Twilight Sparkle Explains Everythingby JestChaptersThe Alicorn Amulet Part OneBitsCelestia's ParentsThe Alicorn Amulet Part One“Where did the alicorn amulet come from?” Twilight blinked, and looked up from her book, gazing curiously at her assistant who stood patiently before her. “I’m sorry what was that?” “I asked where the alicorn amulet came from.” Spike reiterated. “Well that was quite out of the blue.” Twilight murmured, folding her book and putting it on the end table next to her. “Well I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately and I was kinda struck by the fact that I knew nothing about it.” Spike explained. Twilight nodded slowly. “It's not a nice story, I’ll tell you that much.” Spike pouted and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m almost sixteen Twilight, I can handle a scary story.” Twilight chuckled. “Oh I know you can, but it's just not the nicest tale ever.” “I think I’ll be the judge of that.” “If you insist, though I am curious as to what brought this on in the first place.” Spike shrugged. “I was just talking to Trixie the other day and she mentioned how strange the amulet was and how she felt like there was a voice whispering to her from a great distance whenever she wore it.” “Ahh yes, that would be the voice of Towering Oak, its creator.” Twilight remarked. “Towering Oak? That sounds like an earth pony name” Spike questioned. Twilight nodded, and gestured to a nearby chair. “Pull up a seat, this one will take a bit of explaining.” Spike dragged the other chair closer before plunking down into it. “Alright, ready.” “Well the first thing you need to know is that Towering Oak was indeed an earth pony, and she was the leader of the standing stones. Which was an organization founded shortly after the unification wars had concluded which served as an advocacy group dedicated to ensuring earth ponies did not lose any of their rights.” Twilight explained. “But I thought Celestia and Luna were in charge by then. Why would they worry about something like that?” Spike questioned. “Because the last rulers of unicornia were granted advisor status after the wars were over, and though this was a largely ceremonial position it made the other tribes fearful.” Twilight continued. “They saw the unicorn’s continued presence in court as a slight against the rest of the tribes who did not receive such treatment.” “But it's not like they had any powers to actually make any decisions right?” Twilight nodded. “That is true, but again, they didn't know that. Celestia feared that the unicorns would rebel, and gave their last leaders those positions in an effort to placate them with meaningless titles.” “But she couldn't let anyone know they were meaningless without the unicorns causing problems.” Spike murmured. “Exactly.” Twilight proclaimed with a smile. “The princesses were in an awkward place, but were confident that they could simply wait for the unicorn leaders to die and then not replace them. They had not been aware that this would lead to a minor uprising, and the creation of one of the most evil, and powerful artifacts ever known.” “So what happened?” Spike asked, scooching forward in his seat. “Three things. First, the standing stones met for the last time, then they raided the twin peaks castle before attempting to kill both Celestia and Luna.” Twilight exclaimed. “Woah.” “Would you like to hear more?” Twilight offered. Spike nodded eagerly. “Yes please.” “Alright, but remember, these were different times, and fear over what the princesses may do with their new power was a very real concern.” Twilight waved a hoof. “Oh and though I wont do the voices, I will translate what they would have said into more modern vernacular. I don't want to accidentally get stuck sounding like I’m in some Shakespearean play.” “Daw but I like it when you do the voices.” Spike complained. “Fine, but I expect you to not say a word until the story is over, okay?” Spike bobbed his head. “Alright, so it all started near a small village just south of where Ponyville would one day be founded. It was late in the day, and the standing stones had gathered at the Weathered Hearth for a discussion..” Towering Oak stood near the bar at the far side of the small tavern, her impressive height allowing her to easily look over the gathered crowd. Her eyes flickered from one patron to the next, noting that although they had been there a while, they hardly touched their drinks. Most seemed nervous, and engaged in small partially whispered conversations with the ponies closest to them. They were all earth ponies, with an even mix of males and females, each one representing a clan, family, town, or area. Another thing they had in common was the fact that they were all relatively gruff, standing a little taller, or a little wider than most ponies. The collected families represented by those in the room were significant, and Towering Oak was confident that with their support that she could put her plan into motion. “He’ll show.” Stated a graveley male voice to Towering Oak’s right. The enormous earth pony mare glanced down to where the aged bartender stood staring at the crowd while polishing a mug. His fur had at one point been a deep vibrant brown, and his hair a stark green like Towering Oak’s was, except he had lost that color. Now his fur, mane, and tail were such a light grey that they bordered on white, making his Blue eyes stick out even more. “I don't know Ghost, the Barren Root family control a considerable amount of land next to Unicornia.” Towering Oak replied, her low, rumbling voice causing a few ponies to glance in her direction. “It's called Canterlot now. Yer not going daft on us now are ya?” Retorted the bartender with a snicker. Towering snorted. “They can call it whatever they want to call it. We’ll remember it as the unicorn capital and seat of their foul empire.” “Well whatever you want to call it, I hope you got a good reason to call together the stones after all this time. Were supposed to be disbanded you know.” Ghost pointed out. “Those ivory tower dictators can decry whatever they like, it doesn't mean it's going to happen.” Grumbled Towering Oak. Together the two earth ponies looked out over the small, packed inn, towards the entrance, and the storm which howled just outside of it. Rain came in waves, blown about by powerful winds, and illuminated by the odd flash of lightning. The dull boom of thunder shook the aged structure on occasion, and though a few ponies qualed beneath the fury of the storm, Towering Oak stood tall. Her own deep brown eyes peered intently at the door, waiting for the stallion who could make or break her plan. As if summoned by her furious gaze, a stallion appeared through the haze of rain and threw open the door. The howl of the wind temporarily laid low any attempt at conversation and the robed stallion hurriedly slammed shut the portal behind him. Breathing heavily, the newcomer threw back his hood and revealed his deep scarlet mane which was broken up by two streaks of orange. His fur was the color of soot, and his eyes blazed with such an intensity that they seemed more like portals leading to the heart of a forge. Though much, much shorter than Towering Oak, the stallion carried himself with such confidence that it was hard not to feel as though he equalled her in height. “My apologies, friends. This storm got me turned about somewhat.” Declared the stallion as he strode up to the bar. The mass of ponies which had not gotten there early enough to secure a seat parted like water for the male. Who took the offered cup of ale from Ghost and plunked down on a now empty bar stool only a few feet from Towering Oak. The tall mare frowned, her anger flaring hotly in her chest only to be swiftly quenched when she reminded herself that he was likely telling the truth. “I’m glad to see you made it here unharmed, Vicious Ember.” Towering Oak offered. The second the kind words had left Towering Oak’s lips the room seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief. The stallion threw back his drink and swallowed it all in a single, titanic gulp before sighing contentedly and turning to the mare who had just spoken to him. “Please, just call me Ember. We’re all friends here, right Towering?” Ember offered, raising an eyebrow slightly. “That we are. And it is that reason why I have called you all here today.” Towering Oak turned to the rest of the tavern. “I have a plan, one that will see our newest masters cast down, and one that I need your assistance in completing.” “There are no masters anymore!” Someone yelled from near the back of the room. Towering Oak shook her head slowly. “They may not call themselves that, but answer me this, stranger. Who collects our taxes, who stands beside our so called princesses whenever they are in court, and who still reside within their mansions we built?” The crowd was silent save for some scattered murmurings. Ember hummed thoughtfully to himself. “Now you all know I am not a fan of the nobility, but even I must acknowledge that is a bit of a stretch. Don't you think?” “Yeah, no offence Oak, but the princesses sure seem like they are on the up and up especially after they whooped Discord’s butt.” Added a nearby mare. Towering Oak smirked, and glanced down to the bartender. “Ghost, if a stallion from out of town came in here and started causing problems that would be bad, right?” The stallion snorted. “Obviously.” “And if I came in here five minutes later and offered to get rid of him for a tidy fee, that would be pretty suspicious, correct?” Towering Oak continued. Ghost lifted an eyebrow. “I’m not sure I’m following you.” “Think about it.” Towering Oak exclaimed, gesturing to the crowd. “Discord comes out of nowhere and starts mucking up the place and only a few short years later here come two horn heads noone has ever heard of before. They say they are the only ones who can possibly defeat Discord, and demand that we help them. Don't that sound a mite bit strange to you all?” The crowd murmured quietly to themself, though it seemed half hearted, as if most werent convinced by what the earth pony had said. “Now I admit it is pretty odd that the first alicorn and the first whatever the hell discord is came to our lands one after another but it doesn't prove they are connected.” Ember remarked tiredly. “Seems more likely that the two races are long time enemies rather than allies.” “Then why didn't they kill him?” Towering Oak replied, a hoof gesturing in the direction of Canterlot. “You know they had the power to do so! They had the elements of harmony for crying out loud. Yet they froze him and displayed him in the garden, as if reminding us that he can return, and when he does, they will be the only ones capable of defeating him.” The muttering grew louder, and it was quickly growing apparent that the opinion of the room’s inhabitants was turning slowly but surely. Yet Ember didn't seem moved, and merely eyed the tall mare closely in an almost appraising manner. “If they are indeed strangers from a strange land then why do they call their mentor Starswirl, father and treat him in such a familial manner?” Ember retorted, standing from his seat. “I don't know what you are talking about.” Towering Oak murmured. Ember waved a hoof in the air. “Nonsense. I know you have an ear for these kinds of things and that Starswirl is of interest to you.” Towering Oak glowered at the smaller pony. “I admit that their relationship with Starswirl does give credence to the story that they were given to him with the intention of being trained to defeat Discord. However, why wouldn't they be trained in the other tribe’s magic as well? They do claim to have the ability to use the magic of all of the pony tribes.” “I’ve seen them fly plenty.” Ember retorted. “But that's all they’ve done. They haven't manipulated the weather, utilized earth pony magic, or the magic of any other tribes for that matter.” Towering Oak smirked. “Even birds can fly after all and we know they have no magic to speak of.” Ember frowned, and seemed ready to retort for several quiet seconds only to sigh. “I suppose I’ll stop playing the devil’s advocate now and ask the million bit question. What is this plan of yours?” Towering Oak’s smile grew to encompass her entire face and she clopped a hoof hard against the ground. “Simple! We rob the Blueblood estate and take the confiscated war foci. With them I can create an artifact powerful enough to raise an earth pony to the level of an alicorn and then we topple these newest tyrants.” The room was silent for a short eternity. “Are you sure you can do something like that? You know those foci things are for unicorns only, right?” Offered the confused bartender. Towering Oak laughed loudly. “Did you think alicornite only works on unicorns? Observe!” The mare pulled forth a sliver of red crystal and raised it high into the air, energy coursing from the tiny object and into her hoof. After allowing the magic to build for a moment, Towering Oak brought her limb down hard against the bar, shattering it utterly and sending splinters in every direction. Instantly a hush fell over the crowd as they silently stared at the devastation wrought by a single powerful blow. There was nothing left of over a quarter of the bar, only the odd splinter, and tiny chunk of wood. “Yer payin for that.” Ghost muttered. Towering Oak snickered and raised her hoof once again. “This my friends, is a sliver of the unrefined crystal they use in their rings and necklaces. Unlike the ones they have, this one has not been corrupted and forced to only work with unicorn magic.” “Stars above, it's possible.” Someone muttered. “It is indeed possible my friends. Furthermore, everyone in Equestria knows that every last bit of this stuff has already been mined in order to create more of those damned foci and that they are now stored inside the twin peaks just south of Canterlot.” Towering Oak tucked the sliver of crystal away. “That's… amazing. But do you really think it's possible to storm such a place? My clan was nearly wiped out when we attempted to rest control of the peeks from those Blue Blood monsters.” Ember murmured. “Which is why we are going to burrow under it, directly into the store room itself.” Towering Oak declared. “It will take a lot of work, and effort but I believe we could do it.” Ember laughed suddenly. “And if we are already digging that deep we could bring down the whole bloody keep!” A sudden roar went up through the tavern, drinks were clanged together and hooves stomped against the wooden floor. “Aye, we could.” Towering Oak admitted. “Now who’s with me?” The tavern came alive with movement as everyone in it raised a foreleg into the air and shouted in agreement. Towering Oak stood on her back legs, allowing every last pony there to see her wide, confident smile. “Long have we been the earth beneath their hooves, the grass they trod so carelessly, but I say no longer!” Towering Oak shouted. “Tonight we lay the first brick that will serve as a foundation for a better world. One without gods, kings, or masters! Now I said, who’s with me?!” Every pony young, old, male or female stood up and cheered. “And the standing stones did just that, raiding, and bringing down the twin peek keep in its entirety.” Twilight declared. “Is that why there are so few Bluebloods and why Celestia adopted one of them way back when?” Spike inquired. Twilight nodded. “All but one died when the keep collapsed, and that survivor was adopted by Celestia herself.” “Wait, but you never told me how the battle went? I mean, I know Celestia won, but how? And what happened to Towering Oak?” Spike pressed. Twilight smiled. “That, I am afraid. Is a story for another time.” Spike groaned. “You are the worst!” Twilight giggled. “Maybe next time Spike. Maybe next time.” Author's Note If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon! Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out! Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update. This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: Apollyon, Astor, BeenMcsqueen, Blade Tech, Calum, Canary in the Coal Mine, Ceepert, Corey, Craig, Dale, DioKyro, Doomgooey, Facinus, Free, GruB, I am Unknown, Ivar, Jacob, Jeffrey, Kali, Lich-Lord Krosis, M, Makani, Megatyrant, Menthol Qtip, Mephia, Mike, Mikhalia, Mirvra, Mophop, Nathan, Neverborn, Nfreak, Octavia and lowbar, Pacsik, Peter,Prysm, Random reader, soundtea, Starless, Steven, Tiwake, Todd, Trash Panda, Vigilant Watch, annnnnnnd Xvos! Bits“Miss Twilight,” called a voice. Twilight blinked, and looked away from the can of peas she had been inspecting for their nutritional value. To where a young unicorn filly stood awkwardly in the middle of the canned food aisle, a nervous look on her face. Twilight instantly recognized her orange mane and yellow fur, and smiled calmly down at the foal. “Yes Pumpkin?” Twilight replied, kneeling to the young pony’s level. “Why is it called a bit?” Questioned the young pony. Twilight was about to answer when a wide eyed Mrs cake skidded around the corner, her gaze instantly latching onto the foal. “There you are Pumpkin! What did I say about wandering off like that?” Hissed the mother. “But mom, I just wanted to find out why it's called a bit,” Pumpkin whined. “And you didn't know!” “That's no reason to bother Miss Twilight,” whispered Mrs cake. “I’m terribly sorry about that dear. Pumpkin has become quite inquisitive of late.” “It's no trouble at all Mrs Cake. Curiosity is an important thing to foster, and the answer to her question is simple,” Twilight smiled down at the foal. “A thousand years ago there was a money shortage so Celestia had copper coins minted as a sort of promissory note that could be exchanged for a bit of the royal fortune. They were officially called Equestrian relief dollars, but most people knew them by the nickname bit and it just kind of stuck.” “I did not know that,” murmured Mrs Cake. “It's actually a fairly similar story as to why the vanhoover two dollar coin is called a toonie,” Twilight added. “Huh, that's kinda neat,” remarked the child. Twilight smiled. “And since only very few people tried to redeem the new bits, the economy was able to continue on and take only a small dip and now you know.” “What do you say to the nice lady Pumpkin?” Mrs cake encouraged. “Thank you Miss Twilight,” Pumpkin happily exclaimed. “It was my pleasure, and Pumpkin, stay curious,” Twilight whispered, flashing the foal a wink before she and her mother walked away. “Now then, to figure out if these pees have a high enough iron content to serve as a replacement for blood.” “Why do you need blood?” Questioned another voice. Twilight let out a yelp and tossed the can of vegetables into the air, narrowly catching it with her magic before it could hit her young assistant on the head. “Spike, don't scare me like that!” Twilight shouted. The dragon blinked slowly, and raised a bag. “I was just getting the bread you wanted.” “Err thank you,” Twilight muttered, tucking the bread into her cart. “And to answer your question, some very old magical rituals need blood to function because ancient unicorns thought it made their spells more powerful. It doesn't, but they made their rituals in such a way that they don't work without the blood, which is ethically sourced nowadays, instead of being drained from prisoners of war or unfortunate serfs.” “Huh,” Spike muttered. “Say, how do you get a shortage of money anyway? Can't you just mint more when that happens?” “Not if your gold reserves are low like they were after the war of shadows,” Twilight corrected, the mare tucking a few cans of peas into her cart before trotting down the aisle. “How did that happen? I thought equestria has like tons of gold,” Spike pressed, walking next to Twilight. “Oh we do now, but after the war there wasn't nearly enough,” Twilight corrected. “Ooh tomato soup is on sale.” “Okay so then why was there like no gold then?” Spike continued. Twilight glanced curiously at her companion. “Why the sudden burst of interest?” “Well you told Pumpkin to stay curious, so I figured I should as well,” Spike replied with a shrug. The mare nodded. “I suppose that's fair, just keep your eyes out for blueberry pie filling and pie crusts. Mom and dad are coming over this weekend and I want to try making dessert again.” Spike chuckled. “If you aren't making the filling or the crust, can you even say you made the pie?” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Would you rather I try to make it from scratch?” Spike shuddered as he recalled the last blackened circle that Twilight had declared was a pie, “No that's fine.” “Then keep your snide comments to yourself mister. I have a story to tell,” Twilight cleared her throat as she guided her cart around the end of an isle. “It all started over a thousand years ago and Nightmare Moon was meeting with her generals before her final battle with Celestia…” The dark alicorn growled, and slammed her hoof against the table, jostling the carefully placed flags and miniature ponies which dotted the map laid out before her. “For the last time, her victory is not assured!” Nightmare Moon shouted in the face of a towering earth pony. Who merely narrowed her eyes. “You keep saying that, but you have not given us a single reason to believe you.” “Because I said so, thats why!” Nightmare Moon bellowed. “I am your queen, and I have the right to withhold whatever secret I desire. Even from my generals.” The grey coated earth pony bowed her head slightly, her black mane dangling in front of her vision. “My apologies, Queen Moon. I fear as though the stress of this campaign is beginning to get to me.” “Take the evening off, take a lover, or take those stars off your shoulder. You will serve in the coming battle, the only question left is if you will be on the first line, or the last,” Nightmare Moon hissed. The small gathering of ponies shifted uncomfortably under the declaration, though none dared to speak out. Nightmare Moon inspected their faces carefully, weighing them each in turn, starting with the earth pony who spoke earlier. Before finally ending on a diminutive, one eyed bat pony stallion who stood slightly apart from his allies. “Now then, since you all know what it is your are supposed to do, and have had a chance to try my patience…” Nightmare Moon began, her gaze flicking from one creature to the next. “You are dismissed.” The assembled generals began to move towards the exit, save for the one eyed bat pony, who took a few steps away before stopping once he was alone with the alicorn. He fastened the tent’s exit shut before turning back towards Nightmare Moon and leaned heavily on the large oak table. “So, what did you want to talk about?” he asked. Nightmare Moon smirked. “I’m glad to see you are not completely blind, old friend.” “Aye, your sister sure tried anyway,” muttered the stallion, who brushed a hand over the dark eye patch. “But I doubt you just wanted to reminisce about the old times.” “No I didn’t,” Nightmare Moon declared, the armored alicorn tapping a spot on the table. “Do you know what lies in Manehatten?” “A port, a fort, and about three thousand Celestian soldiers,” replied the stallion. “As well as three of the largest banks in Equestria which are getting a large shipment of gold destined for Celestia’s mercenaries,” Nightmare Moon continued. Causing her companion to raise an eyebrow. “And why is that important?” “Because…” Nightmare Moon hesitated, glancing down at her companion. “You know how tenuous things have become, yes?” “I am your spymaster after all. If I didn't I wouldn't have a job,” remarked the stallion after a pause. “Though I assumed you had a plan of some kind to rectify that.” “I do,” Nightmare Moon assured the stallion. “I have an ace up my sleeve, one that will give me the edge when I meet my sister in combat. With her defeated, the fragile alliance of noble houses, warrior clans and foriegn mercenaries will fall apart.” “Then why mention the gold at all?” questioned the male. “Because if I am defeated, but they do not have the gold necessary to continue paying the mercenaries they will not be able to continue the war,” Nightmare Moon concluded. “Which means that they will be too busy dealing with rabble rousing foreigners and unicornian politics to press into the spine of the world,” explained the spy master. “Yes,” Nightmare Moon announced with a sigh. “If I fail they will hunt your kind to the ends of Equestria. Death and failure are two things I can handle, but if the noble Thestralians were to die out…” The alicorn’s shoulders sagged, and her previously confident expression vanished, her gaze falling to the floor. “I would never be able to forgive myself,” she murmured. “You know they say if you plan around failure then you will have planned to fail,” offered the bat pony with a smirk. Nightmare Moon snorted. “And I have heard that If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” The bat pony smiled and nodded slowly. “Alright. So I make off with a massive load of gold, then what? I pay the mercs to fight Celestia?” The alicorn shook her head. “Their contracts forbid it. However, if we lose this war, you cannot remain in Equestria and the gold cannot come with you.” “Then we bury it, or perhaps give it to one of the dragon lords?” inquired the stallion. “No dear Ink Eyes. We are going to toss it into the mournful titan,” Nightmare Moon proclaimed, grinning confidently. “Plus the dragon lords have all been bribed to not interfere. No, with the gold gone, they will have no reason to follow you and no possible way to pay back their mercenaries. It is the only way the ponies who sided with me are not hunted down and butchered.” The stallion nodded slowly. “You’ve given this a lot of thought.” Nightmare Moon winced. “I have had a lot to consider these past few weeks.” “My spies will remain with the army. I need only a small squad to procure your gold,” Ink Eyes declared. “Then you will do it, truly?” Nightmare Moon pressed. “I would have done it even if you told me to break in and piss on the lot of it just to spite that old hag,” Ink Eyes remarked. “Careful, I’m not that much younger than her,” Nightmare Moon teased. Ink Eyes chuckled, and pushed off the table. “Celestia has been old ever since she was young.” Nightmare Moon hummed thoughtfully. “Quite true.” “Anything else I should know?” Asked the stallion after he reached the tent exit. “In ten days, if the moon rises on time, dump it. If not, return to this very spot so I can pin a medal on you,” Nightmare Moon commanded. “It will be done,” “And that's how the equestrian economy crumbled, the celestian alliance fell apart, and why our money is called bits,” Twilight proclaimed. The sudden stomping of hooves made Twilight look around to where the other shoppers in line for the check out, and the clerk herself were all applauding her. “Oh um, I didn't know I had an audience,” Twilight murmured, her cheeks growing red. “That was a heck of a story,” remarked the stallion in front of her. “I didn't know any of that.” “I’m just amazed the guy did it. I woulda took off with all that gold,” added the clerk. “Yes well, Ink Eyes was a very loyal stallion,” Twilight murmured. “Hey, why didn't you do the old timey voices?” Spike questioned. Twilight rolled her eyes. “They didn't even speak modern equish. You wouldn't even understand what I was saying if I had translated it into middle equish.” “Huh. Well, the more you know,” Spike exclaimed. Author's Note I was feeling inspired and needed an outlet, so here ya go! Not supported by anyone or a request or w/e. Just something I felt like doing. Celestia's Parents“I’m so glad you could join us today Twilight,” Celestia offered. “I assume you were in town visiting your parents?” Twilight nodded along, hastily chewing the last of her mushroom risotto and swallowing it just as quickly. “Yes, I was,” replied the mare, pausing to clear her throat. “Unfortunately I’ll be heading back to Ponyville tonight.” “A shame,” Luna piped up. “I would have loved the opportunity to speak to you for longer than just this dinner.” “Well, I don't have to leave right away,” Twilight remarked. “Honestly so long as I leave before the last train departs that's fine with me.” “We wouldn't want to keep you,” Celestia added. Luna chuckled. “Oh come on Celestia. You would love to keep her longer, let's not beat around the bush.” “You have me there, sister. I do find myself reminiscing of your time in the castle quite frequently recently,” Celestia exclaimed. “Why is that?” Twilight inquired. Celestia shrugged. “Just my mind wandering to better or perhaps simpler times.” “Ha, hardly simpler,” Luna prodded, jabbing a fork at her sister from across the dinner table. “From what I’ve gathered you were moving quite a number of pieces before my fated return to Equestria.” “Once again sister you are correct, though a part of me will always enjoy being so busy that the years flit by like days,” Celestia mused. Twilight sipped her ice water and leaned back in her chair, gaze sweeping across the room. The small dining area looked more at home in a two-bedroom apartment than Castle Canter. Small, but not cramped, it was homey, with decorations that looked like they were hung by an aging grandmother. Three-word sayings all beginning with the letter L hung above the entrance, the light switch, and the clock. Everything was either a soft eggshell white, a gentle pink, or the shade of red used on barns. It was pleasant, homey, and was undoubtedly the work of Celestia, at least in Twilight's opinion. “I’m glad it worked out for me to stop by. Mom and Dad had a date planned so I couldn't stay there and I can only stare at my old room for so long before I start cringing,” Twilight remarked. “Oh? Did you have ah what did you call it Tia? A Twilight phase?” Luna prodded. Twilight groaned. “Augh the books are bad enough but I just had to pick the one series that I share a name with. Everyone thought it was an ego thing when it was really just a low self-esteem thing.” “I kid, Twilight. We have all had our as you call it ‘cringe phases’,” Luna replied. “Why I remember when we were young when Celestia really wanted to start a zoo so she gathered up all these animals and-” “If you keep going Luna I am going to tell Twilight all about your edge phase and the name you almost chose for yourself on your name day celebration,” Celestia retorted. Luna frowned. “Fair enough.” “Let me guess, the animals ate each other, and Luna almost chose something like Night Blade?” Twilight pressed, smirking to herself. “Sometimes I wonder who knows me better, my sister or Twilight here,” Luna exclaimed. Celestia chuckled. “That isn't exactly what happened but it's close enough anyway.” “Um speaking of knowing you all, I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about your own parents,” Twilight opened, her voice wavering slightly. “I know it seems like a sensitive and random topic but I’ve never really broached it before.” Celestia sat up a little straighter, her expression becoming very purposefully neutral. “I suppose we could speak a little about our mother though you are correct that it is a bit of a touchy subject.” “Oh take off your political face,” Luna complained. “She's just being curious.” “I am not wearing my political face,” Celestia shot back. “You totally are. You’re even doing that thing where you’re really annoyed but don't want to look angry so you tense your jaw super hard,” Luna pointed out. Celestia opened her mouth to respond, then closed it after a moment of silence. “I suppose you have me on that one.” “We really don't have to talk about this,” Twilight backpedaled. “I can see how uncomfortable this all is.” “Oh it's quite alright,” Luna pressed. “Though we should clarify something first, and that there is only the mother in this equation.” “You didn't know your father?” Twilight asked. “In a way,” Celestia answered. “Though it's more apt to say that the opportunity was never there to begin with.” “I’m sorry, what?” Twilight muttered. Luna scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Great, now she's got her political face on, and her vague posturing mouth. We’re never going to get a straight answer out of her now.” “Look I’m really sorry I brought this up. We were just talking about my parents, and I was curious about yours…” Twilight interrupted. “I hardly think that is apt. I would not try to use any political tactics on dear Twilight,” Celestia retorted. “No, you’d just be vague, and noncommittal,” Luna rose suddenly. “Why don't we end dinner here? Come Twilight, let us enjoy a moonlit stroll.” “I uh, okay,” Twilight muttered weakly. “I suppose if that is what you want. I will tidy up here sister,” Celestia exclaimed, turning to her former student. “It was a pleasure Twilight. Do come by the castle again soon.” “Um okay, thank you,” Twilight murmured. Luna clopped her hoof. “Come along Twilight, the night is young and there is a pleasant vista I wish to share with you.” “C-coming,” Twilight agreed, trotting after the other mare. Twilight stopped at the door and glanced back at Celestia. The alicorn was still sitting at the table, her gaze distant and unfocused, as if she were seeing something that wasn't in the room. The clop of departing hooves drew Twilight's attention forward once more, the unicorn hastily trotting after Luna. “Look we really don't have to talk about your mother,” Twilight whispered. “No no, like I said, it's quite alright,” Luna declared. “Really? Because I haven't seen Celestia stiffen up like that since I was a kid and that noble suggested that they get married because she was quote, over the hill and not getting any younger,” Twilight replied. Luna chuckled. “Now that is a story I must hear from her. Though to begin with I should clarify things somewhat. She may take offense, or be a bit prickly but ultimately I believe Celestia wants to be open with you on this topic.” “She just has trouble talking about certain things,” Twilight reasoned. “Quite right,” Luna replied, raising an eyebrow. “Though I feel as though you speak from experience.” “Celestia is a bit squeamish about the birds and the bees. When my health tutor called in sick Celestia tried to sub in but spoke in so much innuendo and vague notions that I felt as though I had unlearned everything previously taught to me,” Twilight answered. Luna giggled. “Oh, that is rich. I simply must tease her about that later, after she has had a chance to relax.” The pair passed through a sitting room and entered a balcony area, one where two rather recliners were already waiting for them. Luna seated herself on the more beat-up of the two, the alicorn wiggling until she was comfortable and releasing a sigh. “Nothing beats a chair that you’ve already broken in,” Luna purred. “True,” Twilight agreed, sitting down next to the alicorn. Luna lit her horn and conjured a bottle of red wine lacking any label, as well as two tall glasses. She then poured herself one, before glancing expectantly at Twilight, waiting for permission. “Oh um sure. Just, half a cup though, please. I’m not much of a drinker,” Twilight declared. “Neither am I to be honest. I find this modern wine to be far too strong,” Luna complained. “Ahh yes. The average alcohol content would have been about a third of what it is now. If I remember correctly,” Twilight remarked. Luna took a long sip, swirled the contents around her mouth, and then swallowed. “Now then, the topic of mother,” Luna began. “And to answer your unspoken question yes, she passed giving birth to me. I suppose that’s why it doesn't bother me overmuch about the subject at hoof as they say.” “I’m sorry to hear that,” Twilight offered. “Don't be,” Luna retorted. “You cannot weep for someone you do not know, only the idea of them.” “Still,” Twilight muttered. “The notion is appreciated though,” Luna replied, gently touching a hoof to Twilight's shoulder. “You’re welcome,” Twilight exclaimed. “Right,” Luna began. “The next most obvious question is why would there be no father? After all, we are flesh and blood for the most part.” “That was next on my mind,” Twilight answered. “To answer that question we must go on a bit of a tangent, though before we do I’d encourage you to enjoy a bit of the wine,” Luna offered, gesturing to Twilight's untouched cup. “Oh um. Sure,” Twilight muttered. The unicorn lifted the cup to her lips and took a gentle sip. “Ooh, that's kind of nice. What is that, Blackcurrant and some kind of sweetness?” Twilight asked. “A bit of coriander, and cardamom,” Luna answered. “And I asked that you indulge as the explanation is a bit out there.” “The intoxicated mind accepts what the sober one cannot,” Twilight remarked. Luna nodded slowly. “I shan't beat around the bush any longer though. You see Twilight before there was the sun and the moon there was a star that was both at once.” “What… how?” Twilight muttered. Luna pointed to the cup and this time Twilight took an eager gulp. “I won't even pretend to know how that worked, but that was the state of things for what was likely tens of thousands if not millions of years,” Luna continued. “This sun-moon hybrid was alone for a long time, but that was alright as it wasn't sapient as we are, though it did have a primitive spirit.” “Then something changed,” Twilight reasoned. “Discord happened, in a way,” Luna exclaimed. “You see he was sent here by some other force, and his arrival split this sun moon into different parts. The physical aspects of the sun and moon were temporarily lost, while the spiritual aspect reformed itself into the first alicorn.” “Your mother?” Twilight muttered, only to blink and shake her head. “Wait a second, this is not making any sense.” “Early Equestria made very little sense I’m afraid,” Luna cautioned. “Time itself was rendered elastic for what may have been a month, or a span of millennia due to the arrival of chaos. Not exactly easy to measure when it stops flowing in a predictable pattern.” Twilight opened her mouth to respond but decided to fill it with wine instead of speaking. “More please,” Twilight asked. Luna chuckled and poured the mare another half glass. “The arrival of Discord was a predictably chaotic thing though at the time he was only half-formed himself.” Twilight nodded dutifully. “Regardless,” Luna muttered. “This first alicorn took no name, though she wandered Equestria, interacting with the strange creatures she had observed for untold eons in silence.” Twilight inched further to the edge of her seat, wine glass clasped tight between her forehooves. “Eventually she unexpectedly found herself pregnant despite never having become intimate with anyone. This gestating life would become Celestia, whose birth would herald the sudden reappearance of the sun,” Luna declared. “Wait, if the sun and moon were gone, then was the sky dark or…” Twilight trailed off. “It was, quite fittingly, a sort of eternal Twilight,” Luna replied. “Huh,” Twilight murmured. “Yes, though with my eventual birth, and the return of the moon day and night would be established again,” Luna explained. “This final labor, no pun intended, was too much for the dying spirit of the former sun and moon, so she died. Though perhaps died isn't quite the right word for it.” “Why not?” Twilight asked. “Well she was a spiritual being, with even mine and Celestia’s emergence lacking more of the bloody affairs of mortal birth,” Luna answered. “As a spirit without a true body, her time was limited and when that time ran out, her body became the star stuff that had first formed it.” “That is… quite a story,” Twilight muttered. Luna took another sip. “So then the rumor that you guys are the physical manifestation of the sun and moon respectively is true?” Twilight half asked half stated. “Sort of,” Luna admitted. “We are the spirit of the moon and sun, though our bodies are mostly flesh and blood like that of you mortals.” “Which is why Cadance is not immortal but you two are. Because she was born mortal, and is also not a celestial body,” Twilight reasoned. “Heavenly body or not, she doesn't have our celestial body,” Luna remarked with a chuckle. Twilight joined her mirth, laughing as well. “Oh and to finish our story, Celestia didn't have the heart to deal with our mother’s remains so it fell to me to give our mother her final rites,” Luna exclaimed. “Thus I gave the greatest honor I thought possible, I flung her ashes into the night sky where they became the stars you see at night.” “That is…” Twilight frowned. “Grim.” “It's just dust Twilight,” Luna pointed out. “I mean it was also your mother,” Twilight replied. “At the moment of death it became little more than matter,” Luna retorted. “Though I see why you may think otherwise.” “Huh,” Twilight muttered. The unicorn looked up at the night sky, noting that the stars were especially bright. “It is one reason I wished more of our ponies would appreciate the night. Though thankfully that is not a concern anymore. In fact, I feel a bit bad for Tia. The real fun only begins after the sun goes down,” Luna remarked with a chuckle. “Hmm,” Twilight hummed. “Bit for your thoughts?” Luna offered. “I was just wondering how Discord fit into all this,” Twilight admitted. “Now that dear Twilight…” Luna paused and raised her cup. “Is a story for another time.” Author's Note If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon! Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out! Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update. 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The Alicorn Amulet Part One“Where did the alicorn amulet come from?” Twilight blinked, and looked up from her book, gazing curiously at her assistant who stood patiently before her. “I’m sorry what was that?” “I asked where the alicorn amulet came from.” Spike reiterated. “Well that was quite out of the blue.” Twilight murmured, folding her book and putting it on the end table next to her. “Well I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately and I was kinda struck by the fact that I knew nothing about it.” Spike explained. Twilight nodded slowly. “It's not a nice story, I’ll tell you that much.” Spike pouted and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m almost sixteen Twilight, I can handle a scary story.” Twilight chuckled. “Oh I know you can, but it's just not the nicest tale ever.” “I think I’ll be the judge of that.” “If you insist, though I am curious as to what brought this on in the first place.” Spike shrugged. “I was just talking to Trixie the other day and she mentioned how strange the amulet was and how she felt like there was a voice whispering to her from a great distance whenever she wore it.” “Ahh yes, that would be the voice of Towering Oak, its creator.” Twilight remarked. “Towering Oak? That sounds like an earth pony name” Spike questioned. Twilight nodded, and gestured to a nearby chair. “Pull up a seat, this one will take a bit of explaining.” Spike dragged the other chair closer before plunking down into it. “Alright, ready.” “Well the first thing you need to know is that Towering Oak was indeed an earth pony, and she was the leader of the standing stones. Which was an organization founded shortly after the unification wars had concluded which served as an advocacy group dedicated to ensuring earth ponies did not lose any of their rights.” Twilight explained. “But I thought Celestia and Luna were in charge by then. Why would they worry about something like that?” Spike questioned. “Because the last rulers of unicornia were granted advisor status after the wars were over, and though this was a largely ceremonial position it made the other tribes fearful.” Twilight continued. “They saw the unicorn’s continued presence in court as a slight against the rest of the tribes who did not receive such treatment.” “But it's not like they had any powers to actually make any decisions right?” Twilight nodded. “That is true, but again, they didn't know that. Celestia feared that the unicorns would rebel, and gave their last leaders those positions in an effort to placate them with meaningless titles.” “But she couldn't let anyone know they were meaningless without the unicorns causing problems.” Spike murmured. “Exactly.” Twilight proclaimed with a smile. “The princesses were in an awkward place, but were confident that they could simply wait for the unicorn leaders to die and then not replace them. They had not been aware that this would lead to a minor uprising, and the creation of one of the most evil, and powerful artifacts ever known.” “So what happened?” Spike asked, scooching forward in his seat. “Three things. First, the standing stones met for the last time, then they raided the twin peaks castle before attempting to kill both Celestia and Luna.” Twilight exclaimed. “Woah.” “Would you like to hear more?” Twilight offered. Spike nodded eagerly. “Yes please.” “Alright, but remember, these were different times, and fear over what the princesses may do with their new power was a very real concern.” Twilight waved a hoof. “Oh and though I wont do the voices, I will translate what they would have said into more modern vernacular. I don't want to accidentally get stuck sounding like I’m in some Shakespearean play.” “Daw but I like it when you do the voices.” Spike complained. “Fine, but I expect you to not say a word until the story is over, okay?” Spike bobbed his head. “Alright, so it all started near a small village just south of where Ponyville would one day be founded. It was late in the day, and the standing stones had gathered at the Weathered Hearth for a discussion..” Towering Oak stood near the bar at the far side of the small tavern, her impressive height allowing her to easily look over the gathered crowd. Her eyes flickered from one patron to the next, noting that although they had been there a while, they hardly touched their drinks. Most seemed nervous, and engaged in small partially whispered conversations with the ponies closest to them. They were all earth ponies, with an even mix of males and females, each one representing a clan, family, town, or area. Another thing they had in common was the fact that they were all relatively gruff, standing a little taller, or a little wider than most ponies. The collected families represented by those in the room were significant, and Towering Oak was confident that with their support that she could put her plan into motion. “He’ll show.” Stated a graveley male voice to Towering Oak’s right. The enormous earth pony mare glanced down to where the aged bartender stood staring at the crowd while polishing a mug. His fur had at one point been a deep vibrant brown, and his hair a stark green like Towering Oak’s was, except he had lost that color. Now his fur, mane, and tail were such a light grey that they bordered on white, making his Blue eyes stick out even more. “I don't know Ghost, the Barren Root family control a considerable amount of land next to Unicornia.” Towering Oak replied, her low, rumbling voice causing a few ponies to glance in her direction. “It's called Canterlot now. Yer not going daft on us now are ya?” Retorted the bartender with a snicker. Towering snorted. “They can call it whatever they want to call it. We’ll remember it as the unicorn capital and seat of their foul empire.” “Well whatever you want to call it, I hope you got a good reason to call together the stones after all this time. Were supposed to be disbanded you know.” Ghost pointed out. “Those ivory tower dictators can decry whatever they like, it doesn't mean it's going to happen.” Grumbled Towering Oak. Together the two earth ponies looked out over the small, packed inn, towards the entrance, and the storm which howled just outside of it. Rain came in waves, blown about by powerful winds, and illuminated by the odd flash of lightning. The dull boom of thunder shook the aged structure on occasion, and though a few ponies qualed beneath the fury of the storm, Towering Oak stood tall. Her own deep brown eyes peered intently at the door, waiting for the stallion who could make or break her plan. As if summoned by her furious gaze, a stallion appeared through the haze of rain and threw open the door. The howl of the wind temporarily laid low any attempt at conversation and the robed stallion hurriedly slammed shut the portal behind him. Breathing heavily, the newcomer threw back his hood and revealed his deep scarlet mane which was broken up by two streaks of orange. His fur was the color of soot, and his eyes blazed with such an intensity that they seemed more like portals leading to the heart of a forge. Though much, much shorter than Towering Oak, the stallion carried himself with such confidence that it was hard not to feel as though he equalled her in height. “My apologies, friends. This storm got me turned about somewhat.” Declared the stallion as he strode up to the bar. The mass of ponies which had not gotten there early enough to secure a seat parted like water for the male. Who took the offered cup of ale from Ghost and plunked down on a now empty bar stool only a few feet from Towering Oak. The tall mare frowned, her anger flaring hotly in her chest only to be swiftly quenched when she reminded herself that he was likely telling the truth. “I’m glad to see you made it here unharmed, Vicious Ember.” Towering Oak offered. The second the kind words had left Towering Oak’s lips the room seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief. The stallion threw back his drink and swallowed it all in a single, titanic gulp before sighing contentedly and turning to the mare who had just spoken to him. “Please, just call me Ember. We’re all friends here, right Towering?” Ember offered, raising an eyebrow slightly. “That we are. And it is that reason why I have called you all here today.” Towering Oak turned to the rest of the tavern. “I have a plan, one that will see our newest masters cast down, and one that I need your assistance in completing.” “There are no masters anymore!” Someone yelled from near the back of the room. Towering Oak shook her head slowly. “They may not call themselves that, but answer me this, stranger. Who collects our taxes, who stands beside our so called princesses whenever they are in court, and who still reside within their mansions we built?” The crowd was silent save for some scattered murmurings. Ember hummed thoughtfully to himself. “Now you all know I am not a fan of the nobility, but even I must acknowledge that is a bit of a stretch. Don't you think?” “Yeah, no offence Oak, but the princesses sure seem like they are on the up and up especially after they whooped Discord’s butt.” Added a nearby mare. Towering Oak smirked, and glanced down to the bartender. “Ghost, if a stallion from out of town came in here and started causing problems that would be bad, right?” The stallion snorted. “Obviously.” “And if I came in here five minutes later and offered to get rid of him for a tidy fee, that would be pretty suspicious, correct?” Towering Oak continued. Ghost lifted an eyebrow. “I’m not sure I’m following you.” “Think about it.” Towering Oak exclaimed, gesturing to the crowd. “Discord comes out of nowhere and starts mucking up the place and only a few short years later here come two horn heads noone has ever heard of before. They say they are the only ones who can possibly defeat Discord, and demand that we help them. Don't that sound a mite bit strange to you all?” The crowd murmured quietly to themself, though it seemed half hearted, as if most werent convinced by what the earth pony had said. “Now I admit it is pretty odd that the first alicorn and the first whatever the hell discord is came to our lands one after another but it doesn't prove they are connected.” Ember remarked tiredly. “Seems more likely that the two races are long time enemies rather than allies.” “Then why didn't they kill him?” Towering Oak replied, a hoof gesturing in the direction of Canterlot. “You know they had the power to do so! They had the elements of harmony for crying out loud. Yet they froze him and displayed him in the garden, as if reminding us that he can return, and when he does, they will be the only ones capable of defeating him.” The muttering grew louder, and it was quickly growing apparent that the opinion of the room’s inhabitants was turning slowly but surely. Yet Ember didn't seem moved, and merely eyed the tall mare closely in an almost appraising manner. “If they are indeed strangers from a strange land then why do they call their mentor Starswirl, father and treat him in such a familial manner?” Ember retorted, standing from his seat. “I don't know what you are talking about.” Towering Oak murmured. Ember waved a hoof in the air. “Nonsense. I know you have an ear for these kinds of things and that Starswirl is of interest to you.” Towering Oak glowered at the smaller pony. “I admit that their relationship with Starswirl does give credence to the story that they were given to him with the intention of being trained to defeat Discord. However, why wouldn't they be trained in the other tribe’s magic as well? They do claim to have the ability to use the magic of all of the pony tribes.” “I’ve seen them fly plenty.” Ember retorted. “But that's all they’ve done. They haven't manipulated the weather, utilized earth pony magic, or the magic of any other tribes for that matter.” Towering Oak smirked. “Even birds can fly after all and we know they have no magic to speak of.” Ember frowned, and seemed ready to retort for several quiet seconds only to sigh. “I suppose I’ll stop playing the devil’s advocate now and ask the million bit question. What is this plan of yours?” Towering Oak’s smile grew to encompass her entire face and she clopped a hoof hard against the ground. “Simple! We rob the Blueblood estate and take the confiscated war foci. With them I can create an artifact powerful enough to raise an earth pony to the level of an alicorn and then we topple these newest tyrants.” The room was silent for a short eternity. “Are you sure you can do something like that? You know those foci things are for unicorns only, right?” Offered the confused bartender. Towering Oak laughed loudly. “Did you think alicornite only works on unicorns? Observe!” The mare pulled forth a sliver of red crystal and raised it high into the air, energy coursing from the tiny object and into her hoof. After allowing the magic to build for a moment, Towering Oak brought her limb down hard against the bar, shattering it utterly and sending splinters in every direction. Instantly a hush fell over the crowd as they silently stared at the devastation wrought by a single powerful blow. There was nothing left of over a quarter of the bar, only the odd splinter, and tiny chunk of wood. “Yer payin for that.” Ghost muttered. Towering Oak snickered and raised her hoof once again. “This my friends, is a sliver of the unrefined crystal they use in their rings and necklaces. Unlike the ones they have, this one has not been corrupted and forced to only work with unicorn magic.” “Stars above, it's possible.” Someone muttered. “It is indeed possible my friends. Furthermore, everyone in Equestria knows that every last bit of this stuff has already been mined in order to create more of those damned foci and that they are now stored inside the twin peaks just south of Canterlot.” Towering Oak tucked the sliver of crystal away. “That's… amazing. But do you really think it's possible to storm such a place? My clan was nearly wiped out when we attempted to rest control of the peeks from those Blue Blood monsters.” Ember murmured. “Which is why we are going to burrow under it, directly into the store room itself.” Towering Oak declared. “It will take a lot of work, and effort but I believe we could do it.” Ember laughed suddenly. “And if we are already digging that deep we could bring down the whole bloody keep!” A sudden roar went up through the tavern, drinks were clanged together and hooves stomped against the wooden floor. “Aye, we could.” Towering Oak admitted. “Now who’s with me?” The tavern came alive with movement as everyone in it raised a foreleg into the air and shouted in agreement. Towering Oak stood on her back legs, allowing every last pony there to see her wide, confident smile. “Long have we been the earth beneath their hooves, the grass they trod so carelessly, but I say no longer!” Towering Oak shouted. “Tonight we lay the first brick that will serve as a foundation for a better world. One without gods, kings, or masters! Now I said, who’s with me?!” Every pony young, old, male or female stood up and cheered. “And the standing stones did just that, raiding, and bringing down the twin peek keep in its entirety.” Twilight declared. “Is that why there are so few Bluebloods and why Celestia adopted one of them way back when?” Spike inquired. Twilight nodded. “All but one died when the keep collapsed, and that survivor was adopted by Celestia herself.” “Wait, but you never told me how the battle went? I mean, I know Celestia won, but how? And what happened to Towering Oak?” Spike pressed. Twilight smiled. “That, I am afraid. Is a story for another time.” Spike groaned. “You are the worst!” Twilight giggled. “Maybe next time Spike. Maybe next time.” Author's Note If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon! Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out! Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update. 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Bits“Miss Twilight,” called a voice. Twilight blinked, and looked away from the can of peas she had been inspecting for their nutritional value. To where a young unicorn filly stood awkwardly in the middle of the canned food aisle, a nervous look on her face. Twilight instantly recognized her orange mane and yellow fur, and smiled calmly down at the foal. “Yes Pumpkin?” Twilight replied, kneeling to the young pony’s level. “Why is it called a bit?” Questioned the young pony. Twilight was about to answer when a wide eyed Mrs cake skidded around the corner, her gaze instantly latching onto the foal. “There you are Pumpkin! What did I say about wandering off like that?” Hissed the mother. “But mom, I just wanted to find out why it's called a bit,” Pumpkin whined. “And you didn't know!” “That's no reason to bother Miss Twilight,” whispered Mrs cake. “I’m terribly sorry about that dear. Pumpkin has become quite inquisitive of late.” “It's no trouble at all Mrs Cake. Curiosity is an important thing to foster, and the answer to her question is simple,” Twilight smiled down at the foal. “A thousand years ago there was a money shortage so Celestia had copper coins minted as a sort of promissory note that could be exchanged for a bit of the royal fortune. They were officially called Equestrian relief dollars, but most people knew them by the nickname bit and it just kind of stuck.” “I did not know that,” murmured Mrs Cake. “It's actually a fairly similar story as to why the vanhoover two dollar coin is called a toonie,” Twilight added. “Huh, that's kinda neat,” remarked the child. Twilight smiled. “And since only very few people tried to redeem the new bits, the economy was able to continue on and take only a small dip and now you know.” “What do you say to the nice lady Pumpkin?” Mrs cake encouraged. “Thank you Miss Twilight,” Pumpkin happily exclaimed. “It was my pleasure, and Pumpkin, stay curious,” Twilight whispered, flashing the foal a wink before she and her mother walked away. “Now then, to figure out if these pees have a high enough iron content to serve as a replacement for blood.” “Why do you need blood?” Questioned another voice. Twilight let out a yelp and tossed the can of vegetables into the air, narrowly catching it with her magic before it could hit her young assistant on the head. “Spike, don't scare me like that!” Twilight shouted. The dragon blinked slowly, and raised a bag. “I was just getting the bread you wanted.” “Err thank you,” Twilight muttered, tucking the bread into her cart. “And to answer your question, some very old magical rituals need blood to function because ancient unicorns thought it made their spells more powerful. It doesn't, but they made their rituals in such a way that they don't work without the blood, which is ethically sourced nowadays, instead of being drained from prisoners of war or unfortunate serfs.” “Huh,” Spike muttered. “Say, how do you get a shortage of money anyway? Can't you just mint more when that happens?” “Not if your gold reserves are low like they were after the war of shadows,” Twilight corrected, the mare tucking a few cans of peas into her cart before trotting down the aisle. “How did that happen? I thought equestria has like tons of gold,” Spike pressed, walking next to Twilight. “Oh we do now, but after the war there wasn't nearly enough,” Twilight corrected. “Ooh tomato soup is on sale.” “Okay so then why was there like no gold then?” Spike continued. Twilight glanced curiously at her companion. “Why the sudden burst of interest?” “Well you told Pumpkin to stay curious, so I figured I should as well,” Spike replied with a shrug. The mare nodded. “I suppose that's fair, just keep your eyes out for blueberry pie filling and pie crusts. Mom and dad are coming over this weekend and I want to try making dessert again.” Spike chuckled. “If you aren't making the filling or the crust, can you even say you made the pie?” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Would you rather I try to make it from scratch?” Spike shuddered as he recalled the last blackened circle that Twilight had declared was a pie, “No that's fine.” “Then keep your snide comments to yourself mister. I have a story to tell,” Twilight cleared her throat as she guided her cart around the end of an isle. “It all started over a thousand years ago and Nightmare Moon was meeting with her generals before her final battle with Celestia…” The dark alicorn growled, and slammed her hoof against the table, jostling the carefully placed flags and miniature ponies which dotted the map laid out before her. “For the last time, her victory is not assured!” Nightmare Moon shouted in the face of a towering earth pony. Who merely narrowed her eyes. “You keep saying that, but you have not given us a single reason to believe you.” “Because I said so, thats why!” Nightmare Moon bellowed. “I am your queen, and I have the right to withhold whatever secret I desire. Even from my generals.” The grey coated earth pony bowed her head slightly, her black mane dangling in front of her vision. “My apologies, Queen Moon. I fear as though the stress of this campaign is beginning to get to me.” “Take the evening off, take a lover, or take those stars off your shoulder. You will serve in the coming battle, the only question left is if you will be on the first line, or the last,” Nightmare Moon hissed. The small gathering of ponies shifted uncomfortably under the declaration, though none dared to speak out. Nightmare Moon inspected their faces carefully, weighing them each in turn, starting with the earth pony who spoke earlier. Before finally ending on a diminutive, one eyed bat pony stallion who stood slightly apart from his allies. “Now then, since you all know what it is your are supposed to do, and have had a chance to try my patience…” Nightmare Moon began, her gaze flicking from one creature to the next. “You are dismissed.” The assembled generals began to move towards the exit, save for the one eyed bat pony, who took a few steps away before stopping once he was alone with the alicorn. He fastened the tent’s exit shut before turning back towards Nightmare Moon and leaned heavily on the large oak table. “So, what did you want to talk about?” he asked. Nightmare Moon smirked. “I’m glad to see you are not completely blind, old friend.” “Aye, your sister sure tried anyway,” muttered the stallion, who brushed a hand over the dark eye patch. “But I doubt you just wanted to reminisce about the old times.” “No I didn’t,” Nightmare Moon declared, the armored alicorn tapping a spot on the table. “Do you know what lies in Manehatten?” “A port, a fort, and about three thousand Celestian soldiers,” replied the stallion. “As well as three of the largest banks in Equestria which are getting a large shipment of gold destined for Celestia’s mercenaries,” Nightmare Moon continued. Causing her companion to raise an eyebrow. “And why is that important?” “Because…” Nightmare Moon hesitated, glancing down at her companion. “You know how tenuous things have become, yes?” “I am your spymaster after all. If I didn't I wouldn't have a job,” remarked the stallion after a pause. “Though I assumed you had a plan of some kind to rectify that.” “I do,” Nightmare Moon assured the stallion. “I have an ace up my sleeve, one that will give me the edge when I meet my sister in combat. With her defeated, the fragile alliance of noble houses, warrior clans and foriegn mercenaries will fall apart.” “Then why mention the gold at all?” questioned the male. “Because if I am defeated, but they do not have the gold necessary to continue paying the mercenaries they will not be able to continue the war,” Nightmare Moon concluded. “Which means that they will be too busy dealing with rabble rousing foreigners and unicornian politics to press into the spine of the world,” explained the spy master. “Yes,” Nightmare Moon announced with a sigh. “If I fail they will hunt your kind to the ends of Equestria. Death and failure are two things I can handle, but if the noble Thestralians were to die out…” The alicorn’s shoulders sagged, and her previously confident expression vanished, her gaze falling to the floor. “I would never be able to forgive myself,” she murmured. “You know they say if you plan around failure then you will have planned to fail,” offered the bat pony with a smirk. Nightmare Moon snorted. “And I have heard that If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” The bat pony smiled and nodded slowly. “Alright. So I make off with a massive load of gold, then what? I pay the mercs to fight Celestia?” The alicorn shook her head. “Their contracts forbid it. However, if we lose this war, you cannot remain in Equestria and the gold cannot come with you.” “Then we bury it, or perhaps give it to one of the dragon lords?” inquired the stallion. “No dear Ink Eyes. We are going to toss it into the mournful titan,” Nightmare Moon proclaimed, grinning confidently. “Plus the dragon lords have all been bribed to not interfere. No, with the gold gone, they will have no reason to follow you and no possible way to pay back their mercenaries. It is the only way the ponies who sided with me are not hunted down and butchered.” The stallion nodded slowly. “You’ve given this a lot of thought.” Nightmare Moon winced. “I have had a lot to consider these past few weeks.” “My spies will remain with the army. I need only a small squad to procure your gold,” Ink Eyes declared. “Then you will do it, truly?” Nightmare Moon pressed. “I would have done it even if you told me to break in and piss on the lot of it just to spite that old hag,” Ink Eyes remarked. “Careful, I’m not that much younger than her,” Nightmare Moon teased. Ink Eyes chuckled, and pushed off the table. “Celestia has been old ever since she was young.” Nightmare Moon hummed thoughtfully. “Quite true.” “Anything else I should know?” Asked the stallion after he reached the tent exit. “In ten days, if the moon rises on time, dump it. If not, return to this very spot so I can pin a medal on you,” Nightmare Moon commanded. “It will be done,” “And that's how the equestrian economy crumbled, the celestian alliance fell apart, and why our money is called bits,” Twilight proclaimed. The sudden stomping of hooves made Twilight look around to where the other shoppers in line for the check out, and the clerk herself were all applauding her. “Oh um, I didn't know I had an audience,” Twilight murmured, her cheeks growing red. “That was a heck of a story,” remarked the stallion in front of her. “I didn't know any of that.” “I’m just amazed the guy did it. I woulda took off with all that gold,” added the clerk. “Yes well, Ink Eyes was a very loyal stallion,” Twilight murmured. “Hey, why didn't you do the old timey voices?” Spike questioned. Twilight rolled her eyes. “They didn't even speak modern equish. You wouldn't even understand what I was saying if I had translated it into middle equish.” “Huh. Well, the more you know,” Spike exclaimed. Author's Note I was feeling inspired and needed an outlet, so here ya go! Not supported by anyone or a request or w/e. Just something I felt like doing.
Celestia's Parents“I’m so glad you could join us today Twilight,” Celestia offered. “I assume you were in town visiting your parents?” Twilight nodded along, hastily chewing the last of her mushroom risotto and swallowing it just as quickly. “Yes, I was,” replied the mare, pausing to clear her throat. “Unfortunately I’ll be heading back to Ponyville tonight.” “A shame,” Luna piped up. “I would have loved the opportunity to speak to you for longer than just this dinner.” “Well, I don't have to leave right away,” Twilight remarked. “Honestly so long as I leave before the last train departs that's fine with me.” “We wouldn't want to keep you,” Celestia added. Luna chuckled. “Oh come on Celestia. You would love to keep her longer, let's not beat around the bush.” “You have me there, sister. I do find myself reminiscing of your time in the castle quite frequently recently,” Celestia exclaimed. “Why is that?” Twilight inquired. Celestia shrugged. “Just my mind wandering to better or perhaps simpler times.” “Ha, hardly simpler,” Luna prodded, jabbing a fork at her sister from across the dinner table. “From what I’ve gathered you were moving quite a number of pieces before my fated return to Equestria.” “Once again sister you are correct, though a part of me will always enjoy being so busy that the years flit by like days,” Celestia mused. Twilight sipped her ice water and leaned back in her chair, gaze sweeping across the room. The small dining area looked more at home in a two-bedroom apartment than Castle Canter. Small, but not cramped, it was homey, with decorations that looked like they were hung by an aging grandmother. Three-word sayings all beginning with the letter L hung above the entrance, the light switch, and the clock. Everything was either a soft eggshell white, a gentle pink, or the shade of red used on barns. It was pleasant, homey, and was undoubtedly the work of Celestia, at least in Twilight's opinion. “I’m glad it worked out for me to stop by. Mom and Dad had a date planned so I couldn't stay there and I can only stare at my old room for so long before I start cringing,” Twilight remarked. “Oh? Did you have ah what did you call it Tia? A Twilight phase?” Luna prodded. Twilight groaned. “Augh the books are bad enough but I just had to pick the one series that I share a name with. Everyone thought it was an ego thing when it was really just a low self-esteem thing.” “I kid, Twilight. We have all had our as you call it ‘cringe phases’,” Luna replied. “Why I remember when we were young when Celestia really wanted to start a zoo so she gathered up all these animals and-” “If you keep going Luna I am going to tell Twilight all about your edge phase and the name you almost chose for yourself on your name day celebration,” Celestia retorted. Luna frowned. “Fair enough.” “Let me guess, the animals ate each other, and Luna almost chose something like Night Blade?” Twilight pressed, smirking to herself. “Sometimes I wonder who knows me better, my sister or Twilight here,” Luna exclaimed. Celestia chuckled. “That isn't exactly what happened but it's close enough anyway.” “Um speaking of knowing you all, I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about your own parents,” Twilight opened, her voice wavering slightly. “I know it seems like a sensitive and random topic but I’ve never really broached it before.” Celestia sat up a little straighter, her expression becoming very purposefully neutral. “I suppose we could speak a little about our mother though you are correct that it is a bit of a touchy subject.” “Oh take off your political face,” Luna complained. “She's just being curious.” “I am not wearing my political face,” Celestia shot back. “You totally are. You’re even doing that thing where you’re really annoyed but don't want to look angry so you tense your jaw super hard,” Luna pointed out. Celestia opened her mouth to respond, then closed it after a moment of silence. “I suppose you have me on that one.” “We really don't have to talk about this,” Twilight backpedaled. “I can see how uncomfortable this all is.” “Oh it's quite alright,” Luna pressed. “Though we should clarify something first, and that there is only the mother in this equation.” “You didn't know your father?” Twilight asked. “In a way,” Celestia answered. “Though it's more apt to say that the opportunity was never there to begin with.” “I’m sorry, what?” Twilight muttered. Luna scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Great, now she's got her political face on, and her vague posturing mouth. We’re never going to get a straight answer out of her now.” “Look I’m really sorry I brought this up. We were just talking about my parents, and I was curious about yours…” Twilight interrupted. “I hardly think that is apt. I would not try to use any political tactics on dear Twilight,” Celestia retorted. “No, you’d just be vague, and noncommittal,” Luna rose suddenly. “Why don't we end dinner here? Come Twilight, let us enjoy a moonlit stroll.” “I uh, okay,” Twilight muttered weakly. “I suppose if that is what you want. I will tidy up here sister,” Celestia exclaimed, turning to her former student. “It was a pleasure Twilight. Do come by the castle again soon.” “Um okay, thank you,” Twilight murmured. Luna clopped her hoof. “Come along Twilight, the night is young and there is a pleasant vista I wish to share with you.” “C-coming,” Twilight agreed, trotting after the other mare. Twilight stopped at the door and glanced back at Celestia. The alicorn was still sitting at the table, her gaze distant and unfocused, as if she were seeing something that wasn't in the room. The clop of departing hooves drew Twilight's attention forward once more, the unicorn hastily trotting after Luna. “Look we really don't have to talk about your mother,” Twilight whispered. “No no, like I said, it's quite alright,” Luna declared. “Really? Because I haven't seen Celestia stiffen up like that since I was a kid and that noble suggested that they get married because she was quote, over the hill and not getting any younger,” Twilight replied. Luna chuckled. “Now that is a story I must hear from her. Though to begin with I should clarify things somewhat. She may take offense, or be a bit prickly but ultimately I believe Celestia wants to be open with you on this topic.” “She just has trouble talking about certain things,” Twilight reasoned. “Quite right,” Luna replied, raising an eyebrow. “Though I feel as though you speak from experience.” “Celestia is a bit squeamish about the birds and the bees. When my health tutor called in sick Celestia tried to sub in but spoke in so much innuendo and vague notions that I felt as though I had unlearned everything previously taught to me,” Twilight answered. Luna giggled. “Oh, that is rich. I simply must tease her about that later, after she has had a chance to relax.” The pair passed through a sitting room and entered a balcony area, one where two rather recliners were already waiting for them. Luna seated herself on the more beat-up of the two, the alicorn wiggling until she was comfortable and releasing a sigh. “Nothing beats a chair that you’ve already broken in,” Luna purred. “True,” Twilight agreed, sitting down next to the alicorn. Luna lit her horn and conjured a bottle of red wine lacking any label, as well as two tall glasses. She then poured herself one, before glancing expectantly at Twilight, waiting for permission. “Oh um sure. Just, half a cup though, please. I’m not much of a drinker,” Twilight declared. “Neither am I to be honest. I find this modern wine to be far too strong,” Luna complained. “Ahh yes. The average alcohol content would have been about a third of what it is now. If I remember correctly,” Twilight remarked. Luna took a long sip, swirled the contents around her mouth, and then swallowed. “Now then, the topic of mother,” Luna began. “And to answer your unspoken question yes, she passed giving birth to me. I suppose that’s why it doesn't bother me overmuch about the subject at hoof as they say.” “I’m sorry to hear that,” Twilight offered. “Don't be,” Luna retorted. “You cannot weep for someone you do not know, only the idea of them.” “Still,” Twilight muttered. “The notion is appreciated though,” Luna replied, gently touching a hoof to Twilight's shoulder. “You’re welcome,” Twilight exclaimed. “Right,” Luna began. “The next most obvious question is why would there be no father? After all, we are flesh and blood for the most part.” “That was next on my mind,” Twilight answered. “To answer that question we must go on a bit of a tangent, though before we do I’d encourage you to enjoy a bit of the wine,” Luna offered, gesturing to Twilight's untouched cup. “Oh um. Sure,” Twilight muttered. The unicorn lifted the cup to her lips and took a gentle sip. “Ooh, that's kind of nice. What is that, Blackcurrant and some kind of sweetness?” Twilight asked. “A bit of coriander, and cardamom,” Luna answered. “And I asked that you indulge as the explanation is a bit out there.” “The intoxicated mind accepts what the sober one cannot,” Twilight remarked. Luna nodded slowly. “I shan't beat around the bush any longer though. You see Twilight before there was the sun and the moon there was a star that was both at once.” “What… how?” Twilight muttered. Luna pointed to the cup and this time Twilight took an eager gulp. “I won't even pretend to know how that worked, but that was the state of things for what was likely tens of thousands if not millions of years,” Luna continued. “This sun-moon hybrid was alone for a long time, but that was alright as it wasn't sapient as we are, though it did have a primitive spirit.” “Then something changed,” Twilight reasoned. “Discord happened, in a way,” Luna exclaimed. “You see he was sent here by some other force, and his arrival split this sun moon into different parts. The physical aspects of the sun and moon were temporarily lost, while the spiritual aspect reformed itself into the first alicorn.” “Your mother?” Twilight muttered, only to blink and shake her head. “Wait a second, this is not making any sense.” “Early Equestria made very little sense I’m afraid,” Luna cautioned. “Time itself was rendered elastic for what may have been a month, or a span of millennia due to the arrival of chaos. Not exactly easy to measure when it stops flowing in a predictable pattern.” Twilight opened her mouth to respond but decided to fill it with wine instead of speaking. “More please,” Twilight asked. Luna chuckled and poured the mare another half glass. “The arrival of Discord was a predictably chaotic thing though at the time he was only half-formed himself.” Twilight nodded dutifully. “Regardless,” Luna muttered. “This first alicorn took no name, though she wandered Equestria, interacting with the strange creatures she had observed for untold eons in silence.” Twilight inched further to the edge of her seat, wine glass clasped tight between her forehooves. “Eventually she unexpectedly found herself pregnant despite never having become intimate with anyone. This gestating life would become Celestia, whose birth would herald the sudden reappearance of the sun,” Luna declared. “Wait, if the sun and moon were gone, then was the sky dark or…” Twilight trailed off. “It was, quite fittingly, a sort of eternal Twilight,” Luna replied. “Huh,” Twilight murmured. “Yes, though with my eventual birth, and the return of the moon day and night would be established again,” Luna explained. “This final labor, no pun intended, was too much for the dying spirit of the former sun and moon, so she died. Though perhaps died isn't quite the right word for it.” “Why not?” Twilight asked. “Well she was a spiritual being, with even mine and Celestia’s emergence lacking more of the bloody affairs of mortal birth,” Luna answered. “As a spirit without a true body, her time was limited and when that time ran out, her body became the star stuff that had first formed it.” “That is… quite a story,” Twilight muttered. Luna took another sip. “So then the rumor that you guys are the physical manifestation of the sun and moon respectively is true?” Twilight half asked half stated. “Sort of,” Luna admitted. “We are the spirit of the moon and sun, though our bodies are mostly flesh and blood like that of you mortals.” “Which is why Cadance is not immortal but you two are. Because she was born mortal, and is also not a celestial body,” Twilight reasoned. “Heavenly body or not, she doesn't have our celestial body,” Luna remarked with a chuckle. Twilight joined her mirth, laughing as well. “Oh and to finish our story, Celestia didn't have the heart to deal with our mother’s remains so it fell to me to give our mother her final rites,” Luna exclaimed. “Thus I gave the greatest honor I thought possible, I flung her ashes into the night sky where they became the stars you see at night.” “That is…” Twilight frowned. “Grim.” “It's just dust Twilight,” Luna pointed out. “I mean it was also your mother,” Twilight replied. “At the moment of death it became little more than matter,” Luna retorted. “Though I see why you may think otherwise.” “Huh,” Twilight muttered. The unicorn looked up at the night sky, noting that the stars were especially bright. “It is one reason I wished more of our ponies would appreciate the night. Though thankfully that is not a concern anymore. In fact, I feel a bit bad for Tia. The real fun only begins after the sun goes down,” Luna remarked with a chuckle. “Hmm,” Twilight hummed. “Bit for your thoughts?” Luna offered. “I was just wondering how Discord fit into all this,” Twilight admitted. “Now that dear Twilight…” Luna paused and raised her cup. “Is a story for another time.” Author's Note If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon! Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out! Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update. 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