//------------------------------// // Chapter 34: The End // Story: Sisters Of Light And Dark // by KommandoStalker //------------------------------// Steeltrix, his chest hurting and somehow still on his feet after being kicked away, watched as the locomotive engine came to a stop and as he watched it stand still, the parts connected behind it slowly opened up and with a shout, a flood of golden armored and armed Warrior ponies came charging out as a familiar voice shouted out," For Equestria!!" "Is that...?" Asked BloodHoof as Steeltrix, IronBlood, Crystal, LightningBolt, and BloodHoof himself watched as the sudden surprise attack by these new Warriors ponies as the Changelings saw this new threat and the Changelings charged these Warriors as they seem to ignore the original threat. The Warriors may have seemed new to Steeltrix’s veteran eyes but he saw that they were very determined to repulse the Changelings from this town and he watched as the two sides met in a clash of blood and steel. Suddenly, to his surprise, six figures of mares jumped into the foray and he watched in surprise as Twilight Sparkles led what must have been her friends straight into the fight. Her armor was purple like her and the helmet had a slot in it that held her crown onto her head. She held in her hoof a sword that was also purple and he could tell even from where he stood the fine craftsmanship that had made it. Her friends, whom he tried to pay attention to, were of varying colors wearing armor of their color and wielding an assortment of finely crafted weapons. One wearing purple armor and the purest fur, white fur as white as snow, and weilding a mace with a diamond on the top screamed out, "FOR OPAL!" as her charge smashed down a line of spear-weilding Changelings and her mace sent crimson arcs all over. One with pink hair and a yellow body seemed to be unsure what she was doing to Steeltrix and he watched as she hid behind a cart from the fighting around her. Feeling like she needed some help, he risked using his magic and sent a thought to her: “Do not be scared of what you see. Help your friends as they have helped you.” And he watched with satisfaction as she heard his though and finally take out a repeating crossbow and begin to fire it at the Changeling’s. Blood pooled around the bodies of the dead but the Changelings were being slaughtered and it wasn’t too long before they were all wiped out from Ponyville, their corpses leaking out their poisonous green blood. Twilight and her friends slowly grouped back up when Twilight noticed Steeltrix and she waved. But then, she stopped as she turned behind her and then stepped to the side and Steeltrix practically melted at the sight of Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, both wearing their armor. He thought Celestia would be taller since he had seen some pictures of her and though her being the height of every other pony didn't bother him, he slowly managed a smile as he bowed. IronBlood, LightningBolt, BloodHoof, and Crystal slowly bowed themselves as Celestia said," Steeltrix..... It’s... It’s good to see you again..." Steeltrix got back up as he said,"... It's... It's good...to... See... You-yoouuuu" and without warning, his legs buckled and he hit the ground hard as a Warrior pony nearby dashed over and threw Steeltrix over his back. IronBlood, LightningBolt, BloodHoof, and Crystal followed Flash Sentry as he ran to the train and as Twilight, her friends, Luna, and Celestia followed them. The golden armored Warrior ponies dispersed from formation as they began to clean up the area and secure it. The train sped off as its passengers made themselves comfortable. IronBlood watched as Flash Sentry, the pony who Steeltrix had beaten up awhile back, began to field dress Steeltrix's wound which had now decided to wear off the magic that had kept Steeltrix alive for the most part. "IronBlood... May I have a word?" Asked Celestia. IronBlood turned and faced her as he said," Yes, Celestia?" It was weird having her near his height instead of towering over him. "Can you explain to me what happened to you when you left the field of battle?" Asked Celestia. IronBlood breathed in and out before he said," We ran deeper into the forest that you saw us enter... I can't remember exactly why we kept running but we made it to a clearing... There was a pond and just as we stopped to try and help Steeltrix... He-he fell into the water and we dove in after him.... I-I can't remember what happened but... I think the pool put us... Into a sleep..." Celestia nodded as she said," I will tell you what happened after you left when we get to Canterlot. All I can say is that... We lost many and though we won, we were forced to discard the ways of the Warrior in order to rebuild..." "You would have made your father extremely proud... I can say that and also say that Steeltrix would have been as proud for what you did." IronBlood said. Celestia knelt next to Steeltrix, who was still unconscious from blood lost. She noticed that some of his armor was missing and knew that it would need to be repaired and replaced. She took off his mask and as she looked at the scarred side of his face, a few tears dropped down from her eyes and splattered onto his face. Steeltrix woke up with a gasp for air as he looked around widely when a hoof was put onto his left shoulder and he heard a familiar voice say," You’re awake... We feared you wouldn't wake till tomorrow." Steeltrix looked to his left and smiled as he looked at the face of his brother, who was still wearing his armor. Steeltrix said," Hey... What happened?" "You lost a lot of blood but a transfusion made sure you gained some of it back. You also no longer have that opening in your chest and to top it off, you’re in Canterlot." Steeltrix looked around him as he said," Do we know who won?" "We won... We lost many but we won... Although... There is one character that seems to be different since we last knew him." IronBlood said as he ruffled his brother’s hair. Steeltrix looked around when he saw his armor, its chest part repaired and his missing armor pieces replaced. "When was my armor-" began Steeltrix when IronBlood said," Sometime after we arrived here and got it off you. Your scythe has also been repaired and I have it for now till you get back into your armor." Steeltrix nodded as he slowly swung his legs out of the bed and onto the ground." Well, might as well get up and make myself useful..." He stood up and though he wobbled slightly, he managed to walk to his armor. That's when a small, purple and green dragon popped up and began to put his armor on for him. "Who are you?" Asked Steeltrix to the dragon. "I'm Spike... Personal friend of Twilight Sparkles... So, you’re the Warrior Steeltrix? I've been helping out your friends of the ceremony today." Then, Steeltrix stopped Spike, having only his back legs armored. "Before we go further... I think it be only proper for me to make you into a pony since only a pony should help me... I hope you understand...” Steeltrix said as his eyes and horned glowed. Spike began to glow and float as he slowly began to change and though IronBlood stood and watched, he marveled at his brother's ability. When Steeltrix was done, Spike was a purple Pegasus with green hair and had wings. Spike nodded his head as he continued to strap on Steeltrix's armor and when he was done, Steeltrix was decked out in his armor and IronBlood came forward as he gave Steeltrix his scythe and a sickle. Then, Steeltrix said to Spike," The magic won't last forever. It should last a few hours at least but you will return to normal." Then, to Spike surprise, a nearby door opened and a set of armor floated over and strapped itself to him. "Why are you doing this?" Asked Spike. "One thing I accidentally did was look into your thoughts and I saw you like one of Twilight's friends... Rarity... I say you should have a dance with her, if you get that chance." Steeltrix said with a small smile. Spike nodded as it seemed too good as the trio left the room and entered a corridor. They walked down it and as they came to a set of doors, Spike pulled the lever but it didn't budge. "I swear this was unlocked when I left...” Muttered Spike when Steeltrix made Spike step to the side as Steeltrix took out his lock picks and a small blade. He messed around with the lock and when it clicked, he said," Man, I am way too good with this skill." Spike came forward and opened the door as they entered an expansive room. And it was filled with many ponies. Steeltrix looked around in awe and wonder as Spike whispered said to him, “Keep going. It’s okay." Steeltrix walked forward with his scythe in hoof as IronBlood and Spike slowly followed him. They walked down an aisle that had been cleared for them as the palace guards stood on either side. They kept walking till they reached the end, when LightningBolt, BloodHoof, and Crystal appeared in their armor while the otherwise had Twilight and her friends in their dresses. Steeltrix kept going as Spike went to the left to Twilight and her friends as IronBlood joined the others. Steeltrix walked up some stairs when a voice said," Halt, Warrior." Steeltrix stopped as Luna appeared and stood to his left while another pony, IronBlood had told him at some point her name was Cadence, and finally Celestia stood in front of him. He bowed to the three as Celestia said," Rise." He rose as Celestia said," Mares and Gentlecolts's, we gather here to celebrate a rather odd day. "Today, the pony standing before you and his friends have defeated the Changeling threat that tried to take Canterlot. "Today, we celebrate the return of many dear friends of old, from an age that once was not like our own. And though these ponies may not be like us, we all must give our thanks to these brave ponies who risk their lives to defend us." "To the Warriors." Every pony in the room echoed. And with that, the celebration began. Music drifted in the air as Steeltrix walked amongst the crowds as he was greeted by many and though he knew none of their names, he didn't need to worry since they all expressed their thanks and regards to him. A space had been cleared and he could see the Princess Cadence dancing with her husband, Shining Armor who was the captain of the palace guard. Also dancing besides others, he could see BloodHoof dancing around with Princess Luna and as he tentatively reached out for the pony’s thoughts, BloodHoof was practically crying with Luna now that they were with each other again. IronBlood and Crystal were talking to some of Twilights friends and managed to pick up with his magic their names: RainbowDash, FlutterShy, and AppleJack. As Steeltrix walked around almost aimlessly, Twilight was looking around for one pony in particular. She bumped into someone and as she turned to apologize, Flash Sentry said," Once again, we meet by bumping into each other." Twilight and Flash bowed to each other as Flash asked her," By chance would you are for a dance?" She looked at him and then she nodded as he took her hoof and led her to the dance floor. As they began to dance, Flash asked Twilight," I know I might be making a fool out of myself but by chance do you like me?" Twilight, as they danced, blushed a bit and shyly said," Kinda." "It would explain why you blush so much around me." Chuckled Flash as they continued to dance around. Steeltrix was about to look for Celestia when LightningBolt popped up next to him. "Steeltrix." "LightningBolt, it’s good to see you... I'm surprised you aren't dancing." Steeltrix said. "Well, could you perhaps help me with something?" Asked LightningBolt. Steeltrix nodded and they left the room through a side door as LightningBolt led them to a nearby room. When they entered the room, it was dominated solely a crystal mirror. "I found this here and when I look into it, I keep seeing a pony on the other side, like they're trying to get out of the mirror." Said LightningBolt as he showed Steeltrix the mirror. Steeltrix looked into and saw a mare stuck in its surface. He notice strange sigils along the edge and as he looked at them, he noticed they slowly created words... Words that was chaotic in nature. "These words say something... I can't decipher them..." Said Steeltrix. "Perhaps I can help." Said a voice and both Warriors spun around to see Discord spelt walk from the shadows. "Discord?" Steeltrix looked at the character as his soul screamed at him to kill Discord but he waited to see what Discord would do. "It is I... I remember you from long ago... Forgive me if you don't want me here. I know that you wanted to kill me before but since Twilight has done much for me... Well, let's just say I've had a change of heart...” Discord said as he approached the mirror. "This mirror was the same on Twilight went through to go after something. This opens once every forty moons... But if these instructions are correct, we can open it right now." Discord said. "How do we do that?" Asked Steeltrix. "You can use magic, yes?" Asked Discord. Steeltrix nodded. "You need to... Shield your friend here with the magic and he had to pull her out of the mirror... It won't be easy but I can help you if needed." Discord said. "So basically, I just have to surround him in magic?" Steeltrix asked. Discord nodded. Steeltrix let out a breath as he closed his eyes and concentrated his mind to use his magic. His eyes and his horn glowed as his magic slowly formed a protective bubble around LightningBolt. Discord picked LightningBolt up as he thrust his upped half into the mirror and LightningBolt's front-half disappeared into the mirror. After only a short time, Discord yanked out. LightningBolt and LightningBolt popped out with a red and orange mare in tow. As Steeltrix opened his eyes and shivered from using his magic, the mare said," Thank... Thank you..." The mare wore a beautiful red dress and she had a sun Cutie mark similar to Celestia's but more red and orange. LightningBolt helped the mare up as he asked her," No problem... Who exactly are you and why were you trying to do whatever you were doing?" "Let's just say I wanted to be back here... My name is... SunsetShimmer..." The mare said nervously. "Well, you came at a great time. There's a party going on and I think you should follow us to it." LightningBolt said as he offered his hoof. SunsetShimmer nodded and took the hoof as Discord led the trio of ponies from the room. Steeltrix looked at Discord as he said," You know... Before I would have just killed you but... Seeing you so much different... I just can't do it...” "I know who you are and to be honest, if it’s possible, I'd like to maybe be a bit friendlier with you." Discord said as they walked along. "I wouldn't get too friendly. I still am a Warrior pony so it might of work out the way you plan." Steeltrix said to Discord as they reentered the ballroom. The music had changed and was a little bit more up-beat unlike the waltz before. As they began to walk around, Discord having left to be on his own, some pony tapped LightningBolt shoulder and he turned to see Twilight Sparkles looking at him. "Where did you find her?" She asked. "Wandering around. Nothing bad, right?" LightningBolt asked. "Why did you come back?" Asked Twilight to SunsetShimmer. Her tone was nice and friendly. "I... I... I decided to come back... Maybe start over..." Said SunsetShimmer. Twilight smiled as she said," LightningBolt... I haven't seen you dancing or doing much..." "Well... Haven't really seen or been asked by the right girl..." LightningBolt said. Suddenly PinkyPie popped up and said," Then why don't you dance with each other!" And she pushed both of them into the dancing center. LightningBolt and SunsetShimmer shrugged as they both began to dance with each other and as they did, it could almost be said that they began to like each other more and more. Steeltrix slowly walked around as he took notice that it was nighttime and that the moon was up, which he noticed was because of Luna. He began to walk towards a balcony when he noticed Spike standing next to what looked like Rarity and the two were talking with each other. He watched from a distance as he managed to overhear some of their talking. "... Yeah, I mean, it's not glorious work like you may have but it’s decent enough." Spike said. "Oh my work isn't glorious either but at least I enjoy it. It's been really nice talking to you, Draco." Rarity said as she faced Spike. "Well it's been nice-" began Spike when Rarity leaned over and kissed him lightly on Spikes lips. Steeltrix could practically hear his thoughts and emotions soar as Rarity pulled back and said," I hope to see you around, maybe we can get to know each other more." And then she left and as she passed Steeltrix, he slowly walked over to Spike, who leaned against the balcony. "I see you are enjoying your new form... How are you?" Asked Steeltrix to Spike as he stood next to the Spike. "Oh... I've always wanted to have that happen and I've just loved her since I first saw her..." Spike said when he began to glow. And within the blink of an eye, Spike was once again a dragon. The armor was mysteriously gone but as he looked at him, he slowly sighed but Steeltrix noticed it was not of sadness but still of joy. "Well," Spike said as he began to walk away," I think I should find Twilight. Make sure I can get back home." Spike disappeared into the ballroom and it left Steeltrix all alone as he gazed out from where he stood. As he stood, some pony stood next to him and he glanced over to see Celestia stand next to him. "It’s surprising to see you my height... I'm used to seeing you taller than me." Steeltrix said as he kept his eye outward. "Well... Magic does have some benefits..." Celestia said as she stood next to him. They stood there, silent for the moment, when Steeltrix finally said," I managed to keep your letter that you were making before you were attacked. I don't know if you knew this but... I, BloodHoof, and IronBlood cried when we read the letter we had been given.... I think I still have mine, like the others do..." Steeltrix searched his armor and then found it tucked into a spot between his mail and plate armor and he took it out. It showed no sign of wear and tear and didn't see remotely damp or wet. He unfolded it and as he looked at it, his emotions swelled and he managed to not cry as he began to read it to Celestia: "To my brave friend Steeltrix, I have often looked back at the day we met and the days that followed. I often have discussed certain things to my sister and she has had the same thing with her." Steeltrix paused before he continued. "I have often had feelings for you, though not the same feelings that I now write to you about. You have done so much for me and yet I feel like I have done nothing for you in any small way." Steeltrix breathed in before he continued. "And so, with uncertainty and nervousness in my mind and heart-" Steeltrix choked up as Celestia watched him, her heart being warmed by how touching it was to see him actually be emotional at this. Her love for him grew slowly as he managed to continue reading. "... That I come to you and tell you that I have begun to love you. Luna often felt the same for your brother but BloodHoof, after she talked to him, made her heart change. But nonetheless, I have fallen love for you and even though you may feel it am dumb of me to love a commoner like you, every time you go off to do a task or lead an army; I worry that you will only come back when your brother bears you upon a shield after you fell in battle. "The only thing I ask of you is that you tell me if you ever have loved me... It ends, Celestia...." Steeltrix folded the message back up and tucked it back into his armor as he looked back out into the horizon. He paused before he said in an emotion-choked voice," I looked at you before that message as a leader and a friend... But when I read that, I realized that I didn't really look at you that way but instead that I looked at you and...." He stopped and she saw a tear drop from his eyes and he turned to her as he tried to say it but she slowly took a step towards him and she said for him," Loved you..." He meekly smiled as she said," I have always looked at you and saw a young colt who wanted to be like his father and yet still be himself. I watched as you become a great leader and Warrior and above all else... A great friend." Finally, he sighed and looked down as he sniffed a little and said," I promised you a dance... Using my magic..." She watched as he held out a hoof and asked her," Will you join me and dance with me?" She began to have tears form in her eyes as she nodded her head. And then, she watched in shock as he stood upon the balconies railing and before she could say a word, he stepped off it and walked forward on thin air. No, she realized as she watched him, not thin air... He was creating magical platforms underneath his feet as he walked. He walked a little ways out as he stopped and turned back to her before holding out a hoof. She climbed up the railing and took the hoof as she took a nervous step off the balcony. Her hoofs met a surface and she slowly began to walk towards Steeltrix as his magic created a platform beneath her. And once she stood with him, they stood silently together as they were backlit by the moon. And then, slowly and gently, Steeltrix and Celestia began to dance a slow waltz. They were waltzed slowly as they soon forgot they were even on air. Steeltrix's magic, which he had formed without needing to concentrate, kept them supported without them even seeing it and they slowly danced on the air as they enjoyed the moment together. Back at the balcony, IronBlood watched with Crystal as his brother slowly danced and he muttered," You kept your promise, Steeltrix... Just like dad said we should always do... Along with don't make a girl a promise you can't keep." As the two ponies slowly danced in the air, they slowly drew a sort of crowd. BloodHoof and Luna were the first to join Crystal and IronBlood and then came LightningBolt and SunsetShimmer as they joined the group. Twilight and Flash came next and then Spike, Rarity, AppleJack, PinkyPie, FlutterShy, and RainbowDash came next to join the crowd of onlookers and then, to finish of the group was Princess Cadence, ShiningArmor, and Discord. The group watched as Celestia and Steeltrix slowly dance in the air and it entranced many of them at the sight. As they watched, Celestia and Steeltrix began to dance faster and faster in the night sky as they soon began to move much more naturally instead of fearing that they will fall. And as they danced, they created patterns in the sky as Steeltrix twirled Celestia in circles and have her flip over him. The group of onlookers watched as the two ponies danced and they watched as the two stopped as they met each other in the air. Steeltrix looked at Celestia and smiled as finally managed to say," I love you, Princess Celestia...." She began to shed tears of joy as she said, “And I love you too, Steeltrix... And as long as we are together... Nothing will ever stop our love again." And with that, she leaned forward and kissed him. They hugged each other as the onlookers below them let out a collective sound of joy at the sight and then IronBlood sent a thought to Steeltrix that his brother caught in his mind," Well done, brother. Now, I don't know about you but-" and a series of images from IronBloods mind flashed into Steeltrix's mind. As Celestia pulled away, she looked below her and said to Sreeltrix, “It seems we have found ourselves a crowd of admirers... Shall we join them?" "I think we should... Because though my magic is decent, staying up here kinda freaks me out a little bit." Steeltrix said as he soon led her down to the balcony. As they reached the balcony, Steeltrix, LightningBolt, BloodHoof, IronBlood, and Crystal got into a group as they discussed something's before they came to an agreement. The group dispersed back into the ballroom as Iron blood sent a thought out to some pony on the crowd and as he and his friends got into the center of the room, Octavia stopped her band as her friend, Vinyl, set up her sound booth. She caught IronBloods thought as she pulled up a disc and placed it down on her sound booth and she cranked up the volume as Celestia and Luna noticed what was happening. Suddenly, Vinyl played the song and as it began, IronBlood and his compatriots began to sing: "It’s time to strap our boots on, This is the perfect day to die, Wipe the blood out of our eyes. In this life there's no surrender, There's nothing left for us to do, Find the strength to see this through. We are the ones, who will never be broken, With our final breath, we'll fight to the death We are Warriors, we are Warriors. Whoooooah whoah whoah, whoah ooohh We are Warriors!" And they sang, a precession of a dozen palace guards led by Flash Sentry joined them and they sang along with the others as the ponies around them made room for them all. "I stand here right beside you, Tonight we're fighting for our lives, Let me hear you battle cries!" And the group shouted out," For Equestria!" And everyone began to clap as they continued. "We are the one who will never be broken, With our final breaths, we'll fight to the death, We are Warriors, We are Warriors! We are the ones, who will not go unspoken, For we will not die, many have tried, We are Warriors, We are Warriors!" And then, Steeltrix and IronBlood took off their masks as they sang: "We stand shoulder to shoulder, We stand shoulder to shoulder, We stand shoulder to shoulder, You cannot erase us; you'll just have to face us! We are the ones, who will never be broken, With our final breath, we'll fight to the death, We are Warriors, We are Warriors! We are the ones, who will not go unspoken, For we will not die, many have tried We are Warriors, We are Warriors! Whoooooah whoah whoah, whoah oooah We are Warriors!" And then it ended as the shoe group slammed their weapons down and every pony around them cheered and clapped as Vinyl began to do her thing. As the group slowly stood up, the night was filled with joy and through the night, Steeltrix and Celestia danced with each other as did their friends with one another. THE END.