//------------------------------//
// Chapter 29 
// Story: A Nightmare Come True 
// by ShadowSprint 
//------------------------------//

Devastation. Complete and utter devastation. Nothing else could describe what Cadence saw when she stared out over Canterlot from her little shack. The castle in ruins, condemned, the plan for demolition had already been signed and scheduled. Flattened houses, whole blocks reduced to ashes, nothing had escaped unscathed. Fires still burned from within the city limits. Fortunately, dragons and ponies alike worked day and night to bring the blazes under control. 

Then, there were the bodies. Cadence had to on more than one occasion step away from it all. At first, it’d been the smell that bothered her. The manner in which the rancid smell of burnt fur and decomposing flesh mixed was enough to drop her loving husband, Shining Armor, let alone herself. But then like anything, she grew accustomed to it. The smell bothered her nose no more than that of a light tickling. The sight of creatures whose lives had been so viciously torn out, pulled on her heart. Mares, stallions, and fillies alike, so many were gone. It’d be months before they’d have an accurate count. After all, this was only Canterlot. What would they find in Ponyville, or back home, at the Crystal Empire? Cadence shuddered at the thought. 

Now though, a week after being freed from that horrid cocoon, a week after the death of Chrysalis and the end of Daybreaker’s terror, a new trouble lingered over the city. Cadence, placed in a small shack erected by surviving soldiers, had to decide the fate of her adopted aunt, Princess Celestia, and her sister-in-law, Twilight Sparkle. A stack of papers detailing eyewitness accounts from various survivors of Canterlot, Cloudsdale, and Ponyville, described every decision, every encounter with both of her fellow princesses. Even Twilight’s friends had contributed pages worth of testimony.

“Celestia . . . Twilight . . . what have you done?” She whispered to herself. Her heart ached. She wished for nothing more than this whole thing to be forgotten. But such would not be the case. Justice needed to be served. “I’m sorry.”

A soft knock on her door pulled Cadence from her thoughts. “Come in.” She weakly said, seated near her papers. 

“Cadence, are you alright?” Shining Armor asked. His voice heavy, his eyes filled with bags. 

“As good as one can expect.” Cadence answered with a weak smile. 

Shining Armor stepped up to his wife, and nuzzled against her neck. 

“How’s Flurry Heart?” 

Shining Armor smiled. “She’s resting. I’ve got one of the soldiers looking after her. She’s doing just fine.”

“Maybe I should . . .”

“After this, and after you get some rest.” Shining Armor said. “You’re in no condition to be looking after a child. Besides, it’s almost time for the gathering.” The captain pulled away from his wife, staring down to the floor. “They’re . . . taking it pretty hard. Neither one said a word . . . when we pulled them out of the dungeon.” 

Cadence nodded. She’d considered allowing both Celestia and Twilight to help with the reparations. She thought it might do them and the city some good. The crowds though, the crowds would’ve eaten them alive. “Where are they now?” 

“On the stage . . . and ready.” 

Cadence nodded. “I’m ready too.” She said. “Are Derpy, Spike, and Maud still here?”

“Yes, they’ve been helping out with everyone else. But they’re ready too.”

In having to decide the fate of both Celestia and her husband’s sister, Cadence felt the desire to inspire the survivors with hope. Punishing the guilty alone was not enough. Too much of that was ongoing. Speaking of the guilty, “Captain,” Cadence started. She only ever called her husband “captain” when looking for an official report. “Have you found any changelings?”

“We’ve only run across one or two that were alive. But they surrendered themselves upon sight. There was a third but . . . the mob got to him first.”

Cadence only nodded. 

“The other two are locked up, and safe. We can decide their fate later. But right now, . . .”

“Yes, I’m coming.”

Shining Armor opened the door and led Cadence out of her little house and out into the open. Ten guards lined each side of her door. The parade had been prepared, and about twenty feet ahead, a stage had been constructed for her to make her decision known. The walk to the stage dragged on for what seemed like miles. As she passed the growing crowd, she spotted Applejack with her family, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and the others. Cadence spotted dozes of earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi. Still the crowd grew. Every-pony that wasn’t involved with emergency rescue or medical care was here. 

As Cadence climbed the stairs to the stage, she found her podium. To its left were two chairs. Both Celestia and Twilight were seated in them, bound with chains. Neither met her gaze. To the right, sat Derpy, Spike, and Maud. The three looked equally uncomfortable being up in front of everyone, for various reasons. Cadence gently smiled at them, completely understanding their discomfort.

Finally, Cadence stepped up to the podium and gazed out amongst all in attendance. Not only was this her first time speaking in a position of authority after her recovery, but it was to be her first time speaking as sole ruler of all Equestria. They very notion quaked her legs, and cracked at her voice. There’d be no-one else to turn to. The buck stopped here. 

Cadence took a moment and gathered herself. She waited for all the whispers to stop, and for the hundreds of eyes to be focused up on her. 

“Mares and gentle-colts, we are gathered here today to end one of the darkest times in Equestria history. Over the past several months, we have watched our once powerful, and proud kingdom, fall into ashes at the hooves of great evil. In that time, so much has been lost. Too much.” Cadence said, brushing away some loose tears. “Friends and families. Brothers and sisters. Mothers and fathers. Homes. Trust. Love. Our losses have been so great, the black void that remains threatens to swallow us all.”

Cadence gulped, and glanced over towards Celestia and Twilight. Their heads both hung low, ears flattened. What broke Cadence’s heart the most now, was that she could not console them. She hadn’t been allowed to so much as speak with the two for fear it would interfere with the decision she was going to announce. 

“My sympathies first and foremost go out to all of you who have lost loved ones during this crisis. My heart breaks for you, cries for you.” Cadence said, turning back to the crowd. “Do not be afraid to speak to me with your grievances. I am here to be in your service.”

Then clearing her throat, Cadence took in a deep breath. “Let us now address the fates of those who have hurt us beyond repair.” At these words, Cadence felt the pin prick of eyes staring at her from behind. Both from Twilight and Celestia on her left, and the three on her right. 

“First, Princess Celestia. My dear and loving aunt, whom adopted me into her fold at a very young age. Her role in Equestria cannot be understated. Princess Celestia, you’ve been a role model for us all, and the face of this kingdom for over a millennium. With your actions however, you have shown great weakness, and allowed an evil so destructive to possess you, the ripples will be felt for generations to come. Princess Celestia, as the now sole overseer of the kingdom of Equestria, I hereby banish you from this land for no less than one thousand years.”

A collective outburst of gasps and whispers flooded over the audience. Cadence heard sniffles from behind her. She closed her eyes. Don’t look back. Don’t look back. She repeated to herself. If she turned around now, she wouldn’t be able to continue. She just wouldn’t. 

“Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Cadence continued. Her voice silenced the audience almost immediately. And at this, she knew she had her husband’s attention as well. “Loyal student to Celestia, and meticulous in everything that you do, have disappointed this kingdom with the grave recklessness in which you governed Ponyville. The blatant indecision and lack of wisdom in your leadership directly contributed to the deaths of countless ponies, the capturing of many more, and your eventual corruption. You are held directly responsible for the death of Starlight Glimmer, and indirectly responsible for the death of Princess Luna.” 

A familiar whimpering was heard from behind, and Cadence knew Twilight had broken into tears. “Being young and naïve to the workings of rulership, you have been forgiven for your failures in leadership. But for the lives destroyed under your care, and for the countless deaths laid at your hooves, a price has to be paid.” A collective breath was drawn in as Cadence licked her dry lips. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, as the sole overseer of the kingdom of Equestria, I hereby banish you from this land for no less than one thousand years.”

Cadence paused for a moment to allow the crowd to take in what she had just said. In that time, she watched Twilight’s friends break down into tears. She watched some ponies applaud her decision, while others grumbled about the lack of severity. Cadence listened to the tears behind her and against her better judgement, turned around to find Twilight held in Celestia’s hooves. 

Was this the right decision? Did she really choose the best course of action? Cadence didn’t know. A slap on the wrist just didn’t cut it here. Ponyfolk weren’t about to just up and forgive for the atrocities that had occurred; even if Cadence wanted to. And she so desperately wanted to. 

Celestia looked up from the crying Twilight, and met Cadence’s eyes. All the pink princess could think to do was mouth the words, “I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.” Celestia just nodded her head, and somehow, amidst all of this, managed an encouraging smile to her niece. How she pulled it off, Cadence didn’t know.

Turning back, the princess closed her eyes and continued. “If either of you are found in violation of this sentence, the mandatory punishment . . . is death. I shall personally send for you both on the day in which you may return. Do not consider yourselves welcome in Equestria until then.”

Cadence turned to the guards standing closest to Twilight and Celestia. With a simple nod of the head, the guards stepped up to the two princesses, and escorted them off the stage, and out of sight. Taking a moment to compose herself, Cadence eventually opened her eyes and faced the ponies.

“As the heroes of yesterday fell onto their knees, a new shed light was found in the most unlikely of places.” The princess turned and smiled kindly over to Maud, Derpy, and Spike. None of them, she guessed, felt particularly heroic or deserving of this attention (especially after what had just occurred). The need to celebrate, to instill hope back into Equestria was vital to their survival. And so, honoring the three was just as important, if not more, than punishing the guilty. 

“Even when our last holdout, Ponyville, fell to evil, hope refused to die. It lived on within Spike the dragon, Derpy Hooves, and Maud Pie. Together this trio rose above the odds, and in the face of death, summoned the courage and fly to our aide. These three proved that you do not need the Elements of Harmony, or even magic, to do great things.” 

With a quick gesture, Shining Armor stepped up to the stage and placed a golden medal around the neck of each one. His smile forced, his eyes puffed up, he stared gratefully into each of their eyes. “Derpy,” he said to the pegasus. “You may have been worthless with a sword, but you’re one of the most courageous soldiers I’ve ever had the honor of working with . . . despite the circumstances.”

“T-Thanks C-Captain . . .” Derpy said. Her voice soft, and nervous. She hadn’t forgotten the training that she’d done for Cloudsdale. Part of her wished she’d grown more skilled with the sword. Maybe it would’ve helped them.

“Spike. Thanks for always being there for Twilight.” Shining Armor said to the dragon. “I really appreciated knowing you were with her.”

The dragon didn’t say anything, but just nodded. Shining Armor figured the dragon must be just as choked up about the whole ordeal as he was. 

“Maud. I don’t know you that well. But congratulations, and thank you.” Shining said. 

Maud nodded.

Once the medals were handed out, Cadence continued. “Over the past week, Maud, while injured, has used her ability with hornfels to create music for the young foals. Spike has been using his fire breath to burn away debris to help free trapped ponies. And Derpy, she’s been flying all over Equestria with other pegasi in the hopes of rescuing as many survivors as possible. In the coming months, we will restore Canterlot, Ponyville, the Crystal Empire, and everyone’s homes. We’ll restore the train, and get things back to normal as quickly as possible. But we’ll need courage, determination, and love if we are going to succeed. All of which, these three have shown plenty of. Let us rise in thanks and celebration of these wonderful heroes.” And Cadence clapped her fore-hooves together in applause. Surrounding soldiers quickly joined in the clapping, then ponies in the audience; until everyone participated in the applause. 

Cadence ended her speech with calls to action, requests for love and patience from everyone, and then dismissed the ponies to go about their work. When finally, the crowds had dispersed, she turned to the three who had remained on the stage. “Spike, could you get the others? I’d like to see them.”

“Right away Princess Cadence.” And the dragon scurried off.

“And for you two,” Cadence said, directing her attention to Derpy and Maud. “Take the day off. There’ll be plenty for you to do tomorrow.”



Climbing down the stairs with Maud, Derpy stared out over the dissipating crowd. Part of her felt relief, most of her just felt tired. After having spent the better part of the week running rescue missions and scouting for survivors, she felt ready to tip over. Taking a couple steps away from the stage, Derpy’s crossed eyes closed for a second. At least, she thought it only a second for when she opened them back up, she stared up into the big eyes of Maud Pie. “S-Sorry Maud. I didn’t mean to . . .”

“Everything alright Derpy?” Maud asked in her usual monotone voice. 

Derpy nodded her head. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little tired. Flying all over Equestria takes a lot out of ya. Zecora’s, Ponyville, and the train site . . .” Derpy’s voice trailed off. The memory of some of those flights stuck with her. The fillies were thankfully okay, and so was the zebra. Others in Ponyville and up along the train were not so lucky. There’d been some rescues sure, but many, many more tragic findings. Considering the time that had passed since Ponyville and the train were lost, they didn’t expect much out of the trips. Maybe a survivor or two, possibly discover some supplies, the advantage of being a pegasus allowed for quicker coverage of the land. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” Maud asked carefully. Her voice, while lacking emotion, was hesitant.

“Not really.” Derpy said. “Just . . . really hoped we’d have found more ponies alive is all.”

Seeing the trouble in her friend’s eyes, Maud placed a hoof on Derpy’s shoulder. Giving the pegasus a real smile, Maud said, “You did your best. A lot of ponies are still alive because of you.”

Derpy couldn’t help but place a hoof on top of Maud’s. “We did it . . . Spike too.” Derpy added when she realized the dragon wasn’t there. The delivery pony let out a small chuckle, actually feeling a bit relaxed. 

“I’m going to head back to the fillies.” Maud said. She’d grown surprisingly close to some of the little tikes.

“Okay.” Derpy answered. She ran a hoof through her mane and suddenly she remembered. “Oh Maud! Before you go . . .” 

The farmer stopped to see what Derpy had wanted. But as she did so, a blur of white zipped through the air and crashed against Derpy’s forehead. The impact while soft, caused the mare to stumble back onto her flank in a daze. “What the . . .?”

“A paper airplane?” Maud asked, picking up the innocent little aviator. 

“Derpy,” a familiar voice called out. 

The pony only needed one look at the voice’s source before a smile spread wide across her face. “D-Doctor Hooves!” She cried out, tears starting to brim at her eyes. Sure enough, standing just several feet away was the one and only doctor. His mane and tail were a bit mangy, but he still wore that tie. 

The doctor didn’t even bother opening his mouth since as soon as he’d been spotted, Derpy had leapt through the air and into his open embrace. He patted her back, and let the pegasus cry for a moment, giving Maud an understanding smile. 

Holding his friend a little time longer, Doctor Hooves pulled her away as he felt the sobs starting to quiet down. Staring into those big beautiful eyes of hers, he couldn’t help but chuckle, “It’s mighty good to see you too Derpy.”

Still sniffling, the pegasus whimpered, “I-I didn’t know if I’d see you again. Everything happened so fast . . . and I had to leave Ponyville . . . and I . . . I was so worried about you.”

“And I you. I’d been working on some research in Filly Delphia when things turned south. But with a bit of ingenuity and a lot of luck, I managed a daring escape onto Foal Mountain. Hid out there ever since.” 

“I’m so glad you’re alright.”

Stroking over his friend’s head, Doctor Hooves’ smile couldn’t have grown any wider. “I was worried about you too, you know. But I should have known better.” When Derpy stared up at the doctor in confusion, he merely brushed away a stray hair from her face and said, “Like I’ve told you before,” and the doctor scooped up the paper airplane, unfolding it to reveal the words, “My Hero” in big letters to Derpy. “I always knew you would achieve great things. But even I, with all my calculations and predictions, could never have anticipated something like this.” Then wrapping Derpy in another hug, Doctor Hooves said, “I’m so very proud of you, Derpy. Good job.” 

“What will you do now?” The pegasus softly asked, still embraced with her friend. 

“Well, I suppose I’ll have to hang around here and help out where I can. Don’t rightly have a train to get back and check on my lab. I’m sure those creatures probably tore it up the same as everyplace else.”

Blinking away the last of her tears, Derpy quickly added, “I’ll help! Whenever you get to your lab that is . . . I-I’ll help.” 

Doctor Hooves smiled back. “I’d certainly appreciate it.” 

Behind them, the faint sound of hooves walking away caught Derpy’s attention. She turned out of curiosity to find Maud drifting off on her lonesome. Panic suddenly rushing through the pegasus, she turned back to her friend who knew all too well what was to come out of her mouth. “Don’t worry about me, Derpy. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Thanks!” Derpy said, and with one last hug, she darted off towards Maud. 

“Maud! Wait up!” She called after the rock farmer.

“It’s okay if you wanted to spend time with him. I know how much you missed him.” 

“I do but,” and Derpy glanced away, her voice softening to a whisper, “I want to spend time with you too. And . . .” Reaching back into her mane, she pulled out a small pouch. “I-I wanted to give you something.”

Maud’s eyes widened ever so slightly as Derpy opened the little pouch and out rolled a very familiar little stone with a very familiar little nick. Maud leaned in close, her mouth dropped open by a few centimeters, stunned at the find. 

“Is this . . . Boulder?” 

“Yep!” Derpy said, and then biting her lip, “. . . at least, I think so. He’s got the same mark anyway.” 

Maud took the little rock out of Derpy’s hooves with the same care one would pick up a baby. She held the little rock right up to her eyes, inspecting every corner, every side. “It is Boulder. Welcome back.” She said. 

Derpy opened her mouth to comment, but never managed out a word. With all her force, Maud tackled the pegasus with quite possibly the warmest hug she’d ever received. It left the delivery pony reeling a bit as she could do nothing but wrap her hooves around the rock farmer and hug her back. And the more Derpy thought about it, the more this resembled one of Pinkie Pie’s famous hugs. Guess it runs in the family. Derpy couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. 

When the two did finally part, Maud helped Derpy off the ground and asked, “How did you find him?”

“Well,” Derpy began, “We were at the train crash looking for supplies. He kinda tripped me with this other rock . . . I guess he missed you.” 

“Other rock?” Maud’s head tilted to the side. “What other rock?”

Derpy reached back into her mane. As a delivery pony, she’d grown quite accustomed to storing small items in her mane for quick retrieval. Pens for signing, or stamp rolls for selling, only problem was that things occasionally got lost in there. 

A moment later, Derpy had found what she was looking for and pulled out a rock covered in bubblish turquoise. It kind of looked like a train engine with bright blue bubbly smoke spilling out over top of it. Holding out the fascinating specimen for Maud to get a closer look, Derpy said, “He seemed really nice . . . and pretty too.”

Maud simply nodded. “A Botryoidal Gem Silica. A perfect example of a rock exhibiting the botryoidal habit that is typical of chalcedony. What a discovery.” Then glancing up to Derpy, Maud smiled and said, “And it’s a she.”

Derpy’s head bolted up. “Wha . . .” but stopped midway as Maud giggled. Yes, Maud actually giggled.

“Have you named her yet?”

“Well, I was gonna name her ‘Sparky’, but . . . now I don’t know.”

“How about . . . Gem?” Maud finally suggested.

Derpy couldn’t help but chuckle. The name sounded awfully funny at first. “Gem. Gem? Gem.” The more she repeated it though, the more fitting it sounded. Finally nodding, she said, “Gem it is.” 

Placing Boulder in her frock, Maud joined Derpy’s side and said, “You know, if you and Doctor Hooves would need any help with the lab, you can come to me . . . I wouldn’t mind.” 

Derpy’s eyes lit up. “R-Really?” And when Maud nodded her head in affirmation, it was Derpy’s turn to tackle hug her friend. Somewhere behind them, Doctor Hooves just shook his head and smiled.



Iron bars, ice cold to touch, surrounded both princesses in a quick makeshift jailcell in the caves under the castle. At the entrance stood two guards, preventing entry from almost everyone except for a select few. Twilight sighed. Once again, she found herself locked up in these caves. This time though, she didn’t fight it, didn’t search for a way out. She deserved it. The punishment handed out to both her and Celestia was as good as a death sentence. Her friends, they’d all be long gone by the time she’d be welcomed back into Equestria. Celestia knew very well the curses of being immortal, but Twilight, she was just awakening to them. 

Their time in the prison, starting shortly after Princess Cadence and the others were revived, had mostly been spent in silence. What was there to say? Both her and Celestia had allowed one of the greatest calamities to occur. Not just allowed though, they actively participated in them. 

Twilight’s mouth ran dry. Her legs began to wobble and so she laid down in her little corner of the cage. The tears started to flow as she imagined the world she’d leave behind, and the friends she’d never see again. Could she even return to Equestria once the time was up? Would she even want to after all of this? In the back of her mind, Chrysalis’ words rang out to the princess: I don’t think anything can bring things back to how they were. Those times are gone.

Twilight shuddered. She never realized until now, just how right Chrysalis would be. Gulping, the young princess buried her head in her hooves and started to cry. She cried for her friends, who’d she’d never see again. The best Twilight could look forward to was visiting their graves. She cried for Cadence, who’d be ruling Equestria all alone. And yes, she even cried for Chrysalis. Maybe it’d been the control the queen had placed over her, but the annihilation of a species, even the queen’s death, made Twilight sick to the stomach. 

The soft tickling of downy feathers brushed down over Twilight’s back and looking up, she found Celestia standing at her side. “Are you alright Twilight?” Her voice hoarse, and unsteady.

Twilight shook her head. “No. I’m not.” Her voice cracking up as her cheeks were stained with tears.

A silence passed between them and only Twilight’s ragged breaths could be heard. Nothing Princess Celestia could say would fix this. Nothing she could do would ease Twilight’s pain. They both knew that.

“I’m sorry Twilight.” Princess Celestia finally said. The words provided no comfort, but they still needed to be said. “I let you down, all of you. And now I’ve dragged you away from everything you care about.”

“Princess Celestia?” Twilight interrupted, finally meeting her mentor’s gaze. “Why did you do it? Why did you kill Queen Chrysalis?”

“I have been a ruler of Equestria for a long time, a lot longer than I care to admit sometimes.” Celestia carefully started. She’d anticipated this question, though had hoped it would never come. “And I have seen love and harmony spread throughout Equestria. But, I have also seen what happens when hatred and fear is allowed spread.” When Twilight broke eye contact, Celestia reached out with a forehoof and brought her student’s gaze back to meet her own. “When I saw what she’d done to you, I understood for the first-time what Queen Chrysalis was truly capable of.”

“B-But at Cadence’s wedding, she did . . .”

“The same thing? No Twilight. She incapacitated Shining Armor at most. What she did with you, was prove that she could erase all traces of friendship from your heart. That goes beyond feeding off a pony’s love, or using disguises for infiltration and deception. Don’t you see Twilight?” Celestia asked, “Chrysalis didn’t truly need her army of changelings to get what she wanted. She just needed ponies like you, whom she could control and send out to do the work for her.”

Twilight laid her head back down onto the floor of their prison. She allowed Celestia’s message some time in her head. “But . . . she cared so much for her changelings. They were her kingdom to look after. The time we spent together, I thought that was biggest takeaway. Even before you killed her, she mourned the loss of her changeling. T-There had to be another way.”

Celestia sighed and admitted, “Maybe there was. But as princess, I had to make a decision that protected Equestria. I couldn’t afford to waver. Lives were at stake . . . including yours.”

Twilight nodded her head in understanding, but remained silent. Maybe that was what Cadence had meant, what Chrysalis had meant when they’d called her indecisive. When Ponyville had needed a leader, she’d meandered around far too much. There was Tremor affecting her decisions, but just how much of the blame fell with him? At some point he’d stopped becoming the reason, and simply became an excuse.

A soft knock on the cave walls pulled Twilight and her mentor from their thoughts. They turned to find Princess Cadence standing near their cell. A sad, forced smile spread over her face to greet the two. She walked up to their cell and asked, “How are you two doing?” 

“As well as one would expect,” Celestia answered in earnest. 

Cadence nodded. “And you Twilight?”

“Given the circumstances, I’m alright.” 

Cadence sighed. “I’m sorry things have to be like this. I . . .”

“It was the most appropriate way to handle things.” Twilight said, standing herself back up on all four legs. “I know. I just wish I could have been a better princess. Maybe then things wouldn’t have turned out like they did.” 

Cadence didn’t respond. What words of comfort could she possibly give the two? She’d just sentenced them to several lifetimes worth of banishment. Two of her closest friends, family even, and she’d gone and forced them out the door. “For what it’s worth, I don’t think I’ll sleep a wink until you’re both back. Equestria isn’t going to be the same without either of you.”

“Thanks Cadence.” Celestia answered. “We couldn’t be leaving it in better hooves.”

A moment of silence passed between them. Then, glancing back at the guards, Cadence nodded her head. “Twilight,” she said. “I’ve invited your friends back to see you one more time.” When realization hit the young alicorn’s eyes, Cadence had to look away. Just the sight of those budding tears in Twilight’s eyes, sent chills through Cadence. After a thousand years, Twilight’s friends would be nothing more than names chiseled in stone. “Take as much time as you need,” Cadence said and upon seeing the six girls and the little dragon enter, the ruler of Equestria took her leave.



At seeing Twilight locked in the cage with Celestia, it was Moon Dancer who first touched the bars. Her eyes searching past the averted gaze of her friend, searching for an explanation. “Twilight. W-What happened to you?” She asked, her voice faltering as the others watched silently.

Gathering up her voice, Twilight Sparkle said, “A lot.”

“We only told her what we knew,” Applejack explained, “up til . . . well up til Chrysalis took over Ponyville. We were kinda hoping ya’d explain the rest to us.” 

Staring out over her friends, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack, Spike and Moon Dancer, Twilight agreed. Even Princess Celestia deserved to hear this. “Well, how do I begin? A changeling spy had infiltrated Ponyville, and through pure dumb luck, became my advisor. By the time I found out, Ponyville was already under siege . . .” 

Twilight spent the next two hours detailing out everything that had happened to her. When gaps existed in someone’s memory, or questions arose regarding a specific event, Twilight fielded them. She answered honestly, and openly. She laid out how she was captured, and tossed into a cell very much like the one she was currently in. “In these same caves, Daybreaker held me prisoner. She had a projection of all you shining down into the cell . . . to torture me. I spent a lot of my time there, with you.” Twilight explained. “I missed you all so much.” 

Then, Twilight detailed out the overthrow of Queen Chrysalis and how she’d ended up as cellmates with the changeling leader. To the best of Twilight’s knowledge, she spoke at great lengths of each conversation she’d had with Chrysalis. Throughout all of it, none interrupted. 

Twilight spoke of her plan to get them out, and how it had failed. She brought up Chrysalis’ plan of escape, and how she had vehemently refused. In the end though, Twilight told what she had remembered of that fateful moment when she finally did agree to Chrysalis’ plan. “Things got kind of hazy and I don’t really remember what happened after I agreed. But next thing I knew, I woke up laying at her side. And the strangest part of it is just how right it felt being there . . . like I belonged with Chrysalis.” 

Taking a deep breath, Twilight settled down. “And everything else . . . well what can I say, I screwed up. We defeated Daybreaker sure, but, because of me, all of you almost died . . . one of you did.”

“If it makes you feel any better,” Spike said, “they’ve already found resting places for both Princess Luna and Starlight Glimmer. The two were the first to be buried there.” 

Twilight could only nod. “Thanks Spike. Thank you . . . all of you. I’m so sorry things had to turn out this way. I’m sorry for everything I’ve done to you.” 

“Twilight,” Applejack said, approaching the cage. “Ya’ll did so much trying to help us. I know ya’ll only did what you thought was best. But I’m still angry with you. We warned you about Chrysalis, over and over we did. And you didn’t listen.”

The alicorn bowed her head. “I know.”

“And back on the farm, ya abandoned my family, and refused to help me when I needed it most! I never thought I’d ever see the day when you’d turn your back on me like that!”

“Applejack . . . I . . .”

The farmer stumbled over her words as she spoke. “Truth be told Twilight, I don’t know I could ever look at ya the same again. But I don’t want this. Any of it. You may have been a downright rotten friend these past few months, but I know you were trying your best. And I know I wouldn’t have done no better myself.” Applejack gulped, her ability to hold back even now amazed even her. What had Pinkie Pie said that one time? That she cried on the inside? How true that was. “I guess what I’m trying to say is . . . I’m gonna miss ya Twilight.” 

“I’ll miss you too, Applejack. All of you.” And Twilight stared out over her friends. 

“Don’t worry!” Pinkie said, a tearful smile spread across her face, “I’m gonna throw you the biggest, superest party in all of Equestria when you get back!” Though Pinkie said that to cheer her friend up, they all knew the truth.

“We’ll all look forward to it, Pinkie.” Fluttershy cooed, placing a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. 

“When are you leaving?” Spike asked, finally approaching the cage. His eyes focused on his best friend. 

“Tomorrow.” Celestia answered for the princess. “It’ll be best for Cadence and the rest of Equestria to have us out of the way. The sooner Twilight and I can be out of the picture, the sooner ponies here can begin to heal.”

“So . . . this is really goodbye?” Spike asked. When all he received in return was a nod from Twilight, the dragon’s shoulders drooped. “But, what will I do?” 

“If you do not want to be alone, I believe I may have a spare bedroom” Rarity interjected. “You can stay as long as you like, dear.” 

“Thanks Rarity. You have no idea how much that means to me.” Twilight said, and reached out a hoof past the bars, to hug her little dragon close to her. 

“Oh I think I do Twilight. It’s just a shame I couldn’t . . . put together some scarves or coats or something for you two. Oh if only I knew where you’d be off to, I could put something together and . . .” Rarity stopped to sniffle. “Do take care of yourselves.”

At that, all of her friends gathered around Twilight. The lavender alicorn had just enough room to stretch out both forelegs and participate in a group hug. Even Celestia leaned in and wrapped a wing around Twilight.



Cadence stepped out away from the cave. The guards saluted her as she passed, and the worn-out princess merely nodded at them in return. Even from the entrance, she could still hear the voices of Twilight and her friends. Part of her considered going back on her sentencing, and letting them stay. Or maybe even shortening it. She allowed her mind to shake and stir the idea through every corner of her head before finally deciding that no, she needed to stick to her word.

“Let them stay as long as they want.” Cadence told the guards. “But at night-fall, they must leave so that the princesses may rest.”

“Yes Princess.” The guards answered in unison. 

Cadence stepped away from the caves until even the voices from within were nothing more than a whisper. She sat herself down, staring out over the destruction. In the distance, ponies moved rubble, and put out fires. Bodies were dragged out, and stretchers were drawn. The grim reminder that many more would be discovered reminded Cadence why she couldn’t go back on her word. 

“Here you are,” came a soft whisper of a voice from behind. 

Cadence turned, and her body shivered at the sight of her husband. “Shining.” She said.

“How are you?” He asked.

Cadence sighed, letting her shoulders sag. “I feel like I could throw up.” 

“That bad, huh?” Shining Armor asked, and to the princess’ surprise, stepped right up to her and hugged her. Married they were, but she had just ensured that her husband would live the rest of his life without his little sister.

“Shining, I’m so sorry . . .” Cadence began, but the captain interrupted her.

“Did it have to be a thousand years?”

Cadence sighed. She leaned her head onto Shining Armor’s shoulder, and felt just how rigid his body was. He never stiffened up like this unless he was holding something back. Whether it was tears for his sister or curses against his wife, she didn’t know. 

“I think,” Cadence said, giving out a sigh. “it was the fairest thing I could do.”

“You realize what you’ve just done to her? To her friends? To Me?” 

Cadence stared up at her husband, meeting his gaze with her own. She saw the pain in his face, the hesitation at just having her next to him. Split between his wife and his sister, Cadence closed her eyes. 

“What was I supposed to do? Ponies needed closure so that we could move on and . . .” Cadence shuddered as her voice broke up and she started to cry. “I didn’t want to do it. But I didn’t have a choice. Equestria needs time to heal. And I don’t think that can happen as long as they’re here.” 

Shining Armor stared down at his wife and hugged her, muffling her sobs into his fur. He took in a deep breath, letting it out as his eyes searched the white puffy clouds above. Holding Cadence close to him, he searched for the words to console his wife, to ease his own pain. But nothing would come. “W-What about the Elements of Harmony?” Has asked, grasping at straws at this point.

Cadence only shook her head. “The Element of Magic divorced itself from Twilight after they defeated Daybreaker. I-I suspect it detected whatever Chrysalis had done to her.” Cadence explained once she’d calmed down. “We . . .We don’t have an Element of Magic right now.”

Shining Armor winced his eyes shut. Twilight you idiot. He mentally scolded her. Just trying to keep the conversation going, he asked, “What will you do about that?”

Shaking her head in his arms, Cadence said, “I-I don’t know. Moon Dancer might be a candidate but . . . I don’t want to force it on her, not after this.” 

Finally pulling out of the hug with his wife, Shining Armor stared into her eyes. “You’ve got time to figure that one out. You don’t need to do it right now.”

“S-Shining . . . I-I”

“I know you are.” The unicorn whispered, and he leaned in, kissing his wife on the lips. He closed his eyes, blinking out his tears. 

The kiss lingered for only a moment, with Shining Armor and Cadence leaning on each other for support. When their lips did eventually part, Cadence averted her eyes and said, “You should be down there. She’ll want to see you . . . before she goes.”

Shining Armor placed a hoof on his wife. “What about you?” 

“I already saw them. I don’t think they’ll want to see me . . .at least, not right now.”

Shining Armor didn’t say anything in response. He just nodded. Then giving Cadence a quick smile, he turned and headed towards the cave. Cadence watched her husband until he had vanished into its depths. Letting out a sigh, the princess stared back out over Canterlot and sighed. “This is for the best.” She told herself, though whether or not she actually believed it, even she wasn’t sure. 

“It’s gonna be long thousand years.” Cadence said to herself.