Act II Epilogue: For the Greater Good
“Mostly bumps and bruises, but also mild dehydration, and exhaustion. Scootaloo also has a minor infection in the cut on her left flank and will need antibiotics.”
“Thank you doctor,” Twilight gave a polite nod as she, Midnight, Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow moved past him and into the hospital room that held the fillies, lying in bed.
“Ah can't believe there was a whole futuristic place right under that mountain,” Applejack mused, “How many times had we been right over it and never knew?”
“Be glad y'all never found it,” Applebloom said.
“How ya feeling squirt?” Rainbow asked Scootaloo.
“Like I fell through the ground, got a needle jammed in my head, and had to run for my life from a bunch of monsters... but at least I can see again. Even if it's not normal seeing.”
“Yeah, I still don't get how that works,” RD admitted.
“Neither do I, but it's better than being blind,” Scootaloo chuckled, “Besides, it's kinda cool. I can see the pony in the room above us. I just wish I could see more detail. Everypony just looks like light.”
“So, is it permanent?” Rainbow asked Twilight.
“I really couldn't tell you, but I think so,” said the scholar, “Sweetie told me her theory, and I agree. If we're right, then it should be permanent.”
“Hear that, Scoots?” Applebloom smiled, “You ain't losin' your new sight.”
“What of our sisters bearing these Elements, though?” Rarity voiced her concerns, “Does this not mean they will be in danger?”
“Which is why I'm conscripting them into Dawn Shield,” Celestia said, startling everyone with her surprise entrance.
“Can you not do that every time, Princess?” Midnight requested.
“What do you mean you're conscripting them?” Rarity asked, fear and anger in her voice, “They're just fillies. You can't force them into the military.”
“They are bearers of a weapon that can save Equestria,” the solar ruler countered, “Once again, I must think of the many before the few, even if that means sacrificing three foals.”
“Ya can't be serious!” Applejack hollered furiously, “You ain't forcin' mah little sister to fight! Ah don't care if you're the Princess, it ain't happenin'!”
“Tell me, Applejack,” Celestia gave the farmer a stern look, “Would you have entire families murdered in the streets? Homes razed, and families shattered? Would you rather whole cities be wiped off the map? If you were given a choice between giving up somepony you hold dear, or watching thousands die, what would you do?”
Applejack looked like she had been physically struck, “Ah... Ah don't...”
“I doubt anypony could make that decision, your highness,” Rarity defended her friend.
“I have,” the princess's eyes seemed to fill with sorrow, “When I turned the Elements of Harmony on my sister, I thought she would suffer the same fate as Discord, trapped for eternity. I thought I would never see her again, but I did it anyway.”
Celestia walked to the window and looked out on the town. Twilight could have sworn she saw something glistening slide down her cheek.
“Most ponies look at me and think, 'oh how wonderful her life must be.' They have no idea how wrong they are. My life is one of eternal servitude. From the time I wake, until I lay to rest, my every breath is dedicated to ensuring my beloved ponies are taken care of and safe. It is hard to tell one pony, 'You shall be sent to war, likely to die, for ponies you have never met.' Yet, so many smile and say, 'Then I shall go die, so others will never know suffering.' I remember the faces of each pony that has given their lives for this nation, and each is like an icy nail in my heart.”
The princess turned back to the others, a pleading in her eyes, “This hurts me to ask the same of children, but it is part of my burden to do so. Thus I must ask these three, if they are willing to fight and die for their fellow ponies?”
Scootaloo wasted no time standing on the bed, a proud, determined expression on her face, “I'd be happy to, Princess.”
“Me too, Princess.”
“Darn tootin'”
Princess Celestia gave them a warm, yet apologetic smile, “Your valor is commendable, my little ponies. If you have need of anything, just ask and I shall endeavor to oblige.”
“I have no idea what you just said,” Scootaloo admitted.
That brought much needed laughter to the ponies in the room.
“Thank you, young Scootaloo,” Celestia draped a wing over the pegasus, “That was truly needed.”
“Don't worry, Applejack,” Midnight said, “You know I'll do whatever it takes to protect these kids. I won't let them take any unnecessary risks.”
“Thank you, Midnight,” Celestia said, “I trust you with their safety as I have that of my student and her friends. I bid you farewell, and hope you can forgive me someday.”
Applejack wanted to say she forgave her already... but it was against her nature.
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Celestia's horn glowed a pale golden color from her balcony as her sun dipped below the horizon. She sat out there watching her sister paint the night sky for a moment before stepping back into her personal chambers. She removed her shoes, placing them on a low shelf beneath a bust of herself. Then came her neck piece, placed slowly and carefully upon the neck of the bust. Finally, her crown, that piece of jewelry that so many of her ponies wished they could possess.
As she placed it upon the bust, she looked at it and said, “Sometimes, I truly loathe you.”