Simon's Story

The train was moving way too fast, in Simon’s opinion. He wanted to get to Canterlot quickly, but no this fast.  He both dreaded and anticipated what was awaiting for him.  Although he really wished that he was alone.

Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and even Fluttershy, all accompanied him on his journey to the truth. Except, they didn’t know the truth. The reason they asked (or rather demanded) to come, was to keep an eye on Simon’s injuries from his fight with the timber wolves. He had spent three days in recovery, and was only able to escape by lying about his health. The doctor was able to tell that Simon was lying, of course, and asked Applejack to go with him to Canterlot. Everyone was happy to come along, everyone that is, except Rainbow Dash.

“What are we doing?” Rainbow Dash asked for what seemed like the millionth time.

“I told you Rainbow, were going to help Simon.” Applejack answered.

“Yea, but what does that mean?” Rainbow Dash glared at Simon.

“It means that…I’m going to see an old friend.” Simon replied.

“What type of friend?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Is it a tall friend, or a short one? Do they like to laugh? Do they like cake? Can they hold their breathe for a long time like this?”

“Pinkie Pie I don’t think that’s such a-“ Simon began.

“Hold on Simon, I think that we would all like to see how long this can last.” Applejack interrupted.

“Can we please stay on topic here?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Are you still saying that Simon is some sort of…ruffian?” Rarity questioned. “Even after he saved my sister’s life, including Apple Bloom and Scootaloo’s?”

“I’m not saying that the old Simon was a bad guy.” Rainbow Dash began. “But now he has his memories back, and who knows what he could be thinking.”

Simon looked out the window, hoping that Rainbow Dash would stop asking questions. Simon did have a (what some might call) sinister purpose for wanting to go to Canterlot. In truth, Simon was glad that his friends were with him. Although, I doubt we’ll stay that way for long…Simon thought as the train raced on.

Rainbow Dash did eventually calm down, and soon the train started to slow down. The ride actually became comfortable, as Simon and the gang started to play twenty questions (which Pinkie Pie constantly won at), I spy (which Rainbow Dash was a natural at), and truth or dare (Fluttershy refused to play this one). The ride to Canterlot became so much fun, that Simon soon forgot about his journey entirely. Unfortunately, like all good things, the train came to a screeching halt.

As the train stopped, the conductor announced their destination. Every pony on the train started to leave. First rainbow Dash shot out, happy to be finally spread her wings. Applejack followed, then Rarity, then Fluttershy, and then Pinkie Pie. Simon was the last to step off the train. As excited as he was to finally be in Canterlot, he wasn’t ready to face what was awaiting him. He took so long getting off that the conductor asked if he needed some type of special assistance. Simon thanked him for asking, but declined his help. After a few more minutes of waiting Simon finally exited the safety of the train.

“What took ya so long Simon?” Applejack asked. “Aren’t ya excited to be in Canterlot?”

“Well…I…Yea I am.” Simon lied.

They exited the train station quickly so as not to get in any ponies way, and finale entered the city. The first thing Simon noticed, were the buildings. They were huge, a lot taller than was Simon remembered. There were also a lot more ponies (unicorns to be precise) than he recalled as well. The others must of noticed how shocked Simon was because Rarity asked him if he needed to sit down.

“No, I’m all right, it’s just…a lot to take in right now.” Simon assured.

“So Simon, what do you want to do first?” Fluttershy asked.

Simon looked around the street they were on. It seemed familiar, almost like he had been on it before. Then he remembered that this street led to one of his favorite places of all time. He raced around the corner without explaining what he was doing. His only thought was that this little side mission would distract from his original goal. After a few more blocks, Simon came to a halt. He looked around trying to find his favorite bar, but all that was there was some donut shop. Simon felt a little heart broken as the others caught up.

“What’s wrong Simon?” Applejack asked.

“It’s really nothing, but…there used to be a tavern here.” Simon admitted.

“What are you talking about?” Rainbow Dash asked. “According to Spike, who never shuts up about this place, this shop has always been here.”

“Well…I…uh…” Simon stumbled.

“It is quite all right Simon.” Rarity said, coming to his rescue. “Rainbow, Simon might still have trouble remembering things, there’s no need to get so critical.”

“All right then, fine.” Rainbow Dash said defensively. “Then let’s go ask Doughnut Joe where this tavern is.” She said, as she started to drift into the donut shop.

“Yea donuts!” Pinkie Pie shouted.

Oh crap. Simon thought as they started to follow. He started to get worried that this little side journey might reveal more than he was willing to let out. As he entered though, his fears started to fade away. The tavern might not have been there, but the memories were. Simon stood in the doorway for about five minutes, remembering all the good times he had in the tavern. Of course there was no time to completely reminisce, as Rainbow Dash was already talking to the owner.

“Hey Doughnut Joe, my friends got a question for ya.” Rainbow Dash said as she sat down on one of the stools that was by the counter.

“Go ahead and shoot.” Doughnut Joe replied.

“I was just wondering if the Black Dragon is still around.” Simon inquired as he took a seat next to Rainbow.

“The Black Dragon huh, well I haven’t heard that name in years.” Joe began. “Why do you want to know?”

“Well, last time I remember being in town that tavern was still here.”

“Uh huh, so when was the last time you were in town.”

“I only remember it being a while ago.”

“Well then, I’m sorry but I can’t really help you.”

“Why not?”

“The Black Dragon is a popular name around here. There have been so many opening and closing it’s hard to keep track.”

Simon smiled at this revelation. His secret might be kept safe just a little longer. He thanked Doughnut Joe and exited the shop. Simon was happy that nothing was revealed and that he could keep everything know until they reach the castle. At least that’s what he thought, until Applejack asked one of the worst possible questions.

“Well sorry that turned out to be a bust.” Applejack began. “But it’s probably for the best. After all, ya don’t wanna be drunk when we see your folks.”

“I-I’m sorry?” Simon asked not sure he heard correctly.

“Ya know, your parents.”

“We can’t!”

“Uh, why not?”

Then Simon gave the worst reason. “They’re dead.”

He could have said anything other than that. They’re on vacation this time of year, they’re at the castle, anything than they’re dead. It wasn’t a lie or anything, his parents were dead. The only thing wrong was that their death, might come off as a little shocking.

“Would like to go visit them anyway?” Rarity asked.

“No! I mean…they made me promise that when they passed I wouldn’t linger to much on their memory.” Simon said quickly. He hoped that this would put the argument to rest, he prayed that it would.

“Aw, c’mon Simon, at least let us see your house.” Pinkie Pie pleaded.

Now this would be easy to explain. Simon agreed to show them where he grew up, and he himself wanted to know what had become of it. He lead past a few streets and through a few allies, navigating like a pro. Although there might be new buildings and roads, it was still the same town he grew up in. When they had finally reached his street, Simon was once again hit with a wave of nostalgia. He remembered coming home late at night, because his training sessions ran a little longer than expected. He also remembered how he used to come home with a bunch of bruises and marks after school. Canterlot was safe enough, and the ponies that lived there were nice enough. Simon was just really strong in his political beliefs, as was every pony else. So whenever he went out and some pony started to put down Luna, Simon would put down Celestia.

“So which house is yours?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Well it was that one.” Simon pointed to a fairly large building that used to be a two story house, but was now an apartment complex.

“You used to live in…that?” Rarity asked, clearly confused considering Simon’s education.

“Well it used to be a regular house.” Simon explained. “But after mom and dad died, I guess it got turned into an apartment complex.”

“Hold on a minute…you guess? As in you don’t know?” Rainbow said, excited at the notion that she might have caught Simon at last.

“Hey now, I wasn’t living here when they died.” Simon explained. “I was living on the castle grounds. When they died, I didn’t feel like coming back.”

“There now, are you happy Rainbow Dash.” Rarity asked. “Honestly, ever since we got here all you’ve been trying to do is get Simon in trouble.”

“He’s not the same.” Rainbow Dash explained.

“Rainbow Dash, I promise you that everything will be revealed, once we get to the castle.” Simon explained.

“Why do we need to go there?” She questioned. “Why not just tell us right here an now?”

Simon started to walk in the direction of the castle. He turned back to look at Rainbow Dash, and just smiled. Doing anything else, in his opinion, would arouse more suspicion. Finding the castle wasn’t that hard, after all it is the biggest building in all of Canterlot. It towered over the city like a god over its people. That was one of the reasons Simon enjoyed the castle, it demanded respect from all gazed upon it. When they finally reached the castle, Simon froze up again. He couldn’t move, and his legs started to shake.

“What’s wrong Simon?” Fluttershy asked.

Simon couldn’t answer though, his ability to speak also left him the moment he saw the stairs. This is it. He thought. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. The moment when the truth comes out. The moment where I confront Celestia. Simon took that first step, and courage started to enter his body. He took another, and another, until he was finally at the door. There were two guards at the entrance, but as soon as they saw the elements of harmony, they let them pass.

The inside of the castle hadn’t changed one bit since Simon had last been there. If memory served the thrown room down the hall to the left. Simon was headed in that direction when he heard a voice from behind call his name.

“Hey Simon! What are you doing here?” Twilight shouted from down the hall. She raced towards her friends and gave them all a hug. It was only then that Simon noticed another alicorn appear from the same room Twilight was in…only this one was pink.

“Twilight, aren’t you going to introduce me to your new friend?” Cadence asked.

“Oh, of course! Cadence this is Simon, the unicorn I was trying to help. Simon this is princes Cadence, ruler of the Crystal Empire.” Twilight explained.

“Your highness.” Simon bowed. “So there are four alicorns now? When did you become a princes, if you don’t mind me asking.” Simon questioned.

“It couldn’t have been more than ten or thirteen years ago.” Cadence began. “In fact, I became the first alicorn princess, since the banishment of Nightmare Moon.”

“Really…” Simon felt disgust at this realization.

“Simon you didn’t answer my question, though. Why are you here? I didn’t find a cure for you yet.” Twilight said apologetically.

“I got my memory back three days ago.” Simon explained. “I’m here to see Celestia. Is she in?”

“Why do you need to see Celestia?” Twilight asked.

“Is-She-In?” Simon repeated pronouncing every word as though they were a sentence.

“Y-yes.” Twilight stammered.

Simon continued to walk to the throne room as the others trailed behind him. The doors were massive, standing over them like giants. Simon summoned up his courage, took a deep breath, and walked in.

There she was. Celestia, sitting on her throne, reading over some documents. She didn’t even notice her guests until they were halfway across the room. She smiled, as if though this was an expected visit.

“Twilight, what brings your friends here this evening?” She asked.

“Well I-“ Twilight began.

“What brings us here is me.” Simon stepped out in front of the group.

“Who are you?”

“I doubt you’d forget me.”

Celestia squinted her eyes as she looked at Simon, searching for some distinctive feature. At last she said, “I’m sorry, but I really don’t know.”

“It’s me Tia, Simon, captain of the night guard.” Simon said definitively.

Celestia’s face never broke character, never showed any sign of surprise. On the inside however, she died just a little bit.

“Of course, Simon, how could I forget? It has been a long time indeed. Come, walk with me in the garden.” She enticed.

“How about no?” Simon asked.

“I really think you should come Simon, before you say something…regretful.”

“Just go Simon.” Twilight whispered. “Tell us what you want to say when you get back.”

Simon looked from Twilight to Celestia. It was clear that if and when a fight broke out, they would all cover their princess. Simon gave in and agreed to take the walk that Celestia had asked for.

The garden was bigger than Simon remembered. For starters there was this huge maze that Celestia started walking towards. I see what your game is. Simon thought. Get me in the maze and then kill me.

“I’m not going in there.” Simon stopped.

Celestia turned around and smiled. “You don’t really have a choice.” Her horn started to glow.

Realizing that it would not do for Simon to be killed before he got to spread the truth, continued to walk in the maze. Along the way he started to memorize every twist and turn they took. If he needed to flee, he would know the right path. At last they stopped in the center of the maze, which was an opened area shaped in a circle.

“So tell me Simon, what do you remember?” Celestia asked.

“I remember everything.” Simon promised.

“Indulge me a little.”

“All right fine.” Simon began. “I remember how I trained to become a soldier for the night guard. After all it was my dream to serve under Luna, and help in any way I could. I went through grueling months of training and studying. I was top in my division, and in just two months after graduating, I was assigned to Luna’s personal guard.” Simon paused looking at Celestia’s reaction. This part of his history didn’t faze her…but why not?

Simon continued, “After I had been assigned, I guarded Luna under all sorts of conditions. Assignations, diplomatic missions, I even stopped an angry citizen from attacking her in the street once. Heh, probably saved the guys life in the process as well.”

“After a few years, Luna and I had grown close…as friends. She confided in me her hopes, and fears. I talked to her about my family the issues we faced. We became so close and trusted each other so deeply that she appointed me captain of the night guard.” Once again Simon paused to see Celestia’s reaction. Again he saw no sign of fear so he continued, “No surprise that meant seeing each other less and less. I was only around for important issues, like what nation we would go to war with, and who needs to be, taken care of. Yea, it wasn’t the most ideal way to continue a friendship, but we made it work. Even though I may have been her only friend…I wasn’t her only fan.” This last sentence mad Celestia tense up a little. Now I got you.

“Luna was loved by all a thousand years ago. Her night was worshiped just as much as your day. While every pony was up to appreciate the evening, Luna’s night brought parities and festivals. The citizens adored her, because she was more involved than you were. She was prepping them for the day, by helping them solve their issues at night.” Celstia started subtly to look from the ground to Simon.

“Every day, all you heard were praises of the night. The wild parties, the good dreams, it was all Luna. You grew jealous, and began to despise Luna. The real tipping point, however, came at the three hundredth royal meeting.” Tears started to form in Celestia’s eyes.

“Do you remember that meeting? I do, but that’s only because it was the last one I ever attended. Luna was absent, and sent me in her place. She was away at the Griffon Kingdom, trying to restore the peace after some pony commited a hate crime in their city. Anyway, at the meeting, it was me, you, and the elders from the major cities of Equestria. The elders, as you recall, worked in the shadows and gathered information from our citizens. For example, they retrieved information about who was more popular, you or Luna. It was no surprise when they brought up that popular demand wanted Luna as full time ruler. You became infuriated, remember? You threatened to kill everyone in the room if that information ever reached Luna. We all swore to silence, understanding that you had your rightful place.” Celestia looked like she was about to throw up.

“That night, however, I followed you to your room. I wanted to assure you that even if Luna got the information, she would never accept it. I wanted to assure you that she loved you too much to betray you. Except what I found was much worse. You were summoning the spirits of vengeance and betrayal, an act that was forbidden, even to you! As soon as I saw what you were doing I tried to stop you. Unfortunately you sent them away before I could reach you. Then upon seeing me…you destroyed me.” Simon finished.

Celestia was practically crying when he was done. All those memories that she had tried to push down were coming back up, all at once. She could barley even look at Simon, much less defend herself. Simon waited until she was done having her mental breakdown to ask the one question that had been on his mind since his arrival in Ponyvile.

“Who brought me back?” Simon asked.

“W-what?” Celestia sniffed.

“Who brought me back?” Simon asked a little more forcefully.

“Perhaps, I should explain some things first.” Celestia said, bringing herself back to her royal decorum. “I didn’t kill you Simon. I didn’t have time to think of a proper sentence in the five seconds it took you to reach me from the door. I merely banished you to…well lets just call it a room outside of time. There you were in a kind of stasis, one in which you could not age. After the defeat of Nightmare Moon, my attention was once again turned to you. I didn’t want any more blood shed…at least none that was my fault. I decided that once Luna returned, she would need a friend, someone to connect with after being gone for so many years. Yet, I couldn’t let you keep your old memories, I thought that would be…hazardous. So while you were in your stasis I supplied you with information from the changing world (that’s why you speak more modern equestrian) and I started to put in a few memories of my own. Obviously that didn’t work out quite the way I wanted. As for who broke you out…I have one guess.” When Celestia had finished she shot what appeared to be a small, weak, blast that covered the entire maze.

“Now honestly Tia, that was uncalled for.” The voice complained. Out from the shadow stepped a beast that not even Simon could describe.

“How much did you hear Discord?” Celestia asked.

“Well I dozed off when Simon was talking about that heartwarming gunk. But I did hear that you were a chaotic little princess.” He smiled.

“Why? Why did you break him free…and how?”

“That’s simple. You know my power beats yours by a thousand. Also you talk in your sleep.”

Celestia zapped Discord and turned him into stone. He just sat there, looking proud of himself. Celestia turned to Simon with rage in her eyes. Well this is it. Simon thought as he backed into a corner. I’m no match for Celestia. I should have just stayed in Ponyvile. He waited for the blast…but it never came. Simon opened his eyes to see Celestia looking back.

“Aren’t you…going to kill me?” He asked.

“No Simon. Like I said, you were supposed to be a gift.”

“So then…what? You’re going to send me back to the room?”

“No. I’m going to give you a choice. Accept the new memories that I have crafted for you, or, keep the ones you have.”

“You’re kidding right? Why would I accept your memories?”

“Celestia sighed and look up towards the sky. It was cloudless and the sun was shining brightly. She looked back at Simon and smiled. “I don’t expect you to accept the ones I made. But if you refuse, all I ask is that you remain silent.”

“You know that won’t happen. I might have accepted if…” Simon trailed off.

“If what?” Celestia asked.

“If I hadn’t met Cadence. She seems so…useless. You created her as an alicorn, only to replace the loss you felt by Luna. When Luna came back however, you pushed Cadence off to the side. Then when Luna wasn’t the same as you remembered, you made Twilight an alicorn.” Simon accused.

“All true. Twilight is at least bearable, but Cadence…was a mistake.” Celestia smiled once more. “However all of that aside, what do you choose?”

“Why should I take your memories?”

“Simon, if you refuse to take my memories and speak of the past, then Equestria will fall into a civil war. Thousands of lives will be lost, nations destroyed. Ask yourself, do you want that on your conscience?”

Simon…had not considered that a civil war could ensue. He had to think this through. The truth was important, obviously, and Luna deserved to know. Except…in the process thousands of lives would be lost.

“Celestia…what happened after you banished Luna?” Simon asked hoping to prolong the decision he would have to make.

“After I banished Nightmare Moon, Equestria became…sadder. My citizens became less prepared for the day than usual. Progress slowed down, the night became meaningless and the day became simply the present. I tried to banish the demons that possessed my sister a thousand times over.” Celestia started to pace back and forth, relieved that she could finally talk of her true past. “It was lonely…and in my loneliness, I became a more merciful ruler. One that was more compassionate, more in control. Luna’s banishment forced me to grow up, and take a more active role in my kingdom. Still…if I could I would take it all back.” She finished.

Simon looked at her and then at what she had done, and lastly what she had been through. He wasn’t one to hold a grudge, but even he could not forgive her. Celestia had banished her only sister for a thousand years because of a mistake that she made. Then she proceeded to lie about it, and now, tried to justify her actions by claiming that it made her a better ruler. For a thousand years, Luna was forced to watch her friends grow and die from the seclusion of the moon. The worst part was knowing that Celestia did nothing to help her sister, did nothing to restore her reputation.

“What would my new memories include?” Simon questioned.

“They would simply say that I rescued you from Nightmare Moon’s wrath. That you have no recollection of what I did or what the council said. Basically it never happened.”

“I…accept. There is only one thing I would like to change.”

“Which would be?”

“Before Luna turned, in her final act of grace, she saved me from herself.”

Celestia smiled. “That can be arranged.”

All at once Simon was thrown back into the room. His room, he realized. A room of truth and justice. Once again two books appeared before him, one with the sun, and one with the moon. He looked at the moon with fondness. It’ll always be there…just locked. He thought with a sense of happiness. He turned to the sun, and with the thought that he was saving millions of lives, begrudgingly walked towards it.

Simon woke up a little shaken, with princess Celestia standing before him. To the right of her was the statue of Discord. He walked forward a bit, still a little dazed.

“Simon…are you alright? Tell me, what’s the last thing you remember?” Celestia asked.

“I…I remember Discord waking me up too early to give him a history lesson. He then tried to warp my mind and you stopped him before he could. Then I blacked out.” Simon concluded.

“That’s right. Simon go inside the castle and wait for me.” Celestia commanded. “I need to wipe Discord’s mind a little bit.”

Simon, not understanding that last part, saluted and walked inside. Upon entering the castle he was met with a barrage of questions, mainly from Rainbow Dash.

“Where’s Celestia?” She demanded.

“In the maze with Discord.” Simon answered.

“What did you ask her.”

“What’s happened in the past thousand years.”

“Wait, what?”

Simon explained what Luna did for him, and why he needed to meet Celestia. To find out what happened after Luna turned.

“Speaking of which where is Luna?” Simon asked. “Isn’t she back yet?”

“She should be back any minute.” Twilight replied.

So Simon waited…and waited…and waited. All the while thinking about what life was going to be like from now on. What would happen after he and Luna reunite? Would she give him back his old position? Simon didn’t know, and to be honest, he didn’t care. He left the throne room, and proceeded up the stairs to the tower. The tower that started his life. It was twilight now and the night was rising.

“Excuse me, but, who might thou be?” A voice asked from behind.

Simon turned around, “Hello, Luna.”