By the Will of the Council

The sisters were walking back towards the base of Canterlot mountain at a leisurely pace. For the first time in days, they didn't feel like they had to hurry anywhere. They were taking in the sights of the redeemed land, and by the Creator, was it a gorgeous sight! Especially for Luna, who had a pretty newfound appreciation for everything related to ponykind, or their land.

They filled their lungs with the fresh air, listened to the birds chirping, and to the grass softly swaying in the warm breeze. It was pure bliss, despite Celestia's unconventional baggage.

She was dragging the petrified god of chaos along the ground, face down in the dirt, leaving behind a small trail. She could have easily levitated him, but she felt he didn't deserve the respect of doing so.

"You like what you see?" Celestia asked after a while.

"Hm, yes, it's quite the sight." Luna responded, while taking a smug glance at Discord.

Celestia rolled her eyes playfully.

"I meant the scenery!"

"Yes, that's pretty nice too!" Luna chuckled.

A few minutes later, they saw a flash of light in the distance. Then it reappeared much closer, then closer again. When it was close enough, they could see it was a pony rapidly teleporting around. Finally, she popped up right in front of them. It was no one else, but Clover the Clever!

She looked at the petrified Discord, and let out a loud gasp.

"Celestia! Luna! You did it! YOU DID IT!!!"

The sisters both nodded. Luna said, alongside a confident smile:

"Yup. He won't cause you trouble for a while."

"We made you a promise. It was natural we didn't rest until we would live up to it." Celestia added.

"And ponykind will be forever grateful to you." Clover answered, lowering herself in respect. Then she continued. "But what did you mean by "for a while"?"

"Oh, Luna was just jesting!" Celestia waved a hoof "We're pretty sure the petrification is permanent."

Luna chuckled, then added her own take.

"Even still, you should just dump him in a volcano, or something. After all, that, or something akin to that is where he truly belongs."

"Nonsense!" Clover jumped up, beaming "You overcame him, the worst villain ponykind ever faced. If anything, he should be displayed for everypony to see, symbolizing that ponykind will have no one and nothing to fear from now on!"

"That's a noble notion, even if a bit too much." responded Luna.

"Perhaps a bit too much, but definitely a good message! But Clover, your magic." Celestia changed the topic suddenly "You have it back. I'm happy for you, but what gives? You said that curse was permanent."

"Oh yes." Clover said, and touched her cheek, while looking up at her horn "When that rainbow washed over the land, I suddenly felt magic filling my body again! You caused that, therefore you gave back my magic. And I didn't even thank you for that, so THANK YOU!"

Clover was visibly very-very happy. Gone was the doom and gloom when the sisters met her. But one thing wasn't entirely clear to them: could the Elements cause that as well? After all, that curse was self-inflicted, and wasn't related to Discord directly. But also, Clover wouldn't have cast a curse upon herself if not for the danger of losing her sanity. She also wouldn't want it to be permanent. So, the Elements simply undone that as well, feeling that would be the right thing. Celestia and Luna glanced at each other. Now they were sure that the Elements had a mind of their own, whether or not they were linked directly to the Creator.

Which reminded them...

But before they could ponder anything else, the peppy mare in front of them continued her flow of words, snapping them back to the here and now.

"Now that everypony is normal and happy again, I think it's time they met their savior, don't you think? I say you definitely deserve some praise. And also, you should meet the members of the Equestrian Council. Above all else, Starswirl wants to meet you as soon as possible. I know the first impression wasn't very...convincing regarding him, but if you saw him now!"

"Well, we could say hello to the ponies of Canterlot, I guess." said a hesitating and a bit unsure Celestia.

"But at the same time we..."

"Wonderful!" blurted out Clover, interrupting Luna "Let's go then. Do you still have your wards on?"

"No, not anymore. Why?"

"Because we'll take a shortcut then!" answered Clover, and teleported all of them away.

☼☽

Celestia, Luna, Clover, and a petrified Discord popped back into the physical realm in a large square in Canterlot. The square was full of ponies, and as soon as they saw the two alicorns, and the now-harmless Discord, every talk suddenly ceased, and all eyes were fixed on them.

The silence, after a few seconds, started to become a bit awkward. The expressions obviously indicated wonder, almost as much as in the earth pony village a few days earlier. Celestia thought about how to greet this crowd of ponies, as per their role as "saviors", but before she could speak up, Clover broke the silence.

"Greet your heroes, everypony, the alicorns Celestia and Luna! They used the powers of the legendary Elements of Harmony, and defeated the evil Discord, saving all of us from our chaotic fates!"

After the initial silence, the mostly unicorn crowd broke out in cheering and stomping the ground. Unlike in the village, there was no kowtowing involved, Celestia noticed, and she was actually glad about that. Who were they to deserve the ground almost kissed before them? A thank you was well enough, and obviously, these ponies were very thankful.

"Praise be upon you, noble alicorns!"

"Viva Celestia! Viva Luna!"

"Long live our heroes! Our saviors!"

"Bless you until the end of times!"

"WOOO-HOOO!!!"

And so on, and so forth came the praise their way. Actually, Luna grew comfortable to the attention sooner, and could smile and even wave back a bit to the hundreds of ponies.

It warmed Celestia's heart seeing her sister like that. Only a few days back, the cool and professional Luna wouldn't have interacted with ponies like that. But this was a different Luna now. One free of her self-imposed shackles. One who saw the importance of what she did, and what she could do.

After a while, Clover lifted a hoof, and the grateful cheering subsided a bit. She spoke.

"And now please give way everypony. Let the Council meet our heroes as well!"

The crowd split in two in front of them, and led by Clover, the sisters started to walk towards the council building.

As they walked along the street, they met many ponies, their expressions ranging from happiness to wide-eyed wonder. But one thing was clear to Celestia: these ponies were themselves now, and if up to them, they wouldn't need to face godly terror ever again.

Of course, everypony was outside, not just to meet two suddenly arriving alicorns, but to check out their home city in its former glory again, even if it was still partially under construction. Yet even like this, Canterlot was very pretty. Although it seemed majestic and grandiose from the outside, its streets oozed something else, something that could only be described by Celestia as...homely. Yes, unlike Aeternum, which had many of the same qualities, this place felt like a home to its ponies. The Aeternum Citadel, with its high rising and utilitarian hallways, far-too spacious terraces, and big and empty chambers felt cold and distant in comparison. Celestia didn't realize it so far, but this up close, it was apparent that even in architecture, ponies expressed a certain kind of joy that alicorns lacked, never knew, and perhaps didn't even suppose to know.

So was she weird, Celestia thought, that right then, she felt a certain kind of longing? Even though she was closer to ponykind in the sense she was a part of the only alicorn family, she still wished she could be a part of ponykind? Even if only temporarily, even if only in part.

But that was not to be, she knew it. She was an alicorn, an immortal. She didn't belong among mortals. And now that they found what they came for, and in more sense than one, it was time they returned.

Celestia bent down to Luna, who perked her ears in turn.

"Luna? We should talk."

"I know." Luna nodded.

The sisters looked around, and they both knew the crowded streets wouldn't be the right place for their incoming conversation. Therefore, Celestia caught up to the proudly trotting Clover in the front, and addressed her.

"Clover, could you take this over for me?"

The mare peeked back, and saw the statue-god levitated right next to her. She stopped, but saw from Celestia's expression this wasn't a joke being played on her.

"Something's wrong?"

"Luna and I need to talk in private."

"Okay." answered Clover, and took Discord into her own magic. "So, see you at the council building then?"

"We'll be off for a while, but... Sure!"

That didn't come out as genuine, Celestia was aware of that, and Clover must have noticed, as she was hesitating to answer. She flicked an ear, cocked her head, but a few moments later, gave a cheerful response.

"Fine, I'll wait for you in the courtyard!"

Clover moved along, while Celestia and Luna took off, among many gazes of marvel. They landed in a side street, then found an almost-finished building that was still empty. They entered.

☼☽

Now that they were alone, Celestia started the conversation.

"The deed is done. Our mission is almost complete. So, what now?"

Luna shifted her gaze to the ground, and let out a long sigh. Her ears started to droop, but she didn't let them, then looked back straight into Celestia's eyes. Her sister shared her forlorn feeling by the looks of it. Luna pawed at the ground a few times, then answered.

"I guess as the official leader of this mission, I should say now it's time to deliver the Elements... well, the Teardrops of Creation to Arcana. And yet... I have so many doubts. This quest changed so many things. I'm not sure how to act. But honestly, I'd rather not do that. Who knows what would she do with them? You saw their power. Her talk about "ascension" might just be another lie."

Celestia stepped a little bit closer. She looked outside for a moment, then back at Luna. They could both hear the cheering of everypony from the distance. But there was silence in the room at the moment.

"Now you share the same concerns our parents and I do. But if we wouldn't deliver the Elements, what would we do with them?"

Luna ruffled her wings, and raised an eyebrow. She opened her mouth to respond to the loaded question, but couldn't say anything for a few seconds. Then, she finally managed.

"Well, I don't know! Maybe we should just hide the artifact, and say we didn't find anything. That the magical disturbance was Discord, and there weren't any Teardrops at all. Which is partially true. So Arcana wouldn't have them, and life would continue as...normal."

Luna's head dropped at that last word. Obviously, what constituted as "normal" changed considerably for her during the last few days. Celestia shook her head.

"Luna, even if the Magikhan would believe us, she would just send another group to search for the Elements. And they would be found eventually, and she would get what she wants. And goodness knows what would happen to us after that."

"Then, then..." Luna furrowed her brows as she started her reply "Then we shouldn't return at all! We could hide along with the Elements. Then we wouldn't need to fear the consequences."

"And lure Arcana here, to this peaceful land? Luna..."

"Of course I meant we would leave Equestria. And sure, Arcana would track us, but we could use a spell to mask our presence. Surely, you could make something up."

Celestia shook her head again.

"No matter what we'd do, Arcana would find us. Time is on her side. We're all immortals. Ultimately, it would matter little if we could delay her for a decade or two, or even for a century."

"Perhaps that's true, but time would give us options. Who knows? There could be a power shift within the tribe while Arcana would hunt for us."

Celestia walked to the window, and looked outside. She drew a deep breath, and turned around.

"No, Luna. We have to go back."

Luna's mouth hung open. She cocked her head, and raised an eyebrow yet again.

"So you propose we deliver the Elements to Arcana on a silver platter, just like she asked? That's what you're saying?"

"No, I'm saying we should face what's to come. We didn't run away from our true destinies. So why should we do it now? You yourself said you're gonna give Arcana a piece of your mind. Where's that attitude? Let the confident and confrontational Luna reign supreme, sister. We'd really need her right now..."

Celestia nodded approvingly as she finished her sentence. But Luna wasn't sure what did she imply with all of that. Is she ought to take it all, for both of them?

"And what about you, Celestia? Where would you be while the confident and confrontational Luna would face Arcana?"

"I'd be with you of course, every step of the way. I actually wanted to lead the way, but if you want to do it..."

Luna frowned. Now she got it Celestia was dead serious, and she considered her options. But there was still one thing she could try. Of course, the thought already lingered in her head that what Celestia said should be the way of things. After all, what they fought for in the last few days, both figuratively and literally, shouldn't be for naught, they shouldn't flee like cowards. But what if...

"And what if I just destroyed the Elements? You're right, we shouldn't just run. But Arcana shouldn't have them either. Then she can do whatever! I do not fear her, sister. Let what's coming, come."

Luna took off her crown, and pried out the crescent moon-shaped gem from its place. But Celestia put up a hoof. The gem remained floating in the air, just as Luna took momentum to whack it to the ground.

"Luna? This is not the way. This wouldn't solve anything."

"Why? If she can't have it, we've already won."

"And do you think it's truly the Elements that's the problem?"

Luna stopped in her tracks. She brought the jewel to face level, and stared at it. For a moment, she felt like it was a tiny part of herself, and if she truly stomped on it, she would stomp out something from herself. She looked back at her flank, at her mark of destiny. They matched so perfectly! It seemed like she was destined to wield this artifact, that her choice in the matter was ultimately superficial. Was she now the master of her own destiny? Or still the errand pony of beings much higher up than herself? Be that either the Magikhan or a literal god.

It seemed if she wanted an answer, she'd need to go with Celestia's proposal.

She reinserted the gem into her tiara, and put it back on her head.

"No, I don't. But it's not just Arcana that's the problem either. My self-doubts defined me for long enough. So you're right. We're going back."

Celestia nodded. A warm smile softened her features, and she put a hoof on Luna's withers.

"Yes. We're going back. Worry not, Luna. Together, we can't possibly fail."

Luna threw her head a bit sideways, and let out a chuckle.

"Let's not get carried away, now. We're still trying to defy the most powerful beings on Earth."

"Our parents are on our side. And after the tribe hears our story, many of them might side with us, too."

"Let's hope. And we shouldn't stall any longer then."

The sisters went upstairs, and found a balcony. It would be a perfect spot for takeoff, and then, they would begin their journey back. They thought of saying goodbye to Clover, but frankly, neither of them could bring themselves to it. It would be too sad, it would emphasize too much that they have to leave so suddenly.

Luna opened the doors to the balcony, but before they took off, Celestia stopped her.

"Luna?"

"Hm?"

"It's just, I... I wanted to say..."

Luna looked into her sister's eyes, and smirked.

"I know! You want to say something truly heartfelt and inspirational before we depart. Well, you already got it covered I think, so let's just go. If anything comes to mind, you can still say it during the long flight back."

Celestia just rolled her eyes. They shared a giggle, then she said, yielding her intentions.

"Okay, you got me! No inspirational last words then."

They laughed again, then they were ready to go. But before their journey truly began, they shared one last hug. And whether she admitted it or not, Luna truly enjoyed the newfound sisterly bond.

☼☽

✶

☼☽

After the most fateful and tumultuous week they ever had, the alicorn sisters finally laid eyes upon the shores of Aeternum Island. Not that they awaited this moment, but they felt it was time to face the consequences of their actions, and to make the Council meet some of their own.

Curiously, the island-spanning ward wasn't intact, as if their arrival was expected. And surely, the Magikhan was eager to get what she wanted, but could she predict their return so precisely? Ultimately, it didn't matter that much. They approached the shoreline, and flew straight for the Citadel, aiming to land on the great porch.

From the grand porch of the Citadel, a long and wide flight of stairs led up to the building proper, flanked by two gigantic statues of the Creator, La'uriel. One who would enter had to pass under two raised stone hooves, almost forming an arch. But before Celestia and Luna would be greeted by the now more than familiar statue (really, who could say they met La'uriel herself?!), they met someone who they knew for far longer. That is, one Master Guardian Novum.

Along with her contingent of Praetorians.

The sisters landed under the regard of at least a hundred of the metallic alicorn look-alikes. Novum stepped forth, and addressed them.

"Guardian Luna, Protector Celestia! Finally, you have returned. And I see your mission has been a success, and you brought along the Teardrops of Creation. Very good, the Magikhan will be most pleased."

It can't be said either of the sisters were surprised at this sort of reaction. After all, at that point, they knew their roles in the plan of the Council. Luna replied first, trying to feign as much indifference as she could.

"I'm glad, Master Guardian, that the Magikhan still has her priorities straight."

"And I'm also glad that the Teardrops are the first thing you notice." came from Celestia, who unlike Luna, didn't hide her anger entirely.

"And I'm glad you still have your sharp tongue, Protector Celestia." replied Novum, squinting her eyes. "But I noticed that also rubbed off on Luna somewhat. Isn't that true?"

"Maybe. Or maybe finding the artifact wasn't the only thing that happened to us during our mission." Luna said, whose emotions slightly, but started to spill into her speech.

"Of course I see you have changed. And this is extraordinary in itself. But right now, we must go to the council chamber. Arcana, and as a matter of fact, the rest of the council, must see the artifact immediately."

Luna raised an eyebrow.

"We understand...but why the rush?"

"And why the sizeable -ahem- welcome committee?" Celestia added "You don't fear we'd just flee right after we came back?"

Novum flicked one ear, and glanced back and forth between them for a moment.

"Of course not. This is for your own safety. Much has happened during your absence. But everything will be clear shortly. Now, please..."

Novum gestured with a foreleg that the sisters should enter the Citadel proper right away, and no, they don't have a choice in the matter. The company-sized unit of combat automatons split into two, allowing passage.

Celestia and Luna walked along, ascending the stairs, indeed not planning anything that would require such preparedness right there and then. What they planned, would be only said in the council chamber anyway, right before Arcana.