The Abyssal Requiem

It was a cold and rainy night as a hooded figure approached what appeared to be a statue of three beings. The beings in question were called The Burning Sun, The Silent Night and The Corrupt Abyss. The hooded figure looked at the three long with hard, visible anger not because of them, but because of their failure. They would visit this place everyday for the past ten years, but their feelings never went away, no matter how hard they tried. After a few minutes of silence, they looked up and with a single breath, spoke.

“I’m sorry.”

. . .

Elsewhere, one pony was in front of a crowd, newcomes that had shown up recently. However, among the group, there was one who had always been there and always listened to the pony no matter the time or day. That pony was none other than Flurry Heart. After a few moments, the pony spoke.

“Welcome, newcomers, to the land of New Equestria. This is the place where everypony can live in peace and harmony. We’ve rebuilt and salvaged everything here for the past ten years. As many of you know, a battle took place here and many lives were lost. We’ve built a memorial for the six, heroic ponies who risked their lives protecting us from the wrath of the Abyss. Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and last, but most certainly not least, Twilight Sparkle. There are two more individuals, two that used to rule all over Equestria. Princess Celestia, the controller of the light. And Princess Luna, the controller of the dark. Together, they managed and looked over many threats and were around much longer than the six. However, as with all heros, they were defeated… but not before sealing away the evil that plagued our land and restoring peace across the lands. To this day, they're still remembered for their heroic actions. Some fell to darkness, but despite that, their legacy remains here…"

After she finished, the newcomers asked several questions, all of which Tempest answered without issue. Once she told them where to go, all but one went to where they were told. That pony was none other than Flurry Heart. Trotting over to the hornless unicorn, she jumped on her back and hugged her neck.

“I love this story! Especially at the end where the monster gets sealed away! Were the Royal Sisters always this powerful?” Flurry Heart asked as she jumped off Tempest.

“Well, one controlled the sun and one controlled the moon. That should give you some clear insight on their power scale.” Tempest said with a clever smile.

“I wish I could've met them. They must be really nice alicorns. But Twilight was the shining star of this story. Had it not been for her and her friends, I don’t think we would be talking right now.” the inquisitive alicorn said while she and Tempest looked at the statues.

“You have no idea…” Tempest said as her smile faded.

“Did I say something wrong?” Flurry Heart asked, worried that she offended her foalsitter.

“No, no. I was just thinking about something. Is it almost time for your tutoring?” Tempest asked, raising a playful eyebrow.

“Aw, but tutoring’s boring. Can I hear the story one more time?” Flurry Heart whined.

“Really? Are you sure you didn’t fall asleep during the grand tour?” Tempest teased.

“I did not! I was just resting my eyes.” Flurry Heart pouted.

“Oh? A sleepy princess? That’s news to me. I couldn’t imagine what would become of Equestria if the sleep princess inherited the throne.” Tempest said, teasing Flurry Heart even further.

“I’m awake! And what about you? You’re often tired yourself. I bet you’re even too tired for a race.” Flurry Heart teased back.

“I dunno. I feel a little tired- GO!!!” Tempest suddenly shouted before dashing.

“Hey! That’s cheating!” Flurry Heart exclaimed, rushing ahead.

The two were neck and neck as they ran through Canterlot. Even if Tempest had the speed advantage due to her leg strength, Flurry Heart easily usurped first place, using her wings to get ahead of the former.

“What? You can’t do that!” Tempest shouted, noticing Flurry Heart use her wings.

“Why not? You didn’t tell me you wanted to race! So catch me if you can, Fizzy~!” Flurry Heart teased.

“What was that?” Tempest asked, caught off guard by her nickname.

The duo ran over the rebuilt city of Canterlot and they were having fun while heading to Flurry Heart’s tutoring. Almost everything around Canterlot was restored to its former glory while new buildings were placed on some of the landscapes. But after all that occured ten years ago, the feeling never went away. Especially not with Tempest or her friends during their experiences against the Abyss. Regardless, they could face their future head-on without the need to worry over any world-breaking crisis or wonder when they would need to defend Equestria. And that was a thought that Tempest took pleasure in. Having run all the way over to the school after-hours, the two stopped to take a breather and recover from their run.

“We really made good time.” Tempest said while panting for breath.

“Yes. It was quite a workout.” Flurry Heart said, breathing as well.

After gaining their breath, Tempest walked Flurry Heart over to the campus grounds and said,

“Well, I guess this is where we separate for now.”

“Do I really have to go…? All I ever get are math problems and history lessons. I want to learn something new.” Flurry Heart whined once more.

“You will, Your Highness. In time. But for right now, it’s a slow burn. I’ll pick you up at 5 PM, sharp. You’re not gonna wander off like last time, are you?” Tempest instructed as she started to take her leave.

“I won’t, Tempest.” Flurry Heart said, annoyed by Tempest’s condescension.

“Well, I’ll see you later. Behave yourself!” Tempest shouted before leaving.

“I will. I’ll see you later, Aunty Tempest!” Flurry Heart shouted back as she entered the school building.

After seeing her head inside, Tempest turned around and started heading back to the castle. Moving across Canterlot, she stopped at a local ice-cream parlor to get a quick snack. After paying for the ice-cream cone, she sat on a bench and proceeded to lick it. While having her meal, she sees Apple Bloom approach her and she stops eating her meal.

“Apple Bloom, I’m glad to see that you’re keeping busy around here.” Tempest said, trying to make a joke.

“It’s nothing to be worried over, captain. I’m just taking a walk.” Apple Bloom said as she looked around the town square.

“Would you mind if I accompany you to the castle? I’m feeling bored out here.” Tempest asked, trying to strike up a conversation with the earth pony.

“Yes, ma’am.” Apple Bloom answered as she stood at attention.

“Apple Bloom, you don’t have to address me as ma’am or captain when it’s just the two of us.” Tempest said, trying to put her at ease.

"I know, but it feels too out of place to be normal like this. Is the princess with you?" Apple Bloom asked while continuing to survey the area.

"She's with her tutor, Apple Bloom. Let's head over to the castle." Tempest said while holding her castle.

They said nothing to each other while walking. It was like a stiff air loomed over them and they had no idea what to say to one another. Tempest especially had no idea what to say since Apple Bloom has grown suspicious of Princess Cadance's rule over Canterlot. But they put their feelings as they went into the castle where they were greeted by none other than Princess Cadance and Shining Armor as well as Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer.