Celestia walked into her throne room, having just finished a press conference. Oftentimes, the princess used the throne room as her break room, where she could sit alone and let her mind wander, yet ponies could easily reach her if there was urgent need. She had not even made it up the walkway to her throne when the door opened behind her.
“Flash Magnus and Rockhoof request an audience, your highness.”
Before the guard even finished his announcement, Flash Magnus flew over his head. Rockhoof pushed past him and cantered toward Celestia, causing the marble floor to tremble to the three-time rhythm. Celestia lifted her eyebrows. If his canter could do that, how disruptive must his gallop be?
She smoothed her expression into a cordial smile. “I can spare a moment for two of the Pillars of Light, although I am a little surprised that only you two came. Where are the others?”
Flash took a deep breath. “Star Swirl's in the library, Meadow is in the garden, Misty's touring the city and . . .” He glanced at Rockhoof. “Did you keep track of anypony else, Rocky?”
“The last I heard, Stygian drank some energy elixir in the kitchen,” rumbled Rockhoof. “I thought it best if we steer clear of him for a while.”
“Do you mean coffee? Now, why would you want to avoid Stygian on coffee?” Celestia let out a shrill laugh. The two stallions leaned away from her, appearing uncomfortable.
“I remember the first time Luna had coffee,” added Celestia. “She was literally climbing up the walls!”
Flash's pupils shrank. “Somepony gave Stygian coffee?” He slapped his hoof to his face. “That's just great! Come on, Rockhoof, we'd better find him and keep him out of trouble.”
“Wait, Flash.” The earth pony held up his shovel in front of the pegasus to block him. “If we are all friends again, we have to show the lad some trust. We do not need to follow him around, waiting for him to slip up.” Then he sighed, letting his shovel drop a few inches. “In truth, I should have been more sympathetic to Stygian all along. I was much like him when I was younger: weak and puny, with no defining traits that stood out from the crowd.”
“Ouch, that's some harsh sympathy,” said Flash.
Rockhoof lowered his eyebrows. “I am mainly criticizing myself. I wanted so desperately to join the great protectors in the Mighty Helm, to be an equal part of the team instead of a laughingstock. And I know Stygian felt the same way about us Pillars. I always hoped that the lad would dig deep and find his inner strength on his own, as I did. But Stygian discovered his strength in the worst possible way.” He shook his head ruefully.
“You had your shovel,” Celestia pointed out. “Star Swirl told us how the shovel acted as a conduit for the erupting volcano's energy and channeled it through your body, enhancing your earth pony strength. It's no wonder Stygian wanted a replica of your shovel, as well as the other thaumically infused objects.”
Flash dragged his hooves down his face. “Oh, Harmony, you're getting into magical jargon. You really are Star Swirl's student.”
Celestia giggled, less shrill this time. “I suppose I am. But Rockhoof is right about Stygian. I believe the best thing for him now is to give him a little space. Besides, the guards will alert me if he causes any problems.”
“I wouldn't be too sure about that. Have you seen the guards?”
Celestia blinked. “Well, yes, there's one just outside the door.”
“This is exactly why I wanted to speak with you. With all due respect, Celestia, there aren't enough guards for a castle this size!” The pegasus hovered closer to the alicorn. “By the way, can I call you Celestia? I'm not used to thinking of you as the ruler of all the ponies.”
“The same goes for me, Celestia,” said Rockhoof. “To us Pillars, you and your sister are the little fillies that Star Swirl used to talk about.”
Celestia grinned. “Actually, it's refreshing to meet ponies who only knew Luna and I as the fillies Star Swirl took in. To your point about the guards, Flash, ponies enjoyed centuries of peace until very recently, in the grand scheme of things. We had a few hostile entities attack after the six of you left, but as my sister and I grew more capable, the world stabilized. Over time, the military stopped actively recruiting, and they relaxed the requirements for joining. Fortunately, we were still able to neutralize every threat, either with the Elements or with other brave ponies like Starlight Glimmer. So, even though our organized military is not as strong as it once was, our ponies have risen to every challenge and defended themselves.”
Flash Magnus spread his forelegs. “But even the appearance of weakness invites aggression! Don't you know that the dragons see us as brightly colored morsels? We have to build up our defenses so we're not easy prey. We have to show them that we're not worth the effort of attacking.”
Celestia's eyes widened. “I should have expected that you would be concerned about the dragons, Flash. But they don't eat ponies anymore. And this practice was never that common to begin with. The Dragonlord assured me that only a few dragons ever ate ponies.”
The pegasus shuddered, his wings locking up as he dropped to the floor. “Star Swirl sheltered you, Celestia. You didn't see what the dragons did to ponies. If you'd seen what even a single mature dragon is capable of . . .” His ears lay flat. “You wouldn't be so dismissive.”
“Oh.” Celestia held her hoof over her mouth. “No, I suppose not.” It was obvious to her that Flash was not exaggerating. If anything, he seemed to be under-reporting the horrors he'd witnessed in battle.
“Well. It seems that I need to have a talk with the former Dragonlord,” she added.
“Former Dragonlord?” asked Rockhoof, swiveling one ear.
“Dragonlord Torch,” answered Celestia. “He is even older than I am. He will know the truth about what happened and may give an account of the dragons' actions.”
“Torch is still alive!?” Flash launched back up into the air and looked all around as if he expected the dragon to burst through one of the stained glass windows at any moment.
“He is retired and stays in the Dragonlands,” explained Celestia. “His daughter Ember is the current Dragonlord, and she is very open-minded for a dragon. She has made an effort to learn our ways and has commanded the other dragons not to attack any ponies, even those that enter their territory.”
“This is good news.” Rockhoof grinned. “Spike is proof that dragons are not inherently aggressive. This behavior must be taught. And what is taught can be unlearned.”
Flash's expression softened. “Spike's great. Not just for a dragon, but for anypony. But he's a child. What if his predator instincts grow stronger as he gets older?”
“There is still much that we don't know about dragons,” said Celestia. “But I believe that deep down inside, ponies and dragons are more alike than we thought. We just have to do our best to learn about each other. In fact . . .” Her eyes sparked as a plan began to take shape in her mind. “How would you like to come with me to see Torch again, Flash? We could make it a diplomatic mission.”
Flash's eyebrows shot up. “Oh. Wow. I doubt he'll be happy to see me, if he remembers me.”
“Who could forget the brave Flash Magnus?” Rockhoof punctuated his comment with what was likely intended to be a playful tap. The blow from his foreleg sent Flash flying several feet before he steadied himself in midair. He glared over his shoulder at Rockhoof.
“Sorry. I did not mean to hit that hard.” Rockhoof held his foreleg against his chest.
Flash adjusted his iron helmet. “And you ponies think we pegasi are brutes.”
“Oh, so we are 'you ponies,' now?” asked Rockhoof, sounding more amused than angry.
“What?” The pegasus shrugged. “I meant you ponies with beards, obviously. What did you think I meant?”
Celestia interrupted the banter before it wandered too far off track. “Flash Magnus, unless Torch has become senile, he's sure to remember you. I think it will do you good to see the change in the dragons. And to be honest, I have not traveled to the Dragonlands since Ember became the Dragonlord, and I've been putting it off long enough. I could use the company.”
Flash rubbed his chin. “Well, if you think you need to go anyway, then I'm game.”
“Could I invite myself along?” asked Rockhoof. “It is not like I have anywhere better to be.”
“Really?” Flash frowned. “What about your old village? Don't you want to go back to see what it's like?”
“I . . .” Rockhoof stared at the floor. “Applejack told me that there were hardly even any ruins left standing. There are ponies whose special talent is digging up the buried remains of my friends' livelihoods. But for me it does not feel that long ago that I rerouted the molten lava to save my village.” He gazed up at one of the windows, a blue one that depicted rays of light shining on the globe. “I know that my friends in the Mighty Helm lived good, long lives. I have to believe that. But to see the pitiful remains of my foalhood home that I worked so hard to protect . . .” He shook his head. “I do not think I am ready yet.”
“Horse apples, that is messed up,” Flash said sympathetically. “I mean, I lost my old home too, but I learned long ago not to get too attached to the place where I lay my head.”
“If it's any comfort, I know how it feels to return to your foalhood home and find it unrecognizable.” Celestia reached her foreleg toward him, and then dropped it back to the floor. Had this been Twilight, she would have wrapped her foreleg or wing around her. But Rockhoof was a big, tough warrior – big enough to look her straight in the eyes without standing on a table, which was a rare quality. She did not know if he would feel comfortable being coddled by another giant pony he'd just met.
“Sometimes you really can't go home,” she continued. “You just have to make a new one. But if you would like to join me and Flash on our diplomatic visit, you're more than welcome.”
Rockhoof glanced at her and nodded. “I would.”
“Look on the bright side, Rocky,” said Flash. “Our home is all of Equestria now. And most of Equestria has changed for the better. Except the military,” he added under his breath. “So I'm sure the Dragonlands have changed for the better too.”
A broad smile came to Rockhoof's face. “I had not thought of looking at it that way. All of Equestria is my home. I like that. I knew there was a reason we decided to keep you around, Flash.”
“What, my bravery and quick wits aren't enough?” asked Flash with a smirk.
“I will give you wits, but it is not very brave to hide behind a shield.”
Flash folded his forelegs, still smirking. “At least I'm good for more than just digging trenches.”
“And at least I can grow a beard.” Rockhoof grinned, running his hoof over his auburn facial hair.
“It always comes back to the beards, doesn't it? You guys are so proud of yourselves, like it's some kind of accomplishment that hair grows out of your face.”
Smiling, Celestia decided to leave the two warriors to their repartee. She would plan the details of the visit to the Dragonlands in short order. In the meantime, she wanted to enjoy the rest of her free period.
And the best way to do that was to find Stygian and observe his reaction to coffee.
Nice you brought up how one of the dragon's Flash faced in his story was clearly Torch. I like to think it was him and the other one was Amber's mother. Flash sharing the fan sentiment that the Equestrian military seems weak fits the professional solider ideal. People have wrote fics where Tempest Shadow tries to fix the guard after she reforms. Flash Mangus might be a better fit for the role of drill Sargent.
Actually, I'd ask Spike to send word to Ember first. I have a bad feeling that putting Flash, Torch and Rocky in the same location will lead to first a fight, then a laughing reconciliation and then many hours of drunken reminiscence buoyed along by oceans of Draconic Bloodmead.
Am I the only one who finds it hilarious that Flash and Rockhoof arguing practically the same way Rainbow Dash and Applejack would? Kind of disappointed they weren't in the chapter, I would have loved to see their reactions to this!
How could she copy Mistmane's hair style if they never met? Though that image is funny.
question!
Will this be an ongoing story or just a small recap of each pillar?
Because I would love to see them slowly adapt to new modern Equestria, especially things like potentially meeting Discord, changelings and other species.
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Good thoughts. I like the fanon that the other dragon from the legend was Ember's mother, too. And yeah, I think Flash would be a better fit than Tempest to reform the royal guard. He has a lot more positive experience motivating military battalions, and his legendary fame would create immediate rapport with the ponies. Tempest would have to overcome her reputation as a former villain.
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Actually, that sounds awesome, but Celestia and Spike would probably prefer to avoid another international incident.
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I definitely drew inspiration from Rainbow and Applejack when writing Flash and Rockhoof - glad you picked up on that.
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No wonder I couldn't figure out a way to work in that line!
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You know, Tempest and Flash working together could probably really improve the guard I think. Wonder how it would go down between them.
...
That gives me an idea.
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Thanks for the info.
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Maybe you can come up with a reason the pillars where missing during the movie (the real life reason is easy, when the film was written). I've accepted the "Resistance Rising" game event from the Gameloft mobile app as a good explanation for Starlight and the CMCs. The CMC were forming a resistance, Starlight was imprisoned, then they beat the "Storm General" with a rock concert. The Ponyville occupation forces embraced friendship happy end.
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I'm not familiar with the app, but my headcanon is that the Pillars were hanging out with Discord in his pocket dimension the entire time, unaware of what the Storm King was doing. As a bonus, this would also explain where Discord was.
And when they got back . . .
Flash: I hate to say I told you so, but . . .
Celestia: All right, I see your point.
8531454
Thanks! I don't have a clear idea of how many of these vignettes I'm going to make. I'm just going to keep churning them out until I run out of steam.
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You made me think if applejack could get a beard.
I regret nothing.
It would be interesting that after the interactions of each Pillars of Light all of them would go with Spike at the Crystal Empire for a tour.
Don't worry, she isn't. There are pony nations negotiating with her as equals, like Maretonia.
Also, any considerations about Flash Magnus' family tree?
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Good catch; I forgot about Maretonia. And I think Flash Sentry is either directly descended from Flash Magnus or descended from a close relative.
Given what she says next, I'm really unclear on why Celestia says this. Unless she's being sarcastic, but I'm not really getting that vibe from her.
Heh. I'd honestly never considered how, to the Pillars, Celestia and Luna were essentially Star Swirl's grandkids.
I do look forward to seeing the reunion of Flash and Torch. And, speaking as a proud member of the beardfolk, it's not that it's an accomplishment. It's just a sign that our personal fashion options are more open.
In any case, you hit several of the notes I plan on in a story I'm concocting, especially the chemistry between Flash and Rockhoof. Though I never thought to work beards into it. I'll have to give this chapter some thought as I refine the idea...
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Yes, Celestia was being sarcastic.
Flash just has beard envy.
I look forward to your story involving the Pillars.
You should bring Flash into this story. Given the close resemblance between the two, I'm very certain that Flash is probably Magnus' descendant. It isn't too much of a stretch since Mage Meadowbrook has a descendant too.
Need a chapter of Rockhoof hanging out with Prince Rutherford.
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BTW, do you have any plans on having the Legends meet their descendants?
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Not ... really? The show indeed has alluded to him being a great mage, but it has certainly never said that he is outright better than Twilight. Even the finale ended the way it did because Twilight cooked up a spell and a solution that Starswirl himself was willing to dismiss as undoable before her friends forced him to actually look at her writings.
I mean, certainly a lot of the modern magic is likely based on his past work - but that doesn't make him better at the present point in time. Same way how you could pull, say, Archimedes out of the history books and place him in front of a modern day physicist or mathematician. Much of their work would be based on things Archimedes started in his day and age, but realistically the modern scientists are going to understand and know ten times as much as the ancient genius. As the episode said, magic has come a long way since those ancient times.
There probably are a few tips and tricks Starswirl might be able to offer Twilight and his ancient knowledge might offer an interesting perspective here and there. But if we are being realistic about it, she would have far more to teach him than the reverse, owing to a millennia of advances in the field.
I'm not sure how Starswirl being a "gentle" pony or not even enters the equation.
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Right when they fought the Pony of Shadows for the first time.
This is good. I like this. Keep it up.
I would be interested to see an interaction between StarSwirl and Luna. That "Once a villain, always a villain" line really shed some light on things.
Why didn't Celestia 'heal' her sister instead of banishing her? Because, she had absorbed StarSwirl's basic philosophies, and that could have lead to similar conclusions. Why did the elements seem to go inert after banishing Luna? Because, they were use in an act of aggression, much like Twilight planned for Stygian, and were subsequently 'destroyed' in the process.
I have now accepted the headcanon that pegasi stallions are unable to grow beards.
This is great. It's amazing. Thank you so much for this small but awesome piece of worldbuilding. :D
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Errr, doesn't Dash' father have a beard? (Or at least something akin to it?)
Okay, I LOVE the repartee between Flash Magnus and Rockhoof. Reminds me a lot of when they first meet in the Legends of Magic comics. Like two branches of the US military trading good-natured insults. Military guys are fun to listen to.
You know, I actually side with Rockhoof on the beard thing. My dad and his brother could never grow a decent beard, but my older brother can grow a nice red one, so I decided to give it a try last year. Now I have a nice, wiry carpet on my face and a six-inch ponytail. I have no idea why I'm so proud of either, but I'm determined to not cut my hair until I get my Ph.D. in about four years. My only hypothesis on the matter is that men are weird, but that's hardly groundbreaking. Case in point: I like ponies. The prosecution rests.
So basically Thor butt and pony form
9641784r
Yeah, except unlike the hammer, anyone could use the shovel. Rockhoof just the one who made it magical and indestructible.
STILL AWESOME !!!!!