The Handmaiden

Twilight Sparkle thought she knew fear by now.

She thought she knew the depths of danger that was lurking in every corner of Canterlot. She thought she understood the Empress' wrath, the extent of her fury and fiery might. As Twilight followed the Empress through the corridors of Canterlot Castle, she realized that she was very much mistaken. The entire carriage ride home, the High Queen was silent. She did not smile nor laugh, or even give her handmaiden a backwards glance in the hours after the failed execution. In fact, Twilight hadn't even heard the Empress speak, save for an urgent order to the nearest Daybreaker to gather up the rest of her on-duty guard in the barracks.

"Empress?" said Twilight cautiously. "Are—"

"Silence." A simple word, light and innocuous, but it carried with it enough cold fury to crush Twilight under its weight.

The two came to a stop just before a large set of doors, each side manned by three Daybreakers each. The Empress looked her men over with a keen eye, as if inspecting them for cracks. After a moment of tense silence, the Empress gestured for the door. The Daybreakers pulled open the entrance to the barracks, slowly filing in. Empress Celestia gave her handmaiden one last glance before entering the room, with Twilight trailing just a bit behind. As they entered, the High Queen waved her hand and slammed the door with a flourish of her magick. Several cots lined the floor, thicker and softer than the one Twilight used at Golden Oak, and there were a multitude of spears, swords, and pieces of armor littering the floor. Along the back wall were a half-dozen guards, one of which being Captain Spearhead himself. The two locked gazes, with Twilight quickly looking away from his dirty, beady, devouring eyes.

"As you can no doubt imagine, I am without patience on this day," said Empress Celestia, her voice scarcely higher than a whisper. "So I advise you answer me swiftly and honestly, for I will not be repeating myself." Empress Celestia strode forward, oozing power as she stood between her row of Daybreakers. "Captain Spearhead. Who were the men that left with Luna today?" Her gaze hardened on the captain, her lip beginning to curl into a scowl. "Or were you too busy lusting for my sister to notice?"

"It happened so quickly, my Empress. I wasn't able to get much of a look at the traitors," said Spearhead. The air seemed to grow thicker, hotter with the Empress' fury, and Spearhead quickly amended. "But I did manage to spot a few. Starry Night. A rookie called Cerliex. An older soldier we know as Hoofier. And, of course, their leader… Flash Sentry."

"The one with the arcana… Obviously, these men are to be killed on sight. The sooner we find them, the better. Who here knew Sentry?" It went quiet for a moment, which visibly angered the High Queen. "Don't you all speak at once, now. Any information you can give regarding Flash Sentry or his allies. I am looking for his family, his friends, his—"

"The only friend I know Flash Sentry to have, your grace, is your handmaiden." The Empress narrowed her gaze at the captain, her fists clenched and an almost visible aura of anger emanating from her form. Twilight was aghast, both at Spearhead's deflection and at the idea of what the Empress may do if she decided she was a traitor. "I don't know Flash Sentry well, your greatness, but I sent him on an errand yesterday. I heard that he spent the whole of the day courting Sparkle. Then, the very next day, he leads a force in freeing your sister from her prison. I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound like a coincidence to me."

"My Empress, I swear—" began Twilight, just to be stopped by a wave of the Empress' hand.

"Your dagger, Captain Spearhead," said the Empress flatly. Twilight attempted to take a step away from her mistress, but she felt an otherworldly force hold her legs in place. She panicked, her heart racing as Spearhead produced a wickedly sharp, golden-handled dagger, which he proudly offered to the Empress. She took the blade into her left hand, examining its edge and testing the sharp point against her finger. Twilight felt her heart fall into her stomach at the savagely hungry gleam in the Captain's eye, her fearful gaze bouncing to the Empress.

Empress Celestia turned away from Twilight and swiped the blade across Spearhead's face, slicing his flesh from his lip, across his face, and stopping just under his right eye. The captain howled, clutching his bleeding face, dropping to his knees while the Empress paced about the room

"Allow me to make a few things perfectly clear, Captain," said the Empress, tapping the bloody flat of blade against her palm. "Firstly, Captain, if you ever make the decision to interrupt me again, I will slice more than just your face, and I will slice more than once.” Silence fell, bringing a tension to the air thick enough to slice. The Empress snapped her fingers and swiped her hand up, gripping Spearhead in her sorcery and standing him upright. She strode forward until she was her a few inches from the captain, batting his hand away from his face and rubbing her thumb across the wide gash on Spearhead’s face. “When I speak, I expect some reassurance that you are listening. Do you understand me, Captain?”

“Y-yes, Empress…” panted Spearhead, his eye squeezed shut in an attempt to escape the burning from the blood that Empress Celestia had wiped into his eye.

“Very good. I would ask you not to insult me again. Obviously, I’m aware of who my handmaiden spent her day with. And if you think I’m foolish enough to let a traitor sit directly under my nose… Then I urge you to recall just how I managed to protect my kingdom for all these years. A foolish queen does not prosper, and I think that you’ll find me to be quite prosperous.”

“Of course, your highness. The greatest ruler in the land. In history.”

“I am aware. My Daybreakers have very simple orders.” Empress Celestia turned from the captain, releasing him from the arcane hold she had over him and sending him back to the ground. “Your barracks will now be searched. If they find any evidence to suggest even mere compliance with my sister’s rebellion, my Daybreakers will bring a sharp hook to the perpetrators, and they will be drawn and quartered. There will be no trial. Do I make myself clear?” There was a shaky utterance of agreement, “yes, my Empress!” quaking throughout the room.

“Effective immediately, every guard detail will be accompanied by two Daybreakers. Any breach in protocol, you will be executed. Drawn and quartered. Captain, you will lead a team at once. I do not care if you need to turn the entire damn city of Canterlot on its head, you will find my sister and you will bring her to me. And, most importantly, Captain Spearhead, you will keep the name of my handmaiden from your tongue. Am I understood?”

“Yes, my Empress,” said Captain Spearhead, his lip slightly curled as his gaze lingered on Twilight.

“Very good. As for you, Twilight Sparkle…” Twilight’s heart stopped as the Empress neared her, bringing with her a silence that did little to alleviate Twilight’s fear. Finally, the High Queen gently pat Twilight’s cheek with her bloody hand, smearing her pale face with the Captain’s blood. “Please make sure that the chancellor is well. Bring her some food from the kitchen, water, things of that ilk. Then return to the kitchen and inform the staff that they shall be bringing my dinner to my study, and assist them in whatever preparations they need. Then, return to your quarters until I next come to collect you.”

“Yes, my Empress,” said Twilight. Finally, Twilight could feel the magick fade from her body, allowing her to breathe and move freely. “Where will you be, your highness?” The Empress scowled, her fury almost physical. Though that rage was not directed towards her, Twilight still felt her body tremble with fear.

“My army will not rest until Luna is found,” whispered the Empress. “I will lead that force by example.” Twilight nodded, taking a step for the door before she felt the High Queen’s magick grip her again, albeit a bit gentler than before. Empress Celestia approached, offering the handmaiden the bloody dagger. “Ah, I almost forgot… Hold on to this, if you would be so kind. I’ll be back to collect it at some point, but I don’t think the captain here deserves it back just yet.”

Twilight slowly nodded, nervously clutching the dagger as her mistress released her. She watched as the Empress directed her Daybreakers, then locked eyes with the captain. His hate, his burning fury boring a hole through Twilight’s chest. After a chilling staredown, Twilight hurried for the door, wanting to put as much distance between her and the barracks as possible.

It wasn't until nearing midnight that Twilight finally found herself free of her duties, and by then she was exhausted. So much cleaning and cooking, not to mention bringing the Empress her tea (Twilight had no clue how the High Queen managed to finish it all, but she must have brought back nearing a dozen empty teapots by the time it was all said and done) and ensuring the comfort and health of the Royal Chancellor. Luckily, Rarity was asleep both times Twilight went to bring her soup and water, and so she needn't be the one to break the news of the failed execution. That was not a conversation Twilight was excited to have, least of all now, when the shock of it all could very well cause the chancellor's heart to burst.

"Thank the Gods above, that's over…" Twilight sighed as she approached her bedroom, absolutely ravaged by the day she had. She still clutched Spearhead's bloody dagger, even as she opened her door and stepped in. A tired sigh escaped her, and Twilight tossed the dagger onto her desk before flopping back onto her bed, letting the soft warmth wrap her up.

A knock at the door stole Twilight from her attempts at relaxing, much to the handmaiden's chagrin. She stood up to attend to it, and, much to her annoyance, found nothing awaiting her on the other side. She frowned, wondering what could possibly have caused such a sound. Perhaps another member of castle staff errantly knocking? Or maybe Twilight just found herself going mad from stress. Either way, there was little that could be done for it, so Twilight turned back to her bed, her heart stopping and eyes going wide like saucers at what she saw.

"Hello, Twilight Sparkle." Luna stood before Twilight, clad in a sturdy, if a bit light, leather tunic, her shoulder draped in a midnight cloak that appeared to be the pelt of some massive beast. A bear, by Twilight's best guess. To her side was the man Twilight had taken a liking to in her short time at the castle. Flash Sentry stood just a half step behind Luna, his arms crossed over his chest and his face bearing a tiny smirk.

"Hello again, Ms. Twilight," he said with a wave. He had lost his golden armor, instead opting for a lighter, more hunter-esque set much the same as Luna's. The main difference lay in his cloak; his pelt was grey, and only enough to come down the length of his arm, while Luna's was black as night and nearly touched the floor.

"I…" Twilight's eyes darted to the door, but, before she could make a move for it, Luna turned her hand and locked the door with a flourish of sorcery. "Why are you here? How are you here?"

"Simple," said Flash with a grin. "We're not."

"Just as I was not here when I spoke to you before," said Luna. "Currently, you are asleep."

"I… What?" demanded Twilight. "That doesn't make sense. How can I be asleep? I never even got to lay down properly."

"I do imagine that to be how you perceive it, yes. The human mind was never meant to process information in this manner." Luna began to pace the length of the room. "It copes in odd ways. But, I assure you, I would not endanger so many people by enlisting them in my escape just to do something as foolish as return to the castle in the physical form."

"So you are a mage. And powerful, too. The Empress seems to think—"

"My sister is a madwoman. Her opinions of me are irrelevant," cut in Luna. "And, if you don't mind terribly, Twilight Sparkle, we are pressed for time and I would like to say what I need to say to you before I begin to vomit blood."

"We shouldn't even be doing this right now, my Lady," said Flash, glancing to the disgraced royal with concern. "Your mana is dangerously low…"

"I can manage. But we need to move quickly." She stopped, clapping her hands together and turning to face Twilight. "I have a plan to kill my sister. I require your help."

The room fell silent, Twilight glancing from Luna to Flash and back, as if waiting for either to reveal that this was an elaborate joke. The silence she received in turn left much to be desired. The seconds ticked on, and with each passing moment, Luna's face fell more and more, until she was all but scowling. She glanced to her subordinate, who seemed just as concerned as she.

"This was not the response I had been expecting," noted Luna.

"Are you mad?! You can't kill the Empress!" hissed Twilight. "And I certainly can't help you try!"

"Why not?" asked Flash. "Celestia is a monster. Equestria would be all the better without her on the throne. Preferably, in the ground."

"You can't kill her. It's just not possible." Twilight stepped back, her gaze lingering on Luna in particular. "You must know she's looking for you. She's willing to have her own men drawn and quartered just for complying with your rebellion. The Empress will see you coming, and when she does, you will wish that you stayed in that guillotine."

"With all due respect, handmaiden, I did not endure torture and rape at the hands of my sister's demented subjects to be stopped as easily as you seem to believe," said Luna flatly. "I am aware that my sister is formidable. I am aware that my magick is nowhere near as powerful as hers. But I will not be defeated so quickly. Because, unlike her, I do not fight for myself. I fight for the people. I fight for my Children. This is not a rebellion, Twilight Sparkle. This is a revolution."

"This is suicide," remarked Twilight. "The Empress is the most powerful being since the Gods, and you want to challenge her with what? A half-dozen spearmen and a fiery will?"

"Not to mention a solid plan, a fantastic leader, and a spy on the inside," said Flash. "With you on our side, your sorcery will be enough to turn the tide for the Children of the Night."

"I can't. I don't know what you think of me, but I am no mage." Even as she spoke, Twilight could feel the mana bubbling beneath her skin, as if desperate to break free and make her a liar. "I'm no spy. I'm a handmaiden. I fetch tea and carry things and humiliate myself for the High Queen's amusement."

"Do you not find that repulsive?" asked Luna. "Do you not shudder in disgust at my sister's sadistic ways? What you describe are not the actions of a Queen. They are the actions of a savage. And you are what we need to tear her down."

"No. I can't. As simple as that." Twilight was unflinching in that regard, which seemed to anger Luna.

"All she's done, and you would still lay down for her?" demanded Luna. "All the men and women she's killed, the pain she's caused, all she's taken from this land! The Children of the Night give you an opportunity to right those wrongs, and you would deny it?"

"Lady Luna…" Flash reached to the woman, grabbing her by the wrist gently. She jerked free, turning her gaze to her compatriot. "It's not that simple, and you know that. You've been gone for so long. You haven't experienced Celestia's tyranny like Twilight has."

"This is not about me," said Twilight, scowling at the pair. "You talk of your revolution, ask me to endanger myself for you and your cause, but not once did you consider why I'm here. I am not the handmaiden for the food or gold, or to serve the Empress. Just as you say you fight for the people, I have someone I need to fight for, too."

"The… The Pie…" Luna buried her face on her palm, letting out a sigh. "Of course…"

"I love that girl more than life itself, and I would do anything to keep her safe!" Twilight's voice began to crack, wavering from her passion. "I endure your sister's torment for her, for Pinkie! If Empress Celestia finds out that I've been speaking to you, she… she'll…"

"We know," said Flash gently. "And we're sorry that it has to be you, but there's no one else."

"I need Pinkie more than I need air in my lungs, and I will die a thousand deaths before I let her come in harm's way," declared Twilight. "I know you have what you fight for, but I have something to fight for myself. And my love… Well, she's the only thing that matters. Perhaps that's selfish of me." She turned from the group, hoping to keep back the approaching tears. "So be it, then."

"Twilight…" Luna took a step forward, bowing her head slightly. "Please, forgive me. My aggression… It was not my intent to upset you. But try to understand my position. You said it yourself, Celestia will tear this kingdom apart in search of me. I am on borrowed time. The Children of the Night are on borrowed time. Without us, Equestria is doomed. And without you… Our battle may be over before it begins. We need you, Twilight Sparkle. If we are successful, we can liberate the kingdom!"

"But if you fail, I will lose the only thing I care about," said Twilight firmly. "And that is not a risk I'm willing to take. I'm sorry, truly, I am. I hope you have luck with your plan, but it cannot include me."

"Ms. Twilight, we know that there is a danger involved," said Flash. "But we can win this. If you lend us your help, we will win. Think of how much change we can make, how much good we can do." Twilight pressed her lips together into a thin line, avoiding Flash's gaze. The former guard sighed, taking a step back and standing beside his leader. "Very well. We're sorry to disturb you tonight."

"You're making a mistake, Twilight," said Luna. "You can make my sister pay for her wrongdoings, make her suffer as she made you to suffer, and all you need do—"

"Luna. She said no. That's the end of it. We'll find another way." Flash bowed in the handmaiden's direction, much to Luna's visible displeasure. "My only request, Ms. Twilight, is that you at least give it a bit more thought. Sleep on it. We will visit you like this again in three days, once Lady Luna has recovered more of her mana. If you feel the same then, you won't hear from us again until either we're dead or victorious."

"If you change your mind, however… We could use you amongst the Children of the Night." Luna extended her hand to Twilight, which Twilight merely stared at for a bit. She considered things for a while, chewing her tongue gently as she thought it over. She let out a sigh, then closed the distance and uneasily shook Luna's hand.

"I said that I would thank you for your kindness to me, Flash," said Twilight, shaking her head. "I will think about it, and promise you nothing else. That, I think, is sufficient thanks?"

"It is, indeed. Thank you, Twilight." Flash stepped forward and shook Twilight's hand just as Luna had. "We appreciate you taking this time to speak with us. Again, we apologize for intruding on your night. Farewell, Ms. Twilight."

"Farewell, indeed," said Luna, crossing her hands behind her back. "I do hope you see the light soon, Twilight Sparkle, and do the right thing. Equestria depends on it. Vanish into the shadows."

Twilight jerked forward in bed, gasping for air as the now-familiar grasp of the dreamscape loosened around her. She glanced around her room, the sudden silence very eerie in nature. She was alone. Of course, she was always alone. Flash and Luna, they were mere illusions, illusions Twilight would have to do well to blot from her memory. It didn't matter what they had said, for they wouldn't live long enough to see their goals be achieved. A sad truth, Twilight thought, but a truth nevertheless.

A sharp edge nicked Twilight’s palm, the angry blade of Spearhead’s dagger. Twilight jerked away, her fresh blood mingling with the dried variety from the weapon’s original owner. Twilight examined her wound a bit, relieved that it was just a scratch. Sucking the blood from her cut, she took the dagger to her desk and stabbed it into the surface of the wood before returning to bed for a quiet, dreamless sleep.