Regression from Mind

Twilight rushed past ponies with determination.

She was trying to piece everything together, yet didn't have much to go off of.

Mind. New ruler. Royal, apparently. Celestia/Luna are babies...for the time being? Why wasn't Shining's words on this subject sent to her? Surely, if something so alarming were to happen by magical means, then Shining would know to call upon her? Right?!

…

Well, he could expect a few choice words from her soon enough.

As Twilight busied herself with sorting through her thoughts, she also managed to not trip or bump into anypony in her path. Amazingly.

A headache slowly formed as she kept up the mental effort of trying to piece evidence from thin air. And, the whistle sounding off of the departing train didn't help!

...Wait, the whistle?

Oh, the whistle!

She now realized the train was departing, and kicked it into high gear.

Twilight wanted to teleport ahead of the crowds, but couldn't find a spot to reappear in.

Twilight breathed in, as if ready to take a dive into a lake. Then, phased as she charged forward. It was really unusual to go directly through ponies. Objects like walls and floors weren't so off-putting. Being that was what the spell was meant for, the only real discomfort was not being able to breathe for a few seconds from traveling through pure solids.

Ponies, on the other hoof, were such a discomfort.

Their organs could be felt pulsing and moving as they calmly strolled on, which sent shivers down Twilight's whole form. And, she closed her eyes to not get visions of random ponies' insides.

Very odd sights to behold.

Finally, after running out of the mass of bodies, she ended up at the train station's entrance steps.

Unphasing for a minute to throw a couple bits on the counter, she hurriedly cast a second Phasing spell to blow past the locked threshold.

The ticket-seller demanded Twilight stop still, shouting how it was against safety regulations to just hop a train as it left the station. He would have given chase, yet Twilight had already jumped into the last passenger car.

The train gained speed, chugging down the rails with nopony the wiser.

She decided to let her spells and thoughts cool off for a little while.

Twilight lounged in a back seat, understanding more would be known soon enough.

Twilight didn't know what to do!

She was at the castle gates, yet nopony was around. Usually, they would be in plain view, ready to just let her in. Usually. Right now?

Nowhere to be seen.

Twilight sat at the golden bars, and stayed waiting patiently.

...Until she couldn't take it anymore after an hour, and felt the desire to give phasing another go.

Right when her body went fully see-through, a Pegasus guard swooped down to scare the living daylights out of her!

Well, speak to her, actually.

He frowned behind the bars, not bowing or caring to show respect, “Hello, Miss Sparkle. Didn't expect you today. Any reason for you to have come?”

She flinched when he landed without warning, then brought out a blast of anger on him for his late arrival, “Why is it you decide now to show up?! I have been here for so long I was about to let myself in!”

He tilted his head, declaring with a brash attitude, “You were about to break in. Let's be honest. Illegally break in. All because you weren't patient.”

Twilight forgot/ignored his comments to pursue the new attire he wore, "Uh...what are you wearing? Your armor is radically different."

His suit was of mainly gray color and white trim. Black swirls painted the sides of the helmet and chestplate. A visor hid his facial expressions aside from his mouth, which held a deep scowl.

He bickered as he replied, “Oh, no. Please, completely disregard what I've said about you planning on breaking into the castle. Since you only give a damn about the facts, that's what I'll give. Mind -- our current leader -- had us change our attire to better protect us than generations-old armor. And, it has some tech features that are pretty...well, nice.”

“No, no. Why is this Mind allowed to do such a thing? If Celestia and Luna are foals until a counter-spell is performed, then why is he given permission to alter army attire?! It's been unchanged for years. It should have stayed that way-”

“Simple. Guy's not into traditions. Finds our old uniforms ineffective. It's true. I can't deny that our old uniforms were more decorative than protective.”

“Okay. That does make some sense. But, what other changes has he done?!”

“Not saying.”

“N-not saying?! What?! Why not?!”

“Oh, like you have any actual authority over me. I don't have to answer anything. You're lucky I even showed up! And, even more lucky I don't put you under arrest for attempted breaking-and-entering!”

“I must know what's going on-”

“Do I report to you?! Do I?! No, I am pretty sure I don't. You're just Celestia's little plot-kisser. And, my only job's to let ponies in. Those that aren't a threat. Which you could be. Don't know. You seem capable of anything, really.”

Twilight's eye twitched.

Her horn lit up, and she gave him a small demonstration of the capability of Celestia's little plot-kisser.

…

He submitted as the blood rushed to his head as he was held upside down, “Okay okay! I'll let you in!”

Twilight thanked him for his cooperation, releasing the rude pony.

When he could think clearly again, he demanded, “I'll let you in. Just...stick behind me when we're inside. No disappearing off.”

Mind lounged in a stylish violet chair, front hooves on its soft arms.

He was right in the middle of a business deal, "I can get you the blueprints.”

The visiting pony thought of the deal, rubbing the back of his head.

The air of concentration broke within the conference room when the entry-guard stuck his head in the room, announcing, “Mind, another pony stopped by for you.”

Mind thought over the unexpected drop-in, then said to both ponies as if he already anticipated the arrival, “Ah, they've arrived. Another businesspony. Must be the...fourth today?”

The present visitor gulped, showing signs of worry over his ability to reign in a knock-out deal.

Great! Now, I would be lucky to get half of the compensation I wanted!

Giving the applicant time to become over-stressed, Mind motioned for the conversation to be done for now, "We can reschedule the rest of this meeting for tonight. The butler down the hall will lend you a place to stay here if you have my permission, of which you do. Enjoy. And, I hope you think things over. It would be in your...best interest to.”

Nodding tensely, the businesspony ducked out, rattled by the realization Mind had invited over competitors so close to his own interview.

Bad day for him. Terrible, by the looks.

The gatekeeper shook his head when the pony disappeared from view, impressed by the lie brought out on the spot, “Must admit, that was very sharp. Didn't expect the turn that went, sir.”

Mind determined the lie he formed would benefit him only if the pony didn't resign out of fear he was in a losing battle, “Yes. Very good of me. Also, very good for the royal checkbook. As long as...my guest doesn't just skip out from the belief he is beaten by ponies that I never even called.”

Abandoning it for the moment, Mind concerned himself with the incoming un-invitee, “I'll leave it be for now. Send whoever desires to chat in. Don't want them kept waiting.”

Twilight followed the guard inside, and Mind got up from his spot to be cordial. The guard stood in the middle of the two, gathering Twilight might try to get in Mind's ponysal space soon enough.

Mind already knew from the mare's facial expression that she would be difficult to deal with.

He started off, "Hello, Miss…?"

She studied him silently for a moment before slipping out, “Twilight Sparkle. You?”

“I am Mind, Miss Sparkle. Temporary ruler of your great country. And, since the guards allowed you entrance on such short notice, I am to believe you are of...some high status within the government?”

“...Well, no. I am...actually Celestia's student. And, I am here to-”

“Hold. Student...of?”

“Magic. Friendship. Whichever you prefer.”

“Not...politics?”

“...N-no.”

“Then, I am confused. Because what came to my mind was that you were here to challenge my position. Yet, as it doesn't involve...friendship or magic, then I am left in the dark.”

“I just came by to check on the princesses since they are somehow...babies? And, to speak with my brother on the subject.”

“Your brother?”

“Shining Armor. Captain of the Royal Guard.”

“Really? Seems you have family and allies in high places. I am very surprised you aren't in politics, then. Most tend to be, with so correlative circumstances. Most.”

“I do, don't I? Um...coincidental? A-anyways, can I...just speak to my brother real quick? I will be back right away. After he and I talk, I will. I mean. You know, because I would like to get a little insight into how you were chosen to lead Equestria.”

“...No.”

“No? Why can't I?”

“It's...complicated.”

“Complicated? What could possibly be so complicated about me just being able to talk with him?!”

“Now, now. Calm down. He is safe. Just...busy.”

“Doing what?”

Mind didn't like the look in the mare's eyes. She seemed...ready to strike. Just like her brother. Good thing the guard's in her way.

He'd be able to knock her out before she could even bring her horn in their direction.

...Perhaps the truth would set him free from having to use the guard. Would be a shame to have an enemy of somepony gifted enough to be Celestia's student.

Mind tested out honesty, motioning to the guard to be prepared if her response was violent, “Miss Sparkle, your brother is a foal. Cut down in the line of duty, in which I mean age-wise. Now-”

Twilight's eyes shrank to pin-size in shock, “H-he is?!”

“Yes. He is-”

“Then, I really must see him!”

“No, we have already discussed this. I will not let you-”

“Why not? Tell me exactly why I can't see him. I want to help.”

Dammit.

Any excuse Mind could pull would be wasted on this emotional mare. She even walked in with a war-raising look. His lie to the reporters might not have been so useful on her.

Such a waste of talent. If Celestia had found something useful in the mare, Mind would definitely have wanted it. Would've been nice for the near future.

Yet, Celestia always did have as many loyal friends as powerful enemies.

So, Mind had only one option, which he told with discontent, “Guard, give her a room. Make sure it is a nice stay here for her. With all that this castle has to offer. Including a squad of soldiers posted in her quarters.”

The guard tackled Twilight before she could escape. Then, brought her up at spear point as he instructed her to begin the walk to a room he had in mind. One with guards stationed on the way to its end.

Mind shook his head, then leaned against the chair as he discarded this new memory.

After an entire day of Celestia keeping silent on Mind, she finally decided to reveal what she knew. Although she was about to fill them in yesterday before Mind's meet with the reporters, she had thought it over once getting back to the crib. Not finding it beneficial to tell Luna and Shining then, she kept a tight lip on the matter.

Until...she couldn't take their constant whining for his history anymore.

They grew tired last night, and their last words before going to sleep were on the subject.

In the damn morning, they bucking woke her up! And, went right back where they had left off the previous night!

So, she gave up. She shut them up by beginning her story.

...

Celestia finished her story on Mind, “So, he turned into a villain. Always hoped he would take after his mother, instead of his father.”

Luna voiced her opinion on the subject, “Hm. The father sounded like he was crazy. You let him that close?”

“I didn't know. Nopony knew. I don't even think his wife knew.

Shining had to ask, the question heavily on his mind, “Well...what happened, Celestia? You...never finished. What happened that day? Feels like you skipped over some crucial parts. And, the bits you did give were holding back a lot on details.”

Celestia only glanced at the ground, speaking with the upmost authority, “I gave you everything I felt needed to be said. What happened in the past should stay in the past. I'm not going deeper into it. I will never go into it. Not ever. You are both lucky I even went as far as I did.”

“Alright. Alright, understood. Sorry. Just...wondering.”

“I just...don't wish to speak on it.”

Luna suggested a subject everypony could openly speak about, “Perhaps we should give finding a way out of here another try? Wouldn't hurt.”

Celestia's head was so low her words were only slightly audible, “Yeah. Let's try that again.”

Twilight stopped walking, not budging an inch before requesting, "I am a citizen of Equestria, and, as such, have the right-"

The guard kicked her in the plot, sending her on her way again as he demanded, “You have the right to remain silent. Honestly, just remain silent. You're not going to say anything that can get you out of here. No talking. Keep walking. Or, you get another kick. Deal?”

Twilight did as she was told, knowing her chance to escape would come soon.

A few more hallways later, they were entering Twilight's room.

Well...Twilight was shoved in the room, and the guard just chuckled when she fell to the ground.

Plenty of eyes upon her, yet not a single one willing to help her to her hooves.

She got up, dusted herself off, gave a peeved look at the squad of troops keeping her prisoner, then sat on the actually beautiful bed.

Room was decorated with the standard arrangements for a guest at the castle, which would have been very well-recieved...except for the fact she was no guest. She was a prisoner.

Well-secured one at that.

Believing her to not be much of a threat, the guards took rounds on watching her.

Left side currently stared at her, almost motionlessly besides the occasional clearing of throats or cracking of the neck.

The other half just passed time by playing cards.

One of them set down his bet, saying he would put five on the guard to his side since he always cheated.

The one thought of as a cheat asked the guard to the far right if he believed the claim.

Once responded with an unaccepted remark, he targeted the other side to guage the room's thoughts on the subject, “Who el-se here thinks I'm a damn cheater?!”

The on-watch soldiers relaxed, looking to the card-players with a mixture of emotions. The middle one shrugged, mentioning how he beats everypony he faces.

Both ponies at his side laughed a little. The superior look on the mid-lookout died, and he struck an aggressive stance.

Then, the arguments began.

The stallions couldn't stop arguing it seemed, getting in each other's faces after more insults entered the picture.

Twilight noticed a real lack in their ability to keep on task. Maybe they had become less coordinated without Shining's guidance? Probably so.

Seeing this chance, she sneaked past them with tiphooves.

At the entrance, she lightly pushed it open. Kind of odd it was never closed entirely.

Then, it dawned on her in the hallway.

...Dammit.

The guard at the doorway had slipped outside while the rest fought.

He had a spear just an inch from touching her throat, suggesting, “Twilight, want to go back in with my friends? Or, make a wrong move, and they'll get to see what used to be Twilight Sparkle real soon. You're smart, so I'll give you just a second to think on it.”

Twilight's breathing slowed, visibly shaken at how close the weapon was to giving her a new air hole, “C-could we talk about it?”

“Nope. Either go inside, or I have some unfortunate maid be tasked with cleaning up the mess.”

Twilight complied with his orders for the third time, turning right back around to the entrance.

Then, was marched into the confines of her comfy prison once more.

The on-point guard alerted his fellow soldiers, “Listen up! She almost escaped, so shut this little falling-out down!!!”

Twilight walked faintly ahead of the guard and his spear as he screamed orders. When the feuding ponies finally were grabbed by his words, Twilight immediately whirled towards her escape.

She levitated the pony blocking her up before he stabbed her, then launched him back to his patrol for revenge. The ponies were all knocked off their hooves, giving Twilight the time needed to run for her life.

…

Twilight had managed to keep herself out of the hunting path by phasing past several hallways until the hoofsteps were dead. They would return not long after though, considering Unicorns also were apart of the search party.

She had ran out of magic as this deadly hide-and-seek game progressed, thankfully after the silence lasted the longest.

Yet, just when Twilight sighed in relief, she had to suck it up as somepony approached on her location.

Whoever being only in the next hallway, she thought of the only way to save herself.

Hugging the corner, she prepared to strike with a punch. Hopefully, she would be lucky enough to land them into dreamland.

Worst option, run while they regained their senses until her magic fully recovered.

The clueless pony rounded the corner, and Twilight tried to strike them.

...

Mind easily defended himself, tossing Twilight magically into the hallway he had just passed.

Both then noticed who they just fought and what just happened.

Mind stood a bit away from Twilight as she lay on the floor. They stared at each other for a few seconds.

Wondering, Mind thought on why Twilight tried to hit him, “You escaped my guards. That was my fault for not having more posted. Your fault is trying to physically punch me, Celestia's student. Of magic. ”

Then, he realized it with opened eyes, “You don't have any magic right now. You used it all up escaping them, didn't you?”

How nice.

Relaxing, he offered her the option of surrender, “I give you one chance. One chance to live with a hundred percent certainty. You are very useful to Celestia. Meaning you are just as useful to me. So, I will let you live. And, learn from me. You just have to trust I am not your enemy. And, when everything gets rebuilt, you will no longer be the student. You will be the teacher. The mare to help bring in a nation where ponies are no longer held back by silly traditions. Where progression is more important. Where if your lead benefits more than it hurts, you will be chosen. Not by being born and raised into it.”

Twilight listened to Mind's speech, just letting him talk and talk while her magic restored a bit more. Then, she got up from the ground to bolt.

Mind rolled his eyes as she ran off, “Not the best option when at a disadvantage. It's your choice, though. Just the worst kind you could make.”

Then, he teleported after her.