Twilight sat on the edge of her bed staring at the floor. Shadow was positioned outside, guarding the door. Even with the Chimera gone, there could still be threats against Twilight’s life. Now that the Elements of Harmony had been silenced, Twilight wasn’t exactly safe. Thus far, the only thing keeping Discord from turning on them had been his friendship with Fluttershy. Now it was the promise of her resurrection. As well as the knowledge that Shadow had killed something that was supposed to be unkillable.

Downstairs in the throne room, Celestia pouted only a little. She’d been expelled from her own throne by her big sister, Thanatos. It was better her big sister than some insurgence. Not that it made the delegates any more comfortable to have Celestia nearby. Thanatos was an unknown. An Alicorn as white as bone with a mane that looked ethereal but sat solid. Clearing her throat, Thanatos gestured the first delegate forward. A mare from the Crystal Empire, her mane caught up in a bun atop her head. Her coat shimmered in the light coming from outside. She shuffled forward, as if afraid to approach the strange princess.

“State your business, peasant.” Thanatos ordered, her voice barely above a whisper even though it rumbled through the room. Celestia had informed her that the Royal Canterlot Voice wasn’t used in the throne room anymore, and her sister had compromised by saying she would not speak to peasants loudly in the Royal Canterlot Voice.

“My lady... I am from the Crystal Empire, on behalf of the librarian. She could not leave due to the busy season, school starting up and books being needed for classes. She wishes for additional funding that the Crystal Empire itself cannot provide in order to expand the library to include more subjects.” The delegate said and Thanatos tapped her chin.

“And why does she not ask her own rulers? You say the Crystal Empire cannot provide funds to expand the library. Why is that?”

“Sister... Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor need all the help they can get. King Sombra, before his fall, used all of the Crystal Empire’s treasury to expand his collection of crystals in order to make himself stronger.” Celestia said and Thanatos nodded.

“I see. Then your request is heard and we shall consider it. You will receive word in three days-time.” Thanatos said and the delegate bowed. “In the mean-time, might I recommend remaining in Canterlot to visit the library here? As the librarian for the Crystal Empire, you may feel free to request books from our library to take home with you.” The older princess said and the librarian’s assistant bowed lower before backing out of the throne room. As the guards went to fetch the next delegate, Thanatos turned to Celestia. “Tell me sister, if Sombra was such a threat, why did you not vanquish him?”

“I... have been trying another way... sister. Defeating but not destroying our enemies... make them see that we are too powerful to attack.” Celestia said and Thanatos pursed her lips and nodded.

“Humiliation for the sake of peace. A worthy goal. And yet this Storm King that came through my kingdom not too long ago said that your own student was the cause of his demise.”

“In part. The Storm King threatened the safety of Equestria by turning Cadance, Luna and myself to crystal in order to drain our magic. He planned to create a storm that would destroy all of Equestria by using all of our magic, including Twilight’s. It was thanks to his former servant, Tempest Shadow, that we stopped him. In the Storm King’s anger at Twilight for defeating him, he attempted to turn Twilight and her friends into Crystal, but Tempest got in the way. He tumbled from the tower to the ground below while Twilight saved Tempest from suffering a similar fate.”

“I see. Understandable then, and you and your ponies got to keep your hooves clean in the process. Unintentional assisted suicide. I’ll be sure to add that to his file when I return.” Thanatos said. “And where is this... Tempest... now?”

“Wandering Equestria. For saving Twilight and her friends, as well as the rest of us, I granted her a full pardon for her crimes against Canterlot. The Storm King had lied to her in order to gain her cooperation, betraying her trust.” Celestia said and Thanatos nodded.

“And what had he promised her?”

“Her horn is broken, he promised he could restore it if she assisted him in gathering all of our magic.”

“No magic can do that.” Thanatos said, her eyes slightly hardening. Celestia knew the broken promise would be added to the Storm King’s file as well. Looking up, she saw another delegate approaching. A pony she knew all too well. Big Macintosh.

“Welcome Big Mac.” Celestia said and Thanatos turned her gaze on the farmer. “Sister, do not be offended if he doesn’t speak too much. Big Macintosh is not a pony known for many words.”

“Eyup.” Big Mac agreed and Thanatos nodded.

“Very well, shall I try and guess what you want to ask of me?” Thanatos asked and Big Mac shook his head.

“No ma’am. Ah may not talk much, but when Ah choose t’ open mah mouth, Ah speak mah mind.” Thanatos blinked, her wings ruffling.

“Sister, when you said he was not known for many words, I assumed he was dumb. Was that your intention? To surprise me?” Thanatos asked and Celestia shook her head.

“No, dear sister. All of the times I’ve spoken with Big Mac, he hasn’t said many words to me.”

“Eyup. Mah sister, Applejack, taught me th’ value of keepin’ quiet on some issues. But Ah gotta speak mah mind, Princess... uh...”

“Thanatos, sir Big Macintosh.” Thanatos said and Big Mac smiled.

“Sir. Ah wouldn’t go so far as t’ call me a sir, ma’am. Ah’m just a humble apple farmer. And that’s sorta what Ah’m here about. See, th’ farm isn’t all that big, but it’s mighty hard bein’ th’ only one out in the field, given what’s happened. Bein’ that yer the Princess of Death an’ all, Ah’m guessin’ you know what Ah mean?” Thanatos nodded. “Well... Ah was wonderin’... all of Ponyville was really... since they weren’t s’posed t’ die, if we could have our girls back?” Thanatos smiled and looked him over.

“Big Macintosh, you are the first pony I have met today to come forward and ask so boldly for me to reverse the deaths of five mares simply because they weren’t supposed to die. Most would not have the bravery to approach me thusly, but I can see that you are not a coward, nor are you an imbecile.” Thanatos said. “However, you are merely the only pony to approach me and ask this request. So, I must ask further... why are these five mares so special other than their connection to the Elements of Harmony?”

“Well, other than one o’ them bein’ mah sister, they’re all mah friends. Sure Ah can’t stand Rainbow Dash some times, but if ya brought Applejack back but not her, mah sister would never be th’ same. And Pinkie Pie’s... well, Pinkie Pie. Somethin’ about her makes everypony else smile, no matter how gloomy their day is. She does everythin’ she can to bring everypony’s spirits up. And Fluttershy helps keep us safe from th’ Everfree Forest. Some o’ them critters have been wandering out ever since she passed.” He said before pausing for a moment. “And bringin’ Rarity back would make Applejack happy too. They’ve been friends fer a long time. Not t’ mention some o’ the bardin’ at the farm needs patchin’ up and we just don’t have th’ talent.”

“Hm, a valid argument. I have seen Twilight Sparkle’s mind and see that you are correct. But again, you are the only pony to approach me and ask so bluntly. I will take your petition into consideration. I have many other voices to hear before I make my decision. Thank you for your time, Big Macintosh.” She said and he bowed low, remaining down for a moment longer than necessary, seemingly lost in thought. “There is more you wish to add?”

“Yes ma’am. Ah just don’t know how t’ go about sayin’ it.”

“Speak what is on your mind. I am sure it will come out exactly as you wish it to.” She said and he nodded, stood up and sucked in a breath.

“Princess Thanatos, if it will influence your decision any, Ah will devote seven hours a day o’ mah life t’ you.” He said and she blinked before throwing her head back and laughing. The guards all looked at one another, then up at Celestia, whose gaze they followed to Thanatos. A few moments later, Thanatos bent over, still giggling but trying to compose herself.

“Oh... my dear Big Macintosh... you are the first pony to proposition me like that.” She said between giggles. “But what would your mare friend, Miss Sugar Belle, think if a Goddess claimed you for seven hours each day?” She asked and Big Mac opened his mouth to answer. She cut him off by raising a hoof. “I do appreciate the sentiment, Big Macintosh. Perhaps one day I will take you up on your offer. I will consider your request, as well as your proposition. And might I recommend not telling Miss Sugar Belle about what we just discussed here?” She suggested and Big Mac nodded, turned, and walked out of the throne room. As soon as he was gone, Thanatos bent over, shaking with giggles as she stared at the floor.

“Sister?”

“Oh Celestia, your ponies are full of surprises. First Twilight offers to devote herself to me in order to return her friends to life, and now Big Macintosh offers something like that, his time and dedication each and every day, for the same purpose. I’m beginning to like these ponies.” She said as she sat back, wiping a tear from her eye. “Send in the next petitioner.” She said, still smiling as she waved one of the guards to retrieve the next pony.

Five hours later, Thanatos, Celestia, Luna, Big Macintosh, and eight other ponies stood in front of a massive door. They were still waiting on two others who should be along shortly. “So, you really propositioned Big Sister Thanatos that way, Big Macintosh?” Luna asked and he nodded.

“He did indeed sister. I was quite surprised, and very honored.” Thanatos said and Big Mac smiled a little. “As I said, I will consider your request, Big Macintosh. My decision here, however, is not based on that. After I heard from you, several ponies approached me with similar requests, though only one other was so brave as to offer me her body.” She said and Celestia blinked and turned to her sister.

“I don’t remember that, sister.”

“You were away at the time getting water for the two of us. Captain of the Wonderbolts. Spitfire. She definitely does her name service. Where Big Macintosh was more polite and asked, Spitfire acted. Though she did first request I not get angry with her and order the guards to not act on instinct.” Thanatos said and the mare in question flushed and turned her gaze to the floor. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so pleasantly assaulted in my long existence.”

Luna turned to Spitfire, shocked. “What did you do exactly?”

“I... um...”

“She rushed the throne, plastered her lips to mine and forced her hoof between my hind legs, vowing to allow me to do whatever I wished to her for five years if I brought Rainbow Dash back.” Thanatos said and Spitfire’s blush grew worse as ten pairs of eyes turned to her. “Though she did quickly remember where she was and stepped back. After all, bringing just Rainbow Dash back wouldn’t be fair to the others, now would it miss Spitfire?” Spitfire shook her head, still staring at the floor as most of the eyes went back to the door in front of them. The only remaining eyes on her were Soarin and Fleetfoot.

“We’ve gotta talk about that later, Spitfire.” Fleetfoot said and Spitfire nodded.

“Now then, shall we get underway? As I stated on the way down here, those of you that are present and had some attachment to the deceased will be the center point of this spell. Think of it as a tether. Or a life line. You will stand here, outside the door. My spell will take a tiny bit of your spirit and cast it into the Afterlife, where it will seek out the one intended. If they do not wish to come, they will not. I cannot force them to leave my realm, they must chose to do so of their own free will. You can, however, use any means you wish to attempt to convince them.” Thanatos said and the ponies all nodded.

“Firstly, tell me who you wish to bring back and why.” She said, looking to the first pony in line. “I know we already went through this, Big Mac, but the Gate needs to hear it too.”

“Applejack’s mah sister an’ the farm just ain’t the same without her. Ah want mah sister back cause Ah miss her and Ah need her help with Granny and Applebloom.” He said and Thanatos nodded, casting her spell. Her horn lit, the spirals running from her head to the tip lighting and a narrow string of light floated away and attached to Big Mac’s chest. Turning to the next one in line, Thanatos nodded. Spitfire sucked in a breath, looked at her two comrades, then stepped up.

“Rainbow Dash is one of the most promising Wonderbolts I’ve ever had the pleasure of training. She’s a strong flier, has a good heart, and will do anything for her friends or the team. And if that’s not enough reason...” She paused for a second before sucking in a breath again, as if steeling herself. “If that’s not enough reason, I want Rainbow Dash back for me. Other than these two, she’s the closest thing I have to family and... I just...” She forced herself to stop as tears formed in her eyes. Thanatos nodded and the thread of magic attached to her chest. Soarin and Fleetfoot were somewhat the same, though they didn’t break down into tears and Soarin’s reason was more because he liked staring at Rainbow’s flank when they flew.

Applebloom stepped up and opened her mouth to speak but Thanatos waved her off. “There is no need for her little sister to talk. Sweetie Belle, I already know what you and Applebloom mean to say.” She said as her horn lit and the threads of magic attached to their chests. “They are your sisters. There is no need.” Turning her eyes to Zephyr, she glared at him and stomped her hoof down. “Rather than attempt to flirt with a mare who clearly isn’t interested in you, perhaps you should focus on why you want your sister back.” She snapped and Zephyr jumped and looked around the room. Fleetfoot had been ignoring him anyway. “If you are not focused, the spell will not work and they will all be lost, Zephyr Breeze.”

“Then maybe it would be better to bring someone who really cared about Fluttershy, rather than the brother who saw her as a temporary home when he couldn’t hack it somewhere.” Twilight said as she approached the door, her wing thrown over Tree Hugger’s shoulders. The mare was subdued, her normally well-kept dreadlocks frayed and tangled.

“I do not recognize this mare. Was she a friend of Fluttershy’s?” Thanatos asked and Twilight nodded.

“This is Tree Hugger. She was meditating in the garden while you were holding court.”

“I see. A friend of nature as well as its care taker. Come forward, Tree Hugger, and state why you wish for Fluttershy’s return.” Thanatos said and Tree Hugger walked forward, Twilight remaining by her side.

“I want Fluttershy back because she was the nicest mare I’ve ever met. Understanding, gentle, kind... no other pony could have handled the Breezies the way she did. She even made friends with Discord... and if what Twilight said is true... he wasn’t much for friends before he met her.” Tree Hugger said and Thanatos nodded, her horn producing a thread that attached to Tree Hugger’s chest.

“You mention Discord. Why isn’t he here?”

“The better question is, why wasn’t he involved in bringing down the Chimera that killed Fluttershy?” Discord asked as he materialized, Shadow struggling under his arm.

“Let go of me you noodle horse thing.” Shadow snapped and Discord did just that, releasing Shadow, who floated for a moment before dropping to the floor. Twilight raced over to him and helped him up, glaring at Discord’s back as he approached Thanatos.

“My dear Thanatos, I’m hurt you didn’t think to contact me. Are we not friends? Pen pals? Amigos?” He asked, striking dramatic poses with each suggestion. Thanatos just sighed and pushed him away.

“Discord, you have a connection to Fluttershy. Why do you want her back?”

“She’s the first friend I ever really had. I claim to be above such things, that I don’t need friendship to be happy. It’s all a ruse. Fluttershy keeps me... well, less insane. And with her being gone... Twilight Sparkle is no fun to tease. She’s a shell of the pony I used to enjoy playfully tormenting.” He said and Thanatos sighed, a thread attaching to Discord’s chest.

“I’m going to throttle you one of these days Discord.” Shadow said and Discord just smiled.

“I look forward to it puppy.” He said and Thanatos threw the doors open, cast her magic into it and stood aside.

“Now, each of you grab onto the thread coming from your chest. It is their life line and tether to the mortal world. When they go taught, you need to pull and pull hard.” Thanatos said and each creature with a glowing thread coming from their chests grabbed hold. Almost immediately, the Wonderbolts threads went taught and the three Wonderbolts pulled as hard as they could. A mere moment later, Rainbow Dash spilled from the roiling mass of magic, landing on top of Spitfire.

While Spitfire rejoiced at having Rainbow Dash back, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom’s threads went taught, but Big Mac’s remained slack. “Big Macintosh, are you not focusing enough?”

“Ah am, Ah swear it. Somethin’ just don’t feel right.” He said, even as Soarin helped Sweetie Belle pull her thread, Rarity spilling elegantly from the magic and landing in Soarin’s outstretched forelegs like a princess.

“What do you mean?” She asked and Big Mac shook his head.

“Ah ain’t sure. It’s like mah threads bein’ pulled in three different directions.”

“Then your head is focused on Applejack, but your heart is seeing two other ponies you could bring back. Your parents. Big Macintosh, I must caution you... bringing them back could spell disaster for all of Equestria.” Thanatos said and Big Mac nodded. “However...” She said and he looked at her. “I will... look the other way. Just this once.” She said and Big Mac’s thread went taught as Thanatos grabbed it as well. “Now pull.” She said and the two of them pulled hard. The first tail to come into view was clearly Applejack’s. Hay colored fur with hints of red. The other two tails that came out beside it were only slightly strange. Pulling hard, Applebloom helped them pull the three ponies free. Thanatos caught the two extra with her magic while Applejack landed on Big Mac’s back. “I must acclimate these two to the living world again, but we can deal with that momentarily.”

As she said this, a pink tail bobbed into view before sinking back in and bobbing back up, as if she were in a pool. The mare attached to the other end of the line grabbed it with her teeth as if trying to reel in an unruly fish. Thanatos walked over and grabbed the thread as well, pulling hard and, with some success, Mrs. Cake and Thanatos managed to pull Pinkie out of the magic portal. Rather than catching her, however, Thanatos stopped as Pinkie lazily floated to the floor, fast asleep, as if she were a feather.

“I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again... I do not understand the logic that is Pinkie Pie.” Shadow said and Twilight laughed as she kissed his cheek. A moment later, Fluttershy popped free as if she’d been stuck in a pipe and finally greased up enough to suction free of it. Landing lightly in Discord’s outstretched arms he hugged her so tight Twilight was afraid he was going to squeeze the life out of her. As soon as the last of them was free, Thanatos cast a spell to seal the door closed, as well as sever the threads. Each thread flowed into the one they’d been attached too, Big Mac’s thread splitting into three.

Two months later, Twilight sat in the middle of her bedroom, a white gown gracing her body and a veil thrown over her face. “Wolf clan tradition” Shadow had said. She would be wearing white with a veil, he in black. They’d waited two months specifically so their big day would coincide with two other ponies’ big days. “So, ready to get married Twilight?” Rainbow asked her and she smiled and looked at her friend. Despite this being her wedding, Rainbow was dressed more as a groom than a bride. Her bride to be had suggested it. Across the room from them was Applejack, dressed to the nines in the finest dress Rarity had ever seen. Applejack’s mother’s wedding gown.

“I think Applejack’s looking more ready than you are, Dash.” Twilight said and Rainbow shrugged.

“I think we should get out there before our soon to be significant others ditch us at the altar.” Rainbow said and Twilight sighed.

“They wouldn’t do that Rainbow, yer just bein’ paranoid.” Applejack said as she finished fussing with her hat. The ever present hat. Rainbow wondered what AJ was going to do when that hat came off when her soon to be groom kissed her.

“Yeah yeah. Let’s get out there. I know at least one of us here doesn’t want to keep her future husband waiting any longer.” Rainbow said, bumping Twilight’s rump. Twilight blushed and waved her off before the three of them walked out of the room. The main hall fell silent as they entered, thousands of ponies standing up, as well as a couple hundred wolves. The wedding march began playing and the three mares walked up the middle of the aisle side by side, their grooms waiting next to Celestia. Spitfire, Rarity who had surprised everyone by dressing as a groom, and Shadow. “It’s gonna be weird, being married to my superior officer.”

“No more weird than it’s gonna be bein’ married t’ one of mah best friends.” Applejack said and Twilight sighed. They didn’t seem to get how strange it was to marry someone that all of Equestria’s lore said didn’t exist. As they reached the podium, their grooms took their places beside them, looking up at Celestia.

“Welcome, fillies and gentlecolts, to a glorious day of celebration.” Celestia said, her voice booming above the crowd. Still gentle on their ears, but loud enough to be heard across all of Canterlot. “Today, we celebrate not just the restoration of the Elements of Harmony, but the joining of Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Spitfire, and Prince Knight Shadow. As this is a first for all of Equestria, the ceremony will not be dragged out, nor will it be as dramatic as most other weddings. Rather, our grooms may now turn to their brides.” She said and Spitfire, Rarity, and Shadow turned to their soon to be brides. The two magic users, Shadow and Rarity, lifted the rings in their magical aura while Spitfire raised hers with a wing.

“Upon their horns and forelegs, these rings signify a bond that cannot be severed. A bond that will last for a life time. Magic shared, life joined, harmony in balance. Place the rings upon your chosen.” Celestia said and Shadow placed his ring around Twilight’s horn while Rarity and Spitfire placed theirs around the forelegs of Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “In keeping with Wolf Clan culture, the brides may now decide what jewelry they wish to bestow upon their grooms.” Twilight smiled as she lit her horn, the now silver glow lifting a golden crown from the pillow at Celestia’s hooves. Shadow knelt in front of her, bowing his head, as Twilight placed the crown between his ears. Spitfire chose a silver necklace to place around Rainbow’s neck, the emblem being their cutie marks as one, a design she’d chosen. Rarity and Applejack chose theirs together. An ear ring with Applejack’s cutiemark in purple.

“With these jewels and the bonds formed of this ceremony, I now proclaim these three couples joined in marriage.” Celestia said and the room erupted in cheers, confetti cannons exploding and filling the room with streamers, confetti that showered the crowd, and sparkles, as if Twilight’s magic was covering the room. Shadow smiled as he bumped Twilight’s hip.

“That wasn’t so hard, now was it?” He asked and she smiled as she kissed him, sealing their wedding the traditional Canterlot way.

Author's Note

And done. I hope you enjoyed. This is the finale of Fallen Harmony. I may make a follow up story to this, i'm not sure. Let me know if you think a follow up is needed.