Author's Note

I am very sorry for not writing chapters. I have been busy with studying in college. Because there are so many things that are on the line this semester, I don't think I'll be uploading that many chapters until all of the work is done. Sorry but I'm too busy with all of my schoolwork maintaining friendships and the such. So for what it's worth, have fun, you crazy fucks.

Chapter 26

Blueblood approached the podium, silence filled the room. There were no flashes, or exclamations for attention and questions, just the silence of a thousand curious and scared citizens of Canterlot.

As he stood behind his large wooden podium, the microphone at his mouth and ready to voice his words, he paused to think. This was the very first time in his life as a prince, as an icon of leadership, where he has had to make a statement that could seriously change the way he and every pony lived around him. To him, it felt as though the world was resting upon his back, and Atlas had the fate of everyone he cared for balancing on this one speech. He looked into the eyes of one mare, her bright green eyes, her small complexity, she was scared and curious. In her eyes, she watched as the stallion with all the right ideas prepared to make his next big speech. In Blueblood's mind, he was as scared as her, if not more.

Blueblood cleared his throat, looking at the rest of the crowd as he spoke in monotone, "Fillies and Gentlecolts, as many of you are aware, terrorists attacked the Royal Diner last night, causing a great deal in damage to the building. As of now, there are no fatalities that were caused by this event but there have been reported injuries."

The crowd of reporters began to roar with questions, all begging the attention of the Prince before he raised his hoof to silence them. As the crowd quickly dulled down the volume, Blueblood resumed, "For now, all residents must remain indoors until the Princesses, Celestia and Luna, make a decision later today."

Once again, the sea of ponies began to shout out their questions, the prince picked one of the colts at the front of the crowd who immediately asked, "Some witnesses say that you were injured in this attack, is this true?"

Blueblood simply shook his head, "I stand before you, I am not hurt at all."

Another mare asked the prince, "While the princesses have ideas and plans of their own, what do you suggest we do?"

Blueblood was prepared to answer, but stopped before he could say anything. He was stumped, he had no plan. His eyes began to dart around the audience before focusing on a tree where something peculiar rested on one of the branches. It was Anthro, watching over the prince as he made his speech, all he did was nod towards the prince as though to signal something. Blueblood could see hope in Anthro's eyes, as though he were encouraging him without making noise, pushing him to do the right thing for once.

So for the first time in Blueblood's career in the public, he spoke his heart, "I don't have a plan," the crowd immediately began to roar in confusion, fear, and hundreds of questions before he resumed, "I don't have a plan, and I am scared. But that doesn't mean I am without hope, without faith in the dawn coming after the darkest of the night. Whether we are in the darkest of the night now, or the worst is yet to come, the dawn always comes eventually. A special pony, one that I keep close to my heart, was the one pony to suffer severe injuries. She's out there, listening to me, just like all of you and I will do whatever I can to bring forth the dawn. This attacker wanted to put fear in our hearts, but what this terrorist doesn't know is that the love we here in Canterlot feel burns strong, and together we will overcome anything. Lyra, if you're listening, have hope. Pray, dear fillies and gentle colts, for the future may turn for the worst. Until then and forever more, I stand without fear, and so should all of you."

Blueblood simply stepped back from the podium, refusing to answer further questions. As he made his way off the stage, he looked towards the trees to see that Anthro had disappeared.