//------------------------------//
// Arc 16-8: One Last Golden Day 
// Story: My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Trials of Friendship" 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


One Last Golden Day



Deep within an unknown area, Magistrate Creme Dream looked over her datapad as her daughter Majesty walked alongside her.  
“So they figured out how to break the Venom Frost and send those Windigos packing,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “Fascinating.  I would assume that Gold Banks’ foolishness with her husband would have doomed us all.”
“So does that mean we’re all in the clear?” Majesty asked.
“For the time being my pet,” Creme Dream replied with a smirk on her face.
Creme Dream looked down at the bottom of her datapad, where an alert flashed in the corner.  She pressed the location with her hoof, and in an instant, Miss Honey Twist appeared on the screen of the tab.
“Ahh, Miss Honey Twist,” Creme Dream said.  “I take it you gave Gold Banks the bad news.”
“It was at your command, Magistrate,” Miss Honey Twist said.  “A shame that we can’t keep her around like the animal Golden Lace is.”
“A shame indeed,” Creme Dream explained.  “But Gold Banks’ foolishness in treating her husband like that is not to be taken lightly, especially when she nearly killed us all.”
“Judging by how our receptionist heard her screams,” Miss Honey Twist explained, “She didn’t take it very well.”
“I also assume that she will be coming down to Canterlot during a wedding that is coming up,” Creme Dream asked.
“You mean the one between Buck Withers and Lemony Gem,” Miss Honey Twist replied.  “I thought they had already gotten married.”
“I thought they had already tied the knot as well,” Creme Dream replied with a smile on her face.  “But regardless, I expect to see what Gold Banks will do when she crashes the wedding just to confront her husband and daughter for the latter’s expulsion.  I also intend on being there to confront her as well.”
“And what of the Man’s Cub?” Miss Honey Twist asked.
“I may consider putting up a petition to force Princess Celestia to attend your school,” Creme Dream replied.  “Surely the School for Gifted Unicorns is suffering due to the decline in students.  Though I am surprised that there are still ponies who attend that failure of an institution.”
“I look forward to subjecting her to the will of the school, my liege,” Miss Honey Twist replied.
“For the time being, carry on with the plans at your school,” Creme Dream said.  “I will let you know if we succeed in forcing Princess Celestia into surrendering the Man’s Cub to your institution.”
“Understood,” Miss Honey Twist said before her image disappeared from Cream Dream’s screen.
As Creme Dream placed her datapad onto a nearby counter, she looked down at Majesty, who had a curious look on her face.
“Mother,” Majesty said.  “What shall we do about Cozy Glow, now that the spy spell you used has been shattered?”
“Nothing,” Creme Dream said.  “No further need for that failure of a filly.  At least for now.”

Back in the Golden Land, nearly every youngling was running through the Emerald Forest, looking around for brightly colored eggs and each carrying a basket.  Hoops, Dumbbell and Score were among the participants, though Dumbbell was rather confused.
“I don’t get it,” Dumbbell said.  “Why are we partaking in this game?”
“Beats me,” Hoops said.  “Maybe when it comes to our rebelliousness, we are truly starting to fall apart.  And yet, there is something satisfying about gathering these eggs.”
“Hey, what are you three talking about?” Sunset said.  “Don’t you wanna beat us at egg collecting?”
“Oh it is on,” Hoops said with a smirk on his face as he pursued Sunset Shimmer.
“Guess we are a shell of our former selves,” Score said.
“But hey,” Dumbbell said.  “If it’s worth beating them at their own game, then so be it.”
Nearby, Filthy and Spoiled Rich observed as the latter held Diamond Tiara in her arms.  Bright Mac and Buttercup were next to the duo, all while Buttercup held Apple Bloom in her arms while Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo cheered from their cribs.  Spike and Abigail sat right next to them, observing as Wanda and Twilight each picked up eggs from the nearby bushes or directly on the grass.
“Still can’t believe this is the last day these younglings will spend in the Golden Land,” Bright Mac said.  “To think, not long ago they cleaned up Canterlot and Harvestia through the Winter Wrap-Up.”
“Time flies really fast,” Filthy Rich said.  “And sometimes, it can be hard to keep track of time when you’re enjoying yourself.”
“Well the one thing they’re happy with right now,” Spoiled Rich said, “Is the Spring Rabbit Festival that they’re taking part in.”
“You said it,” Filthy Rich said.  “Reminds me of the time I used to celebrate Spring Rabbit back when I was a colt.”
Buttercup turned to her right to see Juniper Montage pointing the camera lens of her video phone to the rest of the younglings, who were going about their business to gather eggs.
“Now how come Juniper Montage is just merely recording the moment instead of partaking in the moment?” Buttercup asked.
“Juniper said as much as she liked the idea of collecting eggs,” Bright Mac explained, “She preferred recording the moment, and every moment that we’ve had since they came to the Golden Land and the refugee crisis from La Maresa.”
“Well that explains a lot,” Buttercup said.  “Sadly, it will be some time until we can return to La Maresa.”
“I don’t know,” Spoiled Rich said.  “Last I heard, Princess Celestia sent the Royal Guards and the Wonderbolts to take care of the Winter Wrap-Up there, and they’re all but done.  In fact, I heard some of the ponies were fixing up the apple trees there.”
“Well that’s wonderful,” Bright Mac said.  “Sweet Apple Acres is back in business.”
Meanwhile, hiding behind a tree, a nervous Short Fuse looked out at the other younglings gathering up eggs.  Behind him, Rolling Thunder walked up to his friend and tapped him on the shoulder, causing the little run of a colt to jump up in the air with a big surprise.
“Don’t scare me, you big palooka,” Short Fuse whined.
“Shhhh,” Rolling Thunder shushed.  “You seem to be in a pickle when it comes to Spring Rabbit eggs.”
“Of course I am,” Short Fuse whispered.  “How am I going to get a single egg when they keep grabbing them at a lightning pace?”
“Didn’t you forget one thing?” Rolling Thunder said.  “They planted eggs in the trees.  In the actual trees itself.  They’re so focused on finding the eggs in the bushes and on the ground, they forgot about the trees themselves.  And that includes the other pegasi.”
Short Fuse looked directly up at one of the trees, and noticed something standing out from the leaves that was colored blue.  Near it was another object colored pink.
“Ohhh,” Short Fuse said.  “I get it.  They planted eggs in the trees.”
“That’s the spirit,” Rolling Thunder said.  “Now go up that tree and show them you mean business.”
Short Fuse looked at the tree with a smug look of confidence.  He took a big breath of air before exhaling it.
“Come on, you big stack of lumber,” Short Fuse said with confidence.  “Show me what you got.”
But as Short Fuse took a big step forward, his hoof landed on top of a stray egg, causing him to slip.  Short Fuse stumbled out from behind the tree and sped, out of control, past every youngling.
“What in the world?” Applejack said as she jumped out of the way.
Short Fuse looked in front of him and saw the big tree right in front.  He screamed as loud as he could before crashing right into the trunk.  Short Fuse slid down from the trunk and turned onto his back, groaning in pain.
“This cannot get any worse,” Short Fuse said.
Suddenly, colored eggs fell from the tree towards Short Fuse, who screamed loudly before covering his face with his arms.  Many of the eggs landed near him unharmed.  Some of the eggs landed in his basket while only a couple bonked him on the forehead.  Short Fuse screamed in agony as every youngling ran up to the little pipsqueak.
“Me and my big mouth,” Short Fuse groaned.
“You alright?” Short Fuse looked up to see Score look down at him as if he were concerned.  Short Fuse just got up on his four hooves, steaming mad.
“DO I LOOK LIKE I’M ALRIGHT?” Short Fuse yelled.  “THIS WASN’T WHAT I EGGSPECTED!”
Immediately, the other younglings burst out into laughter, much to Short Fuse’s annoyance.
“What are you all laughing at?”  Short Fuse said in a cold tone.
“That was a pun you just recited,” Moondancer said.  “Normally reserved for our residential pun master.”
Danged Spell walked up to Short Fuse and said “Yeah.  When I unleash a pun, expect a major Pun-ishment.  Get it?”
As the younglings burst into laughter once more, Short Fuse just buried his head in a nearby bush, which was filled with colorful spring rabbit eggs.
“Why me?” Short Fuse said to himself.
As the group laughed out loud, Spike and Abigail watched from next to the foals, barely containing their laughter.

Meanwhile, at the Golden Palace, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and Eleanor Young were cleaning up the interior of the castle, rearranging everything back to its original spot.
“Never thought we would have to depart this place once more,” Princess Luna said.  “After hosting for our vacation, and for the refugees.”
“It was fun while it lasted,” Princess Celestia said.  “And we might be coming back again in the future.  Judging by the reaction of every youngling here, they enjoyed it to the very end.”
“That’s the hard part,” Princess Luna said.  “Having to leave just as we were all having fun.”
“Reminds me of our first time here in the Golden Land with Wanda and Sunset,” Princess Celestia replied.
Princess Cadance turned to Eleanor Young, who was busy rearranging the furniture with her magic.
“Hey, uhh,” Princess Cadance said. “You’re Wanda’s biological mother, correct?”
“Yes I am,” Eleanor Young said. “But would you please not tell her that I am?”
“How come?” Princess Cadance asked.
“Cadance,” Shining Armor said.  “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“It’s okay,” Eleanor Young said.  “Truth be told, I’ve been keeping my identity as her mother a secret for one specific reason: I see how my darling Wanda has been enjoying her time here in Equestria with her friends and family.  And to just pop out and let her know who I am, that would make her assume that I will be taking her back home to Evevanya.”
“Wow,” Shining Armor said.  “All this just because you prefer her being around all of us.”
“And you said it was a bad idea to ask,” Cadance said with a smirk.
“It’s no joke,” Princess Celestia said.  “Eleanor pays us a visit every once in a while to check up on Wanda.  And she sealed the portal between Equestria and Evevanya just to keep her safe from the dangers there.”
“I have yet to reopen the portal to Evevanya,” Eleanor said.  “In fact, it has been a long time since I saw my husband and the rest of my kingdom.  I had declared him acting ruler of the kingdom along with my counterparts known as the Dusk.”
“Dawn, Dusk,” Shining Armor said.  “I’ve heard about the legacy of the Evenvanyian people, plus rumors that our ancestors came from Evevanyia.”
“You may be right on that,” Eleanor said.  “After all, ponies do live in Evevanya, and they celebrate holidays like what you call the Spring Rabbit Festival.”
“Say,” Princess Cadance said.  “If we celebrate the Spring Rabbit Festival, what do you celebrate there?”
“Much like how our Blessing of Winter coincides with your Hearth’s Warming Eve,” Eleanor explained, “We have a holiday of our own to coincide with your Spring Rabbit Festival.  The Sakura Blossom Festival.”
“Sakura Blossoms?” Shining Armor asked.
“On Evevanya,” Eleanor said, “We hold the Sakura tree to be in high regard as a time for renewal.  The blossoms of the Sakura cherry trees show a sign of a new season for a harvest, and a time for a renewed strength.  It’s a similar festival to a small group of humans from the planet Earth, but far from the only spring festival.”
“So there are multiple festivals that humans celebrate,” Shining Armor replied.
“Yes,” Eleanor said.  “Besides their take on the Sakura Blossom Festival, there are other holidays.  Some celebrate a holiday called Passover, reflecting back on their escape from slavery, through traditions and symbolism .  Some like the celebration of colors referred to as the Holi celebration.  For some, there is one holiday that they celebrate: Easter.”
“I take it this…Easter is similar to our Spring Rabbit Festival,” Princess Cadance said.
“In a way,” Eleanor said.  “But they also commemorate the resurrection of who they call their lord and savior.  Their use of Easter Eggs symbolizes the empty tomb of their savior.”
“I think we adopted a lot of our holidays from the Earth folk,” Princess Luna laughed.  “In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised that our ancestors knew the people of Earth.”
“Who knows,” Princess Celestia said. “Maybe our late mother knew more about the humans of Earth, and was fascinated by the customs of its people, be it good and bad.”
“Anyway,” Eleanor laughed.  “I believe we better fix this place up before Wanda and her friends return.”
“You’re right on that.” Princess Celestia said.  “Besides, Buck Withers and Lemony Gem are in town and they’re going to prepare for their wedding.”
“Is that so?” Princess Cadance said.  “I thought they did get married.”
“Well let’s just say their plans for a wedding last year were interrupted by the changelings,” Princess Celestia said.  “So we’re going to give them a wedding that they will never forget.”

Later that evening, Argyle Starshine sat on a bench while Wanda looked down at the open pages of his book.  Next to it was the inkwell and pen that he carried around with him.
“Are you sure I can write in here?” Wanda asked.
“Go right ahead,” Argyle Starshine said. “Your friend Twilight Sparkle wrote in here, and now the page is set for you to tell your tale.”
Wanda picked up the quill pen from the inkwell and placed it on the page of the book.
“My name is Wanda Young,” Wanda wrote.  “I am the adopted daughter of Princess Celestia and the only human who wishes to tell my tale to you all.  We came here to the Golden Land to relax and unwind from the chaos from Canterlot.  But we all got caught up in the madness from not just the refugees from Canterlot and La Maresa, but also the harsh winter that came from the Windigos.  It was hard work to help out the ponies who needed it.  But in the end, we came through and gave them a reason to be happy.”
As Wanda dipped the pen into the inkwell once more, she looked up at Argyle and said “How is it?”
“Like I said, it’s your story,” Argyle said.  “It’s what’s in the heart that matters.”
Wanda nodded before placing the tip of the pen back on the page.
“It’s a shame that our time here at the Golden Land is coming to an end,” Wanda wrote.  “But I’m glad we had the time of our lives.  Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire were friends who were loyal to those who needed it.  Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, despite their rebellious attitude, are just misguided souls with a heart of gold hidden within.  The alicorn bulldog that chased us for a long time, Karen, turned out to be neglected by her owner and just needed some tender loving care.  But with close friends like Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, the Dazzling sisters, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity Applejack, Fluttershy, Ditzy Doo, Trixie,  and especially Starlight Glimmer, we all go through it together.  And believe me, there is more to our friendship that meets the eye.”
As Wanda placed the pen back into the inkwell, Sunset and Starlight watched from afar, the latter with a tear in her eye.
“I can’t believe this is our last day here,” Starlight said.  “I’m going to miss this place.
“Well look on the bright side,” Sunset said.  “The Golden Land is open in case we need some more rest and relaxation.”
“I know,” Starlight said.  “But I’m going to miss this place, even despite the pigs that gave me a hard time.  That being said, I actually want to pay back Wanda for her hospitality.”
“Wanda, huh?” Sunset said.  “Got an idea in mind?”
“Not really,” Starlight replied.  “I have no idea.”
“Wait,” Sunset said.  “You wanted to dive under the Sapphire lake for a good amount of time.  But you couldn’t because of the events that happened.”
“That’s right,” Starlight said.  “Maybe we can do so before we leave tomorrow.”
“I’ll go talk to Wanda about this,” Sunset said.  “Maybe she’s up for it.”
As Sunset ran off towards Wanda Young and Argyle Starshine, Starlight Glimmer stood on the grass with a smile on her face.
“I’m glad I have friends like Sunburst, Sunset Shimmer, Trixie Lulamoon and Wanda Young,” Starlight said as she wiped a tear from her eye.
“And I’m proud that you do.” Starlight Glimmer noticed a ghostly hoof on his shoulder.  She looked up and saw Meteor Flare’s ghost look down at him with a warm smile on his face.
“Uncle Meteor Flare,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “I forgot that you’re with me.”
“And I will be with you however long you wish,” Meteor Flare explained.  “But you really want to do something special with Wanda.”
“I do,” Starlight explained.  “I want to spend a moment with Wanda under the waters of Sapphire Lake to finish off our trip here in the Golden Land.”
Meteor Flare looked around the valley of the Golden Land and of the evening sun.  He looked down at his niece and placed his hoof on her head before gently rubbing it.
“Even if this is your final moment here,” Meteor Flare said, “Do not think that it will be the last time you’ll set hoof in this majestic place.  Then again, this is the first time I’ve seen this land at all.”
“What do you mean?” Starlight asked.
“Back when I was young and alive,” Meteor Flare said, “There was this place in Equestria that I enjoyed visiting with my family, especially your mother Starseeker.  It was like a hidden paradise located near Maretime Bay.  When we left, I was sad because I thought it would be my last time at that place.  But my parents assured me and my sister that we would see it again.”
“Golly,” Starlight said.  “Guess I may be visiting this place once more.”
“Indeed, little Starlight,” Meteor Flare said.  “Indeed you will.”
Suddenly, Starlight heard the sound of Wanda yelling out “Starlight.  I’m up for Sapphire Lake.”  Starlight looked up to see Wanda, Abigail and Sunset run up to her.
“YAAAAY!” Starlight cheered as she jumped into the air while Meteor Flare looked up at her.
“Starseeker,” Meteor Flare said.  “I’m glad you have a caring daughter like Starlight.”

Sometime later, Wanda, Sunset, Starlight and Abigail arrived at the Sapphire Lake, just as the sun began to set in the distance.
“Mommy said we can be out here until the sun disappears into the horizon,” Wanda said.  “We may not be able to spend the night underwater.  But at least we can enjoy our last moments here.”
“Yeah,” Starlight said.  “I can’t wait to jump into the water.”
“Last pony to dive in is a rotten cultist,” Sunset said with a smirk on her face.
“You’re on,” Starlight replied.
Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer crouched down before leaping into the air and diving right into the water, leaving Wanda and Abigail behind.
“Those two,” Wanda giggled.  “Always into a competitive spirit.  Guess we better join them, Abby.”
“Yes,” Abigail cheered.
Wanda and Abigail took a few steps back before running forward and jumping into the air.  They extended themselves downward before diving into the water.

Underneath the surface of the water, Sunset and Starlight swam together, observing the beauty of the underwater world.  Their jaws dropped in awe at its miraculous sight.
“I knew the water was great,” Starlight said.  “But never like this.”
“And you can actually breathe while underwater,” Sunset said.  “This is the magic of the Golden Land.”
“Wow,” Starlight said as bubbles came out of her mouth.  “This is truly amazing.   I wish I got to swim underwater more often here.”
“That goes double for us,” Sunset said as Wanda and Abigail swam up to them.
“Hey Starlight,” Wanda said.  “There’s a secret place we usually go to while underwater.  You wanna see it?”
“Do I?” Starlight said.  “Show me.”
With a nod to each other, Wanda and Sunset swam towards an underwater cave with Starlight and Abigail swimming up behind them.  
Inside the underwater cave, the entire grotto resembled the inside of a bedroom.  There were some hammocks nearby that looked very sturdy, a dresser that was carved up from stone with a mirror attached at the top, and even a few waterproof toys nearby.
“So this is like a secret base here?” Starlight asked.
“More than just a base,” Sunset replied.  “When mother would let us, we spent the night underwater at this secret location.  The waters that surround us do more than just give us a nice sleep.  They’re also refreshing.”
“It’s too bad we can’t spend the night here,” Wanda said.  “But at least you got to see it, Starlight.”
“Yeah,” Starlight said, swimming up to the mirror and just looking into it.  “But at least I got to check it out.  Thanks.”
Wanda, Sunset and Abigail swam up behind Starlight, looking as if they were ready to give that twin-tailed filly a hug.
“That’s what friends are for, Starlight,” Sunset said.  “Next time we come back, we should spend the night here, underwater.  I think you’ll enjoy it.”
“Would I?” Starlight said as Wanda, Sunset and Abigail gave her a big hug.
“Maybe you should bring Trixie and Sunburst with you,” Wanda said.  “After all, any friend of Starlight is a friend of ours.”
“Friends,” Abigail cheered.

But back out on dry land at the Golden Palace, Eleanor Young looked out at the Sapphire Lake with a smile on her face, and a tear rolling down her cheek.  Next to her was Princess Celestia, who looked proud.
“Princess Celestia,” Eleanor said.  “Thanks for looking after my daughter.”
“It was my pleasure,” Celestia said.  “Though I think I may let them spend the night down there, like old times.  Maybe even send Trixie and Sunburst to join them.”
“I’ll have to say this,” Eleanor said.  “Evevanya has had many great locations.  But never a Golden Land like this place.”
“You never had a Golden Land like this?” Celestia asked.
“We do have water that anyone can breathe in,” Eleanor said  “But not a land as majestic as this place.”
“He may be long gone,” Princess Celestia said.  “But at least, you have Starswirl the Bearded to thank for discovering this place.”
“I will,” Eleanor said.  “After all, he was one of the many ponies who left Evevanya for Equestria.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 17: Revenge of the Wedding Crasher


	Queen Chrysalis’ Ambition