Chapter Six: Birth By Shadow
~BlackRoseRaven
At first, the winged unicorn thought she was dreaming as she slowly rose her head, rainbow, ethereal mane flowing around her, matching her rippling tail as she sat up with a grimace, making the emblem of the sun upon her haunch seem to ripple. Her amethyst eyes flickered open as she breathed slowly, her white coat almost glowing in the darkness as she forced herself up to her hooves before a kind voice said gently, as a hand grasped her shoulder and helped steady her: “Don't hurt yourself, Valkyrie Freya. Or shall I call you Celestia?”
“How did you... wait, where am I?” Celestia whispered, frowning as she glanced over her shoulder and looked with surprise at the Nibelung standing beside her, and her tall, spired horn sparked as she narrowed her eyes... but immediately, the dwarf held up a hand with an awkward smile, rawhide kilt and jacket swaying around his body, and Celestia frowned deeply as memories twisted through her mind, steadily surfaced... “I remember... dying. And I remember visions of after-death... my sister's face, her husband, and... yes, I remember you, too. You are an Architect, are you not?”
“Chief Artificer Greece, at your service, Celestia. It is an honor to meet the sister of fancy-corn Luna and the other former Valkyrie of Asgard...” Greece hesitated for a moment, glancing away, and then instead he smiled awkwardly as he gestured around at the other unconscious forms of ponies, many of which were being tended to by both other dwarves and creatures of darkness that Celestia could only stare at for the moment. “I am not surprised you are the first to awaken... I am more surprised your memories are intact.”
“Most of them are, and more surface as we speak...” Celestia said slowly, her eyes locking on a Nightmare that was standing over a blonde-coated pony, curiously checking her over but in no way hostile... and yet it was only surprise and the fact there were many dark entities mingling amongst dwarves and fallen ponies that stopped Celestia from lunging at it. “But I did not expect to see...”
“Do not be afraid. You are like a sister to us now.” said a gentle, cunning voice, and Celestia looked to the side with a frown, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked towards another Nightmare that stood nearby. But she was only further confused when the creature bowed its head to her respectfully, continuing kindly: “Your night-kissed sibling has been very generous with us and all our kindred. We remember you well, Celestia, dawn-bringer of the old world... we recognize and respect your power, and wish to extend... peace between our kind and yourself. It will not do to make sister Luna angry.”
“I... am very confused about what is going on here.” Celestia said finally, looking slowly over her shoulder towards Greece, and the Nibelung smiled wryly at her before the enormous ivory equine returned her eyes towards the eager-looking Nightmare, saying slowly: “Thank you, your gesture is appreciated... I'm just a little lost at the moment. Everything that's happening, you understand...”
“Of course, dawn-bringer. Only know that we mean you no harm and no hostility.” the Nightmare replied kindly, and Celestia nodded slowly, not smiling but not suspicious, either: only confused, and with a strange feeling twisting in her chest as she worried about what Luna had done to earn the allegiance of these creatures.
The Nightmare turned and left, and Celestia shook her head with a grimace before her eyes roved slowly over the unconscious... but many of them were beginning to stir, or at least show signs of coming around. One in particular seemed to already be picking herself up, bit-by-bit, as a Nibelung carefully helped her to her hooves... and Celestia sighed in relief as she strode towards the violet winged unicorn, gladness flooding her form as she said thankfully: “Twilight Sparkle...”
The smaller mare blinked her purple eyes as she sat back on her haunches wearily, looking stupidly around the square as her black-edged wings fluttered once, then settled on Celestia as she smiled dazedly, almost-black bangs hanging in her face, long mane curling naturally over one shoulder and streaked, like her tail, with lines of deep purple and bright pink.
The symbol on her flank was of a reddish six-pointed star, white motes and a circle of red runes surrounding this, and the cutie mark seemed to glow as Celestia hugged Twilight impulsively for a moment, the smaller winged unicorn looking surprised, but then closing her eyes and bowing her head forwards with a blush as she whispered: “We're alive.”
“We are, Twilight Sparkle, but things seem... strange. Are your memories coming back?” Celestia stepped carefully backwards, looking down at her once-apprentice, now-equal quietly and Twilight nodded slowly as she stood up with a grimace, violet eyes roving back and forth... and then filling with surprise at the sight of not only Nibelung, but the other entities that strode and slunk through their ranks as well. “I see you are as surprised as I was.”
“Yes, but...” Twilight surveyed the square for a moment, then smiled despite herself as her eyes roved upwards, tracing over the enormous tree of the library as she quietly turned to face this. “Look... it's just like home. And none of them seem to be hurting anyone. It's like... Luna. It reminds me of Luna.”
“I... think I understand what you mean, and I know that Luna has something to do with these creatures working willingly to seemingly help us, but all the same...” Celestia began slowly, and when Twilight looked imploringly over her shoulder, the ivory equine sighed and nodded slowly, saying finally: “Yes, you don't need to say it. I'll save my judgments for later. For now, we should help.”
“No, for now, you two should both rest.” Greece urged, stepping forwards and shaking his head quickly, and both Twilight and Celestia turned their eyes to the dwarf as he gestured towards the library. “Believe me, I'm happy to see you up on your hooves and in one piece... but don't strain yourselves yet. Besides, there... there are other things that...”
Greece quieted, then he cleared his throat and began to gesture towards the library, but then only winced a bit as Celestia turned towards him and asked quietly: “What is it?”
For all her size, she didn't attempt to intimidate or coerce him... but the pleading of her gaze was almost worse, and doubled when Twilight turned worriedly towards the dwarf as well. For a few moments, Greece fidgeted awkwardly, looking apprehensively from pony to the other... and then he finally sighed and looked anxiously back and forth before saying finally: “I don't know... how to...”
“Trying to tell them that good old Scrivy apparently took some real damn good steroids?” mocked a voice, and Greece looked to the side in surprise as a dull-gray pony approached them, grinning widely, the cutie mark of black and gray balloons on her haunch seeming to ripple... but even more surprising was the sight of the bright pink pony that was striding along beside her, looking exhausted but all the same gaping around at everything with awe. The second earth pony was like the bright twin of the darker one, paralleling childish wonderment for grinning cruelty.
Her fluffy mane and tail bounced a bit as she looked around, seeming to gain back energy by the second as happiness spilled over her features, bouncing a bit on her hooves before she winced when Pinkamena smacked her firmly near the emblem of blue and yellow balloons on her flank. The brighter twin huffed a bit at her sister, but Pinkamena only bared her strangely-sharp teeth in return, saying flatly: “I'm doing you a damn favor, sissy. You should thank me every time I stop you from getting on everypony's nerves, Pinkie Pie.”
“I think I got every right to be excited, at least this time... just like I think we really have to throw a party, and I'm not just saying that because... you know, parties are like the bestest thing ever.” Pinkie replied positively, and Pinkamena groaned and rolled her eyes, leaning away in disgust before the bright pink earth pony smiled and turned her eyes towards Twilight and Celestia, adding in a softer, wondering voice: “But isn't it amazing? I remember... I remember a lot. I remember good things and bad things and wow things and eww things and a lot a lot that I never thought I'd ever remember in all that time I spent... you know, as... faded.”
“Dead.” Pinkamena supplied, and Pinkie Pie looked at her flatly as Pinkamena grinned in return, winking at her. “Hey, we all spent time dead, sissy. You should feel lucky, you spent the most time of us all in the grave. Too bad it didn't dampen your spirits a little, but you still stink like a coffin to me.”
“Lemon Drop!” Pinkie Pie whined, and Pinkamena threw her head back with a groan, then muttered under her breath and looked grouchily away. “Anyway, that's all over now, right? Unless I'm dreaming. Then that would mean you were all just figments of my imagination, but... I don't think I could imagine any of this. I wanted to... I remember that when I dreamed, I would always dream of being together again, and I was so excited when we came across that magic rainbow to get here, but I never imagined that... that we'd actually be here, you know?”
Twilight smiled faintly at the rapidly-talking pony, nodding slowly once before she turned her eyes back towards the dwarf: Celestia still had her attention focused on Greece, but Greece's eyes were staring between the Pink Twins, the Nibelung looking stupefied for a moment before Pinkamena glared at him with her red-rimmed eyes, snapping: “You want me to fix your face for you, midget? It looks like it could do with being broken.”
The Nibelung cleared his throat loudly at this, hurriedly looking away as he rubbed at his head, and Pinkie Pie leaned forwards, saying quickly: “Oh, don't mind her, mister dwarf! She's a lot nicer than she acts.”
“No I'm not.” Pinkamena muttered, and then she shook her head and added distastefully: “And aren't you going to tell 'em about Luna and Scrivy, and what they've been up to? Seems I'm the only one that knows... then again, I was there when Luna made the pact with all these nasty little wannabes. I heard the call go out... I saw her negotiate and send 'em on their way. Looks like they all agreed, one way or another. Then again, looking at those two, I gotta say even I wouldn't want to risk pissing them off. You might wanna watch yourself, Princess Sunshine: don't think things'll go pretty for you if Luna decides she wants a little payback for when you exiled her to the moon.”
“Wow, you're as pleasant as ever, I see. Somepony wanna fill me in on what's going on?” asked a tired male voice, and Pinkamena grinned widely as her eyes flicked towards a light blue Pegasus pony, the stallion rolling his head on his shoulders before briskly shaking his rainbow-colored mane out of his magenta eyes, rolling his strong shoulders and flapping his wings once as a goldenrod earth pony mare strode up beside him, hay-blonde hair falling loose around her shoulders as she shook her head out irritably. “Please tell me we didn't all die.”
“Yup.” drawled another voice, and the growing group was joined by a tall, barrel-chested red earth pony with a green apple half emblem on his flank, his own mane and tail cut shorter, his eyes the same gemstone green as the orange-gold mare's... and the two smiled warmly at one another before sister and brother traded a tight hug, then the large pony glanced down and patted an orange-eyed, exhausted-looking filly with a fluffy red mane and tail, yellow coat glimmering in the darkness as the mare gave a sigh of relief. “But we're back now.”
The Pegasus snorted, and Twilight looked slowly around at them all, murmuring: “Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Apple Bloom... I'm so glad to see you're all okay. And the others, did you see...”
Eyes roved up, back and forth over the town square, gazing from pony-to-pony: there were many familiar faces, and even a few unfamiliar ones who looked around in confusion but also relief... and then, finally, Twilight let out a sigh of relief as she saw the easily-discerned figure of a young, gangly dragon carefully helping an ivory unicorn with a violet mane and tail both swirled in a corkscrewing pattern to her hooves. “Spike! Rarity!”
The dragon looked up in surprise, lime-green ear-fins twitching and face lighting up with happiness, the purple scales of his body all-but-glowing before the unicorn stumbled a bit, but he caught her against his body, looking down at her with a blush. The white unicorn looked up with a smile, however, blue eyes almost glowing before she hugged him impulsively, the dragon's green eyes lighting up with warmth as Rainbow Dash snorted before he shouted teasingly: “There'll be time for that later, you guys!”
“Oh, shut up, Rainbow. You don't gotta ruin every happy moment, y'know.” Applejack said dryly, and the Pegasus pony shrugged amiably before the earth pony mare smiled around at the gathered ponies, murmuring: “But am I ever glad to see each and every one of you here in one piece, and... wait, where's Fluttershy?”
“I'm right here.” murmured a quiet voice, and Twilight sighed in relief as eyes roved towards a Pegasus that was quietly approaching, blushing deeply: her bright yellow coat made her seem to almost glimmer in the darkness, and her pink mane fell along one side of her face and over her other shoulder, her blue eyes humble and kind before Rainbow Dash's jaw dropped in a gape and Applejack stared in shock as the ponies realized that a Phooka was striding calmly next to the Pegasus. “I just got a little lost. This nice stallion helped me find my way back, though.”
Twilight looked slowly towards the Phooka: its eyes glowed with eldritch green fire, its coat was dark and yet strangely semisolid, it seemed more animal than pony... and then, as the violet winged unicorn began to open her mouth, Fluttershy only smiled faintly and bowed her head forwards, saying quietly: “It's okay. I know he's a Phooka. But I was scared, so he soothed me by... well...”
The creature looked towards Twilight, and Twilight met its eyes before she felt something twist into her mind... and a moment later, she was gazing at a kind-looking unicorn as she felt its hypnotic powers wash over her... yet in a way that was passive, only disguising itself to her vision before it said in a quiet, serious voice: “We aren't here to hurt you, ponies. The dark one has been good to us: we are not like your kind, turning on what feeds us.”
Then it drew its gaze away, and once more the violet pony was looking at the dark shape of the Phooka as it began to turn. Before it could draw away entirely, however, Fluttershy looked towards it with a blush, saying awkwardly: “Thank you very much for helping me.”
The Phooka glanced over its shoulder and rumbled something, then strode off as Rarity and Spike joined the group from the other side, the dragon whistling a bit before he murmured: “So I guess that... that none of what happened was really a dream, huh? I...wow, even Queen Celestia is here, and... I mean...”
“I am no Queen now. That was our old Equestria... right now, I'm just another pony that's as confused as everypony else.” Celestia replied quietly, smiling a little despite herself, and then she glanced over her shoulder, frowning a bit before her eyes roved to where Greece was still standing and surveying them nervously, saying quietly: “There is a Pegasus filly named Scarlet Sage...”
“Fancy-corn Luna's daughter, yes. Red mane, silver coat?” Greece glanced over the group, and when several ponies nodded, he nodded in return, saying quietly: “We were given special orders to look out for her. I am sure she is safe, whether she awoke here or somewhere else.”
Celestia nodded slowly, and then Greece smiled a bit as he half-turned to look out over the square, where ponies were being to reacquaint themselves with their surroundings, one-another, and the creatures around them: here and there, a few looked terrified, but they were being soothed by both awkward dwarves as well as other ponies, even though the air seemed to be growing thicker with apprehension. “I did not expect you all to awaken so soon, I must admit. It's only been two hours... but perhaps our kind has always underestimated your kind. I should know better, anyway, after having worked with Luna for so long.”
“But Mom is really, really strong.” murmured a voice, and the dwarf looked down in surprise as Twilight Sparkle felt relief spread through her body and even Celestia looked gladdened, the other ponies of the group smiling as a filly approached, then laughed tiredly and traded a hug with Apple Bloom when the young pony leapt towards her.
She was a Pegasus filly, with crimson mane and tail and the emblem of a black-edged, red mirror on her flank, her crimson eyes warm and radiant. Her coat, like described, was a regal silver, and then she blushed deeply as Fluttershy pushed through the group and almost picked her up in a fierce hug, hugging her tightly back and whispering: “I'm sorry for what happened before, Aunt Fluttershy...”
“No no no, you never have to apologize for that... I know it wasn't your fault. We were all tricked, Scarlet Sage. I'm just so happy to see you...” Fluttershy replied quietly, and the other ponies smiled, some of the tenseness leaving the air, pushed back by the warmth of kindness that took its place.
Even Celestia softened... and as Fluttershy and Scarlet Sage parted, the enormous equine stepped forwards and quietly stroked along Scarlet Sage's back, the filly looking up with a blush and awkward smile as the ivory winged unicorn said softly: “Yes. The past doesn't matter now... this is a new world, filled with new possibilities. Are you feeling alright? Are your powers...”
“Yes, I'm fine. I... I think I'm too tired right now for them to... you know.” Scarlet Sage blushed a bit, lowering her head embarrassedly, but then she looked up and laughed awkwardly when Twilight Sparkle slipped forwards and hugged the filly tightly as well. “I... thank you.”
“I'm just... it feels good.” Twilight Sparkle said softly, and then she smiled a bit as she slipped carefully back, gazing up towards the starlit, deep dark sky overhead, her eyes settling on the moon high above before she murmured quietly: “Don't take this the wrong way, Celestia, but... I think I'm glad that... it's night when this happened. That everypony will see now that Luna's not so bad after all.”
Celestia began to smile, opening her mouth to agree, and then she frowned a bit as her eyes caught the way Greece flinched, her irises immediately flicking towards the dwarf. He winced a bit at her look, then rubbed at the back of his head as Celestia leaned towards him before he said finally, hurriedly: “Look, you should know before your sister returns...”
“There is no need, our sister returns now. Let us go to greet her!” a passing Nightmare replied eagerly, and Celestia's frown darkened at this as Twilight looked up and felt her own twist of worry, the other ponies exchanging uneasy looks before Pinkamena threw her head back and laughed.
Her teeth glinted and her eyes almost-glowed, looking strangely elated as she nodded rapidly and half-shoved Pinkie Pie towards towards the road leading to the northern gates of the village. “That sounds like a great idea, doesn't it? Come on, everypony, let's all go see Luna and Scrivener Blooms... I wanna see how you all react to this, it's gonna be one hell of a laugh!”
“Does anypony else got that sinkin' feelin' in their gut?” Applejack asked apprehensively, and Rainbow Dash grunted in agreement as Spike worriedly looked towards Rarity, the unicorn flicking her corkscrewed mane and giving him an anxious look in return. “Twilight, what about you?”
“All I know that is Luna is... is my friend. I know that she wouldn't ever put any of us at risk, and she...” Twilight halted, blushing a bit, and she shook her head quickly before hurrying after Pinkie Pie and Pinkamena. “Let's just... see for ourselves.”
Scarlet Sage hurried up to Twilight Sparkle's side, looking up at her with concern, but before she could say anything Celestia strode up to the filly's other side, saying quietly even as the other ponies fell into nervous line after them: “Twilight Sparkle is right. Whatever my sister is doing, I am sure that it must be in the interests of helping us... even if she has a wild side to her, she still... is my little sister, and my friend. I trust her.”
The filly smiled a bit up to Celestia, and Twilight Sparkle gave her own smile of relief to the ivory winged unicorn, who gave a small smile of her own in return as she murmured: “I remember the lessons of the past all too well. Besides, Luna is responsible for saving us... how could I make judgments against her with that in mind?”
“Thank you, Celestia.” Twilight said softly, bowing her head forwards respectfully, but Celestia only laughed a bit and shook her own head slowly as they continued onwards, Pinkamena still in the lead with Pinkie Pie bouncing excitedly on her hooves, neither of the Pink Twins seeming to notice or care about the demons, Nightmares, and otherworldly entities striding beside them even as the winged unicorns looked apprehensively back and forth.
Scarlet Sage didn't seem bothered by their presence, either, even as a reptilian demon the size of a truck fell into pace beside them, glancing towards the filly. Its dark red eyes surveyed them as it rumbled slow breaths in and out of its chest, and Twilight frowned a bit as she looked towards this large entity before she glanced down in surprise when it was the filly who spoke up, saying quietly: “That's Atrus. Mom and Dad told him to look after me.”
Twilight nodded slowly as Celestia looked apprehensively at the demon, her eyes drawing over it before the violet winged unicorn smiled awkwardly and said nervously: “It's... nice to meet you, Atrus. I'm Twilight Sparkle. I'm a friend of Luna's.”
The demon favored her with a mild look, and Twilight winced a bit before the creature sighed and bowed its head towards her respectfully, murmuring: “I begin to understand why the night queen wanted more protection for you ponies than her dragon alone...”
“What dragon?” Celestia asked with a frown, but Atrus only favored her with a wry smile before he jerked his head towards the gates, and Celestia slowly turned her sharp amethyst gaze forwards before her eyes widened and she whispered: “It cannot be.”
Across the fields, an enormous shape was striding towards them, and Celestia recognized the feelings of power and terror it emanated all too well: the shape, the coloration was different from any other Tyrant Wyrm she had seen, but all the same, it was undoubtedly a Tyrant Wyrm. And immediately, she threw off her tiredness and confusion to run ahead, shoving past ranks of demons and out the gates, almost knocking Pinkamena sprawling even as the half-demon laughed loudly as Celestia shouted: “Halt, monster!”
“Now, sister, is that any way to talk to thy brother-in-law?” replied a teasing voice, and Celestia's eyes widened in disbelief as the Tyrant Wyrm halted, seemed to smile – to smile! – at her, and then it slowly lowered its head forwards... and the ivory equine could only stare in shock at the sight of Luna standing proudly on top of its wide, flat skull, her coat as dark as night and yet almost radiating its own aphotic glow, adding to the luminescence of her swirling mane. She was smiling and tall, her black pearl swaying around her neck upon its band of ivy, her cyan eyes glowing as she looked down at them with warmth. “Celestia... Twilight Sparkle... Scarlet Sage... oh, most joyous of nights! To see thee all... and all our friends who were lost upon the journey... Scrivener Blooms, is this not wonderful?”
“Yes. It truly is.” the Tyrant Wyrm spoke in a soft, recognizable voice, and Celestia felt herself grow pale, her features tightening as she could only stare, and Twilight's jaw fell open as even Scarlet Sage looked shocked before the enormous creature smiled a bit over them leaning forwards and saying gently: “I know. There have been... changes. But I'm still me... and I'm so glad to see each and every one of you. Even you, Twilight.”
Twilight laughed weakly at this as Luna leapt down from the Tyrant Wyrm's head, and the beast shifted a bit as a Draconequus slid down his wing, clutching a broken glass box against his chest moodily. The violet pony's eyes roved to this, widening slightly as Luna looked over her shoulder, and Discombobulation mumbled to himself as he strode up beside the dark winged unicorn, holding up his box and saying in a surly voice: “I'll be happier to see you all back in one piece when my own home isn't in pieces.”
Then he winced when Twilight Sparkle leapt forwards and hugged one of his legs firmly, fumbling his aquarium before flailing his arms wildly as he dropped it, but Luna caught it with telekinesis and an amused snort as the violet winged unicorn whispered: “I'm so glad to see you. I never got to thank you for what you did... for how you saved us all.”
“Well, don't worry, Twilight Sparkle I think of it fondly and regret it often.” Discombobulation retorted, and when Twilight looked at him imploringly, he sighed and rolled his eyes, reaching down to pet her awkwardly on the head. “It's nice to see you. Satisfied?”
“For now.” Twilight smiled a little as she drew back, and then her eyes roved past the Draconequus towards Scrivener Blooms, who Celestia was still staring at with disbelief as Pinkamena only laughed and Pinkie Pie gaped beside her, leaning forwards on the tips of her hooves. Before the violet mare could say anything, however, Scrivener closed his eyes... and in front of the amazed gaze of the ponies and other creatures of shadow that lingered behind them, the Tyrant Wyrm rapidly began to shrink down as his features changed, until he once more resembled the earth pony's old form... except for the scaled, clawed limbs and long, thick tail, that was.
He smiled slightly as he strode forwards, almost the same size as Luna, who matched Celestia's grand height now... and they both gazed over the ponies, looking both confident and nervous in the same breath as Discombobulation snatched his aquarium out of the air and stepped hurriedly backwards before Luna asked softly: “Don't I get a hug, too, Twilight Sparkle? Or hast thou decided Bob is a better husband than I would be a wife?”
“Hey, no marrying other ponies.” Scrivener nudged her playfully, smiling a bit as Luna snorted in amusement and gave him a wry grin in return... and Twilight looked between the two, recognizing the old banter, her eyes filling with relief as she saw them: not just their changed exterior, but what was and always had been inside the two... what had always drawn her to the beautiful winged unicorn and the sarcastic, cynical poet.
She stepped forwards, hugging Luna fiercely, dropping her head against her neck, and Luna looked surprised as she gazed down at the winged unicorn before smiling faintly and wrapping a forelimb tight around her, pulling Twilight closer and closing her eyes in relief as she held her for a moment. Then the purple mare pulled back, only to smile and turn to hug Scrivener tightly, and he returned the embrace firmly, pulling her closer against his body, wrapping both forelimbs tightly around her as she felt the strange sensation of armor-like scales rubbing against her body and a strength she knew hadn't been in the poet's form before.
She slipped back, gazing up into his eyes, and he looked back down at her with a faint but true smile... and then he laughed as Scarlet Sage ran between her mother and father, Luna sweeping her up in her forelimbs as she sat back on her haunches and Scrivener reaching one claw out to stroke through the crimson mane of the filly, but his other lingered on Twilight's shoulder, and she smiled at this despite herself. Luna, meanwhile, laughed as she nuzzled Scarlet Sage, the filly clinging to her mother's neck as she buried her face into her starry locks, whispering: “You and Dad are really back... and you really beat the bad guys, didn't you?”
“We did, Scarlet Sage. But our truest triumph is this... is bringing back... everything that was lost.” Luna murmured softly, her eyes roving over the congregation of ponies that was steadily gathering amidst the dark shapes of the demons and night spirits. And Luna smiled faintly as her eyes roved to Celestia, feeling a shiver roll through her body before she whispered: “Big sister, I... I am so glad to see thee... I know this must be a shock, but... worry not. Is what thou see now not proof enough that Scrivener Blooms and I have ourselves under control? We have only done what was necessary.”
“Luna...” Celestia stared at her for a few moments... and then she gritted her teeth and bowed her head forwards, her rainbow mane sparking with electricity as Pinkamena chuckled somewhere behind her, and the ivory winged unicorn sighed before she rose her head. Twilight, Scarlet Sage, Scrivener Blooms all looked at her imploringly, and Luna was staring with such worry, such fear, and what seemed like it could even be guilt... and Celestia felt her heart thud in her chest before she nodded hesitantly, murmuring: “I was just... taken off guard. In time, I want to know more, because I never imagined this turn of events... but... for now, I'm only glad to see you back, little sister. And I'm so proud of you... for saving us all.”
Luna smiled radiantly as she straightened a bit, happiness filling her eyes and form as she blushed a bit in pleasure, replying warmly: “I was only correcting the fault that was mine to begin with, 'tis all, big sister. And I shall explain everything, down to the last detail to thee, I swear this to thee by Yggdrasil itself... I am only so glad to see all of thee...”
“And we're happy to see you, right guys?” Pinkie Pie said brightly, bouncing forwards as she threw off her daze, and she grinned over her shoulder... but Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Spike, and many of the other ponies were staring in shock, even fear that was being worsened all the more by the whispers of flattery and adoration from the Nightmares and other dark entities standing amidst the living ponies. Even Fluttershy seemed apprehensive, shivering a bit, and Pinkie Pie winced as Pinkamena glared at her pointedly before the bright pink pony hurriedly turned back towards Luna and added quickly: “We should throw a big celebration today, I think, I bet everypony's just really... tired right now! I know I sure am!”
“Thou has a funny way of showing tiredness.” Luna smiled a little, gazing at Pinkie Pie as the earth pony blushed a bit, and then the darkness-touched winged unicorn shook her head slowly, saying quietly: “And it is alright, my friends. Even the Nibelung were worried at first, so I cannot blame any of thee. But please... give us a chance. Thou still art all my friends... we are still the same Luna and Scrivener Blooms, even if now we are stronger, seeped in deeper shadows than we once wert. But I think Pinkie Pie is right... all of thee must be exhausted. Go, thy homes await, from replicas of largest house to the smallest hovel... except for thee, Fluttershy. For thee, we fashioned a new cottage, on the way to Sweet Apple Acres. Thou shalt be safe there. Thou shalt not be the victim of bad memories there.”
“Thank you, Luna.” Fluttershy blushed a bit at this, pawing a hoof at the ground as the Pegasus lowered her head almost embarrassedly, and then she smiled a little when Applejack reached up and touched her shoulder gently. “You really didn't have to...”
“We did.” Luna smiled faintly, looking softly towards the Pegasus mare as she said quietly: “Thou sacrificed so much for us, suffered so greatly on the journey. I owe thee that and more. I owe all of thee a great debt still, that I have only begun to pay back... and Scrivener Blooms and I plan to ensure that one way or another, 'tis paid in full. But all of thee should go to rest... my servants of the night or Nibelung can escort thee if any of thee likes, but the way home for all of thee should be clear enough. Rest tonight: tomorrow, we celebrate.”
There were nods and a bit of muted applause as Applejack winced a little and Rainbow grinned awkwardly, looking towards Scrivener as he said finally: “Guys' night out is going to end up being even more awkward now, dude. I'm supposed to be the tough one.”
“Actually, Big Mac was always the tough one.” Scrivener replied with a bit of a smile, and the Pegasus stallion grinned a bit wider, looking almost relieved as Big Mac smiled a little despite himself. “Don't worry, Rainbow. I might be larger and scarier but Luna still pummels me regularly.”
“Why doesn't that reassure me?” Rainbow laughed a little, then he nudged Applejack firmly, but the earth pony mare only managed a small smile, one leg around Apple Bloom, holding her close as if to keep her safe despite the obvious curiosity on the filly's face. “I... let's go then. Yeah, we'll feel better in the morning.”
“Yeah. Come on, Fluttershy, we'll walk home with you, help you check out this here new home of yours.” Applejack murmured after a moment, glancing towards the Pegasus, and she nodded quietly before the earth pony glanced awkwardly towards Luna and Scrivener, saying quietly: “I... thank you. For bringing us back, for... building this place for us. I ain't ungrateful. I think things are just going to take some getting used to.”
“There's an understatement.” Pinkamena muttered, and Pinkie Pie looked at her pointedly, but the half-demon pony only glowered back. “Screw you. I'm just telling it like it is, that's all.”
“That doesn't mean it's bad though... it took me a long time to get used to the idea of designing more than just fashionable clothing, but once I did, I had something else to take pride in... sometimes, change is growth.” Rarity spoke up suddenly, and Luna smiled at this sentiment as the white unicorn blushed a bit before she glanced towards Spike as he smiled awkwardly at her. “Yes. The unexpected can be... very good indeed.”
“So. Uh. We're going to go too.” Spike added awkwardly, nodding as he rubbed the back of his head, and even Celestia looked at him with entertainment as a blush rose in the dragon's cheeks and he fidgeted on the spot, Rarity clearing her own throat. “I'm just going to see Rarity home. Really. The boutique is there, right?”
“Oh, aye. And furnished just as Rarity had it before, right down to the large and comfortable bed.” Luna said blandly, and Spike turned redder as Twilight sighed and gave the winged unicorn a flat look. “But worry not. I am sure there will be much celebrating tonight in many forms. I am sure few will be going lonely.”
“Excuse us.” Rarity said awkwardly as she blushed deeply, hurriedly turning, and Spike stumbled quickly after her with a dumb giggle as Applejack sighed and Rainbow Dash threw his head back and laughed, stomping his hooves a few times before he huffed when Big Mac nudged him firmly, and the Apple family turned to make their way up the road, Fluttershy following along with a blush.
The Pegasus halted for a moment beside Luna, however, smiling at her hesitantly as she looked from her to Scrivener before saying quietly: “Thank you. For everything... for being so kind to me. I can see that... no matter what, you're still good parents to Scarlet Sage, and even if you were... a little scary in that big shape of yours, Scrivener Blooms, I know it's not what outside that matters, it's what's inside.”
Luna smiled softly and Scrivener nodded, then Fluttershy blushed a bit before she hurried onwards, and the two gazed over their shoulders after the Pegasus before their eyes roved towards the Pink Twins as they bickered for a moment. Then, finally, Pinkamena threw her head back with a groan before she looked moodily over at Luna, saying grouchily: “I have to go babysit the baby now, because she wants to go check out Sugar Cube Corners and then go to bed to be all ready for her stupid party tomorrow. Luna, Scrivener Blooms, don't burn down anything without me.”
Luna rolled her eyes, and then Pinkie Pie smiled and waved at them, bouncing on the spot as the bright twin added: “Tomorrow's gonna be the best day ever, just wait and see! Everypony will be happy, and we'll all celebrate you both and ourselves and everything else... I bet it'll put everypony in the right mood.”
“I hope so, Pinkie Pie.” Luna said softly, and the smiling pink pony nodded before she yelped when Pinkamena shoved her roughly around in a circle, then began to bully her towards the gates, pushing through the throng of creatures of shadow and the few ponies that still lingered and looked apprehensively towards the cluster.
Gently, Luna finally set Scarlet Sage to the ground as Celestia stepped to the side and Twilight studied the others, her eyes soft, and a little concerned now for Luna. But the black-sapphire winged unicorn only smiled a little, glancing towards Twilight before she said quietly: “'Tis alright. Aye, I hoped... for better, but this is alright. Besides, if thou can excuse me for a moment, my business is not done.”
Twilight nodded with a hesitant smile, and Luna nodded back before she stepped forwards, past the other winged unicorns, and her eyes roved back and forth before she announced calmly to the entities of night: “Creatures of darkness, I have no further orders for thee, and thy loyalty is proven... know that all of thee are welcome here, and anywhere else, as equal and ally. But remember the laws we have set forth: thy loyalties are pledged to me, thou shalt treat the pony-folk as friends, and I may call upon thee again. I will send messages to thee and thine ilk as this world develops and I better am able to place thee... know that I am pleased, though, and thou shall all be rewarded. Now go, let thy kin know their duties are done, return to thy burrows, find safe places, and mingle as thou will. I am gladdened to have all of thee at my side.”
Luna bowed towards the group, and many of the gathered dark entities bowed back respectfully before they began to vanish into the night, Luna smiling beneath the bright moonlight before her eyes flicked towards Greece and the few Nibelung that remained, and the winged unicorn added quietly: “Thou and thine may also leave to rest, Artificer. But in the morning, do a kindness for me and have Babylon send a letter with the results of the revival: I wish to know the status of the ponies across Equestria, hopeful as I am for all their well-being.”
Greece nodded at this, bowing politely to her as he smiled awkwardly. “Of course, fancy-corn Luna. I will ensure that Babylon sends the message along as soon as possible.”
“Good. Then thou may go.” Luna said softly, and Greece bowed again before he turned and gestured quickly to the other dwarves, heading back towards Ponyville. A few ponies automatically fell into step with the Nibelung, many of them seeming to recognize they were no longer enemies, and Luna couldn't help but smile at this, even as she felt a lingering worry in her heart for the way the ponies were already reacting.
But her thoughts were dispelled as she felt Celestia's hoof gently touch her shoulder, and she turned to the ivory equine as the enormous mare asked hesitantly: “Is this wise, sister? Demons and Nightmares are not creatures who take well to being put under bondage and control. The Nibelung, at least, agreed to work with us willingly, if my memories are true.”
“They have all pledged loyalty to me, and I have faith in my strength... and moreover, in their word. After all, look at Discombobulation. The creature is horrendously obnoxious but the Draconequus always came through upon his promises, did he not?” Luna smiled slightly, glancing towards the chimerical creature in question, who grouchily looked up from where he was sitting on his broken aquarium before he rose his eagle talon and flipped her off, but the winged unicorn only threw her head back and laughed. “Oh, great obscene beast! Very well, I shall mend thy home, will that make thee feel better?”
“Let me do it, Luna, I'm feeling better by the moment.” Twilight replied quietly, and Luna smiled at her as Discombobulation lowered both finger and hand, stepping carefully up and rubbing absently at his chest with a grimace as the violet pony looked towards him with soft concern. “Are you alright? I can try and heal you...”
“That's a kind offer, Twilight Sparkle, but what ails my body is far less serious than what's wrong with my mind.” Discombobulation answered calmly, and Twilight smiled a bit before she turned her attention to the aquarium, her horn glowing as she concentrated before smiling as the glass glowed as it mended itself, cracks repairing and shattered pieces of glass quickly piling back up into place as the Draconequus murmured thoughtfully: “But of course, sometimes fixing the environment does a lot for the native inhabitants. After all, the polar bears can't live in water, so fixing up all that ice would help quite a bit, wouldn't it?”
Twilight smiled a little... and then Discombobulation bowed to them before he straightened and snapped his fingers, vanishing from the spot to reappear in miniature form inside the aquarium, where he busily began to run around, righting the water bowl and fixing the other objects inside his tiny home as Twilight gazed down at him with warmth. Then she finally laughed awkwardly, glancing up at Luna as Celestia said gently: “Sister... I think Twilight and I are strong enough to... hold conversation and keep you company, if you'll have us. But Scarlet Sage is looking weary...”
The filly looked up awkwardly, blushing a bit from where she was curled against Luna's leg, and the winged unicorn laughed quietly before she glanced over at Scrivener Blooms and winked at him. The male immediately scowled at her, but she only replied pointedly: “Well, thou wanted to be strong and useful, and this is what a strong and useful male does. Carry us three poor fillies, oh mighty, valorous steed, we are too tired to walk ourselves.”
“Luna, if we didn't have company, I'd be squishing you right now.” Scrivener grumbled, and Luna laughed as Celestia and Twilight watched the male step backwards, Scarlet Sage looking up with a tired blink of her eyes before the poet grumbled a bit and added flatly as he turned and strode a short distance away: “I'm only doing this because Scarlet Sage really does look exhausted, and did just come back from the dead with Celestia and Twilight.”
With that, his long tail flicked as he dropped his head forwards, then he gritted his teeth... and Celestia and Twilight stared as the male transformed, growing rapidly larger, scales spreading back over his body as Scarlet Sage gasped softly and Luna grinned in delight, feeling a strange thrill of pride warm her body at the expressions on the faces of both the other winged unicorns.
Within moments, Scrivener Blooms stood tall and proud, the enormous Tyrant Wyrm rumbling slowly in his throat as he rolled his shoulders and shook his head briskly. His eyes glowed beneath the pale starlight as he glanced over his shoulder towards them, lowering his body slightly as he said gently: “Well, come on then. Load up.”
Luna laughed quietly, shaking her head, and then she smiled and carefully picked up Scarlet Sage as she flapped her strong wings, carrying herself up onto the Tyrant Wyrm's back fearlessly and gently settling the filly down, and Scarlet Sage let out a whisper of amazement as she let herself lay down against Scrivener's back, looking back and forth in awe at the sight of the enormous, piston-like bones to either side of her. Then she blushed a bit as Luna stroked a hoof down her back, saying softly: “Worry not, my child. We shall always keep thee safe, and thou shalt always be our daughter.”
“I know. I feel... comfortable.” Scarlet Sage smiled a little, and Luna softened, nodding as she laid herself down beside the filly, wrapping a limb around her and hugging her a little closer as Scarlet Sage curled against her mother with a faint smile. “I'm so glad you're still both here...”
Luna laughed quietly and nodded, then glanced up with a warm look as Celestia and Twilight both landed on Scrivener's back a moment later, the ivory equine looking a little apprehensive as she admitted: “This feels very strange, sister. Even if I know it's Scrivener Blooms, all the same, something about this feels... very odd.”
“Whatever could thou mean, Celestia? Don't all stallions transform into Tyrant Wyrms when they finally start to act like adults instead of whining children?” Luna asked seriously, and Celestia sighed and gave her sibling a flat look as Twilight smiled despite herself while setting Discombobulation's aquarium gently down. “Yes, 'tis odd, But he makes a handsome steed.”
“I hate you.” Scrivener grumbled as he began to stride slowly around Ponyville, keeping his pace steady and careful as he felt the ponies shifting and settling over his back. He glanced awkwardly over his shoulder after a few moments, however, looking at Celestia almost nervously and adding quietly: “But don't worry. Tyrant Wyrm or not, I... I am still me. I guarantee that. I'm willing to do anything I have to in order to prove that, too.”
“Just be yourself, Scrivener Blooms, and that will prove it for me... although as the pieces come together, I begin to worry about what Odin's reaction was to all this.” Celestia said softly, and Scrivener winced a bit as he looked forwards, Luna lowering her head quietly as the ivory winged unicorn smiled faintly. “As I thought. What happened?”
“He threatened us... he was going to kill us, Celestia. So I did the only thing I could do, and killed him.” Luna said quietly, and Celestia gazed silently upon her sister as Twilight Sparkle looked sharply up and Scarlet Sage curled herself closer against her mother, her own red eyes looking worriedly up at the winged unicorn. Luna, however, only pulled her daughter closer, smiling a little as she bowed her head. “Aye, I am an ex-Valkyrie that slew the once-Patriarch. 'Tis fitting, though, for a darkness-blasted creature like me, I suppose.”
“Don't say that, little sister.” Celestia said quietly, gazing at her softly, and Luna smiled embarrassedly as she glanced up before looking with gladness towards Twilight as the violet pony stepped forwards and wrapped a foreleg tightly around her shoulders, as Celestia continued gently: “I trust you. I know... perhaps I still judge a little quickly, even after all these years spent as a Pale, watching you even when... you weren't aware I was around.”
“That sounds sick, Celestia. Thou art a sick pervert.” Luna mumbled, but she blushed a bit all the same, glancing embarrassedly towards the ivory equine as Celestia only smiled and shook her head slowly. “I... it is not thy fault. Thou wert Freya once.”
“And Freya almost killed Odin after what he did to you herself.” Celestia said ironically, and Luna smiled a little wider before the ivory equine hesitated, then looked down and said softly: “There will be time to sort out... these heavy subjects later, though. I am still... a little disoriented by everything that's gone on, and this all feels so dreamlike, so scattered, in so many ways. We were dead for a decade... you were almost lost to us... and now, you've brought Equestria back in a different layer of reality. You have changed, sister, but you have not... and I know that no matter what questions, what worries there are, they are all for the future. For now, we should... take this time to be together, and be happy.”
“I agree.” Twilight Sparkle said softly, and then she patted Scrivener's scaled back firmly, looking up and calling easily: “I don't think any more of you now that you're bigger though, Scrivy. You're still always going to be the same lazy poet to me.”
Scrivener grumbled under his breath, but he smiled all the same even as he exhaled a burst of blue smoke from his nostrils, replying dryly: “And wings or not, Twilight Sparkle, you're still a little know-it-all unicorn who needs to learn books can't teach her everything. And that's coming from a writer.”
“A bad writer.” Twilight smiled, and Scrivener laughed even as he grunted in agreement. Luna visibly brightened at the camaraderie between the two, and even Celestia seemed to lighten as Scarlet Sage giggled a bit and curled herself closer down against the enormous male's back as the five relaxed in the peace after the storm... or perhaps what was to be only the eye of the whirling hurricane.