Hurtingby SevenLies1TruthChaptersChapter 1: Meeting HimChapter 2: Stories, Mischief and AdventureChapter 3: Crowning Death Chapter 4: Reuniting Chapter 1: Meeting HimStarlight filled the sky, Celestia watched as her sister finished rising the moon. She was glad that her sister was back and had missed her so much. Walking back to the castle, she bent her head down, tomorrow was getting closer and closer. Hearts and Hooves day. She always regretted when the day grew closer, it reminded it of him, when he had been different. Looking over into the palace garden, she was reminded of that same day where they had met. Hurting Chapter 1: Meeting Almost 2000 years before Celestia looked at the sky, watching her father bring down the night. She watched him lift the moon, his mane glittering like the stars that shone through the sky. She loved her father but he didn't get much time to share being the king and co-ruler of Equestira. Turning back to her bedroom, she looked at the drawing that she had begun. The faint thin lines of the pencil showed her hugging her mother and father whilst her little sister Luna, sat in the middle, smiling up at them. She couldn't wait until her sister was a bit older, her sister was only a young foal at the moment and wasn't really much fun. Shining her horn, Celestia picked up the pencil and began to thicken the lines of her father, she wanted to make him complete and then she could show him, next time she saw him. There was a knock at her bedroom door, and Celestia was a bit miffed at her drawing being interrupted but she was a princess so knew she would have to respond to who had knocked at the door. Opening the door, a maid bowed at her and then spoke. "Hello, my princess, Your mother, the queen requests you imeaditly in the palace garden." The maid spoke. Celestia recognized her as Runny Fields. She didn't know much about Runny Fields, only that her mother had taken her in when she had found a starving filly on their doorstep and offered work in exchange for room and board. Runny Fields was an earth pony with a brown chestnut mane that was very curly. Her tail matched. Her coat was a light green colour, and her cutie mark consisted of a maid's hat which Runny Fields was also currently wearing. Celestia was jealous of ponies who already had their cutie mark, she really wished she could find out what her's was. However her father had reminded her that her cutie mark would show up in it's own time. She secretly knew that her father and mother hoped that her special talent would be something to do with the sun or moon. "Thank you for telling me Runny Fields, I must go." Celestia bowed and ran down the stairs and swear she heard Runny Fields whisper something like that filly has way too much energy. Celestia heard her hooves gallop along the floor until she came to a garden where she saw her mother basking in the moonlight, her father was no-where to be seen. "Hello Mother." Celestia greeted, smiling. It had been Luna, who had taken after her father being the same colour and even down to the same eyes. Celestia had taken after her mother but there were subtle differences, Celestia's mane and tail were bright pink and her mother's was a light yellow, just like the sun. Celestia believed that her mother's hair colour was down to the fact that she raised the sun, in fact her mother's cutie mark was a large sun, that was covered by a cloud. Her mother had a coat of white, just like Celestia. "Hello Celestia, I have two ponies who will be arriving soon who I wish to introduce you to to. They are visting from overseas from a far-off kingdom known as Bridletain. It has been a long journey for them, taking them almost a week to get here. The queen who is visiting has a young son, about your age. I hope that you will treat him well, I do not want to hear of any michief, do you need reminding of that incident Celestia in the palace kitchen?" Her mother responded, sternly, her eyes showing disapprovment. Celestia nodded, her mother was always so strict, she didn't know but sometimes she just assumed that her mother was being very protective. Just at that moment, a palace guard arrived with a message for her mother. "My queen, the two ponies have arrived." The guard spoke,bowing before his queen. "Very good, can you bring them here please?" The queen asked. "Yes, your highness." The guard bowed and ran off. It was about five minutes until the guard returned and behind him stood two ponies. One was a pegasus wearing a golden crow whilst the other was a grey unicorn. The Pegasus was female and looked very sick, she held herself in a way that was almost like she was fighting a losing battle. The pegasus had a blue coat, her mane was quite short and being light purple, only just passing through her ears. Her cutie mark consisted of a crown. The unicorn was male and was a lot younger than the pegasus, he looked around Celestia's age, maybe even a few years older, she couldn't really tell. "May I announce Queen Stonelight and Prince Daze." The guard announced and then backed away, probbaly going to do his royal duty. Celestia watched her mother approach Queen Stonelight and gave a quick bow. Queen Stonelight did the same. "I trust your journey has been well?" Her mother asked. "Yes, my Queen. It was quite tough to find your palace here! This castle is called the castle of the two pony sisters is it not?" "Yes it belonged to my great grandmother and her sister when they became the first rulers over Equestria. I'm sorry for the long trek from the docks but this forest is young and the town needs to grow." Her mother responded, smiling! This might have been one of the rare times when Celestia had seen her mother smiling. "Well this is my son Prince Daze." Queen Stonelight introduced the unicorn. Celestia finally took in what he looked like. His mane and coat were light brown whilst his coat was grey, She also noticed that he didn't have a cutie mark which made her happy! Prince Daze bowed and Celestia got a close look at his eyes, they were a bright red which put her a bit on edge, however she decided to ignore it for the time-being. "This is my daughter Princess Celestia." Her mother pushed forward and all Celestia could do was giggle as the colt bowed again. She heard a sigh from her mother when she didn't bow back. "Well if you two could run along? I would like to have a word with Queen Stonelight so run along you two." Her mother ushered her and Prince Daze back into the castle and shut the doors behind her. "Well your mother seemed very consistent there." Prince Daze commented, looking around the castle in awe. "The castle's nice, much bigger than the one I live back at home." "Well it must be nice, anyway. So how old are you?" Celestia asked turning to face him. His red eyes burned into her and then really freaked her out but she couldn't comment on this. "Around 10 years old, you look like you're about 8." He responded beginning to walk up the stairs. "Wow you're right. Anyway would you like to find some place to sleep, I'm not sure how long you and your mother will be staying here." "I think around a week and a half, we can't stay any longer because Bridletain would fall into chaos without us and yes I do need a room, perhaps I could bunk in your room, if you don't mind of course." "I'm sorry Daze, erm can you I call you Daze?. but my mother would go berserk if she knew a boy was sleeping in my room. I can show you a guest bedroom and that's probably where you will have to say." "Yes you can call me Daze as long as I can call you 'Tia. Alright if you would lead the way to the guest bedroom?" Celestia began to turn to left, if she remembered right, the guess bedrooms were located in the highest tower. "You're mother looks very ill." Celestia commented, turning to face Daze as they walked, she really wanted to know what was up with his mother but felt a bit rude asking. "I'd rather not talk about it, I don't really know you." Daze responded looking a bit sad and she swore she could see tears in his eyes. At long last they reached the tower and the guest bedroom. "Will you be alright here for the night?" "Yeap, I guess I'll see you tomorrow." "Err Yeah." Celestia closed the door and began to head back to her room. Once in her room, she settled on the bed and was ready to go to sleep. She couldn't wait to think of the fun adventures, she was going to have with Prince Daze. Author's Note Bridletain-based off Britain. Also when mentioned about ages such as 10 years old, I'm using human ages not horse ages because it just seems easier that way :). Chapter 2: Stories, Mischief and AdventureChapter 2: Stories, Mischief and Adventure Celestia couldn't believe it had been almost 4 days since Prince Daze and Queen Stonelight had arrived. The days had been chock full of activities such as more drawing, telling jokes and her mother had smiled all through out it while taking care of Luna. She was on way up to the tower where Queen Stonelight had promised to tell her and Prince Daze a bedtime story, yes she seemed a bit old for them but she really wanted to listen to one! Knocking on the door, Celestia invited herself in and saw that her sister Luna was cuddled up by Prince Daze, it looked like her mother had brought her up here. Queen Stonelight smiled as Celestia lay down next to Prince Daze. "Well I'm sure everypony would like to hear the story of The Prince and The Witch?" Queen Stonelight asked, gazing down at them. Celestia nodded but she noticed out of the corner of his eye that Prince Daze looked quite sad, a tear forming on the brink of his eye. She watched as it fell to the floor and was slightly confused, why was Daze crying? He must have heard the story before, she hoped it wasn't that sad that she would cry. "I'll begin." Queen Stonelight and began to tell the tale. Once upon a time, there lived a King who ruled over an ancient land. This king was lonely and had no airs to carry on his line. He had searched and searched for a bride but could not find anyone who met his qualifications, he had become bitter and sad taking it out on his servants. Years passed this way until one day there was a knock at the door and a young mare stood in front of the king. To say it was love at first sight for him, his heart seemed to soar and it looked like he had finally managed to find his bride. The king invited her in and spent many days getting to know her. Eventually he proposed and she accepted. However the mare had a dark secret, since she was a unicorn, she practiced Black Magic. On the day of their wedding, an old friend who her's showed and told the whole kingdom that she practiced Black Magic. The king turned on her becoming angry at the fact that he had not told her this, Black Magic was forbidden you see because it was very dangerous. The unicorn mare grew angry at the fact that he had turned on her and not accepted for who she was and decided to cast a very powerful spell on him. " I curse you and your decadents! You will be bitter and angry while looking after a child and as for your last descendant they will change into a monster that no-one will be able to stop!" The mare cried and then disappeared. The curse took into effect however the King managed to have a son from one of the maids in the castle, which bung shame to his family. Soon the King died and it says to this day that his descendants are cursed and always will be. Celestia looked stunned when Queen Stonelight finished the tale, She had not been expecting something like that and it did seem a bit sad but Prince Daze looked really upset as he looked at his Mother. Celestia shook her head, she would let it rest for now. Heading back out the door, she swore she heard something faintly like Why did you tell her that tale, Mother!, she must be imagining things. *** The next day Celestia had challenged Prince Daze to a game of hide-'n'-seek, she really enjoyed this game but they had to be careful not to run into her Mother, her Father was having a sleep. She was going to see him later on. Looking into the room, she could just see Daze's mane poking out from behind a bed. "Found you!" Celestia cried happily. Daze came out of his hiding spot, sheepishly and gave her a big smile. "So what do you want to now?" He asked. "Well I was thinking, that maybe we could go on an adventure into the forest? I think it's called the EverFree Forest, My mother never really told me." She responded. "Tia, are you allowed in the forest though? I don't want to get into trouble for doing something you shouldn't." Celestia pondered this a bit, her mother had never warned her about the Everfree Forest so they should be alright. "Yeah, come let's go!" Celestia lead the way down the stairs, through many doors until at last they came to the main entrance. Bolting through the door, Daze followed her as they made their way into the forest. She stared at the towering trees and the dark grass that seemed to fill everywhere where her hooves touched. "Tia, this place is slightly creepy, I really think we should turn back now." Daze stated, looking around quite scared. "Oh don't be silly! There's no danger here!" Celestia chimed. They carried on walking for another half an hour and came across a clear blue lake, it gave off a strange air to Celestia and she didn't know what to really think about it. Daze was looking into the water and looked positively scared, of what she didn't know. "Daze...are you alright?" She asked. "No, not really. Listen there's something about me that I really need to tell you." "What?" He looked like he was about to respond to her question when she heard a snap of wood and saw that across the lake stood what looked like a dog but it was made out of wood.Daze was also looking in the same direction now. "Daze, what's that across there?" "I have no idea but we better run!" The two ponies began to gallop away from the creatures that had begun to swim across the lake, Celestia knew they had to get home fast. They ran and ran until at long last Celestia saw the castle however she could see her Mother, Father and Queen Stonelight looking around the castle, quite frantically. When Celestia and Daze reached them, her and Daze's Mother grabbed them both by their ears and took them inside to their bedrooms. Celestia watched as her Mother looked down at her furious. "Celestia! Why did you run off like that? You know you're not mean to venture from the castle." Her mother shouted, quite stressed. Celestia only bowed her head and mumbled "I'm sorry Mother, I forgot." Her mother huffed, "Go to bed, I will deal with you in the morning." Her mother walked in and Celestia could feel tears begin to fall down her muzzle, she knew that her mother worried about her a lot, also because her mother's brother had gotten killed in the same forest and no-one knew what he had been doing. Celestia sat on her bed for a while and then her father decided to come in. "Celestia, don't cry my dear." He stated sitting down by her and giving her a cuddle. "I'm sorry Daddy to make you and Mother worry it's just that I wanted to go on an adventure, I didn't want to make her angry, I'm sorry, does this mean that I won't be able to do anything with Daze, Daddy?" "Shush, my princess you'll be able to play tomorrow. Go to sleep now my dear." As Celestia's lay in her father's embrace, one thought stirred across her mind, what had Daze been planning to tell her at the lake? Chapter 3: Crowning Death Chapter 3: Crowning Death Chapter 3: Crowning Death Prince Daze suddenly woke up from his deep slumber, he didn't know why but he could guess something bad was about to happen because whenever he woke up like this, he just knew bad things would happen. Looking around the room, he could see that his Mother was lying on her bed and that it was still nighttime outside. He was about to go to sleep again when suddenly, his mother began to struggle for breath in her sleep. Daze's heart began to hammer, not now! It couldn't happen now! He ran over to her bed and began to shake her awake with his hoof, he needed to save! She had to fight it! His mother seemed to wake very slowly and he could see tears forming in her eyes. "I'm sorry Daze but I've been fighting for so long and I can't fight it anymore." She spoke slowly, struggling to speak on each word. Daze knew that the only thing he could really do was shout for help and so he did. "ANYONE PLEASE HELP!" He shouted, as loud as his lungs allowed him. His mother seemed to offer a weak smile when she heard hoofsteps coming up the stairs. The door flung open and in walked Celestia, her father and a palace guard. "What ever is the matter Prince Daze?" Celestia's father asked him. He couldn't tell him the truth so lied. "I don't know, there's something wrong...with...my...mother." He responded looking at the tall alicorn. Celestia's father walked towards his mother and looked at her. Her muzzle was pale and her eyes were bloodshot. She was still struggling to breathe. "I've never seen something like this...it's almost like something's trying to kill her but on the inside." Celestia's father stated. "She's dying!" Prince Daze shouted, deciding to let them know the truth. She was dying and there was nothing they could do about it! Celestia's father didn't look surprised instead he seemed to look sad. "Stonelight, hang on. I don't think there is anything we can do for you, my dear..." The only words of comfort that the king of Equestira could offer. Daze walked up to his mother and lay his muzzle on her back. He whined softly as tears fell down to the ground. "Daze, do not worry. I'll be alright." His mother's words of encouragement were not enough. He lay there for a long time and those words would be the last that she would ever whisper to him, as she drew her last breath. Daze could see the hidden pain hidden in her eyes. As he finally saw that his Mother was dead. He knew that there was no cure, not anymore and Prince Daze fell to the floor in complete defeat. Celestia had been watching the ordeal silently and she was quite upset. The pegasus who she had become quite fond of, now lay there dead and she didn't know why. The palace guard was shocked and had to go out the room so he could tell the other guards about what had just happened. Her father just stood there, thinking. "Celestia, Daze, I need to go and talk to Celestia's Mother, there is a lot that needs to be done, no doubt Daze, Bridletain will need a King, now that their queen is dead. Oh this is such awful news." Her father walked out of the room and now only Celestia and Daze were in the room. "Erm Daze?" Celestia asked, walking near him. Daze turned to look at Celestia and she could tell that he was hurting so much but she needed to know, why his mother suddenly died. He knew, why for some reason, she could just tell. "You knew your mother was dying. How and why?" She asked gently, placing her hoof on his. He seemed hesitant to answer but did anyway. "Do you remember that story that my mother told us about the Prince and The Witch?" Celestia nodded, she wondered why that silly little fairy-tale was important. "Well, the story is true. It's a story about my family's past and the curse it still affects us even now, several generations down." Celestia was shocked, she had not expected an answer such as that. "I didn't think it could be true, so the curse was killing your mother?" "Yes. The curse has affected my family in many different ways. My mother has been sick for a very long time and she could never get better. My father went insane and killed himself. My uncle...he started to murder other ponies because he claimed that it was the only way to free himself from the curse and he was hung. I don't know what happened to my grandparents though. I'm the last descendant Celestia. That means one day I'm going to be some horrible monster..." "Daze, you don't have to be the last descendant! You could marry somepony!" "Who though Celestia?" "Marry me, when we're older. That way I can save you!" Daze gave a weak smile but shook his head. "No Celestia. I'm not going to marry anyone. There's a bit more to the curse that story, It would also start to affect you if you married me so don't and I can't give pass this curse on, I might as well accept my fate and become the monster that the curse has depicted me to be, please don't tell anyone else about this Celestia please." Celestia was quite distraught now, she wasn't going to let him become a monster! One way or another she was going to find a way to break the curse. She nodded though, she wouldn't tell anyone else about his curse. *** The next days were a blur of activity. Prince Daze decided to hold the funeral at the palace and his crowning. Celestia didn't see him for two days straight because she had been helping with preparations for the funeral. All she knew was that Prince Daze had been moping around in the room, just staring at a blank wall. She headed up to the room and walked in. He was still facing the wall. "Daze, the funeral is going to happen a bit, I think you'll want to go to it." Daze turned around and tears were still falling from his eyes. "I know Celestia and then my crowning will begin. I won't be a prince anymore, I'll be a king and I don't want to be. I am going to be the last ruler of my family in Bridletain." Celestia watched as he made his way down the stairs ready for the funeral. Celestia thought that the funeral was quite beautiful, all of the town's folk came to pay their respects and said that she had must have been a good queen. Daze didn't say a word throughout because he was dreading his crowning. He did have to go up and say a few words about his mother though. When Daze walked up to the front of the great hall, Celestia knew that his speech were going to cause both him and her to cry. "My mother was one of the greatest mares I knew. She was lovely and kind and loved her kingdom. However she was taken from us far too young. I lost my father too at a young age. I want to be a good king and make my mother proud. That's all." The ponies clapped politely as Prince Daze headed back to Celestia. For the rest of funeral, they sang classic songs from Bridletain that Celestia thought were beautiful. The funeral had been held in the morning and once the mourners had gone, the maids and waiters had got the great hall ready for Prince Daze's coronation and crowning. Afternoon came quite quickly and Prince Daze got ready at the end of the hall. The grey unicorn was nervous, Celestia could tell but she thought he looked quite handsome because he wore the amulets of Briddletain that the king was required to wear. Daze still looked sad but Celestia smiled happily as she went to the front and the sound of a piano could be heard, it had been one of the first instruments that had been invented and Celestia was sure other instruments were going to follow. As the music began, Prince Daze walked down the hall, where hundreds of spectators had gathered and gasped in awe as he walked towards where her father and mother stood. They were going to place his mother's crown on him. Her father picked up the crown with his magic and put in onto Prince Daze's head. "I now present King Daze of Briddletain!" Her father announced. After her father's words, Prince Daze's crown began to glow and surrounded him in a white light. Celestia gasped as it seemed to swirl around him and he was lifted up into the air. When the light had vanished, Prince Daze landed had a strange set of wings that were sort of covered in armor and were a darker grey. Celestia gasped, Prince Daze had become an alicorn! Also he had his cutie mark, strange black arrows pointing in different direction, she was quite confused but decided to worry about it later. Everybody in the great hall seemed surprised but then they all started to clap and bow down in front of the new king *** King Daze was leaving, two days later than planned and without his mother Celestia saw that King Daze was about to step onto his carriage. She ran and ran down the stairs she had to ask him, she loved him as a friend in fact, he was her best friend, probably the first friend she had ever had. "Daze! Wait don't go yet!" She shouted, getting closer to him. Daze gave a sad smile and asked the transport horse to stop. "Why not Celestia?" He asked. Celestia had noticed that he had started calling her by her full name and she didn't know why. "Take me with you! Please I could help you?" Her hidden meaning was clear to both of them. "No Celestia, you have to stay here. I don't want you to see me changing." "Oh, promise me one thing that one day we will see each other again, maybe later this year?" "Of course." Daze bowed and smiled but still with sadness in his eyes. "I'll hold you to that promise." Celestia responded, she watched Daze tell the transport pony to go and him head off into the sunset. She stood there for a long time watching the horizon, wondering when they would meet again. Maybe even the same year. Chapter 4: Reuniting Chapter 4: Reuniting Chapter 4: Reuniting 10 years later "Celestia, stand tall! Don't slouch!" Her mother shouted at her as Celestia sat on the sofa. Just because today she was having her third portrait done, her mother thought it was some sort of important event. She just didn't see how it was important. Her little 10 year old sister Luna, giggled in the background, she found everything funny. Celestia couldn't help smile, she really did love her sister and would do anything for her. Celestia figured that she must have been sitting on the sofa for about an hour already and her legs were beginning to fall asleep. The painter kept glancing at her with a frown on his face, every time she moved. Well she couldn't help if she was uncomfortable, who would in this compromising position? About another half an hour later and the painter had finished sketching the basic form. Celestia got up and stretched her legs, tomorrow the painter would want her again. The painting had been thrown into her already busy schedule and she hardly got any time with her little sister, all she really wanted to was play with her! "Celestia, quickly! We need to start preparations for your 18th birthday ball!" Her mother, stated clapping her hooves together and walking out the door as elegantly as possible. Celestia gave a sigh, her 18th birthday was tomorrow. She was dreading it, she knew that many lords and duchess were coming. Her mother was going to try and pick a suitor for her, she didn't want to get married! However the princess could never go against her mother's wishes. She followed after her mother, her head hung low. She just didn't see the appeal in a ball. They were always so boring! Celestia had never been one to complain, instead she just went through with it, well she might as well! "Oh Celestia, you're going to love it! There will be be pretty flowers, beautiful music playing and of course many royal colts for you to dance with. Hence I might even say that you might find yourself a good husband in time!" "Mother, I'm too young to get married yet." Celestia responded, giving her mother a sideways look. "Oh don't be ridiculous! I got married when I saw sixteen to your father, we met at a ball as well you know an-" Celestia cut her mother off. "I know Mother, I know you don't need to remind me. You must have told that tale at least 53 times." Her mother gave a small smile and started to walk very quickly to one of the kitchens. "Mother where are you going?" Celestia asked, a little surprised. " To get your dress for the occasion! Go to the throne room please Celestia!" Her mother responded disappearing into the kitchen. Celestia was a little bit confused, why was her dress in the kitchen? It was a bit of a strange place to put it. Especially with all the food about, it might get ruined and then her mother would throw a strop! Heading to the throne room, Celestia stared at the portraits that hung on the wall of her ancestors. They all looked down at her with a disapproval scowl. Why had all her ancestors looked like they were miserable? Celestia hoped to find out that reason one day. Yes she understood the emotion of disappointment and resent but to be constantly moody, she just didn't see how ponies could be like that! Reaching into the throne room, Celestia stared at her mother's throne. She had a sneaky idea. She really wanted to sit on the throne, she knew that she shouldn't really sit on it but she was going to be queen one day so she might as well. There was a knock at the main door and Celestia quickly leapt off the seat and went to go and open the door. There stood Runny Fields. She had become one of Celestia's most trusted ponies and a friendship had formed over the years even though Runny Fields was older than her. Celestia had become slightly taller than the average pony but she still wasn't a fully grown alicorn. When she gained her full powers, she would reach her full height. Celestia know had her cutie mark it had come when she had been playing at night one day and decided that she was going to have a go at raising the sun and she had manged to do it! Her mother had discovered about it the next minute and was beaming but still looked a little bit angry that Celestia had raised the sun without her mother's permission. "What is it Fields?" Celestia asked. Long ago had Celestia decided to call her Fields. "Celestia, my princess. I did not expect to find you here. It's that a guest has arrived on the doorstep, I was wondering if you wanted me to invite him in?" Fields finished. Celestia never understood why her best friend always addressed her privately in public, when they were alone, Fields was very informal. Celestia was actually quite surprised that they had a visitor. Could it be that one of the guests had got the date wrong and turned up a day early? If that was the case, She would notify her mother but first she wanted to see who this visitor was. "Yes but bring him to the throne room please Fields." "Yes your majesty." Fields bowed and disappeared. A few minutes passed and she returned and Celestia's could hear the guests hooves behind her. Celestia couldn't wait to find out who this guest was! "May I announce King Daze?" Fields stated, allowing someone to walk through who Celestia hadn't seen in 10 long years. Celestia's eyes widened as she looked at her old friend. He looked so different now. He was taller and looked like he had shaped out. He was about 4 inches taller than her but she also noticed that he had horns now and his eyes were a bright red, his black pupils had gone just to be replaced by more red. The curse, Celestia remembered, It had already began to effect him. "Fields, will you give us some time alone?" Celestia asked still surprised by the fact that he was even here! "Oh and please tell my mother that I'm talking to some one and don't want to be disturbed?" Fields nodded and headed out the door. "It's been a very long time Celestia, hasn't it?" Celestia narrowed her eyes as she took King Daze in. 10 long years she had to wait to meet him again and now she didn't really know what to say. She had to chose her words carefully. "10 years, you've changed a lot..." Celestia stated looking around the room, why did it feel so awkward talking to him? Perhaps it was the fact that he had broke his promise! "So have you. You're all grown up now not the little filly that I remember." Daze walked forward, he had missed her so much but all the conversations he had planned over the years, they didn't want to come out. He had so much to say, so much to tell her but why couldn't he? "Daze. You broke your promise. I asked you to visit every year and waited for you to come, it was only a couple of years later that I figured that you were never going to show! I cried at night because of you, I missed you so much. My best friend and you abandoned me like that! Why Daze? Why? Was I not important to you? Was I just some filly that you met in your colthood who you just forgot about? I never thought you would show up again, why now? Why now when we've both grown up and not a filly and colt anymore?" Daze was shocked, he had never expected a response from Celestia like this. "Celestia, I'm sorry. I wanted to come but I couldn't, I couldn't just abandon my country, I know I broke my promise but I was scared of you seeing how I was changing, that's another reason why I didn't come. Look at me Celestia! I'm a freak, the curse has already begun, it's changing me all over and there's nothing I can do about it!" Celestia was silent and walked over to Daze. He looked down at her with tears in his eyes. "I shouldn't be so selfish Daze I know but I really did miss you. I couldn't imagine a world without you Daze." Celestia whispered reaching Daze into a hug. Daze blushed but was actually a little surprised, a world without him? Daze had thought long ago that the world didn't need a colt like him, he wasn't a perfect King he was just some stupid colt that was changing into a monster. "You're not being selfish Celestia. It was my fault really." Celestia pulled away from the hug and sat on the floor. "Why do you call me Celestia now, what ever happened to Tia?, In fact when you became King...I was just referred to Celestia." "I don't know, I love calling you by your full name. It's beautiful." Celestia blushed. How long had she wanted to talk to Daze like this? She didn't know. "Why are you here Daze?" "Because I know that it's your 18th birthday tomorrow and I just came...I do have a gift that you'll get tomorrow." Celestia knew that he was avoiding her question, why had he come back now? She believed that part of the reason he had come back was for her birthday but he also keeping a secret from her and she intended to find out what it was. "Well how long are you here for?" "I think about 2 or 3 weeks." "Oh okay. Daze your curse...there must be a cure to it." Daze flinched, why was she bringing this up? It was a sore subject for him and he didn't really want to talk about it. "Celestia I searched and searched but there just isn't." He stated, pawing his hoof at the ground with his head hung low. "Stop lying Daze, you've never lied to me before! There must be! There must be a cure!" Celestia cried. Daze just shook his head, why wouldn't she understood that there was no way to save him? "Celestia please be quiet!" He shouted. Celestia looked shocked, why had Daze shouted. "Why would I lie to you! There isn't!" Daze shouted yet again. Celestia looked angry and then turned away but not before whispering: "Daze you may have lost hope in finding a cure but I haven't and if it kills me you're going to be you again." She walked out the door and into the throne room. Daze let a single tear fall to the ground, why couldn't Celestia just see the truth? There was no turning back for him now.
Chapter 1: Meeting HimStarlight filled the sky, Celestia watched as her sister finished rising the moon. She was glad that her sister was back and had missed her so much. Walking back to the castle, she bent her head down, tomorrow was getting closer and closer. Hearts and Hooves day. She always regretted when the day grew closer, it reminded it of him, when he had been different. Looking over into the palace garden, she was reminded of that same day where they had met. Hurting Chapter 1: Meeting Almost 2000 years before Celestia looked at the sky, watching her father bring down the night. She watched him lift the moon, his mane glittering like the stars that shone through the sky. She loved her father but he didn't get much time to share being the king and co-ruler of Equestira. Turning back to her bedroom, she looked at the drawing that she had begun. The faint thin lines of the pencil showed her hugging her mother and father whilst her little sister Luna, sat in the middle, smiling up at them. She couldn't wait until her sister was a bit older, her sister was only a young foal at the moment and wasn't really much fun. Shining her horn, Celestia picked up the pencil and began to thicken the lines of her father, she wanted to make him complete and then she could show him, next time she saw him. There was a knock at her bedroom door, and Celestia was a bit miffed at her drawing being interrupted but she was a princess so knew she would have to respond to who had knocked at the door. Opening the door, a maid bowed at her and then spoke. "Hello, my princess, Your mother, the queen requests you imeaditly in the palace garden." The maid spoke. Celestia recognized her as Runny Fields. She didn't know much about Runny Fields, only that her mother had taken her in when she had found a starving filly on their doorstep and offered work in exchange for room and board. Runny Fields was an earth pony with a brown chestnut mane that was very curly. Her tail matched. Her coat was a light green colour, and her cutie mark consisted of a maid's hat which Runny Fields was also currently wearing. Celestia was jealous of ponies who already had their cutie mark, she really wished she could find out what her's was. However her father had reminded her that her cutie mark would show up in it's own time. She secretly knew that her father and mother hoped that her special talent would be something to do with the sun or moon. "Thank you for telling me Runny Fields, I must go." Celestia bowed and ran down the stairs and swear she heard Runny Fields whisper something like that filly has way too much energy. Celestia heard her hooves gallop along the floor until she came to a garden where she saw her mother basking in the moonlight, her father was no-where to be seen. "Hello Mother." Celestia greeted, smiling. It had been Luna, who had taken after her father being the same colour and even down to the same eyes. Celestia had taken after her mother but there were subtle differences, Celestia's mane and tail were bright pink and her mother's was a light yellow, just like the sun. Celestia believed that her mother's hair colour was down to the fact that she raised the sun, in fact her mother's cutie mark was a large sun, that was covered by a cloud. Her mother had a coat of white, just like Celestia. "Hello Celestia, I have two ponies who will be arriving soon who I wish to introduce you to to. They are visting from overseas from a far-off kingdom known as Bridletain. It has been a long journey for them, taking them almost a week to get here. The queen who is visiting has a young son, about your age. I hope that you will treat him well, I do not want to hear of any michief, do you need reminding of that incident Celestia in the palace kitchen?" Her mother responded, sternly, her eyes showing disapprovment. Celestia nodded, her mother was always so strict, she didn't know but sometimes she just assumed that her mother was being very protective. Just at that moment, a palace guard arrived with a message for her mother. "My queen, the two ponies have arrived." The guard spoke,bowing before his queen. "Very good, can you bring them here please?" The queen asked. "Yes, your highness." The guard bowed and ran off. It was about five minutes until the guard returned and behind him stood two ponies. One was a pegasus wearing a golden crow whilst the other was a grey unicorn. The Pegasus was female and looked very sick, she held herself in a way that was almost like she was fighting a losing battle. The pegasus had a blue coat, her mane was quite short and being light purple, only just passing through her ears. Her cutie mark consisted of a crown. The unicorn was male and was a lot younger than the pegasus, he looked around Celestia's age, maybe even a few years older, she couldn't really tell. "May I announce Queen Stonelight and Prince Daze." The guard announced and then backed away, probbaly going to do his royal duty. Celestia watched her mother approach Queen Stonelight and gave a quick bow. Queen Stonelight did the same. "I trust your journey has been well?" Her mother asked. "Yes, my Queen. It was quite tough to find your palace here! This castle is called the castle of the two pony sisters is it not?" "Yes it belonged to my great grandmother and her sister when they became the first rulers over Equestria. I'm sorry for the long trek from the docks but this forest is young and the town needs to grow." Her mother responded, smiling! This might have been one of the rare times when Celestia had seen her mother smiling. "Well this is my son Prince Daze." Queen Stonelight introduced the unicorn. Celestia finally took in what he looked like. His mane and coat were light brown whilst his coat was grey, She also noticed that he didn't have a cutie mark which made her happy! Prince Daze bowed and Celestia got a close look at his eyes, they were a bright red which put her a bit on edge, however she decided to ignore it for the time-being. "This is my daughter Princess Celestia." Her mother pushed forward and all Celestia could do was giggle as the colt bowed again. She heard a sigh from her mother when she didn't bow back. "Well if you two could run along? I would like to have a word with Queen Stonelight so run along you two." Her mother ushered her and Prince Daze back into the castle and shut the doors behind her. "Well your mother seemed very consistent there." Prince Daze commented, looking around the castle in awe. "The castle's nice, much bigger than the one I live back at home." "Well it must be nice, anyway. So how old are you?" Celestia asked turning to face him. His red eyes burned into her and then really freaked her out but she couldn't comment on this. "Around 10 years old, you look like you're about 8." He responded beginning to walk up the stairs. "Wow you're right. Anyway would you like to find some place to sleep, I'm not sure how long you and your mother will be staying here." "I think around a week and a half, we can't stay any longer because Bridletain would fall into chaos without us and yes I do need a room, perhaps I could bunk in your room, if you don't mind of course." "I'm sorry Daze, erm can you I call you Daze?. but my mother would go berserk if she knew a boy was sleeping in my room. I can show you a guest bedroom and that's probably where you will have to say." "Yes you can call me Daze as long as I can call you 'Tia. Alright if you would lead the way to the guest bedroom?" Celestia began to turn to left, if she remembered right, the guess bedrooms were located in the highest tower. "You're mother looks very ill." Celestia commented, turning to face Daze as they walked, she really wanted to know what was up with his mother but felt a bit rude asking. "I'd rather not talk about it, I don't really know you." Daze responded looking a bit sad and she swore she could see tears in his eyes. At long last they reached the tower and the guest bedroom. "Will you be alright here for the night?" "Yeap, I guess I'll see you tomorrow." "Err Yeah." Celestia closed the door and began to head back to her room. Once in her room, she settled on the bed and was ready to go to sleep. She couldn't wait to think of the fun adventures, she was going to have with Prince Daze. Author's Note Bridletain-based off Britain. Also when mentioned about ages such as 10 years old, I'm using human ages not horse ages because it just seems easier that way :).
Chapter 2: Stories, Mischief and AdventureChapter 2: Stories, Mischief and Adventure Celestia couldn't believe it had been almost 4 days since Prince Daze and Queen Stonelight had arrived. The days had been chock full of activities such as more drawing, telling jokes and her mother had smiled all through out it while taking care of Luna. She was on way up to the tower where Queen Stonelight had promised to tell her and Prince Daze a bedtime story, yes she seemed a bit old for them but she really wanted to listen to one! Knocking on the door, Celestia invited herself in and saw that her sister Luna was cuddled up by Prince Daze, it looked like her mother had brought her up here. Queen Stonelight smiled as Celestia lay down next to Prince Daze. "Well I'm sure everypony would like to hear the story of The Prince and The Witch?" Queen Stonelight asked, gazing down at them. Celestia nodded but she noticed out of the corner of his eye that Prince Daze looked quite sad, a tear forming on the brink of his eye. She watched as it fell to the floor and was slightly confused, why was Daze crying? He must have heard the story before, she hoped it wasn't that sad that she would cry. "I'll begin." Queen Stonelight and began to tell the tale. Once upon a time, there lived a King who ruled over an ancient land. This king was lonely and had no airs to carry on his line. He had searched and searched for a bride but could not find anyone who met his qualifications, he had become bitter and sad taking it out on his servants. Years passed this way until one day there was a knock at the door and a young mare stood in front of the king. To say it was love at first sight for him, his heart seemed to soar and it looked like he had finally managed to find his bride. The king invited her in and spent many days getting to know her. Eventually he proposed and she accepted. However the mare had a dark secret, since she was a unicorn, she practiced Black Magic. On the day of their wedding, an old friend who her's showed and told the whole kingdom that she practiced Black Magic. The king turned on her becoming angry at the fact that he had not told her this, Black Magic was forbidden you see because it was very dangerous. The unicorn mare grew angry at the fact that he had turned on her and not accepted for who she was and decided to cast a very powerful spell on him. " I curse you and your decadents! You will be bitter and angry while looking after a child and as for your last descendant they will change into a monster that no-one will be able to stop!" The mare cried and then disappeared. The curse took into effect however the King managed to have a son from one of the maids in the castle, which bung shame to his family. Soon the King died and it says to this day that his descendants are cursed and always will be. Celestia looked stunned when Queen Stonelight finished the tale, She had not been expecting something like that and it did seem a bit sad but Prince Daze looked really upset as he looked at his Mother. Celestia shook her head, she would let it rest for now. Heading back out the door, she swore she heard something faintly like Why did you tell her that tale, Mother!, she must be imagining things. *** The next day Celestia had challenged Prince Daze to a game of hide-'n'-seek, she really enjoyed this game but they had to be careful not to run into her Mother, her Father was having a sleep. She was going to see him later on. Looking into the room, she could just see Daze's mane poking out from behind a bed. "Found you!" Celestia cried happily. Daze came out of his hiding spot, sheepishly and gave her a big smile. "So what do you want to now?" He asked. "Well I was thinking, that maybe we could go on an adventure into the forest? I think it's called the EverFree Forest, My mother never really told me." She responded. "Tia, are you allowed in the forest though? I don't want to get into trouble for doing something you shouldn't." Celestia pondered this a bit, her mother had never warned her about the Everfree Forest so they should be alright. "Yeah, come let's go!" Celestia lead the way down the stairs, through many doors until at last they came to the main entrance. Bolting through the door, Daze followed her as they made their way into the forest. She stared at the towering trees and the dark grass that seemed to fill everywhere where her hooves touched. "Tia, this place is slightly creepy, I really think we should turn back now." Daze stated, looking around quite scared. "Oh don't be silly! There's no danger here!" Celestia chimed. They carried on walking for another half an hour and came across a clear blue lake, it gave off a strange air to Celestia and she didn't know what to really think about it. Daze was looking into the water and looked positively scared, of what she didn't know. "Daze...are you alright?" She asked. "No, not really. Listen there's something about me that I really need to tell you." "What?" He looked like he was about to respond to her question when she heard a snap of wood and saw that across the lake stood what looked like a dog but it was made out of wood.Daze was also looking in the same direction now. "Daze, what's that across there?" "I have no idea but we better run!" The two ponies began to gallop away from the creatures that had begun to swim across the lake, Celestia knew they had to get home fast. They ran and ran until at long last Celestia saw the castle however she could see her Mother, Father and Queen Stonelight looking around the castle, quite frantically. When Celestia and Daze reached them, her and Daze's Mother grabbed them both by their ears and took them inside to their bedrooms. Celestia watched as her Mother looked down at her furious. "Celestia! Why did you run off like that? You know you're not mean to venture from the castle." Her mother shouted, quite stressed. Celestia only bowed her head and mumbled "I'm sorry Mother, I forgot." Her mother huffed, "Go to bed, I will deal with you in the morning." Her mother walked in and Celestia could feel tears begin to fall down her muzzle, she knew that her mother worried about her a lot, also because her mother's brother had gotten killed in the same forest and no-one knew what he had been doing. Celestia sat on her bed for a while and then her father decided to come in. "Celestia, don't cry my dear." He stated sitting down by her and giving her a cuddle. "I'm sorry Daddy to make you and Mother worry it's just that I wanted to go on an adventure, I didn't want to make her angry, I'm sorry, does this mean that I won't be able to do anything with Daze, Daddy?" "Shush, my princess you'll be able to play tomorrow. Go to sleep now my dear." As Celestia's lay in her father's embrace, one thought stirred across her mind, what had Daze been planning to tell her at the lake?
Chapter 3: Crowning Death Chapter 3: Crowning Death Chapter 3: Crowning Death Prince Daze suddenly woke up from his deep slumber, he didn't know why but he could guess something bad was about to happen because whenever he woke up like this, he just knew bad things would happen. Looking around the room, he could see that his Mother was lying on her bed and that it was still nighttime outside. He was about to go to sleep again when suddenly, his mother began to struggle for breath in her sleep. Daze's heart began to hammer, not now! It couldn't happen now! He ran over to her bed and began to shake her awake with his hoof, he needed to save! She had to fight it! His mother seemed to wake very slowly and he could see tears forming in her eyes. "I'm sorry Daze but I've been fighting for so long and I can't fight it anymore." She spoke slowly, struggling to speak on each word. Daze knew that the only thing he could really do was shout for help and so he did. "ANYONE PLEASE HELP!" He shouted, as loud as his lungs allowed him. His mother seemed to offer a weak smile when she heard hoofsteps coming up the stairs. The door flung open and in walked Celestia, her father and a palace guard. "What ever is the matter Prince Daze?" Celestia's father asked him. He couldn't tell him the truth so lied. "I don't know, there's something wrong...with...my...mother." He responded looking at the tall alicorn. Celestia's father walked towards his mother and looked at her. Her muzzle was pale and her eyes were bloodshot. She was still struggling to breathe. "I've never seen something like this...it's almost like something's trying to kill her but on the inside." Celestia's father stated. "She's dying!" Prince Daze shouted, deciding to let them know the truth. She was dying and there was nothing they could do about it! Celestia's father didn't look surprised instead he seemed to look sad. "Stonelight, hang on. I don't think there is anything we can do for you, my dear..." The only words of comfort that the king of Equestira could offer. Daze walked up to his mother and lay his muzzle on her back. He whined softly as tears fell down to the ground. "Daze, do not worry. I'll be alright." His mother's words of encouragement were not enough. He lay there for a long time and those words would be the last that she would ever whisper to him, as she drew her last breath. Daze could see the hidden pain hidden in her eyes. As he finally saw that his Mother was dead. He knew that there was no cure, not anymore and Prince Daze fell to the floor in complete defeat. Celestia had been watching the ordeal silently and she was quite upset. The pegasus who she had become quite fond of, now lay there dead and she didn't know why. The palace guard was shocked and had to go out the room so he could tell the other guards about what had just happened. Her father just stood there, thinking. "Celestia, Daze, I need to go and talk to Celestia's Mother, there is a lot that needs to be done, no doubt Daze, Bridletain will need a King, now that their queen is dead. Oh this is such awful news." Her father walked out of the room and now only Celestia and Daze were in the room. "Erm Daze?" Celestia asked, walking near him. Daze turned to look at Celestia and she could tell that he was hurting so much but she needed to know, why his mother suddenly died. He knew, why for some reason, she could just tell. "You knew your mother was dying. How and why?" She asked gently, placing her hoof on his. He seemed hesitant to answer but did anyway. "Do you remember that story that my mother told us about the Prince and The Witch?" Celestia nodded, she wondered why that silly little fairy-tale was important. "Well, the story is true. It's a story about my family's past and the curse it still affects us even now, several generations down." Celestia was shocked, she had not expected an answer such as that. "I didn't think it could be true, so the curse was killing your mother?" "Yes. The curse has affected my family in many different ways. My mother has been sick for a very long time and she could never get better. My father went insane and killed himself. My uncle...he started to murder other ponies because he claimed that it was the only way to free himself from the curse and he was hung. I don't know what happened to my grandparents though. I'm the last descendant Celestia. That means one day I'm going to be some horrible monster..." "Daze, you don't have to be the last descendant! You could marry somepony!" "Who though Celestia?" "Marry me, when we're older. That way I can save you!" Daze gave a weak smile but shook his head. "No Celestia. I'm not going to marry anyone. There's a bit more to the curse that story, It would also start to affect you if you married me so don't and I can't give pass this curse on, I might as well accept my fate and become the monster that the curse has depicted me to be, please don't tell anyone else about this Celestia please." Celestia was quite distraught now, she wasn't going to let him become a monster! One way or another she was going to find a way to break the curse. She nodded though, she wouldn't tell anyone else about his curse. *** The next days were a blur of activity. Prince Daze decided to hold the funeral at the palace and his crowning. Celestia didn't see him for two days straight because she had been helping with preparations for the funeral. All she knew was that Prince Daze had been moping around in the room, just staring at a blank wall. She headed up to the room and walked in. He was still facing the wall. "Daze, the funeral is going to happen a bit, I think you'll want to go to it." Daze turned around and tears were still falling from his eyes. "I know Celestia and then my crowning will begin. I won't be a prince anymore, I'll be a king and I don't want to be. I am going to be the last ruler of my family in Bridletain." Celestia watched as he made his way down the stairs ready for the funeral. Celestia thought that the funeral was quite beautiful, all of the town's folk came to pay their respects and said that she had must have been a good queen. Daze didn't say a word throughout because he was dreading his crowning. He did have to go up and say a few words about his mother though. When Daze walked up to the front of the great hall, Celestia knew that his speech were going to cause both him and her to cry. "My mother was one of the greatest mares I knew. She was lovely and kind and loved her kingdom. However she was taken from us far too young. I lost my father too at a young age. I want to be a good king and make my mother proud. That's all." The ponies clapped politely as Prince Daze headed back to Celestia. For the rest of funeral, they sang classic songs from Bridletain that Celestia thought were beautiful. The funeral had been held in the morning and once the mourners had gone, the maids and waiters had got the great hall ready for Prince Daze's coronation and crowning. Afternoon came quite quickly and Prince Daze got ready at the end of the hall. The grey unicorn was nervous, Celestia could tell but she thought he looked quite handsome because he wore the amulets of Briddletain that the king was required to wear. Daze still looked sad but Celestia smiled happily as she went to the front and the sound of a piano could be heard, it had been one of the first instruments that had been invented and Celestia was sure other instruments were going to follow. As the music began, Prince Daze walked down the hall, where hundreds of spectators had gathered and gasped in awe as he walked towards where her father and mother stood. They were going to place his mother's crown on him. Her father picked up the crown with his magic and put in onto Prince Daze's head. "I now present King Daze of Briddletain!" Her father announced. After her father's words, Prince Daze's crown began to glow and surrounded him in a white light. Celestia gasped as it seemed to swirl around him and he was lifted up into the air. When the light had vanished, Prince Daze landed had a strange set of wings that were sort of covered in armor and were a darker grey. Celestia gasped, Prince Daze had become an alicorn! Also he had his cutie mark, strange black arrows pointing in different direction, she was quite confused but decided to worry about it later. Everybody in the great hall seemed surprised but then they all started to clap and bow down in front of the new king *** King Daze was leaving, two days later than planned and without his mother Celestia saw that King Daze was about to step onto his carriage. She ran and ran down the stairs she had to ask him, she loved him as a friend in fact, he was her best friend, probably the first friend she had ever had. "Daze! Wait don't go yet!" She shouted, getting closer to him. Daze gave a sad smile and asked the transport horse to stop. "Why not Celestia?" He asked. Celestia had noticed that he had started calling her by her full name and she didn't know why. "Take me with you! Please I could help you?" Her hidden meaning was clear to both of them. "No Celestia, you have to stay here. I don't want you to see me changing." "Oh, promise me one thing that one day we will see each other again, maybe later this year?" "Of course." Daze bowed and smiled but still with sadness in his eyes. "I'll hold you to that promise." Celestia responded, she watched Daze tell the transport pony to go and him head off into the sunset. She stood there for a long time watching the horizon, wondering when they would meet again. Maybe even the same year.
Chapter 4: Reuniting Chapter 4: Reuniting Chapter 4: Reuniting 10 years later "Celestia, stand tall! Don't slouch!" Her mother shouted at her as Celestia sat on the sofa. Just because today she was having her third portrait done, her mother thought it was some sort of important event. She just didn't see how it was important. Her little 10 year old sister Luna, giggled in the background, she found everything funny. Celestia couldn't help smile, she really did love her sister and would do anything for her. Celestia figured that she must have been sitting on the sofa for about an hour already and her legs were beginning to fall asleep. The painter kept glancing at her with a frown on his face, every time she moved. Well she couldn't help if she was uncomfortable, who would in this compromising position? About another half an hour later and the painter had finished sketching the basic form. Celestia got up and stretched her legs, tomorrow the painter would want her again. The painting had been thrown into her already busy schedule and she hardly got any time with her little sister, all she really wanted to was play with her! "Celestia, quickly! We need to start preparations for your 18th birthday ball!" Her mother, stated clapping her hooves together and walking out the door as elegantly as possible. Celestia gave a sigh, her 18th birthday was tomorrow. She was dreading it, she knew that many lords and duchess were coming. Her mother was going to try and pick a suitor for her, she didn't want to get married! However the princess could never go against her mother's wishes. She followed after her mother, her head hung low. She just didn't see the appeal in a ball. They were always so boring! Celestia had never been one to complain, instead she just went through with it, well she might as well! "Oh Celestia, you're going to love it! There will be be pretty flowers, beautiful music playing and of course many royal colts for you to dance with. Hence I might even say that you might find yourself a good husband in time!" "Mother, I'm too young to get married yet." Celestia responded, giving her mother a sideways look. "Oh don't be ridiculous! I got married when I saw sixteen to your father, we met at a ball as well you know an-" Celestia cut her mother off. "I know Mother, I know you don't need to remind me. You must have told that tale at least 53 times." Her mother gave a small smile and started to walk very quickly to one of the kitchens. "Mother where are you going?" Celestia asked, a little surprised. " To get your dress for the occasion! Go to the throne room please Celestia!" Her mother responded disappearing into the kitchen. Celestia was a little bit confused, why was her dress in the kitchen? It was a bit of a strange place to put it. Especially with all the food about, it might get ruined and then her mother would throw a strop! Heading to the throne room, Celestia stared at the portraits that hung on the wall of her ancestors. They all looked down at her with a disapproval scowl. Why had all her ancestors looked like they were miserable? Celestia hoped to find out that reason one day. Yes she understood the emotion of disappointment and resent but to be constantly moody, she just didn't see how ponies could be like that! Reaching into the throne room, Celestia stared at her mother's throne. She had a sneaky idea. She really wanted to sit on the throne, she knew that she shouldn't really sit on it but she was going to be queen one day so she might as well. There was a knock at the main door and Celestia quickly leapt off the seat and went to go and open the door. There stood Runny Fields. She had become one of Celestia's most trusted ponies and a friendship had formed over the years even though Runny Fields was older than her. Celestia had become slightly taller than the average pony but she still wasn't a fully grown alicorn. When she gained her full powers, she would reach her full height. Celestia know had her cutie mark it had come when she had been playing at night one day and decided that she was going to have a go at raising the sun and she had manged to do it! Her mother had discovered about it the next minute and was beaming but still looked a little bit angry that Celestia had raised the sun without her mother's permission. "What is it Fields?" Celestia asked. Long ago had Celestia decided to call her Fields. "Celestia, my princess. I did not expect to find you here. It's that a guest has arrived on the doorstep, I was wondering if you wanted me to invite him in?" Fields finished. Celestia never understood why her best friend always addressed her privately in public, when they were alone, Fields was very informal. Celestia was actually quite surprised that they had a visitor. Could it be that one of the guests had got the date wrong and turned up a day early? If that was the case, She would notify her mother but first she wanted to see who this visitor was. "Yes but bring him to the throne room please Fields." "Yes your majesty." Fields bowed and disappeared. A few minutes passed and she returned and Celestia's could hear the guests hooves behind her. Celestia couldn't wait to find out who this guest was! "May I announce King Daze?" Fields stated, allowing someone to walk through who Celestia hadn't seen in 10 long years. Celestia's eyes widened as she looked at her old friend. He looked so different now. He was taller and looked like he had shaped out. He was about 4 inches taller than her but she also noticed that he had horns now and his eyes were a bright red, his black pupils had gone just to be replaced by more red. The curse, Celestia remembered, It had already began to effect him. "Fields, will you give us some time alone?" Celestia asked still surprised by the fact that he was even here! "Oh and please tell my mother that I'm talking to some one and don't want to be disturbed?" Fields nodded and headed out the door. "It's been a very long time Celestia, hasn't it?" Celestia narrowed her eyes as she took King Daze in. 10 long years she had to wait to meet him again and now she didn't really know what to say. She had to chose her words carefully. "10 years, you've changed a lot..." Celestia stated looking around the room, why did it feel so awkward talking to him? Perhaps it was the fact that he had broke his promise! "So have you. You're all grown up now not the little filly that I remember." Daze walked forward, he had missed her so much but all the conversations he had planned over the years, they didn't want to come out. He had so much to say, so much to tell her but why couldn't he? "Daze. You broke your promise. I asked you to visit every year and waited for you to come, it was only a couple of years later that I figured that you were never going to show! I cried at night because of you, I missed you so much. My best friend and you abandoned me like that! Why Daze? Why? Was I not important to you? Was I just some filly that you met in your colthood who you just forgot about? I never thought you would show up again, why now? Why now when we've both grown up and not a filly and colt anymore?" Daze was shocked, he had never expected a response from Celestia like this. "Celestia, I'm sorry. I wanted to come but I couldn't, I couldn't just abandon my country, I know I broke my promise but I was scared of you seeing how I was changing, that's another reason why I didn't come. Look at me Celestia! I'm a freak, the curse has already begun, it's changing me all over and there's nothing I can do about it!" Celestia was silent and walked over to Daze. He looked down at her with tears in his eyes. "I shouldn't be so selfish Daze I know but I really did miss you. I couldn't imagine a world without you Daze." Celestia whispered reaching Daze into a hug. Daze blushed but was actually a little surprised, a world without him? Daze had thought long ago that the world didn't need a colt like him, he wasn't a perfect King he was just some stupid colt that was changing into a monster. "You're not being selfish Celestia. It was my fault really." Celestia pulled away from the hug and sat on the floor. "Why do you call me Celestia now, what ever happened to Tia?, In fact when you became King...I was just referred to Celestia." "I don't know, I love calling you by your full name. It's beautiful." Celestia blushed. How long had she wanted to talk to Daze like this? She didn't know. "Why are you here Daze?" "Because I know that it's your 18th birthday tomorrow and I just came...I do have a gift that you'll get tomorrow." Celestia knew that he was avoiding her question, why had he come back now? She believed that part of the reason he had come back was for her birthday but he also keeping a secret from her and she intended to find out what it was. "Well how long are you here for?" "I think about 2 or 3 weeks." "Oh okay. Daze your curse...there must be a cure to it." Daze flinched, why was she bringing this up? It was a sore subject for him and he didn't really want to talk about it. "Celestia I searched and searched but there just isn't." He stated, pawing his hoof at the ground with his head hung low. "Stop lying Daze, you've never lied to me before! There must be! There must be a cure!" Celestia cried. Daze just shook his head, why wouldn't she understood that there was no way to save him? "Celestia please be quiet!" He shouted. Celestia looked shocked, why had Daze shouted. "Why would I lie to you! There isn't!" Daze shouted yet again. Celestia looked angry and then turned away but not before whispering: "Daze you may have lost hope in finding a cure but I haven't and if it kills me you're going to be you again." She walked out the door and into the throne room. Daze let a single tear fall to the ground, why couldn't Celestia just see the truth? There was no turning back for him now.
