Celestia sat in her chariot flying in the air at post haste, as she realised that she was very late to the meeting. It was supposed to be held in the afternoon at 1PM but of course, this being a more private meeting she had to convince Discord that she'd be fine and that he has to stay put in the castle. Usually he'd be fine for private meetings due to them being held at the castle. It was an even harder challenge to convince him this time as it was held in Ponyville. The air was smoke-ridden so she had to conjure a forcefield to keep her and her guards from being blinded by smoke.

The letter she had received was from Mayor Mare, wanting get her best attention due to the circumstances and needed her full cooperation. She felt like hitting herself due to the fact that she was three hours late.

Her two guards and chariot carriers had trouble navigating as well, and because of that they had to land midway and get to town by land instead. The sky was dark and below was hazy. Even so, it was better to navigate from then on instead of getting lost in smoke clouds.

They had landed in the Everfree, and from then on trekked their way through it. They left the chariot behind as they walked by hoof. Although they knew where they were, Celestia cursed herself as she realised that the more they trekked the more they seemed to be going nowhere. "Wind Blade, Bluestone, where are we going?"

The two guards looked to each other. "...uh.. we were following you, you Highness."

Celestia then realised that yes, she did seem to be the first to lead them away from the chariot and didn't take note of the distance from landing to town. "....right. Uhm, did any of us bring a map?"

Bluestone turned to his partner. "Psst, Blade."

"It wasn't with you?" his partner replied.

"What?! You carried it beforehoof!"

"Yeah but I gave it to you again, remember?!"

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

Celestia stared, her eyes riddled with annoyance as the two carried along arguing. "......this is the last time I'll leave my saddlebag back at the castle."

Rarity managed to calm down after awhile and together they walked to town. Whatever that had happened in town, it certainly sent flames all over the place. An explosion? A sudden attack sent out by the Princess? As the years passed, she didn't feel inclined to call her by her name anymore. She wasn't her friend anymore. She has become someone different. Someone she can't even recognise anymore.

The Princess has been sending out random bomb attacks to scare away ponies from rioting in front of the castle. Which makes ponies even more inclined to start protests and bigger riots, resulting in more extreme measures her guards would use.

Speaking of the Princess, every week there would be one day where she would make a town announcement. And that day would be tomorrow. Fluttershy rarely attended the annoucement making, an exception being when the sirens in town go off however. Which would mean that either the Princess is going to be announcing a new law in town, a big change or anything else that could bring a big difference in lives. The normal announcements are usually just the Princess giving off her satisfaction of the riots or her trying to convince everyone that everything will be okay in the better future she would continue to build.

A liar.

Fluttershy never took note on whether the Princess would spot her in the crowd. Actually, the last time she ever spoke to the Princess was the day before Dash died.

A commander of the Princess who got more than she had bargained for. She was given the role when Ponyville was still.......quite peaceful. Fluttershy knew why she was the one chosen to be commander when other more trained pegasi, unicorns and earthponies from all around the globe came to show what they got. The Princess- no, Twilight, still had a soft spot back then.

Now there is no Twilight. She had faith that her friend, element of loyalty, would stick around. That being said, during protests ponies would pile up in front of the castle, and Dash would have to calm the crowd down. With the Princess being too proud to show her face outside, Dash would always take blame for everything the Princess has done. A staff of the Princess, why does your ruler think so low of us?, they would ask. There'd even be times where fights would get resulted, and Dash would always come to the cottage wounded and bruised.

Dash knew that at the end, she was only a punching bag. Something to distract the ponies and keeping the Princess safe and sound in her own castle. Till the end, although there were times Rainbow tried to persuade the Princess to let loose and to not torture her civilians, being shouted at for disobeying authority, and sometimes even being pulled away by guards who were ordered to....do whatever they'd like to her. She died being loyal. Never did she put away her role as commander. Never did she betray the Princess. All she could do is be silent, still having hope that the Princess still had that spark somewhere in there. Just no one was there to ignite it. She'd say she hated the Princess, but inside she still hoped for something.

Shot down by civilians with a flame crossbow, she died on the Princess' balcony where she managed to land at. All the bodies and corpses of those who did not manage to survive the attacks were set to landfill and burned, the ashes then flowing through the smoke in the air.

The last time they spoke. The last time the Princess ever spoke. Was when they tried to persuade her to let go of the Apple Orchard's land. Although the Apple family had long been gone with Spike by their side due to him still being a child, it was unwise to claim the orchard and land that had been under the Apple family name for generations. They failed to persuade however, as one would figure.

Now the orchard is nothing but an empty patch of land. Trees had been cut down, the barn wad demolished, Fluttershy couldn't bear to witness the demolish of the CMC's treehouse. She had remembered coming up there once in awhile bringing fresh cookies and milk, reassuring everypony that everything would be alright. When Sweetie passed and Scoots moved away however, she remembered how broken Applebloom looked sitting alone up in the treehouse. Fluttershy would always visit to try and cheer Applebloom up.

Applejack was surprised to hear that Fluttershy didn't want to move away with them, for fearing to leave her animals behind, especially during the time of war. But, she was a little relieved to know that Flutters wouldn't be alone as Dash and Rarity decided to stay as well. It was a teary evening, but family is priority, especially with a little kid who were still too young to understand what was going on. They managed to sneak Spike away with them as well, the boy was told to be starved as he wasn't allowed to leave the library section of the castle and never risked going out to grab a bite or two. The Princess would feed him but when she'd forgotten, either he starves or Dash comes by to give up her lunch for her from the library window.

The next day after they moved away to Appleloosa to rejoin with other relatives, sirens went off and the Princess announced of Spike's absence, as if he'd turn about from her calling for him to be returned to the castle immediately. Houses were raided, the cottage, and the orchard, which was soon found out by her to be empty. The culprit that stole her dragon.

Before they left however, the family and them had a last get together. Rarity made cowboy hats for little Applebloom and Spike to suite the Appleloosa 'style'. Fluttershy on the other hoof knitted two wool bags for the duo. Rainbow couldn't join the dinner however as she had duty to attend to, but she left her lucky scout scarf for Applebloom. It was meant for Scoots' birthday that year but....

They had their last dinner together before leaving, Fluttershy giving the duo kisses goodbye.

Fluttershy hoped that the family is still safe. Her thoughts were interrupted however as Rarity pointed into the distance towards town, specifically the castle. "Shy...look."

Fluttershy squinted, and what caught her eye was a large banner along with flags. The banner stated: Bring back rights. The flags had symbols of the Princess' crown being crossed off by red lines. Death threats were being chanted in front of the castle. Although the balcony of the castle was empty, no Princess peering down at her citizens.

They stopped walking as they watched from a distance. And as expected, the Princess has other plans in mind. Suddenly, ponies started screaming and backing up as some sort of green gas exited the castle, filling the air. They could see ponies coughing and tearing up. Rarity backed up a little. "Mayyyybe we shouldn't enter town at the moment."

Celestia and her two guards walked around aimlessly looking for maybe a sign or something that would point to Ponyville. Wind Blade coughed. "Your Highness, I could fly up again and see where we're at-"

"And fall from being blinded by smoke again?"

"I-it was an accident, I can try again-"

"No, we can figure this out ourselves, I'm sure of it," she continued to walk forward as the guards followed helplessly from behind. During the trek she had noticed charred tree bark and leaves, even random trash which appeared to be charred as well.

Bluestone sighed. "We're getting nowhere...." he whispered to himself. Suddenly, something caught his eye. A shadow. A shadow flew over him. He froze and looked up, but was met with nothing. "....uh..." he looked forward and realised how far back he was. "W-wait!" he ran towards the others. Catching up, he panted before leaning towards Wind Blade. "B-Blade? I heard something behind us."

Wind Blade rolled his eyes. "We're in a forest, it's probably some small critter."

"B-but it flew above us."

"Yeah, a bird? Grow up, Blue."

Bluestone gulped, but remained by Wind Blade's side. A bird....possibly? Could it really just be a bird? But...the rustling.....

Celestia turned her head back to the two. "Whatever it was, leave it be. We have more important things to- gah!" she backed in surprise as somepony came down hanging from a tree branch. Although cloaked, the black cloth slipped off as they hung from the branch, revealing a zebra instead.

"What a surprise to see your Highness, although one could fathom why your Highness is trekking through the forest with little to dim brightness. Are you lost?"

Celestia's surprised looked turned to a relieved one. "Ah, Zecora. It's a relief to bump into you," the zebra let go of the branch, landing herself steady on the ground. Zecora eyed Bluestone, who then nudged Wind Blade as an 'I told you so'. "We are, in fact, lost. The sky was too dark to navigate through. We landed the chariot somewhere back there and proceeded to travel by hoof. But stupidly, we have nothing to navigate with."

Zecora chuckled. "That's something I'd never thought I'd hear from a Princess, but I can lead you back to my hut for now to rest. It seems that Ponyville is in a bit of a mess, travelling there tomorrow would be best."

Celestia sighed. In this case, she'd have to miss out on the meeting, isn't she?

Bluestone tapped her shoulder. "Princess, it is a wise decision if we did stay put. We can't risk you getting hurt," he said. "You may be a Goddess, but Princess Twilight's land is a whole 'nother level. Surely you've heard news coming from Ponyville and other neighbouring towns?"

Celestia nodded. "Mhm. You're right. But, I can't just miss out on the meeting, I am the ruler of Equestria. Missing out when clear urgency has been stated might send the wrong message to Mayor Mare. Afterall, ponies with their make-belief stories, they'd say that I was the one that made Twilight who she is today. I....kinda believe that too, actually."

Wind Blade spoke up. "Your Highness, do not think low of yourself. You had only started Princess Twilight's journey. All that she has done, all that she has achieved to get this far, they are all her choices. You held her hoof till she became Princess. It was then that she acted out. If anything, it could be looked at as your Highness was the one that held her back."

"They're right," added Zecora as she planted a hoof against Celestia's chest. "Princess, everyone defines their own path. If you think you can create an individual, telling that to sage, I might as well laugh. Choices are of their own making, just like how sanity had been Twilight's forsaking."

Celestia looked at the zebra, who smiled reassuringly. Celestia couldn't help but smile herself. "....alright, we'll stay the night."

They were all lead to the hut, with Celestia staring wide eyed at the charred tree log laying a few meters away from the entrance to the hut. A charred arrow too stuck out from it. "Oh my."

"Flames were being thrown everywhere, a sudden attack if you see. Due to the riots and protests, it's the Princess's, I gurantee. Words are useless to those that want freedom, so Twilight had chosen action, to scare away them."

She unlocked the door to the hut, and they were let in. "Please, make yourselves comfy. At night, riots would sing and keep us awake if unlucky."

She went to get a few banana leaves she had stored up for her brews as mats for them to rest on. She had also taken a leaf for herself as it'll be unwise to be the only one on a bed.

Celestia looked around. "It wouldn't be any trouble if I were to ask for a few parchments and a quill?"

Zecora laid the leaves down for each of them as they took a sit on them. "Of course, of course. Thinking of sending a letter to the beast and the sister of yours?"

"Beast? You mean Discord?" asked Bluestone. She nodded.

"I haven't seen him around in years. He'd come around and tell ridiculous stories, pah, as if I told him I was 'all ears'," she said as she walked to her shelves and took a few parchments, a quill and a tub of ink. "Although, it became quite lonely without the thing. I live alone, and, well, I'd admit, his stories are....something. Living in the forest sure has it perks, although to hide from the town and it's dangers, eh it works."

She handed over Celestia her needs. "Thank you." Zecora nodded, and mentioned to make tea for them. "That'll be nice. Well, actually I was thinking of writing a letter for Mayor Mare. I've forgotten about the other two. What a mistake it would be if I didn't give any of them a heads up."

"It's already a mistake not giving Discord a heads up," whispered Bluestone to Wind.

"Actually, how did you know that I keep in contact with him?" asked Celestia. Did she slip up or something?

"I've heard from other travellers that the castle of your Highness houses a beast as a pet. A beast would none other be Discord, I bet?"

Celestia chuckled. "A beast to take care of, indeed. Although, it's a little harsh to call him a pet, or a beast for that matter. He's just....having trouble for now."

"Twilight, no doubt, surely I'm correct. The yellow one, his friend, came sobbing, asking if we have met. But alas, the Lord never comes by anymore. Leaving the pegasus more devastated and poor."

Celestia raised a brow. "Did she tell you that it was Twilight?"

"Oh, no. The pegasus had no clue. But seeing them trek up the hill to a cave, it was at then that I knew. After awhile, lights came out ablazing, and after awhile the Lord came out sobbing, leaving even my brows raising. The yellow one was confused, heartbroken and angry, after hearing that maybe her friend was not what she had been seeing. Discord might've been deceived, but the others were fooled into disbelieving.

Celestia felt a heavy weight upon her chest. Fluttershy.....she never thought about how Discord's absence might've affected her. Neither has Discord talked about her since that day. She'd ask at times if he wanted to go back to Ponyville and maybe see his old friends again, but nothing detailed ever came out except for a hard 'no'. She never pushed him to speak further than that, knowing him, it's clear that he might've been uncomfortable with the question or even talking about his old friends in general.

But now, with this in mind, she kept a mental note to visit Fluttershy if she had the chance. Looking up to Zecora, she questioned again. "Does Fluttershy visit often?"

"Usually to borrow any medical brews I manage to whip up, other than that we rarely meet up."

"How about the others? Her friends, I mean."

"Most of them are gone I'm afraid, dear Princess. Deceased and charred with the bodies of rest. War is a cruel state for a town to be in, most of us are just waiting for the next attack to begin. Miss Loyalty and Laughter were a few of the victims, but then again it might've been a relief that the Gods had picked them. The family of Honesty had long moved away, taking Spike with them so he too can be safe at bay. Miss Generosity however, tragedy struck her. And her sister died a hero while young Scootaloo was given to her mother. Ashamed and with nothing else to lose, she moved in with the yellow one, leaving back only her charred boutique too."

Celestia felt....devastated. She let this happen, didn't she.

Zecora gave her a reassuring smile. "Please don't blame yourself, I know you feel sad. But be happy for those that still survives, be happy for them, and be glad."

"It almost feels like you can read my mind..." Celestia smiled slightly, sniffling a little. But, she cleared her head after a while. She still had to write her letters. With a sigh, she dipped her quill into the ink tub, and began writing.

"My dearest Luna......"

"Dear Mayor Mare......"

Author's Note

To the people that read this: I hope we could all one day meet up and eat pizza because I think you fellas are awesome for sticking around. I rest my case, thank you.