The Crucible of Restoration

by Golden Paw

Epilouge

Luna swept her gaze across the blackened stone and felt her lip curl into a grin. The attentions of her sister had not been kind, the very walls had run like wax as the fires destroyed everything. She stepped slowly forward, studying the lines of metal that threaded the blackened room.

The books and scrolls, Sift’s final cache of forbidden lore, had been reduced to ash. The ore plates and runes had mixed with the flowing rock in an almost beautiful manner. The total dissolution of their greatest foe’s last hiding place appealed to Luna and she took a dark joy in seeing its ruin.

The secret chamber of foul texts and knowledge had escaped their attention for too long and to finally see it gone gave Luna some solace. Many had died and many more would never be the same as a result of the brief war fought across the Fiefdom above.

Already her duties had taken Luna into the troubled nightmares of her subjects. It had been a long time since visions of war and such horrors had troubled the citizens of Equestria. Luna knew better than most that the deepest scars couldn’t be seen by the light of day. It was a solemn duty to help others face those traumas when at their most vulnerable, walking with them in their nightmares and sharing their pain. Still it had been worth it.

Luna cradled Ornex’s prison in her magic, a pale blue aura the only light in the desolate room. She held the small orb before her eyes, her grin became more pronounced, showing sharp teeth that wouldn’t have been out of place in a shark’s mouth. Luna regarded the trembling form within, her pupils slits and an air of danger swirled about her darkening frame.

“I have waited a long time for this day Ornex, your crimes are legion and I finally have you alone,” Luna’s words were soft as silk, yet sharp as steel. The tiny, emaciated body of Ornex cowered, pressing his feeble limbs against the far side of the crystal globe. He watched Luna with terror filled eyes. Gone was the glowing red fire, replaced with the natural green Luna had once known.

“I can’t kill you, we both know that. But there are far worse fates than dying Ornex. I can speak from honest experience on that front,” Luna’s expression of triumph waned a fraction.

Ornex fell to his knees assuming a pleading stance while Luna watched impassively with a raised eyebrow, “Oh now you remember the idea of mercy? Now it’s you who is having to beg for it.”

Ornex trembled as Luna narrowed her eyes, “You have had your chances and look what you did with them. You were the most gifted of us all, you could have shaped the very world into a paradise and you threw it all away for a quick grasp at power.”

Luna looked away and studied the desolate chamber again, “Sift was mad, she may have been the first to succumb to evil but you fell far further. You knew better and yet still you chose darkness.”

Ornex soundlessly pounded on the crystal, an indignant expression forming on his face. Luna’s ears drooped, “Oh I know I’m far from perfect. I’ve made my own mistakes and have paid for them. That’s why I’m not the one to enact your punishment, that’s out of my hooves.”

Luna’s coat blackened and the brief surge of outrage Ornex had shown evaporated in the face of Luna’s transformation, “My path may have been rocky and I certainly took the long way around, but I crawled back up from the darkest emptiness and sorrow to find the light.”

Her coat paled again, regaining it’s natural blue hue. The brief semblance of darkness faded yet Luna’s eyes were still akin to a dragons, slitted and full of sorrow “I had help and maybe with such help you will someday come to understand what’s truly important.”

Ornex’s own eyes went wide with utter terror and Luna couldn’t help but smile again as light began to grow behind her. She turned, and as she did the final hints of malice fell from her. Luna watched as questing roots of crystal begin to creep through the ravaged doorway.

The root glowed with an inner light, glimmering and pulsing rhythmically, “You know as well as I do that we First Born came from the same source. The World birthed us to be stewards and as with all stewards there is a time of accounting to their master.”

Ornex’s panicked shaking became a frenzied scrabbled at his prison’s walls. Ignoring his terrified antics, Luna set down the crystal carefully in the centre of the floor before walking away slow deliberate steps. She spoke again but this time didn’t address Ornex. She was conversing softly with the collection of roots, “Thank you. I was worried that I couldn’t overcome my own anger but you were right. I was the one who needed to do this.”

Luna advanced through the doorway, her gait sure and composed as she stepped past the glowing roots which coiled and thickened. She waited just beyond the shrinking opening and spared Ornex one final glance, “I don’t deny that I rejoice at your fate, Zalantar was my friend and I was hurt deeply when you took him from me.”

The questing roots spread around the crystal prison and Ornex curled up into a foetal ball, his hooves covering his eyes and Luna took a deep breath, “As I said, death isn’t the worst thing that can happen. You didn’t just kill my friend, you twisted and deceived him. You robbed him of his noble spirit for so many years and I only pray that he will find peace now.”

The room was almost completely subsumed now and Luna could no longer see the crystal sphere nor its prisoner. She bowed her head in mock salute, grinning as the twisting roots closed off the doorway and sealing the chamber beyond. Luna’s eyes were once again her own, the last vestiges of nightmare fading from them. She turned away before whispering a final, “Goodbye Ornex,” before heading back up to the world above.

---

Celestia touched down and savoured the rolling grasslands all about her, marveling at the change. The Desolation of the San Palomino had been beyond help for centuries and yet now it bloomed and blossomed like the old days.

Taking a deep breath she drank in the sweet smell of flowers and all the signs of life returning. Closing her eyes, Celestia enjoyed the simple joy of the breeze passing over her coat. She longed to stay here, basking in the renewed life flooding the land, yet her pressing task couldn’t wait. Reluctantly opening her eyes again, Celestia cantered through the tall grass and headed towards the collection of ruins in the distance.

The returning life wasn’t impeded by the ancient stonework all around. Lichens and vines covering the once barren walls while fresh shoots forced their way through the ruined roads underhoof. It was a miracle and Celestia couldn’t help but smile proudly at Twilight’s handywork.

Nearing her destination, she slowed to a trot. The squat pyramid was just as she remembered it. Of all the lands round about, this place was still untouched by the rampant growth. No Celestia realised, not untouched, but rather it was tended.

The grass was ordered and contained within exact bounds, the vines encouraged to form decorative bunting rather than free trailing clumps. It was not what Celestia had been expecting to see and the surprise only grew when a cheerful, strong voice greeted her.

“Good to see you cousin, I hope my efforts have impressed?” Vigil called in the ancient tongue, speaking the musical words of the first language to ever be. Celestia stopped and watched as Vigil emerged from the pyramid’s entrance, a glowing smile leading him forward.

He hadn’t changed Celestia realised, but then again why should he have? The flowing crimson mane and white coat still as dazzling as when Celestia had first met him. There was a difference about Vigil though and Celestia took a few moments to realise just what it was.

Vigil was out of his armour and carried himself with an almost peaceful gait. Gone was the rigid stallion who Celestia had last seen all those centuries ago, replaced by a pony of far more easy going manner.

“You’re looking well Vigil. I see the improvements aren’t just in the flora,” Celestia said in the old speech. They had not parted on good terms and so she was cautious in her words.

“Well if I’m going to be left guarding this place I may as well make the best of it,” Vigil replied and Celestia couldn’t tell if he was hinting of past hurts or not. He’d been so angry when Celestia and Luna had left. She could still recall the harsh words and accusations of shirking their responsibilities, but as Celestia studied Vigil’s face she saw no signs of past woes.

“I came to say I’m sorry. I know the Vault project was a disaster and you were left to pick up the pieces, I’m...sorry.” Celestia finally said with a frown.

Vigil smiled, “I never thought I’d be around for the day when you’d actually apologise. I see I’m not the only one who’s changed.” He spread his wings dramatically and Celestia had to suppress a flinch. “If you’re worried that there is still bad blood between us then let me lay that to rest.”

Celestia didn’t dare hope but Vigil’s beaming smile appeared genuine. She felt the relief flood through her, “You’re not angry?”

Vigil’s smile remained as he replied, “I was once, but now I see things more clearly. You have your duties and I have mine.”

There was a thoughtful silence before Celestia spoke with forced cheerfulness, “So you’re a gardener now?” She’d danced around the real issue and chided herself for doing so.

“Well it seemed such a waste to have this all growing and no one to appreciate it so I thought I could, well you know, make something of it,” Vigil said with a small laugh. His handsome features betraying no signs of lies or hidden hurt. Still Celestia had been oh so wrong before.

She had to ask, she couldn’t leave without confirming it, “The Vault is still protected though?” Have to be certain.

“Of course,” Vigil said with a resigned nod, “One day maybe when things are better then people can come and see the hidden wonders within. I believe however that we all have a great deal more growing up to do before then.”

“And you’re still willing to stand in it’s defence. I don’t want you to think we’ve abandoned you,” Celestia added quickly.

“Did I not just say that I would Celestia?” Vigil said with a raised eyebrow, “Don’t worry I will not take offence as your sister did.”

Yet again Celestia tried to see if there was some hidden jab or barb in those words, but still Vigil appeared utterly calm and genuine. “You really were made to be a solid and dependable defender. To bear such a weight alone for so long, I doubt I could have done so.”

It wounded Celestia’s pride to admit it, but she felt it needed to be said. Vigil rewarded her with a surprised expression before it became more kindly, “Well I can’t move the sun now can I? Each to their own talents, for a better whole isn’t that what you used to say?”

Celestia heaved a great sigh, “I still do of course.”

Vigil brightened, “It’s settled then. I keep doing my duty while you do yours, I only ask that you don’t leave it quite so long next time before you come and visit.”

Celestia bit her lip, had any of her subjects seen her like this they would have been amazed at their ruler’s timidness, “You still want it to be me that comes and see you?”

“Celestia I’m not your confessor, but if you’re looking for some way to lessen a guilty conscience then know that I declare this openly before the World. I announced here and now that I forgive you, I hold no ill will against you and am prepared to let it go.” Vigil said with all solemnity.

“Thank you Vigil,” Celestia finally said before another silence settled upon them with only the fresh birdsong to be heard. They both studied the verdant garden the Vault had become, each lost in there own thoughts.

“She’s very impressive isn’t she, Twilight I mean. Even as just a mortal, your student has shown a marked ability to solve our problems,” Vigil finally added and Celestia nodded without looking away from the vista.

“Twilight has proved to be a great force for good in this world,” Celestia agreed, “I think she will continue to surprise us all as the years go on.”

The grin on Vigil’s muzzle caught Celestia’s eye and he chuckled, “I have no doubt.”

Celestia finally felt reassured that all was in order and so took a few steps away, ”I will drop by again, when I can.”

Vigil finally looked pained, “I would hardly call that a proper visit cousin. For once just let your mane down and relax for a while.”

“Equestria doesn’t run itself and I have so much to do,” Celestia said definitely.

Vigil slowly closed his eyes as he took a deep breath, “I guess some things don’t change.”

Celestia paused, “Well maybe I can spare a few hours, there are four of us running things now. I could let them bear the strain.”

“I know it’s such a long time since we First Born felt safe enough to rest for a while,” Vigil added and Celestia finally made up her mind.

“I would like that. Just a few hours exploring this land and seeing the simple miracle of renewed life would be wonderful,” She smiled and felt the pressures of ruling fade, even if only for a brief while. Maybe it would be good for both Vigil and her. For the first time in centuries Celestia felt at peace.

---

The spell reached its climax and Twilight finally released the tense breath in her chest. The waves of restoration flowed outwards and as they passed over the remaining lithi the miracle happened. Each arose held in their own ball of light. They floated above the crowds and illuminated the night sky with their collective radiance.

No more would the lithi be a myth, monsters from a past age that people feared to talk of. They could finally be seen as the heroes they were. The radiant spheres circled slowly, growing ever brighter as the very powers of creation did their work.

Twilight was happy of course, but she knew that this magic was honestly beyond even her. The gifted fruit was what truly did all the hard work, remaking the lithi and casting out the corruptive curse before filling the void with new life.

In all her studies Twilight had come to see that two facts were set in stone: Firstly, creating true life from nothing was beyond mortal and First Born alike. The second was that everything had it’s time. No amount of magic or science beyond the very essence of creation could begin life and that power had set limits; an unavoidable, final passing of that life. Only the ‘World’, as a being in its own right, held the powers over such things.

It was strange, Twilight would have thought that concept should have terrified her. Yet as she watched the World’s power at work she only felt a calm reassurance. Confident that there was an order to things, a guiding will aiming them towards a better course. She had felt the tiniest sliver of that will, being taken along for the ride as it were as the World used her to achieve it’s wonders.

Twilight now understood, not completely of course but enough to know that powers beyond what she could see were at work in their world. The eternal struggle between light and dark, happiness and misery, love and hate. All of this was played out from epic event to the simplest day to day living of peoples.

What she had finally come to grasp was that their responsibility was to choose a side. There was no middle ground. Your actions or indeed inactions would aid or hinder good or evil. Twilight was glad that she had chosen to stand on the side of light.

The radiant balls flashed suddenly and Twilight saw the hopeful faces of all those gathered in the main square just outside T.C.A.P. It had seemed only right to hold the restoration ceremony here. Their journey had begun as the research centre’s project, so it was fitting their journey’s climax should be unveiled here. Of the four royals only two were present, Celestia having chosen to take some time off while Cadence was still overseeing the ram situation.

Twilight was tired of being less than forthright with the citizens of Equestria. She could understand the embarrassment felt by Celestia and Luna, this whole mess was a lingering effect of their past mistakes. They needed to be honest with their subjects, needed to show them that they recognized their errors, their imperfectness and most importantly took steps to correct them.

The false notion that Royal Pony Sisters were all knowing, infallible creatures had been brought home to Twilight. It had faded in the years she’d now spent as a co ruler, fading like a glamour or illusion. Luna and Celestia were doing their best with what they knew, just like everyone else. They learned and though their roles in this world were different, even they were working towards becoming more. It was reassuring in a way, that even they trusted in something greater than themselves. It was a lesson in honesty for all of them and Twilight felt she was even now only grasping the tail end of such a notion.

Yet as she looked out at the crowds below Twilight felt a surge of vindication as she looked out at the sea of faces. All of them shone with wonder and Twilight felt astonished to realise they believed in her. The idea of being held in near equal value to demigods and mythical beings from the dawn of time shocked Twilight. She was just herself, blessed with special talents to be sure, but still just herself and not to be idolised in such a manner.

Casting aside such deep thoughts, Twilight instead focused on what she did understand. She saw her five best friends all beaming happily among the gathered crowds and beyond them the looming presence of Spike with his eyes full of pride. He towered over the assembled onlookers, sharing their collective awe as the event came to it’s climax.

The dazzling light finally winked out before allowing the twinkling stars to shine down on them all once more. In the sudden darkness Twilight saw sixteen earth ponies, restored and alive, floating down to the ground. Each one was dressed or styled in a long gone manner, still wearing the fashions of centuries ago.

They stared about in wonder, looking at their own hooves, then to each other before tears flowed freely. It made Twilight’s heart sore to see how they moved. Uncertain, yet eagerly hugging, touching each other’s faces. Like the blind suddenly being able to see again, they savoured simply feeling again.

The gathered crowd cheered, stomped and clapped at the lithi’s return. The rising cheers filling the plaza with their joy. Twilight felt like she’d explode with happiness to see such a thing and thanked the powers that be that she was able to play a part in all of this.

She continued to look out at the crowd seeing her fellows, those who’d come with her during the quest, each showing their feelings in their own ways. Bold was saluting gruffly, the stiff ranks of the Equestrian guard sharing his composure. Gossip along with the crew all cheered and danced, their exuberance making Twilight laugh softly. She caught sight of Applebloom and Pipsqueak standing side by side with a tiny horned filly supported between them. Her young eyes looked on in wonder and Twilight smiled all the wider. A better world for her to come into than yesterday, Twilight thought with satisfaction.

The excitement of the crowds was as nothing compared to the former Lithi’s. They shook with joy, their eyes sparkling with newfound hope and as Twilight watched them she felt vindicated. Despite all the sorrows, this ending was worth it.

“Over a thousand years trapped as beings of cold stone, they are going to have a hard time adjusting again,” Luna’s cautious words drew Twilight away from the ecstatic crowds.

“Yes they will,” Twilight agreed, seeing Luna’s grim expression, “But I know a pony who’s had some experience of a similar trial herself. It would do both you and them good to have someone to talk to.”

“They have fought and killed for centuries Twilight, they may not have felt the pains of that as lithi, but they will now,” Luna added Twilight simply smiled.

“The Elements of Harmony were able to restore you to balance, helped you fix and repair the damage done. I’m confident there will be a plan to help these brave ponies too,” Twilight added.

Luna took a deep breath, “It was a hard road for me, but I suppose that they weren’t responsible for their state. I was.”

Twilight nodded encouragingly, “That’s the point, this is as much a chance for you to make right and heal yourself Luna as much as their chance to lead normal lives again.”

The world was just a little brighter now than it was before. Curing the lithi was a small victory in the grand scheme of things, but a victory nevertheless. It was world changing for the people it had touched and though their was still much to do.

It was amazing just how the simple lessons of friendship and love still held true through all of the years. Core truths and values would be the same throughout time. Twilight had learned and relearned them so often now that it was amazing that they still could surprise her, yet still they did.

“I did it Foresight, they’re free now,” Twilight whispered and though she didn’t ‘hear’ a voice or see the pony in question Twilight was sure that Foresight knew it too.

Twilight smiled all the wider as Luna finally allowed her own muzzle to break into a happy grin. They had been through so much and Twilight was overjoyed. Yet with their task now done, Twilight found her she thoughts already turning to the future. She was well behind in her own studies here in T.C.A.P. Even with all the things Twilight had learned from this adventure broadening her mind and she was eager to test some new concepts.

With a final nod to the thronged masses below, Twilight took her leave. She’d done her part and was happy to let others party the night away, she had her own way of celebrating. Already weary of the spotlight, Twilight returned to her beloved research. So much more to learn, always something more to know and she was eager to find out just what that might be.

The End.