[TFE] December Event: Hard Choices: Unexpected Growth

There was a loud murmur that coursed through the crowds, but the sounds melted away, drowned out by a deafening panicked thrumming. Mint Chip stared down at his hooves, unaware of his sharp breaths, the sweat beginning to bead upon his brow, or his form trembling as if it were about to crumple from his own weight.

 

“...”

 

There were muffled voices around him, but the orders of the queen pierced the haze-

“-non-negotiable.”

 

The unicorn stallion stiffened at the coldness of her words, his breath hitching in his throat as it felt as if he had suddenly swallowed a rock. He stole a glance up at the balcony, only to see the queen saunter off without a second thought. He grit his teeth, his terrified expression suddenly twisting into one of rage as Dawn Bringer sadly continued her speech.

 

Moonstone sat beside him, her ears slowly pinning back at the sight. Both changelings and ponies alike were more than disheartened- And a quick glance at her friend told her everything she needed to know.

This wasn’t right.

 

Even Mint was enraged by this - and she knew his fear of bugs ran deep. With a shaky breath the mare placed a hoof on his shoulder-

“This is appalling,” A sultry voice began. Glancing over, she saw Velvet Wing - her face was twisted into an expression that could only be described as a strange hybrid of indignant anger, disgust and utter disappointment. “We bat ponies were saved by pony kind uniting against the Moon Widow and for what? For you to suddenly turn your back on your own subjects?” Her voice grew louder in pitch, causing many in the crowd to turn their heads as she stood up from sitting, stomping a hoof defiantly against the cobbled stone of the street.

 

The murmuring of the crowd grew louder, a mix of emotions began to rise - anger and fear - surely the royalty had a reason.. Right? Moonstone stared in mild horror at the bat pony mare, her own eyes widening as she felt a tightness beginning to form in her chest, but her blood began to boil at Velvet’s words.

 

It was.. Horrifyingly inspiring.

 

“These are your subjects,” she began once more, her voice a hiss as she glared daggers towards the princess and her guard. “Many were born here, raised here, some may have even died here - their home.” Her wings flared wide as she puffed her chest-

“T-they belong here.” The voice was small compared to Velvet’s- Shaky, but certain. Looking over, Moon stared as Mint Chip also rose to his feet, his form still trembling as his tail lashed angrily behind him. His breathing was ragged as he wrangled his thoughts, his teeth gnashing lightly before he opened his mouth again.. Though what came out was less of a compelling argument and more of a guttural, enraged snarl of an order.

“LET THEM STAY!”

The zebra hybrid was awestruck. Mint would sooner shy away from conflict than start it.. She found herself shakily smiling as she turned her gaze towards the podium - voices beginning to ring out and chant as hers joined the fray-

“LET THEM STAY!”

“LET THEM STAY!”