The Hearts of Man: Chapter 8 -Terminal Velocity-

Chapter 8: -Terminal Velocity-

 

>"No! It's out of the question!"

"Luna."

>"To think that one such as yourself would even suggest such a thing! I simply cannot comprehend it!"

"Luna."

>"'Oh hey Luna, toss me into Equestria's orbit. I'll be just fine!' Are you out of your mind?!"

"Luna.

>"Even though you're incapable of pain and harm here, what if it wears off as you fall? What if I throw you off the MOON and you DIE? I would never forgive myself."

>You bring your arms up to Luna's face and gently hold it, making her stop her ranting.

>"...What are you-"

>You bring her face closer to yours.

>Her eyes widen in surprise and a light blushing appears on her cheeks.

>"Anonymous I'm flattered but this isn't the best time to-"

>You rest your forehead on hers and close your eyes.

>"Oh. You weren't going to... I see."

>You can feel some heat on your palms as she blushes at what she said.

>All you can really do is smile.

"Luna, I need you to calm down and trust me."

>"I DO trust you, but this plan of yours it's-"

"Crazy, I know. But right now, I need to be a little crazy."

>Luna pouts out a sigh and brings her face up to look at you.

>"I swear, if this fails and you get hurt I will-"

"Kill me? I think the fall will take care of that just fine."

>You crack a smile and laugh at your joke.

>Luna does the same.

>"It's not the fall I'm worried about. It's the rather sudden stop at the end."

>Running a hand through her starry mane, you realize that Luna is probably the only friend you have in this crazy world.

>And that makes you happy.

"Listen, if I don't make it.. if I die, I want you to know that I-"

>Luna stops you as she gently nuzzles your face.

>"You can tell me after dealing with my big sister."

"I'd like that."

>You and Luna turn to look at Equestria, floating just out of reach in the distance.

>You see the hint of the sun's rays begin to peek out from behind the planet, giving Equestria a yellow glow.

"So... what now?"

>You feel a tingle spread through your body as you are slowly lifted from the moon's surface.

>"What happens now is that you hold still, and I get to regret what I'm doing."

 

-------

 

>Zero gravity.

>The absolute wheightlessness was something to behold.

>You careened through space toward Equestria, Luna flying paralell to you.

>Her magic ensured you stayed on course and didn't go spiraling off into the sun.

>"Are you sure about this, Anon?"

"It's a little late to reconsider don't you think?"

>You turn your head to look at her, a deranged grin on your face and a shine in your eyes.

>Luna smiles worriedly, but shifts her face into a stern, determined stare.

>"Succeed."

"Succeed."

>The two of you shoot towards Equestria, gaining speed with every second that passes.

>"We're getting close. Where shall I send you?"

>You think for a split second, and immediately answer with a devious grin.

"Drop me right on that bitch."

>Now Luna is the one to smile.

>"Gladly."

>As you gain even more speed, you feel Luna's magic pulse through you.

>The feeling of static runs across your body, and you feel chilled to the bone yet warm at the same time.

>You're ready for the final push.

>"Good luck," Luna says as the prepares herself.

"See you on the other side."

>Suddenly and with immense force, Luna propels you directly towards Equestria in a sea of shimmering blue light and sparks, and she herself teleports away in a dim glow of stars.

>You requested the light and sparks from her earlier, for some "dramatic" flair.

>As you careen faster and closer to Equestria. you only have one thought in your mind.

 

You're going to enjoy ruining that bitch's roof.

 

-------

 

>Celestia stood in her throne room, looking out at Canterlot from her massive window.

>She could see ponies of every shape and color going about their business, enjoying the especially sunny day.

>She had made sure the skies were cleared and unblemished for today, as she was expecting company.

>She was to have a summit with a representative of the Griffon tribes, and she was determined to greet them warmly into her home.

>The white mare smiles to herself.

>She is surprised however when she hears the clop of hooves behind.

>"Forgive me, my Princess, but it appears you have company."

>Celestia turns to see one of her guards standing in her doorway.

Celestia: "Ah, Blizzard, good to see you. Has the Griffon ambassador arrived already? I wasn't expecting him to arrive this early."

>The guard colt shifts nervously.

>Blizzard: "Um, no, my Princess. It's not the ambassador, it's-"

>The guard is cut off as glowing, dark blue smoke bursts forward through the doors, knocking him to the side.

>Celestia is startled at first, but recovers her composure once she realizes who it is.

Celestia: "Sister Luna, it's good to see you again."

>Luna strides forward out of the starry mist, her mane flowing down around her.

Luna: "Hello, Tia."

Celestia: "I do hope you aren't here to try to convince me to free that human I banished. Honestly, I think you're becoming a bit obsessed."

Luna: "What you did was wrong, Tia. You know that. Anonymous did nothing to our kind."

>Celestia sighed. She had hoped her younger sister was visiting her on a more cordial note.

Celestia: "Given time he would have done something. You know that."

>Luna shakes her head.

Luna: "No. No he's different. We talked with him many times over this past year. He seems... humble. Sincere."

>Celestia raises an eyebrow at her sister.

Celestia: "You've been visiting him? You told me that you had only seen him once or twice. Now you're telling me that you two are acquainted?"

Luna: "He is our friend, sister. I trust him."

>The white alicorn's words are stuck in her throat.

Celestia: "You.. you TRUST him? How? How can you trust that... that thing? After everything his kind did to-"

Luna: "Tia, stop."

>Celestia pauses at Luna's sudden outburst.

Luna: He's different from his ancestors. he wasn't even aware that his kind were ever present in our realm. It's as if he is a... blank slate."

>Celestia peered into her sister's eyes, looking for any sign of falter.

>She couldn't find one.

Celestia: "You honestly believe that he's different? That he's not like his predecessors?

>Luna nods, an honest smile on her face.

>Celestia paused and thought, taking this all in.

>Eventually, she raised her head to her sister, having made a decision.

Celestia: "Fine. I believe you. But my verdict still stands: Anonymous can return to Equestria to speak to me about his freedom, but he must do so without my assistance."

Luna: "Actually, that is the reason why we came to speak with you, sister.

>The white mare coks her head to the side, confused.

Luna: "Let us just say that you might want to stay at your side of the room, and ONLY your side of the room."

>Celestia was about to ask her sister what she meant, but stopped.

>She could hear a faint whistling in the distance.

>It was growing closer.

>And louder.

>Without warning a flash of blue and sparks slammed through the roof of the Canterlot throne room with incredible force and speed and into the marble floor below.

>A column of smoke and dust shot through the chamber, as bits and pieces of gemstones twinkled from the roof to the floor.

>Celestia coughed, clearing the smoke around her with her wings.

>She turned her gaze to the point of impact on the floor, and saw a hazy siloughette.

>The shadow walked forward out of the smoke and mist, the hint of small stars flaking off of him.

>Celestia didn't say a word.

>She couldn't.

>Her jaw was too busy dropping to the floor.

 

Anon: "So, why don't you and I have a little chat, shall we?