Princess Celestia sat on her throne in silence, her younger sister, Princess Luna, and her adoptive niece, Princess Cadance, sitting on either side of her, awaiting the arrival of Twilight's entourage. Shining Armor, Cadance’s husband and co-ruler of the Crystal Empire, stood at the base of the throne, unmoving from his position. Celestia could tell that he was staring at the doors to the throne room, also anxiously awaiting the arrival of his younger sister and smiled at the sight. As Shining continued to watch the doors, the group heard a loud banging noise that made Shining flinch back for a second.
Celestia knew that it came from the door and took it as a sign that everyone was here. Sure enough, the doors opened and Flash Sentry entered the room, Princess Twilight and her friends right behind her.
Stepping off to the side, Flash held out a hoof and announced, “The Council of Friendship, from Ponyville, Spike the Dragon, hero of the Crystal Empire, and… uh…” Twilight quickly whispered the last name into Flash’s ear. “Sunset Shimmer!”
Celestia’s eyes widened when she heard the name. Looking down at the group as they entered, she saw her standing next to Twilight’s right side. In her mind, Celestia felt a mix of joy and remorse that she was able to conceal with a simple smile, the same smile she wore everyday to please her subjects.
“Thank you, Flash”, Celestia said. “You are dismissed to assist the rest of the royal guard in fortifying Canterlot.”
“Yes, your majesty.” Flash bowed and left the room, throwing a quick reassuring smile to Twilight as he left.
Twilight’s group then fanned out in front of the royalty as they walked up towards the throne. Twilight took the center point , while Sunset, Applejack, and Fluttershy stood to her right and Spike, Rainbow, Rarity, and Pinkie to her left. Celestia stepped off her throne and Cadance and Luna followed suit. Joining Shining Armor on the ground, they walked up to meet the girls and they met a few feet away from the throne. Both groups bowed before one another.
“Princess Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Spike”, Celestia said before turning an eye towards her former pupil, “and Sunset Shimmer. I wish to thank you all for coming on such short notice.”
Twilight wasted no time in asking what the others were thinking. “Princess Celestia, if I may, what’s going on? What’s with all the guards everywhere around Canterlot?”
“And the posters of the Changelings?” Applejack asked.
“And the fact that we saw some ponies being searched?” Rarity asked.
“And why did you ask for me to come back to Equestria in the first place?” Sunset spoke up.
“Did Chrysalis make a threat towards Canterlot or something?” Rainbow asked. “Because if so, then you called the right mares. We’ve beaten Miss Swiss Cheese Legs plenty of times before and we can do it again!”
“I’m afraid you’re right, Rainbow Dash”, Celestia said, a hint of fear in her voice that she didn’t bother trying to hide. “Queen Chrysalis has made a threat against Canterlot.” She paused before continuing, “And Appleoosa.”
Everyone’s eyes except for Rainbow’s widened once she said that. A surprised “What?!” was all that Applejack was able to choke out.
“And Cloudsdale”, Celestia continued.
The smug, determined look on Rainbow Dash’s face fell and her eyes widened. “What?!”
“And Manehattan.”
Rarity shrunk back when she heard that.
“And the Crystal Empire.”
Fluttershy, Sunset, Spike, and Pinkie exchanged nervous glances. “Is… is that true?” Spike asked. Shining Armor and Cadance only nodded. Celestia then turned her gaze towards Twilight, her former student.
“And Ponyville”, she finished.
Twilight felt like her heart had been ripped out and crushed right in front of her. “Princess, what… what are you saying?” Twilight asked, no longer able to handle what she was hearing.
Celestia closed her eyes and breathed deeply before opening them again and faced the group as a whole. “Queen Chrysalis has declared war on Equestria.”
The girls and Spike gasped. Rarity held a hoof to her forehead and toppled over backwards in a faint. Spike immediately went to check on her as Pinkie joined in.
“War?” Twilight asked. “Queen Chrysalis declared… war?”
“You have got to be kidding me!” Rainbow shouted. “Yeah, the Changelings are a threat for sure, but it’s not like they’re some huge army capable of attacking several cities at once!”
“That may be true”, Luna spoke up. “But Chrysalis was dead serious about this declaration. From what we can assume, she’s either found something to give her an edge against us or she’s so foolish and arrogant that she thinks she can take us all down. Either way, a declaration of war cannot be ignored or reasoned with.”
“Unless we’re talking about the Yaks”, Pinkie whispered over to Spike.
“Ever since we discovered this, Canterlot and the Crystal Empire have been on high alert and troops have been spread out as far as we can go across Equestria to defend each city”, Celestia said. “The Wonderbolts have been put in charge of defending Cloudsdale and we have formed an emergency secondary flying unit that my sister has dubbed "the Shadowbolts" to defend the east coast alongside Discord.”
“Gee, I wonder where she got that idea”, Rainbow thought sarcastically, her mind flashing back to when Nightmare Moon had returned from her one thousand year exile.
“And…” Sunset immediately brought attention to herself and asked the question that she knew everyone else was going to ask. “You want us to help? To go to war, too?”
The royal sisters and rulers of the Crystal Empire simply gave the group a look of sadness and they nodded.
"Yes. We do," Celestia said.
The girls looked at each other nervously and Spike suddenly clutched onto Twilight’s leg in fear. Everyone was speechless. After facing Chrysalis several times over, it really seemed like she was going for the gusto, this time. The question was, why now?
Fluttershy whimpered and slowly began backing away. “Are you sure there’s no other way?” she managed to say. “I mean, it’s not that I don’t want to help, but…”
"We're not soldiers!" Rarity piped up. "I mean, yes, we have faced other threats to Equestria before, but we're not trained like the Royal Guard!"
"We are well aware of this, Rarity," Luna said calmly. "We are not asking you to become soldiers. Rather, we ask you to aid them. To lead them."
Applejack cocked her head. "I'm not sure I'm following you, you're highness."
"You have saved Equestria time and time again," Luna explained. "In your exploits, you have becomes heroes in the eyes of Equestria and the Crystal Empire, symbols even. We need your help. If our citizens see you defending them in conjunction with the Royal Guard, it will raise their morale and give them hope."
Twilight took a moment to soak in those words. Then, she motioned for her friends to huddle up. Celestia, Luna, Cadance, and Shining Armor could hear a few whispers from the group before they dispersed and Twilight stepped forward.
"Alright," Twilight nodded. "We're in."
"I've never been to back down from a throw-down before," Rainbow said, raising her hooves high. "I don't intend to back down now."
"I promise I'll do whatever I can to help, your highness!" Applejack declared as a confident smile crossed her face.
"Yeah! Those Changelings won't know what hit 'em!" Pinkie cheered. Sunset, and Spike nodded in agreement.
"Normally, I'd say fighting is for plebeians," Rarity said. "But sometimes, I guess you'll have to get a little dirty."
Celestia looked them all over. All of them seemed to be ready for the coming storm and she had every confidence they'd succeed in defending Equestria once more. Fluttershy, however, still looked worried. Noticing this, she turned to Cadance and motioned for her to talk with her.
Princess Cadance walked over to Fluttershy and put a comforting hoof under her chin. “We’ve been giving this a lot of thought, Fluttershy”, she said in her soothing voice. “Now, we know that not all of you are what you would call ‘combat ready’. That is why for each of you, we have given specific assignments to you all that showcase each of your special talents.”
Fluttershy looked up into Cadance’s purple eyes. “What do you mean?”
Cadance stepped back as Celestia walked over. “Fluttershy, we have decided that you will stay in Ponyville for the duration of this conflict. You will help Zecora in defending both your town, the Everfree Forest, and the peaceful creatures who inhabit it. Because of your ability to heal and interact with animals, you will be the town’s chief medical officer and will not have to worry about being on the front lines. Do you think this is something you can handle?”
Fluttershy looked down. “Well, I don’t want to see any of my animal friends getting hurt”, Celestia could hear her say. Fluttershy then looked up after a moment with a sudden look of determination on her face. “Okay. I’ll do it. For the animals.”
Celestia nodded and smiled. Then, she and Cadance stepped back to address the rest of the group, starting with the Element of Honesty.
“Applejack, Appleoosa is the closet to the Badlands, where Chrysalis was last seen”, Celestia told her. “The guards I’m sending there need someone dependable and honest to lead them.”
“Say no more, your highness”, Applejack said. “I’ve got relatives there who need my help.” Then with a bow, she finished, “Like I said, count me in.”
Celestia then nodded towards Luna, who walked over to Rainbow Dash.
“Rainbow Dash”, Luna stated, “as I am aware, you are a member of the Wonderbolt’s reserves. Well, Captain Spitfire has personally asked for your help in the defense of Cloudsdale. Do you accept this offer?”
A glimpse of excitement ignited in Rainbow’s eyes. “Are you kidding?” Rainbow asked, her reckless energy returning. “Cloudsdale’s my home! When my home calls, I come running. Besides, I’d take any excuse to fly with the Wonderbolts again.”
Luna smiled. “I had a feeling you might say that.” She then turned her attention towards Rarity. "Rarity, we are well aware of your distaste for violence. That is why Princess Cadance has requested the presence of you, Pinkamena, and Spike in the Crystal Empire." She turned again towards Pinkie. "Pinkamena Diane Pie, we ask you to help to guard the Crystal Heart and keep it out of Changeling hooves should they invade the empire.”
“As you know, the Crystal Heart is fueled by the hope and love of the crystal ponies”, Cadance continued. “If Chrysalis were to get ahold of it, the love inside of it would give her more than enough strength to take over Equestria.”
“Indeed”, Luna said, turning towards Rarity and Spike. “In concerns for you two, Spike and Rarity, Celestia and I would like you two to be responsible for the well-being of Princess Cadance. As I am sure you are aware, she and Shining Armor are expecting a baby.”
This took Sunset by surprise. She knew about the royal wedding and that Twilight was Cadance’s sister-in-law, but she never told her that she was going to be an aunt. She turned to Twilight with a small smile, the kind a colt would give a friend when they found out they had fallen for some random mare and were playfully teasing them about it. Twilight just smiled back at Sunset, her smile showing a bit of the excitement she had felt when she first heard the news.
“Because of her condition, Cadance will be unable to defend her kingdom at the front lines; Shining Armor will see to that. But can I count on you to make sure my niece doesn’t come to harm?” Luna asked.
Rarity and Spike looked at each other for a moment. While Rarity took no pleasure in fighting, she had certainly proved herself capable of doing so when the Changelings invaded Canterlot during the royal wedding. And Spike had saved the Crystal Empire at least twice, once during Sombra’s return and the second during the Equestria Games. The idea of having not one, but two heroes defending the Princess of Love would certainly raise hope for the crystal ponies. Spike looked at Twilight, who paused before giving a small nod. Then, he and Rarity turned back to Luna.
“I’ll do it!” Spike declared.
“Rarity?” Luna turned to the Element of Generosity, who still looked a bit worried.
“Well, while I do abhor violence”, Rarity said hesitantly, “I’ll do it. I’ll treat her like she were another Spikey-wikey.” As she said this, she briefly smiled down at Spike, who blushed and rubbed the back of his head. That earned Rarity a few chuckles from the others, save for Rainbow, who just sighed in annoyance, and Applejack, who rolled her eyes.
“And don’t worry about a thing, Princess!” Pinkie said, bringing the conversation back on track. “As long as I’m around, the Crystal Heart’s going nowhere!”
“Thank you”, Shining Armor spoke up. “Cadance and I couldn’t ask for anyone better.” He then made a quick wink towards his younger sister, who giggled softly.
“Twilight?” Celestia’s voice quickly brought Twilight back to her attention. “As Ponyville is in your domain, I expect you to be at the head of its defense.”
“Of course”, Twilight said. “I’ll make sure Ponyville is safe and secure. But I don’t think just me, Fluttershy, and Zecora will be enough to pull it off.”
“Which is why a few guards from Canterlot and the Crystal Empire have been selected to aid in your defense," Celestia said, nodding in agreement. "They are at your service, Princess Twilight.”
“Thank you, Princess Celestia”, Twilight said. “We won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t”, Celestia replied. Then, she faced the entirety of Twilight’s circle of friends once again. “I know this won’t be easy for any of you”, she said, “nor will it be for myself or anyone else. But I know that if we stand united, there is nothing we can’t accomplish. If we’re lucky, we can end this war quickly before it can cause too much damage to our beloved land. Now, I’d suggest you all return to Ponyville. Twilight, your first duty is to inform the citizens of Ponyville and help them prepare. If any Changelings have gotten through already, then be ready. Those of you leaving will not have much time to say goodbye to any family, so I’d suggest you do so quickly. Rainbow Dash, Soarin and Fleetfoot will escort you to Cloudsdale after Twilight has broken the news. Applejack, once you have said goodbye to your family, the guards assigned to you will be waiting for you. There will be a private train waiting to take you to Appleoosa. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Spike, you will be escorted to the Crystal Empire after Applejack’s train departs. Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor will meet you there.”
Celestia paused. She couldn’t believe all of this was happening. Chrysalis was now going for the gusto in trying to take over her faire country and she was asking for the help of ponies who had families of their own at home. She hoped they would all come out of it alright.
“I am sorry, my little ponies”, Celestia finished solemnly. “I know this is a lot to take in right now, but… Chrysalis-”
Twilight walked up to her former mentor and nuzzled her. “Princess”, she said in a comforting tone, “we’ve saved Equestria time and time again not just from Chrysalis but from all kinds of foes. It was rough, sure, but we always made through to the end because we had the power of friendship on our side. As long as we keep that in mind, we’ll show Chrysalis just what happens when she picks a fight with our home. We’ve defended it before and we will defend it again!”
The others behind Twilight cheered in approval, all except for Sunset, who had yet to receive an assignment. She instead smiled softly and raised a hoof in the air. Celestia smiled at her former student and nuzzled her back. “Thank you, Twilight”, she said. “I knew we could count on you. Shining Armor?”
Shining Armor took out a small bag and opened it. Out of it came eight insignias, all of them identical to one another. Shining handed them to each of the girls and Spike and they examined what it was: six stars, all with different colors, surrounding a magenta starburst with a purple diamond in the center of it.
"When the guards and citizens of Equestria see this symbol, they will know who you are," Celestia announced. From this moment on, we unofficially recognize you eight individuals as Equestria's Guardians of Harmony."
The girls and Spike all bowed, each one slightly tingling with excitement at their new titles. “You are free to go," Celestia finished.
The girls and Spike began to leave, Sunset trailing behind them.
“Except for you, Sunset Shimmer.”
Everyone turned back around as Celestia stared into the eyes of her first student.
“Cadance and Shining Armor, you are free to return to the Crystal Empire”, Celestia said, her eyes never leaving Sunset. “Luna? If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to have a word with my former student in private.”
--------------------------------
A million thoughts swirled in Sunset’s head. Her first visit back home and already the country was going to war? And Celestia asked her to be a part of it? Granted, Sunset was prepared for it. After all, Twilight’s friends were essentially her friends and she would do anything for them. But Princess Celestia had invited her back home right as a war was about to break out. Sunset honestly didn’t know whether to feel relieved that she could finally atone for her past misgivings against her or angry at Celestia and think that this was some sort of punishment being inflicted on her.
Twilight, Spike, and the others were already boarding the train to return home to Canterlot so Twilight could break the awful news, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor were waiting for their train to take them back to the Crystal Empire, Princess Luna had most likely taken full charge over Canterlot in her sister’s absence, and here, Sunset walked with Princess Celestia down the hallways of Canterlot Castle, neither one of them saying anything to one another. Sunset wanted to say something, but decided it was best to wait. Celestia was obviously taking her somewhere so they could talk. Soon enough, Sunset could see a pair of doors with two guards standing outside. When they reached the doors, Celestia nodded to the guards and they opened them, Celestia motioning for Sunset to enter.
The two entered and Sunset immediately started having flashbacks. She saw a fireplace with the picture of a crown containing a red crystal in it hanging over the flaming logs. A few feet away, she saw a large bed colored purple and fuchsia on the edge with a yellow cylander-shaped pillow. A bush with several flowers sticking out of it could be seen just a few feet behind it up against the wall. Lastly, a tapestry with a large star with several smaller stars trailing behind it hung over a wall decorated with dark clouds.
Celestia walked Sunset over to the bed and sat her down on it. Finally, it was Sunset’s time. Needless to say, she still didn’t know how to feel, at least for a moment. One part of her was ready to apologize for all the wrong she had done, another wanted to shout at her for asking her to take part in something she may not even come back from. Celestia crouched down in front of her, Sunset so afraid she didn’t even bother to look up at her. She just closed her eyes and hung her head.
“Sunset”, Celestia spoke softly, “Twilight has told me about where you live now in the other world. The last thing I want to do is take you away from all of that without your consent. I wanted to extend an invitation because we need all the help we can find and that I wanted you to know that everything you've done... I forgive you."
Sunset still did not say anything. She didn’t even move from her current pose on the bed. Instead, she stayed silent, a few tears beginning to well up in her eyes.
"Whether you wish to stay or go, know that the choice is entirely up to you. If you wish to return to that world, you may. I will not hold anything against you if that is your choice.”
“No”, she thought to herself, finally making a decision. “I have to do this. I have to show you… to prove to you…”
Celestia shut her eyes and sighed. “I am truly sorry Sunset”, she said, “for inviting you into all of this.”
Suddenly, Celestia heard Sunset whimper softly and saw that her body was shaking just a little bit. Then, she saw her former student finally gather the courage to look up at the pony she had once called “mentor”. Her eyes were like that of a puppy who was missing its bone. Tears were starting to fall and she was trying to hide the fact that her lip was quivering.
“No…” Sunset managed to say. “I’m sorry. For everything.”
She then threw herself into a hug around Celestia’s torso, bawling as she finally letting the regret she had kept inside of her out. After a moment, Celestia wrapped her hooves and wings around Sunset in turn, a few tears of her own beginning to fall from her face. The two found momentary solace from the impending threat in their embrace.
At long last, the prodigal student had returned home.