//------------------------------// // The New Royal Commander // Story: Sunset Rekindled // by EldritchNexus //------------------------------// It was the middle of the afternoon when Princess Celestia and an elite squad of royal guards arrived at the ruins of Fort Echidna. Even Flash Sentry was there. Sunset Shimmer, Felix Summerset, Radiant Dawn, and Lightning Dust were all there (although neither Scarlet Blaze, nor Golden Sun, nor Crimson Blade, nor any of Sunset's other friends were interested in sticking around for some reason). Princess Celestia looked around the ruins, since she hadn't set hoof in that stronghold for hundreds of years. She couldn't help but feel a dose of nostalgia as she did so. After she stopped sight-seeing, Princess Luna summarized everything that Sunset and Radiant told her to Celestia. Celestia looked positively weary when she found out that the Neo-Templars were the ones responsible. "Sister, you know who they are?" asked Luna. "Unfortunately, I do." said Celestia. "Who are they, princess?" asked Sunset. "I mean, what are they supposed to be, anyway?" "Well..." sighed Celestia. "Let's just say that you and my sister weren't the only ones to ever have a problem with how I ruled Equestria. In fact, ever since I used the Elements of Harmony to defeat NightMare Moon..." her eyes darted towards Luna and back to Sunset. "Several of my subjects started to express doubt that I was fit to be their ruler. So as time passed, there was talk about ponyfolk seceding from my rule by the masses. But it almost never came to blows, and all the cities and towns in Equestria are still loyal to Canterlot." "But if these templars didn't want you as their leader, why didn't they try leaving or...you know, revolting?" Sunset asked hesitantly. "Because the truth is that the templars love Equestria as much as I do." said Celestia. "And I respected them for it, and allowed their organization to remain active for the thousand or so years they existed." "The templars were around for a whole milennium?" gasped Sunset. "Yes, but until recently, they never did anything that meant harm to Equestria's citizens. Not directly, anyway. They simply viewed themselves as an alternate government, for anypony that had no interest in being an alicorn's subject, yet still loved Equestria all the same. I tolerated this, since I admit that I haven't exactly made the best decisions, even after all these years." "What do you mean 'not directly'?" asked Sunset. "I mean that I've heard rumors that the Neo-Templars wouldn't object if I and the other alicorns were to suddenly be...removed. And I've heard conspiracy theories left and right that they were involved in other incidents that troubled our land in the past." "Like?" "Like that they were responsible for poisoning the Tree of Harmony, allowing the Plunderseeds to continue growing and imprison me and Luna. Or that they lured Cerberus away from Tartarus." "And why wouldn't you think that?" asked Sunset. "Because the templars may have no love for royalty, but they would've known that triggering either event would've done them as much harm as it would us; the Plunderseeds cannot be controlled by any pony in Equestria, and there are evils in Tartarus that would spell doom for all of ponykind if they ever saw freedom." "I still wouldn't put it past them, if I were you." said Sunset. "Still, the Neo-Templars did have their own good points." said Celestia. "For example, they actually lobbied to protect the Crystal Empire when it re-appeared a year ago." "And you turned them down, right?" asked Sunset. "Not because I didn't trust them, but because the threat they would have faced against King Sombra would've been too great for them to bear. And they didn't respond too kindly to me sending Princess Cadence and Captain Shining Armor to protect it, instead. But they didn't approach me with this proposal until well after Cadence already left. I even offered to let them protect the Crystal Empire alongside her and Shining Armor, but it just made them even angrier." "But why?" asked Luna. "Because they thought deliberately collaborating with, or even relying on, an alicorn would defeat the whole purpose of their society." said Celestia. "I actually think they would've been able to help the Crystal Empire return to its former glory, with or without alicorn support. But if the situation in question wasn't so dire, I would have gladly agreed to their terms and let them run the Crystal Empire instead of Cadence." "Sounds like I should've thought about joining them instead of running to the human world." Sunset muttered aloud, before quickly adding after she saw Luna and Celestia staring at her suspiciously. "I mean, when I first ran out on you, Princess Celestia. I don't mean that I'd do it right now." "Actually, I would've suggested that you join the templars." said Celestia. "But since you wanted to be an alicorn princess so desperately, I was afraid that they would have treated you like a potential enemy than a new recruit." "Me? Join those maniacs?!" Sunset said, disgusted. "You should see what they're like! They're psychotic monsters! I would never want to have anything to do with them!" "I'm sure the templars you encountered here were absolutely despicable, but the Templars--at least when they started out--have had their own sense of honor that's stuck with them for hundreds of years. Rather impressive for an Equestria-based society completely independent from the rule of a princess. I guess something must have happened that caused their sense of reason and honor to decline." "And I'll bet it was King Nelphyn that's responsible." said Sunset. "I mean, Firewing told me it was him." "And I can confirm that Nelphyn was involved." said Luna. "It's really a shame that Firewing had to be killed." said Celestia. "I really felt bad for the hardships he went through during his decades of service to me. But I'm afraid that not even alicorn magic could've healed all the wounds he suffered over time. Not just the physical wounds, but the emotional and mental ones, too." "So...who's going to be the Royal Commander now that the old one betrayed you and is...you know, kaput." asked Sunset, curiously. Celestia turned to Captain Star Shield, who approached them, with Flash Sentry and Radiant Dawn following closely behind. "If I may, princess." said Star Shield. "I would gladly accept the position of Royal Commander." "Are you sure, Captain Shield?" asked Princess Luna. "Becoming a Royal Commander is a tremendous responsibility." "And considering your age, sir..." Radiant chimed in. "I know this is something I must do." said Star Shield, turning to Radiant and Flash, and then back to the princesses. "I have served Equestria as long as Firewing did, and have served as the captain to both sets of guards. I know what kind of responsibilities would await me. Besides..." he turned to Radiant. "I think a certain somepony in the Night Guard has proven that they can be a proper captain." "You really mean it, captain?" Radiant asked, wide-eyed. "Of course I do, Captain Dawn." said Star Shield, nodding slowly. "Then so be it, Star Shield." said Princess Celestia. "If Luna approves, then you shall become the new commander of the Canterlot Royal Guard." "I do approve of this, sister." Luna told Celestia, before turning to the Night Captain. "Congratulations on your promotion, Royal Commander Star Shield. And to you, Captain Radiant Dawn." Flash Sentry started to shed tears of happiness. "I'm...I'm so happy for you, dad!" he said, shakily. He broke all self-restraint and sense of formality, sped to Star Shield, and hugged his father as hard as he could. Star Shield slowly hugged his son back. As soon as they let go, Felix Summerset rushed over to the princesses, accidentally knocking Flash Sentry over as he went. "I'm so sorry!" said Felix, turning to Flash. "I'm...used to it." Flash said, as he staggered back up. "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna!" he said, quickly turning to face the princesses again. "Now that the templars are taken care of, I must insist that something now be done for my people in Saddle Arabia!" Sunset's eyes widened; she couldn't believe that she had forgotten all about it. "Of course, Felix." said Celestia. "I will send my best guards to--" "Actually, I think I'd like to go there." said Sunset. "Sunset, are you certain about this?" asked Princess Luna. "Of course I am!" said Sunset. "I'm really sorry that I'm going to have to miss out on your lessons...again." "I understand, Sunset." said Luna, with a hint of reluctance. "I have faith in you, my student. Good luck." Sunset and Luna hugged each other for a moment, then Sunset went off in the direction of the Summerstar. She went aboard, and looked at all the friends and family members present. "Everypony..." she said, slowly. "I just want to say...it's been nice knowing all of you." "What are you talking about, boss?" asked Teddy. "Yeah, what are you saying?" asked Nose Nip. "I thought I'd say good-bye to you all in advance." said Sunset. "What for?" asked Golden Sun. "Once we all go back to Canterlot, I'm going with Felix to Saddle Arabia, to fight King Nelphyn." said Sunset. The whole group, even Pressure Point, wore shocked expressions on their faces. "Are ya crazy?!" said Frosty. "I admit you're a skilled unicorn, Sunset Shimmer..." said Pressure Point, earnestly. "But even I know you can't just go to Saddle Arabia by yourself." "Yeah! What'dya think you're doing, Sunny?" Radiant called to her, as he went aboard the Summerstar's cab. "We're coming with you!" said Lightning Dust, flying up the ramp after Radiant. "We're not letting you go there without some help." "Please, I don't want anything bad to happen to any of you!" Sunset argued on. "You've all put your lives on the line too much as it is." "Who's to say we can't watch out for you?" asked Radiant. "I'm not going to let you go to Saddle Arabia...well, not without us." "All of us!" said Teddy. "If you think we're just gonna let you run off to get yourself killed again, you're crazier than those templars!" "Besides, daughter. You're not the only one that wants to help Saddle Arabia." said Scarlet Blaze. "They're my people, my father's, your brother's, and even your own." "But..." said Sunset. "And even if you did go there with just Felix for company, how would you know what's waiting for you there?" asked Golden Sun. "I've studied Saddle Arabia and its legends for a long time, so you'll need to take advice when dealing with the unexpected dangers that lay ahead." "And maybe I'll get sum ideas fo' my fashion line while I'm dere!" said Sunflower. "Plus, I'll get to spend time wit my boyfriend!" Sunflower put a hoof around Frosty's neck. "Well, I guess somepony needs to fly the Summerstar there if you're all going." said Nose Nip. "So I guess I'm coming along, too." "Ditto for me." said Frosty. "Plus, maybe I'll get to test out that Gatling Gun now that we've installed it to this airship." "The Great and Powerful Trixie shall be glad to show those Saddle Arabians some real magic!" said Trixie. "And since King Nelphyn is using the Alicorn Amulet, you might need an expert on the artifact's effects." "And I'm still in shock over that surgery I did before I came here, so I guess some...fun in the sun wouldn't kill me." said Pressure Point. "Just don't think this means I'm doing this just for you, Sunset. In fact, I expect there will be a lot of ponyfolk there that will be in need of my medical skills to save them." "What about Maud Pie?" asked Teddy. The group all looked at Maud, who was staring as blankly as usual. "I don't mind taking a detour..." said Maud. "As long as there are plenty of rocks for me to look at. But I still think I'd be better off back at the rock farm." "I believe you would find plenty of rocks in Saddle Arabia." said Crimson Blade. "In fact, there's a landmark in Saddle Arabia called the Elder Rock." "The Elder Rock?" repeated Scarlet Blaze. "What's that, father? I don't think you mentioned that to me before." "The Elder Rock is a massive stone of some sort." said Golden Sun, to his wife. "It's said to have fallen from the heavens eons ago, and remains to this day somewhere in what are now the deserts of Saddle Arabia." "Fallen from the heavens?" asked Sunset. "You mean, like a meteor or a comet?" "It's possible." said Golden Sun. "I actually brought along a few books about the Elder Rock and other legends about Saddle Arabia, in case we ever decided to go there. We can read up about them on the way there." "I've actually heard about the Elder Rock." said Maud Pie, approaching Golden Sun. "Professor, I think I could help you all find the Elder Rock. I've read books and poems, even written a few myself, about the Elder Rock. And I know that the minerals it contains are not found anywhere in this part of the world." "So, you would like to come along then, Miss Pie?" asked Golden Sun. Maud nodded slowly, but did not change her expression. "Excellent." said Golden Sun. "You know, it's been a while since I had a teacher's assistant." "Hey! Sunset Shimmer!" called the voice of Shining Armor from the body of the loading ramp. Sunset went to the opened door, where Shining Armor and Felix Summerset were waiting at the bottom. "Just wanna wish you all good luck on your mission." said Shining Armor. "You're all really good ponies, no matter what you may have done in the past. That includes you, Sunset. I just wanna say I'm sorry for how me and Cadence treated you back when you first returned to Equestria." "It's okay, Captain Armor." said Sunset. "It could've happened with anyone in our positions." "Right you are." Shining Armor nodded. "By the way, I think you left someone behind." A fruit bat flew off of her hiding-place on Shining Armor's saddle and hovered in front of Sunset's face. "Bathilda!" Sunset recognized the bat. "Would you believe she followed us all the way here from Canterlot?" said Shining Armor. "That's one smart bat you have there." "Thanks, Shining Armor!" said Sunset. "And see ya later!" "You, too." said Shining Armor. "Oh, and Cap--I mean, Royal Commander Star Shield says that Radiant and Lightning are both on temporary leave while they're with you. Flash Sentry already volunteered to watch over the Night Guard in Radiant's place until you all return. And if you run into any trouble in Saddle Arabia, Princess Celestia asked me to remind you that the Canterlot Royal Guard won't be too far behind." "Thanks, I'll let them know." said Sunset, telekinetically raising the ramp and closing the doors and windows after Felix and Bathilda went aboard. "Okay, everypony." said Sunset to the others. "Let's get this bad boy up in the air. We've got an entire nation to save. And they need to be saved as soon as possible!"