//------------------------------// // Of Nightmares, Elements and Travelers (OT:E) // Story: Beauty Is Where You Find It // by Verdigris //------------------------------// Chapter 14 (((()))) “Here we stand or here we fall. History won't care at all. Make the bed, light the light; Lady Mercy won't be home tonight. Yeaaah! You don't waste no time at all; don't hear the bell, but you answer the call. It comes to you as to us all. Yeaaah! We're just waiting for the hammer to fall. Yeah!” – Queen, Hammer to Fall (The Works) (((()))) Three years passed uneventfully, at least for Oceanside. Storms were a given, as were ships in trouble. Verdigris was busy with both. By now he’d had plenty of practice at weather manipulation, and he’d even managed to turn one storm away from land. He’d flown far out of sight of the coast to find a patch of water that was slightly colder then the rest, and instead of cooling it further, as the old hooves had suggested, he’d warmed it. The disturbed air above had “jostled” the storm to a more northerly course, sending it back out to sea, instead of continuing on to plow straight into Stalliongrad. When asked why, he’d said, “I don’t have a problem with Stalliongrad. Bronyiev’s not there any more.” He’d refused the commendation, though it was entered into his record. There had been concern among the Patrol that he’d start behaving as he had before, but nopony noticed any changes. He’d kept in touch with Twilight and his family in Canterlot, of course. Hearing Freewind had recovered completely and was doing well in Flight School had lightened his heart considerably; he’d been worried about her. ‘Lance had settled down and applied himself in school, and later Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. That had surprised him, but he realized it shouldn’t, not when his mom had been Celestia’s student, and what the Princess had done almost sixteen years ago. He smiled at their pictures, and the smiles that seemed almost too big for their faces. Has it really been sixteen years? It seems like less, or maybe I wasn’t paying attention. He’d chuckled at Twilight’s complaint that the Princess had not only not taken her warning about the Nightmare seriously, but had sent her to Ponyville to supervise the Summer Sun Celebration preparations and make some friends. He sighed. I wish I could tell you, but you had to figure it out on your own, Twi. Like anypony could stop you. Verdigris looked up at the sun from where he was relaxing on the deck with his laptop, reading his e-mail. I hope we’re both right, Celestia. This won’t be a good evening, for either of us. The thousand years ends tonight. We have to trust in Twilight and the other Element Bearers, Verdigris, including the one who arrived a week ago, Celestia replied. Just be sure to delay Luna as long as you can. You’re right; they’ll need any time we can buy them. After she’s been cleansed, the real healing can begin, and then reconciliation. For all of us. Who is he? I felt him when he arrived, and he’s different. His name is Omnius. He’s a Traveler; surely Michael told you about them. Only the basics. He sounds a lot like them. He felt her smile. Only by a degree. The Gods of Good don’t always see eye to eye, and a few have their own Champions to watch their areas of concern. You have nothing to worry about. You two will get along well; Twilight doesn’t know it yet, but she has a key role to play in that, once you move to Ponyville. You and Sean have little in common, but don’t let that sway you. You’ll be good friends. All right. I’ll see you when this is over. Hopefully I’ll be in decent shape. I know I can’t stop her, but I have to try. There’s too much at stake. He felt rather than heard her sigh. Agreed. Until then, Verdigris. The contact broke, and Verdigris got up and walked to the rail, looking out to sea, then back to Oceanside. No, no matter how they treated me, they don’t deserve what she’ll do. None of them do. He thought back over the last three years, and scowled. Though everypony had liked Sky as he’d become and respected Hawkfeather, there were still a few mean-spirited sons-of-nags who had the nerve to vandalize the memorial. He was glad Cloud Tosser caught them, instead of him. I’d have thrashed them, then made them clean up the entire town, instead of just the statues, he admitted to himself. I’ve still got to watch myself. He sighed. I don’t know who said it, but they were wrong. The resentment doesn’t go away with time, it just gets worse. “And that way lies the path Luna took,” Michael’s voice said from behind him. Verdigris turned to see his “uncle” exit the apartment. “You’ll have to let it go, before it becomes an obsession, lad.” “It sounds a lot easier than it really is. I don’t know if I can.” Verdigris looked at him briefly. “Where have you been, Uncle Mike? I could have used some advice.” “You know better. I’ve my own tasks, and you know what that means. And I can’t see you’ve done badly with your solutions, truth be told. Since you’re planning to join the Guard, scaling back your involvement with the Guild is a wise decision. Foam’s as bright as his sister, and he’ll do right by Drift and the others. You’ll still have input and your share, but it’s grown bigger than you are, and after a while, even something you enjoy can become commonplace and boring. That’s one reason I range as far as I do. Not so much a need to keep busy, but to see something I haven’t before, or revisit old haunts.” The “Pegasus” stopped and looked out to sea. “But enough about me. How’ve you been coping?” “Ah, I’m okay.” Michael gave him a steady, uncomfortable gaze. “Okay, okay, maybe I’m not. Luna’s going to be back tonight, and I don’t know what to do. I know she’s going to flatten me if I try to fight, but what else can I do? Then there’s the stupid grade-school crap I still have to put up with from the ponies here. I mean, come on, doesn’t that ever go away? And I’m never going to believe Free is as well as she seems. On her last visit, I know I saw her flinch as we passed where the house used to be.” Michael nodded sagely. “I know it’s not exactly my place, but I don’t want you to dwell on any of that more than necessary. Why agonise over what you can’t change? Freewind will never be the care-free filly she was, even if nothing had happened. All you can do is appreciate what you had, really. As for the village idiots, that will never change because nopony seems to want it to change. They think it’s clever and proves you’re a stallion,” he said with a derisive snort. “Trust me, this isn’t all that unusual of behaviour, Verdigris. Humans and ponies share more than you’d like.” Verdigris looked at him. “Celestia said you were human, once. Is that true?” The stallion favored him with a caustic look. “She talks too much." He nodded, and continued, "I was, long, long ago. I shan’t go into details; we haven’t the time, and I’m not inclined. You’ve read the books, so you know as much as anypony or anyone.” “Did Discord finish them off here?” “That he did, lad. Chaos my flank. He’s opposition, if nothing else, and his 'pranks' tell. He’s far too malicious, and that tells me he’s not. Think of it, but not too hard.” Verdigris did, and nodded to himself. “Okay, I guess I can stop wondering about a few things. How long can you stay?” “I can’t be here, not whilst Luna’s in her adjustment period. I’m afraid I was part of her change.” Verdigris’ surprised expression made him admit, “I’m not completely sure, but I think she was enamoured of me, and I couldn’t stay, no matter how she begged or what she offered. I probably should never have come. Then came Starswirl’s death, on top of the general isolation she endured. I can’t be certain, but it appears that way. Imagine, if you will, that a kindred spirit appears, and has to leave far too soon without a satisfactory explanation. What would that do?” Verdigris flinched. “Yeah, I can see that. But like you said, you can’t be sure.” “And thusly I show my cowardice and weakness: I don’t want to find out. It’s bad enough I have to cause pain to fix something; it’s worse when it happens inadvertently. I almost never know, as I’m too focused on the job at hoof, and I’m never there to start another relationship, let alone a romance.” “And I thought I had it bad.” “Everyone does, and they’re right. It’s all a matter of perspective. It’s certainly not a competition.” Michael snorted with amusement. “‘It Sucks to be Me’, is a nice piece of silliness that illustrates my point. Regardless, I can’t stay much longer. There’s something about to happen in one place I watch. I can feel it, and so I have to be there. I can’t stay long in Equestria, anyway. I don’t want any unpleasant attention focused here.” Verdigris sighed. “I know, but you’ve got to take a break some time, right?” “I promise, once everything settles out for the moment, I’ll take an extended break. I can’t avoid what’s happening any more than you can.” “It’s like somepony’s setting everything up this way,” Verdigris half-complained. Michael nodded grimly. “If they are, rest assured I will make them most uncomfortable.” If the Chess Game is on, it’s time to make some personages’ home territory more important than the Board. Time to play. Roughly, he thought. “Well, I have to go. Good luck, Verdigris.” “Sometime again, Uncle Mike.” Verdigris watched as he shifted back to Alicorn form, then faded away. “Good luck, wherever you are.” (((()))) “Rich or poor or famous for your truth, it's all the same. Oh no! Oh no! Oh, Lock your door, but rain is pouring through your window pane. Oh, no! Baby, now your struggle's all vain. Yeah, yeah!” (((()))) Some time after sunset, Celestia stood on the balcony of her rooms, looking up at the moon. Twilight should be about ready. I have to wonder what Luna’s first move will be. There’s plenty of ways she can cause trouble. “We wilt commence with neutralizing thee, dear sister,” a familiar voice said, rattling the windows. Celestia turned to see the Nightmare standing in the center of her study, her appearance and manner unchanged from what she remembered. “Thine interference will be the first casualty of our little contest.” Celestia’s blood ran cold. She had an idea what Luna was saying, but didn’t want to think about it. She had to ask. “What are you talking about?” she asked softly. “Thou wilt stay here, and do nought to stop us. One act will cost thee thine hoof-maids. Another, thy Guards. Yet another, we shalt destroy one district of Canterlot. Escalation is guaranteed, and we shalt know, sister. Thine inaction will save the innocent, sun-loving ponies in thy charge,” Nightmare replied with a knowing smile. “An thou wish a demonstration, we wilt begin with thy god-son and our swain Verdigris. He will not die, but mayhap will wish ‘twere true.” Celestia’s eyes widened, and she knew Luna would carry out her threats. The absolute lack of emotion in her bearing, voice and words made that crystal clear. I have to delay her, she thought as she lowered her head in surrender. “What guarantees will you give me, Luna? You can always change your mind at a later time.” “Aye, ‘tis true, but our word is our bond. Submit to our authority, and thou hast nought to worry thee. But, just as certain, betray us and thy charges will suffer our wrath,” her sister intoned. “Thou shalt witness their suffering, and nought shalt prevent it. ‘We shall revenge our injuries: if we cannot inspire love, we will cause fear; and chiefly towards thee our arch-enemy, because our creator, do we swear inextinguishable hatred. Have a care: we will work at thy destruction, nor finish until we desolate thy heart, so that thou shalt curse the hour of thy birth’.” Celestia flinched at the direct quote from Frankensteed; it was almost word for word what Verdigris had said, or reminded her of. The only difference was the level of hate. Luna had had more than enough time to brood and plan. “You have my sworn word, Luna: I won’t leave my rooms, and I won’t interfere.” The Nightmare smiled triumphantly. “A most wise choice, dear sister. Thou hast our assurances we will cause no harm outside the necessary demonstration of our power and majesty. Now, if thou wilt excuse us, we have an appointment at the Summer Sun Celebration. The perfect time and place for our re-introduction, if we say so ourselves. Good … day, sister.” She raised her head and her horn flashed, and she was gone. Celestia sighed, then raised her head. Her eyes held smoldering defiance. I won’t interfere, but I won’t do nothing, Luna. She closed her eyes. Verdigris. She’s out. I hope you’re ready. Ready or not, I’ll do my best, god-mother. I’ll see you on the other side, whatever that might be. Remember, I love you. Sometime again. (((()))) “For we who grew up tall and proud in the shadow of the mushroom cloud, convinced our voices can't be heard, we just wanna scream it louder and louder and louder. ‘What the hell we fighting for?’ Just surrender and it won't hurt at all. You just got time to say your prayers while you're waiting for the Hammer to, Hammer to Fall.” (((()))) Verdigris’ Point of View I was outside about four in the morning, armored-up and about as loose as I could get. I figured Luna would probably appear in Ponyville, where Celestia was scheduled to start the Celebration. It was the best and easiest way to let everypony know she was back. After that, I had the feeling she’d drop by to see me. Equestria and thou, she’d said, and what I remembered said she wasn’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer. I had to wonder what her first move would be. I didn’t think she’d attack me as an opening move. That didn’t match the almost affectionate way she talked to me, but I was sure once I started refusing, the “fun” would begin. Sooner or later, there’d be a fight. Who knows? I might last ten seconds. I spent the time waiting in a clear field about a mile outside town, where nopony went. Consequently, I rehearsed what I might say, what I might do, and discarded every idea. There was really no way to predict what would happen. It was about time for the sun to rise when I saw a flash in the sky, far away and high up, and I felt a very familiar Presence. Here she was, in all her pride and glory. Luna, one-time Princess of the Night, now Nightmare Moon. She was majestic and terrifying, but I never thought about running. Not only did I have to keep her busy as long as I could, I was sure she could out-run or -fly me. I concentrated, and felt the change. Maybe I could hold my own long enough. Luna glided down lazily, making a show of herself, and I couldn’t help but feel contempt. There she was, the worst threat to Equestria, promenading about like those imbeciles in Canterlot. I wondered how well they were holding up, if they even knew. Finally, she made her approach, and landed with uncanny grace. Even though she was too skinny, she was attractive. Kinda like a snake to birds. “Ah, thou dost await our pleasure,” she said with almost deafening volume. “We are gratified.” “Don’t fool yourself, Luna,” I said, keeping my voice normal. I didn’t want to reveal anything; if I could surprise her, maybe Twilight would have more time. “Where could I go that you can’t find me?” She nodded with exaggerated graciousness. “And yet thou hast come before us with an affront. Thou wearest our sister’s livery.” “Most would be honored by a military escort or greeting. I’d imagine your Guards did the same.” I must have hit a nerve, because she hissed, “Mention them not. Thou art nought compared to them, Verdigris.” “And yet you seem to want me for your own. Why? You know my heart belongs to others, so what’s the reason? Bragging rights? A trophy? Something to wave in Celestia’s face like a filly?” Definitely not what I should have said. She stamped with the force of a boulder hitting the ground. “Cease this chatter! We need not explain to thee!” “Oh, I get it. Shut up and do what you’re told. Yeah, that’s gonna make me love you.” She stopped cold, her eyes wide with … something. She seemed less sure of herself. “Oh, is that it? You’re going to get from me the love you never did from her or them.” Her teeth ground together, but since she didn’t do anything, I kept on. If she was listening to me, she wasn’t thinking of anything else. “Is that it, Luna? Are you so desperate for love you’ll take it any way you can get it? Even if it’s not real? I can lie with the best of them, if I have to, but what good’s that going to be? You’d know, right? I lie and tell you I love you, I get punished. I tell the truth and say I don’t, I get punished. I do something wrong, I get punished, but if I don’t know what you want, how can I get it right? You said you want me and Equestria, but that’s not really enough, is it?” Her eyes began to smolder, and I didn’t think it was with desire. Or maybe it was. Princesses can be very hard to read. “Nay, 'twould not. We wish to have what we did not. Why should we not?” Okay, as long as she’s talking, she’s not doing anything else. “That’s not how you go about getting it, Luna. You can’t force anypony to love you. If you do as you seem to be thinking, if you can make me your pet, how do you know I won’t end up resenting you? You can’t. I figured out you thought if I was like you, it would work out your way, but sooner or later I’d find out, and then what? I’d end up exactly like you. You learned to hate Celestia because she had the love and adoration of her ponies, while all you had was their fear. I’d learn to hate you for making me into somepony I’m not, and you’d be right back where you started, but with me taking your role. You didn’t think that far ahead, did you? “Well, let me make this perfectly clear,” I said, thinking it was time to get her full attention so Twi had her chance. “There’s no way I could love something so cold and heartless. You tried to force them to love you and your night, and it didn’t work then. It sure won’t work now. They’ll always be afraid of the night, because they don’t understand it and can’t appreciate it. Things hide in the darkness, and they don’t want to think about that. A thousand years, and nothing has really changed. Not you, her or them.” I took a breath, and got ready to call on everything, for the first time in my life. “I’d be surprised to find out you ever loved anypony.” That was it. One second, she was standing there, cold and aloof, listening politely – it seemed that way – and the next she was flying at me, her face twisted with rage. I barely made it out of the way of her hooves. I forgot about her wings, and she slammed me aside like flicking at a fly. It hurt. I’m not talking about a practice hit, it was like the train had jumped up and clocked me. I barely stayed on my hooves, and she came at me again. This time I ducked, and decided to take the plunge. I called it all up, and waited. She stopped for a moment, looking at me. I don’t know what she saw, but it made her pause. “See, this is what you can’t have, Luna. You never had a chance. I’m not and will never be yours.” “SILENCE!” she screamed, and nearly scorched my hide with a bolt from her horn; I just barely got a shield up, and I still got hit. My shield slammed into my face, and then she was at me again, a mass of swinging hooves and wings. I blocked maybe half of them, just before she smashed a hoof into my chest, knocking me I don’t know how far back. I rolled to my hooves, and she was at me again; I was able to duck most of it, but I knew I was going to be a mess. You know what? It’s true that if you get hit hard enough and often enough, you go numb. The problem was, it slowed me down, and that was about it. All I could do was cover up and take the punishment. The problem was, the numbness didn’t last, and I was starting to groan with every hit. I had to get away. When I could, I got back to my hooves and brought my wings forward as hard as I could. There was a crack! like thunder, and I was knocked back from the concussion that slammed into her hard, making her stagger. I also unloaded on her with my magic, hitting her in the face with everything I had. I skidded to a halt, paused to take a breath, and never saw what smashed into me from what seemed like everywhere. My entire world became pain. I have no idea how long it was; it seemed like forever. I came out of the haze to find I was lying on my side, wheezing. I think she broke half my ribs. I couldn’t tell. I tried to get up, but my back legs collapsed, and I couldn’t help but scream. My knees were blown out. I tried to use magic or telekinesis, but my head about exploded with pain. She’d slammed my horn hard, hard enough that it felt broken. All I could do was lie there, trying not to whimper. A hoof pressed down on my horn, and I couldn’t move. The pain was paralyzing. “Dost thou yield?” she asked, sounding as though nothing had happened. I opened an eye, and my heart dropped. She didn’t have a mark on her. To Tarterus with it. “No, I don’t. If I can change sides once, I can do it again, and you know it,” I said raggedly between gasps. A strange look crossed her face, and I’d swear it was a mix of sadness, regret and maybe a shadow of compassion, but it was gone quickly. “Why must thou resist, e’en when ‘tis futile? Is it not better to live?” “I’ll die on my hooves before I’ll live on my knees,” I replied, sounding more confident than I felt. She stepped back, and the pain stopped. I panted for breath, keeping my eyes on her. I’d never see it coming, but she’d see me looking at her. “Nay, ‘tis enough. We promised our sister thou wouldst live, and we shalt keep our word. We wilt return for thee, once we have dealt with the ponies who would be Element Bearers. Consider carefully thy situation in our absence, Verdigris. Thou mayest yet come to our viewpoint. Adieu, for the nonce.” There was a flash, and she was gone. I laid there, trying to recover, but I was pretty much tapped-out. It was all I could do to tell Celestia, She just left. I hope it was enough. After about an hour, I felt a distant surge of hope, and then a surge of power. I mean power. It was like nothing else in Equestria, and I couldn’t help thinking, They did it. That’s when I heard the voice. It was as powerful as Celestia’s or Luna’s, but it was male, and he was angry. No, it wasn’t anger, it was righteous fury. “Nightmare Moon, you have committed one of the most atrocious crimes ever conceived: The binding and enslaving of another to your will. Whether it was willingly done, or whether you were created from the negative emotions of this pony’s heart and then took control does not matter! “Because of this, you have caused suffering to many innocent creatures, and you gleefully rejoiced in their pain! But worst of all, you have done something that is fundamentally wrong on all levels of existence: You have imprisoned a Goddess of Good!” I blinked at that. Celestia had mentioned them. Wait – Luna? And Celestia? “Therefore, with the power of the Elements of Harmony, I hereby banish you from her heart, mind, and soul!” There was flash of light, far to the north. A slight rainbow, I think, but I couldn’t really tell. It was hard to keep my eyes open. But I could feel it, and my heart lightened. Nightmare Moon was gone, and Luna was free. That was good enough for me. I remember thinking, It’s over. It’s finally over, and that’s the last thing I remember. (((()))) I woke up, and groaned softly. Everything, and I mean everything hurt. The Nightmare had been thorough. My eyes snapped open at that thought. I was in my bed in Canterlot Castle, and the sun was up. Okay, Celestia came and got me. What happened? I could hear soft voices talking in the main room. It sounded like Honey, Grass and Twilight, and a few others I almost recognized. There were two I didn’t – one of them being his – and one mare who didn’t say much. I looked around, and noticed I was restrained again. I could feel the numbness caused by an inhibitor ring, too. Considering what hurt, I wasn’t too surprised. I cleared my throat and said, “Hello?” The voices stopped, and the door opened. Honey Bunch led the way, with Grass right behind her. Twilight followed, as did Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, a bearded brown Earth pony stallion and a pink Earth pony mare I didn’t recognize. I could feel their bond through the Elements. Bringing up the rear was Celestia, who was accompanied by a blue Alicorn mare who had to be Luna. I felt a swift pang of fear, and crushed it. It’s not her any more. It’s over. Honey and Grass gently nuzzled me, then stood to one side to let Twilight have a turn. “Hey, you did it,” I said with a smile. “We did it,” Twilight said, then introduced the strangers. “This is Pinkie Pie, and this is Omnius, Verdigris. Princess Celestia told me you’d met the others.” “Excuse me if I don’t get up,” I said, wondering what I looked like. Probably black-and-blue everywhere. Pinkie stifled a giggle. I looked at Luna, who wouldn’t meet my eyes, but I could see she was very upset, and seemed ready to cry or bolt; probably both. “Luna.” She looked at me, her blue eyes soulful and apologetic. “It’s all right. I knew what I was getting into. I had to keep you busy, so Twilight and the others had the time they needed,” I said as Rigel came in with Nurse Gentle Heart. Celestia smiled and nudged her sister forward. Luna approached slowly and tentatively – almost skittishly – until she stood beside me. I looked at Gentle Heart and nodded at my restraints with a questioning expression. “I think we can release your forelegs. Just be careful,” she said, and took the other side of the bed to undo the straps. I moved my forelegs experimentally, then looked at Luna. “I have an idea what it was like, Luna. I know what it is to be the outsider, and if it helps, I forgive you. Come here.” She stepped as close as she could, and I carefully took her in a hug, ignoring my injuries as best as I could. She stiffened, then leaned into the embrace and started to cry. (((()))) Omnius’ Point of View I was surprised to see the pony Twilight had spoken so highly about, but it made a lot of sense when he spoke to her. Their friendship was deeper than I think anypony suspected, at least those who didn’t know. When he spoke to Luna, there wasn’t any resentment, and only a touch of fear. His coloring was interesting, and matched his name, although you almost couldn’t tell through the bruises, braces (his back knees and wings had taken a lot of punishment) and bandages. From what Celestia told us after the party in Ponyville – and what he’d just said – the Nightmare had beaten him mercilessly, and he’d gone in knowing it would happen. Let me tell you, that takes guts. I know. I’ve done it plenty of times. When he hugged Luna, I knew there wouldn’t be any trouble between them. She started to cry, and as he closed his eyes and gently shushed her, I could see the sadness on his face. It was fairly obvious he understood some of what she’d gone through, which was really something for a pony who was barely sixteen. I guess the isolation he’d gone through in Oceanside was worse than he told Celestia. Of course, being an Alicorn probably let him feel her loneliness. I wondered how he could stand it. Even being shunned like I’ve been wasn’t quite as bad; I had friends in those places, and that made it a little easier. I looked at Celestia, and saw the beautiful smile. It said that at this moment, for her everything was perfect. As I looked at the other mares, I saw the same smile on all of them, especially Twilight. She cared about him, and I couldn’t blame her. He’d gone through hell on their behalf, and still forgave Luna. Celestia walked to join them, gently putting her wings around them. I immediately felt that uncomfortable sense of interloping, and nudged Twilight. She looked at me, and I nodded at the Alicorns, then looked at the door. She nodded, and set off a chain-reaction of the same actions with the others. Without a word we all left quietly. Celestia, Luna and Verdigris needed some time alone. Honey Bunch and Sea Grass smiled and nodded, and followed us out. Gentle Heart and Rigel stayed. After she closed the door, Twilight sighed. “That was good to see,” she said through a few tears. “Sure was,” Applejack agreed. “Still cain’t b’lieve he did what Princess Celestia said.” “I’m so glad to see he didn’t over-react to Luna,” Rarity added. “That could have been very awkward.” “It – it was so wonderful that he forgave her,” Fluttershy agreed. Rainbow was standing on the balcony, looking out over Canterlot, and I thought I heard sniffling. “Dash?” “ ‘M okay. Something in my eye,” she replied. She wasn’t really fooling anypony, and we didn’t say anything about it. “Oh, oh, oh, when do I get to throw a ‘Glad you’re all better’ party?” Pinkie said brightly; her smile was back with a vengeance. “Oh, how about a ‘Welcome back, Princess Luna’ party at the same time?” She squeaked happily, clapping her hooves together. “Ya already threw the welcome back party,” Applejack reminded her. “Not for a while, judging by his injuries,” Rarity said with a shiver. “Twilight, you knew him when he was here. Will he want a celebration?” Twilight’s smile told us before she said, “About as much as I do, but for different reasons, Rarity. He just goes about his business, and doesn’t really care about any awards or ceremonies.” She smiled and giggled. “Celestia had to practically foal-nap him to get him to attend the ceremony honoring him for what he did in the Comet rescue, including risking his life. I don’t really believe it, but he didn’t seem to think that he did anything special.” “Ah, a reluctant hero,” I said. “That’s nothing new. I’ve seen plenty in my Travels.” “In a mirror too, I’ll bet,” Dash said as she walked back inside. She looked at the door and said, “It’s good to see Celestia smile that way, guys.” “Ooh, can I throw – ” Applejack stuck her hoof in Pinkie’s mouth. Pinkie looked her in the eyes, then her mane collapsed a little as she said a muffled, “Mm-kay.” Honey Bunch and Sea Grass walked up and looked at everypony. “Who’s up for tea?” the honey-gold Pegasus asked. “A wonderful idea,” Rarity said. “We could use the diversion.” “I’ll help.” “No, you won’t, Twilight,” Honey said. “That’s my job, and I don’t want to tell Verdigris you still don’t know how to relax. You don’t want that. Do you?” Twilight rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Then take a break.” I watched as she and Grass busied themselves in the kitchen, wondering how a hoof-maid could be so at ease, and then it hit me. Honey and Grass were Twilight’s friends, too. I wondered why she didn’t mention that before, but I supposed she didn’t really think of them as friends. Then I noticed the pendants they wore, and remembered Verdigris wore two that matched their coats. “Congratulations,” I said. They looked surprised, then smiled. “Thank you, Omnius. Twilight seems to think because we’re Verdigris’ special someponies that we can’t be friends. That’s not true, but she can be stubborn,” Grass replied. “Even more than A. J?” Dash asked, earning an indignant “Hey!” from Applejack. Honey snickered. “You tell us.” She finished making the tea, then joined us after pouring. Grass brought out a tray of sandwiches. “We’re just as stubborn. Living in a sea-side town will do that.” After finishing my first cup, I looked at the door to the bedroom. “So, what can everypony tell me about Verdigris?” “Rarity an’ I met him when he was goin’ back to Oceanside,” Applejack said. “Liked him on sight.” Rarity nodded, smiling. “Same with me and Fluttershy,” Dash added, with Fluttershy nodding enthusiastically. “I only met him today, but I like him,” Pinkie said with her usual smile. “He’s a lot like the Princesses.” “More than you might think,” Grass said. She looked at Honey, then said, “We might as well tell you. It’ll help you understand him.” After everypony settled in, the Coast ponies told what they knew about Verdigris, which was quite a lot. I couldn’t help flinching when they described Trotmund-Hoofson Syndrome; it sounded like the Equestrian version of Rothmund-Thomson, which was a serious, debilitating genetic condition. The survivors had lots of health issues, some serious enough to kill. Nasty. Trot-Hoof was a lot worse, and I couldn’t help but shudder. I watched as I listened, and all the gals, including Dash, had tears in their eyes after a while. Twilight obviously knew; she nodded every now and then, even as she looked sad and angry by turns. I could understand that, from my Travels. Sometimes it’s not that good to be the Traveler, but I don’t let that stop me. Grass and Honey stopped after a while; they’d gotten to more recent events, and it was obviously still painful. Twilight took over, quietly telling what she knew. When she finished there were sniffles and tears, but all in all I had the impression they all respected Verdigris and his marefriends even more. So did I. He was like someone else I’d met on my Travels, a good friend who did about the same things, if not for the same reasons. We returned to our tea and sandwiches, everypony’s expression thoughtful. About that time, Celestia, Gentle Heart and Rigel exited. “How are they?” Twilight asked. “Sleeping. Luna refused to let go. I think this is the first time in a thousand years or more she met somepony who loves the night as much as she does.” Honey and Grass smiled. “He does, Celestia,” Honey said. “Not long after we met, we found out Verdigris prefers the night. It’s quieter, and you can think. Of course, he had us to talk to, but that didn’t really change anything. Lighthouse Keeper was a natural.” “May we look in, your Highness?” Rarity asked. Celestia nodded. “Quietly. They’ve both had a rough couple of days.” We got up in twos and peeked in. Verdigris was sleeping on his back with Luna curled up against his side, a foreleg across his chest. She looked content, and it was a good look for her. That lost, uncertain mare I saw in her mental prison was gone. I hoped she’d recover quickly and completely. She deserved it. After all of us had had a good look, Celestia firmly closed the door. “I want to say I’m very proud of all of you. It took a lot of courage and persistence to face the Nightmare, and it does my heart good to know you.” She looked at Honey and Grass. “I include you two because no matter what happened, you stood by Verdigris and kept him on course.” She took a cushion and accepted a cup of tea from Grass. “All of you had a hoof in my sister’s return, and I can’t thank you enough.” “Shoot, ‘tweren’t nothin’, Princess,” A.J. said. “Do it again, if it came down we had to.” “I can’t be as sure, but I’ll always be there for my friends, your Highness,” Rarity said firmly. “I – I’ll help any time,” Fluttershy added. “Friends are always something to treasure.” I stood up and said, “You can count on me any time, Princess. I think that goes for the rest.” I looked, and Dash and Pinkie nodded emphatically. Pinkie added, “Even though it was rough, it was still fun. Fun is best with friends.” Celestia smiled gently. “Thank you, my little ponies. You have responsibilities to return to, and it’s time to go home. Omnius, could you stay a moment?” I nodded as the rest of the Element Bearers left. When they were gone, I asked, “What is it?” “I know who Verdigris reminds you of, Sean. It’s Michael.” I blinked in surprise, then found myself nodding. “Verdigris adopted Michael as an uncle some time ago. They hit it off well, and you’re right, they’re a lot alike. Probably more than they’d like to know,” she said, glancing at Honey and Grass. “The only thing that’s different is Verdigris is fated to remain in Equestria. You may see others like him as you Travel, but not him.” “How, your highness?” Grass asked. “I can’t say, but you won’t have to worry about losing him,” Celestia replied. “He loves you unconditionally. Take this responsibility seriously. A heart is a great and terrible thing to hold in your hooves,” she finished with the quiet intensity of somepony who knows. Honey and Grass nodded. “Thank you.” Celestia turned to me and said, “I think you and Verdigris will be great friends, Sean, and I doubt you’ll have a stronger ally in Equestria.” “What about … the rest?” I didn’t want to mention Torrentican in front of Grass and Honey. They didn’t need to know unless he took an interest in Verdigris. “Tell him, and warn him. That’s all you can do, isn’t it?” She smiled ironically. I nodded. “Is that everything?” “For now. Hurry, and you can catch the train with the others.” I bowed and trotted out, hurrying slightly to catch up with the girls. I had a lot to think about, and I was looking forward to getting to know Verdigris. Pinkie was right, everything’s better with friends; they’re the best thing in any world. So, for today, it’s good to be the Traveler. (((()))) Celestia waited until Omnius had left, then turned to the mares. “Are you all right? Can you deal with having to share Verdigris with Luna?” “Not if she doesn’t crowd us out,” Grass replied bluntly. “She won’t. Luna’s still young, relatively speaking. She hasn’t had a lover, but she could use a friend or three,” she said significantly. “I won’t say it’ll be easy, but I’ll try,” Honey replied. “Seeing her looking lost and forlorn is just so wrong, Celestia.” “Same here, your Highness,” Grass added. “Even a Princess needs friends.” Celestia’s smile lit up the room. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted. Thank you.” She stood up and looked at the door. “I’ll be back this evening. I think your classes will be finished by then?” They nodded. “Good. You and Verdigris can help me get my sister caught up, and hopefully we can get her integrated smoothly. I’ll see you tonight.” (((()))) Verdigris’ Point of View When I opened my eyes, it was late evening, moving towards night. Sunset was about a hour away, as far as I could tell. Waking up next to Luna wasn’t really a surprise, but I was startled. I had to remember what happened in the past, what, two days? And I was out for probably half that time. There was the irrational touch of fear when I saw her. Even when cleansed, my subconscious recognized her as the Nightmare. I wasn’t sure it would go away soon; if the ponies I’d thrashed had heard, I’m sure they’d say something along the lines of, “Now you know how it feels.” I actually don’t. I got far worse than I could ever dish out, or want to. As the Nightmare, Luna didn’t care; even at my worst, I still didn’t want to really hurt anypony. Just enough to stop the fight, or get the point across. There’s always such a thing as going too far. I just looked at her for a while. It was hard to believe this adorable mare was the same pony who’d beaten me so decisively; it was really hard to believe she was older than Equestria. She looked like a filly. She was holding on as though she was worried, even in her sleep, that I might go away. I could understand that, and some of what Uncle Mike said made sense. Being shunned because nopony understands you will do that. If even half of what I’d heard was true, it’s no wonder she went so wrong. I felt a strong pang of sadness. It wasn’t fair. She couldn’t help being who she was any more than I could. We had nothing to do with what we were, and that affected who we were. Nopony seems to get that. Luna stirred, then woke with a start. She looked at me for a long moment, then said, “Good morrow, Verdigris.” I’m afraid I flinched at how loud she was, and she tried again. “We – I am sorry. It will take some time before we – before I am able to speak as thou dost.” I smiled. “I don’t doubt that. Don’t worry about it. How do you feel?” Luna stretched carefully. “Much better. Thou – you have no idea what being such a creature is like. E’en though I enjoyed what I did, I hated myself. One small corner of my mind rebelled, but it was powerless. Being free is more wondrous than we can describe, Verdigris.” “I can relate to that. You’ll hear about what I’ve done, I’m sure.” “Art thou – are you all right? What I did must have … done things.” She looked away in shame. “I had no right.” “I’m fine, more or less. Once you spoke to Celestia, I knew what was going on, and you saw the rest. In a way, you helped me. I know what it’s like, and I won’t follow that path, Luna. I don’t like what I became, however mild it was.” She nodded. “And now?” “I’ve got to recover, but that’s nothing new. I’m still surprised I survived that lightning strike.” She looked at me curiously, and I told her the basics. It surprised me when she shivered. Surely she’d been through worse. Come on, like Ominus said, she’s a Goddess. “And thine ability with weather? Surely ‘twas not all our doing.” “It’s probably a combination of everything. Celestia’s blood, what you did and the strike. That’s the best guess I’ve got.” I shifted slightly, and took off the inhibitor ring. “This might hurt, but I don’t like being bed-ridden,” I told her. “That might be ... unwise.” “You’ll find out I don’t always do the smart thing.” I concentrated, just barely calling on my magic. When nothing else happened but the glow, I pulled a little more. I could feel a headache coming on, but ignored it. I just wanted to be mobile again. I felt something, and opened my eyes to find Luna adding her power to mine. That made it much easier. There were a few twinges and stabs as my knees and wings healed. Just enough so I could walk or fly; the rest would take care of itself. I prefer to walk to the bathroom; using a bedpan or being carried is humiliating. After a while we stopped, and she asked, “Whence came the healing magic? ‘Tis rare.” I gave her a twisted smile. “I’ve been hurt so much I must have learned it in my sleep.” I sobered. “It started after the strike; I’m sure of that. Funny thing is, Twilight seemed to know before I did. She’s really something.” “Aye, that she is,” Luna agreed. She snuggled against me, then sighed. “Though ‘twould be preferable to stay abed, we must rise and raise the moon, and then tend to our sky. And thou hast a need to rise, methinks,” she added with a little smile. Well, yeah. My back teeth weren’t floating, but I was under some pressure. I smiled my thanks as she got up, then concentrated on getting out of the restraints, braces and the worst bandages. “Don’t be surprised if I make unpleasant noises. I don’t know what I look like, but I’m sure I’m one big bruise with hooves.” “We would take it all back, ‘twere possible.” I didn’t reply until I’d gotten up, complete with grunts, groans and gasps. “Don’t worry about it. I don’t think I’ll go through anything like that again.” I swayed on my hooves for a moment, then moved slowly, testing our work. Not bad. A little stiff, but I could deal with that. I half-staggered to the bathroom and took care of business, then looked at myself in the mirror. Celestia, what a mess. I was just about one big bruise, like I’d suspected. My eyes – well, I’ve seen them better. It seems I spend all my time here getting over something. I hope it’s over. Even this is getting old, I thought. I turned and started the shower, running the water as hot as I could stand it. I hissed once, but it felt so good once the heat began soaking in. I just stood there with my wings spread, enjoying the feel of my muscles loosening up. I thought I heard voices through the shower noise, but I couldn’t be sure. I started scrubbing; I think I’d been put in bed right after the fight, and the dirt was still there. That’s how it looked, anyway. After I finished, I stood there, absorbing the heat and restoring my reserves. Some ponies can do that, Alicorns and Unicorns mostly. Some Pegasai, at least according to mom, Honey and Grass. I wondered if Firelance could, but from flame. I’d have to ask, but it wasn’t that important. Once I was done, I shut off the water, and I heard voices. Grass, Honey and Luna, and I think Celestia; I couldn’t be sure. As I dried off and combed my mane, I heard Honey half-shout, “What!” Okay, not good. I finished up and walked out to see a three-to-one stand-off, with Luna looking down at the floor, ashamed. The others were glaring at her. “What the buck is going on here?” I asked, none too nicely. “Somepony speak up, right now.” The trio flinched guiltily. If they were angry at Luna for helping me, then they had a nasty surprise coming. “You weren’t supposed to be up for another five days,” Honey replied crossly. Her expression changed to uncertainty as I walked past them and stood beside Luna. Grass and Celestia didn’t say anything, but I could tell they weren’t sure what to say or do. Okay, so you’re the ring-leader, I thought. Time to stop this, right now. “When did you turn into Bluestreak, Honey?” She started, then looked away. “Yeah, that’s exactly how it looks. You should all know better, especially you, Celestia. You’re not going to drive Luna back into that. Not if I have a say. Since it was my hide, I think I have more than a say.” Celestia’s expression grew contrite, then stern as she looked at Honey. “I told you he’d do that. I can’t say I was surprised, considering.” Honey’s ears drooped and she looked at me sadly. “I’m sorry. I don’t want you to get hurt again.” “You know better. I don’t always listen, especially to doctors. You know what I’m like when I decide to do something. Heck, Grass, you should know best of all. You spent four years living with me.” Luna looked up at me curiously, but didn’t say anything. “And I know you told Honey everything; a quill makes a very distinct scratching.” I just looked at Celestia. I didn’t need to say anything; she could feel my disappointment. I wondered if she got the irony. Then I noticed a little quirk of a smile, like she was hiding something. Oh, horse-apples, I’m being played, I thought. It was a test, to see what I’d do if I found them facing-off this way. “Okay, just how long did you rehearse this?” Honey and Grass blinked in surprise; Luna flinched as Celestia sighed. “Since we got here, about a minute after you stepped into the shower. We had to be sure, Verdigris,” Celestia replied. I folded my wings in front of my chest and glared. “I didn’t want there to be any doubt. I told them you and Luna had a lot in common, and I wasn’t completely sure, but I suspected you’d side with her.” She smiled wanly. “I don’t mind being right this time.” “You could have just asked.” “I wanted to see your real reaction, to be absolutely sure.” I stood there, then nodded. “Okay, but don’t do anything like this again. I don’t want to have to take sides. It’ll be too much like what happened a thousand years ago.” Luna’s shocked stare made me add, “I’m a Hawk. 'I serve no pony; I serve Equestria'.” She blinked, then smiled. “That is good to hear, Verdigris. I had hoped that could be resolved.” “It was, but not peacefully. It’s not your fault, it was ours,” I replied to her stricken expression. “It’s over.” Nopony said anything for a few moments, so I asked, “How’s mom, Free and ‘Lance?” Celestia was relieved to change the subject. “They’re better. Your brother and sister are over it, but I’m afraid Gemstone has a lot of work left to do. The bad dreams stopped three months ago, but, well, she really misses your father. She sometimes looks to one side as though she’s going to tell him something, and her face falls when she remembers he’s gone.” I lowered my head, and Luna nuzzled me as I said, “I do the same thing. I keep telling myself to tell dad about something when I see him, and that brings it all back.” I felt my ears turn back. “I hope Bronyiev has a special place in Tarterus reserved for him. Uncle Mike was wrong. Killing him wouldn’t have done any good.” “Thou knowest Michael?” Luna bellowed in surprise – right into my ear. My head shot up in reflex, and I grimaced until the ringing stopped. “Oh, Verdigris. I am sorry.” “You may want to learn to use your indoor voice,” I said after working my jaw to “pop” my ears. “Wow. It’s okay, but you’ll need to work on that.” I shook my head to relieve a little vertigo, and I was fine. At least Grass, Honey and Celestia didn’t laugh. “How dost thou know Michael?” she asked in a quieter voice. “We met when I was about ten months old. He’d come to check on me, and study my situation at Celestia’s request. I adopted him as an uncle right then, and those two weeks were great. I learned a lot from him.” “Will we see him?” Luna asked, her expression hopeful. “Not soon. He’s got things to do,” I lowered my head and my voice and murmured into her ear, “And he blames himself for you becoming the Nightmare. He said it was part of all that.” Luna nodded sadly. “Aye, ‘tis true, but ‘twas not all his fault. There was much more, Verdigris.” “I’m sure. The point is, he thinks so. He doesn’t want to be a problem while you’re adjusting, either.” She sighed. “He’s also got to pay attention to his own interests. I think somepony is making trouble to keep him away, and he didn’t argue. It might be true. I don’t know.” “Torrentican,” she murmured. “Omnius’ opposite, the Traveler of Evil. He is here, we think,” she finished in a near-whisper. “He informed us of Omnius' arrival.” “That can wait for another time,” Celestia interrupted. “All you should be doing is concentrating on getting well, Verdigris.” She looked at her sister with concern. “Do you believe you’re up to the Royal Dinner, Luna?” Luna thought about it for a brief moment, then shook her head. “Nay, we do not know what their reactions will be, and we – I am not ready, Celly.” I found myself smiling as Celestia face-hoofed. “Oh, that name,” she said. “Can’t you call me ‘Tia, like you used to?” “If thou promise not to call me ‘Woona’ again, we will consider it,” Luna replied pertly, then sobered. “It is too soon. Though they accepted me in Ponyville, this is still Canterlot. Mayhap a thousand years have passed, but we – both of us – know little changes. They will either flee, or speak their minds.” Luna looked out the balcony doors. “We do not want to know; we have no doubt heard it before.” “There’s nothing I can say to change your mind,” Celestia said, and Luna shook her head sadly. “I won’t rush you. When you feel ready.” She looked at me. “Verdigris?” “If it’s anything like breakfasts have been, no thanks. Especially after the past two days. Tango and Blackwing might have to pull me off somepony who says the wrong thing.” “Oh, yes, speaking of that, you’ll need to choose your Guards,” Celestia said. “Shining Armor and I will screen candidates we think are suitable, but you’ll still have the final say.” “That can wait, ‘Tia.” Luna looked outside. “We must take care of our sky; it has become horribly disheveled in our absence. Thank you for leaving it as it was.” “I don’t have your touch, and it didn’t feel right. Well, I have to go. I’ll have dinner sent up. Here, or your quarters?” Luna looked at Grass and Honey. “Here, if that is no trouble. We have found another kindred spirit, and would hear more about you, Verdigris.” My marefriends smiled slightly. “What?” “Oh, nothing. You just confirmed what Verdigris said,” Grass replied. “We don’t mind. We haven’t spent much time together, and I mean all of us. Honey’s probably feeling a little deprived.” Honey stuck out her tongue, but said nothing. “I’ll let you work it out. Good evening,” Celestia said as she left. Luna looked out the balcony to see the sun was setting. “Oh, we must raise the moon. A moment.” “Can we watch?” Honey asked. “There is little to see, but thou mayest. We would appreciate the company, and also as we put our sky to rights,” Luna replied as she walked outside with us trailing her. She stopped at the railing, then looked up with a smile. “Soon,” she murmured, then stood straight and still, raised her head, closed her eyes and concentrated. Her horn glowed with an almost blinding light, and she smiled. I looked to see the moonrise, and it seemed different. The lunar orb slowly and majestically took its place in the sky, its half-lit face bathing Canterlot in silver-white light. It seemed to me there was an otherworldly gleam; maybe it was because Luna was doing it. As Celestia was with the sun, Luna was with the moon. It should have been obvious, but you don’t notice such things all the time, and up until now, Celestia’s work was all anypony knew. I heard the girls sigh, and I nodded with agreement. Though we saw the moon rise many times before, this one was special. I don’t think we’d ever be able to say how, either, other than to say you can tell when the master is doing it. I looked, and noticed the stars seemed to dim a little, as though in salute. Something like that. When the moon was above the horizon, Luna relaxed and opened her eyes. She seemed to have shrunk, and when I said so, she replied, “Aye, ‘twill be some time before our full power returns. The Elements returned us to an earlier moment, before the Nightmare came to be.” She looked at me and added, “No doubt thou hast experienced similar.” “Frequently,” I said earnestly, so much so that Honey and Grass giggled. “I was tired-out a lot, at first, and after serious use.” “Then we shall understand each other better. We will also need time to come to grips with all we – I have missed. So much has changed, and we shalt need to understand it, to properly rule as we should.” There was a knock, and Rigel entered, followed by a few hoof-maids. “Dinner. Come and eat, before I throw it to the Diamond Dogs.” I couldn’t help chuckling. Rigel had come out of her shell considerably since Honey became her apprentice. “I think we can do that. Thank you, Rigel.” “You’re welcome, your Highness.” She stepped back when I glared at her. “Her Highness said I should address you properly.” “Then stop it. I might be a Prince – maybe – but I won’t put up with that. My name is Verdigris, and I expect you to use it, Rigel. As far as I’m concerned, rank has no place here. We’re all friends and family, and I don’t see why it would change.” She looked at me for a minute, then nodded. “As you say, but old habits are hard to break.” “Stop that, Rigel,” Honey said as she helped set out dinner. “You know only Celestia is allowed to troll here.” “Can’t blame a mare for trying,” Grass commented. “Okay, enough. I appreciate it, but I don’t want the title,” I said, then looked at Luna. “I think the sky can wait until you’ve had something to eat.” She smiled. “Aye. There is time for everything, now.”