All That We Become: Together and Apart Again
Ember stood atop Aestus’ head as the great Dragon stared out across the vast ocean that spread from the shores of the Dragonlands. He breathed deep of the salted air as he prepared himself for the long swim ahead.
“A year already, time flies.” Ember noted.
“Indeed it does, Dragon Lord.” Aestus said wistfully. “It will be interesting to hear just how Aurelian, Faye and Brayok have fared so far in this unfamiliar world.”
“Well, if there were ever any creatures that didn’t need to worry about finding trouble, it’s the four of you.” She laughed.
“True, but I just hope that they managed to make some sort of peace as I have been fortunate enough to have.” His swung his head back towards the Dragons’ home. I am lucky to still have my own kind to find a home with; Aurelian may be an Alicorn, but he is as distant from those that exist now as the moon is from the earth beneath our claws. Faye is likely the last Grand Phoenix to draw breath, and Brayok… well… he is truly an island unto himself.”
“Well, we haven’t heard any horrible reports of large sections of the world being obliterated, so I imagine it’s so far so good.” Ember concluded.
Aestus laughed at the assessment. “That is an excellent point.”
“How long are you going to be gone?” Ember asked.
“I suppose that depends on how many stories we have to tell.” Aestus began walking out into the water. “But rest assured, I will indeed return.”
Ember jumped from his head and hovered in the air. “I know I don’t need to say this, but be careful out there.” She called.
“I shall, Dragon Lord.” Aestus answered as his massive body sank into the water and began cruising out to sea like a barge.
Ember watched him until he disappeared over the horizon, a light smile on her beak as she finally turned and headed back to the heart of the Dragonlands.
Under the squawk of the flocking seabirds that followed him and the dull roar of the ocean, Aestus took the time to quietly contemplate. The birds soon abandoned him as the shoreline became a distant memory, replaced with pods of curious sea creatures investigating the titanic shadow hovering above the water’s depths. At the end of the long and quiet voyage, Aestus stepped up onto the shores of Elder Island, the long-lost span of land as silent as ever. Boulders and plants crumpled beneath the Dragon’s claws as he made his way towards the island’s center where he laid down in wait for his friends. As the afternoon sun rolled along through the sky, he soon heard heavy rustling coming from the north; Brayok’s massive frame pushed through the greenery and into the open field.
“Brayok, it is good to see you.” Aestus greeted.
“Likewise… considering that was close to not being the case.” Brayok countered as he planted himself in the soil, winding his tentacles around his shell to balance himself.
“How so?” Aestus asked with intrigue.
“You will hear of the matter soon enough.” Brayok assured as the pair continued to wait.
“What of the seas then?” The great Dragon queried further.
“As much changed beneath the waves as above them it seems.” Brayok answered. “But… it is not all for the worse. Much has improved, perhaps even me."
“It is rare to hear such positive reflection from you.” Aurelian’s voice hailed from above.
“Hello, loves!” Faye called, diving from Aurelian’s side and landing on Aestus’ head. “Aestus, have you lost weight?” Faye laughed as she kissed the wide gap between his eyes.
“You seem extra jubilant.” Aestus noted.
“Very good reason for that,” Faye said as she leapt from his head and started to fly towards Brayok. “Brayok, did you miss me?”
“With every swipe so far.” Brayok said with a short laugh.
“Love you too,” She laid the tip of her wing to her beak and blew him a kiss. “But as for the jubilation…” She circled back and landed at Aurelian’s side. “You'll be happy to know that Aurelian and I are officially an item.” She proudly informed, wrapping her wing around the stoic Alicorn. "Just look how thrilled he is." She grinned.
“Well, what else to say but it is about time.” Aestus laughed.
“Finally wore you down, eh?” Brayok asked mockingly.
“More so that I realized my own foolishness in not allowing her to do so sooner.” Aurelian noted with a quiet smile.
“Whole trip felt like a proper honeymoon, it did.” Faye continued. “All kinds of wonderful food, music, sights…” She sighed contently. “Oh, this world is so much fun.” She sat beside Aurelian as he took a spot in the shadows of his friends. “But before I start in on all that, I want to hear what you two have been up to.”
“Indeed,” Aurelian nodded, looking up to Aestus. “A year has passed, what have you assessed about this modern era?”
The great Dragon looked down upon them with a pleased smile. “I find it to be a blessing; my kind live in a world where they no longer have to kill to survive.” He began. “While primitive at first, the Dragon Lord has taken swiftly to the knowledge of the past as well as the advice of her fellow rulers; in but this short span of time she has implemented thousands of years of advancement.” Aestus raised his claw and gestured towards the horizon. “The world actively seeks to interact with us, out of genuine curiosity and in the spirit of camaraderie. Our rich and storied history is finding its way into the ears and hearts of creatures far and wide. Even as we speak, the Dragon Lord continues to build bridges with the other species of the world; the Changelings of special note, as she has chosen their King to be her mate.”
“Aww,” Faye toned. “Always said it never made sense to limit your heart to just your own kind.”
“Among other parts.” Brayok mumbled.
Faye turned a sour eye to sea monster. “Having a laugh at that?” She questioned. “Bold, considering nobody knows just what in the Eternal Flame you even are.”
“Faye, Brayok.” Aurelian eyed them before returning his gaze to Aestus. “Continue.” Faye stuck her tongue out at Brayok before huddling back up to Aurelian.
Aestus chuckled. “Suffice to say, life is peaceful now; I spent nearly every waking moment of my life contesting territory and waging war, now I can sit quietly and share what I know with the little ones. I am more than content to have relinquished the title of Dragon Lord for my new title of… Grandpa.” He raised his head high and proud.
Aurelian smiled and nodded. “You have fought more than enough battles to earn such a reward, old friend.”
“So how are the latest crop of future fire breathers?” Faye inquired.
“These young ones are destined to be of special note,” Aestus continued. “For they will be the first to experience this new age for Dragons from birth. The Dragon Lord has already taken steps to ensure that they grow up knowing not just the borders of the Dragonlands or just the company of their own kind. They will be the first generation of Dragons in ages to start their lives as part of the larger world.” He tapped his large nail on the ground. “Her claw picked student for the Pony School of Friendship, Smolder, has already been chosen to help guide them across the bridge she herself has aided to build. She will make a fine diplomat one day.”
“It seems you have much to be proud of, and even more to look forward to.” Aurelian noted as he looked to Brayok. “Brayok, you rarely found any ease in the seas of our past; how do the waters of today find you?”
Brayok snorted shortly. “So much of what once was is gone now… still, what is there now seems to be so much more. It gave me much to consider; and for as old as I am, I can admit I have grown even more this past year.”
“Not the answer I was expecting, to be honest.” Faye rocked her head.
“Indeed,” Aurelian agreed. “Your words seldom contain such… rumination.”
Brayok nodded with a blunt laugh. “Nearly dying can have that affect.”
“Is that what you meant?” Aestus asked, recalling his earlier comment.
“We were not the only ones to survive the passage of time,” Brayok continued. “Scylla managed to still draw breath.”
“Scylla?” Aurelian’s mind immediately conjured images of the dangerous creature.
“It took some time, but I discovered life beyond the Sea Ponies.” Brayok carried on. “Some massive event of which the modern seas have no full recollection took place and forced the surviving members of many species to band together in order to survive. An underwater metropolis called Pelagia was established, and I happened upon it by chance after coming across this…” He stopped as he recalled his time with Sparks. “A friend.”
“Friend?” Faye repeated with a surprised laugh. “Alright, I’m going to start watching for meteors.”
“She called herself Finfolk, and was the offspring of Pelagia’s leading military official.” Brayok carried on. “The surrounding area was under constant attack from beasts they called Trench Maw, they were some manner of predator that Scylla had brought under her will and intended to use against the city. I ultimately chose to work with them, and while her survival was a shock, I can assure you her current fate is permanent.”
Aurelian laughed. “Well done.”
“So what of this city?” Aestus asked.
“It is impressive.” Brayok admitted. “The ingenuity of the modern sea creatures has surpassed anything I would have thought possible. They took the best that each species had to offer and fused it to create wonders; and Pelagia’s military force puts the crude armies of the past to shame.”
“And what about your little friend?” Faye queried further.
Brayok shook his head. “She can be a bit much at times, but she stubbornly looked past all that I was and helped me see some things in a new light. I promised her I would return, she is adventurous and wishes to explore the farthest oceans.”
“Sounds like a right sweetheart, she does.” Faye noted. “Can’t wait to meet her.”
“I have little doubt you two will get along.” Brayok responded in kind as he looked to Aeustus. “I should thank you though, Aestus; it was your words of hope for finding a place with your own kind once again that gave me enough pause to bring myself to aid Pelagia. Were it not for that crucial decision, I would have likely returned to you all much the same as I left.”
Aestus smiled warmly. “Though you claim to have no kind, I am happy to hear that you found it in you to make new bonds.”
“I knew you had it in you,” Faye added. “Somewhere in the back of that shell of yours.”
“It… felt nice,” Brayok continued. “A feeling I am not fully used to yet. They offered me a true home in their city; and Sparks, as energetic as she can be… well, it is a comfort knowing that I have a friend that can follow me beneath the water’s surface.”
Aurelian eyed him curiously. “Taking up your old title once again then?”
Brayok smiled. “Though the warring has ceased, I suppose the seas could always use a Warden. Although, Sparks took to calling me a hero.”
“Hero of the Deep does have a noble ring to it.” Aestus laughed.
“Hmph,” Brayok chuckled in thought. “Maybe one day.”
“Did you discover anything else that remains?” Aurelian asked.
Brayok nodded. “The life beneath the waves is spread far, but the pockets that exist are dense.” He looked to Aestus once again. “You might be interested to know that the Sea Drakes still live as well.”
Aestus’ eyes widened. “Do they now,” He smiled. “That is indeed grand news.”
“Sea Drakes?” Faye toned questioningly. “Haven’t really heard of them.”
“They are seen as cousins of Dragons.” Aestus informed. “A line of descendants from the World Dragon Aquas, they are amphibious but prefer to remain beneath the waves.”
“I told them of your existence as well as the Dragonlands, they share your joy of the news.” Brayok relayed. “I also came upon a tribe of Siren, few in number but drawing breath no less.” He chuckled. “They were not too pleased when they failed to bring me under their sway.” He looked down to Aurelian. “The Kappa of the east also live, confined to an island far removed from the world.”
Aurelian hummed in thought. “Well, it is good to hear that not all of the old species are gone. Still, learning of Scylla’s continued existence is intriguing. Perhaps we are not the only ones to have survived all this time.”
“Aside from you, we only managed to make it by sheer luck and a little bit o’ fate.” Faye noted.
“True,” Brayok nodded. “Scylla only survived by forcing herself dormant in a volcanic chamber.”
“As much as I’d rather it didn’t, luck and fate seem to play more of a part in things than one would imagine.” Aurelian concluded.
“Like how you’re so lucky you’re fated to have me?” Faye batted her eyes.
Aurelian shook his head with a laugh. “So it would seem.”
“So,” Aestus began. “Now that you’ve had a chance to roam the world once again, what have you come to see, Aurelian?”
Aurelian paused to reflect on the question. “This world feels odd, but in a way that brings a form of peace.” He started. “This world does not know me, nor my long and… often bloody history. The part of me that knows that these modern creatures should fear me remained on guard for some time. Yet, those we came across welcomed us, were even excited to be in our presence.”
“Well, the last male Alicorn with the Grand Phoenix on his wing surely must seem quite the novelty.” Aestus noted.
Faye laughed. “You have no idea, love. They were treating us like honored guests at a party we didn’t know was going on.” Her eyes turned to Aurelian. “Asked us all kinds of questions and showed so much interest in little old us.” She elbowed him with her wing, chuckling. “Had all the young mares in a proper tizzy, he did.”
Brayok chortled. “From hero to conqueror to celebrity.”
“A transition hard to picture.” Aestus added.
Aurelian nodded. “It would not have been possible without Faye.” He admitted. “Her love of adoration and attention proved to be a welcome shield as I acclimated myself."
“Oh stop,” Faye waved her wing at him. “Acting like you didn’t enjoy it, although you’re better now than when we started our little trip.” She looked up to the others. “He’s come a long way, right proud of him. We’ve been having the time of our lives; and given how bleeding long those lives are that’s saying something.” She let out her trademark, jubilant laugh.
“In essence,” Aurelian continued. “With Faye, and the two of you, I am more confident that I can make a life in this new world.”
Aestus smiled. “I am glad to hear that; as you said, you have fought more than enough battles to have earned such a reward, old friend.”
Faye took over the conversation, informing Aestus and Brayok of the various places they visited and detailing every awkward interaction Aurelian had along the way. Stories from the peaks of highest mountains to the snowy lands of the north and the bright lights of the Pony cities; her tales lasting well into the night. The four of them stayed in that spot for two days, exchanging more detailed tales of their day-to-day experiences from the past year; laughing and coming to see just how much they each had changed since they were last together. As the sun began to rise on the third morning, they set course back to civilization. Aestus pushed himself into the water, Brayok alongside him; Aurelian and Faye flew up and landed on the Dragon’s back as the shores of the island began to move into the distance.
“Aurelian?” Brayok called. “You said you were planning to pass your knowledge to the Pony Princess. Is that really your intent?”
“Yes, it is.” Aurelian nodded. “I gave my word I would, I have no intention of not fulfilling the promise.”
“She must have sparked some faith in you,” Aestus suggested. “You trust she will use your teachings wisely?”
“Trust has little to do with it,” Aurelian admitted. “I told her I no longer had interest in holding the title of this world’s strongest and I meant that; though I am now content to live in this world, it is not mine to exert my will over any longer. She is the ruler of the Ponies and her throne is the seat from which the peacefulness of this modern world stems; she should be the one to lay claim that title.” He looked out over the horizon in reflection. “In our time, I would have thought it utterly foolish to claim that mere bonds of friendship would be enough to hold the world together; and perhaps in our time that may have been true, but this is not our time. The world I experienced proved to me that Celestia's methods, while not flawless, have seen a more peaceful world than any before.”
“She’s got a good head on her shoulders, that’s for sure.” Faye complimented.
“Indeed,” Aestus agreed. “Through my own interaction with her, I have seen a heart that is virtuous, open and loving in ways that are rare for any creature.”
“Even so, this world is neither perfect nor free from would-be threat. I am giving her the power and ability to fully defend and uphold her beliefs from any opponent to them as I once did; if her ways are truly the best for the world, then she will find victory in her future battles.”
“If not?” Brayok asked.
“I suppose we’ll cross that bridge if and when we come to it.” Faye shrugged.
“Well, I am on the side of this modern world.” Aestus proclaimed soundly. “I am not too old to protect my kind should something appear to threaten them or their newfound place in the world.”
“Warden, hero, whatever creatures wish to call me, I have no intention of letting any force bring destruction to Pelagia or those who call the seas their home.” Brayok added.
Faye smiled at Aurelian. “Looks like our lot has been cast, love. I certainly don’t want to see a world as fun as this come to an end. Seems like we’ve all got a little bit o’ hero left in us.”
“More so, it seems we’ve all found something to protect.” Aurelian extended his wing and laid it around Faye, holding his gaze on the bright horizon.
As soon as Aestus’ frame became visible on the horizon, Ember was alerted; quickly heading to the shore to greet him along with dozens of young who eagerly awaited the return of their story telling elder.
“Welcome home.” Ember waved, laughing as the flock of little dragons began circling Aestus and his comrades. “Hey! Take it easy!” She called up at them.
“Grampa Aestus!” The name rang out in random chorus.
“Ha ha, hello little ones.” Aestus smiled as he stepped up on to the land, thousands of gallons of water raining down on the earth below him. “I take it you’ve missed me?”
“Every five hours,” Ember began, soaring up to his face. “Is Grampa back yet, is Grampa back yet, drove me nuts.”
“Making things hard for the Dragon Lord?” Aestus eyed the young ones with scrutiny.
“Nuh uh!” One of them defended.
“Nuh uh, my tail.” Ember lightly bonked him on the head.
“Hello, darlings!” Faye waved her wing as several of them hovered about her and Aurelian.
“Hey, you’re the Phoenix that Grampa told us about.” One of them began. “Is it true you breathe fire like a Dragon?”
“Well,” Faye tossed her head to the side. “Don’t make a habit out of it, but I have been known to breathe the occasional flame.” She smirked.
“Wow, cool!” The young Dragon beamed, looking back to his friends.
“Hey, look!” Another group flew up towards Brayok. “It’s Brai… Bree…”
“Brayok.” Brayok answered, his head backing away from the cluster of little Dragons.
“Yeah!” The stout, purple and orange scaled one at the group’s lead shouted. “Grampa told us all kinds of cool stories about you.”
“Whoa, check this out!” A slender, yellow scaled Dragon called some to Brayok’s shell. “Hard as metal!” She knocked her fist against it soundly, eliciting a mumbling growl from the great beast.
Aurelian eyed one that seemed to attempt to run its claws through his tail, sending it hurrying back to its friends. “The energy of youth.” He looked up, observing the sheer joy on Aestus' face. "A form of treasure in and of itself to some."
“Doesn’t it make you wish for one of your own?” Faye eyed Aurelian, a crooked smile washing over her beak as she beheld the look on his face. “Sorry, silly question.
Ember clapped her claws together, garnering the young ones’ attention. “Alright, that’s enough! Let Aestus get settled back in, all of you get back home!” Under a sea of dissapointed groans the group began flying back. “Sorry about that.” She apologized.
“No worries, love.” Faye assured. “Always nice to get a warm welcome.” She flew up to her side.
“Well, you’re all welcome here for as long as you like.” Ember informed.
“Faye and I will be heading to the Pony Capital.” Aurelian responded as he joined them in the air.
“Brayok?” Aestus glanced back. “Will you be staying before returning to the seas?”
“Having swam the majority of the oceans, I could stand a rest.” Brayok answered.
“Good,” Aestus nodded. “I would like you to see the Dragonlands as they are now.”
“Happy to have you, Brayok.” Ember offered him a smile.
“Alright, loves.” Faye waved. “Miss us.”
“It will be a time before we see one another again,” Aurelian began. “Be well until then.”
Aestus smiled. “Do not be too rough with the Princess, she needs to survive your training in order to use her newfound knowledge and power.”
“She is not as frail as she appears.” Aurelian countered and he and Faye began their flight towards Canterlot.
Aestus laughed as they flew off. “Come, Brayok; there is much to see. I am certain the Dragons will be eager to know you.”
“Just because I opened myself to Pelagia, does not mean I’ve grown overly fond of attention.” Brayok noted as he began following his hosts further into the Dragonlands.
Aurelian and Faye traveled to Canterlot, their approach quickly brought to Celestia’s attention. The pair landed in the castle’s courtyard and were promptly escorted to the main hall where Celestia and Twilight were waiting.
“Welcome back.” Celestia said as she approached the pair. “I hope your travels found you both well.”
“They did.” Aurelian answered with a short nod.
“Your time is a wonder, love.” Faye added. “Haven’t even been missing me old life.”
“That is wonderful to hear, Faye.” Celestia smiled. “I trust then that you and your friends have been fully able to realize a future here.” She looked to Aurelian.
“We have.” He confirmed. “Each of us has found our own peace.” He looked into her eyes. “I trust you are ready to begin your training.”
“I am.” Celestia said surely. “I have made arrangements to see that my duties are attended to while I am away.” She gestured back to Twilight. “Twilight will remain here with my sister, taking over for me with the help of her friends should she require.”
“Then let us be off.” Aurelian beckoned.
“Oh, yes…” Celestia nodded. “Right to business.”
“Just his way, love. You should see his foreplay.” Faye laughed, smiling innocently as Aurelian’s eyes traveled to her.
“Twilight,” Celestia went back to her protege “Give everyone my best.”
“I will, Princess.” Twilight assured with a bright smile. “And no worrying about things here, my friends and I will have everything under control. You just focus on your training.” Her eyes grew bright. “I’m already excited about your return… um, just know that Pinkie Pie is already planning a party for that.”
Celestia laughed. “I would expect no less.” She hugged Twilight before returning to Aurelian’s side.
Aurelian looked to Faye as Celestia joined him. “I trust you will manage to keep out of trouble.”
“I make no promises,” Faye said honestly. “Now you behave yourself with the fair Princess here, no funny business without my supervision.”
Aurelian shook his head with a quiet smile, enveloping himself and Celestia with magic before teleporting from the room.
Twilight let out a short sigh; Faye noticed and strutted over to her. “Don’t worry, love. Aurelian will bring her back safe and sound, he knows I’d be right cross if he didn’t.”
“It’s just… stressful.” Twilight confessed. “But I want to focus on doing a great job here.” She eyed the Phoenix curiously. “So, any plans while Aurelian is away?”
Faye paused and laughed. “You know, haven’t really put any proper thought into it.” She looked about the room. “Haven’t really had any me time since I came back.”
“Well, this is a great time to go out and do whatever you want to do the most.” Twilight noted.
Faye immediately began laughing again. “All that would get me is an earful, love. Probably a few citations too.”
“Okay…” Twilight tried not to imagine what that meant. “Oh! Would you like to pay a visit to the School of Friendship? Starlight is always looking for guest speakers, and who could possibly give a better history lesson than some creature older than the books.”
“A little teaching of me own?” Faye pondered the idea. “Well, I do have experience with the past that doesn’t just involve violence and bloodshed.” She smiled. “Sounds like a plan, love. Good way to kick off me own little vacation.”
“Great, I’ll let Starlight know and you can head there tomorrow.” Twilight took up a message scroll from a nearby supply and began writing to her pupil back in Ponyville.
Celestia found herself in a snowy region upon the end of Aurelian’s grand teleportation from her home. The bitter wind immediately struck her to the bone, and she coated her body in magic to protect herself.
“Where are we?” She asked, looking about at the completely unfamiliar landscape.
“Near the northern most point of the world.” Aurelian answered. “I have little doubt no creature has set hoof here since my time.” He glanced back at her. “Come.”
Celestia began following Aurelian into the field of white, nothing but wind and falling snow for as far as she could see. “I take it this is some place of importance from your past.” She suggested.
“Indeed,” Aurelian nodded. “Only the eyes of Alicorns have ever fallen upon the place I am leading you; it is the most sacred ground our kind knows.” He paused. “Or… knew.” He amended. “There is a great lodge beneath the snow and rock, a place where Alicorns studied and practiced their magic. Few creatures could ever stand to weather this landscape without death shortly following; our magic shields us now, as it did those before you, allowing them this space which was completely safe from prying eyes or attack.”
“Astounding.” Celestia said in wonder.
Aurelian led her to a particular outcropping of rock that jutted out high above the fallen snow; he radiated his magic and melted the area clean, revealing a massive seal built into the ground. A focused beam of his magic shot into the middle of the seal and it began to part, uncovering stone steps leading down into the earth. They dropped their magic and entered, Celestia’s nose assaulted by the stench of thousands year old stale air. The light faded as they reached the bottom and the pair illuminated the space with their horns. Aurelian looked about and gestured with his wing. “Behold, the most ancient remnant of your kind’s history. The Grand Magusological Santucm.”
In an instant, Celestia felt like a filly again on her first day of magical study. The immediate area was an overwhelming sight with countless tomes long forgotten to history, workstations covered in tools and relics of the past and a spectacular sculpture of an Alicorn at the main floor’s center. “My word, this is… beyond anything I have ever encountered.” Celestia said in a whisper, afraid a louder tone would in some way pervert or damage the history around her.
Aurelian felt a wave of nostalgia come over him that he was not prepared for, his oldest memories coming back to him all at once. “I was practically raised here; if there was ever a place I could call a home, it would be here.” He began walking further into the dark. “There is a storeroom close by.” His voice echoed back to Celestia. “The oil should be sound and the lanterns and chandeliers will need to be ignited.”
Celestia silently wandered about, taking in everything that was around her. Over the next half hour, the sanctum slowly came to light as Aurelian filled and lit the multitude of light sources. As he approached her, she turned to him with a smile. “Just seeing all this is something I cannot even begin to explain, it is an honor to have been brought to this place.”
“You will do far more than see it,” Aurelian began. “Everything that I am originated from this sanctum and you will come to know it just as well as I.” He stepped his hoof soundly on the floor. “Below is a galley; the flours, grains and other foodstuffs stored in magically sealed pots and jars. Enough dry wood remains to run the stoves and there are two wells for water straight from the aquifers. Sleeping quarters are also below, you have everything you need to sustain yourself during training.”
Celesia staved off her wonder as Aurelian began to fall into instructor mode. “Understood.”
“I will leave you the remainder of the day to familiarize yourself with the layout; tomorrow, we begin.” With that, Aurelian stepped off into the recesses of the sanctum. Celestia took a deep breath and began her own tour of what was going to be her home for the foreseeable future. The following morning, Celestia awoke and prepared herself a modest breakfast with what was available. Quickly cleaning up after, she headed upstairs to the main floor and found Aurelian waiting.
“Ah, good morning.” Celestia greeted, receiving only a nod from Aurelian in response.
“Follow me.” He gestured with his wing and began heading towards the training hall.
Celestia had done a cursory observation of the hall the night prior, an impressively sized space with all manner of equipment that was foreign to her. “So, what shall we be beginning?” She asked.
Aurelian turned back and faced her. “I am sure you well know that magic requires not only knowledge of spells, but mental fortitude; not only that, but channeling magic to cast spells takes it toll on the body.”
“Yes.” Celestia nodded.
“The magic I will teach you is powerful, it takes a great deal of concentration and physical endurance to make full use of it. Concentration is much like tensing a muscle, the more and longer you cast the more you will feel drained. Likewise, your body will begin to falter under the stress of the magical energies. So, your first lesson will be developing your mind and body to endure the stress of such magic.”
“I see,” Celestia nodded again. “How exactly do you train your concentration?”
Aurelian used his magic to heft a gigantic sphere of solid iron that rested against the far wall, he moved it over Celestia’s head and released it; she quickly encased it in her own magic, holding it above her. Aurelian watched as she braced her hooves and focused her magic to maintain her hold on the unbelievably heavy object. “Very good, now you will hold that ball aloft until I return this evening.” He quietly began walking past her.
“Ah… what!?” Celestia shifted her eyes over to him. “The evening!?”
“Yes, and should that ball touch the floor, then we are done here.” He stated plainly as he left the hall.
“Nnnngh!” Celestia lifted her head high and focused all her energy on holding the iron ball up, she positioned herself as comfortably as she could; closing her eyes as she prepared herself to maintain her stance for the duration of the day.
Later that same morning, Faye flew into Ponyville and landed before the majestic School of Friendship. She immediately noticed Starlight waving to her from the main entrance and headed over.
“Hello, hello.” Faye greeted. “I trust you’ve been properly warned about me?”
“Ha ha, yeah.” Starlight smiled. “Welcome to the school, we’re really happy to have you here.”
“Pleasures all mine, love.” Faye countered. “So, where to?”
“You’ll be taking over for Rockhoof.” Starlight began. "He comes from time to time to talk about the history of his own era as well as tell stories; all you have to do is that same thing basically, even I can’t imagine what kinds of tales you must have from so many thousands of years ago.”
“Not a problem.” Faye assured.
“Uh… just make sure they’re… age appropriate.” Starlight added.
Faye patted Starlight’s back with her wing. “No worries, love. I can handle that.”
“Great.” Starlight tossed her head towards the door. “Follow me.” Faye tucked her wings in and stepped through the entrance, following Starlight to a lecture hall. The students all murmured excitedly as the Grand Phoenix came into view.
“Wow,” Ocellus whispered over to Yona. “She’s so pretty.”
“She okay for creature that isn’t Yak.” Yona said stoutly.
Starlight went to the hall’s center and called their attention. “Everyone, this is Professor Faye. As you’ve been told, she’ll be standing in for Rockhoof today, so I expect you all to show her the same respect that you would for him.”
“Ha, professor.” Faye laughed. “Me mum would be so proud.”
“Okay, I’ll leave you to it.” Starlight said. “Lunch will start after the bell, your class will run until then.”
“Right O.” Faye saluted with her wing, looking over the students. “Alright, loves. I’m sure you have lots of questions so go ahead.”
Gallus raised his talon until she noticed him. “Starlight said you were even older than Rockhoof, so how old are you?”
Faye offered the Griffon a cheeky smile. “Right to asking a lady her age, that’ll cost you some tail feathers in the future if you’re not careful, love.” Gallus flushed as the girls in the class began giggling. “But, as a Phoenix, I haven’t lived just one life you see. I was just brought back to life not much more than a year ago, turns out I’d been ash for almost five thousand years.”
“Wait… five thousand!?” One of the student’s asked in shock.
“Same reaction I had,” Faye laughed. “Had a good run before that though.”
“What was it like back then?” Another student asked.
Faye’s mind drifted back thousands of years. “It was… simpler; loads of good and bad just like any other point in time. Still, for all the bad, there was always joy in the basics. Food, music, singing and dancing, friendship, family, romance…” She sighed. “No matter what the time, those things are always precious.” Faye hopped off the main stage and stepped towards the student’s seats. “Me own home was an island paradise, called Parataiso Inferna. Sand, sea, tropical trees and a year-round warm breeze running over you. The creatures that gathered there called me Queen, but I was never one for titles.”
“That sounds like a lot of fun,” Ocellus noted. “What did you do there?”
Faye’s beak fell open but no immediate words came out. “Ummm, we… celebrated life, let’s put it that way.” She laughed. "You're all lucky to live in a world where friendship and kindness are the go-to way of things, certainly wasn't like that in my time. Everyone was always fighting of territory, resources and just plain old superiority. Wasn't my thing in the slightest, I made me home a place where all creatures were welcome no matter how strong they were or what they looked like."
"That what Ponies teach us here." Yona noted.
"And good on them, love." Faye gave her a smile.
"Professor Faye?" Another student raised their hoof. "What was it like being a Queen? Were you like Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?"
Faye snorted. "Not in the slightest, love." She set the tip of her wing to her beak in thought. "I'm what you call a Grand Phoenix, and we were revered in the past whether we wanted it or not. All over the world there were temples erected to the Eternal Flame, there was even one on my Island." She twisted her beak in consideration. "Come to think of it, I don't remember giving the go ahead on that project."
“What's the Eternal Flame?” Ocellus asked.
“The Eternal Flame is said to be the place where all Phoenix are born from and return to when they die, then… come back from again.” Faye explained. “It, like the Phoenix, was said to represent the ongoing cycle of life, death and rebirth.” She cocked her head. “Although, as far as I know, only Phoenix really got to enjoy the rebirth part.”
“Does that… hurt? Gallus inquired. “Like… do you remember dying?”
Faye rubbed the back of her head with her wing. “Well, yes and no. It certainly isn’t fun sometimes, depending on the circumstances. But to me, it’s almost like a long blink; I fade out and then all the sudden… me mind just pops back on.” She waved her wing at him. “But come now, that’s no fun to talk about. How about I tell you some stories about all the proper fun my friends and I would have and what day to day life was like back then.” The students agreed with the idea and Faye began recounting parts of her past and her time with Aurelian, Aestus, Brayok and others she had come to know. In seemingly no time at all, the bell rang and in reluctance the students began to head out for lunch. Faye waved to them as they passed and thanked her; almost as soon as the last student left, Starlight entered.
“How’d it go?” Starlight asked.
“Oh, that was a right treat.” Faye beamed. “They’re all darlings, they are.”
“They always behave best for guests.” Starlight chuckled. “The staff is eating in the lounge, care to join us?”
“Don’t have to twist my wing.” Faye laughed as she followed Starlight from the hall.
Celestia had lost complete track of time as her head began to throb and her body started to feel as if it was literally burning. With no concept of what hour it was, the world seemed to go numb and black around her; the numbness only leaving when Aurelian’s hoof steps became audible a whole twelve hours later.
Aurelian observed her and smiled lightly, impressed with her resolve. “You may drop it now.”
As soon as the words passed his lips, she moved the ball forward and let it fall. Collapsing to the floor, with labored breath she weakly looked up at Aurelian. “I… did it.”
“Yes, you did.” He nodded. “Well done.”
“My… my body feels like… it’s on fire.” She huffed. “Using magic for… that long…” She gave up on her sentence.
“As I said, powerful magic requires a body capable of enduring great amounts of magical energy at once.”
Celestia managed to stand. “I am glad I was able to pass that test.”
“Not yet,” Aurelian interjected. “You will repeat the act every day for the next three weeks, that is your first test.”
Celestia’s eyes widened in shock at the idea. “I am to do this daily?”
Aurelian smiled. “I warned you this would be neither easy nor painless. I will offer you this though, as daunting as it seems, each day it will become simpler.” He gestured his wing across her body. “With each day, your mental fortitude will grow, and your body will become accustomed to channeling such high levels of magical energy for longer periods. Every Alicorn that studied here, myself included, endured this training.”
Celestia felt a swell of determination and she steeled herself. “Then I shall endure as well.”
Aurelian nodded. “Then eat and rest, you will need the strength.” Again, he left her for the night.
Celestia smiled in spite of how she felt, returning to the kitchen and using the very last of her strength to prepare herself a meal. She immediately returned to her chosen bed and collapsed, staring up at the stone ceiling as she melted into the mattress. “Yes. I shall endure.” She quietly vowed as her eyes closed, sleep quickly taking her exhausted body and mind. When her eyes opened again, she found herself in her own bed in Canterlot castle. Startled, she quickly sat up and looked around in confusion. “What? I’m home?”
“Not exactly, sister.” Luna’s voice answered as she stepped through the door.
“Luna?” She quickly realized what was happening. “This is a dream.”
“Yes, sister.” Luna nodded. “I know I should be watching over the Ponies of Equestria, but I sought out your dream specifically; I cannot be there in the real world, but I can offer my support to you here in the dream realm.”
Celestia smiled warmly. “Thank you, Luna.”
“I will ensure that every night, you dream of the safety and comfort of your own bed. I do not know what Aurelian has in store for you, but I can guess that you will need your sleep.”
“I will.” Celestia admitted as she lay back down.
“Sleep well, sister.” Luna used her magic to dim the room and quietly closed the door behind her. Though only a dream, the feeling of being in her bed and knowing that her sister was watching over her brought her a deep and restorative sleep for the trials to come.
