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// Chapter 88 - Questions and Challenges 
// Story: Off The Mark 
// by Goldfur 
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Celestia frowned at our outburst.  “Am I correct in assuming that you have had the displeasure of dealing with Grogar?”

Trixie replied, “Not directly, as such, but he was recently responsible for the release of three of Equestria’s most dangerous enemies and we have reason to believe that he has been spying on us in preparation for an attack.”

Luna asked, “And who are those three?”

My wife said, “Cozy Glow, a diminutive pegasus mare that tried to steal all the magic in Equestria, Tirek, who… um… tried the same thing in a different way, and the Storm King—”

Celestia interrupted.  “The Storm King!?”

Trixie shrank back at the solar alicorn’s uncharacteristic outburst.  “… Yes. He led his airborne forces in an attempt to take over Canterlot.”

Celestia closed her eyes and put a hoof on her forehead.  “Sunspots and ashes, I knew he would become a serious threat!  Before we left, I contemplated having him…”  She looked up at Regis and Gemini, who listened to her quite intently if their perked ears were any indication.  “Uhh… ‘liberated’ by three of my agents.”

She passed her gaze across Twilight, Trixie, and me. “Instead, Equestria and you three, in particular, had to bear the weight of my failure to nip the problem in the bud. I sincerely apologize.  This was my fault.”

I considered anew the time of Celestia’s reign. Some aspects of the Equestrian government had stagnated badly, such as the fighting strength of its armed forces and the Equestria Education Association.  On the other hoof, the country had seen over five-hundred years of peace. Her foreign relations acumen couldn’t be denied.  I’d have to discuss that with my co-rulers.

Twilight took a deep breath.  “Apology accepted.  That was a painful day, but all of us are better leaders as a result.” I was impressed.  My co-ruler affirmed her role as her former teacher’s superior.

I added, “And we suspect that Grogar had a hoof in the recent resurrection of King Sombra.  The timing is too coincidental.”

The sisters both nodded.  Luna said, “That doth match the cur’s modus operandi.  Although powerful in his own right, Grogar prefereth to work through others.”

Celestia nickered in an annoyed tone.  “He gained the cooperation of Queen Chrysalis with the promise of revenge against her Celestia and Luna, and while she did manage to assassinate them, it turned out to be a suicide mission.  However, that was just the opening move in Grogar’s plans. Equestria was immediately attacked and, without the diarchs’ leadership, strong incursions were made including into Canterlot itself, which is when we were summoned.  We no sooner dealt with one enemy when we were confronted by another. Grogar had conscripted the help of many old foes of Equestria with the lure of power.  Only after the Shah of Saddle Arabia, Lord of Snow Pinkerton of the Yak Kingdom, the Air Marshall of the Griffonian Hegemony, and the entire High Council of the Zebrican Clergy were killed and moderate replacements were found did we make any progress towards peace.”

Twilight frowned.  “In light of that knowledge, it’s a wonder you were able to win in only a couple of months.”

Luna laughed.  “Nay, child, the conflict is far from settled.  However, with the nation’s borders secured for now and negotiations begun, it was time for us to return to our royal duties in our home dimension.”

Celestia nodded.  “Princess Cadance and Prince Armor have undertaken the leadership of Equestria and, while they were extremely grateful for our help, they reminded us that we were visitors to their world.  Only then did we find the time to repair the portal and use my peytral’s native dimensional frequency to link to my mirror to find our way back home.” She sighed.  “However, home seems to have changed so much in our absence. To tell you the truth, I still had my doubts that we had returned to the correct universe.”

“Had?” I echoed.  “Are you now sure?”

Luna smiled.  “I believe that I speak for my sister when I say that we affirmed our place doth belong in this world when I set the moon and she brought the dawn. Our affinity with our heavenly orbs was unmistakable.”

“Exactly,” Celestia confirmed.  “Until then, such revelations as Twilight’s child gave us much reason to question my conviction.  I was wondering if we had ended up in a reality where Chrysalis had married Shining Armor or something equally as unbelievable.”

Trixie laughed.  “No, you’re thinking of Princess Chryssy.  She stops by with her husband, Prince Shining Armor, and wife, Princess Cadance occasionally.”

In response to the uncomprehending looks, I said, “Different dimension entirely.  As a matter of fact, Queen Trochanter from their realm took over the abandoned Crystal Empire Hive in our world with Thorax and Twilight's permission. Princesses Postgena and Chryssy regularly visit our mad Queen Chrysalis who currently resides in the Canterlot Castle dungeons.”  I sighed. “All part of reforming in the name of Friendship and Harmony.”  I don't think I was very convincing with that last bit.

Luna glanced at Thorax. “Far too much has happened in our absence. We could never have imagined any Chrysalis cooperating peacefully with ponykind.”

I shared a look with Trixie and Twilight.  “Chrysalis doesn't know about Grogar or the escaped prisoners, does she?  Let's keep it that way.”

Twilight nodded.  “I will give orders to all who interact with her.”  She blinked.  “Uhhh... and ask my mom nicely.”

Celestia said, “While I suspect that we will have much to contribute towards Equestria’s defense against Grogar in light of our recent experiences, I think it’s time that you start bringing us up to speed with the events of the past few years.”

“Fair enough,” my wife replied.  “However, it is nearly time for our normal breakfast and while Trixie has enjoyed these snacks, she needs something more substantial to sustain her through the day.  Besides, you will need to meet the rest of the family.”

Twilight’s eyes shot open and she suddenly looked nervous. “Umm, yes.  Quite right.”

I chuckled to myself as Twilight squirmed.  I could guess what she was thinking – how was Luna going to react to a foal version of Nightmare Moon?

“Oh, yeah!  Brekky!” exclaimed Regis.

“Me too!” agreed Gemini who decided to change to their colt form for the first time since they had woken up.  “I’m starving!”

A typical response of a not-so-typical foal.  Both Celestia and Luna stared at my child who was excitedly flapping around the room with Regis.

“What magic is this?” Luna asked.

“The reason why our first child is named Gemini,” I replied.  “They are both a pegasus colt and a unicorn filly in one.”

“I have never beheld the like in all my centuries,” Celestia said.  “Truly, you are an unusual alicorn to have sired such a foal, Prince Wells.”

My wife laughed.  “Dowser managed that even before he ascended.  Trixie wonders what our next foal will be like.”  She gave me a pointed look.

I gulped.  Come to think of it, she did seem to be bringing the topic up a lot lately. Time to change the subject.  “I’m feeling hungry too.  Shall we go?”

As they headed out, the foals took the lead, subtly urging the adults to hurry up.

Luna smiled indulgently at the two.  “Calm down, children – I am sure the repast will still be there if we take a minute longer to arrive.”

“But it’s way past breakfast time!” Regis protested.

Luna gave him a flat look.  “By my reckoning, we are scarcely more than a quarter-hour after dawn.”

“Yeah, like I said – w-a-a-y past breakfast!”

Luna chuckled.  “I would not have thought thou needest much food.  Art thou not a changeling who dost subsist on love?”

“Grammy says I’m different ’cause of dad.  I eat both!”

“Thou art indeed an unusual foal.  I note that thou didst shadow-walk into the room.  What is it like for thee and how didst thou find thy mother there?”

Regis replied, “It’s kind of like walking through a big fluffy black curtain.  Except when I’m halfway, I can twist around and stuff.  Can you, I don’t know, smell the ponies around you and go to the one you want?  Mom smells like books and Daddy.  Daddy smells like love and raspberries.”

The night alicorn nodded.  “Indeed.  Thou hast described the sensation quite well.  It has been many a moon since I last partook in such discussion.  Tell me, canst thou ‘smell’ they that approach?”

The changeling nymph bobbed his head. “Uh-huh.  Not in a bright room or in the daytime when I’m playing outside, but I can here 'cause there are shadows over there.”  He waved a hoof toward a dark corner of the hallway then dropped his voice and whispered quite loudly.  “It's how I know my sister is trying to sneak up on us.”

Luna’s grin widened a bit.  “Is that who it is?  Fret not. I shall feign great bewilderment.”

A few seconds later (with a very noticeable buzzing), Nyx flew up the hallway and landed on Luna’s back.  The alicorn stopped and reared her head without turning around, only to have small hooves cover her closed eyes.

“Guess who?” asked the small alicorn.  She used a foreleg to straighten the enchanted glasses that maintained the illusion of circular, ponylike irises.

Twilight frowned.  “Nyx, dear.  Please stop—”

“Shush!  Shush!” admonished her daughter.  “Guess who!”

Yep. That made sense.  Covering up what your mom just said by repeating yourself… but louder.

Luna furrowed her brow.  “Is it… an Ursa Minor?”

Nyx giggled.  “No!  Guess again!”

“Oh, no!  My dear sister, save me from this Ursa Major most foul!”

Celestia snorted in amusement at Luna’s mock terror.

This time, Twilight’s daughter laughed out loud. “No, silly!  I’ll give you a big hint.  I have wings!”

“Hmmm… most perplexing.”  Luna was certainly playing this up to the hilt.  “I know!  Thou art the fairest thestral filly in all the land!”

More giggles.  “Pretty close.”  Nyx released her hold on the night alicorn and sat straight on her back. “Look!  Look!”

Luna twisted her head with the greatest caution—her chattering teeth and quivering eyes making the young filly bounce in place in excitement…. Or maybe Nyx was just impatient.

Luna froze for a second when she got a good look at the foal on her back.  Then a smile took over her face.  “Aha! Certes, another changeling child! Thou art most prodigious with thy new station.  Commendable, Hive Mother Twilight.”  Luna turned to face Nyx’s mother with a sly look.  “A most noble attempt, but I fear you will find me harder to prank than my dear sister.”

For her part, my co-ruler scuffed the marble tile with a forehoof.  “Umm… Nyx is my daughter from another timeline.  It’s… a long story.”

Luna’s smirk of disbelief fell away as she scanned first my face, then Trixie’s.  Slowly, she turned back to Nyx.

The foal gave her winningest fang-filled smile. “Can I call you Aunt Luna again?  Yeah, I know you’re not the same one I knew, but can we go flying around Canterlot Mountain tonight?  I’m a really good night flyer!”  Nyx lifted her glasses, showing off her slit pupils.  “See?”

Luna’s expression was priceless.  Shock, alarm, fear, and confusion all warred for control of her face.

Everypony lost it, falling over each other in our laughter.  Even Penny held her sides while tears streamed down her face.

Luna took a couple of tries to get any words out. First, she addressed the filly. “I will fly with thee in the coming week.”

Nyx gave her neck a big hug.  “Thanks, Auntie!”  The foal then flapped over to land on her mother’s withers.

The night alicorn lifted a forehoof to her brow. “Methinks I shall rest for a brief respite.  I take it… may I retire to mine old chambers?”

Trixie smiled.  “Of course!  Your observatory and Celestia’s suite have been kept for you two.”

Why did that sound a bit off?  I couldn’t remember.

“My deepest thanks,” said Luna, who then disappeared with a flash and the pop of inrushing air, only to return a few seconds later.

“My chamber is overflowing with… stage props!  What is the meaning of this?”

Trixie tilted her head back.  “Oh, yes!  How forgetful of Trixie.  When the Hearth’s Warming Play ended three years past, the theater troupe needed a place to securely store their things.  Trixie authorized the use of your quarters for this worthy cause.  Trixie, of course, will order the castle servants to put everything aright.”

Luna waved a hoof.  “No.  Methinks I feel quite recovered now.  I have been cured.  I hold no more expectations of normalcy.  Let us continue to the dining hall and exchange more tales of the Triarch’s adventures.”  She lowered her voice to a nearly inaudible murmur.  “And mayhap I won’t find the Tantabus working as a maidservant.”

Thankfully, there were no further delays and we made our way to the dining room.  Unsurprisingly, Diadem was already present and we introduced her to the Royal Sisters. After meeting Thorax, they were able to take a changeling princess in stride although they were still surprised to find that she was my advisor.  Because school had closed for the summer holiday break, Gallus was staying in Canterlot and soon turned up with his girlfriend, Smolder.  While their relationship was not official, no one was under any illusion that they weren’t smitten with each other.  Celestia was absolutely delighted by my foster son and his dragon belle.  It was proof that her efforts to bring peace between the species, both directly and through her disciple, Twilight were bearing fruit.

Just as our food was being served up, two more guests joined us.  Cadance and Shining Armor both looked slightly disheveled after having undoubtedly rushed to get here after receiving the news of the return of the Royal Sisters. Celestia and Cadance exchanged tearful hugs before the newcomers joined us at the breakfast table.

As the youngsters demolished their bowls of oatmeal, we recounted the events of the past few years.  After finishing their meal, Gemini started yawning, probably due to having been woken early, so Trixie sent them off for a nap.  Nyx grew bored and left when the Cutie Mark Crusaders turned up to take her along on their latest adventure.  Gallus and Smolder contributed a bit to the conversation before they also left to do whatever they had planned.  Trixie sent word that the morning session of Day Court would be delayed but there would be a special event starting at noon.  We not only had to announce the return of the Royal Sisters but also determine how we wanted to go about it.

We intrigued and stunned them with tales of what had happened after their departure.  I got a few laughs by playing up some of my misadventures.  They were also dismayed by the sheer number of threats we had faced in their absence.  It was not all one-sided though as our stories reminded them of events in the other world and we got to see a side of the sisters that most did not know.

Luna was saying, “…and just when we had gotten the upper hand in the South, that's when the portal to the Fifth Circle of Tartarus appeared in Ponyville. Within an hour, demons began pouring out.”

I blinked. “Wait. Circles?  Demons?”

Celestia replied, “Yes. Their Tartarus is divided into nine levels or ‘circles’ at different depths under the surface of Equus.  Unlike our Tartarus which is a single, vast underground area.”

“As far as we know,” Luna added.

Celestia glanced at her and then continued.  “Uh... yes.  Well, the way demons work is, when they are killed, they are reborn the next day in their home realm. Normally, they cannot return to the surface for a year and a day, but when my sister and I killed the same demons again and again, we knew Grogar had mitigated that restriction somehow.”

Luna said, “'Tis not indubitable, but that doth be the most plausible reason.”

“Yes... my sister and I abandoned the battle, instructing all ponies to retreat.  We sealed the entrances above and below the circle within an hour.”

Luna said, “More like two. The residents of the Fourth and Sixth Circle did not enjoy our incursion.”

The solar alicorn’s eyelid twitched.  “Umm. Anyway, the core of both of our worlds consists mainly of molten iron.”  Celestia paused and looked at her sister, who opened her mouth for a moment before closing it, smirking.  “We filled the Fifth layer with material from the core.  It should harden in four thousand years—”

Luna interrupted, “Closer to five.  I did the math.”

Celestia continued in a more strained tone, “Then it was just a matter of tracking down every demon left on the surface and sending them home.”

“Ha!” Luna exclaimed.  “More like ‘No! I didn't mean to kill all those ponies!  Don't take it out on... Blargh!! Guh!’ CHOP!”  The last was accompanied by two thrusts and a slice from an imaginary polearm.

Celestia waited.  “Are you done?”

Luna smiled.  “Yes!  Yes!  Please continue, dear sister.”

Celestia said,  “Then it was a matter of making our position known to the lords of the remaining eight Circles of Tartarus.  Luna and I would hold them all accountable for the actions of any of their brethren.”

Luna laughed.  “So much fun!  Blast through their defenses, levitating their bloated forms over the cauldron of molten metal, then submerge them after our brief pep talk, I believe it is called.  They would reappear to rule in their home realms a day later, assuming they had not been overthrown.”

Celestia said, “And that's it!  All the demons from the Fifth Circle were killed—”

“All but one!” Luna corrected.

Celestia angrily turned to her sister.  “Must you contradict every single thing I say?”

Luna grinned. “Of course!  'Tis my duty as the youngest sibling!  And I have sorely neglected my responsibilities for centuries!  Thou hast many, many more years to endure.”

Celestia growled.  “You are going to stop now!  Or so help me I'll make you stop!”

Luna stuck her tongue out. “Perhaps when thou wert younger, but now thou dost dodder like the venerable mare thou art!”

Celestia stood up to tower over her sibling. “That's it!”

Trixie yelled, “For Faust's sake, you two! Grow up!”

The Royal Sisters burst out laughing, holding each other for support.

Eventually, Celestia said, “That is likely the first time that oath has been used properly.”

Luna said, “Please mindest not my sister and me.  Our antics can appear foal-like at times.”

Trixie raised a skeptical eyebrow.  “Appear?”

I was more concerned about another detail.  “You were saying that one demon remained?”

Celestia turned her attention back to me.  “Hmm? Oh, yes.  Well, one demon from the Fifth Circle had been living in Ponyville for decades, changing disguises as needed.  When the portal to Tartarus opened, the citizenry happened to be gathered at the Town Hall for the results of the Running of the Leaves.  The demon swept up all the townsponies into a pocket dimension for over a month, though it felt like only a moment to them.  When they returned, it was to find the war over but their town leveled.”

Luna added, “Fortunately, the residents of Ponyville in any dimension are most accustomed to disaster recovery.”

Celestia nodded.  “After we talked at length to the demon, she was allowed to stay and continue to look after her adopted charges.”

Luna sighed.  “To think – a most perfect masquerade.  How could any suspect a cross-eyed mailmare to be an archdemon in truth?”

Trixie and I looked at each other. I murmured, “I think I'm going to place that information in the Pinkie File.  That's the one labeled:  Just don't think about it: You really don't want to know.”

Our exchange of stories continued and we reached the part about the Storm King’s invasion.  I was describing how I attacked the fleet with my lightning power when I heard the night alicorn make a scoffing noise.  All eyes turned to her and I frowned.

“What’s the matter, Luna?” I asked.

“Any weather pegasus worth their salt can manipulate lightning.  Why dost thou thinkest that makest thee special?”

“Don’t be rude, sister,” Celestia scolded.

“Nay, this upstart hath made mighty claims with no proof beyond mere words.  If we are to believe that Equestria is in good hooves, the nation needs rulers that can back up their boasts.”

I scowled and my nostrils flared.  “May I remind you that I am not called the Alicorn of Lightning for nothing?”

“Thy cutie mark may sayeth that thou art good at raining on somepony’s parade for all I know,” she replied with a smirk.

I felt a swelling of anger and outrage growing within my breast.  I got up from my chair and walked up face to face with Luna.  “Are you calling me a liar and a fake?”

She sneered back.  “I have no reason to believe that an alicorn stallion is a real thing or worthy of ruling.”

Twilight attempted to interject.  “Princess Luna, I assure you—”

“Hush, child!” Luna interrupted before turning her attention back to me.  “Well? Hast thou nothing to say?”

I poked her in the sternum with my forehoof.  “I have worked hard and fought several battles to protect this nation which you left undefended.  I earned my horn and right to rule!”

Luna’s lip curled and she haughtily replied, “Prove it!”

I quivered in rage and grated out, “The EUP combat training ground, right now!”

Celestia said, “Are you sure about this, Prince Mark Wells?”

I turned to the alabaster alicorn.  “I have been challenged and I won’t back down.”  That sounded familiar for some reason.  No time to think about that now.

“I feared as much.  Very well, I shall take us all there.”  Her horn lit up.

Moments later, I was standing in the middle of a grassy field with the two sisters, my co-rulers, Cadance, Shining Armor, Thorax, Diadem, Crimson Boulder, and Penny.  The latter glared at Luna and stood by my side in combat-ready stance, her protective instincts aroused.  When Crimson started trotting towards us, I barked out, “Your services are not required, Lieutenant!”  That made him stop in his tracks.

The Alicorn of the Moon grinned as she looked up at the clear blue sky.  “There are no clouds upon which to draw lightning, O Alicorn of Boasting.  What dost thou propose to do now?”

“Get this over and done with,” I replied.  “Stand back, everypony.  You too, Penny.  This is between Moonbutt and me.”

My bodyguard reluctantly retreated along with the others, leaving Luna and me staring defiantly at each other.

“How do you want to do this?”

“I have nothing to prove, so it is up to thee to impress me.  I will defend myself against thee and judge the veracity of thy claims.”  She gave me that annoying smirk again.  “And said abilities need must be effective in all circumstances and not just those advantageous to thee.”

“Hence the clear sunny day,” I said.  “You think you have it all figured out.  I’m going to make you eat your words.”

Luna snorted.  “Bring it on!”  Her horn lit up and a spherical shield surrounded her.

I had to laugh.  “You think that is going to protect you?”

The alicorn gave me a smug grin.  “My power has grown over a thousand years; a mere stripling like thee will not find my defenses wanting.”

“If you say so.”  Despite Luna’s opinions, I had not been resting on my laurels.  The training with my power had continued so that I was familiar with its use and proficient in its application.  After becoming an alicorn, I found my skills with lightning quickly improved in my male form.  By now, my special talent worked equally in either body.  At least, I would not have to ‘cheat’ by assuming my Celestial form.

The alicorn had gotten another thing wrong – since the Grogar emergency had begun, I had made it a habit to ensure that I was at least 95% charged at all times so that I would be ready in an emergency.  My ascension to alicornhood had also enabled me to handle this with ease.  Bottom line – I did not need any clouds to tease lightning from.

“Give me thy best shot,” Luna demanded.

“As you wish,” I replied and discharged a mighty bolt of power.

The Alicorn of the Moon had made one final mistake. Most shields were optimized for either kinetic or magic attacks.  One could deal with weapons such as swords, arrows, or boulders while the other could fend off mana blasts, assault spells, and curses.  I recognized that Luna was utilizing a dual-layer shield effective against both.  Unfortunately for her, neither type was particularly efficacious against raw electricity.  The lightning bolt tore through her barrier with ease and struck the alicorn with a flare of blinding light and deafening thunder.

Blinking away the spots before my eyes, I saw Luna standing rigidly on the field where the grass was scorched by the electricity grounding through her hooves.  Her mane was frizzed and a few licks of flame were on it and the tip of her horn.  Her pupils were mere pinpricks and she had a thousand-mile stare.

“Snrrk!” Celestia unsuccessfully stifled a laugh before asking, “Have you gotten his measure yet, sister?”

Without adjusting her stiff stance, Luna opened her mouth.  A waft of steam came from within before she spoke. “I… kaff, kaff… I seem to have… kaff… underestimated his ability.”

Celestia lost it then and fell onto the grass, rolling around as she laughed her head off.



“Do you doubt me now, Luna?” I asked.

“I may have… wheeze… been mistaken.”

Twilight came over and extinguished the flames.  I think she might have used a healing spell too as Luna’s muscles finally relaxed and her eyes returned to normal.

That reminded me.  “Oh, and one more thing.  Don’t refer to Twilight as a ‘child’ anymore.  You’ve done so twice and I don’t want to hear it.”

Luna looked at me then bowed her head to my co-ruler. “My apologies, Princess.  I will refrain from addressing you in such a manner as Prince Mark commands.”

Twilight smiled.  “As always, Luna, please just call me Twilight.”

With my victory and Luna’s acknowledgment of my rank, I felt my anger and indignation fall away.  Then I started feeling ashamed of how badly I had reacted to Luna’s taunting.  Nevertheless, I had to be sure that this challenge was over.

“Well, Luna, have I proven myself to your satisfaction, or are you ready for round two?”

“Peace, Prince Mark Wells.  I was merely testing thee.  Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof.  I wished to put aside any doubts about thine ability to defend the realm.”

I felt my sense of humor returning and I snickered. “Was it worth it?”

“Methinks I will need a bath to remove the smell of burnt mane and ozone.  Still, I survived thy mightiest effort with no more damage.”

“Umm, no, you didn’t.”

Luna tilted her head and cocked an eyebrow.  “What dost thou meanest?”

“I didn’t want to kill you, so I only used half-power.” At her shocked stare, I continued, “Only Shining Armor has been able to prepare and create a shield strong enough and tuned specifically to cope with a lightning assault to survive my full-power attack, and even he didn’t want to do it more than once.”

“You can say that again,” Shining muttered.

The dark alicorn’s eyes widened and she gaped. “That was merely half-power?”

“Yep.”

“Then I thank thee for thy restraint.”

Celestia said, “Perhaps you will choose a less hazardous manner with which to test claims from alicorns in future, sister.”

“Thou dost speakest true, Tia.”

Twilight stepped closer and gave me a wry smile. “Are you more relaxed now, Mark? No more incoherent rage clouding your judgment while battling for leadership of Equestria?”

I blinked in shock.  “I… That’s what you felt, wasn’t it?  The compulsion to lead.  The urge to defeat any challenger.”  I thought back.  “I even said ‘I won’t back down’ just like you did to Trixie.”

My co-ruler clonked me on the shoulder with a hoof. “Welcome to the club of ‘doing before thinking’ alicorns.  If it makes you feel any better, I think you controlled yourself more than I did.”

I took a deep breath, held it, and let it out slowly. This was one of the exercises Cadance taught me for regulating my emotions when they felt overwhelming.  It seemed to be working as my wings finally settled down on my sides again.

I turned to my earth pony friend and combat instructor. “Sorry, Crimson.  I kind of bit your head off there.”

“No worries, Your Highness.”  He smirked.  “You know I’ll just take it out on you tomorrow afternoon during your next training session.”

I laughed.  “Looking forward to it.”

My wife said, “While the Great and Powerful Trixie had no doubts about her husband’s capabilities, it is good that we got this matter dealt with before we announced your return to Equestria.  Speaking of which, it’s nearly time to do so.  Trixie suggests that we return and prepare ourselves for the event.”

“I agree,” said Celestia.  “Come, sister.  You can use the bathroom in my quarters, assuming they are not stuffed with spare furniture.”  She smirked. “Just don’t clog the drains with your mane and tail hairs again.”  As Luna began to protest the impossibility of such a thing happening, Celestia put words into actions and we were all back in the dining hall, followed immediately by another teleport that took the Royal Sisters away.  At least, Celestia would not have to explain the grass stains on her otherwise pristine coat any more than Luna would have to fend off questions about the scorch marks in her mane.

Twilight and Trixie left to make some hasty arrangements for the special event while I sent some Royal Guards to stand by the entrance to Celestia’s suite and have them escort the sisters to the throne room at the appointed time.  I then arranged to have some more go out and announce the impromptu occasion in the streets as it was far too late to do otherwise.  I did not want this to be an event purely for the nobles who had much closer communications with the Royal Court and its events.

With our foals already off with their nannies and teachers, that left me with nothing to do but freshen up.  I surprised Steady Flight with a request for a quick grooming which he immediately set about doing.  I rarely made much of a fuss over my appearance, so this was an exception to my normal habit.  I knew my wife would not expect anything less.  I opted for my fancier vest, the one with real gold filigree as well as the gold crown symbol on the left side.

Trixie quickly joined me along with a gaggle of maids fussing over her coat, feathers, mane, and tail.  They even gave her hooves a polish and Trixie sicced them onto mine when they were done.  We both donned matching amulets that bore the royal seal – a symbol of our authority. My wife then chose her most impressive crown which she reserved for special occasions, but I stuck with my usual understated circlet with the enchanted gem.

Steady pointed out that it was time for us to make our way to the throne room.  Trixie was still worried that she looked less than perfect, but I gave her a kiss on the cheek and assured her that she looked every bit as regal as she could possibly be.  We then headed out and made our way in a dignified manner to face the Court.  We were joined along the way by Twilight who had undergone a similar process as Trixie.  This was a little surprising as the purple alicorn’s attitude towards personal grooming and attire leaned a lot more my way than my wife’s.

Twilight noticed my gaze and she blushed a little. “Trixie sent some maids to attend to me,” she confessed.

That explained it and was certainly in keeping with my wife’s focus on appearances.  Also, Twilight was wearing her crown and a jeweled peytral, the latter of which she chose in emulation of Celestia.

The three of us stepped into the antechamber adjacent to the Throne Room.  Moments later, Celestia and Luna arrived with their escort of Guards.  Celestia’s coat was clean and brushed, while Luna’s showed no signs of her flirtation with lightning.  Her mane had resumed its normal appearance and the scent of honeysuckle had replaced that of burnt hair.  Both wore their peytrals and fancy hoofshoes, but neither wore their crowns. I’m pretty sure that neither of my co-rulers would have objected to them, but it did display their acceptance of their demotion.

A unicorn guardspony held both symbols of their former station in the glow of her magic.  “What do Your Highnesses wish to do with these?” she asked.

Trixie replied, “Hold onto them until you are called upon.”

The mare nodded and stepped back.  Then the sergeant-at-arms spoke up.

“Your Highnesses – it is now midday.  Are you ready to begin?”

I looked at the others and they nodded.  I said, “Proceed, Sergeant.”

The stallion stepped through the door and we heard his booming voice call for the attention of the audience.  “All rise for Their Highnesses, Princess Trixie Lulamoon, Princess Twilight Sparkle, and Prince Mark Wells!”

As we stepped forth, I murmured to my wife, “Y’know, I miss the time when you were called Empress Trixie at moments like these.”

She smiled smugly without looking my way.  “It seems Equestria can truly be called an empire now, so perhaps we can revive the tradition.”

I glanced at Twilight who was on the other side of Trixie and had evidently heard her words.  The alicorn looked a little surprised then thoughtful.  Quite a change from years ago when she had first confronted the accidentally appointed new leader of the nation.

We did not go to our thrones.  Instead, we made our way to the stage that was used for special events.  This one had been redecorated along with the rest of the Throne Room when it had been rebuilt.  The motif was totally in keeping with Trixie’s tastes and certainly looked like a magician’s stage.  Twilight hadn’t been thrilled with the look but did not insist on changing it, and I certainly wasn’t about to upset my wife over it, so it stayed looking like a bit of a sideshow more than something more staid and dignified.

We mounted the stage and turned to face the assembled nobles and commoners, spreading our wings slightly to emphasize our appearance. I was pleased to see a fairly large crowd of citizens despite the hasty and belated notification.  I’m sure some of the nobles would have preferred it to be otherwise but we were not doing this just for them.

Trixie took a short step forward and addressed the Court with the usual voice-amplification spell.  “My lords, ladies, and citizens of Equestria – we are gathered here for this momentous occasion to announce the long-awaited return of the Royal Sisters. It is our pleasure and joy to present to you the Alicorns of the Sun and Moon – Celestia and Luna!”

I noted that Trixie had carefully avoided calling either a princess.  Nevertheless, the two alicorns looked completely regal as they strode forth from the side entrance where they had been waiting.  The murmuring of the crowd grew loud as hoof-stomping began, mostly with the commoners.  I noticed the more calculated responses among the nobles and had my eyes on a couple in particular.  I glanced at my co-rulers.  Trixie’s stage presence was perfect as always.  She matched the Royal Sisters in quiet dignity and power.  Twilight, on the other hoof, was gawking with delight.  I suspected it was at seeing her mentor back in the throne room.



Celestia and Luna stopped at the base of the stage and bowed their heads to us.

“Welcome home, Celestia and Luna,” Trixie continued when the noise had died down.  “Equestria has missed you.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Celestia replied.  “It is our great pleasure to be home at last.”

“Please join us on the stage so that our citizens may behold their beloved former rulers once more.”

The two started to do just that when Jet Set shouted, “What is this about former rulers?  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna must immediately take back the throne from these upstarts!”

Well, that didn’t take long, but it was totally expected. It was a given that many nobles would expect Celestia and Luna to resume ruling Equestria and we had discussed this back at the dining hall.  No one would take the bet that Jet Set would be the first to open his mouth.  The sisters kept mounting the steps and took a place on either side of the three of us as we had previously arranged.

My wife waited until they were in position, listening to growing murmurs among the nobles.  She gave them a stern glare and I cued the Sergeant-at-Arms.

“Quiet in the Court!” he bellowed.

When the noise died away, Trixie said, “According to Equestrian law, by being absent from the nation for more than a year and a day, Celestia and Luna forfeited their right to rule.  They have both declined the option of the Alicorn Challenge to re-take their position of authority.  However, the Triarchy recognizes their station and accomplishments and has decided to confer upon them the title of Princess once more, although in a non-ruling capacity.”

The unicorn Guard with the sisters’ crowns stepped up to the stage then.  Trixie levitated one to place on Luna’s head and Twilight proudly put the other on her former mentor.

We had chosen to restore their titles for a couple of reasons.  Firstly, it gave the two alicorns official authority to act if needed at all but the highest level, and secondly, we knew we had zero hope of stopping ponies from calling them Princess anyway.  It wasn’t as if Equestria wasn’t suffering from a surfeit of princesses already, so what did it matter to have a couple more?  We might have to seriously look at the titles of us Triarchs though.  Maybe the suggestion of bringing back the Empress title was not such a bad idea after all.  With so many other nations under Equestria’s wings now, it would be quite accurate.  Not that I wanted to be named an emperor.  I barely got used to being called a prince!  But that was a subject for another day.  Jet Set was shooting off his mouth again.

“You must reconsider your decision not to challenge for the throne, Your Highnesses!”

Celestia merely raised an eyebrow.  “Why?  I had already planned to retire and had been grooming Twilight Sparkle as my successor. I see that she not only has that position but ascended to alicornhood as I had hoped.  In Twilight, not to mention Mark Wells and Trixie Lulamoon also, you have your rightful rulers already.”

Luna spoke up next.  “In truth, I had not intended to step down from the throne so soon, but I have satisfied myself that the present rulers are worthy successors.  I have yet to decide upon my immediate future, but thou mayest rest assured that I will answer the call if Equestria needeth me.”

“That sounds awfully convenient for the Triarchs,” Opulent Affair said snidely.  “How do we know that these aren’t changelings trotted out to appease or mislead us?”

That particular accusation was hardly new and easily anticipated.  Fortunately, it was also easily countered.

Trixie replied, “How many of those present witnessed the moonset and sunrise this morning?”

A fair number of hooves were raised among the commoners but only two among the nobles.

“There are your witnesses, Lady Affair.  The Alicorns of the Sun and Moon celebrated their return with an unmistakable display of their power.  If that is not enough, tonight, Princess Luna has declared her intention to put on a spectacular stellar display that could not be performed by any other being.  I trust this will suffice to convince you of their veracity?”

It was obvious that neither was happy but they were stymied for the moment.  There would inevitably be more clashes with them and other nobles who resented our positions of power but, for now, the Triarchy remained firm.

Trixie turned her attention to her main audience – the average ponies, griffons, changelings, and other species that comprised the Canterlot populace.  “To celebrate the return of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, we declare that tomorrow will be a public holiday.  The Crown will host a festival that the Solar and Lunar Alicorns will be attending. Please feel free to meet them in person.”  It was a very tight schedule but Twilight had expressed confidence in being able to organize a modest event in the available time.  However, she had already declared her intention to pull out all the stops for the Summer Sun Festival.

There were cheers and hoof-stomps from the audience and smiles from the sisters.  It was good to know that the populace still loved Celestia and Luna despite being missing for the best part of four years.

My wife continued.  “Normal Day Court will resume after lunch.  Your Triarchs thank you for attending.”  She then led the way off the stage and out of the room, we alicorns following close behind.

We made our way back to the dining hall for lunch. To the sisters’ delight, the royal chefs had remembered their favorite foods and had them ready.  I started the conversation with a subject that had me curious.

“Celestia – you said back in the Throne Room that you had been planning to retire.  Any particular reason for that?”

The Alicorn of the Sun gave me one of her wise smiles. “I reigned for over a thousand years and it’s time that I stepped aside for new blood.  I don’t know if you had noticed, but certain institutions were becoming hidebound and unresponsive to the evolving needs of society.  I have already seen more changes in the few hours that we have been back than in the past several decades.”

Twilight frowned.  “If you could see those problems, why couldn’t you do anything about them?”

Celestia laughed.  “Tell me that you haven’t clashed with the conservative nobility many times?  If you let them, they will tie you up in their web.  I have danced around them many a time but, inexorably, the web grows tighter at the slightest slip.  I am more than willing to step back and let someone take over with newer and fresher approaches.  I spent many years searching for an appropriate candidate.  I came close once with a young mare with skills almost on a par with Twilight’s but, ultimately, she did not understand the magic of friendship.”

I exchanged knowing glances with Twilight before saying, “Don’t worry.  Sunset Shimmer did eventually learn the lesson you tried to teach.”

Celestia’s eyes widened and she gasped.  “You know where Sunset is?”

“Yep.  We can arrange a visit if you want to.  I know for a fact that she wants to square things up with you.”

“I would be most grateful if you would.”

“Done.  Anyway, you were saying that you were looking for a candidate.  I gather that Twilight was the next after Sunset?”

“Indeed.  I am so pleased that you completed your education and achieved ascension, my dear former student.”

Twilight blushed.  “It was not without some hiccups.”

“Nothing important ever is,” Celestia reassured her. “So, I had my potential successor and I figured that I would be able to start planning for my retirement about… well… now, considering the years that have passed in our absence.”

“What do you plan to do now that you’re no longer the ruler of Equestria?” Trixie asked.

“I don’t intend to leave you in the lurch while Grogar remains a threat.  However, after that, I want to go on some kind of adventure just for the fun of it.”

“And what about you, Luna?” I asked.

The Lunar Alicorn looked thoughtful.  “As I said in the throne room, I am too young to be comfortable with the idea of retiring, unlike my ancient and broken-down sister.”

Celestia stuck out her tongue at her before resuming the consumption of a particularly large slice of cake.

Luna continued, “I have yet to decide, but I have been thinking.  Thou didst become Prince by marrying Princess Trixie.  Mayhap I can marry thee too and regain my throne?”

I gulped.  “The law allows only one wife,” I hastily pointed out.

“Herdmate then.  Tell me, Trixie, dost thy stallion break easily?”   

Trixie rubbed her chin thoughtfully.  “Just how broken are we talking?”  At the look of horror on my face, my wife burst out laughing. “The Great and Wise Empress Trixie must decline your petition, Luna.  She prefers her spouse to be in optimum condition to perform his husbandly duties.”

Luna gave me a disappointed look.  “A pity, although perhaps a roll in the sheets with him might not be out of the question someday?”

While Trixie could reject an application to join the herd, she had no say in whom I chose to bed.  That right lay entirely with the stallion.  The wise male listened to his lead mare though and, on this occasion, hide behind her.  I may have defeated Luna on the combat ground, but the thought of confronting her in the bedroom made my legs quiver, and not in a good way.  “My apologies, Luna, but I am satisfied with my current arrangements.”

Everyone chuckled at this.  And that is how the Royal Sisters achieved solidarity with many of the other mares in my life in making me their favorite pony to tease.


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