Book 3, Chapter 7
Disclaimer: I don't own any known characters/places of Redwall or MLP. I do own Shooting Star, Colonel Ashpaw the Brave, Braveheart, Princess Rosethrone, and Storm Breeze
Dragon Lord Torch and Storm Breeze were looking for Shooting Star. The moment the battle had looked in their united armies favor did the two go searching for Shooting Star. The squirrel chieftain Ruro had been riding Storm's back as the mare thought that her brother might've needed the experienced healer. The trio looked for Shooting Star and they finally found him. Storm saw her brother laying unconscious a few inches away from a cut in half slain Princess Rosethrone "BROTHER!"
She sped off towards him landing at his side with Ruro leaping off her back and inspecting the Warrior Pegasus expertly. Dragon Lord Torch looked down the cliffside seeing Malagor also lying beneath a bolder slain by it. For a while the Dragon was puzzled on how Malagor was slain by the bolder but that was when a panicked call from the trees reached his and Storm's ears "Uh, Mr Dragon Lord Torch! Storm! A little help!"
Both Dragon Lord Torch and Storm heard the call and looked upward. At first both missed seeing Braveheart trapped on the tree he had jumped upon to prevent himself from also being crushed by the boulder. Then they both sighted him with Storm actively wondering how Braveheart even got up there to begin with. Dragon Lord Torch turned to her "I'll get him."
"Thank you" Storm said watching the huge dragon fly to rescue Braveheart. She then turned her attention to Ruro "Ruro, ma'am is my brother alive?"
"He's in very serious condition Storm" Ruro replied "But he should be fine once we get him to Canterlot and we've worked on him, but so far he's alive!"
"Thank Celestia!" Storm breathed out a sigh of relief.
Dragon Lord Torch returned with Braveheart in his hand "I got him."
"Good" Storm admitted she turned her eyes towards Braveheart "How'd you get up in the trees?!"
"I had to try to help" Braveheart answered her "Malagor was going to trap Shooting Star in a net but I climbed up and leaped onto Malagor which slammed him into a rock and then he got crushed!"
"GOOD WORK!" Dragon Lord Torch admitted.
Storm let Ruro back onto her as she addressed Torch "Indeed but now we gotta carry my brother back to Canterlot."
"INDEED WE DO!"
The four go back towards Canterlot Castle.
The battle for Canterlot was over! Martin the Warrior stood alongside the Equestrian Tribe leaders watching over the liberated castle. The moment Ripfang saw the battle completely going against him and the moment he heard a loud THUD coming from someplace outside Canterlot Castle, the rat captain knew whatever Princess Rosethrone had in mind as a counter measure if Shooting Star had began to overpower her had failed and just like he had done with Rosethrone's adopted father, the Rat captain fled leaving many of her warriors to face off against the advancing army without a commanding officer leading them.
"That seems to be the end of them Sir!" Colonel Ashpaw announced to Martin "That is Ripfang got away once more. Do you think we should pursue him?"
"I know I told him we would've" Martin told the Long Patrol Colonel "But that one must be long gone. Cowards will always get their comeuppance in the end. It would be a waste of energy chasing him down, but rest assured he'll get what's coming to him one day."
Colonel Ashpaw saluted as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna entered glad the ordeal was over with Luna sighing in relief "Thank goodness Canterlot's freed!"
"Mostly thanks to you Martin and Shooting Star" Princess Celestia told the warrior mouse.
"Shooting Star and I thank you two" Martin told them "That being said what has become of Shooting Star? Anyone see Storm anywhere?"
"The moment the battle looked in our favor" Queen Evergreen answered "She and Dragon Lord took off to find where Shooting Star is."
Around the victors survivors of Rosethrone's army at least those that didn't flee with Ripfang had been gathered up and were surrounded by their creatures being held prisoners.
"What shall we do with these creatures?" Princess Celestia asked herself.
"Kill them?" Luna answered.
Martin shook his head "Wrong answer. No more unnecessary killing, let me and Colonel Ashpaw handle this."
Colonel Ashpaw walked forward addressing the captives with Sergeant Snow at his side "Know this you lowly vermin! Had you been the victors your leader have us executed, but we won't execute you. You are all free to go but you are forbidden to live in Equestria! I'm gonna have Sergeant Snow and the rest of the Long Patrol to escort you out of Equestria and away from Mossflower Woods where you will be set free to do as you'd like."
"YOU BET! AND IF ANY OF YOU LOWLY VERMIN TRY ANY THING FANCY YOU'LL REGRET IT!" The haremaid announced loudly.
Log-A-Log Grenn ordered her Guosim to help the Long Patrol as well as Skittles and his hedgehogs whom would help as well.
"Now get into ranks vermin and off ya go!" Colonel Ashpaw ordered "And ya best start to go and follow Snow's commands by the time I count to five cause if any of you remain, well," he put a paw to his javelin "Then I'll be forced to execute ya. Now one,!"
The moment the Hare Colonel started the countdown he was greeted by a dust cloud that was kicked up by the surviving vermin as they fell into ranks quickly at Sergeant Snow's orders and the survivors were off none wanting to be the first to see if the Hare Colonel would keep his word. Once he was done coughing the Colonel turned to the Princesses "Hmm...Typical of vermin doncha know, no backbone! I was only on the one and they start off. We'll now your highnesses Canterlot is all yours once again."
The hare's comment got the two to laugh. Then Dragon Lord Torch whom was carrying an unconscious Shooting Star came with Storm Breeze with Ruro riding her and Braveheart causing silence on any other creature or pony to sound. Princess Luna's gasped seeing the one she loved passed out and wasn't even sure if he'd survive. She rushed towards the figures "Shooting Star!"
She stopped and looked down thinking he was dead as she turned as if expecting Princess Rosethrone to be seen flying anger in her eyes. Oh she was going to make Rosethrone pay for this. Storm realized this "Settle down Princess...Brother killed her."
"THEN THEY KILLED EACH OTHER?!" Princess Luna inquired heart broken at the thought of losing someone she loved.
Ruro was checking him over of his injuries "Oh Princess Rosehtrone's slain Princess Luna, she ain't coming back. But Shooting Star is still alive but barely, and hopefully he won't die. Now please settle down Princess."
Two weeks later, Martin the Warrior was standing in the middle of Storm Breeze and Shooting Star. Typically the Warrior mouse would've left Equestria in search of adventure and other creatures in need of his aide, but Princess Celestia asked in Martin the Warrior could stay at least for a special celebration that she had planned that involved the three warriors. The way Celestia spoke to him made Martin agree to stay for the two weeks as he had a feeling whatever she had in mind was important to her and he didn't want to be rude to her.
"So glad you stayed for the two weeks Martin" Shooting Star told his warrior friend.
Martin put a paw on Shooting Star's injured ribcage as Shooting Star was still injured in that area, as while Ruro was able to heal him thanks to Storm Breeze assisting her as much as she could, Shooting Star's chest area still needed time to recover as he had many broken ribs most likely from slamming into Rosethrone's barrier.
"It was my pleasure to stay" Martin said to him "But after this celebration is over, I'm off, and you must realize you need to stay here to ensure Equestria's safety mate."
"Oh I intend to do so" Shooting Star told him but he had to admit to Martin "However if you ever need my assistance Martin, you will certainly get it mate."
Martin smiled as the two shook hooves/paws "Friends to the end I see mate."
"Indeed" Shooting Star said.
"So what do you suppose the Princesses want us for?" Storm asked
"We're about to find out" Shooting Star said to his sister as the trio walked towards a door that would take them outside.
Two unicorn guards at each side saw the three and after saluting opened the doors for them. The three saw red carpet that was in the middle and walked down in. Waiting for them in the middle of the entrance area of Canterlot were the two Princesses, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. As the trio walked down they saw that Canterlot had packed grounds from ponies, Changelings, Hypogriphs, Griffens, Yaks, Dragons and by all members of Shooting Star's surviving army he took with him on the beginning of his journey and more...Especially a Badger that Shooting Star knew "Father? Lord Brocktree!"
Lord Brocktree heard his adopted son's shout and turned addressing him with a salute. The badger Lord was proud in his adopted son bringing Equestria together just as he had done to Mossflower Country many seasons ago. The Badger Lord's heart was filled with pride, joy and sorrow. Pride and joy in the fact Shooting Star was successful and beloved by all creatures, but he was also filled with sorrow due to the fact he realized that Shooting Star might not ever be able to return to Salmandestron to serve in the Long Patrol or as his successor one day. The Badger Lord smiled warmly as Dotti was with him weeping too, how their adopted son together had grown. As he got to the two he bowed to Lord Brocktree "Father, mother."
Brocktree's huge paw was upon Shooting Star's shoulder as he spoke "You've done well son. I couldn't be more proud of you and I'm thinking your real father Ironhoof would've been proud of you as well."
Dotti tried to smile at Shooting Star "You've grown up Shooting Star, saving all these wonderful kind creatures whom will all look upon you as their greatest hero. Well done young sa'h now…"
She pauses as Storm stopped beside Shooting Star as did Martin. Shooting Star introduced Storm to both of his adopted parents "Father, and mum, meet my sister Storm Breeze and Martin the Warrior. Martin, Storm, meet Lord Brocktree, Badger Lord of Salamandestron and my adopted mother Patrol General Dorothea Duckfontein Dillworthy, better known as Dotti."
Storm bowed before her brother's adopted parents respectfully as did Martin, it wasn't everyday that Martin would run into a royal Badger Lord of Salamandestron.
"Nice to meet you two" Storm said.
"It's an honor to meet you both" Brocktree said to both Martin and Storm "If at anytime you two would like to visit Salmandestron you will be welcomed with opened arms."
He now turned his attention to the Princesses "Well Shooting Star, be off to the Princesses, it was them that invited us for this event. Don't keep them waiting."
Shooting Star smiled as he and his two friends continued the pathway down towards the Princesses. Once at the two Princesses, Princess Luna couldn't help but give Shooting Star a quick kiss to the cheek getting a defeated grunt coming from Chrysalis as news reached out to her finally that Luna won Shooting Star's heart. Still to Chrysalis it was best to be friends around Shooting Star he literally risked his life for every creature in Equestria when fighting Rosethrone one-on-one. Princess Celestia spoke "Thank you everypony and everycreature for coming here today. Today we are gathered here today to celebrate a momentous occasion. As all of you know Shooting Star here risked his life to save Equestria, but he didn't do it alone. At first he had Martin with him then once he saved Storm she too became a part in saving Equestria." she bowed her head respectfully to the three warriors "As the two royal Princesses left, we all give you our thanks. Equestria gives you a debt of gratitude."
Shooting Star and Martin were about to kindly tell her that Equestria didn't have to but this would've been completely unheard of as there were cheers from everycreature and everypony that was so deafening the two experienced warriors wouldn't have been heard. It was then the three sighted medals that Princess Luna was holding in her magical grasps and knew what this was about. Sure it was a gratitude ceremony but it was one that would make any warrior proud as Princess Celestia continued once the cheers had died down "Martin the Warrior, Shooting Star, and Storm Breeze, on behalf of all creatures in Equestria, Princess Luna and I bestow these medals of gratitude. Wear them with pride as you are all heroes."
Princess Luna goes right to work putting the medals around the three warriors necks as another cheer rose from the crowd.
"Well sa'h" Dotti said to Lord Brocktree "Tis conflict is over."
"It is" Lord Brocktree admitted to her "But for our son, his life as a warrior is only getting started. Now he must stay behind for good long while to ensure Equestria's safety. This maybe the last day we see him as he may stay behind for the rest of his life."
"Sad" Dotti admitted "But it's true."
Shooting Star looked at his medal, it was an honor to be recognized as Equestria's greatest hero, as he spoke "Thanks Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, it's an honor to have saved Equestria along side my sister and Martin. Sure I couldn't have done it alone without their help but let's not forget about those that are not here with us. I ensure you that I will do everything in my power to make sure peace lasts not only for ponies but for every creature. A warrior's work is never done after all."
More applause was heard as the celebration started. After eating Shooting Star met Martin outside of Canterlot's gates. It was time for Martin to leave, Princess Luna was at Shooting Star's side as was Storm. The two warriors gave each other friend hugs "It's been a pleasure helping you mate" Martin told Shooting Star "But now I fear I must depart. As you said so yourself a warrior's life is never done. For you must stay here to ensure Equestria survives...They'll need you and Storm Breeze to watch over it just in case others try to threaten it while it's weakened."
"Will do" Shooting Star acknowledged him.
"Must you go Martin?" Princess Luna asked.
"Sorry" Martin said bowing to her respectfully "But it's not my place to stay here."
The Warrior mouse looked over in the broad horizon "I do not know where my path will take me, but there are other creatures in need out there that may need my attention. I do not know where or when my destiny will stop but until then I must go on. Farewell mate, and hope we meet again."
With that Martin walked off with Shooting Star, Storm and Princess Luna watching him.
"Think you'll ever run in Maritn again brother?" Storm inquired while the three were waving goodbye to Martin.
"Who can really say sis?" Shooting Star said to her "A warrior has many paths to choose, some paths are different. As of right now Martin is right my place no our place sister is here in Equestria to watch over it. Then who knows what other paths take me, but it is possible that Martin and I could meet again."
Princess Luna sighed putting her hoof on Shooting Star's shoulder "Hopefully your destiny is here with me Shooting Star."
Shooting Star put a hoof around her "I'm sure somehow my destiny is to stay here."
Princess Luna addressed Storm "And what about you?"
"I'll stay around" Storm answered "With brother not in tip top shape, it'll need both of us to stay for quite a while. Besides...Brother and I have no place to stay at."
Princess Luna smiled "Stay here in Canterlot then."
Shooting Star shook his head yes.
As the day continued Martin wouldn't be the only one to depart, for Colonel Ashpaw, Skipper Brogalaw, Log-A-Log Grenn with her GUOSIM, Skittles, and Ruro all left as well. Sure the Long Patrol under Colonel Ashpaw's orders had done it's job successfully in liberating Equestria, but as Martin the Warrior hinted Mossflower might be in danger of a new threat and sense the Long Patrol was native to Mossflower Country even they needed to go back. By the course of the next day and even weeks, it was only Shooting Star still left alongside his sister. Many more weeks to months would pass with no conflict but then one night Shooting Star had a vision. It wasn't a vision that Princess Luna would be able to walk into, but one that detailed Martin might be needing his help. A fully healed Shooting Star sat upright in bed with Princess Luna at his side the two had grown closer to each other so close that to Luna she may become his wife soon. Upon hearing him rise, Luna opened her eyes "What's wrong Shooting Star?"
"I can't put my hoof on it but somehow I got a vision of Martin just now."
Princess Luna gasped "Does he need our help?"
"For once I'm unsure of what it meant" Shooting Star told her "But I must see to it if he does."
Princess Luna spoke "Then I'll come with you!"
Shooting Star shook his head "Sorry Luna. Whatever is giving me this vision means one thing I must go. It maybe too dangerous for you to go too."
Princess Luna bit her lip but she trusted him just as she knew he trusted her. So she'd let him go "What about your sister?"
Shooting Star turned putting his hoof on her kissing her "I intend to take her with me. She wants to get better at being a warrior so whatever I saw in my vision, I might need her too."
Princess Luna gave him a small smile "Oh, alright, you two are Warrior Pegasus after all...Just give me one promise."
Shooting Star rubbed her leg as he knew where she was getting at and he kissed it "You have my vow Luna dear. I'll return for you. You are my heart after all."
Princess Luna smiled faintly taking his word and watched him begin to leave off. Then she could've sworn Storm Breeze too left with her brother walking to whatever was calling out to them.
Present day Equestria
Princess Luna had finished telling her story to the guests in Canterlot Castle. Every invited creature were now doing eyes at the stallion that was on the tapestry. It had taken many days for Princess Luna to tell this story as it was big. To every creature and everypony, Shooting Star was still the hero. Princess Twilight Sparkle stood looking at the tapestry and now speaks "Wow...So if it wasn't for Shooting Star defeating Rosethrone, Equestria would still be hers?"
Princess Luna looked grim nodding "Yes, if Star Swirl hadn't made his escape to find Shooting Star, tis quite possible Equestria would still be in Rosethrone's hooves...Who knows how it would've turned out if those events didn't happen."
Twilight was relieved that she hadn't witness that during the time the Everfree Forest went out of control and tried to encoil Ponyville in it's roots. She had seen the past when Luna turned into the feared Nightmare Moon, but yet during her time traveling problems with Starlight Glimmer when trying to stop her, they hadn't encountered a past where Rosethrone won and frankly Twilight didn't want to encounter that.
"We can then assume that after Rosethrone was killed" Twilight told her.
Princess Luna nodded "Yes...After waiting for months sense Shooting Star and Storm Breeze left that night, it set the course to me becoming Nightmare Moon and to this day. My only fear now is that Shooting Star maybe dead because of my banishment to the Moon. I'm certain he attempted to come back to me as promised but by then...I became Nightmare Moon. If so I am the one to blame for that mistake."
"I'm sure Shooting Star would tell you that you shouldn't be too hard on yourself Luna" Twilight told her.
Princess Luna smiled faintly "Still...Though. I wish the events of Nightmare Moon wouldn't have happened and I regret it might've been too late for me to ever get back to him."
As she was speaking magic swarmed as Discord appeared startling every pony and everycreature.
"DISCORD" was the response from Twilight and her friends clearly not expecting him to show up.
Even Princess Luna was shocked "What are you doing here Discord?"
Discord answered "I couldn't help but not listen into your story Princess. What an amazing love story you had with Equestria's greatest hero and who would've known Princess Rosethrone gave you so much trouble."
He grinned "I knew I should've asked her to join my side, but it was clear to me that she didn't want to be a part of my kingdom."
"You made her life miserable too" Princess Celestia told him "That was one thing Princess Rosethrone had in common with me and Luna."
Discord blinked as Princess Luna then spoke "Again, despite you listening into our conversation what are you doing here?!"
From the looks of things Discord gave her a small grin as he asked her in a quizzing state of mind "How much do you love Shooting Star even to this day?"
"A WHOLE LOT!" Princess Luna said snapping "I'll do anything! Anything to see him again! He was and is my only true love."
Discord continued to toy with her as if he knew the answer "And how much would you go threw to meet him?"
"I'd do anything to see him again!" Princess Luna confessed tears coming out of her eyes now "But let's face it, he isn't immortal. He's probably dead by age by now and it's all because of me going into Nightmare Moon. Tis my fault! I shouldn't have fallen into Nightmare Moon."
Discord saw how sad she looked at that and stopped playing around "Well what would you say that you are wrong."
Princess Luna turned to him "You wouldn't be lying about that would you?"
Discord could fully tell she loved Shooting Star even to this day "If I were the old me, I would've, but I'm not totally the old me anymore. So I won't lie to you Princess." Discord took a deep breathe looking at her worried yet hopeful face "Shooting Star is still alive, and so is Storm."
"Thank Celestia" Luna sighed with relief then she spoke "Where is he then? I'm willing to do anything to meet him again. I just gotta. To tell him I'm sorry for what I did."
Discord answered "He's currently at Salmandestron located in Mossflower Country."
Princess Luna gets up onto her hooves "Discord! Please take me to meet Shooting Star please!"
Discord put a hand onto his face and a goofy grin was on his face "Oh, sorry Princess, I won't exactly do that."
"Please?!"
"No, no" Discord said in a taunting tone "But I'll do you one better."
"One better?" Twilight inquired even Princess Luna was asking it.
Discord now spoke "Why don't you quest for Salamandesatron like many Badger Lords do? Find it in Mossflower Country Princess, and I ensure you, your love will be there."
Princess Luna shook nervously "Ever sense Shooting Star and Storm Breeze left, nopony ever ventured out of Equestria into Mossflower Woods, I wouldn't know where to start!"
Discord smirked touching Princess Luna's chin "What do you say I'll give you directions from Equestria and towards Mossflower Country then? Then all the rest is up to you to find Salamandestron."
"You sure you can't teleport her there?" Twilight asked for Princess Luna.
Discord smirked "Well of course I could teleport her to Salmandetron all of my own, but" he taunted Princess Luna "Wouldn't your boyfriend or stallion friend be impressed on your will to finally meet him again on your very own?"
"Princess Luna doesn't have time to do that!" Twilight said "Please-"
"I'll do it!"
"Hugh?" Princess Twilight inquired as was the other guests in Castle Canterlot.
Princess Luna adjusted herself standing up tall "As much as it would be easy for him take me to Salamandestron by his magic, I must prove to myself that I can muster up the courage to find him. Shooting Star would've wanted me to do that on my own. Tomorrow at first light I will go out and quest for Salamandestron. From then on, I will find my true love once more and this time not get separated from him!"
She turned her head towards Princess Celestia "If I may."
Princess Celestia looked deep into her sister's eyes seeing that she wanted to do this and agreed nodding "Alright then Luna, if it's what you truly want I'll allow it, but please don't do it alone."
"She's right" Discord said to Luna "While Mossflower Woods is a peaceful place, there are it's dangers in vermin gangs. They'll gang up on you if they know you're alone and new to Mossflower Woods."
King Thorax the Changeling King walked forward "Princess Luna, will you allow me to come with you? On behalf of the Changelings, I believe I should meet him to inform him of recent events."
Twilight giggled rushing up towards Luna "I'll go too Luna! It would be an honor to meet Equestria's greatest hero!"
"Yeah!" Rainbow Dash declared "How about Twilight, yourself Princess Luna, King Thorax, myself and Twilight's other friends go!"
"You'd all do that to help me?" Princess Luna asked.
"Of course" Princess Twilight declared "We want to see this Salmandestron as much as you do and while vermin gangs may run rampant through Mossflower Country, they most likely won't take on a group of travellers...Who knows, if we run into Storm Breeze-"
"And she's alive too!" Discord said.
"Where?!" Luna asked glad to hear Storm was alive.
Discord answered "In Redwall Abbey, also located in Mossflower Country."
"Redwall Abbey?" Twilight asked "Never heard of it."
Fluttershy had from her pet Angel Bunny "Angel has often said that he's heard from other animals in Equestria about a beautiful red stone Abbey. I wonder if that's Redwall Abbey, it's said that place is the most peaceful place in Mossflower Country. They aren't ruled by a King or Queen rather a Father Abbot or Mother Abbess! Ever sense Angel told me this I've been dying to go!"
Luna formed a plan within her mind as she addressed them "Thank you friends...Pack well tonight, for first light tomorrow morning, we head out to find Mossflower Country to find this Redwall Abbey which Storm resides in and from then on we'll meet Salmandestron or vise versa!"
"Yeah whatever comes first!" Pinkie Pie said.
Thus the plan was set in motion as Princess Celestia turned to Princess Luna "Good luck sis, I hope you find Shooting Star."
"I do too" Princess Luna confessed "And thanks for letting me go...You okay of switching day and night here?"
Princess Celestia gave her wink "I did that for one thousand years sis sense your banishment, I'm sure I can do that again for a while."
Without haste Princess Luna left to pack for her next adventure. No way was she going to let this opportunity slide. She was going to meet her lover again and stay with him.
End of chapter
I know I was going to add an epilogue but it was going to be that short anyway towards the end that I was like screw it, not worth the extra small chapter to put an epilogue in. So that was Shooting Star Warrior Pegasus! This in my opinion was my favorite story to write. I am slightly disappointed that I only got one reviewer in my friend Dragon Knight 15 on any of my chapters and was expecting more from others, but what's come has come as I enjoyed writing this. Anyway yes as hinted there will be other adventures involving Shooting Star including after this story is complete where we will be seeing Princess Luna's quest for Salamandestron. In reviews let me know what you think Luna and her group may encounter on their quest. I do plan to make that one shorter and not a full three part Redwall adventure but that is planned to be done, then there will be a third thing involving Shooting Star which will be detailing the events of the Redwall Book, Mossflower detailing why Shooting Star was at Salmandestron all this time. So look forward to those things in the future! As always I like to thank Dragon Knight 15 for reviewing all chapters and supporting this fanfic. Anyway see you on Princess Luna's Salmandestron Quest!