//------------------------------//
// Chapter 51 - The aftermath 
// Story: Wherever the Light Shines: Part 2 
// by MLPSolarDash1907 
//------------------------------//

Bullion stood in the battered streets of Canterlot, watching citizens being escorted out from where most of the city had been damaged, he heard a few ponies come up from behind him.

“Now what, genius?” a feminine voice hissed.

Bullion sighed. “This is only just a setback.”

“A setback?”

Bullion turned to face Shadow Prism’s furious face and Obsidian Note accompanied by Arrowed Spear, both of them looked nervous.

“This is more than just a setback,” Prism whispered, her glare hardening. “This was a disaster!”

Bullion rolled his eyes and pulled all of them into an empty coffee shop.

“I have something I am looking into,” said Bullion.

“All due respect,” Arrow tapped his forehooves, “But what if...”

“There’s nothing that’ll lead back to us,” Bullion assured them. “Nightfall and I made sure of it.”

“And what’s this ‘lead’ you’re looking into?” Prism demanded. “Our reputations and social standings are on the line.”

“It’s a small but promising one,” Bullion placed a hoof on her shoulder. “I will look into it as soon as I’m able. But we need to be out helping our city and its citizens.”

Prism huffed. “I wonder why I even agreed to this.”

Bullion’s eyes hardened. “I know you’re scared. But let’s not panic. Just get out there now.”

“I think I’ll consider it if you tell us what the lead is.”

Bullion sighed, looking at the other two congressponies.

“Very well,” said Bullion.





As her sun rose, Celestia’s wings flapped as she hovered above the city of Canterlot.

Or what’s left of it.

Most of Canterlot’s spires have collapsed on top of the castle. The observatory is gone. Fires have heavily damaged downtown with most of the building scorched and some of them collapsed. Businesses, apartments, high society homes all need to be repaired or rebuilt. She looked over at the suburbs of Canterlot, and though they weren’t as heavily damaged, some houses were destroyed and the signs of battle were still apparent.

Her heart sank at the sight of it all. Her beloved city and the pride of all of Equestria. There have been invasions and attacks before but this felt different.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted her beloved sister flying over with a somber expression.

“We’ve got all the fires put out,” said Luna. Celestia nodded. “Damage reports will be coming in soon.”

“How many?” Celestia asked.

Luna shook her head. “I don’t know. While most ponies made it, we’ve got a lot of injuries in the wreckage.”

Celestia sighed. “If only I could’ve done more...”

“Sister,” Luna flew in front of her with a soft expression, “This wasn’t your fault. There was no way we could’ve known this would happen.”

“I still can’t help but feel that I should’ve known it...” Celestia lowered her gaze. “I don’t want to feel like a failure to my little ponies.”

Luna placed a gentle hoof under Celestia’s chin, causing her older sister to look at her.

“If anypony should feel as if she could’ve done more, it’s me,” she said. “I had the visions... we should’ve been better prepared.”

“Now Luna,” Celestia’s sister instincts kicking in, “Please don’t beat yourself over this.”

Luna gave her a sad smile. “You’re saying what you need to hear.”

Celestia awkwardly chuckled. “Fair enough.”

Both of them embraced in a warm hug.

Then, Celestia pulled back, remembering something.

“What is it, sister?” asked Luna.

“There’s somepony I want to meet,” said Celestia.





As she walked through the damaged streets of Canterlot, Twilight turned her attention to a refugee camp that had tents lining along the borders of the city. She saw that they extended about one hundred yards, nearing the waterfalls along the mountain. She walked between two soldiers and entered a white tent reserved for her to help with the damage.

Her eyes lit up at the sight of a couple of documents aligned on a desk accompanied with a chair behind it.

“First things first,” she said, levitating the scrolls. Time to get these treaties signed.





Twilight finished signing an alliance treaty with the impalas. A smile broke out on her face as she examined it.

Now to get Spike to send it to them, she thought, taking a glance at the treaty with the wolves.

“Princess Twilight,” Flash Magnus entered her tent.

“Yes?” Twilight asked, turning to him, “And please call me Twilight.”

Flash chuckled, smiling sheepishly. “Sorry, force of habit.” He pulled out several folders. “Here are the damage reports being given to the princesses and the forms from the other kingdoms declaring a full-time alliance with Equestria.”

“All of them?!” Twilight squeed.

“Yes,” Flash nodded. “They believe we need to build our relationship even further after what happened.”

“I’ll get to work on them as soon as I can with Celestia and Luna.”

Flash placed the folders onto Twilight’s desk, bowed to her, and exited the tent.

Despite the city being significantly damaged, Twilight couldn’t help but feel excited about every one of the kingdoms deciding to be full-time allies. Together, they would be stronger than ever before and be safer than ever.

“Things are looking up for us,” she said excitedly

“Are you sure she’s in there?” came a masculine voice.

“I saw a glimpse of her purple hair,” replied a feminine voice.

Twilight sat behind her desk as Accalia and Gunnolf entered. The alicorn beamed at the sight of them.

“See? I told you,” said Accalia, pointing at Twilight.

“Whatever,” Gunnolf huffed.

Accalia turned to Twilight with a smile. “And how’re you doing, your highness?”

“There’s no need for that,” Twilight held up a hoof, “Please, call me Twilight.”

Accalia blinked, stunned. “Seriously? A princess not willing to act all authoritative?”

“You’re among the Princess of Friendship, so treat her like a friend,” Twilight winked.

“Okay then,” said Accalia.

“Accalia, you know how we’re supposed to be with authoritative figures,” said Gunnolf.

“Oh, we can cut a little loose with her,” Accalia reasoned.

“Ugh...” Gunnolf facepawed. “This is going to take a lot of getting used to.”

“You’d be surprised by how many other creatures took time to get used to friendship,” said Twilight.

“It’ll be work, but nothing I can’t handle,” Accalia said confidently. She looked at Gunnolf. “And are you not up for a challenge?”

“Oh, I don’t turn down a challenge,” Gunnolf said.

“In addition,” said Accalia. “We’re going to also look more into helping Oogundaa and finding out more about it to gain us more understanding of it.”

“That would be great,” Twilight smiled brightly. “The more you know, the more you can help solve problems.” She paused and remembered something. “Oh! Also...” She pulled out a metal suitcase. The same one Applejack had found with the mysterious writing. “This here seems very interesting.” Accalia furrowed her brows and took it. “We don’t know what it could mean but I think you might be able to figure out what it means.”

“It looks like an ancient language from Oogundaa,” said Accalia, looking at the writing.

“That much is obvious,” Gunnolf deadpanned, causing Accalia to shoot him a glare.

“Well, between two new alliances and learning more about Oogundaa, I say things are going to be quite enjoyable working together,” said Twilight.

“We look forward to having an alliance with Equestria,” said Accalia, smiling as she held the suitcase close.

“Yeeahhh...” said Gunnolf, “But our society will be divided for quite some time...”

“We’ll handle it,” Accalia said in an assuring tone. “Good day, Twilight.”

“Good day, Accalia,” replied Twilight.

The alicorn watched them leave. When they did, she decided to step outside her tent and take in some fresh air. When she stepped out, she saw the rest of her pony friends walking and talking as they walked through the aisle of tents.

Might as well check in with them, Twilight thought.

She trotted over with a small smile on her face. Applejack was the first to notice her.

“Howdy Twi,” she said, lightly tipping her hat.

“Hey girls,” replied Twilight. “Did all of you settle into your rooms?”

“Yeah,” replied Rarity, “Your parents are simply divine!”

Twilight giggled. “They are pretty awesome.”

“Sunset and Starlight both settled in, too,” said Rainbow.

Twilight then remembered somepony else, “What about Mystic?”

“Oh,” said Fluttershy. “She said she wanted to be alone so we had her put into a hotel not too far away.”

Twilight blinked. “Oh. I guess I thought after everything...”

“She’s just a lone wolf, Twilight,” said Rainbow. “A vigilant in her own eyes.”

Twilight felt the urge to scold Rainbow, but she was too worn out to really carry it out.

“Something’s wrong...” Pinkie muttered, a rare serious look on her face.

“What is it?” Twilight.

Suddenly, Pinkie let out a large gasp as if realizing something huge. “Whaaaaaat?!”

“What’s wrong, Pinkie?” Fluttershy asked.

“It’s just whenever we save Equestria everything is magically restored like zap! Schoom! Yay friendship!”

Twilight sulked as she took a look around the damaged Canterlot.

“Ah guess it’s a first time for everythin’,” said Applejack.

“Whaaaaaaattt!” Pinkie shrieked. “No no no no no! We should be singing songs as a celebration!” Fluttershy began pushing her away. “The Tree took out the enemies why not restore Canterlot? This is so not fair!” Her screaming faded as she continued her panicked rant.

Applejack turned to face Twilight with a frown. “Poor Pinkie.”

“Yep,” replied Twilight. “But at least we came out on top in the end.”

“Right.”

“Well, go around the city and see if there are any ponies we might’ve missed. Help the soldiers if you need to.”

“Ah’m on it,” Applejack nodded and trotted off.

“Twilight,” said a raspy voice.

“Yes, Rainbow?” Twilight turned to the pegasus hovering in front of her.

“The pegasi and I have done an aerial search and scout of the area. All have been accounted for along the city limits.”

“Good,” said Twilight. “Keep me posted.”

Rainbow saluted and bolted off in a flash of color. Twilight decided to fly a little bit over the city.

But she caught somepony out of the corner of her eye.

“Princess Twilight,” said Hong, approaching her.

Despite being caught off guard, Twilight forced a grin on her face. “General.”

“In the process of getting the impalas and wolves to be allies?” Hong asked as he stopped in front of her.

“Already taken care of, and I’m helping with whatever they need,” replied Twilight putting some folders into a drawer.

“I know things have been tough for all of us, and I believe it’s high time for Imperial to take Equestria’s interests to heart,” said Hong.

Twilight nodded. “You want an alliance, too.”

“Precisely. If it’s not much trouble.”

“Oh, it won’t be a problem,” Twilight said, but unable to help feel uneasy about this. Of course, being a princess, she needs to approach this how she would with the crown on.

“Good. But I believe we have another problem that needs addressing ever since my army and I have arrived,” said Hong. He slightly leaned forward. “Mystic.”

Twilight knew this was inevitable. She cleared her throat. “We do have a bit of a rehabilitation program going for her to satisfy you as we’d agreed upon and we’ll keep track of her progress.”

“I would like to see that program and your future plans to make sure it’s being followed properly, and I need to get my own intel together for the courts to discuss this issue between both our nations,” said Hong.

Twilight went behind her desk and sat in the chair. “And what about Mystic’s recent actions of helping us defend our nation and the lands beyond?”

Hong sighed. “You don’t know her like I do. She’s likely just doing whatever she can to save her own skin. But if we can come across some agreement, we may be able to change her for the better.”

Twilight thought about it some, unable to get the unnerving feeling about the General. But then she decided.

“Fine. Let’s set up a proper time to discuss this.”

Hong smiled. “As you wish.”





“That bath was warmer than the Apple clan’s,” said Mystic, wrapping a white, fluffy towel around her waist.

She opened the door to let out all the mist that had built up in the bathroom. Mystic looked in the mirror and straightened the bundled towel on her head and smiled.

I say things turned out rather well for me, she thought.

Her mind raced through all of the events she’d gone through. Who knew leaving her hut to pursue an intruder would lead her of all ponies to help save a nation?

I knew I had the potential to save more than just a city, she thought, becoming boastful towards herself. If only Cierra could see me now.

She turned and walked out of the bathroom and into a large bedroom she had been placed in. The bed was big enough for two ponies. It was covered in a blanket rimmed with gold. In front of it are a couple of dressers, and to their right is a next to the door leading out into the den.

The unicorn pulled the towel off her head, scrubbing at her wet mane furiously for several seconds before pulling it away.

Well, she thought, cracking her neck. Now that it’s all over, maybe it’s time for me to move on.

She thought about finally getting to explore the Ice Lands to the south. Maybe that adventure would really cool her down from all the excitement.

Mystic lit up her horn and took the towel off. She sighed as she walked into the den. The den wasn’t large but it had a couch with a couple of chairs to either side of it and the kitchen was to the mare’s right, the white tile floors made it apparent.

She spotted her adventure clothes slumped over a chair over on the opposite side of the room.

So many challenges wait for me when I leave, she thought, walking over. The mare couldn’t help but cringe. Hong has found me and who knows what could happen?

Therefore, adventure and that reason alone seems to be good enough for her to leave.

But as she put on her clothes, she remembered the times with the CMC, Fluttershy, and Applejack.

Such nice ponies... she thought, slipping on her pants.

But something seemed rather different about all of them than what she’s seen. Except... the Liberators. Mystic nearly stopped slipping on her shirt at the thought of them. Their companionship. Their loyalty. And the good times seem to lightly echo in her mind as if they were days almost forgotten.

But there are some ponies here like that Skittle Head and fashionable pony that she doesn’t care much about.

On the other hoof, there was Starlight who needs help and the town seemed friendly enough.

Mystic clicked her belt on as another thought came to her. What about Sunset? She had certainly become an interesting friend.

More easily than the others, she thought, brushing a hoof through her mane.

But how long before their friendship just faded into nothing?

Gah, why does this have to be more difficult than it needs to be? Mystic thought. So much for it being cut and dry like I’d hoped...

Her mind suddenly remembered what Nightfall had said to her. “I know who you really are.” She couldn’t forget that one line. Did he know who she was? Or was it all a hoax just to manipulate her for his own ends?

Whatever his intentions were, Mystic thought, I don’t want to know what he had to say. Because I’m me and I’m going to be the one to find out the truth.

She tried again to remember what came before she’d awoken on that fateful day. Her mind was still as hazy as it was back then.

Mystic heard a knock on her door. She sighed, stood up, and stretched. Her spine and legs popped. Dang, it felt good.

She walked over to the door and opened it, only to be met with a grey unicorn soldier dressed in golden armor.

Keeping her cool, Mystic asked, “Can I help you?”

“The Princesses would like to see you,” said the soldier.

Mystic raised an eyebrow. “Is this mandatory?”

“Yes.”

The young mare let out a sigh. “Give me a minute.”





The soldier opened the door to the city hall. In the lobby were two tall alicorn ponies. One white and one blue each had wavy manes. The young unicorn couldn’t help but be a bit nervous approaching as her heart thumped against her chest.

Mystic looked at the tall white alicorn. She had an almost motherly smile on her features. She looked at the blue alicorn who had a neutral look on her features but could see her eyes were soft.

She stopped within ten feet of the alicorns and bowed, reminding herself to be respectful.

“Please rise, little pony,” said a soft voice.

Mystic looked up, keeping a straight face as she faced them again.

“Before we talk, we’d like to introduce ourselves,” said the blue alicorn. “I am Princess Luna. Princess of the Night.”

“And I’m Princess Celestia,” said the white alicorn, pointing to herself. “A pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise,” replied Mystic. “I’m Mystic. You two rule the land together?”

Celestia chuckled. “Yes. But we have a princess in the Crystal Empire and Twilight who you’re familiar with.”

Mystic blew her bangs out of her eyesight. “Only a little too much.”

“Thou art the one who saved us and led Twilight and her friends to a foreign land, right?” Luna asked.

Mystic nodded.

“Well, we just wanted to thank you for being such a big help during a time of crisis,” Celestia’s smile grew. “It meant a lot to her and her friends.”

“I’m... glad?” Mystic replied uncertainly.

“Because of you, Twilight and the others were able to make new allies and encourage them in the ways of friendship,” Celestia continued.

“Oh, please, I just wanted to help,” Mystic lied, knowing that she wanted to get away from Hong.

“How noble,” Celestia smiled.

“Yeah,” said Mystic. “One day I was just minding my own business and then I was led to doing all this.”

“Thou won’t ever know where you’ll go in life,” said Luna.

“Do you always talk like that?” Mystic asked curiously.

“A lot,” Luna smiled sheepishly.

“Twilight told us about how you’re a real traveler around the world,” said Celestia. “Do you know what your plans are?”

Mystic shrugged. “I’m not sure.”

“Whatever you decide, please consider coming by more often,” said Celestia.

“I’ve been through a few times,” Mystic lied. “And it’s a wonderful land. How could I not want to?”

Celestia giggled in response.

“Oh, and what about the General?” Mystic wondered. “You... might have heard the news between him and I, I believe?”

Celestia’s smile dropped a bit but she nodded. “Yes. But don’t worry, we’ll handle him and all things behind the scenes to ensure your safety and your time with Twilight if you desire to stay here.”

Mystic felt a little bit of relief come to her. “Well, I’d appreciate that. But just be cautious around him.”

“Noted,” said Luna.

“Well, if you do decide to stick around,” said Celestia, levitating a scroll. “Twilight has been working with the two of us to help you resolve things with both nations and to ensure you’re not like he says you are.”

Mystic smiled. “Well, I’ll take that into consideration.”

“I think you should consider living here, Mystic,” said Luna. “Maybe you’ll see more that’ll meet your needs.” She took several steps over and placed a hoof on Mystic’s shoulder. The unicorn felt slightly uncomfortable but played it off. “These ponies are truly special and if you’re ever lost, they’ll always be there to help you find your way.”

Mystic felt almost as if one of the elegant mother’s of Equestria had read her mind. She couldn’t help but widen her eyes slightly.

“I appreciate the thought,” replied Mystic.

Luna smiled, “We care and love our ponies. Even ponies outside of our land.” She winked. The princess stepped back towards her sister.

“Just as our doors are open with Twilight and her friends, it’s open for you too, Mystic,” Celestia smiled.

Mystic’s heart nearly leaped out of her chest but she cleared her throat to hide her surprise. “Okay, thanks.”

“Well, we just wanted to tell you that and to meet an interesting character,” said Celestia. “You may go. Just know that the sun and moon are always shining and we’ll always be there with you.”

“And please consider what I’ve said, too,” Luna added.

“I-I’ll try,” replied Mystic. She gave a quick bow and turned away.

As she left city hall, she couldn’t help but shudder, forcing her to keep her body in check.





The two alicorns watched Mystic go. The door shut behind her.

“I like her,” said Luna.

Celestia nodded. “She seems like quite a character. I just needed to see her.”

“Are you sure we can help with the General?”

Celestia turned to face Luna, “I believe we can. But we can’t let things spiral out of control. We need to face this diplomatically.”

Luna huffed and rubbed her temple. “That’s going to be hard with all that’s happened.”

Celestia didn’t reply.





Well, that was something... Mystic thought walking through a park.

She saw that it had lush green grass, a river flowing through it, and several benches close by. It was fortunate this part wasn’t touched by the battle.

As she walked, she thought back on Luna’s words and what she’s going to be doing now.

Am I going on my way? Or am I going to stay here? She thought. Letting out a sigh through her nostrils. There’s still so much she could see out in the world. Mystic looked slightly to the right and, about fifty yards away, spotted Sunset sitting next to Starlight on the rim of a fountain.

Some curiosity arose within Mystic’s chest and she decided to walk over.

I guess I’ll figure out what I’m going to do soon, she thought.

As she got closer to the duo, she saw that Starlight had a panicked look in her eye. Mystic couldn’t make out what Sunset was saying to her.

Poor mare’s been through too much, Mystic’s gaze focusing on Starlight.

“I-I just can’t stop wondering about Sunburst...” Starlight said. “It’s all my fault.”

“Starlight, please don’t be so hard on yourself,” said Sunset.

“I was in complete control of my own actions, there was no spell he put on me.”

“There too was a spell. We saw it.”

Starlight buried her face into her hooves. “I’m not sure... I’m not sure of anything at the moment...”

“It’ll pass,” said Mystic.

Starlight gasped and sat straight up as Sunset turned to look at her.

“Oh, Mystic,” Sunset smiled.

“Hi... it’s you again,” Starlight smiled, embarrassed.

“Yeah, it’s me again,” Mystic repeated. “Look, Starlight, you heard what the impalas said. Plus, your friends won’t let you down.”

“I know... I just fill so silly and like my mind is spinning...” Starlight frowned.

“You’re fine,” Mystic said, “You just need to unwind. I’ve seen this kind of behavior before.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” replied Mystic. “You’re worn out and not thinking completely straight. Just try and get some rest is what I suggest.”

“I think she’s right,” said Sunset. Starlight sighed and crossed her forelegs. “We will find Sunburst. Don’t you worry about anything else.”

“But... there wasn’t a spell...” Starlight murmured.

“There was,” Mystic spoke up.

Starlight didn’t reply. Despite Mystic being sure of herself, she couldn’t help but be a little doubtful for the mare.

“Don’t worry, Starlight,” Sunset assured her.

“Yeah,” added Mystic, “It’s all over now.”

Mystic watched Starlight as she managed to form a weak but grateful smile.





However, in a dark cave just outside of Canterlot mountain, a new, masculine ominous voice spoke as he looked at the three ponies through a crystal orb.

“No,” it said. “This was just the beginning.”






Wherever the Light Shines:


Part 2