Chapters Canterlot castle was almost unrecognizable. It was rebuilt, and it took quite a while, since the new ruler of Equestria, Twilight Sparkle insisted only earth ponies did the work. It wasn't rebuilt just so it took a more appealing and modern form to the princess's liking, but because of the events of a certain day. How do I put it....... it was disastrous. Many had questioned the lavender alicorn, but none succeeded in receiving an understandable answer. Whenever somepony was curious enough to question the princess, she just referred to a 'she'.
"She ruined everything"- she would say, causing disappointed looks of many. The citizens were curious, and they thrived for more answers. But, only questions remained. Some ponies spread rumors, some ponies gossiped eternally, some ponies were curious as to why Twilight Sparkle didn't seek any information or contact with her former friends, and why they did the same. Was it something connected with that very day their ruler refused to speak about? They could tell, Celestia's previous student has changed a lot....... Various reasons as to why. Everypony was curious about all the twists and maneuvers in the past bearers of the Elements of Harmony's relationship. They were once the best of friends, gaining valuable knowledge about Friendship itself everyday. When a foal would ask why friendship mattered, parents considered the six mares as a worthy example. Almost every foal in Equestria longed for an education in Friendship instead of feeling obliged to dig deep down into the depths of it in school, seeing what entertaining adventures and fun their role models went through. Today's generation wasn't lucky enough to receive the pleasure of seeing the elements in action. Hell, they were barely seen with one another, yet alone go travel the world together or something. The charm in their relationship was broken, and nopony even had a clue as to why. Seeing the girls separated like this was devastating to some, while others had completely forgotten all about everything, due to the lack of proper role models this date. Many, however noticed the changes of Twilight Sparkle, however. And were affected, sometimes.
"She's so stern and...... Ungrateful!"
"No traits from our beloved princess Celestia are left in her!"
"And she never seems to respect the lower class ponies than her. Flaunting her achievements and the fact that she's a princess brings the thought of bragging into mind. I'm not sure if Equestria is in good hooves anymore. The country is falling apart, due to the lack of love and friendship in our lives....... The princess is a bad example for our foals, teaching them about hatred and disrespect."
Twilight Sparkle was sitting on her polished throne, reading through a few scrolls, and awaiting the new member of the staff to come and apply. She would only pick the elite status, the best for her, leaving traces of disappointment and sadness in 'lower-class', she would call them, ponies. She didn't care. She only cared about the well-being of her status and reputation among the higher class ponies. Of course, she was the most important pony in Equestria, but she still wanted to keep contact with the intelligent minds of Equestria. Intelligent minds that owned big stacks of bits. The princess very much cared about the economy in Equestria, considering it the most important thing of the decade. They had to raise foals to be successful, smart and talented. She wanted to lift Equestria into a higher-status country, and win against the others. To achieve that, she had to concentrate on only important stuff. She had to keep in touch with only ponies which would bring Equestria to a high level. Obedient masterminds, which would agree in every single one of her orders. Whether or not to raise the price of a certain product here and there, to not include sales in shops anymore, you name it. Only rich and smart ponies had to survive. They were the ones who worked for it, and the only ones that deserved it. She would consider those with a low social status and lack of money lazy or dumb. Causing a lot of commotion in the country, Twilight Sparkle still thought her actions as those of a decent and wise leader. Everything was to make Equestria a better place, after all.
Suddenly, the enormous magenta castle doors opened to reveal a pegasus stallion with a light orange coat and an electric blue mane. The only part of his guard attire that he didn't wear, and required, was his helmet and star badge that granted access to every door in the castle, since he had to await approval. And the one who considered approval was none other than, of course, the pony who owned the castle, Twilight Sparkle. She levitated the scroll that guided her throughout her routine, and placed it next to her. The to-be guard was waiting awkwardly, and shifting a paper that he had in his hoof. He looked anxious, and sweat was dripping from his forehead. Something about him made Twilight..... happy. Upon just seeing him. He was handsome, she had to admit. But, the thing that mattered at the moment was whether or not he accessed approval from not just her, but every specialist in the training areas. He had to be perfect. Smart and tolerable. A very concentrated guard, that carefully examined the castle. Being a guard in Twilight's castle required serious training. Twilight glanced over his figure. He was..... physically flawless, to put it one way. Twilight gaped at him for the few seconds his head was down. As soon as he lifted it up, Twilight regained her professionalism, quickly realized how much damage she could have caused to her reputation of being a mare of serious business.
"Let me see your document, if you please."- Twilight said as she gestured him to come over. He, still anxious, handed over the paper. The first thing Twilight noticed was that he decided to transfer from Cadance's palace to hers, which made her really proud. She didn't feel sympathy for Cadence that she lost a qualified guard. Why should she? The Crystal Empire wasn't exactly a part of the Equestrian lands. She remembered him now, and memories started flooding in. Did he choose to come here? Just for her? She forcefully fought the urge to blush, as she examined the paper. She had to be concentrated. And professional. Her mind raced as she saw that red x printed on the piece of paper. There.... was a flaw. One trainer did not approve and recommend the guard.. Twilight gulped, and felt severe pain in her head. If she accepted him, then she would look as if she didn't appreciate the trainer's work. But, then again........ What's wrong with just a little exception? She longed to have this guard in her team. She wanted to see him everyday, as he passed the hallways. Seeing his gorgeous mane swaying back and forth. The guard suit also suited him really well, without that rusty old helmet.....
Twilight magicked the paper out with her magical aura and powers, sending it to the dark abyss of a place specifically designed by Star Swirl. That was the reason that unicorns and alicorns could teleport useless stuff out of their current location, considering them a waste of space, and one of the reasons she admired Star Swirl so much. There was still a part of Twilight that remained even today. She admired her role-model and embodiment of wisdom, and still had every goddamn spell he wrote imprinted in her head. Flash Sentry, the name Twilight spotted in the document, was still in his comprehensive state, this time even shaking, as the princess eyed him with her usual stern look, a reflex. She scared the poor man even further by doing so. She immediately realized her mistake and cheekily blushed, she usually wasn't ashamed when she scared anypony with her attitude, put this particular stallion....... she didn't know how to put it. She felt it necessary to take his feelings and thoughts into account. It mattered to her. Even if..... It ruined her image a teensy bit.
"Flash Sentry.....I declare you an official royal guard. Congratulations, you may now head over to one of the trainers of your liking and they'll guide you to the guard's base so you can receive needed equipment."- as soon as Twilight said that, the pegasus bowed down.
"I won't be a disappointment, Princess Twilight Sparkle."
"Twilight is just fine."- Twilight said, after a cheesy chuckle, feeling immediately ashamed after that. Where did her professionalism go? It just vanished into thin air. The new royal guard then nodded in response, and went away to do his job. Twilight couldn't resist painting her face a crimson red, just thinking about the guard was amazing.......... But then again..... She was the ruler of Equestria. He was just a guard. A handsome guard.......Really charming, too....
The ruler's room was designed to be ten times bigger, better and more astonishing and dazzling than that of Celestia. It was built to the comfort of the princess, and whenever any of the staff had access to the room and entered, they could only just gape in awe. It was a breathtaking sight, which they thought would never exist. 'A gift for my eyes', many would say. Ponies assumed that the architect was different for this specific room. The castle was great, but this was something else. Some of the staff sensed something familiar in this particular room. The style, the design. They had seen Twilight's dresses and royal attire, but never the actual designer or creator. In the end, they just let the thought slip by and resumed to their job. The pleasure of the princess was taken into account. When she arrived, everything had to be ready. Her breakfast, the hygiene and order in the room. And the odor. She didn't want to see a speck of dust in her room, being the bossy ruler she is today.
Twilight Sparkle was heading to the doors of that very room, after an exhausting day. As soon as she entered, many more memories flooded into her head. As soon as she glanced over to every little detail, tears started to trickle down her cheeks. She was such a talent, such a beauty, such a miracle. Such an inspiration and role-model. The only pony out of her non-friends she would have liked to keep contact with. The pony she greatly sympathized.
"Oh Rarity, why did it have to be this way?"
As her thoughts ascended into the clouds of the night sky, Twilight didn't hesitate. She placed her royal attire in her amazing walk-in closet and jumped onto the bed. The fabric caressed her skin, and she felt like a Queen. Well, she technically already was, but- you know. The thoughts that usually braced her mind washed off. Twilight usually experienced various thoughts over the night. Not considering the 'important' stuff. Even she got tired out of all of her work. Torn, as if all of her energy just drained out of her body. Being a ruler wasn't the easiest thing. Not only did she sometimes had to deal with haters, but she had to care for the future of Equestria. And, of course, she had to make sure success threw out all non-serious stuff. Like friendship or love. Twilight often pitied that Cadance still hadn't changed her title. The lavender mare long ago erased the 'Friendship' part out of her name. Friendship didn't help raise foals into successful and helpful to the country grown-ups in the past, so of course it would be the same in the present.
The sun descended in the sky, making way for the upcoming moon. A group of unicorns was currently making sure that they raised every star correctly and in order, while the most experienced unicorn, of course, was assigned to raise the full moon on her own. It was, kind of a long process. The princess insisted that unicorns should be taught about everything the past alicorns could do. Twilight, of course, possessed way more powerful magic that reached sky-rocketing heights, and she could do most anything. Some assumed she just had her own methods when it came to teaching young unicorns (quite brutally) or that she was way too exhausted to do more work, wanting to just lay in her luxurious room, putting all the work to those 'inferior' to her. Either way, the elite unicorns were proud to be hoof-picked by her majesty, so they had all the rights to show off to their not so experienced friends. Containing such great power in such a little soul was something to brag about nowadays, indeed. Many children didn't even realize what stress and pressure was held upon them, and they didn't know that it was way beyond healthy amounts. The school system was bizarre, after all. The teachers were following Twilight's orders, so they weren't intentionally teaching spells that the old alicorn race performed. Some students developed anxiety, and they always tried their best to succeed. Their parents insisted on excellent marks. They didn't want to be disappointments and failures, after all. They wanted to prove they were the best. To throw away all of the bumps in their road, considering them a waste of time. They stopped making new friends. Hobbies? They didn't even know what the word meant. All their time and effort was focused on studying. Studying, reading, repeat. Of course, it was also the reason that they DID succeed. Great focus and concentration helped them achieve anything they put their mind to, setting their hard work and determination towards one thing: Success. Tons of successes, so they would be proud. Something to boast about. Succeeding in life was every foal's dream. If there were no achievements to boast about, what was the point? There wasn't anything else worthier than that. It would only be a waste of time. And if they kept running on the right track, they wouldn't miss out on anything in life. Right?
Sunset was truly a mesmerizing sight to behold. All those rays of colors, stacking up on each other, as if they were painting an elegant and fierce masterpiece together. The trees and minor natural bushes and flowers around the golden sun were now seen as black silhouettes, casting beautiful shadows which would soon fade away as the moon took its rightful place. Deep in the depths of the forest, animals were scattered all over the place, in search for a shelter, since the cold, unpleasant breeze would soon come. Lashing against their gentle skin, like an angry beast, glaring down upon it's miserable prey. No sign of sympathy or feeling in their cold eyes, fueled with hatred..... No understanding of that to give, to love. To care for someone else, other than themselves. Egoism rested in their cruel souls. Never caring when they see the petrified look of someone else, begging for help.
The sun was eye-level to her marine-colored eyes by now. A red ray of light illuminated her light pink hair, as if it wasn't beautiful enough. The mare didn't want to look away from the fiery ball of flames, even though her companion was constantly nudging her on her front hoof, impatiently waiting for her to make her decision. By now he was becoming quite furious, to the point when he began hitting her. The usual bundle of sunshine, Fluttershy, yelped in pain, afterwards eyeing her bunny.... sternly and with a look of disappointment.
"Angel! Haven't I taught you manners?"- she shouted in a...... loud whisper, afterwards sinking down into the grass, realizing her mistake, apologizing to her dear animal over and over, and a tear trickling down her face. A sharp shard of grass cut her front hoof, making a slight crimson wound. The pegasus, by instinct, immediately flew up, blushing a nice shade of red. The bunny eyed her comprehensively, clearly worried about his owner. He usually wasn't very sensitive towards her, but he could tell something was wrong. Fluttershy let out a heavy sigh, picked up Angel carefully, and flew up to a fluffy cloud, where they could enjoy the view much more peacefully. Angel wasn't complaining, as he snuggled with his owner, which, he even felt, grew happier by the second.Angel, then, nudged his owner on her hoof again. Fluttershy got his hint, and laughed nervously.
"You see.... Angel..... I haven't really decided where to go.........yet."- Fluttershy whispered gently, attempting not to raise her tone.
A little voice in Fluttershy's head started buzzing.
'Fluttershy, your better off without them! Why is it taking you such a long time to make the obvious decision!'- that raspy, hollow and cold voice would shout, causing the lullaby of the sweet, calming voice to slowly fade away. In this case, 'it' was superior. Fluttershy, abnormally abandoning and erasing the sweet lullaby, let the new intruder take over her thoughts. The 'devil' blurted out even more nonsense. Negative nonsense. Fluttershy wanted to give up. She didn't want to believe.... anything it said. But she felt her free will slowly being snatched out of her soul. She felt powerless. All of her energy had been drained out of her for such a short time. Was she really that weak? She had to give in. It was the right way. Everything would be okay, if she just listened.
After a few coughs, the 'angel' managed to make out a silent whisper. Faint. Quiet. Relaxing. Yet, sweet.
'Your beginning is the answer.... It doesn't have to be this way....'
A loud scream echoed throughout the forest, shocking the pegasus.
"ANGEL!"- she helplessly shouted.No matter how much she pushed herself, she wasn't fast enough. She was in a situation like this before, but this time she was slower. Still, she was, indeed quiet fast considering how tired she felt after the intruder in her head. Angel was drenched in sweat, his tiny heart beating faster than lightning, overwhelmed by unbearable stress. So overwhelmed by stress, that he even forgot that he was hungry. Fluttershy cried for her companion. He was always there by her side, when she needed him most, he was the shoulder to cry on, the one bunny she could trust with all of her heart, the one bunny that she wasn't ashamed to openly speak with, the reason- A loud splashing noise interfered with the mare's thoughts, scaring the soul out of her, and causing her to slightly slow down her pace.
"Angel- I'm sorry......"- Fluttershy said, ashamed of her actions, eyeing her bunny, who was now drenched in water. If she wasn't foolish enough to cease paying attention to the environment surrounding her, and most importantly, the living creature beside her, none of this would have happened.
The city was, indeed, quiet cold today. I was shivering throughout the whole process, but I had to fulfill my duties, no matter what. By my side was my trusty companion, who was non-stop complaining about the cold. But I didn't mind. I was used to such cold, and I didn't need to depend on coats and scarves all the time. Like two ice-skaters, we waltzed through the frosty surface of the pavement, sliding away beautifully. The moon was shining brightly and with such grace that nopony could resist, illuminating our correct path. Near midnight was the absolute perfect time in which we could go out, and I didn't complain. The night sky was a dazzling and inspiring sight to behold, so not only did we get some work done, but we also got to experience a memorable meteor shower from time to time. They were very frequent here, if I do say so myself. Too bad the citizens were way too deep into their sleep to even notice. Ah, well, it's a actually a plus for us that citizens don't go out this late at night. Or else.....
We were now preparing ourselves for what was about to come.
Author's Note
Please don't mind my lazy writing....... And mistakes......*yawn*
And yes. I am aware that there is a ton of irrelevant info.
'The "free" space in the intertwined complex within complex was an utter cluster, such a mess willingly achieved by the corporate manager. The only un-living organism, or rather- object, was visible, kind of, as it was not covered by multiple supplies fitting for the storage room. The handsome hunk's basement, I'd rather say.
Twilight's curiosity reached its highest peak at this point in reading. The description was- marvelous. Everything was that of mere perfection. In the world of books, Twilight was always free. She felt normal again. She was so engulfed in reading- she didn't even notice that everything in the book was, well- silly. It was a detective novel, and it didn't make any sense for some, but, Twilight wanted to let go sometimes, reason why she was just sitting in the kitchen on a Friday morning, peacefully enjoying her pancakes before heading off and flipping on the switch at the top of her head that said 'Strict and serious mode- Activate.' Just as Twilight was about to resume to her reading, the door opened ajar, revealing the most handsome stallion ever, in Twilight's imagination. Her ears flinched as she realized who just caught her in a state such as this. Such a preposterous and unfitting state for the ruler of Equestria, possibly the most powerful leader in the world.
"So, you read Pinkamena's novels? Huh, you didn't strike me as the bookish type. I've never read her work in terms of literature before, but I've heard her books are absurdly genius. Don't know what they mean about the absurd part, though......." - Flash Sentry paused to look at Twilight, who was slowly regaining her consciousness and confidence. She was literally about to faint at the sight of one of her new royal guards catching her reading this particular book, but, then sighed as she realized Flash had no idea what was going on.
"Well, though they may have some mistakes here and there, you can't blame her, she has one heck of a mind for writing novels such as these..."- Twilight instantly regretted her use of words once they slipped out of her mouth. Flash Sentry chuckled, then gave out a soft sigh.
"Come to think of it, Twilight, is Pinkamena similar to Pinkie Pie? Or are they related?"- Flash Sentry inquired, looking over to Twilight, who glared at him in response. Twilight knew that Pinkamena was her old friend's full name, but something deep in the depths of her brain was telling her not to tell Flash who the anonymous author really was. Plus, she would be ashamed to admit that she still missed some of her friends. Again, ruining her professional and independent image.
"Flash- you know I hate the mention of my old friends...."- Twilight said, as Flash's confidence washed off once more. He stared daggers at the ground, not really knowing why some kind of anger tensed up in his soul. He didn't feel any sympathy for Twilight's foes. They must've done something horrible to his princess, surely causing some mental trauma to the poor soul. He wanted to go out there and show them a piece of his mind. Unfortunately for him, that was no easy task. The long lost elements and friends were scattered all over Equestria, each with their unique identity. Except for Rarity..... That mare seemed long gone.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Twi. I promise to never remind you of your past ever again."- he said, as he looked over to the lavender alicorn with a sympathetic smile. The mare blushed yet again, hiding behind her mane, afterwards returning the smile to Flash. Trying her best not to break down in tears. No- she was strong. She could hold back. She didn't need a shoulder to cry on. Why dwell on the past, when the present and future are right in front of your eyes, waiting to be explored and discovered? She shrugged, and flew past Flash in the blink of an eye, surprising the stallion even further. What had been a morning filled with wishes and surprises, soon faded away. Twilight, independent mare, ruler of Equestria, most powerful alicorn ever, she didn't need to count on anypony rather than herself. She winced at the memory of Flash and her. She must've stooped only so low as to fall head over heels for some lowly guard.
The room, indeed, was a cluster. It was flooded in sustained energy drinks and packages with donuts. Ripped or crumbled pieces of paper, with tears and blood, or, a red substance, stained on them. On the other side of the room was a diabolical mess, that of six crooked stools, one accompanied by a distressed mare.
"O, why iz ze miz Pinkamena zis sad?
"But, t-they were m-my best friends...... They liked me once. I want them to like me again..... I can never forget them....Even though they weren't right to treat me in this way. It's just not fair, you know that, Madame Le Flour? Having the whole world in your hooves, then just- everything collapsing all of a sudden."- Pinkie said, brushing away her tears, and looking towards her other guests.
"Madame Le Flour be right for darn once.
"Why, darling, they are simply diabolical for treating you in such manners, darling,
"B-but...."- Pinkie began sobbing again, as Mr Turnip glared at her unpleasantly.
"Ponies, ponies, ponies!
A few hours later, a worn out mare lay against a huge bundle of papers and writing supplies. She was totally oblivious to all of her surrounding, and she was in a daze, hardly remembering anything from the day. A small alligator, without teeth, was laying calmly on her mane, that somehow remained poofy despite all of the events of the day. The mare lifted her head up slowly, careful not to cause any harm to her beloved Gummy. She caressed her eyeballs with her hoof, red veins popping out of them, due to the lack of sleep and proper food.
"Gummy,- she started, glancing over to her pet, and petting him on the head,- I- I ran out of ideas. I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH WRITER'S BLOCK!"- Pinkie yelled, the poof-iness of her mane vanishing as fast as a leaping streak of lightning. Her eyes were dry for a second. Then another passed. Gummy motionlessly opened his mouth for a mere second, and Pinkie jumped up, and grabbed her midnight black cloak and glasses, representing a perfectly normal 'author look'.
"You're right, Gummy. I have to go AND SCOUT FOR IDEAS!"- Pinkie paused for a second, then added- "Without unleashing my disguise, of course."- she said, before adjusting her abnormally large glasses. She grabbed her alligator, and headed straight for the door, shoving away all sorts of cans, and paper and- Oh, why do I bother.
A small, yellow, and faint dot flew across the horizon, with a motionless and almost invisible small, white dot, laying on the inferior dot's back. The yellow dot appeared to be heading somewhere, with a constant swift and turn here and there in its pattern. The white dot then slightly winced whenever those movements occurred, as it was like a gentle molecule in a view such as an unbeatable beast.this certain thing. Angel, on the other half, was about to get sick. He glanced towards the nearing black figure's silhouette for a moment. It had something quite- unique about its features. Something unlike any normal creature, even a panther. Those eyes. He glanced at those eyes, as they glared at his own. Angel tried to protest, as he was terrified for his life, but it was already too late. Fluttershy landed right beside the figure.
"Discord...... No time to play games."- Fluttershy whispered, as a brilliant flash of light, bright enough to cause blindness to any normal pony, appeared. Just as the flash of light disappeared, it released a godly being. That of utter chaos. Superior to creatures of any kind. But, not superior to a certain lavender alicorn, one that he despised with a passion, and a shy little pony. One that he owed most of his freedom to.
"What do you want, you annoying little pegasus? And here I was, thinking I finally sought the perfect prey for my panther role play."- he said, eyeing the pegasus down.
"Oh, stop putting the innocent act on. Just tell me what you want me to do for you. Transform and cosplay like some sort of Tik Tok person? Do you want a good laugh? Is that what it is? You want to make fun of me for my lack of powers!?"- Discord shouted, his rage emerging from the deepest depths of his brain.
"You still think that your pathetic little stare works on me?"- he teased her, clearly annoying both her and Angel.
"Discord. Stop acting like a foal. I am NOT going to play along with another one of your stupid little games, you hear me? Stop thinking you can force anypony into believing your foolish nonsense. And, for once, just hear what I have to say!"- Discord's eyes shrank, imitating fear. He struggled to fight the urge to laugh at the light yellow mare's serious expression, but in the end, he gave in.
"What is it that you want, Fluttershy?"
"I will help you escape."- she said, eyeing Discord calmly. Discord looked bewildered, as he opened his mouth to speak, quickly being interrupted by the mare.
"Only on one condition, Discord."
"W-what is that, Fluttershy?"
"Promise me vengeance, Discord. It's only that I desire."
Author's Note
Sorry if I ruined the story and if this is stupid.
