//------------------------------// // Chapter 43: A New Dawn // Story: The Tale Of A Lost Wolf // by Solaris Night //------------------------------// Two weeks have passed since the battle of Canterlot took place and the ponies were busy with repairing their majestic city to it's previous glory. Sounds of construction filled the air as buildings were either built or demolished. Among all the ruckus Blueblood walked in stride towards his destination, sparing a moment to greet other ponies he met on his way. A smile adorned his face, but everyone who knew him better, could see that the smile was forced and fake, hiding a crushed expression beneath it. Turning a corner he now stood in front of a slightly damaged building, a sign with a couple of missing letters stood in front of it. Despite the now almost incomprehensible wording, Blueblood knew very well what it said before and what this place was. He walked up to the door and gave a hard knock. For a few seconds there was no reply and right as he was about to knock again the door opened. A foal, about ten of age, opened the door and looked up at him. Blueblood kneeled down so he was about eye level with him, shooting him a small smile. "Hey there little one." he greeted the child. The foal slightly hid behind the door and looked at the prince with a hint of fear. Blueblood however was undettered by his reaction and continued to speak to him. "Is Storm Shield here?" The foal quickly nodded. "Can you get him for me? I have some business to discuss with him." The foal quickly turned around and ran inside. After a couple of seconds he could be heard screaming. "Papa, papa! There is a rich pony here to see you." Blueblood waited for another five seconds before the large frame of the caretaker appeared before him. When his eyes fell onto the prince a large smile stretched across his face. "Blueblood!" he shouted with his booming voice. He quickly approached him and was about to give him a hug, but was stopped when Blueblood raised his hand. "What's the matter boy, we haven't seen each other in such a long time and you don't even want to give me a hug?" "Not today I'm afraid." he said, his smile gone instead replaced with a stoic expression. "I'm here on official matter. And I want to talk to you about it in... Private." he said as he looked behind the stallion, spotting numerous kids sticking their heads out to see what was going on. Like with Blueblood, Storm Shield's smile vanished and was replaced with grimace. "Yeah, let's go up to my office." He turned around and beckoned the prince to follow him. Blueblood quietly followed him down the hall and then up the stairs. They passed the first floor and Blueblood noticed that just like the exterior the interior was almost as badly damaged. "I see this place wasn't spared either." he commented as they ascended to the second floor. "Why don't you file a request to the palace for help in reparing the damage?" Storm looked over his shoulder to glance at Blueblood. "It's fine. This place has seen worse. And besides everypony is busy fixing their own homes and homes of other. We can manage here by ourselves." he replied, before looking back in front of him. Blueblood huffed. "You always were stubborn old man." he said, to which the older stallion laughed. They quickly reached the third floor and after passing several doors they arrived in front of a door which had a sign saying 'Bos Ofice'. The sign itself was made of cardboard and had the letters and numerous accessories glued on it. "Come in and take a seat." Storm said and walked to the chair behind his table. Blueblood glanced over the small office which could barely hold a small group of ponies. The walls were decorated with a green and darker shade of the same color, striped wallpaper. On the right side of the office stood a large bookcase inside which countless documents rested. On the other side of the room dozens of pictures hung on the wall, each showing a different kid with Storm by their side. The only source of light in the room, beside the lamp on the table, was the large window behind the seated Storm. "Now." the older stallion exhaled. "Why did you come?" Blueblood didn't say a word as he sat down in one of the three chairs and reached inside the small bag that hung from his belt. Out of it he pulled a long object, which couldn't physically fit inside the pouch, which was wrapped in cloth. He handed it over to Storm who grasped it and pulled it over to himself. Carefully he unwrapped the object and once it was half exposed his eyes widened and he gave Blueblood a surprised look. "Is this?" "Yes." the prince replied. "That's Rose's sword." Storm redirected his gaze back to the blade in his hands, looking over it's snow white handle and sheath. He then slowly pulled it out of it's protective casing and about halfway stopped. He stared at his reflection on the blade's smooth and clean surface, as a bright red glint shone from the sword's sharp edge. He resheathed the weapon before looking back at the prince. "Why did you bring it here?" he asked in a broken tone. "As one of her guardians you have the right to it, since she's... No longer with us." he said,the last part barely audible. "What about Fancypants and Fleur?" Blueblood shook his head. "They accepted her uniform, but said that it would be better if we gave the sword to you, so you could have something to remember her by." Storm paused for a second, as he glanced between the sword and the prince. "I am grateful." he said in a thankful tone. "But I cannot accept." He handed the sword back to the stallion, who gingerly took it. Blueblood looked at him in slight shock and confusion. "How so?" "I already have mementos to remember her by and with or without the sword, she will continue to live inside my heart and the hearts of others that she affected. Rose was a proud mare, who stood for everything that is right, which she showed through her words and action." A melancholic smile spread across his face as tears began to run down his cheeks. "That blade holds her will and dreams. And what good would it be in the hands of an old retired stallion like myself. No, it deserves somepony who is willing to continue her legacy by wielding her sword high into the sky." Blueblood speechlessly stared at Storm. After a couple of seconds he finally reacted, as he began to laugh. The older stallion looked at him in concern. When he stopped Blueblood looked at him with admiration. "It's funny." he began. "I first went to Trider to give him the sword and he said the exact same thing as you did." "Is that so?" Storm chuckled. Blueblood nodded, before looking at the weapon in his hands. "So what am I to do with it now, since nopony wants it?" The two pondered in silence, before Storm clapped his hands. "Why don't you take it?" The prince was baffled by his proposal. "W-why me?" Storm smiled, as he leaned forward. "Because you and Rose were like siblings. You knew her better than almost anypony. You both trained under the same master and you both held the same ideals. I can't imagine anypony more worthy to carry on her legacy." Blueblood was taken aback, but was still unsure about this. "Besides." Storm continued. "I'm sure she would've wanted it." That statement solidified the prince's resolve. He tightened his grasp onto the sword. "I swear on my honor and life, that I will not let you down." he said, determination seeping from him, like it was a thick smoke. "Good." Storm said with a nod. For a second they remained quiet and then the older stallion spoke again. "You mentioned Trider before. How... How is he holding up?" Blueblood's hands slumped as did his gaze. "Not well, unfortunately." he spoke somberly. "Rose's death struck him particulary hard. Princess Twilight told me that he has barely spoken to anypony and has isolated himself after the funeral." Storm nodded understandingly. "I see. He did strike me as the type who would do that." He rubbed the bridge of his nose and exhaled loudly. "Rose told me a bit about him and his past. I just hope he doesn't revert to his old ways." "Same here." the prince agreed. "But I can understand him. I too wish to avenge her death." His gaze lingered on the blade in his hands for a moment, before he looked Storm in the eyes. "I will avenge her." The large stallion released a light chuckle as he met Blueblood's stare. "It seems you and I think quite alike." His smile quickly disappeared, replaced by a serious scowl. "But we have to remember that despite everything that has happened, we must not cast the blame onto those who do not deserve it." Blueblood understood what he meant when he said that and he silently nodded. "How is she by the way?" "Weak and riddled with guilt, but she is recovering." the prince answered. A worried expression snuck onto his face. "She's going to Ponyville today to meet up with Trider." If Storm was drinking he would have spat it out when he heard Blueblood say that. "Is she serious?" he asked, completely flabergasted. "She is on her way as we speak." the prince responded. A deadly silence fell over the office as Storm continued to stare at the stallion. "Dear goddess." he breathed out. "I sure hope she knows what she's doing." "She said it was something she had to do. Besides I don't think even Trider is dumb enough to harm a princess who is beloved by all of her subjects." "You have a point there." Storm said. The two continued to chat for a few more minutes, before Blueblood said his goodbyes and left. *** Meanwhile a golden carriage was soaring through the sky, flying in a straight line towards the small town. Inside the vehicle the two sisters sat in silence as they both had worried and scared expressions on their faces. "You certain about dear sister?" Luna asked, her tone clearly showing signs of distress. Celestia lifted her head to look at her beloved sister. "Absolutely Luna." she said weakly, her voice just barely audible enough to hear. "It is the right thing to do and whatever happens I'll accept it." In the past couple of weeks Celestia was put under great care, to heal her wounds, and she was finally relieved three days ago. Immediately after her release, she made a public statement to her subjects, expressing her sorrow and grief. The ponies forgave her, but no matter how much she was told that it wasn't her fault, she couldn't feel at ease. She also made the effort to personally apologize to those she hurt the most. Luna, Twilight and her friends, as well as Fleur and Fancy immediately accepted her apology and reassured her. Frost was a bit hesitant at first, but she too soon came to terms with what happened and forgave her. The only one that was left was Trider and it was a meeting that she dreaded the most. She invited him to the castle along with the others, but her refused. She remembered Twilight telling her that he was still in pain and that he said that if she had something to tell him, she should come to him. "Are you worried?" Luna asked, snapping her sister out of her stupor. Celestia looked at her and gave a small smile. "I am." Luna reached over and grasped her hand. "You will be fine." she reassured her. "I know from experience that what happened wasn't your fault and that in time everypony will forget about what happened." "Can you say the same for Trider?" she asked with doubt. "You know what he is like." This time it was Luna who smiled. "I do, but you do not." Celestia gave her a perplexed look and the night princess immediately replied. "Trider has changed since he arrived here. True he is still somewhat violent, but that pales in how he used to be. I am certain that he, like the rest, will forgive you." Like a rock, her worries rolled away from her heart, and the day princess sighed in relief. "Thank you dear sister. That's just what I needed to hear." "I will always be here for you, just how you used to be there for me." The two embraced in a hug, which only stopped when their carriage landed. "It seems we are here." "Indeed." Celestia answered. A royal guard opened the door and Luna stood behind her sister, grabbing the handles of her wheelchair and began to push her out. Once they were outside the sunlight revealed Celestias disheveled apperance. Her mane was now short and in single pink hue, while also losing its flowing nature. She also shrunk in size and her coat became more ashen in appearance. The two slowly approached the Sweet Apple Acres farmhouse where Twilight and her friends were already waiting for them. "Princess Celestia!" Twilight cried out in joy, as she ran towards her ex-mentor. The sun princess extended her arms and the two mares hugged each other. "It is so great to see you." "Likewise." Celestia answered. She looked towards the rest and smiled even wider. "It's great to see all of you as well." The girls and Spike returned her smile, but it was soon replaced with worried expressions. Applejack stepepd forward and spoke. "Are ya sure 'bout this Princess? Ah mean it's very noble of y'all to do this, but Trider hasn't been in exactly great mood ever since the attack." "Yeah, he keeps coming over to the farm to 'train'." Spike piped in, emphasizing the last part with quotation marks. "He never leaves, not unless he has to rest or sleep. Heck we have to bring food over to him to make sure he eats." "And every time I fly by the only things I hear are screams and explosions." Rainbow added. "What we're trying to say Princess Celestia, is that maybe you should give him a few more days to cool off." Twilight summarized. Celestia closed her eyes and sighed. "No." she stated firmly. "I have kept him waiting enough, if I delay this any further, I fear that it will only worsen the situation." She glanced back at her sister, her eyes brimming with determination. "Let us go sister." "Very well." she said and nodded. The two began to slowly move towards where Trider was, while the others watched them leave. "At least let us come as well." Twilight shouted, before flying after them, the other following suit. It took them a few minutes, before they reached the part of the farm where Trider usually trained. However now it appeared more like a war zone rather than part of the orchard. "What happened here?" Luna asked amazed. "I told ya he wasn't feelin' well." Applejack said. They walked for a few more feet, before they found their alien friend. He stood in the middle of a large crater, his snow white hair indicating that he was in his Super form. The energy around him burned like a flame and it grew and shrunk in different intervals. The others watched him in awe and they didn't dare approach him. With another burst the Ki erputed and Trider screamed at the top of his lungs. After several seconds he stopped, the energy and his screams seizing. The turned back to normal, as he fell to one knee and began to breathe rapidly, trying to catch his breath. The group decided this was the right time to get closer and they slowly descended into the crater. Once they were within a few feet they stopped and Twilight stepped forward. "Trider?" she addresed him. "Yeah?" he asked without turning around, his voice stoic. "Celestia is here to see you." she said gingerly, fiddling with her fingers. "Can you listen to what she has to say?" Trider replied by waving his hand, signaling for the princess to step forward. Twilight backed away, to give room to the princess and waited with her friends to see what would happen. "Hello Trider." Celestia greeted, mustering up her strength to be as loud as possible. "First let me thank you for hearing me out, as well as protecting my city and my subjects." Trider said nothing, as he slowly stood up, still facing away from her. Celestia took a deep breath, before she continued. "I know that no matter what I say, it won't bring back Rose or those that perished in the attack. And that no matter what do or say you'll probably hate me for the rest of your life." Tears began to flow down her face, as her voice cracked. "But even so, I came here for one reason only. And that..." She placed her hands on her wheelchairs armrests and shakily stood up. The others tried to stop her, but she stopped them from doing so. She continued to use her arms to support herself, as she lowered her head as far as she could. "Is to say I am sorry." she said her voice broken. "I'll accept any punishment, anything that you can think of, if it helps calm your distraught heart." Everyone watched the princess in shock and awe, as they were surprised by her heartfelt apology. Trider still said nothing and showed no reaction whatsoever. Then he began to slowly turn around, his eyes hidden beneath his hair. He lifted one of his hands and placed it onto her shoulder. Everyone watched in terror, as they waited for what would happen next. Celestia closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable. "First of all..." he said before he pushed the princess back into her wheelchair. "Sit down you hag, otherwise you'll collapse before I've had a chance to say anything to you." The terrified expressions turned to those of genuine surprise, as they didn't expect him to do that. Celestia was the most shocked out of all of them. "Wha-?" "Shut up and let me talk." he said, placing a finger on her lips. "Daybreaker took Rose away from me and for that I'll never forgive her." Celestias expression sank and she felt her guilt rising. Trider looked at her with pitied eyes, before he sighed. "What are you feeling down for? I said I'd never forgive Daybreaker, but fortunately for all of us, she is no more." His statement caught the sun princess, as well as the rest off guard and their eyes told they demanded an explanation. "Celly, what happened to you wasn't your fault. You were caught in something that you couldn't control and I can see you regret what happened." He took a moment to let what he said sink in, before he continued. "Besides it would be very hypocritical of me, if I didn't forgive you." "What do you mean?" she asked curiously. Trider smiled at her and pointed his thumb at himself. "Don't you remember what I did in the Crystal Empire? After what I did you still forgave me, even though you had no reason to." Celestia was left speechless. For a long time she believed that she knew Trider, who he was and what he was like. She was certain that no matter what happened he would never forgive her. She was glad she was wrong. "However." Trider said out loud. "I also remember that you also gave a few conditions afterwards, one of them being becoming a Royal Guard." A shiteating grin stretched across his face as he looked at Celestia with a sinister grin. The princess almost dreaded to ask, but she did anyway. "What are your terms?" she sighed. "One." he said lifting a finger. "Stop feeling sorry for yourself. We all already forgave you, so the only one left who hasn't is yourself. And frankly, you look pathetic like that." "That." she started as she was once again at a loss for words. "Is very kind of you. I shall take what you said to heart." "You better." he affirmed with a nod. "Otherwise if I start boasting to others that I defeated you, they would feel sorry for you rather than admire me." The princess began to laugh unconrtolably, as she should have expected him to say something along those lines. "I needed that, really." "Good. Now for the second condition." he said lifting up two fingers. "Don't ever let yourself become Daybreaker again. That goes without saying. Unless you want your ass to be kicked by me once more." "Don't worry. I will never allow that evil to rise again." she said with determination. Trider nodded silently. "Very well. And that leaves us with the final condition." He lifted his clenched fist and shot Celestia a grin. "Once you're fully healed and at full power, you'll fight me." "SAY WHAT?!" everyone shouted in unison, Twilight looking like she would burst into flames. Celestia and Luna however laughed at his proposal. "I see." the sun princess said. "It seems that you have gotten cocky, just because you beat me once." "And I'll beat you again." he stated with pride. "As soon as I figure out how I became like that during our fight." "Is that what you were doing out here? Trying to discover how to tap into that power?" "Yeah." he nodded. "Not much progress I fear." "Take your time. I too need it." she said and shot him a smile. "So you accept my conditons then?" "Yes." she nodded. "Great." he said and extended his fist. "Then all is forgiven." Celestia to extended her arm and bumped her fist with his own. "I believe we are done here sister."Celestia said to her sister, who stepped closer and began to push her back to the farm. "We'd love to stay, but we have other matters to attend to, back in Canterlot. Farewell." With their goodbyes said, the two sisters began to walk back to the farm. "You were right Luna, he did change." "Told you so." "Indeed you have." she said with a smile. "I believe that the future holds many more hardships and with his help we will get through them all." "Is that admiration in your tone that I hear sister?" Luna asked teasingly. Celestia scoffed at her. "Maybe. He did deserve to be praised at least." Luna was happy that her sister was back in her old spirits once again, but deep inside she felt that something much worse waited for them in the future.