It was almost time for Twilight’s lesson, but Celestia was far more nervous than she’d ever been for one of these one on one lessons. Instead of teaching Twilight, she was planning on using this time to discuss the incident with Luna. She hadn’t wanted to think about it again, but Luna had been troublesome since that night.

Celestia was once again at a loss, and this time she hoped that Twilight had some information for her. A few months ago, she may have asked Shining for help, but lately all he seemed to do was read. Speaking of which, when she entered the library she found him buried in a book.

“Good morning, Shining Armor. How is the day treating you so far?” She smiled and greeted him, as he hadn’t seemed to notice her entry.

Shining looked up from his book, confused for a moment before rapidly putting it down. “Oh! Good Morning, Celestia. I’m terribly sorry, but I didn’t hear you come in.”

Celestia’s smile slowly deepened. She didn’t often see him flustered, and in the moment he reminded her of the hopeful young student she once knew. “It’s no trouble at all. That must be a good book.”

He nodded, slightly blushing. “It’s a bit on ancient history. Old spells and such.”

Celestia chuckled. “Surely you know everything inside it already. I’ve seen some of the spell work Twilight has learned from you, and I doubt you’ve stopped learning since you lived with me at the castle.”

Shining sighed. “I’m… well, I’m looking for something. I’m afraid I can’t ask you about it, as it’s in relation to the, ah, bet.”

Celestia’s smile faltered. She didn’t like thinking about the bet, and the creepy smile Shining had worn when he’d asked her to join his harem. It slightly soured her mood, and a disappointed tone crept into her voice. “I see.” She thought for a moment before slowly asking, “How much does Twilight know about the bet?”

He shrugged. “Just the potential fallout. She doesn’t know what it’s about, but she knows that if I lose then I’ll work for you more directly and wholly. She also knows that if I win, you and Luna will be joining us in the basement on occasion.”

Celestia needed to be careful in her wording. “I know my sister visits often, but I do not know the nature of her visits. Does she not already join you in your… revelry?”

Shining’s answer was lackadaisical. “Nope. She usually visits Twilight up in Twilight’s room. I’m not entirely sure what they get up to, but I doubt it’s much exciting than astronomy or some of Twilight’s experiments. I wouldn’t mind if she did join us, but she does seem to be maintaining her vow of celibacy.”

Celestia’s heart beat rapidly in her chest. Holding knowledge about Shining’s Sister that he did not was a novel sensation. Still, years of practice kept the momentary excitement from flashing on her face. “I see.”

He continued. “Sometimes she chats with me; I’d say we’re friendly at least. Perhaps even friends. Every once in a while she’ll join us for dinner, or talk with one of the girls. After the first Nightmare Night fiasco, they all get along fairly well with her.”

“Even Cadence? She still isn’t talking much to me.”

Shining frowned. “I’ll talk to her about that. I’m terribly sorry, but she’s still hurt about the wedding.”

“She should be. It wasn’t my place, and I’ve done more harm to her than good in that regard.” Celestia frowned. “Lately, I’ve felt that way about many of my decisions involving you and Twilight.”

Shining bit his lip, looking suddenly guilty. “That’s… I’m…”

Celestia continued. “I’m not sure why. I’m certainly not wrong regarding you and Twilight’s relationship. It’s against the very fabric of decency and natural order. Yet, every action regarding you two that I’ve taken seems to cause distress, and nopony else seems concerned about the horrific reality your relationship.”

Shining coughed awkwardly, but did not say anything. She’d been quiet about this lately, but was on edge after the other night.

“How am I to reconcile you? The kind and caring Shining Armor, who is also a horrible purveyor of a particularly damning sin. You knowingly raped a child. I wouldn’t believe for an instant that you were a naive youth simply fooling around.”

She glared at him as she continued, almost growling with her simmering anger. “Somehow, everything you touch twists and turns until you come out on top with a glowing success. You say you’re on my side, but you’re also a criminal of the worst kind. You claim to love and care for me, and in most cases actually seem to, yet you fully intend on raping me when the opportunity arises. Against all logic, against all possible reason, you somehow win over and over again.” Celestia glared at him, her frustration burning the air around her, causing a wafting scent of charcoal.

“You undoubtedly have fate and perhaps even harmony itself on your side. But why? Why would harmony choose to favor a monster like you? I tolerated your grievous crime because I needed you for my sister. Does fate need you for some other task, just as I did, so desperately that it would allow a rapist such as yourself to live a charmed life?”

Her gaze drifted down in contemplation, as her anger faded. Another likely reason was even more unsettling. “Or has the very soul of our world changed and you are not needed by harmony, but rather idealize the new incarnation of it? If so, should I continue to defy you and your values? Am I defying fate itself by fighting to avoid becoming your plaything? Is this why, deep in my soul, I still consider you a friend when my moral compass is antithetical to your own, and I should find your very presence repulsive?”

Shining closed the book, looking incredibly pale. “Celestia…”

She shook her head and held up a hoof in exasperation. “I don’t want any answers from you, Shining. I don’t expect anything you say to help me work through this. I’m here to speak to your sister, but you sometimes cause my thoughts to spiral down an uncomfortable path. Usually I can keep it to myself. I apologize if I’ve distressed you. Aside from my horror and disgust over your sexual behavior, I do think you are an amazing stallion. Against all reason, you are a close friend of mine. I’m locked in an unbreakable cognitive dissonance regarding you.”

Celestia forced a smile as she reminded herself that they were, in fact, friends. He saved her sister. She was complicit in his crimes. Friends were bonded by circumstance as much as mutual interests, although they did share a love of history and magic. Beyond that, they both deeply trusted each other.

Of course, she trusted his behavior with Twilight and his harem to be thoroughly disgusting, but that was just another disturbing angle of their friendship.

Shining took a deep breath, as though he was nervous. “Can I tell you a secret?”

Celestia nodded.

He spoke deliberately, as though considering every word carefully. “You’re right. I’m a rapist. In more ways than you realize. Ever since I’ve… woken up… I’ve known far more than I should. I can influence outcomes sometimes. I’ve used that knowledge and power in an unfair way. Other ponies don’t realize what they’re dealing with when they talk to me. I can always get what I want from them. Even with you. There will always be a power imbalance when I’m involved, and it’s not the one you’re used to.” He glanced nervously at her, gauging her reaction.

Celestia kept a stoic mask as she listened, managing not to be betrayed by her roiling emotions.

“You can at least see it. You only know a little of what I’ve done, but you realize exactly how messed up it is. You’re the only one. Everyone else just accepts it. Even Twilight Velvet and Night Light.” He looked like he was about to cry. “Even Cadence… actually believes in her loving heart that I am a good pers… pony.”

She wasn’t sure what he meant by all that. Celestia had accepted him, in her own way. She just weighed the gravity of his crimes, and the stopping of Nightmare Moon. It had been no contest, and in the end he’d even returned her sister. From that moment forth, he was guaranteed a blind, or at least clouded, eye from Celestia for the rest of his life. She’d always assumed his parents had been as complicit as she was, but perhaps they were oblivious. Maybe even victims.

He shuddered. “I’m the bad guy, Celestia. An utter villain. I always have been, even before this pony thing. But now no one will stop me here because I’m supposed to be the hero in this life.”

She tilted her head slightly, confused by what he said. What did he mean by “before this pony thing?” More importantly, did he want her to stop him? “Do you want to be stopped? I could stop you, if you wish.” In a way, she’d be relieved. It would only take a moment to burn him to cinders. One moment of sin, to feel a sigh of relief. For all this to go away.

He deflated. “No.”

Celestia frowned, frustrated. “Then, once again, what do you want from me, Shining?”

He glanced down at his book, and then back up to her with tears in his eyes. “I guess, I just want everypony to be happy.”

She glared coldly at him, remembering her own sister’s naked flesh. Luna had always been amorously adventurous, but had that depraved moment been due to his influence even if he wasn’t aware? Was he the new Harmony? “That’s not all, is it? You also want everypony to suck your cock and lift their tail.”

He laughed nervously. “Well, just sucking my cock would be boring, but yeah. You get the gist of it. I do want under everypony’s tail. That’s about right. I really like sex, you see.”

Celestia continued to stare at him, remembering their secret conversation and his audacious bet when Luna had been returned. Her mind churned with uncomfortable possibilities, while she kept her face passive. “What of Twilight?”

This time he closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. “Twilight is probably the only reason I’m not ten billion percent evil. If she was even slightly less powerful, I’d have gone off the deep end immediately after Luna’s return. Instead I’m somewhere in between impossibly evil and, uhh, much less evil. She’s the only thing keeping me in check.”

Celestia answered slowly, not betraying her roiling emotions as she dug deeper. “Here I thought she was simply your pet project—an absurd and debauched demonstration of your influence and pride.”

Shining actually smiled, the nervousness fading into confidence. “She’s far more powerful than you give her credit for; and I’m not just talking about her magic. In a way, she’s already beat me more soundly and fully than simply killing me.”

Celestia didn’t doubt Twilight’s magical capability, but the mare was otherwise unimpressive. “Oh? I guess I haven’t spent much time with her outside of her lessons.”

Shining’s confidence dropped, and he looked almost haggard—as though her comment had hurt his soul. Celestia had an idea as she watched his mood swing. She needed something to use against him. Friend or not, savior or not, she understood his danger. A little bit of social leverage might go a long way.

“I know you say Twilight is your anchor, but I am of the belief that she will not act without your input. I’m still suspicious that she is just your doll somehow, and this talk of her influence is merely an excuse for you to save face.”

Should she do it? The time with Twilight might ultimately be wasted, but it might help Cadence forgive her.

“I had a task I was going to ask directly of Cadence, but since she’s still frustrated with me, I’m wondering if I can entrust it to you and Cadence together. She’d enjoy the extended private time with you, while I could spend the time you’re gone getting to know Twilight. It’s possible that spending more time with Twilight when you are not around would change my mind on the matter.” Celestia held her breath. He might count this as meddling, rightly so, and turn down her offer.

Shining blinked as though he just remembered something, and then nodded. “Oh. Yeah. It’s almost time for the Crystal Empire arc, isn’t it? I suppose that’s one way to get it started.”

That was not the response that Celestia expected, but she decided to push her point. “Would you and Cadence take care of this for me?”

Shining smiled. “Only if you actually spend the time to take care of Twilight, and not shove her off to Luna or something. You don’t have to worry about doing anything sexual with her, the girls will take care of that, but if I’m gone then she’ll need somepony to keep her calm. She can get a little neurotic, but there’s nopony she trusts and respects more than you.”

Now that was an odd tidbit. Against her better judgment, Celestia asked about Twilight’s sexuality. “I thought she was mostly straight? Won’t she prefer a stallion during your absence?”

Shining laughed. “If she does, she’ll find one. Unfortunately, the only stallion she seems to be interested in is me.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow at his phrasing, but didn’t push. “That aside, I doubt I’m the pony she respects most after you. Truth be told, I think she has to try to makes herself interact with me. Luna might be a better caretaker in case she has a panic attack. They seem to get along well.”

Shining firmly shook his head. “No. Luna is a close friend of hers, and I’m sure they’d enjoy their time, but she adores you.”

“Adores? That seems a little extreme.”

“Adores is probably not extreme enough. She practically worships the ground you walk on.” He tapped his horn, signaling that this was a secret to keep from Twilight, “It’s why she’s so completely awkward around you.”

Celestia balked. Twilight knew her well, and as far as Celestia could tell, was acutely aware of Celestia’s flaws. “Why would she possibly feel that way?”

“From her perspective you raise the sun, run the Equestrian government, appear as a living goddess, have an absolutely drop dead gorgeous body, and know more about magic than any other living creature. Not to mention, you’re my mentor and she greatly values my estimation of ponies.”

Celestia blushed, unsure of how to take this flattery as her mind worked in overdrive to deal with this new information. “That all sounds lovely, Shining, but does she really feel that way?”

“That and more. You know how she feels about siblings, and she knows how much you were willing to sacrifice for your sister. You are the faithful sister, willing to do anything to for your sibling. She sees herself in a… similar situation, and all but worships you as her goddess.”

Celestia frowned and glared accusingly at Shining as an icicle of guilty realization poked coldly into her mind. “I doubt she knows exactly what and whom I’ve sacrificed. I wonder if she’d be so forgiving if she knew it was her.”

Shining smiled. “If she knew you sacrificed her to save your sister, she’d feel like some martyr. She’d probably start a cult, honestly.”

Then she blinked and chuckled, the cold thought suddenly gone. “You know, I haven’t had a cult in a few hundred years. Perhaps Luna and I shall start one together and Twilight can be our apostle.”

Shining rolled his eyes as he chuckled back. “If you leave Twilight in charge, it will be a sex cult.”

Celestia pursed her lips. “While it’s not my favorite way to be worshiped, it’s not the worst either. I suppose it would also make Luna and Twilight happy enough.”

Shining leaned forward, conspiratorially. “If not sex, then what is your favorite way to be worshiped, since you have so much experience in being deified?”

Celestia licked her lips. “If you must know, I prefer offerings of baked goods. Although, poetry can be nice.”

Shining smiled. “I’ll let Twilight know.”

The room had a sense of incompleteness, as though a heavy fog had filled it and hidden the exits. Celestia was enjoying the light banter, but the uncomfortable topics still weighed her down. Shining was her friend, but he was a rapist. Were all the girls in his harem all victims?

Should she have protected the element bearers from his influence somehow?

The mental dissonance was almost painful in its intensity, and she brought her hoof to her face. Usually she was happy to talk with him for a while, but today it was too much to bear. It was time for her to find Twilight.

Twilight was a victim. Shining was her abuser.

“I promise that I’ll take care of Twilight while you are gone, Shining. Will you find Cadence to let her know of my request? I doubt she wants to see me just yet.” Celestia kept her eyes closed, trying hard not to see the friend (the villain. the monster) that was making her feel so dizzy.

Shining’s voice was quick, but curious. “Of course. She’s just downstairs, after all.”

Celestia spoke before she could stop herself. “Can you ask her for forgiveness, on my behalf? I still have my reservations, but I will not oppose her wishes. Tell her that this request is… something of a wedding gift. A honeymoon, in a way.”

It hurt to ask that. Cadence was her niece, and Shining had somehow wrenched the younger alicorn away. The need to ask Shining to convey her message was an admission of utter defeat, and a cold acceptance that if she wanted to be in Cadence’s life, she needed to accept Cadence’s choice.

Shining politely didn’t acknowledge Celestia’s obvious pain. “While I’m sure she’ll be happy for the gift, especially considering what it will turn out to be, I’ll skip the part about this being a honeymoon.”

Celestia gingerly opened her eyes, the pain still present but manageable. “I see. Well, you always have your reasons. If that’s the case, would you like to bring a guard contingent? Both Cadence and you are allotted a personal guard, you know. Not that either of you need them.”

Shining seemed to think for a moment. “Actually, a small contingent of guards would be helpful. Mostly for organization and managing the survivors.”

Celestia blinked, the pain forgotten with this new tidbit. “There are survivors? After all these years?”

Shining just smiled and winked, ignoring her question. “Thank you for the guards. Cadence and I will leave tomorrow morning. You should go talk to Twilight while I discuss your generous gift, and more importantly your apology, with Cadence.”

She wasn’t sure what the two would find. At best, she’d hoped to recover the crystal heart. At worst, she expected them to find Sombra. Cadence could beat the warlock, especially if the heart was to be found. With Shining in tow, there was no way they’d have any real trouble. Even if that vile old king had managed to fully survive somehow.

An image of Shining, captured by Sombra and forced to wear one of his masks flitted through her mind. The thought was simultaneously pleasing and unsettling. Sombra and Shining were very similar in some ways, but what Sombra did with a mask, Shining did with a smile. Admittedly, even Sombra’s masks paled when compared to one of Twilight’s supposed toys.

There was a loud click as Shining opened the door to the basement, and she watched him making his way downstairs, frowning at his shamelessly obvious erection without commenting on it. It was remarkable how such a powerful, charismatic, and normally kind creature could be so openly disgusting.

Her stomach soured at the sight, and she sighed. At least they were friends.

Author's Note

Lots of diologue. Does anybody mean what they say? Does anybody say what they mean? Are they mean? Can I say?