A Dazzling Flower Under the Moonlight

The clinking of silverware against fine china filled the air of the dining room, mingling with the murmur of animated conversation. Rainbow Dash, seated between Soarin and Spitfire, slowly munched her breakfast, savoring each bite as if it were her first. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and freshly baked muffins hung in the air, creating an atmosphere of comfort that contrasted with the pegasus' (lately quite common) inner dilemmas.

As she watched her companions chatting and laughing, Rainbow couldn't help but feel guilty, like an imposter, like an intruder...Her mind constantly wandered back to the conversation she had had with Soarin moments before, and the guilt over her lies weighed on her like a storm cloud in the middle of a sunny day.

• “Hey, Dash” - Spitfire's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, who, with a worried gesture creasing her forehead, leaned toward her. - “Are you all right? You've barely touched your breakfast.” - her tone denoted concern.

A few minutes ago, Soarin and Dash had entered the dining room, seemingly peaceful expressions on their faces. They had taken their time, which, in an everyday context, was good news. However, Dash looked ida at times, her gaze lost in the void, and her movements were slow and mechanical.

Although at first Spitfire had decided to ignore it, attributing it to the natural state of someone who had just woken up, nevertheless, her unease was becoming more apparent.

She remembered that, in their late night conversation a day ago, Dash had hinted that the situation had her somewhat disoriented, and with all the events that had happened in such a few days, even she could come to understand. But Spitfire was aware of the adventures Rainbow, as a consecutive equestrian savior, has had to face on more than one occasion, which is why she was having such a hard time understanding and handling the mare's distant and distracted behavior to the essence of her original personality.

Rainbow blinked, snapping out of her reverie. She realized that she had been playing with the same portion of eggs for several minutes. - “Oh, yeah, all right” - she replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. - “I'm still sleepy you know.”

Spitfire narrowed her eyes, looking skeptical, not fooled. - “ How curious” - she commented, raising her coffee cup to her lips. - “You retired quite early yesterday.” - Her tone of voice was soft, but her words contained a hint of questioning.

• “Yes, well” - she stammered, searching for a credible excuse since, it was clear, she hadn't been the one to retire early - “I had a bad headache and just wanted to lie down.”

Just as Spitfire seemed about to inquire further, the dining room doors opened, revealing the graceful figure of Blooming Rose. The princess entered with the grace befitting royalty, her hooves barely making a sound on the polished floor. Her eyes swept around the room until they landed on the table, Dash saw her out of the corner of her eye, and her stomach contracted immediately "Where was she?" But before she could analyze it further, Spitfire spoke up, diverting her attention to the newcomer.

-“Blooming Rose” - Spitfire called in her firm, but cordial tone, “how is Moonflower, is she feeling better?”

Blooming watched her for a few seconds, her face a mask of diplomatic serenity. - “Moonflower is... resting” - she mentioned, her tone perfectly composed, however, her eyes fell for an instant on Dash, who looked at her puzzled, raising an eyebrow in her direction - ”It seems she needed a little more time to recover, but she's better now.”

• “That's a relief to know” - Fleetfoot commented, genuinely concerned, her face relaxing with the news - “thank you for informing us Bloomming, let's hope she can rejoin us soon.”

Blooming nodded as she moved forward to take a seat between Shinning and Aster - “I'm sure she'll do her best to be there as soon as possible” - she said, her voice laden with a double meaning that only Rainbow seemed to pick up on.

Breakfast continued, but for Rainbow, every bite felt like melted sand in her mouth, "what had Blooming meant by that?, did he go looking for her?, had he overheard her conversation with Soarin?" These questions swirled around in her head, making her stomach twist and her appetite completely vanish. She hated the feeling and refused to go along with the restlessness that gnawed at her.

• “Where were you Blooming?” - she called to her without preamble through the mental linking spell she shared with the sisters. Her mental voice tinged with urgency and suspicion. There was a pause, barely perceptible, before Blooming's reply came, her mental tone calm and measured.

• “I went to look for you in your room, but because I couldn't find you, I decided to come back and well, when I came in I noticed you were already here” - Blooming replied calmly, her tone quick and precise - “Where were you, Dash?” -subtly inquired

• “I was on my way here” - she answered, opting for a half-truth - “I just decided to do it by air. Maybe that's why you didn't find me.” - Her intuition told her that now was not the time to reveal the whole truth.

She had barely finished formulating her answer when a third voice joined the mental conversation. - “And why did you arrive with that steed?” - Shining's mental voice joined the conversation, her tone laden with suspicion and inquisitiveness.

Dash shot her a piercing glance over the table before answering - “His name is Soarin, and he went for me, since from what he told me, Spitfire asked him to” - Dash replied, trying to remain calm and neutral in tone with them.

• “But to have arrived by air, you took considerable time” - observed Shining, her mental voice imbued with sharp skepticism.

• “Yes, well” - she replied, desperately searching for a credible excuse - “I tried to strain my wings as little as possible. I still need to recover after all.”

The silence that followed in the mental conversation was heavy, ending it as abruptly as it began, but Blooming didn't insist on the truth she knew, something was holding her back from sharing that information with Shining, instead, she let Dash's words settle.

Although now that she thought about it, it hadn't been a bad thing at all either, although there were some details, which, due to lack of knowledge about the background, she didn't fully understand and that's why it was easy to misunderstand, that's not why she had to be hesitating so much about whether to tell it or not, after all it had only been a friendly interaction right, although, that didn't explain why Dash had lied when she asked her about it. Dash had probably already sensed that she knew.

Breakfast ended normally, a barely concealed tension as Shining Marigold and Aster, after exchanging a meaning-laden glance, stood up, their movements capturing the attention of everyone present. The murmur of conversation gradually died away, replaced by an expectant silence.

Shining Marigold, with her elegant bearing and firm voice, spoke first. - “Dear allied Wonderbolts,” - she began, projecting her voice with the authority befitting a princess - “we have some important announcements about the tour that is about to begin.”

Aster ascended, continuing where her sister had left off. - “As you already know, due to security issues to our kingdom, we tell you that, as a first change, the tour will start in two days” - he paused briefly for his audience to assimilate the information - “our first destination will be in Cloudsdale, where the first competition and the official opening ceremony will take place.”

The Wonderbolts exchanged excited glances, a murmur of approval ran through the room, while Rainbow Dash felt her heart clench. The thought of competing there, in the place that saw her grow up, under two different identities, sent a shiver down her spine.

Shining took up the floor again, her voice tinged with pride - “We've been hard at work promoting this event. There is already publicity material circulating to all corners of Equestria and beyond.” - She explained - “The intercontinental anticipation is enormous; we have received confirmations of attendance from griffins, crystal ponies, dragons and hippogriffs, among others.”

Rainbow noticed how Spitfire's eyes shone with determination. The Wonderbolts' captain had always longed for an opportunity like this to show off her team's skills to such a diverse audience, it was what they needed.

Aster, however, took a more somber tone as he continued - “However and as you already know, our unicorn kingdom is weakening. Some of our inhabitants have begun to migrate to Equestria, seeking better opportunities for survival and a more secure future” - he exchanged glances with Blooming and Shinning before continuing - ‘even if it means them moving away from their innate magic.’ - A murmur of concern went around the table, but Shining quickly interjected.

• “Fortunately, this situation has not caused alarm. Most assume it is due to enthusiasm for the tour and competitions.” - Explained Shinning. The silence that followed her words was heavy. Those present exchanged glances, understanding the gravity of the situation - “We know what this migratory effect implies for your kingdom, both in positive aspects such as economic growth, and in negative ones such as overpopulation.”

• “We understand that the situation is delicate” - Aster continued - “but we also know that this event could be a necessary boost to revitalize our kingdom and avoid dragging yours down, especially when you are giving us your help.”

Before he could continue, the dining room door burst open, interrupting his speech. The Bolts immediately rose to their feet and moved nimbly to take up a defensive position against whatever it was that dared to enter thus. They caught a glimpse of a beautiful unicorn with a dark straight mane and bright mint eyes, which burned with determination and something that seemed to border on indignation, who burst into the room, with two guards around her trying unsuccessfully to stop her. The intensity in her gaze and her determined walk immediately caught everyone's attention.

• “Stop right there!” -exclaimed one of the guards, extending a paw to block her path while the other grabbed her by the shoulders preventing her from moving.

• “Let go of me right now, don't you know who I am?” - Belladona exclaimed with indignation.

• “Belladonna!?” - exclaimed Aster, surprised by the sudden appearance, he shook his head - “let her pass, she is not a threat” - he ordered in a calm but firm voice, raising a hoof for them to release her, and so it was.

Belladonna let go and growled in the direction of the guards, then with a determined step, advanced towards the table. Her gaze rested briefly on Aster, ignoring Shining Marigold's stern look and Blooming Rose's annoyed expression.

• “Aster, I am truly outraged,” - Belladonna began, her tone laden with reproach - “tell me how is it possible that, on a tour organized by the Unicorn Kingdom, the only participants are pegasus or winged creatures?”

Shining Marigold drew herself upright, her expression turning serious. - “Belladonna, the competitions were designed with certain evaluative criteria in mind, besides-”

• “Unfair!” - Belladona interrupted in a loud tone - “just because Moonflower is a pegasus and coincidentally the official sponsor, as announced, means that those who can't fly are excluded in this way.” - she announced her disagreement in a bitterly loud tone.

Blooming Rose stepped forward, her voice calm but firm - “The winged creatures' decision was not Moonflower's alone, Belladonna, the rules have been clear from the beginning” - she indicated with displeasure that sounded personal - “ Her origin and her vision do not define her ability to...”

-“Her origin and vision?” - Belladonna let out a bitter snort, interrupting again. - “You are excluding us, and you who are the royal representatives of the kingdom should not allow it” - she pointed at them - “If there is to be no team from the Unicorn Kingdom, then why should we be the final destination of the tour?”

The dining room fell into a tense silence. The Wonderbolts watched the exchange with a mixture of fascination and concern, Belladonna's last argument proved her right, leaving them with no defense to justify it without having to reveal to her the original reason for the tour. Of course they wouldn't tell her.

The tension in the room was palpable as Belladona took advantage of the silence to continue her argument. Her voice sounded confident and determined - “I have a team of talented and dedicated unicorns, with the necessary skill to fly with their magic. I demand that we be allowed to participate” - she pounded the floor with demand.

Aster, who had been watching silently, finally intervened. - “Belladonna, I understand your frustration. but we must find a solution that is fair to everyone.” - he explained, his voice clear and calm, hoping to lower the tension - “Perhaps there is a way to incorporate-”

• “Incorporate?” - Shining interrupted incredulously, her voice strained as she turned to her brother. - “Aster, the rules and games are already set. To change it now would be...”

• “It would be fair Shinning” - Dash interrupted, startling everyone, especially the dark-furred unicorn. - “Belladonna has a point and you know it. We should at least consider the possibility” - Shinning and Blooming were stunned, their mouths hanging open. They hadn't expected that intervention, let much less the determined faces of the Wonderbolts demonstrating their agreement with their companion. They themselves, feeling the need to intervene, began to offer suggestions.

-“Perhaps we could find a way to include the unicorns in part of the event” - suggested Spitfire, in a firm tone of agreement. - “There could be a special category for those who don't fly, but still wish to participate.”

-“We can even help you with the planning”- Fleetfoot added, looking at the royal brothers and then at Belladonna, who looked at them visibly surprised at not expecting such support. - “This doesn't have to be an ‘us versus you’ situation. We can find a solution that works so that everyone who believes they are in the capacity can participate.”

Silence fell over the room again as everyone waited for Belladonna's response. The unicorn, though still angry, seemed to consider the Wonderbolts' words.

Finally, after a moment of tense reflection, she lifted her chin and nodded. - “All right” - she said, her tone more controlled, though still firm. - “But I will not allow us to be relegated to the sidelines. The unicorns deserve to be at the center of this event.”

Aster nodded, inwardly grateful to the Bolts that the situation had not escalated further. - “I understand, Belladonna. We'll work on something that's fair and equitable.”

• “I hope so Aster” - She spoke with her typical disdain. The unicorn cast a contemptuous glance at Blooming and Shinning, her eyes shining with a tinge of superiority- “It really is amazing how these pegasus seem to understand the need for equality better than you, the supposed representatives of the unicorn kingdom” -she spat with venom in her syllables.

Blooming Rose stood her ground, her gaze fixed on Belladona, her breathing controlled, and her mind working at full speed. She could not allow an arrogant unicorn, like Belladona, to undermine the authority of the kingdom.

• “Look Belladona, no one here is suggesting that unicorns don't deserve their place at this event” - Blooming began - “it's a celebration of unity between the kingdoms, something you yourself should support as well.”

Belladonna raised an eyebrow, her expression cold and calculating. -“A celebration of unity” - she repeated, her tone suggesting a certain skepticism - “you heard your dear sister, Aster, I trust you will be able to ensure that the unicorns are not marginalized in their own territory.”

Shinning stood her ground, undeterred by Belladonna's arrogant attitude. - “If that was all you were coming for, then I guess you can stand down now, Belladona” - she said firmly.

Belladona frowned, visibly offended by Shinning's bluntness. - “Are you kicking me out, Shinning Marigold?” - Belladona replied indignantly, her eyes flashing with a defiant glint.

• “We're merely suggesting that, if you have nothing more constructive to contribute, perhaps you'd better leave” - Blooming interjected, her voice calm but charged with intent.

Belladona observed both sisters with a look that oscillated between contempt and disbelief - “well no, I'm not leaving” - she hit the ground with her hoof.

Aster quickly intervened, stepping closer and placing a hoof on Belladona's shoulder in an attempt to calm the waters - “Belladona, please.”

• “Are you going to allow your sisters to treat me like this Aster?” - she asked, with clear annoyance

• “No...” - he took a deep breath - “But for now, I think it would be best if we take a break and pick this up calmly later.”

Throwing a look of contempt at Blooming and Shinning, one which of course they returned. Belladonna snorted. - “Very well, Aster” - she said, her tone softening slightly, but not without losing that air of superiority that characterized her. With that, she turned and headed for the exit, her helmet hitting the ground hard.

Aster gently guided her towards the exit, following close behind, his haughty figure casting a long shadow on the threshold as they left the hall. The silence left by their departure was like a fading weight, allowing those present to breathe more freely.

The Wonderbolts, who had been watching the exchange with growing curiosity, took the opportunity to approach the royal sisters

• “What a temper” - said Thunderlane, breaking the ice. The two sisters sighed and sat back in surrender.

• “Who was that unicorn?” - Spitfire asked, her tone a reflection of the intrigue shared by all the members of her team.

Shinning and Blooming exchanged a quick glance, as if in silent consultation before deciding how to approach the question.

Finally, it was Blooming who spoke - “Belladonna is a unicorn from our kingdom. As you can see she is... somewhat difficult to deal with, that's why we don't get along with her” - her voice calm, but with an emotional charge that denoted how personal the subject was - ‘She has always tried to be close to our family, ever since we were little.’

Shinning ascending, her expression serious - “Yes, the only one who seems to be able to deal with her is Aster. He and Belladonna have been friends since childhood” - she added, with a sigh that indicated the story was more complex than it seemed - ”she tried to get close to him, seeing in him a figure she could associate with. But Aster has never reciprocated those feelings.”

Fleetfoot frowned, thoughtfully. - “And why does she keep insisting then? If Aster doesn't reciprocate, why doesn't she just accept it and move on?”

Blooming shook her head. - “That's the thing. Belladonna can be very stubborn and self-centered. She thinks that, if she keeps pushing, eventually Aster will give in and accept her.” - She paused, her eyes full of concern. - “But now, with the curse, which weighs especially heavily on Aster, she will never fit the profile he, and the kingdom need. Her ambition and inability to accept reality have made her difficult to deal with, especially for us.”

The Wonderbolts nodded, better understanding the undercurrent that fueled the tension in the room. Rainbow Dash crossed her paws, silently pondering what she had just heard.

Spitfire nodded slowly. - “We understand. We'd better keep an eye on this. If Belladonna causes trouble again, we'll be there to help solve it” - she proposed decisively.

Blooming and Shinning exchanged one last look, this time charged with silent gratitude towards the Wonderbolts. - “Thank you very much for your understanding and support Bolts” - said Blooming. - “The tour starts in a couple of days and your help will be invaluable for everything to go perfectly, we are confident that everyone will be ready.”

Soarin nodded with a light smile, trying to ease the tension in the atmosphere - “Don't worry. We'll be ready for the tour, and we'll do our best to make sure everything goes as planned.”

With a final round of nods and smiles, the Wonderbolts began to file out of the dining room, each mentally preparing for the days ahead. Blooming and Shinning watched them walk away, feeling a mixture of relief and concern.

• “Speaking of being ready...” - Dash spoke, making use of the spell again to return to the sisters. - “Do you think we could talk privately for a moment? There's something I'd like to discuss with you.”

Blooming and Shinning exchanged a surprised look, Blooming was the one who answered - “Yeah sure, we'll meet in the room where you were taken care of yesterday, near the area where the Bolts are.”

• “Well, see you there then” - with that, Dash followed her companions, while planning how to sneakily split up to talk to the two unicorns.

Meanwhile, in a corridor further away from the castle, Aster and Belladonna continued to walk through the corridors at a slow pace. The air was thick with tension and unease. Belladonna had been silent since they had left the hall, clearly upset at the way she had been treated.

Aster finally stopped on a small terrace overlooking the castle gardens, he turned to Belladona, his face reflecting both patience and weariness. - “Belladona, we need to talk” - he said softly.

Belladona stopped beside him, her gaze cold and defiant. - “Talk about what, Aster? About how your sisters delight in pushing me aside every chance they get? About how you cast aside your subjects for an event for winged creatures?” - Her voice was laden with resentment, and her words were like poisoned darts.

• “It's not like that, Belladonna” - Aster closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath before answering - “They only want what's best for the kingdom, and for their safety, they thought it would be best to expose as little as possible to our subjects, anything can be a threat at this point, you know that.”

• “they have always seen me as a threat” - Belladona complained, taking a step towards him, closing the distance between them - “Is that how you see me too Aster?”

Aster felt trapped, Belladona's closeness increasing his discomfort. - “No...of course not” - he replied nervously - “I have always considered you a friend, and while I understand that my sisters may not see you the same, I do ask that you at least try to avoid further quarrels with them.”

Belladonna gritted her teeth noticeably angry, clearly struggling to contain her pride - “Then perhaps I'm not the one who needs to open the eyes here, Aster. Maybe it's you who doesn't see the reality of your own situation.”

Aster averted his gaze, feeling the weight of Belladonna's expectation and the pressure of the responsibilities he carried on his shoulders. - “Easy for you to say” - he sighed - “Everything is at stake now Belladona. My duty to the kingdom, the tranquility of our inhabitants, and now with this curse...” - he confessed, his voice laden with sincerity and pain.

Belladonna rolls her eyes in irritation - “ And what about what's at stake for me, Aster? You could save yourself all that trouble if you had listened to me from the beginning” - Her voice was laden with frustration, and the space between them seemed to shrink even more. - “But no, you preferred to leave the kingdom and trust the first mare your sisters pointed out to you. You don't even know her, please.”

Aster felt the pressure building. He knew he had to be clear, but also aware of the delicacy of the moment - “I understand what you mean, but it's not fair to blame Blooming and Shinning for everything. They are only trying to protect what they think is best for the kingdom and for me” - his tone was conciliatory, but there was a palpable nervousness in it.

Belladonna didn't pull away, her expression changing to something softer, almost vulnerable - “they know nothing about protecting you, much less the kingdom, otherwise why do you think there's a curse threatening the magic and sustainability of this one in the first place?” - her voice grew softer, but the reason in her words made Aster tense, he said nothing.

She moved dangerously close until their noses touched, Aster was frozen in place- “Someday, Aster, you will see that the answers have been right in front of you all this time”- with those crude words, she pulled away abruptly and turned around to start walking away with high, slow steps, waiting to hear the call on the steed's part that would make her back away, back to him.

It never came...

As Belladona walked away, Aster felt something in him shudder, as if Belladona's resentful words had left a mark that would not so easily fade from his memory.