Dysphoria, Arc 5: Equestria

by thedarkprep

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Original Character, Discord
Length: 67689

Evening Rose has been chosen to lead a movement that will change Equestria forever. She will travel to each city as she argues for her cause, with the knowldge that her actions could very well change everything.

Following the Summer Breeze trial, Rose finds herself packing and preparing.

Along with the Equestrian Equality Envoy, Rose will travel through Equestria, arguing for her cause. However, when she finds that her actions could have an even greater impact than anticipated, Rose must make a choice.

What would you sacrifice for change? Equestria itself?

This story follows the events of Dysphoria, Arc 1: Introductions, Arc 2: Ponyville, Arc 3: Canterlot, and Arc 4: Summer Breeze.

This story is now finished, but I've got something you might be interested in: Dysphoria, Arc 0: Octavia

Published 2013-05-13 21:10:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-06-14 23:42:31 UTC

2. Canterlot (Stop 1)

2. Canterlot (Stop 1)

“I am coming with you and that’s final!”

“I’m sorry Ms. Pie, but you are not!”

Steam filled the atmosphere as air escaped the train’s engine in sharp hisses. The hisses themselves joined the rumbling of the engine in a loud duet, which sadly did nothing to muffle or distract from the argument taking place at the station platform between a pink coated mare and blue coated stallion.

A group of ponies surrounded them, watching the scene with mild amusement, and within this group Rose found herself struggling to make a choice.

“On the one hoof I could just explain to Pinkie why she can’t go; she’ll listen to me and that will be the end of it,” Rose thought. “But on the other, if I don’t step in I could continue to watch Dusk try and fail to keep her off the train.”

Rose wanted to continue to weigh her options but she was rather aware that time was of the essence.

“It was fun while it lasted,” she thought as she sighed.

“Pinkie, you can’t go with us,” Rose said.

At this point Pinkie had been butting heads with Dusk with a determined glare, which she broke the second she heard Rose speak.

“But why?” she asked.

“Because we have to travel light and the Equestrian Equality Envoy does not have unlimited resources. The only four of us that are traveling are Dusk, Timetable, Organizer, and myself. We just don’t have the room to have any tag alongs,” Rose explained.

“But… But… What if you forget me!?” Pinkie cried, causing everyone to take a step back.

“I won’t forget you Pinkie, and I’ll be back before you know it and you can throw me the biggest party in the world, ok?” Rose pleaded.

“Ok,” Pinkie said, calming down. “As long as you Pinkie promise that this is what you think and that he’s not putting you up to it!”

Both mares turned their attention to the disheveled looking stallion.

“I Pinkie promise,” Rose said.

“Ok then,” she said, hopping away to rejoin the rest of the group.

Rose watched her go as Dusk walked closer.

“The reports I read gave the impression that the pink one was one of the friendlier ones,” Dusk muttered, causing Rose to laugh.

“She is,” Rose responded, “You just need to be better at making your point.”

Dusk gave her an incredulous look.

“You do realize that you said the same exact things I said, right?”

“Yeah, but you’re not me,” Rose responded, causing Dusk to roll his eyes and walk away scoffing.

Rose watched him go with an amused smirk as the rest of her friends approached her.

“Now darling, resources aside, are you sure you do not want us to accompany you?” Rarity asked, “I could make and pay for my own travel arrangements if need be.”

Rose turned to look at the unicorn.

“No, it’s ok,” she said. “It would get really expensive and I’m sure I can manage.”

“Well, how about we just meet you at one stop then?” asked Applejack. “I have family in Manehattan I could stay with when you go there as long as you give me enough time to prepare for it.”

“And I could meet you at Cloudsdale,” said Rainbow Dash. “I wouldn’t even have to stay there, I could fly there and be back.”

“And have you leaving your chores and your training?” asked Rose. “It’s the middle of the harvest season and don’t you have to go to Wonderbolt Academy training again?”

“Yeah, and?” answered both mares.

“Well, it’s probably not the best choice to leave the farm until the work is done,” said Rose while looking at Applejack before shifting her gaze to Rainbow Dash. “As for you, I’ll be in Cloudsdale at the same time you’re at the camp and it would be a horrible idea for you to ditch training to come see me.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash stared at each other before letting their heads hang.

“I reckon you’re right Rose, but I still would feel better if I went with you,” Applejack said.

“Yeah, it’s not like we don’t think you’ll be awesome, but we’re just nervous for you is all,” Rainbow said.

Rose gave her two friends a hug.

“I know, and I’m nervous too,” she said, “But I know that you’ll be there in spirit just like I’ll be here with all of you, so it’ll be ok.”

“Cough”

The noise caused the three mares to break from their hug, turning to face the source of the sound.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Timetable said. “But we have to go soon if we’re going to get to Canterlot on time. If you haven’t finished your goodbyes, I would suggest doing so.”

“Sorry my flank,” Rainbow muttered under her breath while glaring at Timetable, causing Rose to step in between them.

“Rainbow, stop,” Rose exclaimed. “She’s just doing her job by making sure that all my packing was not pointless.”

“Yeah, Rainbow. Besides, the girl does need to get going after all,” added Applejack.

Rainbow looked back and forth between the two mares before sighing.

“Fine.”

“I’ll go ahead and say my goodbyes to the rest of my friends and I’ll be in the train shortly,” Rose told Timetable who nodded in return before disappearing into the train.

After that, saying goodbyes was a rather quick process, involving a few hugs and many wishes for a safe trip. It wasn’t long at all before Rose found herself waving and staring out the window, watching the disappearing figures of her friends as the train backed away from the station.

“Oh dear, you’re already missing them, aren’t you?” asked Dusk as he took a seat next to Rose.

“Perhaps. Don’t you ever miss home, Dusk?”

“Every once in a while, but only when I’ve been gone for a year or so after traveling all of Equestria,” Dusk commented. “But you’re going to be gone for a month at most. This is hardly a long journey.”

“Some of us don’t travel that much,” Rose responded with a blush on her cheeks. “I lived in Canterlot all my life before I had to leave, after which I spent the remainder of my time in Ponyville, with the exception of the changeling thing, which then brought me back to Canterlot. I’ve never been away from my family and friends except for the time I spent traveling between the two places.”

“Well, this is no different,” Dusk commented. “We’re headed to Canterlot and then we’ll make our way back to Ponyville, after making a few extra stops. Think of it as taking the scenic route and you’ll be ok.”

Rose could not help but smile.

“Thank you, Dusk,” she said. “I think I’ll do that.”

“Lovely,” he said. “Now, let’s get you to the work room in which you will find your luggage so you can change and be ready for Canterlot.”

Rose followed Dusk to the following cart in which there was a collection of desks, filing cabinets, five saddle bags, and Rose’s luggage.

“I see the saddlebags and my luggage, but where is everypony else’s?” Rose asked.

“We don’t have any luggage,” Dusk answered. “All we need is in our saddlebags, unless you count the paperwork in the filing cabinets, that’s pretty important. Remember, you’re the only one here that wears clothes on a regular basis, Ms. Diva.”

Rose wanted to say something back but she couldn’t argue his point.

“Exactly,” he said smirking, “In any case, go ahead and change into something formal. You don’t have to hurry since we still have a while before we get there but I figured you might as well.”

Rose nodded and Dusk began to leave, however, Rose called out to him.

“So what kind of welcome should we expect when we get there?” asked Rose.

Dusk stopped and thought for a moment.

“It won’t be anything too special; the formal attire is just that, a formality.”

“Nothing special, he said…”

Despite her untimely exile from the city, Rose prided herself in understanding the workings of Canterlot. Collectively, she had spent years studying the city, its population, and the culture, meaning that there was little about the city she could not anticipate or determine. It was such observations that led her to discover that a simple cloak was enough to avoid detection and that ponies almost always saw what they wanted to see rather than what was actually there. This understanding of the ponies of Canterlot also allowed her to anticipate all social changes, important events, and societal hazards, allowing her to avoid all of them without much effort.

The city kept no secrets from her. And yet, she had failed to anticipate this.

“Maybe I’ve been gone too long,” Rose muttered as she stepped onto the train station platform.

As soon as she stepped out, Rose was greeted with applause and cheers of such magnitude that they forced her to stagger for a second. Dusk soon stepped up to her side, and the two walked into the city with Organizer and Timetable following closely behind.

At first, Rose had been impressed at the number of guards posted at the station, assuming them to be there to protect the city from possible threats, no doubt in response to the changeling invasion. She had been nervous about the interrogation and security checks that were to come, but as they continued their walk, Rose noticed that the guards were not approaching any of them. In fact, they had yet to move.

“You’ve got it backwards,” Dusk whispered beside her. “Also, don’t forget that you’re here as an ambassador for transkind, so smile and wave if it’s not too much to ask for.”

Following his command, Rose turned to the gathered crowds, waving at them, smiling, and nodding as they entered the city proper. It was inside that Rose found even more ponies cheering and applauding, joined now by the twinkling of flashes and the sound of camera shutters.

Rose could see that ponies, civilians and reporters alike, were pushing against the guards as they struggled to move forward or get past them. The guards, however, stood unmoving and strong.

“I get it,” Rose whispered to Dusk. “They’re not here to protect the city from intruders; they’re here to protect visitors, namely us, from the city.”

“Exactly,” responded Dusk quietly. “And we’ll be doing their sacrifice a disservice by dillydallying around instead of getting to our destination. Let’s pick up the pace, shall we?”

“Sounds good,” Rose said. “But where exactly are we headed?”

“Oh, the center of the city, right in front of the castle,” Dusk said. “There will be a stage set up as well as a few tents. The event should already be underway, so we can go there, regroup, see what needs to be done, and wait for your turn to speak to the crowds. First things first, though. Let’s go.”

The four headed towards the center of town, finding that the crowds seemed to disperse the closer they got to it. Once there Rose noted that Dusk had been right. The event was in full swing.

A multitude of tables surrounded the plaza, each holding a vast number of pamphlets. Ponies grabbed the pamphlets as they walked or talked in between the tables, the various information kiosks, and the stage on the back.

Rose had expected the stage to be empty, but she instead found it to be holding a multitude of ponies and their various musical instruments. She neared the orchestra until she found a gray mare with a dark grey coat playing the cello. The two locked eyes and a smile appeared on each of their faces, after which the cellist went back to playing as if nothing had happened and Rose stood there listening. In fact, she would have stayed there until the end of the piece, had she not found herself pushed towards the tents backstage.

“Come on, Ms. Rose, the music is for those enjoying the event, not the ones putting it on,” Dusk said as he nudged her. “Right now that second group includes you, so let’s go.”

Dusk continued to push her until they found themselves inside the second tent.

“You three wait here while I figure out what’s going on,” he said, then went over to talk to a pony sitting at a desk.

The two talked for a short while before Dusk hurried back over.

“We’re in luck,” he said. “The orchestra is playing for 10 more minutes, after which we can go ahead and move on with the speeches before the orchestra plays their second set. We’re right on time.”

Timetable let out a sigh of relief, much to Organizer’s amusement, but Rose was unable to share in their relief.

“I go on in ten minutes?” Rose asked.

“Yes, after which you’re free for a good number of hours,” Dusk said. “There won’t be a panel today, so we won’t need you until tonight when you’ll be answering questions for a few reporters. Whether you want to spend that extra time before and after the interviews listening to the orchestra, hanging around here, visiting friends and family, or just wandering the city is really none of my concern as long as you check in at the hotel at some point and as long as you’re ready to leave to Cloudsdale tomorrow.”

Rose nodded and turned away silently.

“No comeback? That’s not good,” Dusk said. “Oh goodness, you’re nervous aren’t you? What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know what to say,” Rose answered. “I kept trying to come up with speeches but none of it sounded good. I figured something would come to me before I had to speak, but I’ve still got nothing.”

“Is that it?” asked Dusk, much to Rose’s annoyance. “Right, shouldn’t trivialize. Anyway, don’t worry Ms. Rose, it will be ok. All you have to do is introduce yourself, tell them about the changes that need to happen in terms of laws and policies, and tell them about your struggles. It doesn’t have to be in that order but as long as you cover those things you’ll be good. This is just like the trial over Summer’s schooling.”

Rose shook her head.

“No it’s not,” Rose said. “Back then I was fighting for Summer, so that he would be able to be happy and grow up the way he’s supposed to. I was fighting for him and I had a clear goal in mind. With this, I don’t know what my focus is. I know what I need to do, but not how.”

“Then it’s not different all then,” Dusk commented. “You’re still fighting for Summer and every colt like him. It also happens that you’re fighting for every trans filly, stallion, and mare, but do not think for a second that what we’re doing won’t impact Summer’s future. As for your focus or purpose…”

He stared into her eyes, taking care to enunciate every syllable.

“…You are fighting so that no pony will suffer what you suffered again. And for that to happen this city needs to understand that pain so that they may also help prevent it.”

Rose thought about that statement before nodding.

“Ok, I’m not scared anymore, but I’m still nervous,” she said.

“Baby steps, Ms. Rose,” Dusk answered with a grin. “It’s a start.”

The remaining minutes went by fast and soon Rose found herself walking up the stairs to the stage, looking around for her friend. However, it seemed that all the musicians had long since cleared the area.

Rose heard her name being announced, and she cautiously walked to the front of the stage, stopping at a podium that had been prepared for her.

She looked into the crowd.

The plaza had become silent from the second that she had stepped up to the microphone. From the podium she could see a multitude of ponies staring at her expectantly, with open mouths and bated breaths, still as portraits. There was still movement coming from the reporters and photographers anxiously doing their jobs, but they could not detract from what Rose was experiencing.

For the first time since she had accepted her role as an “activist,” Rose completely understood what part she was supposed to play.

“They want to learn from what I went through,” Rose thought to herself. “They want to know my struggles and hear my ideas.”

She smiled.

“Who am I to deny them?”

Rose adjusted her microphone before beginning to speak.

“Hello everypony! From the reception we got when we arrived and from the vast number of Canterlot reporters that inundated Ponyville this past summer, I’m going to assume you all know who I am. However, I will go ahead and introduce myself just in case. My name is Evening Rose.”

And so Rose spoke to the crowd, telling them about herself and the struggles she had faced. She told them about how hard it was coming to terms with herself, about the efforts and events that took place before she could just live as she was, and she finished by recounting Summer’s story.

“…I do not mind all I went through for Summer, because he will now get to live a better life than I had. He won’t have to suffer the way I did, and he will grow up with love and understanding as every pony should. However, Summer’s case is not unique, and neither is mine. My reality is the reality of plenty of ponies out there, and they too have the chance for something better. All I’m asking is that you help them. Through changing laws, through adapting procedures, through having these conversations we can change society. These changes need to happen so that transponies will know the love, equality, and harmony they deserve. Thank you.”

A moment of silence followed Rose’s speech, before the audience erupted in applause. Rose in turn took a bow before walking off-stage and into the primary tent, where she found Dusk waiting.

“You did splendid!” he exclaimed. “Absolutely beautiful. Canterlot is in the bag! Well, not that we weren’t going to win Canterlot no matter what, but still! This makes it oh so more decisive.”

“What are you talking about?” Rose asked. “Canterlot normally disapproves of this kind of stuff. The society is too stuck up. Honestly, I’m surprised this many ponies showed up and that it went so well.”

“Normally I’d agree with you on your comment about Canterlot,” Dusk responded. “But things are different as of late and everything was to our advantage.”

Rose tilted her head in confusion.

“Well, for starters we have you. You’re a celebrity, so ponies were going to show up no matter what – but not only are you a celebrity: you’re a local hero. You were born here, and despite your exile you came back to fight the changelings, which was something that every newspaper stressed. To the locals you are an example of how great Canterlot is, and you serve as much of a symbol to them as you do to us. Secondly, we have had a lot of support from some key players in Canterlot recently. Fancypants and Hoity-Toity, for example, have given their support both in bits and in presence to our cause, I’m assuming after hearing about it from Rarity. Their presence here brought a lot of ponies out, and their support I’m sure is doing wonders for us. Then there’s the matter of noble families, which-“

“There you are!”

The shout turned both ponies’ attention towards the front of the tent before Rose found herself tackled to the floor by a white unicorn with a blue mane.

“Vinyl! I don’t think we’re… Oh, well, hello Rose, Dusk. Fancy meeting you here.”

Rose turned to look at the newcomer as she struggled to get up from the floor and away from the unicorn’s embrace.

“Octavia! Good to see you,” Rose said.

Octavia took a deep sigh.

“Vinyl, let her go so she can give me a proper hello.”

“Fine,” Vinyl answered, releasing Rose, thus allowing Octavia to get a hug of her own.

“Ah, Ms. Octavia. Didn’t really expect you see you,” said Dusk. “And who is your friend?”

“Marefriend actually,” Octavia corrected him. “and her name is Vinyl Scratch.”

“The famous DJ?” asked Dusk. “My, you picked yourself a good one, Ms. Octavia.”

“Wait, you two know each other?” asked Rose.

Octavia shrugged.

“Our knowledge of each other is purely tangential,” Dusk answered. “I needed somepony to talk to the director of the Canterlot Orchestra to perform for less than their usual fee since the Triple-E does not have unlimited funds, and I figured a friend of yours was the best place to start.”

“We’ve only met a few times,” Octavia continued. “And each of those times it was strictly to talk figures and contracts, but Dusk has an uncanny ability to become rather informal regardless of what happens to be going on. Much like you, actually.”

She looked at Rose, who in turn narrowed her eyes. At this point Dusk was called away to meet with some important guests, leaving Rose, Octavia, and Vinyl alone. The pegasus decided to use this chance to change the topic rather than dignify her statement with a response.

“So, how did your parents take your relationship with you and Vinyl?” she asked.

“They loved me!” Vinyl answered smiling.

“Indeed they did,” Octavia said. “Despite the window incident.”

“Really?” Rose exclaimed, “I would have thought they were going to be completely against it.”

Octavia thought for a minute.

“I think they were just happy that it wasn’t you,” she said.

“Ouch,” Rose said, feeling a bit self-conscious.

“Oh don’t be like that,” Octavia said. “For the record, it has nothing to do with you being trans and everything to do with them having met you when you were struggling to come out of your idiot phase.”

Rose thought back to the first time she met Octavia’s parents, grinning at the memory.

“Fair enough,” Rose said. “So, how long can you two hang out?”

Octavia and Vinyl looked at each other before responding.

“Well, there’s two more speakers going on before the Orchestra goes back onstage,” Octavia answered. “Vinyl will be staying for two more days, so we can spend the rest of the day with you, outside of my second set, if you would like.”

Rose smiled.

“I would love that,” Rose said. “The only other thing I have to do today is visit-“

“Right this way Mr. Rhyme.”

Rose stopped mid sentence at hearing the name, before turning around to face her mother and father.

There was some silence as the parents and daughter stared at each other, with Octavia and Vinyl subtly stepping in between them while readying themselves to protect their friend.

Dusk, sensing the tension, made to speak but found himself interrupted.

“Sis, is that you?”

All eyes followed the colt as he ran towards Rose, with Vinyl and Octavia separating just in time for the colt to avoid them in his mad dash towards his sister.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Perfect said, hugging Rose with all his might. “I really missed you.”

“Doesn’t seem like it with all the letters you’re not writing me,” Rose chided gently.

“Oh, that,” Perfect said, blushing, “Yeah, I’ve been distracted by writing to Summer, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t miss you.”

“I know Perfect,” Rose responded. “I missed you too.”

With tensions pretty much cleared, Dusk allowed himself to speak.

“Now that that’s been sorted,” he began. “I should probably explain why your parents are here.”

“So they’re not just here to drop off Perfect?” Rose asked, to which Dusk shook his head.

“I would think not. This little event would not have been possible without them, so the least I can do is grant them full access to our facilities,” Dusk responded.

This statement earned a round of questioning looks.

“Remember how I was telling you that Canterlot was pretty much a guaranteed victory?” Dusk asked with a smirk. “I told you that we had key players in our camp like Rarity’s friends who moved big sections of the city onto our side. However, that is nothing compared to what having your family on our side has done. The Rhyme family has given many resources, monetary and otherwise, to the Equestrian Equality Envoy, supporting our programs and research quite openly. Their involvement in turn put pressure on other noble families like the Scales or Gems, which for the most part followed suit. You know how Canterlot is: once the real nobility supported us, the local citizenry did the same, either because they wanted to follow the trend or because it was finally socially acceptable to make such a move. Your father and family pretty much won us Canterlot before we set foot here; our visit was just a formality.”

Rose stared at Dusk in shock before chancing a glance at her father. Her eyes begged for him to confirm or deny the claim, but Rich Rhyme stood there motionless, returning her stare with a disinterested glare.

“See sis? I told you that they had changed,” Perfect said.

The sound of his voice broke Rose from her reverie, allowing her mind to work out the questions that she needed to ask. She turned to look at Octavia.

“Could you please take my brother outside?” Rose asked her. “I need to have a chat with my parents.”

“Why?” asked Perfect, but Octavia only nodded before nudging Perfect towards the exit.

“I don’t want to go,” he pleaded. “I’m old enough. I can be a part of this talk.”

“It’s ok, kid,” Vinyl said, following along. “It’s probably going to be boring anyway. How about you and I talk? It’s been a while since you were in Ponyville.”

Rose waited until her brother was out of the tent and out of earshot before speaking.

“What’s your angle?” she asked.

“What do you mean?” Rich responded.

Rose studied his features, looking for a sign of what he was feeling or thinking. She found nothing.

“Are you doing this because you feel bad about what you did? Are you doing this for Perfect? Because you’re afraid that if you don’t ‘approve’ of me he’ll leave you too? Are you claiming you really changed? What is it you’re trying to do here?”

Ilene was taken aback by the harsh tone of Rose’s questioning, recoiling behind her husband. Rich failed to react.

“Make no mistake, we still do not approve,” he responded. “But we are not doing this for Perfect’s benefit. We could easily keep him away from you if we thought that would be best. We also do not base our personal opinions and actions on looking for the approval of our son. We are the grownups, after all.”

“Then why?” asked Rose.

“Like it or not, we’re family. We are your parents and that cannot be changed. That brings certain responsibilities with it,” he said. “The world out there is a dangerous place for ponies like you; too many ponies would hurt you if they had the chance, or kill you, or mistreat you. By helping organizations like the Equestrian Equality Envoy, we are helping to change that.”

Rose felt herself shaking with anger.

“So it’s the world that’s dangerous then? Not you, right? Or is it only ok when it’s you that’s hurting me?” yelled Rose. “Or did you forget the state I was in when I FLED Canterlot to save my life? When I crashed into forests because I was too hurt to fly and then had to crawl my way to Ponyville?”

Rose was actively trying to provoke a response from her father, but he would not budge.

“I lost control, I’m not denying that. But we searched for you, sent teams into the forest to find you, and nothing came off it.”

“Oh, so then you’re doing this because you’re guilty? Because you want to atone for what you did?” she asked. “By giving money and ‘resources’ to help other transponies because you feel bad for what you did to your own?”

“I’m not apologizing, am I, Evening?” he responded coolly. “I have not asked for forgiveness or understanding. I know the state of mind I was in when that happened and I’ve dealt with it. I don’t have guilt over what happened, nor regret. Also, to be honest, I couldn’t care less what becomes of the rest of the transponies of Equestria. I have yet to make any statement of acceptance or encouragement to ‘the cause’ because it’s not a fight I’m fighting. This isn’t for me and it isn’t for them. It is for you.”

Rose examined the words but could not identify any lies within them. This calmed her mood, if only due to suspicion.

“Why try to keep me safe?”

Rich gave an annoyed sigh.

“Because you are family and it is our job to protect you whether we approve or not,” he said. “Now, pay attention, because you’ve already made me repeat myself and you know I do not like to do that. We disagree with your choices, but we will tolerate them because you’re family. We will protect you from harm because you’re family. We have to stick together, because you’re family. I’m sure you weren’t the fondest of us when you came during the changeling invasion. Why did you?”

Rose flipped through her memories. She recalled thinking during the train ride to Canterlot about the confusion she felt at the time about returning. She did not know why she was going, but she knew she had to. She had to find out who the new Slant Rhyme was.

Thinking further, Rose remembered sitting in her cell as the attack began. She had been trying to figure out where to go when she remembered that a changeling was with her family, ready to kill if necessary.

“I wanted answers from ‘Slant,’ and I knew that he was dangerous,” she answered. “Then I found out that he was prepared to kill, and I realized that I needed to save Perfect.”

“Just Perfect?” asked Rich with a piercing glare.

“No,” Rose conceded. “All of you were in danger and I needed to help.”

“Then you do understand,” Rich responded. “If up to me I would put a stop to this nonsense, but you can make your own decisions now and our job is not to approve of you, but to keep you safe. Family comes first and we have to keep the family together.”

Rose took a few deep breaths before nodding.

“Fine,” Rose said. “But I don’t forgive you for what happened. I just can’t.”

“And that’s fine,” Rich responded. “I’m not asking you to. I am, however, asking you to put it aside for now for the sake of family.”

“Fine. I promise I’ll be civil, and to coexist for as long as I’m here,” Rose said.

“Good,” Rich said. “Now that that’s settled, there are two things I want to mention. The first is that you, Dusk, Vinyl, and Octavia are invited to the manor after the events of the day conclude for dinner. The second is that while I’ve already been informed by Dusk that you have lodgings at a hotel, you’re welcome to stay in your room should you prefer it, it being your room. Perfect has not been told of this possibility so as to not get his hopes up and to not pressure you, however; so, the choice is up to you.”

Rose thought for a long time before answering. She knew she should say no – after all, she had already decided that she could never go back. And yet, she found herself wanting to.

She looked at her parents, both of whom disapproved of her existence and yet still extended this invitation to her. She thought back to Perfect’s visit in Canterlot that had been suggested by her parents.

“We could easily keep him away from you if we thought that would be best.”

The words rang through Rose’s mind. She knew they were truthful.

With great efforts, Rose met her father’s stare.

“Sounds good on both accounts,” Rose said.

“Splendid,” Dusk commented. “Well, I must say I’m glad this sorted itself out, it would have been rather awkward if one of our main supporters and the star of our little effort were at odds with each other. We should probably go get Octavia and Vinyl though and fill them in.”

No sooner had he spoken than Octavia’s voice rang through the tent.

“No, you cannot enter,” she said. “They are having a rather important conversation at the moment.”

“It’s ok Octavia,” Dusk called out. “They’re done talking. Get back in here.”

The tent opened as a pony stepped inside, but this pony was not Octavia. Instead, a royal guard looked around the inside of the tent before moving towards group, closely followed by Vinyl, Octavia, and Perfect Rhyme.

“I’m sorry if I’m interrupting,” the guard said. “But I come bearing a message.”

“It’s quite alright,” Dusk said. “What’s the message?”

“It is a summons sir,” the guard responded. “Princess Celestia requests an immediate private meeting with a Miss Evening Rose. They ask that she come unaccompanied to the throne room as soon as possible.”

Rose could not help but to stare at the décor of the castle as she followed the guard through the cavernous halls. After all, not many ponies were allowed inside this part of the castle unless there was a specific event or if said pony was attending to official business, neither of which Rose could claim to have partaken in before now. As such, despite belonging to the noble Rhyme family and despite living in Canterlot for most of her life, she had never seen any of the portraits, decorations, or luxuries that now surrounded her.

“And to think that Twilight probably sees all this as commonplace,” Rose thought to herself.

Rose continued walking as her attention was caught by a particularly shiny chandelier, which held her gaze even past the point where she needed to turn her head to keep it in view.

“We have arrived,” said her escort.

Rose turned to face the guard who was standing next to a giant set of golden doors, watching him as he took a deep breath, knocked, opened the door, and announced their presence.

“Your Highness, I present Ms. Evening Rose.”

Rose followed behind him as they stepped into the throne room. The room itself was very large, its size made to feel bigger by how empty it was. In all, there were only five ponies taking care of various tasks, four members of the Royal Guard, and Princess Celestia herself.

“Thank you Post Haste, that will be all,” Celestia said.

The pony took a bow before leaving the room, leaving Rose standing by herself.

“My little ponies,” Celestia said, calling for the attention of all the ponies in the room, “I wish to have a private word with Ms. Rose. All court tasks that cannot be completed outside of this room are hereby postponed, to be resumed tomorrow. I also ask my guard to take a position guarding the door, as I assure you that my guest is no threat.”

Every pony in the room turned to face the princess, bowing before making their exit. As the door closed, Rose and Princess Celestia found themselves alone.

“Thank you for taking the time to see me, Rose,” Celestia said, “I understand that you are busy, but I wanted to be able to talk to you directly.”

“It is no trouble, Princess,” Rose said

“If my memory serves me correctly, I have not seen you since the changeling invasion,” Celestia said. “How have you been in the interim time?”

Rose was surprised by the question.

“I’ve been fine,” Rose said. “I’m sure you’ve read about what’s been going on, but overall I can’t complain.”

“Yes, I must admit I have kept up with your exploits in the media,” the princess admitted. “Although, you seem preoccupied, or rather confused. Is something the matter?”

“No, Princess,” Rose responded. “It’s just, your guard told me you requested an immediate audience with me so I assumed there was some sort of problem. I was just caught offguard by the informal questions.”

The princess let out a soft laugh.

“Oh no, I did indeed tell my guard to invite you here for a private audience at his earliest convenience,” the princess explained. “But I did not mean for him to think it was an urgent assignment. Although, Post Haste does tend to take things very seriously, so I am not entirely at fault.”

She gave a soft sigh before continuing.

“No Rose, there is no crisis this time,” the princess explained. “I called you here to talk and nothing more. I feel like I owe you this much at least, especially since I’m unable to contribute to your fight. I’m sure you have questions for me, or resentment, knowing I could ease your struggles and the struggles of those like you but refuse to do so.”

Rose looked at the princess, who for the first time did not seem unapproachable. For the first time that Rose had seen her, Celestia looked equine in nature, nothing more or less.

“I don’t resent your lack of involvement, Princess,” Rose said. “But I do question it. I understand you wanting the cities to exercise self government, but surely on this type of moral issue your interference wouldn’t be disastrous.”

“I believe you are right in that point,” Celestia conceded. “It would probably be a very peaceful change, with hardly a mention or complaint. Nopony would call me a tyrant, nopony would riot in the streets, nopony would question me or my choice. And yet, I am still not sure that would be for the best.”

Rose felt questions rise to the tip of her tongue, but refused to allow them to travel further.

“Do you know why ponies believe me to be a deity?” Celestia asked.

“Because you’re immortal, have unlimited wisdom, and uncontested power and control?”

Celestia allowed herself a sad smile.

“Yes, I do think that’s what ponies believe,” she said. “And on a lot of accounts they are right. I do hold great power, for example, as one needs to be able to move celestial bodies. I also do have uncontested control, since ponies rarely opt to disagree with me. Lastly, I will never die of old age. And yet…”

Celestia stared out the window as she continued.

“…and yet these are things that should cause concern rather than praise.”

A silence developed in the room while Rose waited for the princess to continue.

“I will not die of old age, but I can die, Rose. And if ponies don’t know how to govern themselves when that happens they will collapse. My sister, Cadence, and I will not live forever. No pony can, and the more we are used as a crutch, the less practiced our ponies will be when they have to stand on their own,” Celestia said. “No pony would argue against me, but that does not mean I am right. Gods are infallible, but I am not. I make mistakes; I make them all the time. I make spelling mistakes, I can be fooled, I eat too much, and I have a habit of changing my mind when I see ideals I have held for years become antiquated and obsolete.”

The princess stood up from her throne, turning her gaze back to Rose.

“And yes, I have a lot of power. I could make a decree and make everything the way it should be. I could order Equestria to side against ignorance and you could go home tomorrow,” she continued. “But that would be me abusing that power. A benevolent dictator is still a dictator. All I can do is encourage ponies to take steps in the right directions, praising them when they do what I believe is right, but allowing them to make mistakes. Those are their mistakes to make without me. And so I am sorry…”

A small crack appeared in her stoic mask.

“…I’m sorry I’m standing by, watching this unfold without assisting. I’m sorry for my inaction, but I fear that my involvement, even if for the right reasons, would breed greater troubles.”

Rose was taken aback by the sincerity in the princess’s statement, but quickly recovered.

“You need not apologize, Princess,” Rose said. “I understand the position you’re in, and despite my uncertainties, I do not blame you or resent you. Instead, I thank you for the things you ARE able to do, things that you are not required to do but do regardless.”

“Thank you, Rose,” Celestia said, recovering her regal smile. “And despite not being able to be public about it, you have my full support.”

“For what it’s worth, you have mine as well, my dear, if for different reasons.”

The disembodied voice rang through the throne room, followed by echoing laughter, causing Rose to frantically look around the room. She failed to pinpoint the location of the voice, as it seemed to appear from all directions. She turned to look at the princess who seemed both calm and undisturbed.

“Discord, so nice of you to join us,” she said.

The draconequus materialized in mid-air to Celestia’s right, still laughing. Rose was startled by his sudden appearance and had to struggle against her instinct to flee the premises, a struggle that was not unnoticed by the creature.

“Oh my, I do believe I’ve frightened her,” he said smirking before turning to look at Celestia. “For the record, that one does not go against my parole as I did not scare her on purpose, funny as it was.”

“Duly noted,” Celestia said, rolling her eyes. “In any case: Rose, I want you to meet Discord.”

“Nice to meet you, deary. I look forward to being your shadow,” he said shaking her hoof.

“What?” Rose asked.

“Let me explain,” Celestia said.

“Oooh, I do love Celestia’s story time,” Discord said, materializing a floating chair for him to sit in. Celestia merely ignored him.

“Discord is the god of chaos and a very dangerous entity. However, he has been recently reformed and performs tasks for the kingdom using his skills and magic in exchange for his freedom. As long as he doesn’t terrorize ponies and as long as performs his duties, he is free to come and go as he pleases,” Celestia explained. “He has recently expressed interest in following you along as you travel through Equestria, and since he does not have any upcoming tasks, I have granted him that request.”

Rose looked between the two in shock.

“Why does he want to follow me?”

“Discord?” the princess asked.

He stared at her for a second before feigning surprise.

“Oh, my turn to talk? Very well then,” he said. He then snapped his fingers before materializing again in very close proximity to Rose.

“One of the perks to being the god of chaos is that I can sense when chaos is going to happen. Natural chaos, as opposed to what I do, has some traces that I can sense, and there is something really big coming this way,” he explained. “Something huge, turbulent, and rather severe is going to happen, encompassing all of Equestria in chaos. Whatever this something is, it has to do with you, and based on the little trip you’re taking I have a few guesses as to what it might be. You’re probably going to say something or do something that will spark this chaos all through Equestria. Your actions will beget this upheaval, and so I want to be with you when it happens so I can watch it all unfold.”

“Wait. You’re saying that my actions are going to bring disharmony to Equestria?” Rose asked.

“Oh indeed,” Discord said gleefully. “And since I’m not causing it this time, I get to enjoy it without violating my parole. That’s one of the perks of my agreement. Since natural chaos is needed to maintain order, I don’t have to stop it, and since I don’t have to stop it, I might as well enjoy the show.”

“How can I go through this project knowing that?” Rose asked, “I have to tell Dusk that I quit. I cannot have this on my conscience.”

Discord eyed her curiously.

“Interesting. I would’ve thought you cared more about your silly little cause than that,” he said. “And here the princess was worrying that you’d be mad at her over something that you’re more than willing to throw away.”

“I’m not throwing it away,” she responded. “I’m just protecting Equestria.”

“At the expense of the transponies you were going to ‘protect’, I believe,” Discord said. “Oh you sure are whiny; I’m already having second thoughts about tagging along. Look, chaos happens. It does. If you really care about your cause, then don’t worry until it appears, and deal with the repercussions then. Stressing out about the future is no way to live.”

Rose thought for a long moment.

“Do you know when it will be?” she asked.

“Nope,” he responded. “Could be any time in the foreseeable future and it could be any event or anything you say or do, which is why I have to stick around you the entire time. I mean, I guess I could just look into the future and see what it is that sparks it and what shape the chaos takes, but honestly, that would feel like cheating.”

“Wait, you can see the future?” Rose asked.

“Yes, it’s one of my many abilities,” he said. “But before you ask, no, I’m not going to peek. For one, it’s less fun this way. The surprise is half the fun; anything else would be dreadfully boring. Also, it’s probably for the best that you don’t know what you do that triggers it. You might actually try not doing it and then where would we be? Short on entertainment, that’s where.”

Rose gave Celestia a pleading look and was about to speak when Discord cut her off again.

“Oh, that’s the best part by the way,” he said. “She totally agrees with me.”

Celestia closed her eyes, but nodded.

“Knowledge of the future is a dangerous thing, Rose,” she said, “Sometimes ponies bring about their own fates by trying to avoid a vision of the future, other times ponies escape the future they saw and in turn grant themselves a worse one. In almost all cases, it ends up being that ignorance of the future is truly bliss. Chaos is part of the natural order of things, and if you have a part to play I would rather you play it than to bring about worse suffering by trying to avoid it.”

She turned to look at Discord.

“I have given Discord the permission to tell you the future if he feels like the future event is one you should know about and if you agree that you want to know,” she continued. “Since he is not looking into the future of his own accord, this will not be an issue, but should he decide to and should he give you the option, I strongly suggest that you turn it down. For your own sake.”

Rose stared for a long moment and took various deep breaths before responding. She had read many stories exploring this very scenario. She knew that if she thought objectively, the words of the princess would ring true. She hated to admit it, but if she was really meant to be the catalyst of the chaos Discord predicted, there was little she could do about it.

“Very well, Princess,” she said. “I will play my part, whatever it may be, in the company of Discord.”

“I am delighted by your response,” the princess said. “And do not worry about Discord: he cannot and will not harm you or anypony else. Also, nopony but you will be able to see or hear him, so do not worry about him making a scene or attracting attention. He may be a bit over the top, but I’m sure you’ll find his company to your liking.”

Rose was about to respond when a snap found Discord blocking her line of sight while holding empty travel bags.

“I am ready for this trip,” Discord exclaimed. “We’re going to have such fun!”

Author's Note

Show of hands/hooves, who saw that coming?

Have I said that I really like this Arc and that I'm especially excited to share it with you?
Cause I am.

Also, Discord and Dusk are a lot of fun to write.

Cloudsdale on Monday!
-thedarkprep

4. Vanhoover (Stop 3)

4. Vanhoover (Stop 3)

Rose could feel the light coming through the window, despite stubbornly keeping her eyes closed.

“Are we seriously going to do this every morning?”

Rose grumbled, pulling her covers over her head. However, she suddenly felt a creature materialize beside her underneath the covers. Opening her eyes she came face to face with the smiling intruder.

“Covers? Rather unimaginative,” Discord said. “Why not try getting rid of me with a nightlight next?”

Rose uncovered her head in annoyance, throwing the covers off the bed, Discord’s translucent form still lying beside her with an amused smirk.

“Tantrum over? Because I must admit it was getting really boring watching you lay there for hours,” he said.

Rose sat up, rubbing her eyes with her hooves.

“First of all, you don’t have to stick around me all the time,” Rose mumbled. “Second of all, don’t you sleep?”

“I do, but I like to keep my schedule aligned to Celestia’s rather than Luna’s,” Discord responded, “And yes, I know, but I hate traveling new towns by myself. If I could distort things and play with them it would be one thing; but as it is, it’s all so dreadfully boring. When you’re awake I can at least pester you, and with Celestia’s blessing no less.”

“Don’t remind me,” Rose said beginning to lie down again. “Look, if you promise to leave me alone to rest until my presence is actually needed, I promise to indulge you today rather than just ignoring you. Deal?”

“Deal,” Discord answered smiling.

The two shook on it.

“Hey Ms. Rose, are you up yet?” asked Dusk, knocking at the door. “We need you at the hotel’s restaurant for breakfast so we can discuss today’s events.”

Discord began laughing hysterically while Rose sat up again with eyes wide.

“You knew,” she whispered.

“No dear, I did not,” he said in between bouts of laughter. “I just have an impeccable sense of timing.”

Rose stared at him dumbfounded until further knocking ensued at the door.

“Ms. Rose? Can you hear me?” Dusk called again. “Because if you’re still asleep we WILL dump water on you; it’s tradition.”

“I’m up, I’ll be down in a minute,” Rose called back. “I just need to figure some things out.”

“The skirts go on the back half and the shirts go on the front half,” Dusk said from the other side of the door.

Rose threw a book at the door, which struck with a resounding bang.

“Fine fine, I’m leaving,” Dusk said, followed by the sound of fading hoofsteps.

“He’s right, you know. That is how those things are worn,” Discord said with a smirk.

“I meant ‘sort some things out,’ mainly whether or not you tricked me,” Rose said.

“You should have told him that then,” Discord said. “That you were trying to figure out whether or not to trust the mad god that only you can see. That would have gone over well.”

“Right,” Rose said, rolling her eyes. “Well, I do have to get ready. Any chance I can get you to leave while I change? I feel uncomfortable with you watching me.”

Discord scoffed.

“Fine, I’ll be waiting downstairs,” he said. “But just to clear things up, you’re not my type.”

“It’s because I’m just a single species, isn’t it?” Rose said, in a teasing tone.

“Yes, because you’re boring,” Discord said. “Now hurry up and don’t forget your promise. Today is going to be so much fun.”

Discord then snapped his fingers disappearing from the room.

Rose waited for a moment to make sure he was really gone before beginning to get ready for the day. She then proceeded to do so, all the while sighing and casting longing looks at her still unmade bed. Resisting the urge to go back to sleep, Rose looked herself over once more in the mirror before heading out the door.

When they had arrived the night before, Dusk had mentioned that things would be better here in Vanhoover, but it was not until now that Rose started to believe it. After all, the trip had been long and everypony had been extremely tired, meaning that Dusk’s statement could have been either an attempt to improve morale or self-delusion brought on by exhaustion after a rather hectic day.

“But there’s no faking his sense of humor,” Rose thought to herself. “He’s got to be pretty happy and relaxed for him to be this annoying before breakfast.”

The smell of food distracted Rose as she reached the first floor, steering her towards the hotel’s restaurant where the rest of the touring Triple-E group was already gathered. She looked around, letting her gaze shift between the table where Dusk and Organizer sat, apparently in the middle of a heated debate, and the table where Timetable sat alone, before suddenly spotting the breakfast buffet.

Rose served herself and then turned to find a seat, surprised to find Timetable waving excitedly at her.

“She seems a bit too chipper, don’t you think?” asked Discord.

“Yeah, not that it’s a bad thing,” thought Rose while making her way to the table. “Well, you seem to be in a good mood.”

“Yes, I am,” Timetable said, blushing. “I get to see my coltfriend today. I haven’t seen him at all since I had to move to Canterlot in order to assist with ‘Project Equestria’ in the summer, so I’m very excited.”

“Wait, you have a coltfriend?” asked Rose inquiringly, causing Timetable to narrow her eyes.

“What?” she said dangerously. “Let me guess – you figured that since I was helping the Equestrian Equality Envoy, that I surely must be a lesbian, right?”

“N..No,” stammered Rose. “I mean, that’s not wha-“

“ Well, I’m sorry to tell you, but I’m straight,” said Timetable. “I’m an ally; that’s why I help. Not because it affects me personally, but because I care about equality. My coltfriend does too. He’s the one leading the rally here today, and he’s also straight.”

“Yes Rose, how can you be so close-minded,” whispered Discord. “I am perturbed at how prejudiced you are, jumping to conclusions like that.”

“I didn’t think she, I mean, you were a lesbian,” Rose said.

“Then what?” asked Timetable, “Did you just think that nopony would be interested in me? Or that I couldn’t find a pony to meet my standards?”

“I thought you were after Dusk,” said Rose. “I thought you had a crush on him, so I was a bit shocked to find out you had a coltfriend.”

Timetable’s eyes widened before the room was filled with her laughter.

“You thought… Really?” she asked. “No, didn’t you hear me last time? I respect him as a leader and I follow behind him, but Dusk is one of the most annoying and frustrating ponies on the planet. He has redeeming qualities, sure, but not nearly enough to make up for his infuriating attitude. Why? Were you getting jealous?”

Rose began shaking her head frantically, aware of the blush on her cheeks.

“Dusk? No!” she exclaimed. “I would never. I’ve come to see how good of a friend he is but I could never date someone like him.”

“Tell her the good things about him,” suggested Discord.

“I mean, he’s smart, motivated, and very enthusiastic about things,” Rose continued. “But I only see him as a colleague and a friend.”

“Then why not more?” asked Timetable.

“You might want to tell her why specifically,” Discord said.

“He’s not really that attractive and he does get on my nerves,” Rose admitted. “And besides, you said it yourself, he’s very annoying and frustrating.”

“Why don’t you tell her what about his looks you find unappealing?” asked Discord.

“And not to mention…” Rose began before trailing off as a thought struck her.

“Why are you being helpful?” Rose thought. “You’re never helpful.”

“Maybe I turned over a new leaf,” Discord said. “I am reformed after all.”

Rose could not help notice the stifled laugh behind his words. She took a deep sigh before speaking.

“He’s behind me isn’t he?” Rose asked, turning around to find Organizer standing beside a very amused looking Dusk.

“Oh, please don’t mind me,” Dusk said. “I happen to think he’s a nice fellow but I’m curious as to what else you find makes him un-dateable.”

Rose nodded and turned back to face Timetable.

“How long has he been there?” she asked.

“Since the ‘jealous’ comment,” both Timetable and Discord said, barely restraining their laughter.

“Perfect.”

An awkward silence overtook the table for a while as Rose slumped in her chair.

“Well, if there’s no more juicy gossip I do think we should begin our planning meeting,” Dusk said as he pulled up a chair, followed by Organizer.

“Now, I didn’t get to read the reports last night before falling asleep and I neglected to do so this morning,” Dusk said. “So what are we looking at as far as progress, Mr. Organizer?”

“Looking at it from a pure planning perspective we seem to be in good shape,” the stallion responded. “The reports said all the preparations had been on schedule, the volunteer group is more than large enough for the event, and all the proper permissions have been acquired. It looks like Abacus actually did his job this time and we should expect a smooth sailing all things considered.”

“That’s very good,” Dusk said nodding. “Timetable, do make sure to thank your special somepony for his efforts on my behalf.”

“Why don’t you do it yourself?” she asked.

“Oh, I will,” he said. “But ponies always believe I just say things; you, he will believe.”

“Very well,” Timetable said.

“So we’re good on the planning perspective, but how about the city?” asked Rose. “Do we know what we’re up against? Is there anything I should be aware of?”

She had directed the questions at Organizer but he shrugged while directing his attention to Dusk, who simply smiled.

“My dear Ms. Rose, for the first time I feel like we have nothing to worry about,” he said grinning. “Vanhoover is almost the exact opposite of Cloudsdale in how progressive it is. A lot of very important movements started here and the populous reflects that. Here was the birth of the feminist movement, the beginning of the fight for LGB rights, and where our organization began to make changes first.”

“I thought the Triple-E was founded in Manehattan,” Rose said, causing Dusk’s grin to slide off his face.

“Well, yes, that’s accurate,” Dusk said. “It’s just that the fight in Manehattan was… unfavorable. We had a far easier time here, and after our time here we went back.”

“Hm… Where do you suppose the “trans” movement started?” Rose asked. “In Ponyville, because of the trial and my living there? Or in Canterlot, because that’s where this whole thing started and because that’s where our first stop was?”

“I don’t know actually,” Dusk admitted. “But that’s for historians to decide. Our job is to make history worth writing about, so let’s get to it.”

“Agreed,” said Rose. “So what’s on the schedule for today?”

Dusk looked at a few notes provided by Timetable before answering.

“To start off, Mr. Organizer,” Dusk said directing his attention at the stallion. “You will meet up with Dr. Theory after we’re done with breakfast and this meeting. He will be at the Psychiatric Institute for Developmental Study. He already knows you’re coming and he’s been briefed on ‘Project Blitzkrieg’ and has given his full support, offering his own team to conduct the research. Your goal is to have all the stages of the project ironed out and set in stone, that way we can go straight into that project after we’re done in Manehattan. I suspect it will take all day, but if you’re done early you can enjoy the city or come by the event.”

Organizer nodded, getting up from the table and going back to where his food was.

“So you’re already working on the next project after this?” asked Rose.

“Yes,” Dusk said. “The idea is to have something going as soon as this is done to keep up the momentum. This one revolves around doing a lot of research and getting as much data as possible in order to bring this fight to the field of psychology.”

“So ‘Project Equestria’ is only the first step,” Rose said. “This will get the public arguing about things and having the topic of transponies be something of debate, stirring up an emotional response. The pathos of our plan. Step two is to blindside the opposition by turning the experts in your favor through hard data like we did in the trial; the ethos and logos.”

“You’re getting it,” Dusk responded. “And we have a few more steps planned after that, but we like to take two projects at a time. Now, Ms. Timetable here will probably spend the entire day next to Abacus, so you can collect the report and help him run things for the event.”

Timetable nodded, leaving the table after her final bite of breakfast.

“And that leaves us,” Rose commented.

“Indeed it does, Ms. Rose,” Dusk said. “I must confess I’ll be rather busy talking to a few key players in town so you’ll be on your own for the most part. I’m assuming that you’re a big enough girl to stay on task?”

“I think I’ll do ok,” Rose responded. “So am I just doing the usual, speech and then autograph-signing and lounging?”

“Yep,” Dusk said. “Same old same old, although today you will also be doing a Question and Answer panel. It will take place on the stage after the last speaker.”

“Oh yes, you had mentioned that,” Rose said. “What exactly do I have to do for that?”

“What do you think you have to do?” answered Dusk. “You will stand at the podium, ponies will ask questions, and you will answer them to the best of your ability. There should be about 20 to 30 min worth of time for it.”

“Will there be ponies filtering the questions?” asked Rose.

“No, which is why we didn’t do this in Cloudsdale,” said Dusk. “But don’t worry, it will be fine here. Just speak from the heart and you will be fine.”

Rose nodded.

“Good,” Dusk said. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go to one of those meetings I was telling you about. Be at the square in an hour or so for your speech; they’ll further direct you once you’re there. You can also go early if you want to watch the festivities. Other than that, have fun and stay safe.”

“Very well,” Rose responded. “See you around.”

Dusk nodded and left, leaving Rose alone with Discord’s disembodied voice.

“Well, this seems exciting, does it not?” asked Discord. “Just you, me, and a random crowd who will be asking whatever questions they choose. Maybe if I’m lucky I’ll get to see you thrust Equestria into a chaotic spiral.”

“Right,” Rose responded with her thoughts. “Well, the crowd isn’t going to incite a riot on their own. We should probably get going.”

Discord watched as she began walking away, amused at the response he had just gotten.

“I like the way you think!”

“I can’t believe you threw it.”

“You’re the one that gave it to me.”

“Yes, to tempt you and make fun of you later, not for you to use! You were not supposed to have thrown it!”

“Then just pretend I gave in to ‘temptation’ or something.”

“No no, I want to remember this exactly the way it happened.”

Rose smiled as the god of chaos beside her struck a pensive pose, taking great care to catalog this event into his vast memory.

The pair was sitting backstage, where they had gone after Rose concluded her speech, safely hidden from view of the crowd, the Tripe-E volunteers running the event, and a specific probably irate earth pony.

True to what Dusk had said, the crowd here was probably as supportive as the crowd found in Canterlot had been. The entire event had gone off without much problem or controversy up to when Rose took the stage, and the event continued to go smoothly throughout. Rose had been amazed at the multitude of ponies listening attentively as she spoke. Everything was perfect. Almost.

It was close to the ending of the speech when a lavender earth pony stood up, yelling at the stage.

“You do realize you’re wrong, don’t you?” he had shouted. “You talk about bringing equality but what you really want to do is legitimize an unnatural perversion.”

This outburst was immediately received with boos from the audience, but he seemed unfazed.

“You can boo all you want but that doesn’t change the facts,” he said. “Stallions and mares are different. It’s the law of nature and cannot be changed; the entire issue is very cut and dry.”

Rose had been about to respond when a filled water balloon materialized on her podium, hidden from the audience. The next second she threw it at the stallion. The second after that, the balloon made impact which was accompanied by the sound of water hitting its target. Then there was silence.

All ponies directed their attention to Rose, made mute by her sudden action. They all sought an explanation and, after a second, Rose gave them one.

“Do not forget that things change,” she had said. “Things that are cut can be mended, and things that are dry can be made wet again.”

The audience burst out in applause save for the angry stallion who walked away soaked and humiliated, after which the speech went by undisturbed, concluding with a standing ovation which Rose took a second to appreciate before rushing off stage.

“That was such a bad line,” Discord said.

“I know,” Rose conceded. “But I had to say something to justify it as something clever, rather than it just being the childish action of a mare aided by a chaotic god.”

“You mean a tantrum?” Discord questioned.

“Yeah, that,” Rose said.

“Well, they seemed to buy it, although I’m not sure how much it was that they believed that you meant to do that and how much of it was that they didn’t like that stallion and were willing to overlook your actions regarding him,” Discord said.

“Does it matter?” Rose asked. “I threw a water balloon at somepony and got cheered at for it. I’m not going to overthink it. I do want to ask though, why did you really give me the water balloon? It WAS to help me, I just don’t get why.”

“Oh alright, you caught me. It was not to tempt you,” Discord conceded. “But it wasn’t to aid you either. You know how I was trying to get you to lose your concentration through your entire speech?”

“Yes, vaguely,” Rose muttered, recalling the hundreds of times Discord had yelled, “I thought you weren’t ignoring me anymore,” while she had been speaking.

“Well, you did such a good job at keeping your mind on task and deflecting my distractions that I was a bit offended when all it took was one outburst from some random audience member to derail your speech,” Discord continued, “As for why a water balloon? I find they make great artillery, especially in libraries. Still, just because I was annoyed at the stallion and gave you a weapon does not mean you had to use it.”

“Aren’t you glad I did though?” Rose asked.

“Very,” Discord responded.

“Rose, are you back here?”

Discord and Rose turned in the direction of the voice, watching as Dusk rounded the corner.

“Oh good, you’re here,” he said. “There’s been a change of plans and the Q&A will take place after the current speaker, so don’t stray too far.”

“Whatever you say, Dusk,” Rose said. “Hey, you aren’t mad about the water balloon, are you?”

“Of course not, that was hilarious,” Dusk responded. “Just try to keep assaulting the audience to a minimum from here on out, ok? We do have to pretend to be grownups and all.”

“Right, I’ll keep that in mind,” Rose said.

Dusk nodded and walked away, off to another meeting leaving Rose alone again.

“Did you interpret that to mean that we get one free balloon throw every third stop? Or was that just me?” Discord asked.

“It wasn’t just you,” Rose responded. “We’ll have to see how well FillyDelphia treats us first though. Just have the next water balloon ready.”

“Will do,” Discord said.

The two sat in silence for a while, tuning in and out of the ongoing speaker. From what they could hear, the speaker was the parent of a transpony speaking about his experience in helping his transcolt. Rose found herself musing about Summer and his family, as their story had a lot of parallels to the colt’s situation. Before long applause rung out from the square, and a teary-eyed unicorn walked down the steps to the backstage area.

“Good job,” Rose said, clapping as he came into view.

“Thank you, Ms. Rose, that means a lot coming from you,” the stallion said, walking over to her and shaking her hoof. “You’re a hero and an inspiration to my son and me.”

“None of that now,” Rose said, blushing. “You’re as much a hero as I am. Your speech will have as much impact as mine, especially for parents, not to mention what you’ve done for your son. “

“I don’t know about all that,” the stallion said. “But I appreciate the compliment nonetheless.”

“And next on stage is the Question and Answer panel with Evening Rose!”

Both Rose and the stallion turned to look in the direction of the stage as the sound of anticipation and cheering carried over from the crowd.

“I do believe you’re up next,” the stallion said.

“I do believe you’re right,” Rose responded. “Once again though, wonderful speech.”

“Thank you,” the stallion said. “Break a leg.”

The stallion walked away as Rose made her way towards the stage.

“Can I pick whose leg?” Discord asked.

“Yes, as long as you don’t pick one of mine,” Rose answered.

“Fine, don’t let me have my fun,” Discord responded, causing Rose to chuckle.

“Just do me a favor, please be quiet during the Q&A session, ok?” she asked. “I need to be able to focus and you never know what they could ask.”

“Consider it done,” Discord said. “I’m actually looking forward to seeing how you deal with random questions.”

“Thank you,” Rose thought, now visible by the crowd.

Slowly she walked towards the podium again, setting the microphone at the proper height before addressing the audience.

“Okay, now we’re ready to begin,” Rose said. “As you all already know, my name is Evening Rose, and I will be answering questions for the next 30 or so minutes. Now, if you have a question, please raise your hoof.”

A wave of noise met her request as almost everypony in the audience raised their hooves while trying to get Rose’s attention. Rose in turn, was momentarily paralyzed by the shift in the audience. Thinking quickly, Rose pointed at a female unicorn sitting in the third row.

“Let’s start with you,” Rose said. “What is your question?”

“What is the hardest thing for you about being trans?”

“Not going to lie, I honestly thought that the first question was going to be about the water balloon,” Rose responded, causing a small ripple of laughter to form within the crowd. “But to answer your question… hm… actually, let me think for a second.”

The mare nodded as she waited for Rose to gather her thoughts.

“That’s a tough one,” Rose finally said. “Not to sound overdramatic, but I kind of have a lot of things to choose from, you know? I guess the first thing that comes to mind is the lack of acceptance from others. I’m sure you have all heard about the incident with Granite Boulder, right?”

The audience all gave a collective somber nod.

“That’s the more extreme case, but it’s not the only one. Not being accepted by my parents when I came out, feeling like I had to hide, the look of disapproval from ponies that don’t understand or are outright repulsed by my existence... it hurts. I saw it in Cloudsdale not too long ago, and I saw it on the face of somepony who is now one of my best friends. It’s strange to think that it’s not just ‘bad ponies’ who can disapprove. It worries me a lot to know. And yet, I don’t think that’s actually the hardest part.”

Rose could see the confusion on the mare’s face.

“As much as some may disapprove, and as much as Granite was repulsed by me, they cannot compare to the amount of hate I felt for myself,” Rose continued. “I couldn’t stand to look at myself in the mirror, it would send me into fits. I… I felt such pain and hatred every time I saw myself. And even when I couldn’t, I still knew. I hated being trans, to the point that even a few months ago I would not have wanted to be here and talk to you all. Now… well, I would still take a magical changing cure if I could, but I found that it’s ok to be me and, come what may, I need to enjoy this life as me. It was hard to accept myself, but it was worth it.”

“Thank you,” the mare said, sitting down.

“Next question?” Rose asked, causing a wave of hooves to shoot up again. “The red pegasus in the back.”

“Thank you,” said the pegasus standing up. “I was wondering, do you find that other ponies treat you differently as a mare than they did as a stallion? Ponies that do not know you are trans, I mean.”

Rose had to think for a moment.

“Well, because of recent influx of attention I’ve gotten, not to mention this ongoing Equestria transgender education tour, I think I’d be hardpressed to find a pony that does not know I’m trans by now,” Rose said, causing the audience to chuckle amongst themselves. “However, before I was universally known as a transmare, yes, I did find I was treated differently. As a stallion I found that I was kind of expected to be more confident and imposing, which I’m actually not. As a mare though, I can comfortably be myself without anypony expecting any different, which reduced a lot of the stress in my life. The same thing can be said with my likes and dislikes. I hated sports and liked writing and reading. I always hated conflict, so I would prefer to talk and listen instead. I find that as a mare this is more accepted behavior, so I don’t feel like I stick out anymore.”

“Ugh.”

Rose looked around surveying the crowd. The stallion had given a polite nod before sitting down, which had been accompanied by polite stomping of hooves, but Rose had heard a disgruntled noise coming from the audience. Quiet, yet noticeable.

However, as Rose looked throughout the audience, she could not find the source.

“Did you by any chance hear that?” Rose thought.

“I did, but I am not quite sure from where the sound came,” Discord said, “Could be trouble though, evident disgust and all. You continue on with your panel; I’ll keep an eye out for our critic.”

“Very well,” Rose thought, looking at the audience who had taken the initiative and raised their hooves.

“You, with the hat,” Rose said, pointing at an earth pony filly.

“Oh, um... I was just wondering,” she said shyly. “You mentioned a transcolt in your speech about the trial. Do you know if he’s ok now and if he’s happy being himself?”

Rose smiled as she watched the ponies on either side of the filly give her praise for being brave enough to ask that question.

“Yes, he’s ok and he’s happy,” Rose said. “He actually suffered from a lot of the same things I did. He told me that as a filly he did not feel like he belonged. There was an inherent awkwardness and wrongness. All he wanted was to be normal, and now he is, living the way he knows he was supposed to.”

“This is unbelievable.”

Rose heard the voice but ignored it.

“Oh, that’s good,” said the filly. “If you see him, tell him that I said congratulations please.”

“I found her,” said Discord, reappearing beside Rose.

“Good,” thought Rose, taking care to keep her focus on the filly.

“I will, sweetie,” Rose said. “Thank you for your question. Now, who’s next?”

The hooves went up again, and Rose used the moment to scan the crowd.

“Ok, so which one is she?” Rose thought.

“The blue unicorn with the earrings and a snarl on her face,” Discord said, “She looks rather feisty, oh and look! Her hoof is up in the air. What a trooper.”

“Hm…” Rose thought, “So I could call on her or ignore her in favor of some other pony.”

“You do realize that if you call on her she will probably lash out somehow, right?” Discord asked.

“Yeah, but if I don’t, how will I let her know what I think of her disapproval?” Rose thought.

“I take back what I said this morning,” Discord said. “I love the way you think.”

“You, the blue unicorn,” Rose called out. “What is your question?”

“How does it feel knowing that you are pushing mares backwards, destroying the progress so many have fought hard to achieve?” the unicorn said, standing up with a defiant sneer.

“Excuse me?” Rose said, taken aback.

“You heard me,” the mare said. “You were just talking about how it felt good that you weren’t expected to do sports or be assertive. Mares throughout Equestria are constantly fighting to be treated as equals and to receive the same treatment and expectations, and here you are bragging about how much better it is to be treated differently.”

“But… I-“

“Not to mention the ‘transcolt’ you were just talking about,” the mare cut her off. “Some filly doesn’t fit in and decides to become a colt. Why? Because fillies can’t do the things colts can? Because it’s not acceptable? Why not make her a colt so that everything will be ok, after all, it’s not like we should change it so that fillies aren’t discriminated against for wanting to do more than expected.”

The audience held their breath, listening intently at the speaker.

“Mares for years have been fighting to be treated as equals, and here you come along letting a filly succumb to the ideas of a male-dominated society in which colts and fillies are different, while you yourself preach about how great it is to live with lowered expectations.”

“That’s not at all what I was talking about,” Rose responded.

“No? You were just saying that you changed because ponies expected you to ‘act like a stallion’ which means that you see that as different.”

“I just wanted to live as a mare. It’s what I am,” Rose responded, rather irritably.

“Except you’re not,” the unicorn responded. “You’re not a real mare, and you know it. You don’t even know what it means to be a real mare.”

Silence followed this outburst and Rose had to choke back tears in an attempt to keep her composure.

“What do you want me to do to her?” Discord asked.

“Nothing,” Rose thought. “I’ll be ok, I just… She hit a nerve. I’ll be ok though, I can handle this.”

“Are you sure? No one would have to know what happened. I can make her regret that statement,” Discord said. “Just give me the order; Celestia will understand.”

“No,” Rose said. “Thank you, but I fight my own battles.”

Taking an extra moment to make sure her mask would not crack, Rose took a deep breath. Then she spoke.

“I’ll be honest,” Rose began. “I had not actually thought about the impact of transponies in standard gender politics. I can certainly understand your concerns, but I must disagree with you since I find your concerns to be unfounded.”

“You’re serious?” the mare asked. “You try to pass yourself off as a mare without having lived as one, while a filly you mentored resorts to identifying as a colt to fit in, and you call my concerns unfounded?”

“Yes,” Rose said defiantly. “But don’t worry, I can explain exactly in what ways you’re wrong so you don’t have to wonder. Let’s start with the transcolt that you like bringing up so much, shall we? Do you know what his favorite thing to do is?”

“I have a few guesses,” the mare said. “But why don’t you enlighten us.”

“He likes playing with his dolls,” Rose said, earning a look of confusion from the mare and the rest of the crowd. “Don’t get me wrong, he likes a lot of things. He likes painting, he likes running around, pretending to be able to cook, playing with his friends, things like that. However, what he likes the most is playing with his dolls. He has a Princess Celestia and a Princess Luna doll, and I also recall him being very excited about getting a Princess Cadence doll once they start being made. He carries these dolls in a saddlebag because they’re precious to him.”

“But…” the mare began.

“Oh, I’m not done yet,” Rose interrupted. “I’ll have you know that he didn’t think twice about liking dolls or keeping a rather feminine sounding name. In fact, the thought that those things even factored into what made colts and fillies different didn’t even occur to him. When I acted surprised he actually freaked out, thinking that he had done something wrong. The idea of having to give up feminine things, or to give up his identity or his name, I think that terrified him. No, scratch that, I’m sure it terrified him.”

Rose closed her eyes thinking back to when she had interviewed Summer.

“He wanted to be treated like a colt because he felt like a colt, because he is a colt,” Rose said, “And because he wanted to be treated as he knew he was, he did not see a reason to change who he is as a pony. His likes and dislikes were a part of who he was, and since he was a colt, finally living as one would have no impact on the same, or so he figured. The second that he thought that might not be true and that he was messing up being trans, he began to cry, and I had to comfort him and to give him advice. You want to know what I told him?”

The mare continued to stare but said nothing, so Rose continued.

“I told him that there was no wrong way to be a transpony, just like there is no wrong way to be a colt or a filly. A pony is a pony, and how they act and what they like is a personal matter, not dictated by gender. I believe that’s what you’re arguing for, right? Well, I will have you know that the pony that you’ve been demonizing is living proof that ponies are equal despite gender.”

The mare began to shift uncomfortably.

“It’s amazing to me, really, that you feel justified in attacking transponies for ‘hurting’ the feminist movement or any equality movement in general,” Rose said tersely. “The trial in Ponyville we fought, do you know what it was about? Fighting a system that would separate biological males and females in the eyes of the law. Yes, we fought it because it specifically targeted transponies, but fighting it also ensured that a system that assumes there are inherent differences between males and females would not be used to classify ponies. Isn’t that what you’re fighting against?”

Murmurs started growing in the crowd.

“Transponies could probably be your biggest allies seeing how we are the most affected by the binary you argue should not exist,” Rose said. “We are arguing that biological gender is so insignificant in regards to society that we need to be allowed to live as the gender we know we are, as it presents no major change to anyone but the pony him or herself. And yet you make it a point to attack us? I must say I’m unsure whether to be angry, or just disappointed.”

The murmurs had now grown to full-on talking. The mare looked around awkwardly, unsure of how to respond.

“I believe I answered your question,” Rose said angrily. “Now unless you have something else you want to add, I would suggest sitting down. I have legitimate questions to address.”

A flash of defiance appeared on the mare’s face, but rather than say anything she sat down, letting her head hang and her gaze wander.

“That’s what I figured,” Rose thought before turning to look at the crowd. “Ok, next question!”

The majority of the crowd raised their hooves, hoping to be the next one chosen, undiscouraged by the back-and-forth they had just witnessed. The scene brought a smile to Rose’s face.

“Ok then,” she said, looking at the ponies with raised hooves. “You, what’s your question?”

Applause followed Rose as she walked down the stairs to the backstage area. She was smiling but the second she had gotten out of sight of the crowd, her posture dropped, resembling that of a pony who had just finished running a marathon.

“Are you alright?”

Rose looked up to find Dusk staring at her with concern.

“I’m ok,” Rose responded. “Just exhausted. You told me that this would a cakewalk; I wasn’t prepared for that Q&A session. I’m exhausted.”

Dusk nodded in understanding.

“I can imagine,” he said. “To be honest, that really caught me offguard as well. I had no idea that there would be conflict between the local feminist movement and transponies as a whole. As you said in your response, I figured that since a lot of the goals overlapped, that the two groups would find allies in each other. I am sorry you had to deal with the questions you did due to my assumptions.”

Rose waved off the apology.

“I think it’s important that that mare asked that question,” Rose said. “It gave me the chance to respond and hopefully change a few minds. Besides, I probably would have had to deal with her even if you were completely aware of her intentions. You can’t blame yourself for the intolerance of others.”

“I know,” said Dusk nodding. “Still, it is not often that I find myself caught unawares.”

Dusk shuddered, causing Rose to stare at him curiously.

“Oh, well ok then,” Rose said. “Well, anything else I need to do?”

Dusk shook his head in order to clear his mind before answering.

“If I recall correctly, you are done for the day, Ms. Rose,” Dusk said. “Now you are free to go sign autographs and talk to ponies. You are also free to go back to the hotel and get some rest. We’re heading to Los Pegasus tomorrow and trust me, you will need your energy. I have things to take care of though, so just stay safe and I will see you later.”

Rose nodded, watching as Dusk left for the next appointment or activity in his schedule. Discord waited until the pony was out of sight before re-appearing, despite the fact that nopony would be able to see him in his current translucent form.

“Well I’m glad that’s over,” Discord said. “Now, what are we doing next?”

Rose thought for a moment.

“We could go back to the hotel,” Rose offered. “I don’t know about you, but I certainly need some rest.”

“I seem to recall something about signing autographs,” Discord responded, displeased with the course of action.

“Hm,” Rose muttered, walking towards the main tent, “We really should go to the hotel. The ride to Los Pegasus is going to be rough, not to mention the ponies there. I believe Dusk mentioned it as one of the hostile cities towards the trans community. If we’re going to go on against that, the responsible thing would be to go to sleep so we’re ready for them.”

“I agree,” Discord said. “That would be the responsible thing to do. I, however, asked what we’re going to do.”

Rose smiled as she caught sight of a group of fillies and colts waiting patiently by the backstage fence.

“We’re going to find a quill, marker, or pen and I’m going try to do my best to spread some hope.”

“I love the way you think.”

Author's Note

First things first... That wasn't Trixie.
My editor thought it was so I felt like I needed to clarify.

Secondly, this is based on a very real discussion I had with someone in the women's center of my school, and a debate that took place not long afterwards between me and certain individuals from the campus feminist club.

This was actually one of the first things I knew I wanted to talk about when planning Arc 5. I guess I should explain that in my headcanon (and therefore in Dysphoria) the population is much like what one would find here, with only Ponyville having a larger mare to stallion ratio. Also, despite having the princesses in power, I decided to have the social structure mimic the one we have in terms of it being a male dominated society (which is not impossible, example: England).

I could have probably switched things around but I wanted the points I made to not be lost in translation and I did not want to risk it.

In any case, I hope you enjoyed this chapter regardless!

Los Pegasus on Monday,
-thedarkprep

5. Los Pegasus (Stop 4)

5. Los Pegasus (Stop 4)

“You know, if you keep staring at him he might just think that you’re pining for his affection.”

Rose bolted upright in her seat at the statement, causing everyone in the train compartment to turn to look at her.

“Smooth,” Discord said.

“Everything alright, Rose?” Timetable asked.

“…yes,” Rose answered. “I’m alright, sorry about that. I was falling asleep and I jolted back to consciousness rather forcefully. I’m ok though, just startled myself is all.”

The other three ponies exchanged a brief glance before shrugging, after which Timetable and Organizer went back to their conversation and Dusk went back to staring at the window, just as he had been when Rose had been observing him.

“Nice save,” commented Discord, smirking as he levitated to Rose’s left.

“Thanks,” thought Rose. “It didn’t come off as forced then?”

“What? No,” Discord assured her. “I’m sure they all gave each other those glances because your excuse was so believable. I am curious though, why were you staring at him so intently that me talking to you startled you? Developing a crush?”

“Ugh, no,” Rose thought, much to Discord’s amusement. “I’m just concerned. He’s been rather quiet and pensive through the whole ride. It’s making me nervous.”

“Well, you said he mentioned that Los Pegasus was one of the cities that is most against transponies. It’s rather normal for him to be anxious, don’t you think?” asked Discord.

Rose shook her head.

“When we were about to head to Cloudsdale, Dusk was very irritable and jumpy,” Rose thought. “I could very easily tell that he was stressed out about what was coming, but this is different. He seems sad, kind of defeated. Whatever is bothering him, it’s something different.”

Discord studied the stallion for a minute, floating closer until he was right next to him.

“Well, how long has he been like this?” he asked.

Rose let her mind wander through the day’s events. She remembered getting up that morning, eating breakfast, talking to the group, and boarding the train, and during all of that Dusk had been in his current state.

“All day I guess,” thought Rose. “I know I shouldn’t worry. Maybe it’s nothing. I just wish I knew what was going on.”

“I agree that you shouldn’t worry,” Discord said. “Whatever it is, he would warn you if it was something for you to be concerned with, wouldn’t he?”

“I know,” Rose responded. “He does have a habit of keeping me in the dark, but he’s warned me every time there was a legitimate problem, like he did with Cloudsdale. The only time he did not was when we had that Q&A in Vanhoover, and that was because it took him by surprise as well. In fact…”

A small gasp escaped her lips, unnoticed by her companions, as a memory resurfaced from the previous day.

“Something the matter?” Discord asked.

“Yesterday, after the Q&A!” Rose thought, “He apologized about not warning me about what could happen. He thought the local feminist movement would be on our side but he was wrong, and he apologized for being caught unawares. He had this same demeanor when he said it though.”

Discord raised an eyebrow.

“So that’s when it started? Interesting,” he commented, “So he’s just having a fit because he was wrong?”

“I guess, though it doesn’t sound like him,” Rose thought. “Maybe I should ask him if-“

“We’re arriving.” Dusk said, snapping Rose out of her thoughts.

Rose turned to look out the window, where she could see the approaching the Applewood station, directly below the city of Los Pegasus.

“Go ahead and grab your stuff to go to the square,” Dusk said. “We’ll have other volunteers come in and take our stuff to the hotel to get us checked in, but we are going to be needed at the event as soon as possible. You have about four minutes to gather what you want to carry for the day.”

The other three ponies nodded before putting their absolute essentials into their individual saddlebags. After doing so, Rose chose to sit near the door, watching as the train slowed down and arrived at the station.

“Are you ready for a ‘hero’s’ reception?” asked Discord, chuckling as he did so.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” thought Rose before sighing. “To be honest though, after Canterlot and Cloudsdale, I think I’m prepared for any reception this city might give us. Negative though I know it probably may be, I’ll at least not be caught by surprise.”

The train finally came to a halt, with the doors opening soon afterwards.

“After you then,” Discord said smiling.

Rose nodded, stepping around Discord and walking out of the train. Her steps stopped there, however, as she tried to comprehend what she was staring at. Discord, meanwhile, began laughing hysterically while levitating slightly above her, but Rose chose to ignore him. Instead, she asked the one question she had on her mind.

“Where is everypony?”

Rose blinked a couple of times and turned her head from side to side in order to confirm that the train station and the entrance to the town were in fact completely deserted.

“Prepared for any reception, huh?” asked Discord.

Rose did not respond, still scanning the station for any signs of life.

“Rose, I thought you weren’t going to ignore me anymore,” Discord whined.

This got Rose’s attention.

“Fine…”

“Fine what?” Dusk asked walking out of the train. “Fine day to enjoy the weather? I happen to agree, Ms. Rose.”

Rose was startled by Dusk’s sudden appearance, but managed not to react. Instead, she turned to address him.

“Where is everypony?” Rose asked.

“Well, not here obviously,” Dusk responded, raising an eyebrow.

“I thought you said that they were going to be just as against us here as they were in Cloudsdale,” Rose said. “You had me worried.”

“Oh, make no mistake, Ms. Rose, they do hate us just as much,” Dusk responded. “There are just a lot of things regarding this city that you don’t understand. However, I would rather explain this once we’ve reached Los Pegasus proper. There’s something you need to see there anyway to understand what I’m talking about.”

Dusk began walking into the city, with Timetable and Organizer following behind him. Rose stared at him in confusion for a minute before following suit.

The process of actually getting to Los Pegasus, was a long and tiring one, with temporary cloud walking spells being placed on Organizer and Dusk as a safety precaution, despite the walkways and paths of the city being enchanted to support non-pegasi travelers and citizens. The group then took one of the charriots from Applewood to the receiving station in Los Pegasus, arriving slightly behind schedule, causing them to rush out of the station with a hurried step.

It was then, as the group began walking through the actual city, that Rose saw a large multitude of ponies walking through the streets and going about their daily lives. However, these ponies did not take much notice of the strangers, who simply continued on their walk.

“Well, this is interesting,” Rose thought.

“Were you talking to me, dear?” Discord said. “Or were you talking to yourself like the sane pony you are?”

“Myself actually,” Rose thought. “Which is still the more sane option of the two. In any case, I was thinking that it was interesting that there are this many ponies walking around and that none of them seem to care that we are here.”

“Well aren’t we vain?” Discord commented. “I must say, I didn’t picture you as one to have an ego, Ms. Rose. I’m very impressed. In any case, Los Pegasus is a rather big city and I’m sure all these ponies crowding the streets have more important things to do than rushing to their ‘favorite celebrity’ for an autograph, meaning this doesn’t seem abnormal at all.”

Rose let out an annoyed snort.

“I’m sorry, but I think I have a bit more experience regarding modern big cities than you do,” Rose thought. “And I’ll have you know that there is nothing large cities like more than gossip. I know the stereotypes about the ponies here and based on what I’ve seen from Canterlot, if even half of them are true, they should be gathering in large groups to yell at us or at the very least glare at us. This isn’t natural.”

“Hm... Well, it does seem like quite a few things are ‘off’ today, don’t they?” Discord said, striking a pensive pose. “First Dusk, now this town… Oh, maybe I’ll get lucky and today is the day you burn this whole harmony thing down.”

Discord disappeared in a bout of laughter, leaving Rose with her thoughts.

“What if he’s right?”

“We’re here!”

Rose looked up to find that Dusk and the others had stopped, with Dusk pointing in the direction to the square, which much like everything else in the city consisted of solid enchanted floors resting on the cloudbeds. Stepping closer, Rose could see that the event was already underway, just as it had been in previous cities. And yet, she could immediately tell something was different.

“It’s so small,” she said.

The layout was the same as it had been in the other towns, courtesy of Timetable’s instructions no doubt, but everything was to a smaller scale. The stage was barely there, consisting of a raised platform and some speakers. Three tables had been placed around the event to hold the information pamphlets, and the seating was confined to a small section in front of the stage. In all, this event seemed to be made to accommodate hundreds, where as all the previous ones had been made to accommodate thousands.

“Each event is only as big as it needs to be, Ms. Rose,” Dusk said, standing next to her. “And this will more than accommodate everypony coming in today and then some.”

Rose took a second to look around the event again before responding.

“But, why?” she asked. “Los Pegasus is the only city to rival Canterlot in population. One would think that there would be more ponies here, or to see us at the station, even if just to yell at us like Cloudsdale did. Even Vanhoover had more of a turnout!”

“One would think that, yes,” Dusk responded. “But, as I told you, there are a few things about Los Pegasus that you don’t understand, so what you’re seeing is actually exactly what we expected.”

Rose motioned for him to continue.

“What is the driving force of all social change in Canterlot?” he asked.

Rose had to think for a second.

“The nobility,” she answered. “Royalty and the noble houses are the ones that establish what the norm is, the rest of Canterlot falls in line with their choices whether it is in fashion, etiquette, or social reform, as you proved with my family.”

“Exactly,” Dusk said. “Despite its large population, a very small group of ponies actually makes important changes happen, and because of how the city social structure is set up, this means there is hardly room for the general population to be a part of such a process. They just follow. However, such a system is unique in Equestria. In every other city, it is the general public that decides things. Are you with me so far?”

Rose nodded.

“Good,” he said, “Now, the other cities, those without a set nobility I mean, usually follow behind what Canterlot does anyway. However, that is not always the case, and in the cases where they stray from the set model, they do so by voting, campaigning, and other political routes. If enough of the population is behind a change or a standard, it shapes the local legislation and culture, which in turn affects the next change or standard. This causes cities to become rather independent from each other, such as we saw with Vanhoover and Cloudsdale.”

“So political activism shaped those cities and the local culture, turning Cloudsdale into the rather disapproving group that we saw, and turning Vanhoover into the liberal haven that we just left,” Rose said, making sure she understood.

“Exactly,” Dusk confirmed. “That means that there is a place and a need for social activism in such cities but, because of their small population in terms of the grand scheme of things, such activism tends to be a very low key event. At most, changes made affect only the city and local populous, most of which have been affected before hand through the years. This means that there is very little to gain from these political battles, and the ones that happen are few and far in between. For example, think about Ponyville’s reaction to the Summer trial before my involvement.”

“No one seemed to care,” Rose said, thinking back. “Very few ponies were there to watch or report on the event, at least until you did get involved.”

“At which point it became a nation-changing event, due to your involvement and the involvement of the Equestrian Equality Envoy,” Dusk explained. “Things that have the potential to change all of Equestria hold a lot more weight, politically speaking, and therefore they draw more attention, which brings us back to Los Pegasus. This city, as we’ve already stated, has the same size and population as Canterlot, but is sans nobility. This means that the same political climate exists here as in Cloudsdale or Vanhoover, but with one major difference.”

“Which is?” Rose asked.

“There are so many ponies living here, that a change in the local culture can and often does trigger a change in Equestrian culture,” Dusk answered. “Think about it – a major population center like this one has a lot of power. If the populous agrees with something, then the rest of Equestria tends to do so as well. Also, if both Los Pegasus and Canterlot agree on something, you can bet that every other city does as well, and the ponies who don’t tend to be national minorities. So let me ask you, if you were an activist in a random city, let’s say FillyDelphia, would you campaign, protest, and rally in your hometown?”

“No,” Rose said, shaking her head. “I’d come here. A victory back home would be unimportant in the grand scheme of things, whereas a victory here would actually mean something.”

“Exactly,” Dusk affirmed. “Now imagine it, thousands of ponies and groups, each trying to change Equestria to fit with their beliefs and ideals. They can do very little to change Canterlot, but here is Los Pegasus, open to be molded to their liking.”

“Oh,” Rose said in understanding, “They descended on this city, didn’t they?”

Dusk nodded grimly.

“That they did,” he said. “There were political battles everywhere. Interest groups fought each other in elections, petitions, boycotts, protests… I must admit the Triple-E and I were involved in a few of those and they were not pretty. In any case, there’s only so much of something that a city can take before it adjusts to deal with it.”

“What happened?” Rose asked.

“They… They got tired,” Dusk explained. “Eventually it got to be so constant, and so much, that the local ponies learnt how to ignore it and tune it out. I guess they had to in order to survive with everypony trying to influence the way they thought. What we ended up with, then, was this: a city filled with apathy. Now, don’t get me wrong; they still have thoughts and opinions. After all, they tried rather hard to criminalize same-sex unions. However, such ideals are expressed through votes that encompass a minimal amount of the populous or through acts of violence. This city cannot be bothered with anything else.”

Rose took a deep breath as she took in all the new information.

“Does this work in our favor?” Rose asked.

“Yes and no,” Dusk responded, halting a second to organize his thoughts. “On the one hoof, yes, because those who are against us are too apathetic to do anything about it. They have their own views and beliefs but they seldom get involved, meaning we don’t have to worry about them. As you saw, we haven’t been hassled once since our arrival despite all of Equestria knowing who you are and why we are here. However, there are apathetic ponies on both sides, meaning that we’d be hard-pressed to expect our supporters to get involved.”

“You mean they are apathetic despite these efforts being on their behalf?” Rose asked.

“Yes,” Dusk confirmed. “If everypony that these issues affected participated in the effort we would have a notable presence here. Despite being a minority in this city, the number of ponies involved on our behalf would be bigger than even Vanhoover. Change would be easier to come by…”

“But?”

“But,” Dusk continued. “We are not that lucky. These ponies see politics as a failed experiment, one that has let them down too often, and rather violently. They see it as a waste of energy, and they would rather abstain from involvement. ‘It’s just not worth it,’ I believe is the common quote.”

“So what are we doing here?” Rose asked.

“Well, as apathetic as the city might be, there are still a few that can be reached,” Dusk said. “There will still be a few ponies that come here to learn something new or to inform themselves. I can also guarantee that there’ll be a few transponies looking for hope, inspiration, or support, anxious to meet the one transpony to live publicly as such. There aren’t many ponies to reach here, but we have a duty to those that need us, few as they may be.”

Rose nodded in agreement.

“Very well,” she said. “Let’s not keep them waiting.”

“Well, I must say this was dreadfully boring.”

“Are you just going to float there or are you going to help?”

“What? First I don’t get to see all of Equestrian civilization devolve into chaos and now you expect help on top of that? You must have me confused with a different draconequus.”

Rose glared at Discord’s translucent form before returning to her task, folding chairs.

“Also, why are you folding chairs?” Discord asked. “They told you that the volunteers would take care of it and that you really didn’t have to do it.”

“I know,” Rose responded. “I just wanted to help, and since we got done with the event so early, I figured I might as well. Besides, it’s not like there’s that much to clean up.”

“Which goes to figure,” Discord said, scoffing. “Considering, how pitiful this particular event was, I’m actually surprised the whole thing has not been packed up already.”

“Hey, this happened to be my favorite stop so far,” Rose said.

Discord began laughing, rolling over in the air before finally stopping, facing Rose and wiping a tear from his eye. His demeanor changed, however, after spotting the nonplussed look on Rose’s face, which cause a giant grin to slide off of his own.

“Oh goodness, you weren’t kidding, were you?” he asked tentatively.

Rose shook her head, causing Discord to raise an accusing eyebrow.

“What can I say?” Rose said. “I liked this. It was more intimate and I got to talk to all the attendees one-on-one.”

Immediately after having arrived at the event, Dusk and Rose decided that the usual format would not be applicable due to the low attendance and, instead of carrying on with what would have been an awkward series of events for everyone involved, they reworked the event to fit the crowd. As such, the chairs were re-arranged into a smaller cluster, and the speakers sat with the attendees, combining the Q&A and the speech parts of the event into a chat between the speakers and those attending the event.

“I enjoyed being able to actually talk to them,” Rose continued. “I got to hear their stories rather than just tell them mine, and the back-and-forth was more of a conversation between everyone involved than is possible from a stage. I can tell you that I can barely remember the ponies I’ve seen from up on the stage, but I will never forget any of the ones I met today.”

“Yes yes, that’s all well and good,” Discord said irritably. “But there weren’t any hecklers, no random outbursts, nothing forcing you to think on your hooves. No drama, no conflict, no interest, and you say this was your favorite stop?”

“Actually,” Rose said, stifling a giggle. “The lack of things going wrong made up a huge part of why this was my favorite stop so far.”

Discord looked at her with a shocked expression.

“I cannot believe this,” he said. “An entire day wasted on inane, dull bores, and you would actually prefer every day to be like that. Well, I certainly have better things to do with my time.”

Discord gave her one more contemptuous glare before snapping his fingers and disappearing from sight.

“Oh come on now, don’t be like that,” Rose pleaded.

There was no answer.

“You’re being a baby,” she called out. “Keep it up and you’ll end up being Dusk.”

Still, nothing but silence greeted her call.

Rose took a deep breath and continued her work, slowly cleaning up the area and stacking up the chairs. Every once in a while she would send out messages to Discord through her thoughts, trying to encourage him to talk or respond, but each time she was met with silence.

“I guess he really is gone,” Rose whispered as she finished her work.

She began walking away from the square, unaware of the world outside her thoughts. As such, she almost missed the sound of someone calling out to her.

“Equestria to Rose!”

Rose looked around wildly as her brain registered the sound, stopping as she saw the approaching figure of Dusk.

“Hey, you ok?” he asked. “I called to you four times before you responded.”

“Oh, yeah, I’m fine,” Rose said, blushing. “I just have a lot on my mind.”

“Apparently so,” Dusk commented. “In any case, you did well today. I was afraid that having to change procedures like we did would throw you off, but if anything I think you did better. You certainly looked more comfortable, at least.”

“I was more comfortable,” Rose said. “I really did enjoy getting to talk to ponies for a change, rather than at them. If anything, I hope that the event in Baltimare tomorrow will be something like this.”

“Oh, that’s what I came over to talk to you about, actually,” Dusk said. “The next few days are going to be somewhat different, I’m afraid.”

“How so?” Rose asked.

“Well, for starters, we’re not leaving Los Pegasus tomorrow,” Dusk said. “It seems something came up with the planning of the Baltimare event, and we’ve actually been really lucky to not encounter any problems in travel or set up at any of the cities, so we’re ahead of schedule as is. Tomorrow you and the rest of our team have the day off while said problem is resolved. We’ll actually be leaving the day after next.”

"Won't that get expensive?" Rose asked.

Dusk shrugged.

"Yes because hotels able to acomodate earth ponies here with a guarantee that we will not wake up mid-plumet are unreasonably expensive," he said. "However, we did take the posibility of an extended stay in Los Pegasus into consideration, meaning we have more than enough funds set aside to cover it."

“Very well then,” Rose responded nodding. "I can't believe I get to relax for once."

“I didn’t figure you’d object to having a whole extra day to explore the city,” Dusk commented. “Also, it will take a full day to travel from here to Baltimare so we won’t be arriving until the morning three days from now, which is when the next event will take place.”

“So we’ll be sleeping on the train and arrive just in time for the event at Baltimare?” Rose asked.

“Yeah. Not too confusing, is it?” Dusk asked.

“No, I think I got it,” Rose said. “Day off tomorrow, we leave the morning after that, and we arrive at Baltimare the morning after that.”

Dusk nodded.

“My question now is what am I supposed to do for the rest of the day and tomorrow?” Rose asked.

Dusk shrugged.

“Anything, I guess,” he said. “There are movie theaters, museums, the city itself… It’s really up to you. As long as you show up at the hotel at night for both nights and you’re ready to leave two days from now, you can do whatever you feel like doing.”

Rose nodded.

“Oh, and if you really don’t know what to do for the rest of today,” he said. “I happen to know the princesses are in town over at the mayor’s office. They might take the time to talk to you. You seem to enjoy that.”

Rose perked up at the suggestion.

“Maybe they’ll be able to help me with Discord,” she thought.

Rose then turned to thank Dusk, but stopped when she noticed his demeanor. The sadness she had seen in the train still surrounded the stallion, making the confident pony look very unlike himself. Normally he was self-assured, strong, energetic, and he always had a bright smile on his face. This Dusk looked tired and beaten, which broke Rose’s heart to see.

“Maybe I should stay here,” she thought. “Dusk needs help with whatever is bothering him. Maybe I can do something.”

She opened her mouth to ask what was wrong when a vision of Discord flashed through her mind.

“You’ve got to make a choice, Rose,” she thought to herself. “Talk to the princesses about Discord? Or talk to Dusk about his problems.”

Dusk stared with a curious expression, but said nothing as he watched Rose struggle with her thoughts.

“I should deal with Discord first,” she finally decided. “I can talk to Dusk on the train ride to Baltimare and figure out what’s wrong, but I don’t know when my next chance to talk to the princesses will be, and I need their help.”

She took a deep breath before addressing her friend.

“Thank you Dusk,” Rose said. “I think I just might do that.”

Dusk seemed tempted to ask what had been bothering her, but he refrained from voicing his concern. Instead, he simply flashed a genuine smile before speaking.

“No problem, Ms. Rose,” he responded. “Just make sure to enjoy your stay and do come to me if you ever want to talk about anything.”

“I promise I will.”

The first thing that Rose noticed as she woke up was the sound of snoring filling her room. The second thing she noticed was that she was not the source.

Very slowly, Rose opened her eyes, scanning her room for the source of the sound, stopping when she noticed the sleeping draconequus levitating in a corner of the room. She quickly looked out the window to ascertain that this was, in fact, the latest she had ever seen him sleep in, as he usually awoke before her.

“He must have come back very late last night from wherever it is that he went,” Rose mused.

Taking great care to not make a sound, Rose got up from the bed and began her morning preparations, returning to the main room after finishing getting dressed to find Discord still levitating in the same spot, but awake.

“Good morning,” Rose said.

Discord looked at her with mild disinterest before responding.

“You’re not going to ask me where I was all of yesterday and last night?” he asked.

Rose shook her head.

“I’ll admit I’m curious,” she conceded. “But I won’t ask if you don’t want to tell me. It’s really none of my business.”

“Well, that works for me,” he said. “I didn’t really feel like telling you so that saves us both a lot of time. So tell me, what mind-numbing exercise on all things dull do you have planned for today?”

“Oh, I don’t have anything planned,” Rose said. “There’s somewhere I want to go, so we’ll head there, but what happens once we arrive is kind of up on the air.”

Discord raised an eyebrow at this.

“No plans? No fine-tuned series of events meant to establish order?” he asked.

“Nope,” Rose said smiling. “The day is ours to do with as we please, but we need to get to the place I was talking about first. Once we’re there I’ll be open to suggestions on what to do.”

Discord tried to look disinterested, but he could not hide his curiosity.

“Where is this place we’re going to, then?” he asked.

“You’ll find out in due time,” Rose said, failing at producing a mysterious voice. “Eh, I was never good with accents. Anyway, it’s about four hours from here walking distance, although I’m thinking we can rent a chariot to get us… well, get me there faster, and to pick me up at the end of the day. First things first though, we should get breakfast.”

Discord abandoned all pretense of being disinterested.

“Very well, but I hope you’re not just pulling at my strings to get me to do something boring,” he said, allowing himself a chuckle. “I do hate a tease.”

Rose giggled as the pair went downstairs for breakfast. Rose, having never seen the draconequus eat, was shocked to discover Discord’s ability to create cotton candy (which he used since he refused to eat any food he did not make himself). She made a mental note to ask him to use that ability in the future.

After breakfast, Rose went out and bought food for lunch, which she stored in plastic bags inside her saddlebag, before finding a pegasus-driven carriage to take them to their destination, or rather her since Discord opted to fly next to the carriage for the hour-long journey.

“Right here should be good,” Rose said, signaling the pegasus to descend.

“You sure?” he asked. “I could drop you off directly in the town square.”

“I’m sure,” she responded. “I don’t mind walking a bit and I want to take in some of the desert sights.”

The pegasus looked at her in confusion but shrugged before landing.

“Well, here you are then,” he said as Rose stepped out of the carriage.

“Thank you very much,” she answered, giving him his payment. “Now, if you could pick me up at the town at say, 7? Would that work alright?”

“I’ll be there, ma’am,” the pegasus said, saluting as he did so. He then turned around and began to fly away, with Rose staring at him in silence as he faded into the distance.

“You could have flown here yourself, you know?” Discord said, appearing next to Rose.

“I’m not that great of a flyer,” Rose said, shaking her head. “This trip would have been exhausting, assuming I made it at all. Anyway, do you have any ideas of where we’re going?”

Discord paused to study his surroundings.

“South of Los Pegasus,” he said. “That would put us in the middle of the San Palomino Desert. Not sure why you were in such a rush to come here, though. As important as I’m sure sand is, it’s not much of a tourist attraction.”

“We’re not there yet,” Rose said, rolling her eyes. “I just figured that walking there would give me the chance to talk to you for a bit and to fill you in on some of the history.”

Rose began walking south, with Discord following behind her.

“Well isn’t this rich? You want to teach me about history?” he asked, making it a point to not hide his contempt. “I’ll have you know that I myself am history. I’ve experienced the things your historians speculate about. I am even familiar with the events that took place during my imprisonment. So tell me, Ms. Rose, what do you believe you have to ‘fill me in’ on?”

“Something you don’t know about,” she said, not breaking her stride. “Something so simple, that historians would never speculate about it. Something so uninteresting and ordinary that it would easily have been left out of history, let alone things you had to learn about when you re-appeared.”

As she said this, the two arrived at the top of a dune, overlooking a giant city.

Discord looked at the city with wide eyes, surprised to find so many buildings in the middle of the desert. Rose, meanwhile, wore a smug smile as she continued walking into the town with Discord following behind her. The two walked in absolute silence as they neared and entered the city proper, and it was then that Discord noticed the strangest thing about this city.

“It’s deserted,” he commented.

The streets were empty, with the only sounds being those of gusts of wind and creaking wood. The buildings looked weathered, with cracked wood and chipped stone as their construction materials. Sand moved through every surface, corroding the city further even now. The place exuded an aura of something ancient, forgotten, and haunted.

“What is this place?” he asked.

“I would have told you on the way here but your need to tell me how much more you know than me seemed more important,” Rose said, smirking. Discord gave her a deadpan look and waited for her to continue, which she did. “Fine, fine, you’re no fun though. Right now we are standing in the middle of New Baltimare.”

“New Baltimare?” Discord asked, looking around his surroundings again.

“Yea,” Rose said. “Equestria has had a love-hate relationship with the desert, meaning that Equestria loves trying to inhabit it, but it hates us being here. Appleloosa was the first southern settlement to become a city, but it was far from the first to try. In fact, many different entrepreneurs tried to tame the desert by creating lavish cities. New Baltimare was such a case.”

Rose paused for a minute to ensure she remembered everything she had read about the city before continuing.

“The idea was to have a city here to rival Canterlot, like Los Pegasus was starting to become. They certainly had the land and, as you can see, those funding the creation of New Baltimare had the bits and the resources to make it happen. However, the desert is a hard place to live in,” Rose continued. “Appleloosa and Dodge City are farming towns, meaning that everything there is very practical. The buildings are cheaply made, but very sturdy. Everything is engineered to work with the weather, which allows the town to withstand what nature can throw at it. This city, however, wasn’t built that way. Everything you see was very lavish and built for the aesthetic rather than the functionality, meaning that it was very easy to break.”

Rose approached one of the buildings as she continued to talk.

“The city was built, then it started being destroyed by the elements,” she said, “Then they began fixing it, but every time they fixed something, something else was damaged. Before long, it became too expensive to try to keep the city going, so it was abandoned and forgotten. In all, it lasted about a year and it was never fully populated. This is probably why you hadn’t heard about it, it just wasn’t that important.”

“Then why are we here?” Discord asked.

“Well,” Rose began, “This city is no longer just something to be ignored because it is now actively in the way.”

“What do you mean?”

“This city is just here taking up space,” Rose clarified. “We now know how to build settlements and towns that can withstand the desert, meaning that Equestria could finally build a town here, if this city wasn’t here already that is. Also, even if we don’t settle here, this city is destroying the beautiful landscape. It’d be one thing if this were a bunch of historical monuments and the such, but these buildings are only 40 years old. They have no value.”

“That still doesn’t tell me why we’re here,” Discord said, letting his annoyance shine.

“We’re here to destroy it.”

Silence followed Rose’s statements as Discord processed what she had said.

“What do you mean destroy it?” he asked.

“Here I have a signed order of demolition for the ruins of New Baltimare in the San Palomino Desert,” Rose said, pulling a document out of her saddlebag. “Celestia wanted this place torn down anyway, so I asked her if you and I could take care of it instead. She agreed as long as we make sure that there isn’t a single thing left here by the time we’re done.”

“That means tha-“

“That means that as long as we’re thorough, we can destroy this city in any way we please,” Rose exclaimed. “We can set buildings on fire, cause a tidal wave, have a tornado hit it… Meteors, us as giants rampaging through the streets, anything we want. We can have fun with this.”

Discords eyes widened as he looked around the city, already planning what catastrophes would befall the abandoned buildings.

“Why are you doing this?” he asked.

Rose shrugged.

“You were right, yesterday was probably very boring for you. It had to be done but, I don’t know, I feel bad. Especially considering… hm…” Rose said, stopping to think.

“Actually, there’s something I want to talk about. Something regarding why I went through all this trouble, but it can wait till lunch time,” she said. “Besides, do you really care why I’m doing this? You have a blank check to create as much chaos as you want onto this town and we both have until seven to level it all to the ground. We can talk later, for now, let’s create chaos.”

A smile appeared on Discord’s face as he began laughing.

“Yes,” he said, “let’s.”

The sound of crumbling stone resonated through the air, accompanied by the cracking of wood as it expanded, burnt, and splintered. Torrents of fire engulfed the land for as far as the eye could see. The sky was pitch black, due to the massive clouds hovering above the area. A few buildings levitated, in the air, spinning out of control before being struck down by manticores made entirely of sand.

Chaos reigned, and it was in the midst of this chaos that two beings sat on a rooftop, watching the madness unfold.

“More cotton candy Ms. Rose?”

“Don’t mind if I do.”

Rose extended a hoof, receiving a tuft of cotton candy cloud courtesy of Discord. She savored the treat, eating it slowly while observing the dancing of the flames that engulfed half the city.

“It is marvelous is it not?”

Rose turned to look at Discord, who was in turn observing the fire with much interest.

“Ponies love their order and despite how bland the whole thing is, they see beauty in it. Things are always the same colors; things follow a set order of events. There are rules, and the more that things follow the rules, the better that something seems to be for them,” Discord mused with a faraway look in his eye. He then snapped his fingers, producing a painted canvas that showed an exact replica of the burning city before them.

“The more the painting resembles reality, or the more the trees in Celestia’s garden are in perfect alignment, or the more in tune one instrument is with another, the higher the value each thing seems to have, and now that I’m ‘reformed’ I’m expected to appreciate how ‘artful’ order can be. Egh,” he said, ending with a gagging sound as he threw the canvas into the flames, where it was incinerated in seconds.

“This is art Ms. Rose,” he continued after a while. “One cannot predict the movement of the flames or how they will spread through the city. Not even I can predict where the rubble will land, what will be left standing and what will crumble. Colors clash, standing next to each other without needing to fit in and that’s the point! Everything is random, which makes it unique, which makes it special. Anyone could build this city. They could do it a million times and if they followed the design, the spacing, and use the same materials, the city would look the exact same way each time. Replaceable, boring, unimportant.”

He waved his arm over the edge of the building.

“But this!” he exclaimed, “I could destroy each of those cities by using the same tricks in the same spots in the same way and we would never see the exact same scene playing before us. Chaos cannot be replicated.”

Rose nodded.

“I see what you mean,” she said, “There is something beautiful about all this destruction, and as fun as it was to help create it, I’m enjoying staring at it just as much. I guess it has to not be dangerous for one to appreciate it, which is seldom the case for chaos right?”

“Ugh, hardly,” Discord scoffed, causing Rose to raise an eyebrow. “Do you know how much danger Equestria, or even just Ponyville, was in before I got turned into stone this past time?”

Rose shook her head.

“None,” Discord exclaimed. “I did not harm a single hair in any of their little pony heads. Sure what I did was inconvenient to a lot of them, but evil? Hurtful? Blah. I am far too old to care for such vanities. All I did was stray from what they considered normal, and what happened? Everypony panics and they send the strongest magical force in the nation to deal with me, justice indeed.”

“Didn’t you change up the day and night cycles and mess with the crops?” Rose asked.

“I may have messed with that, yes. But what was the harm? There was still a day and night, granted more often. It’s not like I tried to bring ‘eternal night’ or something,” Discord responded. “As for the crops, not only did I make apples bigger, but I provided popcorn, cotton candy, and chocolate milk, for free might I add! No being would have starved and even though it was different from the normal pony diet, I happen to know that ponies can and sometimes do live off of sweets alone. But no, it did not make sense, therefore it was not appreciated.”

Rose watched the draconequus silently as he once again surveyed the area.

“Sometimes I understand too well what Ms. Nightmare Tantrum went through,” Discord said before sighing. “But I guess it is too much to ask for ponies to begin to appreciate my point of view rather than asking me to change it for their sakes.”

“I don’t think so,” Rose said.

Discord was startled by the response, turning to look at Rose with questioning eyes.

“I’m serious; I don’t think it’s too much to ask,” she repeated, “Lyra, a friend of mine, was recently telling me about this new craze called abstract art. It uses random colors and shapes and things, and I don’t really understand it, and to be honest I’m not sure anyone does, but it’s getting big in the art world.”

“Hm… Maybe there’s hope for them yet,” Discord commented.

A few minutes of silence passed between the two as they went back to observing the chaos in peace. Eventually, however, Discord broke the silence again.

“What is your angle?” he asked.

Rose tilted her head in confusion.

“My angle?”

“Yes, your angle,” Discord repeated, “Letting me level a town, trying to cheer me up, listening to ramblings, why are you doing this?”

“No reason really,” Rose answered, earning her an annoyed sigh from Discord.

“You said we would talk during lunch,” he said, “And I don’t appreciate being lied to, especially so poorly. Now tell me why you’re being so nice to me?”

Rose turned her gaze away from Discord, taking a few deep breaths before answering.

“I kind of feel bad for you.”

“Excuse me?”

“I said I feel bad for you,” Rose repeated. “Look, the way you talk to me… In fact, the way you’re always talking… it’s familiar. I used to be like that once. I always had to be smart, and clever, and funny, and I always had to be a few steps ahead and make sure everyone around me knew it at all times. If you get others to believe it it’s easier to believe it yourself right?”

Discord said nothing so she continued.

“I’ve met ponies who love the sound of their own voice, and who will talk to no end,” she said, “But you’re not like that. You talk all the time not because you like to, but because you need to. You need the attention don’t you?”

“What makes you say that,” Discord asked, narrowing his eyes.

“You got too annoyed at me ignoring you,” Rose responded, “It’s like you need those around you to acknowledge you or else you get upset. If I were to guess, I’d say you were lonely. You get upset when I don’t acknowledge you because I’m guessing I’m one of the few that do, when you’re not spinning somepony’s house in the air that is.”

“Even if that were the case, which I’m not saying it is, why would you care?” Discord asked, “I have been nothing but snarky and annoying this whole trip have I not? I certainly do remember taking every chance to score a laugh at your expense.”

Rose shook her head.

“No, not every chance,” Rose said, “Even if that’s what you would rather believe, it isn’t true.”

“Oh?” Discord said mockingly, “Do tell.”

“Why did you give me the water balloon?” Rose asked, taking Discord aback.

“Um.. Because I thought it’d be funny?” he ventured, “I was mad that he managed to throw off your train of thought when I had been unable.”

“So it wasn’t because what he said upset me?” Rose asked.

The draconequus said nothing.

“That’s fine, you don’t have to answer that one,” Rose said, “Instead, how about we talk about what happened at the Q&A? Remember what that pony said about me?”

“You’re going to have to be a tad more specific dear.”

“She said that I know nothing about being a real mare,” Rose said, bitterness in her voice. “She hit right where it hurt most, at the root of all my insecurities, and she almost broke me right there on stage. I pulled through and told her off, of course, but not before you said something to me. What was it again?”

This time Rose stayed silent until Discord answered.

“What do you want me to do to her?” Discord whispered.

Rose nodded.

“Yea, that was it,” she said. “You wanted to help me get retribution. You cared about what I was feeling, and you wanted to defend me. Of course, it had to be by my order so that Celestia would not hold it against you, but your desire to help was still there. You showed concern for me.”

Rose thought for a second, before giggling.

“Now that I think about it, even right when we first met you showed concern for me,” Rose said, “Yea, in Cloudsdale! I was getting heckled and you said I should probably get off the stage and that there would be no shame in doing so. Yea, you prefaced it with ‘not that it’s any of my concern’ but it still was wasn’t it.”

“You were vulnerable,” Discord said, “I do not prey on the helpless.”

“But you could have,” Rose countered. “You could have made things worse. You could have stayed silent. But you didn’t. You didn’t exploit my weakness, and that’s why I’m doing this for you. Because it’s what you would do for me, granted with less water balloons.”

Rose expected this to cheer Discord up, or to at least trigger one of his snarky comebacks, but the god of chaos stayed silent, deep in thought. When he did speak, it was barely audible.

“It would seem I have a lot to think about,” he said. He then shook his head, his signature grin returning as he stopped.

“But enough seriousness,” he said, “We still have half a city to demolish and precious little time to do so with. How about we hit that building with acid filled water balloons?”

“I really wanted to be a giant and crush them under my hooves,” Rose said, pouting.

Discord gave a mock sigh of annoyance.

“Fine, how about we use the balloons, I reconstruct the city, and then we tear it down like giant bulls in a china shop?”

“Hey, I happen to know some bulls that own a china shop, and they happen to be very graceful,” Rose said, grinning, “But as for your plan… Let’s break some china.”

Author's Note

So.. I almost really messed something up here.

When I saw Los Pegasus, I thought that it included the land AND the clouds on top (with the clouds being more of a decoration/addition to the city rather than the city itself). I also thought that Applewood was just an area inside of Los Pegasus.

I didn't question these assumptions until recently when I read a Cloud Kicker fic where she goes to Los Pegasus, which apparently is only the cloud part of it. Oops?

It took a few awkward edits and some creative thinking (done 2 days before the chapter was due to go up), but I think I fixed my mistake. If not.. know I tried ok?

In any case, I hope it wasn't too much of a problem for you...

If it was, know that I don't mess things up in the Baltimare chapter coming out this Friday, so look forward to then!

...please don't hate me?

In other news, I really like writing Discord AND one of the most important things in the fic just happened (if you know how to read between the lines). It'll make sense later.

Baltimare on Friday!

Happy Reading,
-thedarkprep

6. Baltimare (Stop 5)

6. Baltimare (Stop 5)

“Why won’t you tell me what’s wrong?”

“Because I already told you nothing is wrong!”

Rose and Dusk continued to glare at each other as the train they were in zoomed past the trees and mountains on either side of the tracks.

Timetable and Organizer sat on some of the chairs, refusing to make a sound for fear of directing any attention onto themselves. Unknown to them, Discord was floating right behind them, staring at the scene with his usual lack of interest. And so the three watched as the argument continued, much like it had over the past day.

“Oh, please,” Rose exclaimed, “I know you seem ok but-“

“Seem ok?” Dusk interrupted. “Did it occur to you that I might seem ok because I am ok?”

“You know, it might have if you had not been upset for three days in a row,” Rose responded. “I don’t know why you’re getting so defensive; I’m just trying to help.”

“I haven’t been upset Ms. Rose,” Dusk countered, “And I am not being defensive. We both know that I don’t do defensive well. Offensive on the other hand, I happen to have some experience with, as do you it seems from the way you have been incessantly badgering me.”

“Ok, that’s it. I give up.”

Everyone in the compartment turned to look at Organizer who had stood up from his seat.

“I don’t care if I lose the bet anymore,” he exclaimed, looking at Timetable. “I was probably going to lose it anyway from the way these two were still arguing, but it’s just not worth it to stick around to find out.”

He then turned to look at Dusk and Rose.

“You two may be extraordinary ponies, but you are also the most hardheaded creatures I’ve ever had the pleasure or displeasure to meet,” he said, “I’m still figuring out which. Now, if you excuse me, we have maybe two hours before arriving at Baltimare, and I think I’ll spend it sleeping. Timetable, do you want me to pay up now? Or can it wait until after I’ve gotten some sleep?”

Timetable shook her head in response.

“Don’t even worry about it,” she said, “I was about to give up on this bet as well. Even if I was about to win, no amount of bits was worth listening to this much longer.”

Organizer nodded, leaving the compartment towards the sleeping chambers while Timetable turned her attention to the remaining two ponies.

“As for you,” she said, “You do realize that you two are arguing because you are concerned about the other’s feelings, right? That immediately makes this the dumbest argument I’ve ever heard. Now you two make up and play nice for the remainder of the trip or so help me I will write to your parents.”

She then turned around and left the compartment, slamming the sliding door on the way out.

Dusk and Rose exchanged awkward glances between themselves and the now deserted doorway, with each pony letting the silence wash over them as they processed the words they had just heard.

“Wow,” said Dusk at last. “I do believe we have been… oh what’s the word.. Told?”

Rose nodded slowly in agreement.

“Yea,” she said, “I do believe we have. Quite thoroughly I might add.”

The two then continued to stare awkwardly at each other, with Rose cracking first under the pressure of what just had happened.

“Look, I’m sorry,” she said, “I know I shouldn’t pry. I’m just very worried about you. Ever since Vanhoover you’ve seemed rather off and if there is anything I can do to help, I want to be able to.”

Dusk gave off a mild chuckle at that.

“Ms. Rose, there’s nothing to be worried about,” he answered, “I know you mean well but I’m really doing fine. In fact, the only part I’m upset about is that somehow my demeanor caused you to worry at all. I know you think that you saw me upset, but know that I was not. Wanting to help me so badly is something admirable, and something I am very grateful for, but you have other things to be worried about without adding to it for little old me.”

Rose took a deep breath.

“I guess so,” she said, “Just promise me that you’ll talk to me if something is wrong.”

“I promise I will Ms. Rose,” Dusk responded, “But for now, how about we agree to let things go and just enjoy the time we have left before ‘work’ in Baltimare?”

Rose nodded, spurring a smile to appear on Dusk’s face.

“That’s my mare,” he said, “Now, Baltimare will not be a cakewalk in any sense of the word. I’ve yet to brief you on the political climate, but I feel like I can assume that young Mr. Summer’s family told you enough. As such, I believe you should follow Mr. Organizer’s advice and get some rest.

“I’ll try,” Rose responded.

“That’s the spirit,” Dusk said. “Now if you will excuse me, I’m going to go take my own advice.”

With that final statement, he too left the compartment, leaving Rose on her own.

Well, almost on her own. After all, Rose was seldom alone these days.

“Well that went well,” Discord chimed in, “At least you have both agreed to let things go, which to me says that you are not planning on letting things go at all, right?”

“Of course I’m not,” Rose said, “He hasn’t talked yet and I can tell something is still bothering him. I just don’t know what it is yet. I will get to the bottom of this.”

“Of course,” Discord said. “To be honest, I cannot believe he would not talk to you about it after you did such a great job trying to convince him to open up his heart to you, and with such subtlety too.”

“Hey,” Rose exclaimed, “Nothing wrong with being a little direct.”

“’Dusk, I know something is wrong with you and I am not leaving until you tell me what it is,’” Discord deadpanned.

“Ok, so I may have been more than a little direct,” Rose said wincing, “But I felt like telling him exactly what was on my mind was the best way to approach this.”

“Oh Rose,” Discord said, shaking his head, “For such a smart pony, you can really be dumb sometimes.”

“You really think I’m smart?” Rose said with fake glee in her eyes.

“You’re pushing it,” Discord responded.

“I know,” Rose said laughing, “Sorry. I’ll stop. Anyway, as for the thing with Dusk… I really could not come up with a good way to approach him about it. We’re friends now, I think, but not really close friends. And a lot of our relationship is based around essentially being co-workers. I could not come up with a way to lead into a conversation this personal in a natural fashion, so...”

“So you decided to breach the topic in the most unnatural and jarring way possible,” Discord finished for her, “Kudos. If you were having such trouble, why not write it out in that notebook you are always carrying?”

Rose cocked her head to the side.

“You mean my traveling notebook?” she asked, “Oh, that’s because I’m running out of room in it.”

Rose removed said book from her saddlebag, opening to random pages to show them filled with her writings.

“I’ve been writing about everything that happens in this trip,” she explained, “Every day I write about what happened, every conversation I can remember, all important events, descriptions of things, everything. I figure that this will help me write some great stories or poems when I get back home.”

“When you say everything,” Discord began, eyeing the notebook with worry, “Does that include things with me?”

“Yea,” Rose responded. “You are a part of everything aren’t you? No need to look so sour about it, you’re actually portrayed as a fairly good individual.”

“Well excuse me if I find it annoying that my interactions, thoughts, and actions are written down on a notebook for all to read,” Discord said testily, “Ponies reading about me being sentimental in the desert is going to take a lot for me to live down.”

Rose chuckled for a bit.

“Don’t worry so much,” she said, “These are for my own personal reference. For as long as I’m alive I’ll be the only one looking at the notebook, and I promise not to let anyone else know that you can be a softie when you want to be. After I’m dead, you’ll have to bring it up with whoever I leave my notebooks with, but I’m sure they’ll agree to keep the sections about you to themselves if you ask nicely.”

Rose expected the comment to ease Discord’s nerves, but such was not the case. Instead, the draconequus continued to stare at notebook with a thousand yard stare. She then clutched the notebook up to her chest defensively.

“If it bothers you that much I can rip out the pages concerning you,” she said, “But please don’t hurt the rest of my notebook. I have so many things here that I want to remember and write about, and I’m not sure I’d be able to get it all from memory alone.”

Discord looked at her in confusion before chuckling to himself.

“Oh, no no, you misunderstand me Rose,” he said, “I was just lost in thought, that is all. I was thinking that, I am the god of chaos. I do not do things for my reputation; I just am an ancient being with an eye for disruption and a sense of humor. I should not be so concerned with what others, especially mortal beings like ponies, think of me. You can do with your notebooks what you will; I am too old to care about such trivialities as my ‘portrayal,’ as it were.”

Rose relaxed her grip on the notebook.

“That’s good to hear,” she said, “I have enough to worry about with trying to cheer up one moody, self-obsessed, and stubborn megalomaniac without having to tend to another.”

“A megalomaniac has fantasies of grandeur,” Discord noted, “So even if you had to cheer me up as well, you would still find yourself with only one. My grandeur happens to be quite real.”

“Right,” Rose said, rolling her eyes.

“In any case,” Discord said, ignoring her tone, “How do you plan on going about cheering him up now that outright demanding he let you help did not work?”

“I’m not sure,” Rose admitted, “I guess I’ll just have to wait and see if an opportunity presents itself. Otherwise I’m not sure there’s much I can do.”

“So you’re stuck hoping that something will happen that will upset him enough that he will tell you?” Discord asked. “I may not be an expert on friendship but, that seems rather counter intuitive.”

“It’s certainly not ideal,” Rose grimaced, “But it’s the only way I see it happening. Make no mistake though, I’d rather be left in the dark than having him be upset like he was or is, so hoping might be the wrong word.”

“Are you talking to yourself?”

Rose and Discord turned their heads to face the doorway, where a very confused Timetable stared back.

“Oh, Timetable! I didn’t see you there,” Rose stammered, blushing furiously, “How long have you been listening for?”

“Only from ‘it’s certainly not ideal’ to when I talked,” Timetable responded with a raised eyebrow, “Which tells me that there was more to the conversation and that you were talking to yourself.”

“Ok, quick,” Discord said, “What do you think she will react to better? You saying you were talking to yourself, and therefore could possibly be insane? Or me appearing to show that you were talking to me, the god of chaos that has been following you around?”

“Yea,” Rose said, quickly, “I was talking to myself, sorry.”

Timetable continued to stare for a second, before a smile appeared on her face.

“Things with Dusk really rattled you huh?”

Rose smiled and nodded, happy to have a lifeline out of the awkward situation.

“Yea,” she said, “I know I’m not wrong and that there’s something there, but I can’t help and it’s frustrating. Not to mention that Dusk is rather frustrating on his own. It’s just really bothering me recently and so I was thinking very hard on how to fix things. When I think that much though, sometimes I talk to myself on accident, to order my thoughts.”

Timetable nodded in understanding.

“I do that sometimes too,” she confessed, “And I completely understand about Dusk. He has this thing where he does not like to ever be vulnerable, and he becomes rather stubborn about hiding any and all perceived weakness. It’s his way of coping I guess.”

“That makes sense,” Rose conceded, “But why does his way of coping have to be so infuriating?”

Timetable laughed at the comment.

“To be fair, it’s his right not to tell you what he feels,” she said through her giggles, “We all have secrets and we can keep them from whoever we want, he’s no different. I think that what’s really going on is that we have all been traveling together for long enough now that we’re starting to get sick of each other.”

Rose’s eyes went wide at the comment, and she began to shake her head.

“Not at all,” she exclaimed, “I love spending time with you all, and this trip has been a lot of fun. I could never be sick of you. We’re friends! Aren’t we?”

Timetable smiled and nodded.

“We are, and I feel the same way, but I was not talking about getting sick of us as ponies,” she explained, “Even the best of friends need some time away from each other to recharge right? You don’t spend every single waking moment with somepony, no matter how special they are. But we’ve been traveling for a week now, spending all of our time in the same events, in the same train carts and chariots, in the same hotels, and basically having only each other as company. Under those conditions, we were bound to get annoyed by each other’s quirks sooner or later.”

Rose looked out the window.

“It’s hard to think it’s only been a week,” Rose muttered. “We’ve seen so much, done so much, and met so many ponies… It feels like months have passed.”

“That it does,” Timetable agreed, “To be honest, I am surprised we’ve moved as fast as we did. The trek up to Baltimare was supposed to take half a month, but we made it here in half the time. The planning committees in each city deserve an award for their efficiency.”

Rose nodded but said nothing.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be back in Ponyville soon,” Timetable said, “Just three more stops counting Baltimare and you’ll be able to celebrate with your friends over all we’ve done.”

“Will you be there?” Rose asked, “In Ponyville I mean, when we get back for stop eight, or will you be going back to Vanhoover?”

“I’ll be in Ponyville, at least for the stop,” Timetable answered, “After that I’ll go back to Vanhoover for a while, until I’m needed for another project that is. But I promise that I will request any project that takes me to Ponyville so I can see you, and we can keep in touch via mail.”

“I’m that easy to read?”

“I’m afraid you are,” Timetable said smiling, “But it’s ok. We will still be friends after this whole thing is over. I promise. As for Dusk, try not to worry about him, but be ready to help should he ever need you. I have a feeling that if he’s going to trust somepony with his problems, it will be you.”

“Thank you,” Rose said, “I’ll make sure I’m ready.”

“I know you will,” Timetable said, looking out the window, “It looks like we have a bit under two hours now before we arrive, but still enough time for a nap. I suggest you take it. Baltimare will be… rough.”

“That bad, huh?”

“Yea,” Timetable said sadly, “But nothing you haven’t seen before, and nothing we cannot deal with.”

Timetable walked away, leaving Rose with her thoughts.

“You really should get some sleep,” Discord said.

“Yea, if I’m hearing it this often there’s probably a reason,” Rose thought. “Can you wake me when we’re arriving?”

“Certainly,” Discord said.

“Thank you,” Rose thought, “Well, I’m off to sleep. Then off to war apparently.”

“Well, I must say this is not what I was expecting,” Rose said as she stepped out of the train.

“Were you expecting them to throw stuff at you and yell obscenities at us?” Dusk asked, standing beside her.

“Actually, yea, yea I was,” Rose muttered.

“Ponies here are not like that,” Dusk explained, “They see such behavior as classless and undignified, good for the riff raff in Cloudsdale but not for good old Baltimare. What we have here instead is the passive aggressive capital of Equestria.”

Rose gulped as she walked into the city, accompanied by the rest of the team.

On either side of them, the path into town was filled with ponies, holding signs and glaring at the intruders with venom and malice. However, none of them yelled. Instead, the sound of hushed whispers could be heard. The gossip grew the further they got away from the train station and into the town proper, until the sound seemed more like the rumblings in a giant wasp’s nest more so than the exchange of vile words and insults by the populous. That is not to say that Rose and the rest of the team could not make out the comments being made, which caused Rose to wince and cringe through the walk.

“They are certainly showcasing the aggressive part,” Rose muttered, “No wonder Timber and Spring moved Summer out of here as fast as they did, this is awful.”

“Could be worse,” Dusk whispered, “Right now I’m just happy that they’re staying passive, aggressive as they are they are not getting in the way or attacking us, so let’s take victories where we can get them shall we? All we have to do is get to the event. Once there we can begin to change this town’s outlook for the better.”

Rose nodded and the group quickened their pace, making their way to the town square where the event was already set up and underway, whereupon Dusk went to meet with the representative in charge, allowing Rose to survey the area.

The first thing that she noticed was that this event had a much higher attendance than the last one had had. On top of that, most of the ponies in the square did not look nearly as hostile as those she had seen around town. If anything, they looked nervous, often looking around as if someone or something were just about to attack them from the side or from behind.

“Remind you of anyone you might now?” Discord asked mockingly.

“Oh shush,” Rose thought, “You know full well it’s a medical condition I can’t help. Still, if you’re making fun of my paranoia, then that means you’re seeing what I’m seeing. It’s almost like they’re scared to be seen here.”

“Can you really blame them?” Discord asked, raising an eyebrow, “You are in a town where gossip and hostility towards your community is at an all time high, and you hosted an event that was open to the entire public in the middle of the town square.”

“Yea, I know,” Rose conceded, “If I were a gossiping hate-filled resident, I would sneak in to see who of my neighbors I would talk about behind their backs. Still, no reason to act this paranoid, gossip is just gossip after all.”

“I wonder, how do they know who is here to spy on other attendees and who is here because this concerns them?” Discord asked.

“I’m not sure,” Rose thought, “Maybe they don’t.”

“So… Spying is essentially useless, as is worrying because there is such an easy avenue of deniability?”

“Basically,” Rose responded, “The only way they’d know for sure is if the ponies show interest in what’s going on. I have a feeling that we’re going to have a very silent Q&A session today.”

“Everyone, gather around” Dusk called, tearing Rose from her conversation, “I’ve got information.”

The group congregated around Dusk, who was holding a series of papers. He looked through them for a bit before addressing the gathered ponies.

“I’m not going to lie,” he finally began, “It is going to be rough out there.”

The other three ponies shuddered at his tone, allowing a solemn silence to pass by before Timetable disrupted the peace.

“How bad?” she asked.

Dusk looked at his papers again, revising his information.

“The mayor has received 5,000 letters, petitions, and threats all in attempts to get him to revoke our permission to be here,” he explained, “Skimming through the list I can say that we have so far been decried as a travesty, revolting, unethical, dangerous, and, quite possibly my favorite, 'a bit odd.'”

“Do you think he’ll pull the plug?” Rose asked nervously, “If he’s receiving this much pressure, he might just cancel everything.”

“Not a chance,” Organizer said, shaking his head, “The mayor is an upright stallion. He stands by his beliefs and he never caves into pressure. He’s also an old friend of Dusk’s, and he trusts us to help make the city better.”

“Eh, trust is a big word,” Dusk commented, “He has been very uptight recently and our conversations have been less than cordial. He will not pull the plug on the event because, as Mr. Organizer has mentioned, he stands up for his views, even if they are unpopular, but he’s also been rather forward with making sure I understand how much rides on this event.”

“How so?” asked Organizer.

“Well, as you all know we are doing this to strike up conversations,” Dusk explained, “Even if we don’t win over everyone, we’re at least making ponies talk about this, pushing towards local debates and lawmaking, which we can capitalize on to make major political gains. In simple terms, we’re raising tensions to where action has to be taken, and then we’ll try to shape said action. The problem is that the mayor is convinced that the rising tensions, as well as my involvement, will make things worse.”

“Pff, what’s he so afraid of?” Timetable asked.

“Chaos,” Dusk answered coldly. “He’s afraid that the arguments that will ensue will spark something too big for us to manage. Instead of forcing legal actions, he is afraid that ponies will riot, and fight. He is afraid that the movements will be too large for us to control, that harmony and our society will break, and that the wrong side might end up winning.”

“A bit overdramatic don’t you think?” Organizer asked.

“Oh, certainly,” Dusk said, “Even if it were that bad, when have we met something we cannot handle? No, I assure you all that I have everything under control, but the mayor is not convinced so ‘trust’ might not be the right word for what he has for us.”

Timetable suddenly noticed Rose, who had been quiet and pensive.

“Hey Rose, are you alright?” she asked.

“Oh, yea, I’m fine,” Rose answered, “Nothing wrong, and Dusk is right. Our actions bringing about chaos? Ridiculous.”

The other three exchanged worried glances.

“Way to go Dusk,” Organizer said, “You’ve gone and scared the rookie.”

“Yea Dusk,” Timetable added, “You can’t go into nitpick mode all the time, she hasn’t been around you enough to know to tune out your glass half empty point of view. You didn’t need to go on about how the mayor doesn’t trust us.”

“What? But I…” Dusk began to argue, trailing off as he saw Rose’s still concerned face. “No, you’re right. Ms. Rose, I’m sorry for scaring you but trust me, everything is going to be alright. This event will be great, we’ll show the mayor that he’s wrong, and we certainly will not bring about the end of Equestrian civilization as we know it. Besides, this town is far better than Cloudsdale and we survived that ok, right?”

Rose nodded slowly.

“Yea, you’re right,” Rose said, “I’m ok, really, just had a few things in, I mean, on my mind. I’m not scared though, I know we’ll do great.”

“That’s the spirit,” Dusk said, “Now, if I am looking at these notes correctly, it seems like the prep team has been very busy making sure everything is run correctly, and they also seem to have taken care of everything ahead of time, no doubt nervous about the locals. Anyway, this means that the only one with actual work today is Rose.”

“Standard speech and Q&A?” the mare asked.

“Yes,” Dusk said, nodding. “The schedule is posted on the side of the stage if you want to check it, but you’re up for the speech in three hours, with the Q&A two hours after that, after the rest of the speakers. You’re free to go wherever you want but I would advise against leaving the square due to the… local reception.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not planning on straying into town,” Rose responded, “After being on the train for a whole day it’s going to take a bit for me to get used to walking, although the fact that most of this town blames me fo-“

“What are you doing here!?”

The yell startled the group, turning their direction towards one of the pamphlet tables, in front of which a small group of ponies had gathered.

After exchanging a short glance between each other, the four ponies rushed towards the commotion.

Stepping closer, Rose noticed that the group was surrounding two ponies. One of the two was a very angry looking earth pony mare. She was the one who had yelled, Rose discovered, as she was still yelling at the other pony, a small earth pony colt.

“First you run off without permission,” the mare continued to yell, “And then you come here when I specifically said that I did not want you anywhere near here! Come on, we’re going home.”

“No mom,” the colt said, “I need to be here. I… I’m not sure if I’m transgender or not.. but I might be. I have a lot of questions, and I need to ask them. I need to figure things out.”

A moment of silence passed, which was followed by a resounding crack of sound as the mare slammed her hoof against the colt’s cheek, prompting gasps from some in the surrounding crowd.

“Don’t you ever say something that stupid again,” the mare yelled. “Just wait till we get home, I’ll erase any doubt from you. That or send you to live with your father. He’s been trying so hard to get custody; I might just let him deal with you from now on.”

The mare waited for a respond, but she was only met by the sound of sniffles as the colt tried to fight back his tears.

“Stop crying and get up,” the mare said, “We’re leaving now.”

“No!” the colt said, “I’m staying and I’m not leaving until someone answers my questions. This is important to me mom, I have to figure out what I am. This might be my only chance to talk to someone that has gone through what I feel.”

The mare was fuming as she stepped towards the colt again, only to be intercepted by a rather angry pegasus mare.

“Don’t you take another step,” Rose said, stepping in front of the colt.

Shock and confusion coursed through the mare, before coming to a realization, at which point her scowl became more pronounced.

“Step out of the way,” she seethed, “This doesn’t concern you degenerate.”

“I believe it does,” Rose said, standing her ground, “If your son is going through all this trouble to get his questions answered, I’d say that this concerns me a fair amount.”

The mare took a step forward.

“I’m warning you freak,” she said, “Get out of the way. It’s bad enough that you are corrupting the youth of Equestria without you trying to reward rebellious behavior. Step out of the way or there will be consequences.”

A soft whimper sounded from behind Rose, causing her to turn to face the very emotional colt.

“Then I guess there will be consequences,” Rose said, taking a deep breath.

The mare growled, prepping to charge.

“I do believe that’s enough!”

Dusk came up beside Rose, stopping slightly in front of her. Timetable and Organizer, meanwhile, stood perfectly next to Rose, creating a wall between the mare and the distraught colt.

“What, so you’re all going to gang up on me now?” the mare shouted indignantly.

“What?” Dusk asked, raising an eyebrow, “Oh, this, you misunderstand. My colleagues behind me are standing together to stop you from harming the colt, that's all. As for me, well, if you want to strike Ms. Rose, my colleagues or even myself, we promise we won’t stop you, but do know that the moment you do we will go through every legal tribulation, stipule, and process necessary to make sure that it will be a decision you regret for the rest of your unsavory life.”

“Excuse me?”

“Oh, you’re very much excused,” Dusk continued, “You see, I’m the person in charge of this whole thing. I hired Ms. Rose, I got the permission from the mayor, and it is my organization that has organized and enacted every event from here to Canterlot. As such, it is my duty to tell you that if any harm comes to me or those who work for me, I will personally go to Celestia herself to ensure every possible penalty is enacted upon you. Make no mistake; it will be an act of revenge, not justice.”

He turned to look at the three ponies standing behind him, shielding the colt from view.

“And to be honest, I have half a mind to do so already after watching you strike a colt in the middle of a crowded square,” Dusk said, sighing, “But I had offered no such warning and I’m not sure exactly how much we could do legally since he has the misfortune of being your son. Do be aware that I will be reporting this to the mayor to make sure that this incident is followed up on, so it would be unwise to mistreat the kid more so than you already have.”

The mare took two steps back, before she began laughing.

“So this is it?” she said, “You’re threatening me? Do you have any idea who I am? No, it doesn’t matter; you’ll regret talking to me like that regardless Mr…”

“Dusk,” the stallion responded.

“Dusk,” the mare repeated. “Well Mr. Dusk, you’ll find that I’m not a mare who is easily intimidated by lobbyist groups with oppressive agendas. And Sunspot, when you’re done playing with you new friends you can go to your father’s house. He can pick up your stuff tomorrow if he wants.”

She waited for an answer, but was met only by the whimpers from the colt, after which she walked away, the gathered crowd parting to allow her to pass.

Dusk continued to glare at her until she disappeared from view and the crowd dispersed, at which point the group turned to look at colt they had been defending.

“Are you all right sweetie?” Timetable asked.

“Did she..? She left me?” Sunspot asked, stammering in between tears.

“I’m afraid so,” Organizer said, “But don’t worry, she’s just a little mad. We’ll make sure you get to your dad and I’m sure that she’ll cool off and take a lot of things she said back once she comes to her senses.”

“But.. what if she doesn’t?” Sunspot cried, “What if she doesn’t love me anymore?”

The ponies looked at each other awkwardly as Sunspot continued to cry.

“Dusk, what do we do?” Timetable asked.

Dusk closed his eyes, thinking for a couple of minutes before speaking.

“Ok, I got it,” he said, “Timetable, take young Sunspot here to the mayor, explain everything that happened and arrange an escort for the young colt to his place of residence. Organizer, I need you to go alert everyone in charge of this event as to what happened, and to be on alert. I am not certain that the mare we encountered is the type to retaliate, but from what she said I would not put it past her. Make sure we’re ready for anything. Rose, you keep your mind clear and focused for your parts of the event. Meanwhile, I will go write a few letters and talk to a few ponies. There were a lot of spectators to this little scene and we’d do well to manage the flow of information before it gets out of hoof.”

“May I interject?” Rose asked, prompting Dusk to nod. “How long do you figure it will take to set up an escort for Sunspot here?”

“Well, it would have to be official ponies from either the police department or a social services office,” Dusk responded, “So it will probably take an hour or so to get word to them, gather the necessary ponies, and bring them back, seeing how it’s not an emergency. I’d volunteer us to do it, but we want to go by the book with this.”

“And that’s not counting answering the questions that the mayor might have about all this,” Rose said, “Could I then watch over the colt while Timetable carries out her task? We can be here ready for when the escort arrives. I feel he needs to calm down more anyway.”

Dusk looked at Organizer who nodded.

“Yes,” Dusk said, “I do believe that’s acceptable. Just make sure to keep him safe. Now let’s go, we have things to do.”

The trio left in different directions, leaving Rose with the distraught colt.

“Hey there,” Rose said hesitantly, “Mind if I talk with you for a bit?”

“Not like it matters,” Sunspot said, “Nothing matters anymore.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Rose said soothingly, “It’s going to be ok. You’ll see.”

“How would you know?” Sunspot said angrily, “Do you know what it’s like for your mom to not want you anymore?”

“Yes.”

The colt looked up in surprise, noticing for the first time who he had been talking to. He opened his mouth to speak, but found himself unable, allowing for Rose to keep talking.

“I lost my parents for a while,” Rose said solemnly, “And the story of how it happened is actually a lot worse than what you’ll read in the papers. That’s not the important part though; the important part is that when I was in Canterlot last week, I ended up having dinner at their house. I’ll admit it was still a bit awkward, but they wanted to reconnect with me, the new me. It might take them a while, but I don’t think parents are programmed to give up on their kids forever.”

“You really think that?”

Rose shrugged.

“It’s what I’ve seen,” she said, “I know not every case is like mine but… I really thought I would never even see my parents again, let alone having them ask me to come and spend time with them and my brother. If they can get past it, I’m sure your mom can too.”

This seemed to ease Sunspot’s crying.

“Thank you,” he said, “Sorry about crying like that, I was just scared.”

“I understand,” Rose said, “I’d be scared too, but for what it’s worth, I think you’re being awfully brave.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem. Now, if I heard correctly, it seemed like you might have a few questions you wanted to ask me.”

“Well, that was… Come to think of it, I’m not sure I have the word for what that was.” Discord said as Rose walked down the steps.

“Quiet, brief, awkward,” Rose suggested through her thoughts, “Take your pick, because it was all of those at once.”

“Yes, I know,” Discord agreed, “But that’s still not it, something else…”

Rose took a deep breath as she reached the ground, walking towards the backstage tent.

“Well,” she thought, “If you figure out what it was, do let me-“

“Calm!” Discord exclaimed, “That’s the word I was looking for. Calm.”

“Calm?” Rose questioned.

Discord nodded his head.

“There was a certain stillness to the crowd,” he explained, “A lack of chaos or uproar, but there wasn’t peace either. There was tension there, anxiety, and the air was thick with it and everyone could feel it. They were waiting for it quietly, as if the simplest of moves could trigger whatever it was.”

“A calm before the storm?” Rose thought, “Seriously?”

“Hey, cliché as you may find it, I will have you know that I’m quite adept at discerning this type of thing,” Discord said, “I’m usually the one creating the storm after all, and there are certain signs.”

“So, I take it that whatever I’m doing is happening today?” Rose asked.

“What do you mean?” Discord responded, “Oh, the chaos thing, no that won’t be for a while, this is completely separate.”

“For a while?” Rose asked, raising an eyebrow, “You didn’t know when it was happening, that’s why you’ve been following me around 24/7 isn’t it? Did you lie? Or did that change?”

The draconequus halted in his tracks, spending a second in silence before setting his face into a scowl.

“I’ll have you know that neither of those things happened,” Discord said testily, “I can feel chaos approaching and I can tell you that it’s not here yet. Your actions may be leading it to it now as we speak, as they have since we began this trip, but the event is not about to happen.”

“Well, that’s a relief at least,” Rose thought, “Still, a smaller amount of chaos is still chaos. You don’t think it had anything to do with Sunspot do you?”

“No, I’m sure that he’s fine,” Discord responded, “You four did all you could for him. At this point, at the risk of being blunt, what happens with him and his family does not really concern of affect you. Whether for better or worse, I doubt that whatever becomes of him will reach your ears.”

Discord noticed that Rose was lost in thought, a dangerous state to be in considering the topic.

“But as I said,” he added hastily, “I’m sure he’s fine.”

“I really hope so,” Rose said.

Rose and Sunspot got to talk for over an hour after the group left for their individual tasks, during which the colt got to ask a lot of questions regarding what it felt like to be trans. The conversation was a very emotional one, with Rose recounting stories from when she was growing up, and the colt bringing up feelings and thoughts that he had doubts about. Rose did the best she could, but in the end there was not much she could do since what the colt had described was different than her situation.

It seemed that instead of identifying as his born gender or as the opposite gender, this colt identified as neither or both. He found qualities in both that he identified with, and qualities from both that brought on feelings of discomfort. The symptoms he described amounted to the same type of gender dysphoria that Rose suffered from, but the things causing it were different, meaning that so would be the solution.

Rose remembered reading something about 3rd gender or gender fluid ponies during her time of research, but there had not been much information, much less information she remembered.

Soon Timetable returned, looking rather shaken up, with local policeponies who offered to escort Sunspot to his father’s house, but not before Rose gave the colt her mailing address should he have any more questions in the future.

The rest of the day went by quickly enough, with Rose delivering her speech and doing the question and answer panel she had just finished, both of which had been taxing and demanding tasks for Rose. However, through the whole ordeal, Sunspot never left her mind, weighing her down.

“I’m just glad today is almost over,” Rose thought, prompting Discord to nod.

“Are you heading out?”

Rose turned in the direction of the voice, finding Dusk walking briskly towards her.

“Assuming you don’t need me here anymore, yea,” Rose said nodding.

Dusk looked through his papers, flipping a few pages and skimming over his reports.

“No,” he said, “It looks like you’re done for the day. You are free to go to the hotel or stick around. You’re also able to go explore the city if you absolutely want to, but as I’ve said, I advice against doing so.”

Rose thought quietly for a second.

“Our bags are back at the hotel right?” she asked.

“They should be,” Dusk confirmed, “They should have been locked in our rooms, so if you go to the reception desk and ask for your key, they’ll give you the one to the room with your bags.”

“Good,” Rose said, “Then I think I’m going to go back and relax, maybe write a few letters.”

“Sounds good,” Dusk responded, “Just remember to be up tomorrow by six. We don’t want to-“

“Where do you think you’re going?”

The pair turned to look as an older looking pegasus descended from the sky, landing beside Dusk. The stallion, Rose noted, was well dressed and stood with a posture that commanded strength and respect. That said, the stallion also had the air of someone who was worn and tired. This combination of signals stirred a sense of unease from Rose, which caused her to take a step backwards. Dusk, however, stood his ground.

“Oh, Mr. Ring, nice of you to join us,” Dusk responded. “And to answer your question, I’m not going anywhere, Ms. Rose here is going to be heading back to her hotel room, but I will stick around for the remainder of the day. Why? Is there something you needed?”

“You could say that,” the pegasus said, “First of all, call me Mayor. You and I are not informal or close enough that you can call me by name. Second of all, you and I are going to have a little talk about your operation.”

“You mean this event?” Dusk asked. “I think it is going great, don’t you a-“

“Yes, you would think that wouldn’t you?” the mayor said, cutting him off. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”

“Brought information, awareness, and conversations to a city that prides itself in its ability to not talk about anything?” Dusk responded testily. “I do believe you’ll find that I’m rather aware of what I’m doing.”

“Oh, are you really?” the mayor snarled, getting angrier after Dusk’s response. “Then you are completely aware that you’ve just ruined the ability of any transpony to live in Baltimare. Then you are aware that because of you, this city will now be on par with Cloudsdale on open discrimination and hate. You are aware that you’ve broken this city and thrown away all the work we did towards tolerance, and that soon transponies will have to flee this city. I’m glad that you are so aware that I don’t have to explain your actions to you, that way I can just focus on being angry.”

Dusk stared at the mayor, refusing to blink.

“I do believe you’re overreacting sir,” he said calmly. “Things are-“

“Are what Dusk?” the stallion yelled. “Salvageable? Not as bad as I say? Well I’ll tell you this, they are far worse than before you showed up. Far worse than I imagined they could get. That’s the only reason I let you do this. I thought from the beginning that your idea was thoughtless, but I allowed it because I had faith in you and because I figured that there was a limit to the damage you could cause. You really let me down on both counts.”

“Pray tell, what am I responsible of?” Dusk asked, letting his eyes narrow into a glare.

“It would be easier to say what you weren’t responsible for,” the mayor said. “This city has never been accepting of change. You’re not responsible for that. They’ve always been prone to xenophobia, and irrationality for the sake of tradition. That’s not your fault either. But we had a system Dusk! We had a system that protected the minorities within our populous and you broke it!”

Dusk said nothing, and the silence urged the mayor to continue.

“The city gossiped, the ponies stuck their noses in the air, and it was left at that,” he said wistfully. “Whispers and glares Dusk, nothing more. The minorities felt the discrimination, but they were left alone without any real action being taken against them, and the populous felt like they were doing enough so they frowned upon further hate. It was not perfect, but it was something we could work with.”

The mayor closed his eyes, as his anger rose again.

“But no, that wasn’t enough for you,” he yelled, “You had to poke them with a stick, aggravate them, stir up the nest. Well I hope you’re pleased, because you’ve gotten their attention and they’re reacting. The way they’re talking, it’s like you and your group have ‘invaded’ Baltimare, and they’re fighting off the invasion. They are now talking about how they didn’t take enough action and how now they must make up for it. Do you know what this means Dusk?”

“Enlighten me,” Dusk said coldly.

“They are going to start harassing transponies and probably the rest of the LGBT community. They’re going to boycott stores, call for resignations, and not just for those in the community, but for sympathizers. They are calling for me to take action against those ‘corrupted by perversity’ and there are a lot of them. Failing that, they’re asking me to step down.”

“So is this what it’s about?” Dusk asked. “You are going to change your stance because the majority told you to?”

“Are you an idiot?” the mayor yelled. “I am not going to change my stance and I am going to do everything in my power to fight this, but this isn’t about me. I am going to be replaced next election cycle by someone who runs on the exact opposite platform as me, and what then? You’ve escalated the conflict to a point where they will take any measure to ensure that you, and Ms. Rose, and anyone like you will be gone. Everything has escalated, their intentions, their actions, everything!”

His final shout lingered in the air for a while, followed by silence. Dusk, stood there saying nothing.

“And I wish I could believe that you were surprised by this,” the mayor said softly. “I wish I could believe that this has caught you by surprise, that you messed up somehow. But you didn’t. From the beginning this has been your plan, to escalate the conflict and make sure the arguments would come to a boil. If every citizen in Equestria is arguing, then you can make your plans work right? It doesn’t matter at all if you throw an entire city’s population of LGBT ponies into a fire right? Ponies that you promised hope and understanding to.”

The mayor looked sadly at the town square limits, where a crowd of ponies was gathering but not entering the actual area of the event.

“They’re getting organized,” the mayor said. “The wolves in this city are more riled up than ever and now they’re getting together and strategizing. Your actions have given birth to a group specifically designed to oppress the ponies we swore to protect. The exact opposite of your group has been founded in Baltimare, and your little event has congregated their prey. Every nervous mare, stallion, colt, and filly that you saw at this event, asking questions and looking for support, you’ve hoof delivered them to a group that will try its hardest to get them to leave by any means necessary.”

He turned back to look at Dusk.

“Your event is almost over, and I will let you finish it,” he said. “But after this, I want nothing to do with you. You’ve done enough damage to this city and the ponies that trusted you to bring them safety, using them as expendable pawns. You sicken me Dusk, and I hope you remember this next time you think up one of your plans and decide that a city is worth sacrificing for the larger picture. I’d also hope that your actions kept you up at night, but we both know how good you are at rationalizing.”

“Are we done with this,” Dusk asked tersely. “Or are you going to keep lecturing me until you pass away?”

“I believe we are done,” the mayor responded. “In any case, I have nothing else to say to you.”

“Good,” Dusk said nodding. “I have some important work to do, so I guess I’ll see you around.”

Dusk walked away towards one of the secondary tents, leaving Rose alone with the mayor. Rose was still shocked by the exchange, meaning it took her a minute to realize Dusk was gone, before awkwardly following behind him.

Rose watched as Dusk entered the tent, and was surprised to see two ponies leave said tent almost immediately. Afterwards, she stood at the entrance for a long time, fear causing her to hesitate.

She knew that Dusk wanted to be alone, and if she was honest with herself, she was scared of what she would see on the other side of the tent flap. However, as minutes passed by, she felt herself becoming anxious. She took a deep breath, and entered the tent.

There was very little light inside, causing her to have to wait for her eyes to adjust before she could make out any shapes. What she eventually saw was a blue earth pony stallion with a blond mane sitting by a desk, writing a letter in the darkness of the tent.

What she heard was crying.

Rose began walking slowly towards the stallion, her hooves clacking softly against the stone floor. The noise caught the stallion’s attention.

“Oh, Ms. Rose, I thought you were going back to the hotel room,” he said bitterly. “I bet you couldn’t pass up the chance to see me like this though, right? After all, isn’t this what you wanted? What you were bothering me on the train about?”

Rose stood transfixed but said nothing.

“Well if you’re expecting a show, go away,” Dusk continued. “I don’t really care what reason you have for being here. I don’t want you around.”

“Discord?” Rose thought.

“Yes?” the draconequus said, appearing next to her.

“You can either go back to the hotel room or stick around here, but for the foreseeable future, I don’t want to hear or see you ok?” Rose thought. “It’s nothing personal, but I think this requires my full attention.”

“Understood,” Discord said, disappearing into thin air.

“Whatever you may think of me, I’m not glad to see this,” Rose said, addressing Dusk. “I mean, I won’t lie, I really wanted you to come to me for help, and you being really upset was the only way I saw that happening, but I would never wish for you to be upset, especially this much.”

Rose walked closer, coming to rest beside him.

“Do you know what it’s like?” he asked her. “Do you know how it feels to have so many depending on you?”

“I’m starting to,” Rose said, smiling sadly. “But why don’t you tell me about it?”

“It’s a lot of pressure,” Dusk said. “A lot rides on me and I have to be right all the time, but I can’t. He was wrong about me; I did not know that the town would react like it did. I thought the impact would be smaller, that the status quo of the city would hold. I made a mistake.”

“It’s ok,” Rose said soothingly. “I believe you.”

“I can’t make mistakes though,” he continued undisturbed. “My mistake here has made this city dangerous. My mistake in Vanhoover could have caused in-fighting between liberal groups which could have caused dissent. A single mistake and thousands suffer for my actions. I try. I swear I try. I should be able to work harder, to not miss anything, but I keep messing up.”

“Dusk, it’s not your fault.” Rose pleaded, “I know you’re trying. You work so hard to ensure everyone is taken care of. You’re doing everything in your power and you would never turn your back on anyone.”

“The sad part is that he was not completely wrong,” Dusk said, not meeting Rose’s gaze. “Even if I had known, even if I had been aware of what could happen, I would have still done it. I would have had to. It was the right choice to make, looking at the whole picture. I have to keep all of Equestria in mind, even if the local transponies have to pay the price.”

Rose said nothing, simply looking at the sad stallion beside her.

“What gives me the right?” Dusk asked, breaking down into tears. “I make mistakes, I can be wrong. And yet everyone relies on me. Everyone expects me to get things right and everyone expects me to make the hard decisions and keep everyone’s interest at heart. They trust me blindly even as I lead them by the hoof into a fire. Who am I to deserve this?”

Dusk continued to try to talk, but his sobs made such a task impossible. Every once in a while he would utter the words “I’m sorry” as he wept, with Rose watching.

The mare slowly stood up, before wrapping her hooves around the stallion.

“You are Dusk,” Rose responded. “You are a pony who tries very hard to do what’s best for everyone. You are smart, and caring, and mortal. You’re not perfect, but you do what you can, and each time you give your all to help every pony in need.”

Dusk’s sobs stopped, but he remained silent. Rose continued.

“I know you’re upset Dusk, but you’re doing all you can,” she said in a pleading tone. “You carry so much weight on you, all the time on your own. I’m here now though, so please let me help you, even if it’s just giving you a shoulder to cry on.”

“Thank you,” Dusk muttered, causing Rose to tighten her hug. “I should tell you though, before anything comes up… I’m not into mares.”

Rose rolled her eyes.

“I am hugging you as a friend, nothing more,” Rose said. “I want you to know you can rely on me Dusk. You don’t have to be strong around me. I’ll help you fix what’s broken.”

Dusk nodded, burying his face in Rose’s mane as fresh tears loosed themselves. And so, slowly but surely, Dusk began to weep away the weight of his responsibilities and of the choices he had to make. His friend continued to hold him through the hours, letting her warmth bring him peace while rubbing his back in as soothing a way as she knew how.

“Shh shh,” Rose said as she held onto the stallion. “It’s going to be ok.”

“Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?”

Rose nodded as she continued her walk towards the hotel, not breaking her stride as Discord appeared next to her.

The draconnequs made to speak but hesitated as he took his first good look at Rose since leaving the secondary Triple-E tent minutes before. He noticed that her cheeks were stained with tears and her eyes were red, but that wasn’t what got his attention. It was the way she walked as if she had just endured a serious injury that worried him.

“Actually, are you ok dear?” he asked.

“Yea, I am,” Rose answered, making sure no one could hear her talking to herself. “I’m just emotionally exhausted. Tending to Dusk, it was tough.”

“I do find it interesting that he chose to confide in you,” Discord said. “I mean, I am sure you two are the bestest of buddies and all, but he seems to like that little mask of his too much to let anyone see underneath it.”

Rose gave a sad chuckle at that.

“I don’t think it was on purpose,” she said. “One thing you learn about wearing masks is that when they break, you can’t just make another one and put it on. The pieces are everywhere and it takes a while to put it back together. In the meantime, you are left vulnerable. I just happened to be there when his shattered.”

“Talking from experience?” Discord asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You have no idea,” Rose answered. “Anyway, enough about me, you had a question.”

Discord looked confused for a second before remembering how this conversation had started.

“Oh, right, yes I did,” he said, “Or rather, I have a statement. I need to go away for a bit.”

“What? Why?” Rose asked. “I thought you didn’t want to leave me for a second because you didn’t want to miss the big event. I mean, tantrum aside.”

“Yes yes, I know,” Discord responded, sticking his tongue out, “But something important has come up and I need to talk to Celestia about it. I just need to go to Canterlot for a few days and then I’ll be back. And for what it’s worth, I’m sure I’ll be back before whatever thing you’re doing takes place.”

Rose frowned but nodded.

“I mean, it’s not like you need my permission in any case,” she said softly. “Thanks for the heads up though, so when are you thinking of leaving?”

“Oh, I was going to leave right now,” Discord said, “Teleportation and all.”

“That makes sense,” Rose said, avoiding his gaze.

“Why? Is something wrong?” Discord asked.

“Nothing is wrong,” Rose said tentatively. “I just didn’t want to spend tonight alone. It’s been a tough day and, well, I’ve gotten used to you being there. I kind of wanted your company.”

Discord looked shocked for a second, before letting a smile grace his face.

“Very well, I can leave tomorrow morning,” Discord said, “But you are going to have to put up with being without my charming personality for a few days regardless, deal?”

“Deal,” Rose said, smiling.

The sound of voices reached Rose’s ears as she walked closer to the hotel.

“I know you don’t like displays of emotion, but I’m really thankful,” Rose thought.

“Displays of emotion, no,” Discord agreed. “However, I’m always up for congratulations, admiration, and… hey isn’t that your favorite mare in this city?”

Rose’s smile dropped from her face as she looked in the direction Discord pointed.

A group of ponies was gathered around a mare who was in the middle of a speech.

“The time has passed for us to sit by as these degenerates undermine our traditions and values. The Coalition for a Better Equestria will directly combat these oppressive efforts, but to do that, we need your help.”

“So this is what the mayor had talked about,” Rose thought, walking closer to the group but remaining out of sight.

“We allowed for same sex couples to exist in this town. We allowed for them to be protected, and they work in our schools, and our shops, and our town. Just a little bit of tolerance, that’s what the current mayor asked, but it was never just a little. Each day we are asked to make new concessions and soon nothing will remain but their warped lifestyle. Our children will become theirs and the traditional family will die. But we can stop this, by appointing a mayor that works for us, rather than against us, and by removing these ponies from role model positions. We’ve been tolerant long enough, but we need to take our city back, or watch it crumble. I choose the former.”

Shouts of agreement rang out as the ponies in the crowd clapped and cheered.

Rose quickly turned to look into her saddle bag, removing a scrap of paper from her notebook and a quill, with which she began to write.

“Planning what you’re going to argue against her with?” Discord asked with interest.

“I never plan an argument Discord, it just happens,” Rose answered. “But no, I’m not about to argue with her, I’d lose. I’m too outnumbered and reason won’t cut through. What I’m doing is far worse.”

As she finished, Rose put her things back, grabbing the paper and walking into the crowd.

“Oh, look who has decided to join us,” the mare yelled. “Not only did you have to meddle with my attempts to correct my son, but now you’re here too. Does your kind never know how to keep your noses out of every other pony’s life?”

Rose ignored the comment, stepping as close as she could to the mare.

“I’m not here to stop you,” Rose said, giving her the paper. “I’m here to give you this, you can keep ranting and raving all you want and you won’t hear me meddling.”

“What’s this?” the mare said, reading the paper.

“That’s my mailing address,” Rose said. “I take it you love your son right? Even despite everything? And yet you threw him away like he was nothing.”

Anger showed on the mare’s face but Rose kept talking to stop her from intervening.

“My parents were like that too,” Rose said. “Or maybe they still are. In any case, eventually they decided that they wanted to reconnect. That family was very important, and I was right there, easy to reach when they came looking for me. I don’t think you’ll have the same chance though.”

This took the mare aback.

“You did a great job at alienating your son,” Rose continued. “And what you’re planning now will alienate him even more. I’m not sure that he’ll want to talk to you if you ever change your mind about him. And if that happens, then I know you’ll need somepony to talk to. That’s what the address is for. If you ever need help reconnecting with your son, after all is said and done… I can help. Keep the address, just in case ok?”

Rose saw that the possibility of losing her son struck a chord with the mare, but still she said nothing, and so Rose began to walk away, the crowd parting to let her pass.

“Don’t you get it?” the mare yelled after her. “I am going to make sure ponies like you are never the norm, I hate you and those like you. Why are you offering to help me?”

Rose did not turn around or slow down to answer.

“Because I don’t think you’re a bad pony,” Rose said, “I just think you’re wrong. I can’t blame you for that, but I can offer to help you learn.”

And with that Rose was gone.

Before long, she arrived at the hotel, ignoring the amused looking draconequus floating beside her.

“Kill them with kindness huh?” Discord asked.

“As much as I know that frustrated her, no, that wasn’t the point,” Rose said. “I want LGBT families to be happy and to do so, I have to help everyone in that family, not just the ones I like.”

Discord said nothing as he followed behind her.

“Ok fine,” Rose suddenly said, “Maybe I enjoyed it a little.”

Author's Note

This one is for those who really thought I was going to ship Rose with Dusk.

I guess I can see the connection, but I think the pony I've got her shipped with works better.

In any case, FillyDelphia is up next so look forward to that!

Happy Reading,
-thedarkprep

4 Chapters to go.

7. FillyDelphia (Stop 6)

7. FillyDelphia (Stop 6)

“So by your definition, you are suggesting that there is such a distinction between male and female ponies that the pony’s gender must be preserved for their own safety?”

“Yes. The differences are solid and drastic, just like the differences between pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies. In theory every transpony seeks to become the opposite gender, right? That suggests that during the transitional period, the body would be stuck somewhere in between, which would not only violate the laws of nature, but possibly cause a lot of damage to the body itself. Or are you suggesting that a mix of traits would not be an abomination?”

“I think you should write Princess Celestia and inform her of all this, and please keep the gender binary, three pony races, and abomination metaphor intact. If nothing else, she should be aware of what you think of her body.”

Rose smiled as the crowd began laughing and snickering at her response while the pegasus she had been talking to began to blush. She waited for the noise to die down some before continuing.

“Kidding aside though, there are a couple of things I want to point out given your concern,” she said, addressing the pegasus. “First of all, you should know that there is currently no way for one to transition, as you put it. If there was, I wouldn’t be here. I’d be doing whatever it took for it to happen. That being said, I think it’s unfair to say that every transpony seeks to change. Much like every pony has ideas of self perception, so do transponies. Remember, the whole problem comes from a disconnect between how we perceive ourselves and how we physically are. For some it may be enough to just wear the proper clothes. For others it might be more of how society views them and how they are treated. A physical change, though a perfect solution to my problem, should not be thought of as an overarching solution to all transponies.”

There were murmurs of understanding through the crowd, and Rose was happy to see some of them were taking notes.

“As for the mixing of genders,” Rose continued. “I happened to have met a young colt in Baltimare that I want to talk about. He’s transgender, in that he suffers from gender dysphoria and is uncomfortable with his own gender. However, he doesn’t want to be the opposite gender. He is instead a 3rd gender pony.”

The murmurs intensified as she said this.

“Is such a thing possible?” the pegasus asked.

“Quite,” Rose answered. “He is the first one I’ve met, and I did find very little info on the subject back when I was trying to learn more about myself, but I can guarantee that this colt is not the only one. Some see beauty in androgyny, and some see value in both genders. By extension, one should not be surprised to find that there are ponies that identify with this.”

“But how would we even go about adapting to that,” the pegasus asked. “There are the matters of sex and of pronoun use. We have no way to account for ‘in-betweens’. It’d be one thing if was just during a transitional period, but having that be the end goal… we cannot accommodate that.”

“Which is the problem with a gender binary,” Rose said. “Transponies only threaten the system because the system is inadequate. You argue that the lines that divide earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi are very clear, but we have alicorns. Yes, we could count them as separate, but they are still ponies. And if you classify them as ponies that have traits from the other three, that’s no different than classifying transponies, or specifically 3rd gender ponies, as having traits from both genders or neither. The fact that we can’t make that distinction means that the system needs to change, either to include the room for blurred lines or to get rid of the lines altogether.”

The pegasus looked as if he was going to say something else, but he instead closed his mouth.

“Thank you,” he said, before sitting down. “That answers my question.”

“I’m glad,” Rose said. “Now I believe we have time for just one more question. Who has something they want to ask?”

Rose watched as a multitude of hooves shot up into the air.

“Ok, you,” she said, point at a teenage unicorn mare.

“Do you have a special somepony or a crush or something like that?” she asked.

Rose immediately began blushing, coughing a bit as she did so.

“Ok... not going to answer that one,” Rose stammered. “Any questions not relating to my love life?”

Not a single hoof went up.

“Seriously?”

“Well, you did such a good job answering all the trans-related questions,” the unicorn said. “We just want to know more about you, which happens to include your love life.”

There were nods of agreement throughout the crowd.

“And this has nothing to do with it being juicy gossip,” Rose deadpanned.

“Can you blame us?” the unicorn said with an awkward smile.

Rose took a deep breath.

“I cannot believe I’m doing this,” she said. “Ok, as you all know from the previous explanation on the difference between gender identity and sexuality, I’m bi. This has nothing to do with me being trans, I just happen to find myself attracted to ponies of both genders. As it happens, I do happen to have a particular crush at this moment.”

Rose cringed as a collective gasp rung through the audience.

“Now don’t get too excited,” Rose said. “This is completely one-sided. The other pony doesn’t know about my crush, nor do I think the feelings would be returned. I was only mildly aware of my feelings being there until I left to do this tour of Equestria. Having time to think made a lot of things clear to me and... Well, let’s just say there’s a mare I’m really looking forward to seeing when I get back home.”

A collective “Aw” rung through the audience, causing Rose to blush, but not to cringe as the gasp had.

“Well... that was all the time we had,” Rose said. “Thank you all for your insightful questions and for being a great crowd. I hope you continue to enjoy the Equestrian Equality Envoy education rally! If you want to talk one-on-one, don’t hesitate to come up to me if you see me around.”

The audience got up and began stomping their hooves, cheering as Rose took a bow before heading backstage to where Dusk sat waiting.

“I bet I know who it is,” he said smirking.

“You would be here to hear that,” Rose said, walking towards the Triple-E tent.

“Hey, I try to tune in to all your events,” Dusk said. “I’ll have you know that I think you did a splendid job. The answers you gave were good, and the stories were heartfelt. But the way you handled those hecklers? Amazing. I must say you are getting quite good at this public speaking thing.”

“It’s not like I was that bad at it to begin with,” Rose said, with mock indignation.

“You were good at the speaking part,” Dusk said. “But you’ve come a long way from having to whisper to yourself in order to calm down as soon as the heckling started like you did in the first few cities. The snappy retorts just come naturally to you now, and it makes them so much more enjoyable to watch.”

“Well I’m glad I could entertain,” Rose said, entering the tent, with Dusk following behind her.

“Now, I had already narrowed the choices to three,” he said. “I needed to know who you were closest to in order to use them to get to you back when you were being… uncooperative. Based on the data from back then and from what I’ve seen since, however, I am certain that I know who your crush is.”

“You know, I’m aware that we’re friends, but I cannot for the life of me remember why,” Rose remarked, rolling her eyes.

“Because I am an inspiration to you,” he deadpanned. “Now, seriously, I want to see if my hunch was right. I do love being able to predict things with minimal data.”

“Look Dusk, there’s no way you know who it is,” Rose said shaking her head. “I didn’t even know I had such strong feelings for her until she wasn’t around and I started to miss her, so there’s no way you could guess right using data you go back when…”

Rose’s statement trailed off as she stared at the paper Dusk was holding in front of her, which contained a name and picture of one of Rose’s friends. Due to the context of the conversation, seeing this particular pony caused Rose to blush.

“I knew it was her,” Dusk exclaimed.

“But… But how?” Rose stammered. “What even is that?”

“Oh, that’s her information packet,” Dusk responded. “I had one made on each of your friends, just in case I needed them or information about them to get you to cooperate. Would you like to sift through it, you might be interested in what she likes and doesn’t like for when you ask her out, though you don’t really need the packet for that. It’s exactly what you think it would be.”

“You do realize that stalking is a crime, right?” Rose asked, flustered.

“Only if you get caught,” Dusk said in response, failing to earn a laugh from Rose. “Oh come on, bigger picture, remember? Ends justify means and all that. I mean, do you honestly think that you would have kept saying no if we roped her into this somehow? We had to be prepared should you not agree to come with us, and what better way than to get your close friends to come with us willingly. We’d tell them it would help us make the world safer for you, they would all volunteer to come, and you would have to come too to not feel like you were letting them fight your battles.”

“You’re evil, you know that?” Rose said, shaking her head.

“Evil, Effective, and Enthusiastic. Triple-E!” Dusk said, laughing, causing Rose to rub her head.

“So is there a reason why you’re here?” Rose asked. “Or are you just bored?”

“A bit of both actually,” Dusk responded. “Nothing wrong with having a bit of fun while completing my assignments, is there? Now, let me think… I guessed your crush, I congratulated you on a job well done… Have I told you that you’re meeting with reporters today?”

Rose nodded.

“You wanted me to do an interview now that the tour is almost over, and there will be another one after the Ponyville stop, right?”

“Yes, they should be here after the event finishes, which means you have to stick around here rather than going back to the hotel,” Dusk said. “So, told you about that, and I told you about our extended stay here in FillyDelphia, so I guess that covers everything! You are free to do what you will until-“

“What was that about an extended stay?” Rose asked, interrupting the stallion.

“Oh, I guess I didn’t tell you,” Dusk said. “Yes, we’ll be staying in the city for the next two nights, leaving the morning after that for the next destination.”

“Did something happen?”

“You could say that,” Dusk answered darkly. “From what I hear someone in the mayor’s office ‘accidentally’ lost our permission to be in the square. Then there was a media frenzy focused on protests against our event, which we have to rectify before we get there if we want to have any chance of getting any positive coverage. Lastly, we received a lot of requests for extra pamphlets for Cloudsdale, so we shipped them the ones we were going to use in Manehattan, which we’ve yet to re-print because of some technical difficulties.”

“Wow,” Rose said. “That sounds like a lot actually.”

“It sounds worse than it is,” Dusk said, shrugging. “Our printing press should be fixed today, so we can have the pamphlets re-printed soon. The mayor knows that we went through all the proper channels, so she will draw us up another permit and give it to the Triple-E representative in pony to ensure it does not get lost, so that’s an easy fix as well. The main problem is dealing with the media, especially since I am not there personally, but I have faith in Mr. Flint. He can handle it. In any case, the event has been rescheduled for three days from now, and in the meantime we get to relax and enjoy the city.”

“So, this city is one I can actually walk around in for once?” Rose asked.

“Did they seem particularly hostile out there?”

“No,” Rose admitted. “But I wasn’t sure if that was because I was getting better at dealing with it or because they were friendlier.”

“A bit of both,” Dusk said. “In any case, you should be fine. I can’t promise that you won’t get glares or mobs of ponies where ever you go, but as long as you can avoid or ignore them, you should be ok.”

Rose laughed a bit.

“Ok, so just like Canterlot then,” she said as memories of sneaking around Canterlot with Octavia surfaced to the top of her mind. “I should be fine then; I know how to deal with crowds.”

“Great, don’t forget about the interview later today though,” Dusk said. “We need you here at, say, 7:30.”

“No problem. I wasn’t planning on leaving the square, anyway,” Rose responded. “I think I’ll stick around, talk to a few ponies one-on-one, sign autographs… that kind of thing.”

“Very well, Ms. Rockstar,” Dusk said. “I’ll be here tending to some paperwork, but don’t let me keep you from your crowds.”

Both Dusk and Rose chuckled.

“Well, see you around,” the mare said, as she began to walk away.

“Wait, Rose,” Dusk called out to her, causing her to turn around. “Are you ok? You look… off.”

“I’m fine, Dusk,” Rose said. “Really. Thanks for the concern though. I’ll see you at 7:30.”

“Oh, ok then,” Dusk said, sitting at his desk as Rose exited the tent.

Rose winced a bit as the sunlight reached her eyes, squinting until she adjusted to the brightness. Once she did, she was able to see the towering buildings of FillyDelphia.

They had arrived earlier that day, with Rose immediately having to get to the square and prepare her speech. As such, she had not had much of a chance to take in the sights yet, meaning that she was excited to know that she would get to explore the city for two whole days.

“And without any crazy mobs or anti-LGBT groups on the lookout for me,” Rose thought. “What could possibly go wrong?”

Silence was all that answered Rose’s thoughts, which caused her to utter a soft sigh before she began walking towards the public area of the square.

When she had woken up that morning, Discord had already left to Canterlot. Finding solitude and silence instead of his usual remarks was a bit unnerving for Rose, but she had chalked it up to having yet to wake up alone in a while. She had assured herself that she would stop noticing the silence as the day went on. However, she was wrong.

She had always had a habit of talking to herself, and it was something she had worked on to where it only occurred when she was extremely flustered. That is, until recently.

Ever since Discord began talking to her through her thoughts, Rose had taken to this self-reflection more and more, content to actually get responses from another being, a habit she became very aware of as she went through the day alone.

Each thought that went unanswered triggered a second of confusion, followed by sadness.

“I hate to admit it,” she thought. “But I miss the jerkface.”

She stopped for a second, turning to look at Canterlot in the distance. Using that city as a reference point, Rose then turned to look in the direction Ponyville would be in, could she see it.

“Soon this trip will be over,” she thought. “I wonder what will happen then.”

Rose closed her eyes, imagining the faces of the ponies she would get to see again. Her friends, acquaintances, and even the mare she currently had a crush on would be there – the ponies she had missed terribly since she left. However, going back to them meant losing the friends she had made here.

Rose thought of Timetable, Organizer, Dusk, and Discord. She knew that Discord would leave as soon as the chaos she was going to cause was triggered. As for the other three, they all had work to do with the Triple-E, and therefore it would be very unlikely that she would get to see them much, if at all.

“I could always join the group permanently,” she mused. After all, she had grown quite comfortable with her position as an activist and a public speaker in the last week. Perhaps there would be a place for her, another task, after Project Equestria came to a close.

Rose shook her head to dispel her thoughts.

“No, I can’t leave my friends back home,” she thought. “I have a life there. I’ll get past missing the ones I’ve met here, but I’m not sure I’ll get over missing the family I have in Ponyville.”

“I can get over it, right?” Rose thought.

Once again, silence answered her.

“You keep missing Discord of all beings, and he’s only been gone for a day,” Rose thought to herself. “You’re going to be a wreck when Dusk and the rest are gone as well.”

She paused for a second.

“And I’m talking to myself,” she thought. “Perfect.”

“Ms. Rose?”

Rose turned around, stunned by the voice calling her. She looked for the source, finding a few colts and fillies standing on the other side of the fence dividing the open and closed areas for the Information Rally.

“I hope it’s not a bad time,” a pegasus filly said. “But I’d really like to talk to you, and we’d like it if you would sign our newspaper articles of you. If that’s ok.”

Rose smiled and began walking towards the group.

“You’re being silly, Rose,” she thought to herself. “Come what may, it will all be ok. Life moves on, you just have to enjoy it while it’s there. No sense on dwelling on what-ifs, especially when you have ponies that need you.”

Rose walked around the fence, sitting once she arrived at the same side the group of fillies and colts were standing on.

“Ok then, I can sign stuff for whoever wants an autograph, but first things first, I believe this filly had something she wanted to talk to me about.”

“Ow, this should not hurt this much!”

Rose struggled to keep her composure, blinking away the tears that had formed in her eyes, as she met her reflection in the mirror with a determined scowl. Without breaking her concentration, she carefully raised her hairbrush for another attempt.

“Ow!” she yelled. “Stupid knot, and stupid curls, and stupid brush!”

She slammed a hoof on the counter, before stepping away from the mirror, satisfied enough by her appearance, or rather too hurt and irritated to try to correct it again.

“Ok, I should have everything I need for today,” she thought to herself. “I still feel like I’m forgetting something, though.”

Her eyes scanned the hotel room looking for whatever she may have forgotten to grab, stopping as she noticed the dark robe still hanging from the coat rack, a small smirk forming in the corners of her mouth.

Despite having been stuck at the information rally for the entirety of the first day, Rose had managed to go explore the city during her second day, much to her delight. However, doing so was not without its challenges.

Early on in her exploration, Rose found that wherever she went, crowds of ponies seemed to follow. These crowds consisted of ponies that had been at the Triple-E event, ponies that were very much against her being in the city, and reporters documenting her interactions with both groups. As much as she liked talking to the first group, all three of them were hampering her ability to enjoy the sights.

As such, she returned to her hotel room and retrieved the dark robe she had used to pass undetected in Canterlot, only to find that it was completely useless in FillyDelphia.

“I kind of wish ponies here were as self-obsessed as in Canterlot,” Rose mused. “If only so that my robe could hide me from the crowds.”

Still, once she had resigned herself to being followed and stared at wherever she went, Rose found herself being able to ignore the attention and have a good time regardless.

Images from the day flashed through her mind as she remembered the restaurants, the museums, and the various other places she had seen, ending with a memory of a couple accidentally falling into a fountain after a rather risqué public make-out session.

“I really wish he had been here to see it,” Rose said.

Rose sighed as she thought of the draconequus. It was not just that he would have had a witty comment for that particular situation; Rose missed him general. Without his voice in her head, life just seemed too quiet to her.

“Well if me being gone for is causing you such discomfort, maybe I should leave more often and for longer periods of time.”

Rose shrieked, turning around to find Discord standing behind her, grinning from ear to ear.

“I do love that sound,” Discord said. “Not quite singing, but what can you do?”

He shrugged while Rose continued to stare.

“You’re back!”

Discord looked around his surroundings, as if confused.

“Yes, it seems I am,” he said. “That, or you’ve finally snapped and now you’re hallucinating about me. Honestly, I hope it’s that one.”

Rose couldn’t help but smile.

“In either case I’m very happy to see you,” she said. “You have no idea how boring it’s been without you around.”

“That’s a bit dramatic, isn’t it?” Discord asked. “Don’t get me wrong, I know that life without me is meaningless. It’s one of the burdens I must carry. Still, I was only gone for two days.”

“Yes, but I miss our thought conversations,” Rose said.

“You might want to talk to a psychiatrist about that,” Discord said.

“Don’t you judge me,” Rose thought.

Discord began laughing, soon being joined by Rose.

“Ok, you’re fine,” Discord said. “In any case, did I miss anything interesting?”

“No, not really,” said Rose. “A few funny moments here and there but nothing important, and certainly nothing threatening to bring chaos unto all creation. How about you? How did meeting with the Princess go? Anything interesting happen?”

Discord shrank back a little at Rose’s question, earning him a questioning stare from her.

“Oh, yes, that,” Discord said. “I do believe we have something very important to talk about.”

Rose took particular notice of the seriousness with which Discord had said that last sentence. She searched his face for the shadows of a grin, or a smile, or for the telltale signs of a coming joke. However, she was unable to find them; instead she was met with a sober solemnity she had never seen the draconequus wear before. She could not help but shudder.

“Okay…” Rose said cautiously, sitting down on the bed. “What do we need to talk about?”

Rose’s question was not immediately answered. Instead, Discord mumbled to himself as he searched for the right place to begin. After a while, his mumbling quieted down and when he spoke, it was with the practiced flair of a seasoned storyteller.

“Remember the day I left in Los Pegasus?” he asked, to which Rose nodded. “That day annoyed me far more than I think you realized. It wasn’t just that it was all so dreadfully boring, which it was, but after spending time with you I must confess I didn’t see how you were supposed to cause the chaos I was feeling.”

Discord turned away from Rose but continued talking as he levitated back and forth through the room.

“You were well-known, yes, but not really followed or idolized,” Discord said. “Not only that, but those that hate you don’t hate you enough to start a revolution of any kind. That, and you go out of your way to be so mind-numbingly harmless. I just didn’t see how you were supposed to act as the harbinger of the fall of harmony for Equestria, and even if I wasn’t wrong about that, I still wasn’t sure I wanted to stick around, waiting aimlessly for days and weeks for it to happen. Especially on that day, it did not seem worth it.”

He turned to look at Rose in the eyes as he whispered.

“So I cheated.”

Rose blinked a few times in confusion, before the meaning of Discord’s words caught up with her, at which point she began stammering.

“Wait…” she said. “Cheated… That means you-“

“Yes,” Discord responded, “I peeked.”

Rose’s eyes widened but she said nothing, allowing silence to fill the void.

“So you know what happens,” Rose said finally.

Discord nodded.

“That I do, and I know a lot more than just that,” he said. “I know that I was right all along and that you are the catalyst for what’s to come. I know exactly how and when the event will happen. I also know exactly how the chaos will take shape, what it will cause, how it will develop, and even how it will be resolved.”

“And?” Rose asked.

“And it was a lot to take in,” Discord said. “That’s why I was gone most of the day. I needed time to adjust to all that I’d seen, and to think of the best way to use that knowledge. Who should I tell, what should I do, that sort of thing. It took all night but in the end I decided that it would be best if I just kept that knowledge to myself. After all, Celestia was quite right in that tampering with the future is inadvisable, and to be quite honest, I wasn’t in the best of moods. That is to say, I found no reason whatsoever as to why I should tip my hand and reveal what I know to you or princess sunbutt. What was coming would happen and none would be the wiser that I had a heads up. At least that’s how I felt back then.”

“Meaning that you feel different now?”

“Yes,” Discord replied. “After that incident where we went on our little chaos spree in the middle of the desert, and I must confess that I’ve grown a tad attached to you and your cause. Then there’s the matter of what I saw, which is weighing quite heavily on my mind. The riots, ponies opposing Celestia, massive movements fighting each other in courts and through violence, and that’s not even the stuff I can’t tell you about. This is bigger than I imagined, and the triggers are… worrisome. In any case, I decided that I needed to bring this up to Celestia at the least. If she felt it truly better to stay quiet and do nothing, then it would be her choice, but at least that way someone besides me would know. I could say I tried.”

Rose nodded in understanding.

“So what did she say when you told her about it?” Rose asked.

“I didn’t,” Discord said shaking his head. “She wouldn’t let me.”

“Huh?”

Discord took a deep sigh.

“I went to Canterlot with the full intention of telling her,” he said. “However, when I told her what I wanted to talk about, she stopped me. As it turns out, she really does not want to know the future at all. She also mentioned that she is disappointed to find that I peeked, but respects that the choice to do so was completely mine. And yet, she also forbade me from telling anyone else about what I saw and from interfering in any way that could change what I saw. I spent the rest of my time there arguing with her about that, assuring her that it was of upmost importance that someone knew. In the end, we reached a compromise.”

“Which was?”

“You.”

Rose stared in silence, allowing Discord to continue talking.

“The event, the aftermath, and everything else has to do with you quite personally,” he said. “As such, it is only fair that you be given a choice in whether or not to know what’s coming. The way Celestia put it, I can only tell you about what’s to come, and even then, you have to ask me first, otherwise I’m to stay quiet and I must refrain from intervening. So please, ask me.”

Rose was taken aback by Discord’s pleading tone. He was not quite begging, but it was close, which both confused and unnerved her.

Taking a deep breath, she weighed her options.

On the one hoof, she was extremely curious about what was to come, and having knowledge of events beforehoof would allow her to prepare for them, even if she did not actively seek to prevent them. She was also curious about her role in this whole thing, and the sooner she became aware of it, the sooner she could begin adapting to it.

However, she was not completely sold on the idea. After all, there was truth to what Celestia said. Fighting the future was a foal’s errand, and knowledge of the future would only make that pitfall easier to fall into.

“Would I really be able to do what needs to be done once I find out what my actions cause?” Rose asked herself. “Would I be able to carry on as if nothing’s wrong? Or would I try to change things?”

Rose thought for a moment about her meeting with the princess in Canterlot. How she had been ready to back out of the rally as soon as she found out about what she was to cause. However, she also thought of Sunspot and the various colts, fillies, stallions, and mares she had met throughout the trip.

“If I had backed out, I would never have met any of them,” Rose thought to herself. “I’ve done a lot of good, and none of it would have happened if I had known for sure that my actions would bring about chaos to Equestria.”

Rose thought long and hard about her choices, visualizing them as the two sides on a coin that she had to flip.

On the one side was knowledge. She would know what she was doing and what she would cause. On the other was hope. She would be able to hope that what she was doing was for the best, and whether or not it was would be revealed once it was too late to worry about it.

Rose flipped the coin in her mind, watching it tumble, but it stopped, landing on its side.

“I want you to answer me one question first,” Rose said suddenly. “Before I choose I mean.”

Discord raised an eyebrow.

“And that is?”

“Will everything be ok?” she asked.

Discord didn’t respond at first, confused as he was by the question.

“What do you mean?”

“Equestria, my friends, my family, everything, will it be better after whatever it is that happens?” she asked. “I know chaos will come, but you said it would die down as well. When it does, will everything be better than it was? Will everyone be ok?”

“Well, to be fair, ‘better’ and ‘ok’ are very subjective terms,” Discord said. “They have to do a lot with the individual pony. What is ‘better’ or ‘ok’ for one pony does not mean that it will apply to the others.”

Rose scoffed.

“You know what I mean,” she said. “How about this: use my perspective. What I consider better and ok. You’ve been in my head enough to know what that entails. When everything is said and done, will Equestria be a better place?”

Discord thought for a while before answering.

“Yes,” he said finally. “It will take a long time, and it will be a very painful process for Equestria, but when the fire dies down, it will be a better, more accepting place.”

Rose gave Discord a concerned stare.

“Metaphorical fire, dear,” Discord added, to Rose’s relief.

“And my friends?” Rose asked. “Applejack, Octavia, Derpy, Summer, Perfect, and everyone else? Will they be ok after what I cause and whatever it is I do that causes it?”

Discord took a deep breath.

“I’m not going to lie to you, Rose; they will suffer quite a bit,” he said solemnly. “Everyone that’s close to you, and even some that aren’t, will suffer for quite a while. But, they will eventually move past it and come to terms with everything. They will all eventually be happy. So, to answer your question, yes, they will all be ok, in time.”

Rose closed her eyes and nodded.

“Good,” she said. “That’s all I needed to know.”

“All?” Discord asked.

“Yes,” Rose said. “Thank you, but I don’t need to know anything else.”

Discord’s eyes widened.

“No, you don’t understand,” he said. “I need you to ask me about what happens. You don’t understand, you don’t know what’s going to happen!”

“And that’s the point, isn’t it?” Rose asked, calming the draconequus. “You’re right, I don’t know and I don’t understand. But you just gave me the answer to what I care about the most. Knowing that… Knowing that those important to me will be ok and that everything I do and cause will help Equestria be a better place… it’s enough. Come whatever may, I can face it now because I know what I’m helping create, even if I don’t yet know how. That’s enough for me.”

Discord took a deep sigh.

“I guess there’s no changing your mind now,” he said.

“There isn’t,” Rose agreed. “But I do want to ask you a favor.”

Discord shrugged.

“Sure, what is it?” he said.

Rose shifted uncomfortably.

“When the thing happens, could... could you please be there with me the entire time?” she asked.

Discord’s face went from a confused expression to a smiling one.

“You’re still scared of what’s to come, then?” he asked.

“No!” she replied, before letting her gaze shift towards the floor. “Maybe. I’m not scared, I’m just nervous… But I know that I’ll feel better if you’re there with me to help me face it, whatever it is. So, please?”

Discord chuckled, sitting next to Rose.

“Don’t you worry,” he said. “I’ll be with you the entire time.”

“Thank you, Discord,” Rose said. “That means a lot to me.”

The two sat in silence for a while, letting go of the anxiety for the future, before Rose stood up from the bed.

“Well, no reason to stick around here all day,” she said. “We have plenty to go see here in FillyDelphia and a lot of things that you’re going to enjoy before we head to Manehattan tomorrow.”

Discord chuckled, disappearing and appearing next to the door, which he opened.

“After you.”

Rose headed out the door and into the city with Discord following behind. Rose, as ecstatic as she was, failed to notice Discord’s expression as he trailed behind her. She also failed to notice him talking to himself.

“Enjoy this peaceful moment, Rose,” he whispered. “For as long as it will last.”

Author's Note

3 more chapters to go in this Arc, can you all feel the tension building?

*shudders*

In any case, do tell me what you think, you all know I love hearing from you.
It makes me smile.

See you on Friday!
-thedarkprep

8. Manehattan (Stop 7)

8. Manehattan (Stop 7)

“Make no mistake; this is not a fight about granting rights to ponies. It’s about taking them away. This Equestrian Equality Envoy group seeks to take away rights from parents to monitor what their children are exposed to. They seek to take away the right from professionals to intervene. They seek to take away the traditional values that make Equestria great. I say we don’t let them. I say that this is our country and that if they wish to defile it with their personal fetishes and wants, then I say they don’t deserve to be here. We can get them to leave by making their lives difficult, by refusing to budge, by upholding what’s right! This is a war and we will offer no safe quarter. Yes, they will leave this land, and Equestria will be all the better for it!”

Cheers erupted, with many ponies talking amongst themselves. The applause was deafening as were the cries of approval and agreement ringing out through the street. As such, no one could hear the angry mutterings coming from the carriage sitting in traffic a few hooves away.

“The day I leave Equestria is the day that Discord learns humility.”

“Rose, are you ok?”

Rose looked away from the window, turning to face the three concerned-looking ponies who were eyeing her with curious expressions and raised eyebrows.

“I was muttering out loud again, wasn’t I?” Rose asked, taking a deep breath.

The other ponies nodded.

“It wouldn’t be as nerve-wracking if we could hear what you were saying,” Timetable said. “Right now, though, you could be muttering about your plans to murder us all and we would be none the wiser.”

“And I’ll have you know that I have loads of humility,” Discord added, appearing beside her.

“If I were to snap, I’d go after Dusk first,” Rose said indignantly. “That means you two have nothing to be afraid of since that would buy you all the time you need to get away.”

“Sorry to argue ‘gainst you, Rose, but we need more than a micro-second to get away, and given Dusk’s fighting ability…” Organizer said, trailing off at the end.

“Oh ha ha,” Dusk said. “Can we focus on our psychopathic companion and not on my lack of brute strength? Seriously, priorities.”

“Right, my mistake,” Organizer said as the three ponies fixed their gaze back on a blushing Rose.

“It’s just upsetting,” Rose said, taking a deep breath. “Hearing them talk about me and ponies like me that way… It’s demeaning. And I’d like nothing more than to leave this carriage and give them a piece of my mind.”

The other three nodded.

“And yet, doing so would mean that taking this carriage, as opposed to traveling by train to where the mob of protesters is patiently waiting for us, would have been completely pointless,” Timetable said. “I mean, yelling at the ponies who are trying their hardest to find you and kick you out of town is a poor way to stay hidden.”

“I thought the whole point of this was that we were making it so that we wouldn’t have to hide anymore.”

An awkward silence followed Rose’s statement.

“Ok, I heard some real bitterness there,” Timetable said. “You know I was kidding, right? We’re not really hiding from them, we’re just making sure we get to the event without incident. We’re not scared or hiding, we’re just-“

“I know I know,” Rose said, cutting her off. “We’re being careful and smart. I know that if I really wanted to argue with them, you wouldn’t stop me. It’s just, they’re out there attacking me and talking about me, and they don’t even know me-“

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The conversation died as everyone turned to look at the carriage door, whereupon a pony was knocking.

“They may not know you but they know what you look like,” Dusk said. “Robe on.”

Rose nodded, putting up the hood on her robe and turning away from the doorway, which Dusk opened to reveal an earth pony.

“Something we can help you with?” Dusk asked.

“Nope, nothing at all,” the pony said. “I just have this pamphlet I wanted to give you. I’m sure that a fine fellow like yourself and your company would learn much from it. It is in regards to some… degenerates, who are infiltrating our city and are threatening Equestria and our way of life. Only if you’re interested, of course.”

Dusk took the pamphlet being offered to him with a smile.

“I would love to read it,” he said. “’The Enemy Within.’ Well, it’s important to stay informed against these threats. Thank you for the pamphlet.”

“Not a problem,” the pony said. “Take care.”

And with that he walked away, allowing Dusk to close the door to the carriage. He then began looking through pamphlet as the rest of the ponies inside relaxed and Rose lowered her hood.

“That is really not fair,” she protested. “Why do none of them recognize you.”

“Because I’m not a celebrity,” Dusk deadpanned, not raising his eyes from the pamphlet.

When silence answered his comment, he looked up to find a very irate looking Rose.

“Oh, right, sorry, explaining,” he said. “Well, the reason I’m not recognized is because I’m just the president of the group. When ponies talk about the Equestrian Equality Envoy, they will never think of me, no matter how many interviews or events I attend. They will either think of the group as a whole, some faceless entity, or of our figurehead, in this case, you. You represent us, and any photographer worth their bits will take a photo of you over one of me no matter how many events we attend. That, and you’re also quite famous and easy to pin hatred on.”

He began looking through the pamphlet again as Rose let out a huge sigh.

“I just wish that when I agreed to be the face of the organization that I had known I would also be the one to take all the blame,” Rose said.

“Oh look!” Dusk exclaimed. “They have a picture of you and a bullet point list of all the evils you bring into society. Oh sorry, were you saying something?”

Timetable and Organizer averted their gaze as Rose began fuming.

“No, nothing at all,” Rose said. “Do tell, what am I responsible for?”

A sudden jolt startled the occupants of the carriage as the carriage began to move.

“Oh, look at that,” Timetable said. “We’re moving. Not enough time to talk about that now.”

“That is nonsense,” Dusk said. “There’s certainly enough time for me to read this concise list to Ms. Rose.”

“Nope,” Organizer said. “I agree with Timetable: we’ll be at the hotel soon and I think we need some peace and quiet before getting there. It will be a busy day and any rest we can get will help.”

“I suppose,” Dusk said, thinking. “No, you’re right. We will need the rest if we’re to survive this city. Very well. I’m sorry Ms. Rose, it appears you’ll have to wait.”

Timetable and Organizer sighed out of relief before settling into comfortable positions while Rose continued to glare at the pamphlet. Still, she made no attempt to grab it, and she eventually turned to stare out the window for the remainder of the trip.

Before long they arrived at the hotel where they were to stay, with each pony setting their things in their respective rooms, leaving the actual unpacking for the end of the day. Then they headed back to the lobby for their last planning meeting of the trip.

“I’m not going to lie to you – this will be difficult,” Dusk said, making eye contact with each of the assembled ponies, glad to find determination in their gazes rather than fear.

“I’ve lived in Manehattan all my life,” he continued. “And I can tell you from my own experience that this city is dangerous. Cloudsdale, Baltimare… They’re nothing compared to this. The ponies here hate us. Expect heckling, expect insults, expect loathing, but don’t let it overtake you. We are stronger than them and we will change this city, but to do that, we cannot let them bully us. Understood?”

Each of the ponies nodded.

“Good,” Dusk said. “Every stop has prepared us for this. Time to use all we’ve learnt. You each know your part, so when we step out those doors there is nothing else to do but to try your best. We will come back here having succeeded or having failed, but regardless of the outcome, we will be able to say that we gave it our all. When we go to Ponyville for our final stop in a few days, we’ll be able to hold our heads high and celebrate that we fought for all we’re worth.”

Each pony nodded again.

Then there was silence.

Dusk let his gaze wander over the ponies assembled before them before turning around and walking out the door, with each of the ponies following soundlessly behind him.

“Are you ready for this?” Discord asked.

“Worst-case scenario, I have you tear the city down,” Rose thought.

Discord chuckled but said nothing.

“Yes, I’m ready,” Rose thought. “For better or worse, this ends here.”

And with that she stepped through the doorway.

“Rose, you don’t have to do this!” Dusk pleaded. “Please stand down.”

“Yes,” Timetable followed. “For once in your life listen to what Dusk is saying. You don’t have to prove anything to anypony. There is no good outcome to this.”

“Can’t we just cancel this and tear the stage down?” Organizer asked. “She’s not in charge, so why do we need her to agree? If she’s being too stubborn to do the smart thing then we can just take away her ability to make a fool of herself.”

“If you silence me now I will make sure that every newspaper in Equestria hears about how the silent-T phenomenon is not only real but quite literal,” Rose said, glaring at the assembled ponies.

Timetable and Organizer took a step back in shock, while Dusk sighed.

“Rose, if you got up there and you argue with them, you will validate them,” Dusk said. “Right now they are nothing but a group with radical ideas. If you acknowledge them, then they are our rivals, our opposition. And not to mention that if you lose you could undo everything we’ve done. Project Equestria will be a failure.”

“I won’t let myself be bullied, Dusk,” Rose said. “You heard what he said. You saw what happened. Do you expect me to let it slide and for me not to address it publicly because they might undermine us? If we let it go then we’ll have done a great job undermining ourselves.”

“Don’t be a child,” Dusk responded. “There are other, less-direct, ways of dealing with this and I assure you, it will be dealt with. What you are thinking of doing, though, is impossible. In this city, with this crowd, against this group, you are setting yourself up to fail and you are going to take us all with you.”

“Since when does any of that matter?” Rose shouted. “After what they did, who cares? I’m extremely disappointed in you, Dusk. Being upfront, being direct… that used to be your thing. And now you want to be subtle? They clapped as that kid got disowned, Dusk! And the things they said they were going to try? Can you really have that on your conscience? The mayor and the city officials are all here right now and if I have any chance at stopping… them, I will take it.”

Dusk made to speak but said nothing. Rose took a deep breath.

“When you hired me you told me that I’d have free reign over my actions and my words,” she said. “Well I’m going to use that free reign now. If you want, you can distance yourself as much as possible from me. You can say that my thoughts don’t represent those of the organization. You can do whatever. I need to do this, though. I need to make sure not even a tenth of what they said comes to pass, and I need to make sure no other colt goes through what that one went through. I’m making my stand, Dusk. Now help, or get out of the way.”

“I’m not stopping you, Rose,” Dusk muttered. “You are free to do what you want. And the Triple-E is not going to distance itself from you, especially not now. But understand that for you to win this you’d have to turn the majority of the crowd into allies, those same ones that clapped and cheered as a colt was made homeless before their eyes. Anything short of doing that will mean a victory for that green pegasus. That’s what the papers will write this as and every bit of hope, pressure, and change that we’ve accomplished will disappear.”

“I know it won’t be easy,” Rose said. “I know that. I have to do this, though. I have to try.”

Dusk sighed.

“Fine, do what you must,” he said, stepping out of the way. “At least you’re angry. You’re much better at this when you’re angry.”

“Then I’ll be the best you’ve seen of me yet,” Rose said, stepping past him and towards the stairs.

As she reached the backstage area, Rose became very aware of the deep rumbling coming from the other side as ponies speculated, chatted, and waited for Rose to appear on stage. On any normal day this would have made Rose rather nervous, but today was no normal day.

The event, as Dusk had predicted, had been rather difficult and problematic right from the get go. Protesters stood outside, yelling and holding signs decrying the Equestrian Equality Envoy as enemies of Manehattan and Equestria itself. This was then followed by bouts of hecklers and protestors who would sneak into the event and create as much of a disruption as possible before the local security had the chance to throw them out. Then there was the impact these ponies had on the rest of the audience, frightening supporters into silence and making everyone less perceptive to the messages being presented.

Rose, however, met the difficulties head on and, through clever word play, persistence, and unmitigated resolve, she dealt with every member of her opposition and managed to complete her speech and to get through the Q&A panel.

And then it happened.

Rose and the rest of the group had decided to go for a walk to cool off after a rather heated debate, when they stumbled upon a large group of ponies standing in a circle. The sound of roaring laughter had filled the square, almost masking the cry of a child. Almost.

Rushing forward the group found the colt, crying in the middle of the circle as the surrounding ponies launched constant barrages of profanities and slurs.

“Fairy!”

“Queer!”

“F*g!”

The slurs increased in volume as each second passed, matched by the laugher and the cries.

“Enough!” Rose had yelled, silencing the area.

“What is going on here?” Dusk asked.

“Oh look, more of them.”

Ignoring them the group turned to the colt who explained that his parents and his only family had just disowned him and thrown him out, to the cheering and applause of the crowd.

“Well we have to show support for positive behavior, don’t we?”

Rose turned around to face a light green pegasus with a dark green mane.

“I dare you to say that one more time,” Rose said through gritted teeth.

“And you’ll do what? Assault me?” the stallion asked, laughing. “Let me remind you that you are outnumbered, but hey, I might even just let you throw a kick at me. It would prove what we all know about you: not a speck of civilized decency.”

“Go away.”

“No, how about you go away, Mr. Slant Rhyme,” the pegasus responded. “I have the same right to speak as you do and even more of a right to live here than some prissy little abomination who fancies himself a princess. Tell you what, you really want me to shut up? Let me on that stage of yours and let’s talk this out. Then, and only then, will I shut up.”

Despite the situation, Rose found herself smiling.

“You really think I’m an idiot,” she said. “I would never let you near a microphone to speak your slander and hate, especially at our event. You cannot goad me into it.”

The stallion chuckled.

“Well, no skin off my bones,” he said. “But just so you know, I’m rather important. You see, I run the homeless shelters, I run public services, I even run social services, and the thing is, I can tell you that that particular colt is going to have a very miserable existence. Now, if you were to allow me to speak my mind and we have ourselves a debate on a public forum, like... I don’t know, your event, then maybe you can convince them to kick me out of office. But you have my promise that I will make sure none of your kind can stand to live in Manehattan for as long as I remain. You won’t just leave, you will flee, starting with him.”

All Rose could feel then was anger.

Sounds faded away, her sight became unfocused, and her muscles tensed.

“Dusk, take that colt to the mayor, or to someone who can look after him,” Rose said. “I have a debate to attend.”

“I have to admit, this isn’t your brightest idea,” Discord said, snapping the mare from her thoughts.

Rose took a deep sigh.

“I really don’t need this from you too.”

Discord shrugged.

“Hey, I’m just stating my opinion,” he said. “I’m still behind you all the way. For better or worse.”

Rose gave a nod of thanks before stepping through the curtain.

The whispers stopped.

Soundlessly, Rose made her way over to her podium, facing towards the crowd and ignoring the green stallion in her peripheral vision. She knew he was standing at a podium much like hers. She also knew that he was probably smirking or glaring at her, trying to intimidate her. However, she did not have to acknowledge him just yet.

“Hello everypony!”

Rose turned her head to look at Organizer, who had taken over the announcer duties for this event, despite his belief that it was a mistake. Rose gave him a nod of thanks that he politely returned before continuing.

“Due to certain… disagreements, we have decided to have a debate in regards to transponies and values, to be had between Ms. Evening Rose and Manehattan representative Mr. Civic Service,” Organizer said. “This is not scripted and it is separate from the Equestrian Equality Envoy event. However, we feel like this discussion is important and therefore we are allowing them to use our stage.”

He turned to look at Service.

“You have the floor.”

“And please make this quick,” Rose said, speaking as harshly as possible. “I don’t intend to give you and your ramblings any more time than absolutely necessary.”

Organizer raised an eyebrow in confusion while Service narrowed his eyes in anger. In turn, Rose had to fight to conceal her confident smirk. After all, her outburst had done exactly what she wanted.

Already Rose could hear the rumblings from the crowd as shocked audience members turned to whisper amongst themselves.

Anyone who knew of Rose, or who had seen the reporting on the Summer trial before Dusk’s involvement, knew that she tended to play things defensively. Despite her speaking ability, she always let others make the first move, and when she made her point, it was always in a logical argumentative fashion. And as such, the emotionally charged offensive made this Rose seem extremely unlike the one that had lived in Ponyville.

“But I’m not the same anymore,” Rose thought. “I’ve learnt a lot on this trip and I need to start acting like it, especially if I’m going to shoot Service down.”

The whisperings and mumblings from the crowd continued, and from the sounds of it, it seemed like her brash interjection had not earned her any friends in the crowd. Not that she really cared, since Rose figured that there was little hope of that happening regardless. And yet, her statement had done exactly what she intended for it to do. It had sent a very clear message. It stated that this was Rose’s show, and that she was in absolute control.

“Something I really needed to establish after his little stunt outside,” Rose thought as Service coughed a few times to clear his through into the microphone.

“Very well,” he said. “I wasn’t planning on making this long and complicated anyway. In fact, I can summarize my point very concisely. Transponies are dangerous to Equestria and need to be driven out for the wellbeing of the nation.”

“Explain, if you would,” Rose said, not allowing time for the words to sink in. “What makes us so dangerous? What makes a transpony bad for Equestria? And remember, keep it concise.”

If Service was annoyed or taken aback by Rose’s confrontational approach, he did his best not to show it. However, the rumblings from the crowd let Rose know all she needed to know. Her approach was having an impact.

“Well, for starters, transponies are untrustworthy,” Service began, speaking more loudly than necessary in what Rose recognized as an attempt to hush the crowd. “These are ponies whose entire lives revolve around lying to others and to our whole society. Hiding things and pretending to be something they’re not. Some are outed and forced to acknowledge their actual gender, but how can we trust anypony for whom lying is that engrained? Then there’s the fact that by existing, they are making a mockery of the basic laws of nature. From grotesque alterations or through the unnatural blurring of gender lines, these ponies are a blight to ponydom far and wide. For our protection, and for the protection of decency itself, we cannot allow them to live amongst us. And finally, even if they weren’t untrustworthy mistakes, transponies will never be accepted in Equestria. Too many ponies hate them, too many ponies think like I do, and that’s not going to change. By letting them live amongst us, we are ensuring that they’ll live a meaningless existence under the ‘torture’ imposed by society. Really, it’s a kindness to throw them out.”

Rose thought for a moment.

Something about the first point Service had used nagged at her. She knew it was important and that using it would help bring his entire platform down. However, she also felt like she was missing something, a piece just barely out of reach which was necessary for the counter-argument. As such, she decided to start with the second point.

“Are we such a ‘blight’ that it justifies inciting verbal assaults against a young colt?” Rose asked, making sure to allow her contempt to be heard. “You had ponies cheering as a colt was made homeless, as others insulted and harassed him. How, pray tell, was that justified?”

“I know that being born of ‘nobility’ you probably have never come across this concept,” Service responded. “But a farmer often has to prune plants, cutting off damaged or infected parts for the whole plant to survive.”

“No, I’ve heard of the concept,” Rose said shaking her head. “The problem is that I tend to think that we are a tad more complex than plants, and that ponies should be treated with the respect one would give any sentient being, regardless of gender identity.”

“Then you would be a poor farmer indeed,” Service said. “You would allow the whole harvest to die rather than to remove the parts that are destroying it.”

“First of all, let’s get something clear,” Rose said, her voice spiking in volume. “Your metaphor doesn’t work. Who would be the farmer here? You? Me? We’re part of the society, part of the plants, and we’re both obviously biased. The Princesses? They’re not getting involved. The answer is no one – there is no farmer here. There is only us, plants regulating plants.”

Rose took a breath, allowing the audience to keep up with her.

“Want to hear the interesting part, though? Following your metaphor,” Rose continued. “Plants don’t prune parts of themselves like that. They don’t cut off specific parts because they’re not like the rest. They don’t make decisions on what parts to keep and which parts to discard. And want to know something else? The whole plant doesn’t die.”

“And you’re saying this from your personal experience as a botanist?” Service sneered.

“No, I’m saying this by citing one of the most well-known and renowned ecosystems in Equestria,” Rose said, narrowing her eyes. “I know that being so lost in your own little world it may have escaped your notice, but there is a place called the Everfree forest. This place is filled with plants that are not cared for or disturbed by farmers or anypony else. And you want to know what they do? They thrive, Mr. Service. They continue to grow and expand and live and thrive without any pony interaction. Plants regulating plants without exiling the uncommon parts, growing and adapting to survive.”

“So you would have us be like that forest?” Service responded. “Filled with monsters, uninhabitable, forsaken.”

“I thought we were just talking about the plants,” Rose said. “But you know what? Even adding all of that, yes. Yes I would. That forest is filled with things that ponies fear, and it does not cater to us, but it still survives on its own. Anything that lives there, or grows, or happens to migrate there becomes a part of the cycle, and everything around it adapts. So what’s the problem? Is it that you can’t control it? That it isn’t exactly the way you feel it should be?”

Rose stopped as she considered a thought.

“Actually, I bet that’s what it is,” she said. “That forest is not the way you think it should be, and neither are transponies, and you cannot live with that. Why, I bet that you want to be the farmer, shaping the world exactly the way you see fit because anything else just won’t do, and if a small colt or thousands of ponies have to suffer, then so be it, right? In fact, you were even listing off all the programs you were in charge of and promised to abuse in order to attack and persecute a defenseless colt, as if said programs made you somepony I should care about. Well, I have a bit of a newsflash for you. You are not important. The world is not the way you want it to be. You need to learn to deal with that.”

There was some noise coming from the audience but Rose ignored it since, at that moment, something very important happened.

Despite his best efforts, a crack appeared in Services stoic expression. For a few seconds, he stared at Rose with unrestrained hatred and disgust. Rose had seen this look twice before, but what shocked her was how similar this scene looked to one of the two previous. It was not just the loathing and revulsion in his eyes, and the similarity in expression. Service really looked a lot like him. In fact, if one were to change Service’s colors and shorten his snout a little, he’d look exactly like…

Rose gasped, a sudden epiphany energizing her body.

“I got you,” she thought.

“I know you want to answer to that, but please let me first address the other thing you said,” spoke, this time with authority more so than anger. “You mentioned that transponies are deceitful liars who cannot be trusted. Who have I lied to, Mr. Service? And who has suffered for my lies?”

He scoffed.

“Well, I can think of an example.”

“Time to take a shot in the dark,” Rose thought.

“So your relative, Granite Boulder?”

Rose waited for a second, waiting for a reaction to show whether her risk had been worth it. She had even started to doubt her choice when it happened. Civic Service’s mask cracked again, this time showing wide eyed confusion.

“But… But how did you know?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Rose said. “I’m not sure what your relation is to him, and I honestly don’t care. What’s important is that you would side with an attempted murderer and demonize his victim, believing him justified.”

“I never said that he would be justified in killing,” Service shouted, letting his emotions get the best of him. “I’m just saying that he’s a victim in all this as well and that you lied to him and tricked him. Also, don’t you call him a murderer. He didn’t kill anypony.”

“Not out of lack of trying,” Rose answered. “In any case, he was tried and charged, so it really isn’t open to interpretation, and I don’t really see how it is my fault that he attacked me.”

“It’s your fault because you played him for a fool,” Service said, once again letting his temper rule him. “He got attacked by two mares who broke into his home and he was tried in a private trial away from all other ponies. In fact, if not for those ponies-“

“I’d be dead,” Rose said, interrupting him. “If not for those two ponies representing the Elements of Harmony, you know, the national heroes, I would have died at the hooves of Granite Boulder. The doctors said so themselves that even with their intervention I survived by pure luck. But let’s disregard that for the sake of your point, shall we? Yes, if we could just get rid of ponies like me, and those who support us and treat us with decency, and those who would enforce the laws objectively, then we would have the Equestria you want, right? Except, it wouldn’t be this Equestria at all. No order, no harmony, no kinship. Only those you approve of, pruning away all those who are not what you think constitutes ‘healthy’ and justifying acts of hatred by saying that ‘maybe it is ok for a pony to brutally attack another as long as it’s for the wellbeing of the whole of society’. Now, remind me, how are we the threat to the Equestria you love?”

Rose could see the wheels turning in Civic Service’s head as he struggled to come up with a response. However, despite the opening and closing of his mouth, he remained silent, as did the rest of the audience and it seemed the world.

Rose seized her chance.

“Actually, forget that,” she said. “I don’t actually want to hear your answer. I feel like you’ve already made enough of a fool of yourself, and I told you before that I didn’t want to give you more time than necessary. Just know that this is exactly why I don’t take you seriously. You don’t think ahead and you try to blame me and those like me, but you don’t stop to realize what you’re doing. You’re not the leader of a group nor an individual with an opinion. You are a foal throwing a tantrum because your worldview is not being given priority, and I’ve given your tantrum enough attention already.”

Rose began to walk away from the podium.

“I have nothing else to say to you.”

She walked away with measured steps, half hoping that the stallion behind her stayed quiet, and half wishing that he wouldn’t.

“You have to see that you’re outmatched and completely out of your league,” Rose thought. “Just let me walk away and retain what’s left of your stance. You don’t want to bring that last point into the argument.”

“The majority of ponies still hate you,” Service called out, causing Rose to turn to face him. “It was the last point I made. I hate you as do most ponies. You won’t ever find acceptance here, so it’s best if you leave.”

Service began to smirk, but said facial expression fell off his face when Rose began to laugh.

“I’m sorry, but that’s really quite funny,” Rose said apologetically. “Here, let me explain. You don’t hate me, you just think you do.”

Service was shocked at her comment, and he attempted to stammer out a response.

“You’re wrong… I-“

“You want to kick me out of the country,” Rose said, cutting him off. “That’s not hate. Hate is wanting to bring about the most painful and horrible end possible to somepony. It is ire so great that the pony’s mere existence causes you to be filled with a desire for blood. Hate is when the only thing in the world that could make things ok is when something or someone is permanently removed from existence, alongside any record of them. I would know: I hated myself like that for the longest time.”

Silence followed Rose’s words, so she continued.

“Everything you’re trying to do to me, I’ve done worse,” Rose said. “I mean, with all the suicide attempts, and the broken mirrors, and the self-deprecation, and the mutilation… the only one that has even come close to what I’ve done was Granite. He brought me as close to death as I did, and he might have hated me half as much as I’ve hated myself. But you, you don’t hate me, and I’m willing to bet that most of Equestria would not be willing to kill me, regardless of their reservations. Here’s the kicker, though: I accepted myself. I forgave myself and I accepted who I am, and now I’m standing here giving you a lesson on pony morality. I guess what I’m saying is that if I could find a way to be ok with my being trans, I have no trouble believing that the rest of Equestria can do it as well.”

Civic Service and Organizer stared at Rose, unable to move or speak.

“As I said, I’ve already given you too much time,” Rose said. “Now, if you excuse me, I have to find a colt you helped to terrorize and see if I can help him in some way. After all, it would not do well for the ‘Representative from Manehattan’ to have a death on his hooves.”

The silence continued after that, only being broken by the sound of Rose’s hoofsteps as she walked away.

“Are you heading out?”

Rose stopped at the doorway of the hotel, turning to find Dusk sitting on a chair, reading from a folder located on a nearby table.

Immediately after the confrontation with Civic Service, Rose had been ambushed by the rest of her group members, all of whom showered her with praise for her performance. Rose asked about the colt, but Dusk had assured her that he had been taken care of. Shortly after that, Dusk had disappeared.

“It’s kind of comforting to know that he’s already working on the next project,” Rose thought.

“Yeah,” she said. “I’m feeling kind of restless. Thought I’d go for a walk.”

“Want to talk about it?”

Rose thought for a second with the “No” already forming on her tongue, but she instead nodded, deciding that she did indeed want to talk about it

“It’s just weird to think that it’s over,” she said, stepping closer to Dusk. “So much has happened, and it’s been such a life-changing experience… It just seems weird to think that I’ll just go back to Ponyville after this and live a quiet normal life.”

“I thought that’s what you wanted,” Dusk said, chuckling as he did so. “If I do recall correctly, ‘you suffered for that life and no one will stop you from enjoying it,’ not even a dashing genius with a plan to save the transponies of Equestria.”

Rose giggled.

“Yeah, I know,” she said. “And it’s not that I’m not excited. It’s just… I’ve changed… everything’s changed. It’ll take me a while to adapt to how things were.”

Dusk looked at Rose with a rather appraising stare, one that grew more uncomfortable for Rose by the second.

“I think it’s a good thing that you are going back,” Dusk said finally. “I think it will do you good, and maybe it will fix a few things this trip has done.”

“What, you regretting bringing me along?” Rose asked.

“No, not at all,” Dusk said. “Your company has been lovely, and you have been far more than an asset to the group. You are my friend now, and you wielded your responsibility rather masterfully. But you are right, you have changed.”

Dusk let his gaze drop.

“You were fantastic out there,” he said. “Had this Rose faced off against Dr. Theory, I might not have been needed back then. You have gained a lot of experience in a very short amount of time, and you have adapted to what you have seen. It has made you strong… But this is not you.”

Rose was taken aback, but said nothing.

“The brash, cold, and aggressive Rose that took down Civic Service like he was nothing, while good for the type of fighting we’ve been doing, is not the better Rose,” Dusk continued. “I rather liked the way you were, and I think that this trip has robbed you of a few things. Maybe your patience, maybe your restraint. I’m actually not sure what, but I know that whatever it was that you lost, that it was something rare and special, and something that it would be a shame to see disappear forever. Maybe going back to Ponyville will help you recapture it. At least I hope it will.”

Rose thought for a minute, remembering how she had wanted to humiliate Civic Service, and to tear him down for all to see.

“I guess you have a point,” Rose said. “Still, maybe I can find some middle ground. I don’t want to lose what I’ve gained in this trip.”

“And that’s the point, is it not?” Dusk asked. “Finding a way to grow and adapt without losing what makes you special? For what it’s worth, I don’t think you have lost whatever it is you had. You just forgot it for a while because of all that you’ve had to deal with. You will find it again, and there will be a new Rose, one with the strength of the activist, but the heart of the civilian.”

“That was rather poetic, Dusk,” Rose said. “Heart of the civilian, implying that being an activist means being a solider?”

Dusk got up from his chair and saluted.

“And it has been a pleasure serving with you, Ms. Rose,” he said smiling.

Rose walked up to him and gave him a hug.

“I’m going to miss you,” she said.

Dusk laughed.

“We still have a party in Ponyville to plan and attend,” Dusk said. “You can miss me after that’s done with.”

The two broke their hug.

“Well, now I’m less restless, but I’m still far too energized to go to sleep,” Rose said, prompting Dusk to nod in understanding.

“Perhaps you should go on your walk now then?” Dusk suggested. “I’ll be here waiting for you to come back; I need to catch up on some work in any case.”

“Sounds good,” Rose said. “Best of luck with your project.”

“Thank you,” Dusk said. “See you in a few.”

Rose nodded, turning and around and walking out of the hotel.

The night air hit her almost immediately, causing her to wish she had brought a thicker jacket for her trip. After all, it was now late in the autumn season with winter right around the corner.

“At least I’ll be home soon,” Rose thought. “And then I won’t have to worry about not having warm enough jackets again.”

And so, as Rose walked, she turned her thoughts to what she would do in Ponyville, or who she would see. These thoughts warmed her as she began planning the dinner parties, the sleepovers, and even the random get-togethers she would get to have with her friends.

She then began to plan what she would tell them, thinking back through her journey. She would of course mention meeting the Wonderbolts, and meeting Sunspot. She would also enjoy telling them about all the ponies she met, and about meeting up with her family again. She would even enjoy telling them about her little bout of chaos in the desert.

“I might need you to show up for them to believe that story though,” Rose thought, only to be met with silence.

“Discord?” she asked.

Then, she felt it.

A sharp blow connected with the back of her head, sending her tumbling onto the floor.

She tried to turn around to face her attacker, only to find herself being dragged into a nearby alley.

Once there, she was hoisted up against a wall, held up by one pony on each side while a third one stood in front of her.

Rose struggled to free herself, but found herself unable. Thinking quickly, she turned to look at the ponies, hoping to find a way to identify them, but Rose found the alley too dark to see whether they were unicorns, pegasi, earth ponies, stallions, or mares, let alone find any identifying features.

“Don’t try resisting,” the pony in front of her said, punching her in the stomach.

Rose winced and cried out in pain.

“What was it you said during your speech?” the pony asked. “That we were unwilling, right?”

The pony then kicked her again, this time in the face, causing the back of her head to hit the wall behind her.

“Seems like you don’t really know what you’re talking about.”

The pony began punching Rose repeatedly, switching the area of attack and doing so without restraint.

The air was heavy with the yells of pain, joined by the occasional crunching of bone, but it seemed like no one would come to investigate.

Rose was alone.

“Have you had enough?” the pony asked, punching Rose in the ribs again.

Rose in turn began coughing, and although she could not actually see it, she knew that there was blood on the floor in front of her by the time she was done.

“Will you hurry up?” one of the ponies holding Rose up said. “I would really like to not be caught.”

The pony in front of her stepped closer, pulling something out of a canvas bag.

Rose did not have time to discern the object before the cold steel of the blade stabbed into her.

Then there was only the pain.

The pony removed the blade and inserted it again two more times, each time holding it in place for a few seconds.

Tears streamed down Rose’s face as her cries of pain intensified.

In the end, the pony twisted his blade and removed it, signaling the other two to drop Rose on the ground, which they did. Then they ran.

Rose, however, could not follow them.

All she could do was lay on the ground as the pain overtook her. However, the pain began to fade away almost immediately, leaving her with a tranquil numbness and warmth throughout her body.

She felt as if nothing wrong had happened to her at all, aside from still being unable to move.

“Is this it?” Rose thought, scared at the swiftness with which her pain had disappeared. “Am I dying?”

“Yes you are my dear, but not just yet.”

Rose tried to look in the direction of the draconequus and to yell his name, but she found herself unable to do either. Instead, Discord materialized in her line of sight and spoke with a soothing tone.

“Rose, you cannot talk now, but you can think, understand?”

Rose tried to nod but couldn’t.

“Yes, I understand,” she thought. “Discord, what’s happening? Why can’t I feel anything?”

“That would be me,” he responded. “I’m using my powers to take away your pain, all of it. I may not have been able to stop you from… I was not allowed to stop this from happening, but I can at least make sure you don’t suffer.”

“You knew,” Rose thought. “What you saw… you saw this.”

Discord nodded sadly.

“I did,” he said. “And I tried to tell you and Celestia but none of you would listen to me. I wasn’t allowed to interfere. I heard your cries though, in the vision of the future. I heard your suffering, and… I couldn’t let you go through that. I figure at this point, this doesn’t matter. Nothing will change if I spare you the pain, and I will not leave your side.”

“I take it that there’s nothing else that can be done?” Rose thought.

Discord shook his head.

“Not after that twist of the blade,” he said. “My healing magic is not good enough to fix it, and I doubt even Celestia would be able to pull you back now. All that’s left to do now is wait.”

A sudden chill ran through Rose, but she struggled against it. She tried hard as she could to stop the tears from falling, to keep a brave face at all costs.

“No one is expecting you to come to terms with this, Rose,” Discord said. “It’s ok to show weakness, and to cry. You’ve been strong long enough.”

And so Rose began to cry, tears falling freely onto the pavement.

Discord meanwhile stayed close, wiping her tears and comforting her as best as he could.

Eventually Rose calmed down some, which allowed her to think clearly again.

“Can you please tell me what happens?” Rose thought.

“What do you mean?”

“You said that you saw how everything would develop,” Rose thought. “You saw what would happen to everypony I know, and how this would cause the chaos and how it would affect Equestria. Well, I’m not in a position to change anything now, so… could you please tell me what happens?”

Discord took a deep breath, but nodded.

“Where do you want to start?” he said.

“My brother,” Rose thought. “I want to know what happens to him. And the rest of my family. And Applejack, Octavia, Summer, the rest of my friends… even Dusk…”

And so Discord began to tell Rose about all the things she would not get to see. He rushed a few things and summarized the others since time was of the essence, but he did his best to fill in for Rose all the things that she would have seen if things had turned out differently for her.

Meanwhile Rose paid as much attention as possible, but before long she felt herself beginning to fade away.

The first thing that went was her sight, as the world was overtaken by darkness. And yet she could still hear.

She listened with all her strength, unwilling to let that fade away for as long as she could.

After all, it was not often that one heard a god cry.

As all things must, however, this too came to an end, with the sound fading into whispers, then to echoes, then to nothing.

Her world became silent.

Author's Note

2 more chapters to go.

Okay, I was going to leave it at that but I can't. I have known this chapter was coming since I finished Arc 3, but that did not make it any less painful to write. There's a lot of reasons as to why this had to happen, and I'll explain those in detail at the end of the Arc, but know that if I could have done anything else without compromising the story, I would have.

I'll see you all on Monday ok?

I'm sorry,
-thedarkprep

9. Ponyville (Stop 8)

9. Ponyville (Stop 8)

“Autumn is such an ugly season.”

The remark had been mumbled into the air without a particular audience in mind. As such, it lacked direction and urgency, not unlike most self-reflection, allowing the words to drift through the air without purpose or trajectory. The remark did not ask for a response – it simply existed through sound waves and space. And yet, despite all this, Dusk expected to hear a witty comeback or some comment.

The comment would not come.

He was alone.

A sudden burst of wind flew past, causing Dusk to shrink into his suit jacket for warmth as he leaned against a nearby tree, the only form of protection on the hill on which he now stood.

The wind had scattered the leaves on the ground, lifting them into the sky only for them to fall again to where they had been after the Running of the Leaves. There they would wilt and wither until they ceased to exist.

“Then the ground will be bare again, much like the trees,” Dusk thought, watching as the leaves scattered and fell through the town. “Everything feels so bare.”

In all other aspects Dusk had to admit the day was a rather beautiful one, almost unfittingly so, considering the circumstances. The sun shone brightly through the clear sky, courtesy of the efforts by the local weather team, and the cold was far from unbearable.

And yet, everything felt empty.

The sound of crunching leaves caught Dusk’s attention, growing louder as the source came closer.

He took a deep sigh, but continued to stare at the land below the hill.

“Are they ready for me?” he asked. “Or are changes still being made?”

Behind him, Timetable shook her head, despite Dusk being unable to see her.

“Pinkie and Lyra are still trying to accommodate the extra ponies that arrived,” she said. “So far we have the seating figured out for the family and friends, as well as pretty much all of the locals-“

“Good, considering they were the ones that were accounted for from the start,” Dusk said interrupting.

“We have also figured out seating for the different mayors, as well some nobility, and a good amount of other ponies,” Timetable continued, paying the interruption no heed. “Still, even with their best efforts, I don’t think they’re going to be able to find a way to fit everypony showing up for the service. I think they’re looking for extra tarps and chairs right now.”

Dusk shook his head.

“They shouldn’t be working on this anymore,” he said. “They deserve to sit, and mourn, and relax. They were her friends, after all; they shouldn’t have to work this hard today.”

“It’s their choice,” Timetable answered. “Lyra refuses to let Pinkie work by herself and Pinkie will not stop until everyone that shows up has a place to sit… she keeps going on about a promise she has to keep.”

Dusk let out another deep sigh.

“Very well,” he said. “If nothing else, they can stand. Sweet Apple Acres is big enough to hold everypony, even if not enough chairs are found.”

Timetable nodded, but said nothing.

“The interviews have all been set up, right?” Dusk asked. “The newspapers, the photographers, everything? And the publicity campaign?”

“Yes, it’s all been taken care of,” Timetable said wearily. “We’ll be ready to move using the funeral’s momentum immediately after today. And before you ask, yes, the meeting with the mayors regarding the event has been confirmed. Some of them were actually quite eager to talk to you.”

Dusk scoffed.

“Yes, I bet,” he said. “Ringer must be quite looking forward to shoving my latest failure in my face.”

“This wasn’t your fault, Dusk.”

Her tone was firm, but lacked any aggression or hostility. In fact, it only barely covered up the pity she felt towards the stallion.

“No, of course it wasn’t,” he responded. “I mean, I didn’t stop her from leaving the hotel in what I knew to be a very dangerous city, and I did spend the past month stirring up the wasps nest, trying to get some sort of reaction. And come to think about it, had I left her alone from the get go when she wanted nothing to do with us she’d still be here, but yes, I see how it is completely acceptable for me to sit here and believe that it is not my fault!”

Silence followed Dusk’s last yell.

“And even after all that, here I am, capitalizing on her death,” he said, continuing. “A funeral sponsored by the Equestrian Equality Envoy, open to the press and which I will be using for our cause in the following months. Rose would be sickened by me.”

Timetable took a few awkward steps, stopping beside the stallion.

“You are not to blame for the despicable actions of the intolerant,” she said. “Implying that this is all on you is a disservice to Rose, her choices, and everything she stood for. As for your actions now, the fight isn’t over just because Rose is gone. Yes, she would hate you, but this is all for the bigger picture, the one she was fighting for.”

A mirthless chuckle escaped Dusk’s lips.

“Yes, the larger picture,” he said. “Despicable actions and compromised morality for the sake of a larger goal. And I guess we can add her death to the things given for the larger picture, right? A sacrifice.”

“Dusk, she was no sacrifice,” Timetable pleaded. “She was not given, she was taken.”

“AND HOW MANY HAVE TO BE TAKEN?” Dusk yelled.

Timetable was shocked by outburst, but said nothing.

“How many have to die because of my mistakes?” Dusk said, almost whispering. “How many under my command? And you know what’s worse? Rose died during an initiative taken to make the world safer for her. Well we certainly did a splendid job with that, didn’t we!? Awards and champagne all around!”

Smack.

Dusk stood there, disoriented and very aware of the pain on his check. Meanwhile, Timetable stood in front of him with tears in her eyes and anger in her features, hoof still outstretched.

“Let’s get a few things straight, ok?” she said. “One, you’re not the only one hurting. I was her friend too, but right now you and I need to be strong, which brings me to point two. This was never about Rose or making her world safer. She could fight her own battles, and very often did so. This was about every other mare, stallion, colt, and filly. They’re still out there, they still need help, and they still need someone to fight for them. Rose isn’t here anymore, so it falls on us. Backing out now is nothing short of a betrayal of the friendship we had with her and I will not allow you to do so.”

Dusk took a while longer to recover, but eventually he nodded.

“You’re right,” he said. “I would never ask anyone to carry a weight I could not, and now that she isn’t here, it’s up to us.”

“They’re ready for you.”

The two turned to look at the earth pony walking towards them up the hill, getting closer before speaking again.

“They’ve finished setting up,” Organizer said. “Everyone’s ready and situated; I think it’s time we began.”

“Very well,” Dusk said. “Lead the way.”

The whisperings and murmurs stopped as Dusk approached the elevated podium set up behind the coffin.

He knew they wanted him to speak, but he instead took a second to take in his surroundings.

“They can wait,” he thought.

The first thing he noticed was the huge number of ponies that were present. He recognized some from various stops throughout Equestria: Sunspot, the Wonderbolts, the feminist mare, and a transfilly amongst them, but they were few and far in between. Still, the majority of the ponies seemed to be in dire spirits, with tears being shed everywhere he looked.

He also could not help but notice that despite the large number of ponies, it seemed like no protestors or hecklers had decided to make an appearance, being respectful enough to leave these ponies to grieve in peace.

“I guess we did have some impact after all,” Dusk thought.

A sudden sob turned Dusk’s attention towards the front section, where Rose’s friends had gathered.

The sob had apparently come from either Applejack or Rarity, as they both seemed to be trying hard to quell their cries. Lyra, Bon Bon, and Rainbow Dash were sitting by them, trying to calm them. Their expressions did not divulge the pain they were feeling, but they could not stop the tell-tale tears falling from their eyes. Next to them sat Derpy, holding Dinky close as the filly wept into her mother’s embrace, with Pinkie and Fluttershy, who were holding up rather well, all things considered, trying to help cheer up the filly. And next to them sat Twilight.

This was the pony whose reaction Dusk found most curious. She was, after all, not crying. There were no tears, and there was no reaction to the world around her. She just sat there, looking quite in shock, as if her world had shattered.

Dusk was rather familiar with the expression, having seen it firsthoof on the faces of those who did not realize that death was a possibility.

At every funeral there was at least one who had never considered that one of their friends or loved ones could die, and the shock seemed to overtake the pony to the point that nothing else mattered and nothing made sense.

“I guess when your mentor lives forever it’s easy to forget that nopony else does,” Dusk mused.

He then turned to look at the ponies standing in the backstage area, giving them a nod to signal that he was about to begin, meaning they should begin getting ready.

They each nodded back in understanding.

Finally, he looked down to the casket below, seeing the smiling mare with closed eyes, resting eternally.

“A tragedy has befallen Equestria,” Dusk began, facing away from the coffin. “I could stand here and tell you about the death of an icon, the death of a symbol for transgender rights and one of its greatest activists, but that’s not what makes this a tragedy. That’s not what makes this a tragedy because the tragedy is not that we lost the Evening Rose the transpony activist, but that we lost the mare named Evening Rose.”

Dusk felt tears begin to work their way through his eyelids, but he fought them back.

“From my short time knowing her, I can tell you that Rose was many things,” he said. “She was brash, she was stubborn, and she was awkward. But I can also tell you that she was selfless, she was strong, and was happy. Yes, I know it must be hard to believe considering her life, but Evening Rose was a mare who loved to smile and who was genuinely happy of the life she lived, regardless of what it had taken to get there. And yet, the Rose I knew was burdened. She was burdened by a responsibility to others, by the expectations of others, and by her expectations of herself. The Rose I knew was very closely tied to the activist role she played, and for her to still find happiness in that world she was forced into… it’s a truly remarkable thing. And so, as we remember her, I thought it apt to ask that we remember the pony she was, rather than what she represented. What she represented can be found again, but we will never find another Evening Rose.”

Dusk grimaced as he became aware of the sound of Timetable weeping backstage.

“And so, to remember her properly, I thought it best to ask others to speak. Others who have known her more, who have known her longer, and perhaps better than any of us could,” Dusk said.

Dusk stepped away from the podium, standing off to the side, allowing the next speaker to make his way up.

He looked over to the opposite side of the stage, where Perfect Rhyme and Summer Breeze stood, comforting each other, nodding in the direction of the podium.

Slowly but surely, Perfect stepped away from Summer, making his way over to the podium.

He looked down once, and closed his eyes, fighting back tears all the while.

Dusk was about to go help the colt when he began to speak.

“I want to thank you all for coming here today,” he began. “I know it would have meant a lot to my sister to know that so many of you cared.”

His voice cracked, and he stumbled through some of the words, but he persevered, and it seemed that once he began to speak, each following sentence became easier to say.

“I didn’t know much about what my sister did,” he said. “I still don’t, to be honest. I know she gave speeches and talked to ponies… but seeing you all, and seeing what she meant to so many… it makes me really proud of her. I just wish I could tell her that.”

Perfect looked down at his sister’s body again.

“My sister always seemed happy, even before she changed her name,” he said. “She was always there to help me and always smiled. It came as a big shock to me to find out that she was hiding so much… pain. She was smart, and funny, and caring. She was the best sister I could have asked for. I’m just happy she finally got to be happy, and even though I miss her a lot, I know she’s now somewhere where she’ll be happy forever.”

He took his gaze away from her, looking back at the audience.

“Now that she’s gone I keep asking myself and thinking of what I should do, what she would have wanted from me,” Perfect said. “And I guess all I can think of is that she would have wanted me to be happy, to be myself, and to try to help others, just like her. And so, I guess I’m asking that you all do that, for her, and for me, and for yourselves. Thank you.”

Perfect Rhyme walked offstage, with Summer joining him. The two colts then made their way over to where Cheerilee stood, as well as a group of her students, with words of condolences ringing out from the areas that the colts passed. Once they arrived ,they were met with hugs from the Cutie Mark Crusaders, as well as with a new wave of tears and cries.

Dusk watched the scene play out before some movement in his peripheral vision caught his attention.

Turning he found Octavia and Vinyl Scratch, holding each other in a comforting embrace, before Octavia separated and began walking towards the podium.

The mare, Dusk could see, had tear marks running down her cheeks, and yet, despite her tears and her bloodshot eyes, her face showed nothing but determination.

“To be honest, I don’t really want to be up here talking,” Octavia said, recapturing the room’s attention. “When Dusk first asked me talk today, I really wanted to say no. I get the appeal of having me speak, seeing how I am Rose’s oldest friend, and I am probably the one that knew her best, or at least knows most of her history... But talking about her would mean accepting that she’s gone, and I’m not ready to do that… I don’t want to accept that.”

Dusk noticed for the first time how hard she seemed to be trying to avoid looking down.

“And yet, I feel like I have to,” she continued softly. “I have to come to terms with it and talk because I have something to say and if I don’t say it I know I will regret it for the rest of my life.”

She paused as she thought about her words.

“Unlike Perfect, I did get to see Rose suffer. I saw her cry, I saw her in pain, and I saw her struggle. I didn’t always understand it, but for as long as I knew her, she was unhappy. There was always something holding her back, something she was struggling against, and it hurt her. That was the pony I knew, the pony most others didn’t get to see. And then I found out about... well, her… I found out about her, and it caught me offguard, much like it did everyone else, but that’s not what struck me as weird. What did was that the chip that she always carried on her shoulder, the hatred and sadness in her eyes… it was gone,” Octavia said, her voice beginning to crack. “After years of dealing with that pain, she was finally rid of it. She was happy. Happy to be a mare, happy to be accepted… she was happy to be herself. So I guess what I want to say is thank you. Thank you for allowing her to be herself and for loving her for the mare she was. I cannot put into words how much it means to me that her final year was at least a happy one.”

Tears began to fall down her cheeks.

“She was my best friend,” she said, sobbing. “She was kind, and caring, and too stupid for her own good. But because of you all, she was happy. So thank you.”

She then turned to look down at the casket, whispering something that no one but the ponies on the stage could hear.

“Goodbye, Script.”

And with that, Octavia too walked off the stage followed by Vinyl, the two sitting down next to Rich Rhyme, Ilene Rhyme, Octavia’s parents, and a few other members of the Canterlot nobility.

Dusk had begun to walk towards the podium, ready to conclude the first part of the funeral, when he noticed another figure walk from the backstage area, one that was tall and white, with both wings and a horn, as well as a flowing ethereal mane.

Dusk, along with the ponies in the audience dropped into a low bow.

“No need for that, my little ponies,” Celestia said as she walked to the podium, causing said ponies to stand back up and listen intently.

“Dusk was quite right in that Equestria has suffered a tragedy,” she said. “And as such, I hope it is alright if I say a few words despite not being formally asked to speak.”

She turned to look at Dusk, who nodded.

“I guess the first place to start is to say that I am responsible for the death of Evening Rose,” Celestia said.

A few gasps of surprised and mumbles of confusion echoed through the air before the princess began talking again.

“At least, that’s how I feel,” she continued. “I had known about the transpony plight, and I even had a conversation with Rose about my lack of involvement. In my mind, I was doing the right thing by allowing the different cities to come to their own decisions. In my mind, abstaining from action was the best action I could undertake. I had faith in you all, and I still do, but…”

She paused for a second.

“But faith is not enough,” she said finally.

She allowed a few moments to pass as she thought about her next words.

“I fully believe that if left to your own devices, acceptance and harmony will eventually prevail. I also believe that these types of social decisions should be left up to the ponies of each city, and that self-government of social issues is the correct path for a better Equestria. However, I see now that, despite those beliefs, leaving the safety and wellbeing of the minority in the hooves of the majority was a mistake, one I will make sure never happens again.”

As she spoke, her tone changed from one of sadness to one of authority.

“Soon I will be instituting mandatory policies that will secure the safety and wellbeing of all ponies, including those who happen to be transgender. Cities that refuse to implement these policies will suffer severe penalties. Understand that violation of these policies will be treated as royal offenses to the Throne. This is me announcing that change will come to Equestria, a change that has been far too long in coming. The death of Evening Rose is a tragedy, and I refuse for it to be a hollow one.”

Celestia took one look into the casket.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly, before walking away.

A blanket of soft moonlight covered Applejack as she sat on her porch.

She watched the full moon and the surrounding stars, wishing to be captivated by their beauty, or at the very least to be distracted from her thoughts, but it would seem that neither of these was a viable option for her at the moment. After all, to forget the situation was to forget Rose, and Applejack was not about to let that happen.

She turned to look over the main field where the funeral had taken place, now empty and back to its normal condition.

After the princess left, ponies had been invited to go up and speak at the podium, to say their last goodbyes or to share some memory or thought regarding the now gone mare. Many had done so.

Applejack had sat and listened as ponies from throughout Equestria talked at length about what Rose had done for them, or what she had represented in their lives. A mother, for example, talked about how Rose had helped her put her aversion aside in order to keep her son in her life. Grateful ponies talked about finding bravery, or comfort, or solace in Rose’s speeches, in her story, and in talks with her.

Then came the time for her close friends to talk.

A sense of déjà vu overtook Applejack as she had stared at those ponies, remembering how they had all sat together in a hospital room, expecting the worst. This was slightly different, though, as back then they were afraid that Rose might die, and here…

Well, that event seemed to have prepared them for this.

Applejack had stood in line with the rest as they went up, sharing memories and stories about Rose’s first days in Ponyville and the good times they’d shared since.

Each pony had had something to add, something to contribute, something to say to Rose and to those assembled.

Each pony but Applejack.

Instead, she had stayed back, unsure of what to say.

She had stayed silent.

After the funeral, the groups had separated in order to grieve in their own ways. Twilight, for example, was at her library with Derpy, Bon Bon, and Lyra while Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash went out to the fancy restaurant over by the town’s lemon tree. Pinkie, on the other hoof, had decided to stay with Perfect and Summer, looking after the two colts while sharing funny stories about Rose and the various mishaps that had occurred in Ponyville.

The only one that had chosen to mourn alone was Applejack.

She had, or course, been invited to be a part of all those meetings but had chosen to be on her own instead. And so she sat, searching for the words she could not say before, the words that Rose deserved to hear.

“Why is this so hard?” Applejack mumbled as she once again failed to find the right words for how she felt.

She was no longer crying and, while sad, sadness was no longer the strongest feeling she had. There was loss, yes, but something else as well.

A sudden flash of movement in her peripherals caused her to turn her attention to the road leading to Ponyville, where she saw a critter running through. Her gaze, however, stayed rooted on the spot where she had first met Rose.

If she squinted, she could almost make out the figure of the pony, crawling towards Ponyville in the mud and rain. She remembered almost ignoring the figure, going towards it, and seeing the bloody mess struggling for life.

She remembered saving him.

New tears formed in Applejack’s eyes as the memories resurfaced.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t save you this time,” Applejack cried in the night silence, finally finding the words for what she had been struggling with.

She remembered carrying Script into her home through the largest thunderstorm of the year.

She remembered barging into Granite’s home.

She remembered sitting at Rose’s bedside in the hospital.

She had always been there.

“I should have been there,” she cried, breaking down on the porch. “It was Manehattan, my family was there! I could have gone… I could have stayed!”

Her breaths began coming out in hurried spurts.

“I could have saved you,” she stammered. “I should have saved you.”

And so she continued her lament, her cries fading into the night.

Ponyville was in mourning, its various voices, cries, and whispers meshing together into a blanket of noise that permeated the air.

It was a noise that barely registered in the ears of Vinyl Scratch.

Normally she would have been able to pinpoint and identify each incoming wavelength after years of practice sitting in the middle of town and listening. Her abilities with sound control and sound magic had of course helped her manipulate sound in ways one could hardly imagine, but such abilities were nothing without a trained ear with which to listen.

And yet, the world was silent as far as Vinyl was concerned, all mute except for the noises from the house previously owned by Evening Rose.

“Who’s there!?” she exclaimed, hearing a creak coming from the kitchen, walking over to examine the area and finding the kitchen to be empty. “Wow, you’re really starting to lose it…”

“Vinyl? Are you ok down there?”

Vinyl walked back into the main room, stopping by the staircase before responding.

“Yeah. Are you almost done, Octi?” Vinyl asked, hearing movement coming from the second floor.

“I might be a bit longer. I’m having a hard time finding what I need,” Octavia responded.

Vinyl took a deep breath, ears twitching at every creak and groan emitted by the house.

“Could you please hurry?” she pleaded. “I really don’t want to spend any more time here than I have to.”

She waited for any type of response, but the only sounds to make their way down the stairs were those of Octavia rummaging through Rose’s bedroom.

Vinyl took another look around the living room, a room she had been in many times but currently creeped her out beyond belief. She looked as each photograph of Rose stared at her from the surrounding walls, once precious mementos, now only reminders of what was gone.

“It really feels different without her here,” Vinyl thought to herself.

Vinyl tried to juxtapose the room she was in with the one in her memories, but they were too different. This one lacked all the color and warmth that Rose’s home had always had. It lacked the inviting aura and the sense of peace that so many had partaken in.

It lacked life.

A sob began to form in Vinyl’s throat, but she fought it back.

“No, not know,” she told herself. “There’ll be time to cry later, but right now we have a job to do.”

“Found it!” Octavia exclaimed from upstairs.

Vinyl’s heart rate skyrocketed at the news, and she rushed to the bottom of the stairs to await Octavia. However, it was a few minutes before Octavia descended down the steps with two saddlebags filled to brim.

“Got everything you needed?” Vinyl asked.

Octavia shook her head.

“Not everything I need,” she said. “But enough. I have everything that I was going to find at this house in any case. I need to talk to a few ponies before I leave, and that will help some. Then I can go to Canterlot; I’m sure I can find the rest of what I need there.”

Vinyl nodded, walking towards the exit with Octavia following closely behind. However, Octavia allowed herself one final look into Rose’s home before closing the door and walking away. She felt pain and sadness, much like what was expected, but she also felt a cold determination.

“I won’t let you down, Script,” she muttered as she walked behind Vinyl. “I will not let you down.”

Author's Note

1 Chapter to go.

This was harder for me to write than it was for you to read. I promise.

10. Legacy

10. Legacy

“I’m sorry, but I cannot let you pass.”

“No, I’m sorry, but I have urgent business with the princess.”

The guard fixed on Octavia his toughest glare, his patience running shorter than it should have. There was not anything unusual about this situation; after all, ponies often tried to get a private audience with the princess, disregarding protocol and trying to intimidate the guard. The difference was that most ponies gave up after an hour of arguing, but this one was going on her third hour and still standing strong.

“Yes yes, you can help with the rising tensions,” he said wearily. “I heard you the first time. But, as I’ve told you, even if you had the answer to fix everything right this second, we could not let you go through without a prior appointment.”

“Ugh, I do not have the time for this,” Octavia exclaimed, rushing past the guard. Immediately, the rest of the guards converged on her location, attempting to capture and restrain her. She dodged a few of them, fighting the impulse to strike them, but there proved to be too many and, as she ran around another one of the guards, a pegasus pony tackled her to the ground. Within seconds he had twisted her forelegs back, pinning her down.

Octavia, however, was not ready to surrender. She began struggling against the guard, putting her earth pony strength up against his weight and training. The guard in turn found himself in a dilemma. He knew that he could keep her restrained regardless of what she did, but doing so would ensure that the mare would end up dislocating her shoulder or worse. In fact, he could almost hear the sound of the strain on her bones as she pushed harder and harder, increasing the tension.

“Unhoof the mare at once!”

The guard breathed a sigh of relief, disengaging from his prisoner before rejoining the rest of the guards who were standing at attention through the perimeter. It took Octavia a bit longer to realize that she was free, before struggling to stand up despite the aching in her muscles. Then, brushing herself off, she turned to face her savior, unsurprised at the pony she found standing there. After all, only one pony had that voice.

Princess Luna stared back, her stoic mask in place and her eyes set in a piercing stare. If she heard Octavia thanking her for her rescue, she made no note of it and when she spoke, it was with a tone of cold authority and barely concealed annoyance.

“What is thy business in our castle?”

“I need to speak to your sister,” Octavia said as evenly as she could. “I have something I need to give her; it’s very important.”

“Many a pony seeks an audience with our sister, Ms. Philharmonica,” Luna said dismissively. “But neither noble nor plebian hath the privilege to do so without going through the proper channels, which we should mention include not the trivialization of castle defenses or orders from the Royal Guard.”

“Oh fine,” Octavia exclaimed. “If I apologize would you please take me to see your sister?”

Luna’s mask slipped for a second, surprise showing on her features. Not often did one have the nerve to talk to her like that; this left her with a decision to make. She could either punish the pony for their severe lack of respect, or she could just roll with it.

“Add a curtsy to thy reparations and we might allow it,” Luna said.

Octavia stared for a second, unsure on whether the princess was being serious, before performing a rather over-the-top curtsy in the direction of the guards.

“I’m sorry I disobeyed your orders sir,” Octavia said, speaking to the pony she had been arguing with earlier. He in turn looked at the princess for an appropriate reaction.

“Well, thou hast heard the mare,” she said testily.

“Right. I accept your apology,” he stammered.

“Great, now if thou wouldst follow me, I believe we have much to discuss,” Luna said, walking towards the castle entrance. Octavia stared for a second before following along, slowing her pace only after catching up with the princess of the night.

“I must admit I’m impressed,” Octavia stated. “Even a year ago they would not have caught me. There must be twice as much security as there used to be at least.”

Luna gave a sad nod.

“Tis a change necessary for the times,” she admitted. “Tensions are at an all-time high, and the recent negotiations between our sister and the various mayors and new-founded political groups have failed. Violence may not have erupted as of yet, but we believe it to be a matter of time.”

“We as in you, or we as in you and your sister?”

“Didst thou see only night-guards standing at attention?”

“Things must really be bad then,” Octavia responded. “Princess Celestia always thinks so highly of us. To think that she’s preparing for a conflict… Wait, should you be telling me this?”

“News of the failed negotiations shall spread soon enough,” Luna said. “We may also be more willing in providing you with privileged information with the expectation of reciprocation. And on that note, what was so important that thou would risk imprisonment to reach my sister?”

Octavia’s demeanor dropped, but she continued walking.

“I have something to help with the growing tensions,” she said. “It’s something I’ve been working on since the funeral.”

“Ah yes, the funeral,” Luna said pensively. “Thou is referring to the one held for Evening Rose but a few months ago, yes? Such a somber occasion, tears in abundance and the nightmares that followed… sad musings, indeed. Thou spoke well, though.”

“You were there, Princess Luna?”

“Indeed I was,” she said, nodding. “Rose was one of the few ponies to ever write to me directly. I would be remiss to not attend her… farewell. We made sure to watch from a distance, however, unlike our sister, who felt compelled to make her plans public.”

“I take it you disagree with her actions?”

“Aye,” Luna said. “We agree on finally taking a stance in favor of the transpony plight, as we should have done from the beginning, but we wish it had been done with subtlety and tact. And yet, we cannot blame her. She spoke the truth in that she feels responsible for the mare’s death, as if she could have stopped it somehow or seen it coming. It has plagued her nighttime dreams and daytime thoughts, a constant weight on her mind. We recognize her need to make up for whatever slight she has imagined, even if we do not understand it.”

“You mean they did not tell you?” Octavia asked after a moment’s silence.

“Tell us what?” the princess asked. “Are thou implying that the knowledge of Celestia’s guilt is in your possession?”

Octavia had to fight the impulse to shrink back against the princess’s question as the resonance of the same rattled the various portraits on the hallway walls.

“Yes,” she answered cautiously. “But it’s not my secret to share, at least not yet. That’s why I’m here, though... I need to talk to Princess Celestia about what happened, and about the truth. If things go right, everypony will know what happened, including you.”

Luna eyed the mare with interest as she spoke.

“Very well,” she said finally, stopping at the throne room door. “You have our interest. We shall grant you an audience with our sister on the condition that we be present throughout. That said, be aware that if your cause truly is in the name of Evening Rose, there is more than one monarch you could turn to for help. In the future, we expect being allowed to offer our aid. Understood?”

Octavia nodded respectfully.

“Then let us proceed.”

Octavia took a deep breath as the princess pushed the door open, and took a second to adjust to the brightness within the room.

Stepping inside, Octavia’s eyes were drawn to the large and ornate glass windowpanes, which not only allowed the light in, making it brighter than the outside hallways, but also tinted it in various hues, giving the room an ethereal appearance. In its glow she could see a crowd of ponies walking back and forth while working on various tasks regarding the day-court, a gentle rumble of movement filling her ears, as well as the princess of the day sitting on her throne.

Celestia, Octavia could see, was wearing her regal smile and had an air of peace and tranquility about her as she watched her court at work, despite the tension and uproar happening just outside the castle walls. In here the world was right. In here nothing was wrong. In here she had control.

Her eyes scanned the room, coming to rest on the two mares that had just entered and, as Octavia and Celestia locked eyes, her mask faltered for a second.

“If I could have your attention, please,” Celestia called out, not breaking her eye contact with the cellist despite now having the entire room looking in her direction. “The day-court and all of its tasks are now suspended for the rest of the day. We shall reconvene tomorrow. Until then, you are excused.”

“But Princess! The new mayor of Baltimare’s threats and ‘platform’ need to be addressed post haste. If not, we risk-“

“I am aware of the tasks at hoof, counselor,” Celestia interrupted. “However, it would seem like I have a more immediate concern to attend to.”

As one, the ponies in the room turned to face the object of Celestia’s gaze, after which they bowed before exiting the room, bowing once again for Princess Luna as they left. Soon only three beings remained in the room.

“Sister, thank you for escorting my guest. I will make sure that she is taken care of. You may go rest now.”

Princess Luna, however, did not budge.

“Sorry, sister, but we shall remain here,” Luna said. “This mare suggested that what she is here to discuss promises to shed light upon your recent woes. Thusly, we refuse to exit until her business here is concluded. That is, unless thou wouldst call upon your rank to force us.”

“Calm yourself, sister,” Celestia said, shaking her head. “We are equals and I would not force you to leave if you do not wish to. Now, Octavia. It is a pleasure to see you, though I must admit that it is not unexpected, as Discord mentioned a month ago to expect you. Tell, me, does this have to with his whereabouts and the project he said he’s working on?”

“I’m sorry but that’s not the case,” Octavia said, shaking her head. “I found him at her grave and what we discussed included only my project, not his.”

“Very well,” Celestia said, taking a soft sigh. “It’d be nice to know where he is and what he’s up to, though. Sometimes he leaves for days at a time, which is… worrying. In any case, what, may I ask, is the reason for your visit and this project you discussed with Discord?

“You may and I will answer, but first I must ask a question, if that’s ok with you,” Octavia said, waiting for the princess’s nod before continuing. “Why did you let Rose die?”

The next few moments passed in a flash. They began with Celestia’s composure shattering, sadness and grief towering over shock. Then there was a powerful flap of Luna’s wings, propelling the night princess to stand between her sister and the cellist. Finally, there was yelling.

“How darest thou?!” Luna asked, her voice booming through the room. “We did not allow thy presence for you to levy such accusations. You shall leave the premises at once and never again bother my sister with such slande-“.

“Luna, stand down!”

Both mares turned to meet Celestia’s stern glare. Tears ran down both her cheeks, but despite this her appearance was no longer one of sorrow but one of anger.

“I fear that I have put this conversation off long enough, so if you’re going to stay here for the meeting I’m going to need you to stay quiet no matter what you hear,” she said. “We’ll discuss what you hear later, understand?”

Celestia waited until Luna gave a nervous nod before addressing Octavia.

“Now you,” she said. “How much did Discord tell you?”

“Enough,” Octavia answered. “He told me his perspective on everything, his involvement, and answered a lot of my questions, through which I know everything that happened. That being said, I did not find out from him: he only confirmed what I already knew.”

“Then how did you find out? How many know?”

“I believe I asked you a question first,” Octavia said, doing her best at remaining strong despite facing down the princesses. “I will explain everything regarding me, but there is something I need to hear first. Why didn’t you save her?”

Celestia cringed at the question, taking a deep breath before responding.

“I could not have saved her,” she responded softly. “The wounds were too severe, and even if Discord had brought her to me personally, she was beyond saving.”

“That’s not what I meant, and you know it,” Octavia said coldly. “I mean before she was attacked. You could have stopped it from happening. Discord, Rose… they both honestly thought that you did not know what Discord knew, but I don’t believe it for a second. If Discord has the ability to see into the future, then I’m sure you do as well. You knew what was coming.”

“The ability to see the future is well beyond my reach,” Celestia said. “There is a certain order to things, which includes its limitations. Discord’s chaotic nature can bypass said limitations, which is why he has the ability. I couldn’t have looked ahead, not by myself, at least.”

“But Discord wanted to tell you, he pleaded with you to listen,” Octavia argued. “Discord outright begged you. He knew what was coming and you turned him away. You are our god! You were given a chance to see what was coming, to keep your subjects safe... to keep Rose safe! And you turned it away? What kind of god leaves such matters to luck?”

“And what kind of god do you know has limitations?” Celestia snapped testily. Silence followed her remark. She then took a few calming breaths as she regained her composure. “There is something you need to understand Octavia. I’m not a god.”

Celestia looked into Octavia’s eyes, as she used her magic to remove her own crown, placing it on her recently vacated seat.

“My sister and I have great powers, and we are the rulers of Equestria. We have many responsibilities and our powers are unmatched. We are also among the wisest in the nation and we do all within our power to help as many ponies as possible. But these things do not make us gods,” she said. “We are wise due to our age, and due to our learning from the best scholars of the ages. We are powerful by birthright. We are revered and loved… but that does not make us gods. We make mistakes, this among them… We are fallible.”

A new tear fell down her cheek.

“You want to know why I didn’t look into the future? Because I was scared of making a mistake,” she continued. “Knowledge of the future is something very dangerous, and I don’t know that I could have made the right choices. All I can do is to try to do the best I can, and to make amends for my faults.”

Octavia waited to make sure Celestia was finished with her answer. It was then that she graced the princess with a sad smile.

“That’s what I thought,” she said. “At least that’s what you told Rose. I just wanted to hear it from you.”

“What I told Rose?” Celestia asked. “How do you know about that conversation?”

“It has to do with my project,” Octavia said, before digging into her saddlebag from which she pulled six notebooks out and placed them on the floor before the princess. “This is how I found out.”

“What are these?” Celestia asked, using her magic to levitate and examine of the notebooks.

“I bet you didn’t know, but Rose was a bit of a writer,” Octavia said. “That, combined with her obsessive compulsions, means that we have a near complete record of her life.”

Octavia worked hard to stifle a laugh at Celestia’s and Luna’s reaction.

“They’re more ponylike than I realized,” she thought.

“Rose always carried a notebook with her in which she wrote everything that happened to her. Her thoughts, ideas, journal entries – everything was written down and stored. When she ran out of room, she just got another notebook, and she never threw anything away,” Octavia said. “This includes the time period she spent touring Equestria, and when I mean she documented everything, I mean everything.”

“So you mean my conversation with her?”

“Probably written down seconds after she left this room,” Octavia confirmed, nodding.

“One would think that her entire life would amount to more than six small notebooks,” Luna remarked, speaking for the first time since her outburst.

“It does,” Octavia said. “After her death I went through hundreds upon hundreds of notebooks, all filled to the brim, and even then I didn’t find everything I needed. Huge parts were unaccounted for, either things lost in notebooks or things she didn’t have the time to write down.”

“Then what are these?” Celestia asked, pointing at the notebooks present.

“When Rose died, I knew I had to do something,” Octavia said. “I knew her best. I knew everything about her… and I knew that there were things that could be done even if she wasn’t here to do them herself. It was then that it occurred to me that many could learn from her life and experiences. I made sure that every pony had a way to do that.”

She gestured at the notebooks.

“After the funeral I collected all the notebooks, looking to compile all the entries and parts relating to Rose as a transpony,” she said. “Her thoughts, feelings, problems, actions, it’s all there. Coming out to her parents, escaping Canterlot, her life in Ponyville, her role in the changeling invasion, the trial, and even the tour. I couldn’t find everything, though, so I also interviewed a few key figures that she mentioned in her writings. Once I had what I needed, I compiled it all into those six notebooks, each detailing a particular part of her life and struggle as a transpony.”

“And you’re giving these to me?”

Octavia shook her head.

“They’re not a gift,” she said. “These are a responsibility. You said that Rose’s death should not be hollow. Her life could help many, through sharing her experience and through learning from her. But she’s not here anymore, just her writings. I want you to read through these, and then I want you to publish them.”

“Are thou giving my sister orders?” Luna asked menacingly.

“Yes, I guess I am,” Octavia responded, nonplussed. “Look, I think that this will go a long way in helping to calm, or at the very least limit, the rising tensions out there. This could help you fix things and make Equestria peaceful again.”

“But that is a secondary effect, and not the one you are hoping for,” Celestia said.

Octavia nodded.

“Rose struggled with this alone,” she said. “She felt alone, secluded, and thought herself a freak. When she eventually began working through her problems, a lot of it was rather… problematic. It took her a while to come to certain conclusions, to learn certain lessons. I fear that there may be ponies out there like her who need guidance, or advice, or just to know that they’re not alone. These books can provide that. I want to help them, the way that Rose would have.”

Celestia sat in silence for a moment, during which Luna picked up the first of the notebooks with her magic, bringing it close to herself to examine.

“It shall be done,” Celestia declared. “If this is really Rose’s life, it deserves to be shared. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Expect it to be published and distributed soon.”

“Thank you,” Octavia said, bowing. “I leave this in your hooves.”

She began walking away without a second thought. However, Celestia called out to her as she reached the door.

“What should we call these books?”

Octavia turned around, staring at the books while recalling the information held within. She thought of Rose’s life, Script’s plight, Slant’s burden, looking for the thing that connected the three ponies, the ever present condition.

“Dysphoria,” she said, as she left. “You should call it Dysphoria.”

The sound of rustling leaves sifted through the air, much like the autumn wind that toyed with them. These trees remained unchanged, unlike their peers outside the gates where one could see leaves dancing in the breeze beside bare trunks and branches. Not much changed inside these gates, which made the area feel peaceful and familiar, even when submerged underneath a blanket of moonlight. Trees, graves, metal, and stone seemed to glimmer in the night, and yet images of the setting sun came to mind. There had been more tears back then.

Two stallions silently kept vigil over a grave, their dark, unadorned jackets in stark contrast to the illuminated limestone in front of which they stood. The grave was covered now, as it had been for a while, but the memories of the dirt and gravel were fresh in their minds, causing the younger of the two to subconsciously wipe at his hooves, knowing full well that nothing was there while also understanding that what was there could not be removed.

“They should be here,” he said, breaking the silence. “They should all be here, after all she did. I cannot believe no one else showed up.”

“That’s unfair and you know it,” the other one said. “You know full well that not everyone can make it to Ponyville every year. Life gets in the way, things happen, priorities shift. That doesn’t mean they don’t care or don’t remember, it just means that they don’t need to make their way to the gravesite. If nothing else, she was my sister, and if I’m not upset, you’re not allowed to be upset either.”

“I know,” the stallion said, shifting uncomfortably beside Perfect Rhyme. “They’re probably grieving at home, or honoring her memory or something. I just wish they were here. This graveyard should not be empty tonight.”

“And it’s not,” Perfect said. “We’re both here to pay our respects, but please understand that a lonely grave would not have been something my sister would have worried about. Think about how far Equestria’s come. Think about transponies everywhere... That’s honoring her memory better than us standing here looking solemn ever could. You being happy, for example; she had a part in your happiness, did she not?”

“I wouldn’t have gotten to be who I am without her,” the stallion said, nodding. “Discord, Theory, Organizer, they did all the legwork, but without her to start things, it wouldn’t have been possible.”

“Then I think that instead of being upset that others aren’t here to be sorrowful, you should be happy that you got the chance she never got, and that others will now as well.”

A silence passed between the two for a while.

“I’m sorry,” Perfect said. “I didn’t mean to sound so bitter, especially when trying to cheer you up.”

“It’s ok, I understand,” the stallion said, scooting closer. Perfect, in turn, leaned against the stallion, nuzzling into his mane. “You’re still grieving, even after twelve years. No one blames you. I miss her too, obviously, but you’re right. We should celebrate her legacy rather than mourn her memory.”

The two embraced the other, loosing a few tears despite the comfort.

“I’ll be ok,” whispered Perfect. “Let’s go home, Breeze.”

“Yeah,” the stallion answered. “Lets.”

“Well, that was mediocre.”

Octavia’s eyes jolted open as she began searching for the source of the comment.

She was in her home, where she had just been playing a string of melodies on her cello, old and new compositions tied together by a somber tone and the memories they evoked. Normally she made it a point to perform her pieces, even when home alone, but tonight she was content to simply play them, reigning in her emotions lest they detract from her thoughts.

“What was that you said, Vinyl?” she asked, pinpointing the white unicorn in the room.

“That was mediocre,” Vinyl repeated. “Yes, you played the cello well, congratulations, but you put barely any emotion into it. I’m kind of insulted.”

“Oh shush,” Octavia responded. “If you must know, I’m just thinking about stuff and playing to relax. No point in getting myself worked up or anything.”

“Excuses,” Vinyl said, with a smirk.

And then Octavia began laughing.

Vinyl Scratch, to her credit, did not freak out. Instead, she looked around in confusion before settling on waiting for her ex-marefriend to calm down. Something that after a few minutes she realized was not going to happen.

“Ok, I think I missed something,” Vinyl said. Octavia in turn began gasping for breath as she picked herself off of the floor.

“Sorry,” she said in between pants. “I’m so sorry, you just reminded me of an old friend. If I didn’t know better, I’d say that you were doing an impression of him or something.”

“I guess considering the day, it’s good to think of her, right?” Vinyl said, stepping next to her marefriend.

“Yes,” Octavia said. “Oh, how I wish you had been there during the idiot phase. You’d be laughing on the floor alongside me.”

“Speaking of old times,” Vinyl began, levitating a notebook into their living room. “I found this while cleaning things out. Looks old. Is it important?”

“Oh, I can’t believe you found that!” Octavia exclaimed. “I haven’t seen that for about eleven years.”

“What is it?”

“Oh, well, when I was compiling Rose’s notebook, it brought back a lot of memories about the time when we were together in school, so I wrote it all down as best as I remembered it, with the help of her notebooks from around that time,” Octavia explained. “After I was done, I put the notebook away somewhere special where I couldn’t lose it. As it often happens, that meant that I was unable to find it again.”

Vinyl stared at the notebook suspended in her magic aura, inspecting the cover with great detail.

“Oh, wow, it must be quite the story.”

“It is,” Octavia said. “Would you like me to read it to you?”

“Yeah,” Vinyl responded. “I only met Rose after she moved to Ponyville, and I’d like to hear about what happened while you were away at school anyway. Not that I don’t trust what you wrote to me in your letters back then.”

“I think you’ll find that I left quite a bit out,” Octavia said, stifling a giggle. “Very well, come here.”

Vinyl sat next to Octavia, delivering the notebook into her grasp. Without hesitation, Octavia opened it up to the first page, leaning against Vinyl in an affectionate manner. She thought of the memories held within the notebook, the heartbreaks, the laughs, the tears, and the history of her oldest friend, a story she could now share with her wife.

And so Octavia read, keeping the memory of Slant Rhyme, Script, and Evening Rose alive and well.

Author's Note

And it is finished. Dysphoria (the official narrative) is now over.

I want to thank you all so much for following the story as you have. Your feedback, your thoughts, and your time have meant more to me than you can possibly imagine.

Now, just because Dysphoria is over, that does not mean that I'm leaving the series alone. For starters, I feel like I've already plugged Arc 0: Octavia enough, and it's finally time to get to it. However, there are other Dysphoriaverse stories that I'll be working on, as well the Project Universe stories and Project Legacy, which I will explain next week.

I will be posting both an author notes chapter thing AND an Epilogue? explaining everything that's happening, so do not unfavorite or unsubscribe just yet.

Now, with your permission, I have to go deal with more marriage things.

Talk to you all later,
-thedarkprep

1. Ponyville (Stop 0)

Dysphoria

Story by: thedarkprep

Arc 5: Equestria

1. Ponyville (Stop 0)

“Autumn sure is a pretty season, ain’t it?”

The question had been mumbled into the air without a particular audience in mind. As such, it lacked direction and urgency, not unlike most self-reflection, allowing the words to drift through the silent house without purpose or trajectory. The question did not ask for an answer – it simply existed through sound waves and space. And yet, despite all this, the murmur had been enough to draw the attention of Evening Rose.

The sound of a falling dress could be heard as Rose distractedly loosened her grip on the hanger, turning to face away from the closet and towards her guest. She was greeted by the sight of an orange mare, staring out the window.

The details were hard to make out, as the glare from the light coming from the window forced Rose to squint when looking in that particular direction, rendering her guest a mere silhouette and obscuring whatever the mare was looking at beyond the glass.

Rose walked over to the window, standing next to the mare, in order to glance at the outside world.

From her window, Rose could see the market square same as it always had been. The square itself changed very little through the year, with the difference in the volume of ponies traversing its surface serving as the only way to differentiate between the seasons.

Right now a good number of ponies still walked through the square, much to the delight of those selling goods by their carts. From what Rose could observe, there were too many ponies to walk comfortably down the streets, far too many for summer or winter, in which the scolding heat or the chilling cold respectively swiftly ushered wayward ponies home. However, there were not too many ponies as to render travel difficult, as would be the case during early spring or late fall. For the former of the two, travel was impeded by everypony scattering outside, enjoying the first semblance of nice weather since before the beginning of the winter season. For the latter, ponies were drawn from their homes by the promise of discounts on all matter of food items as the farming community embarked in a last ditch effort to sell any surplus from their harvest. This left the current scene belonging to either late spring or early fall, times of indifference and complacency in which ponies simply rested in preparation for what came next.

Not much else changed in the square though, and the lesser volume of ponies, while convenient, could hardly be called “pretty”.

Rose scanned the view again, looking for whatever it was she had missed. It was then that she noticed the trees visible just below the horizon.

“Of course it would be the trees,” Rose thought to herself as she focused her gaze on one tree in particular.

A soft breeze was ruffling the leaves of the tree, causing them to dance and shimmer in the sunlight. The leaves were a multitude of colors, ranging from auburn browns, golden yellows, and even a few stubborn green leaves here and there.

Rose had to admit that the scene was rather picturesque, and it was surely to become more so as more of the surrounding trees changed the hues of their foliage to reflect the changing climate.

“It is,” said Rose, finally responding to the mare’s statement, “Not as beautiful as winter, but I’ll admit that autumn has its charm.”

A snort sounded from beside her.

“Really? Winter?” asked Applejack shaking her head in disbelief.

“What’s wrong with winter?” asked Rose with mock indignation. “I’ll have you know it’s my favorite season.”

“Nothing’s the matter with winter, Rose,” responded Applejack. “It’s just not to my taste is all. The cold gets real bad and the winds pick up, making it awful to be outside; the trees have no leaves, just empty branches, and the snow makes everything so pale and so without color. I don’t know, everything just seems dead or muted. It’s downright depressing is what it is.”

Rose looked at her with real indignation.

“It’s magical!” she responded, causing Applejack to giggle.

“Oh, so just because the trees have leaves and it’s not as cold, autumn is suddenly better?” asked Rose, slightly flustered.

“It ain’t about the leaves or the cold, sugarcube. Autumn is just so full of life. There are colors everywhere and everything is always changing and moving… I could stare at the orchards all month and always be caught unaware at how quickly the leaves change or how bright their colors are,” explained Applejack, “Besides; autumn is the season of harvest. It’s the season that provides food for our family so we can survive another year. As a farmer I have a special respect for the season.”

“Applejack, you began harvesting in the summer,” Rose deadpanned.

“Yeah… but it’s the thought that counts,” Applejack said, smiling sheepishly.

Rose sighed.

“Fair enough, and it’s a very poetic thought,” Rose conceded. “I should probably write something about it.”

“Let me know if you do, and please give me credit and a copy,” said Applejack. “That’ll show Rainbow and Twilight that I can too come up with poetic things.”

Rose smiled as she nodded.

“Will do, but I’m afraid it’s going to have to wait,” said Rose. “I do have to finish packing before I head to the meeting.”

“Oh right,” said Applejack, looking at the clock. “I reckon that’s coming up soon, ain’t it? So you still don’t know what this big project of his is?”

Rose shook her head.

“No, Dusk has this infuriating habit of keeping me in the dark about things,” she responded. “I honestly think he does it on purpose. In any case, all I know is that he wants me ready to travel by tomorrow, that he’ll lay out his plan for me today, and that whatever his plan is it involves Canterlot.”

“He told you that?” asked Applejack.

“He did not,” Rose answered, “I only know that because a few of Rarity’s friends seem to be involved in whatever it is he’s planning. Also Octavia wrote me to tell me that there was a huge event being planned for tomorrow so I’m assuming that’s where we’re heading.”

“Oh, well that’s nice,” said Applejack, “I’m sure your brother is excited that you’ll be in town.”

“Actually,” Rose began, shifting guiltily, “I haven’t told him.”

“You didn’t tell your brother you were going to be in Canterlot?” exclaimed Applejack.

“Well, I don’t know for sure! He hasn’t really written me recently so there’s nothing for me to answer to, and if I sent him a letter and then didn’t go he’d be heartbroken,” Rose stammered. “This is all Dusk’s fault anyway – if he told me for sure what his plans were then I could write to Perfect, but no! It’s like he assumes that if I already knew all the information I wouldn’t show up to his stupid meeting!”

“Well would you?” asked Applejack.

“Um... well, maybe,” answered Rose. “But that’s beside the point. He doesn’t know for a fact that I wouldn’t show up and I feel like I deserve that bit of trust.”

This caused Applejack to begin laughing, which in turn caused Rose to glare until she herself found herself giggling. The two friends then continued to laugh until they found breath hard to come by.

“I really needed that,” Applejack said, gasping for air. “You’re too funny, Rose.”

“Well I’m glad I can serve as your amusement,” Rose said, struggling to keep her giggles in check.

Eventually the two mares managed to compose themselves.

“Well, I reckon I should be heading out,” said Applejack. “You have packing to do and I have apples to collect. Let’s do this again soon, you hear?”

“Certainly,” Rose responded, “And I’m sorry that I wasn’t as good a hostess as I usually am. I didn’t expect packing for a month trip to take so long.”

Applejack waved off Rose’s apology.

“Don’t you worry yourself any, Rose,” she said. “I had plenty of fun and I know how important it is that you prepare. Besides, it’s not like you’re going to be gone that long. A month will go by in no time at all. Just make sure to say goodbye before you leave.”

“Just make sure you’re at the train station tomorrow then,” Rose said kiddingly.

Rose then walked Applejack downstairs and to the door, giving her a hug before seeing her guest off.

“See you tomorrow, ok?” she said.

“Eeyup, as long as you promise I’ll be the first you hang out with when you come back,” Applejack said.

“Sure thing,” Rose responded, waving as Applejack walked away from her home.

Rose waited until the farm pony was out of view before stepping back inside and closing the door, after which the pegasus headed upstairs.

“These visits are a lot better when I don’t have ‘life’ to contend with,” mused Rose as she reached her work desk. “I’d almost forgotten that somepony knocking at my door could be fun.”

The time following Summer Breeze’s trial had been filled with the peaceful moments that Rose had struggled very hard to attain, and had feared to lose after joining up with Dusk and the Equestrian Equality Envoy. Summer had long since adapted to Ponyville life, and his parents had made it a point to keep Rose informed in the new developments in the colt’s life, each of which made Rose proud and happy to have been able to be of help.

With the lack of stress in her life, Rose had been able to fully enjoy the company of her friends, an ability she had lacked when preparing to battle wits with Dr. Theory. Now every dinner party was a tiny bit warmer, each hug lasted the tiniest bit longer, and each smile shone a smidge brighter.

Her life was finally a carefree one.

“Well, not completely,” Rose thought to herself as she overlooked the papers on her desk.

As carefree as Rose’s life had become, it wasn’t as if she hadn’t been expected to have been preparing for her trip. After all, Dusk had made when he wanted to leave town and what he expected Rose to do to prepare very clear, despite having been very vague in what exactly she was preparing for.

Rose had known that there was a timer counting down to the following day from the second that Dusk had given her that folder at the park bench. She had known then what she needed to do. However, she had also decided to leave it all to the last possible minute, namely, now.

This lack of foresight meant that the past few days had been some rather hectic ones, and while she had managed to accomplish most of the tasks required of her, all she needed to do was look at her partially packed bags in order to know that she would not be able to rest until she got on the train.

“Serves me right… Ok, so what do I still need to do?” Rose muttered to herself as she looked over her to-do list.

Things to get done:

-Ask off work for a month
-Pack enough clothing for a month
-Get all legal documents changed to my new legal name
-Ensure all proper documentation is packed
-Send letter to family about Canterlot visit (if it happens)
-Set up mail forwarding to Triple-E headquarters for the next month
-Reschedule Cheerilee Information Meet
-Get written validation of E.E.E. trans-protection initiative from Dr. Theory

-Include written statements

-Copies of research analysis

-Report summary

-Written confirmation
-Attend Dusk’s meeting

“Well, I can send the letter on overnight mail if my suspicions about a Canterlot visit prove right and there is no way I have time for another back and forth with Theory to get the copies of the analysis, so Dusk will just have to deal,” Rose thought as she scanned the list, crossing off the corresponding entry. “That leaves finishing packing.”

Rose looked at the pile of clothes scattered on her bed and floor, turning to look between it, the closet, and her half-full bag. Walking slowly she went over to the closet, picking up the dress she had dropped earlier, placing it delicately into her open luggage.

“Ok, now all I need is 3 more formal outfits, 2 more casual ones, 2 more dresses, and 4 more overcoats or jackets,” she said while examining her open bags before looking for said items in her closet or in the surrounding mess.

“I really hope this is worth it, Dusk,” she muttered before she began wading through the clothes.

“Well, if it isn’t Ms. Rose! I’m so glad you could make it. I wasn’t sure you actually would, so this is a very nice surprise.”

Rose rolled her eyes at the blue stallion.

“Right, because you wouldn’t have members of your team tracking me if you suspected me of backing out,” Rose said. “I can see it now – members of the Triple-E following me since you gave me the packet, ready to jump out of bushes if I attempted to run.”

Dusk raised an eyebrow.

“You noticed them?”

Rose stared open-mouthed as he was overcome with giggles, which in turn made her clench her jaw.

“You’re no fun, Ms. Rose,” he said. “No matter. Do come in.”

Dusk stepped aside letting Rose into his hotel room, closing the door behind her.

“You redecorated,” Rose commented. “It’s… imaginative.”

Rose had been in this room before, but the last time she had been here the mess of papers had been confined to the floor and the combined surface areas of the bed and the work desk. Now, however, papers were tacked on or nailed onto the walls of the room in small clusters, collaging to form a wallpaper of Dusk’s plans, ideas, and memos.

“Oh, you know, I was tired of having all the papers on the floor,” Dusk commented while smirking. “Figured I might as well keep them where I can see them.”

“Doesn’t explain why the floor is still covered in papers then,” Rose thought to herself but nodded, much to Dusk’s amusement.

Instead of speaking, Rose walked over to the other two ponies in the room, who were in turn busy studying a collection of papers which lay on Dusk’s bed.

“Right, introductions, right,” Dusk said as he approached the group. “This is Mr. Organizer and that over there is Ms. Timetable. Mr. Organizer, Ms. Timetable, this is Ms. Rose.”

The two ponies turned to look at the mare, nodding their hellos.

“Nice to meet you Rose. I’m assuming that it IS just Rose and that Dusk here added the Ms?” said Organizer, to which Rose nodded. “Figures. The same’s with me and Timetable here. In any case, glad to hear you’re joining us.”

“Nice to meet you as well, Organizer,” Rose responded studying the earth pony. The stallion looked to be the oldest in the room, sporting a clay-red coat and a dark brown mane.

Rose then turned to face Timetable, a bluish purple pegasus about her own age with a green mane. The mare, however, took no notice of the onlooker, as she had already turned back to look at the papers before her.

“Oh, don’t mind Timetable here, she’s just wrapped up in work,” Organizer commented. “It’s difficult to break her away from it for any period of time.”

“Did somepony say my name?” the mare asked, causing Organizer to chuckle.

“Unless she hears her name apparently, and yes, say hi at least before going back to what you were doing.”

Timetable looked at Rose before blushing.

“I’m so sorry about that, I was just thinking about… well, it’s no matter. Nice to meet you, Rose,” she said. “I’ve read a lot about you and I’m glad that you joined the project. Not that I didn’t think you would, after all, without you this project would be pointless, but still, you worried us there for a while, almost put us off schedule, almost…”

Rose tilted her head but said nothing.

“Well ok then,” said Dusk, interrupting the silence. “Now that introductions are over how about we get back to business?”

This caused Rose to snap back at attention.

“Wait, you mean you’re actually going to share your plans with me?” Rose asked, causing Dusk to scoff.

“Rose Rose Rose. I already shared my plan with you, you just need to pay more attention,” he said smiling.

“No, no more mind games,” said Rose. “I’m too tired to put up with this today, Dusk. Just tell me what we’re doing and when, and do cut back on the theatrics?”

Organizer and Timetable stifled giggles while Dusk narrowed his eyes. He then took a deep sigh.

“You’re no fun Rose,” he said. “Very well, go look at the papers on the bed.”

Rose complied, walking to the side of the bed.

The bed was covered in papers, each grouped around certain points of a map of Equestria. The map itself was covered in scribbles and notes, with certain cities being circled and certain notes tacked on in specific regions.

Rose recognized this map, as she had seen it last time she had been here, but, just like last time, she found herself unable to decipher it.

Timetable gave her a knowing look.

“It’s ok,” she mentioned. “It takes a while to get used to his hoofwriting. It was years before I could read any of his letters.”

“Good to know it’s not just me then,” Rose responded. “But that still does not help me understand what this project is.”

“Have you ever dreamed of being a rock star, Rose?” asked Dusk, interrupting the conversation.

“Not particularly, no,” Rose said. “Why?”

“Because this project of ours is a tour of sorts,” Dusk said dramatically. Rose stared at him with an un-amused look on her face, causing him to sigh again.

“Fine fine, but seriously, no fun,” he said. “Anyway, we have named the project that we have been working on ‘Project Equestria,’ an idea which was started the second news about you broke through the mainstream and which will serve as the main and primary effort towards ensuring transgender rights.”

He waited to make sure Rose was following along before continuing. Rose nodded.

“The project will be an information campaign, much like what you and your friends did here in Ponyville, but to a much grander scale. Our version of it will still have the celebration dynamic and more complete versions of your information pamphlets, but it will also include speeches by you and other speakers and an answer and question section, not to mention that we have already secured the attendance of key political figures,” he explained. “This project will take us on various stops across Equestria, and each stop we make will attempt to sway the public, but specifically the key figures of each city, in an attempt to get them to rally their towns.”

Dusk then drew Rose’s attention to the map.

“This trip will involve seven stops altogether. We’ll be leaving to Canterlot tomorrow for the first event, then we’ll be leaving to go to Cloudsdale, then Vanhoover, then down to Los Pegasus. After that we’ll be going all the way to Baltimare, followed by FillyDelphia, then up to Manehattan for the final stop. We don’t actually know how long each stop will take, since depending on what happens, the set up, and travel times, we could be stuck in a city for a while before moving on to the next. At least, this will take a week, which is unlikely; at most, it will take a month.”

Rose nodded along as she studied the map.

“We’re not stopping at Appleloosa or Dodge City?”

Dusk smiled.

“We don’t have to,” he said. “Appleloosa is pretty much controlled by the Apple family; whatever they say goes. And Dodge City is pretty dependent on Appleloosa, to where they will mimic anything they do in order to have good intercity commerce. Well, while you were spending your time giving me attitude and playing counselor to Spring and Timber all summer, I was actually getting a head start on this project. The Apple family was more than accommodating in regards to helping me deal with Mr. Braeburn, who himself was a great help. Anyway, long story short, those two cities are now enacting the very policies we’re going to go promote without us having had to go there.”

“Interesting that Applejack never mentioned any of this to me,” Rose commented.

“Did you ask her?” Dusk asked.

“No,” Rose said, shaking her head. “There was always too much going on.”

“Well there you go.”

Rose studied the map again before she noticed something.

“We’re not stopping at Ponyville?” she asked.

Dusk looked surprised, turning his attention to the map.

“Um… no, you see, you already pretty much did all that work for us,” he said, “Your information campaign, Summer’s trial, even the Granite incident, all of it made it so that Ponyville does not need the Equestrian Equality Envoy to intervene. They’re already on our side.”

Rose nodded, though she still looked crestfallen.

“I guess that make sense,” she said.

Dusk looked at her with uncertainty before grabbing a marker.

“How about this,” he said, circling Ponyville and adding a squiggle beside it. “We’ll make Ponyville the eighth stop on our tour, and instead of having an information campaign, it will be a celebration in which we invite everypony from wherever they may live to come and celebrate equal rights. After all, next time we step onto Ponyville, we’ll already have done everything we need to guarantee Equestrian Equality for all transponies.”

“Can we really do that?” asked Rose.

“Set up a party? I’m sure we can, with permission of the mayor and with the help of your friends of course,” he responded, “Guaranteeing equality for transponies? I know we can with your help. Thanks to you the world will be a better place, with some help from our group of course.”

Rose chuckled.

“Of course,” she said, “Well, works for me. Eight is my favorite number anyway. In any case, now I know what we’re doing as a group and what the project is, but what do I have to do specifically?”

Dusk thought for a moment.

“Well, first things first. Did you get the papers from Dr. Theory?”

“Kind of,” Rose responded while pulling papers from her saddlebag and handing them to Dusk. “I got everything except for the copies of the research analysis.”

Dusk looked over the papers as he spoke.

“That’s fine. If anyone doubts the research they can be referred to his practice in Vanhoover. The important part was his findings and conclusions, which will serve us very well,” he said. “Timetable, please go to the post office and have these mailed to HQ in express delivery. Also send a letter to HQ, attached to this, telling them to add the findings to the pamphlets for stops two through seven. Stop one will have to do without it as I’m sure they’ve already prepared that batch of pamphlets for mailing. Oh, and do tell them be tactful about it this time. Design isn’t everything, but it matters.”

Timetable nodded, taking the papers from Dusk and rushing out the door.

“As for you, Ms. Rose,” Dusk continued. “All you need to do is finish packing. We don’t have to worry about the individual events at each stop, as they are being handled by the local Triple-E offices in each city, meaning that all you have to worry about is giving a speech about your experience and answering questions. I’d tell you to write a speech down, but I get the feeling you’re one of those ‘straight from the heart’ type of ponies anyway.”

“I do like to improvise,” answered Rose with a smirk. “In any case, I finished packing already for the trip.”

“Splendid,” said Dusk. “Then in that case I need you to go home and rest up. I need you awake and ready at the train station in time for the first train.”

“I will be there,” Rose said. “Oh, and Dusk, I really want to thank you.”

Dusk stared at her with genuine confusion.

“I want to thank you for getting me involved, and for pushing me,” Rose continued. “We’re going to do a lot of good for a lot of ponies. You were right and I needed your help seeing that.”

Dusk smiled.

“No worries my dear, and don’t thank me just yet, we still need to make sure my plan works,” he responded. “In any case, I will see you tomorrow. To Canterlot!”

Rose smiled back.

“To Canterlot.”

Author's Note

And so Arc 5 begins.

If this Arc feels different, it's because it is.

I'm essentially grabbing the style from Arc 4, and building on it with more conversations, less narration, and more showcasing the characters.

I really hope you like it.

Happy Reading,
-thedarkprep

3. Cloudsdale (Stop 2)

3. Cloudsdale (Stop 2)

Rose could feel the light coming through the window, despite stubbornly keeping her eyes closed.

She had woken up from her sleep gradually over the past thirty minutes, but she was still reluctant to join the waking world. As such, she had decided to shut her eyes and face away from the window in an effort to ignore the sunlight and greetings of a new day. What she had not accounted for was the warmth.

The sunlight seeped through the window, tickling her coat and warming her body underneath the covers, heating the room, in contrast to the cool atmosphere it had possessed even an hour prior. Knowing her efforts had been beaten, Rose opened her eyes and sat up on her bed.

She was currently in her old room, having decided to stay at the Rhyme estate after the dinner. Looking around brought back the same thoughts she had indulged before falling asleep.

“I can’t believe they left my room untouched,” she murmured to herself.

Aside from the room having been cleaned and some minor rearrangements, probably courtesy of the changeling posing as Slant months ago, all of her stuff was exactly where she had left it. All her notebooks, for example, could be found in the appropriate drawers, untouched and undisturbed, which, considering the events leading to her departure, was a surprise onto itself.

“Perhaps they were afraid of finding more unpleasant things about me,” Rose thought, grateful that her parents had not looked through the year’s worth of notebooks in the room.

Rose attempted to get up from her bed but found herself unable, exhausted as she was by the previous day’s events, and as memories from the previous day returned, she found herself feeling all the more tired.

After the conversation with Celestia, Rose had gone back to meet with her family and friends. Octavia was already performing during the Orchestra’s second set, and as such Rose spent that time with her family alone.

The air between them was still very restrained and formal, but it lacked the venom that it had so often carried in the previous meetings. Whether this was progress in the family relationship or simply an agreed upon ceasefire was still up for debate, but Rose was thankful at the lack of fighting in front of Perfect nonetheless.

Octavia and Vinyl joined Rose in conversation after Octavia’s set until Dusk came by with the reporters.

The interviews had been rather awkward for Rose, as she was not used to the attention, but the reporters were very understanding and Dusk never left her side. The questions ranged from the mundane (“how does it feel to be back in Canterlot?”) to the personal and emotional (“If you could speak to Granite Boulder, what would you say to him?”), allowing Rose to speak from her heart while also giving her necessary reprieves when things got too heavy. After about an hour of questioning, the reporters said they had all they needed. A group of photographers then took five pictures before thanking Rose for her time and walking away.

After the interviews, they had all headed back to the Rhyme manor, where Rich and Ilene prepared dinner for Vinyl, Octavia, Dusk, Perfect, Timetable, Organizer, and Rose, which, despite her doubts, Rose found herself enjoying.

Something about the chemistry of the assembled group reminded her of Ponyville, and despite the formality between Rose and her family, she found the atmosphere in the house relaxed and pleasant.

Overall it was a great day, even if she had to have put up with some minor inconveniences.

“Get up, dear; we wouldn’t want Celestia to think you’re shunning the sun. As exciting a concept as ‘Daymare Sun’ might be, I can guarantee you that it will come off as forced.”

“Speaking of,” Rose thought to herself.

Discord, Rose found out, had not been lying about spending every minute following her around. This in itself did not bother her, but what did were his constant attempts at conversation.

Throughout the entire day after Celestia’s meeting, Discord had kept a running commentary of events running through Rose’s mind. His telepathic link to her meant that she could answer and talk to him without attracting attention, but it was still a difficult endeavor to focus on what was happening in the real world when it seemed like a minute of silence would be enough to vanquish the god of chaos.

“Not really speaking of,” Discord said, appearing to her left in his translucent form that only Rose could see. “Thinking of, if you want to get technical. And you did fine yesterday, or so I thought. It’s almost like you have a lot of experience listening to and answering to voices in your head while having conversations with ponies.”

Rose offered no reply.

“Oh, so you do? Well that’s exciting!” Discord said. “And yet, not exciting enough. Come on, out of bed, you’re not going to accidentally cause the end of harmony by sitting around doing nothing. Besides, you get to visit Cloudsdale today and I can tell you’re going to have a great time there.”

Discord disappeared with a final bout of laughter, leaving Rose to ponder his words.

“Well, better not disappoint,” she thought, getting up from bed and beginning her preparations for the day.

After completing her preparations, eating a quick breakfast, and exchanging goodbyes with her family, Rose left the manor to go meet with Dusk and the rest of the team at the Canterlot Cliff.

The team was already assembled there by the time Rose showed up, and they were joined by two pegasi strapped to a carriage and a group of four unicorns.

“Well, look who decided to show up!” Dusk called out as Rose neared the area.

“I’m still early, Dusk, no need for the attitude,” Rose responded, causing Dusk to take a deep breath.

“Sorry, I’m just not much of a morning pony,” he said as he walked towards the carriages.

Rose followed.

“I don’t see any of our stuff,” Rose commented. “I’m guessing we’re not taking it with us?”

“That would be correct,” Dusk responded. “Our stuff is on its way to Vanhoover, where it will be retrieved and stored by the local Triple-E office until we arrive there later today. Due to Mr. Organizer and myself being unable to fly and requiring a cloud walking spell to even so much as attend the event, we figured it’d be best if our visit to Cloudsdale was brief; so, no need for luggage.”

Rose nodded, but stared with concern at the earth pony.

“What’s wrong, Dusk?” she asked.

“Nothing, just tired. As I said, not a morning pony,” he responded. Rose, however, continued to stare him down.

“Fine,” he relented. “I didn’t want to worry you, but I’m very nervous about Cloudsdale.”

This took Rose by surprise.

“You? Nervous?” she asked. “Why? Canterlot went so well.”

“Yes, but we had a lot of support here. We could not fail,” Dusk said. “Between you being a hero, and Rarity’s friends, and your family, the town was going to go our way no matter what. Cloudsdale is different though. For starters, pegasi there pride themselves on being separate from the rest of Equestria, so your reputation and name will matter the least there. We also don’t have any significant players in that city, other than two government officials who are more than likely to snub us in order to be re-elected. Lastly, Cloudsdale ponies are not the most accepting of ponies.”

Rose could feel fear begin to grip her heart.

“Be honest with me, Dusk,” she said. “What exactly are we up against?”

He gave her a sad smile.

“If Canterlot was the easiest and best stop on this little tour,” he said. “This will be the worst and the harshest.”

Rose could hear Discord’s laughter in her head but decided to ignore it for the time being.

“So what’s the battle plan?” she asked, which seemed to amuse Dusk.

“The event should be already started by the time we get there, though it should be far smaller and less impressive than the one here or the one you did in Ponyville,” he said. “We’ll get there, you’ll do your speech, we’ll hang out for a bit as the event keeps going, and then we’ll leave. If we have any luck, we’ll make it out the city before the sun begins to set, and in one piece.”

“No Q&A today either then?” Rose asked, causing Dusk to laugh.

“Goodness no,” he said. “No offense, but they would tear you to shreds. No, right now I’m just hoping you can get through your speech without an incident. Hoping for more is pushing our luck.”

Rose took a deep breath before sighing.

“You’re not kidding, are you?” she asked.

He shook his head.

“I wish that I was.”

“Sir, we are ready for you,” one of the assembled unicorns called out.

Dusk excused himself and went to join Organizer in the middle of the group of unicorns. Rose watched as the unicorns concentrated their magic, enveloping the two earth ponies in a multitude of auras, before the glow of their spell was absorbed into the bodies of the castees.

“That should do it,” one of the unicorns said. “That spell should hold for the remainder of the day, but I wouldn’t suggest taking up lodgings in Cloudsdale for the night, unless you prefer waking up mid-plummet.”

“No worries about that,” Dusk said. “We’ll be out of the city before sunset if I have my way.”

“Not a fan of the clouds then?” asked the unicorn.

“What can I say? They call me an earth pony for a reason,” Dusk commented. “In any case, thank you for all your help. Without you and your friends I would have had to let Timetable and Rose handle this on their own, and we all know how that would turn out.”

“Better than usual,” said the unicorn, giving Dusk a hug. “Take care old friend, and stop by again soon.”

The group of unicorns walked back into the city, leaving Dusk and his group behind.

“Very well, we should probably head out,” Dusk said. “Also, while I know you two can fly there, I would much rather you ride in the carriage. It’ll be better if we arrive together.”

Timetable and Rose nodded.

“What kind of reception are you expecting, sir?” asked Timetable.

Dusk grimaced.

“If they see us coming, a lively one…” he said. “But if we’re lucky we’ll be able to get into the city without much notice.”

“Not much notice, huh?” asked Rose.

“I did say ‘if we’re lucky,’ and honestly Ms. Rose, when have you ever known us to be lucky?” Dusk replied.

Rose nodded, trying hard to ignore Discord’s laughter, a deed harder said than done when the laugher existed only in Rose’s mind. This was further complicated by the fact that the god of chaos, who had taken his translucent form, rolling in laughter in mid air.

“To be fair, I’d probably find this funny if I wasn’t personally involved,” Rose thought, before stepping out of the carriage and overlooking the assembled crowd.

“Probably.”

At first glance, this reception was not much different than what Rose had seen in Canterlot. There were a long line of reporters, a multitude of ponies, and a lot of noise. Ponies were pushing against the line of guards, much like last time, with the guards refusing to move. Indeed, if one did not pay close attention to the details, the two scenes would be indistinguishable.

“Too bad for those pesky details, huh?” asked Discord.

Rose wanted to ignore him, but could not help to agree.

The difference was in the details.

For starters, the guards were not armor-clad members of the Royal Guard, but rather local law enforcement in uniforms. Then there was the matter of picket signs, visible over and through the crowd. The crowd itself was different in that there were no smiles, just glares and scowls directed at the four visitors to their city. Lastly, while the noise was on par with what it had been in Canterlot, there was no cheering here, nor any applause. Instead, yells of condemnation, threats, and expletives rang in Rose’s ears, causing her to stagger back, unwilling to leave the safety of the landing platform.

“They don’t seem to like you much, do they?” asked Discord. “I wonder why that is.”

“Come on,” said Dusk, unknowingly sparing Rose from having to answer. “The sooner we get to the main plaza, the sooner we can leave. Remember, despite everything, you are a symbol, not a pony. As such, smile, be courteous, and do not let them see how much this affects you. We will be with you the whole way.”

Rose nodded, and the four walked into the city, unwilling to dignify the backlash with the attention it required. However, said backlash seemed to follow them into the city, only backing off once the group had made it to the site of the event.

“I’m surprised they didn’t follow us into the plaza,” Rose commented. “Plenty of room to protest in here.”

“They’re probably afraid that they’ll learn something if they do,” Organizer said, then looked around. “Still, I’m glad they’re gone. And the event seems to be going well enough considering everything.”

“For now,” Dusk added. “I’m sure we’ll be seeing our fan club again when it comes time for Ms. Rose to speak. Ms. Timetable, you and Ms. Rose stay here and keep an eye on things. Mr. Organizer and I are going to go see what’s going on with the local representative and get our bearings. We’ll be back soon.”

Rose and Timetable nodded as Dusk and Organizer disappeared into the crowd, after which Rose took a moment to examine her surroundings.

“It looks just like the set up in Canterlot,” Rose muttered. “Only smaller.”

Looking around she could see the information kiosks and pamphlet tables arranged in the same manner and formation as had been used at the previous event. In fact, the only difference was that the clusters were tighter and the perimeter smaller.

“They would be,” Timetable said, startling Rose out of her observations. “I designed the set up template. Each local office received instructions and diagrams in order to ensure uniformity between the events.”

“Wow, so you put this together?” asked Rose. “The layout, the requirements, and the activities?”

“Not the activities,” corrected Timetable. “Those are Organizer’s department. He takes care of entertainment and figuring out how long each part of the event should take.”

“Oh, I thought ‘cause-“

“Yes, I know,” Timetable cut her off. “My name. But no, my special talent is my keen attention to detail. It just so happens that works for keeping and making schedules, but Organizer has a better hoof on those kinds of things.”

“Dusk must be glad he has you two to take care of things,” Rose said. “What’s it like working for him?”

Timetable thought for a moment before answering.

“He’s one of the most infuriatingly annoying and narcissistic ponies I have ever met,” she answered. “Once he gets an idea, everyone needs to agree with him; otherwise, they’re idiots, and he treats dissenters as such.”

Rose raised an eyebrow.

“I can tell why you stick around then,” she said. “I might go and sign up permanently if you keep up the praise.”

Timetable laughed.

“I would not want to work for anypony else, Rose,” she responded. “Yeah, he’s full of himself, but he’s also the smartest pony I know. He only has ears for his own ideas, but each of his ideas is brilliant, and he always seems one step ahead of everypony. The truth is that he acts like he’s the number one pony in Equestria, but rarely do those that work with him not find themselves believing he is too.”

“That good, huh?” asked Rose, unimpressed.

“That and he has such awareness and responsibility for everyone he meets.”

“Wait,” Rose interrupted. “I thought you said he was a narcissist.”

“Oh, he is. I’m sure you’ve seen it,” Timetable answered. “He loves himself and thinks he can perform miracles, but that’s the thing. He holds himself to that standard. He honestly thinks he can fix every problem he encounters, and when he can’t, he keeps trying. He doesn’t take failure well, especially when it involves the wellbeing of those around him.”

“Will you two stop gossiping and get over here?” Dusk called from a distance, motioning them over.

“You may not learn to like him or tolerate him,” Timetable said as she began walking in his direction, “But everyone learns to respect him.”

Rose thought of these words as she followed along.

“Great, now that the tea party is over we can get started,” Dusk said. “First things first: the event has apparently gone off without a hitch so far, which is both surprising and worrying. If we’re lucky we’ll continue to have no incidents, but as we’ve already established, we’re seldom lucky. Next, from the report I just read it would appear that enough pegasi have attended the event, asked questions, and taken pamphlets to establish that there IS a need for us here. However, we’re not going to win this city anytime soon with as many opposing us as there are, whether they are legitimate opposition or acting for the sake of appearances. No matter, though; once we win the rest of Equestria, it will put pressure on Cloudsdale and it may buckle. If not, we can make another stop here when it’s all said and done.”

“What about me and my speech?” asked Rose.

“You go on in two hours,” Dusk said. “Do be warned: I expect you will find hecklers in the audience, but just carry on through as if they’re not there. Ponies will be listening to you, even if they don’t act like it.”

Rose nodded.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t get any game-changing key players in this city. I really don’t like leaving Cloudsdale without having had made a significant impact,” Dusk grumbled.

“It’s ok, sir,” Timetable said. “Remember, these victories are cumulative. The response in Canterlot was more than enough to make up for the lack of response here. If we hit our average for every other city, the lack of support here will be insignificant.”

“I suppose so,” Dusk said. “Well, I’m off to help Organizer supervise the events. Rose, you can do as you wish but be on standby for your speech. Timetable, your family lives around here, do they not? You should go say hi. We will depart thirty minutes after Rose’s speech, so that’s when you have to be back, but you’re free from duty until then.”

A smile crept up on Timetable’s face.

“Thank you so much, sir!” she said, “I know I was supposed to... and, just thank you.”

Dusk watched with an amused stare as the pegasus took flight towards the residential area, then turned to look at Rose.

“That’s the usual reaction ponies use when they get to see their family after a long time away, Ms. Rose,” Dusk said sarcastically. “Do take notes.”

Rose rolled her eyes as he laughed and walked away.

“I like him,” Discord commented.

“Please shut up.”

Rose stood backstage, peering out from behind the curtain at the crowd that had assembled to watch her speak. The rumbles of the crowd carried through the air. The audience continued to grow in size as Rose’s countdown neared zero.

“Nervous?” asked Dusk.

“Yeah. Came to give me a pep talk?” responded Rose.

Dusk shook his head.

“This time you’re nervous for the right reasons,” he said. “Those ponies out there hate you and what you stand for. If given a chance, they would shut down this event, and since they can’t they will turn on you. They will criticize what you say, they will undermine your message, and they will probably refuse to applaud. I’d be nervous if I were you.”

“Well thank you, I feel so much better,” said Rose.

“Hey, wait,” Dusk said. “Look, I’m just saying that you have a right to be nervous, but I know you can push past it. For what it’s worth, they hate me too. We have a mission though, and while it’s ok to be scared, it’s not ok to give in, ok?”

Rose nodded.

“Well then, it’s time,” Dusk said, looking at the stage. “Organizer will announce your name in a second, so go ahead and get ready. Oh, and good luck.”

“Thank you,” Rose whispered as she listened for her name.

“And so I give the floor to Ms. Evening Rose,” Organizer called out from the stage.

Rose walked cautiously to the podium prepared for her, aware of the whispers and the glares directed in her direction.

“Isn’t this exciting?” said Discord. “Ooh, that one seems especially mad, this will be so much fun.”

Rose hissed at him in her mind, adjusting the microphone as she reached it.

“As you have just heard,” she began. “my name is Evening Rose, and it is a pleasure to be in your fine city. I am here t-“

“When do you leave?”

Rose was startled by the shout. She chanced a glance over the audience but failed to pick out from where the shout had come.

“It’s ok, Rose,” she thought to herself. “Just keep going.”

“I am here to speak as a transpony, in an effort to break the silence that our minority has suffered, and to inform you of the struggles your fellow ponies endure.”

“Aren’t you the one that perverted that filly down in Ponyville?”

“There are many misconceptions regarding transponies, myths and stereotypes, but the truth is out there for anyone willing to listen.”

“Yeah, that’s where I know the name from, in the newspapers. A poor confused filly is now living as a colt because of our speaker.”

“I… I know that… I know that it is hard to learn something you thought that you knew was… was false, but all that I ask is that you listen with an open mind, and-“

“She wants us to be ok with this perversion of nature!”

“Ever since he ‘came out,’ ‘transponies’ have been appearing everywhere. It’s his fault.”

“Why are we allowing this freak to speak in our city?”

Rose faltered, trying to regain her train of thought. She found this difficult to do, however, as she became more and more conscious of the growing insults and claims from the crowd.

“Not that it’s any of my concern,” said Discord, “But I think it’s best if you step down. They are beyond reasoning with. No one will say you didn’t try.”

“Get her off the stage.”

“No!” Rose shouted, silencing the crowd. “You will listen to me. I don’t care about what you think of me. I really don’t, but this isn’t about me. I’m not talking to you because I want you to treat me better. This has to do with ponies that are living throughout Equestria who are suffering. Ponies denied the harmony you all enjoy because they were born different from who they are. If you want to disagree with me, then fine. If you want to claim I am a threat for society, fine! But you will sit there and listen in silence as I talk for those who cannot talk for themselves.”

Silence followed her words as every pony waited for her to continue.

“I’m not asking you to change your minds, although listening to what I have to say might do that,” she said. “All I’m asking is that you listen with an open mind and an open heart. You don’t have to sympathize with the plight of a transpony to sympathize with the plight of a pony in need. You will find that they are one and the same; they need love, and understanding, just like every sentient being. All I want is for you to listen, and then make your own decisions.”

Some murmuring occurred within the crowd as a response, which was silence when a mare from the audience yelled out.

“What if we don’t want to listen to what you have to say?”

Rose readied her response but was cut off by a commanding voice.

“Then you do not have to be here.”

Gasps of shock and recognition sounded through the plaza as the Wonderbolts landed, led by Spitfire.

“Unless I am mistaken, none of you are being forcibly kept here,” Spitfire yelled at the crowd. “If you want to be filled with hate, bigotry, and prejudice, to violate the very foundation of Equestria, ‘Friendship and Harmony amongst all ponies,’ then I invite you to leave. Otherwise you will remain silent for those who do actually want to hear what the mare has to say.”

A few ponies shrunk in their seats as Spitfire and the rest of the team moved to some unoccupied seats.

“Why are they here?” Rose asked softly in bewilderment, which only grew when the team turned to face her.

Soarin and Spitfire exchanged knowing looks.

“We caught one of our Academy flyers trying to skip out on training,” Spitfire said, “She told us about you and about this event which she wanted to attend. We of course could not grant that request, as she needed to continue training, but we decided to come down as soon as we could to show our support. After all, we wouldn’t discriminate against a transpony joining the team; therefore we don’t think they should be discriminated against in general.”

Rose was amazed at how well Spitfire’s voice carried despite the distance, no doubt due to having to shout commands during training, but she still wondered how she had managed to hear her question.

“Surely her ears aren’t that well-trained…” she muttered to herself, only to hear the statement come out from the speakers.

Understanding and embarrassment flooded her features.

“Thank you so much for your explanation,” Rose stammered, “And for your attendance. It really means a lot.”

“After what we heard you’ve done for the cause, it’s the least we could do,” shouted Soarin. “Now please proceed.”

Rose took this as her cue, resuming her speech with renewed spirit and vigor. She essentially covered the same points as she did in Canterlot, but this time it was done with far more fervor and urgency. This was her one chance to change the minds of the ponies in the audience and she was not going to waste it by being meek.

“…The dangers to transponies are very real, as are their pain and their suffering… As was my pain and suffering. And that’s why we need to change, as a nation, as a society, and as individuals, because until every pony in Equestria can enjoy a life of harmony, none of us truly will. Thank you.”

Rose had expected booing, or even silence, as she finished her speech, but she had been unprepared for the applause she heard coming from the crowd.

It had started with a few ponies, the Wonderbolts and a few others, but slowly more ponies caved in and began clapping until only a few walked away with heads hung low.

Rose gave a polite bow and walked offstage to a waiting Dusk.

“That was fantastic,” Dusk exclaimed. “How come you never yell at me like that? It was so inspired!”

“I’ll keep that in mind next time,” Rose said smiling.

“I don’t know who tipped the Wonderbolts off, but we owe them and we owe them big,” Dusk said. “Their pull and influence in Cloudsdale, amongst pegasi in general, is so absolute that this little stunt will have the conversation going through the city. Local pegasi are going to be re-evaluating and thinking hard now between what they knew and what their idols say. We could not have asked for a better gift.”

“I’m pretty sure I know the pegasus that tried to come here,” Rose said. “I’m pretty sure it’s Rainbow Dash. I’m sure you read a report on her.”

“Yes – lots of attitude, element of loyalty, all that jazz,” Dusk said absentmindedly. “Well, she’s now your best friend, so make sure to take her out to dinner or buy her something nice, because she deserves it after this.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Now are you going to calm down or should I take over your duties?” she asked.

“I’ll calm down soon enough,” he responded. “I’ll go deal with our transport while I’m still in a good mood. You have around thirty minutes. Why don’t you just hang out here and I’ll come get you when we’re ready to go?”

“Sounds good,” Rose said, watching as the earth pony walked away.

“Well that was quite the spectacle,” said Discord, appearing in his translucent form in front of her.

“Me getting heckled? Me yelling at the crowd? Or getting rescued by the Wonderbolts,” thought Rose.

“All of them,” exclaimed Discord. “I must say I’m impressed. You do apparently have a backbone, even if temporarily.”

“You don’t sound disappointed,” Rose thought.

“Well why would I be? I just watched you lose your cool. What do I have to be disappointed about?”

“No chaos happened,” she remarked. “I thought a riot was about break out, that what you had been warning me about was about to happen. You don’t know what the event will be either, so I figured you got your hopes up about it.”

Discord began laughing, much to Rose’s annoyance.

“No no, I’m sorry but no,” he said. “I knew this wasn’t it the whole time. At the most this would’ve been a riot that enveloped all of Cloudsdale. What you are going to cause is far bigger than such a silly squabble. Trust me, you’ll know for sure when it’s happening. There won’t be any doubt.”

“There wouldn’t be any doubt if you just looked at the future and told me,” she retorted.

“Oh, don’t give me that,” he said. “Remember, no cheating. Also, you have company.”

“What?” she asked, turning to face a teenage-looking mare standing on the other side of the fence. Rose could not help but notice how nervous she looked as she stammered a few times trying to introduce herself.

“May I help you?” asked Rose tentatively.

The mare stammered again before handing a newspaper article to Rose, who recognized it as the first newspaper article revolving around her.

“Would you please sign it?”

Rose turned to look at the mare again, who was holding a marker on a shaky outstretched hoof. She then looked between the mare, the marker, and the paper, processing the request.

With a slow nod, Rose reached out for the marker, taking it and signing her name over her picture before returning both the marker and the newspaper to their owner.

“Thank you so much, Ms. Rose,” the mare said, “You have no idea how much this means to me.”

“It was nothing,” Rose replied, smiling. “Really, I’m honored that you would think me that important in the first place.”

The mare looked shocked.

“Are you kidding?” the mare asked, “You are fighting so that ponies like me can live in peace. You stood there while they shouted at you because you want us to have a chance at happiness. Thanks to you there’s a chance that I will get to live as myself. Right now, there’s nopony more important than you.”

“I... um... Thank you,” Rose responded.

The mare in return, waved and flew away. Rose watched her go, unaware of the ponies that had landed behind her.

“She’s not lying either, you know?”

Rose turned around, coming face to face with Spitfire and the rest of the Wonderbolts.

“Sorry?”

“To her, and to ponies like her, there is nopony more important to them than you,” she said. “You are their hope for a better tomorrow, and you carry them with you whenever you speak. Don’t ever forget that.”

“I won’t,” Rose responded.

“Good,” Spitfire said, smiling. “You did good today; don’t let anypony tell you otherwise. We’ll work on spreading the message of your cause and dispelling some of the prejudice around here. I believe a newspaper wants to talk to me about our arrival here anyway. All you need to worry about is doing as much good at your next stop. Can you promise me you’ll do that?”

“Yes ma’am,” Rose answered.

“Great,” Spitfire said. “Well, I’ll be seeing you around.”

“Wait, Ms. Spitfire,” Rose called out. “Could you please tell Dash I said hi, and thank you?”

“Consider it done,” she responded.

The Wonderbolts took off towards the Academy, leaving a crowd of spectators behind.

“Oh, there you are,” Dusk said, walking up to Rose. “We’re ready to depart and the rest of the crew is already by the carriage. We should get a move on if we want to reach Vanhoover before dark.”

“Very well then,” Rose said, following behind him. “Lead the way.”

Author's Note

And the first hurdle is jumped with a monumental assist from the Wonderbolts!

If only it were that easy right?

By the way, if any of you are thinking of participating in the Dysphoria Universe project, and are writing about someone from Cloudsdale, know that your character probably has the most to contend against, short of Manehattan. So yea.. best of luck!

Vanhoover on Friday!

Happy Reading,
-thedarkprep