//------------------------------// // Chapter 39: "Your Methods Were Wrong" // Story: The Redemption of Tempest Shadow // by twilightsparkle3562 //------------------------------// When she assumed her duties that night, Princess Luna had no idea of why the captured warriors of the Storm Creatures would give in so easily. Knowing that she needed to find the truth, she entered the dream realm with the sole purpose of finding the spirit responsible. "Something must have convinced those Storm Creatures to talk so easily, but who could have done such a thing?" Luna wondered, as she made her way through the dream realm. "It just doesn't make any sense at all. No matter how we think of it, they just gave in so easily after previously being so opposed to talking." Luna scanned through multiple dream bubbles for any clues, but to no avail. Then, she suddenly stopped and turned around to see a dark colored alicorn pony in her likeness standing right behind her, wearing the same royal accessories as Luna. Upon seeing the figure, Luna let out a sharp gasp. "Mother!" She cried in a hushed voice. "You convinced them to…?" "I did, my daughter," Fausticorn interrupted. "I convinced them to confess their actions to you and Celestia. Your father and I know that you both want closure as much as anypony." "W-well y-yes, we want closure, Mother," Luna stammered. "B-but, we had no other choice in the options we pursued. They weren't cooperating with us, wanting to swear loyalty to a power-hungry dictator. Please understand that." "We do understand that, Luna,” Fausticorn replied. “But, if there is something that we all share together as a family, it’s that we don't want to kill unless it is absolutely necessary." "You're right," Luna sighed, briefly turning away from her mother. While they hadn’t officially hoofed down any execution sentences yet, Luna and Celestia had both considered the possibility that such sentences might be needed. "We do want to give out second chances, but sometimes we’re left with no other choice but to carry out the full penalty of the law." Luna felt her mother drape a wing around her and looked back towards her mother with innocent eyes. "You and your sister did what needed to be done," She told her daughter. "But, there is something else that I need you to focus your attention on concerning the pony who helped lead the takeover of Canterlot." The mother and daughter looked over towards a floating dream bubble with Tempest Shadow inside of it. Upon seeing this, Luna let out a deep sigh. "Well, we’re trying to help her with whatever damages she had," Luna explained. "In a sense, Mother, I can relate to Fizzlepop. She and I were both filled with rage and anger, and we let those two traits get the better of us. Princess Twilight wants her to be her captain of her Royal Guard, while some ponies would rather see her put to death." "I can't really blame them, Luna. But, we must trust our instincts and our judgment,” Fausticorn cautioned. “Perhaps, spending some time alone with Fizzlepop, will at least give her a sense of comfort." "If that's what you say, Mother, then I suppose you are right.” Luna agreed. Just then, Luna felt her mother walk away from her, and going farther and farther away from her. "And you must start now, Luna, both you and Celestia," Fausticorn commanded. "Your father and I will be watching." Luna saw her mother disappear and went about the rest of her night duties, still thinking deeply about what she and Celestia needed to do. The next morning, the two sisters met for breakfast and Luna told Celestia about what she had experienced. "If Mother says that what we’ve been doing is wrong, then I agree with her," Celestia sighed, as they ate their breakfast. "I feel as if she and Father somehow must have gotten through to the storm creatures as if to say that they won't tolerate any executions." "Of course, they aren't going to tolerate any executions," Grubber remarked, as he and Hannibal went about their duties. "Trust me, I've seen enough death to last me a lifetime." "But, the punishment has to fit the crime, Grubber," Luna replied. "And the Storm Creatures would have been put to death if they didn't confess to their crimes." "Perhaps what you've been doing is wrong. We are all living creatures, your highnesses,” Grubber explained. “And we sometimes don't deserve the actions we are forced to endure, whether we are guilty of crimes or not. If I was in their shoes, I would have rather spent the rest of my life in a prison than be put to death." This remark from their personal chef gave both sisters an idea. "Grubber does have a point,” Celestia conceded. “Perhaps, rather than execution, we should offer life in prison for the captured criminals who still refuse to talk and deny their actions, and would much rather be put through a trial." "I've already been in contact with the warden of Tartarus and he says that there are several high security cells already being prepared," Luna winked. “And it so happens that the spirit of the Storm King found its way there not too long ago, and I hear he’s suffering greatly.” Meanwhile, back in the Crystal Empire, Tempest Shadow was just about to start another day of her royal guard training under Shining Armor, when she was approached by Twilight. "Tempest!" Twilight called. "Cadence and I, we’ve found the rest of your friends! We all ordered them to come here and apologize to you." An uneasy feeling came over Tempest upon hearing this news. She knew that this was going to be an uneasy meeting between the ponies who had abandoned her as a filly. "I know this isn't an easy method, but we think it is for the best. It’ll give you closure." Twilight explained. "When will they come?" Tempest reluctantly asked. "As soon as possible, Tempest,” Twilight replied. “And we’ll let you know when they arrive. Now, I think Shining Armor is waiting for you, so I won't keep you any longer. Best of luck on your training." And with that, Tempest returned to making her way towards the stadium, keeping the impending meeting between her friends in the back of her mind.