A Golden Paradise at Last
The light that surrounded Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk settled completely. The trio opened their eyes and looked around to see their friends in awe. They looked up, and their faces beamed with excitement.
“Wow,” Sonata Dusk said. “What a place.”
“I have never seen anything like this before,” Aria Blaze said.
“This is unlike anything I have ever seen in my life,” Adagio Dazzle said.
But in front of the group, Wanda Young and Abigail Albright stood there, facing the group each with a smug smile.
“Fellow friends,” Wanda said. “Welcome…to the Golden Land.”
Wanda and Abigail stepped aside as everyone observed the surrounding land. Every hill, every forest, every side of the mountain, even the waters itself, looked as if it were covered in gold. A nearby palace, slightly smaller than Canterlot Castle, also appeared to be covered in gold. Even the sky was a bright golden color.
“The Golden Land,” Sunburst said. “Mom told me about this place. But I never thought I would see it with my own eyes.”
Right behind the group, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Argyle Starshine appeared from behind the ground bridge portal. While the two alicorns were amused by the reactions of most of the younglings, Argyle Starshine was completely surprised. He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes a bit before looking through again.
“I never thought I would see the day where I get to experience the Golden Land,” Argyle said. “If only I could have brought my family with me.”
“I also wish that my uncle saw this,” Juniper Montage said. “He would have been amazed.”
“Wanda,” Pinkie PIe said, jumping down to the ground and hugging Wanda by the legs. “You never told me you came to this land before you met us. How come?”
“Well truth be told,” Wanda said, before Celestia cleared her throat, catching everyone’s attention.
“We never intended on showing this to every pony in Equestria,” Princess Celestia interrupted. “This is a place that is barely touched by pony hooves and human hands, for its beauty should never be tarnished. But its beauty is also the reason why we take Wanda Young and Sunset Shimmer here. It allows one to heal, to meditate, to relax.”
Wanda cleared her throat, causing Princess Celestia to look down at her. The man’s cub glared up at her adopted mother, upset and disappointed.
“Mommy,” Wanda said in a cold tone. “I was going to tell my friends about this place.”
Celestia looked at Wanda and blushed embarrassingly.
“Smooth move, Sunny,” Luna smirked.
But before Celestia could speak, her ears twitched at the sound of a familiar voice shouting her name. Princess Celestia turned to the front to see Princess Cadance and Shining Armor run up to the group.
“Mother,” Princess Cadance yelled as she ran up to the group. “Glad you could make it. And you brought everyone here.”
“Well, by everyone,” Princess Celestia stated. “That would be an understatement. A few extras joined in with us.”
Suddenly, Shining Armor ran up to Wanda and picked her up before giving her a noogie.
“How’s my favorite wittle monkey?” Shining Armor said.
“Hey, watch it,” Wanda said.
But every youngling around Wanda and Shining Armor just laughed, much to Wanda’s annoyance. She just looked at the others before covering her ears.
“Why me?” Wanda sighed.
Princess Cadance walked up to both Argyle Starshine, who stood next to Golden Lace, Cozy Glow and Juniper Montage.
“Princess Celestia told me about you, Mr Starshine,” Princess Cadance said. “How you looked after Golden Lace and introduced her to Juniper. You would be a great teacher at the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“I appreciate the offer,” Argyle Starshine said. “But I’m afraid my contract with Ms Honey Twist prevents me from quitting my job. Not to mention I do worry for the well-being of Miss Lace and her friends.”
“It’s great that daddy and Princess Luna got us out of there,” Golden Lace said. “And it’s been a long time since I’ve been out. But sadly, when this is over, I may have to return.”
“Oh I’m sorry to hear that,” Princess Cadance said, placing her hoof on Golden Lace’s cheek. “If my mother could, she would adopt you in an instant. But sadly, Gold Banks would banish her in an instant, should that happen.”
“Even compared to my own mother,” Cozy Glow said, hugging Golden Lace. “Gold Banks is crazy.”
Princess Cadance felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to her right to see Juniper Montage signal to her.
“Miss Amore?” Juniper said. “There is something I would like to whisper to you.”
Princess Cadance lowered her head down to Juniper’s level, where the little filly whispered something into her ear. This caused Cadance’s eyes to pop out a bit.
“She wants to do what to my sister?” Princess Cadance said.
Those words were enough to catch everyone’s attention, especially Starlight Glimmer, who jumped into Shining Armor’s arms and hugged Wanda closely.
“What exactly is going on?” Princess Celestia said.
“As much as I want to know why,” Princess Luna said. “I believe we should talk about it at the Golden Land Palace. Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle would want to know as well.”
“Agreed,” Argyle Starshine said. “Princess Celestia, will you lead on?”
“I will,” Princess Celestia said.
Shining Armor released his hold on Wanda and Starlight, who held each other together. Everyone gathered up and, despite the unease within them, walked all the way towards the Golden Land Palace in front of them.
Inside the palace of gold, the colors of the interior consist more of warm colors than just gold. The place looked even more massive compared to the likes of Canterlot Castle. Nearby, laying down on a sofa was Sunset Shimmer, with Twilight Sparkle and Spike right next to her. It didn’t take long for the three to notice everyone approaching.
“Everyone,” Sunset said with a sniffle. “You all made it.”
The younglings all ran up to Sunset and Twilight, with Abigail running up to Spike and giving each other a hug. Wanda walked up to Sunset and Twilight, all while Starlight hugged the man’s cub closely.
“I was wondering when we would see your face again, egghead,” Rainbow Dash laughed.
“Sorry my folks couldn’t make it here, Twi,” Applejack said. “Some of the ponies of La Maresa are coming up to Canterlot due to the snowstorm, and they chose to stay behind and help out.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Twilight said. “They would have enjoyed every moment of it. But that being said, I believe our video tablets will be able to reach them from this place.”
“You think so?” Applejack asked.
“I can actually confirm it,” Princess Celestia said, walking up to Applejack. “We may be in a different place, but we figured out how to communicate with the rest of Equestria from the safety of the Golden Land.”
“Just think,” Pinkie Pie said, grabbing onto Applejack and hugging her. “Not only can we talk with your folks, but also my folks, the Cakes and even my sisters. Including Maud.”
“The big question is,” Rarity said. “How is it that you can send a message through these video tablets to the outside world, and yet not get tracked down?”
“That’s actually pretty simple,” Princess Celestia said. “In addition to serving as a gateway between this land and the castle, the ground bridge portal can also transmit an encrypted connection to the land of Equestria. Top that with the castle serving as one of the best locations for the net and BOOM!”
“So I take it this land can also serve as a layline for the Canterweb,” Sunburst asked.
“It does,” Princess Celestia replied.
But immediately, Cozy Glow flew up to Celestia and tapped her on the shoulder, catching the alicorn’s attention.
“Not to bother you on your big speech,” Cozy Glow said. “But didn’t Juniper Montage and Princess Cadance mention something about Wanda?”
“That’s right,” Princess Celestia said. “And I believe Princess Cadance has the message with her.”
Everyone turned towards Princess Cadance, who cleared her throat nervously.
“What Juniper Montage told me,” Princess Cadance said. “Is that Miss Honey Twist wants to force Wanda Young to attend Daisy Joy Tech.”
Nearly everyone within the vicinity gasped in horror, especially Wanda, who Starlight held tight.
“Me?” Wanda said. “Why would they want me to attend that place?”
“That’s preposterous,” Princess Celestia said. “Even if the School for Gifted Unicorns was shut down, I would never send my darling Wanda to that horrible place.”
Argyle Starshine walked up to the group and said “Between the last time I met Princess Luna and busting out of the school, I overheard Miss Honey Twist speaking to someone named Gold Banks. Apparently, Mrs Banks stated that she wants to force Princess Celestia into enrolling Wanda into the school.”
“Force my sister?” Princess Luna yelled. “Has she gone mad?”
“As much as I appreciate Wanda as a friend,” Golden Lace stated. “I don’t want her to attend this horrible school. Miss Honey Twist and the students there would break her with a sick, sadistic glee like they did with me, Juniper, Mr Starshine and some of the other outcasts.”
“I don’t blame you, Golden Lace,” Princess Celestia said. “And I am glad that this topic was brought up. The moment I see eye to eye with your mother, I’m going to have a long word with her, even if I risk being banished from Equestria.”
“Thanks, Princess Celestia,” Golden Lace said. “And while it is risky, I would sooner take your side than to watch you suffer.”
Suddenly, they heard the sound of two younglings cry. Princess Celestia and Golden Lace turned to see Wanda and Starlight holding each other while they cried really loud.
“Wanda, Starlight,” Princess Celestia said as she walked up to the two sad friends. “You don’t need to worry.”
“But what if that bad Banks does take Wanda away?” Starlight cried.
“I don’t want to attend that horrible school,” Wanda cried. “I don’t want to be the target of that horrible monster.”
Princess Celestia extended her left wing out and pulled Wanda and Starlight close to her before hugging the two.
“It’s alright,” Princess Celestia said as she gently snuggled Wanda and Starlight. “I’m going to make sure my darling Wanda never attends that horrible school.”
“Mommy,” Wanda said as she dried her tears. “I hope so. Compared to Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelis Snap, Gold Banks is a real monster.”
But nearby, Danged Spell looked agitated. He marched up to a nearby wall, turned around and kicked it as hard as possible.
“Spell,” Moondancer said. “Are you alright?”
“No,” Danged Spell said. “Just hearing that news just really boils my blood.”
“I think now would be a time for one of your infamous puns,” Moondancer stated.
After kicking the wall a second time, Danged Spell said “I’m sorry. But I’m not in the mood to let loose a few chuckles.”
As Danged Spell walked away from the group, Sunset Shimmer got up from the sofa and walked up to Moondancer.
“It’s scary to see Danged Spell in that kind of mood,” Sunset Shimmer said with a slight sniffle.
“No kidding,” Moondancer said. “Sure Danged Spell can be annoying. But when he becomes this serious, I sometimes do miss his more clownish side.”
“Right now,” Sunset Shimmer said, “We should give Spell some time to cool off. He may be a clown, but he cares alot for our well-being.”
“I dunno,” Sunburst said. “I think I should check on him to see if he’s okay.”
“Are you sure about that?” Twilight asked.
“Yeah,” Sunburst replied. “Spell is one of us, and even he needs some form of comfort.”
Sunburst scratched his hoof on the floor of the palace before running off after Danged Spell, leaving everyone behind.
“Poor Spell,” Wanda said, still the arms of Princess Celestia with Starlight Glimmer by her side. “I thought I was upset about going to that school, but it seems he’s more upset.”
“Ever since I shaped him up and helped him with his Wolf’s Breath curse,” Princess Celestia said, “He’s become more and more selfless. It’s a strength, but sometimes it can also be a weakness.”
“What do you mean by that, mommy?” Wanda asked.
“He’s willing to stand up to defend his friends,” Princess Celestia stated. “But at the same time, he can get himself hurt doing so, regardless if he’s using his curse or not.”
“If there was something that Sunburst could do to help him,” Starlight said. “I think he may have something in his mane to do so.”
“I hope you’re right,” Wanda said.
Nearby, Spike and Abigail held hands together, watching as Sunburst walked out of the castle, following Danged Spell from behind.
“Hurt,” Abigail said.
“Yeah,” Spike replied.
Outside, Danged Spell sat down on the outside of the Golden Palace and looked up with only a frown. Sunburst emerged from the entrance and walked up to the depressed Spell.
“Spell,” Sunburst said. “Are you alright?”
“No,” Danged Spell said. “It feels like fate is being too cruel to Wanda.”
“I know,” Sunburst said. “And I can understand why you’re angry. You don’t want Gold Banks to take her away.”
“You’re not kidding,” Danged Spell said. “When she first enrolled in the school, I saw her as nothing more than some dumb monkey that was nothing special. But over time, I began to realize why Princess Celestia adopted her. She is special not just to her, but to all of us. Kinda makes me wish she was a pony like the rest of us. And you know why I’m worried about her now.”
“It’s because of Gold Banks,” Sunburst said. “She never liked Wanda, nor did she like any of us. In fact, I think she would be more satisfied if we were all made to be some sort of slave labor to her.”
“I never really liked Gold Banks,” Danged Spell said, kicking some dust into the air. “She’s got this cruel attitude that puts her as the center of attention. She acts as if she were the ruler of Equestria, disregarding Princess Celestia and the Equestrian Senate, even the chancellor of all ponies. She even has the entire media eating out of her hoof.”
“Tell me about it,” Sunburst said. “Even my folks think that Gold Banks is full of it. And that’s before what happened when she invaded the hospital while Wanda was extremely sick. Once they found out, they were furious.”
“My folks were upset as well,” Danged Spell said. “They were even more upset that the news media chose to spin this in Gold Banks’ favor. As a result, we stopped watching the news like it was some kind of harbinger of doom.”
“I’ll say,” Sunburst said. “As horrible as Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap are, we know that we can always fight back against them, even if the odds aren’t in our favor. Gold Banks on the other hand, she acts as if she’s immune to everything and can get away with even the most despicable of crimes. Case in point, she actually wanted to buy out all of Sire’s Hollow, and was willing to violate homeowner laws just to get everything her way.”
“You know, Sunburst,” Danged Spell said. “We seem to have a lot in common when it comes to our own worries. We care alot for Wanda, we care for our friends, and we both despite Gold Banks.”
“Yeah,” Sunburst said, scratching the back of his head in the process. “Now that I think about it, I do share a lot of your frustration, especially considering the last time Gold Banks tried to torment us. The way she cuffed both Wanda and especially Starlight.”
“And the way she sent me and Spike flying when we tried to retaliate,” Danged Spell said. “I’ll never forget how much that hurt. That being said, the fact that you chose to talk to me about it does make me feel at ease about this, knowing that I have friends who cannot stand that witch.”
“That’s what friends are for,” Sunburst said. “We look after each other and we care for each other.”
“Thanks for at least soothing my nerve, Sunburst,” Danged Spell said as he got up. “What do you say we go back inside?”
“Sounds good to me,” Sunburst said as he also got up.
With that, Sunburst and Danged Spell walked back towards the entrance of the Golden Palace, where Sunset Shimmer stuck her head out, noticed the duo, and smiled. Behind her was Twilight Sparkle.
“Guess there is more to their friendship than meets the eye,” Sunset said.
“I’ll say,” Twilight said. “What do you think we should do about the problem Wanda is going through?”
“Right now,” Sunset yawned. “It’s starting to get late here. The sun will go down soon and night will fall upon this land. Besides, I’m starting to feel tired.”
“Good point,” Twilight yawned. “We’ll help Wanda out in the morning.”
Later that night in the upper portion of the Golden Palace, everyone was walking down the hallway. There were doors that lead into separate bedrooms, each almost as huge as a house.
“So here’s the deal,” Princess Celestia said. “Each of you will be assigned your own room for our stay in the Golden Land. Luna and I will also be sleeping in separate rooms of our own.”
Ditzy Doo looked into one room. Though the place looked as beautiful as the morning sun, Ditzy felt uneasy.
“I don’t know,” Ditzy Doo said. “Right now, I don’t feel comfortable about sleeping by myself. I had a nightmare about being alone in the forest.”
“Then I will permit one to be your roommate,” Celestia said. She turned to the other younglings and said “Who will accompany Ditzy for the time here?”
Immediately, Fluttershy raised her hoof in the air before stepping forward.
“I’ll do it,” Fluttershy said. “I know what it’s like to be scared at night, and I’ll make sure Ditzy Doo will be alright.”
Ditzy Doo ran up and hugged Fluttershy before she said “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
Princess Celestia walked up to Wanda and said “Right now, Sunset Shimmer’s going to have a room of her own due to her illness. But I will permit you, my Darling Wanda, to have a roomate of your own. You may choose one pony to bunk with you along with your companion Abigail.”
Wanda looked at the rest of the youngling group before she pondered for a bit. Her eyes shifted around before narrowing it down to a familiar face.
“I choose,” Wanda said, “Starlight Glimmer.”
Immediately, Starlight Glimmer jumped into the air, cheering loudly. The twin-tailed filly ran up to Wanda and leaped right onto her with a glomping hug. Wanda and Starlight giggled as Abigail ran up to the duo with a cheerful meow.
“Well,” Princess Celestia said. “Seems you two have become an inseparable duo.”
“I’m not so sure why,” Wanda said. “But I like hanging around with Starlight.”
“Me too,” Starlight said.
Celestia turned to the crowd and said “Well, it looks like we have two individuals who have roommates of their own. So it looks like I will be changing the rules. If you wish to, we can assign you to a roommate, provided that said roommate has agreed to it.”
But immediately, Danged Spell and Sunburst stepped forward and said “We wish to be roommates.”
Those words caught the attention of Starlight, who turned to Sunburst and said “Are you going to be alright, Bursty?”
Sunburst walked up to Starlight and said “I will. Feels like I have a lot in common with Danged Spell despite having different perspectives.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said. “After all, we are un-buddy-lievable. Get it?”
Immediately, the younglings in the room burst into laughter, with Moondancer yelling out “Bout time you threw in a pun for once.”
Danged Spell just stood by Sunburst with a smug smile on his face and said “After my talk with Sunburst, I’d say that felt cathartic.”
“Same here,” Sunburst said.
But as the younglings continued to laugh, Princess Celestia cleared her throat, catching their attention.
“Since we have three groups of roommates that will share a room with each other,” Princess Celestia said, “I have a proposal. If you wish to share your room with another, feel free to step forward.”
Immediately, Adagio Dazzle, Golden Lace, Rarity, Twilight Sparkle and even Spitfire stepped forward.
“As Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk are my sisters,” Adagio Dazzle said, “I wish for them to bunk with me.”
Immediately, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk ran up to Adagio Dazzle and embraced their sister with laughter.
“I miss Cozy Glow a whole lot,” Golden Lace said. “But I also care alot for my new friend Juniper Montage. Therefore, I wish for both to be my roommate.”
Golden Lace’s words were enough for Cozy Glow and Juniper Montage to walk up and give Golden Lace a hug.
“Luckily for you both,” Celestia said, “There are a few rooms that can bunk more than two younglings.”
“As the junior Wonderbolt to Captian Airazor,” Spitfire said, “I wish to bunk with Rainbow Dash.
Immediately, Rainbow Dash leaped into the air and yelled out “YES!” Nearly everyone stared at her with a few chuckles.
“Ehehehehe,” Rainbow Dash laughed with an embarrassing tone. “Got a little carried away.”
“Since Moondancer and I are close friends,” Twilight said, “I wish to bunk with her for our time here.”
“I’m fine with that,” Moondancer said, walking up to Twilight and placing her arm around her back.
“I’ve noticed that Applejack has been feeling a bit lonely due to her parents staying behind,” Rarity said. “So I propose that I wish to bunk with her.”
“You really mean it?” Applejack asked.
“I do,” Rarity said. “Even you deserve to have a friend by your side.”
“Thanks Rarity,” Applejack said. “I appreciate it.”
But as nearly every youngling grouped together with smiles and warm hearts, Princess Celestia looked to the side to see Pinkie Pie stare into the group. Despite her smile, Pinkie Pie felt a bit of depression in her eyes.
“Pinkie Pie,” Princess Celestia said. “Is something wrong?”
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said. “Everyone gets a bunk mate, except me.”
Immediately, Trixie popped out of nowhere, wrapped her arms around Pinkie Pie and said “Well you’re in luck. For the Great and Powerful TRIXIE wish to bunk with you.”
Pinkie’s mood flipped back upwards as Trixie hugged her before the pink pony said “Aww, I forgot about you, Trix. Sorry about that.”
“Then it’s settled,” Princess Celestia said. “Roommates have been decided. And thus, the day is over and we can all get some sleep.”
“Come on, younglings,” Princess Luna said. “It’s time for bed.”
One by one, each of the youngling groups walked into the various bedrooms through the hallway. All except Twilight and Moondancer. Twilight walked Spike the Dragon up to Sunset Shimmer, who was walking towards her only room.
“Sunset,” Twilight said. “I know you don’t have a roommate. So I figure you should let Spike be with you tonight.
“Twilight?” Sunset said. “Are you sure?”
“I am,” Twilight said. “I don’t want you to be all alone while you’re sick. And besides, whatever you have Spike can’t get due to his immunity to your virus.”
“Twilight,” Moondancer said. “Are you sure you want to leave Spike with Sunset?”
“It’s okay,” Twilight said. “Besides, I know Sunset enjoyed having Spike in the castle while I was away.”
Sunset Shimmer extended her arms out towards Spike the Dragon, who ran up to the sun-themed filly and leaped into her arms. The baby dragon cooed as Sunset gently held him.
“Thanks Twilight,” Sunset said. “I’ll be sure he stays safe with me.”
“Anytime,” Twilight yawned. “Anyway, I’m feeling tired. So all I can say is have a good night.”
Sunset Shimmer nodded before Twilight and Moondancer walked up towards a separate room, leaving the adopted daughter of Princess Celestia with Spike the Dragon.
“Spike,” Sunset said, looking down at the baby dragon. “I know I’m not as wonderful as Twilight. But I promise I will be the best roommate you’ll ever have.”
Spike giggled with a hearty laugh, causing Sunset to laugh as she carried Spike into the other room, leaving Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Argyle Starshine by themselves.
“I believe it’s time we turned in for the night as well,” Shining Armor yawned. “I’ve got a room by myself. But I’ll be okay.”
Night Shining,” Cadance said before giving Shining Armor a kiss on the cheek. It was enough to cause him to go kooky with love before he waltzed over to his bedroom.
“Ahhh young love,” Princess Luna said. “Too bad my last lover passed away long ago.”
“Maybe there is still hope for you, sister,” Princess Celestia said. “After all, we may be more than a thousand years old, but I bet there are stallions out there who find us attractive.”
“I wish,” Luna laughed. “Anyway, it’s time I hit the hay. Goodnight, sis.”
“Goodnight to you too,” Princess Celestia said.
Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance walked away from each other and towards their own separate rooms, leaving Argyle Starshine by himself.
“As much as I want to go to sleep,” Argyle said. “I believe it’s time I write about my first experience here.”
Later that night, Argyle Starshine was sitting on a table with his book wide open. Not a single page had any form of written text on it. But next to the book was an ink bottle and a quill dipped into it. Argyle Starshine picked up the quill with his right hoof and began to write into it.
“I never thought to see the Golden Land with my very eyes,” Argyle wrote. “A place of immense beauty that stretches as far as the eye can see. The colors are far more beautiful than the very metal that it was named after. It was as if my mind was calmed by its very presence. But there is still far more to discover with the very land that Princess Celestia comes down to.”
Argyle stopped for a moment and placed the tip of the quill to his lip, pondering for a moment. Then he had an idea in his head and began to write once more.
“But there is one thing that is far more beautiful than the land itself,” Argyle wrote. “We were accompanied by Princess Celestia’s daughters and all of their wonderful friends. Each of them has a story to tell. Six unicorns that stood by Princess Wanda Young and Princess Sunset Shimmer, a kitten and a baby dragon for companions, an older brother of one of the unicorns, two friends of one of the unicorns who need all the care and comfort from the ugliness of the world, three sisters who stood by each other since their orphanage was destroyed, a young apprentice to the Captain of the Wonderbolts, and seven unique ponies from the town of La Maresa, each with a heart that glows brighter than the sun itself. Perhaps the real beauty lies not with the Golden Land, but with friends that support you to the very end. There may be more to these friends…than meets the eye.”
Once he wrote the last word in his book, Argyle Starshine placed the quill back into the inkpot. He then turned towards the lit lantern.
“I know that Equestria has magitek like video games and tablets,” Argyle said. “But I’m far more old fashioned when it comes to preserving Equestria’s legacy.”
And with that, Argyle Starshine blew out the flame in the lantern, turning the room pitch black, save for a window. Argyle walked up to his bed and laid down before falling asleep.
Outside, the crickets made a wonderful noise as nighttime passed around the Golden Land.
To Be Continued in…
Waters as beautiful as Sapphires