Disclaimer: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and all associated characters, settings and stories are the rightful subjects of Hasbro, the HUB, Studio B, and Lauren Faust.
Chapter 16
Magicon felt a small nudge on his shoulder. Opening his eyes and raising his head Magicon saw that Starry Skies had awoken him. Looking around Magicon saw Shining Armor and a few other unicorns waking the rest of the group. Shaking his head to rouse himself, Magicon grabbed Starry Skies extended hoof and rose. His cape had slipped off of him and he quickly smoothed it out before telekinetically tying it around him.
"What time is it?"
"5 am."
"When is sunrise?"
"Approximately 6:30 am"
"How's the moon doing?"
"Perfectly normal like it should be. It actually set at 4:49 am."
"Alright. Well, nopony outside of the military is going to like being awake at this hour. Send for some coffee, tea, and small breakfast treats. We'll need some fuel and energy to raise the sun."
"Yes, Magicon," responded Starry Skies and he quickly left the room out to fulfill his orders.
Turning toward Shining Armor, Magicon still couldn't get over the attraction he had for him. He remembered that night, how they both were awake and talked, just talked about themselves, about each other, and about Equestria. It had been so simple, and now it was so complicated. Magicon didn't know if he should make him pay, something just didn't feel right, but he couldn't just allow Shining Armor to blissfully ignore what had happened. He needed to know the truth and Magicon would give it to him, later.
Walking up to Shining, Magicon saw the bags under his eyes but knew Shining Armor was too noble to admit it. Men of military never admit their faults when duty calls. It was just good protocol.
"Good morning, Shining."
"Good morning, Magicon. Did you sleep well?"
"Actually, yes. Quite surprising, really. I could've slept longer. I'm still tired." He yawned as he finished his statement.
"Well, you can do that after we finish with the sun."
"Ha! I wish. I have duties to attend to. I'll have to make a speech about Luna and prepare for her funeral not to mention write letters to Equestria and beyond about my ascension of the throne. No, Shining, there won't be sleep until much later."
"Alright then."
"And how was the watch? Quite uneventful, I'm sure."
"Just quiet. It was me and Starry Skies the whole night. He mainly watched the moon through his telescope and kept scribbling down information. I just sat and watched the group and wrote reports to various guard groups and helped reestablish order in the ranks."
"But everything's alright?"
"Absolutely."
"Good. Very good. Well, then I better…erm…get ready."
"Magicon?"
"Hmm?"
"I spoke with the night guard ponies to your private chamber."
A shot of guilt and worry struck Magicon while he struggled to maintain a calm and collected face.
"They said that I did arrive in Canterlot the night before and that I have visited you. They said we talked, though they couldn't say what it was about, and then we left your room together. Care to explain?"
Now showing his embarrassment Magicon clenched his teeth as his eyes searched for an answer.
"I…I…look, Shining, can we talk about this some other time, please?"
"Why can't you just tell me?"
"I just…can't. Not here with all these ponies and not now. I just woke up. I'm in no mood to deal with the events of that night. If you wait until later then I'll discuss it with you. But for now, avoid that topic, please."
"Promise me you will tell me."
"I promise."
They shook hooves on it, Shining Armor squeezing Magicon's in the process. Magicon couldn't tell if that was disdain or affection, but he didn't think anymore of it as unicorns behind him grumbled and complained about being woken.
Shining Armor released his hoof and chuckled. "I see these ponies are not military ponies."
"Doesn't the military get up at six though?"
"Depends of the drill sergeant, the drill, and the level of your status. Some are at five, others at six. You really can't tell. The military leaders, like myself, want to keep the cadets on the edge to test them."
"I see. Well then, we better get some food and drink before they're all gone. You'll need your strength just as much as I need mine."
They both helped themselves to a warm beverage and small breakfast pastries as they mingled about with the other unicorns. Some were excited, others nervous, but most just wanted to finish quickly so they could return to their normal lives.
After everypony had eaten Magicon went to the head of the room while everypony sat.
"Good morning, all. I hope you all got good rest and have strength because the task of ahead of us will not be an easy one. I would like to first apologize for waking you all at this early hour. Most ponies aren't accustomed to this and I am no exception. But I had to for the sun to be raised correctly. The sun will be harder than the moon for a few reasons: One, the sun is a gas whereas the moon is a solid. Gases are harder to grab and even harder to control. Extreme care will be needed when moving it. Two, the sun is bigger than the moon and will require more magic to hold and to move. Three, unlike the moon which relies on us and the sun for its power the sun is its own power. It may not respond to our magic or the magic to set it on its own course.
"But I am confident that we can do it. We raised the moon and we will raise the sun. The ancient unicorns before us did and we will do it. Now, we're going to practice. So let's begin."
Magicon instructed the unicorns about the properties of the gases and of the sun and how magic can be used to control them. He then let them try it. Some succeeded, others didn't. They kept practicing, growing better with each try. The unicorns were helpful to each other with the strong encouraging and aiding the weak. The time flew by quickly as they practiced and improved their skills and technique and, before they realized it, Starry Skies announced that sunrise was nearly at hoof.
Lining the balcony, just like before, the unicorns, including Shining Armor and Magicon, prepared themselves for the task. Every unicorn was involved. Twenty were charged with raising the sun while the other six would be setting the sun on its natural course. Magicon felt that this was cutting awfully close. They might not be able to pull it off, but they had to try. They had to succeed.
From his telescope, Starry Skies carefully tracked the stars, the position of the horizon, and the clock, waiting for the right moment.
As they waited Magicon felt calm and prepared while Shining Armor slouched slightly, tired from being up all night but trying to hide it.
Magicon knew Shining Armor would not take comfort at this time so he ignored Shining's problems and closed his eyes and thought about the sun and the pony who bore it as her cutie mark. He knew Princess Celestia was shocked and furious at him. He had betrayed her and avenged countless ponies who had suffered under her tyranny. He was justified in killing her. He had done the right thing by doing it. Ponies would no longer suffer under a tyranny. Ponies would be free and happy. Equestria would modernize and the sun and moon would rise and fall on their own. Celestia's most important task on Equestria was about to disappear into the history books.
"Thirty seconds," called Starry Skies behind them snapping Magicon out of his philosophical thoughts.
"Horns at the ready," ordered Shining Armor as every unicorn's horn began glowing a wide array of colors.
"Shining?" asked Magicon.
"What?"
"Are you ready?"
"Yes. And you?"
"…Yes."
"Ten seconds," called Starry Skies.
"Get ready," prepared Shining Armor.
"Three, two, one, Go!" called Starry Skies.
Instantly every unicorn began putting their magic towards the sun below the horizon. It was immense, hot, and still. They felt the fire and heat that came from its center, the gases that lead to random flares and spots, the massive size that almost seemed too big to move. Putting every ounce of magic they had in them, they slowly combined their magic into a whole that slowly began encircling and engulfing the sun.
Magicon and Shining Armor could not afford to observe the process. They had to be involved and they put every ounce of magic they had into the sun, closing their eyes to help them focus better. They felt the strain and did what they could to ease the strain off the other unicorns. Magicon dashed all personal and royal thoughts; the sun was his only concern at this time. They continued working to capture the sun but it was proving to be much more difficult than the moon. The gases refused to be held in their magical containers and constantly escaped. But the unicorns didn't abandon it. The task as now or never. If they got it wrong the whole cycle would be disrupted spelling possible doom for Equestria. That couldn't happen.
"Speed it up," Magicon heard Starry Skies behind him.
The unicorns obeyed and continued to throw more magic at the sun. Their process was working and sun was nearly engulfed. When it was finally engulfed Magicon heard a few unicorns let out a sigh of relief. He felt sweat drops form on his brow but he had no time for that. The sun had to be raised now.
"Now pull," ordered Shining Armor.
The unicorns began pulling the sun with their magic but the sun stubbornly refused to move. Although encased in magic, it would not budge. Putting any reserves they had left the unicorns only felt it slightly respond moving just a few feet closer to the horizon. At that rate they wouldn't get the sun up in time. They needed more help and they needed more magic.
While still focusing on the sun, Magicon managed to turn the remaining six unicorns and said, "Help us….We need you."
The unicorns looked at each other and nodded and cast their magic to help the struggling group. With their help the burden became easier on all of them and they felt the sun respond to the magic.
"All together now, pull!" commanded Shining Armor.
The unicorns pulled with all their magical might and with a great effort brought the sun closer to the horizon. All of their eyes were closed but they could feel the giant sphere of gas and light respond and move to their magic. Everypony was silent as every magical skill they ever learned coursed through them. They were strained to the breaking point, on the verge of collapse, but they weren't giving up.
Grunts and few outbursts sounded as the pressure of the sun was brought to bear upon them. Less that thirty unicorns were slowly moving the most powerful object in the sky and brining it closer to the horizon.
Even with their eyes closed they could still see some of the sunlight beginning to cast its glow above the horizon, beginning to bathe Equestria in its light. The warmth accompanied the light and everypony on that balcony felt it. A sense of accomplishment was overcoming them; they were succeeding.
"That's it!" cried Starry Skies as he observed the first rays of sunlight shining over the horizon.
"Keep at it," ordered Shining Armor. "You're nearly there. Just keep pulling."
They did and with a large tug the first tip of the sun was shining over the horizon. They continued to pull slowly until the sun was halfway in the sky at which point they rested for a moment. The strain was just too difficult to bear and a quick rest was needed. The rest was only for a few moments, but enough to give them renewed confidence and strength to do what was needed and what was right for Equestria.
Starry Skies gave full-on cheers and words of encouragement to help them, but they weren't needed. The sun was already past the halfway point. It was getting smaller as they passed its circumference. The hardest part was finished; they just needed to raise it completely.
"That's it! You're there!" cried Starry Skies when the sun was finally over the horizon
"Release and disarm!" collapsed Shining Armor as the unicorns slowly pulled their magic away from the sun. Once they did, they all collapsed, completely exhausted, even beyond their exhaustion when they raised the moon. Magicon and Shining Armor were among them and rose slowly as the recovered from the strain. Magicon tested his magic with a quick spell and saw that it worked, but was considerably weaker and less effective from the strain of raising the sun. Turning around he saw the brightest object now climbing into the sky.
The sun, in all its splendid glory, was rising above Equestria bathing everything it touched with golden light. Magicon smiled at the success and let out a long sigh of relief at his success. The other unicorns felt the same thing as they rose, gazed at the sun, smiled, and congratulated Magicon and Shining Armor on this well-earned triumph.
"It's not over yet," said Shining Armor. "We have one more thing to do."
He stepped forward and motioned for Magicon and the selected group of unicorns to the edge of the balcony.
"You know what to do."
With their remaining magic, they once again loudly cast the ancient incantation in unison and their horns shot out blinding golden beams that converged into one single beam before hitting the sun. The golden spell enveloped the sun but couldn't be seen due to light of the sun. They could only assume that it had worked until tomorrow to see if the sun would rise again.
"We're a few minutes late with the sunrise, but that should be alright," said Starry Skies as he emerged from the indoors and looked up at the moon. "If the spell worked the sun will adjust itself."
"Let's hope so," said Magicon meekly.
"Well, there's nothing more we can do now. Let's send these ponies home and settle back to normalcy," said Shining Armor.
With that Magicon turned to every unicorn and beckoned them inside.
He spoke softly but elegantly, "Firstly, I want to thank you all so much for your time and dedication to helping us. Without you, none of this would have been possible. You are in our debts. Secondly, I want to congratulate you all on a perfect job. It wasn't easy, by any means, and yet you all pulled through it. Princesses Celestia and Luna are smiling down on us. They have not left us in vain. They left us with a strong Equestria that we are making stronger, with a special thanks to you. Thank you all so much for helping Equestria in its hour of need."
They applauded Magicon for his short speech and they soon left the tower to attend to their own affairs leaving Magicon, Shining Armor, and Starry Skies alone.
"Well, if you don't mind I better get some rest, lots of observing to do tonight," said Starry obliviously and walked of the room leaving Shining Armor and Magicon alone.
The two stallions looked at each other and awkwardly smiled.
"Well…umm…good job, Magicon."
"Yeah…you too, Shining."
"I suppose I better check on the royal guards."
"Yeah and I better get started with these new duties."
"Don't kill yourself and try to do everything perfectly."
"I'll try."
"We'll talk later about that 'thing'?"
"Yes, I promise."
"Alright, well then, good day, Magicon."
"Good day, Shining Armor."
They both silently left the tower and climbed down its spiral staircase and waved to each other as they parted. Magicon proceeded to the dining hall for some breakfast and talk with any advisors that needed him.
Sure enough they were, many of them, all impatiently waiting. They were overjoyed to see the sun rise but their questions came on him like a tsunami. Questions about Princess Luna, the sun and moon, and what it all meant pummeled him relentlessly.
"It's going to be a very long day."
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Applejack felt something warm on her face. Slowly touching her cheek she felt that nothing there. Opening one eye she saw a few streams of sunlight before closing it again. The realization suddenly dawned on her and she rapidly sat up, eyes wide, and stared outside. Right in front of her was the sun, shining in its radiant glory for all of Equestria. Its light was permeating the cave, filling the cavern with the bright sunshine of the morning. Outside the snow was glistening in the sunlight, creating a clean and untouched surface, safe for the hoofprints near the cave's entrance.
Applejack watched in awe and restrained excitement at the scene before her. She quickly rubbed Rainbow Dash's shoulder, waking the sleeping pony next to her.
"AJ, why are you bothering-" Rainbow Dash stopped short when she saw the same scene that Applejack was seeing.
She quickly rose and gazed outside, her mouth agape at what she saw. She rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn't dreaming, and sure enough she wasn't. The sunshine filled her with the greatest sense of hope and excitement just as it filled the cave with sunshine. She felt a hoof around her shoulder and looked over to see Applejack smiling. They hugged in simple joy and gave each other a small kiss.
"Good morin', Dashie."
"Good morning, AJ."
They looked around and saw everypony still sleeping. Deciding to wake them, Applejack and Rainbow Dash woke each pony and showed them the sunshine to them. Smiles grew on all their faces as they took in the splendid golden light.
"My, my, what an absolutely exquisite morning," remarked Rarity.
"It is indeed," added Fluttershy.
"Pinkie, should we celebrate?" asked Rainbow Dash hoping to brighten her emotions.
"Nah, but the sun rising once again is something definitely to be happy about. I do feel warmer and tinglier inside."
"Well good for ya', sugar," said Applejack with a sweet smile.
They all noticed that Pinkie's mane was curling up and approaching its original poofy and fluffy mane. Though not quite in its full state, Pinkie walked with more life in her step and they were careful to keep her happy and make her even happier. The old pinkie was what they wanted and what they might need with Twilight.
They all stood for a minute looking at the beautiful sun before Rainbow Dash said,
"I guess Shining Armor is back in Canterlot."
"What makes you say that?" asked Pinkie.
"Well he probably helped in raising the sun. He is a very powerful unicorn after all."
"Probably," agreed Rarity. "I bet Magicon and a bunch of other ponies worked on this too."
"And what about the moon?" asked Fluttershy.
"Oh they raised the moon last night," announced Pinkie.
"Oh really?"
"Yup. Me, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack saw it. It was beautiful."
"She's correct," said Applejack.
"Well that's simply marvelous. To not only have our wonderful sun but also our moon, well I will say that Equestria has returned to normal."
"Well, almost normal," said Rainbow pointing to the still-sleeping Twilight.
Their smiles faded as they looked over at their friend.
"What are we going to do with her?" asked Fluttershy.
"Ah don't know but Ah ain't waitin' ta find out," said Applejack as she walked over to Twilight about to wake her.
"Wait just a minute, Applejack," advised Rarity. "Let's think about this. Twilight is not quite herself and has been stressed beyond her wits end. She's practically on the verge of insanity. She's sleeping right now, getting a much needed rest. If we end it she might still be grumpy and not recognize us and attack us again. But if we let her sleep she'll be rested and more willing to talk and even remember."
"But how long do ya' think she'll be sleepin'? Ah don't wanna just sit around and wait for her forever."
"Forever," said Pinkie Pie carefully eyeing everypony.
Quickly avoiding the awkward silence that always followed a Pinkie outburst Rarity asked, "Fluttershy darling, can you answer Applejack's question?"
"Umm…yes."
"Would you mind answering that question for Applejack?"
"Umm…okay. Ponies on average sleep 8 to 10 hours a day. But ones that haven't gotten sleep will rest for up to 24 hours."
"Ya' mean we may not be able ta talk ta Twilight until this evening'?"
"Umm…well…yes, I'm sorry."
"Dangnabbit."
"AJ, relax. I know you want to help Twilight but rushing it would only make things worse. We need to just wait and work with her and not force her," said Rainbow in a reassuring manner, placing a hoof on Applejack's shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Applejack, but it's for the best," lamented Rarity.
"Yeah, you're probably right, Rarity, but Ah don't like it. Ah don't like it for one applebuckin' minute."
"None of us like it, AJ," said Rainbow, "But what else can we do?"
"We could start by helpin' her."
"Or we could throw her a party?" suggested Pinkie with a smile on her face.
"Maybe when we get back, Pinkie," said Rarity.
"Umm…excuse me?" everypony turned to Fluttershy. "Oh, I'm sorry for ending the conversation."
"What do you have to say, Fluttershy?" asked Rainbow.
"Well, it's just umm…when Twilight wakes up, we need to be really kind and gentle to her. We have to treat her like a bunny."
"Not one of those annoyin' varmints," complained Applejack.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Applejack."
"Don't be sorry to Applejack, Fluttershy. You have a very good idea that will definitely help our Twilight," said Rarity.
Fluttershy blushed in a mixture of embarrassment and praise while Applejack sat down and crossed her hoofs. It was turning to be a very bad morning for her.
"Well, what do we do now?" asked Pinkie.
"Rainbow, how are you feeling?" asked Rarity.
"Alright. I'm a little sore but I can do whatever you need."
"No, no, no, Rainbow," said Applejack defiantly. "Ya' ain't goin' out there. Rarity, if ya' think you're gonna put the life of mah Dashie in danger then ya' got another thing comin'."
"AJ, what in Equestria has gotten into you?" asked Rainbow with a confused expression.
"Ah'm sorry, Dashie, but after yesterday Ah ain't takin' any chances with ya'. Ya' nearly died and Ah ain't lettin' that happen again. Sides, Fluttershy said ya' are in no condition ta fly."
"Oh yeah?" said Rainbow in a cocky voice, unfolding her wings, ready to take off in a second.
"Ah naw. Don't be startin' that we me, ya' here? Ah won't let ya', not until you're all healthy and taken care of."
"Applejack, I'm not a filly anymore and I'm not your younger sister. I don't need to be treated like her."
"Ah'm treatin' ya' this way 'cause Ah care 'bout ya', that's all. Just do as Ah ask and stay safe."
Rainbow was about to rebuttal when Fluttershy landed softly between the two.
"Umm…I'm sorry to interrupt, but could you keep it down please? Twilight is trying to sleep."
The conflict between Applejack and Rainbow instantly ceased at the mention of Twilight. They were her not her, not them and they should be focused on her. Suddenly Applejack and Rainbow felt guilty for ignoring their friend.
"Ah'm sorry, Dashie."
"I'm sorry too, Applejack."
"Ah'm also sorry, Rarity."
"I'm sorry too, Applejack."
"Hey, get over here and let's have a group hug," encouraged Pinkie with a bright smile. They all did and the forgiveness passed through all of them and the real reason why they came here settled upon them once again.
When the finally broke from the hug Rarity said,
"Alright girls, we have work to do and let's try to enjoy this sunshine while we're at it."