Peeking over the horizon were the first vestiges of light gracing the new day, touching the length of shaking steel as it rattled towards what remained of Coltistrano’s train station. Dozens of eyes within caught the city in their gaze. As each one stepped off the train, huddled close to friends and family, they slowly crossed the platform and out onto the cracked streets of their former home. One, a pink filly, stared across the main thoroughfare to find it cleared of ash and debris, meticulously cleaned by a shaded figure far beyond them, closer to the ruins of a mansion by the cliff. As they approached they heard his heavy grunts.
There he labored. Pushing against piles of stone, scraping away at the streets, uncovering the tarnished glory of a home they all lost one shattered brick at a time, and the filly smiled. The argent pony held his gaze to the barren earth, clenching his shovel as the crowd approached.
“Just one more.”
Sweat bubbled up around his brow. Rubble split apart as the shovel head came down, reflecting golden rays on an ashen field. Much of the city had been cleaned, however much the ruin could be, unveiling fragments of identity hidden beneath the rubble of one terrible night. With his final stroke the main thoroughfare was cleared, allowing the dozens of other ponies passage through the tarnished streets of their home like a gallery of nightmares.
Many gazed around the remnants of their home aimlessly. Others comforted each other, relatives shaking and shedding tears at the sight. Some, at the sight of the pony before them, wore their disgust on their faces, but they were all treated to the stoic expression of the stallion they once called governor. Behind him stood his allies, faces the townsfolk all knew well, and beyond stood their leaders. Royal alicorns flanked the somber ceremony with their guard beside them. Only the wind spoke, kicking up remaining specs of their terror until the stallion finally addressed the crowd.
“There are no words I can give to make this right,” Silver began. “There are no excuses I can make to justify everything you’ve lost. Our home is in ashes, and no matter what I’ve done to bring its violator to justice, it can never bring back the ones we’ve lost. Never fill the empty chairs where they once sat. Please, hear me when I say this: I’m sorry.
“I’m sorry I brought so much pain onto you, who had already carried so much. I’m sorry I couldn’t stop this before it happened. I’m sorry… I’m sorry I didn’t die, that I still live while your friends and families are gone. All I ever wanted was to have my home back, but I took it from you all, instead.”
The crowd followed Silver’s every word, even as his voice caught in his throat and threatened to break. “That’s why I’m leaving. There will be no ‘Ghost of Coltistrano’ anymore. In my place I’m leaving someone who you trust, who cares more than I ever could, and what remains of my fortune will be left with her to rebuild, brick by brick, until this city grows and achieves all I failed to give it.”
Silver motioned to his left, ignoring the dumbfounded stares of the ponies before him, urging Honey Hearts to step forward. She wrapped her forelegs around his neck, stepping past him to address the crowd.
“Everyone, this isn’t the first time we’ve had to rise out of this misery, and it may not be the last, but today we have a chance to finally put this nightmare behind us. With Silver’s money and the princesses’ aid we can make this city a home again, and we can do it together.”
There was an applause, but not one Silver witnessed as he stepped away from Honey and the crowd, leading his allies towards where the princesses stood. Celestia laid her eyes upon the ruby mane of her niece, containing the shiver in her chest as she, instead, addressed Silver.
“That was the most noble thing I think you could’ve done, Silver. I promise, we’ll be there to provide whatever aid is needed to help reverse this damage. I’m just sorry it had to be like this.”
“So am I,” he said, softly, glancing beside him towards Abby. “I have a request, though, about Abby.”
Celestia cocked an eyebrow as he spoke. “Abby was instrumental in defeating Shield and overthrowing Chrysalis, not to mention her… friend, here. Considering everything that’s happened, I think she deserves some leniency.”
“You know what you’re asking me, yes? Abby, this tragedy is by no means your fault, but I can’t simply ignore everything that transpired before.”
Abby squirmed where she stood, eyes drifting from Celestia’s frame. “I-I understand, auntie, I will oblige by the courts to-”
“I won’t,” Silver interrupted, snatching their attention. “Princess, let me take charge of them. After all the lies and manipulations Shield Wall put them through they don’t deserve a place in the dungeons.”
“And what of Alate, the Ragged Mare? Many ponies lost their lives to her rampage, one I’m told Abby supported. What should one say to the victims’ families?”
“Alate is already serving her sentence in the Crystal Empire, Shining Armor assured me.”
“Glint was Shield Wall’s confidant,” Celestia stated, harshly. “He coordinated the attack on Coltistrano and has admitted as much.”
“Exile, then! Exile, or reparations, anything other than locking them away in the dark. Please, consider it a favor, one I’ll readily repay. She’s been through enough.”
Celestia paused at the boldness of the pony before her. Before her stood him and her niece, both peering up to her with firm, expectant stares, while Luna beside her watched silently. She could feel the weight of the silence around her, and after a moment released a long, ragged sigh.
“We can consider your request. You’re right… there’s been enough anguish.”
“Oh, oh goodness, I… Silver!” Abby threw herself around him, crushing his bruised body with shaking hooves. “You didn’t… I-I don’t deserve this.”
“I don’t want us to be enemies, Abby.” Silver gave her a warm smile, eyes darting over her shoulder to return Glint’s firm nod to him. “There’s a house in Silver Shoals. No relation, I promise, but it’s yours, you and… you and Glint. No one will recognize you out there, you’ll have a chance at a new life.”
Abby covered her mouth with her hooves, eyes darting from Silver to Glint and back again. Celestia watched the scene unfold with a tremble in her lip, ignoring the smirk Luna gave her before finding Abby standing in front of her, beaming as she offered her hoof. A quiet escape granted them privacy from the others, and Luna turned her smile to Silver.
“Well won, Silver, nary one could boast of thyselves to convince dear sister of such a path, but thou hast earned our applause. What will you do now in your self-exile?”
“Probably the same thing I’ve always done. Lord Aristo, officially, is dead and there’s no reason to resurrect him now that he’s not in charge of Coltistrano, anymore.”
“Silver Spade is to return to the world, then?”
“In my own way,” Silver said, peering over to Rarity beside him. Luna let a light giggle escape her lips at the sight. “Do you think Celestia will agree?”
“Dear sister is nothing without her mercy. In time, she will find truth in words of thine, and we shall be there to remind her should she grow of dour countenance, though expect to make do on thine pledge. Many evils still lurk in the world, and we would see them remedied by one we trust.”
Silver gave a slight bow of his head, earning one from Luna in return. “For what it is worth, then, you will always be welcome in Canterlot. In the meantime, we are curious as to your plans, Kindle. The Guard could use you.”
“That’s… actually something I have to talk to Silver about, first.” He and Silver shared a look before Kindle bowed to Princess Luna. “There’s still some things I need to handle.”
“Then come to us when thou art ready. We await your return.” Luna returned with a slight bow before turning to join Celestia. Kindle followed her with his eyes until she was out of earshot, walking over to Silver and pulling him away from Rarity and Gilda, each step silent.
“It wasn’t some heat of the moment thing,” he finally said, standing before Silver. “Learning from you, the training, being you? I meant what I said.”
“So did I, once,” Silver chuckled. “You know what this means, though? What you’ll have to do?”
Kindle nodded firmly, and Silver felt his heart fall at his friend’s resolve, but with a quick sigh he placed his foreleg around Kindle’s shoulders. Together, they turned towards the ruins of the city.
“Then there’s something I want you to do, first. When I returned from the island with Darrox I didn’t really want to be the Ghost. I didn’t want to give so much of myself after everything I’d already lost. What I wanted was my life back. I wanted to be with Abby, see my parents again, maybe even get back into the guard, but fate, I guess, had other plans. It’s been eight years since the ocean, Kindle, and I’ve only just now been able to use my real name.”
“Silver I know what you’ve done, and I’m ready to-”
“I want you to take a moment,” Silver interrupted, looking deep into Kindle’s eyes with a firm glare. “Take a moment and think of all the things that are important to you. The Guard, Glint, us, then ask yourself how much you want to hold onto those things, and which of those things you’re willing to sacrifice, because that’s the cost, Kindle. I never got to see my father again. I sacrificed my relationship with Abby. My home is gone. There may be dozens of stories about me and that cloak but none of them can return what The Ghost has taken from me, and I don’t want that for you unless you are absolutely sure.”
Kindle was silent. His lips parted with silent words as he switched his gaze from Silver to the sight of ruins around them, and back again. He looked over his shoulder to Princess Luna. A knot tightened in his chest at the memories of Indigo in the palace, of his comrades who still served, and of the haunting words still ringing in his mind as he made a silent gulp and turned once more to Silver.
“Then why do it? I mean… after everything?”
“Because someone has to, Kindle, but it doesn’t have to be you.” Silver’s face softened and sent Kindle a small smile. “Join the guard for a while, serve with your friends, and if you truly still want this you’ll know where to find me.”
“I-I can’t just do that, Silver, not after everything they’ve lost. I mean…” Kindle caught the ruins in his sight, and his final words were lost in his throat. Silver smiled. With silent encouragement, he nudged him towards the princess and stood back as Kindle, occasionally peering over his shoulder at him, did as he instructed, leaving Silver alone to drink in the rays of sun climbing up the morning sky.
“Let him down easy, huh?” Gilda stepped to Silver’s side, a claw across his shoulders.
“Yep. Maybe one day.”
“Pity,” said Rarity with a light huff. “Looks my spare thread is in for continued pillaging. The poor dear looks rather crestfallen, though.”
Gilda shrugged. “Eh, Kindle’s tough, he’ll be fine. Pretty ballsy move cashing out for the town, dude. Here I thought you’d at least keep some for yourself.”
“Hey, I’m not completely broke. They deserve it, though, after everything.”
“Enough to pay your share around the house, I trust.” Rarity batted a playful hoof against him, smirking. “Even one such as moi can only be so generous with my home.”
“And your bed,” Gilda snarked, earning a beat-red scowl from Rarity as the gryphon cackled. “I can see it now. Two love birds, couple of kids, and the ship parked out back like you're a regular family. Pfft, as if!”
“That’s a good point Gilda, ‘cause, uh…” Silver’s droning ended in a smile across his muzzle, the kind that pulled Gilda from her jubilance. She stared at him, then beyond the town towards the very shape of wood and metal in question, back and forth and accompanied by a limp claw fighting to keep up with her shock.
“Wha… you mean… no. No way. No… really?!”
“Gorn always liked you best. You deserve it.”
“Holy… holy shit, Silver!”
In between a hug and a tackle, Gilda threw herself against the still aching stallion and squeezed far harder than his aching muscles agreed with, swinging him carelessly until finally letting go to pump her claws into the air with a triumphant caw. Rarity laughed, pulling Silver to his hooves.
“Silver’s been talking about it for some time, and considering how protective you’ve been of the ship it’s a perfect fit. Gilda, darling, it’s wonderful you-”
“You kidding! It’s bucking awesome! Oh, I’mma do so much to that tub. Bigger guns, bigger galley, and a crew that actually knows how to cook. We… oh! Bakery on the ship! Silver, we’re taking this bitch on tour!”
Gilda’s string of excited hollering fueled Silver’s smile. A few more spins and elegant curses led Gilda back to his side as the three looked out across the ruined city. Silence draped over them, a breeze joining the gentle birdsong rising over the forests beyond, soaking into Silver with each new ray of sunlight dancing across his tired frame.
“This is good,” he whispered. “This feels right.”
“The fact they have something now, anything, is because of you, darling.” Rarity brushed his mane from his face, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek.
“Kinda sucks you now got nothing for yourself, though,” Gilda shrugged. “But you two’ll sort it out.”
Silver’s eyes followed Gilda as she slowly sauntered away. “Where are you going?”
“To check out my ship, though it was always kinda mine, wasn’t it?” Her crass sarcasm cracked a grin across her face as powerful wings carried her up and over the expanse of the town, leaving Silver and Rarity alone. Together, in companionable silence, he turned to face her.
“So…”
“So…” Azure eyes fluttered as she spoke, watching him closely. “Is my romantic revanant getting cold hooves?”
“So harsh, and I thought you couldn’t wait to get me back home.”
“As if you have any other option, my love.” Her words lingered, smiling as she rolled over one in her mind. “‘Home’. Is that it, then? We go home?”
“We’ll finish here, then… yeah. We go home.”
Rarity smiled, taking his foreleg around her shoulders as they walked through the streets towards the billowing stack of smoke, a whistle beckoning them to the train station. She placed her head against his shoulder with a sigh.
“I take it this means you aren’t retiring, hm?”
Silver chuckled, ducking his head with a blush. “No, I guess not.”
“Kindle looked devastated when you told him. He wants it almost as much as you did, once. Did you ever actually consider letting him take over?”
“Yes… and no,” Silver said, pensively. “Kindle still has a life and I want him to live it, at least long enough to know what he’d be missing if he still wanted the cloak.”
“Darrox would’ve been overjoyed, were he alive, and my dashing rogue would finally have time to spend on little old me.” Rarity’s childish pout was met with Silver’s smirk, placing a kiss on her forehead.
“You just want me all to yourself, don’t you?”
“How could I not?” Rarity placed an offended hoof on her chest, her voice feigning shock. “Always skulking about in the shadows, throwing yourself at the most vile cretins Equestria has to offer. Why, I’d daresay you prefer them to moi.”
“They excite me, Rarity, you simply don’t have that same spark anymore,” he teased, watching Rarity throw a hoof across her forehead with a wail.
“My love belongs to the night! To back alley brawls and violent desires. Why, oh why? Was I not enough? Was I wrong to fall for a bitless boor such as he?”
“Okay, now you’re just being mean.” But her performance failed to end as they stepped onto the platform, Silver groaning as she continued.
“I should’ve listened to mother and married a doctor, or a scholar, not some blighted bandit who would so easily forget about me. Maybe then I-”
She was silenced. Firm lips ensnared her own as she was pulled in by needy hooves, pressing against his body with all the strength she had come to know him for, and her theatrics melted away as each second passed, mindlessly searching for his lips when Silver pulled away.
“Never,” he cooed, a slight shiver in his tone as he nuzzled into her neck.
“Good, because we have work to do when we get home.” The train whistle called over them as Rarity looked to Silver. “Are you ready to go?”
Silver paused, turning to stare across the city. Memories mingled with the ash kicked up by a gentle breeze, glimmering in the sunlight as the survivors and many others began their work to restore all they lost, and Silver sighed. He watched the Tornado rise into the sky. Its captain spun the wheel and guided the vessel out along the cliffside, sending one final snarky grin his way, and not far behind her flew a formation of ponies in dark armor. They moved as one, unbroken, but a pair of eyes found him as they broke off towards Canterlot in the distance, a firm salute his final parting gift as they faded into the distance. Through the buildings he found one more, flanked by the towering alicorns hanging on her every word. The chestnut mare caught Silver’s gaze and held it. Tears, followed by a smile, dressed her face before an urging hoof shooed him away, and Silver begrudgingly obliged her.
All that was left was her, the brilliant unicorn standing beside him. Her knowing gaze was all he needed to push back the wave of emotion welling within him, her gentle touch giving him courage to step across the platform, guiding her with his hoof, to board the train, taking a last look at Coltistrano before the whistle blared out one final time.