Pirates of Equestria

20: Mourning

Crowned Prince of the Crystal Empire. A title of honor and prestige granted to a pony who hardly deserved such an honor. The thought is forefront in Shining Armor’s mind as he steps off the funeral train into Appleoosa. He looks to his left and watches the funeral detail carry the coffin bearing Braeburn’s body off the train. Notifications of the death had been sent out to the entire Apple family two days ago meaning that the extended family would be arriving within the day. The prince can only worry as to how he would explain this to Big Macintosh.

For the rest of the day, Shining can only think about Braeburn’s death. Constantly replaying the moment for any idea of how it could have been prevented only to realize that it could never change. Guilt hangs over him, pressing down on him. The thought of all the other dead under his command since this whole thing started haunts him. Sky had been right those years ago, he was a horrible excuse for a leader.

When the time of the funeral arrives, more than forty members of the Apple family are present. Shining maintains his distance from Big Mac, still unable to confront his friend. The body is carried out with a full Guard squad in tow. Braeburn would be buried with full military honors, it is the least that the prince can do. Laying on top of the coffin is the flag of the Crystal Empire. The coffin passes under an archway of spears as it makes its way to the burial spot before being set down for last words.

“Though he was not a soldier, Braeburn died in a manner befitting a soldier. Had it not been for him, I would be the one dead right now. I owe my life to him and my only regret is that I cannot repay him for his heroics. Though we are sad to see him go, we should be proud to have known such a pony. His heart was the largest I have ever known and he was the kindest that I had known. He thrust himself into the heart of danger for the sake of others and died protecting another.”

All around, Shining can hear the sorrowful cries of the family. Mares weep openly while the stallions fight to hold back their tears. Several small foals cry in response to the adults or stare in curiosity and confusion. Across from Shining, Big Mac simply stares at the coffin, unable to raise his head.

The guards that bore the coffin begin to fold the flag laid on top while Shining steps around, heading towards Braeburn’s immediate family. Braeburn’s father holds his mother close as she cries, unable to contain his own tears. A young mare, Braeburn’s wife, grips a small child close as the tears flow down her face. Shining speaks softly to her.

“Braeburn was one of the bravest ponies I have had a chance to know. He faced down terror and fear always putting others before him. For that, I am proud to present him with the Crystal Empire’s Medal of Valor as well as the Canterlot Royal Guard Medal of Bravery. Please accept them in his stead.”

The flag and medals are presented to the mare who can only throw herself onto Shining, unable to contain any emotion whatsoever. Braeburn’s parents accept the flag and medals in the mare’s stead, allowing the young widow to release the floodgate of tears for her lost husband. A somber tune is played as the coffin is lowered into the ground and buried.

When the funeral is over, Shining quickly leaves as the family goes to condole the new widow and the rest of the family. His guilt is a heavy enough burden as it is. As he makes his way to the train he is stopped by a set of heavy hoof steps. He turns to see Big Mac whose head hangs low in a mix of sorrow and anger.

“I should have gone instead.”

“Then it would be you we just buried.”

“It would have been better if I had died instead of him!”

Realization hits Shining along with the statement. “Is that why you are so quiet my friend? Because of those two who died on that day? I know you loved one and Sky the other but…Sky was right. That day and this one were both my fault. Don’t blame yourself.”

The two friends are silent for a moment. Anger boils within them both. Shining turns to leave but is stopped by Big Mac’s next demand.

“I’m going with you.”

“No,” Shining says without even looking back.

“I will avenge Braebun-”

“And what will vengeance do? Bring Braeburn back to life?” The stinging words silence the work horse. “You’re not involved in any of this as it is. Braeburn chose his path and you chose yours. You can’t change your path just because he died. I’ve seen too many die already at the hooves of one we used to call our friend. I won’t have you go and risk your life so I can watch you die too!”

Big Mac stands in silence, trying to come up with anything to say. But words fail him as they always do. Shining is right.

“I will find Sky and I will bring him down. I know what you’re thinking. This won’t bring Braeburn back just like I said, but I’m already in too deep to just let this go. I will avenge Braebun and redeem myself.”

Without another word Shining steps onto the train with the rest of the funeral detail. Big Mac watches the train leave before meeting back up with Applejack and Granny Smith.

“Everything alrigh’ big brother?” Applejack asks.

The work horse’s response is simple as his responses always are. There is no explanation just an answer to the question. “Nope.”

Shining arrives at the shipyard where the Crystal Princess sits, nearing the completion of the repairs. He looks over to see Soarin waiting with the crew as well as several new ponies, those that will make up for the losses sustained during the encounter with Sky.

“What’s the situation so far?” Shining asks, hardly showing any emotion.

“The recovery is completed. We did manage to find five survivors from the attack.”

“I’ll take their report later. What else?”

Soarin is taken aback by Shining’s attitude but says nothing given the recent events. “The clean-up crew is at the base now and we are in the process of relocating to the next base.”

“Good.”

Shining walks over towards the Crystal Princess. He looks over the mighty vessel and the scars she bears from the devastation. A mix of emotions floods the prince ranging from blind rage to deep sorrow, confusion to determination. Each emotion conflicts with the other leaving Shining lost in his own mind. Regardless of what happens to him, he will end this. Sky must pay for his actions.

“Inform me when the repairs are complete. We sail immediately following the repairs.”

This will end, even if Shining must sacrifice his own life to end it. He must atone for the mistakes of his past.