//------------------------------// // Sunset // Story: Colours of Dusk // by AlphatheGriffin17 //------------------------------// There was no party that night. Not even Pinkie was feeling up to it. The nine of them were just too drained, so they decided to go home and rest. Twilight shared Dusk's bed, while Spike took his couch. Even after everything that happened, sleep arrived almost instantly. The following morning, Spike belched out a letter during breakfast, bearing the royal Lunar seal. The letter from Luna advised them that she had arranged for a team of construction workers to be dispatched to Ponyville to help repair damages. Sure enough, a few hours later a train from Canterlot pulled into the station, and a large number of builders disembarked and immediately set about their assigned task. While they did their work, they ended up migrating to Sweet Apple Acres for a little get-together. Strongheart, Trixie and Gilda were still in town so they joined them too, along with Zecora. It was far from the rowdiest of gatherings, but everyone was simply content to enjoy each other's company. As the day went on, a number of Ponyville's citizens started to trickle back in, the news having spread to neighbouring cities that the threat had passed. Applejack offered the barn for any who were still without homes while the builders did their work. Her family arrived back that very same day, along with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, the former accompanied by Rarity's parents. Needless to say that there wasn't a dry eye among them. Three days passed and before long, the town was almost back to normal. Homes had been rebuilt and everypony was back where they belonged. Everypony gradually returned to their usual routines. Even the three librarians seemed to be cooking up something in Dusk's home, though if anypony asked they remained oddly mysterious about it. But there was still no big celebration, for there was a larger gathering they had to prepare for. Not long after the majority of Ponyville returned, practically the whole town was emptied again. This time, it was to make their way to Canterlot. Everypony was dressed in dark colours and the mood ranged from morose to completely inconsolable. Dusk and his friends arrived at the Palace early. They were met by Luna and the newly crowned Prince Sombra. His coronation had been a quiet, official affair that had mainly been done out of ceremony. He didn't want it to cut into this particular event. Both were dressed in black, with Luna's face covered by a veil. They hugged her the moment they saw her. Cadence and Shining were there too, in similar states of melancholy. Dusk had never seen the streets of Canterlot so packed, with citizens from all across Equestria in attendance. It wasn't just ponies either. A number of Strongheart's buffalo tribe had arrived, along with Samore, Thorax and a small contingent of changelings. All of them had been transformed in the same way their new rulers had been. Ember had stayed and stood with the other dragon leaders in attendance, including her father: the immensely sized Dragon Lord Torch. A small number of griffin dignitaries arrived too, remaining with Gilda. It was with some trepidation that Luna stepped out onto the balcony to address the crowd. Not because she was nervous. She just wasn't certain she could hold it together for what needed to be done. But the presence of Sombra and her friends helped give her strength. "Citizens of Equestria and beyond," she began, her voice magically amplified. She didn't have it in her for the Royal Voice. "We are here today to mark an event that I never even began to imagine. The pony who should be at my side today was one I thought would always be present. Throughout the centuries, she was as constant as the sun she raised and now… now seems so much dimmer. Today, we gather to remember my… my sister: Princess Celestia." She had to pause as her voice trembled. Sombra stepped a little closer to her and she smiled gratefully at him. "Most of you knew her as the good ruler she always strived to be. Compassionate. Patient. Kind. My sister embodied all of these traits. But she was also… mischievous. She liked to play little jokes and pranks. She loved cake and delighted in games. She preferred not to stand on ceremony, wanting nothing more than enjoyment from her subjects. Her friends… sh-she always made me breakfast. Every morning, without fail even if… if I didn't always appreciate it." She took another pause and went on. "She… she had to make some difficult decisions. Ones for which there was no good outcome and had to be made regardless. She wasn't always perfect but that never stopped her from trying to be her best. She was always willing to give chances, even to those who others wouldn't have thought deserved it. Including the other who gave his life, so we could be here today. "Discord is still remembered as the despot who turned Equestria into his playground. But despite his tendencies towards mayhem and his own odd humour, he still proved willing to change himself for the better. He made friends. He did his best to make others laugh. He challenged us in ways others wouldn't have tried to. In the end, he died as he tried to live following the end of his imprisonment: trying to do the right thing. Even I am willing to admit that he succeeded, most admirably. "Today, we commend what remains of them and their names, as well as others, to rest. We shall never forget them, so long as we all live, along with ideals of friendship and harmony that we all strive to live by. Thank you, everyone." No applause followed, but heads were bowed and Luna stepped off the balcony. Not long after, the procession left the Palace. Carried by silent pallbearers came the casket containing Celestia. It was white, decorated with a finish of yellow and bore a resemblance of her on the lid. She was lying on her back, peacefully and at rest. Next came Discord. They had no remains to speak of for him, but a casket was prepared regardless. Fluttershy had played a large part in advising how his resemblance should look. Though he was lying down, his eyes were covered by a pair of googly goggles with extendable eyes. Instead of a flower, he clutched a rubber chicken in his claws and he wore a bed shirt and a funny-looking nightcap with a grinning head on the bobble. The designer had apparently been quite taken aback at the description, but they had insisted: this was exactly what Discord would have wanted. The remains of Fallen and Tube had already been buried. The former had been buried under the statue that depicted him when he was still Brave Heart, though it had been updated for his turn. The latter had been placed with a simple headstone near his master. However, Hard Edge came in a simple casket, carried by a number of guards to be placed along others of their number that had died in the battle. Given what he'd been through, they felt it was the least he deserved. A new statue had been prepared for the garden. It depicted Celestia, bowing gracefully to Discord who wore a mischievous grin with his tongue out. The Memorial of Harmony and Chaos, inscribed with the names of all who had passed in the recent battle. Dusk had made certain the name Blackhole Doom was added to them as well. The caskets were lowered into the waiting tombs that had been fashioned into the statue. The panels with the names slid away, allowing them to be pushed inside. At this point, a few parties marked them with their own send-offs. The unicorns present set their horns glowing. Earth ponies lightly stomped the ground and Pegasi took off, letting a single feather fall from their wings over the statues, creating a veritable flock of them. The non-ponies paid their own tributes. Torch, Ember and Spike blew fire into the sky. The buffalo made a low, rumbling sound in their throats. The griffins let out a collective cry like eagles that echoed across the sky. The changelings shared a burst of love from their bodies, directed right at the grave and causing it to glow in a radiant light. After these were complete, they all lowered their heads. After a minute of silence, the panels sealed up again, taking the caskets out of sight. Gradually, the majority of the procession were gently escorted away by the guard. The only ones left were those who had fought in the battle. They approached Luna, who still had her head lowered before the statue with Sombra at her side. They waited until she was ready to speak. She raised her veil when she turned to face them, her face still marked by fresh tears. "Thank you everyone," she said. "I… I apologise for my state. Today has been… challenging." "You don't have anything to apologise for, Luna," said Cadence. "Equestria, it… it won't be the same without her. Without either of them. If you wanted to take some time away, I'm sure arrangements could be made." She shook her head. "You're kind to say so, dear niece. But I shall cope. Sombra has been a great boon in that regard." "A surprise to myself, to be sure," put in Sombra. "After the Empire, I didn't think I would ever be fit to rule again. But so far, I seem to be doing well." "Yeah, just try to avoid the whole 'evil king of shadows' thing and you'll be good," said Shining. "Are you still fine to help with the Empire Reconstruction Project?" "But of course. Canterlot may be my domain now, but the Empire is and always will be my home. I shall see to it you can get whatever resources we have to spare," he vowed. "I only hope the Heart can be restored." "We're still trying to recover all of the pieces, but it's going well so far," said Cadence. "I think it was the right decision to have Fallen's henchponies' sentence be to help in its restoration. They've all been surprisingly cooperative with the effort." "Yeah, I guess it works," shrugged Ember. "Just make sure they know I'll be stopping by to make regular checks and light a fire under them if they need it." "Literally or figuratively?" asked Strongheart. "Yes," answered Ember. The buffalo chuckled. "Fair enough. And yes, the Chief expresses similar sentiments. It's better to help create something than to destroy, especially if you helped cause the destruction in the first place." "I'm pleased we are in agreement there," said Luna. "Queen Samore, thank you for attending and for being understanding with your accommodations." "Of course, princess." The changeling inclined her head. "The last time changelings were in Canterlot was a far from pleasant experience. Thorax should be thanked especially. He helped to advise how best to approach the situation to keep things amicable." The King Consort shrugged sheepishly. "I-I just did what seemed best, your highness." She giggled a little. "How many times must I remind you that we're of the same stature now?" "S-Sorry. Still getting used to it," he admitted. "I'm happy to help make things better between changelings and ponies, if I can." "You all make such a big deal about princesses and queens and such," said Gilda. "We griffins don't bother with any of that stuff and we manage fine." "Is that why Griffinstone is such a dump?" asked Rainbow. "Hey, don't talk about my home like… oh, who am I kidding?" she sighed. "It is a dump. Not even griffins wanna stay there." "That is actually something I wished to take the time to address, with all of us gathered here," said Luna. "In light of recent events, it seems clear to me that the time has come to build upon the foundations we've helped establish here. To work to foster positive relations between our peoples. Strongheart and her tribe have already demonstrated with the Appleloosan settlers what we have begun to do on a smaller scale. Twilight Sparkle and I believe there is much potential for growth here." "Even though we're all different," took up Twilight, "we all came together and became better friends as a result. Following discussions, Luna and I feel that the establishment of regular meetings between selected representatives will help promote an exchange of ideas and support for one another." "So this is what you've been doing, shut up in Dusk's house," remarked Ray. "Do you ever take a break?" "Not if Twilight can help it," remarked Spike. "That sounds an excellent idea, Princess Twilight." Samore paused and frowned. "Forgive me, but do you still go by that title?" "I'd prefer the term 'councillor', actually," she corrected. "Luna has granted me the same executive powers as a princess, but I'd rather not go by that term." "Very well then, Councillor Twilight," she replied. "The Changeling Swarm would be happy to accept this notion." "My dad may take some convincing," said Ember. "But he's talking about stepping down soon and after what happened, he's actually letting me run the Gauntlet of Fire for a shot at claiming the title of Dragon Lord. If I get it, I'll be sure to come along to those." "While the buffalo tribe would be happy to participate, I can tell you of some who may also benefit," said Strongheart. "Our cousins the yaks in the far North. A very proud and strong people, but rigid and slow to accept new ideas. But we maintain good relations due to our shared ancestry. I could perhaps help facilitate an introduction at these meetings?" "Ah yes, I recall the yaks from my time as king," said Sombra. "They were something of a nuisance, always testing the borders of the Empire's territory. Usually by breaking things but they weren't much more than scattered tribes back then." "That is very much their mantra," said Strongheart. "They've since banded together as a larger settlement under a single ruler. I must warn you that they are very… particular in their ways. They may not be so open to the idea of friendship with those who aren't yaks or buffalo." "Well they just haven't met the right pony yet!" chimed in Pinkie. "We'll win 'em over, just you wait." "But I already told you, the griffins don't have a formal leader. Haven't had one for years," said Gilda. "Except maybe Grandpa Gruff, but only because no one else wants the job and he just likes yelling at people." "You may select this Grandpa Gruff you wish," said Luna. "But I believe you would also make a fitting ambassador for your people, Gilda." "Huh? Me?!" She barked a laugh. "No way. Ambassadors need to be diplomatic and such. I'm… well, I'm me. I wouldn't be any good." "I would hardly agree with that," said Samore. "Need I remind you that it was you who helped to protect me and bring me to safety?" "Not to mention you patched things up with you and me, plus you made a bunch of new friends," added Rainbow. "Come on, G. Give yourself some credit." "Well…" She shifted uncomfortably. "I'll… I'll think about it. But uh… thanks." "There is something else we've discussed too." Luna went quiet for a moment. "With my immortality as an alicorn now relinquished, with time I shall begin to age. Sombra and I will continue to rule Equestria for a time, but when we reach an advanced enough point, we will both be stepping down as Equestria's last prince and princess." A series of shocked murmurs and gasps followed this. Several overlapping questions began to be asked, until Dusk took up speaking. "There is a contingency of sorts that we've decided upon," he said. "Celestia told Twilight that she had envisioned a new way of ruling Equestria, by way of council. She had intended for Twilight to head it, with the seven of us as its members. If we're open to the idea, we can help to govern alongside Luna in a less formal capacity, gradually taking on more responsibilities to ease the transition when the time comes for her and Sombra to step down. If you're amenable to the idea, of course." "You don't have to give your answers right now," added Twilight. "We realise it's a lot to ask but we wanted to wait until we'd hashed out everything ready for today. We can always pick other ponies if needed, but we would like it if you were all involved in the newly formed Council of Friendship. Dusk and Spike have already confirmed their membership." "Are you kidding? No way am I being left out of this!" Pinkie cheered. "Councillor Pinkie Pie of Laughter and Fun, reporting for duty!" "Make that two," added Rainbow. "This is a chance for me to really show just how awesome at friendship I can be!" "Count me in, if only ta rein in the ego of herself here," said Applejack. "Hey, I'm not that bad." "Guess not, 'cause I know how ta make ya shut up." "Oh yeah? How's-?" Rainbow was cut off when Applejack planted a kiss on her lips. "… Uh…" "Quite remarkable," tittered Rarity. "Well, if there's a place for me, I shall humbly accept. Bring a little style and flair to this council." Fluttershy stepped up. "I'm not sure how much good I'll be but… if it's a chance to help everypony else, I'll be happy to join." "What about you, Ray?" Twilight asked. "I think Celestia originally just meant it to be the Element wielders, but there's a place for you too. You're our friend as well, so it's only right." "Hmm." Ray frowned thoughtfully. "This is weird to think about. Never imagined myself being in charge of anything but myself. Would this make me some upper-class twit of a pony if I do?" "Ya callin' me an upper class twit there?" asked Applejack. "Come on, Ray. Yer always talkin' about how ponies in charge are always so full of themselves an' all that. Well here's yer chance ta do a better job. Unless ya think ya can't handle it?" "Don't think you can goad me with that kind of thing, AJ. I mean, you can but that's not the point." In the end, he shrugged. "You know what? What the hay. Not really sure what all I'll contribute, but sure, I'm in." "Yes! Thank you, everypony. Like I said, it's going to be a very gradual transition," repeated Twilight. "We still need time to fully recover from what happened with Fallen and I know you all have your own responsibilities already. We can work out a way to accommodate ourselves into a system that works." "I'm really proud of you, Twily." Shining came over and hugged her. "She'd be proud of you too." "Which leaves only one question," said Cadence with a sly smile. "Have the two of you set a date yet?" Both Twilight and Dusk came over in blushes. "We'll… get back to you on that one," said Dusk.