//------------------------------// // Returning Home // Story: Flora Spectrum // by Flora Spectrum //------------------------------// Flora turned and watched as the four pegasi guards that escorted her now flew away and faded into the distance. As she continued flying towards the Spectral Kingdom, her mind drifted back to the conversation she had with Princess Celestia earlier that day. }i{ “The Spectral Kingdom?” Flora asked making sure she heard the princess correctly, “That’s where I’m from?” Celestia gave a short nod before continuing, “Your mother was Sparkler, and like you she was an alicorn, and like her mother before her and her mother before her. It seems the alicorn trait is hereditary among the female descendants,” she added with a smile. “Unlike most nobles or members of royalty I’ve come across over the years, your mother was down to Earth. It seemed almost every day she could be found walking through the streets or the markets just to talk with the other ponies.” “Your father, Lightning Blade became Captain of the Unicorn Guard a few years after his older brother, Thunder Wing, had become Captain of the Pegasus Guard. Lightening Blade was strong, ambitious, and always willing to make a fool out of himself to impress your mother. After they were married and you were born, it was clear to see that the only pony they loved more than each other was their only daughter.” “What happened to them?” Flora asked quietly. “You don’t remember anything from that day do you?” After Flora shook her head silently no, Celestia continued, “I assumed as well, you were only three years old at the time.” “A unicorn by the name of Malevolentia had raised a small army and attacked the Spectral Kingdom. Your mother fought alongside your father and his brother and the three of them took on Malevolentia while the rest of the guard fought her army and got the rest of the ponies to safety.” “A guard had been instructed to get you and your mother’s assistant to a series of tunnels that ran underneath the entire kingdom in hopes that she would be able to get you out safely. However, the three of you were attacked, and as the fight ensued, you refused to leave without your parents. You ran out of the palace and into the streets until you found your parents and you uncle. However, when you saw your parents lying on the ground and you uncle fighting but barely able to stand, you lost it.” “What do you mean, I lost it?” Flora asked quietly. “You lost control of your magic and it exploded pushing Malevolentia and her army out of the Kingdom. In the end, it was you who saved the kingdom. However, you parents were gravely injured in their fight, and passed shortly after the blast.” “Your parents had planned ahead what would happen if they passed away and had originally wanted to leave you in the care of Sparkler’s parents. However, they had passed the year before and instead chose to let Sparkler’s assistant, Platinum Charm, rule over the kingdom until you were old enough while your uncle swore to protect you.” “Why did I run away and end up in your garden then?” Flora couldn’t help but ask. “That’s where Luna and I aren’t sure. Two years after your parents’ death, the Spectral Kingdom was encased in a grey dome made of magic. We think that Malevolentia returned and was able to take over.” “You said you think Malevolentia returned, why don’t you know for sure?” “We were not able to get through the shield. Luna and I think that perhaps only those from the Spectral Kingdom can get in. However, we have never seen anypony go in or out, so we aren’t certain.” “What if I can’t get in either?” Flora asked doubtfully. “Then we will try and find another way. However, for now, you are the only one that can save all the ponies trapped inside.” Flora remained quiet for a moment before asking, “When do I leave?” }i{ A grey dome appeared in the distance that was large enough to encase an entire kingdom. No doubt she had found the right place. Well Flora, she thought to herself slightly sarcastically, welcome home.