John Sampson Returns Chapter Two

The time has come. I have a band and a herd with foals that depend on me. They are owed an explanation and some choices. I’ve teleported straight out of the dream at Twilight’s and discovered that it is mid morning over Canterlot. My original plans were to check in with my farm band today and right now, the farther I am from Celestia, the better, so farm it is.

I’ve chosen to return in my Bud body to lessen the shock on the foals. The internal contradictions are scrambling my thoughts as I walk through the main gate. Bud sees ‘my home’ and John sees ‘AJ’s farm’. Bud remembers AJ, the strong lead mare that guided me through decades of growth and learning. John mourns for AJ, the hot filly with the potential for greatness.

Fred is coming out to meet me. I’m sure the link is still active so he’ll know.

“Hello, John. Long time, no see.”

“Hello, Fred. And Fred, Bud isn’t gone. She’s just been added to a whole bunch.”

I step up and rub cheeks with Fred. There’s four and a half centuries of strength and love in that caress and I can feel all of it.

“There are some things I need to tell you, Fred. When I made you a pony, I used my Alicorn body for the pattern. All you lack is the horn and wings to be fully ascended and you can have those any time you want them. You will also live as long as I do and you can sire Alicorns. All of our foals have the potential. And that’s why I can’t stay Bud no matter how happy it makes me. I have to show our herd the way to greatness.”

Fred looks at me somberly, “John, I’ve known this was coming for a long time. Our link gave me access to your memories and knowledge even while you were dormant. I told everypony else that you had been called to ascend and take on Royal duties. They’re all thrilled for you and proud to be part of a herd with such a distinguished leader. I’m happy with the way I am. I will take care of the farm and keep it ready for your mares.”

“Fred, you’re too damned good for me. You need some mares of your own.”

“Don’t worry about me, John. We’re pretty impressive even without the Alicorn factor. I’ve always had my pick of mares waiting for me. They just never seemed all that appealing when I already had the very best waiting for me at home.”

We walk down the road and around the house to the back porch where all the band is waiting. After cheek rubbing and hugging, everypony except for my youngest, Fast Freddie, settles down to listen to me.

“I’m Bud, the same Bud you’ve always known, the same Bud that gave birth to many of you, but I’m more. I’m also John, an Alicorn.” Changing to my A-Pony body, “Alicorns control tremendous amounts of magic and live for a very long time. John used so much magic defeating the demons that he burned out. John created Bud to maintain his body while he lay dormant and healing and gave Bud to Fred to care for. It was my intent that a herd also be created to improve Equestria and Ponies in general using the bloodline that I represent. You’ve succeeded beyond my expectations. Are there any questions?”

Ambrosia asks, “Does this mean we’re a without a herdmare?”

“No, it doesn’t. You’ve joined my larger herd and your overall herdmare is Twilight Sparkle. Fred will have to choose another mare for the farm.”

Honeycrisp exclaims, “Then we’re all Royal now?”

“No, but everypony is technically Noble. You’ll find that the benefits do not outweigh the bullshit for most purposes but there is one large extra. All of my bloodline have the same potential as me. If you work hard and develop your magic, you can ascend. Band wisely and your foals will have an even better chance.”

Ambrosia asks, “Will we see you again?”

“Many times. First, you are my blood and always will be. Second, being Royal is a high stress occupation. I need a connection to the land and normal Ponies to keep me sane. This is where I came to heal because this is where I call home. The Castle and Canterlot are where I go to work.”

Blue Apple is curious, “Can we go to the Castle or even stay there?”

“Yes you can. In fact, the Guard would love to have you and station you in the Castle. There are also schools and some of you will be expected to show up for festivals and gatherings.”

Ambrosia asks, “Will any of the Royal Herd be coming here?”

“Yes. They’ve been here many times. They just haven’t come recently because they didn’t want to draw attention to my location before I was fully recovered. You are going to find that, in Celestia’s very words, behind the horn and the title is a perfectly normal Pony.”

That caught Fast Freddie’s attention, “You know Princess Celestia?”

“Yes I do. We have a very complicated relationship but we know each other well.

Freddie is on a run now, “And you have wings! Do your wings work?”

“Of course,” and I raise them to their full span.

I may have just accomplished the impossible, Freddie’s mouth is moving but no sound is coming out.

“And just to make it plain, I can do any kind of magic that you can imagine and some that you can’t. The sun speaks with me and will do almost anything I ask. And I’m a Major in the Royal Guard.”

Ambrosia asks, “What should we call you?”

“In legal matters I’m ‘Prince John’. In formal Court proceedings I’m ‘Your Majesty’. At home and anywhere else not involving Royal business I’m ‘John’. Bud is the pony that is left when you strip away all of John’s titles and powers and you can treat John just like you did Bud.”

We have a lot of family talk and some ‘what’s it like to be an Alicorn?’ then I have to satisfy my curiosity, “Freddie, answer carefully and truthfully, just how strong are you?”

Looking solemn, Freddie replies, “I’m strong enough to pull any plow or wagon on the farm.”

Nodding, I ask, “How do your legs feel when you do it?”

Surprised, he answers, “I can feel my strength flowing through my legs to the ground.”

“That’s what I thought. Know that what you are feeling right now is how my magic first manifest. Be very careful. In my first fight I smashed a Pony’s skull by accident. With great power comes great responsibility. You will need a lot of both regular school and magic school.”

“But, I’m an Earth Pony. How can an Earth Pony do magic?”

“Freddie, you’re an Earth Pony because your sire and dam are Earth Ponies. I’m your dam and I’m the strongest wizard in Equestria. In a couple of hundred years you might be stronger than me.”

A very stunned Freddie exclaims, “A couple of hundred years! But how?”

“Freddie, and anypony else that can feel that magic, if you study and work hard to develop your magic you can ascend and become an Alicorn like me. Alicorns live for a very long time.”

Suddenly, Freddie focuses, “How old are you?”

“I’m young by Alicorn standards, just four hundred and sixty five. We are a very special herd and we are going to get more special.”

With much cheek rubbing and hugging, I take my leave of my bewildered band. When I take wing, I see Freddie behind me bouncing like he wants to follow. He feels the call. Good, it may be enough to drive him to what he must do.

I leave in the direction of Canterlot but circle back once I’m out of sight. Locating the west fence line, I follow it north. It’s overgrown but I find the small creek and follow it east. The woods have reclaimed much of my favorite pasture so I’m unsure just where our campsite was but suddenly there is a large rock damming the creek. It’s obviously not an accident so it’s extra interesting. On closer inspection it’s been shaped to serve as a spillway. I land and go over every bit of it.

It has a shield on it. A small icon of a shield that is exactly Shining Armor’s cutie. That explains how it got here. A magic examination reveals a small cavity inside the rock near the icon. I separate the rock and pull out a small stasis bag like we keep food in but this one has enough charge to keep for a thousand years. Inside is a key and a letter.

The letter is from Shining, “Hello, John. I think this is overkill but Swift wants it, so it must be. John, she is one incredible mare. She’s had one foal by Fred and two by me. On top of that she’s adopted two of your foals. And in her spare time she has driven Celestia mad. Celestia has tried to claim all of your wealth as hers but Swift has her convinced that it has been squandered rather than turned over.

“In the main bank in the Crystal Empire there is a safe deposit box. It’s being maintained by a law firm founded by Civil Hassler. This key and your cutie will open it. Inside is a book that Cadance assures me only you can open. The book lists all of your assets and accounts throughout Equestria. Swift has invested your wealth under many names and assures me that in a hundred years you will be wealthier than Celestia.

“Take care of Cadance for me. We love each other without limit but I’ve always known that she needs more stallion than I am capable of being, a stallion like you. Swift sends her love. I think my biggest regret is that I’ll never get to see what you and my sister are going to become. Give Celestia hell. Your brother Shining”

I put the bag with key and letter in my pocket and put the rock back together. Taking off, I try to find my bearings to head for Canterlot but I seem to be having trouble with something in my eyes. Magic seeing takes over and I climb to altitude. A steady sweep and cruise gives me time to think. It’s getting late in the day and I owe Twilight a night after the great Celestia debacle so that’s where I’m going now. We might go to the Crystal Empire tomorrow. I should see Cadance and tell her I’m back plus the book sweetens the pot. But I still don’t know how Celestia is reacting to our collective dream. That may change everything but there’s nothing I can do but wait and see.

After circling the Castle, I land on Twilight’s observatory and make my way down the stairs.

“Honey, I’m home.”

“In the kitchen,” it’s Spike’s voice.

Spike and a very somber Twilight are in the middle of dinner. Pulling out a plate, I join them.

When dinner is finished, I address Twilight, “I have a message from your brother.”

I call Shining’s letter out of my pocket and pass it to Twilight. She reads it slowly and with a few small sniffles.

I’m feeling sympathy, “Yeh, Shining is one of the very few Ponies I really miss. I was trying to lead him down the path to ascension.”

“So was I, John. I think he could have but he didn’t want any more Royal responsibilities. He was too good and too honest to last long in the center of the Royal Court.”

“Twilight, this is part of what I’ve been trying to tell Celestia. It was disgust with Celestia’s methods that repelled him. It’s one of the big reasons for Equestria’s slow decline. You can’t build a great house on a crappy foundation. I know there must have been a day when this wasn’t true, I see the signs all around. Today, you yourself hide your strength and beauty rather risk offending Celestia. That is just so wrong.”

Twilight bows her head, “What can we do, John? Last night was a damned good try and it failed. What’s left?”

Focusing, I explain, “That oath last night has a purpose. I am now divorced from all emotion and obligation to Celestia. In the morning I am going to the Crystal Empire. While I am there I will cover Cadance publicly at least once. When I return, I will cover Luna publicly. Celestia will have her act together by then or she will wake up to find her throne in the trash heap.

“No, John! That would cause conflict throughout the land.”

“It wouldn’t, Twilight. You and Luna are about the only defenders Celestia has left. Everywhere I go Ponies are glad to see me like they’ve been waiting for me. Let’s have breakfast with the Guard in the morning and you can see for yourself.”

We move upstairs and settle in for some serious grooming.

I take a close look at Twilight and, “Dammit, Twilight, you’re fast.”

“What are you talking about, John?”

Smiling from ear to ear, “You’re settled. I can tell and I love it.”

Matching my smile, “You’ve got nopony else to blame. You’re the stallion with the hyperactive swimmers.”

“Well, to be this fast there’s got to be some magic involved but then we’re the two top wizards in Equestria so I guess it was a combined effort.”

We giggle and groom and cross horns and are just happy until bedtime.

“Spike! Zero four hundred.”

“Got it, John.”

And we go to bed, wrapping each other up in our wings and laying our heads cheek to cheek on top of our wings. This is exactly how the world is meant to be.

It’s Spike, “Zero four hundred, John.”

“Come on, Twilight Darling, we need to unwrap and get tea.”

“Yes, John, but do we have to hurry?”

“Twilight Honey, it’s been more than four centuries since I’ve had any of Spike’s delicious tea and here you are standing between me and it again. How do you expect me to act?”

“Once again my stallion’s stomach rules the day. Very well.”

“Don’t worry, your time is coming.”

The tea is as good as I remember. Twilight and I are particularly close this morning and Spike is watching us carefully.

It’s time to tell him, “Spike, you might have a pretty good idea but this is making it official. You have a little brother on the way.”

Spike exclaims, “Alright.”

I elaborate, “Spike, I’m going to be very busy making Equestria ready for our expanding herd. I’m counting on you to take care of Twilight and alert me if anything happens.”

“Absolutely, John!”

“And, Spike, in a few months you will have a full appreciation of the advantages of oviparous reproduction.”

After a bit of stretching and grooming, we are on our way to the Guard cafeteria. It feels good being back in the old familiar places. Then we walk in the door to find wall to wall ponies. The place is completely packed with one single open table in the center.

The Sergeant from my first trip through the main gate greets us, “Good morning, Your Majesties. May I take your orders?”

Looking directly at him, “No, you may not. However, John would appreciate a six egg and cheese omelet with oatmeal and fruit. Twilight wants . . .”

Twilight fills in, “A large fruit bowl with extra apples.”

I try to thank the sergeant but I’m drowned out by thunderous applause. As we make our way to the open table I realize just how strongly the collective Ponies of the guard have been anticipating my return. Nearing the table, I spot a single middle aged Earth Pony mare seated there.

“Hello, John. I’m Far Trail, Commander of the Castle Guard.”

I’m fascinated, “Far Trail, I believe I knew one of your ancestors.”

“I know you did, John. In fact, more than one. Swift Trail and Shining Armor to be exact.”

I nod, “That’s about as good a bloodline as it gets. I’m very pleased to meet you. And I apologize for not reporting in yet.”

“From what I hear, you’ve been pretty busy.”

Wryly, I reply, “That seems to be a feature of my life. I will be by later today if my meeting with Celestia doesn’t turn into too big a disaster.”

Twilight questions, “Far Trail, do you know that having Shining in your bloodline makes us relatives?”

A shocked Far Trail replies, “No, Your . . . Twilight. He’s related to you?”

Twilight smiles, “He was my brother.”

I nod, “And some of your line are adopted foals of mine so we may be related too.”

Looking very bemused, Far Trail says, “You weren’t just being polite when you complimented my line, were you?”

I reply, “Nope. You are going to find that life gets complicated when you hang out around Alicorns. Twilight, I think we should tell them. How about you?”

Twilight nods, “I’ve already decided to tell Far Trail but if you want to make it public, go ahead.”

I back up from the table and levitate two yards.

“Ponies of the Guard, your attention please. You are our herd so we have decided to make our first announcement of some herd news here. The Royal Herd is growing. We have a colt on the way.”

There is about two seconds of stunned silence then deafening applause. I sink back to the floor and Ponies begin to file by, saluting me and bowing to Twilight.

Dismayed, I exclaim, “This is going to take forever!”

Twilight is laughing, “Consider your point made, John. This is your Royal Guard at a level Celestia has never imagined.”

It takes a couple of hours for all the Ponies to file by but I got some things done at the same time. Twilight gave me some locations for the Crystal Empire, allowing me to teleport straight there and Far Trail learned a lot about her ancestors. She agreed to skip the formal reporting and to notify me of the next officers’ party.

Far Trail has told me there is no Court today so Celestia should be in her quarters. The Guardpony at the door hesitates so I open the door myself and walk in.

“Hello, Celestia.”

“Hello, John. Come to apologize for screwing up our last meeting?”

“Of course not. It went exactly as I expected. Where you are concerned I always hope for the best and plan for the worst.”

“So you planned to fail.”

“Of course not, Celestia,” I explain, “I would have been ecstatic if you had learned the lesson I offered but even without it I accomplished what I had to accomplish. You no longer have any supporters in Equestria and I no longer have any feelings or obligation towards you. The only question remaining is the mechanism of succession.”

Celestia is laughing now, “Oh, John. The Royal Guard alone would tear you up if tried.”

Seriously now, “Focus on me Celestia. See my truth. My Royal Guard has been counting the days until my succession for centuries.”

“I can see you believe it but that doesn’t make it true.”

“Then have a memory from this morning.”

I lean over to touch horns and give her the applause and line from breakfast.

“And don’t blame Twilight. She didn’t believe it either, so I dragged her there to witness it for herself.”

“So now I have fear ‘your guard’?”

“Be real, Celestia. They’ll work harder to defend you because I ask it, just not from me. And if you went into my memories enough to know about the horn, you know that the sun has been begging me to replace you since the very beginning. Who’s left?”

“The Noble herds can make your life miserable.”

“Celestia, the Noble herds remember me as the Pony that sacrificed everything to free them from the demons you didn’t even know existed.”

“I’ve still got my Ponies. The ponies of Equestria worship me as their goddess.”

“Celestia, we blew that myth away back at the Sun Celebration centuries ago. Remember how they bow to you from a safe distance and bring me their foals? There’s a Terran concept, Noblesse Oblige, that you can’t seem to understand but your Ponies do. It’s why they protect their foals from the Eternal Goddess and offer them to the Monster Eating Stallion. I live in the same world that they do and I belong to them as much as they belong to me.”

“I won’t go quietly, John.”

“Celestia, I don’t want you to go. All you have to do fall in with the herd and you can have your title for as long as you want it. I just want you to understand that the good of Equestria dictates that I must find a solution soon and I have at least one solution well in order.”

“And what if I don’t like your solution?”

“Then I’ll make the choice and you’ll learn to live with it. Let me explain the process to you. You already know that I’ve covered Twilight. Today I’m going to the Crystal Empire and will publicly cover Cadance before I leave. When I return, I will cloud dance with Luna. Then it will be your turn. You will swear an irrevocable oath to never again conceal information, deceive, or manipulate me and I will cover you to complete the Royal Herd. If you can’t manage a suitable oath, the Royal Herd will reject you.”

“I head the Royal Herd, John.”

“Not after I cover three of the four mares.”

There is nothing left to say so I focus on the main square in the Crystal Empire right in front of the Crystal Heart and reach.