//------------------------------//
// Arc 29-3: Hope from the Knight and the Alicorn 
// Story: My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Trials of Friendship" 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


Hope from the Knight and the Alicorn



“So Princess Celestia is back?”
Those words came from Pinkie Pie, who stood outside the castle alongside Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Karen the Bulldog with Spike on her back, Misty Brightdawn, King Sombra and Chancellor Cinch.  Starlight Glimmer was right outside the doorway, speaking with the others in front of her.
“I don’t know what Sunset Shimmer did,” Starlight explained.  “But she must have given Princess Celestia a reason to rise back up.”
“If this is true, then we have some hope left in this world,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “That being said, I hope Princess Celestia knows what she’s doing.”
“She did mention something about the Golden Magic of Light,” Starlight said.
“The Golden Magic of Light?” Misty said.  “What is that?”
“A sacred magic that Starswirl the Bearded discovered,” King Sombra said.  “Some say it has the power to purify lost souls in need.”
“So what do you suppose Princess Celestia wants to do with the Golden Light,” Golden Lace asked.
“Maybe you should ask them, and boy did they get an upgrade,” Pinkie Pie said, pointing to the doorway nearby.
Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Karen, Spike, Misty Brightdawn, King Sombra and Chancellor Cinch turned around to see Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright emerge from the entrance.  Wanda was decked out in her new Equinox Armor, while Sunset Shimmer flapped her new wings.  Right behind them followed Princess Skystar, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk
“My word,” Chancellor Cinch said, surprised.  “What happened to you both?”
“Mommy gave us the blessing of the Golden Light,” Wanda said.
“Man’s Cub,” Cinch said, observing Wanda’s new armor.  “I have never seen you wear armor like that before.”  She turned to Sunset and said “And you.  You’ve become…an alicorn.”
Immediately, Pinkie Pie flew on a suspended rope with some cardboard cut out wings and yelled out “ALICORRRRRRRRRN!”
Everyone just looked at Pinkie Pie with an awkward look before King Sombra burst into laughter.
“That came out of nowhere,” King Sombra laughed. 
“Oops,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Sorry.  Couldn’t resist.”
With that, everyone burst out into laughter over Pinkie Pie’s words, from Shining Armor to Chancellor Cinch.  Even Karen the Alicorn Bulldog and Spike broke out into laughter
“Never change, Pinkie Pie,” Princess Cadance said.  “Never change.”
As Wanda and Sunset regained themselves from their laughter, they turned back towards their big sister.
“So now that we’ve gotten our new forms, what’s next?” Sunset asked.
“It’s time we addressed everyone in the Golden Land,” Princess Cadance said.  “Once everyone sees what you’ve all become, it will fill their hearts with hope in a world now filled with dread.”
“Your sister is right,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Come with us.  We are going to rally everyone in the Golden Land and give them a speech worth listening to.”
“But where are they?” Sunset asked.
Chancellor Cinch pointed up on the small hill where three portal arcs were located.  Directly next to them were a crowd of earth ponies, unicorns, pegasi and hippogriffs, waiting patiently.
“They’ve been waiting for Princess Celestia to emerge,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But with you, that may be a sign that hope has truly arrived.”
“And how did those get there?” Sunset asked.
“We’ve had two more portal arcs built while you were asleep,” Wanda explained.  “It’s all part of her plan to save the ponies of La Maresa, Vanhoover and Manehattan.”
“I see,” Sunset said.  
“It is time,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Time to bring hope to Equestria.”
Wanda and Sunset nodded before they and Princess Cadance followed Chancellor Cinch towards the portal arcs, where the various citizens waited for them.  Nearby, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk looked up at both Sunset Shimmer and Wanda Young, with Cozy Glow flying next to them.
“There goes two brave souls,” Aria Blaze said.
“They’re more than just brave souls,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “They’re our friends.”
“They’re also our sisters,” Cozy Glow said.  “We’ve known them for a long time.”
“And to think,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “I pushed them away because of my own selfish actions.”
“Times change, sis,” Sonata Dusk said.  “Maybe when this is over, I should throw a taco party and get everyone in on the fun.”
“Ooooh,” Pinkie Pie said, getting into Sonata Dusk’s face. “Did someone say party?”
“I sure did,” Sonata Dusk said.
“If you said party, then let me join in,” Princess Skystar laughed.
“Okay you jokers,” Cozy Glow said.  “Let’s wait until Wanda and her sisters address the citizens of Equestria.”

Meanwhile, back inside the castle, Princess Celestia walked with Queen Novo and Queen Eleanor down the hallway and away from the throne room.  Their moods have been lifted and their minds felt at ease.
“So this is it,” Queen Novo said.  “First you finally got some sense snapped into you, and now two of your daughters have been powered up.”
“As I speak, they should be ready to address the citizens in exile,” Princess Celestia explained.  “This includes the hippogriffs who lost Mount Aris.”
“That we will get back from that monster Gold Banks,” Queen Novo said, clutching her left talon.  “She’ll pay dearly for persecuting us.”
“There’s still the matter of the fact that Gold Banks has that powerful Alicorn Amulet,” Eleanor Young said.  “It won’t be easy to pry it away from her collar.”
“That I’m counting on,” Princess Celestia said.  “Gold Banks must be stopped, no matter the cost.”
“That’s the spirit,” Queen Novo cheered.  “It won’t be long now until we prepare for our final confrontation with that witch.”
Immediately, a number of royal guards walked up from behind the wall and approached Princess Celestia, Queen Novo and Queen Eleanor.
“I take it you five have something to report,” Princess Celestia asked.
“We do, your majesty,” The guard in the front said. 
Immediately, the five guards transformed into Princess Chrysalis II, Crystal Snow, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator, catching Celestia, Novo and Eleanor off guard.
“How did you figure out where we were?” Princess Celestia demanded.
“We were always with you since you made your escape to the Golden Lands,” Princess Chrysalis II said, pulling out a communicator.  “But that being said, my mother has a message for you.”
Princess Chrysalis II placed the communicator onto the ground, where it transformed into a bigger hologram generator.  Immediately, the generator went online, where Queen Chrysalis’ face stood in front of Princess Celestia.
“Queen Chrysalis,” Princess Celestia said.
“So good to see you, former ruler of Equestria,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I was hoping you would finally get some sense snapped into you.”
“What do you want?” Celestia asked.
“After our last meeting, I became suspicious that Gold Banks would target Canterlot,” Queen Chrysalis explained.  “So I sent my daughter and the Predacon brothers to keep an eye out, just in case.  Coldenlius Snap allowed his daughter to join in as well.  After she invaded and took over your kingdom, I ordered them to stand by until you’ve recovered from your own slump.”
“And I take it you wish to extend our truce, Queen Chrysalis,” Queen Novo asked.
“Far more than that,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Coldnelius Snap and I wish to form an alliance with you.  Because as of now, we are monarchs in exile from our thrones of power, thanks to an usurper who wants the whole world to herself.”
“You’re right on that,” Princess Celestia said.  “No doubt Gold Banks will do what it takes to go after every youngling and lock them away at Daisy Joy Tech.  Very well, I accept.”
“Normally I would be against this alliance,” Queen Novo said.  “But desperate times call for desperate measures, and it is not the first time I’ve experienced this.  So I will join Princess Celestia in forming my alliance with you.”
“And on behalf of my people of Evevanya, I will join in as well,” Queen Eleanor said.
“And I take it you’re Princess Wanda’s biological mother,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Intriguing.  But on that note, our daughters and the Predacon brothers are now at your command for the moment.  They will do what you say and will prove to be great allies to our cause.”
“I accept,” Princess Celestia said.  “But it won’t do us any good if we’re trapped in the Golden Land.”
“I have a proposal,” Queen Eleanor said.  “Two more Portal arcs were constructed during the week we were in the Golden Land.  And we have recovered the crystals leading to La Maresa and Vanhoover.  Plus we still have the crystals that were tied between this land and my castle, thanks to my sister.”
“Then I suggest you head on over to Vanhoover,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “We may discuss more about our alliance against Gold Banks.”
“I’m considering that,” Princess Celestia said.  “But at the same time, I wish to also send Princess Cadance and Shining Armor to meet with you up there.  After all, I have a score to settle with Gold Banks, and what better way to do so is to shut down Daisy Joy Tech over its reports of abuse towards its students.”
“A risky approach, considering the presence of your nephew and his ragtag band of misfits,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But very well.  I look forward to bringing down Gold Banks.  Queen Chrysalis out.”
Within an instant, Queen Chrysalis’ image disappeared from the hologram as the generator regenerated back into a communicator.  Princess Chrysalis II picked up her communicator and placed it away before turning her attention towards Princess Celestia.
“As of now, we are at your beckon call,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  
With that, Princess Chrysalis II, Crystal Snow, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator got down on one knee and bowed before Princess Celestia, Queen Novo and Queen Eleanor.
“Know that we both share the same enemy, Princess Celestia,” Inferno said.  “One that has driven us from our colonies.”
“And let me tell you this,” Quickstrike said.  “We all got a score to settle with that snake Gold Banks.”
“Waspinator vows to bring Gold Banks down,” Waspinator said.  “Therefore, Waspinator happy to serve Princess Celestia.”
“Very well,” Princess Celestia said.  “As of now, we are allies in this fight.”
Queen Eleanor walked up to Crystal Snow and placed her hand on the Winterian’s shoulder.
“I have never seen you before,” Eleanor said.  “What is your name?”
“Crystal Snow,” the Winterian replied.  “Daughter of King Glacieous, second-in-command of the Windigo’s Guild.  Normally I don’t join my father’s crusade because he wants to keep me safe.”
“I understand,” Eleanor said.  “And you don’t need to make your way onto the battlefield.  There are some things you can do without being involved in fighting.  One of which involves protecting those who need it.”
“Protecting?” Crystal Snow asked.
“It’s about keeping loved ones safe,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ve known you since we were fillies, Snow.  And although I’d hope we wouldn’t have to fight each other, I’m glad you’re pitching in.”
“Thank you, Princess,” Crystal Snow said.  “I’ll do my best.”
“The others may not like it,” Queen Novo said.  “But we’ll need all the help we can get to bring down Gold Banks.  Even then, I fear it may not be enough.”
“It will have to suffice,” Princess Celestia said.  “Come.  We must prepare for this final battle.”
Princess Celestia walked down the hallway, standing firm as ever.  Queen Novo followed from behind with Queen Eleanor, Crystal Snow, Princess Chrysalis II, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator following from behind.  But Quickstrike immediately swung his head back to Waspinator.
“Truth be told, brother,” Quickstrike said.  “I’m a little scared.”
“Waspinator scared as well,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator fear we all face our doom.”
“I think it’s okay to be afraid,” Quickstrike said.  “After all, we’re all desperate, and I don’t know if we will make it out.”

Outside of the castle near the portal arcs, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance and Chancellor Cinch addressed everyone in the vicinity.  Nearby, Argyle Starshine, Sunlight Starscout and Bright-Eyes Starshine stood firm, keeping their eyes on the four.
“Citizens of Equestria,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “We stand at our darkest hour that’s not been seen since the fall of Queen Eternia.  Gold Banks, once a bureaucrat who had total power over Equestrian Politics, has taken complete control of our kingdom.  Now she stands to take our younglings away and force them to attend a horrible boarding school called Daisy Joy Tech.  But as I speak, Princess Celestia has unlocked the seal of the Golden Magic of Light, and it has brought two blessings to her daughters.”
The crowd cheered as Wanda and Sunset stepped forward and took a bow.  Princess Cadance approached the crowd, clearing her throat.
“I’m proud of what my sisters have become,” Princess Cadance said. “Sunset Shimmer has made peace with the demon within.  As a result, she has grown wings and became an alicorn, granting her a gift that will aid in our fight against Gold Banks.  Wanda Young was given a gift from both of her mothers Princess Celestia and Queen Eleanor, along with Queen Novo of the Hippogriffs.  The Equinox Armor will protect her from the dangers that face her.”
As the crowd clapped once more, Wanda Young and Sunset Shimmer approached the crowd, eager and yet anxious.
“To my fellow citizens,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Not long ago, I had the spirit of a demon take control of my body randomly, causing me to attack my fellow ponies.  Her name is Taiyou no Arashi Kijo, also known as Sunstorm Demona.  She is from an extinct species of demon ponies who once lived peacefully on the island of Megijima, until a rogue alicorn named Hydia wiped her species to extinction.  After making her see the error of her ways, Sunstorm Demona made peace with me, and as a result, I have unlocked my true form.  I promise you this, that I will bring Gold Banks to justice, and set an example of what is good and what is bad.”
The crowd cheered as Sunset Shimmer bowed with respect before backing off.  Wanda Young took a step forward and took a deep breath.  But before she could speak, someone shouted “CHANGELINGS!”  The crowds panicked as they began to retreat from Wanda in fear.
“What is going on?” Princess Cadance said.
Wanda looked up at the palace entrance, where she saw Inferno, Quickstrike, Waspinator, Chrysalis II, and Crystal Snow next to Celestia, Novo and Eleanor.  
“Do not be alarmed,” Celestia said.  “Their queen has formed a truce with us.”
“That’s a lot of hogwash.” One citizen yelled.  “You did that because you truly lost fate in us all.”
Immediately, most of the ponies within the crowd booed at Princess Celestia, Queen Eleanor and Queen Novo, throwing their trash at the trio along with their new allies.  The hippogriffs, along with other ponies, stood helpless as their beakless allies continued to hiss at the changelings.  Wanda looked on from afar and started to get nervous.
“Man’s Cub,” Cinch said.  “Now is the time to retreat.”
“No, Miss Cinch,” Wanda said.  “Something has to be done about this.”
As the crowd booed more, someone shouted “Who would even defend the likes of you?”
“I WOULD!” Wanda shouted.   Everyone came to a stop before turning their attention to Princess Wanda.
“Wait a minute, Princess,” one of the citizens said.  “Why would you defend them when they have the potential to destroy us all?”
“Because I’ve seen what happened back on Mount Aris and what Gold Banks did to them,” Princess Wanda said in a stern voice.  “Sure the Changelings and the Windigo’s Guild did some bad things.  But Gold Banks was far worse than them, combined.  She wanted to wipe their species to extinction, and she even went as far as to attack the Hippogriffs for the same reason.  Like it or not, we have no choice, but to accept them as allies, and the same can be said of them accepting us as allies.”
“We don’t believe you,” another pony shouted.
“So you would rather lose your loved ones to Gold Banks?” Wanda replied.
Immediately, that pony hunkered down in shame and held his mouth shut.
“Is this what you want?” Wanda shouted.  “To give up your freedom to a monster that was once one of us?  To allow a monster like Gold Banks to dictate everything to you without your say so?  That is not the Equestria I came to.  The Equestria I knew taught me what friendship is all about.  Honesty, loyalty, kindness, generosity, laughter.  Those are the elements needed to get a spark of magic that keeps us united.  Gold Banks lacks those elements.  She’s unfair, treacherous, mean, selfish, and sadistic.  That is not harmony.  That is a form of sorcery that creates hatred.  So if you think we’re better off under Gold Banks, I don’t ever want to see your face again.”
With that, Wanda turned around and stepped away from the audience, turning her head towards Chancellor Cinch while a tear flowed down her cheek.  As much of the crowd watched on, Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker Glimmer looked at the rest of the crowd in shame.
“She’s right,” Firelight said.  “I had my own problem with the Windigo’s Guild since they took the life of my brother-in-law.  But my scorn goes to Gold Banks for taking my daughter away to Daisy Joy Tech, siccing her base on my life, and she even had the audacity to destroy Meteor Flare’s gravestone.”
“If anything, save your scorn for Gold Banks,” Starseeker Glimmer yelled.  “She deserves far worse than that.”
As the crowd chanted in unison, Chancellor Cinch saw them all rile up before she turned towards Wanda Young.
“That was the most heartfelt speech I’ve heard, Man’s Cub,” Cinch said.
“Thanks Miss Cinch,” Wanda cried.  “Truth be told, if we can’t unite together, what’s the point?”
“I beg to differ,” Cinch said.  “Look at the crowd.”
Wanda immediately turned towards the crowd, who stood silent.  Once her face was shown, everyone cheered for her, shouting “Princess Wanda” in the air.  The crowd was wild.
“I…I did this?” Wanda said.
“You did,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “You’ve convinced them that Gold Banks is far worse than the changelings and the cultists.  I hate to admit this.  But your experience at Mount Aris, along with your understanding of the Elements of Harmony, are enough to convince them otherwise.”
“And you should be proud,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Gold Banks may have turned Equestria into her own empire.  But you can convince a crowd just how horrible she is to the eyes of many across this fine world.  You’re making history in ways that will inspire a new generation.  Never forget that.”
As the crowds continued to chant Wanda’s name in harmony, Sunset got up and gave her little sister a hug.
“This is why I’m glad you’re my sister,” Sunset said.  “And I hope it stays that way forever.”
“I hope so as well,” Wanda said.

But back at the entrance to the castle, Princess Celestia stood proudly as the crowd cheered for Wanda and Sunset.  She wiped some of the trash off her coat before wiping a tear from her face.  
“You should be really proud of your daughters, Princess,” King Sombra said, walking out from inside the castle.  “They would make natural born leaders.”
“That’s true, King Sombra,” Princess Celestia said.  “But it’s their choice if they want to take over as rulers of Equestria in the future.  After all, it’s their life.”
“But now that we’re all united,” King Sombra said as Misty gave her big brother a hug, “What now?”
“Some of us will go out into La Maresa and Vanhoover to recover others who need the help,” Princess Celestia explained.  “I’m especially worried about Twilight Sparkle and her parents.”
“I’m worried about mom, dad and Twili,” Shining Armor said as Karen and Spike walked up to him.  “Who knows if Gold Banks sent his rent-a-henchmen out to take them captive.”
“That is why you and Princess Cadance will make for Vanhoover to locate your folks, and rendezvous with Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap.”
“Fair enough,” Shining Armor said.  “But what about the ponies of La Maresa?”
“I will send my other daughters there along with Gold Banks and the Pie Family to round up everyone there,” Princess Celestia explained.  
“What about me?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
“You will go with them,” Princess Celestia replied.  “But I will need the help of the Predacon Brothers for my part, along with Cozy Glow.”
“Then what is your command, Princess?” Inferno bowed.
“First off, at ease, solder,” Celestia said, causing Inferno to raise his head.  “Second off, we will aid Prince Blueblood, the scrappies and the underground resistance against Daisy Joy Tech and their leader Miss Honey Twist.”
“As much as I hate having to go back to that horrible place, I’m in,” Cozy Glow nodded.  “It’s time someone shut that abomination down.”
“Ooooh, Waspinator up for trashing Daisy Joy Tech,” Waspinator said.  
“Same here,” Quickstrike yelled before pausing for a moment.  “Err, what’s Daisy Joy Tech?”
“A boarding school with horrible teaching practices,” Misty Brightdawn explained.  “I was there with Wanda, Cozy Glow and some of the others.  Gold Banks seeks to make all younglings attend that prison against their free will.”
“Aww that is just plain sick,” Quickstrike snarled.  “Alright.  I’m game.”
“I’ll be happy to hold down the fort in your absence, Princess,” King Sombra said.  “If any one of Gold Banks’ shocktroops makes their way here, I’ll give them a surprise they won’t forget.”
“Crystal Snow and I will look after the refugees,” Queen Eleanor said.  “I’ve even hired this duo named Mr and Mrs Cake to prepare goodies for them.”
“Then prepare yourselves,” Princess Celestia said.  “It will take all of us to take down Gold Banks, and we have to be focused, one hundred percent..”
With that, Shining Armor, Cozy Glow, the Predacons, Princess Chrysalis II, King Sombra, and Misty Brightdawn all cheered together.  But next to Shining Armor, Spike jumped off Karen’s back as Abigail approached the baby dragon and the alicorn bulldog.
“Tough times?” Abigail asked.
“Yeah,” Spike replied.  
Abigail reached out and gave Spike the dragon a hug, while Karen reached over and licked Spike on the backside, causing the dragon to laugh.
“That tickles,” Spike giggled.
Karen nuzzled her head on Spike as Abigail held onto her close friend.


	To Be Continued in…


	Final Arc: Prelude to the Operation


	Gold Banks and the Master Trench Gruff