Chapter Five: Bury the hatchet
Next evening, Twilight returned to the fortress where the Dark Legion dwelled: upon her arrival, two legionary sentinels received her with a reverence and guided her to the barracks, to await the general to come down; after a short waiting, the commander of the dreaded Dark Legion appeared before her. Serious, tight-jawed, Grey Shadow was, nevertheless, every inch the professional, the chain of command unicorn. Despite his personal feelings, Princess Twilight Sparkle was his superior in rank… and a lady.
“Greetings, Princess Twilight” he bowed, kneeling as well, in the customary salute of total obeisance “What can I do for you?”
“We must talk; please, follow me”
Leaving the building, unicorn and alicorn began to stroll by Everfree Forest.
“I…” began Twilight, struggling between painful remembrances, shame and the wish to close the gaping wound she had opened between them “I am very sorry for what happened yesterday… judged you too harshly…. I left myself to be engulfed by my feelings… their Highnesses told me about the times when you served the crown, of what you and your army have passed by… your original era wasn’t exactly bliss and joy… that’s something I find hard to accept because I didn’t live it… so…….I here to offer you my apologies, my General”.
“Don’t worry, my Princess” replied the gray unicorn “I was musing and reflecting as well: We are from different times. I come from days where the creed so frequently was kill or die… and you were born in a era of enlightenment, knowledge, wisdom, but mainly….. peace. It’s not your mission to adapt, it’s ours… mine and of my soldiers. We must learn one from the other, so we can forge a common future for us, for Equestria… for a good future”.
“Wise words, my general” Smiled Twilight “I am pleased this is the first step for a better understanding between us. Speaking of which… would you care to come to my library? I’d like to show you some good volumes regarding Equestria’s life and times”
Grey Shadow nodded with a pleasant smile and both teleported to Ponyville, causing a small ruckus when the beloved princess and the admired warrior appeared near the library building: upon entering the fresh hall, Spike went to greet Twilight… to brake, turn and shatter all speed records climbing to hide among the higher sections… behind the martial arts books, just in case.
“Hmmm, it seems Spike is not happy to see you again” Sighed Twilight, more than a bit ashamed.
“Don’t worry, my Princess; i´m pretty sure he’ll not forgive me easily on my account of… poor lad, was I reckless… I’d wish with all my heart to turn back the clock, to undo what cannot be undone… I hope Spike… he someday can look beyond the monster to see the pony…”
Walking across the reading room, Twilight levitated several books she gave to the gray unicorn.
“I hope these ones will be of our liking: they encompass from the fall of Nightmare Moon to the splendor of the kingdom to the re-emergence of Princess Luna as Nightmare Moon first… and our beloved Princess of Night from there onwards” she smiled shyly “You’ll find more than a few references about me and my friends… we was a participants in some of the most recent events…”
“It seems we are part of history, albeit reluctantly, milady” Grey Shadow couldn’t suppress laughter: Twilight liked that laughter “You are very kind: allow me to reciprocate the gesture, my Princess; please accept these humble gift from myself and my soldiers” A few instants later, a thick volume, entitled “Combat Chronicles” landed delicately over the table before them.
“This volume compiles memories, personal thoughts, letters, narratives and reports from battles and events we lived in those days; it will show you a first-hoof record of those old Canterlot times. I trust you will find it informative”.
“Thanks a lot, General” Nodded Twilight, already fascinated by the appearance of that treasure and eager to learn from it “You are not the cruel, insensitive person we thought…. And, once more, my apologies and my friendship to you and your crew”
Both ponies departed in good terms and readily began to read at their own abodes. As soon as Grey Shadow departed and only when the tranquilizing “click” of the door’s latch resounded like – for him – a clarion call, did Spike poke his muzzle from over the Complete Encyclopedia of Neigh Kune Do.
“Twi, are you nuts!? Why did you bring that psychopath Trotminator… Haynibal Lechter… Darkneigh here!?”
“Easy, Spike, relax. I talked with the Princesses and with him as well, I’m sure we have reached a fulcrum point and can dialogue maturely. Besides, he seems really repented for the attack against you”
“He didn’t seem the living image of sorrow, at least from where I was” puffed the little dragon “Especially after that put down: I thought you’d bite his head off!” Despite himself, he couldn’t repress a chuckle “Of course, after THAT…”
“Ok, wiseguy, c’mon. Let’s relax and rest… tomorrow will be another day”