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 18
"Alright girls, can we wake her now?" asked Applejack. The sun was beginning to set from a long day of doing small tasks to make themselves more comfortable and prepared for however long they would be in this cave.
"I don't know, Applejack," said Rarity. "Do you think it's right?"
"If we don't wake her now, then when? Our Twilight is somewhere in that body and it's our job ta bring her back."
"I agree with, AJ," said Rainbow Dash. "It's time we helped our friend."
"Alright," said Rarity. "Applejack, why don't you do the honors?"
"Sure." She walked over to Twilight and, with a gentle nudge, rubbed Twilight's shoulder. She didn't respond. Trying again, Applejack proceeded with more force and Twilight still didn't respond. This time Applejack shook Twilight back and forth, instantly waking her.
"Wh-what's…going on?" she asked as she quickly opened her eyes and scanned the cave.
"Twilight, do ya' 'member us?"
"How do you know my name?"
"Ah'm your friend. Ah know a lot of things 'bout ya'. But, Ah'll ask ya' again, do ya' 'member us?"
"You seem familiar."
"How are ya' feeling?"
"I'm starving."
"Here, have some food," said Applejack motioning to the water canteen, crackers, and apples next to Twilight. She quickly reached over and devoured them.
"Thank you," she said.
"Anything else we can do for ya'?"
"Can you tell me where I am?"
"You're in a cave in Northern Equestria."
"Oh and how did I get here?"
"Ya' don't remember?"
"No, all I can remember is running and then darkness. I guess I must've fallen asleep for a long time."
"Yeah, ya' did. Listen, ya' sure ya' don't 'member me or any of these other ponies?"
Twilight paused for a moment and looked at Applejack and at the rest of the girls with curious eyes.
"I…I feel like I know you all, but I can't remember who you all are. Were we friends or something?"
"Yes, we are. We're your friends, Twilight," said Applejack.
"Can you tell me who you are?"
"Ya' seriously don't 'member?"
Twilight shook her head.
Applejack sighed, "Very well, sugar. Ah'm Applejack."
"I'm Rarity."
"I'm Rainbow Dash."
"I'm Pinkie Pie."
"And I'm Fluttershy."
"You're all my friends?" asked Twilight.
The nodded with hopeful smiles on their faces.
"But, I don't understand. Why can't I remember you all?"
"Well, Twilight," said Rarity. "That's probably because you've been emotionally stressed and have blocked your memories about us."
"Emotionally stressed? Blocked memories? From what?"
"Well…umm-"
"From the death of Princess Celestia."
Something clicked in Twilight's mind. Like the correct alignment of a machine or the pages in a book, it all started coming together.
"Yes…yes…I'm starting to remember. We were talking to Princess Luna, all of us, and then I ran. I just kept running and somehow I ended up here."
"Twilight, if you don't mind, I can perform a memory spell that will hopefully restore your memories," said Rarity.
"You can do that?" asked Fluttershy behind Rarity.
"I know my fair share of magical skills. I may only use simple magic, but that doesn't mean I don't know some more complex spells."
"Ya' sure it's safe?" asked Applejack.
"I've practiced with a dashing magical professor when I was in Canterlot for the Equestrian Magical Convention last year. He said I was qualified and experienced enough to perform it."
"Well, alright. Just be careful."
"I will, Applejack, I promise. You ready, Twilight?"
"Well, I guess. What harm can come from unblocked memories, especially if they're about my friends?"
"That's the spirit," said Pinkie behind them.
"Alright, here we go," said Rarity as her horn began glowing its light blue. She closed her eyes to focus the spell and a blue mist surrounded Twilight's head. With a final spark from Rarity's horn, the mist went into Twilight's head and dissipated. Twilight yelled and felled backwards, eyes closed, as her friends rushed over to her side.
"Twilight! Can ya' here me?"
Twilight's left ear flickered upwards, like she recognized the voice.
Applejack asked again. "Twilight! Open your eyes! It's us! Your friends!"
The other ear flickered up and Twilight slowly opened her eyes, color fully returning to them.
"App….applejack?"
"Yes, Twilight. It's me. Ah'm right here."
Twilight rose with the help of the girls and looked at them and the cave beyond. She was silent for a few moments before jumping at Applejack and hugging her tightly, tears streaming down her face.
"Th…thank you!"
"It's alright, sugarcube, we're here. It's gonna be alright," comforted Applejack as she patted Twilight's back.
"It…was just…so horrible."
"Ah understand. But, we're not mad or upset with ya'. We're you're friends, Twilight. We're here for ya', both good times and bad times."
Twilight's crying quieted as she looked back at the rest of the girls.
"You…you all came?" she asked as she wiped tears from her eyes.
"Of course we did, Twilight," said Rarity. "We weren't just going to let you go. As your friends we have a responsibility to help and care for you."
"You're…so kind."
"How are you feeling?" asked Fluttershy quietly.
"Just very…emotional, Fluttershy."
"That's why we're here, sugarcube: ta talk 'bout your feelings and help ya'."
"Thank…thank you, Applejack. And thank you all."
"No need to thank us," said Rainbow Dash. "We weren't going to abandon you and we were willing to do whatever it takes to find and help you."
"You…are all…too kind."
"It's called friendship, sugarcube," said Applejack. "It's what we're supposed ta do."
"Thank…you."
"You know what this calls for?" said Pinkie with excitement in her voice.
"A party?" asked Twilight.
"No, silly, a group hug!"
She rushed towards Twilight and hugged her tightly as her hair returned to its poofy and fluffy state. The rest of the girls looked at each other, smiled, and joined in the in hug. They had found her. Through all the snow, the challenges, and sadness, they had found their Twilight and now they had helped her. She was back and she was here to stay. The mane six were back together.
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Magicon slept well that night. Knowing that Shining Armor and his suspicions were temporarily locked up, Magicon was able to truly relax and get some sleep. He didn't even bother removing his cape as he collapsed in a temporary bed in a guest room of the palace. His tiredness and his arrogance prevented him from removing it. He didn't know what it was about the cape that made feel powerful and protected, but he liked the feeling.
He was awoken by the rays of sunshine hitting his face in the guest bedroom. Rising and looking at the clock he was surprised to see that he hadn't overslept despite his tiredness from the past days. He felt refreshed and ready to take on the world, which was exactly what he planned to do. Luna's funeral would be held today and he would mourn her loss but he would quickly put that behind him and focus on the future. The princesses were dead; no need to remember or glorify them any further. It was time for the new Equestria to arise; the one Celestia never wanted.
Looking at the mirror at his bruised and bloodied face Magicon charged up a hex to hide the marks of his fight from last night. It wasn't that he wanted to hide it, but today he wanted the day to be about his plans for Equestria, not his personal problems.
Stepping outside the room and putting on a bright and cheery face he pleasantly strolled through the palace to breakfast. There he helped himself to large samplings while his advisors explained his agenda to him for the day. He had once been at their level: nothing more than an advisor. But his manipulation and desire for power pushed him past these meager ponies and right onto the throne.
After breakfast Magicon began his traditional royal duties of meeting with the nobles and other ponies. They whined and complained about their own personal problems and Magicon wished they had something better to do than complain to him. He was not their councilor, he was their ruler. He H
He had more important things to do than entertain noble and selfish ponies who were probably already making up lies and falsehoods about him behind his back.
"He has no royal blood in him."
"I heard that he bribed his way to the throne."
"I bet he held something over the princesses to get to where he is."
"He's not even from Canterlot."
"No, but he is a Manehattanite so at least he knows upper class society."
"You call Manehattan upper class? Please, it's a city of robber barons and quick-rich ponies. They don't have the nobility or breeding of us Canterlot ponies."
So many rumors and whispers circled him amongst the nobles but Magicon didn't care. He was the ruler of Equestria and he had sole control over everything in the Kingdom. If wanted to have a hail storm on Fillydelphia, he could have it. If he wanted to remove the mayor of Baltimare, he could do it. If he wanted to declare war on a neighboring country, he could will it. There was no limit to his power and his influence. He could rule Equestria with an iron hoof, if he so desired. But for him that was not his view of the new Equestria.
Celestia had ruled Equestria with an iron-hoof, but from behind the scenes. If he was going to gain the respect and popularity of everypony he would have to be fair, wise, and just. He would do all of that and more so that everypony would benefit and everypony would have a better life in his new and modern Equestria. At his meeting with his bureaucratic ministers Magicon presented his ideas.
"Mares and Gentlecolts, though we have gathered here to discuss the affairs of Equestria at present, I want you to put those affairs aside for a while and focus on the Equestria of tomorrow. There are going to be changes to Equestria, big changes for the betterment of all ponies. Now I know change can be scary and uncertain, especially in times like these, but we can't move forward and out of these dark times without change.
"We must realize that the Equestria of old is gone and will never return. Dwelling on the past will not help Equestria or the ponies who call it home. We must move forward into the future. Equestria must become a symbol to the world of prosperity, happiness, and peace. To do this I have outlined a plan that will help bring Equestria into the future and help everypony."
Magicon unfurled a parchment scroll that flew halfway down the table. The ministers stared at in complete silence, some with astonished looks on their faces, others with looks of curiosity, still others of hope.
"I have split this into three major sections: political, economic, and social to highlight what I would like to change in Equestria. First up, political. What I want to do here is be able to have a better government for the ponies. That means: a reformed judicial system, an expanded bureaucracy, greater governmental involvement in the economy, elimination of the spoils and reward systems, and less focus on the nobility and more focus on everyday ponies. Our system will be designed from the local level, allowing cities and towns to do what is best for them and then request money and resources from the government for things they can't handle. This method then caters to normal ponies and prevents abuse of power and corruption at the government level.
"Next, the economy. These are the main highlights: an expanded patent and copyright system to allow ponies with new ideas and inventions to produce and sell them. Government funded industries to help startup new industries and businesses. An expanded transportation system, both on land and sea. Reform the currency. Allow individual ponies more control over their businesses. Government regulation over some businesses to prevent abuse of power, greed, and corruption.
"Finally, social. Expand hospitals and universities and construct new ones. Promote interest in the arts and culture by funding artists, writers, and composers and constructing new theaters and libraries. Expand the firefighting network. Allow towns and cities to create police forces to help fight crime. Reform and modernize the military with better weapons and equipment.
"Well, Mares and Gentlecolts, I know this is a lot to process and some of it is very scary because of all these proposed changes. But I want your advice and your help. If we are to have a truly beneficial Equestria, we must work together. So, speak and let me hear your thoughts."
The room was silent as Magicon finished his speech. He knew it was a lot to take in but he also knew that these were smart and hard-working ponies who would speak their minds when needed. But, much to his surprise, they sat awkwardly in their chairs and made no noise. Magicon suddenly felt embarrassed for throwing this on them but he kept his calm face and tried to be patient.
"Well? Your thoughts?"
A single stallion at the end of the table couched before speaking nervously, "Well…erm...your highness…like you said, this is a lot to take in. I'm still trying to process everything. But from what I've gathered so far, it sounds like you're throwing Equestria on its head."
"Oh, I beg to differ," said another stallion closer to Magicon. "These are exactly the kind of reforms we need. Equestria has been backwards and slow moving for far too long; we need to modernize."
"Modernize? According to this plan, we'll be deep in red ink before we see any 'progress'," said another mare.
"But that can be changed. Since the currency is being reformed, why not reform the tax code so we can pay for everything?"
And then they were off, debating and expressing their ideas as Magicon sat with a relieved smile on his face. He knew what he was doing was controversial but he wanted to see where everypony stood on it. Well, now he knew. Some were in favor, some against, and some hadn't made their decision yet. He would work with all of these ponies to create the best policies and reformations for Equestria. His new and modern Equestria was coming; he knew it.
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"And that's how we found ya'," concluded Applejack.
They had recapped their adventure of finding Twilight to her. The sun had set and the moon had risen as the six sat around the glowing campfire. Twilight sat in astonishment as the five of them recanted their adventurous and dangerous tale, all to find and help her.
"Wow…I can't believe you all put so much at stake and just for me."
"Of course we did, Twilight," said Rainbow Dash. "You're our friend and we are willing to do anything for you."
"We'll always be here for ya', sugarcube," added Applejack.
"You would've done the same thing if it had been one of us who had run off here," reassured Rarity.
"Yeah, but it's just so amazing," said Twilight. "You could write a story about it."
"I'd definitely read it," said Rainbow Dash confidently.
"We all would," said Fluttershy.
"But we've only heard one side of the story," complained Pinkie. "We need to hear the other side! Come on, Twilight, time to share your dirty little secrets." She giggled to herself as she finished her statement.
Twilight's ears feel downwards after Pinkie's statement.
"I don't know, girls…it's not something I really want to talk about."
"We're not rushing ya', Twilight," said Applejack.
"Yeah, you tell us when you feel comfortable," added Fluttershy reassuringly.
"Can you just answer one question for me?" asked Twilight.
"What is it?" asked Fluttershy.
"Why did my brother leave?"
The girls looked at each other for a few moments before Rarity spoke.
"Like we said, Twilight, he had to go back to Canterlot."
"But why?"
"Duty," said Rainbow Dash.
"But what specifically? Can't you tell me?"
"We could, but it might bring you more pain," said Fluttershy.
"Fluttershy, believe me, how much more pain am I incapable of handling?"
"I…I…"
"It ain't about a question of pain. It's question of your health," said Applejack defending Fluttershy.
"But I need to know if he's alive."
"Oh, Twilight darling, why would you ever think such a thing?" asked Rarity.
"Because I care about my brother, that's why."
"Of course he's alive, silly Twilight, he's in Canterlot," said Pinkie.
"But I need to know why. Please girls, just tell me. I can handle it."
The girls looked at each other with uneasy glances. The question of 'Should we tell her?' was now upon them and they didn't know the answer. Applejack motioned for them to huddle together and talk in whispers.
"I don't know, ya'll. Seems awfully risky to be hurtin' our friend, 'specially now."
"If not now, when?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"We can't risk telling her on the way back," said Rarity. "Something awful could happen then."
"If we tell her now, she may react more uncontrollable but at least we're here to help her," said Pinkie.
"But what 'bout Shining Armor?" asked Applejack.
"He's long gone and it won't matter if we tell her or not," said Rainbow Dash.
"How about we vote?"
"Good idea, Fluttershy," said Pinkie. "All in the favor say 'aye'."
Rainbow Dash and Rarity responded.
"And all in opposition say 'nay'."
Applejack responded.
"Fluttershy, you didn't vote," said Rainbow Dash.
"Umm…I really don't want my opinion to sway the decision."
"But you gotta vote."
"No, she doesn't," said Pinkie. "Fluttershy abstains and I vote 'aye' so with count being three to one with one abstention, we'll tell Twilight."
"Alright, Ah'll go along with this here, but Ah don't like it. Ah don't like one applebuckin' minute."
The girls broke the circle and returned the campfire as Twilight sat there, a saddened expression on her face.
"Alright, Twilight," said Rarity brushing off the dirt before sitting down next to her. "We talked it over and we agreed that you deserve to know."
A small smile of relief overcame Twilight as she muttered, "Thank you".
Pinkie Pie started, "So the reason Shining Armor had to leave was because…well…because…"
"Because Princess Luna committed suicide," said Fluttershy quietly, suddenly really embarrassed by what she said and the glares from Applejack weren't helping.
"Umm…excuse me?" asked Twilight as she attempted to clean out her ears.
"Twilight darling, there is no easy way to put this, but Shining Armor left because he was needed back in Canterlot because Princess Luna committed suicide."
For a moment Twilight simply stared at Rarity with an expressionless face. Then the significance dawned on her. Her ears feel, her head sunk, and her heavy breathing was audible.
"How could she?" she mumbled to herself.
Pinkie was about to answer when Applejack put a hoof to her mouth and shook her head. The girls sat motionless, all with worried expressions, ready for anything that Twilight might do.
"I…I…just don't understand."
Now Applejack spoke calmly and sweetly, in a very comforting manner. "Neither do we, sugarcube. We'll find out when we get back ta Canterlot."
"I don't know if I can go back there."
"Twilight," said Rarity flatly. "There's no point in moping around like a seventy-year old widow. You need to be strong. Princess Celestia would want you to be strong."
Twilight looked over at Rarity, unsure whether to be insulted or complimented by her statements.
"Twilight, if it umm…helps…why don't you tell us what happened to you?" suggested Fluttershy.
"For once I agree with Fluttershy," said Rainbow Dash.
"Well…to be frank, there's not much to tell."
"That's alright, Twilight," said Pinkie. "We'll stay as long as you need us, even through the night."
"Thank you, Pinkie. You know, you are the best friends I have. I wouldn't trade you for anything."
"We wouldn't trade ya' for anythin' either," said Applejack as she walked over to Twilight and put a hoof on her shoulder. "Whenever you're ready."
Twilight took a few moments to clear her throat and stare aimlessly into the fire before her. The dancing flames were comforting in an unknown way. She felt safe with it, protected. She spoke slowly and cautiously.
"Well, after I fled Canterlot, I just ran. I didn't know where was I running to nor did I care. I couldn't even tell where I was most of the time because I either was crying too hard or refused to look up at the sun because I knew Princess Celestia was there. I couldn't face her. She had been everything to me and then she just left like that. I didn't even think she could die. She never told me about it, nor did she ever really tell me about alicorns. It's funny in retrospect, to think that I really knew Princess Celestia but how little I actually did.
"Anyway, I kept running. Time just escaped from me somehow. My mind was just absolutely wild and I guess I found comfort in being the mean and self-interested Princess Celestia that I had heard about. I blocked my conscious mind and I just went into this automatic mode until I reached the snowstorms in these mountains. Then it hit me of how far I had actually come and I was shocked, but more scared. I didn't know what to do, I was afraid I'd freeze out here so I looked for caves or shelters to hide in.
"I found the first one that you guys found earlier but only stayed there for a day or two before it got too cold. Then I moved up the mountain until I came here. As I settled, I had serious time to reflect on what happened and the old version of Princess Celestia just called my name so I obeyed and became like her. I unconsciously blocked my memories from the past two weeks and familiar ponies and things to help me forget about them. I guess I figured that if I could block Princess Celestia and everything associated with her things would go back to normal.
"That's why I couldn't remember you guys until Rarity's memory spell hit me. It unlocked the conscious memories and made me sane again. And that long sleep after fighting Pinkie just calmed me down more than I can say. So, that's it. All I can say is: thank you, girls. Thank you so much."
They hugged each other in a warm embrace as they now understood what had happened. The past had been revealed and they were now enjoying the present. The unknown and uncertain future awaited them.
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In a small, black, filthy, rat-infested, cold, and foul-smelling cell in the ancient dungeons of Canterlot sat a dirty-coated stallion. His normally pristine white coat was stained with dirt, grime, and dried blood. His mane needed the longest bath ever and his hoofs were barely visible under the dirt and dried blood they carried. They were bound to ancient metal chains that made moving a struggle and his horn was bound in an even larger chain, preventing any spell from being cast. There was no window and the door was a solid block of steel with only a small sliding window from which the guards could look in.
Shining Armor was in a decrepit and disgusting state. One of his closest friends and former lover had betrayed him and thrown him down here like a piece of trash. Magicon had shown no mercy, no compassion, and no love in this grim fate. Instead, Magicon had just destroyed him and ruined him forever. Shining Armor's life would probably end at the end of a thick rope. He never even got to see his sister or his wonderful wife. He may never see them again. He cried to himself as he thought about his sister and Princess Cadance, hoping that they were not meeting his fate or the fate of the former princesses.
Just then there was a loud bang on the door and a guardpony opened the sliding steel window.
His voice was cold and harsh, "Dinner," he said as he slid the tray into the cell, telekinetically lifted it, and sat it down in the middle of the cell.
Shining Armor looked over at the disgusting meal. He didn't know what it contained and it smelled disgusting. You couldn't feed this food to an animal in the Everfree Forest much less a pony and here it was right before Shining Armor.
"The Royal Guard must serve the Ruler of Equestria at all times," said the guard. "But that doesn't mean our loyalty lies with him. Play your cards wisely."
He slammed the window shut as Shining Armor sighed. He still had the Royal Guard, though nopony knew for how much longer. There might still be a way to free himself and stop Magicon before it was too late. There was still hope.