“Well that was weird,” I said before sitting up on my bed. Next to me Luna was still unconscious. “Wonder how long Bolas’s magic will hold.”
Who knows? Could be hours, weeks, months, maybe even years. You know how powerful he is.
“True.” I nodded. “Wait a minute, where were you at the end of that whole thing?”
Nick had managed to knock me out. When you left I was finally awoken.
“Good for you. Speaking of Nick.” I reached for the necklace but found it wasn’t there. “What?” Looking at my chest is was surprised to find the charm was gone. “Where’d he go?”
Perhaps Bolas took him. He did say Nick was a test.
“Hopefully.” I stood up. “Well, since I’m probably screwed when Luna wakes up I may as well go enjoy my last day here.”
Luna weakly opened her eyes. She seemed to be on a bed, the last thing that the princess could remember was a talon touching her head, and then it all went blank. Slowly sitting up she winced as a pain shot through her head. Getting a view of her surroundings she remembered she was in Sean’s bedroom. Though the human was absent.
“That coward.” Luna slowly climbed off the bed, wobbling slightly. She slowly began to move towards the door. “We need to have a talk.”
You’re going to make yourself sick. Bob warned as I swallowed another cupcake.
“So what? For all I know these are the last ones I’ll ever eat.”
You seriously think Luna’s going to banish you?
“Maybe, she seemed pretty mad when Nick told her about the griffin thing.”
That doesn’t sound right to me.
“Right or wrong there’s no harm in being prepared for the worst.” I downed another cupcake.
“Sean.” A voice called before the doors to the dining hall swung open and Luna slowly walked in, giving me that cold look from earlier.
“Hey Luna.” I looked her over, she was walking kind of funny and there was a slight glaze to her eyes. “You don’t look too good.”
“Well you can thank you father or god or whatever he is for that.”
“Yeah, that much dragon magic going through your brain can’t be good for you.”
“I know!” Luna raised her voice before gripping her head.
“Geez, calm down. You should really be resting.”
“No, we have much to discuss.”
“Fine, what are you going to do to me? Banish me? Electrocute me? Lock me up? Starve me of magic?” Luna looked at me in surprise as I finished the list.
“What kind of tyrannical rule do you think I plan to run?”
“I dunno, you seem pretty mad.” I shrugged. “So get it over with?” I raised a cupcake. “Is this may last one?”
“I have no intentions of harming you. Though there needs to be some form of repercussion for a mass extinction.” Then a book appeared in front of her.
“What’s that?” I tried to get a good look at it.
“A guide Celestia gave me should anything happen to her.” She raised the book so I could see the cover.
Sean, a complete guide to the sugar crazed psycho.
“I feel a bit offended by the title.” Luna didn’t acknowledge me as she flipped through the pages.
“Let’s see. Rebellion, cupcake shortage, muffin shortage, candy shortage, nap schedule, rude awakenings, ah here we go. Psychotic acts of mass destruction, likely involving griffins.”
“Is that really what it says?”
“Should Sean get too angry and go on a killing spree there are certain repercussions based on the level of damage Equestria will have to pay for.” She began to look down the page. “Minor damage, major damage, one kill, multiple kills, summoning the undead, hydra damage, acts of war, apocalyptic extinction.” Luna looked at the last one in surprise. “She actually wrote for that?”
“Aw, she knew me so well.”
When did you raise the dead?
Classified.
“Should Sean for some reason go on a massive killing spree that results in the end of a race there are of course certain actions that must be taken.” Luna began to read the book aloud. “First, determine the reason.”
“The griffins destroyed Canterlot, attempted to conquer Equestria, and oh yeah killed Celestia!” After my outburst Luna rolled her eyes and continued.
“If it is something mildly reasonable, such as the destruction of Equestria, enslavement of ponies, etc. Then first you must cover up the scene, this is to avoid war and hatred from the other nations as well as to protect him. However, if it is something moronic like a griffin ate his last cupcake then he should face the full consequences of his actions.”
“According to those examples I was justified.” Once again Luna ignored me.
“Assuming that the former is the case the next thing to do is take something from him, usually the retraction of all sweets for a reasonable amount of time is enough to correct.”
“This is between you and me, leave the cupcakes out of it!”
“After this you must still have a serious discussion, preferably while enjoying your own desert to torment him.”
“That’s just cruel.” I protested as Luna closed the book.
“Well, you heard the book.” Luna’s horn glowed. “You are hereby denied any form of desert until further notice.” Then the cupcake in my grasp vanished as well as every single one in the room.
“You suck.” I growled.
“Now then.” Luna sat down next to me. “Let us discuss your actions.” A cupcake then appeared next to her. She smirked before taking a bite from it.
“I don’t really feel like it.” I glared at her as she took another bite.
“That’s unfortunate.” She gave me a cruel smile. “I suppose your sugary foods will have to be withheld even longer.”
“Why don’t I just force you to give them back?”
“First of all because any attacks you try will just make me keep them away longer. Second, I know that you don’t enjoy harming your friends.” The alicorn finished the cupcake.
“I could make an exception.”
“That’s enough joking.” Luna’s face turned serious. “We really do have many things to cover.”
“Fine.” I crossed my arms.
“I already understand the griffin incident, while you had good reason to attack I feel that a mass extinction was unnecessary.”
“Fair enough.”
“So I will be following through with the books punishment.”
“Jerk.”
“Now let us discuss what is to become of the shattered Equestria.”
“What is there to discuss?” I shrugged. “You are now officially the sole ruler of the country.”
“I understand that part, but we need to figure out how to rebuild our fallen kingdom.”
“Well, you probably want to go to all the remaining towns and speak to the survivors. Shiny has told most of the country that you’re safe and alive but seeing you should help.”
“Very well.” Luna nodded. “Tomorrow we shall begin our journey across Equestria.”
“That sounds tiring.” I flopped my head back.
“If you help me with this, your precious cupcakes will be returned to you.”
“Well played.”
“I’m not sure you should go yet. The doctors say that your wounds are still healing.” Cadence was looking at Luna with concern as she prepared for us to leave.
“While your concern is appreciated Cadence it is not necessary I can handle myself just fine.”
“If you say so.” Cadence’s face still showed worry.
“Plus I’m here.” I raised my hand. “I can totally keep track of her.”
“I am not some child that needs to be kept track of.” Luna glared at me.
“Whatever, just pointing it out since you people seemed to have forgotten about me.”
“Can we just go?” Luna asked as she headed for the front doors to leave.
“So pushy.” I shrugged. “Fine, let’s go.”
“Are you ok?” I watched as Luna wobbled in the air, she had decided that flying was the best way to get around the country. Being polite I opted to just grow wings instead of full on dragon. We had been flying for around an hour, heading for our first stop, Manehatten.
“I’m fine.” The princess replied. She began to lose altitude a bit. Sighing I began to transform until my draconic shadow loomed over her. Then scooping the alicorn in one of my massive hands I continued our flight. “Release me.” Luna ordered. “I told you I’m fine.”
“Listen.” My deeper voice overshadowing her. “I understand the reason for acting fine in front of Cadence, and I understand wanting to seem strong for your ponies, but right now they aren’t here. You’re still injured and need to recover. So I suggest you rest and prepare for our arrival, I will wake you before we get too close so that you can appear fine.” There was a pause.
“Thank you.” Luna said quietly.
“You feeling better?” I asked Luna as we landed in Manehatten.
“Yes, I am refreshed and ready.” Luna nodded.
“That’s good.” Looking around I was surprised to see how drastically the city had changed. In the short amount of time since I was last here they had cleared all of the rubble and somehow had already repaired the roads and some buildings.
“Princess Luna.” A pony in a suit came running up and bowed.
“Rise my subject.” Luna ordered. The mayor quickly stood back up.
“Hi mayor.” I waved.
“Good to see you Sean.” The mayor greeted me in a somewhat friendly manner. He then turned his gaze back to Luna. “I am glad to see you have recovered from the unfortunate Canterlot incident your majesty.”
“Thank you.” Luna gave the kind of fake smile that famous people offer. “I need you to gather the ponies of this town in the center.”
“Already done princess.” The mayor turned and began to walk towards the town square. “Mr. Shining Armor of the Crystal Empire told us you were coming to speak with the ponies, they are all eagerly waiting.”
“You ok?” I asked as Luna shifted, her eyes were wide. The ponies had been kind enough to build a little stage for her, we were currently standing behind a black curtain. Luna was meant to just walk out and give her speech.
“I’m fine.” She shook her head. “I’ve just never really given this kind of speech to a crowd alone. I usually had Celestia there as support.”
“That is a dilemma.” I nodded. “If you want I could turn into her for a bit.”
“No, that wouldn’t help.”
“Well, I’m out of ideas.”
“Just come out on the stage with me. That may help a bit.”
“If you say so.” I shrugged.
“Ponies of Manehatten.” The mayor’s voice shouted from the other side of the curtain. “We have a very special guest today.” Luna shivered slightly. “Princess Luna!”
Suddenly the curtain flew up, revealing the crowd. It was an impressive pack, there were ponies everywhere, it was hard to see any ground between them, and some were even standing on roofs and fountains to see. As Luna came into view several cheers came from the crowd. Luna stood up a little straighter and walked towards the center of the stage. I slowly followed, staying a little behind so that she would be the main focus.
“Greetings my loyal subjects.” Luna said, loud enough to be heard but luckily avoiding the royal Canterlot eardrum killer. Several more cheers came from the crowd. I was pleased to see Luna’s posture improve further as the crowds love encouraged her. “Thank you for the warm welcome. I am pleased to see you have managed to recover from the griffin attack.”
“No thanks to you!” a voice from the crowd shouted. The ponies parted to reveal an earthpony glaring at her. “You abandoned us, where have you been all this time? Hiding from griffins as we tried to rebuild?”
“Why you little.” Luna growled, luckily not loud enough for the crowd to hear. She took a step forward before I stepped in front.
“You.” I pointed at the pony. “Come here.” Surprisingly the jerk confidently walked through the crowd, showing no fear whatsoever.
“What do you want?” He glared at me.
“What’s your problem?” I hopped off the stage. “Luna was gone due to severe injuries, do you really think that she’d just abandon her country in a time of need?”
“Who knows what she will do?” The pony kept his steady glare. “She doesn’t exactly have a clean history.” He gasped as I grabbed him by the throat and smashed his face through the stage.
“Well then.” I climbed back onto the stage. “Carry on.”
“Here is your room.” A pony was leading Luna and me down a long corridor before stopping in front of a large door. The mayor had gotten us the best room in the local hotel.
“What? Only one?” I looked at the pony unimpressed.
“I’m sorry sir but most of the rooms are either damaged or not considered suitable for beings of your stature.” The pony looked at me with a bit of concern.
“Don’t worry.” Luna assured him. “This will be fine.”
“Have a good night you two.” The pony bowed and walked away. Luna turned and opened the door.
“This seems pretty nice.” I commented as we entered the room. It wasn’t too flashy, large bed and a small living space with a large TV.
“Why did you stop me?” Luna asked as I checked the mini fridge.
“Stop you what?”
“I could have handled that pony myself. But you jumped in.”
“I know you could have.”
“Then why? I’m not Twilight, I do not require you to look out for me.”
“I am aware of that,” I took a soda out of the fridge. “I intervened in the name of politics.”
“What?”
“Image is everything, you want them to love and respect you right?”
“Yes.”
“So if that crowd today was any indication, you’re doing well. But how do you think it would look if the new lone princess beat up one pony that disagreed with her?”
“I guess you’re right.”
“Of course I am. I’ve been helping Celestia for centuries with this kind of thing.”
“That’s true.” Luna nodded.
“So, I’ll handle ponies that mess with you. That way you keep your image clean. Before you know it they’ll love you more than they ever did Celestia.”
“Yeah.” Luna looked at the ground.
“Hey, you ok?” I kneeled in front of her.
“I miss her.”
“What?”
“My sister.” Luna looked at me with tears in her eyes. She then glomped onto me in an aggressive hug.
“Um.”
“How can I hope to be better than her?” Luna asked.
“Look Luna-”
Don’t you finish that sentence!
What? My shirt is getting wet.
How about instead of being yourself you act like a friend.
Ugh! Slowly I wrapped the crying alicorn in my arms. Now what? I was the fun one and Celestia was the comforter.
You could try one of those wing hugs. The ones Celestia used to give you.
Right, cause when I think safety and comfort my first thought is giant bat wings coiling around me.
Fair enough.
Time to wing it!
“Hey, I miss her to.” I patted Luna on the head. “Don’t look at it as replacing her, think of it like she has passed the torch. Celestia sometimes told me about how she was proud and thought you would make a great leader. Trust me, you can do it.” After a few more seconds her sobs stopped and her breathing returned to normal.
“Thank you,” Luna said quietly.
“Sure thing.” I freed her from the hug. “Now then, time for sleep. We have more political dullness tomorrow.”
“You make it sound so appealing,” Luna said jokingly. Though the sadness was still clearly there.
“I know.” Flopping onto the bed I yawned. “For the record this is mine.” I felt the blanket beneath me shift before I was thrown off. “Ow.”
“I’m the princess,” Luna said as she climbed onto the bed. “If anything, it’s mine.”
“I’ll fight you for it.” I stood up and glared at her.
“I may be willing to share with you.” Luna raised her head. “Take it or leave it.”
“Fine.” I climbed under the covers. “Goodnight.”