//------------------------------// // The Touch // Story: The Worth of a Bond // by TheOtherSolstice //------------------------------// Equestria is in disarray… and Canterlot was soon to fall. Try as they might, Tirek had thoroughly taken everypony’s magic… and hope to stage any form of resistance. Which was why one pony was admired for pushing through despite his loss. Shining Armor trudged through the castle hall, eyes harden with purpose. If anypony would stop to ask how he was able to persevere, the Unicorn wouldn’t be able to answer. Not out of rudeness, but because something was occupying his mouth. Reaching his destination, Shining took hold of the object and gave it a meaningful study. It was a small piece of metal of sophisticated construct with slivers of crystals imbedded to give a delicate appearance. To some it may appear as a pretty keepsake. How the pony acquired it is a story in and of itself… one that he hasn’t felt worthy to share. But right now, Shining Armor felt that this is the key to their salvation. He stood before a special room that can only be accessed in the presence of a Princess’ magic. However, the former captain gained a special pass that even they were not aware of. “Please… let this work.” The Unicorn pleaded as he has no magic of his own to activate the lock. The key glowed and relief washed over him as the door was opened. After struggling with his weakened body, Shining entered the room that he has never returned to since that haunting day. Navigating through priceless works like before, he stopped before one only a scarce few knew. A gold sphere held between two ornate clasps; a gem of unknown origin nestled in its dulled structure. “Wisdom of the ages… I call upon you.” After invoking, the key floated from his hoof and entered the relic. Its former luster restored as Shining Armor was washed over by an intense yet comforting light that only weighed his heart after all he had done. “Shining Armor…” the voice originated from the relic, deep with a history of strength and wisdom unmatched. “You have returned...”, addressing familiarly the young captain, but also felt what was amiss. “… And so has an old foe.” “Please… I need your help… Tell me how to stop Tirek… Tell me what to do!” The prince was so tempted to kneel after presenting his plea. The silence that follows was becoming unbearable… but what followed made Shining loss his voice. “How will my counsel be of aid to your plight?” The former captain recalled the experience while he was still training. It was because of this encounter that Shining strived to be the stallion he is today. But to hear the question from the one being he admired… “To lose faith in yourself is to put doubt in my assistance. You already know what needs to be accomplished… Why do you hesitate?” “Because I-… I’m not worthy…”, he said with a trembling voice and head held low, the scar of that dreadful memory hurting once more. “It is because you have failed your loved ones?” The statement held a touch more of sympathy than what he deserved… making the ache in his heart more unbearable. Shining had planned to introduce this ancient being to everypony after the wedding. But… the invasion happened. But what took away the Unicorn’s conviction was when he learned what transpired with his dear sister. They may say that he was forgiven, but Shining Armor already had his worth shaken. Seeing the key only worsen the shame so he left it in the captain’s quarter, hoping one day somepony more deserving will take up the mantle. A small part of him felt dismayed upon finding the key untouched. “I failed everyone. I failed Twily. I failed to be that noble legacy… I failed to be like you.” “Indeed… because you can never be like me…” He was prepared for a rebuke… But the former soldier wasn’t prepared for this. “You can be much more.” A silent hum permeated the air, as one would be reminiscing of a time long passed. “History may have regaled my success, but you and a scarce few knew of my defeat. Some were failures of my doing…” “But you were admired because you overcame and rose above them!”, he defended. Shining read so much of this historical figure. But learning events directly from the source was an exciting yet reflective experience. To hear how the one being he wanted to emulate diminish itself was too much. Ever since he found the relic, it has been a source of sound advice. Most of it Shining already told himself but needed the confirmation of a wiser voice. “And it’s time for you to do the same.” Still unsure, the Shining felt that there is still a lecture so he listened attentively. “From what you have told me, Twilight Sparkle had faced many challenges as Celestia’s student. And much more as the Chosen of Harmony.” In return for the company, the relic had also been his confidant for so long. Until he stopped coming because of the great shame he felt. “She struggled and fell. But rose from them because of the supports of those who became dear to her.” “They quarrel amongst themselves however, as conflicts cannot be avoided. But once they surpassed the test of time and circumstance, the devotion that forge their friendship had become unbreakable.” Doubt slowly took hold as Shining tried to compare how much better Twilight was without him. But somepony is having none of that. “Have you already broken yours with her?” “NO!”, he fiercely defended. “I love my sister with all my heart! She’s my LSBFF!” But that fire was quickly extinguished as the chill of that painful memory resurfaced. “But how can she love me… after what I have done?” “Then you are greatly underestimating the bond she has with you.”, it admonished in a way no different from his own father. “She had learned so much and one of them is forgiveness. She can never forget the taint of that day but it will never eclipse the memories you both shared.” It gave a flash to confirm its emphasis, briefly outlining the star the siblings shared. “Her love for you is far greater than any hatred that can take root in her heart.” So deep was he in self-loathing that the Unicorn failed to recall the night after the wedding. “You already know this… What you are struggling is that you cannot relinquish your fault.” Shining Armor approached his sister in private and remorsefully apologized. He never felt more blessed when Twilight not only forgiven him but reassured that she still loves her ‘BBBFF’. “How can I?” The reason why the stallion wasn’t able to do so was that he cannot justify the mercy after he said all those hurtful words. Despite the forgiveness, he still needed the reassurance that their bond… though strained…, will never be broken. The being’s words brought to perspective how selfish the Unicorn was, to only care for his own opinion. “By trusting in her… She forgave you… Now it’s time to forgive yourself.” The warm reassurance brought tears into his eyes as a burden was finally lifted. “I still feel uncertain of this… But…, I won’t let the past hinder me today!” Straightening his stance, Shining Armor looked up with a fierce resolve. “I’m ready. Will you help me in saving, not just my sister… but all of Equestria?” “I will offer my strength for you to see fit.”, it flashed in approval. But it then gave out a sense of foreboding. “However, I must caution you. In your current state…, to bear the burden of two lifetimes will beget unforeseen consequences.” He sought this as a way of redemption. The purpose was renewed but his conviction stayed fast. “I have thought of that… But Tirek must be stopped…, no matter the cost.” “Very well… We shall face this ordeal together…” The light shone brighter. Before it reached blinding level, a figure reached out a hoof. “Till all are one.” Shining Armor knew what must be done and to reaffirm his resolve: “Till all are one.” xxxxx The dark depth of Tartarus is said to take away all hope of those imprisoned there. It was an uphill battle that the princesses were fighting not to succumb to. Princess Cadance has faith in her sister-in-law and friends, but uncertainty was wearing down her tired spirit. The Princess of Love wondered how the more senior Alicorns stayed so strong and how could she match up to them… and dear Twilight. But the cold grasp of fear in her heart was swept away by a sudden warmth. Cadance didn’t know how it is possible since her magic was gone. But she felt something was giving her comfort… like a reassuring embrace. What queries she had was multiplied by the sudden shout of the Moon Princess. Luna weakly stood as she anxiously searched for something, probably the mysterious sensation she too has felt. “Sister! Did you feel that?! Is it-!” “Yes! Yes, it’s him! He has returned!” Celestia’s reaction was more subdued. But it could be mistaken that their magic was restored by how bright her smile. Even in shackles, Luna was able to hop in renewed joy. “Huzzah! Praise Harmony!” Cadance was getting more nervous despite the comfort earlier. “Aunties! What was that?! And who?!” A smile of hope and longing adorned her distant gaze. The Princess of the Day only offered a mysterious answer: “The light in our darkest hour.”