A Twinkle of Hope

A Twinkle of Hope - Chapter 22

The world began to fade in. A beeping sound found its way into Cloudrunner's ear. The walls were white, with faint blurs of several pastel colored shapes.

"...Oh! Everypony! He's waking up!" The pink blur started bouncing up and down. Soon, his vision came into focus, revealing six female ponies crowding around a white bed.

"Wh...am I dead? Are these pretty mares for me?"

"Haha! No, Cloudie! You're alive, well maybe we're all dead too! I mean were we ever alive in the first place?" Pinkie's existential quandary was cut short by an orange pony in a brown hat.

"Ya'll have to excuse her, General. She's a bit...well...a couple apples short of a bushel. Anyway, you are in the hospital. They up and got ya while you were lying in front of the uh former castle. You were mighty injured, missing a wing and all."

"Thank you. What else was I missing?" I just now noticed the left side of his face was covered in bandages.

A lavender unicorn took charge of the conversation. "Only your eye and wing. I'm sorry about that. But thank you for saving us. You don't realize how grateful we all are. Ok girls!" Before Cloudrunner knew what was going on, the six ponies rushed the pegasus in a big hug. The Rarity even went so far as to plant a kiss on his cheek, causing the old warpony to blush.

Rainbow Dash embraced him the tightest. "I'm so glad you’re safe... Don't ever scare me like that again!"

The General responded in kind. "Likewise, Captain." He noticed the white cast on her leg. "Looks like they fixed you up too."

She glanced at her leg, realizing what he meant. She had to hover due to the cast. "Oh...that? Yeah my kneecap was pretty much gone so they replaced it with I think titanium. I gotta wear this thing for a while."

"Good to see it wasn't too bad. Wait...where are we? Is this the Canterlot hospital?"

A unicorn wearing a white coat and stethoscope walked in to answer the General's question. "Indeed we are, sir. The hospital was still standing...well most of it. And fully stocked too. It's been wonderful to be able to treat all the soldiers, some of which I could never treat in a tent." As usual, Dr. Mend droned on about medicine.

The cluster of ponies on the bed didn't give up the hug. Another voice came in, like some sort of cliché, Cloudrunner thought. This was a voice he knew VERY well. "Now my little ponies, I wish to thank him too."

The General's eye widened. He had feared what Celestia would think of him, how he failed her. Would he be banished, or thrown into the dungeon, or banished and thrown into a dungeon at the place he's banished to? His mind was whirring a mile a minute, and then stopped and the alabaster alicorn leaned over the bed and kissed Cloudrunner on the lips.

The General’s wing flared out in excitement. Twilight Sparkle was stunned. Pinkie Pie was giggling. Nopony expected Celestia to be so…affectionate.

A few moments later and she pulled back, smiling at the speechless stallion. "Thank you so much, Cloudrunner. And of course you too Captain Rainbow Dash. Your leadership has not only saved us from prison, but also Equestria itself. We are in your debt."

The General's mind calmed down a bit. "Uh...you're welcome...Princess. Just doing my duty. By the way, where is Princess Luna?"

"My sister is outside, helping to clear the rubble."

"How long was I out? You seem much better since last I saw you."

Dr. Mend spoke up, glancing at a levitated clipboard. "Oh...about eighteen hours. Enough time to use magic and heal a Princess."

"Hm... well I've been idle for too long." Cloudrunner took off the heart monitor pads, as well as the bandages over his eye. He got out of bed. Dr. Mend took a breath to protest, but words failed him. The good doctor knew all too well how stubborn the General could be, especially in matters of helping other ponies.

Fluttershy, ever quiet, nevertheless felt like lending some hospitality. "Um...sir...is there anything we can get for you? That is...if you don't mind me asking."

"Well Miss 'Shy, I'd like an eye patch. I bet nopony wants to look at this...injury."

Pinkie Pie's face lit up. "On it! I got some around here." Out of nowhere she pulled an eye patch from underneath a tray of food on the bedside. She tied it around the General's head.

Cloudrunner was confused as to where the patch came from. "How did you..."

Twilight leaned over to his ear and whispered, "Best not to ask."

"Alright then...oh! And miss Applejack?"

The honest pony perked up her ears. "Yes, General?"

"If it's not too much trouble, I'd like that cider."

Night had come, and much of the rubble of Canterlot had been cleared. The former Senate building had been retooled by Pinkie to host an award ceremony. Many medals were graciously made by the city's local jewelers to commemorate their liberators.

The entire army was in attendance. Much of the city's population too sat in the chamber, among the more distinguished guests being famed industrialist Fancypants, legendary fashion designer Hoity Toity, as well the somewhat pompous aristocrat (Prince) Blueblood.

Princesses Celestia and Luna stood side by side behind the former Senatorial Head's podium. Luna still wore her blue uniform, as well the accompanying hat and sword. Cloudrunner and Rainbow Dash stood along with other officers in their uniforms, tailored and polished for the occasion. Among the officer corps were Captain Starblazer, Colonel Armor, Lieutenant Spitfire, and even Staff Sergeant Steno.

The ceremony began, and most of the soldiers received the Royal Medal of Honor, the most to ever be awarded at one time. Many too received a Crimson Flower, in recognition of their wounds sustained during service. The dead too were posthumously decorated.

Celestia reached the last few awards. She walked to Rainbow Dash, and prepared to make an announcement, "In recognition of her service to Equestria, regardless of official registration, I find it only right and proper to award Captain Rainbow Dash with an official commission with the Equestrian Royal Air Force!"

Rainbow was overjoyed. She got the commission she wanted. The audience stomped their hooves while her five friends cheered, loudest of whom was Pinkie Pie. "Yay! Captain Dashie!"

The cyan pegasus blushed somewhat at the nickname, but nonetheless stood proudly. Cloudrunner smiled, stomping likewise, a tear forming in his eye. His protégé...no, his daughter...was now officially a Captain.

Next, the regal alicorn spoke again. "And now, the final award. Given to those Equestrians who display the utmost loyalty and service to our country, for going above and beyond the call of duty to help so many, for so little. I grant to Captain Rainbow Dash and General Cloudrunner the highest honor I can bestow: Hero of Equestria." She used her magic to place a fancy gold medal, inlaid with silver and other precious metals, around the necks of the two pegasi.

Cloudrunner was absolutely stunned. He never thought he'd ever get this award. But there it was, around his neck. He prepared to bow before the Princess. "Thank y..."

Celestia stopped him. "No, General. You both bow to nopony." With that, Luna and Celestia kneeled before the two. Everypony else followed suit, even those officers in the center of the room. A band began to play the Equestrian National Anthem. Rainbow Dash and Cloudrunner were taken aback, honored to have the two most powerful ponies in Equestria humble themselves before them. Applejack silently vowed to have Rainbow bow before her, in the spirit of friendly competition.

The ceremony was over, but would never be forgotten. And neither would the sacrifices of everypony who fought in the Great Civil War.

Nine ponies hung out later that night at a donut joint. Chowing down on their delicious desserts, something wasn't right. Three other ponies were missing, as was a diminutive dragon. Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and of course Rainbow Dash each raised this point.

"Princesses, where is mah sister? Do you know where they took her?" Applejack hoped it was nothing severe.

"Indeed, I want my dear Sweetie Belle back."

"Don't forget spike...oh I heard those...rebels didn't treat non-ponies very well." Twilight hoped her little 'brother' was safe.

"And Scootaloo!"

Celestia put down her chocolate donut, somewhat of a struggle, given her sweet tooth. "I'm afraid I don't know...I'm truly sorry."

Luna shrugged, a sincere look on her face.

Cloudrunner however spoke up. "I do, Princess. Rainbow Dash told me they were fillies, yes? Don't worry. The rebels put them in schools in a foster home or something. They should be fine, if a bit indoctrinated." He sipped some cider. "As for...Spike is it? I'm sorry to say but they probably put him in a zoo."

"Well girls," Twilight began, "It looks like we're going to go on a hunt to find our lost siblings!"

"Then what are we waiting here for? Let's get going!" Rainbow Dash down the rest of her donut and flew up, ready to dart out the door.

"We'll help in any way we can." said Celestia. "But before you go, Captain, I'd like to give you something. You too Cloudrunner."

The cyan pegasus floated down, looking at the Princess. "What is it, your majesty?"

"Nothing is binding you to service, especially not you, Rainbow Dash. If you like, you can return to a civilian life. You will receive a nice pension. I just cannot ask you to give anymore."

Rainbow pondered the matter for a second, then responded. "Thank you, Princess. But I'll stay in the air force for a little while." She never shirked from responsibility, and now being a Captain gave her much more of it. No taking the easy way out.

Cloudrunner thought about the offer as well. After listening to Rainbow, it was his turn. "I'm with Dash on this one."

"General, she is young. You have had a long and successful career. You've sustained injuries and outperformed many ponies through the years. Are you sure? There is no shame in retiring."

"Indeed I am, your highness."

"May I ask why?" Celestia accepted his answer, even though she was personally against it.

He smiled, pausing a bit before speaking. "I ain't dead yet."

Celestia laughed. The General seemed to have made a bet with the world over whether old age or violence would kill him. As much as it pained her to see Cloudrunner endanger himself so much, the white alicorn knew it was who he was. "Very well. But at least allow me to give you something else."

"What would that be?"

"We should go outside." After finishing their snacks, the nine ponies stepped outside on the sidewalk. Cloudrunner was instructed to stand before the Princess. Everypony else stood behind her, except for Rainbow, who had to hover.

"I am going to give you back unjustly lost." Her short, rounded horn began to glow.

Twilight noticed she was about to use a spell. "Princess! I don't think you should be using magic."

Luna too grew worried. "Neither do I! Let me cast the spell, whatever it may be."

Celestia stopped concentrating. "I cannot let you do that, Luna. You need your strength, and this spell is dangerous if improperly cast."

"I'll take that chance, sister."

"I need you to raise the sun and moon. I do this with full knowledge of the consequences." Her face grew resolute as her horn began to glow again. Luna relented. Apparently this was important enough for Celestia to trust her sister with command of both the sun and moon, especially after she was lost to her own dark mind a millennium ago.

A beam of magic fired from the alicorns forehead, making contact with Cloudrunner. A glowing aura surrounded him as the amputated nub of a wing started to light up. Using all her concentration, Celestia performed the spell near perfectly. The General's wing began to reform, as bones grew from the stump. Soon, muscle and tendons covered the bones, growing larger and larger to match the right wing. Next skin then soft charcoal down feathers blanketed the regenerated limb. Lastly, long flight feathers sprouted out, fanning out into a flight-worthy spread.

The spell was done, and the aura left Cloudrunner. Celestia's horn however could not take the surge of magic, and cracked until it shattered, causing her to fall down in pain. Rather than admire the new wing, the General rushed to help the Princess up.

He looked at her forehead, now hornless. "You didn't have to do that. What did you do, anyway?"

She winced at the pain slightly. "I used an...ancient regeneration spell. It is powerful magic, and can only be casted...by the most disciplined unicorns. However...it can only be used once on a pony, and takes a large toll on the...caster. I will recover shortly though."

"Thank you Princess, I am truly grateful." He lightly picked her up. A collective "aw" came from the group. Rainbow's eyes even misted a bit. This got a snicker from Rarity, who was subsequently playfully shoved by the pegasus.

Cloudrunner spoke up. "Well, ponies, I think it's time you go find your siblings. I'm going to put the Princess to bed. Good luck! And if there's anything you need, I'll be waiting. Princess Luna, where are you set to lodge tonight?"

The midnight pony answered. "A hotel over on Stable Street. Come. Good bye, Captain Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. Hopefully we will see each other again soon."

"Okie Dokie Lokie! Come to the party I'm gonna throw!"

"Farewell, Princess and General"

"Ya'll be safe!"

"...Goodbye! And thank you so much." Flutter said meekly.

"See ya sir!" Rainbow Dash saluted.

"Make sure the Princess gets well soon." Twilight Sparkle cared dearly for her mentor, and still didn't know this stallion as much as she would have liked.

Cloudrunner and Luna left flying. Cloudrunner was simply ecstatic to be able to soar again. Endorphins rushed through him as he flew, though his mind never wandered from the charge he and Luna carried.

Rainbow debated in her mind on what to do next, but couldn’t contain it. She yelled out for them to stop. Luna noticed she was heading towards the General, and temporarily held Celestia. Rainbow dashed into the General’s forelegs, squeezing him tightly.

She felt like a little filly, protected in the warm embrace of a parent. At first surprised, and then thrilled, Cloudrunner hugged her back. “Good bye, Papa.” The cyan pegasus quietly uttered. She knew her friends were watching. For once, she didn’t care what anypony thought of her.

After a few seconds, she released him, and he her. The General and Princess Luna continue on their way as Rainbow Dash floated down back to the five other mares. Pinkie Pie was spraying tears everywhere, as the rest were wiping their eyes. Too much emotion in one day.

Applejack spoke up, trying to ”awaken” the rest from their tear-jerked moment. "Well everypony, ah think it's high time we get started on findin' the young'ins."

The six nodded and left in the opposite direction. They had some captives to speak with, who hopefully could shed some light on the whereabouts of the four children.

Later that night, in a hotel suite left undamaged by the battle, Cloudrunner sat beside a lamp, studying his new wing. It was too good to be true; the feathers, the color, the strength, the were flawless. He flew just as well as he did before. But it wasn't perfect. Around the base of the limb, under the small down was a scar signifying where the original had been amputated.

But he didn't care. As far as Cloudrunner was concerned, he would be too gracious to the Princess to complain. She had returned to him his old life. All the rewards he had received, even being called an Equestrian hero, were too much. The modest stallion didn't feel worthy. But being granted a new wing, at the expense of the Princess' horn; it was too much.

He was shaken from his thoughts when a white alicorn came out of the shower, drying her cosmic mane with a towel. "I'm serious, General. After you bathe, you'll feel much better."

"I'm not so sure I can feel any happier, Princess."

"Haha and I can see why. Look at you, a General who's won a war, and even found something else along the way." Celestia gave a sly smile.

"Uh...what do you mean?" Cloudrunner said blushing

"Rainbow Dash. She seems to have grown on you."

"Oh...yeah Rainbow's something special alright. War has a way of bringing ponies together. Are you sure it's over? I only hoped to win a decisive battle here and reverse the tide."

"Luna told me earlier that upon hearing that all the Republic's leaders were dead, that Canterlot had fallen, and the Premier himself was gone, most generals and cities immediately surrendered. The rest were coerced by newly invigorated soldiers and civilians. It's just as you said, General."

"What did I say again?"

"Freedom never dies."

"Ponies naturally want to be free, you can't hold them down forever. Anyway, what will you do with those who have surrendered? Will they hang or be reintegrated?"

Celestia sighed. The burdens of being a leader: making the tough decisions. "Everypony will stand trial. Some fought against us for fear of the Republic. Others would have followed the Premier to hell and back. But first and foremost, we need to rebuild Equestria." She looked out the window at the damaged city. "It will be a long and difficult task. Look at this city. Canterlot was once the shining point for all Equestrians to look at. It reminded them of what could do. I fear that hope is gone."

The General came up behind her, placing a hoof on her shoulder. "You have pulled through worse. We can rebuild it again."

"Yes I know. I suppose I'm just worrying for nothing."

"It's because you care so much for this land."

She smiled at his sincerity. "Thank you. As do you. I can never thank you enough for what you have done, Cloudrunner."

"I only did my duty. all this praise is simply too much."

"Perhaps, but you have done a very unique thing. For many years I have known brave and strong generals and admirals, politicians and statesponies. Many found themselves defending me. Some perished in the process, those heroes. Others betrayed me for my throne. Still others ran away in cowardice. There were those who gave up when they became injured or suffered loss. But you, Cloudrunner, came back. Even in your own decrepit state, you carried my beloved sister to safety. You managed to pull together an army and take on Canterlot, to free your people. Your loyalty is near unmatched, and perhaps it was no coincidence that Rainbow Dash wandered to your fort."

The General looked out the window, trying to hide his face. "Really Princess, it was only right to do."

"The fact that you think so little of fighting on is a testament to your character. And even now, only death will make you stop. Rainbow Dash too came back from the loss of her home, barring all hardships. She wanted to save her friends, as you wanted for me. You two are very similar, so strong and dutiful...if a bit reckless..."

Cloudrunner couldn't help but chuckle. "I was looking for an officer, and found a...a daughter."

"And you gave her a father. That bond will last a lifetime."

The General reflected on his time with Rainbow Dash. How quickly she learned his moves. The times she tried to beat his record, only to fail. But Cloudrunner picked her up and told the pegasus to try again. How his heart sank when she was shot, and when his heart rose back up again when Rainbow decided to keep fighting. A tear once again fell down his cheek. This "crying" thing is getting old, he thought.

Princess Celestia noticed this, and felt true joy. Though she would outlive not only him and Rainbow, but their descendants for centuries to come, the sight of joy never ceased to make her happy. Though to her, everypony's lives were short, Celestia wanted nothing more than to see those lives filled with happiness. And as painful as it was to watch ponies suffer, Celestia knew hardships made the simple things in life appear all the more magical. A rainbow after the storm.

The two stood in front of the window for a few minutes. After she had received her fill, the Princess walked over to the bed. "Come General, it's late. We should get some sleep." She lay down and patted the sheets with her hoof.

Cloudrunner instead opened the window, and spread his wings. "In time, Princess. But for a little bit, let's have some fun." He leaped out of the room, flapping and gliding around, waiting for the royal pony.

Celestia rolled her eyes and followed him, racing up to catch the General. They maneuvered about, playing foalish games. To anypony else, it would've been unbecoming for both of them. Alone at night, they did not care.

Meanwhile, from a rooftop somewhere in the city, a dark blue pony stood, guarding the night. She looked up towards the moon and saw the silhouette of what appeared to be two pegasi embracing. The pony knew what she was looking at, and quietly muttered under her breath, "Get a room..."