Friendship is Magic:Equestrian Heroes
Chapter 202: Getting Their Lives Back on Track!
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Naruto x Rarity x Twilight x Fluttershy x Applejack x Pinkie Pie x Rainbow Dash x Ditzy x Luna x ? x ?
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For Normal Speech
Inner thoughts, Text read, Italics used to represent characters speaking in different language.
Demonic rage, Demonic characters, Kurama Speak
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Story Start
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April 21ST 2001 AD
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It had been a sad but sweet ending for Scootaloo's mother.
This was the way she wanted it, a sweet ending, just like her nature.
All of these ponies, the one's she cared for, had turned up on this dreary day to come to the church. Her friends and family of course had came along with the inhabitants of town that knew the mare,.
Scootaloo was happy they had all come to see her off as she went on her way to the after-life. The Church was filled to the brim with ponies of all ages.
Scootaloo was trying so desperately not to cry;. She wanted to be brave...so that her mom would know she could keep being happy without her. That was her dying wish, for her to be happy.
Scootaloo rubbed her eyes, feeling a teardrop fall behind her eyelid. She had to stay brave.
"And now some words from her treasured daughter."
Naruto placed a comforting hand on Scootaloo's shoulder. The filly placed her hand over his. Taking a moment to collect herself Scootaloo stood and walked to the head of the congregation; She was to have the final say before Bright Smile would be gone and she wanted it to mean something. She was going to make her proud.
Peace had managed to find itself to the town of Ponyville. A month had passed without much incident not including the funeral to which the locals were glad that all the mayhem that befell their quaint town seemed to have taken a break. The small town was better than other. Having grown with the expansions bringing in many ponies as the town had become famous for its heroes and preserver-ice thorough disasters.
One of the buildings heavily influenced was the upgraded school. Having taking some of the endorsements aimed at her Twilight used the majority of the money to improve the school as well as hire new teachers, improved the school library, and massively improve the budget for a lab among other things.
The school building was painted in a rich purple color, speaking to intellect as purple was the color of contemplation as well as being a symbol of wealth and royal lineage. The building was also surrounded by a lush green yard. A playground was visible behind the building, while in front there was a flagpole and a hedge sculpture of, much to her embarrassment, of Twilight. After all Twilight was not a pony of vanity after all, rather wanting her contribution be treated as a run of the mill donation, but that was not possible.
"Do I really have to go?" Nyx asked, trying her best to hide behind Twilight's legs.
"Yes," Twilight replied.
"For how long?" Nyx whined.
"The school year ends in a month. We were lucky I was able to negotiate with the principle to accept you into the school." Which was not true at all. Basically amounted to Twilight asking if Nyx could be let in only for the mare to accept wholeheartedly.
With Nyx's cover story it wasn't as if there was even a chance that anypony would say no. In order to avoid the hassle of keeping Nyx's nature a secret a backstory and identity had been crafted for her by Naruto and Celestia. As far as the population was concerned she was a niece of the royal sisters who was sent away to a parallel plain accessible only to Alicorns to prevent her from being captured and controlled by the Nightmare Forces like Luna. There was even an explanation for her appearance being the Nightmare force had attacked her and tried to bind itself to her core which altered her appearance being that she was young.
Which much of the population only being sparsely educated in alicorn lore or biology there wasn't much they could argue to disapprove this, especially with the sentiments of the citizens. There was much backlash and vile hurled at anypony expressing negative sentiments towards the sisters considering the recent invasions.
Altitudes and feelings could be classified under various altitudes.
The strongest current sentiments were of the anti-changeling variety with few bothering to acknowledge the distinctions of hives and hating and or fearing all changelings.
There were those who felt Celestia was unfit to rule for not instantly defeating the creatures or the fact that they had even been able to launch an attack at all. Other arguments were also expressing that seemed inept at keeping them safe any longer.
There was still the group that didn't like or trust Luna, but that was nothing new.
Those who had contempt for Luna believed so much had occurred was because of her and developed a strong anti-Luna mindset who felt the nation wouldn't have suffered so much if she hadn't come back at all.
Even with all this vitriol in terms of the adoration of the population Celestia was still beloved by the population by a vast majority with Luna's actions during both attacks slowly earning her supporters and trust.
This didn't even get into discussions in regard to the elements themselves.
It was nearly impossible to break down the thoughts of each individual, in fact by far being unfeasible to attempt to even do so.
All one could do was weather the storm and to be in good enough condition to go about what needed to be done.
"But I didn't have to go to school before. Why do I have to go now?" Nyx loved spending time with Twilight. The mare had taught her so much and she had enjoyed spending time with her new...aunties and uncle. At least that was what Pinkie Pie had described them as. Pinkie Pie was so fun and nice always baking her treats and even threw her a party. Auntie Pinkie Pie had shown her the animals and auntie Rainbow Dash was giving her flying lessons. Auntie Ditzy would tell her stories about working as a mailmare and Uncle Naruto was giving her lessons on how to defend herself.
She paused for a moment. Aunt Rarity was...nice. She made her clothes but she seemed...neutral. She wasn't cold towards her like Princess Luna had been, but Nyx couldn't help but feel uncomfortable around the Unicorn. The worst part was that the mare wasn't mean to her and treated her like the others, but Nyx couldn't help but feel
bad because she had heard a few rumors about Rarity and the Nightmare force and it was obvious the mare was making an effort to be fair to her. It was obvious that for the time being until one reached out to the other there would just be this wall between the two of them.
"It's something you have to get used to Nyx. Its part of the natural order of growing up and living life. Besides you love to learn and not to mention you will be in the same class as Sweetie Belle, Dinky, Scootaloo, and Applebloom won't that be fun?"
It would add a bit more credence to Nyx's backstory. That Luna's newfound responsibility and Celestia's own reasons for temporarily leaving the bulk of her duties to Luna that the safest place would be with Equestria's Element bearing heroes, especially since Ponyville was on the process of having defenses built up because of the nature of attacks that occurred often.
"I guess."
"Now remember, just pay attention in class and remember to follow the rules. That means both Cheerilee's rules and my rules, which are?"
"I can't take off my glasses, I shouldn't try to bring attention to myself or use my status as an Alicorn to get my way and I should try not to use my magic unless I'm writing something down."
"Don't forget, try and make some friends as well." Twilight added, rubbing her hand through Nyx's mane.
With a yelp and a giggle, Nyx batted at Twilight's hand before she escaped from the playful ruffling.
"Twilight! Nyx! Heeey!" Running towards them was Scootaloo. "Come on, we're going to be late." Scootalo grabbed Nyx's hand. "Come on."
"Bye Twilight!"
Naruto went and joined Twilight's side as the two fillies went to the school joining the other children as they entered.
"She'll be fine. The others will look after her." Naruto said as he wrapped an arm around Twilight and pulled her close.
Twilight found comfort in the hug and the strong familiar mixture of armor polish, sweat, and natural musk. "I know, its just...I still worry about her. Its difficult being...different." she reminiscence sadly in reference to her own foalhood days and how her gifts set her apart from the other children.
"Nyx has friends who will look after her." he promised her as he placed a gentle kiss on her horn causing her to shutter slightly from pleasure.
"Speaking of which? How is everything going?" she asked as the two of them began to walk to the direction of the library.
"With her free time Princess Celestia has managed to organize many of the affairs we had concern about. The treasure we rightfully earned is being deposited into our accounts and the issues of our name and likeliness have been trademarked and such. That's not even the most exciting part. They're finally coming out with that movie about the Summer Sun incident." While Twilight and the others still felt a bit uneasy about the whole thing the argument used for this movie did bring up excellent points.
The money and exposure of their character could be used for good and to help the nation means to understand who they were beyond being the elements would make them likable and approachable. It would make them relatable in a way to which others would be receptive to their help and advice.
At the very least the adaption wouldn't hurt anypony, right?
This would be the first time Luna would be holding the sun court so Celestia thought it would be wise to give her sister advice.
"Make sure to listen to each pony's problem, no matter how trivial it may seem to you. Remember, these are your subjects, and as princess it is your responsibility to listen to your ponies."
Luna rolled her eyes. She never understand her sister's method of listening to 'all' the requests instead of having the trivial ones being screened out by an assistant. "I know that, sister. That isn't the issue at hand, however. How am I suppose to conduct something like this if everypony's still afraid of me?"
Celestia sighed. "Luna do you remember how fearful our subjects back when we once take up the mantle? Well, it's still true today." Luna's eyes widened at the thought, trying to picture anypony doing anything but praise and honor Celestia's whims. "The bowing, the reverence, the insane lengths they go to please me;...while it is true I invoke love and admiration among many of our subjects their actions are not always as a result of their affection towards me. There are those who fear t if their manners aren't perfect I'll banish them. If one such as Twilight, my cherished student fears reprisal from a late assignment what does that tell you of the magnitude of fear invoked in those to who I have no personal connection to?"
"You mean...all this time, many of our subjects were scared of you as well?"Not once had Luna comprehended or thoughts so a thing was possible. But now thinking about it such line of thought was foolish. Of course there were those who reviled her sister. "The Nightmare Children."
Celestia nodded in affirmation. Both drawing the same conclusion of said subjects who allowed their fear to go to the other end of the spectrum. "Things may be more relaxed than they used to be, and certainly a lot smoother on the larynx, but that doesn't mean everypony has forgotten we're in a position to affect the rest of their lives. You punish yourself too harshly Luna. Their fear may not always be linked to your past, but simply who you are and your station."
To which Luna dryly replied, "Great, so either way I am to be feared and not even for a reason to which the blame could fall to. While this does not upset me it neither makes me happy."
"Give it time sister. Our subjects now more than ever are open to change."
"…Thank you for your advice, sister."
Luna gave Celestia a farewell hug and walked back inside, the guards closing the door behind her. The princess turned her attention back to the massive gardens that lay before her. The position of the sun indicated that Trixie's lessons at the academy would be over soon and the unicorn would be making her way to the castle in a matter of time. While no Unicorn sans Star Swirl and the dark one could compare to Twilight the potential within Trixie indicated that she had potential to be one of the greats. She would be well above average in combat magic, but illusion and mind magic will be her forte.
She would fulfill in an important role of the Sister's Arcane Elite. The same elite selection of warriors that were formed to combat Discord's mad forces all those years ago. The same with the Dark one that dared tried to usurp their power and connection to the heavenly bodies. The same ones that fought against Lord Tirek. A brave group of fighters ans specialists ready to lay their lives to protect their nation and its citizens.
But this time. This time their would be no senseless sacrifice. For these Arcane elite were on a fast track of surpassing the past ones if they did not already.
Trixie the Illusionist. Her powerful spells would serve to confuse the enemies.
Spitfire was shaping up to be a powerful fighter and already captain of the elite Wonderbolts. She would serve as a fine Knight Captain.
Cadance's abilities in archery were second to none. Her keen eyesight and ability to detect the heartbeat even across vasts amount of land mass made her second to none. Recalling one of Twilight's letters about Fluttershy's interest in archery perhaps she should pass the information on to her niece. Cadance the Archer had a nice rang to it.
Light-hearted and spirited Pinkie Pie who would assuage fear and worry would be the Bard.
Brave Applejack would without a doubt be the warrior. Her Strength and dexterity would demand nothing less.
Speaking of Fluttershy her gifts would make her into the Beast mistress or perhaps with Deemeter's help Fluttershy could become a druid. There hadn't been a pony druid in centuries.
Rainbow Dash speedy and feisty would be a scout without a doubt. In a blink of an eye she would be gone and back.
Rarity, who was showing herself talent to be quick, deadly, and a keen eye for detail would be the rogue in the group.
Spike would be the Dragon Knight. Normally a position given to those who fought against dragons a little amending or changes never hurt anypony.
Twilight Sparkle would without a doubt be a magician. The fact she had genius level intellect in certain fields and a talent for magic bordering savant level had made the choice rather easy.
And of course Naruto, her...she quickly amended...the Princesses's loyal subject and captain would didn't fit the typical mold. The most befitting name would be Hero for one whose abilities were not so typical.
They would be the captains of their own guard of lesser elites while holding the top ranked position of the Arcane. The fact they already had powerful friendships meant there were those who could feel the position.
Such as that Zecora equine, hailing from Zebrica meant she could have potential to be a Shaman or Witch Doctor.
All of this would not have been thought possible or credible with the elements busy life schedules, but the successes she had been hearing about Twilight and Naruto finally completing the chakra-magic emulation seals meant their schedules would be more flexible. She was looking forward to when she could next meet with them. In fact why wait?
She sent out a guard to get Raven to bring her the materials for letters. With her additional free time what better way to fill the time then befriending the ponies she owed so much to. It was going to be fun. A baker, a farmer, a seamstress, a Veterinarian, and a weather captain. In fact she wouldn't mind getting to know more of the inhabitants of the quaint little town.
It would not hurt to maybe open her heart open again. And maybe...and maybe she could finally talk to Luna about the question she asked all those months ago as to why nopony talks about the passage of Ascendancy.
As Luna made her way down the hall she was being followed a few paces behind her to her left by a mare by the name of Sweet Dreams. An ashen-gray coated Unicorn with ruby colored eyes and white mane and tail. She had a rather slender, skinny build and rather short, a few inches above five foot in height with long legs. Despite her deceptive appearance she was remarkably fast, able to match if not outrace the average earth pony. On her she was carry bags over her shoulders gave the moon princess nervous glances from the corner of her eye, something Luna hadn't failed to notice. It was the same fearful gaze she had experienced so many times before. "Is there something wrong, Miss Dream?"
The unicorn gasped and turned her attention towards the floor. "N-No, your Highness. I-I was just…surprised when you requested that I be your assistant. I mean, I just started, and I'm sure..."
Luna flashed as comforting a smile as she could. "I've read your file. Trust me, I know you're qualified for this position. I wouldn't have asked you to do this otherwise."After all Celestia had the ever studious Raven as her assistant. Who better than her cousin, a fine family of loyal ponies whose family motto was that knowledge and work was power.
"So, what is today's agenda if you will."
"The early afternoon will consist of open court, as usual. I have a prepared list of all appointments, but you should expect a few unannounced petitions as well."
Aah yes Celestia had warned her of this."Proceed."
"And this evening, we will be setting up for tomorrow night's dinner party. It's nothing too important; mostly, you just have to say hello to some of the aristocrats and nobles from around Equestria. The menu is already prepared, the necessary furniture has been ordered."
Luna's focus had trailed off about this. Reports of some of the nobles behavior's during the Changeling incident had not escaped her ears. While the Celestia of old had slipped out during times of extreme duress her sister was still rather soft hearted. She had settled into the role of 'mother' and coddled their subjects a bit too much for the Lunar Princess's liking. It was up to their dams to do the rearing. She was a ruler and goddess of the moon, wine, and other such fields. She would not allow herself to be pushed around by a bunch of delusions clods who sat on their flanks all day while they had servants doing everything.
If any of them thought with her sister taking a step back that she would be easy prey they were in for a rude awakening.