//------------------------------// // Part II: Chapter 2 // Story: Wings of Friendship // by Xonology //------------------------------// We had been flying for a few days now, perhaps that is to be expected when flying with a less organized group. Twilight, I hope you are doing fine. A talon waved past Celestia’s snout as a blue dragon descended into view. “Uhm Celestia, you still there? You know that it's dangerous to fly around without paying attention to anything right?” Celestia was too caught up in her thoughts to be aware of her surroundings. She looked up straight at a slightly annoyed Seawing and an amused Rainwing. “If we all die out here I'm blaming you. Our one and only ‘protector’ can't doze off while we are in enemy territory. Not that we need protection anyways, I can protect myself.” “Hah, you can't even save your own tail! How are you gonna save everyone else?” “Don’t be like that Glory, Tsunami is trying to be nice. In her own way, I guess.” The brown dragon called out. “Can you all stop arguing for a moment and take into consideration how our lovely companion is?!” Sunny screamed as everyone was talking over her, as usual. “Oh, uhm right. Sorry. Celestia are you alright? We can stop and take a break if you want.” Tsunami sad as she had calmed down from her usual arguing with Glory. Celestia only shook her head and replied, “I’m fine really we need to find Twilight and Starflight as soon as possible” she couldn't stop thinking about Twilight. The more she thought about it, the more she thought about what would happen if she didn't interfere with Twilight’s mission. Maybe it was her fault. ‘It was all your fault’  Celestia almost fell out of the sky as her expression froze her in place. “Okay. Now we are definitely taking a break, you look like you saw a ghost.” “Besides we could use a nice snack,” Sunny suggested. “I would love a snack!” Clay screamed at the back of the group. As everyone laughed, it slightly made Celestia feel better as she was surrounded by a positive atmosphere. But she still couldn't shake that lingering sense of guilt at the back of her mind. One that she hadn't felt for a long time. “Clay, eating is basically your hobby. There isn't a world where you wouldn't want a snack. And that's why we are taking a break.” Glory commented with an eye roll. Everyone in the group seemed to agree much against Celestia’s initial argument. They dived down towards the trees to hide them from any patrols that would pass by. They landed near a river hoping to find some fish to eat. Clay wandered off to the nearby forest to look for some cows, Glory came with him just in case he gets himself in trouble. Tsunami dove into the river to catch some fish, which left Celestia and Sunny to each other. Celestia had stayed silent as she wasn't sure of what to say to the small yellow dragon despite having the confidence of ruling a country for a thousand years. Before she could think of what to say, Sunny spoke up, “Celestia, are you really sure that you are okay? You looked really worried back there.” “Yes, I'm fine.” She let out a fake smile, similar to what she wore for a long time. Regardless it doesn't fool the ones who truly care about you. “Celestia, please. I just want to help you. We want to help you. You trust us, right?” Sunny looked up at her with hopeful eyes she stared at her until she responded. Celestia let out a weak sigh, “You know, you remind me of someone close to me. But I trust you, either way, all of you. I know you're trying your best, but sometimes our best isn't enough and someone has to take risks. You understand don't you?” “Of course I understand, everyone keeps treating me like an annoying little sister and I feel that I need to prove myself to them. They don't think that I'm capable of– well, anything! I'm just someone they sideline while they do all the important things. But I can do that too! In my own way…” “It seems that you have more in your mind than me, it's okay to let your frustrations out, I'm glad that you shared it with me instead of heading off on your own just to prove a point. I knew someone just like that and it didn't end well for her or anybody.” Celestia said as a small frown formed. Sunny wanted to ask what she meant by that before she was interrupted by a crashing MudWing. “Clay?! What are you doing?!” He grabbed Sunny into a hug. Sunny tried to escape the sobbing dragon’s grip, but to her luck, there was no escape. Sunny went limp in defeat as Clay wailed once more. “Sunny! The cow got away!” he cried as he rolled on the ground. Glory soared down moments later, landing next to the sobbing MudWing “The poor guy couldn't catch a cow, sadly I didn't find anything either.” “AHA!” A wave of water splashed towards the group as a blue Seawing emerged from the river. Everyone was wet aside from Glory who stood behind the soaking meat shield Clay. Celestia fared better as she covered herself behind her large wings. “I knew you all couldn't get anything so once again I had to do everything myself! Behold! Fish!” Tsunami declared. Celestia had fish before, only in controlled amounts. She hadn't liked it, but it was only when Griffin embassies came. She took a small bite out of the raw fish and was surprised at the taste. It definitely tasted better, she preferred it cooked through. Celestia breathed out a small fire slightly scorching one side of the fish and quickly did the same on the other side. “I didn’t know fish could taste so good! How fun!” “Glad someone appreciates my hard work,” Tsunami started. She locked her eyes with Glory as the colorful death dragon prepared her comeback. “Well of course your highness, I wouldn't doubt your skills in hunting– I mean fishing.” Glory said sarcastically with a smirk across her snout. As the two were bickering like foals, Celestia enjoyed a few more bites of her fish. I wonder if I could get something like this back in Equestria. Oh, what will the press say? The paperwork that I have to do. Celestia rather not think about that right now. In a way, this was to get away from all that. All she could think about is what life could be without all those princess responsibilities, only family and friends to worry about. While she took another bite off the fish, the cute and loveable Sunny poked her with her stingerless tail, “Ooh oh, Celestia. Can you tell us a story?” Sunny begged as she bounce around the sun princess. “Sunny, you're not two. But I am curious, tell us a story about you, Celestia.” Glory said as she pulled Sunny back by the tail. Celestia thought about what she was going to tell them, she couldn't reveal much of her past without the risk of revealing her real self. She ended up telling the story that stuck with her for the past one thousand years. “I'll tell you a story, but I won't say whose story it's about.” Celestia commented with a wink, “Once upon a time, there were two princesses, sisters that ruled together. One would rule over the sun and the other ruled over the moon…” Celestia told the story that made up the entirety of her life. The story of how she lost her sister. Though she kept multiple details vague and would likely pose as some sort of foal's tale. She nearly lost her composure on multiple occasions while she told the story. The thought of losing her again pained her, telling the story would only remind her of how she had failed Luna. “After a fierce battle, the night princess had fallen into darkness and had been banished to the moon. Never to be seen again.” Celestia told the story of what had been told to foals for hundreds of years, she knew it was all a lie. Luna didn't fall into darkness. I pushed her in. “Wow Celestia, I couldn't tell if that was fiction or not. There was so much going on, if that were you, I didn't expect you to be so sane.” Tsunami said slightly skeptical of the story. Everyone ignored it as one of Tsunami’s rants. “Well, I thought it was sad! Siblings shouldn’t have to fight like that.” Sunny complained. She really is like Sunset. She said the same thing when I told her the story. “I have to agree with Sunny, family should be something to cherish. It was sad to see a family bond broken forever.” Clay agreed. Glory nodded in approval, “Regardless if it was real or not, we can all learn something from the story.” “I don't know about you guys, I'm getting tired of all this emotion.” Tsunami yawned, she walked towards the river to sleep. “Yeah see you all tomorrow, good night.” Glory climbed up a nearby tree and went to sleep. Sunny approached Celestia and said good night before taking a spot next to Clay who had already fallen asleep. Celestia still felt emotionally vulnerable, so she quickly fell to sleep. Within the darkness of her dream, a voice emerged. “Tiaa~ are you there? You know this is the only time. Get to talk to you. Your duties in Equestria always keep you up and busy, you never have time to visit.”  The voice she knew all too well. “Daybreaker, what do you want from me?” The dream became clearer. The dream scenery changed into her bedroom in Canterlot. The place was most familiar to her. Where she stayed for the longest time in her life. She was there, lying on the bed. “Don’t be like that Tia, you've known me for so long. Oh- and remember that time where we decimated that griffin army, how fun.” Celestia stayed silent as she didn't want to recall the terrible wars that had happened in the past. The death and destruction were unnecessary. Civilians shouldn't be involved in a war. But retaliation was necessary. “Brighten up! After all, I had to do all the hard work, that's my purpose. To protect you. I only ever did what I had to do to keep you safe. I did what you want when you were too weak to do it yourself.” She was right. Maybe if I was strong enough, Luna wouldn't have been banished. I could've done something about Nightmare- “Oh Tia, it isn't your fault. Not at all. You did all you can for your sister. I'm sure Moony did as well. It's not my fault your ponies can't handle the fact that their perfect princess could do something like violence. They would be like ‘Oh no she killed ponies and other creatures, so she must be evil’. Honestly, if that didn't happen, I wouldn't have to be called an ‘evil spirit that possessed the almighty Princess Celestia’.” They both shared a laugh, “You mean our ponies. You may say that we don't share the same responsibilities but we do. You care about them just as much as I do.”  “Well, I don't. I care about them because you do. And I am carrying out that will because it would keep you safe. And it meant that you would sacrifice less for them and keep yourself alive.” Celestia paused for a while before she spoke again “Oh Sunshine, I wish things could just go back to where it was just me, you, and Luna. Those were the days.” “And nights,” Sunshine added. “Anyways, I never got to ask. Where did you get the name Daybreaker from anyway?” “Honestly I just thought, if there is sunshine, it is daybreak. So you are Daybreaker, the avatar of the sun.” “That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard, luckily no pony ever remembered that.” She smiled at Celestia. “But I'm serious Tia, you can't keep looking at the past before looking at the future. We experience the past once and we learn from it, that's why we leave it behind. Because it served its purpose.” “You can't blame yourself for Lulu’s breakdown. You know Moony can be moody. So dramatic. Nevertheless, what she did for Luna, taught her a lesson. It taught you a lesson as well. Celestia took a deep breath, she knew Sunshine was right. She was holding herself back. She thought of everything she wanted to protect. The future she wanted to happen, to be a part of. Luna, Twilight, Sunset. They were all waiting for her to grow up. She would be useful if she didn't doubt herself in everything she did. “All ponies who have ascended to alicornhood had a spiritual guide. Moony did her job, Luna learned what she needed. Now she is a better pony because of it. That's why she won't be coming back. Eventually, I will too. But Tia is always so stubborn.” Celestia thought about what she said before asking a question that popped up in her mind. “Wait does that mean Twilight has somepony like you too?” She asked intrigued. “Nope! She has her friends to guide her. Besides, you have me! And I always got your back, so don't be a stranger!” She waved as the realm of sleep faded away into nothing.  “Wait! What will happen when Twilight’s friends–” Then followed darkness. For a while, there was silence. ‘Hello? Celestia? Can you hear me? This doesn’t allow me to hear your thoughts. But I need you to warn the MudWings, they are in danger of an attack from the NightWings. I hope that you get my message, the lives of many dragons depend on it.’ ‘Twilight is that you?’ Celestia asked the voice, but there was no response. It felt like hours had gone by, it was only silence.  “Celestia wake up! We have to go!” Sunny shouted.  “Huh? Twilight?” Celestia asked, still confused. Sunny shook her the best she could, Celestia was a little bit confused as per the unusual encounter she had in her sleep. “What? No. Wake up Celestia we have to do something about the MudWings!” Sunny replied in a rushed manner. Celestia recalled the voice she heard in her sleep. MudWings? Has something terrible happened? Twilight, I hope you are doing alright. “I'm up, what is the problem?” Celestia asked. This is why I receive detailed reports other than a rushed and uninformative ones. “Sunny calm down, panicking won't help you or Celestia.” Glory turned to Celestia to explain their situation. “Starflight contacted us in our dreams to warn us about a NightWing attack on the MudWing kingdom. It sounds like the NightWings want to take the MudWings out of the picture and is planning a mass killing to make sure Princess Burn has no reinforcements.” Celestia feared for the worst, Twilight could get caught in the crossfire. Or worse. She didn't bother finishing that thought. It doesn't end well. What matters is getting rid of the issue before it becomes a problem. While everyone else panicked and started spewing out random plans, Celestia was thinking about how this war was playing out and what type of strategies the kingdoms resort to. She had led hundreds of armies before, the dark ages of Equestria had been bloody but it was necessary to bring peace. “What do we do? We barely even survived that mess with Scarlet. How are we supposed to handle this?” Clay panicked as he ran in circles. He eventually looked for something to eat to distract him from the disaster that is to come. “We should find the NightWings ourselves and stop them before they do something. Then we could find Starflight and Twilight if they are with them.” Tsunami declared. “Good luck fighting an entire army with more training than you could possibly have.” Countered by Glory, she looked at Celestia hoping to have some sort of plan. As much as Celestia liked there to be less violence involved, she didn't have a plan. All they could do is warn the MudWings to be prepared for an attack at any time. Bloodshed couldn't be avoided. “We should warn the MudWing Queen for an attack. There isn't much we can do other than that. If we interfere, it could lead to something worse that would involve us.” Celestia explained. Sunny looked up at Celestia, her look said it all. She disagreed. “We are the dragonets of destiny! We are supposed to help dragons whenever we can! We are always involved!” Celestia admired her bravery and determination for doing the right thing. But she couldn't risk it. Not when there is much more on the line. The two worlds could collapse, killing both inhabitants. “I'm sorry Sunny, but this is all we could do.” “She’s right Sunny if we pick a side now by actively fighting with the MudWings. The other tribes could see this as defeat and the other Alliances could target us instead. We should just send the message and then leave.” Glory started. Sunny held her head down, as sadness washed over her. Despite all that, she knew it was true. She was not as naive as everyone thinks. She only wanted the best for everyone. Fortunately for the group, they were flying along the borders of the MudWing kingdom. So finding a MudWing patrol wouldn't be an issue. The real issue was getting an audience with the Queen. Celestia can pose as a SkyWing guard and present the Dragonets of Destiny as prisoners. Then she could be escorted to meet the Queen and relay their message. There's a downside though, once they tell their message, they could be kept in custody. There is a high chance that she won't trust us, but if their Queen cares about her tribe, she wouldn't let something like this slide past her radar and classify it as a myth. If there is a small chance of something bad happening to your pon- dragons, then they won't risk it being a myth. Hopefully, if it came from the Dragonets of Destiny, they would believe it. “Alright, I have a plan. It will involve many risks, but if you truly want this war to end, you will take any risk for the greater good.” Celestia addressed the group with a fierce look. She was passionate about what the Dragonets represent, and if they aren't committed to it, then she shouldn't take it as seriously as she normally would. Everyone nodded, returning the same look of seriousness. Everyone knew what was at stake, and seeing that they care made Celestia smile. “Firstly, we find a MudWing patrol and I will tell them that I have captured ‘The Dragonets of Destiny’ and they requested to talk to the queen about something urgent. If they do have faith in the prophecy, they won't hesitate and bring us to her immediately. When we approach the queen, you will tell them what the NightWings are planning. Worst case scenario we get captured until the information is proven true. If that happens no one will save Starflight and Twilight. So to prevent that, I will fight them off and you all fly away and look for Twilight, she will know what to do.” “Wait, hold on! Are you telling us to leave you behind?!” Tsunami called out. “We are not leaving anyone!” Celestia sighed, “I know but this is only if the plan does not go as planned.” “We understand that Celestia, but we still aren't leaving you.” Sunny hugged Celestia hoping that she would change her mind. “I know Sunny, but you are all too important. Twilight has a bigger responsibility than you know. That is why if there is a chance that you will find her, I will take it. For the greater good. I failed her once, I won't again. Never again.” Celestia grimaced. Before anyone could ask anything else, Celestia flew off to find a MudWing patrol near the MudWing borders. Everyone else flew after her and so the plan began. Celestia made sure to fly above the group to have the height advantage to see anyone from afar. The rest of the group flew near the ground in the hopes of getting attention to any other patrols Celestia has missed. After flying south for an hour, they managed to see the rainforest in the distance, as well as a few MudWing patrols nearby. The patrols were more frequent in the area, it could mean they were near the Queen or were in a war zone. Celestia flew towards the six MudWings stationed nearby, and prepared her ‘Royal Guard Impressions’. “Excuse me, I have orders to escort these dragons to the Queen.” The largest of the group glared at Celestia, “Who exactly are these dragons? These aren't the group of dragons you normally find out in the open. Then again, there's a war going on. It's hard to tell what's normal out there. “The dragonets of destiny seek an audience with your Queen. They must deliver the message to her before things go badly.” Celestia stated, her tone not changing once. “Well, we would be happy to take you. Just make sure nothing goes wrong. The Queen is quite tense right now.” The MudWing warned. “I have my orders, I will do what I can.” “Heh, don’t we all.”  Celestia waved her talons at the dragonets to follow. As they were nearing the MudWing palace, the dragonets behind her were in awe. Though it did appear to be old, about as old as Celestia. The MudWing that escorted them to the palace was talking to the two MudWing groups that were stationed outside the gate. As he finished talking, he walked away toward Celestia. “Good luck, I hope to see you again after this war.” He said with sincerity. “You too,” Celestia called back. When she did, he turned to fly away. “Hey, you five wait here while I alert the Queen of your presence.” She turned to the other MudWings, “Keep your eye on them. We don't need any more trouble than we do now.” They all nodded and watched the five dragons at their mercy. The wait took a while, so Celestia had time to think about at details the dragonets didn't tell her. We won't know when the NightWings will attack. But assuming that they have already prepared for it, about two or three days before they arrive and begin their attack. Who would be aligned with the NightWings? “The Queen is expecting you,” she called out. Celestia and the others walked through the doors and followed the guards inside the palace. All the pillars around the large hall kind of reminded her of Canterlot. The structure looked sturdy as well, considering that the palace was ancient. I guess MudWings being experts with mud tends to give you more knowledge with cement and concrete. They were met with another large door which she assumed led to the throne room. As the gate opened, Celestia gazed around and locked eyes with Queen Moorhen. Her voice echoed around the room, “Dragonets of Destiny, so nice of you to drop by for a visit.” Celestia bowed down to show respect and the others quickly followed. Clay spoke up first, “Uhm Queen Moorhen, we have an emergency message we want to tell you.” The Queen didn't speak as she was anticipating him to continue and tell the message. When she didn't reply to Clay’s words, he continued to speak, “We have a reason to believe that the NightWings are planning to attack the MudWings to ‘remove you from the war’.” “What?” the Queen shouted out. “First, Burn wants us to send reinforcements to the Sand Kingdom to fend off an IceWing attack, now THIS?!” The MudWing next to Queen Moorhen approached her and whispered something into her ear. Then she calmed down, and asked Clay, “How can you be sure that there is an attack?” Clay had practiced what to say with Celestia, hoping that he doesn't accidentally reveal anything that wouldn't be in their favor. “As you know, one of the Dragonets is a NightWing, he is gathering information from them as we speak and he asked us to contact you to avoid the possible disaster that would happen within the next few days.” The Queen looked to her right to see another MudWing, smaller assumed to be one of her sibs. They nodded at her. “I appreciate the warning, but I believe we can handle a couple of NightWings.” Celestia froze. A memory echoed in her head. ‘Thank you for the warning, but I'm sure we can handle a bunch of rogue griffons.’ I got ponies killed, and many badly injured. Naive and young I was. All that blood and death, just because I– I thought I can handle it. I underestimated them, and I lost so many. “NO!” Celestia screamed. The room grew silent, as her voice echoed through the halls as if it haunted the very palace itself. “Please…” Sunny approached the stunned SkyWing, “Celestia, are you alright?” “What's the meaning of this?” The Queen addressed Celestia. She started at the broken dragon, waiting for a response. “Please reconsider, if you underestimate your enemy, it could mean losing dragons. Many, many lives could cost your mistakes.” Celestia explained. “I've experienced something similar to what is happening today, I don't want anyone else to suffer that same regret. If you truly care about the lives of your dragons, reconsider!” she continued. “What exactly are you suggesting here? If I fortify my borders to protect my dragons and not send reinforcements to Burn, she will kill them herself. And I do send reinforcements, they will die in the war while many more will die here with your assumed invasion. None of my options will be in my favor!” Celestia thought to herself for a moment, she asked “The warning is lacking in details, we don’t know the size of the army, nor any specifics required for an actual battle plan. Do you know anyone who might target you? Someone who holds grudges? Maybe like another Queen? Anything that can prevent a massacre!” “You mean other than Burn? I guess maybe there's a possibility that– No…” She turned to her sibs, “Quickly! Alert the soldiers, we are expecting an attack from two fronts! Contact all the dragons you can find and have them all regroup near the palace.” Queen Moorhen turned to face Celestia and apologized, “I'm sorry, I've been on edge ever since the war happened. I don't want my dragons to be in this war any longer. Too many have died and others broken.” “What about Burn? Won't she come and kill you when she finds out you abandoned her?” Clay asked behind Celestia. Moorhen scowled and sighed, “Yes she will, but for now she is occupied with fighting the IceWings up north, with the SkyWings out of the war she would be too focused on keeping herself alive and fortifying her stronghold.” “You seem to know your way around the battlefield, I can feel the years of sorrow and regret within you.” Moorhen remarked.  Celestia nodded in confirmation. “Yes, I have a… past with many, many conflicts.” “It would be great if you would assist us in the preparation for the attack that you warned us about.” Celestia turned to the four dragonets, “You have my service, Your Majesty.” “No! Celestia, we told you we aren't leaving you!” Sunny let out. Celestia kneeled to meet Sunny halfway, “I know what you said Sunny, but if you want to help prevent dragons from dying, this is all you can do. I can help them, and you can go save the world with Twilight and the others.” Sunny wanted to protest more but she knew that this was the only way to help the MudWings. “I– I understand. Please promise me, that you will survive. You are the best guardian we ever had since our hatching, we would hate to lose you so soon.”  Celestia was unsure of how to react, but replied with what Sunny wanted to hear, “I promise.” Sunny smiled and called out to the others, “Come on guys, let's go find Starflight and Twilight.” Sunny walked towards the gate. Tsunami waved goodbye along with Glory. Clay gave Celestia a quick hug. “Your Majesty, please give these dragonets an escort to the rainforest,” Celestia asked, and Moorhen quickly nodded and two MudWing escorts followed behind the dragonets. Sunny looked back and locked eyes with Celestia, then the door closed shut. “Now then, we shall prepare for battle. This isn't going to be a pleasant one.” Moorhen commented. “No battle ever is.” Celestia acknowledged.