The Right that Returns

by febnic16

The Path of Change

The early summer winds blew across the fields that surrounded Ponyville and brought with it scents of flowers, fresh cut grass and the warmth of the sun. As the wind passed through the market, it picked up the scents of fresh baked goods, sweets, apples and the hum of the town. Then it slowly drifted to the ever-standing schoolhouse and its playground.

“True life is lived when tiny changes occur. I can’t remember where I read that, but they couldn’t be any more correct. One moment I had a loving family and home. Then it all came out and life took a turn for the worse. I had it all, family, a bed to call my own, a name and love. Now I have nothing except for my love.” Silver spoon thought as she stared up at the clouds as she sat upon the swings.

The warm summer wind blew gently by a swing set as chains of clinked as they took on the weight of another. Silver dared not look away from the clouds. Till a hand fell on her shoulder. Silver spoon looked over to see Sweetie Bell. “So are you going to tell me what’s really bugging you?”

Silver Spoon's head dropped into her hands as she slipped off the swing and landed on her knees.

“Silver are you okay?” Sweetie Belle asked as she got off the swing and kneeled in front of Silver Spoon. At first it was barely noticeable but slowly the sounds of sobs where heard. Sweetie Belle pulled the smaller into a hug.

“Silver what’s wrong and don’t say nothing, because the last time you cried like this was when you found out about your mom. So please tell me what it is so I can help.” Sweetie Belle pleaded.

A warm tender hand brushed away the new tears. The hand then lifted Sliver’s head till her silver eyes meet emerald eyes. The emerald eyes were filled with life and love. What she had lost.

Sweetie Bell look into to the Silver’s eyes and found that they, no longer held the shine as they once did. “Silver what’s wrong? You know that we're here for you.”

Silver Spoon brought a cupped hand over her heart as she felt pang sadness tear through it. “It’s kind of a long story.”

Sweetie gave a loving smile “look for you and all of my friends, I have all the time in the world.”

Silver let out a huff “It all started about month ago.”

“You mean when the night when Applebloom and I where at scootaloo's house for a sleepover and you came over unexpectedly?”

Silver spoon nodded her head “Yeah.”

“You seemed really off that night as well, i take it that this is related?” Sweetie asked.

Silver Spoon nodded her head “Yes, but today it's different. As for what happened that night. Well I told them.”

Sweetie gave Silver Spoon a sidelong glance “Told who? What?”

“You still don’t know. I thought that she was going to tell you. Why do I have to be the one to tell people,” Silver moved her hands to cover her face.

Sweetie took Silver’s soft hands in her once more. “Hey, it’s ok. Everything will be alright. But you have to tell me what’s wrong, so I can help you.”

With a heavy sigh Silver started “Well Scootaloo and I are together.”

“You and Scootaloo are together, and how long have you been together?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“We have been together for a while,” Silver Spoon said as her head dropped slightly. “I’ve be wondering if was the dating her was a.”

“Stop.” Sweetie Bell stated as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind Silver’s ear, and gently turned her tear stained face back to hers. “Don’t say anything you may regret later.”

Silver looked at Sweetie and let out a sigh of discontent and shook her head. “Look Sweetie Belle, I appreciate you trying to cheer me up but you’ll never understand what happened.”

Sweetie Belle took Silver’s hand in hers and lead her towards a bench on top of the hill. They sat there for the moment as cool gentle breeze blew past “Silver I may never understand what you’re going through, but if you tell me, I may start too.”

Silver took her glasses off to wipe eyes and clean them. “Are sure you want to hear it’s kind of a long story and I know you tend to busy helping your sister at the shop.”

“Silver you're my friend and care for you. So I will always have time for you.” Sweetie Belle said as she placed a hand on Silver's skinny shoulder.

Silver nodded her head and started her story. “Well it all started like I said on the night of the sleepover.”

“So they kicked you out because of you like girls over boys.” Sweetie belle recapped.

Silver nodded “That’s what happened.”

“So what happened today?” Sweetie asked she looked out at Ponyville.

“Well as of now it has been about three or so weeks since that night, and today Pure Ingot my father approached me.” Silver Spoon informed as she reached into her bag.

“I take it was in a bad way.” Sweetie Belle guested to which

“Yeah. He walked up to me threw this at my feet and left.” Silver Spoon spoke as she pulled out a slightly large vanilla folder and handed it to Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle opened the folder to find some loose papers, other papers held down by a binder clip and a loose note.

“As of today Silver Spoon has officially been declared deceased after being missing for about a month. In this file you find who you are now.”

Sweetie Belle looked through the rest of the file, unclipping the first half of the papers. It was all about how silver spoon went missing and a statement on when she was declared dead. The second haft file contained a birth certificate with the name Silvis tansy and all papers afterwards contained the name. “This doesn’t make sense you’re a nice, sweet, pretty, smart and talented girl. Why would they do this?”

Silver Spoon stood up and took a step away from the bench to look out at Ponyville “because I prefer girls over guys.”

It took a minute to put two and two gather “So they kick you out and disown you all because you’re a lesbian. This is so mess up.”

Silver counted Sweetie Belle to look out at the world and let out a laugh as tears slowly rolled down her face “It’s a bit of a kicker really that right before I came out to them, I asked if they would love me no matter what.”

“What did they say?” Sweetie Belle

“They said that, yes they would love me always.” Silver spoon couldn't hold back the tears any longer as the gravity of what had happened came crashing down upon her.

Sweetie Belle placed the open file on the bench and moved towards Silver Spoon. Sweetie gently warped her arm around her sobbing friend. As she held Silver spoon Sweetie felt her shirt dampen from the tears “It’s going to be ok. Sure you’re no longer Silver Spoon daughter and heiress to Pure Set Jewelry Company. But now you are free to become whoever you like.” Silver’s tear slowed as she looked up at Sweetie Belle as the sunlight filtered softly through the leaves around them.

“How do you know that?” Silver asked as she wiped her eyes.

Sweetie Belle gave a tender smile as she wiped away a tear “I know it because they left you with nothing and expected you to fall off the face of the planet. But like I said you’re a kind, lovely, beautiful, smart and highly talented girl. If given any challenge you overcome it. Also you not alone you have people who really care about you. Sometimes family is more than just blood.”

For the first time in about month Silver Spoon felt the warmth in her heart return and she wanted it to stay so badly. ”Sweetie Belle can we stay like this for a while?”

“We can stay like this as long as you want.” Sweetie Belle smiled as she held Silver closer.

The light wind that had graced the small town had picked up slightly, not enough to bother people but enough to blow away loose papers.

Twilight flew through the air towards the Everfree forest and her first candidate for her team of Valor’s, Former sergeant of the Equestrian Marines Zecora. As she flew her thoughts were on how she should approach the subject with Zecora. But as she landed outside Zecora’s hut she decided to wing it like her old friend Rainbow Dash would. Twilight went up to the front door and knocked. She waited for answer, but none came.

Twilight was about to knock a second time but stopped as she felt as the ambient energy that sounded her beckoned her to follow. Twilight decided to follow the energy and see where it lead. After a five minute walk Twilight found the shaman in front of a small pond. Zecora was in a deep state of meditation.

Twilight felt the energy in the air shift to form a path to the other side of the pond across from Zecora. Twilight followed the path and sat down she took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

They both sat like mountains; immovable. The wind blew through the forest and a signal leaf was knocked off of a tree. It fluttered through the air till the leaf landed in Zecora’s awaiting hand. “What is that you seek? To grow strong so that you are not weak?”

“What I seek is not strength for myself but strength to protect others.” Twilight answered.

The forest was quiet once more till a wind blew by the two and the leaf took flight once more. It gently moved towards Twilight and once it got close to her she raised hand and leaf settled on it. “It seems you have what it is you seek. Tell me what it is you truly seek?” Zecora asked.

Twilight took a breath and spoke “I seek the power for those who will guard the light.” She turned over the leaf and it took flight once more.

“So you wish for me to teach those the way?” Before that you must show me that you know the way.” Zecora stood and took a stance as she spoke.

Twilight never opened her eyes as she heard Zecora stand up. She knew the stance Zecora had taken. Twilight stood and took a breath in letting it out as she rolled her shoulders back. She then brought her left leg back a bit and put back a slight forward angle, as well she shifted most her weight on her back leg. Twilight’s forward leg raised slightly. Her left hand rested near her waist while her right hand in front of her jaw. “First one that gets the leaf wins,” Twilight stated as she recalled the last she had done the test.

Zecora felt a smile form on her lips “Yes. On my go. Three. Two. One. Go!”

Twilight pushed off on her left leg and lunged for the leaf. But right before she could grab it she dropped down to avoid a roundhouse kick to her head.

Zecora advanced quickly having taken Twilight aggressive first move and turn it around on her. Now Twilight was on the defensive as avoided Zecora strikes, but opening she found an opening when the leaf that was floating around them drifted in front of Zecora’s face. In flash Twilight dropped low then came up into with an uppercut. Which caused her opponent to shift back to avoid both the uppercut and Twilight’s wing.

They both were still their last positions twilight slowly stood up and folded her wing back to reviled her hand in it was the leaf.

Zecora opened her eyes. “So you know the way and the path. What is it that you want to ask?”

Twilight bowed in respect then stood upright to meet Zecora’s eyes. “Zecora what I ask is no simple task but one of great importance. You have every right to refuse this offer, for you have already completed what your time in serves to the crown and earned your citizenship. But will you listen to my request anyway?”

“Come let us discuss this over some tea. For the trees will hear.” Zecora said as she turned and started to walk back to her hut.

Twilight followed in silence.

Twilight took a slow sip of her tea and placed the cup down on the table. She then looked over to Zecora who was tending to her brew. “So any question before we start?”

“No, I do not have any. So you may speak.” Zecora replied as she sat across the table from Twilight.

Twilight nodded her head “First off, let’s get the formality’s out of the way. What I am about to say is classified above top-secret on a need to know bases. I believe you know what can happen if you tell someone about what will be spoken here?”

“Yes. I am aware of the punishments for disclosing such information.” Zecora answered.

“Very well Stg Zecora. Allow me to properly introduce myself.” Twilight sat up straighter and took a breath. “My name is Twilight Sparkle The Fifth Valkyrie of Equestria, under the direct command of the princes Luna Sovran of the night and dreams.”

“Well, that is some titled Valkyrie Sparkle. So how may I help you?” Zecora said as she marveled at the young girl that sat across from her.

“Just Twilight is fine. As for why I’m here it’s simple, I want you on my team.” Twilight replied.

Zecora raised an eyebrow “What kind of team?”

“We would be one with the shadows. Taking on the most high-risk mission and classified above top secret. To save all that rest peacefully in the night. If we fall the only record will be a small ever burning candle lit a top the highest peak, So that we may continue to be the light on the darkest of nights.” Twilight said solemnly while clutching her left wrist

Zecora nodded her head “I see, so out of all the available troops that you could have chosen, why choose me?”

“Zecora the reason why I chose you because I need someone who I know is loyal to Equestria and won’t run away at the first sign of danger,” Twilight admitted.

“I feel as if you are overestimating what I can do.” Zecora shot back.

Twilight smirked as she pulled a file from her bag by her feet. “Your actions on and off the battlefield say otherwise. From helping treat the wounded after one of the largest disasters to fall upon to the point where you collapsed. To when you lead twelve soldiers to victory over a force of two hundred that entrenched and heavily armed enemy soldiers. Zecora in just these two incidents you have proved yourself a loyal soldier and cable leader. But if you don’t, believe me, I can continue.”

“No, you don’t have too. So what does your offer include?” Zecora asked as she stared at the folder in front of her, its plan vanilla color slightly darken by walls of the room.

“First off a promotion to a suitable rank such as Colonel,” Twilight said as she watched as Zecora’s mouth dropped.

“Why would I need such a rank as Colonel?” Zecora asked with a puzzled look.

“Your job would be my executive officer and the medic of the team.” Twilight looked Zecora dead in the eyes.

“Well, that certainly is quite the offer.” Zecora finally said after a minute or two of silence.

“It’s a lot to take in one sitting, but do remember that the choice is yours,” Twilight affirmed.

Zecora thought for a bit before speaking “What the pay like and the benefits?”

Twilight gave short laugh “An upper six-figure salary and I believe it’s called the indigo plan of health coverage.”

Zecora sat there quietly after what Twilight had said. She debated it many in her head and finally came to the conclusion. “So when do we start Ma’am.”

“For now just Twilight. As for when sign here.” Twilight stated as she pulled a pen and form from her bag. Zecora took the two items and read the paper then signed it.

“Welcome to the team Colonel Zecora.” Twilight stood and salute Zecora.

To which Zecora replied with a salute of her own “Its honor to serve under you Valkyrie. What are your orders?”

Twilight felt a warmth bubble up inside her as Zecora spoke those words. “Well first off it’s more of a personal request, but could you show me around town?”

Zecora gave a short laugh “I think that is a resalable request. So where too?”

“Where can I get cleaning supplies?” Twilight ask?

“Brewster general store on Main Street should have what you want. I’ll show you the where it is.” Zecora replied. Twilight nodded her head and the two started the walk to town.

“So what can you tell me about yourself? I mean one can only learn so much about some form a file.” Twilight spoke to get a better scene of this words Zecora.

“If only you answer my questions as well,” Zecora replied.

Twilight gave a small smile “I think that would be fine. Also what happens to your rhyming speech pattern?”

“My rhyme ‘tis fine. But, my commanding officers found it annoying so I dropped it, so I did not wind up in trouble.” Zecora responded

“You know what, that makes sense,” Twilight replied.

As the Zecora and Twilight walked to town and asked questions of one another. They never noticed the clouds twisted and grew darker by each passing moment.

The light shallow breeze that had graced the small town of Ponyville had turned into violently screaming winds. The hues of blue no longer adorned the sky, instead pitch black as like on a cloudy moonless night. The air held a chill as ice cold rain pelted all that stood in its path.

Ash Wing count help but shiver as the rain pelted her storm gear, as the a chill slowly made her way through gear’s insolation.“I hope no one’s out here tonight.” Ash Wing thought as she sped through the darkened skies.

A minutes later off a flash of blinding light lit the skies and light hadn’t even cleared as the crash of thunder resounded. “Fuck that was close.” Ash Wing swore as she banked towards where the lighting had struck.

As she got closer she turned on the flashlight that was embedded in her helmet. The light did very little to cut through the darkness of the storm. Ash Wing slowed down and let gravity help guide her to the ground. Once Ash Wing's boot’s touched the ground she folded her wing into the specialized compartment of the storm gear.

Ash Wing looked around the desolate country road, she was only able to see about a meter in front of herself even with the flashlight on its highest setting. She took a quick sniff of the air. The scent of burnt ozone and wood blanketed the area. Ash Wing walked towards the smell and slowly a tree that was split in half became visible.

Ash Wing looked around from where she stood but still couldn’t see any better “it’s just as bad here as it was higher up.” Ash Wing was about to leave when over the winds of the storm she heard a faint cry. “Hello is anyone out here?!” Ash Wing called out but no reply came. “Maybe it was the wind.” She thought as she extended her wings. She then gave them a mighty flapped and a bubble of wind surround her she listened. It took some time but she head it again. “Fuck someone out here.”

Ash Wing took a breath “Breeze of the storm guide me to the wayward soul.” She then waited for the whimper once more and when it came; the bubble of wind changed into a line of wind. Ash Wing opened her eyes and fallowed wind that was under her control. Not twenty feet later a small figure trapped under a limb of the down haft of the tree. Ash Wing rushed over to them to the figure to find it to be a child cover in mud. “Hey, kid! Wake up!” she yelled as she dropped to her knees a shook the kid. The response was minimal as the kid gave louder groan.

“Hold on kid I’m going to get you out of here.” Ash Wing reached to her side of a curved shaped handle of her flare gun and load a red flare. She shot it off into the sky hoping that the other storm riders would see it.

Ash Wing wasted no time as she started to work on freeing the kid. After what she could guest was haft hour to free the young girl. “What were you doing out here?” Ash Wing whispered as she held the girl in her arms. Ash Wing extended her wings when a blinding and defang sound erupted from her left and it faded to black.

“We got two over here!” a light called out.

“On three. One. Two. Three.” The light counted.

“I’ll get her, grab the young one.” Another voice said.

“Stay with me. I promise everything will be fine.” The light called out in a caring voice.

Atop a high mountain in a new land a small group gathers. one walks forward and places a small simple candle. second places a metal around the candle's base. A third place a helmet behind it. A forth walks slowly forward and lits the candle, they turn towards the others. “May this light for ever burn and watch all those who sleep. so that their dreams will be peaceful and to be the a light in these dark times. For they shall never know her sacrifice." Slowly they left leaving only the one who lit the candle. They pulled out a simple blue scarf and laid it atop of the helmet. they took a step back at look at it all as the morning sun crested the ridge lines. "Hora aurora venit. Sic reliqua pacifice mea Crepusculum." She place a stone in front of it all and slowly walks down the mountain.