Progress Report! · 1:13pm March 3rd
Five chapters complete, twenty-two to go! As a reward for your patience so far, here's a snippet. Spoilers for season nine, read at your own volition:
"Sorry to hear what happened to the Tree of Harmony," Shining spoke up solemnly, guiding me through the narrow corridor as we took off to Equestria's airspace, I caught blinding clouds through the square windows. He glanced over his shoulder. "I know how much it meant to Twilight."
Gratified for his sympathy, I nodded softly, "She's recovering." To be honest, Twilight had been taking the loss... Extraordinarily well. True, she was occupying her time setting things up for next semester, but her inner feelings, while remorseful, were still determined and at peace. The Tree did much for us, and I'll be grateful for the time it's saved my friends (and myself) time and time again.
Though sometimes I had to wonder what happened to the roots below it? Were they gone? Questions I can delve into another time, right now was the present!
Entering through a larger interior - which I presumed was the strategy room - occupied by a rectangular, rich wooden table with cushions for seats. Pegasi in signature gold armour standing side by side, flanking the walls and windows, attentive and hardened as ever, but all simultaneously saluted in claps echoed across the cabin. Without glancing to them, the older stallion regarded me warmly.
"I know it's pretty late, but congratulations again on the upcoming wedding, you're an incredibly lucky guy." Well, that breaks the chain of the overprotective big sibling. He added with a wide smile, "Cadence was hoping you'd both consider it being hosted at the Crystal Empire." While I stood there in surprise, Shining shrugged with a wider smirk, adding modestly, "You did save ours, after all, and you were our Best Stallion with Twilight our Best Mare. So what do you say? We'd be honoured to host the union between our best friend and our little sister, in-law?."
Only taking seconds for me to answer, "I'll have to discuss it with Twilight, but." The sheer happiness in my chest was exuberant from my tone, "We'd be honoured, Shining." He was pleased beyong words. While the guards continued to salute, Shining nodded to them.
"At ease." Their hoofs lowered, he motioned to the chamber we walked around. "Make yourself comfortable, there's a lot to unravel." I shrugged, catching something from the corner of my eye while I moved about, noting the pegasi around become stiffer each time I pass one of them; a spike in their hearts that were anxiety. What, afraid I'd throw their Captain overboard.
"I thought you retired from the guard business," I asked, examining the framed painting beside the door opposite we came in. But another voice perked.
"Indeed. But with recent threats upon the horizon, we saw fit for Shining's past experience to aid us," I swerved to the left, smiling in pleasant surprise.
"Luna." I offered, always thrilled to see the younger sister, despite recent arguments and disagreements. A sentiment Luna shared, nodding with a gentle smile to an old friend, his illuminated mane brightening the dim interior a little, and I pointed to the painting, "I see you brought Grandpa on-board." Rolling her eyes fondly the Princess of the Night added.
"Given this is the first of what may a Canterlot fleet, Stardust, we saw fit to name the Star-Swirl in our old mentor's honour." Of which Shining, from Luna's right, stepped up and gestured around the cabin with a pleased smile.
"Not bad, huh? We've been reverse-engineering the remains from the Storm King's invasion fleet. This is the first in what will hopefully be Equestria's true defence fleet." All right, damn, I was impressed! If they're taking the threat they seriously, I might not need to worry when the adversaries eventually come, after all.
Envisioning such an idea in my mind - a full Equestria force of airship soaring the skies, patrolling beneath a combined, colourful army - I almost snickered at the ludicrous idea. Equestria at war; hah! Who would actually go through with that? Meanwhile the Captain of the Guard approaching the speaker... Thing; whatever it's called that delivers the voice across the ship without use of electronics!
"The General's on-board." In the meantime, I regarded the stern painting again, mocking the expression.
"Old pony probably doesn't know what an air ship is," I paused, glancing incredulously to Shining, "Wait, ' the General?' We don't need stuck-up Canterlot militant ordering us about!" Another pause, "No offence."
Shining deadpanned, "None taken," While I took my seat and examining offered refreshments. Tea, ugh! Well I may as well make it sweeter, "And to clarify: Not a general from Canterlot, the General of Equestria."
"There's no such thing," No, three sugars weren't enough. Maybe four? Five? Maybe six just to keep it safe...
"There is now." Luna responded, explaining while I tried to sort this tea out. "With the resurgence of many foes, and one far more stronger than our oldest adversaries, my sister and I have agreed it prudent to promote a stallion of virtue and strength, who can aid in the stern training of our soldiers to prepare for this inevitable confrontation."
"Just what you need," Ah, that looks better! Raising the cup to my muzzle, "When all hell breaks loose, put an idiot in charge."
"If you say so, General." Said cup was only inches from my bearded lips, a cube fallen off from the top as I sat there, stiff as a board. Just barely managing to meet with their knowing, mirthful gazes with startled raised brows.
"Pardon?" Luna smirked lightly, those midnight eyes glittering in respectful acknowledgement.
"Among us ponies, you have the most combat experience with outside threats, not to mention Twilight has expressed in her letters how you've been whipping young Spike and your students into shape." Emphasizing every point, while I felt my spine straighten more and more in anxiety. "Your fighting style and techniques are unfamiliar among many inexperienced Equestrians, and you know and have fought these coming threats personally; you know how to handle them better than any of us." Stomping her hoof down, the Night Ruler concluded with finality, "As of this morning, you are now the Commander-in-chief of all Equestrian forces!"
In rhythm to that stunning declaration, all soldiers in the cabin swerved around and faced me: Collectively saluting, more of the Claps, in respect, acknowledgement, and obedience. Shining among them, grinning to my bewildered stature and called out playfully.
"They're waiting for your orders, General."
My eyes landed on the filled teacubes; a mountain of twenty cubes that were the only course of comfort through the trepidation of my beating chest. In a rare display of meekness - outside of being alone with Twilight - I held up the cup and asked softly.
"Can I have more sugars, please?"
Aw man, I really need to reread this story. This brings back some fond memories for me.
Well that gonna make me laugh so hard to see their reaction, also no it can't be true of what happens to tree of harmony. Also reporting for duty General/soon to be king Stardust *salute* what are your orders.
At least the magic core of Equestria is fine maybe it will sense the damage of the tree and repair it. I also hope original pillar six get to know Stardust not just Starswirl or Stygian.