//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: New Element of Harmony and the Storm King // Story: Exile // by Nighlocktheawesome00 //------------------------------// Later, Luna landed in Canterlot. To her confusion, all the decorations were being taken down, and everypony had a sad, gloomy look, some ponies were even crying. Wanting to know more, Luna flew to the castle. When she got there, she found that the situation was no different. Shining, Spike, the Mane 5, and Celestia were all there. Everypony, except Luna and Twilight. "Sister," Luna said. "Hey, Lulu," Celestia said sadly. "Care to tell me what's going on?" Luna asked with a raised eyebrow. "Mom, Shining, Spike (not of his own free will), and Twilight's friends ditched Twilight at the rehearsal," Ash said, sharpening his blade. Everypony, minus Luna, Engelina (also sharpening her blade), Bao (currently asleep), Thorax, and Pharynx, all glared at him. Noticing this, he looked back at them. "What?" Ash asked. "It's true." "But you weren't supposed to tell her!" Rainbow fired back. "Then what the Tartarus was I supposed to tell her?" Ash asked. "We've been sitting here for hours now, and nopony thought to tell Luna a made up story or something?" "You did what?!" Luna demanded. "Every time, Tia... Every time I think you are doing the right thing for once!" "Lulu..." Celestia said, trying to calm her down. "It was bad enough when you weren't there for me, but the fact that you wouldn't listen to what Twilight Sparkle had to say?!" Luna interrupted. "Have you learned nothing from our fight thousands of years ago?!" "There are worst ways to protect Canterlot from foes," Celestia argued back. "And who's idea was it to, despite the fact that a threat was made against Canterlot, not postpone the wedding until the threat blew over?" Luna demanded. "You spend so much time with the nobles, you've started to become just as foolish they are." That did it. Ash knew his aunt was right, and even he thought so, but he decided to keep his mouth shut. Celestia got on her own feet and glowered at her sister. "What do you know about ruling?" Celestia demanded. "Clearly more than you," Luna growled. "Burn," Ash said nonchalantly. Celestial glared at him. "And let me guess something, sister," Luna said. "I bet you didn't even invite your own son and his comrade. Did they even know that Cadence was getting married?" Celestia hesitated for a second before Ash answered, "If we had been invited, we would've postponed the wedding until the threat passed over." "Ash, could you please stay out of this for five seconds?" Celestia asked. "I'm sorry, but no," Ash replied. Before anything else could be said, an orange glow appeared and an orange stone in the shape of a sun appeared. "The Element of Wisdom returns," Luna said. At that moment, there was a bright glow by the thrones, coming from a mirror. Just then, an yellow-orange unicorn pony exited the mirror holding a dress. She had orange and red hair, and appeared to be mumbling something about being late. "You invited, sis?" Ash asked, easily hiding his excitement to see his baby sister again. "I wanted to surprise you?" Celestia offered with a sheepish smile. Before the Unicorn pony could go to find a changing room, the Element of Wisdom flew over to her. It placed itself upon her head, shocking her. "Sunset, what did you possibly do to deserve this misfortune today?" the unicorn asked herself. Without warning, Sunset felt a strong force tackle her. She felt something rubbing roughly against her head as something wrapped around her to prevent her escape. "Come on, sis, say it!" Ash commanded, rubbing his hoof against his sister's head. "This is gonna break you eventually, so spare yourself." "Never!" Sunset fired back playfully, trying to break free. "You know I'm not gonna stop," Ash continued, rubbing harder. "Don't make me pull out the feather." "Uncle! Uncle!" Sunset cried out in defeat at hearing that. Ash finally released her. The two laughed as they hugged each other. "Some things never change," Sunset said. "That's the best part about life?" Ash said. "Sunny!" Bao said, running up and hugging her tightly. "Bao... Good to... See you... Too..." Sunset gasped. "Come on, big guy, let her breath," Ash told his comrade. Bao finally let her go. Sunset groaned as she stretched. "On the bright side, I can cancel chiropractor appointment," Sunset said optimistically. "Chiropractors hurt like Tartarus," Rainbow said. "Rainbow Dash, there is a child in here!" Ash said. Sunset rolled her eyes. When was her brother going to accept she was old enough to words in that context. "And that child is mom," Ash Sid, pointing at Celestia. Celestia eyed him with annoyance. Ash smirked amusedly. "Young colt, I am a thousand years older than you, so do not call me a child," Celestia said. Ash stuck his tongue out at her. Everypony laughed at this. Sunset took the Element off her head and looked at it. "So does anypony wanna tell me what this thing is about?" Sunset asked. "Apparently, the Element of Wisdom has chosen you as its Wielder," Luna replied. "We'll give further details another time," Celestia replied. "For now, let's get you situated." "You're gonna love your old room, sis," Ash said, guiding his baby sister away. "It's just the way you left it." "Translation: you touched a few things, didn't you?" Sunset replied. Meanwhile, back with Twilight. We see she is sleeping in the room Tempest gave her. Tempest came in, gently rubbed her. "Hey wake up," she said. Twilight sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Where are we?" Twilight asked. "We're at the Storm Kingdom," Tempest replied. "Take a quick shower, he has a sharper sense of smell than any of us do." Twilight didn't bother asking and did as she was told. After she was done, Tempest and Grubber led her to a palace. They arrived at the throne room and saw a satyr working on something. Tempest motioned for Twilight to hang back as she approached the satyr. "Your highness," she said. "We've returned." The satyr turned around. Grubber bowed while Tempest stood at attention. "Welcome back Commander," the satyr said. "I trust that Klugetown is ours?" "With a little resistance," Tempest replied. "And who's this pony, you brought back with you?" the satyr asked. "An Equestrian," Tempest replied. "I think it best if the explanation came from her." "Hmm," the satyr replied, turning to Twilight. "Name's Storm King. Why don't you tell me your story, my little pony?"