A Glimmer of Hope: Reborn

“So it was the cyclops who led to that search party’s disappearance,” Thorax concluded from the story Twilight told him. As proof of their feat they also displayed Nick’s gem, causing a spark of reminiscence for the changeling. “And you saw him dealing the final blow?”

“Yes, he appeared like a mirage,” Starlight answered, still wondering about the phenomenon herself.

“And you both came back from the dead?” the insectoid asked Tempest and Rainbow Dash. Honestly that was the hardest part to believe for him, but Tempest and Rainbow Dash were proof enough that resurrection was possible. “So what do we do now?”

“What they do now is come with us,” an all too familiar voice echoed in the chamber.

The group turned around to see celestial sisters in all of their glory, along with Discord boredly changing his appendages into different shapes.

“Princesses, what are you doing here?” Twilight asked, completely confused like the rest as to why the royalty was there.

“The same could be asked of you Twilight,” her former mentor looked upon the younger princess with disappointment on her face. “You disobeyed my request to stay in Ponyville and didn’t consult Luna or I about the orders given to you by the Tree of Harmony. These aren’t normal times where friendship problems are the only issues we have, we need to have communication between us.”

The accusations cut into Twilight, feeling the sting of pain for making Celestia unhappy with her. However, before she could feel any worse, the alabaster alicorn smiled at her.

“But I was very impressed with all of your teamwork in taking down that cyclops, and seeing Nick in action again…” she fell silent, knowing how her sister felt about the whole scene.

An uneasiness fell on the group as they slowly focused on the midnight blue alicorn, her mane slightly glowing harshly. Realizing she was making a scene, she quickly repressed her feelings and sighed.

“And it seems we had some necromancy being performed,” Discord chimed in, looking to Tempest and Rainbow Dash. “Of all the tricks I know that takes the cake, tell me girls how did it feel? Did you get you insides reversed? Grow those little ghost tails?”

“That’s enough Discord,” Celestia sternly warned him. She turned to Thorax. “Thank you for guiding them King Thorax. While this immediate threat is over, I would suggest strengthening your forces, as I’m sure you were informed by Twilight, there are more challenges and dangers ahead. Feel free to request help from Equestria if needed.”

The bug king bowed his head in reverence. “Your offer is greatly appreciated Princess Celestia. We have been working with the fishing tribes just outside the Badlands, all so far without issues.”

“Very good. Hopefully the next time we meet, it will be under better circumstances,” she smiled at him, turning to leave.

As the group followed out after her, the king closed his eyes. “Mother, did you really save Nick?”

“So the next stop would be to find Sombra I suppose,” Nick stretched out. He wasn’t sure how long it had been since they killed the cyclops but knew he was exhausted after, and agreed with Chrysalis to get some rest.

“Yep, or it could be Tirek. It seems wherever your friends go, that’s our next direction. I wonder how they all feel about my change of heart.”

“Well with Tempest being there, I’m sure she was able to convince them. If not, I will,” he smiled at her. As he said that, the ground began to vibrate and a pathway opened up to them. “Looks like there’s our guide.”

As the newly formed group exited the hive, they were treated to a spectacular sight. A giant airship, with a proud eagle covering the balloon that gave the ship it’s lift. Of course the Elements of Harmony and Tempest were familiar with it during their travels, and as it landed just outside the hive they were treated to a group of familiar faces.

“Well I’ll be,” Captain Celano smiled at the party. “If it isn’t those little ponies and the princesses to come and greet us.”

“Lano!” Rainbow Dash shot off towards her parrot friend and gave her a hug, followed by their own special hoofshake. “What are you doing here??”

“Dash!” the pirate gladly returned the gesture. “Well just stopping off for supplies. What about all of you? On some friendship mission?”

“It’s something quite more dire Captain,” Princess Celestia approached her, smiling diplomatically. “I would hate to ask, but may we perhaps use your travelling services to the Crystal Empire once you finish resupplying? I can explain everything as you do.”

“Well if there’s anyway that I can help out the princess, I don’t see how I could turn that down!” Celano gave out a hearty laugh. “So tell me, how can we help you?”