//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 Reunions and Memories // Story: Grave // by PioneerofImagination //------------------------------// Cadence was resting in the bed of an Appleloosa hotel. She didn't bring money with her but the hotel was more then happy to let a princess stay for free as long as she helped advertise the hotel when she was done. She planned to rest for a while then take the last train to the Crystal Empire with Twilight and Mega Man. She wanted to go earlier but she needed to get some strength back first. Cadence was so tired she slept half the day away and she still felt tired and wanted to sleep more but if she did she'd miss the train. As Cadence prepared to check out the hotel owner brought his camera. He was a light brown stallion with a black tail and mane and 2 cherries for a cutie mark. He asked Cadence to get back in the bed for just a second upon doing so he took her picture. "I can see the front page now. Appleloosa Hotel good enough for royalty." "Thank you so much for letting us stay here for free." "Oh it's the least I can do for you since your 2 friends are really speeding up repairs." "Yeah they really are great." Cadence then got out of the bed. "I was a little worried the ponies here would panic when they saw Mega Man because he's a robot." "Oh no worries there he was actually here before." "I know the sheriff told me that before he went into the Bad Lands he fought off a few robots that didn't retreat yet." "I tell ya we ponies were sure lucky about that and the buffalo helping us." "Well anyway it's time for me to go." Cadence then began to slowly walk out the door. "It like when Tirek took my magic," she said to herself. "Y'all come back now ya hear." "I just might I just might." Cadence then met up with Twilight who was laying down tired from using her magic to help the town and Mega Man who had a serious look on her face. while leaning on the wall "Is something the matter Mega Man?" "Just trying to figure everything out." "Well maybe we can help with that on the train. Would you like to come with me to the Crystal Empire?' "Sure." "The what empire?" Twilight asked as she got up. "Oh right I forgot to tell you. A little after my wedding was canceled the Crystal Empire appeared after vanishing a long time ago. When we all defeated the evil king Sombra I became the Princess of the Crystal Empire." "How did you beat an evil king?" "Well how about I tell you on the way there?" "Actually I'd thought I'd stay here or maybe go to Dodge Junction. I know Cherry Jubilee maybe she could give me another job." "Twilight what are you talking about? Don't you miss your friends? Don't you want to go home?" "No," Twilight answered as she started to cry. "All my friends hate me even my brother and Princess Celestia." Cadence then placed a hoof around Twilight's neck to hug her and used the other front hoof to dry her tears. "No they don't, they love you. They did everything they could to find you." "Really?" "Of course Twilight please come home." "They don't hate me. Are you sure?" "Of course I'm sure," Cadence said with a smirk. "Give me some credit." Twilight then hugged Cadence more then the 3 headed for the train in Dodge Junction, the guards were alarmed at first when they saw Mega Man but calmed down when their princess simply said. "He's with me." "Oh okay," one of the guards said. During the train ride Cadence wasn't sure how she missed it the first time she took the train but the robots really made a mess. The ponies had to find a way to stop those murderous machines and with Twilight back it'll be all the more easier. Upon arriving at the Crystal Empire Twilight was amazed by the sheer beauty of it all, quickly after showing Twilight around and telling every pony Mega Man was on their side the 2 mares were taken to the hospital for a check up. Cadence while still tired wasted no time and had a letter wrote and sent to Princess Celestia about everything about Wily, about Mega Man, about the fortress in the Bad Lands, but most of all about Twilight and that she's back. *** The princesses upon learning Twilight had finally returned wanted to fly straight to her but couldn't. After a battle with 4 powerful robots Celestia and Luna were badly injured and had to stay in bed until further notice. So instead informed Twilight's friends of her return and they all took the first train to the Crystal Empire. Meanwhile Shining Armor who was called away on royal business after learning where the robots were decided to lead a full front assault on them. He was joined by not only the royal guard but groups from all over Equestria. Ponies from all over coming to help except for Cloudsdale, according to the reports he received everypony there was greatly injured after a small robot that looked like a cloud somehow turned all of Cloudsdale into a giant lightning cloud. Shining Armor was ready for a fight but when the army of ponies arrived at the Bad Lands the fortress was gone. Despite this Shining Armor was happy as he could go home all the sooner and finally be reunited with his dear sister. Shining Armor had it all planned out after he begged forgiveness and she forgave him he'd spoiler her rotten, back at the Crystal Empire Twilight's friends gave her so many hugs kisses while releasing tears from her long awaited return. "We're so super sorry," Fluttershy said who was crying the most. "Oh please forgive us darling," Rarity begged. "We were nastier than a pack of timber wolves," Applejack said. "Please say you'll come back to Ponyville you make everything 200% cooler," Rainbow Dash said. "We were such big dumb meanies for the way we treated you," Pinkie Pie said with her mane straight. "Please let me be your number 1 assistant again," Spike said. If this chapter was filled with every plead for forgiveness and every sincere comment of how much they cared for Twilight this would be a very long chapter indeed. Eventually the doctor told the 5 ponies and 1 dragon to go wait in the hallway, as they passed by Mega Man who was told of the robots attack on the Crystal Empire. He was also informed of other places the robots attacked and how the ponies were actually able to fight a lot of them off, these ponies were strong. As they passed him he couldn't help but see sad looks on all their faces, there was pain in their hearts as well as a blue unicorn that was already waiting in the hallway. "Hello," he said. The ponies and dragon turned to the blue bomber and a few seconds Spike broke the silence. "Oh hello you're Mega Man right?" Spike asked who was told about him and his help. "Yes," Mega Man answer as he got down on one leg in a better attempt to make eye contact. "And what might your names be?" "I'm Spike that's Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and this lovely creature is Rarity." "Oh Spike," Rarity said as she blushed and giggled. "You simply say the sweetest things." "Yeah I know," he answered as Rarity kisses his cheek. "And that's Trixie." "Hello," Trixie said as she gave Mega Man a sad little wave. "Something wrong?" "Well "Mega Man" you may have noticed that Twilight is back." "Kind of hard for me not to since I was the one that brought her back." "She and I weren't on the best of terms the last time we met." After hearing that Mega Man picked up Trixie and carried her over to Twilight. "What is the meaning of this release the great and powerful Trixie!" Mega Man then did so and she was right next to Twilight who was still in bed. "Something tells me you two should really talk out whatever problems you have." Mega Man then left the room and closed the door to give them some privacy. "Trixie?" "Hello Twilight." "What are you doing here?" "Well I'm with your friends now." "What do you mean?" "Well after our...encounter I came back to Ponyville so the ponies there would forgive me." "Did they?" "Yes after a while I even became the new element of magic." "...What?" "I know I was surprised too. It was short lived anyway." "What do you mean?" "Well long story short these crazy weeds were all over Equestria and to stop them we had to give the Elements of Harmony to the Tree of Harmony." After that Trixie walked towards the door. "I think that's enough for now your friends must want to say they're sorry some more." As Trixie left Twilight's friends entered again after saying they were sorry more they also said they talked a bit about Twilight's condition. "What do you mean?" Twilight asked. Pinkie Pie who's mane went back to normal happy she can talk to Twilight again tried to explain but she was talking too fast and probably would have blacked out if Applejack didn't stick her hoof in Pinkie's mouth. "What she's trying to say is since the doctor said you need to stay in bed for a week how would you like to spend a night with each of us then on the last day we all have a big slumber party." "Like the one you, myself, and Applejack had all those years ago," Rarity said. But then Spike started to act like he had a stomach problem then Mega Man bent down to see if Spike was okay. "Hey Spike man are you okay?" Spike then answered by releasing a small fire breath then a letter appeared. "What in blue blazes?" Mega Man said as he picked it up and read it to everypony and Spike saying it was from Princess Celestia and she wanted Twilight to come visit her soon. "Does it say how soon?" Rainbow Dash asked. "It just said soon," answered Mega Man. "Trixie has an idea." Everypony as well as Spike and Mega Man turned their heads to Trixie. "Instead of the big sleepover send Twilight to Princess Celestia on the 7th day." "What an excellent idea darling." "If Rarity thinks it's a good idea then so do I," Spike said. Spike then got a different piece of paper explaining the plan then sent it with his fire breath. "Why did you burn your letter?" Asked Mega Man. "It's how I send letters to the princess." "Is that how all ponies send their mail?" "No just me and when Princess Celestia-" Spike was interrupted when the princess sent back another letter. "Wow that was fast," Mega Man said. "Yes it was," Spike said as he read the new letter which said Celestia was fine with Twilight coming to see her in 6 days. "Is that all right with you Twilight?" Mega Man asked. "...Sure it's fine." Twilight's reply sounded somewhat sad but Mega Man didn't want to ask about it at the moment. He had something to deal with. "Spike where is Princess Celestia?" "She's in Canterlot why?" "I thought I should talk to her about the attacking robots and tell her about Wily." "That may not be a bad idea." After getting some directions Mega Man headed to Canterlot. Spike also sent another letter to the princess saying Mega Man was coming. That way a royal escort could greet him at the entrance as to not cause a panic. Twilight's friends and Trixie after that took her straight to Ponyville just as Shining Armor arrived. Sadly he was not able to see his sister and things got worse for him when he learned what happened to his wife. When he asked the doctor about how she is he was somewhat unsure. What was clear is that she was devoid of magic and very tired and that was most likely related to her missing cutie mark. At the moment she was told to stay in bed and after learning this Shining Armor went to see his wife. She was holding Flurry Heart in her front legs while still in her bed. It was a pleasant sight to see she could still care for their baby in her condition. "How are you feeling dear?" "Horrible!" She said as she set Flurry Heart in her crib that was moved next to her bed. "Well maybe some sleep will help with that." "No not that it's about Twilight." "Is she like this too?!" "No what I mean is...I'm really grateful that Mega Man brought us both to safety. But I wanted to be the one to save Twilight." Shining Armor then sat next to Cadence on the bed. "Why?" "I really wanted to rescue her so I could make up for what I did." "What are you talking about?" "It all happened 3 years ago in the mines beneath Canterlot." *** Cadence was trying everything in her power to get out of the mines to get to her own wedding. But she feared she wouldn't make it at all. Suddenly the creature known as Bass punched a hole in the crystal wall. "Well I'll have to smash quite a few walls for this plan of his." After saying that Bass then returned to the other area not noticing Cadence who followed him and saw Twilight on the ground not moving. "TWILIGHT!" Bass then turned his head to see Cadence. "What did you do to her?" "I knocked her out since I was ordered to do that if I saw a pony here. Also if said pony is a unicorn which it is I'm ordered to bring it back." "Back where?" "Wouldn't you like to know," Bass answered then fired a small blast at Cadence sending her against the wall. Since she used a lot of energy getting through the mines it nearly killed her. "Lucky for you I was told not to bring any princesses back because kidnapping a leader of a new world when we just got here is too risky as my master put it." "Your master who is that?" "Good luck finding him." Bass kicked Cadence in the head knocking her out. When she came to she was found by royal guards and was brought back up to the surface. *** "And there was no sign of Twilight." "Why did you never mention this before?" "For a while I didn't really believe it myself, like it was some sort of strange nightmare. But if I fought that machine I could have rescued Twilight. Instead I've had this secret guilt ever since then." "But Cadence that wasn't your fault." "But if I was at 100% I might have been able to beat him and Twilight-" Shining tapped her mouth with his hoof as he got under the covers "I know just how you feel I said things to Twilight I shouldn't have even though I was brainwashed I was still in control of my actions at that point. I still feel awful but you can't change the past. I mean unless you use those time spells but from what I hear those never work the way you want them to." "That I already knew." "Really?" "I wanted to give my past self advice before I became a princess it was a somewhat annoying time loop basically." "Right well the point is Twilight is back and we'll finally make things up to her together one way or the other." Shining Armor then kissed his wife. "But for now how about a little kissing and cuddling?" "What n-no you'll wake Flurry Heart." Shining then place a bubble of silence around Flurry Heart and her crib. "Smart." "Thank you." "I love you." "I love you too." *** When the ponies and Spike arrived back at Ponyville Pinkie wasted no time and brought Twilight to Sugar Cube Corner. She insisted on having Twilight for the first day to throw her a huge party. Pinkie started her party the second they arrived thanks to her party cannon filling the place with balloons, streamers, and other decorations. Twilight was stuffed with all kinds of sweets and Pinkie sang her smile song just to Twilight. The Cakes could barely move around but when they complained Twilight noticed Pinkie gave them a rather assertive but still nasty attitude. Eventually night came and Twilight in Pinkie's bed. It was there that Twilight saw a rubber chicken. "Oh you noticed Boneless and look who else is here." Pinkie said as she place her pet alligator Gummy on the bed. "Boneless?" Twilight replied in confusion. "He was a gift from Cheese Sandwich." "Cheese Sandwich?" "Yeah the certified party pony." "Oh him," Twilight said sarcastically. "Have you two met?" "No we haven't met I've been locked in a cage for 3 years," Twilight said in a mad tone. "Oh sorry," Pinkie said in a sad tone. "It's fine but what's the whole story of this rubber chicken?" Twilight asked with all the anger in her voice gone. "Oh okay," Pinkie replied with all the sadness in her town gone. "It was when Rainbow Dash had her 21st birthday which was also the anniversary of the day she came to Ponyville. That was when an Earth Pony named Cheese Sandwich arrived who threw an amazing party Ponyville really needed. Afterwards he talked to me about how I threw an amazing party that inspired him to a party pony like me. Before he left he gave his friend Boneless to remember him." "Wow that's actually an interesting story." Afterwards Twilight yawned and went to sleep after a long party, Now that Pinkie finally gave Twilight an apology party her vow had been fulfilled. The next day Pinkie would start to make plans for new parties for other ponies and bring back the smiles she used to give everypony. The following days Twilight would visit her other friends but noticed changes in all of them. Applejack came to pick up Twilight from Sugar Cube Corner and carried Twilight to Sweet Apple Acres at the end of the day Twilight was given several cups of apple cider. "Some of the best I ever had here sugar cube." "Cider season already?" "Nah I just saved these from the last one. I had to fib about it but it was well worth it." "Wait you lied?" "Yeah I did." "But you're the Element of Honesty." "It was just a little one." "But-" Twilight tried to make a counterpoint but had a jug put in her mouth by Applejack. "Hush up and drink." After Twilight finished her cider Applejack brought in her old friend from Camp Friendship Rara. She was on another tour and agreed to give Twilight a personal show. Afterwards Twilight wanted to talk to AJ about lying but Applejack took control of the conversation. She explained how when the Flim Flam brothers came around with a fake tonic Granny Smith nearly died. Applejack saw back then how big lies can lead to big trouble. She saw to it that she would never forget that by keeping a bit given to her by a pony named Silver Shell. She told Twilight that she understood her concern but as long as Applejack didn't make a huge habit of lying she would be all right. By the time Applejack finished Twilight was already too tired to respond so she was taken to bed. After that night Rainbow Dash carried Twilight to her home after Trixie quickly came by and cast a spell on Twilight allowing her to stay with her for the night. Rainbow Dash made Twilight a bed of clouds when they arrived and after putting her in it Rainbow Dash read Twilight all of the new Daring Do books until she felt she had to take a nap. When she woke up Twilight wanted to read the books herself since she was a lot faster at reading. When Twilight finally finished Rainbow Dash introduced her to the author A. K. Yearling also known by few as Daring Do herself, Rainbow Dash flew to her yesterday and asked her to come and meet Twilight and those two really got to know each other. As the night came Rainbow Dash mentioned that she has been a Wonderbolt for quite a while and might become captain soon. "It was pretty easy to become a Wonderbolt since I spend most of my time flying. I've even taught my team a few things." "You have?" "Yes I have like the time I taught Spitfire and Fleetfoot not to abandon their teammate and they gave me this." Rainbow Dash then showed Twilight a golden Wonderbolt pin before Twilight went to sleep. When Twilight woke up she was already at Fluttershy's cottage who spent the day nursing Twilight and mentioned several trips she went on in the past. Her favorite being the time she helped the Breezies get to their home and was given a tiny flower. It was a very pleasant except for when Angel Bunny was complaining about his dinner making Fluttershy bend down to make to make better eye contact. "I worked very hard on this and if you don't eat it you can starve for the rest of the day," Fluttershy said in a rather loud whisper after that Angel ate his dinner and went outside. "Don't you think that was a little harsh?" "No Angel always thinks he's the boss around here and I'm sick of it. But you shouldn't worry about it I think it's about time you got some sleep." Twilight agreed and went to sleep quickly because she wanted to get her strength back as soon as she could. After Fluttershy it was Rarity's turn who these past few days has been working on a dress just for Twilight. It was a light blue dress with bits of gems all over it and even fake wings. "What is that?" "The Princess Dress!" "It looks too small for Princess Celestia so is it for Princess Cadence or Luna?" "Neither it's for you." "For me?!" "Yes darling free of charge of course. That's the first time I said that in a long time. I made this quite a while ago and it's still very popular in Canterlot. I made it so that everypony could feel like a princess along with quite a few other dresses." Rarity then used her magic to set the dress next to Twilight. Afterwards Twilight noticed a spool with rainbow color thread and a golden ring. "What are those?" "Oh those well the spool was a gift from a friend Coco Pommel though ponies just call her Ms. Pommel now for some reason. And the ring was given to me by Spike when he proposed." Twilight almost jumped out of the bed when she heard that. "He what?!" "I know I was surprised as well but he really is just the sweetest little dragon. He was always there for me and during this time I realized how much I cared for him." "So you and Spike are married now?!" "Oh of course not darling, I'm not ready to be married just yet but I told Spike to hold on to it for the day I am. He still wanted to stay at the library until we found you. And now we have, oh it's simply wonderful to have you back darling." "Thanks Rarity." "Yes Spike will be getting me baskets of gems." "What?" "Spike and I agreed that when you were found he would move into Carousel Boutique with me. Since you are in poor conditions we also agreed we should wait until you're better before he moves in. When that happens he can help me get a lot more gem stones. Oh I can hardly wait I'm going to have so many gems." "You really like gems huh?" "What is it wrong for a lady to like gems?" "It's just not something I'd think I'd hear from the Element of Generosity." "Oh come now even I'm allowed to selfish once in a while." "But Rarity-" Twilight was interrupted when Rarity pulled up Twilight's bed sheets with her magic. "Not another word. For now anyway I need to get back to work and you need to sleep." "But Rarity-" "Twilight come now you remember what the doctor said don't you?" "Yeah, goodnight Rarity," Twilight said who didn't want to argue with Rarity and simply went to sleep. The next day Twilight was sent to her old home in the Ponyville library where Spike still lives and Trixie too. Sort of her wagon was right next to it and she still lived in there, the 2 of them did everything they could to make Twilight fell at home again. Spike started by cooking Twilight a pancake breakfast he made way too much but Twilight ate every last one since she only recently had decent food after 3 years of being Wily's prisoner. When Trixie had a chance to talk to Twilight she told her that she has really improved her magic, so much that she wouldn't be surprised if Princess Celestia herself decided to pick her as a new personal student. "Is that so?" Twilight asked with actual curiosity. "Oh yes all these books and reading them really helped out." "Well what spells have you learned recently?" "Well I'm currently working on a spell that turns an apple into an orange it's pretty hard I haven't quite mastered it." "It sounds hard." "Yes rather tiring actually but don't you worry Trixie will crack it in no time." "Come on Trixie can't you go one day without bragging?" Spike asked. "What she asked?" "Well I'm sure Twilight would much rather read some new books we got." Before Trixie had a chance to respond Twilight got to reading those books and kept at it for the rest of the day. Trixie and Spike decided not to bother her but Twilight would occasionally stop to talk to the 2 of them. She asked them about the damage the robots did as well as what else happen in the 3 years she wasn't with them. As with her other days with her other friends she fell asleep early to get her strength back and tomorrow would be going to Canterlot to see her teacher Princess Celestia. *** Princess Celestia has been staying in bed most of the day ever since she and her sister fought those 4 powerful robots. While they did defeat them she received numerous injuries that would prove fatal to most ponies but being an alicorn has it's advantages. The last few days have been somewhat difficult between getting necessary rest and trying to run her kingdom from her bed but she managed to handle it. There have been a few highlights lately the biggest one of course being the return of her dear student Twilight Sparkle. Another meeting the creature called Mega Man that rescued her student and fellow princess. Even though her doctor didn't approve of it she insisted on greeting Mega Man in her throne room. The reason being that she wanted to properly thank him and also reward him with a metal of honor that he gladly allowed to be placed around his neck. Afterwards Mega Man asked her if he could travel her land to look for Dr. Wily and she gladly allowed it as long as a squad of senior royal guards went with him. Her citizens wouldn't panic if they saw members of the royal guard with him and he agreed. He's currently still looking for Wily and she's heard of him helping with repairing damage from the robots around Equestria. When the day came for Twilight to arrive in Canterlot she wanted to greet her at the train station. Her doctors strictly forbid it they almost had to strap her in bed eventually she agreed to let her sister Princess Luna greet Twilight and escort her to the royal bedroom. Princess Luna was injured but could still walk and fly about and do her royal duties in and outside the castle. Twilight asked to see her parents on the way but they were called away to use their magic to help speed up repairs. When Twilight was taken to her teacher she was instantly pulled into the bed so Celestia could give her a hug and to say it right to her how sorry she was. Sensing that her sister wished to be alone with Twilight Princess Luna quickly left the room. Twilight stayed in the bed with her teacher all day so they could both get some rest. Princess Celestia brought in food and books for Twilight some she would need for the next level of her studies. At the end of the day Twilight expected her bedmate to get out and lower the sun but that was done by Princess Luna. "You aren't going to lower the sun?" "No I've been doing that every other day it'll still be a little while before I'm at 100% again. Thankfully though Luna has made a much faster recovery then I have. She'll be 100% tomorrow." "Oh I see." Celestia then placed a hoof around Twilight's shoulders. "But having you back will make it all the more easier Twilight. I'm so happy to have you back when these robots are defeated everything can go back to normal." "So you think it's that easy?" "What?" "You and my friends think a week of saying I'm sorry will make up for the 3 years I was forced to spend in that cage?" "Twilight we never wanted that to happen." "The only reason it did happen was because I was teleported beneath Canterlot, and the only reason that happened has because I was alone with the fake Cadence, and the only reason I was alone with her was because you and the rest of my so called friends abandon me." Twilight then began to lightly hit Celestia on her chest as Twilight started to cry. Celestia then pulled Twilight into a warm and gentle hug with one hoof over her back and the other hoof stroking the back of her head. "I'm sorry Twilight I never ever wanted you to suffer like that. I did everything I could to find you but it wasn't enough. I'm sorry Twilight I'm so so sorry." "I wish I could forgive you," Twilight said as she continued to cry. "But you all treated me so horrible and made me feel so horrible. I felt like you all hated me. This time sorry isn't enough." "I understand Twilight I completely understand. I promise I'll do everything I can to make it all up to you. Do you think you can find it in your heart to forgive all of us." Twilight while still crying mostly stopped and began to settle down. "I think so princess but it's going to take some time." "That's perfectly okay Twilight. I'll make it up to you if it takes me the rest of my life." "Really?" "Yes but for now we should get some sleep." "Okay," Twilight answered as she got closer to Princess Celestia and closed her eyes. Pressing her front hoof on the princess's chest as Celestia held Twilight a little more tightly. But the hug was still very comfortable and Twilight while still having a few tears on her face stopped her crying. Princess Celestia then closed her eyes as well still holding her beloved student wishing she never had to let go as she too closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.