private Canterlot Mystery

[Nothing&NoOne 695]

Ebony blinked when the alicorn looked at her, and she bowed her head, listening. She got up as well and went to her closet. 'Grand galloping gala..' She thought, pushing dresses aside. She sighed and pulled out a ballgown that her mother had given to her for the gala the year before. She never wore it because she didn't go to the gala; she was attending her parent's funeral. She inspected the ballgown and shut the wardrobe, laying the dress out on the bed.

[HigurSan 195]

Stonewall now dressed in his vest, was forced into wearing a tie and gold pocket watch by a stare from his father. He wasn't exactly one for dressing up, but that look said that it was not acceptable. Walking over to Ebony, Stonewall helped her become adorned in various jewelry and such before introducing the dress. Looking at his dad, Stonewall's eyes flared and he said, "I may love her Dad, but I'm still her butler in the meantime." Lord Fireheart nodded, and waited patiently. When the dress was finished, Stonewall stood back and ran a comb through his mane a few times. Surpisingly, Ebony's hair was completely orderly despite her ordeal. Stonewall gave his dad a glance, who shook his head and shrugged.

[Nothing&NoOne 695]

Ebony frowned at herself in the mirror. She'd never wore a ballgown before. She looked at the gem necklace, earings, and tiara, sighing. It all worked so well together.

[HigurSan 195]

Stonewall checked himself in the mirror aswell. Standing next to Ebony, they looked like a couple. Lovingly, he nuzzled her head with his own. "You look wonderful," he whispered. "We had better get going." Nodding to his father, Stonewall led the way. Lord Fireheart drew stares like a stallion on a mission to do so. Arriving at the ballroom, Stonewall opened the door. Preparations were still underway. Standing in the middle of it all was the Princess Celestia. Noticing the party just entering, she walked over majestically. "Ah, Lord Fireheart. It is good to see you. I hope that you and your... wife are doing well." The slight look of distaste at the mention of Stonewall's mother confused the stallion thoroughly. Lord Fireheart simply nodded in reply. "Well, it shall be a wonderful evening to be remembered. I'm glad you at least attended." With that said, the Princess walked away to talk to some more guests.

 

"Stupid bitch," Lord Fireheart mumbled. Seeing the look he was getting, he explained. "She may have ruled for nigh on three millenia now, but yonder mare is far from perfect. I'm sure you know she banished her sister to the moon over who a certain stallion liked more. Forget all that nonsense about the night and such. In fact, for the longest while, it looked like you might have been the son of Celestia, not your own mother. Of course, things didn't work out like that. Your mother and her have been constant rivals ever since then."

[Nothing&NoOne 695]

Ebony blushed and nuzzled him back. She bowed to Celestia when she walked over, staying quiet. She looked around the ballroom at all the ponies gathering together and dancing. She moved a bit closer to Stonewall; she hadn't been in a room so crowded for a while.

[HigurSan 195]

As soon as everyone was present, the Gala was started by the Princess with a short speech. Once she was done, the music began playing. Lord Fireheart wandered off to talk to some other nobles. Stonewall took Ebony out on the dancefloor, mostly keeping to the slow dances. A disturbance in the crowd attracted his attention while they were taking a rest. A pink pony in an even pinker dress was making out with a tall stallion that looked like someone Stonewall knew. As he looked again, he was sure that he recognized the stallion as a Mr.Cherrytop. How such a respectable member of the community had gotten into a situation was beyond Stonewall, though he thought it likely had to do with the strong cider being served at the party. Finally, the pink pony broke away from the stallion, and rushed over in Stonewall's direction. Apparently sensing impending disaster, Lord Fireheart made an appearance. He moved infront of Stonewall only to be upstaged by the encentric pony everyone knew as Pinkie Pie.

 

"Oh gumdrops and chocolate bars! Stonewall, is that you?" the bouncing mare asked. "I haven't seen you since the last Gala! Oh what a time that was. Remember when Prince Merrynot broke the punch bowl? I was sooooo mad! Maybe I shouldn't have been drinking right out of the punchbowl but who cares? Oh who is this? Your date? Stonewall! I am ashamed of you, taking advantage of a young mare like that when you know you're supposed to be married to me and half of Equestria! But who cares right? After all, I had alot of 'fun' last time we met, and I'm sure she'd like to hear about that to! Well miss, you're stallion-" Her mouthed was covered by Lord Fireheart, who dragged the still babbling mare away with an apologetic glance.

 

Stonewall looked like he had been hit by a bus. Pulling himself together, he turned to Ebony. "I'm sorry about her. Her name is Pinkie Pie if you don't know her. She gets like that when she gets even a drop of punch. Never mind that she owns the sweets shop in Ponyville. As for most of what she said, its nonsense. Her fun was tying me to a chair and forcing me to write a letter to her declaring my love. Thankfully my brother was nearby. As for marrying her, she's just mad that I decided to not marry any of the mares my father brought forward. Well, there was a filly in one case, but she didn't mind. Oh, thats her over there. Hello Cidersoul!" As he waved, a still young but astoundingly attractive mare pranced over to the pair. She hugged them both, though she didn't know Ebony.

 

"Oh... Stonewall," the mare said shyly with a deep blush. Her coat was the color of a sunset, meaning orange tinged with pink. Her mane and tail were both a lovely shade of blue and violet. The blush only served to make it look like clouds were adorning her face. "I'm terribly sorry miss. I would never impose upon a fine mare such as yourself with a dance with your stallion. But... my father has been pushing me here. Oh, there he is, still watching." The mare seemed terribly embarresed to ask Ebony. Her voice hinted that she wasn't exactly shy, but instead had been drilled with politeness. Imagine her tone like a 'southern bell' sort of lady.

[Nothing&NoOne 695]

Ebony half smiled. "So polite. Go ahead, I don't mind." She smiled at Stonewall. "I'll go out into the garden for a while. On the night of the gala, all the night lamps are lit. I won't be in darkness." She nuzzled him softly and turned, walking out the large double doors to the garden.

[null123456 759]

''Piiiiinnnnnkkkks! Long time no see!'' Said Splinter appearing out of nowhere. ''How's my favorite group of Mares and Colts!'' Said Splinter as taking off his mask and smiling.

((Pinkie Pie is here?! Jackpot. ))

Edited June 17, 2012 by Calirolls

[HigurSan 195]

Stonewall smiled sheepishly at Cidersoul, who smiled back. As they headed out to the dance floor, it became apparent that they had spent alot of time together in the past. There wasn't much to say, they knew each other so well. Of course, it wasn't the sort of knowing that couples shared. If you were perceptive, there wasn't a single drop of romance inbetween them. As they danced, Cidersoul blushed every once in a while. Talking back and forth, they swayed to the rythmn of the music. A birdseye view would notice that slowly, the crowd was making a vague circle around Stonewall and the mare, watching and dancing.

 

Pinkie Pie returned, seeing Splinter instantly. Jumping up and down in excitement (or maybe that was her normal mode), she tackled Splinter. "Hey my best buddy of all time! How is your unit doing? The ole comrades still well? Ooooooh! I have so much to tell you! Remember that mare from a month ago that you slept with in the motel? Turns out that was my cousin! She told me so much about you! I have to say that it got me in a fine fizzle, so I decided to try it out for myself!" Without further talk, she dragged Splinter off to the nearest bedroom, vacating those already present.

 

In the garden, the night was quiet and a slight breeze stirred the foilage. Lord Fireheart followed Ebony outside, looking at the stars. "Ah, Nightingale, I've been meaning to talk to you," his voice was authoritative but kind. "It pains be to say it, and Stonewall doesn't know it yet. As of yesterday, his second older brother, my son, passed away in mysterious circumstances. While it was unexpected, and I mourn my sons deeply, I have Stonewall to consider. It appears that the deaths of my other sons are pointing to him. But I know he would never do this. I fear for my other children in any case. So, at the end of the Gala tonight, I am going to abdicate the throne, and pass it on to Stonewall."

[null123456 759]

Splinter's Face shrunk, but he was smiling. ''Pinks! That was a secret... But at this point..'' Said Splinter as rolling his eyes and blushing.

Edited June 17, 2012 by Calirolls

[Nothing&NoOne 695]

Ebony was in the middle of the garden when Lord Fireheart spoke. She turned and bowed her head, then looked up at him, listening. Her eyes became sorrowful when he told her about Stonewall's brother. She blinked. "You're giving him the throne?" She asked quietly.

[HigurSan 195]

Stonewall and Cidersoul finished their dance, finally noticing the number of people watching them. Grinning sheepishly, the stallion escorted the mar back to her father. The older earth pony, while not entirely happy that nothing romantic had resulted, nodded politely to the unicorn stallion. It was then that Stonewall noticed a very bright shadow falling across him. Looking back, he was confronted by Princess Celestia. "You will be coming to my study young stallion. Now," was all she said before trotting off. Stonewall looked out to the garden then sighed. Grimacing, he trorted over and out of the ballroom, heading to the Princess's study. As he entered, the room was completely silent. A sudden movement behind him caused him to turn into the face of a very different Princess. She seemed... almost insane. That look in her eye spoke of things not suitable for fillies and colts. Stonewall backed up slowly, hitting the desk with his hindquarters. "Now my beautiful young stallion," she whispered seductively, magically locking the windows and doors while erecting barriers. "You are going to be all mine tonight, and not a single pony is getting in the way of it."

 

While not safe for viewing audiences, the scene in the bedroom occupied by Pinkie Pie and Splinter was somehow silly and sexy at the same time. Some time later, a worn out and heavily breathing Pinkie emerged. Turning back, she smiled at Splinter. "Don't worry pal. The rub burns will fade in a couple of days. By the way, you might want somepony to untie you before the night is over." Pinkie then bounced away, totally unaware of the gawking nobles. Splinter was tied in a somewhat... akward position on the bed, for all to see.

 

Lord Fireheart nodded with a sigh. "Yes, it has been decided that in order for my other children to live in safety, Stonewall must be given the throne. It became apparent after my youngest son was threatened that any opposition to the throne will be dealt with by the ponies responsible. No one but you, me, and my closest advisors know of this. Nopony must find out before it is announced." At that moment, he seemed to listen to something else. "Oh damn her to the hole she spawned from! Quickly Princess! We must get to Celestia's study before your stallion and my son are forced into what I think is happening!"

[null123456 759]

''Um... I'll catch up with ya Pinks!'' Said Splinter as winking. ''Ow, Ow, Ow.'' Said Splinter as wriggling out of the rope he was tied to. ''Wow... She is really, REALLY, fun.'' Said Splinter as getting his suit back on. His wings were stiff. He walked out of the bedroom somewhat happy.

[Nothing&NoOne 695]

Ebony blinked, extremely confused. "I..what?" She called, running after him as fast as her ballgown would allow.

[HigurSan 195]

Lord Fireheart ran through the halls, eventually getting to the study. Stopping feet away from the door, he growled. "Damn her. She's put up magical barriers and locked the door. The magic I can deal with, but I'll be damned if I know how to get those locks open. Oh well, I'll just smash the door." Several royal guards with a determined look rushed down the hall at them. Looking over, Lord Fireheart unleashed a burst of magic, knocking all of the guards of their hooves. Turning to the barriers, he smashed his horn against them, causing a faint crack. Several repeated blows caused the barriers to shatter like glass. Backing up, the stallion rushed forward, slamming his hooves into the door. The wood, though strong and enchanted, could not withstand such force. Coming halfway of their hinges, the doors swung inward with a slam.

 

The scene inside was chaotic. Books were strewn everywhere, and it appeared that a severe magical battle had ensued. Standing in the middle of the floor where the desk used to be was a pair of battling ponies. Stonewall was putting up an admirable fight, and at the moment they pair entered let loose another spell. A giant gush of wind rushed through the space, knocking Celestia from her feet. The mare responded by sending a bolt of magic into Stonewall's eyes. Temporarily blinded, the stallion stumbled back only to be leapt upon by the vengeful Princess. With his back on the ground, she stood over him, forehooves holding him down. "Now you silly stallion, hurry up and-" It was then she noticed the presence of others. Growling like a feral wolf, she enveloped Stonewall in a magic feild and teleported him away.

 

"Ah, Lord Fireheart. Its deliteful to see you and Princess Nightingale again. May I ask the nature of your intrusion into my personal study?" Lord Fireheart glared at her, the magic building up in his horn. "You let go of my son right now you whore," he said. "If you don't everypony in Equestria is going to be made aware of just how far you'll go to get a stallion. Or maybe I should tell you about the repeatedly failed attempts to have a child? Maybe I should even tell them about how you banished your only kin to the moon because an earthpony thought she had a nicer mane?" His voice was chilling to hear, speaking of an eternity of cold.

 

Celestia merely laughed in response. "Oh my, I never knew you were so passionate Fireheart. Its too bad that none of them will beleive you. Well, I might aswell not take the chance. I hope you enjoy your time on the moon deary. If only you would have-" At that moment a huge beam of magic poured from Lord Fireheart, striking an astounded Celestia in the chest. It was joined by another, darker stream of magic from behind the pair. The combined forces sent Celestia flying into a window, knocking her out cold. Lord Fireheart turned to see Princess Luna standing there with a sad grimace.

 

"I'm sorry about all this Lord Fireheart," she sighed. "She's been like this even since Twilight Sparkle left for Ponyville. I had thought she would return to normal, but things appear dire indeed." She looked at Ebony. "I must apologize to you aswell Princess. My sister has forced herself upon your stallion. For that I am truely sorry." Both alicorns walked over to the prone Celestia, who was breathing softly. "What shall we do? I can't let her get away with this," Lord Fireheart grumbled. "Don't worry," Princess Luna responded. "I'll be keeping a close watch on her now. She may think she is more powerful, but while she has been laying around down here I was practicing my magical skills. At any rate, this is not going to happen again... And please forgive her. She has been so lonely for over two millenia now. All the ponies she loves die eventually, so she thinks having a son will bring her peice. What she doesn't know is that she's been pregnant for the last century and a half. I'll have to tell her when she wakes up."

 

At that moment, Stonewall made his appearance, popping back to where he was before. Picking himself up groggily, the stallion looked around in confusion. "Come on son," Lord Fireheart said. "I know you just got back, but everything will be fine now. I need both of you in the ballroom so I can make an important announcement."

[null123456 759]

Splinter approached Pinkie Pie. ''The rope was easy to get out of... I've escaped Barbwire. As for the bruises.... Never mind.''.Said Splinter as rolling his eyes.

[Nothing&NoOne 695]

Ebony was prepared to use a spell when Luna arrived. She nodded to her and looked at Celestia on the ground. She looked up when Stonewall teleported back and she hugged him, then pulled away and looked at Lord Fireheart. She half smiled at Stonewall a bit sadly and motioned for him to follow.

[HigurSan 195]

Pinkie Pie was making out with a random stallion, who was looking rather happy at the moment. Letting go for a moment, Pinkie turned to Splinter and kissed him in the same fashion. "Oh Splinter," she whispered. "I would do what I can, but I only had so much rope, and I need you to be ready again soon. Though by the looks of a certain something you're already willing." She said this with a wink. Just as she was about to yank him back into a kiss, Lord Fireheart entered the room, drawing everypony's attention with a super loud cough. Standing on a small stage, the alicorn waited for the noise to settle. "Dearest ladies and gentlecolts. The Princess has retired for the night, so the party will be ending in half an hour." This drew a general murmur of sighs and sad faces.

 

"However, I have something much more happy to announce. Stonewall, please come up here." The confused looking stallion complied, standing next to his father. "As of late I really have not been spending as much time with my family as I should. This, and other concerns have led me to a decision." Stonewall looked to his father, still unaware. "Everypony, I am abdicating the throne of West Riverton. My son Stonewall, as of tomorrow, will be the new King. Thank you for your time." With that said, the stallion walked from the stage. Stonewall was left slackjawed, facing a crowd of equally shocked ponies.

 

Finally, somewhere in the crowd the sound of clapping was heard. More ponies joined in, and soon the whole crowd was cheering in an uproaring fashion. Many of those present knew Stonewall and his family personally. Almost everypony he knew thought him to be a strongheaded but wise young stallion. As the applause died down, Stonewall said a few words. "Well folks, I really don't know what I'm supposed to do here. But I thank you all for your kindness. Please, return to the party. I'll be sure to talk to anypony that needs me." Perhaps this last comment was a bad idea, because a veritble tide of young mares rushed forward when he dismounted the stage. After some time, he had dealt with the last one, and returned to Ebony. He gave her a questioning look, but decided it was best not to ask.

 

The Gala went on, and many memories were made. At the appointed time, the party ended with a fireworks show. Everypony went home satisfied with the experience. Stonewall stood in Ebony's room, watching the moon rise. His dad had spoken to him after the announcement, and Stonewall found that he really could not find fault in the decision. Some pony wanted him to be king, but who that was had not revealed themselves. Pinkie Pie was not done partying as always. After the announcement, she dragged Splinter and another suprised mare off to a bedroom. The night there lasted for a long time. Eventually the mare emerged, feeling somehow good but sore.

 

A small but noticable knock came at the door to Ebony's room. Opening the door, Stonewall was suprised to see Cidersoul. The mare was blushing furiously. Allowing her into the room, Stonewall was about to ask her what was wrong when the mare threw herself at Ebony, crying like a baby. "Oh Ebony!" She wailed. "I'm so sorry! My... my father! He's going to throw me out! He wants me to marry Stonewall, but I can't do that to you! Please forgive me!" She couldn't stop crying, even as she pressed her face into Ebony's side.

[null123456 759]

Splinter smiled. ''I need to get going.. Sarge says were having some sort of... Party.'' Said Splinter as shrugging.

[Nothing&NoOne 695]

Ebony stiffened when Cidersoul latched onto her. She looked at Stonewall, obviously confused, then back down at Cidersoul. "Um.." She was at a loss for words.

[HigurSan 195]

Pinkie rolled out of bed, her dress long gone. "Oh goody! I can always go to another party! Doesn't matter if its guys only, I'm going!" She said this last part with a certain steeliness in her voice.

 

Cidersoul continued crying as Ebony looked to Stonewall. The stallion's mouth was open. Shaking his head, he moved forward carefully, patting Cidersoul on the back gently. His touch was like an electric bolt to her. In an instant, he was on his back, with her on top of him, still crying bitterly. "Oh Stonewall! How could he be so cruel!? He knows that we've been friends since we were foals. I watched you grow up! I can't possibly marry you!" The mare buried her face into his chest, sobbing. Stonewall looked over at Ebony. "Ebony... I don't know what to say. I love you. You know that. But this... I don't know what to do about it." He looked at the ceiling and laid one hoof on Cidersoul's back. "I can't believe Baron Summermane would do something like this. Is he really so fixated on me that he would force his only daughter to marry a stallion she doesn't love?"

 

Cidersoul stopped sobbing for a moment. Sniffing gently, she was still on the verge of tears. "Ebony, I can't ask you to do this. It wouldn't be right. You love Stonewall so much. He... he's been like a brother to me ever since we were little. I love him, but I don't think of him in that way. It would be like marrying the my real brother. Oh... oh my. I'm so sorry Stonewall! I didn't notice I was in such an improper position." The mare, barely older than a filly, climbed off of Stonewall, who stood up carefully. "Ebony... It's pretty clear what I am going to do." Looking at Cider then Ebony he said, "Will you marry me?"

[null123456 759]

''They should be coming to pick us up right no-'' Said Splinter being cut off as the door broke down. ''Splinter! I knew you would be here! Who's the Lucky Mare?'' Said the Pony who broke the door down. ''Okay, Conner. I'll Explain later.'' Said Splinter as shrugging. ''Unit is out back, Splints!'' Said Conner before he opened a window and jumped out of it. ''You might want to grab my hoof.'' Said Splinter as looking out the window. Edited June 17, 2012 by Calirolls

[Nothing&NoOne 695]

Ebony blinked, clearly surprised, then blushed. "I.." She looked at Cidersoul, then back at Stonewall. "Of course I will.." She started, then she looked at Cidersoul again.

[HigurSan 195]

Pinkie gave Splinter a look that said, 'I don't need a friend to party, but it's always fun to screw with you.' With that said, Pinkie put both hooves around his neck, kissing him. While doing so, she pushed her back legs off the floor, seding them flying out the window. The fall seemed to last for an eternity. As Pinkie kissed the stallion, she looked into his eyes. It was not something anypony really would willingly do under most circumstances. The sorrow in those eyes was endless, far removed from the bright and bubbly personality most ponies saw. Then they landed in a ornimental pond and the moment was over. Hopping from the pool, a completely dry Pinkie Pie bounced up and down, estatic at meeting Splinter's squad.

 

Fine Tune woke up to see the concerned face of Inspector Coppertail. Not quite sure that the pegasus had snapped out of it, the stallion smacked him hard across the face again. "Wake up damnit!" Coppertail yelled desperately. "If you don't wake up you'll never get to meet the damned mare you love, have kids, and generally have a life. WAKE. UP. DAMN. YOU." Seeing that the pony was waking up, the Inspector waved off a pony holding a bucket of really cold looking water. Sighing, Coppertail sat back on his haunches. "Ugh, darn it kid, you're almost as bad as the other one. Don't give me that look. I know damn well what your thinking. Your father was a coworker of mine. Figures that he'd have a son exactly like him. Anyways, get up, we're going to go see that mare of yours."

 

Cidersoul looked rather shocked at Stonewall's decision. Finally, she managed to nod. Sighing, Stonewall walked over to Ebony. "I know this is going to be tough. But, there is nothing romantic between me and Cider. I'm doing this because she's one of my best friends. Remember, you're the one I love." Cidersoul nodded eagerly at this statement. "Yes Ms. Ebony. I... I promise that this is only for the reason stated. Stonewall is like a brother. He's... not the sort of stallion I'm looking for. Sorry Stonewall." Stonewall waved the comment off. "Ebony, I think it would probably be best if we all slept in seperate rooms. I don't like it, but Lord Summermane may not believe it if I look like I'm favoring you. I love you." The last sentence nearly brought him to tears, but he turned from the room and went to seperate qaurters, Cidersoul going to opposite direction.

[null123456 759]

Splinter swam out of the pond. ''Okay... There right there.'' Said Splinter as pointing at a Truck. A Dark Blue pony stepped out of it. ''Splinter, I've heard that Conner found you while... Erm..'' Said the Pony as Blushing. ''Okay, Cameron. I know you never kissed a Mare or anything... But REALLY?'' Said Splinter as rolling his eyes. Cameron Nodded his head and frowned. ''Splinter! Long time no see, Brother!'' Said a Pony who was behind Cameron. ''Can we just get in the Truck already?'' Said Splinter as shrugging. ''Names Ryan!'' Said Ryan to himself while smiling. They all went into the truck. Splinter looked at Pinkie Pie and smiled.