//------------------------------// // Epilogue : Not-So Goodbyes // Story: CoH (Book One) : Of Magic and Masquerades // by Diespitris //------------------------------// Twilight's recollection came in pieces during the minutes after the rain of debris finally reached its end. Princess Luna, with a single wing draped over her as she cast a variety of healing spells, remained at her side all the while. When Shining Armor and the others arrived shouting her name, she found herself nearly overwhelmed by hugs. She returned as many as she was able with joy in her heart, although she quickly grew weary of the bombardment of questioning that came next. Fortunately, the Moon Princess put an end to it. “Calm yourselves, my little ponies,” she said. “Let her rest before you ask your questions.” Princess Cadance opened her mouth to agree, but movement out of the corner of her eye drew her attention to the damaged doorway. “Aunt Celestia!” she exclaimed. Smiling, the Princess of the Sun picked up her elegant canter as she approached them. “Cadance,” she replied, nuzzling her. “I'm overjoyed you're unharmed, my niece. How are the rest of you faring?” Twilight leaned against her brother for some support. “Well enough, I suppose,” she commented. She accepted the gentle hug from her teacher. “I'm so sorry you endured this ordeal, Twilight, but there are no words to describe how proud you've made me today.” Cadance placed a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. “We're all proud of you.” “You stood up against another powerful tyrant in the name of good. Not only did you emerge victorious, but you managed to rid the world of a dangerous magical artifact.” Yet, Twilight frowned as she glanced at her silent former rival. “Well, I don't feel very proud myself,” she retorted. Her voice sounded tired, even to her own ears. The Royal Sisters turned towards the statue, then they shared a glance. “How did Trixie end up in this state?” questioned Celestia. Before Luna's protest, Twilight answered, “I got a lucky shot at the amulet and broke it, but then it started to... consume her as we fought.” “Oh, dear.” The Sun Princess circled the statue, inspecting it with great scrutiny. Her sister followed her lead and they shared whispered words along the way. Soon, they returned their attention to the group. Twilight bit down on her lip. “Is there anything you can do?” “I'm afraid not, my student,” retorted Celestia. “At least, not without knowing what magic Starswirl weaved into his creation.” “Unfortunately,” added Luna, “we don't even know when he found the time to craft the Alicorn Amulet. It will be... difficult finding anything regarding its design, but we will try.” “We'll transport her back to Canterlot with us. She'll be safe and supervised in our care.” “For now, however, we'll help you get started on cleaning up this mess.” “Thank you,” said Shining Armor. He reached out and took his wife's hoof into his own. “I'm sure the crystal ponies will appreciate the restoration of their palace.” Cadance simply nodded, then she reached out to wrap a foreleg around Twilight. “You and your friends, however, have been through enough already,” she said. “What you need is some much-needed rest.” Twilight's ears folded backwards. “Are you sure?” Her brother smiled. “You took care of everything else, Twily.” He winked. “Don't hog all the work for yourself!” “And as much as I love some good ol' fashioned work,” said Applejack, “I would really, really, really love to get some shut-eye right now...” Now that it was mentioned, Twilight truly noticed the exhausted state of her friends. Applejack appeared on the precipice of collapse, Rarity was a shadow of her former perfectly-groomed self, Fluttershy had been staring at the floor since they were reunited, and Rainbow Dash swayed and stretched her wings at regular intervals. Pinkie Pie, while appearing as her hyperactive self, yawned at an overexaggerated level that was hard not to notice. “Hey, everypony, sorry to barge in on your meeting!” Speaking of party ponies... Cheese Sandwich strolled in with a skip in his step. Draped over his withers was one of Flash Sentry's forelegs. The Royal Guard looked tired and disoriented. “Found this poor fellow hiding in one of the storage closets,” said Cheese. “Wasn't hiding,” grumbled the pegasus. Shining Armor chuckled, patting Flash's shoulder. “The important thing is you're okay, Lieutenant,” he said. “Thank you, Capt—Your Majesty.” “No problem!” While her brother and the guard talked, Twilight stepped forward to shake Cheese's hoof. “I'm glad you brought him to us,” she said. “I'm also glad to thank you in person for what you did during the party.” The stallion grinned. “You're quite welcome. I hope you were able to enjoy yourself a little before that epic throwdown!” “Well, it was certainly something special.” As the Royal Sisters approached, Cheese bowed his head. “We must thank you as well,” said the Sun Princess. “Your actions aided not only Twilight, but the entire Crystal Empire and its citizens.” Luna nodded. “If you wish it, we'll see you are properly compensated for your heroism.” He laughed. “I'm honored, Your Highnesses, but I'm afraid I must decline. I was just fulfilling my duties as a party pony, is all!” “Well, in any case, you fulfilled them with great skill.” “Oh, you humble me!” Pulling away from Shining Armor, Flash Sentry instead chose the company of Twilight, Cheese, and the Princesses. “I wish I was there, in a way,” he commented, rubbing the back of his head. “At least, I wish I was there to help you take down that other unicorn, Miss Twilight.” She tilted her head. “You weren't yourself, Flash. Even if you were there, Trixie's magic would've stopped you from aiding me.” “Yeah... Gosh, my memories are all fuzzy. I hope I didn't do anything heinous while I was under her magic.” Somewhere in the background, Rainbow Dash grumbled an obscenity under her breath, but was ignored. “Don't worry about it! You weren't the only one brainwashed,” Twilight replied, matter-of-factly. “The important thing is you're back to normal.” He smiled. “Thank you, Miss Twilight. I really appreciate it.” Princess Cadance wrapped a wing around her. “Please forgive my intrusion, but you should really rest,” she said with a soft chuckle. The pegasus's eyes widened. “Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hold anyone up!” “Easy, lieutenant, it's all right.” She looked over her shoulder at the others. “C'mon, everypony, the guest rooms weren't damaged in the battle. You can rest there.” Twilight carefully lifted Spike onto her back before she joined her friends in following her sister-in-law. She couldn't recall the last time she so eagerly looked forward to sleep. In the past, the fact a bed was a non-sentient object, without any intention of going anywhere of its own accord, was comfort enough if she chose to pull one of her infamous “all-nighters.” Staying awake now, however, was so beyond her intentions, it was ridiculous. They shared one last round of embraces, she and her friends, before she carried the baby dragon into their assigned room. Spike had fallen asleep on her back on the way there, and so she carefully and quietly tucked him into one of the two beds. If not for the light tapping on the balcony door, she would have plunged herself into the other set of soft sheets. At a glance, she witnessed a charcoal-colored hoof retreat out of sight, and so she tip-hoofed her way outside. Sombra awaited her. “How are you doing?” he immediately asked. “I feel like I'll be asleep for the next week, but I'll manage.” Still, he bore a coutenance of concern, and he remained silent for a few moments. “I'm glad you're all right,” he then said. “You did well against Trixie, even if the battle didn't end how you wished. I'm... proud of you.” Her cheeks warmed. “Thank you, and thank you for all your help. I don't know what I would've done without you.” He looked away. “Well, you certainly could've done without me dropping you back there, and for that I apologize. I... panicked a tad when Princess Luna arrived.” She touched his shoulder. “It's okay, I understand. I'm grateful you caught me in the first place.” “I couldn't let you fall.” He sighed. “But, we can carry this conversation on at a later date. Rest well, Twilight.” She nodded. “I'll see you later, Sombra.” As he transformed into darkness and slithered away, she silently returned inside. Spike, thankfully, had remained asleep. She ran a hoof over his spines as she passed. Her number-one assistant was safe and sleeping, which meant the world to her nerves. Heck, she didn't even bother tucking herself in, and she was out like a light the moment her head fell upon a pillow. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Twilight slept for almost twenty-four hours. Twenty-one hours, as mentioned by Spike, who awakened her with gentle shakes and news of lunch. It was an optional lunch, were she still too tired to partake. Albeit she was groggy, the temptation of food was too alluring. She and Spike made their way to the dining hall, where their friends and family awaited them. The only exception was Applejack, who remained very much asleep, and would continue to do so for the next few hours. In the meantime, lunch consisted of an update from the Princesses regarding the palace's repair. The upper tower was successfully pieced back together. What remained was the cleaning and furnishing of the now-empty chambers—a task the crystal ponies worked to complete as they ate. Twilight was more focused on filling her belly than answering questions. She slipped a few details here than there about the previous day's fight, if only to satisfy the excited curiosity of Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Shining Armor. Rarity occupied herself with comforting Fluttershy, as the pegasus's shortened hair was causing her some distres, while Cadance indulged in some quiet chat with the other Princesses. Despite the activity, there was something... oppressive, Twilight noticed, hanging over them. She noticed it in Pinkie Pie's sudden lapses of silence, Rarity's frowns, and even in the way her brother and sister-in-law would randomly latch their hooves together. Everypony seemed to notice, yet nopony seemed inclined to say anything about it. That is, until Princess Celestia gently tapped a spoon against her glass. “I beg your pardon, my little ponies,” she announced. “But, I believe the time has come for Luna and I to address the elephant in the room.” Everyone looked their way as Luna cleared her throat. “We know we are missing a member of this party,” she added. “As such, we ask you to pass our words onto Miss Applejack at your earliest convenience.” In response to the bewildered look on Twilight's face, the Sun Princess leaned close to her. “Your friends told me of your first encounter with Trixie,” she whispered. “It is something we need to discuss while we have the opportunity.” The unicorn mouthed a silent, “Oh...” Celestia straighened her posture. “Now, it is my belief some of you here think yourselves responsible for Trixie's actions over the past few days.” She glanced around the table. “May I ask one of you to elaborate for my sister and I?” Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight shared nervous looks, before the pegasus groaned and raised her hoof. “Look, Your Highness,” she said. “We first met Trixie when she came to Ponyville with her side-show and stuff. She was...” She ground her teeth together. Rarity gracefully cleared her throat. “Trixie was quite... proud of her magical abilities.” “She was super annoying!” The unicorn glared. “Still,” she stressed, “she truly wasn't hurting anypony, and yet we acted inappropriately during her performance. Given what Trixie explicitly stated, our actions caused her a great deal of... strife.” Rainbow Dash crossed her forelegs and huffed. “Yeah...” Princess Celestia nodded. “It is important to remember yourselves, my little ponies, and to remember how others see you.” “Ponies admire heroes,” said Luna. “They look up to them. Unfortunately, more often than not, they cling too tightly or look too deeply into their words and actions. When those spread, they are commonly mistranslated or taken out of context. As the Elements of Harmony, may this serve as an important lesson.” “Agreed. Now...” The Sun Princess took a deep breath. “That being said, there is some blame on my part.” Twilight raised a brow. “Princess?” “I have many duties as a Princess of Equestria, and I'm afraid I failed in one of those duties.” Her chin lowered, ever so slightly. “The world is full of magic, and items imbued with it. I had hoped to protect my subjects by locating and removing the more dangerous relics from the public. If I had known the Alicorn Amulet was among them, I never would have stopped searching for it. I beg your forgiveness for my oversight, but it was my belief Starswirl either hid it away or took it with him to his grave.” For the first time, Fluttershy spoke. “Oh, there's no reason to apologize,” she said. “I'm sure you tried your best, Princess.” “Yeah!” exclaimed Rainbow. “How the hay did Trixie even get the stupid necklace, anyway?” “She stole it from a museum in Trottingham,” retorted Princess Luna. “What?” replied unified voices. “Before this chaos began, I was investigating a string of robberies along Equestria's eastern coast. After some correspondences, we now know for sure Trixie was behind them. She struck places specializing in antiquities and enchanted items, perhaps looking for an instrument to aid in her revenge. She obviously, and unfortunately, found one in Trottingham.” She sighed. “Do not blame yourselves for what she's done. As a grown mare, Trixie is accountable for her own actions. Therefore, we think it best to take our time in seeking out a solution to her imprisonment.” Nodding sadly, Princess Celestia took a sip of her tea. “For all the lives she endangered and enslaved, I stand on equal ground with my sister. Even if we do discover how to reverse the effects of the amulet, Trixie shall remain contained until we plan a more suitable punishment. We believe it better for her to answer for her crimes. As for when that time will come, however, we cannot be sure.” Spike rubbed the back of his neck. “So, it'll be a while before we hear anything about or from Trixie?” “Yes.” “Hay, that's good enough for me!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. Rarity rolled her shoulders. “I agree wholeheartedly. At this point, all I want now is to return to Ponyville and put this whole mess behind me.” “Count me in on that, Rares.” Fluttershy hummed in agreeance. Princess Celestia smiled. “I'll make sure the train is up and running for your departure this evening, then.” Twilight poked at a flapjack with her fork. It felt like she had spent an eternity away from home. She missed Ponyville, missed the library. Yet, the thought of home also made her feel like a rock had fallen into her stomach. Leaving the Crystal Empire meant leaving Sombra. What would he do with himself now? Would he attempt to make peace with the crystal ponies? How would he feed himself in the meantime? Would he continue to call the cave in the frozen wastes his home? Would it remain warm enough for him? She rubbed her hooves together as she grew more and more nervous. As much as she wanted to return home to Ponyville, she couldn't leave her friend behind. Granted, visitations weren't out of the realm of possibility, but she felt it wasn't enough. Her mind raced with solutions as the day moved forward. Her body was on auto-pilot, it felt, especially as sunset drew near. She and Spike both packed their bags in silence, she in her thoughts and he in a lingering weariness. As such, when the second set of gentle knocks came rapping on the balcony door, she nearly jumped out of her skin. Thankfully, the baby dragon didn't notice. “Spike,” she called, “can you do me a favor?” “Yeah, what's up?” “Will you check on the girls for me? I can handle the luggage from here, but they may need a hand, especially if Applejack's awake.” With a simple nod, Spike left the room, leaving Twilight free to meet with Sombra. “That was risky,” she said, closing the door behind her. He hung his head. “I know, but I wanted to see you.” His eyes moved briefly to the half-packed bags inside. In a soft voice, he asked, “Are you leaving?” She looked into the distance, where the sun neared the horizon. “Yeah, in an hour or so...” “Ah...” “You... You could come along.” “Pardon?” She bit down on her lip, her hoof dug at the floor. “Come to Ponyville with me, Sombra.” The stallion's eyes widened for a moment. Behind those eyes, she saw he was thinking it over. Then, in a whisper, he asked, “Are you certain?” She stepped closer to him. “Yes! It's warmer for you there,” she replied. “And—and, there are plenty of places for you to hide. The Everfree Forest is just on the outskirts of town. It's not the most pleasant place, but there's an abandoned castle you can use!” She surprised herself with her own words; she hadn't thought of the old castle before now. It certainly surprised Sombra. “'Abandoned' castle?” he whispered. Her brow furrowed. “Uh, yes. It used to belong to the Princesses, but they haven't lived there in a millenium. So, it's a little... run-down. It's better than a cave, though, I'm sure!” Shifting his weight between his hooves, the stallion's gaze again dropped to the floor. He was touched by Twilight's offer, but also uncertain. Was it an offer made out of kindness, or pity? He mentally kicked himself for the thought. Fool. If she didn't desire your company, she wouldn't have asked you. Say something! “I'll come with you,” he said, looking up at her. “If it means we... can more easily proceed with your lessons, then I'll come with you.” Twilight's excitement soared. She bounced. “Yes, yes, yes!” she exclaimed. Without thinking, she threw her forelegs around Sombra's neck. “Oh, you're going to love Ponyville, I know it!” She pulled away. “Do you have enough magic for one last disguise?” He chuckled. “As long as I'm not required to cast anything else, yes.” “Great! The train leaves at sunset!” “I'll be ready.” Just to be sure, she sent the stallion off with two of her bags—each with more than enough room for all his books, and whatever else he chose to bring. Her mind now at ease, she finished packing the remainder of their luggage with a light-hearted hum in her throat. As soon as Spike returned (and, thank Celestia, he was still too tired to notice they were short a few bags), they gathered up their belongings and met up with their friends in the hallway. Together, they journeyed to the train station. A warm farewell awaited them. Shining Armor, alongside Cadance, stood saluting with both the Crystal and Canterlot Royal Guards. The Princesses oversaw the careful loading of Trixie into one of the cars, while a large gathering of crystal ponies bid them all farewell. Many bore gifts. Small, hoof-crafted sculptures, food items, whole gift baskets. Most of them, to her embarrassment, were for Twilight. She didn't have the heart to reject them. Once she hugged her brother and sister-in-law, she followed the others onto the train. Other than a small number of curious passengers heading elsewhere, they pretty much had an entire car to themselves. She kept an eye out for Sombra, even as she and Spike settled comfortably across from Rainbow Dash and Applejack. He was concealed, she knew, but that didn't stop her. The conductor's voice called out a warning for a final boarding. She stared, past Spike, out the window, but saw nopony else board the train. Her heart began to race. Rationalization took over—calming her with a variety of likely scenarios as to why she hadn't yet seen her stallion friend. Ultimately, even if he missed the train, he possessed the means to catch up. He said he would be there, and she was going to hold him to it. She fought the urge to gnaw at a hoof. Then, in the aisle, somepony passed her seat. A stallion, who cleared his throat. “I'm sorry to bother you, miss, but is this Passenger Car Five?” he asked. “Oh, no,” she automatically replied. She lifted her head. “This is Four—” Her voice died in her throat. The unicorn stallion, gray-coated and dark-haired, smiled down at her. “Ah, my mistake,” he retorted. His green eyes shined with merriment. “I'm one car off. I'm sorry to have bothered you.” Her mouth moved silently a few times, before she was finally able to speak again. “It's no problem!” she squeaked. “Happy to help!” With a chuckle, he turned and headed on his way. The end of his cloak dragged along the floor as he walked. Across from her, Applejack snickered. “Easy there, Twilight,” she teased. “The fella asked you for directions, not for dinner.” The unicorn's hooves pressed over her cheeks to hide their blush. “I know! I just... didn't expect anyone else to come by, that's all.” “A'ight, whatever you say,” said Rainbow Dash. She shot a curious look over her shoulder at the mysterous pony, before shifting into a more comfortable position in her seat. “He doesn't look like anypony worth getting all worked up about, anyway.” Applejack lowered her hat over her eyes. “Yeah, you got a point there,” she yawned. “Now, don't wake me up until we get home.” “Right behind you, A.J.” As the two mares settled into naps, Twilight suppressed the urge to smile. Sombra had made it aboard. Just in time, too, for the whistle rang shrill through the air as the train pulled from the station. She and her assistant waved at everypony one last time. Once they disappeared from view, Spike leaned back and sighed. “Twilight,” he muttered. She tilted her head. “Yes?” “I can't wait to be home.” With a soft laugh, she reached over and pulled him into a hug. “Me neither, Spike.” She glanced at the door on the opposite side of the car. “Me neither.”