//------------------------------//
// Arc 22-8: A True Homecoming 
// Story: My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Trials of Friendship" 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


A True Homecoming.



It was nighttime across the city of Canterlot.  Ponies went home to loved ones to celebrate the end of the day with a good meal and good times together.
But up in the castle, down the hallway, Princess Celestia walked with Princess Luna, Chancellor Cinch and Abigail Albright towards the bedroom.
“I heard what Ms. Honey Twist did to the Man’s Cub,” Chancellor Cinch said with a worried tone.
“Misty and Starlight told us what happened that made Wanda submit to her,” Princess Celestia stated.  
“I was harsh back then because I feared what she may become,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But I never thought someone would turn her into a despicable monster like that.”
“Worst off, Magistrate Creme Dream was able to white wash the event as the fault of Gold Banks,” Princess Luna said.  “As a result, she wound up getting the blame while Ms. Honey Twist got off, scott-free.”
“Creme Dream is rather smart when it comes to propaganda,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “She’ll weasel her way out of any wrongdoing and the rest of us will just pass it on as if it didn’t happen at all.  We’re none the wiser.”
“Speaking of which,” Princess Celestia said.  “I think a certain daughter of mine is going to need some cheering up.”
Princess Celestia opened the door to the bedroom, where Wanda stood out the window, staring at the moon with the Pony of Shadows on it.  She was no longer wearing the Junior Warden’s outfit, but her old dress again.   Abigail ran up onto the bed before meowing towards Wanda.
“Wanda,” Princess Celestia said.  “How are you doing?”
But Wanda continued to stare out the window, ignoring Princess Celestia’s plea.  Celestia walked up to Wanda and sat right next to her and Abigail.
“Wanda,” Celestia said.  “What happened back at Daisy Joy Tech wasn’t your fault.  Ms. Honey Twist did something to you to bring out that dark side of yours.”
But Wanda only turned her head away, much to Celestia’s sorrow.
“I’ll handle this,” Chancellor Cinch said as she stepped inside.
Wanda noticed Chancellor Cinch walking in and she hid her face away in shame.
“Young Lady,” Cinch said.  “I don’t blame you for what happened.  In fact, my anger is directed towards Ms. Honey Twist after your mommy told me about what happened down there.  And your friends Misty and Starlight are aware of it.
“But I hurt so many ponies, including Mommy,” Wanda cried.  “You’ll send me to Tartarus for this.”
“No I won’t,” Cinch said.  “In fact, if there were any charges against you over what happened, I would have dismissed them with extreme prejudice.  Besides, it’s not just Ms. Honey Twist that you should blame, but also Gold Banks.”
“Gold Banks?” Wanda said, turning to the Chancellor.
“She’s right,” Celestia said.  “If it weren’t for Gold Banks, you would never have been forced to be evil.  It was because of Gold Banks that I was worried for you, your sister, and your friends.”
“Really?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “We’re only glad that you’re back home, and that’s what matters the most.  Your Mommy misses you and your sister.  Be thankful that you don’t have to live through that nightmare again.”
“I’ll…,” Wanda said, hesitantly.  “I’ll try.”
“As long as you’re back home,” Celestia reassured, “That’s what matters the most.  But there is one last thing I need to point out.”
“What’s that?” Wanda asked.
“A particular…punishment,” Celestia joked.
“Fine,” Wanda sighed.  “What is it?”
“For being tormented by that horrible Ms. Honey Twist,” Celestia said.  “I sentence you….to tickling.”
Immediately, Celestia placed her hoof gently on Wanda’s tummy and rubbed, causing the Man’s Cub to fall onto the bed and giggle loudly.
“MOMMY!” Wanda giggled.  “STOP!  THAT TICKLES!”
“But you must endure the tickles for your sake, my darling Wanda,” Celestia laughed.
“OKAY OKAY!” Wanda laughed.   “I GIVE UP!  I SURRENDER!”
Celestia moved her hoof off of Wanda’s tummy as the Man’s Cub struggled to get her laughter under control.  She got herself back up as her laughter finally subsided.
“Now, doesn’t that feel better?” Celestia asked.
“It does,” Wanda said.  “Thanks, mommy.”
“You’re welcome,” Celestia said.  “Now how about we go greet your friends?  They’re all worried about you.”
Wanda, Celestia and Abigail got up from the bed before they walked towards the door. Chancellor Cinch followed from behind.
“Tickle torture,” Cinch said with a smirk on her face.  “I’ll have to remember that.”
As Celestia, Wanda and Abigail walked outside the room, they were approached by Princess Luna, who gave Wanda a hoof noogie on the head.
“Come on, Wanda,” Luna said.  “Let’s go celebrate.”
With that, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Wanda, Abigail Albright and Chancellor Cinch walked down the hallway.

At the banquet hall, Wanda stepped through the doorway with Celestia, Luna, Cinch and Abigail behind her.  But the moment she stepped in, everyone in the room shouted “SURPRISE!”
“Surprise?” Wanda said.  “Is this what I think it is?”
In front of her was a giant, eight layer cake laid out for her with a bowl of punch next to it.  Nearby, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Pinkie Pie, Spike the Dragon, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Cozy Glow, Misty Brightdawn, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Wallflower Blush, Vignette Valencia, Gloriosa Daisy, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker Glimmer all cheered for Wanda.  Above them was a banner that read “Welcome home, everyone.”
“Wanda,” Sunset said. “We were wondering if you would come down to celebrate our coming home party.”
“Coming home, party?” Wanda said.
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Even though it was my idea, I wanted to throw it for all of us.  Just so you know you’re once again part of a family.  And as a family, we are one together.”
“That’s true,” Twilight said.  “And besides, you’re not just a family, you’re also a friend, and Friendship truly is Magic.”
Wanda just looked at her friends and said “Aww.  Thanks, you guys.  I’ll never forget this moment.”
“Speaking of which,” Celestia said.  “We did invite a few others that learned of your return.”
Celestia, Luna and Cinch moved aside as Danged Spell, Sunburst, Moondancer, Trixie Lulamoon, Argyle Starshine, Silver Banks, Canter Zoom, Maud Pie, Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz walked into the room.  Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage and even Pinkie Pie all lit up in a surprise of their own.
“Spell, Dancer, Sunburst,” Wanda said.  “You’re all here.”
“We all missed ya,” Danged Spell said. “After what Ms. Honey Twist did to ya, we’re glad that you came back.”
“It wouldn’t be the same if we couldn’t be together as friends,” Moondancer said.
“And we’ve brought your best friend along, Starlight,” Sunburst said.  “She heard what happened and she wanted to let you know that we’re glad to have you back.”  
Immediately, Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage and Pinkie Pie all ran up to their respective fellows and gave them a big, warm hug.  Starlight embraced Sunburst and Trixie, Juniper Montage embraced Canter Zoom, Golden Lace embraced Silver Banks and Pinkie Pie embraced her parents and Maud.
“I’m glad to see you again, mom and dad,” Pinkie cried.  “Being inside Daisy Joy Tech was the worst thing to happen to me.”
“We’re glad you were able to break free from that wretched place, Pinkie,” Cloudy Quartz said.
“No matter what happens, you will always be our little Pinkie Pie,” Igneous Rock said.  “Never forget that.”
“Pinkie,” Maud said.  “You just keep being you.  That’s the most important part of who you are.”
“Thanks Maud,” Pinkie cried.
“I was so worried about you, my niece,” Canter Zoom said.  
“I heard about what happened to the set,” Juniper said.  “What will be of your studio?”
“Princess Celestia has compensated me for the set’s destruction,” Canter Zoom said, “And it will be rebuilt better than ever.  But right now, I’m just glad you’re back.”
“I’m glad you came back, Glimglam,” Trixie said.  
“I’m glad as well,” Starlight said.  “I don’t want to step hoof in that horrible school again.”
“Just promise me you’ll be safe with either me, or Wanda,”  Trixie asked.
“I will,” Starlight said.
“I heard about what my wife did to you,” Silver Banks said.  
“I don’t ever want to see her face again, daddy,” Golden Lace said.
“Don’t you worry,” Silver Banks said.  “I will finalize my divorce with her, even though she’s now banned from stepping hoof in Canterlot.”
“Good,” Golden Lace cried.  “I’m glad of that as well.”
But as Pinkie, Starlight, Lace and Juniper embraced their loved ones, Misty walked up to Princess Celestia and tapped her hoof, getting her attention.
“Princess,” Misty said.  “What about my big brother King Sombra?”
“I just contacted him and let him know that you’re alright,” Princess Celestia explained.  “He’ll come by to check up on you.  But for now, you’re welcome to stay here in my castle.”
“Really?” Misty said.
“After all,” Luna said.  “You were our first youngster that we adopted.  So welcome home, Misty Brightdawn.”
Misty squealed with delight as she jumped into Celestia and Luna’s arms and gave them a big hug.  
“Thank you, mommy and aunt Luna,” Misty said.  “I’ve missed you all.”
“Anytime, Misty,” Princess Celestia said.
Wanda walked up to Argyle Starshine, who just smiled at everyone in the vicinity.
“Mr Starshine,” Wanda said.  “Can you tell me about your horrible experience there?”
“My dear Wanda,” Argyle said, adjusting his glasses.  “Let me tell you how I got hired there in the first place.”

Later that night, everyone was partying the night away, enjoying every moment.  Some were eating cake or drinking punch.  Some danced.  Others just talked with each other.
Nearby, Danged Spell spoke with Sunburst, Moondancer, Sonata Dusk, and Twilight Sparkle.
“Wow,” Danged Spell said. “To turn Wanda into some kind of monster just to torment you at that horrible school.”
“Not just that,” Twilight said.  “But the Headmare made us lick all that horrible slop off the floor as punishment for a food fight.  I never want to step hoof in there again.”
“Glad you don’t have to,” Sunburst said.  “None of us would want to step hoof there, period.”
“I’m surprised why some ponies don’t speak out against this madness,” Moondancer asked.
“I heard rumors that some ponies are shipped away to an insane asylum when they learn about what’s happening with their sons and daughters,” Sunburst explained.  “That explained what happened to Vignette Valencia.”
“That stuff really makes me so mad,” Danged Spell said, “I just wanna SMASH something.”
With that, Danged Spell swung his hoof in the air and slammed it right on Sunburst’s punch cup on the table.
“DANGED SPELL, I NEEDED THAT!” Sunburst yelled.
“Oops,” Danged Spell said as he saw his hoof covered in punch.  “My bad.”
As Moondancer, Twilight and Sonata laughed, Twilight turned to Sonata Dusk.
“Right now, I could use a bite of your famous black bean tacos,” Twilight said.
“I’ll get right on it the moment I can,” Sonata said.  “And I’ll make it savory enough to get that slop we ate out of our mouths.”
“Looking forward to that,” Twilight said.
As Twilight and Sonata laughed, Danged Spell felt a tap on his shoulder.  He turned around and saw Wallflower Blush look up at him.
“Excuse me,” Wallflower Blush said.  “But would you be willing to dance with me?”
Danged Spell just looked at her as her face turned beet red with embarrassment.  He stepped back for a bit before tripping and falling on his behind, much to the other’s surprise.
“Spell?” Moondancer said.  “What in Equestria are you doing?”
“Not pulling off my best dance moves,” Danged Spell said.
“DANGED SPELL,” Moondancer, Twilight, Sunburst and Sonata said before bursting out with laughter, causing Wallflower Blush to giggle.
“Wow,” Danged Spell said. “Have a mare go gaga over you and you end up the fool in front of everyone else.”
Nearby, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, and Maud Pie hung out with Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker.  But Starlight looked a bit worried.
“Daddy,” Starlight said. “After what happened, does that mean I have to go back home with you?”
“Quite the opposite, Starlight,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “In fact, Princess Celestia has allowed us to remain at the castle until the heat has died down from that incident.  Besides, I don’t trust the idea of Gold Banks remaining banned from Canterlot for long.”
“Good thing we’ve heard about her lifetime ban from Canterlot,” Starseeker said.  “After what she pulled, she deserved it.”
“That means I can stay with Wanda?” Starlight said.
“Even better,” Firelight said.
“That means you’ll be safe and sound from that mean ol Gold Banks,” Trixie said.  “And without a doubt.”
“Oh without a doubt,” Starlight said.  “But I hope you can come back to visit, Trixie.”
“I will,” Trixie said.  “And with my new friend Maud Pie.”
Starlight Glimmer turned towards Maud Pie, who waved to the twin-tailed unicorn filly.
“Nice to meet you,” Maud said.  “Pinkie Pie told me about you, and your friends.”
“Uhh, nice to meet you as well,” Starlight said before she held out her hoof.
Maud Pie looked down at Starlight Glimmer’s hoof before she reached out and held onto it.  The two fillies shook each other’s hooves in respect.
“I have the feeling this might be the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” Starlight said.
“The feeling’s mutual,” Maud Pie said.
But as Starlight and Maud shook hooves, Golden Lace and Juniper Montage had a chat with Silver Banks, Vignette Valencia, Gloriosa Daisy and Canter Zoom.
“So it was your own mother who locked my parents away?” Vignette Valencia asked.
“Yeah,” Golden Lace said.  “I used to look up to her as an idol.  But since my time at Mount Aris, I began to see my mother in a different light.”
“I also used to have a crush on Gold Banks,” Silver Banks said.  “And I used to agree with her views.  But in recent days, she’s become too unhinged for even me.  That was the reason I chose to file for divorce.  She will be a Banks no longer.”
“And what about getting us back with our parents?” Gloriosa Daisy asked.  “Especially  my brother Timber Spruce?”
“Get me any information on where they may be and I will do just that,” Silver Banks said.  “It’s time my wife was held accountable for her actions.”
“It’s good that some ponies can get the justice they deserve,” Canter Zoom said.  “But the same cannot be said about Gold, who has gone into hiding.”
“Uncle,” Juniper Montage said.  “What’s going to happen to us?” 
“Until the set has been rebuilt, we’re allowed to remain here,” Canter Zoom said.  “Princess Celestia has already compensated me for what Gold Banks did.”
“Uncle,” Juniper Montage said.  “I hope this nightmare ends.”
“I sure hope so as well,” Canter Zoom said.

But nearby, Wanda Young was dancing a silly dance on the floor with Pinkie Pie, Sunset Shimmer, Cozy Glow and Misty Brightdawn.  Nearby, Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze were enjoying some cake.
“What do you think, Wanda?” Pinkie Pie said.  “Best return from a nightmare ever?”
“You bet,” Wanda cheered.  “I’ve never felt happier in my life.”
“Let’s hope we can keep it that way now that we have Misty joining us,” Sunset Shimmer said.  
Wanda turned to Misty and said “Misty.  You’re joining us?”
“You got it,” Misty Brightdawn said.  “It’s been a thousand years since I last saw you.”
“It sure is,” Wanda said.  “But it felt only like days ago when I first met you in the past.”
“I still can’t believe that you two know each other,” Cozy Glow said.
“Hey Cozy,” Sunset said.  “How horrible was it for you, Abigail and Spike to be locked away in that cage?”
“Horrible is an understatement,” Cozy Glow said.  “After what I had to experience with Abby and Spike, I don’t ever want to step inside a cage again.”
“I didn’t actually see Cozy Glow inside that cage,” Adagio Dazzle said to the group.  “But I can only imagine the horror she had to go through.”
“Believe me,” Cozy Glow said.  “I would never want to step inside a cage, or that horrible school, ever again.”
But as the younglings enjoyed themselves, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Chancellor Cinch and Argyle Starshine sat nearby, content and yet worried.  Abigail and Spike sat next to Argyle Starshine, who placed two plates with cake in front of the two.
“I’m glad they’re all recovering from their time at Daisy Joy Tech,” Princess Celestia said.
“What Gold Banks did was a bridge too far,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I’ve authorized an arrest warrant for kidnapping and torture.”
“That’s great to hear,” Princess Luna said.  “And about time too.  Guess Gold Banks’ political career is officially over.”
“You got that right,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “And good riddance.”
“Still,” Princess Cadance said.   “If someone like Gold Banks was capable of kidnapping Wanda and the others, imagine what someone else would do.”
“Don’t think that way, Caddy,” Shining Armor said.  “We always find a way to keep our loved ones protected.”
“Shining’s right,” Princess Celestia said.  “No matter if it's the changelings, the Windigo’s Guild or Gold Banks, we’ll make sure we keep them protected.”
“Speaking of which,” Argyle Starshine said.  “How is Prince Blueblood doing now that he’s a wanted criminal?”
Suddenly, Celestia’s video phone goes off.  She pulls it out and taps the screen before putting it to her ear.
“Prince Blueblood,” Celestia said.  “I was wondering when you would call me up.   Uh-huh.  I see.  You wish to speak to Wanda.  And you want me to switch to video.  Right away.”
Celestia tapped the screen a bit before she got up and walked over to Wanda, who still continued her silly dance.
“Wanda,” Celestia said.  “Prince Blueblood wants to speak to you.”
Wanda paused for a moment before turning towards the screen.  She picked it up and saw Prince Blueblood and the Scrappies wave to her.
“Cousin,” Wanda said.
“How’s it going?” Prince Blueblood waved as the Scrappies cheered.
“I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to say good-bye,” Wanda said.
“Same here,” Prince Blueblood said.  “So before we begin our fight to liberate the other colts and fillies from Daisy Joy Tech, I’d like to give you a special good-bye message.  In fact, two former bullies would like to say something to you.”
Prince Blueblood moved the screen towards Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo, who waved towards Wanda.
“Wanda,” Marcie Pan said.  “We would like to apologize for the way we treated you at Daisy Joy Tech.  It was wrong for us to be that horrible.”
“Actually, I should apologize to you for being even worse than you both were,” Wanda said.  “I wasn’t myself.”
“Well now we’re glad that you are,” Fawn Doo said.  “Listen.  To make up for what we did as former Junior Wardens, we’re going to free everyone from Daisy Joy Tech and bring them back to their families.  That we can promise you.”
“That’s great,” Wanda said.  “I hope you do succeed.”
“Anyway,” Marcie Pan said.  “You stay safe in Canterlot.  We’ll give that Ms. Honey Twist a piece of our minds and get that school shut down for good.”
As Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo cheered, Prince Blueblood turned the video phone back to himself as Hoops, Dumbbell and Score cheered in the background.
“Cousin,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Tell your sister this.  We’re going through the hardest part of our lives as fugitives.  But no matter what, you will always have my respect from here on out.  And may my aunt keep you safe from the dangers of this horrible world.”
“I will,” Wanda said.
“Anyway,” Prince Blueblood said.  “You stay safe out there.  We’ve got a job to do.”
As Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, and Lightning Dust cheered for Wanda, she looked down at the video phone of the Scrappies and wiped a tear from cheek.
“I’m glad to have friends like this,” Wanda thought to herself.  “Maybe Friendship is truly magic.”
Outside, Eleanor looked into the banquet hall where the Grand Gallopin Gala was hosted.  And like her biological daughter, Eleanor wiped a tear from her eye in pride.
“One day,” Eleanor said.  “I will finally tell you the truth about who I am, my daughter.  Until then, Princess Celestia is your mommy.”
And thus, everyone partied through the night as the moon with the Pony of Shadow’s visage shined down on the city.


	To Be Continued In…


	Arc 23: Wrath of the Gold Bankers


	Another New Day