Twilight, Soldier of War

Twilight stepped out of the changing room wearing her new gray long sleeve shirt and matching pants. She was happy Rarity had included pockets giving her a place to store her metal case; she stepped in front of the three way mirror. The Anizon still flowed through her veins, focusing her eyes so that every detail of the shirt stood out, as if magnified. Her ears were sharper; she could faintly hear the pattering of hooves from upstairs. Her sense of awareness encapsulated the room. Without looking she could tell the location of each manikin and the direction they were facing.

“Not my best work I admit, but it’s what you requested,” Rarity said.

“This is perfect,” Twilight said turning to Rarity. “I forgot to ask at the party but Fluttershy mentioned you girls were keeping the Friendship Court going. I would have thought it would be dissolved after I disappeared.”

“It nearly was. Tell you what why don’t I make a bit of tea and I’ll tell you all about it,” Rarity said, leading the way to her kitchen. Twilight took a seat at the table, while Rarity set a kettle of water to boil before joining her. “It was a few months after your ‘disappearance.’ Like the rest of Equestria, we were still in mourning, but the girls and I didn’t want everything we accomplished with you to just disappear. So we asked the princesses to allow us to…continue your work in a way.”

“I don’t imagine Princess Celestia would have a problem with that.”

“No she didn’t, she was quite pleased with the idea. The nobility on the other hand.” The kettle whistled sending out streams of water vapor. Rarity grabbed a hold of it from across the room with her magic and two cups, bringing them over to the table.

“You’ve gotten better with your magic,” Twilight said.

Rarity poured a cup of tea and set it in front of Twilight. “Oh, I’m nowhere near as good as you are dear, but yes I have gotten better.”

Twilight blew gently on her steaming drink, before taking a slow sip. “You were saying?”

“Yes, the nobles. Well the nobles were not thrilled at the idea of so called ‘commoner ponies’ running one of the courts of Equestria. Naturally they suggested one of them take over,” Rarity said, a grin coming over her face. “Princess Celestia gave them what they wanted and placed nobles on the court, that is to say she made us all nobles.”

Twilight’s tea froze halfway to her mouth, her eyes unblinking. “You’re all nobles?”

Rarity giggled “Believe it or not, yes we are. Princess Celestia said we were long over do for it; though in truth the nobility holds very little meaning in this day and age. I’m the only one who seems to get any use out of it. Pinkie tried throwing a party for some nobles once and it went as well as our first trip to the Gala.”

They both sheared a laugh as the memory played out in their minds. “That seems like a lifetime ago,” Twilight said, her voice going quiet.

“Indeed it does.” Silence filled the room as the tea fragrance permeated the air. Rarity cleared her throat before speaking, “Twilight would it be ok for me to ask about your…time away?”

“Of course, I’m sure you and the girls still have questions.”

“During your time over there was it always like you described, always fighting.”

Twilight smiled and set her cup down. “No actually it wasn’t all fighting. During my first shore leave Nadia dragged me to this bar she liked and had me sample every drink on the menu with her. I was so sick after that I spent the rest of the night hugged up to a bucket. And then there was Davis…”

***

One year after arrival
Port city of Huron

Twilight ran down the cobblestone streets. Pedestrians jumped out of the way yelling slurs, as Twilight turned down the alleyway. She leaped over piles of trash and ducked under low hanging stairwells, as she ran down the zig-zag path of the shadow covered alley. Finally, she emerged back into the light of the main street. And quickly headed across the street toward the colorful building that stood out from the ones around it; it was one of Huron’s orphanages. Twilight made her way around the building. The back yard was filled with brightly colored toys and playground equipment and sitting on a bench near the building was Davis, right were he said he’d be. He had a young boy sitting in his lap and was holding a book out for him.

“Sound it out,” Davis said, pointing to the book.

The boy pressed his lips together blowing out air as he sounded out the letters. “Bu…ir…da, bird! It says bird.”

Davis padded the boy on the head. He looked over to see Twilight waving from the corner of the building. “Very good, now why don’t you go show everyone how good you’ve gotten.”

“Ok.” The boy said, jumping down and running inside the building.

“You’re really good with kids,” Twilight said, stepping over.

“Did I never mention it before,” Davis asked. “I used to be an elementary teacher before the war. Orphanages, like these here, have trouble getting enough food, let alone schooling. So those like me stop by when we can and have our own private class.”

“What kind of teacher were you?”

He held up a book, “An english teacher.”

“TWILIGHT!” A voice sung on the air, “Where are you!”

Twilight pressed herself against the side of the building. “I completely forgot why I came here, you have to hide me.”

Davis looked thoughtfully at her before speaking. “I’m guessing Nadia is looking for you?” Twilight nodded. “And she wants to go out for drinks again?”

“I just got over my headache and I don’t want to spend my last few days of leave puking my guts out.”

“I could help but there is just this slight problem.” Before Twilight could respond Davis took in a deep breath and yelled. “Twilight’s over here!”

Twilight gasped and her mouth fell open. “You traitor!”

Davis held a cocky grin as he spoke. “The slight problem I mentioned is that I would have to go drinking with her if you skipped out, and I’m a light weight.”

Nadia popped from around the corner and latched on to Twilight’s arm. “Found you, man you are fast. Come on the Table Flippers is having half priced drinks for all soldiers.”

Twilight looked back to Davis and an evil grin spread across her face. “Why don’t we bring Davis along, after all the more the merrier.”

Nadia waved a hand at him. “Nah, he’s doing his teaching thing, besides your way more fun.

Twilight’s grin quickly fell. “But, but.” She stammered as Nadia pulled her along.

Davis waved at them, “Have fun you two.”

***

Rarity refilled their cups. “I’m glad to know you had friends looking after you.”

“Yes, they were good people.”

“Rarity.” A whine from down the hall called out, followed by hooves trotting down the stairs.

Rarity leaned around the table and yelled out the door. “We’re in the kitchen Sweetie Belle.”

Moments later Sweetie Belle rounded the corner. Like Applebloom, Sweetie Belle looked more mature. Her pink and purple mane was curlier than Twilight remembered, and she wore light purple eyeliner, similar to that of Rarity’s. “Somepony’s hungry.” Sweetie Belle said. On her back was a small brownish yellow unicorn foal, with a short golden mane. The foal grabbed a chunk of Sweetie's mane in her mouth and pulled. “Ow, Citrine, you can’t eat my mane. Rarity, a little help please.” Sweetie begged, struggling with her mane.

Rarity stepped over and picked the struggling foal. Citrine immediately latched on to Rarity in a fit of giggles. “Who is that?” Twilight asked.

“This is Citrine,” Rarity said, using her magic to set Citrine on her back. “My daughter.”

“She’s adorable. I’m guessing her father would be the stallion you told me about?” asked Twilight.

Rarity nodded. “Charming Presence, I met him at a party after I gained my noble title.”

“Rarity I need to go now,” Sweetie Belle said. “Applebloom and Scootaloo are probably waiting for me. Oh and good to see you again Twilight.”

“It’s good to see you as well.”

“Ok dear,” Rarity said. “Remember to get home before it gets too late.” Sweetie Belle turned and headed down the hall. Rarity wrapped Citrine in a vial of magic and lifted her over to Twilight. “Here hold her for me, while I make her bottle.”

Twilight took the doe eyed foal setting her gently in her lap. Twilight gave her a warm smile and patted her head softly, as if she may break at the slightest touch. Citrine wrapped her hooves around Twilight's arm and gave her a toothless smile, before chomping down on her hand. “Hey!” Twilight cried as the little one gummed her hand.

“Oh don’t mind her, she does that when she’s hungry, I really hope it’s just a phase,” Rarity said, pulling a bottle from the cupboard.

“So what happen between you and this Charming?”

Rarity set the bottle on the counter and let out a quiet sigh. “Charming Presence was one of the greatest and worst things that ever happen to me. As I said, I met him at a party shortly after I gained my nobility, and he was quite charismatic. He said all the right things to me and I was rather fallen for him. We went on a few dates and he helped me move on from your loss, after nearly a year he proposed to me.”

Rarity took her seat back at the table, then with her magic she levitated Citrine over to her hooves. The moment Citrine saw the bottle she grabbed and plopped it in her mouth. “I found out the truth from one of his cousins. She had come over to help me plan out the wedding when she let it slip. Apparently, Charming’s house was at risk of losing their nobility status, but with me by his side it helped him climb the social ladder once more. When I confronted Charming about this he didn’t deny it, in fact he suggested we go through with the wedding. He said love was just a word and that with our combined status we could have anything we wanted. He even offered to help me open stores all across Equestria, but I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t marry for money and so I broke it off. Not long after that I found out I was pregnant with Citrine.”

“Does he ever see Citrine?” Twilight asked.

“Don’t get the wrong impression, Twilight, Charming Presence may be a poor special somepony but he’s an excellent father, just have a look at Citrine’s room. Every time he visits he insist she need some toy he found. I have no doubt this is going to be one spoiled little filly.”

“So does anyone else have foals I should know about,” Twilight asked.

“Just Shining Armor and Cadence, they had a pegasus filly who’s just a little older then my Citrine.”

“I can’t say I didn’t expect that one.” Twilight said, as she watched Citrine greedily suck down her bottle.

The front door bell rang and Spikes voice called out. “Rarity are you here?”

“In the kitchen, Spike,” Rarity called out. “Be a dear and turn the door sign to closed.” Within moments Spike stormed into the doorway, a purple backpack slung around his back. Relief flooded his face when he looked at Twilight. He placed his claws on his knees as he tried to catch his breath.

“Thank… Celestia…you’re here,” Spike said, between breaths.

“Spike what’s wrong?” Twilight asked worriedly. She stood from her chair and kneeled down next to Spike.

“You disappeared and I couldn’t find you; then I got this letter, and I was looking all over the place but Applebloom said you came this way.”

“Hold on!” Twilight cut him off. “What letter?”

“Oh!” Spike searched through his bag and handed over the letter.

Dear Twilight Sparkle

It feels strange to be writing to you again after all this time, but a good kind of strange. Spike as informed me about what happen when you crossed the Crystal Mirror and I am so sorry you were forced to endure so much. The Archmage has been looking into why you are not a pony but he claims he requires your presence to make any further progress. If you are willing I would also like you to come stay at the palace for a time. I can only imagine how overwhelming it must be coming home after, I still can’t believe it, ten years.
As well, Cadence and Shining Armor will be arriving here sometime tomorrow, and I believe they are eager to see you again.

Princess Celestia

“Spike,” Twilight Called. “Take a letter.”

Those words, those four simple words, filled Spike with more joy in that moment then the entirety of the past three years. He wiped the mist from his eyes before pulling a fresh quill and parchment from his bag.

“Dear Princess Celestia,” Twilight began. “It is good to hear from you again. I don’t know what help I can be to the Archmage but I will leave on the next train. As for staying at the palace I...would very much like that, thank you for the invitation. Signed…” Twilight paused, unsure how to end it. She looked to Spike, “Would I say Princess Twilight or just plain Twilight Sparkle?”

Spike shared an uneasy look with Rarity before speaking “Perhaps for now, just Twilight Sparkle will be fine.” Twilight nodded. Spike rolled up the letter and with a burst of green fire it disintegrated.

“Sorry Rarity, looks like we need to be going,” Twilight said, finishing off her tea in one gulp.

“I check the train schedule and the next one departing for Canterlot leaves in two hours,” said Spike.

A small smirk spread on Twilight’s face. “Spike, you’re clearly on top of things.”

Spike shrugged, “I have to be, the Friendship Court would have fallen apart without me.”

They said their goodbyes to Rarity and made their way out. Rarity waved goodbye with Citrine’s hoof.

The train sped down the tracks as its rhythmic sound filled the cabin. Spike, who had insisted on accompanying her, set next to Twilight quietly flipping through a comic book. Twilight stared out the window watching the land blur past and try to wrap her mind around her thoughts. Her friends had been so supportive, even after learning about where she had been. It’s not that she didn’t expect them to be, but there was a lot less panicking than predicted.

And now she was going to meet Princess Celestia, a ruler so old that only Princess Luna knew her true age. She was a ruler who had seen every war in Equestria’s history, and likely some before it. Then there was Princess Luna who not only saw her fair share of war, but even started one. Twilight let that thought die. The rhythmic sound of the train weighed down her eyes, slowly she closed them letting the simple sound envelop her.

***

Twilight set with Rarity at a table outside of Sugarcube Corner, each eating there lunch under the afternoon sun. Rarity lightly dabbed her mouth with a napkin before speaking. “I’m so glad you found the time to have lunch with me. I know how much work it must be taking over the friendship court again.”

“It’s not so bad, I still have you girls to help and Spike has become quite versed in court politics. I’m just glad reinstating my title didn’t take as long as it did for Princes Luna; although that may have been due to Luna having gone through it once already.” The faint smell of ash on the air drew her attention. It was only then she noticed the fire that raged all over ponyville, engulfing everything in its path. And yet, the ponies seemed oblivious to it. They continued to go about their daily lives even as their fur was burnt away and their skin boiled. Twilight stood up knocking her chair to the ground. “Fire!”

“My heavens, Twilight, what has you so upset?” Rarity asked.

“Look!” Twilight pointed out around her as the flames, which acted with a mind of their own, pounced an unsuspecting stallion consuming him until only ashes remained. “There’s fire everywhere! Ponies are dying!” She looked back to Rarity to see the same fire slowly consuming her fur.

“Oh darling, I’m sure you’re just overreacting; besides, it’s time to go home.”

***

The sudden deceleration of the train roused Twilight from her sleep, groggily she rubbed her face. Spike finished putting the last of his things back into his bag. “Ready to go?” he asked.

“Yes.” Twilight said, stretching out her limbs.

They stepped onto the train platform to be greeted by a group of golden armored guards. A pegasus clad in purple and gold lined armor stepped forward. “Chamberlain Spike, it is good to see you again.” he said, extending a hoof.

Spike took the outstretched hoof. “You too, Hot Iron.” He turned to Twilight, “Twilight, this is Captain of the Guard, Hot Iron.”

“I see they finally found someone to take over my brothers old spot.”

“Yes well, those were big hooves to fill, but never mind that for now, forgive me for not greeting you properly princess. Princess Celestia informed me that you would look different but I was not expecting this. ” He bowed his head to her and those under his command mimicked his actions.

Twilight shrugged it off and said, “Technically right now I’m not a princess. My title and power became null and void the moment they concluded I was dead, and under the circumstances you can’t really be blamed for not recognising me.”

“Perhaps,” Hot Iron said, raising his head. “But I’m sure that this misunderstanding will be cleared up shortly. Come, we don’t want to keep Princess Celestia waiting longer than necessary.” The guards turned doing their own version of an about-face only not as smooth as the human version. They parted the crowd as they moved through them with Twilight and Spike following behind.

Twilight leaned down and whispered to Spike, “So Chamberlain, hmm.”

Spike grinned, “What jealous? Well too bad I’m not trading.”

The doors of the throne room opened with Twilight and Spike following Hot Iron in, as the rest of the guards had been dismissed to return to their other duties. Celestia set upon her throne her eyes growing wide at the sight of the armored Twilight. Within a moment her horn flared and she vanished, reappearing in front of Twilight in a white burst of magic, and wrapped her wings around her, “Oh my dear Twilight.” Celestia whispered, just loud enough for Twilight to hear.

Twilight return the embrace by wrapping her arms around Celestia’s neck, “You know,” Twilight said. “I was hoping I would be taller than you.” This caused Celestia to laugh, a small chuckle at first and then a full on welling.

When Celestia had calmed down she turned to Hot Iron “Please inform my sister of Twilight’s arrival, and tell her we will be in my study.”

“Yes your majesty,” Hot Iron said. He gave a small bow to Celestia and Twilight before turning to leave.

“Come you two walk with me.” Celestia said. She led them out a smaller side door. Servants and staff parted the hall bowing their heads until Celestia past. “Spike how did the meeting with the deer ambassador go? I was surprised the trade agreement came through so quickly.”

“Quite well, as it turns out deer’s are quite fond of nature and their animals. Fluttershy spent most of the time talking about that, until the ambassador mentioned he was the fastest in his clan. So of course, Rainbow had to challenge him to a race, and she even tied her wings to her side. They raced around the castle with Rainbow winning by a nose, but the ambassador seem to take the loss pretty well.”

Celestia entered the room of her study. The study itself was more of a small library, with shelves filled with books lining the walls. On a small upper balcony set a desk with neatly stacked piles of paperwork, each waiting for Celestia’s approval. In the center of the room was a round table large enough for a dozen ponies to set at with an awaiting pot steaming tea, prepared by her capable staff. They took a seat at the table. Celestia used her magic and poured them both a drink.

“So Celestia how have you been?” Twilight asked desperately trying to think of something to say.

Celestia gave her classic warm smile, “Much better now that you are back.” She could see the tension in Twilight’s body, as her hand played with a control panel on her forearm. Celestia sighed, “Spike’s letter may not have been that detailed on your time away, but it was enough. I know you likely saw things and maybe even did things that are not easy to speak of. So I will not ask about it, but know that anytime you want to talk I will be here to listen.”

The tension in Twilight eased a bit. “I appreciate that.” She returning Celestia’s smile. Decideing to move on to a better topic she said. “In your letter you mentioned the Archmage needing to see me. I’ll help anyway I can but I’m not sure what he could need of me?”

"Archmage Hearing Colors studied the Mirrors extensively the first year of your disappearance, but even with Cadence's help it was slow going. And as much as it pains me to admit, when it became clear you were not coming back I ordered the Archmage to stop research on the Mirrors and focus on more pressing concerns,” Celestia said.

“It’s been a long time so I’m not sure if I remember everything, but I’m sure I can fill in some gaps. But why were the Crystal Mirrors never studied more after my disappearance?”

“The Crystal Mirrors are artifacts from an age long past and not even Luna and I know all the secrets behind them. And I did not wish to risk somepony else being hurt by them,” Celestia said, becoming fixated on her tea. “In truth I think I was still hoping you would come through the mirror, so I had them moved to the Canterlot Vault.”

The door to the study open and the Princess of the Night trotted in. “Forgive my absence,” Luna said taking a seat at the table. “I hope I have not missed anything.”

“Nothing much, just a bit about the Archmage” Celestia informed her.

Luna turned to Twilight, “I am very pleased to see you again, but I must ask why are you wearing armor and so much of it?”

Twilight was starting to get a little annoyed that this question kept coming up. Was she really so different from a guards that wore their armor all day, or the nobles with layers of clothing. “I just prefer wearing my armor, that’s all.”

Luna shared a glance with Celestia her eyes filled with a thousand words but Celestia’s eyes told her “Now was not the time.”

“The Archmage,” Celestia began. “Is in a lecture at the moment and it will be sometime before he is done. I have arranged a room for you in the east wing, next to the room you normally get Spike. Why don’t you get some rest and I will have somepony summon you once the Archmage is ready. Spike if you would be so kind as to show Twilight the way.”

Spike stood from his seat, “Of course, right this way Twilight.”

Twilight couldn’t help but to crack a smile as the drake placed one arm behind his back and the other out for Twilight to take. “I guess a little rest wouldn’t hurt. I’ll speak with you both later then. Celestia, Luna,” Twilight said, before following Spike out of the room.

The royal sisters set in silent for nearly five minutes as they waited for Twilight to be out of earshot. “Tia,” Luna said.

Celestia quickly cut her off. “I know Luna, I know. But she has just returned to us so we need to give her time to settle in. We have to take this slowly.”

“For her sake let us hope we do not act too slowly.”

***

Rainbow Dash tossed and turned in her hotel bedroom as she tried to get comfortable. She laid on her right side before deciding her left side would be better, and flipped over bouncing on the bed as she did so. Her pillow was too flat for her liking, sitting up she punched and fluffed the pillow until it was nice and fluffy again. Soarin let out a groan; he reached over and turned on the nightstand light.

“Rainbow, is there something wrong?” Soarin asked sitting up.

Rainbow rolled over to look at him. “What makes you think something is wrong?”

“Because normally you’re asleep the moment your head hits the pillow. What’s on your mind?”

“You have a sister in the Guard, don’t you?” He nodded, unsure of where this sudden interest came from. “Has she ever told you about what it’s like?”

Soarin thought for a moment before answering. “She doesn’t tell me much just that she stands around all day and it's boring. Why?”

“It’s nothing, sorry for waking you. Go back to sleep,” Rainbow said, rolling back over and closing her eyes.”