//------------------------------//
// Aftermath 
// Story: Longing for the Past 
// by Fantasia 
//------------------------------//

Twilight trudged through the snow-laden streets, her head hung low as she made her way to her destination.

After a few minutes, she stopped before Spike's grave and lifted her head, feigning a smile.

"H-hey, Spike," she greeted weakly, her voice devoid of emotion. "I hope you're doing well. I, uh... w-wish I could say the same."

She took a seat in the snow, letting out a trembling sigh.

"My mom and dad are dead, Spike. I know for sure this time, I... I was the assisting the clean up crew today when... when we ah, f-finally found them, w-withered and, a-and on the verge of, of death like a-all of Chrysalis's victims... My parents, along with everypony probably could have been saved, but someponies are just so... self-absorbed and selfish, they just... ruin so many lives... a-and for what?" Her anger suddenly flared. "Was it really worth it, Spike? Chrysalis and Sunset, they're... they're both dead, a-and what do they have to show for it? The princesses, myself, my friends... Everypony they wanted to hurt are all still standing..." The sudden bout of anger she felt softly dissipated, leaving her feeling hopelessly lost. "They wounded me the most, going after my family... but I still have family, Spike... a-and friends! So long as I have my friends, I... think I'll be alright, Spike."

"Glad to hear it."

The remark caught Twilight by surprise, and she swiftly turned, a relieved smile slowly spreading across her face. "Rainbow..."

Her girlfriend landed a little ways away, dressed in a winter scarf, knitted cap, and mitts on her hooves.

"Hey, Twilight," she greeted, folding her wings at her sides. "What's it been? Like, three days?"

"And approximately five hours."

Rainbow froze, looking at her skeptically. "You counted—?"

Twilight ran forward, embracing her around her shoulders.

"I missed you, Dash."

Rainbow turned her gaze a smidgen, looking at her girlfriend in puzzlement, remaining a little startled by the embrace. "I missed you too, Twi, but... Is there a reason you—?"

"It's just... the last few days have been the worst of my life..." she murmured.

Rainbow's brow crinkled slightly in confusion.

"You.. sent me to look for Celestia, Twilight," she reminded her.

"I know..."

"I mean, I would have stayed with you for as long as you needed, but..."

"I asked you to find her instead... Um, did you find her?"

"Uh... W-well, I... I searched the whole east coast like you asked, and I, um... Aw hay, Twilight. Celestia asked me not to say anything, but—"

"You found her?"

Twilight's eyes lit up with hope.

"I knew she was still alive... S-so! Did she tell you what caused the city's collapse, o-or what motivated Sunset, or... or why she aligned herself with the changelings?"

Rainbow lifted a hoof to the section of crystal over her girlfriend's mouth.

"Sorry," Twilight murmured, shrinking back.

"She told me it was all done out of spite, Twilight. She told me... that Sunset was ungrateful, and felt... I dunno, like her greatness had gone unappreciated?"

"Greatness?"

"She felt she deserved to be royalty, so Celestia blinded her, and when she did, Sunset, uh... converted her whole body into magic, and exploded."

Twilight deadpanned.

"Seriously."

Rainbow grinned back at her meekly.

Twilight didn't notice however, remaining lost in her own thoughts.

"So Celestia's to blame... No wonder she fled... Coward."

"Whoa, Twilight, I... I never said—! There's nothing she could have done to save Canterlot—"

"Except kill the pony... responsible for its destruction..."

Rainbow gulped, a small chill running down her spine at her girlfriend's morbid words.

"Twilight, this... t-this is just the dark magic talking..."

Twilight shook her head. "No, Dash, it isn't. Think about all the lives that could have been spared if only Celestia hadn't been so weak. My parents may have had a chance, Dash."

"We don't kill our enemies, Twilight."

"Oh, yeah, no—" Twilight rolled her eyes indignantly. "—we just turn them to stone, or banish them."

Rainbow's ears flopped, her brow crinkling in worry. "Twilight..."

"What about Luna? Did Celestia tell you what happened to her?"

"She, um... let Nightmare Moon loose."

Twilight sighed, nodding half-expectantly. "Of course she did..."

"She did so to defeat Chrysalis, Twilight—"

"Does it matter? You should never resort to using dark magic, no matter the..." She noticed Rainbow begin to narrow her eyes at her, and allowed her words to drift off. "Reason... right. I did the exact same thing, didn't I?"

She smiled back at her girlfriend halfheartedly.

"Celestia set out to find Nightmare Moon," Rainbow explained. "She's not about to let that monster out into the world., alright? She didn't abandon us, Twilight."

"I just don't understand it though. If that's the case... then why didn't she come to see us after Canterlot fell? Why... why did she leave us wondering whether she and Luna were alive or not? A-and why...! Why did she leave me wondering for days... if my family was still...?"

"Maybe she was ashamed. Celestia believes Luna was, and that's why she hasn't fought to regain her senses."

"That's no excuse. Maybe they did let Equestria down, but they have a responsibility as its rulers to be there for their subjects when they're needed... not to just run and hide."

"Twilight... you do realize you weren't the only one to lose family that day. As far as Celestia is concerned... she lost her sister, and for the past week... has been desperately longing to know if there's anything even left of her."

Twilight's eyes slowly widened at the reminder.

"I forgot Luna was her family..." She looked down in shame, her voice softening. "Now I feel awful..."

Rainbow lifted her girlfriend's chin.

"If it's any consolation, Twilight... Celestia had faith that you'd pull through without her, and thinks that, for the time being... you should lead Equestria."

Twilight merely stared back into her girlfriend's eyes, at a loss for words.

"And I told her," Rainbow continued proudly, "that I couldn't agree more. O-of course, Celestia will still be in charge of raising the sun and moon, but as far as everything else goes—"

"You think I have what it takes?"

"Well, yeah, Twilight... totally! You're already a princess, you're like, well-versed in every subject, you always put everypony else first... and you like, helped put an end to the changelings."

"I drove them to attack Canterlot out of retaliation, Rainbow Dash," Twilight replied dryly.

"Nopony could've known that they would do that, Twilight, and besides... you were the one who figured out Sunset was behind it all."

"That's something I suppose..." Twilight chuckled under her breath. "You know... A lot of ponies around town have been saying the same thing, viewing my crystal armor as a symbol or strength and fortitude. "Equestria is as sturdy as crystal," or something like that, so... I haven't been forced to explain the real reason..."

"Hopefully it'll stay that way..." Rainbow murmured in agreement. "Since you mentioned it though, your face definitely seems to be taking shape, and..." She learned in closer, squinting her eyes. "I think I can make out some hair follicles too."

"Can you? You know... I think I can feel some of my organs beginning to reform."

"So it won't be much longer until you're whole again..."

Twilight nodded once more, already feeling her mood start to lift.

"How would you like to join me on a walk through town?" she asked. "Ponyville has changed a lot since you were here last."





She wasn't kidding...

Rainbow looked around at all the new buildings and towers as they were being assembled in and around Ponyville, and how each structure retained the familiar regality of Canterlot. Spires adorned with ornaments of the sun and moon, and ivory buildings encrusted with patterns of purple and gold, plants draped from their sides.

She glanced down at the road itself in slight amazement.

They even cobbled some of the roads...

"It's pretty neat, isn't it?" asked Twilight, watching her from out of the corner of her eye. "I wanted to do more than just pay homage, I... I wanted to incorporate the architecture and rebuild it as a part of Ponyville."

"Well you've done a great job so far." Rainbow looked ahead as a thought gnawed at the back of her mind. "Hey, Twilight? About the soldiers, you know... that were brought here..."

"They've all been taken care of, Dash. They've either been given homes... or are rooming with relatives here in Ponyville."

"Actually, I was uh... wondering how they're holding up."

"I'm not a psychologist. Dash. I can only assume they're doing well."

"I only ask because, well... I'm sure some of them had family in Canterlot."

"And the culprits are dead, so... they've been avenged."

"Twilight. Your own brother lost his parents. Aren't you the least bit concerned—?"

Twilight stopped in her tracks, turning to face her girlfriend and stating in a serious voice, "Of course I am, Rainbow Dash. The thing is though, that Shining and I both had days to grieve while you were out searching for Celestia. Not to mention he has Cadance to help him through the death of our parents, just as I have you... a-and my friends!"

"I'll never leave you hanging, Twilight. Remember when Celestia thought you should stay behind, and I vouched for you, saying how I'd keep you in line? Well... Celestia had the same concern when she thought you should lead Equestria, fearing that the dark magic might influence your actions."

Twilight lowered her head in dismay.

"Of course she did..."

"So..." Rainbow tapped her playfully on the shoulder. "Like before I told her that I'd be there to remind you of your better self."

Twilight smiled softly. "I... really appreciate that, Rainbow Dash, thank you."

"Well I wouldn't be a very good girlfriend if I didn't always have your back, would I?" Rainbow grinned back at her.

Twilight nodded before carrying on, the two of them soon entering the town square.

Rainbow instantly caught sight of a couple large Canterlot flags hung beside a couple of Ponyville's, hanging from the upper level of their town hall, and gingerly blowing around in the winter air.

Twilight shook her shoulder. "Hey, Rainbow?"

Rainbow turned her attention back to Twilight in worriment.

Twilight looked ahead and nodded in the direction of a block composed of crystal, inscribed on which were the names of everypony who had been lost to them during the siege on Canterlot... and on top of that sat a remnant of the once proud ciity.

A statue of an upright pony, hoisting a flag in its hooves, and other than some chipped stone, it was perfect.

"Not everything was lost to us during the attack on Canterlot. I found it within the rubble, and thought it would make for a nice reminder, as well as provide a little hope for the future."

"It looks awesome, Twilight."

"Really?"

"Really, really."

Twilight in turn, gave a soft smile in relief, and brought her cheek over to nuzzle Rainbow's. "I'm glad—"

Rainbow sucked in a sharp breath at the touch however, causing Twilight to break away.

"S-sorry! I didn't cut you or anything, did I?"

Before she could panic any further, Rainbow raised her hoof assuredly.

"It was just cold is all... like pressing my cheek against a block of ice—er, no offense."

Twilight barely nodded, dropping her gaze dejectedly.

Rainbow frowned wryly, bringing a hoof to rub the back of her neck.

"We just need to get out of the cold, into someplace warm."

"That still doesn't change the fact that you're nuzzling a crystal cheek, unable to feel my fur against yours," she lamented.

"Hey, come on... From what you told me, it won't be much longer."

"Right..."

"Rainbow?"

Rainbow turned in the direction of her name being called, to find Applejack approaching both herself and Twilight.

"Ah wasn't expecting to see you back so soon, Rainbow Dash. Find what you were lookin' for?"

"I, uh..."

Rainbow blinked, looking back at Twilight for a second. Guess Twilight didn't tell the rest of our friends exactly why I left..

She quickly turned back to Applejack with an air of nonchalance.

"You could say that. It's nice to be back."

"Well, it's mighty nice havin' you back as well, safe and sound... After everypony we lost, Twilight was worried you might never come back. An' speakin' of..."

She turned her attention back at Twilight. "How're you holding up, Sugarcube?"

"I... fine, Applejack, I'm doing fine. Thanks for asking."

"Is there something you're not being honest about? Because if there is—"

"There isn't... I..." Twilight paled. I feel sick to my stomach, I... "I-I promise."

"It's just... the girls and I have all been wonderin' why we never see you outside of your armor."

"Uh, duh, Applejack. It's because she's a symbol to the ponies here in town!"

"Yeah, so Ah've heard. Still... we miss seein' the real you, Twilight. Think maybe you could step out of it for just a short while?"

Twilight shrunk back, apprehensive. "I..."

Rainbow stepped in, quick to intervene.

"She lost her parents earlier today, Applejack, so... forgive her if she still feels a little vulnerable."

"Oh, Ah... see... I was holding out hope they were still alive..." She lowered her disheartened gaze toward the ground.

"It's alright, Applejack," Rainbow replied, her friend nodding knowingly.

"Ah guess we all had our own ways of copin', whether we leave for huge, cosmopolitan cities, or are just simply left lookin' for a change of scenery... Ain't that right, Rainbow?"

Rainbow shrugged her shoulders. "I suppose so... yeah."

"I can't do this..."

The two looked curiously towards Twilight, hearing her mutter under her breath.

"Rainbow," she continued, looking up at her sorrowfully, "I... won't use my parents as an excuse for why I'm like this."

"Twi—" Rainbow beckoned her to reconsider, when Applejack cut back in.

"You promised me you were tellin' the truth, Twilight."

"Y-yeah, well..." Her eyes darted back and forth longingly. "What was I supposed to do? Tell you how, h-how I went behind your back, taking matters into my own hooves... and changed for the worse because of it?"

"You haven't changed for the worst, Twilight," Rainbow argued, looking over at her slightly as she sighed out exasperatedly. "Celestia and I told you this already."

"Celestia—? Am Ah the only one in Equestria who's clueless as to what's going on here?"

"I infused myself with dark magic, Applejack. I, I didn't mean to—"

"Well, how in the hay did that happen?"

Twilight recoiled at her outburst, shying her gaze away. "I..."

"Applejack, enough." Rainbow took on a serious tone. "Twilight doesn't need this right now, okay? She... didn't know it would change her."

"You mean trap her inside some crystal suit of armor?"

"The crystals were an enchantment to help keep her contained after her body began breaking down... into smoke."

"Smoke," Applejack repeated, doubtfully. "Uh huh... So, why is it you know so much about all this when the rest of us don't?"

"Because I was there when it happened, alright? I saved her when she attacked the castle and the princesses, I... brought her back to consciousness."

"Hold yer horses, Rainbow Dash. Now you're telling me that Twi stormed the castle some days ago, and attacked Celestia an' Luna? From the sounds of it, she lost her body, not her mind."

Rainbow looked off, murmuring, "She was possessed."

"By who?" Applejack pressed.

"By Sombra," Twilight answered, averting her eyes ashamedly.

Applejack raised an eyebrow, but before she could get a word in edgewise, Twilight tearfully added, "I'm sorry, I... I need to go."

She turned from the two of them, and galloped off, Rainbow raising a hoof out after her.

"Wait!"

Twilight continued running, never once looking back until eventually disappearing out of sight.

Rainbow's expression saddened, her raised hoof wavering.

Twilight...

"What did she mean by that...?" she heard Applejack ask, her voice bringing her back to the present moment. "We defeated Sombra, didn't we?"

"I thought so too... Turns out his consciousness survived."

"And would you mind explainin' just how exactly he got a hold of Twilight?"

Rainbow grit her teeth, slamming her hoof down against the pavement. "Darn it, AJ. It's a long story, okay?"

Applejack glowered back at her.

"Yer right, Rainbow. I don't know what Ah was thinkin'. Guess I was just expectin' a bit more honestly from my own friends."

Rainbow narrowed her eyes back at her, as she turned back around.

"Oh, yeah, no, you're totally the one who's right, Applejack. I suppose we should have told you and the girls, while faced with an impending changeling attack, that one of us had been under the control of a villain. You know, sometimes we keep things to ourselves so that it's one less thing the other has to worry about."

Applejack parted her lips, about to argue when Rainbow turned back in the direction Twilight had ran off in, unfurling her wings.

"I'm sorry," she muttered sourly. "I... I just really need to go check on Twilight. See you around, AJ."

"Hey, wai—!"

Rainbow took off, leaving a residual gust in her wake, blowing past her friend and leaving her momentarily stunned.

"Dang nab it, Dash." She napped out of her stupor, cursing under her breath. Friends are here for us so that we don't have to keep secrets in the first place. Confidin' in us wouldn't have bummed us out, it... only would've driven us to find a solution...