//------------------------------// // Chapter 21 // Story: Warframe: Rebirth // by REDMAMBA //------------------------------// Chapter 21 Princess Celestia was a former shell of her once powerful self. Her once flowing mane and tail lay limp and dull, a drab pink had replaced her once flowing one. Her fur was matted, dirty, and unkept. Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy. She ambled like a zombie, dragging her hooves. Her body was numb and her mind blank. Her heart ached in misery. Just when she had though she was past her struggles, life had thrown her yet another curveball. Her star pupil had abandoned her in a fit of rage. Cursing her for everything. It broke her even further… Why was it when she got close to somepony… they abandoned her? With a bottle of cheap whiskey hanging from her limp fingers, she stumbled into her bedroom, dragging her hooves with each step. Passing by her mess of a bed, the drunken mare approached her closet. Dropping the half empty bottle, it tinked loudly against the floor. Reached forward, she violently opened the doors and stared into the abyss. It took three tries to turn on the lights, but when she did, she winced. It only seemed to aggravate a growing hangover. Blinking the pain away, she stared daggers at the purple suit of armor she had kept hidden in what was essentially a closet. “This is yur fult!” she slurred, pointing an accusatory finger at the armor. She tried to look as aggressive and angry as possible, it didn't work well with her swaying form and shaky hand. “Y-You did this!” Staring up at its faceless helmet and in her drunken state, she honestly expected it to answer her! “Answer me!” It did nothing. The suit only continued to stand there. In three months it hadn't moved, and she didn't dare touch it. It was under lockdown and only her and Bronze knew of its power and location. Surrounded by as many wards as possible, nopony would be able to get near it. Infuriated, she grabbed the knob of the closet door and tore it from its hinges. “ANSWER ME!” Her bottom lip quivered in anger before she grabbed her face with both hands. Dropping to both knees, she started to sob loudly, her entire form shook and tremored. Why… why… whywhywhywhy!? Unbeknownst to her, the right hand of the suit twitched. Its fingers convulsed violently before opening widely and balling into a strong fist. It was as though some long lost connection was activated inside its metal form. It felt a pull and a plea for help. It must answer the call! Protect, the Operator! Celestia jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Removing her hands from her muzzle, she stared up in awe as the suit held onto her. A horrifying shiver ran up the length of her spin as the suit stared down at her. She locked up, horrified at what this thing could do. Stepping past her, its movements were blocky, stiff even. She could only watch as it headed towards the window. Once it made it towards one of the many windows that lined her bedroom. Gently working the lock, it pushed the window open, letting a warm summer breeze enter the room, causing the mares mane to flutter. Staring out over the Equestrian countryside, it starred off towards the north. As though it could hear it's calling upon the wind. In a flash of light and a strange sucking sound, it dematerialized upon itself. And just like that… it was gone. *** In the city of Thestralshire, a young mare coward in fear as two stallions stood over her. She knew nothing well was about to follow. Tears ran down her cheeks as one of the stallions forcefully grabbed o to her arm with one hand and grabbed her shirt with the other. She heard threads breaking as he attempted to pull her shirt off. Closing her eyes, she could only pray for somepony to save her. She felt his release her, not daring to open her eyes, she heard grunting, groaning and the sounds of punching. When nothing happened after several seconds, she shakily opened one eye. At her hooves, both thestral stallions laid bruised, beaten and unconscious. Lifting her gaze, she could only see the silhouette of a taller minotaur standing over her. Her savior… Captain Bronze could only stare at the empty space that once held the suit. It was clear now that its disappearance was not the tales of a drunken mare lost in her haze. Unable to explain how it escaped on its own, he was at a loss. Glancing over his shoulder, he stared at the closed door of the princess’ master bathroom. Small wisps of steam escaped out from under the door. From his position, he could hear the muffled orders of a few maids tasked with helping the princess get herself clean. Just south of the town of Thestralshire, a humble little unicorn family sat terrified in their coach. Held against their will, the mother held her two fillies close as her husband was forced to open their safe. Inside held all their riches that they would need to start their new life. The griffons holding them hostage looked unafraid to do anything drastic should the need arise. The stallion’s hands couldn't stop shaking as he attempted to work the combination lock. With the masked griffon holding a knife to his neck, he prayed to the gods for an angel to at very least watch over his family. The carriage shook violently, causing the family inside to scream. Confused, the male griffon looked up, coming face to face with the family’s hero... Cadet Armor and his friends sat at one of the many diners that populated Canterlot. Swirling his still full cup of coffee, he was at a loss. There was nothing more they could do… All leads had led to a false hope. Many of the cadets had created this false reality that in some way, some shape or form, the princess was still alive. The rest of his friends looked as dull as he felt. With one last sigh, the stallion painfully swallowed his now cold cup of coffee before grabbing his spear and shield and headed off into the city, squad in tow. On the edges of Neighagra Falls, a young colt held tightly against the cliffs. During his sightseeing, he had slipped from the trail and tumbled over the edge, landing on a barren ledge. Both his parents could only pace and plea anypony to help their son. No unicorn could see him, and the winds were too powerful for a pegasus. It would be hours before a rescue crew could get up there! As the father paced he saw out of the corner of his eye a flash of purple and white as somepony hopped the rail and disappeared over the edge. Shocked, everypony held tightly against the rail leaning over the edge of the railing in an attempt to see down the cliff. It was a tense several seconds before another flash of purple and white sailed past them. Landing not too far behind the crowd, the stallion stood tall with the colt at his hooves. Running a reassuring hand through the colts mane, the stallion gave him a thumbs up as the distraught parents came running and embracing their son. As the father turned to face their savior, he stood baffled, as the stallion had disappeared into the woods... Princess Cadence could only stare longingly into the pot of soup she was stirring. In the living room, the filly she was foalsitting was reading a book. Her thoughts wandered towards her disappeared niece. While their time together was brief, she loved every second of it. Shaking her head, she refocused her thoughts and continued with her cooking before she called it good. Pouring two bowls, she headed into the living room. Handing off her bowl to the purple filly on the floor, she sat down on the couch. Sipping at her soup, the mare’s thoughts wandered back towards Raven. Silently, she started to sob. Off the main line of train tracks that connected all of Equestria’s railways, ponies screamed for help as they sat trapped in their dangling car. Part of the train had come derailed and hung precariously off the edge of a bridge over Ghastly Gorge. To terrified to move, ponies didn't know what to do! With the car barely holding on by a thread, they screamed out in terror as the car shifted violently. Many of them were thrown from their secure positions. One poor mare grunted as she impacted against one of the seats, unable to stop her momentum, she screamed as she tumbled down the aisle and towards the open back door. Ponies reached for her, but it was all in vain. Slipping out the open back door, she knew she was done for! Grunting, she felt something stop her descend into the gorge. Looking up, she came face to face with the armor-clad stallion of her dreams. Holding an arm around her midsection, he pushed off the car and high into the air. Landing on the bridge, he gently set the mare down before turning towards the car with a sense of urgency. Channeling all his power into his hands, gusts of cold air and roaring winds resonated through the canyon walls as ice started to form around the cart before part of it and the bridge were consumed. Jumping towards an open window, he started pulling ponies out and to safety... Bubbles sat at her dining room table surrounded by empty beer bottles. The mare sobbed loudly into her arms as her head rested on the table. In six months, all she had accomplished was drowning out her sorrows in booze. She was broken and dull. Her once vibrant coat reeked of alcohol and depression. Several weeks ago the mare had quit her job as a maid, unable to look the princess in the eye any longer. For the following hours, she continued to sob into the empty halls of her apartment. At the edge of Canterlot, stood a lone figure. His armor shone bright in the early morning dawn. It was perfect and pristine. His horns tall and sharp, impressive enough to put any minotaur to shame. His muscular structure was as intimidating as impressive. His vibrant violet cloak waved delicately in the early morning breeze. It had been a long three months to get back here. But it was well worth the effort. Entering the grand streets of the city, he headed towards one destination. As he walked, ponies turned to face the newcomer. He walked with an air of authority and strength. He stood tall and proud. Was he Equestria's latest hero? Perhaps a Minotaur of royal blood? Was he a prince, a king, or perhaps a god? Okay, maybe not that last one. Ponies stood in awe of him. His armor was polished to a perfect reflection, glinting brightly in the late summer sun. His long flowing cloak flowed gallantly with each step. He was so enthralling that one little snow-white filly with a curly-q purple mane watched in awe as he passed her. He held his head high, both horns grinded to a perfect point. His metallic boots carried him so smoothly across the street, it was as though he was floating. The once hustling and bustling city had come to a standstill. Who was this pony and what did they want? Stallions starred in both envy and respect, mares out of beauty and lust. Two guards ponies watched with a keen eye, expecting something bad to come of him. But it never came. He continued forward unhindered though. As he walked, a tiny filly playing with a ball came out from a random street and paid him little mind until it was too late. Bumping into his shin, she fell backwards onto her bum with a cute grunt. Ponies all around gasped loudly, expecting him to explode from her foolishness. The tension was thick. Unbeknownst to the child, she was more focused on something else. Looking around herself, she grabbed her ball with a smile as she held it over her head victoriously, before she looked past the toy and up at the shadow looming over her. There was definitely one thing for sure that she didn't like... The stallion was really tall and scary! With a whimper, she clutched her ball tight towards her chest and attempted to look small. He looked really really angry. Tears started to well up in the corners of her eyes in fear that he will do something. She wanted her mommy! Closing her eyes, she whimpered again. And maybe if she didn't see him, he couldn't see her! It was fool proof! It didn't seem to work when she heard him kneel in front of her, followed by the sounds of magic being used. She felt him run a thumb across her face, wiping away the tears. Nervously, she opened her eyes to see him cleaning away the tears. It, reminded her of her mommy when she was sad. She always cleaned away the tears. Blinking, she smiled her thanks. Removing his hand, he rested it on her knee. With his other hand, he held it up from behind his back. What she saw, caused her to gasp adorably. In his palm, was a little ice statue of her and her ball. Gently placing it on the ground, her eyes sparkled with wonder as she stared at the tiny frozen version of herself as she leaned in for a closer look. As she heard her mother calling for her, turning around, she quickly forgot the little sculpture and ran towards her mommy! The unicorn mare embraced her child before giving her a scolding about running off. Looking up at the stallion who was in the process of standing himself, she apologized for her daughter. Waving off the apology, he then held up his right hand, palm up. Pointing towards his open palm, the filly leaned inward, watching intently. Magic formed in his grasp as a small flurry of wind and snow swirled in his palm. Her mother was rather interested at what he intended to do too. The gusts increased in vigor as the snow became thicker before it exploded, showering the area in a light dusting. The little filly giggled happily before a tiny snowflake landed a top her muzzle, causing her to look at it cross eyed. She continued to giggle before focusing in his palm. In it, was a little ice statue of her and her mommy! It shattered and crumbled, causing the briefest amount of sadness in her tiny form before she watched in awe as another tiny statue of her and him appeared. If one looked really closely, they could see the first statue in his palm. The mother watched in awe as he used his ice magic to form more tiny statues. One was of Canterlot Castle, another the city, before finally the Princess, tall and proud. The mares heart ached while her daughters soared. As the little statue shattered one last time, closing his hand, he held his close fist for several seconds before rearing back and throwing a fist full of snow into the air. The filly burst out in a fit of joyous giggles as the flakes of snow fluttered towards the ground. Patting the little filly on the head, he gave the mare a courteous nod before heading back off onto his original destination. As he approached the gates of the castle, two guards, Cadets Armor, Dawn, and Longbow conversed about their latest assignment. The three were on gate duty, taking practice from their superiors in the enlisted guard. Glancing to the side and down the road, Cadet Armor stepped forward with Dawn and Longbow stepped forward, the latter two crossed spears as Armor held up his hand. “I’m sorry, but unless you have an appointment, the castle is closed,” he ordered. The unknown stallion came to a halt and stared down at the cadet stallion. He continued to stare down at the blue haired stallion, refusing to move while the taller stallion continued to hold his hand out with firm resolution. The young stallion was about to give another command before he was blinded by a flash of light as a smaller being phased out from the armor and gently stepped down onto the ground, the suit standing patiently behind her. Every pony’s eyes in the immediate area went wide. “Please move, Cadet,” she ordered. *** Captain Bronze ran through the halls of the castle as fast as his hooves could carry him. As he threw caution to the wind, he stumbled slightly as he rounded a corner. Pushing in between two maids, he shouted an apology over his shoulder towards the two shocked maids. His lungs burned as he headed towards the stairs, jumping two at a time, he was almot to the top in a matter of seconds. By the time he made it to the necessary floor, he was soon realizing how old he was getting. Upon reaching the last step, his hoof stumbled, and he landed painfully. His armor did little to protect him from the step that had jabbed him in the gut. Cursing his misfortune, he ignored his screaming ribs and pushed forward. Racing down the final hallway he came to a sliding stop in front of a large set of wooden doors. Reaching forward with both hands, he pulled the right hand one open, flooding the room with light from the hallway. Inside the room, Celestia winced from the bright light. Opening her eyes, she sat up, letting her bright pink mane drape over her shoulders and breasts. Rubbing her eyes, she attempted to wipe the sleep from her eyes. “Captain Bronze?” she questioned sleepily. “What’s so important that warrants my help?” Even though she was still down in the dumps, at least she had stopped the drinking and bathed regularly. Even with her mess of unbrushed hair, she still looked beautiful and down right cute as she rubbed her face. Bronze couldn't help but feel a little bit happier that she was recovering. But he still had more important matters to attend to. The stallion panted loudly as he attempted to catch his breath. He dipped his breath as he sucked in as much air as he could before lifting it and staring straight into the princess’ eyes. “Princess! I-” He was cut off as a silhouetted hand grabbed his shoulder, causing him to turn his head to face the unknown pony. Stepping out of the way, he let the unknown pony step past him and enter the room. Celestia sat in her bed shocked. There in the doorway… Stood the armor that had long since left. The mare could only stare in awe and confusion as to why it would return. It had no rhyme or reason to return. The last time she had a deep reaction with it was when it requested for the 'operator' what ever that meant. But yet here it was! As she waited for it to say or do something, there was a bright flash of red light that illuminated the room further, revealing a flash of pink and black before the light faded back into the darkness. Shadowed by the taller suit, a young filly stood before her. The mare cupped her muzzle with both hands as she gasped loudly. There in her bedroom… Stood her daughter! The mare sobbed loudly, covering her mouth with both hands. Holding out both arms as wide as possible, the mare silently pleaded the girl to come to her. Raven wasted no time at all and ran forward as fast she could. Diving onto the bed and into Celestia’s open arms, the mare and human embraced each other as they nuzzled. Celestia wrapped both arms around the child and pulled her in close, rubbing her face against the girl’s hair. Raven pulled herself against the mare’s bosom and did her best to wrap her smaller arms around the solar mare’s torso. The pair held each other tightly, fearing that the other would disappear if they let go. Grabbing Raven by the cheeks, Celestia rested her forehead against Ravens. Staring deep into her snow-white eye, Celestia still couldn't believe it. “I'm sorry… I'm sorry… I'm sorry!” she profusely apologized, pulling Raven back into her previous embrace. “I love you so much! Please forgive me-e-e-e!” Oh, how Raven missed this! The feeling of Celestia’s warm and soft fur. The love and embrace. Just everything about it filled a hole in her heart that she so desperately desired. She pressed herself into the mare’s soft neck as far as she could. “Sorry… sorry… sorry!” she shouted into the mare’s neck, her tears matting the mares neck fur. But Celestia cared little, as she cared about was the girl in her grasp! Wrapping her wings around Raven’s smaller form, the duo cried their sorrows away. They stayed like that for some time before Celestia turned her head towards the door and the stallion leaning on the doorway, arms crossed with a tiny, satisfied half smile upon his muzzle. “Captain-” He cut off the mare off by holding up a hand. “I will address the nation. You two have a lot of catching up to do,” he said, pushing off the door frame and uncrossing his arms and moving them to his hips. “I will contact Miss Inkwell and hold a press conference. We'll need proof. So, I do believe a photo will suffice.” The mare nodded, satisfied by the answer before she turned back to her child and wrapping both herself and her daughter with her wings. Smiling, Bronze turned towards the suit just standing inside the room. Slowly, it turned its head towards the twin-horned stallion. “Thank you, for bringing her back,” he thanked from the bottom of his heart as he placed a hand on the shoulder of the suit. Tilting its head at the praise, it went back to watching the human. Bronze accepted the head tilt as a form of ‘you're welcome’ and let it go. Tapping its shoulder twice, he left the room and entered the vast hallways of the castle. He was going to need to contact the newspapers, prepare a speech and contact a number of different ponies. As head headed down the stairs, he practically had to dive out of the way as a crying Princess Cadance shot past him as nothing more than a pink blur. He smiled as he watched her race up the stairs and out of his sight. For the first time in six months… All was right in the Nation of Equestria! The next day. “Princess Raven has returned!” Captain Bronze announced over the gathered crowd his voice amplified by a series of spells that allow him to be loud enough to be heard by all of Canterlot. Standing on the edge of the balcony specifically designed for such occasions and announcements. Down below, in the streets of Canterlot, ponies had flooded into the streets, the crowd was so large that it poured out of the surrounding courtyard and far into the streets of Canterlot herself. Many ponies ranging from all shapes, colors, age, and backgrounds held papers. The front page of each and every newspaper read the same words in big bold lettering, ‘PRINCESS RAVEN RETURNED!’ followed by a very short article and a time of announcement and a picture of both Princess Celestia and Princess Raven embracing on her majesty's bed. The crowd exploded in uproarious cheers upon hearing the declaration. Across the nation, ponies tuned in to the announcement crystals specifically designed to protect the face and voice of the pony talking when the announcement is of grave importance. From Las Pegasus to Manehattan and everywhere in between, the nation sang songs of praise. With an about-face turn, the stallion left the crowd to its celebration. Upon stepping back inside the castle, he was flooded by reporters who bombarded him with questions while his loyal guards held them at bay. “Captain! Captain! Is it really true that the princess has returned!?” “Captain Bronze! May we see the princesses to confirm your announcement?” “Is it true that the princess was kidnapped!?” “What is your opinion on the string of rescues by an unknown hero!?” Coming to a stop just before a large oak door, he about-faced again towards these bloodsucking leaches. They continued to shout questions before he held up his hand in silence. For the first time in minutes, the stallion could think clearly. “There will be a press conference in an hour that will answer all your questions, thank you!” he promptly exited through the door just as they started up yelling more questions his direction yet again. Slamming the door shut, he groaned in agony as he rubbed his face. “You look dead,” he heard somepony say. Looking through his fingers, he stared down at the orange hooves and golden shin guards of the mare standing before him. He knew those bright orange nut busters anywhere. “Lieutenant Flare,” he greeted as he lowered his arms and started down the hallway towards the conference room he mentioned earlier. “No deader than you.” As he stepped past her, she fell into step with him as she placed her left hand on the pommel of her sword. “Ha ha… picking on the lowly mare, are we?” “Blow it out your tail hole!” The mare rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless. It was nothing more than mere bantered between guardsponies. “Nah, you'd rather stuff it,” she countered with a smirk. Captain Bronze was really not in the mood for stupid antics. He was stressed and had ten-million things on his plate that he needed focus on. With a frustrated eye roll and groan, he dropped the topic entirely. “I need you to keep ponies in line during the conference. You know how these bloodsuckers get, give them an meter and the take a kilo,” he stated as he went into ‘Commander Mode’. “And her majesties?” “Princess Cadance and Prince Blueblood will be there for the sake of P.R. As for Princess Celestia and Princess Raven, they are following through with a request from Princess Raven.” *** The streets were empty as a single unmarked carriage sat outside of one of the many cookie cutter apartments that populated the street. With the upcoming announcement, this was a perfect time to do this. Inside one of the many rooms on one of the many floors, one little mare and one little human embraced each other lovingly. Bubbles sat on her knees while Raven stood as they held each other close. Both were sobbing, the mare a little louder. She was still a mess and her countertops were covered with both empty and partial bottles of booze. Pulling away, Bubbles kept her grip on the younger girl's shoulders while Raven held the mare’s bare arms. Not expecting anypony at all, Bubbles was still in a dirty tank top and her panties. Sitting at the table, the princess waited patiently, a tiny yet warm smile gracing her lips. “Bubbles? I think this is as good time as any to ask you this,” Celestia started as she waited for the mare’s attention. Once she had it, she continued. “I… I would like to offer you your old position back.” Bubbles wilted at the offer as she looked down to the floor, then to the empty bottles surrounding her kitchen, ears splayed. “I-I couldn't… I'm a mess and an embarrassment…” she admitted. Her apartment, filthy clothing, and simple fact that she rank of booze and sweat was enough of a point that she didn't need further explanation. “Besides… I… it's such a struggle to even look you in the eye after I lost her under my watch…” Raven winced. She had yet to explain herself and her actions. Spending most of her time with Celestia, Raven didn't just wanted to be held. So that was most of what they did, was cuddle and be around each other. But, that topic was going to have happen here soon. She was already grounded and her guards under strict orders to never let her out of their sight no matter what so help me, me! As per Celestia's orders. As the little half naked mare opened her mouth to explain herself further towards her inability to return to her job, but was silenced when she felt her fingers interlace with Raven's. Squeezing the mare’s hands, Raven pleaded, “Please?” She couldn't say no to the pleading filly. Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes. Grabbing Raven's hand with both of hers, she held them up in front of her face and squeezed them back, “O-okay… I will!” Leaping forward, Raven wrapped both her hands around the mare’s neck. Nuzzling her mane… Raven took a deep breath… Her eye snapped open as she pulled away quickly, clasping both hands over her nose, a look of disgust upon her features. “You need a shower…” she said nasally. Bubbles blushed in embarrassment at the declaration. Well... at least someone finally said something. Celestia had been ignoring it for the sake of not embarrassing the fragile mare further. “Bubbles, I will gladly reinstate your position at the castle,” Celestia stated as she stood up from her seat. “Clean yourself up and you may return to work as soon as you can.” Helping the mare to her hooves, Celestia smiled warmly. The mare returned it with a weaker, yet still grateful smile of her own. Celestia squeezed the blue mare’s hands lovingly. Running a hand through her mane, attempting to flatten out the stray hairs and make the mare more presentable, the mare continued. “We look forward to having you back.” Looking down at Raven with a smile, the girl, still clasping her nose, smiled regardless of the smell. Returning her gaze back to the mare in her grasp, she pulled her into a hug, holding back a wince as the stench of cheap booze and sweat assaulted the mares nose. Without hesitation, Raven jumped forward and in between the two mares, causing both to giggle. Yes, all was right, in Equestria.