Slow, methodical hoofsteps echoed through the castle’s lonely hallways, Blueblood walking at a more sullen pace than he had a minute ago. Despite how badly most of him wanted to go home and talk to his wife, another, smaller part of him was reluctant to do so. She wasn't an intimidating mare by any stretch of the imagination, but when the topic of the princess or unicorns came up, she could probably shout down a manticore and the stallion wasn't wholly sure if he was ready to deal with that right now.
But he had to, his conversation with his ‘aunt’, proved just that, and this was one conversation he couldn't put off anymore. Still, that didn't mean he had to like it.
He tramped through the halls, his usual smile plastered back on his face, as if he hadn't just been reamed and demeaned like a petulant child. Passing through the castle, he stopped and nodded to a few of the other nobles and dignitaries he recognized, even exchanging greetings with a well revered general who was lingering near a balcony, a pipe in hoof.
Must keep appearances, he reminded himself, though he knew at least one of the nobles saw right through his facade, it hardly mattered, only the act did.
As he neared his family’s tower, his pace quickened slightly, the familiar sight of his blue and gold guards coming into view, filling him with a sense of pride and oddly enough, peace.
The two guards he saw before him were non-descript in the extreme, the enchantments on their armor making them appear as identical stark white unicorns, with piercing blue eyes and long finely filed horns. The stallions themselves weren't what made a sense of pride well in the stallion’s chest but rather their weapons and armor that marked them as his family’s personal guard. They each wielded a pair of sleek, gold handled short swords, with mana infused blades that turned the ordinary grey steel into a sparkling blue. The weapons themselves were meant to be wielded by telekinesis, and were light, yet strong and tied to the wielder's mana signature, meaning they couldn't be used by the enemy, or wrenched away by an opponent.
What was the true pride and joy of the Blueblood armory was not the blades, though they were effective, but not nearly as significant as the armor. The armor covered most of the wearer’s body in a thick shell of finely woven golden plates. The artistry and craftsmanship was beyond compare, blending form and function in a way that only the Firstborn could truly accomplish. Blue gems were inset at joints, shoulders, chest, and near the hooves of the wearer, linking together to create an automatic shield that deployed the instant the armor detected danger. Each set was over nine hundred years old and it took the work of several maintenance ponies to ensure that these ancient suits of armor continued to remain as effective as the day they were forged.
He had personally started a program to try and recreate the suits and blades, but many of his ancestors had tried, and he didn't hold out much hope that he would be able to accomplish what his predecessors had not. Still, it would be quite a sight to see an entire battalion of unicorn soldiers all wearing this powerful armor and wielding the ancient weapons of his Unicornian people.
He shook his head and flashed his personal guards a wide smile. “Good evening, Night Bloom, and Sudden Spark,” he announced, giving a slight nod of his head to the two guards.
The guard to the right immediately burst into laughter, slapping his partner across the shoulder. “I told you he would figure it out, Nighty!”
The other guard rolled his eyes and ducked into a more professional bow. “Good evening, Master Blueblood. I hope your conversation with Celestia went well.”
Sudden Spark ducked into a bow as well, stifling his laughter.
Blueblood grinned and motioned for them to rise, which they eagerly did. “It certainly was… enlightening, to say the least.”
Sudden Spark raised an eyebrow. “That doesn't sound good, the old mare busting your chops again?”
“Pfft, I wish it was just that.” He sighed suddenly, shaking his head. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m feeling rather thirsty.”
“Of course, Master Blueblood,” Night Bloom remarked, bowing slightly before opening the door for the master of the house.
Sudden Spark quickly followed suit, parting the other door that made up the entrance, bowing low.
As the elder stallion passed between them, Night Bloom cast his companion a sharp look, causing him to wilt slightly. All of which Blueblood saw, but didn't care to note, he did after all usually enjoy the bit of banter his guards often partook in, but now was different.
He trotted inside at a solemn pace, barely noticing the heavy oak doors slamming shut behind him. Ahead of him the grand splendor of his personal tower lay before him, and though he usually stopped to take in the grandeur of his family’s home, this time he kept his head low. Passing by paintings that cost more than the average pony made in a year, and hardly even lifted an eyebrow as he trotted past a bowing maid, offering her only the smallest of smiles before making his way up stairs and into the more private area of the tower.
As he climbed the spiral staircase, he heard the soft sound of string instruments coming from above, signalling that his wife was listening to her favorite record again. Though he hadn't been a fan at first, the all string orchestra had grown on him, impressing his logical side with the sheer complexity of the songs. It was also written and played entirely by unicorns, as most other races had trouble manipulating the finely stringed instruments.
Before he could go towards the origin of the music he turned down a side hall and made his way to his son’s room, noticing the door to which was open, and his son was leaning over his writing desk, his horn alight. Smiling faintly, the elder Blueblood trotted down the hall, hoping to judge if his son held any love for the old nag, and if he did, to try and quash that notion.
As he neared the door, his son stopped suddenly, the door slamming shut mere inches from the elder stallion’s nose. Blueblood raised his hoof to pound on the door, but found that he couldn't really muster the energy to be angry at the foal, it had only happened today after all. Maybe it was best he simply gave up for now and came back tomorrow when he had more energy in his bones.
The stallion let his hoof fall to the floor once more and turned away, trotting back down the hall and pushing his way into the kitchen, silently wondering if he had anymore of that good brandy from that party he threw a number of weeks ago. As soon as he entered the room, he instantly noticed the form of his second wife, Bright Horn. She was sitting at the small breakfast table, a book titled The Rise and Fall of the Third Unicornian Empire in hoof, tea cup set just off to the side and the record player resting beside that.
The mare herself was thin, ash grey with long dirty blonde hair tied into thick braids that draped down the sides of her neck. Her eyes were an electric blue that nearly glowed in the low light of the room, and on her flank was a picture of exactly what anyone who had heard her name would assume, a bright white horn surrounded by a sharp blue glow.
“Hello dear,” she greeted. “How was your little talk with the old hag?” The mare licked her hoof and flicked the page, not looking up from her book.
“It was… interesting,” he remarked lamely, turning towards the kitchen and rifling through the liquor cabinet in search of the one bottle he knew would satiate his unique thirst.
Behind him, Bright Horn frowned and placed a bookmark in her book, setting it aside, and shut off the music. “What do you mean by interesting?” she asked, the joviality leaving her voice.
He grunted. “I need a drink first before I sour my palate with such talk.” Blueblood stood up, bumping his head on the counter and cursing under his breath. “Did you happen to know where my Henri Dodgedon went? I could have sworn there was some left.”
The mare rolled her eyes and opened a cabinet just above his head with her magic. “It's near the top, remember?”
“Right,” he mumbled, leaning back and plucking the bottle from the shelf and hastily pouring himself a tumbler of the stuff, making sure to add the perfect number of ice cubes.
With a sigh he plunked down in the seat across from his wife, sniffing the brandy, before putting it to his lips and taking a small sip. “Ahh.” The stallion closed his eyes and breathed deeply, his shoulders relaxing as he did.
“It didn't go well, ” Bright Horn stated simply, sipping her tea.
The stallion grimaced. “No, it did not.”
“She didn't like how truthful you were.” Bright Horn’s eyes narrowed, her expression darkening. “She yelled at you, didn't she? Yes, she yelled at you, then she threatened you, like a common peasant.”
Blueblood sighed. “As usual you are right.” He chuckled, taking another sip of his brandy. “No matter how many times you do that, I’m always amazed by your little trick.”
“It is no little trick,” Bright Horn stated. “If you merely trained in the Khala more, you could do the same, or at least shield yourself from others.”
“Ahh yes, your ancient unicorn fighting style, magic without magic, right?” he asked, downing the last of his drink and sighing contently.
“That is a crude translation, but it isn't a wrong one.” Bright Horn leaned across the table, taking the stallion’s hoof in her own. “It really is a considerable boon, you know.”
Blueblood sighed, giving her hoof a squeeze. “I know, but I simply don't have the aptitude.”
“Nonsense!” Bright Horn remarked dismissively, squeezing his hoof. “All noble unicorns have the capability to undergo the training in the Khala, those descended from the Firstborn even more so!”
Blueblood sighed, releasing her hoof. “Still, this is a topic for another day, we have much to discuss right now.”
“Very true,” Bright Horn muttered, sitting back in her seat and sipping at the last of her tea. “Though I would insist that we come back to this discussion later, as training in the Khala is natural for those of us of noble birth. We have, after all, a moral imperative to rule over the lesser races.”
He snorted in amusement, levitating his cup over the counter. “I wish it were that simple. All we rule over is a hoofful of businesses and a small swath of land on the north face of Mount Canter.”
“That is true, we can only claim ownership over small bits of land, but the houses as a whole control a significant amount of the Equestrian economy, and can claim at least indirect ownership over a third of the country. Which is more than the average pony can say,” she pointed out, downing the last of her tea and placing the cup next to her husband’s before casting a quick sidelong glance at the door to the kitchen.
A glance her husband didn't seem to notice. “Why must you always speak as though we are not ponies?” he asked with a sigh. “You always say that word as if you are trying to spit it at the floor.”
“Through the Khala we can become more than we were born with, more than just mere ponies.” She sighed, sinking back into her chair and forcing her body to relax. “We just need time.”
“Well, for once time seems to be on our side.” He pointed out, leaning forward on his chair.
“Really?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “Time does not usually aid those who try to rise against an immortal alicorn.”
“After my conversation with the peasant child, I spoke with a contact and confirmed that the great houses have indeed been able to infiltrate most offices of government. Though I had hoped such underhooved tactics would be a moot effort, it seems as though their fears have been realized.” He sighed. “Yet despite the houses’ resources and efforts, no one knows what secret projects the princess is working on.”
“That is most unfortunate,” Bright Horn lamented, tapping the table nervously. “She has had millenia to plan, what in Equestria could be taking up so much of her time?”
“I would put my money on something about this strange peasant she’s been training. Other than that, you know as much as I do.” Blueblood shrugged. “Regardless, now that we know she doesn't have the time to devote to properly countering the houses’ efforts, it shouldn't be more than a few years before we control just about everything.”
“We?” Bright Horn asked, a slight smile spreading across her face. “So you have finally decided to join the houses in their efforts?”
He sighed. “I may not agree with everything they have planned, but they are right on one thing, the honor of the crown has been besmirched irredeemably, and something must be done.”
A wide smile slowly spread across the mare’s face. “I knew there was a good reason I married you.”
The stallion gasped, placing a hoof over his heart. “And here I thought it was for my charming wit and dashing good looks.”
The mare giggled. “Well, that too.” She clasped his hoof in hers and grinned. “Imagine it, Blueblood, the restoration of your family and of the path of ascension.” Bright Horn laughed giddily, squeezing his hoof tightly.
He smiled, squeezing her hoof back. “It would be a dream come true, but we have a lot of work to do.”
She nodded, leaning across the table and planting a kiss on his lips. “A meeting of the families can wait, why don't we go relax? You look tense.”
The stallion smirked, kissing the mare back before standing. “That does sound nice. What do you feel like tonight? Bach, or your favorite?”
“I think you know what I’ll pick.” The mare slipped from the table, and smacked her husband’s butt. “Just let me go put this book back and I’ll be right there.”
Blueblood smirked, trotting towards their room. “I’ll be waiting.”
Bright Horn turned and with book in hoof walked down the hall, depositing it next to her favorite chair before continuing down the hall. This is amazing! Celestia is completely distracted by her secret projects, giving us enough time to do something which would have taken another few decades in only a fraction of that time. Her smile grew into a cruel, almost predatory grin. Now to take care of a few loose ends.
The mare raised her hoof and knocked on the door to Blueblood Junior’s room. “Oh Bluey, can I speak with you a moment?”
There was a pause, followed by a brief scuffle before the latch to the door flipped and the portal opened, revealing the frowning face of the younger Blueblood. “Yes stepmother? What do you need?”
“Oh nothing, really.” She smiled down at him. “May I come in a moment?”
The colt glanced over his shoulder, and towards his bed before nodding. “Of course.”
“Why, thank you, Bluey,” Bright Horn replied, stepping into the room and closing the door firmly behind her.
The colt trotted over to his bed and hopped up onto the plush sheets, watching his step mother enter his room.
The mare raised an eyebrow, glancing around the room at the numerous band posters, statutes of comic book characters and numerous other ‘improper’ things that littered his private living space. She shook her head, pointedly ignoring just how much this room annoyed her. “Tell me, Bluey, you wouldn't happen to be doing something you shouldn't.” She turned to him, glaring down at the colt. “Would you?”
He shook his head. “Of course not.”
“Of course, of course.” She smiled and nodded. “I just knew you weren't writing a letter to Celestia, but you know how your father gets.” Bright Horn shrugged, noticing the small tremor of unease that flowed through the colt.
“Well, dad can be kind of paranoid,” Blueblood said with a shaky smile.
“Yes... Quite,” Bright Horn muttered. “But sometimes he can be right. Like now, when he told me that you had a habit of hiding things under your bed.” She turned suddenly, glaring down at him once more. “But I told him that was ridiculous, but now I find myself wondering what the truth is. So, Bluey, you wouldn't have written a letter to Celestia and tucked it under your bed, would you?”
“N-no,” he stuttered.
“Oh, really now?” she asked in mock surprise. “And I suppose you also weren't listening in on your father and I’s conversation a few minutes ago.”
The colt trembled. “That's silly,” he whispered.
“Yes, very silly.” her eyes narrowed and her horn lit up, a second later a scroll emerged from beneath the colt’s bed, making his shoulders fall in defeat. “Very silly indeed,” she remarked sadly.
“I suppose there isn't a way this ends with you letting me speak to Celestia, is there?” Blueblood asked tiredly.
“Of course not.” She huffed. “Just be glad I won't send you away for training.”
The colt shivered, hugging his chest and making himself smaller. “P-please no. I did good before. It was just a little mistake!” He looked up at her, tears at the edges of his eyes. “I’ll be good, I swear!”
The mare’s eyes narrowed dangerously and she gripped the scroll tight in her magic. “I will speak to your father about this, and we will see what punishment would best fit your little transgression.”
Bright Horn turned, and walked out the door, the scroll held aloft in her magic.
With a slam, the door closed, leaving Blueblood alone in the dark.
The colt crawled under his sheets, wrapping the satin blankets tight about his body, imaging for a moment that his mother was here, holding him tightly. He felt a trickle of tears roll down his face as he realized he couldn't remember her face anymore, or even what she sounded like. In the absence, Celestia’s smiling face came unbidden to his mind, and he latched onto the image tightly, remembering the years he had spent with her.
As the room grew dark and the night set in, the colt whispered a lullaby Celestia used to sing to him. Though he didn't know the words, and the language was incomprehensible, he remembered enough of what it sounded like to soothe his soul and help whisk his spirit into the realm of dreams.
(The Next chapter is already up on patreon! But will be out next week!)
Man I can't wait for a zergling to eat Bright Horns face,
That's not what the Khala is for. What's that doing here?
You know, the nobles are always portayed in a negative light in fanfiction. Well, most of them. And given what we've seen from canon, it's not entirely undeserved. And I somewhat like that.
But if there is one thing across all the portrayals of the nobles that I like most, it is that, for all the behind closed doors, for all the subterfuge, for all the under-hooved tactics and cloak and dagger, they always think they can get away with their plans. I adore that they think their titles, and their bloodlines mean so much, when they in fact mean so little. And I absolutely LOVE that moment of realization when that for all they think they are in control, for all they think they were moving the pieces around the board, that they are in fact not, and never were, a player in the game. That moment they know they were less than a pawn. That moment they realize...that they are. . .NOTHING.
I wonder how they got the Khala.
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Its not the exact same thing. I won't spoil anymore.
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Ah, so the nobles have been enhanced/enslaved by amons power, and the Khala/collar. Well, atleast now we know a good use for the zerg within Twilight/New Queens Grasp.
I sense protoss influence, you better get those zerglings ready Twilight
It will be interesting Howe the Story will go on, I‘m excited
I wouldn't mind if Twilight goes all Queen of Blades on the nobles' flanks.
it hard mattered, only the act did
1. Hardly.
Hmm... I just had a thought, in the original the Khala was was united the Protoss in terms of mind and spirit, sort of like a hive mind isn't it? It makes me wonder though, if it's also having some similar effect here and has a pony with a strong enough will to subtlely turn the others into their line of thinking. Only time will tell and by then, I do hope our little Twily will have monopolised all of the underground with Zerg for her to command.
Wait, "Khala", "Firstborn"... ohhh this isn't good
Honestly, I don't like this chapter. I don't like the tone it sets for the future of the story.
The irredeemably arrogant nobility planning against the Princess because they think they are/know better than Celestia is such an old cliche it's not even funny anymore.
I don't care for more Starcraft mythos being dragged into the story. The Zerg on their own is enough. We don't need to drag things like the Protoss or the Khala into it. It just muddies the waters and adds elements that frankly feel entirely unnecessary.
The whole chapter just makes me feel... uneasy about the future of the story. We could have skipped this chapter entirely to focus more on Twilight and all the other changes and adjustments she'll be forced to make and I would have enjoyed it a lot more
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an interesting thought is that the Zerg were incompatible to protoss physiology, but the Zerg did want their psychic powers, if unicorns can learn the khala then Twilight can learn it, prior to the Khala the Protoss were pretty pathetic,though it would be fun if it turned if Celestia knew it.
How is parasites a trigger warning?
Now I want to see Zerg Twilight introduce those nobles to the swarm.
Poor bluey I want to hug that colt and make it all better.
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The concept of parasites or symbiotes is the equivalent of body horror to some people. At the extreme end of the spectrum, the very thought of it can either freak them the hell out to the point of hyperventilation, or disgusts them to the point of physical illness.
I want to smash Right's face in.
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I'm not a huge fan of the uncompromising noble thing either, I wont give spoilers, but suffice it to say the thing everything thinks is going to happen, wont happen like they think its going to.
The other starcraft elements are not directly taken, like my other comment mentioned these are analogues for aspects of the starcraft stuff, not direct borrowing.
There also wont be anymore chapters that are not either celestia or Twilight oriented untill after the time skip.
Something something heil Blueblood and the arycorn race.
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Alrighty. Fair enough then.
Any clues as to who the other parasites/symbiotes slipped into?
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Let me put it this way, people seem to think the rest of the mane six will be infected, but thats boring. It will be a surprise untill you see it. Though one will be obvious in hind sight.
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A grand understatement.... it's going to be extremely disastrous. On all sides
Sigh, I am honestly confused. Why in stories with politics of any kind is it so common for Celestia to not know how governments work?
The nobles are one third the economy in this story. Okay, acceptable. That makes them (as a group and individually) one of the major keys to power in the government that is Equestria. In order for Celestia to remain in power she must have the loyalty of the keys of state. So as she is still in power (and has been for a thousand years) this means that she has control of more keys than she does not. What are the other major keys to power in Equestria? Are they the military, the governors, the intelligence departments?
Why are the nobles as a group against her? After all keeping her in power is the best way to continue the status quo that has been the last thousand years of their prosperity. Why has she not removed them from power to insure that they are no longer an issue? With only a third of the economy under their control how will they hope to force the rest of the country to follow them? How tight are their controls over that third and who controls the rest? Is Celestia's court only unicorn nobles? If so then why do they even need to perform some kind of uprising when they can just write in laws that removes her from power?
This isn't the extent of the questions that this has raised, if there is some kind of ancient order of unicorns that are a constant treat to her rule why are they still in any position of power? After so long it is impossible that Celestia doesn't know of this sect of unicorns. After all any secret shared between two will soon no longer be a secret to any.
And lastly (and maybe most importantly) do any of these questions even matter or am I looking too far into it at 2AM and on little sleep?
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I've really hit on it a few times in the story but I dont think it came out quite as clear as I'd like. (And will be further explained later)
Celestia's days are consumed by her secret projects, state stuff, teaching, and just being a pony, she is by no means oblivious but her hooves are significantly tied to the sheer time constraints she is put under. She has underlings but unless you can consistently check their loyalties, you can't be sure if they are still your underlings. She knows what shes doing, but the restraints shes under hinder that.
As for most of the other questions I'll referance a differnt comment someone made and simply answer, their goals are not what you might think they would be, their methods are not what you think they are, and as for the rest of the keys, let me put it this way. Celestia's has a secret key, being her thousand year old cult of personality, and sheer likability amongst litterly everyone. This is one key thats going to be hard to take, and shouldnt be underestimated.
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Huh, I hadn't considered Celestia as having a cult of personality. It seems obvious in hindsight now. That tended to be something that I always associated with more fascist forms of government, but I can see (defiantly see in fact) where she would develop such an image given her long life and success. You have changed my outlook on Celestia in a small but significant way with that comment. I am actually curious to see now if she has deliberately fostered such or if it is just something that developed over time that she takes advantage of. If she has fostered it I wonder how and with what actions through the years. Hmm, or even if she fostered it at all and instead it is a result of others using her as a sort of figurehead for their own, separate but parallel to Celestias thinking, means and she just went along with it as it was useful to her own ends.
Good chapter, sheds some light on the darkened world that is Nobility.
Bright Horn, be ready to meet your maker, because the Hive is coming, and when they do, Ohohohohoo you'd better run.
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bright horn is part of a hive so we'll have a hive war soon
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O *GASP*
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Did you know that your profile pic is also the pic for the story Returning Home?
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yep, the changlings are already in cantorlot now more things make sense huh?
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i used my profile pic long before that story started
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PUT THAT IN SPOILERS SO THAT OTHER READERS DON'T GET UPSET ABOUT THE STORY BEING SPOILED. BUT YES I FIGURED THAT OUT AS SOON AS YOU SAID THAT..
Oops caps lock :P
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They stole from u
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it's not a spoiler if you have read the comics. the comics explained that Chrissy had been planning the invasion for years so there already being some infiltrators in the city makes sense
My god these people are stupid. Seriously, so what if they control the economy? Celestia controls the Sun and Moon, as well as having infinitely greater power and experience. All she has to do to win, is decide that they are all traitors, and slaughter them all with a thought. Then she claims everything they own in the name of the crown, on the grounds that they attempted to stage a coup, and suddenly she has all the power once again.
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And she is seen as a tyrant.
unless ponies are SUPER biased.
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I like to think of it this way. If your good at something for a thousand years, chances are people will notice and like you for it, whether or not you want them to, or if your going to do anything with that adoration is beside the point.
If she asked a general pony to do something, chances are they would, and this cult of personality grows far stronger once you take in foriegn entities into consideration, every nation knows Celestia as the level headed peaceful pony that will always try for the solution that best fits everyone. If she was overthrown, how easy would it be to ask some other nation to say hey, this new guy that tried to replace me is a war monger, put me back on the throne and I can make sure the good times roll for another millenia.
This has numerous real world analogues as well, so its not unheard of.
And we get even more Blueblood Sr. Wow, this golden armor with blue stones reminds me of someone. Yes, these are protoss, this is their style. Is this a coincidence interesting? Well, not bad, not bad that as our nobleman jokes with the guards ... The conversation with my wife is going well. SO WHAT! Khala? !!! What the hell is the philosophy / psi connection belonging to the protoss doing here?What's going on here? Protoss if someone did not literally translate as Firstborn.Is the pony the descendants of the protoss ?! In comparison, all these minor intrigues of the nobles are simply insignificant. Although I'm still trying to understand why they call it Khal.
The ascension path ... Do ponies know about Xel'naga? Or is this the ascension path of the Tal'darim?
For some reason, I imagine the younger Blueblood as Alarak, who stands in front of his mother, defending his comics with the words "Forgive Mother, but in our society the strongest decides." ... My God.
And yes, who is the mother of the younger Blueblood ? Why is he so afraid of training? So many questions...
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This is not how Khala works. Khala allows the protoss to feel the emotions of the other protoss as their own, not to overwhelm each other. Although who knows what these ponies did to Khala.
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I dont expect all of the main six to be infested, but I hope at least one or two more are. *shrugs* Can't help but love your favorite characters, right?
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At least some will, otherwise that would be boring :P
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Orange apple pony?
A personal guard contingent wielding lost military magitech... It's like Celestia is deliberately creating a rebellion so she can get in a warmup before she deals with Luna.
And as though the universe specifically wished to spite Blueblood, a certain grey earth filly got her treble clef mark at that very instant.
Oh boy, we're dealing with that sort.
And here's the part where I'm grateful other people have a full appreciation of the crossover, because the Protoss implications went completely over my head until I read the comments. This does raise some gery intriguing comments.
I do have to echo the negative sentiment towards the usurping nobles. The biggest issue I've always had with the concept is why now? Why try to take down the sun herself after nearly a thousand years of peace and prosperity? They don't even have the upheaval caused by Luna's return or a chipping away at noble power as an impetus for revolt, just a vague "tarnishing the crown's honor." which doesn't make a lick of sense when said crown has rested on the same darn head for centuries. You can't dishonor the memory of monarchs past when you are monarchs past.
I suppose Bright's peculiar breed of transequinism may hint at some possibilities. We'll see in time. And Celestia may well launch a personal investigation into the nobility after the elder Blueblood's display. Going by your own comments, this isn't going to go as planned, and I get the feeling it'll be because of more than one little Zergicorn.
Mmmm, Blueblood six has apparently not been properly trained in subterfuge... Shame.
the protoss would be disgusted by the 'great houses'
Why hello there, Narud.
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Present Protoss sure, but remember, even the Protoss had tribal wars over petty differences in their early years.
So... Basically the blueblood family in this story is the Burgundy Ducy of the middle ages
Protoss???? Amon???