//------------------------------// // Gathering of Stars // Story: Children of the Star // by Grey Ghost //------------------------------// Twilight stormed down the hall, her chest heaving. Celestia had lied, by omission sure, but it was still a lie. “How could she? How could she do that to Spike? Even after what happened during the migration?” She snorted, her frown deepening. She hated feeling angry at her mentor, but she had crossed a line. Her little brother had torn himself up about his identity all his life. There was no way Celestia could’ve missed it. Now, Twilight knew what she had to do. She was going back to Ponyville and she was telling him everything she had just learned. “Twilight?” Sunset called, her voice carrying along the walls. “Please don’t just walk away. We need to talk about all of this.” “I need to get to Ponyville,” Twilight replied, looking over her shoulder and slowing down so Sunset could catch up to her. “He needs to finally hear the truth of who he is, at least it’ll come from family and not a trial.” “Do you mind if we come along?” Sunset asked, walking beside Twilight. “He’s our family now too.” Putting her arm around Twilight, she ushered her into a hug. “I have to be a big sister now, and I’d hate to set a bad example.” “You mean like by stealing?” Twilight teased, cracking a small smile as she adjusted her tiara with one of her wings. “You’re lucky I’m a leader and not a follower, otherwise I’d be wearing leather and spikes.” Sunset giggled, bumping her hip against Twilight’s. “You’re just jealous that I can rock that look better than you could. Kinda wish my jacket made the trip.” “Probably for the best it didn’t,” Twilight replied with a giggle. “You’re in a world where cows can talk now, and I don’t think they’d wanna hear what your jacket is made from.” Sticking her tongue out, Sunset tried not to gag. “Why did you remind me? Do you have any idea how messed up that whole thing is?” “About as messed up as the half  dozen bacon cheeseburgers I’ve eaten in my two long trips there,” Twilight said, a guilty smile on her face. “Why do those have to be so good?” “Stop!” Sunset commanded, socking Twilight in the shoulder. “I’m gonna hurl!” The pair broke into laughter, leaning on each other as they tried not to fall over. This earned them a few odd looks from some passing guards, but the newly revealed sisters paid them no mind. “Thanks, Sunset,” Twilight started, draping a wing over the mare. “I needed a laugh like that.” She was quiet for a few moments, gathering her thoughts. “I guess...we all have to have a long conversation with our families.” “I don’t have a family aside from you girls,” Sunset said plainly, her eyes drifting to a random point in the hallway. “But you girls should explain things to your folks. I’ll probably help Tempest with stocking the airship.” “You sure you don’t want to join us during our talks?” Twilight questioned, giving the other mare a concerned look. “I’m sure my parents would like to meet you.” “Talking to Trixie’s mother would mean going to Las Pegasus,” Trixie chimed in, appearing between the two mares. After a beat, she frowned, “Though in order for conversation that would mean prying her away from the slot machines.” “Slot machines?” Twilight inquired, retracting her wing. “Does she work in a casino?” “No, but she might as well live in one with as much money as she gives them,” Trixie grumbled, fiddling with her cape. “They always save her favorite machine for her.” Tossing her head back, she let out an indignant snort. “Trixie does not like this topic. Sparkle, talk about something else.” I can do that,” Twilight assured, looking forward. “Who’s up for a quick trip to Ponyville?” “Trixie wouldn’t mind the stop over,” Trixie replied, putting a hoof to her chest. “She needs to get a few things from her wagon before we embark on our grand journey!” “What’s this I hear about our journey?” Tempest questioned, stepping down the hall. “I thought I made it clear I didn’t want your help?” Glancing between the group she scoffed. “Do any of you even know how to sail?” “I watched Celaeno and her crew sail while I was on their ship,” Twilight admitted sheepishly. “Watching and doing are very seperate things,” Tempest scowled, her gaze landing on Twilight. “Celano’s ship was an old sky-sailer; just a sea ship in the clouds. Storm army vessels like the Shard run on magi-tech, which I don’t think any of you fillies know how to work.” “Can’t you teach us?” Starlight questioned, tilting her head. “I mean, we’re searching the entire world; I think we have plenty of time. Come on, it can’t be that hard to learn.” “And how would you know how hard it is?” Tempest pressed, approaching Starlight. “Have you done anything even remotely like this before?” Why these fillies were so dead set on coming with her boggled her mind. This wasn’t going to be a pleasure cruise; nor was there any guarantee that they would ever be able to return. “If it means making ourselves useful, I think we’d all be willing to put in the hard work,” Sunset chimed in. “I know I’d be interested in learning about magitech.” Looking over to Twilight she smirked and added, “I’m sure Twilight feels the same way.” Twilight fluffed her wings and turned her nose up. “I know you’re trying to tease me, but it won’t work. But you’re right, magitech sounds utterly fascinating!” “How about we just worry about Spike, and save this argument for later?” Moondancer suggested, finally catching up with the group. “We’re getting nowhere as it is.” Nodding, Twilight turned back down the hall. “Good point, Moondancer. Come on girls, we’ve got a little brother to drop a bombshell on.” Glancing back at Tempest, she threw up a smile. “You should come too, Ponyville’s a pretty nice place to visit.” Tempest was about to deny the request, but promptly clamped her mouth shut. If the girls’ persistence was anything to go by, they’d simply find a way to sneak aboard her ship if she continued refusing their help. Thinking for a moment, a solution made itself clear. She’d simply go along with their ideas and let them come aboard. But once they were, she’d work them like a slave driver. Once they finally admitted they couldn’t handle it, she could drop them off at the nearest Equestrian settlement. Nodding to herself, she let the others lead her along, content that her plan would work. The Shard cut an intimidating image, even while tethered to the Canterlot dock. Celestia stared on in fascination as the Storm King’s former forces loaded the vessel under the careful eye of the Royal Guard. Watching from a higher platform, the princess kept herself out of sight. Events and possibilities played out through her mind, blotting out any other thoughts. Popping the cork on a bottle of liquor, Celestia took a long swig.   “Isn’t it a little early in the day to be drinking?” Air Razor’s voice chimed in from behind her as he stepped up to her side. “I’d rather not have to babysit a drunk ruler.” Coughing a little as the burning liquid poured down her throat, Celestia shot him a glare. “I’m not in the mood for your snark, Air Razor.” Air Razor’s eyebrow quirked at the princess’s tone. It had been some time since she had taken her irritation out on him. “I am sorry for my snark, I simply thought the bit of normalcy would help given what has just happened.” Turning away from him, Celestia focused on the Shard. “And what's normal around here? Secrets and half truths?” Taking another sip, she set the bottle down. “But you know all about that.” Following her line of sight, Air Razor watched as one of the troops easily carried a large wooden crate aboard the airship. “Deception is a skill I’m all too familiar with.” Turning his head back, he studied her for a moment. “Self-pity gets you nowhere.” “I’ve been told that,” Celestia replied sharply, her gaze remaining pointed forward. “But I will indulge until I find a way to atone for my mistakes.” “And how will you do that when you’re plastered?” Air Razor shot a hoof out, sending the bottle over the edge of the platform. “Get a grip on yourself, Princess.” “That was expensive,” Celestia said plainly, seeing a confused guard below dripping with booze. “You’re buying me a new bottle.” “No, I’m not.” Air Razor poked her chest, his eyes flashing green. “You think I’m going to let you drink yourself into a stupor, wallowing in your woes? If you want that, I can make you a nice cocoon and you can just float around with no worries or responsibilities.” “I wasn’t going to drink the replacement bottle,” Celestia retorted, tearing her eyes away from the confused guard. “I sometimes think you try to be my nanny and not my Shield.” “If I didn’t, who would?” Air’s expression softened, locking eyes with her. “Everyone looks up at the Sun with such admiration, but they never seem to remember that she’s just a pony too. I even think she forgets that sometimes.” Sighing, Celestia let her head hang. Several memories of her lessons with Twilight flashed through her mind. “I did not help things much. I should’ve reminded her of that fact more during her lessons.” She continued to reflect on her time with her student, hoping to find moments she could have done things differently. Her concentration was ruined when Air Razor smacked her with a wing. “Stop. It. Self Recrimination will get us nowhere. Accept it and move on.” “Did my face give it away, or were you reading my emotions to gauge my thoughts?” Celestia questioned, flashing her guard a stern look. “I don’t need to read your emotions to know what you’re thinking,” he responded, his expression just as stern. “Though, I see even after all this time, you still think I would violate your privacy.” “Or perhaps I just don’t like to admit how easy I am for you to read,” Celestia replied, managing a small smile. “Though I suppose I’ve learned to see past your stony mask as well.” “I’m glad.” Returning her smile, he adjusted his wings. “Now then; instead of drinking your problems away, what are you going to do about all this?” Sucking in a deep breath through her nostrils, Celestia stared out at the dock. “I need to assist Fizzle any way I can and show Twilight that I can be worthy of her trust again.” Her eyes focused on a crate, committing every detail to memory. “I hurt Sunset, Air Razor, Spike too. A mere apology isn’t going to cut it.” “Then you will offer more than an apology,”Air Razor stated, looking up at her. “Your actions going forward will be what decides if they forgive you. Honesty with them is a good place to start.” “I should follow, Applejack’s example, I don’t think she could tell a lie if she tried.” Celestia fluffed her wings, turning away from the dock. “You still owe me, Air. I think a nice night on the town will suffice.” “Very well, I suppose I can manage that,” Air Razor replied, turning turning on his hooves. “I hear the barbeque restaurant has really taken off after Pinkie Pie discredited that distasteful food reviewer.” Opening the doors for her, he snapped a salute. “I’ve taken the liberty of gathering Star Dust’s notes for you. I think it would be a wise choice to give them to the girls in person.” “An excellent idea,” Celestia agreed, bowing her head to her guard as they stepped through the halls. “What would I do without you, Razor?” Closing his wing, Air Razor walked beside her. “You wouldn’t make it past the day. Without me and Raven, you’d be a neurotic mess.” Letting out a long laugh, Celestia’s smile grew. “I think that’s fair to say. My days are so busy it’s a miracle that she finds ways to give me free time.” Poking him with her hoof, she winked. “I look forward to that time set aside for us.” Air Razor’s feathers ruffled slightly, a hint of color creeping onto his cheeks. “It is always pleasant to have time just between us.” The color only deepened when she flicked her tail at his. Closing his eyes, he made a mental note to setup the reservations at the end of the day. The Shard had been completely supplied in the time it took for Twilight and the girls to talk to their respective families. It had been rather difficult to explain the situation, each mare running the emotional gamut. Spike had taken things rather oddly, one moment he’d be excited by the fact that there was information about his father and the next he was quiet over the fact that Celestia had withheld it from him for so long. “Grubber!” Tempest stepped onto the dock, donning her armor once more. “If I find you stuffing your face again, I’m tossing you overboard!” There was a loud gulping sound and the hedgehog in question stepped out from behind a large coil of rope. He put on a nervous smile, displaying a bit of lettuce stuck in his teeth. “Whaaat? I wasn’t eating, Tempest. I was just-” his eyes darted around before he grabbed a length of the rope. “Inspecting this rope! Don’t want to have bad rope while we’re on our journey.” Fixing a cold stare on him, she strode past and onto the gang plank. “I expect everything is as it should be? I’d hate to have to replace my ever so helpful assistant.” Chuckling nervously, Grubber rubbed the back of his head. “Of course it’s all done. Whaddya take me for, incompetent?” The narrowing of her eyes dropped his act for him. “Y-yeah! Everything’s all set, Tempest!” “Good,” Tempest plainly stated, relaxing slightly. “Then get on the ship and assume your post. I’d rather not waste time considering we’re on a wild goose chase. When Princess Twilight and her entourage arrive, let them on board.” “Princess Twilight?” Grubber repeated, tilting his head. “Why are you being so formal when she’s your sister?” Another glare from Tempest changed his tone. “Right! I’ll let them on as soon as they get here!” Nodding, Tempest turned on her hooves to head back into the ship. “Very good. Now, I’m going to make one last check of the ship to make sure we’re ready for lift off.” Moving onto the ship, her thoughts drifted away from her sisters. Unlike them, she hadn’t been in Equestria for decades. Why? Why hadn’t he come for her? Was it her horn; the bane of her existence? A familiar wave of self-loathing settled over her, the same that had driven her to bring Equestria to its knees. Tempest’s expression hardened, her focus turning to the target of her journey. It was clear she’d need to have a long talk with the stallion in question. Whether or not things would remain civil would be determined entirely by his responses. Forcing herself onto the task at hand, she moved about the ship, barking orders at the yeti. It pleased her to know that even without the Storm King, they still knew who was in charge. Or perhaps it was because of the Storm King’s absence that made them follow her? Not that it mattered in the long run to her; all she needed was their continued loyalty until their journey was completed. If they could pull it off anyway. “Fizzlepop!” Twilight’s voice carried to her ears, catching her attention. ‘And so it begins,’ Tempest thought to herself, noting that the yetis didn’t bat an eye at the name. Either they didn’t care, or they were smart enough not to joke in her presence. Turning to face the princess, Tempest put on a neutral expression. “Princess Twilight, I see you’ve made your choice. I assume you’re ready for the trip?” “Of course!” Twilight smiled, standing in front of their collected siblings. “I told you we were coming with you. Family sticks together after all.” Trotting over to the older mare, she pulled her into a hug. “It’s a great opportunity for family bonding!” Left without much choice, Tempest returned the hug. “This won’t be some family road trip,” she warned. “We’re going to be searching in dangerous parts of the world. We’ll have to be at our best.” “You make it sound like we haven’t been in danger before,” Sunset shot back, bearing a cocky grin. “Well, maybe not Moondancer, but I think we have just about anything covered.” “Have you ever been in a situation where the power of friendship wasn’t the go-to solution?” Tempest questioned, quirking a brow. “Try to keep in mind that not all dangerous things are explicitly evil.” “You worry too much, dear sister.” Trixie threw her head back, pulling Starlight to her side. “You have the Great and Powerful Trixie and her assistant; the Brilliant and Mystifying Starlight Glimmer!” “Wow Trixie, did you break out a thesaurus to come up with my title?” Starlight teased, a cheeky grin pointed at her sister. “I like it though.” Trixie adjusted her hat, a bit of pink tinging her cheeks. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, I already knew those words before that. But, I’m glad you like the title. Now I can have posters made.” “You were right, Fizzlepop, this isn’t like any airship I’ve ever seen.” Moondancer wiped her glasses off, slipping them back into place. “It looks like the definition of ‘warship.’” “It should, that’s exactly what it is,” Tempest replied, turning to the pale mare. “The Shard was made to be the flagship of the Storm King’s fleet. It’s loaded to the last inch with means to give it an edge in battle.” She couldn’t help but let a little pride edge into her voice. The Shard had been under her command for so long that she had formed a sort of personal connection with it. “It should scare off anything in the skies.” “That sounds promising,” Twilight said, smiling at her older sister. “When can we start learning how to help run things?” “We’ll start on the way. Grubber! Take them below and show them to their rooms. We’ll be leaving within the hour; no delays,” Tempest barked, turning to the hedgehog. Grubber saluted, motioning with his claw as he started down the hall. “Alright ladies, no time to dilly dally. The boss lady wants to get started as soon as possible. And we don’t want to see the boss lady mad!” The girls followed after Grubber, each of them taking in the ship. The aesthetic was rather oppressive, the walls seeming to close in on them despite being wide enough for two yetis to comfortably pass along them. “You girls are lucky, you get the vip suites!” Grubber commented, striding purposefully down the hall. “Only better room is the captain’s place. Her pad is hooked up!” Stopping at the start of a hall, Grubber struck a pose. “And here we are!” “Hooked up?” Starlight questioned, tilting her head. “What is it hooked up to exactly?” “He means that her quarters are fancier than everyone else's,” Sunset explained, holding back a giggle. “You know Grubber, you sound like an actor back in the human world. I kinda like it.” Grubber puffed his chest up, soaking up the praise. “Well, I was known as a pretty charismatic hedgehog back in my hometown.” He took a moment to primp his hair. “But thank you for saying so.” “Do we just... pick our rooms?” Moondancer opened one of the doors, peeking inside. The room reminded her of one of the high end hotel rooms in Canterlot; making it very out of place on the Shard. “I guess I’ll take this one.” “Yeah, you’ve got free range of this hallway,” Grubber confirmed, giving her a thumbs up. “I’ll just tell Tempest about which rooms you pick for general purposes. Fair tip though,” he started, pointing at a room at the end of the hall. “That one’s got the best view. Just the right amount of light streams in from the window during the day to light up the room, but not disturb your sleep.” “Trixie calls that room!” Trixie belted out, quickly moving down the hall. “The perfect room to match somepony of my measure~” “I guess I’ll take the room across from her,” Starlight said, heading into the room. “Oh Faust, these beds are super comfy!” Giggling, Twilight turned to Sunset. “Looks like we’ll be across from each other too. “I can’t wait to get out there! Six sisters, all looking for their father! It just sounds like an adventure!” Sunset matched the alicorn’s and a smile grew across her face. “It does sound like something out of a book or movie.” Elbowing Twilight, she jerked her head back towards the hall. “Wanna see what our ‘big sister’s’ room looks like?” “That sounds good,” Twilight agreed, heading away from the rooms. Giggling, she added, “Ten bits says it’s done in black.” Snickering, Sunset nodded. “Oh, it’ll be black. Only the blackest of blacks for our edgelord of a sister.” Pulling Grubber over with her magic, she pushed him in front. “Come on, take us to Fizzle’s room.” “Sure thing, I can lead you anywhere on the ship,” Grubber told them, turning right at a junction. “Not like she can get mad at me for giving you-” His voice cut off, walking into Tempest’s legs. “Oh hey, Tempest! I was just giving your sisters a tour!” “Great,” Tempest responded, staring at Grubber until he stepped away. “Princess Twilight, you have visitors on deck; I’d like to get underway and I’m not up for taking more tourists.” “Visitors?” Twilight repeated, scrunching her face up. “Who would be visiting when we’re so close to leaving?” “Rainbow hair and our scaly little brother,” Tempest responded, walking past them. “She wanted to talk to you two before we leave. Personally, I don’t care if you do or not, I just want to cast off. So do your big sister a favor and take care of it.” “Don’t you want to talk to our brother a little?” Twilight asked, turning to watch Tempest. “This might be your last chance to do it.” “I already told you, it’d be pointless to talk to someone I’ll probably never see again.” Tempest continued down the hall, as cool as ever. “Just see them off, like a good filly.” Sighing, Twilight hung her head and turned on her hooves. “If that’s how you feel. Come on, Sunset, let’s see what those two have to say.” The walk back up to the deck was tense and awkward, made no better by Grubber’s ramblings. So many thoughts and feelings ran through her, all of them centered around Celestia. Twilight had no idea what she wanted to say to her mentor. A part of her wanted to apologize for her outburst, but the other felt completely justified given Celestia’s actions. ‘Come on, Twilight. You’re the Princess of Friendship, this shouldn’t be so hard!’ Groaning softly, she batted the sides of her head with her wings in an attempt to clear her thoughts. Nothing was forthcoming, something that only served to frustrate her further. “Twilight, it’ll be fine,” Sunset assured, putting a hoof on her back. “No one’s asking you to just forgive her. Talk to her, okay? We’ll be gone for awhile and I don’t think you’d be okay with leaving on a bad note.” Twilight sighed and offered her sister a weak smile. “You’re right. Thanks, Sunset, you really know how to put it all in perspective.” Stepping onto the deck, she spotted Celestia standing calmly at the gangway with a box on her back. Spike on the other hand, paced back and forth, eyes moving to and fro. “Spike, Princess Celestia, it’s good to see you,” Sunset called out, walking up to the pair. Smirking, she gave the drake a little noogie. “Though I guess I should be calling you little bro now, huh?” Spike squirmed out of Sunset’s grip, smoothing out his spines. “Yeah, I guess so.” Fidgeting a little, he looked at Twilight. “Twi, I-I can’t stay at the castle. I wanna meet our dad too so... I’m coming with you!” “Absolutely not,” Twilight replied instantly. “You’re way too young to be going on a mission like this.” “So what? I’m supposed to just supposed to wait at home; hoping you’ll come back?” Spike asked, poking her chest. “That’s not happening, Twilight. Where you go, I go. You’re not leaving me behind.” “I most certainly am,” Twilight snapped, lowering her head so she could be eye level with him. “I’m supposed to be responsible for you, Spike; so there’s no way I’m putting your life at risk by letting you do this.” Poking her nose, Spike snorted a ring of smoke. “I’m not staying, Twilight. No matter what you say, I’m coming too.” Smirking, Twilight lit up her horn and picked Spike up in her magic. “Okay, but what about whatever I do? Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t teleport you to Ponyville right now.” “Twilight, put him down,” Sunset spoke firmly, lighting her own horn. “Spike deserves this as much as we do. Saying no is just wrong.” “Spike is a minor,” Twilight retorted, though she gently placed the drake down on the deck. “It’s not that he doesn’t deserve this chance, it’s just too risky for him.” Fluffing her wings, she gestured to Spike. “I’m still waiting for that reason.” “Easy, without me you let your trains of thought crash past the station,” Spike pointed out. “You need me to reel you in when you go full Twilight. You think the other girls know how to do that? Moondancer’s just as bad as you!” Ignoring a snicker from Sunset, Twilight gave him a flat look. “I think they’ll find a way to keep me in check.” “Twi, seriously, just let him come,” Sunset insisted, placing a hoof on Spike’s head. “I mean yeah, it could get dangerous, but he has as much right as we do to come along. Would you want to stay behind?” Twilight shot Sunset a pointed look. “Fine, he can come. But you’d better help me keep him safe.” Straightening up, she moved her focus to Celestia. “Princess. Have you come to see us off?” “That is one of the reasons for my being here,” Celestia answered, using her magic to lift the box off her back. “I also have old research notes of your father’s. I believe you might find something useful within them.” Placing it in front of Twilight, she gave the trio a smile. “I couldn’t let you leave without seeing you off. I wish all of you a safe trip.” Twilight put the box on her own back, looking up at the other princess. “Thank you, Celestia. Good luck with continuing to run Equestria while we’re gone.” Celestia never lost her smile. “I’ll make sure to keep your throne warm, Twilight. Spike, make sure you keep your sister sane. Sunset, I can’t express how happy I am that you’ve returned to Equestria. Though it may pain me to see you leave again, I know this is something you all have to do.” “Yeah, it feels pretty good to be back,” Sunset said, approaching the solar diarch with a sad smile. “When I get home, maybe I can tell you everything I saw and did over those scones we liked?” Leaning her head down, Celestia nuzzled her cheek. “I’ll make sure to save up my sick days. No boring presentation will ever keep me from spending time with you.” Returning the gesture, Sunset added, “I’ll try not to keep you waiting too long.” Stepping back, she took a breath. “I don’t mean to kick you off but, Fizzle wants to get going. Can’t say I blame her; even if she’s a bit obnoxious.” “It’s fine, Sunset,” Celestia assured, turning towards the gangplank. “I won’t keep you any longer; I do have a country to run after all.” Sunset watched Celestia nearly disappear from view, a weight welling up in her chest. Feeling the need to say something she called out, “I’ll be home soon, Mom!” She saw Celestia freeze up for a moment, before continuing off the ship. “I promise.”