Chapter 28: Sunset Shores - Day

Hope: Day 5
Nightfall: Day 19

Princess Luna’s POV

Many surprising gasps and jaw drops were seen among the girls. Specially for Trixie and Twilight who shouted out in sync. Twilight shouted, “You’re the king of the changelings!?” Trixie shouted, “You’re a changeling king!?”

He turned his attention to the shocked girls and answered after a quick snicker, “Yes… Yes I am.”

Twilight asked, “Why didn’t you tell us?”

He answered, “Because you didn’t ask.”

Applejack shouted out, demandingly, “What in tar-nation is going on here!?”

Spike commented, not looking too surprised, “Wow, he’s a king? He sure doesn’t look like one.”

Pinkie Pie spoke, with seriousness, to the discovered king, “Hold on a second. What were you doing in the Everfree Forest?”

Rainbow also asked with suspicion, “Yea, what were you doing out there on your own anyway?”

Hope however, was clearly showing resentment towards him. As Hope spoke, he growled a little and grasped his paws, “You! What are you up to!?”

Sister, taking control of the situation, “Hope, calm yourself.”

I know very well how disrespectful it is to speak to royalty in such a manor. But I thought I keep out of it for the moment.

Cocoon explained, while he looked excited for a possible fight, “I am here to originally brake up the Elements friendship.”

The ampwolf, showing signs of static build up, allowed the changeling to continue, “*snicker* However… I have changed my mind. Instead to create, what you call, a peace treaty.”

Fluttershy, getting a little bit worried, came closer to Hope and asked, “Hope, please… please calm down. He said he’s not going to harm us.”

The wolf, noticing his mare’s concern, turned to face her and apologise, “I’m sorry for ruining our first holiday, Shy.”

Rarity corrected him, “Oh my stars, no- Darling, it isn’t your fault. I am just deeply as shocked and dismayed as you. That we had a possible saboteur in the group.”

Sister, noticing a disaster could break loose any moment, spoke once again, “Calm yourselves, everypony! He has told us that he wants us to proceed with the peace treaty, which will hopefully bring us all together.”

The purple dragon then spoke, as he began walking away, “I’m bored. I am going to build an awesome sandcastle. You want to play, Rarity?”

Realising what he just asked. She replied, “Oh- Err well- I guess I play with you for a little bit, darling.”

She then followed the little fella, while pulling her large suitcase along the sand. Spike offered to help pull like a gentlecolt.

She thanked him in return, “Thank you, my Spikey Wikey.”

Twilight, realising the reason of why we came here, suggested, “Come on girls. Let’s enjoy ourselves.”

While everypony wondered off to do their own thing. Twilight held on for a moment, looking towards Rainbow.

Rainbow, just stood there, with her magenta eyes glaring towards the king as she warned him, “I’m keeping my eyes on you.”

He could only reply with a sigh of disappointment and lay down on the sand, at the side of Tia. Who smiled warmly for getting the opportunity to speakest with him.

Twilight attempted to convince her pegasus friend, “Rainbow, relax. I have been with him for over a day now and there is nothing to worry about. He’s actually quite nice when you get to know him.”

She could only sigh and reply, as she was looking for a comfy spot to lay down, “I hope your right, Twilight.”

I then noticed Nightie casting a spell. Who then focused his aim towards the sky, causing a cloud to glow with the colour of our aura and began pulling it down towards us.

After he laid it at the side of Rainbow. He said to her, “Here ya go.”

Rainbow replied, “Thanks Night.”

She then began to lay down on the cloud, trying to get comfortable, as she put her shades on.

Twilight then asked us, “You not joining us in the water?”

Rainbow replied, as she just got comfy on the cloud and preparing to read her book, “No thanks Twi. I think I prefer to lay down here where everything is awesome.”

My best friend, Twilight Sparkle, commented on my stallion’s ability, “Wow… I am really impressed.”

He replied, making it sound like it was just a simple task, “It really wasn’t difficult to do Twilight. I’m sure you could drag half of them down if you wanted.”

She replied, “Yea but, you have only been an alicorn for nearly a month now. That is actually quite impressive.”

My Nightie replied, not expecting to be that good, “You really think so? Thanks Twilight, I really appreciate it. I wouldn’t mind studying magic with you in the future.”

She replied, excitedly, “Really? I would love that.”

Thinking that this is a better time than any. I decided to announce our marriage, “Twilight, I would like thou to be the second to know… Nightfall and I, have decided to get married.”

The expression on her face was priceless. Even sister and him giggled at her reaction. She congratulated me, “That’s- Wow- That’s really great Luna. I’m so happy that you have found a special somepony.”

Nightie turned towards me and then back to Twilight. Then he asked her, “Twilight, I know you and my love have a close bond. Would you offer to be my best mare?”

Even more surprised, just as I. She asked in confirmation, “You want me to be your best mare?”

I admitted, “I would love thou to be, Twilight. Thy are the closest friend I have ever had.”

Awaiting for the answer that I was sure was hoping for. She answered, blissfully, “I would love to, Luna.”

Twilight, getting serious with my stallion due to being concerned about my well being, “You will take care of her, right?”

He answered, “Of course. And I’ll always will…”

Hope’s POV

While me and everypony had gone to do our own thing. I leaned against a cherry blossom tree, with my arms crossed. Just thinking of possibilities that bug could be plotting. I just can’t shake the feeling that it is targeting me and Shy. Obviously, they are love bugs.

As I was deep in thought. Shy called me, waking me up from my train of thoughts as she spoke, “Hope, are you okay?”

Trying to get my mind of things. I turned my attention to her and replied after taking a breather, “Yea I’m fine. Fancy going for a swim?”

She replied, shyly, “Ummm, s-sure.”

As we began walking towards the crystal clear waters. I took a quick glimpse at everypony around the beach.

I noticed that everypony appeared to be enjoying themselves at their activities. It’s like they are not worried at all. Is it just me, or am I being paranoid about that bug?

Spike and Rarity are busy making a sandcastle together, with a green bucket and spade which I presume is Spike’s. Something tells me that those two may become a couple in the future. Of course, when the little dragon is old enough.

Applejack and Pinkie were currently playing beach ball. I couldn’t imagine who was going to win. Pinkie’s laws of physics breaking or AJ’s fitness.

Twi and Trixie were sat near Rarity and Spike, eating a sandwich of some sort. I could hear the lavender unicorn having a conversation about my friend, that he’s getting married and she’s his best mare. With her having a close friendship with Luna. I knew he picked the right mare.

My best friend and Luna were currently cuddled up to each other. I just know that those two are going to be a perfect couple. On Earth, I remember how crazy he was about her.

I guess I don’t have to explain where the bug is or what it is doing…

Once my paws had stepped into the cool temperature of the endless waters. I felt a little jolt of electric, which was to be expected, but nothing more as I continued walking deeper.

When the waters were just above my knees. I turned around and noticed that Shy was stood at the shallow end. So I called, “Ya not coming in, Fluttershy? The water is nice and cool.”

Noticing her shivering and the look in her eyes. Clearly, I could tell that she’s scared. So I asked, trying not to make her nervous, “I know that look Shy. Ya scared aren’t you?”

As I was making my way back to her. She replied, worriedly, “I’m not scared of water… … … but… I-I’m scared of drowning…”

Once I was in front of her. She didn’t look happy as she stared at the sand below her fore-hooves.

So I asked, trying to persuade her, “Will you feel better if you held on to me, while I keep hold of you, in the sea? I promise I won’t let go.”

She looked up at me and while doing so, I noticed that she was blushing red like crazy. She replied, “Um…”

I then say, “Come on, Fluttershy. I’m sure that everypony here already knows that we are very close.”

Soon, she smiled and we began walking side by side as we were getting deeper into the ocean.

Fluttershy then began to hold me tightly in a hug as I also held on to her. Her hind-hooves now were no longer able to reach the sand underneath the waters.

Once the water was just under my neck. I stopped proceeding any deeper and looked at the pegasus that has entrusted her life to me.

I can’t believe how adorable she looked in the water. What really made me adore her, was that she was humming some sort of lullaby.

So I asked, “Fluttershy, what is that lovely song you’re singing?”

She replied, still holding on tight, “It’s- It’s a lullaby that my mother song to me. But I never knew what it is or what the words are.”

Being honest. I replied, “You got the cutest singing voice that I have ever heard.”

She backed away from me due to being a little surprised at my complement. As she did, I also made sure that I was holding around her wrist while floating. She then replied, “Y-you really think I’m that good?”

I answered, “Seriously, you are.”

The pink mane pegasus then leaned forward and then gives me a quick peck on the lips, causing my orange fur face to blush red. I could only stare at her with my jaw partly open, at the loving kiss.

I could only sigh in content in return. Just like when Spike got his kiss on the check by Rarity, for her present.

I then asked, “Um, you… you want me to teach how to swim? Or if you want, I’ll take you back to the shores?”

The beautiful pegasus replied, “I know how to swim… but… I had never been brave enough to swim without my hoofbands.”

Thinking that this would be the cutest thing that I’ll ever see in my life. I asked, “Why don’t you give it a try without them? I’ll always stand by you in case you get into trouble.”

She asked, worriedly, “What if?”

I tried to encourage her, “Don’t worry, I won’t leave your side.”

Slowly, I release my grip of the pegasus as she immediately started to get frightened. To show my trust, I kept my paws close to her waist as she slowly started to gain control of keeping herself afloat. She even used her wings partly to support her float.

But sadly, she panicked as a wave suddenly hit her. Causing her head to go underwater. Instantly, I grabbed her waist and brought her back up.

I asked worriedly, as she coughed out a little water, “Are you alright…? Don’t worry. You did brilliant, until the waves got you.”

Recovering from the sudden shock. She cling back onto me for support, taking breathes. I then began stroking her back as she then spoke, “*pant* Did I… *pant* do… *pant* good?”

Being honest, “You did better when I first started.”

Proud of her accomplishment. She asked, as she started breathing normally again, “Really?”

Honest again. I replied, “Yes, I totally panicked on my first time swimming. It wasn’t as easy for me.”

Fluttershy, gaining some courage from my words, asked, “Can I try again?”

I asked, checking, “If you think you’re ready?”

She replied, a bit nervously, “Y-yes… please, Hope.”

After another wave had gone past. I then repeat the procedure of slowly holding her out in front of me and then slowly releasing my grip once again.

She quickly gained control of her floating, by waving her hooves and using her wings for support as she quickly relaxed.

I ensured, “You’re doing well. I think you got it now.”

Seeing a wave on its way, she started to worry. So she took a deep breath and held it ready for it to make contact.

I kept my paws held close around her waist, in case I have to catch her once again. Then, the wave splashed over us.

She quickly gained control and resurfaced, as she had full control of her floating now.

I congratulated her, “You done it Shy, you got it.”

While she was floating. She smiled at me for my complement on her achievement and began slow swimming around me, without me no longer needing to hold my paws out still.

It was the most adorable thing I have ever seen. As she doggy paddled, or in this case pony paddled, around me a few times. Smiling at her accomplishment.

Princess Celestia’s POV

Things were looking up now. To see that everypony was having fun, brings joy to my heart. Sister is happy, I am happy, the girls are happy.

Believing that it would be best to give the king some time alone to himself. I decided to watch Hope play in the ocean with Fluttershy for the time being…

After five minutes of witnessing Hope teach the kind pegasus how to swim. I started thinking, ‘His heart is strong. But by seeing his reaction to Cocoon earlier, it contains anger. Probably from one of his past events. That anger however could lead him on to a path of despair, for him and his friends. With that human side of his mind, he could get over protective of his special somepony. Which could lead him to violence. But I can only hope that he will control it and melt it away in time.’

Unexpectedly, I sure I just heard Cocoon moan in misery to himself. So I asked, in concern, “Are you alright, your Highness?”

He answered, while looking down on the sand in sadness, “*sigh* No… My devoted queen maybe in trouble… And I’m just sat here doing nothing about it.”

Trying to gain an understanding on what could have his queen in possible danger. I asked in a heart soothing voice, “How could your devoted queen be in trouble?”

The king sudden turned to towards me and snickered at me in frustration. This made me put my serious face on, from his displeasing reaction. He then demanded, “Don’t try using that seductive voice on me. It won’t work.”

Luna then spoke, clearly annoyed at his remark, “Thou dare speakest disrespectfully to my sister!?”

Rainbow, who was laid relaxing and reading a book, took notice of the conversation as she lowered her book and gazed at the scene.

I interrupted Luna reassuringly, before she would lose her temper, “Please sister, let me handle this.”

I then resumed my conversation with him, as he looked somewhat offended towards me, “I’m not trying to control you. I’m just trying to help you.”

Cocoon spoke out, in hopelessness, “Nopony can help me… Nopony can help us…”

Rainbow, confused, then asked, “What you talking about?”

He answered, after a sigh, “Nothing… But I will say this. If another attack should occur-”

Rainbow interrupted, demandingly, “What you mean ‘another attack should occur’?”

The changeling ignored her question and resumed, “It wasn’t our intention.”

Nightfall then asked, “If I’m understanding the scenario correctly. There is somepony that has your queen hostage, who is manipulating the attack. Am I right?”

Sister spoke demandingly, “Thou better be certain not to attack us, during our wedding!”

Cocoon could only sigh and nod at those words. Even though, I could tell that he doesn’t want this to happen.

Rainbow, leaping of her cloud, shouted, “I better let the others know!”

Nightfall quickly spoke, before she could, “It would be better if we kept this to ourselves until tonight, Rainbow.”

Agreeing with him. I also spoke, “He’s right, Rainbow Dash. I wouldn’t let your friends know yet. It could ruin their vacation that has been planned for the past week. I would inform them of the situation later.”

Turning my attention back to the king, “Now, about this peace treaty. I am glad you informed us about the situation, before it was too late. But I must ask. Who is this pony?”

Before the changeling king could reply. Slowly, he started to rapidly breathe breathes and shake constantly with his jaw open. The pupils in his eyes showed fear as clear as day. Whoever this pony was. It must be a very a frightful one to course such a reaction.

Twilight Sparkle’s POV

“SPIKE! BE CAREFUL!” I shouted worriedly to my Number One Assistant. Who currently was over enjoying himself, surfing on his surf board on the rapidly tides of the ocean. Me and Rarity however were stood near the shores, worried sake of his safety.

As he surfed. He shouted, near losing control of his balance, “Wa-waaaaaooo!”

But quickly, he regained balance and smiled excitedly. You could say, he’s having the time of his life. Me and Rarity though could only, simultaneously, take a sigh of relief.

Rarity then asked me, while being completely dazzled from the skill for his age, “How and when did he ever learn to surf, dear?”

Just as surprised and confused as she was. I answered, “He doesn’t.”

Instantly, her eyes opened wide in fear and shock. As she then shouted, “WHHHHHAAAAAT!?”

Trixie then came up behind us and asked, while just noticing Spike in front of us, “Hey girls, what ya doing?”

I answered, “Hi Trixie. We just keeping an eye on Spike, in case he hurts himself.”

My little dragon then shouted all across the waters, “Heeeeey! Can you make the tides bigger?”

Before I could protest to him. Trixie shouted back in reply, “SURE THING SPIKE!”

She channelled magic to her horn, which glow a light-blue. But it was too late, as I attempted to stop her by shouting, “Trixie, no! Wait!”

As I quickly glimpse back towards Spike, who was now terrified. The waves that he is riding on his surf board, had grown from a meter to the size of my library in Ponyville.

Realising her error. I feared for Spike’s life as him and the enormous waves came heading our way.

The three of us could only stare in fear on what was coming. I didn’t even have time to think of a counter-spell, to lower the waves. So I shouted, “RUN!!!”

Princess Celestia’s POV

We had just managed to get Cocoon to relax, when Rainbow asked him, “What’s wrong with you, you look like ya had a nightmare.”

Quickly realising what she just said. She turned to my sister, apologetically, “Um, no offence, Luna.”

She replied, “None taken.”

Noticing an increasing sound was heading our way. I turned to the source and gasped on what was in front of us. I shouted, “Everypony take cover!”

Rainbow was the first to react, as she started running back to her cloud, “My book!”

Not having time to get Rainbow Dash. The four of us attempted to dodge the incoming tidal wave, by taking off the ground.

But I was unable to evade it, as the torrent dragged me along its current.

Trying to fight our way above the current. I noticed Pinkie Pie floating by on a beach ball, while happily cheering in excitement. But then, a sudden purple blare impacted me with a sounding thud as it yelled in panic for its life…

After a moment. I found myself resting on the soaked sand, finding that is was Spike that had bumped into me as he is currently clinging on to my chest for dear life.

Now realising that he’s safe. He started taking breathers to help relax and finally releasing his grip over me as he began to apologise, nervously, “Um… err… sorry, Princess.”

I smiled and replied, “It’s okay, Spike.”

Understanding that he’s not in trouble, for bumping into me. He sighed in relief.

Suddenly. I hear my sister worriedly calling, “Sister! Are thou alright?”

As I looked behind. I found that it looked like my sister, Nightfall and Cocoon were unable to dodge it in time too. I answered, assuringly, “I’m fine, thank you, sister.”

Looking around. I found that Twilight, Trixie, Rarity and Applejack were just recovering from the recent incident. Twilight however started to panic, until she saw that Spike was safe. So she sighed in relief.

Rainbow Dash was just waking up from shock, as she found that the book is safe in her hoofs. She held it close and shook any remaining water off. Then, worriedly, she opened it.

She also sighed in relief and closed it.

Pinkie was bouncing around excitedly and shouting, “Let’s do it again! Let’s do it again!” It was surprising that she enjoyed it.

Looking around for the others. I found that Hope was just climbing down a cheery blossom tree, with Fluttershy floating down beside him...

Once we were all altogether. Trixie, who were deeply depressed of her actions, apologised to us, “Trixie’s very sorry. It really was an accident, really. Please forgive me. I didn’t know that would had happen.”

Twilight came closer to her and put a hoof over her back. She then spoke forgivingly, “Trixie, it is all right. Nopony here was hurt. Though, I do recommend you being a little more careful.”

Trixie, relieved that she was forgiven, “Trixie has learnt something today.”

Soon after. We collected all the stuff that was scattered around the beach and then eat our meals. Thankfully, the lunchboxes were waterproof.