Blame
Shining Armor plodded slowly down the path to Ponyville. There was a lot on his mind. He had just lost his sister, he practically attacked his princess, and he still had the break the news to his family. Before that though, there was someone in Ponyville that he had to tell first.
He sat outside the door for a very long time, and by the time he finally worked up the courage to knock, it was already well into the afternoon. He had received many odd glances, and multiple ponies had asked if the princess was in town. There were even some of the ever present pranksters that would try to get the guards to react anytime they were on duty in public, but through it all he sat there, staring blankly at the far door. Rather than a sense of duty, he sat there out of a sense of fear.
Inside that library was what could arguably be the fiercest creature within several miles, at least he would be when he was older. Right now, he was small, purple, and really not much of a threat, but how do you tell a child he lost his mother? Was “mother” even the right word? Were they that close? Perhaps “caretaker,” then?
Shining shook his head. It didn’t matter, to console a child of any loss is difficult, especially large, irreplaceable ones. This would not be easy.
He finally worked up the courage, stepped across the street and knocked. There was a muffled “Coming!” from inside, and moments later the door opened to reveal Spike, staring up at him and obviously confused. “Shining Armor? What are you doing here? And why are you in your armor? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”
Shining stared down at the baby dragon before him, his heart wrenched with guilt as he prepared himself for the storm to come. “Can we go inside, Spike? I need to talk to you about something.”
“Uh, okay. Sure.” Spike stepped to the side and let Shining pass, then closed the door. Shining lead him further into the library until he reached the common area table, sat down and set his helmet on the table. Spike followed, looking perplexed the whole while, and slowly slid into the seat next to Shining.
After a few moments of silence, Shining finally spoke, albeit haltingly, “Spike... I ha–” Shining shook his head. “What do you know about last night?”
Spike frowned as his confusion grew. “Well, I know Twilight and the others went out to find something called the Elements of Harmony and they were going to stop Nightmare Moon. That was some time ago though, and I fell asleep before the sun came back. It’s up now though, so they obviously succeeded. I must say, it’s hard to believe the legends were true, huh?” Spike paused. “Why do you ask?”
Shining Armor’s face blanked for a moment as he remembered Twilight lying on the floor of that cursed ruin. “Yeah. Yeah, they... succeeded,” Shining said, trailing off at the end. Success. Hah, some ‘success.’ “However...”
“‘However’ what? What’s wrong Shining?”
“Twilight, she– Nightmare Moon was much worse than any of the old tales give her credit for. She cast a spell on Twilight, a curse, one that Twilight couldn’t stop.”
“A curse? W...what do you mean? Where is she!? Is she okay?”
Shining winced as he tried to formulate the words in his head. “... No, Spike. She’s not.”
“Well, we have to help her! I’ll let Princess Celestia know, and–”
“S-Spike, you don’t understand. Twily... Twilight’s not coming back.”
“Not... coming back?” Spike’s spines drooped to the side and his entire body sagged as tears welled in his eyes.
Shining Armor took a deep breath and averted his eyes. “She’s gone, Spike. She’s... dead.”
Spike sat there, stone still, as if in mimic of Shining from earlier. Shining Armor was at a loss. He had expected, well, something, not this non-reaction. After some time, the dragon finally blinked and his eyes hardened. “That isn’t very funny, Shining.”
“What?” Shining blanched and looked back at the little dragon who now stood, seething and glaring at him from the far side of the table. “I’m not joking, Spike!”
“You’re terrible, you know that!?”
“I-I... I’m not joking, Spike.” Shining’s voice cracked.
“Stop! Just stop lying! Take it back!” Spike launched himself at Shining, but he held the baby dragon off with a hoof.
“Spike! I’m really not lying...” Shining sighed once more. “She’s gone, Spike...”
“No! Take it... take it ba... take...” Spike’s struggles slowed, then stopped, and Shining stopped pushing him away. Spike wobbled for a moment and then sank to his knees. “It can’t be true...”
“Oh, Spike...” Shining embraced him for a moment, trying to comfort him. After a time, Shining looked down, confused. There was no crying, there was no trembling. Spike was catatonic from shock, and he barely even blinked. He was still breathing, but he didn’t react.
“Spike? Spike! Hey, come on little guy, answer me... do something, at least.” Shining’s concern grew as Spike remained unresponsive, but he kept talking, hoping to get a response. “I’m going to take you back to our parents’, to Canterlot...” Shining took a step back and shook Spike slightly. “Spike?”
Shining waited, giving Spike time to process what had happened, but after half an hour of no change and no response he had to let Spike go and make preparations for their trip. Shining packed some, along with most of Spike’s things and then scooped the little dragon onto his back and left for the train station.
Spike remained quiet the whole way to and through the train station. It wasn’t until halfway through the train trip that Shining heard a quiet sob. It was as if a dam had broken, and Spike began crying in earnest. Shining was quick to pull him into a comforting hug, quietly offering words of reassurance. Spike grabbed one of Shining’s legs, and for the rest of the train ride cried into it. Shining was left to wonder, just how would his parents take the news?
After gathering the luggage and depositing a sleeping Spike on his back, Shining left the Canterlot train station. With the time they arrived, combined with the walk from the station, it was well into the evening when Shining finally reached his parents’ house.
He knocked once and waited as an eye blocked the peep hole and he could hear someone hurrying to unlock and open the door. His mother, Twilight Velvet, opened it and greeted him with a beaming smile before she registered the look on Shining’s face. “Shining, honey, w– Shining!? What’s wrong?”
Shining Armor was a mess and he knew it, especially dressed in only his barding and he nervously shifted his weight back and forth a bit. “We should really talk about it inside, Mom.” Twilight Velvet’s look of concern was obvious, but she opened the door and moved aside for Shining to step through.
He moved into the living room, set the luggage down and rummaged around until he found a few blankets. With the use of his magic, he flattened out one of the pillows and placed it on the floor next to the fireplace and wrapped Spike in one of the blankets before placing him on the pillow. Shining couldn’t help but feel sorry for him as he watched Spike toss and turn on the pillow, still mumbling words of disbelief and heartache.
Shining turned around to see his dad, Nightlight, standing together with his mom. He sighed once, and then after a few aborted attempts to start finally said, “We should settle in, I have some bad news.”
Twilight Velvet nodded. “I’ll make some tea. Dear? Why don’t you come help?” she said with a tug on her husband’s tail. He went willingly enough and soon they were both sequestered in the kitchen. Shining couldn’t help but smile a little. It was an old tactic his parent’s used anytime they didn’t want him, or his sister, to hear them. Whether it was an argument or talks about Hearth’s Warming gifts, it was actually really effective at stopping their eavesdropping, especially with the soundproofing spell they used on the room.
Shining left them to it, and went about removing the armor he couldn’t store in the luggage. He stretched and worked out the kinks that had built up since had put it on earlier that... how long had it been? Shining frowned and quirked his head in thought. There was the Summer Sun Celebration preparations, the patrols and short parties held by the guards during the morning, and then there was... Ponyville, and all that happened there.
When the sun failed to come up on time there had been panic, and he had spent a better part of the “morning” making sure the panicking ponies didn’t trample someone. He received the call to report to Ponyville only a few hours into it, and while things had calmed down there really wasn’t much time to sleep. Even on the ride to Ponyville he hadn’t been able to catch more than a catnap due to the rumbling of the train and his armor chaffing as he tried to sleep in it.
All told, he had been awake at least a day and a half now. It was then, as he was staring dreamily at their couch, that his parents returned with the tea. “Shining?”
“Hm? Oh! Sorry, Mom.” Shining’s horn lit up and his magic covered his face for a moment before disappearing with a fizzle. After that, he perked up considerably. Courtley’s Caffeinated Cantrip, it was a spell Twily had taught him, and it had been useful on many long nights of guard duty. He motioned to the table with a jerk of his head. “We should sit down.”
Nightlight cleared his throat and interrupted, “Actually, Shining, maybe we should just hear what you have to say.”
Shining nodded limply. Hopefully his parents would take it better than Spike did. “I-it’s... about Twilight, she– Twilight was–”
Twilight Velvet exchanged a glance with her husband and put the tray down on the end table next to them. “Twilight was, what? What’s going on Shining?”
Shining remained quiet as his heart pounded in his chest and his head throbbed in equal measure. The words were on the tip of his tongue, but his composure cracked as his mother demanded to know what he was going to say.
“Shining, you’re scaring me! Tell me what’s going on!”
“Twilight’s dead,” he blurted, and instantly regretted it. He didn’t scream it, but from her reaction, he might as well have.
His mother blanched, and took a few steps back while shaking her head, but the truth couldn’t be denied. Spike sleeping fitfully by the fire, and the fact he was there at all, was evidence enough.
“H... how...?”
“She... she wanted to stop Nightmare Moon. She did stop Nightmare Moon, but...”
Before Shining could continue, Twilight Velvet broke down, and within seconds was sobbing on the floor in front of him. Nightlight rushed to her side, supporting and comforting her as he helped her back to her feet and over to the couch. It was obvious he was trying to be strong for her, but once Twilight Velvet was settled he soon joined her on the couch.
Shining wasn’t really sure what to do. What can you really say to a parent who has lost a child, much less your own mother and father? He stayed close, comforting them as best he could. Once they were able, he helped them to their room and as they passed the fireplace a small part of his mind boggled over how Spike had been able to sleep through the whole ordeal.
As he turned to leave his parents’ room, there was a soft popping noise and suddenly all his fatigue caught up with him. He took one more step before stumbling to his knees, utterly drained both physically and mentally. He summoned one last bit of willpower and erected a shield to silence himself before his dam finally broke.
Lying there, Shining did two things he hadn’t done in a very long time. He slept in the same room as his parents, and he cried himself to sleep. That night, his dreams were filled with many images of his sister. They started out as the fond memories of their shared childhood, but gradually turned darker and darker. With his subconscious running wild, they ranged from merely finding Twilight in the ruins, to wandering the castle, listening to her disembodied screams of pain, and became worse from there.
In one particularly dark nightmare, he found Twilight, battered and broken beyond recognition, but still mobile. Gaping wounds covered every inch of her body as pieces of skin and flesh dragged behind her. With every step, Twilight screamed out, but still she shambled after him, alternating between begging him to help her, and railing against him for not protecting her as she drew ever closer. As Twilight reached out and grabbed him, he snapped awake, drenched in sweat. He frantically scanned the room until he realized he was home. After waking up for what seemed like the millionth time, he sighed in defeat and gave up on sleeping. As quietly as he could manage, he slipped out of the room and headed downstairs. The smell of fresh pancakes, however, was enough to make Shining realize how little he had eaten the previous night. He trotted down to the kitchen to find Spike standing atop a chair at the stove.
“Spike?” Shining called, startling the dragon in the process.
“Oh... hey, Shining. I, uh, thought you guys would like some breakfast before today’s meeting. So I figured I’d make you something!”
“Uh, th....thanks, but, are you sure you’re–”
“Don’t worry about me. I always did a lot of cooking... before. I-if anything it helps me... feel better, in a way.”
Shining watched as the dragon slumped forward and sighed. He couldn’t help but feel bad for him. Acting on instinct, he walked forward and gently hugged him. “Spike, if you ever need anything, we’re all here for you, and for each other. We’re in this together, alright?”
Spike smiled as he hugged him back. “Yeah. Thanks, Shining. Anyway, being that you’re the first one up, I guess you get first claim of the pancakes. Go on and sit down. I’ll bring ‘em over.”
Shining spent the following morning with his family making funeral preparations and occasionally comforting his mother. As morning slipped into afternoon, they all decided to take a break for lunch. Spike had saved some of the food he prepared earlier that morning for just such an occasion.
Before Shining could grab his parents for lunch, he heard a knock at the door. He went to answer it, but his parents had beaten him to it. Standing opposite them was Princess Celestia, her face somber and void of regality, much as it had back in the ruins.
As Spike poked his head around the corner, her face paled, as if she just remembered that he, too, would be affected by Twilight’s death.
“I’m... deeply sorry to disturb you all right now. I... imagine you must be... busy, but I was hoping you all wouldn’t mind coming to the castle tomorrow. There are some important matters that need to be discussed regarding yesterday’s... events... and it’s best if you’re all there.”
Shining turned to his parents, silently asking for their answer. After a brief pause, Twilight Velvet nodded. “O-of course. We’ll be there, Your Majesty. What time would you like us there?”
“Six o’clock. Dinner will be served as well, if you would like to stay and eat afterward. I could even offer you all guest rooms at the castle should you wish to spend the night.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Shining bowed respectfully. “We will be there, tomorrow.”
“We were just about to sit down for lunch, if you’d like to join us,” Nightlight offered.
“No, thank you. I actually have a few more stops and have to be on my way. I’ll see you all tomorrow.” With a farewell, Princess Celestia took took to the skies, leaving the rest of the group to wonder what tomorrow’s meeting would entail.
*-~-*
Shining awoke the day of the meeting. Despite being relatively nightmare free, his sleep had been as fitful as it had the previous night. However, his thoughts were consumed by why Princess Celestia would call a meeting concerning Twilight’s death so soon. He couldn’t shake the feeling in the pit of his stomach that he wasn’t going to like it.
Morning faded quickly, and the afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the landscape of Canterlot. Shining, accompanied by his family and Spike, walked towards the palace.
As they approached the entrance, Shining couldn't help but stare at the double doors ahead of them. Even as numerous ponies saluted him or called out a greeting, he ignored them, instead focusing on the doors that now towered over him. The more he stared, and the closer they came, the more threatening those doors appeared, and the less he desired to open them. He hesitated when he reached them, even with his family waiting behind him. I can't help but feel this meeting is something I'm not prepared for. It just feels too soon to be talking about what happened.
Just as Shining was about to open the doors, they were opened from the other side. “Ahh. Good evening, Lieutenant Shining Armor.” Captain Sterling greeted. “Here for the meeting I presume?”
“Hey.” Shining half-heartedly saluted the captain, who returned it shortly after. “Yeah. We’re here for the meeting.”
“‘Hey?’ Shining, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you respond so casually before.”
Shining Armor's eyes widened momentarily, but before he could snap to attention and salute properly, Sterling chuckled lightly and interrupted him. “At ease, soldier. I wasn’t reprimanding you. I... heard about what happened.”
Shining sagged slightly and sighed heavily. “I’m just not... myself lately. I mean, you know how I couldn’t shut up about my reasons for joining the guard back when I was still a recruit. This... isn’t easy for me.”
“I understand, Shining. If you need some time away, take as long as you need.”
“Thank you, Captain. I assume the princess is here?"
“Yes, she and–” Sterling stopped, as if catching himself. “You can find her in the dining room, down the main hall there on the left.” Sterling stepped aside to let the group through, but as they passed he took a breath. “Shining, I...” He sighed. “Don’t do anything rash.”
Shining stopped and narrowed his eyes as he looked to Sterling skeptically. “Captain?” Unfortunately, he had resumed his post, standing at attention with his eyes fixed forward, which only made Shining want to press him further, but he knew it was useless. With a last sidelong glance at Sterling, he turned and hurried into a canter to catch back up with the others.
It was when they turned the corner that they encountered something unexpected: another group of ponies were waiting outside the dining room door, talking amongst themselves.
Shining sighed as everyone began to introduce themselves to him and his family. They all offered their condolences and soon engaged in conversation with Shining’s parents.. So... these girls were with Twilight in the ruins? Celestia didn’t mention anything about anyone else being there. Shining was snapped from his thoughts as the dining room door opened and Princess Celestia stepped into the hallway.
“Good evening, Your Highness.” Shining stood and bowed respectfully.
“Thank you, Shining. A good evening to you, too.” Celestia opened the doors with her magic and let everyone into the dining room. “Everyone, please take your seats.”
As everyone entered the room, Celestia closed the door and followed suit. She made her way to the head of the table and sat down. “First off, you’re probably all wondering why I called you here on such short notice. Before I get into that, let me just say that I know this may be hard for some of you to hear, but I ask you please listen, as it needs to be said.”
Celestia cleared her throat, and took a deep breath as she straightened her posture . “I’d like to say... I’m sorry. None of this would have happened if it hadn’t been for my meddling.”
Shining’s ears flattened as his heart sank to his stomach. While the others spouted inquiries, either to Celestia or each other, Shining found he could barely keep himself from hiding under the table. He wasn’t sure why, but he was terrified of what would come next.
Celestia raised a hoof for silence and waited for them all to calm down. “You all recall the tale about Nightmare Moon, correct? The younger of two sisters who refused to lower the moon, and the elder who was forced to banish her in the moon? As you know, I am the elder sister from that tale. My hope... was when I used the Elements against her, that my sister would be returned to me, but instead, she vanished into thin air. I thought I had lost my sister forever, but then I learned of the prophecy of her return, it was a day I would look forward to for a very long time. I prayed it would be the day I would have my little sister back. But a thousand years is a long time, and I couldn’t wait that long.
“So for countless years, I tried many things to free my sister from her banishment. I sought all forms of magic, both old and new, and tried everything I could think of. I even experimented with the Elements of Harmony, working tirelessly to understand and then undo what they had done. That is until, one night, the Elements stopped reacting to my magic. I had lost my connection to them, and I... didn't take it well.” Celestia shook her head. “Perhaps that story is best left for another time.
“Nonetheless, I was bereft. For centuries more I searched, albeit more passively, to no avail.” Celestia paused, and her gaze wandered over the assembled Bearers for a moment. “It wasn't until just under a couple decades ago that I received my first real breakthrough.
“As some of you may know,” Celestia said, indicating Shining's parents, “there are times that unicorn magic acts on its own, and it's always for a reason. One day, my own magic activated, flooding the filled audience hall with light, much to the chagrin of the noble speaking at the time.”
Celestia allowed a small smile as a short laugh was shared by the group. “As the noble sputtered in indignation and protocol, a strange scroll appeared before me. It was coded, and I couldn't read it, so I closed the court for the day and for some time afterward. I spent months deciphering it, leaving the country at the mercy of the nobles, until I cracked it.
“What it had to tell me both elated and worried me. The Elements of Harmony had been reborn, into ponies who truly represented them. For good or ill, I would never again wield them, and when my sister returned, I would not be the one to free nor condemn her.”
Celestia paused as refreshments were brought in, and waited patiently until all were ready for her to continue. She turned her gaze the Element Bearers and began anew. “Hence, why I gathered you five for the Summer Sun Celebration, and why I sent Twilight to Ponyville.”
Shining gulped as Celestia hung her head in shame. He knew she wouldn’t be telling this story without reason, but at the mention of Twilight, the gears in Shining’s head turned rapidly as he began to piece together the rest of Celestia’s story before she finished. He now understood why Captain Sterling had warned him to keep calm. Despite Shining’s increasing anger, he kept quiet as Celestia continued her story.
“What pains me the most to say, is that I can’t say I had no idea what Nightmare Moon was capable of doing, because she used what I assume to be the same spell on another pony a thousand years ago. I just... I didn’t think it would happen again.” Celestia’s voice cracked, and the entire room stared up at her. Celestia’s head hung low to the ground. “I... I’m sorry. This was my fault. I... was going to ask if any of you could forgive me, but I’d honestly be surprised if any of you did.”
Seeing her sag was one thing, but as Shining watched his princess and ruler blubber out an apology and crying openly before them, his anger dwindled.
Everyone remained quiet for a long while as Celestia regained what composure she had. It was Applejack who broke the silence. “Princess, as far as I can tell, you didn’t send Twilight on this journey knowing the end result, and it wasn’t you who placed that crazy spell on her. I ain’t sayin’ you didn’t play a part in what happened, but it sure ain’t your fault.”
“I agree.” Rarity chimed in. “Nightmare Moon was, in every sense of the word, a monster and she got what she deserved. In no way are you responsible for what she did.”
Celestia flattened her ears and winced and turned her head towards a corner of the room. “That... comment... actually leads me to what I wanted to talk about next. As you already know, the Elements of Harmony activated for you six because you are the bearers. They turned on Nightmare Moon, and, from what I can tell, tore her to shreds. What you may have missed, however, was my sister. Princess Luna was freed from Nightmare Moon’s control, and during the confusion of last night’s events, she slipped away and disappeared. I could go into why she did, but I think it’s better she do it herself.” Celestia gestured a hoof towards the shadows and Luna took a hesitant step forward.
“Her!?” Shining shouted and slammed his hoof into the table as his previously diminished anger exploded. Everyone jumped at the sudden crash and Luna froze in her place. Shining’s nostrils flared as he glared at the pony responsible for Twilight’s death. “After all she’s done!? Are you out of your mind, Celestia!? How could you bring her here!?”
“Shining Armor, I know–”
“No, you don’t know. My mom and dad lost their daughter, yet all you’ve talked about is you and your sister! It’s all about how you have your sister back, but I lost mine. Are we supposed to pretend like everything’s fine because you have your sister back!?”
“Shining Armor, if you would just–”
"No!" Shining armor launched himself over the table at Luna. "At the very least she should be standing trial for what she did! But if you won't do anything about her, then I will!" Shining’s horn flared to life, but before he could take a step further Celestia jumped in front of Luna and flared her wings to block his path, acting as a protective shield.
Shining stopped short and skidded to a stop just before bowling into Celestia. He steadied himself and leveled a hoof, pointing behind her at Luna. "Did Twilight mean so little to you that you'd choose that abomination ov–"
Celestia’s eyes flashed pure white, her mane flaring to life in an outburst of solar energy. “Shining Armor! Shut your mouth before I shut it for you!”
The entire room fell silent as Celestia stared down Shining Armor. “I forgave you for snapping at me back at the ruins because you were able to get a hold of yourself, but now you have crossed the line. I can take your outlandish insults, but insulting my sister is not the right response to your emotions.” Celestia took a step towards Shining, lowering her head to match his level. “I could even overlook that, seeing as I was able to stop you before you did anything you’d regret.”
As Celestia took another step closer, Shining could feel pure heat radiating from her. The closer she got, the hotter the air around him became. “But how dare you suggest Twilight meant nothing to me!? How dare you insinuate I didn’t care about her! I... I loved that filly like a daughter!” Celestia’s eyes returned to their normal purple hue, her voice lowering in volume as she slowly calmed down. “I was prepared to take all of Twilight injuries and the curse upon myself, but she wouldn't let me. She didn't want anypony else to go through what she was feeling. I lost a piece of my soul when Twilight died, and if my sister was still a threat, I would not have called this meeting! While your anger is justified, your words were not!”
Celestia backed away from Shining and headed towards her chair. “I know what Nightmare Moon did was inexcusable and unforgivable. I know you, and your family, lost someone important to you, as did I, and these past few days have been torturous for us all, my sister included. If you wish to condemn her before hearing what she has to say, then I’d politely ask you to leave this castle.”
Shining snorted as his glare passed from Celestia back over to Luna. “If you all want to make peace with a murderer, then fine. But, I will have no part of this.”
Shining then turned and shouldered his way through the door, slamming it open and galloped down the hallways to the exit. He was through the gate and past Sterling before it could really register. As he galloped away from the castle grounds, everypony left in the room could only stare at the open door in shock.
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3739091 That was an idea given to by, once again, my lovely editor. So thank him for that.
But how the hell did you read this so fast? Haha
3739099 If I recall, my suggestion was actually to have her broil the blob in one of the previous chapters.
3739108 that too, but you also gave me the idea to have her radiating heat with anger at one point. Can't remember when.
YES
(moremoremore)
3739151 There will be more. Chapter 8 is already in the process of being written, with some major scenes already written as well. But there's other things I'm working on in that chapter, for the stuff leading up to the major scenes.
...and featured. Congrats, that was quick.
damn i love the story thank you for returning to it.
poor shining, i can understand his reaction losing someone you love is really hard. i think celestia should have waited. to let it sink in, ya know. 
and as a last thing THE FEELS!! 
So, is nightmare going to take control of Shining in chapter 8 or 9?
3739679 Well, Nightmare is gone. She's no longer a part of the story. So no, she won't.
3739099
I can understand Shining's reaction here, I really can...but hoo boy... the excrement is about to impact the oscillating blades me thinks...
Awesome chapter! Can't wait for the next one!
EYES STOP FLOODING THIS INSTANCE
Poor Shining...
WTF Celestia, this was WAY too soon for this kind of thing. Shining's reaction seemed pretty understandable to me. Good read so far, though!
Can't say Shining is in wrong. Geez, Twi's body isn't even cold and Celesta is rushing.
3742375
Agreed.
Celestia is firmly grasping the idiot-ball by organizing and conducting the meeting like this (even if she intends to tell them "Twilight's spirit is still around etc. etc. etc. or whatever).
Let's rush all of Twilight's family to a meeting only two days after Twilight death, it's not like they have much on their minds they need to digest. Never mind that this includes Twilight's brother who obviously took the news very badly when you told him (bonus points for not instantly assigning some kind of grief-counsel help to him and his family). Then A) drive home the fact Nightmare Moon (who is responsible for Twilight's death) has been turned back into your beloved sister Luna, who you are SO happy to have back (isn't having your sister back great!?) and B) surprise them with meeting Luna (who had been Nightmare Moon, but no longer is, yay).
3745538
Totally agree with you CharonX. I've never seen somepony put all four of her hoofs in her mouth at once until now. The way she handeld this meeting was as Shining said completely horrible. Goings-on and on about how good and nice a job Twilight and the bearers did in bringing Luna back, just like Celestia pland and hoped they would. Even though the didn't get the slitest warning about what was coming, though she had known for some time.
The only little glitch was Nightmare using a spell Celestia know she can use to kill Twilight... Yes the spell she killed with before! Totally a big surprise she would use it again if Nightmare got corner.
Then she gets angry at Armor reaction when he sees the one he thinks is responsible for his sisters death? Truly? She has a sister her self, Celestia should understand Shining reaction completely at this point!
Then Celestia says Twilight is like a child to her? Then maybe you should seem like you actually care about more than Luna coming back to you. I'm where surprised the hole Sparkel family isn't reacting more like Shining white how poorly Celestia handeld this. If she held up her owne Sun as a reference I still don't know if it is a good enough indicator to how big the idiot-ball she is holding truly is...
I hope Celestia will understand just how much she has hurt Twilight's family by being so tactless, even if she was trying to say that there may still be a shans to save Twilight.
PS: really do love the story by the way, just tired of Celestia always getting away with to much just because she is Celestia.
He-gone
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Celestia's just not good at handling this sort of thing. Being immortal or nearly so is bound to change your perspective on these things. Either you learn to let go, or go at least a little insane and possibly, where magic is concerned, try things that ought not to be tried. Although I'm convinced that if Twilight had seen her as a creature to be beaten with force (and thought that that was the solution) she'd either have never tried or she'd have failed without realizing what she needed to. She'd have died just as certainly.
Probably Nightmare used the spell because it allowed her to use Twilight as a tool and prevented her from using any magic against Nightmare. The rest of the curse was probably simply convenient. Arguably Celestia failed to act the way she ought to have (treated Twilight more as a lesser peer than her daughter), although if she'd died it likely would have caused even more trouble than Twilight dying. Shining just can't see it from that angle. Understanding his reaction isn't the same as feeling the same way, and in any case Luna's isolation was partially responsible for what happened to her in the first place. In theory, if Luna were to succumb to that sort of thing a second time somehow that would be even worse.
Neither of them (Celestia/Shining) can understand the other particularly well. Of course he also can't know that Twilight forgave Luna.
shiny is a dick.
Albeit it a righteous dick but.
Starfleet Regulation 619 states that any officer emotionally comprised must relieve themselves of duty
Sorry shiny
Sure what? This is the first bit of dialogue in this chapter and it sounds like an answer to something Shining said. What did he say? Or am I just misreading this?
Also, where's Twi? Did he bury her before getting Spike? 'Cause he left the castle with her on his back.
On the one hand, I agree that Celestia did not handle the meeting very well. On the other hand, she knows that Luna is only as responsible for this as Twilight was for smashing her friends into walls back at the castle. And because of that she propably overestimated a mourning family's ability to tell NMM and Luna apart.
SOMEONE is getting reassigned to a different post!
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Cring