//------------------------------// // A new beginning for everyone // Story: Pony Art Online (BETA VERSION) // by Kaliann25 //------------------------------// A new beginning for everyone Everypony was confused, why won’t they be? A lot have happened in just a few minutes. The Bearers of Harmony just realized that their new friends were aliens from another world, who perceived their reality as a ‘game’. As for the warriors, they just realized that they were actually in a real world, with real people. And, two of their friends have just turned into permanent residents of this world. Everypony was scared, talking among themselves, except for Yui. She was silently cuddling with her parents’ bodies. “So, we do exist?” asked Rainbow. “We are not artificial intelligences?” “Yes, Rainbow Dash!” repeated Twilight, for the tenth time. “We exist, they ended up in our world because of an accident. And now Asuna and Kirito have no choice but stay here with us.” “How can you say it just like that?!” shouted Leafa. “My brother and Asuna-san have lost everything!” Princess Celestia agreed. “Yes, as relieved as I am for not being an artificial intelligence, we cannot ignore the tragedy before us. These youngsters did not deserve this fate. Whoever connected our world with yours, cannot have its own intentions. We don’t know if good, or bad, but it doesn’t change that two innocents paid for this.” Yui stroke her parent’s manes. “Yuuki-san’s death really affected mama. All she wanted was a way to reconcile herself with games. All we wanted was a time away from ALO. Nothing more. And papa, all he wanted was to help mama to heal.” “And now you are trapped in a world that isn’t yours…” said Sinon, angrily. “Whoever did this to our friends, would pay!” Luna looked away, but Leafa calmed her. “This is not your fault. None of you knew anything.” “Yes, you wanted to save your world. The natural thing to do.” said Klein, looking at the Bearers of Harmony. Then, he turned to Luna. “And you, were possessed by a dark entity that also knew nothing about what was going on.” Yui embraced her parents’ bodies. “I wish there’s something I can do.” “No, Yui.” said Luna, putting a hoof on the filly’s shoulder. “You are still young, and with a whole life ahead of you. This is not your responsibility, it’s mine. For the moment, I suggest we carry these two to my sister’s residence. We can think of something from there.” Celestia shook her head. “Luna, it’s our residence now. I’ll give you half of everything I have, that’s the least I can do.” “Fine, thanks Tia!” said Luna, impatient. “Sorry for my lack of enthusiasm, but right now, all I want is to help these brave warriors.” Celestia nodded. “I understand.” She turned to the other warriors. “As for you, young gamers, I assure you, your friends are safe with us. But right now, you will have to go back to your world.” They reluctantly agreed. “Fine!” said Lizbeth. “But you better take good care of them!” “Sou ka na…” said Klein. “In that case, we’ll leave them in your hands. Or hooves” Sinon logged out without a word. This was too weird. Same for Silica, she just hugged Pina, and disappeared as well. But Leafa stayed, glaring at the ponies. “And what should I tell my mom? And Asuna’s parents, huh?” “Bring them here.” suggested Celestia. “Yes, we are willing to take all the responsibility for this tragedy.” assured Luna. “And gladly will take it before your families. You can trust us, Leafa from the clan of Sylf.” She shook her head. “No, Suguha Kirigaya.” Leafa looked at her brother, and Asuna, and logged out. “So what we do now?” asked Yui. “You’ll come with us!” said Luna. “You agree, right Tia?” “Of course. That’s the least we can do.” The filly hugged her parents tightly, and smiled. “Thank you, Princesses.” “No. Thank you.” Then, Celestia turned to the new Bearers of Harmony. “As for you, Twilight Sparkle, you and your friends should come too. You’re the closest friends Asuna and Kirito have here, and they need all the support we can give them.” Twilight frowned. “Of course but…” “So, there’s no way back for them?” asked Rarity, feeling awful for the warriors who protected them from Nightmare Moon. “I’m afraid not.” sighed Luna. “This will be a new beginning. For me, and for your friends.” … Asuna and Kirito were together inside a dream. They knew that all-too-well. They were in an infinite black space, without nothing but each other to keep them company. If it wasn’t for that detail, the loneliness would swallow them. That’s why they stayed together, holding hands, waiting to wake up, and see that this wasn’t real. That everything was a bad dream, or, at least, a bad game. But they knew that was only an overly optimistic hope. This new game, LOE, have done what SAO and GGO couldn’t. They were trapped. Forever. Why this happened? Why did they have to end up like this? “And, haven’t you considered that the reason you are in this reality, is because you did so much good to your own world, that another world would need your help?” The lightning flash turned, to see a young imp girl, with long black hair,with a read diadem, and a black sword that aimed to Asuna’s neck. “Yuuki…” said Asuna, looking away. “Look at me, Asuna!” demanded Yuuki Kono, better known as Zekken. Asuna obeyed. “This is a dream, isn’t it?” “It is, Asuna. That’s why I am here.” said Yuuki, sternly. “What happened with you? Since when you are paralyzed by fear? I will not let you give up, Asuna. Not unless you defeat me. Are you ready?” Asuna looked at Yuuki, who held her sword against Asuna. The girl doubted at first, but that only let her friend to give her two powerful strokes with her sword. “Face me!” commanded Zekken. Asuna didn’t know what to do at first, but she took Lambent Light, and attacked Yuuki. Zekken answered by sending a series of strokes against her friend. Asuna barely had the time to block a few, but the others hit her, leaving her in a bad condition. But the Lighting Flash still some strength left. With a skilful backflip, she took her distance from her friend, and prepared her sword. Unfortunately, Yuuki saw through her intentions, and charged against Asuna with all her strength. She sent an uninterrupted torrent of eleven strokes that made Asuna fall on her back. Yuuki smiled at her friend, offering her hand. “You still cannot beat me, right?” smirked the imp. “How dare you to let your fear paralyze you?” “But Yuuki… Equestria is no game. Equestria is…” “An alternate reality, I know.” said Yuuki, with a small nod. “More reason for you to learn how to deal with this, instead of sitting in your room, feeling sorry for yourself. You were chosen as an Element of Harmony because Equestria needs you. Just as I needed you, back in ALO. The same goes for Kirito-san. If you let your fear to control you, I will never forgive you.” Asuna looked at her friend, who dedicated her a warm smile. The same smile that Asuna missed that much. The lightning flash accepted the hand her friend was offering her, and stood. “Thank you, Yuuki.” “Whenever you need me, Asuna.” In the meantime, Kirito was alone in the dark. Thinking in everything that have happened to him since SAO. His experiences brought him, mostly, good things, but then, somehow, he ended up in this situation. Forced to spend the rest of his life in a reality that wasn’t his. Then, a gentle hand pressed his shoulder. He turned. “Asuna?” But it wasn’t his wife. No, it was a short girl with gray eyes, and short black hair. Looking at him with a shy, but happy smile. “Sachi!” gasped Kirito. “How are you, Kirito?” asked the girl. He smiled sadly. “I lost, Sachi. I ended up dying in a game. The worst part is, it was a game where I shouldn’t supposed to die.” “But it wasn’t a game, Kirito! It is actually another world. A world that needs you, as an Element of Harmony. Besides, not everything is lost. How did you get here in the frist place? You can use the technology to stay in contact with the people you love.” Sachi offered him a hand. Kirito accepted it, and stood. “I won’t allow you to give up, Kirito.” continued Sachi. “You are strong, you have to continue fighting. The Kirito I met did not give up.” The warrior smiled at his friend’s ghost, who vanished in the shadows along with Yuuki. “It’s time to wake up.” … The two warriors opened their eyes, and examined their surroundings. They were in a luxurious room that resembled the ones of a five star hotel. “Mama! Papa!” cried Yui, cuddling with them, “Oh, Yui-chan, is so good to see you!!” said Asuna, kissing her daughter. “Sorry for worrying you.” said Kirito, holding his daughter tightly. Yui accepted the embrace for a while, and nuzzled them both. A new way to demonstrate affect she learned from the ponies. “How long have we been sleeping, Yui?” asked Kirito. “Three days.” said Yui. “Princess Luna said she would let you sleep the time you needed. I’m so glad you’re awake now.” “And all this time, you have been with us?” asked Asuna. “Of course. I wouldn’t leave you for anything, mama, papa!” The warriors cuddled with their daughter for a little longer, until she jumped out of the bed, to then push a cart with food toward them. “Also, the Princesses sent you this for the time you wake up. Magic keeps it warm.” The young couple gladly accepted the meal, as Yui looked at them, smiling. “Don’t you want some, Yui-chan?” asked Asuna. “No, I already ate something. This is all for you, mama, papa.” assured the small filly. And, as her parents continued eating, she opened a closet, where all their equipment were waiting for them. Weapons, clothes, crystals, potions, and a huge bag of bits. Everything was carefully organized, making it easy to pick up what they needed. “They also brought all your stuff.” “Arigatou, Yui.” said Kirito. “So, what have we missed?” Yui took a deep breath, this would be a long explanation, but she would do her best. “Everything happened so fast. First of all, Princess Celestia made a ceremony to reintroduce her sister to pony society. Then, she introduced six of the seven Elements of Harmony.” She continued. Apparently, the six mares they befriended were also in Canterlot, waiting for them to wake up. In the meantime, they were at other wing of the castle since they didn’t want to disturb them. Also, Luna and Celestia took care of Yui while they were sleeping. Especially Luna. “Well, we should thank Princess Luna then.” said Kirito. “You seem happy.” “I am! And you should see Princess Luna. In only these three days, she made herself a reputation between the Royal Guard. She loves practicing with her sword, and show how good she actually is.” “And?” “She gave you tons of trouble back when you fought, right?” smiled Yui. The two warriors finished their meal, and dressed up. “Well, the best we can do is to thank the Princess in person.” said Asuna, adjusting her white and red outfit. “Yeah, let’s see what surprises Equestria have for us!” said Kirito, as he put on his black trench coat. They both opened the door of their room, and Yui guided them to the training field. Apparently, Princess Luna was training at this hour. In the meantime, in the arena, Twilight and her new friends cheered for Twilight’s brother, Shining Armor. He was fighting against Princess Luna. And, it was obvious for everypony that she had absolute advantage over the stallion. Initially, Shining’s role was to serve as a host, and a guide through Canterlot to his sister and friends, since Princess Celestia was busy with her royal duties, and Luna taking care of Yui. He showed them the city, and introduced them to his fiancé: Twilight’s former foalsiter, Cadence. But, when she had the time, Luna constantly asked Shining Armor for a duel. She have proved to be an extraordinary fighter, but she haven’t beaten the captain of the guard. Yet. Now that he have agreed to fight, he realized why his troops looked up to Princess Luna. She was giving him a lot of trouble. As much as he tried, his efforts were nothing compared the experience, and speed of the Princess. With her skill, she easily eluded all his attacks, to next disarm him with a quick blow, and finished him with a kick to the gut. Shining Armor fell, he have lost. Shining didn’t say anything, he only stood, and approached to his sister, and fiancé, who smiled at him. “Don’t worry, Shiny. Remember that my aunt is an alicorn, and no normal pony can face her.” Twilight and the others exchanged an uncomfortable look. Since they met Cadence, they learned that she appreciated Shining very much. And, Shining corresponded by trying to be the very best in everything, each time Cadence was watching. As for Luna, she winked an eye to the young couple. “Precisely, don’t feel bad, young Shining Armor. With time, and constant training, you’ll reach my level soon. Now, is there anypony left who wants to face me? I could use some more exercise.” The guards exchanged a nervous look, and looked away. “Oh, come on! Aren’t you warriors of Equestria? There’s really no pony up to the challenge?” Suddenly, two ponies jumped to the training field, as they dragged out their swords. Luna turned. “It is you!” “We’ve been sleeping for way too long! We could use some exercise as well.” said Kirito, smiling. “Mmmh, but, since we haven’t exercised in a while, please go easy on us.” said Asuna. Luna smiled at the two warriors, as she prepared her sword. “Oh, are you kidding? I’ve been waiting for a rematch for way too long!” said the Princess of the Night. “But, can I ask you a small favor?” “What is it?” asked Asuna and Kirito. “Let me face you one on one. Asuna, do you mind if I start with you?” “Of course not.” said Asuna, aiming her sword to Princess Luna. “Good luck, Asuna.” said Kirito with shrug, as he joined his friends. Luna and Asuna began fighting. Luna charged with everything she had, but Asuna agilely jumped aside, and managed to send a series of blows to Luna’s right side. That forced the Princess to change her position, and tried to block her with her sword, but Asuna was unbelievably fast, and quickly moved to the left, where she send a blow to Luna’s wing. Luna grinded her teeth because of the pain, and tried to block the attacks from that direction with her sword. But then, Asuna jumped over her, and tried to send a blow to Luna’s head. This time Luna was able to block Asuna’s attack, but she teleported right behind Luna, and before she could block the attack, Asuna hit her again. Shining’s and Cadence’s dropped their jaws. “What’s this?” “Amazing, right?” asked Twilight. “Now imagine Kirito’s double blade. It is impressive.” Shining looked at Kirito. “Double blade? How can you handle two weapons at the same time?” Kirito shrugged. “It’s an artificial ability, don’t think too much about it. Also, I’m a pegasus.” Shining nodded. “I see. That trench coat of yours can be confusing.” Celestia appeared, putting a hoof on the warrior’s shoulder. “I’m glad to see you back to normal. Is everything alright, Kazuto Kirigaya?” Kirito nodded. “Yes. Thank you for your concerning.” Celestia smiled, and turned her attention to the battle between Asuna and her sister. Those two were really close, but Asuna decided to finish the fight with a final move. “MOTHER’S ROSARIO!” Eleven consecutive strokes later, Luna ended up on the ground, with Asuna’s Lambent Light on her neck. “I won.” Luna smiled. “I simply cannot beat you, right? Not even if I face you one by one. There’s no way to block that technique.” “Yuuki made it really well.” agreed Asuna, helping Luna to stand. “Yuuki Kono was an amazing person, I’m so sorry for your lost, Asuna.” “It’s okay.” said Asuna with a sad smile. “Now I know she’s still with me, watching carefully I do the right thing.” “And what about your situation?” asked Luna, with concern. “We kind of accepted it. Now we need to discuss what should we do now.” “According with some friends, we are here because this world needs us.” said Kirito calmly. “So, I guess we’ll have to stick around. Luna nodded, and looked at the six Bearers of Harmony, along with her sister. Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Are you really doing this, Luna?” “Yes I am.” “What do you mean?” asked Asuna. Luna smiled to the warriors. “Kirito the black swordsman, Asuna the lightning flash, you defeated my evil self for good, banishing her forever. You have my eternal thanks for that. But, if that wasn’t enough, you two lost your lives in your world because of what you did for me. It’s up to me to make it up for you.” “So, what do you have in mind?” asked Asuna, Kirito and Yui in the unison. Luna bowed to them. “It would never be enough to compensate you for everything you lost, but this is the best I can do for you. I’m offering you a position as my new captains of my royal guard. Training and guiding my new recruits, to become powerful warriors. As powerful as your fellows from Aincrad, if it’s possible.” The two of them exchanged a look, and bowed before the Princess of the Night. “It will be my pleasure, Princess Luna.” “Just tell us what you need. We’ll be at your service.”