Yet Another Horrible Decision - Chapter 5

                                        Yet Another Horrible Decision

 

                                                  Chapter 5

 

>After a short ride, the carriage slows to a halt.

>”We have arrived at Canterlot Castle,” the driver announces.

>The door swings open and the bright afternoon light shines into the cabin.

>”Here we are, Anonymous. Just a few more moments and you’ll be able to meet the princess,” Twilight says.

“Yeah, I guess so. I’m kinda nervous. Never really met royalty, or anyone of importance, for that matter.”

>The ponies filter out of the carriage. You throw on your backpack and follow.

>The castle rising in front of you is, if anything, vastly more magnificent close up as opposed to what you saw of it from the skies.

>A drawbridge lies over a moat which is fed by a cascading waterfall of incredible natural beauty.

>The castle itself is a very light lavender in color, and appears to be hanging off a cliffside.

>This place truly shows the engineering skill of this peculiar race of sapient ponies.

>”Pretty cool place, huh?” Rainbow asks, nudging your knee with a forehoof.

“That’s an understatement. It’s absolutely amazing!”

>”I’m happy you’re impressed, but we really must be going. I’ll go ahead and inform the princess of your arrival. Girls, would you mind leading him to the throne room’s antechamber?” Twilight queries.

>”Sure thing, Twilight!” Pinkie responds.

>Twilight nods and trots off over the drawbridge and into the castle proper.

>You hope she’s not back too terribly quick. You’d like to admire the architecture a bit more.

>And you have to think about what to say -- and more importantly, what NOT to say.

 

 

>Twilight enters the antechamber and approaches the large cherry-wood double doors.

>The two guards, one clad in Celestian golden armor and the other in Lunarian purple, swing open the doors as if they anticipated her arrival.

>That made sense, given that the Wonderbolts had alerted the town guard of the plane. It would only be natural for the palatial and royal guards to have been alerted as well.

>Excellent. This made her job a bit easier.

>Twilight approaches the twin thrones, the doors creaking shut behind her.

>Celestia and Luna are already seated, each looking at her with familiar warmth.

>Twilight bows as she enters a comfortable speaking distance.

>”Ah! Twilight Sparkle, I’m so glad to see you! You had me so worried that I was tempted to go searching the Everfree myself,” Princess Celestia greets her and, with a nod, indicates she may rise.

>”It is good to see that you are well, Twilight. I shared my sister’s concern,” Luna says.

>”I’m so sorry to have worried you two! I didn’t think it would take as long as it did.”

>”What’s done is done, Twilight. Now to get to the business at hoof. My guards warned my sister and I that a strange bird was heading for Canterlot. I assume you may know something about this?” Celestia queries.

>”Yes. The alien creature -- a Mister Anonymous -- brought us here using his strange flying machine. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen! We have airships and balloons here, but the idea of a heavier than air craft achieving flight... I guess the closest comparison I can think of is if you mixed an airship with a train.”

>”How marvelous! Where is this ‘Mister Anonymous’? Is he not with you? And what of your friends?”

>”I left them behind for a moment, intending to give you time to prepare. They should be near the antechamber now. Which reminds me, we don’t have too much time,” Twilight hurriedly responds.

>”Whatever do you mean, Twilight?” Celestia inquires.

>”You see, we found him in a cave deep in the Everfree. More importantly is the matter of the structure within. It was too well constructed to have been finished in the short period he was here, unless he has some incredible magic or technology at his disposal. I don’t think it’s magic, either. When we first discovered him I attempted to use my magic to loosen his bindings. It swirled around him and just... just fizzled.”

>”A creature with innate magic resistance? Such a thing has never been heard of!” Luna replies with an air of incredulity.

>”As far as I can tell, it is the truth. But back to the structure: It appears to have been made specifically for him or others like him. It’s well stocked with food and strange gadgets. What really bothers me is that he claims that he has no knowledge of how it got there and how he knew where it was. Personally, I think he’s either lying to us or he has some sort of amnesia.”

>”I see... That is a matter of some concern. Have you any proposals for sorting this out, Twilight? Luna or I could attempt to read his mind, though I don’t know how well that will work if he is truly magic-resistant. Not to mention I find the idea somewhat abhorrent. I'd rather avoid that, if possible.” Celestia offers.

>”You could certainly try, I guess. After all, if anypony is capable of doing so, it would be you. Otherwise I think I might have an idea. You can decide on it after you speak with him, but what do you think about having him stay here in the castle for a little while? That way you could take some time learning things about him and his world as well as the possibility of keeping an eye on him for a time. You know, in case he really IS lying.”

>”Not a bad idea, Twilight. I always knew I chose well when I took you as my student. Very well, I will consider this idea of yours. Would you fetch this ‘Anonymous’ for us? I believe my sister and I are ready to receive him,” Celestia states.

>”Yes, your highness.” Twilight abruptly turns and heads to the antechamber door.

 

 

>The castle’s interior is incredibly opulent. The best comparison would be Gilded Era Versailles.

>The antechamber to the throne room in particular deserves appreciation.

>The room is evenly square in shape, with four doors all converging here.

>There’s the large entry from the direction of the courtyard that you came from as well as two large doors to the left and right, presumably leading to extensive wings.

>The ornately carved cherry-wood double doors in front of you must lead to the throne room, apparent by both its size and the presence of two guardsponies in contrasting armor flanking it.

>The ceiling is high and vaulted and the walls seem to be coated in a pearlescent marble with several paintings of prestigious ponies of past eras.

>Diagonally from the guardsponies and about a foot from the doors are two portraits depicting creatures of stunning beauty. One is of a white horse with striking eyes of rose and an incredible sparkling mane colored by a semi-transparent rainbow of light hues. A large horn somewhat akin to that of a narwhal juts out in front of a golden, jewel studded tiara. The next portrait shows an equally beautiful mare, as blue as the star-studded sky on a clear night. Her mane shines with points of light ensconced within a two-tone deep blue. A horn also pokes out from her head, slightly obscuring what appears to be a tiara of pure, polished obsidian.

>”They’re amazing, aren’t they?” Fluttershy’s voice breaks you from your reverie.

“The portraits? They’re incredible! Who are they?”

>”Those are the princesses, silly! That one’s Celestia,” Pinkie points to the white horse with a forehoof.

>”And the other one is Luna. They’ve ruled Equestria forever! Well, except Princess Luna, she was stuck on the moon for a thousand years until she came back last year and we fixed her,” Pinkie finishes.

“A thousand years? Ha ha, Pinkie, funny joke.”

>Pinkie stares at you for a moment.

>”I’m not joking at all! Nope! Not one little bit!”

>A thousand years? That couldn’t be true. Maybe Chrysalis is right, and these ponies are so heavily indoctrinated that they’ll believe just about anything.

>A knocking sounds from the other side of the heavy doors ahead of you.

>The two guardsponies open the doors at the exact same time.

>Well trained, these guys are.

>Twilight emerges from the open doorway. Further within you can see two ponies seated on two thrones.

>”The princesses are ready to receive you, Anonymous. Are you ready to meet with them?”

>You wipe your hands, slightly damp with nervous moisture, on your pants.

“Yeah, I suppose I am. Damn but this is weird...”

>”You’ll be fine. There’s no pony in Equestria more kind and understanding than our two princesses. Girls, you’re all welcome to come with if you’d like.”

>You hear several words of approval behind you. Twilight turns and leads the way into the throne room. You hesitate for a second and ultimately follow.

 

 

>The throne room sprawls around you. The antechamber was simply opulent in comparison to the nearly excessive luxury on display here.

>White marble is positively everywhere. All the metal is of gleaming silver or polished gold.

>Directly in front of you are two thrones, one gold and one silver.

>These ponies are damn lucky you’re not a Spanish Conquistador.

>More important are the creatures sitting on the thrones. They are the ones depicted in the portraits you were admiring just a few moments ago. The portraits may as well have been the crayon drawings of a toddler when held up to the incredibly regal beauty these ponies display.

>What you couldn’t see in the picture were their wings. Two winged unicorns. You haven’t yet seen many ponies, but you certainly cannot recall ever seeing any like this. Other than Chrysalis, that is.

>The Elements of Harmony all bow in unison. They slide forth on their forelegs, bringing their heads close to the ground and leaving their hindquarters in the air.

>You’re pretty sure it’s a good thing you’re not behind any of them.

>Although you aren’t a subject of these exquisite equines, you decide to bow as well. If Chrysalis is right then not doing so may well prove to be a bad idea.

>”THOU MAYEST --ahem-- you may rise.” The voice comes from the smaller of the two princesses. The dark one... Princess Luna.

>”We extend warm greetings to you, stranger. I am Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria and the bringer of day.” Celestia has a very pleasant voice, carrying a welcoming tone.

>”And I am Princess Luna, also ruler of Equestria although I usually defer to my older sister’s judgement. I am she who is of shadow, bringer of darkness and night.” Luna’s voice sounds a bit younger and yet more assertive and commanding.

>What’s all this ‘bringer of day and night’ stuff, anyway? It sort of reminds you of North Korean propaganda that claims the Kims are responsible for the rising and setting of the sun. Yet more evidence to support Chrysalis’s interpretation.

>Okay, time to talk to some princesses.

“Hello Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. I am Anonymous of Earth, and I am honored to make your acquaintances.”

>”We feel the same. Now if you wouldn’t mind, Anonymous of Earth, we would like to ask you a few questions,” Celestia states.

“Yes, uh, your highnesses?”

>”We appreciate your compliance. Firstly, how is it that you found Equestria? What is it that interests you here?”

>Well now, you’ll have to lie a little bit for that second part. Hopefully they won’t notice.

“To be honest, princess, I don’t know. All I remember is driving in the middle of the night and then I... blacked out, I guess. I woke up in an apple orchard and the next thing I knew I was surrounded by ponies.”

>”That was my farm he ended up in, princess. Had a little... misunderstandin’, we did. All cleared up now, though!” Applejack interjects.

>”Very good, Applejack. Well, Anonymous, this is rather curious. The initial reports I received indicated that you were some sort of creature from space. But the way I hear you tell it leads me to believe you have an... interdimensional origin of some sort.”

“Your guess is as good as mine, your highness. All I know is that I’m stuck in some strange world. Not only that but I’ve continually been beset by bizarre events, from my viewpoint anyway.”

>”I can see how that would be frustrating,” Celestia empathizes.

>”Forgive me, Anonymous, but I also have a question for you,” Luna chimes in, “If this is the truth, then why did you lie to Twilight about your intention to meet with my sister?”

>Argh. You forgot about that. Think fast, man, think fast!

“Actually, I never did say I intended to meet anyone. Furthermore, I was scared. Back on Earth we have a lot of entertainment media, some of which deals with alien invasions and stuff. I suddenly find myself in the alien’s position and in a lot of those stories the military shows up and they get in a fight, or the alien is taken away to be experimented on or... all other sorts of horrible things. It doesn’t happen so much in the newer stuff, I guess the writers think they’re beating a dead horse...”

>You fucking idiot. The one phrase, THE ONE GODDAMNED PHRASE that you shouldn’t have ever said here and what do you do? Go and fucking say it.

>The princesses stare at you in shock.

>”W-what did you say?” Luna stammers.

“Ah hah, heh... Um, translation problems, yeah. Didn’t come out right at all. Anyway, to get back to the point:”

>Phew, nice save there. You hope...

“I was lost and scared and didn’t know what was going on or what would happen to me, so I cooked up a bad lie and ran off. You understand, don’t you?”

>Please don’t say anything about the horse thing, please don’t say anything about the horse thing...

>”I believe I can sympathize with your plight. Very well, you have answered my question sufficiently,” Luna answers.

>”That is all very well, but now I wonder what we are to do from here. Have you any particular goal in mind, Mister Anonymous?” Celestia asks,

“Frankly, there’s not much for me back home and I don’t even know if there’s a way I can get back. Since these six ponies found me, I’ve been made to feel very welcome. I’ve only been here a few days, but I like what I’ve seen so far. I’m kind of hoping to stay here, in Equestria that is. For a little while, at least if you don’t mind.”

>The two princesses turn their heads and exchange a glance. Each of them nods softly.

>”We wouldn’t mind at all, Anonymous. In fact, I believe we have much to learn from one another. My student, Twilight Sparkle, actually gave me an excellent suggestion that should suffice for the time being. Twilight?” Celestia replies,

>Twilight steps toward Celestia’s side and faces you.

>”Mister Anonymous, since you intend to stay in Equestria awhile, I suggested that you might stay here in Canterlot Castle for a time. I will stay as well, and I hope that you would trade information about your world and your kind. In return I will teach you what I can about Equestria, its inhabitants, its culture...”

>”In addition to that, I have decided that you will be paid a modest salary for this information exchange. Twilight will explain the finer details of Equestrian economics during your time together. You will be housed in a state guest-room and be provided all the essentials you need: food, clothing, entertainment, et cetera. Is this arrangement to your satisfaction?”

>You can hardly believe it.

“I would be honored to accept your offer, your highness.”

>”I’m glad we’ve come to an agreement. Sergeant Hauberk!” Celestia calls,

>A guard clad in golden armor steps out from the side of the throne room and into your line of sight.

>”Yes, majesty?”

>”Please guide Mister Anonymous here to one of the state-rooms. Also, Mister Anonymous, try to get a good night’s rest. I intend to formally introduce you to Equestria tomorrow afternoon.”

“I’ll try my best, princess.”

>”Oh! Ooooh oooh oooh! Princess Celestia?” Pinkie interjects.

>”Yes, Pinkie Pie?”

>”Can we throw Anonymous a ‘Welcome to Equestria’ party? Huh? Huh? Can we?” Pinkie seems ready to burst with energy.

>”That depends. Mister Anonymous, what do you think? Would you like such a thing?”

“I like the idea. Thank you, Pinkie Pie.”

>”Sir, if you are ready...” the guardstallion grunts.

“Oh, right. Lead the way, Sir Hauberk.”

>You follow the armored stallion out of the throne room and into one of the wings.

>After a short walk of a few minutes your escort turns and faces you.

>”This will be your room, sir.”

“Thank you for guiding me here. This place is so massive I surely would have gotten lost.”

>The stallion nods in affirmation and you open the door.

>Holy smokes.

>This room is incredibly impressive. More of a small apartment than a room.

>Like most of the castle, the walls are of white stone and there are two windows set into the far wall that look out over the city proper.

>The bed in the center of the leftmost wall is an ornate four-poster, roughly equivalent to a queen-sized bed back home.

>All the events of the day have left you rather tired, and according to the sky outside it’s nearly sundown. You unpack what few clothes you’d brought along and stuff them into a nearby armoire, leaving the rest of your belongings in the pack save for a book to read.

>You undress and get in bed. You read until nightfall and allow sleep to overtake you.

 

 

>The converted spawning pool chamber is lit by a bluish-green phosphorescence. The acrid smell of the liquid lying within the pool fills the air.

>Chrysalis stands at the mouth of the pool, which is surrounded by six large praetorian caste changelings.

>Their horns begin to glow. Softly at first, growing into six rays of aqua light converging in the pool’s center.

>Chrysalis adds her own magic to that of the Praetorians’.

>The waters ripple with energy. A hazy form begins to take shape within and a deep voice bellows: “Ahh! Chrysalis! It has been so long since you and I have spoken. I do hope you have something interesting to report. I’ve been SO very bored lately.”

>”Yes, Discord. I have called to say that our friend Anonymous left for Canterlot earlier today. Much of our work is finished. All we must do now is wait,” Chrysalis intones.

>”Excellent! Less than a year and I shall be freed from this accursed shell. I must thank you for your assistance, dear Chrysalis.”

>”And I thank you for yours. Soon enough will my children be saved from the terrible fate bestowed upon them. However, Discord, in my interactions with Anonymous I have found that he is slightly different than what you had described to me. Is there a reason for this?”

>”Naturally the personality one encounters in a dream differs from that of reality. The dream-self is closer to the truth than that of the mask one wears around others. Regardless, the... alterations I made will probably ensure he completes our task,” Discord responds.

>”I’m not so sure... I intend to send out one of my subjects to keep an eye on him as a precautionary measure. And if your ‘alterations’ prove faulty, then he can be charmed, whether magically or otherwise. It’s a good thing we’ve given him such time as may be necessary for his innate magic resistance to wear off.”

>”Quite so, Chrysalis. Is there anything else?” Discord inquires.

>Chrysalis considers telling him about her reception of Anonymous’s seed and her intent to bring forth a new breed of changeling. But best not to reveal her plans so soon; it’s not at all necessary for him to know.

>”No, Discord. I merely wished to inform you of the progress that has been made.”

>”Oh, very well. I suppose I will try to find a way to entertain myself again. Goodbye, Chrysalis. It’s always a pleasure.” Discord’s blurry image fades from the pool as the Praetorians’ magic peters out.

>”Very good, my children. You are dismissed,” Chrysalis orders.

>Four weeks until her newest offspring are born. She would have to ensure that there was plenty of fresh food available for when they hatch.

>But now is a time for rest. Chrysalis walks out of the converted spawning pool chamber and enters the upper sections of the hive where her personal apartments lie.

 

 

>The chirping and singing of songbirds along with the cool rays of the morning sun draw you out of your dreamless slumber.

>You open your eyes and look about your surroundings.

>White stone walls, windows in gilded frames...

>Nothing has changed.

>This has gone on far too long, and is way too consistent to be a dream.

>Even the idea that your experiences have been one large delusion, part of a psychotic break, can hardly stand anymore.

>You try to remember everything that has happened that brought you to this point.

>You were leaving your old hometown trying to find some new place to call home.

>You woke up in your car in an apple orchard.

>Got in a confrontation with large-eyed sentient pastel ponies.

>Had a voice in your head calling itself ‘Discord’ explain that he had brought you here.

>Received directions to meet another party who knew of you.

>Drove hours through a forest only to find a cavern filled with things from Earth as well as a bunker-like structure carved from stone.

>Became acquainted with Queen Chrysalis of the changelings, a fantastical bug/horse hybrid.

>Was told the reason you were brought to this strange land was to assassinate the royal family of Equestria, possibly taking up the mantle of rule.

>Were seduced by Chrysalis... well, that’s not entirely true. You did find her attractive on her own merits. Copulated with her, a truly... interesting experience.

>You were then found by the ‘Elements of Harmony’, claimed by Chrysalis to be the ‘enforcers’ of the ‘tyrannical’ Celestia’s rule.

>Flew your Stuka into this city and met the Wonderbolts, the group you’re supposed to join to accomplish the assassination.

>Met the two princesses and were given the offer to stay for awhile and exchange information.

>And now you wake up here. This really IS all real. Or at least it seems that way.

>Well, you did leave to find a new home. This paradisiacal place would do just fine in that regard.

>As for the reason you were brought here... You don’t recall the earlier dreams where you spoke with Discord, and until you find proof that things really would be better off without the princesses you’ll just try to integrate into Equestrian society.

>For the first time in months you adjust your giveafuckometer above zero. You’ve got a chance to build a decent life here, so why not give half a damn?

>You do have a big day ahead, so you get out of bed and go into the attached bathroom.

>These ponies do seem to have mastered interior plumbing, although you are somewhat dismayed to see the equivalent of a squat toilet.

>The shower is nice and large, though. You enter and push one of the large buttons and turn an oversized (for your hands, anyway) dial to the beginning of the red segment.

>It seems they even use the same color codes for hot and cold.

>The water spurts out of the shower head, a wide spray hits your chest.

>Your size is going to be a bit problematic here, it seems. First the somewhat cramped carriage ride and now a low-headed shower.

>You work with what you have and rinse yourself off.

>Doubly fortunate that they supplied you with soap.

>You finish your refreshing shower and dry yourself off with a large, comfortable towel. You leave the bathroom and go to get dressed.

>Since you’re going to be formally introduced to Equestria today, you decide to wear a nice pair of black slacks and a white button-front shirt.

>Maybe a tie as well? Eh, why not. Just wear it somewhat loosely.

>A knocking sounds at your door.

>”Mister Anonymous? Are you awake?” The voice sounds like Fluttershy.

“Yeah, I’m up. You can come in.”

>Fluttershy pushes open the door and enters your room.

>”Um, I just wanted to tell you that breakfast is almost ready. Would you, um, like to eat with us?”

>God damn but she’s just about the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen.

“Sure thing, Fluttershy. Would you mind leading the way? I’m pretty sure I’d get lost if I tried to leave on my own,” you reply with a smile,

>”Oh yes, of course! Um, if you’re ready I suppose we should go, um, now?”

“Just one second...”

>You go to the nightstand next to your bed and grab a few percocet out of your backpack.

>Might as well feel awesome today.

“Alright Fluttershy, lead the way.”

>She politely waits for you to leave the room and walks slightly ahead of you, guiding you to the dining hall.