CoRoNa

CoRoNa
06
...

Flicker Bolt watched in fear as Blood Rain levitated the white hot iron from the forge and pointed it toward Wish Star. (She's really going to do it and there is nothing I can do. Damn it Flick, you can't just let her hurt your friend.)

“Blood Rain.” Flicker spoke up. “You can't punish him without the Leader's permission. Remember last time you did that?”

Blood Rain glared at the wingless Pegasus filly. “Remember your place Slave.” She swung the burning hot iron at Flicker's face, stopping just an inch from contact.

Flicker had not even seen it coming, and flinched back when she realized she nearly had her own eyes burned out. “I... I'm sorry Priestess.” She cowered and lowered her head.

Blood Rain turned her attention back to the trio if 'invaders'. “Wish Star, did you free them from the dungeon?” Her eyes narrowed as she glared at the colt. “Or, did they somehow get out and take you prisoner?”

“I...” Wish Star stepped in front of the two fillies and one colt. “I freed them. It's no fun knowing they're going to be sacrificed. And they told me I'll be sacrificed as well.”

“Of course you will, for the greater good of all Equestria. You are the Element of Laughter after all.” Blood Rain's eyes glared with hatred at the four. “The most annoying Element of Harmony there is.”

Corona stepped next too Wish Star. “Laughter is not annoying. It's a wonderful Element. They all are.” Her horn lit up and she stepped forward. “Now, we are taking Flicker Bolt with us and going home.”

Blood Rain laughed. “Home? Are you serious? She has no home to go back too. No family.” A dark grin was flashed at Flicker. “They are dead after all. A shame too, because they had been the most talented fliers in the Wonderbolts.”

Flicker's eyes went wide. “Mom? Dad? You... You killed them? Soarin and Spitfire? There's no way you can defeat them. You're lying.”

The Priestess of the Cult let out a low laugh. “Oh, they put up quite a fight, but in the end, they were turned into messy bloodstains and twisted corpses, left to feed the predators and carrion feeders of the Everfree Forest.”

Elusive stepped up to Wish Star's other side, and Honey Crisp at his side. “You're outnumbered Blood Rain. Together, the four of us will free Flicker Bolt and return to Canterlot.”

“SILENCE!!!” Blood Rain screamed and swung the hot iron at the beautiful Unicorn colt.

His horn started to glow, preparing to cast his shielding spell, but another white form stepped in the way, taking the blow to her side. He gasped, Princess Corona Twilight had just been hit.

But she was unharmed. “I am Princess Corona Twilight, daughter of the Regent of the Sun. Heat and fire cannot harm me, but you.” She glared at the priestess, her mane and tail coming to life, moving like living flames. Her eyes and horn lit up and spheres of fire started rotating about her. “You do not stand a chance against all of us. Wish Star and Flicker Bolt are coming with us.”

With that said, one of the three balls of fire flew at the chain that restrained the grounded Pegasus, freeing her. The second one melted and evaporated the iron tool like it was nothing. The third was pointed at Blood Rain.

Wish Star was at Flicker's side, helping her to stand up and join the others. “It's alright Flick. We... We're all getting out of here. Then we can celebrate our freedom and new friends.”

Flicker wanted too attack Blood Rain for what she had done to her parents, but she knew she was not strong enough. “Are you sure Wish?”

Wish nuzzled his friend. “Of course. I've been stuck here all my life, never getting to actually have fun and be free. You and I, we're going to fly in the sky together.”

Elusive looked at those crude black stitches on Flicker's sides. Without her wings, she would never fly again. Still, freedom was better than this, even if she could never fly again. He looked at Blood Rain, his own horn lighting up, levitating all the gems that lay about the 'lab' and fused them together into a sword. He stood next to Corona and readied the diamond hard, razor sharp weapon.

Honey Crisp stood in front of Wish Star and Flicker Bolt, ready to buck anything that tried to get in their way, or that might threaten her new friends. “Ya best get outta ah way an' let us go home. Ah won't think twice 'bout knockin yer teeth out.”

Blood Rain, as powerful as she was, had never seen such magic on ones so young. “You are free to go...” She stepped back and vanished into the shadows. “But be assured... you WILL be ours.”

The five young ponies looked at each other. Corona and Elusive relaxed their magic and turned to Wish Star.

Elusive spoke first. “How do we get out of here?”

Corona asked her question almost at the same time. “Are there lots of guards here?”

Wish beamed a bright smile. “Oh, it's easy as pie to get out once we get to ground level. This whole place is underground. And while there are some guards, I know how to get around them easily.”

“What the hay ah we waitin' fer?” Honey asked. “Let's get goin'.”

Flicker limped forward, meeting the three ponies eyes. Hers were cold and hard, but looked like they were grasping at hope. “I... I won't let this crush me. I'll live on so my parents can live on in my heart.”

Corona smiled. “I'm glad to hear that. Now, Wish Star, lead the way.”
…

This place was a complete labyrinth, but with their new friend, they made their way too the surface, emerging in the ruins of an ancient castle.

“This...” Eclipse looked around in shock. “This is the castle where Nightmare Moon was defeated by the Elements of Harmony.”

Corona nodded, though she didn't recognize this part of the castle. “Being here means we're a group of fillies and colts deep in the Everfree woods. We'll have to be careful.”

Flicker lifted her head and looked too the sky. “Fresh air... I want to fly, but...”

“We'll figure something out.” Wish Star nuzzled his friend. “Let's get going home to Ponyville... er... I mean... I don't have a home anymore.” He blinked and looked at the other four.

Corona smiled. “I think we can arrange something for the two of you.” She looked at Flicker. “And I will let mother know what that Blood Rain said about your parents. We'll do whatever we can to find out if she was telling the truth about murdering them.”

“Thank you Princess.” Flicker hung her head. “I... I just want to go home, but I can never return to Cloudsdale now.”

Elusive sighed. “Let's all just get back to Canterlot for now.”

…

The trip through the Everfree had, for the most part, been uneventful. Besides crossing the river by a fallen log, scaling some cliffs, and avoiding a couple wild animals, they finally reached the edge well before sundown.

They stood, looking at the large field and ruins that had once been Ponyville, memories coming back to all of them.

Even Flicker was staring. “Why do I know this place? I've never been here before.” She said quietly.

Wish Star stood next to her. “I remember it too, even though I spent all my life in that underground place.” He grinned and walked forward. “This was Ponyville.” He pointed at the small river and the crumbling bridge. “Town hall was right across that bridge.”

Corona could see the long burned stump that had once been the library. All around, there were some stone foundations of various buildings. “So many memories.” She looked at Flicker. “What do you remember about this place?”

“I... I dreamed I flew over the town that used to be here. I lived in a cloud house and...”

“Rainbow Dash.” Honey Crisp gasped. “Ya were Rainbow Dash.”

Flicker winced. “Yea... I dreamed I was her. I never told anypony though.”

Elusive smiled at the skinny filly. “You're not the only one who thought those were dreams. They're memories from your past life.”

“Memories?” Flicker's eyes went wide as she realized it was true. “But, then that means... Rarity? Twilight Sparkle? Applejack? Pinkie Pie?” She looked at each of the young ponies in turn. “What about Fluttershy?”

Twilight was the only one who remembered what had happened to the gentle Pegasus who had been corrupted. “She... Fluttershy cannot be reborn. She was corrupted and her very soul had to be destroyed. I can't remember exactly what happened though.” This last part was partially a lie.

They all looked at each other, some more wonderful and happy memories returning as they walked thorough the ruins.

Elusive stopped at the circle of stones that had once been Rarities Boutique. His boutique. He scraped at the ground and uncovered an old, worn chest and smiled. “I remember this place so well.” He opened it, revealing a gold pendant set with a heart shaped fire ruby. “All the good memories, even some of the bad.”

Corona recognized that beautiful piece of jewelry. “Spike... I remember that little baby dragon. He gave that to Rarity because he loved her.”

Elusive nodded, placed it back into the box, and reburied it. “It doesn't feel right taking this. It should remain here, as a reminder.”

Honey looked toward the land that had once been Sweet Apple Acres, a tear falling from her eyes. “Ah still ain't sure what happened back then. Ah remember Ah had family, but Ah can't remember what happened t' them.”

Corona winced. She remembered that horrible night. How Applejack had been controlled by Blackthorn and Flutter, then made to murder those she loved the most.

Flicker looked at the sky, right where her home had been. There was nothing remaining of that once wonderful cloud palace. “I remember so much, but I can't remember everything.”

“Some memories are best left forgotten.” Wish Star stated calmly as they passed the remains of Sugarcube Corner. She could not remember what had happened there, but she felt the cold chill of evil. Something so horrible had happened here.

As they finally left town, they passed the graveyard. It was much larger than they remembered, overgrown with ivy, moss, grass and weeds.

Corona paused and looked toward the largest crypt, a faint memory of feeling comfortable in there coming back. She turned off the old road and passed through the crumbling gates.

“Hey.” Eclipse noticed this. “Corona?”

“I remember something...” She walked up too the old stone structure and glanced at the steel gate that closed the entrance. It looked to be only a decade old, and was locked with heavy chains and locks. “I was in there, and it felt like...” She looked at her friends, a soft smile on her lips. “It felt like home.”

Wish Star blinked. “Why would an old crypt feel like home? You lived in a library didn't you?”

“That was before the end. Near the end, I had changed. I nearly became corrupted and evil, filled with black magic. But I somehow managed to end the evil that can still be felt here in Ponyville. The cost, I died in the end.” She hung her head. “So many good memories, and some so horrible they should have been forgotten forever.”

“Ah kinda wish we ain't ever remembered anythin'. Ah kinda feel strange having all this stuff in mah head. Stuff Ah ain't ever done before.”

“You and me both.” Flicker shuddered. “Still... I want to find out what really happened to my family. Blood Rain had to be lying. Mom and Dad were the best fliers there ever were. They were strong, brave, and no way could they have been killed so easily.”

Wish Star had no idea. His only memory of family was his father. How serious he always was. His temper. His cruelty. Not a single memory of his mother existed. “I just want to go someplace where we can all be happy.”

Corona nodded and turned away from the crypt. She ignored the temptation to break the locks and enter. “Yea, I want to see mom and Aunty Luna again as soon as possible. Eclipse, I bet you want to see Trixie, right?”

Eclipse nodded. “Yea, I sure do.”

With that, the group of five ponies walked on, on their journey to Canterlot. To home.

…

It had been so long since she had been here.

“Ponyville...” An orange maned, yellow coated Earth Pony stepped out from the woods, following an old overgrown trail. She was one of the survivors of the final days.

“Mama?” Another voice spoke and young Unicorn colt stepped into view. His coat is a soft orange. His mane and tail are a gentle pink, flowing long and nearly too the ground. His eyes, a gentle sea-foam green. His cutie mark, a single musical note within a heart shaped white cloud. “Why are we here?” He looked at the lengthening shadows cast from the ruins of what must have been a wonderful town. Those shadows almost looked like they were claws reaching out to grab him.

Carrot Top looked at her colt and smiled. “I had to return. There is something I have to do before we go to Canterlot.” She looked toward the Everfree. “Now, if memory serves me, her cottage was this way. Come along Sweet Dream.”

“Yes Mama.” The colt followed behind his ever gentle and kind mother.

They finally reached their destination. The one building which seemed to have survived the burning of Ponyville.

The colt felt his blood run cold as he viewed the dark, long broken windows of this place. The bare branches reaching out like sharp claws, ready to snatch up any who got too close and then devour them. He could swear he heard a whisper on the wind, but knew it was just this somewhat scary place that was making him nervous.

Carrot Top walked to the open front door and peaked inside. The once happy place was now gone. She remembered the truth of the mare who lived here, as well as how Kindness had, in the end, allowed her to die peacefully.

The mare looked at her colt. “Dear? May you cast some light in here?”

“Yes Mama.” Sweet Dream nodded and entered nervously, his horn glowing a soft green light. He hummed gently to himself, and the glow brightened to fill the room.

“Thank you.” Carrot Top nuzzled her foal and walked in, looking around. The old wood furniture was still there, but the elements of nature had taken their toll. She reached the stairs and looked up. Taking a deep breath, she ascended, Sweet Dream right behind her.

They entered the bedroom and looked around, Carrot Top's eyes falling on the old trunk at the foot of the bed. She approached and nudged it open.

Inside, the contents had been protected from the elements. She pulled out an old photo album and stowed it into her saddlebags.

“Mama? Is that what we came here for? Is that what the Princess asked you to get?”

Carrot Top looked at her colt and nodded. “Yes, it is. She asked me to come here and retrieve it, but not too look inside.” She shivered as she too heard the faintest whisper on the wind. “Let's get to Canterlot and give this too her. I don't want to remain here any longer, especially with the sun getting so low in the sky. They say the ghosts of the past emerge at night.”

The one thing she did not say to her colt was that she knew this whisper. It haunted her from time too time over this past decade.

Blackthorn, though trapped, sealed away forever in the heart of the Everdeep Wood, was still, in someway, connected to her. His whispers would come to her, to haunt and to taunt.

But Carrot Top ignored the whispers, and they always went away. Sweet Dream's songs always comforted her, always drove away his father's ghost.

Still, she would never tell him the truth, that the very father of this kind and sweet Unicorn was an evil, cruel and deadly monster the likes Equestria had not seen on a very long time.

The sins of the father, the mare never though to blame their foal. It was not his fault that Blackthorn had raped her. In the end, she was gifted with this wonderful, pure new life that was shown nothing but love and kindness. A soul purified and blessed by the Elements of Harmony.

She just hoped, prayed, that his father would remain trapped forever, till the end of time.

“Mama?”

“Yes Sweetheart?” She smiled as they made their way out of town.

“Who is Blackthorn?”

Carrot Top froze, her blood running cold at that question.

…

Blood Rain bowed before her Master. “You summoned me Master?”

“Yes. Is everything going according too plan?” He asked, a low, rumble to his voice.

Blood Rain nodded. “Yes. Wish Star acted just as predicted. He is with the other four Elements as we speak. They should be leaving the cursed lands of Ponyville now.”

“And the final Element? What of Kindness?”

“We have yet to find it.”

The Master frowned, his slate gray coat, mane and eyes making him look like he was formed from cold stone. “If it has not been located by now, there is always the possibility it has not found a new host. We can only pray to our King that this is not the case. For so long we have striven to bring about his revival. Had we acted during the last generation, before they became aware and so strong, we may well have succeeded.”

“But instead, we revived Blackthorn. His actions resulted in the deaths of the previous Elements. Now they are weak, but...”

“But?”

“Princess Corona Twilight. Her magic is strong. She is all but immune to fire and heat. Elusive Whitemane, he shaped gems into a sword like it was nothing.” Blood Rain scowled. “Flicker Bolt, she can channel Unicorn magic to permanently imbue objects with their magic.”

“And what of Honesty and Laughter?”

“I do not yet know what their strengths are. I have the feeling that if we wait for too much longer, we may loose the chance during this generation as well.”

The Master glared at Blood Rain with his stone cold eyes. “Be that as it may, if this generation fails, then we will bring about their deaths as we have so many times in the past. Our Tyrant King will someday be revived.” He glanced at a cloth covered chest at his side. “But even then, we have the power to end them anytime we wish, as well as those false goddesses that lord over Equestria. Their time will come too an end as well. Sooner or later.”

He rose from his throne and towered over Blood Rain, easily the same height of Princess Luna. “Go now Blood Rain. Let our agents in Canterlot know that the five will be there soon. Tell them to not move against them just yet.”

“By the will of the Tyrant King.” Blood Rain bowed and melted into the shadows.

The Master turned and looked at the covered box, resting a hoof atop it. “No, I can feel that the sixth Element of Harmony has indeed been reborn.” A cold smile played across his lips. “This is the final generation of the Elements of Harmony. This I am certain of.”

…

Canterlot finally came into view of five young ponies as they crested a final hill.

“Home...” Corona wiped away her tears. She was home, with all but one of her friends. She wished that somehow, against all odds, that Fluttershy could have been reborn as well, but knew that was impossible.

Elusive nudged Corona gently. “Come. Let us report too the Princesses. They will most certainly want to know you are well.”

“And you as well Elusive.” Corona smiled.

“Ah should be getting' home too.” Honey spoke up. “May folks must be downright scared bout what happened. That attack, an' then us bein' ponynapped.”

Flicker looked north, into the sky. She could make out Cloudsdale. Her home. Were her parents there? Were they even alive?

“I've always wanted to see Canterlot.” Wish Star beamed. “This is so exciting. I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am to finally be here.”

Corona quickened her pace, coming within view of the palace gates. She could see the guards, and they were heading toward the small group.

It was not long before they were surrounded by over twenty armed and armored Royal Guards and escorted to the palace.

Corona smiled as she saw her mother standing at the castle gates, tears in her eyes and a smile on her lips.

“Mom. We're home.”

…

Carrot Top walked along with Sweet Dream. They had made it safely to Canterlot.

“It's so tall.” Sweet Dream's eyes were so wide with wonder. He had spent all his life in a small town till just recently. He thought back to just a few days ago.

A Pegasus messenger, wearing the armor of the Royal Guard, landed outside their humble home and delivered a message from Princess Celestia herself.

The message had been a request, not an order, that Carrot Top return to Ponyville, to the cottage of the former Element of Kindness, and retrieve a photo album. The request was for them to retrieve it and return it too the Princess, without looking inside, no matter how tempted they might be.

The offer of a reward of a nice home with a large yard for growing a garden was more than enough incentive for Carrot Top. Their current home was small, and the ground was hard and rocky. The chance to start anew in Canterlot was just too tempting.

Carrot Top had not wanted to bring her son along, but the colt stated he felt he had to come as well. This suited the mare just fine, meaning she would not have to be away from the foal she loved with all her heart.

“Yes, and once we deliver this too the Princess, we will have a brand new home here as well.” Carrot Top smiled. “And maybe you can make some friends as well.”

Sweet Dreams nodded, his mane bobbing slightly about his horn. “I hope so... I just hope nopony will be frightened by my special talent.”

“Your talent for bringing wonderful dreams to ponies is nothing anypony should be afraid of. I have never had a single bad dream ever since you were born.” She nuzzled her colt. “Come, we should hurry. It's going to be a wonderful sunny day today. I can just feel it.”

…

Three of the foals already knew Princess Celestia, but Wish Star and Flicker Bolt could only stare in awe at her height and her gentle beauty.

“Welcome to Canterlot.” Celestia smiled at the pair of Pegasai. She then noticed the cruel wounds of Flicker's sides. “Flicker Bolt, you will be tended to by our best healers. I know they cannot grow you new wings, but they can at least heal your wounds.”

“No. I... I want to keep these scars. I don't care about the other ones, but I really want to keep the scars from my wings.”

Celestia's smile didn't falter in the slightest. “I understand. I will let the healers know of your wish. They will heal the wounds, but allow the scars to remain.” She could understand. Most Pegasai who somehow lost their wings tended to wish to keep the scars for one reason or another.

“Thank you Princess.” Flicker bowed her head.

Wish Star had heard all about Princess Celestia from his sire and Blood Rain. “Is it true that you're a fake goddess?” He asked out suddenly.

All eyes fell on the colt, stunned expressions on nearly all the faces in the throne room, even those on the normally unshakable Royal Guard.

Celestia giggled. “Wish Star, my sister and I are by no means goddesses. We are the rulers of Equestria, and regents of the sun and the moon. We do not desire worship or power like the gods of old. We desire nothing more than for peace for all our little ponies.”

“But, father said you are false goddesses and will eventually fall when the Tyrant King is reborn.” Wish Star looked confused. “He's never lied to me my entire life.”

Celestia shook her head a little. “Perhaps it was not a lie, but a misunderstanding. Your father, he is the leader of the cult, is he not?”

“It's not a cult, but a religion. We worship the old God, the true God known as the Tyrant King.”

Celestia winced a little. “Do you worship him as well?”

“Um... no, not really. Father never enforced it. I kinda did just to keep him happy and to not punish me randomly.” Wish Star held a hoof too his chin. “You seem a whole lot nicer than how Father and Blood Rain described you.”

Celestia's smile returned. “Wish Star, there is much you will learn now that you are here.”

One of the Royal Guard stepped forward. “Princess Celestia. This one may be but a colt, but his sire is the leader of the Cult of the Tyrant King. We should detain him and interrogate him for everything he knows.”

Celestia shook her head. “No, he will not be detained. I will ask him what questions I feel must be asked, but by no means is he a prisoner. Wish Star is the Element of Laughter after all.”

“But...”

Celestia simply smiled. “Commander Freedom. I have made my decision. Need I repeat myself?”

“No Princess. By your command.” Freedom stepped back and into place with the other Royal Guards. (He won't be detained... but he most certainly will be watched very closely.) He did not trust this colt, the child of the very leader of the Cult they wished to be taken down.

...

Celestia took the pair of Pegasai to one of the tower apartments. Corona, Elusive and Honey accompanied them as well, just so they knew where their two new friends would be living.

The Princess turned to the pair, but mainly Flicker. “This will be your home till we can locate your family, or for as long as you wish to stay. I promise we will do all we can to find them.” She then looked at Wish Star. He may be a Pegasus, but not once had he tried to fly, hover, or even fully stretch his wings. “This will also be your home.”

“Really? Wow.” Wish Star ran too the balcony of the large apartment and looked out over the view. “I've never seen anything so amazing.” His wings were almost vibrating by now. “If it's not too much, do you know anypony who can teach me how too fly?”

Everypony present winced, but Celestia spoke first. “You do not know how too fly?”

“Nope. I was born underground and lived there my whole life.” The colt grinned. “Never was allowed to spread my wings, just in case I accidentally knock something over after all.” He looked at his folded wings. “Even though I never used them, when I had them removed once as a punishment, I missed them.”

“There is much you have to learn, and much you have to tell.” Celestia looked at Flicker, especially her now healed wounds. The only scars were the lightening bolt shaped scars on her sides. “Are you sure you wish to live in this tower aw well?”

“I... I do. I can see Cloudsdale so well from here. I feel less homesick.”

Corona walked over and nudged Flicker with a hoof. “You know, with your talent being able to channel Unicorn magic to enchant items, I bet we can make you something that would let you fly again.”

Celestia watched Flicker's eye's light up. “Are... are you serious?”

“I do believe she is.” The Princess looked at her daughter. “Princess Corona Twilight has never lied to me, other than that once time about those mysteriously disappearing cookies.”

Corona blushed. “Mom, stop teasing me. I only took two cookies, one for me and one for Elusive.”

“Kindly leave me out of this...” Elusive deadpanned. “I recall not even eating that cookie. Corona's cookie dropped on the ground and got dirty so I gave her the one she gave me.”

Honey Crisp chuckled. “That was mighty generous ah ya Lucy.”

“Lucy?” Wish Star giggled. “That's a funny name.”

Elusive sighed. He knew Honey had the habit of using nicknames, and he knew better than to try to make her stop. She was capable of coming up with even more embarrassing nicknames that were best never heard again. “It's a nickname. Just like how she calls you Starry.”

“Oh, I like Starry.” The colt grinned. “Just like how I call my friend Flick, right?”

Honey nodded. “E'yup.”

“Alright.” Celestia pointed toward two doors. “Those are the bedrooms. This is the living area with kitchen and eating area. Each bedroom has its own private bath.” She looked toward the main door and smiled. “Now, I must return too the throne room. I am expecting an important package.” Her form glowed and vanished.

…

“Welcome to Canterlot Carrot Top.” Celestia smiled at the middle aged mare. She then gasped when she spotted the foal that was hiding behind her. “Who... who is that?”

“This is my colt, Sweet Dream.” Carrot Top stepped aside, revealing the young Unicorn.

“Who is the father, if I may ask?” She was aware that the mare had been a prisoner of the monster Blackthorn. She prayed the answer was not the one she feared it might be.

Carrot Top frowned. She could never lie too the Princess. She had already told her son, a painful tale that tore at her heart to tell. “His father is Whisper Wind Blackthorn.”

Celestia's eyes locked onto Sweet Dream's eyes. She didn't stare so much as look into him.

What she saw nearly took her breath away. “I see. You are the granddaughter of the kindest pony to have lived in over three hundred years.”

“I know all about Fluttershy.” Sweet Dream replied. He smiled fondly. “Mama would tell me stories of how she was always there to care for other ponies, for the animals, and even gave up her own life to protect Equestria from an evil monster.”

Celestia looked at Carrot Top. “How much does this colt know?”

“I... I recently told him everything I know from eleven years ago. He knows everything I know and learned about it.”

Celestia seemed to sigh with relief. “I see. I am glad he knows.” She smiled brightly. “Hello Sweet Dream, Element of Kindness.”

...

To Be Continued...