//------------------------------//
// 94. The Ceremony 
// Story: Rebirth of the Damned 
// by Borsuq 
//------------------------------//

	“I must admit, this is impressive.” Princess Cadance said as she took a good look of the Everfree Abbey.
Aside from the presence of her husband, Twilight and Spike (and the members of the Crystal Guard, of course), the rest of their friends were there as well. They all agreed to meet up an hour before the ceremony would take place, wanting to admire the sight and just catch up with what they've been all up to.
Cadance and Shining Armor shared with the rest what they told Twilight and Spike about how Crystal Empire had fared, and how they found themselves in their new roles. They didn't tell them everything, of course, not wanting to bother them with their hardships. Not that anything went particularly bad or something, but leading and introducing a nation back into the world after a thousand years of absence wasn't easy.
However, everyday life seemed almost equally not easy. Cadance was shocked to hear from Scootaloo, when she and her two friends passed them on the way to the Abbey, the truth about her life. She hadn't spent much time in her company, but she still felt that she should have noticed something was off with her. The only reason why the Princess hadn't broke into tears while hearing the news was because Scootaloo quickly explained how Matthias had dealt with the situation (becoming even more impressive in Cadance's eyes) and then quickly run off, followed shortly by Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.
Other ponies had problems of they own, as it seemed. While nopony said anything, Cadance noticed that Rainbow Dash and Applejack tried to not look at each other as much as possible, even while talking. Nothing in them otherwise indicated that something had happened. Cadance knew, however, that both of them were... sad over something, but in different ways. Being the Princess of Love, she had ability to pick up such things, but it was still difficult for her to be precise. Cadance made a mental note to ask Twilight later in private if she knew anything about it.
Rarity also seemed to be troubled. When Shining Armor walked away for few minutes to talk with Sound Wave and Cherry Bomb, Twilight almost at once began teasing Rarity about Lily Stem, and asking where her mother in-law was. Rarity managed to remain calm (aside from one angry hiss), and explain that Storm's mother joined his father and brother in sightseeing Ponyville shortly after they both left the Carousel Boutique. But again, Cadance noticed that the she was troubled by something. Recalling what Twilight told her, about Rarity blushing slightly when Storm talked to her, it was obvious to the Princess of Love that the fashion designer truly had a crush on the pegasus Initiate, and was coming to realize so.
As the group drew very slowly closer to the Chapel, an idea appeared in Cadance head. It could be a risky one, but if she got the timing just right...
Cadance paused her musing to shift her glance from the Al'ar circling above their heads (whose size and sheer magnificence was beyond any words that could be written in a letter) to the imposing statue of Matt's mentor. It wasn't the statue itself that caught her eye, though – despite the strange shape of it – but rather the four Initiates that sat by its base, meditating. She knew from her aunt’s letters the names of all four ponies. Back at the station, she only paused for Storm Clash to introduce himself out of pleasantries. She would have liked to approach them and speak with them, but Sound warned them at the entrance to not disturb them. Apparently, the ceremony demanded from the Initiates to spend an hour meditating. So now they sat there, in full-body armor.
“You know,” Rainbow spoke up, “I bet Matt just made that up just to mess with them.”
“You are partially true.”
Cadance turned her head to the source of the voice and gasped, just like everypony else. Matthias was standing at the entrance of the Lightbringer's Chapel, but it wasn't just a sight of him that made the Princess gasp. It was the armor he wore. He looked... magnificent in it. Shining plate armor covered him from hooves to neck, leaving only his head bare. The sunlight reflected from it, adding to the glory Matthias emanated. He bore a cape, which danced at the sudden rush of wind, along with his golden wheat-like hair.
Despite the obvious weight of it, nothing in his attire seemed to hinder him at all, as he trotted to them with ease. He had an open libram in one hoof, which he closed and placed on golden chains at his side.
“This wasn't part of the initiation that I myself went through.” Matthias continued as he reached them. “I added it into the Order of the Celestial Light's initiation though, because I want the ponies to reflect on what they are, on who they are, before they will become paladins.” he then paused and looked at them, amused. “I look good in this armor, I take it?”
“One would say that you look too shiny.” Shining Armor remarked, looking him up and down. “Isn't it a bit too decorative?”
“Is Shining Armor... jealous?” Cadance thought. With a quick glance at her husband, she spotted that he was more concentrated on the attention that she, as well as the rest of mares, were giving Matthias more that the paladin itself. Promising herself to later make fun of him in private, Cadance immediately shook off the effects of Matthias' look. It wasn't too hard, despite how handsome he was. Shining Armor is, and forever will be, her one true love. “I will have to remind it to my clueless hunk.”
“As the head of the Order, I need my look to reflect that.” Matthias responded to Shining Armor comment. “But if you think this armor isn't practical, I would be more than welcome to have a little bout with you later, Prince Shining Armor.”
“I'm afraid that will be impossible.” Princess Cadance put it. “We will have to return to the Crystal Empire shortly after the ceremony.”
“Pity.” Matthias said, bowing his head to her. “Although, considering how busy both of you must be, I should have expected that. I am honored that you found the time to come here today, Your Highness.”
“The honor is ours... Sir Lightbringer.” Cadance replied, and was delighted to see his brow furrow slightly.
“How about I escort you to your seats?” Matthias said, his voice not showing any signs of frustration. “It's a bit early, and some of you…” he looked at Rainbow Dash suggestively “might find the wait irritating, but considering your seats are all up front, it will be easier to now sit by them.”
“We would be delighted if you could escort us, Sir Lightbringer, if nopony minds that is.” Cadance replied, glancing at the ponies around her.
They all shook their head, although Rainbow was visibly annoyed at the prospect.
“Excellent.” Matthias exclaimed, and turned around. “You can tell you guards to stay outside; no harm is going to come to you within the Abbey.”
As Shining Armor ordered the crystal guards to stand down and go take a rest, the small group followed the paladin into the Chapel.
 



 
“It's a good thing the ceremony won't take too much time.” Luna told her sister, as they rode in a specious flying chariot, pulled by both pegasi royal guards and night guards. “As much as I want to see it, I don't like leaving Moonlight for too long.”
“I suppose it's understandable.” Celestia muttered uncomfortably.
“And I will need to return to my duties at night.” Luna continued, suppressing a yawn. “Being both a ruler and a mother – a single mother, mind you – starts taking it's toll on me. As much as I always wished to be born a unicorn, so out mother wouldn't grow sick, I am glad for being an alicorn now. Otherwise, I would be too tired to do anything.”
“Perhaps you should take another break?” the older sister suggested. “Everypony would understand, and I-”
“You had to deal with the burdens of leaderships by yourself for far too long, my sister.” the Princess of the Night immediately cut her off. “I will not take another break anytime soon.”
“Luna, it wouldn't be that much of a bother...” Celestia began, and then trailed off.
As much as Celestia would have wanted to tell her sister that she didn't need to worry about her, she couldn't lie to her. Since her return, the white alicorn had realized that many of her duties were indeed burdensome, and now her life was far easier with somepony sharing her reign.
“I can't believe you hadn't taken a husband or at least a consort over those thousands of years.” Luna said, as if knowing what she was thinking about. “Private moments aside, life is much easier when there is a pony that shares it with you.”
Celestia sighed. Ever since she let it slip that she was still a virgin, her sister nagged her from time to time as to why she had never taken on a mate. And Celestia could even properly argue with her, out of fear that she would awaken memories of Shadow Bolt in her sister.
“It's not like I've never...” she began to think, but then shook that thought off. She didn't want to recall that day...
... the single best day of her foalhood, at least before Luna's birth.
“I explained to you that I had my reasons.” Celestia said, and made sure that her sister understood that she did not wish to discuss this matter now.
“Of course, sister.” Luna replied, rolling her eyes. “But anyway, if you want to help me, there is something that you could do for me.”
Celestia nodded to her to continue, curious as to what the younger alicorn had on her mind. Whatever it was, if she could ease her sister's burdens, she would do her best to be of help.
“Could you spend some time with Moonlight while I take over at nightfall?” Celestia eyes widened, which was unseen by Luna, who continued. “While I trust my maids to take a good care of her, it would take a load out of my mind to know that my daughter is being looked by my sister. And it would be good for you, as well. I know you're busy, sister, but-”
“I can't.” Celestia said once she finally managed to find her voice.
“What?!” she heard Luna gasp. Despite sitting so close to each other, it seemed to Celestia that her sister's voice came from far away. “What do you mean?”
“How can I?” she replied, staring blankly in front of herself, feeling cold. “Luna, I... killed her. I kil-”
She was interrupted by a strong slap across her muzzle.
“Don't you even dare to say something like this!” Luna hissed at her angrily, as Celestia looked at her, massaging the place she hit. There was pure fury in her eyes. “What killed my daughter and my consort was Nightmare! You would never harm your family, so stop spouting such nonsense! And you are going to spend some time with your niece, you got that?!”
Celestia continued to stare at her little sister, who began inhaling air deeply in anger that overtook her. Then slowly, very slowly, the Princess of the Sun felt her mouth curl into a smile.
“Of course.” she said, and at once, the atmosphere around the two sisters loosened. “Nice strike, by the way.”
“Thanks.” Luna replied, smiling, as if the argument is forgotten.
“You could have removed your horseshoe, thought.” Celestia remarked, massaging her cheek. “You must have left a bruise.”
“Well, somepony needed to snap you out of that.” her sister told her, half amused.
“You won't mind if I heal it?” Celestia asked, as Ponyville came in sight. “It could cause a small panic, if ponies would see my cheek in such a state.”
“Of course I won't mind it.” Luna replied. She then glanced at her and asked: “You won't need a bruise to remember what I told you, right?”
“Of course.” Celestia told her, and she meant it.
As the chariot began to slowly descend, the two sisters hugged each other.
 



 
A loud caw sounded above them, signaling that it was the time.
Storm opened his eyes and rose slowly from the ground. He saw the other Initiates doing the same, and just as they've been told to, they turned around and proceeded to walk into the Chapel. There was a small crow surrounding their path. Ponies of Ponyville, having heard about them becoming paladins just like Sir Matthias, gathered in front of the Chapel. Strom presumed that it meant that the Chapel itself must be filled with ponies already, and that made him even more nervous.
Walking between the standing in attention members of the royal guard, the night guard and those who he assumed were members of the crystal guard, the pegasus glanced up at the still circling Al'ar. As he pondered how Sir Matthias managed to convince him to help with the ceremony, despite the hatred the phoenix displayed to have for him during their first meeting, Storm wished for a moment that he could fly beside him. But, as much as uncomfortable this situation was, he knew he had to bear through it. Besides, he still hadn't gotten used to the weight of this new armor, so flying would be awkward for him for a few more days.
Slowly, he and the others moved up the carpeted carved stair. Storm inhaled deeply the familiar, ever-present fragrance of incense, which helped to calm him down. He looked at the silent, respectful rows of ponies, some of them being very prominent personages; the Princesses being the most prominent. Storm spotted his parents, and shot them a smile, at the same time wondering where his brother was.
“Did Oak managed to get himself into some trouble already?” crossed his minds, but then shook the thought away. Even his brother wasn't that silly. Storm had probably just missed the small colt in the crowd.
He did spot an earth pony, though, that beard such resemblance to Guard Shield that Storm guessed must be his younger brother. The pegasus also recognized some of the Ponyville's mares, some nobles he had seen in Canterlot Castle, and, of course, the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony. He saw them smiling to him and the others, and his heart lifted a little.
Grand Master Lightbringer – as this name seemed more appropriate to him at this moment – awaited them at the altar. Despite the armor he wore, he radiated calmness, warmth and kindness. Lightbringer waited until the Initiates approached him and knelt before him respectfully before opening a large book and speaking:
“In the Light, we gather to empower our brothers and sister. In its grace, they will be made anew. In its power, they shall educate the masses. In its strength, they shall combat the shadow. In its wisdom, they shall lead their brethren to the eternal rewards of paradise.”
He took a step back, on from behind him, several small shapes emerged. Storm Clash nearly led his jaw drop as he saw his brother and the trio that he came to know as the Cutie Mark Crusaders approach him and others, dressed in flowing white robes. He recalled Sir Lightbringer mention to them that some ponies would take part in the ceremony, but he didn't expect them to be foals.
As Sweetie Belle came closer to him (and Oak Heart to Serenity, Apple Bloom to Tucker, and Scootaloo to Guard) he realized the reason behind this. The girls were practically every day present in the Abbey, even if the two of them only for few moments due to coming to get Scootaloo. And Oak Heart was his brother, his flesh and blood. They were, in a sense, part of this. Furthermore, the Light was pure, just like foals. And by arranging them this way (pegasi to earth and crystal ponies, unicorn to pegasus and earth pony to unicorn), Sir Lightbringer emphasized that they were all ponies, despite external differences.
He quickly quite his musing about the symbolism of the moment as Sweetie Belle (with and utmost focus on her muzzle) anointing his brow with holy oil.
“By the grace of the Light, may your brethren be healed.” she and the other three said, all stepping back.
Storm shot quick glance at his brother, and was surprised to see how serious he was. Sir Lightbringer must have spoke to the young colt a great deal before the ceremony.
As he thought that, Storm had suddenly realized in what company Oak Heart was in. An image of Ponyville lying in ruins appeared in his mind if he would have joined the Cutie Mark Crusaders in their quest. Managing to stay calm, he made a mental note to separate them once the ceremony was over.
He returned his attention to Sir Lightbringer, as he took a step forward. “I had trained you all, and I deem you all worthy.”
The Grand Master then turned to Storm, who was the first from the small group on the right. He placed ceremonial shoulder plates on his shoulders, shaped like his own but smaller – into the likeness of a pony’s head, with small enchanted crystals in place of eyes, which shone with both golden and white light.
“By the strength of the Light, may your enemies be undone.” he said, and lingered a moment to looking into his eyes, so that Storm could see the approval and pride in his eyes.
Sir Lightbringer repeated this with three other Initiates, each time lingering, for he was proud of each one of them; even Tucker, much to surprise of the unicorn when he told them that.
The paladin moved back to the place in front of everypony, at the heart of the altar. He smiled at them kindly, and Storm has found himself no longer worried.
“Arise and be recognized.” Lightbringer bade them. Storm, Serenity, Guard and Tucker did so.
“Do you, Storm Clash, vow to uphold the honor and codes of the Order of the Celestial Light?”
“I do.” Storm replied, meaning those words with his whole heart.
“Do you, Serenity, vow to uphold the honor and codes of the Order of the Celestial Light?”
“I do.” the crystal pony and the only mare in the company replied solemnly.
“Do you, Guard Shield, vow to uphold the honor and codes of the Order of the Celestial Light?”
“I do.” the oldest pony of the five said with respect.
“Do you, Tucker Out, vow to uphold the honor and codes of the Order of the Celestial Light?”
“I do.” the unicorn replied, for once not thinking about mares.
Storm could swear that there was shock in Sir Lightbringer's eyes, but once he turned to address all of them, there was no sign of it.
“Do you vow to walk in the grace of the Light and spread its wisdom to your fellow ponies?”
“I do.” they all replied in unison.
“Do you vow to vanquish evil wherever it can be found, and protect the innocent with your very lives?”
“I d– by my blood and honor, I do.” that was close, he'd almost messed up.
Lightbringer gave Storm a quick wink of reassurance, and then turned to address everypony in the Chapel. “Brothers and sisters – you who have gathered here to bear witness – gaze upon those ponies, as the Light illuminates them.”
He then lifted his front hooves, which were now suffused by a soft, golden glow. Sir Lightbringer pointed at the four Initiates, directing the radiance towards them. Storm's eyes were wide with wonder, and he waited for the glorious glow to envelop him.
Nothing happened.
The moment stretched out.
Sweat broke out on Storm’s brow. “What's going wrong? Why isn’t the Light wrapping itself around us in blessing and benediction? Is it... me?”
And then the pillar of Light erupted around them, and Storm exhaled in relief. This had to be what Sir Lightbringer had spoken of. The feeling of unworthiness that Lightbringer assured him all paladins felt simply seemed to drag out the moment. The words he had spoken came back to him: Nopony feels he deserves it…its grace, pure and simple…but the Light loves us anyway.
Now it shone down on him, in him, through him, and he was forced to shut his eyes against the almost blinding radiance. It warmed at first, then seared, and he winced slightly. He felt - scoured. Emptied, scrubbed clean, then filled again, and he felt the Light swell inside him and then fade away to a tolerable level. He blinked opening his eyes, and looked up at Grand Master Lightbringer, whose benign smile widened.
“Arise, paladins of the Holy Light. Welcome to the Order of the Celestial Light.”
The Chapel suddenly began to ring with the sound of cheers and applause. Storm found himself sharing smiles and congratulations with his new brothers and sister, and bowing respectfully before the Princesses, who nodded their heads in respect to the new paladins. And then all remnants of formality were torn away as Pinkie Pie gave all of them a 'congratulation hug', with confetti being thrown around her somehow, and then many other ponies came to them as well. Much laughter was had as Oak Heart tried to punch him Storm in the foreleg, only to have his hoof sting when he struck the hard metal of his armor. And then somehow Storm was turned around and stared into the blue-eyed, smiling face of Lady Rarity.
They were mere inches apart, jostled and pressed together by the throng that had somehow sprung up around the newest members of the Order of Celestial Light. Storm immediately began feeling nervous at how close they were, but then his mind was filled with those few memories of how the two of them talked, how she apologized to him for her reaction at their initial meeting, and how she was visibly pained for her behavior. Then, as the nervousness quickly faded, Storm's foreleg slipped around Rarity and pulled her to him. She looked startled, but not displeased, as he hugged her. She returned the hug, laughing against his chest for a moment, then pulled back, still smiling.
 
“That should do it for now.” Cadance thought with satisfaction, observing the effects of her subtle spell.
If she wanted, she could have done more than just make both Rarity and Storm recall most pleasant memories of the times they've spent together. What she told Rarity and Applejack not so long ago at the boutique was not entirely true, for if she wished too, she could use her powers for far more than just that. But Auntie Celestia long since warned her to not tell ponies the extent of her powers; after all, the alicorn herself had to grow into them, and she still had not fully grasped them. But she would never use her magic to such extent, even if it would make ponies happy, nor would she ever do it for the opposite reason; make two ponies miserable.
“Love is a dangerous thing.” Cadance recalled what her aunt had said, glancing at Spike, who was congratulating Serenity.
Her heart ached at the thought of how much the little dragon would be hurt if Rarity would start dating Storm, but it couldn't be helped. What Spike felt for the white unicorn wasn't a true love, no – it was merely a foalish crush, nothing more. Cadance suspected so when she first spot the baby dragon gaze at Rarity lovingly, but grow certain once she heard from Twilight about what King Sombra's dark magic showed him.
If he truly loved Rarity, his nightmare wouldn’t be being sent away by Twilight.
“I hope you will find shortly somepony who will heal the wound in your heart.” Cadance though, looking at Spike laughing blissfully, unaware of the pain that he might experience in the near future.