//------------------------------//
// Obligatory Cooldown Chapter 
// Story: Rebirth of Harmony 
// by WanderingPhysicist 
//------------------------------//

        Queen Luna trots through Canterlot Castle. A special guest trots alongside her. The guards keep a watchful eye on Queen Chrysalis as she passes them, giving them smug looks as she goes.
        ‘To think,’ Luna muses, ‘a few days ago, we would be considered enemies. Today, we are finalizing an alliance that will allow changelings to come out of hiding and make their presence known within the Republic.’
        Chrysalis nods. ‘Indeed. Centuries of misunderstanding about to usher in an era of unity.’ She smirks. ‘Speaking of unity, I seduced your son.’
        Luna grimaces. ‘Yes, he made note of it in his report...’
        ‘He lead the treaty process,’ Chrysalis adds. ‘It was a long and hard negotiation. He kept me up all hours with his attentiveness. It was quite exhausting keeping up with his stamina.’
        ‘If you wish to keep me from snapping you and throwing your carcass from the mountain myself,’ the pony queen growls, ‘you will refrain from talking about my son in that manner.’
        ‘I’m just trying to inform you of your son’s ability… as a diplomat,’ the changeling queen snickers. ‘You are the one assuming something more… sexual.’
        Luna glares at Chrysalis. The changeling laughs. They reach a courtyard with a statue in it. She approaches, admiring the work. The stone replica of Princess Celestia smiles back at her.
        ‘I really admired your sister,’ Chrysalis comments. ‘I only knew her through historical documents. I hope she would have been appreciative of my efforts to limit the killing caused during the invasion of the Crystal Empire.’
        Luna sighs and joins Chrysalis looking at the statue. ‘My sister believed in peace.’ She looks at Chrysalis. ‘I am willing to forgive the past for the sake of the future. Unity between ponies and changelings. I am sure my sister would approve.’
        Chrysalis smiles and nods. ‘In that case, may I request a special audience with the prince?’
        ‘Not on your life.’
        Chrysalis cackles. Luna snorts and marches away. The changeling follows, still cackling to herself.

        Apple Pie trots through the orchard. He pulls a large rake between the rows of trees, gathering fallen apples. Apple Bloom greets him as he returns to the farmhouse. She brings the stallion a drink after he dumps the apples in a bin.
        ‘I appreciate Flim and Flam looking after our farm,’ Apple Pie grumble, ‘but can they lay off testing their latest inventions until after harvest?’
        Apple Bloom laughs. ‘They didn’ do too much harm.’
        ‘You’re not the one cleaning it up.’
        The mare shakes her head. ‘Ah told ya that can wait.’ She pokes him. ‘Sides, doesn’ yer earth movin’ powers mean ya can tell the leftover apples are becomin’ great compost.’
        Apple Pie looks back at all the remaining apples covering the ground. ‘Compost? More like a pile of sh-’
        Apple Bloom snorts. ‘Anyway, come inside an’ relax fer a bit. Ya haven’ taken a break since we got back.’
        ‘I’m just happy to be getting something done,’ the stallion replies. ‘Feels like we’ve been away for too long.’
        Apple Bloom frowns. ‘That doesn’ sound too “Element of Loyalty” of ya.’
        Apple Pie laughs. ‘You sound just like my brother.’
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
        Apple Pie and Helios stand on a train platform. Other travelers look over at the prince and his brother as they wait for a train to arrive.
        ‘Heading back to the farm, eh?’ Helios comments. ‘Not very Element of Loyalty of you.’
        Apple Pie groans. ‘I won’t be that far away. If you need me, I’ll be a short trip away.’ He flicks his brother’s horn. ‘Even shorter for those of us who can teleport.’
        Helios rolls his eyes. ‘Sure. Blame the magic users.’
        His older brother laughs. ‘Just having some fun with you, little bro. Calm down.’
        Helios takes a breath and looks down the tracks.
        Apple Pie puts a hoof on his brother’s shoulder. ‘Don’t worry about a thing. If the Elements are needed for anything right now, it is to assure everyone that the Republic is safe. What better way than for us to have a bit of a vacation?’
        Helios nods. ‘True. I do have plans to hangout with my friends later.’
        ‘That’s the first I’ve heard about it.’
        ‘Well, I didn’t think it was impo-’
        ‘You, having friends, that is hard to imagine. Good job.’
        Helios glares at his brother and growls.
        Apple Pie laughs. ‘That’s just what big brothers do.’ He looks for the train for a second. ‘Oh! Speaking of older siblings. I had this weird dream a while back. Before we left on our PR tour. It was about Rei and dad. I think Twilight Sparkle was there too.’
        Helios snaps his attention to his brother. ‘You had a dream about Rei! Tell me everything!’ He narrows his gaze. ‘Did you do anything untoward to her?’
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
        Apple Pie stretches a bit. ‘I think you’re right, Apple Bloom. I should relax a little.’
        ‘That’s the spirit.’
        The stallion brushes by his fillyfriend and whispers, ‘Last one to the bedroom is on bottom.’
        Apple Bloom blushes brighter than her bow as they race inside.

        Alba lays on a couch in her living room. She slowly flips through a book in front of her. Stacks of books surround her. Other piles of books, most topped with an open book, are scattered about the lounge, with a trail of books leading back to her bedroom.
        There is a knock at the open door. ‘May I come in?’ Shaun asks.
        ‘No,’ the princess grunts.
        The griffin walks into the room anyway. ‘I knew you would say that, so I am going to ignore your reply.’ He takes a seat on a free chair. ‘So, how’s it going?’
        ‘I’m reading,’ Alba huffs. ‘And until a few seconds ago, everything was going fine.’
        ‘What are you reading?’
        ‘I am trying to find out how long my mother knew stars were going out and what she had tried doing to stop it.’ She turns a page. ‘As far as I can tell, she’s known since she was younger than me and has been working with dad and The Doctor to solve it since she became queen.’
        ‘Doctor who?’
        ‘That’s the one.’
        Shaun raises an eyebrow and gives Alba a confused look. Not getting any more information, he looks at the nearest open book, turning it so he can read it. He reads for a moment before sighing, ‘I’m sorry.’
        ‘You better be,’ Alba snorts. ‘Touching my book without asking.’
        ‘Not that. I mean this whole mess.’
        Alba looks up from her book. ‘What did you do this time?’
        ‘What?’ Shaun leans back and looks at Alba. ‘This whole war and the uprising. It wouldn’t have happened if not for me.’
        The princess groans and closes her book. ‘You really are an idiot.’
        ‘Hey!’
        ‘Do you really think Mordred would have sat by and done nothing if you weren’t around? How about all your interference with our journey?’
        ‘I didn’t think about that.’
        ‘Obviously,’ Alba replies, rolling her eyes. ‘Do you think I would have gone easy on that small time crook or those Diamond Dog kidnappers? You probably saved them some trouble because you knew just how to annoy me.’
        Shaun stares back, gaping a little. ‘Uh.. I don’t think that is right...’
        ‘And what about in the Empire? If you didn’t break us out when you did, Mordred might have actually killed us.’ She takes a deep breath. ‘I hate to admit this, but you’re actually, sorta, maybe a hero.’ She looks away and mutters, ‘Thank you.’
        A wide grin spreads across Shaun’s beak. ‘Does that mean you might actually like me?’
        Alba glares, blushing. She turns back to her book and resumes reading.
        Shaun laughs as he stands. ‘You’re a great friend,’ he says, going to the door. Before he can leave, he tilts his head to the side and holds a talon to his temple. ‘Oh. And give her an extra pounding for me, too.’
        It takes a second for the message to register to Alba. ‘Wait. What?’ she asks, looking up, but Shaun has already left.

        Lucky Heart flies around his hometown. He watches everypony going about their business and heading home for the day. He lands on a balcony outside of his room. He eyes his bed, ready to rest after a long day of…
        ‘Surprise hug!’ Rainbow shouts as she tackles Lucky Heart across the room.
        Before the young stallion can react, Rainbow locks his lips in a kiss. When she finally lets him up, he pants, ‘Rainbow?! What are you doing here?’
        Rainbow sits up, smiling. ‘What? I can’t visit the bestest stallion in the world?’
        Lucky blushes. ‘Well, I, uh...’
        She gets up. ‘Besides, who else is going to do me before the end of the world?’ Rainbow wags her tail at the embarrassed stallion.
        ‘Th-the world isn’t ending. Wh-what makes you say that?’
        Rainbow sits and thinks again. ‘Oh, it is something my little sister keeps saying. I think has something to do with the war with the griffins.’
        ‘We’re not at war with them!’ He pauses and thinks. ‘Or are we? I wasn’t too clear about that.’
        Rainbow hops on the bed. ‘Either way, you’ll be doing your duty as an Equestrian male and fighting and dying on the front lines while I prepare the defense at Cloudsdale.’ She shakes her tail again. ‘Now, do you want to die a virgin or do I have to come over there in more ways than one?’
        Lucky Heart tries to answer, but he cannot talk.
        Rainbow sighs and plops down on the bed. She moans. ‘Our last trip was so boring! I was the only one that didn’t do any fooling around.’ She wraps herself in one of the blankets. ‘Sure. I  tried seducing the coolest, hottest celebrity in the universe, but he is supposedly my “brother” and that would be “wrong”.’
        Lucky snaps out of his daze. ‘Wait? What?’
        Rainbow pouts. ‘Now, he is in love with Princess Celestia’s granddaughter or something. Nopony loves Rainbow!’
        Lucky Heart joins her on the bed and strokes her back. ‘There. There. Lots of ponies love you. I… I lo-’
        In a blur of motion, Rainbow wraps Lucky under the covers with her. ‘That’s all I wanted to hear. Now, are you going to make a mare out of me or am I going to make a stallion out of you?’

        A chime sounds as the door to a small bakery and cafe opens.
        ‘Welcome. How may I help you?’ Strawberry Souffle greets.
        ‘Daddy!’ Razzly cheers as she gallops around the counter to hug her father.
        As the two unicorns embrace, Trixie watches from the doorway. She smiles and turns to give them some privacy.
        ‘Trixie! Wait!’ Strawberry calls. The mare looks back. ‘Come on. Stay. I have to repay the pony who watched over my daughter somehow.’
        Trixie blushes and looks away. ‘I didn’t do m-’
        ‘That’s right!’ Razzly agrees. ‘You should stay, mommy.’ She looks up at her father. ‘Did you hear? Trixie is my new mommy.’
        The adults laugh.
        ‘Magic duels aren’t really legally binding,’ Trixie replies.
        Strawberry nods. ‘But they can cause a lot of real legal hassles.’
        Trixie raises an eyebrow. ‘Oh?’
        ‘Shortly after the fight, Jade’s lawyers contacted me,’ the stallion explains. ‘They demanded that I give up Razzly to her mother.’
        Trixie growls, ‘I assure you, the Lulamoons have the greatest lawyers in Manehattan. We will do everything in our power to support you.’
        Strawberry shakes his head. ‘My father is Blackberry Sorbet. Our lawyers easily swatted them aside when it was pointed out that simply searching “Magic Duel Crystal Empire” brought up dozens of videos of Jade’s abuse before the fight.’ He holds his daughter close. ‘Razzly is safe from her.’
        Razzly nods enthusiastically. ‘All thanks to my new mommy, Trixie!’
        ‘That’s not really...’ Trixie begins.
        ‘Miss Trixie,’ Strawberry interrupts. ‘I’ve been thinking about it… If something were to happen to me, I’d like for you to take care of Razzly for me.’
        ‘Well, duh,’ Razzly groans. ‘She is my mommy.’
        Trixie smiles. ‘I’d be honored. She is like a daughter to me already.’
        ‘I keep saying you’re my mommy!’ the filly shouts.
        The adults laugh again.
        ‘Yeah. She pretty much is,’ Strawberry says.
        Trixie blushes again. She takes a seat and watches as Strawberry ask his daughter about her adventures.

        King James sits in front of an array of monitors in an office, rubbing his temples. On the monitor in front of him, Mordred looks very angry. The other monitors show reports from around the Republic. One shows griffins rioting with the caption “Live from Los Arion”.
        ‘What you are asking for is out of the question, ’ James growls.
        Mordred snorts and looks away. ‘I don't see how that is my problem. What happens on Republic soil is your problem. You owe us for the mess you caused within the Empire!’
        ‘We haven't done anything. You've done it all to yourself.’
        Morgan slips behind Mordred and whispers something to him.
        Mordred nods. ‘If you had any proof to support the rebels' claims, we would love to hear it.’
        James shakes his head. ‘The Thestrals have kept their investigation into Prince Lance's death open. You are the ones who declared his death an act of pirates, and so soon after the mysterious deaths of Uther and his other sons too.’
        Mordred shrugs. ‘We are willing to assist, but only after this rebellion is crushed.’
        James groans. ‘The chief concern of the rebellion is the fate of your predecessor. You could easily make peace with them if you were more open with your citizens.’
        ‘And what has this openness gotten you?’ Mordred counters. He slams a fist onto the table in front of him. ‘You are supporting the rebels! You have let them take property belonging to the Griffin Empire! You are allowing this civil war to unfold for your political gain!’
        ‘We have done nothing of the sort!’ James shouts back. ‘Our security have not set hoof in any of your embassies, whether or not they side with the Empire. It has been your supporters that seem to lack the respect for other nations' sovereignty. Or need I remind you about what is happening in Hay-jing?’
        ‘It is the Equinese government that caused that situation to escalate!’ Mordred roars. ‘If some of their soldiers get mowed down for trying to invade our embassy, it is their fault!’
        ‘They were just setting up a perimeter...’ James sighs. ‘There were missteps on both sides.’ He looks at another monitor. ‘At least it isn't as bad as Los Arion.’
        Mordred rolls his eyes. ‘Here we go again...’
        ‘Supporters of both sides of your conflict are fighting in the streets,’ James replies. ‘It is a miracle that other districts of the city haven't been drawn into the fiasco.’
        ‘It is their right to protest,’ Mordred huffs. ‘ If those rebel supporters didn't get involved, everything would have been peaceful.’ Morgan whispers something to him. Her horn flashes green for a moment. ‘Right.’ He shakes his head. ‘We were talking about mediation, weren't we?’
        James watches the others carefully, sighs and reopens dialogue with the emperor.

        Sunset flies around the palace library. Corona sits at the reception desk, watching her sister flit about.
        ‘I've been really busy doing research for Alba,’ Sunset says, flying over carrying a book. ‘I've traced the history of the star outages back through the earliest records.’ She cradles the book. ‘It is really cool having all these resources at my hooves.’ Sunset shimmers. ‘Aunt Luna even lets me request books from any library in the Republic. Any book...’
        Corona smiles. ‘I'm glad to see you so happy. It is like when we were fillies.’
        Sunset rubs the book on her face. ‘So many books...’ She catches herself. ‘Sorry. Did you say something?’
        ‘Nothing,’ her sister replies. ‘Want to hear about my trip?’
        ‘Sure. I guess. You got the changelings to help us, right?’
        Corona nods. ‘That was the mission. We got some help along the way, too. He's a really great stallion. I'd love for you to meet him.’
        ‘Maybe some other...’
        ‘Because he is standing right beside you.’
        Sunset looks to her left and sees Technis standing next to her. She screams and flies behind her sister. ‘Ninja assassin!’
        Technis smiles and adjusts his shades. ‘Ah. So you told her about me already.’
        Corona shakes her head, smiling. ‘Not yet.’ She pushes Sunset forward. ‘Sunset, this is Technis. He helped us on our journey.’
        ‘N-nice to meet you,’ Sunset replies.
        Technis fakes pouting. ‘Most fillies your age would be thrilled to have me sneak up on them like that.’ He looks off to the side. ‘My big sister, for one.’
        Sunset looks confused. ‘Huh? Are you some sort of pervert or something?’
        ‘You... don't recognize me?’
        ‘Should I?’
        Corona rolls her eyes. ‘Unless your music is on paperback, she's never heard of Synth Tech before now.’
        Sunset gives her sister a disgusted look. ‘Paperback? Ew.’
        ‘We'll have plenty of time to get to know each other,’ Technis replies. He smirks. ‘But not as much as I'll be spending with you.’
        Corona blushes and laughs.
        Sunset looks at the couple suspiciously. ‘What was that? What are you two doing?’
        ‘Oh, sorry,’ Corona apologizes. ‘Technis and I are sorta dating.’
        ‘You're what?!’
        ‘He's a real sweet guy. Handsome too,’ her sister explains. ‘We're just... Well... I really like him. I've never felt like this before.’
        Sunset grabs her sister and glares at Technis. ‘She's my sister, got it? Just 'cause you're dating, doesn't mean you get her all to yourself.’
        Technis laughs. ‘I get it. No need to worry about me. I'll be happy to have you in my family too, cutie.’
        Sunset growls a bit then lets her sister go. ‘Deal, but I still get her whenever I need her.’
        Technis nods. ‘Agreed. Except when we're... You know.’
        ‘You're what?’
        Corona facehoofs. ‘We haven't done that yet and at this rate, it is getting further away.’
        Sunset looks at the older ponies and shrugs. ‘Adults are weird,’ she mutters, flying away.

        Krile practices a violin solo in her room. She writes notes with her magic while she uses her hooves to play the instrument. Her eyes are closed as she focuses on the music. She finishes the piece and lowers her violin. She hears clapping behind her.
        ‘Do you ever think about knocking!’ the unicorn snaps at the visiting prince.
        Helios laughs and stands. ‘Would interrupting you have made you less angry?’
        Krile glares at her coltfriend then turns away. Helios trots over and sits beside her. Krile sighs and turns to her coltfriend, right as a green beam passes over her.
        The unicorn blinks after the beam passes over her face. ‘Okay. What was that?’
        ‘Sorry,’ Helios apologizes. ‘Last time I saw you, you turned out to be a changeling.’
        Krile laughs. ‘That’s weird. At least you didn’t fall for it, right?’
        Helios looks away. ‘Well...’
        Krile sighs and shakes her head. ‘Whatever.’ She laughs again. ‘At least you didn’t end up sleeping with it or anything.’
        Helios bites his lip and starts looking for an escape route.
        ‘Helios...’ Krile growls. ‘What, or who, did you do?’
        Helios slowly turns to face his fillyfriend. ‘Uh...’

        In a dark room in the Royal Canterlot Performing Arts Academy, a group of ponies meet in secret. Maps and charts cover a table in front of them. A door opens and another pony trots in. Octavia removes her robe as she joins the group.
        ‘Sorry I am late,’ she says. ‘I was seeing off Chrysalis’ delegation.’
        ‘There are other ponies who could handle that for you,’ Silver Fox replies. ‘You don’t have to do everything on your own. Sleeping might help too.’
        Lyra flips through a file. ‘She gets the right amount of sleep and relaxation time for a mare her age. You’re the one who needs to learn to de-stress more often.’
        A white unicorn stallion clears his throat. ‘As fascinating as your health profiles are,’ Fancy Pants interrupts, ‘I believe we have more pressing matters.’
        Octavia nods. ‘Right. The war.’
        A blue-white pegasus gets out a map with ‘Los Arion’ written at the top. ‘Our operatives in LA have been working the supply lines into the riot zone,’ Arctic Fox reports. ‘We’re making sure all families, Empire or rebel, are keeping stocked.’ She nods at Octavia. ‘Thanks to your recent work there, we were able to recruit some of the local changelings to assist in sneaking food across the protest lines.’
        ‘The pro-Empire protesters are winding down and losing steam, especially since most of the other consulates in the Republic are siding with Prince Shaun and the rebels,’ Lyra adds. ‘We’ve been protecting Ambassador Gilda as she works on easing tensions.’
        ‘Good thing they haven’t heard about Hay-jing or else that might add fuel to the fire,’Octavia mutters.
        A tall, white unicorn mare steps forward. ‘I’ve been in contact with our operatives around the world,’ Fleur reports. ‘We could solve that if you really want to.’
        ‘No,’ a burgundy mare replies. ‘That would be too messy politically. We don’t want to make it seem like the Republic is resorting to desperate tactics before the battle has begun.’
        Octavia nods. ‘I agree. We should stick to support and defense for now.’
        ‘My daughter actually agrees with me on something,’ Melody laughs. ‘That is something indeed. You need to spend more time with my grandson. He really evens you out.’
        Her daughter snorts and turns back to the table. ‘Luna and the king are working on a plan to deal with Mordred. We should coordinate our efforts to best aid their plans.’
        ‘To protect our home and the world, all our resources are at their disposal,’ Fancy Pants offers.
        Lyra taps a few buttons on her mobile. ‘Heartstrings Industries has been preparing for mobilization since before your first trip.’
        ‘Just say the word and all our forces and allies will leap into action,’ Fleur adds.
        Octavia smiles, nods and begins going over plans with the others.

        ‘You slept with Chrysalis! Awesome!’ Storm Runner congratulates.
        Helios groans, holding an ice pack on a black eye. The prince is in his living room, laying on a couch. His friends Storm Runner and Green Kerner are visiting. Storm Runner plays one of Helios’ video game consoles while Green Kerner flips through the prince’s comic book collection.
        ‘Cheer up, Helo,’ Green Kerner encourages. ‘Chrysalis is really hot… for a changeling.’
        ‘Not just that,’ Storm Runner adds, ‘but she can be anypony you want.’ He laughs stupidly. ‘The head cheerleader.’
        ‘Miss Bluesky,’ Green Kerner adds.
        ‘Kinky,’ his bat pony friend agrees. ‘What about Silver Fox? You know, the actress from the recent Daring Do films.’
        ‘Meh,’ the earth pony replies. ‘I prefered AK Yearling myself.’
        Storm Runner gives his friend a disgusted look.
        ‘What!’ Green Kerner defends. ‘You’ve seen her picture from her books. She seems like a nice, down-to-earth, classy sort of pony. Nothing like her subject material.’
        ‘Whatever.’
        Helios sits up. ‘Guys, this is not helping.’
        His friends look at him, confused.
        ‘But you’re the first one of us to...’ Green Kerner says.
        ‘Speak for yourself,’ Storm Runner huffs.
        ‘Bullcrap!’ Green Kerner counters, covering it up with a cough.
        ‘Well, okay. Whatever. It is not like the world will end if I never get laid.’
        I am not suggesting that to Alba as a solution. Helios thinks. He sighs and lays down again. ‘Sometimes I wonder why I am friends with you two.’
        ‘Because we’re the only ones who can stand being around you for more than ten seconds?’ Green Kerner guesses.
        ‘Because all your other friends are still in traction?’ Storm Runner offers.
        ‘Maybe he just hasn’t bought anypony else off yet,’ the earth pony adds.
        Storm Runner nods. ‘True. True.’
        Helios moans and covers his head. The others return to what they were doing. There is a brief moment of silence.
        ‘Did you see all those holes on Chrysalis’ legs?’ Storm Runner mentions.
        ‘Now that is kinky,’ Green Kerner notes.
        Helios groans again.

        The Elements gather in a conference room in Canterlot Castle. They look unsure of the gathering, except for Alba, who is reading. Octavia, Trixie, Technis and Corona join them. Lucas enters, followed by Luna and James. The queen and king look upset about something.
        ‘I'm sensing this isn't good news,’ Shaun says.
        ‘No time for jokes, Shaun,’ Alba huffs.
        ‘Did you see me do the hand or the face thing?’ the griffin argues. ‘I’m being as serious as everyone else here.’
        Alba glances at her older sister. Rainbow's face is covered in frosting from a cake she is eating. ‘I can explain,’ the pegasus begins.
        ‘It will have to wait for later,’ her father interrupts. ‘We... have a diplomatic crisis on our hooves.’
        ‘Tell us something we don't know,’ the princess grumbles, glancing at Shaun.
        ‘As you know, King Sparkle, your father, has been engaging Emperor Mordred in an attempt to end hostilities between our nations,’ Luna adds. ‘We were able to reach an agreement. An agreement that is most upsetting.’
        ‘No surprise that it involves us since you called us back,’ Apple Pie snorts.
        Luna slams her hooves on the table. ‘That bastard wants us to put you in the middle of a war zone for his own amusement.’
        ‘And we're not doing that, right?’ Helios asks.
        James shakes his head. ‘The only way we could get him to agree to a “peaceful” end to hostilities and reconciliation with the “rebels” was to agree to send The Elements to the Empire as mediators.’
        ‘That is absolute bullsh-’ Corona exclaims.
        ‘No doubt it is a trap,’ Alba says, interrupting her cousin.
        James takes a deep breath and looks at his wife. Luna nods and grins evilly, a dark aura surrounding her. ‘Obviously,’ the queen replies. ‘Which is why we're going to spring every trap of our own.’