//------------------------------// // Regrouping // Story: The Princess of Themyscira // by iowaforever //------------------------------// Regrouping Diana was first aware that her leotard was missing. She blinked her eyes a little, squinting at the bright light above her. Once her vision returned, her entire body began to ache. She groaned and sat up, pushing her mane out of her face and looking around. She was in a green room, a large window giving her a nice view of the town below. She herself was dressed in an equally green gown of some kind, with only her bracelets remaining in place. After giving a small prayer of thanks for that, she continued to survey the room, spotting a few chairs against the wall and some machinery of some kind. And sprawled out over two of those chairs, her lasso, tiara and leotard clutched in his hooves, was Soarin', the Pegasus snoring slightly before shifting around. He didn’t have to wait there for me... she thought, but she still smiled. “Soarin'?” she asked, loud enough to wake him but not enough to startle him. Soarin' gave a snort and looked up, blinking in confusion for a moment before he realized just where he was. “Oh, Diana. You’re awake.” he said, standing up and walking towards her. “I got your lasso and uniform for you. Nopony really asked a lot of questions about them.” “Odd.” she looked out the window. “How long have I been here?” “... About ten hours, give or take.” Soarin' shuffled around a little. There was a pause before Diana spoke. “And Ares?” Silence. “I... I don’t know. I had to get you out of there and... well, I lost track of him.” Soarin' replied. Diana said nothing. Part of her wanted to be mad at Soarin', that he should have stood his ground and tried to stop Ares in any way possible, but she could not. It was not his fault, after all, and he was not as strong and durable as she was. “I see.” she said, turning back to Soarin'. “Thank you for saving me.” “You’re welcome,” Soarin' replied. “So... do you have a plan for how we’re going to beat Ares?” “‘We’? Soarin', while I admire your desire to protect Equestria, I...” She swallowed before continuing. “I think it’s best if we part ways now.” “Diana, if you’re mad at me for saving you-” “No, Soarin'." Diana shook her head. "You are my friend, and I will always appreciate what you have done for me and what you have shown me, but Ares is too strong for somepony like you to face. It’s like you said the other day; you are not a warrior like me, and you should not be facing off against gods and monsters.” there was another pause as Soarin' mulled this over. “I’m not leaving.” He said finally, Diana's ears drooping. “Soarin', I’m only trying to protect you-” She started. “By getting yourself killed?” “I am an Amazon," Diana said quickly. "I am well aware of the sacrifice I may have to make.” “No disrespect, but I don’t think that approaching this like an Amazon is the best idea.” Soarin' replied, causing Diana to blink in surprise. “Why would you say something like that?" she asked. "We have managed-” “Managed to what? Raise a couple dozen generations of holier-than-thou feminists who only until recently decided that we mortals are worth investing in? You remember how your ‘friend’ Phillipus tried to kill me? Maybe that wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t shut yourselves off from the world.” Surprise was replaced by anger, and Diana glared at Soarin'. “How dare you accuse us of-” “I’m not finished. Your entire society is based around the idea that stallions are a bunch of hateful, abusive monsters. Have you ever considered that maybe your issues with us wouldn’t be so bad if you just talked to somepony? You spoke a lot about trust last night, but how do you expect to build anything resembling trust if you just keep everypony shut out of your life?” Diana worked her jaw for a moment, trying to find the right thing to say. “I’m not trying to shut you out, Soarin',” she said, managing to calm herself considerably. “I just don’t want to see somepony I care about get killed on my account.” “And that’s why I’m going with you. If you died and there was something I could have done about it... Well, I don’t want to find out about that.” It took a moment, but Diana found herself smiling. While she was still angry at Soarin' for his outburst, it was surprisingly inspirational that this colt, whom she had only known for a few days, would be ready to give his life for her. He was no warrior, but he certainly had the heart of one. “If you really wish to come with me, then there is not much I can do to stop you.” she looked back out the window, missing the rather surprised look Soarin' had. “Really? Well... do you have a plan to beat Ares?” “... No." Diana sighed. "I have no idea where he is, or just what he plans to do. If there was a way that I could find out where he was, then I might be able to develop some kind of strategy, but...” there was a pause before Soarin' spoke again. “I have an idea.” Diana turned to him, an eyebrow raised. “A while back I met this pony who knew Princess Celestia, I think she was like her student or something. Anyway, she mentioned something about living in Ponyville, and if she’s still here maybe we could get in touch with Princess Celestia and she could help us fight Ares.” Diana’s eyes widened. Suddenly, the idea of her just leaving this town behind seemed rather absurd, especially if there was somepony close by who had connections to Celestia. She made a note to give an offering to the gods as thanks for her good fortune... after she had defeated Ares of course. “Can you find this pony?” “Uh, I think so.” Soarin' made for the exit. “You get dressed and I’ll go find her. Hopefully she’d be able to help.” .................... Twilight Sparkle poured over her notes again, looking up only to check the reference books Princess Celestia had provided. In front of her, set up on a study table, was a golden helmet and a circular amulet, both of which radiated enough magical power to make her horn tingle. It had already been two days since Princess Celestia had delivered the artifacts, and Twilight could not remember having studied something for such a period of time and gotten the amount of notes she did. “Well, my findings and the old books match up.” she said, setting her notes aside and moving towards the artifacts. “And the books said if I put this on, I should get an increase of power and information... but I shouldn’t just put it on.” she stepped back. “I should do more tests first.” a pause, Twilight eyeing the curvature of the helmet. “... But I’d probably learn just as much if I put it on...” another pause. “But it could hurt, or turn me evil... but the books never said anything about that... but maybe that’s because any evil ponies that put it on probably didn’t want anypony else to think they were evil... but they couldn’t all be evil...” she groaned in frustration, bringing her hoof to her face. “Maybe I should just take a break and think this over later... or keep studying, just as long as I don’t put the helmet on.” “Um, Twilight?” a voice said from behind her. Twilight’s limbs locked up, her eyes wide and her tail rigid. “I wasn’t going to put on the Evil Artifacts of Doom!” she cried, taking a moment to realize that it was Spike talking. She regained as much of her composure as possible and turned around, grinning sheepishly. “Sorry about that, Spike. You just startled me.” “Eh, I’m used to it.” Spike stepped further into the room. “Anyway, somepony wants to talk to you about something.” “Oh... Thanks for telling me, Spike.” Twilight made herself more presentable and followed Spike, her curiosity shifting away from the artifacts towards this new pony. As she stepped out, she saw a light blue Pegasus colt with a darker blue mane, her mind taking a moment to match the face to a name. “S-Soarin'?” “Hmm?” the colt looked up, making eye contact with Twilight. “You’re Twilight, right?” “Oh, yes, that’s me. Twilight. Twilight Sparkle... that’s my name.” Twilight mentally smacked herself for freaking out, but continued on. “How can I help you? Rainbow Dash isn’t here right now, so if you were looking for her-” “I’m not looking for Rainbow Dash.” Soarin' fluffed his wings and continued. “You can send letters to the Princess, right?” “Um, yes. Is something wrong?” “... Maybe.” Soarin' stepped closer. “Do you think you could teleport us to the hospital? There’s someone I think you should meet.” “Sure..." a new line of panic formed in Twilight's mind. "Is it somepony important? Did I do something wrong? Did I not do something?” “I’m not here to arrest you or anything, Twilight.” Soarin' raised a hoof to calm Twilight. “I just need your help sending a letter to the Princess.” “Oh... Okay. Spike!” she called, the baby dragon hurrying up to her soon after. “Get a quill and some ink; we’re going to the hospital.” “Why?” Spike asked after plucking a quill from a nearby table. “Is somepony hurt?” “Well...” Soarin' said, shuffling his hooves a little. “Not exactly...” ................. Diana had finished putting on her leotard and was now kneeled near the foot of the hospital bed, eyes closed and her lasso resting in front of her. As she waited for Soarin', she prayed to the gods for guidance and strength, hoping at at least one more might take her side against Ares. She also took a moment to recollect on what had taken place that day, and whether or not Soarin's interpretations of her culture were valid. Maybe he does have a point, she thought. My mother did show hostility when I asked her about the Mortal Realm... although she was murdered there, but that was two thousand years ago; surely things have changed since then. She sighed. Well, most of the stallions and colts I have met have not been the most impressive of specimens... although Soarin’s been helpful... mostly. She was interrupted from her thoughts by somepony entering the room. She got to her hooves and turned, just as Soarin' entered with a lavender unicorn mare and what appeared to be a baby dragon, the latter carrying a few scrolls and some writing utensils. “You are back sooner than I expected.” “Teleportation’s weird like that.” Soarin' responded. Diana nodded and turned her attention to the new mare. The unicorn flinched slightly when Diana cast her gaze upon her, but Diana guessed it was just from nervousness of meeting a new pony. “Um, hello.” the unicorn said, stepping forward. “My name’s Twilight Sparkle. I-I’m Princess Celestia’s personal student.” “Well met, Miss Sparkle.” Diana said, giving her a short nod. “I am Diana, Daughter of Hippolyta and Princess of Themyscira.” Twilight blinked, and Diana saw her nervousness evaporate and become replaced by something else. First is appeared to be shock, then wonder, then a hybrid of the two. “You’re... you’re Diana?” “I... take it you’ve heard of me?” Diana asked. “Have I?!” Twilight cried, trotting in place for a moment before dashing over to Diana. “My foalsitter Cadance used to tell me all kinds of stories about you! Oh, I always wanted to go to Themyscira and meet you, but I never got that chance and Cadance said she’d need special permission to go there but now you’re here and that’s amazing! Do you still have that sword you used to give Cadance a haircut? Did you really break the bathhouse and almost flood the palace?” “I...” “I think we should stick to the problem at hoof, maybe?” Soarin' interjected, drawing Twilight’s attention away. “Oh, right... of course.” Twilight composed herself and returned to her original position. Diana inwardly thanked the gods for Soarin’s intervention; she might have enjoyed her time with Cadance, but telling it to the whole world was not something she would like to do without Cadance there to embarrass. “What can I do to help?” “Miss Sparkle, last night my friend and I were attacked by an alicorn known as Ares. I do not know what his plan is, but I intend to face him again and defeat him before he can destroy Equestria.” there was a pause before Twilight spoke. “Are you sure you need my help?" she asked. "You see, I have this friend who’s-” “So you need us to send a letter to Princess to warn her about this Ares guy?” the baby dragon asked. “Uh, yes, thank you...” Diana looked to Soarin'. “How much of this did you actually tell them?” “I left out the part where he’s super powerful and wants to kill us, but you covered that pretty quickly.” Soarin' replied. Diana rolled her eyes and continued on. “As I was saying, given our current circumstances Celestia is the best chance we have at finding and defeating Ares. I do not have the time to go to Canterlot myself, but as you are her personal student I trust she ensured some way for you to contact her.” “Well...” Twilight began. “Spike can send letters to Princess Celestia with his dragon breath... does that work?” “As I have not had many experiences with dragons, I shall have to trust your word on that.” Diana turned to the baby dragon. “I assume you are skilled in taking letters?” “Yup.” Spike pulled out a quill and paper and prepared to write. “Just say what you want and I’ll get it to the Princess in no time.” “Very well.” Diana composed herself and began dictating. “Most Serene Majesty of the Sun, Daughter of Athena and Protector of Mortals-” “You could just say ‘Dear Princess Celestia’,” Spike pointed out, drawing a small glare from Diana. “Or, we can go with that.” Diana shook her head and continued on. “Most Serene Majesty of the Sun, Daughter of Athena and Protector of Mortals, I, your servant Diana of Themyscira, have come to you and ask for your help in my hour of need. Dread Ares, God of War, has made plans against your realm and threatens all who dwell under your watch. I faced him before, but his strength was such that I could not handle. Now, he has disappeared to realms unknown, with an artifact of great power under his control. By your Grace, O Guardian of the Sun, I ask for your assistance in battling this foe. Help me to defend the realms of mortals and immortals, as Ares’ plans will no doubt expand beyond Equestria. Your humble servant Diana, Daughter of Hippolyta, Princess of Themyscira and Champion of Athena.” Diana looked up as Spike finished writing, the baby dragon scanning the letter several times for mistakes. Finding none, he rolled up the scroll and breathed a jet of green flame, the fire dissolving the scroll and carrying it off to Celestia. “How long will it take for the Princess to get back to us?” Soarin' asked Twilight. “It depends.” Twilight said, shuffling her hooves a little. “Usually she gets back within a few hours, a day at most. Although if it’s important I’m sure she’ll respond rather-” Twilight was interrupted by the pop of a teleport in the hallway. there was a pause before the door to the room opened and in stepped Celestia, the regal alicorn still as composed as ever. “Lady Celestia,” Diana said, bowing low. “It is truly an honor to be in your presence.” “Oh, there’s no need for ceremony, Diana.” Celestia said, waving her hoof and beckoning Diana to stand. “Although, I must say that I was rather surprised when I got a letter from you, of all ponies; I would have thought your mother would have wanted you to stay on Themyscira.” “It... took some convincing.” “I know what you mean; I have the utmost respect for your mother, but she is one of the most stubborn mares I have met.” Celestia’s calm demeanor quickly turned stern. “Now then, to the matter at hoof; you said Ares is here and plans to destroy Equestria?” “Well... the destroy Equestria part is speculation, mostly, but this is Ares were are talking about.” Celestia nodded in agreement. “And you said that he possessed an artifact of some kind?” “Yes.” Diana took a moment to recall just what the amulet looked like. “It was an amulet of sorts. It kind of looked like a triangle with an alicorn’s head and wings-” “That's the Alicorn Amulet!” Twilight cried. “I thought Zecora was supposed to look after it.” “While I have no doubt that your friend is a trustworthy one, Twilight,” Celestia said. “Ares is much more powerful than anything you have faced before, even Nightmare Moon. He could find a way to secure the Amulet without alerting your friend to his presence.” “So, what does he plan to do with this Amulet... thing?” Soarin' asked. “The Alicorn Amulet is more than just an artifact to amplify one’s power,” Celestia said, walking towards the window. “When the Olympians overthrew the Titans, Hades used the Amulet to defeat the monsters and demons that had spawned during that time and seal them away behind the Gates of Tartarus. He had planned to keep it for himself, so that nopony could abuse its power, but it was lost during the War in Heaven when the forces of Apokolips attempted to storm Tartarus. As it was used to seal away the monsters of old, so can it be used to release them.” “And Equestria would be devoured by war.” Diana finished. “Correct.” Celestia replied. “But, the Gates of Tartarus aren’t very far from here.” Twilight said, conjuring a map to emphasize her point. “If he was planning to breach the gates, he would have done so by now.” “Ares does not need to control the Gates in order to use the Amulet.” Celestia countered. “He could open a portal anywhere he’d like for as long as he wants.” “But you can stop him, right?” Diana said, taking a step towards Celestia. “You and Luna, you can face off against him!” “No, I can’t.” there was a long pause before Celestia continued. “As much as I would like to, there are other consequences of Ares using the Alicorn Amulet, consequences that could hurt Equestria long after Ares is defeated.” Celestia turned around to face Diana, Twilight, Soarin' and Spike. “You must defeat Ares and take back the Alicorn Amulet before he has a chance to do too much damage.” “But he already defeated me once.” Diana said, looking at the floor. “How am I supposed to defeat him again.” “I have faith in you, my little pony,” Celestia said, walking back to Diana and lifting her chin with a hoof. “I know that this may seem like an impossible task, but you are still an Amazon; no matter what comes, I know you will be able to face it and overcome it. And you are not alone; I’m sure Soarin' and Twilight will be more than able to assist you.” “Wait, what?” Twilight asked. “Princess Celestia, I can’t fight a god.” “Why not?" Celestia asked. "You’ve done it before.” “Well, yes, but I had my friends, and the Elements of Harmony-” “Twilight, I would not send you into this situation if I did not know you could handle it.” Celestia moved passed Diana and looked at Twilight. “You are the most powerful unicorn I have ever taught, and those magical artifacts I gave you should be helpful if you are to help fight Ares. Your friends make you strong, but you must not doubt your own abilities.” “Oh... Okay.” “Good.” Celestia stepped to the center of the room, wings outstretched. “I must return to Canterlot and prepare. If I can, I will try and send help to you, wherever you might be.” “And how is help supposed to find us?” Soarin' asked. “I am a goddess, Mr. Soarin'; I will find you with no trouble.” Celestia’s horn glowed for a moment before she vanished, leaving behind only a few small sparkles to mark her presence. “That was not as helpful as I would have liked,” Diana said after a pause. “But Celestia was right; if we work together, we might be able to overcome Ares and save Equestria.” “Wish you’d realized that this morning.” Soarin' muttered under his breath. Diana shot him a glare, but did not pursue the issue further. “Now, we know what Ares’ plan is. Now we just need to find out where he intends to open his portal.” “Well, he’s trying to start a war,” Soarin' said. “So he’d probably want to go somewhere where a bunch of attacking monsters would be easily spotted.” “Like Canterlot?” Twilight suggested. “Yeah, but he’d have to fight Celestia and Luna. It’d be too risky and would probably slow him down.” “What about here?” Diana asked. “The Tartarus Gates are nearby, it’s close to Canterlot, and Celestia’s personal student resides here.” “Too small.” Soarin' brought his hoof to his chin, thinking “Cloudsdale’s got it’s own problems... the Crystal Empire’s got the heart and Princess Cadance... Where’s somewhere that’s big and doesn’t have alicorns or superponies guarding it?” “You mean...” Twilight said. “Somewhere like... Manehattan?”