Author's Note

Edit: Sorry about the brief takedown in chapters. I realized I had fucked up upon writing this, and found it easier to delete the other chapter. It wasn't going anywhere, anyways. Let this be a lesson, folks. Don't write chapters at 4 in the morning with no sleep.

Hey all, I'm back again! This time with some fancy new writing techniques. Apologies for the long wait, I've been quite busy with real life stuff.

I admit the chapter of this story had gone through several revisions before I was completely happy with it.

I'd always imagine this as a badass ending song.

As always, any criticism is appreciated.

Chapter 9: A Modicum of Importance

Twilight Sparkle prided herself as a mare of intellectual pursuits, oftentimes spending hours to herself in her study perusing over her vast archive of knowledge tucked away in her library. Of course, she knew all of what was stored here but didn't mind rereading a book or two to really hone in her knowledge of a given subject. But there was one thing that had eluded her these past two days; who was the creature seen with Princess Celestia at her brother's wedding? There were no records, official or unofficial detailing the likes of it.

There were, of course, the Minotaurs, who bore a striking resemblance to the features the creature carried with it, but they were nomadic by nature and shared many of their histories through word of mouth. The sound of hooves busying themselves across the wooden panels lining the floor of the library echoed to all within as Twilight hurried from bookshelf to bookshelf in an attempt to find anything, even fictional, detailing what the creature could be.

"Maybe you should rest, you've been at this all night." The young voice of Spike pointed out behind the mare, to which she momentarily stopped under the 'G' section.

Taking his words into consideration, though very briefly, Twilight brought a hoof to her muzzle, painstakingly scanning every book cover and title.
"I can't stop now, there could be an important discovery at the tip of our hooves!" Twilight protested in earnest, pulling out a seemingly random book and flipping it over to the first page to begin reading.

Indeed, Spike's words were correct as due to the way the mare was orientated, the morning blue sunlight peeked itself through the curtains, casting a piercing ray directly into her eyes. As expected, Twilight recoiled back with a grimace, shutting the book and sliding it back into the correct spot.
"Maybe you're right, I should get some rest." The mare finally conceded with an awkward, if somewhat embarrassed giggle.
And so, with those parting words, she tucked herself in for a morning nap.

Six braved himself, willing himself towards the imposing yet immaculate gates of the castle as the only sound accompanying him on his journey back was the birds, their singsongs floating around the would-be still air of the courtyard.
The guard at the gate gave a nod upon noticing his approach, opening up the door to allow a seamless entry inside of the castle hallways. As the human stepped in, he heard the door slam shut behind him, but he gave him no time to stop and linger on that. He pressed forward, recounting his recent memories of the castle layout to make a straight beeline for Princess Celestia's throne room.

It took a few minutes, and a bit of direction asking but he managed to find himself at the large, ornate doors of the throne room. The engravings upon the door detailing the reverence the ponies held for the Princess.
"I wish for access." Six spoke to the guards on both flanks of the door, to which they nodded. It was almost like they were expecting him. Everything was going to smooth for this. His more paranoid side would rationalize that this may be a trap, but he staved that feeling. At least for now.

The door slowly opened to reveal the big, red carpet stretching out to the foot of the throne, to which the Princess was sitting on with radiant beauty. Looking back on this event, even Six had to admit that this was truly breathtaking were it not for him being in the moment.

With a breath to steel his nerves, the man strode forward, his duster gently trailing behind from the brisk pace he walked. There were two guards on either side of the throne, the amusing fact that the Equestrians loved counting in even numbers was never lost on Six.
"Princess." Six addressed her as he got within earshot of her, that same motherly smile splayed on her muzzle that he grew to know. He could see the guards visibly tense up at him not addressing her in a very formal manner, but it mattered little to him.

"Six." She addressed with equal bluntness, causing the man to shift about on his feet. He just wanted her to get to the point, already. Well, it was time to be blunt. Being blunt was something he was quite good at.
"I assume you've already heard the news?" He asked, giving no hint as to what he was implying. He figured she'd pick up what he was implying, anyways.

Celestia gave a short nod, something that Six picked up quite easily, rising off her haunches and stepping down onto the floor in front of him.
"I know that you were doing it to protect the innocent, and for that, I must commend you, but please consider non-lethal options first." She told the man, yet again causing another reaction. This time he stepped back, scanning her. This wasn't an order. She was pleading with him, though she hid it well, the intention was still there. He never liked considering non-lethal options as all of the enemies, everything he's ever fought would rather kill him.

"I-.." He cut himself short of saying something that the mare would not like. He took in a breath, "I'll keep it in mind." He finally settled on. Celestia seemed content with the answer, flitting past him to head down the carpet. He turned accordingly, watching her make for the exit. He decided to accompany her, still having multiple questions running through his head.

"When will I leave?" Was the first question he asked once they were out of the throne room and well on their way down the hallway. He was unsure where they were heading, but judging by his vague memorization, they were on the way to the observatory. Fitting.

Princess Celestia took a few seconds to respond, "Tomorrow." She informed the man, to which he gave a nod. At least he had something to look forward to. The mare still scared the hell out of him, though he wouldn't admit it to her face. He was glad to be away from her.
She radiated energy that of which he had never felt before. Every time he was within a meter or two from her he'd get the sudden urge to just turn tail and flee. He managed to keep it under wraps, thankfully.

"Understood. I'll start packing my things." He nodded, breaking off from the mare's side and turning back around down the hallway.

"Wait." He could hear the Princesses' motherly tone call after him, causing him to halt mid-stride. He slowly turned around to greet the mare once more, "Yes?" He asked, watching her eyes study him.

"Would you like to accompany me on my trip to the observatory? The view will be plentiful." She offered the human. Well, it certainly gave him more time to think. It couldn't hurt, could it? With a few thoughts weighing some options on whether he should leave or stay, he finally settled on staying with the mare.

"I don't see why not." He shrugged, beginning after her as they continued their walk.

"Wow, you weren't kidding." the Courier nodded once stepping out onto the observatory balcony. The bustling city below, the shimmering sparkling coming off the snow-capped mountaintops that rose high and proud in the distance. The rolling hills of green with occasional farmland and bursts of forests with rivers and lakes neatly intertwined with each other. There was a roll-off of water coming off down one of the mountains, feeding into a larger lake at the foot. It certainly was beautiful.

He could hear Princess Celestia give a light giggle off to his left. Possibly from his amazement. The landscape of this world certainly was a foreign change from the depressing brown and tans of the Mojave. It took a force to not just break down into a laughing, and possibly crying mess. He stepped forward, placing both palms on the edge of the railing, peering off out into the landscape below.

He didn't know what to feel. It was beautiful, breathtaking. He wanted to laugh and he wanted to cry at the same time.
"It's-.." He didn't know how to describe. Beautiful didn't seem to do the view justice, "It's simply amazing." He finally settled on, not satisfied with the word but it was the best he could do.

"It is, isn't it?" The mare at his side spoke, giving a wistful sigh as she peered off into the landscape. Six could tell something was up.

"Princess?" He spoke up, looking over at her, "Is something wrong?" He wasn't sure why the mare was feeling down. This was a moment to reflect. To think. He didn't get a response, just watching as the mare's pupils danced across the landscape. With a sigh of his own and a light shake of his head, he resorted back into looking off.

He needed to plan for the future and what was to come.