A week later, Princess Celestia and Luna were watching over Canterlot and the younger sister observed the rising sun, "They will be here soon. Did your student say anything about this mysterious warrior?" The sun princess shook her head, "Surprisingly, not much. She did describe how if it weren't for the warrior, she would have been seriously injured or dead. Twilight Sparkle said nothing about her rescuer's appearance. I'm expecting it will be quite the bold reveal."
"At any rate, we should prepare for any unwelcome visitors."
"Agreed. Make sure the guards are at their post." Luna nodded and trotted back into the castle. Celestia observed the dawn horizon and said under her breath, "Let's just hope this anonymous hero is as good as they say she is."
Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor were close to the gates of Canterlot as Lilith was behind them. She was wearing her suit of armor a d took on her unicorn disguise for extra measures. As they arrived, she saw a large crowd of ponies in the streets looking at the group. "I see my deeds have gained some attention." Lilith stated warily. Twilight glanced back at her, "Well, of course. Why do you think the princesses are interested in meeting you?" The changeling grunted, "Fair point." The group went through the crowded streets, many ponies thanking the war maiden for her actions. Soon, the three friends reached the castle, which was heavily guarded. The front guardsman acknowledged the visitors and allowed them entrance.
Undoubtedly, Lilith was nervous. This was where Chrysalis was defeated months ago, and now she's here to look for an alliance, "Oh, the bitter irony," she said aloud. "Don't worry, my brother and I will vouch for you," Twilight reassured her. Right after that, there was a booming voice that echoed in the hallway, "ENTER!" Lilith almost forgot about the Royal Canterlot voice, "Wish there was a volume control for that," she muttered.
Lilith steeled herself as the doors opened. She would meet the leaders of the country who drove out her former queen, who also could kill her within a mere seconds. She sighed and trotted inside behind Twilight and Shining Armor, noticing that each side of the audience chamber was lined with heavily armed guards. She glanced over at the thrones, seeing Princesses Celestia and Luna sat upon them. Both of them rose and met the war maiden's eyes, "Welcome, wandering warrior," Celestia greeted. Lilith took off her helmet, her disguise still intact, "Thank you, princesses," she bowed and kept herself calm.
"We have heard of your many accomplishments defending our country." Luna said, "But I believe we all would like to know who you are," her eyes narrowed, "and please, do not lie."
'Oh, just my luck,' Lilith thought to herself, 'she sees right through my illusion.' She gritted her teeth and looked directly at Princess Luna, "Very well, Princess," she responded and sighed under her breath. Her horn glowed a bright green as her glamor quickly disappeared. She saw the surprised guards pull out their swords. Lilith merely smiled, "I know what I am, but certainly this does not obscure my deeds for your country, or am I wrong?" She looked directly at the princesses. Twilight stepped in front of the changeling, her wings spread out, "Don't attack her! If she wasn't here in Equestria, I would not be standing here today drawing breath!"
After a few tense moments, Shining Armor ordered the guards to put away their weapons. Princess Celestia raised an eyebrow, "So this is why you were hiding your identity?" Lilith nodded, "Yes, I was afraid if I revealed myself sooner, I would only provoke fear and prejudice. Also, I'm still a wanted fugitive because of my words against Chrysalis prior to my mistake. I did not want to risk you all getting harmed because of my presence here until I was able to reveal myself and explain my motives." She began to approach the royal sisters, "I was banished for disagreeing with her assault on Canterlot, but I ask you to heed my words, not all changelings are like her. We simply have no other queen with that kind of power or influence, for better or worse. I ask of your royal highness-es for permission to stay here or even become a citizen of this nation."
The two sisters narrowed their eyes at the war-maiden. Then, Twilight trotted to her side, "I believe she's earned it, Princesses. She has risked her life to save my own, after all." Celestia nodded, "This is true." She faced Lilith, "Kneel." The changeling did so and Twilight went to her teacher's side and the three alicorns stared at her. They stood up and their horns glowed bright auras corresponding with their color. They aimed at the kneeling changeling and in an instant, Lilith was surrounded in a sphere of pale yellow and purple light. The changeling was experiencing some pain as her armor began to chip away. While this was happening, she heard the three princesses chant with their booming voices in unison,
"Outcast of Novo,
your determination
which can move mountains
has shown our nation
your Heart of Courage
Your deeds speak your desire
to end the plague of tyranny.
For this, you will be tempered by the forge's fire,
and emerge renewed
as a Knight of Equestia!"
For Lilith, she was holding back from crying out in pain while the aura surrounded her. She kept silent and endured it as the princesses finished their chant. As soon as it was completed, there was a bright flash of light in the room. Lilith's legs felt wobbly, so Twilight and Shining Armor went to her side and helped her up. "Lilith, you may want to check yourself," Twilight said.
Lilith had a confused expression and pulled out her black scythe; it had a very different appearance. It radiated a bright orange flame along its blade, "What the?" She looked up at Celestia who smiled, "Consider this as a gift from myself." Luna spoke after her sister, "I also left a small enchantment on your kunai and their pouch. No matter how many are thrown, they will constantly replenish themselves." The war-maiden nodded and smiled, "Thank you, princesses." The lavender alicorn nudged her, "When I meant look at yourself, I meant your body. You seem to have a cutie mark!"
"What?!" The changeling looked at her flank. Most of her armor had been broken and chipped away during the ritual, so she was able to see her flank, each side bearing an emblem depicting a group of silver arrows and an olive branch right next to it. She was confused beyond belief, "But, how?" She asked aloud.
Celestia smiled, "Well, you are the first changeling ever to become a knight of Equestria, so the results were unpredictable since all knights acquire some sort of unique ability. Also, you may have more equine genes than we expected, so our magic possibly switched some of them on. However, since you are dominantly a changeling, so bearing a cutie work will be the only physical effect on yourself from this." Lilith, barely able to contain her excitement, only bowed again, "Thank you for being merciful on me."
The group bid farewell and as they left the castle, there was still a crowd of ponies outside, waiting for Lilith. She expected them to be stunned about her true identity, but she was pleasantly surprised to see them glad to see her. The war-maiden turned to Twilight, "So, this is my new home." She smiled at the changeling, "It is. We are glad that you are here, for we'll need your help. But for now, you need to meet more individuals who will help you in your quest." Lilith grinned and thought to herself, 'So, now I have a new home and will meet new friends. I'm very fortunate for this.' She stretched out her wings and looked up to the daylight sun, "One day, things shall return to peace, where this conflict between myself and my former queen is over."