Celestia and Luna pulled the heavy stone slab shut over the tomb they had constructed for the Queen of Westmarech in the Canterlot cemetery. They both stuck their horns into a magical lock, sealing the tomb with a protection spell. Two of their royal guards stepped forward and took their posts by the door of the tomb. The princesses nodded at them, then flew towards Celestia's chambers.
Inside, they found Star Swirl the Bearded holding bottles of wine and three glasses in his magical field. The old unicorn grinned, "I took the liberty of grabbing us a little treat. This vintage is from the reign of Emperor Equus Aelius." Star Swirl popped the cork from one of the bottles and poured it into the glasses and handed them to the princesses. Star Swirl took a sip, "Ah, the wonders of time travel."
The three ponies laid down by Celestia's fireplace. Celestia swirled her drink in its glass and took a sip, "Mmm. Well, I don't know about you two, but I feel like I could take on the whole world right now. I slayed a dragon today and went hoof-to-hoof with perhaps the most powerful necromancer there has ever been, and won."
Star Swirl stroked his beard, "Indeed. There is one thing that has been bothering me. Didn't the Queen's behavior seem a little peculiar to you two? She could have easily beat us at Canterlot, but she didn't. It seemed like she actually wanted to be defeated. In fact, I was so troubled by it, after I returned your past selves, I took a little jaunt into the timeline of her rule. It was the strangest thing, in every city across Equestria, there were celebrations. I at first thought they were for the demise of the Queen, but no. I asked, and each time the ponies told me the Queen had ordered it."
Luna laughed, "She was a very troubled little pony." Luna stared into her glass, "The evil ones always are."
Celestia nodded, "The Queen certainly had demons of her own. Remember her journal? She had been dealing with split personalities for quite some time." Celestia winked, "Of course, I may have had a little something to do with it."
Star Swirl chuckled, "Oh?"
Celestia grinned, "I'm surprised it worked, really. I made her remember just what it was she used to be. A simple trick, but a highly destructive tool against those who have fallen to the dark side."
Star Swirl smiled, "Celestia, you clever mare!"
Luna gulped down the remainder of her drink and poured another, "Would have been nice to know. I was a little worried at the end there when the Elements of Harmony didn't activate, and I got kicked in the head."
Celestia rubbed her horn against her sister's, "Aww. I'm sorry Luna, I couldn't say anything about it. The Queen was scrying on us and she would have found out. I guess she did eventually overcome it, but I think a lump on your head is a small price to pay for the safety of Equestria."
Star Swirl rummaged through his robe, "Ah, here we are." Star Swirl pulled out a potion and handed it to Luna, "Brewed this up for you. Healing tonic."
Luna eyed the bubbling, purple liquid in the flask, shrugged, and quaffed it. Luna smacked her lips and felt the pain of her injury lessen, "Ooh, thanks."
Star Swirl smiled at Luna, then turned to Celestia, "So, about this apprentice of yours. Before my Twilight and I time traveled, I had told her that this was all about her. I was wrong, from a certain point of view. This was indeed all about Twilight, but it was your Twilight, not mine."
"Now you know why I took such an interest in her," Celestia said.
Star Swirl nodded, "Yes, she will achieve greatness, if she doesn't get corrupted first."
Celestia smirked, "Oh, I wouldn't worry too much about that. Twilight Sparkle has a spectacular support group in her friends. You saw how the power of friendship felled the Unliving Queen."
"Quite. I will certainly be keeping a closer eye on her progress," Star Swirl said.
"There's one thing that concerns me," Luna said, "Was the Queen really Twilight, or was it a seperate entity? You told her that it was somepony else, Celestia."
Celestia shrugged and looked at Star Swirl. "It was Twilight, from a certain point of view," Star Swirl said. "Clearly the dominant personality thought she was somepony else, but as we heard from the dormant Twilight one at the end, she knew they were the same pony. The evil that blossomed within her seemed to have taken on a life of it's own, a life that very much detested her former self's."
Celestia winced as she remembered getting kicked for addressing the Queen as Twilight, "Yes, I can vouch for that."
Luna sighed and drained her glass again, immediately pouring herself another, "I felt like a completely different pony when I was Nightmare Moon."
Star Swirl frowned, what Luna had said reminded him of something. He remembered, "Speaking of evil, we must monitor your niece, Mi Amore Cadenza. I think we're safe since we got the love poison cleansed, but one can't be too careful, considering recent events."
Celestia and Luna nodded, "We'll take care of her. We owe her for letting your Twilight torture her.."
Star Swirl chuckled, then sighed, "She would have tortured her whether you allowed it or not. When I saw that, I knew I had made a grievous error. Thankfully we got it all cleaned up, as far as I can tell. Do you wish to use some memory alteration magic on all those involved, Celestia?"
Celestia shook her head, "No, I think we all learned some important lessons from this event. I wish to 'let it roll' as they say. Besides, with the royal wedding coming up, soon all of this will be forgotten I'm sure."
A scroll magically appeared in front of Celestia, "Speaking of lessons, let's see what Twilight Sparkle has to say. 'Dear Princess Celestia, Today we all learned some very important lessons about friendship, friends, and family. I learned to trust my instincts, but to seek help and research the problem before rushing into it. I also learned never to play with magic that isn't meant for me, or I could end up stuck walking a line between life and death, bringing evil wherever I go, and nopony wants that, especially me! I also learned that I am truly blessed with some amazing friends, who gave it their all to defend Equestria when it was under attack, and helped save the day! The other me learned that everypony needs friends, and that the magical bond we all share is stronger than even the darkest of magic. I'm sure you and your sister learned not to judge a pony by their appearance. My brother also learned he needs to try harder to stay in touch with me, because he knows I can bring down an unholy vengeance upon him! Muhahah! (Kidding!) Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.'"
Luna smiled, "Aww..."
Star Swirl sipped at his drink, "Twilight Sparkle. Definitely one of the most interesting ponies I have encountered as of late. Well, if you ladies have no further need of me, I shall bid you good night. I don't think I've had a wink of sleep in the past week. I've been relying on Mordenmanen's Faithful Sentry spell to keep me awake, I might be out for a few days if I'm lucky."
Star Swirl stood and began to drink the rest of his wine, Celestia winked at Luna, "Not so fast, wizard! Or are you forgetting the little matter of your punishment?"
Star Swirl nearly spit out his drink, "Punishment?"
Celestia nodded, then said coldly, "But of course! I vividly recall you, and your past self, stating that all of this was your fault. Or did you think you could help unleash the Unliving Queen on our kingdom and get away scot-free?"
Star Swirl blinked in disbelief, "But your highness, it wasn't intentional. Plus, I kind of helped fix it, you know!"
Celestia shook her head, "Oh, no, Star Swirl. By order of Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria, you are hereby sentenced to no usage of time travel magic. No prophecies. No undead abominations. No corrupted unicorns. Nothing, except rest and relaxation for one week, or however long it takes you to unwind."
Celestia turned to Luna and scowled, "Don't look so smug, Luna! Did you think you were off the hook?"
Luna stared at her sister, "I don't understand?"
Celestia grinned, "By order of Celestia, your big sister, you are hereby ordered to accompany Star Swirl on this vacation. You can't spend all your time cooped up in your moon palace because you're afraid of getting attached, Luna. I am ordering you to go out and have fun. See a show. Play games. Go sailing. Whatever, but do it out in Equestria and not on the moon. I will cover for you."
Star Swirl and Luna both hung their heads, "Yes, Celestia."
Celestia started to laugh, "Good."
---
Shining Armor and Cadenza had invited Twilight and her friends over to their house to celebrate. As the hours grew late, Twilight had convinced them to hold a slumber party.
Twilight smiled at the expressions on her brother's and Cadenza's faces. "See, Applejack? They've never had them either. S'mores are totally a Ponyville thing."
Applejack gobbled up her own treat, "Aw, s'mores should be for everypony. You Canterlot ponies sure do miss out on a lotta good eats."
Cadenza fixed herself another s'more, "These are so delicious. You might have to let my gown out a little Rarity!" The ponies laughed.
Twilight opened up her Slumber 101: All You've Ever Wanted to Know About Slumber Parties But Were Afraid to Ask book, "What else... Pillow fights?"
Fluttershy vigorously shook her head, "I think we've all had enough fighting for today."
Twilight nodded, "Ghost stories?"
Applejack laughed, "I don't think anypony can top the story about the Unliving Queen, and I think we've all had enough of her for now."
Twilight flipped through the pages, "Here's one! Truth or dare!"
Pinkie Pie jumped up, "I'm going first!" She turned to Rainbow Dash and grinned malevolently, "I dare you to tell us what the Queen whispered to you!"
Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack collectively uttered, "Ooh..."
Rainbow shook her head, "Sorry, can't."
Twilight looked at the book, "You have to, it's in the rules."
Applejack and Rarity stood up next to Pinkie and smiled down at Rainbow. "Pinkie," Applejack said, "Perhaps Dash needs some encouragement."
Pinkie Pie's eyes lit up and she took a deep, exaggerated, breath. Rainbow knew what was coming next, "Stop! Fine. I'll tell you."
Rainbow's friends eagerly leaned in towards her. Rainbow sighed, "She said," Rainbow tilted her head and peered intently at Fluttershy, "Fluttershy has tail extensions."
Fluttershy gasped and hid her tail under her wing. Applejack frowned, "That ain't what she said! Oh, Pinkie Pie..."
Rainbow put her hoof over Pinkie's mouth, "It's the truth."
Applejack shook her head, "Well I'll be. That's a right funny thing for her to say then. Why did she tell it to you?"
Rainbow shrugged, "I don't know, didn't you see the way she was looking at me all weird-like?"
Rarity nodded, "Who knows what was going on in that poor thing's mind."
Twilight smiled, "Your turn, Rainbow Dash."
"Umm, I dare.. Twilight! To eat five s'mores at once," Rainbow said.
Twilight grinned, "I think I can do that!"
As her friends walked over to make more s'mores, Rainbow breathed a sigh of relief, content that they had bought her story and didn't press her on the matter.
Cadenza leaned down behind Rainbow and whispered in her ear, "I know what she really said."
Rainbow's eyes went wide, "You do? How? You weren't even there."
Cadenza winked and nodded towards her cutie mark, "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."
Rainbow smiled up at her, "Thanks, Cadence. I ju-" Raucous laughter interrupted her, she looked towards her friends and saw that Pinkie Pie had her mouth filled with s'mores and was trying to fit more in.
Rainbow laughed and flew towards them, "Leave some for me!"
---
Brother Dawnfire had been pleasantly surprised when the old unicorn showed up at the monastery of the Order of the Eclipse. They seldom received visitors, let alone one of that caliber. Star Swirl the Bearded had been frequently mentioned in the tomes of the Order, so the monks had felt honored to be in the presence of a legend. Regrettably, his visit had been short, but the gift Star Swirl brought was sure to help liven up the old monastery. Brother Dawnfire gently knocked on a door and entered as he heard a voice say 'Come in.'
The little filly was staring out the window, looking out into the Bay of Mareay. Brother Dawnfire joined her, the dolphins were playing in the waves. "I used to enjoy watching the dolphins play when I was your age." The monk slowly shook his head, "It's a pity, I guess I eventually took them for granted. I can't remember when I watched them last."
"I'd like to play with them one day," the filly said.
Brother Dawnfire smiled, "I'm sure we can arrange that. Anyway, I came to tell you that supper is on the table for you. Come on down once you are ready."
The filly nodded, "Thank you, brother. I think I will watch them for a bit longer. They make me feel happy."
"That is good to hear, my young friend," Brother Dawnfire said, "I know it must be hard for you to adjust to your new home."
"Do you know where I used to live? I can't remember," the filly said.
The monk shook his head, "I'm afraid not. Your uncle Star Swirl brought you to us to live here, that's about all I know."
The filly pouted, "Oh. Well, I like it here, so I guess it doesn't matter where I used to live. It probably didn't have dolphins."
Brother Dawnfire laughed and moved towards the door, "Take your time, I'll keep your meal warmed up for you."
The monk softly closed the door behind him and walked towards the dining hall. He couldn't understand what Star Swirl had been so adamant about. Yes, the pony looked a little.. unusual, but Dawnfire could sense no evil within her. Although he was confident that she was good, he would do his duty if need be. If the pony so much as looked sideways, it was his job to take her out.
The monk paused and stared out towards the bay, he laughed, "Dolphins." The smells of the kitchen began to reach his nostrils and he quickened his pace as his stomach rumbled. He heard the clip-clop of little hooves running on the stone floor behind him and turned. "There you are!" Dawnfire leaned down and let the filly climb on his back. Dawnfire winked at her, "Let's see what the brothers have cooked up for us tonight!"
---
The Pony Express wagon arrived at the Evergreen Citadel with much fanfare. Mail delivery that far north was infrequent, and the locals always made sure to treat them well. The two mailponies struggled to haul a crate off their wagon. One wiped his brow, "Geez, what'd you ponies order, a boulder?" The mailpony looked at the address label, "Delivery for a Silver Shock."
Silver Shock smiled, "That's me! I wasn't expecting any packages."
The mailpony held out a clipboard and quill, "Sign here please." Silver Shock wrote her name. The mailpony eyed the slight unicorn and the package, "You need some help with this?"
Silver Shock shook her head, "No, thank you." The unicorn easily lifted the heavy crate with her magic. The two mailponies glanced at each other and rolled their eyes as she merrily walked towards her home.
Inside, Silver Shock eagerly examined her package. "Ponyville? I don't know anypony in Ponyville."
She pried open the lid and squealed with glee as she lifted out several casks of apple cider. She read the labels, "Sweet Apple Acres Apple Cider. Made with love and integrity and only the finest quality apples in all of Equestria." Silver Shock licked her lips, she could almost taste the cider.
Silver Shock rummaged in the crate and pulled out some beautiful winter clothing. She glanced back at her tattered dress which was covered in patches. "Well, Ponyville, I don't know you, but you sure know me!"
Silver Shock's jaw dropped as she unwrapped the final object. "Blizzards, Monsoons, and Other Weather Spells, by Lady Cloud Warper." Silver Shock sat down and stared down at the book, holding it tight to her chest. She felt tears flowing down her cheeks and moved the book away with her magic, lest it get damaged.
Silver Shock stood and raced out of her house towards the Pony Express wagon, "Sirs! Do you know who sent that box to me?"
The mailponies shook their head, "Never seen him before in my life."
"Well, if you ever see him again, tell him Silver Shock says 'thank you' and wishes to thank him in person," Silver Shock said.
The mailponies smiled at her, "Will do."
Silver Shock galloped back to her house and poured herself a mug of cider. It was the best she ever had. She tried on her new clothes, which fit perfectly, and sat down by the fireplace, eagerly reading her ancestor's book.
---
Images flashed through Nostrildamus' mind as his hoof began to write on its own. He had seen so much over the eons, but it always fascinated him how strange the events outside of his Time-Lost Sanctuary could be. He clenched his teeth and closed his eyes as the future events played rapidly, trying to make sense of them. He gave up and grabbed the freshly written quatrains with his mouth and unrolled them on the desk.
The year of the Ram, seventh month,
From the sky will come a great Mare of Terror:
To bring back to life the great Queen of Westmarech,
When a bearded star will fall in Aquilon.
The convict Queen seeing her daughter pale,
Because of a sorrow locked up in her breast:
Lamentable cries will come then from Westmarech,
And the marriage of the daughter impeded.
Nostrildamus smiled, "Good, good. Everything is just as I have foreseen. Victory will be ours."
The End
The adventure continues in The Mare With the Golden Horn