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Secret of Flying

by Hiver

Chapter 36

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Celestia looked thoughtful, looking out into the garden outside her chambers. “I don’t know, Page. It’s something I believe you need to decide for yourself.”

I poked the pillow beneath me with my hoof. “…I know,” I sighed. “I’m just wondering what you think will be best? Keep hiding it or reveal? For Equestria I mean.”

Celestia shook her head. “Have you talked to Luna about it?”

“…Not yet. I will tonight. Wondered what you thought about it?”

“Truth is important.”

I grimaced and sighed. “The truth is a dangerous and valuable thing, be careful what you do with it.”

She simply nodded and regarded me calmly, her mane shifting and flowing away from me.

Picking my tea up with my magic, I sipped at it in thought.

Was it over? Would I have to drop the illusion? What would change?

I wouldn’t be able to go out in public without disguise unless I wanted to be recognized… which I already was. What else was new?

Twilight seemed to live a more or less normal life. She was a librarian on the side for Luna’s sake. I didn’t like the attention, but honestly, I was under a lot of it already by being involved with Luna.

Sighing, I shook my head and frowned at the table. “This sucks.”

“Mmmm.”

Grimacing I then nodded. “Okay, so how do we do this? And just so you know, this doesn’t mean I'll pick up anything crownlike, Sunshine.”

Celestia smiled. “Well, one way would be to simply not use your illusion. Let ponies figure it out.”

“If you want riots.”

“You are no fun,” she teased before she nodded. “We will make an official announcement in a few days and then we handle whatever happens after. Or we wait until Luna returns.”

I hesitated and then forced a smile. “…No. No, we'll do it in a couple of days. If we are doing this, I may as well have it be a surprise for her. Meet her with my wings uncovered when she returns.”

“If you are sure. This will be difficult for you, Page.”

Swallowing, I nodded. “I know… but I've been through worse. I’ll deal.”

“We’ll be here for you,” Celestia said and smiled. “Anytime you want.”

I raised an eyebrow at her. “Really Celestia?”

She just smiled innocently at me. “Whatever do you mean, Page?”

I couldn’t help but laugh and shake my head, giving her side a poke with my wing. “Thanks.”

We simply relaxed for a long moment as she left me alone with my thoughts. I didn’t like this, but what choice did I really have? Ponies were already figuring things out. Just rumours now, but…

Might as well come clear about it and get on with my life.

“So, what do we say?” I finally asked. “Just walk out on the balcony and spread my wings and say ‘Yo, I’m an alicorn, deal with it!’ and then walk out?”

That got a small laugh from her. “If you like.”

“What, seriously?”

She grinned and nodded. “Yes. It can indeed be that simple if you like.”

“…How would you do it?”

Celestia tilted her head in thought. “Explain to ponies that you have ascended to being an alicorn for extraordinary feats and abilities. You are now Equestria's fifth alicorn, even if you have decided not to take up a crown to cover other responsibilities for the security and welfare of Equestria.”

“I’m not very good with public speaking.”

“I’ll be there with you. So will Twilight,” Celestia said and smiled. “I can do most of the announcement if you like.”

“…Thank you.”

“What else could I do?” she asked sadly. “I can’t help but feel responsible. I did introduce you to my sister, I was the one that got you involved on this path.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “And there is nothing I could do to express how thankful I am to you for introducing us.”

“I could think of a few things.”

I just snorted. “Be nice, Sunshine. But I should get some writing done. I want the book done by the time Luna gets back. It helps me get my mind off things.”

Celestia nodded with a smile. “I look forward to reading it. I heard it was going to be a horror book?”

“In a ways,” I agreed and sighed. “Working on getting the tone just right. A single world could pivot a line from good to awful.”

“Believe me, I give enough speeches to know.” Celestia sighed before she smiled. “But if you want something else to occupy your mind, I have some ideas…”

I shot her a wary look. “…Like what?”

Suddenly I was very aware of how close she was.

Celestia just smirked for a second before she spoke up again. “Well…” she answered and leaned closer. “It would help if there were less applicants when I had Court,” she finally whispered into my ear.

I swallowed but refused to play her game. “What, want me to keep them out or something?”

“No. But if Night Court could reopen, it would help a lot. Not only me, but ponies wouldn’t need to wait as long,” she answered and shifted her wing across my back. “I would really appreciate it if you could run it until my sister returned.”

I cringed but then shifted my wings and nodded with a sigh. “…Fine.”

I wasn’t overly enthused about it, but I knew I likely needed that kind of experience. If nothing else, it would help me in writing political intrigue.

“Thank you.”

“Welcome,” I sighed and looked down at my tea. “Celestia?”

“Hmm?”

“Thank you for everything you have done for me. Helping me when I arrived, introducing me to Luna. Trusting me when you had no reason to do so. Thank you.”

Smiling, Celestia rested her wing across my back. “And thank you for proving me right. For making my sister so happy. For being such a good friend. Sometimes a little trust is worth a lot more than it seems.”

I couldn't help but nod in agreement.



AN// Big thanks to Pietersielie for betaing this section.

Next Chapter: Chapter 37 Estimated time remaining: 27 Minutes
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