Chapter 18

Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville

Iron Cross had just finished mixing the apple cobbler, placing it in the oven to bake when Applejack made her way down from the attic. She trotted her way over to the oven and gave a whistle of approval.

“Ah reckon you’ll make a fine baker yet sugarcube. Ain’t never seen a stallion take ta cookin’ before, except Mr. Cake.”

Iron ran a hoof through his mane. “Hmm as much as I enjoy your compliments, I am used to being able to cook for myself. While I was in the army I had to be able to cook for myself because soldiers didn’t always have access to the barracks. Not only that, but I used to help my grandmother cook during my childhood so you could say I have a knack for it.”

“It’s a good thing too because mah brother can’t cook worth a hill of beans.”

“Speaking of your brother, I haven’t seen him in a while. He’s not usually away from the farm this long.”

“Ah think it has ta do with a certain librarian if ya catch mah drift.”

“You can’t possibly mean…Twilight?”

“Ah do. He’s been sweet on her for ages. Most ponies don’t realize how much alike Mac and Twi are. Mah brother is kind of an egghead; he likes his philosophy books and whatnot. There ain’t nothin’ wrong with him wantin’ ta be educated and Celestia knows that both of those ponies don’t see too much action in the romance department.”

Iron bellowed in laughter. “That sly dog! I had no idea he was an intellectual. Well good for them. I’m not much into philosophy myself but perhaps I could warm him up to mechanical engineering. I’m sure Twilight would love to learn about human technology.”

Applejack bonked Iron on the nose. “Now don’t get ahead of yerself. That crazy mare will end up blowing a crater in Ponyville if ya give her too much information at once.”

“I suppose your right. I promise I won’t rupture her poor mind too quickly, soldier’s honor.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Everypony’s a comedian.”

“My honor aside, did you notice anything strange about Applebloom’s new friend?”

“I’m not sure ah follow sugarcube.”

Iron rubbed his chin in thought. “It’s as if I…know him somehow, I can’t quite explain it.”

“Ah don’t see how ya could possibly know him. There aren’t a whole lot of colts in Ponyville let alone one with his unique colorin’. Although, when ah looked at him he kinda gave me the willies.”

“That’s it! That’s what I’m talking about. Well in any case we should probably head over to the hospital and see how Pinkie Pie is doing; the cobbler is almost done anyway.”

“Sounds like a plan. Ah better talk ta Applebloom and make sure she doesn’t get herself in trouble while we’re gone.”

“Very well, I will prepare the cobbler and wait outside for you once you’re done.”

Applejack made her way to Applebloom’s room and found the little filly sitting on her bed looking out the window. She gently placed herself next to Applebloom and gave her a pat on the shoulder.

“What’s wrong sugarcube?”

Applebloom sighed. “It’s nothing…nothing ya need ta concern yerself with.”

“Sure don’t seem like nothin’ ta me. C’mon sis ya can tell me anything.”

“Well the gala is right around the corner and ah don’t have nopony ta go with, well at least until now anyway.”

“Uhmm pardon sugarcube, but what do ya mean at least until now?”

“Ah…think ah might want ta go with…Emerald if he wants to that is.”

Applejack ruffled Applebloom’s mane. “Oh so that’s what this is about! Sis there ain’t nothin’ wrong with havin’ an eye for a young colt.”

“It ain’t just about the looks Applejack. Ah mean sure he’s easy on the eyes but, it’s more than that.”

“Just what do ya mean?”

“He saved mah life without hesitation, kinda like one of those knights in Rarity’s stories. Ah dunno it sorta made mah heart flutter a bit.”

“Hooo wee mah sister’s got a knight in shining armor complex. Who’d have known?”

Applebloom stuffed her face into the pillow. “It-t-s not a complex! Ah thought it was sorta romantic. It’s so hard ta like girly stuff, with havin’ ta run the farm and getting’ dirty all the time. I’m so used ta doin’ things on mah own…it was just nice for a change ta have a stallion come to mah rescue.”

“Hush now ya silly filly. It’s alright that ya wanna feel like a mare sometimes. Celestia knows ah love it when Iron sweeps me off mah hooves and treats me like a mare. Ah know farmin’ is hard work and we Apples don’t get much time to pretty ourselves up and act like mares. Look Applebloom all I’m sayin’ is don’t feel ashamed about things like that, it’s perfectly normal for ya ta feel that way.”

“Ya really think so?”

“Eeyup ah know so. Now why don’t ya quit yer mopin’ around and gimme a hug?”

After the two sisters embraced for a few moments in silence, Applejack spoke first. “Iron and ah are goin’ ta see Pinkie at the hospital. Ah want ya ta stay outta trouble ya hear? After what happened in the caves, no more crusadin’ for a while alright?”

“Don’t worry sis I’ve had enough crusadin’ for a while. Make sure ya give a hug to Pinkie for me.”

“Ah will don’t you worry about that. How about ya grab some bits and get yerself a nice dress for the gala while we’re out? Oh and take enough ta get Emerald a nice suit too.”

As soon as Applejack and Iron Cross made their way to the hospital, Applebloom climbed up to the attic and softly knocked on the door. Emerald answered that it was ok for her to enter; he was sitting on a blanket busy reading a book.

“Hi Emerald ah hope I’m not interuptin’ anything important. Ah just wanted see how you were doin’.”

“I’m doing very well, now that I’ve had a chance to rest. I was just catching up on a bit of reading. Was there anything else you needed?”

Applebloom pawed at the floorboards. “Ah was wonderin’ if you’d be willin’ ta g-g…go with me to the gala…maybe?”

“A gala you say? I assume it must be in Canterlot. Will Princess Celestia be there?”

“Yeah I’m pretty sure she’s gonna be there, why do ya ask?”

“Oh well I’ve never seen her majesty in pony before, so yes I shall go.”

“Really? Ah finally have a date…ermm ah mean we have a date to keep with Rarity. It’s for our clothes…yeah clothes. Ya can’t go to a gala without fancy clothes.”

“Hmm yes you’re right. Very well then, once you are ready then we can make our way to your friend Rarity.”

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Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

Rarity went about her afternoon routines, finishing up the gala dresses for her friends and cutting open a can of cat food for Opal. With her magic she levitated a crystal bowl from the top shelf of her dining room cabinet, the outside inscribed in gold lettering the word Opal. The bowl was expensive but Rarity figured that she had to get only the very best for her pampered feline. With a soft splat, Rarity placed the cat food in the bowl and placed a sprig of parsley on top.

“Opal darling, mommy put out your lunch!”

Opal awoke from her nap on the couch with a long yawn. She stretched out her back and tiptoed her way over to the kitchen. She gave her master an irritated look as if to say: What took you so long? Regardless the cat began to daintily nibble her lunch.

“Ooohh who’s a good kitty? That’s right Opal you are! Now make sure that you eat wittle bite so you can grow up nice and healthy. Mommy wouldn’t want you to lose the luster from your gorgeous white coat.”

Just as Opal was finishing her meal, Rarity heard a knock at the door. She was surprised to find Applebloom and a unicorn colt with a dark green coat standing outside.

“Why good afternoon Applebloom are you here to see Sweetie Belle?”

“No ah ain’t here for her. Ah came here ta get a dress fer the gala. Oh and if it ain’t too much trouble could ya make a suit for mah friend?”

“Ah yes the gala, so many have come to me for their attire. I suppose I could whip up some outfits. I didn’t think you were going to the gala darling, in fact if your sister didn’t have a stallion friend I doubt she would have gone either.”

Applebloom whispered into Rarity’s ear. “Well yer right ah normally wouldn’t…but ah have a date now. He’s that colt over there, his name is Emerald.”

Rarity donned a goofy grin. “Oh soooo much love in the air~ to be young. Don’t worry darling I shall do my very best to make you stunning outfits for your little date.”

“Mah sister and Iron went to the hospital ta see Pinkie so is it alright if we just stay here until the clothes are done?”

“Why certainly Applebloom, just so long as you don’t interrupt me while I’m in the zone.”

Applebloom and Frostmere sat on the couch while Rarity worked, Opal making her way over as well to continue her nap. The white cat purred while Applebloom groomed the fur on her back. She then turned her attention to the dark green colt sitting next to the filly. Opal felt that something just wasn’t right about him. She hissed a warning and he just ignored her. Feeling rather annoyed at the colt’s arrogance she scratched his snout.

“Ow! You filthy beast how dare you strike me!”

Frostmere bound the cat’s arms and legs with magic and levitated her so that he could see into the feline’s eyes. His own eyes began to glow as his anger rose.

Rarity upon hearing the commotion rushed into the living room to see a bloodied Emerald and a floating Opal. Frostmere, realizing that levitating a cat was likely a bad idea dropped Opal with a soft thud. Rarity rushed over to Emerald with a white handkerchief to dab the blood.

“Oh darling I’m terribly sorry for Opal’s behavior. She normally doesn’t lash out at strangers like that. Do you need a band aid, at least let me disinfect the cut.”

“It’s quite alright Ms. Rarity I can sterilize the cut with my magic. It seems I’m not very good with animals.”

“I just don’t understand why Opal attacked you like that. Certainly she can be an obstinate creature at times but she’s never attacked a stranger before. Please allow me to make it up to you!”

“It’s alright Ms. Rarity, after all you have no control what your cat does. What exactly did you have in mind?”

“Well since you and Applebloom are going to need clothes, I shall just simply have to make them for free as an apology. No arguing my decision is final.”

Two hours later Rarity had finished their clothes. She made Applebloom a simple yellow dress with bright red lace frills and white apple blossoms decorating its entirety. Frostmere received a silvery blue tuxedo adorned with a magically dyed green rose in the pocket. The pair thanked Rarity for the clothes as Frostmere teleported them both back to Sweet Apple Acres.

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Chancellor Puddinghead Memorial Hospital, Ponyville

Iron and Applejack found Pinkie sitting in her hospital bed, a bowl of sloppily eaten bowl of jello lying on the floor, her face covered in whipped cream. The couple couldn’t help but giggle at the pink mare as she turned around and gave them her best pirate impression.

“Arrrggh maties I be Pink-beard the pirate, ye better bring me some treasure.”

“Howdy there sugarcube how are ya feelin’?”

Pinkie used her tongue to lap up all the whipped cream on her face. “Mmmm that was the yummiest beard I ever tasted. Oh I’m doing alright AJ…but it’s sorta boring in here.”

“Iron and ah decided ta bring ya a get well gift, ah reckon you’ll like it on account you’ve been eatin’ hospital food all day.”

“Yay! I looooovee your apple cobbler. You know even Princess Luna came over earlier to see how I was doing. I’m happy to see that everypony is so worried about me.”

“Well tan mah hide, the princess ya say?”

Pinkie began wolfing down the cobbler. “Mhmm shw waf all wurred but et waffen’t a big deal. Nofe not at all!”

“Uhh sorry Pinkie but would ya mind not talkin’ with yer mouth full?”

“Okie Dokie Loki! Well I was done with it anyway. It sure was yummy. Princess Luna thought I was all crazy but nope it was just my old pal Zoggy! He doesn’t usually talk to anypony but me, but he had a good reason to say hi. I dunno I guess figured I was in danger or something like that.”

“Ya mind tellin’ me who this umm…Zoggy is?”

“He’s been my bestest, closest friend since I was a filly. He talks to me inside my mind.”

Applejack rubbed her hooves together awkwardly. “Well…now ain’t that somethin’. I’m sure ya were just stressed out from all the anticipation fer the gala. It’s a good thing ya got some rest here at the hospital even if it was a bit boring.”

“Why does everypony think I’m CRAZY? One day AJ I’ll show you that Zog exists I know it! He’s as real as my very hoovsies.”

“Whatever ya say sugarcube.”

Pinkie leapt off the bed and grabbed Iron by the mane. “You believe me DON’T YOU!?”

“I-I…I’m not sure. I guess so.”

Pinkie then crushed poor Iron in a powerful hug that would make a dragon flinch. “I knew you picked a keeper AJ.”

Applejack blushed lightly. “Yeah ah suppose he’s ever the gentlecolt, at least when he wants ta be. Ah reckon we should get goin’ soon, gotta pick up our clothes from Rarity.”

Pinkie gave Applejack a quick nuzzle. “Aww do you guys really have to go so soon?”

“Afraid so Pinkie.”

“Ok I’ll see you guys at the gala then!”
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Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville

-the following day-

The Apple sisters and their dates were all dressed up and ready to attend the gala, starting in just under an hour. A knock on the door signaled that the carriage had arrived to take them to Canterlot. Princess Celestia had seen fit to send a personal carriage to each of the elements, which also extended to any family or friends they wished to take as well. A well-dressed stallion in a black tuxedo escorted them into the back seat. Iron and Frostmere sat on one side, while Applebloom and Applejack sat on the other. The elder apple wore a lime green dress in the Victorian style, complete with red ruby cufflinks. Her trade mark Stetson was left behind in favor of an elegantly styled mane set in a coiled bun. The younger apple wore the dress she received from Rarity, her mane tied in a simple pony-tail with a red bow. Frostmere wore his silver-blue tux, while Iron Cross wore a more militaristic looking grey tunic overcoat. It resembled a German dress uniform.

Applebloom looked out the window in awe. “Hey sis how many ponies are gonna be there?”

“Ah reckon quite a few. Don’t worry none, I’m sure you’re gonna have a wonderful time.”

Iron ran a hoof through his mane. “I heard that the princess invited dignitaries to gala as well. That should make for an interesting evening no doubt.”

“Hmm Twi was tellin’ me about that. Ah guess it’s just the princess’s way of extendin’ the old olive branch.”

“Well this whole holiday is based on love and understanding, so why not use it to your political advantage?”

“Aww now don’t think of it that way Iron! I’m not gonna have ya ruin the whole evenin’ with yer talk of politics. This is a holiday meant fer enjoyin’, so not another word.”

Iron let out an annoyed snort. “Fine…but that still doesn’t mean it isn’t true.”

“Hush sugarcube, we’re almost there.”

The carriage pulled up to Canterlot Castle, the reception area was decorated with an assortment of red and white banners adorned with hearts and arrows. Two royal guards stood at the entrance waving on the incoming guests. Most of the guests who were arriving were the wealthy Canterlot aristocrats and business ponies. Just inside the reception area stood Rarity, Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, all of them were excitedly chattering amongst themselves.

Rarity stopped chatting and trotted over to Applejack. “Good evening darling, I hope all of you had a pleasant carriage ride. All of us certainly did.”

“Thanks Rare, we did as well. Boy howdy there sure is a lot of ponies here. Ah guess I’m gonna have ta put on the old Orange family charm, since most of these folks ain’t used to simple farm ponies like mahself.”

Rarity chortled. “No need to fret Applejack, we are Equestrian national heroes after all. Besides if anypony so much as dares to insult any of my dearest friends, then they shall rue the day they were born.”

Applejack whispered to Iron. “Remind me not ta get on her bad side. That glare of hers could stop a cockatrice dead in its tracks.”

“Oh where are my manners? How are you doing this evening Iron Cross?”

Iron bowed slightly and kissed Rarity’s hoof. “I’m doing exceptionally well Ms. Rarity and yourself?”

Rarity giggled with a slight blush. “Such a gentlecolt. I shall have you know that I’m looking forward to a marvelous evening with my lovely companion. Fluttershy darling, would you come over and say hi.”

Fluttershy glided over gracefully in front of Applejack. She had a glass of punch and spinach puff pastry in her hoof. “Oh hello eveypony, I was just enjoying a snack before dinner.”

Once all the greetings were out of the way the group of ponies made their way to the dining hall. The hall had white marble flooring, Corinthian columns and a large glass dome on top. In the middle was a buffet table lined with the finest cuisine Equestria had to offer, ranging from simple hors d'oeuvres to crème brûlée. Behind the buffet table was a sculpture of a crystal pegasus with an arrow quiver, shooting water out its mouth into a fountain below. The Canterlot Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Octavia, played a waltz to entertain the guests.

Some of the pony couples danced out on the larger more open area of the dining hall that in effect served as a dual purpose ballroom. At the top of stairs that led up to the Royal chambers, stood Princess Celestia flanked by Big Mac and Twilight. Both were wearing gold and white uniforms with Celestia’s solar insignia patched on the shoulders. Twilight’s was more of a dress suit, accompanied by gold slippers. She had her mane tied in a side braid. Big Mac wore a suit more akin to Iron’s selection, his hair uncharacteristically slicked back. Pinkie Pie was busy eating deserts at the end of the buffet table with reckless abandon.

The gang made their way up the stairs and was greeted by the sun princess. “Good evening everypony, I trust all of you made it here safely?”

“We sure did yer highness. Ah hope ya didn’t tire out mah brother too much, he ain’t the most sociable type.”

“I’m certain he had a grand time, especially considering the company he kept.” Celestia said with a wink.

“Well it was nice seein’ y’all but Iron and Ah are gonna hit the dance floor.”

“I believe Fluttershy and I shall grab a bite to eat. Enjoy the reception your highness.”

As the older couples left to go about their business, both Applebloom and Frostmere stayed behind to greet Princess Celestia.

“Good Evenin’ yer majesty ah just wanted say hi and introduce mah new friend. His name is Emerald.”

Frostmere bowed not being able to conceal a smirk. “It is an honor to meet you your…majesty.”

“Hello my little pony, I do try to know most of my subjects but I cannot say that I’ve ever seen you before.”

“I haven’t ever been to Canterlot, so it’s no wonder you’ve never seen me.”

Celestia put a hoof to her muzzle and chuckled. “I noticed that young Applebloom has become quite taken with you. You best take care of her or else you shall have a very angry sister to deal with.”

“Ah yes…that. Saving a filly from a life-threatening situation usually does the trick.”

“You are modest as well, that is good. Do not sell yourself short Emerald; she certainly adores you for your looks as well.”

“Excuse me your majesty, but might I ask you a question in private?”

“I suppose it couldn’t do any harm, but make sure that you ask quickly I have many more guests to greet.”

“Of course, this won’t take long.”

Celestia motioned her guards to stay behind while she led Frostmere to a balcony outside. Once the doors shut he couldn’t help but laugh.

“What is so funny young one?”

“Oh Celestia how utterly gullible you are! Have you learned nothing over the centuries?”

Celestia’s eyes screwed in confusion. “What on Equestria are you talking about?”

Frostmere’s body burned in blue flames as he transformed back to his original form. “Perhaps now you recognize me Shining Majesty?”

“It…can’t…be. You perished; I saw it with my own eyes!”

“Yes I did perish, but not in the way you believe. The amulet dear princess was what saved me. It teleported me to Mundus, the world of humans, where I lived as one for the rest of my natural days.”

“If you died there, then why are you here now?”

“You may thank the farmer mare’s new stallion friend for that. He found the amulet I used on Mundus, transporting both himself and it here. Since the amulet stored so much of my magic, it essentially created a doppelgänger of sorts. Complete with all of my abilities and memories.”

Celestia frowned. “You have no idea the pain you put Starswirl through that day. He was devastated when he thought you died. You may not have been born to him, but he loved you as if you were. He was never the same afterward.”

Frostmere sighed. “He made his choice; it was either me or you. The fault was not mine.”

“Your anger clouded your judgment Frostmere! You had to be stopped at any cost. Know that I ordered your death with a heavy heart."

“Tsk Tsk…but in the end your sentiments mean nothing. The time is now Celestia. It is time to finish what we started so many centuries ago.”

Frostmere’s horn glowed blue as he teleported himself and Celestia into the throne room. Igniting his horn once more he sealed the doors into the chamber.

“There now nopony shall interrupt us. Finally a new age shall dawn upon Equestria!”

Celestia’s horn glowed with a brilliant yellow flash as she summoned a magic blade above her. “I allowed one of my subjects to fight in my stead before; I shan’t make that mistake twice.”

Frostmere ignited his own sapphire blade. “Hahahaha! Excellent. I shall enjoy crushing you.”

Celestia lunged forward, her blade crackling sparks of magic as it clashed with Frostmere’s. Frostmere kept his blade locked as he performed a midair summersault above Celestia, planting a swift kick to her back legs. Celestia grunted in pain blasting him with orange colored fireball. It hit Frostmere straight in the chest.

Frostmere spat some blood onto the white marble floor. “What power! I expected nothing less from the avatar of the sun. Unfortunately for you I have a few more tricks in my arsenal than when we last met.”

Summoning the chaos magic deep within him, Frostmere’s body glowed in a dull yellow aura. The burned flesh on his chest began to bubble and reform as it healed itself. He let out a cackle and spun his blade in a long arc trying to break Celestia’s guard. She concentrated, her horn glowing as her own blade buckled against his onslaught. Frostmere jumped back ripping a chunk of marble from one of the columns breaking it into thousands of little pieces. He then began to pelt Celestia with the magically enhanced bullets, trying to disrupt her concentration.

Celestia erected a yellow tinged barrier. “How did you become so powerful? Your powers are on par with an alicorn that cannot be so!”

“Ah but it is. I tricked the draconequus you imprisoned in stone. He was already weak, so I absorbed his powers, along with the changeling queen’s.”

Celestia spat in disgust. “You monster…you are nothing more than parasite. In all of my years of living I have never seen such a magical technique.”

“I admit it came as a surprise to me as well. It was one of the powers granted to me by the comet. The first time I realized I could use it was when I fought those filthy barbarians, whom you failed to stop.”

“Please Frostmere I beg you lay down your weapon. The chaos magic has corrupted your mind. Let this madness cease.”

Frostmere spoke with snarl. “My mind has never been clearer! This can only be solved through violence, besides I am more powerful now than ever.”

Frostmere’s body took on the yellow aura once again, this time he directed his energy on the floor where Celestia stood. The ground began to bubble becoming like quicksand. Celestia let out a gasp of surprise as she began to sink into the floor. Frostmere formed a blue fireball in his fore hooves, unleashing a stream of fire at Celestia. She blinked in surprise when the flames did not burn her, but she did suddenly become tired.

“What is the meaning of this? You cannot hope to harm me with fire, it is my natural element.”

“Once again Celestia, all is not what it seems. These flames are not meant to burn you physically. They are meant to burn your magic away, so that you can’t defend yourself.”

Celestia’s magic saber began to fade as she desperately tried to ignite her horn. Her mouth dropped in horror as she realized she could no longer cast magic. Frostmere put out his blade, levitating himself in front of Celestia. He placed his hoof under her chin.

“Go ahead you monster, KILL ME!”

“Oh no my dear, death is far too simple for you. Your punishment must be more severe.”

Frostmere’s horn glowed blue as he began to drain Celestia’s power. Her coat began to lose its white sheen and her mane transformed from its usual pastel colors to pink. The wings on her back began to shrink and atrophy; her horn cracked crumbling into dust. Frostmere broke her out of the melted marble floor, throwing her against the wall. She lay on the floor weak, no horn or wings adorning her once taller body. Celestia was now an ordinary earth pony.

Meanwhile Frostmere’s body glowed with god-like power, levitating him above the throne room. He let out other worldly gurgles of pain as he body began to transform. His body began to lengthen and become larger. Majestic wings sprang out of his back with a fleshy pop. The horn atop his head grew twice its length. His mane and tail began to look like wispy fog as it flowed around his body. Finally his usually equine pupils became draconian slits. When he hit the ground his voice boomed with a power that could shatter mountains.

“BEHOLD EQUESTRIA YOUR NEW GOD HAS ARRIVED!”