//------------------------------//
// The Aftermath 
// Story: Prince of Equestria 
// by Chlumpy 
//------------------------------//


Prince of Equestria
Chapter 7
The Aftermath

Twilight and her friends sat in their seats in the balcony. An audience full of Ponies, Night Ponies, Buffalo, and Diamond Dogs muttered in impatience. They squirmed around in their seats, eager to begin.

Ironmallet stood from his seat, addressing the gathered creatures. "We are now in session. I present, the representatives of each race." Two guards opened the doors, and one by one, they entered.

"The Captain of the Night Ponies, Nightwing. Pack Leaders of the Diamond Dogs, Rover, Spot, and Fido. Cheiftain of the Buffalo, Thunderhooves. Equestria's Princesses, Luna and Celestia."

Each creature sat at their seats. "Thank you Ironmallet," Celestia said. "But I believe you forgot to mention six young mares. They are leaders as much as we are."

"Of course your Majesty. I present the six Elements of Harmony. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight Sparkle. Let us give thanks to these mares, and to all that have fought."

The gathered creatures applauded, then sat when Cheif Thunderhooves bellowed loudly. "Now, on to buisness," he said. "Our terms for the end of this short, but bloody war. The Buffalo would ask of Equestria to remain our friends. The Diamond Dogs are not to go above ground in our lands."

"Agreed," Celestia replied. "What do you three say?"

"We want to be left alone," Rover said, waving his remaining paw dismissivly."...For the most part."

"Jewels!" Fido exclaimed.

"Ponies help dig!" Spot continued, excited. "When mines go empty, Ponies check to make sure jewels are really gone!"

"We do not follow," Luna said. "Can thou be more specific?"

"When the mines go empty," Rover explained. "Magic Ponies must help us make sure we didn't miss anything. I saw magic like that. It found gems."

"Agreed. What of the Night Ponies?"

"We are still Ponies," Nightwing blinked. "We live to serve Equestria, and you, Princess Luna."

"Let's sign then," Celestia replied, magically writing down the terms on a scroll, then signing. The other six signed as well, and Ironmallet took the treaty.

"Now with that over with," Celestia continued, her voice turning grim. "We have a much more...urgent matter to discuss."

The guards opened the doors once more, and the audience of creatures cried in outrage. Shadowblaze was dragged in, guards escorting him in front of each race's representative in the center of the room. When his guards made him kneel, they stood ready. If he made any threatening move, spears would pierce the stallion's body.

More guards, who stood vigil in front of the audience, readied their weapons. One particular Earth Pony pointed a pistol straight at Shadowblaze.

The stallion had been stripped of his armor and cape. Only a loincloth covered his otherwise naked body. Though helpless, his red eyes seemed to burn brighter in hate. "What is to be done with Shadowblaze?" Celestia continued.

"Kill him!" A Diamond Dog howled.

"No!" Bellowed a Buffalo."Death is too swift! Skin The Demon alive! Then let him be dragged off by the creatures of Everfree!"

"That is not enough!" A Night Pony shrieked. "Let him feel what we felt. Fear! Hellish nightmares! Make him suffer!"

"We should burn him!" A mare shouted. "Like he did to our families! We should do every single thing he did! He deserves to die, slowly and painfully!"

The audienced announced their approval, thier cries growing louder. "Quiet!" Ironmallet yelled, literally bringing the hammer down. They became dead silent, carefully sitting.

"It only seems fitting," he continued. "That the mares who defeated Shadowblaze should decide his fate. We will give you six five minutes to discuss among ye."

Twilight and her friends huddled together. "I say," Rainbow whispered. "We tie up his wings, and drop him from the sky."

"Don't you think," Fluttershy replied. "That's kinda...harsh?"

"Harsh? Fluttershy, this guy's cruel. What goes around, comes around. He deserves it!"

"But I don't want anypony's blood on my hooves, no matter how evil they are."

"But think about all he has done darling," Rarity said. "He took ponie's lives, tortured us, almost killed Celestia, and started a war."

"Not to mention burning down Ponyville!" Pinkie Pie said cheerfully.

The mares sighed, Pinkie's words reminding them of that bitter fact. "Unless Shadowblaze dies," Applejack drawled. "The world will never feel safe again. So, I'm with RD. He gets dropped off a cliff." She, along with the others raised their hooves in agreement.

Twilight, however did not. She stood there, thinking. Finally an idea formed in her mind. She quickly told her friends, hoping that they would agree. "Twilight!" Rarity gasped. "What you propose is suicide!"

"Not to mention treason." Rainbow Dash added.

"But It's the right thing to do," the Unicorn replied. "You know it is!"

"It might work," Applejack said. "But then again, it might not. I don't know what'll happen, but this is a good plan."

"Mmhmm!" Pinkie Pie nodded. "We should tell Princess Celestia."

"No Pinkie!" Twilight hissed. "We can't tell anypony. Pinkie Pie promise." The six did so.

"But Twilight," Fluttershy softly said. "Can you really pull something like this off?"

"Now that I think about it," the mare replied, rubbing her chin. "This is Zecora's specialty. We can trust her, but I don't know if she'll be happy."

"What about Princess Luna? Remember how sad she looked earlier?"

"Yup," Applejack said. "'Th mare looked mighty upset when they locked him in the dungeon."

"We'll tell her then," Twilight replied. "Nopony else."

"Have The Elements of Harmony come to a decision?" Ironmallet asked. The six disbanded, and Twilight addressed the gathered creatures.

"We have. Shadowblaze is to be beaten in the dungeon for a day. Then, we bring him out to the center of Canterlot. A warrior of each of Equestria's allies will strip him of his armor, severely damaging it."

"Finally, he will kneel before Princess Celestia. Her Highness will then kill him with his own blade. Does that sound suitable?" The audience murmered their agreement as the representatives discussed Twilight's decision.

"This execution," Cheif Thunderhooves announced. "Is sufficient."

"Perfect for stallions like him." Nightwing said.

"We are agreed then," Princess Celestia sighed. "Shadowblaze's beatings will begin tomorrow."

There was deep laughter, and Shadowblaze's guards pointed their spears a hair's-width away from his neck. "You speak as if I am not present," he grinned. "Pathetic."

"No Scary Pony." Fido said.

"That is not how we talk." Spot added.

"We speak as if you were alrwady dead." Rover growled.

With a scowl, Shadowblaze was dragged out of the room. The doors slammed shut with a boom. "This meeting is ajurned," Ironmallet said. "Dismissed."

'-'

Rainbow Dash trotted through the hospital halls. She and Twilight were the only two who remained in Canterlot, the other four in the refugee camp with their families. The mare had been requested in the hospital because a friend had asked for her.

What friend? She thought. My friends are fine. A nurse joined Rainbow, bowing slightly. "Oh thank you so much for coming General!"

"Rainbow Dash is fine."

The nurse looked puzzled for a second, then she smiled, nodding. "Alrighty then. Please, follow me." She then led Rainbow further down the hall, stopping at a door. "Go right in. She's been expecting you." The nurse left, and Dash slowly walked in.

The room was just like the one in Ponyville. Dull, and boring. Rainbow noticed the occupant, cringing. Gilda lied down in the cot, a leg hanging from a sling, eyes closed. She had a cast on both her wing, and her hand.

Swallowing, Rainbow said, "Hey Gilda. How's it flying?"

The Griffon's eyes flashed open, her pupils sharpening into a fierce glare. Then, her gaze softened, and Gilda smirked. She began to clap her beak open and shut. It took Dash a moment to realise that her friend was speaking in morse code.

"Hiya Dashie! How'd the battle go?"

"Uh...we won. What...happened to you?"

Gilda blinked. "Broken wrist, wing, leg and..." She opened her beak wide, and Dash grimanced. "A missing tongue," Gilda continued. "Good thing those lame instructors taught us morse huh?"

"Yeah. But, how did this happen?"

"I tried to settle that score. As soon as I got near Shadowblaze, I'm slammed on the ground, my bones breaking. Then, that mule cuts outmy tongue. I'm left for dead, until Trixie finds me. She got some guards to take me here. What's your story?"

Rainbow told her everything, minus the plan. "So, the execution is in two days. Then he'll be gone." The Griffon narrowed her eyes. Dash hoped Gilda couldn't see through her half-truth.

"Good riddance. I can't wait to see him die. What are you going to after that?"

"Put the bow away. Since Ponyville's gone, I'm going back to Cloudsdale."

"That aint your home though. Home is where your family is. Your friends are your family."

'-'

Twilight shifted through scrolls, looking for two spells. Hopefully, the Unicorns had invented what she needed at some point in time. She found something interesting, a blueprint for a mechanical paw. She teleported it to Ironmallet's smithery, hoping he'd know who to make it for.

That is a rare kindness, helping a Diamond Dog.

Twilight gasped, noticing the orb behind her. "Stop doing that!" She exclaimed.

My appolgies. I thought you would be used to that by now.

"Uh, no. Nopony gets used to a floating flashlight coming out of nowhere. Just who in the hoof are you anyway? I want answers!" She stamped her front hoof on the ground snorting.

The orb then flew off flying into a large book on a pedastal in front of the hour glass. A gust of wind flipped the pages quickly, blowing other partchments and Twilight's mane around wildly. A burst if light shown, and she shielded her eyes.

When it died down, Twilight saw words flying out of the book. They swirled around each other, piling together. They finally moved to form the shape of a Unicorn. It appeared to wear a large hat and a cape. When the words were done, yellow orbs ignited where the eyes were supposed to be.

For a moment, Twilight watched in fasination as it sat there. She screamed, as it suddenly jerked its head towards her. The apperation then walked towards her. "Guards!" Twilight yelled, pawing at the door. "Help!"

Do not be afraid child.

Twilight widened her eyes in bewilderment. The creature was the orb. She turned around cautiously. "W-who are you?"

When first I appear, I seem mysterious. But know me more, and I'mm nothing serious.

"Nothing serious? You're a bucking Pony made up of words for Celestia's sake!"

I wouldn't talk about my student in such a way, but does the Aniomorphic spell make you think of me in a way?
			
Twilight then realised who she was talking to. "Star Swirl The Bearded?"

Do you know any other?

The mare then smiled gleefully, hopping around him. "Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!!! You're Star Swirl The Bearded! I have so many questions! Did you see Equestria being founded? The Royal Family ruling for the first time? Are those bells for show, or are they magical? Ooh this is so exci-"

Star Swirl magically zipped closed Twilight's mouth.

I have a question for you young one, he said, his voice dark. Why are you executing this plan?

The zipper disappeared, and Twilight's mouth hung open. Her eyes were wide, and her ears dropped. "What?"

Do not test me child. Why is this going to happen? And do not lie to me, because I can tell if you are.

"He deserves a second chance!"

Why? So he can reclaim his memories and start this whole war over?

Twilight gasped. "How do you know that?"

I was hiding in Rarity's necklace. I heard everything. I will ask again, why is this going to happen?

"What would you do if your mom died in such a way? If you didn't go crazy, you don't have a soul!"

That is not the only reason why he went insane. Remember how he wants the throne? The colt lusted for power when he killed the Ursa Major. He felt mightier than God! If he could kill an Ursa, he was worthy to rule Equestria fully, without any rights to his sisters.

Shadowblaze was right about Celestia not doing anything, but there was nothing she could do. Even at that age, she struggled with magic. It took her another five years to reach Evermore. So, he blambed her for Galaxina's death, because deep down, he lives with the agony of  not being to save her.

When Star Swirl looked at Twilight again shevwad crying. He wrapped a hoof around her. Together, they sat down on a pillow in the Archives. The ancient stallion's voice softened.

Do you see now Twilight? Even if your plan works, there are some memories that don't leave. There's only so many spells you know, and only so many potions my ryming friend can brew.

"Then help us," Twilight sobbed, glaring at him through wet eyes. "You invented so many spells, you can make this one permanent."

You make a bold statement. But, if you remember from magic school, a horn eventually runs out of magic. I don't know how much I have left in me cast a spell other than this one.

"Fine! Don't help! Just leave a tortured soul to taste a blade! Don't even feel remorse when he doesn't get a funeral! Just..." she began to cry again, laying her head in the stallion's legible side.

Oh Twilight...Star Swirl stroked her mane. Your heart is in the right place. But your mind is not. Believe me, there's nothing more I want to see, than Prince Blackjack and Discord running through the study, being chased by Chef Gouda, stuffing bread into their mouths.

But, that colt is gone. He always will be. If your plan suceeds, even with the most powerful spell I know, something can bring back the monster.

"...You'll help?"

Yes. Not because of your plan, but I have had visions of terrible things that may or may not happen. If they do, not only Equestria, but the world will need his power. There are always beings much more sinister than Shadowblaze.

"Thank you. You wouldn't happen to know a certain spell would you?" Twilight whispered it in his ear, and he chuckled.

Area B, row twelve, bookcase seven, third shelf from the bottom, number three fourty three. The scroll will be there.

"What section of the Arcives?"

Where else? You're in it.

The stallion's eyes blinked out, and the words flew back into the book. Twilight followed his directions, and unrolled the partchment. Gasping, she read the scroll. The spell would be difficult, but after casting the protection spell, this was easy.

She stood back, and the magic flowed through her. She grunted and growled, her horn sparking. Finally the ground shook, and it was over.

'-'

Applejack hugged a weeping Applebloom tightly. "It's alright AB," she cooed. "I'm here."

"No it aint! Where were you when we had to leave huh?"

"Applebloom!" Big Mac yelled. "Appologise, now!"

"You know it's true! She left us, without sending a letter that she'd be gone!"

"Now you listen here," Applejack snarled, putting her sister down. "I was off fighting a war Applebloom. A war! If the girls and I hadn't, who do you think would be our leader huh?"

Applebloom looked down, and kicked a rock away with her front hoof. "Shadowblaze is a wuss."

"Language young'un!" Granny Smith scolded from her cot.

"Besides," Applejack continued. "We all know that Shadowblaze wouldn't hesitate to kill a newborn baby."

"Eeyup," Big mac said. "Just take a gander over at your friend Pipsqueak." He pointed a shaggy hoof over at the scarred colt in the tent across from them. His back was turned, and Applebloom saw the scars that would never go away.

"I guess y'all are right," she said. "But hey, you made some Diamond Dogs run for the hills!"

"That she did!" Granny cackled. "Tails in between their legs, the yellow bellied cowards!"

"What's this I hear about our allies?" A heavilly accented voice asked. The tent flap opened, and Ironmallet walked in on all fours. "Ye know that the dogs are friends right marm?"

"Ah! General, sir! What brings you here?"

"I'm just checking in. Applejack, I need to talk to ye for a second."

The mare looked at her family. "Uh, sure." The two walked out, and Ironmallet led her through the crowded walkways in the refugee camp.

"I've come with a proposition for ye and your family," Ironmallet said.

"I'm interested," Applejack replied, perking her ears up. "What's in the inventory?"

"Your brother, Big Mac was it?"

"Yeah, what about him?"

"Strong build. How'd you think he'd feel if I made him me apprentice blacksmith?"

Applejack stopped in her tracks. "Y-you're offering him a job?"

"If he'll take it. Applejack, since Ponyville's gone, you have to make a way of living. You can't just live down here in these tents, even if Swiss Cheesewheel is providing the food."

"But, apples are my family's bread and butter. We can't just abandon that income!"

Suddenly, she was knocked off her hooves. The ground shook violently, and a few tents toppled. Ponies began running and screaming in terror. "I knew it!" A stallion shouted. "The Changelings are back!"

"Get a hold of yourself!" Ironmallet replied, struggling to stay standing. "If the bugs came back, we'd hear them! It's just an earthquake."

The vibrations subsided, and everypony picked themselves up. "Sir!" A guard announced from a castle tower. "You may want to see this!"

Ironmallet grunted, pulling his hammer out of his apron. It changed once more, and he began to hover over the ground. Applejack widened her eyes in surprise. The stallion winked at her. "Magnitism lass." He then floated up to the tower.

He came back as fast as he had gone, a huge grin on his face. "Actually lass," he chuckled, helping Applejack up. "A job won't be nessissarry."

"What?"

Ironmallet's eyes changed colors, and he announced, "Attention all of ye! Pack your things, because you're going home!"

The pony folk murmured to each other. Finally, an angry mare shouted, "Yeah right! Go back to the kitchen you pig!"

"Now hold on!" Applejack replied. "Just do what the stallion says."

"Why should we?"

"Lady, do you really not see the giant hammer in his hoof?"

"Good point..."

"It's true!" A Pegasus exclaimed flying through the camp. "Ponyville's back! We're going home! Ponyville's back!"

'-'

"This is amazing!" Rarity exclaimed, forgetting her usual mannerisms and hopping on her bed. "Everything's right where I left it! Even all of the projects I was working on!"

The mare swooned and collasped on her bed, stretching on the sheets. "It's so good to be home! It's as if Ponyville never burned."

'-'

"Angel?" A joyful Fluttershy asked. "Is that really you?" The normally grumpy rabbit was smiling, reaching his arms out for a hug. "Oh Angel!" The Pegasus flew up to him, spinning him around. "I was so worried! Do you know how everything came back?"

Angel squeezed out of her hooves, frowning. He shook his head. The bunny was back to his old self, pointing at his open mouth. "Okay, we can discuss it after a meal." The two then entered the cottage, the other animals following.

'-'

"Whoooooooo Hooooo!" Pinkie whooped, cartwheeling. She then ran through Sugarcube Corner, inspecting everything in the bakery. "The baby Cakes' crib, the spatula, my room, the secret recipes, everything's here!"

She hopped right in front of her awestruck landlords. "Can you believe it!?!?"

"Pinkie," Carrot Cake said. "Did you do this?"

"Nope, nope, nope! I think it all happened when that earthquake came. Ol' Ironmallet said the very same thing. I guess great minds think alike!" She began to giggle as Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake tackled her.

'-'

"Twilight Sparkle?"

The mare groaned, opening her eyes. She blinked, her vision blurry.

"Twilight, does thou hear my voice?"

Twilight blinked again, and her eyes focused. A concerned Princess Luna helped her up. "W-what happened?" Twilight asked.

"We had found thou passed out here. We had tried to wake thee up, and successfuly did."

"Please Princess, you don't have to go traditional anymore."

Luna sighed. "You're right Twilight. Times have changed dramatically since I became Nightmare M-" The Princess dropped her head, frowning. With an angry shout, she bucked the wall, putting two hoof-sized holes in it.

"I am such a fool! I let my own brother control me! I let him manipulate me into becoming a tyrant!" The mare began to tremble.

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked.

"H-he made me into what I am...a monster. A monster with a holiday created in fear...Shadowblaze was there one thousand years ago. He whispered lies to me. I-I killed my own people, my friends! But I had no control over myself...I was a prisoner of myself! Do you know what it's like Twilight? To be controled?"

"No..." she uncertainly put a comforting hoof on the Princess. "But you're not a monster Luna. You are adored by children and adults, and they love your night. Some of the best things happen when the moon shines."

"I am not adored," the Alicorn scoffed. "Two years ago, I had heard them whisper my name in fear. Last year, if you recall, even your friends ran. Now, I am feared, and hated. My people await the day I return to haunt the night."

"But, the spell Star Swirl gave me worked. He made it himself! There's no way Shadowblaze can control you now!"

"So he was that ball of light. I thought he'd speak to you eventually. After all, you're one of the most magically adept Unicorns we know of. But that's also the trouble. You are not as powerful as him. So, the spell might not have worked entirely. I very may well still have his shadow inside me..."

Actually, that girl might be even more powerful than I.

The magician appeared as an orb once more. After all, she performed the spell that brought back Ponyville, only passing out for an hour. Most would be out for days, weeks even.

"That was you?" Luna raised an eyebrow.

"Yep."

Luna, if Twilight could not perform the spell that freed you, I would have done so myself. Have you told her yet child?

"Told me what?" Luna asked.

I will leave you two be. And Luna...he needs this.

Star Swirl disappeared, leaving the mares in an awkward silence. Twilight hesitantly told the Princess her plan. Luna's eyes widened, her horn begining to glow.

"You would commit such an act?" She asked, flaring her wings. "After all that demon has done?!? You will be put in the dungeon Twilight Sparkle!"

"No! Wait! Princess, please! Listen to me!"

"I have listened, and you will not perform such treachery! The demon will die!"

"If we kill him, we'll be killing Blackjack too!"

Luna froze, her horn dimming. She closed her eyes, tears forming. "I know," she whispered. "I know all too well...How could my brother betray us all?"

"Guilt. Star Swirl explained his actions to me. He said his guilt drove him insane."

"What guilt? All Shadowblaze knows is anger."

"Caused by guilt. Blackjack felt guilty for not being able to save your mom. Did you know he killed that Ursa?"

"What! An Ursa Major?"

"I know, scary huh? He wasn't Blackjack at that point. Aparrently, he felt invincible, believing he was the only one fit to rule. Who wouldn't?"

"This explains everything. But why save him, after all he's done?"

"Why did we save you?"

"...Because you all believed I deserved a second chance."