Author's Notes: MissKoi doesn't own MLP or the story and media that this fanfic is based on, for they belong to their respective owners and creators. MissKoi also doesn't own the Veggie Tales movie song "Second Chances" and it's lyrics,for it belongs to it's respective owners and creators. I had to change lyrics and cute some of the song for story and plot. I highly recommend you listen to this song before or during the reading of this chapter. Thank you...thank you...to all my amazing readers. Thank you for the over 70 reviews, the over 35 favorites and follows,and supporting this story from the beginning. I dedicate this chapter to all of you:)
Chapter 11: Second Chances and A New Life
The next day
Celestia's sun was shining bright and clear in the market place. Every pony was buying supplies, selling items to customers, and haggling for a good price. But something quickly interrupted their activities.
A bright magical flashed appeared in the middle of the town square. When the flash disappeared it revealed King Xerxes, his lovely Queen Esther, all the royal guards and soliders, the former captain of the guard Moriyah, Hamana the royal visor(to the ponies' knowledge that is), their ex princess Vashti, the royal dragon scrub, all of the Queen's ladies in waiting, a rainbow pegasus mare, and two earth ponies mares(one pink and one grey).
Our narrator watched this display on a rooftop, a house right next to the big main square. She was swishing her tail around like a proud lioness, she lay on her belly like an alley cat. She smiled at the King and the ponies below her.
The ponies of Saddle Arabia were surprised to see their King...their Chaotic King...on the ground with them. Not flying above in a carriage or being carried around by servants. But on the ground with them. They were surprised to see their new Queen. They haven't seen her since her coronation parade. But above all...they were surprised to see Moriyah and Vashti. Unharmed, clean, and smiling. Right next to the King of all creatures! They were all wondering what their mysterious king was up to.
Xerxes took a step out of the group and poofed up a standing mircophone. He tapped it while thinking aloud, "Hello? Is this on? Testing, testing. Ah, it does work. Good morning Saddle Arabia! How are my faithful subjects doing?"
His question was meet with curious silence and uncomfortable staring.
"Ha ha! I see that my subjects have a sense of humor! Ha ha good one!"
They continued to stare at him silently.
"Tough crowd," Xerxes muttered to himself, "Anyway, I have big news every pony! I have decided to eliminate a law I have made long ago! Scribbler!"
The purple and green baby dragon waddled up to Xerxes and hand him a thick rolled up scroll. Xerxes unrolls the old and long document and proclaims "I,King Xerxes, hereby decree that every pony has the right to believe in any god or goddess they wish to believe in."
Then, he rips the law in half right before their eyes. They made the ponies gasp and their eyes widen to the size of saucers. Their jaws also dropped to the ground.
"Ah-ha! Now, I got your attention! Well, now that every pony is behaving...I can tell you all why I'm doing this. You see...I made a mistake. A horrible mistake. My mistake was...my pride...my ego...would have cost me...the love of my life."
Esther immediately blushed. She placed one of her hooves over her racing heart. Then, she saw Xerxes reaching out to her with a smile on his face. With a shy smile, she took his talon and joined him at the mic.
"Esther, this wonderful mare...had the courage to speak when no pony could. Without hesitation, she confessed to me about her devoted faith to Celestia and how unjust my creed was. Without her bravery, her cousin Moriyah, Princess Vashti, and even her dear childhood friend would have perished in exile."
Now there was soft mumur and gossip within the crowd.
"Also,without her courage...I would have cruelly punished a pony I have known for so long...who has been by my side through all my rough patches...Hamana."
Hamana softly gasped at the King's word. He had never...ever...thanked her before. His gratitude made her feel warm and full inside and...she smiled. All of this...was truly better than power and dominance.
"I have decided my people. In order to prevent something like this to happen ever again, and to prompt justice, I have decided to create a counsel!"
The ponies' gossip and gasps became louder, and their words couldn't be ignored.
"This council will consist of delegates that will be in charge of areas and principles important to this kingdom. My first delegate will be Moriyah."
The purple unicorn step up proudly with a smile on her face.
"As my new royal visor, she will be my third in command and in charge of the wisdom and knowledge of our kingdom. The next delegate will be...Princess Vashti. Or should I say...Delegate Vashti! Delegate of Saddle Arabia's humility and generousity!"
Vashti step forward,looking more radiant than ever, waving to her fair subjects.
"My fourth delegate will be...Kehest. She will be my new captain of the guard and in charge of the kingdom's protection and of the ponies' loyalty to each other and loyalty to neighboring kingdoms."
Kehest flew forward and posed in an heroic pose in her new armored uniform.
"My fifth delegate will be..."
"Me! Simcha!" Simcha interrupted the King by bouncing in front of the mic. She took the microphone from him and continued with, "I'll be the delegate of all things laughter and fun fun fun!"
Then she pulls Tsoori close to her side and exclaims "And my sis Tsoori here will be my second in command!"
"Yay." Tsoori proclaimed in a monotone voice with the blank face to match it.
Xerxes stretched his paw and arm to grab the microphone from Simcha, "Yes well, thank you for the self introduction Simcha."
"You're welcome Kingie!"
"Any who, as I was saying, the next delegate of my council will be Ruth."
Ruth stepped out and nervously smiled to the crowd. She bowed her head to them before heading back to the other ladies in waiting.
"She will be the delegate of love and honesty within our kingdom. And finally, that last delegate of my council...my second in command...and the most amazing mare in the world..."
Xerxes gave Esther's hoof a tight yet loving squeeze to let her know how much he cared for her. He looked down at her and lowered his head to her eye level. She blushed in a beautiful shade of light pink, and her shy smile grew bigger.
"Esther...the delegate and the queen of kindness, mercy, forgiveness, hope, faith, and bravery."
When the shy pegasus gave her little wave to the crowd, the ponies and roared for her and for all the new delegate council members. They cheered loudly for the King's release of his most harshest rule and for the new bright future ahead.
The King waved his hands slowly around to calm the crowd down. He had one more thing to say, "My loyal subjects...I am sorry...for all that I had done. For taking over your kingdom and for taking away your Sun Goddess. I do not deserve your forgiveness, but I hope that I can make amends for what I have done."
Esther gave Xerxes's hand a loving yet tight squeeze, to show her support. The King immediately noticed this.
The silence of the awe struck crowd was a slightly tall cream mare stepping out. She had big poofy blue hair and she spoke in her loud yet harmonious voice, "Of course we can forgive you your highness. As Celestia always foretold in the great scrolls...if one of us can love,then all of us can love."
"Mhmm-hmm!" Some of ponies shouted in the crowd. Others then added "Speak the truth girl!" Many other ponies exclaimed after "You go Sapphire Sandyshores!"
Sapphire Sandyshores continued in her speech, "And you know why that is?"
"Tell us why!" The crowd cheered together.
Then, Sapphire sang in her beautiful Gospel voice...
You see Celestia is a goddess of mercy!
She's gotta love!
Soon,the ponies in the crowd became her gospel choir...
And right now, She's gonna lend
A helping hoof from up above!
Sapphire and the ponies of Saddle Arabia stomped their hooves and sang to the King, who was surprised and confused by this sudden musical number. Especially when Esther was stomping along to the beat. All his delegates,servants, guards were happily trotting to the beat except for Hamana. Who was just ad confused as the King.
Sapphire and the ponies of Saddle Arabia sang...
Praise Celestia, She's the Goddess of second chances
You'll be floored how Her love, your life enhances
You can be restored from your darkest circumstances
She is a Goddess of second chances!
Simcha then sings...
Ain't it good to know a pony who gives a second chance?
Then, she sings while her foreleg wrapped around Hamana's neck...
Why, that's enough to get a smile from Mrs. Grumpy-Pants!
Hamana scrowled at Simcha, and the pink pony bounced off before she faced the blue unicorn's wrath.
Moriyah calmed Hamana down by singing...
So, if you say you're sorry for all the stuff you do...
Esther sings to Xerxes...
We know that She'll be ready with a second chance for you!
Then,all the ponies in the crowd start dancing down the street together to their righteous tune. Esther, Moriyah and the rest of their group join the citizens in this dancing and they took the reluctant Xerxes and Hamana with them. With exception of the King and the blue unicorn, every pony dances and sings...
Praise Celestia, She's the Goddess of second chances
You'll be floored how Her love, your life enhances
You can be restored from your darkest circumstances
She is the Goddess of second chances!
Celestia is our Goddess!
When the parade of musical ponies got to the end of the street, they were facing the ruin of a once mighty temple. One of the temples in Saddle Arabia dedicated to Celestia. Xerxes was in front of this parade,and he was able to get a good look at the building he destroyed with his magic. He remembered destroying this temple...and all the emotions put into it's destruction. He couldn't look away from it.
But the ponies around him, except for Hamana, sang while prancing in one place...
If you believe, Celestia's love is true
Then you should know what you should do
If you believe, Celestia's love is true
Then you should know what you should do
If you believe, Celestia's love is true
Then you should know what you should do
If you believe, Celestia's love is true
Then you should know what you should do
Celestia! Gives! A! Second! Chance!
The ponies paused in their musical number and waited eagerly for Xerxes to do something. He looked down at his paws before looking back up at the destroyed temple. He lifted both of his hands in the high air and magically restored the temple back to it's former glory.
This made Sapphire Sandyshores and the rest of the pony gospel choir joyously sing...
Second chances! Second chances!
Praise Celestia, She's the Goddess of second chances
You'll be floored when you're restored from your darkest circumstances
She is a Goddess of second chances
Soon, every pony was dancing into the temple with bright smiles on their faces. Even Xerxes was dancing in with Esther with a toothy grin on his face. Even Hamana was dancing in with Moriyah with a smile on her face...
Second chances, second chances
Praise Celestia, She's is the Goddess of second chances
You'll be floored when you're restored from your darkest circumstances
She is a Goddess of second chances
If you believe, Celestia's love is true
Then you should know what you should do
If you believe, Celestia's love is true
Then you should know what you should do
When every pony inside, there were rows upon rows of long bench seats on each side of the giant temple. Every pony took their spots in these long bench rows. But they still continued to sing and dance. However, Xerxes and Esther traveled to the glorious white marble altar at the back of the temple. Esther was so happy to see Xerxes dancing and singing the tune with her and the other citizens.
When the royal couple stopped at the altar and faced the crowd before them, the song finished with...
Second chances, second chances
Praise Celestia, She's the God of second chances
You'll be floored when you're restored from your darkest circumstances
She is a Goddess of second chances
Celestia!
Celestia!
Second chances, second chances
Second chances, second chances
Second chances, second chances
Second chances, second chances
Yeah!
Every pony cheered and applauded when the gospel song ended. Every one felt so new and alive. Especially the King. He announced "Oh my! Ha ha now that was a blast! My dear, are these mass things usually this exhilarating?"
Esther answered nervously, "Oh um...sometimes."
"Wohoo! I can't wait for next Sunday!"
The royal couple return to the palace after a long day of rebuilding all the temples and celebrating with their subjects. Their smiles were bright and their hearts were full. But they were certainly exhausted.
Xerxes escorted Esther back to her room, walking side by side with her. He couldn't take his eyes off her. She was completely and utterly radiant.
"Have I mentioned how lovely you look today?"
Esther giggled "Yes Xerxes, you have. Three times."
"Ah, you're counting. That's the good sign."
"A sign of what?"
"A sign that you like it my dear."
Esther rolled her eyes up at Xerxes, seeing the draconequus giving her a mischievous yet cheeky smile. He just loved to 'point' her supposed subtle flirting. And for some reason...it made her smile.
Before they knew it, they reached Esther's door. They stopped and faced each other. With blushing cheeks and nervous smiles.
Esther was the first to speak up, "Um...thank you. For escorting me back to my room."
"Anything for my queen, my dearest."
"Also..."
"Also what my dear?"
"T-T-Thank you...for all that you did today. I never thought that...I would see the temples again...like they were before. So,thank you."
"Oh believe me Esther, it was the least I could do. After all, it was my fault in the first place that they were...well..."
"But still, I appreciate what you did. It took alot of humility, and I...I'm very proud of you."
Esther looked up shyly to Xerxes and immediately noticed the love shining in his eyes and in his smile.
"You're proud of your hubby?"
Esther cracked up and giggled into her hoof, trying to find her smile from him. This made Xerxes laugh and chuckle with her.
When their laughter slowly died down, a thought suddenly came into the Queen's mind. The thought made Esther's face fluster.
"Is there something wrong? Wait! Don't tell me you have something to confess again?!" Xerxes asked in a worrisome tone.
"Huh? Oh...Oh no! No no! It's just...I-I was thinking about...how I could ever repay you...for all that you've done."
"Oh. You don't have to do anything my sweet. Just smile that sweet smile of yours and..."
"Xerxes...you've done so much over these past two days. All that I want to do is do something small yet kind for you. And besides...I haven't even given you a gift for our one month anniversary."
"Well uh...if it's for our one month anniversary, then go right ahead! What is it?"
"Y-You have to close your eyes."
"Alright!" He shut his eyes quickly and eagerly, just like she said. "Let me know when to...Mrhm?!"
His statement was interrupted by Esther's lips pressing against his. Xerxes's eyes immediately opened. He saw her face all tight, scrunched up, red, her eyes closed, and her lips puckered tight against his. She looked so adorable to him. Yet he was so surprised to see her bold like this and show affection like this so soon.
But before he could kiss her back,Esther pulled away. She opened her eyes and looked into Xerxes's lovestruck yet flustered look.
"S-S-Sorry. I didn't mean to surprise you like that, it's just..."
Then, Xerxes stopped her little statement by giving her a kiss on the lips quickly yet sweetly. Esther was stiff at first, but just like their first kiss, she eventually eased into it and closed her eyes.
The image of the King and Queen freezed and turned into a beautiful illustration in a book. Our narrator then explains us, "As time passed, our hero Esther did confess her love for the King. And her confession soon created another glorious and official wedding between the two. They vowed loyalty, truth, and love for one another, and truly sealed their bond for all time. What sealed their bond even more is when the royal couple had an heir of their own. But that's another story for another time. The story of their love and reign was passed down from the royal scrolls written by Moriyah the Wise and True. And Saddle Arabia has keep the tradition of keeping this story alive for their children and future children to come."
Our narrator closed the story book and we return to modern Saddle Arabia. With an all knowing smile, she commented "All of you are probably wondering how I know this tale. Well, you could say..."
Our narrator transformed into her true form. Her coat turned white. She grew elegant wings on her back, a long horn on her forehead, her rags disappeared, and her mane turned into a magical flowing wave of rainbow colors. Golden slippers appeared on her hooves, and a golden tiara poofed on top of her head. She opened her piercing pink eyes and smiled.
"I was there."
Celestia winks at us and giggles.
Author's Note: Haha lol that sneaky Trollestia, always loves to pop up at the end;) Anywho, what did you guys think of the ending? Do you think this story should have a sequel? Are there any other Bible stories that should a MLP version? Let me know in the reviews:) Now, if you excuse me, I need to work on my sequel for "The Green Eyed Gryphon" and the next chapter for "The Operatic Angel".