Equestria Noir Side Story "Interlude"

by Jacoboby1

Rating: teen
Tags: Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Original Character, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Other, Twilight Sparkle
Length: 5833

A short side story leading into the second half of Equestria Noir

Private is invited to attend a lunch with Princess Celestia herself. Will the detective be able to handle himself in front of the Princess of Equestria? Also, just what is Celestia keeping from him exactly? Meanwhile Irenius is starting to get a taste of life in Ponyville. Both parties may get just a little bit more then they bargained for.

(Taking place after Case 15 which I consider to be Noir's midseason finale, this tale leads into the second half of the season. and will drop many hints as to what to expect upcoming)

Published 2012-12-10 00:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-12-10 00:20:01 UTC

"Interlude"

"Interlude"

Equestria Noir

Side Story

“Interlude”

Dear Private Eye,

First of all, I believe congratulations are in order for discovering your destiny as the seventh element. I’m sure you have many questions, and I hope to answer them. If you care to join me in Canterlot for lunch at 11:00 this Friday I hope to give you answers. While I can’t promise to answer all of the questions you may have, I will do my best. Give my regards to Twilight and Spike, and I will write them soon. I look forward to meeting you in person, Detective. I’ve heard a great deal about you.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia

_____________________________________________________________________

Perspective: Irenius Eye

Preventus looked at Tailspin and I with an apprehensive expression, and asked, “Now are you sure you’ve got everything?”

“Drop off Tailspin at school, watch the house until you get back,” I reassured. “You have a Princess waiting for you, Preventus, don’t keep her waiting.”

“All right,” he said, “I’m just a little nervous is all.”

“Say hi to the Princess for me!” Tailspin said excitedly.

“Sure, Tailspin,” Preventus gave him a big smile and walked off towards the train station.

Tailspin looked up at me, “Don’t you have a business to run or something Dad? Not that I’m not happy you’re here.”

I smiled down at my youngest son. “I have some vacation time. I figured it would be a good time to learn what life in Ponyville is like.”

“Well, it’s certainly lively,” Tailspin said, as I locked up the house. “A lot of interesting ponies live here.”

We were headed down the street when Tailspin suddenly pulled me aside. A pink blur zoomed past me, stopped and then came back. I recognized the pink pony standing before me from the sculpture garden. Pinkie Pie I think her name was.

Her smile grew even wider as she greeted me, “Hi Private’s dad! It’s great to see you again! Sorry I can’t talk right now! I have to find the mirror pool. Hey Tailspin, great to see you too! I’ll throw your dad a Welcome to Ponyville party later! See ya," she called over her shoulder, as she zoomed off towards the forest.

“What in the name of Celestia was that?” I asked, looking at my son.

Tailspin smiled, “You just met one of our more… interesting ponies.”

He wasn’t kidding when he said this town was lively.

_______________________________________________________

Perspective: Private Eye

I looked over at Twilight as we waited on the train platform. She'd been sweating visibly ever since I told her why I was heading up to Canterlot. I could only think of one reason why.

“Twilight, I’m not going to give a report on you or anything,” I said, trying to reassure her.

“No, of course not!” she said, way too fast. “You’re just going for a friendly visit! Princess Celestia just asks one of my friends out of the blue to have lunch with her! It’s perfectly normal, and I’m just being paranoid!” She got within inches of my face, “RIGHT?”

I smiled at her, “You’re overreacting, Twilight. I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.”

I hoped she couldn't tell how nervous I was at the prospect of meeting the Princess of Equestria herself. I’ve met her sister Luna before, but I only knew Celestia from passing letters. From many accounts I’ve heard she is friendly, but also a little intimidating. I guess that's what comes of being essentially a god amongst ponies. She could banish me to the moon if I didn’t bow low enough, not that she would, i reassured myself.

By now I was starting to sweat a little too, but I kept my smile pasted on for Twilight’s sake. “I’ll be fine, you just focus on that spell to turn an apple into an orange.”

“All right,” Twilight sighed. “Just try and keep things friendly.”

“Here’s hoping I don’t accidentally get us all banished to the far reaches of the universe,” I grumbled to myself, as I boarded the train for Canterlot.

_________________________________________________________

Perspective: Irenius

“Then there’s this one unicorn, Lyra, who’s obsessed with humans.” Tailspin said, as we continued down the street. So far Tailspin has introduced me to half of the town, without me actually meeting anypony. I must admit, some of the inhabitants sounded very interesting.

“So, this is your school, huh?” I asked, as we arrived at a rather small schoolhouse. I guess it came with being in a small town.

“Yep,” Tailspin answered proudly. “Ponyville Elementary, I’ve been attending since we moved here a few months ago.”

“Look out!”

I leaped out of the way, just in time to dodge an oncoming scooter. The scooter, driven by an orange Pegasus filly, was pulling a wagon containing two more fillies. The trio crashed into a nearby fence. When the dust settled the three fillies climbed to their hooves, shaking their heads.

“Tailspin?” I suddenly noticed that Tailspin was no longer at my side, but instead by the side of the scooter's driver.

My son looked at her with concern, “Are you all right, Scootaloo?”

“I'm fine, I was too busy watching Rainbow Dash to pay attention to where I was going,” Scootaloo admitted sheepishly, as the other two fillies pushed righted their wagon.

When the yellow earth pony filly looked over at me her golden eyes grew wide with shock. “What’s wrong, Applebloom?” the white unicorn filly asked her, in a squeaky voice.

“Look at 'em, Sweetie Belle!” Applebloom replied, pointed at me. “He looks just like an grown up version of Private!”

I chuckled a little, “I should think so, after all, I am his father.”

All three fillies jaws dropped when I said that. I had left behind my suit jacket and anything else that would make me appear wealthy, not wanting to draw attention to myself. I guess looking almost exactly like the town detective didn’t help matters.

“Yer Tailspin’s dad?” Applebloom asked, inspecting me curiously.

“You never told us about your dad, Tailspin,” Sweetie Belle said, as my son rolled to my side.

“Well, we only met a few days ago,” He turned towards me. “Dad, this is Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo,” he said, gesturing to each filly in turn.

“We’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders!” the three fillies chorused.

I noticed of the four foals only Sweetie Belle had her cutie mark. I smiled at all three fillies, “I trust you’ve all been taking good care of my son since he moved here?”

“Uh huh,” Applebloom said, nodding vigorously.

“Especially Scootaloo,” Sweetie Belle said, with a sly glance towards the Pegasus.

“Shut up, Sweetie Belle!” her friend retorted, flapping her small wings in annoyance. Tailspin blushed noticeably at this, and I smiled to myself. Ah, young love.

As I looked on, a stallion, around my age with a slicked back black mane, walked by. At his side was a pink earth filly with a periwinkle mane and a tiara on her head. She said something to her father and walked towards the crashed fence. As soon as her father was out of earshot, she laughed at the small wreck the girls caused, and asked nastily, “Any of you get your cutie marks in crash landings?”

“Shut up, Diamond!” Applebloom retorted. “Ah still haven’t forgiven you 'bout Babs!”

“I’m so over your dumb cousin anyway,” Diamond said, rolling her eyes. “I should’ve figured you blank flanks would stick together.” She sniffed disdainfully.

“Ya forgot that one of us has her cutie mark,” Applebloom smirked, slapping Sweetie Belle on the back. Sweetie Belle stuck her tongue out at Diamond to add to the statement.

“Humph!” Diamond scoffed, then her blue eyes looked up at me, and she realized I heard every word she said…

“Sorry, mister!” Diamond said, not sounding the slightest bit sorry. “I didn’t see you there! My name is Diamond Tiara, daughter of the Rich family.”

“Rich?” No way! I walked past Diamond and called out to the earth pony, “That you, Filthy?”

“Irenius Eye?” Filthy Rich said, walking over to me. “What are you doing here?”

“Just taking my son to school,” I said, with a smile. “It’s been years since I last saw you.”

“I never thought I’d see you walking around in public,” Filthy laughed. “The rest of us were starting to worry that you'd become a total recluse.”

“Daddy?” Diamond said, walking up to her father. “How do you know this guy?”

“Diamond,” he pointed at me. “This is Irenius Adamus Eye, he and I went to prep school together.”

Diamond’s jaw dropped like a ton of bricks and she blurted out, “You’re Tailspin’s dad, but you're rich?”

“Yep!” Tailspin said proudly.

Diamond just stared dumbfounded at Tailspin. Filthy chuckled a little and looked at his watch, “Well, I have a meeting soon. It's nice seeing you again, Irenius.” Diamond followed her father babbling incoherently about the whole thing.

All three crusaders turned towards Tailspin, “When were ya gonna tell us about this?” Applebloom asked.

“I was going to tell you guys at lunch,” Tailspin replied, rubbed the back of his head, “but you came around before that happened.”

“I can’t believe you're rich,” Sweetie Belle said, as she shook her head. “You aren’t going to become snobby like Diamond are you?”

“No way,” Tailspin scoffed. “I’m still the same Tailspin.”

Scootaloo chimed in, “Diamond is just a spoiled brat. Tailspin knows you don’t make friends by flapping about bits.”

This Pegasus had a good head on her shoulders. The bell rang, and Tailspin looked up at me as the other fillies left for the school house, “Hey Dad, how long are you going to stay in Ponyville?”

I lowered my head to his level, and said solemnly, “For a while, I’m taking a little vacation time, but then I will have to go back to work. The reason I work so hard is because I want to give you and your brother a good life, and I'm building something for our family. Hopefully one day I can pass the family business down to you, son. ”

“All right,” he said, reluctantly, “just come back whenever you have time, okay?”

“Tailspin, I schedule my time around you and Preventus now,” I said, pulling him in for a hug, “not the other way around.”

He hugged me tight and I squeezed him back just as tight. Some parents were curious as to who was hugging Tailspin as they walked by, but I didn’t care. I had ten years of missed hugs to make up for, and pretty soon Tailspin would be too old to let me hug him in public. Finally he pulled away, and headed inside. As I waved goodbye, I realized it was hard to let him go. I wonder if Preventus felt like this…

I was standing there deciding where to head first when I heard a rumbling coming from behind me. I turned around, my eyes widening at the sight of a horde of pink bouncing my way shouting, "FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN!"

_________________________________________________________

Perspective: Private Eye

I followed the royal guards through the grounds of Canterlot Castle. The gardens seemed magical; they were so beautiful, and lush, filled with many species of plants and animals I’d never seen in real life before. I smiled, my nervousness temporarily forgotten, Luca would’ve loved to play in some of these bushes.

I was led to a small umbrella covered table where a pair of large, soft, purple cushions were laid out on the ground. I could only imagine they were for Celestia and I. One of the guards looked at me, his expression unmoving and announced, “Princess Celestia will join you shortly.”

“Thanks,” I said, taking a seat at the table as they left. I took a deep calming breath trying to prepare myself for this. Okay Private, You are going to speak with one of the most powerful mares in Equestria. No pressure, right? Damn it, I don’t even sound convincing in my narration.

I heard hoof steps and looked up to see her: I’d seen her pictures before, in the newspaper or on television, but I’ve never seen her close up. Not unless you're counting weird miasma flashbacks, which I'm not. The pictures didn’t do her justice. She was tall, with a coat of pure white that shone in the sunlight. Her mane was long and made of green, blue and pink colors. It flowed by itself, even in the still air. She carried herself with such a warm and dignified air, I felt almost dirty by comparison.

She sat down across the table from me, her violet eyes filled with warmth as she greeted me. “I’m happy to finally meet you face to face, Private Eye,” she said. Her tone was so sincere and soothing, that I felt a little of my fear slipping away.

I bowed my head in respect, “The feeling is mutual, Your Highness.” I lifted my head and smiled widely at her. “Twilight speaks often and well of you.”

She nodded approvingly, and repaid my compliment in kind. "Twilight seems to have chosen well. I do so like a well mannered pony.”

I just nodded, “I give respect where it’s due, Your Highness.”

“As you should,” she said with a warm smile. “Now, what are you hungry for?”

My stomach chose that moment to growl. I blushed in embarrassment as she chuckled. "I’m not picky, Your Highness, I’ll just have whatever you're having.”

“Very well,” she said, gesturing towards a nearby servant to fulfill the task. She then turned her attention back to me. “The reason I brought you here is to give you a chance to ask some of the questions I'm sure you must have.”

“I gathered that from the letter,” I said.

“Then ask what is on your mind,” she said, her violet eyes fixed on me intently.

“How did I become an Element of Harmony?” I asked slowly. “I don’t remember learning anything about an Element of Tenacity from any textbook.”

“That’s because it isn't in any Equestrian textbook,” she explained. “It would be in a Crystal Empire textbook. The original bearers of the Elements of Harmony were six ponies. A male and female of each race, you know them as Adamus and Evona the first earth ponies, Izanagi and Izanami the first unicorns and finally Askus and Emblem the first pegasi. What history won’t tell you as that there was a seventh pony that survived a terrible tragedy, long before Equestria was even founded.”

She looked directly at me, “That unicorn, received the Element of Tenacity, an element capable of empowering the other elements.

“I’ve had this element without knowing about it?” I asked. “Why wasn’t I ever told about it?”

“The lines of the bearers were lost throughout the ages,” Celestia explained. “I haven’t had a need to use the elements since,” she got quiet for a second, “since Nightmare Moon.”

I nodded in understanding, “So, you didn’t know who would wield the elements when they returned?”

“Oh, I had my suspicions,” Celestia said, with a small smile. “I knew that Twilight was the Element of Magic simply after witnessing her abilities when first we met.”

“What about the others?” I asked.

“They came to together because as the Elements of Harmony are bound together by fate,” she explained. “I had expected one more to show up though, you.”

“Discord arranged otherwise,” I concluded, “through the murder of my mother.”

“Indeed,” she said, closing her eyes. “I am sorry for your loss, from what I’ve heard she was a good mare.”

“She was,” I said, smiling as I thought of her. Then another question occurred to me. "If the element was lost, how did you find me when Big Mac’s case came around?”

“I never said I arranged that,” Celestia said, raising an eyebrow.

“You didn’t need to,” I explained. “I came to the conclusion myself after the last case. It was just too much of a coincidence, me coming to Ponyville. You must have arranged it so I would end up there.”

“Not at first,” Celestia said. “In the beginning I wanted to see if you really were Tenacity, but I didn't manipulate the events. I only found out about you from that vice case three years ago, but you went under the radar, becoming a private detective. When Tangerio was murdered I asked Shinebadge to find you, and you passed the test with flying colors.”

“So that was a test?” I asked. “To see if I was the element?”

“Yes,” she smiled a little. “I wish it would’ve been better circumstances, but it brought you out of obscurity. Had I known where to find you earlier, I would’ve approached you personally.”

I had been making a lot of effort not to be found for the first year, after the vice case. I just didn’t want to deal with the police anymore. However, after a year in hiding I decided to become a private detective. I guess after doing that for a few years, I earned enough of a reputation for Shinebadge and Celestia to find me.

I decided to change the subject, and asked, “So, my element is a way to supercharge the other elements?”

“Yes,” she replied. “Originally the Element was used as a failsafe. Should one of the elements fall to corruption, the other elements would use Tenacity to overpower the corrupted one.”

“Theoretically,” I asked, “what would've happened if Tenacity was present when Nightmare Moon returned?”

Celestia’s eyes closed, “Nightmare Moon would never have possessed Luna again.”

“I’m sorry for bringing that up,” I said, my ears flattening.

“Don’t fret,” she said reassuringly. “Let’s move on, shall we.”

I looked over as a servant laid a slice of cake in front of me. I was about to take a bite when I noticed they also put a rather large piece of cake in front of Celestia. The Princess was visibly sweating, as if temptation was trying to seize her.

“Are you all right Your Highness?” I asked, looking at her with concern.

“Chocolate… so delicious,” she said, her hoof shaking a little. “Must resist, can’t… must DEVOUR!”

Just then Celestia opened her mouth wide and bit into the cake with carnivorous vigor. My grey eyes grew wide as the Princess of the sun gorged on the cake. Holy hay! That Gabby Gums article wasn’t lying!

Celestia, realizing what she did, gasped, eliciting a loud giggle from a nearby bush. Celestia frowned and fired a bolt of magic into the bushes. Luna suddenly appeared, grabbing her zapped flank and laughing loudly. Celestia was fuming. “Luna!” she snapped.

“Forgive me sister!” Luna said, trying to contain her laughter. “I saw the leftover cake and I couldn’t resist!” she broke into fits of laughter.

Celestia wiped her mouth with a napkin and looked over at me, “I apologize for my sister; she does have a certain,” she paused, glaring at her sister, “mischievous side I don’t always appreciate.”

Luna flew off, still giggling, before Celestia could fire another bolt of magic. That’s, when I started to laugh a little. Celestia looked at me, the corner of her mouth twitching, “What’s so funny, Private?”

“Just,” I said, taking a breath "it’s interesting to see that the Princess of Equestria isn’t so different from a normal mare.”

“That’s a problem a lot of my subjects seem to have,” Celestia said, a little sadly. “They just can’t seem to learn to relax around me. It’s as though they think I’ll banish them to the moon for not bowing low enough.”

I blushed recalling my earlier thoughts, and hastily changed the subject. “Luna seems to be doing better,” I pointed out.

“She’s almost back to being her old self now,” Celestia said with a smile, looking up towards a tower with a large telescope on it. I imagined that’s where Luna slept. “You helped her get there, I thank you for that, Detective.”

“It’s an honor to serve”, I said, bowing my head in respect. “I just do my job and try to keep everypony safe.”

“Now, let’s enjoy the rest of our meal, hopefully without any further interruptions,” Celestia said, eyeing my slice of cake.

I smiled at her and nodded, pulling my plate closer.

__________________________________________________________

Perspective: Irenius Eye

Apparently, I wasn’t the only pony overrun by a bunch of Pinkies. The whole town had gathered in front of the library to deal with the situation. Apparently, Pinkie Pie had gotten an idea in her head to clone herself. I didn’t think that the Mirror Pool actually existed. Then again, my son turned out to be an Element of Harmony, so what do I know?

Throughout the whole incident I watched as Preventus’ marefriend handled the situation. She actually used Pinkie’s personality to find out which clones were real or not. I guess in hindsight it was a little obvious the real Pinkie was the one who was sulking about everypony being mad at the clones. I suppose thoroughness was necessary in this kind of situation, however.

After everything died down I decided to pay Preventus’ intended a visit. As I stood at the library doors, I couldn’t help but think it seemed cruel to store books in a tree. I wondered if I was overanalyzing due to exhaustion, after having to run for my life from the pink horde.

I knocked on the door, and when it opened I was greeted by a strange sight. A baby dragon with purple scales and a green set of spines running down his back was looking up at me, “Hey, you must be Irenius Eye, right?”

“Yes, and you are?”

“I’m Spike! Number 1 assistant to Twilight Sparkle!” he exclaimed proudly, pointing to himself.

Well, this was most unusual. You never hear of dragons being assistants to anything, other than their own greed and appetites. I just gave him a small smile, “Well Spike, is Miss Sparkle in right now?”

“She’s in the back,” he replied, stepping aside. “Why don’t you come in and make yourself comfortable while I get her.”

I entered the library, amazed at how organized everything was. It was a little unnerving to be honest. Sparrow and I’s work areas were always so cluttered and unorganized. I was tempted to knock a few books off a shelf, just to break this picture of perfect organization.

“Can I help you with something?” I heard a voice behind me.

I turned and there stood Twilight. We'd actually met before, but this was in a much more casual setting. Her violet eyes slowly widened as she realized who I was, “Oh, hello, Mr. Eye.”

“It’s a pleasure to see you again,” I said, smiling warmly. "I was disappointed we never really had a chance to talk last time we met.”

“I-I,” she was obviously nervous about her coltfriend’s father dropping by unannounced. “I’m uh, glad to see you under better circumstances.”

“No need to be nervous,” I smiled reassuringly at her. “I’m only here to get to know the mare my son is head over hooves for.”

“Can I,” she smiled nervously, “Can I offer you some tea?”

___________________________________________________________

Perspective: Private Eye

We chatted casually as we enjoyed a relaxing lunch. Celestia spent most of it asking basic questions about myself, and my family. We'd gotten around to the subject of Tailspin as we finished our lunch.

“Everything I do is for my little brother,” I explained to the Princess. “He's one of the main reasons I became a detective in the first place.”

“Your dedication is admirable,” the white Alicorn said, smiling at me. “I’ve known very few ponies willing to sacrifice so much for their siblings. It comes to my mind that you’ve never asked for a reward for your trouble.” She sounded a little guilty.

“Aside from my basic fee, I don’t care much for rewards," I explained. “I don’t want to burden anypony by making them take out a loan on their house to pay me.”

“No reward you say?” Celestia’s asked, her smile slowly turned mischievous…

“Like I said,” I answered, “I just ask for my fee, nothing else.” I took a huge gulp of the delicious lemonade the servant had brought me.

“Not even my faithful student’s hoof in marriage?”

I choked, and coughed, lemonade spraying out of my mouth. “Marry Twilight?” I managed to gasp out.

Celestia laughed. “Twilight had the same reaction when I suggested it to her! I see love truly is in bloom!”

“Pr-Princess,” I glowed crimson, as I wiped some of the lemonade off my face.

“Forgive me,” she said, her laughter dying down. “I’m just happy to see my faithful student found her special somepony.”

I started imagining myself standing across from Twilight, saying vows, riding off together, and of course, our wedding night…

Celestia saw my expression and I blushed even brighter as she laughed good-naturedly, “I never thought I’d see the day when Twilight would put the books down long enough to find her special somepony, but I am glad I was worried for nothing.”

“Then, you approve of us?” I asked shyly, rubbing the back of my head.

“Certainly, though remember, Private,” she said, smirking at me, “If you even think about breaking my student’s heart, I know a nice vacation spot on the moon.”

She wouldn’t really banish me to the moon. Would she?

I sighed looking at my watch. “I should get back to Ponyville, Tailspin will need to be picked up from school by the time I get back. I hate to leave so suddenly, Princess.”

“Not at all, Private,” she stood and walked beside me, showing me way out of the garden. “I’m happy to have had some time to chat with you, you’ve proven to be an interesting element.”

“I live to protect and serve,” I answered proudly.

“May you continue to do so,” she said, as I was escorted out of the castle. I couldn’t help but notice her expression. She looked so sad to see me leave. Was it simply because of loneliness? No, it was different. Like, her expression was…almost nostalgic.

Weird…

_____________________________________________________________

Perspective: Irenius

“Then we discovered Preventus with Sapphire’s gems. He was sucking on it like a giant rock candy,” Twilight and I laughed loudly.

“I’m just trying to picture Private looking at you with big eyes.” Twilight imitated baby Preventus, “Daddy, can I keep the tasty rock?”

We laughed again, for the past couple hours I’ve had the most enjoyable conversation with this mare. We talked mostly about Preventus and his younger days. Twilight was able to hold up her end of the conversation. I was surprised to find such an intelligent mare living way out here in Hick- I mean Ponyville.

“Preventus sure is something,” Twilight said, wistfully.

My eyes grew wide, and she looked at me curiously, “What’s wrong?”

“Preventus throws a fit every time somepony called him by that. At least he did when he was younger,” I explained. “He only let Sparrow and I call him by that name.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said, putting a hoof over her mouth. “It just slipped out.”

“It’s fine,” I reassured her. “I’m just not used to hearing anypony else calling him by that name.”

“That’s something I’ve wanted to ask you,” Twilight’s said, her violet eyes looking at me curiously. “Why doesn't he like anypony else using his real name?”

“I think it was because he thought it was unique,” I speculated. “Sparrow picked out his name. She wanted his name to be something nopony else would have. I think that’s why Preventus felt so attached to the name.”

“He said he'd let me call him that,” Twilight mused, half to herself.

“If he let you call him Preventus,” I smiled, “it means he cares for you a great deal.”

Twilight blushed at the thought and smiled shyly, “Well, we have worked together for a long time.”

“I’m happy that Preventus has found a mare as intelligent and beautiful as yourself. It gives me hope for the future,” I said.

“You raised a good son,” Twilight complimented. “I don’t know where we’d be without each other.”

Just then we both heard somepony open the door. Preventus came in looking tired from the train ride back from Canterlot. He walked past me and smiled lovingly at Twilight, “Don’t worry about anything, Celestia just wanted to chat. Nopony is getting banished to the moon.”

“Well, that’s good to hear,” I said.

“Hey dad,” he said, and then he realized both Twilight and I were in the same room. “DAD?”

“Well, I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop by and see the mare my son can’t stop talking about,” I said teasingly.

“Dad!” Preventus blushed bright red, Twilight giggled a little behind her hooves.

“Thank you for the wonderful tea,” I said, getting up from the table. “We should go and pick up Tailspin from school.”

“It was nice talking to you,” Twilight said, still smiling as Preventus and I walked out.

________________________________________________________

Perspective: Private Eye

“I can’t believe you told her the Sapphire story!” I exclaimed. “I was two at the time!”

“I know,” my dad said, chuckling “That didn’t make it any less funny.”

“What am I going to do with you?” I asked, rolling my eyes.

Dad stopped for a second and looked at me. “It has been a while since we talked like this.”

“It has,” I said slowly, “not since mom.”

Dad decided to change the subject, “Twilight is a wonderful mare, Private, definitely the type of mare I'd have in mind for you. Intelligent, beautiful, and capable, all qualities to admire in a mare.”

“I guess I struck gold,” I said, blushing. “I’m lucky to have her.”

“I hope to get to know her better,” he suddenly smirked. “I’ll need to talk about grandchildren with her soon.”

“DAD!”

______________________________________________________________

Perspective: Princess Celestia

“How was the conversation with Private?” Luna asked, as we walked the halls of Canterlot Castle together. Dusk and dawn we always my favorite times of the day, since I got to spend time with my little sister then.

“Enlightening,” I said, thoughtfully. “I believe he’s an honorable stallion and a proper Element of Tenacity.”

“Sister,” she turned her dark head towards me. “Something is troubling you, I can feel it.”

“Yes,” I closed my eyes. “My dreams have been plagued by visions to come. I fear dark times are ahead for Equestria.”

“We'll need to involve the Elements, won't we?” Luna asked gravely.

“I’m afraid so,” I looked to the new stained glass window, recently constructed to tell of the Elements defeat of Discord. “With Private awoken as the seventh element, dark forces will try and lay claim to this land.”

“Then we shall face it!” Luna thundered, with a mighty stomp. “We need not involve the Elements in a war we started!”

“Luna, don't let the fact he looks like Nocturne blind you from what must be done,” I cautioned. “This war may be of our making, but in order to end it the Elements must truly master their elements. The next few months will test them like never before.”

“But Tia,“ Luna tried to protest.

“Luna!” I yelled, maybe a little too forcefully, “This is how it has to be.”

“Do not pretend you aren’t worried about them!” Luna fired back. “I saw the look in your eyes when Private was revealed to be the Element! You don’t want to cast this burden on an innocent! You want that cursed element around his neck as much as I do!”

I turned away from my sister, and looked stoically at the setting sun.

“Sister, I’m sorry I brought it up.”

“The Crystal Empire is going to return this winter,” I said firmly. “I saw it in my dream, Twilight will be tested there.”

“What of Private and the others?” Luna asked, standing beside me.

“The time will come when they too must face the inevitable. Luna, I want you to venture to the forbidden section of the library, and look up everything we have on the Elements.”

“Even the hidden volumes?” Luna asked somberly.

“No source is useless at this point,” I affirmed. “We’ve spent over two thousand years with the elements on this planet. Somepony must have studied them in that time.”

“I will, and what will you be doing?” she asked.

“I,” I looked down, “I’ll guard the night while you are busy.”

“Tia,” Luna said softly, gently nuzzling me on the neck, “know that I’m always here for you.”

I nuzzled my little sister back, “I’m so happy to have you back, I don’t think I say that often enough.”

“The fact you are willing to say it once is enough for me,” Luna replied, spreading her wings and flying into the night. My thoughts turned to several centuries ago…

__________________________________________________________

Prometheus.

Mom look what I made!

That’s wonderful, such a beautiful statue.

I made it out of the crystals in this valley!

It looks so lifelike.

That’s because…

Did it just move now?

Yeah mom! Meet Aria, she’s a crystal pony.

This is amazing, Prometheus! She’s alive!

Watch this! Aria move forward.

She moved…

I can make her do all sorts of things!

You…

Mom, what’s wrong?

Prometheus, You have no idea what you’re doing!

I thought you’d like her…

Prometheus, you have to give her free will.

But mom, If I do that than she won’t want to be my friend anymore!

You don’t know that, son. Free her now!

No…

What?

I won't let you take her!

Prometheus…

She loves me! She said so!

Only because you didn’t give her a choice.

I knew you wouldn’t understand! You’ve never loved me like the others.

Don’t be ridiculous, I love you as much as the others!

Maybe if you’ve given me a mate like the others…

You’re acting childish, Prometheus, you obviously aren't ready for a mate. You’re leaving this playground of yours behind and coming home!

I’m not going back!

But Prometheus…

You just want me to play second fiddle to the others, well I'm not doing that anymore. Here I am strong, and I'm in charge!

Prometheus…

Mom what are you doing!?

What should be done Prometheus…

Stay away from her!

________________________________________________________________

Prometheus, even these days your ghost haunts me.

Your power has forsaken you for another. It’s my own fault for this occurring. Maybe if I did not favor you so much. Maybe…

But the time has past for maybes and what ifs.

Now I must atone for the mistakes that have occurred. Sadly, it will take somepony else to do so.

I’m always putting others in danger it seems. My faithful student, Luna, and now a simple unicorn whom destiny decided to shackle to.

Dark forces will come for you Private Eye. They will try and take back what was stolen from them.

There will be blood…