A Warm Return
A new day has dawned in the land of Equestria. A whole village, raised to the ground by fire, was rebuilt as if nothing had happened at all. But deep within the village, everyone celebrated. Many villagers had toys to pass down to the younglings who enjoyed the moment. Some flew kites into the air. Some span tops on the ground or tossed balls at each other. Some hit shuttlecocks attached to their paddles.
Nearby, food was prepared for the other villagers. The smell of cooked vegetables with a savory sauce filled the nostrils of hungry celebrants. Many sunk their teeth into their food, enjoying every taste and texture of their meals. Some even made simple desserts like cookies made from wheat flour, and sweet dumplings made from milled rice flour.
The music in the air consisted of the sweet sound of the wooden flutes, the calming, yet energetic twang of the lutes, and even the mighty drums that the ponies pounded on with thick sticks.
Wanda Young walked around in the village, enjoying the food in her hands. Abigail walked alongside her, meowing to the music that echoed in the air. On her right, Misty Brightdawn was wearing a bright blue robe, levitating a kite into the air. Behind them were Past Celestia and Past Luna, enjoying the moment.
“How are you all doing?” Past Luna asked.
“Great,” Wanda said, taking a bite of corn. “I never thought you could create something this festive.”
“Well it’s the first time I chose to set up this kind of celebration,” Past Luna said. “I call it the Summer Sun Celebration. A reminder to my sister that there are those who care for her well-being.”
“Thank you, Luna,” Past Celestia smiled. “I still worry for myself after what happened. But seeing as how everyone wants me to at least be happy, I’ll be willing to do it for them.”
“That’s the spirit,” Past Luna said as she rubbed her cheek on Celestia’s cheek. “Even if we do keep fighting, I would rather have you around than to be alone for the rest of my life.”
“Well I’m glad you are with me sister,” Past Celestia said. “I dunno what I would do if it the Pony of Shadows turned you into this…Nightmare Moon.”
“Maybe I could use it to forge a new celebration during the fall,” Past Luna said. “Something like…Nightmare Night.”
“Good idea,” Past Celestia laughed.
But as Past Celestia and Past Luna laughed, Wanda tapped on Past Celestia’s shoulder, catching her attention.
“Yes, Wanda?” Past Celestia asked.
“You know what’s odd?” Wanda asked. “You never used your Wolf’s Breath curse at all, last night.”
“So you know that I have this Wolf’s Breath Curse?” Past Celestia smiled. “Did my future self tell you about it?”
“She did more than that,” Wanda said. “She used it many times to fight off bad guys. Furthermore, two of my friends have this curse.”
“What is this Wolf’s Breath Curse?” Misty asked.
“Well,” Wanda said. “It’s supposed to be a curse that affects unicorns and alicorns. It causes their magic to lock up, but they somehow end up acting like a wolf.”
“Like a wolf?” Misty replied.
“It’s more like gaining the instincts, mentality and strength of a wolf,” Past Celestia explained. “Because of our mother and Starswirl the Bearded, I was able to learn how to control this curse and put it to good use. But the reason why I didn’t use my curse last night was because of how overwhelming the Pony of Shadows was. When even our magic couldn’t phase him at all, we had no choice, but to retreat.”
“That makes a lot of sense,” Misty said. “When one realizes how dangerous their foe is, they would not use their curse.”
“That is true,” Past Celestia said. “But not all ponies can control their own curse. Our own emotions can force our curse to take control, sending us in a frenzied state.”
“It does make me wonder if I also have this Wolf’s Breath Curse,” Misty replied. “If I suddenly snap and act like a wolf like you do.”
“Well one thing’s for sure,” Past Celestia said, “We don’t need a reason to use our curse at the moment. Because I feel like enjoying this celebration.”
“That makes two of us,” Past Luna said. “After what happened last night, I just want to eat, drink, and be merry.”
Wanda, Abigail, Misty, Past Celestia and Past Luna laughed together as everyone enjoyed the moment of the Summer Sun Celebration, with the smell of food filling ponies’ noses and music playing in the air.
As the sun began to set in the west, Wanda, Abigail, Misty, Past Celestia and Past Luna were observing the sunset next to the Zacharle Castle. Though their faces were of hope and calm, Wanda did look worried.
“What a day,” Misty said. “Every pony was so lively after last night. It’s almost as if our hopes and dreams were renewed.”
“That’s right,” Past Celestia said. “Because of every pony, I at least felt much lighter. And yet, I do fear that the Pony of Shadows will return one day.”
“If it does return, we’ll be ready,” Past Luna said. “I won’t let him take you again.”
“Thanks sister,” Past Celestia said. “You’re all I have left as a family, and we are one together, no matter what.”
“Well speaking of family, you’re not going to believe this,” Past Luna said. “One of our scouts just confirmed the damage done at the Crystal Empire. No sign of Princess Amore or Prince Sombra. Whoever did that got away with it.”
“Then aside from the newly formed Mount Aris Kingdom by Princess Novo, it appears we are now the only kingdom left in Equestria,” Past Celestia said. “We’ll have to work hard to give the ponies a pedestal to stand on.”
“Speaking of which,” Past Luna said, pointing to Misty. “There is someone who needs to be lifted up.”
Past Celestia looked down at Misty and said “Misty. How would you like to be apart of this family?”
“Would I?” Misty said.
“Yes,” Past Celestia said. “What happened to your mother and brother was horrible, and I want to make sure you can spend the rest of your fillyhood with us. I promise I’ll raise you to be the pony who will rebuild the Crystal Empire.”
Misty’s eyes turned watery as she reached out and gave Past Celestia a hug.
“I’ll do it,” Misty cried. “I’m willing to live with you until I’ve grown up.”
“Now our family has extended by one,” Past Luna.
But as Past Celestia and Misty embraced each other, they noticed Wanda drifting towards the sun with Abigail by her side. While Wanda was calm, Abby cried out “Homeless.”
“Wanda,” Past Celestia said. “You look sad. Is it because you’re no longer of the future?”
“Yes,” Wanda said as tears flowed down her cheek. “I miss them all. Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace. All of them. Even the ponies from La Maresa who I called friends.”
“Were they the friends who you saw in that vision?” Misty asked.
“Only Twilight,” Wanda said. “She was the one who sent that message to me. The others were Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy. Now, it looks like they’ll have to carry on their own story without me.”
“I’m terribly sorry,” Past Celestia said as she gently pulled Wanda to her with her wing. “To be stuck in this era and to know those who were close to you to never see you again.”
“I think we should look after her,” Past Luna said. “If Wanda is forever stuck in our timeline, then the least we can do is to make her a part of our family.”
“What do you say, Wanda?” Past Celestia said.
Wanda let out a sigh and said “I know it will be hard on me, because my friends and my sisters won’t see me again. But at least, I’ll always have Aunt Woona, and you….mommy.”
Wanda reached over and gave Past Celestia a hug, crying right into her mane.
“Don’t you worry, my darling Wanda,” Past Celestia said. “I’m here for you.”
But as Wanda cried into Past Celestia’s mane, she heard a voice call out “Wanda. Are you there? I’ve finally managed to open a portal to this era. Past Celestia, Wanda and Abigail looked up to see Princess Celestia emerge from an open portal.
“That must be me,” Past Celestia said. “From the future.”
Past Celestia gently released Wanda from her feathery hold. Wanda looked up at Princess Celestia and smiled greatly.
“MOMMY!” Wanda cried as she ran up and gave Princess Celestia a big hug. Abigail ran up to the future princess, meowing with excitement.
“I didn’t know you would turn out that grand,” Past Luna said.
“Neither did I,” Past Celestia said.
As Wanda embraced Princess Celestia, the future princess said “I was so worried about you, Wanda. I thought I’d lose you, forever.”
“You didn’t,” Wanda cried. “Because of you, I was given some comfort.”
“Well when we get home, you have a huge tale to tell everyone,” Celestia said.
But Princess Celestia looked up at Past Celestia, Past Luna and even Misty, and noticed that the little filly’s eyes looked watery.
“Wanda,” Princess Celestia said. “I think you better say good-bye to Misty.”
Wanda released her hold on Princess Celestia as she and Abigail ran up to Misty. The two looked at each other before hugging each other one last time.
“I’m going to miss you, Misty,” Wanda cried. “Thanks for giving me some comfort when I was stuck here.”
“You’re the best friend I ever had,” Misty said. “I won’t forget you while I live with my Celestia and Luna.”
“Neither would I,” Wanda said.
“Goodbye….Misty,” Abigail meowed.
Slowly, Wanda and Misty released themselves from their hug as Wanda and Abigail walked away from Misty. Princess Celestia lowered herself down as Wanda and Abigail hopped onto her back. But before she entered the portal, Princess Celestia turned to her past self.
“I know it’s odd to be complimenting myself,” Princess Celestia said. “But thank you for looking after our daughter while she was stuck here. And I can assure you, you will have a wonderful life thanks to the younglings that you adopt.”
“It’s been an honor, future me,” Past Celestia said.
With that, Past Celestia, Past Luna and Misty waved good-bye as Wanda and Abigail held onto Princess Celestia, who jumped through the portal. Once they were through, the portal disappeared for good.
“I am going to truly miss you,” Misty cried.
“Something tells me it won’t be for good,” Past Celestia said.
Meanwhile, through the wormhole, Wanda and Abigail held on as Princess Celestia flew towards the future, watching as the images of Canterlot were slowly being rebuilt back to its present self.
“So Mommy,” Wanda said. “It’s true, isn’t it? I was the one who saved you in the past.”
“You were, my darling Wanda,” Celestia said. “If it weren’t for you and even your new friend Misty Brightdawn, I would have remained controlled by the Pony of Shadows, or far worse.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about this?” Wanda asked.
“It was because you weren’t ready to know that it was your story to begin with,” Princess Celestia said. “I just wish it weren’t about nearly losing you to the past by that incident.”
“So I take it we weren’t allowed down in the basement of the School because that’s where you keep the Elements of Harmony?” Wanda asked.
“Correct,” Princess Celestia explained. “The Elements didn’t disappear for good, we returned them back where we left them, in case something like this ever popped up again. And while we could have used them to correl Queen Chrysalis or Coldnelius Snap, we didn’t choose to do so out of fear that it could take their lives.”
“The one thing I really didn’t like about this unexpected trip,” Wanda said, “Is the fact that we won’t see Misty again. But I bet she lived a great life after I departed.”
“That’s what you think,” Celestia said with a smirk. “As a matter of fact, I think you will be seeing Misty again, and you will remember her just like you did all those ages ago.”
“Really?” Wanda asked.
Celestia nodded before she said “One last thing. I set the portal to take me exactly after the first Summer Sun Celebration ended, so you could see what it was like before we do it again in a few months. So how was it?”
“It was great,” Wanda said. “The food was delicious, the toys were incredible, and the music was exciting.”
“Well wait till we get home,” Celestia said. “I still have that toy you played with when we were in the past.”
Wanda and Abigail cheered as Celestia flew down the time tunnel.
In the present, Princess Celestia emerged from the portal before it shut off. Wanda and Abigail jumped off the moment the princess landed her hooves on the ground. But just as Wanda saw the sights of her time zone, she noticed seven familiar faces run up to her.
“Oh my gosh,” Wanda said. “They’re all here.”
Immediately, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danegd Spell and Golden Lace ran up and gave Wanda a big hug, laughing loudly.
“We were all so worried about you, sister,” Sunset Shimmer cried. “We thought you were gone for good.”
“Well thanks to Mommy I wasn’t,” Wanda said. “In fact, I wound up helping Aunt Woona save Mommy in the past. Then we all got to celebrate the Summer Sun Celebration in the past.”
“The Summer Sun Celebration?” Twilight said. “That’s not for a few months.”
“Well you know what they say,” Danged Spell smirked. “Time flies when you’re having fun.”
“Danged Spell,” the younglings yelled before they broke into laughter.
Danged Spell stood there and said “I had to say it.”
Wanda’s ears picked up the sound of someone shouting her name. She looked to her left and saw Cozy Glow, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk run up to her.
“Cozy, Dazzlings,” Wanda cheered.
“We were all worried for you,” Cozy Glow said. “The moment Princess Celestia told us what happened, we got worried.”
“Yeah,” Adagio Dazzle said. “You’re Sunset Shimmer’s sister. And even though there was nothing we could do to help out, we just hoped you would come back to us.”
“Well I’m back,” Wanda said. “And so is Abby.”
“We’re just glad that you’re back,” Starlight said. “And we hope we don’t have to be separated again.”
As every youngling embraced Wanda, she turned to Princess Celestia, who smiled down at her adopted daughter. Nearby, Princess Luna, Chancellor Cinch, Granny Smith, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Captain Airazor observed the younglings as proud as they could be. Even Chancellor Cinch’s eyes looked watery.
“I guess everyone really missed me,” Wanda said.
“We all did,” Princess Luna said, walking up to Wanda. “Though I still owe you for helping me save my sister from the Pony of Shadows.”
“Never thought that the little tyke would end up making history in Equestria,” Granny Smith said, wiping a tear from her eye. “You make us all proud.”
“On a side note,” Wanda said. “How did you figure out where I was, and how did you get me back?”
Princess Celestia looked down at Wanda with her smile fading away a bit.
“I know you’re going to be upset,” Princess Celestia said. “But the one pony who unintentionally brought you to the past was the one who helped bring you back.”
As Celestia finished speaking, Wanda turned towards the front, where Coldnelius Snap stood in front. The other younglings glared at him and stood in front of Wanda, looking ready to pounce. Even Abigail and Spike growled at Coldnelius Snap.
“Stand down,” Coldnelius Snap said. “We’re not in the mood to fight.”
“You helped mommy bring me back?” Wanda asked with some fear in her voice. “Why?”
Coldnelius Snap let out a small sigh and said “As much as I am your foe, Princess Wanda, and I wish to turn you into one of us, even I couldn’t help but feel responsible for putting you through that horrible torture that is the Pony of Shadows, AKA the Shade of Hate.”
“What do you mean by that?” Sunset Shimmer growled.
“The Pony of Shadows was an artificial construct created by a terrible Alicorn by the name of Hydia,” Coldnelius Snap explained. “She used magic stolen from various kingdoms to create this abomination. This included the Changeling Kingdom, the once majestic Hippogriff Kingdom, the extinct Demon Ponies, and even the Ice Pony kingdom of Winteris. All just to create that abomination.”
“Wait,” Cozy Glow said. “So you’re telling me that this Alicorn named Hydia was responsible for creating the Pony of Shadows?”
“Yes,” Coldnelius Snap said. “She used all that magic to create him and gave him a name: the Shade of Hate. But by combining with another pony, it became the Pony of Shadows.”
‘Why are you telling us this?” Moondancer asked. “And how do you know about the origins of the Pony of Shadows?”
“Originally, I refused to share this knowledge to anyone outside of my cult,” Coldnelius Snap said. “Even to my partner Queen Chrysalis, and especially to my enemy. But after seeing what happened with Princess Wanda, and seeing some relief that she has returned home, it was time I told you all the truth about the Pony of Shadows. And as for how I know this, that is a tale you will find out one day.”
“Do you honor your end of the bargain?” Chancellor Cinch said. “Will you uphold your truce?”
“I will,” Coldnelius Snap said. “Effective immediately, all members of the Windigo’s Guild will withdraw from Canterlot, and we will give you a month’s peace. But do not let yourselves become complacent, for we will meet again.”
Coldnelius Snap looked up at his cult members who sat on the roof and signaled to them. Immediately, the cultists ran off the roof and jumped over the walls of Canterlot before disappearing into the nearby forests. Coldnelius Snap then turned to Princess Celestia.
“Good-bye Princess Celestia, “Coldnelius Snap said. “Though our fight against you will continue, should you tell us about the fate of Hydia, then maybe our hate will subside.”
And with that, Coldnelius Snap’s wings extended out from his cloak before he leaped into the air and took off from the city of Canterlot, leaving everyone behind.
“To think, we still have to put up with a guy who gives us the cold shoulder,” Danged Spell grumbled.
“Right now,” Princess Luna said. “What matters is that Wanda and Abigail are back home in the present. And it’s starting to get late. So we better head back to the castle.”
“Why not?” Sunset said. “In fact, let’s have a slumber party to celebrate Wanda’s return home.”
The younglings cheered in unison as they picked Wanda up off the ground and hoisted her in the air, chanting her name. Cozy Glow picked up Abigail and held her up high while Spike walked alongside Twilight.
“You guys,” Wanda laughed. “You really, really miss me, do ya?”
“We do,” Golden Lace said. “And we can’t wait to hear your story.”
“Come on,” Sunburst yelled. “Let’s go celebrate at the castle.”
With that, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk kept Wanda held up high as they marched towards the castle with Spike walking on the left side of the group and Cozy Glow, holding Abigail, flew to the right side of the group. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna just looked from afar with a smile on their faces.
“I’m glad that’s over with,” Princess Luna said. “It was one thing for Wanda to help me send the Pony of Shadows to the moon. But it was another to leave her behind in the past.”
“Well she isn’t the only one who’s still around,” Princess Celestia said. “Remember Misty Brightdawn? The first orphan I adopted?”
“Oh yeah,” Princess Luna said. “The little sister of King Sombra of the Crystal Empire.”
“I’m surprised that you never told her about the Crystal Empire,” Princess Cadance said.
“I think she deserves to know that not only is Misty still around,” Princess Celestia said, “But her brother was able to reclaim the Crystal Empire and has become King. In fact, a century later, we allowed Misty to reunite with her brother, and they have been happy since then. But Misty still admits, she misses Wanda and would like to see her again.”
“I never did meet King Sombra or his sister Misty Brightdawn,” Shining Armor said. “Maybe we should get together with them so we could get to know them.
“That’s a great idea,” Princess Cadance cheered. “What do you say, mother?”
“I’ll try to get in contact with King Sombra when I get the chance,” Princess Celestia said. “But in the meantime, it’s time we head to the castle and celebrate Wanda’s return.”
With that, Celestia, Luna, Cadance and Shining Armor all walked towards the castle as the sun began to set, leaving Chancellor Cinch with Captain Airazor and Granny Smith.
“Chancellor,” Captain Airazor said. “Would you like for me to escort you back to your manor?”
“That won’t be necessary,” Chancellor Cinch said. “I can walk home fine.”
“Then I wish you a good evening,” Airazor said, bowing to the Chancellor.
But before Airazor could take off, Granny Smith tapped the Wonderbolt leader with her hoof.
“As much as I wanna head home,” Granny Smith said, “I’m gonna stick around and make sure Wanda is alright. Once the portal is repaired, I’ll be saying good-bye for the moment.”
“Very well,” Airazor said. “If the portal can’t come back online, I think I can fly you back home. You have my world.”
Granny Smith nodded to the Wonderbolt Captain before she ran off towards the castle. Immediately, Airazor took off to the skies, departing from the City of Canterlot, leaving the Chancellor by herself. But once she was alone, Eleanor Young emerged from a bush, worried.
“You don’t look like yourself, Eleanor,” Chancellor Cinch said, turning towards the Evevanyian adult.
“It’s all my fault,” Eleanor Young said with a tear falling down her cheek. “I didn’t want my daughter to be sucked into the past like that. I thought she was lost forever.”
“What’s past is past,” Chancellor Cinch said. “And it wasn’t your fault. The fact that the ones responsible for her disappearance decided to undo the damage says a whole lot. In fact, I was surprised that the Windigo’s Guild were willing to help out, despite our objections to it.”
“I know you mean well,” Eleanor said. “But I feel like I’ve done too much harm to her. Tell Princess Celestia that I do not deserve to even look at her again.”
With that, Eleanor Young ran down the street with her head turned away, leaving the Chancellor alone, and worried.
“This is more serious than I imagined,” Chancellor Cinch said. “Somehow, I have to make things right for her.”
Chancellor Cinch ran down the street after Eleanor Young in a hurry, leaving the quiet ground bridge portal all by itself. But in a moment, Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer walked up the portal with a worry on their face.
“I don’t know if our daughter should be around in this city again,” Firelight Glimmer said.
“After seeing her best friend get sucked into the portal and sent back through time,” Starseeker said, “I agree with you.”
“I do remember,” Firelight replied. “And I know it will hurt Starlight to hear this. But I’m afraid we’re going to have to pull her out from the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“But we can’t take her back to Sire’s Hollow,” Starseeker said. “Remember what the Windigo’s Guild did?”
“You’re right,” Firelight Glimmer said. “If we can’t let her stay in Canterlot, but we can’t bring her home to Sire’s Hollow, then what can we do? Is it fate that we have to suffer for all eternity?”
“Maybe tomorrow morning,” Starseeker Glimmer said. “We’ll find out where to go.”
To Be Continued in…
Arc 19: Friendship Shattered
Parental Choice