//------------------------------// // Chapter IV – Reunion of Friends // Story: The Return of the Empire // by Mr101 //------------------------------// The Return of the Empire Chapter IV – Reunion of Friends Silver Hoof couldn’t believe her eyes, no pony could. She along with most of the Whitewall townsfolk had been doing their normal routines and the lunch rush was about to happen in the town square then a loud hum was heard over the town; they had rushed to the wall to see what was causing it and were shocked at what they saw. Looking to the north, the weather was clear as day. That in itself was unusual, but what was truly unbelievably was that just in the distance, they could make see the tip of a tall tower, coloured in white and light blue. Silver Hoof had read about that building only in history books as did the rest of the town, they knew exactly what it was. It was the palace of the old Crystal Empire capital. The townsfolk began to murmur to one another as they stared at the distant building in confusion and awe, the snow began to fall again and soon the building vanished from visible view. Silver Hoof stepped down the stairs that led back into the town and bit her lip trying to think what exactly was going on, she looked up to see Scribble Wing approaching her. “Scribble Wing!” Silver Hoof said quickly walking over to her. “Y-yes ma’am?” She replied startled, having not noticed the captain. “I need you to write an urgent scroll to the Princess, top priority.” “Right away ma’am!” Scribble Wing replied as they headed back inside the barracks. The Empire had returned. ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- The crowd of ponies in Ponyville just stood there staring, unable to even begin to comprehend just what exactly was going on. Fluttershy was in the arms of one of the creatures and wasn’t showing any signs of fear, rather she was happy and laughing as was the creature. Even Pinkie was staring with her mouth open, for once in her life being completely thrown off her guard. “My dear friend it’s been too long.” Grendel said softly, some tears in his eye. “It has Mister Grendel…” Fluttershy replied nuzzling his cheek, sniffing as her tears kept flowing. “I’ve missed you so much….” “I've missed you too Miss Fluttershy…” Grendel smiled and stroked her mane softly. “Oh that’s right!” Fluttershy gasped “You need to come and meet my friends!” Grendel chuckled as Fluttershy fluttered out of his arms and picked the corner of his cloak up with her hoof and gently tugged him in the direction where Twilight and the others were standing, watching with open mouths. “Girls, this is Mister Grendel.” Fluttershy smiled up at him. “Mister Grendel, these are my friends. Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash.” She said as she pointed to each of them. “Delighted to meet you all.” Grendel replied with a bow. “What…but….huh?” Rainbow said in confusion. “Land sakes…so you are real…” Applejack whispered. “Oh…my…” Rarity said feeling faint. “OHMYGOSHIT’SSONICETOMEETYOU!” Pinkie suddenly shouted breaking into a goofy grin. “I can’t believe it…you really are real.” Twilight said with a grin that began to grow more and more as she offered him a hoof to shake. Grendel chuckled again as he knelt down and shook Twilight’s hoof as Fluttershy watched with a smile on her face, the crowd of ponies simply stared at the spectacle. Their eyes going From the Elements and the creature called Grendel to the other who stood where he had appeared, his arms crossed. Turil smiled softly as he watched the display before gazing over the crowd, he could see the mixed feelings of fear and curiosity and surprise. As he looked over he could of sworn one unicorn in particular, a mint coloured one was looking at him with the biggest grin he had ever seen, her eyes seemingly sparkling as she stared at him. He raised an eyebrow as the unicorn turned to a mare beside her with a blue and pink mane that snapped out of her shocked stare and sighed before handing the unicorn a bag of what he assumed was bits. He looked over the crowd and finally his eyes set upon Celestia’s stare, she looked at him with wide eyes. Turil walked over to her slowly, wearing the most stern and serious of faces, past the parting ponies until he came face to face with her. Celestia met his glare with her own serious, stern expression and Shining Armour began to sweat with panic unsure as to what to do, on one hoof the creatures seemed friendly given how Fluttershy and the creature reacted to seeing one another, but on the other hoof the other creature was looking at Celestia with an expression that could mean anything. “Soldiers, protect the Princess!” Shining ordered. Fluttershy was about to speak up in worry but was stopped by Grendel, who smiled down at her. “Wait a second Miss Fluttershy.” Celestia raised her hoof which stopped the soldiers in their tracks; she continued to look at Turil her expression never changing. The silence gripped the town as they watched nervously, waiting for one of them to do something. Turil was the one who broke the silence. “You’ve gotten fat.” Turil commented. The entire crowd gasped in shock at what they heard, Cadence looked to her aunt with worry as Shining and Twilight glared daggers at Turil, trying to grab him but being held back by other ponies. “HOW DARE YOU!” Blueblood screamed. “GUARDS ARREST THAT FILTHY CREATURE-“ Celestia cut him off with another raised hoof, her gaze never leaving Turil’s. As everyone calmed down, they saw Celestia give a small smirk and leant her head down closer to Turil’s. “At least after a thousand years, I still look young and beautiful.” She smirked, nodding her head to his grey hair. “Old man.” As the two looked at one another in silence, Turil was the first to grin being followed closely by Celestia before the pair burst into laughter and Celestia wrapped her legs around him, bringing him into a hug which he happily returned. “It’s so good to see you again my old friend!” Turil said happily. “Oh how we’ve missed you Turil…” Celestia smiled. Everyone’s jaws dropped for what seemed like the fifth time that day, Twilight’s eyebrow twitched as she tried to work her head around what she just saw. She knew that Turil and Celestia were friends but she just couldn’t understand how they could just act like THAT in front of everyone. As the two broke their hug Turil smiled and looked around before frowning. “If you’re here…where’s…” Turil began He was cut off as he had to immediately duck as a blast of water shot over his head, missing him but soaking Blueblood completely. Blueblood spluttered as he screamed in anger, everyone looked to where the blast had come from and were shocked to see Princess Luna standing near a barrel of water, a large grin on her face. ‘Must have sneaked her way over there.’ Celestia thought. Turil stared at her for a few moments as his mouth opened slightly, Luna sniffled as tears formed in the corners of her eyes as he smile began to quiver. “You always did have a bad aim Lu-Lu…” Turil chuckled softly. Luna suddenly broke into a run along with Turil and the two hugged tightly as Luna let her tears flow from her eyes, burying her face into his neck as she cried happily. Celestia felt her eyes water up as she smiled along with Cadence, who had realised the two creatures were friends of her aunts. The crowd of ponies no longer felt afraid or were in shock; instead they were smiling at the scene with some of the mares sniffling. Even Shining was smiling, all concern that the Princesses were in danger was gone. Twilight smiled warmly watching them, knowing how much Turil and Luna’s friendship meant to each other. Rarity and Pinkie were crying as Applejack and Rainbow Dash watched with a smile on their faces, Fluttershy and Grendel were also smiling as they watched the two hug. “I missed you, I missed you so much Rilly…” Luna sniffled as she clung tighter to him. “I missed you to Lu-Lu…more than you know…” Turil replied stroking her back. ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- After Luna and Turil had finished being reunited, the celebration began again starting with Celestia welcoming the two humans to the celebration and officially stating that they are friends to the Royal family. This seemed to be the final thing the town needed to hear to fully calm them down, now feeling more comfortable after Celestia’s announcement, the town then began to carry on with the festivities, and stall owners went and manned their stalls while the rest wandered around enjoying themselves. Grendel smiled as he was led around the town, Fluttershy had not stopped talking once as she happily chatted to Grendel about everything and anything, introducing him to all the townsfolk who were more than happy to meet him. Foals of all ages rushing up to gawk at the tall human inspecting him from every angle, three foals in particular were grinning as they stared at him. “So like…what do you do?” One of them asked. “Well little one, I’m a Mage.” Grendel replied. “What in the hay is that?” Another asked. Grendel looked over to see it was a filly with a bow in her mane; he smiled as he gently sat on the floor cross legged, his cloak flat behind him and Fluttershy by his side. “It means that I am a practitioner of magic.” “But how can you use magic? You don’t have a horn!” Another replied. “I’m not from your world, remember?” He chuckled. “It’s different where I come from.” “Where’s that?” A unicorn filly with a light purple and pink mane. “Cyrium.” Grendel simply replied. “Can we see you do magic?” A purple maned Pegasus asked him. Grendel chuckled and raised his hand up flat, the foals watched with wide eyes waiting for something to happen. They all gasped and began to chatter excitedly as Grendel created a floating ball of flames that danced on his hand. “Oh my gosh that’s so cool! Maybe even on, like, Rainbow Dash level coolness!” “Scootaloo, this is way cooler than that!” The filly with the bow said. “Is not!” “Is to!” “Girls please.” Fluttershy said. “I’m sure Mister Grendel doesn’t want to hear you two bickering.” “It’s ok Miss Fluttershy, there just being children.” Grendel smiled. Turil smiled as he watched Grendel perform a few tricks for the foals, who would cheer and giggle as he did. He was sitting at a table that would be used later for a feast at the end of the day’s celebration, beside him with her head resting on his shoulder was Luna and on the other side was Celestia. Blueblood was sitting at the table refusing to look at what he deemed, ‘a filthy creature’, and was instead drinking from a cup of tea and complaining about it to his group of servants. Opposite Turil on the table was Cadence who was talking with Shining, who was now completely relaxed about the two humans as was enjoying himself. Beside them watching Grendel with a smile was Mayor Mare. “He certainly knows how to entertain foals.” She said with a smile. “I think it’s because he’s an old man.” Turil replied as Luna giggled. “I heard that!” Grendel shouted. They all chuckled as Grendel went back to entertaining the foals, he was also being watched by Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity, who were there because of their sibling and seemed to be enjoying the show. They watched as Pinkie would bring Grendel treat after treat which he politely took, much to her enjoyment. “Aren’t you an old man yourself?” Celestia smirked. “That’s different; he’s five years older than me.” Turil said. “How does that change anything?” Cadence asked him. “Simple, he’s the eldest, therefore the older old man.” He replied with a grin. Cadence and Luna giggled as Shining tried to understand what he meant; Turil looked to Luna’s left to see Twilight approaching him, nervously holding a journal and quill in her magic. “Uhm…Mister Tailclaw…if it’s alright-“ “Just Turil, calling me Mister makes me feel as old as Grendel.” Turil ducked as a small ball of fire shot past him from Grendel’s finger, chuckling as he turned his attention back to Twilight. “Ok...Turil, I was just wondering if I could ask you some questions?” She asked. “Sure, what would you like to know?” Turil smiled pointing to an empty chair near Cadence. Twilight made a happy squee sound and took a seat as she opened her journal, ready to learn. “Ok, so my first question is, how does magic work exactly in Cyrium?” “Well…from what I gathered when I was here, you ponies can all use magic to an extent. Unicorns with your horns can lift things and what have you, whilst pegasi have magic in their wings that allow them to do what they do regarding the weather. And earth ponies have a magical connection with the ground.” Twilight scribbled down as the others chuckled playfully as Turil continued. “It’s the same in Cyrium; everyone is born with the ability to use magic only in rare cases someone is not. But unlike with your magic which comes to you easily as you grow older, magic in Cyrium is harder to harness which is why we have the Temple, a place for mages to learn.” “Yes, Fluttershy told me that’s what Grendel told her.” Twilight said with a nod. “Did he now?” He raised an eyebrow. ‘Actually…that’s fine, it’s harmless information that’s all. I doubt they know anything about the war.’ He thought. “No you stupid cloth eared bint! I told you I don’t like that kind of tea!” Blueblood suddenly shouted. “I-I’m sorry your highness.” The poor maid apologised. “You do that again and I’ll have you arrested!” Blueblood snorted. “Nephew! Be quiet!” Celestia snapped. “I’m sorry Twilight, continue.” Turil said, getting irritated by Blueblood. Twilight smiled and cleared her throat, ready to write down more. “Second question, what was it like when you were here a thousand years ago in the war and-“ Twilight was interrupted as Turil raised his hand and slowly glanced at Celestia, who was looking nervous. “Tia…how does she know about the war?” He asked in a flat tone. “Well…you see uh.” Celestia chuckled nervously. “I thought I told you to change the way it happened.” Turil glared at her. “I did it’s just…” “Ink Quill was writing a book.” Luna cut in for her sister. “Detailing everything that happened.” Turil looked to Luna with interest. “Go on.” He said. “Well…he thought it would be nice to have something, even if it was just one book, remembering what you did for us.” “We just wanted something to remember you by…it wasn’t right just to fully make everything you did for us disappear like that…” Celestia added. “We’re sorry Rilly…” Luna said softly. Turil should have been angry with them for breaking their promise but he couldn’t stay mad at them. With a sigh he pulled them both into a hug and chuckled. “You’re forgiven, you silly old mares.” He said. “Wait, what did he do?” Shining asked. Turil looked to the sisters and nodded, they then briefly began to tell the others what happened a thousand years ago. They listened intently and with wide eyes as they listened to how he saved their world from King Sombra and another human called Malaskaar, Celestia and Luna then told them about Varlos’s protection spell and Turil’s request before concluding about the tome and how Twilight knew about it. “Wow…that’s incredible.” Shining said. “Those poor ponies…but I can tell you did everything you could.” Cadence said to the three with a smile. “What a pile of absolutely rubbish!” Blueblood scoffed. “Excuse me?” Turil asked. “You honestly expect me to believe we were saved by a filthy ape?” Blueblood chuckled. “No, you’re just having a joke with my aunties aren’t you?” “Blueblood! Luna shouted. Blueblood waved his hoof dismissively and knocked the tray the maid was carrying onto his lap, he cried out in pain as the tea poured into his lap and he turned his attention to her, his eyes filled with rage. “I’m sorry!” she cried. “I’ll teach you, you little!” “Blueblood stop this at once!” Celestia bellowed. The entire town, attracted to her voice turned to see the scene. Blueblood looking down threatening at a cowering maid and two angry rulers, they glared at Blueblood who noticed their looks and simply scoffed. “What are you looking at peasants, why don’t you just-“ Blueblood stopped as he felt something grab him by the scruff of his neck, he was forcibly made to turn and came face to face with Turil who was looking down at him with calm face. “You know…Prince.” He began, saying the last word with a hint of sarcasm. “Where me and Grendel come from, a Prince is seen and not heard when he is in the presence of the ACTUAL rulers. And speaking of which, one day you are going to have your own kingdom, Varlos forbid, and you need to learn something.” Turil forced Bluebloods face to look at the crowd, who were looking back slightly shocked. “A ruler is only as strong as his people, and it’s the faith the people have in their ruler that gives them their strength. If the people believe they cannot trust or believe in their ruler…” Turil forced Blueblood to look back at him and chuckled. “I’ve been alive for half a millennium Blueblood…and I’ve seen what happens to Princes who become Kings and act like spoilt, pathetic children and treat their subjects like dirt…and it’s not pretty, be careful of what you do in your life Blueblood, these ‘peasants’ are stronger then you will ever know.” Turil release Blueblood and returned to his seat. “Now apologise to that poor maid, and why not go have a lie down in your chariot?” Turil said. “O-of course! I’m s-sorry miss!” He bowed to the mare who was shocked. “That’s…ok?” The maid replied. Blueblood then quickly scarpered into his chariot and slammed the door; there was a brief silence before the crowd burst into cheers. It was well known that the Prince was a bully and cruel to ponies he considered to be below him and it was nice to see someone put him in his place. The crowd returned to what they were doing as the ponies at the table looked at Turil. “What?” He asked. “Was that really necessary?” Celestia asked. “Someone had to do it, and besides the kid looked like he needed to be put back into line with a slap.” Luna couldn’t help but giggle and rested her head once more on Turil’s shoulder; Celestia sighed and shook her head. It sounded harsh but Turil was right, Blueblood needed to hear that and was glad it had been said. Suddenly a scroll appeared in front of her, bearing the seal of Whitewall. Celestia went to open it before a second scroll appeared, causing her eyes to widen in fear. “That seal…” she whispered. “The seal of the Crystal Empire.” Turil nodded, knowing what it looked like. “The reason why me and Grendel are here.” Luna and Celestia felt their hearts sank, they were hoping that Turil and Grendel had simply arrived for the sake of just seeing them. But they both knew this day had been coming. “You mean?” Twilight began. “Aye…they have returned.” ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- As the sun faintly shone down through the clouds, the Crystal ponies emerged from the caverns, slightly blinded by the light and dazed. They looked around in confusion as they yawned, beginning to fully waken up from the spell that had been cast over the city. Some wandered the roads looking at the one proud shining crystal buildings that now looked barren, old and filthy. The fearfully looked at the skeletal remains of soldiers that littered the city ground, the armours of Equestria and the Mountain kingdom, scattered around were various bits of armour that weren’t built to fit a pony’s body but rather the body of something bipedal. The snow fell around the city as the cold wind blew harshly over the city as the townsfolk began to emerge more and more from the caverns, just trying to make sense of what happened. Some began to break down in tears seeing the skeletal corpses and coming to the realisation that something truly terrible had happened to the Empire and the capital. Amemond opened her eyes slowly as she began to wake up, she suddenly let out a gasp as she stood up and looked out of the window. As her memories began to flow back to her, she remembered that the last thing that happened was seeing the shadows engulf the city and teleporting Ink Quill away to safety before losing consciousness. “How long have I been out…” she wondered to herself. She walked down the hallways and felt herself becoming more and more concerned as she noticed the dozes of cobwebs that were around her, as well as the dust from the carpets and tapestries that instead of looking regal now looked old and ruined. She came to the exit of the palace and into the city itself and gasped, feeling tears form in her eyes. “Oh no…” she whispered upon seeing the skeletal remains. “Your highness!” She turned to see a group of Crystal pony’s approach her, each one looking as scared and confused as the other. “What’s going on? Did we win?” One asked her. “I…I don’t know…all I can remember is…the shadows.” Amemond replied. “How long have we been asleep?” one of them asked looking around. “I wish I knew…” Amemond whispered. “But judging by the…remains, it must have been a long time.” ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- As the ponies walked through the city, trying to make sense of things, a pair of foals with their mother walked down a road and noticed a strange orb on the ground. “Mummy…what’s that?” One of them asked. “I don’t know…it looks like an orb of some sort.” The mother replied. “Can we keep it?” The other foal asked. “We can’t it might belong to some-“ She was interrupted as the orb began to crack, a low hiss leaking form it as it suddenly shattered with a roar, sending the family running and screaming. ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- Amemond and the group by her as well as the entire town heard the deafening roar and looked to see a large swarm of shadows burst into the sky and arc towards where the Mountain Kingdom resided, Amemond felt her blood freeze as her eyes shrunk. “No…it can’t be…” “Empress?” A stallion in armour asked approaching her followed by another. “What was that?” Amemond didn’t answer; she simply stared at the shadow as it vanished against the horizon in fear. “Empress?” the stallion asked again. “We need to prepare the defences.” She replied. “But My lady-“ “I know we have little soldiers left, but that…thing is going to return, I know it!” Amemond said. “Shouldn’t we inform the Princess?” The other soldier asked. “I don’t even know if Equestria is still around…we don’t know how long we have been gone.” Amemond replied with a sigh. “But send a scroll anyway, immediately.” “Yes my lady.” The soldiers saluted and took off. Amemond frowned as she looked to the horizon; she was terrified but was trying her best not to show it to anyone. All she could do is pray that Equestria was still around, and that help would arrive soon. ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- The shadow soared through the sky before darting downwards and crashing into the snow, skidding along the ground before coming to a complete stop. They danced on the snow as the wind blew harshly over them and the snow tried to cover the shadows, the shadows began to rise up and form the outline of a tall bipedal creature. As the shadows finished forming, a low growl could be heard coming from the robed figure, he turned around and glared at the capital, just on the horizon before beginning to limp towards the Mountain Kingdom, feeling his energy slowly returning. “I said it wasn’t over Tailclaw…this world is going to burn…” Malaskaar growled.