The Gray Area

~If you all drop me I swear I will come back and haunt you like a displeased ancestor!~ Krysta's panicked voice could barely be heard in the sound of takeoff. The chariot had come as planned, Fluttershy able to work things out proper for her animals in time. Unfortunately, working things out between Krysta and the flying chariot was quite a bit harder.

After three downright refusals of the worst kind from the slim human Twilight had to resort to a surprise teleport and takeoff maneuver. It worked, but was she sure paying for it. Krysta spent almost solid hour holding onto to Twilight so hard the poor pony thought some part of her would turn black and fall off due to oxygen loss. That wasn't the worst part by far however. Krysta also saw fit to yell. A lot. And loudly. Sure, Twilight couldn't understand a single word except when her name came up. But anyone knows the sound of an irate passenger when they hear it.

It took Twilight dragging Krysta halfway onto the side of the chariot to calm her down. For when Krysta finally saw the things she was so frightened of the girl almost wanted to laugh. They weren't very high from the ground, nor were they traveling very fast. In fact, it felt as if they were at a brisk walking pace if anything. Being jerked out of her yelling spree also managed to bring her attention to the other occupants of the chariot.

In a frightening situation it is always helpful to have someone who is calm and reassuring. Krysta had five some ones that were just that. Rainbow Dash, of course, was not among them, for she always prefers to fly on her own. The others however were very much willing to help the poor girl adjust properly to her first time flying. Through an amount of encouraging sounds, comforting touches, and smiles all around they managed to get Krysta from around Twilight's neck. And more! For once she decided she was safe the inquisitive human just couldn't help but look over every edge and side, her curiosity demanding to be fulfilled all things flight.

While Krysta entertained herself the ponies did the same via conversation. “I do hope that it won't all be business. It has been far too long since I have had a good long shopping spree in Canterlot. I have missed everything!” Rarity lamented in a slightly morose way. The others just rolled their eyes while Applejack called her out on it.

“Rarity, weren't you in Canterlot not two weeks ago?” The cowpony offered a knowing smirk while Pinkie and Twilight stifled giggles.

“My dear Applejack, so much can happen in two weeks! Juicy gossip, new lines of fashion, even new products for a beauty conscious mare such as myself! One can never be too diligent about these sorts of things.” It was at that point that Pinkie and Twilight couldn't hold their laughter in, though it was not belittling of course. Not that Rarity would ever take such things personally. After all, Applejack had taught her long ago that sometimes she can be very silly.

Fluttershy was preoccupied watching Krysta move about, a small hint of worry showing itself among her features. Every so often she would bite her lip or open her mouth to speak before abruptly closing it again when Krysta proved her words were unneeded. Twilight, being ever perceptive, noticed Fluttershy's behavior and decided it was her turn for some comfort.

“Don't worry Fluttershy. With all of us here she will be fine. In fact, this could possibly be the safest place in Equestria for her except perhaps maybe the princess'.” A smile played across her lips as she spoke, hoping it would be contagious and get the pegasus smiling as well. She succeeded of course, if only for a little while. The studious unicorn had her own worries however. “I wonder what Princess Celestia and Princess Luna could want with Krysta?”

Applejack's ears swiveled towards Twilight's comment, causing her to nod in agreement when she heard it. “Ah asked the same thing a few hours ago while ah packed. Sure is strange coming outta the blue like that.” This particular line of conversation caused all present to grow silent in contemplation. Applejack was first to speak, a confident smile framed solidly on her lips.

“Now we don't need to fret though. Our Princess' are the best ponies in the world. Nothing bad could ever happen with them around!” All except Krysta nodded enthusiastically. The girl watched on blankly.

~I wonder where we are going.~

~

Celestia and Luna looked across their small table to one another, each deeply in thought of what was to come. “Sister, I have not seen you this worried since before my fall. Are you so certain that something bad will occur?” Luna's voice was cool and focused, every syllable punctuated with the utmost precision.

“What makes you say that little sister?” The moon princess smiled a knowing smile, her eyes locking onto the golden regalia Celestia always wore.

“Your armor dear sister. You have not worn it for a thousand years.” Any pony listening in would not know what on Equestria she was talking about. To any other eye it seemed as if Celestia was wearing exactly what she wore any other day. However, this particular set of regalia was far from simply that. It held charms and wards of all sorts. Powerful artifacts of protection.

“Perceptive as always Luna. Yes, I do have some misgivings about this. A live human being, walking among us. It will either become a great celebration, or a bloody engagement. You were with me so long ago. You witnessed what I witnessed.” Celestia's usually calm smile was nowhere to be found. In its place was a grim frown with solemn eyes to match.

“If you suspect it could be as such, why did you not simply fly to Ponyville with our best soldiers? Why allow your student, her friends, and the human come here via chariot? It gives the human a wonderful opportunity to cause harm should she be so inclined.” The night princess could not help but ever so slightly tilt her head as she spoke. Spoken language was easy to control. Body language was not, and it easily betrayed her genuine feelings of confusion.

“Because dear sister, should this Krysta turn out to be harmless, I would much rather do things the easy and safe way. If Twilight was accurate, and you know she was, this human could be unstable and have done something drastic if we landed in force searching for her.” Luna nodded as her sister spoke, every word filled with wisdom.

“You are right big sister. It could have been a disaster. However, so could have this plan of yours.” Luna offered another knowing smile. Celestia returned it. “Yes, it could have.”

“Your majesties! The chariot approaches!” The loud call of the herald sounded through the halls, amplified by magic suited to his job. Both members of royalty stood at once and proceeded towards the grounds where it was to land. “Well, as they say these days. Here goes nothing!”

Rainbow Dash had already landed when the chariot had come in for its descent. She watched on a bright grin on her face. “What a flight! I haven't gone that long in a while! Speed is important, but sometimes an endurance run is just the thing an athlete needs!” The energetic pegasus exclaimed loudly as Krysta and her friends exited the chariot once it had safely landed.

Rarity and Applejack rolled their eyes, though for different reasons. Fluttershy busied herself with fussing over Krysta, checking over everything she could to ensure she had come over alright. Everyone rolled their eyes at this. “Fluttershy, you were watching her the whole time. You saw everything! What could have possibly happened that is making you so worried?”

Fluttershy felt the pink stain her cheeks as she immediately stopped her search. “Um, well, you never know I guess. It was obviously her first flight. I know how I was during mine.” Rainbow Dash laughed loudly at that, nudging the yellow pegasus with a hoof. “Fluttershy, I love you and everything, but Krysta is a bit tougher than you are.”

Laughter echoed throughout the grounds as the party enjoyed a moment of playfulness. “Presenting their royal highnesses Princes Celestia and Princess Luna!” The same herald shouted from a nearby doorway, having been so silent up until that point that none noticed his presence. It took the six of them only moments to line up and offer polite bows to their rulers. Krysta remained standing behind them, looking over them at the doorway to see if she couldn't spot what they were all bowing too.

The shadow of the doorway broke away as a dark and light hoof respectively stepped outward. What came afterwards caused Krysta's knees to buckle. Two large, beautiful, magnificent, and terrifying figures loomed over all of them before she knew what was happening. One of light and the other of darkness. Krysta's eyes opened wide, either from her terror or her want to see more one couldn't be sure. Trembles ran over her skin causing the hair on her body to stand almost on end. Goose bumps followed presently and only furthered the depth of Krysta's dual emotional states.

Both Celestia and Luna had seen such behavior before from many kinds of creatures and were quite used to it. They took it with the grace and elegance of royalty, as they should. “Rise my little ponies. And introduce us to your guest. We are quite curious bout her.” Celestia's voice was smooth as newly woven silk, its every pitch urging everything within earshot to listen.

“Krysta, this is Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna.” Twilight walked back to the poor awe struck human. The sound of Celestia's voice had taken the shivers from her, but it hardly removed all the shock. How could it, even coming from the princess of the sun? As she spoke she made sure to do so slowly and emphasize the names matched with pointing her hoof.

“Celestia... Luna?” Krysta's shaky voice parroted the studious unicorn while also pointing at the proper targets. When Twilight smiled and nodded with approval she allowed Krysta some space and stepped back so the girl could stand. She eventually did, though with some difficulty. Both princesses however never stopped smiling and allowed Krysta her time to not only stand but also adjust. “Krysta.” She said simply enough, pointing her herself as if they wouldn't understand otherwise.

“Luna, you are the better spoken of the two of us. I am sure you could find her language with better ease than I.” The sun princess smiled to her sister, knowing that Luna would not decline. She was not even slightly disappointed as her sister stepped forward, knelt down to seem less imposing on the poor girl, and began speaking.

“Parlez-vous fracais?” Krysta gave her a strange look, as did most others present. “No? Shame I do so love that language. Let us see.”

“Sprechen Sie Deutsch? No? Kya apa hindi bolate haim? Not that either. Hmm.”

“Hable usted espanol?”

“Anata wa nihongo o hanasemasu ka?”

~Do you speak English?~ That got the reaction she was searching for. As Krysta heard her native language come from Luna she gasped loudly, causing the princess to smile as she continued.

~So you speak English. A fine language. The people who spoke it were a strong, valiant race.~ Celestia listened on with her calm smile, eyes looking over the six ponies who had been patiently quiet.

~You speak my language. How? Oh I have so many questions! Like, where am I? Who are you and who are these other six? Are you all some sort of animal? I have never seen anything like you. How did we fly here? How does Twilight do those amazing things I have seen? I have heard that magic may exist somewhere but could it possibly be true? I have seen so much it is all so hard to take in!~

Luna smiled at the suddenly chatty human, giving her a moment to vent before raising a hoof to quiet her. ~Little Krysta, you will know all very soon. But now that you have a way to communicate with us, perhaps a moment of rest and conversation are in order? Over something to eat and drink perhaps?~

The moon princess looked to her sister for her thoughts on it. Celestia nodded in agreement and turned to the others. “Come my subjects. We have found your friend's language. There is much we must reveal to you but first, Luna and I feel like perhaps it is time for some communication to happen. Hmm?” They agreed immediately, each carrying a smile. Krysta seemed to be in agreement as well if Luna's smile was anything to go on. They all stood, left their luggage for the tenders, and followed each princess into the same hallway they appeared from. Krysta made sure she was almost right behind the moon princess, her want and need for someone to speak to almost overwriting the offer made by the princess of the night.

The eager human girl was able to hold herself together though, staying quiet as they walked. Her entire body screamed with excitement. Finally, she would have answers! She would be able to talk to someone and have everything be understood! Finally, she could tell Fluttershy how sorry she was. Or how grateful she was to Rarity, Twilight, and Applejack. New clothes, a place to stay, dressing her wound, and even bathing her. Though she wasn't particular fond of the last "favor" she understood its need.

The six ponies shared her excitement to a point of excess. They too however kept themselves in check. One does not simply run about in excitement in the royal palace no matter how hard Pinkie Pie disagrees with the rule. Light conversation between the six did of course happen as total silence was probably unneeded. It did make the actual traveling time seem instantaneous on the plus side. For hardly did they start talking when they arrived at a suitably sized table.

It was an oval shape, rather thin in the middle with just enough room for the princesses to sit across from each other and have just a bit of space to spare. Luna had Krysta sit next to her so they could more easily speak to the table while the others filed in. The only two who seemed to care were Twilight, who sat next to Celestia of course, and Fluttershy who took Krysta's other side. When all present seated themselves Celestia's horn glowed with her usual golden energy. It took mere moments for a server to arrive.

It took mere moments longer for orders to be taken and delivered to cooks in the royal kitchen. Though not quite as quickly as they had hoped as Krysta had some difficulty figuring out Apple Pie's name. With some mimery and translation from Luna Krysta got the answer from Applejack. Luna took the liberty of ordering her a salad as well, knowing that only Pinkie Pie could dare eat nothing but desserts and live a healthy life.

"Come now little sister, I believe we can get on with it." Celestia noted with an amused smile as she watched Luna purposely avoid getting to what everyone in the room wanted so she could add suspense and tension. The lunar princesses' lips formed a guilty grin before she spoke.

"You are right sister. Now then, what shall we talk about first?"