THERE'S STILL ONE LEFT!!!!
The thunderous sounds of a stampede of multiple different hooves could be heard. As hundreds upon hundreds of different creatures. Far and wide, ran side by side towards the same destination. The stampede was also being followed by hundreds of creatures who were flying above them as one giant flock.
The army of different creatures were being led by six friends. Who work to help bring everybody together to help stop the evil threatening their world.
Ponies, Changelings, Dragons, Yaks, Griffons, Hipogriffs, Kirins, and Buffalos. Now stand together as one mighty army. All charging with great purpose and determination. To save their friends, The Mane Six.
Everyone's goal was the same. Help The Mane Six in defending Equestria against the evil trio known as, The Legion of Doom or L.O.D. For short. And put a stop to their evil plans for world domination. But one pony among the army didn't really care about all that. Sure, she'll still help in the fight of course, but she haves her own reasons for helping and it only made her more and more excited the closer she got to seeing something truly wonderful to her. The thought of it just feels her with giddy and puts a smile on her face.
“Hurry up, Grace! We don't want to miss the festivities.” Said Raven.
Raven Inkwell. "Princess Celestia personal Secretary" was one of the many creatures running to help in the battle for Equestria. Keeping up alongside her is her best friend, Grace Manewitz, an earth pony with a lavender coat, blonde mane, and wears dark purple glasses and a necktie.
She lives in Canterlot, but sometimes her job would have her traveling across Equestria. Like when she worked as the receptionist for Fashion Week in Manehattan, each year.
Raven and Grace had been great friends ever since they were fillies and continue to be to this day.
After hearing what her friend just said. Grace gave her an estrange look as she continued to run alongside the glasses wearing unicorn.
“Festivities!? Seriously Rave! Have you forgotten that the world is in danger of being destroyed?”
Raven let out a laugh. “I know right! Isn't it great? This day just keeps getting better and better.”
Grace left eye twitch. “MERCIFUL FAUST, RAVEN. Have you lost your mind?”
Raven scoff at that. “Oh, stop being such a drama queen! Any more of that and I could easily mistake you for Rarity.” Grace rolled her eyes at that. “It wasn't that long ago that I told you everything about why all this is happening in the first place, as well as explained the reasons behind it.” Raven chuckled. “And it's all thanks to that bucking idiot and his bucking plan.” Raven couldn't help but smile as she thought back to earlier today, when she learned the truth as to how the L.O.D. came to be in the first place and it only brought her great happiness. “And F.Y.I. I do know that the world is in danger. I’m here to help in the fight, aren't I?”
“Only so you could see him fall.”
“Because he deserves it after everything he’d done, and you know it. Like I told you before. The Princesses and the mane six were really upset at what he did and with every horrible thing the L.O.D. does. He’ll be held just as responsible for he brought them together in the first place. Everpony becoming racist towards each other, the attack on Equestria, The Pillars getting hurt, Chrysalis getting a chance to have her revenge on Starlight, the destruction of the castle. HA! That was a good one.”
“Oh sweet merciful faust!” Grace thought as she remembered how excited and happy Raven was when The L.O.D. destroyed Canterlot castle. Not that she wanted the castle to be destroyed. She loves working there. It was just another thing to add to the already long list of the mastermind many crimes, thanks to his plan and it only serves Raven purpose to see him punished.
“And now Windigos, have come to freeze us all.” Raven shakes her head disappointingly. “And that's just scratching the surface of his list of crimes and no doubt in my mind. That after the L.O.D. are stop. He’ll be severely punished for what he did. There’s no way he’ll be able to get out of this one.” Raven face saddens. ”Not this time.”
Despite Raven whispering that last part. Grace still heard it, and it only made her feel sad for her friend. Still holding a grudge after all these years because of what he did and after what happened earlier back at her house. Just makes Grace both worried and scared for her friend. Because of this, she made sure to bring a “special item” with her just before leaving her house to join the army. Which she keeps hidden away in the saddle bag she was carrying. Raven was quick to leave the house the second they heard what everypony was doing and where they were going. So, she didn't see Grace pack up the “item” before running after her friend. The lavender mare prays that she wouldn't have to use such a thing on her best friend of all ponies. She prays that Raven won't have another of her “episodes.” Because if she does. It would take a pure, absolute, miracle to stop her.
As the army drew closer to their destination. The sounds of The Mane 6 and The L.O.D. fighting, could be heard. Spurring everycreature to move faster to the top of a very tall hill. When they got there. They all saw The Mane six and Spike huddled together. Looking defeated. They watch as The L.O.D. taunt them while charging up for a final attack.
Lord Tirek: Turns out that the Magic of Friendship is your biggest weakness. A fitting end to your pathetic story.
Rainbow Dash: No matter what, we face it together!
“QUICK! Everyunicorn cast a shield spell, NOW!!!” Tempest ordered. And without hesitation every, single, unicorn in the army. Combined their magic together to quickly create a powerful shield around the Mane Six.
Twilight and her friends sat there awaiting their demise. The evil trio simultaneously fired a combined energy attack at them. All the group of friends could do was close their eyes and hug each other and except their gruesome fate. Knowing that that they had failed to protect Equestria. Or so they thought.
The unicorns just barely managed to block the L.O.D. attack with their shield, just before it hit their friends.
Applejack was first to open her eyes and see what was happening. Just when Spike spoke.
And just like that. It was over.
It's been one hectic day, but in the end good have once again triumph over evil. Equestria had survived its most challenging threat yet, a threat that could have destroyed the world but thanks to the combine effort of everycreature around the world and the true power of the Magic of Friendship unleash by Princess Twilight Sparkle; Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow were defeated.
Grace let out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad all this madness is over."
Raven scoff. While rubbing her horn a little. It was a bit sore from helping with the shield. But nothing at all serious. The pain went away pretty quickly. "Don't relax just yet, my friend. It isn't over till it's over," Raven grin. "But it will be soon."
Grace was about to say something in response, but was cut off by a loud ground shaking *THUD*
"Is that a giant cupcake?" Asked Grace.
"Eyup!" Answered Raven. Soon it started raining.
"Now it's raining chocolate milk!" Grace sighed. "Let me guess-"
"Nope, it's not him." Raven interrupted. Pointing a hoof at the one responsible for the raining sweets. "It's Pinkie Pie."
"Oh!"
The two watches as Pinkie pie turn into giant and turn all of reality into sweets.
While that was going on. Grace's focus was really on Raven right now. She was worried for her friend mental stability. She has been for the past 5 years. Remembering the conversation, they had earlier today, only made her more worried and scared for the unicorn. It's not that she doesn't understand why Raven the way she is. She just hopes she doesn't go crazy like she did before.
Grace noticed the devious grin growing on Raven’s face since the fighting came to an end, Raven was excited and happy. As it looks like her wish will finally be granted after all these years. After everything Raven told her. Even Grace can't see this ending any other way. How could it after all the trouble “he” has caused and that’s exactly what Raven’s waiting to see happened.
Raven watched as "HE", use the bell return both his and the royal sisters magic back. This both annoyed and angered the glasses wearing unicorn. "Oh, don't get too excited you piece of shit!” Raven smiled wickedly. “There’s no way you'll be trusted to keep your magic for long.”
"Raven!" Grace somberly whispered to herself.
Raven grin began to drop as she watch what happened next. "What are they doing?" Raven said in shock as The Royal Sisters and "him" turned the evil trio into stone and what made it worse was that "he" was the one who suggested the idea and the sisters actually agreed with him so casually. "WHAT THE HAY!" She screamed in anger. “Why would the princesses let *him* decide how the legion should be punished. HE’S THE ONE WHO BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER IN THE FIRST PLACE.......WHAT THE BUCK!!!!!”
"Raven, please, calm down." Grace pleaded trying to get her friend to relax and remain calm. She MUST remain calm.
Raven used the breathing technique she learned from Princess Cadance to calm herself. "It's ok, its ok, the princesses are just making sure those three won't cause any more trouble. Now they're going to take down the real threat." She said, smiling awkwardly. But that smile soon began to slowly fade cause of what happened next.
She watched as "he" taunt the evil trio after turning them to stone. "You don't have the right to taunt them. You son of a bitch!" She watched as Princess Celestia praised Twilight telling her that she was ready to rule. "What the hell are you talking about Celestia? Nothing about any of this, haves nothing to do to prove Twilight being ready to rule. She already proven that she was ready two months ago.” Raven let out a groan of annoyance. “But that's not important right now. Aren't you forgetting something even more important." She watched as Twilight asked her friends to join her to celebrate at Joe's Doughnuts, "No!"and she watched as everyone began to leave now that everything was over.
But to Raven this wasn't over. It can't be over. It wasn't supposed to end like this. Her anger started to grow more and more with each step as everyone took their leave. She couldn't believe it, she just couldn't believe what just happened, in fact what didn't happen.
"Where does everyone think they're going?" Raven said as she looks around to see everycreature leaving, but her attention was mainly focused on Twilight and her friends talking happily with The Royal Sisters. "They can't be serious? They don't really believe this is over, do they?" Raven turned her sights to the statue of the three villains, as it was being loaded into a wagon by some royal guards.
Grace was afraid of this. She didn't actually believe this outcome would happen, not after everything Raven told her earlier, but given the Mane 6 history with this kind of thing it was still a possible outcome.
Grace put a comforting hoof on Raven’s shoulder. "Come on Raven! Let's go." Raven didn't move. "I know you're upset that thing's didn't turn out the way you wanted, but don't let it get to you. Not again."
Raven didn't listen to her friend plea. Her anger only grew higher, as she stared at the statue. Her anger wasn't directed at three who nearly destroyed the world but mainly towards the one who suggested what their punishment should be, the one who brought those three together, the one who was the true cause of these events that transpired, the one who is now standing their laughing and talking with the princesses and the Mane 6 as they all walked away together.
The earth pony mare noticed her friend rising anger in her hate filled eyes and it was just as scary as it was the last time when......
"R-r-r-raven?" Grace said with fear in her voice. She back away from her friend slowly and slid the saddle bag off her back. With a single hoof she opened it up and reach inside. Grabbing the item but not taking it out just yet. ”Oh merciful Faust, please don't make me have to do this. She thought to herself. With a tear falling from her eye. "Raven please, calm yourself." She said trying to plea to her friend once more.
But Raven couldn't calm herself, she wouldn't even try. Her rage was close to boiling over. Grace could see that and it only made her more and more afraid. Raven turned to glare angrily at the one responsible for bringing the villains back, the one responsible for almost getting Equestria destroyed, the one responsible for.................. ”WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THOSE PONIES!”
Raven clutches her head in her forehooves and let out a loud scream as if she was having the world most painful headache.
”AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!”
As loud as her scream was. Everycreature were far enough away to not hear it.
Fear filled Grace as her eyes widen in horror. For she knew exactly what was happening to her friend and she feared the worst. ”Oh no! No no no no no no nooo!” She thought. ”She's already hearing the voices in her head.” Still clutching the item in her hoof. Grace thought about using it while Raven was distracted by the voice. She knew this could be her only chance to stop Raven now before she begins to go crazy. She knew this, she really did, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Not to Raven, not her best friend. So, she let go of the item and rush over to her and with tear filled eyes. Tried to snap her friend out of her anger by trying to talk to her, trying to get her calm down. Raven NEEDS to calm down.
Grace grabs her friend and begins shaking her. “Raven! You need listen to me. For the love of Faust. Please listen.” She pleaded. Raven had long since dropped her forehooves back to the ground and just sat there on her haunches staring blankly at nothing. Despite her friend sitting directly in front of her. Try to get her attention. “Raven! I know you're still hurting after what he did, but it has been five years. Please you need to put the past behind you even if you could never forgive him. You need to to let this grudge of yours go, PLEASE!” Raven doesn't respond to her friend pleas, but she does speak. Just not to her.
“He’s getting away! They're letting him get away! Even after everything he’s done, they actually-
”FORGAVE HIM!” Raven said. Her voice sounding demonic.
Fear hit Grace like a runaway train. The second she heard that voice again. This wasn't the first time she’d heard it. The last time was just earlier today at her house. When she said something to Raven that she shouldn't have. But that was a small accident. This time things are much more serious.
This is what Grace feared would happen. The voice in Raven’s head isn't just some random voice talking to the unicorn. It's actually manifestation of her Anger, Rage, and Hate. In other words. Raven’s talking to the part of herself that was born from the event that happened five years ago and the more she listens to the voice, only risks Raven burning up with righteous fury and that's something Grace plans to stop before her friend does something she might regret.
Grace keeps on pleading to Raven to listen to her. To ignore the voice in her head. But the earth pony cries fell on death ears. The only voice Raven could hear. Was the demonic version of her own.
********
(Inside Raven’s mind)
Within the emptiness of Raven’s mind scape. Two ponies sat side by side one another. One was Raven and the other was also Raven except her coat is black and her eyes were red. This is dark Raven. She's just a manifestation of Raven’s negative emotions; her dark side if you will. She isn't real by any actual means. But the emotions she represents are very, very real. Raven is just having a conversation with herself.
The two Raven’s couldn't help but talk about the events that transpired earlier.
”THIS IS NOT RIGHT! THIS ISN'T HOW IT WAS SUPPOSED TO END!” Raven cried.
”And yet it has. It would seem The Mane 6 and the princesses forgives that monster for everything he had done.”
“But why? He’d cause so much trouble with his asinine plan. I saw how angry they were at him when he confess back at the castle.”
Princess Luna: Let me get this straight. You wanted to boost Twilight's confidence, so you brought back Chrysalis, Cozy Glow, and Tirek to attack her?!
Princess Celestia: And while you united these three villains, you pretended to be Grogar?!
Fluttershy: How could you do this to Twilight?! And us?!
Applejack: For all the time you've spent with us, you really haven't picked up too much in the way of friendship lessons, huh?
Twilight Sparkle: You've been setting up challenges for us the whole time, haven't you? None of our successes were actually real.
Rarity: You beastly beast! Don't you know how much this day means to Twilight?! Why wait until now for such a horrible plan?!
Princess Celestia: ”You have made a grave misjudgment,”
“It doesn't make SENSE!” Tears began to fall from Raven’s eyes. She still can't understand how the princesses and Co. Could forgive HIM so easily. “Nothing about any of this, makes any sense.”
”You're right it doesn't but the real question is, WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO ABOUT IT?”
That got Raven’s attention. As she jumps from the demonic voice sudden outburst. “What do you mean?”
”What I mean is. Are you just gonna sit there and do nothing and let that MONSTER get away? Or are you gonna step up and do something about it?”
Raven wipe away her tears and glared angrily at her dark self. “AND WHAT THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?”
”CONFRONT THEM! Those fools clearly don't know the whole story, but you do. So go up to them and speak out.”
“I can't do that! I can't speak out against the princesses.”
”So you're just going to let him get away, AGAIN! HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHAT THAT MONSTER DID?”
So much hatred filled Raven’s entire being the instant she thought about that day.
The second the memories came full force to the front of her mind. Dark Raven turns into a giant, raging, swirling vortex that surrounded Raven as she sat there in the center of it.
All she could feel was ANGER, RAGE, AND HATE boiling up inside of her. As the voice of her dark self and her own could be heard through the storm.
EVERYTHING IS HIS FAULT
He cause all this
THEY'RE LETTING HIM GET AWAY
He should pay for his crimes
BUT THEY FORGAVE HIM
He doesn't deserve forgiveness
HE SHOULD BE PUNISHED
Turned to stone for eternity
BEFORE HE EVER GET THE CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS AGAIN. SO I’LL ASK YOU ONCE MORE. HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHAT HE DID?
NO!
Then you know what you must do? Those idiots failed to see for themselves just how much of threat that monster truly is. They won't even try.
BUCKING IDIOTS ALL OF THEM!!!!
The vortex stops and disappears. Dark Raven reappeared behind Raven. With one hoof touching Raven’s back the two fuse and became one. Now only Raven Inkwell stands alone.
As the old saying goes. If you want something done right.
I’LL DO IT MY BUCKING SELF!!!!
*******
(Back in the real world)
It only been a minute so far and Grace been trying to help Raven snap out of it this whole time. Raven hadn't said a word since her last sentence.
(“He’s getting away! They're letting him get away! Even after everything he’s done, they actually ”FORGAVE HIM!”)
Which ended in her speaking in the same demonic like voice, Grace had heard before. This of course scares the hell out the blonde for she doesn't want her friend to go full on crazy again. So, she continues to try and get Raven to listen to her and calm down. She NEEDS to calm down.
And after a minute of nothing. Raven finally speaks.
"No!" Raven said. Her heart filled with anger and hate towards the mastermind. "No, no, no, no, no, no, NOOOOO!!!!!!” Grace let's go of her friend and backs away from her. “They can't seriously be letting him get away with all this. Don't they know what his crazy plan has done? What it almost did? And they're just going to let him get away with it." Raven began trotting forward trying to catch up with Twilight and Co. "BUCK THAT! I'm not going to just stand in the background and let that monster get away, not this time, not again. It's about time he gets what he deserves and this time I have plenty of evidence that will condemn him for good."
Grace watch as her friend stormed off to confront the group. After hearing what she said about presenting evidence. Brought the earth pony great calm and relief. It would seem that Raven was able to calm herself. Good, Faust knows we don't want to see that mare at her angriest, but still. It doesn't mean Raven given up on her war against the mastermind, nor is she willing to put the past behind her. Raven got a score to settle, and she will settle it, once and for all.
"Raven, please, just let it go." Grace shouted, but her voice fell on deaf ears. "RAVEN!!!" No response. The receptionist wanted to run up and stop her friend but knew it wouldn't work. She wouldn't dare stand between that unicorn and her target when she's like this. All she could do is be there for her friend and pray that she doesn't do anything too extreme. So, after picking up her saddle bag, she followed Raven, hoping that her anger won't get her into trouble.
*******
Raven continued her march towards the Co. Getting angrier and angrier the closer she got. She’s ANGRY at the way things ended, she was filled with RAGE at the fact that the Princesses and the Mane 6 easily and happily forgave the one who nearly destroyed the world with his stupid plan, but most of all her veins boiled in pure absolute HATERED towards *HIM.*
As she stared at him laughing and smiling with his friends. Acting like he didn't do anything wrong and go back to living his happy little life. All she could feel was-
ANGER
RAGE
HATE
ANGER
RAGE
HATE
HATE
HATE
HATE!!!!
Once she was close enough, she stops in her tracks. Using her magic to amplify her voice, Raven bellowed.
"EVERYCREATURE STOOOOPPP!!!!!!"
The sound of her voice roars across the field with enough punch to resemble the royal Canterlot voice. That got everyone's attention as they all turned to the source of the booming voice.
"Where do you all think you're going?" Raven glared at everyone around her. "This isn't over yet!"
Everycreature started closing in, surrounding Raven. Curious to hear what she was trying to say.
Princess Celestia steps forward to speak. "Raven! What is this about?"
Luna steps up next to her sister to speak. "And what does thou mean by this isn't over?"
Raven took a few deep breaths to calm herself before speaking. "Before I answer your questions Princesses, may I please have your permission to speak freely?"
The Royal sister's glance at one another before turning their attention back to the Unicorn mare. Whatever it is she wanted to say sounded very serious.
Celestia nodded. "You may speak Raven! Now tell us what troubles you?"
Raven closed her eyes and took another deep breath. Gathering thoughts and preparing herself for her speech. Once she was ready, she opened her eyes and glared angrily at the soon to be retired rulers and spoke.
"Pardon my language your highness's but what in the actual BUCK do you...all of you," she gestures to mane 6. "Think you're going? Can't you see that theirs still one member of The Legion of Doom, that needs to be punished?"
That outburst definitely caught the Royal Sisters off guard. Especially Celestia. For Raven would never talk to her that way. Freedom of speech or not.
Rainbow Dash flies forward to speak. "What the hay are you talking about?" She points at the statue of the three villains. "I think your glasses needs cleaning, that way you could see that all three members are clearly encased in stone."
Raven glared angrily at Rainbow. "Except your wrong! Theirs still one left." Raven spat.
Rainbow raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Who? Sombra!?...We took care of him months ago."
Raven groans in annoyance. "I'm talking about HIM!" She yelled. Pointing a hoof at the perpetrator.
Everyone follow her hoof to who she was pointing at. Standing close by, behind the mane six and Royal sisters was none other than....
"Discord!?" Said Rainbow Dash.
"Yes, Discord. All of this is his fault." Raven accused. Staring at the Draconequus with pure hatred in her eyes. "None of this would've happen if he hadn't brought those three together and gave them the means to try to take over Equestria." Raven bellowed.
"Wait? Said Ocellus. "What do you mean this is all Discord’s faults?" She asked.
"Of course! You all have the right to know, after all." Raven said. Turning her attention to the surrounding crowd. "Hear me my fellow creatures. Do not just simply blame those three for their wrong doings, for they are not 100% responsible for the trouble they caused." Everycreature were confused at Raven’s words. How were the now petrified trio not fully responsible after everything they did and what exactly does Discord has to do with it. "I know you all are confused but allow me to clear things up for you." Raven cleared her throat, turned to face Discord and pointed an accusing hoof at him. "That Draconequus is the reason those three almost destroyed our world, the same goes for King Sombra, when he attacked months ago." She accused.
Everyone gasps in horror at the news, causing Discord to flinch back in fear. Fluttershy notice this and tried to comfort him with gentle hoof brushing his hand. It helps him relax as he smiled down at the yellow pegasus, but soon turned his attention back to the white unicorn as she continued her speech.
"You all heard me right." She said addressing the crowd. "Discord purposely freed both Tirek and Cozy glow from their cells in Tartarus, he brought Sombra back from the nether, and pluck Chrysalis from herself exile. All while pretending to be some ancient villain named Grogar, and recruited the four of them, so they can work together to take over Equestria. But all that was actually a part of his real plan to help Princess Twilight gain "confidence" in ruling Equestria."
The crowd was flabbergasted. They didn't know what to think, with this info.
"He committed treason against the crown.... for the second time, he purposely orchestrated two terrorist attack against the country, and his so-called "plan" to help Twilight nearly got the world destroyed." Raven turned to face the Royal Sisters. "You two punish Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow for their crimes but the one responsible for all this gets to go free. NO!" Raven stomps her hoof angrily. "Discord should be punished for his crimes just as well. Its only just, seeing how he's the mastermind behind all of this." Raven gestures to the statue of the three villains and say's. "You can't just punish those three as well as Sombra, when you all know that Discord was the one who brought them back in the first place."
Silence. The crowd was shocked at what they just heard. But was it true, could all of this be Discord fault? None of the other creatures said anything. Opting to watch as things played out.
"Now hold on their miss Inkwell." Said Applejack, stepping up to speak. "It's true that Discord did start all this, but how exactly do you know about that?"
Raven tilted her head. "What's wrong Applejack? You're upset that I exposed the truth to everyone, thus ruining you guys' plan to keep it hidden from everycreature."
The crowd gasp on murmured to themselves about the princesses and the Mane 6 keeping Discord involvement a secret.
"Now that ain't true." Applejack neglected. "We weren't trying to hide nothin from anyone."
"Yet neither of you didn't even bother to try and tell any of us of his involvement." Raven shot back. "If I haven't heard the truth with my own ears. We all would have remained oblivious to what really happened, thus meaning those three would have unjustly taken all the blame, while you all purposely hide the truth from the world." Raven adjusted her glasses. "And to answer your question Applejack. Earlier today, back at Canterlot Castle, before Discord showed up. Princess Twilight sent me to grab some documents she wanted to go over. Upon my return to throne room via the side entrance. I opened the door just enough to hear what sounded like an important conversation. Not wanting to interrupt, I waited till you all were done. It was then that I heard everything, when Discord confess his crimes and I don't understand why you aren't punishing him for what he did."
Celestia steps forward. "That's because we pardon Discord for his crimes."
Raven stared at the sun princess, stun at the news she was told. "Pardon!? You pardon him?"
"Yes!" Celestia answered. "Discord performed a great act of bravery to make up for his mistakes."
Raven left eye began to twitch like mad. She just couldn't believe what she just heard. "Ok, back up let me get this straight because I for one can’t see how anyone could be pardon so easily after committing multiple serious crimes against Equestria. So, because of Discord, so called plan. He broke out criminals from their prisons, conspired with said criminals, treachery, treason, terrorism, manipulation, sabotage, aiding in the destruction of property, necromancy, because Sombra was basically dead. Foalnapping, enslavement, and the destruction of a cultural relic and since he is the one who started all of this in the first place because of his plan to help Twilight.” Raven rolled her eyes at that. “He is 100% responsible for everything the four villains did. The crimes I just listed are highly serious offences that he committed. So, tell me what he could have possibly done to earn a pardon from those crimes?"
Fluttershy step up to speak. "He'd risk his life to give me and my friends a chance to escape and find Twilight." She answers.
Raven gave Fluttershy a confused look. "What?"
"You said you heard the conversation, yes?" Raven nodded. "So, you know he got his powers stolen." Raven just sat on her haunches and listened to Fluttershy's speech, very carefully. "Tirek, Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow locked us up in the crystal caverns underneath Canterlot. Yes, we were mad at what Discord did. So, to take responsibility for his actions he put himself in harm's way just to antagonizes Tirek, which led to him freeing Starlight, who in turn freed us."
The crowd was murmuring agreements and acknowledgements. They were now seeing the good Discord did to make up for his mistakes. Everyone quiet down when Fluttershy resumed speaking.
"I understand you're angry Raven, we were too when Discord told us what he did, but you must understand. He did all of this in order help Twilight gain confidence so she can become a greater ruler, he pretended to be Grogar so those three would follow him. His plan was that the four of them would attack on the day of Twilight’s coronation. Things wouldn't have gotten out of control if they hadn't betrayed him and took the bell for themselves..... Even with his chaos magic. Discord can't see or predict the future. So, he didn't expect for them to betray him and try to take over without Grogar. I know it doesn't excuse what he did, but he did everything he could to make things right and thanks to his act of bravery, we were given the chance to stop those three and save Equestria, and thanks to you and everyone else working together. That's exactly what happened."
Everycreature cheered and applaud Fluttershy for her speech. Agreeing with her words.
Fluttershy looked around at the crowd with a smile. She was happy that everyone was able to forgive Discord for his misdeeds, of course her friends and the princesses were on her side as well. But there was one pony who wasn't cheering. She just sat there unmoved by Fluttershy's words. Grace was the only one to notice Raven unchanged demeanor. Deep down she hoped that maybe, just maybe her friend would listen to Fluttershy, let this all go, give up on this self-appointed mission of hers, and just move on with her life. For real this time. But the mare knew that was just wishful thinking. Raven wasn't just going to abandon things, not when she finally has a second chance to see Discord pay for all he did, and since the heroes refused to do it, Raven will just do it herself, only this time, she came prepared.
When the noise from the crowd died down. Fluttershy turned her attention back to Raven. "Now that you know why we forgave Discord, can you find it in your heart to forgive him for his mistake? He's truly sorry." Raven just stared at her. "Raven?."
Raven didn't say anything, her face expression remained neutral. She was clearly untouched, unfazed by Fluttershy's words as demonstrated on the deadpanned look on her face.
When Raven finally did move. Her horn glowed, making a handkerchief appear out of thin air, she levitated her glasses off and took the time to clean both lenses.
"Raven are yo-" Fluttershy was silence when Raven raised a hoof to stop her from speaking. She didn't even look at the Pegasus, her eyes glued to her glasses as she cleaned them.
After few moments. She finally finished her cleaning. The handkerchief vanishes into air, she casually places her glasses back over her eyes, and adjusted them. Raven took a deep breath, using the moment collect all her thoughts. After exhaling, she stared in to Fluttershy eyes and said.
"You stupid gullible fool!"
That gave everyone a shock. They sure wasn't expecting that as a response.
"Do you honestly believe that Discord didn't know about the bell being taken, do you seriously believe the lies he was spitting out when he confess to you all?" Raven asked.
Fluttershy blink in confusion. "Lies!? What are you talking about? Discord didn't lie to us."
"Oh, come on Fluttershy! You of all creatures should be able to see the obvious truth."
"Which is?"
"Is that he'd been playing you all since Sombra's return. Which I may add, who only came back because of him. I mean seriously its Discord....DIS-CORD. You and your friends know how he is and how he can easily trick and manipulate you all." Raven argued.
Fluttershy stood defiant against the unicorn mare. Defending her friend. "Your right! Discord has played many tricks in the past, but this was not one of them." She argued back. "Discord plan may have been bad, but he had good intentions."
"GOOD INTENTIONS!" Raven bellowed. "Good intentions is not a get out jail free card, Good intentions is no excuse for nearly getting the world destroyed. Have you ever heard the old saying that the path to Tatarus is paved in good intentions. A common meaning of the phrase is that wrongdoings or evil actions are often undertaken with good intentions; or those good intentions, when acted upon, may have unintended consequences and that's exactly what his so called "good intentions" led to, you BUCKING IDIOT!"
"RAVEN!" Celestia roared. Staring angrily at her assistant. "I get that your angry but there's no need for such language."
Raven glared at Celestia. Causing the Sun princess to flinch back. She never seen her friend like this before and it was very unsettling.
"You are not retired yet Celestia, which means you're still the ruler of this country and you gave me permission to speak freely. So, I'm well within my right to say whatever BUCK I want until I'm done saying what want to say." Raven said angrily.
"Raven?" Celestia said with worry. "Why are you like this? I never seen you like this before." When Celestia stared into Raven eyes, she could see so much anger, rage, sorrow, and most of all hatred in those eyes. Celestia known Raven for years and the two became such great friends. When not on duty the two would talk and share stories over cups of tea together. It got to the point where Raven no longer had to address her as "Princess" Celestia anymore, but she only does it when they're alone despite Celestia telling her that its ok to do so in public, but Raven always said that she should always remain professional when in public. That and she doesn't want to make anypony jealous. That one made Celestia laugh really hard. The two of them would share many laughs together and Celestia enjoy seeing Raven drop her professionalisms and opened up to her and smile. But the mare the Sun Princess sees before her now isn't at all like the mare she remembered, and it scared her to see her friend like this. Soo much anger, soo much rage, soo much sorrow, and hate, just so much hate. Celestia only had one thing to say. "What happened to you Raven?"
Raven scoff. "Nothing! I'm just trying to get you idiots to see why that monster should be turned to stone for his crimes."
"Nothing wrong you say? You lie Raven!" Thought Grace. "Their only a hoof-full of us who knows what's bothering you."
Raven turns her attention back to Fluttershy. "Now as I was saying, is that all of you," she gestures towards Fluttershy and her friends. "can't seriously not see how Discord been playing you all, like he always does. If you think about it and I mean REALLY think about it. You can see the obvious truth to my words, clear as day...... Twilight!" She turns her attention to the purple alicorn, getting her attention. "Remember when Discord trick you into believing he was sick and sent you and Cadance on a wild goose chase to find a cure that didn't even exist and leading you two to get in a fight with a giant Tatzlwurm, who was only mad at you two for taking its flower, and I don't give a DAMN that it was a friendship test he made up for you. The point is, he still tricked you into putting both yourself and Cadance in danger with an innocent creature, who was just minding its own business and watching over its flower."
Twilight wanted to retort to that but couldn't think of any counter argument. She could tell Raven about how Discord ended up getting sick for real during the encounter, but something told her she already knows that and that it will only support her case against Discord.
"Or how about when he tricked you all into going on a fake friendship quest that sent you spelunking in a really creepy cave with a bunch eyeless worm creatures chasing you. Rainbow Dash!" Raven called out. "You clearly remember, last hearth warming how he trick you into getting a creature you never even heard of, as a gift to Fluttershy, and because of your lack of knowledge on the Winterchilla, you didn't even know that it turns into a Winterzilla after sunset. Thus, endangering your friends. And again, I don't give a DAMN, why he did it. My point is that he still tricked and manipulated you. Which leads to his more recent trickery, Sombra."
The mane 6 winced at that one. They all know full well where Raven was going with this one.
"Yeah! You all know exactly what I'm talking about." Raven spouted. "How he faked being hurt by Sombra, just so you 6 would be the ones who defeats him. When he could have easily done it himself." Raven shook her head in disappointment. "And for the last time. I. Don't. Give a. DAMN about his reasons. He still endangered both the Crystal Empire and Equestria by bringing that monster back..... Do you see the pattern here?"
No one said anything. But Raven still had much to say.
"Everything he'd done in my examples led to dangerous situations and others could have gotten hurt because of it. Discord is smart, devious, and an expert at manipulations. Heck the first thing he did when he was first freed from stone, was manipulate you all (except Fluttershy) into going against the elements you represent, the core of who you are, just so you can't use the elements of harmony against him." Raven glares at Fluttershy. "Which is why I don't get you Fluttershy. When you were tasked into reforming Discord. You knew he was screwing with you the whole time. You played along with his games because it was all part of your plan to show him what it's like to have a friend. You saw through his tricks then, so why not now? You spend more time with him than anyone else. So, it should be easy for you to see pass his trickery. But I can see that you truly do believe that he was trick by those three."
Fluttershy stood firm. "I do."
"Really! After everything I just said." Raven let out an annoyed sigh as she rubs her forehead with a hoof. "As Tempest Shadow would say, OPENED UP YOUR EYES." Tempest scoff at that. "You truly believe that Discord, DISSS-COOORRRDD wasn't lying to you all earlier and that maybe those three stealing the bell was actually a part of his plans?"
"Yes!"
Raven took off her glasses, got up in Fluttershy face and glared menacingly as she stared into her eyes.
"Look me dead in the eyes and tell me that you truly believe in Discord. Despite knowing what he's capable of, despite knowing that he pulled this same stunt multiple times in the past, do you honestly believe that Discord was truly betrayed by those three and didn't know about them having the bell at all."
Fluttershy glared back, staring deeply into Raven’s eyes and said. "Yes! I believe in Discord, I believe in my friend."
The two mares had what could have been the world most intense staring contest. Neither one back down for what felt like an eternity. But soon enough Raven steps back out of Fluttershy personal space, put her glasses back on, and sat on her haunches.
"Hmm, very well Miss Shy." Raven said calmly. "It looks like I'm gonna have to shatter your faith in that monster by hitting you with cold hard truth, facts, and reality." Raven adjusted her glasses. "You believe Discord didn't know about the betrayal, which led to a series of unfortunate events, and that he learned from his mistake and made up for it by risking his life to save you and your friends."
"That's correct." Fluttershy replied. "Discord had a plan in place and things wouldn't had gotten out of control if those three just gave him the bell."
Raven shook her head. "Well, that's where I disagree with you Miss Shy. With his powers there's no way those three could have gotten away with stealing the bell without his knowledge. Add the fact that those three are the most untrustworthy creatures in the world and Discord clearly knows that only helps prove my point.
"That does make sense." Said Ocellus. The crowd surrounding the two mares muttered their agreements and Raven basked in it. Smolder only glanced at her friend when she said that but didn't think much of it.
Raven could see the fear in the yellow pegasus eyes when the crowd started agreeing with her. Just moments ago, they were on her side with that long speech about Discord making up for his mistakes, but in a short couple of sentences, Raven was able turn the crowd to her side with hardly any effort.
Raven glance over at the Draconaquus and saw how nervous he was, and it made her smile deviously. She knows she could easily end all this right here and now if she wanted to. It would make sense. But why not use an old quote from Discord and turn it against him as he would say
"What fun is there in making sense?"
So no. Raven will not end this early. She wants to make Fluttershy, her friends, and The Royal Sisters see the absolute folly in their belief in Discord, especially Fluttershy who dares to challenge her. Raven knows a lot about Discord. She knows how he thinks, how he acts. She knows all the things he'd done since his reformation and that knowledge will help her big time in this debate against Fluttershy.
Raven used the time she spent at Grace's house, coming up with theories, as to figure out the true meaning behind Discord plan and with so much knowledge and information on her side, she easily figured it out and she was going to bury Fluttershy under a mountain of evidence born from logical facts, truths, and witnesses and no matter what she does the element of kindness won't be able climb out of it. By the end the Pegasus will see the truth, see will see the monster that Discord truly is. That not even his act of bravery won't be able to save him and once she realized that her efforts to save Discord was for naught, that's when Raven will use her ultimate ace in the hole. Which will seal Discord fate and he will be severely punish for his crimes and what they almost cost. Only then after five years Raven Inkwell will finally have her REVENGE.
But for now, see must have patience.
"But I'm getting ahead of myself." Raven said with a smug grin. "You want to take me on in a debate for Discord fate, fine. I hope you brought more to the table then that "I believe" tactic of yours."
Fluttershy stayed strong and defiant. "I will do more than that, by the end of this, Discord will be free."
Raven chuckled. "Oh you poor deluded fool." Raven thought. "It's so cute that you believe you actually stand a chance against me." Raven cleared her throat and spoke loudly. "Alright then Miss Shy let's begin our Little debate. So, sit back and relax, for we have a lot to go over and by the end, you and everyone here will know exactly why, Discord should be punished.... With that said let's start things off from the beginning. When Princess Celestia and Luna first announce to you and your friends their retirement.
Author's Note
And so the debate begins. Its Fluttershy vs Raven Inkwell in the battle for the fate of Discord. Who's right and who's wrong? Who will triumph in the end?
What does Raven have to say in her fight against Discord? Will it be enough to warrant his arrest?
And what does Grace know about Raven's past and what does she know about her anger, rage, and hate?
Tune in next time to find out.
Why Twilight wasn't ready to rule and why Fluttershy will fail
Everycreature stood around watching and listening as the two mares; Raven Inkwell and Fluttershy. Started giving their opinions on the situation with Discord and his involvement with The Legion of Doom. The two argued their reasons on rather he should be punish or forgiven.
Fluttershy believes that Discord should be forgiven. On the grounds that he was betrayed and didn't know the three villains did manage to get the bell and keep it for themselves. Also, he'd risk his life to give her and her friends a chance to escape their imprisonment and find Twilight, so they could save the day.
Raven believes that Discord did know about the betrayal and allowed it to happen as it was all a part of his plans from the beginning and given Discords history it wouldn't be too farfetched if that actually is the case. Because of everything that happened and more. She doesn't think that Discords act of bravery is enough to make up for what he did, especially if he did Let The Legion of Doom keep the bell and she aims to prove her point in front of everyone, thus showing them why Discord should be punish.
With both mares standing true to what they believe in. Raven and Fluttershy will now do battle against one another in a heated debate, both aiming to prove their opinions on the matter that is Discord. Who is right and who is wrong, who will rise and who will fall, will Discord be mercifully forgiven or cruelly punish?
There are reasons why Raven chose to start things off by talking about The Royal Sisters retirement, when she could of easily start things off by focusing entirely on Discord crimes. But the unicorn knew exactly what she was doing. Earlier she'd thought to herself; how she was going to bury Fluttershy under a mountain of evidence born from logical facts, truths, and witnesses. So, she's going to use this particular conversation as an example to show the kind Pegasus what little hope she haves at defending the draconequus and if by chance she still wants to defend him. This example will still serve a purpose later.
Raven and Fluttershy sat on their haunches staring each other down as if they were in a western showdown, waiting for the second high noon began. It was silent, only the sound of the wind blowing gently by could be heard. Everycreature watch with great anticipation, waiting to see what was going to happen next. Everyone just sat there around the two mares waiting for the first shot to be fired. The silence was finally broken when Raven spoke.
"Let's turn back the clock, shall we. A few months ago, Celestia and Luna asked you and your friends to come Canterlot Castle to meet them, for they had a very important announcement to give you all. That announcement being that they planned to retire, and Twilight will take their place as the new ruler of Equestria.....Is that correct Miss Shy?"
"Yes! But what does that have to do with anything?"
Raven smirk. "Oh, it has to do with a lot of things, Miss Shy. In more ways than one. Allow me to exaggerate." Raven clears her throat. "Once the news was given. Twilight's reaction to it was more than understandable. She thought that she would be given time to train for such a role, but she was only given just a few days; Three to be exact. Until her original coronation date." Raven adjusted her glasses. "Twilight tried to tell The Royal Sisters that she wasn't ready but they along with you and the rest of her friends believed that she was more than ready. Because you all have such high faith in her, thanks to her many accomplishments throughout the years. (snort) Hahahahahahaha. Sweet merciful Faust. How could you all be so stupid. I mean seriously, what made any of you believe even for a second that Twilight was ready to take the throne."
Spike step up. "Because Twilight is amazing." He said with confidence. "For years Twilight has proven time and time again how great of a leader she is, how she made a difference in many creatures lives, especially those who use to be evil but are now our friends." Starlight and Tempest were touch deeply by those words. "We believed in Twilight and knew that she was more than capable of ruling Equestria."
Fluttershy smiled at the baby dragon and gave him a quick hug. "Well said Spike."
"Yeah, well said Spike." Raven said Mockingly. Fluttershy glared at her. "But it seems you're missing the point."
"Which is?" Spike asked.
"That just believing and having faith in someone alone isn't quite enough and that's what you, the mane 5, and the royal sisters failed to realize. You were all so blinded by Twilight's many accomplishments you failed to see why see wasn't ready in the first place."
"What do you mean?" Asked Spike.
"Here's an example for you, Spike. You know Rarity, right?" Raven asked.
"Yeah!" Spike answered.
"And you know about her career."
"Of course, I do!"
"You also know that she runs three shops and is the owner and boss of all three."
Spike groaned in annoyance. "Yes, Yes, I know. Just what are you getting at."
Raven put on a devious smirk. "Miss Rarity!" She called out. Getting the fashionista attention. "Could you come here and answer a few questions for me please."
"Ummm, sure." Rarity said.
Rarity was a bit nervous about getting involved in this debate, but she wanted to try and help Fluttershy anyway she can. So, with a deep sigh, she trotted on over and sat beside her Pegasus friend.
"So! What is it you want to ask me?" Said Rarity.
Raven adjusted her glasses and spoke in her usual professional tone. "I would like to know about your humble beginnings. Before you first open your shop in Ponyville."
"Oh, ok! What would you like to know?" Rarity asked.
"Tell me did you learn how to make dresses on your own or did somepony teach you?"
Rarity clears her throat. "Both in fact. For you see, when I was a young filly. Long before I got my cutiemark. I was always fascinated with fashion and making dresses. My parents notice this and bought me a book on sewing. I would read it constantly and learn all I could. On my eight birthday they bought me a sewing kit. I would practice making small things like scarfs, socks, and ties before making dresses and other outfits for foals. One day my teacher announced we were going to-do a school play and she wanted me to make the costumes. It was on that same night when I earned my cutiemark. That a retired Pegasus fashion designer named Needle String. Saw the costumes I made for my classmates, and she absolutely love them. She saw great potential in me and offered to take me under her wing.... Pun not intended."
"So, this mare taught you everything you know about fashion designing?" Raven asked.
Rarity nodded. "Indeed, she did, darling. She really helped me improve my craft, guiding me every step of the way. From foalhood to my teenage years. After I graduated from fashion school. She got me a job at her boutique in Manehattan. Which was being run by her daughter. After a few years, I returned to Ponyville where she had a big surprise waiting for me and that surprise was none other than my very own shop, Carousel Boutique."
"So, she just bought you your own shop to run?" Raven asked.
"Well, my parents help some too, but yes she did. She really believed I could go far in the fashion world and that shop was just my first steppingstone. She taught me so much and gave me much more and not once asked for anything in return." Rarity wiped a tear from her eye. "It seems that we were both kindred spirits when it comes to our generosity."
Raven nodded. "She sure sounds like a really great mare."
"Oh, she is, darling. I owe her everything. Why I wouldn't be the fashion designer I am today if it wasn't for her teachings."
"May I ask you another question? Miss Rarity."
"But of course, darling. What is it?"
"When you got your boutique. Did you just jump right on in and started running it the second you got it."
"What!? No! Of course not!"
Raven cock her head. "Why?"
Rarity raised an eyebrow. "Well, there was much to be done of course."
"Can you enlighten me on the details?"
"First of all. I needed to set up the interior first. It was just an empty building after all. The first thing we did was set up the living quarters. For the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, etc. Once that was done, we started setting up the store itself...."
"And the second that was done you opened your doors and started selling right." Said Raven.
Rarity stared at Raven; Confused at her allegation. "No! Even after everything was done, I didn't open shop till 3 months later."
Raven gasp in shock. "Three months!? What do you mean three months? From what you told me; you were more than ready to start running your store. You even had your teacher who believed in you and knew you could go far, and no doubt there had been other ponies you met, who thought the same thing after seeing your many accomplishments..... So, what the hay took you so long."
Rarity scoff. "If you must know. I been using that time to study and learn how to run a business. Miss Strings help me with that too. Since she too ran a business of her own."
"Really! You spent 3 whole months learning how to run a business?"
"In a way, yes!"
"B-but why? Didn't you say that you worked at a boutique in Manehattan for a few years? No doubt you prevail over every obstacle and challenge that came your way. Combine that with your many accomplishments and the faith and belief your teachers, family, and friends have in you. That tells me that you're more than ready to start running your shop the very instant it was ready..... Right!"
Rarity started snickering and then burst out laughing. Raven how ever took offense to that.
"What's so funny? Raven asked. Mad at Rarity for laughing at her. "I'm being serious here."
Rarity calms herself down enough to speak. "Haha, I'm terribly sorry, darling. It's just funny that you would think that just because of my many accomplishments and the belief of my loved ones. Automatically means I was ready to just jump in and start running a shop, just like that."
"B-but what about your job in Manehattan?
Rarity chuckles a bit before speaking. "Darling, I was just an employee. No more, no less."
"B-b-but-" Raven stammered.
"I mean yes working there gave me a great deal of experience in working a boutique/shop. But I wasn't the owner, my work didn't compare to what work my old boss had to do to keep her business running." Rarity giggle. "I mean just because I worked as an employee at a boutique for a few years, doesn't mean I knew everything that you needed to know when it comes to running a business of your own. I had much to learn first before I could open my doors."
"Oh really?" Raven said. Hiding a smirk, as she continued listening to the Fashionista. All while taking sudden glances at her friends.
Rarity was so into telling her story she didn't even notice the discomfort looks on Fluttershy and Spike faces. Nor could she notice the same look on the faces of her friends and the Royal Sisters that sat behind her. But Raven noticed of course, and she reveled in it. They all each realize exactly what Raven was doing. She was using Rarity, "a business owner" as an example to show them the error they made when they thought Twilight was more than ready to take throne.
Although running a business and running a country aren't on the same level plain. They still do have more than enough similarities to help prove Raven's point. For Celestia each word Rarity said was like a stab in the chest, slowly sinking in till it reaches her heart and it only felt worse with Rarity's next words.
"Yes really!" Rarity exclaimed. "Running a business is no simple feat. There are many laws and regulations one most follow first. Sure, I can still run the store anyway I see fit, but only as long as things remain under those rules, and I had to spend time learning them all. Not to mention keeping my shop in business. I'm not running a foals lemonade stand. There's a lot of things one most do to keep things in order."
"And what are those things? They sound very important." Raven asked.
"Indeed, they are darling. Doing Inventory, keeping up with sales, Stocks, gem hunting, and much, much more. And with two more boutiques. Each being run by my employees. I have even more responsibilities to add to the pile. Sure, it's nothing I can't handle of course." Rarity said while flicking her hair to show her confidence. "Thanks to the experience I gain combined with the time I spent preparing for the role as a business owner. These things aren't even a bother to me. Why I remembered when Sassy Saddle and I were getting Canterlot Carousel ready for the transition from winter to spring fashions. She was constantly panicing, why I on the other hoof, remained calm and collected, providing Sassy with everything she needs to get the boutique ready. Once I assured her that everything will be fine, she finally calms down."
"Hmmm, you wouldn't mind if we could see that memory, do you?" Raven asked.
Rarity gave a confused look. "See my memories?"
Raven nodded. "That's correct. I know a spell that will allow me show anyones memories up on a magic screen. All you have todo is focus on that specific memory and my spell will do the rest." Raven said with a smile. "Would you indulge me and share your memory with everyone? I promise it won't hurt."
"Very well, I suppose." Rarity agreed.
"Now, just think about the moment when you and Sassy were setting up your shop, for Spring, that you just mentioned." Raven asked. Lighting her horn to get ready to cast the spell.
Rarity nodded and closed her eyes. Thinking back to that day. *ZAP* Raven shot a beam from her horn and hit Rarity in the forehead. Not long after the beam made contact a giant screen appeared over Rarity's head and everyone, watch as the events play out.
(The memory stops at the 1:55 mark, but it's not like I can stop you from watching the whole thing if you choose to
)
When the memory ended. Raven made the screen disappear. "Wow, Rarity, you weren't kidding. Your confidence was truly at its peak. The fact that you were able to remain calm in a situation, where others would seriously freak out over. Proves just how truly capable you are." Raven stares at Rarity with great wonder. "You really are amazing."
Rarity beamed with pride. "As I said, if it wasn't for my teacher, taking the time to prepare me to be a business owner, why I would have freaked out far worse than Sassy, did."
"So, in other words, you're saying that it takes more than just your past accomplishments, the experience you gain in the few years you work as an employee, and the faith of your friends to even run a business?" Raven asked.
"That's correct darling. I still needed time to prepare for the official role itself. To just throw somepony into a role like that, based on those allegations alone is absolutely insane." If Rarity could, she would see Princess Celestia cringe so hard at that comment. It was like she been struck really hard by something. "There's not a single pony alive who could run a business without the time needed to prepare for such a thing first. It doesn't matter what you accomplished in life before then if none of things you did even remotely come close to doing that actual big job, and the belief from your loved ones isn't an excuse to say that you're instantly ready."
"May I ask you a hypothetical question?" Raven asked.
"Why, go ahead, darling!"
"Now hypothetically speaking. Say if your teacher, out of nowhere, suddenly told you that she was going to retire and wanted you to run her highly successful shop and was going to transfer it to you in just a few days. Sure you work as a manager to her shop over the years and proven time and time again how amazing you are at your job, but despite that, you never once, NOT. ONCE. Did anything even remotely close to what she does as a business owner. Thus she doesn't prepare you at all for the important role of being a one yourself." Raven adjusted her glasses. "It's only because of your many past accomplishments along with her faih and belief in you, that she believes you are more than ready to take her place. Now my question is this. If your teacher thought that way and thows you into such a predicament, what would happen to the shop?" Raven asked.
Rarity chuckle. "Why if my teacher, Miss Strings thought that way and one day decided without any warning and make me the new owner of her highly successful shop without giving me any time to prepare for such a high-level responsibility before she retired.... Why I have no doubt that I would fai-........."
Silence. Rarity finally caught herself in her rambling and realize what she was saying. She turned to look at Fluttershy and Spike. Both of them look very distraught. She then looks behind her and saw the same depressing looks on her friends and the princesses faces. Rarity slowly turned her head to look back at Raven, who had big smug grin on her face, and it was in that moment Rarity realize what Raven was doing, what she was trying to prove, what she was trying to get them all to see.
"Oh dear!" Rarity whispered. "Maybe I said too much-"
"No Rarity!" Raven interrupted. "Don't stop now and keep everyone in suspense. Finish that last sentence. We all want to know what would have happened if you were thrown into a job, you weren't ready for."
Rarity glance around. Noticing everycreature eyes were on her, waiting to hear what she was going to say. With a defeated sigh Rarity bow her head and spoke.
"If I was just thrown into a position like that with no preparation at all......I have no doubt that I would have failed miserably at keeping the shop running properly." She said sadly. "I would make many mistakes, more than enough to ruin the business entirely. Sure, I have some experience from the years I worked at Needle Strings boutique in Manehattan, but like I said earlier, the work I did wasn't nowhere near equal to the work the actual owner does."
Raven speaks. “What Rarity said about making many mistakes. Should sound familiar to the rest of you girls. Considering how Twilight made many mistakes in her decisions, when you were all tasked into settings up for The Royal Swanifying Ceremony.” Raven said with a smug face. Causing all of Twilight’s friends to feel even more distraught as they all remembered that day.
Raven then lit her horn and a giant image appear.
"Before the Royal Sisters left to go on their vacation. They task Twilight and CO. with setting things up for The Royal Swanifying Ceremony."
"What the hay, is a Royal Swanifying Ceromony?" Asked Trixie.
Raven adjusts her glasses. "A fake celebration and party in honor of all the swans in the royal castle lake." She answers.
"What do you mean by fake?" Trixie asked.
"The Ceremony was never a real thing. It was just something that Celestia threw together to give Twilight some experience on knowing how to rule. Which explains why Twilight never heard of such a thing." Raven lit her horn and the image change.
"Fancy Pants was given the task of supervising, Twilight and would later report her progress back to Celestia when she returned and everypony else, including the swans were task with making the ceremony look as real and official as possible. Which was only made easier since the Mane 6 knew nothing about the Ceremony, and seeing how those involved in the ruse were the ones setting it all up, only made things that much easier."
Raven continues.
“Sure, the whole thing was just a test Celestia set up, to help teach Twilight as well as give her a little taste of experience when it comes to being a ruler. But seeing how much she screwed up on that fake ceremony. One can only imagine how much of mess she would have made to the country itself, just like when she tried to control the sun and moon.” Raven chuckled. “And one certain little assistant knows exactly how well that went.”
Raven turns her attention to Spike. Who winced at the memory of Twilight losing control of the Sun and Moon.
ZAP!
Before the young knew what hit him a giant magic screen change once again. Raven hit him with the same memory spell, he hit Rarity with.
"Wait! How did yo-"
"What?" Raven shrugs as she interrupted, Spike. "I just need the memory to be at the forefront of your mind for at least a second for the spell to work." She explained. "Now let's watch.
(The memory starts at the 0:27 mark)
Raven made the screen disappear, before turning her attention back to the young drake. "Now do you see what I'm getting at Spike?"
Spike said nothing as he avoided looking at the glasses wearing Unicorn.
"Of course, you do!" Raven turns her attention to his friends. "You all do! Like I said earlier. What made you all think even for a second that Twilight was even ready to take the throne?” Raven chuckled. While turning her attention to Starlight. “It's funny really. I remember how you Starlight tried to pull a reverse psychology on Twilight. When she first told you that she wanted you to run her school.” Raven laughed. “HA, that was stupid of you to do. Considering you gained lots of experience running the school by yourself multiple times, but Twilight never experienced running a country, once.” Starlight bowed her head in shame. “She never done anything close to what the royal sisters do. Heck! She's not even on theirs or Cadance's level when it comes to being a princess."
"What are you talking about?" Spike asked. "Twilight is on the same level as the other Princesses. Celestia even said so herself, that they were now equals."
Raven shook her head in disappointment. "Have you already forgotten what Rarity said about working as a highly trained employee at that boutique doesn't means she's able to do the work that the owner does?"
"N-no!"
"Well, if you haven't then you should have realized that Twilight is no different and here's why." Raven clears her throat before speaking. "Twilight is only equal to the other princesses by title alone, not by duties."
"That's not right!" Spike bellowed. "Twilight does have royal duties of her own, I helped her with many of them." He retorted.
"I'm not saying she doesn't have her own royal duties to take care of." Raven replied. "It's just she never once, since she was officially titled "Princess of Friendship" have her duties even compare to what Celestia, Luna or Cadance does because she haves more freedom than they do."
Everyone had looks of confusion on their faces (all except the Royal sisters) Raven noticed this and begun to help them understand.
"Allow me to explain." Raven said, adjusting her glasses. "Twilight been a princess for six years now. After she was titled "Princess of friendship" she had been given many new responsibilities. I admit some of those were a part of her royal duties but the main thing she along with her friends have been doing were going on Friendship quests to solve friendship problems and many other things."
"You're just admitting that Twilight is just as busy as her fellow Princesses." Said Spike.
"Oh please!" Raven scoff. "A few days or so of the duties, Twilight does isn't anywhere near close to the duties the other Princesses does, and you wanna know why."
"Why?"
"Because Twilight doesn't rule a country like the other three. Which is why her duties are small time compared to theirs." Raven answered.
Spike tried to come up with some kind of retort but quickly realized that she's right. Twilight may have been a Princess, but she'd never been a ruler. Yes, she haves her own castle in Ponyville but that doesn't mean she rules the small town.
"In other words. That means Twilight doesn't have any experience at all when it comes to being a ruler. There's a lot of things that Twilight needs to know, things that she doesn't deal with at all. Such as politics, handling the Royal guards, heck she didn't even know how to raise and lower the Sun and moon properly and there's a lot more than that. Being a ruler is very busy work, that could take all day to complete, and if you don't believe me asked Starlight." She pointed to the mare in question.
"Me?" Starlight pointed to herself.
"Yes you! Remember when the map sent you to Canterlot for a friendship quest to solve Celestia and Luna friendship problem?"
Starlight nodded.
Before Raven said anything else an idea came to her. She taps her chin with a hoof while in deep thought. "hmmm, you know! Instead of just talking about it, how about we show it.
Starlight raised a questioning eyebrow. "Show it?"
Raven said with a smile. "Just like I did to both Rarity and Spike. Let's see your memories of those events?"
"Ok!" Starlight agreed. As she walked up to join Fluttershy.
Seeing that their parts in this debate is over. Rarity and Spike went back to join their friends. Leaving only Fluttershy and Starlight to sit before Raven.
"Now, just think about the moment when the royal sisters were arguing about whose duties were the hardest." Raven asked. Lighting her horn to get ready to cast the spell.
Starlight nodded and closed her eyes. Thinking back to that day. *ZAP* Raven shot a beam from her horn and hit Starlight in the forehead. Creating another magic screen. Everyone watches as the events played out.
"And do you remember spending the day with princess Luna as she tried doing Celestia's royal duties?" Raven asked.
Before starlight could say anything, she was hit with another beam *ZAP* and the screen change images. "What the?"
"What?" Raven shrugged. "As I mentioned before, I just need the memory to be at the forefront of your mind for at least a second for the spell to work." She explained. "Now let's watch and see what happens next."
When the video finished. Raven canceled the spell, making the screen disappear. She turned to address the crowd "And yes, Celestia was in the same boat as Luna when she'd tried to do her job in the dream realm." She then shook her head disappointedly, then focus her attention on the royal sisters. "And you two believed Twilight was ready to spend years taking on your responsibilities. When you couldn't even handle each other's for a DAY!"
Celestia and Luna cringed really hard at that. Raven reminding them of that day really struck a nerve for them and not in the way others would think.
Raven looked at Starlight and spoke. "Thank you, Miss Glimmer. That'll be all." Starlight nodded and returned back to her spot. After which Raven spoke again. "Now there's just another thing that need to be discussed and this one purely for you Princess Twilight." She said.
"What is it?" Asked Twilight.
"Celestia and Luna truly believed that you were ready to rule. So ready that you only had three days till your coronation, and it wasn't like they gave you a heads up about it much sooner: oh no, no, no. They literally tell you for the first time, three days before you were originally supposed to be crowned."
"Yeah, that's true. But they changed their minds in the end."
"But why though?"
"Pardon?"
"You heard me, Twilight! Why did they change their minds all the sudden..... Think back to that day. Remember how sure they were about you being more than ready to rule, how everyone had such high faith and confidence you could do it right off the bat."
The second the memory crossed her mind. *ZAP* Twilight was hit by Raven's memory beam and a giant screen appeared above her. "Sorry your highness but this is clearly something everyone needs to see, rather than hear." Said Raven.
Twilight nodded in understanding and watch along with everyone else as screen played out the events of that day.
"Why did the spell include the memory of us back in Twilight's castle. When all you wanted to show was the memory of The Princesses announcing their retirement? Asked Pinkie.
"Oh, I have my reasons for bringing that specific memory up." Raven smirk. "But it's not important right now, just make sure to remember it for later."
"Okie dokie lokie!" Pinkie said.
Raven turns her attention back to Twilight. "After you and your friends defeated Sombra. The Princesses came to you saying how unfair it was to just thrust all that mess upon you without giving you the time to prepare first." Raven turned her sights on the sisters. "Which was exactly what you two should have done in the first place." She yelled. Causing the sister winced at her words, before turning her attention back to Twilight. "Do you see what I'm getting at Twilight? Why did those two change their minds so quickly? It wasn't because of Sombra. Nothing about him or the incidents that followed had nothing to do with it. So don't you think it's weird that after all that talk about you being more than ready to rule, they just changed their minds not long after?"
"I suppose it is a little weird." Twilight said nervously.
Raven gave Twilight a deadpanned look. "A little? Seriously! Alright let's just see how little it is. Go ask them."
"W-what!" Twilight stammered.
"You heard me! Go ask them why they changed their minds. I know you're curious to know the answer. Especially after everything we spoke of so far and how you clearly saw yourself in Rarity's story."
Twilight winced at that. For she did see herself when Rarity spoke about being thrown into a role, she wasn't ready for.
"And before anyone asked." Raven spoke out to the crowd. "I'm well aware that everything spoken of so far haves nothing to do with Discord directly, but I assure you that this conversation serves a purpose for me prosecuting him."
Rainbow raised an eyebrow at that. "Prosecuting!? Since when the hay did this all turn into a trial?"
Raven turns her attention to Rainbow. "Since you idiots decided to let that monster go free and ignored all his crimes." Raven glares at Fluttershy. "And it won't be long till I expose each and every one of them." Fluttershy just sat there defiant. Raven turned her attention back to Twilight. "You're up Princess! Go and ask those two why they changed their minds. You're gonna love who it was that slap some sense into them. Mainly Celestia."
With no other choice Twilight turned to her fellow Princesses and walked up to them. They still look distraught as if something was truly bothering them, mostly Celestia. When Twilight reached the two alicorns, she spoke.
"Celestia? Luna?" The sisters look up at Twilight. A bit of fear in their eyes. "Why did you change your minds about me ruling. When you were so sure I was ready?"
Celestia and Luna glanced at each other before looking back at Twilight. After taking a deep breath Celestia spoke.
"You may wanna sit down for this Twilight. It's a bit of a long story." Twilight sits on her haunches. Everyone attention was on the sun princess. "Not long after you and your friends left for Ponyville. I remembered that I promised to call Cadance after my meeting with you and your friends."
Luna spoke. "Originally. We were both going to go supervise and see how preparations for your coronation that been going on for a couple weeks were proceeding, but instead, I went on with the supervising while Celestia spoke with Cadance and would join me after their talk."
"Wait?" A curious thought struck Twilight's mind. "You two had already began preparing my coronation and waited till the last minute to tell me that I would be the next ruler?" Thinking about it more. It made sense. There would be no way to plan an event that big in three days.
Raven spoke, grabbing everyone's attention. "Funny isn't it, Twilight? They had the forethought to plan and prepare for your coronation but had none when it came to getting you ready to rule."
"That because I really thought she was more than ready." Celestia interjected.
"And what really made you think I was in anyway, ready." Twilight countered. "Yes, I've been a princess for a long time, yes I have my own set of Royal duties, but compare me to you two plus Cadance. I was clearly nowhere near ready to rule, and I tried to tell you two that, but you just ignored me and countered with vague excuses......." Another thought crossed Twilight's mind and it horrified her to think it was possible. "...W-were you two so desperate to retire that you were willing to just throw me into the deepest depths of the ocean not caring if I sink or swim?"
The crowd gasped. Murmurs were soon escalated as creatures thought about what was just said and wondered if it was true.
Raven sat there watching the conversation between the three princesses with great amusement. She couldn't help but smile deviously, as things were going better than she thought they would.
Celestia and Luna had looks of horror and shock on their faces after hearing Twilight's accusation. More so for Celestia for Cadance said the exact same thing when they spoke.
Closing her eyes and lowering her head dejectedly. Celestia took a few moments to collect herself. After which she looks up at Twilight with a sad depressing look.
"Cadance said the same thing when we spoke." Celestia said sadly. "And I will tell you, what I told her. I was not trying to rush you so I can hurry up and retire. I honestly did believe you were ready..... But Cadance showed me how blinded I was by your many accomplishments that it never once crossed my mind how you still needed time to prepare for such a role. Seeing how none of the things you do as the princess of friendship, is nowhere near close to being a ruler of an entire country."
"And how did Cadance get you to see that I wasn't ready?" Asked Twilight.
Celestia let out a deep sigh and began telling her story.
(Celestia's Study, Seven months ago)
Celestia was sitting at her desk drinking her tea. In front of her desk hovered a small, glowing, light blue crystal that projected a life size holographic image of Princess Cadance around it. The same thing could be said for The Princess of love as she sat at her desk in her own study back at the Crystal Empire. With a holographic image of The Sun Princess in front of her.
The two Princesses had many conversations like this, for a few months now. What they're using are simply prototypes to what Cadance have in mind to create more different versions of these "Telecrystals" to spread and give to everypony in Equestria. The idea of ponies being able to call others and talk from long distances will revolutionize the future of the world.
But enough about all that. Let's get to the real reason why we're here.
"I still can't believe this is actually happening." Cadance said sadly. "After all these years you're going to retire." The news wasn't new to Cadance. Celestia told her months ago about the retirement as well as Twilight's ascension to the throne. Even after all this time she still couldn't believe that soon her aunt's will step down and leave in just three more days.
Celestia sat down her tea and smiled. "Come now Cadance. It's not like Luna and I are going away forever; never to be seen again." Celestia said. "We will be living in Silver Shoals. You can come visit anytime you can, and we will be sure to visit The Empire from time to time."
"I know! Still doesn't make it any easier." Cadance replied.
Celestia nodded. "I understand! Just remember this isn't goodbye, just, see you next time!"
Cadance smiled. "You're right auntie. I'm getting myself worked up for nothing."
"It's quite alright Cadance." Celestia levitated her cup and took another sip of her tea. "So, is there anything else you wanna talk about?"
Cadance perks up at the question. "Ooh! Yes, there is! I've been wanting to ask you about Twilight's training."
Celestia raised an eyebrow while taking another sip of her tea. "What do you mean exactly?"
Cadance had a devious smile on her face. "I want to hear all about the many and no doubt hilarious mistakes she'd made while learning how to be a ruler." Cadance giggled. "I remember the mistakes I've made when you were preparing me for the day when I had to rule The Crystal Empire. I want to hear if Twilight made the same if not worse mistakes during her training, then me." Cadance leaned forward on her desk, resting her chin on her her conjoined forelegs, and stared joyfully at Celestia. Egered to hear some gossip about her sister-in-law.
Celestia sat her cup down on the desk once again before speaking. "Actually, Cadance there was no need to give Twilight the same treatment you had to go through." Cadance cocked her head in confusion. Celestia continued speaking. "She had proven herself more than ready to rule. Thanks to her many accomplishments and because of that I am certain Equestria will be in good hooves with her taking over."
Cadance just sat there, confused for a bit, until she suddenly burst out laughing. "HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"
Now it was Celestia turn to be confused. "What's so funny?" Celestia asked.
Cadance took a moment to calm herself before speaking. "What's funny is that poor excuse of a reason." Cadance started laughing again.
"I'm being serious Cadance." Celestia said.
Cadance stops her laughing to pay attention.
"Twilight have prevail over every challenge that came her way. She is more than ready to take Luna and I place as the new ruler of Equestria."
"(Snort) Yeah! Whatever you say Princess Trollestia." Cadance taunted. "You can't truly believe that's reason enough for Twilight to rule."
"Twilight said something similar, when I spoke to her earlier."
That got Cadance attention.
"She did start Twilighting after hearing the news but I'm confident that she will rise to the challenge, as she and her friends always had."
When Celestia finished her speech, she noticed that Cadance was just sitting there, staring at her with a confused look. All traces of amusement gone.
After a few moments of uncomfortable silence. Celestia spoke.
"Umm! Cadance..... are you ok?" Celestia asked worriedly.
"....You said you spoke to Twilight earlier, right?" Cadance asked calmly.
"Yes, I did!" Celestia answered.
"What exactly did you talk to her about?"
"I told her the news about Luna's and I retirement as well that she will be the next ruler of Equestria."
Cadance eye twitch. "And you were really telling the truth, when you said you didn't train her to be a ruler like you did for me?"
Celestia nodded. "She was a special case. Everything she'd been through had been a training program and she prevailed over every challenge that came her way."
"By challenge you mean mainly defending Equestria, right?"
"I suppose so, yes. But there are other accomplishments then just that."
"And just so we're clear here. You're telling me that you just told Twilight the big news for the first time. Three days before she's supposed to be crowned?"
"That's correct!" Celestia shrugged. "I don't see what the problem is." Celestia levitated her cup of tea and took another sip. With her eyes closed as she drinks. She didn't even notice Cadance jaw drop and left eye twitching like mad.
"Y-you don't see the problem." Cadance slammed her hooves on her desk, scaring Celestia, and almost making her drop her teacup as she bellowed. "Have your old age finally started effecting your mind. Because that's the only reason I can think of for you to come up with something so stupid."
Celestia gasped in shock at her niece hurtful words.
She sat her cup down on her desk. "Cadance!? What's wrong with you?"
"What's wrong with me!? What's wrong with you? Why are you going to put Twilight in charge when she's clearly not ready."
"Of course, she's ready, more than ready to be exact."
Cadance shook her head. "No. She's. Not! She's nowhere near ready for the level of responsibility that comes with being a ruler, and you know why!?"
"W-why!"
"BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO BE A RULER!!!!!!" Cadance bellowed. Causing Celestia to flinch back in her chair. "Now don't get me wrong. I do believe Twilight could definitely be a great ruler, greater than you, me, and Luna combined. She's just not ready yet."
"And how exactly is she not ready, Cadance?" Celestia asked.
"Well for one! Being a ruler is very busy work. Day after day we have to attend to our royal duties, that could take all day to complete. Now! I know Twilight haves her own set of duties and responsibilities, and I know she and her friends dealt with things like diplomacy between the Yaks and the Dragons. But here's the kicker. Twilight isn't nowhere near on our level as a Princess! Yes, she haves the title, but that's mostly it. The thing is Twilight no doubt believes she is doing her part as the Princess of Friendship and everything she'd done up to this point since earning her title have been focus on her goal to spread friendship throughout Equestria and beyond. She always doing things related to that. Such as going on those friendship quests and running her friendship school... Which leads to the next issue."
"Which is?"
"Her freedom!"
Celestia stared at Cadance confused. "What do you mean by 'her freedom'?"
Cadance let out a deep sigh. "Celestia!? Twilight is able to do things that you, me, and Luna can't always do. For example, you too have your own school that you yourself started and despite what pull and control you have over it. You don't run it like Twilight does hers, you don't sit in in the headmare’s office everyday like she does, instead you have other ponies run your school for you."
"That's true, but I'm still not seeing your point. "Celestia said.
"Fine! Let's get straight to the point. You said that everything Twilight been through over the years have been a training program for her to take over, is that correct? Cadance asked.
Celestia nodded.
"Ok then! So, tell me when and where in this 'training program' did Twilight learned how to have royal court?"
Celestia opened her mouth to speak but no words came out.
"Did you teach her how to deal with politics, does she have royal guards of her own to learn how to deal with?"
Celestia said nothing.
"Did you even teach her how to raise and lower the sun and moon?"
"....."
Cadance shook her head in disappointment at Celestia's lack of response. "Celestia!?" She said calmly as she could, trying to hold back her frustration. "I still remember everything you thought me about being Princess and a Ruler. It was a process that took years for me to learn as you help prepared me for the day when the crystal empire returns, and I would take over. It was thanks to all that preparation; I became confident and easily settled into my role. You even told me the story about yours and Luna's training and how long that took before you two were ready. But the thing about Twilight is that you'd only help teach her how to be a Princess but not a ruler. Which of course are two entirely different things. Just because Twilight done so well in her years as a Princess and protector of Equestria. Doesn't mean she's instantly ready to take on a job she haves no experience in and if you want proof on that just remember what happened when Starlight came to help you and Luna with your friendship problem."
Celestia winced at that. She does remember that day and she immediately knew what Cadance was talking about.
"So, by your logic. Because you raised and lower the moon for a thousand years. Automatically means you are more than capable of taking on Luna's duties in the dream realm, despite never doing it once before in your life."
Celestia shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She was starting to understand what Cadance as well as Twilight were trying to tell her.
"And Luna's situation makes an even greater example. For she been a Princess and a ruler far longer than Twilight and thought doing your job would be easy. Thus, she immediately jumps into your role completely unprepared and doing things she doesn't normally do and barely made it through the DAY." Cadance slammed her hoof to exaggerate that last bit, scaring Celestia again.
Cadance continues. "So, tell me Auntie. How the hay do you expect Twilight, who haves no experience in running a country, and take on the responsibilities she'd never dealt with before. When you and Luna, who haves far more experience than me and her put together. Couldn't even handle each other royal duties for a day."
It was in that moment Celestia knew. She Buck Up. She couldn't deny Cadance words any longer, The Princess of Love had opened her eyes to the truth and Celestia finally understood that Twilight wasn't ready to rule.
Celestia clutch and bowed her head between her hooves, ashamed of herself for not realizing her folly sooner.
Cadance notice Celestia's frustration. Seeing that the sun Princess finally realized her mistake.
"So do you see the problem now, Celestia?!" Asked Cadance.
Celestia let's go of her head and simply nodded.
Cadance sigh. "I mean seriously auntie. What were you thinking.... were you that desperate to retire that it blinded your judgement, or did you just wanted to hurry and get out of here and throw Twilight into the deepest depths of the ocean not caring if she sinks or swim?"
That broke the older alicorn out of herself loathing.
"What, no! I was not trying to rush her so I can hurry up and retire. I honestly did believe she was ready." Celestia bowed her head. "And you were right! I was blinded by Twilight's many accomplishments that it never once crossed my mind how she still needed time to prepare for such a role.... She tried to tell me earlier, but I didn't listen, and her friends was just as sure as I was that I didn't see that they were just too overconfident. After all, defending Equestria isn't the same as running it."
Cadance nodded in assurance. "I'm glad you were able to see your folly, auntie. Now all you need to do is--" A loud noise from outside interrupted Cadance. She turned her attention to her window to try and see what's was going on.
Though not as loud for her. Celestia did hear the "Booming" sound coming from Cadance end.
"What was that noise, Cadance?" Celestia asked with worry.
"I don't know! But I'm going to find out. You just make sure you tell Twilight that you're postponing her coronation. So, she can take the time she needs to prepare, got it."
Celestia nodded.
"Good! I'll speak with you later, goodbye auntie."
"Goodbye, Cadance!"
And with that Cadance cut the feed and her hologram disappeared. The crystal Celestia was using, stop glowing, she then grabs it with her magic and place it on her desk.
Now alone. Celestia took a moment to think about her mistake. She then took out a quill and parchment and was about to start writing a letter to Twilight, explaining things and apologizing. But stop herself at the last moment before putting ink to paper. Celestia thought that simply sending a letter was not the right course of action. She needed to tell Twilight in person, she deserves that much.
With that new thought in mind Celestia drop the quill and parchment on her desk, got out of seat, trotted to the door, and left her study to find Luna and tell her everything and also tell everypony working on the coronation that the event is being postponed.
The sun princess knew she was going to get a lot of backlash for this, but she was willing to accept it if it means helping Twilight properly prepare for her new role as the ruler of all of Equestria and she will make sure to help guide Twilight and give her all the time she needs until the day comes when she was truly ready.
(Present Day)
"I've soon met up with Luna and told her everything. She was.... less than pleased."
Luna spoke. "I was far less than pleased, sister! When you first started talking about our retirement and Twilight ascension to the throne. I thought you had been training her beforehoof and only brought up the conversation because you believed she was ready. It only made sense because I be asleep all day." Luna shakes her head in frustration. "I knew something wasn't quite right, the signs were there, like how I wasn't seeing Twilight in the castle more, but I just assumed you were training her in a different way. You've always been good at guiding ponies to realizing their full potential on their own. So, I never questioned your methods."
Celestia bowed her head in shame. Sorry for almost making a big mistake. When she raised her head, she resumes her story.
"After telling Luna about my mistake. We gathered everpony working on the Coronation preparation and told them about the postponing of the event and asked them to stop and take everything related to the coronation down. They were of course upset but I made sure they were well payed for their work."
Luna speaks. "It turns out that 'Starswirl' was in the crowd too. When everyone left, he came to us to see what was wrong."
"I told him everything and he was also upset with me." Celestia remembered the lecture she got from Starswirl and how it made her feel like a filly again. "After that Luna and I spent some time making sure that word spread that the coronation had been postponed and that everyone who spent time setting up for the event was now taking things down. Once that was taken care of, I was about to leave for Ponyville until Starswirl confronted us again and told us that something terrible had happened to the tree of harmony. So, the three of us went there together and you already know the rest."
Everyone was quiet after Celestia finished her story and it was Raven who broke the silence, gaining everyone's attention.
"So, Miss Shy, do you see now what little hope you have against me in this debate?" She said with a smirk.
Fluttershy stared at the mare; confused. "What are you talking about? All you did was prove how wrong we were about Twilight ruling Equestria back then. This had nothing to do with Discord."
"True!" Raven said. "But this conversation does have its purposes. Like how it served as an example of things to come if you decide to continue on with this debate."
"What do you mean?" Asked Fluttershy.
Raven adjusts her glasses while putting on a devious smirk. "Here's one very important fact you need to know Miss Shy. Everything I say and everything I do, serves a purpose in my prosecution of Discord I know it sounds confusing now, but you'll understand what I mean soon enough. Point is I brought up this conversation for multiple reasons. The main one being is showing you what little hope you have against me and hopefully get you to step down from this."
Fluttershy glares at Raven. "And why would I do that after the first conversation?"
"As I told you from the beginning, Miss Shy. I told you that I would shatter your faith in that monster by hitting you with cold hard truth, facts, and reality. And I presented all that in this conversation alone. In other words, I use logic to help support my claims and all you had was your whole 'I believe in Twilight' shtick. While I had Rarity's story, the memories, as well as Celestia's story included. Heck, I saw how you and the others look just from hearing Rarity tale, and that alone made you see just how wrong you all were about Twilight being ready to rule."
Raven stares at Fluttershy with a menacing glare. "And you didn't even try to bring up a counter argument because you knew you didn't have anything to counter with and no doubt the same thing could happen if you continue down this road. I had spent a lot of time building my case and I can assure you Miss Shy, that I'm very well prepared to prove why Discord should be punished. While it's obviously clear you're not." Raven adjusts her glasses. "So, I asked you Miss Shy. Will you step down from this debate seeing that you have no way of fighting back or will you stand your ground fighting a hopeless battle?"
Fluttershy was no fool. She knew the odds were stacked against her. Raven clearly prepared for something like this even though she didn't know the outcome, once the LOD were defeated. Throughout the years the wielder of the Element of kindess stood by her friends and face many impossible odds and this was no different. Still believing in her friend the yellow pegasus stood firm and calm, not letting the unicorn mare before her get to her and after a letting out a deep breath she calmly said.
"I will continue to fight for my friend and no matter how hopeless the situation is I will stand by him to the end. I pinkie promise, cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." She said as she did the gesture.
Everycreature commended Fluttershy on her bravery to continue her fight against Raven, no matter how great the odds are against her. Seeing her stand up for friend even if he is proven guilty. Her friends spoke out, giving Fluttershy their support along with others who are on her side, like the young six who also gave their support; well all except for one of them. So many creatures shouted their encouragements to the kind yellow pegasus as they all cheered for her success.
Raven wasn't at all phased by Fluttershy; wanting to continue the debate. It was highly expected. She still wanted to give her the opportunity to step down despite knowing she wouldn't take it. But the thing about life is that the unexpected can happen and things might not go as you would expect, a lesson anyone could and can learn simply by just living it.
As the cheers died down. Rainbow steps up to stand next to her longtime friend and said.
"I'm rooting for you, Shy! Even if Miss smart flank does prove Discord's guilt." Rainbow places a comforting hoof on Fluttershy shoulder. "I'll remain by your side through thick and thin."
Fluttershy smiled and hug her fillyhood friend, Rainbow hug back. "Thanks Rainbow!" They broke the hug. "Thank you everyone, and I promise, I will make sure Discord is forgiven for all he did no matter what." She said with determination.
All of Fluttershy's supporters applaud for her. Raven just rolled her eyes at all this.
"That's what I want to hear!" Rainbow said. Proud of that her shy friend was staying strong. "Kick her flank, Shy and then we can celebrate two victories at Joe's Doughnuts."
Fluttershy nodded then turned her attention back to her opponent. Her heart once again full of determination to save her B.D.F.F.E.T.T. (Best Draconequus Friend For Eternity Times Two)
"Kick my flank, you say!" Raven said smugly. "Get Discord forgiven, stand by her side no matter what......HA, how ludicrous."
Smolder step forward to speak. "What's your deal?" She asked. Angry at Raven ongoing attitude.
"My deal, is that all of you who support this mare are just as blind as she is." Raven answered. "Like her, you're trying to ignore everything that monster had done. Trying hard to avoid the truth and pure logic staring you in the face." Raven adjusted her glasses. "And that's exactly why I'm here. To show you all the truth and I can only guess how many of you will continue to support Fluttershy once everything is revealed." Raven turned her attention to Rainbow and smiled smugly. "I also wonder if the bearer of the element of loyalty could actually keep her word and remain by Miss Shy side."
That hit a nerve. "OF COURSE, I WILL, I WOULD NEVER TURN MY BACK ON MY FRIENDS!!!!!" Rainbow yelled in anger.
"Oh really! Cause if I recall you did turn your back on Twilight at the Royal Wedding and you, nor the rest of your friends even bother to listen to her about how weird Princess Cadance was acting." Raven said smugly. "Despite not that long ago, you all supposedly learned a lesson about listening to your friends after that 'Lesson Zero Event. Yet you and the rest of the girls didn't even try to listen to her once." Raven turns to Twilight. "Twilight! Remember all the mean things you saw "Fake Cadance" do, as well as the conversation you had with your friends when you tried tell them how horrible she was?"
Before Twilight could answer, she was *ZAP* by Raven's memory spell.
"No need to explain princess." Said Raven. "Let's just watch for ourselves." With that said, Raven started the memory.
"And let's not forget that Twilight's accusations towards "fake Cadance" were instantly shot down when Shining Armor logically explained the reason behind each and every one of them and all of you still turned your back on her and left." Raven shrugs. "Sure, it was all false because he was under Chrysalis control, but you guys didn't know that, and it doesn't change the fact that his logical explanation still held a lot of weight. While Twilight didn't have anything to support her claim beyond "She's evil" and expected you all to just take her for her word without any proof or logical explanation whatsoever."
That got RD attention. Her anger towards the glasses wearing unicorn completely disappeared as she remembered that day and it made her feel ashamed of herself. The same goes for the rest of her friends and Celestia, who all didn't believe Twilight's claim and they all knew the reason why and it is that same reason that Raven is using against them.
*Zap* Rainbow was brought out of herself pity when a familiar beam struck her forehead and the image on the giant screen had changed.
Rainbow eyes shrunk in horror for she knew exactly what memory Raven brought forth from her mind and had a pretty good idea what she wanted to show to everyone.
Raven spoke. "And I believe its best that every one of you "Fluttershy supporters" get to see why logic will always win and why FLuTtErShY," she said her name Mockingly. "Haves no hope in saving Discord. Let's watch."
Raven started the memory, and everyone watch.
When the memory ended, and the screen disappeared. Rainbow along with the rest of her friends that didn't listen to Twilight were upset with themselves for how they treated her, and it made them feel even worse seeing the exact reason why they didn't listen and Raven's using it to her advantage to prove another one of her points once again.
Raven smiles triumphantly. Once again, she got Fluttershy and her friends to see sense. "It's funny isn't it."Raven said. "How history can repeat itself one way or another. You guys mainly abandoned Twilight because she had no real evidence to prove that Cadance was evil, but Prince Shining Armor used logical facts to explain the reason why his bride was acting so out of character and in the end, it was his logic that won you all over and leave Twilight."
That hit the mane 5 and Celestia hard because they all knew that what Raven said is the truth. They didn't listen to Twilight because she just showed up and started accusing Cadance without any sort of proof or evidence that she was evil, and when Shining Armor started explaining things it only made sense to follow the one who had a logical explanation for Cadance behavior than the one who didn't.
Raven continues. "And know that there's a giant difference between me and him. He was being controlled by Chrysalis and was trying to throw you guys off by using logic, sure it was false logic but logic none the less. But the logic I've presented so far are pure and I've shown evidence to help back it up, which lead to me proving two wrongs without any doubt." Raven adjusts her glasses. "So, in conclusion I say this to all of you who support Fluttershy.... do you still believe you will remain by her side once all the truths are revealed, cause remember, right now she's in the same position, Twilight was at the royal wedding and like her, she doesn't have anything to help support her claim beyond "I believe." Isn't that right Miss Shy." She said. staring at the pegasus while putting on a devious smirk.
Fluttershy stared at Raven. Uncertainty and doubt were starting to show on her face, yet she fought to stay strong and not let Raven get to her. "Your right, we did turn our backs on Twilight, when we should have listened to her."
Rainbow Dash spoke. "And we learned our lesson, for real this time and we won't make the same mistake with Fluttershy." She said. Also staying strong.
The rest of their friends nodded in agreement all six of them had looks of confidence on their faces, which only started to slowly fade when Raven started laughing at them.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!"
"What's so funny!?" Rainbow asked in anger. She was really getting sick of this mare but was deeply more afraid of her. Cause no matter what they say or do Raven always have a way to turn things around to her favor and RD can only imagine what the unicorn is going to say next.
Raven calmed herself enough to stop laughing before speaking. "Hehe, it's funny that you all are trying to cling so hard on false hope." Raven chuckled. "The thing is, the only one who was in the wrong in that scenario was "Twilight" not any of you."
"How the HAY were we not at fault!?" Rainbow argued.
"As I mentioned earlier, Twilight barged into the wedding rehearsal with circumstantial evidence and slanderous accusations and had the gall to just expect everyone to take her word for it without any solid ground to stand on.”
Celestia steps up to speak. “It shouldn’t have mattered if no one else had seen what she saw. I still should have investigated! Especially with the Chageling threat against Canterlot. If I had listened, we could have stopped Chrysalis.”
Her face didn't show it, but in her mind, Raven couldn't help putting on a wide devious grin, after hearing what Celestia just said. "Gotcha!" She thought. For a quick moment, Raven took the time to choose her next words carefully, for she didn't want to change the subject and start another conversation. Especially that one, not yet. "I suppose you're right, Celestia. Afterall, there are times where you have to take a leap of faith, in these kinds of situations."
(For example)
Raven continues "But I'm afraid that doesn't work in this scenario for three reasons. One being Shining's logical explanation, the second being that Twilight, despite knowing about the threat. Didn't say anything in relations to that. You were there and you just saw the memory of that day. Remember what she said at the end when "fake Cadance" ran away." Raven lit her horn to bring back the magic screen as well as the wedding rehearsal video. Only this time she only showed, one small part of it.
Princess Cadance: [starts crying] Why are you doing this to me?!
Twilight Sparkle: Because you're evil!
Princess Cadance: [crying]
Twilight Sparkle: Evil! And if I don't stop you, you're gonna ruin my brother's life!
Raven made the screen disappear.
“If I don't stop you, you're going to ruin my brother's life. That is what she said. Her accusations didn’t have anything to do with the threat against Canterlot! No one had even guessed that changelings were involved at that point. All she knew was that she thought her brother was going to be marrying a rotten pony...... Now that I think about it, that’s one of the most normal things I’ve ever seen her that worked up about.” Raven rolled her eyes, then sighed. “And even then, she shouldn’t have confronted you all the way she did. The way she acted, there was no way anypony would have listened to her. She should have discussed it with somepony beforehoof. Like you Princess, I know you would have listened to her if she came to you calmy and explained things. Instead of acting like a complete and utter fool.”
Silence. Neither Rainbow nor Celestia had any retort to that, cause once again Raven was right and it was only solidified even further by Twilight's words.
"She's right!" Twilight said sadly. "I was the one who was wrong, not you guys or Celestia. You all didn't do anything wrong. I let my anger and sadness stop me from thinking straight. I felt that if I couldn't trust my friends... I had to do it on my own…” Twilight bowed her head. "I felt alone… But I wasn’t,” she clarified before raising her head. “Celestia was always looking out for me. It’s not her fault if I forget that sometimes.”
Celestia walked over and gave Twilight a comforting hug and all her friends joined in to. They were all still sorry for not listening to her and understood that she was in fact in the wrong for how she handled that situation, but they wanted to let her know that they still loved her and don't want her to feel alone like that again.
Everycreature watched the group hug as the sight warmed their hearts and even brought tears to the eyes of some as they quietly enjoyed the joyous moment. Which was soon interrupted by none other than "Raven Inkwell" herself.
"By the looks of things, it seems we finally agree on something Miss Shy!"
The group hug was broken and Fluttershy left her friends to stand before her opponent once again.
"And what might that be?" Fluttershy asked.
"It's clear that you and friends understand that you were not in the wrong when you didn't believe Twilight's story about Cadance and chose to listen to the one who had a logical explanation to why she was acting the way she was." Raven adjusts her glasses. "So, in conclusion, once I "logically" explain why Discord should be punish for what he did as well as present strong evidence to help support my case." Raven smirk. "By the end of this debate all your supporters will come to my side including your friends."
That got Fluttershy attention and not in a good way. The thought that her friends will join Raven's side scared her deeply, but Raven next words made her feel even worse.
"And who knows! I'm willing to bet that even you will do the same and abandoned that monster once all the truths are revealed. Heck, I believe Pinkie Pie will give you a free pass for breaking a Pinkie promise. After all, you like everyone else who believes in him still don't know the full extent of his plans, let alone the dangers they've possess." Raven step closer to the shivering pegasus before her. Relishing in her fear as she stared Fluttershy down. It was without a doubt, Fluttershy was scared and losing confidence in herself, and Raven just kept pushing.
Raven made a new magic screen appear. "Remember the lesson that you and the others learned after The Lesson Zero Event." Raven played the memory.
Screen disappears.
"Oh how easy it was for you girls to instantly forget that so called major important lesson. Because a couple months later you didn't listen to Twilight at all during the wedding," Raven turns her attention to the Sun Monarch. "And that goes for you to, Celestia. It seems that lesson doesn't mean shit when it involves Twilight, who literally worries and goes insane over the most littlest things and you know that. Celestia couldn't help but wince at Raven's words, as she too felt even more guilty for not listening to Twilight. Raven turns her attention back to Fluttershy. "You girls have a long record of forgetting lessons you learned from the past, thus you end up making the same mistakes or flat out just repeat that same lesson again." Raven grinned wickedly. "Something you clearly know all to well, don't you, Fluttershy?"
Fluttershy's eyes widen in shock for she knew exactly what Raven was talking about, as it reminded her of what that one mare said to her back then.
******
"Lemon Chiffon": We wanna know why Fluttershy keeps learning the same thing over and over again! Be assertive already!
"Wisp": Even I've learned more than she has! Why can't I be in the book?!
******
"I am more assertive! And yes, it took me a while to get there. But can you honestly say that you could learn something one time and completely change who you are? I didn't think so." Raven said in an imitation of Fluttershy's voice.
Fluttershy was taken aback by that. How did Raven know exactly what she said back then. It wasn't a memory spell, Raven didn't cast one this time. She was just thinking about that moment, so did Raven read her mind? No, that can't be. Raven's horn wasn't glowing and Fluttershy remembers Twilight once saying that their no such thing as a mind reading spell. But how does Raven know about that moment? She wasn't there! was she?
"And seeing how many times you had to learn the same damn lesson over and over again before it finally stuck. You
no doubt have to go through that again with the listening to your friends lesson. or should I say listening to Twilight lesson. After all, you said it yourself once, Fluttershy. can you honestly say that you could learn something one time and completely change who you are?" Fluttershy gulps. "And considering how long it took you to learn to be more assertive, combined with the absolute reason why you, and your friends failed to listen to Twilight worries, THREE TIMES," Raven makes another screen.
From lesson zero,
Image change.
The royal wedding,
Image change.
and the complete out of nowhere news on her ascension to the throne.
"Each one of those events have one thing in common. The fact that you or the others will NEVER take Twilight's worries seriously and the reason for that is because of how she is. Twilight always freaks out and panics over the littlest of things and it's because of that knowledge, is the reason none of you will ever take the time to actually sit and listen to her. Celestia did it twice and Starlight-
Image change.
-did it when she tried to pull that reverse psychology BULLSHIT, I mentioned earlier. NONE OF YOU WOULD JUST SHUT THE HELL UP AND LISTEN TO TWILIGHT WHEN SHE WORRIES. You just ignore her because all you see is her having another one of her freakouts. Which even isn't that common." Raven let a deep sigh, as she rubs her head in frustration. Taking a moment to calm down before speaking again. "Here's another lesson, you idiots seemed to fail to really learn and that's com-muni-cation. A lot of problem that you and your friends went through, Fluttershy, could easily be solved instantly if you fools would just sit down and talk things out and I know you know this Fluttershy for I can think of two moments where you dealt with this exact situation."
Raven lit her horn and changed the image on the magic screen.
"The first was back when you became a model to help Rarity with her photoshoot, with Photo Finish, which in turn led to you becoming a famous fashion model." Raven adjusts her glasses. "You hated being a model, but you only kept doing it because of Rarity's support, who only did that because of your success, when in truth she was jealous of you. In the end you two finally decided to talk things out and everything was solved." Raven gave a deadpanned look. "An issue that would have been resolved quicker if it wasn't for Pinkie Pie."
Everyone turned their attention towards the pink mare.
"Me!?" Pinkie said while pointing too herself. "What did I do?"
"You were the one who instilled fear into Twilight, who I may add was still in the early stages of learning about friendship. That losing a friend's trust is the fastest way to lose a friend forever! STOP!!!" Raven cut Pinkie off with a raised hoof, before she could say anything in retort. "I know what you're going to say and you're not wrong, but the situation wouldn't have had that negative effect, only a positive one. Twilight wanted to tell Fluttershy about how Rarity really felt, seeing how it would have help them both." Raven glared at Pinkie, while lighting her horn to change the image.
"But it was you who, stop her from doing it! The problem would have been solved right then and there, but your stupid ass, couldn't see that nothing about that situation had nothing to do about trust. Both mares thought they were doing what they did for the good of the other, despite how miserable it was making them. Yet you allowed them to continue being miserable all because you didn't want Twilight to do, what would be the real right thing in that scenario..... Seriously, you can't be that stupid."
Raven words hit Pinkie hard. She realized her mistake and wanted to apologize to her friends, but Raven cut her off again before she got the chance.
"And that's not the only time you prevented a problem that could have been instantly solved by speaking up and this one is solely on you!"
Image change.
"Remember the Parasprite infestation in Ponyville?"
Pinkie somnoly nodded.
"That problem could have been solved long before things escalated out of control and all you had to do was just explain things to your friends."
Twilight steps up to speak. "Wait, Raven! That wasn't Pinkie's fault. Me and the rest of the girls were the ones who didn't try and listen to her. If we did, we would have helped her from the start."
Raven facehoof herself in annoyance. "Seriously, Twilight, ARE YOU SHITTING ME!?" Twilight was taken aback by that. Raven lit her horn and the still image into a video. "Well then let's watch and see just how much she tried to explain things to you guys."
"You see! Pinkie had the perfect opportunity to explain things, when Fluttershy first brought those bugs into the shop. Both she nor you even knew what they were, let alone what they were called. Only three people in total that were in Ponyville during the infestation, knew exactly what they were the instant they saw them, but only one of them knew exactly what to do, to get rid of them, and instead of taking the time to simply tell you two what a Parasprite is and the trouble they'll cause from the very start, she just runs off with absolutely no explanation to find a BUCKING trombone and not once bother to explain why she needed those instruments and still continued to not even try to explain things when she had multiple opportunities to do so." Raven let out a deep sigh. "I need a minute."
With her magic. Raven made a bottle of water appear out of thin air. She took a few gulps before finishing, then made the bottle disappear.
Raven continues. "So, in conclusion. Your statement about not listening to Pinkie doesn't mean jack shit. If Pinkie herself never put forth any effort to try and explain things. If she did and you all simply ignored her, fine. But seeing how she never did nor try to, made your friendship report about the lesson of listening to your friends mean nothing because of the scenario." Raven chuckled "It's funny how the friendship lesson you learned that day literally involved listening to your friends."
I've learned that sometimes the solution to your problems can come from where you least expect it. It's a good idea to stop and listen to your friends' opinions and perspectives... Even when they don't always seem to make sense.
Raven quoted.
"Which means that was the first time you all learned that lesson and had to relearn it over and over again and speaking of having to learn lessons, here's one for you, Pinkie Pie." Raven said as she walked up to stand before the now frighten pink mare. "Cause out of all your friends, you are definitely the one who needs to learn about the importance of speaking up and I mean actually putting forth effort to do so. I mean seriously, why didn't you just tell everyone about the parasprite's before their numbers got too big? You could have saved Ponyville before things escalated the way that it did and no, I'm gonna deal with that "Its Pinkie Pie, don't question it" bullshit. Not everything you do have some unexplained reason behind it, and this is definitely not one of them. So, explain why you didn't tell your friends about the Parasprites? When it was obviously clear that they had no clue what they were and what they can do."
Pinkie didn't know what to say and not because she was scared of the glasses wearing unicorn, glaring at her. Pinkie tried to think of something to say, something to explain her actions. She normally didn't need to explain her actions, as others just accept it without question. But Raven was right, this isn't one Pinkie's antics that can't be explained. It's too simple. So, she has no choice but to try and explain why she didn't tell her friends about the parasprites. When she totally could have.
"I-I-I admit that I should have told them." Pinkie stammerd. "But I just thought-"
"THOUGHT WHAT!" Raven interuppted. "That they already knew about the Parasprites? BULLSHIT! That they knew why you were running around collecting instruments? Also BULLSHIT! And let's not forget what you said to them after you got rid of those pests." Raven changes the screen again and showed the final conversation between Pinkie and her friends.
*******
Applejack: So, you knew what those critters were all along, huh Pinkie Pie?
Pinkie Pie: Well, duh! Why do you think I was so frantic to get my hooves on all these instruments? I tried to tell you.
Twilight Sparkle: We know, Pinkie Pie, and we're sorry we didn't listen.
Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack: [apologies]
Twilight Sparkle: You're a great friend, even if we don't always understand you.
Pinkie Pie: Thanks guys, you're all great friends too, even when I don't understand me.
Twilight Sparkle: You saved my reputation with Princess Celestia, and more importantly, you saved Ponyville.
********
"Every word you just said was complete and utter-
PINKIE PIE! Even what Twilight said about you saving Ponyville was also, BULLSHIT! Seeing how the town getting destroyed would've happened if you had just SPOKE UP ABOUT THE PARASPRITES FROM THE START! Which means it would have been so much easier to deal with them as soon as possible while their numbers were literally at their smallest. You know, when there was just two of them. But noooooooo! Instead of doing that, you decided to run off and collect your stupid instuments, thus allowing the parasprites the time they needed to increase their numbers. So, in conclusion. The town being destroyed was partly YOUR FAULT!"
Pinkie's bowed her head in shame as her hair deflated. She realized that Raven was right. No matter what she says to try and justify her actions. It wouldn't matter since the problem could be solved so easily. Because of her naive arrogance. She never once tried to tell her friends about the parasprites, she was just so focus on collecting the instruments she needed, which in the end allowed the sprites to increase their numbers to the point that they actually became a problem. A problem that would have been easily avoided if she had done one simple thing, speak up. And for a mare like her who likes to talk a lot, only made Pinke feel worse for not doing it when it was really necessary.
With nothing more to say. Raven turns away from Pinkie and began her walk to her place to stand before Fluttershy once more. Leaving the sad guilt-ridden pink mare, to stew in her misery. "But to be fair Miss Pie!" Raven said as she sat before Fluttershy. "Ponyville's destruction wasn't entirely your fault. For I did say you were partly the blame."
Pinkie raised her head. "W-what?"
Raven adjusts her glasses. "Sure, you played a part, but it wasn't the biggest. That title goes to somepony else."
Twilight speaks. "You're talking about me aren't you. The town getting destroyed was because of the spell I cast to stop the Parasprites from eating the food."
"Except you didn't know that it would backfire and make the Sprites want to eat non-organic things." Raven counterd. "Though you did play a part in towns destruction, in your defense, you didn't know that the Sprites would start eating the town itself. For all you know, the Sprites could always eat anything, they just naturally eat food, your spell just knock out their main source for nutrition and allowed their second to take over."
Twilight didn't have a retort to that, for Raven does have a good point. "Fine! If I'm not the main reason for the town being destroyed and Pinkie isn't either. Then who is?"
Raven didn't say anything. She just simply pointed at the one responsible and to everyone's shock especially the one being accused. It was none other than.
"FLUTTERSHY!!!!"
To be continued.
Author's Note
It would seem that things are starting to heat up. Although, nothing about these discussions has anything to do with, Discord.
If this all just random arguing or is there a reason Raven keep bringing up these events?
We'll just have to wait and see.
