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Octavia POV Supplemental Writing By Mendicant

By Anonimoose
Created: 2021-05-28 06:02:54
Expiry: Never
octaviasim

  1. Created: 2014.05.05 03:20:36 UTC
  2. Last modified: 2014.05.05 03:20:36 UTC
  3. Archived from https://pastebin.com/Y2AahdQp on 2020.10.23 10:41:24 UTC
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  8. Octavia PasteBin
  9. *** THIS IS A NON-CANON SUPPLEMENT TO THE STORY LINKED BELOW ***
  10. ycY3zrvA
  11. *This includes a Retconed beginning text. To read the original beginning, please refer to:*
  12. EMre5bib
  13. ---------------
  14. >You are Octavia
  15. >Octavia Melody.
  16. >Cellist for the Canterlot Fine Arts Academy Orchestra.
  17. >And currently, you find yourself anxiously waiting for practice to resume.
  18. >The entire orchestra has been frantically practicing for a performance next week.
  19. >The Academy’s headmaster received a special request from Princess Celestia for a private performance.
  20. >While she didn’t share the exact details, there has been speculation that you’d be performing for some visiting diplomats.
  21. >You didn’t particularly care though; you simply wanted to perform.
  22. >It was… uncommon for an earth pony to be accepted into the Academy, let alone be close as part of the Orchestra.
  23. >Only 53 pegasus and earth ponies have been admitted in the last century.
  24. >You were lucky enough to be one of them.
  25. >Unfortunately, being part of such an /elite/ minority didn’t mean you were given any exception, or special treatment.
  26. >Being an earth pony surrounded by the sons and daughters of ultra wealthy unicorns led to… unwelcome treatment.
  27. >”What is taking them so long? Did he leave to get dinner or something?”
  28. >A voice interrupts your thoughts.
  29. >You turn to the stallion beside you, Dissonant Chord, a cellist player.
  30. “I don’t know, but he better hurry up. I don’t want to stay here all night.”
  31. >He nudges your shoulder.
  32. >”I wouldn’t be surprised if he took a while, he probably had to wipe the mud off your mother before shagging her.”
  33. >You look away, unsure of exactly how to reply.
  34. >”Oh come on Octavia, I was only joking.”
  35. “That- that’s not funny Dissonan-“
  36. >”I’m sure she hosed herself off before working the stables.”
  37. >...
  38. >While you haven’t become used to his cruel words, you’ve tried your best to suppress your emotional responses.
  39. >You normally don’t have to deal with such… direct insults.
  40. >Dissonant is a two years ahead of you, and you don’t share any classes, so the only time you see him is at rehearsals.
  41. ---------------
  42. >Deciding not to provoke him, you focus on your Cello.
  43. >You adjust your grip, your hooves growing more and more tired of its constant weight.
  44. >Letting out a soft sigh, you turn toward the windows that line the side of the practice hall.
  45. “What time is it? It’s already dark outside…”
  46. >The mare to your left, Consonant Chord replies.
  47. >”It’s only 7:25, it can’t be dark outside.”
  48. “7:25? That can’t be right.”
  49. >You look at the clock.
  50. >...
  51. >7:25
  52. >…
  53. >Clearly the clock is broken.
  54. >…
  55. >You look back at your sheet music and pick up your bow.
  56. >You might as well practice until-
  57. >The doors to the practice hall swing open, and Silent Hooves, your conductor and instructor, quickly paces to the front of the room.
  58. >You notice his expression is slightly different than normal, but you can’t place the exact emotion.
  59. >Excitement?
  60. >He reaches the front surprisingly quickly, and stands behind his lecture podium.
  61. >”Students! Listen up!
  62. >The hall grows quite, as everyone’s conversations die off.
  63. >He lets silence linger in the air for a few seconds before speaking.
  64. >“We will be canceling our practice today due to unforeseen complications…”
  65. >Before he can even finish his sentence, the hall erupts into cheers.
  66. >While practice may been necessary, it is by no means enjoyable in this particularly cramped room-
  67. >“STUDENTS! LISTEN!”
  68. ---------------
  69. >The rooms immediately go silent.
  70. >You’ve never heard him shout, and judging by the expressions of the ponies around you, no one else has either.
  71. “We advise that you all immediately return to your homes, and… and get some rest for practice tomorrow.
  72. >One of the students raises their hoof.
  73. >”But we don’t have practice tomorrow…”
  74. >Silent Hooves nods.
  75. >“Y-yes that is correct. My mistake. Please, just go /directly/ to your houses, and practice. You need to make up for the missed work you have because of this cancellation.”
  76. >Groans and giggles fill the hall.
  77. >Of course no one is going to practice at home.
  78. >They all have much better things to do.
  79. >…
  80. >That is, every pony except you.
  81. >…
  82. >”Any questions?
  83. >There is the low grumble of conversation, but no pony raises there hooves.
  84. >”Very well than, you are dismissed."
  85. >With surprising pace, every pony quickly packs their instruments, and makes there way toward the door.
  86. >It takes you slightly longer than most to pack and leave.
  87. >Cellos aren’t exactly the most transportation friendly instruments ever made.
  88. >Fortunately, after about five minutes, you are ready to leave, and placing your case onto your back, you head toward the exit.
  89. >As you walk, you realize that Silent Hooves is still in the room, apparently waiting for all of the students to leave.
  90. >He is sitting at his desk, and appears to be frantically packing the contents of his drawers into his travel bag.
  91. >You notice a single envelope sitting on the center of his desk; the wax seal broken.
  92. >You decide to approach him.
  93. “Excuse me sir.”
  94. >He looks at you with apparent shock in his eyes, as if he expected someone else.
  95. >”Ye- Oh… Octavia… Yes. How may I help you?”
  96. >You motion toward the wall behind him.
  97. “I noticed that the clock either broken or timed incorrectly. It says that it’s only 7:31, yet it’s already dark outside…”
  98. ---------------
  99. >His eyes drift toward the clock before returning to you.
  100. >”Yes- that appears to be the case. I will have that fixed…”
  101. >You nod.
  102. “Thank you Mr. Hooves, have a good evening.”
  103. >You walk toward the door, only to be interrupted by his voice.
  104. >”Octavia?!”
  105. >You look over your shoulder.
  106. “Yes sir?”
  107. >”He looks toward the note on his eyes.
  108. >If you didn’t know any better, you would think that you see tears glistening in his eyes.
  109. >”Please go straight home ok? You… you really need to practice your pizzicato…”
  110. >You nod.
  111. ”I will sir; Have a good night.”
  112. >…
  113. >…
  114. >…
  115. >A few moments later, you find yourself exiting the building.
  116. >As you defend the stairs and begin your walk home, you hear hoof steps run up behind you.
  117. >You turn around just in time to see Dissonant Chord approaching.
  118. >”Where are you going Octavia?”
  119. >Wanting him to leave as soon as possible, you issue a curt reply.
  120. “Please leave me alone, I’m just going home.”
  121. >He places his leg over your shoulder.
  122. >”Can I come along? I think I got enough bits to… get to know your mom a little better…”
  123. >Before you can reply, you here his sister call out.
  124. >”Dissonant, lets go! I don’t want to be the last one to get to the Salt Lick!”
  125. >…
  126. >The Salt Lick.
  127. >It’s a common meet-up place for students after classes end.
  128. >You just think they would name a Soda Parlor something more… sweet.
  129. >…
  130. >Much to your relief, Dissonant turns around, and leaves.
  131. >As he races off Consonant Chord approaches you.
  132. >Her hoof finds its way to your shoulders as well.
  133. >”Don’t pay him any attention Octavia… he can be an ass sometimes."
  134. >Not wanting to draw out the conversation you reply.
  135. “Thanks Consonant, I know.
  136. >You gently remove her hoof from you.
  137. “Have a good night OK?"
  138. >She nods.
  139. >”Yeah… you too Octavia…”
  140. >And with that, you both make your exits.
  141. ---------------
  142. >You finally arrive home.
  143. >As the door closes behind you, you notice the voices of a number of ponies coming from the dinning room.
  144. >You place you Cello on the floor, and make your way over to investigate.
  145. >Just before you arrive, your father peaks his head out of the room, and looks at you.
  146. >”Oh Octavia… How were classes today?”
  147. >You reply with a questioning tone.
  148. “Good… Why are all of these ponies in our house…?”
  149. >”Me and your mother decided to have a cheese and wine tasting party…”
  150. >That’s… confusing…”
  151. “When did you decide this? I don’t remember being told-“
  152. >”We decided to hold an impromptu party… the dairy had a new imported cheese today, and we wanted to taste it.
  153. >His story seems suspicious, so you decide to inquire further.
  154. “What cheese is it?"
  155. >Apparently growing annoyed, he replies.
  156. >”Let’s talk about that later Octavia. Please go upstairs, I don’t want to keep our guest waiting…”
  157. >Deciding against further conversation with your father, you nod, and make your way to your cello.
  158. >Grabbing it, you head straight to your room to unpack your instrument, before taking a shower.
  159. >…
  160. >After a about thirty minutes, you exit the shower.
  161. >Showering was one of your secret pleasures, and you didn’t mind indulging in it occasionally.
  162. >It’s so… relaxing.
  163. >After today’s events in class, it’s exactly what you needed.
  164. >…
  165. >Returning to your room, you quickly try off, and crawl into bed.
  166. >You close your eyes, and let the darkness overtake your vision.
  167. >...
  168. >…
  169. >...
  170. >Suddenly, just before you manage to drift off into sleep, you hear a loud crash.
  171. >Then screams.
  172. >All coming from downstairs.
  173. >Panic overtakes your body, and you quickly jump from your bed, and gallop into the hallway.
  174. >Looking over the staircase railing, you see military ponies pouring into your home.
  175. >They’re everywhere.
  176. ---------------
  177. “EVERYPONY, YOU ARE UNDER ARREST FOR TREASON AGAINST THE CROWN.”
  178. >Treason? The Crown?
  179. >Things are moving so fast. The military ponies are using magic, binding everyone in place.
  180. >The ponies fan out, securing the room.
  181. >Then, a single unicorn walks in, draped in a heavy dark robe.
  182. >You can’t tell, but you assume he is the leader.
  183. “Is this all of them?”
  184. “Yes sir, yes this is all of them.
  185. “Good, search the house, the Empress wants everything of importance taken.”
  186. >Oh no.
  187. >You immediately run back into your room. Frantically trying to hide.
  188. >You hear hoof steps advancing up the stairs.
  189. >You rush into your closet, and hide against the wall, desperately trying to control your breathing.
  190. “You heard him! I want every door, drawer, and floor searched, NOW!
  191. >You try to hide behind your dresses, but to no avail.
  192. >In what seems like no time at all, a pony looks into the closet.
  193. >He grabs your mane and pulls.
  194. “I found somepony sir!”
  195. “No! Please, you must listen I haven’t-
  196. “He throws you against the ground, knocking the wind from your lungs.”
  197. “Save it, you know damn well what we are here for foal.”
  198. >You try to regain your breathe and plead your case, but to no avail.
  199. >Everything suddenly goes dark.
  200. >It takes you a moment to realize, but they have placed a hood over your head.
  201. >You try to scream, but are only greeted by another kick to the ribs.
  202. “I said quiet! Don’t make this harder for yourself foal.”
  203. >You hear somepony yell from downstairs.
  204. “Lets go! I want this house clear now!”
  205. >You feel yourself being lifted over some pony’s back, and you begin moving.
  206. >You feel the pony go down the stairs.
  207. >Trying to take in any information you can, you listen to any noises you can hear.
  208. >There are papers being rustled, and what sounds like locks being clicked.
  209. “Everything into the containers lets go go go!”
  210. ---------------
  211. >Some time has passed.
  212. >You can’t really tell how long; they still haven’t removed your hoods.
  213. >You were placed in a room which, judging by the clicking of the door, you assume to be a prison cell.
  214. >Your legs are chained to the floor, preventing you from moving, or removing your hood.
  215. >You hear the door open and close again, with two loud thuds.
  216. “Honey, are you OK?”
  217. >Is that your father?
  218. >Um… yes, I… I think so…
  219. >That was definitely your mother.
  220. “Mom? Dad? Are you here?
  221. “Sweatheart? Octavia, can you hear me?”
  222. “Yes! Yes! Oh dad, what happened, why are we here?”
  223. >You try to worm your way over, but fail.
  224. “They- they said something about treason, and the crown, but that can’t be true.”
  225. >You hear your father sign.
  226. “Sweetheart, listen. You remember, how the sun set earlier than normal today?
  227. >You do, but you don’t see how it is related.
  228. “Honey, not many people know yet, but Celestia is… Celestia is…”
  229. >Your mother cuts in to complete your father’s sentence.
  230. “Celestia is gone Octavia.
  231. >What?
  232. “What? Gone? Where?"
  233. “No Octavia. She didn’t leave to go somewhere, she was overthrown.”
  234. >The concept is so alien that it fails to register, but you get a sinking feeling.
  235. “Overthrown, by who? Celestia can’t be overthrown.
  236. “Honey, we don’t know exactly, but we think there is another Celestial Alicorn.
  237. >You begin to panic.
  238. “What? who? There is no other Celestial Alicorn! You don’t make any sense!"
  239. ---------------
  240. >Your father interrupts.
  241. “Honey please. Please, calm down. Panicking is useless.”
  242. “But why dad? Why did they come for you and mom? Why are we here?
  243. >You begin to cry, simply overwhelmed by the situation.
  244. “I will explain, but only if you calm down Octavia. Please, just breathe.
  245. >You take a few moments, and control your breathing.
  246. >But mentally? Mentally you are still a wreck.
  247. “Oh- Ok. Tell me dad.”
  248. “Octavia, you know we have friends in Celestia’s advisery council.
  249. “Yes…”
  250. “Well, after the sunset one of them, Gold Standard, received a memo from the castle.”
  251. “It said there was an emergency meeting being called, and all must attend.”
  252. “He left as soon as he could, but arrived late. He looked into the council room and saw… Oh Celestia…”
  253. “He saw another Alicorn, a black Alicorn. It killed every member of Celestia’s council. They were all dead.”
  254. “He ran... he-he fled home, and immediately sent couriors to everyone he knew.”
  255. >Your mother interjects.
  256. “That is likely how they found out we knew Octavia. He told us to start a resistance, and we tried,
  257. But we think that he was captured, and… interrogated. They know who he informed.”
  258. >You understand what that means.
  259. >So they came for us… didn’t they?”
  260. “Yes sweetheart… They came for us.”
  261. >Another voice interrupts your conversation.
  262. “I really must thank you. That was a both a good entertainment, and a worthy confession of treason.”
  263. >Your stomach drops, you know that voice. It is the same one as the pony who entered your house.
  264. >You hear the gate unlock.
  265. ---------------
  266. >You have been taken upstairs.
  267. >The guards won’t let you talk, but you can still her the hoof steps of your parents.
  268. >You honestly don’t know how long you have been walking, they simply guide you with a leash.
  269. >Suddenly, you feel a pull on the leash which you assume means to stop walking.
  270. “Empress Nightmare Moon, these are the ponies you have requested for trial.”
  271. >Empress? Nightmare Moon? Who is-
  272. >Suddenly your hood is removed. You are blinded by the quick change in light.
  273. “Ah yes. Thank you, you may return to your post, I will call you back in when we are done here.”
  274. >You hear hoof steps which you assume are the guards.
  275. >After a short eternity, you regain sight.
  276. >You look toward the throne, and see a large pony.
  277. >A massive pony.
  278. >A massive alicorn.
  279. “Are you not going to bow in our presence our little no ponies?”
  280. >You are taken off guard by the question, but your father was not.
  281. “Not until you tell us what you did with Celestia! Where is she? We know what you did to the council!”
  282. >You see the alicorn give a small smile.
  283. >She has fangs. Oh Celestia she has fangs.
  284. >The alicorn walks down the steps separating her from your family.
  285. >You didn’t notice just how big she was until now.
  286. >You have stood near Celestia, who is by no measure a small pony, but this one just seems… bigger.
  287. “Now isn’t that cute? A little pony thinks he can make demands of us…”
  288. >Then, almost instantly, you see your father pushed to the ground, his neck visibly squeezed by magic.
  289. >He is gasping for air, but his snout is held firmly planted against the marble floor.
  290. “Know this foal. You have no right to demand anything of me. We are your goddess, and you will treat us as such.”
  291. ---------------
  292. >Your mother shouts.
  293. “Please, let him up! He can’t breathe!
  294. "Oh? and why would I do that? Has he not committed treason by conspiring against the Crown?"
  295. >The alicorn grabs your mother’s neck, and pushes her down as well.
  296. “Is such a crime not punishable by death?”
  297. >You are frozen. Beside you your parents are literally dying. Literally breathing their last. You feel so helpless.
  298. >In front of you stands the embodiment of power itself; you could’t stop her if you tried.
  299. “Yet you stand before your goddess as if you are my peer. You. Are. Not. And for your crime, I give you death…
  300. >No, you must stop her, you must at least try.
  301. “Please! Please my Goddess! Please, spare them!
  302. >She stops looking down, and makes eye contact with you.
  303. >Her eyes. They are captivating, they’re so cold… so intense… so…
  304. “I see your foal has some manners, but actions speak louder than words. Show me you know your place my little filly.”
  305. >Your place? Your place? What does she mean?
  306. >Your mind is racing, desperately trying to decipher her cryptic speech.
  307. >You look down.
  308. >Your parents. They are dying, they are dying at her hooves….
  309. >Her hooves!
  310. >You immediately lower yourself, and place yourself level with her hoof guards.
  311. >You lean in to kiss her hooves, desperately hoping it will lessen her wraith.
  312. >You feel magic encircle your neck.
  313. “You think you are worthy of touching me?”
  314. >She lets out a heartily chuckle.
  315. “You thought you could touch a goddess? You are lesser than the stone I stand on.”
  316. >You blabber without thinking.
  317. >Please!, Please! Take my life instead! Please don’t kill them!
  318. >You hear two gasp of air beside you.
  319. ---------------
  320. >The Empress released her magical grasps.
  321. >Your parents, you saved them!
  322. >Then the severity of your words begins to set in.
  323. >You offered you life in exchange… you are going to- to die.
  324. >You feel weak.
  325. “Very well then my little filly. I will grant you your wish.
  326. >Your parents, after regaining her breathe, begin to plea.
  327. >Your dad tries to reason with you.
  328. “Octavia- no, don’t do this. We knew what we were doing!”
  329. >Your mom adds in, as if their words could provide any comfort.
  330. “Octavia, sweetheart, please, we- we can go. You have your entire life ahead of you, please-
  331. >Nightmare Moon interjects.
  332. “Enough traitors. Your lives have been saved, do not waste her sacrifice by demanding my wraith yet again.
  333. >They go silent.
  334. “I will not kill her. She has shown her worth. A pony with dignity and honor, who knows her place. That more than I can say for your parents.”
  335. >She isn’t going to kill me? Thank Celestia.
  336. >Your thoughts register.
  337. >It serves as a reminder there is no Celestia anymore. This- this monster took her place.
  338. >Nightmare Moon interrupts your reflections.
  339. “She offered her life, and I will take it, and use it as I see fit.”
  340. >You don’t understand what she means.
  341. “Know this, if you want to see your daughter again, you will not so much as snore in my dungeon. Her life depends on it.”
  342. “What? But you said-“
  343. >Silence.
  344. >You turn, and your parents are gone.
  345. >She, she teleported them? That far? You walked for ever, how could she have so much-
  346. “Now my filly, come, let us discuss how I will spend the rest of your life.
  347. ---------------
  348. >Your eyes begin to water.
  349. >You feel something touch your cheek, whipping away a few tears.
  350. >You look up, and see Nightmare Moon
  351. >She is using her wing to clean your face.
  352. “There there my little filly, all will be well.”
  353. “You- you won’t hurt them will you?”
  354. >She begins to pet your mane with her wing.
  355. “We are a mare of our word, so long as neither you nor they misbehave, we will provide.”
  356. >You sniffle.
  357. “However, considering your traitorous blood, we are not so foolish as to trust you. If you fail us, or disobey our will, they will die.”
  358. >You are silent, and look over her shoulder. Looking at her bring too much pain.
  359. “Now, how may you be of service to the Crown? What skills do you possess?”
  360. "Sk-Skills? I… um… I play the cello, I am a musician.”
  361. >She laughs at you.
  362. >You look away.
  363. >Then, you feel something under your chin.
  364. >But is doesn’t feel like feathers. Instead, it feels like…. magic? Wind?
  365. >You back away, only to be retrained by the chains you still wear.
  366. “What's wrong, my little filly, do you not appreciate our touch?
  367. >You look at her, and beside her face, you see her mane.
  368. >It’s moving.
  369. >Not Like Celestia’s mane.
  370. >This… This Empress can grasp with her mane.
  371. >No creature should be this powerful.
  372. >You realize she is looking at you, expecting a reply.
  373. >You try to playing into her ego.
  374. “No-No my Empress, I-I am not worthy of your touch.
  375. “Ah, you are a smart pony aren’t you? However, I play with my possessions whenever I see it.”
  376. ---------------
  377. “A cello player you say?”
  378. >You try to provide evidence of your skill.
  379. “Yes your highness, I have undergone formal schooling at-“
  380. “We do not doubt your claims little filly. Pray tell, it thy Cello thy true passion?”
  381. “Of course your highness, we even gained our cutie mark in music.”
  382. >You try to turn to show your flank, but cannot, as you are held by your restrains.
  383. “Then you shall not play again until we deem fit.”
  384. >Her words stun you. Not play your cello? It is all you have known for years, she can’t just take it away.
  385. “We wish to have a servant.”
  386. >A servant? Surely this palace has hundreds of those! Why does she need another?
  387. >You look up at her, and open your mouth to begin speaking.
  388. >You see her fangs, and freeze.
  389. >You can’t do it. What if she kills your parents?
  390. >Nightmare Moon notices your pause.
  391. “Do you wish to speak foal?”
  392. “N-No my Empress, I- I shall serve your wish.
  393. >As much as you love music, you love your family more.
  394. “Very well then. We have a special task for you servant."
  395. “You see, there is a beast here that we find… intriguing. It has aided us greatly, and as such, we have generously provided it gifts.”
  396. “You shall be tasked with maintaining this creature’s toys, and ensuring they are kept to the highest standards for his use.”
  397. >Two things immediately come to your mind.
  398. >A beast.
  399. >Toys.
  400. >The concepts are so different you fail to connect them. A beast? What type of beast? A timberwolf? A dragon?
  401. >Will it kill you? How will you protect yourself?
  402. >What types of toys do dragons even play with? Rocks? Boulders? Are you to fetch new stones for it to play with? Are you to polish them?
  403. ---------------
  404. “A beast? Like...like a dragon?”
  405. >She looks at you with a quizzical stare. Similar to a noble looking at a beggar.
  406. “No my little filly, not a dragon. It is far more…sophisticated than such crude creatures.
  407. >You slowly feel dread arising.
  408. “Am-Am I going to be in danger? Will it hurt me?”
  409. “Perhaps. Should you fail your duties we will provide you to the beast, and it shall do what it wishes to you.”
  410. “But you said-“
  411. >She narrows her eyes, clearly she is getting annoyed with your antics.
  412. “I’m sorry Empress, it’s just… you said I wouldn’t be killed.”
  413. “No my little nopony, I said that I would not kill you, I never said I would spare you from death.”
  414. “You-you said you would provide! Please, don’t give me this duty.
  415. >You are scared. You don’t want to die.
  416. >She snares at you, displaying her fangs, but in your panic, you miss the subtle display.
  417. “And provide I shall. I shall provide you a prisoner’s accommodations.”
  418. >You start to protest again.
  419. “But you-“
  420. >She speaks in a low grumble.
  421. “You are our servant foal, less you wish to die, do not try my patients.”
  422. >You see her eyes glow for a second, then fade to their normal state.
  423. >Out of shear fear, you remain silent.
  424. >She smiles, and uses a much lighter tone of voice.
  425. “Good, now that we have an understanding, I shall summon a guard to show you your duties.”
  426. >You hear the throne room door open behind you.
  427. ---------------
  428. >A day had past, and today was your first day of servitude to the Crown.
  429. >You had never worked as a servant at any point, and had no experience.
  430. >You tried to remember the habits of your parent’s butler from your childhood.
  431. >White Glove was his name.
  432. >He was always composed. Never stepping out of line, or doing anything that could interfere.
  433. >You must do the same.
  434. >You were given your outfit, and sent to the beast’s section of the castle.
  435. >You quickly realized this was no ordinary section of the castle.
  436. >It was underground, deeper than the normal prison cells you occupied earlier.
  437. >You assume it is to ensure the beast did not escape.
  438. >As you descended the seemingly endless stars, you noticed that this area had been assigned an entire unit of guards.
  439. >You began to shake.
  440. >An entire unit of guards was needed to keep the creature, yet you were to care for it by yourself?
  441. >For mother and father… for mother and father.
  442. >The guards gave you dirty looks, trying to sneak a peek at your flank.
  443. >A few even rub against your side intentionally.
  444. >You didn’t think yourself ugly, but no mare deserves this type of disrespect.
  445. >You think about filing a complaint, but quickly release there is no one to file it with.
  446. >You are a prisoner. They don’t care about you here.
  447. >You arrive at the entrance to the hallway.
  448. >It looks like a maximum security prison. Solid metal doors line either side, with one larger door at the opposite end of the hallway.
  449. >After a moment of gathering yourself, you step into the abyss.
  450. >You were told your instructions by the chief of castle security.
  451. >The beast’s room is the door at the end of the hallway, with his toys in individuals rooms on either side.
  452. >You are to clean and maintain his toys unless told otherwise.
  453. >You are to remember your station, or your parents will die.
  454. >You will take the beast toys from the hallway without permission.
  455. >You arrive at the first door, and after a moment, open it.
  456. ---------------
  457. >You walk in.
  458. > It smells.
  459. >It smells really, really, really bad.
  460. >You begin to gag.
  461. >What type of toy smells like this?
  462. “H-Hello?”
  463. >Surprised to hear a pony, you turn, and try to muster a reply.
  464. “Hello? I’m hear to clean the beast’s toy.
  465. >The phrase sounds strange coming from your mouth, but you haven’t heard any other description of your task.
  466. “Toy? What toy-“
  467. >You see her eyes grow wide.
  468. “oh no, nonono.”
  469. >You take a better look at the pony.
  470. >Her fur it matted, and yellow tinted.
  471. >She is a white pony.
  472. >With Yellow fur.
  473. >She is covered in urine.
  474. >She is what smells.
  475. >You scan the small room. Everything else, looks clean.
  476. >Then it hits you.
  477. >You were sent here to clean the beast’s toy.
  478. >This room is empty, besides a pony.
  479. >That pony is dirty.
  480. >That pony is a toy.
  481. >The beast’s toys… are ponies.
  482. ---------------
  483. >You quickly gather yourself, and assess the situation.
  484. >She needs to bathe.
  485. “May I ask what your name is miss?”
  486. >She looks away.
  487. “I’m Miss Rari- I- I mean no!!! I’m- I’m master’s slave. Yes- yes his slave.”
  488. >You are bewildered by her reply.
  489. “Please, please don’t tell him. Please don’t tell him I said that. Please!!
  490. >You are frozen.
  491. >She expects a reply.
  492. “I- I won’t tell him miss. I am simply here to do my work, whatever you tell me is confidential.”
  493. >She looks relieved.
  494. “Oh thank you. Thank you so much.”
  495. >Then, just as before, her eyes swell again.
  496. “That means you- you can help me escape!”
  497. >She gallops over to you.
  498. >You see urine dripping off of her coat onto the floor.
  499. “You must help me escape, please! I- I have a sister to take care of! I have family that misses me, please!”
  500. >You know you can’t help her, but it doesn’t make denying her any easier.
  501. >You back away from her, and after she stops, you begin to speak.
  502. “I- I’m sorry miss, I can’t help you escape.”
  503. “You don’t understand, he-he is going to kill us! My friends are down here!”
  504. “I- I’m sorry miss, I can’t do anything for you. Please, don’t make me report you to the guards.”
  505. >She goes quiet.
  506. >After a few awkward moments, you begin to speak.
  507. “I am here to clean you and prepare you for the beast’s use. Please, head to the bath so that I can ensure you are clean.
  508. >She turns and begins to walk.
  509. “I- I can clean myself.”
  510. >She forces out between sniffles.
  511. >You follow her toward the bathroom.
  512. “I’m sorry miss, but I am must ensure you are clean, so I am afraid I must watch.
  513. >You don’t know if you have to watch, but if she doesn’t get clean your parents die, so you make up the rule.
  514. >She turns to you, as if to acknowledge your presence, and then turns on the bath water.
  515. ---------------
  516. >She gets into the bathwater.
  517. >You stand awkwardly, and watch.
  518. >It is considered taboo in society to watch other ponies bathe.
  519. >She magics the surrounding curtain close.
  520. >You are forced to open the curtain; you must ensure she is clean.
  521. >She turns to you, repulsed by your action, but quickly exhales, as if admitting defeat.
  522. “I- I am his slave aren’t I?”
  523. >She isn’t actively washing herself, but simply sitting in the bathtub.
  524. >The passive sound of running water fills the room.
  525. “I- That isn’t my decision miss, I am simply here to ensure your cleanliness.”
  526. >Your words sound hollow. You desperately want to help her, but can’t.”
  527. “Have you seen my friends yet? Are they OK?”
  528. >Her friends… She mentioned them before, but you never asked about them.
  529. “I’m afraid I have not, you are the first I have tended to. May I ask how many of you are down here?”
  530. “Six. There are six of us. I just hope…”
  531. >She begins to cry.
  532. “Please!, you can’t just stand there, please help us!. He- he is going to kill us!”
  533. >You step back.
  534. >What can you do. You have no ability to save them. It is like watching someone call for their mom on their deathbed.
  535. >Except they think you can bring them their mom.
  536. “I- I can’t help you.”
  537. >You try to comfort her, even if it requires a lie.
  538. “I don’t believe he will hurt you if you please him. Please, let me clean you.”
  539. >Her tears increase.
  540. “I have to satisfy him to live?”
  541. “So… so I am his slav-…. oh Celestia what did I do to deserve this?”
  542. >The pony begins to breakdown completely.
  543. >You pick up the shampoo you brought with you, and begin to wash her.
  544. >You are washing a pony, likely a pony sentenced to death, and you don’t even know her name.
  545. “Miss, please, let’s not worry about what we can’t control.
  546. >You scrub her coat.
  547. “I never asked, what is your name?”
  548. >She replies in a soft, injured voice.
  549. “That- that doesn’t matter anymore…”
  550. >There is silence.
  551. >You scrub her coat.
  552. ---------------
  553. >You finish cleaning the pony, and after briefing mopping the urine stains from the floor, enter the hallway.
  554. >You were told that you had two poni- toys to clean today.
  555. >You push your cart to the next room.
  556. >Just as you are about to knock, a guard exits.
  557. >He looks at you.
  558. >Then, he looks past you… at your croup.
  559. “Well hello fine flanks, what are you doing around here?”
  560. >He radiates predatory vibes.
  561. >You backpedal.
  562. >If this was on the streets of Canterlot, you would have already left.
  563. “I-I am here to clean that room you just left.
  564. >You jester to the door behind him, while simultaneously beginning to walk forward.
  565. >You feel a hoof placed against you chest.
  566. “I don’t think you need to do that, I already took care of her.”
  567. >You look up at him.
  568. >He looks down at you.
  569. >You know he is hiding something, but don’t question him.
  570. >You know your place.
  571. “Oh- ok. I guess I will return to my quarters.
  572. “I don’t think so sugar.”
  573. >A evil smile appears on his face.
  574. >You try to leave.
  575. “I- I have other duties, I am afraid I must leave.”
  576. >He hits you across the face.
  577. >You fall to the ground, and quickly shuffle yourself against the wall.
  578. “I’m sure that you can wait. I want to get to know you better."
  579. ---------------
  580. >No. This can’t be happening.
  581. >You try to stand, only to be met with a swift kick to the gut.
  582. “You aren’t too smart are you?”
  583. >You try to speak, but have trouble regaining your breathe.
  584. “Plea- Please. I’m just a maid.”
  585. >He chuckles.
  586. “Good, than I’m sure you will be more than happy to help me with my… problem.
  587. >You look up, and begin to see his stallionhood peak out from his sheath.
  588. >You pull you final defense.
  589. “I- I’m the Empress’s servant. She wouldn’t want me hurt…”
  590. >He breaks into a full, heavy laugh.
  591. “You honestly think she cares about you? You are scum, You are just as much a play thing as these ponies down here.”
  592. >You realize you can’t stop him. It’s going to happen.
  593. “Please- just-“
  594. >He moving to stand over you.
  595. >A primal fear kicks in, and with renewed effort, you struggle to free yourself.
  596. >He bites your mane and pulls.
  597. >Hard
  598. >He lets his legs give out, simply using his body weight to pin you down.
  599. >You feel his length pressed against your back.
  600. “You know, if you want to a fight back you can, I love when they struggle.”
  601. >You are silent.
  602. “No? Too bad, I was hoping for something entraining that that stupid pegasus in here.”
  603. >You feel him position himself, ready to enter you.
  604. ---------------
  605. “HEY!!! DARK SHIELD!!!!!!"
  606. >You feel him stop as he turns to the source of the voice.
  607. “Dark Shield!!!!!!!! What the hell are you doing to her?”
  608. “What does it look like I’m doing? That stupid yellow mare wasn’t any fun. She didn’t even put up a fight.”
  609. >You turn to see who he is talking to.
  610. >It is another guard.
  611. “My Celestia are you stupid Shield? You can’t use her!”
  612. “I can do whatever I want to her. You know damn well she is one of them!”
  613. >You feel him get up off your back.
  614. “It doesn’t matter. She leaves this hallway idiot! She can tell someone!”
  615. “Tell who? She is a prisoner for Celestia’s sake!
  616. >He pauses, before continuing.
  617. "Besides, look at her! She is a noble! Only the Empress’ highest officers get use of that type of pony."
  618. >The other guard quickly responds.
  619. “It doesn’t matter! We have a good thing going! Don’t mess it up because you are selfish!
  620. “Selfish!? We have one damn mare between all of us!
  621. >The other guard replies.
  622. “And five more after he does what he wants to them!
  623. >Dark Shield pauses, before replying.
  624. “Fine! But don’t blame me when Little Miss Mute in there gets old…”
  625. >You think he is done.
  626. >You are wrong.
  627. >He kicks you in the neck.
  628. “You better not tell anyone about this. Are we clear, or do I need to repeat myself?
  629. >You can’t breathe, but simply nod, hoping he understands.
  630. “Good”
  631. >He leaves, but not before knocking over your cart, spilling your supplies all over the ground.
  632. ---------------
  633. >You immediately went back to your cell, skipping dinner.
  634. >You weren’t hungry.
  635. >You were thankful that the unit assigned to the normal prisoners wasn’t as… bad.
  636. >You after hours of restless tossing and turning, you got to sleep.
  637. >The following morning was dreadful.
  638. >Your breakfast was nothing more than grass cutting from the castle grounds.
  639. >At its barely enough food to live off of.
  640. >You reason that most prisoner’s don’t leave their cells, so have no need for the extra calories.
  641. >You gather your supplies and change into your proper uniform.
  642. >You had to obtain a new uniform due to bleach stains from the cart spill.
  643. >You begin the journey back to the hallway.
  644. >The closer you get, the more nervous you become, until you eventually arrive.
  645. >The first pony you see is Dark Shield.
  646. “Well look who is back…”
  647. >Luckily, there is another guard with him.
  648. >He looks more… professional.”
  649. “The first four rooms are now occupied, so you will need to tend to them.
  650. >Dark Shield feels the need to chip in.
  651. “You better stick around today whorse! We had to carry a ton of equipment down here because you left. I didn’t sign up to be a maid.”
  652. >You try to ignore the insult.
  653. “Thank you sir, is there anything else I need to be aware of before I begin?
  654. >No ma’am. He is currently out on patrol, and should be back within a few hours.
  655. >The beast goes on partrol? Where? In Canterlot?
  656. >What is going on out there?
  657. >You manage to keep your composure, and after thanking the guards, you move onto your job.
  658. ---------------
  659. >The first room was that white mare again.
  660. >She wasn’t too talkative, but fortunately she was cleaner than last time.
  661. >When she did talk she seemed… detached.
  662. >She mentioned “master” a few times.
  663. >You didn’t ask about him.
  664. >You exit the room and move on.
  665. >This is the room Dark Shield left yesterday.
  666. >You open the door, and see a yellow pegasus.
  667. >She immediately hides below her blanket.
  668. “W-Wh-Who are you?”
  669. >Her voice is so soft you almost fail to register it.
  670. “I am a maid. I am here to ensure the cleanliness of this room. Is there anything out of order miss?
  671. “Well um… there… there is one thing….”
  672. >This pony barely vocalizes anything.
  673. >No wonder the guard called her Little Miss Mute.
  674. “Please, tell me, so that I may tend to it.”
  675. “This sheets are… um… a little dirty… if you could wash them that would… be nice. But only if you want to!.”
  676. "...I don’t want to… um… be an…. inconvenience.”
  677. “That is no problem, I will clean them.”
  678. >You approach her bed, and grab the sheet.
  679. >Its wet.
  680. >Soaked.
  681. >You remember Dark Shield mentioned more than one guard was… using her.
  682. >Celestia knows what is on the sheet.
  683. >You pick it up as delicately as possible and place it into your dirty bin.
  684. >You turn to the mare.
  685. “Do you need anything yourself? More soaps perhaps?”
  686. “Oh… oh no… Master takes good care of us.”
  687. ---------------
  688. >You don’t understand.
  689. >Is this the same master that the white pony talks about?
  690. >Remember your place.
  691. >Remember your place.
  692. >But by your father’s name, you must know what is going on down here?
  693. “If you don’t mind me asking… what is your name?”
  694. “Me? Oh…. it’s um…. fluttershy…”
  695. “Excuse me?”
  696. “Fluttershy”
  697. >Only with your full focus can you hear her name.
  698. “Fluttershy, if you don’t mind me asking. What is your… master like?”
  699. >You begin to fold her new sheets out over her bed.
  700. “Master? Oh… he… he is nice. He is a little assertive sometimes….”
  701. “But he takes care of us!!! As long as I am a good pony he take care of my friends.”
  702. >That sounds familiar.
  703. >He must be similar to the Empress in that respect.
  704. “I- I understand. Thank you for answering.”
  705. >You don’t understand at all. But if you push her, she might tell him you asked.
  706. >You can’t risk that.
  707. >After briefly cleaning the remainder of the room, you leave, and move to the next room.
  708. ---------------
  709. >You open the door to the next room, and see a light blue pony.
  710. >It has a large… something…. on its back.
  711. >A brace of some kind?
  712. >It is injured?
  713. >Did the beast hurt it?
  714. >Regardless, it is sleeping, and if you see currently, it’s fur is slightly wet.
  715. >You go to the bathroom, and see the bath has recently been run.
  716. >At least you don’t have to worry about watching another pony bathe.
  717. >You clean the damp floor around the bath, and remove the used towel.
  718. >There is a feather…a blue feather.
  719. >That pony is a pegasus.
  720. >You return to the main room, and observe the pony.
  721. >You aren’t a pegasus, but your mother is, so you are reasonably knowledgeable on their needs.
  722. >Having their wings restrained for extended periods of time can severely damage their feathers.
  723. >You nudge the pony.
  724. “Excuse me miss”
  725. >The pony lets out a small moan.
  726. “ummm huh?”
  727. “Excuse me miss, I am a maid, and here to care for both you and this room.”
  728. >She get up.
  729. “Yeah? umm… so? Why did you have to wake me up?
  730. “I see you are a pegasus, but you have this brace on. Are you injured?
  731. >She wakes up a little more at the mention of the brace.
  732. “N-no. It’s cool. I-um. I just want to wear it ok?”
  733. >Judging by her facial expressions, she is lying, but you choice not to push the subject.
  734. “Very well. Do you need any wing care products? I noticed they did not provide them standard in these rooms.
  735. “No way. I don’t need any of that. My wings are fine- haha- fine.
  736. >She is terrible at lying.
  737. “Very well then, I will finishing cleaning your room and be on my way."
  738. ---------------
  739. >You finish cleaning and exit the room.
  740. >You push your cart to the next room, unlock the door, and enter.
  741. >It’s empty.
  742. >Confused, you check the bathroom.
  743. >Empty.
  744. >You exit the room, begin to walk to the guard post, but are see a guard on the way.
  745. “Excuse me sir-“
  746. “You can call me Night Watch miss, no need for the formalities.”
  747. >He looks sincere in his correction, unlike Dark Shield.
  748. “Very well Night Watch, earlier you mentioned that there were four rooms in use, but one of the rooms listed is empty.
  749. >Panic flushes his face.
  750. “Empty? You must be wrong.”
  751. >He rushes to the room you just left.
  752. “Oh no. nononono this can’t be happening.”
  753. >He rushes back to the guard post.
  754. “One of the rooms is empty!!!!!!! There has been an escape!!”
  755. >The other guard is casually eating an apple.
  756. “You mean the orange earth pony?”
  757. “Yes!!! Why are you just sitting there!?! We need to alert the captain!!”
  758. >He continues eating his apple.
  759. “Cool it colt. She didn’t “escape,” the creature took her to his room. That is where all the equipment last night went.”
  760. >A small blush invades Night Watch’s face.
  761. >Your face drains.
  762. “Oh.”
  763. >He turns to you.
  764. “You hear that? She got moved to the creature’s room! That was a close one!”
  765. >He lets out a playful chuckle.
  766. >You don’t return to gesture.
  767. ---------------
  768. >You walk down to the end of the hallway, and stare at the door.
  769. >Behind it; the beast’s room and a pony.
  770. >You take out the key, unlock the door, and enter.
  771. >The room is significantly bigger than any of the other rooms.
  772. >If anything, You would say it is only bested by the royal suites in the castle.
  773. >Then, you see the pony.
  774. >She is heavily bound and, judging by the restraints, has a very limited range of motion.
  775. >You walk to approach her, unsure how to react to the situation.
  776. “Hello?”
  777. >The pony moves.
  778. “umm Is someone there?
  779. “Yes, I’m a maid sent here to clean this room and it’s occupants.
  780. >You take a closer look at the pony, and see she is clearly… aroused.
  781. >Her rear legs are coated in her secretions.
  782. “Since you cannot bathe properly, I am afraid I must give you a sponge bath.”
  783. >You’ve never given a sponge bath before, but you will try, seeing that beast wouldn’t like his… toys… dirty.
  784. >You grab a bucket, soap, and a sponge from your cart, and head to the bathroom.
  785. >After filling the bucket with water and soap, you head to clean the pony.
  786. >You begin from the head and move back.
  787. >The pony lets out moans, but you try your best to ignore them.
  788. >After a few minutes, you come to her hind section.
  789. >You move her tail.
  790. >She has a plug in.
  791. >You begin to delicately wash around the area.
  792. >The pony begins to moan even more, and begins to twitch her legs.
  793. >You finish washing the area, and place the sponge in the bucket.
  794. “Umm Ah reckon you… ahhhh… missed a spot near my… area. Ya might want to wash it again.”
  795. >You look, and sure enough, there are more juices.
  796. >You grab the sponge, and begin to wash again.
  797. ---------------
  798. >A few moments go by.
  799. >You continue washing, trying to comb her fur in a presentable manner.
  800. >It dawns on you that you are face to face with a random ponies’ marehood.
  801. >For mother and father.
  802. >You continue to wash, noting that the pony has stopped moaning entirely.
  803. >It is strange.
  804. >Only a few minutes before she was moaning a quite a bit.
  805. >Then…
  806. “Ahhh Ahh AHHHHHHHHHH ahhh.
  807. >What?
  808. >You are so confused by the sound and sudden release in juices you step back.
  809. >She is breathing heavily, like she is trying to regain her breathe.
  810. >She must have held it.
  811. “Ah ahhh I thank you so much.”
  812. >Did she just… climax?
  813. “He- he wouldn’t let me. For hours… he just kept… he wouldn’t let me.
  814. >Oh no.
  815. >The beast was meant to deny her release?
  816. >You just thought he was restraining her. Such an idea never even crossed your mind.
  817. “You weren’t suppose to… orgasm?”
  818. >She replies in between deep breathes.
  819. “Neigh… I- I couldn’t sleep…. for hours he watched me… he didn’t want me to… but you did… your a good pony.”
  820. >Sudden dread raises inside you.
  821. >She tricked you.
  822. >She tricked you and now you interfered with the beast’s plans.
  823. >Your family might die over this… this… livestock.
  824. ---------------
  825. >You begin to feel your fear replaced with anger.
  826. >This… this lowly pony might be the death of your family.
  827. >You look at her cutie mark.
  828. >Apples.
  829. >She is a farmer. A stupid farmer.
  830. >Ponies like her are why earth ponies in Canterlot are ridiculed.
  831. >Ponies like her are why unicorns think you are stupid.
  832. “You meant to trick me?”
  833. >You throw your sponge into the bucket and walk in front of her.
  834. “You wanted a stupid orgasm so you TRICKED ME?”
  835. >Her eyes grow big.
  836. >Clearly she didn’t expect a reaction.
  837. “Ah-Ah didn’t mean no harm, I just needed-“
  838. “A stupid orgasm!?!”
  839. >You slap her across the face.
  840. “My family are prisoners here! I work to keep them alive! If I fail they die!”
  841. “Ah-Ah didn’t kn-“
  842. >You hit her.
  843. “Now because of you stupid livestock my parents are going to die!”
  844. >You hit her again, with even more force.
  845. “My parents are going to die because you wanted a damn orgasm!”
  846. “Pleas-“
  847. >You hit her again.
  848. “They’re going to die!!!”
  849. >And again.
  850. “They’re going to…”
  851. >And again
  852. “They’re going to…”
  853. >You fall onto the ground in front of her. Tears falling from your eyes.
  854. >You tried so hard to keep them alive. And now?
  855. >Now it’s over.
  856. >You failed.
  857. ---------------
  858. >Anger is replaced by hopelessness.
  859. >You are powerless now.
  860. >The beast will know, and the Empress will kill your parents.
  861. >You will become just another play thing for the beast.
  862. “Why? Why did you do this?
  863. >You force the words between sniffles.
  864. >You hear sniffles above you.
  865. >She is crying.
  866. “Ah- ah didn’t know bout your family. Honest.”
  867. “Ah just… just needed it so bad…. Ah wasn’t thinkin’ strait.”
  868. >You reply in a cold tone.
  869. “It doesn’t matter now does it? Your stupid apologies won’t save my family…”
  870. “There must be somethin’ ah can do to help yah.”
  871. >There is a moment of silence.
  872. “Ah- Ah could tell him yah didn’t mean to!”
  873. >You let out a small chuckle.
  874. >It should come as no surprise the farmer can’t think.
  875. >Stupid livestock probably went to a single room schoolhouse.
  876. “That’s brilliant! Lets tell him that I failed!”
  877. >Your words are laced with sarcasm.
  878. “Ah-Ah don’t know. Ah’m so sorry.
  879. >You try to think of a plan.
  880. >When the beast returns he will…
  881. >It dawns on you.
  882. >He isn’t hear! You can simply lie about it.
  883. “I-I have an idea. You simply say nothing. He wasn’t here to see it happen. Maybe he will think you got off in a dream or something.”
  884. >She takes to the idea like maggots to a rotting apple.
  885. “Ah that’s a great idea! I won’t tell him, and you won’t, so he won’t know.
  886. >You stand up, and walk back to your cart.
  887. “Good, than we are agreed.”
  888. “Yes sir-e!”
  889. >She grows quiet, her voice a little remorseful.
  890. “Ah’m real sorry though Honest. I didn’t know bout your family… I don’t want to be here any more than you.”
  891. >You don’t reply, but simply look back at her over your shoulder before walking out of the room and lock the door.
  892. >Some ponies deserve punishment more than others.
  893. >If the beast wanted to deny her, you will do your best to help.
  894. ---------------
  895. >You return your cart to the maintenance hall, and move to the dining hall.
  896. >Much of the castle staff is eating.
  897. >Their food looks very appetizing.
  898. >Yours? Not so much.
  899. >You actually don’t use the serving line, but have specific meals set aside for you from the dining hall staff.
  900. >It isn’t grass clippings today, but it isn’t much better.
  901. >It doesn’t matter; you aren’t very hungry.
  902. >All you can think about is that…. livestock… and your parents.
  903. >Are they truly going to die over this?
  904. >You try to convince yourself that your plan is full proof; that the beast won’t notice: won’t care.
  905. >In spite of your best efforts, you lose your appetite.
  906. >You place your dish in the washing room, and return to your cell.
  907. >A few hours pass.
  908. >You feel restless. Like you want to do something, but can’t.
  909. >You are truly powerless.
  910. >You begin to think about times with your family.
  911. >You miss them.
  912. >It is times like this when you would play your Cello.
  913. >It was always therapeutic.
  914. >Instead, you fall into a restless sleep.
  915. >Your dreams wonder to the events of today.
  916. >Only a hour passes before you are awoken.
  917. >There is a knock at your cell door.
  918. >There is a guard.
  919. “Wake up prisoner.”
  920. >You quickly get out of bed and reply.
  921. “Yes sir? What is it?”
  922. “You have been requested at the Empress’ quarters. I am here to escort you.”
  923. >Your stomach drops.
  924. ---------------
  925. >They are going to die.
  926. >That is the first thing to cross your mind.
  927. >The entire walk to her chambers was unnerving.
  928. >You want to run; you want to try and escape, but you know you would fail.
  929. >After a small eternity, you arrive at her chambers.
  930. “This is my stop.”
  931. >The guard turns to you, and in the most sincere voice you can imagine says:
  932. “Good Luck.”
  933. >It is you, and a pair doors.
  934. >They glide open.
  935. >On the other side is the Empress.
  936. >She approaches you.
  937. >You are frozen in fear.
  938. “Ah, my little pony. It is good to see you again.”
  939. >She caresses your face with her mane.
  940. “You-you requested me?”
  941. “Yes, yes I did. Come, I don’t want to delay.”
  942. >She turns, and walks int her chambers.
  943. >You feel a magical collar form around your neck.
  944. >It begins to move, forcing you to walk.
  945. >After walking down the main corridor you enter a large domed atrium.
  946. >You look up, and are greater with a massive star chart.
  947. >It looks like some sort of mist is flowing from the stars.
  948. >Then you realize that it isn’t mist; it’s magic.
  949. >Her chambers utilize raw magic for decoration.
  950. >You are led against a wall, before being turned toward the center of the atrium.
  951. >You feel magical bonds form around your legs, anchoring you to the ground.
  952. ---------------
  953. >The Alicorn is in the center of the Atrium, looking no where in particular.
  954. “So my little pony, how has your stay been so far?”
  955. “It-it has been good your majesty, I thank you for your generosity.”
  956. >She looks up at the star map, and moves a few stars.
  957. “I am happy you are satisfied with your accommodations. Your parents are well I can assure you.”
  958. “I Thank you, your majesty.”
  959. >She begins to make her way over to you.
  960. “Do you know why you are here?”
  961. “N-no your majesty…”
  962. “You've failed.”
  963. >You feel lightheaded for a second.
  964. >Everything seems to be moving so fast, and in a moment of utter stupidity…. you stick to the plan.
  965. “I-I don’t know what you are talking abo-“
  966. >Her mane touches your face yet again.
  967. “Don’t lie to me my little pony, I know what you did.”
  968. “I- I honesty don’t know your highness.”
  969. >She turns away from you.
  970. “So you are telling me you didn’t interfere with the earth ponies’ torment?
  971. >And in that instant, you are overcome with pure, unadulterated fear.
  972. “I-I-“
  973. >Magic forces your jaw shut.
  974. “I know what you did, and I know you lied to me.”
  975. >There is a pause.
  976. "I also know what you have experienced at the hand of those… guards.”
  977. >How does she know this? Is she spying on you?
  978. “But more importantly, I know your thoughts. You have fear for the Crown.”
  979. >She facing you yet again.
  980. “And because of that. I will spare your family this offense"
  981. ---------------
  982. >You let go of a breathe you didn’t know you were holding.
  983. “Than… Thank your mag-“
  984. >She interrupts.
  985. “However, I am not so foolish as to let you leaving without warning."
  986. “W-What do you mean?”
  987. “>She turns, and looks down the hallway.
  988. “I will show what happens to those who do not fear the Crown.”
  989. >You hear the doors swing open in the distance, followed by a multitude of footsteps, and a loud dragging noise.
  990. “You won’t stop us!!!! There is more than just us out there!!!!”
  991. >You hear a pony scream from down the hallway.
  992. >NMM speaks in a voice only you can here.
  993. “This should be fun indeed.”
  994. >The herd of ponies enters the atrium.
  995. >Seven ponies, accompanied by an equal number of guards.
  996. >The seven have their hooves tightly bound, and are incapable of walking.
  997. >They were being dragged down the hall on their sides.
  998. >The leader of the guards speaks.
  999. “These are the ponies we captured Empress."
  1000. “Very well, you and your guards may leave.”
  1001. >The guards all bow, then quickly exit the room.
  1002. >You look closely at the ponies, and see if you can identify them.
  1003. >You recognize one of the ponies.
  1004. >Advanced Theory; Dean of Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.
  1005. “We aren’t afraid of you! We know what you did with Celestia, and we will free her!”
  1006. >The Empress walks over to the pony that spoke, and looks down at him.
  1007. “And we aren’t the only ones working on the spell! It’s only a matter of time!”
  1008. >The Empress chuckles.
  1009. “Yes my little pony, but unfortunately, your time has run out.”
  1010. ---------------
  1011. >It hits you.
  1012. >She is going to kill them.
  1013. >You are going to watch them die.
  1014. >You try to turn away, but you can’t.
  1015. >Your face is being held by her magic.
  1016. >You try to close your eyes, but you can’t.
  1017. >You try to scream, but you can’t.
  1018. >You can’t move.
  1019. >All you can do is watch.
  1020. “Since these are your last moments alive, lets play a game shall we?
  1021. >She lifts up Advanced Theory, and holds him in front of herself by magic.
  1022. >He looks her in the eye with fearless defiance.
  1023. “Oh yes. This will be fun won’t it.”
  1024. “You can inflict whatever torments you me, I will gladly die for Celestia.
  1025. “I wouldn’t do that? I don’t want you to hurt…”
  1026. >You see his neck twist, accompanied by a sickening cracking noise.
  1027. >She lets go of him, and he falls to the ground like a dead weight.
  1028. “You are free to go my little pony.”
  1029. >You see his eyes overcome with fear.
  1030. >He knows exactly what happened. She cut his spinal cord.
  1031. “I-I can’t move! You- you sick bastard!”
  1032. >She rotates his body, and holds him in a sitting position via magic.
  1033. “I wouldn’t want you to get cold, so I will be a benevolent queen and provide for my subject.”
  1034. >She levitates a large blanket over the pony, covering the him from his shoulders back.
  1035. “Now that the board we are set, let me explain the rules.”
  1036. >She lifts the other six ponies into the air, facing the now crippled pony.
  1037. “My maid will torture these ponies, two at a time. You will be the judge as to who was more gracious of my blessings.”
  1038. "The least thankful will be executed."
  1039. “The process will be repeated until one pony remains.”
  1040. "I will allow that pony to leave.
  1041. ---------------
  1042. >You are going to torture somepony?
  1043. >You-you can’t do that- you just can’t.
  1044. >You feel her magic wear off.
  1045. >Two ponies are moved in front of the Empress and Advanced Theory.
  1046. >Two unicorns, aged mare and a elderly stallion.
  1047. “Come my servant, you have work to complete.”
  1048. “I-I can’t your majesty- plea-
  1049. “You will do as I command unless you wish to join them.”
  1050. >It begins to sink in; you can’t avoid this.
  1051. >You stand, and begin to walk towards The Empress, and stand beside her.
  1052. >The mare begins to speak.
  1053. “Please have mercy, I have foals! Please!”
  1054. >The elderly stallion tries to comfort her.
  1055. “It’s going to be ok Silver Scroll, I- I know they will be in good hands.”
  1056. >She begins to cry
  1057. “I want to see them grow up, I - I want to see them graduate, and-“
  1058. “Enough. Begin my maid. I have little patients for your delaying.”
  1059. >You cautiously step forward, standing with the condemned ponies in front of you, and the Empress behind you.
  1060. “I know you lack physical strength, so simply ask, and I will perform the dead.”
  1061. >You look at the two ponies in the eyes.
  1062. >You freeze.
  1063. >Your a maid, a-a musician for crying out loud! You can’t do this!
  1064. >The mare practically screams to you.
  1065. “Please! Please don’t! You don’t have to listen to her!”
  1066. >You thought you felt powerless before.
  1067. >But this? This is powerlessness.
  1068. >You are a pawn on the playing field of royalty.
  1069. ---------------
  1070. >You begin to think.
  1071. >They will die, but that doesn’t mean they have to suffer.
  1072. >Perhaps you could issue trivial tortures? At least they won’t be in pain…
  1073. “Begin slave. I grow bored.”
  1074. >You turn to around, and are immediately met by a cold, demanding stare.
  1075. >You quickly avoid her eyes, and turn to reface the ponies.
  1076. “I- I um… I think you could pull out a hair or two.”
  1077. >Sure enough, you see their manes stand on end, and a four hairs levitate in front of your eyes.
  1078. “We could… um… slap their hooves?
  1079. >The Empress interjects.
  1080. “Not good enough. Think of something interesting…”
  1081. “Oh ok, we could um… give them a paper cut?”
  1082. “Neigh. I will not be satisfied unless they scream in pain.”
  1083. >You begin to panic.
  1084. >You can’t do that to a pony… it’s wrong.
  1085. >You start to cry.
  1086. “Please… your majestic please! Don’t make me do this!”
  1087. >You look down at your hooves and close your eyes, tears freely falling.
  1088. >Suddenly, you hear a loud snap and a unearthly scream.
  1089. >Something is touching your chin.
  1090. >You open your eyes.
  1091. >It’s a hoof.
  1092. >Your eyes follow the leg to it’s owner.
  1093. >It is the mare.
  1094. >Her joint is bending the wrong way.
  1095. >She is screaming in pain.
  1096. >You hear the voice of the Empress yet again.
  1097. “It’s ok my little pony. Take your time. I know you aren’t used to this, but you will learn."
  1098. >She-she is controlling the pony’s hoof.
  1099. ---------------
  1100. >You don’t know what to do.
  1101. >She is screaming.
  1102. >Screaming in pain.
  1103. >You turn around.
  1104. “STOP! PLEASE! CAN’T YOU SEE THIS IS WRONG!?!
  1105. >Your pleas are barely audible over her screams.
  1106. Then, there is silence.
  1107. >You try to move, but can’t.
  1108. >The Empress and staring at you with a toothy smile.
  1109. >Her fangs show… you are scared.
  1110. >She opens her mouth to speak, but the noise doesn’t come from her mouth.
  1111. >Her voice is right in your ear, as if she is whispering to you.
  1112. “I decide what is wrong, not you. If you fail to play your part, I will kill all of them right now. Do you want that blood on your hands?”
  1113. “Unless you want your parents to join them, I suggest you start.”
  1114. >Sound returns to you.
  1115. >She is still screaming.
  1116. >You turn around to face her again.
  1117. >Bone is exposed.
  1118. >You narrow your eyes.
  1119. >They are going to die anyways.
  1120. >Does their suffering even matter?
  1121. >You turn to the stallion.
  1122. >He is looking over to the mare in clear horror, trying to comfort her while ignoring her gruesome injury.
  1123. >This is it.
  1124. >If you aren’t cruel enough, your parents will die.
  1125. “I want you to break his leg.”
  1126. >For mother and father.
  1127. ---------------
  1128. >After the first… action… it got easier.
  1129. >You were already down the rabbit hole.
  1130. >You moved through the remaining ponies with increasing ease.
  1131. >The Empress helped when she felt you were getting… unoriginal.
  1132. >You didn’t view them as ponies.
  1133. >You couldn’t; you would have gone mad if you did.
  1134. >All of them were unicorns, four mares, two stallions.
  1135. >Five of them had foals.
  1136. >All were had special some ponies.
  1137. >It’s strange how you remember that.
  1138. >Perhaps it is because they told you in an effort to avoid punishment.
  1139. >You didn’t understand why.
  1140. >You weren’t capable of stopping.
  1141. >You held no power.
  1142. >You were simply an agent of the Crown.
  1143. >The begged you for mercy.
  1144. >They offer the Empress their treasures, their loyalty, their lives.
  1145. >She didn’t want them.
  1146. >She said they were tainted blood.
  1147. >You realized how fortunate you were that she should you mercy.
  1148. >The crippled pony cried when he chose.
  1149. >He worked with all of them for years.
  1150. >He knew their foals, their families.
  1151. >He chose two mares and one stallion.
  1152. >His decisions weren’t difficult. All six were begging for death.
  1153. >You remember… he apologized to every single one he chose.
  1154. >He cursed Nightmare Moon.
  1155. >She laughed.
  1156. ---------------
  1157. >There were three ponies left.
  1158. >You were going to begin working on two of the three broken… objects.
  1159. “Stop.”
  1160. >The Empress spoke.
  1161. “I have business to tend to. I will be outside.
  1162. >She walks past, but looks over her shoulder at you.
  1163. >You may continue, I will hear your suggestions.
  1164. >With that, she walks down the hallway toward the main doors.
  1165. >They open and close.
  1166. >You are stuck with the ponies.
  1167. >They are crying.
  1168. >It is a very… solemn atmosphere… like a funeral.
  1169. >You suppose it is fitting, there are three dead bodies on the ground.
  1170. “Please. help them… Just kill them now. They- they’re bodies are broken already. The… game... is over.”
  1171. >The crippled pony is speaking.
  1172. >You turn and look at him.
  1173. >His eyes meet yours.
  1174. “This is all just a game to you isn’t it? You are trying to convince yourself you can’t stop this….”
  1175. “That you aren’t responsible. Your wrong. You could stop. You could try to stop her.”
  1176. >There is silence; then you hear screams in the distance.
  1177. >They appear to be coming from the doorway.
  1178. >You walk over to him.
  1179. >Emotion comes pouring forward.
  1180. “You-you think I enjoy this? I enjoy being here?”
  1181. “You think I wanted to be here?”
  1182. >You walk over to one of the ponies, and step on her horn stump.
  1183. “I was nearly raped!
  1184. >Stomp
  1185. My parents face death!
  1186. >Stomp
  1187. >I could die!
  1188. >Stomp
  1189. “And you dare criticize me? You know nothing about what I have been through!”
  1190. >He keeps his eyes on you.
  1191. “Tell me, does that justify what you just did?”
  1192. >You look down.
  1193. >The pony is screaming like a siren in pain.
  1194. >Her cries of pain echo off the walls of the atrium.
  1195. >Pain you caused.
  1196. ---------------
  1197. >You hear doors close.
  1198. “It doesn’t have to justify it my little pony.”
  1199. >You turn and see the Empress again.
  1200. “She is my toy. Her actions are my responsibility. So long as I command them; I absolve her of her deeds.”
  1201. >Her words are… comforting…
  1202. >This isn’t you, this is her.
  1203. >You aren’t evil, she is.
  1204. >You aren’t responsible, she is.
  1205. >You are just her toy.
  1206. >She is your Empress.
  1207. “Lets get back to the game shall we?”
  1208. >And so you begin.
  1209. >This… game… is getting progressively more difficult.
  1210. >The ponies have so many injuries that it is difficult to please the Empress.
  1211. >She appears to know this as well, and scales back her use of force to keep them alive.
  1212. >After yet another decision, you are down to one pony.
  1213. >There were only three that survived last session, so one had to play alone.
  1214. >There is no need to mention what happened to him.
  1215. >One pony remained.
  1216. >A mare.
  1217. >The same mare the Empress began with.
  1218. “Pl-please, have m-mer-mercy.”
  1219. >She sputtered up her words along with copious amounts of blood.
  1220. >The Empress laughs.
  1221. “Mercy? But we just got to the good part. The final round.”
  1222. >The mare’s eye lids appear to twitch.
  1223. >You assume she attempted to move her eye, but it is swollen shut.
  1224. “D-does that mean I can see my foals again?”
  1225. “Mmmhahaha… No my little pony, no it does not.”
  1226. >Then, without warning, the mare’s neck twist completely, and she collapses.
  1227. >Dead
  1228. ---------------
  1229. “You-you lied!!! You monster!! You said you would let her go!!!
  1230. >The crippled pony shouts.
  1231. >Nightmare Moon doesn’t reply, instead, she lifts the blanket covered pony, and begins to walk.
  1232. “Follow me servant”
  1233. >You obey.
  1234. “Answer me you beast!! Answer me!!!
  1235. >She ignores him, and continues to walk.
  1236. >You follow.
  1237. >Eventually, you arrive at a balcony.
  1238. >You can only assume this used to be where Celestia would raise the sun and moon from.
  1239. >She sets the pony down, letting him overlook Canterlot.
  1240. “Seeing that you have won the game my little pony, I hope to speak with you before you leave.”
  1241. >His eyes reflect confusion.
  1242. “I-I won? I don’t understand…”
  1243. “Of course you won. You are alive aren’t you. All of you were playing.”
  1244. “But-but that isn’t fair! I only judged them! I didn’t suffer! How could you do that to them?!”
  1245. >She lets out a small chuckle.
  1246. “The world isn’t fair my little pony. Some ponies have to learn the hard way… as I have.”
  1247. >Her voice grows… soft?
  1248. >She pauses.
  1249. “Do you remember the foal’s story of the Mare on the Moon?”
  1250. >He nodes his head suspiciously.
  1251. “Yes-yes I do.”
  1252. “I am that mare. I am Celestia’s sister.”
  1253. ---------------
  1254. >His eyes grow large.
  1255. >You are in disbelief.
  1256. >That story is real? Celestia had a sister? You always thought that was a foals tale.
  1257. “You mean that… that you were…”
  1258. “Banished on the Moon? Yes. Celestia is a jealous mare my foal. She would not share her kingdom with her own blood.”
  1259. “After years of mistreatment, I rebelled. She did have the power to defeat me so she banished me instead.”
  1260. “Then, for a thousand years she purged every. single. record. She tried to erase me from history.”
  1261. “What she did not expect however, was my return. How, she has, and will pay for her transgressions against me.”
  1262. >He is quiet, clearly stunned by this revelation.
  1263. “I know that you see me as a monster, but I ask you only understand my torment.”
  1264. “1000 years. Alone. No pony could ever possibly comprehend the evil she inflected on me.”
  1265. “The suffering you feel, no matter how severe, is nothing to what I have to live with.”
  1266. “I ask, that when I let you go, you reconsider your stance against me.”
  1267. “You are free to go.”
  1268. >He looks at her, and his face turns from one of sorrow and understanding to anger.
  1269. “This-this is your game? You let me go, knowing I am unable to leave.”
  1270. >The empress replies in a calm tone.
  1271. “It appears I have forgotten about that. If you wish, I may cure your paralysis.”
  1272. >He looks up with a look of surprise.
  1273. “I-I thank you.”
  1274. >Her horn glows, as does his neck.
  1275. >You look at his eyes, as they transition from hope to… pain?
  1276. >His body begins to seize, and he attempts to gasp for air.
  1277. >The empress removes the blanket to reveal his body.
  1278. >You turn away. Whatever occurred in that room is child’s play compared to his… his… corpse.”
  1279. >You hear a laugh over the sound of his dying breathes.
  1280. “Life isn’t fair my little pony. But that game? That game was…"
  1281. ---------------
  1282. >The guards removed the bodies, so you didn’t have that task.
  1283. >The Empress reminded you before you left.
  1284. >"This was your warning. If you fail me, you, and your parents, will suffer a worse fate."
  1285. >A worse fate
  1286. >You try not to focus on it.
  1287. >It scares you.
  1288. >You return back to your cell.
  1289. >You had no appetite after those events.
  1290. >You return your clothing to the laundry center and pick up a new pair.
  1291. >After a long bathe, you dry off and lay down in your bed.
  1292. >You calm down, and have time to reflect on the actions of the day.
  1293. >You restless.
  1294. >Guilty.
  1295. >They died.
  1296. >Their foals don’t have parents anymore.
  1297. >You begin to feel a cold sweat.
  1298. >You begin to hear their voices.
  1299. >"“This is all just a game to you isn’t it?" You are trying to convince yourself you can’t stop this….”“That you aren’t responsible. Your wrong. You could stop. You could try to stop her.”
  1300. >Was he right? Could you stop her?
  1301. >Could you have saved them?
  1302. >You place your only pillow over your head.
  1303. >Of course you couldn’t have saved them. That was the Empress! An Alicorn! You are a simple earth pony! What could you have done?
  1304. >“Please! Please don’t! You don’t have to listen to her!”
  1305. >No! They were wrong! You don’t have a choice! You’re life was on the line! Your parents would have died!
  1306. >You begin to feel nauseous, and stand up.
  1307. >Your mind begins to race, running through everything that happened in that room.
  1308. >The blood, the crying, the shouts, the pain.
  1309. >The hopelessness.
  1310. >They were hopeless.
  1311. >Hopelessness that you brought.
  1312. >That you caused.
  1313. >After the first pony, they all knew they were going to die… to die for her… entertainment.
  1314. >This was no execution. This was a game to her. Perhaps that is was scared you the most.
  1315. >This was a game to her.
  1316. >She… she is an alicorn. Eternal. Powerful.
  1317. >Absolute.
  1318. ---------------
  1319. >What are ponies to alicorns?
  1320. >Is… is she a god?
  1321. >The word sounds… strange.
  1322. >But it is the only word that describes her.
  1323. >She holds the power of life and death in her hooves.
  1324. >What are you in comparison?
  1325. >How could have have expected you to stop her?
  1326. >A scary thought crosses your mind.
  1327. >These ponies were part of her game.
  1328. >To her, they weren’t ponies, but simple pawns on the board.
  1329. >Were you a pawn as well?
  1330. >Were you… are you... part of the game?
  1331. >Your life…
  1332. >You don’t have a life.
  1333. >She took it.
  1334. >She owns you now.
  1335. >Her and this… this beast… are the only purposes of your life.
  1336. >You can’t be responsible for your actions.
  1337. >You are simply her pawn.
  1338. >She… she even said it herself.
  1339. >“She is my toy. Her actions are my responsibility. So long as I command them; I absolve her of her deeds.”
  1340. >You… you aren’t a pony.
  1341. >You are her toy.
  1342. >You feel… safe.
  1343. >As long as you are hers… you aren’t responsible for their deaths.
  1344. >You didn’t want to kill them; she did.
  1345. >She wanted to kill them.
  1346. >You were just her agent.
  1347. >It… it comforts you.
  1348. >Everything seems so much clearer now.
  1349. >As long as you play your part, as long as you are useful, she will be satisfied, and you will live.
  1350. >You lay on your bed again.
  1351. >Exhausted.
  1352. >Sleep comes quickly.
  1353. >You have pleasant dreams.
  1354. >You dream of your parents.
  1355. ---------------
  1356. >You wake up feeling moderately refreshed.
  1357. >Your dreams of your parents was enjoyable, yet saddening. It reminded you of better times.
  1358. >You turn to face your clock: 7:55AM
  1359. >You walk into the bathroom to take a shower.
  1360. >As the warm water washes your coat, you have time to think.
  1361. >Their screams.
  1362. >No. You mustn’t focus on that. It wasn’t your fault, you were just Nightmare Moon’s agent.
  1363. >But their screams…
  1364. >You turn the water on cold to draw your attention.
  1365. >Luckily, it works, and while you leave the bath shivering, you feel relieved.
  1366. >After dressing yourself, you journey to the dining hall.
  1367. >Your meal was nothing special, typical grass clipping from the lawns.
  1368. >You quickly eat, and head toward the Quartermaster to gather your cart and supplies.
  1369. >As you arrive, you begin to think of the day ahead.
  1370. >Taking care of the Beast’s to-
  1371. …
  1372. …
  1373. >Ponies. Taking care of the Beast’s ponies isn’t as challenging as you once thought.
  1374. >As you begin to select the items for the individual ponies, you think of the blue pegasus.
  1375. >She claimed that she didn’t need wing care products, but if your observations were accurate, that was a lie.
  1376. >You are tasked with ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene of the Beast’s ponies, and will do that to the best of your abilities.
  1377. >You go to the hygiene section of the Quartermaster, but are only greeted by wing and feather powders.
  1378. >You are not a pegasus by any means, but you picked up a thing or two from your grandmother who was.
  1379. >She only used feather oils, and even in her old age, she had some of the nicest feathers you had ever seen.
  1380. >She always said that the powders were only popular with the “lazy youth.”
  1381. >Apparently applying the oils was difficult to do by hoof, so powders became popular because of their ease of use.
  1382. >You think for a second, before deciding to ask the Quartermaster pony for the oils instead.
  1383. ---------------
  1384. >You walk to the front desk, who is staffed by a single pony, who’s nametag reads “Replenishment.”
  1385. “Excuse me sir, I was wondering if you had any feather oils in stock?”
  1386. >He stops whatever paperwork he was doing and looks up at you.
  1387. >“Oils? What do you need those for? The barracks received their powder shipment last week.”
  1388. >You shake your head.
  1389. “No sir, I am not from the barracks. I am the Empress’ maid.
  1390. >His eyes dilate slightly.
  1391. >“The Empress? Why yes, yes we do have feather oil, please follow me.”
  1392. >You follow Replenishment toward what you assume it the storage room.
  1393. >”This is where we keep some of our lesser used items. Give me a second to find the oils for you.”
  1394. >After a few minutes, and what seems like a few hundred boxes later, he hands you a small bottle of oil.
  1395. >”There you go. I’m sorry about the delay, no one has asked for feather oil in months.
  1396. >You give him a small smile and nod your head.
  1397. “I understand sir, please, it’s no problem at all.”
  1398. >You please the oil on your cart before following him down the hallway.
  1399. >As you walk, you have time to think about the ponies again.
  1400. >Then… the orange earth pony crosses your mind.
  1401. ---------------
  1402. >Your blood boils.
  1403. >She almost got you killed. You can’t just let her get away with it, but you can’t punish her directly.
  1404. >You quickly try to think of a way of revenge.
  1405. >The… livestock was in bondage, and couldn’t move. It was clear the beast didn’t want her to achieve orgasm.
  1406. >But it is also unlikely that he will keep her bound forever, so if he releases her, she will be free.
  1407. >You saw the discomfort she was in.
  1408. >You have to make that last.
  1409. >An idea pops into your mind; a chastity device.
  1410. >You blush thinking about it.
  1411. >You aren’t a overly sexual mare by any means, but that doesn’t mean you didn't read some of the more… sleazy magazines.
  1412. >A few months ago in Cosmomare they mentioned chastity devices.
  1413. >Only the stallion models were mentioned in any real detail, but they did mention a mare version.
  1414. >You feel dirty even thinking about this.
  1415. >Surely they wouldn’t have them in the castle…
  1416. >But you have to get back at her...
  1417. >You hurry to push your cart next to Replenishment.
  1418. “Excuse me.”
  1419. >”Yes? What it is it?”
  1420. …
  1421. …
  1422. ...
  1423. >You didn’t think about how to word this.
  1424. >Oh Celestia. You didn’t think about how to word this.
  1425. ---------------
  1426. “I- ummm…”
  1427. >You take a small breathe to gather yourself.
  1428. “I need a female chastity belt.”
  1429. >He stops walking, and turns to face you.
  1430. >“Excuse me?”
  1431. “I need a chastity belt for a mare.”
  1432. >He is clearly blindsided by the request.
  1433. “I- um… I don’t know if you think this is funny, but please, don’t waste me time.”
  1434. >He turns and continues to walk.
  1435. “I’m not joking.”
  1436. >He stops walking.
  1437. “I need a female chastity belt.”
  1438. >”Any why would you need one? Does the Empress require it?”
  1439. >Oh no. you didn’t that through enough, you can’t let this get to her, or the Beast’s ear.
  1440. “No. It is not for the Empress, and you would do well to not make such blasphemous accusations without basis.”
  1441. “I will return here in a few hours, if the belt is not already here, there will be problems.”
  1442. >Without waiting for a reply, you push your cart past him, and make way to the Beast’s hallway.
  1443. >”Mam! Mam wait!”
  1444. >You stop, and turn.
  1445. >Suddenly, a wave of fear hits you.
  1446. >What if he needs to verify the purchase? What if he needs to report it?
  1447. >You had no right to ask for it! You- you broke a rule!
  1448. >You feel stupid. So unbelievably stu-
  1449. >”Do you need it delivered anywhere in particular?”
  1450. >The question was so… typical… that it catches you off guard.
  1451. “Um… no- No. Just be here, I will return after I complete my duties.”
  1452. >He nodes, before lowering his voice.
  1453. “Please mis- don’t um… don’t tell anyone that I gave you trouble ok?”
  1454. …
  1455. ---------------
  1456. >Did he just…
  1457. >No.
  1458. >He just asked you for… mercy?
  1459. “Yes- yes. Just remember to keep it off the books… don’t tell anyone yourself either.
  1460. >Quickly, you just realize you made a threat, so you need to back it up.
  1461. “The Crown as agents, so if you talk, She will know.
  1462. >He nodes.
  1463. >Satisfied, you turn, and continue on your way.
  1464. >You arrive at the hallway, and after checking in with the guards, proceed to feeding the ponies.
  1465. >You begin to drop off food door by door, but it isn’t the first thing on your mind.
  1466. >You can’t help but to think about the exchange with the Quartermaster.
  1467. >He… feared you.
  1468. >Not much, but it was definitely there.
  1469. >His voice said it all.
  1470. >Was this the power that the Empress held?
  1471. >That even her maids commanded fear?
  1472. >It was… strange, yet sobering.
  1473. >It makes you… grateful. Grateful that she actually showed mercy on your family.
  1474. >You think about the ponies you saw die.
  1475. >That could have been your parents… that could have been you.
  1476. >It could still be you.
  1477. ---------------
  1478. >Soon, you arrive at the door of the blue pegasus.
  1479. >You open it, and find her still sleeping.
  1480. >You proceed into her bathroom to deposit the oil.
  1481. >You look at it one last time before setting it down.
  1482. >'For use as a protectant on fur, hair, and feathers.’
  1483. >Satisfied, you place proceed back to your cart, and get her food.
  1484. >You walk over, to the bed, and wake her up.
  1485. “Excuse me miss, please wake up, it is time for your meal.”
  1486. >She is slow to rise.
  1487. >“Uhhh mmmm wha-?”
  1488. “It is breakfast miss, please, wake up.”
  1489. >She turns over lazily, and looks at the food.
  1490. “Carrots? Celery? What is this, a diet? Program? I want some hayfries!”
  1491. >You set the meal down.
  1492. “Please miss, I am only feeding you healthy food because it is your best interest.”
  1493. >You look at the food.
  1494. >You are jealous.
  1495. >How can she be upset with that? You eat grass clipping!
  1496. >You mentally calm yourself, before looking at the mare.
  1497. >She looks athletic, maybe she played sports?
  1498. “Besides, for an athlete like yourself, you need to fuel your body properly.”
  1499. >She turns, and gives you a dirty look.
  1500. >”Fine.”
  1501. >You nod.
  1502. “I will be back to get your plate soon.”
  1503. >And with that, you take your leave.
  1504. ---------------
  1505. >You make your way back to the quarter master to pick up your special request.
  1506. >You walk to the desk, and sure enough, Replenish is there.
  1507. “Do you have the belt?”
  1508. >He nodes, and lift it from under the desk.”
  1509. >“Here you go. I had to go to a… special store… for this. I-I even used my own money for it, so it doesn’t appear in the books, just like you asked.”
  1510. >You nod.
  1511. “I’m pleased. Your cooperation will be noted…”
  1512. >You have no idea if you will ever be able to make it up to him, but at least it makes him think you care.”
  1513. >”Thank you very much ma’am”
  1514. >You place the box on your cart, and make your way back to the hallway.
  1515. >You arrive, and gather the food plates from the other ponies, before making your way to the Beast’s room.
  1516. >You open the door, and see the pony.
  1517. >The… livestock.
  1518. >Her ears perk up, hearing the door open, and she begins to struggle against her bonds.
  1519. >You chuckle.
  1520. >You… chuckle.
  1521. >It’s strange. This situation isn’t even remotely funny. The is a pony over directly in front of you, clearly in distress, and you laugh.
  1522. >Have… have you changed?
  1523. >No. No. You haven’t changed. This pony… this… livestock deserves it.
  1524. >She almost killed your family.
  1525. >Newly motivated, you unpackage the belt, and put it next to the rest of the… items… present.
  1526. >The variety of items scare you.
  1527. >Some are sexual, some… clearly aren’t.
  1528. >It scares you, but you shake your head, regaining focus.
  1529. >You turn again, and see the orange earth pony.
  1530. ---------------
  1531. >You blink, and remember why you are here. To take care of the Beast’s ponies.
  1532. >You begin to wash her again, just like the day before.
  1533. >This time however, you are careful not to fall for her tricks.
  1534. >When she notices that you are avoiding her more… sensitive areas, she begins to talk.
  1535. >”So… uhhh. I reckon it’s you again.”
  1536. >You return only silence.
  1537. >"Haha, well… ahhh. It looks like we didn’t get caught ah guess."
  1538. >Silence.
  1539. >She realizes that you aren’t talking back, and exhales in a defeated tone.
  1540. >”Look… ah’m real sorry bout yesterday, I feel just awful about what happened…”
  1541. >You continue to wash her coat.
  1542. >“I- I didn’t know that your family was in danger…”
  1543. >She sounds honest enough.
  1544. >Perhaps she learned her lesson.
  1545. >”But… we didn’t get caught. So… I reckon that you could help me again- if ya’ wanted to of course.”
  1546. >You stop washing her.
  1547. >This pony. This stupid farmer, had the audacity to ask you to do it again.
  1548. >It makes you… angry.
  1549. >It’s like she is insulting your intelligence.
  1550. >You walk in front of her again, and look her in the eyes.
  1551. >She is a pitiful sight, her eyes showing shear exhaustion.
  1552. >You suppose she is used to it by now, she was a simple laborer.
  1553. >You take a step forward.
  1554. >Your eyes are calm, and cold, almost icy.
  1555. >Her eyes grow.
  1556. >She realized her mistake.
  1557. ---------------
  1558. >”Look, Ah’m- Ah didn’t mean to upset ya. Ya don’t haveta do it.
  1559. >You look at her face.
  1560. >It isn’t bruised.
  1561. >Good. Then it won’t bruise this time either.
  1562. >With all the force you can summon, you slap the stupid tree kicker in front of you.
  1563. “Let me make something very, very clear for you. I am not your servant. I do not answer to you.”
  1564. “If anything, outside the walls of this castle your mother would be mopping my floors.”
  1565. >She doesn’t raise her head.
  1566. “Ma- ma- parents are-"
  1567. >You smack her.
  1568. “Useless. Utterly useless. They are probably sitting in some mud pit right now rutting swine.”
  1569. >You spit on her, causing her to recoil and briefly struggle at her bonds.
  1570. >You see tears begin to fill her eyes.
  1571. >You smack her again.
  1572. “Your nothing but a stupid, useless farmer.”
  1573. >You check her flank
  1574. >Apples.
  1575. “Apples huh? You probably take pride in your stupid fruit don’t you?”
  1576. “It’s sad really. No matter how hard you work- no matter now much blood you poor into your soil, all your work is gone in a year.”
  1577. >Slap.
  1578. “Do you know what I was before this? I was a musician. I composed art. The work of my hoofs last forever.”
  1579. >Slap
  1580. “In a hundred years, your children will hear my music. They will get married to it. They will dance to it. They will make love to it.”
  1581. >Slap.
  1582. “But you? They won’t remember you. No one will. No one will remember a stupid apple farmer.”
  1583. “There is a fundamental difference between me and you, and no matter what happens in here, me and you will never be equals."
  1584. >You stare at the mare in front of you.
  1585. “You disgust me. Your life is easy, all you do is sit her and hope to be rutted like a whorse.”
  1586. “But me? I work, I labor for my life. I labor for my family’s lives!”
  1587. >Silence hangs in the air.
  1588. >The mare slowly raises her head.
  1589. >“Ma- my parents are dead.”
  1590. …
  1591. ---------------
  1592. …
  1593. >Dead.
  1594. >Her parents are… are already dead…
  1595. >She looks you in the eyes, forcing you to avert your gaze.
  1596. >”You- you ain’t that much different than me. We’re both earth ponies.”
  1597. >She lets out a small laugh.
  1598. >”but I reckon you ain’t a farmer.”
  1599. >”But that ain’t important right now.”
  1600. >”What’s important now is that we’re both here. We’re both here against our will. We both toys to those monsters.
  1601. >Toys.
  1602. >Your both toys.
  1603. >You look at the pony in front of you.
  1604. >She is so… different.
  1605. >She is a farmer, your a musician.
  1606. >She isn’t educated, you are.
  1607. >She is in bondage… you are.
  1608. >She is toy… you are too…
  1609. >You walk past her.
  1610. ...
  1611. >She tries to say something to you, but you can’t here it.
  1612. >You can’t hear anything.
  1613. >All you hear is the Empress’ words.
  1614. >”She is my toy…”
  1615. >You pick up the bucket and sponge on the ground, sloppily returning it to your cart, and quickly walk to the door.
  1616. >You can’t be in that room, you can’t be in that room.
  1617. >She scares you.
  1618. >You don’t know why.
  1619. >Perhaps it is that her situation is so different.
  1620. >Perhaps it is that her situation is only one misstep away.
  1621. ---------------
  1622. >You return your cart to the Quartermaster.
  1623. >You feel.. conflicted; and in more ways than one.
  1624. >The Empress’ words echo in your mind.
  1625. >Do you accept them, or not?
  1626. >It scares you.
  1627. >You try to occupy your mind with something else.
  1628. >As you walk the hallways you find a clock and check the time.
  1629. >7:50.
  1630. >It’s too early to head back to your cell; not that you wanted to anyways.
  1631. >All that awaits you there are your thoughts, and at this point, that is what you want to avoid.
  1632. >Instead, you head to the dining hall.
  1633. >You collect your meager allotment of grass clippings and take a seat.
  1634. >You elect to sit alone toward the rear tables so that you can be alone.
  1635. >Luckily, this provides you with a brilliant vista do to the nearby windows.
  1636. >Canterlot looks… calm.
  1637. >It surprises you.
  1638. >This Palace has become your personal torment, yet the city looks like it would on any other night.
  1639. >It’s strange, but at the same time, it’s beautiful.
  1640. >You think back to the Mare on the Moon tale.
  1641. >Your mother always told you it before bed.
  1642. >As you look out at the city and sky, you can’t help but feel...bad?
  1643. >The city is gorgeous at night, and the sky is almost magical.
  1644. >Was this what the mare was jealous for? That everyone slept through her night?
  1645. >You look over the city.
  1646. >You wish that everypony could see this.
  1647. >It’s almost magical.
  1648. >Then it hits you.
  1649. >It’s 7:50
  1650. >7:50pm
  1651. >That wasn’t a story; it was real.
  1652. >Her anger was real.
  1653. >Eternal night is real.
  1654. >Celestia… help you.
  1655. >Celestia...
  1656. >Where was she?
  1657. >Is she… dead?
  1658. >No… no she can’t be dead. That mare wouldn’t…
  1659. >She would.
  1660. >You saw it first hand.
  1661. >She killed those ponies for sport.
  1662. >If she was legitimately angry…
  1663. ---------------
  1664. >You shutter at the thought.
  1665. >After a moment, you are able to refocus, and resume eating your food.
  1666. >Between bites, you look up, and across the cafeteria.
  1667. >After a few minutes, you begin to realize that quite a few ponies are staring at you, and whispering.
  1668. >You initially think they are looking at the windows behind you, but after realizing nopony is willing to make eye contact, your suspicions are confirmed.
  1669. >You begin to get nervous, unsure why you are attracting their attention.
  1670. >It isn’t just stallions, but mares as well; a good third of the ponies are attempting to stealthily gaze at you.
  1671. >That is until a stallion gets pushed off of his chair.
  1672. >You watch as he stands up and tries to retake his seat, but his friends prevent him.
  1673. >Instead, they point toward you, as if they want him to… talk to you?
  1674. >If you were nervous before, you are now.
  1675. >Is he coming to make fun of you?
  1676. >Does he know your a prisoner?
  1677. >Does he…
  1678. >Wait…
  1679. >Is that…
  1680. >Replenishment?
  1681. >Why is he coming over here?
  1682. >Does he…
  1683. >Oh Celestia…
  1684. >He probably thinks you are some kinky sex crazed mare.
  1685. >He probably wants a “good time.”
  1686. >Filthy pig.
  1687. >He approaches your table, nervousness plastered on his face.
  1688. >You shake your head.
  1689. >He sits down across from you.
  1690. “Look, I don’t know why your coming over here, but if you think I’m going to have sex with you your sorely mistaken.”
  1691. >His face shifts from nervousness, to confusion, to a blush in a split second.
  1692. “Wha? I- n-no! Not that!
  1693. >He looked sincere enough.
  1694. “Then why are you here-"
  1695. >You motion to everyone behind him
  1696. "and why are they all looking at me?”
  1697. >He leans in close, as if telling you a secret.
  1698. >”Do you work for the Beast?
  1699. ---------------
  1700. >The question is… off-putting.
  1701. ”I- um… no. No I don’t.”
  1702. >You shake your head.
  1703. “I work for the Empress.”
  1704. >He shakes his head in return.
  1705. >“Of course you work for the Empress, we all do, but what do you do for her?”
  1706. >You think for a moment about how to answer.
  1707. >Will they think less of you because of your position?
  1708. >Realizing it is unavoidable, you reply.
  1709. “I care for the Beast’s p-“
  1710. >You catch your small mistake.
  1711. >You are unsure if the Beast’s activities are to remain a secret, so as a precaution, you reword your answer.
  1712. “Toys- I care for the Beast’s toys.”
  1713. >He nods.
  1714. >”What do you know about the beast? Have you ever talked to it?
  1715. >You shake your head in replay.
  1716. “No, no I have not.”
  1717. >You take a small bite of grass.
  1718. “I haven’t even seen the Beast, let alone talked to it.”
  1719. >He turns around, and motions for a few of his friends to join you at your table.
  1720. >While they are walking, he turns to you again.
  1721. >”Really? You haven’t seen it, even though you care for it? That is strange.”
  1722. >You look up in surprise.
  1723. “Wait… you have seen it?”
  1724. >He nods.
  1725. >“Yeah, almost everyone has. It patrols Canterlot in the mornings. I’ve never seen it either because of my work hours, by friends have.”
  1726. >As Replenishment talks, his friends approach, and sit across from you, flanking him on either side.
  1727. >“Hey fellas, you were right! She does care for the Beast!”
  1728. >One jabs him in the side playfully.
  1729. >"I told ya I saw her coming up from that hallway before! I wasn’t lyin’”
  1730. >You quietly interject.
  1731. >You face one of them.
  1732. “You’ve seen the Beast? What does it look like? Is it a pony?”
  1733. ---------------
  1734. >He shakes his head.
  1735. >”No, it’s like… well… I can’t really describe it. It’s kinda like a diamond dog, but mostly hairless, and skinnier.”
  1736. >He thinks, rubbing his chin before continuing.
  1737. >“Come to think of it, it had on armor, so maybe just it’s face is hairless? I don’t know. But it is tall.”
  1738. >He places his front hoofs on the table and stands up.
  1739. >“I would estimate he is about a tall as the Empress, but I only saw him from a distance, so I can’t really say.”
  1740. >He uses his left front hoof to try and show the Beast’s height.
  1741. >An alicorn sized diamond dog?
  1742. >That wasn’t what you expected.
  1743. >One of the Replenishment’s friends speaks up.
  1744. >"So you care for the Beast, but you said you didn’t see him so… what did you do?"
  1745. “No no, I don’t care for the Beast, so much as I care for it’s toys.”
  1746. >One of them speaks up.
  1747. >”Toys? Like building blocks? Is this thing a foal?”
  1748. >He turns to his friends.
  1749. >”I thought you said that it was dangerous? What type of monster plays with building blocks for crying out loud.”
  1750. >Before his friend can reply, you speak up.
  1751. “I’m afraid that those aren’t the proper kind of… toys the Beast enjoys.”
  1752. >Replenishment responds.
  1753. >”So than what does it play with? Was the belt I gave you earlier for the Beast?”
  1754. >He looks to be in thought.
  1755. >”Is-is the Beast a female?”
  1756. >The idea never crossed your mind.
  1757. >You always just assumed that it was a male, but you could easily be wrong.
  1758. “I don’t know what gender it is, but I’m afraid I can’t comment on what the belt was for.”
  1759. >He gives you a skeptical stare.
  1760. ---------------
  1761. >He begins to talk.
  1762. >“So… do you know where he came from? Has he left anything to help judge his origin?”
  1763. “Unfortunately not, if anything, you probably know more about him than I do.”
  1764. >His friend speaks up.
  1765. >“I heard that he came from the north. They say he rose from under the ice sheets when the eclipse happened.”
  1766. >Replenish turns to him.
  1767. >“You mean like that stupid foals tale of the Banished Crystal City? Are you five or something?”
  1768. >They all laugh.
  1769. >You force a laugh of your own.
  1770. >You remember that story well.
  1771. >The King enslaved an entire populous, and abused his subjects for fun.
  1772. >It’s just a foals tale…
  1773. >But so was the Mare on the Moon.
  1774. ...
  1775. >You realize that you zoned out, and catch their conversation half way through.
  1776. >”He is just like the story though! I heard that he saw a pregnant mare on the street, and slit her womb, just to watch her suffer!
  1777. >“That ridiculous, he can’t just walk around killing ponies!
  1778. >“He is a bucking 1000 year old monster, he can do whatever the hell he wants!”
  1779. >”What about the Empress? You think she would let him do that?”
  1780. >”Most likely! I wouldn’t be surprised if they are a couple or something. Maybe she is the Crystal King’s long lost wife!”
  1781. >They all break into laughter.
  1782. >”I got to give it to you Replenishment, that is the dumbest thing I have heard all day. How would that even work? Did you even think about that? He is a diamond for Celestia sake! She is an alicorn. AN ALICORN!”
  1783. >The conversation dies off, before somepony asked a simply question.
  1784. “What do you guys think happened to Celestia?”
  1785. ---------------
  1786. >The table goes quite.
  1787. >”I honestly don’t know.”
  1788. >The pony shakes his head.
  1789. >”I heard that a few ponies at Celestia’s school had found her, but then they just… disappeared.”
  1790. >They didn’t disappear.
  1791. >You saw them die.
  1792. >Every. single. one of them.
  1793. >You keep your mouth shut.
  1794. >Maids do not speak about what they see.
  1795. >”Do- do you think the Empress killed her?”
  1796. >”No-no she couldn’t have. She- why would she do that? Celestia was a good mare.”
  1797. >You speak up.
  1798. “It doesn’t matter.”
  1799. >They all look at you, as if remembering that you are still alive.
  1800. >”Wha-“
  1801. “It doesn’t matter; don’t you see? It doesn’t matter how “good” Celestia was, it doesn’t matter if she deserved to die, all that matters is who holds the power.”
  1802. >”How can you say that? How can you just abandon Celestia? After all she has done for us-for you!”
  1803. “I’m not abandoning anything. I’m trying to survive. This isn’t Celestia’s kingdom anymore, don’t you see that?”
  1804. >You motion to the window.
  1805. “Look outside. She couldn’t stop this from happening when she had the entire Kingdom behind her. What makes you think that she can do it now?”
  1806. >Again, the table goes quite.
  1807. >”Do you want Celestia back?”
  1808. “What?“
  1809. >”Do you want Celestia back? If you could summon her back, would you?”
  1810. ---------------
  1811. >You are surprised by the question.
  1812. >It seems so… simple.
  1813. >Your mind says yes.
  1814. >You would have your parents, you life, your music, everything, brought back.
  1815. >But as you begin to open your mouth, you remember the Empress' words yet again.
  1816. >Celestia sent her to the moon for 1000 years.
  1817. >1000 years.
  1818. >What does that do to a pony? To a mind?
  1819. >How much does 1000 years of isolation change you?
  1820. >Literally no pony alive could possibly understand her.
  1821. >So how can any pony judge her?
  1822. >Everything you’ve learned tells you that she is wrong; that she deserves to be punished.
  1823. >But your heart tells you otherwise.
  1824. >It tells you that she is… hurt.
  1825. >That she is suffering.
  1826. >Can you blame her for that?
  1827. >Can you blame her for being angry?
  1828. …
  1829. >You close your eyes.
  1830. “I-I don’t know.”
  1831. ...
  1832. “I don’t know if I want her back. I- I mean I’m not sure if I support her yet, but I think that she deserves our respect if anything… especially after everything she has been through.”
  1833. >You open your eyes and look up.
  1834. >Replenishment and his friends aren’t looking at you.
  1835. >They are looking behind you, with fear in their eyes.
  1836. >Wait… fear?
  1837. >You turn around just in time to see Nightmare Moon finish materializing out of some sort of smoke.
  1838. >She looks down at you, ice in her eyes.
  1839. >"Stand up my little pony.”
  1840. >Overwhelmed with fear, it takes you a moment to register her words. However, as soon as they do register, you quickly stand.”
  1841. >You turn to face her.
  1842. >You feel magic begin to flow over your body, and then…
  1843. >Darkness.
  1844. ---------------
  1845. >You feel nothing.
  1846. >Not a breathe, not a blink, nothing.
  1847. >Then, after a few moments, you simply… appear.
  1848. >You look around frantically.
  1849. >Quickly, you realize that you are in Nightmare Moon’s chambers.
  1850. >More specifically, her atrium.
  1851. >Why would she…
  1852. >No.
  1853. >Oh no.
  1854. >She is going to k-
  1855. >”Hello Octavia.”
  1856. >She is standing behind you, and you are forced to turn to face her.
  1857. >Her voice is cold and calm.
  1858. >”Y-yes Empress?”
  1859. >Her eyes meet yours.
  1860. >They are so intense… so-
  1861. >”Are you going to prostrate yourself, or have you forgotten your place?”
  1862. >Realizing your mistake, you quickly fall to the ground, bowing in front of the Empress.
  1863. >You feel her hoof gently press against the top of your head.
  1864. >She doesn’t apply any force, but the message is very, very clear.
  1865. >You are under her hoof; she can end your life at will.
  1866. >She rubs her hoof against your head for a few seconds before placing it on the ground in front of you.
  1867. >You wait for her to move, but she does not.
  1868. >Slowly, you lean forward and place your lips against her hoof guard.
  1869. >”Very good my little pony, you may rise.”
  1870. >You stand up, grateful you avoided her anger.
  1871. >”We heard your comments about us in the Dining Hall.”
  1872. >Your heart begins to race.
  1873. >You said that you didn’t support her yet…
  1874. > is- is she here to kill you?
  1875. >Are you going to die?
  1876. ---------------
  1877. >She uses her mane to brush your own.
  1878. >You shiver, fear flowing through your veins.
  1879. >”and we are… pleased with your comments.”
  1880. >”We are not so blind as to expect for you to understand our motives.”
  1881. >”We admire your honesty. ”
  1882. >She looks toward the balcony.
  1883. >”You see… since my return, many ponies only obey me to live.”
  1884. >”They don’t understand me, they don’t know what it was like…”
  1885. >She pauses.
  1886. >”You don’t either; nopony does, but you attempt to.”
  1887. >"These will be trying times for you Octavia. We understand you will have trouble transitioning to your new place.”
  1888. >You look up at her.
  1889. >”But in time, we believe that you will learn, and your life may be of use to us after all.”
  1890. >She stops brushing your mane.
  1891. >”But that is not why you are here.”
  1892. >She turns to face the balcony.
  1893. >”We were conversing with our Orge today, and it appears that he has taken an interest in you.”
  1894. >An… interest in you?
  1895. >Like love?
  1896. >No, of course not… he hasn’t even met you.
  1897. >But than what could he want you f-
  1898. >Your mind stops.
  1899. >You realize exactly what she means.
  1900. >”He asked about you, and we simply assumed that he wanted to ensure his toys were being properly cared for.”
  1901. >”However, after he left, we heard him request a guard to retrieve you.”
  1902. >”We simply couldn’t let that happen, so we intercepted the guard, and retrieved you ourselves.
  1903. >She turns to face you again.
  1904. >”Now, as owner of our property, we wish to know why he has taken interest in you.”
  1905. >Her mane encircles your neck, and tightens slightly, but enough to make her intentions clear.
  1906. >”Should you lie to us, your punishment shall be slow…”
  1907. >He mane tightens even more.
  1908. >”And lethal.”
  1909. ---------------
  1910. >You begin to feel your neck pulse.
  1911. >Breathing is still possible, but slightly difficult.
  1912. “I- I don’t know Empress, I don’t know why he is interested in me!”
  1913. >Her facial expression doesn’t not change, but all you can focus on is her eyes.
  1914. >They are remorseless, as if she is staring at an inanimate object.
  1915. >It scares you.
  1916. “P-please Empress! I swear I am telling you the truth! I don’t know!”
  1917. >She leans in to face you.
  1918. >”Have you had any relations with the Beast? Have you sought relief from your carnal desires?”
  1919. “No-No! I have not met the beast! I swear on my parent’s lives I haven’t!”
  1920. >You begin to cry.
  1921. “Please Empress! Don’t kill me- I’m… I’m just a pony…”
  1922. >A smile appears on her face, accompanied by a mocking laugh.
  1923. >”You should only swear on things that you possess my maid, and your parents are my property, not yours.”
  1924. >The smile escapes her face.
  1925. >”Normally I wouldn’t believe such pleas, especially from a simple mud pony such as yourself.”
  1926. >”You’re breed is the closest to livestock is it not? Surely you crave to rut like common swine, it is an inescapable truth.”
  1927. >”The very sight of a stallion’s pride would likely throw you into an insatiable heat, lest you possess great restraint.”
  1928. >Her mane evaporates from around your neck.
  1929. >”But you have displayed your honesty before, and as such, I will believe you.”
  1930. >Her tone darkens.
  1931. >”None the less, the Beast as still requested you.”
  1932. >You softly interject, hoping you have not spoken out of turn.”
  1933. >”I- I don’t know why my Empress… is he- is he going to make me a toy?”
  1934. >The very thought scares you.
  1935. >You think of the farmer pony.
  1936. >You could be her.
  1937. ---------------
  1938. >”No, he will not. I do not know his intentions, but I trust they are good.”
  1939. >He pets you with her mane again.
  1940. >”If he attempts to claim you as a pet I shall free you. You have potential, and are above such primitive treatment.”
  1941. >Her eyes narrow.
  1942. >“Should you make any undo advances however, we will let him use you as he wishes. You shall do good to remember your place.”
  1943. >Her tone immediately changes.
  1944. >”Since you are to meet the Ogre, we demand the following.”
  1945. “Yes your highness?”
  1946. >”You shall do whatever he instructs without question. To anger him is to anger us, and we believe you know the consequences of that.”
  1947. >You node your head.
  1948. “Yes your highness, I know my place.”
  1949. >She smiles.
  1950. >Her fangs….
  1951. >They never seise to scare you.
  1952. >Perhaps they are a reminder of exactly how dangerous she is.
  1953. >“Very well my little pony, then make way to his chambers, and wait for him in his quarters.
  1954. >”We sure that he will be done with his playtime very soon.”
  1955. >She pauses for a second.
  1956. >”Before you depart, remember that this conversation did not occur. A guard sent you, not us.”
  1957. >You are confused as to why she would want you to lie to the beast, but quickly realize that it is not your business.
  1958. >These are the Crown’s affairs, and you are a simple maid.
  1959. “Yes your highness, a-a guard summoned me.”
  1960. >You begin turn to leave, only to be stopped by magic forming around your neck.
  1961. >“Did you forget to say goodbye to your ruler?”
  1962. >You turn to face her, and realizing her demands, lower yourself to her hooves once again, and closing your eyes, you gently kiss her hood guard.
  1963. >”Very well my little pony, go as I have commanded.”
  1964. “Yes your highness.
  1965. >You stand up and open your eyes, only to see a faint mist leave the room.
  1966. >You are alone.
  1967. >Realizing your task at hand, you turn toward the exit, and journey toward’s the Beast’s quarters.
  1968. ---------------
  1969. >You arrive at the Beast's Quarters.
  1970. >The apple pony has been removed, you assume to her own room.
  1971. >You stand awkwardly at the center of the room, unsure where to place yourself.
  1972. >Your “talk” with the Empress was fresh in your mind.
  1973. >Her words… hurt.
  1974. >You try not to think about it, but instead, on the reason you are here.
  1975. >To meet the Beast.
  1976. >You begin to think about how to prepare yourself for this moment.
  1977. >…
  1978. >…
  1979. >Nothing comes to mind.
  1980. >You begin to realize just how little you know about him.
  1981. >It scares you.
  1982. >What does he expect?
  1983. >If the Empress was correct, he wants to make you into a pet.
  1984. >You don’t want to focus on it, but you can’t avoid it.
  1985. >He- he could be the Crystal King…
  1986. >He could want to enslave you.
  1987. >…
  1988. >No- no you can’t afford to think like that.
  1989. >If- If you can make him think of you as a maid, not a pony, he might change his mind.
  1990. >Like the Empress… you need to be useful to survive.
  1991. >You remember your former butler, White Glove’s, mannerisms.
  1992. >Composure is critical.
  1993. >Slow, calculated movements, nothing sudden or distracting.
  1994. >It could save your life now.
  1995. >It could-
  1996. >Your though’s are are it iterupted by a clicking noise.
  1997. >The door is opening.
  1998. >The Beast is here.
  1999. ---------------
  2000. >The Beast is literally standing in front of you.
  2001. >You see him look in your direction.
  2002. >It is like you are prey, and he is a predator.
  2003. >Immediately, you drop into a bow.
  2004. >Every part of you is telling you to run toward the door.
  2005. >To escape.
  2006. >Only the realization that Nightmare Moon, and likely the Beast himself could kill you keeps you at bay.
  2007. >Instead, you speak.
  2008. “Greetings Master.”
  2009. >Master. You hope that the term helps him to view you as a maid, not a toy.
  2010. >”Hello. Are you Octavia?”
  2011. >His voice.
  2012. >It… it isn’t as harsh as you pictured.
  2013. >You imagined it to be far more… ruff.
  2014. >If anything, you would say it is innocent.
  2015. >You struggle to reconcile what you have seen done to those ponies with what you hear.
  2016. >It doesn’t match.
  2017. >At all.
  2018. >You snap from your thoughts, realizing that he has asked a question.
  2019. “I am. A guard said you wished to see me?”
  2020. >”I did, I wanted to see who was taking care of my.. pets in my absence.”
  2021. “I have that duty master.”
  2022. >Your voice tells of strength you do not possess.
  2023. ---------------
  2024. >”Raise up now. No sense in making out with the floor when I’m right here.”
  2025. >You stand up, your eyes naturally meeting his.
  2026. >Then, you realize what he said.
  2027. >Oh no.
  2028. >You freeze.
  2029. >You look into his eyes, and see nothing.
  2030. >They don’t look angry, or aggressive, or… anything.
  2031. >It is like he sees nothing wrong with what he just asked.
  2032. >Like it is an everyday occurrence.
  2033. >You maintain eye contact, hoping to make him realize that you aren’t afraid of him.
  2034. >It is far, far from the truth.
  2035. “If that is what you wish, master.”
  2036. >You take a step forward toward the beast.
  2037. >You want to run, scream, anything but this.
  2038. >You know what this will turn into, but you are powerless to stop it.
  2039. >After a few steps, he raises his hand.
  2040. >To- to stop you?
  2041. >“It’s just a joke. I really just wanted to meet you. You’ve been… very helpful and I didn’t even know what you looked like.”
  2042. >Looked like.
  2043. >You focus on his eyes again.
  2044. >He must be evaluating you, judging to see if you would make a good toy.
  2045. >Again, you realize he expects a reply.
  2046. “I live to serve.”
  2047. >He appears to be satisfied by your words, and begins to head toward his bed.
  2048. >You turn your head to follow him, but keep your body still.
  2049. >You have to conscious focus to avoid shaking.
  2050. >”Come here and tell me about yourself Octavia. Tell me just how you’re so good at telling what I’d need before I was in a situation where I’d need it.”
  2051. >Your stomach drops.
  2052. >Come… toward his bed.
  2053. ---------------
  2054. >You force your legs to move, and you make your way toward his bed, sitting at his feet.
  2055. >You hope again that your apparent detachment will save you from his sexual interest.
  2056. >Quickly, you think of a reply, attempting to sound intelligent and calm.
  2057. "I thought it was common sense. You have not given any specific dietary commands, so I have taken the liberty of administering only healthy food.”
  2058. >He thinks for a second, before quickly replying.
  2059. >"About that. At dinner, make sure Pinkie gets a cupcake... Oh, and make sure Applejack gets all the apples she wants. I want her to taste of apples like she... Well that's not important."
  2060. >Your fear prevents you from digesting his words for a moment.
  2061. >However, when you do, you quickly realize what he said.
  2062. >He gave you an order.
  2063. >From observing his… toys… you know that they don’t leave their cells.
  2064. >They don’t get orders.
  2065. >You… aren’t going to be a toy…
  2066. >Quickly, you realize you should reinforce this idea, and decide to continue the dialog.
  2067. "Very well. Should I continue?”
  2068. "Rainbow Dash's wings were getting matted, she would require maintenance before too long. The oil I provided is very high quality.
  2069. "And I am the one who hand fed Applejack while she was immobilized. Her vagina was always wet and she would beg me to let her finish. That is, until one meal she just didn't. I only assume that is your doing. So I provided something to help. It is custom made.”
  2070. >Those weren’t lies per say, but you decided to cover your conflict with Applejack.
  2071. >Should he find you were upset with her he would likely ask why.
  2072. >You can’t risk that.
  2073. >"So you're smart Octavia.”
  2074. >The statement concerns you.
  2075. >Is he attracted to intelligence?
  2076. >Maybe… maybe that is why he wants you…
  2077. >He wants an intelligent toy.
  2078. >With doubt in your mind, you force a reply.
  2079. "I believe I am. But I do not believe I am smarter than you master.”
  2080. ---------------
  2081. >You hope to ride a thin line
  2082. >You don’t want to appear stupid like the apple farmer, but not intelligent enough to peak his interest in you.
  2083. "No flattery. You're smart. So tell me why are you a maid? And for me no less. This is the type of job a smart person runs from.”
  2084. >Despite you focus, you recoil slightly.
  2085. >You didn’t expect him to ask why you are a maid.
  2086. >Your mind races, searching for an answer.
  2087. >Do you tell him your story, or do you hide it?
  2088. >You assume he speaks with Empress…
  2089. >Maybe he is testing you? Maybe… maybe he wants to know if you view yourself as something besides a maid…
  2090. >Besides the Empress’ property.
  2091. "I... I am fit for nothing else master.”
  2092. >You see his eyes move, but you aren’t sure where he is looking.
  2093. >Your mind races yet again, trying to guess what peaked his-
  2094. >"That's not a feather duster. I know a music note when I see one. And I don't enjoy being lied too.”
  2095. >You freeze, your face draining of blood.
  2096. >Oh no.
  2097. >He… he saw your cutie mark.
  2098. >He… he thinks your lying.
  2099. >You quickly try to correct your statement, hoping to avoid his wrath.
  2100. "It is not a music note, it is a treble clef! They are very different. And... And I did not lie.”
  2101. >Wh-what?
  2102. >Why did you say that?
  2103. >Your mouth moved quicker than your mind, and you accidentally corrected him.
  2104. >Insulted his intelligence.
  2105. >You take a moment to compose yourself, before speaking again.
  2106. >You are disheartened, knowing that your brashness has hindered your defense.
  2107. "I am sorry master. That was discourteous of me.”
  2108. >Realizing there is a small pause, you decide to tell the truth, and explain yourself fully.
  2109. ---------------
  2110. "My parents were part of the resistance. And though I had no part in it, I was captured along with them. When we were brought before Nightmare Moon for punishment, I begged her not to hurt them. She agreed... In exchange for my indentured servitude.”
  2111. "She made it perfectly clear this is what I am now though. Any act of defiance results in the immediate termination of my family... And vice versa for them. My parents are very influential ponies and I am a hostage tool.”
  2112. >You shake your hind legs briefly, recovering your cutie mark...
  2113. >Remembering your place.
  2114. "I will never play the cello again. My place is here now. And I will serve you to the best of my abilities master.”
  2115. >You bow again, hoping to make your complete submission to both the Beast and the Empress clear.
  2116. >”Play me a song.”
  2117. >You stand, your ears raising slightly.
  2118. “I… what?”
  2119. >"A song. I want to hear you play me a song. I like you Octavia. I think I'll make you my personal maid. And I want to hear a song.”
  2120. >Excitement surges through your body for a moment, but is quickly replaced by doubt.
  2121. >This must be a test. He must want to see if you have actually submitted, or are simply faking.
  2122. >You meekly protest.
  2123. "But... Nightmare Moon said…”
  2124. >"Never mind what she said. I'm saying you're my personal maid now. And I want my personal maid to play me a song.”
  2125. >You are frozen.
  2126. >Is it a test, or is… is he serious?
  2127. >He… can is just disobeying the Empress’ request?
  2128. >Can he do that?
  2129. >It dawns on you slowly.
  2130. >She likely doesn’t care, you serve him more than her anyways. She gave him toys, why not a maid too?
  2131. >He speaks again, annoyance clear in his tone.
  2132. >"You no longer work for Nightmare Moon Octavia. You are mine now. And I will have a song.”
  2133. >Realizing that he will not wavier, and further delay would likely result in punishment, you respond.
  2134. "My... I do not have my cello on me at the moment. There is one in the music room if you wish me to get it.”
  2135. ---------------
  2136. >You only know this by having walked by the music room a few times, and peaking into to see the instruments.
  2137. >It hurt to do so.
  2138. >He nods, directing you to retrieve the instrument.
  2139. >Realizing that he is certain on his decision, you stand, and head to retrieve the cello.
  2140. >The walk to retrieve the cello was brief.
  2141. >Your mind was racing to quickly to register what was going on around you.
  2142. >You quickly went to the music room, and retrieved one cello, and a random piece of music.
  2143. >Grabbing sheet music was critical. You had a tendency to mess up when nervous, so it was critical to bring written music along.
  2144. >On the walk back, all you could think about was the Beast.
  2145. >This… this wasn’t what you expected.
  2146. >You expected a monster.
  2147. >The Crystal King.
  2148. >Not some casual pon- thing….
  2149. >It threw you off entirely.
  2150. >The situation was serious, yet he… wasn’t.
  2151. >It was like a joke to him.
  2152. >You arrive back to his room quicker than you expected.
  2153. >You look at him, and then the cello, then back to him.
  2154. “Is this really okay?”
  2155. >You see his eyes narrow.
  2156. >You upset him.
  2157. "Never question me Octavia. Now begin.”
  2158. >Those words.
  2159. >They just a hind of danger in them.
  2160. >It reminds you of just who you are dealing with.
  2161. >Hoping to calm him again, you quickly reply while bowing your head.
  2162. "Of course not master. I forgot myself for a moment.”
  2163. >You set the music book down, and hold the cello in your grasp.
  2164. >A fear creeps into the back of your head.
  2165. >If you mess, up… he might kill you.
  2166. >You take a breath and gather yourself.
  2167. >Years of experience and training collimate in this one performance.
  2168. >For a stranger.
  2169. >For your life.
  2170. ---------------
  2171. >You pull the bow across the cello for the first note, and begin.
  2172. >Beginning a song is always the same experience.
  2173. >As you read the music your nervousness, as if by magic, disappears.
  2174. >It is you and your music.
  2175. >You read the music book on the floor.
  2176. >The song, luckily, isn’t difficult.
  2177. >The minutes go by as you play.
  2178. >Until you see a pizzicato.
  2179. >Or more accurately, you don’t see it.
  2180. >It hits you without warning, and despite your best efforts, you botch the note.
  2181. >As a true professional, you continue with grace.
  2182. >But you glance up briefly to look at him.
  2183. >His eyes are focused on the bow.
  2184. >He must have heard it.
  2185. >You drop your eyes, and continue.
  2186. >Eventually, the song ends.
  2187. >There is silence.
  2188. >You look at him again, hoping to hear his praise.
  2189. >Hoping he didn’t hear the mistake.
  2190. >"Bravo Octavia. That was very good, but I couldn't help but notice the part where you messed up.”
  2191. >You acknowledge the error, hoping that your honesty will help you.
  2192. >You couldn’t help it. you may never be able to play a pizzicato properly. It requires a very fine and accurate touch to the strings, something a hoof isn’t designed for.
  2193. >Despite you best efforts, for years you have failed at it.
  2194. >At the arts school the unicorns reminded you of this failure everyday.
  2195. >You are nothing but a clumsy mud pony.
  2196. "Yes master. You have a very keen ear. I have trouble with my pizzicato. Hooves are not made for this dextrous type of work I am afraid. Without magic I do not know if I will ever be great enough for…"
  2197. >You pause, realizing you just implied you would ever play again.
  2198. "I am sorry. I am talking as if I forgot my place again. Of course I will not play again unless you command it.”
  2199. ---------------
  2200. >"Take the cello and practice when you're not busy taking care of my pets. Forget any other duties you may have had.”
  2201. >It takes a moment for the words to register, but when the do the emotion is instant.
  2202. >Your eyes tear.
  2203. >"If you wish, I'll even have your own cello from home delivered. To only be used whenever you perform for me of course.”
  2204. >This… this is the Beast?
  2205. >He is meant to be cruel.
  2206. >He is meant to be evil.
  2207. >And yet… yet he grants you the one thing that could provide you comfort in this time of difficulty.
  2208. >Overwhelmed, you are barely able to vocalize a reply.
  2209. "You... You would do that? For me? Thank you master. Oh thank you.”
  2210. >His tone changes.
  2211. >"But Octavia, never forget. You're mine now. And I'll have perfection in my... pets. If you mess up the next time you perform for me, expect punishment. For behavioral reinforcement.”
  2212. >The threat scares you.
  2213. >You couldn’t possibly master the technique in such little time.
  2214. >You are almost certainly doomed to fail.
  2215. >Your ears lower as the realization sets in.
  2216. >This… this is the Beast.
  2217. >He is meant to be cruel.
  2218. >He is meant to be evil.
  2219. ---------------
  2220. >You reply, trying desperately to hide the fear and defeat in your voice.
  2221. "Of course, I understand master. Thank you, these... gifts mean so much to me. I will not let you down.”
  2222. >"No. You won't.”
  2223. >He smiles at you and motions toward the door.
  2224. >"Now go. Practice. Work on your pizzicato and... prepare for your next performance.”
  2225. >You nod, and begin to gather the cello and music book.
  2226. >After they are gathered, to begin to head toward the door.
  2227. >However, just before you leave, an idea pops into your mind.
  2228. >You decide to voice it, hoping to again prove useful to him.
  2229. >Building favor with him will likely be critical to your continued survival.
  2230. "You seem to like having your... confidants close. Do you wish me to make myself more available?”
  2231. >He appears to be in thought for a second before voicing a reply.
  2232. "During the day when you aren't working, practice in the music room. At 10:00 come to me and I'll assign you a room. Send that pet to me for the night.
  2233. >You… you will get a room?
  2234. >Not a cell, but an honest room?
  2235. >You begin to feel unease.
  2236. >He… he reminds you a lot of Nightmare Moon.
  2237. >They are both so… complex.
  2238. >They are both cruel and dangerous.
  2239. >Yet, at the same time, they provide you small glimpses of hope and comfort.
  2240. >But those thoughts are for later.
  2241. "Very well master. Do you know who tonight's... companion will be?”
  2242. >Again, he thinks for a moment.
  2243. >"Hm... give me some time to think. I'll decide when you come back. Now off you ago.
  2244. >You bow, and take your leave.
  2245. ———————
  2246. >You enter the hallway.
  2247. >That was it.
  2248. >That was the Beast.
  2249. >The reality of the situation takes a few moments to sink in.
  2250. >After everything you have heard about him, after taking care of all his pets, you pictured something much… different.
  2251. >Something that looked dangerous.
  2252. >Something that looked like it was straight from Tartarus.
  2253. >Instead, you were met by a seemingly harmless creature.
  2254. >He was big yes, but not as big as you expected.
  2255. >He certainly didn’t warrant the significant guard detail assigned to this hallway.
  2256. >While you didn’t see his strength first hoof, you doubt he could take on a single pony, let alone a group of stallions.
  2257. >Perhaps he has powerful magic?
  2258. >It is possible, but he didn’t have a horn, and you didn’t see him use magic in any way.
  2259. >He physique, simply didn’t appear to be threatening at all.
  2260. >While his body was indeed very unusual, perhaps the strangest thing about him were his facial expressions.
  2261. >He simply didn’t “look” evil.
  2262. >To the contrary, he looked almost inviting.
  2263. >In the beginning, his words were too.
  2264. >But that quickly changed.
  2265. >He went from awarding you your Cello, to threatening your safety a the drop of a bit.
  2266. >It was simply too contrasting to easily comprehend.
  2267. ———————
  2268. >Your thoughts are interrupted by the realization that it is nearly dinner time, and you must get to feeding the Beast’s pets.
  2269. >You begin to make your way to the dinning hall to retrieve their meals.
  2270. >Upon arriving, you gather a food cart, and arrange the meals accordingly, remembering to provide apples for the farmer mare.
  2271. >Having prepared the cart, you make your way back to the Beast’s hallway, and arrive at the first door.
  2272. >Feeding the Beast’s pets is a relatively easy task, you simply place the food tray on the ground just inside the door.
  2273. >Except for one mare, who is still chained to the wall.
  2274. >You haven’t dare converse with this pony.
  2275. >Perhaps she has displeased him in some way?
  2276. >The reasoning behind her restraints are unknown to you, and her seemingly perpetual silence does nothing to clarify the confusion.
  2277. >Within a few minutes, you have given food to four of the pets, including the restrained pony.
  2278. >Two remain, both earth ponies.
  2279. >You decide to feed the apple farmer first.
  2280. >Upon opening her door, you realize that she is sleeping.
  2281. >You also see the belt still securely attached to her hind quarters.
  2282. >You are forced to suppress a smile.
  2283. >That belt is there because of you.
  2284. ———————
  2285. >You gently push your cart in front of the mare, to avoid waking her.
  2286. >She looks exhausted.
  2287. >It’s likely the first moment of true rest that she has actually had since you have seen her.
  2288. >Looking at her closer brings… certain emotions back to mind.
  2289. >At any moment, the Beast, could make you just like her.
  2290. >A pet.
  2291. >At any moment, the Empress could make you just like her.
  2292. >Parentless.
  2293. >Unsettled by those thoughts, you simply place her food in front of her.
  2294. >However, as you are about to leave, your mind returns to what she has done to you.
  2295. >Anger begins to raise again, only to be quickly extinguished.
  2296. >The Beast is still in the hallway.
  2297. >You cannot risk being seen harming his property.
  2298. >You quickly rack your mind for an idea.
  2299. >You look at the mare again, and as you do, and idea pops into your head.
  2300. ———————
  2301. >You quickly leave the room, and go to the nearby guard post.
  2302. >At the desk sits Night Watch, who appears to be filing some paperwork.
  2303. “Excuse me sir, you wouldn’t happen to have paper and quill would you?"
  2304. >He looks up, startled by your voice, before replying.
  2305. >”Uh- uh yes! Yes we do.”
  2306. >He quickly opens a drawer, and fumbles around for a few moments, before producing and ink container and quill, along with a small piece of parchment.
  2307. >”Here you go miss.”
  2308. >You nod, before grabbing the items, and setting them down on the table.
  2309. >He looks at you quizzically as you open the ink container, and begin to write on the parchment.
  2310. >”Um… so may I ask what you are writing?”
  2311. >You reply without looking up from your work.
  2312. “I am writing a note on behalf of the Beast.”
  2313. >He nodes, although you can tell he doesn’t really understand why you are writing.
  2314. >Writing the note takes longer than expected, but after a few moments, an idea comes to mind.
  2315. >You finish writing the note, and reseal the ink container, before pushing them across the table again.
  2316. “I thank you for your assistance. Have a good evening.”
  2317. >”You too miss.”
  2318. >And with that, you make your way back down the hall to the apple pony.
  2319. >You look at the note in hoof and smile.
  2320. >You may not be able to directly harm her, but causing her emotional stress is just as good.
  2321. >Especially after what she did to you.
  2322. ———————
  2323. >You make your way back to Applejack’s room.
  2324. >Opening the door again, you check to see if the mare is still sleeping.
  2325. >Fortunately, she is.
  2326. >You make your way in front of the mare again, and look at the note if hoof.
  2327. >Thinking of what to write was a difficult task.
  2328. >You had to think of what the Beast would write.
  2329. >Guessing at what he was would write was… challenging.
  2330. >After a few moments however, something came to mind.
  2331. >…
  2332. >…
  2333. >Did- did you think of this?
  2334. >You look at the note.
  2335. >Did this come from you?
  2336. >N-No. It is what the Beast would say… right?
  2337. >The more you look at it, the more uncertain you become.
  2338. >You realize that your heart is beginning to race.
  2339. >This… this isn’t you.
  2340. >But the more you think about it, the more disturbed you are by just how… quickly it came to mind.
  2341. >A moment of panic overcomes you.
  2342. >You drop the note in front of the mare between herself and her food, before rushing from the room.
  2343. >The door slams, leaving the apple farmer, apples, and a note behind.
  2344. Dear Livestock,
  2345. I hope you enjoy these apples, they are ripe, and fresh from the farm.
  2346. Just the way I like my Apples.
  2347. Regards,
  2348. Your Master.
  2349. ———————
  2350. >You exist into the hallway.
  2351. >Hearing another door open, you turn to see who else is with you.
  2352. >The Beast.
  2353. >Before you can even think, he speaks.
  2354. >“Dinner time Octavia?”
  2355. >The question is simple enough so you quickly answer, remembering to maintain your composure.
  2356. "Yes master. I also made sure to include a fruit bowl of 6 mixed apples for Applejack to enjoy anytime she wishes. I left a note with your regards if that is satisfactory. She is still asleep so I can still remove it before she wakes if you wish.”
  2357. >You remember to mention the note.
  2358. >While you hope it will reinforce your apparent usefulness to him, you realize that is is a gamble.
  2359. >Luckily, you win the gamble.
  2360. >"No, that's fine. Let her think it's another reward for good behavior.”
  2361. >You realize that he thinks the note is… pleasant.
  2362. >It is not, but since he likely will never see it before it is removed you decide against correcting him.
  2363. >You bow, and move onto the toward the next room.
  2364. >However, just as you raise your hoof, he but are interrupted by the Beast.
  2365. >”Hold up Octavia.”
  2366. >Your mind freezes.
  2367. >You almost have to consciously think about lowering your hoof from the door.
  2368. >Did you do something wrong?
  2369. >Nothing comes to mind, which scares you even more.
  2370. >You turn, and face the Beast.
  2371. >Maintain composure.
  2372. >"What books do we have on sexual technique?"
  2373. ---------------
  2374. >W-What?
  2375. >You blink.
  2376. >This may very well be the last thing you expected him to ask.
  2377. >A-a book on sex?
  2378. >What could he possibly need a book like that for?
  2379. >You decide against asking.
  2380. >In any other situation you might even laugh at such a question.
  2381. >But this hallway, there is no laughter.
  2382. >You are scared.
  2383. >Knowing you must speak, you try to provide the most logical answer you can.
  2384. "The library is... fully stocked master. “
  2385. >He smiles.
  2386. >"Good. Find me a respected book on the intimacies of sex. Nothing too advanced... yet. I want to start Twilight off slow with the basics.”
  2387. >You blink again.
  2388. >Now you know what the book is for.
  2389. >He- the Beast is training them.
  2390. >Like pets.
  2391. "As you wish. Would you like me to begin now or after I finish serving dinner? I only have Miss Pinkie remaining.”
  2392. >The beast shakes his head.
  2393. >"Give me the cart, I'll finish. Just drop off the book when you're done.”
  2394. >You nod and bow, before making your way to the library.
  2395. ---------------
  2396. >You arrive at the royal library.
  2397. >It is the largest public collection of books in Equestria, frequented by hundreds of students, academics, and causal readers on a daily basis.
  2398. >However, after a long walk through the castle hallways you arrive, only to find it empty.
  2399. >While you are aware the castle has been closed since the Empress’… arrival, normally the library remains open, even during such closures.
  2400. >You arrive at the main entrance, and find a pair of guards posted at the entrance.
  2401. >”The library is closed to the public temporarily by Royal decree. Please leave or we shall escort you from the premises.”
  2402. >You speak.
  2403. “Excuse me, I am the personal maid of the Empress, and I’m under orders to retrieve a book from here."
  2404. >While it is technically true, it is a stretch. The Beast ordered you here, not the Empress.
  2405. >One of the guards approaches you.
  2406. >”And where is your identification?”
  2407. >Identification?
  2408. >You don’t have identification.
  2409. >You are a prisoner.
  2410. >However, you know that failing to return with the book will be unacceptable to the Beast.
  2411. >That is unacceptable to you.
  2412. >You think.
  2413. >If you attempt to force your way in, they will surely arrest you.
  2414. >That would at least prove that you attempted to retrieve the book, and hopefully the Beast would understand.
  2415. >Wait.
  2416. >Your the Empress’ maid.
  2417. ---------------
  2418. >You decide to be… forceful in your approach.
  2419. “I am the Empress’ personal maid, and I am here on Royal Orders. As I am sure you are aware, interrupting or impeding the execution of Royal Orders is a high crime. If you wish you may ask the Empress herself, but that would only delay me further. As royal guards, I’m sure you are aware of the punishment for such transgressions...”
  2420. >You take a breathe.
  2421. >This is it.
  2422. “So on behalf of the Empress, I order you to stand down.”
  2423. >There is silence.
  2424. >The guards look at each other, and a few moments pass.
  2425. >Then… they move.
  2426. >”Very well ma’am. We are sorry for the delay.”
  2427. >There is a small hint of fear in their voices.
  2428. >One speaks softly.
  2429. >”Please don’t report us, we heard about the other guards… We are just doing our job.”
  2430. >The other guards?
  2431. >What is he talking about?
  2432. >You decide not to push your luck by asking about it, and instead walk into the library.
  2433. >It is eerily quiet.
  2434. >Like you are the only pony there.
  2435. >It’s strange.
  2436. >You’ve been in here hundreds of time, looking for school books, books on musical theory, and even the occasional Daring Doo, but now it feels… alien.
  2437. >Like it is a different place all together.
  2438. >You walk toward the central desk, and see an elderly mare sitting, reading a book by herself.
  2439. >She must be the librarian.
  2440. ---------------
  2441. >You walk over.
  2442. “Excuse me ma’am.”
  2443. >She jumps in her seat, startled by your voice.
  2444. >”Oh my Celestia! You scared me there!”
  2445. >Her words are accompanied by a playful laugh.
  2446. >”May I ask why they let you in here? They’ve closed the library temporarily.”
  2447. >She looks down at the table.
  2448. >”Apparently some ponies were looking into particular fields of magic that Celestia banned. It’s strange, in all my years I’ve never had a single pony, let alone dozens of academics, look into celestial, mind and sealing magics.”
  2449. >You look up.
  2450. >In all her years?
  2451. >You’ve never seen this mare before, and you know almost every librarian to ever serve here.
  2452. “I’m here by order of the Empress."
  2453. >You let a moment pass.
  2454. "May I ask your name? I’m afraid I’ve never met you before.”
  2455. >She nods.
  2456. >”Midnight Oil is my name. I’m not surprised you’ve never seen me, I’m normally only here for the night shifts.”
  2457. >That explains… quite a lot. You only came here immediately after school, never late at night.
  2458. >You want to talk more, but remember the task at hand.
  2459. “Very well…”
  2460. >You take a breathe.
  2461. >This question will be painfully awkward.
  2462. “Do you have any books on the basics of… sexual intercourse… like a beginners guide?”
  2463. ---------------
  2464. >Her eyes open up.
  2465. >”Well well, are you trying to impress a new colt friend? If you are, I wouldn’t worry too much, they don’t care about the technique so much as they do the effor-
  2466. “No! The book isn’t for me! It’s for a mare named Twilight Sparkle!!!”
  2467. >Silence.
  2468. >Awkward silence.
  2469. >You were just so.. embarrassed.
  2470. >She thought the book was for you!
  2471. >You aren’t a whorse for Celestia’s sake!
  2472. >…
  2473. >…
  2474. >Oh no.
  2475. >You… you just gave out the name of one of the Beast’s pets.
  2476. >You just-
  2477. >There is a chuckling.
  2478. >”Twilight Sparkle?”
  2479. >You look up, frantic to recover from your mistake.
  2480. “No- nono you see I-“
  2481. >Midnight Oil reaches across the table, and places her hoof on your shoulder.
  2482. >”I understand. Twilight Probably sent you, she was always a shy mare.”
  2483. >What?
  2484. “How do you... you know Twilight Sparkle?”
  2485. >She nods.
  2486. >“Of course I do. She was one of the only ponies that ever came her at night. She would sneak away from her apartments in the castle so much that Celestia had me set up a mat here for her to sleep in.
  2487. >She motions to a small bed mat folded below the table behind her.
  2488. >”She slept here only last week. To think, she got a colt friend and didn’t even tell me.”
  2489. ---------------
  2490. >Well that was… unexpected.
  2491. >Twilight Sparkle used to live in the Castle.
  2492. >She used to know Celestia?
  2493. >You take mental note of the information, but decide to address more pressing issues.
  2494. >Now you have a cover.
  2495. >You decide it is better to gallop with it.
  2496. “You- you got me. Twilight sent me here to get a book. She is… not to confident in her abilities.
  2497. >Midnight laughs.
  2498. >”Thats just like my Twilight! Always underestimating herself!”
  2499. >She leans closer to you.
  2500. >”If you don’t mind me asking, who is the colt? Did she find herself a young guard? I wouldn’t be surprised, they always used to make her blush.”
  2501. >You shake your head.
  2502. “I’m sorry Midnight, but I don’t want to say. She asked me to keep it a secret.”
  2503. >Midnight nods.
  2504. >”Of course my little bookworm, I understand. I will be back with a book in a second.”
  2505. >The mare turns, and disappears into the rows of books.
  2506. ---------------
  2507. >As the mare searches, you are granted time to think.
  2508. >You know exactly what this book is for.
  2509. >The Beast wants to… use Twilight Sparkle.
  2510. >Your stomach twist.
  2511. >Midnight’s Twilight is in facing untold evils, and this mare thinks she is perfectly fine.
  2512. >Perhaps it is best that way.
  2513. >Innocence is bliss right?
  2514. >So why can’t ignorance be bliss too?
  2515. >…
  2516. >…
  2517. >After a few minutes, the mare returns, and placing a book on the table between you.
  2518. >Pone Playtime: Beginners Basics by Cherry Pop
  2519. >You grab the book, and flip through the pages.
  2520. >It is surprisingly wordy, but has a few… interesting visual aids.
  2521. >You realize that the Beast will likely have Twilight perform many of these methods.
  2522. >Closing the book, you look up to the mare.
  2523. “Thank you very much, your help is greatly appreciated.”
  2524. “It was no trouble, just make your Twilight doesn’t feel like she has to do anything… extreme. She is a nice filly, and deserves the best.”
  2525. >Your stomach twist.
  2526. >You turn, and begin to walk back to the hallway.
  2527. ---------------
  2528. >You arrive back at the hallway, and knowing the Beast is likely in his room, you make that your first stop.
  2529. >You knock on the door, and listen for a reply.
  2530. >“Who is it?”
  2531. >You barely hear his voice through the door.
  2532. >You’ve come to realize these doors are heavily, but only now do you realize exactly why.
  2533. >You gently open the door, and set inside; book in hand.
  2534. “I am reporting as requested master.”
  2535. >You look at the beast.
  2536. >He is naked.
  2537. >You blush at the realization.
  2538. >Unlike colts, his stallionhood is on full display.
  2539. >Perhaps you came in a the wrong time?
  2540. >You- you should leave.
  2541. "I am intruding. Should I come back?”
  2542. >"No, I won't be long. And come on now Octavia, don't avert your eyes. There's nothing wrong with seeing me get dressed. You're my personal maid.”
  2543. >You focus your eyes at him again and nod. In particular, you focus on his face, to avoid any… unwarranted gazes.
  2544. >"I see you have a book. I'm assuming it's for me.”
  2545. >You remember why you are here, and walk over, placing the book at his feet.
  2546. >You pay attention, as to not touch his stallionhood.
  2547. >While you aren’t sure how a… whatever he is… works, you assuming that direct contact would stimulate him.
  2548. >You don’t want that.
  2549. ---------------
  2550. >He looks at the book and chuckles.
  2551. "Is it unsatisfactory master?”
  2552. >"No. I'm sure it's fine. You picked it out after all.”
  2553. >You smile at the compliment, only to pause.
  2554. >In any other instance that would be a compliment, but here?
  2555. >Here it is concerning.
  2556. >Does he view you like a whorse?
  2557. >Nervousness overtakes you, and you force yourself to maintain the smile.
  2558. >You mustn’t let him think of you like that.
  2559. >Your safety depends on it.
  2560. >However, the Empress’ promise of protection comforts you.
  2561. >You also remember that he thinks of you as useful, and this only reinforced that notion.
  2562. >The smile feels genuine again.
  2563. >"Give it to Twilight and tell her she will be tested. Soon. Then send me Fluttershy.”
  2564. >You walk towards him and retrieve the book, before bowing, and exiting the room.”
  2565. ---------------
  2566. >You enter the hallway, book in hoof.
  2567. >You make the short walk to the room containing Twilight Sparkle, and place your hoof on the door.
  2568. >As you do however, you pause.
  2569. >This will be different than the other ponies.
  2570. >From what you can assume, she likely hasn’t been… trained yet.
  2571. >The fact that you even think about other ponies in such a a way deeply disturbs you.
  2572. >Like they are wild animals.
  2573. >As you think, you remember the words of Midnight Oil.
  2574. >This pony, Twilight Sparkle, used to live in the castle.
  2575. >She used to know Celestia.
  2576. >Very few ponies truly kno- knew Celestia.
  2577. >This pony must have been important, likely a member of a high noble family.
  2578. >You look at the door.
  2579. >Now she is only a pet. A play thing for this beast.
  2580. >How things have changed.
  2581. >You take a moment to gather yourself before returning your hoof to the door, and opening it.
  2582. ---------------
  2583. >You walk in, and are greeted by a purple pony curled up in the corner.
  2584. >She is… crying?
  2585. >Knowing you need to give her the book, you make your way toward the mare.
  2586. “Excuse me miss Twilight Sparkle, I’ve been instructed to give you this book.”
  2587. >She doesn’t move, or even acknowledge that you entered the room.
  2588. >You walk closer, placing the book beside her, before nudging her shoulder.
  2589. “Excuse me miss Twilight Sparkle, please, take the book. You have been instructed to read it.”
  2590. >Still nothing.
  2591. >Seeing that you will not get a response, you turn and make your way to the door.
  2592. >However, just as you open the door, you hear a voice.
  2593. >“Please- please don’t leave me- I’m- I’m scared.”
  2594. >You pause for a moment, before going against your better judgement and closing the door.
  2595. >After locking the door, you walk back, and sit some distance from the mare.
  2596. “Do you need something miss?”
  2597. >You watch as she tries to compose herself, only to break back down into tears.
  2598. >You walk over to the mare, and sit beside her, hoping to comfort her is some way.
  2599. >It doesn’t work.
  2600. “He- he’s going to rape me isn’t he? He’s going to- to do what he did to all my friends!”
  2601. >You sit in silence.
  2602. >What could you say to her?
  2603. >She isn’t wrong.
  2604. ---------------
  2605. >”I- I just want to go back to how it was before!”
  2606. >”Before all of this- this-“
  2607. >You interrupt her, by pulling her closer to you.
  2608. >She offers no resistance.
  2609. >”He- he said it was my fault…. my fault that they are all here… my fault…”
  2610. >You give a confused face, unsure of what she is talking about.
  2611. “How is it your fault?
  2612. >She takes a moment to breathe before answering.
  2613. >”It-it’s my fault that we are here…. He- he’s right…”
  2614. >You still have no idea what she is talking about.
  2615. “Twilight Sparkle. I don’t understand what you are talking about. It’s not your fault that the Beast-“
  2616. >”It is! It is don’t you see?! Celestia told me to make friends, and we went to fight the Mare in the Moon!"
  2617. >She grows quite.
  2618. >“But- but we failed… I- She- The Mare in the Moon summoned this- this creature… We didn’t stand a chance…”
  2619. >You try to talk.
  2620. “Twilight Sparkle, what-“
  2621. >”Now… now she’s captured all of us. She even captured Celestia! This- this monster said he talked to her… It’s all my fault.”
  2622. >…
  2623. >…
  2624. >Celestia is here?
  2625. ---------------
  2626. “Celestia is here?”
  2627. >She nods her head weakly.
  2628. “Y-yeah. He said… he said they spoke… Oh Celestia I’m- I’m so sorry…”
  2629. >You take a moment to absorb what this pony has said.
  2630. >Celestia is here.
  2631. >She isn’t dead.
  2632. >There is still hope that she could return.
  2633. >Then, you realize exactly what her presence means.
  2634. >Celestia has been defeated by the Empress.
  2635. >Even your former princess couldn’t stop this mare… what hope is there now?
  2636. >…
  2637. >…
  2638. >The Beast has seen her already.
  2639. >From what you can tell, the Beast only does one thing to ponies….
  2640. “You- you must be wrong. The princess couldn’t have been captured.”
  2641. >Your voice builds in confidence as you speak.
  2642. “She- she must have fled. Our princess will save us… I- I know she will. She must…”
  2643. >You here crying coming from beside you yet again.
  2644. >“I don’t know... I just… he sounded so certain. I- I don’t think he was lying…”
  2645. >You shake your head.
  2646. “He must be lying… Princess Celestia will return. She return, and she will punish anypony who helped cause this… this… ”
  2647. ---------------
  2648. >Everything seems to slow down.
  2649. >You helped the Empress.
  2650. >You’ve helped bring this evil upon Equestria.
  2651. >If she returns… princess Celestia will… will…
  2652. “I- I don’t- I don’t even know if I want Celestia to return Twilight Sparkle…”
  2653. >You feel her shift suddenly in response, and move away from you.
  2654. >”W- What do you mean you don’t want her to return? You can’t mean that-“
  2655. >Her eyes grow wide.
  2656. >”YOUR A SPY!!! YOUR WORKING FOR THAT MONSTER AREN’T YOU!?! GET AWAY!!!
  2657. >You’re stunned by her accusations, and try your best to protest.
  2658. “N-No Twilight Sparkle, I’m not a spy! I’m not-
  2659. >Suddenly, you feel yourself being pushed back by magic toward the wall behind you.
  2660. >You slam into it with enough force to knock the wind out of you.
  2661. >“GET OUT!!! GET OUT!!! GET OU….
  2662. >She freezes mid sentence, and begins to back away further.
  2663. >You seize the moment to gather your breathe again, and try desperately to speak.
  2664. “I- I swear on my life Twilight Sp- Sparkle… I’m not a spy. I’m- I’m just a maid.
  2665. >Your words are interrupted by coughs as you fight to breathe.
  2666. >”If your a spy… oh no. Please! Please don’t tell anyone that I attacked you… please…”
  2667. >”They might… hurt my friends. Please! Have mercy! I- I didn’t mean to hurt you! I just- I…
  2668. >She begins to cry yet again.
  2669. ---------------
  2670. >You slowly stand up, and begin to walk toward the mare.
  2671. “I won’t tell anyone. I promise. I don’t want you to get hurt Twilight Sparkle.”
  2672. >You sit down in front of her, providing some distance for the scared mare.
  2673. >A few tense minutes pass.
  2674. “If you don’t mind may I call you Twilight?”
  2675. >She nods between her sobs.
  2676. “Very well, Twilight.”
  2677. >A few moments pass, the only noise being Twilight’s constant sobbing.
  2678. >It grants you time to think.
  2679. >Princess Celestia sent them to fight the Empress?
  2680. >How did she expect these ponies to stop an alicorn?
  2681. ”Twilight?”
  2682. >She looks up slowly, and makes eye contact.
  2683. “You mentioned that Celestia sent you to fight the Mare in the Moon and the Beast. How did she expect you to win?”
  2684. >She puts her head down again.
  2685. >“Celestia said that… that there were items called the Elements of Harmony, and that she used them to defeat the Mare in the Moon before.”
  2686. >”She told me to makes friends, find the Elements, and use them to stop the Mare, but when we used them she summoned the monster and… and…”
  2687. >She breaks down again.
  2688. >“We tried to fight it! But magic didn’t work! It- It was like it was immune!”
  2689. ---------------
  2690. >It takes you a few moments to register what she said.
  2691. >The Beast… The Beast is immune to magic?
  2692. >In your entire life, you’ve never heard of anything being immune to magic.
  2693. >You’ve heard of high level magicians creating artifacts that are magic resistant, or absorb magic.
  2694. >But… a living that is simply immune?
  2695. >Stuff like that just doesn’t exist.
  2696. “Are you sure it is immune?”
  2697. >She nods.
  2698. “It- it has to be. Every time I tried casting a spell on it failed. I couldn’t grasp him, or even make contact. It just… failed.”
  2699. >As bizarre as it sounds, it makes sense.
  2700. >When you saw the Beast, he didn’t appear to be a physically strong creature.
  2701. >He must’ve had some other means of defense.
  2702. >This would explain that very well.
  2703. ---------------
  2704. >The two of you sit in silence for a few seconds before you hear her talk.
  2705. >“What- what is your name, if you don’t mind me asking?”
  2706. “Octavia. My name is Octavia Melody.”
  2707. >”Octavia, you said that- that you weren’t sure if you wanted Princess Celestia to return. That- that must mean you support the Mare in the Moon. Why… how could you like somepony that… evil?”
  2708. >You’re unsure how to respond.
  2709. >You don’t want to say why your hear, what you have done, or what you have seen.
  2710. >She is already scared enough.
  2711. >However, as you think, ideas begin to form.
  2712. “I- I don’t really know Twilight. It’s just… It’s just that I think Nightmare Moon has been… mistreated.”
  2713. >She quickly interjects.
  2714. >”Mistreated? She wanted eternal darkness! She wanted to kill Celestia!!! How could you-“
  2715. >You raise your hoof, and she stops speaking.
  2716. “I won’t say that I agree with everything she’s done, but I can’t say I blame her.”
  2717. >You turn to Twilight.
  2718. “How long have you been down here Twilight?”
  2719. >A look of confusion crosses her face before responding.
  2720. >”Um… a few days? But I don’t see how…”
  2721. “Have you ever lost hope, or become angry, even for just a second?”
  2722. >She appears to think for a moment, before nodding.
  2723. >“I- I guess so… but that’s just because-“
  2724. “Now image what 1000 years would do to you, to somepony.”
  2725. ---------------
  2726. >You see her expression change as she understands your point.
  2727. >”Well… I don’t know what would-“
  2728. “That’s the point Twilight. You don’t know. No pony alive could possible know. But it must have changed her.”
  2729. >Silence.
  2730. >You begin to think aloud.
  2731. “Perhaps that’s why I’ve begun to question Celestia, Twilight. She must have known that she was sentencing her sister to 1000 years of solitude.”
  2732. “She knew what that it would damage her, and she still chose to do it. She banished her own sister.”
  2733. “She sent you and your friends to fight the most powerful pony alive, a task you were clearly doomed to fail.”
  2734. “A task that would has costed you your freedom...”
  2735. >You turn to Twilight.
  2736. “What kind of ruler does that? How can I ever think of her again as kind? As caring?
  2737. >You exhale.
  2738. “Twilight, look. I know that Nightmare Moon may be cruel and unforgiving, I understand that.”
  2739. “But the more I think about it, the more I have trouble wanting her gone.”
  2740. “She has been the victim of perhaps the worst crime ever committed. How can I justify wanting to punish her further?”
  2741. “Perhaps the question I have for you Twilight, is how can you support the pony who may be the greatest criminal of all time?
  2742. >Realizing you have been in the room too long, and the Beast might become suspicious, You stand up, and make your way to the door.
  2743. >Unlocking the door, you turn back to Twilight once more.
  2744. “And what if it isn’t your fault Twilight? What if it is hers?"
  2745. ---------------
  2746. >You exit the room, and make your way to Fluttershy’s room.
  2747. >Opening the door, you see the shy pegasus preparing for sleep.
  2748. >Knowing that you are already likely tardy, you decide to make no delay.
  2749. “Fluttershy.”
  2750. >The pegasus visibly jumps, before turning to you.
  2751. “Master wishes to see you. I will using your room in your absence.”
  2752. >Her eyes immediately display fear.
  2753. >”Oh no… did- did he say why?”
  2754. >You shake your head.
  2755. “He did not, but I suggest you make haste, before he becomes angry."
  2756. >You see her eyes begin to water, as her body also begins to shake.
  2757. >Knowing that it would likely take time to calm her down, you decide against it.
  2758. >Instead, you simply hold the door open as the mare exits the room.
  2759. >Although you know that Fluttershy would never try to escape, you still decide to stand in the hallway and make sure she finds her way to the Beast’s room.
  2760. >After a brief walk, Fluttershy arrives at her destination, and enters the room.
  2761. >Your task done, you begin to make your way to Fluttershy’s room for the night.
  2762. >The idea of having a comfortable bed to sleep on sounds wonderful.
  2763. >Yet, as you walk down the hall, you see a single guard make his way down the hallway.
  2764. >He is looking directly at you.
  2765. >”Excuse me, you are Octavia correct?”
  2766. >He must be here because you did not report to your cell yet.
  2767. “Yes, I am. I assume that you are here because I failed to report to my cell tonight correct? That is because-“
  2768. >He interrupts you.
  2769. >”The Empress as requested your presence immediately, please, follow me.”
  2770. ———————
  2771. >He turns, and begins to walk.
  2772. >The Empress? Again? Why?
  2773. >You are unsure exactly why she wishes to speak with you.
  2774. >It is almost certainly about your meeting with the Beast, but beyond that… you don’t know.
  2775. >Perhaps she wants to make sure you are not a pet.
  2776. >You smile slightly, thinking about the Empress wanting to protect you.
  2777. >The smile continues to grow the more you think about the subject.
  2778. >The Beast appears to like you, as does the Empress, to some extent.
  2779. >You have won the favor of the Crown.
  2780. >Yes, you are a maid, but with their support, you feel… important.
  2781. >Your smile drops.
  2782. >You realize that these two are also holding your parents lives in their hooves.
  2783. >It is a sobering thought, and quickly removes you from your small power trip.
  2784. >You may have their favor, but they have your life.
  2785. ---------------
  2786. >You arrive the the Empress’ chambers yet again, and the guards pony leaves.
  2787. >You approach, and the door swings open.
  2788. >You are met by another pony, who appears to be a chef of some sort.
  2789. >“You are the Miss Octavia are you not?”
  2790. >You nod.
  2791. “I am."
  2792. >It is.. off putting to see other ponies in the Empress apartments.
  2793. >The last time another pony was here, they were being executed.
  2794. >The chef, likely ignorant of the past events these chambers hosted, speaks up.
  2795. >”Very good, please Octavia, follow me to her dinning room.”
  2796. >You follow the chef, and after a brief walk, arrive at her dinning room.
  2797. >You walk in, and see the Empress positioned at the head of the table.
  2798. >The table appears to be set for a small banquet, with cutlery and plates lining each side of the table.
  2799. >Various foods lay on display, each looking better than the last.
  2800. >Truly, it is a meal fitting for an Empress.
  2801. >Your gaze reverts to the Empress.
  2802. >She is levitating a wine glass, idly swirling the liquid inside, as if more interested in it than you.
  2803. >She speaks without so much as looking at you.
  2804. >“We see you have retrieved her, very well, you are dismissed servant.”
  2805. >”Very well my Empress, Enjoy your dinner.”
  2806. >He bows respectfully, and leaves.
  2807. >There is silence.
  2808. >It is just you and the Empress.
  2809. ---------------
  2810. >You immediately drop into a bow.
  2811. >She doesn’t bother to look in your direction, but instead set her glass on the table.
  2812. >”Hello our little no pony.”
  2813. >You slowly raise from your bow.
  2814. >“You may take a seat.”
  2815. >You walk over to the table, and pull out a cushion to sit on.
  2816. >Just as you are about it sit down, she interrupts.
  2817. >”We don’t remember telling you that you could sit at our table whorse.”
  2818. >You are confused. Where does she want you to sit?”
  2819. “Empress? If I can’t sit at the table, then there-“
  2820. >”The ground beside us foal. That is where earth ponies like yourself belong.”
  2821. >You look at the Empress.
  2822. >Her face is cold and emotionless.
  2823. >Realizing that she is serious, you make your way to her side, and sit down.
  2824. >“On your stomach whorse. As if you were to be mounted in bed. You likely have much experience with that.”
  2825. >Why is she upset?
  2826. >Did you do something wrong?
  2827. >Hoping to relax the situation, you lean forward, and kiss her hoof as a sign of submission.
  2828. >She does not react.
  2829. >There is silence.
  2830. >She levitates a plate of food over to herself, and fills it with various greens, vegetables, fruits, some of which you’ve never seen before.
  2831. >“Are you hungry foal?”
  2832. “Yes your Highness.”
  2833. >It is true. At dinner you were so intent on listening to the conversation that you failed to actually feed yourself much at all.
  2834. >A small smile creeps onto her face.
  2835. >“Good.”
  2836. ---------------
  2837. >She proceeds to eat from her plate.
  2838. >After a few moments of silence, she ask you a question.
  2839. >“So maid, why did the Ogre wish to see you?”
  2840. >Clearly she is upset with you for some unknown reason, so you reply with carefully chosen words, hoping not to provoke her.
  2841. “He simply wished to meet the pony who cared for his toys you highness.”
  2842. >A moment passes, and after a few more bites of her meal, she speaks again.
  2843. >“Did anything else happen? Did he offer you anything? Did you offer him anything?”
  2844. >Did you offer him anything?
  2845. >What could you offer him?
  2846. >The thought quickly escapes your mind as a more important issue becomes apparent.
  2847. >He made you his personal maid.
  2848. >How will she react to that?
  2849. >Realizing that she is now looking at you, waiting for an answer, you reply.
  2850. “He- The Beast claimed me as his personal maid your highness. He then ordered me to play him a song.”
  2851. >”Did you accept his offer? Did you play your instrument against our wishes?”
  2852. >Your stomach drops.
  2853. >How do you answer this? You- you did break her wishes. But if you didn’t play… who knows what may have happened.
  2854. >Realizing that you needed to reply, you force a response.
  2855. “I did Empress. I- I thought it best to satisfy his demands. Please… I didn’t have any other option. If I didn’t he- he-“
  2856. >You pause, and take a breath to regather yourself.
  2857. “I don’t know what he would have done. I’m so sorry Empress. Please, forgive me.”
  2858. >A silence lingers in the air.
  2859. >She resumes eating her dinner.
  2860. >Your stomach growls.
  2861. >“We suppose he could claim you as his maid if he wishes. We believe that he would make better use of you than we ever would.”
  2862. ---------------
  2863. >You exhale a breathe you forgot you were holding.
  2864. “Thank you Empre-“
  2865. >“Although we expect you remember your station. Should you step out of line we shall act with extreme prejudice.”
  2866. >She takes another bite of her meal.
  2867. >“Finally, you shall still serve us upon request. You are now his maid, but you are still our property. Do you understand?”
  2868. >You nod.
  2869. “Yes Empress. Yes I do.”
  2870. >She nods, and proceeds to refill her wine glass.
  2871. >“Good.”
  2872. >Suddenly, you feel yourself being lifted by magic.
  2873. >You struggle momentarily, but your movements are quickly restrained, freezing you in place.
  2874. >You are moved over the table itself, facing away from Nightmare Moon.
  2875. >Your heart begins to race.
  2876. “Empress? What are you do-“
  2877. >Without warning, you feel your tail being lifted by her magic.
  2878. >Oh no.
  2879. “Empress? Empress please! Please stop!”
  2880. >You hear the soft clicking of silverware on her plate.
  2881. >You turn your head the best you can, and see her… eating?
  2882. >Suddenly, your head is forcefully turned by magic to face forward yet again.
  2883. >“Stay still. I wish to inspect my property to ensure you are not lying to us.”
  2884. >Inspect her property.
  2885. >She is… inspecting her property.
  2886. >Suddenly, you feel magic being to brush against your marehood.
  2887. “Empress!? Empress please stop!! Please no!!! Please don’t do this!!!
  2888. >She does not stop.
  2889. >There is no gentleness about it.
  2890. >Her movements are calculated and cold.
  2891. “Empress? Empress… please… I’ve done nothing wrong… I didn’t….
  2892. “After a minute or two, you begin to feel yourself get aroused.
  2893. >Her magical touch moves briefly to your… other hole… before returning to your marehood.
  2894. >You close your eyes as they begin to water.
  2895. ---------------
  2896. >Why is she doing this?
  2897. >Why is she angry at you?
  2898. >What did you do wrong?
  2899. >Was… was the Beast upset with you?
  2900. >Did he report you to her?
  2901. >You can only whisper softly in anticipation her action's inevitable conclusion.
  2902. “please… please… please…”
  2903. >Your mind is racing, desperately trying to think of anything else besides what is currently happening to you.
  2904. >What is about to happen to you.
  2905. >Suddenly, you no longer feel her magic against your marehood.
  2906. >Instead, you feel yourself move again.
  2907. >You open your eyes, hoping to understand what she is doing.
  2908. >You realize that you have been set down beside her again.
  2909. >She is eating her meal as if…
  2910. >As if nothing happened.
  2911. >As if she did nothing wrong.
  2912. >She speaks while looking at her meal.
  2913. >”You did well our little pony, you managed to control your lowly wanton mud pony heritage in the presence of a male. We are surprised.”
  2914. >Wh- what?
  2915. >She- She wanted to know if you had- had interloped with the Beast?
  2916. >”Perhaps you are not as promiscuous as we had thought.”
  2917. >She turns, and looks at you.
  2918. >Her eyes look further back on your body.
  2919. >She giggles.
  2920. >”On second thought, perhaps we were correct. It seems you can’t control yourself can you?”
  2921. ---------------
  2922. >You know exactly what she means. You turn away from her, attempting to hide your humiliation.
  2923. >Your tail however, stands fully erect, putting your marehood on full display.
  2924. “I… no your Highness. I- I’m not- I didn’t want this.”
  2925. >She replies in a sharp tone, leaving no question of her anger.
  2926. “Do you not enjoy the touch of your Empress? Are we not allowed to use our property?”
  2927. >Venom drips from her words.
  2928. >It is a trick question.
  2929. >If you say no, you insult her, and deny that you are her property.
  2930. >That would lead to… unacceptable consequences.
  2931. >But if you say yes…
  2932. >You realize you have no close.
  2933. “No Empress. I- I do appreciate your touch. I’m just- I’m unworthy....”
  2934. >You force the words from your mouth.
  2935. >She smiles again.
  2936. >“Your words before did not speak as such.”
  2937. >You cower back, expecting her to lash out at you.
  2938. >”And We shall decide who is worthy of our presence, not you.
  2939. >After a few seconds, it does not come.
  2940. >You turn slowly, and see her looking at you with a small smile.
  2941. >”Look at you simple mud pony. You truly are like livestock aren’t you? Wag your tail for us. Perhaps we shall give you food as reward.”
  2942. >Her smile clashes with her cutting words and playful tone.
  2943. >It is like she actually views you as sub-pony.
  2944. >It hurts. You thought that she- that she at least viewed you as important.
  2945. >Clearly, that is not the case.
  2946. ---------------
  2947. >You try to speak up, hoping to defend what little dignity you have left, but are interrupted by a wet feeling in your hind quarters.
  2948. >You know that you are still very aroused, only adding to the humiliation.
  2949. >Here she sits, eating a feast, while you sit beside her like some sort of pet.
  2950. >…
  2951. >…
  2952. >Is this… is this what the Beast does?
  2953. >Your thoughts are interrupted by the Empress voice.
  2954. >”Quickly my little puppy! We grow bored!"
  2955. >You look into her eyes, hoping to see any signs of mercy.
  2956. >Instead, you only see… amusement?
  2957. >It isn’t what you would expect. It is likely looking into the eyes of a foal.
  2958. >Like nothing is wrong.
  2959. >You look down again in humiliation.
  2960. >This is a game to her.
  2961. >After a few moments, you acknowledge that further delay will result in her anger.
  2962. >You slowly begin to wag your tail.
  2963. >You close your eyes with as much force as possible, so as to stop yourself from crying.
  2964. >You are a pony… not a pet.
  2965. >Not a toy.
  2966. >Not a pupp-
  2967. >”Look at it shake!!! Faster puppy! Faster!”
  2968. >You shake your tail as fast as you can.
  2969. >You have no dignity left to save.
  2970. “Oh isn’t this fun? Bark my puppy! Bark for us!!! Bark, and you may have your treat!”
  2971. >…
  2972. >…
  2973. >Is the tail waging not enough? Does she seek to humiliate you as much as possible?
  2974. ---------------
  2975. >You seriously contemplate saying no.
  2976. >This is too much.
  2977. >Just as you open your mouth, you remember your parents.
  2978. >This isn’t for you, this isn’t about you.
  2979. >This is for them.
  2980. >For mother and father.
  2981. >You resign yourself to your fate, and force a soft sound from your mouth.
  2982. “woof”
  2983. >The Empress burst into laughter.
  2984. >“Again our puppy louder!!! We wish for the guards to hear you!!!”
  2985. “Woof- Woof WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF”
  2986. >She is nearly historical at this point.
  2987. >You however, are in tears.
  2988. >Your facing away from her now, desperately trying to hide the tears following down your face.
  2989. >”Enough my puppy. That was good fun, come here for your treat.”
  2990. >You stop wagging your tail, and come to a rest.
  2991. >You slowly turn to face the Empress, who is now holding a lettuce wedge with her magic.
  2992. >You make eye contact.
  2993. >Her eyes reflect her happiness.
  2994. >However, as she looks at you, they quickly begin to change.
  2995. >To… concern?
  2996. >”Maid? Why are you crying?”
  2997. ---------------
  2998. >You turn and look away again.
  2999. >Why is she mocking you? Is… is this not enough?
  3000. >You break into a full fit of crying now, placing your face into your hooves.
  3001. >She gently prods you with her hoof.
  3002. >The Empress speaks, her voice reflecting what sounds like genuine concern.
  3003. >“Maid, are you injured? Speak, we command it.”
  3004. >You sniffle, attempting to control your flow of tears.
  3005. “Wh- what did I do wrong?”
  3006. >She does not answer.
  3007. “Wh- why are you doing this to me… d-did I do something wrong? Why- why are you so upset?”
  3008. >Still, there is silence.
  3009. >You cough, attempting to clear your throat.
  3010. “Do- do you hate me? Do you hate me because I’m- I’m an earth pony? I try so hard to- to…”
  3011. >You feel something gently press against your back.
  3012. >“Breathe my little pony. Breathe.”
  3013. >You turn, and see Nightmare Moon’s wing extended over you, gently brushing your back and mane.
  3014. >”It is ok our filly, we meant you no harm.”
  3015. >You look into her eyes.
  3016. >They look almost... motherly.
  3017. >”Then- then why did you… invade me?”
  3018. >She looks back to her wine glass.
  3019. >”We are verifying that you did not have… relations with the Beast.”
  3020. >She exhales.
  3021. >“Understand maid that many ponies have lied to us before… even those closest to us…”
  3022. ---------------
  3023. >You blink a few times.
  3024. >You have never seen the Empress like this.
  3025. >”We... do not expect you to agree with our methods… and we are sorry if we upset you. It was not our intention.”
  3026. >There is yet more silence.
  3027. >What do you say to her?
  3028. >What can you say to her?
  3029. >You feel almost as if you need to apologize.
  3030. >It makes no sense.
  3031. “I… I forgive you.”
  3032. >She lifts her head.
  3033. >Her prideful mannerisms return almost instantly.
  3034. >The contrast is so stark, you wonder if you hallucinated the entire conversation.
  3035. >She sneers, and removes her wing from your back.
  3036. >”We do not need your forgiveness filly.”
  3037. “Why- why did you make me act like a dog?”
  3038. >”For entertainment. You are our property are you not? We shall use you as we wish.”
  3039. >The silence returns yet again.
  3040. >Then, you see a wedge of lettuce move in front of you.
  3041. >”You said you were hungry earlier, eat. You can have whatever you wish my loyal maid.”
  3042. >You gently nod.
  3043. “T- Thank you Empress.”
  3044. >You lean forward, and take a bite of the lettuce.
  3045. ---------------
  3046. >The food is delicious.
  3047. >Much better than you normal meals.
  3048. >You try to eat quickly, knowing that she may remove it at any time.
  3049. >Instead, you feel her wing settle on your back yet again.
  3050. >”Eat slowly my little pony. You can take as much time as you like.”
  3051. >It is strange. You have never seen a pony like this before.
  3052. >You stood witness as she literally executed ponies for sport.
  3053. >Yet now? You feel safe under her wing.
  3054. >You nod, and continue eating.
  3055. >You see a cup of water lower in front of you.
  3056. >You sip from it gently.
  3057. >You are being fed by an Empress.
  3058. >By a unbelievably powerful, dangerous Empress.
  3059. >You gently lean into her side.
  3060. >She pulls you closer with her wing.
  3061. >After a few minutes, and wedges of lettuce later, you finish eating.
  3062. >”Are you done my little filly?”
  3063. >You nod.
  3064. “Yes Empress. Thank you very much.”
  3065. >She nods in return, and returns the cup of water to the table.
  3066. ---------------
  3067. >A few moments pass.
  3068. >You don’t want to leave this moment.
  3069. >In the last few days of seemingly unending chaos, this is a rare moment of peace.
  3070. >Nightmare Moon continues to comb your back and mane with her massive wing.
  3071. >You quickly remember however, that you have not seen your parents.
  3072. >Deciding to break the silence, you speak up softly.
  3073. “Empress?”
  3074. >Yes maid?
  3075. “Are- are my parents ok?”
  3076. >She nodes gently.
  3077. >“Yes maid. Your parents are alive and well. We have kept our word.”
  3078. >Her voice calms the fears you held.
  3079. >A few minutes pass.
  3080. >Then, without warning, she stops brushing your back, leaving her wing to rest on you.
  3081. >”Maid?”
  3082. “Yes?”
  3083. >”Do you wish to see them? I shall let you visit your parents with our supervision as… a token of our appreciation.”
  3084. >You- you can’t believe it.
  3085. >She is going to let you see your parents.
  3086. “Yes!!! Yes plea- I- I mean yes you highness, if you wish.”
  3087. >She smiles.
  3088. >”Very well maid, than I shall summon them.”
  3089. >You lay down, and place you head against her hoof.
  3090. >It feels good.
  3091. ———————
  3092. >A few minutes pass in relative silence.
  3093. >You raise your head, and look at the Empress, who is casually sipping from her glass of wine.
  3094. >You struggle to contain your excitement.
  3095. >Your going to see your family again!
  3096. >You barely believe the Empress is letting you see them.
  3097. >She doesn’t seem like the type of pony who would do something for someone else.
  3098. >Perhaps you were wrong.
  3099. >…
  3100. >Your mind swiftly returns to the executions you witnessed.
  3101. >It’s so hard to reconcile that the mare beside you is the same pony who did… that.
  3102. >You feel a twitch from her wing.
  3103. >”Stand maid. The prisoners are near, we must go to meet them.”
  3104. >The prisoners?
  3105. >It takes you a moment to realize that she means your parents.
  3106. >Slowly, you make your way onto your feet.
  3107. >”I have a few instructions for you maid.”
  3108. >You nod.
  3109. >”You shall not speak out of turn. Remember, their continued existence is dependent upon your obedience. We suggest you keep that in mind.”
  3110. >You nod again.
  3111. “I understand Empress, I’m thankful for your kindness in allow me to see my parents.”
  3112. >Her demand is unusual, but not surprising.
  3113. >You were expecting there to be some conditions, and while this particular demand does seem.. harsh, it is worth it.
  3114. >At least you get to see your family again.
  3115. >She looks down at you.
  3116. >”You are welcome my little pony. Now come, we must depart.”
  3117. ---------------
  3118. >After a brief walk you arrive in the atrium again.
  3119. >Both yourself and the Empress stand facing the passageway leading to the doors.
  3120. >There is a certain stillness in the air.
  3121. >Almost like the calm before the storm.
  3122. >The silence is broken by the sound of the two entrance doors opening.
  3123. >A group of guards escort two hooded ponies into the atrium, stopping a few feet from yourself and the Empress.
  3124. >One of the guards speaks.
  3125. >”Empress, here are the prisoners that you’ve requested.”
  3126. >”Very well guard, you are dismissed. I shall summon you when you are needed again.”
  3127. >The guards bow, before swiftly exiting the room, leaving only yourself, Nightmare Moon, and your parents.
  3128. >You take the time to look at your parents and see that… they are shaking?
  3129. >The Empress turns to you with a smile on her face.
  3130. >”Their hoods are enchanted so that they cannot hear their surroundings.”
  3131. >She chuckles.
  3132. >“I instructed the guards to tell them that you failed, and that they are going to be executed.”
  3133. >She begins to pull on the ropes that secure their hoods, revealing that the ropes are nooses.
  3134. >You realize exactly why they are shaking.
  3135. >They think that… that they are going to die.
  3136. >But why? Why is the Empress doing this? All you wanted to do was-
  3137. >”You see, we suspect that they might not value your efforts to aid us, so this is a reminder of just how much important you are to them.”
  3138. >”Understand Octavia, that while you are all prisoners, you are not equal. Your actions are noble. You gave your life to us for their safety.”
  3139. >”They, on the other hoof, chose to betray their Empress.”
  3140. ---------------
  3141. >Nightmare Moon loosens the nooses and takes the hoods off of your parents.
  3142. >Your mother’s eyes are closed, and her face is covered in tears.
  3143. >She is almost hyperventilating.
  3144. >Your father on the other hoof is calm, almost stoic about what he believes to be his pending demise.
  3145. “Open your eyes my property.”
  3146. >Your father opens his eyes immediately; your mother does not.
  3147. >He looks up, and sees the Empress, before quickly diverting his gaze toward you.
  3148. >”Octavia!”
  3149. >At the sound of your name, your mother also opens her eyes, which seem to meet yours almost instantly.
  3150. “Octavia? Oh Octavia, honey it’s going to-
  3151. >She attempts to rush toward you, but is brutally forced to the floor by Nightmare Moon’s magic.
  3152. >Your father is forced to the floor a split second later.
  3153. >As both of your parents wheeze for air, your mother forces words between her desperate gasp for air.
  3154. >”Oct-avia… we- forgive… you…”
  3155. >You struggle not to cry.
  3156. >Although the Empress said they won’t die, you can’t help but feel that this all seems too real.
  3157. >The Empress speaks.
  3158. >”We did not instruct you to move my little ponies.”
  3159. >She pauses for a few seconds, as the struggling from your parents begins to lessen.
  3160. >You begin to see your mother’s eyes roll back in her head.
  3161. >Fear overtakes you.
  3162. >You turn to the Empress, desperate to understand why she is letting this happen.
  3163. >You see a predatory smile appear on her face.
  3164. >What if she was lying?
  3165. >What if she is going to kill them?
  3166. ---------------
  3167. >However, just before your mother loses consciousness, the invisible weight on your parents’ neck are released.
  3168. >Too weak to stand, they remain on the floor, desperately attempting to take in the life-giving air surrounding them.
  3169. >“Know our prisoners, that you’re lives continue only because we allow it.”
  3170. >She sips from her glass of wine again.
  3171. >”However, today, I shall let you live, as your daughter has proven her worth to us.”
  3172. >Your mother, immediately breaks down into tears, likely overcome with emotion.
  3173. >Your father manages to maintain himself with slightly more composure, and only turns his head.
  3174. >The Empress speaks again.
  3175. >”You see, your daughter, who is now our property, has aided us in many task with only minor protest. You must have raised a very well mannered mare. Surprising, given your… less than preferable lineage.”
  3176. >Your father immediately responds.
  3177. >”Less than preferable lineage? Our ancestors have lived in Canterlot for generations! How dare you-“
  3178. >”Your ancestors were livestock. We would wager they ate from the same mud filled troughs as their swine.”
  3179. >She takes another sip from her wine.
  3180. >"You and your wife- broodmare she is- are unworthy of your positions in society. You should be grateful that we provide you food and shelter.”
  3181. >Rage appears in your father’s eyes.
  3182. >“Just beca-“
  3183. >Nightmare Moon again forces his jaw against the floor, preventing him from speaking.
  3184. “However, let’s not focus on the negatives on this situation, I wish to celebrate my faithful maid Octavia’s achievements.”
  3185. >Your mother, likely frightened by the exchange between the Empress and your father, and hoping to change the mood of the conversation, attempts to chime in.
  3186. >“I- I hope that Octavia has been a good m-maid for you. We did try to- to teach her proper manners.”
  3187. >She ends her compliment with a small smile, directed at you.
  3188. >You can’t help be feel… happy.
  3189. ---------------
  3190. >Even through all of this, your parent’s still love you.
  3191. >”Yes, she has been helpful. Perhaps you would like to hear of her deeds?”
  3192. >You feel your face drain.
  3193. >She- she can’t be serious…
  3194. >She- she can’t tell them what you’ve done.
  3195. >You turn to the Empress, hoping to see that she is joking.
  3196. >That is is teasing.
  3197. >That she is anything other than serious.
  3198. >Instead, you look at her and see a smile.
  3199. >But perhaps her eyes, and the tone of her sentence tell you the most.
  3200. >She doesn’t appear to be sarcastic.
  3201. >She looks… genuinely proud.
  3202. >Like a mother telling her friends of her foal’s first words.
  3203. >It scares you more than anything.
  3204. >She is proud of you.
  3205. >Proud of what you have done.
  3206. >And she is going to share her pride with your parents.
  3207. >Your mother replies.
  3208. >”Of course we would like to know… if you would be so kind as to share. I would like to know what our daughter has been up to.”
  3209. >The Empress smiles.
  3210. “Very well then, I shall tell you some of our maid’s exploits.”
  3211. ---------------
  3212. >You look down at your mother, who is looking toward the Empress with a semi-forced look of excitement.
  3213. >You assume this isn’t exactly what she wants to hear, but any update on you is better than nothing.
  3214. >You father on the other hand, refuses to look up, instead averting his gaze toward the wall.
  3215. >Out of the corner of your eye, you think you see the Empress inflate her chest slightly.
  3216. >She begins to speak.
  3217. >”Octavia has been assigned to serving as the primary caretaker for a small number of toys kept in the castle.”
  3218. >A look of confusion overcomes your mother’s face.
  3219. >“Toys? For foals? Is Octavia a foal sitter?”
  3220. >She chuckles.
  3221. >”Octavia has never been particularly good with foa-“
  3222. >"No, the toys are not foals. They are ponies kept as toys for the sexual pleasures of one of the Castle’s residence."
  3223. >A look of horror immediately sweeps your mother’s face.
  3224. >You can’t stand to look at them anymore, instead choosing look at the floor.
  3225. >“P-Ponies as s-sexual toys? You- you mean sex slaves?”
  3226. >The Empress snickers.
  3227. >“No, they aren’t “sex slaves” my little pony. These ponies’ don’t deserve to be recognized as slaves, they are property of the Crown, nothing more.”
  3228. >Out of the corner of your eye you think you see your father look up.
  3229. >You look up as well, and realize that he is looking at you.
  3230. >His gaze…
  3231. >You look away again, ashamed of what you’ve done.
  3232. >”But that is not all she has done. While we were performing the executions of several other traitorous ponies, Octavia assisted us, and even suggested a number of tortures, which we inflicted to the ponies before their deaths.”
  3233. >The Empress looks at you.
  3234. >”Isn’t that right Octavia?”
  3235. >You nod your head quickly.
  3236. “Yes- yes it is your Highness.”
  3237. >You hear your mother’s voice softly echo in the air.
  3238. >“Executions… my Octavia… executions…”
  3239. ---------------
  3240. >Then, you hear your father speak.
  3241. >”How could you do this Octavia? How could you- you help this monster? I- We raised you better than… than this...”
  3242. >You feel the temperature in the room drop almost instantly, and it becomes visibly darker.
  3243. >”How dare you insult our maid? Remember your place swine. Was it not for her, you would be dead.”
  3244. >You look over at the Empress, and see that her entire demeanor has changed.
  3245. >Gone is the proud mother.
  3246. >Now? Now stands an angered Celestial Alicorn.
  3247. >You fear for your parent’s lives.
  3248. >She closes her eyes, and speaks in a cold, nearly emotionless tone.
  3249. >”We will give you one chance to apologize. Both of you come, kiss my maids’ hooves. Acknowledge that she is your better.”
  3250. >Your mother looks at you, before beginning to crawl forward.
  3251. >Your father however, does not move.
  3252. >Before kissing your hooves, your mother speaks.
  3253. >“I- I thank you so- so much Octavia… I still love you…”
  3254. >The pain in her voice is clear and powerful.
  3255. >You are almost reduced to tears.
  3256. >However, you force yourself not to cry, so as not to appear conflicted in front of the Empress.
  3257. >After kissing your hooves, your mother inches toward the Empress’ hoof.
  3258. >The Empress lifts her fore hoof off the ground in response.
  3259. >”You have yet to prove yourself worthy of our contact prisoner.”
  3260. >She looks down, and lowly inches her way back to beside your father.
  3261. >He has not moved.
  3262. >The Empress speaks.
  3263. >”Come stallion. Come and acknowledge your better.”
  3264. >He speaks in a low, yet deliberate tone.
  3265. >“I will not. What she has done… isn’t worthy of respect…”
  3266. >Your mother pleads to him.
  3267. >“Honey, please… don’t say such thing-“
  3268. >The Empress interrupts.
  3269. >”Enough. If he doesn’t wish to acknowledge his better, than we shall use the one he loves.”
  3270. ---------------
  3271. >”Prisoners, stand, we wish for our maid to inspect you.”
  3272. >…
  3273. >…
  3274. >Inspect them.
  3275. >You flashback a few minutes, and remember the “inspection” that you underwent.
  3276. >She can’t- she can’t expect you to do that to your parent’s can she?
  3277. >You look up.
  3278. >Your mother slowly makes her way onto her hooves.
  3279. >Your father however, refuses to stand.
  3280. >Instead, the Empress grabs his neck in her magical grasp, and forces him to his hooves.
  3281. >”Turn your broadsides toward us, like swine at auction.”
  3282. >Your mother turns by her own will, while your father is forcibly turned.
  3283. >At this point, he is struggling for breath.
  3284. >“Do you wish to breathe my little pony? Or do you wish to be difficult?”
  3285. >He nods as best he can.
  3286. >The magical grasp around him evaporates, and is stands on his hooves shakily.
  3287. >The Empress turns to you.
  3288. “Go on maid. Inspect the prisoners; the mare first. Will she make an acceptable breeder, or should be euthanize her?”
  3289. >Your stomach drops.
  3290. >She- she intends to breed your mother.
  3291. >She is going to forcibly impregnate her… because your father wouldn’t listen.
  3292. >You look at your mother, who is now visibly shaking and looking downward, tears falling from her eyes.
  3293. >Your father’s eyes grow, and he attempts to open his mouth, which is forcibly shut by the Empress magic yet again.
  3294. >”You had your chance stallion. Now we shall use your wife for our purposes. New guards are always needed.”
  3295. ---------------
  3296. >You slowly make your way to the other side of your parents so that they are between yourself and Nightmare Moon.
  3297. >You look over your mother, who is now an emotional wreck.
  3298. >You feel terrible.
  3299. >She did nothing wrong.
  3300. >This- this was your father’s fault.
  3301. >Had he- he not been so… rude this would never have happened.
  3302. >Now he is going to breed her.
  3303. >You are no doctor, but you assume that baring a child at her age is a semi-risky proposition.
  3304. >What- what if she dies?
  3305. >Your anger only increases, but you force yourself to stay calm, struggling to do so.
  3306. >Instead, you look at your mother.
  3307. >She turns slightly, and makes eye contact with you.
  3308. >Her eyes are haunting.
  3309. >She is so scared.
  3310. >Like she is trying desperately to make sense of the situation, but failing.
  3311. >Like she is looking to you as the only source of support.
  3312. >You avert your gaze to her flank.
  3313. >If the Empress sees you display sympathy, this situation could only get worse.
  3314. >Instead, you attempt to make your first observation.
  3315. "Your Highness, she- she has a nice coat and… and a wonderful mane. Her eyes are beautiful as well.”
  3316. >You try to make the observation a compliment.
  3317. >However, you immediately realize the mistake you’ve made.
  3318. >If you describe her as beautiful, she is only more likely to be bred.
  3319. >The Empress speaks.
  3320. >”We care not about her appearance. We seek a broodmare, not a temptress. Can she bare foals?”
  3321. >You nod your head, knowing you cannot hide such basis information.
  3322. ”Yes Empress, yes she can.”
  3323. ---------------
  3324. >She looks at your father.
  3325. >”And the stallion? Can he produce seed?”
  3326. >You nod again.
  3327. ”Yes Empress, yes he can.”
  3328. >She nods.
  3329. >”It is a trivial matter. He is a traitor, so his seed is spoiled before even being used. It is but a small miracle that you do not suffer his curse.”
  3330. >You are confused.
  3331. >If- if she doesn’t view your father as fitting, than how can she expect to… breed… your mother.
  3332. >You make your way to beside the Empress again.
  3333. >A few moments pass, before you hear the doors opening yet again.
  3334. >You look up, and see a single guardpony walk into the atrium.
  3335. >Your stomach immediately twist, knowing exactly why he is here.
  3336. >Your father won’t be the father of your future sibling.
  3337. >This random guardpony will be.
  3338. >The Empress uses her magic, forcing your mother to look at the pony.
  3339. >”This will be the sire of your foal prisoner. We shall prepare you accordingly.
  3340. >You look as the eyes on your mother grow wide, and she her tail begins to raise.
  3341. >“What- what are you doing to me?”
  3342. >The Empress smiles.
  3343. >”We're preparing you for breeding. We have no interest in waiting until you are in season to be receptive of a stallion.”
  3344. >By now, the guardspony is standing next to your parents, and across from yourself.
  3345. >The stallion is massive.
  3346. >While you hate to admit it, in nearly any other situation you would find him wildly attractive.
  3347. >His shoulders and legs display refined muscle from years of training.
  3348. >He is a fine physical specimen.
  3349. >Your muses are interrupted when you remember the gravity of the situation.
  3350. >This stallion is going to… to rape your mother.
  3351. ---------------
  3352. >The guard bows
  3353. >”Yes Empress?”
  3354. >Nightmare Moon replies.
  3355. >”We have summoned you here to sire this mare in heat.”
  3356. >He looks over toward your mother, who is looking downward, and giving off occasional moans.
  3357. >Turning back to the Empress, he speaks.
  3358. >”May I ask who this pony is Empress?”
  3359. >”This mare is the wife of a traitor. He is no longer deserving of her womb. After your faithful service, we wish to provide you her as a reward.”
  3360. >He nods.
  3361. >“Very well Empress. Thank you for your kindness.”
  3362. >He begins to make his way toward the rear of your mother, but is interrupted by the Empress again.
  3363. >”Wait our faithful guard. We wish for the mare’s husband to prepare you.”
  3364. >A look of shock overtakes your father.
  3365. >The Empress smiles, and looks to him.
  3366. >”You have no choice in the option my little colt. Either you prepare this true stallion to claim your wife, or we shall euthanize her.”
  3367. >A look of utter defeat comes across his face as the guard makes his way over to your father.
  3368. >The Empress forces your father onto the ground.
  3369. >”You should learn to stay below your betters colt. Now, prepare this stallion for breeding.”
  3370. >Your father take a look at your mother.
  3371. >She is visibly confused. Struggling between her heat and her clear fear.
  3372. >After a moment your father shakes his head.
  3373. >”I won’t do it. Kill her for all I care, I won’t play your twisted game!”
  3374. ---------------
  3375. >You look at him in awe.
  3376. >Even with your mother’s life on the line, he refuses to give in?
  3377. >Your ashamed with just how prideful your father is.
  3378. >He would rather sacrifice your mother’s life than his petty dignity.
  3379. >Suddenly, you hear a loud shattering noise.
  3380. >You look over, and see the Empress has broken her wine glass, and is now levitating the stem of the glass toward your mother.
  3381. >She positions the stem at your mother’s neck, and applies pressure, only stopping short of breaking the skin.
  3382. >You mother’s tears increase.
  3383. >”We will not say it again colt. Prepare him, or we shall euthanize her.”
  3384. >There is silence.
  3385. >Then, a weak voice speaks.
  3386. >”Please… please honey… just- just do it… please…”
  3387. >It was your mother.
  3388. >She is pleading for her life.
  3389. >The oddness of the situation hits you.
  3390. >She is begging for her life… to your father.
  3391. >Not Nightmare Moon.
  3392. >Not the pony who executed ponies for sport.
  3393. >But to your father.
  3394. >The pony who always told you to put family first.
  3395. >You feel… betrayed.
  3396. ---------------
  3397. >You look at your father, who is now looking at your mother.
  3398. >After what seems like a small eternity, he moves.
  3399. >He lifts his head, and sticks out his tongue.
  3400. >It gently caresses the sheath of the stallion above him.
  3401. >The Empress chuckles.
  3402. >”Very good my colt. Very good.”
  3403. >Your father continues his gentle, licks, which he is visibly attempting to avoid.
  3404. >After a minute or two, the guard is unsheathed.
  3405. >Your father looks toward the Empress, hoping his job is complete.
  3406. >She simply shakes her head, and looks toward the wine glass’ stem against your mother’s neck.
  3407. >Tears begin to fill your father’s eyes as he places the guard’s stallionhood into his mouth.
  3408. >You see something begin to appear under your father.
  3409. >He… he is getting aroused?
  3410. >The situation confuses you.
  3411. >While you are no stallion, you know enough that there is no reason for him to be getting aroused right now.
  3412. >He has not touched your mother, and he has not been touched either.
  3413. >You look up to the guard’s pony, who is wearing a small smile while looking down at your father.
  3414. >Looking at his stallionhood, you blush.
  3415. >It is… massive.
  3416. >Comparing to your father’s is almost comical.
  3417. >It’s just so much bigger. It has so much girth.
  3418. >It’s looks so potent… so-
  3419. >You realize what you were thinking about, and are ashamed.
  3420. >You look at your mother, who is in likely the worst experience of her life, and you are thinking about the stallionhood of the pony who is going to rape her.
  3421. ---------------
  3422. >You look back to your father.
  3423. >It is becoming apparent that he can no longer easily fit the guard’s stallionhood into his mouth.
  3424. >You hear him gag, and try to pull his head away, only to be held by the guard pony.
  3425. >The Empress interrupts.
  3426. >”That is enough. Now, mount his wife, do not hilt her until we give you permission.”
  3427. >The pony nodes, and makes his way behind you mother.
  3428. >With ease his places his forehooves onto her back, and places his stallionhood against her entrance.
  3429. >She winces her eyes.
  3430. >As she guides his way forward, his weight forces your mother to lose balance, and her forehooves give way.
  3431. >With only her flank in the air, the stallion easily positions himself, and places the tip of himself into your mother.
  3432. >Her eyes visibly expand, and she begins to beg.
  3433. >”Please Empress! Please! Don’t do this! You- I- I’m sorry! Please! I’ll do whatever you- you- just please!!!”
  3434. >Only the knowledge that your interruption would lead to their deaths prevents you from speaking.
  3435. >The Empress ignores her pleads, but instead turns to you father.
  3436. >“So my colt, do you have anything to say before my guard claims your wife?”
  3437. >The Empress levitates your father into the air, exposing his erect stallionhood for all to see.
  3438. >Nightmare Moon laughs.
  3439. >”Look at him! He enjoyed it! Oh isn’t this fun?”
  3440. >”She turns his stomach to face your mother.
  3441. >”Look my broodmare. Your husband enjoyed servicing a stallion!”
  3442. >Your father looks completely demoralized.
  3443. >You notice he is now gently attempting to thrust his stallionhood forward."
  3444. >”Look at him! He is rutting air! How pathetic!”
  3445. >”Perhaps we see why the Beast does this!”
  3446. >Your father looks down, and begins to cry.
  3447. >”He’s crying! The prisoner is crying! How weak of him! Tell us colt, did you enjoy it?”
  3448. >Your father softly replies.
  3449. >”No- no I didn’t… enjoy it.”
  3450. >”Then explain thy excitement? Explain why thou is prepared to spill thy seed?”
  3451. ---------------
  3452. >Your father begins to break down.
  3453. >”I don’t know! I- didn’t want to- to do this!”
  3454. >The guard’s pony begins to make small thrust into your mother barely penetrating, but enough to keep himself aroused.
  3455. >The Empress’s expression shifts to one of seriousness again.
  3456. >“Very well colt. Look at your wife. Do you see the result of your rebellious attitude?”
  3457. >”Do you see how keeping your pride will cost you your wife?”
  3458. >Your father slowly nods.
  3459. >”I- I see… highness”
  3460. >Nightmare Moon smiles.
  3461. >”Very well then. We shall give you one chance. Kiss our maid’s hoof, and you shall be forgiven.”
  3462. >He nods.
  3463. >The Empress places your father back onto the ground, and he slowly makes his way over to your hoof.
  3464. >He gently places his lips on your front hoof, before retreating again to his position.
  3465. >The Empress smiles.
  3466. >You couldn’t help but smile yourself.
  3467. >After almost killing your mother, you dare say he deserves to be on the ground.
  3468. >”Very well. Guard, dismount the mare.”
  3469. >A look of sadness appears on his face as his falls off of your mother.
  3470. >In contrast, your mother looks relieved, and judging by her expression, you assume her heat has been removed as well.
  3471. >The Empress turns to the guard pony.
  3472. >”We see that you are still… excited.”
  3473. >She looks at your father.
  3474. >”As a sign of your submission, we wish for you to allow this stallion to deposit his seed into your mouth.”
  3475. >”We wish for you to taste loyalty and devotion.”
  3476. >Your father, dejected, looks at the floor as the stallion makes he way over.
  3477. >With no particular care, the stallion places his girth into your father, and begins to thrust.
  3478. >Gagging noises fill the air, as your father struggles to stabilize himself under the brutal attack.
  3479. >Instead, the guard places his hoof onto your father’s back, forcing him to stay still under the pressure.
  3480. ---------------
  3481. >After a few, seemingly endless minutes of watching the guard abuse your father, he tenses up.
  3482. >Your father’s eyes grow wide, and he begins to choke as the guard hilts himself.
  3483. >The guard audibly grunts into the air, clearly marking his climax.
  3484. >After a few seconds, the guard removes himself, and white strings begin to fall from your father’s mouth as he gags.
  3485. >The Empress speaks.
  3486. >“Tell me my little mud colt, did you enjoy the taste of a loyal, proper unicorn stallion?”
  3487. >Knowing better than to disagree, or hoping to avoid further abuse, your father nods.
  3488. >“Yes… yes your highness.”
  3489. >She frowns.
  3490. >"We are not convinced. Spill thyself and consume it, so that you may know what tainted seed taste like.”
  3491. >Your father looks at your mother, who in turn looks away.
  3492. >Resigning himself, he begins to hoof his stallionhood.
  3493. >He looks up toward you, and remembering that you have been watching the scene, attempts to turn away.
  3494. >The Empress stops him.
  3495. >Humiliated, he attempts to speed himself up, hoping to end his growing embarrassment.
  3496. >After a few more seconds, he spills himself onto the floor.
  3497. >His output was significantly less than the guard’s.
  3498. >Knowing what he must do, he lowers himself to the ground, and lick’s up his seed.
  3499. >The guard pony laughs at him, as does the Empress.
  3500. >”Tell me colt, does it taste different? Do you prefer tainted mud seed, or pure unicorn seed?”
  3501. >He speaks in a defeated tone.
  3502. >“Unicorn seed your highness.”
  3503. >She shakes her head.
  3504. >”Speak clearly my property.”
  3505. >”Unicorn seed. Pure unicorn seed your highness.”
  3506. >She smiles.
  3507. >”And which seed would be better to impregnate your wife my colt?”
  3508. >Your father looks to your wife, who does not return the favor.
  3509. >”The- the pure unicorn seed.”
  3510. >The Empress smiles.
  3511. “Very good. You have learned your lesson.”
  3512. ---------------
  3513. >Nightmare Moon speaks again.
  3514. >“Now I would love for this meeting to continue, but unfortunately, I have more pressing matters to attend to.”
  3515. >You look over at the Empress in confusion.
  3516. >She’s ending the meeting already?
  3517. >But… but you never got to speak with your parents at all.
  3518. >The Empress levitates the hoods and nooses back onto your parents.
  3519. >You steal one last glance at your parents.
  3520. >Your mother looks at you, and appears… forgiving. Tired and undoubtably scared, but forgiving.
  3521. >Your father on the other hoof, looks at you.
  3522. >His face is one that you have seen before.
  3523. >Disappointment.
  3524. >You struggle to understand why.
  3525. >Disappointed?
  3526. >He- he is disappointed?
  3527. >After what he did, he is disappointed, in you?
  3528. >With the hoods now secured onto your parent’s Nightmare Moon speaks again.
  3529. >"I believe that shall conclude our meeting. Guard, please escort these two back to their cells.”
  3530. >You see her eyes swell in apparent delight.
  3531. >”This time however, separate them into two different cells. We do not wish for the stallion to breed.”
  3532. >The guard bows, and the Empress turns to leave.
  3533. >You look at your parents one last time as they are pulled away by their nooses.
  3534. >This- this isn’t how you expected this meeting to go.
  3535. >"Come Octavia, our time here is done."
  3536. >You close your eyes for a moment, before turning, and following the Empress back into private Dining hall.
  3537. ---------------
  3538. >You arrive in her private Dining Hall again.
  3539. >”Well Octavia, we do hope you enjoyed seeing your parents, although it is unfortunate that your father couldn’t… behave himself.”
  3540. >You don’t look up; your too consumed in your thoughts.
  3541. >The Empress appears to notice, and pets your mane with her own.
  3542. >”We assure you that they are treated well in their cells, maid. As per our agreement, they were not require to perform any task or labor, and as such, they have not.”
  3543. >”We have made sure they were provided three warm, healthy meals a day, as well as proper sleeping and hygienic arrangements.
  3544. >She sits down again, an action that you follow.
  3545. >You are silent, partly stunned by what just occurred.
  3546. >”Tell me Octavia, was that meeting to your satisfaction?”
  3547. >Your forced to think about your answer.
  3548. >While seeing your parents was a gift, the result was… disturbing.
  3549. >Your father’s actions…
  3550. >You fail to understand why he acted the way he did.
  3551. >His pride, his unwillingness to understand what you were going through…
  3552. >It was almost like he didn’t care about you.
  3553. >Like he wasn’t grateful for your sacrifice.
  3554. >And he was almost chose to have your mother raped, rather than submit to the Empress.
  3555. >Yes, the Empress was cruel, but that was almost expected.
  3556. >Your father’s actions- weren’t.
  3557. “I- I thank you for your gift Empress, you’ve given me… a lot to think about.”
  3558. >She smiles.
  3559. >”Your very welcome. If you continue your good service, perhaps we will permit you speak with them more freely.”
  3560. >You nod.
  3561. “Thank you very much empress, we greatly appreciate your offer.”
  3562. >The Empress looks at the clock positioned on the wall.
  3563. >9:57PM
  3564. >”We must request that you return to your room Octavia. We have critical business to attend to in a few minutes.”
  3565. >You nod and bow.
  3566. >Before you leave the room however, the Empress speaks one last time.
  3567. >“Good night loyal maid.”
  3568. >You reply.
  3569. “Good night my Empress."
  3570. ———————
  3571. >You exit the Empress’ chambers and begin to walk.
  3572. >You don’t really know where your going, and you don’t particularly care.
  3573. >You just need to go somewhere; anywhere.
  3574. >Although roaming the hallways is normally forbidden, you dare believe that the Empress wouldn’t care following that… incident.
  3575. >After a few minutes, you arrive at one of the castle’s many balconies.
  3576. >Seeking a balcony is almost a subconscious behavior.
  3577. >At home, whenever you had a bad day, you would sit on your balcony during the night and enjoy the night sky.
  3578. >Something that was a common occurrence because of your music.
  3579. >It was always very calming, and helped to ease your nerves.
  3580. >As you sit down, you hope that this balcony can provide the same relief as the one at home.
  3581. >You look up at the stars out of habit.
  3582. >You notice that they appear to be slightly brighter than you remember.
  3583. >Perhaps you just haven’t looked at them in a while.
  3584. >You begin to search for your favorite constellation; The Three Tribes.
  3585. >It’s always held a special place in your heart ever since you went star gazing with your mother.
  3586. >Your remember the first time you saw it.
  3587. >It was after you lost your first seat position to a unicorn in your school’s orchestra.
  3588. >All because you couldn’t play a pizzicato.
  3589. >Your mother sat down next to you, and pointed to The Three Tribes.
  3590. >She said it served as a reminder that all three races of ponies are equal; and that anypony could achi…
  3591. >...
  3592. >Your focus is broken as your eyes begin to deceive you.
  3593. >Are… are the stars moving?
  3594. >You shake your head, attempting to wake yourself.
  3595. >Surely they aren’t. You must be more tired than you thought. Perhaps you should go to sleep.
  3596. >Then, out of the corner of your eye, you see the impossible happen.
  3597. >A new star appears.
  3598. >You instantly move your eyes, hoping to confirm what you just saw.
  3599. >Without warning, a small number of stars appear, and begin to move across the sky.
  3600. ---------------
  3601. >You stare at the sky in awe as all the stars begin to move.
  3602. >Immediately, you wonder how this is happening, but no explanation comes to mind.
  3603. >Only Princess Celestia has domain over the sky, but she has been…
  3604. >You realize the mistake.
  3605. >Only two ponies.
  3606. >It dawns on you that the Empress is causing this.
  3607. >A smile creeps its way onto your face.
  3608. >It makes sense. Celestia’s domain was the sun, so its only logical that Nightmare Moon controls the night sky.
  3609. >While you always knew that Celestial Alicorns held power over the sun and the moon; you never realized they could control the stars.
  3610. >No one did.
  3611. >Your remember touring the Museum of Natural Equestrian History.
  3612. >It housed an ancient star map etched onto a large stone slab.
  3613. >However unlike modern star maps, it showed many more stars than there were in the night sky.
  3614. >It baffled historians, who could find no way to explain it, and believed it was simply part of a long lost myth.
  3615. >Looking up at the sky, you realize that it wasn’t a myth.
  3616. >Your looking at the real thing right now.
  3617. >After a few short minutes or so, the movement stops.
  3618. >The sky looks so different… so much more beautiful than before.
  3619. >Once primitive constellations now hold many more stars, making their shapes much more defined.
  3620. >A number of new constellations appeared, making use of previously unconnected stars.
  3621. >As the stars above twinkle, you can’t help but think that the Empress created this beauty.
  3622. >You let out a breathe.
  3623. >Perhaps things will get better.
  3624. >This is why you enjoyed sitting on your balcony at home so much.
  3625. >Even after a terrible day; it always helped calm you.
  3626. >It helped you remember that, no matter how bad things were, the sun would still rise tomorrow, and things would-
  3627. >…
  3628. ---------------
  3629. >Your train of thought comes to a screeching halt.
  3630. >The sun won’t rise tomorrow.
  3631. >The concept is so surreal that you struggle to comprehend it.
  3632. >While you always knew that the Empress didn’t permit the sun to rise, the gravity of that fact never really hit you.
  3633. >An unsettling feeling begins to overcome you.
  3634. >You may… may never see the sun rise again.
  3635. >You try to think about the last time you saw the sun.
  3636. >You can’t.
  3637. >You remember there being daytime, but you can’t remember the last time you ever actually looked at the sun.
  3638. >No sunrises, no sunsets.
  3639. >As you think, a series of realizations make you increasingly frantic.
  3640. >No one will ever see the sun again!
  3641. >What- what will you tell your foals?
  3642. >They won’t understand the concept of “daytime” will they?
  3643. >How would you even explain it?
  3644. >That the sun was like a giant, floating fire in the sky?
  3645. >It sound rediclous even thinking about it.
  3646. >Will- will the sun fall into becoming a myth?
  3647. >Just like the stars above you once did?
  3648. ---------------
  3649. >You begin to feel hopeless.
  3650. >Perhaps this… this is the way things will be now.
  3651. >In 1000 years, ponies will look at your books and wonder what the sun was.
  3652. >Your mind struggles to comprehend how long 1000 years really is… and fails.
  3653. >You feel so small.
  3654. >Your eyes begin to water for no reason in particular.
  3655. >You’ve rarely had time to yourself since your arrival at the Palace.
  3656. >So many things have changed so quickly.
  3657. >As a result, you’ve never really had time to digest the events that were transpiring around you.
  3658. >Now, after finding a moment of peace, all those emotions begin to catch up with you.
  3659. >The first thing to cross your mind is the Empress.
  3660. >How could she not.
  3661. >She has easily become the focal point of your existence.
  3662. >She holds the fate of you, your parents, even Equestria, in her hooves.
  3663. >What concerns you most however, is just how… unpredictable she is.
  3664. >As much as you try, you fail to grasp her decision making.
  3665. >She executed ponies for sport.
  3666. >She forced a pony upon your mother, and raped your father…
  3667. >She allows a monster to abuse innocent ponies.
  3668. >Worse yet, you helped her, and the Beast commit these undeniably evil acts.
  3669. >Perhaps more importantly, your resistance has gotten progressively weaker.
  3670. >In fact, your protest have all but stopped entirely.
  3671. >You even watched your parents suffer without protesting.
  3672. >…
  3673. >…
  3674. >A disturbingly simple question floats into your mind.
  3675. >Are you becoming evil?
  3676. ———————
  3677. >The question is unsettling.
  3678. >You’ve never thought of yourself as a bad pony, let alone an evil pony.
  3679. >Yet what you’ve done over the last few days…
  3680. >…
  3681. >…
  3682. >…
  3683. >You don’t know.
  3684. >The question is so… unfair.
  3685. >Who decides what is “evil?”
  3686. >It’s- it’s unfair to just -label- someone as evil.
  3687. >You’ve done what you’ve needed to do to survive, and protect your family.
  3688. >Protect them as best you could.
  3689. >You're- you're just doing what you have to, to live.
  3690. >For now at least, that is good enough.
  3691. >…
  3692. >…
  3693. >…
  3694. >Yet, deep down, it’s not enough.
  3695. >Was it even worth protecting them?
  3696. >You oversaw the execution of how many ponies?
  3697. >You can’t even remember.
  3698. >All you can picture is their dead ponies on the ground.
  3699. >All you can hear is their screams of agony.
  3700. >All for your parents…
  3701. ———————
  3702. >It disgust you.
  3703. >In retrospect, It just seems so... selfish.
  3704. >Some number of foals were- are waiting for their parents to come home.
  3705. >Waiting for their favorite dinner to be made.
  3706. >Waiting for their favorite bedtime story to be read.
  3707. >Waiting for a kiss goodnight.
  3708. >A kiss that will never come.
  3709. >Because of you.
  3710. >...
  3711. >It just looks so foolish now.
  3712. >You should have know better…
  3713. >…
  3714. >You look back up at the night sky, as tears begin to pool on your eyes.
  3715. >You feel guilt.
  3716. >A crippling, overwhelming guilt.
  3717. >You want to run away from it, to escape it, but you know you can’t.
  3718. >…
  3719. >…
  3720. >Their screams echo in your head.
  3721. >The images come flooding back into your mind, almost as if your standing in that room again.
  3722. >You can feel the cold marble beneath your hoof.
  3723. >You can see their broken bones protruding from their legs and trunks.
  3724. >You can hear the snapping of bones, and the crackling of cartilage.
  3725. >You can smell the air...
  3726. >…
  3727. >Oh Celestia- it’s- it’s so vivid…
  3728. >It’s- it’s so real…
  3729. >Too real…
  3730. ———————
  3731. >And then, its gone.
  3732. >The screams stop.
  3733. >Everything goes quite.
  3734. >For a moment, your thankful that it’s over.
  3735. >Then, a deep fear begins to overtake you.
  3736. >Will- will that happen again?
  3737. >Why did that happen at all?
  3738. >It’s haunting.
  3739. >You look down at your hoof and realize that you are shaking.
  3740. >Immediately, you tense your muscles in an effort to control yourself, but to no avail.
  3741. >You feel yourself slowing losing control.
  3742. >…
  3743. >You walk toward the edge of the balcony slowly, and place your front hooves on the railing.
  3744. >The cool night breeze grazes your snout, and sides, easing your panic, if only slightly.
  3745. >You overlook Canterlot yet again, observing the once busy city below.
  3746. >It looks so calm down there.
  3747. >So peaceful.
  3748. >…
  3749. >A subtle thought sneaks into your mind.
  3750. >How much do they really know?
  3751. >When they look at this castle- at this palace, what do they see?
  3752. >Do they see your suffering?
  3753. >The countless executions and horrors that take place in it’s halls?
  3754. >Or do they simply see.. a palace?
  3755. >Your eyes divert to the large barrier walls separating you from the rest of Canterlot.
  3756. >Guards actively patrol the wall, watching for any threat or sign of trouble.
  3757. ———————
  3758. >The average pony will never see the inside of these walls.
  3759. >The Grand Galloping Gala was the only time a large number of ponies ever entered the castle, and those were mainly nobles.
  3760. >The only other ponies to ever go inside either worked for the government, were diplomats, or were servants.
  3761. >…
  3762. >The more you think about, the more you realize just how little you knew about the palace until recently.
  3763. >You didn’t even know the palace -had- a dungeon, much less a number of prison cells.
  3764. >...
  3765. >What purpose did they server prior to Nightmare Moon’s return?
  3766. >Did- did Celestia keep prisoners here?
  3767. >…
  3768. >Those cells were extremely secure to say the least.
  3769. >You doubt a fully grown minotaur to escape through those massive doors.
  3770. >They were also very well kept.
  3771. >As if they were used recently.
  3772. >But Princess Celestia doesn’t seem like the type of pony who would keep prisoners.
  3773. >She was such a nice pony.
  3774. >…
  3775. >Than you remember Nightmare Moon’s words.
  3776. >How Celestia banished her for 1000 years.
  3777. >Maybe… maybe Celestia had a darker side.
  3778. >…
  3779. >Although the idea flies in the face of everything you’ve ever heard about Princess Celestia, it’s intriguing.
  3780. >More importantly, it’s disruptively hard to dispel.
  3781. >You just know so little about Princess Celestia…
  3782. >For all you know, she could have executed ponies just like Nightmare Moon.
  3783. >…
  3784. >As crazy at it seems, you can’t help but focus on it.
  3785. >It’s almost too crazy to ignore.
  3786. >Maybe… maybe that is what those cells were for.
  3787. >Celestia kept ponies there prior to their executions.
  3788. ———————
  3789. >You shake your head, as if to shake the idea from your mind.
  3790. >But executions are illegal.
  3791. >They’ve been illegal for hundreds of years.
  3792. >Yet you simply can’t find other explanation for those cells to exist.
  3793. >Canterlot had a prison for normal ponies, and you’ve never heard of, or learned about anyone being sent to the castle’s prison.
  3794. >But if they were for executions, the immediate question becomes: Who did she execute?
  3795. >There clearly wouldn’t be a record of these things happening, so you can only speculate, and refer to… experience.
  3796. >…
  3797. >As flawed as it may be, you try to remember why the Empress Executed those ponies.
  3798. >While it clearly isn’t a direct, or even a fair comparison, it’s the only one you can make.
  3799. >You focus, and try to think about what you heard, and who you saw.
  3800. >They were professors and various chairs from Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.
  3801. >… You remember Advanced Theory mentioning something about a spell…
  3802. >Their from Celestia’s school for -Gifted Unicorns-, of course they would be working on spells.
  3803. >But what type of spell?
  3804. >But what spell could they’ve been working on to anger Nightmare Moon so much?
  3805. >…
  3806. >…
  3807. >It dawns on you.
  3808. >They wanted to free Celestia.
  3809. >Yes! You remember him mentioning it! They said they knew what Nightmare Moon did with her!
  3810. >It only makes sense.
  3811. >Nightmare Moon killed them to stop them from freeing Princess Celestia…
  3812. >…
  3813. >…
  3814. >A cold, frighteningly simple idea enters your mind.
  3815. >If Nightmare Moon executed ponies who knew who to free Celestia…
  3816. >Then… then maybe Celestia executed ponies who knew how to free Nightmare Moon…
  3817. ———————
  3818. >A feeling of doubt begins to arise.
  3819. >As crazy as the idea sounds, it… makes sense.
  3820. >They are sisters after all; perhaps they share some… habits.
  3821. >Maybe Celestia wasn’t as peaceful and kind as she appeared.
  3822. >You look at the castle walls yet again.
  3823. >Not too long ago you were on the other side of those walls yourself.
  3824. >If they are all ignorant of the horrors that occur within these walls now, it’s very, very possible that it was happening all along.
  3825. >That idea scares you even more.
  3826. >This whole time you thought that Celestia, at least on some level, was a good pony.
  3827. >However, after hearing that the Empress said, and now realizing the evidence of her time as ruler…
  3828. >It’s getting harder and harder to hold onto those ideas.
  3829. >It’s like everything you’ve ever learned about her is a lie.
  3830. >You remember how everyone always supported Celestia, and said she was a good pony.
  3831. >She… she’s wasn’t a good pony.
  3832. >For 1000 years, she executed those who tried to free her sister.
  3833. >How many ponies died at her hooves?
  3834. >How many ponies begged for her mercy?
  3835. >
  3836. >…
  3837. >Again, your senses are overwhelmed by a flashback.
  3838. >You hear the screams.
  3839. >You close your eyes at tight as you possibly can, but to no avail.
  3840. >The images still flow freely in your mind.
  3841. >You advance further toward the edge of the balcony, and place your forehooves on the railing.
  3842. >After a few, painful, excruciating moments, The flashback stops.
  3843. >You open your eyes, and look down.
  3844. >A tear falls from the tip of your snout, and makes the long journey to the ground below.
  3845. >…
  3846. >You- you didn’t even realize you were crying…
  3847. >It feelslike your loosing all self control.
  3848. >You can’t even stop these hallucinations.
  3849. >These… memories…
  3850. >You feel your hooves shaking again, and try to stop them; only to fail again.
  3851. ———————
  3852. >The next day…
  3853. >Day?
  3854. >The next night…
  3855. >The next.. something… arrives.
  3856. >You slept only a few hours.
  3857. >Sleep was elusive, and you awoke in a cold sweat on more than one occasion.
  3858. >Between your small moments of rest, you simply rolled around in the modest bed that you were provided.
  3859. >After the third… flashback… you decided it was best to say awake.
  3860. >Perhaps the only comfort you found last night was in the shower.
  3861. >You stood under the warm water, and let it run over your coat for what seemed like forever.
  3862. >After almost 20 minutes you remember realizing that you were crying.
  3863. >It didn’t even cross your mind; your tears simply mixed with the water.
  3864. >The only way you noticed that you were crying at at all was that you were sniffling.
  3865. >You don’t remember when you started, or what caused it to happen, it just did.
  3866. >You didn’t want to leave.
  3867. >The shower, at some basic level, still felt safe.
  3868. >It felt calm.
  3869. >You nearly had to pull yourself out.
  3870. >But you did.
  3871. The last thing you wanted to do was be late.
  3872. ———————
  3873. >After putting on your maid uniform yet again, you open the door to the hallway, to begin your day.
  3874. >As you lock the door behind you, you turn around, and find yourself standing alone in the hallway.
  3875. >It’s an eerie sort of calm.
  3876. >You look at the doors that line the hallway.
  3877. >Behind these massive doors lies broken ponies, pain, suffering, and agony.
  3878. >Yet the hallway seems so… still.
  3879. >If these walls could talk…
  3880. >…
  3881. >Knowing that the Beast has likely left him room, you make your way inside to clean, and return Fluttershy to her room.
  3882. >You walk in, and see Fluttershy laying in the bed alone.
  3883. >She appears to still be asleep, so you decide to clean the bathroom and various other parts of the room before waking her.
  3884. >After almost twenty minutes, you finish cleaning the room, leaving only the bed to be remade.
  3885. >You approach Fluttershy, and move to nudge her shoulder.
  3886. >However, just before you touch her, you realize that she is…
  3887. >Awake?
  3888. >Her eyes are… definitely open.
  3889. >You didn’t notice it before, as her mane was covering her face almost entirely.
  3890. >Only standing a few feet from her can you now see her eyes between the thin strange of hair.
  3891. >A few tense moments pass.
  3892. >…
  3893. >…
  3894. >…
  3895. ———————
  3896. >She isn’t moving.
  3897. >Is… is she awake?
  3898. >Maybe she fell asleep with her eyes open.
  3899. >They aren’t focused on anything in particular, only the blanket in front of her.
  3900. >But it does look like she has been crying, if the puffiness of her face and bloodshot eyes are any indication.
  3901. >Wanting to break the awkward silence, you talk.
  3902. ”Fluttershy?…”
  3903. >Her eyes shift to you almost immediately, and she retreats further under the blanket.
  3904. >”No- no- nonono… I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”
  3905. >The panic and stress in her voice is all too clear.
  3906. >But for what?
  3907. “Fluttershy, I’m afraid I must make this bed for Master. I’m going to need you to get off the bed.”
  3908. >As if she didn’t hear you, she continues to mumble to herself.
  3909. >”I-‘m…. so… so… sorry…”
  3910. >Out of instinct, you can’t ignore the distressed pony, and decide to offer her some comfort by combing her mane with your hoof.
  3911. “Fluttershy… shhh…. it’s ok… it’s ok…
  3912. >You aren’t really sure what to say, as your unsure why she is worried at all.
  3913. >You stand awkwardly as she continues to sob gently.
  3914. >After a few minutes, seeing that she is only making minimal progress at calming herself, you try talking to her again.
  3915. “Fluttershy… what’s wrong?”
  3916. >As the words leave your mouth to regret them almost instantly.
  3917. >It isn’t your job- your place to care for their emotions.
  3918. >You can’t afford to get invested in their-
  3919. >“M-M-Master is- is- so confusing….”
  3920. >What?
  3921. “Fluttershy, tell me, why are you crying?”
  3922. >She takes a moment to gather herself, and sniffles, before attempt to speak agin.
  3923. >”He- he said that- that he likes hurting me…”
  3924. ———————
  3925. >Her words take you back, and you recoil slightly, removing your hoof from her mane.
  3926. “He- he what?”
  3927. >She sniffles again.
  3928. >”He said… he said that he likes hurting me…”
  3929. >The sentence is so simple, yet so difficult to comprehend.
  3930. >He- he enjoys hurting ponies….
  3931. >In some sort of denial, you try to object.
  3932. “Fluttershy… that can’t be true, you must have misheard-“
  3933. >”He said- that he wanted to hurt me… and that… and that…”
  3934. >Realizing that she is indeed telling the truth, you gently hug her, and try to calm her down.
  3935. “Shh… it’s ok Fluttershy…”
  3936. >A few moments pass.
  3937. >Your struggle to understand exactly what she meant.
  3938. >Then, an obvious question finally crosses your mind.
  3939. >Where is she hurt?
  3940. “Fluttershy?”
  3941. >…
  3942. >No response.
  3943. “Fluttershy… where did he hurt you? What happened?”
  3944. >Your genuinely interested.
  3945. >Upon walking into the room, you didn’t notice any sign of a struggle, or that she was injured at all.
  3946. >If she had broken bones, she would be wailing in pain.
  3947. >Or at least that is what you remember from… earlier.
  3948. >”He… he held me down… and… and…
  3949. >You wait in anticipation for her to finish her sentence.
  3950. >However, as you watch her stutter over her words, you notice her eyes move to her tail, and her curl slightly into a ball.
  3951. >Why would she…
  3952. >…
  3953. >…
  3954. >Oh no.
  3955. ———————
  3956. >Your hoof moves toward toward her tail almost subconsciously, as if out of morbid curiosity.
  3957. “Fluttershy, did he?…”
  3958. >Your sentence it cut of as your hoof makes contact, and she scrambles back toward the bed’s headboard.
  3959. >”Nononono, don’t… please…”
  3960. >You feel a sense of overwhelming guilt.
  3961. >You move the blanket from covering her tail, and see blood stains on her fur, as well as the sheets below her.
  3962. >She… she was raped.
  3963. >The Beast… raped her… for fun…
  3964. >You feel terrible.
  3965. >You felt so happy about having her room to sleep in…
  3966. >While she… was getting raped...
  3967. >As much as you want contemplate it, the situation- the pony in front of you demands action.
  3968. >Fluttershy needs your help.
  3969. >Your raise your front hooves and place them gently on the edge of the bed, trying to show you aren’t hiding anything.
  3970. “Fluttershy, please calm down. It’s OK. I’m here to help…”
  3971. >Your attempt to restart the conversation fails miserably.
  3972. >She shakes her head, forcing her eyes closed.
  3973. >”Nonononono…”
  3974. >You stand and watch in awe.
  3975. >You- you have no idea what to do.
  3976. >You’ve… you’ve never had to help a rape victim before…
  3977. >Nothing you’ve ever experienced has ever prepared you for this.
  3978. “Fluttershy… it’s ok…. It’s going to be ok…”
  3979. >You gently crawl onto the bed, and crawl towards her slowly.
  3980. >She retreats against the ornate headboard.
  3981. >Her hooves slip against the bed sheets, and eventually, she stops.
  3982. >Knowing.. thinking you should comfort her, you advance toward her further.
  3983. >After a few moments of painfully slow movement, you find yourself laying beside her.
  3984. >She is shaking.
  3985. ———————
  3986. >You place a hoof onto her mane again, and gently comb it, hoping to ease her clear distress.
  3987. “Fluttershy… what happened?”
  3988. >Her crying renews itself, and a few minutes pass.
  3989. >Then, finally, she speaks.
  3990. >”He… he wanted a massage… so I gave him one…”
  3991. >”He looked so calm… then… then he… then he…”
  3992. >”he…”
  3993. >She completely breaks down.
  3994. >Realizing you’ve made a critical mistake, you attempt to pull her close to calm her.
  3995. >She desperately attempts to free herself, her body twisting and contorting.
  3996. >You watch as her wings flare, and one catches in the headboard.
  3997. >She doesn’t stop her struggling, and realizing that she risk harming herself, you pounce on top of her.
  3998. >She desperately tries to free herself, but your earth pony strength makes it nearly impossible.
  3999. >After a few seconds, her body goes limp.
  4000. >You collapse on top oh her, hoping to avoid a renewed struggle.
  4001. >“please no… please no…. not again...”
  4002. >You can barely make out her struggling voice, but when you do, your stomach drops.
  4003. >You realize what you’ve done…
  4004. >To a rape victim.
  4005. >You immediately get off the exhausted pony, and move to the other end of the bed.
  4006. ———————
  4007. >A few, intense minutes pass.
  4008. >You truly have no idea what to do.
  4009. >What can you do?
  4010. >You tried to help, and have already failed miserably.
  4011. >If only you knew how to-
  4012. >”I’m… I’m sorry.”
  4013. >…
  4014. >…
  4015. “Fluttershy?”
  4016. >You look at the pony, who has now stopped crying.
  4017. >”I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have fought you… I know Master wouldn’t want me to…”
  4018. >Your completely blindsided by her statement, and open your mouth to object, but before you can speak, your interrupted.
  4019. >”He… he probably sent you here to make sure that I got some sleep. He’s cares so much about me… He’s such a good master…”
  4020. >You nearly wretch at her words.
  4021. >A good master?
  4022. >He- he RAPED her!!!
  4023. >How can he be good?
  4024. >How can she SEE him as good?
  4025. >In a moment of pure anger, you speak.
  4026. “Fluttershy! He isn’t a good master. You were RAPED weren’t you?!? He’s evil! Can’t you see that?!!?”
  4027. >She shakes her head softly, and speaks while looking downward, as if simply thinking aloud rather than talking to you.
  4028. >“He didn’t rape me… he used me. Master cares about me, he just shows it in… different ways.”
  4029. >Aggravated by her ridiculous statement, you speak again.
  4030. “He didn’t rape you?! FLUTTERSHY! When I came in here you were CRYING!
  4031. "HE RAPED YOU!"
  4032. >…
  4033. >…
  4034. >…
  4035. >The rooms falls a hauntingly quite, your words softly echoing of the walls before dying in the cool air.
  4036. >”No he didn’t… It’s my fault…”
  4037. >”It’s my fault that I’m too weak to understand his love…”
  4038. “Fluttershy…”
  4039. >”No. He- he cares about me… I’m just not smart enough to understand it. I should- I should have enjoyed it. It’s my fault I couldn’t enjoy it.”
  4040. >”I feel bad that I’m not a good enough for him… I feel bad that I didn’t enjoy his… use.”
  4041. >Then, she makes eye contact.
  4042. >Her eyes reflect such… sadness.
  4043. >”It’s my fault… I didn’t make him happy...”
  4044. ———————
  4045. >It’s terrifying.
  4046. >It’s like she doesn’t even have common sense.
  4047. >…
  4048. >…
  4049. >…
  4050. >You left the room as quickly as your hooves would carry your hooves would carry you.
  4051. >You couldn’t stay in there; not with that pony.
  4052. >…
  4053. >…
  4054. >…
  4055. >What has the Beast done to her?
  4056. >What has he done to all these ponies?
  4057. >…
  4058. >You race to the guards post.
  4059. >Luckily, Night Watch is the guard posted there.
  4060. “Night Watch, I need your help…”
  4061. >He looks up from whatever book he was reading, and meets your frantic gaze.
  4062. >”Yes ma’am what do you need?”
  4063. “I- I need you to get another maid to clean the Beast room, and I need you to return the mare to her room, and make sure she bathes.”
  4064. >Skeptically, he looks at you.
  4065. >“I don’t mean to be rude ma’am, but why can’t you do it?”
  4066. >His eyes scan you briefly.
  4067. >”You look fine to me…”
  4068. >Desperately looking for an answer, you come up with the best excuse you can think of.
  4069. “I- I don’t feel good…”
  4070. >…
  4071. >…
  4072. >…
  4073. >That was a terrible excuse, and by the look in his eyes, he doesn’t buy it.
  4074. “I need to go to the infirmary…”
  4075. >…
  4076. >…
  4077. >…
  4078. >He clearly doesn’t buy it.
  4079. >”Well… I guess since you don’t take many breaks I can let you go this one time…
  4080. “Oh thank yo- thank you…”
  4081. >He looks at you one more time before looking down at the table before him.
  4082. >”You do know how to get there correct?”
  4083. >You nod.
  4084. “Uh yes… yes I do.”
  4085. >He nods in return.
  4086. >”Very well. I’ll let you go, and get another maid, but don’t take too long. I can’t cover for you if my superior shows up.”
  4087. “Thank you so much Night Watch. I’ll be back soon, I just need to get some… medicine.”
  4088. >With a hint of panic, you step past the guard post, before making your way up the stairs.
  4089. ———————
  4090. >You walk for a few minutes, almost at random.
  4091. >You obviously had no need to go to the infirmary, but you decided to make the journey aways.
  4092. >They might check to verify you weren’t lying.
  4093. >The infirmary however, is the last thing on your mind.
  4094. >All you can think about is Fluttershy and the Beast.
  4095. >What has he done to these ponies?
  4096. >Perhaps it’s some sort of mind altering magic…
  4097. >Like brainwashing.
  4098. >At the same time however, Twilight Sparkle’s words come to mind.
  4099. >She said he was immune to magic.
  4100. >She would know best, or at least, better than you.
  4101. >She was a unicorn after all.
  4102. >Twilight Sparkle…
  4103. >You should have saw this coming.
  4104. >You remember talking to her.
  4105. >She expected… expected to be raped…
  4106. >She was so scared.
  4107. >…
  4108. >She was so unlike Fluttershy…
  4109. >...
  4110. >What does he do to them?
  4111. >Was Fluttershy just as scared before?
  4112. >She- she must have been.
  4113. >Yet look at her now.
  4114. >She… she thinks that she is at fault for not… enjoying it.
  4115. >Like she did something wrong…
  4116. ———————
  4117. >Your internal conversations managed to bring you to the entrance of the Castle’s Infirmary.
  4118. >You make your way to the nurse, who is stationed at the greeting desk.
  4119. >”Greetings! My name is Doctor Tender Care, how may I be of assistance?”
  4120. >Doctor?… Of course, this is the Royal Infirmary after all...
  4121. “Hello, my name is Octavia Melody, and I was wondering if you have any herbs for a headache?”
  4122. >You certainly don’t have a headache, but the herbs that are normally given for such an illness are light, and easy to manage.
  4123. >You don’t want to be drowsy or tired throughout the day.
  4124. >”Very well Ms. Octavia, give me one moment, and I will mix up a quick elixir for your headache.”
  4125. >The nurse in front of you nods before standing, and making her way toward one of the rooms behind her.
  4126. >You idling stand, and adjust your uniform while waiting for the nurse to return.
  4127. >After only a few minutes she emerges from the room, which appears to be a sort of mini-phramacy, with a small cup in her hoof.
  4128. >”Here you go Ms. Octavia! This should fix you right up!”
  4129. “Thank you very much”
  4130. >You reach out, and grab the cup from her hoof, preparing to consume the mild herbs.
  4131. >However, as you look down into the cup, you realize that it is a soft shade of blue.
  4132. >You’ve never seen a herb taint water blue before, for any sort of illness, let alone a headache.
  4133. >Bewildered, you place the cup onto the desk.
  4134. “Um, excuse me Ms., but I think you’ve accidentally given my the wrong cup. This is… blue.
  4135. >She nods confidently.
  4136. >”It’s meant to be that way, please, drink it, it will help.”
  4137. >Confused, and with a slight sense of unease, you reply.
  4138. “I don’t mean to be rude Ms., but it’s -blue- something must be wrong. I have a simple headache…”
  4139. >She returns a confused look, before a smile invades her face, and she chuckles slightly.
  4140. >”Oh I understand now.”
  4141. >She points toward the cup situated between you.
  4142. >”You see Ms. Octavia, it’s meant to be blue. This isn’t your normal store bought herbs. This comes from the Everfree Forest.”
  4143. >The Everfree Forest?
  4144. >Nearly every alarm in your mind starts to go off.
  4145. >You’ve been told countless times to never, ever eat or drink anything from the Everfree Forest.
  4146. “Ma’am, there must be some mistake, that is from the -Everfree-? I’d like to speak to-…”
  4147. >Your words die in your mouth.
  4148. >You can’t ask for her manager, you aren’t even sure if she has one.
  4149. >More importantly, you aren’t even supposed to be here.
  4150. ———————
  4151. >Luckily, the nurse doesn’t appear to notice.
  4152. >”Haha, no no sweetheart, this is perfectly safe, I can assure you.
  4153. >She lifts the cup again, and leans it toward you.
  4154. >”This is Blue-Hoof Jade. We have particular Zebra villages that we trade with for these rarer ingredients.”
  4155. >She looks down at the cup, and swirls the contents around slightly.
  4156. >”The Royal Infirmary only uses the highest quality herbs, regardless of the price.”
  4157. >She places the cup back onto the table.
  4158. >”If I remember correctly, this cost almost 100 bits per gram.”
  4159. >Your eyes grow wide at her statement.
  4160. >100 bits!?! The most expensive herbs at the local pharmacy cost 10! At most!
  4161. >With some of your doubt now removed, you speak.
  4162. ”Blue-HoofJade? Does it have any other effects? Surely it wouldn’t be so expensive for no reason…”
  4163. >”Oh yes Ms., it’s much stronger, and normally helps to hold off small aches and pains for weeks.”
  4164. >Your eyebrow raises in disbelief.
  4165. “Weeks?”
  4166. >She nods in return.
  4167. >”In the proper dosage yes, although in heavier doses it will actual cause num-“
  4168. >You hear the doors swing open behind you.
  4169. >”Excuse me ladies, I’m looking for a 'Ms. Octavia.'”
  4170. >You freeze.
  4171. >The nurse on the other hand, casually replies.
  4172. >”She’s right here Sir, we were just having a friendly conversation when-“
  4173. >Her voice dies off as a you hear a number of other hoof steps clatter on the ground.
  4174. >”The Empress request your audience immediately. I must ask that you follow me.”
  4175. >…
  4176. >The Empress?
  4177. >Again?
  4178. >Surely these last few days have been enough…
  4179. >A deep sense of dread comes over you yet again.
  4180. >Every time she has summoned you something… bad… has happened.
  4181. ———————
  4182. >You look forward, and see Dr. Tender Care’s ears drop.
  4183. >”The- The Empress? Oh my… is something wrong?”
  4184. >The guard replies.
  4185. >”Ms. Octavia is a dangerous prisoner, who has attempted to escape.”
  4186. >Dr. Tender Care’s eyes grow wide, and she retreats a few steps.
  4187. >”Prisoner? I- I didn’t know she was a prisoner! I swear it! You must believe me…”
  4188. >As you turn around, the guard speaks again.
  4189. >”She has been charged and convicted of Treason against the Crown.”
  4190. >The nurse whispers under her breathe…
  4191. >”Treason… but that means… oh no…”
  4192. >…
  4193. >While you’ve somehow managed to maintain your composure, internally you are panicking.
  4194. >She must have learned you left the hallway…
  4195. >Night Watch… must have been an informant.
  4196. >…
  4197. >”Ms. Octavia, please come peacefully, or we will be use force.
  4198. >You look down at the ground.
  4199. It's ok... I will come peacefully...
  4200. ———————
  4201. >You find yourself walking through the various hallways of the castle, surrounded by Royal Guards.
  4202. >They don’t feel protective.
  4203. >The swords slung along their sides feel more threatening than anything else.
  4204. >Like your in some sort of mobile prison cell, and they are the bars.
  4205. >You keep your head down, and try to avoid provoking them.
  4206. >The clatter of hooves on the marble flooring is distracting.
  4207. >…
  4208. >You feel somewhat detached.
  4209. >You -should- be feeling scared right now.
  4210. >Panicked.
  4211. >Fearful.
  4212. >Yet, it seems almost as if those emotions simply stayed at the infirmary.
  4213. >…
  4214. >You just feel so tired; so drained.
  4215. >There are only so many times you can feel truly helpless.
  4216. >You’ve been scared so much over the past few days that, the one time you’re “meant” to feel scared, you aren’t.
  4217. >Perhaps that’s a good thing.
  4218. >…
  4219. >…
  4220. >…
  4221. >You realize that you aren’t headed to the Empress’ chambers.
  4222. >This isn’t the correct route there.
  4223. >…
  4224. >You aren’t particularly sure where you are going.
  4225. >The guards never told you.
  4226. “Excuse me, but may I ask where you are bringing me? This doesn’t appear to be the right way…”
  4227. >The guard directly in front of you speak in a disinterested tone.
  4228. >”The Empress has requested your audience in the Private Royal Gardens, we will be arriving shortly.”
  4229. >The Royal Gardens?
  4230. >Why would she want to meet you there?
  4231. “May I ask why she requested me?”
  4232. >”I don’t know ma’am, I’m simply following orders.”
  4233. ———————
  4234. >The rest of the walk was silent.
  4235. >There wasn’t much to say.
  4236. >Eventually, you arrive at the entrance to the Gardens.
  4237. >As you exit the castle, you are greeted by a large stretch of land, laced with pathways and various trees.
  4238. >In the center lays a large maze.
  4239. >Your surprised: You didn’t think there was enough room for this on the Castle Grounds; admitting you’ve never explored the exterior for… obvious reasons.
  4240. >All of the guards, excluding one, stay at the arched entrance, opting to stay under the Castle’s covered walkway.
  4241. >”Please, follow me, we mustn’t keep her waiting.”
  4242. >You nod, and begin to follow him down the steps into the central walkway leading into the maze.
  4243. >…
  4244. >”There will be no need for that, you are dismissed my guard.”
  4245. >The voice sends chills down your spine.
  4246. >You look over your shoulder, and see Nightmare Moon standing directly behind you, her prefatory gaze meeting your own.
  4247. >The guard turns around, and takes a hasty bow, before excusing himself back into the castle.
  4248. >The doors behind you click shut at the guards depart, leaving only yourself and the Empress in the garden.
  4249. >”Are you not going to acknowledge me maid?”
  4250. >You blink twice, and upon realizing what she means, quickly turn around and take a deep bow, placing your lips on her hoof-guard.
  4251. >You stand up, and see a small smile creep onto her face.
  4252. >”Very well maid, let’s talk shall we?”
  4253. >You watch as her body seemingly dissolves into stardust, before you feel magic flow over your own body.
  4254. >Everything goes black.
  4255. ———————
  4256. >Almost instantly, you find yourself standing in the middle of a small clearing.
  4257. >There are a few small bushes and trees, along with a small pond, but nothing els-
  4258. >…
  4259. >A picnic basket?
  4260. >The object looks so misplaced you aren’t sure if it’s even real.
  4261. >Yet there it is.
  4262. >It’s perched on top of a large, white blanket, with dark blue accent’s.
  4263. >”Take a seat Octavia, we have many things to discuss.
  4264. >You turn around, and yet again find Nightmare Moon standing behind you.
  4265. >It’s become a recurring thing.
  4266. >Can she not just be a normal pony?
  4267. >Certainly she can appear in front of you for once.
  4268. >…
  4269. >The moment of humor quickly evaporates.
  4270. >You remember why you are here.
  4271. >The guards mentioned… Treason.
  4272. >You feel a sense of dread return.
  4273. >It’s almost strange that you forgot about it so quickly.
  4274. >…
  4275. >Weakly you nod, and make your way onto the blanket.
  4276. >The Empress waits for you to sit down, before moving to take her own place directly across from you.
  4277. >”How have you been doing Octavia?”
  4278. >The question is so open ended you wonder if it’s a trick question.
  4279. >This is Nightmare Moon after all, and from your time with her, you’ve come to realize she does love to play with words.
  4280. >Instead of directly answering her, you decide to ask her something different.
  4281. “The guards, they said that I was under arrest for… Treason. Is that tru-“
  4282. >”You are in no trouble Octavia.”
  4283. >A sense of relief immediately pours over you, but just as quickly, a new question follows.
  4284. ”But then why did they say that I was being arrested for treason?”
  4285. >Nightmare Moon smiles gently, and looks toward the picnic basket, opening one of the flaps.
  4286. >”We didn’t want to draw unnecessary scandal upon the Crown.”
  4287. >You watch as she pulls out a three sandwiches, along a variety of fruits.
  4288. >The sandwiches look delicious. A soft bread filled with spinach, cheese, and tomatoes.
  4289. >”You see Octavia, we are the sovereign of this land...”
  4290. >She lays out a number of fruits: Peaches, Strawberries, blueberries, plums, and pears are put on display.
  4291. >It’s followed by single bottle of wine and a sampling of cheeses, along with a small container of water, two wine glasses and three smaller cups.
  4292. >”… and knowing your position in society, it would be, how do you say, “disgraceful", for us to publicly associate with filth such as yourself.”
  4293. ———————
  4294. >You’re unsure how to react.
  4295. >It would be foolish to protest her, yet your unsure if it was even meant as an insult.
  4296. >She called you filth, yet at the same time, made it clear that she has made time specifically to speak with you.
  4297. >It’s confusing to say the least.
  4298. >”So we have decided to simply mislead the guards about our intentions. It is neither their place nor they duty to know the affairs of the Crown.”
  4299. >You nod gently.
  4300. “I see…”
  4301. >Seemingly finished speaking, the Empress places down three sets of crockery and cutlery.
  4302. >Filling the two wine glasses, she offers one to you, which you graciously accept.
  4303. >You’ve never consumed alcohol before, especially so early in the “morning", but you are not going to protest.
  4304. >You watch as she takes a delicate sip from her glass, which she is levitating in the air in front of her.
  4305. >”We would like to… apologize for the actions that transpired yesterday.”
  4306. >She slowly swirls the wine around the glass, observing it’s movements.
  4307. >”While your father’s actions were unacceptable, we tried to show him mercy once he learned his station.”
  4308. >”Unfortunately, we heard reports that your mother had suffered trama from the event…”
  4309. >She looks at you.
  4310. >”And if my observations were correct, you did not have a restful night either.”
  4311. >You nod gently, again unsure of what to say.
  4312. >”As a jester of our good will, we wish to try and grant you the time with your family that you’ve earned.”
  4313. >…
  4314. >You take a moment to let her words sink in.
  4315. >You didn’t expect this.
  4316. >Out of all ponies, Nightmare Moon was the last pony you thought would make time for you.
  4317. >You didn’t even think she actually felt sorry about yesterday.
  4318. >Yet here she is with you, alone in the garden together.
  4319. >The idea that she took the time to meet with a prisoner is... interesting…
  4320. >…
  4321. >The fact that you identify yourself as a prisoner is… scary.
  4322. >…
  4323. >You’ve don’t know exactly what to do.
  4324. >You remind yourself that Nightmare Moon is the new Princess Celestia.
  4325. >And the only ponies that ever got private audiences with the Princess were…
  4326. >…
  4327. >…
  4328. >…
  4329. >You don’t even know.
  4330. >Ambassadors?
  4331. >Scholars?
  4332. >Her advisors?
  4333. >Surely not prisoners.
  4334. >Surely not ponies like you.
  4335. ———————
  4336. >You come back to reality, realizing that you’ve been sitting in relative silence for a few moments.
  4337. >Fortunately, Nightmare Moon doesn’t appear too upset, and you watch her casually eat a few strawberries.
  4338. >You turn to the plates set beside you, and speak softy.
  4339. “If you don’t mind me asking Empress, who is going to be joining us?”
  4340. >She gently touches her mouth with a napkin before answering.
  4341. >”I’ve also summoned your mother Octavia. We realize that we may have caused her… undo stress after yesterday’s events.”
  4342. >You nod.
  4343. >In some sense you’re… relieved that your father isn’t joining you today.
  4344. >After those events, you aren’t sure you could look at him.
  4345. >And your mother…
  4346. >You see Nightmare Moon’s eyes narrow slightly.
  4347. >”I’ve return briefly.
  4348. >Before you can even reply, you see her yet again dissolve into immaterial, leaving you alone.
  4349. >…
  4350. >Silence overtakes the area.
  4351. >You look at the various items placed in front of you.
  4352. >If you didn’t know better, you’d think this was a dream.
  4353. >Everything looks so perfect.
  4354. >At the same time, it’s exactly what you would expect from royalty.
  4355. >Elegant and beautiful, yet simple and utilitarian.
  4356. >You pick up your wine glass, and hang your snout over the liquid inside, swirling it around slowly.
  4357. >You’ve never had wine before, but you remember Nightmare Moon doing this, so you’d assume that you’re supposed to-
  4358. >…
  4359. >Your eyes notice a soft mist gathering quickly in front of you, as well as to your side.
  4360. >Before you can react, Nightmare Moon reappears, as does your mother to your right.
  4361. >You turn to face your mother, and notice that she is visibly shaking.
  4362. >You realize that, if she was summoned in a similar way to you, she probably thought she was being sent to her death.
  4363. >You immediately reach out to her, and place a hoof on her shoulder.
  4364. “Mom- it’s ok. You’re going to be fine.”
  4365. >She turns to you, with fear clear in her eyes.
  4366. ———————
  4367. >You crawl toward her, and embrace her in a firm hug, gently petting her mane.
  4368. >”Mom it’s ok. She doesn’t want to hurt you.”
  4369. >Her shaking eases slightly.
  4370. >”I’m- I’m so glad to see you Octavia… they said that-“
  4371. “I know what they said. The Empress had to do that. It’s ok… it’s ok…”
  4372. >A few moments pass in a warm embrace.
  4373. >It’s so… relieving.
  4374. >For a moment, everything feels normal.
  4375. >You can feel her fur.
  4376. >Smell her scent.
  4377. >It brings you back to before this all happened.
  4378. >To your childhood.
  4379. >You never want it to end.
  4380. ...
  4381. >Tears begin to gather in your eyes, and a few escape, running down your cheeks.
  4382. >Perhaps, deep down, you weren’t sure if you would ever have time with your family again.
  4383. >Mentally you’ve tried to distance yourself from them, in an effort to reduce the stress you’ve been placed under.
  4384. >…and, perhaps subconsciously, you've prepared yourself for never seeing them again.
  4385. >But now?
  4386. >Now your mother is right in font of you.
  4387. >Alive.
  4388. >and more importantly, safe.
  4389. >It feels… good.
  4390. …
  4391. >”Greetings my little pony.”
  4392. >The voice immediately snaps you back to reality.
  4393. >You turn, and face the Empress, who is looking at your mother.
  4394. >A subtle smile finds its way to the Empress’ mouth, putting her fangs on full display.
  4395. >Your mother makes eye contact briefly with Nightmare Moon.
  4396. >”H-hello your highness…”
  4397. >Nightmare Moon nods, and looks to you, as if seeking some sort of approval.
  4398. >Unsure of what to do, you simply nod in return.
  4399. >”We have summoned you both here today so that you may enjoy each other’s company.”
  4400. >”This was our intention yesterday, however your husband’s miserable nature thwarted those plans.”
  4401. >You cringe at the mention of your father.
  4402. >However, as you turn to face your mother, you see she has gained some composure.
  4403. >”It’s… it’s ok… I think this meeting would be better without him anyways…”
  4404. ———————
  4405. >Her words surprise you.
  4406. >While what he did certainly wasn’t excusable, you didn’t expect her to outright deny him so quickly.
  4407. >She turns and make eye contact with you, and flashes a small smile, before scooting herself closer to you.
  4408. >…
  4409. >Nightmare Moon places a sandwich on both of your plates, along with a small sampling of fruits.
  4410. >The food is unbelievably tempting, especially compared to the grass clippings you have been forced to survive on.
  4411. >Yet proper manners remind you not to eat until the most important pony takes their first bite.
  4412. >That pony being Nightmare Moon.
  4413. >You watch as she gently raises her sandwich to her mouth, and takes a delicate bite.
  4414. >Immediately, you take a bite of your own, and viciously chew the food.
  4415. >It takes you only a few moments to finish the first bite before you go for a second.
  4416. >Then a third.
  4417. >…
  4418. >You hear a soft chuckling noise.
  4419. >Looking up, you see Nightmare Moon holding her wine glass, with her toothy grin on her face yet again.
  4420. >”Such livestock you two are. The mere sight of anything better than stale hay and dried grass sends you into a frenzy.”
  4421. >Humiliated, you put your sandwich down, and finish the bite you were chewing.
  4422. >You glance at your mother, who has also placed her sandwich down.
  4423. >In only a few seconds she’s managed to eat just as much, if not more than you.
  4424. >You’re unsure of what to say in response to her statement.
  4425. “I’m- we’re very sorry Empress, we didn’t mean to be rude.”
  4426. >She chuckles yet again.
  4427. >”It is no problem maid. Please, do enjoy our food.”
  4428. >Uneasy, yet still hungry, you reach for your sandwich, and resume eating in a much more calculated manner.
  4429. ———————
  4430. >A few short minutes pass as every pony eats.
  4431. >There was little conversation.
  4432. >It was relatively uneventful, although both you and your mother did ask for another sandwich, which Nightmare Moon generously provided.
  4433. >Eventually you finish your sandwiches, and begin to nibble on the various fruits provided.
  4434. >As you reach for a slice of kiwi, Nightmare Moon speaks.
  4435. >”As we said earlier, we wish for both of you to speak with one another, with our supervision of course.”
  4436. >”Please, feel free to speak about whatever you wish. This is a reward for Octavia’s faithful service to the us.
  4437. >You nod weakly, and turn to your mother, who is also looking at you.
  4438. >…
  4439. >…
  4440. >…
  4441. >Nothing comes to mind.
  4442. >The first time you can actually speak with family again, and you can’t think of anything to talk about.
  4443. >It’s so.. awkward.
  4444. >You’re three feet from Nightmare Moon, and yet your supposed to hold a private conversation with your mother?
  4445. >Especially in these circumstances, some privacy would be greatly appreciated.
  4446. >And if the look in your mother’s eyes are any indication, she is thinking the exact same thing.
  4447. >Apparently noticing the lack of conversation, Nightmare Moon speaks again.
  4448. >”Come maid. Surely you have something to share with your family. Tell her about your duties.”
  4449. >You, and your mother cringe.
  4450. >This was discussed last time you with your parents.
  4451. >Your eyes divert to the ground again.
  4452. “Well mom, you see…”
  4453. >”We don’t need to talk about that…”
  4454. >You feel a hoof touch your chin, and looking up, you make eye contact with your mother.
  4455. >"Why don’t we talk about you honey? That is who I’m more concerned about.”
  4456. >A weak smile appears on her face, and she briefly looks toward Nightmare Moon, hoping she didn’t just invoke her wrath.
  4457. >Fortunately, she didn’t.
  4458. >Nightmare Moon takes a casual sip of her wine, and displays her familiar smile yet again.
  4459. >”Yes maid, let’s discuss how you have been doing.”
  4460. ———————
  4461. >You take a moment to think.
  4462. >Yet again, it’s such an open question that it’s almost impossible to answer.
  4463. >”Well, I’ve- I’ve been doing well mother…”
  4464. >Your train of thought completely stalls.
  4465. >Luckily, your mother helps to get the wheels moving again.
  4466. >”Have you been eating well Octavia?”
  4467. >You nod.
  4468. >”Y-Yeah. It hasn’t been the best food, but I’ve been given grass and water three times a day.”
  4469. >Out of the corner of your eye, you see Nightmare Moon’s gaze narrow.
  4470. >Your mother doesn’t notice.
  4471. >”But- but it’s ok. I- I’m grateful for whatever the Empress wishes to provide for me.”
  4472. >Your mother gives you a quizzical stare, as if questioning your words.
  4473. >To prevent any follow up, you quickly reply.
  4474. >”How have you and father been treated?”
  4475. >She closes her eyes and nods.
  4476. >”About the same as you. Grass and water. We haven’t gotten to leave our cell, but the guards haven’t given us any trouble, and the cell is… reasonably comfortable.”
  4477. >You analyze her reply.
  4478. >Her tone.
  4479. >Her facial expressions.
  4480. >Her eye moment.
  4481. >…
  4482. >It all seems… genuine.
  4483. >You let out a small breathe you didn’t even know you were holding.
  4484. >Nightmare Moon -has- kept her promise.
  4485. >Your parents have been treated well.
  4486. ———————
  4487. >Just as you open your mouth to ask another question, Nightmare Moon speaks.
  4488. >”What is your name my little pony? You were my maid’s brood mother correct?”
  4489. >Your mother looks toward Nightmare Moon, with a subtle hint of fear in her eyes.
  4490. >”Treble, your Highness. Treble Clef.”
  4491. >Nightmare Moon nods.
  4492. >”Tell us about yourself my filly. We wish to know about the liniage from which our purchase descends.”
  4493. >You mother’s voice weakens.
  4494. >”P-purchase?”
  4495. >Nightmare Moon lifts her chin, and stretches her right wing toward you, placing it on your left shoulder.”
  4496. >”Yes, our purchase. Octavia’s life is one of our many possessions now, isn’t that right maid?”
  4497. >She places her feathers under your chin, forcing you to make eye contact.
  4498. >”Yes… that is correct…”
  4499. >She removes her wing, and you look downward.
  4500. >Your mother cringes, but otherwise does her best to ignore the interaction.
  4501. >”I see your highness.”
  4502. >She takes a sip of her water before continuing.
  4503. >”My parents were part of high society in Caterlot.
  4504. >Nightmare Moon speaks.
  4505. >”And the stallion? Surely his bloodline must be stained.
  4506. >Your mother shakes her head.”
  4507. >”No, I’m afraid not. His parents were nobles.”
  4508. >Nightmare Moon’s eyes widen, if only slightly, before speaking again.
  4509. >”And what about your grandparents?
  4510. >Your mother’s demeanor changes slightly.
  4511. >”Well… I think that my father’s side was also part of society…”
  4512. >”Although I believe my mother’s mother was born on a rock farm…”
  4513. >Nightmare Moon smiles.
  4514. >”As I suspected. Your linage is nothing more than livestock, surely her family was livestock only a few generations prior...”
  4515. >Your mother shakes her head, as if to protest.
  4516. >”Your Highness. She was the owner of the farm. She merely oversaw the operation of-“
  4517. >”She oversaw livestock. Nothing more.”
  4518. ———————
  4519. >You mother falls silent.
  4520. >Nightmare Moon simply giggles under her breathe.
  4521. >”We assume some stain is also found in the stallion correct?”
  4522. >Your mother nods, looking away from Nightmare Moon entirely.
  4523. >”This is rich isn’t it? Lifestock- Common livestock amongst society?
  4524. >Your mother looks at you.
  4525. >…
  4526. >She looks so upset.
  4527. >You realize that she is practically trapped.
  4528. >Here she sits, with the ruler of the land openly insulting and humiliating her.
  4529. >And what can she do?
  4530. >She can’t respond, and she surely can’t protest.
  4531. >…
  4532. >You can’t either.
  4533. >You’re in the exact same situation… and you didn’t even realize it.
  4534. >It’s strange.
  4535. >Seeing Nightmare Moon and your mother interact.
  4536. >Your mother is clearly to frightened to say something. To question the Empress?
  4537. >…
  4538. >Are you like that?
  4539. >…
  4540. >Are you too afraid to question her?
  4541. >…
  4542. >You look at your mother again, and take a breathe before speaking.
  4543. >”Why does it matter if she is livestock? If anyone is livestock? Aren’t we all just ponies?”
  4544. ———————
  4545. >…
  4546. >…
  4547. >…
  4548. >You realize what you just did, and immediately regret it.
  4549. >Your mother’s eyes have gone wide as she simply stares are you.
  4550. >Nightmare Moon’s reaction however, is completely different.
  4551. >She makes eye contact with you briefly, before setting down her glass of wine.
  4552. >”A fine question Octavia…”
  4553. >”We shall enlighten you on the knowledge that Celestia has let decay into dust.”
  4554. >...
  4555. >”Do you know any farmers Octavia?”
  4556. >Know any farmers?
  4557. >You don’t know any farmers.
  4558. >Why would you? Your from Canter…
  4559. >…
  4560. >The apple farmer.
  4561. >…
  4562. >You nod gently.
  4563. ”I do…"
  4564. >”Do you know why, generation after generation, everypony in a particular family becomes a farmer?”
  4565. >You shake your head.
  4566. >You’ve never really considered-
  4567. >”Because it is in their blood Octavia. They are destined to become farmers, and without intervention, they will become farmers.”
  4568. >You nod gently.
  4569. >Not really in agreement, but simply as an indication that you were listening.
  4570. >…
  4571. >Than, you start to find errors in the logic.
  4572. >If being a farmer is in one’s blood, than why aren’t you, or your parents farmers?
  4573. >Their grandparents worked on farms after all.
  4574. “But that doesn’t make any sense. If that’s true, than I should be a farmer right? There’s farming in my blood correct?”
  4575. >Nightmare Moon nods gently, as if expecting the question.
  4576. >”This is true my little pony. However, there are exceptions.”
  4577. >”Every so often, a pony is birth into a bloodline, but they are different.”
  4578. >”Their destiny is split.”
  4579. >”If they are exposed to a particular event, or catalyst, they will deviate from their bloodline, and create a new one.”
  4580. >Nightmare Moon looks toward your mother.
  4581. ———————
  4582. >Your parent’s weren’t musical ponies were they my little filly?
  4583. >You turn toward you’re mother, already knowing the answer.
  4584. >They were bankers.
  4585. >”No your highness, no they weren’t.”
  4586. >”So how did you earn you’re cutie mark?”
  4587. >Your mother clears her throat.
  4588. >”I- um… I was outside of my families house, standing in the garden, and I remember hearing the birds sing.”
  4589. >”I remember the birds singing… and then I remember hearing our wind chimes.”
  4590. >A small, almost reminiscent smile appears on your mother’s face.
  4591. >”I bought those wind chimes with my allowance money. I remember they were red, which is why I chose them.”
  4592. >”Red was my favorite color.”
  4593. >Nightmare Moon speaks again.
  4594. >”You see Octavia. Just because you’re born into a bloodline, doesn’t mean you can’t change it.”
  4595. >…
  4596. >But that doesn’t make any sense.
  4597. “But if bloodlines can be changed, than why does it matter if my ancestors were farmers, or even livestock?“
  4598. >”Because you will always display the habits of older bloodlines Octavia.”
  4599. >She looks toward your mother.
  4600. >”I’m sure that your mother was also skilled at managing her bits, even though it wasn’t her special talent.”
  4601. >”Most ponies the arts don't make enough money to support themselves, let along a family in society.”
  4602. >She sips her wine again.
  4603. >”So in the same way, no matter what you do, you will always have the habits of the earth, and your livestock heritage.”
  4604. >”Deep down, you will always have an urge to breed, an urge to submit to your betters.”
  4605. ———————
  4606. >The clearing grows quiet.
  4607. >You… you need time to digest what you just heard.
  4608. >Is… is that really true?
  4609. >No- it can’t be.
  4610. >Surely Nightmare Moon is just making it up to scare you.
  4611. >To play with your mind.
  4612. >…
  4613. >Yet she would know the best of any pony.
  4614. >She’s just as old as Celestia.
  4615. >Surely she would understand such things better than you, or any pony you know.
  4616. >…
  4617. >…
  4618. >…
  4619. >Are you really nothing more than livestock?
  4620. >”Let’s speak of something else though. Perhaps… stallions would be suitable topic.
  4621. >…
  4622. >…
  4623. >…
  4624. >W-what?
  4625. >Of all the potential things you expected she might wish to discuss, this was definitely not one of them.
  4626. >You turn to your mother out of confusion.
  4627. >She looks just as bewildered as you are.
  4628. >Out of shear disbelief, you speak.
  4629. >”What exactly about stallions, your highness?”
  4630. >You think you see her face display a look of uncertainty for a instant, but it passes too quickly to be sure.
  4631. >Whatever it was, it’s quickly replaced by her more usual look of power.
  4632. >”Surely you two have courted stallions have you not?”
  4633. >She turns to your mother.
  4634. >”You are married, surely you have stories to tell…”
  4635. >Her tone appears to reflect some underlying emotion, but you can’t easily place it.
  4636. >Uncertainty?
  4637. >Anger?
  4638. >”I’ve heard modern mares discuss stallions…"
  4639. >Yet again, whatever it was, it quickly evaporates.
  4640. >”and I simply wish to start a conversation you would both enjoy.”
  4641. ———————
  4642. >A few exceptionally awkward moment’s pass.
  4643. >”Never mind than, we see that you two are-“
  4644. “No no your Highness, I’m sorry…”
  4645. >She looks at you with a slightly cocked eyebrow.
  4646. >Seizing the moment of silence, you continue.
  4647. “We were simply… unprepared for this particular topic.”
  4648. >You gain confidence as you speak.
  4649. “But I’d be happy to talk about it if you want to.”
  4650. >A smile appears on the Empress face.
  4651. >”Very well maid. Tell us about the stallions you’ve courted.”
  4652. >…
  4653. >…
  4654. “Well Empress, you see… I’m a- I mean I -was- a busy mare.”
  4655. “I constantly had to practice and perform my music, so I didn’t really have time for stallions…”
  4656. >Nightmare Moon speaks.
  4657. >”Come maid, surely you craved the essence of a stallions before. Surely you wanted to feel their warmth…”
  4658. >Your cheeks light up red.
  4659. >You didn’t expect the Empress to be so… blunt in her words.
  4660. “Well um… I’ve never really thought about that before… I’m still…”
  4661. >”You’re still a virgin.”
  4662. >You turn your head away and nod.
  4663. >It’s not like you didn’t earn the interest of a few stallions…
  4664. >You- you just were an active mare. You didn’t have time for… distractions.
  4665. >...
  4666. >The Empress giggles gently, and brushes your mane with her own.
  4667. >”Come now my maid, there is no need to be embarrassed. I’m sure that you will find some stallion to comfort you… if I permit it.”
  4668. >She takes a sip of her wine.
  4669. >”Or perhaps we shall simply arrange for a stallion to claim you. We have that power you know.”
  4670. >…
  4671. >You sit in under humiliation.
  4672. >You feel sub-equine.
  4673. >Arranged “marriages?” She wouldn’t simply give you to some stallion like a prize… would she?
  4674. >…
  4675. >You think to be Beast and his “toys.”
  4676. >It’s all the confirmation you need.
  4677. ———————
  4678. >While you take a moment to gather yourself, the Empress turns toward your mother.
  4679. >”And what about you my broodmare. How did you come about finding your stallion?
  4680. >Your mother is hesitant to answer.
  4681. >She looks toward you, and then back to Nightmare Moon.
  4682. >She almost certainly thinks this is a sort of trick question.
  4683. >The Empress has done nothing besides insult your father; why would this be any different?
  4684. >”Well your Highness, we met each other at the Music Academy…”
  4685. >”He was a third year, and I was in my first. He taught me a great many things about music.”
  4686. >The Empress smiles.
  4687. >”I’m sure that’s not all he taught you is it my little pony…”
  4688. >This time, your mother’s cheeks light up.
  4689. >”N-no. We did… other things too…”
  4690. >Nightmare Moon chuckles.
  4691. >”Of course you did. We wager you rutted before you even knew each other’s names; livestock you are.”
  4692. >Your mother’s tone changes to a defensive one.
  4693. >”No… It wasn’t like that. We dated for months before we… rutted.”
  4694. >You can tell your mother is embarrassed to talk about this in front of you, let alone the Empress.
  4695. >On the other hoof, Nightmare Moon appears to be genuinely interested in your mother’s story.
  4696. >You notice her tone of voice shift ever so slightly.
  4697. >”Tell us Treble Clef… you mentioned you… courted… with your stallion correct?”
  4698. >Your mother nods.
  4699. >Nightmare Moon appears to be drawing the subtlest of circles with her left fore-hoof.
  4700. >”We would like to know… what was your most memorable outing like…?”
  4701. >…
  4702. >Is the Empress… embarrassed?
  4703. >You immediately dispel the idea, but it lingers in your mind for a few seconds.
  4704. >She certainly is feeling… something.
  4705. >You just can’t accurately guess what it is exactly.
  4706. >Maybe she finds this conversation… awkward?
  4707. ———————
  4708. >It’s a reasonable guess.
  4709. >From what you know about the Empress, she is certainly a very serious and stern mare.
  4710. >Perhaps she doesn’t particularly know how to talk about such… trivial things…
  4711. >It’s been 1000 years for her.
  4712. >Yet, as you look to her hoof again, it is motionless.
  4713. >…
  4714. >Are you hallucinating?
  4715. >Maybe you’re just imagining things.
  4716. >You barely got any sleep last night after all.
  4717. >That makes… a lot more sense.
  4718. >...
  4719. >Your mother speaks.
  4720. >”My favorite date…”
  4721. >She takes a sip of water, giving herself time to think.
  4722. >In a few moments, her eyes grow wide, and her ears perk up.
  4723. >”Oh yes! How could I forget?”
  4724. >She sets her water down.
  4725. >”One night, I was busy practicing music, and their was a knock at the door.”
  4726. >”When I opened it, Bass was there, waiting in his suit. He said that he had gotten tickets to the Canterlot Orchestra!”
  4727. >She smiles, and looks to the stars.
  4728. >”I always wanted to go to the Orchestra, but tickets were sold out months in advance, and I was too careless to ever buy them in advance.”
  4729. >”I enjoyed it so much… the music was captivating…”
  4730. >”And at the end, Bass managed to me backstage. He was friends with a member of the Orchestra.”
  4731. >”I remember he managed to get the chimes player to give him one of this old, worn out chimes. I was a small one, only about an inch or two in length.”
  4732. >She holds her hoof up, illustrating the length.
  4733. >”The next day he took it to a jeweler, and they actually managed to make it into a necklace.”
  4734. >Your mother’s eyes begin to tear up.
  4735. >”I- I still have that necklace, but I left it at the house when we… when we came here…”
  4736. >Your mother sniffles softly, and looks downward.
  4737. >”I love that necklace. It reminds me of something that we both share; our passion for music."
  4738. >…
  4739. >You swear you see the Empress lips move, but you couldn’t tell what she said.
  4740. >And you certainly couldn’t hear anything.
  4741. ———————
  4742. >You- you must be hallucinating.
  4743. >...
  4744. >The Empress speaks softly.
  4745. >”This is… most interesting.”
  4746. >She appears to take a few moments to think, before speaking, this time in her more familiar, forceful tone.
  4747. >”We believe that shall be all for today. We have many affairs that we must attend to.”
  4748. >Disappointed that your time together has ended so quickly, yet also thankful it happened at all, you speak.
  4749. ”Oh… well… thank you very much Empress. Thank you for giving us this time together…”
  4750. “It means a lot to me.”
  4751. >Your mother nods in agreement, and wipes a tear from her face.
  4752. >Nightmare Moon speaks.
  4753. >”We should be returning your mother to her cell now. We suggest you say goodbye, as it may be a while before we can organize another meeting.”
  4754. >Your mother immediately leans over, and puts you into a tight embrace.
  4755. >She sobs into your coat, and after a few seconds, you begin to cry into hers.
  4756. >”Stay strong Octavia, I know this is hard you for… but… I love you… stay safe...”
  4757. >Overcoming your own tears, you reply.
  4758. “You too mom… please don’t worry about me…”
  4759. “I’m a smart mare right?”
  4760. >She lets out a small chuckle.
  4761. >”That’s my foal Octavia…”
  4762. >”We are afraid we should must return her now.
  4763. >Nightmare Moon forcibly cuts your hug short, separating you both with magic.
  4764. >Before you even have time to open your eyes, they are gone.
  4765. >…
  4766. >The garden is silent.
  4767. >You look at the remains of the food laid in front of you.
  4768. >A few apple cores sit on your mother’s plate, and the stems of grapes lay on your own.
  4769. >…
  4770. >A few moments pass, and before you even have time to think of anything else, the Empress returns again; materializing in front of you.
  4771. >”That was pleasant, wasn’t it Octavia?”
  4772. “Yes- yes it was your highness. Thank you very much.”
  4773. >She lifts her wine bottle, and takes a sip yet again.
  4774. >”Now, let us truly talk about the condition of my property.”
  4775. ———————
  4776. >You swallow hard.
  4777. “What do you mean?”
  4778. >She laughs.
  4779. >”Come Octavia, surely you’ve have had questions. We wish to ensure that you are performing… adequately… for our Beast.”
  4780. >…
  4781. >The Beast.
  4782. “Well, now that you’ve mentioned it, I actually would like to discuss something.”
  4783. >She nods politely, and raises your wine glass this time, placing it at your lips.
  4784. >”Drink, maid; it isn’t often a pony shares a drink with their Empress.”
  4785. >You gently place your lips against the glass, and take a small sip as she gently tilts the glass back, placing it on the ground when you are done.
  4786. >The alcohol burns your throat as you swallow.
  4787. “This morning… we discovered that the Beast… rapes ponies…”
  4788. >…
  4789. >…
  4790. >…
  4791. >”Yes Octavia, what about it?”
  4792. >What about it?
  4793. >He rapes ponies! Doesn’t that bother her?
  4794. >…
  4795. >Knowing that she clearly doesn’t view that as a fundamental issue in itself, you try to rephrase the question.
  4796. “We would like to know… why? What is his purpose here? He spends the majority of his time doing… nothing.”
  4797. >…
  4798. >She looks… annoyed.
  4799. >Clearly, unmistakably annoyed.
  4800. >”It is not your business as to what purpose the my Troll serves, is that clear maid?”
  4801. >You quickly nod, and reply.
  4802. >”Y-yes your highness, I’m sorry I-“
  4803. >”What he does with his ponies is also none of your business. You are to simply fulfill any task that he may give you, nothing more.”
  4804. >”It is not your place to speculate about the Beast or his interest…”
  4805. >You grow quite, frightened by the Empress’ surprisingly forceful reply.
  4806. ”But he… rapes them… they didn’t do anything wrong and he just… rapes them…”
  4807. >You see the Empress’s body language shift, from anger to… amusement.
  4808. >A giggle escapes her lips.
  4809. >”Oh, you are troubled by his actions, are you?”
  4810. ———————
  4811. >You nod weakly.
  4812. >”We see now. We understand you’re confusion. His deeds aren’t… common in modern culture.”
  4813. >She takes a sip of her wine, and raises your glass, encouraging you to drink from your own.
  4814. >”You see Octavia. There are some simple truths in life; for example.
  4815. >”You will die one day.”
  4816. >”I will not."
  4817. >”You will be forgotten one day."
  4818. >"I will not.”
  4819. >”You will see your life’s work wither away and die.”
  4820. >”I will not.”
  4821. >”You see Octavia. These all share one thing in common. Power.”
  4822. >”The world is run by power, and those who have it, such as myself. We can use this power to claim the weaker, and control them.”
  4823. “I don’t understand-“
  4824. >”The Beast is asserting his dominance over those ponies, Octavia.”
  4825. "To control their sexuality is to control their mind, whether nor not they enjoy it is irrelevant.”
  4826. >She takes a breathe to gather herself, and refocus her thoughts.
  4827. >”You see Octavia, common ponies such as yourself aren’t concerned about power and influence. It has been bread into your bloodlines for generations.
  4828. >She whispers under her breathe.
  4829. >We suspect this is the work of Celestia, to create a more… docile populous.”
  4830. >”However, some creatures, such as what you call “Celestial Alicorns” are unaffected by this.”
  4831. >”We seek power, because we are capable of controlling it.”
  4832. >”This is why both me and my lesser sister have dominion over this land.”
  4833. >…
  4834. >What is she even talking about? All you asked about was-
  4835. >”The Beast is a creature like us. He seeks power Octavia. He seeks to control his own future, and those around him.”
  4836. >”That is why he rapes those ponies Octavia, he rapes them so that he can control them.”
  4837. ———————
  4838. >It makes sense.
  4839. >A lot of sense.
  4840. >He knows exactly what he is doing.
  4841. >You- you’ve even seen the fruits of his labor.
  4842. >How Fluttershy was… worried about pleasing him.
  4843. >Because he -owned- her.
  4844. >…
  4845. “Could he… try to control me?”
  4846. >”He could very well Octavia, and we would allow it to happen.”
  4847. >Allow it?
  4848. “But you said that you would protect me-“
  4849. >”We no longer feel that is necessary maid.”
  4850. “Not necessary? Why? He’s going to-“
  4851. >”We see… potential in you Octavia.”
  4852. >…
  4853. >”Do you remember how I mentioned that a pony can leave a bloodline?”
  4854. >You nod.
  4855. “Yes…”
  4856. >”We feel as though you may be such a pony.”
  4857. >”Times are changing Octavia, and the structure of power that has stood for 1000 years is shifting rapidly.”
  4858. >”If you wish to survive, you should seek to control your own destiny Octavia; you should see to secure influence and power.”
  4859. “But- but you’re the Empress! If you wanted to, you could simply grant me authority! You could-
  4860. >She chuckles.
  4861. >You’ve gotten so excited, and you didn’t even notice.
  4862. >Her laugh makes you realize what you just did, and just how ridiculous it was.
  4863. >You’ve asked the Empress for a promotion.
  4864. >You, a prisoner, asked Nightmare Moon for a personal favor.
  4865. >”I could very well do that Octavia… I could very well keep you afloat...”
  4866. >She places her mane under you’re chin.
  4867. >You feel you’re body slowly being surrounded by magic.
  4868. >”But I’d much rather watch, and see if you can swim.”
  4869. ———————
  4870. >You find yourself standing outside the entrance to the maze.
  4871. >You quickly turn around, looking for Nightmare Moon.
  4872. >She is no where to be seen.
  4873. >There are no guards posted either, leaving you standing by yourself.
  4874. >Turning around hesitantly, you make your way back into the castle.
  4875. >You find yourself walking down one of the many hallways in the castle, going toward...
  4876. >…
  4877. >You don’t really know where.
  4878. >You just started walking after you left the gardens.
  4879. >Soon, you find yourself wandering through the various corridors, with no particular destination in mind.
  4880. >It’s just so… massive.
  4881. >What lays at the end of each hallway you pass?
  4882. >What secrets are behind each door?
  4883. >…
  4884. >It’s mesmerizing.
  4885. >…
  4886. >Your stomach rumbles, snapping you from your thoughts.
  4887. >You stop walking, almost in disbelief; you just ate, yet you feel hungry again.
  4888. >…
  4889. >Perhaps the meal with the Empress didn’t fill you, so much as it restarted your metabolism.
  4890. >You’re actually surprised about just how hungry you feel.
  4891. >…
  4892. >You quickly evaluate the prospect of eating in the dinning hall.
  4893. >The Beast is normally occupied doing something else at this hour, so he shouldn’t notice you’re missing just yet.
  4894. >Night Watch said that he would get someone else to do your duties too, so you shouldn’t miss any work.
  4895. >Besides, you haven’t even eaten “breakfast” yet, so you’re simply going to get a meal you’ve missed, which shouldn’t draw any undo attention.
  4896. >…
  4897. >Reaching your decision, you turn around, and make you’re way to the dining hall.
  4898. ———————
  4899. >A few minutes later, you arrive.
  4900. >It’s more empty than you are used to, likely because you’ve shown up later than normal.
  4901. >The tables almost all vacant, besides a few ponies who appear to be military ponies, if their uniforms are any indication.
  4902. >You walk over to the serving line, and speak to the pony behind the counter.
  4903. >…
  4904. >This is, perhaps your least favorite part of the day.
  4905. >It gets no easier either, because a new pony is here almost every time.
  4906. “Hello sir…”
  4907. >He looks up cheerfully.
  4908. >”Hello ma’am! What could I get for you today?”
  4909. >He motions toward the menu beside him.
  4910. >”We have wedge salads, and spinach rolls as our daily specials; or if you want soup, we have-“
  4911. >You interrupt him as softly as possible.
  4912. ”I’m afraid I won’t be having that… can I simply have… grass clippings?”
  4913. >The words sting as they leave your mouth.
  4914. >He looks at you in bewilderment, before laughing.
  4915. >”Grass clippings? This isn’t the food bank, this the the Royal Palace, we have better food than-“
  4916. “Please, I can’t eat that. Please just get the grass clippings. They should be in the back somewhere…”
  4917. >He’s louder than the other ponies who normally serve you,and you don’t want him drawing unnecessary attention.
  4918. “Ma’am, I don’t even think we /have/ grass clippings here…”
  4919. >He appears to think for a moment.
  4920. >”What do you need them for anyways? If your allergic to something, we can take care of that you know. You don’t need to eat like a homeless pony.”
  4921. >You avert your gaze.
  4922. >”I- I just need it. Please… I know it’s back there.”
  4923. >He looks at you skeptically before turning back toward the kitchen, and disappears behind a pair of swinging doors.
  4924. >A few awkward moments pass, and you sense a queue of ponies beginning to form behind you, waiting for the chef to return.
  4925. >You desperately hide behind your mane, and look forward, hoping to save what little dignity you might still have.
  4926. ———————
  4927. >Just as you think the wait couldn’t be any longer, the doors swing open, revealing the chef, holding a small plate of grass.
  4928. >He places it onto the counter before you.
  4929. >”You didn’t say that you were a prisoner before…”
  4930. >His tone is entirely different than before, and you shy away from it, hoping the ponies in line didn’t hear him.
  4931. “Thank you… very much… I’m sorry for… the interruption.”
  4932. >You decide not to reply directly to his accusing tone.
  4933. >Instead, your voice dies off as you immediately reach for the plate, and walk toward your table.
  4934. >You quickly walk toward a table near the rear windows; the same seats you chose when Nightmare Moon appeared.
  4935. >As you take your seat, you quickly look over your shoulder at the lunch queue that formed behind you.
  4936. >There were at least half a dozen ponies.
  4937. >You turn around, and look down at you’re plate of grass, humiliated.
  4938. >They probably overheard your conversation in the lunch-line.
  4939. >After taking a moment to fight back the few tears that appeared, you reach for your fork and knife…
  4940. >Which you forgot.
  4941. >You let out a breathe of disappointment, before turning around, getting up from you’re seat to retrieve silverware.
  4942. >However, you immediately notice a pony walking toward you.
  4943. >A maid?
  4944. >”Did you forget these?”
  4945. >She points spare set of silverware laying on her plate.
  4946. >You return a shy nod, thankful for her help.
  4947. “Y-Yes. Yes I did, thank you…”
  4948. >You places the silverware on the table beside you, and she places her plate on the other side of the table.
  4949. >”Do you mind if I sit with you? You don’t appear to be eating with anypony.”
  4950. >Sheepishly you reply.
  4951. “That’s... fine.”
  4952. >You wait, and watch as the pony makes her way around the table.
  4953. ———————
  4954. >You’ve never seen another maid before.
  4955. >It’s strange.
  4956. >The castle is so large, you would think there would be a small army of maids; yet you’ve never encountered another one before now.
  4957. >Where have they been?
  4958. >You’re almost more surprised that you haven’t considered this oddity yet.
  4959. >…
  4960. >”So, is there anything else you need?”
  4961. >You shake your head.
  4962. “No, that is all. Thanks again for bringing over the utensils.”
  4963. >She nods.
  4964. >”My name is Gentle Breeze, what about you?”
  4965. She speaks as she reaches for a bite of her salad.”
  4966. “My name is Octavia Melody; pleased to meet you.”
  4967. >She nods as well, chewing on her food.
  4968. >After swallowing, she looks up.
  4969. >”Nice to meet you too…”
  4970. >She raises an eyebrow, as if confused by something.
  4971. >”Are you new here? I don’t think I’ve seen you before with the other maids...”
  4972. >You take a bite of the dehydrated grass, grinding the crunchy greens between your teeth.
  4973. >The tips poke the inside of your cheeks, making eating… less than comfortable.
  4974. “No, I’m not new here, I’m just… not a normal maid.”
  4975. >She looks up, interested in your words.
  4976. >”What do you mean? You’re a maid, there isn’t that much too it.”
  4977. >You shake your head.
  4978. “I don’t think you understand…”
  4979. >She shakes her head in return.”
  4980. >”We’re all prisoners. My father is a member of the Royal Navy stationed in Cloudsdale…”
  4981. >Her voice weakens.
  4982. >”They thought that he might… stop working… for the new Princess, so they took me as… collateral…”
  4983. >She looks up, her tone lightening.
  4984. >”But it’s ok… they said that I can go back after six months if my family cooperates.”
  4985. ———————
  4986. >This is… interesting.
  4987. >You wouldn’t have guessed the other maids were prisoners like yourself.
  4988. >Or at least… similar.
  4989. >They definitely not in the same situation as you.
  4990. >They appear to only have a temporary stay at the castle, and a relatively enjoyable one at that.
  4991. >They eat well, and probably don’t have the same… duties… as you.
  4992. >And they almost certainly don’t have the personal interest of the Empress.
  4993. >For better or worse…”
  4994. >…
  4995. >”What about you? Why are you here in the Castle?”
  4996. >…
  4997. “I- um… I…”
  4998. >You shovel a chunk of grass into your mouth, and hold a hoof up, signaling that you don’t want to talk with your mouth open.
  4999. >You need to buy time.
  5000. >What do you tell her?
  5001. >You certainly can’t tell her the truth.
  5002. >In you’re panic you realize you’re chewing your grass extremely fast.
  5003. >You reach for your glass of water, and take a sip, trying to slow yourself down.
  5004. >Think Octavia.
  5005. >Think.
  5006. >You’re parents are… um… are…
  5007. >You think of a random government job.
  5008. >Tax ponies.
  5009. >With your half-baked idea, you swallow your food.
  5010. “My parents work for the Equestrian Taxation Agency.”
  5011. >She turns her head ever so slightly.
  5012. >”They work in taxes? Why are you here then? I don’t see what harm they could do…”
  5013. >Surprisingly, you’re able to think of a solid reply.
  5014. “The Empress believes that they might be stealing from the Crown, or siphoning funds to the rebels, so they took me as collateral; just like you.”
  5015. >She nods heavily.
  5016. >”Oh… Yeah. I didn’t even think about that.”
  5017. >She takes a sip of her water.
  5018. >”It makes sense that Nightmare Moon would want solid control over her money. “
  5019. >”I just hope this is all over soon, I want to go home and see my friends again.”
  5020. >You nod weakly.
  5021. “Yeah… me too.”
  5022. ———————
  5023. >A few more moments pass, as you both eat your meals.
  5024. >One of you enjoys her food; the other, not so much.
  5025. >”Where do you work at in the castle? I haven’t seen you at night before.”
  5026. >You look up.
  5027. “At night? What do you mean?”
  5028. >”What do you mean “what do you mean?”? Us maids all meet in the commons at night.”
  5029. >She prods your hoof gently, as if telling a secret.
  5030. >”If they won’t give us a few minutes of break time, I don’t see a problem will us giving ourselves a break.”
  5031. >You nod your head slowly, hesitant to confirm her statement.
  5032. “Y-yeah. I see what you mean.”
  5033. >…
  5034. >The conversation falls into an awkward silence.
  5035. >Hoping to continue it, you ask a question.
  5036. >”So… how do you guys all sneak out of your jobs? I’m sure somepony would notice if all the maids simply stopped working.”
  5037. >”We try to finish up our assigned task a little early or, if they aren’t too important, we just skip them, and go to the commons at about eleven.”
  5038. >She laughs softly.
  5039. >”It’s not like anypony is going to notice that the marble floors aren’t shined Every. Single. Day.”
  5040. >You nod.
  5041. “That makes sense I guess, but doesn’t seem kinda risky?
  5042. >She shakes her head.
  5043. >”I don’t think anyone really minds us too much. We’re just maids after all.”
  5044. >…
  5045. >It makes sense to a degree.
  5046. >With the recent events, you’re sure that everypony has bigger problems than a few maids skipping out on their duties.
  5047. >…
  5048. >You continue eating your grass.
  5049. >At this point you’re simply shoveling it into your mouth.
  5050. >It doesn’t have any taste at all. Only a soft crunch.
  5051. >However, as you look down to take another bite, you notice the grass looks… wet.
  5052. >You move the dried blades around slowly, trying to identify exactly why they are wet.
  5053. >You notice something appears to be sticking to the grass.
  5054. >It’s clear and foamy.
  5055. ———————
  5056. >Did someone spit in your food?
  5057. >The lunch pony…
  5058. >Of course it was.
  5059. >Why would he do that?
  5060. >You didn’t do anything to him. You were just…
  5061. >Were just trying to get some food.
  5062. >”Are you ok?”
  5063. >The voice shocks you back to reality.
  5064. >You look up, and see Gentle Breeze looking at you.
  5065. >”Are you OK Octavia? You just… stopped eating…”
  5066. “N-Yeah. Yeah I’m fine, I was just… thinking about something.
  5067. >”It’s fine you just scared me for a second.”
  5068. >You notice Gentle Breeze look up, gazing behind you.
  5069. >You turn around to see what she is looking at.
  5070. >Another maid
  5071. >…
  5072. >Without saying anything, the pony sits down beside you.
  5073. >You notice Gentle Breeze avert her gaze to her plate of food, as if she is intimidated by the pony.
  5074. >The subtle gesture puts you on edge.
  5075. >…
  5076. >She begins eating, her eyes intently focused on her plate.
  5077. >You notice that she is shaking slightly, and her eyes appear watery.
  5078. >Gentle Breeze appears to notice as well.
  5079. >Trying to ease the newfound tension, you speak.
  5080. “Are you ok ma’am?”
  5081. >She responds in a curt tone.
  5082. >”Y-yeah. I’m ok.”
  5083. ———————
  5084. >Silence falls over the table again.
  5085. >This time, Gentle Breeze speaks up.
  5086. >”How was your day so far?”
  5087. >She swallows her food with an audible gulp, before replying.
  5088. >”It was fine. I just… I just had to deal with… some stuff...”
  5089. >You can tell by her nervous voice that she is lying.
  5090. >She scared, or at the very least, stressed.
  5091. >…
  5092. >This time, the mystery pony speaks.
  5093. >”So… whose you’re new friend Breeze? I haven’t seen her before.”
  5094. >Breeze replies, with a hint of unease in her voice.”
  5095. >”Her names Octavia, I just saw her sitting down, and I figured she-“
  5096. >”Octavia? As in “Octavia Melody?”
  5097. >You begin to uneasy
  5098. >Why does she know your name?
  5099. >Why does she sound… angry?
  5100. >”Yeah- that’s her.”
  5101. >The pony beside you turns quickly, facing you.”
  5102. >“You’re Octavia Melody???”
  5103. >Her voice is rising, getting louder by the word.
  5104. “Yes… why do you-“
  5105. >”Where in bucking Tartarus have you been???”
  5106. ———————
  5107. >”Please, don’t be so loud Sea-“
  5108. >”No! Shut up Breeze, I wasn’t talking to you!”
  5109. >You subconsciously push your plate of food away from you.
  5110. >”Is there a reason why you just bucking "skipped out" of your duties today?”
  5111. >What does she mean-
  5112. >…
  5113. >Fluttershy.
  5114. >This must be the pony that Night Watch got to preform your dut-
  5115. >”Answer me!”
  5116. >The dining hall falls quiet.
  5117. >You shy away, partly out of fear.
  5118. “Please… I’m sorry, just calm down…”
  5119. >Finally, she appears to calm down, if only a little.
  5120. >She stands up, leaving her plate on the table.
  5121. >”Follow me. Outside. NOW.”
  5122. >Her words are soft yet firm.
  5123. >Like a parent trying to scold their child in public without anyone noticing.
  5124. >You try to stop her, by appealing to reason.
  5125. “Please, sit down, you haven’t even eaten your food yet.”
  5126. >”Don’t make me say it again. Come with me now, or else…”
  5127. >She looks toward Gentle Breeze.
  5128. >”You’re coming too. Both of you, lets go.”
  5129. >Realizing that she isn’t wavering, you stand slowly, lifting your plate with you.
  5130. >She looks at you, before talking.
  5131. >”Leave your food. It won’t be the first time someone has cleaned up after you.”
  5132. >Embarrassed, and slightly scared, you put the plate back onto the table for the Dinning Hall staff to clean up, before following the lead maid out into the hallway.
  5133. ———————
  5134. >The pony walks at a brisk pace through the hallways.
  5135. >You aren’t particularly sure where she is taking you, but you don’t bother to question her.
  5136. >…
  5137. >Come to think of it, who is she?
  5138. >Do the maids have some sort of supervisor?
  5139. >Perhaps she is the head maid.
  5140. >It would make sense, judging by Breeze’s reaction.
  5141. >...
  5142. >After about thirty seconds of walking she turns into a small room, which appears to hold various cleaning supplies.
  5143. >Both you and Gentle Breeze follow her inside.
  5144. >After entering she lights the oil lamb hanging from the wall, before turning and locking the door.
  5145. >Immediately, you begin to feel panic.
  5146. >Why is she locking you in here?
  5147. >…
  5148. >Before you can react, she bucks you just behind your shoulder, throwing you onto the ground a few feet away.
  5149. >Gentle Breeze screams in alarm, and says something out of shock.
  5150. >You don’t register her words, as the pain is overwhelming.
  5151. >She rushes over to you, and tries to help you up.
  5152. >You tenderly reach over with your right hoof, and try delicately touch your shoulder.
  5153. >It stings in pain; so much so that you don’t even attempt to stand.
  5154. >Sea… whatever her name is, makes her way over to you.
  5155. >Frantically, you try to dissuade any further assault.
  5156. “Please- please *cough* I’m sorry… no more…”
  5157. >You break into a series of coughs as you struggle to regain your breath.
  5158. >She places her hoof on you’re cheek, forcing it onto the ground.
  5159. >You squeal in pain, and try to flail you’re hooves, only to be stopped by the pain of the previous injury.
  5160. >…
  5161. >You’re defenseless.
  5162. ———————
  5163. >”You’re the pony that couldn’t clean a bucking room!?!”
  5164. >She applies even more pressure to your jaw.
  5165. >At this point you’re sweating, and forcing your eyes closed, desperately attempting to ignore the pain.
  5166. >You hear Breeze try to talk.
  5167. >”Please! Stop! What’s gotten into you!?!”
  5168. >You just wish she would do something to make this pony stop, but she doesn’t.
  5169. >She just stands there and talks…
  5170. >Uselessly.
  5171. >”I had to clean that damn room for her, because apparently changing sheets is too bucking hard for her!”
  5172. >Mercifully, she lifts her hoof from you’re jaw.
  5173. >”You better have good reason for this- or so help me Celestia I will turn you into the Empress myself.”
  5174. >…
  5175. >Panic.
  5176. >She must be the head maid.
  5177. >She knows the Empress…
  5178. “Please- just- just let me explain… I’m sorry…”
  5179. >You take a moment to steady yourself, and catch you’re breathe.
  5180. >With adrenaline pumping through you’re vains, you-
  5181. >”Well? Tell me!”
  5182. >She kicks your stomach, forcing a few dry heaves from you.
  5183. >You panic, and desperately try to think of a something- anything to tell her.
  5184. >All you can think of is the truth.
  5185. “I- I couldn’t do it! I couldn’t stay down there… I wanted to leave…”
  5186. >She kicks you again.
  5187. >You couldn’t change a bed? Is that too hard for you, you stupid mud pony!?”
  5188. “Please- you don’t understand- I-“
  5189. >”No. YOU don’t understand.”
  5190. >She takes a step away, and turns slightly, avoiding looking at you.
  5191. >”Do you know what happened?”
  5192. >You remain quiet, deciding it is better to let her talk.
  5193. >”I have other duties too you know. I was supposed to be cleaning the Admiral Strict Order’s Offices!”
  5194. >She takes a moment of pause.
  5195. >”But… I was late, and he- he…”
  5196. >She takes a sharp breathe, shrugging to force words from her mouth.
  5197. >”He…”
  5198. >...
  5199. >Oh no…
  5200. >…
  5201. >In a almost cold tone, you reply.
  5202. “He- raped you, didn’t he?”
  5203. ———————
  5204. >She stares as you; first in confusion, then in revulsion.
  5205. >”What? No!”
  5206. >Her voice immediately softens, and her eyes grow distant.
  5207. >”He said that… that…”
  5208. >She takes a breathe to compose herself.
  5209. >”that I won’t be able to see my foal for another nine months…”
  5210. >…
  5211. >You don’t know what to say.
  5212. >Part of you is stunned at the news….
  5213. >Part of you is disgusted with your previous assumption.
  5214. “He- he has your foal?”
  5215. >She shakes her head.
  5216. >”N-no… He… When they took my husband… away… they moved me here… and they moved my foals to…to…”
  5217. >She breaks down.
  5218. >”I don’t know!… I don’t know where they are! Oh Celestia! Please! I can’t take this… please…”
  5219. >The small closet is now silent, as you and Gentle Breeze watch the pitiful sight in front of you.
  5220. >Unsure of how to react, you slowly right yourself, and begin to reach toward the mare, hoping to offer a supportive hoof.
  5221. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do this…”
  5222. >She doesn’t react, let alone look at you.
  5223. >You glance toward Breeze, hoping she would provide some advice.
  5224. >She is just as confused as you.
  5225. >Not wanting to let the silence linger, you continue speaking.
  5226. “If you want… I could try and find out about your foals. I can try talking to the-“
  5227. >Without warning, you receive a firm slap across the face, causing you to stagger, before regaining your balance.
  5228. >“YOU THINK I’VE HAVEN'T TRIED THAT? I’VE TRIED EVERYTHING! EVERYTHING!…. It doesn’t work…”
  5229. >”I’ve gotten three hours of sleep a day… and for what? For you to take my foal away from me?”
  5230. “I’m sorry, please, just breat-“
  5231. >”Oh Celestia… what if I don’t see her again?”
  5232. >”He’s only a colt! He doesn’t know what’s going on! He… he must be so scared right now…”
  5233. ———————
  5234. >As you look at the distraught mare standing across from you, you still have no clear idea how to react.
  5235. >Yet again, you look toward Gentle Breeze who, yet again, is just as confused as you are, and offers no support.
  5236. >You sigh in resignation.
  5237. “Gentle Breeze, please leave…”
  5238. >She looks at you in confusion.
  5239. >”What? Octavia, I’m not going to leave-“
  5240. “Just do it. If you were actually going to protect either of us you would have done that by now, which clearly, you haven’t. Please, just go.”
  5241. >She looks down in subtle embarrassment, clearly not expecting you to be so… blunt.
  5242. >”Oh… ok then… I’ll see you both later…”
  5243. >She turns toward the door, and opens it, allowing light from the candles outside to briefly illuminate the otherwise poorly lit closet.
  5244. >Just as quickly, the door closes, leaving only you and the other mare.
  5245. >”What did you send her away for…”
  5246. >The mare across from you speaks only slightly above a whisper.
  5247. >Hoping to direct the conversation into something more… productive, you reply.
  5248. >”I don’t think you actually want to hurt me. You’re scared; so am I.”
  5249. >Luckily, she appears to take your words well, and nods her head only slightly.
  5250. >”I- I just don’t know what to do. Where is Celestia? What happened to her? Who is this new mare in charge?”
  5251. >You take a step forward, and pull her into a hug.
  5252. >Standing for a few moments, you allow her tears to soak into your coat.
  5253. >You take the moment to think.
  5254. >…
  5255. >You know more about the Empress than most other ponies in Equestria, if your personal time with her is any indication.
  5256. >Perhaps you should share of that with her; maybe it will calm her down.
  5257. >…
  5258. >On second thought, that’s a miserable idea.
  5259. >Knowing that Celestia has been replaced by a mare who executed ponies, and oversaw the… rape… of your father wouldn’t calm her down.
  5260. >If anything, it would make her fear for the safety of her foal even more than before.
  5261. ———————
  5262. >Instead, you simply remain in your embrace, allowing her stream of tears to continue.
  5263. >Although it last for perhaps only a few minutes, it feels like a few hours pass.
  5264. >”I’m sorry about that, I just… I don’t know what came over me…”
  5265. >You gently pat her withers.
  5266. “It’s ok. This is a tough time for everypony…”
  5267. >Finally, see loosens her hold, prompting you to do the same.
  5268. >Where once stood an enraged mare, now stands only a pony with puffy, tear soaked eyes.
  5269. >”I just, I don’t know what to do with myself. I can’t help but think that… that I won’t see my foal again…”
  5270. >You try to console her.
  5271. “It’s ok… it will all be all rig-“
  5272. >”It won’t be all right… don’t you see that?…”
  5273. >”I- I might never see my foal’s first day of school… I might never be able to hold his hoof again…”
  5274. >She sniffles.
  5275. >”A-and, and I can’t help but feel that- that it’s somehow my fault for being a bad mother…"
  5276. >She wipes her bloodshot eyes gently, trying to calm herself.
  5277. >”Oh Celestia… what am I going to do…”
  5278. >You can almost feel the emotion in the air.
  5279. >This mare across from you has lost just as much as you have…
  5280. >You can’t even imagine what it must be like to not know if your foal is safe.
  5281. >...
  5282. >In a strange way, it’s almost… comforting.
  5283. >Over the past few days, you’ve never thought about how everypony else must be reacting to these changes.
  5284. >You’ve only had time to think about your family, and your own safety.
  5285. >While you’ve always assumed that other ponies were also suffering, you’ve never seen it first hoof until now.
  5286. ———————
  5287. >Snapping back to reality, you realize that the room is still quite.
  5288. >You take it upon yourself to restart the conversation, and hopefully direct it toward something more positive.
  5289. “Hey… do you want to go back and finish eating? I don’t think that they would have moved your plate…”
  5290. >The words die in your mouth as you realize that the mare is still clearly distressed.
  5291. >Her fight against her own emotions was being a losing one, and the stream of tears began to return to her face.
  5292. >She shifts her gaze to her hooves before weakly speaking.
  5293. “I… I’ve got to go…I’m sorry.”
  5294. >She quickly leaves the darkened closet, and you can hear the sound of hoof steps galloping down the hallway.
  5295. >As door closes, you hear the soft click of the door sealing itself again.
  5296. >…
  5297. >…
  5298. >…
  5299. >Well that was… unexpected.
  5300. >…
  5301. >While you didn’t expect her to recover herself entirely, you hoped that she could at least regain some composure.
  5302. >...
  5303. >You fall onto your haunches, and simply take a moment to… decompress.
  5304. >When you woke up today, you weren’t expecting this type of emotional ride at all.
  5305. >Fluttershy… your mother… now this?
  5306. >It’s so much so quick that… you honestly don’t know how to feel at all.
  5307. >Scared? Happy? Sad?
  5308. >If anything, it’s almost the lack of emotion that concerns you.
  5309. >You feel like you should be /feeling/ something, but you just… aren’t.
  5310. >Like your detaching from it all.
  5311. >You almost feel like you’re seeing stuff happen, but you aren’t actually a /part/ of it.
  5312. >…
  5313. >Is the stress really getting to you that much?
  5314. ———————
  5315. >You blink a few times, and try to regain focus.
  5316. >You can’t afford to let your emotions slow you down right now.
  5317. >The Beast’s hallway is still untended, and you likely aren’t entirely excused from your work.
  5318. >Especially after the detour to the Dining Hall, you wonder if they aren’t already searching for you.
  5319. >You need to get back there - Now.
  5320. >You stand up, and begin to make your way toward the door.
  5321. >However, as your left fore hoof takes it’s first step, you hear something crinkle underneath the pressure.
  5322. >You look down and see…
  5323. >…
  5324. >An envelope?
  5325. >…
  5326. >You pick it up gently, and hold it to your face.
  5327. >Besides the slight arount of dust clinging to it, likely from your own hooves, it looks relatively new.
  5328. >Judging by the thickness and weight of the envelope, you can easily tell that there is something inside of it.
  5329. >Strangely however, the wax seal has some strange insignia that you can’t quite recognize.
  5330. >You begin to wonder who might have dropped it, only to come to the obvious conclusion.
  5331. >The mare who just hit you.
  5332. >You quickly open the door, and look out into the hallway, quickly glancing in both directions.
  5333. >It’s empty.
  5334. >Your ears flick in both directions, hoping to perhaps catch the sound of distant hoof falls, but to no avail.
  5335. >Where did she go?
  5336. ———————
  5337. >You look down at the envelope as it lays in your hoof.
  5338. >Flipping to it’s front, you realize that there is no postage stamp, or address on it.
  5339. >…
  5340. >You feel your heart rate pick up ever so slightly.
  5341. >If the maid dropped this letter, it probably means that she was supposed to sent on behalf of someone in the castle.
  5342. >But without postage or a sending address, you can’t give it to the mail pony yourself…
  5343. >Your mind thinks back to her previous situation with Strict Order, and the punishment that he issued the mare.
  5344. >…
  5345. >Will she get punished for this as well?
  5346. >…
  5347. >You can’t let that happen to her again… the stakes are simply too high.
  5348. >But at the same time, you simply don’t have the time to find her again right now.
  5349. >You need to get back to the hallway before you are punished yourself.
  5350. >…
  5351. >The evening meeting.
  5352. >Breeze mentioned that the maids all meet up; you will simply give her the envelope then.
  5353. >A solution in mind, you take the moment to refocus on the next task of the day
  5354. >Which is…
  5355. >…
  5356. >…
  5357. >Feed the Pets!
  5358. >You haven’t fed them all day, they must best starvin-…
  5359. >You catch your train of thought.
  5360. >The pets.
  5361. >They're ponies, not pets.
  5362. >…
  5363. >Regardless, it must be done, and it need to be done now, before they notice that you are missing.
  5364. >Taking a quick moment to tuck the letter into the barrel of your uniform, you make your way back to the kitchen, to gather their food cart.
  5365. ———————
  5366. >After obtaining the food cart, and stocking it with six separate meals, you make your way back to the Beast’s hallway.
  5367. >The walk is relatively uneventful, and after a few moments, you arrive that the desk where Night Watch was stationed.
  5368. “I’m back Night Watch, thanks for covering for me while I was gone.”
  5369. >He looks up from whatever paper he was reading, as a small, warm smile finds it’s way onto his face.
  5370. >”No Problem Ms. Melody, no one came to check if you were missing anyways.”
  5371. >You both exchange a brief nod before you continue making your way down the hallway.
  5372. >…
  5373. >You walk down the hall, preparing to feed the various ponies who are unfortunate enough to call this place home.
  5374. >The door you arrive at is Twilight Sparkle’s room.
  5375. >You grab her meal tray from the cart before unlocking her door, and entering the unicorn’s cell.
  5376. >…
  5377. >The sight before you is…
  5378. >Disturbing.
  5379. >Twilight Sparkle is sitting in the middle of the floor, crying loudly.
  5380. >So loudly in fact, that she didn’t hear you enter the room.
  5381. >You take a moment to compose yourself before locking the door behind you.
  5382. “Miss Twilight?”
  5383. >She flinches, and turns to face you quickly.
  5384. >…
  5385. >Her face…
  5386. >”He…*sniff* he... *sniff…*
  5387. >She struggles to speak.
  5388. >"He… raped me… just like I told you he would…”
  5389. >…
  5390. >Your stomach turns at the news.
  5391. >Twice? In one day?
  5392. >First Fluttershy, and how her?
  5393. >You take a few slow steps forward, making sure to show that you have food with you, and not something more sinister.
  5394. >The last thing you want to do is cause the more mare anymore.
  5395. >You’ve already learned that lesson with Fluttershy...
  5396. “I’m just here to give you food Miss Sparkle…”
  5397. >As you near, you realize that you can see a trail of… something… coming from her mouth.
  5398. >In the back of your mind you know exactly what you’re looking at, but you simply can’t process it.
  5399. ———————
  5400. >You quickly realize that you have a job to do.
  5401. >Even if you can’t save these ponies, maybe you could help them.
  5402. “Miss Sparkle, are you injured? Do you need help?”
  5403. >She shakes her head.
  5404. >”N-n-no… I’m… fi- fine… he didn’t… hurt me…”
  5405. >...
  5406. >You sit down a few step or two away from the mare, placing the meal between the two of you.
  5407. “What happened Twilight? What did he do to you?”
  5408. >She continues to sniffle, but points to a book laying on the ground by the side of the bed.
  5409. >The same book you brought her.
  5410. >”He… he t-t-t-tested me on it…”
  5411. >”He made me do…"
  5412. >”Do…”
  5413. >”Oh Celestia… I just want my family!…”
  5414. >She breaks down into renewed tears, leaving you with nothing to say.
  5415. >What can you say?
  5416. >You look at the book on the ground.
  5417. >The same exact book that you brought her not so long ago.
  5418. >…
  5419. >A small twisting feeling begins to form in your stomach.
  5420. >You always knew what that book was meant for, but seeing the results first hoof is… different.
  5421. >Even though you know that you didn’t rape her, you can’t help but feel that you had at least /some/ part in it.
  5422. >…
  5423. >Deciding that sitting still wasn’t helpful, you stand up, and made your way to the bathroom.
  5424. >Quickly, you grab a washrag and wet it, along with a dry towel, before returning to the crying mare.
  5425. >”I.. I don’t want to be here…”
  5426. >Trying to maintain even the smallest sense of calm, you sit down beside her.
  5427. “Come here Ms. Twilight, let’s get you cleaned up.”
  5428. >You gently pad the wet rag against her cheek and lower lips, removing the slimy substance from her face.
  5429. >…
  5430. >As you dab the cloth against her, Twilight seems to loose strength, and leans onto your side.
  5431. >”I’m scared…. Octavia…”
  5432. >Setting down the rag, you reach for the towel, and dry her damp, but now relatively clean fur.
  5433. “It’s going to be ok Twilight… It’s going to be fine…”
  5434. ———————
  5435. >”You don’t know that…”
  5436. >Her crying only continues, and yet again her facial fur begins to dampen.
  5437. >”You don’t understand… he…he’s so…”
  5438. >You reach your leg around the mare, pulling her close, and tucking her head ever so lightly under your chin.
  5439. >Even though it isn’t your job to comfort these mares, you can’t help but feel like you’re in the same boat as them.
  5440. “Shh…. just breathe Twilight… just breathe…”
  5441. >She struggles to control her almost shallow breaths, the occasional *hic* sound leaving her mouth.
  5442. >”it’s like a game to him… it’s -*hic*- it’s like he enjoys making us suffer…”
  5443. >…
  5444. >You remain quite, simply patting her back in gentle support.
  5445. >There’s not much else you can say.
  5446. >She isn’t wrong.
  5447. >You’ve seen his work first hoof on multiple occasions in only the first few days.
  5448. >He urinated on Rarity.
  5449. >He put the farmer in stocks.
  5450. >He raped Fluttershy.
  5451. >And Twilight.
  5452. >…
  5453. >You sigh.
  5454. >Now that you think about it, her outlook is really, really grim.
  5455. >If nothing major changes, this IS going to be the rest of her life.
  5456. >…
  5457. >Is it even right to give her hope?
  5458. >You look down at the mare who is still crying on your chest.
  5459. >...
  5460. >Is it even right to tell her that it will be ok?
  5461. >That it will get better?
  5462. >You’re sure you could talk about Celestia, and how she might save her.
  5463. >Might.
  5464. >And if the Empress if half as strong as she looks, that “might” is actually a “won’t.”
  5465. >A “can’t.”
  5466. >She was already defeated once.
  5467. ———————
  5468. >The only other possible may is the “Harmony Elements” or whatever Twilight mentioned before.
  5469. >And surely The Empress took those as well.
  5470. >She might even be using them now herself .
  5471. >…
  5472. >It dawns on you all too quickly.
  5473. >That this IS the new normal.
  5474. >Nightmare Moon is now the new ruler of Equestria.
  5475. >No pony can stop her.
  5476. >…
  5477. >Again, you look down at the mare, and brush her bangs from her eyes.
  5478. ”Twilight, listen to me.”
  5479. >You take a breathe.
  5480. ”I’m not going to tell you that things will go back to how they were.”
  5481. >You gesture to toward the door.
  5482. ”From what I’ve seen out there… things are going to be different…”
  5483. ”But, if you do what your told, you can still be safe…”
  5484. >Before you can finish, she interrupts you.
  5485. >"You mean /letting/ him rape me?"
  5486. >…
  5487. >…
  5488. >…
  5489. >You sigh.
  5490. “If that’s what it takes Twilight, than yes…”
  5491. >She shakes her head, and begins to push against you.
  5492. >”You- you don’t understand! I- I can’t do that!”
  5493. >You turn toward her, but she only pushes you back harder.
  5494. “You don’t have an OPTION Twilight!”
  5495. >…
  5496. >The room falls quite, and immediately, you regret raising your voice.
  5497. “You can either let him do it, or try to fight, and get hurt even more!”
  5498. “It’s not fair Twilight, but it’s how this works…”
  5499. ———————
  5500. >She shakes her head quickly.
  5501. >”I- I can’t do that! I can’t just give up! I can’t just let him do this! I have to fight!”
  5502. “You have to Twilight! You’re going to get somepony hurt if you try to fight him!"
  5503. >…
  5504. >…
  5505. >…
  5506. >Silence fills the air, both of you unsure of what to say.
  5507. “I- I know it’s difficult Twilight, and I know has scared you must be, but please, fighting isn’t the right answer.”
  5508. >You look toward the door, your eyes focusing on nothing in Particular.
  5509. “My parents are here too Twilight. They’re prisoners here too, just like us.”
  5510. >…
  5511. >She looks at you with a hint of confusion in her tear soaked eyes, unsure of where you are headed with this.
  5512. “Nightmare Moon was speaking with them when she told my dad to kiss my hoof.”
  5513. “He didn’t want to do it… He didn’t want to support what I’ve done for the Empress…”
  5514. “So, instead of hurting him, the Empress threatened my mother with… with…”
  5515. >Somehow unable to say the word, you simply point toward the book on the ground.
  5516. >Twilight’s gaze quickly meets it, before looking back to you.
  5517. >The meaning is all too clear.
  5518. >You nod.
  5519. “If he wouldn’t do what he was told… my mother would be hurt…”
  5520. >You look toward the mare beside you.
  5521. “You need to understand Twilight, this is bigger than just you. There are other ponies down here with you….”
  5522. “And if you don’t do what you’re told, they could be hurt…”
  5523. ———————
  5524. >Silence fills the room for a few moments, as Twilight thinks about what you said.
  5525. >Her eyes occasionally look toward the door, or the book.
  5526. >Then.
  5527. >”If- if my friends must get hurt because of me… that’s…. ok.”
  5528. >What?
  5529. “Twilight? You can’t be-“
  5530. >”Princess Celestia always told me that we shouldn’t ever back away from what we know is right.”
  5531. >She looks at you.
  5532. >”This- this is /wrong/ Octavia. We can’t let Nightmare Moon just- just abuse Equestria like this!”
  5533. >”I’m not going to be intinmidated by this monster of hers either… I- I’m going to fight…"
  5534. >”If we want to save Celestia, to save Equestria, we can’t let them scare us…"
  5535. “But what about the other ponies Twilight? They’ll get hurt because of-“
  5536. >”What about the ponies OUTSIDE Octavia? You think they aren’t suffering? You think that they aren’t scared?”
  5537. >”Who’s going to fight for them Octavia?”
  5538. >…
  5539. >…
  5540. >…
  5541. >An eerie silence fills the air.
  5542. >You look toward the ground, unable meet the gaze that is certainly coming from Twilight.
  5543. >…
  5544. >As much as you've thought over the last few days, you somehow haven’t thought about that.
  5545. >…
  5546. >It’s such a simple question.
  5547. >…
  5548. >Yet you’ve never...
  5549. >...
  5550. >”I- I have other duties to get to Twilight… please… clean yourself up…”
  5551. >With little commotion, you stand up on your hooves, and make your way toward the door.
  5552. ———————
  5553. >You quickly hustle out of Twilight’s room before locking the door behind you.
  5554. >Leaning against the wall, you take a moment to collect yourself.
  5555. >Unfortunately, the break is all too brief, and soon you force yourself to return to your cart.
  5556. >You’re already behind schedule; you have no intention to make the situation worse by being caught slacking.
  5557. >Looking down the hallway, you identify the door of the next pony that you need to feed: Rarity.
  5558. >Continuing a few meters down the hallway, you place the cart directly outside of her room.
  5559. >You approach the door, and raise your keys to unlock it, but before you even make contact, you notice the door handle turning.
  5560. >…
  5561. >You’re heart stops for a second.
  5562. >How is that possible? The door is locked, and Rarity doesn’t have a key.
  5563. >But than who could be opening the-
  5564. >Your eyes widen as you realize exactly who is turning the handle.
  5565. >The Beast
  5566. >…
  5567. >Before you can even react, the door swings open, revealing the Empress’ Beast.
  5568. >Your eyes, almost instinctively, meet his own, which are locked upon you.
  5569. >Contrary to what you expected, he doesn’t look angry at all.
  5570. >Instead, his almost looks… confused?
  5571. >An awkward, silent moment passes before he raises his eyebrow, confirming you suspicions.
  5572. >You spontaneously think of an answer- any answer to give him.
  5573. “I didn’t want to disturb you.”
  5574. >As if ignoring your words, he simply sticks out his hand toward you, holding a few pieces of paper.
  5575. >This time,it’s your turn to raise an eyebrow.
  5576. >Are those… drawings?
  5577. >”I want these made as soon as possible.”
  5578. >Unsure of exactly what he means, but not wanting to start a full conversation, you simply nod in reply.
  5579. >”Of course.”
  5580. >As you grab the papers from his hand, and as soon as they're held firm in your mouth, you smoothly turn around, and begin to leave the hallway.
  5581. >If he wanted them as soon as possible, then there is no reason to stay down here.
  5582. ———————
  5583. >You quickly make your way to the front desk again, and find Night Watch, who is still busily reading whatever papers are in front of him.
  5584. >As you approach, his ears perk up, and he looks in your direction.
  5585. >”Back already? I know you didn’t feed all of them that quickly Ms. Octavia.”
  5586. >His smile and casual tone tell you that he isn’t being serious.
  5587. >You walk up to the desk, and place the papers onto the table.
  5588. “He said he wants these made immediately- whatever /these/ are.
  5589. >You unfold the papers slowly, revealings...
  5590. >…
  5591. >A blush rapidly forms on your face.
  5592. >It’s lingerie, and very lewd lingerie at that.
  5593. >Both you and Night Watch scan the drawings, looking that the drafts.
  5594. >It’s nothing more than a bridle with a few traces of fabric attached.
  5595. >It even has a bit and collar, and does nothing to hide the mare’s more… intimate parts.
  5596. >”Are these for you?”
  5597. >You vigorously shake your head.
  5598. "N-no! No! There for… one of his ponies…”
  5599. >”Oh. Well then…”
  5600. >…
  5601. >There’s a long, awkward pause as neither of you can find something to say.
  5602. “Do you know where in the Castle I could get these made?”
  5603. >He shakes his head.
  5604. >”In the Castle? I don’t think so; at least not right now. A lot of the auxiliary staff has been given temporary leave until things calm down.”
  5605. >”You’d probably have to go into Canterlot itself and find a store to make it for you. I’m sure you could find someone who is open business.”
  5606. >You sigh.
  5607. “I can’t go into the city, I’m not allowed to leave the castle…”
  5608. >He, surprisingly fast, replies.
  5609. >”I’m sure if you asked Empress Nightmare Moon she might grant you a pass. This is your assignment, right? To tend to his needs?”
  5610. ———————
  5611. >You nod weakly.
  5612. “Yes, it is, but I don’t think she’d be willing to let me just leave like that.”
  5613. >Night Watch places his hoof onto your shoulder gently.
  5614. >”I’ll come with you Octavia. I'm sure that if the Beast’s guard confirms your story, she’ll let you out under supervision.”
  5615. >You smile gently, looking at Night Watch.
  5616. >”It will be an adventure!”
  5617. >A small giggle escapes your mouth.
  5618. >This stallion truly isn’t the most serious pony you’ve met.
  5619. >He’s mannerisms are so gentle you wouldn’t think him a guard if you didn’t know better.
  5620. >And in some way, his light-heartedness is a welcome reprieve from the otherwise grim atmosphere that surrounds you.
  5621. “Well…”
  5622. >You take a moment to think.
  5623. >While you obviously need to get the lingerie made, you don’t want to take any undo risk given your current situation.
  5624. >Leaving the castle obviously forbidden for someone in your situation, and even with the Empress’ apparent support, it seems like a stretch to exercise that power so quickly.
  5625. >What if she thinks you are trying to escape?
  5626. >...
  5627. >Then again, and perhaps most importantly, there are no alternatives.
  5628. >While don’t know what will happen if you ask to leave the castle, you certainly know the consequences of failing your duty.
  5629. >…
  5630. “Very well Night Watch, lets go try to speak with the Empress.”
  5631. >He smiles and nods in return, quickly standing and leaving his desk, before heading forward the stairs.
  5632. >You begin to follow him, before remembering that you still have the letter with you.
  5633. >Certainly it isn’t a good idea to remove this letter from the Castle, seeing that it’s probably a letter from one of the various military ponies that the maid apparently dealt with regularly.
  5634. >Being caught with it in your possession would raise some unwanted questions, and seeing that you’re trying to leave the castle, the conclusion they would reach is all to obvious.
  5635. >You glance to Night Watch, who is currently, making he way up the stairs; his back turned toward you.
  5636. >Quickly, you turn to the desk and slip the letter into one of the lower drawers before closing it, and briskly trotting toward the stairs.
  5637. ———————
  5638. >Soon, both you and Night Watch are walking among the one of the many hallways the criss-cross the castle’s interior.
  5639. >As you walk, you find yourself passively looking at the various pieces of artwork and other finery that boarders the hall.
  5640. >Or perhaps more accurately, where they /did/ board the hall.
  5641. >You can’t help but notice a few wall mounts are suspiciously vacant; whatever artwork they once held now removed.
  5642. >While you would suspect that it might have been destroyed, you notice the artwork carefully piled at the end of the hallway.
  5643. >The Empress, fortunately appears to have enough respect for the art to at least not destroy it.
  5644. >Speaking of the Empress…
  5645. >You take a few speedy steps, bringing yourself beside Night Watch.
  5646. “Do you know where Empress Nightmare Moon is at right now?”
  5647. >He briefly nods his head.
  5648. >”If she’s keeping her schedule, she should be in the throne room right now, although I heard she might be having some important meetings today.”
  5649. >You nod your head in return.
  5650. >Night Watch makes a right turn, which you shadow, and yet again, you find yourself walking down another hallway.
  5651. “What if she is busy? I can’t just walk out of castle without her permission.”
  5652. >He smiles.
  5653. >”I’m sure we'll get to speak with her Ms. Octavia, you have nothing to worry about.”
  5654. >Resigning yourself to simply believing him, you silently follow Night Watch to your destination.
  5655. >…
  5656. >And soon you arrive.
  5657. >As you walk up to the massive, impossibly ornate doors, you take a moment to pause.
  5658. >You don’t pay attention the Night Watch as he continues to walk past you, ignoring your pause.
  5659. >You don’t pay attention to the pair of Night Guards, waring massive, yet oddly beautiful silver armor.
  5660. >None of that matters to you.
  5661. >You simply stare at the doors.
  5662. ———————
  5663. >The Massive, jewel encrusted sun that once covered the doors is now beneath a cloak of dark fabric.
  5664. >A clear, almost symbolic representation of the changes that Equestria is no-doubt experiencing outside.
  5665. >In a way, You can’t help but think this moment is symbolic for you as well.
  5666. >The last time you came through these doors, you came through hooded, ignorant of the world around you.
  5667. >Ignorant of the Empress, ignorant of the Beast; only knowing the world outside of the castle.
  5668. >Now, you are exactly the opposite.
  5669. >The world outside the castle is a mystery to you: The Empress, and the Beast are all you know.
  5670. >Now, you stand the the doors to the Throne Room, the Empress’ maid.
  5671. >If anything, she has been shown that she favors you, taking time to dine with you and your mother only this morning.
  5672. >That fact that you can get an audience with her at any-
  5673. “We’re sorry, Empress Nightmare Moon is currently occupied.”
  5674. >You’re ears perk up at the words, and your eyes shift back to the guards at the door.
  5675. >Seeing Night Watch talking with the guards, you walk closer to listen in.
  5676. >”I can assure you, this is a matter of importance to her, please, could you please let us speak to her?"
  5677. >Night Watch pleas your case to the guards, who stand taller than the stallion beside you.
  5678. >”The Empress is occupied, you will need to wait.”
  5679. >Night Watch looks over at you, a hint of concern and confusion in his eyes.
  5680. >Seeing that he doesn’t have a plan, you take a small step toward the guard.
  5681. “I can assure you, this must be a misunderstanding, I am Octavia Melody, one of the Empress’ personal maids.”
  5682. "I need to speak with her immediately; it’s a matter of personal concern to the Empress.”
  5683. >The guards both take a moment to simply stare at you.
  5684. ———————
  5685. >In the silence, you realize just how imposing they are.
  5686. >Both of them are massive, muscular unicorns, likely in the prime of their physical form.
  5687. >Their gaze is so intense that you begin to feel your heart race.
  5688. >They’re… scary.
  5689. >You look to the guard in front of the opposite door, who is also firmly staring at you.
  5690. >He looks familiar.
  5691. >But from where…
  5692. >…
  5693. >Suddenly, it dawns on you.
  5694. >Is he the stallion who-
  5695. >The voice of the guard in front of you interrupts your thoughts.
  5696. >”We aren't aware of any ‘Octavia Melody’ having business with the Empress. We suggest you both take your leave, or else we will be forced to arrest you for interfering in Royal Affairs.”
  5697. >You recoil a step back, your ears falling against your head.
  5698. >Clearly… this won’t work.
  5699. >In your panic at the pending threat of arrest, you make a hasty retreat.
  5700. ”Oh- ok. I understand. We’re sorry for troubling you…”
  5701. >Quickly, you turn around, and walk down the hallway.
  5702. >Only once you turn the corner you to stop, and take a minute to compose yourself.
  5703. >A moment later, Night Watch rounds the corner, and standing in front of you.
  5704. “What are we going to do now? We can’t talk to her about this…”
  5705. >He absent mindedly looks at one of the paintings hanging from the wall.
  5706. >”I don’t know… we can’t just sneak out of here…”
  5707. >He shifts his gaze, beside you, at what you presume to be your mane.
  5708. >”We could just go to the quartermaster, and see if he will go for us.”
  5709. >You shake your head.
  5710. “I don’t think so. He’s already gotten something for me, but I don’t want to keep pressuring him, if he reports me, that would be a problem.”
  5711. >”Umm…”
  5712. >Night Watch rubs his chin, clearly in mid thought.
  5713. ———————
  5714. >”I can’t think of anything else… Unless we try to make it ourselves; but I’m not sure we could even find the materials.”
  5715. “Almost certainly not, this isn’t your average fabric, so we can’t just stitch a few curtains together.”
  5716. >You chuckle slightly.
  5717. ”Even if it was, I don’t think I’m exactly qualified to make an outfit from scratch.”
  5718. >He breaks a small smile in return, but soon, it fades from his face.
  5719. >You still don’t have a plan.
  5720. >Night Watch walks a few steps, and looks around the corner, down the hallway yet again, before looking back to you.
  5721. >”Hey Octavia.”
  5722. >You turn to face him.
  5723. ”Yeah?”
  5724. >”Those guards just opened the doors, I think the meeting might be done.”
  5725. >You smile gently.
  5726. “That’s great! Let’s go and talk to her before she has another meet-“
  5727. >He places a hoof in the air, stopping you from walking closer to him.
  5728. >”I’ll go and talk to the Empress and explain our situation. You should probably go and change our of your outfit, I doubt you want to wear that outside right?”
  5729. >You look at him, slightly raising an eyebrow.
  5730. ”Don’t you think it would be best if I spoke to her? I spoke with the Beast directly, so she might want to speak with me.”
  5731. >He shakes his head.
  5732. >”She’ll need to speak with me regardless. I have to confirm your story right?”
  5733. >You nod weakly.
  5734. “Yeah…”
  5735. >”Good, so than it would make sense for you to change now, so that we don’t have to waste any time waiting for you to do it later, ok?”
  5736. >You take a moment to think.
  5737. >You’d think that the Nightmare Moon would want to speak with you in person…
  5738. >But at the same time, Night Watch is right about saving time; you aren’t sure how long you really have to get the dress made, and delays would be costly.
  5739. >You nod.
  5740. “Ok, that works, I’ll go change, and you’ll speak with the Nightmare Moon.”
  5741. >He narrows his eyes ever so slightly.
  5742. >”You mean the Empress, right?”
  5743. >You pause, confused about what he means.
  5744. >Then you realize your mistake.
  5745. “I’m sorry, I just had a slip of the tongue; I mean ‘Empress'.”
  5746. >He returns quickly to his casual tone.
  5747. >”Ok, I’ll meet you back in front of the Throne Room after you done ok?”
  5748. >You nod, and just as quickly, Night Watch and yourself both head in opposite directions.
  5749. ———————
  5750. >A short time passes, and soon you find yourself returning to the Throne Room, having deposited your maid uniform in your old cell.
  5751. >You must admit, after wearing it for the last few days, being nude once again feels refreshing.
  5752. >The walk seems noticeably shorter than before, as you've become familiar with the route to your destination.
  5753. >Rounding the corner of the hallway yet again, you look down the hallway, and see Night Watch standing in the atrium without his familiar armor on.
  5754. >Instead, he wears a simple black saddle bag, both sagging against his truck, appearing to be lighting filled.
  5755. >As you walk closer, he turns to you and smiles.
  5756. >Somewhat surprisingly, you notice that he isn’t entirely meep as you expected, but instead a sort of lean muscular.
  5757. >”Took you long enough Ms. Octavia, I thought you’d wouldn’t get here till sunrise!”
  5758. >You tilt your head in confusion, before the joke’s meaning dawns on you.
  5759. >Sunrise.
  5760. “Yes, I'm sorry, my original cell is quite a distance away.”
  5761. >He nods.
  5762. >”I understand, I was just teasing.”
  5763. >You nod gently in return.
  5764. “Did you talk to the Empress? What did she say?”
  5765. >He uses his magic to open one of his saddlebags, and pulls our what appears to be a necklace
  5766. >”She said it’s fine; so long as I serve as your escort.”
  5767. >Your eyes simply focus on the jewelery which he begins to levitate toward you.
  5768. >As you’re begin to register exactly what it is, your heart begins to race.
  5769. >It’s... beautiful.
  5770. >You lack words to describe it.
  5771. >White diamonds, gold trim, all surrounding small, deep, black diamonds.
  5772. “What what... is this for?”
  5773. >You look down at the mass of jewels hanging in front of you as you hear the collar snap shut behind your neck.
  5774. >”She told me that you should wear this, as you’re on official business of the Empress."
  5775. >You gently twist your neck, testing your range of motion.
  5776. ———————
  5777. “But this is… so much… are you sure this is right?”
  5778. >He nods.
  5779. >”She chose it personally Ms. Octavia, I can promise; it’s the right necklace.”
  5780. >You honestly still fail to entirely comprehend why she gave this to you to wear.
  5781. “Is it a good idea? To wear this? Wouldn’t it draw attention?”
  5782. >”We’re going to be leaving the castle; we won’t need any help getting everyone’s attention.”
  5783. >He gently reaches behind you, and pulls free a strand of hair from your mane which was caught in the necklace.
  5784. >”If it makes you feel any better, she will be collecting it from you upon our return.”
  5785. >Honestly, you didn’t even comprehend keeping it, so the news comes as no surprise, and does nothing to dampen your mood.
  5786. >”That’s no problem, I… I’ve never worn something like this before…”
  5787. >Night Watch begins to walk down the hallway, and taking notice, you follow beside closely beside him.
  5788. >...
  5789. >Thinking about it, that does make sense; you suspect that, at least in these first few days, the Castle has been relatively isolated from Canterlot.
  5790. “Well then, I suppose we should get going?”
  5791. >He nods in reply, before starting down the hallway.
  5792. >...
  5793. >A few minutes later, you finally find yourself at the exit of the castle’s grand lobby.
  5794. >As you descend the staircase along side Night Watch, the guard manning the doors gently pull them open, granting you clear passage into the courtyard outside.
  5795. >As you approach the Castle walls, you notice the numerous guard ponies all standing on the various platforms and watch towers.
  5796. ———————
  5797. >There’re so many of them.
  5798. >You never remember seeing this many guard posted at one time before.
  5799. >Normally, you might seen or two guards posted per section, but now there are at least triple that number.
  5800. >Continuing to walk forward, you soon near the Castle Wall’s most outer gate.
  5801. >Night Watch stops, and turns to you.
  5802. >”Are you ready Ms. Octavia?”
  5803. >You take a moment, and inhale deeply, attempting to relax yourself.
  5804. >Only now do you realize just how fast your heart is beating.
  5805. ”Yeah. Yeah, I’m ready.”
  5806. >Clearly Night Watch is able to see how nervous you are, and he gently pats your withers.
  5807. >”Don’t stress yourself out. It’s still the same Canterlot out there Ms. Octavia; there’s nothing to worry about.”
  5808. >You briefly close your eyes.
  5809. “I know- It’s just… I don’t know… I’m nervous…”
  5810. >”That’s natural.”
  5811. >Night watch turns to the guard controlling the gate door, and with only a nod, the door begins to slowly open.
  5812. >As the gap between the double doors grows progressively wider, you take a step forward, only walk into an outstretched leg.
  5813. >You turn to Night Watch in confusion, and perhaps expecting your question, he speaks.
  5814. >”Wait until it opens all the way. There are procedures to be followed Ms. Octavia; this is the Royal Palace after all.”
  5815. “Oh… yeah. Sorry.”
  5816. >A few more moments pass before the door finally opens fully, and you find yourself staring across the small bridge which separates the gate from the City of Canterlot proper.
  5817. >You can see ponies outside, even under the cover of darkness; their coats reflecting the flames from various lamps which line the roads.
  5818. >They must be new lamps, probably installed over the last couple days to compensate for…
  5819. >…
  5820. >Why are they all staring at you?
  5821. ———————
  5822. >You lean over slightly to whisper to Night Watch, but before you can speak, he begins walking forward.
  5823. >Quickly, and with a hint of fear in your step, you be hustle close beside him.
  5824. >Your gaze bounces back between Night Watch and the ponies, who have yet to stop looking.
  5825. >A thudding noise come from behind you, jump ever so slightly, turning around to notice the door has closed behind you.
  5826. >Swallowing softly, you face forward again, and notice the ponies are moving.
  5827. >All too quickly, you find yourself stepping off of the bridge, and into the market square before you.
  5828. >...
  5829. >The ponies who are walking near the various stalls lining the streets all speak in a soft, almost whisper of a tone.
  5830. >Your ears perk up by default and begin to swivel, hoping to hear what they are saying.
  5831. >Underneath the dull sounds of stallions talking, you hear the voice of a small filly.
  5832. >”But mama, I wanna buy some stwawburries!
  5833. >You turn to face the source of the noise, and see a small filly pointing up at a strawberry booth, her hooves only just touching the top of the table.
  5834. >Quickly, you see a mare hustle over and place a leg over the philly, pulling her down away from the stall.
  5835. >”Not now honey, let’s go inside…”
  5836. >You notice the mare being trailed by another, similarly colored unicorn colt.
  5837. >”But mama, we just came frwom here!”
  5838. >She shushes the filly, and continues to push to toward the front door with increased vigor.
  5839. >”Don’t worry, we’re just going in here for a minute, we’ll be right out…”
  5840. >…
  5841. >You turn away from the scene, all to aware of why they are hiding.
  5842. >There hiding from you.
  5843. >You quickly scan to relocate NightWatch, only to find him standing beside you.
  5844. >In a few moments, you come to an intersection, and stop in the center, turning to Nightwatch.
  5845. >He speaks first.
  5846. >”Where are we headed to Ms. Octavia?”
  5847. ———————
  5848. >The question is so basic it catches you entirely off guard.
  5849. >This entire time, you didn’t think of /where/ you would actually get the dress made.
  5850. “Uh…”
  5851. >You quickly think of every fashion store you know of in Canterlot, which there is no shortage of.
  5852. >While you never figured yourself to be a particularly fashion focuses mare, you certainly enjoyed a good a shopping as much as the next mare.
  5853. >We could…”
  5854. >Yet the more you think, the narrower that list gets.
  5855. >You’ve never purchased lingerie, much less had it custom made.
  5856. >While you’ve seen it sold feminine stores, most their stocks were simply shipped in from other stores across Equestria.
  5857. >The only places you’ve known to custom make clothing are the extremely expensive designer boutiques, and in Canterlot, expensive might be an understatement.
  5858. >...
  5859. >Then you remember!
  5860. “Come on Night Watch, I know where to go!”
  5861. >Before he can react, you start making your way toward the destination.
  5862. >You hear hoof steps trail you briefly, and soon Night Watch is by your side yet again.
  5863. >”You might telling me where we’re going, or are you just going to randomly run off on me?”
  5864. >You can’t help but smile at his cheeky comments.
  5865. “We’re going to Burr Cherry’s, her and her son are family friends. My mother knew her growing up.”
  5866. >”Burr Cherry? Do you mean /that/ Burr Cherry? You know her?”
  5867. >You nod.
  5868. ”Yeah I do. I used to play with her son, Burr Berry, growing up together. He’s actually invited me to a few dances over the years.”
  5869. >Your ears fall flat.
  5870. “That was years ago though… I haven’t gotten to speak with him much. He went to Prance to study fashion for a few years. We haven’t seen each other in months…”
  5871. ———————
  5872. >Night Watch gently shoulder nudges you.
  5873. >“Well maybe you could use this as a chance to catch up heh? No time like the present.”
  5874. >You nod solemnly.
  5875. “Yeah… I guess so…”
  5876. >…
  5877. >Continuing on your way to Burr Cherry’s boutique, you notice two guards posted outside of a building.
  5878. >As you approach, you notice it’s a… school?
  5879. You slow your pace, and nudge Night Watch.
  5880. “Night Watch?”
  5881. >He takes a moment to respond, his thoughts somewhere else.
  5882. >”Yes Ms. Octavia? What is it?”
  5883. >You slightly raise your hoof, pointing toward the school, but not so much as to draw attention.
  5884. “Those guards there- why are the standing outside a school?”
  5885. >Night Watch turns, and facing the building.
  5886. >As you walk, you manage to peak into the window, and notice small fillies and colts all sitting at their desk.
  5887. >There… doing schoolwork.
  5888. >You catch a passing glance, and looking at the chalkboard, you can notice what appears to be mathematics written on it.
  5889. >”The Empress has been forced to… make parents take their children to school.”
  5890. >You turn to him, and he faces you in return.
  5891. “Force them? Why?”
  5892. >”In the panic of Empress Nightmare Moon’s return, some parents didn’t feel it was safe for their fillies outside.”
  5893. >He points back to the school, which is now some distance behind you.
  5894. >”In efforts to calm their fears, she has ensured that the schools are all protected by Royal Guard, and has been tracking attendance to make sure everyone shows up.”
  5895. >You nod.
  5896. >While it makes sense, you can’t help but fill that it might be slightly counter productive.
  5897. >This ponies probably fear Nightmare Moon, and posting these new guards outside schools might not be the most elegant solution to the problem at hand.
  5898. ———————
  5899. >After far some time, you eventually near the fashion district.
  5900. >You never frequented this area, given that you never had reason to get dress up too often.
  5901. >Even so, the mare in you can’t help but get slightly excited.
  5902. >The gowns, the hoof guards, the fragrance stores…
  5903. >There all so alluring.
  5904. >Growing up, it was more difficult for you to find dresses than many of your classmates.
  5905. >Given that this is Canterlot, many of the stores tailored to fit Unicorns.
  5906. >While this wasn’t as large of an issue for you as it was for a pegasus, many dresses and hats were built for horn accessories that you simply couldn’t wear, and as such, a number of outfits looked… incomplete… on you.
  5907. >Walking up to the front entrance of Burr Cherries, you take a second to simply stare at the storefront.
  5908. >It’s nothing special; no different from the dozens of stores around it.
  5909. >But to you, this store was host to so many memories.
  5910. >Burr Cherry and Burr Berry were both earth ponies, and tailored their products to fit that clientele.
  5911. >This meant that whenever you did go shopping for an outfit for a special occasion, this was your destination.
  5912. ———————
  5913. >Yes, so many memories.
  5914. >Hearts and Hooves Day gowns.
  5915. >Bride maids gowns
  5916. >...
  5917. >Your heart begins to race slightly.
  5918. >Your Academy First Year Gala gown.
  5919. >You blush.
  5920. >You even had your first kiss here with Burr Berry after that Gala.
  5921. >A ping of sadness hits you.
  5922. >That was so many years ago…
  5923. [spoiler]You still have his bowtie from that day[/spoiler]
  5924. >”So… are we going to go in, or are we just window shopping?”
  5925. >Back to reality.
  5926. “Right, I’m sorry, let’s go.”
  5927. >You walk up, and put your hoof onto the door, gently opening it.
  5928. >Instantly, a familiar voice finds your ears.
  5929. >”Hold on minute, I’ll be right out!”
  5930. >You step into the store, opting to simply stand in the lobby.
  5931. >Both you and Night Watch ideally scan the store waiting for somepony to greet you.
  5932. >A wide variety of outfits line the store, from Stallion’s coats, to mare’s casual wear.
  5933. >The Burrs make some of your favorite styles in Canterlot, and judging by their popularity, you aren’t the only pony who believes it.
  5934. >While you're sure Burr Cherry would gladly give you free clothing if you asked, you’d never take advantage of her generosity.
  5935. >Moments pass before a cream colored pony with a cherry red mane walks out, holding a cup of tea.
  5936. >She doesn’t look at you, instead gently blowing steam from the hot cup.
  5937. >”I’m terribly sorry, I was just making myself-“
  5938. “It’s nothing Mrs. Cherry, don’t worry about it.”
  5939. >Her ears perk up instantly, clearly recognizing the voice.
  5940. >She looks up, and instantly recoils.
  5941. >”Octavia!”
  5942. ———————
  5943. >She quickly sets down her cup of tea before walking toward you.
  5944. >”Oh Octavia! It’s so good it see you!”
  5945. >As you return the embrace, a sincere feeling of relaxation overtakes you.
  5946. “It’s… good to see you too.”
  5947. >”I was so worried something might have happened to me little Tavi…”
  5948. >She nuzzles your neck.
  5949. >”I haven’t heard from your mother since… all of this started... and when I went to your house no one was home…”
  5950. >Your ears perk up slightly, hearing hoof steps in the background.
  5951. >”It doesn’t matter though. I’m just happy you’re here.”
  5952. “I’m happy to be here too Ms. Cherry.”
  5953. >”Octavia?”
  5954. >You break the hug with Ms. Cherry, and look over her shoulder to see Bur Berry looking at you.
  5955. “Berry?”
  5956. >He smiles, and gallops toward you.
  5957. >”Octavia! I haven’t seen you in years!”
  5958. >Burr Cherry barely manages to step out of the way before Burr Berry all but gallops toward you.
  5959. >You move toward him as well, and soon, you're hugging each other close.
  5960. “Berry- it’s been so long.”
  5961. >He chuckles under his breathe.
  5962. >"I know."
  5963. >You both break the embrace after a moment.
  5964. >”I haven’t seen since before I left for Prance.”
  5965. >You open your mouth to reply, but before you can, Ms. Cherry interrupts.
  5966. >”Octavia! Where did you get that Necklace? It’s gorgeous!”
  5967. >You turn around slightly and look at Ms. Cherry, before also looking down at your necklace.
  5968. >The store’s light plays off of the diamonds, creating a truly marvelous display.
  5969. >…
  5970. >You open your mouth to reply only to realize…
  5971. >You don’t have an answer.
  5972. >You surely can’t mention where it /actually/ came from.
  5973. ———————
  5974. >”Oh this? Well…”
  5975. >You look around the room, as if an answer will simply appear from thin air.
  5976. >First at Ms. Cherry, than Berry, than-
  5977. >Night Watch.
  5978. >With no better idea, and not wanting to raise any suspicions, you answer.
  5979. >”He got it for me.”
  5980. >You raise your left hoof, and point toward Night Watch.
  5981. >He’s eyes meet yours, and for a moment, a look of surprise appears on his face.
  5982. >Then, almost instantly, it disappears.
  5983. >”Oh? And who might /this/ strrrapping young colt be?”
  5984. >Ms. Cherry turns around, and walks toward Night Watch, so close they almost touch noises.
  5985. >Night Watch surprisingly, seems unfazed by her complete disregard to personal space, and responds with surprising grace.
  5986. “My name is Esteemed Estate ma’am…”
  5987. >He bows slightly, and lifts Cherry’s hoof, giving it a small kiss.”
  5988. >”It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
  5989. >…
  5990. >You honestly find yourself at a loss for words.
  5991. >Esteemed Estate?
  5992. >He seems so confident in his act, it convinces even you.
  5993. >”Oh my! Well Octavia /did /find herself a true Gentlecolt didn’t she?”
  5994. >Almost out of reflex, you want to correct her, but quickly bite your tongue, realizing that you need to play along.
  5995. >The less questions the better.
  5996. “Yes… yes he is Ms. Cherry.”
  5997. >She giggles slightly.
  5998. >”Well you better keep watch him close, or I might be tempted to take him from you…”
  5999. >Cherry’s typical playful banter helps to ease you back down from your brief moment of nervousness.
  6000. >Turning, you come to face…
  6001. ———————
  6002. >Burr Berry.
  6003. >He’s simply staring at Night Watch, his jaw ever so slightly open, almost in disbelief.
  6004. >Why is he-
  6005. >Oh.
  6006. >Oh no.
  6007. >You feel a pit form in your stomach as it hits you.
  6008. >He… he still likes you.
  6009. >And you just said you had a colt-friend.
  6010. >Suddenly, his eyes shift to you, and you divert your gaze out of panic.
  6011. >What can you say?
  6012. >Night Watch, as if aware of the situation, swoops in and interrupts the pause.
  6013. >”Hello Mr. Berry, It’s a pleasure to finally meet; Octavia told me about you...”
  6014. >Night Watch’s hoof hangs in front of you, waiting for Berry to return the gesture.
  6015. >Burr Berry diverts his gaze to Night Watch for a moment and simply stares, before extending his hoof.
  6016. >”Yes… it’s... nice to meet you too…”
  6017. >Satisfied with the hoof shake, Night Watch drops his hoof, and Berry soon follows.
  6018. >As if stunned by the situation, Burr Berry speaks.
  6019. >”So… why did you ponies come here?”
  6020. >…
  6021. >You turn to Night Watch, and open your mouth to ask him to retrieve the drawings from his saddle bag when…
  6022. >...
  6023. >Only now do you realize how ill prepared you are for this situation.
  6024. >How could you possibly explain this?
  6025. >This isn’t a dress.
  6026. >It’s lingerie, provoking enough to make a whorse blush.
  6027. ”We um…”
  6028. >Sensing your uncertainty, Night Watch yet again takes the lead, and looks toward Ms. Cherry.
  6029. >”We’re here to have an outfit made for Octavia. She sketched it herself, and I’d like to have it produced.”
  6030. >Ms. Cherry smiles, and chuckles softly.
  6031. >”Oh Honey, don’t ask me about that, I haven’t made an outfit in months…”
  6032. ———————
  6033. >Shocked, you turn to Burr Cherry.
  6034. “Months? Why? Did something happen?”
  6035. >She giggles again.
  6036. >”Oh no sugar, nothing happened. I’ve just decided to take a small break, and seeing that my little colt just got back from Prance, I figured now is as-good-a-time-as-any to let him test out his skills.”
  6037. >You gently “ohhh” in response.
  6038. >It makes sense, he /did/ go to fashion school after all.
  6039. >You hear two soft clicks, and gently, papers are levitated toward Burr Berry.
  6040. >It takes you a moment to realize what’s happening, but when you do, it’s almost as if it’s happening in slow motion.
  6041. >Burr Berry is about to see this drawing.
  6042. >He’s going to think that you drew it.
  6043. >For yourself.
  6044. >…
  6045. >For Night Watch.
  6046. >…
  6047. >Before you can react, or make an attempt to stop him, he reaches up and grabs them.
  6048. >Gently unfolding the papers, his eyes lower onto the ink drawing below.
  6049. >You can see the moment he’s eyes register the images before him.
  6050. >Instantly he looks up at you, and then to Night Watch, than back to you.
  6051. >Turning away in shame, you force yourself to look elsewhere.
  6052. >”Let me see honey, I’ve never knew Octavia had a eye for design.”
  6053. >Your heart, begins to race even faster than you thought possible.
  6054. >Turning to Ms. Cherry, you see her trying to peer over Berry’s shoulder, and onto the drawings.
  6055. >With the luck of the stars he pulls the papers away, and turns to his mother.
  6056. >”It’s- it’s nothing special, and it’s missing measurements.”
  6057. >He looks up at Night Watch for a moment, before turning back to his mother.
  6058. >"How about you and Mr. Estate go and unload the shipment of fabrics we just while I measure Octavia, I’ll show you the dress when it’s finished."
  6059. ———————
  6060. >Berry quickly folds the papers, and hands them back to you.
  6061. >Cherry, in line with her almost perpetual happiness, smiles, and looks toward Night Watch.
  6062. >Reaching out, she places a hoof on Night Watch’s chest, and runs it gently down his coat.
  6063. >”That’s fine by me… I’m sure I could use the helping hooves of a /big,/ /strong/ stallion.”
  6064. >Her half-lidded eyes and gentle smile look blatantly seductive.
  6065. >Night Watch’s cheeks turn visibly red, even under his coat.
  6066. >”I… uh…”
  6067. >She giggles.
  6068. >”I’m just teasin’ hun. I’m sure Octavia’s got you all locked up for herself.”
  6069. >You can almost feel the sigh of relief exist his nostrils.
  6070. >”Now come sugar, this is a large package, and a little old mare like myself can only do so much manual labor.”
  6071. >Turning around, Burr Cherry exists the front room with Night Watch following close behind.
  6072. >As the door clicks shut you find yourself alone with Burr Berry.
  6073. >Turning to face him, you desperately hope that he isn’t upset.
  6074. >Judging by his facial expression, that clearly isn’t the case.
  6075. ———————
  6076. >You instantly turn away, looking at a random dress hanging on a rack.
  6077. ”Burr Berry, I… It’s not-“
  6078. >”No- no, it’s nothing, let’s just get your measurements, follow me.”
  6079. >You can pratically feel the sarcasm leaving his mouth.
  6080. >Your ears drop as you turn to respond, but by that time, he is already making his way to the viewing platform.
  6081. >”You can set the sketches over the table, I’m just going to measure you, and you can leave while I make the outfit.”
  6082. >He simply motions toward a small stool, not even bothering to face you.
  6083. >You can’t help but feel a rush of emotion.
  6084. >You… you didn’t mean to hurt him like this…
  6085. >Not knowing what to do, you place the sketches down, and walk toward the platform.
  6086. >As you step up the steps, you find yourself surrounded by mirrors.
  6087. >Your necklace yet again plays with the light.
  6088. >That’s not what you’re looking at though.
  6089. >Burr Berry is retrieving measuring tape from a small drawer in front of you.
  6090. >Although he’s looking away from you, the mirrors allow you to see his face.
  6091. >He’s eyes look unfocused as he searches the drawer for his tools.
  6092. >While he’s doing his best to maintain composure, you can tell he’s adrenaline is rushing.
  6093. >He’s hooves are shaking ever so slightly.
  6094. >It hurts to even watch him struggle before you, but as you look down upon him, you can’t help feeling… helpless.
  6095. >What can you do?
  6096. >You- you can’t tell him the truth.
  6097. >You can’t tell him you lied to him.
  6098. >He turns around, and doesn’t even bother to look at you, instead walking up beside you, and begins taking measurements.
  6099. >You’re honestly at a loss for words.
  6100. ———————
  6101. >As a last-ditch effort, you try to start a conversation.
  6102. ”So… how was Prance?”
  6103. >”Good.”
  6104. >…
  6105. >He reaches around you, placing the tape around your neck and pulling it tight before writing the measurements on the paper.
  6106. >”What did you do while you were there?”
  6107. “It was Fashion School Octavia. What do you think I did? - I studied. I made clothes.”
  6108. >You swallow.
  6109. >Closing your eyes, you can feel tears beginning to collect in your eyelids.
  6110. >You can’t help but feel angry at yourself.
  6111. >You- you messed up. Bad.
  6112. ”Did you… make any new friends? I’m sure you met a few other fashion ponies while you were there…”
  6113. >”Not any mares, no, I didn’t.”
  6114. >A tear escapes your eye, and falls on your cheek.
  6115. >Oh stars, what have you done?”
  6116. >And- and now you’re crying?
  6117. >The more you think about it, the more you want to cry.
  6118. >You feel the the measuring tape rap around your front leg, tightening for a second, before falling away.
  6119. >The sound of a pen scratching paper feels the otherwise silent air.
  6120. >”And how have you been?”
  6121. >Your ears perk up at his voice.
  6122. “I’ve been… good.”
  6123. >”That’s good.”
  6124. The tape again meets your leg, this time measuring it’s length.
  6125. >In the mirror you watch Berry take measurements, clearly focused on his work.
  6126. >All too quickly, you realize he’s probably trying to think of anything other than you right now.
  6127. ———————
  6128. >You begin to realize that he has no intention of actually talking to you, and trying to dodge the matter at hand isn’t helping.
  6129. >Talking a short breathe, you gather yourself.
  6130. ”Berry… please… let’s just talk…”
  6131. >”What is there to talk about /Rarity?/“
  6132. >You’re ears drop at his tone.
  6133. >It’s the most angry you’ve ever heard him.
  6134. “Rarity?”
  6135. >”That’s the name on the collar.”
  6136. “What coll-“
  6137. “The sketch, it had a collar. /Rarity./ Is that what he calls you in bed? /Rarity?/ Is that you’re little pet name?”
  6138. >You desperately shake your head.
  6139. “No Berry, that’s not it at all, I-“
  6140. >He throws his notebook onto the ground, loose notes scattering on the ground.
  6141. >”Than what /is/ it Octavia? Why the buck did you come here? For some sort of sick entertainment? To humiliate me?"
  6142. >You recoil, taking a few steps back from the stallion before you.
  6143. >Oh stars, you don’t know what to say…
  6144. >In a moment of panic fueled idiocy, you tell the truth.
  6145. ”I just needed a dress made…”
  6146. >”A DRESS? Don’t buck with me Octavia! That’s a bucking whorse’s bedding saddle! Not a dress!”
  6147. >You realize just how loudly he’s yelling.
  6148. ”Berry please, calm down, you’re mother might hear-“
  6149. >“Do you think I care Tavi? Do you want me to show her those drawings?
  6150. “NO!!!”
  6151. >…
  6152. >A moment of thick, heavy silence fills the air.
  6153. >You can feel your throat tighten as you become increasingly stressed and panicked.
  6154. >You almost can’t manage to force words from your mouth.
  6155. ”Please… Berry… just let me explain…”
  6156. >”Explain what Tavi? That you’re getting rutted by some stallion? I can clearly see that by myself…”
  6157. ———————
  6158. >He turns away, before instantly turning back around, pacing infant of you.
  6159. >”Who the buck even is that Stallion? Where did you meet him at huh? I never even heard his name before!”
  6160. >Your ming scrambles to find an answer.
  6161. “We met at a social… it- it was a few months back…”
  6162. >He snorts hot air from his nose as he continues to pace.
  6163. >All you can do is stare at the mirrors in front of you.
  6164. >”He’s a unicorn for Celestia’s shake Octavia… a unicorn…”
  6165. >You look down in shame.
  6166. >...
  6167. >Berry had confidence issues with unicorns.
  6168. >When he was young, him and his mother moved into Canterlot, and lived in the… poorer sections.
  6169. >He was constantly harassed and bullied by unicorns, far more so than you.
  6170. >He would sometimes wake up to people breaking his window with a rock, and throwing mud onto him in bed.
  6171. >One of his exes, a unicorn mare, dated Berry after loosing a bet.
  6172. >She invited him to a party at her parent’s house, where she publicly dumped him for being an earth pony.
  6173. >Needless to say… he still struggles with the issue.
  6174. >...
  6175. >Trying your best not to re-open old wounds, you speak.
  6176. “That’s not it at all, he was funny… we get along well…”
  6177. >”Are you sure it’s not the bits Octavia?”
  6178. >He points to your necklace, which you look down at.
  6179. >”Do you know how much something like that cost Octavia? That’s probably worth MILLIONS!"
  6180. >"You’re wearing some families entire life’s salaries on your neck right now.”
  6181. ———————
  6182. >He takes a breathe.
  6183. >”That’s probably why you went after him isn’t it: So you won’t ever have to work again?”
  6184. ”Berry, no, that’s not-“
  6185. >”Are you even in musical school anymore, is that not worth your time anymore?”
  6186. >You look away.
  6187. ”I- something came up, I had to-“
  6188. >”Oh Celestia, Octavia, you left school for him? And it ISN’T about the bits?”
  6189. >You shake your head.
  6190. ”It’s not the bits Berry, honest. We… get along well…”
  6191. >”Then what’s his favorite color?”
  6192. >You blink, and wipe a tear from your cheek.
  6193. ”Wha-“
  6194. >”What’s his favorite color Octavia? Tell me, and I’ll check with him when we’re done.”
  6195. >You wince, knowing that you don’t know the answer.
  6196. ”Burr Berry, that’s not fair-“
  6197. >Not settling for no answer, he continues to press.
  6198. >”What’s his favorite hoofball team? You must know at least that.”
  6199. >You stutter our a response.
  6200. ”Ni- I mean… Estate… doesn’t like sports.”
  6201. >Berry shakes his head, and runs his hoof through his mane.
  6202. >“Than what does he like Octavia? Tell me one thing he likes, and I’ll ask him about it!”
  6203. >The room falls silent.
  6204. >You don’t have an answer.
  6205. >Opening you’re mouth, you silently wish that words will form.
  6206. ”Berry… I…he doesn’t…”
  6207. >He doesn’t do anything.
  6208. >He just stares.
  6209. >”Y-you really are rutting him for bits, aren’t you?”
  6210. >You lower your head.
  6211. >As much as you desperately want to explain your situation to him, you know you can’t.
  6212. ”Berry, please, just listen. There are… things I can’t tell you.”
  6213. ”I know how bad this looks- I really do. But please, I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.
  6214. “I didn’t mean to hurt you."
  6215. ———————
  6216. >Judging by his expression, he doesn’t buy it.
  6217. >You wouldn’t either.
  6218. >With so little information, it’s all but impossible for him to figure out the truth.
  6219. >He just lowers his head, shaking it softly.
  6220. >He sniffles.
  6221. >”I just- this isn’t the Octavia I knew. This isn’t the Tavi I loved…”
  6222. >You turn away, fighting back the urge to cry.
  6223. >”You can leave, I have your measurements already.”
  6224. “You- but you didn’t finish measur-“
  6225. >He leans over, and grabs a piece of paper off of the ground.
  6226. >”These are the measurements from when my mother made you a dress a few months back.”
  6227. >He holds it up to you briefly, before throwing it back on the ground.
  6228. >”I was planning on making you a dress before this-"
  6229. >He points out the front window.
  6230. >”Before all of /this/ happened.
  6231. >”I was going to ask you out Tavi. But now- well, now we both know that’s not happening.”
  6232. >You shake your head, in denial of the situation around you.
  6233. >”Berry, please, I didn’t mean to-“
  6234. >You walk down the steps, and trying to hug the stallion.
  6235. >Instead, you only manage to walk into his outstretched leg.
  6236. >”I’ll go get your wallet, you can wait by the door.”
  6237. >Defeated, you set your hooves on the ground.
  6238. >Burr Berry turns away, and walks through the back door.
  6239. >All you can manage is to stand still, and cry.
  6240. ———————
  6241. >Only a few seconds pass before Berry returns through the door, closing it behind him.
  6242. >”He’s coming out now.”
  6243. >A clear, crisp venom is apparent in his words.
  6244. >"After this, I don’t want to see you around here again; we’re done.”
  6245. >Your ears drop in response, and you look away.
  6246. >You want to say something, /anything/ to make this better.
  6247. >But you can’t.
  6248. >Instead, you have to sit here, and just watch as your friendship falls apart.
  6249. >Through shear force of mind, you bring yourself to focus on the present.
  6250. “You’re- you’re still going to make the outfit, right?”
  6251. >The words clumsily stumble from your mouth.
  6252. >You don’t want to talk about it, but you have to; it’s the entire reason for you being here.
  6253. >He nods curtly.
  6254. >”Yes, I am… I- I can’t have someone like him walk out dissatisfied…”
  6255. >He looks into the distance.
  6256. >”That damn stallion probably knows too many ponies. I can’t ruin my mother’s business…”
  6257. >You don’t reply.
  6258. >The damage has been done, saying anything else will probably just make things worse.
  6259. ———————
  6260. >The door swings open, and Burr Cherry, followed by Night Watch enter the room.
  6261. >Ms. Cherry is giggling softly, before turning to you.
  6262. >”Octavia darling, are you sure you don’t want to stay for a while while Berry makes your dress? Estate is such an interesting pony, and I’d love to hear more about my little Octavia’s stallion.”
  6263. >You look at Berry with a slight cringe.
  6264. >He doesn’t even bother to look back.
  6265. >Knowing better than to make things any worse, you reply.
  6266. ”I- I’m sorry Ms. Cherry, but we had other plans, We’ll stop by to pick up the dress in a little bit.”
  6267. >She smiles gently.
  6268. >”I understand. We’ll make sure to have it ready by the time you come back.”
  6269. >You look toward Night Watch, who nods softly, clearly understanding that you want to leave.
  6270. >He walks toward you, and places his hoof on your withers.
  6271. >This time you cringe slightly, almost shying away from his touch.
  6272. >Is he trying to make this worse?
  6273. >”Come on Tavi, I believe we had reservations correct?”
  6274. >You nod.
  6275. >”That’s right. Our reservations. We wouldn’t want to be late.”
  6276. >You shake your body slightly, signaling for Night Watch to remove his hoof.
  6277. “We’ll be back soon Ms. Cherry.”
  6278. >She nods.
  6279. >”Oh, take your time sugar, we’ll hold it as long as you need.”
  6280. >Turning toward the door, you take one last look at Berry.
  6281. >He still hasn’t bothered to face you again.
  6282. >With a feeling of resignation, you turn toward the door, and take your leave.
  6283. ———————
  6284. >Soon you find yourself walking down the streets of Canterlot, Night Watch at your side again.
  6285. >”Those two were nice ponies Octavia, Ms. Cherry is an interesting mare, isn’t she?”
  6286. >The idea of conversation almost makes your stomach turn.
  6287. ”Yeah…yeah- she is…”
  6288. >Clearly ignorant of your emotional stress, he continues to talk.
  6289. >”Next time, try not to put me on the spot like that ok? I’m not too good at acting like somepony I’m-“
  6290. “Could we…not talk right now? I’m sorry, I just have a lot of things on my mind.”
  6291. >Out of the corner of your eye you notice that he has turned to face you.
  6292. >”Oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-“
  6293. “It’s fine- let’s just- go somewhere- I don’t care, just not back there…"
  6294. >He looks at you curiously.
  6295. >”Um… we could get something to eat?”
  6296. >You’ve already eaten twice today, and aren’t particularly hungry, but given the situation, you don’t really care.
  6297. >”That’s fine, I’ll just order some water or something.”
  6298. >He nods softly.
  6299. >You’re certain he knows you're upset, and doesn’t want to further annoy you.
  6300. >It’s almost strange.
  6301. >/You’re/ the prisoner here, and yet he’s the one walking on egg-shells.
  6302. >You suppose it’s just a mare thing.
  6303. ———————
  6304. >As you make your way through Canterlot, you passively observe the city around you.
  6305. >Every so often you’d receive strange looks from ponies.
  6306. >The occasional mare looking at your necklace, then Night Watch.
  6307. >The occasional stallion looking at your necklace, then your flank, then Night Watch.
  6308. >It makes you uncomfortable.
  6309. >While you’ve caught a few stallions staring at you before, it now seems like every pony in Canterlot is looking at you.
  6310. >You wonder what they must think of you.
  6311. >Do they think that you’re aristocracy?
  6312. >Instantly, you dispel the idea from your mind.
  6313. >Earth ponies were rare in Canterlot, let alone in higher social classes.
  6314. >While your family was far from poor, they were even further from the type of pony who might own something like...this.
  6315. >Another thought, far more disturbing enters your mind.
  6316. >Do they think you’re just some whorse rutting for bits?
  6317. >You turn to look at Night Watch, who is scanning the sparsely crowded streets.
  6318. >Do they think… he’s paying you?
  6319. >That you’ve sold yourself out for a shiny piece of jewelry?
  6320. >You can’t help but feel disgusted at the idea.
  6321. >Is that why the Empress made you wear it?
  6322. >…
  6323. >You get angry at your own stupidity, and feel your coat warm up ever so slightly.
  6324. >You shouldn’t have worn this- this /thing./
  6325. >Looking down at the necklace, you can’t help but notice just how big it is.
  6326. >It feels so much heavier than before.
  6327. >You want it off.
  6328. >You’d rather be an average pony than be thought of as a high whorse who ruts for rocks.
  6329. ———————
  6330. >For a split second, you actually think about taking it off.
  6331. >Equally as quickly, you decide against it.
  6332. >It would be a foolish idea, to discard something the Empress gave you.
  6333. >For something this valuable, you can only assume the punishment would be… brutal.
  6334. >Resigning yourself to wearing the neckless, you gently rub your neck, readjusting the weight on your fur.
  6335. >…
  6336. >Not soon enough, you arrive at the Restaurant District.
  6337. >You notice this area is much more crowded than the rest of the streets you’ve walked so far.
  6338. >It strikes you as slightly strange, given that it’s almost entirely recreational in purpose.
  6339. >Judging from the atmosphere around the city so far, ponies aren’t exactly in the best moods…
  6340. >”Do you want to go anywhere in particular Ms. Octavia? I don’t have a preference.”
  6341. >You look down the road at the various options.
  6342. “I don’t really care either… whichever you prefer…”
  6343. >He sighs slightly, pointing at a particular store.
  6344. >”How about that one?”
  6345. >Following his hoof, your eyes are met with a sign.
  6346. >You feel the almost familiar sense of nervousness come over you.
  6347. “That one? The Prench Laundry?”
  6348. >He nods his head.
  6349. >”Yeah, why? Don’t you like it?”
  6350. >You shake your head.
  6351. ”N-no It’s just… that’s really expensive…”
  6352. >He dismisses your concern.
  6353. >”The Empress gave us quite a few bits to spend; I’m sure she wouldn’t might us grabbing a bite to eat."
  6354. >You nod gently.
  6355. "Yeah but… this is a lot…"
  6356. >Almost ignoring you, he begins to walk toward the small building.
  6357. >Realizing that the decision has been made for you, you hurry to catch up beside the stallion.
  6358. ———————
  6359. >Night Watch holds the door for you as you enter the greeting area of the restaurant.
  6360. >You notice just how dark it is.
  6361. >The lack of natural lighting causes the candles to cast deep shadows across the room.
  6362. >You’d say it was almost romantic.
  6363. >A hostess walks up to both you and Night Watch, before speaking.
  6364. >”Good day, may I ask what name your reservation is under?
  6365. >Reservation?
  6366. >Night Watch didn’t make reservations...
  6367. >”I’d like to speak with the Head Chef please.”
  6368. >The mare looks up from the log book in front of her, with some confusion on her face.
  6369. >”I’m sorry, but the chef is currently busy.”
  6370. >”I understand, but I can assure you, it’s an important, private matter. Please retrieve him.”
  6371. >You begin to feel that something is off.
  6372. >It’s apparent that he doesn’t have reservations, and you know restaurants like this don’t accept walk-ins.
  6373. >The Prench Laundry waiting list is months long; and if your memory is correct, it’s primarily used by nobility.
  6374. >...
  6375. >The hostess pauses for a moment, likely to consider the demand.
  6376. >You notice her eyes briefly look toward you, and just as quickly, to your necklace.
  6377. >She turns her gaze to Night Watch.
  6378. >”I understand; if you’d excuse me, I’ll see if he is available.
  6379. >With practiced poise, the hostess turns around, and retreats into the main serving room of the restaurant.
  6380. >You turn to Night Watch, a hint of anger an annoyance in your voice.
  6381. “Do you even have reservations? We can’t just walk into a place like this, they have waiting list, and-“
  6382. >He interrupts your small outburst.
  6383. >”Octavia, please, I know what I’m doing.”
  6384. >The almost dismissive tone in his voice only serves to annoy you, but you decide against further questioning.
  6385. ———————
  6386. >A few short minutes pass as you wait for the Chef to arrive.
  6387. >Not feeling exceptionally talkative, you decide to look at one of the painting posted in the lobby.
  6388. >One in particular catches your eye.
  6389. >The EverFree Ruins.
  6390. >Or more accurately, some artist’s interpretation of them.
  6391. >Very, very few ponies have journeyed far enough into the forest to visit them, making knowledge about them very limited.
  6392. >No pony knows exactly when they were created, or by who.
  6393. >No pony even knows exactly /how/ they were made.
  6394. >As a result of this almost mythical nature, they’ve become the subject of various pieces of art, similar to the one before you.
  6395. >As you scan the image, you must admit that it is one of the more… attractive paintings you’ve seen.
  6396. >Attractive isn’t the right word…
  6397. >Mesmerizing.
  6398. >The sense of lost grandeur.
  6399. >The feeling of decay.
  6400. >The bleakness of abandonment.
  6401. >And yet, at the same time, they seem almost… majestic.
  6402. >Their refusal to fail serving as a testament to their pride.
  6403. >As if they’ve themselves become a part of nature.
  6404. >That nature has been forced to mold around its form.
  6405. >It’s an almost melancholy piece of art, as if the Ruins have-
  6406. ———————
  6407. >”I’m extremely sorry, sir, I had to tend to one of our guest.”
  6408. >Your musings are interrupted by the voice of a stallion, and turning, you see the Head Chef standing before you.
  6409. >Night Watch casually replies.
  6410. >”It’s no problem, we weren’t busy.”
  6411. >The nods slightly.
  6412. >”Right. Fine Wine mentioned that you wanted to speak with me?”
  6413. >Night Watch nods.
  6414. >”Yes, I would like to rent this restaurant for the evening.”
  6415. >The Chef smirks slightly.
  6416. >”M’yes. I’m sorry, but we only take reservations. If you wish, Wine here can take your information and deposit, and you can come back at a later date.”
  6417. >Night Watch shakes his head, before producing a piece of paper from his saddle bag.
  6418. >”I believe you misunderstood. I wish to rent the /entire/ restaurant for the evening.
  6419. >Night Watch unrolls the scroll, before levitating it before the chef.
  6420. >You watch as the Chef’s eyes briefly scan the scroll, before growing wide.
  6421. >He looks to you, and then to Night Watch, than back to the scroll.
  6422. >With a soft, yet sharp tone, he turns toward his hostess.
  6423. >”Wine, please tell our guest that we are very sorry, but we are closing, and they must leave.”
  6424. ———————
  6425. >Ms. Wine hesitates for a moment, confused by the demand.
  6426. >”Sir?”
  6427. >In short order, the chef replies.
  6428. >”Do it, quickly.”
  6429. >You watch as Fine Wine quickly nods, and disappears into the dinning area.
  6430. >Soon enough, you hear chairs sliding against the hard wood floors, as the ponies begin to leave.
  6431. >A number of ponies, mainly nobles, begin to walk past you toward the door.
  6432. >Nearly every single one is a unicorn.
  6433. >They all look at you, a clear, explicit image of anger worn on their faces.
  6434. >In the steady stream of unicorns, you notice one or two earth pony mares practically draped over their stallions.
  6435. >Their flanks softly grinding against their date’s trunk.
  6436. >One of the stallions is even beginning to unsheathe himself as he walks.
  6437. >The earth pony mare beside him giggles, and nuzzles his neck.
  6438. >You look down at the floor.
  6439. >Why are you even noticing this?
  6440. >You’ve- you’ve never judged a ponies like this before…
  6441. >Unfortunately, looking down only brings the Empress’ necklace into view, reminding you of how these ponies see you.
  6442. >You… you probably look just like that mare.
  6443. >Night Watch probably looks just like that stallion.
  6444. >You’re nothing more than a whorse to them; an expensive, earth pony whorse who knows her place.
  6445. ———————
  6446. >Are they right?
  6447. >...
  6448. >After the last of the nobles leave, Fine Wine returns to the front.
  6449. >”If you’d please follow me back I could seat you now.”
  6450. >You nod, and follow Night Watch to your seat.
  6451. >A number of staff hurry around you, quickly clearing the plates from the recently vacated tables that surround you.
  6452. >Night Watch briefly scans the room, before breaking off from Fine Wine’s lead.
  6453. >”We will take this table.”
  6454. >You look at the table toward which he is approaching.
  6455. >It’s already set…
  6456. >Fine Wine notices as well, and draws attention to it.
  6457. >”Sir, that table hasn’t been cleaned yet, let me take-“
  6458. >”No.”
  6459. >Night Watch interrupts.
  6460. >”We shall eat the food that is already here. Bring us a bottle of wine, and you may be dismissed.”
  6461. ———————
  6462. >Resigning yourself to the increasingly awkward habits of Night Watch, you simply approach the table, and sit down.
  6463. >”Um… very well then… I will be right back with your wine sir…”
  6464. >With an awkward look on her face, Fine Wine disappears behind the kitchen doors.
  6465. >Getting the hint, the remaining staff who were cleaning the surrounding tables, soon leave as well.
  6466. >Looking down at the plate before you, you take note of the food.
  6467. >It’s untouched.
  6468. >Why would Night Watch sit at an already occupied table?
  6469. >You open your mouth to speak.
  6470. ”Is there any good reason why we are sitting here?”
  6471. >Your tone is more aggressive than you initially planned.
  6472. >Not that you particularly care.
  6473. ”I didn’t order this food. This is some random pony’s-“
  6474. >”Do you wish to risk poisoning Ms. Octavia?”
  6475. >The tone in his answer leaves no room for question or debate.
  6476. >...
  6477. >You unfold your napkin, and place in on your lap in a awkward effort to pass the time.
  6478. >Luckily, within a few moments, you are interrupted by the opening of the kitchen doors.
  6479. >Fine Wine practically trots to your table with a new bottle of wine before opening it, and quickly pours two glasses.
  6480. >Soon enough, your glass is full, and Fine Wine sets the bottle on the table between you.
  6481. >”Is there anything else I might be able to do for you this…"
  6482. >She takes pause.
  6483. >"Evening?"
  6484. >Night Watch gently shakes his head.
  6485. >”I believe we are fine, thank you.”
  6486. >Nodding, Fine Wine quickly turns, and leaves the room.
  6487. ———————
  6488. >As the kitchen door swings shut, the room falls silent.
  6489. >The only noise is the very soft clatter of hooves on the city street outside.
  6490. >The light from the candle display on your table cast a gentle, warm glow on Night Watch’s face.
  6491. >Surprisingly, whatever serious demeanor that he had only moments ago has completely evaporated.
  6492. >Instead he smiles, and raises his glass for a cheers.
  6493. >You do not return the gesture.
  6494. >He just bounces between emotions like some sort of bi-polar pony, and expects it to be normal?
  6495. >Realizing that you’re upset, he lowers his glass to the table, before raising it yet again, and taking a small sip.
  6496. >”Is… something wrong Ms. Octavia?”
  6497. >Is something wrong?
  6498. >You feel anger at his ignorance.
  6499. “Is something wrong?”
  6500. >Your withers grow tense.
  6501. >Without thinking, you quickly raise your right forehoof, and firmly smack Night Watch from across the table.
  6502. >He’s head turns slightly upon impact, and a loud, crisp slapping noise fills the room.
  6503. >He doesn’t look at you, but instead closes his eyes, and narrows his brow.
  6504. “Are you /trying/ to make me look like a bucking whorse out there?”
  6505. >You pay special attention to keep your voice low, but the displeasure in your words is still readily apparent.
  6506. ”Why did you rent this entire building? All I wanted was a glass of water, not this-“
  6507. >You point toward the wine.
  6508. "This liquor of yours.”
  6509. “What do you think all of the ponies who just left think of me?” Did you even notice how they stared?”
  6510. ———————
  6511. >Turning back toward you, he slowly opens his eyes, and rubs his cheek.
  6512. >”Ms. Octavia, listen, I-
  6513. ”No! Haven’t you seen the looks I’ve been getting all day? They think I’m just your stupid whorse!”
  6514. >You feel tears beginning to form as you come down from your high.
  6515. >Your throat begins to tighten.
  6516. >”Even- even Burr Berry thinks I’m just some stupid whorse…”
  6517. >Night Watch doesn’t respond.
  6518. >Using your hoof, you touch your necklace, which, almost mockingly, glistens in the light.
  6519. “Half of Canterlot thinks that I let you mount me anywhere you want - All for this bucking necklace!”
  6520. >”Octavia..”
  6521. “No- don’t /Octavia/ me! You don’t know what it’s like being an earth pony!
  6522. "What it feels like to know ponies don’t respect you because of something you can’t control…”
  6523. “That you make me look like a bucking whorse?"
  6524. “Stallions don’t look at me like a normal mare.”
  6525. “They look at my flank, and see a bucking price tag hanging from my neck.”
  6526. >Your blood is practically boiling.
  6527. “Maybe you don’t get it, but in Canterlot, it’s hard enough being an earth pony /without/ being publicly humiliated by you!
  6528. ———————
  6529. >You stop, and look at the pony across from you.
  6530. >…
  6531. >This isn’t worth it.
  6532. >Night Watch doesn’t care.
  6533. >Even if he did, what could he do about it?
  6534. >He’s just some pathetic, sad colt ordered to parade you around Canterlot.
  6535. >You inhale, and recompose yourself slightly.
  6536. "This has been a disaster…”
  6537. “I just want to get this dress and got back to the castle..”
  6538. >...
  6539. >”Octavia, look.”
  6540. >He’s voice is soft.
  6541. >You wipe a tear which has strayed from your eyes.
  6542. >”Octavia- please, just look at me…”
  6543. >A tense silence fills the air.
  6544. >You don’t want to look at him.
  6545. >All you want is for him to leave you alone.
  6546. >Yet, at the same time, you know just how unlikely that is to happen.
  6547. >Resigned, you slowly lift your head, and look at the stallion seated across from you.
  6548. >Almost instantly, you notice his expression.
  6549. >He looks… concerned.
  6550. ———————
  6551. >”Octavia, please, just let me explain.”
  6552. >You don’t answer, instead, readjusting your mane with your hoof to buy a moment of time.
  6553. >Taking your silence as permission to continue, he speaks.
  6554. >”I bought out the restaurant for your safety…”
  6555. >You don’t so much as acknowledge his words.
  6556. >For your safety? What could possibly-
  6557. >”I’ve been told that some rebel group - The New Day- have been following anyone who leaves the castle.”
  6558. >”Not too long ago, they attacked one of the palace’s quartermasters, and severely injured him…”
  6559. >Quartermaster?
  6560. >Does he mean the one who you sent to get the farmer’s harness?
  6561. >”They tried to make him smuggle poison into the castle, but he refused. They would have killed him, were it not for a few guards who overheard the commotion.”
  6562. >You take a sip of your wine.
  6563. >This isn’t what you expected.
  6564. >While you aren’t entirely sure what you /thought/ his reply would be, /this/ certainly isn’t it.
  6565. >”Empress Nightmare Moon told me to protect you at all cost. I figured it’d be best to eat alone, where I can control everything that’s going on…”
  6566. “I see…”
  6567. >He continues his apology, this time reaching his hoof over the table, and placing it on top of your own.
  6568. >You instantly grow tense at the gesture, but after a moment, you relax.
  6569. >”And I /promise/ I didn’t mean to humiliate you, or anything like that.”
  6570. >”You put me in a difficult situation back at the store, and I had to improvise.”
  6571. >He looks toward a painting on the wall briefly, before turning back to you.
  6572. >”And while I don’t know what it’s like to be an earth pony in Canterlot...”
  6573. >” If I did anything to hurt your feelings; I’m sorry…”
  6574. ———————
  6575. “Oh…”
  6576. >That’s all you can say.
  6577. >You weren’t expecting that answer.
  6578. “I’m sorry, I…”
  6579. >You take a deep breath.
  6580. >The more you think about your outburst, the dumber you feel.
  6581. >You practically accused him of trying to humiliate you.
  6582. >No- you /literally/ accused him of trying to humiliate you.
  6583. >But he didn’t do anything wrong.
  6584. >He didn’t treat you poorly.
  6585. >If anything, he’s been helpful to you.
  6586. >Just this morning he let you leave the hallway unsupervised.
  6587. >Your rub your brow.
  6588. >You need to tell him the truth.
  6589. >Or at least, some version of it.
  6590. “I’ve been under a lot of stress over the last few days…”
  6591. “All of these changes going on; I’ve been having a hard time adjusting- and…”
  6592. >He rubs your hooves.
  6593. >”I know Ms. Octavia, I’ve been told about your situation.”
  6594. >You can’t help but jump ever so slightly.
  6595. ”What? What do you mean-“
  6596. >”I’ve been informed about your parents Ms. Melody. How their being kept as prisoners in the castle, and your role in their safety.”
  6597. >/Now/ you feel humiliated.
  6598. >Why does he know this?
  6599. >How?
  6600. ———————
  6601. “How do you know about my parents? Who told you?”
  6602. >”The Empress. She told me that you might try to flee, and that I should make sure you don’t try anything you might regret.”
  6603. >”I asked why you would want to run, and she told me your situation.”
  6604. “Oh…”
  6605. >You try to process this new information.
  6606. >It makes sense logically, even if it feels… invasive.
  6607. >How many ponies know about your situation?
  6608. >What does Night Watch think of you now?
  6609. >What else did the Empress tell him about you?
  6610. “Did she… tell you anything else about me?”
  6611. >He shakes his head.
  6612. >”Nothing much, no. I’m just here to make sure that you, and the dresses get back to the castle safely.”
  6613. >He breaks into a small smile.
  6614. >”Although I must admit, she did seem unusually fond of you.”
  6615. >”I can’t imagine she’d give any average prisoner that type of necklace for no reason.”
  6616. >You don’t reply.
  6617. >The necklace again.
  6618. >Is that all anyone thinks about when they see you?
  6619. >Apparently noticing you delay, his rubs your hoof yet again.
  6620. >”It’s ok Ms. Octavia, I’m not one to judge you because of what your parents did.”
  6621. >Still uncomfortable, you pull your hoof back.
  6622. “Let’s just- talk about something else…
  6623. >Awkwardly, he pulls his hooves back to his edge of the table.
  6624. >”Please, just don’t tell anypony else about my situation… ok?"
  6625. >He nods.
  6626. >”Ok then Ms. Octavia… what would you like to talk about?”
  6627. ———————
  6628. >You take a moment to think.
  6629. >You were so quick to change the topic you didn’t actually think about what you were changing it /to./
  6630. >Blanking for ideas, you speak the first question that comes to mind.
  6631. >Luckily, it’s a reasonable question, and you don’t make a foal of yourself.
  6632. ”How long have you been a guard for?”
  6633. >”We’ll, I’ve only been a guard for the last few days…”
  6634. >His tone is almost like he is embarrassed.
  6635. >Looking up, you notice his eyes look distant.
  6636. >Taking a bite of your salad, you carefully press the question.
  6637. ”What did you do before?”
  6638. >He cringes.
  6639. >”Do you really want to know?”
  6640. ———————
  6641. >You nod, and take a guess.
  6642. “Are you also a prisoner too?
  6643. >He shakes his head.
  6644. >”No-no, nothing like that.”
  6645. >He chuckles softly.
  6646. >”I don’t think the Empress would send a prisoner to make sure other prisoners don’t escape- you know?”
  6647. >Oh.
  6648. >Well- that’s obvious.
  6649. >Inwardly, you cringe.
  6650. >As his brief smile fades away, he sighs.
  6651. >”Look, it’s nothing special really…”
  6652. >”I was a night guard at the Canterlot Natural History Museum.”
  6653. “Oh…”
  6654. >”I also worked on the side as the occasional foal-sitter. You know- to make ends meet.”
  6655. “I see…”
  6656. >That’s… not exactly what you expected.
  6657. >It’s not entirely unexpected either though.
  6658. >He had some history of security work, which makes sense.
  6659. >Yet you’d have expected it to be a more… formal role.
  6660. >Then again, Night Watch does seem to be a shy pony, so you can see him fitting those roles well.
  6661. >He continues.
  6662. >”I know they aren’t particularly interesting jobs or anything, but when my parents kicked me out, I had to find a way to support myself…”
  6663. >You remain silent, and simply let him talk.
  6664. >”My parents were lesser nobles, but when I got caught up in the wrong groups, they got upset and put me on the streets.”
  6665. >You realize just how drastically his body language has changed.
  6666. >He’s withers have sunk low, and his eyes are cast on the table.
  6667. ———————
  6668. >Seeing he’s finished his small rant, you decide to speak, and try to recover his pride.
  6669. ”That’s nothing to be ashamed of- at least you’re doing well for yourself.”
  6670. >You think for a second, before responding.
  6671. “And now you’re a Royal Guard right? Little colts dream of being guards!”
  6672. >He chuckles softly.
  6673. >”Yeah, I guess you’re right. I just- I don’t know…”
  6674. >”I always pictured myself ending up somewhere else.”
  6675. >You smile ever so slightly.
  6676. >”I think we could both say that…”
  6677. >He looks up.
  6678. >”Why’s what? What did you want to be before- you know- all of this?”
  6679. >As you think of your answer, you feel a sense of sadness.
  6680. >It’s… not pleasant to think about something you won’t be able to achieve.
  6681. “I wanted to make a first seat position the Canterlot Royal Orchestra.”
  6682. >He takes a sip of his wine, while his ears turn toward you slightly.
  6683. “I’ve always loved the idea of traveling around Equestria to play music.”
  6684. >Placing his cup on the table he speaks.
  6685. >”What instrument do you play?”
  6686. “The cello.”
  6687. >He shakes his head.
  6688. >”A cello? I have no idea that that is - is it like a flute or something?”
  6689. >You giggle, and shake your head.
  6690. >”No, no. A cello is like a really big violin, except you stand it on the ground.”
  6691. >He raises his eyebrow.
  6692. >”That sounds… interesting."
  6693. ———————
  6694. >You nod.
  6695. “You’d probably recognize it if you saw it, but not everyone knows what they’re actually called."
  6696. >He smiles.
  6697. >”That’s probably true, I’m not the most knowledgeable pony on music.
  6698. >You smile, before taking a bite of your salad.
  6699. >As you eat, Night Watch interrupts.
  6700. >”So what do you think of your new job? I’m sure it must be… challenging…”
  6701. >You almost choke on your food.
  6702. >Challenging?
  6703. >You’ve seen sexual slavery and executions, and he thinks it’s /challenging?/
  6704. >Does he even know what’s going on in the castle?
  6705. >You look across at Night Watch, who is looking down, cutting his own salad.
  6706. >He doesn’t look like a pony who’d be involved in those types of activities…
  6707. >You almost get a “momma’s foal” sort of vibe from him.
  6708. >You decide to brush the question aside.
  6709. “Sure, but I think that being a guard would be a lot more dangerous that walking around in a hallway all day…”
  6710. >He smiles, and finishes chewing his food before speaking.
  6711. >”In case you forgot, I /sit/ in that hallway all day…”
  6712. >You laugh.
  6713. “I guess you’re right, I hadn’t thought of that…”
  6714. ———————
  6715. >Both of you proceed to continue eating, until you decide to continue the conversation after a few minutes.
  6716. “So back to the topic of the guard; how did you become a guard so quickly?"
  6717. "It’s only been a few a days, which isn’t enough time for the normal training and background checks…”
  6718. >He nods.
  6719. >”Well, I’m sure you’re aware that some guards… slipped through…"
  6720. >You pause.
  6721. >Dark Shield - the guard who attacked you…- does he know about that too?
  6722. >How?
  6723. >As if he was reading your mind, he speaks.
  6724. >”The Empress had all of the gelded, and transferred, so it’s safe to say you won’t have to deal with that again…”
  6725. “Gelded? You mean-“
  6726. >”Yes, gelded…”
  6727. >”Empress Nightmare Moon does not take kindly to such those who abuse their positions...”
  6728. >Stunned, you can barely reply.
  6729. >”Oh… well then… I understand…”
  6730. >Seemingly unfazed by your reply, he continues.
  6731. >”To answer your original question though, I’m not sure. I stayed in my house on the day she returned just like everyone else…”
  6732. >”I heard a knock on the door, and I thought it was my neighbor, so I answered it.”
  6733. >”Standing there was a member of the Canterlot City Guard, who gave me a letter saying that I was summoned to the Castle.”
  6734. “Were you scared?”
  6735. >He nods.
  6736. >”Oh stars yes! One minute the sun doesn’t come up, the next you’re standing in the throne room, being introduced to the new ruler of Equestrian, and assigned a job that takes years of training!”
  6737. ”Well when you but it that way…."
  6738. >He laughs.
  6739. >”Yeah, haha, it was pretty rough.”
  6740. ———————
  6741. >Both of you continue eating, and take a few bites before speaking again.
  6742. “So where did the other guards come from?”
  6743. “The entire Castle is practically full of guards, but I don’t see how the Empress could have recruited so many ponies so quickly.
  6744. >She shrugs his shoulders, and whips the corner of his mouth with a napkin.
  6745. >”I’m not sure myself to be honest…”
  6746. >”Being stuck in the hallway, I haven’t had many opportunities to speak with these new guards either, outside of the one patrol that I was placed on…”
  6747. >While plausible, his answer is still somewhat shocking.
  6748. >You would have expected that he’d know where his co-workers came from after all.
  6749. >…
  6750. >Then again, you’d hardly say that either of you are “normal” Castle employees.
  6751. “So you don’t know anything about where they came from?”
  6752. >He shakes his head.
  6753. >”My best guess is that they’re just normal ponies like myself…”
  6754. >”Maybe they came from the rail yards? Some of these stallions definitely look like they’ve pulled a cart or two before.”
  6755. >You frown slightly.
  6756. ”How is this even possible? Nightmare- I mean the /Empress/ just showed up one day, and took over all of Canterlot!
  6757. >Putting your fork down, you make broad gestures with your hooves.
  6758. “What happened to the other guards before you? Where did they all go? Certainly they didn’t just disappear into thin air!”
  6759. >Calming, Night Watch replies.
  6760. >”I wish I knew the answers Octavia, but I don’t — I’m lost as you are right now…”
  6761. >You sigh.
  6762. ———————
  6763. “I know, it’s just, I can’t help but think that she might have… killed… them…
  6764. >His eyes go wide.
  6765. >”Do you think she’d do something like that! Kill /all/ of the old guard?
  6766. >”There must have been two hundred of them! There’s no way she could have done that without any pony noticing!
  6767. >Annoyed, you reply in a somewhat curt tone.
  6768. “When then where did they /go?/ You said yourself that you were in the castle only a few hours after the sunset; they should have still been there!”
  6769. >You lean back in your chair, looking briefly at a painting on the nearby wall.
  6770. >”There are just so many new ponies in Canterlot so quickly; it doesn’t make any sense…”
  6771. >Night Watch seems to be in deep though himself, as he gently rubs his chin with his hoof.
  6772. >He looks across to you briefly, before looking up again, almost like he’s unsure if he should speak.
  6773. >But eventually, he does.
  6774. ———————
  6775. >”I know this is going to sound crazy…”
  6776. >You give a sarcastic snort.
  6777. “It can’t be any more crazy the Celestia and the entire Royal Guard disappearing in broad daylight.”
  6778. >He shakes his head.
  6779. >”I know, but just listen…”
  6780. >You reach over and lift your wine glass, taking a small sip.
  6781. >”What if- what if Nightmare Moon is /actually/ a Changeling?”
  6782. >You almost choke on your wine.
  6783. >As you struggle to keep your mouth closed, you barely manage to swallow the drink without spilling in everywhere.
  6784. “A Changeling?”
  6785. >He quickly continues.
  6786. >I know it’s insane, but please — just listen…”
  6787. >”You know how Changelings can take the forms of normal ponies right?”
  6788. >You nod your head slowly.
  6789. ”Yeah…”
  6790. >His excitement grows as he continues to explain.
  6791. >”Well what if the new guards are actually just Changeling!”
  6792. >You recoil slightly at the idea.
  6793. >It’s stupid.
  6794. ”But then how would you sneak so many Changelings into Canterlot? Presumably they’d have to deal with the Castle Guards…”
  6795. >”The Summer Sun Celebration!”
  6796. >”You know as well as I due that tourist come from all across Equestria just to watch Celestia raise the Sun…”
  6797. >”You could /easily/ sneak a few hundred changelings into the city as tourist, and overwhelm the Guards before they could react…”
  6798. >That…
  6799. >That makes sense.
  6800. >A lot of sense.
  6801. ———————
  6802. >Then, just as quickly, the idea begins to unravel.
  6803. >You clearly remember Nightmare Moon mentioning that she was Celestia’s sister.
  6804. >And even if that /was/ a lie, Celestia’s special talent was her control over the Sun and Moon, and if her cutie mark is any indication, Nightmare Moon’s talent is of a similar nature.
  6805. >Changelings on the other hoof, don’t have cutie marks at all.
  6806. >There’s almost no way a changeling would be able to move the Sun like Nightmare Moon clearly had done.
  6807. >You speak.
  6808. “I don’t think that makes much sense…”
  6809. “Changeling’s don’t have /real/ cutie marks, and both Princess Celestia and the Empress had special talents for changing the day…”
  6810. “I don’t think a Changeling could force the sun to let like the Empress did, even if they /did/ somehow defeat Celestia…”
  6811. >You don’t mention that Nightmare Moon called Celestia her sister, since that’s a much more… personal topic to her — if it’s true.
  6812. “Changelings don’t gain the talent of whoever the mimic correct?”
  6813. >Night Watch thinks for a few moments, before nodding weekly.
  6814. >”I… I think so…”
  6815. “So then it’s impossible for the Empress to be a changeling, no changeling could possibly do what she’s done.”
  6816. >He nods in hesitant agreement.
  6817. >”I guess so, but it’s still strange how all of /this/ happened so quickly.
  6818. >He gestures toward the window.
  6819. ———————
  6820. >You nod.
  6821. “You mentioned that you went on patrol with the Beast; right?”
  6822. >He takes a bite of his salad, which you now notice is almost entirely gone.
  6823. >Swallowing his food, he replies.
  6824. >”Yeah, I did, just one time though…”
  6825. >”I’ve spent the majority of my time in the Castle just guarding his hallway, and whoever those mares are.”
  6826. >Intrigued, you continue.
  6827. “So what do you actually do on patrol? Does the Beast anything besides just walk around?”
  6828. >He shakes his head weakly.
  6829. >”No, not really…”
  6830. >”Do you remember how ponies shied away from us as we left the castle?”
  6831. “Yes…”
  6832. >”Well image how they’d react when an entire platoon of guards leave the castle, surrounding some…. /thing/ they’ve never seen before.”
  6833. >You nod.
  6834. ”That makes sense I guess…”
  6835. >But if the ponies all run away from him...
  6836. “So what did you all actually /do/ when you went on Patrol? Did the Beast actually /do/ anything? Or is it just for show?”
  6837. >Again, he shakes his head.
  6838. >”It’s mainly for show I presume…”
  6839. >”Although /technically/ the guards are all fully armed and trained, realistically, I have a hard time imagining any pony would want to confront such a large number of ponies like that, especially if they wanted to live to tell the story…”
  6840. ———————
  6841. "And the Beast?”
  6842. >"He mainly leads the patrols, deciding where to go, and what to do…”
  6843. “So is he some sort of Guard?”
  6844. >This time, Night Watch doesn’t have a clear answer, only shrugging his withers.
  6845. >”I’m honestly not sure, he doesn’t have a rank or anything, the other guards and I were explicitly told by the Empress to call him “Lord.”
  6846. >That causes your ears to perk up.
  6847. “The Empress spoke with you all about him personally?”
  6848. >He nods.
  6849. >”Only for a few moments, before he arrived…”
  6850. >”She said that his safety was our chief priority, and that his word should be seen as coming from her tongue…”
  6851. >…
  6852. >That’s… interesting.
  6853. >The Empress personally oversaw he Beast’s patrols?
  6854. >…
  6855. >Then again, maybe it’s not.
  6856. >Perhaps Celestia did the same thing with her Royal Guard patrols.
  6857. >You aren’t an expert in Equestria’s military affairs by any means, and Night Watch is also entirely new to his job.
  6858. >The two of you know next to nothing about how things like this are /supposed/ to work, so reaching any accurate conclusions is almost impossible.
  6859. >Besides, from what you know about the Beast, it’s clear you know nothing about his species, or how he-
  6860. ———————
  6861. >”That reminds me, you’ve actually spoken with him before, haven’t you?”
  6862. >His question interrupts you thoughts.
  6863. >”What did he say to you, and what are all of those mares down there even for?”
  6864. >You reach for your wine glass, and bring to to your lips.
  6865. >…
  6866. >You shouldn’t have brought up the Beast in discussion.
  6867. >This isn’t a question you were ready for.
  6868. >You certainly can’t tell him what’s /actually/ going on down there, and even if you did, he probably wouldn’t believe you.
  6869. >Tell him that the Beast /rapes/ ponies for no reason?
  6870. >He’d think you’re insane.
  6871. >...
  6872. >He’d probably tell the Empress…
  6873. >...
  6874. >No, you can’t tell him the truth.
  6875. >But what /can/ you tell him?
  6876. >…
  6877. >Your mind races for a reasonable lie to tell, but nothing comes up.
  6878. >The bitter taste of wine is becoming all to apparent, and looking up, you notice that Night Watch is looking at you strangely.
  6879. >He knows your stalling.
  6880. >Closing your eyes, you place the wine glass down, and shallow the considerably large amount of liquid in your mouth.
  6881. >It /burns./
  6882. >...
  6883. “I… I’m afraid I’m not aloud to say…”
  6884. >He raises an eyebrow.
  6885. >”What do you mean? Is it come sort of secret?”
  6886. >You nod.
  6887. “The Empress spoke with me personally, and told me that I’m not aloud to tell anyone about what the Beast does in that hallway...”
  6888. >That immediately brings a look of fear onto his face.
  6889. >"Wait… are we not supposed to talk about the hallway?!?!"
  6890. ———————
  6891. >Your eyes go wide.
  6892. >He spoke about it?
  6893. >To who — the other guards?
  6894. >The look of fear and panic on his face gets stronger with each passing moment.
  6895. >”Oh no…. if the Empress finds out…”
  6896. >”Will… will she geld me Octavia? Do you think she’ll turn me into a gelding?”
  6897. >You don’t know what to say, but you try to ease his fears the best you can.
  6898. “I’m… I’m sure she’ll be reasonable, I don’t think-“
  6899. >”But she /gelded/ those other guards Octavia! Cut their balls clean off!”
  6900. >He’s absolutely petrified.
  6901. >You look away for a moment.
  6902. >What can you say?
  6903. >If anything, gelding seems to be the /likely/ punishment he’ll face.
  6904. >You’ve seen Nightmare Moon be cruel on so many occasions, this is hardly a stretch.
  6905. >…
  6906. >You need to understand the situation better.
  6907. “How many ponies did you tell Night Watch? What did you say?”
  6908. >His hooves are visibly shaking, and his voice only just above a whisper.
  6909. >”I… I only told a few guards — the ones I eat lunch with!”
  6910. >”All I said was where I work, that’s all; nothing else…”
  6911. “Did you mention the Beast?”
  6912. >He nods his head.
  6913. >”Y-yeah, I did, but I only said I saw him enter the hallway!”
  6914. >He reaches over, and places a hoof on top of yours, hoping to find some comfort.
  6915. >”Please Octavia, you have to believe me…”
  6916. “I… I’m not sure Night Watch, I don’t know what to say…”
  6917. >”Have you told anyone? /Please/ tell me I’m not the only one… please tell me you told other ponies too…”
  6918. >You shake your head.
  6919. “I haven’t Night Watch — I haven’t even had the opportunity to- even if I wanted…”
  6920. >He presses.
  6921. >”No one? Please Octavia, I can’t be alone in this…”
  6922. >You pull your hoof back.
  6923. >”I’m sorry Night Watch, I’m not sure what to tell you…”
  6924. ———————
  6925. >He awkwardly retreats his hooves.
  6926. >You realize how cold your answer was.
  6927. >His eyes look increasingly distant, like you can /see/ him giving up hope.
  6928. >You aren’t image what must be going through his mind.
  6929. >What does being a gelding even /feel/ like?
  6930. >...
  6931. >You can’t stand seeing him like this.
  6932. >You see to say something, /anything/ to calm him.
  6933. “It’s… it’s going to be ok Night Watch, I’m sure if you explain yourself, she’ll understand…”
  6934. >You pause for a moment, considering your point, before continuing.
  6935. “No pony ever told you that you /couldn’t/ tell any pony, right?”
  6936. >He nods weakly.
  6937. >”Yeah…”
  6938. “Well then you can’t be blamed for not following a rule you didn’t know about…”
  6939. “Those guards, they /assault/ me, /assaulted/ those mares; all you did was talk about your job…”
  6940. “I’m sure she’ll understand…”
  6941. >...
  6942. “If you’d like, I could try to speak with her directly…”
  6943. >His ears perk up slightly at that.
  6944. >”W-what do you mean?”
  6945. >You take a moment to think.
  6946. >Should you tell him that you’ve eaten with the Empress personally?
  6947. >Probably not.
  6948. >But then again, Night Watch just looks so hopeless…
  6949. “I’ve actually gotten to speak with her a few times…”
  6950. “The next time I see her, I could try to plead your case; she might listen…”
  6951. >He smiles weakly.
  6952. >”You’ll do that? You think she’ll listen to you?”
  6953. >That gives you pause.
  6954. I’m not sure Night Watch, I don’t think it will do much — but it’s better than nothing, right?
  6955. >You try your best to sound comforting.
  6956. >…
  6957. >He nods.
  6958. >"I- I understand, thank you Octavia; for everything…”
  6959. ———————
  6960. >You continue eating for a few minutes in silence.
  6961. >By now you’re almost done with the meal, finishing the salad before you.
  6962. >Although typically restaurants like this serve multi-course meals, given that you’ve already eaten today, the salad been has been more than filling,
  6963. >Night Watch also appears to be reserved in his eating, leading you to believe that he also ate before leaving the Castle walls.
  6964. >...
  6965. >”So, you mentioned that you’ve gotten to speak with the Empress?”
  6966. >His question draws your attention.
  6967. >Although his face is still clearly panicked and nervous, you can tell that he’s trying his best to push his mind off of the topic for now.
  6968. >Too willing to oblige, you answer.
  6969. ”Yes, I have, but only on a few occasions…”
  6970. >”When was the last time you spoke with her?”
  6971. “This morning actually, just before we left the castle.”
  6972. >His eyes go wide.
  6973. >"You spoke with the Empress this morning? About what?”
  6974. >You giggle, and try to downplay his interest.
  6975. “You’re acting like you didn’t speak with her /literally/ minutes before we left…”
  6976. >”But I had to speak with her because of you! Clearly you’re important to her, right?”
  6977. >That dulls the smile on your face.
  6978. “I mean, it was only lunch…”
  6979. >With the Empress?”
  6980. >”You’re acting like this /isn’t/ a big deal! She’s the Empress!”
  6981. >You slowly chew the carrot in your mouth.
  6982. >He’s right.
  6983. >You know it’s a big deal.
  6984. >That’s why you’d prefer not to think about it.
  6985. “I know, it’s just… my situation is different than most ponies...”
  6986. “I’d really rather not talk about it if that’s ok with you.”
  6987. >You place your fork down, and take a look at your wine glass, which is all but empty.
  6988. >For some reason, being remind that you were getting special attention from her soured your appetite.
  6989. >Knowing how the Beast treats his “toys,” you can’t help feel that, just maybe, you’re some sort of toy for the Empress…
  6990. >That thought scares you.
  6991. >A lot.
  6992. ---------------
  6993. “We should go…”
  6994. >His ears flatten.
  6995. >”Why? Did I say something wrong? I’m sorry if I-“
  6996. >You shake your head as you begin to stand.
  6997. >”No I- I just think we should go, he should have the dress done by now, and I’m sure the Empress wouldn’t want us running late.”
  6998. >As you place your napkin onto the table, he quickly slides his chair back, and stands.
  6999. >”Octavia please, is something wrong?”
  7000. “I told you I’m fine, I just want to get some fresh air, ok?”
  7001. >Standing up, you make your way toward the door.
  7002. >Hoof steps behind you let you know that Night Watch is following.
  7003. >…
  7004. >Soon enough, you’re outside of the Prench Laundry, standing on the small patio outside of their store.
  7005. >Quickly, you realize that it’s not as relaxing as you might have expected.
  7006. >You completely forgot that it’s dark outside; not exactly what you expected when you thought about getting “fresh air.”
  7007. >Night Watch approaches your side.
  7008. >”You want to go back to Burr Berry’s, correct?”
  7009. >Your stomach lurches.
  7010. >Burr Berry.
  7011. >You didn’t want to think about that right now.
  7012. >You’ll have to speak with him again, and after your last encounter, you aren’t sure that’s the best idea…”
  7013. >You sigh.
  7014. >Why did you say that Night Watch was your colt friend of all things?
  7015. >You couldn’t think of /any/ better excuse?
  7016. "Can we just… wait for a little bit?"
  7017. ---------------
  7018. >You walk over to one of the coffee tables that have a good view of the street, and take a seat.
  7019. >Seeing that you apparently bought out the entire restaurant, the patio is completely empty.
  7020. >Night Watch quickly hustles over to you.
  7021. >”Ms. Octavia, we shouldn’t sit still like this outside, it’s not-“
  7022. “Please, just take a seat.”
  7023. >The words leave your mouth more firmly that you had intended, but after pausing for the briefest of moments, he walks toward you, pulls out the chair across from your seat, and sits down.
  7024. >He awkwardly places his hooves on the table, and scans the street, watching the ponies walk by.
  7025. “I’m sorry, we’ll go in a minute, I just wanted to gather myself before going to see Burr Berry again…”
  7026. >He doesn’t reply.
  7027. >…
  7028. >You can’t let that happen again.
  7029. >You can’t let Burr Berry think that you’re a whorse…
  7030. >…
  7031. >But what can you do?
  7032. >By now, he’s had time to simmer over the images in his mind.
  7033. >You still struggle to grasp that he /honestly/ thinks you’re rutting Night Watch for bits.
  7034. >But at the same time, you know it seemed that way.
  7035. >You couldn’t name one fact about Night Watch for Celestia’s sake!
  7036. >What else /would/ it look like?
  7037. >Walking into his store with a random stallion and a million bit necklace, saying that he’s your new colt friend; the entire thing is ridiculous.
  7038. >And the “dress” you gave him to make.
  7039. >You didn’t know one self-respecting mare would would wear that, yet you gave it to him.
  7040. >It had a collar on it and everything.
  7041. >/Rarity/ - That’s what he thinks that Night Watch calls you in bed.
  7042. >While he ruts you.
  7043. ---------------
  7044. >You need to do something to stop the damage.
  7045. “Night Watch?"
  7046. >He turns toward you.
  7047. >”Yes Ms. Octavia? Are you ready to go?”
  7048. >You shake your head.
  7049. ”Not yet, I’d like to talk to you about something first…”
  7050. >…
  7051. >You think for a moment about what to say to him.
  7052. >You can’t outright tell him to come clean with the story, and reversing your cover would raise more questions that it would solve…
  7053. >But you have to do something.
  7054. “When we go back to Burry Berry’s store, could you…”
  7055. >You take a small breath.
  7056. “Could you talk to Berry for a moment?”
  7057. >Night Watch recoils.
  7058. >”Burr Berry? Why? I don’t know him that well at all…”
  7059. “After what happened earlier, and with the sketches that I made him, he’s very upset with me…”
  7060. “He thinks that I’m sleeping with you for-“
  7061. >You lift your necklace from your chest, the weight again reminding you of its value.
  7062. ”this..”
  7063. >Night Watch’s ears drop.
  7064. >”You mentioned this earlier…”
  7065. >You nod, and feel tears beginning to gather.
  7066. “I know it’s not your job, but he’s still really important to me, and I… I can’t stand to see him like this.”
  7067. “What does he think of me now? After coming back from Prance, and seeing his mare friend with some stallion…”
  7068. >Night Watch interrupts you.
  7069. >”Ms. Octavia, I don’t know what to say…”
  7070. “Just say /something/ to him! He’s going to tell everyone that I’m a whorse! He’s going to hate me!”
  7071. >Night Watch slides his hoof on top of your own.
  7072. >”That’s not what I meant Ms. Octavia…
  7073. >He looks out toward the street for a moment, and sighs.
  7074. ---------------
  7075. >”After we get back to the castle, when’s the next time you’re going to see him?”
  7076. >You throat feels tight.
  7077. >”I- I don’t know how to say this nicely, but you’re still a prisoner Octavia, it could be a while before you ever see him again…”
  7078. >You… you didn’t even think about that.
  7079. >”You’re a prisoner Octavia, unless the Empress lets you leave, you wouldn’t be able to see him again…”
  7080. >With that, your stomach drops.
  7081. >This is why you stood up to begin with.
  7082. >Being in Canterlot again, everything seemed different.
  7083. >The Castle seemed like some sort of Tartarus that you were only visiting.
  7084. >Canterlot still seemed like it was your /real/ home.
  7085. >But that’s not the case.
  7086. >The tears in your eyes feel much heavier, and perhaps noticing your distress, Night Watch begins to rub your hoof.
  7087. >”I know it’s difficult Octavia, but…"
  7088. >He continues you speak, but whatever he says doesn’t register.
  7089. >All you can think about is the Hallway, the Beast, Nightmare Moon.
  7090. >After you get this dress, you’re going back /there/.
  7091. >Sure, you’ve mentioned it, but you hadn’t thought about what that actually /meant./
  7092. >Your heart begins to race.
  7093. >You - you could /die/ in there.
  7094. >How many ponies had you’d seen killed in the last few days?
  7095. >How many ponies had entered those walls, and never returned?
  7096. >You feel so small.
  7097. >/You/ could be one of those ponies.
  7098. >It’s only been a few days, and Nightmare Moon has nearly killed you a dozen times.
  7099. >Staying there a few more weeks? Years?
  7100. >Blood practically drains from your face.
  7101. >This might be the last time you see the streets of Canterlot...
  7102. ---------------
  7103. >You can’t think about that right now.
  7104. “I don’t care, just- just tell him something…”
  7105. “I’m not going back into the castle knowing that I’ve hurt him like this; we need to make this right…”
  7106. >Night Watch hesitates for a moment, before closing his eyes and nodding.
  7107. >”If that’s what you really want, I’ll try my best…”
  7108. >”But no promises; I can’t risk him telling him why you’re here Ms. Octavia.”
  7109. >You smile weakly, your nervousness still weighing heavily on your mind.
  7110. “That’s all I could ask for Night Watch, just do what whatever you can.”
  7111. >Gathering yourself for a moment, you push your chair back, and stand.
  7112. >”Are we leaving?”
  7113. >Night watch pushes his chair, and uses his magic to push yours back in.
  7114. “Yeah, we should get going…”
  7115. >You’re only passively aware of what you’re saying.
  7116. >All you can think about is Burr Berry.
  7117. >This could be the last time you see him.
  7118. >Ever.
  7119. >You need to make this right.
  7120. ---------------
  7121. >After a surprisingly long walk, you arrive at the front door of his boutique.
  7122. >As you walk toward the front door, Night Watch places his hoof across your chest, stopping you.
  7123. >”Are you sure you want to go back in here? I could take you back to the castle, and get the order myself…”
  7124. >You look at him.
  7125. >Your heart is racing.
  7126. >But you know what you have to do.
  7127. “I’m sure.”
  7128. >Nodding in return, Night Watch removes his hoof, and opens the door.
  7129. >”Ladies first…”
  7130. >…
  7131. >The door closes behind you, and within moments, you hear a voice calling from the back of the store.
  7132. >”Octavia??? Octavia is that you???”
  7133. >Burr Cherry.
  7134. >A genuine smile of relief creeps onto your face.
  7135. “Yes Ms. Cherry, it’s me…”
  7136. >She trots out into the main lobby, and quickly pulls you into an embrace, before hugging Night Watch.
  7137. >”And how was lunch my two little love birds?”
  7138. >You giggle.
  7139. “It went well.”
  7140. >She smiles.
  7141. >”Of course it did.”
  7142. >She takes a step back, and holds a hoof over your chest.
  7143. >”You two are so cute together!”
  7144. >This time, Night Watch replies.
  7145. >”I wouldn’t say that — I’m not much to look at; but Octavia on the other hoof…”
  7146. “Do you know if Berry is done with our order?”
  7147. >Cherry shrugs.
  7148. >”I don’t know; he hasn’t left the sewing room since you gave him the sketches…”
  7149. >”I can’t /wait/ to see you in your new dress! I’m sure it’ll be /beautiful/…”
  7150. ---------------
  7151. >All too quickly, that nervous feeling takes over again.
  7152. >You look to Night Watch for assistance, but it’s clear he’s equally lost.
  7153. “I…”
  7154. >You hear hoof falls approaching from the back of the store.
  7155. >”Octavia?”
  7156. >Your heart begins to race yet again.
  7157. >”Mom? Is Octavia here?”
  7158. >He rounds the corner, and makes eye contact with you.
  7159. >”Octavia!”
  7160. >You try to smile the best you can, which isn’t very well.
  7161. >But as he approaches, you notice something is off.
  7162. >He looks… excited.
  7163. >Night Watch speaks.
  7164. >”Burr Berry, if you don’t mind, I’d like to-“
  7165. “Octavia, could you come with me for a moment?”
  7166. >He looks quickly to Night Watch, before staring at you.
  7167. >His eyes are so intense…
  7168. >You try to stick with the plan.
  7169. “Berry, I think Ni-Estate would like to talk with you for a minute…”
  7170. >Firm, Berry shakes his head.
  7171. >”It can wait, I’ll only need a few minutes, that’s all…”
  7172. >Something’s off.
  7173. >You’ve never seen him like this before…”
  7174. >You look at Night Watch, again hoping for some assistance.
  7175. >And again, he’s looking at you in equal confusion.
  7176. >Clearly noticing the delay, Berry continues.
  7177. >”I just need to get a few measurements, this is delicate piece…”
  7178. ---------------
  7179. >”Octavia?”
  7180. >Night Watch speaks.
  7181. >You look at Berry and Cherry.
  7182. >You know better than to think he /actually/ needs measurements, but without any other information, you aren’t sure exactly /what/ he needs to say.
  7183. “I… I guess I can come back with you…”
  7184. >He looks relieved.
  7185. >”Thank you, just go into the sewing room…”
  7186. >He turns and walks back with a unusual jump in his step.
  7187. >Clearly off-put, Night Watch turns to you.
  7188. >”I — I guess I’ll just help Ms. Cherry with whatever she needs while your back here…”
  7189. >”If you need me, just call. ”
  7190. >You nod.
  7191. “That’s fine, I’m sure this won’t take too long…”
  7192. >By the time you turn, Night Watch has already disappeared around the corner.
  7193. >You swallow, fully aware of the importance that this conversation will have, before following Berry through the doorway.
  7194. >…
  7195. >As soon as you round the corner, he’s waiting to meet you.
  7196. >”Hurry Octavia, follow me…”
  7197. “Berry? What is this about? If you want to talk we could-“
  7198. >He shakes his head.
  7199. >”I need to show you something Octavia, please — just follow me…”
  7200. >…
  7201. >You begin having second thoughts.
  7202. "Berry, I don’t think this is a good idea…"
  7203. >He quickly shakes his head, and places his hoof on your withers.
  7204. >”No! Please, I just need to ask you something…”
  7205. >You retreat a step.
  7206. ”Berry, you’re scaring me…”
  7207. ---------------
  7208. >That causes him to recoil.
  7209. >”Wha- No! No it’s not like that! I’m not going to hurt you…”
  7210. >He takes a step back, and raises his hooves.
  7211. >”If you want, I can bring my mother back here; just not Estate.”
  7212. >That causes you to raise an eyebrow.
  7213. ”Berry?”
  7214. >”Please Octavia, I’m not mad anymore, just — just /please/ you have to come with me…”
  7215. >Now you’re confused.
  7216. >What does he want?
  7217. >In the moment you have to think, nothing comes to mind.
  7218. “Ok, just make it quick, I have somewhere to go after this…”
  7219. >He nods.
  7220. >”Come on, just follow me…”
  7221. ---------------
  7222. >He ushers you into the sewing room, and closes the door behind you.
  7223. >In the center of the room is a pony mannequin, wearing the “dress” design you have him to make.
  7224. >You can’t help but be drawn to it out of some sort of sick curiosity.
  7225. >It’s… it’s /much/ more lewd than you expected.
  7226. >While the drawings looked revealing, this… seeing it in person is different.
  7227. >The reigns; the bit; the long strands of fabric running underneath the body, brushing against the teats before attaching to a tail ring…
  7228. >It’s… it’s… captivating to look at.
  7229. >…
  7230. >But the collar snaps you from your thoughts.
  7231. >This isn’t some piece of lingerie for sale.
  7232. >This won’t be worn by some loving mare for her stallion.
  7233. >Her tail is going to be pulled up by force…”
  7234. >The mare wearing this is going to be /raped./
  7235. >…
  7236. >You turn to face Berry.
  7237. “Is this the dress?”
  7238. >He nods quickly.
  7239. >”Yes…"
  7240. >He trots toward a large wardrobe on the other side of the room.
  7241. >”But that’s not why I called you in here…”
  7242. >He pulls open the door, revealing…”
  7243. >…
  7244. >Your eyes go wide, and your stomach falls.
  7245. >You feel nauseous.
  7246. >This can’t be real.
  7247. >You refuse to believe that you’re seeing.
  7248. >You /couldn’t/ have missed this...
  7249. “How… how did you…”
  7250. >The words die in your mouth, you tongue feeling too dry to move.
  7251. >”Where did you get fittings for this at?”
  7252. >It’s a suit.
  7253. >A suit in the /perfect/ shape of the Beast.
  7254. ---------------
  7255. >You /force/ you mouth to move.
  7256. >The words are laced with fearful nervousness.
  7257. “Berry, where did you get that from?”
  7258. >He trots over to a desk and picks up a few pieces of paper.
  7259. >”It was with the sketches you gave me Octavia…”
  7260. >As you walk toward the table you shake your head.
  7261. “That can’t be true, I only gave you-“
  7262. >He lifts two pieces of paper; one with the dress clearly visible on it, and the other…
  7263. >…
  7264. >You /couldn’t/ have missed that.
  7265. >”I only know of one creature that looks like this Octavia, I saw him leave the castle with the new guards yesterday…”
  7266. >This can’t be happening.
  7267. >”Octavia, please, tell me, where you got this from…”
  7268. >You don’t have an answer.
  7269. >Fully aware of the gravity of situation, your eyes begin to water.
  7270. >He notices, and puts down the papers before walking toward you.
  7271. >You back petal a few steps, but within moments, you feel his hoof wrapping itself around your withers.
  7272. >Everything begins to fall apart.
  7273. “Oh Berry… I’m so sorry…”
  7274. >He tries to comfort you, gently petting your coat.
  7275. >”It’s ok Tavi…"
  7276. >You shake your head, wiping your tears into his fur.
  7277. >”You don’t understand…”
  7278. >You feel his muscles flex slightly.
  7279. >”What do you mean Tavi? Is everything alright?”
  7280. ---------------
  7281. >You know you shouldn’t tell him.
  7282. >He doesn’t need to know.
  7283. >He can’t do anything to change it.
  7284. >But in the moment, when his hooves are around you, things are different.
  7285. >You aren’t thinking straight.
  7286. >All you can think about is his soft her, and his gentle touch.
  7287. >The concern in his voice, the beating of his heart.
  7288. >For the first time in forever, you’re with some pony you trust.
  7289. >Every emotion from the last few days comes boiling back to the surface, looking for any means to escape.
  7290. “They have my parents Berry, they have my parents…”
  7291. >…
  7292. >Instantly, you regret the decision…
  7293. >”What???”
  7294. >You push him away.
  7295. ”Please, be quiet…”
  7296. >”Who has your parents? The monster /thing/?”
  7297. >You shouldn’t have told him…
  7298. >Wiping you eye, you try your best to control the situation.
  7299. “You can’t tell anyone about this, if you do-“
  7300. >”Who has your parents Octavia The monster?”
  7301. >Your head is pulsing as blood rushes to your head as you try to reply.
  7302. “It doesn’t matter, please, just don’t-“
  7303. >What was once concern on his face is quickly transitioning to something much more sinister.
  7304. >”Is it that Estate Pony — Is that it?”
  7305. >He looks back to the desk.
  7306. >When you realize what he’s looking at, an entirely new wave of fear hits you.
  7307. >Scissors.
  7308. ---------------
  7309. >Before you can react he picks them up, and begins to walk toward the door.
  7310. ”No!! Berry don’t!!”
  7311. >You gallop as fast as you can, standing between him and the door.
  7312. “You don’t understand! Please! Stop!
  7313. >He tries to push you aside, but with all the strength you can muster, you manage to hold your ground.
  7314. >”I’m not going to let him do this to you Octavia, it’s not-“
  7315. ”It’s the Empress!!!”
  7316. >Your shout stops him in his tracks.
  7317. >…
  7318. >That was loud.
  7319. >Really loud.
  7320. >”The Empress? What do you-“
  7321. “Shhh….”
  7322. >”But-“
  7323. ”Shhhh!!!”
  7324. >Night Watch might have heard that…
  7325. >You both stand in silence for a few, unbelievably tense moments.
  7326. >Your ears twitch, rapidly trying to detect the faintest hoof falls from outside the door.
  7327. >...
  7328. >…
  7329. >…
  7330. >Nothing.
  7331. >You can’t talk in here.
  7332. >It’s not safe.
  7333. “Follow me, please…”
  7334. >You quickly turn around and open the door, before hanging a right, and walking toward the back of the store.
  7335. >Luckily, Berry doesn’t bother to reply vocally, but instead follows only a few hoof steps behind.
  7336. >You quickly reach the back door, and opening it, you enter the rear alleyway.
  7337. >Berry quickly steps into the alleyway with you, before closing the door gently behind him.
  7338. ---------------
  7339. >You /force/ you mouth to move.
  7340. >The words are laced with fearful nervousness.
  7341. “Berry, where did you get that from?”
  7342. >He trots over to a desk and picks up a few pieces of paper.
  7343. >”It was with the sketches you gave me Octavia…”
  7344. >As you walk toward the table you shake your head.
  7345. “That can’t be true, I only gave you-“
  7346. >He lifts two pieces of paper; one with the dress clearly visible on it, and the other…
  7347. >…
  7348. >You /couldn’t/ have missed that.
  7349. >”I only know of one creature that looks like this Octavia, I saw him leave the castle with the new guards yesterday…”
  7350. >This can’t be happening.
  7351. >”Octavia, please, tell me, where you got this from…”
  7352. >You don’t have an answer.
  7353. >Fully aware of the gravity of situation, your eyes begin to water.
  7354. >He notices, and puts down the papers before walking toward you.
  7355. >You back petal a few steps, but within moments, you feel his hoof wrapping itself around your withers.
  7356. >Everything begins to fall apart.
  7357. “Oh Berry… I’m so sorry…”
  7358. >He tries to comfort you, gently petting your coat.
  7359. >”It’s ok Tavi…"
  7360. >You shake your head, wiping your tears into his fur.
  7361. >”You don’t understand…”
  7362. >You feel his muscles flex slightly.
  7363. >”What do you mean Tavi? Is everything alright?”
  7364. ---------------
  7365. >You know you shouldn’t tell him.
  7366. >He doesn’t need to know.
  7367. >He can’t do anything to change it.
  7368. >But in the moment, when his hooves are around you, things are different.
  7369. >You aren’t thinking straight.
  7370. >All you can think about is his soft her, and his gentle touch.
  7371. >The concern in his voice, the beating of his heart.
  7372. >For the first time in forever, you’re with some pony you trust.
  7373. >Every emotion from the last few days comes boiling back to the surface, looking for any means to escape.
  7374. “They have my parents Berry, they have my parents…”
  7375. >…
  7376. >Instantly, you regret the decision…
  7377. >”What???”
  7378. >You push him away.
  7379. ”Please, be quiet…”
  7380. >”Who has your parents? The monster /thing/?”
  7381. >You shouldn’t have told him…
  7382. >Wiping you eye, you try your best to control the situation.
  7383. “You can’t tell anyone about this, if you do-“
  7384. >”Who has your parents Octavia The monster?”
  7385. >Your head is pulsing as blood rushes to your head as you try to reply.
  7386. “It doesn’t matter, please, just don’t-“
  7387. >What was once concern on his face is quickly transitioning to something much more sinister.
  7388. >”Is it that Estate Pony — Is that it?”
  7389. >He looks back to the desk.
  7390. >When you realize what he’s looking at, an entirely new wave of fear hits you.
  7391. >Scissors.
  7392. ---------------
  7393. >Before you can react he picks them up, and begins to walk toward the door.
  7394. ”No!! Berry don’t!!”
  7395. >You gallop as fast as you can, standing between him and the door.
  7396. “You don’t understand! Please! Stop!
  7397. >He tries to push you aside, but with all the strength you can muster, you manage to hold your ground.
  7398. >”I’m not going to let him do this to you Octavia, it’s not-“
  7399. ”It’s the Empress!!!”
  7400. >Your shout stops him in his tracks.
  7401. >…
  7402. >That was loud.
  7403. >Really loud.
  7404. >”The Empress? What do you-“
  7405. “Shhh….”
  7406. >”But-“
  7407. ”Shhhh!!!”
  7408. >Night Watch might have heard that…
  7409. >You both stand in silence for a few, unbelievably tense moments.
  7410. >Your ears twitch, rapidly trying to detect the faintest hoof falls from outside the door.
  7411. >...
  7412. >…
  7413. >…
  7414. >Nothing.
  7415. >You can’t talk in here.
  7416. >It’s not safe.
  7417. “Follow me, please…”
  7418. >You quickly turn around and open the door, before hanging a right, and walking toward the back of the store.
  7419. >Luckily, Berry doesn’t bother to reply vocally, but instead follows only a few hoof steps behind.
  7420. >You quickly reach the back door, and opening it, you enter the rear alleyway.
  7421. >Berry quickly steps into the alleyway with you, before closing the door gently behind him.
  7422. ---------------
  7423. >As soon as he turns to face you, you begin.
  7424. “Listen Berry — my parents were taken prisoner by the Empress; some stuff happened, and we were taken from our house…”
  7425. “/That’s/ why my home was empty when your mother went there, they’re in the castle…”
  7426. >His expression again shifts from the anger of only moments ago, to concern.
  7427. >He tries to interrupt.
  7428. >”Octavia…”
  7429. >You shake your head.
  7430. >Night Watch probably isn’t supposed to lose sight of you, and going outside almost certainly is against the plan, but right now, you’re willing to risk it.
  7431. ”I’m working for her in exchange for their safety; they sent me to get those outfits…”
  7432. “/That’s/ why I’m here, Night Watch isn’t my colt-friend, he’s my escort; I’m a prisoner, he’s my guard…”
  7433. >He stares for a few moments.
  7434. >”So… you’re staying in the castle?”
  7435. >You nod.
  7436. >”Oh sweet Celestia… Octavia…”
  7437. >Trying to ease his worries, you tell small lies.
  7438. “It’s not that bad really; I don’t have to stay in a cell all day…”
  7439. “I just do whatever they ask me to do, and my parents stay safe…”
  7440. >He places his hoof against his head as he speaks.
  7441. >”But why did they even take you? Why did they take your parents?”
  7442. “My father was friends with people in Celestia’s council, and after they were killed, messengers were-“
  7443. >”They were /killed!!?!?/
  7444. >You instantly realize what you just said.
  7445. >”They’re killing ponies in there? Octavia, this isn’t right, you’re not going back there...“
  7446. “I don’t have a choice Berry, if I try to run away, my parents…
  7447. >You take a breath.
  7448. ”She’d kill my parents…”
  7449. ---------------
  7450. >He shakes his head.
  7451. >”It doesn’t matter Octavia… this isn’t right…”
  7452. >”You can’t just — just /let/ her take your parents like this Octavia…”
  7453. >You snort.
  7454. "What other choice do I do I have?”
  7455. >Your voice is a low, sharp whisper.
  7456. “Breaking them out?”
  7457. “I’m doing all I can Berry, I can’t "do" anything else…”
  7458. >”Then we need to tell some pony!”
  7459. >”We can’t do this by ourselves Octavia, but if we get help, we can-“
  7460. “Do what? Raid that castle? Overthrow Nightmare Moon?”
  7461. >You’re practically fuming, trying your best to keep your voice low.
  7462. “Are you /insane/ Berry? We can’t do /anything/ to her! She overthrew Celestia by herself!”
  7463. >That causes him to pause.
  7464. “Do you even /know/ what happened to the old Guard’s ponies? I don’t! — /No pony does!!/
  7465. “Ponies are just /disappearing/ right now Berry; it’s not the time to try and make stupid mistakes like this…”
  7466. >He looks down.
  7467. >"Octavia..."
  7468. >It takes you a moment to come down from your rant.
  7469. >When you do, you can’t help but realize how badly you berated him.
  7470. >Sure, he was being stupid, but he was only trying to help…
  7471. >…
  7472. >You take a breath…
  7473. "I know it's bad Berry, but right now, staying in the Castle is the only option I have..."
  7474. >...
  7475. >There is a small low in the conversation, as both of you take a moment to recompose yourself.
  7476. >Your ears twitch rapidly, trying to detect any noise coming from the door.
  7477. >Silently, you hope that Night Watch didn't hear this conversation.
  7478. >While you aren't sure what the consequences would be, you're rather not take the opportunity to find out either...
  7479. ---------------
  7480. >After a moment, he speaks.
  7481. >”So… what do we do now?”
  7482. >He looks up, and awkwardly brushes his hoof on the ground.
  7483. >”I can’t let you just disappear into the castle — not if I’m not sure I’ll ever see you again…”
  7484. >You can see his eyes growing slightly moist as he speaks.
  7485. >Eye contact only last a few seconds before you look away.
  7486. “I… I can try to send you letters if they let me…”
  7487. >It’s a lie of course.
  7488. >Knowing Nightmare Moon, she’d /never/ let you do something like that.
  7489. >You can’t even say it to his face.
  7490. “It might not be very often, but if I do good, I’m sure I can send one every once-in-a-while…”
  7491. >Berry takes moment to think, before he nods.
  7492. >”Do you know how long it will be before the Princess lets you leave?”
  7493. ---------------
  7494. >The question freezes you in place.
  7495. >Are you going to lie about this too?
  7496. >You’ve already told a number of half-truths, so this shouldn't be difficult.
  7497. >Yet, as you open your mouth, your tongue feels weak.
  7498. ”I…”
  7499. >Your ear twitches as you hear something metal clang at the end of the alleyway.
  7500. >You turn, and see three stallions turning into the passageway.
  7501. "Berry!"
  7502. >It takes him a second to he too turns, and sees the stallions.
  7503. >Your heart is racing, and your reach for the door handle, only to feel magic against your fur.
  7504. >"Calm down, we aren't here to hurt you..."
  7505. >One of the stallions speak, his voice low, yet firm.
  7506. >"You're the mare that left the castle earlier, correct?"
  7507. >His wingpony speaks, his voice slightly less gruff.
  7508. >You shake your head, and retreat behind Burr Berry who, seeing your fear, tries his best to stand between you and the stallions.
  7509. >"Get back!"
  7510. >Berry tries his best to sound threatening, but you can hear the fear in his voice.
  7511. >One of the stallions reply, as the continue to draw closer.
  7512. >"We don't want any trouble-"
  7513. >"Get back!!!"
  7514. >Berry shouts even louder this time, but it does nothing to deter their advance.
  7515. >He looks over his shoulder briefly at you; terror clear in his eyes, before looking forward again.
  7516. >With his hoof, he reaches toward the doorhandle, and tries to turn it, only to discover it's been locked.
  7517. ---------------
  7518. >Your heart drops.
  7519. >This... this is bad.
  7520. >You shouldn't have come out here.
  7521. >"Get behind me Octavia, I'll try my best to protect you..."
  7522. >Berry whispers as you both slowly retreat deeper into the dead-end ally.
  7523. >The stallion in front once again speaks, as he reaches into his saddlebag, and pulls out a small piece of metal.
  7524. >Holding it in the air with his magic, he speaks.
  7525. >"We aren't here to cause trouble, we're members of Celestia's Royal Guard..."
  7526. >"You need to come with us, so that we can ask you some questions..."
  7527. >You notice Berry relax slightly as he looks at the badge, and then the stallions.
  7528. >"We don't have time, the Lunar guard will be here any minute."
  7529. >The third pony, silent until now, pulls out a large cloak from his saddlebag, and tosses it toward you.
  7530. >"Put this on, we need to leave -- we got to get going..."
  7531. >You let the dark sheet fall onto the ground, instead opting to stare at it.
  7532. >While your body is still, your mind is frantically evaluating the situation.
  7533. >The Royal Guard has come to save you?
  7534. >You look up at the stallions, who are a few feet from Berry.
  7535. >You.... you /can't/ go with them.
  7536. >Your parents -- if you don't come back, they'll certainly die.
  7537. >And who knows what Nightmare Moon would do to Ms. Cherry and Berry if she thought they helped you escape.
  7538. "I- I can't go..."
  7539. ---------------
  7540. >Berry looks back at you again, this time with more... sympathetic eyes.
  7541. >"Octavia..."
  7542. >You shake your head.
  7543. "My parents Berry, if I leave..."
  7544. >He looks down, and then back up.
  7545. >"Are you sure about this? This could be..."
  7546. >You nod.
  7547. "I'm sure, I can't go..."
  7548. >Looking up, you can see the stallions across from you growing agitated.
  7549. >"Either come with us peacefully, or we'll have to take you by force."
  7550. >You shake your head.
  7551. "You don't understand, I /can't/ go, my family-"
  7552. >His partner speaks.
  7553. >"We don't have time for this, the guards could be here any minute..."
  7554. >He takes a step forward, causing Berry to crouch down, preparing a more defensive stance.
  7555. >"She said she's not going!"
  7556. >The Guardspony continues to advance, now looking much more aggressive.
  7557. >His two partners follow close behind.
  7558. >Fear pulses through your veins.
  7559. >You /can't/ go with them.
  7560. >But, three fully trained unicorn guards pony versus Berry, however motivated he might be, isn't a competition.
  7561. >As you both continue to retreat, you feel yourself hit the brick wall behind you.
  7562. >Where is Night Watch?
  7563. >Shouldn't he be here?!
  7564. >Realizing the desperate nature of your situation, you scream as loud as you can.
  7565. "HELP! HELP US!"
  7566. >Unfortunately, that instantly causes the stallions to attack.
  7567. >Berry tries his best to fight, and charges one of the stallions, but is easily thrown agains the fall, hitting it with a sickening thud.
  7568. >You can see Berry trying his best to stand, but again he loses his balance, and stumbles.
  7569. >"HELP! SOMEPONY HELP!"
  7570. ---------------
  7571. >What happened next…
  7572. >You’ll never forget it.
  7573. >The lead stallion quickly approached you as Berry struggled to stand.
  7574. >His hoof was only inches from your body when you looked into his eyes.
  7575. >He wasn’t upset, or angry, or annoyed.
  7576. >He looked determined.
  7577. >…
  7578. >Then, he was dead.
  7579. >…
  7580. >From the corner of your eye you saw something long and silver plunge into the side of his head.
  7581. >As as quickly, a pink and red mist exited the other side.
  7582. >His eyes didn’t change.
  7583. >He just fell forward, and collapsed before you, entirely limp.
  7584. >You looked toward the wall on your left, and saw what appeared to be a long, slender metal rod, embedded into the brick.
  7585. >A small amount of blood and chunks of… other things… were splattered onto the wall.
  7586. >You looked up, and saw the two other stallions.
  7587. >They were looking at you; confusion and horror clear in their eyes.
  7588. >Then, they too were /gone…/
  7589. >Two more metal rods flew through them, and into the brick beside them.
  7590. >Closed your eyes and screamed.
  7591. >…
  7592. >A hoof gently fell on your shoulder.
  7593. >”Inside Ms. Octavia, we need to leave, /now./
  7594. >You opened your eyes and saw…
  7595. >Night Watch?
  7596. ---------------
  7597. >As you looked into his eyes, you instantly knew something was off.
  7598. >He looked… different.
  7599. >Determined.
  7600. >Dangerous.
  7601. >Somehow, your mind returned to Burr Berry, who was still on the ground.
  7602. >You Watched as he coughed, and a small amount of blood flew from his mouth.
  7603. “We need to-“
  7604. >”Get inside; I’ll take care of him.
  7605. >Looking back to Night Watch, you realized that it was not the time to question him.
  7606. >As you galloped towards the door, you saw three small holes torn into the thin metal screen; undoubtably from where he threw the rods.
  7607. >Entering the boutique once again, you took a moment to catch your breathe.
  7608. >Your mind was racing — frantically trying to take stock of the situation.
  7609. >You- you should be safe now.
  7610. >But what /was/ that?
  7611. >Celestia Royal Guard?
  7612. >Trying to foalnap you?
  7613. >And Night Watch…
  7614. >Your thoughts are interrupted by the sound of Night Watch and Burr Berry crashing through the door.
  7615. >Berry is leaning on Night Watch, who is doing his best to support the stricken stallion.
  7616. >Trying your best to help, you quickly walk behind them and lock the door, before trotting next to Night Watch.
  7617. ”What /was/ that? Who were-“
  7618. >”Rebels, they must have figured out who we are…”
  7619. “But why would they attack us? We didn’t-“
  7620. >You’re interrupted by A heavy cough from Burr Berry.
  7621. >Night Watch, aware of the problem, looks over at him, and speaks.
  7622. >”Hold him for a second Octavia…”
  7623. ---------------
  7624. >You nod, and quickly walk around his other side, before crouching underneath him, and supporting Berry’s right foreleg on your whither.
  7625. >”I’m fine, you don’t need to hold-“
  7626. >”You’ve broken three ribs Berry, you aren’t /fine./“
  7627. >The boldness in Night Watch’s voice catches you off guard, but you push it aside.
  7628. ”Is he going to be ok? We need to get him to a hospital…”
  7629. >Night Watch shakes his head.
  7630. >”We have reason to believe that the rebellions have connections in the hospitals, we can’t send him there…”
  7631. >Berry grunts, trying to stand on his own legs.
  7632. >”I’m fin-"
  7633. >His injuries betray him as he coughs, and places his weight on you once again.
  7634. “Well then where can we take him? We can’t just let him die here!”
  7635. >Night Watch pulls out a small piece of paper from his saddle bag.
  7636. >”He’s not going to die Octavia, those injuries aren’t life threatening…”
  7637. “Not life threatening? He’s coughing up /blood!/ He could have a punctured lung!”
  7638. >”He doesn’t have a punctured lung Ms. Octavia; he bit his tongue…”
  7639. ”Wha…”
  7640. >You look up, and see blood pouring from Berry’s mouth.
  7641. “Berry…”
  7642. >He nods.
  7643. >”I told you Octavia… I’m fine, my side just … mmm... hurts….”
  7644. >As you open your mouth to reply, you hear another set off hoof steps from the hallway.
  7645. >Looking up, you make eye contact with Ms. Cherry, who is clearly frantic.
  7646. >”Berry!”
  7647. >She rushes over, and places her hoof under Berry’s chin.
  7648. >”Oh Berry! What happened?”
  7649. >Night Watch replies before you have the opportunity to respond.
  7650. >”A couple of ponies tried to break in and mug Octavia and Berry…”
  7651. >”MUG?!!? Oh Celestia! Are you OK Berry?”
  7652. >Berry grunts.
  7653. >”I’m /fine/ mom…”
  7654. ---------------
  7655. >You can tell he’s clearly still in pain, but trying his best to hide it.
  7656. >It dawns on you that he might not want to appear weak in front of you or his mother.
  7657. >Stallions and their egos…
  7658. >You slowly wiggle out from underneath his leg, and allow him to support himself.
  7659. >”Berry fought them off — they ran away before I could even see what happened…”
  7660. >”Oh Berry…”
  7661. >Berry makes eye contact with Night Watch briefly, before looking at his mother once again.
  7662. >”Mom I’m fine… really…”
  7663. >Seeing that he’s able to at least stand by himself, you quickly walk around him, and to Night Watch.
  7664. >Turning away from the Burrs, you speak in a low whisper.
  7665. “What do we do Night Watch?”
  7666. >You see him quickly sorting through a number of papers, with Celestia’s Royal seal on them.
  7667. “What are those?”
  7668. >He quickly scans over them, befogging folding them in half, and placing them in his saddlebag.
  7669. >”Documents they were carrying with them.”
  7670. >”They were part of the DawnBringers…”
  7671. >You raise an eyebrow.
  7672. ”DawnBringers?”
  7673. >Night Watch nods.
  7674. >”The Guard that escaped the initial return fled into Canterlot’s lower, market, and Noble districts, and have been forming a rebellion force.”
  7675. >But…
  7676. “The Guard? I thought you said you didn’t know what happened to them?”
  7677. >He meets your gaze.
  7678. >Deep… intense…
  7679. >His eyes tell you everything.
  7680. >He was lying…
  7681. ---------------
  7682. >You look back to Berry, who is saying something to his mother.
  7683. ”The DawnBringers?”
  7684. >”Their tactics have been difficult to identify, although this is the first time we’ve seen them physically attack on a civilian…”
  7685. >Keen on his reference, you look back at Burr Berry.
  7686. “So… this is new?”
  7687. >He nods.
  7688. >”We don’t have time for this conversation now, we need to get you back to the castle before something worse happens…”
  7689. >Suddenly, you hear Ms. Cherry gasp.
  7690. >”Berry!”
  7691. >Turning around, you see Berry on the ground, coughing up a /lot/ more blood.
  7692. >Cherry is frantic.
  7693. >”I- I don’t know what happened! I just gave him a hug, and-“
  7694. >You rush over to Berry, and kneel on the ground beside him.
  7695. ”Berry- what wrong?”
  7696. >He shakes his head, and gasp loudly.
  7697. >Instantly, you recognize what happened.
  7698. >That hug- she must have pushed one of his ribs into…
  7699. >Turning back to Night Watch, you frantically yell.
  7700. ”Night Watch, we need to do something!”
  7701. >Ms. Cherry’s panicked voice fills the air, only adding to the stress of the situation.
  7702. >”I’ve already sent for backup, they should be here soon…”
  7703. >Night Watch quickly walks over to Berry, and steadies him with his magic.
  7704. >”We need to get him to the front, the guard will transport him to a safe-house and take care of him there.
  7705. >Ms. Berry, interrupts.
  7706. >”A safe house? What do you mean a /safe house?/ we need to get him to a hospital!”
  7707. ---------------
  7708. >You mentally curse to yourself.
  7709. >Burr Cherry doesn’t know what’s going on.
  7710. “Ms. Cherry, it’s ok, we can’t take him to the hospital so-“
  7711. >”What do you mean we /can’t/? We need to take him now!”
  7712. >Slowly, Berry’s body begins to levitate off the ground, picked up by Night Watch’s magic.
  7713. >”Get ahold of her Octavia, I’m moving him to the front room…”
  7714. >You nod, and quickly stand, placing a hoof on Cherry’s shoulder.
  7715. ”Ms. Cherry, I don’t have to time explain, but Night Watch is a Royal Guard, and we need to be careful-“
  7716. >”Night Watch? Who is? Night Watch?”
  7717. >You rub your eyes, realizing your mistake.
  7718. ”Estate - Estate’s real name is Night Watch, he’s my guard from the castle-
  7719. >”The Castle? What about the Castle?? We need to get Berry to the hospital, now!
  7720. >You sigh, realizing it would be impossible to explain everything quickly enough.
  7721. ”I don’t have time to explain Ms. Cherry, please, just listen to what he has to say…”
  7722. >She shake her head, and tries to walk past you.
  7723. >”That’s my Berry, Octavia! He needs to get to a hospital!!”
  7724. >You hear the door bell jingle, signaling someone has entered the store.
  7725. >Turning, you motion for Ms. Cherry to follow.
  7726. “Come on Ms. Cherry, we don’t have time…”
  7727. ---------------
  7728. >As you enter the front room your stunned to see almost a dozen guards standing around Night Watch and Berry.
  7729. >”Take that bag there, and dispose of it once we’re gone... there are three more out back…”
  7730. >You look toward where his hoof is pointing and see a large pile of fabric on the ground, with a small, dark red stain.
  7731. >…
  7732. >It’s a pony…
  7733. >Ms. Cherry can’t see this.
  7734. >You quickly turn around, and block Ms. Cherry’s path, preventing her from entering the storefront.
  7735. ”Stay here for a minute Ms. Cherry, they’re busy out front.”
  7736. >Yet again, she objects, and tries to push past you.
  7737. >However, she quickly sees the swarm of guards, and stops.
  7738. >”Why are all of those ponies in here…”
  7739. “I /told/ you Ms. Cherry, Night W- Estate is a guard, he’ll take care of Berry… please, don’t get in the way…”
  7740. >Looking over your shoulder once again, you see Night Watch finish speaking with the stallion across from him, before turning around and looking at you.
  7741. >Seeing your situation with Ms. Cherry, he quickly makes his way over.
  7742. >In the background, you see the other guards lifting Burr Cherry, who is frighteningly motionless, off the ground, and out of the front door.
  7743. >”Where are you taking my son! I need to go with him!”
  7744. ---------------
  7745. >Again you’re forced to hold Burr Cherry back.
  7746. >It’s… uncomfortable having to separate a her from her son like this…
  7747. >Finally, Night Watch speaks.
  7748. >”Ms. Cherry, my name is Night Watch, I’m with Empress Nightmare Moon’s Lunar Guard.”
  7749. >That catches her attention.
  7750. >”Lunar Guard? But aren’t you Octavia’s-“
  7751. >”We’re moving your son to one of our facilities in Canterlot to be watched over— given the situation. it would be best for you to stay here…”
  7752. >She shakes her head.
  7753. >”I /told/ you, I’m going with my foal!”
  7754. >Night Watch, with a surprising amount of composure, replies.
  7755. >”I understand Ms. Cherry, but the attackers didn’t get a look at you before, so they don’t know you’re connected…”
  7756. >”If we move you outside right now, they might still be watching, and see who you are…”
  7757. >”You’re /in danger/ Ms. Cherry, I’m trying to keep you safe.”
  7758. >Fortunately, that seems to ring a bell with her.
  7759. >”In danger?”
  7760. >Night Watch nods.
  7761. >”I’ll have a detail of guards stay with you here until it’s safe to transport you; you should be with your son in no more than a few hours…”
  7762. >He points toward the back room, where the dress and suit are being stored.
  7763. >”Octavia, move her into that room for now while I finish dealing with things up front.
  7764. >It takes you a moment to stop /watching/ Night Watch, but after a moment, you nod.
  7765. ”I… yeah - ok.”
  7766. ---------------
  7767. >Quickly, you escort Ms. Cherry to the back room.
  7768. >It takes a moment to get her settled, and grab the clothing the Berry made for you.
  7769. >By Celestia’s grace Burr Cherry was too concerned and flustered to ask questions, or notice as you hastily covered the Beast’s strange garment.
  7770. >After trying your best to calm the mare, a pair stallions arrived at the door, and inform you to report to the front.
  7771. >After kissing Ms. Cherry on the cheek, and trying your best to assure her Berry would be ok, you raced to the front room, with the clothing you ordered laid across your back in storage bags.
  7772. >”Sire, we’ve secured the parameters, but haven’t found any other DawnBringers so far…”
  7773. >Your ears twitch.
  7774. >Sire?
  7775. >Replying the the stallion, Night Watch nods.
  7776. >”Keep looking, I don’t think they would have tried this without support.”
  7777. “I’m ready…”
  7778. >Your voice causes him to turn and look at you.
  7779. >”Yes… we should get going; is your business done here?”
  7780. >You grasp the hanger in your teeth, and pull the garment bag off your withers.
  7781. ”Yeah…”
  7782. >He grabs the bag, forcing you to release your grip, before handing it to one of the ponies beside him.
  7783. >”Have them run these through inspection; I’m not having anything un-checked go into the Castle…”
  7784. >The pony quickly nods, before placing the bag into a small box, and locking it shut.
  7785. >”Yes Sire, I’ll see to it…”
  7786. ---------------
  7787. >”Very well, prepare the escort detail outside; we’ll be out in a minute.”
  7788. >The ponies all nod, before quickly filing out of the door, leaving you and Night Watch alone in the storefront.
  7789. >H takes a few steps toward you, before placing his hoof of your shoulder.
  7790. >Perhaps out of uncertainty, you look down.
  7791. >”Are you ok Octavia?”
  7792. >You curtly nod.
  7793. ”Yeah… I’m fine…”
  7794. >He pauses for a moment.
  7795. >”This isn’t your fault; things have been hectic since the Empress returned…”
  7796. ”Yeah- I know, I just…”
  7797. >You look toward the body lying under the fabric.
  7798. >Four ponies /died/ here — possibly five…
  7799. >All because of you…
  7800. >You hiccup as you try to speak, and feel your eyes begin to water.
  7801. ”I just didn’t expect…”
  7802. >Perhaps predicting the breakdown, Night Watch pulls you into an embrace.
  7803. >You burst into a small spurt of tears, which are quickly soaked into his coat.
  7804. >It’s… embracing; crying in the hooves of a stallion you don’t even know.
  7805. >...
  7806. >After a few minutes he pulls away, again holding you a leg’s length.
  7807. >He reaches for a handkerchief, and wipes the rest of the tears from your cheeks.
  7808. >”We need to get going, the quicker we’re back inside the castle, the better.”
  7809. >Nodding, you close your eyes for a moment to compose yourself, before replying.
  7810. ”Ok… let’s go.”
  7811. >Night Watch nods in reply before motioning for you to walk outside to the awaiting escort.

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