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Age of the Alicorns: Chaos Rising chapter 3

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CHAPTER 3:  The Next Step




It was a few hours after sunset when Celestia, Luna and Accord all made it back to Everfree.  The moon that Luna had brought forth that night was high in the sky and shining brightly against the dark.  King Solmidas was waiting out on a balcony that faced the east watching for his daughters when he finally saw their silhouettes against the moon.

"Chernalia, they've returned!" he called to the queen who was waiting in the room before the balcony.

Queen Chernalia, the lady of the night, daintily stepped out of the room.  She was a beautiful tall alicorn mare with a dark blue coat and hair that resembled the night sky with little sparkles glimmering in it as it waved slowly in the air.  Unlike her daughter Luna, she had yellow eyes that contrasted well against her darkened appearance.  She was wearing her silvery blue royal anklets, collar and crown like her husband and looked rather presentable as the queen.  Once she had made it out on the balcony, she stood next to her husband with a warm smile, excited to congratulate their daughter.  But one thing caught her attention as they drew closer:  a third, much larger, full-grown alicorn.

"My king, who is that flying next to them?" she asked, perking up her ears.

"Oh…I don't think I can tell…" said Solmidas, looking harder into the distance.  He squinted his eyes to see until the light coming from the room shone on the mysterious third pony.
 
"Why, it's Accord!"

They were so surprised to see their old friend that they nearly forgot about Luna who had just come bounding in on the balcony more excited than she had ever been.

"MOTHER, FATHER, I DID IT!  I RAISED THE MOON AND I GOT MY CUTIE MARK!!" she exclaimed, turning to the side to show her new mark.

"Luna we are so proud of you!" said the queen, kneeling down to let her daughter hug her by the neck.

Solmidas then came in to the right next to Chernalia and let Luna hug him with her other front leg.

"I knew you could do it, my daughter!" he told her with gratitude while wrapping his right wing around her.  "Now you and Celestia are both ready."

"Ready for what?" Luna asked looking up at her parents.

Celestia then cleared her throat to get everyone's attention.

"Father, Mother?" she said while leaning her head to Accord, standing right next to her.

Luna stopped hugging the king and queen and hopped away to let them talk to Accord now.  Accord tucked one of his front hooves under his chest and stretched the other out while bowing down in reverence to his superiors.

"Majesties…" he said, "I sincerely apologize for my prolonged absence.  I felt I needed to be away for a time, but I am very much ready to serve in the courts again.  I could never be happier than now to be back in Everfree."

Solmidas walked over to Accord and spoke.

"Accord, my old friend, I could never condemn you for your choice.  Everypony needs a holiday from time to time and I am glad to know you are ready to serve us again."

"Thank you, my King." Accord said.

"Arise, my friend." the king said as Accord stood up.

"We are grateful to have you back in the palace, Accord." said Chernalia, next to her husband.

Celestia and Luna walked over next to him nuzzling up against his legs and he wrapped his wings around them.

"I too am grateful to be back with the royal family once again.  And I am very pleased to present myself alongside these two lovely princesses who now have both their cutie marks."

"Yes, we are equally proud of both of them." said the king.

"Accord actually helped us out down at the shore too, Father." Celestia added.

"Oh yes, we ran into these disgusting monsters that came out of the sea and Accord defeated them for us!"  Luna said excitedly.

"Did he now?" said the queen, laughing a little, thinking Luna may have been over exaggerating her story.

"Yes, I was just nearby when I heard the commotion." Accord told the king and queen.  "I have no idea what those things were, but I took care of every single one of them."

"Oh, my…  Well I am glad to know you are all safe.  You have my thanks, old friend." the king said to Accord.

"You're welcome Sol." Accord replied with the shortened name by which he had always known the king since they were young.  "It's been wonderful reuniting with you all tonight, but I should go to my quarters now.  I am tired from the long journey and I have much prepared for tomorrow, as I plan on announcing my return to the public."

"Yes, go get some sleep my friend, and thanks again for protecting my children and bringing them home safely."

"GOOD NIGHT ACCORD!" Celestia and Luna shouted in unison as the wise alicorn flew over to a nearby tower where his room could be found.

"Mother, Father, isn't this so wonderful?!" Luna said, jumping up and down.  "We both have our cutie marks now and Accord is back!"

"Yeah, good things just keep happening today!" Celestia added.

"I am glad he has returned, my queen." Solmidas said to Chernalia.  "I was starting to worry about him."

"And I as well." she responded. "I do hope he feels better now.  He seemed rather downtrodden when he left…"

"Well he seems to be pretty happy to see us all now." Luna said.  "He has all of us to keep him company after such a long absence."

"Oh, I almost forgot.  Father, what was it you said earlier about us being 'ready'?" Celestia asked.

The king and queen both looked at each other and smiled leaving Luna and Celestia puzzled.  They knew there was some kind of surprise.

"Girls, follow us…" said Chernalia as they turned around to leave the balcony.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other, wondering what it was.

"What do you think they want to tell us?" Luna whispered while following her mother and father.

"I don't know but it sounds like it will be good." Celestia whispered back.



A few minutes later, the four of them had arrived to a chapel-like hall in the castle, known as the Royal Wing.  While the royal throne-room was where the king and queen would usually be seated and political debates and court hearings would be held, this was where very special ceremonies took place.  They also kept many decorations, statues and other heirlooms in this magnificent hall.  The windows were stained glass and most told stories of ancient pony history in Equestria, like the founding of the land and the crowning of the king and queen, but there were some blank ones that were waiting to be filled.  It was night but there were plenty of lit torches to guide the ponies.  Percy and Penny were still in there, finishing lighting some of the torches.  Percy was holding a small ladder that Penny had climbed up so she could blow fire into a nearby torch to light it.

"Careful now Penny, don't light the tapestries on fire too!" said Percy.

"I won't, Bro, I won't!  Move the ladder to the left a little, will ya?"  she responded assertively.

"Okay but just be careful with the……OH!  Your majesties!" Percy looked to the side to notice the king, queen, and princesses entering, forgot everything he was doing, and bowed politely.

"Percy, what are you….WHOAAAH!!!"

Penny lost her balance and fell down on top of Percy, causing Luna and Celestia to laugh.

"Penny, what was that?!"

"What?!  You let go of the ladder!  What was that for?!"

Penny then looked forward and noticed the royals were standing nearby, and the dragons both got right back up, brushed the dust off of themselves, and bowed.

"Your majesties, we're so sorry, we didn't see you there!" Penny said nervously.

"It's alright, you two." Solmidas replied laughing a little.  "And don't worry about that last torch; I've got it."

The king's horn then lit up and he used his magic to cause fire to appear on the torch like it was nothing.

"OH!  Luna, did you get your cutie mark?!" Percy said, nearly forgetting the news for which they had been waiting all day.

"I sure did!" Luna said turning to the side to show them her cutie mark as they both gathered around her.

"Whoa!  That is so cool!" Penny exclaimed.

"That's the biggest cutie mark I've ever seen!" Percy added.

"Isn't it though?  It's a unique mark alright!" Luna said proudly.

"Well hey, Penny and I saw the moon go up a few hours ago in the tower.  You did pretty awesome!"  Percy said.

"Did you guys also know we met Accord down at the shore?" Celestia said to the dragons.

"ACCORD'S BACK?!" they both shouted in unison.

"Yeah, but you'll see him tomorrow, he's asleep right now."

"Oh boy Percy, I can't wait to listen to his awesome stories again!" Penny said excitedly to her brother.

"Me neither!" he said, putting his head down to her level and smiling big.

"Alright you two, that will be enough.  Go off and get some sleep now." the queen told the young dragons kindly.

"Yes, Queen Chernalia." they both said, bowing politely and running off.

Celestia and Luna waved good-bye to them and then turned to their parents to see what it was for which they were now 'ready'.  

"So Mother, Father, what is it you wanted to talk with us about?" Celestia asked.

"Well you two…" said Solmidas, walking further on in the hall towards a little platform in the front.  "As you obviously know, both of you have your cutie marks now."

He then stopped and turned to them with Chernalia by his side.

"Yes?" Luna said.

"And your mother and I promised each other that after both of you had your cutie marks, we would allow you to enter your new teachings."

Celestia and Luna looked at each other and then back at their parents.

"Which is?" Celestia said.

The king looked at his wife and she gave him a reassuring nod.  He then turned back to his daughters to give them the news.

"Celestia, Luna, from this day forth, the two of you will now learn how to rule Equestria, for our time as the leaders is coming to an end.  As it has been written by law, you are the heirs and the time has come for you to prepare for it."

Celestia and Luna's eyes widened and their mouths dropped.

"After tonight, you will start your lessons on diplomacy and leadership.  The next step in your lives as royals will soon begin."  Chernalia added.

"We're going to lead a country?!" Luna said.

"At this age?!" Celestia said, somewhat perplexed.

"Yes, but that day may yet be a long time from now." the queen continued.  "First you both must have plenty of years of training before you are ready to actually become the leaders.  However, after you have completed your studies and trials that your father and I have begun to organize, we can arrange to have you both promoted to being official members of the court. That way you can actually take part in political business and get a feel for leadership."

"Well girls, what do you say?  Are you ready to start your teachings?" Solmidas asked them.

"OF COURSE!" Luna exclaimed.

"Father, Mother, this news is wonderful!" Celestia said, but then her tone turned from happy to nervous.  "But are you sure about this?  Why now?"

"Why not, Sister?  We are going to lead one day after all, right?"

"Well, yeah, but-"

"So then now would be a good time to start learning!"

"I know Luna.  I'm just a little unsure about both of us doing it this early, even me.  Father, do you think we are ready?"

"I think you both are ready to start your teachings." the king said in response.  "You will be ready to lead the country once you have had the experience.  In the mean time, I, Chernalia, and the teachers in the castle, including Starswirl, will show you the ways of leading this country.

"Come on Tia, we'll both do great!" Luna said rushing up to her sister.

"I know Luna, I know… I just can't help but feel I'm not really ready for the enormities of leading a country…"

"I understand, my daughter." the king said, putting his hoof under Celestia's chin and looking at her with an honest face.  "This is something that will be difficult, I know, but your mother and I will be with you and we will give you as much time as you need to study."

"But Father, what if the trials don't go as planned?  What if we discover we aren't quite ready?  Were you this worried when you first became king?"

"Like all great leaders……yes, I did have my doubts at first."

The king walked over to his right in front of a stained glass window that showed an image of him in his youth being crowned as king before other ponies of court.  This window had been made thousands of years ago and told the story of how he became the king of Equestria.  Next to this window were others that went in chronological order telling of the events after the crowning of the king.  Solmidas stared at his window for a few moments and then began to sing of his past.


Solmidas:

I remember the days, I raised the sun
Providing warmth and light to the land.
My life was good, though my goals unclear
Until the day my destiny began.

The ever Wise leaders of Everfree
Their ever so thoughtful minds
They chose me to be the new king
A position I never thought was mine.

I was the first alicorn king,
A position deserving of high praise.
But I did not believe I was ready,
For my mind was in a haze.

Even so, the choice was right
For I was wise and thought for others.
And as the King, I cherished the land
Providing home for my sisters and brothers.


Chorus:

Destiny works in mysterious ways
It's not always clear but it shows you the way
If you feel lost and don't know what to do
Follow your heart, for it will guide you.

Sometimes destiny can be changed,
Sometimes the path might seem quite hard
But once you listen to your heart
Your destiny will be clear and you will go far


Chernalia:

I remember the nights, I raised the moon
Providing light and beauty to all.
I was young, thought my path was set,
Until the day my destiny called.

For within the palace of Everfree
Was one both handsome and kind.
From the moment we met each other
He has never left my mind.

But he was King of Equestria
A stallion high above.
I was but a lower class mare
Undeserving of his love.

But then he came to me one day
My feelings he did return.
I became his lovely queen
And one day it shall be your turn.


Chorus:

Destiny works in mysterious ways
It's not always clear but it shows you the way
If you feel lost and don't know what to do
Follow your heart, for it will guide you.

Sometimes destiny can be changed,
Sometimes the path might seem quite hard
But once you listen to your heart
Your destiny will be clear and you will go far




Celestia had listened well while her parents were singing and started to take in what they told her.  She knew it was the right choice but she wondered if it was the smart one.  Luna then walked up next to her sister to speak.

"Sister?" she asked her.  "I'm nervous too you know, but I'll have you with me so I know I can do it."

Celestia looked back at Luna, smiled, and wrapped her wing around her.

"And I'll have you as well, Luna." she replied.

They both then walked forward to join their parents in song.



Solmidas and Chernalia:

Destiny works in mysterious ways
It's not always clear but it shows you the way
If you feel lost and don't know what to do
Follow your heart, for it will guide you.


Celestia and Luna:

Sometimes destiny can be changed,
Sometimes the path might seem quite hard
But we will listen to our heart
Our destiny will be clear and we will go far


All:

Our destiny will be clear and we will go far




Once everyone had finished singing, Celestia turned to her parents to speak.

"Mother, Father, you are right." she said as they smiled proudly.  "I guess I'm just a little on edge like usual, but this is important for us and important for the kingdom.  Luna and I will have to lead someday, so now is the best time to start learning how."

"That's it, Sister!" Luna said, nuzzling up against Celestia's neck.  "We'll both be great leaders!"

The king put his hoof around Celestia while his wife did the same to Luna.

"You girls have gotten quite far and I know you will both turn out to be great leaders one day.  We'll always be here if you need us."

"Thanks Father." said Celestia, nuzzling her father.

"Well, it is getting quite late.  You best go to bed now, especially you Luna.  Remember, you must rise early to set the moon."

"Oh, that's right!"  Well, to bed I go then!" said Luna, flying off towards the entrance to the Royal Wing and causing both doors to swing open and then close.  Celestia giggled at the sight and then turned to her parents one more time.

"Thanks for the encouragement." she said to her parents.  "I promise I will make both of you proud one day.  Luna and I will work really hard on our studies."

"I know you will my daughter.  Now off to bed.  You and your sister have a big day ahead of you tomorrow morning." the king told her.

"Good night, Father.  Good night, Mother." Celestia took a bow to her parents and then trotted off to the entrance to go to her bedroom in the royal living quarters.
Chernalia walked over and stood next to her husband.  He looked at her and she put her head under his chin and nuzzled with affection while he spoke to her.

"Our daughters are on a bright road, my queen." he told her.  "You and I have had our days as the leaders, but we are growing old in our wisdom.  Now is the time to see Equestria move forward into a new age."

"How long do you think it will be before they are finally ready to be seated on the throne, my king?" the queen asked.

"I'm not sure.  It could very well be about a decade until they are actually in our place, but that should give them just enough time to adjust to the tasks they have.  Meanwhile, we should help them out as best we can and give them strength.  We also have more of an advantage now with Accord back.  I'm sure he would be more than happy to assist Celestia and Luna in their teachings and when they rule the country."

"Majesties…" said the voice of Starswirl the Bearded as he entered the Royal Wing from a side door.  "Luna has earned her mark I take it?"

"She has, Starswirl." Solmidas replied.  "She raised the moon and her mark appeared and what's more is that Accord joined them on their way home.  He has returned."

"I heard you mention that earlier.  I am happy to hear this wonderful news.  It seems the royal family and all of your subjects and friends are coming together at last to prepare your daughters for their next step."

Starswirl looked at an empty window in the Wing.  This would more likely be occupied one day by an image of Celestia and Luna being appointed the heirs and receiving their crowns.  It would not be long until they reached this level of leadership.  Even Starswirl knew they would have a difficult journey ahead, but the royal sisters were always resourceful and wise for their age.  There was no doubt in the elderly wizard's mind that they would do it no matter what.


TO BE CONTINUED…
Now that college is done, I can finally get back on track with Chaos Rising! So here is chapter 3 featuring the first song of the story written by Arthus850. Thank you very much Arthus850 for writing the song, it turned out fantastic! :D And of course, my good friend Starbat helped proofread for me. Thank you Starbat! :)

I've actually had this done for a while now, I just hadn't decided on a song yet and didn't really feel like doing that until I had college out of the way. But I'm back on track now and I'll start working on chapter 4 pretty soon. :nod:

If you would like to start from the beginning, see this folder:  aleximusprime.deviantart.com/g…

And here is the FIMfic version:  www.fimfiction.net/story/52310…

MLP © Hasbro
FiM © Lauren Faust
Age of the Alicorns: Chaos Rising © Me
© 2012 - 2024 AleximusPrime
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GruntBoy's avatar
I'd love to hear the song.