//------------------------------// // Assembling the team // Story: A new chapter // by Ponelover //------------------------------// “Thank you, Princess Celestia. Now, I probably should note that I cannot embark on this quest alone. You mentioned giving me crewponies, or something?” “Yes, now that Equestria is at a state of peace, we have more than enough resources to lend you for your operation. What do you need? Weapons? Foodstuffs? Funds? Just tell me what you need and I’ll give it to you.” I was taken aback by the sudden offer by her. Just like that? She’s going to offer me all the resources necessary for my quest? “You’re just… going to give all of that to me? I, I don’t understand. Is there like, some sort of process that I have to go through? Some hurdle?” “Well. Normally, yes, but I did read your journal entries with Twilight while she was busy fixing the portal. I know that if there is one pony that I would trust with the resources I’d offer for this quest, it would be you. Your time in the other world has earned that and more Sunset.” That, felt pretty heavy all of a sudden, this is the Princess of The Sun I’m talking about here, trusting me to such an extent? I mean, sure, I’m not some megalomaniac bent on taking over the world anymore, but, do I… deserve this? I don’t know, and something tells me the answer lies when I myself embark on this quest. “T-thank you Princess. I will make sure I will never waste resources on things that are unnecessary.” I replied, bowing my head towards her. With that out of the way, I also need to discuss several additions for the quest. She has given me the greenlight for this, so hopefully it shouldn’t be too much of a fight. “Now, for the crewponies, obviously. I want ponies that I know I will click with, but also ponies that are capable in case something unexpected shows up, so firstly, I need someone just as knowledgeable as me in terms of magic.” “Hmm.” Celestia pondered, I noticed her face gleaming towards the skyline behind her. Twirling her chair and contemplating. “I know that Twilight is unfortunately a bit too busy with her duties, and so is Luna, ah! would, say, Flurry Heart be of use?” “Hmm, tempting. But I don’t think I need an Alicorn Princess for this one. I need someone that I know intimately. Someone I can trust.” Taking a look into my memories, looking at the various ponies I’ve come into contact with over the years. My head clicked on someone that I know of. Oh yes! she’s definitely someone I can trust with... “Someone like, say, Starlight Glimmer? Would she be available for an adventure like this?” “Starlight Glimmer. Current dean of the School of Friendship, certainly an interesting choice. I do know that she shares responsibility for the school alongside Trixie and Sunburst. Let me get into contact with her and I’ll see what I can do.” “Great! Moving on. I need someone that knows how to hold herself in a fight. Well, I know a couple combat spells myself. But I wouldn’t call myself a proficient fighter. I need someone with experience. Probably someone with years behind her back.” Then a proverbial light bulb hit my head again. Yes! That mare Twilight mentioned in one of her last journal entries! She’d be perfect! “Is… Tempest Shadow available?” I asked. “Oh, General Berrytwist. Hmm, I’m not sure, she is a general in one of our army formations. I’ll see what I can do Sunset. But I can make no guarantees for Fizzlepop Berrytwist.” Wait, what? Fizzlepop Berrytwist? “Umm, who’s Fizzlepop Berrytwist?” I asked, “Is she Tempest’s older sister? Her niece?” “Oh, I guess Twilight didn’t mention it. Fizzlepop Berrytwist is Tempest Shadow’s actual name. I would like to explain it, but I think that she herself would be better at explaining it than I do.” Oookay, that’s a weird alias to give yourself, from Fizzlepop Berrytwist to Tempest Shadow. Who does that? Does she have some sort of internal dark heart nobody understands about? Wait, is she a goth? That piece of thought won’t be leaving my mind for quite sometime now, too funny to just be ignored. Ugh, I need to control myself more. Now, There’s one final someone that I must bring as well. But, I’m not sure if Celestia would approve of it. I gulped at the very thought of suggesting her to Celestia. Sure, she’s changed a lot. But I don’t feel too comfortable bringing her into the discussion. “And finally, I want… Sonata Dusk.” “Excuse me? Sunset, I think you didn’t speak loud enough.” “I want… Sonata Dusk.” I said, very sheepishly. I know that this is a hard sell. But I need her in this, a part of me screams for me to bring her. She’s not only a good friend, but she is my rock, the only friend that I’ve known for a long time, and to top that off, she’s currently here, in Equestria! Besides, I don’t think bringing any of my human friends here would be a terribly good idea. Mistaken identities and all that. The Sun Princess seemed to pause at my request. Definitely thinking about the issue deeply. “Do you trust Sonata Dusk that much Sunset? I know that you are friends, but I am still not sure of trusting a former siren with such an important mission.” “She’s trustworthy.” I replied, no hesitation in my voice. “I’d lay down my life for her. She has been nothing but nice, and kind, and friendly to me after the battle of the bands. I know that this might be hard Princess. But, please, trust me, at least for this one time.” Celestia looked at me determinedly. Definitely still cautious about Sonata Dusk. I wouldn’t blame her, when the last time you heard about her was when they were bringing discord and chaos into Equestria. It does tend to colour your perceptions a little bit. I just need her to trust my judgement this one time. Please. Don’t say no Celestia, please. “Alright. She’s in. But on one condition only. Do not mention your mission’s objectives to her unless absolutely necessary. That is my one request of you.” “Of course.” I replied. An acceptable compromise if nothing else. With this, I have my crew, and the adventure seems to be forming up in my head. We’d explore vast cities, see the great sights of the world! Maybe even explore new countries outside of Equestria! The book mentioned just how much the Griffons have changed. Might as well try exploring that as well, see if potential Element Bearers might be of another species or something. “Oh, and some funds and some form of Transportation to get us around, of course.” I finished. “I’m sorry for placing the burden on you Celestia, but, I just got here. And I feel like I have to do this quest, something tells me I have to do it. I can’t… put it to words.” “Oh, think nothing of it! I’ll make sure arrangements with EquestriaRail will be made. In case you’re thinking of going outside the continent, I can spare a Royal Navy ship or two for that. When the project you specify is finding the new Element Bearers, listing it as of national importance is almost trivially easy Sunset. As for funding? Please, I’ll make sure my own personal treasury will finance your quest whenever you go.” Have you ever had encountered such generosity that you didn’t know how to deal with it? Some weird processing in your mind that tries to deal with the sudden influx of new resources available to you, simultaneously excited, yet fearful at the same time? Like you’re grateful of this opportunity, but just don’t want to mess it up? Well, I’m wrangling with this feeling immediately, and predictably, I don’t feel I deserve all this. Celestia’s generosity feels almost… alien. Why is she doing this? Sure, finding the new Element Bearers are important. But, why trust me? what do I have that Twilight, or some other pony doesn’t? Am I really that special? So skilled and talented that I deserve to get all this access and resources? “Sunset, you seem uncertain. Are you alright?” “No, I’m not. Thank you, Celestia, for this. I’m truly grateful. It’s just hard trying to wrap my head around the fact that you’re doing this to me. Some ungrateful, self serving former student of yours.” “Stop it.” My head suddenly cocked towards Celestia, I’ve seen a lot of things, but Celestia suddenly being authoritative is certainly unusual. “What?” “Stop hitting yourself for things that you’ve done in the past.” She said sternly. “What is done is done Sunset. You need to rid yourself out of that self deprecation. It serves no-one any good. Even yourself.” Her face softened a bit after that. Probably noticing my shocked expression. “You’re going to be fine Sunset. I did tell you that I read your journal entries, right? a girl that is capable of all the things you did should be able to find the next generation of element bearers. I’m sure of it.” “Now, I’m sure you are a bit tired after all this discussion. So why don’t you go and rest. I’ll have the cooks whip up your favourite.” My eyes lighted up the moment she finished her sentence. “You mean, Carrot Sandwich with fried potatoes and mushrooms?” “Also with your favourite walnut butter sauce. I’ll make sure the chef sprinkles extra paprika.” I only have the most crap-eating grin the moment she says that. “Alright! I hope that the ponies I hoped to get are all available. Thank you, Princess Celestia. For everything.” “It’s no problem at all Sunset. Seeing you back and wanting to do this quest is enough for me to fund this endeavor of yours. Do you have anything else you want to talk about?” Seeing Celestia ask that question, with the background of skyscrapers and cars is more than enough to make me question many things, a great many things. But, I fear that I might waste the Princess’s time if I do so. So I asked the one question that has been in my mind this whole time. This entire business of war, of destruction and death, of rapid modernization and social upheaval. Has it destroyed one of the values this land holds? “Are Friendship and Harmony still alive, Celestia?” I asked. My tone showing the visible fear inside of me. Something inside of me yearns that the answer is ‘yes.’ Yeah, call me a Luddite if you want. But the fear, the fear that all this upheaval has brought friendship and harmony to a sudden halt is there. “Yes. It’s not the same as you might think Sunset, but it is present, and It’s stronger than ever. I’m sorry that I didn’t allocate more time towards repairing the portal. We suffered, we bled, we died. But just like a Phoenix, we rose through the ashes stronger than ever.” That’s all I need to hear. I bid my goodbye to Princess Celestia, and made my way towards my suite. I have a lot to discuss tomorrow. Just as I was about to exit the room though, another thought clicked on me. “Also, Celestia. Do you have any ideas on where I should look for the new element bearers?” The Sun Princess only responded with a knowing smile. “I thought you’d never ask.” It is indicative that Equestria has changed so much when even the throne room has some notable additions to it. In addition to the various stained glass artworks on display. Some of them I didn’t recognize before. I also noticed that the style of the throne room itself has changed. The throne room feels more mature. The last time I was in the castle, during that little adventure against Wallflower, I remember the throne room had a flowing red carpet, all leading up towards a golden throne where Celestia and Luna sat. The entire room was bathed in a pink colour, pink walls, pink pillars, pink ceiling, and there were notable tapestries hanging off of the ceiling. I still remember the maids having trouble cleaning the tapestry due to its placement. It felt indicative of Equestria itself. Youthful, innocent, yet energetic at the same time. Now, everything felt colder. The warm pink was replaced by a shiny and reflective silver. There is still a red carpet, but it parted towards two thrones that are now at the center of the throne room. One with a silver sun, and one with a silver moon emblem on top of it. The fountain, formerly flowing into a drain somewhere, was also different. Instead of draining straight down, it meanders through the throne room. Forming an invisible barricade. A line where you do not cross, it shields the side walls and stain glass paintings this way. The tapestries, formerly showing brilliant colours, now only show the combined sun and moon logo in black and white. And to cap it off. the throne room is at a level standing to the floor. Giving off some form of equality between the petitioner and the diarchs. It felt less like a throne room and more like an office. The office of the Princesses of Equestria, as if that’s weird enough, the guard ponies, now wearing some sort of weird uniform and saddling up some form of rifle, felt just as bizarre as the radically changed throne room as well. Never in a million years would I thought that the first time I would see a gun in person would be in Equestria. I checked the time. Apparently they have put a giant clock on top of the back wall. Its giant arrows pointing at 8:30 AM. Morning. I have some work to finish with the Princesses. Mostly just regarding travel plans and how I’ll report to them. But also because I want to see Starlight, Tempest and Sonata. Gosh, Starlight. It’s been so long since I’ve seen her, I wonder how she’s changed. The door suddenly opened, and out came a very groggy moon. A very groggy moon with a frazzled mane and currently holding up a plate of fried potatoes and some stir fried vegetables. Said moon didn’t notice I was there until it nearly hit me. Her unprincesslike eating habits suddenly coming to a halt, and a visible blush suddenly forms on the moon’s face. “Sunset Shimmer! Forgive me, I didn’t see you there. I never would’ve thought that you’d be present so early.” She said. Now eating her food in a much more Princesslike manner. “Oh, don’t worry about it Princess Luna. I was never that much of a morning pony myself. You holding up well?” “As well as I can be Sunset. Handling the dreams of ponies is never an easy thing. Combine that with regular night court duties, and well, this is the result.” Luna finished her plate and her horn lit up. One bright flash later and the plate was gone. The door once more opened, this time though, revealing 3 new personalities. Okay, I know one of them really well, and one them well enough during my time here. But the other mare, the one with the crimson coat and broken horn. One look at her and I immediately get chills just from looking at it. Is that Tempest Shadow? She certainly does live up to her name. Very intimidating mare just by the looks of it. Her dark uniform and unique mane arrangement certainly didn’t help with things. “Oh, right. Just want to inform you that Celestia made some calls, and the group you requested is present. Anyway, outside of that, there’s really nothing else that I must inform you of. Funds and Saddlebags for your little adventure have been delivered to your room, and your suite in Canterlot castle is available as long as you stay here. Good luck Sunset Shimmer.” You can easily tell that, coming from the tone of the Night Princess, that she’s effectively done for the day. The way she delivered her message seems very dry and lacking any real poise. Just like someone who’s too tired to put in any serious effort to look presentable. Luna bid us goodbye, before disappearing outside the throne room, leaving me with the three personalities present. Oh, and the guard ponies, never forget the guard ponies. “So. Uhhh, hello! I’m Sunset Shimmer. But I guess you already knew that.” I introduced myself, smiling a bit too widely, several drops of sweat falls from my forehead, accentuating my whole ‘new leader who’s super nervous’ look. “As you can see. We’re like, all here. Because we’re here on a quest! anyway. I’m Sunset Shimmer. And I know you Sonata, and you as well Starlight.” “Hello!” Both of them greeted. Not sure if it’s to me or to each other. Now that you mention it, it gets very confusing when you have two ponies say hello to you. I mean, who do you respond to first? “Hello Starlight, Sonata. Since I guess I know both of you well enough. Why don’t you introduce yourself!” I said, pointing my hoof at Sunset, “Why don’t you tell us your name, occupation, and preferences! I’m sure you have lots to share.” This is admittedly a lame attempt at an Icebreaker. And Tempest looks definitely unimpressed, her face still showing the same lack of smile, and her eyes seeming to analyze every little bit of movement I made. The crimson mare then took a couple strides, before opening her mouth a little bit. “Greetings, I’m Tempest Shadow, although I wouldn’t mind if you’d call me Fizzlepop Berrytwist. I am the general of Force Tempest, formerly second in command of the Storm King’s forces. I am here at the request of Sunset Shimmer, and I look forward to working with her.” She said, bowing her head to me. Oh dear. She’s definitely someone I need to work with.