//------------------------------//
// For want of a Battle: part v 
// Story: A minor variation 
// by notMurphy 
//------------------------------//


 For Want of a Battle


5/5


   Timber-Wolves snarled in frustration, luminescent purple blocking their path. Behind them a patch of the night sky prowled upon paws, snarling with violet eyes that threatened a swift end to any ponies caught.

   Shining Armor considered the situation, Oh Mare, we are so... why do I have this sense of DejaVu? Ack, he's slipping!' "Mr. Apple, stay with me ok? The Doctor's got-"

   "Mr. ... augha, Mr. Apple was mah Father. You-I think you 'kin call me Big Mac bah now."
   "That's funny, I thought your Dad's name was 'Mud'."
   The red stallion's eyes were fully open now. "I oughta whup yer hide you stuck-up sonnofa... ugh."
   "You've got to live to kick my flank, Mac. C'mon, I think I see..." 'No... it's impossible...'
   "What, what? Hey, city boy, some of us don't have a good viewing angle right now. What do you see..."
   "I-I think it's the sun. By Celestia's hairdresser, I think it's the feathering Sun."
   "Eyup."





   They awoke, piled on the floor. Blue, pink, yellow, purple, violet, orange, and white.

   The pink one contemplated her last waking vision, a rainbow swirl of colors as she desperately held onto the screaming princess. A mass of confusing emotions roiled within her, wonder at the beauty of the colors, horror at the seeming explosion of the night pony, and relief at not being covered in blood upon waking. Her hair was oddly curled and her mouth wouldn't stop curling upward at the edges. 'Stop that, I'll address these feelings later but there's work to be done.' Her hair relaxed, but her mouth retained a certain curve that was starting to feel sore.

   "Legs, hooves, wings, horns, tails. Count your own and check the pony next to you, I want to know what treatment is needed ASAP." She barked, turning in a circle to check herself.

   Once the ponies were satisfied that all the limbs were in correct order and number, they set to counting ponies - only to be distracted when - "Uh, Rainbow, when'd you switch hairstyles. Come to think of it, when'd you get your hair back?"

   "What are you... what the hay!?" Rainbow Dash's mane was back, with a vengeance, reaching nearly to the floor, with the end curling into a tight spiral. A momen't inspection revealed her tail had regrown again as well, now set in a loose corkscrew. 'Mane, that is so impractical. Now I've got to get it cut again.'

   "Well, you do look fabulous, darling." Rarity was slightly unnerved by how similar the style was to her childhood affectation. 'I'm sure it doesn't mean anything.'

   Something nagged at Twilight, "How many unicorns did we start with? I thought it was two."
   "Uh, yes dear, you and me why... h-hello, who are you?" Rarity asked the smoky blue-violet unicorn.
   She seemed confused by the question, "ah, we art named Luna. Humbly do we thank you all."
   Fluttershy felt confused, "uh, Rarity? That's an extra pegasus, unicorns have horns - not wings."
   "Th-that's because w-I am-"
   "Nope, pretty sure that's a horn there." Twilight said, gesturing at the object in question.
   "Yeah? Well that's a wing right there." Rainbow Dash pointed, her other hoof holding her hair out of her eyes.
   "That is to say, this can all be explained simply. I-"

   Jackie looked around, "anypony noticed it's getting brighter? Thought I saw something in the tower a minute ago..."

   "We Art Princess Luna, Princess of the Night. And We Art... I am grateful to you all for freeing me from my..." she was unable to finish the sentence before she found herself swamped in ponies for the second time in one night.

   Finally free of the lurking terror of destruction, ponies laughed and cried freely. Each introduced themselves to the new pony - and they treated her as such, as a potential long-lost friend. In fact, Celestia's arrival went unnoticed. She even had to clear her throat dramatically. The response was equal parts obeisance and defensive formation around Luna, a message of concern at the Solar Princess's potential reaction. It was all she could do not to laugh at the poor dears, which would not have been appropriate under the circumstances.

   "Well done, oh true and faithful band of friends, well done my little ponies. This is my sister, as I have not seen her in a thousand years, and you have my gratitude. Please, let me speak with her." They parted, however reluctantly. "Princess Luna, we were meant to rule together. Will you accept my friendship as well?" She knelt, feeling as vulnerable and powerless as a foal.

   "I'm so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister!" Luna nuzzled her long lost sibling.

   Tears running down her cheeks, Diane's mouth curved up again. 'Oh, that's how it works.'
   Wiping her eyes, Jackie spoke up, "This is great and all, but can we get back to civilization, please?" So they went home.





   The six ponies entered town first, ostensibly to prepare Ponyville for a Royal Arrival and Announcement. Everypony knew the real reason was so they could each check on their family and friends to relieve their lingering fears.

   At Sweet Apple Acres, Jackie and Twilight found their brothers, as well as the Royal Guard Pegasi, sharing the Apple Family's 'reserve stock' of cider. Big Mackintosh's ribs were bandaged and Shining Armor sported a black eye he seemed proud of. The wounds came with a story of an attack by Timber Wolves led by a creature Twilight identified as a Canis Minor. The two seemed to be the worst injuries in town and the guards were relieved to be sent back to see to the princess.





   Rarity managed to embrace Spike, Sweetie, Her Mother and Father all at the same time. They couldn't get her to stop crying, though. 'I don't think I'm ever letting any of you out of my sight again. I can't go back to Canterlot like this. Maybe I can... yes.' She began writing a letter, pausing briefly to make sure her favorite ponies were still there on occasion.





   The entire Weather Team intercepted Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, lifting them off the ground and parading them around. They laughed, they cried, and they tried to make Fluttershy promise she wouldn't run off into danger without them again. She smiled and politely refused to promise any such thing, the best they got was "I'll make whatever I feel is the best judgement at the time.", which in truth was more than she usually acceded to.

   Rainbow Dash tried to make her escape, but her yellow friend wouldn't let her. "You deserve this at least as much as I do... oh, will you please stop crying? Please, you're going to make me... darn it."





   Ponies reported sightings of a pink blur around town, sometimes crossing its own path. Every elderly, infirm, and sick pony received a surprise visit from the local healer. She was respectful, precise, and perhaps a little gentler than usual. 'Y'know, you're only putting off the inevitable. We're not going away.' 'You will be quiet while I work. When I am through I certainly have a few things to say to you.'





   It took was hours before everything had been sorted out. Ponies threw themselves into the celebration in a frenzy born of relief. Everypony wanted to see the Sun Princess and the New Princess, and the brave band of locals who had... nopony was entirely clear on what their part was, but the Princesses seemed grateful and that implied heroic deeds.





   The Apples were still in town, leaving Jackie awash in a sea of ponies, laughing and trading quips with her extended family as Granny Smith ran them by with ruthless efficiency. Mackintosh was allowed to rest quietly to the side, exchanging dignified nods with his cousins. Apple Bloom ran back and forth with abandon, constantly underhoof with the orange filly she had met at the celebration.

   The Bells embraced their missing sister/daughter and anypony who got too close. Heavy Tone went on to shake the hoof of and hug the other heroines. If his loving wife, Clarity Bell, hadn't caught him by his shirt collar he probably would have tried to bear hug Royalty too. Sweetie couldn't stop hopping around laughing, Spike trailing her, holding a golden tiara over his head and making whooshing noises. Rarity was lost in thought, but made an effort to respond whenever she noticed being addressed. 'There's so much, I don't know where to start.'

   Every remaining pegasus in Ponyville lined up to congratulate Weather Captain Fluttershy on her obvious heroism. She nearly went catatonic, 'you can do this, it helps them feel safe. They're all happy to see you. You can do this Fluttershy...' The look of pride her flight school friends gave her helped a great deal. A brown earth pony in the line nonchalantly asked her for an autograph, "you know, b-before they become a collector's item yeah? It's... fascinating this way, don't you think?" 'Where have I-oh, he's gone again. He seems to do a lot of running.'





   Diane refused to stay at the gathering, "There's no way Ponyville General has the capacity for all the bumps, bruises, and complications that must have cropped up. I'll be back as soon as I've seen the extent, cross my heart by Earth and Sky." She trotted away, and was back fifteen minutes later. A grayish purple unicorn filly stopped her and gave her a noisemaker which she accepted with some confusion. After asking Rainbow Dash for instruction, she tried it. Her ears went back and she dropped it in surprise. She blushed as the surrounding ponies laughed good naturedly. "Hmm... this will take practice."

   "What, using a horn?" Rainbow asked.
   "No, being happy."
   "Diane, that was so random ... sorry, that just sounded weird, forget I said anything. We should hang out sometime though ... without the horrible monsters and possible end of the world."

   'Let's see, sharp intake of breath, shake the diaphram rapidly while exhaling in short bursts... ' The pink pony chuckled, awkwardly.

   "Whoa, I didn't think you had a sense of humor. I must be even more awesome than ... I'm glad you feel like you can do that around us, laugh, I mean."

   'It would seem we all have holes to fill. Together, it doesn't seem to matter as much.' She tried smiling again, it was getting easier with practice.





   After getting an 'all clear' from Diane, Shining Armor was under an assault of affection from his sister. Both tried to apologize for failing to adequately protect each other, when that failed they both tried criticizing the other for recklessly endangering themselves and leaving the other to worry about them. In the end they simply smiled. Twilight's question was so casual Shining Armor almost missed it, "So, BBBFF, what's this I hear about you having a Marefriend... anypony I know?"

   "Uh... funny you should ask, heh." 'Seriously, what is up with these Mares? They seem good for Twiley though.'





   All good things must come to an end, and after the party was over, after the streamers had been swept up, the food containers dealt with, and the ponies stumbled their way -mostly- to their respective homes, the six and the two found themselves alone. Granted there were some six guards and a captain and a stray older brother who was taking a while getting up and moseying home, but close enough. The quiet stretched comfortably.

   Before it could become uncomfortable, Celestia spoke, "You must all be pleased this adventure is over, and you can all return to your normal lives." She smiled benevolently at them.

   Rarity cleared her throat, perhaps a little strongly, "Actually, your Majesty, I have a few things to say before we restore 'normalcy' as it were. First of all, I have already begun work to start an archaeological expedition to recover what history we can piece together from the ruins of the 'Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters'. I trust neither of you have any complaints on that count?" both Princesses shook their heads. "Good, that was the easy part. Princess Celestia, my liege and truly a pony to be admired, understand I speak with all possible respect when I say: How Dare You!" Everypony present was taken aback. The guards started forward before the Solar Princess waved them off.

   'Where are you going with this, my little pony?' It had been centuries since she had genuinely been challenged. She liked to believe that was because she had discovered benevolence, but nothing goes unchallenged and remains uncorrupted - so she listened. "How dare I what, Assistant Professor Rarity Bell, of Canterlot Central University's Historical, Archaeological, and Arcane Research Department? How dare I what?" was there just the hint of threat there?

   Daunted but unbowed, Rarity proceeded. "How dare you intentionally keep us in the dark about the threat of Nightmare Moon, how dare you allow enough history to be forgotten that the existence of a second alicorn... Twilight, is something wrong?"

   "Um, my foalsitter was an alicorn - that is to say she had a horn and wings. I-I was a foal, I didn't think anything of it, I just knew she was special to me and I didn't see why she shouldn't just be special in general, too." She glanced sidelong at her brother, who was being suspiciously quiet. 'That's going to bear investigating, assuming Rare doesn't get us all banished, locked in a dungeon in the place where we're banished, and forced to re-take magic kindergarten.' She moved next to the white unicorn despite her fears.

   "... this is exactly what I'm talking about! Secrets, everywhere! Are you ever going to let the public know about the Dweomer Failure? What other ancient threats are hidden under rocks? WHAT AREN'T You telling us!?" She was working herself into a state of frenzy. Her friends all gathered around her, Diane placed a hoof on her neck and nodded. "Can't you trust us, Princess? Haven't we proven we'll do anything to protect our Homeland?"

   Princess Celestia sighed, and for a moment it was possible to believe this was a creature that had lived for longer than a millennium, who had accepted responsibility for a nation, watched their children grow and die of old age only to be replaced in turn, all the while knowing her own closest kin was near enough to be seen but never felt. "I have entrusted you with my life, the welfare of my sister, and the fate of my country. I will never make you endure more than I know you can handle, whether you believe it or not. The elements, like your Cutie Marks, could not be explained before you reached the realization on your own. If you had known Nightmare Moon was my sister you would have hesitated to stop her. If you had known Nightmare Moon was coming, you would have destroyed her."

   She glanced at her sister, who shuddered but nodded. "I allowed Nightmare Moon to be swallowed by history for two reasons. The benevolent reason is that ponies living in fear are... always afraid, and become tractable to those selfish enough to find... levers." She indulged a speculative glance at the ivory unicorn, who was looking slightly green. "My other reason is entirely selfish, if most of ponykind knew of Luna's full history, she would be facing a much harder time being accepted by them again. I have preserved copies of all the ancient records, and they will be released-when I feel Luna is ready for the outcry they will cause."

   'Oh, you magnificent Nag. Not only is there nothing I can say to that, but now I have to deal with my own actions before I can pursue this again. Truly you would have made an excellent teacher.' Rarity paused to consider the ponies she had hurt over the years, in defense, in anger, rarely in spite, and never for personal gain. That didn't justify her actions, and she had felt more... even since the 'Harmonization'. 'Very well, I accept your implied challenge. I will make amends with every pony that I have hurt that I possibly can. Even... oh no.'

   Jackie noticed the blood draining from Rarity's face first, "Hey, hey Rare? You okay?"
   "Oh, no. Nonono... of all the worst things, this is the. Worst. Possible. Thing!" her pupils shrank to pinpricks.
   Ponies fought against panic, Fluttershy pressed the question, "What. Rarity, what is it!?"
   "I... I think I need to apologize to... to... Prince Blueblood!" She felt ill.





   All the tension ran out of the meeting. Princess Celestia promised to correspond with the group of friends and explain more of coming events and made her escape, taking the Guard and Guard Captain with her. The group began chatting amongst themselves, getting to know these strange, wonderful, ponies they now found themselves tied to. As the sun progressed - somewhat faster than usual, to make up for the long night - Rarity had a thought and dragged everypony to the train station, sending Fluttershy to retrieve Spike, Sweetie Bell, and Applebloom.





   Night fell in Canterlot. One house on the edge of town was open but nearly empty. A despondent unicorn shared a strained smile with her two friends. "Moondancer... supposes it was silly to think anypony would even remember-" Loud knocking came from the front door. She flew over and opened it to find six mares, three fillies, and a baby dragon standing on the other side. "Wh-"

   "Oh Moondancer dear, please tell me you didn't cancel? I told you I'd be here if the world didn't end. You... do have room for a few of my friends, don't you?"





   Rainbow Dash fiddled with the lump of gold around her neck as the others fiddled with the 'Ponioke' machine. "Hey, does anypony else have on jewelry they don't remember owning?"


To be continued in 'A minor variation, Chapter 6: For want of a War'.