//------------------------------// // Legacy // Story: Prisoners of the Heart // by KidatHeart5 //------------------------------// The funeral was over, and everyone who was exhausted from the emotional weight of the service made their way back to the castle for a soothing repast in the ballroom. Calla lilies were tied to the pillars and open curtains, which were now black to acknowledge the occasion. Soft candlelight filled the room with a warm and comfortable atmosphere that alleviated even the heaviest hearts. No matter how sad the day was, Sombra’s final wishes called for light to bring even a bit of warmth to those who were grieving. When the family and guests arrived in the ballroom, the visitors lined up to give their condolences to Celestia and her daughters. After the exchange of condolences, the royal family and their guests mingled around the ballroom and talked with one another. At the CMC’s table, an elderly stallion named Grand Pear sat with them. Grand Pear was the duke of Vanhoover, soon to pass his title down to his nephew. His daughter, Pear Butter, was disowned of her birthright a long time ago when she chose a rival apple farmer for her love. Not long afterwards, both Pear Butter and Bright Mac died as a result of a suitor’s curse upon them. However, their daughter Apple Bloom survived and lived a happy life before finally meeting her grandfather a few years ago. Although he respected Sombra and was saddened by the loss, it wasn’t the only reason Grand Pear came to Canterlot. Apple Bloom fretted, “I know I shouldn’t think about it so soon after Dad died, but…” The tears welling up in her eyes prevented her from speaking further. Grand Pear touched his granddaughter’s hoof in consolation, “I know, darlin’. You’re afraid of losing me right after your pa.” Apple Bloom sniffled as she nodded her head. The duke then wrapped his arms around her, “Ah, don’t you worry now. I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. I’m sticking around for as long as you need me.” She gave a sad chuckle, “I’ll always need you, Grand Pear-Pear.” Meanwhile, at another table, the seven sisters were conversing amongst themselves and remembering fond memories of their father. Rainbow Dash excitedly said, “…then the ball went flying out of bounds, and before it could hit the little kid behind us, Dad lifted me up and told me, ‘Catch it, Dashie!’ And I did! I caught the ball!” The sisters uttered sounds of amazement before sighing in sadness. Before long, a pale, light grayish gamboge stallion with wrinkles and a graying green mane in a ponytail came up to the table. He asked in a concerned manner, “Hey, girls. How are you all holding up?” Twilight answered with a small smile, “We’re fine, Regent Canter Zoom, thank you.” Applejack added, “If ya call ‘neck-up in grief’ fine.” Canter Zoom apologized, “Oh, sorry if I intruded on anything, Your Graces.” Fluttershy, who had tiny bags under her eyes, assured him, “Oh, no, it’s all right. You can sit here with us.” The regent then pulled up a chair as he said, “Thank you for your generous invitation.” When he sat down, he told the mares, “You know, your dad was a great guy, one of the best.” Rarity waved her hoof in flattery, “Oh, now.” “I’m not just saying that. Your dad was a hero! It’s going to be hard to live up to his kind of image. You girls were lucky to have him as your dad.” Sunset chuckled, “We sure were.” Canter Zoom took a deep breath and said, “And that’s why I want to ask you all and your mother for a royal blessing.” Pinkie asked in excitement, “Ooh! Is it a surprise? Is it? Is it?” Zoom leaned towards the mares, put his hoof near his mouth, and whispered, “The surprise is –“ Suddenly, he was interrupted by a stallion’s voice proclaiming, “Fillies and gentlecolts!” The sisters and Zoom turned their heads towards the stage where a tall stallion dressed as Star Swirl stood before the crowd. “Thank you for coming here on this solemn day. We know the loss is hard for all of us, but we of The King’s Colts want to brighten the occasion with a memory of the past. That is why we wish to commemorate Sombra’s life by performing a short version of the play The King of Canterlot. For almost every Summer Sun Celebration since its inception, this play has enchanted thousands with its tales of heroism, daring, and hope. May Sombra always be remembered as the hero of our fair kingdom and our hearts. Fillies and gentlecolts, we give you The King of Canterlot.” The crowd clapped as the lights dimmed and the actor left the stage. Soft music started to play as the curtains parted to reveal the actors dressed as the citizens and the painted background of the buildings and palace. One chorus member sang, “Morning in summer…The city awakes…to the bells of Canterlot…” Another chorus member holding a fake bouquet of larkspur flowers sang, “The air fills with larkspur…” The first chorus member sang as he gestured towards an actor holding a loaf of bread on a wooden paddle, “The baker-man bakes…” All three sang together, “To the bells of Canterlot…” An actor dressed as a guard sang, “To the big bells as loud as the thunder…” Three unicorns then sang, “To the little bells soft as a psalm…” A unicorn dressed as Gusty the Great sang, “And some say the soul of the city's the toll of…” The chorus then joined her, “The bells…The bells of Canterlot…” They then walked stage left as a transparent black shroud covered the set. The stagelights dimmed a little to convey the grim mood. The chorus continued to sing from offstage, “Long years ago did this story begin in the dark age of Canterlot…” Two of the male chorus members sang as the actors for Sombra and Grogar entered from stage right, “An orphaned unicorn was taken in by the king of Canterlot…” The actor dressed as the vile goat sang, “Grogar, who cared just for his legacy…” The actor portraying the late king sang, “Young Sombra, full of beauty and charm…” The two of them sang together, “And he lived and he grew and awoke to the music of bells…” The chorus and actors then sang, “The bells of Canterlot…” The unseen chorus alone sang, “Bring back our lost light…” ‘Grogar’ then sang, “Oh, dear Sombra, 'neath these arches and these regal domes…” “Bring back our lost light…” “You are blessed to find your sanctuary…and your home…” Two of the male chorus members sang, “Righteous Prince Sombra was ever more drawn to doing good for Canterlot…” ‘Grogar’ sang, “Not like the black-hearted ruler Grogar who'd have none of Canterlot…” The Star Swirl actor then came onstage and sang, “Though he was taught by Star Swirl in secret…” ‘Sombra’ sang in worry, “Sombra grew more despaired and alarmed…” As his horn, teeth, and mane were magically transfigured by somepony backstage, he continued, “…as his magic grew more wild and became more defiled by Grogar…” The chorus then sang, “The king of Canterlot…Bring back our lost light…” After ‘Grogar’ exited stage left, ‘Star Swirl’ sang to ‘Sombra’, “You must leave, Sombra…This evil castle where you've dwelled…” “Bring back our lost light…” ‘Sombra’ gasped, “Leave? But I can’t.” ‘Star Swirl’ pleaded, “Sombra, please, it’s your one chance…to have the darkness expelled…” ‘Sombra’ spoke to the audience as he exited stage right and the curtains closed, “And Sombra heeded Star Swirl’s wise words, and off he went.” The voices of the chorus chimed, “Meanwhile…” When the curtains opened again, the background had changed to an open plain with a river nearby and mountains that were far away. One chorus member sang as ‘Sombra’ ran in from stage right. “Sombra proved to be uncommonly fast for the guards of –“ The chorus joined him as the background started rolling to coincide with the lead actor’s running in place, “Canterlot…” The chorus member continued singing as ‘Sombra’ came upon ‘Gusty’ before she exited stage right, “And befriended a pony he almost passed on the run from –“ “Canterlot…” Another chorus member sang, “And then one fateful day he saw something…” ‘Sombra’ sang in a hopeful tone, “A mountain that was surely…Fettna!” A female chorus member then sang, “And with hope on his face…the prince stole to the place of legend…” The rest of the chorus soon followed her, “A new hope for Sombra…” The curtains temporarily closed and opened again to the background of a tree in a dark cave. This painted tree was dotted with golden orbs that resembled the famous Golden Apples of the Hesponides. ‘Sombra’ said breathlessly in joy, “At last! I have finally found the golden apples!” He was about to touch the painted tree when he hesitated, “But should I?” He then sang in conflict, “I have come here finally…in my quest for a remedy…Now my hope rests in this very…small and humble tree…But is it a selfless goal? Helping the kingdom or my soul? What of the others living in this sanctuary?” The actor then turned from the tree and shook his head, “No. I shouldn’t take anything from the Hesponides. I’ll just have to find another way.” Just then, a female Pegasus dressed as a Hesponid flew down from the stage rafters and hovered over the Sombra actor. “Congratulations! You’ve resisted the temptation of stealing for yourself. Because you acted so nobly, take this gift.” She then pulled out an apple completely coated in gold fondant icing. ‘Sombra’ looked in amazement at the apple, “A golden apple?” He then shook his head, “Oh, but I couldn’t.” “You’ve earned it. The Hesponides saw the good in your heart when you refused to take anything from the tree. By thinking about us and your kingdom, you have proven that you are more than worthy of having your most heartfelt wish granted.” “But what if my wish to be restored to my original self won’t help the others?” “Well, I think you’re more good to them pure than you are defiled.” ‘Sombra’ then nodded and took a bite from the apple. As a light glow surrounded him, the curtains closed on the scene. A pony narrated from offstage, “And so Sombra was restored to the unicorn he was before Grogar’s influence corrupted his magic.” When the curtains parted again, a cloaked pony walked onstage from stage left. The narrator continued, “He then returned to Canterlot, now more resolute than ever…” ‘Sombra’ lifted his hood, revealing his normal appearance. “…to overthrow Grogar once and for all.” ‘Sombra’ shouted in a determined voice, “Grogar! Your time as dictator is over! Surrender now!” The Grogar actor appeared from stage right and shouted, “Never!” The two actors then ‘dueled’ each other as the chorus sang, “This is the day, this is the day…This is the day, this is the day…the darkness falls and makes way for…” As the chorus vocalized, ‘Gusty the Great’ and her crew charged onstage and surrounded ‘Grogar’ with their magic. ‘Gusty’ shouted, “Don’t let him escape!” As the Grogar actor started sinking down the stage via a hidden platform, he cried, “NOOOOOOOO!” The chorus then sang, “Our lost light returns…” As the black drapes lifted from the Canterlot background, the Gusty actress and her group sang, “And the light of Grogar’s defeat sent the clouds fleeing…” “Our lost light returns…” As the chorus members and ‘Star Swirl’ walked onstage, the ‘unicorn warriors’ continued, “And the ponies’ gaze fell on the face of their new king…” ‘Sombra’ spoke to the crowd, “My ponies, today the threat of monsters is gone. No longer will we be ruled by vile creatures like Grogar. We shall rebuild what has been lost before and restore Canterlot to its former glory.” After the crowd cheered, he then sang, “See this broken kingdom where its subjects would once weep…I’ll protect and care for you and fill you with great glee…For now we’re free…” As the Sombra actor kneeled, ‘Gusty’ spoke, “And so he was rewarded greatly for his brave actions. The crown was given to the kingdom’s most cherished hero…” The Star Swirl actor then placed a golden crown upon ‘Sombra’s’ head and proclaimed, “King Sombra!” The Grogar actor – with his goat costume now gone – appeared from stage right and sang, “Now here is a riddle to guess if you can…Sing the bells of Canterlot…” ‘Sombra’ then sang, “What makes a monster and what makes a colt?” The male actors then joined him, “What makes a monster and what makes a colt?” The mares followed, “What makes a monster and what makes a colt?” They all sang together, “Sing the bells, bells, bells, bells, bells, bells, bells, bells…Bells of Canterlot!” After the curtains closed, thunderous applause resonated throughout the ballroom. Some of the audience had tears in their eyes for various reasons. Canter Zoom then pointed to the stage, “That. That’s what I want to do.” Fluttershy asked in a voice softer than usual, “A play?” “Something like that. I want to produce a movie about your father’s life!” The sisters gasped in delight. Rarity smiled, “Oh, Your Grace! We’d be so honored!” Zoom asked in growing hope, “So that means I have your blessing?” Twilight answered, “We’ll have to consult Mother as well, but the seven of us agree. Canter Zoom, you have our blessing to create your film about our father.” The regent hoof-pumped, “Yes! Oh, and while we’re on the subject of your dad’s film, why don’t you come to Applewood for the preliminary story meeting? We want to get every detail about your father’s life right.” Rainbow Dash chimed, “I’m in!” Applejack nodded, “Me, too!” Pinkie Pie singsonged, “Count me in!” Twilight spoke, “Then it’s settled. As soon as we tell the whole family, we’ll leave for Applewood.” Zoom chuckled, “Ha-ha! Great!” When the sisters told their whole family about Canter Zoom’s proposal, Celestia of course gave her blessing. They then came up with a plan: the sisters would travel to Applewood with their husbands while Celestia would temporarily reassume the duties of being queen. “Just for old times’ sake” was her reason. Skyla, Blackthorn, and Capricia would accompany the seven sisters and brothers-in-law to Applewood. Skyla wanted to show Blackthorn how films were made; Capri wanted to see it. Unfortunately, the Marendelle family members had to go back to the island kingdom soon. As a gesture of goodwill, Canter Zoom gave them the film reel of the upcoming Daring Do movie that he had originally brought for the entire Canterlot family to ease their grief even a little. Everyone packed their bags so they could leave for their destinations the next morning. When the morning came, everyone but the Applewood group took to the road. Just after Skyla’s parents and the Marendelle royal family left the palace, Discord frantically summoned the doctor. Fluttershy had woken up nauseous and she vomited in the bathroom for an hour straight. As the doctor examined Fluttershy behind the closed bedroom door, the sisters and in-laws sat in worried silence. Discord, on the other hand, paced the floor and shook endlessly from anxiety. Capri was the first to speak up, “I want to tease you right here and now, but truth be told, I’ve never seen you like this before. Frankly, it’s scaring me.” Discord retorted, “Well, how do you think I feel?! We just lost Sombra, for heaven’s sake! What if we lose Fluttershy, too?” The sisters shuddered in fear of the thought. Spike said, “Sombra died of a weak heart, not the flu.” Timber Spruce pointed out, “Well, technically, you can die from the flu.” The sisters cried out in an anguished yelp. Soarin immediately whacked the back of Timber’s head in irritation. Timber cried out, “Ow! What?” Just then, the door opened to reveal the doctor. Everyone braced for whatever news the doctor had to give. “She’ll be fine, though she requests to speak with her husband alone.” Greatly confused and worried, Discord entered the room and closed the door behind him. Seeing her pale figure lying in bed didn’t help ease his concerns. “What is it, Fluttershy? What did the doctor say?” “You better sit down, honey.” Discord complied and sat on the edge of the bed. He then looked at her with dread and said, “Go on.” “I’m…pregnant.”