrying on my shoulders for so long had finally been lifted.
4. A Nightmare And A Royal Decision
I was more than a bit surprised when we started going toward Canterlot, rather than back to Ponyville.
"Where are we going, Princess Celestia?" I asked.
"To Canterlot. I promised that Justice would be done, and so it shall."
We flew onward, and I fell asleep along the way.
"Hello, father. Hello, mother," I said approaching them.
"Who let this freak in here?" my mother said giving me a dirty look.
"Probably the same stupid wretch who lets just anypony attend. Social events such as this should only be open to ponies with class, and prestige." said my father.
"Then they should throw you two out on your rumps."
"Look Cloudy, it's trying to speak! It thinks its sentient!" said my mother, laughing in a mocking, and condescending manner.
My father laughed with her, and then he glared at me, as he got up close to me so that our muzzle were less than an inch apart.
"Get out of here you abomination! My father said. "You're a monster, and no one loves you! You should just do all of Equis a favor, and kill yourself. Ponykind would be better off if you had never been born!"
Suddenly Arabesque showed up, and at first, I thought she was going to defend me against this unwarranted attack, but she spat in my face instead.
"I can't believe I'm actually related to you!" she said. "You're an aberration, and a mistake of nature. My parents are right, you should kill yourself!"
Then she turned, and kicked me in the face with both back hooves. I heard the sickening crunch as my jaw was broken. Slowly, I got back to my hooves only to have all four of my legs knocked out from under me. By now everypony was staring, pointing, and laughing. I could hear the horrible things they were calling me even though I was covering my ears with my forehooves to try to block them out.
"You're a pathetic useless worthless undesirable unwanted unloved unlovable waste of space, skin, oxygen, and life!" exclaimed one mare, stomping down on my back legs with her forehooves, shattering the bones.
I cried out in pain, only to be kicked in the face by my own mother.
"Shut up you sissy foal! Nopony wants to hear your pathetic whining!"
I was lifted by several pairs of hooves, and tossed outside, landing muzzle first in a deep mud puddle where I began to cry.
I must have stayed like that for awhile, because the next thing I knew, I was being lifted out of the mud by a magical aura, and set back down onto solid ground. When I looked up, Princess Luna was standing there. I couldn't even bear to look at her, because I was so ashamed, so I lowered my head again, my ears drooping. Her wings wrapped around me, and held me close just letting me cry.
"You need to wake up, Nimble. we will be arriving in Canterlot in about five minutes, and when you do, please let my sister, and Twilight know about your nightmare."
I nodded painfully. and as I did, I could feel warm hooves touching me, and the far away sounding voice of Twilight.
"Six String. We're here. Wake up."
With a sudden jolt, I opened my eyes, and sat up, looking first at Celestia, and Luna, and then at Twilight.
"Are you okay?" asked Twilight.
Cautiously, I touched the side of my muzzle with a hoof, just to make sure that my jaw wasn't broken. When I was satisfied that it wasn't, I let out a sigh of relief.
"Not really," I said. "There's something that I have to tell you about what happened when I fell asleep."
"A nightmare?" asked Celestia looking over at Luna who nodded.
"Yes," I replied.
The three of them listened as I told them about my nightmare. When I had finished, Celestia, and Twilight were shocked by what they had heard. Of course Luna didn't react, because she already knew what had happened. All three of them hugged, and nuzzled me as the chariot came in for a landing within the walls of Canterlot Castle. The three Alicorns, and I disembarked from the Chariot, and went inside, while the team of Pegasai that had been pulling it unhitched themselves from the harness, and took a well earned break. Celestia, Luna, Twilight, and I went right to the throne room where the Celestia, and Luna ascended the Dais, and sat on their thrones.
"Pardon me gentlecolts," she said to the guards standing in our side of the doors. "But I have a special mission for you. Would you be so kind as to join us over here?
The two Unicorns nodded, and made their way over to us. When they got over to where we were, they bowed.
"What is your command, Your Highness?" one guard asked.
"Find the camp where ponies who are deemed to be 'different' are taken too. Shut it down, and bring everypony there before us. Take as many soldiers as you might need."
"Any idea where it is?" the second guard asked.
"About a three week journey from Equestria's western border," I told them.
Luna stood, and began to speak.
"We also need you to find the parents of any ponies who are being held there, and bring them before us as well, so that they too may be judged according to their misdeeds."
"Yes, they are," Twilight added. For sending their foals to such a place, they are just as guilty as the ponies who run that camp."
"It will be done, Your Highnesses," the first guard said, as he and his companion saluted, before turning, and walking out of the throne room.
"Don't worry, my little pony. Those nightmares won't be plaguing you for much longer," said Celestia comfortingly.
"Indeed. The only reason that they have, even in spite of my efforts to stop them from happening, is because those who had harmed you had not been made to pay for their crimes," Luna said. "But they most certainly will be."
"With your permission, I would like to return to ponyville with Twilight."
"Of course," said Celestia. "Since it is going to be quite some time until the ponies who run that camp, and the ponies who forced their foals to be there are found, and brought back to Canterlot for trial."
"Thank you," I said bowing to Celestia, and Luna, and leaving the throne room.
Time passed, and I didn't hear anything from Canterlot, so I just continued to live my life, as though nothing was out of the ordinary. I helped Fluttershy tend to her animals, beat Rainbow Dash at a series of endurance challenges that weren't really much of a challenge at all when she, and I were lending a helping hoof to the local Pegasai who were on the weather team, spent time at Sugar Cube corner making enough candy, and sugary baked goods with Pinkie Pie to give all of Equis severe upset stomachs, and toothaches until doomsday, and helped out at Sweet Apple Acres. I spent time helping Spitfire, and Soarin yell at, and train (mostly yell at) wannabes who thought they had what it takes, and were ever worthy to be Wonderbolts (Which they didn't, and weren't), served as a model, and ponyquin for Rarity at carousel Boutique, and practiced playing my guitar at home. One day, about three weeks after I had returned to Ponyville, I went to Twilight's castle. When I arrived at the castle, I knocked on the door, fully expecting Twilight, or Spike to answer the door. I was surprised when a lavender unicorn mare with a purple, and white mane, and purple eyes answered instead.
"Hello?" she asked.
"My name's Six String. I'm here to help out Twilight with some of the chores, and maintenance stuff around her castle."
"She said you'd be stopping by," the Unicorn said, offering a hoof. "I'm Starlight Glimmer, Princess Twilight's student."
I shook her hoof, and we went inside.
"Oh! You're here!" said Twilight trotting in from one of the other rooms.
"Yeah. So what do you want me to do first?"
"Well, the books in the library need to be taken off the shelves, and both the books themselves, and the shelves need to be dusted."
"I can do that."
"I appreciate your offer to help out here. Normally, Spike would do it, but he's away in the Dragon Kingdom at the moment."
"I don't mind at all. It's not like I had anything else to do, since the soldiers aren't back yet with the ponies from that 'place'."
"I'll help you," Starlight told me.
"Thanks," I replied. "The work will get done faster that way."
"That's the idea, silly filly!" Twilight said to me. "and while you're doing that, I'll go talk to Mayor Mare about the Summer Sun Celebration next month!"
"It's in Ponyville again, this year?" asked Starlight.
"Yep!" Twilight said exuberantly. "The last time it was here in Ponyville, was when Nightmare Moon returned after a thousand years of being exiled in the moon!"
"I bet you're happy about that," said Starlight.
"Of course she is, Starlight. "Any excuse for the egghead to see her mentor."
Twilight giggled.
"Sompony's been hanging out with Rainbow Dash."
Just then a loud knock interrupted the conversation.
"So much for a normal day," Twilight snarked. "You would think that after so long, that I would learn that there's no such thing."
I went to the large oak doors, and open them. What I saw surprised me. It was two heavily armored Unicorn mare guards. Behind them were four pegasai who were also heavily armored.
"Are you Nimble Hooves alias Six String?" one asked.
"Yes. What can I do for you?"
"We need you to come with us. We've been ordered to bring you to Canterlot to be put into protective custody."
"What?! Twilight, Starlight, and I exclaimed in unison.
"Somepony's put a hit out on you."
"Other than the manure brains who ran that camp that I was in, I can't think of...oh sweet Celestia..."
"What is it, Six String?" asked Starlight.
"My parents."
Sighing, I bowed my head, and closed my eyes, tears streaming down my face as the horrible memories return to haunt me once more.
"I've said it before, and I'll say it again."
"What's that?" Twilight asked.
"Buck My Life..."
"Don't worry. They'll be made to pay for what they've done to you," said Twilight, draping a wing across my back, and nuzzling me.
"I-I'd better go. When, and if I ever get back to Ponyville, I'll explain what this is all about Starlight. I promise."
"Well, I'm not planning on moving away, so take as long as you need."
I walked outside, and boarded the chariot with the two unicorn guards. The Pegasai got a running start, and began flapping their wings. Soon we were airborne, and on our way to Canterlot.
From the time the chariot took off, I just sat there staring off into nothingness in shock, and disbelief.
"I-I thought they were passed this," I said softly.
"Hmm?" one of the unicorn guards asked.
I looked up at her.
"I was going to move on with my life, and they were going to move on with theirs, and as far as they were concerned, I was a complete stranger. Why would they try to have me killed? I'm not out for money, or revenge for what they did to me when I was younger," I said. "I just want to be able to live peacefully."
"And you should be able to. I don't know what it is that they think you did to upset them, but they need to grow the buck up, and get over it already!"
I smiled weakly at her.
"If being a crossdressing marecolt is a crime, then I guess I'm guilty, and should be executed in the most slow, painful, horrible, brutal, bloody, violent, agonizing way possible."
"No, you shouldn't." the second Unicorn said. "You're not the only one who has dealt with things like this."
"He's right," the first Unicorn said. "You're not alone in this."
I looked at the two mares confusedly.
"'He'?"
"Have one of the other guards bring you to the room of Shield Bearer, and Quick Strike after you're done talking with the Princesses. That's us, the first Unicorn said."
"We'll explain everything to you then," said the second.
"Does anypony else know?" I asked.
"Just Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, and they've promised not to tell anypony."
We soon landed, and the two unicorns lead me to the throne room, and right before the guards there opened the doors, the two unicorns who had brought me to Canterlot each hugged, and nuzzled me.
"Keep your chin up, cutie," the first one said, as they walked away.
The throne room doors opened, and I walked through the open door way, only for the doors to close behind me again. the guards just inside the doors lead me up to to where the Princesses were standing.
"Ah, Nimble Hooves. You're here," Celestia said.
"Does thou knowest why we have summoned thee?" asked Luna.
"Somepony has hired another to kill me." I replied.
They both nodded.
"My parents?" I asked.
"We know not who is responsible, but I suspect we will soon find out, for we have received a letter from the guards whom we had sent to find everyone who works at that camp that you were in, as well as everypony who had been put in there, and their parents," Luna told me.
"We will cast a truth spell on all the camp's employees, and the parents of those who had been subjected to the horrors of that place," said Celestia. "They will have no choice but to tell us what we need to know."
"Even your parents will be brought to trial. If found guilty, they will be locked in the dungeons below Canterlot Castle with the rest of the scum." Luna added.
6. The Truth Shall Set You Free
"With all due respect, Your Highnesses, you should have just let me die. Now all of Equestria, if not all of Equis is going to to Tartarus, because of me, and my drama that nopony cares about."
"We care, Nimble," Luna said nuzzling me. "If we didn't, we wouldn't have bothered going to Ponyville to see you after we had received your letter. "
"And Princess Twilight, and the other Element Bearers care about you as well," added Celestia. "As do Spitfire, and Soarin."
"If anypony other than the friends that you do have can't see what a wonderful pony you are, then they are not worth wasting your time on," Luna told me. "I know that you're hurting, physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically, but giving in to those dark feelings is not the answer."
Luna's expression, became sad, and haunted
"Anger. Fear. Aggression. The dark side are they. Easily they flow. Quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny. Consume you it will, as it did Celestia's apprentice."
"Twilight? I always thought something seemed off about her, other than the usual nerdiness."
"My sister is being silly." Celestia said trying to hold back her laughter. "She is referring to Sunset Shimmer, who only craved power, and wanted everything given to her right away. I saw into Sunset's soul, and only saw darkness there, so when I refused to give into hear foalish temper tantrums, she became angry with me, and left through a portal to another realm, but not before swearing vengeance on me, on Equestria, and on all of Equis for the evils that she had perceived that we had done to her.
"Sunset was so blinded by her own selfish desires, and ego that she could not see that mine sister only wanted what was best for the young mare," said Luna.
"She sounds bad, like Trixie, Tirek, Chrysalis, or Sombra."
"Had things gone her way," Luna said. "She would have become a villain much worse than even Nightmare Moon. All life on Equis would have ended, because of her."
"What happened to her?" I asked. "
She returned a few years ago, and stole Twilight's tiara, taking it back to the other realm," said Celestia. "Twilight followed, and with human counterparts of her friends, defeated sunset Shimmer, and redeemed her, making her see her mistakes, and own up to them. I would like to see her again, if only to tell her that I am sorry that I failed her as a teacher, and that I forgive her for all the evils she had done. I would also ask her to forgive me."
"The soldiers that we had sent to arrest those who ran the camp that you were in, and to arrest the parents of those who had put their foals in such a place sent a letter to mine sister, and I stating that they will be returning to Canterlot later this very afternoon," Luna told me, deciding to change the subject.
"That was fast."
"Indeed," Celestia added. "The trials shall begin the day after tomorrow. When they arrive, we will interrogate the Ponies who were arrested, and find out what they know about the plot against you. In the mean time, we hope you won't mind staying here at the castle."
"I've always wanted to, I just didn't think It was allowed, since I wasn't a member of the Royal family, or nobility, or one of the Element Bearers."
"Not at all. You've always been welcome to stay here when you're in Canterlot."
"What will happen to the prisoners, and Cloud Kicker, and Featherwing?" I asked.
"They will serve time in the Canterlot dungeons for their crimes, like the other prisoners who are being brought to trial, but when the time comes for their release, nopony will remember them, as being anything other than the lowly common ponies, and wandering vagabonds who are dangerous murderous scum. We will see to that."
Just then, the throne room doors opened, and a large group of soldiers marched in with a bunch of other dirty ponies who were in chains. The Pegasai all had their wings tied to their sides, while the Unicorns had inhibitor rings on their horns to keep them from using magic. Amidst the prisoners, I saw two familiar faces.
The guards saluted, and the prisoners all bowed, looking confused as to why they had been brought to Canterlot in chains.
"Here's the first group, Your Highnesses. There's more waiting outside in the courtyard," one guard said.
"Thank you, Major," said Celestia as she, and Luna lit up their horns.
"YOU ARE ALL GUILTY OF BRINGING HARM, AND EMOTIONAL TRAUMA TO THY OFFSPRING!!" Luna stated in her Royal Canterlot Voice. BUT THERE ARE TWO AMONG YOU WHO HAVE ALSO PLOTTED TO MURDER THE MUSICIAN KNOWN AS SIX STRING!! SINCE THOU WILL NOT CONFESS WILLINGLY, MINE SISTER, AND I WILL USE MAGIC TO PROBE THY MINDS TO FIND THE ANSWERS THAT WE SEEK!!!"
The Princesses lit up their horns, and shot magic at the prisoners, who tried to use all of their mental faculties to resist, so Celestia, and Luna strengthened the magic putting all their energy into it. After a few minutes, the magic cut off, and the Princesses collapsed to the floor in exhaustion.
"It-It was Cloud Kicker, and Featherwing," said Celestia before she fell unconscious.
The guards led the prisoners out of the throne room, while other nearby castle staff tended to the Princesses.
"They'll be fine," one servant said. "They just over exerted themselves when they used their magic."
"Is there anything that I can do?" I asked.
"No. The guards will bring you back when it's time for those monsters face the judgement of the Royal Court," a white stallion with a blonde mane, and tail, and blue eyes, and a compass rose said in a posh voice as he stepped out from a side door.
I turned, and bowed to him.
"Good afternoon, Prince Blueblood."
"I must say, you look different up close. The last time I saw you was from across the room when you had performed at the Grand Galloping Gala."
"I try to avoid Canterlot after what happened that night."
"Yes, I remember. Of course you do realize that I will have to sever my business ties with your family because of that. It simply wouldn't do for somepony of my stature being seen doing business with disgusting creatures such as those."
"You had business dealings with Cloudkicker, and Featherwing?"
"Of course. Who do you think gave them the financial backing to send your dear sister to Manehattan to try out for the Equestrian Ballet Company."
"That had to be expensive."
"Not to worry, old boy, I've got plenty of money."
"My family is indebted to you because of that, and I will not rest until every bit has been paid back in full plus interest."
"There's really no need," Blueblood stated. "I happen to be a lover of the arts, and of the theatre, and when I heard of your sister's talent, I decided right then, and there that she belonged in the EBC."
"So what gives?" I asked. "Usually you're a jerk to everypony except Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna."
"I also happen to be a fan of your music," he said.
"Ah. That explains it."
"Right then. Off you go," said Blueblood waving a well manicured hoof to shoo me away.
I left the throne room, and went to find a guard to take me to see Shield Bearer, and Quick Strike.
7. Quick Strike, And Shield Bearer's Secret
Once I'd been directed on how to get to Shield Bearer, and Quick Strike's room, I gave a light tap on the door, which opened a crack, revealing the face of a red Unicorn mare with a blue, and tail mane.
"Who is it?" asked a mare's voice from inside.
"it's Six String," the mare at the door said.
"Let her in then!" said the second mare.
The door opened the rest of the way, and I walked in. Quick Strike closed the door behind me, and wrapped her forelegs around me.
"Welcome to our humble abode, hon," Quick Strike said.
"It's nice."
"Thanks," Shield Bearer said, trotting over to me.
"Have a seat," the brown Unicorn mare said, tossing her red main about, and flicking her red tail.. "There's something that we need to show you, and it's best if you're sitting down beforehoof."
I went, and sat in the chair that Shield Bearer had just been sitting in.
"Okay, I'm ready."
Both of their horns lit up, and whatever illusion, or spell they had placed on themselves fell,, and I saw them for what they really were..effeminate Unicorn Stallions. I blinked at the sight, unable to believe what I was seeing.
"So you're both really stallions, then?" I asked.
"Yes," replied Quick Strike.
"But we would like to become real mares someday. For now, we just have to make do with the illusion spell," Shield Bearer said.
"Well, whether you're stallions, or mares, you're both quite handsome, lovely, and pretty."
Both Unicorns blushed.
"Thanks," they said in unison.
"So what about you, cutieflank?"
Now it was my turn to blush.
"M-Me?" I stammered.
They nodded, and smiled.
"I prefer being a stallion, but dressing up like acting like, and doing things that mares usually do."
"That's cool." Shield Bearer said.
"Have you ever thought about putting out a letter detailing what you went through? Sort of a message of hope to those like us, so they know that they're not alone?" asked Quick Strike.
"That would be a good idea, Yeah," I said. "That way they can possibly avoid going through what ponies like us have to endure for daring to be who, and what we really are."
"Exactly!" Shield Bearer said. "When you write it, be sure to send it to every newspaper, and magazine publisher on Equis.
"I'll do that, I told them, getting out of the chair
I was immediately tacklesnuggled by both Stallions, who nuzzled me.
"Anytime that you want to come back to visit, we would love to hang out with you," said Quick Strike.
"I was invited to come back anytime by Princess Celestia herself, so I think you'll be seeing quite a lot of my ugly face around here." I said.
"You're not ugly, sweetrump, and don't ever tell yourself that, or let anypony else tell you that you are," said Shield bearer poking my nose.
"Squee!" I replied, causing both Stallions to giggle like little fillies.
"Oh he's adorable, Quick! Can we keep him? Pleeeeaaaasssee?"
Quick Strike rolled his eyes.
"Shield, you're such a silly pony."
"And that's why you love me"
"Yeah, it is."
They kissed, and I smiled.
"If they were to pass a law that would give ponies like us fair, and equal treatment, would you two ever consider getting married?"
Both Stallions' eyes lit up, and they turned to face me.
"That's a great idea, Six!" Shield Bearer exclaimed.
"Would you do the music for it, if we did?"
"Of course."
"Then we will."
I got back onto my hooves again.
"I'd better go, before everypony starts to wonder where I am, and sends out search parties after me."
"Okay, hon," Quick Strike said hugging me again, and giving me a kiss on the cheek
"As we said, you're welcome to come back, and visit us any time."
"The same goes for if you ever want to visit me in Ponyville."
"Neither of us have been there, but we've always wanted to go. For those of us from Canterlot, going to a town like Ponyville, would be like ponies from there going to Cloudsdale, Manehattan, or coming here to Canterlot for the first time."
"I know it was like that for me when I went to Manehattan for the first time. By then, I'd already been living in Ponyville for awhile.
"We'll write to you ahead of time, so that you know when we'll be coming. that way you'll be able to plan for it."
"And I'll do the same before I come back to visit the two of you."
Shield Bearer hugged me, and kissed my other cheek.
"Take care, pretty marecolt," he said.
"I will. and you do the same."
"We will quick Strike said.
I opened the door, and trotted out of the room, an down the hall to make my way back to the throne room. While I was walking, my stomach started growling, so I made a quick detour to the dining room for a quick bite to eat. When I got there, I saw that Twilight were there eating, and in the middle of a discussion that I couldn't really hear the context of. Not wishing to disturb them, I turned, and returned to the throne room to wait for them. Blueblood wasn't there, and there were different guards on duty. I nodded to them, and walked up to the Dias sitting on the floor in front of it. I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing that I knew, I was waking up, and Princess Cadence was standing over me.
"Did you sleep well?" I imagine the floor isn't all that comfortable to sleep on."
"Princess Cadence?" I asked. "Sorry. I fell asleep waiting here, because I thought that you, and Princess celestia were goinv to come back after a bit to reconvene the trial.
"it's alright," Cadence said with a smile. "The trial has been postponed.
"Ah, okay then."
-Princess Luna's POV-
I awoke after a long rest, and saw that I was no longer in the throne room, but was in my bedroom. Turning my head slightly, I saw that Prince Blueblood was sitting next to my bed.
"Blueblood?" I asked. "How long was I out?"
"Almost eight weeks," Blueblood replied.
I gasped.
"What?! Who raised the sun, and moon whilst Celestia, and I slept?"
"I had Twilight Sparkle, and Cadence summoned here to fill in as it were until the both of you woke again. Quite honestly, nopony was certain if either of you would."
"It was that bad?"
Blueblood nodded.
"I don't know how they were able to put up mental defenses against a mind probe from an Alicorn, since there shouldn't be a way to do that unless the pony being mind probed is also an Alicorn, but they did. Near as anypony can tell, you, and Auntie Celestia used up all your magic trying to break through their mental barriers. You succeeded, but at the expense of your health, and it rendered you both unconscious."
"Is Celestia awake yet," I asked, trying to get out of bed, only to be stopped by a raging migraine headache, which caused me to collapse to the floor, and bring my forehooves up to my head.
"Not yet. The castle staff, and guards are under strict orders not to disturb her, or you, since you both need to rest a bit more," Blueblood told her helping me back to bed.
"But the trial."
"The trial has been postponed until you, and Auntie Celestia are well again, and Six String returns from wherever it is that he's gone to."
"Nimble left?"
"Yes. Right after Auntie Celestia uttered aloud that it was his own parents who had hired somepony to kill him. He seemed upset by the whole affair, and rightfully so. Personally, I can't see how someone who has been through such hardship can bear the weight of it.
"It's not easy as easy as it seems my dear nephew. The nightmares, the mental, physical, emotional, and psychological toil it takes on a pony, not to mention the scars it leaves."
"You got through it, because you're an Alicorn, the most powerful of the pony races. Anypony who isn't an Alicorn would have a right difficult time with it. To be honest, I'm actually surprised that he didn't....."
My ears drooped
"He almost did. That was why Celestia, and I became involved with this situation, trying to bring those who had wronged him, and other ponies like him to justice."
-Princess Twilight Sparkle's POV-
In the throne room, I sat on Celestia's throne, while Princess Cadence sat on Luna's Presiding over the day court, as well as the night court. There really hadn't been much activity though since Celestia, and Luna 'fell ill', so it was rather boring to be sitting in one place for such a long period of time. Twilight sighed.
"Is something wrong?" Cadence asked.
"I'm worried about Nimble Hooves. He seemed rather upset when he left here after he found out who it was who had tried to have him killed."
"I'm sure he's fine Twilight,"
"If nopony has seen, or heard from him since he found out who put the hit out on him, and that's cause for concern."
"He's probably back in Ponyville again, or you said he has family in Manehattan, so it's possible that he went there."
"Hmm maybe. I'll send a letter to ponyville asking the girls to check up on him, if he's there, and another to his sister Arabesque."
Cadence nods.
"That's the only way to be sure."
-Six String's POV-
By the time that I returned to Canterlot after an 8 week absence, Celestia, and Luna were well enough to preside of the trial, and the prisoners were all brought in to the throne room, and for the first time in Equestria's history, the press was allowed in to report on what everypony was calling "The trial of the century".
Luna called for order, and everypony who had been talking, immediately stopped, and paid attention to what was going on. First the employees of the camp so many had endured such evil horrendous tortures were brought in.
"YOU HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF NUMEROUS CRIMES AGAINST EQUESTRIA, AND IT'S PEOPLE!!!" Celestia, and Luna said. "THE FIRST WITNESS MAY STEP FORWARD."
I went to the front of the room, standing at the foot of the dais while facing outward toward the crowd. There, I gave my life story from my birth, all the way up to where I was called to testify (Which you have previously read), and before I had finished, there were more than a few gasps of shock, and revulsion from others there who didn't know about what I had been through. I had to stop at certain points to regain my emotional composure. When I was finished, I went to stand off to the side, and Fluttershy, and the other element bearers, who had all traveled to Canterlot with Twilight all embraced me..
"THE NEXT WITNESS MAY STEP FORWARD!!!" said Luna.
The next witness, who was a Gryphon, stepped up, and gave her testimony in much the same way I had. After she was done, she went she went over to stand with the other witnesses. One by one ponies, dragons, gryphons, and other species all testified against the employees of the camp. The whole time, the employees of the camp were giving the evil eye to everyone who had testified against them, and were mouthing threats against them. While that was going on, I went out through the same side door that Blueblood had come through when Celestia, and Luna had collapsed while trying to find out who had put the hit out on me. Twilight, and the other Element Bearers followed me.
"So where were you?" Pinkie asked. Twilight said you had left.
I nodded.
"I tried from the Wonderbolts Reserves, but spitfire, and Soarin' wouldn't let me."
"What?!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash. "Why would you wanna do something like that?!"
"Because, Rainbow," I said sadly. "I'm leaving Equestria."
"Oh no!" Fluttershy squeaked. "You're not going to--"
"No, but I've decided that I can't stay here," I told them. "I was going to ask you, Twilight, if you think that the other world that you went to would be accepting, and welcoming to...somepony like me."
"Probably. The other versions of us who live there are about as friendly as we are,"
"And it's not like you couldn't come back someday, darling," said Rarity.
"Ah know why yer leavin', but Ah don't think it's a good idea," Applejack said. "It gives the impression that yer runnin' away from yer problems, even though ya ain't."
I looked over at Applejack.
"You do need to get away from all this though. It ain't healthy to have this much stress in yer life.
I nodded, and Rainbow Dash rested a hoof on my shoulder.
"You're coming back, right?"
Sighing, I glanced over at her.
"Maybe once all of this is done, and over with, but the Princesses need to sentence those criminal scum in the throne room, and the would-be assassin needs to be caught. For all anypony knows, he, or she, just took the bits my parents offered for my death, and ran, not intending to carry out their mission at all."
"B-But we won't know that, until we find out who it is," said Fluttershy.
"Right," Pinkie added. "But once that's taken care of, and out of the way, you'll come back?"
I smiled at them.
"Yeah."
The girls cheered as a Solar Guard approached, and I rolled my eyes.
"What now?" I asked, exasperatedly
"They're ready for you to testify against your parents."
"After the trial is concluded, I'll let Princess Celestia, ad Princess Luna know what I'm going to do."
"Okay," Twilight said.
They all hugged me, and I followed the guard back to the throne room, where Celestia, and Luna were waiting, along with members of the press, as well as Cloud Kicker, and Featherwing. Unlike last time, my former parents were no longer in chains. Princes Cadence was absent though, having returned to the Crystal Empire.
"THY SON HAS PLEADED WITH US TO SHOW THEE MERCY, AND TO BE LENIENT WITH THEE!!!!" Celestia said in her Royal Canterlot Voice. "AND SO WE SHALL!!! ! THOU ARE FORBIDDEN TO EVER SEE, OR SPEAK TO THY SON, NIMBLE HOOVES!!!"
"IN ADDITION TO THAT, ALL PHOTOGRAPHS OF NIMBLE SHALL BE REMOVED FROM THY HOME, AND ANY PHOTOGRAPHS IN WHICH HE APPEARS WITH EITHER OF THEE, OR THY DAUGHTER, ARABESQUE, SHALL BE ALTERED, SO THAT HE DOES NOT APPEAR IN THEM. ANY MEMORIES OF HIM WILL ME PERMANENTLY REMOVED FROM THY MINDS!!!! HE WILL BE AS A STRANGER TO THEE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THY DAYS!!!!"
Cloudkicker, and Featherwing looked bored, and indifferent toward what Celestia, and Luna were saying.....until the Alicorn magic hit them, and all of the memories that they had of me were extracted. When the magic had faded, they blinked at the Princesses, and then looked over at me.
"Who're you?" Featherwing asked "You look familiar.
"Of course I do," I said. "My name's Six String, and I'm a musician."
Cloudkicker facehoofed.
"Of course! Our daughter, Arabesque told us she'd met you when you were in Manehatten recently! he said, grinning.
"It was all purely by chance," I said. "I happened to be walking out of one of the shops there, just as she was going in."
Celestia cleared her throat.
"Now that our business is concluded, I suggest we all retire for the day. All except Princess Luna, of course."
"Wait, why are we here?" Cloud Kicker asked.
"You were here to suggest that the old castle that Mine sister, and I lived in before, and during the time when I had become Nightmare Moon should be repaired to what it once was, and opened as a museum of Equestrian history, as well as preserved as a national landmark, and historical building." Luna told them. "We heartily agree, and it shall be so."
They accepted this, and left, and once they were gone, the Alicorn Princesses, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
"I should be going back to Ponyville, but before I do, I have to ask you both something."
"Please do," said Celestia.
"When you were pulling their memories of me from their minds, did you find out who it was that they had hired to kill me?"
Celestia, and Luna both nodded.
"Discord. They approached him at the Gala."
"What?! Surely you can't be serious!"
"WE ARE SERIOUS NIMBLE HOOVES!!!!" They both said in their Royal Canterlot Voices. "AND DON'T CALL US 'SHIRLEY'!!!!"
Celestia giggled, and Luna winked, while sticking her tongue out at me.
"Okay, I guess I deserved that thrown back in my face after using it on the both of you back in Ponyville."
"Indeed." said Celestia approaching me, and poking my nose with a well manicured hoof.
"Boop!" Luna said, giggling
"I believe your friends are waiting for you." Luna said
"One more question.
"Of course." said the Princess of the night.
"How would I speak to mares in a romantic way? You see, there's a certain pony who has caught my eye, and I would like to ask her out, but I'm not sure on how to do that."
"Just be yourself, and you'll do just fine," said Celestia.
"Thank you."
I bowed to them, and left the throne room to find the girls. on my way, I ran into Shield Bearer, and Quick Strike. They were in their mare forms, and in full armor.
"I'm glad I found you. I'm on my way back to Ponyville with Twilight, and the other Element Bearers, but I'll come back to visit again soon.
"Sounds good," said Quick Strike.
"Take care, hon," Shield Bearer said.
They both hugged, and nuzzled me.
"I will," I told them.
Breaking the embrace, I continued on my way. I met up with the girls , who all seemed sad, because of what I had said earlier.
"Change of plans," I said. "You're not getting rid of me that easily."
They were taken aback by my statement, so I explained why as we left the castle, and began our trek through Canterlot toward the train station.
"It turns out that the Princess took my advice about just removing their memories of me, so I had to reintroduce myself to them, which was a bit awkward, but it all worked out."
"So you're not leaving?" asked Fluttershy.
"Nope."
Pinkie Pie jumped up into the air.
"Woohoo!!! He's not leaving! Now we have a reason for a party!!"
"Like you've ever needed a reason before," Applejack drawled.
"That's true," replied Pinkie.
"And when we get back, darling," Rarity spoke up. "I would like to make you a whole wardrobe of new mare outfits."
"That's not necessary, really."
"Nonsense. I insist."
"Good luck with that, bud! Rainbow Dash said barely hiding her glee. "You're gonna need it with al the fru fru stuff Rarity has planned for you."
"I was going to wait until we got back home, but I guess I could ask now."
"Ask what?" Twilight inquired
I turned to face Fluttershy.
"Fluttershy, would you like to go out with me?"
"LIke a date?" she asked.
"Yeah."
"Oh I don't understand why you'd want to go out with somepony like me."
"Well, let's see. You're smart, funny, and kind for starters. Not to mention you're adorable as all get out."
She blushed at my compliment, and smiled.
"I'd love to."
"Great. Does Friday Night of next week work for you?"
"That would be lovely," she said.
"By the way, the assassin that my parents hired to kill me was Discord. I guess they though he would annoy me to death, but their plan didn't work, because if it hadn't been for him showing me that alternate nightmare version of Equestria, I would have been worm food."
Our stomachs all growled.
"Speaking of food," Twilight said. "Let's get something to eat before we head back to Ponyville.
"Sounds good to me!" Rainbow dash exclaimed.
The rest of us agreed, and we made a slight detour into Doughnut Joe's. Once we finished eating, I accompanied them as far as the train station.
"I still have business here in Canterlot to tend to, but I'll come back to Ponyville tomorrow,"
"Pardon me for sayin' what we're all thinkin', Six," Applejack stated. "But your parents got off easy , considerin' all they did to ya."
"You're right, AJ. But they were subjected to having their memories of me forcibly extracted. Had I not begged, and pleaded with the Princesses to be more lenient with Cloud Kicker, and Featherwing, they would have been sent to prison, or worse."
"So why did you do it?" asked Pinkie.
"Because even in spite of what they did to me, they're still my biological parents, and I'll love them, even if they hate me, or can't remember who I am anymore."
"Oh,"
"I think that's great that you're so willing to forgive them, darling," said Rarity. "Despite the fact that they basically ruined your life."
"As a wise pony once said, 'Forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price on a late pizza'."
The girls all laughed, and boarded the train. I stood there watching the train until it was gone from site. Then I returned to the castle.
Author's Note
One more chapter left in this story. Then It's on to writing about the date night with Fluttershy, and the romance that happens as a result of it.
Daily Equestrian Thursday 17 August
MUSICIAN OPENS UP ABOUT PERSONAL LIFE
Today, this publication recieved the following letter from none other than the famous Folk Musician Six String, and a note asking us to publish the letter. Here is what Six String had to say:
"To whom it may concern -
This all started when I was younger, and still living at home with my parents, and sister in Cloudsdale. I had been born there, and from a young age, I always prefered doing theings that fillies, and mares did, such as puting on make up, dressing up in pretty clothes, and jewelry, and going clothes shopping, and shopping for shoes, jewelry, and make up. It was during my teenage years that this became most evident, and when my family found out, they beat me, kicked me out, and had me sent to one of those camps to 'fix' gay ponies. In that camp, ponies who were brought there were put through all kinds of torture, such as being beaten, starved, not being allowed to drink any water, verbal, and emotional abuse. Any pony that was caught acting gay was put into a metal box that had a heat lamp in it, and the heat lamp was turned on to full. After enduring such horrors numerous times during my year, and a half in that place, I barely escaped with my life, and ended up in Ponyville, where I changed my name, became friends with the bearers of the Elements Of Harmony, taught myself how to play the guitar, and earned my cutie mark during the local annual talent show. I also began teaching other ponies how to play the guitar during the free time that I had in between being asked to perform in various cities, and towns throughout Equestria, which I was doing quite frequently. I thought that after all that I had been through, things were finally starting to look up, but life has a way of beating you down, and then kicking you while you're down.
Soon enough though, my students either quit, or were pulled out by their parents, and requests for performances began to show up in my mail less, and less. It seemed like everyone eas cold, and indifferent to me, just as they had been in Cloudsdale. That same year, I went to The Grand Galloping Gala, where I performed, and my family was there, but insted of being happy to see me, they were cold, cruel, and filled with hate toward me, hitting me, cursing me, and calling me more of the same things that they had when they had found out that I'm a crossdresser. By that time, I had gone through the training at the Wonderbolt Academy as well, and much like everywhere else, there were some at the Academy, and in the Wonderbolts who objected to my existance, and even though I did graduate from the academy with high honors, and was not only a Wonderbolt Reservist, but also friends with both Wonderbolt Captains, I still distanced myself from the 'bolts. It got so bad that I almost took my own life, but was convinced not to by some very good friends of mine in Ponyville, Cloudsdale, and Canterlot. I won't mention names, but they know who they are, and that they have my eternal gratitude for saving my life, and helping me to see that life is worth living
Eventually, I tried returning to Cloudsdale to make peace with my parents, but only received more of the same treatment that I had from them when I still lived in their home, and when I had seen them at the Gala. I decided then, and there to sever all ties with them, and went to see my sister who by then, was living in Manehattan, and dancing with the Equestrian Ballet Company. She was more accepting of me, and I was able to make amends with her.
I'll close by simply saying that you should never have to hide who, and what you are from others, or deny it. Always be true to yourself, because if you don't, it will only cause you misery, heartache, and pain.
Regards,
Nimble Hooves aka Six String"
In Canterlot, Cloudsdale, and Ponyville, the faces of Celestia, Luna, Spitfire, Soarin' High, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie PIe, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Spike, Starlight Glimmer, and Arabesque lit up when they read the article that had been sent to every newspaper, and magazine publisher on Equis, and they all smiled, happy at knowing that while it may have been difficult to 'come out' like he had, Six String was brave to do so, and would no longer have to feel like the whole entire weight of Equis was on his shoulders, and like he was alone in the world. Perhaps then, the physical, mental, and emotional scars that he had been carrying for such a long time, could finally begin to mend, and heal. That night, the two sisters, along with the Element bearers, Spitfire, Soarin' High, Starlight Glimmer, Spike, and Arabesque gathered for a private party in Six String's honor at Sugarcube Corner that lasted well into the night.
Through out Equis, Ponies, Zebras, Griffins, Dragons, and various others were coming out to their families, loved ones, and friends, and rather than having the negative effect that those who had stood trial had hoped, it opened doors that had been closed before. As a result, laws were passed to make any kind of attack, whether it be physical, mental, emotional, verbal, or any kind of bullying against those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, or even questioning their sexuality, a hate crime. Thus, the rest of Equis became a place of love, peace, tolerance, understanding, and acceptance, just like Equestria, and nations that had once been enemies were now friends for all time.
Author's Note
This is the final chapter for this story. Next up, Romance is in the air for two Pegasai. I wrote, and posted this chapter before the one chronicling the trial, because I hit a writer's block with the other chapter.