Chapter 33

"Bittersweet ending."

North Star and Princess Celestia race through the ruined streets of the ruined Alicorn city. The reformed chaos ponies were keeping them safe with Core leading on their left side and Obsidian flanked their right. North Star headed straight with Celestia they were blasting their way up to the tower with a dry moat surrounding it and a single bridge leading to two giant doors. They soon come upon the tower and see that there were a few more shadow Alicorns guarding the main doors but Brimstone flies in with Lance. Brimstone blasts them with flame and they fall into the moat below, as Lance shocks them with lightning.

Then he shouted “North Star we got this!”

Then North Star looked up to Princess Celestia then said “are you ready?”

She looked back then said, “I am.”

He nods then they gallop straight forward to the giant doors here North Star and Celestia blast the doors into pieces. They then galloped into a main stone room here they headed up the steps on the right side they leaned into a spiral and they soon came upon a giant chamber that was devoid of any light and here Omega rose from a stone made of black steel. Omega rose up with his coat of grey he flexed his two large feathered wings and His eyes like before were pure black like two bottomless pits and his mane was thick, and combed perfectly on his left side with a long black tail trailing behind him.

North Star then said “Omega it’s over.”

Omega laughed and then said “Over? You are such a fool North Star I paved the way to the reclamation of the world and when I return Nightmare moon will be there to complete what we started.”

North Star then said “Shut up!”

He then blasted Omega but he absorbed North Star’s attack then summoned more shadows. Then Celestia flew above him and they both started firing their horns at him. He used his shadows to absorb their attacks and then he flies up and blasts the ceiling of his tower and flies above then slams them with a giant wave of shadow. North Star held up a spell shield then he stops the shadow. He then was going to fly away. Then Celestia flew above Omega and shoots him with a blast of pure energy then falls into the floor below. North Star then looked at his element of free will and then he swallows and looks up at Omega who stares at North Star. Then North Star had a flash of memories of his mom, his dad, young black star, the day he received his cutie mark, meeting his friends, Ocean breeze’s birth, his first kiss with Celestia, making the element of free will, the day Celestia told him she was pregnant, telling Sugar Cube thank you for raising his filly, and his wedding. North Star holds up the element of free will then he blasts Omega with a giant wave of energy Celestia watched form above and nods then she raised the elements of freewill into Omega. Omega screamed as her energy entered him, as did North Star. However, he was still holding his power then North Star with his strength he poured every ounce of energy into the element of freewill and then he screams as he shoots the last of his power into the element of freewill. Then he sends the power into Omega his shadows were blocking his power but they were fading his power was being absorbed into the amulet of free will and being destroyed.

Omega then said, “How is this possible?”

North Star stood forward then said “This isn’t just me this is the power of every pony in Equestria do you understand? they all want a world with freedom and peace yes there will be those who will try to take it. However, there will always be ponies no matter the age, gender or specious who are willing to defend their families, their friends, and every pony we are united and my power comes from them.”

Then he sends the rest of his power into Omega and he was thrown out of the building he falls to the city below. North Star was feeling his body weaken he could barely stand but he needed to know Omega died. He teleports to the base of the tower where Omega fell from the sky his body was crumpled on the ground his wings were broken and he was coughing blood. He looked up at North Star’s breathing became more ragged he felt his body started to give out and he falls to the ground.

Omega chuckled and said, “This is it. This is your end, your whole life has been nothing but tragedy tell me North Star tell me that all your sacrifice did anything. I die knowing I tried to make a better world one without death, but because of Alicorns and ponies like you that world will always be out of reach.”

Princess Celestia flew down to North Star’s side then he got up and said “Omega you had fillies. Yet you raised them with anger and hate used them as weapons and tools just as you did with the rest of those who followed you. They all died alone, I die with my wife and my friends and my filly and I know I am loved. In the end I’m happy and I die knowing that their safe”

Then Omega choked on his blood and he let his head fall backward as the last of his dark soul was destroyed by North Star’s element. North Star then fell on the ground and Princess Celestia flies over to him and picks up his head he looks at Princess Celestia smiling at him stroking his black shaggy mane.

He looked into her eyes then said, “We did it.”

She nods she had tears in her eyes.

Then North Star said “Before I die there’s something important I have to tell you have to leave the elements of Harmony in that ruined castle in the ever free forest it’s vital you do that when Luna returns.”

Princess Celestia nods then said, “I’ll do that besides I don’t think I’ll need them anymore.”

He nods then smiles and says, “Now little Sun Dancer can live a good life.”

Princess Celestia then said, Sun Dancer is going to be fine I’ll be there for our filly whenever I can.”

He nods then he started to cough then his breathe became more raspy then he said, “I love you you know that? Don’t you?”

She nods and hugs him close then he said, “I’m just glad I’m not going to die alone.”

Princess  Celestia bend down and then she kissed him and she held him close then she felt his head fall limp. She shook him then she said “North Star?”

He didn’t move his body was stiff the light in his eyes were gone his element stopped glowing then it shattered and fell to the ground. Celestia gasped then tears ran down her cheeks as she held his body close and she said “North star?”

She shook him then she gasped and she let her head hit his body and she started to sob into him.  

Sugar Cube raced across the city with his allies and then they found that every shadow Alicorn’s body turned into dust. They came upon Lance and Brimstone and then they turned to Core and Obsidian who were coming from the city as well then they all went around the tower and they find Celestia holding North star’s body close in her hooves they all stood there motionless and they all bowed their heads and every pony was silent.

Princess Celestia was outside the city's walls and dug a grave with her own bare hooves the rest of the day. She starred into the sand as it burned her hooves she just dug and dug. The memories flooded back with North Star talking to her holding her kissing her. Every time she dug harder and harder, she kept digging and she felt the tears flood back and she chocked and then she fell and she started to cry again.

Then Lance flew up to her then said “ Princess Celestia take a break I’ll finish it.”

She looked back then said, “No I need to do this.”

She held her self then Lance said “Your pregnant.”

She looked back “so what? “

Lance stopped back then said, “Just don’t exert yourself.”

She just let her head fall back then she said, “I miss him and I want to feel anything to get rid of this pain. Please understand that.”

She continued digging through the sand and Lance went to the other side then said, “If it’s okay with you, I feel the same way.” Lance then gets his front hooves into the desert sand, and started digging.

By that evening, the reformed chaos ponies stood outside the front gates. As they watched as they brought North Star’s body from the city, he was laying on a cot with two sticks and a piece of cloth. His body was wrapped. They passed his friends and they carried him to the grave Lance and Princess Celestia dug. They all watched as they placed him in the grave before his grave was a stone that said, “Prince North Star A trusted friend and a loving husband.”

Princess Celestia stood before it and shouted, “Tonight we remember North Star and I want to be the first to talk about him. He was my husband, and I was his wife and I’m proud to say it he never once asked for anything he never asked for bits, land, glory or memory he only asked for my love he loved me not because I was a princess. He loved me because of who I am. I have his filly inside him and boy or girl I’m going to raise him or her and I’m going to tell my filly how much he loved him or her,”

She then bowed her head then she went to North star’s grave and she took up a hoof full of dirt and poured it into North Star’s grave. Then she said, “Goodbye my love.”

She then moved to the side. Sugar cube came up next then he looked at every pony then said “ I knew north Star as a friend we didn’t talk much but we both had a same vision an idea that we can make a better world. We did and on top of that, Celestia and North Star named me the guardian’s filly. I swear I am going to learn to do whatever I can to raise that filly with the same passion he would have. I will not replace North Star as a father, but I am going to honor his memory by protecting Sun Dancer.”

He then turned to North Star’s grave picked up a hoof full of dirt and threw it into the grave.

Then he said, “Thank you for trusting me.”  

He then moved out of the side.

Than Lance flew forward then said, “Out of every pony here I knew North star the longest. The day we met was the first day he came to my camp at the time we were both fifteen young full of hot blood, wanting to fight. We both knocked heads trying to get Commander Hurricane’s approval and then  after our first battle he saved my life he teleported me and twenty others to safety. Then he bought me my first cup of ale and we drank together."

He chuckled then he continued, “He reminded me that day the night Ocean breeze was born. He changed his first diaper that day. He told me for some reason that was something he wanted to do before he died. I am glad he saw her birth I am glad he was there for her and for me. So thank you North star for being a great friend and you would have been a wonderful father.”

He then turned to the grave and then he picked up a hoof full of dirt and threw it into the grave. Then he turned and then he trotted off

Then Obsidian came forward he then turned and said, “I knew North Star well, we both lived in canterlot’s place for most of the time he was in Canterlot. He was there for princess cadence as much as Sugar Cube and I. When she had trouble with her homework she came to North Star for help and he was a great teacher as much as he was a friend. He will be missed, and he will forever be in her heart as much as mine."

He picks up a hoof full of dirt and threw it into North Star’s grave, than he smiled and said. “Take care North Star.”

He then trotted back then Core came forward then said, “I knew North star as well we fought together but we never actual spoke. I deserted

during the war with king Sombra and I want all of you to know that I was wrong he did what he had to do and he fought and died for us, and I want him to know that I care. He was a great friend he was there for me after I fell he came to my bedside every day just to make sure I was fine. I wish I could have been there for him as much as he was there for me.”

He turned to his grave then he picked up a hoof full of dirt and threw it into North Star’s grave.

Then said “ I’m glad you found happiness."

  Then they all stayed silent then they saw a Pegasus land in the desert Pine was still wrapped in bandages and he was sweating fiercely galloped forward.

Then he said, “I wanted to..”

He saw the grave and every pony then he felt tears rush in his eyes then he came forward and read the gravestone.

Then he said “so he died."

He sighed and then he looked downward then said, “I just want to thank him for being there for me when Ember died he was there for me when Luna left. He was a great friend and I wished I told him that when he was still alive.”

He then picked up a hoof full of dirt and threw it into North Star’s grave then they all stayed silent and with their heads bowed they stood together.

Sugar Cube was going down the streets of Canterlot one early morning. His white coat was clean he no longer wore his  cloak with his bright blue eyes, his mane was spikey and his tail was fluffed upward his cutie mark the pink piece of cake with a dagger shone brightly. The ponies all starred at him awkwardly some backed off. He then found the building he was looking for. It was shaped was a square with two wooden front doors. He opens the front doors then he sees a unicorn behind the front desk in a dim lit waiting room.  She’s a mare with light brown coat and mane with a dark brown and white that curled around her head and her tail and for her cutie mark was a red book with bright blue ABC on the front.

She smiled and said, “Welcome to Diamond heart’s nanny service how may I help you?”

Sugar cube blushed then said, “Actually I came to see if I could just get some on hoof training.”

She then said, “Well you’re not the first. I’m Butter scotch by the way.”

She then holds out a hoof he shakes it then she said, “We usually don’t get  colts.”

Sugar cube shrugs then said “I work at the palace and iv’e been reading scrolls and books on caring for fillies but I feel some actual training would do me good.”

She smiled then said, “Expecting?”

He then said, “Not exactly it’s complicated.”

She smiled then said, “You can shadow a nanny and watch as a confidant and she’ll allow you to support her if she needs it. All you have to do is sign a scroll here.”

She went underneath the desk and pulled out a scroll then placed it on the desk then he read the scroll diligently.

He then said, “Ok sounds reasonable.”

She then said, “You know you’re not going to be paid though.”

He nods then said “Don’t worry I’m fine.”

He then takes  the quill in his teeth and signs his name then he places the quill back into the inkpot then he said, “So are you a nanny?”

She smiled and said, “I’m training myself actually.”

She takes the scroll and stuff it under the desk then she said “Well come back tomorrow and we can get you started”

He then nods then said “Thank you.”

She then said “You must be a great uh guardian if your taking this much preparation. Is it okay to pry?”

He smiled then said, “I’m actually the guardian of Sun Dancer."

She gasped then she put her hooves to her face then said “Princess Celestia’s filly you’re so lucky.” He nods then said, “I just want to make sure I know what I’m doing.”

She nods then said, “Yeah taking care of filly is tough for us common folk I bet it’s no different for royalty.”

He laughed then said “Yeah probably.”

He then said, “You know I can arrange for you to come by and help me out if you want. If you’re interested?” She then said, “You would do that. But you barley know me?”

Sugar Cube then said, “Well I bet you want to get out from behind that desk.”

She laughs then said “Yeah your totally right. Okay here’s the deal. I’ll teach you myself and all the secrets  I learned in caring for fillies in return you get me to help be a nanny for Sun Dancer. We could work as a team.”

Sugar Cube then said, “The decision will be up to princess Celestia so I will go by her to see if it’s okay with her.”  She smiles then said, “Thank you, uh I never got your name?”

He looked back then said “ Sugar Cube.”

She nods then said “Well nice to see you Sugar  cube.” He bows then said, “Well it was nice to see you Butter Scotch.” He looked up at her she smiled he smiles back then he opens the doors and leaves the building.

  Lance was in his armor watching the steps cautiously he looked across the place and then he saw Sugar Cube trotting up the steps Lance smiled and said “sugar Cube glad to see you.”

Sugar Cube bows then said “Good to see you working.”

Lance then said ‘So how was signing  up to be a nanny?”

Sugar Cube rolled his eyes then said, “Well it was an experience can’t wait to start tomorrow.”

Lance then said, “Well I’m glad. Get ready for sleepless nights and dirty diapers.”

Sugar Cube then said, “Besides that seen anything suspicious?”

  Lance shakes his head “Skies are clear, every pony seems to being doing fine.”

Sugar Cube nods then said “Good.” He then climbs up the steps. The guard bows their heads then he opens the front doors . He then goes through the main throne room where Princess Silver Rose stood in his full magnificence then princess Silver Rose with her long silver streaming hair and tail with her with coat and beautiful slanted blue eyes with a golden rose on a shield for her cutie mark. She stood with her full height as she came down the steps and smiles.

Then she goes over to Sugar Cube then said, “Sugar Cube can I talk with you for a second?” He nods then he goes to her then she said, “I know your busy preparing for my cousin’s filly but can I ask you a favor?”

He nods then she said, “Can you look after prince blue blood for the night? I have a lot of work and I don't trust many ponies with my son. I know you’re a commoner but if my sister trust you I do too. So can you for tonight watch him?”

He nod then said, “Princess Silver rose No problem .”

She smiled and bows then said “Thank you.”

He smiled and said “sure thing.”

She got up then said, “In fact when you’re a certified nanny can you be our nanny too?”

Sugar Cube then said “Uh sure why not?”

she smiled then said, “thank you.”

Sugar Cube stood there and then with a loud sigh.

Lance flew up behind him then said “Sugar cube.”

Sugar Cube turned then said “Yeah?”

Lance then coughed and said, “I know how this sounds and I know your busy but you know you training as a nanny and all. Can you uh well my wife wants to be with the wonder bolt more but I have my duties as captain of the guard and you know she’s picky on who cares  for Ocean breeze and fired like every nanny we hired. So uh she you know wants you to be our nanny as well I mean when your trained and all.”

Sugar Cube sighed and then said “sure whatever?”

Lance hugged him then said, “You’re the best now I can stop Red wing from screaming about how the world sucks with no good nanny’s.”

Sugar Cube rolled his eyes and pat’s Lance on the back then he said, “Well I’ll be busy when Celestia’s filly arrives though so it will be a while.” Lance nods then said “alright Sugar Cube just don’t forget me okay?”

Sugar Cube nods then he  said, “Alright  got a go.” He then flies off then sugar cube goes up the steps and then he goes to princess Celestia’s room then knocks.

Then she said “Who is it?”

Sugar Cube then said “It’s sugar Cube.”

Princess Celestia then said, “Come in.” He does and she has combed her hair perfectly come back and her body was bulging she was sitting on the side of her bed with a leather covered book tittle “your filly and you” smiled and put the book on her desk near the window with her magic.

She then said, “The doctor came by, one more month.”

Sugar Cube nods then said,” That’s wonderful and I guess everything’s fine?”

She nods then he said “Look I want to pass something by you. There’s this mare who looks experienced and wants to help me care for Sun Dancer her name is butter Scotch you think it will be okay for her to help me out?”

Princess Celestia then said, “You can choose whoever to help you as long as their certified though.” Sugar Cube bows then said, “Thank you and she almost is we should be both certified soon.”

She then said, “are you ready?”

Sugar Cube bows then said, “Well I took a full course on Filly care and I’ve signed up with a nanny service so yeah I’ll be ready.”

She smiled and said,” That’s good I also have been reading books on parenting if you haven’t noticed. I heard others wanting to drop their fillies with you as well.”

Sugar cube then said, “ I’ll soon have my hooves full.”

She then said, “You’ll do fine.” She frowns then said, “That’s not all is it?”

Sugar Cube then said, “Death is still out there . Oblivion may be lying but I have  haunch he isn’t so yeah I’ll be having sleepless nights either way.”

She sighed and said, “I’m so sorry I told you you would never have to kill again .”

Sugar cube then said, “Don’t be, I’ll do what’s necessary if it come to that. He’s just like me and from what I know he hasn’t killed any ponies or Alicorns and he hasn’t attacked yet.”

Celestia then said “ what does that mean?”

sugar Cube then said “One he’s biding his time. Two he’s done assassinating and maybe found a normal life. Or three he’s become a true assassin and is bidding for contacts.”

Princess Celestia then said, “You got to be kidding who would hire an assassin?”

Sugar Cube then said ,“I don’t like the idea either but the third option is plausible. If a pony hates another pony enough to where that pony thinks of murdering another yet knows will be arrested for that murder instead go pays another to do it so that pony can get rid of  rival and get away with that pony’s death at the same time. Don’t underestimate the power of greed. Either way I can sense every pony in this city and I’ll sense his dark energy if he even dares enter Canterlot I’ll know it.”

Princess Celestia smiled and she said, “I’m so glad you’re my filly’s guardian I feel safer knowing you’ll be with sun Dancer.”

He smiled then said “Thank you.”

He sighs then said “It’s been 6 months since North star’s death and I fell as if nothing can ever replace the whole he left. “Celestia nods then said It’s worse for me I still wake up and imagine him next to me.”

She sighed an said “I wish he could of at least seen the birth of his filly. I’m so anxious to see what Sun dancer is going to be a colt or mare?”

Sugar cube chuckled then said, “What do you think?”

She smiled looked at herself then said, “I know this  a feeling but I’m almost certain it’s a boy. Sun dancer’s been kicking I can feel it .” She then said “this must be what every mother feels or is this just me?”

Sugar Cube shrugged then said “Well did your filly shower go well at least?” She nods then said It was wonderful. Red wing was so thoughtful giving me all those diapers and new clothes and Princess Silver rose gave me that gorgeous crib.”

Sugar cube then said” it sure is beautiful we even made the filly’s room right next to  the restroom so when Sun dancer is older toilet training will go a lot smoother.”

She smiled then said, “you thought of that? I didn’t even consider to think that far.”

He nods then said “well it’s getting late I’m going to a daily check around the city I’m still cautious as always you just stay here and don’t do anything.”

Princess Celestia sighs then said, “The doctor probably would suggest for me to stop raising the sun to.”

Sugar cube laughed “I bet he already did.”

Then he looked then said, “take care.”

She then said, “sugar cube thank you again for everything you’re doing. “He smiled back the said “Like I said before this is a great honor to serve you and North Star’s memory. “

She nods then he nods back and leaves the room.

The next day

Sugar Cube was now with Pine Lance, Core and Obsidian at a pub. They were all sitting at a table with giant mugs of ale and. Each one was talking.

Then Sugar cube shouted “Alright you bastards the Mares had their night now it’s ours. We all know that in two weeks Obsidian is getting married and I want to be the first to congratulate him and Lightning flash."

They all raised their mugs sand shouted “To Obsidian and Lightning Flash!”

They all took a drink then they all put their mugs down.

Then Obsidian said “Thank you all of you. I know that you Core and you pine won’t be here for the wedding which kind of sucks but I’m glad you at least know were getting married.”

Core laughed then said, “Well I have real reasons. I’m an owner of an apple orchard since my father’s death and now it’s up to me clean up his damn mess.”

They all nodded the Pine said, “As you all know I’m going east. I’ m sorry I know this is all new but I have to many memories of Luna and I want to travel the world and get a fresh start. I’m sorry I won’t be here Obsidian.”

Obsidian then said “Pine don’t worry about it you’re paying tonight though.”

They all laughed then Lance said, “Well obsidian let me tell you marriage is a rough road you’re going to fight with your wife over everything and I mean  everything. However, even after the worst fights you’re  going to remember that somehow you’re going to remember your wedding vows and remember that ring you got her and you’re going to remember your happiest moments. Then you will find room in your heart to forgive your wife and reconnect.”

Obsidian then said “Thank you Lace that was very thoughtful.” Core then raised his glass then said, “I want to raise a glass for Sugar Cube being the guardian of not one but three fillies.”  

Sugar cube swore then said “Lance you told him!”

They all laughed then Lance said, “I told my wife and she told every pony."

Sugar cube sighed and said, “Well yes it’s true Princess Silver rose and Lance gave me Ocean breeze and prince blue blood to take care of as well. Starting tomorrow Today was my first day of in hoof training and the nanny I shadowed was surprised at how well I stopped two fights, got them both to the commode without wetting or soiling themselves, and got them to sleep.”

They all clapped then he said “Thank you all of you.”

He bows then Pine raised his mug then said “I raise  a glass for Brimstone, Ash, Orthopetra, Ember, Grey beard and Luna. They were all lost heroes too and they deserve to be remembered.”

They all drank to that.

Then Obsidian raised his mug then said, “I want to  toast to Nebula. When master grey beard died  she became the new head master she’s only ten but she’s hell of  a lot smarter then all of us put together.”

They all laughed again and drank again.

Then Pine said, “Let’s drink to North Star as well.” They all got silent and drank again but this time they all starred at their mugs then Core said, “He would be here now sitting right by us drinking and laughing.”

Lance then said, “He’ll be like Sugar cube paranoid over Sun Dancer.”

Sugar Cube then said, “I think if he were here he would want us to carry on as he said so many times before. So I drink to him and his filly.”

They all drank again then Pine looked up and said, “You know this may be the last time we’ll be together each of us has new lives now.”

Core nods then said “Obsidian what are you planning to do”

Obsidian then said, “I’m just part of the guard now Princess Silver Rose took my duties.”

Lance nods then said, “I’ll be captain of the guard still.” Sugar cube then said “I’ll be Celestia’s protector and by next month royal nanny.”

They all chuckled then Pine said, “I don’t know. I’m going to travel then when I return I’ll think of something.”

They all raise their glasses then Obsidian said ,“What should we call ourselves just out of curiosity?”

Sugar cube then said, “Pine said it earlier lost heroes. No pony really knows what we did nor should they. We did it so they could be free and live happy lives. We didn’t fight for glory or bits. We did it because we believed in a world of peace and freedom and we won dammit. We won!”

They all raised their mugs and finished their ale.

Then Obsidian said ,“What about death?”

Sugar Cube then  said, “He’ll strike Canterlot first if Oblivion’s warning is true and if he does he won’t harm a single pony. Not under my watch” Pine nods then said “Sugar cube you’re going to be protector and a nanny. You’re going to have your hooves full.”

He drank some more then said, “I’m up for the challenge.”

He then looked outside and then he got up then said, “Look it’s been great and I drank enough. I got a city to watch.”

They all nodded at each other as they left the bar and pine left a bag of bits at the bar.

They trotted down the street laughing and Sugar cube looked up, saw the North star,

He then said “Thank you for a second chance.”