//------------------------------// // The hero returns // Story: Short stories about ponies and whatnot // by shutaro //------------------------------// The crowds cheered as Shining Armor stepped off the train, into the lush climate of the Crystal Empire. The warm wind, the smell of grass and all the green that he had missed, had longed for in those dark arctic nights, in the snow and the icy storms. His eyes seemed to linger for a moment longer on the pony he had yearned to see so dearly, then he caught himself staring and bowed deep. “Shining Armor, returning from military exercise, your Majesty.” A slight wrinkle played along his forehead for calling his wife your Majesty, but my love was hardly acceptable as a military term. “I welcome you and your stallions back to the Crystal Empire. Your commitment is commendable and your performance a radiating example for all of us.” Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, leader of the Crystal Empire and heir to the throne of Canterlot watched from the stage that had been raised for her as the first group of soldiers stepped out of the train. They formed lines, saluted most smartly and started to march towards the barracks. Only five cars were on this train to shorten the ceremony. Welcoming back the soldiers was not the reason why everypony was at the station after all. As the last of the soldiers left the track, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza dropped most of her regal decorum, spread her wings and flew down to her husband. Running up to her smiling stallion she embraced him in her wings, he pulled her into a hug and they shared a kiss, as if to catch up on the weeks they had missed each other. Unperturbed by the flashlights they hugged and showed their love openly, for all their subjects to see. Looking into her husband’s eyes Princess Mi Amore Cadenza whispered, “Welcome back, my love. My soul called for you every second of every day we were apart!” Lost in her eyes Shining Armor replied, “I promised I would return to you, through ice and snow, through storms and night. Nothing could keep me from being with you, queen of my heart.” They shared a kiss again, then, as if suddenly becoming aware of their surroundings, both blushed deeply and started giggling like a pair of newlyweds. They hurried to the royal chariot that had waited for them and then returned to the Crystal Palace. --- Rarity dropped the magazine she was reading while she waited for her spa appointment and took a deep breath, “Sooo romantic!” --- The door to the royal chambers closed, Shining Armor cast a silencing forcefield, looked to his wonderful wife and sighed. “Do we have to do this every single time, queen of my heart?” “We sure do, my knight. And it’s not like it’s a lie.” “I wish I could return home like my dad just for once.” “You could do it now”, Cadence wiggled her eyebrows. The stallion smiled, “Cadence, honey, I’m home.” “Welcome home, Shiny, my dear. Would you like to have a bath or dinner first?”