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Our Kingdom - Chapter I: I'm Not Okay

By O.K
Created: 2025-09-12 20:22:00
Updated: 2025-09-13 01:26:46
Expiry: Never
celestialunaanonymous/moon/dayalternate universe

  1. 1.
    >The wind howled as it swept across the balcony, bringing with it a chill that you barely felt, even as the rain seeped through the robe wrapped around your shoulders.
  2. 2.
    >It was almost comforting, and if nothing else, it was a reminder that you were still alive.
  3. 3.
    >You still weren't quite sure how you felt about that honestly.
  4. 4.
    >Sometimes you felt like you were making real progress. That maybe, your knowledge of a world untouched by chaos could somehow make the difference in this one.
  5. 5.
    >That's what Star Swirl seemed to believe anyway.
  6. 6.
    >But most times? You just felt empty.
  7. 7.
    >Taking in a deep breath, you turned your gaze to the horizon.
  8. 8.
    >The rolling clouds of the maelstrom smothered the sky in a magenta haze, stretching endlessly in every direction as far as the eye could see.
  9. 9.
    >It was crazy to think that you hadn't seen sunlight in...
  10. 10.
    >Weeks? No... that couldn't be right.
  11. 11.
    >Either way, you'd been here long enough to know that time had lost all meaning.
  12. 12.
    >It made you wonder, about how ordinary things had been.
  13. 13.
    >How much you missed it.
  14. 14.
    >Ultimately?
  15. 15.
    >You just wanted things to be normal again...
  16. 16.
     
  17. 17.
    >The sound of the door opening behind you snapped you out of your thoughts, as the balcony was bathed in a fiery gold, broken only by the long shadow cast along the stone floor.
  18. 18.
    >The rhythmic clopping of hooves approached you, as the doors closed with an echoing thud. Plunging the balcony back into a dim gloom.
  19. 19.
    >You glanced over your shoulder to see Luna, who stopped mid-step as your eyes met hers.
  20. 20.
    >"Hello..."
  21. 21.
    >She spoke softly, her voice carrying a hesitance that you hadn't known since your first meeting.
  22. 22.
    "Um, hey..."
  23. 23.
    >Luna shifted slightly, her gaze drifting towards the ground before returning to you.
  24. 24.
    >"I'm not intruding, am I?"
  25. 25.
    >This was new... she never sought you out - unless Star Swirl forced her to that is.
  26. 26.
    "No, no it's fine - I was just... thinking."
  27. 27.
    >Luna moved closer, stopping by the balcony's edge. Scanning the horizon as she took in the sight of the scarlet sky.
  28. 28.
    >The wind caught her mane, the rapidly dampening strands of sapphire whipping around her face.
  29. 29.
    >Even in the dull light, her blue coat was striking, the contrast to the maelstrom's shifting hues making her appear almost ethereal.
  30. 30.
    >Her eyes were a brilliant teal, which shimmered with an iridescence matched only by her sister.
  31. 31.
    >Eyes which were now, staring back at you.
  32. 32.
    >"Thinking of home?"
  33. 33.
    >You quickly shifted your gaze back to the horizon, focusing on nothing in particular. But you could still feel her gaze burning into you.
  34. 34.
    >Was it really that obvious?
  35. 35.
    >You hadn't exactly been hiding it, though it felt weird to be called out.
  36. 36.
    "Something like that, yeah."
  37. 37.
    >For a moment, Luna was silent - though out of the corner of your eye you could see her turn back to the horizon.
  38. 38.
    >"I can't say I know what that's like... I never had a home. Not really."
  39. 39.
    >That caught your attention, as you turned back to look at her.
  40. 40.
    >She didn't so much as glance your way, her expression a strange mix of longing and another emotion you couldn't quite place.
  41. 41.
    >"My sister and I. We're not from here - at least, not in the way others are, and I think in that way, we have something in common."
  42. 42.
    >You could tell that there was so much more behind those words, their past was just as much of a mystery to you as your own was to them.
  43. 43.
    >You were both outsiders, albeit in different ways.
  44. 44.
    "I mean, I guess that's one way of looking at it. But I think you're still better off than me."
  45. 45.
    >Luna's eyes flicked towards you once again, her brow furrowing slightly in what looked like confusion or perhaps even concern.
  46. 46.
    >"How so?"
  47. 47.
    "Well, you have your sister for one, and a whole future ahead of you - you have a purpose. But me? I'm a nobody."
  48. 48.
    >She seemed to pause at that, she and Celestia were the key to ending all this.
  49. 49.
    >You needed them to succeed.
  50. 50.
    >They had to, for everyone's sake.
  51. 51.
    >For your sake.
  52. 52.
    >Was it selfish?
  53. 53.
    >Absolutely.
  54. 54.
    >But a world ruled by chaos, was no place to live - for anything.
  55. 55.
     
  56. 56.
    >"Sometimes... I wonder if having such a destiny is worth the burden that comes with it."
  57. 57.
    >Her voice was quiet, barely above a whisper and her eyes fell to the stone beneath her hooves.
  58. 58.
    "You don't believe in destiny?"
  59. 59.
    >"My sister embraces it. She sees the path ahead laid out before us as something necessary, something that we must do for the good of everyone."
  60. 60.
    >As if sensing her own doubts, she quickly corrected herself.
  61. 61.
    >"And she's right! But that's not because it's our destiny, it's just the right thing to do."
  62. 62.
    >It sounded more like she was trying to convince herself, rather than you.
  63. 63.
    >But then again, could you really blame her?
  64. 64.
    >You'd been so consumed with the idea of getting your own life back, that you'd never stopped to think about what this meant for them.
  65. 65.
    >They were barely even adults - younger than you were even, but at least you had a life before this.
  66. 66.
    >You decided to choose your next words carefully.
  67. 67.
    "Destiny... isn't always a bad thing, you know?"
  68. 68.
    >"How could it be? A destiny like ours can only mean good things for Equestria."
  69. 69.
    "So what's the problem?"
  70. 70.
    >"Shouldn't this make me happy?"
  71. 71.
    >It wasn't clear if she was asking at all but the question hung in the air regardless.
  72. 72.
    "I don't really know Luna, destiny isn't really a thing where I'm from... at least, not the same way it is here. Maybe you just don't like the idea of not being in control of your life."
  73. 73.
    >The moment lingered as she mulled over your words.
  74. 74.
    >Turning her head, she slowly met your gaze and for once, looked at you with something other than indifference.
  75. 75.
    >"Is that how, you feel?"
  76. 76.
    >There was a disarming sincerity in her voice, sounding both vulnerable and hopeful all at once.
  77. 77.
    >You found yourself nodding, almost without thinking and felt oddly lighter for it.
  78. 78.
    >Judging from the quiet sigh that escaped Luna, you weren't the only one.
  79. 79.
    >You'd been pretending for so long, that you'd forgotten what it was like to be open with someone.
  80. 80.
    >It was nice.
  81. 81.
     
  82. 82.
    >A low rumble of thunder echoed in the distance, killing the moment as the world was bathed in a flash of magenta light.
  83. 83.
    >The sky tore open, revealing the arcane energies that twisted and writhed above the clouds.
  84. 84.
    >Glancing at each other, you both took the cue to head back inside.
  85. 85.
    >As the door closed behind you, the cloistered halls of the castle reminded you of just how small your world had become.
  86. 86.
    >Wordlessly, you both began making your way through the castle, the silence punctuated by Luna's steps.
  87. 87.
    >Though her persistent glances in your direction made it hard to ignore the questions swirling in your mind.
  88. 88.
    "I'm guessing you haven't told Celestia?"
  89. 89.
    >You asked, attempting to stay as casual as possible.
  90. 90.
    >Luna didn't answer right away, her mane hanging limply over her face as she shook her head.
  91. 91.
    >Interesting.
  92. 92.
    >You figured she would have spoken to Celestia first, but that only fuelled your confusion more.
  93. 93.
    "Not that I'm ungrateful or anything but, why me?"
  94. 94.
    >She took her time, giving it some thought before answering.
  95. 95.
    >"I just needed to tell someone. I hope that's alright?"
  96. 96.
    >The truth was, she didn't have anyone else to talk to - not really.
  97. 97.
    >You might have all lived in the castle but you'd been isolated from the rest of its inhabitants.
  98. 98.
    >It was for their safety but it was still pretty lonely.
  99. 99.
    >So yeah, you could relate.
  100. 100.
    "It's fine, don't worry about me telling anyone. Besides, who am I gonna tell right?"
  101. 101.
    >You tried your best to sound light-hearted but it only seemed to sullen her mood.
  102. 102.
    "But seriously though, I won't say anything if you don't - I promise."
  103. 103.
    >Luna lifted her head, the faintest smile appearing on her muzzle.
  104. 104.
    >A few moments passed as you continued walking, before Luna spoke up again.
  105. 105.
    >"Where are we going?"
  106. 106.
    "Star Swirl wanted me to explain some diagrams I made. Probably'll take a while..."
  107. 107.
    >She perked up at the mention of her mentor. Though said nothing, instead offering a quiet hum of acknowledgement.
  108. 108.
    >The two of you settled into a comfortable silence, winding your way through the dimly lit corridors.
  109. 109.
    >Even as the door to his study came into view, Luna made no effort to leave.
  110. 110.
    >Stopping in front of the door, you moved to knock but stopped yourself.
  111. 111.
    >Turning to her, she looked at you questioningly.
  112. 112.
    "You can go, if you want? It's fine."
  113. 113.
    >"Do you want me to leave?"
  114. 114.
    >You looked back at your still-raised hand for a second.
  115. 115.
    "Not really."
  116. 116.
     
  117. 117.
    >Knocking on the door, you waited as the muffled voice of Star Swirl called from inside.
  118. 118.
    >"Enter."
  119. 119.
    >Pushing the door open, you stepped into the midst of Star Swirl's research.
  120. 120.
    >Books and scrolls littered every available surface: magical theorems and treatises which were withered from centuries of neglect.
  121. 121.
    >Star Swirl sat with his back to you, hunched over a desk as he scratched away at a piece of parchment.
  122. 122.
    >You moved through the mess with a practised ease, careful not to disturb the carnage as Luna awkwardly picked her way behind you.
  123. 123.
    >He barely glanced at you as you entered his field of view.
  124. 124.
    >"Finally found time for me I see..."
  125. 125.
    >His tone was sharp, not even bothering to hide his annoyance as he dipped his quill.
  126. 126.
    "Well - you know, I just wanted to run over things myself first. Didn't want to make a mistake."
  127. 127.
    >His icy-blue eyes flicked up from the parchment, side-eyeing you with a look that cut right through you.
  128. 128.
    >With a mild grunt he turned back to his writings, pausing only briefly to pull out your creased sketches from the carnage spread before him.
  129. 129.
    >"Time that would've been better spent with me, but at least now we can - "
  130. 130.
    >A sudden avalanche of papers from behind made him startle, cutting off his sentence.
  131. 131.
    >Both of you turned to see Luna being showered with priceless manuscripts, wincing slightly as they bounced off her head.
  132. 132.
    >"Sorry..."
  133. 133.
    >She mumbled sheepishly, causing a weary sigh to escape Star Swirl.
  134. 134.
    >He lowered his head in what had long become a practised move, the bells on his hat jingling softly.
  135. 135.
    >"I take it there's a reason for your being here?"
  136. 136.
    "She's with me."
  137. 137.
    >He glanced between the two of you but seemingly brushed it off as he turned back to your diagrams.
  138. 138.
    >An assortment of various models of the solar system and the lunar cycle.
  139. 139.
    >Helio-centric, geo-centric - even half-remembered religious explanations of celestial motion and the lunar cycle.
  140. 140.
    >To you, they were nothing out of the ordinary.
  141. 141.
    >But to him? They were what he'd spent his entire life searching for.
  142. 142.
    >Whether they actually meant something here though, was debatable.
  143. 143.
    >For now at least, it kept a roof over your head.
  144. 144.
    >"If this is the way of things in your world, then where did they come from? Surely there is more?"
  145. 145.
    "Well no one actually really knows for sure where they came from, not for certain anyway. Just that they've been there from the beginning."
  146. 146.
    >You hated giving him answers like that.
  147. 147.
    >Not just because it was unhelpful, but because it revealed just how little you actually knew.
  148. 148.
    >The moment he realized that, would be the moment you outlived your usefulness.
  149. 149.
     
  150. 150.
    >Star Swirl stroked through the brown hairs of his beard and Luna made herself known by leaning over his shoulder.
  151. 151.
    >Despite her name, she had no insight into celestial mechanics but judging by the look on her face, she was still fascinated by your ideas. Even if she didn't understand them.
  152. 152.
    >What was even weirder was that neither she or Celestia had their marks.
  153. 153.
    >Which according to Star Swirl, meant they had yet to discover their destiny.
  154. 154.
    >A destiny they knew nothing about.
  155. 155.
    >But they were special, being both alicorns and named as they were, it only made sense that their destiny lay with the heavens.
  156. 156.
    >"How come there's so many different ways?"
  157. 157.
    >Luna asked, looking between your sketches and Star Swirl's notes.
  158. 158.
    "My people like to understand things... even if we have to come up with the answer ourselves."
  159. 159.
    >Star Swirl quirked his brow at that, turning to face you properly.
  160. 160.
    >"So what you mean to say is - you don't actually know."
  161. 161.
    "Hey - you wanted me to tell you what the possibilities were and that's what I did. And also, why would it work the same way here?
  162. 162.
    >That seemed to placate him, though it was clear he still wasn't satisfied.
  163. 163.
    >"Even with these... ideas, Discord has spent centuries hunting down what little knowledge remains of the celestial arts."
  164. 164.
    >The pause that followed was uneasy, the subject of Discord was something which he often avoided.
  165. 165.
    >When he did bring it up, it was with equal parts fear and anger. A bitterness that had clearly consumed him for a long time.
  166. 166.
    "If there's nothing left, then how do you even know what you're looking for?"
  167. 167.
    >"Unicorns like me - are able to sense that something is missing. We know that our magic is made for a world that should be, but no longer is."
  168. 168.
    >You were about to ask what he meant but Luna beat you to it.
  169. 169.
    >"Then why do me and Celestia not feel that way?"
  170. 170.
    >"Because neither of you have your marks yet, if you did, then you would know that your calling is being denied to you."
  171. 171.
    >She fell silent, tilting her head downward as if deep in thought.
  172. 172.
    "This is gonna sound stupid but - why can't you just make something new?"
  173. 173.
    >Both of them turned to you, with Star Swirl looking like you'd just slapped him in the face.
  174. 174.
    >"A ritual even /approaching/ the scale of any of these would be... Impractical, at best. The calculations alone would take hundreds of years."
  175. 175.
    >You were afraid he was going to say something like that...
  176. 176.
    >None of you could afford to wait that long nor did you want to.
  177. 177.
    >There had to be another way, there just had to.
  178. 178.
     
  179. 179.
    >The moment was cut short as the doors to the study flew open, sending papers flying everywhere.
  180. 180.
    >"There you are!"
  181. 181.
    >You barely had time to react as a white blur sailed passed you, colliding with Luna in an embrace.
  182. 182.
    >"Where've you been? I looked everywhere!"
  183. 183.
    >Celestia, the older of the two sisters, was equally striking.
  184. 184.
    >Her snow-white coat practically glowed in the amber light of the study, while her mane - a burnt burgundy, flowed over the robes that covered her frame.
  185. 185.
    >"I'm okay sister. You don't have to worry about me."
  186. 186.
    >That elicited a brief chuckle from Celestia, as she finally broke away.
  187. 187.
    >"It's my job to worry about you, that's what I'm here for."
  188. 188.
    >Turning to both you and Star Swirl, her amethyst eyes lingered on you for a moment before switching her focus to her mentor, who was rather unimpressed with her entrance.
  189. 189.
    >"Must you always insist on barging in unannounced? Honestly..."
  190. 190.
    >"Well, it's not like you're doing anything important."
  191. 191.
    >You swear you saw his eye twitch at that, and you couldn't help but smirk a little.
  192. 192.
    >Though his sigh of resignation was heavy.
  193. 193.
    >"Clearly... but since you're happy that your sister is safe and sound, I suggest you run along."
  194. 194.
    >He turned away from her and Celestia narrowed her eyes as she looked to Luna, who looked between all three of you with uncertainty.
  195. 195.
    >Looking to the ground, Celestia seemed to weigh her options before looking back to her mentor.
  196. 196.
    >"No."
  197. 197.
     
  198. 198.
    >His quill stopped mid-stroke as he seemed to double take.
  199. 199.
    >"What did you say?"
  200. 200.
    >"I said, no. I'm not going back to doing nothing. So - I wanna go explore the castle."
  201. 201.
    >You shared a look with Luna, who looked equally surprised by her sister's boldness.
  202. 202.
    >"You know full well why I can't allow that - It's too dangerous."
  203. 203.
    >"I can handle myself."
  204. 204.
    >There was a inherent smugness to her tone which only served to irritate Star Swirl further.
  205. 205.
    >"Listen! There are others here in the castle who -"
  206. 206.
    >"No you listen! I'm tired of sitting around, waiting for something to happen! If they find out about us, then so what? That's a good thing!"
  207. 207.
    >"No it isn't! You don't know what I know, and I promise you - castle politics are not something either of you want to be a part of."
  208. 208.
    >That only intrigued Celestia more but Luna finally decided to step in.
  209. 209.
    >"Sister, maybe we should just - "
  210. 210.
    >"No Luna - don't you see? He hasn't done us any good keeping us here. How are we meant to help anyone if we don't even know what's going on?"
  211. 211.
    >Star Swirl's boiled over, slamming his hooves on the desk which made all three of you jump.
  212. 212.
     
  213. 213.
    >"Done you any good!? You - insolent, little brat! Who do you think has been keeping you fed? Keeping you safe? Do you think that was easy?"
  214. 214.
    >Celestia recoiled under the punctuation of his words, her ears flattening against her head as her confidence crumbled.
  215. 215.
    >Though he wasn't finished, pre-emptively raising his hoof to silence her inevitable comeback.
  216. 216.
    >"You - have NO idea what I've been through for your sake. I've risked everything for you even BE here, and for what? So you can throw it back in my face?"
  217. 217.
    >"N-No, I just -"
  218. 218.
    >Against your better judgement, you decided to intervene - hoping to deescalate the situation.
  219. 219.
    "I'm sure that's not what she meant - "
  220. 220.
    >He rounded on you, forcing you back a step.
  221. 221.
    >"And what do you know!? This doesn't concern you, so stay out of it!"
  222. 222.
    "Easy! All I'm saying is - maybe exploring the castle, isn't such a bad idea? It might be good for them."
  223. 223.
    >The tension in the air was suffocating as he met your gaze, the two of you engaged in an uneasy standoff.
  224. 224.
    >"You do not get to decide what's best for them..."
  225. 225.
    >He narrowed his eyes at you, the words were laced with venom.
  226. 226.
    "I get that - but you could at least explain /why/ they're not allowed? Right?"
  227. 227.
    >That might've been the longest few seconds of your life but eventually, he did relent.
  228. 228.
    >Turning his attention back to the sisters, Star Swirl lowered his head - closing his eyes for a moment as let his anger subside.
  229. 229.
    >"Canterlot is home to some of the most brilliant arcane minds in Equestria, but it's also home to many who would rather use you for their own gain. I called in every favour I had just to keep you here but even then, they /know/ I'm hiding something. That's why I - "
  230. 230.
    >"If it's so dangerous for us, then why bring us here?"
  231. 231.
    >Luna's question stopped him in his tracks and for the first time since you'd known him - Star Swirl hesitated.
  232. 232.
    >"Your destinies are the key to unlocking my own. If that means I need to keep you here to do that, then I will - with or without your blessing."
  233. 233.
     
  234. 234.
    >The sisters exchanged a wary look, their expressions mirroring each other's realization.
  235. 235.
    >Tentatively, Celestia spoke up.
  236. 236.
    >"So - you're just, using us?"
  237. 237.
    >"Yes."
  238. 238.
    >Something about the flatness of his answer seemed to shock them more than the admission itself.
  239. 239.
    >"Then - then we /should/ leave!"
  240. 240.
    >"No, you shouldn't."
  241. 241.
    >The hint of warning in his tone was clear, though Celestia pressed on.
  242. 242.
    >"And why's that?"
  243. 243.
    >"Without me, you have nothing and here - you have all the knowledge you could ever need. If you truly want to make a difference, then you need me as much as I need you."
  244. 244.
    >While it wasn't exactly reassuring, he did have a point.
  245. 245.
    >Though there was another question that had been gnawing at you since you came here.
  246. 246.
    "What about me? Where do I fit in all this?"
  247. 247.
    >All eyes turned to you but Star Swirl was the only one to answer.
  248. 248.
    >"You are here because you have knowledge I need, so as long as that knowledge remains useful, you can stay. Otherwise..."
  249. 249.
    >He didn't finish, letting the implication hang in the air.
  250. 250.
    "Right, yeah."
  251. 251.
    >The moment lingered, the room's atmosphere heavy with the weight of unspoken tension.
  252. 252.
    >Eventually, Celestia broke the silence.
  253. 253.
    >"Then why can't we explore the castle, if there's things here that could help us, then you should let us."
  254. 254.
    >Star Swirl sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose with a hoof.
  255. 255.
    "Now hold on a minute, I think they really could explore the castle."
  256. 256.
    >The look he shot you was nothing short of incredulous.
  257. 257.
    "No really, Remember how hard it was for you to get me into the castle?"
  258. 258.
    >"How could I forget...?"
  259. 259.
    "So, if I go with them, then no one will go anywhere near us, right?"
  260. 260.
    >Celestia practically lit up with excitement, while Luna still looked unsure.
  261. 261.
    >"That's brilliant! Why didn't I think of that? Oh, you /have/ to let us go now - please?"
  262. 262.
    >He looked between the three of you and, to your surprise, actually seemed to consider it.
  263. 263.
    >"Fine, you can go - "
  264. 264.
    >"Yes!"
  265. 265.
    >"But - you can't go by yourselves. Instead, Clover will accompany you."
  266. 266.
    >Celestia's short-lived celebration died but Luna took the moment to ask for all of you.
  267. 267.
    >"Who's Clover?"
  268. 268.
    >"My apprentice..."
  269. 269.
     
  270. 270.
    >After what was a long and exhaustive lecture on the rules of engagement with the others of the castle, the three of you stood before the towering, ornate door that sealed you off from the rest of the castle's inhabitants.
  271. 271.
    >Celestia slowly reached for the handle, seemingly drawn to it like a moth to a flame.
  272. 272.
    "Don't."
  273. 273.
    >Withdrawing her hoof, Celestia turned to you with a questioning glance.
  274. 274.
    >"Why?"
  275. 275.
    "Because, you don't want to ruin it for yourself - just be patient."
  276. 276.
    >She rolled her eyes with a huff but did as she was told.
  277. 277.
    >Luna moved closer to her sister and they began whispering between themselves.
  278. 278.
    >You did your best not to eavesdrop but the cavernous silence of the hall made it difficult not to.
  279. 279.
    >Somewhere in there, your name was being tossed around as they occasionally glanced in your direction.
  280. 280.
    >Eventually, Luna broke away and approached you.
  281. 281.
    >"I, I mean - /we/ just wanted to say... thank you. This means a lot to us."
  282. 282.
    "Oh uhm, no problem. Glad I could help."
  283. 283.
    >She smiled softly at you with a warmth that offset the gloomy atmosphere of the hall.
  284. 284.
    >But as quickly as it appeared, it faded, her expression shifting to one of quiet concern as she glanced back over to Celestia.
  285. 285.
    >"Do you... think we can trust him? Star Swirl I mean."
  286. 286.
    >You grimaced at the question.
  287. 287.
    "Eh... Well, I'm not sure. I mean, he's right about needing his help but I don't think he means you any harm."
  288. 288.
    >"What makes you say that?"
  289. 289.
    "Why go through all this trouble just to hurt you? He needs your help - just like I do."
  290. 290.
    >Celestia's ear twitched as she cocked her head slightly.
  291. 291.
    >"So what - you agree with him?"
  292. 292.
    >She eyed you with suspicion, her brow furrowed as she stepped closer.
  293. 293.
    "I didn't say that - all I'm saying is, he could've easily just lied to your face but he didn't."
  294. 294.
    >"I still don't like it..."
  295. 295.
    "How do you think I feel!? Soon as he's finished with me, I'm screwed."
  296. 296.
    >You tried to mask the slight panic in your voice but from the way the sisters shared a worried glance, you weren't exactly subtle.
  297. 297.
    >Luna meekly nodded under Celestia's stern gaze, before Celestia turned her attention back to you.
  298. 298.
    >"Then maybe we can help each other?"
  299. 299.
     
  300. 300.
    >Her melodic tone made the offer sound far from innocent.
  301. 301.
    "What did you have in mind?"
  302. 302.
    >"If everything we need is here, then why play by his rules? I promise, If we do things my way, we can find what we need without him and you can stay here for as long as you like."
  303. 303.
    >Luna had the same worried look you had, this was already sounding like a bad idea.
  304. 304.
    >"Sister, I don't know about this..."
  305. 305.
    >Celestia dismissed her sister's concerns with a quiet tut as she turned to face her.
  306. 306.
    >"Come on Luna, this is our chance to do things our way! Plus, Anonymous could really use our help."
  307. 307.
    >Luna cast a nervous glance at you before Celestia focused her attention on you once more.
  308. 308.
    >"What do you say?"
  309. 309.
    >Her charisma was almost frightening, though this 'plan' didn't exactly fill you with confidence.
  310. 310.
    >But there was a certain appeal, a desperate one, that came from the stability that she was offering.
  311. 311.
    "Alright, I'm in..."
  312. 312.
    >Celestia beamed at your response and you could already see the glimmer of mischief in her eyes.
  313. 313.
    "But if this is going to work, then we need to be play it safe, find out what we can first and go from there. Sound good?"
  314. 314.
    >You slowly offered your hand to her, to which she eyed with suspicion before looking back to you.
  315. 315.
    >"What are you doing?"
  316. 316.
    >"Huh? Oh, It's uh, it's called a handshake - it's a way to make a deal where I'm from. Give me your hoof."
  317. 317.
    >Wary, but curious she raised her hoof which you then clasped your fingers around the best you could.
  318. 318.
    >"Huh... That's twice you've come up with a good idea, let's do that."
  319. 319.
    >You weren't sure if that was meant to be a compliment, but you took it in stride.
  320. 320.
     
  321. 321.
    >Just in time as well, since the door began to groan ominously as it swung inward.
  322. 322.
    >Stepping into the hall was a stallion, dressed in a turquoise robe that was more patches than original fabric.
  323. 323.
    >His sand-coloured coat and dishevelled brown mane gave him a very unassuming appearance, not helped by the faded green cloak that was more patches than original fabric.
  324. 324.
    >Save for the deep green of his eyes which held a quiet intelligence.
  325. 325.
    >He gave all three of you a once over before speaking, his voice a subtle blend of confidence and caution.
  326. 326.
    >"Interesting... you're not quite what I expected."
  327. 327.
    "Clover, I'm guessing?"
  328. 328.
    >He nodded curtly as he looked between the sisters with a furrowed expression, before settling back on you.
  329. 329.
    >"You can talk? That's... surprisingly convenient."
  330. 330.
    >You raised your eyebrows at that.
  331. 331.
    >Though he was quick to clarify as his attention slowly drifted from you, to the sisters.
  332. 332.
    >"Oh please - don't flatter yourself. Star Swirl wasn't exactly subtle bringing you into the castle..."
  333. 333.
    >He proceeded to circle around Luna and Celestia, his expression shifting from mild interest to complete fascination.
  334. 334.
    >"And who might you be? You must forgive me but - my master was very... light, on the details."
  335. 335.
    >"I'm Celestia, this is my sister, Luna."
  336. 336.
    >Clover smiled pleasantly at the two of them, though it felt... forced.
  337. 337.
    >"Charmed. Really..."
  338. 338.
    >From the way the sisters were standing, they weren't sure what to make of him either.
  339. 339.
    >They both bristled slightly under his analyzing gaze.
  340. 340.
    >Luna made the first move, quietly dispelling the tension with a slight cough.
  341. 341.
    >"Um, Star Swirl said you'd show us around the castle?"
  342. 342.
    >"Well, I certainly could but where do /you/ wish to go, my lady?"
  343. 343.
    >The playful sarcasm that laced his words was irritatingly effective as Luna glanced to her sister for help.
  344. 344.
    >"The library."
  345. 345.
    >His eyes flicked to Celestia like a viper, though his cordial demeanor remained as he took a step closer to her.
  346. 346.
    >"A fellow scholar, I see. Unless - you've never been there before?"
  347. 347.
    >He punctuated the question with a knowing smile, practically daring her to deny it.
  348. 348.
    >"What's it to you?"
  349. 349.
    >He chuckled dryly, seemingly unbothered by her tone.
  350. 350.
    "Something funny?"
  351. 351.
     
  352. 352.
    >His rehearsed laughter faded as he turned to you.
  353. 353.
    >"Nothing - I just find it amusing that my master decided that /these/ two were more worthy of his time than me."
  354. 354.
    >That... explained a few things.
  355. 355.
    >Luna's voice piped up from beside him, though he kept his eyes fixed on you.
  356. 356.
    >"Star Swirl said you're his apprentice?"
  357. 357.
    >She asked hesitantly and from the speed at which his head turned to look at her, instantly regretted it.
  358. 358.
    >"Former - apprentice, more like! That sanctimonious old mule was never satisfied with anything I did! But perfectly happy to dote over his newest pet projects... Isn't he?"
  359. 359.
    >Luna shrunk under the weight of his sudden outburst, his muzzle mere inches from hers.
  360. 360.
    >Celestia looked about ready to pounce when he suddenly composed himself, taking a step back as he forced a smile once again.
  361. 361.
    >"But all is forgiven. After all, who am I to question, the brilliance of Star Swirl the Bearded?"
  362. 362.
    >You and the sisters shared a wary glance and you briefly considered calling the whole thing off.
  363. 363.
    >But you needed this, you all did.
  364. 364.
    >He turned and strode through the open doorway, calling back over his shoulder as he went.
  365. 365.
    >"The library, was it? Then please, right this way..."
  366. 366.
     
  367. 367.
    >The three of you followed him through the winding halls, the dark stone paired with high vaulted ceilings gave the otherwise lively corridors an oppressive atmosphere.
  368. 368.
    >A feeling that was only amplified by the countless stares and whispers from the unicorns you passed.
  369. 369.
    >But they did keep their distance, just as you'd hoped.
  370. 370.
    >They would stop whatever they were doing and watch you, only resuming when they were sure they were out of sight.
  371. 371.
    >It was unsettling but Clover paid them no mind, even as they parted like the sea before him.
  372. 372.
    >Some of the stares lingered on the sisters, who were scanning the unfamiliar surroundings with a mixture of awe and unease.
  373. 373.
    >Their robes concealed their wings well enough but this whole enterprise was one wrong move away from discovery.
  374. 374.
    >They murmured amongst themselves, in what looked to be a quiet debate before Celestia trotted ahead to walk alongside Clover.
  375. 375.
    >He indulged her hushed questions, though what they were saying was anyone's guess.
  376. 376.
    >You matched your pace to Luna's, who was also watching her sister from afar.
  377. 377.
    >You leaned down slightly and began to whisper.
  378. 378.
    "What did she say?"
  379. 379.
    >Luna struggled to pull her gaze from the pair before glancing at you.
  380. 380.
    >"She's trying to get to know him, I think..."
  381. 381.
    She spoke softly, keeping her voice low.
  382. 382.
    "And what about you?"
  383. 383.
    >"What about me?"
  384. 384.
    "Well, are you okay?"
  385. 385.
    >She actually turned to look at you, before checking her surroundings and leaning in closer.
  386. 386.
    >"I don't like him..."
  387. 387.
    >You and her both.
  388. 388.
    "We just need to stick with it for now - I don't trust him any more than you do but we need his help."
  389. 389.
    >"I know... but why would Star Swirl send him with us if he's so angry?"
  390. 390.
    >That thought had crossed your mind as well - surely he must've known?
  391. 391.
    "I don't know..."
  392. 392.
    >You both drifted into silence, watching as Celestia talked to Clover with a hushed but animated fervour.
  393. 393.
    >That girl could definitely turn on the charm, but whether it was working, or he was merely humouring her was hard to tell.
  394. 394.
    >Every so often he would glance back at you, if only for a split second.
  395. 395.
    >it could have just been to check on you - that made sense, but it felt almost too deliberate.
  396. 396.
    >You just really hoped Celestia knew what she was doing...
  397. 397.
     
  398. 398.
    >Eventually, you came to a large atrium with stained glass windows stretching all the way to the ceiling.
  399. 399.
    >A monolithic door sat on the far end, its two halves pushed inward to reveal the vast expanse of the library beyond.
  400. 400.
    >Even from here, you could hear the bustling activity within as you approached, the streaks of magenta washing over you as you passed under the towering arches.
  401. 401.
    >You were almost looking forward to it, if only to finally have the chance to learn some things for yourself.
  402. 402.
    >But that changed the second you walked through the doors.
  403. 403.
    >It was gradual at first, but the volume of the library began to dip as the whirlwind of activity faded into an eerie silence.
  404. 404.
    >You slowly scanned the room, the collective gaze of the vast archives settled on your entourage. The entire unicorn world had seemingly, ground to a halt.
  405. 405.
    >But they weren't looking at the sisters...
  406. 406.
    >Every single one of them, was staring at you.
  407. 407.
    >Clover scanned the room and then turned to you, even he seemed uncomfortable from the sheer number of eyes on you.
  408. 408.
    >Even the sisters joined the others with their own nervous looks.
  409. 409.
    >You felt a lump forming in your throat as the seconds passed - and with a rather stiff motion, raised the hood of your robe over your head, before tucking your hands into the sleeves.
  410. 410.
    >It seemed to help, albeit slightly - just now there were the faintest whispers among the onlookers as they slowly, reluctantly returned to their work.
  411. 411.
    >Clover lightly cleared his throat, then quietly began to address the sisters, who collectively turned at his voice.
  412. 412.
    >"Now that we're here... what were you hoping to find?"
  413. 413.
    >Luna spoke first, a move that earned her a quick glance from her sister.
  414. 414.
    >"We were hoping we could just... look around?"
  415. 415.
    >He tilted his head slightly, unable to suppress the single huff of laughter that escaped him.
  416. 416.
    >"Look around? You /do/ realize that this is the largest set of archives in Equestria? Come now, you must have /something/ in mind."
  417. 417.
    >The sisters exchanged a quick glance, so you answered for them.
  418. 418.
    "Astronomy, anything to do with astronomy."
  419. 419.
    >He squinted at you, perplexed by the request.
  420. 420.
    >"Astronomy? You'd be better off asking my master, he's taken almost everything of value on the subject."
  421. 421.
    >Celestia cut in almost immediately, barely containing her mischievous tone.
  422. 422.
    >"Almost everything?"
  423. 423.
    >That made him pause, if only for a second. Looking around the room, he stepped closer to Celestia.
  424. 424.
    >"I wouldn't recommend it. My master's interests have only made things more... complicated."
  425. 425.
    >That seemed to intrigue Celestia, who replied in hushed tones.
  426. 426.
    >"What do you mean?"
  427. 427.
    >He quickly glanced around the room, before lowering his voice to a whisper.
  428. 428.
    >"Not here, come on."
  429. 429.
     
  430. 430.
    >As he began began leading you deeper into the labyrinth of shelves, both sisters closed in around you.
  431. 431.
    >Celestia leaned in and whispered.
  432. 432.
    >"What do you think he means?"
  433. 433.
    >Luna responded before you could.
  434. 434.
    >"I don't know but I'm not sure we should trust him."
  435. 435.
    >He certainly was a hard read but you had to admit, he had piqued your curiosity.
  436. 436.
    "Let's just hear him out, see what we can find out."
  437. 437.
    >"And if he's lying?"
  438. 438.
    >"If he is, then we can just leave. No harm done."
  439. 439.
    >With the plan settled, or at least as much as it could be, you followed Clover into a secluded alcove.
  440. 440.
    >It was a cramped space, with a small table surrounded by a few scattered stools.
  441. 441.
    >From the slitted window, the magenta light poured in from the outside and onto the table, illuminating the fog of dust that swirled through the air.
  442. 442.
    >Clover checked the area before joining you, as you all grouped into a huddle.
  443. 443.
    >"Before I say anything else, I need to know - why did my master bring you here?"
  444. 444.
    "He didn't tell you?"
  445. 445.
    >The slight scowl that formed on his face gave you your answer.
  446. 446.
    >"What do you think?"
  447. 447.
    "Well I just figured he would've, since he sent you with us."
  448. 448.
    >"Believe me, I'd rather /not/ be here... first time he's asked me for anything in ages."
  449. 449.
    "If you didn't want to, why bother? He could have found someone else."
  450. 450.
    >He looked puzzled at that, as if the answer was obvious.
  451. 451.
    >"What are you talking about? There /is/ no one else."
  452. 452.
    >You looked between the sisters who seemed just as confused as you were.
  453. 453.
    >Seeing this, Clover continued.
  454. 454.
    >"No one wants anything to do with him, not since you were brought in. The amount of favours he's burned through just to keep you in the castle, it's... well, it's unheard of."
  455. 455.
    "So... what? What are you saying?"
  456. 456.
    >"I'm saying, my master has made more than a few enemies - and they're all asking the same thing. So who are you really? And what does he want with you?"
  457. 457.
    >The air suddenly felt a lot colder as the realization of what he was saying began to sink in.
  458. 458.
     
  459. 459.
    >You opened your mouth to say something but Celestia cut you off.
  460. 460.
    >"What /do/ you know about us? We thought we were supposed to be a secret."
  461. 461.
    >Clover craned his head to check the surroundings before replying.
  462. 462.
    >"I know that my master has been hiding /something/ ever since he returned from his last expedition, at first I thought that was him - but, when rumours started floating about two others also hiding in the east wing... I knew there was more to this than he was letting on."
  463. 463.
    >"And?"
  464. 464.
    >"And - after he scraped the archives for everything on celestial magic, he burned every bridge he had left - just for you. So, you tell me, what is so important that he'd throw away everything, just to keep you here?"
  465. 465.
    >Celestia turned to you and Luna, a silent conversation passing between the three of you.
  466. 466.
    >Surprisingly though, Luna spoke next.
  467. 467.
    >"He wants our help to fulfil his destiny."
  468. 468.
    >You could practically feel the skcepticism rolling off Clover.
  469. 469.
    >"No one does what my master's doing to chase their destiny. Make no mistake, he's always been eccentric but this? No, this is something else - something far beyond the idea of 'destiny'. So what aren't you telling me?"
  470. 470.
    >Both sisters looked at you, having no answer to give themselves.
  471. 471.
    "He thinks... that I can help him by uh, answering questions about my world."
  472. 472.
    >That was a nothing answer and you knew it but it did capture his interest.
  473. 473.
    >"Your world? What do you mean?"
  474. 474.
    >You glanced at the sisters, who looked equally intrigued.
  475. 475.
    "I come from a place without magic, but he thinks it might be able to help him with his research."
  476. 476.
    >Clover's brow furrowed in confusion, trying to make sense of it but to no avail.
  477. 477.
    >"Why? What makes your world so special?"
  478. 478.
    >You hesitated before answering, looking over at the sisters who's eyes darted between you and Clover.
  479. 479.
    "I'm not sure if I should tell you that."
  480. 480.
     
  481. 481.
    >"Damnit!"
  482. 482.
    >He cursed at himself, punching the air in frustration.
  483. 483.
    >Luna quickly followed up before he could say anything else.
  484. 484.
    >"It's not our fault, Star Swirl said it was important to keep it a secret."
  485. 485.
    >"Of course that's what he said - but what he didn't tell you, is that this house of cards he's built won't last. He might say he has everything under control but trust me, I know what this place is really like. You /have/ to let me help you."
  486. 486.
    >Gone was the composed, witty facade - there seemed to be a real desperation in his plea.
  487. 487.
    >It could just have easily been a ploy to get you to trust him but even the sisters seemed unsure of what to make of it.
  488. 488.
    "Why should we trust you? What's in it for you?"
  489. 489.
    >"You trusted my master because it suited your needs at the time, but I'm telling you, right now - he's put you in a very dangerous position."
  490. 490.
    >Judging by their reaction, this was news to the sisters as well.
  491. 491.
    >Star Swirl did mention that there would be bad actors out here but this was worse than you could've imagined.
  492. 492.
    >Clover continued, picking up on the silent revelation.
  493. 493.
    >"Everyone knows he's hiding something, so they've been laying traps - which normally wouldn't be /my/ problem, but since you're so important to him - well, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't at least /try/ to help."
  494. 494.
    >Luna probed further, somewhat skeptical.
  495. 495.
    >"Why would Star Swirl send you then, if he knows we're in danger?"
  496. 496.
    >"He knows I'm clever enough not to fall for their tricks but honestly? I think it's because he knows that I'm more tuned into the intrigues of the castle than he ever was."
  497. 497.
    >You found yourself slowly believing him, if only because it made sense.
  498. 498.
    >Celestia though, didn't seem so convinced.
  499. 499.
    >"If this is all true - then why not start with that? What do you want really?"
  500. 500.
    >He thought about it for a second, before sighing.
  501. 501.
    >"Look - as much as I'd like to say I'm just doing this out of the goodness of my heart, I'm not. I want to know what my master is up to, because he owes me an explanation for what he's done. I deserve that much at least."

Our Kingdom - Chapter I: I'm Not Okay

by O.K