“Goodness,” muttered a voice from the rubble nearby. Rarity wobbled to her hooves and shook off dust and rubble. “My my, what a mess.” She spotted Cheerilee and Cup Cake hugging each other. “Oh! I take it the contest has concluded,” she inquired as she approached them.
“Yep.”
“And the victor?”
“Us,” replied Cup Cake, pointing to the blue orb above them.
“Ooooooo!” Rarity giggled. “Lovely!” She pranced in place. “Oh, sorry, darling,” she said, looking at Cheerilee. “I don’t mean to gloat.”
“It’s fine. You’re not gloating. Just celebrating.”
“WOOOOO! In your face, dear sister!” cheered Luna, landing next to the trio and prancing arrogantly in place. Celestia had found her way over to them as well, looking mightily disheveled and wholly unamused at her sister. Luna continued her celebration, prancing and dancing around Celestia, occasionally poking and prodding her.
“That’s gloating,” said Cheerilee to Rarity.
“Congratulations, sister,” Celestia grumbled, fighting back her annoyance.
“I can’t believe I won! I finally won something! I finally beat Celestia!” Luna was beside herself with mirth and incredulity.
While Luna continued her exuberance in the background, Celestia sat next to and spoke to the three other mares currently present. “It was an impressive contest. How are you all doing?”
“Alive,” Cheerilee said quickly. “Remarkably alive. And I feel alive.”
“Yes, I agree,” said Rarity. “Despite the violence of this event and the close proximity to death, I am feeling rather rejuvenated. Somehow.”
“Well, shoot, ya know I feel the same,” nodded Cup Cake. “I thought this was a bad idea at the start but now I feel like I should be thanking the two of you.” She reached out and took Celestia’s hoof, gently patting it. “Think I’ll bake you a special ‘thank you’ cake.”
“I’d like that,” the princess said softly. “And I appreciate your words,” she addressed Rarity and Cheerilee. “I feel…close to you. All of you. Especially you,” she said, grabbing Cheerilee and hugging her deeply. “It’s so good to have bondmates!” She hugged tighter and Cheerilee swore she heard some of her bones cracking.
Rarity and Cup Cake shared an embrace while Luna still celebrated on her own. “I wonder where the others are,” pondered Rarity, after they separated.
“I do hope they’re okay,” worried Cup Cake.
Granny creaked along through the courtyard until she noticed some movement a few yards in front of her. As she hobbled closer she saw Fleur crawling out of a crater.
“Let me help ya, missy,” Granny said, offering a hoof.
“Thanks.” She removed her helmet and rubbed her head. “Ugh, remind me to thank Celestia for a lovely weekend.”
Granny chuckled. “Ain’t ordinary, that’s for sure.”
The two shared an awkward moment of silence before Fleur finally spoke. “How…how are you, Granny?”
“Feelin’ ain’t too bad, actually.” She did a little hop and gave a few practice jabs. “Mighty spry for bein’ on the ass end of an ass whoopin’. Howya holding up?”
Fleur stifled her shock and amusement at Granny’s language. “Okay, I suppose,” she giggled. “I’ve never experienced anything like that. Just wish I could have done more.”
“Bah! Ya did fine! Don’t beat yerself up about it. Now c’mon, let’s find the others.”
They headed in the direction of the giant blue orb, idly chatting with each other. By the time they reached the group they were telling stories and laughing.
“Ah, there we go,” announced Celestia, as the two mares were greeted by the group. “All smiles.”
The seven mares chatted amongst themselves until Cheerilee spoke up. “Where’s Hugs?”
“Who?” asked Cup Cake.
“Oh, I mean Tree Hugger. Has anypony seen her? Last I saw her was in the toy store.”
“That’s the last time I saw her as well,” mentioned Rarity. Luna and Celestia agreed. Granny grumbled to herself. There was talk of sending a search party for her when a shuffling of armor nearby caught their attention.
“Heeeeey, my dudes,” greeted Tree Hugger, sauntering up to the group. She was greeted with cheers and congratulations. “Super thanks, sisters,” she bowed.
“Whatcha got there?” asked Granny, looking at the thing the hippie was holding.
“It spoke to me,” she replied, holding up the pony plushie. “I think she’s famous,” she absently said, “but I just like orange.” She nuzzled the plushie Wonderbolt. “Orange feels good on the soul.” Granny bristled at the sight and the concept of colors feeling good on one’s soul but the others seemed to agree or just shrug it off.
Now that all eight mares were assembled again there was a kind of calm that settled over them. All contestants were accounted for, none sustaining serious injuries – save for pride – and all in seemingly good moods. After a few minutes of pleasantries and admiring battle scars, Celestia cleared her throat and spoke up.
“Now that was are all gathered, I think we can officially bring this competition to a close.”
“Eeeeeee!” Luna squealed, lightly bouncing in place.
“Well, sister, I do believe you have won this round,” Celestia conceded. It was obvious she had a tough time saying it.
“Indeed,” stated Luna, desperately trying to hold back the gloating in her voice. “Though, as much as I would love to take credit for this victory, I must give credit where credit is due. I would not have this victory if it were not for my team. My dear ladies, even if we were not bound in perpetuity I would nevertheless eternally owe you my allegiance. Thank you.” She bowed to her teammates. Granny, Rarity, and Cup Cake bowed in return and the four shared a group hug.
“Well, I believe it is time to dole out the awards,” said Celestia.
“Ooo, goody goody goody!” chimed Luna.
Celestia materialized eight trophies – four golden statues of a mare sitting on a throne and wearing a large crown, and four smaller silver statues of a mare in armor in mid-gallop. “Now, for the runners-up” – she distributed the silver trophies to Cheerilee, Tree Hugger and Fleur – “I present these trophies. I know it’s not a victory but I do hope you display these proudly. You’ve nothing to be ashamed of. I’m so proud of all of you.” The team shared a group hug.
“And for the victors” – she distributed the golden trophies – “congratulations. You certainly deserve the win. May this trophy forever remind you of your achievement.” She gave a slight bow even as she used her magic to play a little keep away from Luna with the trophy. After finally catching the trophy, Luna scooped up her team and hugged them tightly. She didn’t hide the tear rolling down her cheek.
“Well, I’m sure we all have a lot to talk about, hmm?” said Celestia. “Stories to tell.”
“Indeed,” agreed Rarity, “but may we clean up first?”
“Yeah,” said Cheerilee. “I could go for a bath. But first, I have to ask: Cup Cake, how is it you managed to survive that fall? I could have sworn that would have knocked you out?”
“Agreed,” agreed Luna. “I too possess the same question.” There was a general agreement among the other mares.
“Oh my, well, I thought I was a gonner, as well, dontcha know. But, I fell into a restaurant of all places. Lovely little place, lots of pillows, wonderful atmosphere. Anywho, it just so happened that I fell onto the cook, who is a rather rotund fella, if you know what I mean. Makes me look like Fleur here. Just bounced right off of him and tumbled out into the dining room. Hit a table, knocked me right out, y’know. Woke up some time later, ran back into the kitchen and grabbed a rolling pin, ‘cause ya never know when you’re going to need one. Oh! Need one. Knead. Ha!” She giggle-snorted. “Oh dear, made myself laugh. Anyway, the poor stallion I landed on didn’t fare so well. His daughter was none too pleased either. I offered some coupons to Sugarcube Corner to make amends, though I think he was too busy trying to remain conscious to notice and she seemed rather upset. Poor dear. Anywho, I ran back outside and tried to find you all. Bit late, but better late than never, I suppose. So that’s it!” She smiled brightly and shrugged.
“Sounds just about right,” Celestia smirked, nodding approvingly.
“Well done!” congratulated Luna.
“Very impressive,” added Cheerilee.
“A remarkable feat, darling,” agreed Rarity.
“Thank you for implying I’m thin,” chimed Fleur.
“Far out, dude,” muttered Tree Hugger.
“’Least ya ain’t lollygaggin’,” admitted Granny.
“We really were something else out there, weren’t we?” Rarity chuckled. “Well, how about Cheerilee with her Power Pony powers?”
“Yes, it seems deeply seeded resentment and regret are powerful fuel for you,” Luna mused.
“It surprised me as well,” admitted Cheerilee. “I didn’t realize I had that in me. Or that I hurt that much, apparently.” She sheepishly kicked a piece of rubble.
“Don’t worry about it,” soothed Celestia, patting the teacher. “It’ll hurt for a while but there will be brighter days. I guarantee it.”
“Thanks.”
“Shoot, girl,” piped up Granny, “I know better than to get between love but just between you and me, I ain’t convinced my grandson made the right choice. I like you better.” She gave Cheerilee a healthy punch to the shoulder and the mares erupted with laughter.
Rarity spoke up. “Darling, I do apologize for my remarks to you about…well, your relationship status. I was out of line. Just caught up in the moment, I’m afraid. I honestly do hope you find a special somepony someday. Can you forgive me?”
“I understand, Rarity. And yes, I do forgive you. I was equally wrong about your work. Honestly, I don’t think there’s a pony in this world that knows fashion better than you.”
“All sins forgiven, darling,” Rarity said with a happy tear in her eye. She gathered up Cheerilee for an elegant hug and nuzzle.
“Oh, hooray,” sang Celestia. “Healing!”
Taking the cue, Granny spoke to the hippie. “I’m guessin’ if y’all can find some way to be of some use to somepony else then ya can’t be that bad. Ain’t my kind, but ain’t bad.” She extended a hoof, which Tree Hugger took lazily.
“Righteous, dude. I’m diggin’ the vibes right now.”
“Y’all just standing there, how can ya be diggin’?” Granny asked, clearly confused. The other mares did their best to hide their snickers and laughs except Luna, who didn’t grasp the slang either.
“One more quick item, ladies. And I hope it goes without saying but please do refrain from divulging the information about the bond and iterations of the world and whatnot,” she said, circling her hoof nonchalantly. “Best not disrupt the public too much.”
There was a general agreement among the mares.
“Sorry, darling,” chimed Rarity, “but what do we say when asked about our involvement in this? Surely ponies will ask.”
“Say you were chosen at random.”
“Yes,” agreed Luna, “the bond is seemingly random so it won’t be a complete lie.”
Another chorus of agreement rose from the group.
“Speaking of which, I have something for you all.” She levitated six small gold and silver pins in the shape of a shield. The crescent moon was in relief on the right side, the sun on the left. “Keep these with you at all times. They will do wonders for you, including granting you access to the castle grounds at all times. Even granting an audience with us.” The mares took the pins and expressed their gratitude.
“Now, what say we all get cleaned up and have ourselves a nice big meal,” offered Celestia. “It’s on me.” They all laughed.
The walk back to the castle was slow. Fleur leaned on Granny as they went and Tree Hugger hitched a ride on Celestia. The discussion, while mostly about the battle, was lighthearted and calm and quiet, save for a few outbursts of laughter polite disagreement about who got the better of who.
After the meal the mares would be treated to the royal spa, where they enjoyed the finest baths, saunas, and massages that Equestria had to offer. Any lingering hard feelings seemed to melt away with every gentle kneading of their muscles, every inhale of incense, and every bubble of the hot tubs. When finally they were ready to leave the spa, they blissfully made their way to their beds, all of them falling quickly into a deep and peaceful sleep.
*
Twilight Sparkle twitched. Her eye twitched. Her ear twitched. Her other eye twitched. Her tail twitched. Her whole body twitched. She rocked back and forth in the fetal position. A panicked smile came and went. “All is fine. All is fine. All is fine.” She continually repeated these words. “Don’t intervene, Twilight. HA! Don’t!”
The recent events had damaged Twilight. Severely. Firstly, there was a slow trickle of reports about some sort of battle raging in Canterlot. Twilight did nothing. Then there were frequent visits and scrolls by dignitaries and elites from Canterlot relaying panicked messages telling of mass destruction. Twilight did nothing. Then Applejack ran in, the poor mare in such a state she could barely speak, and told of a fight on the farm and her barn was in shambles. Twilight did nothing. Then a flood of calls for aid and action from hundreds if not thousands of ponies. Twilight did nothing.
ll of the not doing anything broke the little pony. It went against her very nature. It went against everything she’d be expected to do as a princess. There’s only so much a pony can not do before it begins to wear on their psyche. Twilight was way past that point. Even the lost tomes on the history of Equestria could not distract her enough.
Pop!
A scroll suddenly appeared in front of Twilight. She snapped out of her addled state and quickly read the note:
My dear Twilight,
The competition has ended. Please resume your normal schedule.
All the best,
Princess Celestia
Twilight twitched again. No explanation. No ‘thank you’. Nothing. Just “get on with your life”. She chuckled inwardly at first. Then it broke through in bursts, little spurts of unstable laughter. Soon, the purple alicorn was doubled over, hugging and petting herself, all the while entrenched in a fit of laughter best suited for an insane asylum.