private The Tyranny of Princess Cadence

[RAGESTAR 479]

@

"Certainly," Swordpoint said with a smile. "You claim that you were in the Empire? So tell me... Has Cadence truly gone mad?"

 

Celestia stepped forward. "It has been a long time, Crimson. I'm glad to see that you're alive and well. Perhaps I should tell you the current state of affairs." She cleared her throat. "Appleloosa has been destroyed. Applejack claims that the ponies responsible were from the Crystal Empire Army... and this worries me. The last communication we had from the empire was from Shining Armor, who wrote to me, telling me that Princess Cadence seemed to be growing increasingly distant. I fear for his safety, and for her sanity."

 

Swordpoint glanced away. "... we are on the brink of war, brother. The call has not yet been made... but it is only a matter of time. Our cities have been reinforced as a precaution, but I fear that we will soon find ourselves making our stand." He faced Crimson, revealing a worried expression. "I truly wish to hear that this is all a falsehood... and yet your eyes betray it all." Stepping forward, Swordpoint sighed deeply.

 

"I have not yet ordered an attack," Celestia began, "but if the empire continues its push, I will have no choice. I welcome you to aid us, if you choose."

Crimson grit his teeth and looked away, "I'm...I'm sorry celestia...but its true, cadence has truly gone mad...she has killed shining armour and is planning to join forces with queen chrysalis! She's a danger to her subjects and to herself, she must be stopped at all costs!" Said crimson.

[Ano170 162]

Enid had been anxiously awaiting news from the hospital staff, pacing back and forth in front of the door when Arrow entered. She almost bumped straight into him, managed to pull herself back at the last second before realising who it was. Immediately after noticing it was Arrow, she dove into him and wrapped her forelegs tightly around his neck with a beaming smile across her face.  _____

 

"Oof!" the air burst out of Arrow when Enid hugged him, and he had to sit down. It was probably the first time he'd seen her smiling so fully - it was enough to make his own muzzle curl up at the edges, his expression brightening.

 

Still sitting, Arrow leaned back slightly, gently loosening Enid's grip round his neck. He let out a chuckle. "Hello."

[Agent505 661]

@@Ano170, (@@00Pony0) @@Pripyat Pony,

 

(OoC: When exactly is Myra going to get better? o.O) 

 

Enid continued to beam her bright smile at the stallion, unsure of why she was feeling so happy today herself. Closing her eyes and hunching her shoulders, she rubbed her head against Arrow like a cat would against a pole to scratch itself, before stepping back and making a movement like she was laughing - she probably would have done, if she could talk.

_____

 

"Of course, my queen. I think i'd like that." Harmonic stared at the queen with an unblinkingly affectionate resolve as he spoke. 

[Ano170 162]

@@Agent505,

 

(OOC: You tell me. XD).

 

It was strange, seeing a pony laugh with no sound - Arrow felt pity for Enid stirring, but squashed it before it could show in his expression. Enid was a soldier, not some frail mare to be coddled. It was just good to see her happy - Arrow found that he was laughing a little himself. Then he remembered that he would begin marching that night, and the laughter faded.

 

"I guess you'll want to know about what's going to happen to Harmonic?" Arrow asked, both to hopefully take Enid's mind off of her sister, and to take his own mind off the trials to come. He just hoped that news of the Commander's sentence wouldn't dampen Enid's mood - as far as Arrow was concerned, Harmonic had gotten off fairly easy, but he couldn't be entirely sure the mare would take it that way.

[00Pony 286]

@@Agent505,

 

Sanguine kneels slightly in acknowledgment to Cadence, "We will set out before the day is done, if that pleases you."

 

He stands, and begins to make his way out of the throne room.

 

---(right now )

@@Ano170,

 

Sana came trotting down the hall towards Myra's room, a smile on the normally somber mare's face.

 

When she enters, she stops in the doorway, standing silently by as Enid greeted Arrow, in an admittedly adorable way. Sana clears her throat to gain their attention, "I apologize if I am interrupting, but I am happy to inform you that your sister, Miss Enid, is in a stable enough condition to be released. All I need is one of you to fill a few papers."

[HigurSan 195]

@@Agent505,

"Breakfast would be acceptable my Lady," he said happily. "I am pleased to no one that you would make time in your day for one such as myself." His expression was one of well controlled joy, lips having to be forced down slightly so he didn't grin from ear to ear. "Is there somewhere in particular you would like to go? The Crystal Castle has many places that provide a beautiful spectacle with the added benefit of being rather removed from normal interruptions." He was practically bouncing in place, being held to the ground by force of will.

[Ano170 162]

 

 

@Ano170, Sana came trotting down the hall towards Myra's room, a smile on the normally somber mare's face. When she enters, she stops in the doorway, standing silently by as Enid greeted Arrow, in an admittedly adorable way. Sana clears her throat to gain their attention, "I apologize if I am interrupting, but I am happy to inform you that your sister, Miss Enid, is in a stable enough condition to be released. All I need is one of you to fill a few papers."

 

@@Agent505,  

 

Arrow looked from the nurse to Enid, unable to help beaming at the news. "That's brilliant news! Right, Enid?" Harmonic was temporarily forgotten in his excitement - and Arrow barely even knew Myra. He was just glad to hear that the mare beside him was getting some good news, for once.

 

"I take it you'll want to the paperwork yourself though Enid?"

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Justin ZW,

@,

 

After Dawn Wing had been subdued, Sanura had excused herself and left. She needed to gather intel from the various sources she used; there was a niggling feeling that something of great importance had happened. When she heard of the devastation wreaked on the Canterlot station, she was horrified. Even more so, when the guards told her that it had been the citizens of Canterlot who had rioted. Sanura galloped with all speed back to the palace. She had to tell Celestia at once!

 

Ignoring ceremony, she burst into the room where Swordpoint was speaking with Celestia. A strange pony was there with them, but Sanura hardly noticed.

 

"Forgive me, Princess, for interrupting you this way," Sanura said. "But I have grave news. I have just received information that the Canterlot station has been completely destroyed and razed to the ground by fire... and it was Canterlot ponies who did it."

 

@@Agent505,

 

Chrysalis smiled like the cat who had the cream. "Excellent," she said. "I will send Cecy to see you at once. With luck, we might even be able to get you out tomorrow morning. Then you can serve me to the best of your ability. I will leave it to you to tell your command the happy news."

[Agent505 661]

@@00Pony,@@Pripyat Pony, @@Ano170, @,

 

(Sorry i've been inactive today for the most part guys, it's been a rush)

 

Nodding at the mention of her commander, Enid was interrupted - or at least, as much as she could have been - by the nurse who was attending to her sister, entering the room. 

Hearing the news, she couldn't help but smile in the most ridiculous way. It took all she had not to leap onto her sister right there and then and drag her out the room. The mention of paperwork took the smile from her face momentarily, but it quickly returned as she nodded at Arrow, before literally bouncing left and right like an excited dog. 

_____

 

 "Aha, you're telling me about my own empire?" Cadence laughed dismissively. "You invited me for the meal, remember? I think it should be you who decides where to eat. Was there someplace you had in mind specifically?" She asked as she took off her crown and walked towards he room.

_____

 

"Of course, my queen." Harmonic nodded, doing his best to bow his head in his current, suspended position. "Having Cecy by my side shall be most enjoyable, i'm sure." 

[00Pony 286]

@@Agent505,@Ano170,

 

Sana's smile remained a reasonable size - professionalism and all that - while she watched antics of the excited mare. There was a slight hint of a chuckle in Sana's voice as she spoke, "Like I said, either of you will do. Normally it would be her commanding officer, but considering the.. Events.. Of last night, I believe he will be unable to perform such an action. Her family, immediate or attached, will suffice,"

Sana stepped to the side of the door, so as to allow them to pass her, fully unaware of her false assumption, "Though I would have expected there to be restrictions on such relationships."

She added in a quiet murmer, more to herself than anyone.

[Agent505 661]

@@00Pony,

 

 

Enid was too busy bouncing around the room to notice anything that had been said, aside from "Family will do" or something like that. As the mare stepped to one side in the doorway, Enid teleported into the other room and jumped on a chair infront of a desk, ripping a quill from it's ink-pot viciously, splattering bits of ink across the table. 

 

Despite the fact she was a unicorn, she turned to face the nurse with the quill in her mouth and head tilted as she sat on the chair, flicking her tail lightly every now and again.

_____

 

(Sorry, forgot this part earlier)

 

"Of course Sanguine. I would prefer you leave ahead of the others and set up before they arrive. I will leave the course of action to your judgements once you arrive. There are expected to be some important ponies down there, do with them as you will, if anything."

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Agent505,

 

Chrysalis smiled again. "I will say goodbye now, Harmonic," she said. "Cecy will be here shortly."

 

The changeling queen left the cell, locking it behind her and sought out Cicada. She had already told her the plan thru the Hive Mind, and Cicada nodded. It was important that Cicada, in her guise of Cecy the grey unicorn mare, seem to be the one to report to the Princess that Harmonic had changed his mind about the Queen, and was anxious to serve in his new role.

 

Cicada gained access to the cell in much the same way as her queen had, and introduced herself to Harmonic as Cecy.

[HigurSan 195]

@@Agent505,

Crystal Empire: Steeleye Sungazer

"There are plenty of places that one will never see in a place such as this," Steeleye said with a small smirk. "Even if you have twenty or so ponies constantly mapping the corridors, day and night, as I do. Did you know that there are catacombs beneath the Crystal Empire, thousands of feet deep, which all connected at this one Palace. So, in a way, all of your Empire is encompassed within the boundaries of your castle my lady. It will likely seem a bit contradictory to 'getting some fresh air', but the place I have in mind will be satisfactory. I've already sent a few servants along to prepare the area. Food will likely arrive shortly after we do. Follow me, if you will." The route he would take if she came along headed down a winding staircase that led off the main hallways. While still clean, the progressively more unused passages that he went through had an aura of places not seen in centuries. Soon enough they were trotting down a small and cramped hallway, a light shining out ahead of them.

 

Entry into the room beyond would reveal a massive cavern, one that really shouldn't have fit underground with the amount of steps that they had gone down. In a manner of speaking, it was a gigantic amphitheater, however with only one spacious viewing ledge. Upon this ledge where they now stood was arrayed a comfortable and artistic sitting area. In short, it was composed of a number of couches and low tables with rich but not overly posh wood and upholstery. A few of servants Cadence would not be familiar with stood nearby, posed to react to any commands. To be put simply, they were a pair of crystal pony fillies. But rather than the more basic color schemes of their counterparts, this were absolutely ornate. Their bodies were of pitch black onyx, with swirls of gold flowing down their flanks. Where their hooves would be were pure diamond. Their eyes were like rubies and their hair was a very dark blue sapphire. They didn't speak, simply waiting to be called upon.

 

Elsewhere in the Empire, more stories of dissent would begin to grow. Rumblings over mistreatment, sighs of inequality, and groans of ineptitude were beginning to take a hold over the civilian population. They would likely coast at this level for a while until Steeleye ordered further growth.

[Agent505 661]

@@Pripyat Pony,@,

 

Harmonic struggled some more to get out of his chains, but no luck once again. Eventually he just gave up and let himself flop there loosely for good, casually growling to himself as he did, at least until Cecy walked in and introduced herself.

 

"So, you're the unicorn who's been ordered to keep an eye on me. huh?"

_____

 

Cadence stepped into her room, placing her crown on the bed and closing the door momentarily. After passing a short message to her guards, she stepped outside again and Steeleye began talking and walking. "Sorry about that" she smiled, following Steeleye down into the passages. "And yes, I do know about this place dear" she giggled softly "I had them boarded up because they where of little use to Shining Armour or myself. The energy required to light them was far more than the productiveness they could offer us." she looked around the enclosed hallways as she spoke, before she stepped into the underground opening. Admittedly, her jaw dropped slightly when she entered, but decided to keep her calm. "So, what have you done with the place?" Cadence asked inquisitively. 

Edited July 19, 2013 by Agent505

[HigurSan 195]

@@Agent505,

"Well, I've made full use of them I suppose," he said as he scooted onto one couch. "I've got the mapping scouts putting together a detailed overview of the all the corridors and rooms. Entrances to the surface are just about everywhere. Most of them are hidden from sight by a wall, spell, or so forth. Many of those have spells and traps attached to them so that one can go out, but not in. That could be useful for deploying soldiers and the like, in the unlikely case that the Equestrian Army succeeds in counterattacking to the point where we are pushed back into the Crystal Empire. It also makes for an excellent route by which one can move completely unnoticed throughout the Empire. One of the more notable features I have learned of is the place where we are now in." He gestured at the amphitheater. My own inquiries and those of my magically gifted subordinates have determined that this is, in short: a theater."

 

"The crystals here are completely chock full of magic. This allows them to do quite miraculous things, which I will demonstrate in a moment. By putting on a small crystal head piece that we found while searching this area, one can project their memories onto the crystal. They turn into a semi-fluid state, which flows into the proper shapes and colors to display a three dimensional recreation of the given memory in the viewing floor below. It is also possible to... how do I put it? One can form thoughts and images outside of normal memories. While it is much harder to get them to keep form, these ideas can be projected in a similar manner to memories. It takes considerably more concentration and imagination. Most ponies tend to lack in one if they have the other in abundance, making those that can accomplish it a bit hard to find. Let me show you."

 

Steeleye lifted an object from a nearby stand. It was in roughly the shape of a helmet, with half circles to slide behind one's ears so that it did not fall off. It was clear enough that you could see his mane and head through it. Glancing down at the arena, Steeleye started whatever process was needed to activate the magic. It honestly looked like he just stared at the crystals for a moment, most of the action taking place inside of his head. As he had said it would, the crystalline formations slowly melted until there was a deep pool of it collected at the floor. It slowly flowed back up into shapes, forming houses and other structures. It also formed ponies, for the moment paused in place. Once the scene was complete, they started to move. Voices of ponies chatting and various noises a town produced echoed up so that Cadence could hear. Steeleye himself was easy to spot, as a beam of light was shining on him from somewhere. He look considerably younger and less scarred than he did now. In front of him was another stallion with a similar appearance. Their voices were amplified so that what they said was clearly heard.

 

"I told you," the image of Steeleye sighed as he set down his bags. "I'm here because you decided to tell Sugar Drop that I wanted to bed her. Do you even know what I had to bucking do just to get her to talk to me again?" The pony similar to Steeleye had a smirk on his face and was chuckling. "Come on bro," he said inbetween fits of laughing. "You -really- expect me to believe you came all the way out here because of -that-? Everyone in town knew you were both head over hooves for each other. If she got upset about it, maybe you should've just bent her over and-" In a split second Steeleye had turned around and bucked the other stallion in the chest, sending him flying into a vacant shop stall. Steeleye rushed forward and the two grappled with Steeleye eventually coming out on top.

"Sugar Drop is my -sister- you insolent son of a whore!" He growled. "If you suggest that -ever- do anything like that to her or hurt her again and I will smash your stallion hood with a sledgehammer, chop it off, and then shove it up your rear so far that you puke it back out, you -got- me?" All the other stallion could do was nod. Shoving him away, Steeleye picked up his bags before looking back. "Can't believe I used to think a piece of shit cousin like you should've been my brother." Without anything further said he walked away, meeting up with Sugar Drop who had been out of view and hearing range while shopping and leaving town.

"That little piece," the real Steeleye said as the image faded and the crystal collapsed back into a pool before returning to its normal fragmented shape. "Was something I just made up in my head, though pieces of it were drawn from events I have experienced. Ah, it looks like breakfast has arrived. A maid pushed in a large cart, on which a myriad of breakfast options were arrayed. Steeleye selected a platter of bagels, toasting them lightly with his magic before putting some berry jam on it. "What do you think?"

[Justin ZW 396]

@,@@Pripyat Pony

Swordpoint's eyes widened. "You... you say that the station is destroyed? And by Canterlot ponies?"

 

Celestia frowned. "This doesn't bode well for us..." She turned to Swordpoint, eyeing him with curiosity. "I suppose you should interrogate Dawn Wing immediately. Perhaps he can shed some light on the situation."

 

Swordpoint nodded. "Yes, your highness." He turned his gaze to Crimson, looking his friend over. Despite what had happened, he was still glad to see his friend alive and well. It had been years since the two had spoken. "Crimson, I ask for your assistance in these trying times. In the past years, I have spent my time training the military. I suppose that Dawn Wing grew resentful of me and of Celestia for placing me in command of the military. But to think that he would stoop to such treachery... Yet I digress. If the princess permits, and if you are willing, I will formally grant you command of a regiment in the temporary rank of 'general.' I trust you, and I believe she does as well."

 

Celestia nodded. "I know that Crimson is capable and pure of heart. That is why I didn't order your execution when you stole that spell. If you would help us... we will gladly accept you."

 

Swordpoint smiled. "If the two of you would like to join me, I must interrogate Dawn Wing immediately. I must discern whether his forces are responsible for this, and I must discover if they have had outside influence." 

[RAGESTAR 479]

@,@@Pripyat Pony

Swordpoint's eyes widened. "You... you say that the station is destroyed? And by Canterlot ponies?"

 

Celestia frowned. "This doesn't bode well for us..." She turned to Swordpoint, eyeing him with curiosity. "I suppose you should interrogate Dawn Wing immediately. Perhaps he can shed some light on the situation."

 

Swordpoint nodded. "Yes, your highness." He turned his gaze to Crimson, looking his friend over. Despite what had happened, he was still glad to see his friend alive and well. It had been years since the two had spoken. "Crimson, I ask for your assistance in these trying times. In the past years, I have spent my time training the military. I suppose that Dawn Wing grew resentful of me and of Celestia for placing me in command of the military. But to think that he would stoop to such treachery... Yet I digress. If the princess permits, and if you are willing, I will formally grant you command of a regiment in the temporary rank of 'general.' I trust you, and I believe she does as well."

 

Celestia nodded. "I know that Crimson is capable and pure of heart. That is why I didn't order your execution when you stole that spell. If you would help us... we will gladly accept you."

 

Swordpoint smiled. "If the two of you would like to join me, I must interrogate Dawn Wing immediately. I must discern whether his forces are responsible for this, and I must discover if they have had outside influence."

 

Crimson grinned happily and nodded, "a general, eh? Not really my style, but I guess I could give it a shot. Also, if your looking for fast and reliable ways to interrogate sompony, then I think I can help you out there...let me talk to him and after about 5 minutes I'll have him squeeling like cadence." Crimson then chuckled about his pig joke.

[Agent505 661]

@, 

 

"I'd say you have indeed, I was not even aware this place still held power...this will be useful information to know, i'm sure." She grinned as Steeleye explained the situation with the place. 

During his demonstration, she couldn't help but frown and feel somewhat annoyed at the other stallion in the image, but relaxed when she found out it was made up. "Steeleye? I was not aware you had a sister." She frowned again titling her head slightly as she took a single chocolate filled croissant and placed it on her platter. 

[Justin ZW 396]

@, @@Pripyat Pony

Swordpoint smirked. "Forgive me, but I am quite certain that my methods will be far superior. You forget that I served a psychotic princess for over forty years. Torture was her pastime, not a punishment."

 

Celestia acted as though she hadn't heard him. "Please use whatever means necessary to discover the truth. Just do not kill him."

 

"Oh, that won't be a problem," Swordpoint said with a smile. "But he shall certainly wish for death."

 

(OoC: Just waiting for Sanura to reply saying whether or not she wants to be present for the interrogation.)

[Ano170 162]

@@Agent505,@Ano170,

 

Sana's smile remained a reasonable size - professionalism and all that - while she watched antics of the excited mare. There was a slight hint of a chuckle in Sana's voice as she spoke, "Like I said, either of you will do. Normally it would be her commanding officer, but considering the.. Events.. Of last night, I believe he will be unable to perform such an action. Her family, immediate or attached, will suffice,"

Sana stepped to the side of the door, so as to allow them to pass her, fully unaware of her false assumption, "Though I would have expected there to be restrictions on such relationships."

She added in a quiet murmer, more to herself than anyone.

 

@@Agent505,

 

Arrow had been following behind Enid, but skidded to a halt at the nurse's words. He let Enid go on ahead to see her sister before turning to Sana.

 

"F-family?" he spluttered. Then he quietly lead the nurse to the side. "Do we really seem like a - a couple?" 

 

Panic and confusion roiled in the pit of Arrow's stomach, but he forced it down. "You're mistaken." he told the nurse, not impolitely. "I'm marr- er, I'm widowe - there's nothing between Enid and I, is what I meant to say." Arrow shook his head, but as he went ahead and watched Enid filling in the paperwork - holding the quill in her mouth for some reason - he found himself thinking back to the way she had hugged him when he came in.

 

It's nothing. Arrow told himself firmly. Nevertheless he mentally cursed the nurse for putting the idea in his head as he wandered over to Enid, wearing a fixed smile.

[Agent505 661]

@@00Pony, @@Ano170,

 

 

Enid jumped back down from the chair, dragging a bunch of papers with her by her magic, and thrust them in font of the nurse excitedly, he ears flopping down and then perking up again in an almost comical fashion. Looking across at Arrow, she noticed he looked...different. He looked worried, and almost as if he didn't want to be there right then, but it could have easily been in her mind. 

[00Pony 286]

@@Agent505,

(Prior to Cadence's leaving with Steeleye)

 

Sanguine bows once more, "Of course, empress. I'm sure this little adventure is going to be fun."

With that, he turns and leaves the room, chuckling quietly as he adds, "Enjoy your meal."

 

 

Trotting down the hallways and exiting the Palace, Sanguine hums a quiet tune to himself, an old song from his younger days that he had often heard the enslaved Crystal Ponies singing. While the lyrics were considered seditious in that age, the tune was catchy enough to have stuck with the stallion.

 

Making his way into a small lean to structure, he looks at the inhabitants, senior members of his 'family', "Good news you lot. We've got a mission."

 

"Oh really? What is it this time? Razing another village?" one of the stallions asked enthusiastically.

 

Sanguine chuckled, "Not quite. It's a recon," A few of the ponies groaned, and he lifted a hoof, "To Neighara Falls. We are to be the advance scouts for the rest of the army. Empress Cadence says that there are some important ponies meant to be there. We may do with them as we will."

 

"That's good enough for me!"
Called a mare, leaping up from her position, "When do we head out?"

 

Sanguine gestures with a hoof, "Soon as we like. I'd prefer it if we can before the hour is through. Gather who and what you need, then meet me outside of the gates. Be prepared for a march."

 

 

--

 

@@Ano170,

 

Sana raises her eyebrows at Arrow's reaction. She clears her throat, "I was false in my assumption? Oh.. I apologize. I was in the wrong."

 

She watches as Arrow follows Enid out, and was about to get back to work when Enid came rushing back in, shoving papers at her in a very excitable fashion. Holding back laughter, Sana holds out one hoof, and takes the papers, balancing them expertly on one hoof, "Very well then," she smiles, "You may collect your sister. Do be careful though. While she shows no signs of any ill effect, I would still be cautious. Do let me know if anything develops."

 

She backs up on her free hooves, allowing Enid and Arrow space to move.

[Agent505 661]

@@00Pony, @@00Pony 

 

(I have permission to deny a reaction from Arrow)

 

Enid bounced up in the air one more time, and before she landed she had teleported herself away, leaving the feather quill to land on the ground where she should have, as she reappeared by Arrows side. With a swift motion, she had kicked from the ground behind her with her hind legs, and right into Arrow, knocking him down and standing over him - the equivalent of a pony's friendly rugby tackle. 

She screwed her eyes shut tightly, with an expression of happiness written all over her face, she jumped up again, not thinking about where her hooves might land, and accidentally landed on him. 

[HigurSan 195]

@@Agent505,

"In a literal sense, I did have a sister," Steeleye responded after swallowing a bite of bagel. "However, she died while still in the womb, just before she was delivered. It was a rather distressing situation for my father and my step mother. She had wanted a child of her own rather badly and my sister was the last chance she was going to get." Steeleye munched on his bagel a little bit more. "Needless to say, there are a number of things that you don't know about me Lady Cadence." He looked out over the arena and seemed the drift into thought. The pair of onyx crystal fillies cleared the finished plate he had been using, one disappearing into the corridor while the other remained. She looked at Cadence with complete silence, awaiting orders.

[Ano170 162]

@@Agent505, 

 

"Oof!" Arro winced when Enid tackled him to the ground, the air knocked out just as his hooves were knocked from under him. Before he could react he felt hooves on his chest, followed by the full weight of another pony jumping down on him. 

 

"Ahh..." Arrow groaned in mild pain, then looked up to see Enid lying on top of him. To his great horror, Arrow felt heat rising to his cheeks.

 

Okay, maybe I should speak to her... Later.

 

Delicately as he could, Arrow slipped out from underneath Enid and got back to his hooves. "Shall we go see your sister?"

Edited July 19, 2013 by Ano170