//------------------------------// // Chapter Ninety-three: Familiar Faces // Story: A Rather Large Adventure // by BradyBunch //------------------------------// Princess Celestia, for what felt like the first time in weeks, wasn't alone. She was in her throne room, which felt both fuller and emptier than usual. There were certainly plenty of others in there. The foreign dignitaries: Blackbeak, Prince Rutherford, Thorax, and Princess Skystar. The latter had dragged in a statue with her, which eerily resembled Queen Novo. The Prophet Scorpan and the commander, Glitz, were also there--who were both uncharacteristically fidgety around each other. Spitfire, captain of the Wonderbolts, was leaning against a pillar cooly, content to not participate. Her aviators concealed any emotions she might have otherwise shown. Shining Armor was alone. He had assisted as well as he could in his weakened condition--he had only arrived a few days prior. And while he had reported that Twilight was alive, the evidence steadily grew against it. He was standing politely at attention, unsure of what to do in the face of so many others. But the only one with which Celestia had any real connection to was her sister. She stood beside her throne, regal and proud, but dirty and tired. The nervous pegasus guard attending to her looked the same way. Luna had introduced him as Thunderjump. Finally, there was a new pony that Celestia couldn't put a pin on. She was alone and by the outskirts of the assembly, keeping her head down except for a quick glance to Shining Armor, Celestia herself, or Thorax. Thorax, of all creatures. He didn't seem to notice, but Celestia did. She was navy blue, darker in shade than Luna, and her squared-off turquoise mane covered an eye. "Is it all really over?" Blackbeak was asking Rutherford. "Is the world going back to the way it was?" "Yak not think anything just goes back to normal," Rutherford replied. "Once chair is broken, chair cannot be put back flawlessly." "Yeah. Easy for you to say," Blackbeak muttered. "Your kingdom was left untouched. I'm a member of an endangered species." He put a hand to his cheek and scratched it. “If only we had acted sooner-!” “Griffonstone’s attack came as a surprise to us all,” Scorpan reminded him. “Even I was unsure how your mind would change on the war effort.” “Yeah, thanks for the reminder,” Blackbeak darkly replied. “Go hover around Celestia some more, would you?” Scorpan only sighed. He did not move. “It will take time for us all to heal from this worldwide invasion,” Celestia told all assembled. “But with a multinational agreement, we can assist each other’s efforts to rebuild.” “The resources of the Changeling kingdom are at your disposal, Princess,” Thorax quickly promised. “I’m aware that most of the damage done on this continent has been on Equestrian soil.” “Yaks best at breaking,” Prince Rutherford said. “Not so much building. But yaks will help.” “The hippogriffs are still settling above water,” Princess Skystar reported. “We accept the offer, but I’m just not sure how much we can contribute.” “Worry not,” Princess Luna assured. “Thy assistance at Foal Mountain was most appreciated.” “Of course, the first order of business is rebuilding Griffonstone,” Celestia said, giving her attention to Blackbeak. “It needs it the most.” Blackbeak blinked. He clasped his claws together and twiddled his thumbs. “You mean you’d give foreign aid before your own nation?” Thorax asked in surprise. “Princess, you must build up Equestria so that it can give aid. Otherwise, you hollow out your people.” “Griffonstone was on the brink of collapse already,” Blackbeak mused. “Perhaps it could not have fallen had the people not been so weak. And now that it’s fallen, it’s time to build back stronger.” “...So it was fortunate that the Noxxa invaded?” Shining Armor asked, trying to make sense of where Blackbeak was going. “Well, now that all that stockpiling dry hay has finally caught fire, we might as well learn from our mistakes,” Blackbeak replied. Scorpan gave him a side-eye. “Who are you and what have you done to Blackbeak?” “Just because I’m being realistic doesn’t mean I have to like it,” Blackbeak snapped. And Celestia could sympathize with him on that. Twilight was obviously still alive. But when would she return? Could she return? She hated rationalizing that, but it needed to be done. Celestia seriously considered putting together a search party as soon as this meeting was over. But she had no idea where they were on the planet. She didn’t care. She would scour the entire earth if it meant seeing her again. “Well,” Celestia said, putting Twilight away from her mind. She would have to wait until she settled this business. “Considering the magnitude of the devastation, I consider it an obligation to-” Creeeeak The doors to the end of the throne room opened, and everyone in the room turned. Celestia mentally rolled her eyes. She had given specific instructions to the guards to not let anyone else in unless it was a dire emergency. She drew her head to the figure in the doorway, wondering what it was. She was almost unrecognizable. How anyone this dirty and weary could enter the castle escaped Celestia. Then she spoke. “Celestia?” She took a few more steps into the room. Strange looks were directed at her from most assembled. But Celestia froze. That voice was so familiar. Unmistakable. Nine other figures appeared in the door frame. They were all just as tired and dirtied as the alicorn slowly approaching Celestia. “...I must be dreaming,” Celestia murmured, getting out of her throne and starting down the steps. Her eyes were hollow. “Luna, stop doing this to me.” “I see the same,” Luna affirmed. “I’m here!” Twilight cried, and Celestia’s heart lurched. She was-! Twilight trotted slightly faster down the carpet, and Celestia stumbled further down the steps, and Twilight soon collided into the princess and hugged her as tight as she could. And Celestia felt the warmth of the sun restored into her body by her warm touch. Celestia gripped tightly to Twilight, and all of a sudden Celestia’s face was buried in Twilight’s mane. “I thought I lost you,” Celestia choked, and water came from her eyes. “I…” “I’m just so glad to see you!” Twilight cried, hugging even tighter than before. Celestia didn’t mind one bit. Twilight was back! The world seemed once more in alignment. Brighter seemed her sun through the stained windows. Sweeter seemed her pupil’s voice, which was wavering with her own emotion as well. Celestia pulled away to get a good look at her prized pupil. The last time she had seen her, she was immaculate, in a Gala dress. The Twilight before her was changed. The spark of youth in her eyes was gone. Twilight was dirty, limp, wounded, weakened… yet stronger than Celestia had ever seen her. And in that moment, Celestia’s heart soared. She was so proud of her little pony, and for all Twilight had gone through. Celestia didn’t know where to begin. Her mouth was open, but no sound escaped her lips. “... Well, we’re… back,” Twilight eventually said, giving a wobbly grin. “Twily!” Shining Armor exclaimed, embracing her next. “Oh, my gosh, I… You’re alive!” “You made it!” Twilight said, choking up. “You’re safe! H-how are mom and dad? Did they make it?” “They’re okay!” Shining Armor assured her. Their embrace tightened. Celestia’s gaze went over Twilight. Her attention was now on Freedom Fighter, approaching her as well. And Celestia was as shocked, if not more, to see him. He was... he was- “Who am I?” Freedom Fighter asked, completing what Celestia was thinking. Indeed, the last time she had seen him, he was so drastically different. For the better, against all expectations. It was like she was looking at an angelic, perfected version of him. "Not the Unforgiven. Not anymore." "Unforgiven…" Celestia murmured. His eyes roamed over his flawless form, settling on the stone embedded in his forehead. "...Why have you cast aside that name?" "There is no one around to hold a grudge against my existence," Freedom Fighter replied. He sighed. "Malice is dead. Our eternal, rebellious brother has gone extinct." Celestia had avoided regarding Malice as a brother. He was not a part of their family. But when put into those words, it did indeed sound sad. "I hope you're not too disappointed," Freedom Fighter continued. "I promised we'd dangle his head on the tallest tower. But there wasn't too much of an opportunity to do that. I don't think anyone wanted to hold it on their lap on the trip back." "On a lap…? Did you ride something?" Celestial asked. "That reminds me," Twilight spoke up, letting go of her brother. "There's a dragon in your gardens." She said it like it wasn't a completely crazy statement. What had she gone through on her journey? The rest of the ponies were gathered together, greeting Luna, Scorpan, Glitz, Spitfire, and the diplomats. Especially of note was the reunion of Rainbow Dash with Spitfire. “Glad to see you’re in one piece!” Spitfire said jubilantly. “...Tell you what, I’ll give you a break from practices. I’m sure saving the world counts for something, right?” She chuckled, but Rainbow didn’t laugh along. Spitfire’s face turned into one of concern. “You all right?” Rainbow’s eyes met Spitfire’s, and Spitfire blinked in surprise. There was a hollowness in Rainbow’s expression that was deeper than any one she had put on before. Spitfire took the time to gaze around the rest of the ponies, and upon not seeing her brother, asked, “Dash? Where’s Storm?” Rainbow’s lips quivered, and she stared intently at the floor. “Dash?” Spitfire repeated, a tad more desperate. “Come on, give me an answer here. Where is he? Why isn’t he…” Spitfire’s eyes shook gently, and so too did her voice. “Dash! Where is he? Where’s my brother?!” “...Dead,” Rainbow croaked, and that was all she could get out before she had to wipe a tear from her eye. “No,” Spitfire whispered. She took a step back. Then two more. “Firestorm…? No, you can’t be! He can’t! Rainbow! Don’t you lie to me!” “He’s dead!” Rainbow repeated, and her throat was cracking with every word. Her arm wiped her eyes. “Spitfire, I… saw it. Firestorm’s gone!” She stamped the floor and bowed her head. “Firestorm’s… gone.” The mood had gone from jubilant and celebratory to somber in a matter of moments. The foreign dignitaries were looking extremely uncomfortable, and the Element bearers themselves were staying uncharictaristically silent. And Celestia realized that he wasn’t the only one missing. Starlight was nowhere to be seen either. Celestia didn’t need to be told to know what happened to her. True enough, Twilight’s eyes tremored. “Princess Celestia,” she whispered. “I… I mean, we… lost them. They… They-” “I’m here,” Celestia reminded her, drawing her in for another hug. That seemed to be enough for her, and Twilight buried her face into Celestia’s chest and took deep breath after deep breath. “... I gotta go,” Spitfire whispered, turning away from them and trotting briskly away, wiping her eyes on the way. “Just… don’t follow!” she warned, and with a much harder bang than she intended, she kicked the throne room doors open and stomped away. The silent Royal Guards respectfully closed the doors after her. “If they are dead,” Scorpan slowly said, “and yet our world remains… then you have succeeded.” “Don’t feel like it,” Applejack commented. “It’s jus’ painful.” “Fear not, Mistress of the Plains,” Scorpan reassured Applejack. “I see no reason why they would not be in Her celestial kingdom.” “But that don’t make a difference fer us here!” Applejack replied. “So what if he’s found peace? We’re th’ ones that need it now that he’s gone!” “Hey, hey,” Pinkie interjected, laying a hoof on her shoulder. “He’s happy now. We should be too.” Applejack gave a tight-lipped nod and said no more. “But if they are dead, and the Elements still worked… then two others must have been ordained in their stead,” Scorpan noted. “Was this the final act of The Last Hero, Child of Light?” It took Twilight a moment to realize he was addressing her. She took her face out of Celestia’s chest and nodded at the Prophet. “Then perhaps the Elements can be used to solve one final loose end,” came Princess Skystar. The ponies turned to regard her, remembering their brief stay in Seaquestria. “I really wouldn’t ask this of you guys. You’ve done so much! But my mom…” Her eyes flickered over to the statue in the throne room, and the understanding was evident. The new face, a berry-purple one, trotted forward before anyone else could. On her face was a look of resignation and regret. “Might as well be the one to do it,” she muttered. Taking the Element off her chest, she pressed it against the stone figure of Queen Novo. A thin trail of smoke rose from the surface, which was glowing deep purple and spreading over the statue like a melting sculpture. Skystar gasped in delight and squeed. “Thank you!” Tempest just hung her head in embarrassment. Gradually, the white flesh of Novo emerged, twitching and trembling. One leg came loose, then another. As the rock dissipated from Novo’s face, Novo gasped and panted. She patted herself down, even as residual rock was disappearing from her chest and wings. Then, taking a long look around the room and the ponies in it, she spoke. “...Tia?” she asked Celestia. Her gaze darted from one detail to the next. “Wh-what’s going on? I remember Mount Aris… How did I get here?” “We brought you, mom,” Skystar explained patiently. “We helped them out.” “I don’t…” Novo muttered, holding her head. “Phew. Baby, gimme a second.” “Sorry,” Tempest murmured. Novo blinked, swiveling to Tempest. “Say what?” “It’s my fault you were stuck in there to begin with,” Tempest admitted, pawing at the ground. “Hope you can forgive me.” Novo took a moment before exhaling through her nose. “Well, you’re sorry, aren’t you?” Tempest halfheartedly nodded. “Yeah.” “Then you’ve got nothing to worry about,” Novo insisted, tousling Tempest’s rough mane. Tempest sucked in a deep breath and held it before letting it go. She still couldn’t look her in the eyes. “Thanks, I guess.” “Thy work is done,” Luna proclaimed to them all. “And thou hast earned thy rest. Be at peace, I beseech thee all.” “Please,” Noble disheartedly spoke up. “Let’s not use old-speak. It just… reminds me of things I’d… like to forget.” Luna, taken slightly aback, nodded respectfully. “How can we just go back to normal?” Fluttershy asked Luna. “It seems like a figment of my imagination.” "Take as long as you need to get readjusted," Luna assured. "We can help in any way. It's the least we can do." "So when you say back to normal," Freedom Fighter assumed, rubbing his Element-studded forehead, "would that mean me and Noble would just… go back to our jobs?" "Is that what you'd like?" Celestial asked. "Does the thought of adventure still stir in your heart?" "... With all due respect, your highness," Noble said cautiously, "I think we've had enough adventure for a lifetime." "I agree," Freedom Fighter followed up. "My destiny is fulfilled. Malice is dead. What now? Go back to wiping out raiders on the other end of the country? I can't. Not with just him. Not by leaving them behind." He jerked his head to the others before hanging it. "But if it's something I must do…" "If you're asking if you can retire, you can," Celestia assured them. "You have done more and given up more than I could have ever asked of you." Noble and Freedom Fighter exchanged glances. Freedom Fighter sighed and nodded. "Retirement sounds... very nice." "Retired when they're not even thirty," Pinkie remarked off to the side. "All things considered, they got off pretty good." "You may still be conscripted if we are thrust into conflict," Luna made known. "But considering the magnitude of what you have already done, I can't conceive of that happening anytime soon." "In the meantime, it is time you take on a new duty," Celestia assigned them. "As husbands and fathers, the highest calling of all." Freedom Fighter turned to Twilight, his leg trembling. "A father," he whispered. "I never thought I'd…" "Let's have this conversation later," Twilight hurriedly waved aside. "In private." Celestia's eyes tracked Freedom Fighter to Twilight, then back again. They widened--just for a second. Then Celestia smirked and winked. In a flash, she was back to her royal demeanor, and the alicorn and earth pony were left eyeing each other, wondering if it had even happened. "Well, it's good that it's exactly what I was planning on doing," Noble said. "But if you order it, I suppose I'll address it with, ah, increased focus." "Does this apply to me too?" piped up Spike, coming forward. A green X was on a chain across his neck. "Because I've got, um, similar interests." Celestia bowed her head. "By all means." Rarity's eyes glittered. "Oh, thank you so much, Princess Celestia. We'll certainly attend to our duties, won't we?" Spike gave her a hesitant nod. "Uh, yeah. Right." "You've gotten in too deep over yer head," Applejack whispered to Spike. “So, um…” Fluttershy meeped, glancing over to Noble. “Would this mean we’d get… married?” Celestia inclined her head. “Do you want to?” “Yes,” Noble and Fluttershy said at the exact same time. They looked at each other with surprise, then quickly talked over each other. “I mean, if that’s the plan--Of course, just not right now--Yes, I’d need to propose--No, no, didn’t we already--Well, I don’t want this to feel arranged--We’d need to pick out a band and--I could get Rarity to--No, the diamond would be worthless-” “There goes the surprise,” Pinkie declared. “It was a surprise?” Tempest drily remarked. “I can officiate,” Scorpan volunteered, coming forward. “I intend on staying here in Equestria for a while longer. I have…” He glanced behind him to Glitz. “...interests.” “Oh,” moaned the unknown mare off to the side. “All this love in the same room is so overwhelming!” Nearly everyone turned to regard her. The unknown mare realized her mistake and stuffed her hoof in her mouth. "The only ponies I've heard talk like that haven't been ponies at all," Thorax suspiciously worked out. "Come on, reveal yourself." The mare took her hoof out to let out a sigh. With a flash of light, she transformed into a long, lanky, black, hole-ridden changeling queen. Thorax gasped. Shining Armor snarled, and his horn blazed to life. Twilight's eyes narrowed, and her horn did the same. Noble groaned in exasperation and ripped the blue sword off his back. The Element in Freedom Fighter's forehead shone like a light. The rest of the ponies got into defensive stances. Before anyone could act upon her sudden appearance, Scorpan, Glitz, Luna, Skystar, and Thunderjump put themselves between Chrysalis and the others. "Hold your horses," Skystar encouraged. "Or, um, hold your tails." "Baby, I hope you have some idea of what kind of creature you're involving yourself with," Novo warned. "She's probably up to something!" Shining Armor added. "This was my grand plan," Chrysalis drily replied. "To get unmasked the instant I enter the kingdom. Lighten up, will you?" "No," Shining Armor refused, taking an angry step. "No, I don't think I will." Chrysalis only nodded. "Can't say I blame you." "Chrysalis…" Thorax wondered. "How did… why?" "She came to us intending to help," Luna told all assembled. "She was a prisoner of war that managed to escape. She wants to be better." "Well, at least it's better than what the Noxxa had to offer," Chrysalis reluctantly added. "With rehabilitation, I'm sure we can reform her," Luna continued. Celestia's eyes never left Chrysalis's. She approached her when Luna stopped talking, and Scorpan and Luna melted out of the way, leaving the changeling queen and the alicorn princess face to face. "You are sure?" Celestia asked directly. "Starlight isn't here for me to take revenge on," Chrysalis bluntly told her. "I feel untethered. What else am I supposed to do? Might as well aim for something more." "Oh, come on!" Twilight exclaimed. It surprised Celestia to see her like this. "Is that all Starlight is to you? An object to punch a few times so you can get rid of your humiliation?" "For a very long time, princess," Chrysalis smoothly replied. "We both feel empty without her, don't we?" Twilight's face twisted in spite. But she quickly relaxed it and sighed. "Chrysalis, you need to be sincere about this. I have gone through too much in the past few weeks to properly deal with your betrayal." She looked her in the face. "I might forget my title as a princess of Friendship." Chrysalis's eyes lit up. "My, Twilight. You've adopted some new traits." Celestial privately agreed. She wished she hadn't. "I've lost many ponies already," Twilight deadpanned. "I won't lose any more. Not by somepony like you." "Trust me, Twilight. The only thing keeping me from assimilating is you." And Celestia could see that Twilight knew it. It was painful to watch her confront this spectral, albeit largely irrelevant entity. Especially after all she had already gone through! But the Twilight before this trip would have kept on doubting. This Twilight gave a sad nod after a moment of contemplation. "I... understand that you were held captive by them." "Correct." "I know how cruel they can be. It can really change a pony. If you really want to seek the light… I suppose it'd be even crueler to deny you it." This was the first thing Twilight said that took Chrysalis aback. "What?" "What do you mean, what?" "Are you really in there?" "Be at peace," Celestia assured Chrysalis before Chrysalis could pry further. "We will not impede your journey." Chrysalis gave a slow shrug. "I… suppose." "She still can't believe it," Pinkie whispered to Fluttershy. "Can't say I blame her." Chrysalis hissed uncomfortably at the repeated words. There came a rumble beneath their hooves. Each of them looked around a bit in surprise. "Oh yeah, the dragon," Tempest laconically remembered. "That's not a sentence I thought anyone would say in that tone," Novo said. "I should probably tell him to get going," Fluttershy pondered. "We can provide a ride back to Ponyville," Celestia offered. "In the meantime, please consider staying for a day or two. We can give you baths and full meals, all for free." "That does sound very nice," Rarity admitted, her legs trembling at the prospect. "I haven't had a proper bath in Celestia knows how long!" "I don't," Celestia replied. "With all due respect, Princess Celestia," Applejack spoke up, "Ah jus' wanna go home. Ah'm worried 'bout my family. Hope they're all right." "Crash into my own bed," Pinkie hummed. "Surrounded by my own smells… eat my own breakfast! Ahh, I can taste the triple-berry surprise smoothie already!" Rarity gulped. "Well, when you put it that way… I suppose that sounds far nicer than some stuffy palace. No offense, Twilight." "None taken." "Well, I imagine some of us will have to stay with you until we can figure out more... permanent accommodations." Noble's eyes flickered to Fluttershy. "Yeah," Freedom Fighter agreed slyly. "How about it, Twi? Mind if I hang around with you until I settle?" Celestia saw Twilight's face turn red for just a second. "Uh, yeah. Sure. As long as… you need." The sooner the better. But Celestia wisely kept it to herself. "I'll notify the chariots myself," Celestia said. "If you'll follow me…" "Well, it was nice meeting you all," Twilight addressed everyone else, even as she backed out of the room. "Thank you for your time." "I'm sure you all have plenty of boring foreign affairs in order. We'd probably be part of it too, but, uh, we just saved the world." Freedom Fighter's voice came on the trails of Twilight's. "Freedom!" Twilight hissed. "Am I wrong? Did we not just-?" "You don't just say that stuff to a bunch of diplomats!" "Yes, it's in very bad taste," Noble added. "As if I know what things taste like!" Freedom Fighter retorted. "You have a tongue now." "Not while it's sticking out at you. Blaugh!" That was the last thing most of them heard. Chrysalis tilted her head. "Those ponies were the ones that saved the world?" "Yep," Skystar affirmed. "Those ponies were the ones who could beat me?" "Yep." "...We're in trouble." "You're in trouble." Celestia, accompanied by six Royal Guards, led them outside to the stables, where several golden chariots were attended to by repair ponies. They instantly saluted when Celestia came outside, which Celestia wearily accepted. “Get these ponies a ride home to Ponyville,” Celestia ordered. “Right away, sir,” the blue chief mechanic said, wiping her forehead and smearing it with oil. “I mean, ma’am. I mean… we’ll get on it.” And so they quickly finished up their repairs and tightened the bolts on the wheels. After no more than a few minutes, they indicated the chariots. “Ready for use,” the chief mechanic reported. The six guards hitched themselves to the chariots, and the Element bearers loaded in. As Twilight, Rainbow, Freedom Fighter, and Spike loaded into one of them, Spike gave Rainbow a hesitant slap on the back. "You're not going to fly?" "Not in the mood," Rainbow gloomily replied. Spike was taken aback. And frankly, so was Celestia. But the reason why was clear. "Twi?" Rainbow asked. "I, uh… was wondering if I could stay with you for a bit. Until I clear up." Her eyes were hollow. "Move on." "Of course," was Twilight's instant reply. "Feel free to stay as long as you like." Rainbow wearily nodded. "Yeah." "Hey." Twilight rubbed Rainbow on the back. "I know exactly how you feel. You're not alone." Rainbow's eyes narrowed. "So what? Doesn't change anything. He's still gone. Nopony is gonna replace him. Not you or anyone else!" "There are ways to deal with it," Twilight encouraged. "I can help you. I've been there." "I know," Rainbow grumbled. She didn't elaborate. Twilight took the hint and stopped talking. Celestia hated seeing Rainbow like that. It was so unlike her to be this depressed. If given the chance, Celestia would have hesitated to send them on the trip at all, if she knew this would have been the outcome. But perhaps this would be for the best. The ponies had grown into adults. Maturity and wisdom accompanied them and made their steps heavy. Through the fiery crucible of their trials, they had been forged into pure gold. The mechanics waved the guards on, and the three chariots rose into the sky. The final leg of their trip was now underway. Celestia waved as they flew away. They all turned away to give a brief farewell, but very soon, they were too far away. And then they were gone. Celestia stared aimlessly into the skies. Her inheritance-- the sun-- shone all around her like a beam from heaven. It was a privilege to watch their progress. That was the true blessing of a mentor. And there was an ache in her chest at the prospect that they had eclipsed Celestia in relevance. But that was inevitable with mentors as well. Celestia's burden was the knowledge that others would surpass her. She was okay with it. Twilight was the future of peace. Celestia was just proud to have been there to help her. "I love you," Celestia whispered. They know you do. Celestia nodded, a tear in her eye. "The same way you know I do, mother." Be satisfied, my daughter. Equestria has endured a tempest. But you have reached the blessed harbor, and you may rest on the blissful shore. "If you insist," Celestia happily resigned. The chief mechanic tilted her head. "Who are you talking to?"