“Oh, uh… Ok.” Wow, ain't that a bit of bad news… “Well, uh. That brings up a few questions.”
“We know. Don’t worry about it. We will take care of everything.” Lauren said casually.
“Even the incest thing with my future kids?” I asked. That particular thought had most of my concern. “And will I even turn back to a human?”
“I like she said Ember. We’ll take care of it.” Craig assured.
“Alright. Oh! One more thing!” They both groan and roll their eyes. “What’s with the hair? Celly and Moony’s are all wavy n’ stuff.”
“Oh that’s just an insignia of royalty, but before it was a sign of high magical prowess. Once alicorns become more prevalent that will revert to the latter meaning.”
“Oh, cool. Alright, let’s get this show on the road then!” Lauren and Craig nod happily and light their horns. My vision briefly tinted red with a grey gradient and a bright flash indicated some type of teleportation. And I’m now standing in the middle of New Canterlot Castle. I immediately look down and cheer when I saw my body was transparent.
*Yes! Now I wonder how one possesses inanimate objects…*
Today should’ve been a celebratory day. Tirek was defeated and locked away. The Tree of Harmony returned to its former glory. Even the newest princess got her very own castle. Everything was back to normal.
Except for the rulers of Equestria, one draconequus, and one dragoness.
For these three. It was a day to mourn. It will be a day they will remember somberly. Because today was when it was confirmed Ember had passed away. In the clutches of Tirek to no one’s surprise. Once the three heard of this both diarchs locked themselves in the their own rooms. And nopony has heard or seen anything of them yet. As for Discord, nopony has even seen him leave, yet he disappeared from the castle. The same could be said for little Arain, but everypony found out she locked herself in what is supposed the human’s quarters.
It was understandable for some, namely the Royal Guard, that their rulers secluded themselves for the day. For only some knew parts of history between them and the ancient human. So the castle staff carried on with their lives. But all activity paused to give a moment of silence for their fallen human. Paying respects to the human that gave his life to aid the Elements of Harmony in defeating Tirek. The Royal Guard, under their princesses instructions the day prior, held a funeral for the fallen soul. For only they really knew how much of a hero this angel was to Equestria (Loosely using the term ‘agnel’). So he was treated as such. With Captain Shining armor leading the funeral it proceeded and finished perfectly. For those at attendance it was a perfect display of honor and respect for the fallen. Even to the Elements of Harmony and Discord appeared, every single being dressed in black clothing. WIth only a certain unicorn still remained fashionable despite the atmosphere of the event.
And it was also a major surprise when the Princesses burst out from the castle wearing elated smiles with a stallion adorning both wings and horn following close behind. His own smile adorning his features, while keeping his eyes heavily squinted.
“Alright, ponies can’t hear me, well, only foals can. I can’t posses objects but I can manipulate them to a degree. And I can phase through solid stuff and posses ponies. I wonder how I do the last one...” I’ve been brooding and screwing with the castle staff; Moving a curtain or two, making them shiver when I phase through them, and slightly adjusting articles of clothing and armor just to name a few gags I pulled for the past day. Though, I haven’t seen any sign of my little princesses or Discord around. Well, at least I can trust Discord now, if Lauren and Craig say I should then I will.
“It’s just the weirdest thing!” I heard a maid's voice through the halls.
“What is, Dusty?” Another, male, voice asked. I quickly made way over the source and happen upon to a guard and a maid with copper fur and light grey hair.
“Today I was just minding my own business when I was cleaning Prince Blueblood’s private table after he spilled his tea. I put the tray carrying the teacups on another table to thoroughly clean the table. And when I went to put them back on the table after I cleaned it, all the cups were strewn about the room!” She threw her forelegs into the air exasperatedly. “And if that’s not the worst part, the Pince blamed me for placing the cups in random places when I would never do such a thing! Especially to any of his belongings!” The maid ended her little rant.
“Woah, that is weird.” The guard agreed. “I’ve been hearing things happen like that all day too.”
“Really?” Asked Dusty. The guard nodded.
“Ponies have been saying things like random items moving on their own, some pieces of clothing suddenly becoming tight, why even a few minutes ago it felt as if somepony was adjust my helmet.” I snickered.
“... Really?” The maid repeated.
“Yes, and ponies have been spreading rumors that it’s the ghost of that human haunting the castle.” Oh, how correct they are.
“... That does make a little bit of sense when you think about it.” The mare said. “I mean, really think about it: One of our saviors… perished, just yesterday. My goodness, I’m making myself sad just talking about it.” The mare’s ears dropped and folded back. The guard, showing a little more compassion than a guard should, put a comforting hoof on Dusty’s withers.
“Hey, come on. If it weren’t for Ember the Heroic, I’m willing to bet my wings you or me would not be standing here.” ‘Ember the Heroic? Huh… I like that title. Whelp, time to live up to my temporary knew new name, as a ghost.
I get close to the two ponies and make the area cold. The two ponies shudder.
“Brr. Did it just get cold in here?” The guard asked.
“Y-yes it just did.” Dusty said through clattering teeth. “You don’t think this means..?”
“It very well could.” I stop the cold front and let them adjust. Then phase through them, causing them to shiver more.
“OooOOoh~ That was unpleasant.” Dusty commented. I chuckled and they shivered a little more.
“Ok. Ember’s spirit is definitely haunting the castle.” The guard shuddered.
“But… Why? Don’t get me wrong, I honestly think this is better than not having Ember the Heroic as an honored ghost in the castle.” She said that last part with obvious forced ass-kissing or whatever the hell the right word is. She was just trying to appease a ghost that wasn’t pissed off in the first place.
*Awwww it would’ve been so perfect if I could posses the guard!* I mentally gripe.
Sometimes things are just so unfair.
I mean, come on! I finally figure out how to posses ponies and the day has already come to an end. But… at least I still had fun while it lasted. And tomorrow I'm getting a new body! Well later today since I can’t sleep. Positives! *gasp* I think it’s even happening now! *POP*! Holy fuck! That was… anticlimactic… Well! I still have tan fur and brown hair, though the hair’s a little longer than before. Cool.
Eh… Whatever. I’m just happy to be among the living anyway. And where did I get teleported too anyway?
Oh. Celly’s room. Nice! Let’s how she likes this little surprise! Oooh~ A little weird getting used to the new legs. Not that it’s completely alien. But having longer legs than what I’m used to took a little getting used to. And now that I pounded on her door with unadulterated glee she should be out here any second.
“Ugh… I’m coming.” I heard her groggily mutter from the other side. “Can’t this wait?”
“I’m afraid it can’t. Princess.” I think she recognized my voice. If the sound of metal hitting marble from in there was any indication. Next thing I know the doors swing outward like a motherfucker. Revealing Celly with a serious case of bed hair with milde cowlick on the sides.
“W-wait. Who are you? Why do you sound familiar?” She squinted her eyes at me. At least, until her lingering eyes meet mine. At that point they bulged out their sockets and her jaw meet the floor, making a falling anvil hitting the floor sound.
“It has been a while, hasn’t it, Celly?” I asked sarcastically. I went over to hug her, but before I could even twitch she tackled me to the ground. Wrapping her forelegs in such a way that my bones were barely holding up against the pressure brought on by my hug.
“How in the depths of Tartarus are you here!? My subjects confirmed you passed!” She cried into my shoulder. All I could do was offered a few comforting wheezes and drape a foreleg over her barrel. I’ll eventually get to breath again. Right now there is a sad Celly and I need to fix that.
*Hhhhhhh…* Maybe I could do that better if I could breath…
Oh jesus fucking christ I can breath again. Sweet, sweet oxygen!
“I’m sorry!” Celly gave me a concerned look.
“It’s fine Celly.” I puff. “I was more concerned about you anyway.” I added. Celly nodded and once buried her face into my chest.
“... How?” She asked without looking up.
“Huh?” She picked her head up. Her eyes were bloodshot and tear streak ran down her cheeks. There were even bags under her eyes.
“How are you here? And why did you change yourself into an alicorn?” She elaborated.
“Ah, well. Let’s just say a couple repaid the favor for taking care of you and Moony all those years ago. And me being an alicorn is no joke. I legitimately got tuned into an alicorn.”
“Oh?” It took a second for Celly’s slightly sleep deprived brain to process what I said. “Oh! Mother and Father did this?” I smirk.
“I don’t know. But it was two other alicorns. And one was a stallion so I guess you’re right.” I then smiled.
“I can’t believe it! You actually met mother and father!” Cheered while hugging me dangerously tight again. “We have to tell Luna!” She got up, lit her horn up, and fixed up her appearance. Putting on her regalia once she was in pristine condition.
With Celly ready to go we set off to Moony’s room. ANd it just so happen that she was about to head off to wherever she goes to raise and lower the moon when we got there. At first I decided to mess with her a bit by keeping my eyes very nearly closed. Basically I was doing my best impression of Brock from Pokemon. But to see the look of pure depression coming made me open my eyes and hug her. I was also glad it didn’t take long for the night princess to understand what was going and put me in another death hug. And pretty much the same exact thing happened between me and Celly. Moony was especially thrilled that I finally met their parents. I wonder, were they planning something like that? Meh…
So anyway. After I explained to Moony what happened. I went to go get Arain while they went to go wait by the doors leading to the area where my funeral is being held.
The door to my room opened with style since I used my magic. I’m gonna have to get used to that since I now lack hands… But at least only for who knows how long until I essentially restart an entire race… Holy cow that just sink in. Woah…
“Arain?” Pushing moments of clarity aside, I call my little drake and she bolts up from her little bed. God she’s so adorable like that!
“Who are-!” She began to yell, but her voice hitched in her throat when our eyes met. “... Ember?” She whispered.
“Yep. Like my new look?” I turned to the side and stuck a pose I’ve seen many stallions use to get a mare. Which is really just pushing my legs out while raising my front right and back left while also raising my head like that of a New Canterlot noble.
“Yeah. You’re Ember alright.” She deadpanned. But there was a smile hidden in that stoic gaze. I drop the act and pick her up, putting her on my back.
“I was already missing you and the others, you know. And that was only a day and a half.” I said. Arain put her arms around my neck. A nice, warm little embrace.
“I know. I was already missing you too. You big idiot.” I felt her smile.
“Yeah, but I’m a lovable idiot. Just li-”
“Just like I keep telling you. I know.” We shared a good laugh, been a while since we did.
Without any further banter we catch up with the princesses and they open the doors hiding us from everybody else. Hey! I can start saying ‘everypony’! Coooool!
“Wow, already reintroducing yourself to everyone? A little quick don’t you think?” Asked the lizard on my back.
“Hey, I don’t like seeing others sad. Especially when it’s about me, and since I can do something about it I’m gonna do it as soon as possible.” I turned to the girls. “Let’s do this.” They nodded and opened the double doors with a little too much enthusiasm. And walked out to the funeral with smiles. Yeah, better stick right behind them as Brock.
*Alright, let’s do this.* I smirked a little and strutted behind the girls.
The Princesses of the sun and moon cantered up the ponies gathered around the human-sized casket. The area immediately felt brighter and the ponies visibly perked up. More or less concerned as to why their Princesses seem to be happy about the burial of the human that gave his life helping to defend Equestria.
How dare the princess wear smiles!? Some of the ponies thought. Here we are, mourning for this angel and they just barge in and- All trains of thought came to an ass-grinding halt as the male alicorn was noticed by everyone. More specifically, his eyes. Since it seemed he had them closed until now.
How did he follow the princesses out here with his eyes closed?
Who is that handsome stallion?
Why does he posses the same eyes as Ember the Heroric?
I wonder if he likes Chimicherrychangas!? Every pony had mixed emotions about this new development. Who was this stallion? Where did he come from?
But then, only for some of the royal gaurd, and some ponies, realization hit them like a falling anvil; It was the eyes, the stallion's eyes were that of the human that… passed not too long ago. Could it be that this stallion was Ember the Heroic? Inconceivable! Ponies saw him wither away like a dying plant! Unless… unless this could be a trick of some kind? Possibly some divine intervention!
Those were only some of the pony’s thoughts. Others thought the stallion was a changeling in disguise while others thought he was a demon. But everypony decided to give the benefit of the doubt. Besides, who would distrust the princesses?
“Hello Everypony!” The stallion said. “It is I! Ember! Back as an alicorn!” The stallion announced when he took a stance in front of the princesses. Some ponies caught a look at his flank. A heart holding a shield and sword with invisible arms; the cutie mark Ember had ever since he began protecting the only known alicorns for the last twelve hundred years. “And yes, it’s really me!” Of course, with this stallion, that is going to change soon.
So, as I expected. I needed to introduce myself and declare I was myself and not some demon, or a changeling.
And how I proved myself to these ponies? Retelling events of the day before yesterday. While leaving out the ghost and meeting parents in some afterlife part obviously. And with Celly and Moony backing me up it didn’t take much to convince them. I basically glossed over those parts by saying I was in some long-ass tunnel. And when I got to the light I woke up in this new body.
And good GOD they believed me. Even without their princesses some of them should have doubts. But, whatever, probably Craig and Lauren at work then.
But anyway! After that little scene everypony pretty much broke into partying with Pinkie starting it all. We all unanimously decided to move inside since there was a casket and gloomy setting outside; now is the time for celebration.
“And then Ghostly was like ‘You should become one of us! It’ll be so much fun!’ But then I said I couldn’t join them because I had… other things to do.” I was in the middle of telling the story of my first encounter with ghosts.
“Did they not like that?” Twilight interjected.
“Well, you’ll find out if you’d stop interrupting.” She has this tendency to speak up in the middle of my stories, not that I hate it. But it does get annoying after the tenth time.
“E-ehh, sorry, please continue.” She blushed and shrunk a little.
“It’s alright. So, they didn’t like that,” I shoot a smirk at Twilight, who just smiled nervously while her friends playfully glared at her. “And they tried to turn me into one of them. I honestly don’t know how they would’ve done that, but I got out the mansion before they could do that. But the really weird thing was that the mansion faded away as if it wasn’t meant to be there. Leaving behind the old as dirt rock wall that surrounded the place.”
“Wait a minute, ‘old as dirt’? Was’ that supposed tah mean.” Asked a confused Applejack.
“Well, when you think about it, what’s the oldest thing on this planet?” She, along with the others minus Moony, Celly, and Discord, looked up in thought.
“The earth that makes up Equus?” Twilight ventured.
“Correct!” I applaud. “The oldest thing on this planet is the planet itself! The very first elements that came to create this planet, as far as I know, is a lot of metals and rock.” The girls all ‘Oooooooh’ at this fantastic revelation. It might as well be, they’re not as developed as humans.
Oh, oh my god.
Oh MY GOD.
OH MY FUCKING GOD.
“Ember? Art thou ok?” Moony waved a hoof in front of my face.
“Huh? Oh, yeah. I’m fine. I just remembered I need to talk to you two later.” I smile at hers and Celly’s confused looks. “Don’t about it, everythin’s fine!” I say in a thick Boston accent.
“If you say so...” Celly said. Her and Moony maintaining weird looks at me. I saw that ponies were leaving the party, so I decided now would be the perfect time.
“Well, since the party’s dying down how about we go somewhere private?” I ask with probably too much cheerfulness.
But then again, with me, there can’t be too much of many things!
“Alright Ember. We shall go to my room.” Celly said. The three of us teleport to her room and she casts a soundproofing spell around the room.
“Alright Ember, what would you like to talk about?” Celly queried next to a curious Moony.
“Well, I didn’t become an alicorn for nothing. You parents wanted me to essentially bring back the alicorn race. And yes, that implies I’m an actual Alicorn like you two.” When I told them this both of their jaws dropped to the floor. One set of cheeks reddening, the other set tinting purple. “That, and a few other things.” I summon an item the resembles a thin, black box, the logo of a cartoon android on the back of it. “This, is a phone.”