//------------------------------// // Parting Words of a Princess // Story: Utaan // by Imploding Colon //------------------------------// The heart of the Princess Stardust roared with a deep bass hum. "Got it!" Flynn shouted, poking his bald head out of the cabin doors. "We're good to go, Rainbow Dash!" "All aboarrd, brrotherrs and sisterrs!" Kepler hollered, gripping the rudder wheels. "We must be swift if we arre to surrvey the edge and rreturrn!" "Rainbow?" Bard stood at the edge of the bleakweed balcony, his wings spread. He looked up at the mare. "You heard the wyvern. Time to get hoppin'." "Yeah. Uhm... just one second, Bard." Rainbow Dash hovered above the sarosian crowd. "Gotta take care of something first." Wildcard gestured something to Bard. Bard blinked. "Ohhhhhhhh... right right right..." "Ahem..." Rainbow Dash looked down at Xarchellus. "By the time we return, the lunar window will likely be closed." Xarchellus nodded sagely. "We understand." Rainbow gulped. "Your Highness?!" she spoke loudly to the air. "Sorry to put you on the spot and stuff... but if you've any final words to say to your... uh... to your flock, then now may be the time." "Very well, Rainbow Dash," Princess Luna's voice boomed. "My little ponies, it fills my spirit with great joy to be reunited with you and your families. For a thousand years, I have suffered much guilt and regret over the actions I've committed as Nightmare Moon. And while I feel remorse for so many things, I have not and shall never be ashamed of the dreamly ponies that I helped bring into this realm. You are all so very priceless and special, and the fact that you have decided to abandon your nefarious 'vigil' is a blessing to everyone around you, but most of all a blessing to me. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I feel a spirit of retribution blooming in the shadow of my past mistakes. I have fretted and worried over the well-being of my forsaken followers for countless generations, and now I sense a sliver of hope. With you returning home, it can only mean a victory for life, harmony, and the union of all hoofed kind. It pains me that I cannot join you in this epic journey that you are now planning. However, I hope to be present with you in spirit—so long as you stay committed to peace, prosperity, and the ultimate serenity of all living things. You are all guardians of the night—down to the core. Believe in yourselves. Be proud of yourselves. For you have conquered more adversities than most civilizations could ever hope to face, and your arrival in Equestria will serve as the ultimate testament—not only of your redemption—but of mine in turn. And I long for the moonlit moment when we can all collectively share in the heart-welling ambrosia of salvation together." The sarosians murmured in moonwhinny, bowing low with respect. Logan whistled, then leaned in towards Ariel. "She really knows how to put it on thick in a pinch, doesn't she?" "Alicorns will do that," Remna muttered, forcing the two ponies to blink at her. "Thank you, Maiden of the Moon," Xarchellus replied, gazing up into the silver-tinted air. "Thank you for steering us in the right direction. We will respect all living things and honor the night with your blessings for as far as we tread." She swallowed. "My only regret is that—in my age and my feebleness—I will not be able to greet you face to face, dearest Matriarch." "Do not dismay, Xarchellus," Luna's voice spoke. "Our spirits have communed, and it makes my heart sing. In dreamwalking, I'll look forward to trotting side by side with your spirit as you make your voyage to the Harmonic Plains." Tears welled up in Xarchellus' eyes, among others. She took a shuddering breath. "Y'hnyrr yln l'mywynym, H'Luun." "Y'hnyrr yln l'mywynym, Xarchellus," Luna's voice said. "Nightblooded warriors. You are no longer attackers... but protectors. Those entrusted in defending the population of Bleak's Plummet in their voyage, you have my blessing. Those pledging to protect the Austraeoh, you have my pardon. Your tenacity and courage is respectable, but be sure to value life above all else—for it is what you are ultimately fighting for." Enix bowed low. "We shall obey your words of wisdom to the bitter end and beyond, blessed Matriarch." "Follow Rainbow Dash's words of wisdom. Avoid the scrutiny of Rohbredden. Prepare cautiously for the trials of the Grand Choke. Head for Val Roa. There—by the wills of good fortune—you shall open communication with my sister, Princess Celestia. Then—I promise—we shall speak again. Be strong and have faith. In the end, we shall all be rewarded with each other's company." Several sarosians murmured in acknowledgment. Tearful exclamations of praise and admiration filled the air. Rarity and Fluttershy sniffled, slightly overwhelmed by the emotional exchange. "Until we meet once more, children of the night. Princess Luna's voice paused for a solemn breath. "Make for the edge of the world, Rainbow Dash. Swiftly. There is very little time left, and yet we have a great deal many things to talk about." "Heard ya loud and clear, Your Highness," Rainbow Dash said, hopping onto the Stardust. "Okay, Herald! Let's go!" She craned her neck and shouted in Xarchellus' direction. "We'll be back soon! I promise! Then we'll plan this all out, okay?!" "Night's blessings, Austraeoh," Xarchellus said as she and her fellow advisors waved. "We await your discovery with great vigor." She glanced aside at Enix. Enix nodded back. "Yes, Matriarch. I shall accompany her." She shrieked to her side, and three warriors followed her as she hovered above the Stardust. Wildcard whistled and joined the sarosians in midair. "I'll join ya in a sec, Dubya!" Bard exclaimed, hopping onto the Stardust. "Figured I'd check up on Flynn's engine work first—" Nicole glided down onto the Stardust beside the Desperado. "How about I join you below deck?" "Huh?" Bard glanced over his shoulder. "Nicole, the Edge could be very hairy. We'll be back in a blink. Just hold tight, okay—?" "Johnny..." Nicole's eyes narrowed on her older sibling. "You heard Princess Luna just now?" "Yeah, she gave a grand ol' speech. What about it?" "She's got 'very little time and yet a great deal many things to talk about.'" Nicole gulped. "Well, the same is true for us as well." Bard's lips hung open. He blinked, then glanced past Nicole. Echo hopped down awkwardly onto the Stardust's deck. He gave the Desperado a distant look... then headed towards the far end of the boat, carrying a deadpan expression. Bard took a deep breath, ultimately shuddering. "Hoboy..."