Among those small groups that had survived, word quickly spread about Princess Celestias’ heroism and King Stallionius’ death. Those people converged out of hiding, upon the plains where this great battle had taken place. There, they buried all that were lost. Later, they erected a great monument upon King Stallionius’ grave that still stands to this very day. However, for the royal trio; there was no time for mourning.
Starswirl almost immediately went to work trying to restore Equestria’s precious balance. With tireless research, he filtered through the written works of the Great Alicorns of the past. Soon, he learned that with the right elemental forces in place, Equestria could heal itself and regain its harmony.
As it is written among the articles of Flyter the Brave:
“… Harmonious equity shalt be regained when the elmnets are combined forthwith. The elmnets consist of a Ruby of ruddy fire, a Garnet like the falling sun, an Amatist of purpled or greenish hue, an Aquamarine of deepest blue, and a Topaz of pale coral. These shalt wax strong and wilt make thy parity throughout.”
Upon this news, Lunasis and Celestias searched diligently over the entire land of Equestria, for the right elements meeting Starswirl’s direction. They found several good examples, but most were not of the quality they needed. As they hunted, Starswirl studied and experimented without sleep or even stopping. Many of his advisors pleaded with him to rest, but he would only refuse. Finally, after many days of quest, Lunasis and Celestias found everything that he commanded and reassembled together.
In spite of King Starswirl’s powerful magical skill, Celestias was still filled with doubt:
“Starswirl… the spell is not ready.” Celestias said with great concern.
“It has to be… or all that we fought for will be lost. There must be a balance of harmony in Equestria, or Equestria will destroy itself! If… we don’t starve to death first!” Starswirl said with frustration.
“But… more time. The scrolls spoke of a hidden, Sixth element...” Celestias questioned.
“Mere Prophesies!!! No! The more days we wait, the more it collapses into chaos! We can wait no more! Are the elemental stones in place?!” Starswirl yelled in frustration and sleeplessness.
“Yes… they have been gathered. These are the finest examples that we could find.” Lunasis said with an equal concern for her husband.
“Good… quickly stand in the circle of the stones. You will both feel the power of the elements as they make their transference. But, I assure you, no harm shall come to either of you.” Starswirl demanded.
“Why do you need us!?”—Celestias said, with a hint of fear.
Because of his tireless work without rest, Starswirl was immediately filled with anger and great agitation at such an outburst. Then, after a few seconds he found his composure and spoke calmly.
“I’m sorry… none of this is your fault. To answer your question, it is because you must be conduits that the harmony stones can flow into. In turn, you will take a daily part in restoring Equestria’s balance. Only those of a true and noble heart can be filled with such power. Any negative energy whatsoever will be rejected and cast off by the elements. If you feel in your hearts that you are not able… we will search for another. However, I know of no one more virtuous and good and giving, than the two of you.” Starswirl spoke dejectedly, drooping his head towards the ground.
After a few moments of pause, the sisters nodded.
“We’re ready.” They spoke in unison as they entered the circle of stones.
“Ok… shut your eyes. You will begin to feel a great sensation all over your body. Then, you will feel an emptying, as if you are leaving behind everything in this world. Do not be afraid or let anything cause your hearts to turn.” Starswirl said.
“We begin now…”
Starswirl began to deeply concentrate as he continually repeated his spell in his mind. After a few moments, one of the harmony stones glimmered and shone with a bright ruby red hue. Suddenly, it fired a beam of light into the next element causing it to shine its pinkish tone. The two beams, arrowed their light into the blue-aqua colored element, causing it to dazzle its prismatic shade. After a second, the three transmuted their glare into the stone of purple, causing it to build into enormity. Then in a display of wonderment, the prism of awe-inducing light converged into the Orange element making it explode into the air with color, taking the sisters with it.
Celestias and Lunasis swirled and tossed in the vortex of pure lucent radiance. Its velocity increased as the seconds passed, causing them to scream out with a howl of terror. Without warning, the light force burst with the intensity of the greatest of arc lamps. Starswirl immediately turned his head and was temporarily blinded by the aurora of sheer luminosity. After a few moments, the sisters rapidly began their descent and were set upright in momentum, as the light was reabsorbed by the harmony stones.
Their eyes were blinded by the intense wave of white magic that overwhelmed their entire being. Suddenly, their cutie marks of old were changed into ones of grand legend. Celestias’ had changed from one of royalty to a blazing depiction of the Equestrian sun. It glimmered and pulsed with light, as if it were alive. Lunasis’ changed as well from the marks of regality, into a grand presentation of the Equestrian moon. The opalescent glow that shone from it, seemingly danced upon whatever it came in contact with.
All of a sudden, their eyesight returned and their minds and hearts were filled with a new destiny. Without even thinking, Celestias flew with new speed towards the Sun. Lunasis did the same towards the moon. In sync with the other, the two sister’s raised the sun and lowered the moon with the utmost in precision. They did so with new, strange magic that even King Starswirl had no knowledge of. After it was done, they returned to the castle to an awestruck king beholding them.
“That… that was amazing!”—Starswirl said in great wonderment—“… and… and you… you look amazing!”
Along with enormous new magical ability, they had also grown in stature and muscularity.
“I mean… look at you! You look like you could take on an entire army!”
The sisters looked at themselves and each other in wide-eyed bewilderment.
“WOW! Forgive me Lunasis… you have always looked beautiful. But now… WOW! TOTAL KNOCKOUT!” Starswirl said almost tripping over himself.
“Hey! What about me?!” Celestias quipped with a sharp tone.
“Um… you look HOT!” Starswirl stated without forethought.
“HOT?!” Queen Lunasis said with a perturbed look.
“Um… I’m digging a hole here… aren’t I?!” Starswirl said in embarrassment.
The two sisters laughed furiously at his dumbfounded pandering. As they laughed in joyous release, Lunasis noticed something special.
“LOOK!” she said pointing at the ground. All around them, tender plants began to shoot forth out of the ground. The crops in the fields started to grow. The grass began to rise to meet the new day. The trees began to turn from their point of withering away, and started to turn towards the sun. What was once a sign of imminent decay; was now one of restoration and new hope.
“The elements are working! Since the sun and the moon are now in their proper place, harmony and order are slowly being restored!” Starswirl said, almost leaping into the air in excitement. As they stood by in glee, other ponies began to appear from their ravaged dwellings in equal astonishment and high spirits. Many of them began to shed tear of joy, knowing they had lived to see a new time of peace in Equestria.
In the days that followed, there was great feeling of celebration throughout the land of Equestria. The people began to rebuild with fervor of gladness. Soon… much of Equestria as well as Cantilias was restored to its former glory. Also, the restoration extended to the hovel they had used for hiding. King Starswirl had the hovel’s restoration commissioned without telling anyone about Twilight’s disappearance. He said it should be restored “for a place of remembrance and memorial” and “guarded around the clock.” But, it was actually done in secret for Twilight’s sake. The reason that no one was told why, was in case there was ever another uprising of the Enmity’s dark power.
Everyone wanted to celebrate this time with music and dance and illumination, but before any celebratory mirth could commence; the whole of Equestria knew that something primarily had to be done. For the first time, the trio felt they had the liberty to grieve and pay their respects to the fallen. Many people had laid wreaths and other decorations upon all of the graves in the former field of battle. King Stallionius’ monument was adorned in costly array and overlaid in pure gold. All three wept as they huddled together and looked upon such skilled mastery for the first time.
“He saved my life… I owe him everything. I only hope to ever become the kind of king that he was. For Equestria…” Starswirl said with tears in his eyes, as he saluted.
“I miss you Daddy so much…” Lunasis said. This was all she could speak in the midst of her great sorrow. Starswirl cradled her close as she cried.
“Daddy, you didn’t die in vain. I wish you could see all that has happened. Almost all has been restored and the people are happy again. That was always the one thing you wanted most… everyone to be happy and live in peace. It’s happened. Oh! If only you could see it. You would love every single moment of it… I love you and miss you so much.” Celestias said wiping away her tears.
Lunasis suddenly turned around and peered towards the mountainous terrain. She stared hard at the hovel in the far distance.
“She will come back soon…” Celestias said consoling her sister.
Just then, Starswirl’s entire appearance changed.
“If I hadn’t been so willing… none of this would have ever happened. It’s all my fault. All of it. Everything from Twilight to these brave men’s graves… it’s all my fault!” Starswirl said weeping profusely and falling to the ground. He broke down heaving in the dust, as great sorrow overtook his heart.
“No Star… no. no. None of us can predict the future. You couldn’t have known what would have happened. You were only doing what you have always done… seeking the good. No… you are a good man… A good man.” Lunasis pleaded through her own tears, trying to bring some comfort. Starswirl continued to wail in the dust, tossing to and fro in pain.
“HE DIED BECAUSE OF ME!” Starswirl moaned without consolation. His tears became many craters of dust upon the ground. He was overwhelmed with sadness to the point of sheer lunacy.
After a few minutes, Queen Lunasis’ tears morphed into a look of disgust.
“Enough, Star…”
Starswirl’s demeanor did not change at her words, as he continued to bewail and cry. Suddenly with a commanding heave, Lunasis reached down and righted Starswirl upon his feet. She then slapped him hard across the face.
“ENOUGH, D**N IT! ENOUGH!!!” she shouted with authority.
Starswirl was startled by her stark presentation, and quickly stopped crying.
“YOU ARE A KING… A KING OF EQUESTRIA! IF YOU CARE AT ALL ABOUT THE BRAVE SOULS THAT GAVE THEIR LIVES HERE… THEN ACT LIKE IT!!!” She said, face to face with her husband. She suddenly pushed him aside and started walking.
“DADDY DIDN’T DIE, SO SOME CHUMP CAN SIT ON HIS THRONE…” Lunasis loudly barked as she walked away. She did so with fierceness in her stride. Celestias’ eyes greatly widened as she briskly walked to keep up with her sister. Starswirl could only stand motionless thinking hard about what was said… and watching them trot out of sight.
In the weeks that followed, Starswirl became the king that Lunasis demanded, and the people greatly desired. He personally overseen the rest of the restoration work, and created new industries at the same time. Massive harvests yielded their bounty under his rule, and no poor or starving existed. His hand was quick to reward the righteous, and his hand of judgment fell swift upon all who committed evil. He ruled for the good of all, and Lunasis was so proud of him.
After all of the restoration throughout Equestria was completed, he mandated there would finally be a grand celebration of victory for all people. Everyone was abuzz with activity in preparation. In front of Starswirl’s castle, the master builders crafted a grand podium that would be the focal point of the festivities. The anticipation swelled even more, after it was known that King Starswirl would make a royal decree during the jubilation. People throughout Equestria were filled with wonder and speculation, trying to discern whatever it could be.
Soon… it was the eve of the victorious commemoration, celebrating Equestria’s triumph over evil. All the people in Equestria were assembled in Cantilias for this grand event. They surrounded the podium and were as far as the eye could see from its frame. Suddenly, with much pomp King Starswirl appeared from an inner chamber onto the grand podium. He proceeded slowly in full regalia with a jeweled crown upon his head. Behind him were Lunasis and Celestias who were dressed in the finest gowns that could be found in Equestria. They both grandly wore the encrusted tiaras of royalty. Following them was select members of the Equestrian guard, carrying on a golden bier; the remains of King Stallionius’ sword. It was the same exact sword that Celestias had wielded and destroyed the Enmity.
When they were in their positions, the crowd hushed awaiting whatever would happen next. After a few moments of silence, King Starswirl slowly walked over to the bier. Starswirl then took the worn remains of King Stallionius’ sword and lifted it high in the air.
He then turned and faced the sisters.
“Please bow before your king…” he said with a calm demeanor.
They quickly complied, prostrating themselves before him.
Starswirl then spoke in a loud voice, to be heard by all:
“With the sword of the King… the same sword that led Equestria to its victory over those who would destroy us all, I royally decree and do this now…”
“From this moment on I make this Royal acclamation that you shall never again be known by your former names. For that time of dark history has passed us all. Now… you shall walk in the glory of a new Equestria!”
King Starswirl suddenly touched the tip of the charred sword on the top of Celestias’ head.
“Arise! Princess Celestia- immortal ruler of the Equestrian Day!”
He then touched it to Lunasis’ head.
“Arise! Queen Luna—immortal empress of the Equestrian Night!”
With a turn, he then readdressed the massive crowd.
“This is my royal decree to all citizens of Equestria—these shall rule over the Elements of Harmony, and upon the throne of King Stallionius their father, and over the whole of Equestria, and over the powers of the everlasting sky… To keep their balance of peace and order with all vigilance, from henceforth to forever!”
The people suddenly erupted in a thunderous display of cheering and rejoicing throughout Cantilias. Fireworks and cannon blasts polluted the air with great flash and noise. In the sheer commotion of all the excitement, Luna and Celestia looked at each other. They equally were astonished at such a decree as this. They were greatly puzzled, because it seemed as if King Starswirl was abdicating his own throne.
In the midst of such newness and mirth, Starswirl greatly played to the crowd. He was seen constantly waving and smiling. In spite of such quandary from his decree, Celestia and Luna did the same. Everyone continued to cheer and dance about with joy. After several minutes from his address, King Starswirl lowered his arms and stopped waving to the crowd. The people’s smiles all at once left them as something was visibly wrong. Starswirl was suddenly filled with malaise, almost to the point of collapse. The people loudly gasped as he slumped upon the podium, dropping the sword to the floor.
“Star… STAR!” Queen Luna screamed as she rushed to her husband’s side.
Seeing the commotion, Celestia grabbed him keeping him from falling.
“You were right Celestia… you were right—the spell was not ready.” Starswirl said gasping.
“I don’t understand… it worked! We’ve restored harmony throughout Equestria!” Celestia said righting him.
“Yes, you both have… and will continue to… in your reign… in my passing.” He said with great labored breathing.
“What do you mean!?” Luna said with great stress in her voice.
“I cannot hold it off much longer… I feel my strength failing me.”
“We can… can…” Celestia stammered, trying to find words to say.
“No! There is nothing that can be done… I am slowly being drawn away to another world… The Elements of Harmony are dividing my power… and taking it from me… Both of you shall become more powerful than ever.” King Starswirl said with much difficulty.
“YOU CANNOT LEAVE ME! I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT YOU!” Luna cried out with passion.
“Soon… there will be nothing left of my power, and I will be cast out of Equestria. Where to… I know not.” Starswirl said as he suddenly collapsed to the ground, with his crown falling from his head.
Luna swooped down and tightly grabbed ahold of him.
“Forever, keep your hearts from evil.” He said with frailty
“NO! I LOVE YOU, I CAN’T LOSE YOU TOO!!!” Luna frantically screamed as great drops fell from her eyes.
“Don’t cry Lunasis… Twilight will be home soon.” Starswirl said, looking deeply into Luna’s eyes as he faded away.
Suddenly, he dissipated into vapor and his magical force was quickly absorbed by all of the harmony stones. Without warning, in rapid-fire succession each element fired a great beam of light and converged together into two massive beams. The two beams appeared from the secret place where the elements were kept, and surrounded Luna and Celestia with paralysis. Their enormous energy quickly lifted the sisters high into the air. They engulfed them in rays of dynamic light, and caused them to be filled with all the magical powers of the ancient Alicorns of the past.
“Equestria is yours… guard her well.” A voice loudly bellowed, as if it came from the annals of time. This eternal force of light radiated throughout both of them. It continued to do so, even after the elements had stopped their transfer and placed the sisters gently back on the floor of the podium.
“NO!!! NO NO NO NO!!!” Luna screamed with the pangs of great sadness, as she tried to run. Celestia grabbed her and held her down as they both intensely cried. “STAR!!! NO!!!” Luna howled as she struggled to try to break away from Celestia’s grip. They wept profusely knowing that Starswirl was gone, and would never return.
“SHE SAID IT WASN’T READY!!!
SHE SAID IT!!!
WHY DIDN’T YOU LISTEN, STAR!!!
WHY!!! WHY!!!” Luna yelled at the sky, with tears continually rolling from her eyes.
The two could only sit on the ground huddled together, crying in each other’s arms. No amount of new magic or power, kingdom or castle, could take the place in either of their hearts for their loss. The people were greatly moved and their rejoicing immediately changed into wails of sadness. What was to be a new age, suddenly became that of mourning. It was then said among the people (and still to this day) that King Starswirl was the last casualty of the great Equestrian war.