//------------------------------// // Chapter 22 // Story: Internal Darkness // by Silver Sorcerer //------------------------------// 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 22 The six continued their march towards home unaware of what had transpired in Canterlot or across Equestria. All they knew was that both princesses were dead, the sun and moon had risen by some unknown power, and that Shining Armor had to return to Canterlot and has remained there. Nopony knew the part that Magicon played, other than the fact that he was now ruling Equestria. They hoped all was well, or at least better than when they had left it in its somber and mournful mood. "Well girls, today's the day," said Rarity with a mixture of confidence and relief. "What do you mean?" asked Rainbow Dash. "I mean that we're almost finished. We should be at the train station within a few miles." "Oh, that's nice," said Fluttershy. "Nice? That's sweet! We should celebrate. Maybe give the reader's a party or something?" asked Pinkie Pie excitedly. "Pinkie, we still gotta train ta catch," reminded Applejack. "We don't even know when it'll come," said Rainbow. "We'll just have to wait for one then," said Rarity. Turning towards Twilight Applejack asked, "Ya' okay, sugarcube." "I don't know, Applejack," she replied meekly. "What's troublin' ya'?" "Just this whole thing. I mean how I got here, how you all had to look for me, how it even happened in the first place." "Now listen here, Twilight. Ah may not be the smartest pony 'round but Ah believe that everythin' happens for a reason. Ah don't know what the reason was for this whole adventure but Ah'm sure we'll figure it out in time." "Yeah, Twilight. You're the smartest mare I know. If anypony can figure out the rhyme or reason behind something, it's you," said Rainbow. "Yeah…I guess." "You've been so quiet, Twilight, you're even beating my own record," commented Fluttershy. "Fluttershy darling, I don't think anypony can beat your record," complimented Rarity causing Fluttershy to blush. "Anyway, like Ah was sayin', ya' just gotta be strong, Twilight. It won't be easy but we'll be there for ya' whenever ya' need help." "Applejack, how am I going to improve my magic without a teacher?" Applejack's ears dropped and she regretted, "Ah don't know, sugar. But ya' shouldn't let me stop ya'. Ya' will find a way, Ah know it." "Who am I going to right letters to every Tuesday?" "You'll figure something out, Twilight. You've succeeded in every task I can remember," assured Rainbow. "I'm afraid I won't succeed in this task." "What makes you say that?" asked Fluttershy. "Because I won't have a princess to go to for help. She taught me everything I know, including you guys and our friendship. I wasn't ready to see her go and I never expected it to happen during my lifetime." "Twilight, you've learned so much about everything not just because of the princess. You learned a lot on your own, including the magic of friendship," said Rarity. "And none of us were really ready to see Celestia go. She's been in Equestria for like, ever," added Pinkie. "We were just as shocked by it as ya' were and even more so now with Luna bein' gone and all," finished Applejack. Twilight didn't say anything for a while and didn't make eye contact with any of the girls as they continued walking. She contemplated her friend's words, their implications, and reflected on them. Celestia had been a second mother to her and she had loved her. She had always expected herself to go first, not Celestia. And Princess Luna too. Twilight had not only saved Princess Luna from her nightmare form thanks to the Elements of Harmony but also helped her adjust to modern society. Both were like family to her and now they were both gone. 'I suppose that's the consequence of having family, you always have something to lose. I will miss them, but my friends are right. I can't just keep reflecting on this and holding it against me. I need to be stronger. This wound is a large one but it will heal in time. Everypony experiences loss on this level and they all turn out fine and I'll turn out fine. Right?' "Umm…girls?" "Yes, Twilight?" answered Applejack. "Do you think I'll turn out 'fine'?" "What do you mean?" asked Fluttershy. "I mean, will I be okay after all of this. Am I going to become a deranged or mentally unstable pony? You saw what I was like back in the cave and I don't want to slip back into that or worse." "Twilight, we're not going to let that happen. We're going to be with you until the very end. We're your friends and we're not letting you go back to they way you were," said Rarity. "We understand it's hard, sugarcube, but runnin' away from your problems ain't gonna solve nothin'. Ya' need to stand up and fight 'em and we'll be here ta help ya' the whole entire way," assured Applejack. "Look how far we came for you," added Rainbow Dash. "We're willing to do anything for you, Twilight," "You're right, girls." "You're just scared," said Pinkie. "There's nothing to be afraid of. You are strong, Twilight, and you're not going to stop yourself from fighting and doing what's right." "Yeah, I guess." "Not confident, eh?" asked Applejack. "Not really. I…I…" "What is it, sugarcube?" "I just want everything to return to normal." The girls were silent for some minutes as they realized the hard truth. "Listen, Twi, Ah hate ta put this bluntly, but we're never gonna return ta the old normal," lamented Applejack. "It's just not gonna happen. We lost our dear princesses. That means no letters ta them, from any of us, and no lessons ta learn from 'em. Ah'm sorry that hurts, but it's the truth." "What Applejack means, darling, is that life is constantly changing and the best ponies are the ones who can accept the change and move on from it," doubled Rarity with a quick scold towards Applejack. "I don't know if I can change," said Twilight. "Twilight, you've already accepted the hard truth," said Rainbow. "But only after you guys came to visit me." "What else do you want to do?" asked Fluttershy. "I don't know, just something." "A party?" asked Pinkie. "No, not that." "Then what?" "…I need to see my brother and Cadance. That'll help a lot." "We're doing that as soon as we get to Canterlot," said Rarity. "Hey girls, look," said Rainbow Dash now flying above them and pointing to the lonely train station just in the distance. "Finally," thanked Rarity. "Now I can rest my hooves. They've been killing me." "Ah'm sure glad this whole expedition is over," relieved Applejack. "I think we all are," said Fluttershy. "Well, we better get on the platform and wait for the next train. Celestia knows how long we'll be waiting," said Pinkie. The girls quickened their pace and were standing on the platform in a matter of minutes and waited. It was warmer and the air was breathable unlike the higher elevations of the mountains. Gazing back at the mountains, Twilight looked over in astonishment. "We came from over there?" she asked gesturing towards the mountains. "Eeyup," responded Applejack. "I'm shocked." "I'm amazed how we did it in such a short time and not in great conditions either," said Rarity. "Well, it's all over now," finished Fluttershy. "Now all we have to do is head to Canterlot, check up on everything and see Shining Armor and Princess Cadance and then we can go back to Ponyville," said Pinkie. "Oh, I hope I didn't lose too much business with me being gone," worried Rarity. "Ah'm sure ya' did fine," reassured Applejack. "At least this happened after Winter Wrap-Up, I couldn't imagine how much more stressed we would be if this happened before that," said Fluttershy. "Thank Celestia for that," thanked Rainbow Dash. "Girls, tell me, did Princess Celestia have a nice funeral?" asked Twilight. "Oh course she did. It was the most elaborate funeral I had ever seen," remarked Rarity. "She's in peace now, wherever she is," said Fluttershy. "And Princess Luna is too," added Pinkie. "Equestria will be very different without them," said Twilight. "That's change for ya'," Applejack stated. "Yeah, change…" "I know it's hard for you right now, Twilight, but look on the bright side. You still have Spike, us, your brother, Princess Cadance, and all on Ponyville that's got your back," assured Pinkie. "You're not alone, Twilight," said Rainbow Dash. "We'll always be there for you," reassured Fluttershy. "You girls are way too kind to me," said Twilight. "There is no such thing as too much kindness." "We're your friends, Twilight. We've battled Nightmare Moon, Discord, and countless other enemies and challenges and succeeded in every one of them. We're not letting this one stop us either," said Rainbow Dash confidently. "You guys really are the best friend a pony could ask for," thanked Twilight with a small smile as she hugged the girls who affectionately returned the hug. Just then, they heard the distant whistle of a train and through the blue sky could see the gray smoke of the steam locomotive coming from the Griffon Kingdoms. Preparing to board, Rarity removed some of their winter garments and thrust them into her bag as the train approached the platform. Only hours, not days, separated them from Canterlot, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, and healing the wounds of old and accept the new. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ "Do you have everything?" asked Littlemore. "Yes, I think so," answered Magicon. The four of them were standing outside as Trim Tam readied the chariot for Magicon's departure. "I hope you like the mended cape," said Fresh Mint. "Oh, very much so. Thank you," said Magicon as he telekinetically tied it around himself. It was perfect for him and he once again felt power, pride, and safety wearing it. "So, this is good-bye," regretted Garden Hedge. "I'm afraid so." "Please do write," advised Fresh. "I will." "Don't overwork and overstress yourself," advised Littlemore. "I'll try not to." "Remember, if you ever feel you need to talk or need help with something, don't hesitate to come to us. We'll be here for you." "I know and thank you guys so much." "No need to thank us. We're always here for you," said Fresh. "You're a good stallion, Magicon. You'll do great things for Equestria," hoped Garden. "I intend to." Trim arrived with the chariot in tow and the pegasi guards hitched themselves onto the front on it. Magicon wondered where they stayed but frankly didn't care all that much. "I wish I could stay longer," he regretted. "We wish you could too," responded Littlemore. "But unfortunately your duty to Equestria calls and that's your main responsibility." "Let's hope I don't screw up." "Magicon, in all the years that I've known you, you haven't screwed up." "If only that were true," Magicon mumbled under his breath. "Pardon?" "Oh, nothing." The servants made a few, quick side glances to each other but ultimately shrugged and carried on. "Well, you better get going," gestured Garden. "Yeah," responded Magicon. "Don't forget about us," reminded Fresh. "How could I forget about the ponies who are like family to me?" They all smiled as Trim approached the group. "You're chariot awaits you, sir." "Thank you, Trim. Well, I better go. Thank you all so much for everything." "Hush, hush Magicon," quieted Fresh. "No 'thank you's' are necessary." "I know, but it's still the kind and right thing to do." "Come on, you better go," said Littlemore placing Magicon's suitcase on the chariot. "I don't know how long the journey will take so we better not waste your time." "Nothing you guys could do would waste my time." "Alright, then, are you all set?" asked Garden. "Yup. Good-bye guys and thank you." "You're welcome," they responded as they all hugged Magicon in a warm embrace. It was always difficult for him to say good-bye from his home and the people who made it feel that way. Boarding the chariot, the pegasi quickly took off and Magicon waved back at his servants who returned the gesture. He continued waving until he lost sight of them behind the tree line. It wouldn't take too long to reach Canterlot and Magicon had to get back. Tomorrow was the beginning of a new week and he would start divulging in his new policies. From revisions, to additions, to substitutions, to implementation; all would occur starting this week and continuing onwards for Celestia knows how long. As he sat on the chariot, Magicon only imagined how many times Celestia had used this chariot for her royal duties. He felt disgusted by the fact he was using her things but that would change. He would have a new chariot built; one that suited him and not the old sun princess. He would send hers to the Canterlot Museum where it would be a permanent display about the greatness of regality of Celestia. "Disgusting," Magicon whispered making sure that the guards couldn't hear him. Even if they did, they wouldn't be able to comment on it, thanks to their duty of maintaining silence. Gazing over the side of the chariot, Magicon admired the Equestrian countryside beneath him. Brown fields, small homes, and parched grass surfaced the landscape, all silently enjoying the beginnings of spring. Some of the trees were starting to show little red buds on the tips of their branches, where the green leaves would spring from. Some flowers had already risen from the ground but Magicon couldn't discern any at his height. The forests were still mostly barren but were livelier than they were in the dead of winter. The scenery was ignorant of the new ruler and continued on with the natural cycle, as it did for millenniums. Yet to Magicon, this beautiful landscape was his. All of Equestria was his. He had only just begun his impact on changing Equestria for the better. Tomorrow would begin the real process. Introducing ideas was not enough, applying them and putting those ideas into real change would be the challenge. He could see the distant spires of the palace and the city on the mountainside growing larger. He didn't know how long he had been on the chariot, nor did he really know what he thought about. It didn't matter, though. His city was before him and he would be in control of Equestria for the rest of his life. It was good to be the Prince. Touching down outside the palace, Magicon's chariot was quickly attended to by the palace servants while he took his suitcase back to his bedroom. Arriving there, Magicon saw that it had been completely repaired. Furniture was mended, new sheets laid, and no fires were burning. There was not a single physical trace of his duel with Shining. The only trace that existed was the mental one that remained permanently infused in his memories but he didn't worry about that now. Placing his suitcase on the bed, Magicon removed the contents to their respective places with the exception of the book. He stared at its worn cover as he talked to himself. "Putting it under the bed is too risky. If Shining Armor was to ever escape he would come for me and try to either destroy or remove the book. Since he knows where it was hidden, it wouldn't be a good idea to out back in the same place. I must find a new place. Hmm…where? Where, oh where, can a dangerous book go safely?" He circled the room examining the furniture, the ceiling, the chandelier, and the carpet. "None of these are suitable locations; then again hiding it under the bed wasn't exactly the safest place either. I guess I have to hide it somewhere in one of the pieces of furniture." As he approached a dresser the bookshelf caught his eye. Trotting over to it Magicon made a very useful observation of it. "These books on this bookcase are set way too far back. If I pull them forward like this, there is…just enough room to fit the ancient book back there. Perfect! Though it may not be the best spot, nopony will have any interest in my books and now they can't even see the book unless they pull all of the books out. Highly unlikely. It'll be safe here." Satisfied with his location, Magicon went to his closet and checked to see if his effects were still there. They were; untouched by the spells and fires of the duel. Magicon let out a relieved sigh as he heard a knock on the door. Answering it, Magicon saw a stallion servant before him. "Greetings, your highness. I have some information for you." "What?" "Princess Cadance would like to speak with you immediately in her private study." "Princess Cadance? When did she arrive? I thought she was on a weeks-long morale tour of Equestria." "She was, sir. She arrived only two hours before you did, looking very worried. According to her, the recent events surrounding Princess Luna have prompted her immediate return." "Oh…I see. Well, tell her I will be with her in a few minutes." "Very good, sir." The stallion left as Magicon closed the door. "Princess Cadance here? Now? I thought I told her about Luna. Didn't I write to her? I'm sure I did, but who knows. I was so busy after Luna was discovered. There was just so much to do between worrying about her and the investigation and assuming the throne and maintaining peace and stability in Equestria. I just honestly can't remember. Well, I'll see what she's doing here and what's going on with her." Quickly making his way down to her study, Magicon knew that the servants were gossiping about him and Cadance's sudden arrival. Nopony had expected her in a few weeks and now her presence demanded attention. Attention that required Magicon's as well. Arriving at her study Magicon knocked and heard a "come in" from behind the door. Opening it Magicon saw Cadance sitting right before him her face worried and eyes watery. Magicon could tell that she had experienced the initial emotions already: shock, misunderstanding, disbelief, horror, and desperation. He expected that she wanted answers and he would give her them, so long as it didn't interfere with his plans. "Hello, Magicon," said Cadance her voice showing some crackle from her recent sobbing. "Hi, Cadance," Magicon replied a tad nervously as he slowly sat down in front of her. This wasn't going to be easy or comfortable for him at all. "You might be wondering why I am here so soon." "I heard that Luna's death was the reason prompting your immediate return." "Yes, it was. Do you want to know how I found out?" "From your husband?" "No. I found out from regular ponies. When I was in a small village they informed me. I got no notification, no letter, no messenger; nothing from Canterlot!" "Are you sure?" "Does this face look unsure to you?" "Err…no. Alright, so I never sent you a letter, my fault. I am sorry, Princess Cadance." "And another thing, where is my husband?" "You mean you don't know?" "Well, I do. He left with Twilight Sparkle's friends in search of her. You mean they haven't returned?" "That is correct, princess." "Wow. I thought they would be back by now." "I'm afraid they aren't and they haven't sent any letters or correspondences to me." Cadance was silent for a few moments. "I suppose that makes sense." "Look, Cadance, I know you are extremely emotional-" "Extreme is an understatement. Do you know how it felt to hear about Princess Luna's death from local villagers and gossipers? Do you realize how devastating it was to hear that she gave up and hung herself? Do you realize how bad it is for me being the only alicorn left in all of Equestria?!" "I…I don't." "Oh course you don't! You've been too busy with affairs of the state. Did you even have a funeral for Luna?" "Yes, we did; a small one. It's what she would've wanted." "Well, that's good. But why didn't you tell me?" "To be honest, Cadance, I don't even know. I sent a letter for Shining Armor but he never returned it or appeared. My guess is the letter was lost on its way to him and he has no knowledge of Princess Luna's death." "Maybe. Magicon?" "Yes?" "Where were you when I first arrived? The servants said you weren't in Canterlot, taking some sort of personal weekend or something." "Ah, yes. I was at my private estate." "You have a private estate?" "Bequeathed to me through a will of a good friend and teacher along with the money to maintain it." "Oh, well then, good for you, I guess." "Did you not expect me to have something like that?" "Not at all." Magicon chuckled. "Yes, well nopony would. I like to keep it private." "So it seems. But anyway, why did you take a personal weekend?" "For the same reasons as you. I needed to get away from the death and tragedy here in Canterlot. I needed to relax and give sometime to myself." "Magicon, I left Canterlot to help boost morale for Equestria, not pleasure myself." "Right, right, sorry. Well, I hope you understand." "I do. It's not your fault that I suddenly came back to Canterlot. After all, I wasn't expected back for a few weeks. You figured you could do all you could and needed to relax and prepare yourself for the workload ahead." "Exactly. Thanks for understanding, Cadance." "Thank you for being open with me." "So what do you plan to do next?" "I'm really not sure. I don't know if I should go on a morale tour again or if I should stay here and help you." Magicon paused and weighed the options. "If you go, Cadance, you won't be here when Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle, and their friends return." "I know and that's what leaning me towards staying here. But what use could I be to you?" "I'm not sure yet, Cadance. Frankly, I haven't planned that far yet." "I understand. I'm sure you'll figure something out." "Thank you for your patience." "It's no trouble. Thank you for your time, Magicon." "You're welcome, Cadence." They hugged briefly before Magicon rose and left Cadance. Softly closing the door behind him, Magicon took a deep breath. He began slowly walking back to his room, talking to himself the entire way. "Well that went alright. I certainly didn't expect to see her and now that she's staying I'll have to do everything in my power to prevent her from discovering the truth about Shining Armor. The servants won't tell her unless she asks and she trusts me. She will believe my word over the servants anyway. But on top of everything else I now have Cadance on my hooves. I need to find something important for her to do, something that will keep her under my eye but also keep her busy. I don't know what yet but something will arise. I am confident of that. "And what of Twilight Sparkle and her friends? Did they find her? Where are they? What do they know? Will they even return? Oh, I don't have any answers and I really wish I had them. My plans revolve around their separation. I hope they found her. That's all I can really do right now, hope." While Magicon hoped and pondered the answers to his questions, a single train arrived in Canterlot from Northern Equestria carrying six close and very powerful friends.