The Fractured - Farcture-verse

It took a few days for all of us to be cleared to leave the hospital. For Pyrus, it meant he now sported a cast on his left hind leg. It had been somewhat funny to watch the doctor and nursing staff try to figure out how to apply the cast and even if they could do so with the fire constantly flickering up his shins from his hooves.

Thankfully, they soon learned that, so long as Pyrus allowed it, the fires he naturally emitted didn’t actually burn anyone or anything touching him.

Me, on the other hoof, despite my missing leg and wing, I was given the all clear first. Once the ring was finally removed from my horn, it was given to the purple Alicorn who had confronted us. Apparently, she was a researcher as well as a Princess and went by the name Twilight Sparkle. I rolled my eye at that. These ponies and their names, I swear.

I also made it very clear that I wanted to examine the ring myself when she was done. Now that it was no longer attached to me, I was interested to study its properties and what it could do other than syphon magic.

All distraction aside, the only real medical examinations I received were in relation to my right eye and my extreme exhaustion. The latter being a culmination of events I had encountered since arriving in this world and a side effect from the magic syphoning ring. This didn’t mean my other wounds were ignored, just little treatment was able to be given.

For Aria, the results of her tests left her in an odd mood. She was pregnant. Exactly how she came to be so, I was yet to learn. Perhaps she would open up in time. I didn’t push, that would be her tale to tell, if and when she was ready. It wasn’t surprising though. Her fears had been well-founded. This was just confirmation. Aria took the news well, all things considered. Her main reaction was simply to step to a corner of the room for some heavy thinking.

Also, after reluctance on both sides, Aria was tested with regard to Twilight’s concerns. The only magical essence they found in her were her latent energies. Nothing resembling what Twilight had been worried about remained. This revelation gave rise to bitter irritation in Aria and scepticism from Twilight, most of which they silently directed toward each other whenever the purple Alicorn checked on us.

When it came time to discharge us as a group, we weren’t exactly allowed to immediately leave. Apparently, Princess Luna had left a few guards behind to watch over us. They weren’t a problem when we were in our room, they didn’t even set a hoof inside. But, the moment we tried to step through the door, the guards blocked our passage.

They said very little in the way of reason for keeping us in the room until it became clear with the arrival of Luna herself one stormy evening. My hopes sank a little at the sight of her. Her eyes were wide and filled with as much joy as the enormous grin she sported. Unsurprisingly, her gaze was fixed firmly on me.

“It is so good to see thee freed from the confines of a hospital bed, mine daughter,” Luna beamed. “We are pleased with thy decision to give Equestria a chance.”

I inwardly cringed. Yes, I was going to stay a while. See more of this world, but Luna’s exuberance was rather grating for me. In particular, the volume of her voice was somehow even greater than when she had first encountered us. Not to mention seeing her again… Her and Celestia may have shown me how I ended up in a male human form then as a mare again upon my return. But, it was just hard getting my head around my now three lives.

“We have come to escort thee and thy companions to the most respected of nearby seamstresses,” Luna declared. “Planning hath begun with regard to thine debut as the latest Princess of Equestria. As such, thine gown for the event must hastily be crafted.”

I let a grunt escape my throat then cringed as I asked, “Do we really have to? Not like I asked to be a Princess.”

I watched as some of the joy left Luna’s face. “We had thought thou wanted such things to be dealt with in the utmost of haste. ’Tis what thou stated previously.”

A sigh escaped my lips. Her archaic speech was already getting to me. “I meant being stuck in hospital. I never agreed to this whole Princess thing.”

Luna approached me, wrapped a foreleg around the back of my neck and gave a careful hug with her head pressed to my right cheek. I stiffened at the contact. Luna moved back so she could look me in the eye but kept me close with her leg still on my back. “We understand the frivolous nature of such events. However, thou must understand thy place within society. As royalty we are considered somewhat property of the public. Our subjects expect certain considerations as part of our status. The minimum being public appearances.”

Even my damaged right eye cracked open with my incredulity at such a statement. “You truly want me to be the public face for part of the royal family?”

Luna nodded. “Of course, We do.”

She sounded so sincere. And, no, I am truly not being sarcastic. I honestly doubt Luna could convincingly lie to anyone.

“You are aware I look like I lost in a head-on crash between a motorcycle and a bus, right?”

Luna blinked at me. “I… do not understand your analogy.”

Wow. I must have confused her. She actually spoke like someone from this decade.

“Think of it as her having been in a terrible cart accident,” Aria cut in.

Luna looked at her for a few moments, blinking as the concept settled into her thoughts.

“Ah,” the deep blue Alicorn said with a short nod of understanding before looking to me with a loving smile. “Thou needst not worry. Thine beauty will shine through.”

Not exactly what I meant. Why was it so hard for this mare to understand that I had absolutely zero interest in what she wanted of me. Considering, the very moment I had the opportunity to get back to the human world and my non-royal life, I was going to take it.

“Let us be off!” Luna joyously exclaimed, clearly oblivious to anything I wanted.

* * *

It wasn’t long after leaving the hospital that we found ourselves entering another building; one which reminded me of a carousel at a seaside carnival. Once inside, Luna used her magic to remove the cloak she had draped herself in along with the one she had made me wear. This mare and her mixed messages. Did my scars need hiding or not? Make up your mind! Although, it had been raining, so I guess she could have the benefit of the doubt this time.

Deciding to hold my tongue, I watched as a familiar purple-maned white unicorn mare approached our group. It was one of the mares from our hospital confrontation. She was positively beaming at our presence in the building. She quickly introduced herself as Rarity and warmly welcomed us to her humble boutique.

Strangely, very little needed to be exchanged in the way of words as Rarity had apparently been previously informed of this visit. There was also little chance to speak as Rarity was absolutely bubbling at the presence of royalty in her main parlour. I smiled hesitantly, realising that her over exuberance was oddly similar to that of Luna herself. It wasn’t long before she beckoned me to join her with an excited call, “Come! Come!”

With little chance of backing out, Rarity led me to a raised pedestal used for modelling outfits. Unsurprisingly, I was rather reluctant to go along. I looked to Aria and Pyrus hoping for help. Neither seemed interested in doing so. I eyed the exit but my hopes for potential escape were dashed when I noted the two Night Guards standing either side of the door.

What followed was possibly the most emasculating experience I’d ever been through in my life; other than my self-inspection upon arrival in this world. Poked and prodded without being able to move. Measured and remeasured… sometimes in the most intimate of places. It wasn’t long before Rarity began to drape my body in fabrics using her magic. She adjusted her work with the loose placement of fasteners.

After several minutes of this mistreatment, I glanced at the others in the room. One in particular caught my attention.

I glowered at Aria. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

Her face was graced by the smuggest grin I had ever seen while a mischievous glint twinkled in her eyes. “Oh definitely.”

I sighed and shook my head. “This is what I get for helping you.”

I felt a soft whack to the top of my head.

“Please, Princess, you must hold still,” Rarity ordered, fussing with a bolt of fabric in her magic. “This gown must be perfect if you are to wear it to the announcement of your debut.”

From across the room, Luna continued to watch me, a cheeky smile on her lips and a soundless giggle at my suffering. I scrunched my snooter but did my best to regain my earlier posture.

“Not like I wanted to be royalty,” I muttered under my breath.

“And why wouldn’t you, my dear?” Rarity asked, her eyes glistening with some internal dream of hers. “You will get to rub shoulders with all the ponies of the highest class. Not to mention the balls and galas you will attend in the fanciest of dresses.”

I wanted to shake my head in annoyance so badly, but knew it would only gain me yet another scolding. It was like being treated as a child.

“You may have missed it during the whole confrontation a couple of days back,” I grumbled testily. “Until a week ago, I was a male human.”

I reared up and quickly stabbed my only forehoof at Luna for emphasis before catching myself again. “She’s the one who thinks I’m her daughter. I got no say in this.”

Rarity sighed in annoyance. “Please hold still, Princess.”

It was so hard to hold myself back and not snap at this mare in exasperation. Clearly, all she ever thought about was just the outer appearance and social standing of anyone she met. I did my best to clarify my point to her. “Don’t think you quite get it. Back where I’m from, Princesses simply exist as little more than diplomatic arm candy and baby makers. They have very little importance.”

I flicked my head, tossing my fringe from covering my right eye. “Not to mention my many scars. I doubt they will be seen as very ‘Princessy’.”

It was Luna who spoke up as she approached the modelling pedestal. “Do not fret, my beautiful Selene—”

I felt a chill run up my spine. I scowled at Luna. My voice turned cold as I spoke. “My name is Monochrome.”

Luna brushed the comment aside. “Equestrian Princesses are of greater import. We are the true diplomats and law makers of our lands and skies. In truth, it is more the Princes who are the—”

She paused as she considered her words. “Candy of arms as thou put it.”

Luna lowered her nose to beneath mine so she could peer up at me with what I was sure she intended to be a loving smile. “And do not concern thyself with the scars thou bear. Thou art still beautiful in mine eye.”

I narrowed my eye on her, my snooter curling in a nasty, distasteful snarl. I watched Luna’s smile slowly slip away before I jolted forward from a slap of a hoof to my flank. Turning my head, I watched as Aria rolled her eyes in annoyance at me.

“Just go with it,” she said. I felt my muscles relax a little before seeing a wicked grin crack Aria’s face. “Your Highness.”

Behind her I caught a glimpse of Pyrus with Sickle perched between his ears. How two creatures of such opposing elements could be in such close proximity was beyond my comprehension. What annoyed me about them was the sight of Pyrus grinning at me having clearly followed the conversation. What startled me more was I could swear Sickle was grinning through her beak as well.

I turned my back on them and shook my head, still peevish as I took my pose again at the beckoning of Rarity. Although the fashionista continued to display the outer joy of working on royalty, the frustration at my continued interruptions of her task was clear in her eyes.

* * *

It was several days later, spent forcibly confined to Rarity’s boutique by a group of Night Guards, when Luna finally decided to have said guards escort me to the capital, Canterlot. I rolled my eyes on hearing the name. This world and its puns, I swear. We had been offered to stay at Twilight’s castle. Seriously, the purple Alicorn had her own castle. But, we declined. Mostly to keep Aria away from Twilight.

That aside, it was a rather dull journey by train. Originally, Luna had asked I go by flying chariot. No, I’m not kidding. She actually said that. I considered it for only a moment before dismissing it. I may have a wing, but there’s no way I could fly if I fell.

The train was simply the second, much more grounded, option. My night pony escorts didn’t seem too concerned as I found myself sequestered in a private carriage in which they had complete control over the security. The train was quaint, even a little cutesy in design but that wasn’t really anything to complain about, even if it had a steam locomotive to pull it instead of more modern engines.

This brought an interesting thought to my mind. This rather fanciful world may have been somewhat technologically stunted, but no one I saw ever seemed to mind. I guess it was due to the fact a third of the main population had magic while another third could actually control the weather and the final third were the masters of all vegetation. They had no need for the advancements non-magical beings like humans frequently took for granted. And I was getting side-tracked again.

Brushing the thought aside, I had been joined in the private carriage by Aria, Pyrus and Sickle. Sickle wasn’t exactly a surprise. She appeared to want to keep close to me. Oddly, so did Pyrus. Before the trip, I had asked both Pyrus and Aria whether or not they had somewhere to stay.

Pyrus’ response was both characteristically silent and pointed. He gestured to one of Luna’s Night Guard, then to himself before giving me a firm poke to the chest with his hoof. Apparently, he wanted to remain by my side as my personal bodyguard or something. I asked him in so many words. He nodded firmly in response.

So, I guess I now had two beings watching over me. One, a phoenix born of ice and snow in place of fire and ash. The other, a stallion far bigger than myself, whose fetlocks, mane and tail were made of actual fire, and who couldn’t utter a single word.

That left Aria. I can’t exactly deny how abrasive she was, personality wise. In truth, hers wasn’t much different from mine. And, no matter how strange our arrival here nor her familiarity with this world, she didn’t just go running off to wherever she was from the moment we landed. She was yet to let her reasoning slip, but Aria appeared content to stick around, even before I was outed as a long-lost Princess.

It was just after midnight when the train finally came to a stop in Canterlot. The streets were mostly empty, the only noises coming from the train passengers themselves. With so few ponies around, I frowned. I had a feeling the timing wasn’t a coincidence. Arriving at the, admittedly rather spectacular, castle perched on the mountainside, without a single pony outside of their group crossing their path strengthened that theory. Meeting an incredibly joyous Luna after she leapt down from a balcony before we set hoof inside the front doors confirmed it.

I had little chance to react as Luna, grinning all the while, threw herself at me, wrapping me in the tightest hug I had ever received. Not that I’d ever really experienced many as a human. Life of a drifter, I guess. My eyes bulged as a near rib breaking squeeze from Luna’s front legs pinned me hard against her barrel. I let out a weak involuntary whimper as the air was forced from my lungs.

“Oh, most joyful of nights!” Luna bellowed. “Long have We awaited thy return!”

Letting go with her legs, I felt air rush back into me. There was a giggle nearby. One I was going to hear frequently throughout the following day. I mentally cursed Aria before Luna moved to stand against my injured side. She draped a wing over my back and, still beaming with joy, led me into the castle while her voice reached for the sky. “Come, daughter mine. We shalt see thee settled.”

From that moment on, my life was truly not my own. I stumbled often on my three legs as I was dragged about the castle by Luna and servant alike, often with my companions in tow. Apparently, even though I’d had little sleep, I was expected to prepare for the announcement of my debut. This meant grooming. A lot of grooming.

By the time I was done with being cleaned, dried, had my mane and tail thoroughly brushed, my muscles assaulted by massage therapists, spritzed with perfume, and my hooves filed and buffed to the point they sparkled, I felt like I had gone several rounds with a heavyweight boxer. Of course, Aria giggled and teased me every step of the way. Even once at Pyrus’ expense when he was asked to bathe. His only response, a quirked eyebrow as if to ask whether or not the attendant was joking.

Once declared decent, my torture moved to another stage. This was when I was brought face to face with Rarity again. My heart sank. Of course, she was here! Who else would she trust to bring her vision of my appearance to life? Several hours of preening and gown adjustments followed. By the time it was all done, the sun had been up for a while. And I was getting very hungry.

Food, however, wasn’t on the metaphorical table. Instead of a cafeteria or kitchen, I was led to a holding area where I was met by both Luna and Celestia. Like me, they were extravagantly dressed and pampered. Looking at them, I inwardly groaned. I hope we didn’t have to dress up like this every day. If so I would never get to sleep again. The two older Alicorns took the opportunity to compliment my appearance and to ask a few questions they had thought of in the days since I had last seen them. Answers weren’t always easy to give.

At a certain time, Celestia and Luna exited the holding room, leaving me to nothing more than my mental musings. I could hear much murmuring from the room they had entered but little more before Celestia finally began the announcement. Luna followed her sister’s words and soon, the door to the holding area opened and I was ushered out by a servant.

What I found myself facing left me wondering why no one had, besides grooming, tried to prepare me for standing in front of several hundred ponies. I couldn’t deny the work done by Rarity and others. The gown, cape and mane style Rarity had organised for me was surprisingly perfect. Without paying close attention, it would’ve been incredibly difficult to catch a glimpse of my scars and missing limbs. I still limped of course. There was no way of preventing that without putting me on wheels. I inwardly chuckled at the thought of gliding across the floor, my legs perfectly straight and wheels hidden beneath my gown and cape.

The announcement itself was rather simple. I didn’t even have to say a word. I just had to bow my head at a certain point. I did. The result of it, of course, was predictable. Gasps of shock joined with many a murmuring voice before the audience cheered for Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. The attention then shifted to me as the crowd bowed as one towards me then stood up with a joyous cry in praise of my mere existence. I inwardly cringed at that. Ponies/People praising someone for simply having been born was why I had become cynical of any monarchy back in the human world.

When it was all said and done, I was, thankfully, whisked away from the gathered press-ponies who eagerly moved forward in search of greater details. Luna, trying to fend them off, explained how the castle would release detailed statements in coming days. This at least gave me a little breathing room, a chance to rest and to figure out what I was going to do now.