Five Stanzas: Chapter V

~Five Stanzas~
[Chapter V]
|la fine |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>You wake up in the lavish room you had begun to call home. It's impossibly high ceiling being the first thing you see. What day was it? A Sunday? Rolling over under the sheets you can see the sun high in it's sky. Meaning she had already started her day.
>Perhaps you should do the same. Today is your son's first birthday.
>Four years have past since that magical week in the summer. And you remember it fondly, keeping it closely to your heart. Your coat fits snugly over your shoulders and you fasten your signature red tie comfortably around your neck.
>You still had time before you had to head out so you step onto the balcony for your first breath of open air. The sun had began to cool, it being the last days of summer. Below you could make out tiny ponies going about their day. Leading happy lives and wearing content smiles on their faces.
>Their simple lives made you think back to how your life used to be. Before the Princess of Equestria arrived unexpectedly into your life. A life that had started to grow dull and boring.
>You owe her a lot that's for sure. But you feel like you've been slowly paying her back over these years. Her name sits on the tip of your tongue, wanting to be your first word of the day.
>These days, the very thought of her name was enough to coax an earnest smile from you.
>A knock at the door turns your attention away from the balcony. You permit them to enter and the familiar butler you've grown accustomed to makes his way into your chambers.
>"Your highness. The preparations have been made. The Princess waits for you in the main hall."
>You give him a nod and he exits promptly.
>She's been hard at work planning this whole thing

>You make your way down into the main hall. The layout of Canterlot being known to you by heart. All of it's corners, corridors, and archways are engraved into your memory. This was now your home and you enjoyed a lavish lifestyle. But none of it could compare to the family you shared it with.
>Many ponies either bow to you or greet you with a "My liege". It's always been a bit uncomfortable for you, but Celestia says she got used to it with time, so you suppose you will too.
>The sounds of chattering and merrymaking radiate from the main hall. There being a gigantic table stretching from end to end, filled with very important looking ponies and nobles.
>And there they were, sitting at the foot of the long table were your wife and child. Looking as happy as ever. The adoration of the nobles and their friends.
>It would be hard to describe the scene as anything other than welcoming and comforting. It felt like a painting of Mary and Christ, though not as creepy as many artists depictions back on Earth.
>Earth. It seemed so far away now. Like it was only a childhood memory, slowly fading from your life. Not to say your life on Earth was a hard or bad one but the life you lead now far exceeded the former.
>Celestia notices you out of the corner of her eye. Your son busy eying the strange people staring at him. You wave as you make your way over to her.
>The crowd cheers your name as you enter, raising a glass to you and wishing you good health and a long life.
"I'd like to thank you all for coming. And on behalf of my son I'd like to thank you all for your fantastic gifts. I hope they last.."
>They all have a laugh at that. The young prince being known to be a tad bit destructive and chaotic at times.
>"I'm sure he'll be extra careful with these sense they're from his adoring fans. Isn't that right, Radiance?" Celestia nuzzles the child between her forelegs. His tiny hands trying to push her away, but she won't have it. It only made her snuggle him harder.

"Careful, you baby him too much he'll turn out like that nephew of yours."
>"No such thing will happen, Anon. My boy will grow to be a proper gentlecolt. Isn't that right?"
>He can say nothing as he tries to fight off the attacks of his child obsessed mother. He looks to you for help, but soon finds there is none. You wouldn't dare get between her and her little bundle of joy. Sometimes you find yourself jealous of your own son, but it can't be helped.
"Hang in there kid."
>You take a seat next to Celestia, just now taking in the decor. And she really went all out. All over the hall are elaborate decorations. Bright colors dotting the walls and ceiling. And to top it off a gigantic banner in the center reading:
[ HAPPY BIRTHDAY RADIANCE ]
>Very festive, you thought. But it felt a bit up tight. Less like a normal birthday party and more like some sort of royal dinner. Now you find your mind wondering away, amidst all the small talk between nobles and the like you are reminded of a certain someone who was supposed to be here.
>She's late, that was certainly unlike her. Ms. Dusty, rather, Mrs. Dusty, had never been late for anything. No matter what it was. Recently she had gotten herself married to a musician earlier in the year. Said she was going to travel across Equestria with him. They've been back in Canterlot for about a week, so there wasn't really any reason for them to not be prepared.
"Hey Celly, you didn't happen to hear anything from Dusty did you? You sent her a letter, right?"
>"Huh? Uhhmmmm..."
"What?"
>Celestia sighs, looking disappointed in herself.
>"It seems that I was so wrapped up in the planning that I had forgotten.."
"You... forgot? ...Well hey, you're getting old. It's to be expected."
>She shoots a death glare at you that could make the fiercest Manticore apologize with earnest. But you won't and it earns you a jab in the ribs."
>"I may be old, but that just means I know many ways of erasing your existence."

"But would you?" you scratch behind her ear and her once threatening gaze now shifts into one of pure bliss.
>"No, I don't think I would."  She turned from the child in her hooves to snuggle you in the cheek.
>A cry out from Radiance interrupts her. Now being void of her constant affections he felt lonesome. He was a strange child. Not to mention him being half horse and half human. He is strong enough to walk on his own, had been since a few moments after his birth. But he has yet to make speech on his own. Perhaps a set back from his human half.
>A loud clamor down the length of the table startles both you and the foal. Causing him to let out a cry, the one responsible apologizes profusely. You'd think he was scared he'd lose his head for making the young prince cry.
"Hey, give him here. I'll take him for a walk." you hold out your hands to receive the package that was your son.
>Celestia only looks at you with mock grief. "But, you mustn't. He needs me Anon!" She clutches him to her chest, practically smothering him. His tiny hands trying to push himself away.
"He'll be fine. Now c'mon, you're always hogging him. You can't monopolize our son like that."
>Now you attempt to actually take him from her. Celestia's wings unfurl and hit you in the face. "I can monopolize anything I want. I am Queen of the Sun. Harbinger of the Day! Ruler of the Celestial-"
"You're making a scene.."
>Around you nobles and other attendees look on, trying to either hide or stifle their laughter. An embarrassing blush spreads across Celestia's face. Calmly folding her wings and presenting your son to you. "Fine.."
>Wearing a smile of gold, you once again reach for him and he practically tries his hardest to latch onto you to escape his tyrannical mother. A look of thanks spreading across his face.
>You set him down, his hooves touching the floor with a 'clop'. You can tell he feels more comfortable being able to walk on his own.

>Looking back at the queen now stricken with grief after loosing her child, you reassure her that you'll return shortly. Planting a kiss on her forehead to tie her over in that time.
>Radiance walks ahead of you, happily waving at the passing workers and guards. Putting a smile on their faces. He really was a happy child without his mother smothering him. You hope that doesn't factor in to complications in his teenage years. That'd be a bother.
>Celestia says he reminds her much of herself when she was a foal. How she was very curious and prone to exploration. Always getting into trouble and causing all sorts of chaos. But as you walked with him now he reminded you more of yourself when you were a lot younger. It helps that he looks exactly like you. Radiance was more or less a good child. But only around certain people. When either you or Celestia would leave him with the caretakers to go attend to business, you'd get reports of how terrible his behavior was. But get him around familiar faces and he's as well behaved as a soldier.
>The two of you had been wondering around aimlessly. You've mostly been following him, Radiance taking you to any part of the castle he wanted to see or could remember. Soon he leads you to one of the many balconies on one of the upper floors. He seemed to love the view of being high up. He had wings, though small as they may be you knew he'd eventually take to the sky with ease.
>You carefully lift him over the railing, allowing him to get a better view of the city below. You could tell he loved it. His eyes darted around constantly, pinpointing every single detail so hopefully he could remember it. He pointed to a fountain down below in a park and looked at you, perhaps asking for an explanation.
"That? That's called a fountain, it shoots water up in the air through a spout in the center. I don't really know what the purpose of it is, but it's pretty to look at I guess."

>You can't tell if he understands you or not, but he looks below once more, seemingly satisfied with the words you gave him. It was already clear that he'd have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and no doubt he'd want to know everything he could about the universe and it's workings.
>It made you happy. No matter what creative twist you put on the word, it wouldn't be able to genuinely describe the feeling. It was pass noon now. The blue sky and white clouds now being replaced with red, orange, and yellow skies with pink clouds.
"...The sun that sets on this yearly anniversary will come again another time. Though he be infantile, he will not be finite in his years. And when the winds howl South and the leaves begin to fall, the sun will return to celebrate the day in which Equestria's son was born. A Radiant dawn."
>You commemorate this to your first born. Though it probably being one of your lesser works. But no doubt he will inherit the sky and become a great mind and leader.
>"Vell said, Monsieur."
>You turn, Radiance's hooves swinging with the momentum. Dusty stood leaning against the opening to the balcony. A familiar face you hadn't seen in a while.
"You made it! But how? Celestia didn-"
>"Imagine 'ow I felt ven after a year 'ov traveling, I finally return to Canterlot, only to zee I 'aven't been invited to ze prince's birthday celebration! Your 'ighness, I am hurt!"
"That one wasn't my fault. It was Celestia's fault. She was supposed to send-"
>"You can't zave yourself from zis, monsieur. I'll never forgive you!" She turn her nose up into the air. "And just ven I bought zis very special gift. It's such a shame it vill go to vaist!" She pulls a shiny round object from her pocket and Radiance immediately struggles for you to free him.
>You do so and he runs over to Dusty holding out his hand. Dusty and you exchange looks. Her finally breaking her facade and laughing whole heartedly. She kneels down and hands over the rounded object in her hooves.

>"Joyeux anniversaire. Happy birthday, my prince." Radiance gingerly takes the gleaming object from her and brings it to you. It's a pocket watch. The words "Look to the skies for inspiration." and on the inside, "Look on the ground for motivation." engraved.
"It's a wonderful gift Dusty. I'm sure he'll love it." You hand it back to Radiance who inspects it further.
>"It's vounderful to zee you again." She now joins the both of you by the railing. Partaking in the view.
>"Vhere is 'er majesty? I 'aven't offered my congratulations to 'er yet."
"C'mon now Dusty. Cut the 'your majesty' crap, we're friends, practically family now. It's Anon and Celestia."
>"Non non non. Zat vould be inproper!" There she goes again. That strong sense of social standing. It's annoying.
"Whatever. So, wheres Mr. Dusty? Is he coming?"
>" 'e already vent on ahead. Something about a performance here in ze castle. And you? 'ows ze 'igh life been for you?"
"Exhausting... I'm up all day in court and up all night with this little guy." You ruffle Radiance's hair, to which he swats your hand away. "And I don't write much these days. What about you? You're ensemble is becoming quite popular. Soon you'll even be a regular here."
>You and Dusty continue small talk. It feels nice catching up and Radiance seems to be warming up to her, no longer stealing glances at her but now looking at her dead on while she speaks.
>It's a while before Celestia makes her way in, finally locating you. She held out longer than you expected. Radiance immediately shifts his weight to a cat-like stance. Ready to dodge out of his mothers way if she makes a move for him.
"I see you got tired of waiting."
>"Indeed, now return my son to me at once." her gaze is intense, yet playful. Challenging you to refuse.
"I shall do no such thing, your highness." You say, picking Radiance up in your arms. "And how rude, you didn't even greet Mrs. Dusty, after she's come all this way to visit us."

>Celestia promptly nods at Dusty, but never leaving you out of her focus. "Hello Mrs. Dusty. Its a pleasure to see you again. I spoke to your husband not long before coming here. How would you like to perform for the prince this evening?"
>A loud, nostalgic, squeal assaults your eardrums. Reinstating the damage they had received four years prior.
>"Your majesty, I vould be 'onored!" She showers Celestia with thanks over and over again. You could tell she was becoming extremely uncomfortable, as she always did in these situations. Behind you Radiance laughs, happy that his mother was having a taste of her own medicine.
>You kneel down to Radiance, his mother being distracted and whisper. "Now's our chance, let's get out of here before she notices."
>If your son ever understood anything in this big, bright world, it was that he must never allow his mother to capture him.
>The both of you slowly tip-toe your way around the pair of mares. One not noticing you, you're completely incognito now. You're almost there, a few more steps and your completely out of sight. But through the loud proclamations of thanks by your decoy, you hear something that stops you dead in your tracks.
>"Anonymouse.."
>Your legs turn to stone and you blood runs colder than the north winds. The same phenomena happening to your son. You dare to look back, slowly turning your head. She still has her back to you, Dusty peeking over, now silent and confused.
>"I do hope you're not planning on taking my son away from me, dear."
>You say nothing, too afraid to mouth words.
>"Equestria's beloved prince, stolen by the traitorous king. It makes a menacing headline, don't you agree? The guards won't ever stop searching for him. And I myself will spare no expense to track him down." She looks at you over her shoulder, her eyes cold and focused with killing intent.

>This was a battle you couldn't possibly hope to win. All hope was lost before you even made your first move. Looking down at Radiance, you can see he has the same look of fear you do. In that moment, you decided.
>In a sudden burst of courage you pick Radiance up in your arms and make a break for it. Shouting for Dusty to run while she still had the chance.
>Celestia remained calm and watch you disappear into the castle before turning to Dusty. The poor mare quivering from the look she was receiving.
>"If you'll excusez-moi.." and just like that she made a break for it in the same direction you did. Leaving the princess to settle in her anger before giving chase.
>Though the halls of Canterlot were committed to memory, it didn't make them easy to navigate. As always, especially today, they had been busy. Filled with workers and other folk roaming through the halls. A sea of quadriplegic mass for you to navigate through. It doesn't take long for Dusty to catch up with you, which worries you considering Celestia is by far one of the fastest beings on the planet.
>"Vhat 'ave you gotten me into!?" she screams at you while dodging the many ponies in the halls.
"Hey, would you rather I left you back there with her? Trust me, you don't wanna be in the area when she explodes."
>The loud clang of golden shoes making contact with the marble floors echoes from behind. Her hooves cracking the stone slabs beneath her. This could very well be the day you die, but you'll die fighting. By all means, you had to protect the young prince from his obsessive mother!
>You and Dusty round a corner and dash for the two giant double doors ahead of you. You order the guards to seal it once your inside.
>"You're majesty? What's going-"
"Do as I say! And under no circumstances do you open it without my permission!"

>They ask no further questions as the massive doors lock behind you. Looking around, you realize that you've taken refuge in your writing room. A room that hasn't seen much attention lately. The dust coating the furniture confirming that.
"Okay, we need to think of something quick. Those doors aren't gonna hold for too long."
>Looking out of the window you can see many market stalls and balloon houses erected for a more, public celebration of the princes birthday. Radiance watching happily.
>"Do you alvays run rampant around ze castle like this?" Dusty asks, trying her best to straighten her main and regain her breath.
"Huh...? Well, sometimes. Not lately though, I'm so tired I could pass out at any moment. Guess that just means I'm out of shape."
>"You're insane.."
"I am not. Listen, if you ever have kids don-"
>"I'm sorry, but King Anonymo-"
"Oh no, we're out of time.."
>"Step away from the door, guard. Or you'll go along with it."
>Jesus, she isn't kidding around. The door shakes and shutters as she attempts to ram it down. Her horn piercing the expertly crafted woodwork. Through the many hols you can see her, staring at you. Completely willing to attempt to murder you on the spot.
>Dusty is so afraid she could faint at any second. The same can be said of you right now. Radiance however hasn't left the window side.
>"I'll give you one last chance Anon. Return our son to me and I won't banish you to the couch tonight."
"Tempting. But for Prince and Country, I can't do that. Who knows, it's probably not that bad on the couch."
>Radiance tugs on your pants, pointing to the window. He makes a jumping motion with his hands. You begin to fear your son is as crazy as your wife. You tap Dusty on the head and make the same motions. She only gives you a deadpan stare. Obviously accusing you of being mad. You probably were at this point.
>With one final heave Celestia breaks down the door, it giving way to her awesome power.

>You take that as your cue to pick up your son and dash toward the window, and Dusty soon follows. Undoing the latch it swings open, the curtains flowing indifferently in the new found breeze.
"Judging from this height, if we land on top of the bounce house we should be mostly okay. Though it would be very irresponsible for me to do so.. How about you call off this chase and we can walk away from this nice and easy."
>"I will do no such thing."
"Really...? Because I really don't want to do this. It's downright dangerous Celly!"
>"The hand Radiance over to me and I will forget all about this."
>You sigh. You forgot that Princess Celestia did not negotiate with terrorists. You trace the holy trinity on your forehead and chest with your free hand. Now you were just stalling to gain the courage to jump.
"You put me in terrible situations.."
>Done with your stalling she charges at the three of you. And that's when you feel the force known as courage (or insanity) to jump. And all three of you plummet. The bouncy house growing closer and closer, but also moving away from you. Damn, you must have miscalculated! You pray to the gods that you somehow survive this fall. Or not, you don't really feel like facing the wrath of a certain princess.
>But just as you come within teen feet of the ground, a magical sensation envelops the three of you and you're teleported to the top of the bounce house. Your momentum causing you to bounce off the side and onto the ground.
>You were one lucky bastard. Radiance used his first spell to save all three of your asses. You'll have to remind yourself to treat him to something after this was over.
>The ponies around you are shocked to say the least. But upon seeing the prince they all wish him a happy birthday and resume celebrating. Ponies were indeed a strange race.
>But no reprieve will be found here. Celestia is already in the air, making a b-line straight for you like a missile of domestic violence.
"Gotta keep going!"

>Surprised you still have it in you, you keep running. Your feet aching and your arm tired from carrying Radiance. You conduct serpentine maneuvers to avoid your doom from the sky. It's not enough, with each step you take, she grows a foot closer. And just like that, she's upon you like the holy angel of death. Her wings casting a large dreadful shadow over you.
>She tackles you, sending you all rolling through the grass. Ponies looking curiously at the sight. It's hard to make much of anything in this mass of sprawling legs, arms, wings, and manes. Just when you're about to be sick the rolling comes to a stop. You crashing into the base of a tree, halting everyone. That was going to mean Hell for your back later..
>You all are a mess of tired, panting idiots. Sore too.
>"I *pant* win." she says, grabbing Radiance in her golden glow and placing him between her hooves.
"You're..insane.."
>"I can't believe ve jumped out of a vindow...!"
>Dusty's words send a shock of realization through Celestia's body and she clonks you on the head.
>"Are you mad!? You jumped out of a window with our child in your arms!?"
"Hey, it was his idea!"
>"Zat doesn't mean you 'ave to go along vith it!"
>You look to Radiance for support. But you don't find it, instead he has a look of abandonment. You failed him and he knows it. Snotty brat.
>Despite being the center of blame, you can't help but laugh. You haven't had this much fun in ages, though it really was tiring. You could go for a long nap right about now.
>The sky was growing darker, but not too dark. It must have only been about seven. And you just now noticed you were outside in the small park beside the stone garden.
>A performance stage in the center, accompanied by a band of sort with ponies listening to quiet melodies in the evening.
"Oh yeah. When is Dusty supposed to go on?" you scratch Celestia behind her ear and she responds.
>"What time is it? About seven.... You better be going Mrs. Dust, you're on in fifteen."

>Beside you, you can see Dusty's pupils shrink to the size of needles before she immediately gets to her hooves.
>"Your majesties. Vhile it 'as been a rather....eventful evening, I must be going to join ze band." she gives a polite bow and scurries off toward the stage. You watch her go, laughing. She hasn't changed all that much in the past year. Or in the five years you knew her.
>With her gone, it's just the three of you. Celestia, Radiance, and you who sit under the large tree in the park. A bit nostalgic.
"Hey-"
>"Anon."
>She interrupts you. Her eyes meeting yours and the familiar smile you've seen thousands of times gracing her lips.
>"I haven't had this much fun in centuries. These past four years have been magical for me. In every way possible. I can't repay you."
>You pull her into a kiss, Radiance quivering at the sight and trying to pull himself away from under you two.
"You payed me back when we got married. If anything I should be trying to pay you back."
>She haves a laugh at that, parting her forelegs to grant Radiance the freedom to roam as he wishes.
>"You've payed me back with a son."
"Good. I hate being in debt."
>The both of you sit together under the tree. Content with each other's company. Radiance content with catching what little fireflies remained in the season.
>Dusty's band now began to take the stage, her taking center.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIDYqECkhGA
>The music starts as the perfect overture to the ending of the day.
>"Fl~~~~y me to ze moon....."
>The park erupts with cheers and whistles. What a surprise, you knew Dusty could sing but damn!
>Celestia's head finds it's way onto your shoulder. The sun will be setting soon, the day will be over with a few more hours. But in your heart, this moment will last forever. Just as your love for the mare who shares it with you.

>You continued to write poetry every now and again. You grew old, and lived a happy life with Celestia.
>Mrs. Dusty, your old friend went on to become one of the most famous singers in Equestria. Her husband backing her every step of the way.
>Radiance grew to be the wise leader you knew he would. You even had a daughter. Named her Dawn. They get along fine, though cause trouble here and there. Partners in crime those two are.
>You saw many things throughout your long life. Things that you could have never experienced on Earth. You often considered that your life here was a dream, and that you'd wake up in your bed in that old, weary house.
>You died, Anon. You died a happy old man. Surrounded by love ones. Your life was very remarkable and well lived. You died knowing that Celestia, and your children would never forget you. And that Equestria loved your stay here.

"Before us great Death stands
Our fate held close within his quiet hands.
When with proud joy we lift Life’s red wine
To drink deep of the mystic shining cup
And ecstasy through all our being leaps—
Death bows his head and weeps."

-“Death,” Rainer Maria Rilke

Five Stanzas: END