[Cancelled] (FR) A Test of Faith - Part 3

>You sit in the most majestic bed that you've had the pleasure of sleeping in, staring eye to eye with Princess Celestia.
>The bright full moon shines through the glass patio doors to your guest bedroom of the Canterlot Castle.
>Apprehension and anger runs through your veins at the disturbance of your slumber, as well as how you were treated at dinner.
"How can I assist you, princess?"
>The moon perfectly reflects the features of her face and mane.
>She looks down upon you with malevolent eyes and a gentle smile.
>"I was thinking... we could discuss the terms of your return to Earth."
>Her words fill the air like poison and convince you of ill-intentions.
"This late in the evening? Doesn't that seem a bit shady to you?"
>The curtains are delicately pulled away with magic as she moves closer to you.
>"It is only this late at night that will nobody hear our conversation. Not even little Twilight."
"Why would you go through such precaution to insure we aren't heard?"
>She chuckles and puts her face mere inches from yours.
>"Perhaps you should hear my deal then?"
>Silence fills the dark room after Celestia's words.
>You slowly nod your head to her, and she pulls herself away from you.
>"The deal is simple Anonymous. I will return you to your home for one small price."
>She stares at you, expectant of a reply.
"Go on."
>You return the stare to her, refusing to respect her position if she refuses to respect yours.
>She turns her head, and examines a painting on the wall of the room.
>"If I return you to Earth, you must rescind your faith to your false idol, and return to your world as my missionary to spread my teachings across the universe."
>This lady couldn't be serious.
>That was something you could simply never do.
>You swore an oath to your faith, and spent 4 years of your life in a seminary to prove it.
"Never. I would simply rather stay here."
>Celestia gives off no reaction, almost as if she expected your answer.
>She returns her gaze to you and moves towards the bed.
>"There are certain... benefits to being one of my missionaries."
>What is the deal with these ponies?
>It is almost as if none of them are even remotely interested in what you have to say, but rather form your words to what they want to hear.
>You rip the covers off of yourself, and light a candle on your bedside table, filling the room with a dim, orange warmth.
>Venom begins to mix into your words.
"Let me put this into simpler terms, Princess. I will never follow you, or your ridiculous teachings. You are not a goddess and I can prove it if I were given the chance."
>She gives you a menacing look that makes you want to retreat, but you hold your ground firmly.
>"I severely doubt you could do that," she says calmly.
"Then I believe our negotiation is complete. I will simply have to become comfortable here in Equestria for the rest of my days."
>Celestia stretches her wings and slowly makes her way to the golden door.
>"Remember one thing monkey."
>Her stern words take you by surprise.
>"This is my empire. If you do something that I find... unpleasant. I will ensure you will not do it again. You are never alone."
>The golden door is irradiated with magic and swings open.
>Celestia moves leisurely out of the room without giving you another look and her exit slowly closes behind her.
>Precious silence returns to the dimly-lit room.
>Leaving the candle lit, you crawl under the covers once more for some sleep.
>However, this time you sleep with one eye open.

>You awaken to the orange-red rays of the early morning sunrise filling your room and hammering your eyelids.
>After giving yourself a few good minutes to stretch, you move to the private restroom to prepare for the day ahead of you.
>Yet, one thing in the room catches your eye in the light of the rising sun.
>The painting that Celestia had examined the previous night was illuminated in red, and standing in stark contrast to the rest of the room.
>In the picture held the princess in a seat of judgment over the land of Equestria.
>Around her feet sat a large crowd of followers that were worshiping her.
>You tear your eyes away from the foul painting.
"How can these ponies follow a liar? How do the scientists not know? How has not one pony figured this out?"
>Strolling into the restroom puts you in an unsettled state once again.
>The feeling of being watched was causing the hair on your neck to stand up.
>You pull away the curtains in the shower and check in every cabinet in the royal bathroom, but no form of surveillance is found.
>Looks like you don't really have a choice...
>Cautiously you shed your clothing and step into a warm shower to contemplate your thoughts.
>You couldn't stay here anymore, that's for sure.
>Perhaps heading back to Ponyville would be the best option to stay out of this leader's way.
>Then again, you could try to survive in the woods and stay away from the species all together and meditate on scripture.
>It's weird to think that you would have to plan out your entire life for a second time now, after deciding to become a priest in the first place.
>Maybe you could talk to Twilight and get some more opinions on where you would fit in.
>You drop your bar of soap when the idea finally hits you.
>What you had to do was so obvious that it made you feel silly for not realizing it sooner.
"I'm here to spread the word."
>A smile creeps on your face to reflect the honor you've been given.
>It's your job to bring the faith to these ponies.
>After becoming squeaky clean and completing the rest of your morning routine, you don your signature uniform and ensure that you have everything you brought with you.
>You knock on Twilight's guest bedroom door.
>The sooner she was up and moving, the sooner you two could leave.
>She immediately opens the large golden doors and pulls you inside.
>The purple unicorn looks absolutely exasperated and almost as if she was up all night pacing and worrying herself.
>"What were you thinking last night! The way you acted at dinner was atrocious! You really have to play your cards right if you plan to get in the Princess good graces now."
"I don't intend to Twilight."
>She turns to you with shock and surprise.
>"You WHAT!?!"
"To send me back to Earth, she requires me to denounce my faith and follow her. I have zero intention of breaking my oaths to my faith."
>She eyes you down carefully.
>"I see. Well. I'm happy you didn't but... why didn't you just lie to her? After you leave Equestria, how would she know?"
>You give her a warm smile for asking such a smart question.
"I'm sure you know by now that actions can speak louder than words Twilight. Even if I was lying, I would never do that just to return to Earth."
>Twilight sighs and nods to you.
>"Makes sense then. We should probably get you out of this castle though before you anger the Princess any further Anon."
"I completely agree, which is why I came back for my book and I will be heading back to Ponyville."
>"Then I will go with you. I told Celestia that we may be leaving early today anyway and she is tending to the sun, so you can slip by without encountering her. Let me just repack my things."
>The room is filled with purple magic as Twilight takes several books and packs them into a travel bag, including your Bible.
"Uh, do you mind if-"
>"I'll give it to you on the train Father Anon, let's get going."
>At least that is a little bit refreshing to hear again.
>Twilight quickly trots out of her room and down the stairs towards the entrance of the castle, and you manage to keep her pace.
>Several of the guards eye you closely or move towards you aggressively as you calmly move to the front of the castle.
>Just as you enter the entrance hall, you see the guards move to lock the front door.
>"Just stay calm Anon."
>Something was very, very wrong in this castle.
>The bigger picture begins to crash down on you when you realize that you were now directly in the middle of Celestia's plan.
>While you were in the castle, you were caged and unable to become a threat to her reign of lies.
>With sweat running down your neck, you follow the unicorn to your only chance of freedom from your cage.
>Two guards stop her on her approach with raised weapons.
>"HALT! No pony is to leave the castle without explicit permission from the Goddess."
>"Oh! Sorry gentlecolts, I did get permission from the Princess. Father Anon and I were only here for one evening and we just need to take the next train back home. Don't mind us!"
>She tries to step past the guards, but is met with a sword pointed at her throat.
>The guards tone becomes more threatening and his gaze becomes murderous.
>"No pony is to leave the castle without explicit permission from the Goddess."
"Twilight..."
>"Hold on Anon!"
>She grabs your hand and you feel yourself enveloped by purple light.
>It feels as if each of your limbs are being pulled in different directions.
>Your feet reconnect with solid ground, and you feel a hoof pulled over your mouth.
>The room is dark, and you can hear the guards yelling in the background.
>"Shhhh. It's me."
>Twilight's voice calms your worries for the moment.
>The sound of the guards spread in different directions, and then silence falls.
>"The teleport didn't work... I think Celestia put up a scrambler spell."
"Now what do we do?"
>"We have to get out of here. There is a secret exit in the library, but we can't get caught. Follow my lead and stay low."
>Twilight slowly opens the door to the dark room, and peeks outside.
>"Looks like the coast is clear... Follow me."
>She moves out the door, and motions you out.
>You push the door silently shut as you leave.
>Twilight instantly jumps on carpet in order for her hoofsteps to be muffled.
>The two of you move to a corner, and see the entrance hall, where your lives were just threatened.
>"If we can evade the guards, the library is on the other side of the hall. We could jump between statues for cover."
>You nod to her.
>"Move when I do."
>Twilight watches the guards carefully, and raises her hoof, telling you to stay put.
>You feel every muscle in your body tightening up in suspense.
>Suddenly, Twilight jumps into a full out gallop, and you follow her.
>The two of you plant yourselves behind the nearest statue.
>Looking out into the hall, there seems to be three other statues that would provide adequate cover.
>Twilight watches the guards again, and you can hear her fight to keep her breathing silent.
>She jumps into a gallop again, and you sprint behind her.
>You plant yourselves behind the next statue, when Twilight pauses.
>"There is marble in-between us and the library. I'll give away our position if we keep going."
>The two of you sit there.
"We will get spotted if we just sit here. Let's just go for it. We are almost halfway there."
>She nods to you and watches the guards movements one last time.
>"Stay close to me Father."
>Twilight charges all out towards a door at the other side of the hall, and you keep pace with her.
>Silence fills the room, until you hear the clop of hooves on marble.
>A loud whistle fills your ears.
>"THERE THEY ARE! GET THEM!"
>Just a few more feet, and you will be in the library.
>The sound of clinking armor becomes closer and closer behind you.
>Twilight rips open the door and you jump inside.
>You hold up the door while Twilight pushes a a bookcase up against this.
>"OPEN THIS DOOR!"
>"Come on Anon!"
>She quickly leads you to the back of the Castle library and pulls a book out from a bookcase.
>The two of you slide into the hidden passage that popped out and close it shut when the breaking of wood signals the guards approach.
>"Spread out! Leave the unicorn alive!"
>She grabs you by the hand and pulls you though a small, dark, dirt corridor.
>The two of you finally see light at the end, illuminating a ladder leading up to the surface.
>Following Twilight, the passage leads out to hedge statue in the Canterlot garden that was hollowed out.
>Twilight gives you an expression of impatience as the two of you quickly move off of the castle grounds.
>The two of you are silent as you head towards the train station.
"Twilight... what is-"
>"Shh. We will talk on the train."
"O-okay."
>So far Twilight was very talkative and extremely interested in what Earth was like, but after dinner last evening, everything seems to have changed.
>Very few souls were waiting for a train this early in the morning, which made the station feel as if it were deserted.
>A long pink train destined for Ponyville lies in rest, waiting for more passengers to arrive for its journey.
>You and Twilight jump on with the round-trip tickets that were provided by the Princess, and Twilight moves towards the back of the train to try and find a private car.
>The two of you slip into a tiny private room on one of the passenger cars, and she closes the door behind you two.
>This room could provide a comfortable ride for four adult sized ponies, but you were just a little too tall for it unless you sat down.
>You take a seat near the window and turn your attention back to Twilight.
>A small violet flash in the room temporarily blinds you.
>As you blink the light out of your eyes, Twilight speaks up.
>"Alright, I cast a silence charm on the compartment so we won't be spied on. What happened Anon? Why are you being so harsh to the Princess?"
"I already told you. She came to me in the middle of the night and threatened me, and said she would only send me back if I became her missionary."
>"I already understand that much Anon, if it weren't for Shining, we might not have been able to get out of that castle. The Princess is really powerful Anon. You shouldn't be testing her."
>The train engine begins to roar into life as two guards enter the train platform, scanning the scene for you and Twilight.
"Get down! Guards!"
>The two of you duck down underneath the window, out of range for the guards to see you.
>A small lurch from the train and the scream of a whistle signals the train has begun its journey towards Ponyville.
>After a few minutes the two of you get off the floor and take a seat.
>Twilight seems to have become much more relaxed now that you have left Canterlot safely.
>"I just don't understand why you are being so harsh though Anon. Princess Celestia is a kind ruler. Why are you being so rude to her?"
>You take a deep breath, and try to choose your words as carefully as possible.
"She is pulling the wool over your eyes Twilight. In my world, which isn't too terribly different from yours, science proved that planets orbit a sun naturally. It proved that clouds move all by themselves. Celestia is lying to all of you, and everyone is just believing it."
>Twilight eyes you carefully.
>"Is... science the name of your religion Father Anon?"
>You lean back surprised with her question.
"No! In fact, my religion has a lot of things it disagrees on science with. I guess you could say it's a sort of religion for some people though."
>Twilight rubs her hoof on her head, trying to make some sense of everything you've just told her.
>"Celestia wouldn't just lie to everyone in Equestria like that. She's a great pony and a wonderful ruler."
>Her words concern you, but you do your best to keep your face placid and neutral.
"I'm... not sure if you know her as well as you think you do Twilight."
>"Well you don't know her at ALL!" she snaps back at you.
>Your try to find words to refute her, but maybe silence was the best option for now.
>The landscape speeds past you at an alarming rate.
>You watch a farm of tiny ewes approach in the distance.
>The beautiful sun sat high up in the sky, watching the entirety of Equestria with its golden prowess.
>Maybe now would be a good time to meditate on your bible and see if you can find words of wisdom to guide you.
"Hey Twilight?"
>"What?" she says flatly.
"Could I get my book back by chance?"
>"Oh... uhm... I guess so."
>She seems hesitant to do so, but she unpacks her bag and gives you your book.
"Thanks."
>"Do you think that I could... borrow it, once you are finished?"
>Once again, this mare surprised you with a simple question.
"Of course. Does that mean you are liking it so far?"
>"Yes! There are so many interesting things that happens in your world! Talking snakes, plagues, betrayal, but still love prevails! It's very interesting. Is God a good king? What kind of place is heaven?"
>You smile to Twilight, and do your best to answer each and every one of her questions.
>"Thats really amazing Anon! I can't wait to finish it. Would you mind if I made extra copies and suggested it to some of the frequent members of the library? I'm sure they would love a new book to read."
>Her words make you feel warm and bubbly at a job well done.
"Of course Twilight. Feel free to pass it around to anyone you want. Then if they have any questions I'd be happy to answer them."
>"Thank you Father Anon! I can't wait to see what everyone thinks."
>This missionary stuff wasn't so hard!
>Twilight wasn't really a follower, she just liked the book, but for now she will count.
>You wonder to yourself who else in Ponyville might be interested in reading the good book.
>Even more importantly, you wonder to yourself if anypony else in Equestria would think that Celestia is a liar too.
>Maybe the answer to that question will just have to come with time.