NaNo2014: Shadows of Friendship: FINALE

Part of her mind stayed on Celestia’s words as she lost sight of the alicorn of the sun in the crowds, but she mostly lost herself in the fun of the celebrations. Her mind was completely diverted from everything the moment the buffet table was laid out and she and the other five who had traversed the Everfree Forest and completed Nightmare Moon’s Challenge dove on it with aplomb.

She was embarrassed of how high her plate was stacked until she saw Pinkie Pie was just about managing to keep a stack of cupcakes easily as tall as she was from tumbling everywhere. Luckily no pony said anything as the six of them retreated to a table safely away from the crowds around the hastily erected podium and dance floor.

“Rainbow Dash said you’d gone to the library.” Rarity commented, once they had eaten enough to stop being ravenous after their long adventure and could pace themselves between bites, “Does that mean you were packing?”

“She did?” Twilight blinked at them, having not thought any pony had seen her.

“Yeah, when I was flying with the Wonderbolts I saw you sneak off.” Dash commented, waving a hoof in her direction, “You weren’t thinking of sneaking off on us, were you?”

“No,” Twilight shook her head, letting out a soft sigh, “I was going to pack and get ready to go, but Princess Celestia and I talked and now I’m not sure what’s going on.”

“Ooooh!” Pinkie Pie’s squeal of delight attracted the attention of some of the surrounding crowds, “Does this mean you’ll be staying?”

“Maybe?” That was the best Twilight could offer. “She said she had to talk to the mayor, so she might let me stay but I don’t know, I don’t want to hold my breath.”

“It’s okay, I’ll do it for you.” Pinkie informed her, then took a deep breath and held it, causing Twilight to stare at her in astounded confusion as she tried to work out if the pink earth pony was serious.

“Oookay.” Applejack blinked at the extremely bouncy filly. She took a bite of her apple pie before she continued, “Well if yer are stayin’ in Ponyville or if yer ever visiting, then yer more than welcome ter stay with us if yer need to, there’s always room.”

“Thank you.” Twilight grinned at Applejack, grateful for the offer, “And the same goes for you girls, we might have to sleep in bundles on the floor, but you’re all more than welcome to sleep in my library with me in Canterlot if you ever visit me there.”

The fillies all started discussing slumber party plans at the same time, pleasing Twilight who had never actually had a slumber party before, only for the sound of a bell ringing to disturb their chatter. They turned towards the podium to discover that the mayor was stood upon it, looking a combination of delighted and nervous.

“Citizens of Ponyville, this Summer Sun Celebration has been full of trials and tribulations for all of us,” She said, “But I am proud that after the initial panic, we all pulled together to keep everything running while things were…unusual. Now however, we can finally relax and I can introduce Princess Celestia and, for the first time in a thousand years, Princess Luna. Please welcome them both to the stage.”

The applause that followed was a little hesitant to start with until Applejack and Rainbow Dash started whooping and hollering and then the crowd joined in, cheering and stomping their hooves on the ground as the two sisters stood together in public for the first time since Luna had fallen to the darkness of the Shadows.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts,” Princess Celestia started, looking around at the assembled faces, maintaining a benevolent smile and a calm demeanour as she spoke, “I must thank you for your patience over the last few days. I know that your plans did not go off quite as arranged but you all have managed magnificently.” That pleased the crowds who nudged and smiled and whispered pleased comments to each other. “There are a few ponies who, though, today would not have been possible without and I would like them to step forward please.”

The group at the table froze up as the Princess’s gaze turned to them and the crowd’s gaze followed. Fluttershy squeaked and hid behind Applejack as Princess Celestia gestured for them to come up to the podium.

Twilight herself only just managed a bit better as she led the group of six through the crowd, which parted for them, and up to the stand.

“Each of these ponies did something to help this event take place.” The Sun Goddess announced, “Fluttershy, organised the music for this wonderful event.” The yellow pegasus waved from behind Applejack but didn’t emerge otherwise, “Rarity did all the decorating in the hall and I do believe I saw her flitting around to make this square look beautiful too, despite being tired.” The white unicorn bowed and looked pleased at the round of applause, “Rainbow Dash cleared the skies and gave up this wonderfully cloud free day to play in.” Dash, who had already completed one thing she had always wanted to do today in getting to fly with the Wonderbolts, looked smug at the announcement, “Applejack and her family provided all the food you have been enjoying.” That got a rather loud round of applause, “While Pinkie Pie had been organising the whole thing and ensuring that each and every one of you has had fun.” Twilight chuckled as Pinkie bounced up and down on the spot at her round of applause.

“You know each and every one of the ponies I’ve introduced, but the sixth is new to Ponyville and that’s my personal student, Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight waved and scuffed her foot nervously as the crowd turned to stare at her, “I sent Twilight here to keep an eye on the party planning and she did her job most admirably, but when things went wrong, she and the others all went out of their way to do something extraordinary to fix a mistake made a thousand years ago.”

Twilight could not help but wonder where Princess Celestia was going with this and she could see the same questions in the looks the others were sharing.

“A thousand years ago yesterday, my sister was replaced by a dark monster who wanted to destroy Equestria and in my folly, I sent her away with the creature. Twilight and her friends did something this morning that I could not. They brought her back to me. Without them, there would be no sun for you to celebrate in this morning and we owe them all a great debt of gratitude.”

Twilight was stunned as Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and all the guards bowed to them. The citizens of Ponyville followed suit rather quickly, leaving the six who had traversed the forest staring at each other in shock.

“It is through their Unity and their Harmony that this came to pass and I would be a foal to split them up.” Princess Celestia announced as she straightened, making everyone’s heads come up to, “So it is with this and the happiness of my student in mind, that I have decided that from this day forth, I am assigning Twilight Sparkle to Ponyville, to continue her studies on the Magic of Friendship.”

The cheer from the crowd, who were relieved to have the Elements of Harmony staying with them, in Ponyville, were drowned out by the excited squeals of the group of the six fillies as they hugged each other, delighted that they were not going to be separated.

“I ask that you treat them with all the respect they deserve.” Princess Celestia continued, “No matter which shape or form you may come across them in.” She continued, obviously referring to the fact that Twilight could transform into an alicorn, “And to you girls, I say thank you, and do not hesitate to visit Canterlot whenever you like. I am certain that we will be seeing a lot of each other in the future.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash saluted, while Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy bowed or nodded. Twilight, however had an entirely different and not completely dignified response and she hugged her teacher tightly, babbling her thanks, having been afraid that Celestia would abandon her if she chose to leave Canterlot.

“No, Twilight, thank you.” Celestia whispered back, hugging her too, “And I hope you’ll be happier here than you were in Canterlot.”

“I will.” Twilight promised, a bright grin on her face, though no one could see it, “I definitely will.”

NaNo2014: Shadows of Friendship: Part 27

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Rarity looked him over, curious, “Are you from Canterlot too?”

“Uhh, yes.” He nodded, wondering why her eyes widened and she suddenly looked fascinated at that, “I’m the Captain of the Palace Guards.”

“Really?” Rainbow Dash asked as he herded them into the largest chariot, planning to get them back to Ponyville in it, “That’s so cool!”

“I’ll tell you more about it once we’re back in Ponyville, promise.” Shining Armour chuckled, gesturing for a couple of his strongest pegasi guards to take the reins as Spike scrambled onto Twilight’s back, hugging her neck tightly. Twilight adjusted slightly so he could get comfortable, but Spike refused to move.

“Not going anywhere.” He grumbled, “You were gone forever. I thought…”

“I’m sorry, Spike,” Twilight apologised as they lifted off, “I didn’t think…It took a little longer than I thought, can you forgive me?”

“Only if you promise not to leave me behind next time.” The dragonet, who had not slept properly all night, grouched as he started falling asleep.

“Hopefully there won’t be a next time.” Fluttershy whispered, her voice barely carrying over the sound of the wind as they travelled at high speed over the top of the trees.

Twilight did not say anything in response to that. She kind of hoped that there would not be a next time too, but she was almost certain there would be. The Shadows had made it perfectly clear that there was some pony out there, some other Princess, who would not be happy to see her if they ever met. Twilight could almost guarantee that at some point that Princess would come calling. So yes, this would probably happen again.

She did not think that this was the time to tell her exhausted, tired and injured friends though. In fact it was possible that it would not matter for much longer if the Ponyville crew knew or not. She was going home tomorrow after all. Her shoulders sank as she thought about it. She was not really looking forward to it.

While Canterlot was her home and she missed it a little, she did not want to go back to school and have to deal with the bullies again. The only highlights of her time in Canterlot were the rare moments she got to hang out with her brother, or her classes with her mentor. The entire rest of her time in school was spent either putting up with snide comments from her classmates or living in the library. She had had more fun in Ponyville in a day than she had had in Canterlot in years.

And soon it would be over and as much as she loved studying under Princess Celestia, she did not think she could easily go back to being lonely and hated by her fellow classmates. It would be boring and she would go crazy. At least, she supposed, she could always send the others letters. It would not be the same, but it was better than nothing.

“Twilight?” Rarity asked as she watched the part-time Princess’s head sink and rest against the edge of the chariot, “Are you alright, darling?”

“I’m…okay. I guess.” Twilight replied, the events of the last day and a bit catching up to her as she felt the weariness sink into every fibre of her being.

“Yer don’ sound okay.” Applejack frowned, nudging her lightly.

“I...” Twilight turned to look at them, a small, sad smile on her face, “I’m going to miss you fillies.”

“Awww, we’ll miss you too, darling.” Rarity hugged her, carefully so she did not awaken Spike, “But we’ll come and visit, right?” She asked the others.

“Totally,” Rainbow Dash nodded, lifting off and making the chariot judder slightly as she went, “I could get to Canterlot and back in a flash!”

“And the rest of us can get the train there, it’s just a little trip.” Fluttershy offered, with a nod, “I’m sure I can find some pony to look after my animals while I’m away.”

“And when we get there I’ll throw a big party!” Pinkie Pie giggled at her. “So you won’t feel so blue.”

“An’ I’ll bring some o’ ma apple pies for you ter share with yer friends in Canterlot.” Applejack promised, only to watch as Twilight’s shoulders sank further, “What? What’s wrong Twi?”

“I don’t…you lot are the only friends I have, besides Spike and my brother…” Twilight admitted, though she was embarrassed to do so.

“Well that’s no fun.” Pinkie pouted as she sat down and thought about it.

“Then we’ll just have to visit lots, darling.” Rarity promised, crossing her heart as she did.

“It’s just a shame you can’t stay in Ponyville.” Rainbow commented as Ponyville loomed on the horizon. “We’re way cooler anyway. By about twenty percent.”

“I don’t know about that, Rainbow.” Rarity partly scolded as they started coming in to land in the main square of the village, not far from the town hall. “Canterlot is very different from Ponyville, you really shouldn’t compare them.”

“If Twilight prefers here to there, then Ponyville’s obviously better.” Rainbow shrugged, unconcerned with Rarity’s irritation. The white unicorn opened her mouth to retort but she did not get a chance to utter a word before they touched down with barely a bounce.

Ponyville was much quieter than it had been when they had left and there were guards posted on most corners, helping the citizens of the small town where they could. When the chariots touched down however, they drew the attention of everyone. The mayor was the first to approach as Twilight clambered down from the carriage and then helped the others down. She looked them over carefully, noting the jewellery that adorned each of them.

Then her attention was drawn to the carriage that came down behind them and her eyes widened when she saw who it was carrying. “P…Princess Celestia and Nightmare Moon?”

“No.” Twilight corrected as they landed, “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. The two sisters reunited once more.” The mayor nodded, still looking a little nervous as she canted over to the pair. Twilight could not help but wonder how long it would take poor Luna to live down her possessed form. She had a horrible feeling that it would take a very long time before she was allowed to forget what she had done. Even if she had not been in control for any of it.

The ponies of Ponyville emerged from their hiding places, as well as several members of the Apple family. A pair of young fillies, so young that they had not even gotten their cutie marks yet, rushed out of the crowd and hugged Rarity and Applejack.

One was a white unicorn who looked rather like Twilight would image a young Rarity would. Her mane and tail had a very similar curl to the mare who was probably her sister but were a combination of pale pink and lavender. The other was a yellow filly that Twilight recognised from the Apple family introductions. Though the earth pony was a similar pale yellow to Fluttershy with a reddish pink mane and tail, the former of whom was tied with a pink ribbon, her similar facial features and the accent the part-time Princess heard as the filly babbled at Applejack labelled her as Applebloom.

As the two older ponies reassured and hugged their younger sisters, Twilight approached her older brother, a little nervous as she watched him order his men to start withdrawing back to the palace in Canterlot. “Shiny?” She asked when he was not busy, “Will you stay? For the party, please?”

“Sure, Twily.” The older stallion nodded, nuzzling her and smiling, “But you still need to tell me what happened. Were you really an alicorn?”

“I…temporarily.” Twilight nodded, “I found out a lot today and I need to write it all down before I forget it, but apparently I was an alicorn a really long time ago but I sealed away some ancient power and accidently locked away my alicorn powers at the same. Now I’m just a unicorn.”

“Just a unicorn?” Shining Armour sounded offended, though he had an odd expression on his features that meant Twilight was not sure if he was angry or not. “There’s nothing wrong with being a unicorn.”

“You know I didn’t mean…I like being a unicorn!” Twilight told him, “That’s not what I meant. I don’t entirely understand this mess myself, yet. But I will and when I do, I’ll share everything with you, I promise.”

“You’d better, Twily.” Shining Armour nodded as they watched Princess Luna receive a crown of daisies from some of the younger ponies in town. The part-time Princess was pleased to see a surprised but delighted smile light up the younger alicorn’s features, helping the townsfolk around them relax.

“You know what this calls for?” Pinkie Pie asked, pulling the party cannon out of her hair and reloading it in less than a heartbeat. “A party!”

Twilight did not get a chance to warn her brother before Pinkie fired her cannon and she found herself smothered in his protective embrace as the explosion went off.  

“Shiny! Shiny it’s okay, it’s just Pinkie Pie!” Twilight giggled at him, trying to push him away. “Her party cannon only shoots streams and confetti.”

“Seriously?” Shining Armour looked sceptical as he let go of her and stared around at the aforementioned items scattered everywhere. “How…?”

“It’s Pinkie Pie, I’m beginning to give up asking.” Twilight admitted with a slight laugh. “Come try the food, it’s gorgeous.” Twilight kept an eye on the party, enjoying it from the edges. Swiftly as more and more of the townsfolk joined in, used to Pinkie Pie’s impromptu parties, it became clear that the ponies were going to accept Princess Luna easily. Or at least it seemed that way. It was a load off of the purple unicorn’s mind.