Redemption

by Mystic_Knightwolf

Chapter 1: The Departure

'Dear Auntie Celestia,

I have no doubt you will come looking for me first, which is why this letter is addressed to you. Ever since the Grand Galloping Gala three months ago, the one that soiled my good and hollow name, I have been focused entirely on reviving my reputation to get back within the good graces of Canterlot. I was successful, but over that time, I developed a gentlecolt's facade whenever I attended an event. I detested it at first, you can guess, but it did not take long for it to rub off on me. I began thinking. Perhaps being a true gentlecolt is not such a bad idea, I thought.
But then something happened.
I was chosen by you last week to attend the ribbon cutting and the launching of the Saving Grace alongside Rarity, the same mare that became the bane of my reputation, and eventually, my spark. It was a jarring experience in it of itself to see her again, but over the course of the ceremony, I mustered the courage to do something I would've never even considered three months ago.
Apologize.
As soon as I did it, I felt like the weight of the world was lifted off of my back. She is the Element of Generosity, so there was no doubt she accepted my apology. Following the event, I came straight home to you. You did not seem particularly interested up until I told you about it. The look on your face was absolutely priceless! But when you said you were proud of me, that was infinitely moreso. Definitely something I will keep close to me, always.
Afterwards, I was thoroughly convinced that I could do better, achieve greater heights, find out who I really am. These last months, I know I have only touched the tip of the iceberg that is who I am, and I intend to finish my journey of self-discovery, wherever that may take me, which Is why I left you this letter.
I am leaving Equestria. Only when I feel confident that I have permanently changed for the better of Equestria, will I return home to see you again. Do not lose sleep worrying over me, as you have a nation to govern. I will return on my own accord, I promise. I do not know when, but I will return.
Until then, farewell.

P.S. When Cadence finds out, tell her I miss her.'

That letter, Princess Celestia found on her nephew's bed five years ago.

Of course, as soon as she read it, the entire guard was sent to search for the missing prince, and catching on, many of the populace. Canterlot, Manehattan, Fillydelphia, even Ponyville was turned upside down to look for their prince. His abrupt disappearance made the headline of Canterlot's newspaper for months, even issuing a reward for Blueblood's return. However, he was already long gone.

Now, Blueblood's letter remains at her bedside, unread, unopened, and untouched for all that time. Celestia had spent a good portion of her time at the beginning worrying, grieving almost, but with royal duties and an ever-changing nation to mother and care for, it was almost inevitable that she'd forget and move on as the years went by. Without Blueblood to attend important public events, the royal sisters had their hooves full in adding Blueblood's role of royal public figure to that of their own, and the need for somepony to fill that role was ever-growing. Celestia detested the idea at first, as it would appear she'd be replacing her own nephew, but she was ultimately swayed by Luna that they both could not handle the increased workload forever, so they began looking for somepony that could step in and fill Blueblood's horseshoes. Following the Canterlot wedding, Cadence and Shining armor, their last immediate family, were out of the question. None of the Canterlot snobs, as Luna put it, were worthy enough to become royalty, and Elements of Harmony were all busy with their own lives. But perhaps asking for advice would bode a suitable solution. Twilight was the first one Celestia and Luna asked, and after quite a sit-down, the solution came.

Trixie.

...

Trixie.

The princesses shared their mixed reactions, to say the least. Celestia was left speechless, as if she had misheard the suggestion while Luna simply burst out laughing. It was only when they found out that Twilight was serious when they actually considered it. It was a laugh and another long talk later when the royal sisters set out in search for the show-mare. They caught wind of a performance of her's in Manehattan, and so they made to attend. The young mare showed great potential, despite her arrogance, and before the sentence that made the offer could be finished, Trixie accepted, albeit trying to still be collected about it. But with no time to waste, Trixie was taken under Luna's wing as her own personal student and princess-to-be.

As Luna's personal protege, the magician's rivalry with Twilight remained ever-lasting, and under Luna's strict and rigorous tutelage, Trixie became very adept at using her magic as well as being a suitable princess, undoubtedly deeming herself as Twilight's equal.

But that was up until Twilight herself found out the secrets of friendship.

With Twilight's ascension to alicornhood, coupled with Trixie finishing her teachings under Luna, both of their coronations went hoof-in-hoof. It was then that Trixie came to finally respect Twilight, and the realization that the purple mare will always be better than her was especially difficult to swallow. Nonetheless, Equestria had two new princesses.

But we're getting off topic.

Blueblood will return, but the Equestria he remembers is long gone. New Princesses, new empire, new lessons, the list goes on. But everything that goes on leads to one inescapable fact:

Equestria has changed, and when he returns, Blueblood will be in for quite the experience.