Author's Note:
Hey, guys. After the last two chapters, I think I can speak for most of you to wait to see what happens next. I've taken some downtime to storm some new ideas and get more prepared for the rest of the story because very soon, we will be coming up on the halfway point for the story.
That being said, you can expect the chapters to be longer, as I've mentioned a few chapters back, but I want to restate it for those that may have forgotten or gotten antsy at the word count. As always, enjoy, comment, and all that sweet jazz.
The person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere.
-Xun Kuang.
Princess Celestia frowned, chewing the inside of her lip as a result of the subpar conclusion of the past 2 and a half hour's meeting. While it differed little from the countless other meetings in terms of substance, it just felt different somehow. Being the leader of what was essentially one of the freest nations to exist and stand the test of time, it often was overlooked by those outside looking in on what the cost of that freedom meant.
And all by herself at the end of each day and night.
Slowly, that began to shift in recent years, and even more so with the emergence of the Night Order. While loathe to admit to any one pony, Celestia knew that things would only get worse before they got better; it was the nature of things.
''Huah. . .I need a break,'' Celestia muttered to herself as the last of the dignitaries from Saddle Arabia, Prance and Jaypan left for the day. Talks would resume in the morning on Prance's proposal to form a union of allied nations under the common interest of reservation of political, financial, and militaristic interests not just against Night Order, but any gungho organization that felt 'froggy' as the dignitary from Prance worded it. Out of the week-long talk that was scheduled to take place, this was the 4th day, with noticeable gain, but it would have to be put on the back burner for the moment. All mighty that she may be, Celestia was still a pony who needed rest, and food. ''And some cake.''
''Still in the habit of cake daydreaming, Celestia?'' then the sound of Starswirl rousing her out of her confectionary daze was not unwelcome, but she did wish to drool over the thought of a chocolate and red velvet cake. The wizard walked in, dressed in only his cloak without his signature hat. A knowing grin splayed across his face as he walked closer to the end of the table where Celestia sat. ''If you have a moment, I would have words with you.''
''Of course,'' Celestia willed herself to brighten up a bit, knowing that it would more than likely be an even longer day with a negative attitude. ''I assume you bring news about Naofumi and Valiant on their mission?'' Celestia asked, her tone filled with hope for the success of their mission since setting off with the intent to protect the Paradox Chains from Night Order or to possibly put an end to the tyranny that slowly began to make itself known to the world as Zenith. The idea of even one of the chains breaking would end up having ramifications that would go beyond even the scope of conventional magic, as it took a nearly immeasurable amount to do something Celestia herself fought with herself day in and out on if it was a sound choice to make. . .to put her sister in the moon, and to have to fight the eternal battle to justify it to none other than herself.
Clearing his throat, Starswirl used his magic to close the door and cover the conference room in a sound concealment spell, the motion long being second nature to the wizard. Celestia looked to see a glint in Starswirl's eyes while taking a seat; she hadn't paid it much notice before, but Starswirl looked even more sleep deprived than he usually did, the speed and accuracy of his movements not being quite as crisp as before. Probably just nerves, she thought.
Spearheading the research and summoning ritual to bring Naofumui to Equestria, was no small feat in itself, and only adding his own personal issues with Storm Song and upholding his position as Great Mage only added to the fire. ''Yes, the last time I was able to establish a contact of sorts. Not entirely as much as I would like, but more than before.'' Starswirl shrugged.
Establishing a stable channel of communication would help against Night Order, especially when the method of how information was conveyed over vast distances was sent back and forth, reliability and all. ''Then speak; the more equipped we are, the better.''
''It appears your hunch about their being a mole of sorts in the inner circle of Prince Rutherford was correct.'' Starswirl brought a map of the land of Yak-Yakistan, laden with pre-laid out marks, and drawings, and out for the pair to observe and mark . and one of his own Advisors, no less. It did make for the perfect cover where most would assume that the last guilty party. While she had no concrete evidence to accurately make such a declaration public, Celestia was glad that it was able to be solved. Yet, at the same time, the idea of Night Order expanding their reach into the very nations who stood against them only made the princess more cautious of the different angles she would have to approach the fight ahead. ''From Valiant's own account, it was a ploy long in the making with the hope of crippling Yak-Yakistan from the inside out.''
Celestia's gaze narrowed as she looked upon the map. ''And what of the situation now?''
Starswirl shook his head, wishing that it could be that easy. ''No report as of late. When last I heard, Valiant and Naofumi were preparing to go to Prince Rutherford after making contact with Storm Song.''
''So,'' Celestia smirked a bit, impressed a tad at the information. ''She finally finished her own mission?''
''Yes, and not a moment too soon,'' Starswirl muttered to himself, remembering the conversation he had with his ex-wife the night she made the bold declaration to question morality; and when the world could possibly be on the cusp of ending. She chose to question if summoning Naofumi and enlisting him in this war was more an intelligent choice or a death wish. ''With her helping Prince Rutherford, the battle may soon be won.''
''Yes, but we may have to consider the chance possibility that we may be underestimating Night Order's capabilities,'' Celestia said, rubbing one of her hooves against her head at the feeling of a migraine coming on. ''After all, they do possess the goal of upending the world only to bring Nightmare Moon here.''
''That won't happen.'' Starswirl firmly argued. It couldn't. With everything that was sacrificed to ensure the world survived was the smallest of prices to pay. Starswirl could rarely argue the idea when results were all that mattered. But, in the back of the wizard's mind swam a modicum of doubt at times. He could do his best to tune it out in pursuit of his greater interests and the highest understanding of magic, often at the cost of what most would consider to be basic decency for another. ''We've too much at stake to let that happen, especially now that we have Naofumi here to assist; with his support, this Night Order will soon be exterminated like a bad virus, and Nightmare Moon a thing of the distant past.''
''Are you sure?'' Celestia suddenly spoke after a moment of thought. Her voice was deep and meaningful. Even though Nightmare was too dangerous a threat, Celestia believed that somewhere deep down, still was her sister, wanting release from the prison that Celestia unintentionally put her in. While not sure what she could do to help, Celestia never let the hope of restoring her sister slip. ''
Having the title and position of leader of the kingdom did not suddenly grant her all-knowing wisdom, nor did shield her from the indomitable will to push on in the most trying of times, in fact, it did the complete opposite, and by luck of a power higher than herself that she managed to stay at the top, and for millennia without pause. ''What is your plan for when everything is over? Surely, even if Naofumi's previous world was. . .less than desirable, he would like to return, would he not?'' Celestia's question caused Starswirl to slowly turn his head towards her as a dim of his eyes gave her pause and suddenly gave her worry. ''Starswirl?''
''Nonsense, and besides; I think it best. . .to focus one thing at a time, Princess. We are, after all, fighting for the betterment of all, such trivialities are secondary until we can assure victory,'' Starswirl's tone of finality made Celestia raise an eyebrow and manage a thin line of agreement to graze her face as she nodded. Celestia was not going to push the matter further, at least for now. Though not as much of a valuable talent to some, Celestia could feel when a pony's emotions and thoughts betrayed them, or in this case; may be misplaced.
''But something that we do need to do our best to assure for the moment is tracking down Zenith; as he is the key to all of this,'' Starswirl directed his attention to a few possible spots on the map. ''This area location where likely operations for Night Order could be centralized, or even better; Zenith's own personal refuge from his conquest of the world. Our resources are currently spread thin at the moment, but- '' Starswirl's next words were paused by Celestia suddenly gasping and coughing, a deep guttural scream leaving her mouth. ''What is that?!''
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! A massive thud sounded from the distance, Starswirl grappling towards the nearest window to see what transpired. Opening the closest window, the sky and room were filled with the sight of a brilliant white that blinded the wizard before a sudden wave of pressure flowed towards the castle, shattering windows, uplifting tables and chairs, and dragging unfortunate and unaware ponies into the air while some were cast off the side of Canterlot.
Thud! Starswirl heard the sound of a body hitting the floor, followed by the sound of Celestia's voice.
''T-T-The Paradox C-Chain.~'' Celestia began to convulse, her horn swirling with a flash of yellow and cerulean-colored magic. She attempted to speak again, only for her eyes to roll to the back of her head, with her body becoming motionless.