Striving for Perfection

Take a deep breath, exhale. Another week, minus one hundred and sixty-eight hours. During this time, I found the strength to do exactly two things and exactly one conclusion. Thing number one: I finally hung up the calendar, uh-huh! And even better, it happened three days ago when I was finally able to sleep! Ahem, in any case, given my eyesight and some apathy, I still won't be able to make out the current date, but my room looks a little less empty.

Rubbing my neck slightly and looking around the room, I muttered, "Yes, the room really looks better now. Maybe someday I'll buy myself a plant or something to liven up the room."

Shaking my head, I closed my eyes and returned to my thoughts. Anyway, the second thing: I asked Flying to give Chrysalis my request. I would like to get half of Equestria for the victory. Do I count on her consent? Mm, it's like a trap. If she agrees, I will smile and continue to work for her, but at the same time in the future I will get the resources to protest to her. Well, in an emergency. If she refuses, I'll send the fuck and hand Flying over to the hooves of the princesses. The main thing is to make sure that he is left alive.

Conclusion: you can't be nervous. If it is possible to avoid tension, we avoid it. If there is no opportunity, we find it and use it. The process of blackening the right hand has slowed down a lot. Over the past week, the darkness has not progressed much beyond the biceps. And I tend to think that it's because of me.

Sighing, I briefly looked out the window and quickly noticed the evening light, the sunset. Well, soon the thestrals and Luna should start waking up. Maybe I can find something to do, hmm. Leaning back in my chair, I rubbed the back of my head slightly and looked at the ceiling and asked quietly: "What could I do? It's too late to look for Celestia, she's probably already on her way to her room. And in general, I somehow don't care about working for Fancy. Asking Luna to let me go outside doesn't make much sense either, I don't have any plans. But sitting here like a vegetable is generally uncool. "

Suddenly I felt a thestral flapping its wings. I would have ignored it if it weren't for some strange details. First, the thestral was flapping its wings extremely fast, almost like a hummingbird or an insect. Secondly, he was at least a couple dozen feet below me. And anyway, what is he doing at a time like this?

Reluctantly, I got up from my seat and looked out the window. Which didn't give me much information, given my eyesight. I just saw a jet black spot below that was getting closer. For a few seconds, my brain struggled to process the information before making an uncertain guess. This Flying brings me news. Well, I hope the response from Chrysalis will be positive.

Probably not. I think it's time to get the rope ready or something.

While I was thinking, Rising managed to get right to my window and hover in front of it. His wings flapped extremely fast like an insect or a very small bird. Hmm, that's probably why he never flew in the presence of others. Examining him, I smiled slightly when I saw a letter in his mouth. It would be very funny if I just didn't pick up the letter.

Seeing my inaction for several seconds, Flying began to mumble something with displeasure while continuing to hold the letter in his mouth. Rolling my eyes, I snatched the letter out of his mouth and took a long step back in case he decided to land in my room. Surprisingly, he did so and stomped a little on the spot before saying irritably: "Well, thank you, now I will smell almost the same as you. You've done me a huge favor, you madman."

Without paying much attention to it, I looked at the letter and only now noticed the absence of the envelope. Surprisingly, the letter wasn't covered in Flying saliva. He must have been very careful. Although it bothers me a little that he could have read the contents of the letter before me. Yes, I think that's exactly what he did.

Shaking my head, I quickly ran through the contents of the letter again and asked confusedly: "I understand the part with the fact that additional work is needed for the right to manage the land. But what do you mean, control over the second southeastern zone? "

Flying muttered something displeased, but after a second he looked at me with a strange emotion and hissed: " I was not privy to this topic. But obviously, for doing nothing, you will be given a piece of Equestria to manage. And I, the best scout among all the Changelings, will get nothing. That's great."

Is he jealous of me? Ha, I guess I've become a better person after all, since other people want to get the same thing as me.

With a slight chuckle, I asked, looking down at Flying: "Are you jealous of me?"

Surprisingly, Flying instantly nodded and replied, starting to pace around: "Yes, I'm jealous. And I have every right to do so! Do you know how hard it was to survive in Everfree and not die of boredom watching you? Do you know how I felt when, instead of a normal rest, I was sent to spy on you? Several times!?"

He'd better be quiet, otherwise he'll wake up other people. Although you can't just turn a blind eye to it.

After finishing his speech, Flying stood in front of me again and breathed rapidly. Yes, it looks like he's really angry. I stared at the letter blankly for a few seconds before asking: "Do you want me to give you a place in the ministry or something when everything gets better? After all, not one state can exist in one person, unfortunately. You can become, I do not know, the Minister of Intelligence. Or something like that. "

" No! Wait, what did you just say? " Flying asked, first hitting the floor with his hoof, but then looking at me in surprise. When I just looked into his eyes in response, his shock only increased and he took a step back. Is he really that surprised that his indignation has produced results?

Who knows? For such subtle questions, they turn to a psychologist or something. It's none of our business.

Nodding slightly, I turned the letter over and opened my eyes in surprise at the sight of another text. After running through it quickly, I looked at Flying and asked: "Who is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza? Ugh, I barely uttered it."

Flying's eyes also opened wide and he gestured for me to hand over the letter. Calmly obeying, I gave him the only source of information, which Flying began to read quickly. While he was doing this, I started thinking for myself. Well, as the letter says, we need to find this princess and find out where and when she will have a wedding, if at all. So this princess has some kind of relationship. I mean romantic ones. Ugh, what an abomination.

In principle, you can chase her for a very long time until you find out who she's dating. There is only one problem. Where is this princess?

I was pulled out of my thoughts by Flying's loud laugh. Noticing that I was paying attention to him, he said with his trademark cheeky smile: "Well, madman, I've heard about it the couple of times I've been in the street. She is the princess of love, usually called Cadance and moreover the niece of two other princesses. And, obviously, her wedding to someone will create a huge amount of love that we can feed on. You just need to know where the wedding will be and when. "

Feeling that he wanted to say something, I took a deep breath and asked, covering my face, " What are you driving at, great genius? "

Flying's cheeky smile only grew wider and he said slowly, " I'm pretty sure she doesn't have anyone. Think for yourself, who among the ponies can attract one of the three princesses? That's right, no one. So you'll have to seduce her with your incredible monkey beauty, madman. Well, or what kind of species you belong to."

Is there a prayer from vulgar idiots? If there is, I am ready to believe in any religion.

After a while, I slowly took my hand away from my face and said using the maximum of logic: "She definitely has someone. After all, there is always a marriage of convenience. Marrying nobles to increase their general wealth or something. So the probability that I will have to do what you want with her is approaching zero. No, there is no such probability, there is no such thing. Face it, no romance. "

Flying just sighed and said rolling his eyes, " It's obvious, I already know you. It's just that you could have played along with me at least once. And anyway, madman, don't you think it would be really funny if everything happened as I said? "

I opened my mouth for a moment to start making counterarguments. But he stopped. Why would I waste my little strength on this? Not finding an answer to the question, I shook my head slightly and said, crumpling the letter in my hand: " It doesn't matter. First, we need to find this mysterious princess of love at all. She's a niece, did you say? So we just need to find the princesses. Ideally, intercept Celestia and get her into a dialogue."

Without waiting for his reply, I put the crumpled letter in my coat pocket and walked towards the exit. Unfortunately, Flying asked with his head tilted to the side: "And what will you do if Cadance is, I do not know, sleeping? Just keep in mind that by the time you find a person who knows the right answer, it will already be night. Well, most likely."

Surprisingly, it's a sound idea. Uh, okay, one ball is thrown in the direction of the spy. I made a little mistake. Who doesn't happen to?

Sighing, I grabbed the door handle and opened it. : "Let's just deal with the problems as they arise. First we will find out where Cadance is located and only then we will figure out what to do. At the very least, you can just wait until tomorrow. "

Unfortunately, right after I took a step out of the room, Flying said: " Actually, this assignment is purely for you. I need to find or draw a map of Canterlot. I think that's what you wanted, isn't it?"

Yes, yes. I will definitely write down working alone as a plus allowing you to use your maximum strength.

With a slight smile, I turned completely to Flying and replied with a dismissive wave of my left hand: "I don't really care. If you have another job, fine. I still have no idea what you would do with me, other than telling stupid jokes. Do you have any more news, or can I go quietly now?"

Without much reaction, he slowly walked past me and said, "Yes, that's it. Good luck to you, madman. I wish you good luck in receiving incredible rewards for minimal work. "

Sighing, I finally looked at Flying, who was walking down the corridor further. Although he could have flown out the window. Oh, yes, wings like a hummingbird. Remembering an important thing, I shouted after him: " Hey, I need a map of the city too! Make a copy for me. "

Continuing to distance himself from me, he reluctantly replied: " If the card is just lying on the counter somewhere, I'll get you another one. But if I have to draw it by hand, then don't get your hopes up. I'm going to break everything I can while I'm only drawing ONE map."

Well, it's better than nothing, right? That's probably right.

Nodding uncertainly to myself, I put my hands in my pockets and turned around on the spot, closed the door with a kick. After briefly glancing at her and making sure my room was safe, I grunted before walking forward through the castle to Celestia's office. The pace of my step was getting faster by the second. I don't really want to search for Luna all over the castle, as I usually do. Or wait for her in the throne room. Especially considering that I don't remember the way there very well.

Sighing, I stopped in place and squinted trying to find a landmark. So there must be a pot of daisies somewhere, from my point of view, it's some kind of brown thing with a white thing sticking out of it. But to my own surprise, I found, judging by the colors, a pot with something dark yellow. Frowning, I began to approach the object with long strides and muttered: "There was definitely no such thing in this castle. Not in any form."

When I got to the strange object, I finally managed to make out the details. To my surprise, these are daisies. But they have withered or even rotted away. Has someone forgotten that the flowers need to be watered? Hmm, there's a canteen nearby, I can go there and get some water. It's unlikely to resurrect the flower, but I can just do it.

We don't have time for this. I'll just tell any of the princesses about it, they'll figure it out for themselves. I hope they don't remove the flowers at all. In that case, I won't have normal landmarks.

With a slight nod to myself, I walked away from the pot of withered flowers and continued on my way to Celestia's office along the usual route. However, after a few minutes, my eyes noticed a very interesting thing. There were guards in golden armor standing in front of one of the doors, at such and such a late hour! And judging by the lack of symbols on the door, this is not an office. What are they protecting?

Frowning, I stopped in front of the door and focused on the lines for a moment. They are so far away that they are out of my tracking field. So there can only be a few creatures behind the door. Princesses, Ahirata and Discord. The situation is 50/50. Either princesses or undesirable personalities. Well, why not take a chance?

With a brief grunt, I turned completely towards the door and took a step forward. As expected, the guards reacted quickly and stood as close to each other as possible to block my path. But my soldiers would have taken up arms and threatened them. Well, those who survived would probably have done so. Sighing, I pointed my finger at the door and demanded: "Who is behind this door? If you don't want to answer, then just open the door for me."

In response, they just remained silent and continued to stand like statues. I clenched my hand into a fist for just a moment. Even with one non-functioning limb, I can beat these two. Plus, at this distance, my eyes can see everything they need perfectly. Just one punch.

We promised not to hurt the pony, remember?

Sighing, I quickly stepped back and walked forward along the corridor. Along the way, I started breathing deeply and trying to calm myself down. It's okay, I can just quickly ask Celestia where Cadance is. Or at least, start searching all over Luna Castle. In short, nothing has changed, I'm wasting my time.

Shaking my head, I started walking faster and faster and turning another corner I found a familiar corridor. And what luck, before I could get to the office, a white figure came out of it with a loud and tired sigh. Grinning, I almost instantly walked the remaining distance and said, lightly hitting Celestia on the back of the head: "Good evening to all employees of the Equestria state apparatus."

Smiling tiredly, Celestia turned to me and said with a small smile, "Well, this is something new. And it definitely sounds nicer than Celly."

Okay, let's make it quick. I do not know, it is convenient to bring up the topic in just one phrase. In short, do as you can, Daniel.

Nodding slightly, I briefly looked around the corridor, as if I could see something, and asked: "In short, I'll get to the point. I was wondering where else I could suck money for the army. And I wondered if you have any relatives besides Luna. Anything will do for me. Brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews, uncles, aunts, mothers, dads, grandmothers and so on. "As I spoke, Celestia's smile wavered several times but did not leave her face. When my monologue ended, Celestia stood in place for a while and said, looking away, " Well, I have two nephews. But one can be excluded right away, even if he wanted to, he would not be able to provide you with financing. However, Cadance has some tools. You could try to get financing from her. "

My eyes lit up with the opportunity to get even more benefits, but Celestia said the last part with an apologetic smile: " But, she's not in Canterlot right now. Cadance has been visiting various Equestrian cities lately so that the citizens know about the existence of another princess besides me and my sister. If I remember correctly, she should be in Baltimare right now."

Oh, it's a great place, I went there to negotiate the production of tanks. There were a huge number of factories in the city, even it was hard to breathe. So familiar.

Quickly shaking my head, I focused on the conversation and asked with some disappointment: "Is she going to return to Canterlot at all, in the near future? I'm already tired of sitting in a castle and doing nothing, so I just need to finance the army. I need to do something useful. "

Celestia seemed slightly pleased with my enthusiasm, but after a moment of silence, she asked with curiosity in her voice: " Well, I don't know exactly when Cadance will return to the city. But I can say that the deadline is the end of April when she has a wedding planned. Although, I wonder what you want to do for your guard? Is this something unusual, or do you just want more, what do you call them, tanks?"

We are recording that Cadance's wedding will be here at the end of April. Don't forget to look at the calendar. We need to know how much time we have to think and plan. We don't need any more information, why should I know who the princess is going to marry?

Grinning, I waved my hand dismissively and answered quickly: "I have a blueprint for a pony flamethrower in my desk. If I have enough money, I will be able to transfer absolutely all my soldiers to new weapons. With such a power in the force, you can go to conquer the world or at least the continent. Mm, these foreign resources require Equestrian companies to mine them, right? "

Unfortunately, Celestia didn't appreciate my humor and said with some concern, " I don't think this is a very good idea, my little human. The news of such a massive breakthrough in the development of weapons will quickly reach the rest of the world and create some tension. Which is highly undesirable. "

Sighing, I shook my head and replied by pointing my thumb back: " It doesn't matter, as long as they don't put a direct ban in front of me, I will move towards strengthening my soldiers. Let's talk about what's behind the door, which is guarded by some ponies in golden armor. By the way, I didn't appreciate the fact that they didn't give way to me at all. Am I the captain or who?"

Celestia stood for a moment processing the information before giggling slightly and responding with a flick of her hoof: "Oh, my little human, you are the captain of the night guard. And the ponies you saw belong to the solar guard. So you can't give any orders to them. But to return to your question, there is a Discord outside the door. So far, I'm thinking about how to reform he."

Hmm, reform is certainly a bit cool, but a revolutionary leap forward is much better. To run a hundred years in ten years, you know?

With a slight chuckle, I decided to ask about one more thing: "Yeah, Discord is sitting and doing nothing. Well, I will definitely wish him good luck in becoming who you want to turn him into. I'm more interested in how the bastard who killed my soldiers is doing. Was the trial over? Was he executed? Can I see the crucified plush toy?"

At first, Celestia looked confused, but it seems she decided to take half of my words as a joke and replied calmly: "Luna and I have already discussed his case. At least partially. Considering that he completely destroyed an entire pony village, leaving no one alive, we can't just turn a blind eye to this. It would be disrespectful to the lives and families of the victims. In the near future, we plan to return his soul to his native body, which is in Tartarus."

Hmm, where the path started there and ended. Although, if all the stars come together, you can use this information. You know, find a super healing spell, descend into Tartarus, restore the body and make it serve itself. How realistic is this? Unrealistic, I would say impossible.

Sighing, I nodded slightly and asked, looking around, "Okay, I have one last question. What should I do? I'm tired, I've been doing nothing for two weeks now. Well, except for visiting Ponyville."

To my surprise, Celestia stopped and thought seriously. As if she really cares that I might be bored. Sounds like nonsense in itself, doesn't it? Anyway, after a few moments of silence, Celestia smiled gently and offered: "You can spend some time with me in my room. I'm ready to listen to you. And don't try to hide that you have nothing to talk about. The darkness that has taken over your right hand tells me that there are many negative emotions inside you. And they must have a reason."

Crybaby, why didn't you answer right away? You don't want to cry in front of a horse, do you? No, I'm paraphrasing. I WILL NOT AGREE TO THIS.

Suddenly, I felt a familiar pain all over my body, which made me reflexively clench my teeth. However, when I noticed Celestia's worried look, I quickly shook my head and said straightening up: "Yes, let's go to your room. I will tell you what happened in my life and you will understand that I have no problems. I'm doing great. "

In response, Celestia only smiled and quickly turned around, saying before going forward: " Follow me. Oh, would you like something? I could get the maid to make us tea and cakes. Or we could play something while we're talking. Ask for anything, I can make it happen. Within the limits of what is possible, of course."

I stared at the back of her head in disbelief for a moment before thinking. Maybe play chess with her? Tension, adrenaline and final victory, endarfin. It's probably going to be cool. After another second of reflection, I quickly shook my head and replied: "No, I don't need distractions. If you want to talk about my non-existent problems, then you will do it with full involvement."

A more than fair demand. I'm wasting my time, you're paying maximum attention.

Fortunately, Celestia just accepted my request and continued walking forward down the corridor. With a sigh of satisfaction, I put my left hand in my pocket, out of habit trying to find at least something. But nothing happened like that. My knife broke the Discord, my cube got lost somewhere and I gave my phone to Twilight. Wait, the cube used Ahirata's eye. Frowning, I looked at my right hand. Nothing extraordinary. But I remember that she was wearing something red. You can't fool me.

But there is no proof. Sighing, I stopped looking at my right hand and paid attention to where Celestia had led me. She reached some kind of staircase that I had never seen before and began to climb it confidently. Deciding not to think too much, I continued to follow Celestia and made a guess: "Is your room in the tower?"

"Specifically this, yes. There are no other rooms." Replied Celestia as if it were absolutely normal. Do I have to say that this is not the case?

You know, maybe she said it that way on purpose to make you wonder. Let's experiment. I'm betting that after you're surprised, she'll ask what room you had.

Sighing, I reluctantly expressed my embarrassment and asked: "Why do you need several rooms in the castle? Isn't one enough?"

Celestia only giggled slightly in response and replied, "Well, sometimes I just don't have the strength to get to this room by this long staircase. Plus, sometimes, mostly after diplomatic meetings, I don't have the strength to go deep into the castle. And as a result, I have three rooms in the castle. Luna, by the way, too."

Hmm, it looks like I was wrong. Well, a mistake is a mistake.

Nodding slightly, I looked back for a moment only to see a blurry image. Well, I can only assume that the bottom of the stairs is very far away. Returning to Celestia again, I heard her cautious question: "By the way, since we started talking about private rooms, what did yours look like?"

When I heard such a question, I just stared at the back of her head with a blank stare. Who asks such questions and, most importantly, why? Shaking my head slightly, I decided not to think about it and just answer the question. After thinking about my answer for a while, I finally said: "Until I was fifteen, I didn't have my own private room, I slept on the couch in the living room. And then, I made a brilliant move. I sold almost everything that was in the attic and started using the vacated space as my room. I had my own bed and, well, that was it. What else is needed for life, right? "

For a while, Celestia just remained silent and continued to climb the stairs. Still without making a sound, she reached some kind of door with a colorful pattern and finally opened it and said: "I'm sincerely sorry that you didn't have your own room as a child, Daniel. But I hope you're happy with what you have now."

When I saw that she did not enter the room, I took it as a hint and entered the room. After taking a few steps, I stopped and looked around Celestia's room. Some kind of structure, which judging by the logs is a fireplace, access to a balcony, a table with a mirror and finally a large carpet or something like that in the center of the room. Hmm, I wonder where she sleeps.

Right on this carpet. Take a closer look, there's something on it that looks like pillows. You can just put everything soft under the body, and there will be a kind of mattress.

The sound of the door closing and Celestia's footsteps pulled me out of my thoughts. She walked slowly past me, lit the horn and lit the fireplace with a light flash before sitting down on the carpet in the middle of the room. Assuming what she wanted, I cautiously approached her and slowly sat down opposite her. In response to this, Celestia only smiled gently and quickly took off all the jewelry for herself before starting to look at me silently. Not a single word, just the sound of a fire in the fireplace.

After what seemed like an eternity of awkward silence, I finally found the strength to ask the question: "What are you waiting for? I thought you really wanted to sit down and talk about my non-existent problems. Or did you lose the desire at this very moment? "

In response, Celestia blushed slightly and replied awkwardly: " I'm sorry, I'm just a little tired. And, well, to be honest, I didn't think what to do if you agreed. It seemed to me that this would happen very soon. Just give me a few more seconds to think, okay?"

Don't get mad, she really wants to help. You can see it in your face. Although, the underworld is full of good intentions and all that.

Sighing, I just nodded, letting Celestia think. Fortunately, she didn't keep me waiting too long and eventually asked cautiously, "Daniel, please answer honestly. Have you ever had friends? At least one?"

I was silent for a moment, really trying to find an answer. Have I ever had friends? Have I ever had an equal relationship with anyone? Do I have a similar relationship now or am I just tolerated? Taking a deep breath, I looked down and answered slowly: "No, I have never communicated with anyone on equal terms. The closest thing I had to friendship was the anarchists with whom I periodically hung out a couple of years ago. But I don't even remember their names, let alone their personal traits. Although, I must admit, thanks to them I have read a lot of different literature. Ha, I still have a few books at home that I haven't returned!"

Celestia looked at me with a sad smile for a while before asking another question: "If it's not hard for you to talk about it, why don't you communicate with them anymore? It seems to me that if you were among people with similar interests for long enough, you would eventually find friends. "

Unable to restrain myself, I chuckled loudly and replied: " You just mentioned the reason why I stopped communicating with anarchists. As I grew up, my views began to change. Every day, I slowly but surely drifted to the right side of the political spectrum and tended towards greater authoritarianism. Well, eventually I got tired of hearing the wrong opinions around me. I think it was inevitable. "

Celestia rubbed her chin with her hoof and paused for a moment before replying, " Yes, I guess so. If all you had in common were common views on politics, then there was no way to maintain friendship, especially considering that there was no such thing. Although I'm interested in one more thing. I already know that your father was. . . cruel. But didn't you have at least one good person in your family?"

Oh shit, oh God, not that question.

Frozen in place, I began to stare blankly ahead, through Celestia. She could have asked any question. Absolutely anyone. But I chose this one! Maybe I should just get up and leave in silence? In the end, it can be considered a deception. I agreed to psychological help, not a direct hit!

In the end, I took a deep breath, looked at the fire in the fireplace and slowly answered: "My mother didn't participate in my life in almost any way. She looked much more like a maid who cooked, washed, and did other chores around the house. I don't even remember her name, that's how insignificant my mother was. Next, by relatives. I have never seen any relatives on my mother's side. I've seen each other from my father's side. . . I only saw my grandfather. But he died six years ago. "

When I finished speaking, I briefly glanced in the direction of my interlocutor. Celestia's face became much sadder and she beckoned me to her. Despite my embarrassment, I crawled a little closer to Celestia and felt her wrap her wing around my back. Before I could say anything, she whispered softly: "The loss of a dear person is painful, I remember it. But you know that without me, right? Judging by the way you calmly said about your grandfather, you've almost come to terms with his loss. You've told someone about this, haven't you? "

They say that people feel better when they talk about their problems.

Sighing, I looked at the fire again and reluctantly replied: "I told Rising about it when you sent me to Ponyville."

Celestia didn't look surprised and just smiled slightly before saying, "See, you have at least two friends in Equestria. You are no longer alone, my little human. There's no need to be so harsh and cold anymore."

That reminds me of something. Don't connect Celestia with that incident, okay? Please?

Unable to help myself, I chuckled briefly, which caused Celestia's embarrassment, followed by a question: "Did I say something funny?"

Turning slowly to Celestia, I wrapped my left hand around the tip of her wing before responding calmly: "Your phrase is that there is no need to be firm anymore. I've heard it before. From my father. These are the last things he managed to say before I left home. "

For just a moment, I could see a cocktail of embarrassment, surprise, and most importantly fear on Celestia's face. Taking advantage of the moment, I tightened my grip around her wing and continued: " I remember this moment perfectly. After collecting all my things, I went down the stairs. It was night, my parents had gone somewhere, I wasn't interested in where exactly. I didn't want to talk to anyone before leaving, I wanted to leave quietly. But when I opened the door to the exit, my father met me. A slightly gray-haired man, no longer as intimidating as he used to be."

I stopped for a second to replay this picture in my head once again. Fortunately, Celestia decided not to resist and listened in silence. Taking a deep breath, I tightened my grip even more and continued, "He was awkwardly rubbing his neck, as if he was ashamed. I didn't say anything, I just walked by as if my father had never existed. And then, my shoulder was gripped tightly, forcing me to stop. Do you know what happened next? The father, this bastard, started talking about the fact that he had been going to a psychologist for the last few months and realized his mistakes, very fucking timely! Then he did something that broke my patience. He hugged me and apologized for everything he had done to me. "

After that, I stopped, wanting to create tension for Celestia. But to my shock, she smiled slightly and suggested naively, " And after that you hugged him back and you felt love for the first time?"

How could she even think about it? Did she lose the logical chain in the middle of the way, or is this some kind of trick?

Shaking my head, I replied, looking sternly at Celestia: "He said the same thing as you. Supposedly, I can go soft and show my other side, which never existed. He even suggested that I go to a psychologist too! I interrupted his story by punching him right in the nose. Oh, it feels like real damage, blood on the knuckles. I used to revel in this feeling with ecstasy. Right after that, I pushed him away and explained a simple thing. If I encounter an absolutely insurmountable obstacle, then I will ask for help. But I don't need the help that was offered first. Do you understand? "

I turned slightly and placed my fist against Celestia's chest before finishing with the words, " I'm coming for help. No one will get the opportunity to feel like a saint at my expense. So it's better for people like you to look for other goals. Or maybe you should go to a person who is difficult to help? I have an orphan friend, do you want to become his mother? Don't answer, we both know that the vast majority of people will never agree to help at this level. You people never help to your long-term detriment. And the stories about self-sacrifice that everyone loves so much only confirm this. You will not reach this level, so you come up with heroes who can. Heroes who will never be real. "

Celestia looked at me with some sadness before looking away and removing her wing from my back. It looks like they're letting me go. Or she just admits defeat. Sighing, I slowly got up from my seat and walked towards the exit. Gripping the door handle, I cast a brief glance in the direction of Celestia and said with a slight nod: "I don't even know what to say. On the one hand, I really want to yell at you and use all the swear words that I know. On the other hand, I don't have the strength for this. And desires. So, rejoice in the success of Celestia. Enjoy it while I sit in my room and think. By the way, the flowers in the hallway have wilted, they need to be watered."

Without waiting for her answer, I left the room, slamming the door behind me and quickly started down the stairs. Did I do the right thing? I kind of said what I think, I kind of told the truth, but it feels so strange. Probably just fatigue. As I descended, I began to scroll in my head the way to my room. So, at first, Celestia walked forward for a long time, then turned left, where there was a small corridor and began to climb the stairs. Now I just need to repeat it all in reverse order. It's very simple.

Yes, it's more than simple, even with poor eyesight. So we have the opportunity to think about what to do when the Chrysalis takes effect. Of course, it would be "morally right" to betray Chrysalis, quickly reveal everything that will happen and enjoy the image of the hero. But what do I get out of this option? Nothing really, except a phantom confession that will disappear in a couple of days.

My thoughts stopped for a moment when I noticed a spot vaguely similar to the sun next to me. Assuming that this was Celestia's office, I nodded slightly to myself and continued walking forward. After a couple of minutes of boring walking, I managed to spot two guards I already knew. Hmm, there's a Discord behind the door. Maybe there's some way I can use it?

Almost immediately, I shook my head and continued walking forward. It is unlikely that I will be able to remove the stones from his torso and arms. Although, even if I had succeeded in freeing Discord, he would not have become a reliable ally. So let him stay in the room and do nothing. A completely different conversation is what to do with Ahirata. If somehow I can restore his body, maybe we can establish cooperation. At the last meeting, he looked very apathetic, so I could just give him a new purpose in life, in the form of serving me.But how do I do it?

You can dig into the local library or archives. Well, if we find them. Let's think about continuing our collaboration with Chrysalis. What do we get out of this?

I took a deep breath and found that I had already reached my room. Chuckling, I quietly entered it and closed the door behind me. After making sure that no one was around, I slowly walked over to the table and sat down on a chair and took a deep breath. What will I get if Chrysalis wins? My own country, the resources to return to Earth, in general, many of my wishes will be fulfilled. But will Rising stay by my side? Will there be anyone at all next to me after they find out that I was actually an agent? Will at least one living soul be by my side voluntarily?

I shook my head slightly and took a deep breath. All my desires or one person? I never thought that I would even think that this was a dilemma. Taking a deep breath, I looked towards the window and muttered: "What happened? Did I start spending too much time with other people and start adopting morals? If so, when did it become so natural?"

Suddenly I felt a movement, a shift of weight to the right. Lazily shifting my gaze, I froze in place. His right hand pulled out a pencil, paper and a lock card from a drawer on its own. And the scariest thing is that the hand was writing something without my intervention. Being in shock, I just looked at the piece of paper and muttered nervously, "Why the hell aren't Luna's shackles working?"

The hand seemed to care absolutely nothing about it and continued to write. In the end, the black limb stopped writing and stopped as if nothing had happened. Trembling slightly, I took my right hand off the table with a light movement so that it just hung next to me. Sighing, I looked at the piece of paper. And to my surprise, I found a partial map of Canterlot along with the surrounding area. There were only those places where I was, such as the train station, the castle, the area with houses and the like. How is this even possible?

Luna said it was a product of your dark magic. I mean, it originated inside you, so why shouldn't it have access to your memories?

Sighing, I nodded slightly to myself and focused my attention on two sheets of paper. If it were just maps, I'd be pretty calm, but it's more than that. It's a plan or even an operation. Looking at the various arrows and inscriptions, you can roughly imagine what my right hand literally wants. To be brief, I will have to get my soldiers out of the city and expect a Changeling invasion. When this happens, we will have to wait until both sides are as weakened as possible. After that, I will radio the soldiers to return to the city and at that time I will defeat Chrysalis and the princesses. In other words, a battle against all sides.

Briefly glancing at my other hand, I took a deep breath. In this case, I will have the opportunity. By defeating all the enemies and all the promising threats, I can gain influence. The influence is of such a level that I will be able to achieve perfection, break morals, finally free people. This will be the victory I have dreamed of for so long. And unlike the country I get for working for Chrysalis, here I can do absolutely anything I want. I've been dreaming and striving for this for too long to just turn down the opportunity.

This is wrong and you know it perfectly well. It's not going to work. And even if you win, will it be worth it? Rising will definitely not appreciate this and, at best, will see you as a monster. At worst, he will openly talk about it. You can also forget about the imitation of friendship from Flying. Who's going to stay with you? A report whose nature is still unclear? Or just a scorched wasteland?

Bending over the plan on the table, I closed my eyes and muttered: "I still have time before the Changeling attack. I'll think it over, listen to every argument for and against in my head. And in the end I will make a decision. The decision of which will decide my future."