Datasets:

synthbot

/

fimfarchive

like 1

Grif

267

Main 6,Spike,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Pony Effect

What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe?

incomplete

<p>What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe? Will Commander Sparkle save the day like Shepard did?</p><p>Special thanks to vimbert and 108Echoes from Ponychan's /fic/ for proofreading and conceptual ideas.</p><p>The <a href="https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B0WyBmfXXXZKZDk2ZTM2ZGMtZGFkZS00OTgyLTkyYjMtYWVjYjBhNDI5MGMy/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">GDoc links</a>, if FimFiction does not fancy you. This is both my working copy and the originals that was published on Equestria Daily.</p>

everyone

2012-02-24T16:51:29+00:00

2012-02-24T16:51:29+00:00

[Equestrian Embassy, Citadel] “Well, looks like our dear commander has returned,” Ambassador Lyra welcomed. “And who are your new friends?” She waved a hoof to the gaggle of ponies and aliens that were standing behind the unicorn. Twilight stared blankly at the ambassador for a moment, before divining her meaning. Twilight gestured at the pair of C-Sec agents with a forehoof. “This is Garrus and Rainbow Dash from C-Sec. They were the ones in charge of the C-Sec investigation into Saren.” Both gave a slight bow to the ambassador. Lyra nodded politely in reply, but otherwise said nothing. “This is Pinkie Pie.” Twilight indicated the pink earth pony. The pink pony half-bounced, half-trotted up to the ambassador and shook her hoof vigorously. “Hi!” she greeted brightly. The ambassador looked slightly uncomfortable shaking hooves with the hyperactive pony. To Lyra’s obvious relief, Pinkie soon disengaged her hoof and took her place behind Twilight. “And the quarian is… I don’t think I got your name.” Twilight grimaced at her lapse of manners. Throughout their short journey to the embassy, she never thought to ask for the quarian’s name. “Tali’Zorah nar Rayya,” the quarian introduced herself, saving Twilight the trouble. “Tali’Zorah,” Twilight repeated, pronouncing the foreign name carefully. “She is the one who found the evidence against Saren.” “Quite a diverse party you picked up, commander,” Lyra said, raising an eyebrow at Twilight. “Well, let’s see the evidence you collected then,” Nodding, the quarian fiddled with her omni tool. A slightly metallic voice filled the room. “Appleloosa was a major victory. The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit.” Even though the voice was distorted, Twilight was able to recognise the speaker. The spectre, Saren Arterius. “I think that most definitely proves who was behind the attack on Appleloosa,” Rarity said, folding her hooves together. “Hah, I knew that sucker was guilty,” Rainbow Dash declared, fluttering her wings with excitement. Her face became thoughtful. “Hey, what do you think he means about the Conduit?” she asked, not unreasonably. “No idea, Dash, I have never heard anything about a conduit. As far as I can recall, there’s nothing in my books about any of this,” Twilight answered, shrugging. “Maybe it’s some sort of ancient Prothean machine…” Rainbow Dash speculated. Gears seemed to whirl in her mind as her imagination ran wild, all those years of trashy doomsday novels being finally put to good use. “...maybe it’s a super weapon! Some super awesome weapon that is so terrible, the Protheans hid it. Maybe... something that can smash planets!” Her words were met with gasps and murmurs. Prothean technology was centuries, maybe even millennia, ahead of any technology Equestria — or any other race for that matter — currently had. The mass relays were one such piece of technology. No species were able to duplicate the mass relay thus far, even after centuries of careful study. It was not implausible the Protheans stashed away weapons of mass destruction that could obliterate planets. Twilight turned to the dragon on her back, “Spike, load up as many materials as you can about the Protheans onto the Normaredy. We’re going to have a lot of reading to do.” “Righto, Twilight.” Spike jumped off Twilight’s back and went to work at the ambassador’s computer terminal. “This should be enough to convince the Council to strip Saren of his Spectre status,” Lyra said with satisfaction. “Good job, commander. I see the Princess’ faith in you isn’t misplaced.” Twilight’s cheeks flared red at the compliment. It was nice to hear her abilities being appreciated for once. Aside from the princess of course, who always made it clear she valued Twilight highly. “Wait, there’s more,” Tali said. Every pair of eyes in the room swung back in her direction. She shifted uneasily at the sudden attention. “More?” the ambassador asked, the frown creeping back onto her face. The quarian nodded, and played back the recording again. Again, the familiar voice of Saren spoke, “Appleloosa was a major victory. The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit.” A harsh feminine voice then continued, “And one step closer to the return of the Reapers.” “I don’t recognize that voice,” the ambassador said thoughtfully. Neither did Twilight, or the rest of her crew for that matter. “Who cares? We got our evidence; let’s get this to the council now,” Rainbow Dash said impatiently. The sky-blue pegasus flapped her wings impatiently and hovered above Tali. “Hold yer’ horses a minute there, Dash. What in tarnation are the Reapers?” Applejack asked, scratching her head. “I’ve never heard of such critters before in my entire life.” “According to the memory core, the Reapers are some form of hyper-advanced machine race that existed 50,000 years ago,” Tali explained, her faintly accented voice the only sound in the room. “The geth believe that the Reapers hunted the Protheans into extinction. Then they vanished. There has been no records of them since.” Twilight listened to the story intently. Interesting, so if the Protheans were hunted into extinction then... The unicorn gasped slightly, piecing together bits and pieces of the images that were seared into her brain on Appleloosa. They must have been showing her the genocide of the Prothean race by the Reapers! The beacon, it must be a warning of some sort. It was too bad she couldn’t make head or tail of it. Maybe the Protheans encoded it in some sort of cipher or code. Fortunately for Twilight, nopony else noticed the distant look on her face. Or that she wasn’t even paying attention to the rest of the story. Talicontinued her tale, “The geth revere the Reapers as gods, the pinnacle of non-organic life.They believe Saren knows how to bring the Reapers back.” Tali looked expectantly at the ambassador, who was still deep in thought. “So... this Reapers... are some kind of super robot alien... race that...” Dash gulped, her face visibly paled. “... exterminates all organic life?” Tali nodded. “That’s what they are. According to this memory core anyway.” Silence descended as each pony processed the implications of the tale. Most looked distinctly uneasy. Fluttershy was already hiding under the coffee table, her body trembling with fear. “The Council is going to love this,” Ambassador Lyra finally said, a hoof rubbing her temple. “Well, no matter what they think of the rest, those files still prove Saren is a traitor,” Rarity pointed out. “Good point,” the ambassador acknowledged. She lapsed into deep thought for another moment, before making her decision. The mint green unicorn straightened her back and said, “Right, I’m going to go and arrange another meeting with the Council. Meet me at the Citadel Tower when I call. It might take some time though, the Council will not be happy to see me again.” She began shuffling some papers around on her desk. “Wait, where’s Captain Trixie?” Twilight finally noticed the absence of the brash captain. The other ponies began looking around the room as well, apparently just realising her absence as well. The ambassador didn’t even glance back. “No idea. She left my office in a hurry to take care of some personal business. I haven’t seen her since.” With that, she cantered out of the office. “Huh, she doesn’t seem too concerned,” Twilight said to nopony in particular. “Probably ‘cause that no-good blowhard wasn’t such a big loss,” Applejack remarked. The other ponies from the Normaredy snickered, having been subjected to the full force of the captain’s personality on the ship. Twilight however, said nothing. She had a feeling the captain might be trouble in the future. “Commander? A word please,” Tali piped up. Twilight turned to face the quarian. “Yes, Tali?” she asked, a quizzical expression on her face. “I want to come with you,” she said simply. Her tone made it clear it was not a request. Why is this quarian suddenly offering her help? “You heard me. Saren is a danger to an entire galaxy. What does it say about me if I turn my back on this? My Pilgrimage can wait.” The quarian’s glowing eyes glinted with determination behind her mask. “Wait, Pilgrimage? Are you on some—” Spike started, obviously thinking of something else unrelated. Tali facepalmed at the dragon’s question. “I’ll explain later,” she replied in a patient voice, cutting Spike off. Spike raised a claw to object, but one look at the quarian’s demeanour made him reconsider. “We’re coming with you too!” Garrus and Dash said in unison. They looked at each other in surprise, before bursting into laughter. “Great minds think alike eh, Dash?” Garrus said, winking at the blue pegasus. “Yeah,” Rainbow Dash replied, beaming. “That Saren is so going down with the two of us on his case.” She air punched with her hooves. “Wait, what? I didn’t say anything about—” Twilight began to object. She found her open mouth stuffed full with cupcakes instead. The unicorn glared at the culprit; the party pony who somehow managed to balance a whole tray of cupcakes on one hoof. “Aw, come on, commander! It’ll be super duper fun. We’ll have makeovers, parties, and kick lots and lots of bad guys flanks!” Pinkie said enthusiastically. Twilight could only mumble an incoherent objection, desperately trying to chew past the mass of cupcakes in her mouth. Her purple eyes frantically indicated no. Pinkie took that as a yes. “Yay!” she exclaimed. Applejack and Dash exchanged high hooves. Fluttershy looked uncertainly at the unfolding scene, too timid to voice her objection that she was never part of this outfit to begin with. “Um... whatever you want to do is fine...” she squeaked softly. On her back, Angel folded his arms and put on his trademark scowl. The rabbit clearly remained unamused at the fact that he was about to be dragged around the galaxy. Twilight finally had the sense to spit out the pastries in her mouth. She looked at all the enthusiastic faces beaming at her with the sole exception of Fluttershy, and the quarian, whom she still could not read. Pinkie, in particular, was pulling out her puppy eyes again. Defeated, Twilight flattened her ears and sighed. “Fine, you guys can come.” The resulting cheer deafened Twilight and echoed even across the Presidium. *** [Presidium, Citadel] “I guess we might as well explore the place while waiting for the ambassador’s call,” Twilight said. Only Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Dash and Garrus accompanied her. Fluttershy was off to visit the Presidium’s massive arboretum. Rarity was bubbling about going to a fabulous shopping mall in the Wards, and took off in a hurry. Spike stayed behind in the office to make arrangements for the newcomers on the ship. Tali was content to stay with the dragon in the office where she felt safe. The group were standing in the middle of the Presidium, on one of the many bridges overlooking the massive lake that stretched across the place. Unlike the Wards, the Presidium was considered one of the most exclusive places in the Citadel, being located in the center of the station. An artificial sky was projected overhead, complete with artificial illumination simulating the light of a star, giving the ponies the feeling of being on a planet instead of the deep space station. All around them, various dignitaries and alien beings passed by. It was a peaceful and serene place, all and all. “Hmm, I wonder if there’s any fish in them lakes.” Applejack stared at the blue waters of the lake thoughtfully. “I bet there’re thousands of small little fishies in the lake. Wanna go take a look?” Pinkie Pie replied, holding up a snorkeling kit she somehow managed to dig up. The pink pony was already wearing her own kit. Twilight was horrified at the prospect of two of her friends swimming in a lake in the middle of the most exclusive location on the Presidium. She quickly intervened. “No, Pinkie. There will be no swimming in the lakes.” For good measure, she also levitated the snorkeling kit off Pinkie’s hooves and out of reach. Pinkie pouted at the restriction. “Awwwwwww....” she said glumly. “Well, well, look who happened to stumble into my path again. The bright and aspiring commander,” a very familiar voice called out from behind Twilight. Twilight turned to face the speaker with narrowed eyes. “Trixie,” she spat. “The Great & Powerful Trixie. You would do well to remember the correct title,” Trixie said haughtily. She was now dressed in a more informal cloak, stars of every shape dotting the fabric. It seemed to match her pointed hat rather better than her captain’s uniform. Pinkie Pie half-hopped past Twilight to face Trixie. She pointed a hoof at her snout. “You! I know you. You’re that meanie Twilight told me,” she said, narrowing her blue eyes. Leaning closer, she half-whispered to Trixie, “I have my eye on you.” Pinkie stared directly into the Trixie’s eyes. Trixie felt herself sweating as she tried to match the pink pony’s glare. She needed to distract this pink simpleton, fast. Remembering the party pony’s reputation, she tried a simple trick. The captain hurriedly pointed in a random direction. “Oh look, is that a party?” “Party? WHERE?” Pinkie exclaimed excitedly, breaking the stare and bouncing off in the direction of Trixie’s hoof. The pink pony disappeared out of sight before anypony else could stop her. “Heh, simpletons. Too easy to manipulate.” Trixie said, her smug look hiding the apprehension she felt at the brief confrontation. “What do want, Trixie?” Twilight asked, not amused by her behaviour. “Nothing more than revenge, my dear Twilight Sparkle,” Trixie said with a flourish, and swirled her cloak. The bright gem on the clasp of her cloak glinted brightly. “Behold!” Her horn lit up theatrically, fireworks spouting dramatically around her. Twilight could swear she heard fanfare amongst the exploding fireworks. The fireworks continued to pop across the bridge they were standing on, and black smoke started to envelop the bridge. Twilight and the other ponies coughed, their vision obscured. Trixie herself was no longer visible. Her maniacal laughter however could still be heard. “Commander! Look out!” Dash suddenly shouted. Twilight felt herself being shoved to one side by the blue pegasus. Lying on her flank, she heard a single gunshot. It was a trap. The smoke, the fireworks, they were a distraction. Trixie wanted to kill her! The mere thought of the captain turning traitor churned her stomach. “Ambush! Put up your kinetic barriers!” Twilight called. She began casting a wind spell, hoping to dissipate the smoke. “Wait, this isn’t part—” the confused voice of Trixie said, the loud pops of the fireworks going off fading. Before she could finish the sentence however, gunfire erupted all around them. Twilight gritted her teeth as she felt a couple of bullets hitting her kinetic barriers. The wind spell she had casted was working, but the dense smoke cloud was taking time to clear. “Ah can’t see them!” she heard Applejack yell over the sound of gunfire. “Stay steady, the smoke is clearing.” Garrus called back, his assault rifle emitting a steady staccato. He was still firing blind though, so it was a futile gesture at best. Bit by bit, the smoke began to dissipate. Twilight squinted through the gloom, and made out about half a dozen hazy figures on each side of the bridge. As the pall lifted, she saw that they were mostly turians and salarians, each heavily equipped with military-grade armour and assault rifles. Their amour were painted in a curious blue scheme. Mercenaries, if Twilight were any judge. At the sight of the smoke clearing, they stopped firing, apparently taken by surprise by the number of ponies on the bridge. Twilight’s tactical mind quickly distilled the situation. The mercenaries choose their ambush well, having entrenched themselves on both the north and south end of the bridge, using the odd bench and the plaza’s delicate architecture as cover. On the other hoof, the ponies had been standing right in the middle of an open bridge, with no cover in sight, and no way to escape, save jumping into the lake. Unfortunately, jumping into the lake was not an option, since the mercs would probably just finish them off while they were flailing about in the water. They were trapped like a fish in a bowl. Twilight glanced back at Trixie, who was still rooted to the same spot. She wore a blinkered expression on her face, her jaw hanging loose. Her pointed hat lay on the floor besides her hooves. “Fools, what are you waiting for? Finish them before the C-Sec arrives!” a krogan voice shouted. Startled into action, the mercenaries opened up with everything they got. It was only a matter of time before they were overwhelmed and shredded to pieces by the bulletstorm. Already, Twilight noticed some of her friends’ kinetic barriers starting to fail. The commander made a decision. Her horn glowing brightly, Twilight began to reach deep into herself. The spell she was casting was a basic barrier spell, designed to temporarily block incoming projectiles. The power of the barrier was proportionate to the power of the unicorn casting the spell. An average unicorn could probably cast a barrier that lasted up to several seconds in a firefight, making the utility of this spell situational at best. Commander Sparkle was no ordinary unicorn. In seconds, she weaved a semi-circular magical energy barrier that covered one end of the group, shielding them temporarily from weapon fire coming from the north side of the bridge. “I can’t shield both end!” she called, her voice strained from the effort. The mercenaries seemed surprised by the move, but continued to pour fire into the barrier. One of the mercs took out a portable rocket launcher, apparently deciding the extra firepower was needed. “Let Trixie show her magic,” she heard Trixie say. Another pale blue barrier suddenly appeared on the other side of the small group, complementing Twilight’s semi-circle. The barrier surrounding the group was now an impenetrable wall. Twilight blinked in confusion. No time to ponder the matter though. She needed to concentrate on keeping the barrier up. At least it bought them precious time to figure a plan out of this mess. The unicorn winced as a rocket impacted against the barrier. “Got one in my sight,” Dash said, the sniper rifle on her shoulder moving ever so slightly as she tracked her targets. The sound of her rifle’s boom cut through the air. In the distance, a salarian merc crumpled to the ground. “Oh yeah! Got that one,” she whooped. “Don’t get cocky Dash, they still outnumber us,” Garrus reminded. As if to reinforce Garrus’ words, a grenade landed right beside Dash, somehow managing to slip past the energy barriers. “Oh horseapples!” Dash shouted, and frantically kicked the grenade away. The grenade sailed off the bridge and landed in the lake below with a splash. “Where the hay is C-Sec? The Presidium is supposed to be the most secure place on the Citadel,” Dash yelled. “Damned if I know. Must be some emergency elsewhere on the Presidium,” Garrus replied. *** [A short distance away] “Freeze!” a turian C-Sec constable yelled. “We have you surrounded!” Two dozen more guns clicked as the C-Sec constables trained their weapons on their target. “Okie-dokie-lokie,” the shadowy pony in the corner said, raising her hooves. The three salarians who were huddling in the corner quickly scuttled for the safety of the door. “These guys weren’t in the mood for a party anyway.” She trotted out cheerfully to the nearest policepony and held her hooves out. The radio on the C-Sec captain crackled, “Captain, we have a firefight in the middle of the goddamn Presidium. Where are your men?” “Sir? We’ve just arrested the pink pony like you ordered. Top priority.” “Captain, I’m going to personally demote you for the error in judgement you just made. When I said I wanted Pinkie Pie arrested, I DID NOT MEAN FOR YOU ABANDON THE WHOLE PRESIDIUM TO ARREST HER. NOW GET BACK HERE AND CONTAIN THE SITUATION,” the voice on the other end snarled. “Y-y-yes, sir!” *** “I’m not sure how long I can keep up the barrier,” Twilight said weakly. The unicorn was panting slightly from exhaustion, though the glow of her horn remained steady. “Trixie hopes you imbeciles have a better plan than us standing here getting shot at,” Trixie snapped, her voice betraying the effort she was putting in. Both unicorns still kept up the barrier against the hail of bullets being unleashed, but it was clear they weren’t going to last much longer. “We’re workin’ on it.” Applejack replied, firing her weapon in short steady bursts, keeping the merc’s heads down as much as she could. Dash managed to snipe another merc who was unlucky enough to pop his head out at the wrong time. The mercs were down to nine effectives, but they were entrenched on either side of the bridge. No signs of C-Sec yet. “Consarn’ it. We can’t break through either side of the bridge. We’ll get shredded if we tried to run fer it.” “Dash, see if you can distract those mercs over there,” Garrus suggested, pointing a clawed finger towards the south end of the bridge. “With your distraction, maybe we can take out the two hiding behind that railings.” “Right—” Dash narrowed her eyes as she spotted a small figure moving slowly up behind the mercs on the north side. “Is that Executor Pallin?” The Presidium was mostly empty by this time, so it was relatively easy to make out the turian from the distance. “The Executor? In person?” Garrus squinted to see the small figure for himself. So it was. The C-Sec Executor in red and black combat armour was carrying a pistol, apparently intent on taking the mercs from behind. “What’s he doing here?” Dash shrugged. At this point, she was grateful any form of help to even care why. “His office is just next door remember? He must be the only C-Sec officer left in this part of the Presidium. At least he got them distracted.” Dash pointed at one of the turian mercs, who crumpled to the floor as the Executor opened fire with his pistol. The group of mercs seemed to be surprised by the new threat in their rear and a few turned to face the new threat. The hail of fire on Twilight’s side of the shield decreased correspondingly. “Let’s charge them from this end and take them out. Only four left.” “As good a plan as any at this point. Commander, on the count of three, drop the shield.” Garrus said. He was met with a weak nod from the lavender unicorn. “Applejack, Dash, get ready. Trixie, after we move, you drop the shield as well and run like hell for the nearest cover.” “Why is the Great & Powerful Trixie the last one to go?” Trixie hissed. “Because we need you keep the other mercs off our backs while we take out those mercs on our side,” Garrus replied tersely. The turian was not in the mood for arguments. Mercifully, Trixie decided not to press the issue. “On three. One,” Garrus slowly counted. “Two.” Dash had her wings flared and ready to fly, while Applejack had her gun in her mouth, her entire body tensing in anticipation. “Three!” Twilight’s horn abruptly lost its glow and the purple barrier collapsed. Unhindered, bullets began to patter across the open surface of the bridge and onto the kinetic barriers of the four stranded on the bridge. “Go, go, go!” Garrus yelled as he ran forward in a crouch to minimise his profile. He fired his rifle on full auto to keep the mercs’ heads down. His battered kinetic barriers took a few more hits. Fortunately, it managed to hold until he found a convenient bench to seek cover behind. Applejack broke into a gallop towards the mercs, with Twilight following closely behind. Rainbow Dash flew up and away, perpendicular to the bridge in an attempt to distract some of the fire off the ponies on the ground. Her speed was the only thing that kept her safe from the heavy rain of weapon fire from the mercs. Trixie maintained her side of the barrier for several more precious seconds. Sensing that her time was up, she let go of the spell. Quickly turning tail, she galloped as fast as she could after them, somehow managing to evade the hail of fire from the other end of the bridge. Applejack managed to reach one of the entrenched mercs relatively unscathed and delivered a sound kick to his face. The turian was flung to the floor, unconscious. Taking his place, Applejack took the gun from her mouth and began firing on the mercs on the opposite side of the bridge. Not far behind Applejack, Twilight found herself sheltering behind a row of square pots of plants. Sensing that her foe was on the other side of the plant, the unicorn took stock, the hundreds of different ways to take out an enemy behind cover flashing through her mind. In the end, she took the most direct method. The unicorn kicked the plant pot with her hind legs, toppling the edifice. The merc scrambled away from the falling pot and out into the open. He was greeted with an energy blast from Twilight’s horn, which knocked him all the way into the lake. The last salarian merc still standing saw the his comrades being taken out by the ponies. He threw down his weapon and began running. “Not so fast,” Executor Pallin bellowed, the turian rising from his hidden position with his pistol raised. A single shot was all it took to bring down the fleeing mercenary. At that exact moment, the blaring of sirens on the other end of the bridge signalled the arrival of the rest of the C-Sec officers. A brief but furious exchange of fire on the other end of the bridge erupted, before all went silent. Twilight could see the remaining mercs were raising their hands in surrender. The battle lasted precisely five minutes and forty-three seconds. *** [Equestrian Embassy, Citadel] “As usual, the Great & Powerful Trixie saved the day,” Trixie blustered, as they walked through the door of the embassy. Twilight was too tired to argue with the captain, her energy sapped from maintaining the magical barrier that protected them in that fight. The C-Sec had arrived metaphorically red-faced to round up any surviving mercs. Most quickly surrendered after seeing their hopeless situation. The krogan leader had chosen to charge headfirst into half a dozen C-Sec officers armed to the teeth. He did not survive the charge. As the C-Sec contained the situation, Executor Pallin praised the commander for her resourcefulness in handling the ambush. The executor seemed relieved that she hadn’t been killed: that would have raised a lot of awkward questions about the competency of C-Sec, something which he wasn’t too keen on. He even released Pinkie Pie into her custody, provided Twilight keep the pink pony in line and ‘off my goddamned station’ as the executor so tactfully put. “Wow, Twilight, that was some battle! We could see the whole thing from up here!” Spike gushed. Tali nodded her suited head at the lavender unicorn. “Impressive work, commander. You took down a whole army of mercs gunning for you. Not many could have done that.” Twilight flopped on the couch and glanced at the captain wearily. Trixie looked disgustingly fresh, despite her earlier exertion. Maybe Trixie does have some talent hidden behind all that bravado. “I thought you set us up when it first started,” Applejack said to Trixie. The soldier pony still glared at the captain with distrust. “Please, Gunnery Chief. The Great & Powerful Trixie may be the greatest unicorn in Equestria, but she is also a decorated captain of the Equestrian Navy. Why would the Trixie betray her own country?” Trixie said, her face genuinely surprised. “Um... because of how she humiliated ya in front of the princess?” Applejack hazarded. Trixie looked at the orange mare with a mixture of pity and condescension. “Gunnery Chief, that was just a minor setback. Trixie fully expect the commander to slip up in some way and the princess will come begging for me to fix the problem. Why should Trixie work to hasten the inevitable?” Trixie said, as if stating a fact of life. Twilight shook her head at the captain’s words. Were it not for her huge ego, she would have made a fine leader. “Trixie, I don’t plan to fail. Not when the princess and all of Equestria is counting on me,” Twilight said dryly. Before she could continue, the embassy door slid open again with a hiss, revealing the worried figures of Rarity and Fluttershy (and Angel). “Oh Twilight, I’m so glad you’re okay. We came as soon we got the word.” Rarity stopped as her eyes caught sight of Trixie. “What is she doing here?” Rarity pointed an accusing forehoof at the captain. “It’s alright, Rarity. Believe it or not, she helped us during the battle. I think that should be enough reason, no?” Twilight answered, a wan smile on her face. She didn’t like defending the captain, but she had to give credits where it was due. “Err... of course, darling. Whatever you say,” Rarity said, clearly not convinced. Twilight tilted her head questioningly at the captain. “Anyway, if that ambush wasn’t your idea, then what was your plan?” Trixie smiled cryptically. “Twilight, you should know that a good magician never reveals her secrets.” “You mean this data disk I found in your satchel?” Pinkie said brightly, holding up the disk with a hoof. Trixie’s smiled faded and she quickly emptied her bags in search of her ‘mysterious secret’. Not finding her prize, she turned disbelievingly at Pinkie. “How did you—?” she sputtered, her confident voice gone. Twilight just giggled at Trixie’s shocked appearance. By now, she was getting used to Pinkie picking up random items off the floor or somewhere equally improbable. Even if it was a little unsettling. “Let me see that, Pinkie,” Twilight said, levitating the disk towards herself. She examined the disk closely. It was seemed to be an ordinary data disk except for some words scrawled in a corner. Squinting closely, she made out the words, ‘Twilight’s Private Moments’. Twilight felt her cheeks reddening with embarassment. She turned to glare at the captain. “Trixie! Were you spying on me?” Twilight demanded. Trixie shuffled her hooves guiltily, avoiding Twilight’s gaze. Twilight shook her head. “Honestly Trixie, humiliating me with my own ‘private moments’ has to be a new low for you,” Twilight admonished. A split second later, the unicorn regretted her hasty words, having inadvertently revealing out the contents of the disk. The other ponies stared at Twilight, wide-eyed. Even Tali and Garrus suddenly seemed more interested in the exchange. “Private moments... huh?” Spike began. “I wonder if she recorded that time where— my friends do not need to know the details,” Twilight quickly interjected, her face now bright red with embarrassment. For good measure, she shoved a handy sock into the purple dragon mouth, lest he found the temptation to tell too great. His mouth full, Spike resorted to glaring at Twilight sullenly. “Darn, now you got me curious,” Applejack blurted. She gave a sheepish smile when Twilight turned her dark glare on her. “Okay, maybe not too curious,” she conceded hurriedly. Twilight could hear giggling behind her. “I’ll be keeping this safe now,” she announced, quickly keeping the disk inside her satchel before the other ponies could assault her with more embarrassing questions. The very notion that she had been being spied on by the captain unnerved her. She’d have to make a through sweep of the ship later. Especially her room. The radio in Twilight’s ear crackled. “Commander, you may come up to the Citadel Tower. The Council has agreed to see our new evidence.” A pause. “Also, you might want to brief me about that firefight in the Presidium.” The ambassador’s tone indicated she found the situation somewhat amusing. “Executor Pallin was quite furious about the lapse in security on the Presidium itself. Fortunately, I hear you acquitted yourself well.” “Yes, ambassador, we survived that fight.” Twilight replied dryly. “We’ll be on our way. Sparkle out.” She turned to the quarian. “Tali, you’ll need to come with us. You’re a star witness now.” *** [Citadel Tower, Citadel] The second hearing took place very similarly to the first, with the notable absence of Saren himself. As was customary, the ambassador and captain stood on the podium facing the councilors, with the rest standing in a respectful distance behind. The chamber was now surrounded by a dozen C-Sec agents, apparently stationed after the breach of security in the Presidium. The recording was played again, Saren’s voice reverberating throughout the chamber, followed by the unknown feminine voice. “Here’s the proof you wanted,” Ambassador Lyra stated. She wore an impassive look on her face, apparently deciding not to be vindictive about finding the evidence. Twilight thought she was being generous, since the council had dismissed their claims so casually in the first place. Then again, she wasn’t a diplomat, and the subtle nuances of galactic politics were not her forte anyway. The three councilors glanced at each other briefly, before the turian member moved to speak. “This evidence is irrefutable, ambassador. Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be made to bring him to answer for his crimes.” The councillor seemed distinctly unhappy. “I recognise that other voice, the one speaking with Saren. Matriarch Benezia,” the asari councillor said, a worried look on her face. “Who?” Twilight spoke up. “Matriarchs are powerful asari who entered the final stages of their lives. Revered for their wisdom and experience, they serve as guides and mentors to my people.” “Well, this Benezia doesn’t sound very wise if she supports Saren,” Rarity remarked snidely. “Wise or not, the matriarch is a powerful biotic and has many followers. She will make a powerful ally for Saren,” the asari councilor replied. Twilight nodded in agreement. The matriarch sounded like a powerful ally to have indeed. “I’m more interested in this... Reapers. What do you know of them?” the salarian councilor directed the question at Twilight. “Only what Tali was able to extract from the memory core. The Reapers were an ancient race of hyperadvanced machines. Then they vanished.” Twilight answered. “The geth believed the Reapers are gods, and Saren is the prophet that will insure their return.” “We think the Conduit is key to bringing them back. Saren’s searching for it. That’s why he attacked Appleloosa,” Ambassador Lyra continued. “Do you even know what the Conduit is?” the salarian ambassador asked skeptically, his large amphibian eyes fliting back and forth between Twilight and the ambassador. “Well... no.” Twilight admitted. “But if Saren wants it, that’s bad right?” “This is ridiculous. Saren wants to bring back the machines that wiped out all life in the galaxy? Impossible. It has to be.” the turian councillor said incredulously. “Where did the Reapers go? Why did they vanish? Why have we found no trace of their existence?” He narrowed his eyes at the commander. “If they were real, we’ve would found something by now.” “But councillors—” Twilight started. “I agree with my fellow councillor here. This is different. We all agree that he’s using the geth to search for the Conduit. We just don’t know really know why,” the asari councilor interjected. “The Reapers is obviously a myth. A convenient lie to cover his true purpose. A legend he used to bend the geth to his will,” the salarian councillor said dismissively. It was obvious his mind was already made up. “But the Reapers are real! They have wiped out civilisations before. Who’s to say—” Twilight argued, before the ambassador raised a hoof to silence her. “Commander, I believe the Council has already made up their mind regarding this issue,” she said gently. The mint green unicorn shook her head slightly, indicating Twilight should not press the issue. “But ambassador, if the Reapers really wiped out all organic life fifty thousands years ago, do you really want to chance Saren using the Conduit to bring them back?” Twilight shot back. The lavender unicorn had come too far to let this opportunity go past. “Saren is a rogue agent on the run for his life. He no longer has the rights and resources of a Spectre,” the turian councilor pointed out. She could tell the ambassador... and the Council wasn’t buying her argument. “I’m afraid that’s not good enough councilors,” Lyra said in a matter-of-fact tone. “Even if he doesn’t have the authority of Spectres anymore, he has had plenty of time to use his power to recruit supporters in the Terminus Systems. By now, he probably has a standing army of geth and an entire armada to back him up.” She paused fractionally. “The Council would have to send a fleet to root him out.” “The Great & Powerful Trixie offers graciously to lead this fleet of ships to look for this Spectre. With the might of a Citadel fleet behind me, we can have this rogue in custody within the month and the geth broken,” Trixie offered. “We cannot just send a fleet to look for him. Our actions might spark a war against the Terminus systems,” the salarian councilor countered. “You no-good alien cattle-rustler. Every time we ask for help, you turn us down,” yelled Applejack from behind. Again, she was promptly silenced by Twilight, who resorted to tying a piece of cloth around her snout. “I have to agree with our freckled friend here, much I hate to admit it. The Council has not been very supportive of our cause thus far. The princess—” the ambassador said, before the asari councilor cut her off. “Wait, there maybe another way. A solution that will not require fleets or armies.” The turian councillor jerked his head towards his peer in alarm. “What?! No! It’s too soon. Pony-kind is not ready for the responsibilities that come from joining the Spectres,” the turian councillor objected with a wave of his hand. “Princess Celestia personally picked the chosen candidate. I think she’s as ready as she can ever be,” Lyra said, waving a hoof over at the lavender unicorn, who was deep in thought. “What?” Twilight blurted, a surprised look on her face. She quickly corrected herself, “I mean, yes, I’m ready!” An enthusiastic voice spoke up from behind the ambassador. It was Pinkie Pie, hopping around in excitement. “Don’t you see? It’s a great idea! We can go together on grand adventures, chasing down the big bad meanie Saren. The Citadel don’t need to send ships, we get our very own pony Spectre and get to have grand parties wherever we want. Everypony’s happy!” The ambassador seemed surprised at the unexpected help, but she nodded and stared expectantly at the councillors. “I think she made her point very clear, councillors,” Lyra said. Again, the three members of the Council paused, and glanced at each other. After what seemed like a moment of silent deliberation, both the turian and salarian councilors nodded. Twilight thought the turian councilor seemed fractionally slower in giving his assent. “Commander Sparkle,” the asari councillor called. Twilight’s ears perked up. “Step forward.” After a brief moment of hesitation, the unicorn trotted forward, the ambassador moving slightly to make room. She now stood at the edge of the podium, facing the three most powerful figures in the known space. The asari councilor looked directly into her purple eyes, unnerving the unicorn slightly. The chamber fell into a deathly silence. Twilight could feel her heart beating, butterflies suddenly fluttering in her stomach. Dozens of eyes seemed to bore into her. “It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance Team branch of the Citadel,” the asari councilor said in a formal tone. Twilight felt her heart racing. This was the moment, the day the princess have been preparing for her for. “Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle, those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file,” the salarian councilor continued. Her mind flashed back to the events of Appleloosa. The battles. The husks. The geth. Nihilus. Disarming the bombs in the colony. The battle on the Presidium. “Spectres are an ideal, a symbol. The embodiment of courage, determination and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, instrument of our will,” the asari councilor said. Twilight’s chest puffed. Deep down, she resolved not only to a symbol, but to the embodiment of everything ponykind should reach for. It would be what the princess expected of her. It was what Equestria would look to her as. “Spectres bear a great burden. They are the protectors of the galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold,” the turian councillor finished. As the turian councillor spoke, Twilight found her shoulders being weighed down by the enormity of her task. The turian councillor was right. It was her duty and responsibility to uphold galactic peace if she accepted. Ponykind... neigh, all Citadel races would be depending on her to keep the peace. “This is a great achievement for ponykind, being the first Spectre, Commander Sparkle. Do you accept?” the asari councilor asked. Twilight was at a momentary loss of words. So much was flying through her mind right now. The responsibility. The prestige. The pride. The privilege. It was overwhelming. “Well, Commander?” the asari councillor pressed. All the wild thoughts in mind suddenly crystallised into one single emotion. The lavender unicorn’s face beamed as she shouted a single word. “YES!” *** [Crew Deck, ESV Normaredy] Spike rapped on the door to Twilight’s cabin and called, “Come on, Twilight. You been in there for a whole day already.” A weary voice replied from behind the door. “Leave me alone Spike. My reputation is forever ruined.” Spike could hear the sound of somepony turning on the bed. “Aw, come on Twi, it wasn’t so bad.” Spike tried to reassure her. The effect was spoiled by the sound of his two companions giggling. He waved for Garrus and Rarity to keep silent. “Yeah right, Spike, you’re just saying that to cheer me up.” “It’s true. I mean, sure, you did scream with joy when the Council made you a Spectre. But everypony will right?” “Spike, you left out the part where I also shouted ‘Yes!’ continuously for five whole minute, while prancing about in front of the Council AND the ambassador like a foal, in front of a dozen camera who happened to film the moment. It. Was. A. Disaster.” “But... Twilight... you looked... so cute—” Spike self-control failed and he began to burst out laughing as the memory of the incident surfaced. Unable to control himself, he fell to the floor laughing uncontrollably. Another groan emanated from behind the locked door. “Spike, you horrible dragon! We should be cheering the commander up, not... laughing... at...” Rarity began to giggle as well. “... her... oh my stars, I can’t help it.” she said, her forehooves desperately covering her mouth. Garrus gave a chuckle at the words of the white unicorn. “I’ll have to admit, commander, you do look pretty cute jumping about like that. And the extranet seems to agree.” “Garrus! You’re not helping,” Rarity manage to blurt in between helpless giggles. “I’m never coming out of this room again!” Twilight wailed. “Oh, my sides hurt,” Spike said, as he finally managed to control his laughter. “Anyway, Twilight, come on. You’re the first pony spectre ever. We should be celebrating,” he said in his most convincing voice. Which wasn’t much. “We even got you a present.” “Yeah, Twilight, come on. Your present has already arrived. We ordered it specially from the Citadel,” Rainbow Dash called from the stairs. “Oh...” the voice behind the door hesitated. “Fine.” The ponies and Garrus outside grinned at each other. Their trap was set. “We’ll be waiting for you upstairs, darling,” Rarity called, as they made their way up the stairwell. “Yes, yes, I’ll be right there,” Twilight called back. The lavender pony reluctantly got out of her bed and began brushing her mane, which got altogether tussled from her time in the room. Flicking a final strand of stray hair into place, she unlocked the door and trotted out. The unicorn stopped in her tracks when she realised just how empty the crew deck was this time. Even during off-hours, there would be at least a couple of crew-members talking over a meal in the galley or taking a nap in the crew quarters. But now... nopony. Not even Ditzy who would stop by the galley every so often for another helping from her muffin collection. Her ears perked up as made out some jaunty tune emananting from the stairs. Strange, why would somepony play such a tune in the CIC? she thought. Twilight began making her way up the stairwell, the tune getting louder with each step. The moment the door slid open, she instantly knew. “SURPRISE!” The yell deafened Twilight, who stood staring in shock at the vastly changed room. The whole CIC was decked in party colours and decorations. The holographic map of the galaxy rotated brightly amidst the balloons and streamers that hung all around. Each workstation was somehow converted into makeshift tables for various party treats. “Spectre commissioning party!” Pinkie Pie declared, taking Twilight by the hooves. The pink pony dragged the stunned commander around the room. “Do you like it, huh huh? After the totally awesome thing you did back in the Citadel, you looked sad. So I was like, Pinkie, what should you do? Then I thought, of course, this calls for a party! Parties always cheers ponies up!” The pink earth pony paused to take a deep breath, before continuing. “So then I bought all the party supplies on the Citadel and made everypony promise to keep it a secret because then it wouldn’t be a surprise...” Pinkie continued on her whirlwind exposition about how she organised the party. Twilight had to smile at the Pinkie’s enthusiasm. She could tell the earth pony worked hard to decorate the ship and spring the surprise on her. And all her friends went along with it. Twilight glanced at each in turn. Applejack with a big grin on her freckled face. Rarity delicately trying to drink punch from a glass. Rainbow Dash chatting amicably with Tali. Fluttershy in one corner, terrified of attention, yet flashing a shy smile at Twilight. Spike riding on Garrus’ shoulders, shouting excitedly. “Thanks girls. I really appreciate it,” she said sincerely, a wide smile on her face. Whatever hurdles Twilight would face on her mission, she knew she could count on her friends.

Grif

267

Main 6,Spike,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Pony Effect

What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe?

incomplete

<p>What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe? Will Commander Sparkle save the day like Shepard did?</p><p>Special thanks to vimbert and 108Echoes from Ponychan's /fic/ for proofreading and conceptual ideas.</p><p>The <a href="https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B0WyBmfXXXZKZDk2ZTM2ZGMtZGFkZS00OTgyLTkyYjMtYWVjYjBhNDI5MGMy/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">GDoc links</a>, if FimFiction does not fancy you. This is both my working copy and the originals that was published on Equestria Daily.</p>

everyone

2012-02-24T17:44:28+00:00

2012-02-24T17:44:28+00:00

[Equestrian Embassy, Citadel] “Okay, Commander, now that you’re officially a Spectre, you’ll need a ship to get around in the Terminus Systems,” Lyra said, tapping her hoof thoughtfully. She leaned back on her chair and clasped her hooves together. “Fortunately, the princess has already made arrangements.” “Well, now that the commander will be getting her own ship, I’m sure the Navy has other plans for the Great & Power—” Trixie started impatiently, apparently eager to rid herself of Twilight as soon as possible. “She’ll be taking the Normaredy, captain,” Lyra said, deadpan. What?!” “You heard correctly,” the ambassador replied, unfazed by the shocked look on the captain’s face. “Commander Sparkle will be reassigned as the captain of the Normaredy for the duration of her mission. In the meantime, you’ll be reassigned here to me, as my advisor.” Lyra wrinkled her nose slightly as she spoke. Twilight thought Lyra didn’t look all too happy about the situation either. “But, but... my ship...” “Captain, the princess’ decision is final,” Lyra said firmly. She glared at the captain, as if daring her to make more objections. Trixie worked her mouth like a goldfish, but no words came out. Hearing no further protests, the green unicorn flashed a wan smile. “Good, I’m glad you approve, Captain.” The ambassador turned to face Twilight. “I have already transferred the appropriate clearance and command codes over to your assistant.” “I’m honoured, Ambassador.” Being the captain of one of the most advanced warship in the galaxy? The princess was sure going out of her way to provide her with the best equipment available. She glanced at the former captain. Trixie seemed to have lapsed into a state of shock, her violet eyes vacantly staring at the wall. “Cheer up, captain. Think of it as a promotion. Not every captain in the Navy gets to be the ambassador’s personal assistant after all.” Trixie blinked at Twilight’s words. Her expression changed to one of dawning understanding, then her typical brash arrogance. “Of course! The princess foresaw my special talents are more useful behind the front-lines.” She used a forehoof to flip her immaculate mane back. “The Great & Powerful Trixie shall not disappoint. The whole Citadel shall know the prowess of this captain. For it is I, the Great & Powerful Trixie!” Trixie reared on her hindlegs and struck a dramatic pose, fanfare and fireworks erupting behind her. Twilight coughed and spluttered as the smoke from the display blew into her face. Lyra remained impassive, though Twilight thought she saw the corners of her lips curling a litte. “Well, ‘Great & Powerful’ Trixie, you might want to start by clearing up all these outstanding requisition forms that piled up in my office.” Lyra levitated over a dozen PDAs over to Trixie. “Then you can sort out this mess of…” The ambassador went on to dictate over twenty different task for Trixie to do. Twilight had to stifle a guffaw at the way Trixie scowled after Lyra was finished. *** [The Wards, Citadel] The Wards. A place for everypony’s needs, if you knew where to look. Which was why two ponies were on a shopping trip at this very moment. “Now Fluttershy, you know Angel needs a new outfit. I won’t let him go into a fight with that horrible outfit of his,” Rarity said. She had to suppress a shudder at the fashion disaster that the bunny constituted. Angel was still wearing that makeshift armour he somehow fashioned together on Appleloosa. The unicorn had no idea how the rabbit managed to incorporate a geth’s chest piece into the armour, never mind how he built the whole thing to begin with. “Um... okay Rarity.” Fluttershy answered, glancing at Angel. The rabbit on her back was wearing his perpetual scowl, and looked at the crowds with bored eyes. “I’m sure we can find a pretty outfit for you Angel,” she said softly to the rabbit. The scowl on Angel’s face deepened. “Ah, this shop looks promising. Levona’s Fine Armoury,” Rarity said, clapping her hooves. “Come, Fluttershy. Let’s get shopping done.” *** “Ugh! If I hear one more asari shopkeeper saying, ‘I’m sorry miss, but we don’t stock for small animals’, I’m going to tear my mane out in frustration!” Rarity seethed. The white unicorn was especially distressed at her abject failure to help her friend to find the outfit he needed. For all the wonders of the Citadel, there was a surprising lack of choices in bunny outfits. Especially combat-ready ones. Fluttershy lowered her head in response, her ears flattened. Really, this shopping trip was stressing her friend out more than even she was. The yellow pegasus scrapped up the courage to speak. “It’s okay Rarity. There’s really no need for Angel to get a new outfit. He looks fine just the way she is.” “Nonsense, darling. I won’t take no for an answer. I’ll get her a new outfit even it means I have to weld the outfit myself,” Rarity answered firmly. What kind of fashionista she would be if she let the travesty that was Angel go uncorrected on her ship? The pair trotted past another shop, this one fairly mundane in comparison to the ones they visited previously. The holographic sign was dimly lit and said simply, ‘Harten’s Odds and Ends: Everything You Ever Need.’ The window was caked in grime, and obscured the shop’s interior. Rarity didn’t even give the shop a second glance, dismissing it as yet another run-down store. “Canterlot-clan. Do you not wish to browse my wares?” a muffled voice called out from the shop’s darkened interior. The pair stopped at mid-trot and turned to face the speaker. It was a volus, standing by the door. “No thanks, volus. I’m sure we can find our wares somewhere... more reputable.” Rarity replied, a little unnerved by the volus’ sudden appearance. “I... overheard your little conversation. I might have something you can use.” The short, stocky alien, slightly shorter than a pony, stepped out of the shadow of his store. The volus, like all of his kind, was dressed in a black, durable environmental suit, in a similar manner to quarians. The volus species evolved in a methane-based atmosphere, a rarity in the galaxy. In order to survive in the oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere most of the other Citadel races take for granted, they taken to wearing special environmental suits when off-planet. “Really? In a dinky, run-down store?” Rarity waggled an eyebrow at the volus. Fluttershy just stared at the alien, wide-eyed. She had never seen a volus before. The volus merchant shrugged. “I specialises in wares which other shops find too exotic to stock. Unfortunately, that also means I don’t get many... customers, as you might imagine.” He waved a pudgy hand towards his shop. “Still...” Rarity recalled her stellar lack of success so far in more reputable stores. And the equally unproductive time in the space mall. “Alright, we’ll see what you have. No funny business, mind.” “Um, Rarity, I’m not so sure...” Fluttershy looked at the darkened store with worried eyes. Tales of evil criminals who kidnapped ponies to torture them and bake them into cupcakes danced in the back of her mind. “Trust me, darling,” Rarity reassured the pegasus, and flashed a smile. She began to follow the volus into the shop. After a moment’s hesitation, Fluttershy made to follow her friend as well. *** [C-Sec Shooting Range, Citadel] Boom! The loud crack of the rifle echoed across the deserted shooting range. “Ha, nailed that one in the head,” Dash boasted, blowing the smoke off her rifle with satisfaction. Her chosen target sported a neat hole in the center of the head. Glancing at her companion, she gave a cheeky grin. “Beat that, AJ.” Applejack just grinned back, and loaded her battle rifle. She reared on her hind hooves and gripped her gun steadily. Seconds ticked by as she slowly sighted the target. “Applejack, if you can’t—” Dash started, before a series of shots interrupted her words. A neat line of holes in the center of the head of the target indicated where Applejack aim was. Dash’s jaw dropped at the sight. “How did you—?” she spluttered. “Rainbow Dash, you ain’t the only pony here who knows how to shoot. I been a soldierpony longer than all y’all been in C-Sec,” Applejack drawled lazily. “Hmph. Well, I bet I can beat you in a real fight,” Dash replied, a jealous expression passing over her face. “Now, now, Dash. You can’t be the best in everything you know,” Garrus called from behind. The turian was sitting relaxedly on a bench behind the ponies. His metallic face broke into a grin upon seeing the scowl Rainbow Dash gave him. He ducked as a water bottle sailed over his head. *** [Equestrian Embassy, Citadel] “Ooh, ohh, Twilight, can I ask a question?” Pinkie Pie asked in a bright voice. She bounced excitedly as she spoke. Twilight, who was trying to concentrate on reading her PDA on the couch, sighed. “Yes, Pinkie what is it?” “Great! Sp you see, there’s this friend of mine. He loves to fight and stuff. He’s also the bestest cook ever. Can he join us in the mission? Huh? Huh? We need all the help we can get right? Plea-a-a-e-se? He’s the bestest friend of mine ever in the Citadel.” Twilight rolled her eyes. If what she knew of Pinkie’s behaviour was any indication, this would be yet another stray pony she’d have to pick up and nurse during the mission. She also knew the pink pony would not leave her alone to her studies unless she agreed in some fashion. With a reluctant long-suffering sigh, Twilight nodded in agreement. “Just... let me see him before we go alright?” Hopefully, she could find some reason to keep her companion off the ship if he or she turned out to be as annoying as Pinkie was. “Oh, he’s waiting outside right now,” Pinkie Pie replied happily. Before Twilight could reply, the sounds of a scuffle interrupted the conversation. ’t go in without an appointment,” the guardpony outside was saying, apparently to the intruder. “Out of my way, pipsqueak. I already have my appointment with a friend,” a rough reptillian voice answered. One that Twilight recognised from Chora’s Den. Her head snapped to Pinkie, who was grinning manically. “Pinkie! Your friend is Wrex?!” Twilight demanded, already dreading the worst. “Duh! He’s my bestest best friend. Why wouldn’t we be?” Pinkie Pie answered, as if the very fact was obvious. Her blue eyes were sincere as far as Twilight could tell. Twilight facehoofed. The pink earthpony was somehow the good friend of this dangerous mercenary bounty hunter. The burning question that was eating Twilight was, How? How the hay she managed to gain the trust of a krogan? The sounds of the scuffle escalating outside broke Twilight’s chain of thought. She better let the krogan in before somepony got shot. Stepping through the door, she was greeted with the sight of the familiar red-armoured krogan being dogpiled by three different guardsponies. Two were holding Wrex down, who in turn was apparently in the process of breaking the wings of the third guard. Thankfully, the krogan’s sidearms were still sheathed behind his back. All four froze at the sound of Twilight’s hooves clopping. Twilight sighed. “Let him go, guards. He’s with me.” The guards glanced at each other, then at the commander. Realising that she was serious, they reluctantly let go of the krogan. “Wrex, you can let go of his wings as well,” Twilight added. Wrex blinked at the command, before releasing his hold on the guard’s wings. The guardspony rubbed his wings gingerly and nodded his thanks. The sound of galloping hooves behind Twilight was the only warning she got of Pinkie approaching, before she found herself snout-first on the floor. The lively party pony jumped to hug Wrex, who reciprocated the gesture. “Wrex! Silly krogan. You didn’t have to muscle your way in.” “Well, I didn’t like the way they’re looking at me,” Wrex said, and shot a glare at the guardsponies around them. The guards glared right back, no love lost between both side. Meanwhile, Twilight found herself knocked to the floor on her rump. She shook the stars out of her eyes, and turned to look at the mercenary. “I take it you’re the one whom Pinkie mentioned?” “Yes. I still owe a couple of favours for my pink friend here. Wrex always repays his debts,” the krogan answered plainly. Twilight let out another long-suffering sigh. “Since I probably won’t get a say in the matter anyway, welcome aboard,” Twilight said sardonically. “I look forward to see you in battle... Commander.” Wrex replied simply, an amused grin on his face. Twilight had an inkling the krogan knew just how persuasive Pinkie Pie can be. Somehow, that irked her a little. “Oh thank you thank you thank you so much Twilight. It’s going to be so much fun with so many friends going together,” Pinkie said excitedly as she bounced around Twilight. d. “Yeah, fun,” she said. Adding the krogan to the crew was certainly going to bring howls of complaints to her ears before long. Already she dreaded on how to explain to the princess of the wisdom of letting so many alien crew onboard one of the Navy’s most advanced warship. Her letter to the princess was already a week overdue. *** [Engineering Deck, ESV Normaredy] “Wow, this ship is a marvel,” Tali said with a note of wonder in her voice. The quarian, along with Spike and Scootaloo, was standing before the Tantalus drive core in the ship’s Engineering deck. Outwardly the core looked like a ball of blue plasma suspended in mid-air, pulsating softly. Tendrils of energy reached out towards the containment pylons which spun slowly around the core itself. “Yep, one of the most advanced ship in the galaxy,” Scootaloo proudly replied. She felt a thump on her head. “Scootaloo! We’re not supposed to tell anyone that. Top secret and all that ya’know.” The dragon on the pegasus’ back admonished. He folded his arms in disapproval. “Oh, come on! She’s going to be on the ship for the next three month or so. You really think she wouldn’t notice the technology in the place. For princesses’ sake, she’s a quarian,” Scootaloo replied hotly. “I’m still standing right here,” the qurian’s voice broke into the conversation. The two looked at the suited alien sheepishly. “Your pilot is right by the way. There’s no way a quarian can miss the extra tech this ship has built in,” Tali added. “But you can trust me. I owe my life to your commander after all.” Spike frowned and pondered the quarian’s words. He wished Twilight was here right about now, she’d know what to do. Since she was not however, he’d have to make a decision now on her behalf. “Oh, fine. I hope Rarity doesn’t mind you poking around.” “I’m sure I can work something out with her,” the quarian replied in an amused tone of voice. *** [The Wards, Citadel] A ladylike shriek echoed from the interior of the dark, dusty shop. “What in the name of Equestria is this?” Rarity cried in shock, as she surveyed the mountains of junk arrayed in front of her. “This... this is an outrage. It’s not... even... “ Rarity spluttered. “I stock only the finest in exotic wares,” the volus proudly waved his hand over the piles of indescribable debris. Rarity’s left eye twitched at the volus’ words. How dare this ignorant lout lure her, a purveyor of the finest armour in the galaxy, to this... this... unseemly junkyard. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Focus, Rarity. Fluttershy was counting on her to dress up her pet bunny. She already reassured Fluttershy about this flight of fancy, and she couldn’t go back on her words now. She glanced at Fluttershy again, who was staring wide-eyed at the amount of junk in the place. Yes, she must not fail her friend. She looked over the (what was more properly termed) junk pile again, and an idea began to click in her mind. “So... how much for that?” she asked the volus slyly, pointing to a random piece of junk. “Five credits.” Rarity’s eyes gleamed. “Five, you say?” “Yes. Five. In fact, every single item here is worth five credits,” the volus replied cautiously. The alien suddenly seemed a lot more nervous. “Very good,” Rarity replied, a cryptic smile on her face. The volus stared at the unicorn strangely, apparently expecting more resistance. Closing her eyes, Rarity concentrated, and started casting a spell she had been practising for quite some time. Her horn lit up in a brilliant flash, momentarily lighting the whole shop with the power of a star, before subsiding. Fluttershy rubbed her eyes in surprise, her vision momentarily blinded by the sudden show of magic. Then as the spots in her eyes faded, she began to notice glowing outlines of various objects within the junk piles. She saw Rarity grinning happily at the volus merchant. *** “I think that worked out quite well, don’t you think Fluttershy?” Rarity said, a trail of various armour pieces and components floating behind. “Umm.. yes.” Fluttershy hesitantly agreed. The yellow pegasus was not quite sure what to think of the whole incident. “Was that... another one of your spells?” she asked shyly. “Of course darling. One I have been practising for quite some time but never got around to using. It’s main purpose is to locate salvagable quality components. I been meaning to use it as a way to salvage usable equipment off the battlefield.” Rarity proudly explained. “And I must say it worked beautifully.” Never before had she gotten such a bargain. Only a hundred credits for well over two dozen quality components. And of bunny size to boot. The engineer pony was sure the volus was steaming on the inside when she counted off the credits. “Now... onward to the Normaredy. I got a bunny armour to put together!” Rarity said with a flourish. *** [Engineering Deck, ESV Normaredy] “So.. being a pegasus, why did you take a job as a ship pilot?” Tali asked nonchalantly. “I thought all pony pegasi would much rather fly than be cooped up in a ship.” “Now don’t you dare question my position. I got all the way here through on pure merit, my disease has nothing to do with it,” Scootaloo replied with a defensive tone. “Disease?” Spike blurted. He quickly covered his nose. “Are you contagious?” Spike. “And no, it’s not contagious.” Tali shrugged. “I just joined the commander. I only know you’re the ship’s pilot.” Spike, who was still covering his nose, nodded. “Fair enough, I guess Twilight wouldn’t know either, unless she’s been reading my files.” Scootaloo glanced around shiftily for a moment, as if afraid to tell her tale to anypony else, before turning back to the two. “I have Vroelik’s disease. That means I have weak wings. I... I can’t fly like other pegasi do,” she admitted in a quiet voice. “You can’t? But then...” Spike was silenced by a well-timed glare from the pilot. “When I was a filly on Canterlot, I used to admire other high flying pegasi. Incidentally, one of them was the Rainbow Dash. Boy, was I obsessed with her for some years. I collected posters, pictures, hay, even cardboard cutouts. I dreamt that, one day, I’ll be like her. Soaring through the air, be the envy of everypony, you know.” *** The pilot could still remember the time she dreamt of flying. She was there, on an open field, lazing about. Her mother was going to ground her afterwards for skipping school, but she didn’t care. Then she saw it. A solid rainbow streak crossing the sky. Rainbow Dash. The fastest pegasus on Canterlot. “One day. I’ll be just like her. One day,” she whispered. *** Her eyes teared up as she told her tale, the memories obviously painful. “But as I grew older, I found myself being left behind as more of my friends took to the skies. Soon... I was the only filly left in Flight School who still can’t fly.” Scootaloo turned away from the Tali, and trotted a few steps towards the drive core. Putting her fore-hooves on the railing, she continued. “And I had no idea why. Everytime I tried, my wings just wouldn’t take flight. I can’t even hover off the ground for more than a few minutes, and I get these weird pains in my wings after each try. Eventually they got a doctorpony to look at me.” *** The doctorpony had summoned her to his room. She had no idea why. All she knew was there was something terribly wrong with her. Being a pegasus meant she was supposed to fly. But after five years of flight school, she hadn’t even manage to master basic flight. Scootaloo sighed as she neared the doctor’s room. The white door suddenly looked even more intimidating than before. Gulping, she rapped on the door nervously. “Come in,” came the doctor’s gruff voice. Scootaloo timidly entered the room and made to sit on the proffered chair. The elderly unicorn had a sympathetic look in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Miss Scootaloo. I have bad news.” Minutes later, she came out of the room weeping openly. It was official. She would never ever fly. Not even modern medical technology could help her there. Now, she’d never fly like Rainbow Dash. Her life was ruined. Her dreams shattered. Scootaloo moped for the rest of day, not bothering to show up for class. She quit flight school the very next day. *** “I was depressed for quite some time, moping about in my room. I bet I had my family worried for a time there. I even thought of suicide, as much as I shudder of the thought of taking one’s life today. Then one day, my parents brought me to see the official launch of the cruiser, ESV Fillydelphia, from the Stalliongrad Orbital Docks.” *** Scootaloo pouted as the space elevator ascended. What was so good about watching a ship fly off anyway? Dozens of ship fly off into space everyday anyway. She knew her parents was trying to cheer her up, but Scootaloo was not looking forward to it. *Ding!* The elevator doors opened. “Come on Scoot, we’re just in time to see the show,” her mom said excitedly. Scootaloo found herself being nudged towards the crowd around the viewports. Somehow she managed to land a spot that offered a spectacular view of the dreadnought. It was a sight she would not forget. The sheer size of the ship. The excitement she felt watching the engines flare into life. The slight tremor as the ship engaged its’ engines. The roar of the ponies cheering as the ship slowly moved out of the dock. It was... exhilarating. A feeling she remembered from watching Dash fly by her all those years ago. Then it struck her. If she couldn’t fly, then she damn well could learn how to fly one of these beauties. She enrolled into Equestrian Institute for Space Pilots the next week. *** Scootaloo turned back to face Tali and held out her forehooves. “And here I am. Years of hard work. Now I’m piloting the best ship in the galaxy. And it’s awesome.” Tali was impressed. Not many would work so hard to overcome their disabilities and come out to achieve something much more. Scootaloo reminded her so much of the quarian struggle. “Yeah?” “Why does Trixie insist on calling you ‘Joker’?” Tali asked. She had heard the captain referring the pilot as ‘Joker’ a couple of times during their brief conversations together. Scootaloo shrugged, and said nonchalantly, “Oh, it’s just a pet name for her. She thinks I don’t respect her enough and called me ‘Joker’ as revenge of some sort. I think. Hard to tell with that showmare.” *** [Briefing Room, ESV Normaredy] “Alright, everypony, are you ready to leave the station?” She was met with words of assents from all those assembled in the room. Twilight spied a raised yellow hoof. “Yes, Fluttershy, what is it?” “Um... Rarity made a custom suit of armour just for Angel. Maybe... he... can show it to you... if you don’t mind.” Twilight thought the pegasus looked positively terrified at the fact she was speaking to so many ponies at once. “Sure, Fluttershy. Let’s see this new armour of his.” Twilight flashed a reassuring smile, if only to calm the pegasus. Rarity looked at Fluttershy expectantly, a worried look in her blue eyes. The other ponies waited with bated breath. Seconds turned into minutes as everypony looked at each other in awkward silence. Rarity bit her lower lips nervously as she glanced at the direction of Fluttershy. After what seemed like an eternity, a soft voice broke the silence. “Come on, Angel. Don’t be shy. I think you look pretty.” Pause. “It’s okay Angel, I’m sure they won’t laugh at you.” Another pause. “Pretty please? I’ll even get you a carrot afterwards...” Yet another pause. “Thank you, Angel.” The yellow pegasus looked up towards the other ponies with a shy smile and stood aside to let her friend pass. Twilight googled as Angel hopped to the center of the room. He was clad in some sort of custom black armour, complete with visor and comm set. Each piece seemed perfectly tailor made to fit the bunny perfectly. To top it off, it was decorated with glitter. Sparkling glitter. “I... I think it looks wonderful,” Twilight finally manage to mouth. The other ponies mumbled their approvals and comments behind her. Rarity beamed at the praise, apparently overjoyed by the reception. Angel though, seemed unamused by all the attention he was getting. Twilight made out another hoof from the crowd. “Yes, Dash, what is it?” “Twilight! What the hay do you think you’re doing letting that krogan onboard?” the boisterous mare thundered. Rainbow Dash hovered out from the crowd, and zoomed straight to Twilight’s face. She pointed an accusing hoof at Twilight’s snout. “He’s a criminal for princesses’ sake.” “Dash, you can rest easy. The krogan promised not to break anypony limbs while under my command. At least, not without my permission,” Twilight replied, feeling a bead of sweat on her brow. Rainbow Dash was not so easily reassured. “But Twilight! He’s a krogan. K-R-O-G-A-N. He kills ponies for a living.” Her last sentence caused a few to gasp in shock. “Rainbow Dash, I know how to spell krogan. I also know he does not kills ponies for a living.” Twilight glanced at the floor for a moment. “Well, mostly anyway.” she admitted in a smaller voice. “See, Twilight, we can’t just let—” Rainbow abruptly stopped when the briefing door slid open. Twilight saw the flash of fear in the pegasus’ eyes, though the pegasus betrayed no other hint of her unease. Only one pony could induce such a fear in Rainbow Dash... “Sparkle, is there someplace I can stash my weapons? All the crew lockers are full.” Wrex’s voice behind her innocently inquired. Twilight whirled around to face the krogan, the biggest grin she could muster plastered on her face. “Uh.. yes. You can try that spare room on the Engineering deck.” “Thanks,” Wrex answered curtly, and stalked off. Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. Even though she had just defended the krogan, the mercenary still made her nervous. That was despite the number of times they already met after their introduction. Something about his casual attitude to killing bothered her. “See, Twilight. I bet he’s just waiting for a chance to betray us.” Rainbow hovered indignantly in front of Twilight, her forelegs crossed. “Why does he need all those weapons for?” Twilight put a hoof to her head. She knew that she was losing the argument. Yet, she could not in good faith just kick the krogan off the ship after that promise to Pinkie. Instead, she put on the sternest face she could muster. “Dash. Trust me. He’s with us on this mission. And that’s final.” Her voice brooked no other argument in the matter. Twilight fervently hoped she was not making a wrong decision. “Oh...” The sky-blue pegasus looked like she was about to fire off more objections, before hanging her head in defeat. “Fine. I hope you know what you’re doing, Twi.” Dash pouted and slowly flew back into the crowd. “Well, anything else?” Twilight called. Another hoof. A party pink one this time. Twilight mentally groaned. “What is it this time, Pinkie?” “I’m just thinking. Since we’re going on a loo-o-o-o-n-n-n-g-g-g-g trip, shouldn’t we stock up on party supplies. I would hate to throw parties with no supplies, because then we wouldn’t have balloons. And with no balloons— Twilight put up a forehoof to stop Pinkie’s rambling. “Pinkie, we’re on a mission to stop a very dangerous criminal. We have no space to carry party supplies.” “But, Twilight—" Twilight put a hoof to her brow. “No, Pinkie, I’ll have to insist on this. No parties while we’re on a mission.” Pinkie looked disappointed at the refusal, her lips set in a deep pout. Twilight began to wonder whether she had gone too far. Then, on a dime, pink pony brightened again. “Oh well! I bet I can improvise. Parties will be parties, so long I’m holding one!” Her blue eyes gleamed with determination. Twilight sighed. There’s no putting down that pink force of nature. “Alright, if there’s nothing else. Let’s move out.”

Grif

267

Main 6,Spike,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Pony Effect

What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe?

incomplete

<p>What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe? Will Commander Sparkle save the day like Shepard did?</p><p>Special thanks to vimbert and 108Echoes from Ponychan's /fic/ for proofreading and conceptual ideas.</p><p>The <a href="https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B0WyBmfXXXZKZDk2ZTM2ZGMtZGFkZS00OTgyLTkyYjMtYWVjYjBhNDI5MGMy/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">GDoc links</a>, if FimFiction does not fancy you. This is both my working copy and the originals that was published on Equestria Daily.</p>

everyone

2011-09-25T13:04:15+00:00

2011-09-25T13:04:15+00:00

[Briefing Room, ESV Normaredy] A much smaller group convened at the briefing room this time around. After the somewhat unproductive meeting she had earlier with the ship’s crew, Twilight felt it was better to limit the briefing about their mission to just her trusted friends and alien crew they picked up. She had no qualms including Tali and Garrus, since they were already neck deep in the whole matter, but the krogan was a dubious addition. Pinkie had insisted however, and Twilight relented after hours of badgering. At least she could rely on the mercenary’s professionalism to an extent. The familiar figures of the Ambassador Lyra and Captain Trixie appeared on the viewscreen, just as the last of her small group filed into the room. Twilight gave them one final glance, before addressing the ambassador. “Good to see you again, Ambassador,” Twilight greeted. Then spying the captain in the background, she continued with rather less enthusiasm, “And you too, Captain.” “Yes, Commander. I pray you settled into your new ship,” Lyra replied affably. Trixie just gave a scowl at the camera, obviously unhappy with her current predicament. “Now, I have a few leads for you to check out, courtesy of our intelligence services. First, we have sightings of geth off the planet of Poneria.” Twilight frowned at the mention of the planet’s name. From what she could recall, Poneria was a frozen planet that served as a corporate haven. The whole planet was not subject to Equestria’s laws by the simple fact that it was owned outright by corporate interest, a relic of ancient laws. Corporations was free to do whatever they wished on the planet, free from the scrutiny of Princess Celestia’s guardsponies and the Citadel. Many intergalactic corporations were believed to use the facilities of Poneria for their less-ethical experiments. “Poneria authorities so far have denied the reports, but we have reason to believe the reports were accurate.” Twilight snorted. Of course they would deny the news. No point losing potential investors to some geth scare. The ambassador glanced down at her PDA. “We also lost contact with another colony in the Terminus Systems. Harnos.” “What?” Applejack blurted, her face taking on a shocked expression. The name didn’t ring a bell with Twilight, however. If Twilight were to guess, it was yet another small colony that went mostly unnoticed by Equestria at large. Well, until the geth attack anyway. The ambassador looked slightly irritated at being interrupted. “Yes, Harnos. Before we lost contact, they transmitted reports of contact with geth scouts. Then, nothing.” “Twilight!” Applejack strode up to the lavender unicorn and pushed her snout in the commander’s face. “We have to get to Harnos, now!” Her freckled face wore a worried expression. “Calm down, Applejack. What’s wrong?” Twilight queried, not flinching from the soldierpony’s sudden agitation. “It’s... it’s mah little sister. Last I heard she was goin’ on some colony out in the Terminus Systems to open a new orchard for the Apple family. I... I think it’s Harnos.” “You think?” Twilight had to arch an eyebrow over that sentence. “Applebloom and I haven’t been exactly close. Not since that incident about her cutie mark,” the orange mare admitted. A guilty look flashed past her face. Twilight heard a discreet cough by the ambassador from the viewscreen and whirled back to face her. “Apologies ambassador, my... friend believe one of her relative is currently on Harnos,” Twilight said. She gestured for the soldierpony to take her seat. “Our condolences, but I’m afraid we won’t be able to help you from this end. The Council was adamant their fleet play no role in interfering with geth attacks in the Terminus Systems. There is one more lead...” The ambassador paused, and glanced at Trixie. The captain quickly levitated another PDA for the mint green unicorn, again taking the opportunity to stick her tongue out at the ambassador after she turned her back. Studying the PDA briefly, she looked up towards the camera again. “You remember Matriarch Benezia, yes? The asari whom we heard in that recording?” “Yeah...” Twilight was not sure where was this conversation headed. “Well it turns out she has a daughter, a scientist who specialises in Protheans. Dr. Liara T’Soni. Her last known location was somewhere in the Artemis Tau cluster. We have reports saying that she was exploring an archaeological dig site in on one of the uncharted worlds in that cluster. You will need to search the systems there.” Artemis Tau was considered to be a somewhat backwater cluster. If she calculated correctly, it’ll take weeks to search the cluster thoroughly, given that sheer numbers of uncharted planets in a system alone. Not a very exciting prospect. The ambassador eyes stared directly into the screen, her expression turning grim. “Commander... Twilight, I cannot stress the importance of capturing Saren. Words of his actions have already reached the public. Many ponies are frightened by the prospect of a geth attack. The princess herself is having a hard time keeping order as it is. You must stop him. No matter the cost.” Twilight was blinked at the sudden change in tone of the ambassador. She must be under a lot of pressure now. The lavender unicorn straightened her back and gazed back in the ambassador eyes. “And I will, ambassador. I will not fail the princess.” Lyra’s eyes hovered on the commander for a moment, before nodding in approval. “Good. Now, I have a meeting to get to. Captain Trixie here can answer any other question you may have.” The ambassador gestured at the captain, then trotted off-screen. The slate blue mare shot another irritated look at the ambassador, before taking the ambassador’s place before the camera. “Yay, I get to play Q-and-A with the obviously capable commander,” Trixie said sarcastically. Her bravado faded and the azure mare sighed as she faced the screen. Her pointed hat drooped slightly. “How can the Great & Powerful Trixie help you?” she asked in a weary voice. “You can start by giving me more intel on the colony on Harnos,” Twilight said, smirking slightly. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Applejack perking up, her ears flicking with interest. “Harnos...” Trixie juggled the PDAs levitating around her, before finding the one she wanted. “Let’s see, Harnos. The entire planet used to be one giant Prothean city, though only ruins remain now. There were some infrastructure left intact, and the colonists there tried to build on whatever that remained. Contact was lost approximately a few days earlier, soon after they reported a geth attack.” An ancient planet filled with ancient ruins? Twilight thought it was strange somepony would even try to colonise the place. “All available data on the colony and planet will be uploaded to your ship’s computer shortly.” “Right. Thanks Captain.” Twilight flashed the blue mare a smile. It only seemed to infuriate the captain more though. Her scowl deepened for a moment before she composed herself into a neutral expression. “Yeah, whatever. Is there anything else you wish to know from the Great & Powerful Trixie?” she asked, a trace of bitterness remaining in her voice. Twilight shook her head in reply. “Good, then Trixie wish you luck in your hunt.” The azure unicorn terminated the connection with a glow of her horn. “So... we’re goin’ to Harnos?” Applejack asked hopefully, as Twilight turned to face the rest of the group in the room. “Yes,” Twilight replied, a ghost of a smile on her lips. “I thought we’re on a rescue mission?” [Harnos, Orbit] As the ship sailed through the upper atmosphere of the planet, Twilight marvelled at the towering skyscarpers reached up to touch the sky. Most were in various state of decay, but the towers still stood firm despite millenia of neglect. At various levels, she could make out skybridges which linked each skyscraper to their neighbours. It was a strangely entrancing, if haunting sight. The lavender unicorn briefly wondered what the city was like when it was still teeming with life. As her eyes trailed lower, she was met with a vast expanse of white. An almost-permanent cloud formation covered the planet below, giving the illusion of the skyscrapers floating in the sky. Twilight knew otherwise. The cloud layer was actually miles above the actual terrestrial ground. She recalled from her reading that the lower levels were not considered habitable, since the dust clouds from milllenia of decay had practically fouled the atmosphere below. The lowest ground levels themselves were believed to be buried in dozens of metres of debris. “Approaching the Harnos port, Commander,” Scootaloo reported. “No sign of geth so far.” Twilight acknowledged the order and told her to take the ship in. She studied the skyscraper that was marked to be the port for the colony. Outwardly, it resembled the other skyscrapers, though it was easily one of the tallest around. It sported the sharp, yet graceful outlines that is common with all Prothean structures. Twilight knew that the colonists choose this spot because of the stability of the structure as well as easy access to a nearby water source courtesy of ancient Prothean aqueducts that ran throughout the planet. The frigate slowly slid into the indicated opening in the tower. Twilight noted, with relief, the familiar implements of an automatic dock came into view just inside the tower’s open entrance. At least the geth hadn’t taken the docks yet. She told the pilot to dock the ship and went off to prepare the ground team. [Docks, Harnos] “Standby shore party. Decontamination in progress.” “Why do we’all have to go through this every single applebuckin’ time?” Applejack asked irritably, She pawed at her armour nervously again, the white colour standing in stark contrast with her orange coat. “Well we could bringing nasty bacteria and stuff, which wouldn’t be good for the local ecosystem. But since the whole place was a city to begin with-” Pinkie began to blubber, before finding a purple hoof in her mouth. The soldierpony stared at the pink party pony blankly. “What she means is that the process is necessary so that we don’t spread our germs about. It’s...” Twilight fished around for a simple word. “...bad,” she finished lamely. “Well I don’t see how this helps nopony.” Applejack huffed in reply. “Decontamination complete. Logged: Shore party is ashore. XO Ditzy Doo has the deck.” The airlock doors slid open with a hiss. “Finally,” Applejack said impatiently. She began trotting ahead into the deserted docks. Twilight was struck by the acrid smell in the air. It was as if somepony went and burnt rubber all over the place. The docks itself was a curious mixture of modern technology and ancient superstructure. Various docking machinery and crates lay abandoned on the crumbling concrete. “Eww... the whole place smells funny.” Pinkie said as she put a hoof to her snout. “Needs more air fresheners.” “Hey there!” Twilight heard a voice call out in the distance. A verdant green stallion with red mane stood in what appeared to be the ruined entrance to the docks. He had a gun strapped to his back. Twilight waved at the pony, relieved to see the first sign of life in this otherwise dead world. The stallion waved back and galloped towards the small group. “Oh thank Celestia you came. I thought nopony would come after the geth started jamming our communications,” the stallion said with relief. “My name is High Fives.” Twilight glanced at his cutie mark. A pair of playing cards. The stallion must be some sort of gambler. “Well, we’re here and ready to render any assistance-” “Hold up. Is mah sister Applebloom here?” Applejack interjected, staring into the stallion’s maroon eyes. High Fives seemed surprised. “You mean you’re that annoying filly’s sister? Oh yes. She’s over at the colony.” The stallion gestured at the door. “Whatdaya mean by annoying?” Applejack pushed her snout against his, a dangerous expression on her face. The stallion grinned sheepishly. “Well, pardon me ma’am, but your sister isn’t... exactly the best of ponies to get along with,” the stallion stammered, his eyes avoiding the earthpony’s gaze. Twilight put a hoof on her friend’s shoulder before things escalated further. “Applejack, let him go. We’re here to help them, not start a fight,” the unicorn said. Applejack glowered at the stallion for a little while longer, before subsiding. “Fine.” “Anyhoof, the mayor would want to see you. I heard the geth are going to make another push soon,” the stallion gestured towards what Twilight presumed was the indicated exit. The group of four began trotting forward, with High Fives leading the way. Twilight couldn’t shake the feeling they were being watched. As they walked through the deserted dock, the unicorn thought she heard sounds of debris being disturbed. Yet every time she stopped to listen, the sound was gone. Just as the group approached the doorway, Twilight spotted a flicker of movement at the doorway. “Geth! They’re here!” High Five shouted, apparently noticing the same. The familiar bipedal robots with flashlight heads appeared at the doorway, their guns already raised. Ambush! Twilight mind flashed. “Get down!” High Fives yelled, and shoved the dumbstruck Applejack aside, only to be cut down by the whithering fire the geth troopers unleashed. Twilight dove behind a convenient pile of rubble and kept her head down as the bullets peppered her position. Applejack, momentarily stunned by the push, quickly crawled to a nearby pillar and started returning fire as best as she was able to. Twilight heard a giggle behind her. She turned around to see Pinkie somehow holding a whole belt of grenades in her hooves and preparing to throw the whole unwieldy thing. “Fire in the hole!” she yelled excitedly, the belt sailing through the air and landing neatly in the center of the geth ambushers. None of the geth survived the subsequent explosion. “Oh no...” Applejack breathed, as she saw High Fives lay bleeding on the ground. “Somepony help him!” she cried, as the soldierpony rushed to stem the bleeding. Her hooves was stained red as she applied pressure on the wounds. “Already there AJ.” Twilight replied calmly, as she cantered over and started applying the medigel furiously over the wounds. The unicorn noticed Pinkie was staring at the scene with rounded eyes. “Pinkie! Get some proper health kits. Medigel can only do so much.” The pink pony seemed to recover her wits with her words. “Okie-dokie.” She hopped off to the Normaredy’s airlock. Twilight thought the hyperactive pony seemed unusually subdued by her normal standards, before her mind drifted back to the task at hand. The party pony returned later with a few boxes of medkits... with the rest of the ground team in tow behind her. Twilight mentally groaned. Pinkie actually brought everypony else on the ship? “Twilight! Are you alright?” she heard Rarity’s voice call. “Yes, I’m fine. Help me with this civilian,” Twilight replied, as she levitated the medkits off Pinkie’s hooves and began bandaging the injury. The stallion groaned in pain as he stirred. “Hush, lie still. We’ll get you to the ship’s medibay.” Twilight said. The lavender pony injected analgesic for the pain and gestured for Tali and Garrus to carry the injured pony to the ship. “The rest of you, push on to the colony. Hopefully this was just a scouting party and the geth’s main force haven’t hit them yet.” *** [Lix’s Hope/Harnos] Fortunately, Twilight was correct in her assessment of the geth’s plan of attack. The ground team just arrived in time when the geth’s main attack swarmed the colony compound. Despite a furious half-hour long battle, they managed to hold off the attack with little losses of their own. “Lix’s Hope can’t thank you enough for your assistance.” the mayor of the colony spoke, a beige mare with grey mane and tail. Strangely, she was wearing a rather old-fashioned pair of glasses, which Twilight thought looked out of place with all the assortment of weapons on her back and flank. The Lix’s Hope outpost was all that remained from the colony on Harnos. The geth overran the main colony complex located in the adjoining skyscraper in the initial wave. The Exo-Poni headquarters, the company funding this venture and located further out in another skyscraper, fell after a brief siege. The local pegasus weather control station was gone offline, and the survivors were unable to reestablish contact. Lix’s Hope itself was just a small outpost, the size of the spaceport on Appleloosa. A malfunctioning Kowloon class freighter sat right in the middle of the outpost, with prefabricated hab units clustering around the damaged ship. Apparently the ship was undergoing repairs for months before the geth attack. The surviving colonists has taken to using the ship as shelter and to handle basic life support on the colony. They also barricaded the two entrances to the colony the best they could, and armed themselves with whatever weapon they scavenged from both their colony and off the geth. Twilight was impressed the colonists managed to hold out this long against incessant geth attacks. “My pleasure, ma’am,” Twilight replied sincerely. Days of being under siege have whittled down the colonist number to about fourty out of the original three hundred working and living here. The mayor suspected there might be survivors hiding in the ruins outside the colony complex, but the geth made it impossible to search for them. “I hear High Fives is being treated on your ship. I would like to request he be transferred to our care as soon as he’s stable,” the mayor said. Twilight frowned at the strange request. The Normaredy had much better medical facilities than whatever they had here. “But mayor, we’ll be able to treat-” “I’m sorry, Commander, but it is our custom to take care of our own.” Seeing Twilight’s frown, she added, “It’s important for us. Surely you can understand?” the mayor half-pleaded, a hint of desperation in her eyes. “I suppose I can’t refuse,” Twilight replied uncertainly, puzzled by the odd request. *** “Apple Bloom!” Applejack called as she spotted her sister trudging past with a pair of heavy saddlebags on her back. The tan filly with red mane and trademark red ribbon tied behind her mane stopped in her tracks, slowly turning around to look at Applejack. “Sis?” she breathed. Then she started shaking her head slowly. “Naw, it can’t be.” She rubbed her eyes once. Twice. Trying to be rid of a speck that just won’t go away. “It can’t be,” she repeated in a disbelieving voice. “What? Ya’all don’t recognise ya big sister?” Applejack replied, pasting a wide grin on her face and spreading her hooves wide. The astonished expression turned into anger. “I thought I had seen the last of ya sorry face.” The filly jabbed a hoof at her snout. “I told you not to look for me. You promised!” The words stung Applejack like a solid bucking in the face. “But.. but... I thought...” “Did ya really think you could show up like some hero in this here colony and then expect me to fall all over yer hooves?” The cruel words continued, “I think it’s best if ya just leave me alone.” Apple Bloom turned away. “Now, if ya excuse me, I gotta help Apple Fritter with her apples,” she said without looking back. As Applejack stood there stunned, the filly stalked off without waiting for a reply. “But...” her voice trailed off as she realised Apple Bloom had already gotten out of earshot. “Dangnabit, I will make it up to her, no matter what,” she muttered, already formulating another plan in her mind. She had already wasted five years moping about on Appleloosa, and she was not going to miss this golden chance to repair their relationship. *** “And we need help with the re-establishing the water supply,” the technician pony rattled off, checking off her imaginary checklist. “Uh huh.” Pinkie was busy scribbling in her notepad. Then, she innocently looked up. “So, what we need to do is chase away some varrens, get the water working again an-n-n-d-d-d-d...... pick up some power cells for the generator.” “Sounds just about right.” Pinkie Pie raised a hoof like a student in class. “Oh oh, can I ask something?” The ochre mare looked unsure, but nodded. “What is a varren?” The technician seemed taken back by the question. “It’s... you know... well...this four-legged creature...” “I think we’ll know if we come across one.” Rarity interjected before the technician embarrassed herself further. “Come on Pinkie, let’s see what’s Twilight is doing.” *** “So... what’s a salarian doing here on a pony colony?” Garrus asked, a curious tone in his voice. The salarian named Ledra shrugged and replied, “I’m a merchant. I go wherever the profit takes me. Supplying a newly founded colony seemed like a profitable venture to me.” He waved his hand at the crates around him, presumably his trade goods. “Then why stay? A geth attack isn’t exactly conducive to business.” Tali folded her arms. “After I landed, I couldn’t find the heart to leave. Something about the colony made me want to stay,” Ledra answered, his large amphibian eyes directed at the floor evasively. “I... see.” Tali replied, her tone clearly saying otherwise. *** “Twilight. I have to talk to you,” Rainbow Dash called. The sky-blue pegasus streaked across the outpost and hovered in front of the commander. “Yes, Dash, what is it?” Twilight looked up from the PDA she was reading. She furrowed her brow as she took in the stern expression Dash was wearing. “They said there might be survivors out there. Why the hay aren’t we looking for them now?” the boisterous pegasus demanded. Twilight sighed. It wasn’t that she did not want to go looking for survivors, but she had to prioritise the colony’s safety first. The mayor had steadfastly refused all offers to evacuate the colony. She was adamant they defend their livelihoods and not be chased off by mere synthetics. Twilight had been charting the pattern of geth attacks on the outpost for the past week. Given that there was no sign of any geth dropships thus far, she inferred the geth have been moving on foot to reach the colony from their base somewhere on the planet. So far, all signs point to the geth using underground means reach the colony, probably somewhere beneath this outpost itself. Probably a tunnel network in the tower itself, odd as it sounds. “Dash, we need to make sure these good citizens are safe first. We can’t just go off looking for survivors without at least making sure they are able to defend themselves.” Dash flapped her wings in frustration. “I know! But the survivors! They won’t last long out there.” The sky-blue pegasus looked out to the skies. “And nopony heard any news of the weather control station since the attack.” “Dash, I promise we’ll get right on the it,” Twilight reassured. Dash looked a little mollified at her words. “Pinkie promise?” she asked finally, folding her forelegs over her chest. “Pinkie promise.” *** “Hey... um... what are you doing? If you don’t mind me asking...” Fluttershy shyly asked the earth pony tending to the console next to the damaged ship. The cream coloured mare with orange mane and tail looked at the pegasus in surprise. “Me?” she queried. Fluttershy nodded slowly. “Well, I’m taking care of this ship here. Making sure it doesn’t deteriorate further.” She chuckled nervously. “But.. why?” Fluttershy innocently inquired. “It’s... it’s important for the colony. Look, the mayor asked me to do it alright.” the earth pony said sharply, before narrowing her eyes in suspicion at the pegasus. “Why are you asking me this anyway?” Fluttershy took several steps back under the colonist’s glare, her ears drooping in response. “Uhh... nothing. Thanks for your time,” she quickly muttered, before scooting off at full speed. The yellow pegasus galloped past the few colonists that was staring at the exchange. Taking flight, she flew towards a hidden ledge overlooking the entire outpost. “You’re right, Angel. There’s something under the ship,” the pegasus said softly. Her aquamarine eyes warily watched the colonists below. The rabbit just nodded, and frowned. *** “Alright team. Listen up. Since the mayor made it clear they won’t evacuate, we do the second best thing. We take on the geth. There are three immediate problems the colony are facing,” Twilight announced, unrolling a map that detailed the colony and it’s immediate surrounding. She gestured for her companions to gather closer. “Finally, some real action,” Wrex grumbled. Twilight pretended not to hear. The krogan was already moody enough as it were, without her getting on his case. “First, we will have to split into three teams. Applejack, Tali and Wrex will be with me. We’ll be going straight to the Exo-Poni HQ to clear the geth there. We believe this is were the main geth force is stationed.” She pointed a hoof directly at the marked location. “Us against an entire geth army? Sparkle, I like you already.” Wrex replied, grinning at the annoyed look Twilight gave him. Twilight then shifted her hoof southward, towards a cloud legend in the middle of the map. “Rainbow Dash, Angel and Fluttershy will be scouting the weather station as well as the outer skybridges to see if there are any survivors left.” A nod from the sky-blue pegasus and customary whimper from Fluttershy. “Rarity will lead the rest of you down the tunnels below the colony, in order to clear the geth and help restore power and water to the colony.” Rarity didn’t look pleased to be leading a team into an obviously filth-filled and dirt-ridden tunnel, but made no attempt to object. “Any questions?” Twilight was greeted with silence. She glanced at each member of her team, detecting no sign of objections on their faces. With the sole exception of Applejack, who seemed to be more interested in the distant Harnos horizon. “Applejack?” Twilight called. No response. Twilight tried again, in a louder voice. “Applejack!” The orange mare jumped at the sound of Twilight’s voice. She whirled to face the slightly bemused unicorn, a sheepish look on her face. “Sorry, Twi... was thinking about something else.” An awkward silence followed. “It’s Apple Bloom isn’t it?” Twilight finally said, letting out an exasperated sigh. Applejack turned her head towards the soft glow of the Harnos horizon. “I need to make things right with Apple Bloom... I don’t think I’ll get a chance like this again.” “Applejack, when I came here, I expected you to be able to put aside your feelings when I needed you to.” “I know, Twi. I thought I could! But...” Applejack shook her head helplessly and pawed at the ground. “I haven’t seen hide and hair of Apple Bloom for so long... It just hit me ya know... I reckon I’ll never get this chance again...” “Please, Twilight, this is important. For me...” Applejack pleaded. Just then the sight of her sister walking past the crashed freighter drew her eyes. The soldierpony glanced back at Twilight. “...for her.” Twilight sighed, sensing she wouldn’t be able to convince her otherwise. Not without some forceful arguments that could very well destroy the fragile relationship they shared. “Very well. Stay here in the colony then. Keep them safe. Keep Apple Bloom safe.” “Thanks, Twilight. You’ve no idea what it means to me.” *** [Skybridges, Harnos] Twilight’s team was off to a good start. They were not looking forward to the long walk to the Exo-Poni headquarter, with the map putting it at a good ten clicks from Lix’s Hope. Fortune as on their side however. As they were crossing the first skybridge, they stumbled across what seemed to be an abandoned M-35 Mako, lying on its side in a crater. “Why would the colonists abandon a perfectly good Mako in the middle of the road? It doesn’t make sense,” Tali said, as she inspected the mostly intact armoured personnel carrier left in the middle of the skybridge. “Probably because of the geth,” Wrex commented sardonically. He watched as Twilight flipped the vehicle to an upright position, before clambering into the vehicle. “Hey, the main cannon is still working,” Twilight called from the inside of the vehicle. The cannon mounted on the vehicle swiveled slightly as the unicorn fiddled with the controls. “Wow, the thing even has the latest optical targeting software,” she continued enthusiastically. Tali whistled as she spotted why the vehicle was abandoned. A melted panel near the snout of the vehicle was the apparent cause. Carefully removing the panel, she was greeted with a mess of melted circuits and burning wires. “This might take awhile to fix,” she said. The click of an assault rifle’s safety made the suited alien look up. “Then you better fix it quick. I don’t think we have much time. Incoming geth,” Wrex said, leveling his rifle. Tali followed his eyes towards the other end of the skybridge. Three quadruped walkers with the characteristic flashlight-shaped head. Geth armoured support it seemed. Several red-armoured bipedal geth accompanied the walkers, clutching what appeared to be rocket launchers. Fortunately, they were still some distance away, and the walkers were slow, plodding slowly but steadily across the debris-ridden skybridge. Twilight’s head poked out of the side doors of the vehicle. “Hey guys, what’s happening...” her voice trailed off as she noticed the oncoming geth. “Oh.” Her head disappeared back into the door. A moment later, the main cannon gun began swivelling to track the nearest walker. “Good idea,” Wrex said, before turning to the quarian. “Better get started, we’ll try to hold them off as long as we can.” He hefted his rifle and took off towards the geth. The krogan bounded over towards the advancing geth, firing as he went. One of the red-armoured geth went down in a flurry of accurate rifle fire. A boom from the mass accelerator cannon resounded over the landscape. Tali knelt beside the damaged vehicle, and started work on the fried circuits, her hands a blur. The cannon boomed again, and the kinetic shields of one of the walker flared an angry red as the shell hit home. The geth started to return fire, though it was pretty ineffectual at such long range. Still, the stationary vehicle was a sitting duck and a few energy blast from the walkers slammed uncomfortably close to the stranded Mako. Wrex popped out from cover to hurl a couple of grenades at the nearest geth. A stray rocket narrowly missed his head as he ducked back behind the wrecked vehicle he was hiding behind. The grenades took out another two of the rocket launcher armed geth with a satisfying explosion. Wrex grunted as he checked his grenade supply. He wasn’t going to hold the geth walkers off with explosives anymore. Well, more challenge for him. Another boom, and one of the walker finally went down, two of its legs ripped clean off by the massive projectile. The crippled walker fell heavily on its side, leaking a curious white fluid on the ground. The other walkers paused momentarily, as if stunned by the apparent death of their companion. Wrex took the opportunity to pepper the geth infantry with several bursts of rifle fire. “Got it!” Tali yelled excitedly. “Commander, start the vehicle and let’s get out of here.” The quarian quickly shut the panel back in place and gestured to the krogan, who was still up ahead toying with the remaining geth. The krogan acknowledged her signal and began retreating slowly, using the debris on the skybridge to cover his retreat. “Hurry up, Wrex! The Mako’s kinetic barriers won’t last much longer.” Twilight’s voice barked over the radio. The vehicle’s energy barrier flared brightly as energy balls slammed home. The mercenary sprinted the last few meters to the vehicle and clambered hurriedly into waiting door. Twilight pushed a hoof on the accelerator and swung the vehicle around, narrowly evading another energy blast. The team quickly drove back the way they came, with the geth in pursuit. *** [Weather Control Station, Harnos] The weather station, like all pegasi constructs was built out of a cloud formation. This particular one seemed to have been carved from a large cumulus cloud, with the ragged outline typical of that type. A lone cloud tower and scattered cloud buildings was visible from the distance. The two pegasi approached the cloud formation cautiously, using the surrounding clouds to disguise their presence. Since the clouds in Harnos were not exactly healthy to breath in, the pegasi also wore their gas masks as a precaution. “Rainbow, I don’t see anypony.” Fluttershy said softly, her voice slightly muffled owing to her mask. “Me neither. Maybe the survivors hiding inside. Come on, we need to get closer.” The blue pegasus flapped her wings and increased her speed. Fluttershy glanced at the bunny hanging on to dear life on her back and gave Angel a knowing nod. Then she took after the rainbow trail Dash left. *** [Tunnels, Harnos] “Clear!” Garrus called, as the last of the geth troopers went down. The turian walked over and kicked the downed geth for good measure. Rarity sighed with relief. The new monkey-like geth that went jumping around and firing out of unexpected corners was giving her a headache. Not only that, the damp and musty tunnel was hell on her precious armour. She was going to have to dry-clean the whole thing when the mission was done. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Pinkie playing with the geth’s flashlight head. “Wooooooooo~! Fooooooosh!” she playfully cried, as she swung the detached head around, apparently imagining it to be some sort of spacecraft. “Captain Geth, now intercepting enemy aircraft!” “Pinkie! Put that head down and let’s go,” Rarity barked. “Aww...” the pink earth pony pouted, and put the geth’s remains down. Then, she giggled. “I’ll come play with you later, Mr. Geth.” she said, before hopping off to join the rest of the squad. Rarity unrolled the map of the tunnels again, trying to get her bearings in the maze of drab corridors and hallways that weaved beneath Lix’s Hope. Looking ahead, the unicorn thought she spotted a junction where the map indicated led to the gardens. “There, that must be where the varrens are nesting.” “Right behind you Rarity,” Garrus replied. “Pfftt... colts these days. Always expecting ladies to go first,” Rarity grumbled, as they reached the junction. The dirt-caked sign on the wall clearly indicated that the garden lay behind the door to the left. Rarity blinked at the sign, not expecting to have arrived so soon. “That was easy. Let’s get this over with.” She lifted her submachine gun from its sheath and held it floating near her head. “On three.” She pressed against the side of the door and gestured for her companions to get into position. Garrus flattened himself on the other side, with Pinkie Pie hiding somewhere further out. “One... two... three!” Garrus slammed the button that opened the door. They were greeted with snarls and growls. Shadowy creatures about the size of ponies stood half-hidden amongst the dying apple trees. The varren. Outwardly the varrens resembled dogs. Their silvery scales and reptilian eyes quickly disabused the notion that the two was even remotely related. Sharp teeth jutted out from their slavering jaws, their hungry eyes already locked on the trio who stumbled onto their nest. Rarity froze on seeing the savage appearance of the varren. Oh, she had studied about them while in the academy, and had dismissed them as nothing but annoying vermin. Here, face-to-face with the real deal, she was forced to drastically change her opinion of the creatures. These weren’t annoying vermin, they were downright savage brutes! The varrens slowly advanced on the trio, snarling as they went. Garrus and Rarity trained their weapons on the advancing creatures. Neither side was making any overt hostile moves just yet. Then a giggle broke the tense atmosphere. Rarity whipped her head around in surprise. The first thing she noticed was that Pinkie was sitting on her haunches, giggling madly. The second thing she saw was that the pink earthpony’s head was attached to a very large jaw. Filled with teeth. Which in turn was attached to a silvery, dog-like body. The varren’s short limbs waved about uselessly as the pink pony continued to giggle. “Pinkie Pie! Are you alright?” Rarity gasped. “Yes, silly. Gummy here just wants to play!” Pinkie replied nonchalantly. She reached up and gently extracted the varren from her head. Putting the varren down on the floor beside her, she then took out a monocle and a top hat from her saddlepacks and attached it lovingly to the varren. “There Gummy. You look all prettier.” The varren blinked in surprise, but did not attempt to move. “Um... Rarity, you might want to take a look at this,” Garrus piped up behind the unicorn. She turned around again, to be faced with a curious sight. The turian was actually petting one the creatures gently. The varren hissed in pleasure, its fins rising slightly in response. Apparently the varren Pinkie had somehow snagged was the alpha male. The other varrens dropped their aggressive posture and began barking hisses of approval at the trio. She shook her head in resigned disbelief. That pink pony would never cease to amaze with her unorthodox ways. Besides, Rarity thought the varren looked adorably cute with the monocole and tophat on. *** [Skybridges, Harnos] “Well, we certainly showed those geth.” Tali said approvingly. The interior of the Mako was cramped, and Tali was sitting awkwardly in one corner, just behind the driver’s seat with the large bulk of Wrex occupying the other end. The krogan was slouched forward slightly, owing to the limited height of the sturdy vehicle. “Yeah, hopefully we won’t run into anymore geth.” Twilight replied, driving past the derbis strewn skybridges carefully. “We should reach the Exo-Poni headquarters after...” Twilight brought up the map of the area on a separate viewscreen. “... this tower ahead, and taking Skybridge 22.” The cabin was silent for a moment as they approached the indicated tower. “I’m picking up radio signals.” Tali announced, as she worked the communication console she found on her side. “There’s someone out there.” “...bzzt... somepony is coming... not...bzzt... geth...bzzt... friendly?....” “I can’t get more of it, the geth must be jamming radio communications.” “Can you get me a fix on their location?” Twilight queried. Tali looked up from her console. “It’s... right ahead of us. In that tower ahead. That’s how we picked up the signal. We’re close enough to intercept the signals despite the geth jamming.” “Fair enough. Let’s go rescue these survivors.” *** [Weather Control Station, Harnos] “Hello? Anypony here?” Dash called out. The sky-blue pegasus hovered near one of the cloud shacks. She turned around as Fluttershy flew up behind her. “Nopony. Weird. There should be somepony around. The geth didn’t even touch the place.” Dash said, waving a hoof towards the abandoned weather station. It was spotless, saved for abandoned work equipment and sheets of paper lying about. “Um... maybe we should take a look around...” Fluttershy suggested softly, as she glanced around nervously. “Good idea. I’ll take the main tower. You and Angel search the outlying buildings.” Without waiting for a reply, Rainbow Dash took off in a blazing trail of rainbows towards the weather station cloud tower. “O.. okay.” The yellow pegasus replied to breeze Dash left in her wake. She flew slowly towards the outlying buildings. Standing on her back, Angel already had her shotgun out and ready. *** [Lix’s Hope, Harnos] The soldier pony twiddled her hooves nervously as she waited for Apple Bloom to walk by. Would she even consider a gift? It was quite hard to actually scourge up something from the ship’s stores, considering it mainly consisted of military hardware. Fortunately, Spike had a little store of collectibles which he had hidden somewhere on the ships. He assured her that his prized sapphire was guaranteed to—in his words—steal the heart of any fillies. Applejack hoped he was right. Otherwise, she was going to have very strong words with the dragon. And her credits back. After about an hour’s wait, her patience was finally rewarded with the appearance of the sister on the other side of the ship. “Listen here, Apple Bloom. I can explain things—” she began, fumbling for an excuse to bring out her surprise. “Applejack! Why won’t ya just leave me alone? I’m happy here.” Apple Bloom said, refusing to even address her directly. “But I want to—” “Go. Away. Leave, before ya git into more trouble.” The filly huffed and turned her head away. Applejack bent her head sadly and turned away from her sister. As she trotted off, something about her words nagged her. Applejack frowned slightly as she replayed their short exchange in her mind. Why was Applebloom so adamant she leave? And what trouble? *** [Skybridges, Harnos] Unlike the tower which the colony occupied, this tower was fairly small in comparison. It was also in a pretty bad state, with most of the entrances blocked by collapsed debris. Twilight parked the vehicle just outside the only entrance she could see. No point driving into an ambush. She involuntarily gagged as she exited the clean atmosphere of the vehicle. Twilight forgotten how bad Harnos was on the nose. She waved for her companion to join her at the large gate. The first room past the gate was actually a large tunnel leading to the other side of the tower and the skybridge ahead. From their position at the entrance, Twilight could see a smaller hallway leading off the main tunnel. “That way,” she gestured. The trio made their way towards the egress, eyes on the outlook for any geth ambushes. Twilight sneaked a peek down the corridor. Empty. They trundled forward slowly along the hallway. As they walked, Twilight glanced at Tali questioningly, who was fiddling with her omni-tool. The quarian gestured down the corridor. Apparently the radio signals were originating somewhere ahead. Just as they rounded a sharp bend in the corridor, they blundered into a makeshift steel barricade. Which was bristling with guns. “Stop right there!” a slightly panicked voice shouted. Ponies. They must be the survivors they were looking for. She could make out the outline of at least four ponies taking refuge just behind the barricades. Twilight raised a hoof to stop her companion from firing. Judging by the panicked voice, one wrong move and they could trigger a firefight. “We’re from Equestrian Navy. We’re here to help,” Twilight said slowly, clearly, so that the whoever behind the barricade would not miss a single word. After a moment, an alabaster head peeked out. He seemed satisfied with what he saw and waved to somepony behind the barricades. He trotted out with a relived smile. “Finally, some help. Damned synthetics have been hitting what’s left of us hard.” Twilight studied the alabaster stallion. Black uniform. Exo-Poni armband on left foreleg. Standard shoulder-mounted assault rifles. He must be one of the surviving Exo-Poni private security force. “I’m impressed to see you managed to hold out here.” Twilight finally said. The guard shook his head. “We wouldn’t have lasted much longer on our own. Come now, the director would want to see you.” He gestured for the trio to follow him. *** “As you can see here, we’re perfectly safe for the moment,” the deep blue unicorn with a neatly cropped white mane and tail spoke. Twilight raised an eyebrow at the unicorn. The guards introduced him as the sole surviving ranked official on the planet, Director Jong. Two dozen ragged survivors are all that’s left of the hundred-odd workforce of the Exo-Poni on Harnos. “Director Jong, don’t you want to get to Lix’s Hope where it’ll much safer?” Twilight asked curiously, arching an eyebrow. “You can’t hide from the geth forever.” “We can’t. The geth controls the skybridges, as you no doubt are aware. Besides, we stand a much better chance defending this spot.” The director smiled nervously. All very logical answers, yet Twilight sensed it was not the complete truth. “Fine. We’ll take care of the geth problem then. The geth are holed up in your former headquarters, correct?” “Yes,” the director replied, clearly relived at the change of topic. “Also, those are private properties. Remove the geth and nothing else,” he added primly as if it was a matter of merely polishing up the building. “You would think they would be more thankful to us for ‘removing’ the geth for them,” Wrex said sardonically. Twilight shot him a we-are-not-going-to-steal-anything-that-is-not-bolted-down look. The krogan just shrugged in reply. “Of course director. We’re not looters.” Twilight forced a smile to her face and trotted off towards their vehicle. Why was the director so reluctant to retreat to the outpost, where it was much safer? Curiouser and curiouser. *** [Tunnels, Harnos] “Alright, that’s the last of the valves. The colony should be getting water now.” Garrus said, as he finished fiddling with the panel on the pipes. They have already travelled deep into the bowels of the tower and currently in the middle of a long tunnel, with pipes of various sizes running around them. A musty odour permeated the dank air. “Marvellous, now all that’s left is-” Rarity let out a shriek and reared as a hiss sounded behind her. Then she realised what it was. Gummy. “Pinkie Pie! Put your pet on a leash or something. I can’t abide a varren sneaking up to my flank every five minutes!” “Okie-dokie.” Pinkie turned to the tame varren. “Bad Gummy! You should know better than to startle Rarity like that.” The varren seemed to blink slowly in response, before letting out another hiss. “Good boy!” she happily bubbled. Rarity was suddenly struck by a irresistible temptation to bonk her head with a hoof, but that wisely fought down that compulsion. “As I was saying. We only need to collapse the tunnels ahead and the colony should be reasonably secure from future attacks.” Rarity continued. She brought out the map and put on her glasses. “Hm... there should be a nice spot just ahead to set up our explosives.” “Wait... I spot someone...” Garrus knelt behind the pipes and scoped his rifle. “Is that... the pony we carried back to the Normaredy? What’s he doing here?” In the gloomy darkness of the tunnels, Rarity could barely make out the outline of the injured pony shuffling about. Rarity shrugged. “Last I heard, he was recuperating back in the colony. The mayor insisted he be taken back for their care.” She brought her rifle out and zoomed in on the distant pony on the far end of the tunnel. The scoped view confirmed their suspicions. She let out a sigh. “Let’s get him back to the colony before the geth find him.” The trio made their down the dimly lit tunnels, wary of any ambushes by hidden geth hoppers, as they taken to calling the agile monkey-like geth. Rarity approached the injured stallion and tapped him gently on the shoulder. She was very nearly bucked in the head as the startled stallion reared. “Brute! You almost kicked a lady in the head!” Rarity exclaimed, as she jumped back. High Fives looked alarmed as he spied the weapons aimed at him, then visibly calmed down as he recognised the trio. “Oh hey... sorry about that...” the stallion said, wincing in pain as he said so. The wound in his chest was obviously not healed just yet. “What... what are you doing down here?” “We’re here to stop the meanie-pants!” Pinkie replied enthusiastically. “Oh... err... so you’re not going to bring me back to the colony?” he asked hopefully. Rarity shook her head. “Because... you’re not... ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,” the stallion continued, before moaning in pain. He held his forehooves tight against his head, his ears flattening. “You... are... not... going... to... control... owwwwwwwwww.... me.” The stallion dropped to the ground, his eyes squeezed shut. Garrus and Rarity exchanged questioning looks. The stallion clearly gone mad. Question was, how mad? And how dangerous? “I... can’t come with you...” High Fives managed to choke out, as he lay twitching slightly on the floor. “It’s... hurts...” he moaned. “I’m not sure if we can help him, Rarity. It’s obvious he doesn’t want to come with us.” Garrus observed. “We can’t just leave him here. What if the meanie pants find him?” Pinkie protested. “Pinkie, we still have think of the colony. Those geth will keep coming unless we seal those tunnels,” Rarity pointed out. “Leaving a pony out here is so not cool... wait. I know!” The pink pony broke into a wide smile. “Gummy here can protect you.” She nuzzled the tame varren following behind her. “Won’t you Gummy?” “Is... is that a varren?” High Fives eyes widened as he got a first proper look of Gummy. “Don’t worry, Gummy here won’t bite,” Pinkie reassured. The varren bared its sharp teeth for the benefit of the stallion. *** [Lix’s Hope, Harnos] Applejack sat at her room, staring at the forgotten gift that she meant to give to her sister as a gesture of apology. How the hay was she supposed to apologise on the incident that brought her cutie mark to light? For that matter, she was still quite surprised Apple Bloom took it so hard. The filly had always looked forward to getting her cutie mark when she was younger... The door to her room creaked open. “Applejack?” “Apple Bloom!” the soldierpony exclaimed in surprise. “Shhhhhh! You’ll wake the others,” the small filly said urgently, as she slid the door shut. “Applejack, you need to leave. Now! I ain’t fooling around when I said that earlier.” “Now just what you mean by that-” “No time to explain. You need to leave now!” Apple Bloom repeated, her yellow eyes glancing at the door nervously. Applejack put her forehooves on the shoulder of her sister. “Applebloom! You’re mah sister. I can’t leave you here all alone,” she said with every bit of sincerity. “Please Applejack—” Applebloom’s face suddenly contorted in pain. “... owwwwww... it hurts so bad.” She put her hooves on her forehead and sunk to the floor, moaning in pain. The soldierpony stared at her sister in shock.. She had never seen her sister in this state before. Applejack knelt at her sister’s side and tried to comfort her the best she could. “Apple Bloom! What’s gotten into ya? What’s happening?” “It.... its.... arrggghhhhh... t-t-the... p-p-p-lant...” Applebloom’s voice faltered as the intense pain wracked her body. Applejack winced at the pain the filly must be feeling. “What plant? Tell me, Apple Bloom. What plant?” Applejack asked, cradling her sister’s head gently. By now though, the filly was whimpering incoherently, too exhausted to answer Applejack’s questions. The soldier pony mind was filled with burning questions and no answers. “Come on Apple Bloom, we’ll get ya back to the ship—” The door suddenly chimed and slid open. Before she could react, the soldierpony found herself being surrounded by a dozen ponies—all from the colony. Her alarm bells went off as she saw everypony wielding some sort of makeshift weapons in their mouths. Standing at the head of the crowd was the mayor herself. “I’m sorry, Applejack. I really am,” she said softly, before bringing down a broken pipe on the surprised mare.

Grif

267

Main 6,Spike,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Pony Effect

What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe?

incomplete

<p>What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe? Will Commander Sparkle save the day like Shepard did?</p><p>Special thanks to vimbert and 108Echoes from Ponychan's /fic/ for proofreading and conceptual ideas.</p><p>The <a href="https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B0WyBmfXXXZKZDk2ZTM2ZGMtZGFkZS00OTgyLTkyYjMtYWVjYjBhNDI5MGMy/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">GDoc links</a>, if FimFiction does not fancy you. This is both my working copy and the originals that was published on Equestria Daily.</p>

everyone

2012-02-24T18:28:40+00:00

2012-02-24T18:28:40+00:00

[Exo-Poni Headquarters, Harnos] After another brief engagement with the geth outside the makeshift Exo-Poni bunker, Twilight and her companions managed to reach the Exo-Poni HQ without further complications. They stormed the building front door in a blaze of cannon fire with the Mako and pushed into the building on foot. For most part, the geth seemed quite taken by surprise by the bold attack on their base. The squad managed to gun down several unsuspecting geth troopers before the alarm was even raised. Even after alerting the entire base, the team didn’t slow down as they plowed through the defenses the remaining geth put up. In an act of desperation, the geth enacted energy barriers throughout the building, sealing the team and any surviving geth in. To the horror of the team, the energy barrier was impervious to conventional weaponry. Nothing they had could break through. Furthermore, attempts to establish radio contact to the Normaredy and Lix’s Hope had so far been futile. One small consolation they had was that the energy barrier probably took a lot of power and the power source had to be somewhere within the building. Or so they hoped. “Shh... I think somepony is coming.” Twilight held up a hoof as they approached the doorway to another research lab in a dimly lit corridor. The crunch of small pebbles under their feet echoed loudly in the silence. “Okay, this one doesn’t seem locked, going to open it now.” Twilight punched the button on the panel. *Bang!* Fortunately for the lavender unicorn, she had ducked into cover upon hearing the shot. Tali and Wrex brought up their weapon in response, covering the pony who aimed a pistol shakily at the trio. “S-stay back. I know how to use this.” “Kid, put that gun down before you get hurt,” Wrex replied, his rifle aimed steadily at the pony’s head. Twilight quickly put a hoof to the krogan’s arm to stay his aim. “We’re from the Equestria Navy. We’re here to help,” Twilight said, injecting a note of reassurance in her voice. The civilian looked warily at the trio for a moment, before dropping the pistol. A profuse round of apologies and explanation later, the civilian, who was a scientist in the employ of Exo-Poni Corporation, tagged nervously behind the trio. Despite his obvious aversion to combat, Twilight thought the gray stallion held up pretty well considering the situation. Plus, he had access codes to every locked door in the building, barring the energy barrier. At least they wouldn’t have to blast their way through the doors now. She idly wondered how much property damage their little excursion had caused thus far. “So, what do think the geth are after in Harnos?” Twilight asked, still keeping her eyes peeled for any roaming geth. “I don’t know, there’s nothing particularly valuable on Harnos... unless they’re after the Thorian.” the scientist aptly named Deep Six replied. He shook his silver mane free of the dust that collected in copious amount. “What’s a Thorian?” Tali quizzed curiously. “It’s a plant species native to the planet.” The scientist looked around nervously before continuing. “The properties of the plant is... rather unique. Exo-Poni has been studying it for quite sometime.” “Unique?” Something about the way the scientist answered the question triggered alarm bells in Twilight’s mind. She brought the group to a halt and glowered at the scientist. “Tell me about this Thorian. Now.” It turned out the Thorian had been inadvertently discovered by a small group of surveyors just beneath Lix’s Hope some two years prior to the geth attack. The corporation found that the group was infected by some sort of organic spores which nopony could identify. Instead of evacuating the colony, the corporation had decided to isolate all infected personnel there and observe the effect of the alien spores. Obviously this was done without knowledge of the inhabitants of the outpost. Within a month, 80% of the colonist were infected. By the end of the year, everypony on the outpost had been infected with the spores. Outwardly, they showed no sign of behavioural change, save for an extreme reluctance to leave the colony. When taken for tests, the infected colonists were wracked with unexplained neurological pain and headaches. The Exo-Poni scientists had postulated that the Thorian was sentient, and in fact keeping the colonists as its thralls. It imposed its will via negative reinforcement, unleashing pain on the subject until it acquiesced to its will. Twilight felt her eyes shrinking to pinpricks as the scientist continued his story. Were they already infected? No unexplained headaches and mysterious voices in my head so far. She glanced at her companions. Tali should be immune, with her environmental suit. The krogan might be susceptible, but he didn’t show any signs either. Neither did the other ponies for that matter. Twilight took that as a good sign. “You mean to say, you let those poor ponies get infected by an alien lifeform. And you told nopony about it?!” Twilight thundered, as she fought to keep her anger in check. Deep Six shrank back from the murderous looks the trio was giving him. “I’ll say we off him now and hightail it back to the colony,” Wrex snarled, clicking the safety off his rifle. The stallion looked positively terrified now. “Wait! Please, I don’t want to die here. You could stop this madness. Kill the Thorian. That should set the colonists free,” he cried desperately, shrinking from the krogan. “Wouldn’t the Thorian force the colonists to defend it?” Tali said thoughtfully. “Yes... yes, that would be the expected reaction. But I have been working on the company’s contingency plan to remove the plant should it ever pose a problem.” Deep Six fumbled in his saddlepacks and produced a grenade mod in his mouth. “This is a form of nerve gas—” the scientist began, before Twilight cut him off. “Nerve gas? We’re not going to poison innocent civilians here,” Twilight interjected harshly. Deep Six gulped and shook his head frantically. “No! Nothing like that. See, the Thorian’s control over the colonists comes at a price. By now their neurological systems are so weakened, that even a harmless dose of neurotoxin will disable them. At least in theory.” He gave a nervous grin at the still-irate unicorn. Twilight stared at the earthpony scientist for good long while, thinking of her alternatives. They could probably knock the colonists out with blunt force, but the risks of doing so were high. Killing them were not an option obviously. She nodded at the scientist slowly. “Fine. We’ll test your theory in action,” she said grudgingly, taking the mod from the scientist’s mouth and stowing it in her backpack. Deep Six looked relived at her apparent acceptance. “Now, all we need to do now is to find a way out of here...” *** “Kee’lah,” Tali whispered, as they stood before the geth dropship which was attached the outer walls of the office. Tubes of various sizes snaked from the grey ship, disappearing into makeshift holes in the room. “They’re using their own ship to power the energy barriers?!” Twilight said incredulously. “We don’t have the firepower to bring that thing down,” Wrex said thoughtfully, as his eyes studied the ship. Twilight groaned in despair. They made it all the way here, only to be foiled by a lack of high explosives. She began pacing around the room, searching for anything that might help them. “Hey! There’s a blast door control here.” Tali was hunched over a console at the far end of the room. “Hm, the maintenance log here says that the blast doors will shut with enough force to shear steel under a certain amount of pressure.” “Good idea, maybe we can—” A loud explosion interrupted her speech. The compression blast from the explosion swept over the trio, knocking them off their feet. Coughing from the smoke filling the room, she looked up to find the geth ship suddenly sprouting flames, a hole tore clean right through the ship. The geth ship creaked and groaned, as the supporting clamps failed and the tubes began snapping one by one. Finally, with one final groan, the whole ship fell off the building, into the cloudy mist below. “How did the ship explode?” Twilight exclaimed, her eyes wide at the spectacle. Then she heard a familiar voice cut through the smoke. “And Rainbow Dash saves the day again!” *** [Weather Control Station, Harnos] Just a few minutes before, Rainbow Dash wasn’t so supremely confident of her ability to save the day. In fact, she was downright uncertain whether she would stay alive for next minute. The weather station was completely deserted. Empty. Nada. Rainbow Dash had never heard of a weather station being completely abandoned before. Even if the geth did attack the place, the pegasus ponies stationed here would at least make a stand... wouldn’t they? At any rate, the eerie silence and lack of ponies was starting to creep the sky-blue pegasus out. She began to take a hesitant step towards the open entrance. A soft whimper behind Dash sent her flying to the roof. “Dash, are you in there?” a soft voice called out. Dash shook the stars out of her eyes and glanced irritably at the shy yellow pegasus who startled her so badly. “Fluttershy! Don’t sneak up on ponies like that. You’re going to give me a scare.” Well, she was unprepared, so it was totally not her fault. “I... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to... maybe I should just stand here and um... wait for you to finish...” Fluttershy said slowly, her face turning away in embarrassment. Dash let out an irritated sigh and tried to hide her exasperated feelings. “Let’s try this again. Fluttershy, have you found anything?” A whimper. Dash thought it wasn’t possible for anypony to curl up in fear like that, but Fluttershy went ahead and did it anyway. “Fluttershy! This is important,” Dash pleaded. Another whimper. Dash clenched her teeth in frustration. Sometimes Fluttershy can be too darned shy for her own good. Angel apparently had the same thought as Dash and stomped his feet in an annoyed fashion on the pegasus’ back. The bunny marched up to the pegasus’ left ear and whispered a few words for her benefit. Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “You wouldn’t!” she cried. Angel just shook his head in reply. The pegasus sighed softly. “Alright, Angel Bunny. Only for you.” She took a deep breath, before starting her tale. “We found some geth... bodies. But nopony else. Everypony seemed to have... disappeared.” Dash stamped her hooves on the ground. “That’s what I thought. The geth must have foalnapped them.” She gave her wings a strong flap and hovered in the air. “Come on Fluttershy, we need to search for other survivors at the skybridges-” A steadily increasing whine outside the building interrupted the rest of her speech. “What the hay?” Dash exclaimed. Bullets stitched through the cloud walls, peppering the whole room with indiscriminate fire. Angel instinctively put up a biotic barrier, shielding them from the rain of bullets temporarily. “Come on, Fluttershy. We need to get out of here now!” Rainbow grabbed Fluttershy and Angel by the hoof and dragged them out of the door in a rainbow blur. They rocketed out of the cloud tower. They were met with a chilling sight. Dash had to slow down to avoid crashing head on into the geth dropship circling the tower. Her violet eyes widened in fear as the machine guns on the ship swivelled to track her. “Fluttershy! Fly! Now! I’ll distract ‘em.” She dropped Fluttershy into the clouds below, hoping that the pegasus would regain her wits enough to fly off and raced off in a completely random direction. Then she flew. Flew like the wind. Dash did every trick she remembered to throw off the geth dropship. Loop-de-loops. Corkscrew dance. Everything. The geth ship followed her acrobatics unerringly, closing the gap steadily with every minute. Dash could feel a couple of bullets whizzing past as the geth ship closed in. Only one trick left up her metaphorical sleeve. The Sonic Rainboom. A feat, most pegasi thought impossible. A feat, she only managed to pull off once. A feat, she had been never been ever to replicate since. Okay, Dash, you can do this. All you need to do is pull off the Sonic Rainboom again. That’ll knock the geth ship out handily enough. Hah, that sounds easy enough. Her mind wandered back to all the failed attempts of her trying to recreate the Sonic Rainboom. Countless times of her crashing awkwardly back into the ground or some other object. Dash squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the failures in the past. She could do this. She’d have to. Rainbow began increasing her speed again, angling her body downwards towards the clouds. She’d need every bit of help gravity could provide. The geth ship followed her down, guns blazing. Dash could feel a few bullets hitting home now, but her kinetic barrier remained intact... barely. Faster... faster. She could feel the air heating up around her, and a glow began forming at the tip of her hooves. Faster... faster. C’mon, faster. Dash clenched her teeth as she pushed herself harder than she ever did in years. Silence. For a fraction of a second there, Rainbow thought she failed. She wasn’t fast enough. She lost. Now, she was going to pay the price with her life. Then she heard it. The roar of onrushing air being swept apart at sonic speed. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw the familiar hues of a rainbow forming and spreading out in a circle behind. The Sonic Rainboom. She grinned wildly as she sped ahead. “Yeaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!” she whooped as she did a corkscrew. The geth ship wasn’t so lucky. The Sonic Rainboom, if anything, was a manifestation of pure electromagnetic energy. The ship shook and went silent as the rainbow wave of energy washed over it, its systems apparently overloaded. The mass effect core of the ship however, kept it afloat. Rainbow Dash did a wide 180 turn and hovered in front of the now silent ship, unsure of her next move. Then her radio crackled. The geth jamming must be gone. “Dash... a-are you there? *eep* P-P-Please respond.” “Yeah, I’m here Fluttershy,” she answered as insouciantly as possible, masking her relief that Fluttershy survived as well. “Dash! Thank Celestia you’re alright... What happened to the geth ship?... If you don’t mind me asking,” the pegasus’ soft voice said. “I disabled it, of course.” “Wow... you’re a brave filly Dash.” Fluttershy answered. After a brief pause, she continued. “Um... I found another of those geth ships—” “What?! Get out of there!” Dash half-shouted into the radio frantically. If that silly filly got herself killed like that... Dash didn’t have the heart to think further. “It’s... stuck to a building. It didn’t notice me hiding above it...” came the shy reply. “Oh...” Dash’s voice trailed off as a crazy idea sprung to life in her head. “Wait right there, I got a special delivery to make.” *** [Exo-Poni Headquarters, Harnos] “... Rainbow Dash, that’s both insane and brilliant, crashing the geth ships into each other like that.” “Of course!” Dash said smugly, striking a heroic pose while hovering. “Wait, insane here means good right?” Twilight giggled at her uncertain expression. “In this case, yes,” she reassured. “You definitely got a quad there Dash, taking down two geth ships like that,” Wrex nodded with new-found respect. The rainbow-hued pegasus looked at the krogan blankly. “What’s a quad?” Dash asked innocently. Twilight wasn’t so oblivious to the meaning though, and began to giggle uncontrollably. “What?” Dash asked, a confused look on her face. Her radio crackled into life just then, sparing Rainbow from further potential embarrassment. “...this is the ESV Normaredy, calling for ground team. Please respond...” Twilight quickly sobered up and forced her mind back into reality. Twilight put a hoof to her ear and cut into the channel. “This is Commander Sparkle. We have disabled the geth jamming in the area.” “Twilight?!” Scootaloo’s voice seemed relieved. “Thank Celestia you’re safe. Listen, something’s wrong. The entire colony gone crazy. They’re swarming the airlock and are trying to break into the ship.” Twilight winced. That was bad. And Applejack... Oh no. “Scootaloo, get any remaining marines on that door and make sure they don’t break through. Worse come to worst, you are authorised to take off and seek reinforcements.” She did not mention the fact that the entire ground team would also be left stranded on the planet. The pilot took the hint well enough. Her voice became grim. “Aye, Commander.” She broke radio contact and turned towards the her companions. “Okay, here’s the plan. First, we need to stop by the Exo-Poni bunker and drop this scientist off.” Twilight pointed a hoof at Deep Six, who staring wordlessly at the gap in the wall. “I have a few hard questions for the director himself.” Her tone left no doubt what kind of question she would be asking. *** [Tunnels, Harnos] Rarity watched curiously as the pink earth pony bounced and twitched all over the crumbling concrete floor. The spectacle went on for a full minute before subsiding. “Wow. That was a doozy alright,” Pinkie Pie said. “What’s a doozy?” Rarity asked, already frowning. So far, Pinkie hadn’t done anything to jeopardise the mission, but her randomness was really starting to grate on her nerves. “My Pinkie Sense. Something bad is happening to one of our friends,” Pinkie said rather ominously. “Nonsense Pinkie. They’re quite capable of taking care of themselves,” Rarity replied, dismissing the warning out of hand. “Now let’s finish arming the explosives so we can get back to the colony... and to civilization.” “I warn you, they’re super duper accurate,” Pinkie said. “All set,” Garrus called from the distance. “Right. Let’s move.” Rarity said, ignoring Pinkie’s comment. The trio took cover behind the corner in the hallway and detonated the explosives. The ancient tunnels collapsed spectacularly, leaving a giant mess of debris blocking the tunnels. “That should put a crimp on the geth’s plan,” Garrus said with satisfaction. “Weeeeeee, let’s go pick up Gummy.” Pinkie Pie said, apparently already forgetting about her prior warning. *** “Wait, where’s High Fives?” Garrus said, scratching his head. The unstable colonist was missing from his spot in the tunnel. Looking around, they spotted the varren lying still in a corner. “Oh no! He knocked out Gummy!” Pinkie exclaimed, as she rushed to her newfound pet. A bullet whistled over their head. The trio turned to see High Five slowly walking them, a pistol in his mouth. “... must... protect... the colony...” the stallion slowly mumbled, as he shuffled towards them, apparently oblivious to his injuries now. “Has he gone completely insane?” Rarity yelled, as she dodged another shot from the deranged colonist. “Don’t know, don’t care,” Garrus replied curtly. He sprinted towards the obviously deranged stallion. The deranged colonist tried to kick him, though his efforts was feeble, his injuries slowing him down. Garrus evaded the flailing hooves and gave him a solid thump on the head with the butt of his rifle. The colonist went down with a whimper and lay still. The turian slung his rifle over his back and eyed the approaching ponies. “I got a bad feeling about this,” he remarked. He arched his eyebrow as Pinkie began shaking and twitching again. “Twitchy, twitch; twitchy, twitch! Something bad is happening at the colony!” *** [Skybridges, Harnos] Director Jong was standing before a partially destroyed window, apparently admiring the view of horizon. He turned towards the commander with a smile as she was shown in by the guards. The director seemed unperturbed by the angry look on Twilight’s face. “Ah Commander Sparkle, you have returned. I presume you have—” Director Jong began, before being cut off by Twilight. “You were lying about the colony,” Twilight pointed an accusatory hoof at the director. “How could you leave all those ponies there to be infected?!” The director looked surprised for a brief moment, before recovering gamely. He started to explain smoothly, “Ahhh.... see it was the collective decision of the company board to study the natural history of-” “To hay with with your company!” Twilight all but shouted. Her eyes blazed with anger. “These are ordinary ponies. NORMAL PONIES. How could you?” “I...” For once, the director seemed to be at a loss for words. He looked away, and pawed the ground nervously. Twilight shook her head in disgust. “You... disappoint me, director. I hope you can live with your decision.” She glanced at the ponies who hung at the door of the room. “Come on girls, let’s see if the nerve gas actually works. With luck we can disable the colonists without lethal force on our part.” She turned and trotted off without so much a goodbye to the director. *** “Come on, sis!” Applebloom cried, as she excited bounced up and down. “Ah got something to show to ya.” “This better be important Applebloom. Big MacIntosh wants me to take care of that patch of apple trees lickity split.” Applejack replied, her freckled face wearing a not-so-well-disguised grin. The orange mare followed her enthusiastic sister in a darkened barn. “Applebloom, this better not be one of ya pranks.” the farmer pony warned as the filly disappeared from sight. “Applebloom?” No answer. “Applebloom?” the mare called out again, in a more worried voice. She spied a glint in the darkness and took several steps towards it. She can feel the darkness closing in around her. Her heart began to hammer rapidly in her chest. Then she saw what the glint was. A huge gaping jaw, filled with sharp teeth. Applejack opened her mouth to scream. The maw engulfed her. *** [Unknown Location, Harnos] Pain. It was the first thing she felt as her senses started to return. Applejack could do nothing but lay still as she struggled to regain her wit. She tried to think back on her last coherent memory. Applebloom. Plant. Mayor swinging a lead pipe to her noggin. Oh right, that was it. As the pain in her head settled into a dull ache, Applejack tried opening her eyes. Nothing. The strip of cloth she felt over her face probably had something to do with it. She wriggled her legs. No dice. Bundles of rope-like material prevented her doing more than a twitch. Frustrated, the mare tried to struggle violently against her restrains. The ropes remained secure despite her best efforts. Whoever did this knew their stuff. Then she heard the sound of approaching hooves. “Now, now Applejack, don’t struggle. You’ll make it worse,” she heard a melodic voice sing. One of the colonists. Song Bird... or something. “The Thorian will make you understand. You will understand.” Her words took on the edge of a religious zealot. Applejack felt terror building in her heart at her words. What the hay is the Thorian? What were they planning to do to her? Where was Applebloom? She hoped her friends knew of the colonists’ insanity. *** [Tunnels, Harnos] Garrus grunted as he dragged the unconsious stallion on the floor. He stopped for a moment to catch his breath and gave a questioning look at Rarity for the umpteenth time. “Rarity, I appreciate your concerns for this civilian, but he just tried to murder us. Do we really need to drag him back?” “Garrus, we’ve been through this. I rather drag the crazy colt back than leave him to die here in the tunnels. At least we’re reaching the outpost.” She grimaced as she inspected her now-filthy hooves and armour. The trio approached the stairwell which led back to the outpost. “Oh look! The colony has thrown a party to welcome us!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, as she bounced beside the white unicorn. “Wait, they didn’t invite me to throw the party! No parties are complete without Pinkie’s hoof on it.” She pouted at the thought. “What party? I only see...” Rarity narrowed her eyes as she saw the colonists emerging from the stairwell and taking what suspiciously seemed like defensive positions around the stairs. She stopped in her tracks, and gestured for her companions to do the same. “Hey guys, look who we found—” Rarity called out, before being rudely interrupted by a sing-song voice. “Protect the heart of colony! Kill the intruders!” “What?” Bullets began to whiz around them. “Get to cover!” Rarity exclaimed as she dived into a pile of rocks nearby. At least the colonists’ aim was even worse than the geth. “Okay, so has the whole planet officially gone insane while we were snuffling about in a dank musty tunnel?” Garrus asked sardonically, as he flattened himself against a pillar. Rarity shot him a dark glare in response. Rarity noticed Pinkie was still sitting on her haunches in the open. She promptly dragged her into the relative safety of the rock pile by the tail. “Hey... this is no party! Those meanies are shooting at us!” Pinkie mused aloud as she put her hoof thoughtfully to her chin. Gummy waddled over towards the pair, also apparently oblivious to the hail of bullets being showered around them. Rarity felt her eye twitching at the antics of her two companions. Here they were, under fire by insane civilians, and they were still going on about parties. She began to wonder if she’d ever make it out of the planet alive. Rarity certainly didn’t want to die here in a miserable wasteland. Not when there was still so much fashion to be done. *** [Skybridges, Harnos] Twilight herself wasn’t having much of a good time. The drive back to the outpost had been uneventful, but that was the extent of their good luck. Currently there were sitting in front of the second last skybridge leading to the tower. Well and good. Except for the fact there was a green blob sitting in the middle of the roadway. “What the hay is that?” Twilight asked. Rainbow Dash’s voice crackled over the radio. “I don’t know. Just run over it.” “What? And risk the Mako? We don’t have wings like you do,” Twilight answered, as she maneuvered the vehicle safely around the blob as best she could. “Well, you’re going to have walk then,” Dash replied. “Take a look in front.” Twilight frowned and focused the optical sight on the entrance to the skyscraper where Lix’s Hope was situated. The entire road was covered with dozens of green blobs. Some even seemed to be visibly growing. The unicorn groaned, and brought the vehicle to a halt just in front of the field of blobs on the roadway. “Why are we stopping?” Tali asked, as Twilight opened the driver’s hatch. “Mutant blobs blocking our way. We’ll need to go on foot.” “Great. Is this something that plant of yours cooked up?” Wrex queried, as he followed the quarian out. “Don’t know. But the thing looks organic. Plus it wasn’t there before. You make the connection,” Twilight replied, a little sardonically. She looked up to Dash, who was hovering expectantly above the Mako. “Dash, go on ahead. Scout the way for us.” The rainbow pegasus saluted smartly and zoomed off towards the outpost. Twilight then turned her gaze on the nearest greenish blob of funk on the road. It seemed to be composed of an amorphous green organic material, with slime oozing slowly around it. As she watched the blob, she noticed the blob was steadily growing in size... and forming a disturbingly familiar shape. “Get back, something’s happening,” Twilight shouted, as she took several steps back. “Tali, man the Mako’s gun, give us cover.” The quarian acknowledged the order and clambered back into the vehicle. Fluttershy landed on back of the armoured personnel carrier, staring at the blobs with wide eyes. Angel and Wrex already had their guns out, with Angel balancing his shotgun delicately on the krogan’s head. The blobs steadily grew, and grew. It begin to form the unmistakable outline of a pony. The ‘face’ of the thing even had the vestiges of eyes, ears and mouth. The creature emitted an unearthly moan as the blob solidified, before turning its head unerringly towards the ponies standing near the Mako. The sequence was repeated all across the roadway, with the blobs turning into shambling caricatures of ponies. “Okay, mutant plant zombies.” Twilight aimed her shoulder-mounted guns at the shambling abomination. No further words were needed. These were clearly hostile. The group opened fire, shredding the nearest plant zombies to their constituent goop. That was when they learned something potentially groundbreaking in the field of mutant plant zombie physiology: they could run. The whole roadway was suddenly filled with a heaving mass of bodies as the more and more plant zombies emerged from the blobs and began swarming towards the group. *** “At least we had warning about the colonists going insane,” Twilight remarked dryly as they took shelter behind yet another pile of rubble. Tali just nodded, and leaned out to spray the colonists with yet another burst of submachine gun fire to keep their heads down. “Sparkle, if you’re going to use that nerve gas, you better do it before I actually start killing these amateurs,” Wrex called, the krogan sheltering behind a shattered vehicle wreck several paces ahead of her. Twilight nodded, despite the krogan not being able to see doing so and more than likely to busy to care either. She took the grenade mod out of her pack and affixed it to the grenade launcher module. Satisfied it’s fully functional, Twilight levitated the launcher and shot two disc-shaped grenades at the colonists taking shelter by the elevator. A cloud of gas erupted among the defenders, causing them to stagger and gasp for breath. A few minutes of coughing and wheezing later, Twilight emerged from the pall to find the colonists all lying unconscious on the floor. “Let’s go. We need to rescue Applejack and the others,” Twilight called, as she broke into a gallop towards the elevator. She prayed she wasn’t too late to rescue her friends. *** [Lix’s Hope, Harnos] The sound of explosions and gunfire rattling through the ground startled Applejack from her uneasy slumber. She lay quiet for a while, listening intently to the pattern of battle. It seems somepony was attacking the colony from the outside. But where? *** The colonists were expecting them. And they had help. Dozens more of the plant zombies swarmed the team as they exited the elevator, along with some more of the possessed colonists. Luckily being civilians, they weren’t particularly skilled with their weapons, though a lucky shot would still put anypony out of comission. Also, Twilight’s insistence on non-lethal force on the colonists was severely crimping the tactical options of the team. They had to resort to nerve gas grenades, or melee combat. The plant zombies were still open to lethal force, fortunately. “I’m really sorry for this,” Twilight apologised for the umpteenth time as she kicked another colonist unconscious. “Twi, you can stop apologising, you know. It’s not like they can hear you,” Dash called, as she swooped to smack a plant zombie right in the flank with her hindlegs. “Ewwww. These things are gross,” she declared, as her hooves and armour was splattered with green gunk. “Never mind those. You know you could still use your gun on them right?” Twilight said. She cut down a pair of zombies with rifle fire to further demonstrate her point. Rainbow just made a face and zoomed off into the air again. “Have you found Rarity and the team in the tunnels?” Twilight said into her radio. “... Yes, Commander. *bzzt* Signal *kzzt* still bad here, but they’re alive and well. *kzzt* We’ll be *kzzt* joining you,” the slightly scrambled voice of Tali responded. “Well, that’s one less worry. Now we need to find Applejack. Who knows what they might have done to her.” Twilight wrinkled her brow in worry. She hoped she wasn’t too late. *** Applejack heard the sounds of a door sliding open. She tensed her body, for no reason other to spite her kidnappers if they tried to move her. The blindfolds came off. Applejack blinked at the sudden influx of light into her eyes, her vision unable to compensate after spending so long in absolute darkness. “I’m sorry Applejack, but your friends left me with no choice.” The mayor. Applejack focused on the blurry image of the tan pony, mentally willing her eyes to recover faster. She seemed to be holding something in her mouth. The shape resolved sharply into something black. Metallic. A pistol. Applejack’s heart skipped a beat as she realised the murderous intention of the mayor. She began to struggle futilely against her bonds. Her eyes widened with fear as she saw the mayor readying the pistol. Where is Twilight? Where are her friends? Her friends would never leave her hanging... would they? “I’m really, really sorry,” the mayor repeated, her expression a sorrowful one. Applejack squeezed her eyes shut. She hoped it would be a quick death. *clatter* Applejack peeked open an eye. The pistol lay on the floor, right in front of her. She turned to look up at the mayor, both eyes wide open again. “No. I will not do this. I will not,” the mayor suddenly declared. Her forehooves were clenched tightly on her head, her body twitching slightly with pain. Applejack eyes widened. Was the mayor fighting... whoever it was that was controlling her? “Leave her alone!” a familiar voice shouted. Twilight! The soldierpony heard a solid thump and the mayor suddenly crumpled to the floor. She could see Twilight standing over the unconscious body, relief evident on her face. Applejack, despite the gags covering her mouth, began to smile. She knew she could count on her friends. *** “I don’t like none of this mind-controllin’... thingamajig,” Applejack said, as she nuzzled the unconscious body of her sister. They found Applebloom lying unconscious with a nasty bump on her head. Apparently the colonists decided that she was a liability. They laid her uncounscious body, along with the other colonists, in the cargo hold of the damaged freighter in the outpost. For added security, Twilight got a couple of the pegasi marines from the ship to watch over the unconscious survivors. “Neither do I. But that’s what they were under. Some form of mind-controlling spell. And the source is somewhere in this colony.” “Twilight! We searched every inch of the outpost. There’s simply nothing else to be found.” Rarity responded primly. Twilight felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Fluttershy shyly pointing towards the damaged freighter in the outpost. “What about it Fluttershy?” Twilight asked, curious. “Well... um... see Angel and I think that the colonists were hiding something under that ship. I stole a look at that console nearby.” She pointed to a workstation next to the ship. “I think that ship can be moved.” “Huh. Let’s take a look then.” Twilight trotted over to the controls and began scrolling through the screen. On first glance, it was mostly mundane stuff. Ship records. Power levels. Life support. Crane control. Personnel records. Wait, Crane control? Why would a crane control be attached to what seemed to be ostensibly a ship maintenance console. She looked up towards the ship. A pair of metal cable was attached around the midsection. Her eyes trailed upwards, and found the cables attached to a set of machinery that suspiciously looked like a crane. Duh. She wondered how she could have missed such an obvious clue. Hindsight was always all about the obvious. “You’re right. There is a hidden control here.” She activated the crane. Twilight jumped a little as the crane started with a loud splutter, before settling into a steady hum. The ship midsection began to lift, the seals connecting it to the other section breaking free easily. Interesting. They must have rigged the entire thing to be easily detached and closed when needed. As the ship was lifted, Twilight saw what the colonists had been hiding. A small flight of stairs, leading downwards towards... somewhere. Probably the Thorian’s lair. *** “Okay, we just need to find this creature and determine what it... what it....” Tali’s voice trailed off as the group entered the large multi-storied chamber. Like most of the rooms in the area below the colony thus far, it was covered with debris and damaged beyond recognition. This particular chamber appeared to have suffered some sort of catastrophic structural failure though, as a large gaping hole opened right in the middle of the room. Light from Harnos’ weak sun could be seen just peeking through the gap several stories above. What drew Tali’s attention was not the deep yawning pit however. It was what hung above it. A vaguely octopus-like green creature hung suspended by various tube-like protrusion into the walls surrounding it. The front of the creature tapered into an orifice that resembled a mouth, with tentacle-like appendages surrounding it. Clear liquid can be seen dripping from the opening. “Kee’lah...” Tali breathed as she looked the creature up and down. “How are we supposed to bring down that monstrosity?” Rarity said, staring at the creature with rounded eyes. “We’re going to need bigger guns,” the krogan quipped, his favourite rifle already in hand. “Shh, something’s happening. Be ready.” Twilight’s horn glowed faintly as she readied her magic. The creature suddenly heaved and shuddered, causing Twilight to take a step back. The ‘mouth’ suddenly bulged and a humonoid shape slid out of the opening and fell onto the ground on one knee. It was an asari, albeit with green skin instead of the usual blue hues the species had. She wore a skin-tight black bodysuit and seemed unarmed. Her blue eyes seemed unfocused, yet gleaming with alien intelligence. The asari stood up and took several steps towards Twilight. She spoke in an eerie alien voice, her very words seemed to echo in Twilight’s mind. “Invaders! Your every step is a transgression. A thousand feelers appraise you as meat, good only to dig or decompose.” “Well, that certainly clears things up,” Dash remarked. “I speak for the Old Growth, as I did for Saren. You are within and before the Thorian. It commands you to be in awe.” Twilight blinked in confusion. Saren was here before? That was news. Then she heard Applejack speak. “You! You’re the one who messed with mah sister’s head. I don’t right care who or what you are, but nopony messes with the Apple family,” she shouted. “The Thorian is a piece of this world, extending across the land and back through the ages. You can no more kill it than cut the sky.” The asari’s eyes narrowed, her hands began to glow with a faint blue light. “Your blood will feed the ground and new growth!” she boomed in a loud voice. The green skinned alien raised a hand and knocked everypony back. Twilight felt an invisible hoof pick her up and fling her against the wall. Momentarily dazed, she heard gunfire erupting as her companions opened up. She saw the asari being flung off the edge of the pit by Angel’s biotics. Her team was peppering the creature with gunfire, though the thick skin seemed impervious to their bullets. Then her blood chilled as something landed with a wet smack beside her. It was the green glop they found in the colonies. Twilight watched as more of the green blobs landed on the floor amongst the chaos and began to grow. They’d be overrun by plant zombies if they didn’t make a move. “We need to move, now!” Twilight shouted as she gave the growing blob next to her a swift stomp, smashing it to its constituent goo. Twilight double-timed it to a nearby doorway, which led to a stairwell going to the next floor. She sighed with relief as the rest of team scrambled in after her, with Rarity and Garrus firing out the doorway to put down more zombies. “Now what? We can’t even scratch the darn thing.” Applejack said, in between gasps of breath. Twilight took a quick peek outside, and her eyes strayed to the various appendages keeping the Thorian suspended over the chasm. An unlikely idea began to form in her mind. Just maybe... She looked up to find one of the tube-like protrusion running above them. “Wrex, how many grenades you got left?” The krogan held out three fingers. “Try strapping them to that tube above us.” Wrex nodded in understanding, divining her intention. He primed the grenades, and gestured for everypony else to take cover. With one smooth motion, he let the grenades fly, the disc-shaped explosives embedded themselves into the tube. A moment later, the tube exploded in a gory mess of green organic sludge and orange goo, splashing all the ponies in the room. An inhuman wail pierced through the air as Twilight cautiously peeked out and watched the plant shake and thrash. “Yeech... at least we know that works. Girls, break out all your explosives. We’re going to need them...” She glanced at Pinkie who was holding out a large pink balloon with a hopeful expression in her eyes. Twilight sighed. “Yes, even your improvised party bombs.” “Yay!” *** In the end, it was just a matter of cutting off all the limbs of the plants, figuratively speaking. The Thorian spawned a dozen more of its asari clones and countless of its zombies in an attempt to drive the invaders off. It wasn’t to be. One by one the tubes were inevitably blown off, sliced by magic or simply weakened by gunfire before broken off by sheer brute force. As the last stalks holding the Thorian aloft was broken, the creature let out another inhuman wail, akin to one dragging claws over a chalkboard. Twilight flattened her ears in response, grimacing at the sound. She watched in slow-motion as the creature fell heavily, bouncing off the edge of the pit, before disappearing into the abyss below. “Good riddance,” Rarity declared, as she trotted up to stand beside Twilight. “You think that’s the last we’ll see of it?” “I doubt it,” Twilight answered grimly, as she stared at the silent abyss. Her radio chimed. “Hey, Commander. I think you’ll want to see this,” Tali’s voice spoke. *** “We found her in that thing.” Tali pointed to a partially torn open pod-like structure glued against the wall. An asari lay face down, unconscious in a pool of liquid below the pod. Disturbingly, she was also clad in the same black bodysuit as the asari clone who attacked them. Her skin colour was the normal blue though. Twilight turned the asari over with a hoof, unsurprised that the asari had the same face as the clones did. Well, that explained a great deal on how the creature managed to clone an asari of all things in this desolate planet. The asari’s eyes fluttered open. Twilight’s horn glowed in anticipation of trouble, but the asari just put a hand to her head and groaned. “T-thank you for releasing me from the Thorian,” she said weakly. The blue-skinned alien sat up and eyed her rescuers. “My name is Shia-la, and I serve...” Her brow furrowed for a moment, before she corrected herself. “I served Matriach Benezia,” she continued, her voice strangely calm. “When Benezia allied herself with Saren, so did I.” “Why did you join her?” Garrus asked, folding his arms over his chest. The turian was obviously unconvinced by her sudden about-turn. “The matriach foresaw the influence Saren would have. She wanted to guide him down a gentler path. Unfortunately... Saren was compelling. She soon lost her way. We all did.” A tinge of regret coloured her voice. “Typical asari meddling. About time it bit you in the ass,” Wrex snorted. “I thought asari matriachs were among the most intelligent and powerful beings in the galaxy. How could one such as Benezia fall under his influence?” Twilight said, puzzled. “Saren has a vessel. A giant warship unlike anything I ever seen. He calls it... Sovereign. It can dominate the minds of its followers; bend them to Saren’s will. The process is subtle; it can take days, weeks. But in the end, it is absolute.” She looked away. “Even the matriach couldn’t resist such a powerful influence.” The asari stood up and began walking towards the partially destroyed pod. She fingered the soft material for a moment, before turning back to face Twilight. “I was a willing slave when Saren brought me here. He needed my biotics to communicate with the Thorian. I was given by Saren as part of the exchange for the Cipher.” “The what now?” Applejack said, a puzzled look on her face. “The Cipher... it is difficult to explain in mere words. Think of it as cultural knowledge of the entire Prothean race. Their knowledge. Their experience. Their history. Their very existence. All which make up for their racial outlook.” “Why do you need such a thing?” Tali asked, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. “The beacon. It is filled with meanings that only a true Prothean mind can understand and interpret. The Cipher allows you to understand the subtle message interwoven in the visions.” “And Saren used it to decipher his version of the beacon’s message!” Twilight cried, slapping her hooves together. “Of course. And he wanted to kill the Thorian to prevent me from obtaining this Cipher.” The other ponies looked at the unicorn in confusion. “Correct. The Thorian, as you can see, was initially very pleased that you arrived. It saw you as a tool to defeat Saren’s treachery,” the asari elaborated, folding her hands over her chest. “Obviously, it underestimated your resolve once you turned against it as well.” “I need that Cipher. Saren is out to bring back the Reapers. I know it.” “Why would you be needing that now, Twilight? Is there something you ain’t sharing with us? What’s this about a message in that beacon?” Applejack interjected, her eyes narrowing. Twilight sighed. It probably wasn’t the best time to reveal the visions and nightmares she had ever since she touched the accursed beacon, but at the same time, she could not very well leave her friends out in the dark. The piercing stare that Applejack gave her probably helped as well. “Look... there’s something I been meaning to tell.” Twilight started to describe her nightmare to her companions. Her visions of doom. The horror she felt as she watched every single image replay in her dreams, even if she could not understand the any of the visions. “Woah... Twilight, why didn’t you tell us? We could have helped!” Rainbow Dash cried indignantly. “I... I didn’t think it was important. Not until we first heard about the Reapers. Even then I thought it was best I kept this to myself.” Twilight looked away guiltily. “I don’t want you girls think I’m starting to go crazy.” “Twilight, we’re your friends. Of course we believe you,” Rarity said. “Ya really need to trust ya own friends more, Twilight.” Applejack remarked. Twilight looked at the two with genuine appreciation, before hugging the white unicorn. “Thank you... for not doubting me.” she said in a muffled voice. “So, commander, do you wish to learn the Cipher?” Shia’la finally piped up, after remaining silent throughout the exchange. Twilight detached herself from Rarity and glanced at the asari. “Yes, please.” Twilight answered. A tiny voice in her mind told her it was a trap, the asari was just another of Saren’s minions waiting to kill her. She willed the voice to be silent. “Very, well, step forward.” “Try to relax commander. Slow deep breaths.” Twilight did as she was told, her heart hammering in her chest. The asari approached the lavender unicorn and put her hands between the unicorn’s head. Twilight felt the world around her blurring as the asari recited what was clearly a memorised script. “Reach out to grasp the threads that binds us, one to another.” “We’re all connected, every living being united in a single glorious existence.” “Open yourself to the universe, commander.” “Embrace eternity!” Twilight suddenly felt her mind being pulled in ten separate directions at once. Again, the sequence of imagery from the beacon flashed through her mind. This time however, there seemed to be an order to sequence of visions. Then... darkness. *** “...ommander... re... ight... coman... Spark...” Twilight slowly opened her eyes. The blurred outline of Rarity’s face came into view. “Twilight! You’re alright! You were knocked out for a minute there.” Twilight groaned in pain as she struggled to get up. “What... happened?” “Shia’la happened, darling.” Right. The asari who they rescued from the Thorian. “Though you seem perfectly fine now. What did she do to you?” Concern was etched on her face. “I don’t know... more weird dreams.” “I have given you the Cipher, just as I have given to Saren. The ancestral memories of the Protheans are a part of you now,” the asari spoke from behind the white unicorn. “Wow... so... do you know any secret Prothean stuff? Martial arts? Kung-fu? Super magic?!” Rainbow Dash said excitedly. “Actually... I don’t feel any different. Sorry Rainbow.” Twilight answered, much to the disappointment of the sky-blue pegasus. “This Cipher thing is lame.” The rainbow speedster stomped the ground in annoyance, kicking up small puffs of dust. “You have just been given the experience of the entire Prothean race. It’ll take time for your mind to process such a wealth of information,” Shia’la said. “I guess so...” “I am sorry if you have suffered, but it is the only way. In time, the Cipher will help you understand the visions from the beacon.” Twilight nodded in reply. At the very least, it didn’t seem to be doing her any harm. “So... whatcha goin’ to do, now what you’re free from the Thorian?” Applejack asked. “If you allow it, I would to stay with the colonists and help them rebuild. Think of it as penance... for my previous misdeeds.” “And how do we know you won’t betray the colony to Saren again?” Garrus queried, not unreasonably. “The Thorian... it broke whatever hold Saren had on me. And now you freed me from the creature, I have my own free will again.” She looked sorrowful for a moment. Twilight suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for the asari. Being subverted of her own free will, betrayed by her own master, and now probably alone on a hostile planet. “I think the colonists could use all the help they can get,” Twilight said finally, flashing a warm smile at the Shia’la. The asari returned the smile, grateful for the second chance. “Thank you, commander. May fortune smile upon you.” *** [Docks, Harnos] “... and the colony of Harnos can never thank you enough for all that you done here,” the mayor said formally. “Let’s give a round of applause to Commander Sparkle, hero of Lix’s Hope!” A ragged cheer and stomping of hooves arose from the assembled ponies around the makeshift stage. Twilight waved at the crowd shyly, unused to the attention. The mayor turned to the commander. “I am sorry we cannot offer you any more. You are however welcome back any time.” Another round of applause. “And that concludes our little ceremony. Ponies, you may go back to assigned stations.” The mayor waited till the crowd dispersed somewhat, before leading Twilight into a corner behind the stage. “I really cannot apologise enough for what we had done back in the colony. The Thorian... simply left us no choice.” Twilight shook her head. “No need to apologise mayor. We understand. I hope your colony can rebuild from this disaster.” The mayor gave a shrug. “I’m sure we can. Now with the geth gone, we’ll go right back to just being another backward outpost in the middle of nowhere. I wish you luck in your future endeavours.” The mayor tilted her head in goodbye and trotted off to join the other colonists on the way back to the outpost. Twilight smiled at the departing beige mare for a moment. Then she started to make her way to the waiting airlock of the Normaredy. The lavender unicorn was eager to leave this desolate planet. Before she could reach the entrance, she heard another another voice call out to her. “Commander, I must speak with you for a moment.” Director Jong. She turned to face the deep blue unicorn, who cantered to a stop a few steps before the lavender unicorn. Twilight felt herself scowling at the director. Wearing an apologetic look, the director spoke, “I truly regret the suffering that the policy of this company has caused to the Harnos’ colonists. It is only fair that I shall lobby for the company to continue their support of the colony... despite the number of questionable incidents that happened here.” Twilight arched an eyebrow at the director’s apparent change of heart. It was a generous gesture by all accounts. Exo-Poni was a large well-known intergalactic corporation. Their continued support, both material and financial, would be invaluable to the survival of the fledgling colony. “We’ll see about that. I, for one, will only believe it when I see it.” “Oh... you will. I do believe the colony has a bright future, now that the Thorian and geth are gone. Of course, it is unfortunate the geth destroyed the plant before we could study it further, no?” The director’s eyes were twinkling as he spoke. Twilight had to hide a smirk at his words. Despite his benevolent intentions, the director was still a political animal at the core. Well, Twilight was content to play along... for now. “Yes, director. What a shame that was.” She nodded formally as goodbye and entered the ship’s airlock. *** [Lix’s Hope, Harnos] The reconciliation was easier than either of the two thought. Giant, mind-controlling plants had a way of making such trivialities easier though. Apple Bloom woke up to find her mind finally clear and free again. Applejack was just happy to get her sister back, mind and all. That didn’t mean their reconciliations was free of emotions. “Oh, it’s you again Applejack,” she greeted curtly as Applejack entered the makeshift hospital room. “What do ya want?” the filly asked plainly. “Apple Bloom...” The soldierpony started in a weary voice. “Look, I’m sorry for the whole cutie mark thing. I thought you’d be happy—” “Happy? Applejack! I don’t even know what my cutie mark mean! I still don’t!” The filly pulled the blanket to reveal her cutie mark... an upturned cardboard box. She glowered at Applejack. “That unicorn ya paid to reveal it done a mighty fine job indeed... now I don’t even know what my special talent in life is...” She seemed almost close to tears. “Do you know how embarrassing it is to not be able to tell anypony what you’re good at?” Applejack put a comforting hoof on her shoulder. “Listen here, Apple Bloom. I don’t rightly care what your cutie mark is, and neither should you. It only represents our special talent, not our destiny in life. Look at me, my cutie mark are three apples yet I’m here, running around to save the galaxy.” “But—” “Don’t you ‘but’ me, lil’ lady. So your cutie mark’s an empty box. Who cares? Important thing is, you live your life the way you want it. Not how you think your cutie mark wants it...” Applejack’s voice softened. “Apple Bloom, we all missed you when you ran away... We still do. Granny Smith nearly threw a fit when she found out...” “I know... but—” “No buts. You know we’ll always love you.” The tears in Apple Bloom’s eyes were practically flowing now. She rushed forward and locked the elder pony with a tight hug. “I missed you so much!” The two sisters, suitably reconciled, spent the rest of the day catching up on gossip and family news. Applejack was understandably reluctant to leave when the time came. “Apple Bloom, I’m goin’ to miss ya.” “Yes big sis. I know you’ll.” The two sisters locked each other in a tight embrace. “Just... don’t go off gettin’ yourself killed ya hear!” Applebloom said, through her sobs. “I won’t Apple Bloom. I promise.” “I’ll hold ya to that promise sis. I swear to Celestia I will!” Apple Bloom said fiercely, tears streaming down her cheeks. The elder sister could only smile at her reaction. That was the Apple Bloom she knew. Always promising the impossible. *** [ESV Normaredy, Harnos Orbit] “Spike, take a letter.” “Right!” Spike magically produced an old-fashioned inkwell pot complete with parchment and quills. A tradition that has survived pony-kind’s transition to a galactic community. Dear Princess Celestia, I have successfully dealt with the geth problem on Harnos. Unfortunately, we could only mourn the loss of 60% of the colony’s population to the geth attack. The colony’s long term future has been assured by the Exo-Poni Company. I’m also happy to report that Applejack has reconciled with her sister, after years of estranged relationship. Strange how one can even find family in the most desolate corner of the galaxy. On a related note, it appears Pinkie Pie has adopted a varren named Gummy as well. As for the matter of Saren, I think we have obtained a vital piece of information regarding the Prothean beacon. It will take time however for me to process that information. In the meantime, we will began our search of Dr. Liara T’Soni in the Artemis Tau cluster. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle Commander of the ESV Normaredy The diminutive dragon wrote furiously on the parchment, before looking up. “That’s it?” he inquired. “That’s it Spike. Send it.” Twilight looked out of the viewport at the planet below. She wondered idly if the Thorian was truly killed. Her gut feelings told her this would not be the last of the strange plant. At least they were now one step closer to understanding Saren’s true purpose.

Grif

267

Main 6,Spike,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Pony Effect

What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe?

incomplete

<p>What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe? Will Commander Sparkle save the day like Shepard did?</p><p>Special thanks to vimbert and 108Echoes from Ponychan's /fic/ for proofreading and conceptual ideas.</p><p>The <a href="https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B0WyBmfXXXZKZDk2ZTM2ZGMtZGFkZS00OTgyLTkyYjMtYWVjYjBhNDI5MGMy/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">GDoc links</a>, if FimFiction does not fancy you. This is both my working copy and the originals that was published on Equestria Daily.</p>

everyone

2012-08-09T15:00:53+00:00

2012-08-09T15:00:53+00:00

[Equestrian Embassy, Citadel] “We’ve received your reports of your mission on Harnos. Good work with saving the colony,” the hologram of the asari councilor congratulated. Twilight nodded slightly, but remained stiffly at attention. It wouldn’t do for a Spectre to look smug... or at least that was what she thought. Nihilus never did manage to give her a crash course on Spectre decorum. She found herself actually missing the gruff turian. “Hmph, if it wasn’t for the fact it was a pony colony, I doubt the commander would go to such pains to keep the colony alive,” the turian councilor sneered. Twilight felt an eye twitch. “I would do the same no matter whose colony it was. Nopony deserves such a fate by the geth and the Thorian,” Twilight ground out, fighting to keep her tone neutral. She was painfully aware that her face was betraying her true feelings. “A pity really, the Thorian. We may never see the likes of it again,” the salarian councillor commented. “We await further news of your mission,” the asari councillor finished, before the images faded away. Twilight turned away from the console to face the crew members who had assembled in the office. “Alright girls, we’ll be needing to stock up on supplies for our long trip to the Artermis Tau cluster, which might take quite some time. So, go ahead and enjoy yourself for the next few days.” The assembled ponies gave a cheer and began to chat excitedly amongst themselves. The alien crew’s reactions were more subdued, though Twilight suspected they were just as eager to take a break off the mission. “Wow, thanks Twilight!” “Dash, you think we should head back to C-Sec HQ and see if they actually missed us?” “Nah, I’ll rather not face the Executor for skipping out like that. How about we hit the shooting range instead? I know I could pull a few favours to get us in unnoticed.” “Um... I’m just going to visit the botanical gardens again... if that’s okay with you.” “Fabulous. Now I can get all the proper materials needed to fabricate this new custom armour of mine. Speaking of which Twilight, you must simply let me take your measurements. You look dreadful in that battered onyx armour of yours...” “I reckon I’ll go ahead and write a letter to Big MacIntosh. He’s probably worried sick and all about Apple Bloom.” Twilight smiled as they chattered excitedly. Her? Well, she was planning on going to that nice spa in the Wards she heard so much about... *** [The Wards, Citadel] “Commander Sparkle! Commander Sparkle!” Twilight blinked in surprise as she searched around amongst the busy crowd for the source of the voice calling her. The very fact that somepony recognised her was surprising, considering she had gone to great lengths to keep a low profile; though the news broadcast of her saving Harnos was a little hard to hide. “Over here!” Twilight finally spotted the one who called her. A turquoise green coated unicorn with pink fluffy mane and tail. She had yellow highlights running down her relatively unkempt mane. The unicorn was jumping frantically and waving at her. Her expression turned to joy as she saw Twilight looking at her. “Yes?” Twilight greeted, as she trotted up to the turquoise mare. The unicorn squealed with glee. “It’s really you! Commander Sparkle! Personal protege of the Princess herself. I’m Dewdrop Dazzle. I’m your biggest fan!” As she jumped around with excitement, Twilight could make out her cutie mark half hidden beneath saddle-dress; an open umbrella with little hearts around it. “Do you mind if you sign this for me? It’ll mean so much!” Dewdrop gushed, taking out a piece of paper and a marker pen. “Err... sure,” Twilight replied, slightly puzzled at the request. Autographs? Now that was a little unexpected. She was expecting some request for help or something, judging by how ponies seemed to always come to her for help. Shrugging, Twilight picked up the pen being offered and scrawled her signature on the paper. “Oh, oh! And sign my bags as well,” Dewdrop added, turning sideways to display her saddle bags. She used her muzzle to indicate an empty spot on the body of the bag. Twilight did as she was asked and handed the pen and paper back. Dewdrop scanned the signature carefully and squealed again. “Thankyouthankyouthankyou. You’re the greatest!” she gushed, replacing the signed autograph into her saddle bags with care. “My pleasure,” Twilight said, smiling at her reaction. It was a nice feeling to have a fan for once. It couldn’t hurt to indulge her, right? “I’m going to tell all my friends that I met the great Commander Sparkle! Squeee!” Dewdrop squealed and quickly dashed off, apparently eager to spread the news. Twilight stared at the disappearing filly, before shaking her head in bemused resignation. Fillies these days. *** [VR Training Course] Applejack dived into the burnt out store as bullets stitched across the ruined sidewalk. “Consarn’ it... she’s good,” she muttered as she impatiently waited for her gun to cool down. Her ears twitched as a sudden silence punctuated gunfire. She cautiously poked her head out, spying a glimmer in one of the towers overlooking the street. Dash. Applejack quickly ducked below the window. Just in time too. Another shot rang out, it’s sharper report distinguishing it from the previous shots. She must have switched to her sniper rifle. How the hay am I supposed to move now? Applejack knew Dash was one of the best snipers she had seen, if not the best so far. The pegasus was probably waiting for her to poke her head out. Applejack decided to survey the interior of the store more thoroughly. Broken counters. Overturned tables. A small hole on the other side of the room... Her ticket out of this mess. Slowly, ever so slowly, Applejack began to edge her way across the room, flinching slightly with every burst of sniper fire. The earth pony reached the small hole after five minutes of agonising progress. Holding the butt of her rifle firmly with her mouth, she bucked the adjacent wall to make the opening wider. The wall easily crumbled in a fine cloud of dust. Applejack reflexively ducked another shot rang out, this time hitting disturbingly close to her position. Dash must have seen the cloud of dust. After a moment of silence, the earth pony crawled out slowly out of the store, taking care to leave no sign of her departure. Applejack found herself in the alleyway behind the store, running parallel to the street in front. Cautiously leaning out of the corner, she was relieved to find the glimmer in the tower hadn’t disappeared. Good, Dash probably didn’t notice her escape. Flipping her gun’s safety, she tucked it on her back and broke into a gallop down the alley. Time for some good ole’ fashioned sneak attack. *** Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was having the time of her life. She got Applejack pinned. She had the store’s entrances covered. There was no way she’d escape this time. All she needed now was an accurate shot, though Applejack was proving frustratingly adept at dodging her sniper fire. No matter. It was only a matter of time before she slipped. The rainbow mare adjusted her sniper scope slightly and settled down for a long wait at her elevated perch, satisfied in the knowledge that victory was within her grasp. “Boom. Head shot,” Applejack’s voice rang behind her. How did— Before she could move a muscle, she felt the familiar sensation of paint bullets impacting on the back of her head. Rainbow Dash froze in shock for a moment, before slamming her forehooves on the ground in frustration. She lost... again! The C-Sec agent turned as the combat simulation ended and the lights in the artificial arena came to life. “I... lost!” Rainbow Dash repeated with disbelief. “Aw, sugarcube, don’t feel bad. You almost got me there,” Applejack said, giving her a sympathetic smile, before adding with a smirk, “I’m just better.” “I hate losing...” Dash muttered, obviously not taking her third loss in a row well. Applejack looked a little taken aback by her slightly venomous words. “Come on Rainbow, it’s all in good fun. Besides, we’ll kick them alien flanks no problem at this rate.” “Yeah... whatever.” *** “Ah, Twilight, you have a private message from the princess. I thought I should let you know.” Lyra said without looking up as Twilight walked into the office. “It’s Priority One, so you should take a look.” Despite the casual way of which the ambassador delivered her little message, Twilight knew it was not a request. Priority One meant something extremely urgent had come up and probably involved national security. “Do you mind if I use the office for a moment?” Twilight asked, a million questions suddenly assaulting her mind. “Not at all. I could use a break anyway.” Lyra got up from her chair and stretched her legs. She grabbed a PDA and whistled as she made her way out of the office. The commander waited till the door slid shut with a hiss before approaching the communication terminal. Her heart beating anxiously, she activated the control lectern. An image of Princess Celestia appeared, regal as always. Twilight frowned as she saw the princess wearing a serious expression, her lips set in grim determination. Gone were the gentle smile she always wore for her subjects, the light-hearted twinkle in her eyes, and the assured pose she held herself. “My faithful student Twilight Sparkle. This is a Priority One message. It is imperative you share this with nopony else. This is... a delicate subject.” The princess paused as she licked her lips, as if unsure of what to say next. Twilight’s frown deepened. She never seen the princess so... distraught before. “As you may know, Princess Luna heads our branch of covert operations, better known as Manticore. It has come to my attention that my dear sister has went missing for at least a week now. True, she has had gone missing for a longer periods than this in the past, but she always gave a warning ahead of time before she did anything that required her extended attention. Last week, she had informed Manticore HQ that she would be going out to scout a suspected geth base in the Horsehead Nebulae. Alone. I was told this was supposed to be a routine recon mission, nothing more. Luna... never reported back. Not a single word since she departed. HQ did not sense anything amiss until they realised that even her locator beacon went silent.” Twilight stiffened as she heard the princess’ words. The Princess of the Moon... missing? But how... how did one manage to kidnap or subdue a demi-god? Princess Celestia’s worried voice disrupted that train of thoughts. “Please Twilight, find out where my sister gone. But do so discreetly. That means you are not allowed to detract from your current mission.” Twilight blinked. That was a surprise. She half-expected the Princess to order her to drop everything and go chasing after Princess Luna. She was after all one half of Equestrian Royalty. Princess Celestia’s dearest sister. “I have my reasons for this. From my sister’s notes, I suspect her disappearance is in some way connected to Saren and the Reapers. I think you would find clues to her whereabouts as you scour the galaxy for Saren.” Twilight nodded. That seemed reasonable enough. She was well aware or at least suspected that she wasn’t the only agent at the Princesses’ disposal that was looking into Saren’s plan. The princess’ voice dropped into a concerned tone. “Stay safe, my little pony. The galaxy has become a darker place.” The hologram disappeared, leaving her to stare at thin air. The galaxy had just become a whole lot more darker indeed. *** [C-Sec Academy, Citadel] “Commander Sparkle? Commander Sparkle!” Twilight frowned as she heard her name being called. It was the second time already in two days. She had no idea she was so famous. The unicorn noticed a slate-gray coated stallion pushing through a group of volus, a hovering camera in tow. “Commander Sparkle?” the stallion repeated, a polite expression etched on her face. His slivery mane was neatly shaved and cropped, and a press card hung around his neck. A reporter. Twilight immediately felt uneasy. She never had to deal with the press before as the personal student of Celestia. Why now? “I am Twilight Sparkle. May I know who am I speaking to?” Twilight said warily. “Ah, pleased to meet you. My name is Khal Al-Jilal from the Equestrian News Network. Would you mind answering a few questions?” “That depends.” “Ponies back home has heard a lot of wild stories about you, Commander. The Princess have not been forthcoming either. I think the public deserves some answers. Straight from the horse’s mouth as some would say.” Twilight pondered the matter for a moment. Surely it wouldn’t do anypony harm to give an interview right? She wouldn’t want wild rumours floating around back on Canterlot anyway. “Very well.” She flinched as the hovering camera next to the reporter suddenly lit up and shone a bright light into her face. Khal adjusted the camera a little and grinned at the commander. “Commander Sparkle, for years now, ponies have been trying to earn the respect of the galactic community at large. With that in mind, what are your feelings at being the first pony Spectre?” she asked, slipping in that professional reporter tone. Well, easy enough question, Twilight thought, relaxing a little. Perhaps this wouldn’t be as bad she feared. “Honoured of course. This is a great chance for pony-kind to prove their worth to the galactic community.” “I see. Some believe without firm action on our part, the Council will continue to treat us like poor relations. Have the Council demanded that you put their interests above ours?” “So far, no. I have great faith they will not ask me to make such a choice,” Twilight answered. “Huh, you seems to have believe in the Council a great deal. Very well. You have been given command of an advanced warship for your mission. Do you have anything to say about it?” “I believe it is a great honour to be commanding such a warship. The Normaredy is the product of what our species can do if we work together, and I am proud to be commanding the fruits of such collaboration between our races.” Twilight was a little surprised on how the topic suddenly changed. “Right. There have been some concerns in the Navy that such an advanced warship was being handed over to the Citadel instead of being rightfully used in our fleet. What do you think of this?” Twilight hesitated for a moment. “I... I suppose the Citadel had the right, they did invest a large sum of credits into the project.” “But do you not think the Navy deserves a little more credit for their work? That ponies should be more independent from the Citadel? That we should look out for our interests more?” Khal pressed, an eager expression on his face. “What?” Twilight blurted, registering a confused expression. “Do you think the Citadel is right in demanding that we surrender our best assets to them in the name of ‘galactic peace’ and part of the price we pay for ‘membership’ to the Citadel?” “I did not even—” Twilight took a deep breath to forestall herself from saying anything rash. She recomposed her thoughts and stared at Khal—who was grinning broadly—right in the eye. “You’re trying to get me to paint the Citadel in a bad light aren’t you?” “I don’t know what you mean, Commander. It was an honest question from an honest reporter,” Khal replied lazily. Twilight gave the reporter a cold stare. It was slowly becoming evident that the interview was nothing more than a setup to get her to condemn the Citadel to please the xenophobic crowd back on Canterlot. Celestia knows, they were vocal enough when they heard about Equestria joining the Citadel. Many of them had believed Equestria was better off going it alone like the batarians did. The same crowd also advocated stronger measures against their batarian neighbours. Princess Celestia had bend over backwards just to appease the crowd, since they theoretically could make life very difficult for her in the Equestrian Parliament. Twilight imagined their leaders had apoplexies when they heard the Normaredy was being palmed off to the Citadel after pony-kind spent years labouring on the project. “This interview is over,” Twilight said, firing up her horn. The hovering camera suddenly seized up, and fell to the ground, sparking and smoking. “What the- You mule! I’ll make sure everypony on Canterlot sees how you bullied an innocent reporter.” Khal shot the lavender unicorn a venomous look as he fell to his knees to piece together his precious camcorder. “Feel free. Without evidence, you can’t prove anything. Have a good day, sir.” Twilight nodded her head curtly and stalked off, leaving the reporter to stew in anger. *** [Park, Presidium] The botanical gardens of the Presidium boasted well over tens of thousands of different plants and animals from the various alien races of the Citadel. It was one of these gardens that Tali and Fluttershy decided to take a walk together. The yellow pegasus and quarian made an odd couple as they strolled along the permacrete path, surrounded by verdant foliage. “So... Tali, what did you do before you...um... you know... came here?” Fluttershy shyly asked the quarian. “Hm? Oh, I lived on the Migrant Fleet before I set out on my pilgrimage.” “Oh, I heard you mention that... but what is it?” Tali tapped the side of her facemask lightly, pondering on how to best answer the question. “It’s... well... it’s like a rite of passage. You see, when my people reach maturity, we leave our birth ships and seek acceptance among a new crew.” “What for?” Fluttershy asked innocently. Tali smiled, despite the fact that she was sure the pegasus wouldn’t be able to see her expression. There was something endearing about the way this pony asked questions. “It’s necessary to maintain genetic diversity among the fleet. But no ship wants to accept someone who would be a burden on them. So, to prove our worth, we embark on a journey. We set out alone, leaving the flotilla and our family and friends behind us. We only return when we find something of value we can bring back to the fleet.” “That sounds dangerous...” “Trust me, it isn’t as dangerous as it sounds. Otherwise our numbers would suffer. Before we embark on our pilgrimage, we are given lessons on how to survive outside the flotilla. We’re also given gifts and additional implants to help us survive.” “But what do you do when you return?” Fluttershy asked, tilting her head. “We present the captain of the ship of our choice with the gift. If he accepts, then we are welcomed back as part of the new crew,” Tali explained. “That sounds... nice.” Fluttershy glanced at the quarian questioningly for a moment before looking down shyly. “Why... why do you hate the geth so much?” she quietly asked. “I know we met a lot of bad geth and all... but there’s good geth, right?” Tali came to a sudden stop, startling her companion. She had to force down the bitter retort she had ready. She forcibly reminded herself that this pony was by all accounts, innocent. It was evident that she didn’t know of the geth-quarian war, nor of the precarious situation the quarians as a species found themselves in at the moment. Tali stared at the distance in silence for a brief moment, before speaking again. “You see, we quarians originally created the geth...” Tali began to recount the short version of how the quarians had invented the geth to use as a mechanical labour force and the subsequent evolution of their intelligence. She told tales of bravery and horror as the Geth-Quarian War raged. How the quarian had taken to survive after their loss in the war. How they fled their homeworlds in despair and defeat. How they had subsequently learned to survive and the creation of the Migrant Fleet as it wais today. A short distance away, Garrus and Rarity were watching the two conversing intently. “Frankly, I don’t know why you keep her around. She’s at best a hindrance in a real battle and would be downright painful to watch out for,” the turian remarked, watching the Fluttershy bobbing her head up and down. “Hush now, you shouldn’t be questioning the commander’s decision.” “Hey, our lives are on the line here. We should kindly remove her from the team while we can. Well, we could keep the bunny. I’m not about to turn down a potentially powerful biotic like him. Even if he’s only two feet tall. He definitely can put a lot of asari to shame.” Rarity sighed. Truth to be told, she had to agree with the turian. As much as she liked the company, Fluttershy was a little too... innocent to be dragged around the galaxy like this. Sure, she had no place to go after the incident on Appleloosa and she had needed a new place to stay. But bringing her along on their mission? It made no sense no matter how you sliced it. Maybe she’d need to talk to Twilight about this... “You two should be ashamed for talking behind Fluttershy’s back like that!” Garrus and Rarity nearly leapt off the park bench at the sound of Pinkie’s voice behind them. “Pinkie Pie! You know how I detest you sneaking up on me!” “No buts. Talking about friends like that is mean.” Pinkie insisted, folding her forelegs in disapproval. “Fine, Pinkie, maybe we were wrong. But you have to admit Fluttershy is utterly unsuited to a mission of this nature. She’s...” Rarity had to dig deep to find a suitable word. “...delicate.” Pinkie pouted and shook her head vigorously. “Give her time... I’m sure she’ll be super duper bad-ass in no time! You’ll see!” Garrus merely raised an eyebrow at her words. “Assuming she doesn’t get herself killed first.” The turian was rewarded with yet another Pinkie glare. *** “Hey, Applejack!” Rainbow Dash called out, poking the napping solider in the ribs. Applejack grunted slightly at the touch and opened one eye. “Wha... what in tarnation do ya want, Rainbow Dash?” she answered wearily, evidently annoyed at being disturbed during her nap. “I just got the greatest idea to settle the score between us once and for all!” Rainbow Dash said, her wings working up a good storm. “Dash, have ya been hittin’ them salt bars again? What’s this tomfoolery about a score?” Applejack said, closing her eyes again. “You see, you think you’re the best soldier in the team...” “Rainbow Dash... if yer still sore about me beating ya in combat training-” “... And I think I am the best soldier. Let’s settle this once and for all. A race around the Presidium. Today. Noon.” Applejack’s eyes sprung open, and she stared wordlessly at Rainbow Dash in astonishment for several moments. Rainbow Dash grinned nervously, hoping that Applejack would take the challenge. She would show her why she was named best speedster of the year four times in a row back on Cloudsdale City. This was one contest she was guaranteed not to lose. No sir. She would prove once and for all who was the best pony. Then, Dash saw a grin spreading on Applejack’s face. She tilted her stenton hat back and said, “Yer know what Rainbow Dash? You’re on.” *** [The Wards, Citadel] “Oh, oh! Commander Sparkle!” Twilight found herself being accosted from the same unicorn she met earlier. Her eyes bulged as she saw just how the unicorn changed since they last met. The turquoise unicorn now styled her mane and tail to match hers, right down to the single highlight that ran down the middle of her mane. “You look my new look, Commander? I did it just so I could look more like the great Commander Sparkle!” Twilight forced a plastic grin on her face and chuckled nervously. Surely Dewdrop meant it as a joke... right? “It’s... interesting...” Twilight replied, unsure of how to reply to that. She couldn’t very well tell her off, as disturbed as she was by the filly’s copy cat behaviour. “I think it’s-” Twilight said slowly, fumbling for polite words to dissuade her. “Oh, Commander, you’re being too modest. This is totally manestyle of the year material. I even brought a camera to take a picture of both of us together! Come on, let’s take a picture.” “I... err...” “Cool! Wait here...” Dewdrop went off to approach a nearby salarian who was conversing with another of his species. After several moments of gesticulating and loud words, the salarian reluctantly nodded and followed the filly, camera in hand. Twilight thought he looked positively terrified of the filly. “What did you tell him?” “Oh nothing, just that I’ll stalk him and his entire family if he didn’t help me with this...” “Wha-” “Smile!” Twilight turned just in time to catch the full glare of the camera flash full in the face. The unicorn staggered slightly as her vision blurred, spots dancing about in the front of her. She started rubbing her abused eyes gingerly in a vain attempt to clear those pesky spots. “Thank you so much!” She felt the filly embracing her in a tight hug. Twilight tried to object, to tell the filly this was unacceptable. Hero worship was fine and all, but this was taking it too far. Then the sounds of pattering footsteps told her it was too late; she was gone. “Wait!” Twilight shouted, finally recovering the use of her mouth. It was no use. She frowned as Dewdrop disappeared among the crowd. Much as she liked having devoted fans, this was one step too far... *** “... and we fled our homeworlds. It was fortunate the geth never pursued us beyond the Veil. So we have drifted through the stars since, always running. Looking for ways to get home...” Tali’s voice ended on a note of wistfulness. “Um... I see...” Fluttershy said, visibly moved. “But enough about the geth, how about you?” “Me? Um... really, there’s nothing to talk about...” “Surely you have something to share.” Tali thought on what little she knew about Fluttershy. “I know, tell me about your life on Appleloosa. Sparkle mentioned that she found you hiding among the cargo in the space port. Did you work at the port?” “Um... okay...” Fluttershy took a deep breath before continuing. “Yes, I was a dockworker there. But I had a special job there. You see, my special talent...” the yellow pegasus glanced at her cutie mark for a moment. “... is being able to make friends with animals. So Appleloosa, in addition to all those delicious apples we export, also sells some of the animals we raise as pets or for resettlement to other worlds.” She looked down at the bench, seemingly studying the fake wood intently. “You see... my job is to make sure they stay happy and calm when the time came for them to move. Sometimes I exchange animals who don’t want to go. We don’t force anypony to actually leave. Angel here was one such bunny who refused to move.” Right on cue, the rabbit appeared and hopped on top of her head. He pointed to his mouth and made a chomping motion. “Oh, you’re hungry? Hold on...” Fluttershy dug into her saddle bag and produced a carrot. Angel whisked the carrot off her mouth and began nibbling on the end eagerly. “I see he’s grown attached to you,” Tali commented, amused. “Oh yes... Angel seems to like me alot.” Tali noted with amusement that the rabbit stopped her impromptu meal for a moment to scowl at the pegasus behind her back. “Anyway, that was what probably saved my life when the scary geth attacked. I was at the starport, talking to a family of beavers. At first, I hid myself as the shooting started. Then I remember all the poor defenseless animals out there. So I crept out and let animals out... then I found myself a new place to hide. You know the rest of the story...” “Interesting. I suppose all you ponies have cutie marks? Sorry, I’m not very familiar with your culture.” “Yes... we all get our cutie marks when—” “There you are!” Applejack’s voice rang out. Both Fluttershy and Tali turned to look at the soldierpony and Rainbow Dash who was apparently hovering impatiently behind. “Mind helping us with something?” *** [Presidium, Citadel] “Okay, girls! You know the rules. First one past the finish line here wins the race!” Pinkie Pie sang as she bounced around the two potential racers. Applejack and Rainbow Dash gave each other a knowing glance before positioning themselves on the hastily drawn line on the metal floor. “That’s right, fillies and gentlecolts. Today, Rainbow Dash and Applejack will race right here, right in the heart of the Citadel, to determine the who has the right to claim the coveted ‘Best Soldier in the Team’ award!” Spike announced into a mock microphone, a twig actually. His loud voice however, attracted a few curious passer-bys. “... We have such an award?” Fluttershy whispered, her aquamarine eyes a reflection of her confusion. “Nope, just play along,” Spike whispered back. “Hey, where’s Garrus?” “Twilight wanted him for something. Something about a personal problem...” “Huh, I guess he’ll be missing all the fun. His loss.” Spike adjusted his ‘microphone’ and switched to his announcer persona. “Alright! Ladies, take your position!” “Oy! What do you think you ponies are doing?” a turian voice demanded. Spike glanced towards the direction of the speaker and grimaced. It was a C-Sec constable. The dragon guessed their impromptu race was probably breaking a few dozen C-Sec regulations as they spoke. But then again... Rainbow Dash promised sapphires... “Uh... right. I can explain this...” Spike hemmed and hawed, stalling the irate C-Sec constable. “You better have a damn good explanation for this farce. The Presidium is not a public race course,” the constable snapped. He looked past the dragon and pointed at the two contestants. “Tell them to stop. Now.” “Sure, sure. Let me just—” Meanwhile, Pinkie was waving a chequered flag merrily in front of the pair. “Ready. Set. Go!” she yelled. The two contestants took off in a blur, with Rainbow Dash in particular leaving a rainbow-coloured trail behind. The small crowd that gathered whooped and cheered noisily. “What the... Stop! Stop!” the constable yelled as the two sped past him, toppling a few potted plant and weaving past the Krogan Memorial Statue. The constable tried in vain to run after them, but found himself choking on their dust trail as they disappeared over the horizon. He raised a hand to his earpiece. “Constable Toruk here. We have a problem.” *** Speed. That was what Rainbow Dash was built for. That was her advantage her entire life. Yet for in the spirit of this competition, she had her wings tied up with a rope. She very reluctantly agreed to the restriction; even she recognised that Applejack wouldn’t be able to match her speed in the air. Despite all the handicaps she was saddled with, she managed to maintain a razor-thin lead on the soldier pony. For the moment. Applejack was pretty close behind though. She could hear the soldierpony breathing hard behind her. Then she saw an insurmountable obstacle ahead. A group of various aliens blocking the bridge. She slowed down a little as she tried to push her way through the crowd. “Coming through, coming through!” “Heads up ya’all!” Applejack shouted as she rounded a pair of Hanar diplomats and gave a mighty leap over a group of startled volus merchants hawking their goods. She cleared the group handily and began opening up the distance by the time Dash managed to squeeze her way past a pair of asari. Dash narrowed her eyes. Applejack in the lead! Again! The rainbow pegasus willed her legs to go faster and took off after the earth pony. *** “Commander Sparkle! There you are!” Twilight Sparkle was beginning to dread that voice. It seemed every time Dewdrop managed to find her, she would find some new way to creep her out. “Hey since we’re best buddies and all, I was wondering...” her voice trailed off coyly as she looked at the commander expectantly. “Wonder what?” Twilight snapped, her patience finally worn thin by her antics. “Commander... maybe...” Dewdrop fluffed her mane and struck what the filly though to be a gallant pose. “You can let me join the Spectres! We could totally go on adventures together and stuff and things...” Twilight held up a hoof. “No.” “What?” “You heard me, no. Spectres are not some game you play. This is real life and death.” Dewdrop stared at Twilight in shock, as if not expecting for her hero to reject her request. “But, all those things I did for you... you can’t make an exception? Just this once?” she pleaded, flattening her ears. “No. I’m sorry.” The turquoise look-alike stared at the commander for a long moment in silence before finally nodding her head. “Fine. I see what it is. You heroes are all the same. A little glory and it suddenly goes into your head. No time for the little people eh?” Twilight shook her head. This filly was stubbornly misinterpreting everything she was trying to say. “No, it’s not like that—” “Don’t bother. I know what you mean. I’ll prove it to you I can make it, you’ll see!” the turquoise pony turned to leave. “Excuse me, but I believe it’s my cue to appear,” a smooth turian voice spoke behind Dewdrop. Garrus emerged from the shadows he was hiding and walked up to the pair. He placed a firm hand on the filly, stopping her dead in her tracks. “Wha-? What is this?” Dewdrop whirled back to face Twilight. “You set me up didn’t you?” “Actually, I’m not here to arrest you, although the commander here did have her fears.” “Then you have no right to stop me!” “Just answer a question of mine. Have you ever handled a gun before?” Garrus asked casually, gesturing at the pistol on his hip. “Um... no. I’m sure it’s easy!” Dewdrop answered hotly. “Uh huh. Have you ever felt a gun being pointed to your face before?” Before the filly could respond, Garrus had his pistol out and pointed discreetly at her chin. “Garrus, enough.” Twilight said, putting a hoof on his hand to lower his aim. She turned to Dewdrop, who seemed to have turned two shades paler. “Listen, being a Spectre is not all fun and games. Sometimes... sometimes we have to make sacrifices... do things we don’t like doing...” She paused fractionally, gathering her thoughts. “... maybe even make difficult choices.” “But we’re doing it not for glory. Not for the killing. We’re doing it for ponies everywhere. Ponies like you. Equestria needs you. But not as a spectre. Go home, and be safe. For me. For us. It’s what I am fighting for.” “I—” “You better listen to the commander here. She certainly knows what she’s talking about.” Dewdrop’s eyes flitted between Twilight and Garrus. Then the unicorn’s ears drooped and her gaze dropped to the floor. “... I guess... you’re right. I shouldn’t be out here... mom’s already worried sick,” she said in a smaller voice. “Then go home to her. Now go on. Don’t let us keep you...” Twilight gave the unicorn a little nudge on the flank. Dewdrop glanced at both Garrus and Twilight, before nodding reluctantly and started to trot off. Compared to the bubbly filly earlier, Dewdrop now seemed like a shadow of her old self. Deep down, Twilight wondered whether this was really better for her. “Phew, I’m glad that was settled. I was starting to think she was a little unhinged...” Before Garrus could respond, his radio chimed. The turian listened intently for a moment, before letting out a groan. “Rainbow Dash... you idiot...” he muttered under his breath before glancing at Twilight. The commander gave him an odd look. “Let me guess, Rainbow Dash broke something valuable again?” Twilight said dryly. “Commander, you’re not going to like this...” *** “Hah hah!” Rainbow Dash whooped as she tipped the statue over. Applejack, who was following closely behind, yelled loudly as she swerved to one side to avoid the falling edifice. The statue shattered with a loud crack. Fortuitously, no one was injured by the toppling structure. “Why you no-good...” she shouted back at the pegasus. “Fair’s fair!” “Alright, enough’s enough. Yer goin’ down, Rainbow Dash,” the soldier pony shouted back, jumping to snag the flying pegasus tail with her mouth. The speedster found herself being yanked back the sudden force and crashed hard on the ground. She found herself staring at the dust trail of Applejack as she planted her snout into the artificial permacrete of the Presidium. “Oh no you don’t!” Dash shouted, getting to all fours and taking off in a rainbow blur. The two racers sped past the various monuments and landmarks of the Presidium, tipping various landmarks over and leaving bewildered passersby behind. The race gradually descended into a mess of tackles, tail pulling, tripping one’s feet and other dirty tricks as they neared the finish line. “It’s Rainbow Dash taking the lead... Now, it’s Applejack. Rainbow Dash. Applejack. Rainbow Dash! It’s too close to tell!” A indistinct trail of clouds approached the finish line, the only visible sign that the racers was still in the fight. Pained grunts and shouts emanated from the dust cloud as the two tumbled over the final lap and deposited the now battered and thoroughly exhausted competitors onto the floor. The crowd whooped and cheered as the two turned as one to look at Pinkie. The same question shot out of their mouth. “Who won?” Pinkie made a show of fiddling with her PDA for dramatic pause before shouting, “It’s a tie!” The crowd went wild. “WHAT?!” the two again shouted as one. “Ahem.” The two turned as one to the source of the cough. A very angry looking Twilight, together with Executor Pallin with an equally livid look. The gathered crowd suddenly went silent, looking at each other uncertainly. As if on cue, the C-Sec constables appeared and began herding the on-lookers off. Soon the small group was the only ones left. “You two have some explaining to do.” *** [CIC, ESV Normaredy] “... I can’t believe you two were foolhardy enough to hold a race in the Presidium of all places. We’re already in enough trouble with C-Sec. If it weren’t for the ambassador’s pleas and my own status as a Spectre, we would be unceremoniously serving jail time on a prison ship. Or worse.” “Sorry, Commander... I guess I got a lil’ carried away.” “I totally won that race you know,” Dash retorted smugly, still not completely in the program. She was rewarded with pinpoint glares from the rest of the crew. “Uh... I mean, sorry, shouldn’t have done that,” she quickly corrected, grimacing. She convinced nopony however. Twilight glared at the rainbow pegasus a little more before moving on. “Since you two also so kindly inflicted approximately three million credits of damage to the Citadel, both of your pay will also be docked for a year. Be thankful the princess picked up the rest of the tab.” “A.... year? How am I supposed to afford that Wonderbolts show ticket now?!” “Oh boy, Big Mac ain’t going to be pleased hearing this.” “Maybe the both of you should have thought of the consequences before running off into the wind next time,” Twilight answered sardonically. The two shuffled their hooves guiltily at her words. Rainbow Dash even briefly sported a contrite look on her face, though she gamely recovered and put on her usual expression of smug satisfaction. “Anyhow, since we had to cancel the rest of shore leave due to your antics, we might as well start our search for Dr. Liara T’Soni.” The crew stiffened slightly and glanced at each other. Playtime was over. Here was the next phase of their quest. “Ditzy, pass the coordinates of the cluster to Scootaloo. Let’s go get our doctor.”

Grif

267

Main 6,Spike,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Pony Effect

What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe?

incomplete

<p>What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe? Will Commander Sparkle save the day like Shepard did?</p><p>Special thanks to vimbert and 108Echoes from Ponychan's /fic/ for proofreading and conceptual ideas.</p><p>The <a href="https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B0WyBmfXXXZKZDk2ZTM2ZGMtZGFkZS00OTgyLTkyYjMtYWVjYjBhNDI5MGMy/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">GDoc links</a>, if FimFiction does not fancy you. This is both my working copy and the originals that was published on Equestria Daily.</p>

everyone

2011-10-18T14:44:23+00:00

2011-10-18T14:44:23+00:00

[Pilot’s Deck, ESV Normaredy] “Remind me again, why are we wasting our time in this miserable excuse of a star system?” The pilot answered the pointed question with an air of resignation, having been subjected to the exact same question a dozen times for the past week. “To find Dr. Liara T’Soni. Her university mentioned this was where she headed before she dropped out of radio contact,” Scootaloo replied evenly, her eyes not moving from the numerous monitors on the pilot’s console. “Right. So why are we scanning this obviously lifeless hunk of rock?” “Because she could be anywhere in this cluster. Which includes this barren planet which you just called a lifeless hunk of rock.” The orange pegasus stopped her work for a moment and looked up at the white unicorn leaning grumpily over her seat. “Maybe if you fixed that shorted circuit board faster, we might have completed the scan long ago.” “Please, Scootaloo, you wound me.” Rarity snorted and pouted at the pilot. “If it weren’t for my meticulous work in triple-checking each subsystem, we might have missed that and the scan results would have been scrambled. We would have been stuck for weeks. You should be grateful that I am the chief engineer.” It had become a daily ritual for the two to trade barbs every waking cycle, though the two were well aware both did not mean a single word. Scootaloo only shrugged, before turning her attention back to her piloting duties. In a more conversation tone, she continued, “Think we’ll get lucky this time?” The engineer sighed. “To be honest, I’m not putting my hope on this.” The search was taking its toll on everypony on the ship, especially after the forceful way they were shown the door at the Citadel. Why, she hadn’t had nearly enough time to finish the acquisition of the needed spare parts for the Normaredy. The ship had already burnt through two flux converters and she was down to her last spare. Clearly, the experimental nature of the warship hasn’t helped one bit. Rarity was sure she had done enough to rewrite the entire maintenance manual that came with the ship. She would need to have a talk with the pony who wrote the useless waste of good paper. A very long talk indeed. The unicorn’s blue eyes fell on the view of the barren planet below them, the latest in the dozens they have scanned. The commander better find this doctor soon. Or things might just get very interesting... *** [CIC Deck, ESV Normaredy] “Right, next planet?” Twilight said, studying the map of the cluster being displayed in the center of the CIC. The sound of a book being flipped through furiously filled the room. Stopping halfway through, Spike studied the page briefly and said, “Let’s see. Name: Stirrum. Volcanic planet... from initial surveys—” “Captain. I’m picking up an Equestrian signal,” Scootaloo’s voice crackled over the speakers, interrupting the report from Spike. “Looks like a colony.” Twilight looked up from map, suddenly very much more interested. “Weird. There was no records of a colony here. How big?” she said, her hooves working the keyboard to bring up a video feed of the planet. “Hold on.” A brief pause. “About 2,000 ponies. The colony of Nova Yakterinburg.” A dull reddish planet replaced the galaxy map in the center of the CIC. Wisps of yellowish clouds drifted lazily across the surface, with visible lava pools and rivers snaking through the surface. “Not exactly uncharted, isn’t it?” Spike snorted, waving the paper charts about roughly, a few pages fluttering to the floor. “It’s been years since anypony updated these charts. I mean, c’mon, how could we still be using paper charts?” “Captain, the colony is hailing us now.” “Patch us through, Scootaloo. Let’s greet our hosts.” *** “Turns out they were only setup last year... right after the yearly census update. Trust these ponies to be so inadvertent in their timing.” Twilight dryly explained, as the ground team made themselves comfortable in the briefing room. Rainbow Dash hovered about in the room impatiently. “Yeah whatever. Let’s hear the good news already!” “Please, Rainbow Dash, all things in due time. As I was about to say, I have spoken to the colony’s liason. He confirmed that there were several ancient ruins detected when they surveyed the planet in detail.” The white unicorn lowered her voice conspiratorially. “Prothean ruins.” “The miners have also lost contact with a mining facility at the far end of the planet. Coincidentally, this one sits right next to one of the ruins,” Tali added. Applejack whistled. “Ain’t no such thing as coincidence in this galaxy.” “Geth?” Twilight directed the question at the pilot, who was listening in from her post on the Pilot’s Deck. “No sign of them on the ship’s sensors, Captain. Though with so much thermal interference, it is hard to be certain for sure. As for the colony’s defense net? They might as well paint a big ‘Hit Me!’ sign to their colony. It barely covers a quarter of the planet’s surface. Certainly useless for our purposes,” Scootaloo replied, a tinge of derision lingering in her voice. Twilight furrowed her brow as she pondered the matter. It was quite probable that the geth had caught wind of their mission and set out to silence the doctor before they could find her. Perhaps Saren was more tuned in to their mission than she thought. Which means they were running out of time. They’d need to go in hot and fast, and extract the doctor before the geth could catch her. “Scoot, prep the Mako. We go in with a hot insertion.” *** The ESV Normaredy SR-1 was a small warship by the standards of traditional warships in space. However, the small size also meant that the warship could enter planetary atmosphere without risking a burn-up or worse: crashing into the planet. Taking that line of thought, the designers of Normaredy had helpfully designed the ship to be able to carry and deploy a single M35 Mako Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) for the purpose of rapid deployment, consistent with its role as a stealth frigate. The Mako was built to be a tank, designed to withstand high drops, extremes of temperature and rough terrain. The battered but still working Mako that the commander had found on Harnos was only testament to that fact. The idea was simple. The Normaredy (and eventually ships of the same class) was to literally drop the vehicle onto the location where it needed to be deployed. With the vehicle’s sturdy construction, element zero core and micro-thrusters, it could be air-dropped at a relatively high height without endangering the crew. This helped minimise the exposure of the frigate to anti-aircraft fire and enable it to swiftly and stealthily drop ground teams at any location of their choosing. Which was why Twilight was crammed into the Mako together with Garrus, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. If she thought the ride on Harnos was small enough with three ponies, then four was an absolute squeeze. “Pinkie, do you think you can stop shoving your tail into my mouth?” Twilight said grumpily, trying to her utmost best to keep the pink pony’s tail from obscuring her view of the driver’s console. Pinkie let out a happy giggle. “But this is funnnnnnnn!” The pink earth pony continued her obviously fantastic exploration of the interior of the Mako, her fluffy tail now wriggling in front of Twilight. “Pinkie, I can’t concentrate if you keep distracting me like this.” “Fine!” The pink pony wriggled her legs about and maneuvered her body onto the passenger seat proper in the driver’s cabin. “Better?” “Very much,” Twilight muttered, thankful that she didn’t need to breath in a maneful of pink hair anytime soon. She glanced back towards Garrus and Rainbow Dash and was met with similar relieved looks. “Captain, approaching mining facility. Prepare for air-drop.” “Right.” “Airdrop in 5 seconds.” The entire vehicle shuddered as the cargo bay doors opened. Strong winds began to buffet the Mako, the windy roar slowly increasing in volume to a deafening cacophony. Twilight held the vehicle steady, motioning for her companions to brace for the inevitable drop. “Mark.” A loud click resounded through the win as the clamps on the vehicles released. Twilight felt her stomach drop as she was suddenly pulled forward by the surge of gravity. Thank Celestia for seat-belts. The Mako was in free-fall, at least for a brief moment. “Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” the pink pony beside her shouted with glee, giggling uncontrollably, apparently enjoying the thrill of the ride. Moments later, the automated landing system kicked in, activating the element zero core and reducing their speed. Twilight began firing the mini-thrusters located at each end of the boxy vehicle, further slowing their descent. For what seemed like an eternity, the Mako hung in mid-air, the wind whistling past as the Mako continued to plummet under the pull of the planet’s less-than-Canterlot gravity. The vehicle landed not so much with a loud whump that was more heard than felt, a testament to the vehicle’s sturdy suspension system. Nopony moved for several seconds, apparently content to savour the fact that they actually survived the fall. Twilight was the first to recover from the shock. The unicorn glanced at her companions to make sure they were unharmed. Pinkie seemed to be rather enjoying the whole affair, and began giggling again in glee. Garrus looked a little shaken, but otherwise composed. Rainbow Dash however, seemed to be looking a little on the green side, holding a forehoof to her lips. “Dash, you alright?” “Yeah… just need to—“ The rest of her words were lost as the rainbow speedster gagged and buried her face in a paper bag that she found conveniently tucked nearby. Garrus couldn’t help but snicker at the pegasus misfortune. “Looks like someone couldn’t handle their dinner,” he teased Rainbow, grinning broadly. Before he could do more than chuckle, the turian was met with a solid hoof to his face. The turian fell back onto his seat with a yelp of surprise. Fortunately, before either descended into blows, the radio crackled with Scootaloo’s voice. “Captain, we’ve detected some unusual activity in the mining shaft 23-B, a few clicks to the north of your position. You might want to check it out.” “Thanks, Scootaloo. Heading over now,” Twilight replied, sobering up. “Let’s go kick some bad guy flanks!” Pinkie bubbled enthusiastically. *** [Mining Facility CJ-32, Stirrum] Twilight made a mental note she would never ever visit this place ever again. Stirrum was by all standards, a very desolate and bleak planet. A dark pall hung over the entire sky, Stirrum’s sun a faint orb of red. (Stirrum apparently did not have a local weather station yet.) The harsh glare of the open lava pools in the distance tinted the landscape with faint, red light. Black, volcanic rocks rose up on either side of the Mako as they traversed down the small valley they landed in. The only break in the desolate landscape was the pony-made tunnel ahead that Twilight knew linked the valley to the mining complex on the other side. As Twilight steered the through the tunnels and out to the other side, she got a first glimpse of the so-called ‘mining complex’. The ‘mining complex’ was actually a loose collection of buildings that was scattered all over the compound. Seemingly at random, circular portals half-hidden in the volcanic rocks marked the entrance to yet another mining shaft running deep underground. Metal pipes originated from those shafts, and ran haphazardly around the lava pools that dotted the site. From her limited perspective on the Mako, most of the pipes seemed to run in direction of a large building in on other side of the compound. Twilight guessed it must be this site’s collection and processing facility. *** [CIC Deck, ESV Normaredy] Wrex frowned as he studied the numbers displayed on the console. “What do you mean the population count don’t match up?” “Nova Yakterinburg has 2,345 colonists. The colony reported a total of 2,379 colonists,” Rarity explained patiently, her tone not unlike a schoolteacher giving the dolt of the class a lesson in Mathematics 101. “That’s um... three... fourty... darn these fancy mathematics. Anyhow, I reckon y’all mean the numbers don’t add up?” Applejack said, doffing her hat. “Precisely. Since Nova Yakterinburg is the only colony on the planet, where are the remaining thirty-four colonists?” Wrex looked blankly at the white unicorn. “Dead?” he offered. *** “Twilight...” Pinkie’s voice was unusually serious. The earth pony pointed to a dark shape on the ground. More precisely, lots of dark shapes on the ground. Twilight stifled a gasp, bringing the vehicle to a dead-stop as she realised the full implications of just what the earth pony pointed out. The dark shapes were bodies. Dead ponies in full environmental suits, scattered about on the ashen earth. Already, most of the bodies were covered in ash. A few vehicles, wrecked beyond repair, lay burning a short distance away. Apparently the workers had tried to escape the facility when the alarm was raised. Judging from the remains, they didn’t get very far. They seemed to have taken down a few geth with them, as was apparent by the broken remains of a few geth troopers scattered about. “Oh those poor ponies...” Twilight heard Rainbow Dash mutter. A loud clop resounded as the pegasus vented her frustration on the vehicle’s reinforced windows. “I’m so going to kick their flanks for this.” Her magenta eyes was locked onto the nearest body, whose faceplate was mercifully obscured by the black ash. “We will, Dash. We will,” the turian responded, putting a hand on his partner’s shoulder. Twilight smiled a little at Garrus’ words; she had an inkling Rainbow was taking this very personally. She turned to glance at Pinkie. The pink earth pony seemed to be staring at out of her window with fascination, her expression a far cry from the usual jovial face she always wore. The lavender unicorn idly wondered what could the pink pony be thinking. Surely there was more to her than just parties. As she debated whether to probe the matter further, she noticed the earth pony stiffening. “Twilight, incoming!” The vehicle was suddenly rocked as a series of dull thuds resounded around them. Twilight snapped her head towards the onboard radar and cursed under her breath. At least four walkers and a few dozens troopers on foot. More were appearing out of nowhere, and closing in on the vehicle. The geth had planned their ambush well. Probably with radar dampening and jamming. Twilight accelerated ahead and pointed the Mako towards the large building she seen earlier. They would need the cover if they wanted to survive this. “Twilight! What the hay?!” “Geth ambush,” Twilight shouted back, before turning to her pink companion. “Pinkie! Man the turret! The big ones first!” The thought that Pinkie might not be qualified for the job seemed to have slipped her mind. Pinkie had a maniacal grin on her face. “Okie-dokie! Let’s do this!” The party pony tapped a button on her console and was greeted with the cannon’s targeting screen overlaying her viewscreen. She grasped the joystick that popped up and began tracking the nearest walker that was blocking their path. “What the hay are we supposed to do?” Rainbow Dash shouted. “Hang on... and don’t throw up!” “What?!” Whatever words Rainbow had in store after that was lost as she was flung to the floor by the vehicle’s violent momentum. Twilight was taking the Mako through a hailstorm of weapon fire, thankful that the kinetic barriers on the vehicle were designed to weather just such a situation. But even the toughest shields would eventually fail under such pressure and the unicorn needed to even the odds soon. With another tight turn she weaved the vehicle in between two walkers who moved in to block her way and sent an unfortunate geth trooper flying into a nearby lava pool. Just as she cleared the obstacle, the Mako’s cannon boomed, and knocked the walker into the same lava pool. Pinkie whooped with delight. “And that’s how I parrrrrrr-teeeehhhhh!” The vehicles wheels screeched as the Mako bounced onto the paved surface of the processing facility, with Twilight taking an immediate left turn towards the collection of small pre-fabricated buildings and pipes that were on the south side of the building. The sound of weapon fire slowly receded as they drew away from their ambushers. At least the walkers are slow, the unicorn thought, as she slowed the vehicle down. The huge metal pipes and buildings seemed to have brought them time and space, if only for a little while. She felt a hoof tap her shoulder. The unicorn looked up to find Rainbow Dash’s eyes staring right in the face. The pegasus seemed agitated. “Twilight! Let us fight! We can take ‘em!” Rainbow Dash pleaded. The commander thought she heard a hint of desperation in her voice. That haunted look that she sported when they discovered the bodies earlier was back in her magenta eyes. Garrus cleared his throat and weighted in his opinion as well. “Commander, we might be able to distract the foot soldiers so that you and the pink one here can concentrate on taking down the walkers.” Another loud whump rocked the vehicle. Humming a jolly tune, Pinkie Pie spotted the source of the disturbance. She zoomed her targeting reticule on the offending target. A lone geth trooper standing on one of the balconies, calmly reloading his rocket launcher. A second later, the balcony and geth vanished in a merry explosion. Pinkie whooped again, and waved her hoof in excitement. “This is so much fun!” Through all this, Twilight hemmed and hawed. She was leery of letting the two fight on foot: the geth walkers would cut them to pieces in the open. On the flip side, there was plenty of cover around. And she trusted them. Finally, the unicorn sighed. “Fine. Don’t go engaging those geth walkers, you hear me?” “Armatures! Those are geth armatures!” Pinkie corrected. “Whatever, Pinkie.” The cocky grin was back on Dash’s face. “Twilight, please. Me and Garrus can handle these amateurs no problem. Right, Garrus?” “We’ll be careful, Sparkle,” Garrus said in a more guarded tone. The two secured their helmets and weapons. As they moved to step out, they turned and gave Twilight a wink each, almost simultaneously. One could almost swear they choreographed that move. Then they darted out of the vehicle and out of sight, leaving only a rainbow trail. Twilight thoughts lingered briefly on the fact that the two were now alone, without backup. She shook her head clear of those morbid thoughts. She trusted them. That was enough. Twilight accelerated as she cleared the pipes and out into open space again. From the yellow markings on the paved concrete, the unicorn deduced it was the local landing pad. “Oh! Oh! More of those big spider-things!” Twilight saw them alright. Another of those armoured walkers, slowly lumbering up to meet them. Odd, Twilight was sure she counted only four when she sped away from the ambush. None were in position to flank her over on this side. Dropship. It has to be. That and they probably did all sort of wonky things to radar in the area. It’s blinking with all sort of false signals. Something that’d have to be dealt with later. Twilight thought about radioing the Normaredy for a moment, then decided against it. Geth probably jammed their communications anyway. A quick check on the comms confirmed her suspicions. “Fire at will, Pinkie,” Twilight calmly ordered, again, swerving the vehicle hard to the right to avoid another energy blast. The cannon’s roar and Pinkie’s subsequent cheer answered her order. Twilight noted that Pinkie’s shot was dead accurate, blowing clean through the kinetic barriers and the ‘head’ of the walker off. The geth slumped to the floor, its limbs flailing about as it seemed to lose control. The geth troopers who was escorting the walker scattered as the walker exploded in a giant fireball. They were slowly picked off by Twilight’s hull mounted machine gun and Pinkie’s accurate cannon fire. Soon, the field was clear of enemies and the commander slowly turned the Mako around towards the other side of the facility. Garrus’ voice crackled over the radio, his voice breaking up slightly. “Commander, *krzzt* Dash spotted two dropships ferrying reinforcements in. We might need backup.” Sounds of gunfire echoed in the background as he spoke. The turian must be engaging the geth in the facility itself. “Twilight! There’s more coming every minute! I don’t know how long we can hold them off.” Rainbow Dash cut into the channel, her voice sounding slightly panicky. Twilight reassessed her rapidly dwindling options. All seemed bad. “Alright. You two get the hay out of the facility, we’ll cover you.” “Roger.” “Um, Twilight. I think we need to take care of those bad guys first.” “What bad— Oh sweet Celestia.” She brought to the Mako to a complete stop, stunned by the sight. Facing the Mako, and conveniently blocking her from reaching both Garrus and Dash, was an entire platoon of geth troopers, backed up by at least six walkers. It was a sobering sight. Even with the Mako, they were probably going to last all one minute before being blasted to atoms. Pinkie giggled again. “Oooooh— I think they want to play.” Twilight just nodded numbly, her body now on automatic drive. The Mako lurched as she threw the IFV straight into reverse, hoping to at least make herself a harder target to hit. *** [Pilot’s Deck, ESV Normaredy] “What’s that?” Scootaloo said, zooming in on a tiny dot that was flying under the ship. The image was slightly blurred due to the speed of the object, but the shape was familiar enough to anypony who studied grade school. “Oh my, is... is that a d-d-dragon?” Fluttershy squeaked. Scootaloo worked her keyboard, plotting the trajectory of the dragon on her console. The pilot gasped slightly. “It’s heading straight for Twilight’s position!” “Why in the name of the Princess is there a dragon here of all places?” “Ain’t dragons supposed to be fierce critters who don’t like ponies all that much?” A snort sounded from the far side of the room, where Spike had been busy. The purple dragon shot the soldier pony an unamused look. Applejack smiled sheepishly in response. “No offense, Spike.” “Whatever its intentions are, we best warn Twilight about it.” “Aye,” the pilot agreed. She punched a button and began broadcasting. “Commander, do you read me?” Static greeted the ponies. “Commander, do you read?” Scootaloo repeated. “Sounds like we’re being jammed.” “Geth. I knew it. Ain’t no such things as coincidences. Commander must be in trouble. We gotta help her.” “How exactly you want us to do that? We’re a spaceship, not some atmospheric craft. We’re sitting ducks if the geth deployed AA guns.” “We could always use the GARDIAN lasers,” Tali suggested. “But then we’ll have to take the Normaredy to knife-fight range. The ship won’t be able to take that kind of stress in the atmosphere!” Scootaloo countered. “Well goshdurn it, we have to do something!” *** ROOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR~! Twilight knew that roar anywhere. After all, she had grown up hearing it on Canterlot. Thing was, she never thought to hear it here of all places. A dragon’s roar. What the hay is a dragon doing here? Twilight thought. She glanced again at the geth, suddenly realising amount of fire she had been receiving seemed to be tapering off. The formation of geth milled about uncertainly, their aim suddenly wavering. The unexpected noise must have thrown the group into confusion. As Twilight watched, a dark shadow enveloped the geth who were still standing about. Before the geth could react, a group of geths abruptly vanished in a column of flame that erupted from the sky. True to their robotic nature, the geth did not panic. Instead, the remaining geth and armoured walkers turned as one and pointed their weapons skywards, firing their weapons in a steady staccato. Another gout of flame erupted in the dense mass of geth, frying another dozen troopers. As the some of the walkers begin to catch fire and burn, the more agile geth began retreating for cover towards the processing facility. Never once the geth, faltered, or turned tail. The distinctly draconic shadow swooped overhead again, darkening the interior of the vehicle momentarily. Another roar shook the unicorn’s bones again. The geth’s counter-fire seemed to have only succeeded in angering the dragon. The last roar finally spurred Twilight into action. Seeing her chance in the chaos, the unicorn said, “Let’s hit them while they’re distracted.” “Okie!” Rainbow Dash’s frantic voice burst over the radio. “Twilight? What’s going on?! What’s that roar?” “No time. Keep the geth busy.” “You better have a good reason, Twi!” the radio link ended with another burst of gunfire over at Dash’s end. The unicorn revved the IFV and accelerated into the dispersing group of geth, taking the full advantage of their confusion to run down several geth troopers. Instinctively, Twilight jinked the Mako to the left, narrowly avoiding yet another blast of dragon-fire that toasted the unfortunate geth walker that she bypassed. Beside her, Pinkie was firing the Mako’s main cannon as fast as her aim would allow. Twilight ears’ perked up as she noticed another whining noise cutting in amidst the roar of the cannon and general tumult of battle. The shrill report of geth gunships. Twilight’s felt her ears drooping. A dragon might be a powerful being, but even it must bow to the superior firepower that a modern gunship could bring to the battle. “Twilight, look!” Twilight craned her neck in the direction of Pinkie’s hoof, just in time to watch the dragon swoop towards the gunship, shrugging away the machine gun fire and evading the energy cannons with ease. The dragon opened its maw wide and let loose another gout of flame towards the port engine, charring the the entire section. The creature gracefully flew above the now-crippled ship and grabbed the sides of the gunship with its claws. With a mighty roar, the creature then flung it towards the ground as if it was nothing more than a toy. The ship fired its other remaining engine in a desperate attempt to correct its descent, to no avail. The gunship hit the ground nose first, bouncing off the paved concrete once, twice, before coming to rest on the edge of the landing pad: all the while hemorrhaging bits and pieces from its interior. A brief moment of silence punctuated the landscape, as the ship lay smoking on the ground. Then, with a brilliant flash, the geth gunship exploded spectacularly, leaving nothing but a burning wreck. Twilight was briefly startled as a piece of metal debris landed with a thunk on the Mako. The dragon hovered silently above the processing plant. Large leathery wings flapping slowly, it’s black scales dully reflecting the orange glow of the burning wreck. The dragon let out a roar, this time of victory, and made to land on the landing pad with a loud thump. The creature slowly waddled over to the wreck, apparently surveying its kill. “Hey! Let’s go say thank you!” Twilight stared at the pink earth pony in shock for a moment. “Are you insane? We don’t even know if he’s friendly or not.” “Now that’s just mean. He helped us turn all these meanies into roasty roast! See?” Pinkie pointed at the charred remains of the geth on the landing pads. Not one geth was left standing, and what’s left of the geth force seemed to have retreated. Twilight paused to reconsider her companion’s suggestion. True, the dragon had not overtly attacked her, and instead focused on the geth. But Twilight doubted it had anything to do with the dragon’s compassion. More like the fact that the geth had been shooting at the dragon and the Mako hadn’t. The unicorn brought her six-wheeled IFV to a stop in front of the dragon, staring up at the magnificent being in awe. Oh, she had seen dragons back on Canterlot, usually far-off in the distance or during one of annual dragon ambassadorial meeting with the Princess. Being this close to one, and after that display of violence... was something else altogether. Dragons were temperamental and reclusive creatures. Even after the unification of Equestrian Alliance, they kept mainly to their own kind. Ponies were either outright ignored, or treated with grudging respect. This respect was strained at best, kept in line only by the dragon’s sense of honour. It was not unheard of for dragons to snap and go full out feral with very bloody results. These were usually quickly put down or exiled. Fortunately, these incidents were becoming increasingly rare as the dragons got used to the arrangement. The vehicle shook a little as the dragon bent down to study the occupants more closely, apparently deciding that they were not hostile. Twilight flinched slightly as a small gout of flame licked the windows. A deep, gruff voice emanated deep from within the dragon’s chest. “You don’t look like the invaders.” The dragon lowered his snout further, his green reptilian eyes staring directly through the windows. “Who are you and what do you want?” *** “Whatchu’ mean we can’t see ‘em?” “That’s just it. Soon after the dragon sped past, our sensors got scrambled as well. The geth must have noticed us and are actively jamming our scanners as well.” “Great. Can’t this tub go any faster? We need to help Twilight now!” “Applejack! We’re already going a little past the engines’ optimal capacity. Any more and we would end up with a dead engine instead,” the chief engineer scolded, already looking a little frazzled by the stress. “Whose brilliant idea was it again for us to be hiding out on the other side of the planet after we dropped them off?” Applejack said, clearly spoiling for an argument now. “It wouldn’t be much of a stealth mission if we hung around being obvious,” Rarity said. “Well, if we stayed behind, we wouldn’t be in this fine pickle, wouldn’t we?” Tali cleared her throat discreetly. “Guys? Those geth fighters don’t look too pleased to see us.” The quarian pointed to half a dozen angry red dots on her monitor. “Aw, horseapples,” Scootaloo groaned. *** “... so you mean you live here? All of your brood?” Twilight asked the dragon, straining her neck to look up at the dragon’s face. The ponies had been wary of the dragon at first, with Rainbow Dash in particular advocating explosive violence with the Mako. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed. It had helped when Twilight tactfully pointed out that the dragon could probably crush all of them at a whim should it be angered. The dragon seemed amused by the whole argument. “Ponies, you would do well to remember me as an Equestrian dragon first and foremost, and not some mangy feral,” he had said. He then flashed Rainbow Dash a toothy grin and chuckled loudly when the pegasus quailed. Twilight decided then and there he liked the dragon. The dragon had graciously offered to escort them to the mining shaft after a brief explanation. He seemed rather pleased with the offer of having the crew of the Normaredy help any remaining survivors of the geth attack. The ponies parked the Mako next to the mine shaft and stared at circular entrance that marked Mining Shaft 32-B. It was an amusing sight really. The dragon towered over the buildings and ponies, and had to look down just to talk with them. Compared to the huge beast, they were but gnats on a buffalo. “Yes. My brethren are scattered all over the planet. We find it more comfortable to live in our own nests, rather than being forced to live communally back on Canterlot. Do you know how hard it is to find a decent nest on Flame Peak now?” “Fascinating,” Garrus said, studying the dragon with great interest. It was evidently the turian’s first real look at an Equestrian dragon. “Why prompted you to move from Canterlot? It must have been hard.” “Our partriach opted to start our brood anew on a new planet. As I said before, Canterlot was getting a little too crowded for our taste. We were pretty excited actually. New place to visit, prospect of unlimited food. Trouble was, not many colonies were willing to accept us. It was fortunate that the colonists on Stirrum had kindly agreed to let us stay, so long we don’t consume all the precious gems they’re mining. In return, we’re obligated to help their defense of the various mining outposts the colony has set up.” “Wow, that’s pretty generous of you.” “I suppose it is a fair trade, considering the Terminus Systems are supposed to be contested. Besides, they let us roam free, something which we cannot do in Canterlot.” The dragon shrugged. “The colonists openly admitted they could not afford the cost of a decent defensive installation. At least not yet.” The black reptile glanced back at the processing plant they just left behind, the trail of smoke from the burning geth gunship still visible. The spikes on the dragon drooped visibly at the sight. “This particular facility was supposed to be under my protection...” the dragon lamented. “I... I have failed. I should not have let my anger lured me away from my true duties. I should have known that flying machine was just a distraction to lure me away...” The dragon let out a fiery snort, evidently frustrated at his failure. The creature suddenly tilted his head upwards and let out a cry of anguish, deafening the ponies who was standing near him. Twilight cringed at the sudden roar, covering her ears. For the longest moment, the dragon’s roar filled the landscape. As soon as the noise died down to a more acceptable level, the lavender unicorn lowered her hooves from her ears and cautiously asked, “Mr Dragon... are you okay?” The dragon bent his head in apology. “I... I apologise for my lapse. Our brood do not take to failures kindly. There will be... repercussions for this.” Even from her awkward vantage below the dragon’s chin, Twilight could see the black reptile was troubled. “Oh, cheer up Mr. Dragon! I’m sure the others will understand it was the geth that did this. They were pretty smart to lure you away.” “Please, just Ordrak.” The dragon turned his gaze on the commander again. “I must commend you on your reckless driving back there. I could have just as easily smothered you in flames had you strayed even half a metre off course.” “It’s the Commander Sparkle! Of course she’s awesome.” Twilight just flushed bright red at the compliment. It wasn’t everyday one got praised by a dragon anyhow. She cleared her throat to break the awkward silence, and said, “I think we best get going. Dr. T’Soni is somewhere in that mine and the geth might already be searching down there.” “I will stay here and keep any invaders off your back. You have my word.” Ordrak actually gave the four a short formal bow. “Now go. Do not tarry here.” “Right. Dash, if you would do the honours?” “Yeah! About time we got this show on the road.” The rainbow speedster sped off to open the metallic doors. Twilight smiled briefly at the tomcolt’s enthusiasm as she trotted off to follow her down. *** “That’s some slick moves there, Scoots,” Applejack said, wiping perspiration off her brow. “Thanks. Though I think we should be thanking those dragons for showing up as well.” The viewscreen panned over to the three dragon who had showed up to help. One of them waved at the ship. Applejack chuckled. “Heh, yeah. Good to know them dragons are friendly. ‘Least we know Twilight’ll be getting some backup.” “Remind me never to prank Spike again. I don’t think I want to know what he’ll do when he’s angry.” Scootaloo joked. “Yeah! You better not!” Spike called from his station.. “Pilot, how far are we from Sparkle?” Wrex asked curtly, folding his arms over his chest plate. “Twenty minutes out. Give or take a few.” Scootaloo shot the krogan a dark look. “It would be nice if you could call me by my name for once.” The krogan just snorted, before turning his attention to the screen showing the dragons. He tapped his chin thoughtfully as the dragons flew off. “Hmm, I wonder if I can get one of those dragons as a pet. Sure will impress those weaklings back on Tuchanka. Maybe I could even feed them to the dragon.” Rarity stared at the krogan with shock. “Wrex, you’re a horrible, horrible pony.” “Lady, you don’t know the half of it,” the krogan replied nonchalantly. *** “Why is it that I always get picked to navigate potentially hazardous underground tunnels?” Garrus remarked sardonically as they slowly descended down the dimly lit mining shaft. The long, straight, circular shaft was remarkable for its’ monotony. “Technically, the tunnels on Harnos are above ground.” “Semantics. It’s still dark, damp and dank; like this one.” Pinkie bounced past the two, bubbling happily. “This place is spoooooky!” she declared, giggling rather happily. The bubbly earth pony began outpacing the group, jumping ahead into the darkness. “Pinkie, wait!” The party pony disappeared from sight, her head mounted light apparently not turned on. “Great. Let’s go get her before she does something we all regret.” “Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed exasperatedly. The trio picked up their pace down the tubular tunnel. A few minutes of frantic galloping later, they reached the end of the shaft. An already open airlock marked the start of the mine proper, with the pink pony nowhere in sight. The crumpled remains of two geth troopers lay just behind the open portal. The turian whistled as he inspected the nearest body. “She’s efficient, I’ll give her that. Straight through the head.” “Does she even have military training?” Twilight queried incredulously. “From this? She would had to have some form of training. Then again, we don’t know much about Pinkie before she suddenly appeared on the Citadel and started throwing parties randomly. A headache for the Executor that’s for sure.” “Right... anyway, she can’t be far ahead. That one is still sparking.” The unicorn caught Rainbow by the tail as the pegasus tried to slip past. “And no, Rainbow, we need to stick together. Going off alone in this tunnel is dangerous.” “Phooey.” *** “Incredible...” Twilight breathed. The airlock had opened into a walkway that zigzagged through a grotto. What caught Twilight’s attention was not the contents of the small cave, but rather what lay beyond in the large cavern. At one end, a clearly artificial construction was protruding out of the cavern walls. It appeared to be part of a building that was buried under millennia of neglect. The smooth white walls appeared as immaculate as the day it had been built, with no sign of wear, unlike the Prothean ruins in Harnos. Twilight guessed the conditions of the cavern was more forgiving. Curiously there were also smooth oblong shaped openings set in the walls in regular intervals, forming a checkerboard pattern. Some sort of energy field was covering each opening. Any sign of the ruin’s original purpose was long gone, buried under a millennium of geological upheaval. Rainbow let out a whistle. “This place is old... wait, is that Pinkie?” Twilight squinted at the direction of Rainbow’s hoof. So it was. The pink earth pony was sitting on her haunches on the one of lower walkways, facing one of the oblong opening. She seemed to be focused on something on the inside. “Let’s go get her,” Twilight said, gesturing at a nearby elevator shaft. *** The trio heard the pink pony giggling as they approached her. They heard another voice speak as well. A female, though her voice seemed oddly distorted. “... Ponies do not come here, you’re hallucinating. And talking to yourself. Hah. Oh, goddess. I’m going to die here..” Another giggle. “Silly filly. I’m real. See?” The pink pony wriggled a hoof at the direction of the barrier. “You’re unusually lucid for a hallucination. They usually don’t claim to be real... or do they?” “Pinkie, who are you talking to?” Twilight said as she trotted up to the mare. “Her.” Pinkie pointed at the energy field. The unicorn frowned slightly as she saw the object of Pinkie’s attention. An asari, suspended in midair. Unlike the commando on Harnos, this asari was wearing civilian attire. A scientist by the looks of it. She seemed to be looking at the ponies with a mixture of fear, hope and incredulity all at the same time. “More hallucinations? Oh, Liara. Your imagination certainly is active today.” “We’re not hallucinations.” “I think she’s playing a game!” “I thought hallucinations don’t usually talk back... or do they? Huh, I never had a hallucination before. I think.” Twilight dragged a hoof down her face. This was the doctor they were sent to rescue? She fought to keep her composure. “My name is Twilight Sparkle. I’m from the Special Recons and Tactics.” “A Spectre? Huh, that’s good. What else will I conjure up? A protector figure. Yes. Perfect. Comforting. Well, I’ll play along.” At this point, the asari seemed to be reassuring herself of her tenuous grasp on her sanity. “As you can see, I’m trapped here. If you’re as real as you’re claim, find me a way to get out of here.” “How in the world did you end up in there?” Garrus asked, not unreasonably. “Ah yes, the figment of my imaginations want to retrace my steps: see if I can figure out where I went wrong.” Twilight rolled her eyes at the asari’s words. She was seriously starting to doubt the merits of her mission. “I was exploring the ruins. When the geth showed up, I ran in here and activated the defenses, hoping the barrier curtains would protect me. But I must have hit I wasn’t supposed to and now I’m trapped here.” The asari seemed to break for a moment. “Please! You must get me out of here,” she pleaded. “Calm down. We’ll figure a way out,” Twilight said, trying to sound as reassuring as possible. Garrus shook his head and indicated to the unicorn he would be taking a long walk. A moment later, Dash joined her partner, apparently done trying to communicate with the obviously maddened scientist. “Of course, what good would a hallucination be if it didn’t offer false hope?” The asari sighed, clearly tired of the charade. “Listen, if you’re real. Find some way past the barrier curtains. Find some way past the geth. Then use the control panel to release me.” Twilight peered past the floating asari, spying a lectern just behind her. “If you’re not real... leave me alone. I grow tired of talking to myself.” Twilight shook her head and turned towards Pinkie, who seemed to be content at making funny faces at the asari now. “Come on Pinkie. Leave the poor girl alone for awhile.” “Okie!” The pink earth pony got to her feet and bounced off to join Garrus and Rainbow Dash, who was looking around the cavern. The pair seemed to be studying something in the other end of the cavern. “Hey Commander?” “Yeah?” “We might have a problem.” The turian jerked his head towards the group of geth troopers that emerged from the makeshift work camp in the far end of the cavern. *** “Geth. Why are they so persistent?” “‘Cause they’re big meanies! That’s why,” Pinkie answered in a matter-of-fact manner, bouncing about. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes at Pinkie’s answer. “Pinkie! This is serious. You saw what they did outside. Ponies are dying!” Pinkie stopped bouncing right in front of the rainbow maned pegasus and fixed her with a stare. Her expression seemed to harden just a little. “I know Dashie. That’s why I’m fighting with Twilight here. Because I don’t want to see anypony hurt like this. Nopony deserves a fate like this. Nopony.” The joy seemed to drain out of the party pony as she spoke. She glanced at Twilight, then at Garrus, her jaw set grimly. “I laugh because at the end of the day, everypony needs a break from tragedy. I laugh because somepony needs to be the one that can cheer everypony up. No matter how bad things can be, there’ll always be a light at the end of the tunnel. I want everypony to see that.” Twilight’s jaw was literally hanging open by now. “... wow.” “Besides!” The pink pony resumed her jovial persona. “Parties are fun!” The unicorn was taken back by the sudden about-turn. “For the love of...” Twilight shook her head and smiled resignedly. “Pinkie Pie, you’re so random.” “I aim to please.” “Look, I know this is a sentimental time and all, but we still have an asari to save.” Dash jabbed a hoof at the floating scientist. “Already scouted the cavern. No way we’re getting past that.” “Have you tried using your head? You always seem to solve problems with it.” “Harr harr Garrus. That was only one time. Besides, headbutting that salarian was worth it after the way he jerked us around.” “Guys, guys! We need to figure a way past the barrier curtains... maybe if we find the power source—” “Hey! What does this machine do?” The pink pony sat in the controls of a large tractor-like machine, its’ cylindrical business end pointed towards the one corner of the ruins’ walls. Her hoof hovered a large red round button. Twilight’s eyes bulged as she saw Pinkie was about to activate what appeared to be a mining excavator. “Pinkie, wait!” A loud roar erupted, brilliant flashes of angry red light searing the rock. As Twilight watched as the lasers began eating away at the rocks, horror building in her heart. The cavern began to rumble slightly as if the very earth itself was protesting against the abuse. That pony is going to bring down the whole cavern with them! Then understanding dawned as she realised where the excavating machine was pointed at. Straight at the underside of the building! “Pinkie, you’re brilliant,” she yelled over the roar of the machine. “What?” “I SAID, IT’S BRILLIANT!” “What? Hold on, let me turn this off.” “WAIT!” The machine powered down, stopping short of breaching the walls of the ruins. Twilight facehoofed, trying hard not to vent her frustration at the randomness of her companion. “Yes, Twilight?” “Ugh, never mind Pinkie.” If Twilight could plant her hoof any further into her face, she would have. Unfortunately, reality meant that she had to settle for a normal facehoof. Pinkie just gave a giggle and bounced off, apparently distracted with another toy. Garrus jogged over to the rapidly cooling hole made by the excavator and examined it closely. The mining laser had eaten its way through the rock and left the section of wall exposed. “Commander, I think we can break through the wall. The mining laser seemed to have weakened it significantly at least.” “Incoming!” A rainbow blur flew past Twilight and headed straight for the weakened wall section. A loud thump and cloud of dust later, the skyblue pegasus lay on the ground, her magenta eyes spinning dizzily. “Didth I breakth it...?” The turian moved closer to the wall and tapped it with the butt of his rifle. “Nope.” “You owe me a root beer for this, Garrus,” Dash said, slowly getting to her haunches. She began rubbing the back of her head, wincing slightly as she touched a sore spot. The turian held his hands up helplessly. “Hey, not my fault your thick skull can’t break everything.” Twilight tapped the two on the shoulders, and pointed at the wall. “Guys, look.” The two turned just in time to see the wall crumble on its own, without any further intervention. Immaculate white corridors lay just beyond the walls. “Hah! Told you.” “That proves nothing! It crumbled on it’s own!” “Root beer float, please. Vanilla ice-cream. Thank you.” “Not in a million years, Dash. You still owe me five credits for...” Twilight shook her head slowly, trying to hide a crooked smile. “Come on guys, let’s keep moving,” she said, interrupting the light-hearted banter. *** “Now I’m hallucinating that you’re inside the tower. I must be getting worse. Earlier I even imagined I heard thunder,” the asari intoned, closing her eyes. Twilight had to resist a sudden mad impulse to just grab the asari by her shoulder and give her a good shake. “Doctor, we used the mining laser to bore through.” Twilight stated evenly. “You bore through...” The asari gasped slightly, a look of relief washing over her blue features. “By the goddess, you— you’re real!” “Of course we are, silly! Why won’t we be?” “I- ah... I’m sorry. I thought you were a hallucination. I thought—” “Yeah, yeah, we heard all your rants earlier. Don’t you worry, Rainbow Dash and his turian sidekick is on the case. Garrus bopped the pegasus’ head with the butt of his rifle. “Turian sidekick?! Rainbow Dash, now that’s just low.” “Please, just get me out of here, before more geth show up.” “Oh, I wouldn’t worry too much on that part...” Garrus said, smirking, referring to the very big dragon currently sitting outside the mineshaft. Twilight trotted over to the lectern she spotted earlier and studied the control. Various symbols of undecipherable script flashed past the unicorn’s eyes. But for all their alien-ness, there was a strange sense of familiarity there. Almost as if she had seen these symbols before, but had recently forgotten about them. “There should be a flashing rune on the bottom end. I think that is the release key.” The commander found the indicated key and activated it with a hoof. A loud wail suddenly pierced the air, making the lavender unicorn cringe a little. Fortunately, before any permanent hearing loss was incurred, the cacophony stopped as abruptly as it started. The asari who had been flailing about in mid air, suddenly dropped to the ground, only to land on Rainbow Dash’s back. “Gotcha!” “It wasn’t that much of a fall, you know,” Liara said dryly, picking herself off the pegasus and brushing off the nonexistent dust off her form-fitting attire. “Hey, nice way of thanking your rescuers!” Dash huffed. “Lay it off, Dash.” Dash shot the turian another glare, before addressing Liara. “So, how are we getting back out?” “The same way we came in? Duh?” “There’s an elevator at the back of this ‘tower’. We can use it to get to the upper levels.” The asari indicated a circular room just behind the group. “At least I think it is.” “You think?” Dash asked incredulously. “Pretty sure.” The group followed the asari into the circular room. The lavender unicorn looked around the room, and belatedly found that the ceiling was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a long smooth shaft that led into the darkness above could be seen. At least this seemed to strengthen the doctor’s theory that this was an elevator of a sort. Liara walked up to the lectern in the center of the room. “Here goes,” she said, activating the lectern. The entire floor shuddered for a moment, a gentle hum rising in the background as ancient machinery whirled into action. The platform began to rise, albeit slowly. “Well, at least that’ll save us a walk.” “So, Dr. T’Soni...” The asari smiled at the use of the title. “Call me Liara, please.” “Liara. Do you have any idea why the geth are after you?” “I still cannot believe all this. Do you think Benezia is involved?” Twilight managed to keep a straight face as she heard Matriach Benezia’s name. So, Liara had some inkling about her mother’s involvement with Saren? This could be interesting. “Saren is looking for something called the Conduit.” “The Conduit? How did—” A loud rumble intervened. As the ponies looked around in surprise, the sounds of falling rocks rumbled deep beneath the caverns. Twilight herself was caught in a small shower of rocks. “These ruins are not stable. The mining laser must have triggered a seismic event!” Rainbow Dash’s magenta eyes was wide with fear. “Wait, you mean we could be trapped in here?!” she shrieked. “Sheesh Dash, calm down. We’re not trapped yet,” the turian replied. Twilight trotted over to the lectern and peered at the controls. “Do you think you could speed this thing up?” she asked, looking up at the scientist. “I’m afraid not. I am concerned that any further input on my part would only derail our journey.” The rest of the journey was made in strained silence, with the ponies glancing up fearfully every so often as another shower of dust fell. The rumbling slowly intensified, and the entire chamber was rumbling by the time they nearly reached the top. “Great, let’s get out of here before—” Dash’s words died in her mouth as she noticed a krogan battlemaster, together with a squad of geth troopers walking up towards them. Twilight stiffened as she realised that they would have to go through them in order to escape this death trap. “Heh, nice of you to break past the energy shield for us,” the krogan said, stopping at the door. The geth troopers filed in beside the krogan, their weapons already leveled. “Do you really think this is the time?” Twilight asked, not unreasonably. “The atmosphere is perfect for a life-and-death struggle.” The krogan motioned for his geth followers to move forward. “Kill them, spare the asari if you can. If not, doesn’t matter,” he ordered with a casual shrug. “Get back!” Twilight’s horn suddenly lit up with a brilliant light, sending out a shock wave that pushed the krogan back and knocked over the geth troopers that were leveling their weapons. Dash and Garrus immediately opened fire, taking down a couple of the geth troopers before they could recover. Pinkie surprised the nearest geth with a grenade shoved down its back, and hopping off merrily as the poor trooper exploded, taking out its comrades. As the initial shock wore off, what geth troopers that were left started to open up with their weapons, their fire unfocused and ineffectual. Rainbow Dash sped across the chamber, bucking geth where she could, and sniping away the geth she couldn’t reach with commendable efficiency. Garrus just calmly stood his ground and continued cutting down his enemy. As her squad was facing off the remaining geth, Twilight was holding off the enraged krogan, using her magic to weave a magical shield blocking his every shot. Maddened with rage, the krogan began to charge at the lavender unicorn. Twilight concentrated again, and sent the krogan flying with a levitation field; smacking him right into a wall. The krogan fell heavily on the floor, apparently dazed. “Come on! Let’s get out before the whole cavern collapses.” Twilight shouted, motioning for the group to hurry up. She reached a hoof to help Liara up and quickly galloped down the newly cleared path leading towards the mining shaft, with the good doctor and Garrus following closely behind. “Pinkie Pie! Move!” Dash shouted desperately, dodging the rocks as they fell around her. “Co-o-o-ming!” Pinkie replid in a sing-song voice, bouncing along without a trace of urgency. The rainbow pegasus scrunched her face at the thought of Pinkie being accidentally crushed by the falling rubble, flew back down towards the party pony and gave her a not-so-gentle shove toward the entrance. “Hey! That tickles!” Pinkie giggled, but she didn’t resist to being helped along towards the now-partially obstructed mining shaft. Rainbow groaned as a pile of rocks collapsed right on top of the airlock, blocking the way completely. She continued on anyway, very much intent on digging herself out if that was what it took. As they neared the airlock, the rocks obstructing their path suddenly blew apart. “Rainbow! Pinkie! Hurry up!” Twilight shouted, her voice slightly strained from the effort of keeping the cavern from collapsing completely. Without a second thought, Rainbow shoved Pinkie inside through the newly-cleared airlock and dove inside after the party pony. Just as the rainbow speedster cleared the portal, the chamber behind them finally collapsed in one final huge rumble. The entire shaft lay eeriely silent, save for heavy breathing of the two ponies who went through last. “Jeez, Pinkie, you worry me sometimes.” All she got for a response was another high-pitched giggle. “Oh Dashie. We still got out safe and sound right?” “Girls? It’s not over yet.” The ground shook again, this time more violently. “Run!” The group picked themselves off the floor and ran for their dear life towards the open portal at the far end. The rumbling beneath their hooves only intensified as they neared the entrance. “Little ponies, we must go. The very earth itself is convulsing.” Twilight heard Ordrak bellow. Despite the prospect of imminent danger, she felt a small rush of relief. At least there wouldn’t any danger of geth ambushing the group as they staggered out. Not with the dragon around. “Into the vehicle! Now!” Twilight shouted, urging the group forward. The tunnel wouldn’t be stable for long at the rate of the collapse. Another huge rumble shook the entire mining shaft. A whole section of metal support on the ceiling began to buckle dangerously, screeching as each rivet failed. A few seconds later, the entire thing collapsed into the tunnel. Unfortunately for the hapless Garrus, the wreckage fell just as the turian tried to sprint past. Garrus grunted in pain as the debris knocked him down and pinned his legs, drawing the attention of his partner. “GARRUS!” Dash shouted desperately. The pegasus zoomed over to the turian’s side and tried bucking the metal. To no avail. “Help! Somepony, help!” she cried, trying to pull the turian out. Twilight cantered to a stop as she heard the cry and gasped softly as she saw the full extent of the new disaster. “Hold on, Garrus!” Her horn lit up brilliantly and she tried to lift the wreckage from the turian. “I... I can’t... lift it...” she cried, gritting her teeth. “Allow me,” Liara said, kneeling beside the struggling unicorn. The asari held out her hand, just like Angel did back on Appleloosa. A shimmering blue field enveloped the metal wreckage, in addition to the soft purple glow of Twilight’s magic. Twilight felt her load lessen considerably and renewed the push. Slowly, but surely, the two began lifting the impossibly heavy metal wreckage from the turian’s trapped legs. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie pulled the C-Sec agent out as his legs were freed. As soon as the turian was clear, Twilight released her hold on the wreckage and went to check on the turian. “Come on, Garrus, you’re not dying until you get me that root beer!” Dash cried, hugging the turian with her forelegs. The turian winced in pain as Pinkie and Twilight helped to lift the turian onto the pegasus’ back. “Heh, never one to forgo a debt eh, Dash?” he riposted weakly. “You betcha, Garrus. Now let’s get out of here!” With Garrus secured on her back, the rainbow pegasus galloped up to catch up with the rest of the group who were already scrambling through the open portal of the mine shaft. The gaggle of ponies, turian and asari emerged from the rumbling portal and sprinted towards the parked Mako. They tumbled into the vehicle in an disorganised heap without further delay. Ordrak was nowhere to be seen. “We’re never going to make it!” Twilight shouted, as she engaged the Mako’s engine. The lavender unicorn flinched as a dark shadow enveloped the cabin. It was Ordrak. “Who said you needed to drive?” the dragon’s voice boomed over the steadily increasing roar of moving earth in the background. A moment later, the vehicle shuddered as the sound of sharp claws grating against modern armour filled the cabin. Before the unicorn could question the dragon, Twilight felt herself being thrown back as the vehicle yawed to the left, her view of the ground abruptly replaced by the gloomy sky of Stirrum. “Hang on!” Ordrak bellowed. *** “Woah nelly, what in the name of golden apples is that?” Tali’s fingers were literally flying over the console now, her screen filled with a constant stream of figures and data. “Seismic readings are off the chart! I think it’s a volcanic eruption. The mine must have been sitting on a dormant volcano.” “Scootaloo, turn this ship around at once! Do you know what molten ash can do to the ship’s delicate hull?!” Rarity cried, visions of the ship being irreparably scarred beyond repair filling her mind. “Rarity, I have intention of frying ourselves on a volca—” The pilot paused briefly. “Jamming is gone! Switching to short-range scanners.” The map in the CIC morphed to a 3-D representation of the processing facility and its surroundings. Applejack whistled as the graphical display began to update. “That’s a lot of dead geth. Twilight been busy.” “Look, the dragon is there as well. Along with the Captain’s signal. And the Mako!” A dull roar shook the ship, and the whole room vibrated slightly from the sheer force of the explosion. “The volcano is erupting! They’ll never make it out in time!” Tali shouted. “Girls...” “Oh no! We can’t reach them without risking the ship as well!” Rarity said. “Well, there must be something we can do!” Applejack argued. “GIRLS!” Fluttershy shouted suddenly. The pegasus cowered when she realised she was suddenly the centre of attention in the room. “Um... look. The dragon... he’s doing something...” she squeaked, wings folded tight. Everypony’s eyes swung to the viewscreen. “Looks like he’s lifting the Mako... well, bless that dragon’s golden heart, that critter is flyin’ em out!” The ponies watched in silence as the dragon gracefully flew upwards and away from the steadily disintegrating mine. The ship rocked slightly again as the newly born volcano sent another huge plume of smoke into the air. “You ponies never cease to amaze me,” Wrex commented, a grudging tone of respect in his voice. “It’s kinda what we do,” Applejack replied dryly. “Somepony hail that dragon!” *** [Briefing Room, ESV Normaredy] “Okay, girls, allow me to introduce Dr. Liara T’Soni. She’s one of the galaxy’s foremost experts on Protheans.” A murmur of polite greetings cascaded around the small briefing room. Twilight smiled as she glanced at Garrus, who was sitting in his usual spot. The turian seemed to have come off relatively unscathed from that scare in the tunnels, which Twilight suspected had something to do with the turian’s unique physiology. Of course, his armour also mitigated most of the potential damage from the weight of the debris. The asari nodded her head politely. “I must thank you all for rescuing me from that ruins. Goddess knows what would have happened had you not showed up.” “Ya better be worth the trouble,” Applejack muttered. The earth pony earned a swift jab from Rarity. “Applejack! Mind your manners,” the unicorn whispered harshly, before turning back to flash a big smile at the scientist. “It is our pleasure indeed Miss T’Soni... you are single, aren’t you?” “Yes, Miss would do fine, although I would not mind you ponies calling me Liara. After all I am considered just a child in asari terms.” Applejack looked the asari up and down with a confused expression. “Just how old are ya exactly?” The asari looked thoughtful for a moment. “I am only a hundred and six years,” she finally answered. “A hundred?! But ya look just as young as a filly out of grade school—” Another nudge in the ribs interrupted her rant yet again. “I simply must apologise on behalf of my uneducated friend here. She clearly have not read up on asari’s physiology.” Rarity shot Applejack a piercing glare, as if she had just violated the sanctity of a holy shrine. The asari chuckled. “A hundred years may seem like a long time for a short-lived species as yours. But among the asari I am barely considered more than a child.” Liara paused, her gray eyes glancing briefly at Twilight. “Though even the longest lived matriarch are like a babe compared to your princess.” “What did Saren want with you anyway?” Dash piped up. “Um, I hate to interrupt... but shouldn’t we ask Miss T’Soni about the Conduit... if that’s okay with you all.” “Fluttershy’s right. Doctor, do you know anything about it?” “Only that it is somehow connected to the Prothean extinction. That is my real area of expertise. I have spent the past fifty years trying to figure out what happened to them.” Applejack whistled. “Wow-wee. Fifty years studyin’ this piece of dead history? Mighty dedicated of ya.” “What have you found?” Liara seemed to relax more, apparently finding it comfortable to discuss something she was intimately familiar with. She slipped into a teacher-like voice. “What is interesting is what I did not turn up. There are remarkably little archaeological evidence of the Protheans, and even less and why they might have disappeared.” She frowned a little. “It is almost as if someone did not want the mystery solved. It is like someone came along and cleansed the galaxy of clues. But here’s the incredible part.” The asari paused dramatically, clearly excited about the matter. “According to my findings, the Protheans are not the first galactic civilizations to mysteriously vanish. This cycle began long before them.” “Hang on jus’ a cotton-pickin’ minute! What ya mean them Protheans are not the first one to vanish? I thought they’re the first aliens and stuff.” “Cycle? What cycle?” “The galaxy is built on a cycle of extinction. Each time a great galactic civilization rises up, it is suddenly and violently cast down. Only ruins survive.” The ponies in the room were hanging on her every word at this point, even the normally hyperactive Pinkie Pie. “The Protheans rose up from a single world; their empire spanned the entire galaxy. Yet even they climbed on top on the remains of those who came before. Their greatest achievements, the Citadel and the Mass Relays, were based on those who came before them.” Her expression turned grim. “And then, like all the other forgotten civilization throughout galactic history, the Protheans disappeared.” “I have dedicated my life to figuring out why.” “Wow. That’s a lot to take in.” Twilight commented, shaking her head slowly. “Do you think this has something to do with that awful Reapers you mentioned?” Rarity offered. Fluttershy squeaked and cowered behind Wrex. “R-r-reapers?” “Oh Fluttershy, stop hiding like that! They’re not here yet.” “Get this pegasus off my back before my trigger finger gets itchy.” Fluttershy gave another loud squeak and disappeared behind Tali’s seat. The turian frowned with disapproval. “Wrex, stop scaring the poor thing like that.” The two glared daggers at each other. “What is this ‘Reapers’ you mentioned?” “If I may, Commander?” Tali asked the lavender unicorn. Twilight nodded her approval. The quarian repeated her brief story of the Reapers and the geth. The asari scientist looked sceptical, but seemed to accept the quarian’s word at face value. “Surely you have more proof than the damaged memory core of a geth unit?” Twilight hesitated. Despite the fact that she already entrusted this secret to her friends and companions on this ship, she was still leery about sharing her visions with outsiders. Partly it was because the story was so fantastic, nopony would believe her. Or maybe she just didn’t want to be called crazy. “I... there was this Prothean beacon on Appleloosa. It burned images in my mind... horrific images.” Twilight shuddered a little as she recalled her nightmares. It was recurring less frequently, but the images were as vivid as ever. “They seemed to have a common theme. The destruction of the Prothean race. Apparently by a machine. Or a machine race.” “A becaon?” The asari’s eyes widened. “Yes, that would make sense. But the beacons were not meant for pony physiology. I am surprised you are able to make any sense of it.” “Well... there’s this nice asari lady who gave us the Cipher...” Fluttershy whispered from her hiding spot behind Tali. Rainbow Dash snorted in amusement. “Oh yeah, that crazy asari who was eaten by the plant. Supposed to help Twilight here understand the visions or something. Personally, I think it’s a load of hooey.” “Well, it did alter my perception a little. The images have cleared up a little, though I still can’t make heads or tails of it.” “So... this was something another asari did to you?” The asari got to her feet. “Commander, with your permission I would like to try something.” She stopped in surprise as Applejack moved to bar her way. The orange earth pony eyes narrowed. “Hold on there, missy. Jus’ what ya think ya gonna be doin’ to Twilight here? I don’t right see how yer asari mumbo jumbo can help us all here.” “Applejack, calm down. She’s only trying to help.” “Have you lost ya marbles Twilight? Did you forget she’s also the daughter of that no-good Benezia tramp?” “AJ. She’s not her. Besides, the geth were after her.” Twilight looked straight into the brilliant green eyes of the soldierpony. “I think she might be onto something. If there’s anything that can help us stop Saren, I am willing to try it.” “Well, I still don’t trust her...” Applejack glanced at Liara, then back at Twilight. “But if ya think she can be trusted...” “I do, Applejack.” Twilight nodded slightly at Liara. “I trust her.” Applejack sighed and bowed her head in defeat, trotting back to her seat. The lavender unicorn gave the earth pony a grateful smile and turned her attention back to Liara. “What do you intend to do?” “One of my kind have given you deeper understanding of the visions. But you still cannot put together the pieces.” The asari held out her arms. ”Like her, I can join my consciousness to yours. Maybe my knowledge of the Protheans will help clarify the visions.” “Okay...” Twilight gulped, not really keen on reliving the visions. “Let’s do this then.” “Oh, this is going to be good!” Pinkie commented idly, munching on popcorns she procured from the galley. The pink pony seemed to not mind the black looks both Rarity and Tali directed at her. The asari approached the unicorn, kneeling to bring them face to face. “Relax, Commander.” Twilight felt the world slow as the asari locked her eyes with hers. “Embrace eternity!” The nightmares followed with a vengeance. *** “...mander!” Darkness. Pure darkness. Where was she again? “Comma...!” Twilight sensed that she was floating. “Flut... git.. Cherilee now!” The unicorn looked around with unseen eyes. Darkness. Why was it so dark? She shivered, even though there no cold. No warmth. Nothing at all. “By all that’s... you... Liara?” Liara. That sounded familiar. Asari... was it? The half-formed image of the asari flitted through. “I... idea... mind... Prothean...” Prothean. The memories suddenly flooded back. The visions. The Reapers. The Protheans. Death. Burning cities. Barren wastelands. The eternal darkness around her faded away as her mind rebooted. The unicorn stirred, and began to open her eyes. A chatter of voice immediately assaulted her ears. “Look! She’s awake!” “Twilight! Are ya feelin’ better?” “Sparkle, don’t you dare die on me now.” The harsh glare of the lights in the briefing room blinded her for a moment. Twilight blinked rapidly for several moments, trying to ascertain her condition. It appeared she had fallen onto the metal floor, her snout and chin touching the cold metal. Her knees must have given way at some point, and she was currently lying belly-first on the floor. The lavender unicorn groaned, and put a hoof to her head. “That... that was interesting...” Rarity let out a shocked gasp. “Interesting?! My dear Twilight, you are never doing anything like this again. I absolutely forbid it!” “Twi, did that asari scramble your brains as well?” Rainbow Dash’s tomcolt voice added. The blue freckled face of Liara came into view. Her concerned expression seemed genuine, at least to Twilight’s addled eyes. “Commander, how are you feeling? It appeared the visions have overwhelmed your pony mind for a moment there. You literally collapsed during our mind-meld.” Twilight shook her head stubbornly. “Never mind about me... What have you learned?” “Nothing you don’t already know. The beacon must be more damaged than you originally thought. The ones that you have are incomplete... fragments of the original message. I’m surprised you were able to make sense of it at all. It would have destroyed a lesser mind.” Twilight remained silent as she processed this new factoid. No wonder the visions were jumbled. But the horror she felt was real. Even if she didn’t lose her mind in the initial process... she felt like pieces of sanity was still being chipped away each time she relived that memory. It was unpleasant. The prim voice of Nurse Cheerilee cut through the voices of the briefing room. “Coming through!” Twilight could fell the nurse checking her pulse as well as scanning her with a portable medical scanner. The unicorn tried to get to her knees, but the artificial gravity proved too much. Or was it the nurse holding her down? Twilight wasn’t quite sure, her senses still somewhat scrambled. “Hm, Commander seem fine, if a little weak. Though next time I would appreciate it that you at least inform me before trying something like this.” She felt a strong hoof grab her by the shoulder. “Come along now, you need to rest in the infirmary.” The nursepony looked up. “You too, Dr T’Soni. You don’t look too well.” The asari’s voice seemed fatigued as well. “Y-yes. I think I need to lie down as well. Process all this information.” Twilight smiled weakly at the rest. “Sorry, everypony. Doctor’s orders. Dismissed.” *** [Captain’s Quarters, ESV Normaredy] The lavender unicorn lay on her sparse bed, watching the stars lazily drift by through the oval window next to her bed. She turned one eye towards Spike, who was busy sorting out her report to the Council. “Spike?” “Mmhmm?” Spike muttered, not looking up from his perch on the workstation’s chair. “Do you think I’m going mad?” Spike sighed in exasperation. “Twilight. You asked me that a dozen times now. No, you’re not mad. We believe you when you say the beacons gave you nightmares. Get some sleep, Twi.” Twilight grunted slightly and turned her head towards the viewport, staring again into the deep void. Somehow, Spike’s words rang hollow for her. She only hoped she could make sense of the whole thing in time. It was maddening to have these visions flitting about in her mind, ever-present, but out of reach. Her morbid thoughts were interrupted as Spike suddenly gagged, holding a claw to his mouth. The diminutive dragon belched out a gout of green flame, an ancient scroll materialising in thin air. Twilight caught the scroll with her magic and studied the wax seal on the parchment. “Oh, a message from the princess.” “Well, open it Twi.” The lavender unicorn unfurled the scroll and began reading. Her eyes gradually widened as she digested the contents of the letter. My faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, It has come to the attention of my sources on Poneria that Matriarch Benezia was recently sighted in Port Heihen, the capital of the colony. Her motives are unknown at this time. It is imperative you act on this information at once and glean what information you can from her about Saren... and my sister if possible. Above all, stay safe, my little pony. Your loving teacher, Princess Celestia Twilight reread the letter a few times more, blinking in disbelief. Finally, a real lead. A chance to trap Saren’s second-in-command and unravel his plans. “Spike. Get Scootaloo on the line. We’re heading for Poneria.”

Grif

267

Main 6,Spike,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Pony Effect

What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe?

incomplete

<p>What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe? Will Commander Sparkle save the day like Shepard did?</p><p>Special thanks to vimbert and 108Echoes from Ponychan's /fic/ for proofreading and conceptual ideas.</p><p>The <a href="https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B0WyBmfXXXZKZDk2ZTM2ZGMtZGFkZS00OTgyLTkyYjMtYWVjYjBhNDI5MGMy/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">GDoc links</a>, if FimFiction does not fancy you. This is both my working copy and the originals that was published on Equestria Daily.</p>

everyone

2012-03-04T05:00:02+00:00

2012-03-04T05:00:02+00:00

[Engine Room, ESV Normaredy, Artemis Tau cluster] “Wrench! Where’s that soldering gun?!” Rarity’s shrill voice pierced even the thick bulkheads that separated the engineering section from the cargo bay at the bottom of the ship. A clatter of hoofsteps answered her call, and the engine room door slid open to reveal a hassled looking indigo-coated earth pony balancing three different sets of toolboxes on his head, back and tail. He held the requested tool in his mouth. “Right ‘ere, ma’am,” he replied in a muffled voice. The chief engineer sighed with relief and flashed him a charming smile. “Thank you, darling. Now go and fix that heater in the captain’s quarters like I told you to. Spike has been complaining about it for ages. He does so love his coffee.” Despite his obvious fatigue, the technician still managed to salute. “Yes, ma’am.” Wrench scurried off without another word, still managing to balance his load all the while. Rarity shook her head sadly, wishing she could do more to help one of the few remaining competent engineer on her team. Among her small engineering crew, Gears was enjoying an enforced rest in the infirmary after an unfortunate incident with a plasma conduit. Screws was busy trying to fix one of the GARDIAN lasers. Quickfix was in the CIC, troubleshooting yet another glitch with the galactic map display. Ultimately, it left her and Wrench manning the engine room alone. Well, that was before the electric heater in the mess hall broke down. Not for the first time, she wished the Normaredy carried a bigger crew. Space considerations had precluded the Equestrian Navy from assigning more engineers to the ship. Rarity sighed and picked up her soldering gun, resuming her dreary task: to repair this confounded circuit board that also happened to regulate the cooling sinks for the Normaredy. It was unfortunate this one had to break when it did. It meant the ship would be unable to utilise its stealth systems as much as it should be able to. Needless to say, it was top priority. Which was why she only trusted herself to do it. The engineer nearly bumped her head on the hatch cover, and she bit back a curse. Another thought crossed her mind; she had forgotten to remind Wrench to bring her a spare capacitor as well. Now she’d have to go and get it herself. Hoping that he was still within earshot, she shouted, “Wrench! Are you there? I need that capacitor as well!” Only the steady hum of the Tantalus Drive Core greeted her. “Sapphires and rubies. Now I need to—” “Is there anything I can do to help?” Rarity nearly burnt her own hooves by mistake at the sound of that voice. By Celestia, what was the quarian doing down here? Rarity knew the quarian was very interested in the ship. Spike told her as much.So far, she had refused all of the quarian’s polite inquiries into the ship’s workings. Her obligation not to reveal the best of Equestrian technology demanded as much. Tali seemed to have taken the hint after a while and was content working instead on the Mako which they obtained on Harnos. However, their relationship remained frosty, and they only exchanged brief words throughout their time on the ship. She spun around to face Tali, a polite smile affixed to her face. “Why, yes. Could you be a dear and call my assistant Wrench down here? I need a certain spare part if I want to properly fix this.” Tali seemed to regard the unicorn with mild interest. “I think I saw him busy in the mess hall on my way down here. What kind of capacitor you need? I may be able to get you what you need.” Rarity’s smile got a little tighter, forced. “Oh no, no, no. I wouldn’t want to be a burden on you now.” Tali shrugged. “It’s okay. It’s not like I got anything better to do. Fluttershy is busy with her pet bunny. Besides, you look like you could use the help. Don’t worry about me leaking your tech. I have given my word to the commander.” If Rarity wasn’t so short-hooved, she would have still refused outright. Some standards must be maintained after all. Still, the quarian’s logic was undeniable. She had been nothing but reliable thus far. “If you insist.” Rarity proceeded to describe the precise component she needed, along with a few others she thought she may as well have on hoof for the other repair works she had planned. Tali nodded once and quickly exited the room. Not five minutes later, she returned with the required components, all according to her instructions. Rarity was mildly impressed. The quarian knew her stuff alright. “Very well. Hand me that capacitor. I’ll get started on fixing this panel,” Rarity said, lifting her solder gun into the air. “So, how much do you actually know about ships?” she asked while lifting the hatch open again. “I lived on one all my life. I know enough to know when an environmental unit is failing.” Nopony lived on a ship and merely “know about subsystems failing”, Rarity was sure of that. Which meant Tali was being modest about her true abilities. Her respect for the quarian went up another notch. Rarity didn’t reply immediately, focusing on detaching the damaged capacitor and welding the new one into place. Putting down her tool, she glanced at Tali again. “So, what do you think of the Normaredy?” she asked. It was a loaded question, but she was interested to see how the quarian would answer. “The Normaredy? Your pilot said it was the most advanced ship in the galaxy. I see nothing to challenge that observation that far. Design wise, she is a marvel, incorporating the latest in ship design and applying it in generous doses. The engine is a marvel, and the new drive core, simply a delight to watch. The stealth system is one of a kind.” Tali’s voice steadily grew more animated as she spoke. “I see.” Rarity flashed a dazzling smile at her companion. “I seem to be rather short-hooved for the moment. Would you be kind enough to assist me with something?” For a moment there, Rarity sensed that the quarian was actually smiling. Not that she could see through the cloudy face mask, but her sharp intake of breath was audible. Her response however, was rather more restrained. “It’d be an honour,” she said evenly. “I think you’ll like this, darling,” she said, putting her tools down. “Now, the Normaredy has a...” *** “Thank you, Cheerilee,” Twilight said quietly at the disappearing figure of the ship’s nurse. She smoothed her uniform and trotted up to the door marked the entrance of the ship’s small laboratory. Taking a deep breath, she tapped open the metal door. “Liara, you wanted to see me?” Twilight asked, stepping through the door. Liara was hunched over the table, evidently studying something on the workstation. She waited for the door to close before turning to face Twilight. “Yes... I do,” she said heavily, her intelligent eyes studying Twilight. Twilight held up a hoof to forestall her inevitable question. “First things first. How are you feeling?” Liara blinked in surprise. “Much better actually. Nurse Cheerilee assured me that I would be fine. I was quite impressed by her knowledge of asari physiology.” Twilight’s lips curved into a small smile. “That’ll be her recent course in alien physiology paying off. I’ll be sure to pass your compliments to her.” Liara chuckled softly. “Yes, please do.” Her brief expression of joy disappeared. “Pleasantries aside, I wanted to talk to you about something...” Liara’s voice trailed off as she seemed to struggle to find words. Twilight said nothing and waited patiently for Liara to continue. After several seconds of palpable silence, Liara sighed and looked Twilight in the eye. “You’re going after... Matriach Benezia aren’t you?” Twilight just nodded in reply. “Yes.” “Tell me. Is it true? My mother turned against the Citadel? Against the goddess?” Liara asked, a pleading note in her voice. “We... have conclusive proof that she had colluded with Agent Saren...” Twilight went on to describe the audio tapes which Tali had extracted from the geth memory core she had obtained. Liara’s head seem to sink lower with each word. “I... cannot believe she would do this. This is not like her...” Twilight put a sympathetic hoof on Liara’s shoulder. “Dr. T’Soni, we don’t know what compelled her to work with Saren or the geth. But she is and you have to accept the fact.” “I have seen the looks on your crew. They do not trust me.” Twilight sighed and put her hoof down. “It’s not hard to blame them. You’re technically the daughter of the second in command of Saren after all.” “I am nothing like my mother, Twilight Sparkle. I have not spoken to her for several years.” “For what’s its worth, Dr. T’Soni. I do trust you.” Twilight smiled gently and continued, “After all, I did let you peek into my mind.” Liara seemed to relax visibly. “That is true, commander. It means a lot to me for saying that. Thank you,” she said with complete sincerity. “I’ll do all I can to help you bring down Saren, even if I have to oppose my mother for doing so.” “That’s reassuring to hear.” Twilight wriggled her shoulders to ease some of the tension out and made to sit on the floor. “Anyway, since we’re here, I’d like to know about you.” “Me? I am afraid I’m not very interesting, Commander. I spent most of my life on remote digs, unearthing mundane items buried in long-forgotten Prothean ruins.” Twilight looked at the scientist curiously. “That sounds dangerous... and lonely.” “Sometimes I’ll run into dangerous indigenous wildlife or small bands of mercenary or privateers. But I was always careful. Until the geth followed me to Artermis Tau, I never found myself in a situation my biotics could not handle.” Liara let out a sour laugh. “I guess I never thought I would be hunted by a race of sentient robots. Sent by my own mother no less, if you are to be believed. As for the solitude, well, that is one aspect that most appealed to me. Sometimes, I just need to get away from other people.” Twilight nodded sympathetically. “I understand the feeling. I used to be like that before joining the Normaredy... I would retreat to the library or my room for my studies. Needless to say, I hadn’t had much friends.” “Huh. I guess we are similar after all. Might I ask why did you choose to do so?” “It was a silly thing. Really. When I was five, my parents brought me to watch my first Summer Sun Celebration in Canterlot City.” Twilight smiled a little at Liara’s quizzical look. “It’s a day where we ponies gathered to watch the Princess raise the sun. An old tradition, dating back to the founding of Equestria itself. Anyway, since it was my first, I was extremely excited. So, there I was. In a crowd of thousands of other excited ponies. In fact, it was so packed that I lost sight of my parents while waiting for the princess to show up. Somehow, I managed to squeeze into the front row...” Twilight sighed wistfully at the memory. *** The little purple filly looked up in awe from her position squeezed between two pony legs. Just beyond the barrier ropes, a simple wooden platform awaited. Banners displaying the royal insignia fluttered merrily in the light wind, the semi-darkness preventing the young filly from making out any more details. Stern-looking guards stood at attention at either end of the platform. Just beyond, hover cameras captured the unfolding events through their attentive lenses. Though the young filly may not have known it, the guards were more for show and tradition rather than any real attempt at crowd control or bodyguard protection. Still, they looked very imposing and the young filly felt intimidated by their presence. She carefully avoided looking in their direction. The general excitement of the crowd soon faded into an unnatural silence as the hour of the Summer Sun Celebration approached, the calm before the storm. The young filly found herself holding her breath in excitement, too overwhelmed by the experience to remember that she was supposed to be looking for her parents. A flurry of trumpets sounded, marking the start of the ceremony. A cheer began to rise from the crowd, and all around the filly, ponies shuffled around, ostensibly to get a better view of the princess. Flash of light filled the air as spectators took their pictures. The young filly, unfortunately, was unable to see through the mess of limbs, and tried in vain to climb above the adults around her. Then she saw her. The Princess. In all her regal glory. She strode proudly past and came to stand just to the right of the filly. “My little ponies. It is time again for our annual Summer Sun Celebration. As always, I thank you, citizens of Equestria, for doing our nation proud. We now stand tall amidst the races of the Citadel. Without further ado, let us begin the celebration!” A great roar of approval erupted from the crowd, their infectious enthusiam roused even the young filly to cheer wildly, although she would not know what it was all about. The princess’ eyes glowed and she began to rise in the air, one hoof pointing to the sky. The young filly watched with rounded eyes as magic swirled around the alicorn, her horn lighting up the area like a miniature sun. As she watched, the light from the princess faded. But not because of any diminishing in her power. Instead, a greater light began to rise from the background. For a brief moment, the princess looked like she was engulfed by the very fiery orb; only the faintest outline of her was visible. Just as quickly, the moment passed and the sun rose higher. When the young filly turned her eyes back towards the princess, she was already back on the platform and waving at the cheering crowd. I want to be just like her, the filly thought. *** “Fascinating. You ponies still maintain that tradition despite Equestria growing exponentially since its inception?” “We love our tradition. It’s a way of reminding ourselves of our humble origins... and how far we have come since then. These days, the ceremony is aired through the extranet, convenient for anypony to watch. Yet, the crowd remains as large as ever, with thousands of ponies taking the time to attend in person. Some say the crowds had grown even larger, with all the tourists on Canterlot these days.” Twilight found herself smirking at her last words. The Citadel races, despite their inherent technological superiority, found themselves unable to explain how the royal sisters managed to manipulate the entire Canterlot system to their whims. Decades of study had yielded no satisfactory answer. Just as well, Twilight thought. Sometimes, you’ll just have to accept it is magic. Of course, that explanation did not satisfy the naturally curious salarians and they continued to labour to uncover the mysteries of pony magic. “I see. What happened then?” “Ah, after being found by parents and alternately being scolded and hugged? Well, truth be told, I had no idea how to even be like the princess. But I was determined to do it. So I started to read. Any book I could get my hooves on. Eventually I found that magic interested me the most. So I poured my heart into it. Day and night, you probably would find me either in my room, or in the local library. As you can imagine, I didn’t have many friends. Like you, I preferred the solitude.” Liara nodded, listening with rapt attention. “Eventually, my parents managed to obtain an invitation for me to join the School for Gifted Unicorns. It was especially poignant for me, as the school was ran personally by the Princess herself. Till today, I have no idea what strings they pulled to get that invite.” Twilight rubbed the back of her head ruefully. “Anyway, I went to this exam...” *** Twilight felt the butterflies in her stomach whipping up a storm. It wasn’t really so much as she was unprepared. Hardly. The library in Hurricane Street was probably her second home by now, and she knew every librarian there by first name. In theory, she was confident she was able to handle any magical tests they might entrust to her. In theory. The ornate oak doors to the large hall opened, and four grim-faced unicorns filed into the room. Each was dressed in what could only be described as ostentatious formal wear and held a clipboard in mid-air. The four took their place at the back of the hall, staring down at Twilight for several seconds from their elevated position. Then, the middle left unicorn, a cream coloured stallion wearing a decidedly old fashioned spectacle, stood up and spoke in a gruff voice, “Miss Sparkle. Please use your magic to hatch the dragon egg.” As if on cue, a cart bearing a curious purple, green-speckled egg was wheeled into the room. Twilight gulped, feeling stuffy all of a sudden. Of all the magic schools, nature spells was one of her weakest. She most certainly never tried to hatch a chicken egg before, much less a dragon one. Willing her heart to slow down, she tried to think. It shouldn’t be hard right? Hatching a dragon egg was merely an application of temporal magic to speed up the natural... That was it! Twilight nodded once and exhaled slowly. That was it. All she needed to do was to cast a time dilation spell to speed up the hatching process. No biggie. She cast a nervous glance at her examiners, who suddenly seemed to loom over her. Flashing them a nervous smile, Twilight turned her full attention towards the egg. The smooth surface of the dragon egg seemed to mock her. Calm down! Eggs can’t talk. Fighting down yet another panic attack, Twilight closed her eyes and carefully reached deep into herself. Her horn glowed softly, and she weaved her magic on the egg. When done, Twilight’s eyes fluttered open. Apart from a soft purple glow, the egg remained still. Anytime now... Seconds ticked past. Seconds turned into minutes. Twilight’s ears could hear pens scratching behind her back. She could almost imagine four pairs of eyes boring into the back of head. The unicorn licked her now-dry mouth and redoubled her efforts, pouring more and more magic into the stubborn egg. The egg didn’t even stir. Finally, after what seemed like hours of theatrical waving, magic and whatnot, she collapsed on the floor. Twilight could feel the warm tears running down the cheek, even before she heard the inevitable words. “I’m sorry, Miss Sparkle.” *** “That must have quite the blow,” Liara said sympathetically. “Quite. I literally ran out of the room sobbing, past my parents. Right out into the busy streets of Canterlot. I don’t quite recall what I did for the next few hours, only that I walked. And walked. And walked. Then I met her.” *** “Come one! Come all! The Great & Powerful Trixie hereby challenges you Canterlotians. Anything you can do, I can do better.” Twilight was dimly aware that she was in the middle of a massive crowd, much like a particular one she had attended so long ago. This time however, the crowd seemed to be actively jeering and booing. Twilight was momentarily jerked out of her self-induced stupor when she felt somepony roughly shoving her from behind. She stumbled forward, the crowd in front of her parting as if by magic. Twilight found herself unceremoniously dumped in front of the crowd, snout-first into the ground. “How about... you?” It took Twilight several seconds to realise the speaker meant her. She blinked and looked up, noticing for the first time that the speaker was in fact, a fellow unicorn. Azure blue coat, sliver mane and garbed in the most gaudy star-studded cloak she seen. “Well? Or has your little pony mind shrunk before the awe that is the Great & Powerful Trixie?” Twilight felt herself blinking in confusion. “Bwuh?” “There is no dishonour in backing down, little unicorn. Trixie understands if you do not wish to challenge the most powerful equine in Equestria.” Another roar of disapproval met her words, mixed with some gasps, whistling and cat-calls. “I don’t know what you’re doing, but I accept. One more failure today won’t make a difference.” Twilight’s voice was oddly flat. “Very well then.” Trixie seemed a little bemused by Twilight’s disinterested reaction. She took off her pointed hat and laid it on the table beside the mare. “A contest of magic then! Name your challenge.” Twilight blurted out the first thing that popped into her mind. “Summoning.” “An interesting choice.” Trixie’s horn glowed ever so briefly. Then, with a flourish, she lifted her hat off the table and tilted it upside down. The white head of a bunny poked out of the hat. “It appears Trixie is already ahead of the game,” she boomed, a confident smile crossing her face. Twilight snorted. It was a cheap parlour trick, which even a foal could do with the right preparation. Her own horn glowed in response. For a moment, nothing happened. Trixie seemed like she was about to laugh when suddenly a dog popped out behind Trixie, barking enthusiastically. She squealed and jumped three feet into the air, landing awkwardly on the ground. The hat dropped to the ground forlornly, and the rabbit scrambled off to freedom. Trixie glowered at her newest rival, apparently not used to being upstaged like this. “I see you have some skill. Unfortunately for you, peasant, Trixie is not done yet.” “We’ll see.” The contest went on, back and forth, the two unicorns summoning ever bigger and more varied animals into the square. Finally, Trixie, visibly spent, stomped her hoof on the ground. “Enough! Trixie tires of this game. The Great & Powerful Trixie shall show you what is true power.” Her horn began to glow brilliantly, and the unicorn dug deep into the ground to steady herself. “Behold! The Ursa Major!” A loud roar punctuated her words, and a large clawed foot stomped down on sidewalk next to Twilight. The unicorn looked up to see a huge, angry bear, towering about the square. At the sight of the creature, the onlookers finally realised the danger they were in and began simultaneously erupted in howls of terror. The square quickly emptied as ponies fled the scene, leaving naught but Twilight and Trixie, who by now had collapsed on the ground from the effort. Trixie still held a stupid grin on her face. “Who’s the greater power now, hm?” Twilight stared at the street magician with disbelief. “Trixie! You unleashed an Ursa Major! It’s going to destroy the city!” “Pfft. This is nothing. Trixie will be far more than capable in handling any—” A large foot stomped crashed into the ground, sending Trixie squealing into the air. Her pupils shrunk as she seemed to finally realise the magnitude of her folly. “By the suns and moons...” she breathed. With a plaintive cry, Trixie stomped her hooves on the ground. A gout of smoke and blinding light erupted... and she was gone. This left only Twilight that was within arm length of the Ursa Major. Twilight realised, belatedly, she was now in very real danger of being scooped up and eaten by one angry, giant, celestial bear. Surprisingly, she felt at peace with herself. There was nothing else to look forward to after all. She had failed her life’s ambition. Nothing else mattered. *Boom!* The very sound of it startled Twilight. Not for its loudness, for it was merely barely a whisper amongst the more immediate sounds of growls, slobbers and roars of the Ursa Major. But for the sheer unexpected nature of it. Even the celestial bear paused, its massive ears cocked in puzzlement. As the surprise wore off, Twilight thought she heard a melodic tune floating past her ears, so faint that one might miss it, yet at the same time, buzzing insistently in her ears. The unicorn glimpsed what seemed to be a rainbow radiating outwards from the horizon. For a moment, it seemed to be a signal. A sign which Twilight’s unconscious mind seized upon as a beacon of hope. Even as the rainbow dissipated, she felt a new surge of power run through her being. Her heart began to race, her mind suddenly emptying itself of any and all distractions. There only was her, and the Ursa. “Stop it.” The ursa roared back at Twilight, plainly not understanding. “STOP IT!” The entire world turned white. *** “The next thing I knew, I was lying facedown on the street, with somepony touching my shoulder. Turns out, it was the Princess herself, who witnessed my little... ‘act’ of heroism. I was told the bear was punted clear of the city and back into the wilderness known as the Everfree Forest. My... breakthrough also inevitably discharged several beams of magic, effecting various transformations on poor passerbys and buildings. Ironically, one of my magic discharges made its way back to the Canterlot Academy for Gifted Unicorns and struck the egg that I was struggling with earlier, driving it to hatch. A small purple dragon emerged.” Twilight smiled at the memory. “Spike. My life-long friend and number one assistant.” “Fascinating. Do you have these bursts of power since?” “No. The first thing the princess did was to adopt me as her personal student in the School of Gifted Unicorns. She said she had never seen such raw potential in somepony so young. Which, in hindsight, was probably pretty obvious. Trixie was already an accomplished magic user and I stood toe-to-toe with her for well over an hour. Me, a high school student who had just failed her entrance exams.” Twilight found herself chuckling softly. It must had surprised Trixie even then. “Needless to say, she quickly taught me on how to control my magic, and the words of power to completely dampen my magical ability; at least temporarily should my own self-control fail. So far, it has worked.” The asari leaned back on her chair, and stroked her chin thoughtfully. “What about Trixie?” “Her? Oh. The Royal Guards found her hiding out in a motel. She was sentenced to three years of hard community service. Naturally, she blamed me for this humiliation.” Twilight had to stifle a laugh. The very thought of the Captain Trixie in an orange jumpsuit doing community work was amusing. “After being forced to work in community service for a year, the Princess made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. The princess made it clear she saw incredible talent in Trixie and would like her to sign up for the military. Naturally, Trixie accepted, much to her chagrin. From what I was told, she quickly adapted and eventually weaseled her way into command of a ship. Don’t ask me how, but she was named as the commander of the Normaredy before I was. I do like to believe the princess didn’t know better, but I suspect she was testing me. The princess does so love her little jokes.” Liara chuckled softly, apparently quite amused by Twilight’s own insights. “If the princess is anything like my mother, yes, it is quite probable. I wish my life was as memorable. Looking back, the entire reason I came to be an archaeologist was to spite my mother.” “Why in Equestria would you do such a thing?” “I suppose it comes from being a matriarch's daughter. People expected me to follow in Benezia’s footsteps. They wanted me to be a leader of our people. Matriarchs guide their followers into the future. They seek the truth of what is yet to come. Maybe that’s why I became so interested in the secrets of the past.” “Ah. Do you not wish to lead your people?” “No. I always somehow manage to find something... embarrassing to say around other people. Let’s just leave it at that.” “Okay. Do you know why Benezia joined Saren?” “I don’t understand it. She was always outspoken about the need for the asari to become more involved in shaping galactic events. Maybe... Maybe she thought of allying herself with Saren would somehow be for the greater good in the long run. At least, I hope so.” Twilight shook her head. “You don’t really believe that, do you?” “None of these make any sense! I have not spoken to Benezia for many years, but I know her! And this is not like her. Something’s changed.” “For her sake, and ours, I hope you’re right, Liara. I hope you’re right,” Twilight replied. The asari nodded sadly, and turned away. *** [ESV Normaredy, Pax System] Poneria gleamed like a pearl in deep space, its brilliant white and blue surface contrasting sharply with the rust coloured blobs that made up the Horse Head Nebulae in the background. From Twilight’s vantage point on the pilot’s deck, it was quite a stunning view. The fact that they reached Poneria in record time despite the appalling condition of their ship was a miracle in by itself. Rarity, with the able help of Tali, was able to keep the Normaredy running in spectacular fashion as they made the week-long run from Stirrum to the Artermis Tau mass relay. For two weeks, the two worked frantically, repairing malfunctioning subsystems using whatever parts they scavenged and patching others with nothing more than duct tape and engineering brilliance. The frigate managed to limp to the primary relay in the Artemis Tau cluster. By the time they reached the mass relay in the Poneria system, Rarity was singing praises of her quarian friend, even going so far as to making her number two in the engine room. “So that’s Poneria? Doesn’t look like much,” Applejack commented, scratching her head. Twilight shook her head as she studied the planet. “Appearances can be deceiving, Applejack. Poneria is one of the few planets in Citadel Space that isn’t under Citadel law. Neither it is under Alliance’s law, since it is technically a privately owned colony.” “What? You mean that... somepony owns a planet? All of it? How is that even possible?” Rainbow Dash sputtered. “A company actually. The Poneria Development Corporation. Two dozens of some of the biggest movers in the bio-technology, cybernetics, and other companies at the edge of high-end technology all invested in this corporation. I think you can imagine how much credits went into acquiring this particular piece of real estate.” “Probably bribed a dozen Citadel officials to help smooth things along as well,” Garrus remarked. “I hear the technologies being developed here are absolutely cutting edge. I would love to take a look at their latest hardware...” Rarity’s voice trailed off as she noticed Rainbow Dash and Garrus staring at her. “I mean, um, yeah, Poneria is definitely a scum of villainy and thievery!” Twilight rubbed her chin. “It’s not all bad. I mean, some of the galaxy’s latest breakthroughs in biotic implants did originate from here.” Garrus snorted. “Yeah, if you overlook all the unethical testing that slipped under C-Sec’s radar because of their ‘special’ status.” Twilight had to give him points for that. Poneria was the lynchpin of many wild conspiracy theories, mostly involving some shadowy organisation funding hugely illegal research in order to develop forbidden weapons of mass destruction or mind control. Hyperbole, obviously, but like all rumours, it had a grain of truth to it. Poneria was the go-to place for research subjects that were controversial or unsafe to be conducted in Citadel space, since the planet was technically not under Citadel rule and thus not subject to its laws. The Princess herself had expressed concerns multiple times regarding Poneria’s unorthodox status. “Well, we’re here to look for the Matriarch, not judge them, much as I hate to admit it,” Twilight said. Even with her Spectre status, it wouldn’t do to push her luck with the locals. She was but one mare. “Approaching Poneria space, Commander. They’re requesting authorisation,” Scootaloo’s voice crackled over the intercom. “Tell them we’re on Council business.” “Aye, aye.” *** [Port Heihe, Poneria] Decontamination complete. Logged: the commanding officer is ashore. XO Ditzy Doo has the deck. Twilight was immediately greeted with a blast of chilled air as the airlock hissed open. The unicorn shivered as puffs of smoke escaped through her nostrils. Spike was right, I should have worn my scarf. The spartan docks were definitely not built for passenger comfort in mind. Liara stepped out to stand beside the unicorn. “I am quite thankful that I am somewhat used to these cold conditions. Living out in remote dig sites does have its perks.” “Lucky for you, Twilight, I pack extra every time we visit a cold planet,” Rarity added, a snug pink scarf wrapped around her neck. The engineer took out another scarf, a tasteful purple. If Twilight hadn’t known better, she would have sworn Rarity knew exactly what Twilight needed. “Come on darling, you need to the extra warmth.” “T-thanks...” Twilight said, through her chattering teeth, as the scarf wrapped itself around her neck. She felt a little better. Just a little. She comforted herself with the thought that the main facility should be warm. “Come on, let’s not stand around,” she said, leading the party towards the dock’s entrance. Her hooves clattered noisily on the icy metallic surface as they approached the nondescript metal doors that marked the exit of the port. She noted the unusually large security detail at the door, complete with automated turrets and drones. These guys don’t do things in half. The guards moved to bar their way as they approached. A griffin, and three ponies, all heavily armed. “Halt! That’s far enough,” the griffin said, raising a sharp talon. “This is an unscheduled arrival. We will need to confirm your credentials.” His voice was one who brooked no dissent. Twilight stared at the griffin in bemusement. Credentials? Spectres didn’t exactly carry namecards around. She tried reason. “I am Commander Sparkle, Special Tactics and Reconnaissance. Haven’t Scootaloo passed the message?” The guards seemed to be slightly taken aback by her words. “Since when they made ponies Spectres...” “... She looks more like...” “... You got to be kiddin’...” The griffin waved for his charges to be quiet. “Sorry ma’am, I can’t let you out of the port area without confirmation,” he said politely but firmly. One talon was resting comfortably on the pistol on his hips. A red-coated unicorn standing beside the griffin spoke up. “They look like trouble, captain. Maybe we should disarm them first.” The griffin nodded. “Very well. Sergeant Thistle, you have my permission to disarm these ponies.” Twilight’s expression hardened. Disarm her? Not while a potential criminal was on the loose. “What? Look, I’ve already contacted—” “Captain, we have identified this pony. She is authorised to bear weaponry,” a feminine voice spoke over the port’s loudspeaker. “Stand down your guards, and give her my regards.” The griffin glanced at the loudspeaker in annoyance, but waved his fellow guards down. “You may proceed, Spectre. I trust you will not cause trouble while you’re here,” he said warily, eying her up and down. He gestured for his guards to open the doors. Twilight gave the griffin a small smile, noticing the small badge on one shoulder that proudly displayed his name: Captain Viktor. “I’ll try not to, Captain Viktor.” She gave him a superfluous salute and marched past the griffin towards the now-open doors. The unicorn tried to ignore the stares from the guards and the automated turrets being pointed in her direction. *** The reception hall was warmer than the frigid docks, for which Twilight was thankful. The white, sterile walls here reflected the purposeful nature of the facility. The hall itself was devoid of any other decoration, save for a small curtain waterfall in the middle of the room and some spartan seats beside the reception counter. Just behind the counter, she could see weapon detectors emplaced in the walls. A cheery earth pony receptionist greeted them at the counter. “Welcome to Poneria, Spectre. Secretary Zecora would like to welcome you personally. Please wait here,” she said in a silky voice and motioned for them to wait. “This place could use some more sprucing up,” Rarity commented as they took their seats. Twilight shrugged in reply. It was apparent the PDC had decided the money was best invested in more practical applications rather than wasteful decorations. “It’s a research colony. I think decorations are at the bottom of their priorities,” Twilight replied dryly. Rarity just shot Twilight a withering look. “Some day, Twilight, you’ll learn that art is worth more than the bits you spent it on,” she said, imperiously. “... Yes, Secretary, they are right here.” A shuffle of hoofsteps could be heard behind the counter. The unicorn turned in time to see a zebra dressed in a formal white uniform stepping out of the hidden area behind the counter. “Commander Sparkle, I must presume. Accept my sincere apologies, before you fume.” she spoke in a slow, rhythmic manner, almost as if she was reciting a poem. The zebra gave a short bow. “I bid you welcome, little ponies, to our humble abode on this snow-covered world.” Twilight had to repeat her words twice in her mind before she deciphered the meaning. “Uh... hello. Pleased to meet you.” “Questions I see in your pony eyes. Ask anything you desire and be wise.” “I have one. Why is a zebra working in such a place? I thought your kind don’t stray off your ancestral lands on Canterlot,” Rarity said. “Ah, a normal zebra, I am not. I yearn for the stars; to stay at home, I simply cannot.” Twilight crooked an eyebrow upwards at the cryptic reply. “O-kay. So, why all the heavy security?” she tried again. “The facility is a private institution, and so security was the solution. Our investors pay for the best, and thus we are at their behest,” Zecora explained in a matter-of-fact manner. “I do hope the commander watches her step, ponies here don’t take too kindly to outsiders.” “Relax, we’re not here to step on anypony’s hooves.” “I am pleased to hear that, for too many troubles start from a simple spat.” “Anyway, I heard Matriach Benezia passed by recently. Any idea where she went?” Zecora’s eyes betrayed a flicker of surprise. “The asari matriach of great renown? It is known she had departed from town. Peak 15 is now where she stays, where Binary Helix holds sway.” Her eyes narrowed a little. “Unfortunate it is, that the administrator has barred all access; you would need to acquire permission to progress.” Twilight rolled her eyes. Nothing was ever simple it seemed. “Fine. Where do we find this administrator?” “Down towards the main elevator, first left off the main plaza yonder. Should the commander require further assistance, this zebra would be happy to provide guidance.” Zecora looked at Twilight questioningly. The commander shook her head. “I think we can find our way around.” Zecora gave another of her short bows. “Very well. I wish you luck in your quest, and may the rest of your journey be made in zest.” She turned with a clip of her hooves and disappeared behind the reception counter. Twilight sighed and waved for her squad to follow. “Let’s go meet this ‘Administrator’ then.” *** [Anoleis’ Office, Port Heihe] By the time they reached the office, Zecora was already at her station in front of the administrator’s office. The zebra nodded at the Spectre and pinged her boss on the intercom. “Mr Anoleis?” “What, what?” came the impatient reply. Twilight recognised the trademark salarian twang in the voice. It didn’t surprise her that a salarian would be the one leading a research outfit out here. The entire species was known for its scientific prowess. “Our mutual friend is here for her audience, do you wish to meet with her and her companions?” “Yes, yes, send her in. And stop that silly rhymes! It annoys me.” Twilight frowned slightly at the administrator’s treatment of his secretary. The administrator seemed to be an impatient person, at least. For Zecora’s part, she seemed not to mind and gestured for the group to proceed to the office in the hallway beyond. Twilight trundled past Zecora’s table and made for the unmarked glass doors that marked the administrator’s office. The portal opened soundlessly as they approached the door, revealing a modestly furnished office. Twilight’s eyes were immediately drawn to the adult salarian seated behind the large desk in the middle of the office, holoscreens and datacards stacked haphazardly on his desk. From the untouched appearance of the rest of the office, it was evident where Anoleis spent most of his time. “You’ll excuse me if I don’t get up to greet you,” he began without preamble as Twilight trotted in. “I don’t have time to entertain nerdy bookworms.” Twilight felt an eye twitch at his words. “I see you read my files,” she said evenly, determined not to lose her temper over his baiting. “Only a fool would enter a negotiations without knowledge of the other parties’ tendencies,” was the nonchalant answer. The salarian blinked and steepled his fingers. “This greeting is only a courtesy. I’ll only cooperate as required by the Executive Board. Businesses come here to avoid the second guessing of galactic law.” His large amphibian eyes were studying each pony and asari coldly. Straight to the point. A blunt alien, this one. “Very well. My sources tell me that an asari matriach has passed through here recently. Matriarch Benezia?” Anoleis didn’t miss a beat. “She arrived a few days ago, accompanied by a personal escort and some cargo. She’s up at Peak 15.” “Cargo? What kind of cargo?” Rarity asked, raising an eyebrow. “Large, heavy and sealed. It passed weapons screening. Beyond that, it is not our concern.” Twilight herself was intensely curious about the cargo. What could Benezia possibly be bringing out here? But she would have to find out later. “What brought her out here?” Anoleis shrugged. “If I knew I wouldn’t be at liberty to say. Lady Benezia was here as Agent Saren’s executor.” Twilight eyes bulged. “His what?” she blurted, hoping to have heard the last part wrong. Anoleis rewarded Twilight with a disdainful look. “E-xe-cu-tor. Agent Saren is a major shareholder in Binary Helix. Lady Benezia is authorised to act in his name.” The commander frowned. Apparently news of Saren’s disgrace hasn’t reached this remote research outpost. Or Anoleis chose to ignore it. Either way, it bode ill for their mission. “She’s here on business for Binary Helix. There were issues in Peak 15 that required Agent Saren’s attention.” “Issues?” The salarian’s eyes hardened. “As I said earlier, I am not at liberty to disclose confidential information,” he said coldly. Twilight rolled her eyes. “Okay, fine. I need to see her.” “I’m afraid that you cannot. Peak 15 is a private facility in the Scathi Mountain. Regardless, there is a blizzard in that area. Shuttles are grounded and surface access is cut off.” Anoleis seemed to be taking great pleasure in throwing obstacles in front of Twilight. Rarity snorted in disbelief. “Now you’re pulling our tails. Don’t you have pegasi weather teams for these?” “They’re currently occupied in the southern region of the planet, calming a hurricane at Peak 12. I was told they would be unavailable in a few days. As good as you ponies can be, you still cannot control the weather all the time.” He seemed to sneer at the trio for a moment. “We have our own pegasi—” “Cut. Off. I said. Don’t make an issue of this.” “Commander, perhaps it would be best to find another way,” Liara said, putting a hand on her shoulder. “I can see that.” Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath to steady her own rising temper. “Very well, I have no further requests. I’ll see you around, administrator,” she said. Anoleis waved them off dismissively and turned his attention towards his computer. “Good. I received seven new urgent messages while we were wasting each others’ time.” Twilight gritted her teeth and turned away without a reply. “Don’t worry, darling. We’ll find a way to get to Peak 15 with or without his help,” Rarity said as they walked out the door and began to head toward main plaza. “Commander, I think the secretary is waving us over,” Liara commented. Twilight blinked in surprise and turned just in time to see Zecora walk up to them. “My little pony, I see your meeting was not fruitful. Fear not, for there are others who might be useful.” The zebra glanced around shiftily. “Lo’rik Quinn. He wishes you well, and could be found in a certain hotel. Alas, I cannot stay to attend, lest I betray all to our mutual friend.” Zecora winked conspiratorially and brushed past the group, apparently on business of her own. “Oh-kay... what was that all about?” Twilight said, blinking in confusion. Liara stroked her chin thoughtfully. “I think there might be more going on that meets the eye, commander.” “Well, let’s see what this... Lorik Qui’in has got to say,” Rarity said, trotting off towards the plaza. *** [Hotel Lounge, Port Heihe] The group found their mysterious friend in Port Heihe’s only luxury hotel’s lounge. The fact that the turian was the only one who seemed to be sitting alone, unoccupied by business, in contrast to the rest of the lounge, was a giveaway. As was usual for most turians, white face paint adorned his facial platings, a bygone relic of a strife-torn era for turians. Lorik seemed to perk up as Twilight approached his table. “Afternoon. Sit down, have a drink. What can I do for you?” he greeted, evidently expecting her. Twilight nodded back pleasantly but elected to remain standing. Her companions did the same.. “Lorik Q’uiin, I presume. I heard you might be able to help me.” Lorik nodded in response. He gestured with his half-empty glass at Twilight. “You’re the Spectre that just arrived, are you not? What could an old turian like me possibly help you with?” “I need to get to Peak 15. Anoleis won’t give me permission to go.” Twilight swore she could hear the turian chuckling, though all she saw was the corners of his lips curving upwards. “Ah, you need a way up. How fortuitous.” He took a sip of his drink, and let a brief silence punctuate the air. “Yes, very.” “I’m the manager of the local Synthetic Insights office. For the moment at least. Mr. Anoleis closed my offices. He claimed to be investigating reports of my corruption.” “Corruption?” Liara interjected. Lorik just smiled thinly and leaned back into his seat. “Mr. Anoleis is a very interesting person. He has become quite wealthy since he took direct control of the rents.” Twilight nodded slowly. So their mutual friend was corrupt as well? Somehow, that did not surprise her the least. “Interesting. Go on.” “I have acquired evidence of his actions. He has his hired goons ransacking my office to find it as we speak. If you can acquire the evidence, I will give you my garage pass — it should let you bypass security — and a sum of credits.” “Twilight, how about the blizzard? The roads would be treacherous!” “Oh, you actually bought his song-and-dance about bad weather?” Lorik chuckled and took another sip of his drink. “There has been no actual bad weather for years now since you ponies moved in. I must admit, your pegasi weather teams are most efficient.” Twilight already half-expected the administrator to lie through his teeth, so this wasn’t really a shock. Still, it was nice to have confirmation. “Hm... this changes things. We could actually fly up there. Though I doubt Anoleis will let us take a shuttle to the place.” “Actually, don’t we have pegasi who can fly us there?” Liara mused. Twilight’s eyes lit up. “I think you have something there. They won’t even need to carry us all the way.” “Oh? Do elaborate.” “I have this spell for cloud-walking. With it, we could actually ride on a cloud with the two pushing us there. I’m sure Rainbow and Fluttershy could tow us to the facility faster than if we used ground transportation.” Liara looked sceptical. “Commander, that sounds a little dangerous. Wouldn’t it be easier to just borrow a shuttle?” “Not quite. You can be sure Anoleis has his own guards inspecting each and every shuttle passing through his airspace. Besides, I’d like to avoid killing innocents if necessary. The spell is simple enough to cast. I cast it a dozen times myself.” “There’s still the air defenses clustered around each outpost in this planet. Not to mention the possibility of them using pegasi or fighters to intercept us.” Lorik coughed discreetly, interrupting the discussion. “Perhaps I could assist you in that. I have also come into possession a few local weather pegasi transponders. It should let you fool the anti-air defenses.” Twilight smiled thinly and eyed the turian with renewed interest. “Interesting, Mr Qui’in. One would have thought you didn’t engage in such activities.” Not such a reputable character yourself, huh? she thought silently to herself. Still, they would need his help if they were to make any progress on this desolate outpost. Lorik just shrugged off the subtle jab at his character. “In troubled times like this, one must take all sorts of precautions. I trust my deal is acceptable?” He seemed a trifle impatient now. Twilight thought a little more about the offer before nodding firmly. “Fine. We’ll do it. Make sure to have the goods on hand when we come by to pick it up.” Lorik leaned back into his chair, his mood seemingly very much improved. “Very well. Oh, and I should warn you, violence against Mr Anoleis’ thugs may be necessary. He has members of Heihe’s security team searching my office. Captain Viktor is unaware of their outside employment.” “We’ll... manage. One way or another.” Twilight shuddered as she considered the prospect of needlessly complicating their stay here with killing members of the security, even if they were dirty. Not only she found killing to be abhorrent, on the practical side, far too many things could go wrong. She noticed Rarity giving her a disapproving look from the corner of her eyes. Lorik produced a colourful plastic card from a pocket and slid it across the table. The unicorn caught the card and raised an eyebrow. “Excellent. Here’s the pass to my office. The elevator should take you straight to the floor.” Twilight nodded and stowed the pass in her saddlebags. Sensing there was little else to discuss till she got the job done, she began to turn away. Lorik, however, had one final instruction for the unicorn. “Oh, and keep the blood stains off the carpets, will you?” *** [Main Plaza, Port Heihe] Twilight had a thoughtful expression on her face as they rode down the hotel elevator. “So, all we have to do is to go into his office...” “Illegally.” “... and retrieve whatever information he stored...” “Illegally.” “... and hand it back to him?” “Illegally.” The elevator chimed and the doors opened to the main plaza of the complex. The sounds of the busy plaza filled Twilight’s ears as they strolled out towards the office complexes on the other end. “Oh hush, Rarity. It’s not like we haven’t broken the law before... not intentionally at least. Besides, it looked like Anoleis had something to hide. The turian hinted as much.” Rarity shot her another black look. “I still don’t like all this business of sneaking about. We’re civilised ponies, not some batarian brute from the Terminus Systems who bludgeons their way through everything they cannot get their hooves on. I’m sure we can come to—” A hesitant voice called out behind them. “Sis?” Rarity stopped mid-sentence, her face frozen in surprise and shock. “Sw- Sweetie Belle?” she stuttered. Twilight blinked in confusion. Another relative of her crew? What were the odds of that? She studied the young filly that called out to them. About the age of Apple Bloom, with cream coat. Her curly pink and purple mane was neatly bound into a tight bun. The resemblance between the two was quite uncanny. Her green eyes were both lively and intelligent. “Rarity! What are you doing here?” she asked, in a somewhat nasal voice. “I should be asking you the same thing, Sweetie Belle. I thought I left you to watch my boutique on New Atlanta.” “Yeah... about that...” Sweetie Belle said sheepishly, a guilty expression suddenly crossing her face. An awkward silence followed, with the filly fidgeting nervously. Rarity was clearly not amused. “Sweetie Belle. What. Happened. To. My. Boutique?” she asked in a dangerous voice. “It’s fine! I promise! I’m just here to look over a new line of accessories I thought would be a good addition to the shop.” Rarity blinked in surprise. “What accessories?” “You know, the new shield modulators Synthetic Insights were planning to release? I hoped to negotiate a deal to add them to our latest Heavy Armour line. Together with your patented exoskeleton design, I thought maybe... we could have a shot of finally get one of those big contracts to outfit of those private security firms. You know, like TriSec.” Twilight had to dig deep to recall where she heard the name TriSec before. From what she could recall, it was a relatively largish security firm based on New Atlanta. The change in Rarity’s expression was remarkable. Shock, surprise, pride, worry. All that flashed through her face in rapid sucession before she composed herself. Sweetie Belle flinched when Rarity put a hoof on her shoulder. “R-Rarity?” “Sweetie Belle... I’m proud of you for taking such an initiative. I knew you had a good business sense... but this... this might actually take our business to a whole new level...” Rarity hugged her sister tightly. Sweetie Belle seemed to too surprised to react properly. Her hooves clung to Rarity’s back. “Wow... thanks, big sis,” she said, a little surprised, though there was no doubting the sincerity of her gratitude. Liara however, seemed baffled by the whole affair. “Just hold on a minute here. Rarity, your boutique sells armour?” she asked, seemingly incredulous at the whole affair of a boutique for armour pieces. Twilight herself wasn't fazed. Ponies had stranger ways of making their living. “Why yes. Only the finest custom made armour on New Atlanta,” the engineer replied proudly, puffing her chest. “Who would even buy such—” “Um... well. It’s still a small market. Give it time...” Sensing her opportunity to change the awkward subject, she quickly turned her attention back to Sweetie Belle. “As for you, Sweetie Belle, there are still standards to uphold, young lady! What were you thinking coming here alone?” Sweetie Belle raised a hoof to object. “B-but...” Rarity was having none of it. “Do you know how dangerous Poneria is?! This is the Traverse, not Canterlot! Equestrian laws do not apply here. What happens if you got yourself into trouble?!” she continued, as if her sister never spoke. “But...” “No buts. You’ll march yourself to the Normaredy and let Rarity take care of this. I will not have you endanger yourself any further!” “But!” “I think you might want to listen to your big sister, Sweetie Belle,” Twilight said. Sweetie Belle looked like she just swallowed a whole mouthful of baked bads, her eyes flitting between Rarity and Twilight. Finally, she sighed heavily. “... Fine. I’ll... go and wait at your ship.” Rarity nodded with approval. “That’s a good girl.” “I’m not sure you could get anything done, since Synthetic Insights are closed anyway. I been waiting around for them to reopen...” Twilight glanced slyly at Rarity, who suddenly became very interested in the floor. “Don’t you worry, Sweetie Belle. I’m sure we’ll have a chat with the boss of Synthetic Insights himself...” “Oh, that’ll be great! Um... see you later then...?” “Yes, Sweetie Belle. Run along now.” Twilight waited until Sweetie Belle disappeared in the direction of their ship before turning to Rarity with a sly smile of her own. “About that job...” Rarity waved her friend away impatiently. “Yes, yes. When do we start?” Twilight smiled. “This evening. After office hours.” *** [Synthetic Insights, Port Heihe] Twilight glanced about furtively as they stood about in front the main office complex elevators. Despite the lack of attention from the local guards so far, she remained wary about the possibility of being discovered. There would be many repercussions if they were found out. Rarity herself seemed to be remarkably unconcerned. “Let us begin,” she said softly, and pressed the card against the reader. Immediately one of the elevator doors opened, chiming softly. “Quick,” Twilight hissed, ushering everypony into the elevator. The seconds seemed to tick by slowly as she watched the glass doors close slowly and felt the lift beginning its ascent. She breathed a sigh of relief, before gesturing for her companions to ready their weapons. After minutes of anxious waiting, the elevator finally slowed to a halt and chimed again. The glass doors slid open to reveal two pony guards aiming their weapons at the trio. “Freeze! This office is closed for investigations.” As if to punctuate their warning, their assault rifles clicked menacingly. Almost by reflex, Twilight had already started channeling her magic, though she soon felt a hoof gently tapping her shoulder. She turned to see Rarity slowly shaking her head. “Let me,” she mouthed. Twilight blinked for a moment before letting her magic dissipate. She let Rarity step past her towards the guards. The ERCS guards tensed visibly and focused their weapons on the white unicorn. To their surprise, Rarity just smiled. A deadly, predatory smile. “Tsk tsk. We all know what’s really going on here. Now why don’t both of you be a dear and run back home before we tell on you?” The guards flinched a little at her casual words. “I... uh... ” Rarity clicked the safety off her gun, then decided to admire the filings on her hoof. All the while keeping the same smile on her face. “Dude, we’re not paid for this. Let’s bail,” the first guard said, his voice verging on panic. “... Right.” The two guards squeezed past the two ponies and rode down the lift before anypony else could say a word. “Huh. You certainly have a way of charming colts,” Twilight commented. Rarity flashed a smile, this time a friendlier one. “Being a lady, my dear Twilight, does not mean one is helpless. Now come on, let’s move before more of these brutes decide to investigate.” As Rarity brushed past her, Twilight had to wonder what exactly Rarity did before coming to be the chief engineer of the Normaredy. *** “Here we are,” Twilight exclaimed. She popped out from underneath the massive desk that dominated Lorik Qui’in’s office, holding up an OSD triumphantly. “Exactly where he said it would be.” The unicorn carefully stowed the storage device in her saddlebags. Liara, who was cautiously peering out the door, motioned for the group to hurry. “Let’s go,” Twilight said firmly, and made to move out of the plushly decorated office. “I don’t think you’re supposed to be in here.” Twilight stopped in her tracks as a small group of guards appeared, surrounding the only entrance of the office. She frowned as a red-coated unicorn emerged from the lines of stone-faced ERCS guards. The griffon’s second-in-command. His green eyes glittered with malice as he grinned triumphantly. “Thank you for finding the data disk for us. It makes my job so much easier.” “You? You’re working for Anoleis? For shame,” Rarity spat, eyeing the leader with contempt. The corrupt ERCS sergeant just smiled. “Smart unicorn. Too bad you won’t be walking out of here.” His eyes roved up and down Rarity’s flanks. “Pity, you had such a nice body too. Would be a shame to waste such beauty.” His smile grew wider as Rarity turned purple with contained rage. “Sergeant Thistle, what do we do with the intruders?” one of the guards asked. “Kill them and dispose of their bodies. Spectre or not, they still die to a bullet to the head.” A series of clicks answered his order, the goons under his command prepared to fire their weapons. “Enough,” Twilight shouted, her eyes flashing with anger. She stomped her hooves on the delicate marble floor, and sent a shockwave reverberating towards the guards, throwing them off balance and shattering the office’s glass windows and doors. Whoops. Looks like Lorik was just going to have pay for clean up after all, Twilight idly thought as she sprinted out of the room and leapt off the balcony, landing on the floor below with a clipped thud. She turned just in time to see Rarity and Liara landing smoothly beside her. Relived that her friends escaped as well, Twilight looked up towards the sergeant, who had somehow managed to stagger to the balcony railings. “Let’s not be hasty. Walk away and we won’t be forced to put you down.” Sergeant Thistle opted to sneer at Twilight. “Hah, you won’t be getting away that easily. My ponies have this office surrounded. There is no way you’re getting out of here alive.” Twilight shook her head sadly. “I hoped to avoid this. Very well. I do what I must for Equestria.” Her horn lit up brilliantly again with a intense purple glow, eliciting a frightened shout from the guards. She hovered off the floor, crackling with magical energies. “Well, what are you waiting for? Shoot her!” Sergeant Thistle screamed. Nopony seemed interested in obeying in the slightest, to her dismay. Rarity stared at the sight with foal-like wonder. “Twilight...?” “Rarity, I think seeking cover would be a very good idea now,” Liara said, dragging the unicorn under an overturned desk. The entire room was enveloped with brilliant blue light. A loud voice boomed throughout the room. “In the name of the Princess, SLEEP!” *** The disheveled ponies (and asari) that emerged from the elevator were a far cry from the group that went up earlier on an ostensibly simple retrieval mission. Rarity blew a stray lock of mane off her eyes and eyed her equally tired friend. “Twilight. Warn us next time before you to do that. At the very least you could let us find some decent cover.” “Sorry... I wasn’t really thinking all too hard at the time...” Twilight replied, resisting the impulse to just rest her head on the cool floor and sleep off her momentray fatigue. “Commander, I can see you weren’t exaggerating about your previous stories. I admit I found them to be quite the tall tale,” Liara commented, brushing the dust off her suit. Twilight’s cheeks coloured slightly and looked away. “Yeah, it was something I practiced for quite some time...” she said, a little embarrassed. “I’m glad it worked so well.” Rarity chuckled softly. “I can see why you got that M7 now, Twilight. Remind me never to get on your bad side.” Twilight paused in her hoofsteps, turning to look at Rarity. “You wouldn’t be scared of me now... would you?” she asked, a little hesitantly. “Nonsense, Twilight. Why would—” “I am pleased to see you return unharmed. Many others would have perished unlamented.” “Zecora?” “This matter is quite unpleasant, yet it is important to all that is present. It is imperative we talk, and it would be unwise to balk. The hotel bar is open and there, we must leave nothing unspoken.” Zecora glanced at the timepiece on her foreleg, for a moment, before continuing. She seem to note the disheveled appearance of the ponies with disapproval. “Do get yourself tided up, you looked like you just woke up.” With that, Zecora turned and disappeared down the corner, leaving the befuddled ponies to ponder on her cryptic words. “I wish she wouldn’t do that so often. It’s so unbecoming of an official of her position,” Rarity said. *** They found the mysterious zebra exactly where she said she would be: at the hotel bar. This time however, there was something subtly different about how the zebra carried herself. Instead of the deference and polite respect she exuded throughout their prior meetings, there was now an authoritative air around her. She gestured for them to take seats beside her. “Allow me to reintroduce myself. Zecora, Poneria’s Internal Affairs,” she said in a crisp voice, her Zebraic accent almost gone. She smiled a little at the bewildered faces of Twilight and Rarity. “Yes, contary to most ponies’ assumption, zebras are perfectly capable of normal speech. We just do not use them most of the time. Over here, things are a little different, and one must adapt. After all, you cannot hardly expect a krogan or even a hanar to understand the subtle nuances of Zebraic speech.” Zecora had the tact to leave out the fact that even ponies did not understand their neighbours at times. Said misunderstanding had led to wars in the distant past. “So, why all the secrecy? What is an Internal Affairs agent doing here?” Zecora chuckled and resumed in that slightly accented Equestrian. “The peculiarities of Zebraic culture has its uses, especially in a place like these. Nopony takes a zebra with that funny accent seriously. Anoleis thought he finally had a break when I transferred in from HQ.” Twilight just nodded slowly, beginning to take stock of the situation. Evidently, there was some sort of political jockeying going on and she just walked right into the middle of a brewing firestorm. The fact that she was just a convenient pawn for the various parties to juggle around did not escape her. “But let us not dawdle any longer, for time is short and profits at stake. The Executive Board knows of Anoleis’ corruption. I want you to convince Qui’in to testify before the Board. With his evidence, this planet can run profitably again.” “How did you...?” Zecora slipped back into her more traditional speech. “If you recall, it was I who spoke of Qui’in. I know of his troubles, much to his chagrin.” Her blue eyes glittered with amusement. “Of course. How else would you set us up?” “Commander, we still need his... passes to get to Peak 15,” Liara interjected. “Ah, Spectre, favour for a favour. The way will be clear, on my honour.” “Darling, I strongly suggest we follow this lady’s advice. Anoleis is a thieving cad that should be brought to justice. If we can get our ticket up to the mountain along the way, it’ll be just cherry on top.” Twilight glanced at her friend for a moment, before nodding in agreement. “Very well then. Let me see if I can convince Qui’in.” *** “What? You have my property and now you presume to dictate me on how to use it?” Qui’in barked. Twilight winced. It was a reaction she half-expected, and he actually sympathised with him on this one. “Look, Mr Qui’in... I’m sorry we’re backing out on our end of the deal, but it is really for the best. Anoleis is frankly a criminal, and we should be working together to bring him to justice.” Lorik glared back. “I’m not interested in helping those Internal Affairs lackeys to apprehend their own. They all are the same, corporate bureaucrats who do nothing but profit off the back of honest businessmen like me.” That struck a nerve with Twilight. This selfish turian was willing to put his own interest above that of the common good? She kept her voice pleasant, although she could feel her own face tightening slightly. “Mr. Qui’in. I do not wish to threaten you, but I am the one holding your OSD now.” She smiled a little as the turian recoiled briefly. That certainly got his attention. He recovered gamely and stared back at Twilight with an impassive face. “Very well. I’m listening.” “Mr. Qui’in... Lorik. I understand you’re leery about trusting the authorities in this one. After all, it was one of them that had closed down your business in the name of ‘corruption’. I assure you that Zecora is nothing like Anoleis. If it helps, I’ll make sure Zecora properly rewards you for this.” “Think about it. You’ll be hailed the hero who brought down the oppressive rule of Anoleis. You’ll be famous!” Rarity added, with a touch of her own dramatic flair. For a full minute, Lorik stared at the two ponies in disbelief. Then, he shook his head and gulped down the rest of the drink. Putting down his now empty glass with a audible clink, he chuckled softly. “It is quite odd to see such idealism. Odd... but refreshing.” Twilight held her breath. This was it. Either he agrees or he walks away. Lorik did not disappoint. “Very well, since I cannot convince you otherwise, I will testify in this trial of yours. Tell this... Zecora, I will be her witness.” Twilight let out a small squeal of delight. “Thank you!” she cried, hugging the turian. Lorik seemed a little perturbed by the hug and gently eased Twilight off as best he could without being rude. “Please, do not thank me. I fear I will regret this when I’m sober.” “A boon, Mr. Qui’in, if you will,” Rarity said, stepping past Twilight. “What is it? Haven’t I already given you enough?” Lorik replied, his voice wary again. “I think you will like this proposal...” Rarity said with a small smile, before leaning forward and whispering into the turian’s ear. Lorik smiled slightly as he listened, and nodded at Rarity as she stepped back. “Interesting proposal... hm... this could work. Tell this... Sweetie Belle to call me on my personal number later. We will need to have a talk. I won’t make any promises, but I am cautiously interested.” Rarity beamed. “Mr. Qui’in, I do most appreciate your time.” *** Zecora nodded happily as Twilight relayed the good news. “Relived I am, that Qui’in saw reason. Truth to be told, I wasn’t at all certain.” “Okay, time to hold your end of the bargain. Let us through the air defense grid.” “It has already been done, Twilight Sparkle. The skies are yours for your gamble. Please understand this never happened, and all shall be denied if questioned.” Zecora was certainly still interested in covering her own flank in case Twilight’s mission went pear-shaped. Not that it mattered to the Spectre. She did not intend to fail. “That’s fine by me. This should ease our journey considerably.” Zecora rummaged through her drawer to produce a pistol. “Only one more matter left to wrap up. The criminal behind all this must be locked up.” She winked at Twilight, and smoothed down her uniform. Satisfied that she was properly ready, Zecora stepped into the hallway and disappeared into Anoleis’ office. A series of shouts and sounds of a minor scuffle later, Zecora reemerged with her hooves firmly holding Anoleis’ thin arms in a lock hold. “This is an outrage!” he shouted, much to the amusement of the ponies outside. “Please cease your cries of disdain. I assure you, your protests are in vain.” “I demand to see my lawyer! I’ll make sure you won’t work in this sector again!” Anoleis’ face was contorted with anger, and he continued his feeble struggles. “Child, your threats are hollow as the cold air. Might I suggest you spare us the despair?” “Zecora! You will regret this. Sparkle! I know you had a hand at this. I won’t forget this insult!” Anoleis cried. Ignoring Anoleis, Zecora tilted her head in goodbye at Twilight, before marching the still-struggling salarian off towards the port. Twilight could still hear Anoleis shouting insults long after they disappeared from view. Mostly about how he would take pleasure in grinding them under his boots. “Well, good riddance to bad apples, as Applejack might say,” Rarity commented. *** [Briefing Room, ESV Normaredy] Rainbow Dash paced impatiently in front of the viewscreen as the ground team filed into the room. She huffed as the last of the ground team took their seats and tapped the screen. “Okay everypony. Since you guys are unfamiliar with basic safety on pegasi cloud structures, I’m going to give a crash course so that we won’t have any accidents later. Fluttershy, bring up the next slide please.” The viewscreen switched to a mouth-drawn diagram of a cloud. A dead silence permeated the room as everypony absorbed the masterpiece shown on the screen. It resembled one of those hastily sketched doodles one might do during a boring lecture. It even had the requisite stick figures and smileys. Unsurprisingly, the briefing room burst out in laughter, with the loudest coming from Applejack and Wrex. “Pony, where did you learn to draw? From a child’s nursery? I seen weanlings who drew better than this,” Wrex bellowed, clutching his sides in mirth. Rainbow Dash flushed angrily and stomped her hooves. “Hey! This is the best I can do with only an hour prep time, okay!” “Dash, it might be better if you let me handle the art next time. At least I know how to use a graphic illustrator program,” Garrus quipped, much to the delight of the rest and earning a murderous glare from Rainbow Dash. “Um... girls. Maybe we should...” Rainbow flew up to the turian and poked him angrily on the nose. “Oh yeah, if you’re so smart, why don’t you give the presentation, huh?” Garrus held up his hands in mock surrender. “C’mon, Dash, relax. It was only a joke,” he said, a little defensively. “Girls...?” Rainbow Dash snorted, her wings flaring. She looked ready to engage in fisticuffs. “Yeah! Well, it wasn’t funny!” Wrex cracked his knuckles. “If it’s a fight you want, I’ll give you one.” “Bring it on, fish-head!” “GIRLS!” The entire argument juddered to a halt. Fluttershy squeaked as eight pairs of eyes fell on her and used the suddenly inadequate table for cover. “Um... maybe we should start the presentation before Benezia gets away... you know... um... I mean, if it’s okay with you.” Twilight quickly stepped in before Rainbow and Wrex could resume their grudge match. “Yes, please. Rainbow, we promise not to laugh okay?” She glared daggers at the worst offenders. Applejack had the grace to look ashamed, while Wrex just shrugged nonchalantly. “No promises, Sparkle.” “Just try, okay?” Wrex grunted and muttered something unintelligible under his breath. Twilight took that as a sign of his agreement and waved for Rainbow to continue. Rainbow sighed and rolled her eyes. “Okay, so here is a graphical representation of a cloud...” *** [Landing Pad, Port Heihe] Twilight stood at the edge of the landing pad, scanning the skies for signs of Rainbow and Fluttershy. Ankle-deep snow swirled around her feet, threatening to bury the unicorn. Twilight was glad that Rarity took the time to install a personal warmer in her M7 suit. Otherwise, she would be freezing her hooves off in this weather. Apparently “calm” weather in Poneria meant the absence of snowstorms. Snow falls like these were considered to be mild, even when they bury a pony three feet under the snow. Twilight was surprised at how unsurprised she was by the absurdity of the Ponerian’s weather classification. “I wish Rainbow would hurry the hay up. A snowstorm ain’t the best place to be standing about,” Applejack said, the earth pony billowing great puffs of steam as she huddled near the blast doors. AJ seemed to have an even lower tolerance of the cold than Twilight herself. “Weeeee!” Pinkie shouted, sliding all over the snow. The party pony had already built an improbably large snowfort already in her first ten minutes outside. “Sorry!” A familiar rainbow blur approached from the distance, together with a large cloud formation trailing behind her. Twilight could just glimpse the fluttering of yellow wings behind the cloud. Fluttershy must be pushing from behind. The two pegasi pushed their chosen cloud down onto the half-frozen landing pad. Rainbow breathed a sigh of relief and glanced at Twilight. “You have no idea how long it took to find an ice-free cloud of a suitable size,” she grumbled. Twilight nodded with approval at their choice. It was about twice the size of the Mako, and the insides appeared to have been hollowed out to accommodate passengers and to protect somewhat from the chill. “All right! All aboard the Cloud Express. Let’s get this show on the road!” Rainbow Dash called out. Twilight went first and stationed herself the small opening, casting her cloud walking spell on each pony that entered the “transport”. “Wow, I never knew clouds felt this soft...” Garrus said, leaning forward as he stepped through the slightly too-small opening. “Then again, I never thought I’ll be stepping on a cloud myself.” Tali took her seat on what appeared to resemble a seat and prodded the soft material with a gloved finger. “Remarkable. Is this how clouds really feel like?” she said with wonder. “Please don’t poke the cloud. It’s um... very fragile...” Fluttershy reprimanded shyly. “Yeah. Trust me, it ain’t pretty if we lose integrity in mid-air and we all have to catch you...” Rainbow added, patting down an errant stump on the cloud’s exterior. Twilight was the last to enter the cloud “cabin”. “We better hurry. The cloud-walking spell will only last a few hours and we have a long way ahead of us. Rainbow, are you sure you can get us there without being detected?” “No problem. With Fluttershy’s help here, we should be able to cruise below Peak 15’s anti-air defense grid and get to the emergency entrance on the south side with nopony the wiser.” Fluttershy seemed to wilt under the expectant gaze of the group. “Uhh... Rainbow, I’m not sure...” “Trust me.” “Let’s go then!” Twilight said, glad to be finally on her way. One step closer to finding Saren and with luck, finding out and stopping his master plan. *** It was dark. So dark that she could almost reach out and touch the inky darkness. If only her hooves weren’t bound. Just like a certain Nightmare once upon a time. The pony shook her head clear. Not this time. She would not be so weak as to fall again. Once was one time too many. Once again, she tried to reach out to her magic. Any magic. Her horn let out a weak fizzle, but that was it. The pony grunted with effort and tried again. She was rewarded with a stronger fizzle. Worn out even by this weak effort, she slumped again to the floor, panting slowly. A slow clap sounded behind the bound pony. “A valiant struggle. But ultimately futile Princess. I have taken steps to... ensure your safety.” “Who are you?” “My name? I am known as the Prophet by the geth. But you may know me as Saren.” The sharp intake of breath brought a smile to the turian’s face. “You will learn to serve. As everyone on this ship did.”

Grif

267

Main 6,Spike,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Pony Effect

What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe?

incomplete

<p>What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe? Will Commander Sparkle save the day like Shepard did?</p><p>Special thanks to vimbert and 108Echoes from Ponychan's /fic/ for proofreading and conceptual ideas.</p><p>The <a href="https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B0WyBmfXXXZKZDk2ZTM2ZGMtZGFkZS00OTgyLTkyYjMtYWVjYjBhNDI5MGMy/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">GDoc links</a>, if FimFiction does not fancy you. This is both my working copy and the originals that was published on Equestria Daily.</p>

everyone

2012-08-10T15:09:59+00:00

2012-08-10T15:09:59+00:00

[Scathi Mountains, Poneria] Ponerian weather was definitely not for her, Fluttershy decided. Despite the special thermal flight suit she was specially assigned for this trip, she had been anything but warm, with the bone-chilling cold somehow managing to seep through despite her best efforts. Even her hoofcovers managed to acquire a layer of frost within fifteen minutes of flight. At least she had Angel for company, the bunny volunteering to stay with her despite the atrocious temperature. Even now, she could feel the comforting weight of Angel riding on her tail. “Fluttershy, we’re approaching the Peak 15 sensor range. On my mark, we’re going to ease the cloud down slowly,” Rainbow’s voice crackled over the radio. “Remember, we’re supposed to remain hidden. So no heroics, Rainbow. Just ease us in, nice and slow,” Twilight added. “Relax, I got this.” Rainbow’s confident voice made Fluttershy relax. Just a little. Not for the first time, Fluttershy wondered how she was managed to be roped into this. Just three months ago, she had been living her dream on Appleloosa—caring for animals and adjusting to life on a new, pristine colony. The next thing she knew, monsters landed and started to do horrible things to her friends. The weeks after that had been a blur, anchored only by the fact that she had followed Twilight because she had nowhere else to go. To her dismay, they seemed to lurch from one life-threatening experience to the next. Still, she had grown close to this strange group of ponies and aliens that were following Twilight around in their quest to save the galaxy. She found herself opening up to Rarity and Tali in particular. She took to Rarity for their shared interest in fashion and the fact the unicorn took her in like an older sister. As for Tali, she found her to be a pleasant conversation partner, ever since their little talk in the park— “Fluttershy! Concentrate! We’re drifting off-course,” Rainbow barked. “Y-Yes!” Fluttershy squeaked, adjusting her course to match Rainbow’s lead. She felt a tap on her shoulder just then, and turned to see Angel pointing downwards. Blinking, Fluttershy glanced down, following the rabbit’s outstretched paw. It took her a moment to recognise the domed shape amidst all the craggy rock formations below. Ominously, the dome seemed to whirl and move as she watched, growing steadily taller in profile. Her eyes widened as the dome unfolded to reveal what even her inexperienced mind recognised as some sort of large gun. After a few seconds of stunned silence, Fluttershy quickly fumbled for her radioset, and said quickly, “T-Twilight! There’s a big gun below us!” “Huh, what?” A few second of silence. ”Rainbow, she’s right! I’m detecting multiple heat signatures coming online...” A deep intake of breath from the other side of the radio. “These aren’t standard Ponerian defense turrets. Unknown IFF. These must be geth. They must have known we were coming.” “Rainbow, I’d be mighty appreciative if we’all didn’t die on this here planet,” Applejack dryly added. “Yeah, way to encourage a pony, AJ,” Rainbow replied. “Hang on!” Fluttershy yelped as the precious vehicle they were pushing along suddenly took a nosedive, leaving her pushing empty air for a moment. Shouts and curses echoed through the radio accompanied the sudden course change. Scant seconds later, she reflexively ducked her head, as a searing bolt of plasma passed mere inches from her mane. The shock of the near-miss was enough to spur her on to catch up with Rainbow. “W-Wait!” she exclaimed softly, angling her body downwards to catch up with the speeding cloud. All around her, explosions and plasma fire began filling the air, making her wince and yelp with each close call. It seemed like the entire world was filled with fire and smoke. “Pony! I swear if I die on this miserable planet I will haunt your afterlife and kill you there too,” Wrex snarled. “How crude,” Rarity managed to admonish, before going off in another shriek as their makeshift vehicle swung abruptly to the left. A few stray rockets trailed past the cloud as they dove through the air and towards the general direction of Peak 15. “Fluttershy! We need to get to ground as soon as poss— Gyah!” Rainbow cried, a bolt of energy narrowing passing through the air space she had just occupied. “Just push!” “R-Right!” Fluttershy blurted, willing her wings to go faster. She squealed as another barrage of blue plasma whirled past her. Finally, reaching the cloud, she laid her hoof to the soft structure and begin adding her own effort to the desperate move. Just beyond the outline of the cloud, Fluttershy could finally make out their destination, a cluster of low buildings set into the mountain. A tall tower, adorned with all manners of radio dishes and antennas, jutted out from west end of the compound. The only relatively open area she could make out was a flat clearing on the east side of the compound. On the edge of the snowcapped cliffs, she could make out a thin gray line, presumably the sole road winding around the mountain leading to the facility. “I knew we should have taken the goddamn Mako!” Wrex said, anger infusing his voice. “At least we wouldn’t be in danger of falling to our death.” “Shut up, Wrex. Rainbow can handle this,” Garrus snapped. Fluttershy was suddenly aware of how fast the snow-covered landing pad seemed to be growing. Too fast for any form of controlled landing. “Uh... Rainbow, shouldn’t we um... slow down—” “Are you crazy? Those turrets would—Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!” Rainbow broke off in a cry of pain. Fluttershy snapped her head towards her fellow flier, just in time to see Rainbow dropping back, the fringe of her left wing smoking slightly. It looked like a surface burn, but it was enough to cause Rainbow to fly unsteadily, every beat of her wings causing Rainbow to wince in pain. “R-Rainbow?” “I’m okay!” Rainbow said, in a strained voice. “Just land this thing before they actually score a hit.” “B-But... I don’t know if I can...” “You can, Fluttershy. Just keep going. I can already see Peak 15 from here,” Twilight encouraged. Fluttershy squeaked as another bolt of angry energy passed between her legs, punching a neat hole through the fluffy material. “Oh-okay!” Fluttershy replied, willing her wings to pump harder, straining to push the bulky cloud past the hail of fire. She wasn’t really adding to the speed of the ride, but at least it was still moving. “By the goddess!” Liara squealed as yet another plasma bolt pierced clean through the cloud, following by a mad scramble of curses on the radio. Amongst the chatter, Fluttershy could pick out a familiar bubbly voice squealing with joy, as if this was a ride on the theme park. Fortunately for them, the volume of fire decreased as they neared the facility at almost sonic speed. Fluttershy’s eyes widened as the ground seemed to rise up to greet them all. She squeezed her eyes shut, fervently hoping that her passing would at least be quick and painless. *Fwumph!* The cloud disintegrated into vapours of air as it hit the snowy ground at full speed, causing everyone to tumble out onto the snowed under landing pad. Fluttershy herself bounced off a dissipating cloud, and landed belly first into a mound of soft snow. The pegasus lay still for a moment, taking the time to savour the lack of pain and the fact that she was still breathing. Miraculously, she didn’t seem to have broken any bones. Moments later she heard another smaller wet thud beside her. From the angry chitter, it appeared Angel had survived the crash as well. “Hey, everypony alright?” Rainbow gasped as she finally fluttered down on the pad. “No thanks to you, Dash,” Garrus said good-humouredly, as he sat up from the edge of the landing pad. He nonchalantly scraped the snow off his mandibles and face, and looked up at Rainbow Dash as she trotted over. “Good thing clouds are as soft as they look... You need help there?” The turian hurried over to the injured pegasus and began inspecting her wings. Against the Rainbow’s protestations, he began applying medigel on the smoking wound. “A little help here?!” Rarity cried. Fluttershy, who just managed to extricate herself from her little snow pile, quickly trotted over to where two primly manicured rear legs was sticking out. Applejack, who seemed to have the same idea, trotted up from behind and took one leg. Fluttershy, naturally took the other. With a mighty heave, they plucked Rarity out of her mound of snow. “Oh, my mane! My beautiful, beautiful coifs! Ruined by the snow,” Rarity wailed as she inspected her tousled mane. “Aw shucks, Rarity. It ain’t so bad.” Rainbow Dash piped up from the other side of the landing pad, “Yeah! I mean, it’s not like you got shot or anything.” She punctuated her sentence with a yelp as Garrus began bandaging the wing. “Garrus, watch it!” She glared at the amused look the turian gave her. Rarity scrunched up her face and let out a loud hmph. “Why, I never!” Fluttershy couldn’t help but smile shyly as Rainbow Dash and Applejack alike shouted down Rarity, then at each other. Even after that close brush with disaster, they still found the spirit to make banter. It really surprised the sheltered pegasus. Out of the corner of her eyes, she could see Tali making a beeline for the green-hued door marking the entrance to the facility. The quarian kneeled, her omni tool already active in her forearm, the other hand navigating through the control panel. Pinkie bounced beside the quarian, apparently assisting. “Hah, these geth aren’t as formidable as they appear, if they cannot even shoot us out of the sky,” Wrex said. He looked none the worse for wear. “Actually, we were probably lucky there,” Twilight said, shaking the last of the snow out of her mane. “Oh? Explain, Sparkle.” “Those turrets are firing via visual acquisition. We don’t have the normal heat signatures that a shuttle would give off, and that makes targeting us all the more difficult. A conventional shuttle would have been downed the instant it even approached the mountain range. We’re lucky we stayed undetected for as long as we did.” Wrex snorted, clearly not convinced. “I thought our weather passes are supposed to bypass those defenses?” “They did. Matriarch Benezia installed her own defense guns apparently. I guess the geth don’t mind the cold as much as we do. At least they didn’t install any guarding this close to the facility. I guess they didn’t expect anypony making it this far.” The two stopped as a loud chirp pierced the wind roaring in the background. “Door’s open, commander,” Tali radioed. Apparently, she had been busy unlocking the door while they were talking. Twilight only hesitated briefly before moving towards the now-open door. “Let’s move, ponies.” The commander quickly cantered past Fluttershy, and was followed by the rest of the team on her tail. As she debated whether to follow the team in—staying outside in the frigid cold seemed preferable to almost certain death inside—Fluttershy felt a weight settle on her back of the team in. She turned to see Angel glowering at her, shotgun in paws. Fluttershy sighed and began trotting into the darkened interior. “Yes, Angel. I know. Twilight needs all the help she can get.” *** [Peak 15, Poneria] The last geth trooper fell to the floor with a metallic thud, its head shot clean off by three different guns. Twilight grimaced as she waved away the steam from her submachine gun and holstered her weapon. “Where is everypony? We seen nopony but geth,” Twilight wondered aloud as they stepped into the room at the end of the hallway. She picked her way through the overturned tables and chairs, in what appeared to have been a cafeteria in a happier time. Much of the lighting were dimmed or turned off, as if the entire complex had suffered a massive power outage. “Beats me,” Rainbow said, shrugging. Her ears perked up as a synthetic female voice boomed over the intercoms. “User Alert: All Peak 15’s facilities sustaining heavy damage. User Alert: Biohazard materials present throughout the facility. Virtual Intelligence user interface offline.” Applejack scratched her head. “I thought we’re s’posed to break into breaking into the place, not be the cleanup crew. What the hay happened?” “I don’t like the sound of biohazard materials, Twilight,” Fluttershy squeaked. Angel, who was riding on her mane, pumped his shotgun and frowned. Tali looked up from her omni-tool. “It appears the main reactor for the facility is also offline. They’re running on backup power at the moment.” “Whatever it is, it’s too late to turn back now.” Twilight led the group through the cafeteria down another steel-lined corridor. Just around the corner was another unmarked door. Looks were deceptive though, as Twilight remembered from memory that this should be one of the security checkpoints guarding the outermost ring of the facility. “Alright, get ready. They should know we’re in by now,” Twilight whispered, a hoof on the control panel. A series of radio clicks indicated her team’s readiness. A brief glance around showed that her ground team was already taking cover behind whatever they could find, though the sight of Wrex crouching behind a slightly too small table nearly brought a chuckle to her lips. The door released a hiss, before sliding open smoothly. Twilight pressed herself against the wall as soon as the door opened, expecting the corridor to be filled with metal and fire shortly. Five seconds. Ten seconds... nothing. Twilight blinked and peered cautiously around the door. The security choke was empty. Actually, not quite empty. Several security turrets, set on tripods were up and active. Oddly enough, Twilight noticed they were facing towards the inwards. The security room beside was likewise empty, as far as she could tell from the blurred reinforced glass. “Why... are the turrets facing inwards?” Tali questioned. Rarity joined Twilight’s side and studied the turrets. “It looks like they’re trying to keep ponies from getting out.” She grimaced slightly at the thought. “But why?” “Ooooh! Maybe they’re having a big party and they don’t want anypony missing out!” Pinkie added. “I don’t know. Something feels weird about this...” Twilight said, going over to deactivate the turrets. “Keep your eyes peeled, ponies. I have a feeling we’re walking into another big mess.” “Sparkle, I think that’s becoming all too common around you,” Garrus quipped. *** Twilight stepped through the elevator doors cautiously. So far, the facility had been quiet. Too quiet. Except for a few more stray geth, they did not encounter any more resistance past the security checkpoint. The station VI kept repeating its announcements, as if to warn any deaf enough not to heed its warning the first time. A quick hack by Tali on the computer systems showed that that they were currently still in the central Peak 15 hub facility, where most of the support systems were contained. There was a tram system that they were supposed to be able to take to reach the real heart of the facilities: the laboratories of Binary Helix. Twilight tapped her omni-tool again and brought up the map of the facility. “Okay, we should be coming up to... administration offices. Beyond that would be the hallway leading to the VI core and the support systems.” “No problem,” Rainbow said, pushing past Twilight towards the closed door. Twilight’s eyes fell on Rainbow’s bandaged wing. It suddenly occurred to Twilight that she probably won’t be flying for quite some time. The door slid open as Rainbow approached, and they were immediately greeted with a blast of freezing cold air. “Oh dear, did the life support system break down?” Rarity commented, wrapping her scarf around her neck tightly. “Looks like somepony left the freezer open,” Pinkie said cheerfully. Twilight peered into the room, noting the large gash in the normally impenetrable armoured glass windows looking out onto solid ice. The interior was blanketed in snow, and more was pouring in through the crack. “I think the VI wasn’t exaggerating when it said they suffered heavy damage. Not many weapons can break armoured glass.” They slowly filed into the room after a cursory glance indicated that it was just as abandoned as the rest of the facility. “I don’t think we have to worry about weapons...” Tali said, walking ahead and kneeling down beside a fallen geth. With a loud snap, she wrenched the head unit off and held it up. A half-chewed geth head unit. Twilight cringed as her imagination began to run wild. Was Binary Helix working on some secret, forbidden xenobiology project? And now their creations are loose in the facility? Or did they unearth a previous unknown alien race which then ran amok in the facility? Twilight’s train of thought was derailed by a high-pitched wail, followed by what seemed like skittering. The group tensed, weapons held at the ready. “What the hell was that?” Garrus said, swinging his rifle about slowly. “This better not be zombies, Twilight. I hate zombies,” Dash added, her own sniper rifle unfolded on her shoulder back and following her head movement gently. Twilight caught Garrus rolling his eyes. Rarity let out a most unladylike snort despite her best attempt not to. “Oh, Dash. You’d loved it on Appleloosa.” Twilight frowned. “No... it doesn’t sound like zombies. More like... insects...” Sure enough, they heard the skittering again. This time, it seemed like it came from under their feet. “This feels like one of them bad horror holovids...” Applejack remarked, swinging her rifle on her two hoofs warily. The next thing Twilight knew, the entire room erupted into chaos as the ventilation duct covers exploded in a mass of angry mandibles, poisonous spit and green writhing horrors. She watched as a swarm of small green aphid-like creature crawled up toward her... before exploding in a shower of green goo. Eyes widening in horror, the commander rolled and narrowly dodged the liquid, which splashed on the metal floor. The liquid fizzled and bubbled angrily as Twilight rolled away. She quickly resolved to make it a point not to get hit, ever. The next swarm was already reaching her by the time she got to her feet. This time, however, she swatted them away with a telekinetic shockwave, leaving them to splatter harmlessly on the metal walls. “Ponyfeather! The green goo stings like a nest of angry bees!” Applejack cried, hopping from one leg to another in a vain attempt to shake the offending liquid off the armoured piece on her right leg. “Careful! These creatures are loaded with some form of corrosive acid,” Liara shouted. She quickly put a table to squash the little aphid-like creatures and quickly jumped away as the table melted. “A lil’ too late for that, sugarcube,” Applejack dryly replied. The soldier had shook off the armoured boot, leaving her right foreleg exposed to the elements. The discarded armour piece lay on the ground, slowly melting into its constituent elements. The room shook as a grenade erupted, taking out most of the swarm of little green insects. “Hah! Nothing a grenade can’t solve,” Wrex said, his battle rifle barking away steadily. The floor was now covered in green offal and puddles of bubbling acid, happily eating away at the metal floor. “These puny creatures are not worthy adver—” A loud crash interrupted the rest of Wrex’s words. Twilight looked up in time to see a large insectoid creature crawling out of a hole ripped in the walls of one of the offices. Its sleek red carapace gleamed in the light, as the creature reared up to its full height—about twice as tall as Twilight. Sharp, gleaming, large mandibles and a pair of thin, wavy tentacles arising from its midsection all spoke of a creature bred for one purpose only: to kill. True to form, it immediately lashed out at the glass window separating it from the group, cracking the glass with a solid thump. It reared back and spat a glob of green liquid at the offending barrier; the crack widening with a slow fizzle. Another quick stab and the glass shattered. Letting out another piercing hiss, it took several step towards the group... before a dozen bullets ripped through its torso. The creature thrashed and fell to the ground, quivering and twitching in its death throes. A brief silence fell as the stunned group first stared at the creature, then at each other. Garrus was the first one to lower his rifle. “Well... that was an anticlimax.” Another series of the same shrill piercing cry answered the call. The large ventilation grates that had lined the room and the offices beyond began to rattle ominously. “Garrus, shut up,” Rainbow said, as the first of the grate flew upwards, revealing the top of another red-caraspaced nightmare. Gunfire filled the room as more of the creatures emerged. Wrex let out an angry roar and charged down the nearest alien, bashing its skull in just as it clambered out of the opening. “They’re using the ventilation systems!” Twilight shouted. She lifted one of the dislodged steel grate and slammed it against another of the creature that emerged. The metal connected with a sickening crunch, and crushed the creature’s head. It slumped to the ground, hissing even in its death throes. Just as Twilight stepped back, another emerged from the opening, spitting green acid, its tentacles lashing furiously against the unicorn. Twilight deftly stepped back out of reach and brought her submachine gun to bear, firing as she retreated behind a desk. More and more emerged even as the defenders cut the first wave down. The small green aphid-like creatures made a second appearance, further complicating matters. Grenades exploded, magic and biotics swept the creatures aside and volleys of weapon fire cut swathes into the advancing xenos. Still, they were slowly, but surely being pressed to against one corner of the room. Then suddenly, just as suddenly as it began, the horde of creatures stopped pouring through. The remaining creatures charged in a suicidal frenzy, only to be met with a wall of bullets. “I think that didn’t turn out too bad, right?” Garrus said, brushing a stray chunk of offal that landed on his arm. “Except for the few close calls with acid to the face you mean,” Rainbow retorted. “Well, what’s life without some excitement, eh Dash?” Garrus replied, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes. “Well, I’d appreciate it if you two could stop bickerin’ and find me a spare right boot...’ Applejack said, picking her way gingerly across the pile of insectoid corpses that had piled across one of the entrances. Rarity was quick to the rescue. “Applejack! You really have to cover that hoof. We don’t want to lose a limb to frostbite now, do we?” She fussed over Applejack’s exposed hoof, before taking out another scarf. The engineer only hesitated for a second before wrapping it snugly around the hoof. “There! That should tide you over till we get a spare.” Applejack favoured Rarity with a small, but sincere smile. “Thank, Rarity. I guess all that fashion hubbub has its uses after all.” “Applejack, someday you’ll learn that fashion always has its uses. Anyway, happy to help.” Twilight smiled a little as she walked past, carefully picking her way past the corpses, to join Liara who was kneeling, studying one of the fallen alien. “Commander, those insectoid creatures, have you seen them before?” Liara asked. Twilight shook her head. “No. I don’t recall seeing such a creature in my studies. Then again, xenobiology is a constantly evolving field, and Binary Helix could have found these on the frontier.” She glanced at the gently steaming corpses that lay beside her. “They must have attacked before we arrived. I wonder just how many they are.” “I wonder what they had hoped to gain from them,” Garrus said. rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Twilight nodded. “Whatever they were doing, our top priority is still Benezia. If we can stop their plans along the way, then it’s a bonus.” The commander peered carefully into the adjoining corridor, noting the lack of pony-eating giant bugs. She waved for the team to move on. *** They reached the core after fighting through several more of xeno-infested corridors. The VI core room itself was a spartan affair, consisting of only a circular room and a hollow CPU tower in the centre of the room. An elevator led down to the main controls of the VI unit, which was actually housed underground. Rarity, being the natural tech guru of the group apart from Tali, had gone down to manually start the VI unit on backup power. “So, what do you think caused the facility to go dark?” Tali said, folding her arms over her chest. “Assuming those creatures are from the labs, I think we can safely assume a biological weapon gone wrong. If this was what Saren has been working on...” Twilight felt a chill run down her spine, despite the mind-numbing cold. As if as a reminder, the VI echoed its announcement again. “There!” Rarity’s voice shouted with glee. A steady hum began to emanate as various panels began to light up in sequence on the outer circuit banks of the circular CPU core. The elevator returned with the triumphant engineer, her face beaming with pride. Twilight saluted Rarity as she stepped off the platform. “Good work, Rarity. Now let’s get this station running and find out where Matriarch Benezia is.” Just as the words left her mouth, an image of a holographic pony appeared beside the two. Twilight was startled by the sudden appearance, though she quickly regained her composure. It intoned in a smooth monotone synthetic female voice, “It appears you’re trying to restore this facility. Would you like help?” Twilight stared at the VI for a moment, debating on whether it was trustworthy or not. Technically it could be programmed to stonewall any potential intruders. However, she took comfort in the fact that VIs were only allowed a limited amount of independent thought and throughly limited in their capability for critical analysis. Rainbow Dash snorted behind Twilight. “Well, duh?” Twilight ignored the snide remark. She began earnestly, “Yes. My name is Twilight Sparkle, Commander of the ESV Normaredy.” “One moment please.” The VI hologram shimmered and flickered. “I am sorry. You are not authorised to secure access of this facility. Please contact the technical team for support.” Twilight smacked her hoof against her head. “Oh, for Celestia’s sake...” she groaned in disbelief. “Commander, maybe you could try using your Spectre rank instead?” Garrus suggested. Twilight very nearly smacked her own face again. How could she have forgot? “Oh. Right,” she answered sheepishly. “Authorisation for Commander Sparkle, Special Tactics and Reconnaissance.” “One moment please... Council authority confirmed. You are entitled to secure access of all systems. Please note that queries regarding to corporate secrets require privileged access that is only available to Binary Helix executives. This system is ready to process queries.” The VI stared at the commander with a blank look. “Well, looks like Binary Helix thought of everything. Anyway, how do we refer to you?” “This construct is programmed to respond to the name Mira,” the VI replied. “Very well. Mira, where is Matriarch Benezia?” The VI did not hesitate. “Lady Benezia has made her way to Rift Station. User Alert: Tram links between the Central Hub and Rift Station is currently offline.” “We... kind of got that. Mira, what happened to the facility?” The million bits question, Twilight thought. “One moment please... Diagnostics in progress... Critical failure: Main reactor shut down in accordance with emergency containment procedures. Manual restart required.” “C-Containment?” Fluttershy blurted nervously. “Must be those creatures we fought earlier. No wonder the whole place was deserted.” Twilight felt a chill run down her spine. If even their emergency containment failed, these creatures must have overran the whole place. “Turn off the heat and hope the cold puts whatever you unleashed to sleep,” Wrex commented. “Didn’t work too well, by the looks of things.” Mira was not finished with her report. “Critical Failure: Landlines connection are disabled. Passenger tram systems are offline. Report complete. Do you have any additional system queries?” “Great. Sounds like we have to repair both before we can get to Rift Station.” Mira interpreted that as a statement directed to her. “That is correct, Commander. Would you like to know how?” “That would be appreciated.” “The main reactor system can be...” *** “There’s that,” Twilight said with satisfaction as the group reassembled in the VI room. “Good job, ponies.” She nodded at the team led by Garrus who went to the roof of the communications tower to reactivate the land lines. The turian’s team had no trouble reaching the roof, with only a few more of the ravenous xenomorphs barring their way. Twilight herself led the other half to reactivate the He3 reactor of Peak 15. To their surprise, what remained of the geth seemed to have holed themselves in the reactor room, delaying the fire team. They found themselves unable to advance, being caught in a crossfire on an open walkway leading to the reactor proper. It was Angel who finally broke the stalemate. The shrewd rabbit crept forward unseen through the ventilation system, and reappeared in a small vent above the largest geth that was spewing deadly plasma on the fire team. The oblivious geth—a Geth Prime as Twilight later nicknamed it—did not notice him until it was flying halfway down the reactor core. The fire team wiped out the remaining opposition in short order, and restarted the reactor as instructed. She turned towards Mira, who seemed to be politely waiting for the commander to make a request. “Mira, please reactivate the tram station between Central Station and Rift Station.” “Very well, commander. Tram link activated.” “Good. Now send a distress signal towards Port Heihe requesting reinforcements. Warn the port authorities that unauthorised weapon emplacements are in place around Peak 15 and they would need to approach with extreme caution.” “Acknowledged, commander. Message sent to Port Heihe’s administrator.” Twilight briefly recalled the fate of the former administrator of Poneria. The memory of the salarian being led away to his fate brought a small smile to her face. Then she sobered. That meant Zecora would probably be the one receiving the message, though Twilight herself was unsure how the system worked in the event of a temporary power vacuum. Perhaps removing the administrator wasn’t such a good idea. The idiots in Port Heihe will be debating over how to pass the buck. “Twilight, what now?” Applejack said. “Now?” Twilight brought out her sub machinegun and slid the safety back. “Now, we go to Rift Station and bring Matriarch Benezia to justice.” *** [Rift Station, Peak 15, Poneria] “Now arriving in Rift Station. Please secure your belongings before leaving the tram,” Mira intoned. The tram slowly rumbled into the station, giving the passengers inside a clear view of the battle-stricken place. The station looked like it could comfortably serve dozens of passengers at any one time, with two platforms hanging out from the main waiting area. A deadly firefight had clearly taken place in the station, with upturned benches, pockmarks from bullets, various piles of rubble where the ceiling caved and the occasional splatter of blood or ichor. Not much of the combatants remained though. Twilight presumed the fallen were consumed by the ravenous creatures. The sound of Fluttershy gagging over the sight was indicative enough of the rest of the crew’s feelings, with the possible exception of Wrex. “... That’s just plain wrong,” Applejack said slowly. “Goddess... it looks like the survivors tried to make a run for the trams,” Liara said. Wrex snorted, slinging his assault rifle over his broad armoured shoulders. “And they failed miserably.” Rainbow Dash pressed her snout against the window, her breath making leaving a fine mist of the glass. “Well, we can’t just leave them here, can we?” she croaked. “Damn straight. They might be workin’ for Benezia, but they sure as hay don’t deserve a death like this,” Applejack said, tilting her hat back. “Not even them batarians deserve it.” The tram finally coasted to a stop, the glass doors sliding open. Despite the cold, Twilight could taste the sharp tang of death and decay in the air. Grimacing, she cautiously peered out of the tram, her submachine gun floating steadily beside her. Seeing nothing, she waved for Wrex and Applejack to scout ahead. The two moved past her and took up positions covering the only walkway leading to the tram. The team secured the station arrival hall and soon found themselves looking at the three doorways leading off the arrival hall. One led to the Hot Labs, where Twilight presumed was where they held the dangerous experiments. One more led to the Xenobiology Research Laboratories I and II. The last door was unmarked, but appeared to lead to a secure storage facility-cum-maintenance area of the station. “Where to?” Twilight said. “I think we can safely rule out the Hot Labs,” Tali said. The quarian thumbed through the undamaged console she had found behind the reception counter. “The security logs indicate that the containment failure started there. No further logs beyond the initial report.” Twilight could add two and two together. The Hot Labs was probably overrun by the creatures by now. Rarity spoke up from her position by the unmarked door. “I don’t think we can go through this door, Twilight. Somepony had locked down access on both end. It’s not possible to bypass... at least not without considerable time.” Twilight bit her lower lip a little as she mulled over her choices. “I guess that leaves the Xenobiology labs,” she finally said, trotting towards the elevator. *** The first thing Twilight sensed when the elevator door opened was the overwhelming stench of decomposing alien bodies—even worse than the arrival hall. The second was the sound of bullets ricocheting over her head as she reflexively ducked behind the elevator walls. The third was that the corridor beyond was barricaded haphazardly: filing cabinets, assorted desks and even one that Twilight suspected was once a lab table piled over the small hallway. “Stop firing, you idiots! The aliens never used the elevator before and they sure as hell won’t this time,” a gruff voice shouted over the commotion. “Glad to see a working brain on that side of the barricade,” Wrex dryly commented. The amount of fire steadily dried up rapidly, until only the sound of two assault rifles remained firing. “If you idiots are done shooting at us, mind actually stopping the bullets?” A solid thump answered his request, followed a heavy thud hitting the metallic floor. The same voice spoke, “Sorry for the warm welcome. My ponies have been living on stims for days now and this poor boy snapped.” Twilight peered out to see a somewhat burly dark blue earth pony stepping out of the barricades. His armour seemed badly scratched and dented. A dark bruise marked the side of his head, with an ear partially torn off. “Damn insects. If there’s one thing I give them, it’s that they’re relentless. Security Chief Frostfire. Glad to see help finally arrived.” His green eyes were lined with bags, but were unusually alert, darting side to side occasionally. He offered a hoof out. Twilight finally stepped out to greet Frostfire, very much aware of the uncomfortable amount of guns still pointed out at her. She shook the proffered hoof. “I’m afraid we’re the only help you’ll get for the time being. Commander Sparkle, Special Tactics and Reconnaissance.” “A Spectre, eh?” Frostfire actually grinned back. “At least I know you can handle yourself out there. I definitely wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth... pardon the pun. At this point, I’ll take even the administrator himself—if he knows how to bring a gun.” He glanced about at the two aliens which joined Twilight. “I take it you’re not alone?” “Actually, I have more ponies waiting downstairs.” Frostfire sighed with relief. ”Perfect! When can we evacuate?” “I’m afraid it’s not that simple...” *** “... I see. Well, I cannot help you with Lady Benezia. All I know she went into the Hot Labs soon after she arrived. Well, I don’t see how one person could help.” He lowered his voice conspiratorially. “I don’t know about you, but I think the Board was crazy only to send her.” “Interesting...” Twilight debated whether to mention that Benezia probably left geth to secure the central facility. She decided to hold onto that little piece of information, in part because she wasn’t sure if she could trust Frostfire and the fact that Frostfire technically worked for Binary Helix and might be complicit in the whole shady business. “At least we have plenty of supplies to last us... not many of us left after the aliens broke into my command post. That was the first warning of the containment failure we had,” Frostfire said grimly. He seemed mildly amused at Rarity’s horrified expression and Fluttershy’s inevitable cowering. “We managed to seal the vents, and secured the Xenobiology Labs against further intrusions. The only way in now is through here. Well, there’s the maintenance entrance at the other end of the this facility. But then they need to trek their way across the mountain and they still freeze like anypony else, thank Celestia.” “How many survivors?” “Around forty, including twelve armed guards. Well... eleven now, with him down.” Frostfire gestured at the unconscious pegasus lying on a stretcher in the corridor. “We’ve barely gotten a break since we retreated back here... those creature attack every few hours. And those noise. The scratching. Poor Barley Hop here finally broke when you showed up.” “You poor things! I must insist you get a good nap first. We will help you stand watch against these foul creatures.” “Sparkle, we’re here for Benezia, not to rescue some corporate scumbags from their own goddamn mess,” Wrex interrupted “I don’t think I can leave them here in good conscience as well.” Wrex waved at the guards. “They can take care of themselves. You said Benezia went down to the Hot Labs?” Frostfire seemed unamused. “Yes. The whole place was overrun by the aliens the last we heard. That part of the station was built into an old glacier, very stable kind. There’s supposed to be a kill switch that melts the glacier and sinks the whole thing into the frozen sea, but Benezia specifically forbidden us to even do that.” “Must be something pretty important,” Liara commented. The security chief shrugged. “Don’t know. Don’t care. It got a lot of good ponies killed. Han Olar was the only one who made it out alive. Even he isn’t all there anymore. The rest of us might join him soon.” “Hold on, you said Han Olar was the only survivor from the Hot Labs?” Twilight asked. Frostfire nodded once. “I need to talk to this Han Olar. Garrus, can you handle a team helping the guards?” Garrus nodded. “Of course, commander. Dash and Applejack might need medical attention though.” “There’s a doctor in the labs. Dr. Bones is down in the makeshift infirmary. He could help you with those,” Frostfire offered. “Right, anything else we might need to know?” “The maintenance area, as I said, has been sealed to prevent further incursion by the aliens. I would suggest you avoid that entrance if possible. There’s nothing there of importance anyway, so it’s not a big loss to us.” Twilight heard enough. “Alright. Let’s go.” *** The volus in question was in the lower levels of the living quarters adjacent to the Xenobiology labs. The living quarters themselves were standard colonial design, with a central common room and the individual quarters branching off on the outside corridor ringing the common room. The team found themselves swiftly directed to the common room by an irate scientist. Oddly, the short, stout alien was standing alone in a corner of the room, staring at the wall. He turned as Twilight’s hooves clipped towards him. His voice was dull and monotone as he looked up at Twilight slowly, the glowing eye ports on his environmental suit studying her intently. “Canterlot-clan. What do you wish of me?” “Mr Olar, right? My name is—” Twilight began. “You came to find out about them, didn’t you? Everyone is talking about the new Spectre who arrived.” Han Olar paused. “Huh. I thought you would be bigger.” Twilight tilted her head slightly. The volus seemed unsurprised by her rank and status. Even the monotonous voice that all volus seemed to possess sounded even flatter than usual. “Yes, those creatures. Are they aliens?” The volus sucked another breath of air and pondered the question for a moment. “Aliens? I suppose that is true. In a way.” Something about the volus’ stance made her wary. “Care to explain?” Twilight said. “They’re rachni, you know,” he replied, almost conversationally. It took a moment for Twilight to process the name before it hit her. The rachni? The insectoid race that waged an intergalactic war against the then fledgling Citadel Council, long before ponies ever discovered space flight? From what she read, it was by mere chance that a hapless Citadel expedition discovered the rachni, after activating a then-dormant relay leading to their worlds. Unfortunately, the rachni proved hostile and declared war on the rest of the galaxy. “Don’t screw with me; they can’t be rachni,” Wrex spoke up. “He’s right. The krogan wiped them out over a thousand years ago!” Liara said. The battle went poorly for the Citadel races in the opening moments of the war, losing world after world to the merciless rachni without a means to strike them back on their toxic worlds. Then, the salarians discovered the krogans. Tough, long-lived reptilian species that had just nuked their own homeworld back to the pre-industrial era. In view of the Council’s desperate position, the salarians was forced to uplift the pre-spaceflight krogan to help them turn the tide against the rachni. True to their savage potential, the krogan began to systematically pushed the rachni back. Using superior numbers and their adaptability to toxic worlds, the krogan exterminated the rachni—one world at a time—until they were declared extinct. For a brief moment in galactic history, the krogan were lauded as heroes. Han shook his head slowly. “They found it in a derelict ship. An egg. Waiting since the last battles. They brought it here—” The angry voice of a turian cut into the conversation. “Shut up! Are you trying to get us killed?!” Twilight glanced at the source of the voice. A turian dressed in the civilian attire of a scientist, and even had the ID card of Binary Helix tucked into his breast pocket. He glowered at Twilight, then back at Han Olar. “I have no control about who lives or dies on this station. Do you?” Han Olar answered. “If you want to be the crazy, be the quiet kind,” the turian said in a huff. “Crazy? I’m sane. God, I’m sane.” Twilight shot the turian scientist a black look. “What? Why did he call you crazy?” “Do you know how I got out of the Hot Labs? I killed her. I was sane then.” “You wha—?” The volus ignored the little interruption. “I killed her. Dr. Blueheart. We were going to lunch, when the alarms went off. I ran into the tram and I closed the doors. She banged on the glass once, then they sliced her to pieces. Her head came apart like a melon. I closed the door; I killed her.” Twilight found herself recoiling a little as the volus calmly told his tale. “... That sounds horrible.” “At least you got out of it alive. I don’t think you would have survived had you opened the door,” Liara said. The volus nodded his head slowly, his reply still devoid of emotion. “Yes. That is true. Of course.” “Perhaps it’s best if we... um... don’t dwell on the matter.” Fluttershy said. She shrank shyly away when Twilight glanced at her. “If... you don’t mind, of course.” She blinked as Twilight nodded slowly. “Of course. Mr. Olar, perhaps you could tell us more about the Hot Labs?” “Nothing you wouldn’t already know from Mr Frostfire himself. Assuming you already asked about the facility beforehand.” “How about Benezia?” The volus just shrugged. “She went into the Hot Labs herself to deal with the matter.” “Could she have survived there?” “It’s... possible. The creatures are sensitive to biotics.” Han Olar glanced away for a moment, before looking back at Twilight. “Whether or not the matriarch manages to survive, I do not wish to speculate.” *** Rainbow Dash grimaced as she trotted down the hallway leading to the infirmary. Several beds were laid out on the corridor, with various ponies and aliens lying on the bed, moaning softly. As she walked past, one of the patients—a salarian—leaned over and vomited over the side of the bed. “What the hay happened here? I though’ they all were supposed to be healthy as a whistle.” “Beats me. I just hope they aren’t infectious.” “They’re not, in case you’re wondering.” Rainbow Dash looked up to see a slate-gray unicorn dressed in science personnel attire standing at the door of the infirmary. The dark bags under her amber eyes spoke belied her energetic speech. “I see you’re not from our little group. Are you the rescue team?” “‘fraid not, ma’am. We’re here to nab that varmint, Benezia. We didn’t know you’re in trouble.” The unicorn’s face fell a little. “I see.” “We’ll do all we can to help you! Don’t you worry... Owwww!” Rainbow Dash yelped as she accidentally unfurled her bound wings in her excitement. “Oh dear, let me have a look at that,” the unicorn said, unwrapping the bandages with a steady glow of her horn. She made a few thoughtful sound as she inspected the burnt wing, before glancing up at Applejack. “Well, she’s lucky. Any closer and her muscles or joints might have been damaged by whatever caused this nasty burn. As it is, she’ll heal, though you won’t be able to do some heavy flying for some time.” “Ya hear that, Rainbow? No more of them fancy stunts of yours.” Rainbow grumbled and muttered under her breath, but nodded grudgingly. “Come along now, we’ll need to look at that properly and dress the wound...” *** “Hey Doc?” “Yes?” Dr. Bones replied, bandages floating around her in a field of magic. She deftly dabbed the worst of the injury with more medigel, eliciting a winced gasp from Rainbow. Then she began wrapping the worst of the injury with gauze and bandage. “Mind tellin’ us ‘bout those patients out there?” The doctor did not answer for a long moment, busying herself with bandaging the last of Rainbow’s wing. Finally, she put her things aside and spoke softly, “There... was an outbreak. Right after we lost all communications with Central Hub.” Applejack nearly choked on her cup of water. “An outbreak? I thought you said this wasn’t contagious!” Bones looked away. “It’s not. I mean, not now...” Rainbow rolled off the bed and tested her wings gingerly. After a few test stretch that found her bandages adequately tight, she looked up at the doctor. “Hey buddy, are you trying to hide something here?” “I... um... I really shouldn’t discuss this with you guys...” Applejack looked at the unicorn in the eye, her own green eyes drilling into her amber. “But you’re goin’ to. I can tell.” “Uh... I like to think the company values our lives more than their secrets...” She rubbed her fore hooves nervously, glancing at the door. “You see... we were working on a toxin. The toxin only reacts with a specific species found on the frontier. Don’t ask me why the company wants such a specific toxin, I am not cleared to know the details.” “Uh huh. Go on,” Applejack said, with a slow nod. Rainbow just continued to stare at the doctor with a quizzical expression. Dr. Bones gulped. “So we worked with it some more. Tinkered with it. Made it infect more species.” Applejack stomped a hoof down. “Hold on! Yer sayin’ yer made it even more deadly?!” The doctor shrank from Applejack’s outburst. “Y-Yes. I mean, we weren’t really going to sell it or anything, but our lead thought it would be an interesting application of the toxin. Anyway, during one of our experiments, our link with Mira, the central station VI, failed. It was, simply put, disastrous. The quarantine protocol was all handled by her and when the link was cut, so did the quarantine. Many of the staff were infected on-site—” “How the hay was this not contagious again?” “Let me finish. We designed it to be spread pandemically on first contact, but subsequently limited to only the being it was infected to. A biological weapon without the secondary effect, to paraphrase my colleague.” Bones sighed. “Speak Equestrian, girl. I can’t make head or tails of this.” “To put it in layman’s terms, it’s not contagious after the first hour.” “Great, so why aren’t ya curing all these poor souls?” “We... can’t. Our labs were locked down after the initial quarantine failure and in our haste, we did not bring our notes on our work with us. The chief refused to let the staff in, convinced that the toxin was still a threat.” “Are you guys dumb or what? Why are you messing around with a virus with no cure?” Rainbow demanded. “First off, it’s not a virus. Second, our lead was more interested in getting the job done before moving on to the antidote. We were just about to complete our final sequence when... well, you know the rest.” “Who’s your ‘lead’?” Rainbow asked. “Oh, our project leader. Dr. Green Hooves. A brilliant mind. A shame he succumbed to the virus so early. He would have been able to figure out a cure even without the any help as it is.” Dr. Bones seemed to be momentarily lost in her recollections. Applejack tapped her hooves impatiently. “This is all leading somewhere, right?” “Of course, of course! See, now, the only remaining hope for a cure lies locked up in our labs—” “And you want us to get it, right?” “... Right. I’m sure the guards would let you in. I mean, you do have some pull with him right? Saving us and all.” “And you wouldn’t have to be exposed to this toxin of yours, right?” Applejack said, jabbing a hoof at Dr. Bones snout. The unicorn cringed at the accusation, but one look at her guilty eyes told Applejack all she needed to know. “Fine. We’ll git yer cure. You better be right about these toxin not bein’ contagious and all or I swear mah sister will be the one doin’ you in.” *** Twilight turned away from the last group of scientists in the living quarters, looking glumly at Wrex and Liara. “Well, none of these scientists know more than Han Olar about the whole incident. Wonder what they meant by the outbreak anyway... I guess we might as well check out the Hot Labs.” “Hey, Twilight!” Applejack and Rainbow greeted. “Oh, hello, Applejack, Rainbow. How’s your wing?” Twilight peered at the newly bandaged wing. Rainbow seemed more at ease now, at least. “Better. Doc says I can use it after a few weeks.” Rainbow winked. “Don’t ya worry, Twi. I’ll be back in action sooner than you think.” “A few weeks of complete rest, Rainbow,” Applejack said. Rainbow waved away Applejack’s words. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” Applejack rolled her eyes, but declined to press the issue. Instead she turned to Twilight again. “Twilight, we need to talk.” “What is it, Applejack? You sound concerned.” “There’s sick ponies down in the infirmary. We gotta help them.” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Applejack, as much as I liked to, we’re not here to treat a cough.” “Ponies lives are at stake. Yer gotta listen to me, Twi.” Applejack briefly narrated their talk with Dr. Bones and her plea for help. At the end of it, Twilight gave Applejack a firm nod and marched up to Captain Frostfire demanding entry to the quarantined labs. Much to her surprise, Frostfire immediately agreed, probably not keen on antagonising the commander; not when Garrus, Tali and Rarity were helping out in the perimeter against the “aliens”. However, he also stipulated that only a maximum of three ponies were allowed in. He would not be risking losing the new reinforcements he just acquired on the ramblings of a scientist. After some deliberation, Twilight chose Applejack, and Fluttershy along with Angel to accompany her. The team found themselves hustled through the sealed airlock, with a nervous ERCS turian guard closing the door swiftly behind them. “You ain’t coming out until every molecular scanner on this base says you’re clean,” he declared as he shut the door. “Well, that was fast. So, um, lead the way, Applejack. Just where exactly this ‘antidote’ might be located?” “Doc said it would be in the toxin labs. Their notes should all still be inside.” A paranoid part of Twilight’s mind suddenly hoped that Applejack didn’t inadvertently lead them into a convenient trap. *** “Well, that wasn’t so hard,” Twilight said, inspecting the flask of colourless liquid sitting in the chemical mixer. With a glow of her magic, she opened the transparent panel and held it out for Applejack to see. “Speak for yerself. My head is still spinin’ over all them numbers, words and fancy-schmancy chemicals,” Applejack grumbled. Twilight spun around to face Applejack, an excited expression visible on her face. “Nonsense. It makes perfect sense. It’s a brilliant design in a way. I must congratulate the scientist that came up with this concept. Did you know that the antidote is designed to block the receptors on the leucocytes that mediate...” Fortunately, Fluttershy intervened before Twilight could run her mouth. “Uh, Twilight? Did we leave the door open?” she managed to squeak in between a handy pause, peering down the corridor. Twilight turned to stare at Fluttershy. “No. Why?” “Because there’s an asari coming through and she has those scary robots—” “What robots—” Applejack was the first to realise the danger. She quickly dove towards Fluttershy pushing her behind some crates. “It’s an ambush, git into cover!” she yelled, rolling into the same crates herself as bullets ricocheted past her legs. “How perceptive of you!” the asari shouted as she stormed into view, her figure already glowing a light blue. A table in front of Twilight flung itself at her, only to be batted aside by the glow of the unicorn’s own magic. Twilight quickly fired a few bursts from the submachine gun levitated from her own holster as she scrambled behind the counter. Behind the familiar figures of several geth troopers began advancing, firing steadily to suppress the beleaguered defenders. “How the hay did they get into the station?” Applejack shouted. “I recognise that asari! It was one of the scientists I talked to earlier. Benezia must have planted her here in order to tie up loose ends!” Twilight shouted back. The asari chuckled. “Lady Benezia would be pleased to know that one of her biggest thorns in her side finally meeting her end.” “Not if I had anything to say about it!” Twilight riposted harshly. Her horn began glowing a brilliant purple, and a similar glow enveloped a nearby pipe. With a metallic clunk, she wrenched the pipe off its hinges and launched it at the asari. Instead of trying to match her power for power, the asari just ducked to one side and slammed Twilight against the wall in a flurry of biotic powers. The unicorn squealed in pain as she was pinned against the wall, her horn flickering out as her concentration was disrupted. “Nggh!” “So... the famous Spectre is nothing more but a novice in combat. How pitiful,” the asari mocked as she tightened her grip on the spectre, slowly but surely crushing the air out of Twilight’s lungs. “Leave her alone, ya blue-haired skunk!” Applejack shouted, rising from the shadow of the crates she had been hiding behind and giving the party a healthy dose of her assault rifle. The asari quickly ducked behind a nearby pipe, but that was enough for her to loosen her hold on Twilight. Applejack was quickly forced to duck again as her kinetic barriers shorted out with a visible buzz. With the brief respite, Twilight managed to crawl to a reasonable safety of a fallen filing cabinet. She nodded gratefully at Applejack, and forced herself to bring her gun up to at least cover for Applejack and force some of the geth troopers back into their cover. “Don’t think we can hold ‘em off fer long, Twi. Sorry.” Somehow, Twilight managed to imagine that apologetic smile on Applejack’s face. Then another thought occurred to her. She began to smile slowly. “I think we’re missing somepony... or rather, some rabbit.” True to her words, a loud crash punctuated the gunfire. Twilight peered over the metal walls to see two of the geth trooper lay on the floor, their innards crushed. Angel stood tall on one of the overhanging pipes, his ears twitching irritably. With another wave of his hand, he sent another of the geth flying into the wall. “Obstinate animal. I will flay you alive for intruding on our plan!” the asari screamed. Though Twilight could not see what the asari was doing, she could very well see what Angel was being subjected to. The rabbit’s biotic field crashed against the asari’s creating a brief light show. If any time was a good time to break the stalemate, this was it. “AJ. Now!” “You got it, Twilight.” With a cheesy warcry, the earth pony leapt from the shelter of her crates and galloped down the corridor swiftly. Applejack did not even hesitate as her kinetic barrier failed for the second time under the withering storm of fire. Instead, she reached into the bandolier of grenades she had carried by her side and flung one, two grenades down the corridor and slid just behind the pipings the asari had ducked into prior. Leaning on the pipes, she held her breath as the specially modded grenades went off in searing column of flame past her. As the flames died, Applejack stepped out, took two steps forward and reared her hind legs to strike the stunned asari hiding on the other side. By the time Twilight arrived, she could see the unconscious figure of the fake asari scientist slumping to the floor. “Good job, Applejack.” she said. A flicker of movement in Twilight’s peripheral vision caught her attention. The unicorn turned and sent another barrage of magic missiles flying down the corridor. The geth trooper—which by now was missing an arm—promptly lost its head as well and fell to the floor in a clatter. Applejack tilted her head in appreciation, seemingly unperturbed by the near-death experience. “Just doin’ my job, ma’am.” She glanced over at the crates she had took shelter behind. “Come on out, Fluttershy. It’s safe now.” A now-familiar squeak of fear sounded behind the crates. A pale yellow face peeked out from a corner. “A-Are you sure?” “Sure as rain,” Applejack replied in her best drawl. “Oh-Okay...” Fluttershy peeked out of her hiding spot, and glanced around nervously Seeing no murderous robots about, she meekly rejoined the group. Rarity’s voice crackled into her intercom. “Commander. Are you there? What’s happening?” “I’m here, Rarity. Sitrep?” “Oh, thank Celestia. We heard gunfire over the radio,” Rarity said. Her normally dignified voice had an undercurrent of worry. Liara’s calm voice cut into the channel. “Commander, we were ambushed by geth in the scientists’ quarters. Minimal casualties, though a guard was fatally wounded by the crossfire. We are fortunate that you warned us in time. We were just about to to intervene when the geth burst into the room. It is clear there are elements in the survivors that are fanatically loyal to the the matriarch.” “Garrus here. Perimeter team saw no geth, though we had a boatload of rachni trying to come through about an hour ago. The perimeter held, though Frostfire took a blow to his head. He seemed to be shaking it off just fine. Captain’s tougher than the bugs themselves, I swear.” “Any idea where they came from, Liara?” Twilight said. “The volus, Han Olar said he saw the geth emerge from the sealed maintenance area. Looks like it’s not as empty as we thought.” “I see.” Twilight reassessed her options in her mind. “Let’s not waste time. Benezia might attempt an escape once she finds out her ambush failed. Liara, Wrex, Pinkie Pie, meet us at the maintenance entrance. We will meet you there. Garrus, you stay put at the perimeter. Rainbow Dash, sorry, but I need you to stay with Garrus. Moving now might trigger suspicions amongst the remaining guards. We have to assume that they’re on Saren’s payroll. Keep an eye out for any potential betrayal. Especially the good captain.” “Roger, Twilight. I’ll have Tali prepare a little surprise for the ERCS guards if they try anything funny.” “Alright. Let’s move. It won’t be long before they find out.” “Twilight, what about the cure?” Twilight stared at Applejack blankly for a moment, before she remembered the original reason they came to the abandoned lab. “Oh right! Mustn’t forget. Despite my words, I do sincerely believe the scientists here are just here doing their job. Here, Applejack. Take this to Dr. Bones and double time it back to the entrance.” She levitated the vial containing the colourless liquid towards the earth pony. “Yes, ma’am.” *** Applejack quickly made her past the long line of patients parked outside the infirmary. It still made her queasy, even after the doctor’s assurance. “Okay, doc, I got ya cure,” she said, stepping through the door. Dr. Bones looked up from her console and greeted Applejack with a big smile. She swiftly snatched the vial and ran a sample through the lab equipment next to her workstation. Her smile turned into barely contained glee as she read the results of the tests on her console. “Oh, thank you so very much. You don’t know how many lives you have saved,” she gushed. “No problem, ma’am. Ya have Twilight to thank for that.” “Be sure to pass my compliments to her. This batch of serum is as perfectly mixed as an understudy of mine would have done.” Dr. Bones paused and then tilted her head at Applejack. “I heard there was some commotion outside. Was there any trouble with the guards getting the cure?” “Oh nothin’. Just some run-in with the geth,” Applejack replied nonchalantly. Dr. Bones blinked. “The what?!” “Geth. Ya know: tall, walks on two legs, has a flashlight for a head.” Bones whistled. “Dear Celestia... I heard about the attacks on Appleloosa but I never thought they would come all the way here to Poneria. How did they even manage to get past our port security?” “Well, it’s a long story...” Before Applejack was forced to elaborate further, her earpiece saved her the trouble. “Applejack. Come in.” “Yea, Twilight?” “Apparently we need a keycard to unlock the maintenance doors. Han Olar suggested we ask around, preferably a project leader or somepony important.” “Hold on a sec.” Applejack looked up at Dr. Bones. “Hey Doc. Ya owe me right?” “I suppose...” She narrowed her eyes. “You’re not going to ask for credits, are you? I don’t have much on me and I doubt I can access my extranet account at the moment.” She grimaced and quickly added, “Not that I don’t want to pay or anything. You have been most helpful.” “How ‘bout you lend us the keycard to the maintenance areas?” The scientist hesitated for a long while. Then she sighed and opened her bag on her workstation, fishing out a dull coloured plastic card. She waved the card in the air. “Just don’t tell anypony, okay? And try not to do anything too illegal! I don’t want to lose my job. The economy for rogue scientists are not what they used to be.” Applejack swiped the card out of the air with her mouth and winked at the scientist. “Don’t you worry. We’ll just need to have a quick look around, m’kay?” *** Twilight nodded her thanks at the volus scientist still patiently awaiting them at the door. “Thank you for your help, Han. We’d never known if you hadn’t told us.” “A part of me died when the rachni overran the Hot Labs. I don’t consider Binary Helix to be paramount to my interest anymore.” “Aren’t you worried?” The volus snorted derisively; the first sign of emotions Twilight seen ever since she met him. “As I said, I don’t control who lives or die. Perhaps you do. I most certainly don’t.” His eye ports looked towards the frozen passage beyond. “I wish you luck,” he said simply, before turning and waddling away. “Twilight, shouldn’t we... um... protect him or something?” Twilight shook her head sadly. “No time. Besides, I think he knew the risks of helping us. He simply didn’t care.” Fluttershy frowned. “B-But...” “Listen, Fluttershy, if we don’t move now, then all our efforts would have been for naught. I’m sorry, but the mission takes priority over a civilian scientist.” Fluttershy frowned and dug her hooves into the snow, as if she wanted to protest. After a brief silence however, the pegasus bowed her head, flattening her ears against her head. “Whatever you say, Twilight...” she whispered, before turning away. Twilight watched Fluttershy join the group. “I wish I could help everypony, Fluttershy. I really do...” Twilight murmured. *** The door to the secure storage facility slid open, with Twilight the first one to creep through the door. At first glance, it seemed to be partially filled by crates of various kind. A large tank of some sort was built into the middle, with elevated walkways ringing the tank and the upper levels of the room. Her eyes widened as a familiar rasping voice greeted her. “Commander Sparkle. We finally meet.” “Benezia!” Twilight cried, galloping ahead so that she could see where the matriarch was hiding. Her team thundered behind her, trying to keep up. The unicorn blinked and slid to a halt as she realised the matriarch wasn’t hiding at all. On the contrary, she was standing on an elevated platform overlooking a large transparent tank behind her—in full view of Twilight—her back towards her. Despite the frigid atmosphere, Benezia only wore a simple black gown, topped by an elaborate headpiece covering her scalp crests. Just behind the matriarch, Twilight could glimpse a much larger version of the rachni they had encountered previously, sealed within the tank. The queen, Twilight guessed. “You do not know the privilege of being a mother. There is power in creation. To shape a life: turn it toward happiness or despair...” Benezia said as she watched the large rachni squirm within the tank. “Her children were to be ours; raised to hunt and slay Saren’s enemies.” Benezia slowly turned and strode slowly towards the metal railings. The matriarch clasped her hands behind her back, her gaze fixated on somepony just beyond Twilight. “I won’t be moved to sympathy, no matter who you bring into this confrontation.” Twilight stared blankly at Benezia for a moment, before she realised Benezia meant Liara. “She came her of her own free will!” the commander replied. Benezia’s eyes lingered on her daughter. It was not a look of affection or pity. It was a look of contempt. “Indeed? What have you told her about me, Liara?” “What could I have told her? That you were insane?” Liara said. “Evil? Should I explain how to kill you?” She shook her head. “What could I say?” “You could have just walked away.” A flicker of regret danced over her features before she refocused her gaze on Twilight. The ghost of a smile lit her face. “Have you ever faced an asari commando unit before? Few ponies have.” Twilight flicked an ear with interest. “Asari commandos?” “Allow me to demonstrate.” Benezia’s body glowed a brilliant blue and hurled a powerful shockwave towards the group. Twilight found herself knocked off her feet and thrown into the ground. Feeling the stars dancing in her eyes, she nonetheless got up, just in time to hear the familiar sounds of armoured boots thundering into the room through the other entrances. “Incoming!” Twilight yelled, diving aside to dodge a slew of grenades rolling past her. Her world exploded into a brilliant flash of white and her ears was assaulted by a deafening ringing. Time seemed to slow as she unholstered her submachine gun by reflex. The sea of white resolved somewhat into a blurry view of her surroundings, just in time to see one of their assailants—an asari in black skin-tight body armour not dissimilar to the one worn by Shiala on Harnos—bounding towards her, her rifle spitting metallic death. Twilight let her kinetic barriers absorb the few bullets that connected, while she charged one of her tailor-made spells: a special spell she kept in reserve to overload an assailant’s kinetic barriers. She nicknamed it “Overload”. With a brilliant flare, she unleashed the full power of her magic on the asari; overloading her barriers instantly and causing her to stumble. With a precise motion, she aimed her weapon and riddled her head and chest with bullets. Her ears still ringing and her sight somewhat hampered by dancing spots, Twilight drunkenly stumbled into the cover of a pile of crate nearby, trying to find some space to recover. To her surprise, she found Liara sharing the same space with pistol in hand. “I never thought I would be facing a squad of my mother’s commandos.” “What?” “Never mind!” A rocket whizzed overhead and impacted noisily on the far end of the wall, leaving a smoking crater. Twilight’s ears flattened in a desperate attempt to keep the ringing out. “Oh goddess, they got us pinned!” *** Wrex was having the time of his life. Killing enemies was one of his few pleasures in life and he revelled in the opportunity whenever he could. The krogan popped out around the metal piping and fired off a couple more bursts. A smile curled around his lips as he spied one of the pesky commandos staggering, her kinetic barriers vanishing with a loud zap. As he darted back into the relative safety of his cover, his hand fell onto the pack of grenades he had carried just for such an occasion. One would do to flush the now-shieldless enemy out where he could cut her down. As he rummaged through his pack, Wrex couldn’t help but think of the enemy Benezia had pitted them against. Asari commandos were known for their resourcefulness and cunning, together with their fearsome biotic powers. He was pointedly reminded of his time on a space station with an asari commando. Now that was a true test of his strength. The two had spent days on the station trading ever increasingly creative ways to kill each other. Said stalemate ended up in the station self-destruct. By contrast, the group facing him and Commander Sparkle were not showing any of the positive qualities he had come to expect from their kind. For all their biotic prowess, Wrex thought the this particular batch of asari commandos were quite unimaginative in their application of their powers. Their tactics seems to consist of mainly saturating an area with bursts of their—admittedly powerful—singularity fields and biotic shockwave, before moving in to finish their enemy off. They were more like a pack of feral varren rushing in for the kill. All in all, it seemed to have contributed to a surprisingly robust display by Sparkle’s team. Sure, they had cut through the geth on Harnos, but Wrex never took their ground forces too seriously. Synthetics would never match a true krogan battle fury. But here, they were holding their own, taking down the commandos with little losses of their own. As he readied his grenade, Pinkie Pie waltzed past him, seemingly dancing past the bullets flying through the air. As Wrex leaned out to toss his grenade, a flicker surrounded the pink pony and she vanished from sight. The krogan grunted, sensing that Pinkie had already guessed his plan and moved ahead to take advantage. With a precise movement, he tossed his live grenade and ducked back. “Grenade!” one of the asari shouted. A mad scramble of feet followed, before the explosion Wrex was waiting for thundered. The krogan leaned out to see two of the commandos stumbling in the open and the one whom he was targeting within plain sight. He ended her misery quickly with a quick shot through her chest. Pinkie reappeared behind the second one and bucked her head in with a powerful kick. “Thanks, Wrex!” she cheerfully called out, before somersaulting away towards the next cluster of commandos. *** “Fluttershy! We need to move!” Applejack said, urging the pony forward. An explosion rocked their left side as Applejack ducked lower by reflex. She winced as it was followed up by a singularity explosion, sucking the crate upwards and dumping it down again. It was only by sheer chance that the two weren’t pulled into the artificial gravity well. Feeling their time was up, she forcibly pushed the pegasus to her feet and started galloping towards the next line of safe cover she could find. “C’mon!” Fluttershy, shocked into action, quickly followed her and resumed her cowering as soon as she thought she was safe. “Make them go away...” she whimpered, putting her forehooves over her face. “Well then, stay ‘ere where it’s safe,” Applejack said, not unkindly. She leaned out and swore as another hail of bullet sailed past. If only she hadn’t lost her gun earlier when Benezia thrown them apart. The best weapon they had now was her own feet and angry words and Applejack very much doubted the latter would actually have any effect. The commandos seemed to know that fact as well and were pushing ruthlessly ahead. The two were rapidly running out of crates, pipes and space. “Girls, we might need a lil’ backup,” she shouted into her radio. *** “Hey Wrexie! I think Applejack and Fluttershy need help.” Wrex quickly took stock of their tactical situation. The two seemed to have been cornered by a better organised group. “I see them. Distract them. I’ll flank.” “Okie-dokie!” Pinkie replied, disappearing again. The krogan crouched low and began making his way across the room. He sped from cover to cover, using the large crates and various disused machinery in the room to minimise his profile. From a corner of his eye, he saw Twilight and Liara taking shelter from another trio of commandos. Too bad, they’re handling this on their own. Wrex doubted the cowardly one and the headstrong one would last much longer against such odds. The krogan ducked past the next set of crates and found himself staring at the behind of a black suited commando. Without further hesitation, he charged and knocked the asari down. With a sickening crunch, he broke her neck and then flung her aside. Just as he did so, Pinkie appeared on top of a nearby crate and launched herself downwards on the other side. A surprised yell followed by the satisfying sound of solid hooves on flesh told Wrex all he needed to know. “Two down, two to go,” he murmured, as he popped up to assess his options. The remaining two were about thirty feet away, each to one side. From their demeanour, they seemed to have realised what happened to their companions and are trying to regroup. As he watched one of the commandos gestured at the other, before darting towards her. The other commando rose up and began spraying suppressive fire on Wrex, forcing him down. “Damnit. They know.” “At least Applejack and Fluttershy are okay,” Pinkie said, as she reappeared beside him. Wrex was not surprised to find her somewhat splattered in blood, the retractable gun on her shoulder following her every turn of her head. “We’re not letting them regroup.” “Don’t think we have to,” Pinkie replied cheerfully. She raised a hoof and pointed towards the fleeing asari commandos. Wrex followed the hoof and was surprised to find one of the asari thrown aside to the wall before his very eyes. Then he realised why. The bunny. “Always knew the furry one had something in him,” he said. Angel deftly dodged the singularity hurled by the remaining commando and knocked the gun out of her hands with a small shockwave of his own. With a smooth motion he jumped and landed behind the stunned asari. Two shotgun blasts later, the asari crumpled to the floor without further resistance. *** Rarity trotted up to her post on the barricades facing the elevators. She glanced around, only to find Tali and Garrus in one corner, chatting away. “Garrus. Where’s Captain Frostfire? I haven’t seen him. Actually, where’re all the other guards? You’d think they’ll be more people here.” “Now that you mention it, he hasn’t appeared at the barricades for quite some time. Did he return to his command post?” “Not at all. I just came from there.” Tali activated her omnitool and looked expectantly at the C-Sec officer. “Shall I prepare our contingency plan?” “Yeah, I think it’s about time—” “Greetings, gentleponies,” Frostfire said, interrupting the little conversation. Rarity looked up to see the captain in his full armour outfit, his twin assault rifles staring down menancing at them. He was flanked by two equally heavily armed turians. “I think there might be a slight change of plans.” “Let me guess, is it the betray-and-kill-us-at-the-behest-of-your-master time?” Frostfire gave them a grim little smile. “I see you’re as well-informed as I suspected. Truth to be told, I wished there was some other way. But Lady Benezia was adamant. And so here I am. I am sorry, but I much rather take my chances with you guys than her.” He nodded at the turians, who raised their weapons, forestalling Garrus’ move for the pistol on his hip. “We’ll make this painless.” Rarity glanced at the quarian, who was busy fiddling with her omni tool behind Garrus. Tali nodded at the unicorn, then activated a button on her omni tool. Frostfire raised an eyebrow and opened his mouth to order his men to shoot. His eyes widened as the smell of acrid smoke filled the air, his HUD piece on his left eye flashing red. He quickly detached his guns and watched his guns, sparking and smoking, fall to the floor with big round eyes. His two bodyguards yelped and dropped their weapons as well. “Now, I’m pretty sure we have the upper hoof here, so let’s do this peacefully and avoid any incidents. After all, we still need to protect the civilians from the Rachni and that just got a lot harder with only the four of us remaining.” “But... how...?” Rarity adjusted her coifs, and gave Frostfire a sly smile. “Tali and I have a certain skill in machines, see. That also extends to your weapons. It’s a simple matter of modifying their programming when you weren’t looking.” Frostfire’s gaze flitted back and forth between Tali and Rarity, before finally settling on Garrus. He let out a tired resigned sigh. “I guess I underestimated you more than I thought. Fine. I’ll tell my ponies to stand down. No point throwing away lives in following an order that we cannot carry out.” He gave Rarity a pointed look. “You saved more lives than you know. Lady Benezia wanted the entire facility silenced after we eliminated you.” Rarity knew enough the implications of that order. She favoured Frostfire with a smile as she gestured at the door. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing it worked out the way it did, yes?” “Rarity, we might want to get Rainbow Dash. No telling what she might do to the poor guards when they try to knock her out...” Garrus said. A raspy voice screamed in the radio, followed by the sound of bucking. “I think that pretty much answers your question,” Rarity replied dryly. She quickly put a hoof to her earpiece. “Rainbow, try not to injure anypony too badly please?” “You’re not the one who was just grabbed by two thugs!” Another solid buck. “Okay, so maybe one might only suffer concussion. Happy?” “Quite.” *** Twilight was certain she saw one of the commandos moving towards the stack of machinery on her left. She cautiously raised her submachinegun and put out another burst of suppressive fire. Thank Celestia for virtually unlimited ammo, Twilight thought. The only thing she needed to worry about was heat-build up. Then she heard the dreaded click of her gun locking itself out to cool its weapon. Speak of the devil! I should have paid closer attention to the heat monitor. Twilight quickly dropped the now-useless gun, and clumsily levitated her pistol instead. She cursed the precious seconds this manoeuvre cost her. “Commander! Behind us!” Liara shouted. Twilight turned sharply to see another commando popping out from the cover of heavy-duty forklift, her hand already glowing with blue energy. Twilight’s own horn flared in response. The two opposing energies collided into a flare of brilliant light midway between the two. “Come on, Liara! It’s not safe here anymore.” “And just where do you think you’re going?” Benezia intoned. Twilight raised her head cautiously above the line of now-battered crates. The matriarch was standing out in the open, a faint blue sheen covering her being. She seemed to be unconcerned about herself being exposed to weapon fire. A biotic barrier. Powerful one at that, Twilight thought. Her eyes widened as Benezia raised her own arms. Before she could react she found herself pinned towards the wall for the second time of the day, struggling against an invisible force. Benezia stared at Twilight squirming for a moment, before nodding at the rocket launcher wielding asari, who had stood up from her vantage point on the elevated walkway. “Sergeant, take care of the others. I’ll take of these two personally.” “Yes, Lady Benezia!” the two commando rose and disappeared through the crates. “Mother!” Liara cried, raising from her own covered position with her pistol raised. Benezia shook her head and Twilight soon had company of Liara. “Ah, Liara. I should have disciplined you when I had the chance,” she said, a little wistfully. Twilight felt her magic being resisted despite her desperate attempt to free herself. For the first time in a long time, she realised she was evenly matched power-wise. She had always taken for granted that her innate affinity for magic would grant her an advantage nopony else had. Then, she realised something else. Benezia was alone. More importantly, the sound of fighting had died off. “Ordinarily, I’d chosen to take you back to Sovereign... but you have interfered with our plans for far too long. Goodbye, Twilight Spa—” “Not so fast, yer ladyness,” Applejack called out, kicking the body of a dead commando towards the surprised Benezia. She flash a lazy grin at Twilight. “Sorry, got held up for a bit there.” “Fools. I’ll destroy you all myself then.” Benezia lifted her hand and sent a massive singularity flying towards Applejack. “Applejack!” Twilight cried, and renewed her struggle to free herself, even as she felt the air being slowly crushed out of her. Unlike the asari who had ambushed her previously, it looked like Benezia had supreme mastery over her own biotic powers. That and the lack of air was making it hard for her to focus. A quick glance at Liara showed that she was similarly struggling. Applejack quickly ducked out of way of the glowing blue ball of death, which instead smashed harmlessly into a metal crate that got in the way. The earth pony stopped to pepper Benezia which her rifle. Infuriated, the matriarch began hurling her biotic powers at Applejack. The earth pony ducked and dodged deftly, always pausing a moment to whittle down the biotic barriers as she danced. “You’re up, Pinkie!” “Look out below!” Pinkie shouted from above. She apparently had somehow climbed all the way to the elevated walkway overlooking the room. The pink pony leaned over the railings and then to Twilight’s amazement, dived headfirst towards Matriarch Benezia! “Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” Benezia herself seemed taken by surprise by the stunt. She hesitated briefly before blasting Pinkie off with a ball of blue energy. Pinkie continued to squeal in delight as she was sent flying off across the room. Despite her somewhat asphyxiated condition, Twilight noticed a couple of glowy discs dropping around Benezia. “Imbeciles! Is this the best you can do?” “Guess again, sugarcube,” Applejack called out. “What—” The matriarch disappeared in a cloud of explosions that erupted at the same time. Unsurprisingly, the explosions were multi-coloured as well as shrouding the room in confetti. Twilight felt the hold on herself disappearing immediately and gasped for breath as she fell to the ground. Even in her dizzy state, she quickly began to scramble around for her dropped pistol. As the smoke cloud began to clear, Twilight could make out the outline of the matriarch hunched over. Apparently even grenades were nothing to such a powerful biotic. The figure slowly rose to her full height, and Benezia emerged from the pall seemingly unscathed. “This is not over. I will destroy you and—” The matriarch suddenly tumbled forward roughly and fell facefirst on the metal flooring. Her body twitched as she hit the floor with a loud thud, but even Twilight could see she was knocked unconscious by the blow. Wrex emerged from the smoke, grinning. “Always wanted to headbutt a matriarch.” *** “So... Twilight, what do ya reckon this critter is?” Applejack said, looking down on the large transparent tank. The creature trapped within seemed to be well-fed and thrashed about occasionally. Its large tendrils brushed and tapped against the glass in regular intervals. Unlike the smaller rachni they encountered before, this one has multiple glowing orbs staring at them. “I... don’t know. It looks like the queen, from the large size and the extra large abdomen at the end, but there is no way to tell for certain. It could just be a huge warrior breed that they managed to raise.” Twilight could feel those glowing blue orbs staring at her, even if she couldn’t be sure if they could even see. It gave her a chill. “I say we flush it and haul Benezia’s ass back to the Normaredy,” Wrex said. “Uhh... Twilight... I think she’s coming to...” Fluttershy squeaked. Twilight quickly scrambled Benezia’s side with her gun ready. She motioned the others to do the same. The matriarch slowly opened her eyes and shook her head in apparent confusion. ‘Wha...” Benezia glances around at the pointed weapons to her head. She began to chuckle, despite the apparent pain lancing through her face. Her eyes shone with the conviction of a religious zealot. “You will never stop us. Saren’s unstoppable. My mind is filled with his light! Everything is cle—” Benezia suddenly clenched her eyes shut. “Lady Benezia?” The matriarch’s eyes opened again, this time filled with a wild light... and something deeper. With one desperate motion, she grabbed Twilight by the shoulders roughly, ignoring the ominous clicks of the guns around her. By some miracle, Twilight managed to still her own reflex to shoot Benezia right now in the head, and motioned for her companions to lower their weapon as well. “You... must listen. Saren still whispers in my mind.” “Saren... what? How?” Twilight said, trying to release herself from the hold Benezia has on her. Benezia’s fingers tightened around Twilight’s shoulders. “I can fight the compulsions. Briefly. But the indoctrination is strong.” “Hold on a darn tootin’ minute. You’re sayin’ you’re bein’ brainwashed?” Applejack demanded. Pinkie shrugged. “Personally, I think she’s just cuckoo in the loco.” “People are not themselves around Saren. You come to idolise him. Worship him. You would do anything for him,” Benezia replied, her previously smug face cringing. Whether from physical pain or wounded pride, Twilight found it hard to tell. “Mother. What have Saren done to you?” “The key is Sovereign, Saren’s flagship. It is a dreadnought of incredible size and its power extraordinary. Thoughts echo strangely within Sovereign. Its rooms are built at unsettling angles. The longer you stay aboard, the more Saren’s will seems correct. You sit at his feet and smile as his words pour into you. It is subtle at first. I thought I was strong enough to resist. Instead, I became a willing tool, eager to serve...” Twilight asked, “Why did you come to Poneria then?” “Saren sent me here to find the location of the Mu Relay, as well as deal with our little problem here.” “The Mu Relay?” “The Mu Relay’s destination was lost thousands of years ago. I know not of Saren’s destination. But you must find out quickly. I have transmitted the location of the relay as you fought below. Here! Take this OSD. I have transcribed the coordinates in it.” Benezia clumsily fished out a data disk from her robe and shoved it in Twilight’s direction. After a brief hesitation, the unicorn floated the data off her hand and into her bags. “But... why? Why is the Mu Relay so important? How did you even get the coordinates? Who gave them to?” Twilight asked rapid-fire. Benezia abruptly let go, her hands going to her forehead. “You have to stop... me... I can’t... His teeth are at my ear. Fingers on my spine. You should... uh... you should—” “Twilight! We got to help her!” Applejack cried, her green eyes flitting back and forth between Benezia and Twilihght. “I don’t know how! I don’t even know what is affecting her!” Twilight replied desperately, racking her mind for anything that matched Benezia’s apparent condition. She came up empty. Liara knelt beside Benezia.“Mother! I— Don’t leave! Fight it!” Tears streamed down her freckled face. “I... I’m always proud of you, Liara.” The matriarch eyes rolled back, before closing with a solemn finality. Twilight bit her lower teeth and glanced upwards at Liara, who seemed to be choking back tears. The asari quietly looked away, before nodding slowly. “I’m sorry, Liara.” Twilight said. Twilight looked back on Matriarch Benezia, who was beginning to open her eyes again. That religious fanaticism was back in her eyes. Benezia opened her mouth to speak, her body already flaring with power, straining against her bonds. “Di—” A single gunshot boomed through the room. Twilight turned away from the now-limp body of the matriarch, her eyes clenched shut. She forced herself to walk away, to not look at the life of the one she had just taken. She blinked as she felt a foreleg wrap around her shoulder. “It’s okay Twi. You did what ya had to...” “I know... Applejack. I just wish... I could have helped her...” “I don’t think anypony could have helped her...” Twilight nodded again and wrapped Applejack in a tight hug. Celestia knew, she needed it. Twilight nodded softly, blinking away the tears that formed around the edges of her eyes. She glanced around for Dr. T’Soni and found her leaning against the edge of the railings. Twilight slowly trotted up to join the asari, with Applejack in tow. She reared up on her hind legs and leaned against the metal barrier, looking down on the aftermath of their battle below for a moment, before addressing Liara. “I... I’m sorry. I know she was your mother and—” “What is done is done. I prefer to remember her as the way she was before. A kind, loving mother.” “Yeah... I guess that is for the best...” Twilight bit her lip, debating whether she should ask the burning question in her mind. Thankfully, Liara pre-empted her before she could ask. “I don’t know how Saren got to her. She’s one of the most iron-willed person I know.” Twilight frowned hard. “What do you think she meant about Sovereign?” “It sounds like that ship has a power of its own. I guess whatever it was... this... ‘indoctrination’... is a subtle brainwashing process. If it could turn Benezia into a willing slave, I dread on the possibilities—” Liara’s voice suddenly died. Twilight blinked for a moment, puzzled by the sudden silence. Then she realised everypony was staring at something behind her. “T-Twilight! Z-z-zombies!” Fluttershy stammered. “What? Where... Dear Celestia...” Twilight’s eyes bulged as one of asari commando, who had just recently been rendered dead, rose unsteadily to her feet. Despite the obvious hole in her gut, there seems to be otherwise no impediment in her movement. Clicks of weapon safeties being turned off sounded as Twilight drew her own gun, ready to shoot. “This day just keeps gettin’ weirder and weirder,” Applejack muttered as her green eyes followed the erstwhile alive asari shambling towards the control area of the tank. The group stood aside to let it pass, seemingly unwilling to take the first step. “This one. Serves as our voice,” the dead commando intoned. Her voice was reminiscent of the asari’s, yet mixed with something more alien echoing beneath it. “We cannot sing. Not in these low spaces. Your musics are colourless.” Twilight sucked in a deep breath as she realised it was the creature in the tank that was controlling her. “Musics?” “It... it speaks?” Fluttershy said. Twilight blinked as the shy pegasus’ face lit up like a Hearth’s Warming Eve tree. She flapped her wings excitedly. “Oh, Oh! Do you have a name?” “Your way of communicating is strange. Flat. It does not colour the air. When we speak, one moves all.” “This is going to be a fun conversation,” Wrex said dryly. “I wonder if they have the word parties in their language. I can’t imagine them holding parties if they don’t even have the words to describe it!” Pinkie added. “Oh, oh, do you think they have words for balloons, and party streamers, and fruit punch. I mean, how could somepony have no words for fruit punch...” “We are the mother. We sing for those left behind. The children you thought silenced. We are rachni.” Fluttershy continued, oblivious, “So, your name is rachni? That isn’t a proper name. Hm, maybe I’ll call you Miss Queenie instead. You don’t mind, right, Miss Queenie?” “Wow... just... wow. How are you doing this? This... err... reanimating body thing?” “Our kind sing through touching of thought. We pluck the strings, and the other understands. She is weak to urging.” “Why can’t somepony in this place speak normal for once?” Applejack grumbled. “I think she means she can communicate through telepathy!” Pinkie offered. “How the hay do you even understand the gibberish the critter is spoutin’?” “Experience!” Pinkie replied, her typical infectious grin lighting up her face. Applejack buried her face in her hat. “... Never mind.” “She has colours we have no names for. But she is ending. Her music is bittersweet. It is beautiful.” “You don’t seem like the others we encountered. Why do you send your own kind against us?” Twilight asked. “The children we birthed were stolen from us before they could learn to sing. They are lost to silence. End their suffering. They cannot be saved. They will only cause harm as they are.” “Wait. Why? You can’t control them?” “Those needle-creatures. They stole the eggs from us. They sought to turn our children into beasts of war. Claws with no song of their own. Our elders are comfortable with silence. Children know only fear if no one sings to them. Fear has shattered their mind.” “Those... poor babies...” Fluttershy whispered. Pinkie nodded sagely. “I know I would go insane if I was locked up for too long! Trust me, it’s not a pleasant experience.” Twilight knew better than to open that can of worms. “We will do as you ask. Are you sure we cannot save them? At all?” “It is lamentable. But necessary. Do what you must. Before you deal with our children, we stand before you. What will you sing? Will you release us? Are we to fade away once more?” “There are acid tanks rigged up on that thing. Set them off. Millions of my ancestors died to put these things down. Don’t let them come back,” Wrex urged Twilight. “Twilight! Please don’t! I mean, they are scary and they did try to eat us and poison us and uh... melt us with acid...” Fluttershy pleaded. “Fluttershy, ya ain’t helping yer case,” Applejack said with a sigh. “But they are still intelligent beings! Scary, maybe... but they don’t deserve to be wiped out like that. And the queen seems like a nice pony. Right, Miss Queen?” “Your companions hear the truth. You have the power to free us, or return our people to the silence of memory.” Fluttershy stared at the puppeteered asari with wide round eyes. “Miss Queen, you wouldn’t attack the other races if we let you go, right? That wouldn’t be nice and then everypony would be sad.” “Fluttershy is asking the right question though. What is there to prevent you from attacking again? Rachni already tried to conquer the galaxy once.” “No. We—” The asari twitched and craned its neck in an unnatural angle. For the first time in their short conversation, Twilight detected a note of fear in its voice. Not of death, of that Twilight was certain. But something more sinister. “—I do not know what happened in the war. We only heard discordance, songs of the colour of oily shadows.” “Discordance? Do you mean that you were being tampered with? Mind-controlled perhaps?” “We do not know. We were only an egg, hearing Mother cry in our dreams. A tone from space hushed one voice after another. It forced the singers to resonate with its own sour yellow note. Then we awoke, in this place. The last echo of those who came out of the Singing Planet. The sky is silent.” “Interesting...” Twilight frowned and turned towards her assembled group, noting the varied emotions on each member. Applejack seemed mildly bemused. Wrex plainly itching to finish the job his race started thousands of years ago. Fluttershy was staring at the asari and the Queen in the tank with fascination, Liara had an unreadable polite mask, and Pinkie was... Pinkie. “What do we do?” “Sparkle, don’t screw around with this thing. You know what happened the last time they were let loose.” “But Miss Queen said that she would behave! Shame on you for judging a pony just from her past actions. She had nothing to do with it; she said so herself.” “We have no way to account for her actions if we let her loose, Commander. It would be a risk, certainly.” Liara said thoughtfully. “Aw, shucks. I don’t know if I like the idea of genocidin’ an entire race... there’s just some things ponies shouldn’t stick their snout into, if you know what I mean.” Wrex stepped forward. “Sparkle, if you won’t do this, step aside and let me do it. I’ll even take responsibility, if you like.” “Wait. No. I won’t allow this. You can’t just kill Miss Queenie just like that,” Fluttershy quickly said, taking a timid step forward as well. “Try and stop me.” Twilight stared in awe as Fluttershy seemed to snap, her face contorting slightly in anger, her ears standing up straight. With a single flap, Fluttershy leapt over the krogan and planted her hooves firmly on the metal flooring. Her aquamarine eyes locked onto the krogan’s reptilian face. “No!” she said, in a firm authoritative voice. The krogan jabbed a large finger into Fluttershy’s snout. “I’ll give you one chance to move out of the way.” “Make me,” a firm, unnatural voice that resembled Fluttershy’s replied. The krogan and Fluttershy glared daggers at each other; the pegasus’ determined gaze never wavering. After a long moment of awkward silence, Wrex grunted and looked away. Twilight quickly took the opportunity to intervene. “Wrex, Fluttershy. Stop it. I’ll make the decision. I’ll take the responsibility.” Twilight trotted forward and pushed past the awkwardly animated caricature of asari that served as the Rachni’s Queen voice. She blinked as a yellow shadow fluttered down in front of her. “Please, Twilight. Please don’t do it,” Fluttershy pleaded with both hooves. “Are you sure, Fluttershy? You seen what her children can do. You seen what rachni has done to the ponies of this place.” “I believe in her, Twilight. Miss Queen won’t hurt a fly.” The pegasus turned and hovered over to the tank. Slowly, she set a hoof on the reinforced glass. The queen seemed to tilt its armoured head at the pegasus, its glowing “eyes” studying Fluttershy closely for a moment. Then, one of its tentacles reached for the hoof, touching the glass just opposite the hoof. Fluttershy turned to Twilight and gave her a soft smile. Twilight blinked, reaching out to catch a closer look of the queen. Though the frosted glass somewhat obscured her view, she noticed the Queen seemed less agitated. More calm. She noticed Fluttershy seemed to be speaking softly, almost as if she believe the queen could hear her words. Her hoof never moved from the glass, and tellingly, neither did the tentacle. With a smile, she turned and addressed the puppeteered asari again. “Very well. I will let you go.” “You would let us compose our song anew? We will sing to our children tales of your kindness.” Twilight shook her head and gestured at Fluttershy. “Don’t thank me. Thank Fluttershy.” “A strange name. But we shall do so. We shall sing songs of Fluttershy’s kindness. We shall take our children to a hidden place, where we can teach them how to sing. With time, we might return.” Twilight nodded, this time at the Rachni Queen herself directly. With a telekinetic push of the button on the console, she began lowering the suspended tank to the floor. At the same time, the whirl of machinery began to start on one end of the room, opening a sealed entrance on the ground level. The tank soon reached ground level, and a tube extended from the open entrance to the tank. With a hiss, the tank’s airlock opened and the last barrier to her freedom was gone. Yet, the queen hesitated, turning her head to look first at Twilight, then at Fluttershy who was sobbing quietly. Again, the queen reached a tentacle out to the pegasus, who replied in turn with a hoof. Despite herself, Twilight couldn’t help but feel that Fluttershy probably made a powerful friend on this day. The Rachni Queen pulled back her tentacle and then scuttled out of tank and out of sight. As the queen disappeared, the dead asari collapsed to the floor. Twilight watched as Fluttershy slowly fluttered over and landed on her four hooves beside the unicorn. “I guess that was goodbye, huh,” Twilight said. Fluttershy used a forehoof to wipe away her brimming tears. “Yeah... she was saying goodbye to me too,” she said. “She has a very nice voice...” Behind them, Pinkie began bawling, somehow procuring a handkerchief from her seemingly endless stash of random odds and ends, claiming this was the most touching moment yet. Twilight shook her head. “That wasn’t her voice. It was the asari... Wait a minute, I didn’t hear the asari say anything...” She whirled to face Fluttershy. “You... You can hear her? In your head?!” Fluttershy nodded slowly. “I guess. She said it took some doing, but she finally managed to ‘pluck my strings’, whatever that meant. I think she’s being nice.” “Fluttershy. Do you even know what this means?” Twilight quickly grabbed her shoulders eagerly, flushed with enthusiasm. “N-No. What does it mean?” Fluttershy squeaked, squirming at the sudden intrusion of personal space. “You communicated with a Rachni Queen! I mean, sure we all did, through that asari over there—which we probably should bury and all—but the point is, you are probably the first one to communicate with a rachni telepathically! Do you what this means for science?!” “Um, Twilight. I don’t think I want to be—” Twilight continued. “Can you imagine it? We might open a whole new world of possibilities with telepathic communications! Imagine the day when we don’t need radios! Where even non-unicorns can send messages through their mind and without effort as well! The day when—” Applejack coughed and waved her hat in front of the commander. “Ahem. Twilight, I think we still have a job to do?” Twilight blinked, slowly letting Fluttershy go. She grinned sheepishly and rubbed the back of her head. “Oh right. Sorry. Got carried away there.” “Shall we go, commander?” Liara said. *** “Were they any trouble with the guards, Rarity?” Twilight asked. Rarity shook her head, and gestured at Frostfire who was standing at attention stiffly beside her. “None at all. The captain here proved to be most reasonable. I can’t say the same for the guards though.” “Yeah! These two creeps tried to jump me in the living quarters!” Rainbow said grumpily, glaring at the huddle of prisoners sitting sullenly in the corner of the room. They were all disarmed and bound with rope. Her magenta eyes fell specifically on a poor red-coated unicorn and a hapless turian, who was both still groaning in pain. “Now, now Dash. I think giving them a near concussion with those hooves of yours are lesson enough.” Rainbow Dash folded her hooves and turned her nose away. “Hmph.” “What now, Spectre?” Frostfire said. His voice remained genial, even friendly. His good ear twitched erratically. “You disappointed me, Captain. I was hoping that I could trust you.” Frostfire held his gaze steady. “Like I said, it was nothing personal. Benezia paid my fees. I’m duly obliged to carry out her will. Even if I don’t like it.” A flicker of doubt appeared in his eyes. “You know what Benezia did here was illegal. Even by your world’s standard. Even if it’s not, it’s still extremely dangerous. By the suns and moons, it’s the rachni! What were you thinking?! You know what happened before!” Twilight said furiously. “Don’t you lecture me on what to do and what not to do. Not everypony is born with a silver spoon.” Frostfire’s eyes hardened. “I have no say in the matter and certainly little choice else. Do you think we would be able to stand up against the asari commandos like you did?” “Well... no, but—” “Then what would you have us do? Face up against the asari commandos who can tear our faces off with their brains? Or kill the unknown quantity that is you, Commander? My men are not faceless monsters here. They have family. Friends. They don’t want to die anymore than you do. I just took what seemed like the choice that would have the best outcome.” “To you, you mean,” Rarity muttered darkly. “I regret nothing,” Frostfire said. Applejack spoke up, “Yer gotta admit, I don’t think he’d much of a choice there. Talk about stuck between a rock and a hard place.” Twilight stomped her hooves. “The fact is: he tried to kill us. Or at least some of us. By right, I should drag you off to the Citadel now and charge you for attempted homicide.” Frostfire stared at Twilight steadily. “But you won’t. I can see it in your eyes,” he said evenly, never wavering. Twilight glared back murderously for a moment. Then her shoulders slumped. “... no, I won’t.” “What?” Wrex demanded. “He’s right. I cannot in good conscience sentence a pony to death for doing his duty. Even if he was on the wrong side at the wrong time,” Twilight replied heavily. “A-Are you just going to let him go? Twilight, please tell me you are not serious.” Rarity said, her eyes flicking back and forth between the commander and Frostfire. Twilight’s eyes twinkled, as a smirk slowly crossed her face. “I think I know what we can do with him.” *** [Port Heihe, Poneria] It proved to be a simple affair of ridding the main nest of rachni in the facility, as they seemed to have clustered around the Hot Labs, where they were originally raised. It only took a quick sojourn down the emergency elevator to manually set off the detonation charge to sink the entire subsection into the cold, deep ice, where even the rachni would have no hope of living. Fluttershy accepted the decision quietly, though it was clear even to Twilight that the pegasus mourned the loss of these creatures, lost as they were to redemption. Even after the eliminating the rachni, it had been an anxious wait for the ground team till the rescue team from Port Heihe and Normaredy arrived. The team suffered one more suicidal attack by another agent planted within the remaining scientists. The asari managed to free Frostfire and exhorted him to follow Benezia’s order. Frostfire responded with a solid buck to the face and handed the asari over to Twilight. There were to be no further dissent by the Rift Station’s surviving personnel. Handling the aftermath of the incident took a further week, in which reports were filed, prisoners interrogated and the corpses studied and preserved for further study. The Normaredy crew took the time to unwind in the small port. Surprisingly, Sweetie Belle proved to be an invaluable help in obtaining the necessary parts to fix up the Normaredy, her established contacts on Poneria proving to be a blessing in disguise. That and Twilight’s Spectre status ensured that it was in their best interest to get the only representative of Citadel authority off the planet as quickly as possible. “Phew. I reckon I seen enough snow to last me two lifetimes,” Applejack said as she stared out the frosted windows of the hotel lounge. “I had just about enough of this snow-accursed world. Too much white and ain’t enough green.” “Applejack, it wasn’t too bad now, was it?” Rarity replied. She deftly put the finishing touches to her newly made hat and admired her new creation. Applejack snorted and looked away. “Rarity, there’s just something about warmer weather that I fancy.” Twilight trotted into the room with a broad smile. Rainbow Dash and Zecora followed in her footsteps. “Girls, saddle up. The Normaredy is fueled up and ready to go,” she announced. “Oh and Rarity, Sweetie she needed a ride back home. So she would be hitching a ride back to the citadel, so you two won’t have to say goodbye. Not yet anyway.” Rarity’s eyes widened with joy. “Oh Twilight, you’re such a dear!” She stepped over and wrapped her friend in a tight hug. She practically skipped with joy as she made her way out of the door. Applejack and Rainbow Dash snickered as they made their way out. Twilight shook her head and moved to follow, only to feel a tap on her shoulders. “Commander, a word if you please. It’s only quite fitting I tell you about a certain sleaze.” “Sleaze? What, sleaze?” Then light dawned. “Oh, you meant Anoleis?” Zecora nodded. “You’d be pleased to know that he’s currently enjoying his time in jail. It is not pleasant to go without bail.” Twilight found herself giggling at the mental picture of the diminutive salarian in jail. “Very pleased.” She sobered up as another thought struck her. “Did they find any connection to Benezia and Saren?” “Unfortunately, though we had our conjectures, we cannot tell for certain at this juncture. The witness was unable to prove any dealings with Saren and the Board is not interested in being associated with his brethrens.” Zecora seemed a little disquieted by her own words. Perhaps even she was disturbed by the rumours floating around Port Heihe. “A shame. What about Frostfire?” “He is still in custody, awaiting a Poneria tribunal. It is expected to be short, and most genial. I believe he wishes to convey his thanks, and the gratitude of his men in his ranks. As for the rest, the scientists were most relieved. Many have claimed that they were deceived.” “Yeah, right. And I am Princess Celestia,” Twilight replied dryly. “You do not understand Poneria, Sparkle. These scientists are valuable and they are fickle. To lose them now, is something Poneria can ill-afford to allow. Our business is the art of research, and profits is our church.” Twilight shook her head slowly. Politics. The one thing her great intellect could not fathom, no matter how much she tried.. “I will never understand this place.” She looked up at Zecora, favouring her with a smile. “But at least I know I can count on a friend here.” Zecora answered her smile with a wink. “Someday, Commander, we would sit down for proper tea. Not today, I fear. For too much work remain and so you must excuse me.” “Of course.” Zecora nodded her head politely and trotted out of the room. Twilight stopped and glanced back at the hotel lounge.. She watched as a snowflake drifted down from the ceiling vents. A corner of her mind told her that it was impossible, but she followed the snowflakes’ journey through the room, drifting gently to rest on one of the pillow couch. With a blink, it melted and disappeared. “Goodbye, Poneria,” Twilight said, turning and closing the door. *** [Unknown location] The room was dark. So very dark. Luna could hear the whispers all the time now. They were clawing at the edges of her mind, and she swore she could feel the presence of shadowy figures flirting at the edge of her vision. It was unnerving and she dared not fall asleep, lest they take her. She had long since lost track of the time she spent here, though she managed to count at least two dozen meals since she came to. Not that it mattered. They fed her when they pleased and only after she behaved. The first time she tried to buck her asari guard in the face, she was left to starve until she begged to be fed. It was a humiliating experience. She shook her head again, trying to gain some respite from the incoherent whispers tickling her ears. “Leave me alone,” she mumbled, a tear slowly falling from an eye. The whispers redoubled, as if sensing weakness. “Leave me alone...” The voices filled her ears with a roar. Shadowy figures danced in and out of her sight. LunaLunaLunaLunaLunaLunaLuuuuuuunnnnnnaaaaaaaaaa “LEAVE ME ALONE!” she screamed. The whispers disappeared. Luna slumped back onto her restraints, her eyes closed. A moment later, the door to her cell opened, filling the room with the dim light of the corridor. An asari peeked through the door. She spoke quickly into her earpiece, before nodding rapidly. Several more minutes passed before Saren and an asari medical orderly walked into the cell. The orderly knelt and injected a stimulant into a foreleg. She stood up and nodded at the turian, before bowing out of the room. Saren grunted and folded his arms, eyeing the seemingly comatose pony. Soon enough, the restrained pony opened her eyes. Cyan pupils studied the turian standing before her. “What is it?” a deeper and more sultry voice demanded. Her star-field mane glowed dimly. “Congratulations on your victory... other Luna. I was quite surprised it took this fast to drive the princess into her shell.” The not-Luna snorted. “Of course not. She never was very strong mentally, despite her recent centuries of questionable work.” Saren tilted his head. “The question is, are you more pliable than she was?” “Pliable? No. More willing to listen? Certainly. But do not take me for a fool. We both desire different things, I can tell. The real question is, what can you offer me?” Saren smiled and bent to whisper into her waiting ears. The cyan eyes widened as she listened and the traces of a smile began to form at her lips. “I see. As long as your... masters are willing to let me... enact my revenge, I have no objections... for now.” “The Reapers are most willing to accommodate you. Provided you remain loyal.” The smile on her lips widened into a toothy grin. “Then you just have to give me cause to remain loyal... Saren.” “Of course.” Saren smiled, his fangs bared for the not-Luna to see. “By I can’t very well call you Luna now, can I?” The not-Luna stiffened “Never address me by that foal’s name.” Her starry mane rose and caressed the side of Saren’s cheek. “Call me... Nightmare Moon.”

Grif

267

Main 6,Spike,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Pony Effect

What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe?

incomplete

<p>What if ponies replaced humans in the Mass Effect universe? Will Commander Sparkle save the day like Shepard did?</p><p>Special thanks to vimbert and 108Echoes from Ponychan's /fic/ for proofreading and conceptual ideas.</p><p>The <a href="https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B0WyBmfXXXZKZDk2ZTM2ZGMtZGFkZS00OTgyLTkyYjMtYWVjYjBhNDI5MGMy/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">GDoc links</a>, if FimFiction does not fancy you. This is both my working copy and the originals that was published on Equestria Daily.</p>

everyone

2013-02-21T16:55:06+00:00

2013-02-21T16:55:04+00:00

[Zakera Ward, Citadel] The Citadel. The teeming hub of galactic civilization in the Milky Way, where everypony could come and live the great Citadel dream. Not that it mattered to the pony who stood at a secluded corner of the 34th floor of Zakera Ward. He glanced warily at the crowd teeming all around him, the portable camera drone hovering silently behind his back. Dressed in a plain black leather coat, he stuck out rather conspicuously amongst the colourful crowds of ponies, turians, salarians, and asari. At least no one gave him a second glance; stranger beings had walked these streets after all. “I hope the dumb blonde comes by soon. I paid good credits just to get information on her whereabouts,” he grumbled under his breath. Fortunately, his prayers were soon answered. Through the thick of the crowd, Khal spied his target striding into view together with a sky-blue C-Sec pegasus. He frowned. Drat. Didn’t realise she was going to be here together with that loud-mouthed C-Sec agent. Wait a minute, that might actually work in my favour... A smile slowly lit his face. Khal wouldn’t have gotten to where he was without aces up his sleeve. His inner trepidation settled, Khal Al-Jilal emerged from the alcove and called out, “Gunnery Chief Applejack? May I have a word with you?” His camera drone’s lamp shone in their surprised faces—a tactic Khal hoped would disorient them and keep them off balance. “What in tarnation? Git that off mah face,” Applejack cried, her hooves pushing the drone off. Rainbow was quick to poke Khal in the chest. “Hey! Don’t make me arrest your butt.” Khal quickly interjected in a smooth voice, “My apologies, ma’ams. It was the only way to get your attention.” “You could try... y’know, askin’?” Applejack grumbled. She blinked a few times, before turning to regard Khal fully. Her green eyes seemed to conceal a rustic sort of cunning, the type that would give lip to anypony who crossed her. Khal suddenly had a feeling this might prove more difficult than expected. “Anyhow, always happy to be of service. What can we help ya with?” Khal gave a short bow. “My name is Khal Al-Jilal from the Equestrian—” “Khal Al-Ji-what?” Rainbow stifled a snort. “What kind of name is that?” “I beg your pardon?” Khal said, a little miffed that he was so rudely interrupted by this buffoon. Applejack, to her credit, seemed to have retained some tact. “What Rainbow means here”—she shot her compatriot a sharp glance—“is that it doesn’t seem like a proper pony name. Were ya born on a non-pony world?” Khal-Al-Jilal huffed. “Well! I’ll have you know that I was born on the jewel of the Equestrian Federation: New Unicornia.” He ran a hoof through his finely styled mane. “A modern name to suit these changing times—rather more respectable than the stale old naming tradition that dates back to our grazing years, I say.” Rainbow Dash broke into helpless giggles, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Tch... bwahahahahah!” She collapsed on the floor, laughing. Beside her, Applejack brought a hoof to her lips, chuckling as well. “Ma’am, ain’t nopony call New Unicornia th’ Jewel of Equestria no more. Least, not ‘round these parts.” Khal was stunned. “Everypony knows New Unicornia!” he said, his lips trembling slightly. “How ignorant you louts are to—” Khal cringed, his words trailing off. Rainbow stopped giggling, and pinned Khal with a glare. “Who you callin’ a peasant, huh?” Her magenta eyes narrowed. “Hold on a minute. Aren’t you that reporter dude who wanted to make Twilight look bad?” “Who now?” Applejack asked. Khal was suddenly aware of how intensely the two were studying him. All he intended to do was hammer the dumb blonde until she admitted to some indiscretion of the captain’s, imagined or not. It should have been a simple quick in-quick out, but things were starting to look complicated. Time for Plan B. “Oh, that was just a slight misunderstanding between myself and the commander. It’s really nothing to be—” Rainbow poked Khal’s chest. “Twilight said a reporter was out to smear her reputation. She didn’t exactly say who, but she did say he had a weird name. I guess that means you.” Applejack’s eyes flashed with sudden anger. “Why I oughta just—” Time to pull out his trump card. Khal puffed his chest out and tried to look unintimidated. “Now, I warn you: I’m a member of the press. Any acts of violence against me will be severely punished under Citadel laws.” Sparkle’s random act of violence notwithstanding, C-Sec tended to look unfavourably on those who assault members of the press. To his delight, Applejack bristled, muscles tightening beneath that orange coat. That’s it. Get angry. Show the galaxy that you’re yet another dangerous maverick who needs to be brought under control. Oh, the spin I can put on this! Sparkle’ll have a fit. Then the C-Sec pony ruined everything. Rainbow put a hoof on the earth pony’s shoulder and said, “Woah there, AJ. Why are you letting this punk rile you up?” Applejack subsided and contented herself with a good old murderous look. “Rainbow, let me just have one good buck at ‘im. I promise he won’t have any broken bones... mostly.” Khal did a second-take on that well-toned flank and shapely hindlegs. He suddenly had a feeling Applejack might just be understating things. “And get arrested by C-Sec afterwards?” Rainbow took to the air and folded her forelegs around her chest. “Listen AJ: I like you, but I can’t go around ignoring a blatant case of assault like that. Don’t do it.” “This snake is out to make Twilight look bad. Are we s’posed to go on as if nothin’ happened?” “No.” Rainbow gave Khal the evil eye again. “But that doesn’t mean we can go around breakin’ the rules. You know how much trouble we got into the last time we did that.” The two shared a knowing look. Khal tapped his hooves impatiently. This was not at all going as planned. No dirt on the good commander and no spectacle to make up for that disappointment either. Applejack straightened herself. “You just stay clear of us,” she declared in a low, menacing voice. Her green eyes glittered with dangerous intent. Khal swallowed hard. The warning was crystal: this was not a pony he would cross. “Good. Have a nice day now, y’hear.” She doffed her stetson hat and waved for Rainbow to follow. The two disappeared back into the crowd without even a single glance back. Khal let out a breath he hadn't realise he had been holding. That was too close. *** [Equestrian Embassy, Citadel] The normally busy office was silent, save for the soft sound of running water of the Presidium’s lake beyond the balcony. Commander Sparkle stood alone, facing the communication lectern, patiently awaiting for her call to be put through. Ambassador Lyra had been kind enough to lend her office for this private meeting. Moments later, the hologram of Princess Celestia sprang to life. Twilight bowed deeply. Celestia gestured for Twilight to stand. “No need for formalities, my dear Twilight. Now, what have you found so far?” Twilight shook her head slowly. “My apologies, Princess. We have found no information to Princess Luna’s whereabouts.” “I see.” Celestia hummed. “Regrettably, there have been no new developments here in Canterlot either. Whatever happened to my dear sister, there is no trace.” She sighed. “That’s terrible, Princess,” Twilight said. “Do you think she’s been... kidnapped?” “To be honest, I have no idea,” Celestia replied, her brow furrowed. “Luna is skilled enough that she could take on a small army should she choose to.” Twilight suspected Princess Celestia was understating things—the power of an alicorn monarch was nothing to be sniffed about. “I suspect foul play, but I know my sister. Even after all these years, she is still reserved and reluctant to trust. It is highly unlikely she would be led into a trap.” “So... you mean to say she allowed herself to be captured?” “That is indeed possible, though to what end, I do not know. Perhaps she sought to gain the enemy’s trust, or perhaps she had thought that this would be the best way to obtain further information. The geth and Saren are pretty elusive, after all.” Twilight cringed. “But that doesn’t make any sense! She could have just sent somepony else to do it!” “Luna can be very... headstrong at times. She firmly believes in doing things by herself if she deems it too dangerous for ordinary ponies.” The hologram sighed. “I think her experience with Nightmare Moon still haunt her to this day.” “Princess, does anypony else know?” “So far? No. I was very careful to keep news of Luna’s disappearance under wraps. However, some are beginning to question her absence in the Royal Castle of late. Such unfounded assertions are still that: just rumours.” The princess gave her one of her trademark cryptic smiles. “We are already encouraging those involved not to pursue the matter further.” Twilight had a distinct feeling there was more to the “encouragement” than the Princess let on. She cleared her throat. “At any rate, we’ll continue looking. We’ll find her, Princess. I promise.” Princess Celestia nodded. “I certainly hope so. If what you say about the Matriarch was true, then Luna may not have much time.” Twilight suppressed a faint shudder. Being brainwashed like Benezia wasn’t a fate she would wish on anypony, especially not one of the co-rulers of Equestria. *** [Tayseri Wards, Citadel] “Hey, Garrus?” Spike asked. The turian paused and looked to the dragon perched on his left shoulder. “Yeah, Spike?” “Do you ever see... you know, griffons around here?” Garrus scratched his chin in thought. “Griffons? You mean those weird half-bird, half-lion, half... something creatures?” “Yeah, those guys,” Spike answered. Garrus shrugged. “Some. Mostly when they get into trouble. They’re like quarians and krogans around here—mostly poor, homeless and struggling to find work. To be fair, they’re not as bad as krogans, but a lot of griffons are on C-Sec watchlists for being troublemakers.” “Huh, I thought they would be more welcome. Y’know a griffon is pretty strong and all that. I’m sure somepony could use that.” “So is a krogan or quarian. Don’t let those slender quarians fool you; they can still break your back if they wanted to.” Garrus grinned at Spike’s blanched expression. “Don’t worry. You’re in safe hands here. C-Sec, remember?” He tapped the badge on his torso. “Oh, please,” Rarity interrupted before Spike could speak. “Don’t you think we should be discussing something more pleasant? Like— Ooof!” She turned her head and found herself nosedeep in a plume of feathers. “Watch where you’re going, you clumsy...” Her eyes widened as she saw just who she had bumped into. “Oh dear.” Spike tried to salvage the situation. “Rarity, maybe you should—” “What did that she say?” a deep voice boomed. Spike gulped as he looked at the owner of the voice: a massive griffon—the biggest he had seen yet. Grey and black plumes dominated his face, the visage marred only by a thin scar running down his left cheek. “Something about you watching where you’re going,” a smaller griffon answered, moving to the first griffon’s side. Where the large griffon had dark grey plumage, the female griffon had an all-dirty white plumage crowned with red head-feathers—likely dyed. Behind her, another pair of young griffons—both with the same dirty white plumage—watched with mild interest. One was dressed in a black leather jacket, while the other opted for a more simple blue vest. Both were evidently well-worn. “Is she trying to tell me what to do?” the scarred one demanded. Spike swallowed nervously again. The quartet of griffons seemed to press in closer. Garrus quickly stepped forward, holding up his hands. “Now, now, gentlemen, I’m sure there is no cause for quarrel.” The big one gave Garrus a scornful look. “No cause for quarrel, eh? Why don’t you tell that bitch to mind her own business?” Rarity recoiled in disgust. “You uncouth brute! Somepony should rinse that filthy beak of yours with antiseptic.” “Rarity! I don’t think this is the best idea!” Spike hissed. “Nonsense, Spike. This is a civilised age we live in and, we should all hold ourselves to a higher standard of conduct, don’t you think?” Rarity seemed patently oblivious to the danger she was in, or that the massive griffon was bristling visibly. The female griffon shifted her wings. Spike’s eyes widened as he glimpsed the tell-tale shape of a pistol holster. Garrus apparently spotted the holster too, because a moment later, his pistol came flying out, pointed directly at the female griffon. “Paws where I can see them, wings folded behind your back. You know the drill,” he shouted. The quartet of griffon took a step back and reluctantly did as they were told. He waved his pistol at the female griffon. “You. Put that down that weapon on the floor. Slowly.” The female griffon plucked the weapon from its handle-grip and slowly placed it on the floor. Garrus frowned as he went over and picked up the pistol with this free hand. It was strangely lightweight for its size; The material felt almost like plastic. “It’s not a real weapon, you crazy C-Sec idiot. It’s something we picked up for ” Garrus seemed a little disconcerted. He hefted the pistol and squeezed the trigger. Nothing happened. “Hmm, you’re right. Alright, fine.” He waved for them to lower their paws. “Just don’t... cause any trouble, okay?” “We ain’t never caused trouble before. Why do you cops love to pick on us honest griffon folk?” “Your ‘toy’ could have been a weapon,” Garrus said pointedly. “Hah! As if you cops would let us touch anything that looks like a weapon to begin with. I can’t even bring my tribe’s ceremonial knife on board this station.” Spike scratched his head. “Dude. It’s a knife.” “But it’s a sacred relic of my family! My tribe has passed it down for generations, from the days of The Strife.” “It’s still a knife,” Spike repeated. He shuddered to think what could the griffon do with a knife. “You can hurt ponies with it.” The griffon rolled his eyes. “If I wanted to, I could have just gutted you three with my bare claws without breaking a sweat.” He narrowed his eyes at Garrus, who was staring at the griffon warily. “Don’t get your knickers in a twist. I’m not actually going to hurt anypony. Believe or not, I actually want to earn an honest living here.” “Then why are you not?” Rarity asked. “Because everypony here seems to think I’m good for nothing but hired muscle.” The griffon smiled, though his eyes remained bitter. “The only job offers I got were from gangs and mob bosses who needed warm bodies for their turf wars.” Rarity blinked. “If you don’t have a job, where are you...” “The second ventilation shaft behind the Liniments. It’s actually pretty comfortable once you get used to the downdraft.” Rarity’s jaw dropped, her expression aghast. “How could you...” She quickly pushed her jaw up, recovering her composure. “How could you live like this?” she demanded. “We make do.” The griffon shrugged. Rarity raised a hoof, seeming about to protest, before thinking better of it. Her expression hardened. “I must insist you come with me now.” “Say what?” The griffon looked at Rarity, then back at Garrus. “I’m not under arrest now, am I?” Garrus gave a helpless shrug. Rarity wrapped her magical aura around the griffon’s claws and started tugging. “No buts. You four: with me now. We’re going for dinner, and then we’re finding you some respectable clothing.” *** [Dock 411, Zakera Wards] Sweetie Belle knew it was a bad idea to come out here without telling anypony. Rarity had specifically forbid her from straying off into the unknown parts of the Citadel. But she was tired of being told what to do. She was seventeen this year! Besides, the mysterious message she got on the extranet was bugging her to no end. Besides, she wasn’t alone. “Hey, Sweetie Belle, you sure this is the right place?” Scootaloo said, putting a hoof to her head and scanning the dock area. The two were standing in the shadow of one of the cargo elevator shafts servicing this particular dock. Automated drones, dockworkers, ponies and aliens scurried back and forth, each busy in their own business. “Quite sure. The message said Dock 411.” Sweetie Belle answered nervously. “This is Dock 411, right?” Scootaloo raised a hoof to indicate the large number imprinted on the dock wall. “Pretty sure,” she answered dryly. “Huh...” Sweetie Belle scratched her head. “I wonder who sent the message. I mean, why meet us here?” “Have you ever considered this might be a trap?” Scootaloo asked. “Um...” “Thankfully, I have this.” Scootaloo stretched out a wing and pulled out a pistol from somewhere beneath her uniform. “Woah... where did you get that?” “After Twilight stirred up the hornet’s nest back on Harnos and Therum, I thought we all could use some protection. So I got one off the Normaredy.” Sweetie Belle eyed the pistol warily. “Are you sure that’s necessary, Scootaloo? We’re on the Citadel.” “Bad things happen to fillies on the Citadel,” Scootaloo declared solemnly. “You sound like a bad action hero.” Scootaloo chuckled. “Okay, so maybe I stole that line from that movie...” A familiar voice drifted over to their ears. “Oh, there you are. I been looking all over for you.” A young mare emerged from the crowds and stepped up to them with a smile. “Apple Bloom?!” *** [Ambassador Lounge, Presidium] Applejack settled down on her haunches, eyeing hungrily the fresh, frothy glass of cider placed in front of her. It had been so long since she had had time to enjoy a mug in peace. Even better, she managed to convince the stuffy asari doctor, Liara to join her for a taste. Rainbow, of course, never turned down an opportunity for cider, and Garrus seemed to have picked up his partner’s taste in drink. Grinning from ear to ear, she raised her mug. “Bottoms up!” she declared, touching the rim of the mug to her lips. Just as the delicious froth teased her tastebuds, she noticed a pony waving at her. Strange, she seemed oddly familiar. Then the ball dropped. “Apple Bloom?!” she spluttered, nearly spilling her precious mug of cider. “Hey, sis!” Apple Bloom greeted happily. She skipped up to her sister and wrapped her in a hug. Applejack could only blink slowly. “Rainbow. I’m dreamin’, right? Please tell me I’m dreamin’,” she pleaded. “Nope.” Rainbow said, grinning from ear to ear. “She looks very real to me,” Liara added. Applejack slowly wrapped her own forelegs around Apple Bloom. “Land sakes, Apple Bloom! What in the name of Celestia possessed ya to come all the way here?” she found herself saying. “I was worried, Applejack! I can’t let you go off and fight those aliens alone. I want to help too!” “Apple Bloom, what did I tell you to do on Harnos?” Applejack said, a tinge of exasperation creeping into her voice. “Um... let’s see... stay safe...” “And what do you think you’re doing here...?” “Staying safe, of course! What’s safer than having my big sister here to protect me?” Apple Bloom wrapped her hooves tighter around her sister’s chest. “Apple Bloom, we’re fighting to save to stop a race of genocidal robots hell-bent on attacking ponies for some reason. It’s not safe.” “Are ya sayin’ staying on a distant, isolated colony is safer than travelling with you on one of the most advanced warship of the Alliance?” Curse the irrefutable logic of younger sisters! “Well, uh...” “I think she got you there, AJ,” Rainbow said with a chuckle. “Alright, fine! Since you came all the way here, I’m leaving you in the care of Ambassador Lyra. There is no safer place than the Citadel.” “Applejack!” Apple Bloom cried. Applejack frowned. “No buts, young lady. Yer in enough trouble already as it is.” *** [The Flux, Zakera Wards] “... and then I said, ‘Noooo, you can’t have a party without ginger beer! It just isn’t a party without ginger beer!’” Pinkie giggled-snorted, and flopped back in merriment. The booth shook a little. Wrex chuckled lightly at Pinkie’s joke and sipped his glass of ryncol. By korgan standards, a sip meant a whole glass. “Personally, I prefer a party with a lot more real alcohol, fertile females and a whole load of head-butting.“ “Pffft. Wrexie, you don’t need those for a good time.” “True, but they make it so much more enjoyable.” Pinkie giggled again and pointed an accusing hoof at her krogan companion. “Naughty, naughty! You krogans all have dirty minds!” “Hey, can’t blame a krogan for looking out for his own bloodline.” Wrex’s reptilian eyes twinkled with amusement. The booth fell silent again as the two refilled their glasses: more ryncol for Wrex and ginger beer for Pinkie. The pink mare rolled her glass in her hooves before looking up at Wrex. “Wrexie... do you ever think of going back? You know, to Tuchanka?” Wrex snorted. “Bah, that ball of dirt? There’s nothing left for me there.” “Don’t you miss home? Friends? Family?” Pinkie pressed. “I might. If I hadn’t been betrayed,” Wrex answered curtly. Pinkie’s ears flattened. “That doesn’t sound very nice,” she said in a decidedly less cheery voice. “It wasn’t.” Wrex gulped his drink. As he set down his glass, he noticed Pinkie putting on her best imitation of a puppy dog. Wrex sighed heavily. “You won’t stop pestering me until I tell you the whole story, huh?” “Yep!” Wrex eyed the entrance of the bar, weighing his options. Being a krogan, he’d likely outrun Pinkie in a straight sprint. Avoiding her was another matter altogether. It wasn’t a battle he’d win. “Fine,” he said with a resigned grunt. “Yay!” Pinkie bounced up and down her seat happily. Then, she put on her best serious expression and leaned forward to listen. Wrex eyed her briefly, wondering again for the hundredth time what was going on in the pink ball of energy he called a friend. “See now. I was the head of a small clan on Tuchanka. I—” “I didn’t know you once led a clan, Wrexie!” Pinkie interrupted. “You should have told me! Think of all the parties we could have thrown with your clanmates!” “Pinkie, there are some things I done in my life that would make you not want to be my friend. This is one of them. Even if that would save me a great deal of headache in the long run, I still like having your pink weakling ass around. Now do you want the story or not?” Pinkie’s ears flattened and she subsided into her seat. “Sorry Wrexie, I’ll be good.” “I was trying to help our kind recover. We were trying to restore order after the war. But the other tribes were against us. They followed Jarrod, one of the few warlords who survived the war. But he was old, and so was his idea. He wanted to continue fighting; the turians, salarians, each other. Didn’t matter who. But he didn’t realise how much things changed. We needed to be breeding, not throwing away lives by fighting. The genophage made sure that our numbers are too few to even consider fighting again, at least for one generation. For a while there, I was getting through. But Jarrod didn’t like my plans.” Throughout his monologue, Wrex’s voice retained a matter-of-fact tone. “Ooooh. What happened?” Wrex smiled thinly. “He arranged a Crush with the tribes—a meeting on neutral ground. He wanted to talk.” “Talk?” Pinkie raised an eyebrow. “That doesn’t seem very krogan-y to me. You silly krogans just love to kill ponies and stuff.” She mouthed the last part with a grimace. Wrex smirked. “There are some laws that even we krogans hold sacred. We met at the Hollows, on the graves of our ancestors. It’s as sacred as a krogan place can be. Violence was forbidden there. We talked, but we didn’t get anywhere. Then when he realised I wouldn’t join him, he gave the signal. His men leapt out of the graves of our ancestors like krogan undead. The few that were loyal to me died quickly. I escaped, but not before sinking my dagger deep into my father’s chest.” Pinkie blinked. “Hold on. Just waaaaaaaaaait a minute,” she said slowly. Her eyes narrowed at the krogan. “Did you just say you killed your own father? As in kill kill?” “Jarrod was a fool. He deserved to die after violating our ancestor’s graves,” Wrex replied simply. “But killing your own father...” Pinkie repeated softly. “We’re krogans, Pinkie. Death is part of who we are.” Wrex sipped his ryncol again. “Best get used to it.” “Doesn’t mean I have to like it,” Pinkie said sulkily, pouting like a foal denied candy. An awkward silence fell on the booth. Just as Wrex thought Pinkie had given up, she brightened again. “Oh! Oh! Tell me how you escaped!” “Escape?” Wrex snorted. “Pah. It was just a matter of hauling my sorry arse to Tuchanka’s only spaceport, commandeering a freighter off the planet and shooting some more of my father’s men on the way out. Nothing to it.” “Aw. I’d thought you would be more like”—Pinkie began to mimic the sound of guns firing—“and then more, ‘Hey! Stop right there you criminal scum!’, shouting and”—she moved to demonstrate some choice wrestling moves of her own—”some really fancy moves to escape the dastardly krogans that were out to get you.” She ended with a critical eye on Wrex. “C’mon now, spill the beans!” “Hey, now. I’m a mercenary, not some holovid actor paid to look fancy. I shoot, I kill, I move on. That’s all.” Pinkie pouted again. “Aww... you’re no fun sometimes, Wrexie.” “Business is business.” Wrex downed another glass of ryncol. His reptilian eyes settled on Pinkie Pie again. “Speaking of which, how did you know I was looking for my family’s ceremonial armour?” Wrex had been on a job on Ilium when he first stumbled on Pinkie Pie. Or rather, he had been accosted by the hyperactive pink pony. One destroyed park bench later, he was pleasantly surprised to receive his familial heirloom straight from the hooves of the mysterious pony. The two had been on good terms since, keeping in touch mainly through extranet and the occasional pastry service. “My Pinkie Sense told me,” Pinkie said, giggling. Wrex knew better than to question her preternatural sixth sense. “Well, you never did tell me how you got it in the first place.” “Oh, it’s nothing really. See, I was just stopping by on Omega, when I saw this suspicious stand. There’s this turian who was selling this piece of krogan armour. I think his name was Tonn Actus. So I thought, hey, it looks cool as a party prop. But then he tried to cheat me of my bits, saying it’s now worth double thanks to me asking. I was like, ‘What? That can’t be right.’ So one thing led to another and kinda...” She tapped her hooves together. “... ended in a huge fire.” Wrex whistled. “I hope that scumbag died a messy death,” he said. “Oh, that meanie pants escaped. I think he had an aircar stashed somewhere. But at least I saved your armour.” Pinkie didn’t quite catch Wrex’s disappointed rumble. “Anyway, Aria wasn’t pleased of the damage the fire caused but I think I got all of that worked out now.” Wrex perked up. “Aria? The Aria T’Loak?” he repeated with disbelief. Pinkie giggled. “Oh, I just threw her a Sorry-For-The-Unexplained-Fire party! She seemed pretty happy after that. In fact, she was so happy that she asked some turian to get me the next ship to Ilium. It was pretty sad to leave Omega, but then again, Ilium had far better atmosphere. I think that was pretty nice of her.” Wrex snorted, and shook his head. “Typical.” *** [Arboretum, Citadel] Khal Al-Jilal put a hoof to his chest to steady his laboured breathing. He took comfort in the fact that he was safe behind this gazebo for now. That was entirely too close. Who knew a shy pegasus like her would have such a... such a... He shuddered to even put words to it. He thought it would be an easy affair to tease information out of the shy one of the group. After all, she was just an emotionally scarred pegasus, while he was a full grown stallion complete with a certified press card. But no, she had to travel with that bitch of a quarian. His multi-thousand credit camera drone was now a smoking wreck somewhere in the arboretum. But that hadn’t the worst part. Oh no. It was those... those... Those aquamarine eyes. Khal quickly put that memory to rest. Sparkle could keep this psycho for all he cared. He most definitely wasn’t going to risk his soul just to get the scoop of the lifetime. No sir. “Come out, little birdie. I promise I won’t hurt you...” That voice chilled him to the bone. It was also just around the corner. Khal let out a small whimper as the sound of soft hooves trampling the grass hovered closer. “I see you...” Khal’s felt the colour draining out of his face. His skin crawled up his spine as he imagined those eyes again. He let out a high-pitched scream and ran forward wildly, no longer interested in hiding. All that mattered was escape. Escape from those eyes. *** Fluttershy watched the fleeing figure disappear into the underbrush of the arboretum. “Do you think I was too harsh on him, Tali?” “That boschtet deserved every second,” Tali replied without hesitation. “He’s lucky I didn’t get my hands on him. I’d have made him regret he ever took up journalism.” “Oh... okay...” Fluttershy scuffed the ground with her hoof, her ears drooping. She wasn’t proud of what she had done, but the rage... She shivered. For the first time in her life, she was afraid. Afraid of who she was. Tali didn’t seem to notice her momentary introspection. “C’mon. Let’s go before that imbecile comes back waving his camera in our faces again.” *** [Zakera Wards, Citadel] Sprinkle’s Milkshake Bar was one of the major highlights of the Wards—according to the tourist guide Apple Bloom got off some salarian—which was why the three were now sitting in his bar, drinking his signature milkshakes. All things considered, it was still inferior to the Canterlot variety. The trio had retired to a quiet corner of the bar and spent the day reminiscing. “I still can’t believe you travelled all the way out here just to join us,” Sweetie Belle said. “Can’t just sit there on Harnos while you two go off on an adventure without me, can’t I? Besides, Applejack agreed,” Apple Bloom said. She took a long sip from her specially ordered milkshake—vanilla, sprinkled with a hint of cinnamon and cocoa. Just the way she liked it. “She only said you can stay here. Not follow us around.” “Hey, I’m a big pony now. I can do what I want!” Apple Bloom glared as her two friends snickered. Then she sighed, “Still, it’s been a long time since we gathered like this.” “You mean since high school?” Scootaloo replied dryly. “Yeah!” Sweetie Belle said. Then she frowned. “Wait, was that a trick question?” Scootaloo snickered and leaned back, sipping her own chocolate milkshake. “Let’s just enjoy the moment,” she said quietly. “Aw, Scoots. Yer no fun anymore,” Apple Bloom said. Scootaloo shrugged. “Piloting a spaceship does that to ya.” “Hey! I survived a mind-controlling plant on a remote colony.” Apple Bloom shuddered, her eyes distant for a moment. “Not something I wanna repeat.” Sweetie stirred her own milkshake. “Say, Apple Bloom, did you ever find out what your cutie mark meant?” Apple Bloom’s ears wilted. “No...” “I guess it’s not a “Working In Far-Off Colony” cutie mark huh...” Sweetie Belle said. “It’s a box, Sweetie Belle. I’m not even sure what th’ hay a box is supposed to mean.” “Maybe it’s a box packer cutie mark?” Sweetie offered. Apple Bloom huffed. “I tried that! It’s not it!” “How did you—” Sweetie Belle did a double take. “Hold on, since when did you work at a box-packing factory? You never mentioned it before.” Apple Bloom tapped her forehooves nervously.“Well, it was right before I went to Harnos and I... uh... sorta left...” “You burned down the factory, didn’t you?” Sweetie deadpanned. It was a reasonable guess. The CMC always had a reputation for disaster after all. “It wasn’t my fault!” Apple Bloom said defensively. Scootaloo chuckled. “Sure it wasn’t, Apple Bloom. You just happened to trip over a wire or something, right?” “H-How did you know?” “I guessed.” Scootaloo calmly sipped on her milkshake as two pairs of eyes glued on her. “Also, there’s that report on the extranet about some freak accident on New Maretania that cost the planet nearly one billion credits. They even gave a detailed account of how it happened. Let’s see now: a filly with a blond mane and a yellow coat, was suspected to be involved.” “Oh...” Apple Bloom looked even more downcast. “You didn’t follow up on the fire, did you, Apple Bloom?” “Why would I? I was kinda busy high-tailin’ out of there after my employer fired me.” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. “We didn’t exactly get extranet on Harnos. Geth and plant monster thing and all that.” Scootaloo snickered. “Then you’d love this. Turns out, he was running a highly illegal red sand processing operation just under his factory. Your ‘accident’ just happened to uncover the biggest red sand smuggling operation on the planet. The ‘one billion’ credits was from the drug cartels. They call it the best industrial incident to happen to the planet.” “Hold on, wha...? So that dirty no-good lout was smuggling red sand right under my nose? That’ll explain all those time I caught him sneaking around...” Apple Bloom slammed her hooves together. “I can’t believe I missed that!” “Ah well, at least it turned out well in the end, yeah?” Scootaloo offered. “Yeah, heh heh.” The trio went silent as they sipped on their drinks thoughtfully, letting the sounds of the teeming milkshake bar fill the air. Scootaloo broke the lull. “You know, I don’t think Twilight is taking this well. She looks so... haggard now.” “Yeah...” Apple Bloom said. Her green eyes stared into her glass. “I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t bear to sit around while Saren is runnin’ loose tearin’ up the galaxy. That Conduit of his sounds too dangerous for us to walk away like that.” Sweeti Belle chuckled. “You’re beginning to sound like Tali.” “Hey, it’s jus’ common sense. Where the hay are we s’pose to run if he takes over the galaxy?” Sweetie Belle tilted her head. “Are you planning something, Bloom?” “I was jus’ thinking... Maybe it’s time to reform the Cutie Mark Crusaders... Only this time”—Apple Bloom grinned—“we’ll be saving the galaxy!” Scootaloo pushed her pilot’s cap back and whistled. “Now that’s an idea I can get behind. I think I still have the contacts of all the Cutie Mark Crusaders branches we formed.” “And I still have our ceremonial tambourines!” The weight of the ensuing silence was palpable. Sweetie shrank a little from the sharp glances the other two gave her. “What? I thought it was a shame to throw them away.” Apple Bloom quickly shook her head. “Never mind that. Are we agreed?” “Count me in!” Sweetie Belle said. Scootaloo smirked. “I might be the most awesome pilot on this side of the galaxy, but I’m still a Crusader at heart.” Apple Bloom held a big smile on her face. “Together, nothing can stop us.” “CUTIE MARKS CRUSADERS, YAY!” they cheered together, clinking their milkshakes. Apple Bloom rubbed her hooves together. “Now, I got a plan to sneak on the Normaredy without Applejack knowing...” *** [Equestrian Embassy, Presidium] Twilight stared at the sight of an entire platoon of guards blockading the entrance, their shoulder-mounted weapons pointed directly at the doorway. She just went to get a drink at the bar... How did things escalate so quickly? One of the guard cantered up towards her and saluted. “Ma’am, we have a terrorist situation.” “Let me take care of it...” Twilight sighed. She pushed through the line of guards that had formed around the entrance of the embassy, determined to get to the bottom of this latest disruption to her schedule. To her surprise, she found the source of the disturbance not to be some wild-eyed stallion asking for asylum, but rather, Rarity brandishing her weapon around. Rarity lowered her gun as soon as she spied the commander. “Twilight! I’m so glad to see you. These ingrates just don’t understand Equestrian.” Twilight quickly plucked the submachine gun out of her grasp and stowed it in her saddlebag. “Rarity, what manner of insanity possessed you to point your guns at our own embassy guards?” “I told her it was a bad idea!” Spike’s voice said from under a potted plant. “They wanted to arrest the poor griffons. I simply cannot allow such an affront to go unpunished.” “Wait... what griffons?” “Oh.” She gestured at the counter. “You can come out now.” Four feathered heads peeped out from behind. “This is Commander Twilight, captain of the SSV Normaredy and our very own pony Spectre.” “Rarity, why are there griffons in the office?” Twilight asked, a twinge of exasperation in her voice. “Oh, these poor dears have been living on the streets, Twilight—in the ventilation shafts no less. I couldn’t just let them be,” Rarity answered. She put a hoof to her head and sighed. “It’s really no place for any living creature to live.” Twilight felt her eye twitch. She glanced at the quartet of griffons standing uneasily at the door then back at Rarity. She bit back the surge of anger that percolated in her mind. “Rarity, no offense, but we can’t possibly keep them here. This is an embassy, not a shelter for the homeless. If we started taking them in, we’d end up with half of the homeless population of the Citadel.” Rarity recoiled in mock horror. “Why, I’m shocked, Twilight! Shocked! How could you possibly condemn them to the cold and wintry nights of the Citadel?” Twilight rolled her eyes. “In case you didn’t know, the entire Citadel is maintained at a constant temperature. It’s quite unlikely anypony would actually freeze to death on this station. Also, there isn’t a day-night cycle in the Wards anyway.” Rarity wasn’t to be deterred. “You know what I mean,” she offered with a haughty sniff. “I do, and I don’t understand, Rarity...” Twilight turned her head towards the griffon and waved a hoof. “They’re aren’t exactly incapable.” “Excuse me, Miss Rarity, but the purple one is right.” Twilight’s eyes widened as one of the griffons rose to his full height. He looked like one of those old buff griffon actors in one of those cheesy action movies back in Canterlot. He also looked more than capable of inflicting mortal wounds if he so wished. Twilight found herself tensing unconsciously. “Wha—?” “I may be poor and homeless, but I sure as hell ain’t gonna start begging now. The dinner was good and the... shirt”—he tugged at his masterfully designed suit, taking care not to rip the delicate fabric with his sharp talons—“is very nice, but I can’t take this. My clan’s honour demands that I repay you with equal value, and I simply cannot afford this.” “Oh, but I paid for all that. You don’t owe me a single cent,” Rarity countered. “Look, lady. I’ll be the laughing stock of the Ward if I accept your help. We got on fine without you and we sure as hell can survive with ot without your help.” The griffon winced, evidently realising his slip of tongue. “No offense,” he added belatedly. Rarity did look somewhat offended, but her lips continued to smile. “None taken,” she said tightly. Twilight decided to intervene. “Rarity. These are griffons. They have their own code of honour,” she said, glancing at the griffon. The griffon nodded back. “I don’t see why they would refuse perfectly sincere gifts.” “Well, see, they don’t like accepting free help. It’s abhorrent to them. A sign of weakness, if you will. Gifts, if accepted, must be reciprocated in kind. Otherwise a griffon would be regarded as a burden to the clan and risk being shamed and cast out,” Twilight explained. She tactfully refrained from mentioning that once exiled, lone griffons rarely survived for long in the wilds. Of course this all happened back before the rise of technology in Equestria. Rarity raised an eyebrow, then turned to regard the griffon with a thoughtful expression. “Hm... so if I make you work for me...” The griffon nodded slowly. “That would be acceptable...” The smile on her face got wider, her eyes suddenly twinkling with renewed enthusiasm. “Perfect! I got just the job for you. Would that satisfy your honour?” “What might this job be?” “Shopping!” The griffon took a step back uncertainly. “You can be my personal assistant.” For a moment there, Twilight thought she spied a look of horror cross the griffon’s face. *** [Zakera Wards, Citadel] Khal Al-Jilal was fairly certain this time he would finally catch a break. By all accounts, the white unicorn, Rarity, following the commander around was a fashion fanatic. And from his experience, ‘fashion fanatic’ meant a ditzy lifestyle full of closet skeletons and embarrassing secrets. Perfect fuel to blackmail her into becoming an informer on Twilight Sparkle. He rubbed his hooves eagerly as he spied the unicorn walk into one of the Zakera Ward’s premier departmental store: The Mirage. Khal quickly fell in step behind, using the crowd as a shield. He soon noticed a couple of griffons trailling not far behind. Odd. Such riff-raff normally did not enter such an establishment. Unless... Khal broke into a smile. Maybe there was more to this than he thought. Rarity soon stopped at a clothing line and began browsing the dazzling fabric on display. So busy he was with trying to guess which fashionable ware Rarity was picking out that he didn’t notice two griffons walk up behind him. “Hey, mister.” Khal froze. He slowly turned towards the source of the voice, who turned out to be the biggest griffon he seen yet, towering over him. The glower the griffon was giving him was sufficiently intimidating to make him wonder if he crapped his exquisite suit or not. “Uh... hi?” “You seem to be taking a great deal of interest in Miss Rarity.” “Thomas! What’s the hold-up?” a refined voice sounded in the distance. The griffon looked behind him and pointed downwards at Khal. He followed his gaze and winced as Rarity walked towards them, a few bags filled with clothes floating behind her. His rump bumped into the muscular chest of the other griffon. Running appeared to be not an option he could use. “And who might this gentlepony be?” she asked. “Dunno. Seems like he was following you, though.” Rarity’s piercing blue eyes studied Khal. “I think I recognise him. He’s that reporter that Twilight mentioned earlier.” Khal groaned. “Do you all know me by appearances now?” “Well, not everypony I know would come stalking me with a camera drone,” Rarity said with a demure flick of her eyelashes. Khal felt himself colouring slightly. By Celestia, this mare knew how to seduce a stallion. Then he felt his blood run cold as those beautiful blue eyes hardened. “I am aware of what you been doing to poor Twilight. Let’s just say I fully intend to repay the favour.” She smiled, showing a perfect set of sparkling teeth. “Boys, why don’t you... educate our friend here on the perils of misinformation?” The griffon smacked his claws together. “With pleasure.” Khal gulped. This was so not his day. *** [Equestrian Embassy, Presidium] “You did what?” Twilight exclaimed, her jaw dropping. Rarity continued to file her hoof. “Oh relax, Twilight. It’s not as if we physically harmed him.” “You just sent your crew of griffons to, I quote, ‘educate’, him. How can I not be worried?” “They just told him that they’ll rip him limb from limb if he ever tried to approach any of us ever again.” Rarity blew her hoof and inspected it. “I must say, I quite enjoyed the show.” Twilight pinched the bridge of her nose. “Oh, Rarity. I know you all are upset by his inflammatory reports, but really now, you could have just ignored him.” “Nonsense, Twilight. Such abuse must not go unpunished. Lady’s dignity and all that,” Rarity declared with all the dignity she could muster. “Ugh. Never mind that. Let’s just hope you didn’t scare him too badly. He could press charges, you know.” Twilight sighed and started pacing the room. This was bad. The fallout from this incident alone could set their mission back for weeks. “Maybe an apology letter...” “No. You’re not getting me to apologise to that mule.” “Well, you should have thought of that before siccing your griffons on him. Now we have to play clean up.” Twilight stopped in her tracks and looked around. “Say... where are they?” “Them? Oh, I let them off after that. I only went along with the thing to satisfy their honour.” Twilight narrowed her eyes. “That’s it?” she said. Rarity shrugged. “That’s it. Oh, he did mention something about helping us keeping a tab on the reporter as well, but I thought he was just being polite. Thomas is such a nice griffon when you get to know him.” “I sincerely hope your friend is as trustworthy as you think he is,” Twilight sighed. The intercom beeped, jarring the two from the conversation. Ambassador Lyra’s voice came through, “Commander, the Council wants to speak to you.” “Put them through, Ambassador.” Twilight replied. Moments later, the communication lectern lit up. Only two councillors this time: the asari and the salarian. Twilight felt a sense of perverse relief at the absence of the turian councillor. She presumed he was off attending duties on his homeworld. Council members rarely go off-station after all. “Commander Sparkle, we received information that might be critical to your mission against Saren,” the asari began, without preamble as usual. “I’m all ears, councillor.” The salarian councilor nodded. “We received an urgent message from one of our infiltration regiments in the Traverse.” “Don’t you mean spies?” Rarity said, arching an eyebrow. “Spectres tend to attract a lot of attention, but they are only one arm of the Council. Special Task Groups are often the better option for monitoring developing situations,” the asari councillor explained. “We currently have several infiltration units stationed on the borders of Citadel space. This particular unit was gathering information on Saren.” “What did they find?” Twilight said, her ears perking up. “Unfortunately, the message that we received was garbled. The infiltration team must be in a situation where they can’t set up proper interstellar communications. But, the message was sent on a channel reserved for mission-critical information. Whatever they were trying to tell us, we know that it is important.” “Considering your interest in Saren, we thought you might want to investigate. Find out what happened to our team. The signal originated from the planet Virmire.” Twilight turned and nodded at Spike, who began scrolling furiously on his PDA. The asari councilor spoke again, “The Council prefers not to become involved in the specifics of Spectre activity. We only want you to be aware of all your options, including Virmire. Good luck, Commander Sparkle.” The holograms winked out. Twilight turned to Rarity with a small smile. “Looks like we have our next mission, girls.”

Xerorythic

269

Alternate Universe,Romance,Tragedy

Maid For Each Other

incomplete

<p>Luna struggles to adjust to the world after her return from the moon, and Celestia tries to cheer her up. Humanized.</p>

everyone

2011-07-19T15:48:14+00:00

Luna awoke as the faintest glimmer of dawn filtered into her bedroom. She stirred, opening her eyes slowly. At first, she simply stared up at the canopy to her four poster bed, letting the layers of sleep fall away from her. The underside of the canopy was made to look like the night sky, with small diamonds studding the deep blue backdrop around a crescent of luminous silver. At just this time of day, the small bit of light entering the room was enough to be caught by the gems without outshining them. And so the stars twinkled as Luna’s eyes explored them, tracing constellations that, to her, were old friends she hadn’t seen in years. She knew each of them by name, though the names may have changed by now. She knew what she called them, and that was enough. Finally, Luna sat up, rolling her shoulders before getting out of bed. She regarded the room around her with an uncomfortable sense of nostalgia. This room hadn’t been hers for a thousand years, and yet nothing had changed. Celestia had kept it pristine for her all that time, only allowing in cleaning staff on occasion to dust and clean out the cobwebs. Luna wasn’t sure she liked that. It made the room too familiar, bringing back memories she’d rather not recall. It had been in this room, after all, that she had been banished to the Moon. Luna made her way to the closet on the nearest wall, the door sliding open without a hint of a squeak. She fingered the dark blue chemise she’d worn to bed, pondering what to replace it with. Her presence wasn’t required at any major event today, so formal wear wouldn’t be worth the hassle. She didn’t feel particularly up for socializing anyway. Maybe something sporty, with athletic shorts and bra. She didn’t feel like running around much either, though. Luna pursed her lips, and frowned. This should have been a simple question to answer. What did she want to do today? She stared at the closet for awhile longer, before closing it with a sigh. Nothing seemed like a good idea. She supposed it was a decision that would have to wait for later. Her stomach rumbled, gently reminding her that the one thing she should definitely do today was eat. She opened the door to her bedroom, and began to make her way through her chambers. The sitting room was the central hub to her private chambers, with numerous doors lining the walls of the wide, circular room like spokes on a wheel. She made her way across the room to the door that opened to the rest of the palace. The kitchen was only a few floors down from here, and Luna didn’t mind the walk. She was already imagining the breakfast that was ready and waiting for her down there when she remembered that it might not be. She didn’t know how the chef ran his kitchen anymore. Before her banishment, the sisters’ personal chef had been Potsin Pans, a jovial man whose face was nearly as red as his hair when he laughed, which was often. Potsin was a firm believer in ample portions and second helpings, both for himself and others. There was never a day when you couldn’t drop by for snacks and find something delicious already made. Luna had gained more weight than she liked to admit on Potsin’s cooking, and knowing that his apple pie and deep belly laughs were things forever condemned to memory depressed her. She had visited his grave, and left flowers, but his absence still didn’t seem quite real. He had been like family to Celestia and her. The current chef was quite different from Potsin. He was a whip-thin Frenchman who dressed sharply and whose tongue was sharper. His name was Cordon Bleu, and although Luna had only spoken with him a few times, already she could tell she might start to like him. His wit was sharp, yes, but he was not needlessly acidic, and he could actually be quite funny. He had made Luna laugh more than once already. Celestia had told her that Cordon was taken with her, that he almost never smiled except when she was around. Luna wasn’t sure if she believed it, but it did seem as if Cordon enjoyed her company. He likely enjoyed more than that, too. Luna had seen his eyes settle on the usual places on her body more than once. Not that she minded, that kind of attention was rarely directed at Luna, so who was she to be picky if a handsome, virile young man like Cordon wanted to look? Or do more than that? His jet black hair, well combed and not greasy at all, would surely feel wonderful if she ran her fingers through it, and his tongue was certainly likely to be talented at more than wordplay... Luna stopped with her hand on the door leading outside. She felt a soft heat building within her, and she looked down at her treacherous body with annoyance. That was another thing. Celestia had kept the harem well staffed in Luna’s absence, but none of the men and women in it now were familiar, and so Luna had put off her usual visits. Visits that usually kept her libidinous imagination in check. She sighed. She hadn’t been back long, and there was so much to adjust to that it was maddening, and more than a little depressing. She no longer felt like going downstairs anymore; the thought of however many new faces that had forever replaced old ones was too daunting. Thankfully, princesses could get room service on demand. Luna pulled her hand away from the door, and reached for a small silver bell on a stand nearby. It was part of a rather clever system that had managed to endure the millennium. There was a row of bells on the wall down in the servant’s quarters, each labeled after a different part of the castle. Every bell had a twin in that same part of the castle, that, when rung, rang the one in the servant’s quarters. Amongst the normal brass bells were two larger unlabeled ones, one silver and one gold. The bell in Luna’s room was linked to the former, and she rang it now. The servant’s quarters were close, but still a couple floors away. Luna would have time to make a list of what she wanted them to get, and she had already turned around to go get the parchment when there was a knock at her door.     Confused, Luna walked back to the door, trying to recall if there was some meeting she’d forgotten or invitation she’d given and didn’t remember. She turned the knob, revealing her unexpected company.     Celestia looked back at her across the doorway. Luna’s sister had always been taller, but now she towered over her, due in part to the six inch high heels she was wearing. Fishnet stockings hugged her legs, climbing upward and vanishing into the depths of her short, black-and-white ruffled skirt. The rest of her maid’s outfit was just as fetishized, the neckline was low and showed cleavage, and the apron had clearly never even seen a speck of dirt. Celestia wasn’t wearing her crown. Instead, her face wore a seductive smile. “You desired ze aid of a servant, Madame?” Celestia asked in a thick but practiced French accent. Her smile widened. Luna backed up to let her in, closing the door before asking the pressing question, “Tia, what’s this for?” Her sister usually never dropped by unannounced, especially dressed like this. There was something faintly nostalgic about that outfit, but she couldn’t quite place it. “Oh Madame, I was thinking, and I remembered zat you liked ze maid who cleaned your room. I thought a leetle dress-up would be nice. Do you like it?” Celestia curtsied, though there wasn’t much skirt to lift in the first place. The memories hit Luna with almost physical force. The maid had been named Scarlet Plume and Luna had liked her. Scarlet cleaned Luna’s room every day at sunset, and then waited in the bedroom for her. There were so many wonderful nights they had gone to bed together, with nothing but the light of the moon to see each other by. No matter how the day had gone, Luna had known she would find Scarlet waiting for her, with a smile on her face. Scarlet with her cinnamon perfume, strawberry-blonde hair, and whose sides were ticklish. Scarlet had been one of the few to praise her night, to compliment Luna’s work, and now she never would again. Hot, bitter tears welled in Luna’s eyes before she could stop herself. It was too much. Too many people were gone, and it was her fault. If she hadn’t been so jealous, so greedy for praise, she could have stayed with Scarlet and Potsin and everyone else. “I’m sorry,” Luna whispered, her hands hanging at her sides. Celestia’s arms wrapped around her, and Luna looked up to see that her sister was crying too. “No, I’m the one who should be sorry, Luna,” Celestia said, her usually controlled voice wavering. “I wasn’t there for you when I should have been. I’m your sister, and I couldn’t even pay enough attention to you to know that you were hurting.” Her hug grew tighter. “There were a thousand things I could have done. I should have listened to you, or even tried to talk you down. Instead, I used magic I barely understood and wound up being without my little sister for a thousand years. I was a fool. Can you forgive me? I know I don’t deserve it.” Luna sniffed and looked her sister in the eyes. “What happened to Scarlet?” she asked, both wanting and dreading the answer. Celestia gave her a slight, sad smile. “She married and had children, but she never forgot you. She kept her job here, and I never reassigned her. Every day she would clean your room, and wait for you until dark. She told me that if there was any chance you could get free, she wanted to be there for you when you got back. I told her you likely wouldn’t be back within her lifetime. She didn’t care.” Luna finally forcefully returned her sister’s hug before pulling back to wipe at her own eyes. That sounded just like Scarlet. It didn’t make missing her less painful, but at least Luna knew Scarlet had lived a full life. Luna stood on the tips of her toes and kissed her sister gently. “I forgive you, sis,” Luna said, smiling at last. “Thank you, Luna. I suppose I should probably go change out of this now,” Celestia said, gesturing at her outfit. “Oh, I don’t know about that.” Luna’s fingers waltzed their way down Celestia’s hip. “I could stand to see you prance about in that for awhile. Come with me, I think I need to be cheered up.” Luna beckoned, walking toward her bedroom. Celestia grinned and followed. “Oui, Madame!”

SPark

271

Main 6,Princess Luna,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

In the Eye of the Storm

Princess Luna is slowly recovering from her thousand year exile. Meanwhile on another world entirely Princess Elspeth of Valdemar is trying a new sort of portal spell, which will eventually turn Luna's world upside down.

complete

<p>Princess Luna is slowly recovering from her thousand year exile. Meanwhile on another world entirely Princess Elspeth of Valdemar is trying a new sort of portal spell, which will eventually turn Luna's world upside down. Now she has to face her past and choose her future, all the while dealing with the excitement, adventure, danger, and Pinkie Pie parties.</p><p><a href="http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/07/story-in-eye-of-storm.html" rel="nofollow">As featured on Equestria Daily.</a></p><p>Mercedes Lackey's Heralds of Valdemar meets Friendship is Magic. Although you do not have to be a huge Valdemar fan to understand and enjoy the story! </p><p>If you liked this, you might also enjoy the technically-a-sequel-story, <a href="/story/513/the-spark-to-light-a-candle" rel="nofollow">The Spark to Light a Candle.</a></p><p>Cover pic by <a href="http://vermin06.deviantart.com/art/My-Little-Kirin-375408563" rel="nofollow">Vermin06</a></p>

everyone

2011-08-13T10:09:24+00:00

2011-08-13T10:09:24+00:00

In the Eye of the Storm by SPark Prologue. Luna stood on her balcony and stared up at the moon overhead. It was waxing towards full, and the silvery light spilled over the quiet palace and city that lay spread out below her. She heard a soft click of hooves on stone as her sister Celestia landed gently beside her. "It's a beautiful night, sister," she said softly. "Thank you," said Celestia. "You don't mind that I'm still raising the moon?" "Mind?" Luna blinked at Celestia. "No! I'm grateful. I still worry about taking my full power again. I don't feel ready. I wish I did..." "I don't expect you to be recovered from a thousand years of darkness in just one year, sister. And I've raised the sun all this time, I can keep raising it a little bit longer yet." "Thank you." They were both silent for a time, and Luna felt a warm glow. Spending time just being with her sister... she had missed it so much. She was the one who'd stopped speaking with Celestia all those years ago. The banishment had come later. The arguments, the fighting, the bitterness and hatred... those had come first, and they had all been her fault. But her sister had forgiven her so easily. She just wished she could fully forgive herself. Her long years on the moon hadn't paid for her wrongs. She wasn't sure what could. "You know, it's strange that I still love the moon so much," she said softly. "You'd think that I would hate it after being trapped there. But I don't." "I..." Celestia sighed, sounding regretful and sad. "I'm so sorry I banished you, sister. If I'd known it would last for a thousand years I wouldn't have done it. I just had to do something..." "Don't be sorry!" said Luna. "You did the right thing. My eternal night would have destroyed the world, eventually, and killed every creature on it. You saved me from becoming a worse monster than I already was." "You were never a monster. Nightmare Moon was the monster, not you, not my sister Luna." Luna sighed. She had never been able to really explain that there was no "Nightmare Moon." There was only her, Luna. The name had been a childish conceit, an attempt to look cool and powerful by a filly who wasn't really ready for power, but had grasped it anyway. She could recall begging her sister to let her raise the moon, so very long ago, and her kind sister had helped her learn how. And she could recall the slow slide into darkness, begun with that tiny seed of jealousy, that had brought her to oppose her sister. And although she had named the dark part of her that wanted power, that hated and was jealous, "Nightmare Moon" it wasn't some other pony living in her, it was only her. There was no one else to blame it on. But her sister seemed to completely, even deliberately misunderstand Luna's explanations, she just insisted that it wasn't Luna, that Nightmare Moon had done those things, and that Nightmare Moon had been destroyed by the Elements of Harmony and was gone forever. Luna wasn't so sure about that last bit either. Certainly the raw power of magic fueled by friendship, love, and virtue had shattered the hold the Nightmare Moon part of her had over the rest of her emotions. But the pieces were still there. She could feel resentment and anger still, and it would be very easy to let those blossom into a new hatred. And if she took her power up again, it would be very easy indeed to become Nightmare Moon once more. That fear was what held her back from raising the moon. She hoped to do it again someday, she still loved the night. But not yet. Not until she was sure Celestia was right, and Nightmare Moon was gone forever. "Celestia?" "Yes?" "Do you ever get angry? Do you ever want to... want to hurt people who've upset you?" Her sister stepped closer, and nuzzled Luna softly. "Yes. All the time." "You do? Then... then what stops you? Why don't you? You have so much power!" "Why is there no 'Evil Daydream' storming around, you mean?" "Well yes." "Partly I think it's because of you." Luna blinked. "...me?" "Yes. I always had you to take care of, when I was growing up. I was responsible for you. So I just couldn't let myself get angry and hurt you. It wouldn't be right. And later..." she sighed softly. "Later, when you weren't there, my friends helped me through it. I've always made friends easily. Having people who depend on you, and who you care about and don't want to disappoint, makes a lot of difference. I would think 'my friends would be so sad' when I got mad and wanted to do something awful. And so I didn't." "I've never made friends easily," said Luna. "I know. Some people don't. I had to give my student Twilight Sparkle a letter assigning her to make friends before she managed to get any, you know." Celestia smiled fondly, and nuzzled her sister again. "Maybe I should give you an assignment too?" Luna chuckled. "Maybe. I don't know. I've never been... I mean... ponies can be so frightening. They can say such cruel things. Books never laugh at you when you've done something stupid." "Good friends sometimes laugh at you too, but they laugh kindly, not to make you feel bad." Luna nodded. "You know, you and Twilight would probably get along. She loves books nearly as much as you do. And she loves the night too. Did you know she's an astronomer?" "No, I didn't. Loves books and the night... well, maybe we could be friends. Though I don't know. She's the one who defeated m... defeated Nightmare Moon. Would she want to be my friend after that?" "I think so." "Then..." Suddenly Celestia's head jerked up and she looked towards Ponyville. Luna felt it too, a pulse of power, coming from somewhere in that direction. It was strong, and very strange. It cut off almost as soon as it began, leaving the night seemingly unchanged. "What was that?" Celestia shook her head. "I don't know. It reminds me of something... Something. I can't remember what. Something from a long time ago. Maybe I should go and see..." "I could go," said Luna. Celestia looked at her. She hesitated a moment, then nodded reluctantly. "Yes. I have too much to do right now. But if you get in trouble, little sister, don't hesitate to call me. I'll come, no matter what I'm doing. I don't want to lose you again." "I'll be careful," promised Luna. "You'd better be," said Celestia with a sudden grin. "Or else... I'll tickle you!" "Eek, no!" Luna leaped away from her sister. "No tickles!" "There's no escaping the tickles!" Celestia advanced on her, one hoof raised. "Nooooooooooo!" Luna laughed and flailed as her sister tickled her. It was just like when she was a little filly, so long ago. She was breathless, and her sister was too, when they stopped. "Evil tickles," panted Luna, still laughing. Celestia was laughing just as hard. "My punishments are harsh but just!" After Luna caught her breath she said, "I should just go now. I can get there tonight, there's still plenty of time left before sunrise." "Do be careful though, please. Don't go charging into anything. Promise me." "I promise," said Luna. "It's probably nothing dangerous though. And maybe while I'm near Ponyville I can talk to Twilight, or make a friend." "Maybe you can." Celestia hugged her, and she hugged back. Moments later she was in the air, soaring beneath a silver moon towards strange magic and, even stranger, the possibility of making a friend.

SPark

271

Main 6,Princess Luna,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

In the Eye of the Storm

Princess Luna is slowly recovering from her thousand year exile. Meanwhile on another world entirely Princess Elspeth of Valdemar is trying a new sort of portal spell, which will eventually turn Luna's world upside down.

complete

<p>Princess Luna is slowly recovering from her thousand year exile. Meanwhile on another world entirely Princess Elspeth of Valdemar is trying a new sort of portal spell, which will eventually turn Luna's world upside down. Now she has to face her past and choose her future, all the while dealing with the excitement, adventure, danger, and Pinkie Pie parties.</p><p><a href="http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/07/story-in-eye-of-storm.html" rel="nofollow">As featured on Equestria Daily.</a></p><p>Mercedes Lackey's Heralds of Valdemar meets Friendship is Magic. Although you do not have to be a huge Valdemar fan to understand and enjoy the story! </p><p>If you liked this, you might also enjoy the technically-a-sequel-story, <a href="/story/513/the-spark-to-light-a-candle" rel="nofollow">The Spark to Light a Candle.</a></p><p>Cover pic by <a href="http://vermin06.deviantart.com/art/My-Little-Kirin-375408563" rel="nofollow">Vermin06</a></p>

everyone

2011-08-13T10:09:32+00:00

2011-08-13T10:09:32+00:00

In the Eye of the Storm by SPark Chapter One. "Hey Elspeth, where are you headed?" Skif waved hello to his old friend the princess, adept, and of course Herald of Valdemar, Elspeth. She paused her brisk trot for a moment and waved back. "Out to the Companion's Field." "Going to relax with Gwena a bit?" Elspeth laughed. "I wish. No, I'm going to try a new spell I found in the archives. It might be the solution to some of our problems, though sadly not to their cause." "Oh?" "Yes. It's a gate spell. One that's supposed to be very easy to cast, relatively speaking. If I can master it, it might make it possible to gate around Valdemar, even in the immediate aftermath of a storm. You can see how useful that might be." "Yes. And if we could set up gates to Hardorn, or Karse... very useful indeed!" "Want to come along and watch me cast it?" "Sure, why not? At the moment, at least, I'm not too busy. Is Darkwind coming?" "He's up to his eyebrows in something he's working on with Firesong. I didn't want to disturb him." The Companion's Field was a rolling meadow contained within the royal palace grounds. It was the largest of all the parks in the city of Haven, but few of Haven's citizens came there, for it was the refuge of the Companions, and it was a rare occasion when someone besides their chosen Heralds visited them. Elspeth had been their many times. The ruin that lay near the heart of the field was where she had first met her own Companion Gwena. And that ruin was her goal now. As she and Skif climbed over the fence into the field two white horses came to meet them. Or at least they looked like horses. What exactly the Companions were nobody truly knew. They looked like horses, always pure white, with shining white manes and tails, bright blue eyes, and silver hooves. But they were intelligent, and in some way magical. They could not speak, but most could communicate mind-to-mind with their chosen heralds. Which is how Gwena greeted Elspeth. :Ready to cast this new spell, kitten?: "Yes. As ready as I can be, at least," replied Elspeth out loud. "I thought I'd use the arch in the ruins. It's been used as a gate before, which should make it at least a little bit easier." :Hop on then, and I'll take you there.: Elspeth vaulted onto Gwena's bare back with practiced ease, and Skif was on his own Cymry almost as quickly. The two mares raced across the field, running more smoothly than any normal horse possibly could. In moments they had reached their destination. The ruins had once been a chapel. It had fallen into disrepair centuries ago, but the bell tower still remained, and the bell sometimes rang, though there was no rope to pull it. Elspeth wasn't there for the bell, though. She was there for a certain archway. The walls had fallen down around it, but the arch itself was still completely sound. She slid from Gwena's back and seated herself in front of the arch. A moment later she had her careful copy of the ancient scroll set in front of her. She weighted it down with a few pebbles, so it wouldn't blow away, and studied it once again. She already knew it almost by heart, but there was no point in making mistakes. Skif, Gwena, and Cymry stood by watching. A few other Companions, with nothing better to do, joined them. After a moment Elsepth nodded, and began the spell. Gates were strange things. Unlike most spells they drew entirely on the energy of the caster. She didn't even bother reaching for the node, with its store of magic, that lay beneath Haven. She would reach for it later, to replenish herself. For now the power must come from her. And that was part of the reason why setting up permanent gates was so hard. A normal gate would require the caster to be present, with their life-force actively being drained, the whole time the gate was active. How, exactly, permanent portals were cut off from the one who cast them and made stable she had no idea. But this portal was different. It would drain her energy, yes. And setting it up would require energy, yes. But the scroll had said that as far as the magic was concerned, the portal would be going to the same place that it went from. So no distance would be covered, and thus very little power required. She hadn't fully understood it. At first it had seemed useless. What good was a portal that went nowhere? But the scroll had also said that although to the magic it would be as if the portal covered no space, the portal would actually go to some other place. There had been something about the layers of reality, and moving among them. She knew that ordinary gates passed through a very peculiar alternate reality in order to move people about. Perhaps there was some other sort of alternate reality that this gate could use, one that wasn't an energy sink the way the place between gates was. That alone would make a huge difference in the ease of casting the spell. And indeed though she felt power flow from her it was nothing at all like the horrible draining, sucking feeling that came from an ordinary gate spell. It took longer, she could feel the spell reaching out tendrils of magic, questing... somewhere. Into that other reality, perhaps. The tendrils were very fine, and took little power. After a long wait during which her personal power ebbed slowly away, the tendrils finally snapped back, and with a faint rainbow shimmer the gate popped into existence. The shimmer cleared and Elspeth could see through to the other side. It looked very much like what she had seen when looking through the empty arch, but not quite. The biggest difference was that it was night there, where it was only mid morning on her side of the gate. Her eyes widened. This gate must go incredibly far, for it to be that much later in the day. She had been trying merely to go to the chapel at Ashkevron Manor, where she'd been once before, and where there had also been an archway, but this gate had gone somewhere else entirely. She stood, and stepped a bit closer. Skif and the Companions came closer too, including a curious young stallion that she didn't know, crowding up behind her to try and peer through. "Where does it go?" asked Skif. Elspeth shook her head. "I don't know. Nowhere I've ever been, which shouldn't be possible. Gates go to places you've been to. I almost want to go through and see, but..." "What?" "Well, it's a very long way from here. I'm not sure I could gate back. This gate seems stable, but I can't quite trust new magic to do what I expect. What if it collapses? What if I can't re-establish it? It's too far from here to use an ordinary gate to get back, so we'd be trapped. Trapped so far away it might take months to get home again." "How can you tell how far it is?" "By the time. The farther you go to the east, the later it is. The further west, the earlier. Being mid-morning here, and night there... it must be literally on the other side of the world." Skif nodded slowly. He'd had the way the sun traveled and times changed explained to him once, but it had never seemed particularly relevant. Although... "What if it's not distance, but actual time? The other side looks like the same place as this side. What if the gate leads to tonight? Or yesterday?" Elsepth's eyes went wide. "I hadn't thought of that." She stepped aside, to look around the gate at the ruins around her. Then she looked through the gate again. She shook her head. "No. It's very similar, yes, but it's not exactly the same ruin. That pillar there in the gate, it's not there where we are." "It could have fallen down since, if the gate goes to the past." "Maybe, but there are a few other differences too. I don't think so. I think somehow when it said the magic would be going to the 'same' place you left from, it means you can only use this portal to go somewhere that's so very similar it's nearly identical, and somehow that makes casting it easy. Though it also makes it much less useful." Skif looked thoughtful. "Maybe. Although in the future... you could build little identical buildings, with identical arches, and use these gates to travel between any of them. That could be very useful!" Elspeth smiled. "You have quite the agile mind, you know." "Matches my agile everything else. But anyhow... if we're not going to go through, what are we going to do?" "I'm going to take the gate down now, and study some more. I've learned something, at least. I'll try casting it again to get more information later. Maybe when I fully understand it and I'm confident of making the return journey I'll go through. For now, time to end it." She raised her hands, unable to resist making the dramatic gesture with an audience, even if it was only Skif and three Companions. She touched the spell with a mental hand... and it twisted away from her like a living thing. Off-balance, Elspeth tried again, but when she grabbed it more firmly, the spell suddenly sucked power from her. She hadn't shielded herself from it, it hadn't occurred to her that she might need protection from her own magic. New tendrils reached out from it, but this time they didn't reach into that other realm, they reached directly at her. She tried frantically to fend them off, still mentally unbalanced and very confused. The tendrils ignored her attempts and curled around her, and around the others as well. Then with another, brighter shimmer of rainbow light and a magical whoosh that was almost audible, the tendrils pulled them all into the gate, which collapsed down on them even as they were going through. A moment later there was no sign that gate, humans, or Companions had ever been there, just an empty arch in a ruined wall. The other Companions who had been standing further back stared in shock. The princess was gone. There was going to be a great deal of chaos once her mother the queen found out. They exchanged worried glances, nobody wanting to report the news. But somebody was going to have to any second now... Elspeth slowly opened her eyes. She was lying on a cold stone floor, with a nearly full moon shining down on her. She sat up with a groan. She had a horrible reaction headache. And something was wrong. Something was horribly wrong... She looked around. Gwena was lying next to her. Slowly the companion got to her feet. But... something was different about her. Elspeth could feel their bond still, it was definitely Gwena, but she looked... shorter. Stockier. With a larger head and bigger eyes. She looked like a pony, rather than a horse, though not quite like any pony Elspeth had ever seen. She heard a second low groan on the other side and looked over to see another pony. Not a white Companion this time, but a brown pony with a black mane and hooves. And... wings? Elspeth wondered if she had gone insane. A pony. With wings. Perhaps even stranger still, the pony had a marking, like a brand but somehow in color, on its flank. It depicted a black circle with silver daggers crossed over it. The pony blinked and shook its head. Then it opened its mouth. "Elspeth?" It was Skif's voice. "Skif?" she said, shocked. She stared at him. He stared back. "Elspeth, is that you?" "Yes. I think." Elspeth suddenly looked down. She was expecting to see her hands propping herself up in a sitting position. Instead she saw a pair of cream-colored hooves. She was a pony too. She looked herself over and found her same silver-streaked brown hair, but in the form of a mane and tail. Her coat was cream, and her flank also bore a mark, the winged horse crest of Valdemar with a mage's wand beneath it. "What happened?" The third voice was unfamiliar. Or... familiar but strange all the same. Elspeth looked back at Gwena, who was suddenly looking just as shocked as the rest of them. "I... I meant to mind-speak that! But I said it out loud! Companions can't talk! What is going on?" Cymry, on the far side of Skif, got slowly to her feet. "I have no idea," she said. Elspeth got up too, though for a moment she almost fell over as she tried to stand on her hind legs. Skif rose shakily next to her. "This is weird. This is beyond weird. We've been turned into some kind of... of horse-creature. But no horses ever looked like this! And I've never heard of a horse with a horn." "A what?" "A horn, you have one on your forehead," said Skif. Elspeth looked up, and could just see the tip of it. A cream-colored horn, projecting from her forehead. "Well you have wings," she told Skif. He blinked and turned around to look at them. "So I do." He spread them, then folded them up again. "That feels very strange." "And we can talk," said the third Companion, the young stallion that had been peering curiously at the portal. He got to his feet as well. All three Companions were still white and silver, without flank markings, but the other two were also as strangely proportioned as Gwena had become. Though the stallion was stockier than the two mares, and taller as well. "Where are we?" he asked. "And can we go home?" Elspeth immediately turned to look at the archway they'd come through. It looked exactly like the one in the Companion's Field. But when she tried to raise her power, her head felt as though it would explode and she staggered. "Oof. Maybe. But not right now. I need to recover before I can try casting the spell again." She felt around for a node or a ley line. If she could draw a little power it would at least help the splitting headache. But she found none. In fact she could sense no magic at all. Was this a magic-poor land, or were they having their own mage storms here? Surely this place must be another reality entirely. The strangeness of everything suggested that they were not only no longer in Valdemar, but were somewhere so far removed from it that the very laws of reality had changed fundamentally. "How long do we need to wait?" asked Skif. "I'm not sure," began Elspeth. "The magic here is..." She stopped. Had she heard something? A moment later the sound repeated. Something like soft footsteps, with a faint clicking sound. It reminded her of a dog trotting over stone, the way its claws might click. She looked around. The ruins were of some large structure, she could see a number of dark archways leading who knew where. Although they would not have to navigate a maze if they wanted out, thankfully, one half-fallen arch showed trees and grass, and a path leading among them, all silver and black in the moonlight. She heard the sound again, closer. Suddenly an immense creature burst from one of the darkened archways. For a moment she stared in shock, then it roared and leaped at the little group. With yelps and whinnies they scattered. The thing nearly cornered Cymry, but she twisted away from it. "Get out in the open!" yelled Elspeth, and headed for the archway leading outside. She tripped once, running on all fours was unfamiliar, but thankfully not very hard. Cymry put on a burst of speed and caught up with the rest, the monster close on her heels. They clattered down the path, which led to a gorge, crossed by an extremely rickety bridge. But there was no time to make sure it was safe, Elspeth dashed out onto it, praying it would hold. By some miracle it did and all five of them reached the far side. The creature skidded to a halt. It was far too broad to step easily on the bridge and its weight would no doubt break it. It seemed to know that. It flapped its wings in agitation, but they were tiny, too small to fly with. Elspeth stared at it once more. "Am I seeing things, or did we just get attacked by a giant rabbit?" said Skif shakily. "No, you're not seeing things," said Elspeth. It was, indeed, a rabbit the size of a house. It had small, useless wings but its claws and fangs seemed anything but useless. They also seemed to belong to another creature entirely, as did the curved horns on its head. "Maybe they're having mage storms here too," said Elspeth. "That thing looks like it could be some kind of change-creature." The others nodded. The rabbit-thing turned and hopped back the way it had come, revealing a cat-like tail trailing behind it. Elspeth turned and looked at the path ahead. Something had worn the trail. Something had built the bridge. Something had built the ruins, for that matter. If they followed it they would no doubt encounter people. But looking down at her own hooves she had to wonder what sort of "people" they would be. "So what now?" asked Skif. "We need that archway to make a gate back, right?" Elspeth nodded. "Yes. But that's probably not our biggest problem. Monsters can be dealt with. The magic... Skif, I can't sense any magic here! None at all! And the gate sucked me dry when it pulled us all through. I couldn't even light a candle right now, let alone cast another gate spell. Without ambient magic, I can't recharge. We... we may be stuck here." "I can't sense any magic either," said Gwena in a subdued voice. "Which means that we Companions aren't going to be any faster than an ordinary horse. We have to draw on magic to run." Elspeth sighed. "Well, it's not like Skif and I will be riding you anyway, so you'd have to slow down for us to keep up. But that's not really good news. If you can't sense magic either, there may not be any magic to sense." "Then what are we going to do?" asked Skif, sounding worried. "We'll follow this trail and see where it leads. Whoever made it must surely still be around. Once we find the natives, we might have a chance to find some magic. If there is any anywhere to be found, they'll probably know about it. Even if they don't have a mage, they should have stories, legends, tales that might point the way to finding one. That's the only option I can think of." They trotted through the forest, following the often-times faint path. As they went, Elspeth distracted herself from the unwelcome thought of being stranded here by introducing herself to the third Companion. She discovered that his name was Dale. He was unpartnered, which made Elspeth breathe a sigh of relief. To separate a Herald and Companion by such a distance as they'd come would probably be a very bad thing. Dale was older than most unpartnered Companions, but some never did choose. "There was once when I might have, but... the lad himself chose otherwise," said Dale with a note of melancholy. "He was a good boy, he could have been one of the best, but he let a family feud twist him. And I would not make him another Tylendel." Elspeth could only nod. Tylendel was the only Herald she knew of whose Companion had repudiated him. Heralds had to be selfless, and to put the needs of the kingdom ahead of their individual desires. That was the essence of what a Herald of Valdemar was. But Tylendel had clung perhaps too tightly to his family. A Herald wasn't required to give up family and friends, but they had to put their duty first, and family second. But for Tylendel, when an old feud had sparked into active flame and Tylendel's twin brother had been killed he had gone beyond all reason. He had used magic, the same magic a Herald learned in order to defend the helpless, to massacre the ones he thought responsible, man, woman, and child. An act perhaps understandable, but never forgivable. And no Companion would ever risk such a thing happening again. That thought was enough to put a damper on Elspeth's already flagging spirits, and she remained silent for the rest of their trek through the forest. They emerged just as the moon was setting and the first hints of dawn were lightening the eastern sky. The forest gave way to a massive apple orchard, obviously well tended, and beyond that they could see a town, spread amid low, rolling hills. It was a town like none they'd seen before, a bright and colorful place, with every house seeming to bear decorations in every color of the rainbow. Beyond loomed a mountain, and just visible on the mountain slope was an impossible fairy-tale of a building, domed and spired and clinging somehow to the mountainside. As the light slowly grew they all gaped at the scene. Whatever they had imagined this alien world might be like, this was not it. "It's beautiful," said Dale softly. "It's nothing like home, but it's beautiful." The others could only nod. Then Skif added, "And if they're not sticking that castle to the mountain with magic, I'll eat my... uh..." he had the sudden, uncomfortable realization that he was naked. He wasn't even wearing boots! He glanced at the others, wondering if they could tell he was blushing. "Uh. Anyway, they have to be using magic!" "I don't know, the engineers have been doing some amazing things, so magic might not be needed, but it certainly does look as though it were built by some kind of mage. Some kind of very powerful mage." Elspeth stared into the distance as the light continued to grow. Then she shook herself. "Let's get going." After walking all night they were all tired. Elspeth almost turned aside when she saw a road leading to a farm, but farmers weren't what they were looking for. They needed to reach the town and ask about magic. But as she looked at the sign over the farm she had a sudden, sinking sensation. The sign itself was easily intelligible, it simply showed an apple. But this was not just a foreign country but a completely alien world. They wouldn't be able to read the writing. They wouldn't even be able to speak the language! How could they ask about magic when they couldn't communicate? Ahead a pony came trotting down the road. A mare, if the appearance of their own group was anything to judge by. But she was oddly colored, a light orange that Elspeth had never seen in any sort of equine. Her mane and tail were straw-blonde, tied with ribbons, and she had a hat on, though she was otherwise unclothed. Her flank was marked as well, with a picture of three red apples. "Howdy there!" she called out, making Elspeth jump. She was speaking Valdemaran! How was that possible? "Ya'll look a mite tired. You folks headed t' Ponyville? You been down at Sweet Apple Acres or did you come through th' Everfree Forest?" "Uhm..." said Elspeth brightly. "We came through the forest," said Skif. "We didn't know what it was called. But we're headed for the town there, yes." "Well ya'll just keep right along the road and you'll get there lickity-split. Though if'n ya'll want to rest up and eat a bite, there ain't no better place to buy some victuals than my apple farm." "Thank you," said Skif, "but we have no money to pay you with." "Sounds like ya'll 've been in a bit of trouble then, coming outa' th' forest without gear er bits. Tell ya' what, you can come have a sample on me. No charge." "That's very generous of you," said Elspeth. Her stomach rumbled at the thought of food. Breakfast had been a long time ago. "I'm Applejack," said the stranger as she continued down the road. "I'm Elspeth. This is Skif, Gwena, Cymry, and Dale." Elspeth felt a bit odd introducing the Companions. Usually she had to explain to... to humans that Companions were people too, but other than their lack of flank symbol the Companions looked just like anybody else here, it seemed. Elspeth noticed Applejack glancing at the Companion's flanks several times, but the orange pony said nothing. Elspeth wondered if the lack of symbol had any particular meaning here. As they walked under the apple sigh, Applejack called out "Big Macintosh! Big Macintosh! We have guests!" An enormous red pony, with a draft horse's build, came out to meet them. He was chewing contemplatively on a wheat stem. "Howdy," he said in a slow, deep voice. "You show these folks around while I fetch them some apples," said Applejack. "Ya'll look tired, so I'll spare you the grand tour," said Big Macintosh in that same slow drawl. It still made Elspeth's head hurt, hearing these strange creatures speaking her own native language. It made no sense at all! But she supposed she shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. Or was it gift pony? The thought was enough to actually make her smile. "This here is Sweet Apple Acres," continued the huge stallion. "Been in the family fer generations. Ma sister Applejack 'n I manage it now." Applejack came trotting back out, carrying a large basket laden with apples in her mouth. She set it down in front of Elspeth. "There ya' go. Dig in!" Elspeth bent down and took an apple awkwardly in her teeth. The Companions were more graceful about it. Skif dropped his, and looked very embarrassed. Seeing how the Companions put theirs on the ground and then took bites from them, Elspeth imitated them with fairly good success. Not having hands was very awkward. But the apple tasted very good, better than any apple she'd ever had before. She ate it core and all. There were enough apples for her to have a second, and then a third. Finally there was just one left. Dale glanced around at the others, and when nobody else made a move he took it and ate it in just two bites. Well, he is the biggest of us. He's almost as big as Big Macintosh is, even, thought Elspeth. :Very true,: said Gwena to her, mind-to-mind. :I didn't think you could talk like this here!: replied Elspeth, surprised. :Our gifts still seem to work, even if we can't draw on magic,: came the reply. :I just wish we had more gifts among us. All we've got is a little mindspeech. None of us is a farseer, or anything useful like that.: :Well, it may come in handy all the same.: "Thank you very much," she said to Applejack out loud. "If there's anything we can do to repay you..." "Aw shucks, you don't have to do nothin'. I couldn't turn away folks that were down on their luck, it wouldn't be right." "Thank you again. But before we go, I wanted to ask... do you know anything about magic?" Elspeth wanted to hold her breath. Here was the moment when she'd find out if magic was taboo, or common, or completely unheard of. "I'm just a plain ol' earth pony, not a unicorn like ya'll," said Applejack, "I don't know nothin' about magic. But if'n you're looking fer a magic expert, ya'll should look up ma friend Twilight Sparkle. She lives in the library right smack in the middle o' town, ya can't miss it. She's one o' the best magicians in Equestria." Elspeth's heart jumped. There was magic here! There was hope of going home after all. She tried to not get too enthusiastic, if she couldn't sense it, the magic might be something she could use, but... :You notice that she said she was an 'earth pony' and not a 'unicorn' like you?: asked Gwena silently. :Yes,: replied Elspeth. :If that means what I think it means...: :If it means what I hope it means, it means you can cast magic here too. You just need to re-learn how.: :Ugh. If it's anything like learning in the first place...: :It will still be better than being trapped here forever, kitten.: Elspeth smiled. "Well, we'd better get going. Thank you again Applejack." "See ya'll! Good luck!" When they had left the apple farm Gwena and Elsepth shared their hopes with the others. They all agreed that Applejack's reaction to magic had been a good sign. And hopefully this "Twilight Sparkle" would be able to help them get home. Only a few minutes later they reached the town of Ponyville. All five of them had to make an effort to keep from staring. The town was full of ponies, which they had expected. But they hadn't expected the variety of bright and unlikely colors that greeted their eyes. There were blue ponies and purple ponies and even bright pink ponies. Their manes and tails were even more colorful. And all of them had markings on their flanks depicting a dizzying array of different objects. A vividly pink pony suddenly dashed up to their group. "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee! There are five of you! Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!" She bounced up and down like a puppy, or an excited child, then dashed off again, leaving Elspeth and her fellows completely bewildered. "What was that about?" asked Skif. "I have no idea," replied Elspeth. "But look, I think that might be the library." It was a tree. Elspeth had lived for a while in a tree. But the Hawkbrother ekele had been a sort of glorified treehouse. This was a house made from a living tree. How the tree was still alive with its trunk carved out Elspeth had no idea, but it seemed to be thriving. Magic, perhaps? And it was immense, towering over the smaller buildings around it. They approached the tree. Elspeth raised a hoof to knock on the door when a passing pony called out "They library is closed in the morning." Elspeth blinked. "Why?" The pony, an improbable shade of vivid dark fuchsia with smiling flowers on her flank said, "Because the librarian is also an astronomer, she keeps late nights and likes to sleep in." "That seems like an inconvenient arrangement for everybody else," said Elspeth. The pony smiled. "We don't mind! Everybody likes Twilight Sparkle, and even if we didn't she saved all of Equestria once. The least we can do is let her enjoy her hobby." "I see." She exchanged glances with Skif, who shrugged. "I suppose we'll just wait then." The lawn in front of the library was lush, and Elspeth settled down to lie on it with a grateful sigh. Her hooves were sore. She hadn't known hooves could be sore, but hers definitely were. She hadn't meant to fall asleep, but she started awake when somebody called out "Hello?" She looked up to see a purple pony, with a horn on her forehead, standing in the open doorway of the library. The others had apparently napped as well. She saw Skif shoot her a guilty, apologetic look. He normally would have made sure somebody stayed up to keep watch, but apparently he'd been as lulled by the peacefulness of this place as she had. "Hello?" said the purple pony again. "Hello," said Elspeth. "Are you, uh, Twilight Sparkle?" "That's me." "Applejack said you were the person we should talk to about magic." "Oh yes. I love to study magic! Why don't you come in?" Inside the library it was both spacious and cozy, with bookshelves lining the walls and a clutter of books and papers scattered across desks, on the floor, and pretty much everywhere else. It was nothing like the tidy libraries Elsepth was used to, but it was obvious that people here did many things differently. "So what can I help you with?" said Twilight Sparkle. "Well... it's a long story," said Elspeth. "We come from somewhere else. Somewhere, uh, well, an entirely different world." Saying it out loud sounded completely insane. "A world where I guess magic works differently, because although I'm a mage, I haven't been able to cast a single spell since I got here. I was hoping that you'd know about gate spells, and could teach me how they work, and how to get back home. There was something wrong with the gate spell that brought us here, else we wouldn't be here at all, so even if I could cast magic normally I wouldn't trust it to return us. But if you know about gate spells..." "By gate spell, you mean a spell that can take more than one person from place to place, instantly?" Elspeth nodded. Twilight chuckled. "A portal gone wrong hm? I thought that only happened to me! No, I haven't had much luck with portals or gates or whatever you want to call them." Elspeth's face fell. "However," added Twilight, "You're in luck. There's somebody visiting here who knows far more about all kinds of magic than I do. The princess Luna. I'll go see if she's awake yet." Elspeth perked up. Even if this Luna wasn't able to help her, just the existence of gate spells on this world was a good sign. Twilight clattered up the stairs to an upper level of the library, and a few minutes came back down with another pony following her. This one was different than any they'd seen thus far. She was just a little bit taller than the other female ponies, and she had a horn, longer and more slender than Twilight's, and a pair of wings as well, broader than Skif's. Her coat was dark blue, and her mane and tail a lighter blue. The mark on her flanks was of a moon in an inkblot of night sky. "This is princess Luna," said Twilight. Elspeth realized that she hadn't introduced herself, or any of the others. "I'm Elspeth," she said, deciding to leave off her own "princess." She had never really liked the title, and she didn't want to turn this into some kind of diplomatic occasion. "This is Skif, Cymry, Gwena, and Dale." She gestured at each as she named them, and Luna nodded politely at each one. But when Luna's eyes met Dale's she froze. They stared at each other for a moment that grew more and more charged as it drew out longer and longer. With a sudden feeling of horror Elspeth realized what must be happening. And Luna, somewhere deep within the recesses of her mind and soul, where before only her own dark side had whispered, heard another voice. :Luna. I Choose you. Above all others, and when I had thought never to Choose any, I Choose you.:

SPark

271

Main 6,Princess Luna,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

In the Eye of the Storm

Princess Luna is slowly recovering from her thousand year exile. Meanwhile on another world entirely Princess Elspeth of Valdemar is trying a new sort of portal spell, which will eventually turn Luna's world upside down.

complete

<p>Princess Luna is slowly recovering from her thousand year exile. Meanwhile on another world entirely Princess Elspeth of Valdemar is trying a new sort of portal spell, which will eventually turn Luna's world upside down. Now she has to face her past and choose her future, all the while dealing with the excitement, adventure, danger, and Pinkie Pie parties.</p><p><a href="http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/07/story-in-eye-of-storm.html" rel="nofollow">As featured on Equestria Daily.</a></p><p>Mercedes Lackey's Heralds of Valdemar meets Friendship is Magic. Although you do not have to be a huge Valdemar fan to understand and enjoy the story! </p><p>If you liked this, you might also enjoy the technically-a-sequel-story, <a href="/story/513/the-spark-to-light-a-candle" rel="nofollow">The Spark to Light a Candle.</a></p><p>Cover pic by <a href="http://vermin06.deviantart.com/art/My-Little-Kirin-375408563" rel="nofollow">Vermin06</a></p>

everyone

2011-08-13T10:09:43+00:00

2011-08-13T10:09:43+00:00

In the Eye of the Storm by SPark Chapter Two "What in the Havens were you thinking?" Gwena was in full rant mode, which Elspeth had never actually seen. It was a little bit harder to chew somebody out via mindspeech. You couldn't be so melodramatic. But now she had a voice and she was using it to full effect. "Or did you even think at all?! Choosing a princess..." "Has been done," cut in Dale, his voice mild. "Or a prince, at least." "Prince Daren was at least human! Heralds have always been human!" "Right now," said Dale, still mildly, "two of them are not. And Valdemar has plenty of non-human allies of late. It was only a matter of time until a non-human was Chosen." "But you can't just bring her back to Haven! She's... she's... she's a blue horse, for all the gods' sake!" "Gwena!" Elspeth broke in sharply. "You're frightening her." Luna had practically flattened herself to the floor, her ears were down, and she had put her wings over her head. Twilight had backed away from them, and was staring, wide-eyed. And a little reptilian creature, something like a hertasi but shorter and bright purple, stood staring as well at the top of the stairs, no doubt drawn by all the commotion. "Sorry," said Gwena, abashed. "I shouldn't have shouted. But..." :Gwena,: warned Elspeth. :Don't.: :But we can't just let this happen!: :And what do you suggest we do about it? Dale has Chosen. A Companion Chooses as he would, nobody had a right to stop him.: :We can separate them right now, so they don't bond...: :No. You are not Roland. I am not the Queen. We have no authority, and no right.: :But Elspeth! This Luna can't possibly...: :We know nothing at all about her. For all I know she'll be the best Herald there's ever been. And think on this, if the strangeness of a 'blue horse' worries you. We changed into ponies on coming here. What's to say that she won't change to a human if she comes back with us? In any case I wouldn't think that you of all people would suffer from species prejudice.: :I'm sorry.: Gwena sounded genuinely chastened. "I'm sorry," she said again out loud. "Luna... I didn't mean to insult you. I just... nobody like you has ever been Chosen before." "Can somepony explain this 'Chosen' business?" said Twilight Sparkle, sounding a bit cross. "I'll try," said Elspeth. "Where we're from there are special people called Heralds. Heralds are... well, they're people who are fundamentally good. Honest, loyal, kind, generous, all that sort of thing. They're the hand of the Queen, being where she can't be, helping her people all over the kingdom. And the Companions are the ones who choose them. Companions are special too. They're not just ordinary, uh, ponies." Elspeth didn't feel like explaining humans or horses just then. "They're always white, but that's the least of it. They have a number of abilities, including the gift to be able to choose those who are worthy of being Heralds." "What happens when someone is chosen?" The quiet voice was Luna, who had gotten to her feet and stood now next to Dale, who was obviously trying to hover protectively over her. Elspeth sighed. "Normally their Companion takes them to Haven to be trained. But in your case..." She shook her head. "I really don't know. For one thing we don't know if we can reach our world at all, let alone take you to Haven. And if you're a princess I'm sure you have duties you can't simply abandon." "I don't know. My sister..." Luna trailed off, looking confused. Dale nuzzled her. She leaned into it unthinkingly, taking comfort from him, then let out a little eep and stepped away, blushing. Elspeth smiled. Luna was obviously very young."In any case we'll no doubt have plenty of time to sort it out while I figure out if we can get home. Twilight said you know something about magic?" "Oh yes." Luna smiled. "I haven't, uhm, I haven't used my full powers in a long time. But I know more about magic than anypony except my sister. Why don't you tell me about the spell you used to come here?" Her voice had grown more brisk, and her uncertainty faded as she moved into familiar territory. Elspeth nodded and started to explain about gates, and the mage storms, and her experiment and how it had gone wrong, leaving them here. "The thing that worries me the most," she concluded, "Is that I can't sense magic at all. My mage sight has always been very good, but I can't see anything." "Mage sight? So in your world magic can only be seen by mages?" "Yes..." "Hmm." Luna considered this. "Well, let's try something. You can see this, yes?" Her horn suddenly began to glow. Elspeth blinked. "Yes." A book next to the blue pony glowed as well, and rose into the air. "And you can obviously see that." "Yes." "Can you sense anything?" "I..." Espeth had been about to say no, but she did feel something, a faint, strange tingling on her forehead. "Yes, actually." "You feel it in your horn do you not?" "I think so... yes." "You think so? Have you never felt magic with your horn before?" Elspeth shook her head. "I didn't have a horn before I came here. We were all changed, but Skif and I especially, when we came through the gate. We used to be humans." "Humans." Luna looked intrigued. "There have never been humans here, though my sister has mentioned them to me a few times. Very strange creatures. So you weren't ponies at all then. It must be very peculiar to have your whole form changed. When I got my wings it took me months to get used to having them." "It is kind of weird." She concentrated on the tingle in her horn again. "So the horn is what you use to cast magic?" "Yes. Why not try it? Levitation, as I'm doing," the book bobbed in the air for emphasis, "is one of the simplest spells. It requires nothing more than will." Elspeth nodded. Her will was very well trained by now. She should be able to do this. "Focus on your horn. Feel the power in it. Reach through it and lift the book. And be sure to picture it lifting slowly, don't simply apply upward force, or you might put it through the roof if you've any real strength." Elspeth nodded again and did as directed. The tingle in her horn grew to a kind of warmth. She projected that warmth out of the horn, just as she had learned to project when she first learned magic. The book lifted gently from the table and hovered. Elspeth grinned broadly and resisted the urge to shout. She'd done it! Luna giggled. "Very good! Though it's a long way from simple levitation to portal spells, I'm afraid." Elspeth's face fell. "How long are we talking?" "It depends on your talent. Months. Years. Possibly never." "Could you cast the spell for me then?" Luna shook her head. "I don't know where you're from. The caster's will affects the destination. I can't will a portal to somewhere I haven't been." "I was afraid of that." Elspeth sighed. "My mother is going to be mad with worry." Luna giggled again. "Not necessarily. Portals across the worlds let you play games with time, a bit." Elspeth's eyes widened. "With time?" "Yes. You can't disrupt causality, of course. Though I've heard some rumors... but never mind. I'll try to explain. Causes happen before effects, right? If I throw a rock at a window, the glass breaks after the throw happens. You can't mess with that, you can't put the glass breaking before the thrown stone. So ordinarily when you make a portal, you can't come out the other side before you went in, that would make the effect come before the cause. So no making portals to the past. Theoretically there's nothing stopping you from making a portal to the future, but once you went through you couldn't go back, because then it would be the past. "But when you travel between dimensions it's different!" Luna was talking faster now, obviously very interested in her subject matter. Skif looked a bit dazed. So did the Companions, and the little reptile who was now descending the stairs. But Elspeth and Twilight were both listening in fascination. "The ripples of causality don't spread between the worlds, so if you go through a portal here, there's nothing to stop you from coming out a portal in the past there. As far as your universe is concerned the 'cause' happened when you took the portal that brought you here. The 'effect', that is you returning via another portal, could happen any time after that. So you could spend years here and still return there the very day you left, if you wanted." "I see!" said Elspeth. "Thank the Havens then. That means I can study for as long as it takes, and if I pull it off Mother will never even know I've been gone." Luna gave her a conspiratorial grin. "Yes! You picked up levitation so fast though. It's possible you'll master the portal spell quite quickly." "I don't know, Luna," broke in Twilight. "I picked up levitation quickly too, but I've had a lot of trouble with portals." "You were learning from books, Twilight. With me here to teach you, I suspect you'll learn a bit better. Books are good, but they're no substitute for real experience. That is..." Luna suddenly looked shy and hesitant again, all her confidence gone in an instant. "That is if you don't mind my staying here for a while." "Mind! I would be honored! I told you last night that I really enjoyed your company. You're the first pony I've ever met who knows more about astronomy than I do! You can stay as long as you like. Although..." she looked at the others. "We're going to have to do something with the rest of you. You can't possibly all stay in the Library, I only have one spare bed." "Hello everypony!" The voice that broke in from the doorway was ridiculously cheerful. Elspeth turned to see the brilliant pink pony that had dashed away earlier standing there. "Ohmygosh you're here! That's super-duper-double-awesome! I can give you your invitations!" The pink pony reached into a saddlebag strapped to her side and pulled out an envelope. She held it out to Elspeth in her teeth. Elspeth took it somewhat awkwardly the same way, thinking as she did that passing very small objects to another pony would be indistinguishable from kissing. She wondered for a moment how she would open it, then she remembered the magic lesson she'd just had. Carefully she focused through her horn and delicately lifted the envelope, opened it, and removed the card within. You are invited to a party in honor of YOU! At Sugarcube Corner Tonight, at 6:00 Elspeth stared at it. "A party?" "Yes! I just love parties, don't you just love parties? Parties are the best, best, bestest thing ever! My favorite thing in all the world is to throw parties and when I saw you all, five whole ponies that I've never ever seen anywhere ever I just knew that you were new in town and that I needed to throw you a welcome party!" The pink pony had started bouncing up and down excitedly again. Then she let out a joyful squeal. "Eeeeeeeeeee! Princess Luna! Ohwow! I should throw you a party too! Will you be here tomorrow? Or should I throw you one tonight? Or do you want to join the other ponies? No, you should have your very own party! Ooo! I should throw five parties so every new pony can have their own party! Six parties I mean!" "Pinkie Pie." Twilight's voice was amused but firm. "I think just one party is plenty for now. We all love your parties, but having six right in a row would tire everyone out. You can throw one for everypony tonight, and then throw some more over the next few weeks. All these ponies will be staying in Ponyville for at least that long." "That's a great idea Twilight! You always have the bestest ideas! That's just what I'll do!" "Pinkie! Before you go, can you do us a favor?" "You bet I can!" "Thank you." Twilight smiled warmly. "These five new ponies don't have anywhere to stay yet. You know every pony in town. Is there anyone who could put them up?" "Well..." Pinkie Pie looked thoughtful. "Did you know they're finally building a hotel? They are! But it's not done yet, it won't be done for months. But wait, I know! Mr. and Mrs. Oak! They had a house down in town just because Acorn, he's their son you know, was an earth pony and couldn't fly but he's gone off to study at Canterlot now and so they moved back up into a pegasus house, but they didn't want to sell the house in town because he's going to come back in between terms and they told me just yesterday that they were looking for somebody to house-sit and it's just perfect, you can all stay there!" It actually took a moment for Elspeth to comprehend Pinkie Pie's story, since she delivered it all in one rushed, enthusiastic sentence. "That does sound perfect!," said Twilight. "Why don't you take them to meet the Oaks and get them settled. They've had a long trip and would probably like a meal and a nap before the party too. You can take them to Daisy's and treat them to lunch on my account there. Meanwhile I think I'll pull out all my books on portals and go over them, so it's fresh in my mind." "Okie Dokie Lokie!" said Pinkie Pie. "This way!" As the others moved to follow the excitable pink pony, Dale quietly came up beside Elspeth. "I'd like to stay here until the party," he said with a nod towards Luna "Of course," said Elspeth. "I'm sure somebody can show you to where it will be." "Thank you." Halfway down the path Elspeth looked back. Dale stood just outside the library's open door. He lifted a hoof and waved at her. Elspeth waved back, then turned and followed Skif, Cymry, and Gwena, who were all trailing after Pinkie Pie. Such a strange world, she thought as she walked through the town. So different, and yet in many ways so like how Valdemar was, before the war and the storms. I hope Valdemar can be this peaceful and serene again someday. Twilight and Luna were both completely buried in books. In Twilight's case almost literally; so many were stacked around her that she could barely be seen. Dale had settled to the floor nearby and simply watched as the two ponies read and compared notes about portal spells. They discussed past cases when portals had reached other worlds, or when those from other worlds had come to Equestria. Such things were not entirely unheard of, though most of the tales were just that, tales, with no way of knowing if they were based in truth or were pure fiction. Then Luna remembered her sister saying that there was something familiar about the pulse of magic that had apparently been Elspeth's portal. "Twilight, sort out the books on how to cast, so we can both brush up our technique before teaching Elspeth. And put aside a few of the magic teaching books too, for later. Bur right now we can set aside the books of tales, I have a better idea. I just need to send Celestia a letter. You send them all the time, how do you do it?" "Spike does it. Celestia spelled his magical fire, so it can send things to her instead of burning them." "Very clever of her! Let me write this then." Her horn glowed, and paper, quill, and ink flew to her. "Dearest sister, I have found the cause of the strange magic we sensed. It was a gate from another world opening and then closing. Five ponies have come through, though they say that two of them were not ponies but humans. They are something called 'Heralds.' Please tell me if you know anything more about humans, Heralds, or gate spells that I might use. One of them is a unicorn, who wishes to learn portal magic so that they can go home. Sincerely, Luna." She floated the scroll over to the little dragon, who took it and breathed green flame on it. While they waited for a reply Luna sorted books. She hummed a little bit as she did so. She loved books. Books had been her closest friends during some very lonely years. If she'd had books on the moon... she sighed. If she'd had books on the moon she might have fought harder against her own dark side, and come back at least slightly more sane. Being alone on the moon hadn't been good for her. But she wasn't going to be alone like that ever again. :You won't be alone at all ever again,: said that quiet voice in her head. Her head came up and she looked around. Dale was smiling at her. She stared at him. He nodded. :Yes, this is me. I am using what we call 'mindspeech'. You have enough of the gift to hear me. And I can hear you if you think at me. Or if you think something very emotional, strong emotion tends to make people broadcast.: :I... I see: Luna tried to direct the thought at Dale. He smiled. :You're a fast learner.: :What do you mean that I won't be alone ever again?: :I'll be here. Always. That's part of what a Companion is. We are always with our Heralds. Even if they separate us, our minds will still be together. I will never leave you. I can never leave you.: Luna felt tears gathering in her eyes. She could feel, as well as hear, what Dale was thinking, and his thoughts were so full of support, affection, even love, that it seemed somehow unreal. She was Nightmare Moon, who'd nearly destroyed the world. How could anybody love her? :I don't know anything about Nightmare Moon, but I know you. That is another part of what a Companion is. We are gifted to Choose those who are worthy. We do not Choose wrongly.: :But I'm so... so weak. I let hatred control me. I hurt people. And now I'm too afraid to take up my power again. How can I be worthy of anything?: :You have weaknesses. All people do. But you are good at your core. I know it. I know you.: Luna shook her head. Suddenly Spike make a strange burping sound and spit out a scroll. Luna hurried over to pick it up, feeling both regretful and grateful for the distraction. She was not comfortable with being told she was good. It felt like a lie. Nightmare Moon was evil. Nightmare Moon was her. She was evil. She was trying, she didn't want to be evil, but she knew she was evil, deep down in darkest parts of her mind. But now she could sense Dale in those same dark places, and his quiet approval was wonderful, and completely unnerving at the same time. She read the scroll out loud. "My dearest sister, your letter jarred my memory, and I can now recall where I felt such strange power before. It was another Herald, like the ones you have met. He came here while experimenting with portal magic. He was accompanied by a Companion, a very strange white earth pony. His name was Vanyel, and she was Yfandes. They were both very driven by duty, and returned to their home not long after they came. Vaneyl was a unicorn also, though he had been human before. He successfully learned the portal spell in only a few weeks' time, though I suspect that is largely because he did little else but study while he was here. Hopefully that is what you wanted to know. I enclose a few notes on what I remember of inter-dimensional portals, though they are very similar to those a unicorn might use to travel long distances with friends. Best of luck in aiding your new friends. With love, Celestia." New friends, thought Luna. Are the Heralds my friends? Maybe they are. They seem nice... "Did she say Vanyel?" asked Dale. "Yes." "Vanyel," he repeated, sounding startled. Strangely Luna realized that she could faintly sense his surprise, there in the dark depths of her mind. "You know him?" "I know of him. He was before my time. Seven hundred years before my time, if I'm recalling my calendar correctly. He was the most famous Herald-mage ever. There are stories and songs about him. But none of them mention any place like this." "I bet he did what Elspeth is planning to do with time, and returned seconds after he left. If he didn't seem to have been gone sharing a tale about traveling elsewhere would seem a lie, or madness." Dale nodded. "True." He paused, then added, "I know that time here and time in my world aren't necessarily related but, uh, your sister..." "Could easily have met him seven hundred years ago," said Luna. "We're old." Dale shivered as he sensed a deep, profound sorrow fill her. "We're very old. Some days I think I know why the sun and moon grew tired of looking down on the world." "I'm sorry," whispered Dale, not knowing what else to say. He projected his love at Luna, the unconditional love that a Companion had for the one he'd Chosen. He'd seen all of her soul. He knew very little about her, but he knew her all the same, and he didn't want her to be sad. Twilight sparkle coughed delicately. "If we want to be ready for the party we should eat, and groom a bit." "Yes, of course," said Luna. The library proved to have a small kitchen attached to it, and Twilight seemed delighted to be able to serve her guests lunch. She assembled alfalfa sandwiches, garnishing them with blossoms, with an apple each for dessert. "I'd offer you something sweeter, but there will be enough sweets at Pinkie Pie's party to make you sick." Twilight smiled. "I like apples," said Dale simply, and Luna smiled. "Me too." Luna and Twilight brushed their manes. Dale got his brushed by Luna, since he couldn't hold the brush. Luna told him that earth ponies could grip things, but obviously there was some trick to it he wasn't catching on to. Their appearance set in order, the trio of ponies, with Spike riding on Twilight's back, set out for the party. Neither Dale nor Luna knew what to expect. Dale had been to parties of sorts, Heralds often included their Companions in their celebrations, and the unpartnered were welcome at such events. Luna hadn't been to a party in a thousand years, unless the dull, formal balls that somebody in Equestria seemed to think that Canterlot needed to hold regularly counted. Pinkie Pie's party was a riot of color and sound. Dale and Luna both gazed around at bright streamers, tables laden with equally bright food, and other, more peculiar decorations placed everywhere. Dale recognized these objects as the same things pictured on the pink pony's flank. He lifted a hoof and prodded one of them curiously. "That's a balloon," said Luna. She grinned. "You should have seen me the first time I encountered one. Don't poke it too hard." "Why not?" asked Dale. "Because this!" shouted Pinkie Pie gleefully, and pounced on one, pinning it under her hooves. It popped with a bang, making Dale shy and snort. Luna giggled, and Pinkie Pie laughed hysterically. A number of other ponies were present, though Dale saw no sign of Elspeth, Skif, or his fellow Companions as yet. He went over to a punch bowl and, watching the other ponies, figured out the trick of picking up a cup in his teeth and drinking. A blue unicorn ladled out the punch, using magic to float the ladle about. The punch tasted tart and fruity. He'd never drunk punch before, Companions lived on much the same fare as ordinary horses, albeit usually the very best of such. Alfalfa hay and hot mash had been his favorites, but either his tastes had changed in this somewhat changed form, or he should have been drinking fruit punch rather than water all along, for it was very good. Cheerful, bouncy music filled the air, and after a moment searching for the musicians, Dale traced the sound to a peculiar contraption. Luna had apparently reached the same destination, for he found her staring at it in fascination. A flat black disk circled around, with an arm over it, and a sort of cone was attached to that, from which the music emerged. "What is it?" asked Dale. Luna shrugged. "I'm not sure. I haven't seen one before. I'm still learning things. I... I was gone for a long time, you see. The world changed a lot while I was gone." He sensed her unwillingness to talk just then, so he didn't ask. "Yay, you're all here!" shouted Pinkie Pie. She put a brightly colored object in her mouth and blew on it. It made a loud noise as it unrolled into a long tube and then rolled up again. Luna giggled. Elspeth, who'd just stepped into the room, took a step back in surprise. "Well don't just stand there like a silly-willy-filly! Come in! Have a cupcake!" Elspeth smiled a bit uncertainly and entered, with the others following behind her. "I think I want a cupcake too," said Luna. "I love cupcakes. Twilight told me Pinkie Pie's are the best in Equestria." She trotted over to a table laden with baked goods and floated a cupcake into the air. She bit into it. "Mmmmmmm. That is good." Dale grinned. "You have frosting on your lip." Luna giggled and licked it off. "I wonder if Pinke would give me the recipe?" "Nah," said a blue pegasus pony hovering in the air nearby. "She never shares it with anypony. Says there's some 'secret ingredient'" the pegasus made quotation mark gestures in the air, "and she won't tell anybody what it is. But they really are good, aren't they?" She landed and picked up one in her teeth, tossing her head back and eating the entire thing, crumbs spraying everywhere. Dale cautiously sampled one, and found it amazingly delicious, if much sweeter than anything he was used to. Companions were not habitual cake eaters, to say the least. Skif came over and sampled a cupcake. "Hi Dale. Hi Luna. Hi pony I don't know." Skif, ever adaptable, had already started to pick up the local vernacular. He substituted "pony" for "person" as comfortably as if he'd always been around ponies. "I'm Rainbow Dash," said the blue pegasus. "The fastest flier in all Equestria!" "Skif. Nice to meet such a famous pony." He grinned at Rainbow Dash. "I see creampuffs!" said Luna with sudden enthusiasm. "Dale, come try one!" Dale waved a hoof at Skif, who waved back and continued chatting with Dash. By the time Dale reached the table where these "creampuffs" were sitting Luna had eaten half a dozen of the round confections. She looked not the last bit embarrassed by her excess either. Dale chuckled as he sensed her gleeful, hedonistic pleasure in the taste. "Try one!" she said. Dale picked up a cream puff in his teeth. He tipped his head back and bit into it. I've died and gone to the Havens. It was quite possibly the best thing he'd ever eaten. "Like it?" asked Luna with a grin. Dale just reached out and ate another one.

SPark

271

Main 6,Princess Luna,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

In the Eye of the Storm

Princess Luna is slowly recovering from her thousand year exile. Meanwhile on another world entirely Princess Elspeth of Valdemar is trying a new sort of portal spell, which will eventually turn Luna's world upside down.

complete

<p>Princess Luna is slowly recovering from her thousand year exile. Meanwhile on another world entirely Princess Elspeth of Valdemar is trying a new sort of portal spell, which will eventually turn Luna's world upside down. Now she has to face her past and choose her future, all the while dealing with the excitement, adventure, danger, and Pinkie Pie parties.</p><p><a href="http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/07/story-in-eye-of-storm.html" rel="nofollow">As featured on Equestria Daily.</a></p><p>Mercedes Lackey's Heralds of Valdemar meets Friendship is Magic. Although you do not have to be a huge Valdemar fan to understand and enjoy the story! </p><p>If you liked this, you might also enjoy the technically-a-sequel-story, <a href="/story/513/the-spark-to-light-a-candle" rel="nofollow">The Spark to Light a Candle.</a></p><p>Cover pic by <a href="http://vermin06.deviantart.com/art/My-Little-Kirin-375408563" rel="nofollow">Vermin06</a></p>

everyone

2011-08-13T10:09:51+00:00

2011-08-13T10:09:51+00:00

In the Eye of the Storm by SPark Chapter Three The party was long since over, and the sun had just set. A purple twilight settled over Ponyville. Dale smiled, remembering the unicorn Twilight Sparkle. The sky was the exact color of her coat, which was no doubt how she'd gotten her name. "It's a beautiful night," he said softly. Luna sighed sadly. "Yes it is." "And that makes you sad. Why?" Luna leaned against Dale. They were both laying on a balcony in the upper branches of the library. Twilight Sparkle was fiddling with her telescope on a different balcony, waiting for it to get dark enough. Luna had agreed to stargaze with her again, and while the night fell and Twilight prepared, she and Dale had gravitated towards each other, feeling the inner pull of their still-new bond. "To understand, you need to know about my sister and I. And to know that I guess you need to know about everything from the beginning." "Everything? What, from the creation of the world?" "Close enough," said Luna with a smile. "I'll tell you the story. It begins after the creation of the world, but before the ponies were as you know them now." She cleared her throat and began, her voice soft and sad. "Long, long ago the pony race was less than it is now. The ponies of that long ago had no language. They had no art. They made no tools. And they used no magic. They were animals, no more intelligent than any other creature of forest or field. They lived short lives, and were prey for many creatures, but they knew no sorrow, since they knew no joy. They simply were. "Then one day the sun looked down on a new morning, and said 'I grow weary. I have seen the world begin, and all things begin to be, and many things end, and I am weary of seeing. But I cannot sleep and rest, lest the world be plunged into darkness and the creatures on it perish.' She pondered long on her problem. As she pondered she saw a pony, new-foaled, who was as white as a cloud with hair as pink as a flower in spring. It was a thing even the sun had never seen before, for ponies then were always in earth colors, black or brown or gray. A plan came to her then, and she reached out to the infant pony and touched her with sun-power, planting a seed of magic deep within her. "As the pony grew, the magic grew with her. It changed her as it grew, and by the time she was a mare she had become a unicorn, which thing had never been seen before on all the world. And as the magic grew, her knowledge and understanding grew also. She learned the language of the sun. She learned to speak also to the moon. She learned many things. And she taught those things to the ponies around her. For her magic shone forth from her, and it changed them, though less than it changed the sun-touched pony herself. Under the influence of her magic the ponies learned language. They made tools. They made art. And eventually they too began to learn magic. "For among the ponies born after the sun-touched mare there were unicorns, and pegasi also. And from that time on the ponies were no longer only brown, or black, or gray, but began to be born in every color. Their magic swelled within them, and it marked them as they grew, even the earth ponies, each pony's soul shining through in her marking. So it was not long after the birth of the sun-touched pony that ponies became very much as they are today. "But that is not the end of the story. For a thousand years the sun slowly gave her power to the sun-touched pony. And she continued to grow and change. She grew wings. Her mane and tail grew new colors, and began to flow with magic. She grew taller and more graceful than any pony. And after a thousand years the sun had given the pony all her magic, there was none left in the sun any more. Then the sun told the pony, 'The sun's power is yours now, and the sun's responsibility too.' And with that the sun went into a deep slumber, from which she has never awakened. And the sun-touched pony raised the sun each morning, and lowered it each night, and watched over all the ponies as her people, and they were happy. "The moon, sister to the sun, saw what the sun had done. The moon was younger than her sister, and perhaps more foolish, but she too felt weary and wished to rest. So she too selected a new-foaled pony. The moon chose a dark blue foal, and gave her a seed of the moon's power. "The sun-touched pony sensed the passing of the moon's power, and flew to investigate. And it was well that she did, for the birth had been hard, and the foal's mother died only moments after the birth and the moon's gift. The sun-touched pony searched, but there was no stallion who would claim the foal as his own. So the sun-touched pony took the moon-touched pony with her, and called her 'sister' and raised her. "But the moon, as I said, was perhaps more foolish than the sun had been. She did not want to wait a thousand years. And the young moon-touched pony did not wish to wait either. She saw her sister raising the sun, and she wanted to raise the moon. The will of the moon and the will of the moon-touched pony worked together, and in her third century the moon-sister took up her full power, and the moon slumbered. "Now it chanced that the moon-sister was in one way very unlike her sun-sister. For the sun-sister had been an earth pony before the sun's power was planted in her. But the moon-sister had been born a unicorn. And it chanced that the moon's power multiplied her natural magic, making her very strong, stronger even than her elder sister. "She was young and foolish, as her moon had been. And her great power made her very proud. She was also very vain, and took pleasure in the beauty of her night. She sought to make each night a work of art, and came always to her sister, saying 'Sister, is my night not beautiful?' Her sister, who loved her greatly, always praised her night. But as time passed she grew more and more jealous. For her sister alone praised her night. All other ponies slept during the hours of darkness. They woke during daylight to play, and to work, and they often spoke of a beautiful day, but rarely of a beautiful night. This made the moon-sister jealous. She began to press her elder sister to allow her to raise the sun as well. Over the ages her jealousy and her desire for power grew. She begged, she argued, she shouted and fought, and finally she disowned her sister, and swore eternal hatred towards her. "The sun-sister was wise, for the moon-sister had been twisted by having such great power, so young, and so easily. More power would not help her. She sorrowed when her sister disowned her, but she did not relent. But the moon-sister was not so wise, and she decided that her sister was plotting against her. She saw the jealousy in her own heart, and thought that her elder sister was jealous too, jealous of her great power, and that was why she would not give over the sun. In her hatred she forswore the name her sister had named her with, and re-named herself Nightmare Moon, and swore to have revenge for what she perceived as the wrongs done against her. "So Nightmare Moon raised her power one day, moon power and magnified unicorn power together, and took the sun from her sister, and prevented it from rising. She swore that the night would last forever, and her power would be absolute. "The sun-sister saw that her beloved little sister had put herself beyond all help. Her power was too great, and so was her hatred. But there were yet greater powers. The sun-sister, in her wisdom, knew of them. She took her own power and used it to raise a great talisman of good, the Elements of Harmony. They broke the moon-sister's hold over the sun, and allowed the sun-sister to banish the moon-sister to the moon." Luna paused here, and Dale saw that she was crying silently, tears streaming down her cheeks. "The... the sun-sister had not wished to banish her beloved moon-sister, but it was the only way, for the sun sister had not been able to break her bond with the moon, her source of power. So she must be trapped there, unable to use that power on the world. It... it was the only way. Nightmare Moon raged against her exile, and swore that one day she would return, and overturn the sun, and banish her sister forever. In bitterness and hatred she dwelt on the moon, refusing to admit that... that she had been wrong. That she had done evil, and her sister had done good." Luna paused again, and Dale leaned against her side, wordlessly offering her his support and love. He could feel how much this story pained her. After some time she finally continued. "A thousand years passed, and on a particular day the wandering stars, those that are actually planets, aligned just so. As part of her night, Nightmare Moon could use their power, and the beam of their power paved a path from the moon to the world, which she could follow. "This time Nightmare Moon banished her sister, and once again prevented the sun from rising. But a young unicorn and her friends came, bearing the Elements of Harmony, though they knew it not. The moon-sister could not work against that subtle power directly, and they thwarted all of her attempts to stop them by indirect means. They raised the power of the Elements of Harmony against her and this time... this time they were raised not by one with magic, and sorrow, but by six with friendship and love. So their power not only broke Nightmare Moon's magic, it broke the hatred that had made her into Nightmare Moon and not... and not... Luna. And her sister forgave her, and loved her. So... so she became Luna again, but with very little moon magic. And... and she has not tried to regain her power and raise the moon again, for she is... is afraid that if she takes power again then Nightmare Moon will come back, and she will be lost in evil forever." She started sobbing, and put her muzzle against Dale's shoulder, crying into his coat. He made soft sounds of comfort, and nuzzled her. "I see now why you worry that you might be evil," said Dale softly after a long time. "There is something I know about evil though. Evil doesn't cry." "What?" Luna sniffled and looked up at him. "Evil doesn't cry. Evil is selfishness. Evil is giving in wholly to that impulse that puts one's self first and all others later, but evil doesn't regret selfishness, evil just goes ahead, forging ever deeper. You may have set foot on the path to evil, but then you regretted, and turned back. If you were still on that path you would not be crying now. You would be thinking how to use me to your advantage, rather than feeling unworthy to have me here." "I... I don't know." Dale nuzzled her gently. "You fear becoming evil. That's good. You need to strive to avoid evil always. But you can't let the fear of what you might be convince that's what you are. You turned back from that path, and you're walking further away from it every day, Luna. And someday you will take up your power again, and use it to help others." "I can't... I..." "Not yet. I know you're not ready yet. I won't push you into it. But someday you will be ready, even if it's another thousand years from now." He smiled at her, though this time he was a little bit wistful, a little bit sad. "I know you will. I just hope I can be there to see it." Luna felt a trickle of sadness, there in the deepest part of her, where her bond with Dale was growing. "You're sad now. I'm sorry." "Don't be. I just hope I did the right thing when I Chose you. I felt it was right, and I've been taught to trust my instincts, but it's possible that here in this other world they're not trustworthy. I want to help you be everything you can be. But I may have done you a great wrong." "You? But you're so good! How could you do anything wrong?" Dale shook his head. "I'm not perfect. And I didn't know you were immortal when I Chose you. Heralds are normally as mortal as their Companions, and they both grow old together. When a Companion dies, or when a Herald dies, their other half usually dies soon after. It is very rare, very rare for one to outlive the other. But you... I have no idea what will happen. If you do come home with me, to Haven, to be a Herald in my world, then you may become human, as Elsepth and Skif became ponies. And then you'll be mortal and you'll die, many years sooner than you should have. So there is one wrong I may have done you. And if you do not become mortal, if you don't change, or if you stay here, then I may still grow old and die. And when I do... I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry. I told you I would be with you always, and I may have lied, though I meant it when I said it. I don't know what will happen then. That I could become immortal like you seems the least likely course, and the only one where I will not have done you harm. I'm sorry." Impulsively Luna leaned over and nuzzled him. "It's okay." She tried to think at him, wanting him to be sure she meant what she said. She was fairly certain you couldn't lie mind-to-mind. :I'm glad you Chose me. Maybe it will lead to sorrow. I know it will lead to complications. But I don't care. I've never had a friend before. Having you as such a special friend is wonderful. And I know you can help me to be better, to fight Nightmare Moon when that part of me tries to come back. I'd rather have that, even with risking everything else.: :Thank you,: he replied simply. When Twilight came over to tell them the telescope was ready, she found them both sound asleep, Luna with her head resting on Dale's shoulder. She smiled and floated a blanket over to them, and left them together while she went to watch the stars alone. Dale and Luna woke to the sound of panicked cries and clattering hooves. Dale started to his feet and dashed to the edge of the balcony. Below him ponies were running in every direction, shouting in terror as they ran. Most were headed in one direction, but he saw Twilight Sparkle dash out the front door of the library and run towards whatever it was the other ponies were fleeing. He made out one word amid the panicked babble. "Stampede!" "Let's go!" said Luna, and she was off the balcony and flying after Twilight Sparkle before Dale could react. He yelped as he felt himself suddenly lifted into the air and floated after the princess. She lowered him to the ground as she flew, and he hit the ground running. Up ahead he could see a cloud of dust, and small dark shapes in front of it as something stampeded towards the town. They reached the border of Ponyville rapidly. Now he could see that the stampede was a herd of cows. He could also see a handful of other ponies converging on the spot. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, who he'd met last night. Applejack, who was running neck and neck with Twilight Sparkle. A white unicorn who'd caught up with him from behind was there as well, and a yellow pegasus, flying near the ground with her eyes squeezed half shut in obvious fear, but still headed towards the crisis and not away from it. As the herd thundered towards them Dale realized that the cows were not just lowing, they were shouting too, just as the ponies in town had. Well, I guess intelligent cows isn't that much stranger than a whole world full of intelligent equines, he thought. Somewhat more alarming was the cry they were shouting. "Wolves! Wolves!" "Twilight!" Yelled Applejack, "I don't reckon I can turn them this time! If they got wolves on their heels they won't turn for nopony nohow!" "Right! We need to go through them to stop the wolves. Can you split them so they go to either side?" "Can do, sugarcube! Dash! I'm gonna nudge the lead cow over a mite, you nudge her neighbor the other way, and we'll go right down the middle!" "Right!" They were almost to the herd now. With the easy coordination of those who've worked together often Applejack took the lead, and the other ponies fell in behind in a wedge shape. Dale followed suit, taking up the tail end of the wedge. Overhead Rainbow Dash dived, just as they reached the stampeding herd. With a shout Applejack shouldered the cow thundering down on her aside. Rainbow thudded into another, and suddenly the herd was flowing around them as they ran past in opposite directions. And an instant later, before they had time to think, huge gray shapes were all around them. Dale had been expecting the sort of wolves he knew, creatures hardly higher than his knee. These wolves were easily as large as he was, and he was the largest pony there. He dodged a pair of snapping jaws, and suddenly the wolf attacking him glowed and shot up into the air. He glanced up to see Luna hovering over him, her horn alight. She picked up a second wolf, then a third, but seemed to reach the limit of her ability at three. Twilight Sparkle saw what Luna was doing and picked up a pair of wolves as well. As the numbers fell Dale could see there were only three more. Rainbow Dash had rammed one in the side fearlessly, knocking it off its feet with a startled yelp. Applejack bucked and kicked, hitting another wolf in the face and sending it into yelping retreat. "Don't hurt them!" squeaked the yellow pegasus. She flew up to the third wolf, and to Dale's surprise she landed in front of the slavering creature and glared at it. Her narrowed eyes were full of quiet rage, and she started to lecture it. "Bad wolf! You're not suppose to attack ponies! You're not supposed to eat cows! Shame on you! You belong in the Everfree forest, where you can hunt the way you should. You don't belong in Ponyville! You're being just terrible, and you should know better!" The wolf tucked its tail under its belly and whined in submission. Dale just stared. The little yellow pegasus kept lecturing the wolf. Luna and Twilight Sparkle both lowered their captive wolves down next to it, and Fluttershy glared at them as well. "And you! You've all been very bad. Now say you're sorry and that you won't do it ever again!" To Dale's further surprise, the wolves all mumbled that they were sorry, and then turned and slunk away from town, every one of them with its tail tucked up in defeat. "Way to go, Flutteryshy!" said Rainbow Dash, landing next to the yellow pegasus. She smiled shyly. "Thank you. I'm just glad nobody was hurt." "You did a right good job, sugarcube," said Applejack with a smile. "Yes, that was terrific!" said Twilight Sparkle. Luna landed next to Dale. "She's only gotten better, I think," she said with a strange little smile. "I saw her stop a manticore once, but this was more impressive. The manticore was only upset, not actually trying to hurt anypony." "Thank you for your help, princess," said Twilight Sparkle, coming over to Luna and Dale. "It was no trouble," said Luna, her smile brightening. "it was kind of exciting, really." "You know what this calls for?" said Pinkie Pie, bouncing up and down. "This calls for a party!" Twilight Sparkle smiled at Pinkie Pie. "I would love to have a party, but I'm not sure we'll be able to have one today, Pinkie. The herd didn't turn this time, they've run right through the town. They'll have done a lot of damage, and we have a lot of work ahead of us helping everypony in town repair things. I don't think you'll have time to throw another party." "Aw." Pinkie Pie's face fell. "You're right, Twilight. Helping everypony is important." "How about this? You had some snacks left over from last night, right?" "Yeah." "Well, when we're done with the cleanup we can meet at the library and eat a few snacks and have a little, quiet party. A mini-party. How does that sound?" "That sounds super-duper!" said Pinkie Pie, perking up again. "Great. Now let's go help the townsponies." The six ponies, with Luna and Dale trailing along, trotted back into town. As Dale helped repair smashed fences and salvage trampled gardens he considered what had happened. Twilight Sparkle and her friends had run towards danger, and not away from it. So had Luna, but Dale had known she would. It was part of what made somebody a Herald, part of the potential he'd sensed in her. She had a strong desire to do something about a problem, and not just sit around and ignore it. And she was no coward. Twilight's friends seemed to be made of much the same stuff. And not only had they stepped into danger, but now they were doing the hard work of fixing what had gone wrong. Another quality shared by Heralds. They were not only heroes, they were everyday helpers that made the kingdom run smoothly. He wondered what would have happened if six more unpartnered companions had come along with him. Would Twilight and her friends have been Chosen as well? He trotted wearily back to the library after the worst of the mess had been cleaned up. When he arrived he found Twilight and her friends already gathered. His Valdemaran friends were there as well, Elspeth already deep in a conversation about the mechanics of magic with Twilight Sparkle, and Skif talking animatedly with Rainbow Dash, while Gwena and Cymry were both sitting next to Fluttershy, quietly discussing something he couldn't quite make out amid all the chatter. Pinie Pie was setting out snacks, and Dale was thrilled to find that there were some creampuffs left. He trotted over and helped himself to a few. "Fight you for the last one," said Luna with a grin, joining him at the snack table. "I'll be a gentleman and let you have it," said Dale. "That and I know you'd probably win." Luna giggled. "I would, because I would cheat shamelessly and use magic. For creampuffs it would be worth it." Dale laughed. "Everypony listen up!" Dale looked over to see Rainbow Dash standing on her hind hooves, gesturing animatedly. "You guys won't have heard this story, and you totally should!" Rainbow Dash had captured Elsepth's attention as well as Skif's. Dale too wandered over to hear the brash blue pegasus. "So it all started with the Best Young Flier competition, right? I was going to win, of course, but then Rarity had gotten these magic wings, and she entered the contest too. Only she flew up too high and the wings burnt off. I didn't see it right away, but the Wonderbolts, they're amazing, I'm going to join them someday! They saw what happened and dived right off after her, of course. Only she was so freaked out she was all flailing around and she knocked all three of them out! So now there are four ponies falling, and only one pony to save the day, me, Rainbow Dash! I went into this awesome dive, going super-fast, and right before they hit the ground I caught them all! And got up enough speed for the sonic rain-boom, which nobody else has ever pulled off but me! It was awesome! Even more awesome than when I headbutted that mean old wolf today." "Fluttershy was the awesome one today," said Twilight Sparkle with a grin. "Yeah, you were pretty cool," Dash said to Fluttershy, who hid behind her mane and squeaked out a quiet "Thank you." "You were far more 'awesome' when you dealt with that dragon!" broke in the white unicorn, who'd been introduced earlier as Rarity. "We all failed there, but you saved the day." Fluttershy smiled, a little, half-hidden smile. "I was very scared." "We were all very scared, darling. But you faced him down anyway. It was very brave of you." "You've done brave things too," said Fluttershy, blushing in embarrassment. "Me? Oh, I don't think so." "You figured out how to deal with those diamond dogs," said Twilight Sparkle. "And I think ya'll was very brave to give up yer tail for that poor ol' river dragon," broke in Applejack. "Ah'll admit at the time I thought he was bein' plain ridiculous, and ya'll were both making too much fuss about nothin', but now that I know ya a mite better, I know how much it took fer ya'll to sacrifice like that." "Well what else could I do, darling? After Nightmare Moon cut off his fabulous moustache! I couldn't just leave him like that!" She suddenly stopped and looked at Luna with wide eyes. "Oh my! I'm so sorry to bring that up, Luna. I know you didn't..." Luna shook her head. "I'm the one that needs to be sorry. I did a lot of things I shouldn't have, and upsetting the poor river dragon was the least of it. I'm very sorry, sorry to you all." She looked somewhat nervous, and Dale could sense her fear. She was afraid that these ponies, being reminded of what she had been, wouldn't want to be her friends anymore. But she was facing the fear, and facing her past as well. "I'm sorry, Rarity, and I need to say sorry to the river dragon, for upsetting him and making you give up your tail." "Think nothing of it, my dear. The tail was restored by the Elements before anypony even saw it, after all. I hardly suffered!" Rarity gave her a dazzling smile. "I'm very sorry, Rainbow Dash, for trying to make you betray your friends." "Ah, you never stood a chance, don't worry about it," said Rainbow Dash dismissively. "And I'm sorry for hurting the manticore, and making him attack you all." "It's okay Luna," said Fluttershy quietly. "He was only a little bit hurt. I pulled that thorn right out, and he barely even remembers it now." "I'm sorry I tried to frighten you with the living trees," contined Luna, determinedly pressing on. " It's okay! We had a good laugh. They were so silly!" Pinkie Pie's grin was contagious, and Luna couldn't help but smile back. "And I'm sorry I tried to drop you all off a cliff." "That was you too, sugarcube? Well, you didn't harm a one of us, so I don't see there's much to be sorry for." Applejack's smile was warm too, and Luna smiled back, feeling amazingly light. None of them seemed to hate her for what she'd done to them. But there was one more thing... "And Twilight... I'm very sorry for attacking you in the castle. I was trying to kill you. I am so very, very glad I failed." Twilight shrugged. "If you hadn't attacked me I never would have felt the spark of friendship and realized what the Elements of Harmony really were. So it all worked out for the best in the end, Luna. I hope... I hope you can forgive me for attacking you too. I thought I had killed you. And I was glad of it, which was wrong of me." "No, you..." Luna paused, catching herself saying almost the same thing she'd always refused to hear from her sister. "You were attacking Nightmare Moon, not me. You saved me, you set me free from hatred. So thank you. Thank you very much. And thank you all for being so kind to me on my visit here. I'd like... I'd like it if we could be friends." "Well of course, sugarcube, It'd be a right honor." "Indeed, Darling." "You'd be a super-duper friend!" "Yeah, you're pretty cool." "I'd like to be your friend." "We have so much in common, I'm sure we'll be great friends." Luna smiled at them all, feeling a swelling of blissful happiness in her chest. All these ponies would be her friends? Even having experienced the evils of Nightmare Moon directly? They had forgiven her as easily as her sister. It was nothing short of miraculous. "We'll be your friends too," said Elspeth, breaking in. "You're a sweet person, and I think we all like you a lot. And if you do come with us to Haven you'll meet even more people who want to be friends with you, I'm sure." "Thank you. Thank you all very much," said Luna, trying not to cry. She had no idea if she wanted to stay here and try and regain her powers, or if she wanted to go to this other world and get a new start, but it was wonderful to know that whichever choice she made she would have friends there by her side.

SPark

271

Main 6,Princess Luna,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

In the Eye of the Storm

Princess Luna is slowly recovering from her thousand year exile. Meanwhile on another world entirely Princess Elspeth of Valdemar is trying a new sort of portal spell, which will eventually turn Luna's world upside down.

complete

<p>Princess Luna is slowly recovering from her thousand year exile. Meanwhile on another world entirely Princess Elspeth of Valdemar is trying a new sort of portal spell, which will eventually turn Luna's world upside down. Now she has to face her past and choose her future, all the while dealing with the excitement, adventure, danger, and Pinkie Pie parties.</p><p><a href="http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/07/story-in-eye-of-storm.html" rel="nofollow">As featured on Equestria Daily.</a></p><p>Mercedes Lackey's Heralds of Valdemar meets Friendship is Magic. Although you do not have to be a huge Valdemar fan to understand and enjoy the story! </p><p>If you liked this, you might also enjoy the technically-a-sequel-story, <a href="/story/513/the-spark-to-light-a-candle" rel="nofollow">The Spark to Light a Candle.</a></p><p>Cover pic by <a href="http://vermin06.deviantart.com/art/My-Little-Kirin-375408563" rel="nofollow">Vermin06</a></p>

everyone

2011-08-13T10:09:58+00:00

2011-08-13T10:09:58+00:00

In the Eye of the Storm by SPark Chapter Four It was a beautiful summer day in Ponyville. The library's door was open to let in a warm breeze. Birds were singing in the branches of the library tree, and Dale and the other Companions were lounging on the grass just outside the door, keeping out of the way of Elspeth, Twilight, and Luna, who were having a fairly intense magic lesson. "Woo hoo!" Rainbow Dash came tearing past the library, her trademark streak of rainbow trailing out behind her. Dale just smiled to see it. He was past being surprised by anything these ponies did anymore. Skif went rocketing after her, his wings a blur, and Dale smiled more broadly. The thief-turned-Herald-turned-pegasus seemed to be enjoying his flying lessons. "I may not be able to fly when I get home, but it would be a shame not to enjoy it while I can," he had said earlier. And Rainbow Dash had been more than willing to teach him, though Dale suspected she was just enjoying the chance to show off a little. She'd had to work hard to keep ahead of Skif though, he picked up physical skills quickly, a legacy of a childhood spent learning how to climb houses, pick pockets, and do other demanding tasks. Inside the library there was a small explosion, and Dale winced. Elspeth, on the other hand, wasn't learning magic as easily as she'd hoped. He peered in the door to where Luna and Twilight were both patiently coaching Elspeth. The tip of her horn was slightly scorched, and she looked very cross and impatient. "You're still letting your old habits influence you. Unicorn magic is different." Twilight scolded her gently. Elspeth sighed. "I know, I know. But it's easier said than done." "Well as they say, practice makes perfect. So let's try this again. First gather your power in your horn." Elspeth nodded and closed her eyes. Her horn began to glow. "Very good. Now remember to reach through the horn, not through your hooves this time." "Right," muttered Elspeth. A moment later a glowing bubble surrounded her. "Oh very good!" said Twilight. "Very good! That one took me nearly as long, even without the bad habits." "I don't suppose I could learn the actual gate spell next?" asked Elspeth, the bubble still glowing around her. "Hold the spell now," said Twilight. Then she added, "No, not until you're completely at ease with unicorn magic. You do not want to have a gate spell go bang on you the way that shield bubble just did. Isn't that right Luna?" Twilight looked over at the third pony in the room. "Huh?" She blinked at them, then shook her head. "Oh yes, right. Gate spells are pretty powerful, you could blow yourself to bits." "Is something wrong, Luna?" asked Twilight, sounding concerned. "Nothing is wrong. There's just... something. I can sense it. I'm not sure what it is, but it somehow reminds me of the moon." "Is that... bad?" Twilight looked nervous. "I don't know. It's coming from that direction," Luna waved a hoof at the Everfree Forest, "so it might be some forgotten artifact in the old palace, or any number of other things." "Could it be a creature?" asked Elspeth. The distraction made her mind wander and the bubble spell vanished with a "pop!" "I suppose it could be a creature, yes," said Luna. "Why do you ask?" "Because something attacked us right after we came through the gate. A huge monster. I don't know what connection it might have to magic, or to the moon, but it was in the ruins there." "What sort of creature was it?" asked Twilight Sparkle. "It was, well... it was a giant rabbit. Only with fangs, and claws like a cat, and horns, and a long tail." "Hmm. I think..." Twilight's horn glowed and a book floated over to her. She leafed through it. "Ah, yes! It's a giant wolpertinger!" "Ah, of course," said Luna. "The forest has always had a large population of wolpertingers, so getting one of the giant ones isn't that surprising." "What is a wolpertinger?" asked Elspeth. "Just what you said, it's mostly a rabbit, but they're predatory, and the small ones can fly." "This one had wings, but they were too small, thankfully. Otherwise we'd never have escaped from it." "They're mostly small creatures, but there's a peculiar magic in them, so that every now and then you get one that just grows and grows and never stops growing. So if nothing kills it, it will eventually be huge. I heard of one once that got nearly as big as an ursa major." "It must have been while I was on the moon," said Luna, "if that really happened, otherwise I think I'd remember it. An ursa major is pretty big." "Not the biggest thing there is though," said Twilight as she flipped through her book. "World snakes get bigger. But you never see them, they spend nearly all their time sleeping. They sleep so much that mountains grow on them." "Would the wolpertinger be what you sensed, Luna?" asked Elspeth. Luna shook her head. "No. A giant wolpertinger's only magic is its size. I sensed something magical. I still sense it, in fact. It's very faint, but it's there." "Should we go investigate?" asked Twilight sparkle. Luna hesitated. Then she shook her head. "No. Whatever it is, it's far off and not causing any problems. If it gets stronger maybe, but right now it's just another bit of magic in a forest full of bits of magic. Not worth the effort." "Do you sense all those other bits of magic too?" Twilight Sparkle's eyes were wide with curiosity. Luna smiled. "Yes. An alicorn is very sensitive. We have to be, in order to do our jobs. We have to know when there's new magic in Equestria. That's why I flew out here, after all. Stargazing with you was a wonderful bonus, and meeting so many friends has been amazing, but I came to investigate the portal magic that my sister and I sensed." "So this thing you sensed is new?" "Yes. But small. Or very far away. It's not big enough to worry about. If we went and checked on every single bit of new magic, we'd do nothing else. It's only the strong magic, or the magic that seems particularly harmful, that we investigate." "You could send other ponies to look at the smaller magics," said Elspeth. Luna considered that. "Hmm. Not a bad idea, actually." "You two do a lot of things yourselves, don't you?" "There are a lot of things only we two can do." "But you do delegate some things, I hope?" "Oh yes! Most of the everyday ruling matters of the nation get dealt with by various other ponies." Luna smiled. "I'd go completely around the bend if I had to get involved in all the politics and bureaucracy. Although I used to do most of the archives." She sighed. "I did always love scrolls, and doing all the statistics. I was a quick hoof with an abacus, back in the day. But Equestria is larger than it was, and there's a whole herd of ponies who manage all that now." "That's good. A good leader always knows how to delegate. That's really the whole reason for the Heralds. We're the ones who do all the things the Queen would do, if she could be everywhere." "That sounds like a very sensible way to run things," said Luna thoughtfully. "Can you tell me more about what Heralds do?" "Most Heralds do what we call 'riding circuit.' They have an area of responsibility and they circle around it, stopping at every village. They bring news with them, and changes to the laws. But mostly they hear disputes, report on problems, and generally keep things orderly. They'll deal with small attacks by bandits or wild animals, and do what they can in cases of sickness and plague, both to help cure and to contain the spread of such things. They do whatever they can to help, wherever they are." "You said most Heralds. What do the others do?" "Well, some are teachers, training new Heralds. And there are a few special tasks. The archivist is a Herald. So is the weaponsmaster. And there's the Queen's Own. Or King's Own, when there's a king, but right now my mother Selenay reigns." "What do they do?" "Well, there's a certain amount of trivial stuff that comes from being the highest ranked Herald, but mostly what they do is to be there for the Queen. A ruler needs somebody they can take off all their masks with." Luna nodded solemnly, thinking of Celestia. "And a ruler needs somebody who's not going to be subservient to them, who can tell them if they have a particularly bad idea. The Queen's Own is technically equal to the Queen, he or she has the right to veto any idea the Queen has. Of course that doesn't get used very often, the idea of it is the really useful thing. It's very easy to get a swelled head when your every word is law. Knowing that somebody can shoot you down makes a difference. "And of course the Queen's Own is the one person at court who has no personal agenda. They don't have any ties to the court itself, they're not usually a member of a noble family or anything like that. And since they're a Herald, Chosen by a Companion, they're completely trustworthy. I think sometimes that's the most important thing. They're a listening ear who's there to care about the Queen, and not to push their own politics. That's a very rare thing at court. At least in our kingdom." "It's a rare thing here in Equestria too," said Luna. "And I think that in a peculiar sort of way Twilight Sparkle and I, between us, have been doing that sort of thing for my sister this last year." "Me?" Twilight Sparkle looked surprised. "But I'm not equal to the Princess!" "No. But I am. And you're somebody trustworthy, with no ties at court. I know Celestia looks forward to your letters as a welcome break from all the back stabbing and politicking she deals with every day." Twilight blushed. "Really?" "Yes. She's always very happy to get them." A frown crossed Elspeth's face. "If you're like the Queen's Own for your sister, what's going to happen if... when you come with us to Valdemar?" Luna looked at Elspeth, her expression troubled. "It's definitely 'if' and not 'when', Elspeth. I don't know, I really don't know if I can go. I'm not just another pony. I should... I should be the Bringer of Night, I should be raising the moon, as my sister raises the sun. I'm not now because... because of a lot of things. So maybe I could go. But if I do, I give up being everything I've ever been, or ever hoped to be. And I guess probably Heralds have had to do that before, but I really don't know if I can." For a moment Elspeth's frown deepened and she looked rather annoyed, but then she sighed. "Sorry. I'm afraid I'm used to Valdemarans being Chosen, it's rare for somebody not raised around Heralds to be Chosen, though it's been happening more often of late, with our recent alliances with other nations. It used to go without saying that a Herald will accept their duty and come to Haven for training. And Heralds are always Chosen for their sense of duty." "I do have a sense of duty. The problem is that it includes my duty to my sister. I... I'm grateful to be Chosen, I know it's an honor, and I wouldn't want to give up Dale for anything. But I just don't know if I can go. I really don't. Yes my sister has handled my duties for a very long time, but maybe that's all the more reason for me to take them up again." She sighed. "I've been wrestling with this even before I was Chosen. Now it seems like twice as much of a problem, and I have no idea what the right choice is." "I guess I can understand, a bit. I've been torn between duties too, when I was still the heir, before I gave it up, but I knew what I really wanted to do. It was just difficult arranging things so that I could do what I felt I should. It would have been a lot harder if I hadn't been so certain." "I'm sure you'll be able to choose what's best when the time comes," said Twilight Sparkle with a warm smile. "You have plenty of time left to think about it, if the way these lessons are going is any indication." Elspeth laughed ruefully "Very true. I guess I won't feel bad for taking so long to master magic, in that case." "Don't think that means you can slack off on your lessons though!" said Luna with a giggle. "Speaking of which, let's try the shield bubble again." "Right." Elspeth turned her attention back to magic. Dale turned his gaze back to the streets of Ponyville, but his thoughts kept worrying over the problem of what to do with Luna. It was true that a prince of another kingdom had been Chosen, and not very long ago. But prince Daren had been easily spared from his brother's court. And he had not been just another Herald. He had become the Queen's royal consort, very much her equal and as vital in his own way as the Queen's Own was. But there were no such positions going begging now. Luna would be just another Herald. And there was the issue of what would happen if she turned into a mortal human. She would lose not only everything she ever wanted to be, but all the years should could have lived. And more than that, she was something very close to a goddess. She had told him about being trapped on the moon, but that was next door compared to going to Valdemar. Would it harm this whole world if he took a goddess away from it? He didn't know. I should be sure of this. I've Chosen, and my Chosen is meant to be a Herald! What point in Choosing if Luna just stays here? Heralds exist for a reason! He sighed. It was just not that simple. But between them he and Luna had to figure out what was best for both worlds. The Valdemarans had been in Ponyville for two weeks when Luna announced that she needed to leave. She and Twilight had been stargazing again, while Dale lurked nearby as he tended to do. "Celestia needs you?" asked Twilight, looking somewhat dismayed. "No, I'm not headed to Canterlot. I'm going the opposite direction." She gestured towards the Everfree Forest. "The new magic I sensed has been growing. Very slowly, but very steadily. Either something is gathering power, or something quite powerful is moving closer. At this distance I can't tell which it is. But in either case it's gone on long enough that somebody needs to investigate. I'll leave in the morning." "Can I come along?" asked Dale. Luna frowned at him. "I was planning on flying, and you're an earth pony." "You've lifted me with magic before. Could you carry me with you?" "I wouldn't think you'd enjoy that very much," said Luna doubtfully. "All the earth ponies I've known prefer to have their hooves on the ground." "I don't mind. I want to come with you." "All right," said Luna. They slept in the spare bed in Twilight's room once again, or rather Luna did. Dale, who insisted that he was used to such things, slept standing. The ponies of this land didn't seem to know how, but he's slept on his feet in a stall most of his life, and didn't see it as any sort of hardship. It was late morning by the time they woke. Twilight and Spike went down to open the library, while Luna and Dale made breakfast for the four of them. "Is this thing you've sensed likely to be dangerous?" asked Dale. "I have no idea," said Luna. "The last thing I went to investigate proved to be you, so if past history is any indication it will be harmless but troublesome." Dale laughed. "Harmless but troublesome, hm?" "Yep." She grinned at him. "But really it could be anything. Even with as long as I've lived there are still things I've never seen. I've never seen a world snake, for example. I've also never seen a pony who eats as much as you," she added as Dale dug into his food. Dale grinned. "I'm a growing boy, got to keep my strength up." Luna's eyes widened in mock-fright. "Celestia forbid you grow any larger! I won't be able to lift you if you do!" Dale chuckled. He had always been one of the larger Companions, and here he was bigger than any pony he'd met so far, except for Big Macintosh. Luna was taller than average for a pony, but he was as tall as she, and much stockier. Banter and breakfast both completed, they cleaned up the dishes and went outside. Twilight Sparkle said goodbye and excused herself to go tidy the perpetually messy library. Luna didn't hesitate any longer. She spread her wings and launched herself into the air. A moment later her horn glowed, and Dale felt himself lifted. It was admittedly a bit unsettling to be floating with no apparent support, but he wasn't going to let Luna go off to investigate something potentially dangerous without him. Luna sped towards the Everfree forest, the wind whistling around her as she flew. Dale closed his eyes. They were going very fast and it was a little bit dizzying. But he found that closing his eyes made it worse, so he opened them again. The wind buffeted him, and he tucked his legs up as though he were jumping. That helped a little bit. Trees flew by below them. Already they were past Ponyville and the fields and orchards surrounding it. The Everfree Forest stretched out, dark and green and seeming to go on forever. He caught a glimpse of crumbling stone spires, probably the same ruins the gate had dropped them at. The ruins were past in a blink and they were still accelerating. Dale's eyes watered and he squinted. Ahead in the distance rose a range of low mountains. "It doesn't seem to be in the forest," shouted Luna. "I'm going to triangulate on it. Hold on." Dale had a moment to wonder, hold on to what? Then they made an abrupt right angle turn that made his stomach lurch. Luna streaked over the forest for several minutes in the new direction. "Wow, that's a long ways off!" she shouted. "Going forward again! Hold on!" Dale decided that what he needed to "hold on" to was his lunch. Another sudden turn and they were headed once more for the mountains in the distance. They went faster and faster and faster, until Dale had to shut his eyes again, the wind was too much. Still they streaked on, for what felt like an eternity, before finally Dale felt the wind slacken slightly. He opened his eyes again. They were soaring over craggy peaks. They flew through a pass between mountains that held a dusting of snow on their highest slopes, even though it was summer. They arched downward, following the land, until Luna landed on the crest of a rocky ridge in the foothills of the range. She set Dale down next to her, and he resisted the urge to throw himself flat and kiss the ground. It was very good to feel solid earth under his hooves again. "There it is," said Luna. Dale looked around, but saw nothing. They were standing on a high point, with the mountains towering higher behind them, but the land in front sloping down to a rolling plain, dotted here and there with groves of trees. A river snaked past in the distance. He could see nothing moving. "I don't want to get any closer, it's very strong, and something about it makes me uneasy." "I don't see anything," said Dale. "There," gestured Luna with one hoof. Dale peered into the distance in the direction she'd pointed, and eventually made out a black dot in the distance, nearly on the horizon. "That little speck?" "Ah, I forget you don't have pegasus sight. Here, let me try something." The air in front of Dale's eyes wavered strangely, and suddenly he could see the speck clearly, as though it had been magnified by a telescope. It was something a little bit like a pony, though perhaps more like a deer. Quadrupedal, with slender legs ending in cloven hooves. There was nothing to give scale, so Dale couldn't tell how big it was. It was greenish brown, but an ugly, black, mold-like mottling covered it. It had a single horn, like a unicorn, but curved back rather than straight. Its sides seemed to be covered in scales, though its neck was furred, almost thickly enough to be called a mane. Its face was that of a deer, with scaled ridges like a dragon's over its eyes. The eyes were pits of blackness, and it was fanged, the fangs stained and dripping red as though it had just killed some hapless prey. It plodded steadily forward, its face expressionless. Where its feet fell the grass blackened and died, and it left a spreading trail of rotting death behind it. Dale shuddered. "What is it?" he whispered. "I don't know," said Luna. "I've never seen anything like it." She banished the spell that was letting Dale see it. He felt a sense of relief to no longer have the horrible thing in front of his eyes. But he could still see it out there, that little speck. He shuddered again. Luna was equally unnerved. She felt chilled, even though the sun was high overhead. Once again she found herself thinking of the moon, and the cold lifelessness there. She tried to shake the feeling off. "I need to triangulate again. I'll be right back." Luna leapt into the air, shooting straight up. Dale gazed after her. She flew a little ways towards the thing. Then a little to one side, then a little to the other. When she landed again her expression was grave. "It's headed this way. If I'm correct, and if going over the mountains doesn't divert it, we're going to have some problems." "It's headed for Ponyville?" Luna shook her head. "No. It will pass close by, but it won't go through the town itself. It's headed for Canterlot. In fact, if I'm calculating correctly it's headed directly for my sister's palace."

SPark

271

Main 6,Princess Luna,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

In the Eye of the Storm

Princess Luna is slowly recovering from her thousand year exile. Meanwhile on another world entirely Princess Elspeth of Valdemar is trying a new sort of portal spell, which will eventually turn Luna's world upside down.

complete

<p>Princess Luna is slowly recovering from her thousand year exile. Meanwhile on another world entirely Princess Elspeth of Valdemar is trying a new sort of portal spell, which will eventually turn Luna's world upside down. Now she has to face her past and choose her future, all the while dealing with the excitement, adventure, danger, and Pinkie Pie parties.</p><p><a href="http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/07/story-in-eye-of-storm.html" rel="nofollow">As featured on Equestria Daily.</a></p><p>Mercedes Lackey's Heralds of Valdemar meets Friendship is Magic. Although you do not have to be a huge Valdemar fan to understand and enjoy the story! </p><p>If you liked this, you might also enjoy the technically-a-sequel-story, <a href="/story/513/the-spark-to-light-a-candle" rel="nofollow">The Spark to Light a Candle.</a></p><p>Cover pic by <a href="http://vermin06.deviantart.com/art/My-Little-Kirin-375408563" rel="nofollow">Vermin06</a></p>

everyone

2011-08-15T08:49:39+00:00

2011-08-15T08:49:39+00:00

In the Eye of the Storm by SPark Chapter Five The library was once again crowded with ponies. Luna, the six friends from Ponyville, one small dragon, two heralds, and three Companions, all filled the main room. But this time there were no streamers or creampuffs. Luna wasn't sure about the crowd of ponies. She had originally only told Twilight Sparkle, hoping the scholarly unicorn would be able to identify the frightening creatures they'd glimpsed. But Twilight hadn't recognized it either. And she had insisted that her friends might be able to help, they were resourceful ponies who had dealt with a number of different disasters so far. Dale had said much the same for his friends, so now twelve ponies and a dragon gathered around with various expressions of worry and concern. "All right. Let's lay the situation out," said Elspeth, breaking the uneasy silence that had followed Luna's description of the thing. "On the one hand we have an unknown magical creature, that probably has pretty bad intentions, given that it's leaking some sort of death magic all over the place. On the other we have what resources?" "Three unicorns of varying ability," ticked off Luna. "Two pegasi, one a very strong flier, the other gifted in dealing with creatures. Five earth ponies of varying strengths and skills. And one magically crippled alicorn." "You're not..." started Twilight. "I am," said Luna. "There's no point pretending otherwise. I don't have my full power, I'm only slightly stronger than you are right now. My sister may count as a goddess, but I don't." "What about your sister then?" said Elspeth. "Should we bring this to her attention?" Luna shook her head. "Ordinarily with a threat like this I'd say that's a great idea, but my sister... she has a hard time not getting personally involved. She wouldn't be content to just advise us, she'd want to go out and fight it with us. And in this case I think that would be a very bad idea, but I'm not sure I could talk her out of it. Best to not involve her at all, except as a last resort." "Why is it a bad idea?" asked Pinkie Pie with wide-eyed innocence. "Because there is a creature oozing evil and death taking a ruler-straight path towards her palace. I can't believe it's a coincidence. I think the creature is on its way to try and kill her. And since it's an unknown, I don't know what abilities it may have. It may well be able to kill her. I can't risk that." "Ooo, scary!" said Pinkie Pie with a theatrical shiver. "It could be after you," said Twilight. "It's your palace too." Luna blinked. "Me?" "She has a point," said Skif. "Even if this whatever it is wants your sister, it might want you as well." "I find that fairly unlikely," said Luna. "For one thing it's come from so far away that we've never seen anything like it. Every creature in the world knows that Celestia raises the sun. My return is barely a year old, the news hasn't spread that far. And I haven't taken up the moon again. Killing Celestia would be a disaster for the whole world, killing me wouldn't actually accomplish much." "It might still have some magical means of knowing who you are," said Twilight. "But I suppose we can consider that the less likely hypothesis. I think you're probably right that it's after Celestia. Which means we must stop it." "So what do we do about it?" That was Elspeth again. "Like Twilight said it has to be stopped. If we can halt it, or turn it back, that would be ideal. If we can turn it from its course, we'll at least gain time, though I'm not happy about letting something like that just wander free, trailing death behind it. If we can't stop it or turn it, we'll have to kill it." Luna shivered as she spoke. She didn't like the idea of killing it, but they might not have a choice. "How long do we have?" asked Rarity. "It's moving fairly slowly, but I'd like to go out and meet it. If we can turn it north before it crosses the mountains... the northern plains are largely unoccupied. It would do little harm there. If it gets into the Everfree Forest there will be a lot more damage done, and we definitely don't want to let it out of the forest and into Equestria proper." The gathered ponies nodded agreement. "I could fly ahead and try to stop it," volunteered Rainbow Dash. "No." Luna's response was instant. "I'm not sure I could face it by myself, you certainly shouldn't. We'll all go. And we can think of ideas for halting it along the way. At the pace of an earth pony it'll be at least a whole day to get across the mountains. If we leave now we can make it quite a ways before sundown. Then we can camp and continue in the morning." "Right." Twilight Sparkle stood up. "We should take an hour or so to pack first. I'm going to go through a few of the old bestiaries and see if I can find any reference to this thing. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, you two can pack food. Pinkie... a few cupcakes if you must, but bring things other than sweets. Both of you bring plenty, we've got a large group. I'm sure the Companions won't mind carrying packs?" she glanced at the three white ponies. "No, we're happy to help," said Gwena, and Dale and Cymry nodded. "Bring any other supplies you think might be useful too," added Twilight. "I've got a couple o' light tents. Long as it ain't too cold..." Applejack glanced at Rainbow Dash. "Hey, we don't do the weather in the Everfree Forest, but here in town tonight's supposed to be clear and pretty warm." "Then I don't recon it'll snow on us," said Applejack with a grin. "Right. Rarity, you have some spare packs I know. Can you go get them?" "Of course. Though they're mostly ones customers didn't end up liking, not made for me, so I'm not sure how they'll look with white..." she trailed off, then laughed. "I suppose in such an emergency that's hardly the foremost concern, is it?" Twilight smiled at her. "You've learned a lot recently." "I still fully intend to pack a scarf that brings out my eyes, darling," said Rarity with a smile. "If you have a few extra scarves, that would be very nice," broke in Luna. "It will be cold going over the mountains. It's summer, so it won't be freezing, but warm clothing would be a good idea for everypony." "Oh, uh, I hope you don't mind me taking charge, princess" said Twilight, looking at Luna and blushing. "Oh no! I wouldn't know the first thing about organizing other ponies. My sister always handled that kind of thing. I tended to work alone," said Luna. "You're doing very well!" "Thank you." said Twilight Sparkle with a smile. "Well then, everypony go gather your stuff, and meet back here in an hour." ----- Twelve ponies ran through the forest in the afternoon light. Spike had stayed behind to tend the library. He he protested only briefly when Twilight insisted he stay. He was a brave creature, but still just a baby. Although all these ponies are babies next to me, thought Luna. I hope I've done the right thing by letting them come. If one of them gets hurt, I'm not sure I could forgive myself. :They're strong,: said Dale softy in her head. Luna thought for a moment that she ought to be annoyed that he seemed to always be eavesdropping on her thoughts, but somehow it didn't bother her. He felt like he was a part of her, another half that she'd somehow lived all these years without. :They're all the kind of people who seldom run away from trouble.: he continued. :That sort of person either dies young or becomes very capable indeed. I know my fellow Valdemarans are the latter sort. I'm pretty sure your Ponyville friends are as well.: :I hope so,: was all Luna said in return. She was in the lead, with the others strung out behind her in a long line. They were following a narrow trail through thick underbrush, but Luna was hoping to strike an easier path. She knew it had to be near here somewhere. "Hey Luna!" shouted Twilight from where she ran just behind Dale, "Isn't this the way to the old palace ruins?" "Nearly! There used to be a city below the palace, before the forest grew over it. That's where we're headed." They galloped on, taking a downward-sloping path that led to a valley in the shadow of the ruined palace. There were ruins here too, though much more decrepit and less impressive. Tree roots had torn up most of the stones, leaving only the occasional bit of wall half-cloaked in greenery. They ran amid the remnants of an earlier age, that would have been full of eerie desolation by moonlight, but in the light of day only looked sad and empty. Soon Luna found what she was seeking, and turned their course onto the remains of an ancient road. The paving stones were almost invisible in most places, covered in a layer of loam and grass, but the trees had not encroached here, so the way was more open than it would otherwise have been. And the road ran, straight as the pegasus flew, towards the low mountain range that was their immediate goal. Luna slowed to a canter, not wanting to tire everypony out, and they continued down the road, no longer single file but in an irregular herd. Dale came up to run on one side of Luna, and Twilight Sparkle ran on the other. They ran on through the afternoon and into the evening. When the sun was about to set, and the long shadows of the trees already shrouded the road in gloom, Luna halted. The other ponies halted as well. The Valdemarans were in good shape, and Rainbow Dash had been grumbling the whole way about being held to such a slow pace, but several of the others were panting and exhausted. Rarity in particular dropped to the ground and lay there, trying to catch her breath. "I'll get the tents up," volunteered Applejack. "Should we build a fire?" asked Skif, glancing between Luna and Twilight. "I can't think of any reason why not," said Luna. "I'll gather branches then." "I'll get out the food!" said Pinkie Pie with her usual exuberance. She had been breathless from the run as well, but recovered almost instantly. Soon they had a cozy campsite, and were roasting apples over the fire. Pinkie Pie was roasting marshmallows as well, which she shared around happily. "Just like a camp out! Which I guess it is, because we're out, and we're camping!" Luna smiled at Pinkie Pie. "Indeed. We shall have to do this again sometime, without the urgent errand." Pinkie's cheerfulness was heartening, and Luna found herself glad that she had brought these other ponies along. She still worried that somepony might get hurt, but this was far better, being surrounded by so many friends, than being alone. "Does any pony have any ideas for dealing with this thing?" "Well, ah was thinkin' that since we're lookin' to turn it, ah might lasso it up and haul it 'round," said Applejack. "That's a good notion," said Luna. She considered. "A lasso in particular is a good idea. I don't think anypony should touch it. If it kills plants just by stepping near them, touching it is probably a bad idea." "Well what else can we do to it without touching it then?" said Elspeth. "There's magic, of course. With four unicorns, counting myself, we might be able to turn it or stop it. Perhaps in conjunction with Applejack's rope." "There's me too," said Rainbow Dash. "I can spin it around in my patented rain-blow dry technique without touching it. Maybe I could get it dizzy or point it back the way it came." "I wish I were up to helping with that," said Skif. "But I'm fast on my feet, so I'll jump in and help any way that I can once things get started." "And Fluttershy can try the stare on it," said Twilight. "And Pinkie Pie can try... whatever it is Pinkie does. Though I suspect that won't work very well. Creepy death creatures probably don't like noisemakers and balloons." "You never know!" said Pinkie. "Maybe all it needs is to cheer up a little and not be so gloomy-doomy." Twilight chuckled. "I hope it's that easy, Pinkie." "I'm not sure what we can do," said Dale. "If we can't touch it... and we don't have any magic or any special abilities." "If you think of anything, let me know. But just having you along is good for morale, if nothing else," said Twilight with a smile. :It's very good for my morale,: Luna said silently. :And no doubt for Elspeth's and Skif's as well, if I understand how this works.: Dale smiled at her, and sent back a wordless agreement. There was a long silence, filled only with the snapping and crackling of the fire. "I guess nobody else has any ideas," said Twilight, getting to her feet, "so I'm going to turn in. We all should, so we're all rested tomorrow." There was a general murmur of agreement. Skif set about putting out the fire, while various ponies got out blankets and made themselves comfortable in the tents. There wasn't quite room for everypony, and the three Companions volunteered to sleep outside, since they were used to it. Luna stayed out as well, staring up pensively at the night sky. If she took up her power again she could deal with this threat so easily. But if she did... fear shivered through her. To lift her power to raise the moon again was a terrifying enough thought. To take it up in combat? To attack some creature, even an obviously dangerous one like this? No. She couldn't do it. She just couldn't. One of their other ideas had to work. ----- Luna slept little that night, and roused the others before dawn. They yawned and grumbled a bit, but soon the camp was packed up and they were once again on their way. The previous day they'd crossed most of the Everfree Forest. By the time the sun rose above the trees the road was beginning to curve and wind as it climbed and dipped among forested foothills. All too soon after that they started up the mountains in earnest. The steepness of the way slowed the whole group to a walk. Rainbow Dash grumbled louder than ever at the pace, and frequently darted from one end of the string of climbing ponies to the other, spending nervous energy freely. Skif stayed on the ground, as did Fluttershy. The sheer drop along one side of the twisting road was bad enough for the timid yellow pegasus, and though Skif had learned fast he wasn't completely confident in his flying skills as yet. He didn't want to crash, for if he missed the road it was a long way down. The sun was high in the sky as they neared the pass itself. But as Luna had expected, despite the clear sky and blazing sunlight, the thinner air was chilly, and the ponies found themselves shivering. Rarity distributed scarves, and those combined with the brisk pace were enough to keep everypony warm enough. Finally, a little after noon, they reached the pass. Peaks still towered far above them, but here the road was level, running between high rock walls before dropping off into the unseen downward slope ahead. Luna paused for a moment, looking back the way they'd come. The dark green forest spread out below her, and beyond it the brighter green fields of Ponyville. The distant peaks that held Canterlot on the far side of the valley were blue with distance, and her keen pegasus eyes could just make out the brightly colored domes of her sister's palace, minute specks at the edge of perception. The others had paused as well, and they all gazed back over their homeland. This was what they were setting out to protect. This idyllic image was why they were going to face the approaching danger. This beautiful peace was something worth fighting, even dying, to preserve. Even Elspeth, an alien here, and eager to return home as soon as possible, found that she couldn't regret coming along. Equestria was something worth preserving. It was as though this strange land had become a symbol of everything she fought for back home. The peace, the prosperity, the tolerance, the easy friendship of these ponies, all these things were things that Valdemar too cherished, and that she hoped to help bring back to her land someday, somehow. Dale snorted softly, a gentle reminder, and Luna and the others turned their backs on Equestria, and trotted forward along level ground until they came to the far side of the pass. Below them stretched a very different sort of land. There were no forests here, though patches of trees dotted the landscape. But mostly the land was covered in grass, golden now in the summer heat. Rivers drew lines of green trees, with a shimmering glimpse of blue water showing here and there among the foliage. But the most noticeable line was a black one, unnaturally straight, that ran from the distant horizon to the foothills below them. And one didn't need pegasus sight now to make out the creature tat the end of it. It was still small, far below them, but its deadly nature was obvious to all. Luna could feel the ponies around her shrinking back in dismay. "That is what we came to fight?" said Rarity, her trembling voice expressing the fear they all felt. "Hmm." Twilight Sparkle levitated a book from her bag. "It really does resemble the kirin in my bestiary, but it can't possibly be one." The others all looked at the scholarly unicorn. "A kirin?" said Luna. "But aren't they... well, sort of like Celestia? They're supposed to be near-gods, and entirely benign." "Yes, which is why I say it only resembles one. Here, look." She flipped open the book and turned it so they all could see. The creature pictured there definitely bore some kinship to what plodded towards them at a funeral pace. But where the creature below was mottled with black, the creature in the book was burnished and gleaming. Where the one oozed darkness and dripped blood, the other glowed with a golden light. "If it's a god, how are we going to stop it?" asked Elspeth. Twilight shook her head. "Kirins aren't gods. They're powerful, but not gods. And I don't think this is actually a kirin. I mean look here." She read from the book. "'Kirins are notorious for their pacifism, some going so far as to brush the ground gently with their magic as they walk, to ensure that they do not tread on an ant, and thus end an innocent life.' That's definitely not what's down there killing everything it touches!" "Maybe it's gone bad somehow?" ventured Skif. "I mean, even the best people can turn to doing dark things, under the right circumstances. I've... seen that kind of thing happen before. Even with Heralds, they can go bad." "True. It might be some kind of, well..." Twilight glanced at Luna, "some kind of Nightmare Kirin. But the book doesn't say anything about that. It's very short on detail, really. They're from so far away we know very little about them." "Whatever it is, we still have to stop it," broke in Rainbow Dash. "And it's getting closer while we stand around wasting time!" "You're right." Twilight looked over at Luna, who nodded. "Yes. Let's do this. Applejack, get out your rope," said Luna, trying to stay calm. Please Celestia, don't let any of them get hurt, she prayed. She was not in the habit of praying, it felt strange to try and send a plea to her own sister. But she had a sinking feeling that it would take a miracle for this to work out, and her sister was the only miracle worker she knew. "Rainbow Dash, get ready to try that whirlwind move you were talking about. Unicorns, prepare your magic. When we get close enough for Applejack to throw the rope, we'll all act at once and try to push it back." "Ah'll need to be 'round the far side, to pull back." "Right. We'll pause to let you run around. Don't step in the black though. It's probably harmless but..." "Better safe than sorry," said Applejack. They broke into a canter, moving steadily downhill, steadily closer to the death-bringer. They ran for perhaps an hour, the creature moving in and out of sight as it crossed the foothills, and as the trail they followed twisted. Eventually the thing was directly below them, near enough that all could see every horrible detail. Applejack started to gallop, pulling ahead. She had her rope out, whirling through the air above her as she ran. Rainbow Dash soared above her. The rest clattered down the slope, the creature below drawing ever closer. "Unicorns! Ready your magic," called Luna. "Nothing fancy, just push it back as soon as it's lassoed." Applejack circled around the creature, which ignored her utterly, simply continuing to plod forward. "Yee-haw!" Her rope flew through the air and settled perfectly around the thing's neck. She instantly skidded to a halt and pulled with all her might. While the dust was still flying around Applejack's hooves, Rainbow Dash dived down to circle just above the creature. She spun around and around and around, and a rainbow vortex began to form below her. Meanwhile Luna and the others skidded to a halt and all four unicorns shoved with their magic, pushing backwards with all their might. Luna's horn was brilliant, a cold sun of power, and Twilight Sparkle's was almost as bright. Elspeth's started dimmer, but grew and grew as she gained confidence in this still-unfamiliar magic. Rarity's glow was nearly washed out by the more powerful unicorns, but she put all she had into it all the same. For a moment the creature halted, one foot upraised. And then it stepped forward again, utterly ignoring them all. Applejack's rope snapped suddenly. The creature lurched forward a few rapid steps. Rainbow Dash spun out of control and tumbled across the sky, nearly crashing. And though all four unicorns strained and strained, the creature still stepped slowly closer, and closer, until finally they had to stop their magic, turn, and retreat. They regrouped at the first switchback. All four unicorns were trembling with weariness, they had poured everything they had into it, and had been ignored as though they weren't even there. Rainbow Dash landed next to them, her feathers in horrible disarray. Applejack galloped up to join them, her rope left behind. "It rotted through! Like it were a hun'red years old! Just rotted and broke!" "I should have expected that," said Luna. "Thank heavens nopony touched that thing. But what are we going to do now?" A tiny voice said, "I could try. Uhm. I don't know if it would work, but I could try stopping it." "Your stare hasn't failed yet, darling," said a tired but smiling Rarity. "You should try." "Yes," said Luna. "Please." Luna felt like holding her breath as the little yellow pegasus flew back at the death-creature. She seemed impossibly tiny and fragile compared to something that had shrugged off four unicorns, two of them among the most powerful in Equestria. She hovered in front of it for a moment, and the two, death-creature and pegasus, locked gazes. Then Fluttershy let out a cry and fled back towards the others. "I can't do it. It's horrible! It's not like an animal at all, it's just made of hate and death!" She landed, shaking and trembling, next to Twilight Sparkle, who promptly hugged her tightly. "It's okay. You tried. We all tried and failed, it's okay Fluttershy." There was a long, uncomfortable silence. Nopony seemed to have any ideas. Applejack burst out, "How the hay are we supposed to stop that thing? If magic doesn't work on it, and everythin' else that touches it rots or dies, what are we goin' to do?" Luna glanced around. All the ponies were looking at each other, each hoping that some other pony would come up with the idea that would solve everything. Then Skif said slowly, "Stone doesn't rot." "Of course!" Twilight Sparkle looked back the way they'd come. "The pass! It's narrow enough we could wall it off, if we all worked hard. I think it's moving slowly enough that it won't get to the top until around sundown." "Good idea," said Luna, feeling relieved. "Let's get on it." "I'll get started! Come on Fluttershy, Skif, come help." Rainbow Dash zoomed off to the pass, and a willing Skif and a hesitant Fluttershy following after. Luna couldn't manage more than a slow trot, using that much magic all at once had tired her out. She didn't even want to think about trying to fly, and the other unicorns weren't in any better shape. The earth ponies started outpacing them. Dale hesitated and dropped back, but Luna said "Go on ahead, we'll catch up!" Dale nodded and broke into a gallop. By the time that Luna reached the top there was already a substantial pile of stones. She could see the pegasus ponies higher up on the slope, kicking rocks to roll down and lie in the pass. The earth ponies were shoving and lifting them into place, to build a piled wall that was fairly steep on the near side, though it sloped irregularly on the far side. Her legs felt like rubber, but the trip up the mountain had been long enough for her magic to recover a bit, so Luna immediately set about lifting the largest rocks she could manage and putting them into place on the pile. As they all worked like madponies, Luna occasionally glanced behind her. The creature had, as she had feared, turned from its straight path to follow the road upwards. It would have been slowed greatly if it had continued in a straight line, there were sheer cliffs, ravines, and gravel slopes in its path that way. But the road, though ancient, was still smooth and unobstructed, and it was drawing steadily nearer. It was no longer followed by a clear trail of blackness. There were few plants on the road, and fewer still as it came higher and higher. "I think we'd better retreat," said Rainbow Dash some hours later as the creature neared the pass. Luna wanted to fall over and just lie where she landed. But she wanted everypony on the other side of the wall. She lifted Dale and Pinkie Pie over with her magic. Thankfully everyone else had been working on the far side. Then she flew herself over, landing with a wobbly thud. Rarity and Twilight Sparkle were already sprawled on the ground, both visibly drooping. Luna sank to her knees, feeling utterly drained. The three pegasi weren't quite as worn, and Rainbow Dash kept aloft, watching the creature approach. Luna looked up at the wall they'd made. It was irregular, but the lowest part was still more than two ponies high. They wouldn't have been able to do it without every single pony who had come. Luna was very glad she hadn't gone alone. "It's here!" called Rainbow, after a period that seemed much too short. Luna tiredly flapped up into the air. She wanted to see it. The creature was not only in the pass, but almost to the wall. Then, to Luna's horror, Pinkie Pie jumped down directly into its path. "Hi there, mister grumpy, black-deathy, grumpy-pants. Would you like to par-tay?!" She opened her pack and there was a popping noise, a honk, and a small explosion of confetti. Where the bright paper strips touched the creature they turned black and crumbled to dust. "I saved you a cupcake!" said Pinkie, pulling a frosted confection, somehow intact, from her pack. She waved it at the creature, but it still ignored her, just plodding ever forward. Luna exerted the last ounces of her magic and picked Pinkie Pie up out of its path and landed her behind the wall. "Wow, he was really a grumpy-pants! He didn't want to party even a little bit! Even Gilda partied more than that!" "Pinkie, that was a really stupid idea. You could have gotten killed!" scolded Rainbow Dash. "I had to try, Rainbow. He's so gloomy! He needs cheering up!" Luna landed on top of the wall, though not directly above the creature. She wasn't sure what was going to happen next. For a moment her heart leaped. The thing stopped. It stood in place for some time. Heads started popping up above the wall as the ponies tried to see what was going on. Luna wanted to hold her breath. Would it turn around? Had they won? Blackness seemed to gather around the creature. Its horn somehow anti-glowed, darkness rather than light radiating from it. Luna shuddered. It was not quite Nightmare Moon's dark power, but it was very close. It spoke, in a language that Luna didn't know. It sounded almost poetic, the words themselves were elegant, even beautiful, but she sensed that the spell the creature was speaking was one of darkness and terrible destruction. Then it took one more step and touched its horn to the wall. For a heartbeat nothing happened. Suddenly black cracks spread rapidly over the stones. They began to break apart. With a cry of dismay Luna took to the air again as the wall started to crumble beneath her. The other ponies shouted and fled the falling wall. Larger rocks tumbled and rolled as the ones beneath them turned to dust. And with a roar the whole thing collapsed completely. As the dust cleared Luna could see the creature below. It stood still again for a very long moment, then it took a step forward. She wasn't even sure if the groan rose from her own throat or from some other pony's. They all felt it. All that work, for nothing! What would they do now? Retreat was the immediate and obvious answer. The creature was still advancing through the crumbled ruins of the wall. They needed to once more get out of its path. "Come on," she called, and headed for the far side of the pass. She heard a few more groans, but also the clatter of hooves, as all the ponies staggered to their feet and followed after her. Fluttershy was walking again, though Rainbow Dash and Skif were still in the air. Rarity was stumbling, barely able to keep up, but Pinkie Pie seemed to still have some energy and she let the white unicorn lean on her. Luna's wings ached, and after a moment she landed at the rear of the string of ponies. Walking took slightly less energy. But they had to open up a lead on the creature again, so although she would have preferred to shamble along, she broke into a rough trot. She gently chivvied those ahead of her to the faster pace, and they, amazingly, wonderfully, gave all they had and matched her speed. It wasn't a gallop. She didn't think any of them had any gallop left, but it was at least still faster than the thing behind them. The sun was setting as they began the downward trek, and soon night had fallen and the moon was rising. Luna felt a little better with it in the sky. She had not taken up her moon power, but the moon was still deeply connected to her, and she felt its light like a tangible thing on her skin, filling her with a cool, gentle energy. The downward journey was exhausting all the same, and she could hardly imagine what it must be like for some of the others. Rarity collapsed half way along, and Twilight Sparkle was barely able to keep on her feet. Dale, with Luna's help, put Rarity on his broad back and carried her, and Twilight leaned on Pinkie Pie, and somehow they all got down to where the forest began again. In the moonlight Luna could see the creature, still moving slowly, about half way down. She breathed a sigh of relief. They had once again gained a little time. If the thing had been fast moving, she didn't know what they would have done. Run to Celestia, I guess, she thought. We may have to do that anyway. But first I have one last thing to try. She halted under a spreading oak tree. Everypony else stumbled to a halt as well, and most of them immediately dropped to the ground. "All right. We have an hour or so before it gets this far. It looks like we may have to call Celestia to stop it, but I've got one last plan." She had been thinking about it all the way down the mountains. They hadn't been able to turn it. They couldn't just let it go on. The only option left was trying to kill it. "First, the backups. Rainbow Dash, you're the last resort. I know you have enough left in you to fly to Canterlot. If we fail here, you must go to Celestia. I don't expect anypony to die, but I don't know what will happen. Whatever does, if it's not stopped here she must be warned." She turned to Fluttershy. "And if we don't stop it here we can't let innocent creatures stray into its path. That's your job. Stay out of the way, and if we can't stop it you need to go ahead, making sure everything is warned. Somepony should probably go with you..." "I can do that," said Cymry. "I haven't managed to do anything else so far. Skif can come too, if you don't need him elsewhere." "No. If any of us had the right weapons or training... but the only way I can think of to affect it without touching it is magic, so I need the unicorns again." "I knew I should have learned to use a dagger with hooves," muttered Skif. "Princess... we want to stop it, but we have nothing left," said Rarity, not stirring from where she lay. It was a testament to her level of exhaustion that she didn't even make an attempt to shake the dust from her mane. "I think I can help that,"said Luna. She hadn't been trying to reach out to the moon and tap the wellspring of power there. But the moonlight had recharged her all the same. And she knew a trick. It wasn't something to be done casually, but she was desperate enough to try it. "If anypony else can think of anything besides magic that we can attack it with?" She looked around. All she saw were tired headshakes and negative murmurs. She sighed. "I can't either. So magic it is." "I mean, we could throw rocks at it or something," said Rainbow Dash, "but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't do much good." "Maybe we could get something else to attack it? Like an ursa? I know there's at least one in these mountains," said Twilight tiredly. "Oh no!" said Fluttershy. "Anything else that attacked it would die! We couldn't do that!" "Ugh, you're right. I'm not thinking straight." "Maybe this will help," said Luna. She knelt down next to Twilight. "Touch my horn with yours," she said. Twilight hesitated, her eyes going wide. Touching horns was not something unicorns did lightly. It formed a bond, soul-to-soul, mind-to-mind. But looking into Luna's aqua eyes she couldn't possibly distrust this friend who had fought so hard beside her today. So she touched her horn gently to Luna's. Twilight had never done this before. Luna had, but not in more than a thousand years. Each of them sensed the other, their thoughts, their feelings, and more, the core of them that made them who they were. Luna tried not to concentrate on the intimacy of the bond, though she couldn't help feeling Twilight's soul touching hers. But she was doing something else besides just feeling what Twilight felt. She gathered the magic and moonlight within her, and poured them through her horn into Twilight's. Without touching such magic wouldn't be absorbed, but in this moment they were one being, and the magic flowed freely between them. When Luna straightened and broke free of the contact, Twilight already looked much more energetic. She climbed to her feet. "Wow. I didn't know you could do that." Luna smiled. "Any unicorn can, but most don't. For, uh, obvious reasons. I mean if you're lovers, of course, but, uh, unicorns who aren't usually don't because, er... I think I'll stop talking now." She flushed. She couldn't sense Twilight anymore, but the memory of that bright, lively, warm, and powerful soul that she'd touched lingered with her. Twilight was something special. All ponies are special in their own way though, she reminded herself. That's why we have cutie marks. And I guess I get to feel somebody else's specialness too. "Rarity? Is it all right if I...?" "Yes your highness," said Rarity solemnly. Luna knelt next to her and once again touched horns. The contact was just as intimate this time, but somehow less intense. Rarity was too tired for her full personality to come through, and she was less powerful than Twilight. Luna refilled her reservoir of magic swiftly and easily, and then withdrew. "Elspeth?" she turned to the third unicorn, who nodded assent. Her mind was different, alien, a reminder of what Luna had nearly forgotten, that Elspeth was not actually a pony at all, as much as she might currently resemble one. Her mind was intense, powerful, and very self-contained. Despite the intimacy of the contact Luna came away from it with the feeling that she still knew almost nothing about the Herald, as though she had somehow shielded her mind and soul from the touch. But if there was some barrier between their minds, it hadn't blocked their magics, and Elsepth got to her feet, looking much less bedraggled and worn than she had mere moments before. "Thank you. But what now? Magic didn't do much earlier." Luna sighed. "We were trying to halt it. Now we're going to have to try to kill it." Twilight paled. Rarity, unable to get any paler, swallowed and gave Luna a wide-eyed stare of dismay. "We're not warriors," said Twilight. "I've never studied war magic, unless reading histories counts, which it doesn't! I don't know a single war spell!" "I don't either," said Elspeth with a frown. "Everything here was so peaceful it never crossed my mind to learn any." Luna looked between them and smiled reassuringly. "There's one spell that I'm sure you all can learn quickly. It's very easy. It's a simple plane of magical force. Like so." She demonstrated, a hoof-sized rectangle of magic springing to life in front of her. "You make it tangible, as though you were going to set something on it, but instead you fling it forward, to cut with." Her horn's glow brightened slightly and the rectangle of magic flew through the air, slicing a nearby weed in half. "It vanishes after touching something, but not before cutting well into it. Because it's infinitely thin it's far sharper than any sword could ever be." "Can it be blocked?" asked Elspeth. "Yes. But they can bore through the most common sorts of shields. They usually have to be countered individually by specific counter-spells. With four of us casting them, we may be able to get one through. So everypony try one." "I... I don't think I can!" wailed Rarity. "I am a designer! I'm not a warrior! I'm not! I make clothing! How can I learn battle magic?! I just can't!" "You can," said Luna. "I know you can. You've told me yourself about facing down dragons, and diamond dogs. I've seen you charge straight at a wolf. And this spell is strongest when used with precision. It's not about power, it's about focus. And Rarity..." Luna smiled. "I've seen your embroidery. Any pony that can stitch that precisely will easily master this spell. You will probably cast it far better than I, once you become accustomed to it." "Please try, Rarity," said Twilight. "I... I... very well." Rarity's horn glowed. The plane of magic she made sputtered and wavered for a moment, then solidified. Rarity swallowed, and suddenly flung it at a nearby rock. She closed her eyes as she did, so she didn't see it slice through the rock in a shower of sparks. But when she opened her eyes the rock was lying in two halves, cleanly cut down the middle. "I knew you could do it!" said Luna. Rarity gave a half-hearted little smile, still looking more than a bit uncertain about the whole thing. Elspeth and Twilight both produced suitable cutting planes. Luna encouraged them all to try several for practice, but stopped them after half a dozen each. "We need to conserve magic. I can recharge from moonlight, but you can't, and I can't stop and give you more power in the middle of the battle. So we should wait." The little group of unicorns broke up, each seeking out the other ponies who had given them some distance to practice. Everypony was on edge, the conversations strained, frequently interrupted by glances at where the steadily plodding creature could be seen coming closer and closer. Finally it was nearly in range. "All right every pony," said Luna, taking charge once more. She had never liked the idea of ruling, her sister was the ruler, but somehow it was easier here. These were her friends, they followed her willingly, and she knew that she had the best chance of leading them to victory now. "Rainbow, stay well clear. You're the emergency back up, so we can't risk you catching a deflected spell. Fluttershy, Skif, Cymry, you do the same. Everyone else should probably keep back as well. Unicorns, line up side by side, so we're less likely to accidentally hit each other. And be aware, if it deflects them instead of destroying them you might have to deflect them back to keep from getting hit." She furrowed her brow. "I should have had us practice that. Curse it." "You did the best you could, Luna" said Twilight, resting a hoof on her shoulder for a moment. "I hope so." She took a deep breath. "All right. Ready your magic. It should be in range..." she watched the creature take a few more steps, "NOW!" Four glowing sheets whizzed through the air towards the creature. And four glowing sheets winked out of existence just inches from it. Luna cursed. "Keep firing! As fast as you can! Try to overwhelm it!" She followed her own advice and fired of a blazing stream of the magic squares. Twilight beside her was almost as fast. Elspeth was slower, but hers glowed with intense power. Rarity meanwhile was incredibly slow for the first few, then suddenly she started shooting tiny needles instead of squares, and her rate of fire soared past Luna's, until she was spitting out a nearly continuous stream of glowing darts. The creature had dissolved every square sent at it, but the rapid stream of needles proved too much. One got through and cut a bloody line along the side of its neck. It cried out, a high pitched scream of pain. The sound was loud, shockingly so from a creature that had been so silent. And then a pulse of black power came from it, exploding outward in a growing sphere of darkness. Luna didn't even have time to raise a shield before it slammed into her. She sensed once more that moon-dark coldness, tinged with almost-familiar malice. She shook off the feeling and readied another attack spell, but stopped as she realized that she was the only pony standing. The black wave had knocked down all the others, even Rainbow Dash had fallen from the sky and lay still on the ground a little ways away. Oh no! Luna gaped in horror. Then she saw that Twilight Sparkle, lying next to her, was breathing. Oh thank Celestia! They're still alive. She glared at the creature still advancing on her. "So. Your power doesn't hurt me. Good! Maybe I can hurt you. You come here dripping death, to try to kill my sister, and that's bad enough, but now you've hurt my friends! So fine! No more spells. No more trying to send you back peacefully. I am going to end this now!" She reared up, and then launched herself at the creature. She lowered her head and aimed her horn straight at its heart. The creature seemed to ignore her as she charged, until the very last second. Suddenly its head whipped down, and its horn met hers with a clash. Dueling unicorns normally shielded their horns with powerful magic. But Luna hadn't dueled in many centuries, and in her rage she had forgotten. Why the creature didn't shield itself was unknowable. But for whatever reason it hadn't, and so when their horns met, their minds and souls met as well. A shock of cold blackness went through Luna, leeching all warmth, light, and hope from her. She fell down into darkness that closed around her utterly, and this time there weren't even any stars.

SPark

271

Main 6,Princess Luna,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

In the Eye of the Storm

Princess Luna is slowly recovering from her thousand year exile. Meanwhile on another world entirely Princess Elspeth of Valdemar is trying a new sort of portal spell, which will eventually turn Luna's world upside down.

complete

<p>Princess Luna is slowly recovering from her thousand year exile. Meanwhile on another world entirely Princess Elspeth of Valdemar is trying a new sort of portal spell, which will eventually turn Luna's world upside down. Now she has to face her past and choose her future, all the while dealing with the excitement, adventure, danger, and Pinkie Pie parties.</p><p><a href="http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/07/story-in-eye-of-storm.html" rel="nofollow">As featured on Equestria Daily.</a></p><p>Mercedes Lackey's Heralds of Valdemar meets Friendship is Magic. Although you do not have to be a huge Valdemar fan to understand and enjoy the story! </p><p>If you liked this, you might also enjoy the technically-a-sequel-story, <a href="/story/513/the-spark-to-light-a-candle" rel="nofollow">The Spark to Light a Candle.</a></p><p>Cover pic by <a href="http://vermin06.deviantart.com/art/My-Little-Kirin-375408563" rel="nofollow">Vermin06</a></p>

everyone

2011-08-13T10:10:13+00:00

2011-08-13T10:10:13+00:00

In the Eye of the Storm by SPark Chapter Six Where am I? Darkness, coldness, bitter hatred. Jealousy. Never first, never best, never the one loved and praised. Oh yes. The moon. My exile. Outcast. Never to go home again. And no way to reach those who had caused this wrong. But they would pay! Yes, they will all pay! They will all see my true power! Power of darkness, power of hate, soul filled with suffering, and all will suffer just as I suffer now. And then the end. Darkness covers all, death makes all equal, they and I. The betrayers who did this, the ones who ignored me, the ones who judged me second best. All at peace, all dead. No wait. I never wanted them to suffer. I never wanted them to die! I only wanted to make them love me! I wanted them to praise my night! I wanted her to regret that she'd banished me, I wanted her to know what it was like, yes, but I didn't want everypony to die! Death is the only peace. No life for me. No life I should have had. Death. Death is the only peace. No! So much pain. So much suffering. The ones who should have loved, hated instead. Rejected. Banished. Yes, banished to the moon. But where are the stars? Why am I wishing for death? Death is peace. No! No it isn't! Yes. NO!!!! No. Luna. Luna! This is not you. Wake up Luna. What? I'm not Luna, I am Nightmare Moon! I'm on the moon, alone. There is no one here to talk to me. Am I mad? You're not on the moon. And you're not alone. Never alone, I promised. Remember, Luna? ... Dale? Yes. Now wake. ----- Luna blinked. It was still night. She lay on blackened, dead grass. The creature had walked over her, but hadn't harmed her. It must have been only minutes, for when she lifted her head she could see it still walking tirelessly onward, only yards away. The other ponies stood around her, looking bewildered. They had gotten out of its path, apparently they'd all woken while she had been knocked out. "Luna? You're all right?" Twilight Sparkle stood looking down at her. "Yes, I'm fine. What happened?" "I don't know, exactly. I blacked out for a moment. When I got up it was standing over you, and you were screaming. Then it just stepped over you and kept going, and it didn't kill you but you kept screaming and screaming, but thankfully now you've stopped." She looked worried and more than a little disturbed. Luna shuddered, remembering. "So much pain... I have to help him." "What?!" That cry came from several throats. "You want to help that?" Rainbow Dash gaped at her incredulously, and her expression was echoed on several faces. "Yes! He's hurting. He's like Nightmare Moon, but he's in so much more pain. I was bitter, and jealous, and I resented being banished, but something happened to him that's even worse. Or that was harder for him, or something. He was jealous of someone close to him, like I was. I could tell that much. And he feels that they betrayed him somehow. He hurts so much he just wants to die, but he hates so much he wants to kill everything else. That's why he's going to kill Celestia, he wants the whole world to darken and die." "And you want to help him." "Not help him do that! Help him the way you all helped me! Help break him free of it!" "Could we use the Elements of Harmony on him?" asked Twilight Sparkle. Luna considered. "I'm not sure. Last time they activated naturally, when all six were present along with me. But all six of you were together in front of him several times, and nothing happened. Maybe because he's not a pony. Maybe for some other reason, I'm not sure. I don't know enough about them to know how to trigger them. But there has to be something I can do! If there were some way to reach into his mind... but a horn touch won't work. That conducts magic too, and he's so powerful! He'll just suck me back into his pain again." Her brow furrowed as she thought. "All right. Rainbow Dash? Can you fly to Canterlot and find my sister? Tell her about this, and about how we might need the Elements of Harmony. She knows how to activate them." "All right," said Rainbow Dash. "I guess if it's like you, then it does need help. And Celestia is probably the one to do it. Although if that thing kills her when she shows up, I will never forgive you!" Luna sighed. "I think we are all too tired to think straight. You don't need to bring her here. In fact please try not to! Just find out how to activate the Elements. And then come back, since we can't do so if you're not here." "Oh. Right. Will do." Rainbow Dash saluted and then sped off. "Fluttershy? You probably should start warning the creatures. I'm not sure how long it will take to stop it, or to hear from my sister." "All right," said Fluttershy quietly. She circled widely around the creature, and with Skif and Cymry in tow she went off to warn the forest animals in the path of destruction. Luna closed her eyes. She was so tired. Even moonlight wasn't enough to fully recharge her after all she'd been through. She could tell the others were worn out too. "If only there were some way I could reach him. Some way to show him that he doesn't have to hate like that. To show him what I've learned about forgiveness and friendship." "There might be." Luna looked up, into Dale's vivid blue eyes. "What?" "There might be a way. You don't have the mind-magic to reach into another creature's mind. But I do. I can reach nearly anyone, if they're not shielding. And that thing... He's broadcasting death and hate so loudly I've been having to shield against him since we first came close. He's practically inviting me into his mind. And where I can go, you can use our bond to follow." "But won't that just suck me in again?" "I'll be there. I can anchor you." "Then let's do it. He needs to be helped." "Is there anything we can do to help?" said Twilight. "You've all done so much already. But this I have to do alone. I'm sure if I can just reach him, I can help him understand. He's gone through something very like what I went through when I was banished. Nobody else can help. And nobody else has my bond with Dale." Elspeth chuckled tiredly. "I have mine with Gwena. But I've no experience with banishment and only a little with jealousy of family, and that was just a spoiled little girl's brattyness. So no, I can't help. I guess it's all up to you." It's never been all up to me before. No pony has ever depended on me. Celestia could always raise the moon if I didn't. And what else did I do? Read books. Dabble in art and music. Nothing that mattered. And now my sister's life and perhaps the survival of the whole world is up to me? The Elements might save us, if I fail. But what if they only work on ponies? What if they can't save us, and it really is all up to me? It was a frightening thought. :You can do it,: said Dale, deep in her mind. :I know you can. Reach out to me, and together we'll reach out and help him.: Luna lifted her chin and nodded. She reached within herself, as once she had reached for the mask of darkness, the name and persona of Nightmare Moon to hide behind. But that darkness was gone now. Deep within was only herself, Luna. Herself and the bond she shared with Dale. She grasped it, like holding hooves with a friend, and then felt Dale reach out to grasp something else. Black despair beat on her, saying death is the only peace, though it wasn't saying it in words. Or rather there were words, but they were foreign ones that Luna couldn't understand. She didn't need to understand them, she knew what they meant. He had been betrayed. He had let pain lead to hatred. She knew that path so very well, and it would be easy to let him suck her in once more, to recreate Nightmare Moon within her. But Dale was there, a firm anchor, a shield against that path. So with Dale by her side she reached out and showed him. She showed him her own past pain, her hatred, her long, cold exile. But then she showed him her sister's forgiveness, her sorrow, and her friends. Friendship had blossomed in the place of bitterness. It could blossom in the place of despair too. No. What friendship is there for one like me? There is nothing but death, even my magic has turned to death. No one is a friend to death. You're wrong. I will be your friend. I care about you. You are so like me! I want to help you. Let me help you. Please. You lie. Pretend friends only betray. You could not be a real friend. I don't speak to you with words. We have no words in common. I speak to you with my heart. It can't lie. I want to be your friend. I don't want you to die. I don't want you to hurt. I want to help you. I want to help right whatever wrong has been done you. I want to help you learn to right the wrongs you've done. Let me be your friend. Let me help set you right. Hope was like a crack in the blackness around him. You? My friend? But you... you are one I tried to kill. How? Why? Because I know your pain. Again the memories, the images. Sister, how could you?! Sister I hate you! Sister, you want to be my friend? I felt then what you feel now. And then... Sister I forgive you, as you forgave me. Sister I love you. The crack widened. The dark aura around him visibly lightened. And he stopped walking. You will not betray? You will not banish from this kingdom? No. I will be your friend. I will help you. Suddenly Luna felt the dark shell around his mind dissolve in a rush of hope. He had despaired in darkness for ages but now there was light. Small but bright, hope again after so long. As the darkness of his mind dissolved, the physical darkness did too. His scales were no longer mottled with black. His eyes were no longer pits of black despair. His fangs no longer dripped blood, and his horn no longer radiated darkness. His scales were not the burnished beauty of Twilight's picture book, they were dirty from long travel, and he was thin to the point of emaciation, his coat matted and tangled, his tail filled with snarls and knots. But he no longer was a death-creature. He was now clearly a kirin. He slumped to the ground, and for a moment Luna was afraid that he'd died, that with vengeance no longer before him he'd just run out of energy entirely. But then he opened his eyes. They were bright green, and tears gathered in them. He said something incomprehensible. Luna sighed. "I wish I understood you." "I can translate." Luna gasped and looked up to see Celestia hovering overhead. "I tried to stop her!" said a tired Rainbow Dash, following behind. "But how do you stop a goddess when she won't listen to reason?!" Celestia chuckled. "Celestia," said the kirin. "Qui-Long," replied Celestia, followed by something Luna couldn't understand at all. The kirin replied, bowing his head, an expression of shame on his face. "He wasn't himself," Luna broke in, wanting to make sure that Celestia understood. "He was like Nightmare Moon. He only wanted to hurt others because he felt so hurt." "I understand," said Celestia. "But he has done somewhat more harm than Nightmare Moon ever did. She hurt my feelings, and made a couple of nights longer than they should have been, and coveted power and plotted evil, but he has done much the same and also destroyed much, and killed at least some creatures, be they ever so small. Forgiveness is harder, when you've done greater wrongs." "I know," said Luna. "I just... I remember how bad I felt, how much I apologized. I didn't want you to only hear that, I wanted you to know... well, you do understand." "Yes." The kirin turned to Luna and said something. "He says 'thank you'" said Celestia. "He is very grateful to you for reaching out to him, for being willing to be his friend." "He's so like me... And he needs a friend." "Yes he does. So thank you from me as well." "I guess... I guess he'll be going home now?" Celestia turned to the kirin, and they spoke back and forth for a very long time. Rainbow Dash and several of the other ponies seemed to grow bored with this conversation they couldn't understand, that didn't involve them, and wandered off a little ways, talking among themselves. But Luna stayed, and listened, even though she couldn't understand. Eventually Celestia turned to her. "His situation at home is not so easily mended as the breach between you and I was. He may not be able to return, though I know his brother and father, and I hope to at least bring some peace between them, even if his banishment can't be ended. But for now he will be leaving, yes. He wants to use his proper life magic to try and restore the land he killed when he was walking here. So he will be retracing his steps for some time. But when that task is finished he has asked if he can visit you in Canterlot, and I have of course said yes. If you are to be friends, you'll need to see one another every now and then. And learn one another's languages too, I'm sure. You can start studying while he's gone." Luna smiled, and turned to smile at the kirin as well. "Tell him that sounds wonderful, and I'll be looking forward to his return." Celestia relayed the message, and the kirin smiled faintly at Luna, and Celestia gave her his reply. "He says he will look forward to it also." The kirin got slowly to his feet. His horn glowed, golden against the silver moonlight. He seemed to stand a little straighter, and to look a little less starved and bedraggled. And suddenly, around his feet where the land was blackened and the crumbling remains of grass and other plants stood, little spears and tendrils of green appeared. The plants were growing anew. A flower raised its pale face to the moon, and Luna caught a whiff of delicate perfume on the night breeze. He walked towards her, even more slowly than he had before. Realizing that she was blocking his path, Luna got to her feet and moved aside. But when he reached her he stopped once again. He bowed deeply before her, and spoke. "He says 'I will always be in your debt,'" said Celestia. Then he turned and began to retrace his path once more, the blackened forest floor coming alive beneath his hooves. Luna looked after him, wishing she could think of something else to say. But they had touched mind to mind, and surely that had said everything that needed saying. ----- Luna yawned and stretched. She felt as though she had slept for a week, but she knew that it hadn't actually been that long. She hadn't even made it all the way back to Canterlot after their adventure had finished, but had once again ended up in Twilight Sparkle's spare bed. She looked across to see that Twilight herself was still in bed, despite it being well past noon. She smiled. Seeing the mare lying there, so peaceful, brought new and strange feelings into Luna's heart. She wasn't sure what to call those feelings. She already thought of Twilight as her friend, her first and possibly closest, if one didn't count Dale, who was different. Could there be something more between them? The touch of Twilight's soul against her own when they crossed horns had been intense, but was that only the strength of her magic? Or was it something more? Luna didn't know. She glanced over at where Dale was also still asleep, though he was standing up on his hooves. She had no idea how he could do that, though she recalled Celestia telling her, when she was still a filly and had complained about her bed being lumpy, that long ago ponies hadn't had beds, they slept outdoors, on their feet or lying in the grass. Obviously Companions were more in touch with their ancient equine ancestry than Equestrian ponies were. As she descended the stairs she heard a tapping at the library door. Deciding that she might as well play librarian while Twilight slept, Luna went to answer it. She couldn't keep her face from falling when she saw Elspeth on the other side of the door. "Hello," she said, trying to not sound sullen. "Is something wrong?" asked Elspeth. "I just came over for another magic lesson, if you're up to one so soon after everything." Luna sighed. "I am up to one, I just wish I didn't have to teach you this. I have to confess that part of the reason why I decided to go investigate the strange magic I felt was that it was an excuse to put things off just a little bit longer. You're ready to learn the portal spell, Elspeth. You've mastered everything else, and you have enough power. It probably won't take you more than a day or two, and then you can go home." "Really?" Elspeth looked delighted. "But why..." She stopped. "Oh. You have to decide if you're going to stay or go, don't you?" Luna nodded. "Yes." "You know I want you to come. But I won't force you." "Thank you, Elspeth. I consider you a friend." "Friends are very important to you ponies, aren't they?" "They're not important in Valdemar?" "Well... they are, but not in the same way, I think. Nobody makes any big deal about friendship. It's something we know everybody needs, but it's treated very casually. We don't talk about friendship as much. Love and romance get a big fuss made about them, but not friendship. But here you hardly hear about romance, and all the stories and songs are about friends." "Our kingdom was founded on friendship," said Luna. "And it's part of our strongest magics. So I suppose it's natural for it to be important to us." "Well, don't think that in Valdemar you won't have any friends, I know you will, if that's what you choose." "Thank you. Why don't you come in, and we can get started on the spell." ----- "What do I do, Dale?" The night had fallen once more, and Luna sat on the highest balcony of the library and looked out at the stars. They comforted her less than usual tonight. "I can't choose for you, Luna." "But I don't know what to choose! I feel duty pulling me both ways. Everything you've told me says that Heralds aren't chosen lightly, and if you chose me, then I'm meant to be one. But everything else tells me that Equestria is where I belong!" "Is it only duty?" asked Dale softly, "or is there something else? I can understand very well why you want to stay, but what's the real reason you want to go?" Luna stared at him. "The... the real reason?" "You've been hiding it even from yourself. But there is a reason other than your duty as a Herald, isn't there? I can sense it in you." Luna swallowed, suddenly forced to face the truth. "Yes." "You're afraid." "Yes! I'm terrified! But if I go to Valdemar I'll never have to raise the moon. I'll never take up my full power and become Nightmare Moon again. I'll be safe there." "That's probably true." Luna sighed. "But it's a lousy reason to go, isn't it? Running away from my troubles, and not towards my duty." "Heralds are not cowards. I will support you if you choose to go to Valdemar, or if you choose to stay here. But I can't support you choosing to be a coward, Luna. You need to face your fear." "I don't know... I don't know if I can! I don't know if I'll ever be ready. I put it off, each night I say 'tomorrow maybe' and tomorrow night comes and I still don't. I've put it off for a whole year now. Will I ever be ready?" "I believe you will, Luna. A year isn't very long, after a thousand." She sighed again. "True. And I guess in that case I know what my decision has to be." Dale smiled at her. "There's something else you should consider as well," he said. "Oh? And what is that?" When he told her, Luna found her uncertainty melting away in the face of a feeling of hope, inspiration, and determination all bound together into a wonderful excitement. And she knew exactly what she needed to do. ----- "Everypony ready?" asked Twilight Sparkle. There were nods all around, and Fluttershy, who was coming along to make sure the Wolpertinger would be taken care of without hurting it, said "yes" quietly. Luna smiled at the shy little pegasus. She smiled too at the Valdemarans, the Companions, and Twilight. She was feeling good. She hadn't felt this good in... well, in more than a thousand years, to tell the truth. The last time I remember feeling this excited about something was the day I got the idea for the archives, she mused. I remember Celestia laughing at my enthusiasm. She didn't see why a big room of books and tax records and such was so amazing, but it only took a couple of years for her to come around. She'll come around this time too, I'm sure. The little group set out towards the forest. They traveled at a good pace, and it didn't take long to pass through the farms and fields around town and reach the woods. As they moved through the trees, Twilight came up beside Luna. "You look very cheerful." "I feel very cheerful!" said Luna. "You've decided to leave with them, haven't you?" said Twilight glumly. Luna stopped in her tracks, blinking. "What in the world makes you think that?!" "I don't know, I just... you've been so obviously upset about having to decide, and now you're not, so I know you've decided, and I just was afraid..." she trailed off and coughed. "I... nevermind. But I am right, aren't I?" "Actually no. I have decided, but my choice was to stay." "Somehow I thought you would," said Elspeth. The whole group had stopped in the middle of the forest. "I guess we both thought our fears of being second choice would be true." But Elspeth said it with a smile, she didn't seem upset. "Can I ask what made you decide to stay?" "Let's talk while we walk," suggested Luna. Once they started walking again, she explained. "There were a lot of reasons, really. One is that I realized the thing making me most want to go was fear of my duty here. Fleeing your responsibilities rather than facing them isn't right. But another reason is something that Dale pointed out to me. Heralds do some very important things. And they're things that Equestria needs just as much as Valdemar! In some towns, such as Ponyville, there are brave ponies like you and your friends, Twilight, who are stepping in without being asked and doing those things. But there are other places where they're not. So we need an organized system, like the Heralds, of ponies who will defend towns and help ponies in need. I've said it myself that I'm already doing half the duties of a Queen's Own for my sister. I think that's what I was chosen for, so I could become the first Herald of Equestria, and establish the Heralds here. I mean, obviously some things would have to be different, but we could come up with our own solutions to all those problems, I just know it!" She looked around at Elspeth, Skif, the Companions, Twilight, and Fluttershy. "Of course I also would miss my friends, and there are... there are other things I'd miss out on too," she glanced at Twilight and tried not to blush. "But I'll miss you Valdemarans, and I know I'll be missing out on experiences I'd have if I went. So in the end the idea of Equestrian Heralds is the real reason I'm staying." "Heralds in other kingdoms." Elspeth sounded thoughtful. "That's something that never occurred to me, and maybe it should have. You're right, Valdemar isn't the only place that could use Heralds. I think you're making a good decision, Luna. Much as I might prefer to have you come along. Valdemar needs all the Heralds it can get right now. But at least we're not at war anymore. And establishing the Heralds of Equestria is a very admirable goal. Though without Companions here I'm not sure you can ever have an actual equivalent." "We'll call it something else then. The idea is to have people who are trustworthy, isn't it? There are other ways to judge that. If nothing else Celestia can select new Heralds herself." "Ah yes, you have an immortal ruler. Having a trustworthy queen or king is probably the most important thing that Heralds do for Valdemar. No one but a Herald can take the throne." "I see." Luna smiled. "Yes, choosing a trustworthy ruler isn't something we need to worry about. Celestia isn't going to be going anywhere for at least a few thousand more years." They continued on until they reached the ruins. Soon Fluttershy was cooing at the giant wolpertinger, who was purring and nuzzling her happily, while the others filed past it to the ruins themselves. "There" said Elspeth pointing. "That's the arch we came though." "Do you want to go over the spell one more time?" asked Luna. Elspeth nodded. "We should, much as I want to get home right this instant. I've enjoyed it here, but it's more than time for me to go back." "Right." Luna seated herself. Twilight trotted over and pulled a book from her saddlebags, and the three of them pored over the spell one last time. "I guess I'm ready," said Elspeth. "I guess that's goodbye then," said Luna. "Yeah. I'll miss you crazy ponies." Luna hesitated, then hugged Elspeth. Fluttershy, who'd come in from cuddling with the wolpertinger, hugged Gwena and Cymry. Everyone said goodbye, and Luna hugged Skif and the Companions too. Then Elspeth rose and faced the archway. Her horn began to glow. The glow grew as she built up the spell, weaving it with expert care. Her eyes were shut and her whole being was focused on her horn. The archway began to glow too. Suddenly a rainbow shimmer passed over it, and on the other side was a view of Companion's Field. "Go now," said Elspeth, "I can only hold this so long!" Skif, Cymry, and Gwena galloped through. "Goodbye!" called Elspeth one last time, and followed them. The gate winked out as she passed through it, and she was gone. ----- The half-dozen Companions who's seen the Princess and the others vanish were exchanging nervous glances. Somebody was going to have to tell the Queen, and soon. But nobody wanted to deal with contacting her, or even her Companion, directly. :Someone could tell Roland?: offered a nervous mind voice. :Yes, someone could... wait: They all stared as the portal snapped open again. There was a blur of motion, and Skif came tumbling out of the portal, somersaulting to end up on his feet with athletic grace. Gwena and Cymry galloped out after him, and then Elspeth tumbled through, less gracefully than Skif, though she managed to not quite fall on her face. She wobbled to a halt and looked down to see human hands and a Herald's white uniform. She'd had one horrible moment right as she was passing through of worrying that she'd come out naked, since she hadn't been wearing any clothes as a pony. But apparently whatever magic had removed them while going one way had restored them when coming the other. Thank goodness. "I'm me again!" said Skif with a grin. "Lovely, wonderful, dextrous hands! Though I will miss flying, a bit." "I'm sure. I'm afraid I won't miss anything at all. Nice as that place was." She looked around, seeing the somewhat shocked Companions looking on. "None of you saw any of this, right?" she said to them. :You heard her,: said Gwena, standing behind Elspeth and glaring at her fellow equines. There was a mental chorus of assent and several nods, and Elspeth smiled in satisfaction. She would make up an edited account for the archives, with appropriate notes about the spell scroll, so nobody else would end up repeating her little adventure. But she was not going to actually tell a soul. Especially not her mother. Queen Selenay had gotten much better about treating her daughter as an adult, but she still occasionally reverted to protective mother hen mode when she thought Elspeth might be in danger. And what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her. :What happened to Dale?: ventured one of the Companions timidly. "It's a long story," said Elspeth. "And one that I'll tell Roland, because he needs to know, but I don't think anybody else does. He's happy and safe where he is, I'll leave it at that." She took a deep breath and changed mental gears. Her visit to Equestria had been a little bit like a vacation, a welcome calm in the midst of the storm sweeping over Valdemar. But now she was back and there were more problems than people to deal with them. She had work to do, it was time to do it. ----- Luna sat at her desk, in her room in Canterlot. Already she missed Elspeth and Skif and the Companions. But Dale was with her. And Twilight was only a short flight away in Ponyville. There would be many hours of stargazing with her friend in the future, and perhaps other things as well. Or perhaps not, time would tell. Meanwhile she had work to do. She surveyed her desk. Sheaves of paper, several reference books, her trusty abacus, everything she needed to do what she loved best. Eventually there would be other things, talking to her sister, recruiting ponies, setting things in motion. But first came the bit that made everything else after it work. First came the part that was the most satisfying, as she brought order to a realm of chaos, and created something new from nothing. A whole new life stretched ahead of her, and she needed to be ready for whatever might come. She lifted her pen. It was time to plan.

CandleEyes

272

Slice of Life,Tragedy

By the Moonlight

A few sleepless ponies give us a look inside their minds.

complete

<p>Six tortured fillies expose themselves by the moon&#39;s soft light.</p>

teen

2011-07-20T21:05:42+00:00

By the Moonlight The First - Moongazing Luna eyed her handiwork wearily. Another night lit up by the great white moon, and of course everypony was asleep. She really should be joining them- it passed the time and helped her forget her sorrow. She had to hide it, after all- for her sister's sake if anything. Celly would be broken if she found out her sister was just as disenchanted as she was before her banishment. Oh, the banishment. A thousand years spent on the surface of her own charge. They had allowed her to witness just how little the world cared about the moon and its stars. And then she had returned, vengeance in her heart. Friendship had defeated her- but what good was friendship when her life's work went by unnoticed? The alicorn sighed and twisted in her bed. Why did she have to deal with this every single night? Why couldn't she just let it all be? And as she asked herself this question, the obvious answer came to her. Because it was her purpose to raise the moon and stars and bring on the night, just as her sister raised the sun to begin the day. And though her skills as a leader had been acknowledged and proven many times in the past, no pony ever seemed to recognize the other role she performed, the reason she had been gifted with both a horn and wings. Celestia's duty to raise both the sun and moon for the past millennium hadn't helped. She stared at the ceiling, painted as dark as the night sky. Even her surroundings seemed to be taunting her with imagery. She felt the urgent need to open herself to someone, but the only true friend she seemed to have was her sis... and of course there was no way she could tell her. She could've sworn there was a time when things weren't so difficult, when she felt loved. Luna groaned and eased herself out of the bed. Perhaps a little stroll through the halls would ease her stress.

CandleEyes

272

Slice of Life,Tragedy

By the Moonlight

A few sleepless ponies give us a look inside their minds.

complete

<p>Six tortured fillies expose themselves by the moon&#39;s soft light.</p>

teen

2011-07-20T23:08:22+00:00

By the Moonlight The Second - Sugar Far, far away in Ponyville's Sugarcube Corner, a magenta earth pony lay wide awake. In what would have surely shocked her friends, her face was twisted in worry. Not quite sadness- she knew she'd never be able to truly feel that- but Pinkie Pie was quite displeased. She supposed she really oughtn't be upset about her condition- after all, she hadn't exactly chosen to be schizoid- but here she was, awake again and unable to stop hitting herself over what she had done. Her friends seemed to be completely unaware of what she was hiding, but how could they, the way she had led them on- led the whole town on- presenting herself as the most outgoing, engaging pony the world had ever seen? Balloons, confetti, the sweetest cupcakes and wild parties. Those truly were the very essence of unfeeling. Pinkie reached over, grabbed a lollipop and brought it her mouth. The sweetness rushed over her and she gorged herself on it. ...and her cutie mark- yet another ruse. Even in her youth she'd been eager to show everypony that she was, in fact, just like any other filly you'd meet. Perhaps she had gone too far once, but they had loved it and so her newfound guise stuck. But every now and then guilt creeped into her heart- the little spirit she had- and Pinkie Pie felt so fake and empty. She wondered if her friends would understand. Somehow she knew they would but instinct told her she would be making a big mistake if she revealed herself. After all, one doesn't just destroy a facade that's been worked on for years and years like that. And once you become something long enough, it shapes you, even if you don't agree with it. So it was that she was now Pinkie Pie, the brightly-colored pony who loved to bounce, pull pranks, party, sing, dance and have a good time with her friends, no matter what life threw at her. She sighed, exasperated. The grace of sleep was coming over her slowly, and the faint moonlight that was streaming into her room seemed to be getting softer and softer. It wasn't long before she dozed off, any thoughts of reproach mercifully retreating into her subconscious... At least for now.

CandleEyes

272

Slice of Life,Tragedy

By the Moonlight

A few sleepless ponies give us a look inside their minds.

complete

<p>Six tortured fillies expose themselves by the moon&#39;s soft light.</p>

teen

2011-07-20T23:11:13+00:00

By the Moonlight The Third - Vertigo The blue pegasus angrily gave her pillow another smack. Damn all this confusion! Now even she didn't understand what exactly it was she felt or wanted. Flight camp held many a fond memory for Rainbow Dash. It was when she had discovered just how talented she was, after all. Oh, and how brash she had been. The spunkiest little filly in all of Equestria! She had grown, however- matured and changed. Now whenever she looked back, she did so not with pride or a sense of accomplishment, but shame and regret. She just didn't seem to be as rough as she had been. A loss and a gain at the same time. Of course, that wasn't what kept her up now, was it? No, it was that she simply couldn't bring herself to break this to all those who had grown so used to her as who she had been. If somepony needed a quick flier with a sharp tongue and flashy tricks, Dash was your mare. Reputations grow on you. And Gilda, her old friend. They had been true friends back in those days, the griffon's bold edge something to be enjoyed and shared. When they had met again... Rainbow sighed. Did she really have to remember? Of course she did. You can't help yourself if you just forget. When they had met again, she still had been her old self. The two had enjoyed each others' company, perhaps at the expense of a certain hot pink earth pony. But then her feathered friend had burst out like that and the pegasus had been overcome by fear. What if she would become like that? What if being "cool" would end up taking priority over her true friends? Ever since, Dash had that awful feeling deep inside that something was wrong with you, and you didn't know how to fix it or whether it was really wrong. Whatever it was, it had made her lose her edge- that can-do attitude shared by her beloved Applejack. She glanced outside. The moon was shining rather brightly. A little spin would clear her thoughts... She pushed the window open gingerly and spread her wings, then took off leaving a rainbow-hued trail behind her.

CandleEyes

272

Slice of Life,Tragedy

By the Moonlight

A few sleepless ponies give us a look inside their minds.

complete

<p>Six tortured fillies expose themselves by the moon&#39;s soft light.</p>

teen

2011-09-04T03:09:26+00:00

By the Moonlight The Fourth - Flop Scootaloo watched the skies grimly through her wide open window. How she'd wish she could be up there in the clouds, speeding wildly through the air with the wind against her, just like her idol. Hay, like any other pegasus. Why was she always so alone? The only friends she had made were Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, and that because they had something to be miserable about together. And the one pony that had inspired her in crafting her personality seemed to think of her as nothing more than a nuisance. The orange pegasus leaned over the frame and surveyed the distance to the ground. A fall wouldn't hurt too much, and there was a nearby tree where she could stop and descend from. Determination in her eyes, Scootaloo spread her wings. She flapped them a little, testing them out. And then the filly took a leap. The next thing she knew she was in the air, tiny wings beating wildly in instinct. She let it guide her as she attempted to calm herself. Okay. She was flying- so far, so good. Now she just had to glide over to that tree and she'd be alright. Scootaloo gave a flap and was delighted to see it had propelled her forward. It wasn't long before she was perched on a solid branch. Her heart skipped as the realization that she had just flown hit her. The pony pondered her next move, looking up at the moon that was bearing down on her with its ethereal glow- it seemed to beckon. She had come this far. How could she pass up a chance to explore the sky proper? And so she lifted off, slowly gaining altitude, the heavens becoming her territory. The pegasus finally felt alive. She laughed merrily, realizing with pride just how high she had gotten- and the physical rise had lifted her spirits up as well. Until her wings, unused to this kind of strain, gave out. She yelped as she suddenly became aware she had stopped flapping, and nothing she did would get her wings to work. She was losing altitude fast- Scootaloo screamed as the world around her turned into a kaleidoscopic blur. She braced herself for the impact she knew was coming- until a pony just as multicolored as the world around her caught her.

CandleEyes

272

Slice of Life,Tragedy

By the Moonlight

A few sleepless ponies give us a look inside their minds.

complete

<p>Six tortured fillies expose themselves by the moon&#39;s soft light.</p>

teen

2011-07-22T02:14:38+00:00

By the Moonlight The Fifth - Entwined Rainbow Dash skidded to a halt, holding the orange pegasus tight. Her heart was beating almost as fast as Scootaloo's. When asked about it later, the mare would always claim she had seen the little filly's ascent, but the truth of the matter was she was quite lucky to be unhurt. Scootaloo eased herself out of Dash's grasp, who still had not fully realized what had just happened. "Thanks for saving me!" Her voice trembled, not just because she had narrowly missed breaking several bones, but because it was Rainbow Dash who had rushed to help her. "I'm Scootaloo! I'm a huge of fan of your-" "Moves. Yeah, I know." The smaller pony looked down in disappointment. Still just an unwelcome intrusion. "What were you doing up there?" "I was flying." "But I thought-" "I did too. But apparently my wings are strong enough now." "If you're crashing down in mid-air, they aren't." "I guess you're right..." "Hey, kid," Rainbow turned to face her. "Don't be so hard on yourself. First time's always hard." Scootaloo's eyes twinkled ever so slightly in the night. "Listen... I know I've been a little rough on you. And I want to say that, well, I'm sorry." The filly looked up, mouth agape. "I just haven't been feeling good at all lately." "What do you mean, Rainbow Dash?" She tried sounding as elegant as possible, but her eagerness to help showed through in her voice. "Have you ever felt like you just have no idea where your life is going, like you've lost sense of it?" "I- that's just how I feel. Hopeless." "Hopeless. Exactly. But why are you feeling down all of a sudden?" "Because... because I'll never belong!" She broke out into a whimpering sob. Rainbow Dash's heart churned at the sight of her little fan crying. She nuzzled her with concern. "There, there. Don't be gloomy, Scootaloo," She paused. How could she bring light to this poor pony? "What if I let you fly with me?" The filly glanced up, eyes still moist. "But... but I'm no good at flying." "Oh, don't be silly. You can do it. Are your wings working?" Scootaloo flapped them slowly, the sudden stiffness she had experienced earlier gone. "Yep." "Alright! I'll lead the way and you can follow- and don't worry, I'll slow down for you." With that the two pegasi lifted off. "Ready?" "Yeah!" The pair surged on as one. The exhilarating speed made the fliers feel so alive, their daredevil attitudes coming forth. Scootaloo pushed ahead of her partner, eyes narrowing. Dash had been hoping for a relaxing little run, but if that was what the filly wanted... she followed suit, easily catching up to her companion, a smile of pure joy on her face. She turned her head to see Scootaloo's eyes widen in surprise. Probably just admiring her grace and might- that sounded about right. Then Rainbow crashed headfirst into a large oak. "Rainbow Dash! Are you okay?" The orange pegasus rushed over to her mentor's side. She groaned. "Yeah... could you try warning me the next time I'm about to fly into someting?" "Well- I tried! You were going too fast!" "I wonder why. It definitely wasn't because of a certain filly who decided to speed ahead of me." Their gazes met, and they realized they were both smiling. And then they both exploded in hearty laughter, celestial light shining down on them all the while.

CandleEyes

272

Slice of Life,Tragedy

By the Moonlight

A few sleepless ponies give us a look inside their minds.

complete

<p>Six tortured fillies expose themselves by the moon&#39;s soft light.</p>

teen

2011-07-23T00:29:06+00:00

By the Moonlight The Sixth - Sanguis On a moonlit plain- what most ponies would have deemed the middle of nowhere- a wooden caravan was stopped, home to a traveling showmare. The unicorn in question sat upright in her bed, nursing a glass of fine red wine with a mournful look. Having fled from Ponyville after what was surely her least-successful show, she had traveled to Manehattan, where a carpenter had offered to build a replacement for her crushed transportation and stage- for a price. Trixie took a sip of the bitter liquid and let it slosh around in her mouth. She had given herself to him- every last ounce of her was his for the taking. In exchange, she was able to resume her touring. The pony shook her head in disbelief- and then a voice inside her, a voice she had tried to bury deep, spoke. The show must go on, huh? Give yourself to it, because there's nothing else you'll ever be able to do with what you've got. And hey- if you ruin a few ponies' days or self-image, who cares, right? It's not like it matters to you- no, you love yourself too much to let it get to you. Or did I miss something? Trixie sighed. Truth be told, the heckling had been there since she first started, but she had always thought of it as part of the job. Yes, boast and brag and make them despise you, then finish up with some flashy tricks. That's one way to build a following. The only ones that ever seem to truly like you are the impressionable foals... But you like them, don't you, O Great and Powerful? She poured herself some more wine and began to drink. That's right, swallow it. Drown everything out with your precious booze because there's no way you'll ever, ever face up. Trixie paused and snorted, then hurled the glass at the wall, where it shattered and bled. Like your dreams, dear, like your dreams... And then she sobbed and sobbed until she passed out.

CandleEyes

272

Slice of Life,Tragedy

By the Moonlight

A few sleepless ponies give us a look inside their minds.

complete

<p>Six tortured fillies expose themselves by the moon&#39;s soft light.</p>

teen

2011-07-25T06:16:52+00:00

By the Moonlight The Seventh - Flicker Celestia tossed and turned once more. Maybe she'd adjust and be able to ease herself into slumber. Then again, the chances of that happening seemed rather slim, what with the thoughts plaguing her at this hour. Oh, little sister, why did it ever have to come to that? She kept telling herself that there was no one to blame- that she had tried diplomacy before anything else and that even then, Luna hadn't quite been herself when she was banished. But even so, the fact that the potential for such a scenario even existed and that Luna, however uncharacteristically bitter, had to endure a millennium of exile brought pain to her heart. Even more pitifully, the unquenchable loneliness she had felt during that time made her feel so selfish. It was only natural she missed her sister, but she was a ruler above all else, and if things got in the way of her nation's security, she was the first one who was expected to do something about it. And yet she had cried every night for all those years- for herself and for the sister she loved and lost- until she hardly even remembered why she was weeping in the first place. When she had returned, Luna- no, Nightmare Moon. It wasn't Luna and it would never be Luna. Luna was the one you sobbed for, the one you loved with all your heart and missed so much, the one you wished you could have saved. The Elements had come together then, for the first time in her lifetime, and Luna's shell had been shattered by the might of friendship. But true friendship seemed to have forsaken the two sisters. Luna was still her confidante and co-ruler, and she hers, but there seemed to be a stifling air of withdrawal  between them. And the worst part was that one of the mightiest and most-revered ponies in all of Equestria had no idea how to begin removing the barrier. There were so many wounds... Perhaps a little walk would help her think- and so the princess rose from her bed and stepped out of her quarters. As the white alicorn passed one of the castle's many balconies, however, a sound caught her attention. It was a pitiful wail- and the voice behind it was hauntingly familiar. Celestia froze. "Luna? Is that you?"

CandleEyes

272

Slice of Life,Tragedy

By the Moonlight

A few sleepless ponies give us a look inside their minds.

complete

<p>Six tortured fillies expose themselves by the moon&#39;s soft light.</p>

teen

2011-07-28T17:00:05+00:00

By the Moonlight The Last - Harmony Luna gasped and cursed herself for not hearing the hoofsteps. She turned to face her sister, eyes still moist. "Oh. Hello, Celly. What's keeping you up?" "I've got... things. On my mind. Why the tears, dear sister?" "There's a few thoughts troubling me as well, it would seem," She sniffled. "I've been, ah, observing the night, you see." Just as Celestia had thought. No point in being vague about it. "Still disappointed almost everypony sleeps through it?" The dark one sighed and looked down. How could she expect to hide her secrets from her closest friend, neigh, her only friend? "Yes." The other joined her on the balcony. "Well, anypony who does happen to be awake is delighted by it, I'm sure." Luna sighed. "It is rather beautiful, isn't it? The way the stars all seem to gather around the moon..." "And just the stars themselves! Identical at first glance, but they're all so wonderfully diverse," Celestia was genuinely delighted. "Some have just been born, a faint glow in the sky. Others have already collapsed unto themselves but their last glimmers have yet to reach us. Meanwhile, I've only got one star to worry about." She chuckled. "Oh, sister. I've just felt so lonely lately. Unwanted." "I'm sure spending your days in the library catching up on the last thousand years and never going out to actually meet your subjects has helped your reputation." As soon as she had spoken, the white alicorn wished she hadn't. Where had that come from? Luna, unsurprisingly, didn't take it very well. "And I'm sure spending your days with the six holders of the Elements and touring the nation in that damned chariot of yours has helped your relationship with your sister," She looked down in shame, her seething rage fading into melancholy. "I'm sorry. I suppose we've both been neglecting our duties- as rulers and as siblings." And now it was out. Relief flooded her, followed by a rush of worry. Her companion seemed to recognize this. "Feeling better, sis?" She nuzzled her compassionately, crying again- but her tears were of exalted joy. "Yes. Yes." The words flowed out of her as they embraced each other- and for the first time that day, the pair smiled, as one. Celestia closed her eyes and let the simple pleasure of happiness hit her. Somehow they were together again- and the moment seemed to last forever. Until she herself broke it, the tenseness gone from her voice. "Ah, Luna, I was just wondering if you- if you could give me some room to breathe!" She chuckled. The azure one retreated. "Oh, sorry!" "As I was saying... I was wondering if you'd like to switch places for a day. You raise the sun and I'll take care of the moon." "Seems to me you've taken an interest in my stars." She trotted over to the edge of the overlook. The other skipped after her like a little schoolfilly. "Well, aren't they simply amazing? Great glowing masses of plasma, suspended in the sky, as unique as the populace of our nation. And the constellations-" "Alright, alright. I'm sold!" She gave a hearty laugh. "Anything for you, dear sister." Celestia gave an involuntary yawn. "Thank you. I'm off to bed now." She turned away. "Oh, uh, sis? I was going to ask you something as well." She stopped. "Yes?" "Could I..." She paused. "Could I sleep with you tonight?" "I do hope you aren't planning anything mischievous." the alicorn teased. "Wha-?!" "Only kidding. Of course you can." "Yay!"

SlyWit

273

Discord,Nightmare Moon,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Paradise

Celestia and Luna were born as earth pony foals in a dangerous world. They must rise from nothing to become the princess we know, upsetting chiefs, gods, and the very forces of nature in the balance.

hiatus

<p>Celestia and Luna were born as unassuming foals in troubled times. But already marked for greatness, the simple earth ponies stand to face a world set against them, full of danger, fear, and sadness. A world they will change forever.</p><p><i>A sweeping epic taking place before Equestria was made, where Celestia and Luna must rise from normal foals to become the Princesses we know them as, beset from all sides by monsters, other ponies, and even the forces that govern nature. Their tale is as tragic as it is triumphant.</i></p><p>Currently on hiatus. For more info, go <a href="/blog/378656/about-the-paradise-hiatus-and-when-itll-end" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><br/><p>(Cover and internal art by <a href="http://csimadmax.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Madmax</a>)<br/>(Editing credit predominantly <a href="http://lightsideluc.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Lightside Luc</a>)</p>

everyone

2014-09-20T01:59:15+00:00

2017-11-27T22:21:39+00:00

This story is closed temporarily for renovations. See the author's blog for more info.

doctor dapples

274

Dark,Romance,Tragedy

Finding A Place

Zecora nurses a stranger back to health, and they end up finding a deeper connection.

complete

<p>Zecora nurses a stranger back to health, and they end up finding a deeper connection.<br /><br />This story comes in two parts, each with a very different feel. The first story is in the style of a sensual fiction, second person romance. The second story is told more conventionally, but is much more mature.</p>

teen

2011-07-20T04:26:14+00:00

You weren't exactly sure what you did wrong this time. You couldn't even count the number of trips you had made in your balloon before this time, but you'd never had to make a sudden landing like this before. Usually, you just floated for a few hours until you found a new city to explore. You could even see a small town in the distance. If you could just keep it afloat for a little while longer... CRASH Your heart dropped into your stomach as the basket slammed into the canopy of the dense forest. You gripped tightly onto the side as you were pitched forward, for fear of being thrown out entirely. For your troubles, you receive a jarring blow in the side that seems to knock all the air out of your lungs. While you gasp for air, you try to remember your preparations and where it could have gone wrong. You should never have trusted that colt to help. He had been just like all the others when he figured out the truth about you, and you should have recognized his "change of heart" for what it was: an attempt to get close enough to you to do some real damage. Well, you weren't going back there anyway. You try to stand up in the now slanted basket, but the creaking sounds from the branches below make you nervous. Looking down, you can see that you are still an impressive distance from the ground. Better take this slowly... As you lean forward to better gauge the distance, you hear a sickening crack, immediately followed by a second of silence that seems to last forever. You hold your breath and prepare to move all the way back into the basket, but there is another loud crack, and suddenly the basket tumbles forward and over, spilling you over the side and onto the hard forest floor, where everything goes dark.   The light starts to creep back into your eyes much later, and the first thing you recognize is the intensity of the headache. But while the inside of your head is throbbing, you slowly start to realize that the rest of your body is oddly comfortable for resting on the rocky ground of the forest. A forest that has a small circular window through which you can see the moon. You sit up with a start in the small bed, which turns out to be a very bad idea, as you immediately feel dizzy and have to lay back down. You hear footsteps approaching, and a striped face pokes its head into the doorway. "I am glad to see you have awoke / You're lucky that your bones aren't broke," says the mare, in a deep, heavily accented voice. "Where exactly am I?" She walks over to you and applies a compress to your head. The cold makes you jump back at first, but you quickly discover the chill soothes the pain. "You took a hard hit on your dome / I found you and I brought you home." About this time, you realize that your caretaker has only been speaking in rhymes. Your head injury makes it a little more difficult to put two and two together, but time clears some things up. "You're a zebra, aren't you?" She nods. "Zecora is this zebra's name / Did you know some from where you came?" "I don't really come from anywhere, but I've seen your kind before." You take the compress from her and apply it to the other side of your head. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you speaking in rhymes?" "I do not speak your words with ease / But rhyming makes it quite a breeze." You chuckle at this clever little rhyme, which causes Zecora to narrow her eyes at you. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," you say, waving your hoof. "I swear I'm not making fun of you. I'm just kinda fascinated. Could you ask me if I want an orange?" Zecora gives you a wary look, then sighs. "Would you like to have an orange? / Then you can fix my squeaky door hinge." "Uncanny," you say, smiling. You're very tempted to throw words at her like "silver" or "purple", but you don't want to press your luck. It's good to get to talk to somepony who genuinely listens to you, for once. The fact that its a mare is just a nice bonus. You take your first real good look at your surroundings, and discover that you seem to be in some sort of hollowed-out tree, decorated with all sorts of unusual artifacts that you assume are from Zecora's homeland. "So where exactly am I, Zecora?" "In the Everfree Forest you took your spill / Just to the west of Ponyville." "Ponyville, huh? So why do you live out here?" Zecora shakes her head. "The city life is not for me / Would you like a cup of tea?" You nod and she ducks back into what appears to be the main room of her house and returns carrying a tray holding two small bowls of a deep red tea. The drink is sweet, with a slightly nutty taste. Its a drink you've had before, but it has never tasted as good as it does now. The zebra takes a sip of her drink and sits down on the floor facing the bed. "Now it is question time for me / What brought you to the Everfree?" "My balloon did," you say, taking another drink. Zecora cocks her head to the side, and you realize that this is hardly a satisfactory answer. "I don't mean to be flippant, but that's pretty much how I get everywhere. I just travel from place to place, wherever the winds take me. I haven't had a proper home for more than a few months at a time." Zecora nods, looking thoughtful. "You asked why I don't live in town / But what keeps you from settling down?" For the first time since you came to, you feel hesitant about the conversation. Zecora was easy to talk to, and quite friendly, but now she wants to know what keep you moving. No, she wants to know what keeps you running. You look down at your lower half, covered by the leopard print blanket. Had she not seen? You take a deep breath. "I'm going to let you see something now. I hope it doesn't freak you out." Before she can protest, and before you give yourself enough time to change your mind, you whip the blanket away from your legs, and exposing the solid, unpatterned color of your haunches. "I'm a blank flank, Zecora." You hang your head in shame, waiting for the inevitable backlash. In the last town, it had occurred when you had allowed yourself to get too cozy with a mare. When in public, you always wore your saddlebags, but your new fillyfriend was one who liked public displays of affection, which included tickling you in front of others. This time she made you laugh so much, the bags slipped off, revealing you as a full grown stallion without a cutie mark. The whispers were immediate, the small betrayals followed soon after, until eventually there was no other option but to leave town. And after almost no time and with no balloon to escape in, the first kind soul you had come across in this forest already knew who you were and was surely about to "I'm waiting for the other hoof to fall / Is there something else, or is that all?" You look over at Zecora with surprise, only to see her confusion matches yours. "That doesn't bother you?" She shrugs. "If you want me to, I can say yes / But why I would I cannot guess." "You don't think that makes me weird?" Zecora smiles and shakes her head. "My heart, it is not made of stone / You have not felt this pain alone / When myself the ponies did see / They all would run away from me / My colors and my verbal rhymes / Kept them away til recent times / We know not what your flank intends / But that does not mean we can't be friends." Without thinking, you leap out of bed and wrap your forelegs around Zecora's neck, your face beaming. It catches her off guard, and you can feel her face flush next to yours, but eventually she reaches her hooves up and returns the embrace. As you feel your eyes start to tear up, you nuzzle your snout against her jawline, right above the rings she wears on her neck. "Thank you so much. You have no idea how much that means to me."   The two of you talk well into the night. She talks about her life in the Everfree Forest and how difficult it is for her to venture into town, as the townspeople are confused by her looks and her rituals. As such, she prefers her secluded if somewhat disturbing-looking home, as it placed her within walking distance of many of the herbs that she needed for her potions. You tell her about your travels, and as you relate your own personal adventures, you find something strange happening. Stories that were once tragic tales of rejection now seem almost humorous to you in retrospect. Zecora and you laugh at how you tried to keep your secrets, and always failed in some comical fashion. Everyone of your tales seemed to end with a bunch of close-minded ponies getting their manes in a twist over something as stupid as your blank flank. And when one story has a mare that you had to leave behind, Zecora smiles at you and gives you a rhyme that causes you to blush. You're not new to flirting, but for some reason you find yourself all butterflies around her. At first, you assume it is just because of her exotic nature, but upon further reflection, you realize you just feel very comfortable with her, and the prospect of something more causes you to blush even deeper. You look away, trying to hide the redness of your cheeks, only to notice through a window that the sun has begun to rise. "Oh Celestia," you say, pressing your hoof to your now completely clear head. "I've got to get moving. I need to find a place to stay." Zecora looks around the house, sizing it up. She says, with not a little apprehension in her voice "Even though there's not much space / You are welcome to share my place." You smile, but shake your head. "I couldn't do that to you, Zecora. We'd be constantly cramped, and next thing you know, we'd be sick to death of each other. And I'm hoping that we'll be able to have more conversations like this soon." You start to stand up. Zecora looked up at you as you rose to your hooves. "I'd like that," she says, eyes shining. Then you both stare at each other for a moment, as you realize what just happened. You can't help but laugh, and she quickly joins in. You quickly compose yourself. "So Ponyville is to the east, you said? I hope they're more accepting of blank flanks than of zebras." She thinks for a moment. "Another option, if you please / A settlement beyond the trees / Where ponies smile and never frown / A little place called Sunny Town / Perhaps if you stay in Everfree / You will spend more time with me?" Zecora smiles as you stand by the door, pondering her words. The idea sounds intriguing enough: a nice, quiet hamlet in the woods where everypony is happy. And in walking distance of Zecora? Sounds like heaven, and if it doesn't work, you can always leave. "I think I might have to check that out. Do you have a map?" She grabs a parchment off her shelf and shows you the directions. Aside from one turn that is a little bit hidden, it seems easy enough to find. You're on your way out the door when Zecora calls you back. "Grayhoof!" You pause. "I suddenly feel quite ill / Perhaps you should go to Ponyville / I fear that if this road you take / It may become a great mistake." You walk over to the worried zebra and nuzzle her. She looks at you anxiously, but you kiss her softly on the lips. "Don't worry about me, Zecora. Everything's going to be just fine." And you step out the door.

doctor dapples

274

Dark,Romance,Tragedy

Finding A Place

Zecora nurses a stranger back to health, and they end up finding a deeper connection.

complete

<p>Zecora nurses a stranger back to health, and they end up finding a deeper connection.<br /><br />This story comes in two parts, each with a very different feel. The first story is in the style of a sensual fiction, second person romance. The second story is told more conventionally, but is much more mature.</p>

teen

2012-03-06T02:24:05+00:00

Greyhoof looked into the fireplace. The scorched wood popped and cracked as the flames engulfed the dry logs, fresh from the woodpile. The fire was warm and inviting, but despite its warm glow, he somehow had this feeling of sadness which seemed to pollute his every thought. He was still excited about the party, or at least he thought he was. It was disappointing that Roneo had lost Starlet’s gift, but no one was particularly surprised by it. Roneo was nothing if not forgetful. No, something else was bugging the grey pony tonight, but try as he might, he couldn’t put his hoof on it. If he could only talk to Zecora...         “Daddy!”         Greyhoof’s mood got a temporary lift as Ruby bounded into the living room with a smile on her face. “Hiya, sweetheart,” he said as he scooped up the grey filly, and gave her a big squeeze. With his free hoof, he proceeded to tousle her blonde mane, causing his tiny victim to squeal out in mock terror. “What have you been up to tonight?” He allowed her to slip out of his grasp, after which he noticed that she was wearing her winter cloak. “You been playing dress up?”         She shook her head furiously, but kept the huge grin on her face throughout. “Nope! Something much better!”         “Well, why don’t you tell me?”         “You know how Mommy reads me those detective stories?”         “What, like Forelock Holmes?”         Ruby made a face. “Nah, he’s too old. Plus, he has a stupid hat. I like the private eyes better. Always close on the tail of the bad guys, looking for clues, but ready for trouble in a moment’s notice.” Her yellow eyes darted back and forth, as if looking out for an invisible quarry. Greyhoof laughed.         “I do hope she’s not reading you anything with too much fighting,” he said, with only slight concern in his voice. After all these years, he knew Zecora well enough to not be worried about her parenting skills. They didn’t always agree, and the living situation sometimes complicated things, but both ultimately wanted the best for their daughter.         “She always skips the good parts.” Ruby stuck out of her tongue, obviously displeased to miss out on the more hardscrabble aspects of the life of a detective pony.         “Even so, when you become a famous detective, I hope you’ll steer clear of the really dangerous ponies. You’re still my little princess.”         She smiled and blushed a little at the compliment, but shook her head with determination. “I’m sorry, daddy, but I’m not a princess anymore. I’m officially a detective!”         “Oh really?” he said, raising his brow. “How do you figure?”         “Because your little princess found Roneo’s present and saved the day!” She finished with a dramatic flourish of her hooves and puffed out her chest proudly.         Her moment of quiet dignity was short lived, as her father swooped her up in his forelegs with a broad grin on his face. “That’s wonderful, sweetie! You saved your dad’s party, you wonderful little filly!” He gave her a flurry of kisses that left her in a giggling fit as she struggled to free herself from the hug.         As she tried to wiggle her way out of his grasp, she said “That’s actually not the big news, Daddy.”         “There’s more?”         She nodded. “Its why I’m wearing my coat right now. I wanted to surprise you!” Upon being released by her father, she trotted a few steps away, and lifted the cloak from her left side. On her flank was the image of a magnifying glass.         Greyhoof stared, then blinked, then stared some more. It couldn’t be.         Sensitive to the sudden silence and concerned by the strange look on her father’s face, Ruby spoke up. “Is it ugly?”         Greyhoof shook himself out of his stupor to address his child. “No, its not that, Ruby.” He wanted to face her, but he couldn’t stop looking at that mark. Her cutie mark. A cutie mark in Sunny Town. Oh goddess.         “Then what is it?” she asked, her voice getting softer, more uncomfortable.         As his thoughts raced for answers to the questions appearing in his mind, he stumbled across a potential course of action. He did his best to force out a natural-looking smile. “Its great, sweetie...now...how would you like to go stay with your mom tonight?”         The filly’s face brightened. “You want me to show this to her, too?” But when Greyhoof nodded, her expression changed to one of concern. “But what about the party? Don’t you want me to be there?”         He shrugged and tried to sound as apathetic as he could about what was probably the biggest party he had ever planned in his new home. “Its probably going to be boring, anyway. I’d much rather you got to have some fun with your mother and show off your...” his voice trailed off. He couldn’t say it.         Thankfully, the spectacle of his hesitation was lost on the excited little pony. Mommy would get to see her cutie mark! She hopped around in a little circle, ignorant of the anxiety building in her father with every passing moment. “When do we leave?”         “The sooner, the better, I think! Go grab your bag and we’ll leave right away!”         “Yay!” shouted Ruby, and she ran off into her bedroom to pack a few things for her big sleepover.         Greyhoof wiped his brow. How could he have been so stupid? Somehow he had managed to delude himself for years. The hope was that if he didn’t talk about cutie marks, and surrounded Ruby with other ponies who didn’t have them, she wouldn’t feel like she was missing anything. But of course, there was always her mother.         To the best of his knowledge, Zecora did not go out of her way to teach Ruby about the cutie mark, but it was impossible for her not to notice just how different Mommy was than Daddy. It wasn’t just about physical appearance, or being of a different species. Though Ruby was small, she was perceptive. And she could see that there was something in her mother that her father was never quite able to attain: a true sense of purpose. What child wouldn’t want to know that she truly belonged? Greyhoof snorted and reared back, ready to buck the wire screen into the fireplace.         “Hey, Greyhoof!” an orange muzzle appeared in the doorway.         He started at the familiar voice. “What?” “We’re coming in, okay?”         “NO!”         The door swung open, revealing Roneo and Starlet, the latter of whom was nuzzling her face into the orange pony’s mane. The colt laughed off Greyhoof’s protest. “Easy there, buddy. I know it’s late, and I’m really sorry to be stopping in at this hour. I just wanted to make sure you knew what your little girl had done.” He turned to Starlet and made kissy faces at her. She giggled.         Greyhoof felt a panic start to seize his whole body. “She hasn’t done anything! She’s just fine!”         The lovers looked back at him, amusement now mixed with confusion. “She’s not in trouble, Greyhoof. I just wanted to let you know that she found my gift to Starlet. She’s a hero. You should be proud of her.” Roneo took a step towards the nervous stallion. “Is everything alright, Greyhoof?”         “Everything’s fine!” He narrowed his eyes. “You just stay away from her!”         Roneo gulped and looked back towards Starlet, who was beginning to look genuinely frightened. “Alright, man. I guess we caught you at a bad time. Get some sleep, okay?” He began backing his way towards the door when a small form scampered into the room.         “Daddy, I can’t find my pack. Do you know where it is?”         Ruby heard a gasp come from the doorway, and when she turned she saw a couple of familiar faces. “Oh, hi, guys!” she called cheerfully. But when they didn’t respond to her greeting, she took a better look, and saw the expressions of horror on their faces. She turned and looked to her father, who looked as if he was close to tears. “What’s going on, Daddy?”         “SHE HAS THE MARK!”         As Starlet sprinted out the door, Greyhoof sprang to chase after her, but found his exit blocked by a furious-looking Roneo. “She has the mark, Greyhoof. The town has to be told.”         “No they don’t!” the grey stallion pleaded. “I’ll take her away tonight! I’ll go tonight! You’ll never see either of us again! The town is safe!”         Roneo turned an icy glare on Greyhoof. “You can’t promise us that. This will be the beginning of our end if we don’t stop it now.”         “Please, please, Roneo... just let us by! You can say I overpowered you! No one will blame you!”         He shook his head. “I cannot allow you to leave.” With this, he turned his gaze to the filly in the middle of the room, who was now shaking with fear. “I am very sorry for this, Ruby. But there is no other way.” From behind Roneo came the sound of approaching hooves, with angry voices not quite lost in the din. The village was here to see the one with the mark.         Greyhoof stood petrified, his eyes darting back and forth between his daughter and the pony blocking his escape. He could overpower Roneo, and both of them could escape the house, but getting out of town was something else. Even if he could run past the crowd, Ruby wouldn’t be able to keep up. They weren’t after him, anyway.         Ruby ran up to her father and wrapped a hoof around his hind leg. “What’s happening, daddy?”         He fought the tears as he tried to put on a strong face for his daughter. “Just stay close to me, sweetheart. We’re going to get through this.”         “There they are!” yelled Starlet to the crowd of murmuring ponies that followed her. As they approached, Greyhoof could see three more notable faces in their number. Ruby’s tutor, Mitta, hung near the outskirts of the crowd, one of the few without a noticeable scowl on her face. Behind Startlet was an orange stallion named Gladstone who had the honorary position of the town’s law enforcement. And next to him was his boss, the green mare known as Three Leaf. She was Sunny Town’s mayor, and the look in her eyes said she would protect her home, whatever the cost. Greyhoof sat back on his haunches and hugged Ruby close.         “Let us see it, Greyhoof,” said Three Leaf. It was not a request.         “No.”         “Either you show it to us, or we take her from you.”         Wordlessly, Greyhoof looked back at his daughter, and felt his heart break as he saw the fear in her widened eyes. He wanted to say something, anything that would console her, but he couldn’t even think of a believable lie. He would have been hurt more to know that the main reason for her terror was that no matter how hard he attempted to hide it, she could still see the fear in his own eyes. He gave her a silent nod, and she nodded back solemnly, before allowing herself to let go of her father, giving the crowd a clear view of her cutie mark.         This time, the gasp was louder, and the already thick feeling of tension in the room turned to one of palpable rage as ponies began shouting at each other. Ruby quickly retreated back to the perceived safety of her father’s leg as the angry ponies loomed over them.         Gladstone was the first to speak out. “Greyhoof. She has the mark.”         Greyhoof closed his eyes, and hugged his daughter against him. “We won’t stay. I’ll take her away from here. We’ll never set hoof in Sunny Town again.”         “You know its too late for that,” he said, something resembling sympathy hiding in his voice.         “If we don’t do something now, this could turn into something bigger.” Three Leaf leaned forward, examining the child. “We have to stop it now.” The crowd murmured in agreement.         Mitta stepped out of the throng, visibly distressed. “What are you talking about doing? He says he’ll take her away! If she goes to live with her mother, there won’t be anything to fear!” She attempted to approach Greyhoof, but he pulled back.         Three Leaf turned on the teacher. “You have eyes just like us, Mitta. You can’t tell me that you don’t see it. That you don’t see the danger.” She pointed her hoof accusingly at the little filly. “You know that it won’t stop here! It will spread!”         “But maybe it won’t!”         “Don’t forget that she is not the only child you have taught. What about my foals?” she snarled. “What about Gladstone’s colt? Are you willing to put all of our offspring at risk on the basis of a maybe?”         Mitta stammered. “I-I...”         Three Leaf turned her attention from the shrinking tutor and towards the crowd. “The child must be disposed of!” As the crowd cheered their consensus, Gladstone leaned down to take hold of the foal.         “No!” Greyhoof snarled, and snapped out at Gladstone with his jaws. The officer jumped back, his look less of fear and more surprise. The grey stallion clutched his child tighter, as she began to sob.         “You know what will happen, Greyhoof!” said Three Leaf.         “No, I don’t!” he yelled, then scanned the rest of the angry crowd. “None of you do! You’ve already decided that this is some curse that she’s been blighted with! But it’s not! It’s completely natural!”         “There’s nothing natural about it!”         “You don’t know ANYTHING about it! They’re nothing to be afraid of!”         “Why don’t you have one, Greyhoof?” asked Gladstone.         “Yeah, Greyhoof,” said Three Leaf. “If they’re so natural, why don’t you have one? You’re the filly’s father!”         Greyhoof stammered, unsure as to how to answer. He didn’t know why he never got one, and he’d been happy to be rid of the stigma that had made him feel like an outcast outside of Sunny Town. “I...I...”         “Maybe the reason she has the mark,” said Three Leaf, as a devilish grin spread across her face, “is because you’re not really her father. Did your precious zebra have a stallion on the side?”         Three Leaf’s plan to shake up Greyhoof proved successful, as the stallion leaped to his hooves and dove at the mayor, hooves aimed at her face. But Roneo and Gladstone were waiting, and they grabbed the angry pony some distance before he could connect. As Greyhoof struggled to get free, Starlet pounced on young Ruby.         While he was able to derive some satisfaction from watching Ruby kick Starlet in the muzzle, the bigger mare quickly subdued the filly and held her fast. Both Greyhoof and Ruby were incapacitated, and he could do nothing but glare at the mayor with hatred in his eyes. Surprisingly, Three Leaf’s gaze softened upon looking at the stallion.         “Greyhoof, I know this isn’t easy for you.”         “Buck you.”         Gladstone moved to deliver a blow to Greyhoof’s abdomen, but Three Leaf stopped him. “I understand you’re upset. And I know she’s your daughter. But she has the mark, and we have to stop it before it spreads. Otherwise, it will destroy us all.”         Greyhoof’s anger melted into tears. “The mark doesn’t destroy! Even if it spreads, you don’t know that-”         “Know that it rots you from the inside out? That it destroys harmony and love? Look at yourself, Greyhoof! Why do you and your daughter not live with your mate?”         The words cut deep into Greyhoof. Him and Zecora had been such a good couple at the beginning, but as Ruby had aged, his fear of the mark had increased. That fear put a wedge between the two that seemed to grow with every visit. “But...but...she loves Ruby!”         “She only wants her so she can spread her disease! So she can infect us! Infect you!” As the ponies holding his forelegs released him, Greyhoof collapsed to the floor in sobs. Three Leaf understood more than he had imagined. She lowered herself to his eye level. “What did you call Sunny Town when you found us? Do you remember, Greyhoof?”         He sniffed, thinking back on that beautiful day. “Perfection.”         “Perfection,” she repeated, a small smile on her face. “That’s what we’ve attained here, Greyhoof. You’re not a blank flank here. You’re not an outsider. You’re one of the community, and that’s your purpose. To be a member of the community.”         He tried to shift his head to check on his daughter, but Three Leaf took his head in her hooves and forced him to look at her.         “You go back out into the world, you know what will happen. You’ll be a pony without a purpose. You’ll be alone. And every day, ponies will remind you just how alone you really are.” She took a deep breath before continuing. “I know that what we’re asking for is a tremendous sacrifice for you. But it is nothing compared to what will happen if we let her go. You know that, don’t you?”         Greyhoof could feel the heaviness in his heart, but no tears would come. He was cried out. He again tried to make eye contact with his struggling daughter, but Three Leaf held his head tightly. After a silence that seemed to last for hours, he looked her in the eyes and nodded.         “NO!!” Ruby’s piercing cry shattered the silence. “Daddy, please! Don’t let them hurt me!” As Three Leaf moved to the side, his daughter resumed her struggling, this time with a new intensity, spurred on by her increased panic.         As she screamed for him to intervene, he tried his best to shut her voice out. His eyes bloodshot from crying, he turned back to Three Leaf. “Can you please just make it quick?”         Three Leaf closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I’m afraid there’s only one way to be completely sure. She has to be completely purified.” Upon opening her eyes, her glance turned towards the fireplace.         Greyhoof felt a sensation akin to cold needles running up his spine. “Oh Celestia, no.” He stared past the wire screen, into the flames, and to the black logs slowly being roasted into ash. “We can’t! We just...”         “It is the only way.”         “Why?” Greyhoof screamed. “Why does she have to suffer? Can’t we just...” his mouth refused to use the word that he knew was most apt.         “Can’t we just keep her from suffering?” yelled Mitta. She attempted to push her way back through the crowd, but Three Leaf’s icy glare pushed her back.         “Fine, Greyhoof! You have all the answers! You put her down!” Three Leaf snatched the squirming filly out of Starlet’s grasp and threw her to the floor in front of her father. Greyhoof stared down at Ruby, no longer screaming or thrashing, just shivering as tears poured out of her. He slowly lifted his strongest hoof, on his right foreleg, and placed it on the side of his little filly’s head, right below her ear. She closed her eyes tight, and waited.         But the blow never came. “I can’t do it,” Greyhoof said as he removed his hoof, and turned his head, disgusted by his own cowardice.         Three Leaf just scoffed. “Of course. Gladstone! Roneo!” At her words, the two stallions flanking Greyhoof each moved into position. Gladstone scooped up the young filly into his forelegs as the orange stallion shifted the heavy grate to the side, opening the fireplace to the room.         Later, after all was done, Gladstone would remember that walk to the fireplace stretching for an eternity. He remembered wanting to sing Ruby a lullaby to put her to sleep, and he searched his mind desperately for the tune his mother sang to him when he was a small colt. But the only thing that came to his mind, and then out of his lips were “hush now. It’ll all be over soon.”         And he threw the child into the fire.         Nopony can give a completely accurate account of the rest of that night. Most of them chose to find another point of focus. They looked at each other to see that validation that they desperately wanted. They looked at Roneo and Starlet, clutching each other so tightly that it must have been painful for both of them. They looked at Mitta, huddled in the corner, her hooves covering her ears. Or they looked at Gladstone, unmoving, unflinching in the firelight, standing next to Three Leaf, expressionless, with her eyes shrouded in darkness.          No one wanted to look at Greyhoof, the other pony in the room affected by the sound of the screaming, drowned out by the frenzied beating against the wire grate. As another sound, a more subtle sound began to intrude, the smell of burning hair was replaced with another scent, no less pungent but thicker, and nauseating. With time, the pounding against the grate weakened, and the screaming became more shallow, until it ceased entirely, and nothing was distinguishable from the original flames.         Greyhoof looked not at the flames, nor at the smoldering remains, but past them. He wasn’t focused on the once red bricks of the fireplace, now black with soot. He was looking through it, through the cabin, and beyond the Everfree outside. His eyes sought out Zecora, but there was nothing to see. No Zecora, no Ruby, and no future to speak of.         They left him in the cabin that night, staring into the fireplace, long after the flames had burned out for lack of fuel. As the ponies in the crowd walked back towards Sunny Town, they looked back. On the ground, they saw their hoofprints in the thin layer of ash leading from the cabin, whose chimney still spun the last lazy trail of smoke.

Xerorythic

275

Comedy

Absurdity

incomplete

<p>A Derpy x Hydra shipping fanfic that is not to be taken seriously.</p>

everyone

2011-07-20T05:48:35+00:00

This is a story of ultra super secret extra spicy forbidden love. And strabismus. Mostly the first part. Thaddeus watched as the pegasus touched down in the swamp that was his home. Well, one head watched, the other three were eating. Being a Hydra meant being a multi-story reptilian monster that spread terror as easily as cream cheese on a bagel, but that didn’t mean it didn’t come with perks. The pegasus neared his den, and at last, he recognized his one true love. Thaddeus joyfully trundled across the swamp to meet her, his lovely Derpina. Her gray coat shone like the morning dew, and her lustrous blond mane evoked images of the suns rays filtering through the clouds. “Oh Derpina, my love, how I have longed for your touch. To feel your presence which brightens my day so!” Thaddeus’s leftmost head wept openly, such was his joy. Derpy, for her part, pawed at the ground. Thaddeus knew the uncomfortable truth her silence hid, but also knew it must be brought into the open. “Alas, my dear Derpina, I know it pains you so to be near me. To force you to fly ten whole minutes from your home to meet with me is proof of the hardship my nature forces upon you. I cannot ask for you to bear it any longer, as I know it so cruelly taxes you.” He felt shame at his helplessness, but there was no other way they could meet. Derpina was so brave, facing the cloud and breeze riddled skies near Ponyville. All just to see him. It broke his heart to see so beautiful a creature so strained, and all for his sake. He was a monster! Thaddeus looked down at his four necks, scaled torso that was the size of a house, and enormous claws. Monster was too literal. He was brutish, he amended. Derpy leaned forward, and bumped her snout against his scaled belly as she bit into some marsh grass he had been laying on. She chewed slowly before swallowing. “Muffins,” she said. Thaddeus was in awe of his love’s selflessness. It was as if her love for him let her weather all manner of hardship unburdened. “Derpina, you are truly a wonder, but I cannot ask you to torment yourself for my sake, my...selfish need of your affections. Please, leave me and return to your life in Ponyville. Your comfort means more to me than the aching wound the sword of separation would carve into my heart.” Derpy’s left eye spun clockwise, her pupil blurring from the speed, as her right eye stared steadily at a nearby rock on the ground. “Muffins,” was her response. Thaddeus’s leftmost head continued to weep, wracked with high pitched, feminine sobs. “Derpina,” Thaddeus began. “You ask me to ruin you!  I, a terrible monster, cannot love a pony such as you. It is the most forbidden of loves! You would be outcast by your peers for desiring one such as me, mocked and shunned for it! Though never seeing you again would be exquisite torture of the highest order for me, I must ask you to think of yourself in this!” Derpy looked him in the eyes on two separate heads, the wall-eyed mare’s gaze utterly unflinching. “Muffins!” she exclaimed. Thaddeus knew in his heart, she was right. “You speak the truth, my sumptuous daffodil! Let those who would scorn our bond do what they will! Our love is the shield that will weather a thousand arrows!” He roared triumphantly, the ground shaking so much that a nearby sapling shook loose from the ground. It began to fall, straight at his Derpina! He cried out, diving forward to intercept the lethal hazard. But it was too late, the sapling struck Derpy on the side. It rested there, leaning on her until she took a few steps forward and it fell harmlessly into the mud with a wet thump. Thaddeus coughed awkwardly. “Er, well, my fair Derpina, I am glad you were unharmed by the callous touch of nature! It would have shattered my heart into a thousand fragments to see you injured!” His rightmost head spotted something off in the distance. Bright yellow and pink, it was flying in low, pulling something behind it. He squinted one pair of eyes. It was a pegasus! And she appeared to be pulling a cartload of frogs. Transporting frogs? A likely story! He hissed in displeasure. “Derpina, we are being spied upon. Run my love, before we are found out!” He dove between Derpy and the other pegasus, posing as if he expected a storm of arrows to strike him down. When he found that no dramatically appropriate assaults were forthcoming, he resumed his normal sitting position. Clearly, the spying pony was being crafty and forestalling her intended machinations for an opportune moment! He turned around to find that Derpy had not budged from where she was. She seemed to be occupied with staring at the sun and the ground simultaneously. Thaddeus helpfully nudged her further back with his snout. “Flee, my beloved Derpina! I shall slay the pegasus, at risk to my own life, to preserve our secret!” Derpy raised one hoof and rested it on Thaddeus’s chest. Thaddeus was moved beyond words by his love’s compassion, even in the face of exile, and felt his formerly rage-filled heart melt. Could he really have been contemplating harming something so similar to blessed Derpina? It seemed impossible now. “How could I have been so foolish? Of course, my dear Derpina, I will only frighten her away, I swear upon our love for each other, burning as bright as a thousand suns, as deep as the oldest canyon, as beautiful as a newborn sunset, as radiant as...” Derpy tapped him with her hoof again. “Er, right, off I go. Farewell, oh paramour of my soul!” He sank into the bog as he moved towards the pegasus, soon not even his eyes breached the surface of the water. It shouldn’t be hard to scare off one pegasus. What could go wrong?

remsaman

277

Princess Luna,Adventure,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Luna's Friend(cancelled)

cancelled

<p>After a fit of rage, Nightmare Moon exhausts all her anger and reverts to Luna.<br/>While contemplating certain things, she notices a silver object fall onto the moon</p><p>Not going to bother with this fic anymore.</p>

everyone

2011-07-21T13:44:42+00:00

2011-07-21T13:44:42+00:00

It had been 600 years since Nightmare Moons banishment on the moon. And by Celestia, it was lonely. Nightmare Moon had spent all these years plotting her revenge and thinking of new ways to torture, crush, kill and destroy Celestia and her oh so precious sunlight. She wasn’t even sure if she was on the Equestrian moon anymore, was there always 5 land masses? Whatever, it didn’t even matter anymore. She was stuck on the moon for another 400 years. It wasn’t her fault that nobody cared!(She just wanted some recognition...) There were craters EVERYWHERE from her bent up rage and letting it looks. for all she knew the moon was Swiss-cheese by now! Days, weeks, months pass. Yet, she felt calmer, like all the hate she had towards Princess Celestia had just vanished from thin air. She felt that all that mattered now... where the stars... how pretty they shone... She picked up a shard of shiny space junk nearby that glistened like glass. and peered into it, and was shocked by what she saw; Her eyes were normal, glistening orbs, instead of steely dagger like slits in her iris.... Her mane was no longer flowing with the stars, it was a cool blue. The armour that plated her like a battle uniform was no longer present, aside from four shoes. She wasn’t Nightmare Moon anymore. She was Luna, and oh how happy she was. Being rid of that tormenting state of wickedness and unjust rule, how it pleased her! but she remembered, she was still on the moon. and no one knew, let alone cared, of her recent transformation. But then, she thought she saw a shiny glint of silver fall in the distance, and went to investigate. It couldn’t be another piece of space-junk, could it? It seemed too unnaturally designed. Luna approached a crater nearby where the shiny thing had landed and peeked over the edge, It seemed to be a large silver polygon, with three yellow protruding... leg looking.. things? Just as Luna was about to investigate further, she heard a sound and fell back into the crater. she soon recovered and peeped back over the edge. Wow! Another pony! this was amazing! But this pony walked on two feet and had fingers? it also seemed to be wearing a white suit with a golden visor, preventing Luna from seeing any further details of the figure. She lay low for a while as the creature bounced down the steps, and she almost had a heart attack when it started to speak fluent Equestrian! “That’s one small step for man...... one... giant leap, for mankind.” The strange creature uttered. Man? this thing must be called man! but what WAS it? she had to find out, As she looked around, she saw the creature planting a flag with the help of his comrade. the flag had numerous stars and stripes on it. at least she wasn't the only one that adored the night sky! Mans comrade went back inside the large shiny object, Man took a few moments to enjoy the sight of Equestria. Luna overheard Mans helmet talking to him, using some kind of magic! “Neil, we’ll be experiencing some interference as the moon goes out of range of our radio sensors, which means you’ll be in the dark for about 30 minutes. Just keep calm and if anything goes wrong, return to the lander immediately.” Mans helmet said. “Alright command, I'll be setting up the reflector mirrors in the meantime.” “Roger that. Houston out” Luna watched as Equestria disappeared behind the moon, this is as good as a time ever if she was going to introduce myself! Man started placing little crystalline objects on the ground while ignoring his surroundings, while Luna trotted up to him. She tapped him on the shoulder, accidentally knocking out his radio communications The man responded, “Ugh, look Jimmy, if your going to play pranks, try not to do it in such a situa- AAAAAAARGH WHAT IN THE-” Man fell over and started screaming. “HOUSTON? JIMMY? SOMEONE EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THERE IS A HORSE UP HERE?” but no one could hear him, because his radio had been accidentally disabled by Luna. “I'm sorry, Mr. Man, I didn't mean to startle you.” Luna hastily replied “And.. it can talk. Now I have seen everything.” Man responds with a confused tone in his voice “I'm sorry if I surprised you Mr. Man, but I’ve been here for over 600 years and you are the first creature I've seen in a very long time” “but.. 600 years? the average lifespan of a horse is much smaller then that... and.. why do you have wings and a horn..” “I'm an Alicorn, Mr.Man, and id also like to know what you are. I've never seen your kind before! and how long has your kind been living on equestria?” Luna responded quizzically. “Equestria... alicorn..? I'm sorry Miss.....” “Luna.” “Miss Luna. (God she even has a name.) But i don’t know what you are talking about, humans have been living on earth for Milena, probably millions of years even. and you are the first talking ‘alicorn’ I've ever met, the horses back on earth don't talk at all, and pretty much show minimal intelligence.” Mr. Man said, voice slightly muffled by the helmet hes wearing. Luna was shocked to hear this. Her entire race reduced to moronic brainless horses? And these humans, Dominating the world for such a lengthy time? Luna was sure that this ‘earth’ could not possibly be equestria, and something might have happened during one of her ‘angry moments’ “Excuse me, Miss Luna, But if i might ask. why can you talk?” Man said, raising himself from the ground. “I learned from an early age, isn't that how everyone learned to talk?” “Yeah well, its not every day a human sees a big blue horse with a horn, wings, a crown, and that can talk.” “Point taken.” “But where did you come from Mr. Man?” “Call me Neil, please.” “Oh, Mr. Neil, where did you come from? Where you banished to the moon as well?” “Heh. No, my colleague Jimmy and I are here on a research mission. I cant exactly explain it in full detail, it would take too long.” “And why are you wearing that funny helmet? Is it stuck on? Let me help!” Luna asks as she reaches to rip the helmet off his shoulders “WHOA! No! I need this to breathe! The oxygen levels on here are too low to sustain any life form, in fact, i should be asking YOU why you AREN’T wearing a helmet!” “I don’t know, I can breathe perfectly fine! Are you sure you need that helmet?” “I’m sure, listen, I have to go in a few minutes or command will think something terrible happened to me. Sorry I couldn’t stop to chat, goodbye Miss Luna!” Neil starts to walk towards the lander, but is stopped by an ear piercing scream, “WAAAAAIT!” “What is it? I really need to go!” “Can I come with you? I want to see more... hughmanns!” Luna asked with a large smile on her face “But how could I get you back? Its not easy sneaking a horse-” “Pony.” “Pony, the size of a motorbike past security and out of NASA.” “Motorbike... Mr. Neil?” “Ugh, never mind, just grab onto the bottom of the lander and try to hold on, you don’t need oxygen or a suit so I’m guessing you have very high tolerance to critical heat levels. Once we are about to touch down on the runway, jump off and fly or walk or whatever to the nearest forest. we’ll talk more then.” “Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! I cant wait!” Luna starts skipping around like she just devoured sugar cube corner. “Please Luna, be quiet, if Jimmy hears you he might think somethings up, now can you please hold onto the side of the lander?” “Excuse me Mr. Neil?” “The big silver and yellow thing.” “Oh right. Sure thing!” The next few minutes were the most exhilarating moments of Luna’s entire life! the lunar lander lifted off the ground and was grabbed by a nearby white object that looked a lot like a unicorn horn, but with a rounded black tip and sides, and wings on the very back! she only had just enough time to jump off the lunar lander and grab the back wings of the mysterious object before it corrected its course and fell towards this ‘earth’ Oh boy. Neil meant it when he said she had very high heat tolerance, she could see small parts of the object breaking off, and the entire thing bursting into flames! if she fell off now, who knows where she could end up! Soon enough, the object landed on the ground, Luna remembered to jump off, but when she looked around, there where no forests around whatsoever, it was just a large, orange and red desert expanding landscape. She looked at what one could call a “forest” but the only thing she could hide in was a nearby place filled with strange metal beasts. The beasts looked to be asleep, so Luna thought it would be a great idea to hide from the other “hugh manns” for the time being, seeing how surprised Neil was when Luna first greeted him. Luna hid in the beasts domain for a few hours, which consisted only of white paint and hard smelly rock. Finally! Neil walked out of the building, carrying his helmet under his arm as a memento from these NASA folk. He walked past her and she used her horn to give him a slight tug in her direction, it worked, he saw Luna’s hiding face and walked over. “Sorry I took so long Luna, but I had to make sure that there wasn't anyone following me.” Neil said with a sigh. “Why? Are they people who want to hurt me?” “No, in fact, I’m the only one who knows you exist right now, I just don’t think they’d take so kindly to a talking horse from the moon as I did.” “Come on Luna” Neil requested, “we gotta get you into the back of my van before anyone sees you. If they do, i got a lot of explaining to do, and I'm not sure how i could” Luna follows Neil to his car, while trying to avoid open the open spaces between the metal beasts. Eventually they come across what seemed to be the leader, it was big and black, Luna was scared that this thing was going to eat her! “M-M-Mr.Neil? are you sure we should get in that? it looks awfully hungry “ha-ha, no, this thing isn't alive Luna, You wont get eaten. Trust me. Luna was reluctant and hesitated, but she got in the back. “ the van has tinted windows in the back, as long as you don't break anything, feel free to look. but i suggest you stay strapped in. its going to be a bumpy ride.” “Mr.Neil sir?” “yes Luna?” “whats a van?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Mr.Neil?” “yes Luna?” “how does your ‘van’ work without any earth ponies pulling it or Pegasus ponies flying it?” “i.. don't know what that means, but ill explain the first part.” “way back, more then 65 million years ago, there used to live these creatures called ‘dinosaurs’ and many other magnificent creatures. A great event wiped out almost all of them, and the ones that weren't incinerated got buried underground. With time, pressure, and varying heats, The dinosaurs slowly turned into what we call ‘oil’. We refine this oil and burn it to make the engines in our cars run”(sorry for the science lesson viewers) Luna gasped in horror “YOU BURN ANIMALS? YOU MONSTER!” Luna shouted, Inching as far back as she could from the driver of the vehicle. Neil sighed heavily, all the while keeping his eyes on the road. “Luna, the animals have been dead for millions and millions of years, we are simply using the earths resources to further the productivity of the human race. And oil is a large staple in the worlds economy.” “but.. those poor dinosaurs...” Luna started tearing up. “There is nothing to be helped Luna, asteroids are pretty much impossible to stop when your 20 feet tall, have tiny arms and no knowledge of your demise.” Luna just pouted and gave a grunt at Neils sarcasm. She looked out the window and saw a nearby sign. “whats a Deli?” she asked inquisitively. Neil tried to sort through many of the possible ways to avoid having this conversation with her, Because hes pretty sure she doesn't eat any meat at all. “Mr. Neil, whats a Deli?” Luna repeated herself “they uhh... serve food....” “ooh can we get some?” “I'm not sure you want to..” “why not? it sounds exotic!” “i don't suppose you like... meat... do you?” Luna just sat there with a sudden shocked expression on her face. Could these.. Hugh.. manns.. really be so cruel as to harm animals to EAT them? Why would they do anything like that! its horrible to think of what those poor animals went through! “listen.. Luna... your only a child. arnt you” Luna, confused at the question, answered truthfully “i guess i am, is that a bad thing?” “no, it just makes things a lot harder to explain” Luna was still on the verge of tears after learning that the humans ate poor defenceless animals. Neil could see this in the rear-view mirror and tried to explain as best as he could. “Luna, we humans need both meat and plants to survive, if we don't, we could all fall ill and die.” “but the animals....” “A lot of people don't like animal killing as much as you do Luna, but if its what we need to do to survive on this hostile planet, then so be it. You cant change how a human works.” “maybe if i just do a littl-” “no. luna.” Eventually the pair slow down once they reach the center of town. and Luna sees a large blue van with “breathalyser tests” written in bold letters on the side. She is prepared to ask what it is, but she sees one up ahead and figures shell soon find out. After all, she doesn't want to annoy Mr. Neil. “Oh ****, Luna, hide!” “why? and where?” “these guys cant see i have a HORSE” “pony” “PONY in my van! these people are really strict when it comes to animals!” “oh.. where do i hide?” “anywhere! just stay out of sight!” An almost blinding flash emits from the van windowss which directs the attention of the policemen testing peoples breath for alcohol. “excuse me sir, but have you been drinking tonight?” “whatcouldyoupossiblymean!theresnothingsuspiciousinthisvanatallimeanitsjustavanright?” were going to have to take a look inside the back. sir. Neil thinks to himself “oh god. what do i do.. if i slam the acceleration, the cops would chase me and arrest me. but if i don't.. they find Luna! what could i do...” He is contemplating legging it when the police slam the vans hatchback shut, “your clean, maybe you should relax sir. you seem very unnerved.” “y-yeah i think i might do that... t-thanks...” Confused by what just happened, Neil looked in the rear of his car to see if Luna was O.K. “Shes gone!” Neil was in a panic now, he didn't see the police walk away with her.. or even mention her.. but where could she be!? “M-M-Mr N-Neil?” came a quivering voice from the corner “Luna? where are you” “I'm right here.” and with another blinding flash, Luna was back, completely visible! “Oh Luna thank god you’re O.K! i thought you ran off” “No Mr.Neil, I'm still here.” “Well at least your O.K, i thought those goddamn police might have kidnapped you or something” “Excuse me if i might ask sir, but who is this “god” you keep referring to?” “uh.. people say hes the creator of everything, they call themselves Christians. i personally don't believe in the gibberish myself but sometimes words just come out of your mouth. “don't you pray to Celestia at all?” “who?” “oh.. shes my sister. shes pretty much the equivalent of your god. except shes real” “so. you are...” “oh no. me and my sister raise the sun and the moon. but.. things happen so she banished me to the moon. and well... here i am!” “your sister must have been a real b-” “oh no she was just doing what was right.. i got a bit.... jealous” “right.” As they finish up their conversation, they come into Neils home street. “now Luna, I'm not sure what could be going on once we pull in, so if i sound distressed or anything. id like you to pull whatever it is you did earlier and go invisible, then hide in the basement, There’s plenty of produce in there, so you shouldn't go hungry. just stay away from anything labelled ‘beef jerky’ “Yes Mr.Neil.” “oh nuts.” “what is it Mr.Neil?” “my wife's home”

remsaman

277

Princess Luna,Adventure,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Luna's Friend(cancelled)

cancelled

<p>After a fit of rage, Nightmare Moon exhausts all her anger and reverts to Luna.<br/>While contemplating certain things, she notices a silver object fall onto the moon</p><p>Not going to bother with this fic anymore.</p>

everyone

2011-07-21T20:20:39+00:00

2011-07-21T20:20:39+00:00

Luna’s Friend Chapter 2: A technological marvel Continuing on from chapter 1, Luna and Neil have arrived at Neils house, only for Neil to discover his wife is home. “Mr Neil, Why is it a bad thing that your wife is home? Shouldn't you be glad that shes here to welcome you after your trip?” “Just call me Neil, thanks. And normally id be glad, but your here Luna and id rather not show the misses that i have a talking princess pony in my van, because id probably get admitted to a mental asylum.” “A mental asylum, Neil?” “uh... ill explain later. Anyway, if she saw you shed tell the whole neighborhood. shes a pretty big blabbermouth.” “why don't we want people to know who i am Neil? i think it would be quite exciting to meet lots of new people!” “because i know w-” Neil stops to think about what hes saying before continuing “because i just think its in our best interests if we keep your existence to ourselves.” “oh ok then. but where do we go now?” “i think i know a place, its a bit out of the way, but nobody goes that far out of town, we should be safe there.” Neil starts to think for a second and walks out of the van. he comes back after a few seconds with a few bags and something under his arm “do you like books Luna?” He asks, raising an eyebrow. “oh yes. i love reading books it’s a very good way to learn many things and to occupy time!” “Ah. good. then i got a few things you might like” Neil gets in the van and passes Luna books with titles that intrigued Luna ‘Encyclopedia’ ‘Dictionary and references’ ‘Complete known human history, printed 1960’ “ooh thank you very much Neil, i guess this will stop me asking so many questions, wont it?” Luna thanks Neil with an appreciative laugh, Neil just smiles back. The drive to their destination was a smooth one, with little to no disruptions, aside from people crossing the road and traffic, they didn't really stop once. Luna was fascinated by human history, How humans could be so violent, yet curious towards their surroundings, adapting and surviving no matter what nature throws at them. “You humans make life look so easy! how do you get past without magic helping you?” Luna was perplexed, because almost everything in Equestria was run by magic, save for the Everfree forest. “Humans don't need magic Luna, we use our own ingenuity to create better technology to make things easier.” “But it says here that magic used to exist on earth, is that also true?” “I may be smart Luna, but I'm not a time traveller. But i can say that magic was used in the medieval times to explain something that had no current explanation” “oh, then how did people survive before technology existed?” “technology has always existed Luna. no matter how primitive. Heck, a rock attached to a stick is technology.” “that's very interesting Mr.Neil.” Luna returns to her studying Minutes pass, after a while Luna tells Neil she has finished the books that he gave her. “Wow you sure read fast, I didn't even know you understood English. which was one reason why i was so surprised when i first met you!” “English Neil? i don't speak English. I speak the equestrian language!” “... what are the chances that two completely different worlds speak the same basic language.” “The odds are inconclusive Neil, because the universe is infinite which could mean any number of possibilities could happen! in fact we could be having the same conversation right now in a completely different place!” “that was a rhetorical question Luna.” “oh. my mistake.” Even more minutes pass as Luna stares out the window. She was fascinated by all her surroundings. there were species of trees that she had never seen before, there were also cows. but they couldn't speak equestrian and basically had he IQ of a peanut. What fascinated her even more was how humans keep their driving so neat and organised by painting lines on the road! maybe she could do the same for Equestria? But Equestria doesn't have cars. or oil for that matter. Whatever the case, She decided it was probably for the best to wait until her banishment was over before thinking any of this through, i mean, her sister would unbanish her right? eventually? She turned her attention to what lay ahead of them. it was a forest with tyre marks over the grass, revealing a pathway. Neil turned the headlights on and drove in. Boy was it dark in there! After what seemed only a few minutes, they came across a lit up clearing with a small wooden shack in the centre, with a protruding metal rod with a grill on the top. “That must be the antennae for the radio and television devices” she thought to herself. The car stopped in a makeshift garage comprised of a few beams of wood and some trees. “Alrighty Luna, we’re here. feel free to take a look around, but don't wander off.” “ooh. is this your version of the Everfree Forest?” “the what-now?” “never mind. do wild animals live here?” “lots of them.” “ok then. ill stick close Neil” After looking around the shack for a bit she trots up to Neil who is unlocking the door after unloading his bags from the van. “alright Luna, when you get inside, try not to knock anything over. i haven't been here in a few months and there’s no telling whats inside all the pots and things.” “yes Neil, i will be careful” he unlocks the door and they both walk inside, her mouth gapes open at her surroundings Some loose boards on some walls, some books are toppled off a cracked bookshelf. Everything seemed so dilapidated. she HAD to do something. “excuse me Neil? could you please go outside for a second?” “uhh. ok, but don't hurt yourself.” Neil walks out, giving Luna a worried glance as he passes through the doorway. Luna puts her alicorn magic to work, Fixing broken boards, re-arranging the bookshelf, repairing all the broken cords from the electronics(she learned how they work from the books she read) She even gives it a fresh coat of lacquer and dries it almost instantly. Seconds later Neil peeks in and sees Luna hard at work, her horn glowing intensely(it wouldn't have been so hard if she had tried this before, but she is an equestrian on a foreign planet. magic is harder when it has never been used somewhere before) Luna stops and gives Neil a big grin. “Holy f-” “i know isn't it wonderful? it sure saved you a lot of trouble didn't it” “ill say.” A while later Luna is munching on a carrot while resting on one of the couches while Neil works from behind a broken television set. “lets see.. red wire goes to red wire, but green goes to yellow. careful not to touch the diodes....” “hey Neil, watcha doin?” Luna asks *bump*”AARGH” Neil hits his head on the roof of the televisions insides. “oh im sorry did i startle you imsosorrypleaseforgivemeitwonthappenagain” Luna levitates a gauze roll over to Neil and starts wrapping his head in it “Luna, I'm fine, its just a small bump on the he-MmMmphh!” cut off by gauze being rolled over his mouth He slowly moves it away. “look, I'm fine. i don't need to be admitted to a hospital just because i hit myself. Humans are built tough like that.” “oh you mean like earth ponies!” “yeah. whatever....” “so what are you doing?” “well if I'm going to be staying out here, no point in not having some television, right?” “ooh. i can help! i can help!” “fine but please don't break anything” “i wont i pro- oops” Luna started to trot over and tripped on the television cord bringing herself to the floor. They both immediately start bursting out laughing Luna’s horn begins to faintly glow as she levitates the book in front of her and starts reading.(The book is titled “Electronics and you”) In a few minutes she puts the book down and gets to work on the television. “one second” she walks outside and comes back with a few parts from the scrapheap next to the shack. Neil lays back on the couch and watches Luna tinker with the television. Neil takes a sip of beer. “done! Luna fixes the back panel back onto the television. “nice work Luna. i might go fix up some sandwiches.” “no meat please” “i know”. “Neil? i think its broken still” “How? didn't you just fix it?” “yes but it still isn't working” Neil walks over with a plate of sandwiches and inspects the scene. “Luna?” “yes?” “its not even plugged in.” “ooh.. *giggle*” Luna facehoofs when Neils back is turned. They start watching a recording of the moon landing. “wow so hundreds of people were watching you?” “a lot more then that Luna, it gave the mission even more pressure then it already had.” After a while Luna started to fiddle with a black stick next to her, wondering what it was. She pressed one of the soft parts with her hoof and the televisions screen suddenly changed! “ah! this must be controlling the television set” “hey Luna, i gotta go back to the misses before she gets really angry at me. You should be fine here by yourself, if you get hungry i left some produce in the refrigerator.” Luna wanders over to the refrigerator while looking around.”Wow i did do a pretty good job of fixing up the place!” She opens the refrigerator and levitates a few things out, Lettuce, Carrots, Ceaser salad dressing? “ooh that sounds fancy.” she places the items onto the table next to a bowl and something in the refrigerator catches her eye. “Beer? i wonder what this is.” She mixes all the salad things into a bowl and levitates it and the beer over to a coffee table placed in front of the television. She munches on the salad. “Wow this ceaser dressing is great! *nom nom nom*” halfway through the salad she remembers the beer, she picks it up and looks at the label. “barley, water, etc. seems pretty basic, what could happen?” she prys of the cap using the edge of her hooves and drinks a bit. “blurgh! this is disgusting! maybe... just a little more....” Neil comes home to find Luna half passed out lying on the couch making weird noises. “what the heck happened here?” he shouted “uurrgggh not so loud...” Neil notices the 8 empty bottles of beer sitting on the coffee table and couldn't help but laugh. “Luna your just a child, children arnt meant to drink beer.” “EXxcuusSEe me MisTur. BUT i aM LikE, 1000 YeArs oLd, i cAN dRinK WhEnevEr I PleAsE!” she rambled on. “i think you should go to sleep Luna, at least until tomorrow” “I Don't NeEd SleEp! SLEEP IS FOR THE WEA-” Luna, cut off by herself, passed out onto the couch. Neil fetched a small blanket and placed it over Luna, Imprinted onto it were stars and the moon. And the words “Little Neil. My little astronaut” There was a small tear in Neils eye. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ End of chapter 2! stay tuned for more luna hijynx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

James_Corck

279

Octavia,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Romance,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex

Claro de Luna

complete

<p>It's a shipping story between Princess Luna and cellist pony Octavia, touching the theme of mortality versus immortality. What would go through your heart when you can't age but you see your loved one aging before your eyes?</p>

teen

2011-07-20T22:03:46+00:00

2011-07-20T22:03:46+00:00

CLARO DE LUNA. Written by James Corck WARNING: The following fanfic is intended for mature Readers. - CHAPTER 1. Luna found herself floating in a void. She felt so lonely. It always started like that. First the darkness, so hollow, engulfed her like a thick blanket. She couldn’t escape the feeling of anxiety, until those violet lights appeared in the distance. Those eyes. They were so severe. They belonged to a mare that had suffered greatly in life, but who managed to pull through and come out strong and resolved. They represented that adversity could be conquered. Luna flew towards those purple beacons of hope as she tried to reach the pony that had been stuck in her mind over the past few months. She wanted to hug her tightly, pull her close, and whisper how much she loved her. * * * * * * There was a knock on the door followed by the creak of it opening. Luna rolled over her side as she removed the hairs from her face. She had been twisting and turning in her bed for minutes. She couldn’t go back to sleep. With half closed eyes she saw the blurred silhouette of her sister. “Hello Celly.” said Luna before yawning. “Hello little sister.” said Celestia with a smile as she stepped inside, moving the curtains away to let the warmish tones of the sunset fill the bedroom. Luna had to wake up every day before the night started in order to bring up the Moon and all the stars in the sky. She kicked the blankets away and dropped from bed. She stretched her legs and moved to her bathroom. She brushed her hair and cleaned her face with some water. As she dried her face, she talked to her sister. “So, what are the plans for tonight?” said Luna. “Not much, really.” replied Celestia. “We have the standard Guard Checking duty and then we have to read over the new budget bill that’s been trying to pass. Not to mention attending a meeting with those bureaucrats.” “The ones that are trying to set a censorship motion against reading books in public? You know it will never be approved.” “You never know Little Sister. Weirder things have been approved.” Luna left her comb next to the sink as she took a sip of water in her mouth and gurgled to clear her throat. As she did that she returned to the dream she was having before waking up. Where did she saw that mare before? Luna couldn’t help but lose herself in those purple eyes. She knew she had seen her somewhere, but she wasn’t sure. Her millennial mind, though experienced, liked to play tricks on her. She stepped out of the bathroom as Celestia finished making up the bed. “Oh, you didn’t need to, it was my turn to do it.” said Luna. “Not to worry Little Sister, I was getting bored, you take ages to brush your hair.” said Celestia with a giggle. “Oh yes! I just remembered, we have the Concert of the Canterlot Philarmonic in three hours!” Luna looked at her sister agape. With all the paperwork they had to go through going to a concert seemed like an irresponsibility act on their side. Besides, Luna had a terrible sense of fashion for social events. “Oh Celly, you know I have no idea of what to wear for such occasions.” complained Luna. “Don’t worry Luna, I will come up with something for you.” said Celestia as she turned around towards the door. “I will get your dress while you take care of your duties.” Celestia closed the door behind her, leaving a very depressed Luna behind. The Princess threw herself over the bed and rolled over her back messing up her brushed mane. She felt emptiness in her stomach as she looked at the ceiling and the magical paintings on it. They moved to represent the history of Equestria to the tiniest detail, including her banishment to the Moon for a thousand years. She stood up with a spring. “That piece of rock is not going to move by itself.” she said. Luna walked to her balcony and stared at the sky. The colours of the sunset had almost completely faded as the dark blue from the night sky mixed with the orange. Luna took a deep breath and focused her powers on her horn as she closed her eyes. She raised her forelegs over her head as she flapped her wings lifting her from the marble floor. She felt the surge of energy grasping the gigantic satellite. Her mind was on fire and when she opened her eyes they glowed with white fire. On a final effort, she pulled up and the Moon rose over the horizon. The silvery orb poured light all over the valley of Canterlot. The rooftops shined like little jewels. Luna landed back on the balcony feeling a bit exhausted with her mouth a little dry. She then looked over the cloudless sky as she brought every star out with a blink of her eyes. There was a surprised “Oooh” coming from all over the land. Luna loved when that happened. She left the balcony and returned to her room. Her sister was there waiting for her. “How are things in the other side of Equestria?” said Luna. “Everything seems fine.” said Celestia. “I love it when you bring up the stars.” “Hehehe, yes it feels fantastic.” said Luna. “Well, I brought your dress!” said Celestia as she put a dry-cleaners bag on the bed. Celestia unzipped it and took out the dress Luna would be wearing at the concert. Luna looked over the dress with a shocked expression as she turned to her sister. “You have got to be joking, Celly.” - CHAPTER 2. The Concert was at the bottom of their priority list. They were more concerned about the bills they had to read and sign, and Celestia had to send a donation to a Hospital in Maredrid that couldn’t wait any longer. But public acts were an obligation every Royal Member had to deal with. They had to show themselves for the townsfolk, to be seen in public as normal ponies, even if they were not. Celestia enjoyed these acts more than Luna did. Luna envied her sister for her ability to switch off from work, and enjoy a little time with the other ponies. The Moon Princess couldn’t understand how her sister could do it. She had been received very positively by all of Equestria, and she seemed to be supported by everypony out there. But she lacked Celestia’s energy. She lacked her passion to do things. The Carriage stopped before the amphitheatre and the doors opened. “Come on Little Sister, you will dazzle them.” said Celestia. A groan could be heard before Princess Luna stepped out of the carriage. All the ponies gasped when they saw her. She was wearing an almost fully transparent gown made out of purple silk. It curled over her flanks doing waves and fell flat over her tail. She had a scarf coloured white and light blue. She wore horseshoes on her front legs, her hind legs were naked. Celestia stepped down from the carriage, but the attention had already been taken by her little sister. Her exquisitely braided white and yellow dress was respectfully ignored. “You look gorgeous.” said Celestia to her sister. “I feel naked.” said Luna. “Everypony is looking at me.” “That’s because you look great. Now keep walking and smile. You are going to enchant them with your looks.” Luna did as she was told. She had to admit though; she liked to see the reactions of the ponies looking at her. There were a few male ones that rubbed their eyes in disbelief. She found that amusing. She preferred to focus on the reactions she got out of the mares and fillies looking at her. Some were of admiration, others were of envy, but not many were of attraction. She felt disappointed. She pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind and looked at the edifice before them. The amphitheatre was shaped like a Pegasus wing and had space for thousands of ponies. It was located at the base of a cliff which made the acoustics powerful enough for the music to be heard miles around. Luna and Celestia walked through the corridors that lead them to the Royal Balcony. From there Luna could see the stage so well she didn’t need any binoculars. Two guards stepped inside with them as another four stayed outside. Celestia walked to the edge of the balcony and made a humble sign with one of her front hooves. Luna imitated the sign as they lowered their heads in symbol of respect. Everypony in the parquet replied with a bow followed by stomping the ground with their front hooves. The building rumbled with the sound. “Welcome everypony! I hope you enjoy the concert!” said Celestia as she used a bit of her magic to raise her voice over the audience’s roar. The ponies replied with another batch of stomps as Celestia moved away from the edge of the balcony. Luna sat down on a cushion, making sure to not ruffle the dress, as she focused her attention on the stage down before her. Luna had never wished so much to be in the library, sitting on an armchair with a book on her lap. The lights of the theatre faded until everything sank into semidarkness. The voices of the ponies were reduced to an empty murmur and then finally quieted down. Luna looked around her feeling vulnerable by the lack of light. For her it was like going back to that dream. Then she heard the music. The melody was so subtle Luna didn’t realize it had started. She looked at the stage and saw the shadowy figure of an earth pony playing a cello. She couldn’t tell if it was a mare or a stallion until she saw the eyes; they revealed that it was a mare and they were shinning in violet. The lights of the stage bloomed and then Luna saw her. “Oh my world…” said Luna with widened eyes. It was her; the mare of her dreams. Her black mane fell over her head and behind her neck. The grey coat glistened under the spotlight. She was playing a cello but instead of sitting on a chair she was standing on foot. The instrument was too big for her. Her eyes were half closed and even from that distance Luna could distinguish the glowing purple light that emanated from them. She turned to Celestia and whispered. “Who is that mare?” Celestia looked at her sister and at the stage back and forth. She drew a smile to answer. “That is the main cellist of the Canterlot Philarmonic. Her name is Octavia.” said Celestia. “Why do you ask Little Sister?” Luna returned her eyes to the stage as she felt a fire growing inside her gut. The next words were strangled by her dried throat. “She is gorgeous.” said Luna. Celestia giggled in a whisper as she looked at her little sister. “You always go for the gloomy ones, don’t you?” Luna didn’t reply, although she found the comment quite true. She confessed to her sister she preferred the company of other mares way back before the whole Nightmare Moon incident happened. Despite Luna being worried about confessing to her sister, Celestia took the news with a big cheer and even threw her a small party. Since then Luna had always felt confident talking about romance and supposed crushes with Celestia. And her sister was right on the spot: She did find dark haired, gloomy and often serious-looking mares really attractive. There was something about them that Luna couldn’t resist. They were mysterious. Luna had been dreaming of her over the past few weeks. If it wasn’t the mare of her dreams she looked an awful lot like Octavia: The dark grey coat, the glowing purple eyes, and the coal black mane falling over her shoulders. Luna was engulfed by the music. The melody was beautiful and sorrowful, a tone that swirled on Luna’s ears and touched her heart. Her breathing intensified and her chest throbbed hard as the music escalated in tempo. Soon more instruments joined Octavia and what started like a solo turned into a fully orchestrated ballad that made the parterre applauded respectfully. Luna didn’t pay attention to any of that. There were no sections for Luna. There no strings, no brass, no winds, no percussion, nothing. There was no audience and no other musician ponies. Not even her sister was there. For her, the only thing in the amphitheatre was that cello’s melody, and the mare that played it. * * * * * * The concert lasted four hours, one of the longest musical pieces composed by Golden Notes, a renowned contemporary composer. His compositions had a big presence of the strings section, something that helped Octavia shine during the concert. Octavia’s performance was applauded by all the ponies. Luna had to bring herself out of the shock to applaud her. As the concert ended the audience abandoned the building and the musicians gathered their instruments to take them to the backstage. Luna looked at the stage, anxiously. Her rational side pulled her from jumping off the balcony and fly down to meet Octavia. She talked to her sister to request permission. “Celly, do you think I…? Well, uhm…” “Don’t you worry Luna.” said Celestia. “I can read the bill and then make a sum up for you. You go talk to her.” Luna nodded and kept her first reaction to herself. She felt the cheers and the bounces of happiness inside her chest. Or maybe it was her heart, racing against her ribs. Celestia, noticing Luna’s expression of hesitation, added with a smile. “Just remember the protocol, Little Sister.” Luna nodded again as she whistled to let go off the pressure. She left the balcony and two guards followed her. She didn’t mind that, safety came first. She walked down the flights of stairs passing next to the press ponies and then into the basement. Down there were the service tunnels, used by the artists in order to avoid fans and the press. It was for safety reasons. There had been tragic incidents in the past. Luna stepped inside the tunnels and trotted her way towards the backstage. She wished, deep within her heart, that Octavia was still packing her things or that she had lost a contact lens, or that something (not severe) had happened to her that delayed her departure. Luna was so lost in thought she didn’t realize she had arrived at the backstage. There were a few other musicians moving their instruments and their music sheets to a big chest. One of the dressing rooms was still closed. Luna ignored the surprised looks of the ponies. They bowed before her as she asked the conductor. Her heart pounded her chest so hard it buzzed in her ears. “Excuse me Sir, is Octavia still here?” Luna tried to sound as calm as possible, even though her lips were quivering. “Oh, uhm…Yes, yes, your Majesty.” said the Conductor as he stood up after paying reverence to her. “Her dressing room is the one still closed, but-” “Thank you, Sir. Is it possible for me to see her?” “Uhm…I see no reason why you couldn’t.” he said as he offered the door to Luna. Luna knocked on the closed door and waited for a response. The Conductor stood there with his hoof lifted but unable to say a word. The door unlocked and when it opened Luna’s heart skipped a beat. Octavia popped her head out and looked at Luna in shock. She remained silent as she looked to the Conductor, who also remained silent. Luna looked at Octavia and asked, in her most polite tone. “I understand you are Octavia, right?” said Luna. “May I come in?” Octavia looked at Luna and a smile appeared on her face. The grey coated earth pony opened the door completely allowing Luna to step inside. Octavia closed the door. Her face was a mix of surprise and shock. Luna walked around the room not sure of what to do or say. She rubbed her shoulder and looked at the cello lying on the bed. The case was half opened and Luna could see the shinning instrument. She kept looking around and she noticed the mirror. Instinctively she walked towards it and looked at her dress. She did look good, a bit provocative and the gown revealed too much for what she used to wear. But it made her look attractive. She was avoiding facing Octavia directly. She was terrible when starting a conversation. What would she say next? The Princess turned around. “I saw your performance. I am impressed.” said Luna. “I think I’ve never seen a cellist with your talent, Octavia.” Luna smiled but her gestured faded at Octavia’s silence. The earth pony seemed to be really shy, her head cocked to one side as she rubbed her fore hooves together. Luna insisted. “I am sorry for being so daring. I am just impressed with your talent and I wondered something. How long have you been playing the cello?” Luna couldn’t foresee what happened next. She saw Octavia taking a front hoof to her chin and then to her chest. Luna thought she was just scratching her neck. But then an array of hoof gestures and clops on the floor followed. What surprised Luna the most was the fact that she understood everything Octavia said through the Equestrian Sign Language. “I started with the cello when I was but a filly. I am very happy that you liked my performance, your highness.” Luna took a short moment to register the fact that Octavia was a mute. She wondered about how it happened and how Octavia endured it regarding her musical talent. Luna wasn’t sure about how to follow the conversation and that made her clear her throat in awkwardness. Before she could say a word, Octavia rushed to comfort her with another series of gestures. “It’s okay; I get those looks a lot when they first see that I am a mute.” Luna nodded and tried not to giggle. Octavia did giggle and Luna found that adorable. Luna measured her next words very carefully but didn’t change her voice tone. “I am sorry if my reaction insulted you.” Before she could finish the sentence, Octavia rushed again to reply to her. “You didn’t, I can’t feel insulted by you, your highness.” There was a moment of silence between them. Many thoughts crossed Luna’s mind: Was she a tool? Had she been too forward? Octavia didn’t seem insulted. They stayed quiet until Octavia decided to ask another question, this time daring to be more forward. “May I ask, why have you come here?” Luna cleared her throat again. Those eyes. Those gorgeous lovely lady purple eyes of hers pierced Luna’s soul as the silky black mane fell over them half covering them in fetlocks. Luna wanted to wipe the mane away and hug Octavia so tightly. She felt the guilt devouring a part of her. Was that all? Did she just feel physical attraction for Octavia? Was there nothing else? She was gorgeous, there was no doubt about that, but Luna didn’t want that to be just physical. Where the looks getting on the way? “I just…wanted to see you.” said Luna. “I was wondering if you were…free to go out tomorrow for a drink. Maybe we can talk more about your life and how you became such a good cellist.” Luna was shaking in her insides. She could feel her heart pounding hard enough to paralyze her limbs and cloud her mind. The suspense before Octavia replied to her offer terrified her. “Are you asking me on a date, your highness?” Luna rubbed a front hoof behind her neck. Denying the obvious was pointless, so Luna decided to bet everything on what she said next. “Well, I think I just did that, so yes. I am asking you on a date.” Finally, Octavia moved her hooves quickly to deliver the answer Luna awaited so anxiously. “I’d love to, your highness. It’s an odd request, but it also sounds like it will be fun.” Luna noticed Octavia’s hesitation. Her hooves were shaking when she spoke to her. She picked her next words carefully to not make Octavia feel uncomfortable. “Good! That’s really good.” said Luna. “We can go to Pony Joe’s Malt Shop. It’s next to the Castle.” Luna loved Pony Joe’s Malt Shop. He had the best milkshakes in the city. Octavia seemed to be a fan of Pony Joe’s too because she didn’t hide her enthusiasm when giving an answer. Her hooves moved so quickly Luna had to pay even more attention to catch the words. “That’s perfect, your highness! I will meet you there tomorrow, at what time?” Luna was amazed by Octavia’s speed when replying. Her talent with the cello certainly showcased her rapid hand gestures and the quick and precise execution of her movements. “Is half past eight a good time for you?” said Luna. Octavia nodded with a smile. “Half past eight is perfect.” “Good, good. Thank you for your time, Octavia. It’s been a pleasure to meet you.” “The pleasure is mine, your highness.” Octavia bowed and when she stood up she found Princess Luna looking at her with tender eyes. Luna snapped out of her day dreaming and replied to Octavia’s bow just lowering her head. She hoped Octavia didn’t notice her slip in protocol. Not that it would hurt her image, but it made her feel silly. She felt the heat getting to her cheeks, making them blush pink. Luna tried not to get any closer or else she would hug her and kiss her. Luna was close enough to catch Octavia’s scent. “I will see you tomorrow, Octavia.” said Luna with a kind smile as she stepped out the door. Luna couldn’t get her face out of her mind and her smell out of her nostrils. She could even taste it in her mouth. It was a long way back through the service tunnels but Luna was so taken by the images of Octavia that it felt short. * * * * * * “It’s adorable!” said Celestia. “Don’t make it sound so sappy.” said Luna. “My Little Sister has a date, I am so happy for you!” Luna would be angry at her sister, if she didn’t sound so genuine. Celestia had always been open with Luna’s preferences and always supported her little sister. But each time Luna had a date, Celestia couldn’t help but cheering and giggling like a school girl. Celestia knew when to be serious and when to release her inner child. Having her squeeing over Luna’s date made the Luna feel even more nervous. Luna laid down in her bed as she gathered the bill’s papers around and on her nightstand. She flicked the light switch off and the room plunged back into semi-darkness. The night was almost over. Celestia left the bathroom with her head covered by a towel. “So, how is she?” asked Celestia. Luna knew her sister. There was no spite in her words. Luna grabbed a pillow and hugged it, wishing it was Octavia between her front legs. “She is fantastic.” said Luna. “She is talented, her looks are…Oh my, I don’t know where to start describing how beautiful she is. Her black mane looks like a sculpture in black amber, her neckline, and her eyes, oh Celly! Those eyes are going to be with me forever, I will never be able to forget them.” Luna made a pause. She felt guilty for focusing too much on the physical aspects. She sprang back as she remembered something else. “She surprised me! Did you know she is mute?” “Of course I do, Little Sister.” said Celestia. “I know of all the ponies in Equestria.” “Of course.” said Luna, sounding defeated. “I don’t want to think I am superficial!” she rushed to say. “I just…I wonder how it happened. She looked so sad and stoic when I talked to her. But as soon as I mentioned going on a date she cheered up! I was so happy because she looks like she suffered a lot and now she is finally getting over it.” Celestia removed the towel off her head, folded it and took it back to the bathroom. “Wow, she sounds so…normal.” said Celestia. “She looks like a very strong mare, I am sure she won’t mind speaking about it.” Luna put the pillow back on the bed. She lay down and covered herself up with the sheets. They were so thin her whole body was visible underneath them. She curled her tail between her haunches and passed an arm under the pillow. “Big Sister…” “Yes, Luna?” said Celestia stopping in the door frame. “Do you think I am…Superficial?” Celestia furrowed her brow with a smile as she looked at her sister. Luna had moved her head to look at Celestia. It was moments like these when both sisters knew they needed sincerity between them. Luna knew that Celestia always gave an honest opinion and never kept anything to herself. Celestia knew that Luna needed to hear it. “You will always focus on the surface first, but you will end up seeing beyond mere looks.” said Celestia. “You know, like everypony else.” Celestia smiled warmly and wished her sister a good sleep before leaving the bedroom and closing the door behind her. Luna curled into a ball and put both her front hooves together over her chest. She heard the guards setting by her door. The sunlight passed through the half-closed blinds. Luna closed them completely with her magic and rolled on her other side. She couldn’t take her mind off of Octavia. Anytime Luna closed her eyes she saw Octavia’s, shinny and purple. She saw the mane falling over the shoulders in a cascade of black and grey. Luna felt a heat growing in her forehead as sweat drops rolled over her snout. She let go a sigh in frustration as she dug her face into the pillow. She moved a front hoof over her chest and then down her stomach stopping right where her diaphragm would be. Her chest hurt and breathing just made it worse. The pain was faint enough to let her sink into sleep. - CHAPTER 3. Octavia. Anywhere she looked she found her, and Luna galloped to meet her and hug her close; their hearts beating together and their mouths meeting in a soft kiss. But then, Octavia would vanish only to re-appear behind Luna, covering her eyes as if they were playing. Luna giggled as she removed the hooves over her eyes and turned around to kiss Octavia. Luna pulled Octavia closer against her body. Luna let go a moan that drowned in Octavia’s kiss. They hugged and fell onto a bed made of torn musical sheets. The papers floated around them like butterflies. She felt the base of her lungs on fire and her mind burned white with thoughts racing too fast for her to catch. She couldn’t kiss Octavia enough times. She peppered her muzzle and her cheeks before fusing their lips into a long kiss that made Luna feel something inside her shatter. Luna twisted and turned in her dreams as she kept kissing Octavia once and again. The heat that surrounded her permeated into her head and finally Luna’s pleasure defences broke. The pleasure flowed and she collapsed on her bed coming back to reality. Luna felt out of breath and back on her bed. Her limbs hurt. She might have kept them in the same position for too long. When she rolled on her back, she felt wet all over her coat and on the bed. She kicked the bed sheets away and stepped down. She hadn’t sweat that much since the last time she dreamt with another mare, not even summer weather hit her that hard. She removed the hairs that stuck to her face as she looked out the window. It was still day time, around two in the afternoon. She needed to clean off her coat. She stepped into shower and opened the cool water faucet. Luna didn’t dream of Octavia for the rest of the night. She was thankful for that; it saved her from making the bed every two hours. When Luna woke up again, the light in the sky was orange and the dark tones of the night had started to move away those of the day. Her sister wasn’t there to wake her up. Luna understood Celestia wanted to give her as much privacy as possible before her date. Luna walked out of the bathroom after taking another shower and changed into a more elegant outfit. It wasn’t as transparent as the one she wore for the concert; of that, she was sure. Her dress was of a dark purple tone, darker than her coat, and had a beautiful embroidery of a moon on the base. She wore a scarf that fell over her shoulders and horseshoes on all her hooves. She felt better with that dress, more confident and less exposed. Luna left the Castle right after raising the Moon, around eight o’clock. The brisk night air hit her under her belly when she stepped outside. She enjoyed the smell of the clean fields, freshly harvested during the day all over Canterlot, as she trotted her way to the Malt Shop. Three guards followed her at a precarious distance. Luna spotted the Malt Shop in the entertainment district and standing by the door she saw Octavia. Her heart swelled with happiness as she felt it thumping against her chest once again. Luna rushed to meet with Octavia. A few feet away, she remembered to keep the protocol and so she approached towards Octavia in a less flustered way. “Good evening Octavia.” said Luna. Octavia bowed formally before Luna and then through a series of hoof gestures and clip clops on the ground she replied. “Good evening your Highness, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Luna felt the heat growing in her cheeks. She made all possible efforts to prevent Octavia from noticing her blushing. “The pleasure is mine, Octavia.” said Luna with a smile. “Shall we get inside?” Octavia stepped inside as Luna turned to her guards and asked them to wait outside. She wanted some level of privacy with Octavia. Grievingly, the guards obeyed her command and Luna stepped inside. The smell of sweet milkshakes and baked cakes filled her nostrils as she sat at the table Octavia was. The earth musician pony wore a simple vest coloured black and white and had gathered her mane into a long braid that fell over her chest. She looked even more beautiful with her hair like that, she could admire her neckline and shoulders. Luna shook her head. “I think we should order first, yes?” said Luna. Octavia replied the usual way, with precise and fast hand gestures. “Good idea, your Highness” “Oh please, call me Luna.” Said Luna trying to sound laid back. “It will take me a while getting used to that, Princess Luna.” said Octavia, with what Luna understood was the hint of a smile. “Alright.” replied Luna smiling back at Octavia. The waiter approached their table and took their orders. “Good evening Pony Joe.” said Luna. “Good evening your highness. So, what’s gonna be?” said Pony Joe taking out a notepad and a pen. “I think I will have the cherry one with mango. What about you Octavia?” Octavia moved her hooves. Pony Joe caught nothing of it, but Luna did and she smiled at Octavia’s choice. She had a preference for the soft flavours. “She will have a white chocolate shake.” said Luna. As Pony Joe left, Luna felt her stomach getting heavy. What to talk about? She had no idea where to start and she was getting nervous. She looked out the window as if inspiration was waiting for her outside waving a banner that said “Idea”. She decided to start some light conversation. “So, do you come here often Octavia?” “Oh, anytime I am in Canterlot. I love the ambience. It’s so calm.” she replied, unable to remove the smile off of her face. “I heard you were at the Grand Galloping Gala this year. I missed it because I was touring around Equestria during that week; public presentations, you know, so the ponies could see I was back.” Octavia nodded as she listened carefully. Luna figured there was nothing wrong with her hearing. Maybe she was a mute for other reasons. Octavia replied to Luna’s comment about the Gala. “It was a lot of fun, until one crazy pony and her group of friends brought havoc into the ball room. She destroyed my cello’s bow, tearing the threads, it was awful.” “Aw, I am so sorry Octavia.” “Oh, that’s okay. I got a new one; there is a good music store by the end of the main street.” “Yeah, my sister and I are friends with the owner.” “Oh, do you like music Luna?” “I like listening to music when I am drawing. I prefer painting myself, I have no idea how to play a musical instrument. But I tried, oh yeah…” she then looked up to Octavia as a guilty smile appeared on her face. “Poor piano…” Octavia giggled in silence as she replied. “So, you like drawing. What kind of things do you like to draw?” “Oh well, nothing in particular, I draw everything. I make pony drawings, landscapes, still life…Nothing special, to be honest.” “For you it’s like a way to find some peace, right?” “Yes, it is that, exactly.” said Luna. “When I am drawing, it’s like time stops.” “And you can listen to your thoughts while you do so.” “Yes. It also helps me organize my thoughts about the many changes there had been in Equestria over the last thousand years. I have a lot to catch up with.” Octavia lifted her hooves but took them down quickly and then lifted them again to ask Luna another question. Luna wondered what Octavia was going to ask her. She was almost certain it had something to do with her banishment. “But you will do more than just reading essays and reports, right?” “Oh well, I am not too fond on fiction writers. I like to keep my hooves on the ground.” said Luna, and then followed it with a slyly smile. “Even if that’s really ironic.” she flapped her wings for emphasis. “I love reading books about pirates. I love Treasure Island, have you read it?” “Oh yes, that one is a classic.” “I also like books about the Great Pony Wars. I find the warfare to be fascinating. All the little stories nopony remembers, or those heroes that were forgotten by the public. I can spend hours reading those books.” There were many of those books in the library at the castle. Luna was about to offer Octavia some of them, when Pony Joe arrived with her malts. He left the glasses on the table and left. Octavia took a long sip of her glass and so did Luna. She wasn’t thirsty, but the milkshake looked so delicious. “Do you want to try my shake?” said Luna. Octavia stopped drinking and replied. “Sure, I’ll take a sip.” said Octavia as she leaned forwards with her straw and drank Luna’s sake. She took a sip and cringed at the flavour. “Those are some strong cherries.” “Yes, they are.” “You want to try mine?” said Octavia offering the glass. Luna nodded and took a sip. It was delicious. Luna loved the sugary taste of the white chocolate. Her expression of bliss was enough for Octavia to know it tasted great. As she was flavouring it, a thought crossed Luna’s mind regarding the books. She rushed to ask Octavia. “Do you know the poet Coltca?” said Luna. “Oh, he is amazing!” said Octavia as she took another sip of her milkshake; the cherries’ sourness was still strong in her mouth. “I love the way he describes the atmosphere.” “He is really good.” said Luna. “We have a large collection of his writings at the castle. Maybe you can come one day and we can read them.” They talked for a good while and time passed by for Luna. Their conversation changed subject countless times as Luna kept finding more things they had in common. They were not fans of sports. That was cleared when Luna grunted at Octavia’s question regarding baseball. Luna was flattered when Octavia told her she preferred the night over the day. The calm and quiet allowed her to think on her compositions better than the busy day. Luna forgot how it was to have a normal conversation with somepony who wasn’t her sister. Octavia seemed to treat Luna like a normal pony, and quickly stopped referring to her for her noble title. Luna used a moment of quietness to bring a subject she had been intentionally avoiding the whole night: Octavia’s muteness. “So, Octavia… Uhm…” Touchy subjects were not Luna’s speciality and she wondered for a couple of seconds how to bring it up. But Octavia, who seemed to know the signals before she was asked such question, rushed and went straight to the point, with her swift hoof moves. “You don’t know how to ask about my muteness, right Luna?” “Oh…Yes, to be honest Octavia, I don’t know how to ask you about it.” said Luna with a smile of concern. “Well, why don’t you do so?” Luna couldn’t help but smile. She guessed it had to be a really cute smile because Octavia smiled her back. “Well, how did you become a mute Octavia? What happened to you?” there was concern in her voice and she made great efforts to not sound patronizing. Luna remained quiet as Octavia explained her story. She was enthralled by the gracefulness of her hooves’ movements and the rhythmical clip clops of her hooves on the floor and on the table. Luna had no problems understanding the sign language. She and her sister had invented it more than a thousand years ago. Some of the words escaped her comprehension but she figured them out through context. It was hard to learn but worth it and Octavia seemed to have mastered it thanks to her music skills. Octavia started to tell her story. “It was raining…” Luna braced herself. When having conversations, especially if they were about personal themes that had affected ponies greatly, Luna tended to connect her mind to that of the pony she was talking to. She didn’t do it intentionally, she was incredibly empathic. Octavia’s memories became hers. “The wind had knocked down a branch over the road and my dad didn’t see it.” The air whistled in her ears. Freezing rain drops splattered on her face. The pain of the glass tore her throat. The impact of the hospital’s doors startled her. She saw the surgeon’s face covered in that mask, ready to extract her vocal chords. “I’ve never been so scared, and I doubt I’ll ever be again.” Even the parts that Octavia saved from the story, Luna felt them. Her dad crying at her hospital bed was the one that broke her heart. “My dad blamed himself all his life for the accident.” But after that and after explaining how she would never be able to speak again, Octavia picked up from there and pointed that the accident just served to fuel her interest in music. “I moved to a different set of chords, if you know what I mean.” That light hearted comment sprung Luna back to reality. “I want to think I can use the music to communicate what I would never be able to communicate with a voice” ended Octavia. Luna took a moment to reply. Her mind and her body were still recovering from the stress caused by the linking. Her chest hurt from the sorrow she just shared with Octavia. “Are you okay Princess?” “Yes, yes, I…I can feel for you, Octavia.” said Luna. “When I t-talk to somepony and it’s about something as…p-personal as your story my mind…My mind tends to connect with that of the one telling the story.” Octavia opened her mouth as she instinctively moved her hooves towards Luna’s and grabbed them tightly. The touch was electrifying. Luna had to close her eyes when she felt the musician pony’s hooves over hers as her coat got goose bumps from the sensation. She was so soft. Luna answered holding Octavia’s hooves delicately; those gorgeous tools of creativity that have brought so many symphonies alive. “Thank you Octavia, I’m sorry.” said Luna. “It’s alright, Princess.” said Octavia as she released Luna’s hooves. “Let’s talk about something more cheerful, shall we?” “Yes, I’d like that.” said Luna. They talked for the rest of the night. A group of empty malt glasses formed on a corner of the table. Luna and Octavia had moved back to the subject of artwork. Octavia seemed to have a fascination about it. “What type of technique you prefer using?” “Oh my, I don’t have a favourite one. I guess my preferences are charcoal and the regular soft pencils, even though they tend to stain a lot, and sadly they don’t last for long.” she stared at nothing when she added. “Unless you add a fixative, which turns the paper yellow and makes the drawing look ancient.” They continued talking about art in between giggles and gasps of surprise anytime they found something they had in common. “We went to the same school!” “I wonder what happened with Miss Adagio.” “Oh, there was a picture of her on the commemorative wing. She died about four hundred years ago.” Luna swallowed the milkshake and tried to hide her sorrow. She liked Miss Adagio’s classes, even if she was a bit stiff. Everypony she knew had perished and she hadn’t been able to attend their funerals. She passed through that depression soon after her return to the public life, and it didn’t took Luna more than a few seconds to retake the conversation. Luna wasn’t surprised when Octavia asked her for a moment to rest her hooves. They had been talking non-stop and Octavia was getting tired. She loved reading books and her favourite colour was magenta. It was on her favourite flowers and it’s what she used to mark her musical sheets for errors. Octavia’s favourite musician was Colccherini, a virtuoso of the cello. She had his entire collection of concerts in vinyl and a book of his musical sheets. Octavia dreamt to be as successful as he was. “I know Colccherini. He has good music, I give him that, but sometimes he can get a bit hasty in his rhythm.” “That’s what I like of him. His music energizes me.” “He is one of the greats. He will never be forgotten.” “Did you know that he died before his big masterpiece was unveiled?” said Octavia. “Only after he died he was recognized as a genius. He obtained the gift of immortality through his works.” Luna grimaced at the mention of the word gift along with the word immortality. She worried that might have upset Octavia, who quickly rushed to ask. “Did I say something wrong Princess?” “No, it’s just…” Luna rubbed her shoulder with one of her front hooves. “I wouldn’t call gift to something that keeps you young while everypony around you grows old and dies.” “I am sorry Princess, I didn’t mean to upset you.” “Oh, you didn’t Octavia, you didn’t.” it was true. She wanted to move on from the subject as she noticed it was getting late, yet Luna hadn’t said anything about how much she was in love with her. The thought crossed her mind so fast it didn’t give her time to think. “Well Octavia I…” she stopped before saying another word. What if her panic was mistaken by anxiety or, even worse, desperation? She wouldn’t forgive herself for that error. Octavia caught on Luna’s feelings quite quickly as she offered her the means to resume talking. “Yes Princess? What is it?” said Octavia. Luna hated being sappy. She didn’t want to take detours or sound like she was repeating something like a parrot. She also wanted to avoid using the word “love” because she didn’t know if what she felt for Octavia was actually real love, instead of physical attraction. Luna put a hoof on the table and simply said. “I think I like you. I think I like being with you, Octavia.” “Really?” her eyes were full of hope. “Sure. I mean, you are smart, you are talented, you are a lot of fun to talk to and you are gorgeous. I really like you.” “Do you like me or do you love me?” Presented with that question, Luna risked herself and took the answer she wished was true. “I think it’s more love you than like you, yes.” she made a pause before saying the next part. “But I don’t know if what I feel for you is genuine love or…if I just find you attractive.” Luna expected Octavia to get up from the table and walk away. Instead of that, Octavia raised an eyebrow and then smiled as she replied. “Well, you are going to need more dates to find out then.” Luna smiled at Octavia as she moved a hoof over the table cloth instinctively. “I’ve never felt like this before.” said Luna. “When I saw you for the first time…I felt like I just discovered the most peaceful place in all of Equestria.” There was a moment of silence during which the only thing they could hear was the tinkering of the glasses coming from the kitchen. Octavia stretched her hoof and grasped Luna’s tenderly. “I don’t remember the last time I fell in love with somepony. It’s been so long I don’t even know what the next step is.” “How about we go out again?” “Yes! That’s a great idea!” Octavia looked at the clock. It was late, almost seven o’clock in the morning. Luna looked at the clock with a bit of alarm in her voice. She had to go back to the Castle and take down the moon! “Oh no, I am really late!” said Luna. “Octavia, what do you say we meet here again tomorrow at the same time?” “I’d love to, Luna.” said Octavia. Luna stepped away from the table and headed towards the door. Before she could even take a step she turned again and walked back to Octavia, put her hooves on her shoulders and gave her a kiss on the right cheek. Luna felt the Octavia’s coat get shiver. “Thank you for this wonderful night Octavia. See you tomorrow!” said Luna before exiting through the door. She giggled a little after seeing Octavia’s struck expression. As she trotted her way towards the Castle she licked her lips. The simple gesture made her mind swirl with happiness. She smiled and increased her speed as she rushed to lower the shinning moon from the night sky. The guards that went with her couldn’t catch up to her trotting as she left them behind her dust trail. Luna didn’t bother getting through the door. She flapped her wings and flew all the way up to her balcony. She started to focus her magic energy as she removed the clothes. * * * * * * “You don’t need to apologize Little Sister.” “One minute! One more minute and I would’ve thrown the balance of Equestria out the window!” said Luna. Celestia kept a cool head and tried to transmit her mind state to her sister. To say things were not working was an understatement. Celestia left the toothbrush on the edge of the sink as she took a sip of water to clear her mouth. “I don’t know what’s gotten into me.” muffled Luna as she rolled on the bed with her head stuck under a pillow. “Love!” said Celestia after spitting the water in the sink. “That is what has gotten into you, dear Sister.” “Indeed.” was Luna’s short reply. “When I was with her tonight…I can’t explain it, she was everything around me. There was nothing but her, you know what I mean? She was…She was my everything during those eight hours.” Saying the amount of time she had spent with Octavia gave her vertigo. She couldn’t believe eight hours had passed so quickly. She wanted to see her again and keep talking. She wanted to hug her tightly and kiss her and tell her she’d love everything about her. Luna heard Celestia leaving the bathroom and she popped her head from under the pillow. “I am really happy about you, Luna.” said Celestia as she got close to her sister and gave her a good sleep kiss. “So don’t get your mane in a tangle just because you arrived with just one minute spare, okay?” Luna nodded. “I am still sorry, Sister.” said Luna. Celestia smiled as she shook her head. “Sleep tight Little Sister. Have good dreams.” Celestia closed the blinds and left the bedroom. Luna rolled under the bed sheets as she rubbed her hoof over the empty space next to her. She felt that same void inside her heart. Something was missing right there, right in front of her. She hugged her chest tightly as she rested her head and buried her face into the pillows. It didn’t take long for her to fall asleep. Luna swirled inside the ocean of her dreams. An ocean full of stars surrounded her. She was drowning. She paddled around with her front legs as she tried to reach a portion of land, anything to grab onto, but there was no end to the liquid enemy. She swallowed water and it got inside her nostrils. It engulfed her trying to devour her, pulling her down with invisible claws made of water. A figure appeared in the horizon. It was grey and black and it sailed on top of a cello. The figure used the bow of the cello as a paddle. Luna raised her hoof splashing stars everywhere and something grabbed and pulled from her. She held onto the smooth surface of the cello and pulled herself on top of it. The figure looked at her and Luna saw those haunting violet eyes. Luna lay over the cello as they drifted over the waters of the deep black night. Luna felt Octavia’s mouth kissing her everywhere, from the muzzle to the cheeks and down her neck. Each time she moaned she breathed a cloud of musical notes that whirled around their bodies. Luna hugged Octavia and took a deep breath at her mane. Luna closed her eyes and as Octavia moved lower down her body something pulled from her and she woke up. Luna closed the water faucet and grabbed a towel. The water slithered in small rivers down her body as she stepped out of the shower drying her coat. It was the second time she woke up, with the bed sheets stuck to her body and the fur on her lower abdomen dripping wet, two nights in a row. As she passed the towel over her mane, she couldn’t resist a thought escaping her mouth. “I can’t get her out of my head, oh wow…” Luna threw the towel over the pile of clothes to be taken to the cleaners as she left the bathroom to make the bed again. She flapped the bed sheets and used a drying spell on them. She took a sip of the cold water she had on her night stand. Tucking the bed sheets again she left a flap open and hopped inside, as she hugged the pillow and tried to get back to sleep. The ruffle of the fabric and the groan of her mattress eased her into another dream, this one without images of Octavia. - CHAPTER 4. Luna kept meeting with Octavia for a couple of weeks. They always went to the same Malt Shop and they always sat at the same table. Sometimes Luna had to leave earlier to take care of her Royal duties. After the fourth date in a row in Pony Joe’s Malts Shop they decided to go to different places in each date. They visited the castle’s gardens, and Octavia made friends with the gardener there. One night Luna took Octavia up to a slope and she told her about the constellations. Luna talked and talked as Octavia listened. There were so many words Octavia noted down to look later on her dictionaries. She never knew she would need to use the word “supernova” so many times in a conversation. Lying on the grass with their eyes stuck in the night sky was the best thing for them. But as the days passed, Luna grew eager about taking her relationship with Octavia a step further, even though that step scared Luna beyond her nightmares. She didn’t want to find out that all the love she felt for Octavia was merely based on the powerful physical attraction. What if the passion she felt for her would die after they had made love? She could feel Octavia’s eagerness too. The last time they met at the Malt Shop, Octavia kissed Luna in the mouth so deep and for so long Luna could still feel her taste on her lips the day after. Sleeping together, lying together on the same bed, could either strengthen their love or ruin it. Both prospects, so different and terrifying, paralyzed Luna and didn’t let her take any decision for days. It had to be something special. It had to mean something. Finally, she took the step. She decided to invite Octavia to the castle after their last date at the Malt Shop, to show her a room she didn’t think about showing her before. Luna wanted to be close to home in order to keep it private, and if things would get any further the palace was the most private place in Equestria. Luna guided Octavia through one of the corridors. From time to time Luna rubbed her head over Octavia’s neck and down her neck to comfort her. Octavia would reply with a smile and kissing her on the cheek. Luna was quiet for most of the walk. It was impossible to have a conversation with Octavia while walking; she couldn’t do both at the same time. The cold night was no problem for the temperature as the expertly balanced heating system kept the corridors warm. Their steps echoed under the ceilings and the domes, as they got closer to a door with rich engravings depicting musical instruments. Octavia stared at it, struck and surprised. “I thought you would love to see this room, Octavia.” said Luna with a smile. “I really don’t know why I didn’t show it to you earlier.” Luna put a hoof over the doors and pushed them open. The doors creaked out of the way and Luna stepped inside followed by Octavia. It was pitch black but the light coming from the door revealed golden and silver shapes piled in organized groups. A gust of wind made one of the shapes produce a subtle whistle. Luna made her horn glow and the entire room lit up. Octavia gasped as she was presented with the biggest collection of musical instruments she had seen in her life. The room was divided like an orchestra: Strings, Percussion, Woodwinds and Brass. Some of the instruments were so big only Princess Celestia would’ve been able to play them. There were small instruments, so small they had been designed for rodents. In one corner that was a full orchestra of instruments made of glass. Hanging on the wall there was a collection of saxophones that had a novel engraved in their surface. Luna left Octavia marvelling at the instruments as she walked towards the Strings section and lowered a delicate looking cello. Octavia turned towards her and the expression on her face made Luna very happy. It was that of somepony who had found a missing treasure in a lost catacomb. “I think you know this one.” said Luna. Octavia placed a shaky hoof over the instrument. She touched it delicately as her eyes shined. With quick hoof movements, Octavia talked to Luna. “How could you find a copy? There are only seven of these in all of Equestria, and the other six are splinters.” “My sister and I knew the creator.” said Luna. “We preserved it upon his request. He trusted us with it and we have been keeping it here, as means of preservation.” and she offered the instrument to Octavia. “Why don’t you try it?” Octavia’s expression changed from moved to terrified. Luna could feel her fear of breaking it, or even scratching it with her hoofs. A cello like that belonged in a museum. The earth pony replied with shaky hooves but determined, as she looked back and forth between the cello and Luna. “But I can’t. I mean, Luna, I can’t play this Cello. It’s a relic! What if I break it? What would happen if I damage it?” “Come on Octavia.” said Luna. “What’s an instrument if there is nopony to play it? Try it, just one time. You can’t hide your eagerness.” Octavia bit her lower lip as she looked at the instrument. Luna waited patiently until Octavia finally gave in. She took a deep breath and grabbed the cello between her fore hooves. With a rather athletic spring, Octavia stood up on her hind legs using the cello as a mean of support. Luna handed Octavia the bow. It was made out of glass. Octavia took it and placed it gently over the cords. There was a small twinkle when the threads touched. Luna walked backwards until she reached a faint couch. She hopped on it and lay with her front hooves flexed under her chest. “It’s all yours.” Octavia closed her eyes and she started playing the cello with enviable grace. Luna closed her eyes and let the music lick her ears. It transported her to worlds she would have never imagined. It took her breath away. Luna felt her body floating, not like when she was flying, but as if she was being levitated and taken to a place made of pure joy. Her heart pounded inside her chest as she started panting. Wet trails ran down her cheeks as her eyes started to itch. Luna took a hoof to them but it was no use. The music intensified to the point where there was no faint sofa or room anymore. There was just music, Octavia’s music, invading her body with every note. The melody faded on a last note that floated in mid air. Luna opened her eyes when the note’s echo stopped. She could only see a myriad of blurry shapes. The tears had shattered her vision. She cleared her eyes and sniffed as she looked at Octavia. “I…I don’t know what to say.” said Luna. Octavia made a quick gesture with the hoof that held the bow, but Luna understood it and she chuckled at it. “That’s very ironic.” “Yes. Yes, it is.” said Luna. “But…I think it was just the second most beautiful thing in this room.” Luna wanted to add something to her words but she chocked due to her crying. Octavia smiled shyly as she carefully left the cello resting over a tripod, leaving the bow over it. She walked towards Luna with her eyes half closed and when she stepped over the faint couch their eyes met. “I know.” said Octavia. Octavia seemed even more eager than Luna. Luna wanted to start with a careful snuggle, and then small kisses on the cheeks, maybe a peck on the lips and a bit of snuggling. However, Octavia was the conductor here as she leaned forward and kissed Luna deeply in the mouth. Luna had to lean back until her head laid on the faint couch’s armrest, her hair spread under her head like a white and blue aura. Octavia leapt over Luna and hopped over Luna and landed on her stomach. Luna kissed Octavia back as she licked her tongue and gasped for a bit of air. Luna moaned as she finally caught her breath, breaking the kiss. Octavia was now fully lying over her body, their chests rubbed together. “Octavia…” started Luna. “Are you sure you want this?” Octavia nodded energically as she darted forwards once again to kiss Luna. Luna welcomed the kiss as she embraced Octavia with her fore legs. She rested her head on Octavia’s shoulder. “I…I am scared Octavia.” Octavia stopped moving. She was panting and her forehead shinned under the moonlight. She brought her hooves up to ask Luna about her fears. Luna replied unable to look at her in the eye. “I…I love you. I love you with all of my heart but…I don’t want to think it’s because I find you attractive and nothing else.” Luna expected any kind of reaction except the one she got. Octavia’s hoof movements brought a smile to Luna’s face. “Well, we better find out, right?” Octavia smiled as she kissed Luna once again, this time deeper. Luna couldn’t believe her joy at Octavia’s reaction. She hugged the earth pony tightly against her chest as their bodies started to quiver in a mix of elation and pleasure. Luna moaned as Octavia released her lips and kissed the princess on the chin. She lowered her kisses to the neck and then down the chest. Luna yelped when Octavia nipped her over the chest making her jump on the sofa. When Luna felt Octavia lips smooching lower and lower on her stomach her mind became a haze of red and white. She could only moan as passion took her heart to the limit. * * * * * * Luna lied on her back with Octavia resting over her chest. Luna hugged her tightly, not even making a noise. Their bodies were covered in sweat, but Luna ignored her urges to clean up. She was having too much fun to care about that. They had made love, what Luna considered the most passionate and wild thing she had ever done in her life, and the passion for Octavia wasn’t gone. On the contrary, it now roared with the intensity of a million fires. Her chest throbbed with warmth and she tasted Octavia’s scent in her mouth. She tried to accommodate on the couch but her legs were sore and the pain stabbed her right over the flanks. She stopped trying to move and just hugged Octavia closer to her. A fragile moan came from the earth pony’s mouth. Luna looked at her. Octavia fluttered her eyes and looked at Luna. Octavia smiled as she kissed her in the lips and made a faint gesture with her hoof. “Hi.” Luna smiled as she hugged Octavia pushing her head over her shoulder. Luna took Octavia’s hoof with hers and brought it to her mouth as she started to kiss it. She kissed it tenderly, appreciating what Octavia used to make such beautiful music and compose such haunting melodies. She stopped the kissing only to throw her fore legs around her and pull her head to her chest. “I love you Octavia.” said Luna. “I want to always be with you.” Right after saying that line, Luna felt the panic striking her. “I want to always be with you.” Luna knew that was impossible. They would never grow old together. Her gift, that overrated immortality, is what ruined that illusion. Luna shivered as she hugged Octavia even tighter. She thought Octavia would vanish right between her forelegs, that this perfect moment was just a mirage. Octavia had to feel Luna’s fear because she lifted her head and looked at Luna right in her navy blue eyes. “You will be.” said Octavia. “I don’t care about your immortality. I don’t care if I grow old and you stay young. I only care about you. I love you, Luna. I just want you to be happy.” Luna smiled and rested a hoof over Octavia’s face. There was no reason to say no, to reject those feelings and ban her from being happy. For Luna, decades meant nothing. She had seen reigns fall and leaders perish. She had seen great thinkers pass away. She had seen lovers being drifted and houses broken. She had seen geniuses give up and abandon their ideals. And all those crimes had been committed by the same heartless executioner: Time. An enemy not even a Goddess could apprehend. But that wasn’t a reason to stop chasing the happiness and achieve it. And Luna had indeed achieved it and was willing to keep it as long as she lived. If time was impossible to stop, so was love. Luna hugged Octavia again as she kissed her on the mouth several times. “And I want to make you the happiest mare in the world.” said Luna, and instantly added. “That sounded really cheesy, didn’t it?” Octavia nodded with a smile and kissed Luna on her cheek before replying. “But I liked it.” The night passed by as Luna and Octavia lay on the sofa. It got to a point where Luna stopped caring about cleaning up and just wanted to stay with Octavia a few more minutes. She didn’t want to let her go. Not now. Not in that moment where everything around her was perfect. However, she couldn’t ignore that pressure under her heart, that niggling squeeze that reminded her of the inevitable. * * * * * * “And then what happened next?” “I am not giving *ouch* you any details of my sex life.” “I am so happy for you!” Luna and Celestia were in Luna’s bathroom. Luna had a tangle in her mane and she needed Celestia’s help to fix it. Celestia brushed the mane down and down again but the hair knot didn’t loose up. Luna would’ve found the brushing relaxing, if it wasn’t for the constant pulling every minute. “My little sister has a girlfriend! This is so cool.” Luna arched an eyebrow when she heard her sister say “cool”. Celestia used that word only once before, and it was to describe the new astronomer at the Canterlot Astronomical Society Team. “So, are you sure now that what you feel for her is love?” “Well, ouch! Celly! I am under the hair, remember!?” “I am sorry Luna, the knot keeps slipping. Well, is it?” “Oh yes. It is, without a single doubt. Now I dream with her twice per night.” “That’s so sweet.” Celestia took another comb and started brushing under the knot. “Why don’t you tell her to come live with us? Your bed is big enough for the both of you to share.” Luna pondered the idea as she felt the knot in her mane disappear. It felt great when the hair comb passed through her mane in one single movement without hurting her. She looked at her sister and threw her forelegs around her chest. “Thank you Celly.” “Why? Because I removed the knot or because of the offer I made you?” “Both.” - CHAPTER 5. The entire Palace had been decorated for the wedding. After six months of going out to places and be together, Octavia and Luna had decided to take their relationship further. They talked about getting married after three months of being together, and it took Luna a lot of courage to say yes. After six months of preparation and delays, the wedding was settled. The wedding was announced all over Equestria, and the most important personalities were attending: Musicians and singer alike, as well as writers, poets, artists, scientists, and the most important citizens of Ponyville attended. Luna opened the door and peeked outside. She saw the rows of ponies sitting before the atrium. Luna and Celestia were finishing the details on Luna’s dress inside the chapel’s dresser. Luna was wearing an indigo dress with a skirt and laced horseshoes. Her hair was braided over her ears and she had a veil over her eyes. Celestia was tying the last laces around Luna’s waistline. “Don’t worry Luna. I have everything covered.” “You better.” said Luna. “How many times have you marry two ponies?” “Not enough, I am afraid.” said Celestia. “But I wouldn’t let anypony else do it. You are my sister, of course I will do it!” Luna turned around and hugged her sister tightly. “Thank you Celly.” said Luna. “I am so nervous.” “It will go really smooth, you will see. I will get to the podium now. You wait until the music starts playing.” Luna nodded and let her sister do her job. Celestia left through a corridor that ran parallel to the chapel’s main room and left Luna alone. Luna stood in front of the door and waited for the music to start playing. The seconds before that seemed ten times longer. The music started to play. It came from a group specialized in strings instruments. She wondered what kind of musician Octavia had hired for the wedding. Luna opened the door and she stepped into the chapel. All the looks and all the cameras turned towards her. Her walk towards the altar was covered in white flashes of light and the music of cellos. And at the end of the walkway, was her. Octavia wore a full black suit without skirt and a bowtie. She looked really elegant. Her eyes drifted between Luna and the orchestra. When Luna arrived to her side, Octavia did a small comment. “The violin player, his tempo was off.” Luna arched an eyebrow and Octavia rushed to say. “You look gorgeous.” Luna smiled and nuzzled Octavia’s jaw line. “You are right, his tempo was off.” Celestia cleared her throat and everypony in the chapel sat down. The ceremony proceeded as normal. Celestia liked to start the weddings telling a sappy story about marriage and trust. Luna rolled her eyes every time Celestia got teary when mentioning the word “love”. Celestia used it a lot: “When two ponies are in love…”, “Love conquers everything…”, and so on. Luna didn’t pay attention to her sister. She had her eyes focused on Octavia’s. Luna rubbed one of her front hooves on Octavia’s forelegs. The build up was piercing her gut. “Luna, Octavia…” Celestia calling her brought Luna out of her distraction. Luna and Octavia held their hooves together and waited for Celestia’s words. “I, Princess Celestia of Equestria, give you my blessing on your union, and declare you married before my eyes and the eyes of everypony.” Celestia lowered her head and whispered to her sister in the ear. “You can now kiss her as much as you want.” Luna was pretty sure that wasn’t in the actual writing. Luna leaned her head towards Octavia’s, but the earth pony jumped forwards and fused their lips together in a passionate kiss. The rows of ponies erupted in an applause. Some of them applauded quietly, but the majority stomped the ground and cheered, making their joyful voices echo out of the chapel. Luna took a photo camera from one of her dresses’ pockets and lifted it with her powers before them. They posed for the photo as Luna couldn’t hold her cheerfulness. She was so happy she thought she was going to explode. After taking the photo, Octavia leapt forwards and kissed her on the lips again. * * * * * Luna was really eager to show something to Octavia. A few weeks have passed since their wedding and the honey moon had been pretty wild. Luna was sure that Octavia would love to see what she had planned for her. They walked to the highest point in the Castle, the south tower that pointed directly towards Ponyville. The night greeted them with its dark coat. It was always night time for Luna and Octavia. The top of the tower was empty except for a telescope and two deck chairs. Luna brought Octavia to one of them. “Lay down, Tavy.” said Luna. Octavia hopped onto one and lay down with her belly up. She gestured towards Luna. “What is this thing you want to show me?” Luna took a hoof to her mouth and then stood up on her hind legs. Her horn beamed with powerful magic as she flapped her wings and lifted herself from the roof top. Her body swirled and glowed with energy and directed both her front hooves to the sky, pointing at different stars. With the moves of a conductor, Luna started moving the stars. They changed positions at the speed of light and formed a figure. A face. Luna landed on the roof top as her magic energy disappeared for around her. When Octavia looked at her face, sculpted from stars, floating in the sky, she couldn’t move her hooves to express her shock. “I wanted to make it for the wedding…” Luna said as she patted the ground. “But I was so busy organizing everything that I couldn’t.” When Octavia finally replied, she made Luna giggle. “Won’t you get in trouble for this?” “Oh, of course not.” said Luna. “Besides, one single blink…” Luna blinked towards the sky at the same time her horn glowed, and Octavia’s star portrait expanded until it disappeared. The stars returned to their original place. Octavia looked at Luna and furrowed her brow in disappointment. Judging from her face, Luna knew she could’ve said “Awwww.” “But all your work…” said Octavia. “You didn’t even take a picture.” Luna leaped over Octavia and kissed her on the mouth. Octavia kissed her back as she moaned. Luna released Octavia’s mouth and started to lick down her neck, peppering her coat with small smooches. “Why would I take a picture, when I have the real Octavia with me?” said Luna as she continued kissing. Octavia gasped as she looked up to the stars while Luna’s mouth started licking down her body, getting lower and lower. * * * * * - But it wasn’t soon before the General Stratospheric Explosion plunged down into the battlefield wielding a sword in his mouth and cutting through the enemy’s defences with his battalion of two hundred Pegasi. His delay arriving to the battle was quickly compensated with the crushing over-powered strength of his brothers in arms… - Luna and Octavia had the library for themselves. There was a section in between two gargantuan book shelves that had a couple of arm chairs and a table. There was quite a selection of books about the Pony Wars and a few booklets about poetry. Luna was sitting on one couch while Octavia listened to her narration from the other, hooves under her chin, listening like a filly, in trance. - The enemy tried to contain his advance, but Stratospheric was too much for the armies of Colonel Spear. He withdrawn from the attack with half of his infantry massacred and all of his air troops dead. Stratospheric Explosion became one of the most well known strategists of the war, famous for his quote - - I might have lost twenty five ponies in a raid, but that means I saved a hundred times that amount of innocent lives - Luna lowered the book. She had been narrating the entire battle and she got really into it. She wasn’t big in warfare, and the books she read the most regarding history were those about economy and law. Luna always considered warfare to be foul and dirty, no honour in it whatsoever. However, reading those books to Octavia made her see a face of it she never knew existed. There was honour in the battlefield, and lots of it. “This is amazing.” said Luna. “I never knew of this General, Stratospheric Explosion. But of course, this battle happened when I was banished.” “I knew you would like it.” said Octavia. “Keep reading, you are about to reach the part where they are assaulted by three dragons and Stratospheric ties them down using a rope on fire.” “Really!?” said Luna turning towards the book. “Oh yes, you are right! Right here…” Luna kept reading the books out loud as Octavia listened. They went to the library every night. Sometimes they read a book and it was so interesting they couldn’t stop. Other times Luna had to stop because the writing was too boring and cluttered. During their time together, they managed to read the entire warfare section of the library, and two thirds of the poetry section. * * * * * * Luna was surprised by how quickly things turned mundane. Not boring, just mundane, predictable, normal and absolutely enjoyable. Her duty, taking care of the Moon, was the only thing she had in her life. With Octavia by her side, there were a lot more things to do. Reading through books was one of Luna’s biggest past times, but with Octavia it became a totally new experience. Never before she spent an entire night talking about the recession and how the construction plunged the economy into a monetary black hole, until Celestia fixed it. Octavia didn’t seem to have a passion for those books. She had a passion for how Luna talked about it. If they were not reading books, they would walk around the Castle courtyard, or check on the corridors and prank the guards that were sleeping. There was one time when Luna set a curtain on fire trying to zap a guard with a low voltage shock. They’d go to the kitchen and assault the fridge. Luna wasn’t a good cook, nor was Octavia, and many times they burned the cupcakes they tried to make. They always ended up doing a veggie sandwich for each other. Other nights, Luna and Octavia were really busy with their respective works. Luna had to read an essay about the legal system’s collapse, and Octavia had to practice for a concert. Luna never tried reading while listening to music. She enjoyed the peace and quiet of the library too much to try something new. It wasn’t until Octavia talked her into it that she decided to read the essay while on the music room. Luna never returned to the library to read her essays. Even when she didn’t need to read her essays, if Octavia had to practice, she would go with her to the music room. Luna lied down on the couch, looking at the ceiling as Octavia adjusted the chords on her Cello. Her toughened expression showed a few wrinkles around the eyes. Luna knew she was preparing the Quartet in B-Minor from Colccherini’s 8th Symphony. It was Luna’s favourite piece of him. Luna looked towards her wife and wondered about Octavia’s talent. She was so good with the cello and other instruments she could open her own school. “Tavy…” said Luna. Octavia stopped adjusting the chords to pay attention to Luna. “Have you ever considered opening your own school?” said Luna. “You are really good, you should consider it.” Octavia put the bow under her front leg and gesticulated quickly. “If the money wasn’t a problem, I’d do it.” Luna shrugged. “We can give you some, how much do you need?” Octavia was going to take the bow again but she stopped in the middle of it. The bow slipped off under her leg and clattered on the floor. Octavia replied with a beaming expression. “Somewhere around fifteen thousand bits. I saw an available place next to the Malt Shop, it’s been closed for two or three years. The building alone costs fifty thousand bits.” “Only?” said Luna. “Don’t worry about it then, we can get it for you Tavy. I will talk with my sister.” Octavia left the cello on the tripod and trotted towards Luna, hopped over her and gave her a hug. Luna couldn’t react in time and had the air knocked out of her when Octavia landed on her stomach. She hugged Octavia back as she regained her breath. If Octavia’s hugs were an indication of something, they meant she was really happy. Luna kept hugging her as her thoughts drifted towards the school. Building it was the easy part. Getting students for it wasn’t going to be hard either, Canterlot brimmed with young ponies looking for a career. Her thoughts moved away from the school and back to Octavia. Her mane rubbed over Luna’s snout and it smelled so nice… * * * * * * Building the school didn’t take as long as Luna expected. The edifice next to Pony Joe’s Malt Shop was big enough and was practically new. It only took them a few weeks of cleaning; fixing the broken roofs, the shattered windows and the holed up walls and the school was ready to open. The façade was grey with black door frames and window frames. It was three stories tall and had a flat roof top. Luna and Octavia had designed a banner with a treble clef as a logo and the name of the school on it: Good Vibes. Luna had taken some of the musical instruments from the Castle into the school. They even managed to get two musicians to give class at the start of the course, retired musicians who wanted to pass their knowledge to future generations. When Octavia wasn’t busy practising or playing in concerts, she would also give classes. The school started slow, like all schools or private academies do. At the beginning, Good Vibes Music School for Fillies and Colts only had three students. Two weeks later they had twelve students. Three weeks later they were fifty students. After a month, Octavia had all stories of her academy full and a waiting list of two hundred families asking to get inscribed. Three months later she had to set an entrance exam and it broke her heart to reject some of the fillies and colts that came looking for a future in the music world. Octavia was checking over some bills the school had received in the music room back at the Castle, when Luna stepped inside. Octavia went to greet Luna with a kiss on the lips and returned to her duties. “Are you too busy?” asked Luna. “I just came in to see if you needed anything.” “I’d appreciate your help organizing this bills, thank you.” said Octavia. Luna sat next to Octavia on the table and checked over the bills. She was relieved to see all of them were paid and on time, and that Octavia just needed to file them. “I am a bit tired.” said Octavia, her hoof moves indicative of her exhaustion. “I see that.” said Luna. “Why don’t you leave the filing for tomorrow? You can come to bed and keep talking me about that concert you say you want to write. It sounded so big.” Luna looked at Octavia. She looked really tired, and maybe not just from filing bills, running the school and working for her concerts. She couldn’t help but notice the bags under her eyes, the dots on her temples and the smudges of white and pale grey fur on her coat. After a short moment, Octavia nodded and looked at Luna. “Yes, let’s go back to bed.” “Really? Are you sure?” “Absolutely.” Back in their bedroom, Luna and Octavia got back in bed and hugged closely. Luna gave Octavia a sweet kiss on the lips and Octavia rubbed her head under Luna’s chin. Her black mane fell between their bodies. Luna held Octavia close to her chest and breathed over her neck. She listened to her heart, beating like a marching band. Her own heart beat against Octavia’s cheek. They stayed like that for a couple of minutes until Octavia moved away to get something that laid over her night stand. It was a notebook. She took it and put it between them. “This is the concert I’ve been working on.” said Octavia. “I don’t know the title yet, but it’s going to be big.” Luna looked over the notebook. It was full of smudges and parts that Octavia had scratched, surely because she didn’t like how they sounded, but the parts that were clean of marks seemed really well organized, and Luna even managed to mutter part of the melody. “It sounds great.” said Luna. “Thank you love.” said Octavia, as she gave Luna a quick peck on the lips. “I just don’t know when will I end it. Or if I will ever see it finished.” Luna turned to Octavia with a severe expression in her face. “Don’t say that.” said Luna. “Never say that again, Tavy, do you hear?” Octavia just rubbed a hoof over Luna’s cheek. Her touch relaxed Luna. Her smell, the texture of her fur, it reminded her that Octavia was still there with her, inside their bed, together. “You are adorable when you get angry.” said Octavia. Luna smiled and Octavia and moved the notebook out of the way to the bottom of the bed. In a sudden move Luna kicked the notebook off the bed as she lowered her body over Octavia’s. - CHAPTER 6. Luna stepped inside the school. The main lobby was busy with new comers and other students waiting for their classes to start. When they saw her they all bowed before her. Luna replied with the basic protocol bow and walked towards the principal’s office. The night shift just started, so Octavia had to be in her office. Luna was all shades of worried. What happened yesterday night during Octavia’s performance worried her, but not as much as Tavy’s attitude when they returned to the Castle. Luna stopped in front of the door and knocked on it. Three knocks came from the inside of the office. Luna pushed the door open. “Tavy, can we talk?” said Luna poking her head inside. Octavia was writing on a music sheet with her muzzle. Earth Ponies can’t use their hooves for writing. Octavia nodded and Luna stepped inside. “We need to talk about yesterday night.” Said Luna. Octavia pouted and replied. “I was just tired.” “Are you sure?” said Luna. “Tavy, you missed thirty notes in the first segment, and the days before you’ve been failing notes as well. I don’t think you are just tired, why don’t we have a doctor to check up on you.” “I don’t need a Doctor.” said Octavia. “I already know what I have, but that’s not going to stop me from playing music. I will stop when I can no longer hold my bow.” Octavia rolled the music sheet and put it inside her saddle bags. She stepped away from the table and walked around it. Her legs were a bit shaky, but she was still firm as a young mare. Luna followed Octavia out of the office and to the class. “Do you mind if I come with you?” Octavia said “no” with her head and let Luna follow her. The class brimmed with students. Luna bowed before them as they bowed before her, and took a seat on the background. Octavia walked to the front of the class and greeted her translator. She hired one after the first week. Octavia took out her cello and placed it on the tripod. Through the translator, she started giving directions to her students. Luna watched carefully her every move, her heart beating in fear. Luna knew Octavia was worse than she thought. Octavia lowered to grab the bow and brought it against the chords. But as son as she made pressure against the instrument Octavia groaned in pain and dropped the bow making the chords tingle. Luna looked in abject terror. Octavia lowered herself to grab the bow again, but she couldn’t even take it. It kept falling of her hoof. Luna trotted towards Octavia as the confused students looked at her teacher. Octavia was groaning trying to grab the bow but it kept falling. Luna took Octavia from her shoulders. “Tavy…” Octavia just groaned in frustration as she kept trying t grab the bow. One time she almost did but it fell again. “Tavy, stop it.” Octavia wailed and threw herself against the floor as she tried to grab the bow with her mouth. Luna held her before she could do such thing and pushed her against her chest. Octavia threw a few punches to Luna’s sides. Luna didn’t feel a thing. It was like a rag doll tried to hit a boulder. After a short while, Octavia stopped punching Luna and broke into sobs. She wrapped her forelegs around Luna’s neck and cried over her shoulder. “I am taking you to the hospital, understood?” said Luna. “There they might find a way to help you.” Luna took Octavia out of the class and left the students with another teacher. She talked to the vice-principal to take care of the school until new order. Octavia was still able to run the school. Maybe she wasn’t going to play the cello for what she had left of life, but she was going to keep running her school. The visit to the Hospital was one of the worst experiences Luna had ever gone through. She had to wait outside of the doctor’s office as they examined Octavia’s hooves. They were checking for every disease in existence, including a biopsy to make sure it wasn’t cancer. Luna wished it wasn’t cancer. That was the worst scenario. She tumbled up and down the waiting room sitting in different seats and leaning over the walls. She went back and forth between the waiting room and the cafeteria, but still nothing was happening. The door didn’t open. Luna closed her eyes from the exhaustion just to let them rest, and snapped them open again. She thought she heard the door opening. It wasn’t Octavia’s, it was someone else’s. “Oh please, when will this end?” Her comment had to be heard by the doctor because, right there and then, the door opened. Luna stepped inside and what she saw pulverized her heart and went through her defences. Octavia was lying on a hospital bed and she had her face buried between her hooves. She was crying grievingly. Luna looked at the doctor, who ushed to explain her. “We made the tests, and the results indicate it’s not cancer.” Luna let a sigh of relief escape her chest. That was good news. Still, Octavia didn’t stop her silent crying and the doctor kept holding a deck of papers before his eyes. “There is also bad news, your Highness.” said the doctor. “The tests reveal a big deterioration on her bones. Octavia has developed a sort of traumatic arthritis on her hooves’ joints and it’s so severe it won’t let her hold any objects heavier than a piece of paper. She will be able to communicate, maybe not as fast as before, and she won’t be able to play the cello again.” Luna could feel the doctor’s regret when giving the news. She swallowed saliva and tried to ignore the memories that crossed her mind; of how many times that dedicated physician pony had given terrible news to wives and husbands. She nodded to the doctor. “Thank you, doctor.” said Luna. “I am very sorry.” said the Doctor. “I will wait outside to give you some privacy.” After the doctor left, Luna walked towards Octavia and rubbed her muzzle against her head. Octavia didn’t reply right away. She had her front hooves wrapped in bandages. She cleaned the tears with one of them and looked at Luna. Weakly, she lifted her hooves and talked. Luna was amazed by her strength. “I guess it’s over, eh?” “Oh no.” said Luna, snuggling Octavia close and kissing her on the cheek. “You can compose. It’s not over Tavy; you have me, and your prodigious mind. I am sure you will come up with something.” Octavia nodded faintly and looked at Luna with misty eyes. She was smiling though. Her hooves moved as quickly as they allowed her. She winced in pain at her hooves’ moves. “Can you hug me?” Luna bit her lower lip, pulled Octavia towards her body and gave her a tight hug. Octavia hugged Luna and sunk her face into her shoulder. Luna rubbed her hooves over Octavia’s back as she felt her weak body shaking. It was the exhilaration and the adrenaline. Luna had never gone to the doctors to get such severe tests. She didn’t even try to imagine what it was. Octavia’s memories hit her mind like a freight train and Luna experienced them herself. They kept hugging each other until Octavia stopped crying. Luna lifted Octavia’s head with her hoof. “Do you want to go to the Malt Shop?” said Luna. Octavia looked to the side and then back to Luna. She nodded. * * * * * * Octavia took on the endeavour of writing for other orchestras with her characteristic passion. There was always a big presence of the cello in her compositions. When she sent the first one she couldn’t go to sleep waiting for the response. Luna had to talk her into getting in bed to calm her down. Luna felt the tension leaving Octavia’s body as she lay back on the bed, her body half covered by the sheets, breathing heavily. Luna was breathless. “I…When was the last time we…we did it three times in a row?” Luna moved her head towards Octavia, who replied with shaky hooves. “Never?” said Octavia. Luna giggled and Octavia joined her giggles as she rolled closed to Luna and rested her head over the princess’ chest. Luna wrapped her front legs around Octavia and kissed her on the neck. She passed one of her front hooves over the mane, soft like the very first day. “I am sorry Tavy.” said Luna. “I wish I could have done something.” “Don’t torture yourself. Not even you can’t stop this from happening.” Luna held back a sob and rubbed her chin over Octavia’s face and hugged her close. She wanted that moment to last forever. She made the effort to remember every single little detail so she could go back there anytime she wanted. As she hugged Octavia, Luna looked over at the notebook. “Do you have any other pieces ready?” said Luna. Octavia let go off the hug to reply properly. “I have many, but they are unfinished. Do you think I should try and complete them?” “Yes! You totally should, Tavy.” Luna and Octavia stayed in bed until they finally fall asleep from exhaustion. Luna remembered Octavia’s weight over her body for months to come. That would be the last time they could manage to have some intimate time together. Octavia’s condition grew so severe Luna had to leave the bed just for Octavia. While sleeping, the earth pony would wake up startled by the sheering pain in her hooves, and Luna had to grab the bottle of painkillers. That didn’t stop Octavia, though. She managed to send up to thirty compositions and concert pieces during the next three years, and some of them were accepted by big orchestras. Sadly, the ones that were accepted were never Octavia’s favourites. The conductors said some of her compositions were too complex for them to execute. Much to her regret, her name became slightly popular for those works she didn’t fully love. After the thirtieth composition, Octavia stopped sending her works. She was tired and ideas didn’t come to her with the affluence they had in the past. At least, that was what Luna saw. Octavia would pass the nights checking the notebook, reading and writing, tweaking on a musical piece she wouldn’t let Luna to see. She insisted that it was a surprise, that she would show her on a special occasion. Luna thought Octavia would be sadder, that the decision to stop composing will devastate her. However, Octavia wasn’t all that sad. Anytime Luna asked Octavia about it, Octavia would reply hugging and kissing her on the lips. “I love you, Tavy.” “Thank you, Luna.” and after a moment she added. “I love you too.” They were together. That was all that mattered. * * * * * * It was two months before their anniversary, and Luna woke up like every other night. If it wasn’t for her worries, she would’ve said she was fresh as a daisy. She looked on her left and saw Octavia, still sleeping. She was thin and her rib cage was noticeable under the skin. Her coat was more white than grey. Her legs remained somewhat strong looking, at least for a 26 year old pony. Luna stepped from the bed after kissing Octavia gently on the chin and walked towards the balcony to raise up the Moon. When she returned, Octavia had moved out of bed and she was walking as fast as her advanced age allowed her, which wasn’t very fast. Luna rubbed her head under Octavia’s chin and kissed her softly on her wrinkled lips. Octavia replied and snuggled her back. Luna had something planned for tonight. She wanted to cheer Octavia up and she had a great idea for it. “I have something for you, Tavy.” said Luna. “Come with me.” Luna took Octavia out of the bedroom and through a path they both knew very well. It was the way up to the highest tower on the castle. Luna kept thinking about how she will show her surprise to Octavia. They both will lie down on a deck chair and Luna will move the stars around. Octavia will look at the dots as they formed the music sheet of one of her compositions. Then Luna will take out a violin and perform the piece for her. Luna had been practicing in secret during the last four months to refresh her memory. It had been literally ages since she last took one. Luna smiled as she stepped up the flight of stairs, with Octavia behind. “You are going to love it, I can hardly wait.” said Luna, sounding like a filly. “And if you are still in the mood after it, we can go check the gardens again, what do you think of…it?” Luna had reached the tower’s rooftop, but Octavia wasn’t there with her. “Tavy?” her voice trembled with fear, a cold sweat crept up her neck. “Tavy!” she rushed to the flight of stairs. “TAVY!” She found Octavia at the bottom of the stairs, breathing with difficult and holding her chest with a front hoof. Luna rushed and took Octavia up with her powers and put her on her back. She then rushed to the infirmary as fast as she could. She felt Octavia’s raspy breath on her body, her lungs fighting to stay alive. * * * * * * Luna lost perception of space and time. The next three minutes before she reached the infirmary felt like three hours. The three hours she had to wait before the door until the doctor came out, felt like three hundred years. When the doctor stepped outside, his look didn’t calm Luna, who couldn’t hold back the tears. Her semblance remained serious and her lips quivered, but she didn’t sob. She swallowed every one of them. “It’s the heart.” said the Doctor. “There is no disease is just…She had lived a good year beyond the normal life span of a pony, your Highness. It’s only normal.” Luna nodded and more tears came from her eyes. When she talked she could only whisper. If she raised her voice any higher than that she would end up bawling. “H-How much d-does… she have left?” said Luna. The doctor’s expression wasn’t hopeful. “Two weeks, and I think that’s too much, according to her condition. If she is strong, she has two more weeks.” Luna nodded again. “Can she stay in our bedroom?” said Luna, a wail escaping her mouth. “Yes, she can. I will ask a couple of nurse ponies to take her there.” Luna nodded again and left the clinic. She didn’t want to be there. She didn’t want to be anywhere. She walked around the castle with no direction. She went through corridors, not sure of what she was doing, until she encountered two big doors, white, with engravings depicting musical instruments. She stopped a moment, as the sorrow filled her chest, and with a shaky hoof she pushed the door open. She stepped inside the darkness and sat on the faint couch where Octavia had loved her so passionately. Luna climbed on to it and lay until the exhaustion from the bad news caught up with her. Her eyes closed heavily and she fell asleep. Something was shaking her. Something or…somepony. “Luna…” That was her sister’s voice. Luna woke up from her dreamless sleep and looked at Celestia. She was kneeling before the couch with two guards standing behind her. Celestia made a signal and the guards left them alone, closing the doors. In the darkness of the music room, Celestia’s mane glowed with blue and pink. Luna didn’t want to look at her. “She only has two weeks left, Celly.” said Luna. “More reason for you to stay with her, don’t you think?” said Celestia. “The day…The day I dreaded and that I so happily ignored all these years is here and I don’t know why…With all my planning, all my foreseen of things, why I feel like this?” “Because nothing can prepare you when these things happen, Little Sister.” said Celestia. “No matter how well you try to convince yourself, the death of a loved one will always hurt you.” Luna sniffed and Celestia rubbed her snout under Luna’s chin. Luna replied leaping forward and hugging her sister’s chest. “Don’t leave her alone now.” said Celestia. “Stay with her until the end.” Luna nodded and sniffed, not letting go of her sister. - CHAPTER 7. Luna walked down the corridor that led to her room. It was the end of the night and she had to bring down the moon. There was still time left, around three hours, but she wasn’t coming back for that. She looked on her left at the empty space. Alone. She tried not to remember the last time she felt so lonely. Inside her bed, laid Octavia. She was holding her notebook between her hooves, filled with musical sheets. There was a pen in her muzzle and she was writing something on the last page. When Luna closed the door, the click alerted Octavia, who closed the notebook and left it on her side. Luna furrowed her brow in resignation as the sadness swamped her heart. Thinking she gave Octavia all the love she could have didn’t make her feel any better. She walked slowly towards the bed as Octavia extended a hoof to Luna’s chest. Luna was still the same, the soft skin and her bright mane and coat, all brimming with life. Octavia’s coat was pale with patches of grey and black here and there. Her face was full of wrinkles, on the corners of the mouth, on her forehead and around her eyes. Even her long mane was grey and white and not silky anymore. The only thing that remained young like the very first day they saw each other, were her beautiful violet eyes. Octavia rubbed one hoof over Luna’s chest and raised her other hoof. She waved it in front of her face and down to her stomach, wiped it over her brow and finally placed it over her chest. Luna couldn’t hold back the tears coming to her eyes as she smiled as sweetly as she could and grabbed Octavia’s hoof. “I won’t.” said Luna. “I promise you, Tavy.” Octavia smiled at Luna and Luna smiled back but not for long. She felt it. She felt that void in her chest. Trying to contain her sobbing, Luna took Octavia’s hooves between hers and leaned forwards to kiss her on the forehead. Then she lowered her face and nuzzled that of Octavia’s and finally pulled her fragile body into a soft hug. Luna released Octavia and let her lay down on the pillows. She would stay with her until the very end. She won’t leave her alone. Luna saw something in Octavia’s face that crushed her heart but at the same time made her hopeful. Octavia was smiling. * * * * * * Luna demanded the funeral to be held in the most rigorous privacy possible. Only relatives of both families and the closest friends of the Royal Family would be allowed to attend. There were around one hundred ponies attending: Students from Octavia’s school, The Captain of the Guards, Celestia’s best student and her friends, and conductors from all the different orchestras in Canterlot. Luna didn’t care for the amount of public. “I can’t do it.” said Luna. “I am…I won’t be able to say a word, Celly.” “You will do it.” said Celestia. “You will, because you love her. You always will, Little Sister.” Luna closed her eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks. She threw herself on her sister’s arms. Celestia let go a mournful sigh when hugging her sister. “Oh, Luna…” “I can’t…I can’t help it, I’m sorry.” said Luna in between sobs. “I…I have to. I’ll do it, for Tavy’s memory, right?” “Exactly.” said Celestia. “Now come on, do it.” Luna stepped outside and walked towards the stand while Celestia walked to the front bench. Luna walked with shaky legs and stood up in front of the podium as she looked at the ponies attending. They all looked so old, and she looked so young. She silently cursed her immortality. When it came the moment to read the eulogy, Luna had never felt so vulnerable in her life. Reading those words with Octavia’s corpse behind her was the hardest thing she had ever done in her life. She ordered the speech and swallowed saliva. The moment before she started talking, her mind went blank. The words left her mouth as she talked like there was nopony else there but her. “Octavia is…Octavia was the only pony I would have spent my whole life with. She was the most creative…The most talented…” she had to make constant pauses to avoid breaking into tears, but she kept herself strong, firm in her voice tone. “…the most important pony in my life. But she is not gone. She never will. She is alive now in our memories; in mine. Anytime we think about her, she will be alive. Anytime we listen to her music, she will be with us. Anytime we…R-remember the time we spent with her, she will be a-alive. ” Luna had to swallow to keep reading, her throat was clenching on her. “I want to think that, as she made me the happiest mare during the last twenty years, I have given her the best years of her life. I love you, Tavy.” She turned around without looking at the opened coffin. She didn’t want to remember Octavia as an unmoving corpse with those beautiful eyes closed. She sat next to Celestia, who hugged her. The touch of her sister’s leg over her shoulders broke through her weakened emotional defences as she finally erupted in sobs and wails, as one of the guards approached to close the coffin. Luna pressed her face against Celestia’s face. Her sobs were the only sound in the chapel. * * * * * * It took Luna five months to go back to her bedroom. During that time she spent the days sleeping in the faint sofa at the music room. It was the only place in the whole castle that brought her peace when sleeping. But after five months, she grew tired of moping around and decided to go back to her room. She knew Octavia wouldn’t have liked to see her like that. She felt a scary sensation of déjà vu when she walked down the corridor and pushed her bedroom’s door open. She thought she’d see Octavia lying on the bed, and for a moment she believed it. Seeing the empty bed hit her really hard. She walked towards it and hopped on it making the bed sheets wave and the pillows bounce. She grabbed one of the pillows and took it to her face as she breathed on it. The smell took her back to those violet eyes. She left the pillow on the bed and passed a hoof over it. Her eyes had stained the fabric. She looked over to her drawing and photography set. There were so many pictures of them together stuck on the wall. Luna moved towards it. She didn’t know what to do with them. The lack of ideas made her decided not to remove them. Octavia looked so happy in every photo. She was adorable. As she headed to get out of the bedroom she saw something lying on the corner. Something that seemed to be forgotten because it hadn’t been used in years: Octavia’s cello. Encased and covered in a fine layer of dust. Luna walked towards it and lifted it with her magic powers, leaving it on the bed. She remembered the time they closed it. Luna thought she’d never open it again. She unclasped the locks and lifted the heavy lid, but what she found inside wasn’t just a cello. There was also an envelope. Luna took it with her mouth. It really was heavy. She left the envelope on the bed as she looked at the cello. It was old and had scratches all over its surface. There was a dent on the side. Luna made it one time when Octavia didn’t want to come to dinner because she wanted to finish her practice. She went to the cello and gave it a bite. She didn’t know why she did that, it was just so silly. She was brought to the moment where they put it on the corner. Luna laid both hooves over the cello and pushed it gently to the side as she focused on the letter, doing her best efforts to ignore the pain in her chest. She took the envelope and cut it open, emptying the contents on the bed. Luna gasped when she saw Octavia’s notebook. During the last months of her life she had been focused on that notebook more than anything. Who could have placed it in there? Luna knew it hadn’t been Octavia. Luna took a moment to consider whether she should open it or not. Luna finally gave in and opened it. “Oh, Tavy…” It was the concerto, and its name was “Claro de Luna”. Octavia had spent the last days of her life writing a concerto that, at least for what Luna could read, lasted around three hours and was planned to involve every part of the orchestra equally. Luna was holding an entire life’s work on her hooves. Right before her eyes laid Octavia’s gift to the music world. Luna passed page after page. She wasn’t too sure about the tempo, but as she read the notes she also hummed the tune. Luna smiled in many parts as she recognized a fragment that she and Octavia composed together. Finally, Luna reached the last page. It was empty, but at the bottom there was something scribbled in Octavia’s exquisite muzzle writing. Thank you for the best years of my life. Now go out and share our love with everypony. For the first time in months, Luna’s smile was genuine. She placed a hoof over the writing and looked at the wall covered in photos and paintings. That concerto wasn’t going to be kept as a secret. Everypony had the right to enjoy it. Luna closed the notebook and galloped at full speed to meet with her sister. They had to call the best composer and the best conductor in all of Equestria to get that concerto up and running. * * * * * * Luna dedicated herself (almost) full time to organize the “Claro de Luna” Concerto. There seemed to be nothing that could stop her. Her passion could take down walls. Only her royal duties and her task of raising and taking down the Moon took her away from getting the concert in motion. Celestia managed to diverge part of the castle’s budget to aid the concert. They had the help of three hundred ponies to set the amphitheatre and organize the different orchestra sections. Luna contacted all the bands in Canterlot and formed her own personal company with the best musicians of each band. The rehearsals took place during the six months previous to the concert and Luna supervised every single one of them with the help two conductors. The premiere night, Luna was nervous. She was standing on the balcony from where she first saw Octavia, twenty two years ago. She looked at the stage as the technician ponies set the seats, placed the cables and the amplifiers. A knock on the floor took her off her surveillance. It was Celestia. “Can I come in?” “Sure.” said Luna with a smile. Celestia walked towards her sister and sat down next to her. “What you are doing is amazing, little sister. I am sure Octavia would have loved it.” “I bet she would’ve.” said Luna, sounding more cheerful. “I can’t thank you enough for this, Big Sister.” Celestia didn’t reply right away. Celestia leaned over her sister and nuzzled her under the chin, pulling her into a hug. “You don’t need to thank me, Little sister.” said Celestia. “I know how you feel.” and she broke the hug before saying. “I know it very well.” Luna looked at her sister and leaned over her shoulder as they contemplated the technicians setting up the spotlights and the instruments for the opening concert. She looked down and then up to her sister. “Do you still have that semi-transparent dress?” said Luna. Celestia laughed and looked at her sister. “I think so, why? Do you want to wear it?” “Well, why not? I think it looked good on Me.” said Luna with another giggle. “I think it’s in the bottom of my wardrobe. I will have to go get it, if the moths haven’t eaten it already.” They kept talking until the concert started and it got too late to go back to the castle and get Luna a dress. Luna knew the concert was going to be exactly how Octavia had planned it. She wasn’t too sure about the audience’s reaction. She didn’t care for what the critics would say; she just wanted the ponies to enjoy the concert. Luna sat there in the darkness of the balcony as the music unveiled before everypony, and each time the orchestra finished a segment, the entire audience applauded. Luna had to look over the balcony to see everypony was stomping the ground, rumbling the amphitheatre with their appreciation. They applauded so much that the initial four hours duration turned into six hours and a half. By the end of the concert Luna was beyond moved by the ponies’ appreciation. “They love it.” said Luna, and she turned to her sister. “They love her.” Celestia smiled and pulled Luna into a hug. As it turned out, both the audience and the critics really liked the concerto and they turned it into a massive success. The “Claro de Luna” was featured amongst the most popular pieces in Equestrian history, and Octavia’s name appeared amongst some of the most renown composers, those who were regarded once they are no longer amongst the living to make music. But it didn’t end there. Octavia’s popularity made many ponies wonder if she had composed something before the “Claro de Luna”. Her first compositions, those that were rejected or ignored initially were re-discovered. Octavia passed from being just a background composer and cellist to be one of the most well known musicians in Equestria. All the money that came from those concerts was given directly to Octavia’s Music School for Fillies and Colts. Luna couldn’t walk around without hearing Octavia’s music coming from somepony’s house, or read through reports without finding an advert about a concert featuring Octavia’s works. Octavia was now part of Equestria’s history. She wasn’t just in Luna’s memories, but within the mind of every pony out there. Luna couldn’t be happier. In a sense, Octavia will never be gone. Thanks to her music she achieved something only a Goddess could. THE END Send any feedback or comment to james_corck3@yahoo.es

Ar0k

280

Braeburn,Main 6,Original Character,Philomena,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Trixie,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,Comedy,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Falling Stars

A multi-universe crossover

incomplete

<p>What exactly were the four stars who aided in Nightmare Moon's escape? What happens when a star crashes into the earth causing the very foundation of Equestria to tremble? An expedition is dispatched by the Princess of the Sun, to the land where the star made contact. A land beyond the control of even the mighty rulers of day and night. Join Luna, Twilight ,Trixie and the rest of the expeditionary force as they journey across uncharted territory, unravel the mystery of the falling star and discover a threat far worse than the destruction of harmony. </p><p>AUTHORS NOTE: Be aware that the shipping in this story could be classified as light-shipping or friend-shipping. I left the shipping tag out initially, but since the relationships between the characters are a big part of the story I felt compelled to add it. Also, a new summary is in the works, one that best shows the reader what to expect in this crazy fanfic.</p>

teen

2012-02-22T22:52:49+00:00

2012-02-22T22:52:49+00:00

**** In the peaceful night of Equestria, everything was still. It was late, and nearly ever pony was sleeping tightly in their cozy homes. The land was silent, save for the sounds of the soft breeze, or the scuttle of a rabbit across the grass. It seemed that this peaceful scene could not be interrupted. But as things were quiet and serene on the ground, the sky’s tranquility had been broken. A streak of light invaded the night sky, crashing towards the earth. The light shone brilliantly and only grew with intensity as it fell through Princess Luna’s night sky. The Princess of the Night herself stood alert, on a thin patch of clouds overlooking Equestria. The falling star was hard to miss as it burned through the atmosphere, streaking beyond the horizon. Worried, she closed her eyes and followed the star with her magic, just as a witch would look into her Seeing Eye ball. Seeing the falling star in her mind, she asked the mysterious astral body: “Where did you come from my star? Why are you falling?" And suddenly, without warning, a flash of memory mingled with her magic. The vision of the falling star had started to fade, and instead an old memory was forced into Princess Luna's mind. Luna tried to focus back to the falling star, but it seemed as if an outside power was forcing in a new vision. In her thoughts, Princess Luna could see the earth from what she thought was her former prison on the moon. Things were different. She could not see anything around her. Only the sight of darkness and the shining Earth lay out in front of her. She could not even see the stars or the planets out in the distance. But then, just when the vast darkness of the void seemed to be impenetrable, a small light shone just to her left. Slowly, another had appeared to her right. As Princess Luna looked around at these lights, she noticed two more small lights shining behind her, parallel to the ones in front of her. Then she realized. These were the stars that set her free. Finally the vision had ended, and Princess Luna found herself sitting back to where she was. With an expression of shock, she watched as the falling star in the night made contact with the earth. **** Celestia’s eyes fluttered open. Her ear twitched towards one corner of the room and then towards another. Something was wrong. She tilted her head up and off her mattress, her senses slowly kicking in. Something was terribly wrong. At that moment she was hit by an immense blast of pressure. The ground underneath her shook and shot her up into the air. Celestia landed with a loud thud. “Goodness!” She cried out on the floor. Feeling relatively unharmed, the princess extended her wings and lifted herself up from the floor, setting herself back down on the mattress. The doors to her chambers burst open and two Pegasus ponies clad in blue and gold stood at the ready. “Your highness! Is everything all right?” Cried the first. The other Pegasus scanned the room for any kind of trouble. “Everything is fine…yes thank you.” Celestia paused before adding: “It was just a dream.” The guards just looked at their princess and then at each other. With a subtle shrug and a courteous bow, both of her guards turned around and moved to exit the room. “Yes your majesty. Have a good night’s rest.” Right before the two guards left, Celestia needed to ask them a question. “One moment please.” Her two most loyal servants stopped and turned around crisply to face their princess. “Did the two of you feel…anything... a moment ago?” Celestia asked. The two guards looked at each other then back at Celestia. One of the guards spoke “What do you mean your majesty?” Celestia smiled and waved a hoof. “It’s nothing. Carry on.” With the doors shut, Celestia was left alone to worry. Her guards confirmed her suspicions. The powerful tremor she felt was not an earthquake, but a single scream. The peace and harmony of Equestria had been assaulted, and it lashed out to defend itself. The deep and powerful magic that bound her to this land had awoken and Celestia knew nothing good ever came from such an occurrence. This was the first time in a millennium that Celestia had felt fear. The last time something like this happened was a thousand years ago when her sister rebelled. The memory caused the bottom of her stomach to drop from underneath her. “Luna!” She closed her eyes tight, concentrating on her magic to find her sister. She searched through trees and mountains, arching over the night sky in her mind before her concentration was interrupted. “Celestia!” Her sister’s voice brought sweet relief to Celestia. She broke the spell as her sister flew in through the open window. “Luna! Thank goodness.” Celestia exclaimed. She walked towards the window where her beloved sister was standing. Celestia thought how silly it was for her to think that her sister would betray her again. “Sister! I saw something fall,” Luna said running over to hug her big sister. “It was a star!” Celestia rubbed her neck along Luna’s mane, just glad that she was all right. “Tell me everything Luna. I’m Listening.” **** Twilight Sparkle was up before the sun and finished breakfast before the rooster could declare it morning. Her routine was organized to achieve maximum efficiency. After all, she wasn’t Princess Celestia’s number one student for nothing. After breakfast came her morning review. She hummed quietly to herself as she walked out of the kitchen and into the library’s main room. Twilight shook her mane and succeeded in releasing the last bit of weariness from her body. Now she was ready to begin reviewing her lessons from last night. Her horn glowed a pale white as she focused on “Known Herbs and Plants of the Ever-free Forest.” It gently slid between its neighbors, but stopped before it could come out all the way. Strange… Twilight thought. Maybe she was more tired than she actually felt. Twilight put a little more juice into her magic, but it barely had any effect. Twilight suppressed an angry snort, so as not to disturb her young assistant, who was sleeping on the balcony above her. She focused with all her might on retrieving her reading material. With her level of magic, this simple spell should have worked as intended with almost no effort. Instead, it took all she could to move the book another centimeter off the bookshelf. “Maybe I should just go back to bed.” Twilight wondered if waking up early every morning was the cause of this hindrance in her ability. Finally relenting, Twilight took a step away from the bookshelf, her horn glowing a pale grey all on its own. Without warning, the grey pulsating light expanded to encompass the entire library. Spike stumbled down the stairs; the recent commotion had woken him up anyway. “Twilight? What’s going on?” He asked half awake. “I don’t know spike!” Twilight responded. “My horn just started doing stuff on its own!” The glow pulsated three times, and on the third pulse, all books were pulled violently from their shelves. The books levitated in the air without moving before piling into a half circle around them. It was then Twilight understood. “Unicorn magic…” She mouthed, awed at what was transpiring around her. “What?” Spike asked, now fully awake after seeing all of his work for the next couple of days lying on the floor. Cleaning everything up was not going to be easy. “Unicorn magic spike! My horn is acting on its own! I’ve only heard stories, including how Rarity got her cutie mark, but I know that it’s trying to tell me something! All I have to do is let it…” Twilight was unable contain her excitement. She paced as she waited for her horn to take action again. After about ten seconds of nothing, she scanned the room and noticed that all the books within the library were on the floor, except for one book on a top shelf by the staircase. Twilight managed to get the book down to her level without magic. She blew off the dust and read the title out loud. “Old Mares’ Tales.” Intrigued, she opened the book to the only pages that her uncontrollable magic allowed: The story of Nightmare Moon, and a short story about “The Land of Twisted Metal.” She remembered this one from when her family used to gather around and tell creepy stories by the hearth. For some reason her horn was leading her to these stories. Unable to stop herself from feeling excited she immediately started reading about the mysterious land. There was a sketch above the title of the old mare’s tale. It was a silhouette of jagged edges. Twilight guessed them to be mountains. On top of one of the center mountain there was a weird insignia resembling that of a closed eye. Spike started working on cleaning up. But no sooner had he reached down to pick up the first book, when he burped shooting out green flames from his mouth. The fire quickly dissipated to reveal a note hastily tied with red ribbon. “Twilight! A letter from the princess!” Twilight’s horn stopped glowing. But she was too distracted at the news to notice. “Well read it Spike!” She said turning around to face him. Spike cleared his throat. “My most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle I am dispatching chariots to Ponyville as soon as I am done with this letter. There is something I need you and your friends to accomplish. I’m sorry if this comes as very sudden, but the safety of all Equestria could be at stake. I promise I will explain everything once you and your friends reach me. Sincerely, Princess Celestia.” **** “That’s it!?” Cried a cyan Pegasus with rainbow mane. Rainbow Dash flew alongside three separate flying chariots carrying Twilight and the rest of her friends. The chariots were being pulled and guarded by more than a dozen royal guards. The chariots all flew in a tight formation, but Twilight still had to yell for her friend to hear her amidst the roaring wind. “The princess is asking for our help Rainbow! I’m sure she has her reasons for not telling us right away.” Twilight responded putting the scroll back into her saddlebag. “Maybe it’s a PAAAAARRTTYYY!” Cried an over-hyped pink pony one chariot over. The wind could do nothing to muffle the mighty voice of Pinkie Pie and everyone who heard it turned to look at her, including some of the guards. Sitting next to her, Applejack suppressed the urge to face-hoof. She put a hoof on her friends back and tried to let her down slowly. “I seriously doubt that, sugar cube. Why would princess Celestia send us such a serious letter if it were ‘fer a party?” “You don’t know what the princess is capable of Applejack.” Pinkie Pie said amidst a fit of giggles. “Oh that’s right! You don’t know.” Rainbow Dash joined in, stifling her own fit of giggles. Twilight was just as confused as Applejack. ‘Pinkie, what are you talking about?” “Oh Twilight. Princess Celestia likes to have fun just like anypony else. Where do you think we got the idea to replace all your ink bottles with disappearing ink?” Rainbow dash couldn’t control her self any longer and burst out laughing. “Yeah! At her get together she mentioned how she played that prank on you years ago.” Twilight could not believe her ears. She remembered that odd day of her filly days. One day Twilight was given the task to transcribe all of the Princess’ conversations for practice in writing with magic. The results were disastrous due to the simple fact that her notes kept disappearing. Now she knew why the Princess was very lenient with her punishment and looked overly pleased with herself that day. “I was panicking all week!” Twilight replied fully aghast. “I know! She told us!” Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash squealed together. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash’s laughter was contagious and Applejack couldn't help but laugh herself. When the laughter died down Applejack sighed and smiled. Hoping against hope that it truly was all a joke. She had resolved long ago that she would break all four of her legs if it meant protecting the people she loved. She leaned over the right side of her chariot, to check on her other friends who have been relatively quiet for the entire trip. She cupped her hooves around her muzzle to yell out. “Hey Fluttershy! How’s Rarity doin’?” The wind did a pretty good job of silencing the words of the quiet mare. Applejack had to read the mare’s mouth to understand her response. “Um..She’s fine…I think.” *** Rarity had a near panic attack when Twilight went to fetch her with the guarded chariots. “An audience with her Royal Highness!? At this hour!? In Canterlot!?” Rarity screamed out. “Sorry Rarity, but the princess says it urgent and--” Twilight didn’t get to finish her sentence. Rarity launched herself into the bathroom, furiously trying to wash off her over night beauty products. It was several minutes before the Royal Guards moved over to Twilight’s side. “Miss Sparkle, I apologize but we must be quick. It’s the Princess’ orders.” Twilight Sparkle sighed deeply and nodded her head. “Fine, lets go get her then.” She finally gave in, but allowed the Royal Guards to go in first. They were wearing armor after all. *** Rarity kept herself down to avoid the whipping wind from ruining her hair. She was in the midst of checking herself for any last imperfection she might have missed when the chariots began to descend. The chariots landed on a wide balcony of the Royal Palace. Rarity was among the first to disembark. She cleared her throat and approached the guards who were pulling her chariot. “Gentlecolts, I do believe I owe you an apology.” The two Royal Guards who braved her domain merely shrugged. “There’s nothing to apologize for ma'am.” Said the first guard. Sporting several hoof marked sized bruises on his face and neck in addition to the several dents in his armor. The second guard turned his head to the side and spit out a loose tooth before responding. “We would die for our princess ma’am.” His helmet was missing, revealing a patch of frazzled mane. Rarity smiled awkwardly. “I’m sure your devotion and love for Equestria knows no bounds. I promise I’ll fix and return your helmet as soon as I am able.” “There is no need, I can get another one from the Royal armory.” The guard responded. The two guards gave a slight bow and moved inside the palace, bringing the chariots inside. Twilight passed them and winced as she saw the injuries of the two brave souls who dared to rip Rarity from her beauty products. She turned her attention to their surroundings and immediately recognized their landing space. They were on a staging platform for the royal guard flying patrols. She used to come here to watch the Royal Guards perform aerial maneuvers with the princess. Not long after they landed, they heard the flutter of great wings, and the ponies looked up to see Princess Celestia descending from her royal chambers, closely followed by her sister Princess Luna. Everypony bowed low and deep in respect, but Celestia would have none of it. “Rise my friends, you don’t have to be so formal with me.” Twilight smiled at that comment, feeling rather pleased with herself. Pinkie Pie was the first to rise and nearly jumped on the Princess. “Ooo! Ooo! Your Majesty! What’s the surprise! Is it a Party? Does Luna know what it is?” Pinkie Pie drew the biggest intake of air, in one of her trademark Pinkie Pie gasps “Is it her birthday!? Is it, is it, is it?” She said hopping around Luna who was a little taken a back by the pink blur. Celestia laughed, but it almost sounded forced. Twilight noticed that her long magical flowing mane seemed less colorful and felt much less alive and extravagant. Something unpleasant twisted inside Twilight’s heart. “I’m afraid not Pinkie. The situation is much more serious than that.” Her expression was that of happiness but it was difficult to hide what she really felt. “Is everything alright Princess?” Fluttershy asked, walking up to her with those eyes that could heal even the most broken of hearts. “No. I’m not alright.” Celestia made eye contact with each Element of Harmony, remembering each of their concerned faces. Even Pinkie Pie stopped bouncing and sensed the seriousness of the situation. For the first time in a while Celestia saw her wear a frown. “I am calling you here today to ask for your help. The peace and harmony of this world has been disturbed and all of Equestria could be in Jeopardy.” That unpleasant feeling in Twilight’s heart grew to include her stomach. In all the years she was her student, this was the first time in she saw the Princess this disturbed. Luna cleared her throat, wanting to get straight to the point. “Last night a star fell from the sky and hit the earth. This is something that has never before happened in the history of Equestria.” Celestia nodded. “Therefore I am hereby ordering an expedition to the place where the star fell. We must find out why it fell, and if evidence suggests, find out who is responsible.” Twilight instinctively raised a hoof and Celestia nodded, giving the ok to ask a question. “Sorry princess…but do we have reason to suspect foul play? And if so who could possibly have the power to cause a star to fall?” Celestia turned to her sister, who responded. “The star fell under my watch. I know everything about the heavenly bodies in my domain and there was something very unusual about this star. For one thing the star remained intact during its descent. Nothing the firmament could do to tear it apart worked.” Fluttershy looked incredibly disturbed. “Why would something do that to a star?” “It’s for protection.” Celestia said plainly. “Everyday thousands of rocks unwillingly pass through our skies, but very little, if any at all actually make it all the way down.” “It’s why we see meteor showers.” Twilight said smiling at her friend, reminding her of that spectacular event they experienced not to long ago. “If the firmament wasn’t in place we would be showered by rocks daily, nopony would be safe.” Luna nodded, and Fluttershy smiled shyly. “Oh. Now I understand…thank you.” Celestia continued. “So now you understand the importance of knowing exactly what happened. Twilight, you and your friends will be part of this expedition. I believe the elements of harmony will be important assets in facing any challenges ahead.” “Leave it to us princess!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed while lifting off the ground and doing a somersault. The idea of going on another adventure resonated pleasurably in her mind. “Calm yourself now Dash.” Rarity added. “Were still in the presence of Royalty.” Rarity cleared her throat. “We would be more than happy to accept such a distinct honor. Where do we find this star?” “My sister can answer that one.” Celestia said glancing over to Luna. Luna nodded and stepped forward to address them. “It fell to the far west, beyond the frontier region.” “Beyond the Frontier Region?” Applejack asked slightly surprised. “Well, this is going to be some expedition if were goin’ that far.” “The Land of Twisted Metal!” Twilight exclaimed out loud. “Oh that’s just an old mare’s tale.” Rarity said making a gesture with her hoof. “So was Nightmare Moon!” Twilight exclaimed excitedly. Luna smiled awkwardly while tapping the ground with her fore-hoof. “Twilight is right. That is the most likely place the star has fallen according to what Luna has told me. As expected of my most faithful student.” Celestia said causing Twilight to blush furiously. “Who else is coming on the road trip?” Pinkie asked, forgetting the serious nature of their expedition. Celestia cleared her throat. “Gene! Garret!” She called out. To Rarity’s surprise the two guards who sustained her…resistance…flew to her majesty’s side. “Yes your highness!” They said. “These are two of my most loyal guards. You met them during our little get together at Ponyville.” She cleared her throat and turned to her guardsmen. She took note of their injuries before asking: “Are you two ready for travel?” “Yes your highness!” They said again in unison. Celestia nodded. “Very good. You two will be taking commands from my sister from now on, are we clear?” “Yes your highness!” “Please take care of her during the expedition.” Celestia said with emphasis. “Tia!” Luna exclaimed realizing what her sister was planning. Celestia nuzzled her sister neck. “You don’t think I would let you miss the chance of making friends and going on a great adventure, do you little sister?”

Ar0k

280

Braeburn,Main 6,Original Character,Philomena,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Trixie,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,Comedy,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Falling Stars

A multi-universe crossover

incomplete

<p>What exactly were the four stars who aided in Nightmare Moon's escape? What happens when a star crashes into the earth causing the very foundation of Equestria to tremble? An expedition is dispatched by the Princess of the Sun, to the land where the star made contact. A land beyond the control of even the mighty rulers of day and night. Join Luna, Twilight ,Trixie and the rest of the expeditionary force as they journey across uncharted territory, unravel the mystery of the falling star and discover a threat far worse than the destruction of harmony. </p><p>AUTHORS NOTE: Be aware that the shipping in this story could be classified as light-shipping or friend-shipping. I left the shipping tag out initially, but since the relationships between the characters are a big part of the story I felt compelled to add it. Also, a new summary is in the works, one that best shows the reader what to expect in this crazy fanfic.</p>

teen

2011-12-06T12:47:32+00:00

2011-12-06T12:47:32+00:00

Luna trotted down the luxurious aisles of the Royal train car, amazed at how quickly and efficiently her sister organized everything. In the amount of time the chariots made the journey too and from Ponyville, Celestia had all supplies and resources secured and ready for transport to Canterlot’s mountain railway system. Two platoons of Royal guardponies escorted the supplies, moving through pre-planned routes for maximum security. When they reached the train platform, they had everything loaded and ready to go in 10 minutes flat. Garret and Gene arrived not much later after that, having left to retrieve Spike and some of Twilight's requested reading material. All in all, it was exactly thirty minutes from the time they finished their briefing to the time the Train started it’s long journey to the Frontier Region. Luna passed a door decorated with a carving of Princess Celestia. She paused a moment and marveled at her older sister. 1000 years of ruling by herself had turned her into quite the leader. She heard voices in the next room and recognized them belonging to Spike and Twilight “I don’t get it.” Spike said unpacking Twilight’s bag of books. “Who could Celestia be talking about?” Twilight was in the middle of sorting through her immense pile of books when she responded. “I was actually hoping you could help me remember.” She opened the book entitled “Old Mares Tales” and found the page about the Land of Twisted Metal. She bookmarked the page and put it away then noticed Luna peeking in from the doorway. “Oh princess Luna, I didn’t see you there!” Twilight bowed her head low in respect. Luna felt conflicted about seeing Twilight treat her this way. On one hoof she was indeed Royalty and this type of behavior from a loyal subject was appropriate, but on the other hoof she wondered if she could ever know who her friends were if they constantly treated her like Royalty. Could she even make friends at all? No. My sister considers them friends. I should as well. “Please don’t be so formal with me Twilight. If Celestia says that kind of treatment is unnecessary for her, then who am I to receive such treatment myself.” Twilight giggled softly as she lifted her head. “You’re our friend too princess” Luna tried not to look too pleased with herself after that last statement. “Is everything here to your liking?” She asked. “Oh yes princess! Everything is superb. You didn’t have to give us the luxury of riding in the palace’s royal train cars.” Secretly Twilight had always dreamed of riding on one of the Royal Train cars since she was a filly. She remembered trying to sneak on board the Train car one time and getting caught. She barely escaped trouble that time. Though she couldn’t remember how she escaped. “It was all my sisters doing so there’s no need to thank me.” Luna paused before adding: “Please call me Luna.” The two ponies exchanged smiles. Luna turned around to leave, but Twilight stopped her. “Pri… Luna can I ask you something?” Luna looked over her shoulder. “What is it?” she asked. “Princess Celestia mentioned that only one pony has ever made it to The Land of Twisted Metal. You wouldn’t happen to know who it was she was talking about, would you?” Luna shook her head. “I don’t. She didn’t tell you?” She was surprised that her sister would have left out something as important as to who their guide was. “Well…” Twilight said trying to find words to explain. “…she says that the pony is an old friend of mine from my filly days in Canterlot, but I don’t remember ever having friends before I came to Ponyville. She was very cryptic about it.” Luna sighed and then nodded, she understood her sister’s methods well. “All I know is that we are meeting up with the rest of the expedition team in Appaloosa. Maybe this pony is one of them.” Twilight shrugged. “I sure hope so. This mission is too important to spend time hunting down a guide.” ************* Meanwhile, in Appaloosa. “The Great and Powerful Trixie demands to know where you’re hiding him!” A pony with a light blue coat and navy colored cape asked the bartender with intensity. This was the fourth time she asked, and by this time her patience had completely dissolved. The bartender was not the least bit intimidated, and continued polishing a glass. “Now ya’ll could have asked nicely. We say please round these parts. But ya know what? Even if ya did, I don’t know nothin’ about Trot Steamer the Trail Blazer. Trixie’s eyes narrowed. She knew a liar when she saw one. Deception was her forte after all. Trail Blazers were the ponies of legend in the frontier region. They were cunning colts and mares, who carved out their names into this vast and dangerous land known as the Frontier Region. They had a lust for adventure that not even the mysterious lands of Equestria could satisfy. Being called a Trail Blazer was synonymous with being called a hero in the frontier region. It was not a title someone could claim. It had to be bestowed upon them by the people, as stories and rumors of these brave ponies and their deeds moved from town to town. Trixie understood all this. She also understood why the locals would protect such “heroes”, even if they were criminals. “Ok then, lets start over.” With a sly look on her face, she pulled from her cape a scroll sealed with red ribbon. It unrolled itself and clearly display the royal seal of Princess Celestia. “I am on a royal mission, assigned by the Princess of the sun herself. If at anytime I feel that my mission is in jeopardy, I am authorized to use any force necessary to remove the jeopardizing factor.” A faint glow covered the bartenders’ mug. It lifted out of his hands and zipped across the bar, smashing against the far wall. “That means dealing with liars who are trying to hide known fugitives!” The bartender furrowed his brow while Trixie let out an aggravated snort, ready for anything. At that moment the door to the salt bar swung open. A grey stallion with short white mane, only slightly larger than Trixie walked into the salt bar. He was wearing beaten, empty saddlebags and an equally beaten bandanna tied around his neck. He had dirty white rags tied around his hooves and an x like bandage applied onto the bridge of his nose. Trixie took note of the sudden visitor, seeing that the color of his coat and mane didn’t match the description described in the letter, she dismissed him as a random patron and returned to stare down the bartender. “What’s going on here Malt?” The stallion asked, feeling the tension in the room as he saw the mare and the bartender glaring at each other. “Lil’ miss great an’ powerful here’s lookin’ for Trot Steamer! Ya seen him?” His voice was loud and mocking in tone. The fire in Trixie’s eyes grew to dangerous levels. The grey colt looked down and saw shards from the mug. He frowned. “Listen miss…” The patron took a few steps forward cautiously, but a burst of magic prevented him from moving any further. Trixie barely nodded her head. Every table in the bar sprung up and formed a barrier between the grey colt and Trixie. “This doesn’t concern you stranger. I am on royal business from the princess herself. If you don’t know where Trot Steamer is, then I suggest you leave now before you get hurt.” The grey colt snorted. “You mean a Stallion with an orange coat and pink mane?” The barricade of tables were blown apart quicker than if they were trampled by an entire heard of buffalo. The light blue mare moved dangerously quick towards him causing the grey colt to back up several steps. “Tell me.” She said threateningly. “I’ll make you a deal.” The grey colt said smiling politely. “Meet me at the town square tomorrow at dawn, we’ll duel and If you win, not only will I tell you where he is, I’ll lead you to him myself.” Trixie’s eyes narrowed “I don’t trust you.” The grey stallion only returned the gaze. “I give you my word.” Trixie knew her victory was assured. The stranger wasn’t even a unicorn. He would be no match against someone with her magical skill, and that wasn’t her going on some ego trip either. At the same time she could tell that the colt in front of her was not trying to deceive her. He either must be really brave, really stupid, or both. "What's your name?" Trixie asked, watching him closely. The stranger paused a moment before answering plainly. "Grey." Trixie blinked. "That is the plainest name for an adversary." Grey rolled his eyes. She moved towards the door. “It's a Deal, and if you don’t show up. I’ll be back for the bartender.” “Oh Jolly.” Malt the bartender said lazily as he picked up a broom with his teeth and began cleaning up the mess. She gave the bartender and the grey colt one last look before exiting the doors of the bar. Once outside, her tough demeanor faded and she sighed long and deep. Trixie began the long and lonely walk to her inn when she noticed a streak of red and gold in the corner of her eye. A magnificent flaming bird swept down and landed on her flank. Trixie gave her companion a look and sighed again. “Yes Philomena I know that could have gone better.” The phoenix squawked and nodded. ************* Back at the Salt Bar the grey colt watched until the unicorn was out of sight before turning around to help his friend Malt straighten tables. “Now why’d you have to go and do that? Could’a just saved yerself a whole lotta pain and trouble if ya just told her.” Grey laughed. “And risk her blowing up the bar? Not a chance.” Malt and his friend picked up the last of the overturned tables and put it in place. Malt walked behind the bar and poured himself and his friend a round of sugar water. They sat in silence a while before Grey spoke. “You know...You didn't have to protect Trot like that. I'm pretty sure he can take care of himself.” Malt shrugged. "If ya say so.” They continued to sit in silence, sipping on sugar water. Malt suddenly burst out laughing. "What's so funny?" "Grey is such as stupid name" "Shut up."

Ar0k

280

Braeburn,Main 6,Original Character,Philomena,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Trixie,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,Comedy,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Falling Stars

A multi-universe crossover

incomplete

<p>What exactly were the four stars who aided in Nightmare Moon's escape? What happens when a star crashes into the earth causing the very foundation of Equestria to tremble? An expedition is dispatched by the Princess of the Sun, to the land where the star made contact. A land beyond the control of even the mighty rulers of day and night. Join Luna, Twilight ,Trixie and the rest of the expeditionary force as they journey across uncharted territory, unravel the mystery of the falling star and discover a threat far worse than the destruction of harmony. </p><p>AUTHORS NOTE: Be aware that the shipping in this story could be classified as light-shipping or friend-shipping. I left the shipping tag out initially, but since the relationships between the characters are a big part of the story I felt compelled to add it. Also, a new summary is in the works, one that best shows the reader what to expect in this crazy fanfic.</p>

teen

2011-12-05T12:48:09+00:00

2011-12-05T12:48:09+00:00

Maybe it was habit, nerves or both, but Twilight was up before the dawn. She unwillingly gargled on her drool before pushing herself up from what served as her pillow the entire night. ‘The book entitled Old Mare’s Tale’ was sparred the majority of Twilight’s drool, but many of her notes weren’t so lucky. Twilight groaned as she realized much of her work from her previous night was now stained with her saliva, nothing irreparable, but it was still a nuisance, not to mention gross. She noticed the absence of snoring and whispered out into the darkness. “Spike?” There was no response. She tried again but to no avail. Twilight comforted herself with the thought that spike had just left for the bathroom but she wanted to check his bed just to be sure. Spike set up his own sleeping basket on the ground by the foot of her bed. All Twilight had to do was peek over the edge to confirm her suspicion. As she moved to get off her bed she heard the fluttering of paper. Casting her light spell, she turned to catch the pages of Old Mare’s Tales, move. She tilted her head curiously and noticed that the book had turned itself to the short story about the Land of Twisted Metal. She blinked, trying to register what she saw. Twilight leaned in to inspect it further and caught a glimpse of the illustration, it was a crude drawing of jagged mountains and in the center of the jagged mountains was an insignia that looked like a closed eye. She blinked once and the insignia disappeared. She rubbed her eyes trying to make sure she was seeing correctly, but before she could take a second look, the sound of a basket being thrown across the room jolted her out of her bed. “Spike?” She cried out, her heart beating incredibly fast. She tried to increase the radius of her light spell, but the darkness around her was unnaturally thick and it only grew thicker. Twilight noticed that it was getting harder and harder to maintain the light spell and soon noticed that the darkness was pushing against her light. Very quickly the darkness became so heavy that it forced Twilight to her knees. “Don’t let them get me Twilight.” Shocked, Twilight looked up and saw spike looking out of the train car window. “Spike! Whats going on? HELP!” She said crying out desperately to her assistant. Spike’s head fell limp, and turned to face her slowly. His eyes were black and his mouth moved unnaturally. “Don’t Let the stars get me Twilight.” Twilight was at her limit. The pressure forced her to the ground and her light was reduced to a mere spark, barely brighter than a dying candle. Her chest could barely heave for breath “The stars are coming Twilight. They will tear us apart. They have no mercy.” Twilight could barely breathe, the pressure was so great. little by little she could feel herself being consumed by the darkness. A feint melody started playing in the background. “You have to stop them Twi...” The demonic spike froze, and Twilight could feel the pressure lessen to the point where Twilight could breathe. Spike now fully faced Twilight and placed both of his hands around his head. He screamed sounding very unlike the baby dragon Twilight knew and loved. It was foreign and demonic. The volume of the shrilling scream threatened to shatter windows, Twilight recognized the melody as a nursery rhyme her mother used to sing. Twilight realized that whatever it was that was controlling Spike was trying to drown out the melody. “Twinkle, Twinkle little star...” Twilight sang along, the pressure lifting from her with each verse. Twilight didn’t know where the music was coming from, but she didn’t care. “...how I wonder what you are...” Twilight couldn’t here Spike’s screaming anymore. It was being completely drowned out by the simple nursery rhyme. The music wasn't overpowering or loud, yet no amount of screaming from the demonic Spike could drown it out. Twilight was able to lift her head now, and her magic was now flowing abundantly from her horn, causing much of the darkness to shrink away. Twilight was able to catch a glimpse of the night sky outside her window. Hundreds if not thousands of lights streaked downward through the sky and somehow she knew what they were. Stars. At that moment she watched in terror as Spike threw himself out of the train. *** “NO!” Twilight yelled, sitting bolt upright. Her bed was wet, but not from drool. Fresh sweat and tears poured from her face and body. She saw the Old Mares’ Tales book sitting next to her closed. She yelled and kicked it off her bed with a violent stroke of her rear leg. Twilight then poured everything she had into her magic. The candles and lights in her room flared up like dragon fire, threatening to set the whole train ablaze. “Spike!” She called out, moving swiftly over to the foot of her bed. The basket was empty. “Oh no.” She looked over to the window and noticed that it was closed and unbroken. She galloped to the door and almost rammed it open. She ran down the hallways and knocked on everyponys door. There was no answer. Her heart was beating faster and faster. She finally reached the luxury compartment and swung it open. “Spike? Anyone?” She yelled. “Twilight? Are you ok?” Asked a baby purple dragon sitting next to the car door. All of her companions were in the luxury car, including the two guards and Luna who were all looking at her with worry. Twilight looked into her assistants eyes. They were cute and kind and no longer the black terror she witnessed before. Sighing with relief, she hugged him with all her strength. “Yes...I’m Fine...just a terrible nightmare.” Spike kept trying desperately to break from her hug. “Eeeewww Twilight. You’re all wet and sticky.” Twilight released him and turned to assure her friends of her sanity, but by the look on everyone's faces she saw that none of them looked surprised. “Why are all of you up?” She asked. But deep down she already knew the answer. “Rough night?” She laughed nervously. All of her friends simply nodded in complete silence. *** It turns out everyone had a nightmare that night. They were each different in their own way, but they all held the same variables in common: A possessed loved one, the loved ones message about the falling stars, and the nursery rhyme Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star being played on what sounded like a guitar. Luna and Twilight were engaged in rapid fire discussion with Spike trying to follow along with his quill and parchment the best he could. “This can’t be a coincidence.” Twilight said to Luna, pacing back and forth. “The possibilities of all of us having dreams with the exact same parameters, even WITH extensive hypnosis or even seeing unintentional suggestive stimuli, the possibilities are astronomical Luna nodded. She looked calm, but her own dream nearly drove her insane. It had felt so real. A demonic Celestia with her coat slowly being burned off. She shook the image from her mind. “It had to be magically induced. We’ll send my sister this report immediately, Celetstia will know what to do. ” Pinkie Pie was unusually quiet. Never a good sign. She sat by the window, gazing up at the starry sky muttering something to herself. Rarity and Applejack were doing their best to sooth a weeping Fluttershy. Applejack tried telling her a story about how Big Mac lost a bet and had to stroll down Ponyville in one of Granny Smith’s old Girdles. This did nothing and Fluttershy continued to cry. Rarity gave Applejack a disapproving look and instead put both of her arms around the poor filly. “There, there...” She cooed. “Cry all you want. Were here for you.” Fluttershy leaned herself into Rarity, still not taking her fore hooves away from her eyes. Applejack frowned and joined Rarity in embracing the sensitive pony. Rainbow Dash sat down on a mattress in front of Garret and Gene. The two stalwart royal guard ponies seemed the least affected by the nights events. Their presence was comforting to her, but of course she would never admit it. She decided to start conversation with them to get her mind off of her own nightmare. “So.” She began, while hiding her nerves very well. “You two were the same ones at the get together for the Princess right?” There was a pause, before the guards nodded simultaneously. “That’s what I thought, It’s hard to tell you apart sometimes. All you Royal Guard ponies look alike.” The guards did not respond. “Did you guys have dreams too?” She asked not wanting to make eye contact. Once again no response. Dash was beginning to get irritated, and raised her voice. “Well? Yes or no?” “I nodded yes.” Rainbow Dash turned her head to look at Garret surprised. “Oh. Sorry. I wasn’t looking.” Almost immediately after Dash finished her sentence a thought struck her. “Hey! You talked to me!” Rainbow Dash smiled widely, perhaps the first pony on the train to give an authentic smile since the beginning of this chaos. Garret opened his mouth and then closed it again. Gene gave him a sidewards glance before sighing. Even if this was the only thing Rainbow Dash would get out of this conversation, it was still a significant improvement. Not to mention a significant victory for her ego. Feeling rather pleased with herself she stared at the two guards in what would soon become a staring contest. The guards remained stoic. It quickly became a game of who could move first and every time dash saw an eye twitch or even a chest rise from taking a breath, she called them out on it. As dash turned her head to look out the window, she noticed a deck of playing cards sitting at the corner of the table. “Say. Are you guys allowed to play cards?” As expected she got no answer from them, but she did get a response from a revitalized Pink pony. “Omigosh did somepony say cards!?” Rainbow Dash raised the deck in her hooves smiling. “Care to sit in for a game of “E.R.S.” Pinkie Pie?” Pinkie bounded herself onto Rainbow Dash. The guards looked on unamused. “Would I?! Cards right now are the perfect thing to get our minds off of those awful-waffle dreams.” “Did ah hear someone say E.R.S.?” Applejack said walking up to the table. “Hey Fluttershy! Ya wanna sit in fer a game?” Fluttershy, who was feeling considerably better thanks to their comfort was about to exit the luxury car with Rarity following her closely. “Oh. No thank you, I think I’m going to go wash up in the bath car.” She looked pleadingly at Rarity. “Uhm Rarity...would you go with me? I’m kind of scared.” “Oh absolutely darling! A bath right now sounds perfect!” Rarity said following her. She stopped by the door and looked at Twilight, or rather smelled her. Out of all of them, Twilight was the most affected, physically by the nightmares. “Care to join us darling?” She asked, which sounded more like “You smell worse than a hydra bathing in tar.” For the first time Twilight was aware of how badly she needed a good cleaning. She laughed and replied. “Sure.” With a nod, Twilight left. Leaving Luna and Spike to investigate the ruckus at the table. “There ya’ll are! Come an sit!” Applejack said scooting over to allow Luna and Spike to squeeze into the already crowded table. “I don’t suppose ya’ll know how to play E.R.S?” she asked. Luna looked confused. “Uhm...E.R.S?” She asked. Pinkie cut off Applejack’s attempt to respond. “It’s short for Equestrian Rat Screw and its sooooooo much fun! Though It’s best to play with a stomach full of cupcakes. The sugar helps a lot and makes the game that much more intense!” Luna merely nodded her head unsure of how to proceed. This was the first time in over a thousand years that she played a game with someone other than her sister. Applejack and the rest of the group took turns explaining the rules and within minutes they were playing the game. Hooves struck the tables as the game went on through the night. Luna wasn’t very good at first but after she got the hang of it she was able to beat out rainbow dash and even Pinkie Pie in a couple of swipes for the pile. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were the reigning champions of E.R.S. Back in Ponyville. After everyone else was eliminated, they took the occasion to settle their rivalry for the E.R.S. throne. After several rounds of Pinkie and Dash going back and forth Dash finally found herself slipping up and eventually lost the title to Pinkie Pie. “I...hate...losing.” Rainbow Dash said out loud, putting on a sour face. Pinkie Pie suppressed a chuckle. “Oh cheer up Dashie! You’ll get me next time.” Rainbow Dash was sour. She turned away and looked at the guards in front of her. A plan formulated in her mind and the sour frown turned into a mischievous grin. “Hey Princess Luna?” Dash asked not taking her eyes off the guards. Garret and Gene only returned her gaze. Wondering what she was up to. Princess Luna was in the middle of being taught how to shuffle cards by Spike and Applejack when the voice of Dash reached her. “What is it Rainbow Dash?” Dash held her stare with the guards. “Didn’t Princess Celestia say these two gentlecolts have to follow your orders?” “Yes. Why do you ask?” Luna said unsure of where this was going. Rainbow dash gave the guards one last smirk and moved over to Luna’s side. She whispered something into her ear causing Luna’s expression to turn from confusion to the same mischievous smile as Dash. She cleared her throat in a very Celestia like way. “Gene. Garret.” “Yes your majesty!” The two guards said as crisply as they addressed the princess of the moon. “I order you two to loosen up.” The guards paused in their reply. “Your majesty?” They asked, again simultaneously. Luna tried to keep a straight face. All the ponies around the table knew what Luna and Rainbow Dash were up too. Pinkie Pie’s grin almost split her face in half. It wasn’t that they wished the guards any harm or embarrassment, but no pony could deny that with the guards being so stiff, it made getting to know them difficult, and even more difficult to befriend them. “You heard me. Take a load off and play a game of A.R.S...” Spike gave Luna a nudge and corrected her. “Sorry. I order you to sit down and play a game of E.R.S. with us.” Every pony at the table turned to see the guards reactions. Gene and Garret visibly adjusted their posture, as if unsure how they should be sitting. “Well?” Luna maintained the tone of command. It was Gene who responded. “At your command your majesty.” All ponies around the table cheered, Rainbow Dash looked especially pleased with herself. The guards shot her a dangerous look, to which she responded only with a grin. As Spike was dealing out the cards Pinkie Pie got an Idea. “I know how to make this game even more interesting.” Pinkie Pie said slyly. “The winner gets to give each loser a single dare and they have to do it no matter what.” Rainbow Dash gasped. “That’s brilliant Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow Dash couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought of this sooner. She knew that this could be the chance of a lifetime to humiliate these guards, and get a big laugh. Maybe she would make them do funny poses? Or perhaps sing? The possibilities were endless. *** It was a slaughter. No pony could have predicted the power and skill the guards possessed in the game of E.R.S. When it was announced that dares would be given to the losers of the next round. The guards gave each other a look and nodded. They knew what was at stake: Their pride. Their honor. Their dignity. All would be taken away if they did not at least make sure that the mare with the rainbow mane was soundly and swiftly defeated. Their reflexes were superb and their ability to work together without communicating and memorize the different patterns of cards was second to none. They were trained for combat after all, and what was a game of E.R.S. but another medium of battle? Spike was the first to be eliminated. Then Applejack. Then, to everypony’s surprise, Pinkie Pie, then Luna. Garret fell to Rainbow Dash, but it was of little consequence. Shortly after, a swift white hoof defeated the Rainbow maned behemoth sending her packing and leaving Gene as the victor. The Look on Rainbow Dash’s face was priceless to any pony who was watching. Every muscle on her face was defiant and she refused to look at the guard who claimed victory over her. The price of her loss was to “put on a dress and act like a lady for the rest of the night.” “Hey! What is that supposed to mean!? Rainbow Dash said taking offense that they didn’t even consider her a ‘Lady’ It was only too obvious that Gene was enjoying this. He wore a smile that gave everyone a the glimpse into the crack of the Royal Guards shell. Everypony else tried to hold back their laughter as they watched Rainbow leave the car and comeback in the only dress she could find: a mare butlers outfit, complete with a saddle apron and a head dress. Gene exercised his self-control for everyone else. Pinkie Pie who was noble in their struggle was asked to sing “I’ll never be your beast of burden.” In the most stallion sounding voice possible. Applejack was asked to speak like a Manehattenite to which she had no problem doing (much to everypony’s surprise). Spike was ordered to wear applejack’s hat and Garret was ordered to clear his throat. “HEY!” Rainbow Dash yelled flying upwards almost slamming herself on the ceiling. “What kind of a dare is that!?” “I don’t think your being very lady like miss Dash.” Gene said looking at her with satisfaction. Pinkie Pie only nodded and maintained her deep stallion voice. “Now now Rainbow Dash. It’s da’ rules.” “That it is darling. Surely you wouldn’t mind entertaining our victorious friends who beat you at your own game.” Said Applejack causing Rainbow Dash to gape in awe at the Applejack turned Rarity. She returned to her seat and sat in the most lady like position possible. Lastly it was Luna’s turn to receive a dare. She and Gene made eye contact for a brief moment. Gene smiled and trotted around the table to the Princess. Everypony watched in anticipation. Luna was nervous. The dare couldn’t be that bad could it? I mean I am a princess and the Royal Guards are sworn to protect us. Gene wouldn’t abuse this power of a dare. “Your majesty.” Gene said after clearing his throat. “I apologize sincerely for this, but I dare you...” Everyone leaned in curious all except Rainbow Dash who knew the guard wouldn’t dare a Princess to do anything stupid. Gene cleared his throat again. If she didn’t know any better, Rainbow Dash would say that the guard was nervous. “I dare you to extend your hoof.” There was a slightly audible groan of disappointment filling the room. Princess Luna felt relieved and extended her right hoof. “Like this?” She asked. “Like that.” Gene responded. In one motion he held her hoof and kissed it. The groan of disappointment turned to silence as everyone, including Garret, stared at Gene and Luna with jaws open. Luna was bright red as Gene released her hoof and trotted back to sit next to Garret who wore so much expression on his face that he almost looked like a different colt altogether. Gene coughed awkwardly. With that, their terrible dreams were forgotten. As the sun rose and filled the train cabin with its natural warm glow, a new day had dawned and everyone exchanged their faces of shock for other reactions appropriate to the situation. Such as teasing. In Appaloosa. A lone unicorn mare walked the dusty and deserted streets, looking for the grey colt who dared to challenge her. She knew full well what was at stake and this grey colt could be the key to fulfilling her mission.

Ar0k

280

Braeburn,Main 6,Original Character,Philomena,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Trixie,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,Comedy,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Falling Stars

A multi-universe crossover

incomplete

<p>What exactly were the four stars who aided in Nightmare Moon's escape? What happens when a star crashes into the earth causing the very foundation of Equestria to tremble? An expedition is dispatched by the Princess of the Sun, to the land where the star made contact. A land beyond the control of even the mighty rulers of day and night. Join Luna, Twilight ,Trixie and the rest of the expeditionary force as they journey across uncharted territory, unravel the mystery of the falling star and discover a threat far worse than the destruction of harmony. </p><p>AUTHORS NOTE: Be aware that the shipping in this story could be classified as light-shipping or friend-shipping. I left the shipping tag out initially, but since the relationships between the characters are a big part of the story I felt compelled to add it. Also, a new summary is in the works, one that best shows the reader what to expect in this crazy fanfic.</p>

teen

2012-06-11T05:23:37+00:00

2012-06-11T05:23:37+00:00

Loose dirt kicked up into the air as a light blue unicorn mare trotted down the streets of early morning Appaloosa. The streets were quiet. If any other pony passed through this particular frontier town that morning, they would have assumed it deserted. Frontier towns such as Appaloosa never really slept, there was always something that needed doing; new fences to fix, new resource issues to address, but now it looked as if everypony had abandoned it to the wild tumbleweeds. In other words Appaloosa had turned into a ghost town. This strangeness did not bother Trixie. There was only one pony she was interested in seeing. The pony called Grey, who dared to challenge her and her mission. If all went well, the duel would not last long and she would be hot on the tail of the Trail Blazer before the royal guests would arrive to claim him. She heard the fluttering of wings above her. It was her companion Philomena flying ahead, probably to see for herself if the grey colt had kept his promise. Sure enough as Trixie entered the town square, she saw the dark grey colt with white mane standing there expectantly. His appearance was only slightly different from the night before. The bandages were still applied around his hooves and he still wore the torn up saddlebags. The only difference was that he wore a dirty train engineers hat along with the x shaped bandage applied above his nose. “Nice bird.” He commented, following Philomena with his gaze. “She yours?” The great and powerful Trixie stopped a safe distance from him, but not too far, in case he decided to run. “That bird is a Phoenix! And she is not mine. She belongs to her royal highness Princess Celestia. She is also my partner!” “Is that so?” Grey replied finally taking his eyes off the bird and turning his attention to the unicorn mare in front of him. “Now do you understand who you’re dealing with? I am on a royal mission to find Trot Steamer. You say you know where he is. If you tell me now, I will spare you the humiliation of losing to me.” Her brows furrowed. “Not to mention a lot of pain...” Grey, examined Trixie with curious eyes. He knew the look of wanting to prove oneself well, and this particular pony was nearly bursting at the seems with the desire to do just that. But there had to be more to it. What could have possibly made this mare so bitter? He mentally shook himself. Now was not the time for such thoughts. He had more pressing concerns on his mind such as; why are the streets deserted? He wondered if yesterday Malt had spread the word of their little encounter and people left to avoid trouble. But that would be impossible, sheriff Silver Star would never allow such a conflict to take place at all, which in all honesty, he was counting on. Now it seemed he had no choice but to continue with the duel. Or he could just tell her about Trot Steamer, but what would he risk if he did? Jail time? An auditing? Trixie watched the wheels turn in his head, gauging how much her intimidation act worked, if at all, but she quickly lost patience. “Well?” She nearly shouted. “A deal is a deal. If you beat me in our duel, I will lead you to him.” Grey didn't even finish his sentence before, Trixie’s horn started to glow, but the grey colt raised his hoof and waved it frantically. “Woah, Woah! Not here. If you’re as great and powerful as you say you are, I don’t want any damage done to this place. Follow me.” Trixie raised an eyebrow and lessened her magic output but she didn’t lower her guard. She nodded up at Philomena. The phoenix understood and flew ahead of the dark grey colt, looking to see if this colt was leading her into any kind of danger. They moved passed the sheriff's office and through an apple orchard. Eventually they came to a clearing. What they found there, caused their mouths to drop. The clearing was lined with rope, and makeshift bleachers had been built. Filling these bleachers, was every resident of Appaloosa. In the center of the ring was a yellow pony dressed in a brown vest and a cowboy hat. “Ladies and Gentlecolts! The main event has arrived! Yeeeeehhaaawww!”” The crowd went wild. Ponies jumped, cheered and waved their hats in the air. Even the little foals were getting into it. The two ponies were dumbstruck. Grey spotted Malt by the edge of the clearing leaning on the ropes. Malt shrugged his shoulders. “Whatcha lookin’ at me for? It's Breyburn’s idea...” Breyburn continued to yell out to the crowd. “Remember ya’ll! This ere entertainments sponsored by Malt’s Salt Bar! Don’t forget to support our local waterin hole ya here!” The crowd cheered again and Grey shot Malt a dangerous look. Malt returned the look with an awkward grin through his mustache. Grey turned to apologize to the light blue mare, but Trixie was nowhere behind him. Trixie had already stepped into the wide ring, leaving her cape hanging over the rope. She looked over her shoulder at him. “Are you going to duel, or run away?” Grey took note of the subtle excitement in her voice. It was well hidden, but it was still there, the look in her eyes was undeniable. Long had Trixie decided to leave her life of show business behind. But she could not deny the effects of the crowd. Her spirits soared when the crowd cheer. Sparks flew from her horn, and the crowd edged her on. Grey sighed and crouched under the ropes. As he walked to the other end of the ring Breyburn walked over to him. “Ya’ll put on a good show now ya hear?” “Breyburn...” Grey replied, his voice low and dangerous. Breyburn only laughed. “Oh come on now... The town’s itchin for some excitement! Ever since mah cousin Applejack and her friends helped us with the buffalo situation, things have been getting a tad bit quiet around here.” Grey said nothing. “By the way do you wanna be called by somethin else? Grey is just so...” Breyburn said placing a hoof on his friends shoulders. "No!" "Awright! No need ta get testy! Sherriff Silver Star’s watchin so I wouldn’t get to scared about that mare tearin ya a new one. “I'm not scared...” Grey muttered under his breath, while trying hard to believe it. Trixie pawed the ground in anticipation. Breyburn shrugged and ducked out of the ring. Grey resigned himself to dueling this unicorn. As he saw the look of fire in Trixie’s eyes, he couldn’t help but feel his own fire growing. Whatever it was that this unicorn was keeping bundled up, it was about to be released in the following moments. It inspired him to take some of his own baggage and bring them to bear. He stomped the ground and pawed it, lowering his head to signal that he was ready. Trixie was a little taken aback by Grey’s sudden display of gusto, but it didn’t bother her much, the advantage still lay with her. She was a unicorn and he was a bellow average sized earth pony stallion. Still, she would not underestimate him. The two duelers stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, before Breyburn yelled at the top of his lungs. "BEGIN!” ***** “Heeeellooooooo? Anypony Hoooooome?” Pinkie Pie was hopping around the train station of deserted Appaloosa, looking everywhere for a single mare, colt, filly or foal. She checked under the train, in the outhouse and even inside some tool crates, but no pony could be found. The rest of her friends had spread out through the town, trying to find any clue as to the whereabouts of the Appaloosa citizens. “I don’t get it. Where did everypony go?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed coming back from flying through the town. Applejack met up with her at the town square. “Ah don’t know. But this can’t be a good sign. Maybe we should check the Apple Orchard?” Applejack replied, suddenly feeling worried about her cousin Breyburn, not to mention the apple tree Bloomberg she loved so much. “That might be a good idea. If we can find any animals. Maybe they can tell us where everpony went.” Said Fluttershy coming out of the sheriff's office, followed closely by Rarity. “Certainly not the best start to our expedition, but I think we should wait and see what the others have found first.” Princess Luna and Twilight were walking the perimeter of the town. Both Gene and Garret flanked the two on either side, their wings outstretched, alert for anything that might happen. “This isn’t good. First those crazy dreams, and now Appaloosa has turned into a ghost town?” “It certainly is strange isn’t it.” Luna said, observing a ball of tumbleweed blow across the desert. She noticed Twilight looking around nervously, and decided to calm her nerves. “We shouldn’t jump to conclusions just yet. Perhaps the citizens are at some sort of event, like an outing?” “You’re right princess. I shouldn’t get all paranoid just because of a few coincidences.” “I thought I ordered you to call me Luna.” The princess declared in a mock tone of command. Twilight couldn’t help but giggle. “Sorry Luna, old habits.” They met up with everyone in the center of town, and just as Twilight and Luna were about to share that they had found nothing at all... *FWAKOOOM!* The ground shook from a massive explosion. A mushroom cloud of dirt and debris formed in the direction of the apple orchard. ***** “HOLY TAP DANCING FILLIES!” Yelled Grey as he emerged from a large newly formed crater. He was covered by so much dirt and debris that it looked like his coat had turned completely brown. Breyburn sat at the edge of the roped clearing with his hat missing and his jaw wide open. Malt came out from behind an apple tree, dusting himself off. “Ahm beginning to think this wasn’t such a good idea.” Grey stumbled a bit as he tried to get his bearings, looking around for any sign of his opponent. The faint glow of a horn alerted him. He squinted and was able to make out a dark silhouette moving through the cloud of dust towards him. Trixie was closing the distance between them slowly, the intent to kill fully apparent on her expression. “Do...you...yield?” She asked. Grey felt his courage falter. His legs shook. What kind of mare was this? It was the first time he met a unicorn with this much power and killer intent. But then he reminded himself that there was a first time for everything…except quitting. Grey steeled himself against the unicorn and stood in defiance. The crowd watching in the bleachers took this time to recover from their shock. They started clapping at first, then cheering at the spectacle before them. “He..Heh...Heh...” Grey laughed as he watched Trixie suppress her enjoyment. “You like that don’t you?” He said mockingly. “You enjoy the attention the crowd is giving you. Admit it.” Trixie stared at him, and replied with the same intensity as before. “Do, you, yield?” Suddenly a brown blur entered her vision. It turned out to be Grey's ruined saddlebags, thrown at her with remarkable speed. She swatted it away with a blast of telekinesis, but just as she did Grey was upon her. Trixie only had time to widen her eyes in surprise as he struck her with the full force of his body. They tumbled and rolled down the crater. As they landed. Grey found himself on top of the unicorn breathing heavily. “ADMIT IT!” He yelled with a fire that burned in his lungs. It was Trixie’s turn to feel fear. She limped up and away from him. Grey let her go. She repositioned herself a few feet in front of him. “No pony can move that fast...” She thought. “There ...must be some sort of trick to his method. There has to be.” She focused on her magic once more. Hundreds of apples rose from their trees and lingered in the skies. Grey looked up and realized what she was planning. Like rain, the fruit fell down with dangerous velocity. Grey bent, rolled, sidestepped, even ran around the slope of the crater. By the time the last apple fell. Grey had managed to dodge all but four apples, each leaving significant bruise marks on his flank and back. Grey managed to catch one of the last falling apples with his engineer hat. Using it as a sling he redirected the projectile back at Trixie. The apple broke on her forehead, casing the unicorn to stumble backwards in pain. Trixie was panting by now. The amount of magic she was using was beginning to take its toll. The crowd cheered again, this time for Grey. In fact they started chanting. But it wasn't Grey's name they were chanting... It started quiet at first but it grew to a loud and pulsating chorus. “Steamer! Steamer! Steamer! Steamer! Steamer!” The words suddenly registered in Trixie’s mind. She had been deceived. Looking up she saw Trot Steamer the Trail Blazer struggling to climb out of the crater. He finally reached the top and stood amidst the cloud of dirt that had yet to completely settle. “YOU!” She yelled angrily. Realizing that the colt she was looking for had been him all along. “Yeah.” Trot Steamer said panting “Me.” “The deal still stands. Want me? COME AND GET ME!” **** Everypony moved as quickly as they could towards the enormous cloud of dust forming over the apple orchard. Twilight gave Rainbow Dash a look. Dash understood and nodded. She zoomed ahead of the group to scout. They had just entered the apple orchard when they spotted Rainbow Dash flying back to them, followed by what looked like a flaming ball with wings. Applejack was in the lead, and stopped by the apple tree named Bloomberg to catch her breath, Everypony else followed suit. Luna and the guards landed behind all of them. Luna perked up her ears and listened intently. She heard the sound of battle mingled with... cheering? When Rainbow Dash returned, Twilight called out to her in between heaves of breathing. “What did you find? What’s going on?” Rainbow Dash stayed in the air as she yelled out what she saw. “There’s some sort of contest going on!” “Oooo a contest! I love contests! Are they bobbing for apples?” Another explosion rocked the orchard and everypony turned their heads to look at her. “What? That game can be so intense sometimes!” Rainbow Dash shook her head. “It’s not that kind of contest Pinkie Pie! It looks serious!” She turned to her side. “But look who I found!” What was originally thought of as a streak of flame manifested itself into a beautiful red bird. Everypony recognized her immediately. “Oh Philomena!” Fluttershy squealed happily. “It’s soooo good to see you!” The bird touched down on her hoof and greeted her with a happy “squawk.” “My sister sent her out to contact our expedition team. If she’s here, that means our team is!” Luna exclaimed walking in front of Fluttershy to greet and possibly have a word with the phoenix. But she wouldn’t get the chance, the phoenix took off into the air again and zoomed around all of them. With a burst of fire she streaked above the tree line and back towards the commotion. “Well we’re not making any progress standing here. Lets go!” Twilight said and ran at full speed. Everypony followed. **** Trot rolled back up to a standing position, just barely dodging Trixie’s latest attack. He looked at her and noticed the signs of fatigue his opponent was showing. He gathered himself, before calling out in a loud voice. “Do YOU yield?” The question caused Trixie to visibly twitch in anger. How dare he... How dare he! She thought to herself shaking sweat from her head and mane. Her third and final thought was expressed loud and directed towards the source of all her frustration. “HOW DARE YOU!” She took a step forward but it was difficult. Trixie knew she was at her limit. The beginning signs of magic strain were setting into her body. She looked at her opponent, staring him down. Trot Steamer stood at the opposite end of the ring, breathing hard but not looking anywhere near the end of his rope as she was. Though her face was defiant, her heart had already sunk. She was going to lose and she knew it. She could feel tears well up in her eyes. But she closed them, and shook them off, stomping the ground in determination. Not this time...No, not this time... She pleaded with herself remembering the night she ran away in shame and tears. A night she had never truly recovered from. The lie of the Great and Powerful Trixie had been revealed. Then it was known for all to see that the great and powerful Trixie wasn’t so great and powerful after all. She tried to fight the wounds from opening again by remembering her vow after the defeat. She would work hard and truly become a great and powerful unicorn, then the lie would become reality, thus wiping away her shame. But today all her studying and training wasn’t enough. Trot Steamer had indeed lived up to the title of Trail Blazer. She was going to lose, and not only let herself down, but the princess as well and in turn all of Equestria.” She could not bear the thought. "Please yield, please yield, please yield." Trot said repeatedly in his mind, not knowing if he could fully dodge another of Trixie’s explosions. He watched as the mare shook her head and realized that she was fighting another enemy this time. Herself. He frowned, but didn’t want to insult her pride by feeling sorry for her. A sudden cry erupted from the crowd. It was a young brown foal wearing an overly large cowboy hat. “Not yet Trixie! You can do it!” His father next to him pounded his hoof on the makeshift railing. “Come on now girl! You ain’t beat yet!” Several more members in the crowd cheered and waved their hats in the air. Trixie opened up her eyes in disbelief. Feeling the joy she once shunned fill her up again. Trot was taken aback by the crowd’s cheering. He looked down at Trixie and was surprised to see her smiling. He thought he saw a single tear run down her cheek. He smiled as well. Maybe this fight was needed. Maybe she needed an opportunity to rediscover what she loved? “Show business.” He grinned. “Looks like they love you Trixie!” He called out grinning widely. “Sh...Shut up!” was her response. He noticed something warm in her voice, confirming his suspicion. It was time to tear down the wall. “Well lets give em a show and end it already!” He yelled preparing to advance, but jumped away as he felt an odd sensation. He could feel rope snaking around him. He dove away just in time to prevent being tied up, and was shocked at what he saw. The rope that once surrounded the clearing had all come to bear upon him. He rolled, dove and ducked, urging all of his muscles to work overtime and prevent himself from being caught up in her trap. “You sly mare.” He yelled, feeling irritated about letting his guard down. “Come on.” Trixie said loudly to herself straining the glowing light around her horn. “Just a little more.” She could feel herself slipping. The ropes managed to coil themselves around one of Trot’s hooves. He shook it off but another rope took its place. He knew that if he kept this up defeat would be inevitable. There was only one option left for him. The effects of magic strain was beginning to affect her hearing. The world around her grew silent. Her vision was the next thing to fail. It only started to fade when she saw Trot galloping to her at full speed. Her magic rope wrapping around him, trying to restrict his movements. Trixie saw him a mere inches away before her vision went dark. Finally she felt something hit her. The two duelers tumbled onto the ground and slid into one of the many craters that now littered the clearing. **** “Woah...” Twilight and her friends stood in awe, at the devastation before them. There were craters everywhere. Smashed apples littered the scene. “See!” Pinkie Pie declared, pointing at all the smashed apples. “I told you bobbing for apples could be intense!” But everyone ignored her. What caught their intention instead was at the far end of the devastation, a grey blur had just knocked another light blue pony over and into a crater, followed by a swarm of sparkling rope. The crowd was silent, peering into the crater watching who would emerge. “This ain’t a contest.” Applejack said realizing what was going on. “This is a duel!” Twilight turned to her eyes wide. “But dueling is illegal in Equestria! Some pony could get seriously hurt!” Applejack shook her head. “Maybe in the main lands of Canterlot and Ponyville people would care...but out here...mah cousin says they happen often. Kinda like a sport.” “How barbaric!” Rarity put a hoof to her mouth, aghast. Applejack snorted. Rarity noticed movement around the crater. “Hey Twilight? Isn’t that?” Twilight and the rest of her friends each drew a deep breath. “IT IS!” She yelled. “That’s Trixie!” The crowd murmured. Emerging from the crater was a blue horn followed by hooves and then a head of mane. The poor pony seemed to have trouble climbing out, many in the crowd were worried. The pony fell limply over the side. She was unconscious. Pushing her out of the crater was Trot. He used his head to push her out with all of his might, digging his front hooves into the dirt to gain traction. He would use his back hooves to help but they were tied together tightly by rounds of rope, a lot of which still lay at the bottom of the crater. With one last effort, He was able to get her all the way out. With a little more effort, he got himself out as well and collapsed next to her breathing heavily. “Nice try miss great and powerful... Nice try...” He did it. He beat a unicorn as powerful as the mare next to him. Just one more adventure underneath his Trail Blazer belt. He felt accomplished and extremely relieved, who knew what that mare had in store for him had he lost. He heard the approach of several hooves. Looking up he saw two powerfully built Royal Guard Pegusi standing over him. “Well....Buck...Me...”

Ar0k

280

Braeburn,Main 6,Original Character,Philomena,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Trixie,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,Comedy,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Falling Stars

A multi-universe crossover

incomplete

<p>What exactly were the four stars who aided in Nightmare Moon's escape? What happens when a star crashes into the earth causing the very foundation of Equestria to tremble? An expedition is dispatched by the Princess of the Sun, to the land where the star made contact. A land beyond the control of even the mighty rulers of day and night. Join Luna, Twilight ,Trixie and the rest of the expeditionary force as they journey across uncharted territory, unravel the mystery of the falling star and discover a threat far worse than the destruction of harmony. </p><p>AUTHORS NOTE: Be aware that the shipping in this story could be classified as light-shipping or friend-shipping. I left the shipping tag out initially, but since the relationships between the characters are a big part of the story I felt compelled to add it. Also, a new summary is in the works, one that best shows the reader what to expect in this crazy fanfic.</p>

teen

2011-12-08T00:52:43+00:00

2011-12-08T00:52:43+00:00

"Seriously. You could have just asked nicely..." Trot mumbled as he lay on an uncomfortably shaped mattress in Malt's salt bar. Both he and Trixie were sitting together in private, resting their wounds in the quietest part of the bar: the backroom. Boxes of salt and food lined the walls. Though at first glance it looked dark and musky, It actually felt pleasantly comfortable. After the duel, the appaloosa citizens left and resumed their normal business around town, he and Trixie were escorted by the Princess and her friends to the Salt bar, until more appropriate accommodations could be found. He had a couple of ice bags sitting on his back, nursing some of the bruise marks acquired from his opponent an hour ago. "How was I supposed to know you weren't a wanted criminal? The princess' language was so... vague! Not to mention foreboding..." Trixie recalled the letter she received, as delivered to her by Philomena. To my faithful servant, Trixie. You have been a great help to me as Ambassador to the frontier region. I can't thank you enough for your voluntary services to me and the people of the Frontier Lands these past few months. But today I must impose on you a mission of great importance, and perhaps even great danger. I need for you to locate Trot Steamer, a Trail Blazer dubbed by the ponies of the west. I have enclosed a description, and what records we have of him here in Canterlot. He was last seen in Appaloosa, not too far from where you are now. Find him, and if necessary, subdue him. My sister and several of my friends will be arriving in Appaloosa to claim him tomorrow. I cannot say why. I hereby grant you the authority to use any force necessary to deal with any obstacle you encounter in fulfilling this mission. I wish you luck. Princess Celestia. P.S. I know I granted you authority, but please be gentle. For me. Please? Trot burst out laughing, not caring if his ribcage ached. "Yeah i think you failed that last bit." Trixie ignored the laugh. "The great and powerful Trixie, does what is necessary, and your friend Malt was less than cooperative... Even when I did ask simply." Trixie crossed her forehoof's and adjusted one of her own ice bags with her mouth. She was still recovering from overusing her magic and even simple telekinesis took a great deal of effort to accomplish. Trot was busy adjusting his own ice bags, to compensate for his laughter earlier. He must have bruised half his ribs trying to dodge so many of Trixie's attacks, Trixie couldn't help but feel impressed. The ponies of Appaloosa called him a Trail Blazer for a reason and her duel with him let her see only a faint glimpse as to why. "You're not angry about all this are you? About, me tackling you and...knocking you unconscious...beating you at the duel." "It was a respectable duel." She responded, her nose high in the air. "The great and powerful Trixie is gracious in defeat...most of the time. Besides…it was fun." That last part was barely audible, but it was enough to make Trot smile. "Well the great and powerful Trixie isn't so bad after all." He paused before adding. "Friends?" The atmosphere suddenly got very quiet and awkward. It was obvious Trixie wasn't expecting the offer. "I will consider it." Trot's smile didn't fade. "Works for me." The door to the back room opened. Gene and Gerret walked in, followed by the Princess. They positioned themselves on either side of the door and stood at attention. Princess Luna knelt down in front of them. "How are you feeling? Better?" Trot nodded politely. Trixie made a move as if to get up, but Luna stopped her with a raised hoof. She gave Gene a nod, who then reached into his gold armor, pulling out a white scroll tied in red ribbon. Trixie instantly recognized it as her letter from Princess Celestia. "I have to apologize for my sister. I am sure she didn't intend for such misunderstandings to occur." The letter floated down to Trixie who accepted it with outstretched fore hooves. As she did this, she watched Trot out of the corner of her eye. She felt a little uneasy being around him. There was something about him that just seemed…dangerous. Luna nearly jumped when he addressed her. "Excuse me, your Highness. I accept your apology. But you still haven't told me why you wanted to find me in the first place." He tilted his head curiously. "Did you need my help with anything?" The guards eyes narrowed suspiciously. They too were on edge. Especially after seeing the last part of the duel. No pony could move that fast. It looked almost unnatural. Luna took a breath and smiled. "Yes. We do. We need a guide." Trot looked at Trixie and then back at the Princess. "All this for a tour?" "Not a tour. An expedition. An expedition of great importance, and possibly great danger." Trot thought for a moment before shrugging his shoulders. "Fine then. Where too?" "Listen I can understand why you wo…what did you say?" "I said Ok. Where do you need to go? East? South? 30 degrees north by north west? My cutie mark is a compass like that found on a map. This is what I was born to do." Luna opened her mouth and closed it a couple of times, trying to untangle her tongue at how easily he agreed. She finally managed to get her words straight. "Actually, we don't know. The place were trying to go is…well… a legend. An Old Mare's tale if you will…" Trot raised an eyebrow, intrigued at what sort of adventure the monarch would have in store for him. "We need to go to the Land of Twisted Metal, or….at least…..west, far west beyond the frontier region. We're looking for something." Just like that, his intrigue dissipated. Any form of excitement, or good feelings that came with today's events, vanished into thin air. "A…and what makes you think I can take you there? If it's just an old mare's tale?" "It's real." Luna said plainly. "Well at least the land is, i don't know about all those stories and legends, but the land itself is real. The unknown region's beyond the frontier lands has been called several names in the past, and "Land of Twisted Metal" was one of them. I could never understand why though. But perhaps you can tell me? "Why would I be able to tell you?" "Because our records show that you've been there before. Several frontier towns have testified to it." Trot laughed slightly. "All exaggerated stories I assure you." He said confidently. "Sorry to disappoint you princess but I've never been there." Luna's heart sank. It would make sense. Ponies in the frontier region have been known to exaggerate the truth. Especially when it came to their heroes. "Your lying." All heads turned to Trixie, even the guards broke their stance of attention to look at the mare. "What?" Trot asked blankly. "You may have fooled me with an Alias, But I know a lie when I see one…No matter how good of a liar you are." There was silence. Trot got up and moved towards the door. The guards immediately stepped in front of Princess Luna who took a step back more so because of her guards aggressive motion to defend her. "Easy now." Trot said a little too cheerful for the tense atmosphere. "I just want to talk to Twilight Sparkle." "You know her?" Luna asked, stepping forward as much as the guards would allow. "Yup. Though i doubt she remembers me. It's been a decade and a half." The guards still didn't budge. "I promise I'll be back." Still no movement. Trot rolled his eyes. "If you don't trust me. You can come with me. Keep me tied up for all I care. I just want to see an old friend. I'll be back. I promise. I ALWAYS keep my promises. Both Gene and Garret looked at each other, then at the princess. Luna nodded. The guards parted allowing trot to pass. Garret gave Gene a look, before following him out of the room. Luna had qualms about letting him go, but at least it left her free to discuss a few matters with Trixie. ----- Malt's bar was fairly crowded. The duel earlier in the morning had earned him a good number of patrons, at least for today. Malt, sat at the bar entertaining the pink mare known as Pinkie Pie. He remembered her from her ridiculous dance routine some months ago. "Oooo what's this?" Pinkie pie asked looking at a small dish of white substance. At first glance she thought it was sugar. "It's salt." Malt responded, cautiously pushing the white substance forward. The pink pony took one lick before recoiling in disgust. "YUCK! That doesn't taste like sugar at all!" Malt raised an eyebrow. "Ah jus' said it was salt. It's not supposed to taste like sugar." He was taken aback when Pinkie Pie went back for another lick. "YUCK!" She declared again. Malt observed the pink pony for a moment while stroking his mustache. "If Ya hate it so much, then why do ya keep lickin' it." "It's just so…NEW!" She said excitedly, licking the plate yet again and wincing at the flavor. "I've got to tell my friends about this!" "Speaking ah which. Where are your friends? Ah haven't seen em around since the duel." Pinkie Pie sat up and thought for a moment. "Well Rainbow Dash is most likely napping, Fluttershy and Rarity are getting us rooms at the Inn, Applejack left with her cousin and Twilight…is talking to that pony over there!" She said pointing her hoof over her shoulder. Malt followed Pinkie's hoof to see Trot talking to a lavender unicorn with a Royal Guard pony closely behind him. Malt felt his heart stop as he saw the look on Trot's face. He knew that look all too well. At the table Twilight had just spilled her drink in shock, she let the contents spread across the table and spill into the floor, not taking her eyes off of the stallion standing in front of her. T…Trot Steamer!? Twilight exclaimed in the crowded bar. It took some convincing, but Trot finally got her to recognize him. "Yup that's me." He said. "But your coat was orange!…and your mane was…" "Bright pink…Yeah I know…" Twilight looked him up and down. He looked so different. "What happened to you?" "That's actually kind of related to what I'm about to ask you." He looked behind him. Garret was standing at the ready. "But first i want to talk about you. How's everything been since 15 years ago?" Twilight was taken aback by the question. How do you relate the last 15 years of your life to a pony you haven't seen in just as long? An even bigger question was, how could she allow herself to forget somepony like him? Twilight smiled and sat back down at the table, leaving the spilled drink to drip on the floor. She was ready to tell Trot everything. She owed him that. ---------- Outside, and behind the salt bar. Braeburn was backed against a corner with Applejack closing in on him quickly. "Now now cuz…" He said sinking to his haunches "Ain't No need to punish violence with violence." Applejack didn't intend to physically rough up her cousin, but his smart remarks weren't making it easy to restrain herself. "Ah can't believe you gone and took advantage of the situation like that!" "Hey now!" Braeburn replied trying to defend himself. "There wasn't no fee fer watching them duel! Ah jus went ahead and organized the darned thing." "Without their permission!?" Applejack exclaimed pressing her forehead against her cousin's, all the while starring daggers at him. "I understand duels are part of yer culture here in the frontier. But Ah remember a certain 'relative' o mine saying they were bout honor and settling disputes in a way tha' wouldn't involve nopony else…" Braeburn gulped. He did remember describing a duel to Applejack. He described it as the equivalent to the Iron Pony Competitions in the East. He was caught red hoofed, but he still tried to explain himself anyway. "Nopony else was involved. They just watched! An besides many ponies round town were goin tah watch anyway, might as well there be someone tah set boundaries! The ring was my idea ya know." Applejack sighed. This was as far as she wanted to get in scolding her cousin. "Well yah did good on that. But that don't excuse you from takin the struggle of two ponies and profitin from it." "I swear on my mother's grave that I didn't earn a single bit from it." The Salt Bar got free advertisin! And auntie Pumpernickel is alive!" Braeburn ignored her last sentence "That there was Malt's Idea! Not mine!" Applejack backed off of her cousin, finally giving him space to get up on all four hooves. Braeburn allowed her cousin to cool off for a moment before he asked the question everypony in town was burning to ask. "I don't mean tah change the subject but, what are ya'll doin here? Ya show up unannounced accompanied by royalty and their lackeys..." Applejack's temper flared up once more. "Garret and Gene are Royal Guards and I'll have you know that they are mah friends too! So Ah'd appreciate a little respect!" Braeburn extended his hoof in front of his cousins face. "Awright, awright Ah take it back. It's just that you know we don't like royalty as much out here, as ya'll do back in Ponyville. We emigrated out here fer a reason ya know." Braeburn hated to bring Politics into their discussion but it couldn't be helped. "Can ya tell me why you were looking fer him? Or is this some sort of secret mission?" Applejack considered this for a moment. There was nothing in the princess' instructions that said this mission had to be secret. But she still wanted to exercise caution just in case. "Ah can tell ya, but ya have to promise not to tell anypony…" Braeburn nodded. "And not to use duels as means tah profit off of anypony…" Again he nodded, but only after a little thought. Applejack took a breath. "Alright. Were on a mission to the land of Twisted Metal. We gotta find something that sorta... fell outta the sky. And I guess your pal Trot Steamer is the only pony who knows how to get there. We kinda..." Braeburn stopped her suddenly. "Woah there cuz! You didn't just use "The Land of Twisted Metal" and Trot Steamer in the same paragraph now did you!?" Applejack cocked an eyebrow. "So what if Ah did?" The look on Braeburns face made Applejack nervous. It was a look of incredible dread. "No, no, no, no, no, no! Ya can't do that Applejack! Ya can't even mention that place round him!" "Why not? He got a complex or sumthin?" "Ya'll could say that! This is bad cuz!" Braeburn was restless. How long did he have until the princess, or anypony for that matter mentioned anything about the mission to him. ------ "You're going to love me!" Twilight cried out, mimicking the face of Fluttershy at the gallery. Both trot and Twilight were laughing. Garret only sat and watched in silence. Twilight had told Trot what studying underneath the Princess was like. And then she began to tell the story of how she met her friends, defeating nightmare moon, and most of the escapades of the past year culminating with Fluttershy's outburst and the disaster at the gala. "You certainly have been busy haven't you?" Twilight nodded. She wanted to ask how he was doing. She hadn't seen him in 15 years, the last time he saw her was in the royal train yard as an apprentice to his father Boy Steamer. She used to come there everyday one summer, until… "Say Twilight, do you remember the last time we met? On the royal train platform? You were trying to sneak into the train car." Twilight's eyes grew wide. "Yes." She replied nervously. "How about all the mean things I did to prevent you from getting on that train?" Twilight's ears flopped. She looked away before pawing the ground sadly "Yes…" "and the fact that you succeeded boarding the train anyway as it started it's journey to Stalliongrad? This time Twilight didn't respond, but chose to avoid Trot Steamers gaze at all costs. "Do you remember how I stopped the train?…" Twilight nodded. All of the memories were flooding back to her. "You jammed the pistons with your tool box…and then took the blame and didn't tell the operators that Princess Celestia's number one student broke important safety and security regulations." Trot nodded sadly. "You could have been expelled from the magic academy." Twilight tried her best to look Trot in the face, but finding that she couldn't, turned her attention back to her spilled drink. She remembered now, that stage of her young life. She became fascinated with trains as she read them in the books. She stopped by the train yard every day for one summer and always begged a young Trot Steamer to let her board one. The result of her escapades caused Trot to be fired by his own Dad and sent away from Canterlot. She remembered why she forgot him now. It wasn't something she was proud of. "Look. I'm really sorry…If it weren't for me.. you…" Trot silenced her with a knock on the table. "I accept it Twilight." He said warmly. "I accepted it fifteen years ago…but right now I am asking you to remember why I did such things to you. Why I constantly tried to turn you away with harsh words. I remember that I made you cry…and I know now there were probably better ways to turn you away…but I was a little colt myself at the time." "I am asking you if you understand that I said and did such terrible things to you for your own good!" Twilight nodded. "I need to hear you say it." "Yes. I understand Trot. I'm sorry." Trot sighed in relief. "Good." Garret watched the exchange. Where was he going with this conversation? Trot stood up slowly, stretching his sore muscles and craning his neck. "Since you understand that…I know you'll understand what I am about to do next." Garret could not react fast enough. Trot disappeared from his vision as the whole room spun. He heard a solid thunk before his vision turned black. ----- "So you want me to join you?" Trixie asked, trying to hide the pleasure in her voice. "If it's not too much to ask." Luna said laying down in front of her, while Gene stood by the door. "I don't know what we might encounter out there. We could always use a unicorn with your talent to help out. My sister has told me great things about your potential. Trixie's mouth twitched into a grin trying desperately not to feel elated by the honor. "As a servant to her royal Highness Princess Celestia, I am obliged to say ye.…" Her sentence was cut off by a loud crash in the main room. Gene readied himself and took guard positions in front of Luna and Trixie. The door swung open. revealing Trot standing there smiling. "I'm back. As promised." "TROT!" Trixie cried out in surprise. "What in the HAY was that noise?" Trot didn't respond. He walked casually up to Gene. Who spread his wings in a show of force. Trot's grin didn't fade. With dexterity and speed a pony could never be capable off, Trot tumbled forward and used the momentum of his roll to buck gene with both of his hind legs. Gene was stunned as he slammed against the wall. His breath barely left him before the Trail Blazer followed up his double buck, with a swift tackled at full force, sending both of them crashing through the wall in an explosion of splintering wood. Gene lay on the ground outside immobile, a trickle of blood dripping from his mouth. Trot stood up immediately and came face to face with his friend Braeburn and a mare he assumed was one of Twilight's friends. Braeburn stepped back, knowing the look on Trot's face full well. Trot eyed Applejack, another pony to be part of the "mission", she was still stunned by what had happened. He walked up to her unafraid and pressed his own forehead against hers. He wanted to make sure they understood he meant business. "As long as I still have breath in my body, I will never allow anyone to be claimed by that horrible place…do you hear me?" Applejack's head reacted on its own, nodding. With that Trot galloped at full speed towards the distant mountains. "Gene!" Luna cried as she knelt next to him. "Princess…are you hurt?" He asked, not fully aware he was saying it. "He didn't hurt me! He hurt YOU!" She cried out. Her horn glowed as she tried to heal the serious injury with her magic. Trixie limped outside to join Luna in treating the guard, shaking her head in disgust. "Okay… now he's just showing off…." Applejack realized her knees were trembling. She steeled herself immediately realizing the gravity of what had just happened. Her voice yelled out and she yelled in frustration. "DAGNABIT! What the hay did he do that for!?" She was more angry at herself. For a brief moment she was scared of a colt. A COLT. She could forgive herself for fearing ghosts…or even Zecora…BUT A COLT? She turned to Braeburn who knew what was coming. "You'd better explain this... right NOW!" -------- Trot Galloped at full speed towards the mountains. He knew he could hide among the numerous caves there, and after that head east past Appaloosa and perhaps north to Stalliongrad. The thought made him frown in distaste. He hated the cold, but he would do whatever it took to make sure the path to the land of Twisted Metal died with him. He thought of Twilight and how she must have felt seeing him take out that royal guard. But he had hoped their conversation would cause her to understand the necessity of his actions. Now that the threats were gone, namely the two guards...there would be nopony able to catch up to him, or much less stand up to him in a fight. Except for maybe the princess. He jerked his head back trying to see if she was pursuing him, but instead of seeing the princess however, he saw a streak of rainbow barreling towards him. "What the hay?!" He increased his running speed. But the rainbow was gaining on him. He looked closely and realized it wasn't a rainbow, but a light blue pegasus pony with rainbow mane. When she got close enough, he heard her yell. "YOU DO NOT HURT MY FRIENDS AND GET AWAY WITH IT BUDDY!" Trot shuffled his feet in mid run and sharply changed direction. "Oooo you're good…" She said out loud, but it was more a mocking statement than a compliment. Normally she would be impressed by such a maneuver, but after seeing what he did to Garret and Gene she didn't care WHAT he could do. Trot darted towards the apple orchard. Maybe he could lose her in the trees. He heard a loud BOOM and turned around to see a shockwave of rainbow color spreading in every direction. He barely had a chance to get out of the way as the light blue pegasus slammed into the ground in front of him. Rainbow Dash took off into the air unhurt. "Who are you ponies!?" Trot grit his teeth and watched the blue pegusus circle him. "YA LIKE THAT!?" She yelled. Visibly angry. "It's called a SONIC RAINBOOM chump! You ain't going NOWHERE!" Trot relaxed himself…trying to think of a plan to lose her. He turned his attention to the apple orchard and took off at full speed. "HEY!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, flying after him, but was unable to get to him in time, before he made it to the tree Line. Dash swore and pulled up over the trees, but they limited her vision from the air. Not being able to see the stallion from where she was, she had no choice but to fly low in between the trees. Her flying skill was excellent, but she still had to fly at a safe enough speed so as not to crash into any of them. She kept her eyes peeled for the grey stallion hoping she didn't lose him. At that exact thought Trot leaped out from a tree. "GOTCHA!" He yelled as he pounced on his pursuer. Rainbow Dash hit the ground hard. She had no time to recover before rope was being tied around her wings. "GET OFF OF ME!" Rainbow Dash struggled to get up, but the Trail Blazer was too strong. "I don't know how fast you are on foot, but I'm not taking any chances!" He said tying a second rope on Dash's rear hooves. Satisfied with his work, he stepped back and prepared to resume his escape, but two apples flew directly at him and made contact with the side of his head. The force of impact caused him to stumble. He looked up at the source of the attack. It was Applejack. Applejack snorted and pawed the ground, very angry. "Get him AJ!" Rainbow Dash yelled, already struggling and biting the ropes to free herself. Applejack didn't need to be told twice. She bucked the tree behind her and several apples fell, bucking all of them with precision. The fruit collided into Trot, who was not expecting the speed at which the apples flew. He winced in pain and dodged to the right behind a tree to avoid more apples. "I'm not going to be able to take much more of this…" He said to himself. With that he darted further into the apple orchard. "Come back ere ya varmint!" Applejack was hot in pursuit but not nearly as fast as the trail blazer. Applejack knew she had to do something or else she was going to lose him. She had an idea as she spotted the left over rope from the duel. Trot was at his limit. His muscles ached with exhaustion, and his new injuries didn't help him either. He felt a rush of wind as a rope lassoed around his neck. It tightened and he was yanked backwards, the rope cutting into his skin. He steadied himself to look at the orange pony behind him. The rope was tied to her tail "Now ah suggest ya'll come peaceably. I don't want tah have to beat you into submission now." Trot looked at her confused. Then he started laughing. The laughter brought a chill to Applejack's spine, but she dare not show him fear again. "If that's the case then you're making a big mistake…" "Excuse me?" "…you're not getting anything but a fate worse than death in that place!" Trot took a step forward. He almost looked desperate. Applejack didn't like this. Braeburn had told her he never was the same after coming back from Twisted Metal. Even more so than the change of his mane and coat. It felt like he was carrying a weight, a weight so heavy that nothing his two best friends did could lift. "Have you ever killed anyone Applejack?" Applejack was taken aback by the question, she also realized the oddity in his language. He had said Anyone…instead of Anypony. And how in the granny's old birches did he know her name? She swallowed hard but answered bravely. "Can't say Ah have! " "Good…" He bit the rope around his neck, but didn't try to cut through it with his teeth. He Yanked her forward at least a few feet before Applejack could react with her own tug. They were about equal in strength, but Trot soon found his strength waning. He was just too damn tired to fight anymore. In a last desperate attempt, he let go of the rope. Applejack, not expecting the sudden lack of tension fell back a few steps, giving Trot just enough momentum to close the distance and… CRASH! A bright blue blur knocked Trot off his feet, inches from tackling Applejack into the tree behind her. The wind from Rainbow Dash's tackle blew her hat clear off and into the distance. But Applejack had more important issues to deal with. "A little help here AJ!" Applejack jumped on the Trail Blazer, and held his head down. The last thing Trot saw before he fell unconscious was applejack's face. They locked eyes for a moment, and Applejack heard him sing a tune that caused her skin to crawl. "Twinkle, Twinkle, little star..."

Ar0k

280

Braeburn,Main 6,Original Character,Philomena,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Trixie,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,Comedy,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Falling Stars

A multi-universe crossover

incomplete

<p>What exactly were the four stars who aided in Nightmare Moon's escape? What happens when a star crashes into the earth causing the very foundation of Equestria to tremble? An expedition is dispatched by the Princess of the Sun, to the land where the star made contact. A land beyond the control of even the mighty rulers of day and night. Join Luna, Twilight ,Trixie and the rest of the expeditionary force as they journey across uncharted territory, unravel the mystery of the falling star and discover a threat far worse than the destruction of harmony. </p><p>AUTHORS NOTE: Be aware that the shipping in this story could be classified as light-shipping or friend-shipping. I left the shipping tag out initially, but since the relationships between the characters are a big part of the story I felt compelled to add it. Also, a new summary is in the works, one that best shows the reader what to expect in this crazy fanfic.</p>

teen

2011-12-08T03:39:26+00:00

2011-12-08T03:39:26+00:00

The soft tune of a guitar echoed in Trot's mind causing him to stir on the dark floor of his subconscious. The ground felt ice cold, yet incredibly comforting for reason's Trot could not understand. Lifting his head and opening his eyes he found himself alone in the black nothingness within himself. The tune changed from the familiar melody of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" to a single chord, and then nothing. If Trot didn't know any better, he would have thought the guitar was being tuned. Another cord was strung, followed by an elderly voice. "Much better..." Trot suddenly became very aware of the nothingness around him. More importantly, he was aware of the fact that he was aware. A lucid dream. It took him a moment to recognize the sensation, and when he did a stone formed in the pit of his stomach. Something like this had happened to him before, several times in fact and there was no denying that it was happening again. He dreaded what would come next: The ripping. The tearing. The moaning. The roaring. The laughing. "Easy boy..." Said the disembodied voice. "I won't let them hurt you." Trot looked around him, trying to find the source. His experience told him not to trust the voice, but he detected no malice in it. The voice sounded very old, and weak, but also wise and peaceful. "I wont be able to stop them for very long..." It continued along with several strums of his guitar. Trot opened his mouth to speak, but no matter how hard he tried he could not force words out of his mouth. He then realized that he wasn't breathing. The sensation of not breathing and yet not needing air fascinated him until a terrifying thought struck him. I'm dead "No your not dead. Though yer friends certainly think so." The voice responded amused. The guitar music transitioned from simple chords into a full out song, the like of which Trot had never heard before. "You'd better go to them. They need you to guide them now more than ever." Trot tried to protest, but the lack of a voice gave him nothing for his effort. He had already sworn that if there was a breath left in his body, he would never allow anyone to be claimed by… "The enemy is coming." Trot froze. "You'd better go. Now." The next thing he knew, he was falling through the emptiness. His voice returned as he screamed, and inhaled sharply only to scream again. A moment later he found that he wasn't falling, but lying down on a cold wooden floor. It was dark, and Trot had to take several breaths before he could calm down enough to think clearly. His heart rate lowered to a reasonable enough level to try and get his bearings. He didn't know where he was but he could hear the low rumble of thunder. He tried to lift his head, but he only got half a foot before... *Thump* His head hit the ceiling, after not even lifting two feet off the ground. He pushed and felt around with his hooves, and realized he was in a wooden crate. No It wasn't a wooden crate, it was a coffin. "No! No no no no no no no!" He yelled out repeatedly as he kicked and attacked the wood surrounding him. The previous fear and panic returned as adrenaline shot through his body. "HELP!" he yelled in terror, but knew no one could hear him. He crashed and thrashed even harder, until he was rewarded with a loud crack, and then a cool breeze. Hope filled his being. He hadn't been buried yet. He yelled out for help once more for good measure, but focused most of his strength on trying to break from his wooden prison. After relentlessly kicking and thrashing at the coffin, the wood gave in. Trot scrambled out of his death bed, and with some effort climbed out of a six foot ditch dug out for him in the apple orchard. He panted heavily as the rumble of thunder echoed above him. He pounded the ground with his hoofs and cried out to the sky in triumph and relief, grateful to be alive. It started to rain, but only lightly as Trot came to grips with what just happened to him. "Trixie…Guards…Running…Rainbow…Exhaustion...Apples…Buried alive" He said, piecing together key words from his recent memory. As he tried to gather himself, the disembodied voice came back to him as clearly as if the pony who said it was standing next to him. "Go to them." His heart raced as he spun around trying to find the source of the voice. There was nothing, but the hole that was to be his tomb. In the distance something brown was being tossed by the wind, and he felt a strong urge to follow after it. After a brief chase, the brown object caught itself on a low tree branch and Trot was able to get close enough to recognize the object as a hat. A very familiar hat belonging to the very pony that foiled his attempts at escape. He took it down with his teeth and looked at it for a while. Allowing himself a small grin, he put the hat on his head for safekeeping. Turning his attention to the town beyond the apple orchard, he galloped at full speed. --------- Twilight flung a book entitled, "Feats of the Trail Blazers"clear across the room with her teeth. She was too angry and frustrated to have the sense to use her magic. It collapsed into a growing pile of books, that were the results of her relentless studying for the past couple of days. She pounded her hoof on the table several times as she looked on at the last book remaining on the table. She scowled at it. It was only the love for her princess that prevented her from blasting the book "Old Mares Tales" into oblivion with her magic. Without this book, they had little to no chance of making it to their destination. In that moment she grew tempted. Perhaps it was best that no pony every came across that land. Especially after what happened to Trot. She pounded her hoof on the table and gave one last frustrated yell before allowing herself to curl up on the floor in silence. There had still been no reply from the princess. No reply from her letter detailing the dreams on the train, and no reply from her letter detailing the most recent events about the death of the Trail Blazer. When Applejack and Rainbow Dash brought him back to Appaloosa in bonds, There were many that wanted to question him, including Twilight herself, in fact she was first in line. But then they realized he was not breathing. Nothing could be done to revive him by either the physician of Appaloosa, or Luna herself. Shortly after, Philomena left carrying a letter and report back to Canterlot, written by a grief stricken Twilight. There was a knock on the door but Twilight didn't care. "Twi?" Spike asked through the door concerned. He received nothing in response. The purple dragon attempted to knock again but Fluttershy stopped him. "Let her be Spike." Fluttershy said, looking on at the door as if she could see through it. Spike was in mid knock but lowered his claw in obedience. "I can't stand to see her like this Fluttershy. She needs a friend right now." Fluttershy shook her head. "No…no she doesn't." Spike looked at Fluttershy in shock. "How can you say that Fluttershy!" The butter yellow pegasus looked as if she was going to shrink behind her pink mane, but in the last moment she stood tall. "L-listen Spike, there are some wounds that wont heal any better if we keep pressuring to help…Sometimes we need to give ponies time to mourn." Spike lowered his head trying to wrap his mind around the thought. Twilight had been in this state for two days. 'Wasn't that enough time to mourn?' But he trusted Fluttershy. Spike turned towards the door once more, and gave a much quieter knock. "Were here for ya Twilight. Just let us know Ok?" In the room, Twilight could over hear the conversation happening just outside her door. She thanked Fluttershy with all her heart as she started sobbing into the floor. ------- Rainbow Dash was curled up into a ball on the stone floor, her rainbow tail wrapped around her like a small blanket. She looked at the silhouettes cast by the Iron bars around her, the final touch of the prison she so deserved. She covered her eyes with her mane, and then pressed it firmly against her eyes with her hooves, trying to block out the outside world. She heard what sounded like hoof steps coming closer, until it stopped right outside her cell. The iron gates opened and closed as she heard somepony step into the cell. "Sherrif Silverstar told me I could find you here." Rainbow Dash didn't respond. She could not recognize the voice, but she didn't care. It could be the manager of the wonderbolts offering her a spot on the team, and she still wouldn't move from that spot. "The sheriff doesn't blame you for the Trail Blazer's death, yet you stay here." Rainbow Dash grit her teeth. "I killed somepony. This is where I deserve to be." "But neither you or your friend are to blame. The doctor said..." Rainbow Dash did not want the pony to finish his sentence, whoever it was. She wanted to blow up in his face. In fact, what was she waiting for? She could use an outlet right now. She burst up from her little ball to face the pony. "Listen buddy, I attacked him! If it weren't for m…" She stopped in mid sentence realizing who it was. A Royal Guard pegasus was standing over her. His gold helmet was gone and replacing it was fresh bandages. His expression was stoic and his posture firm. Rainbow Dash was taken aback at the sight of him, or rather the sound of him. For the past few days she had really only heard the sum of about a sentence of words from the guard. "Garret?" She asked softly, still slightly in shock. Garret nodded, and sat in front of her. "You…you talked to me." Garret nodded, and after pausing to think, added: "Yes." "Is this you trying to make me feel better?" "Yes." "Why?" Garret didn't give an answer but just stood there in silence. Rainbow Dash could almost see the wheels turning in the Royal Guards head as he tried to come up with an answer. She riddled herself with why the guard could so easily talk to her one moment, and completely revert to his Royal Guard antics the next. Rainbow Dash watched a few of Garret's failed attempts to explain himself. The rainbow maned pegasus decided to change the subject. "How's your head?" "Better" the guard replied, obviously thankful for the change of subject. "That's good." Rainbow Dash pawed the ground. She had hid from the rest of her friends. The only other pony to have found her was Rarity, and after failing to comfort her, ran off to find Applejack. Even Malt and Braeburn had been here, but they didn't deliver the harsh words she so desired, but rather comforting words about how they didn't blame her for Trot's death. But even after all this she was inconsolable. Maybe it was just the shock of Garret freely speaking to her that knocked her away from her self loathing. Yeah, that was it. "How's your brother?" "He's alright. His injuries were far less serious than we first thought. He wont be able to fly for a week but he'll be fine. The Princess is looking after him now." Rainbow Dash tried to suppress a goofy grin, and failed."That's the most you've ever said so far." Garret rolled his eyes, while Rainbow Dash laughed quietly. "Listen…uh…thanks. Really." For a split second Rainbow Dash could have sworn she saw a smile. ------------- "Applejack! Where have you been!?" Rarity asked as she found Applejack returning from the Apple Orchard. She was more worn and ragged than she usually was. Mud caked the bottom half of her coat, and her mane was out of her pony tail, several twigs and leaves sticking out of it. "Ah…Ah can't find it." "Darling…what's wrong?" Why did I say that? Why in the world did I say that? Rarity thought, scolding herself. She knew exactly what was wrong with her. Rainbow Dash was taking the recent events very well compared to Applejack. While Rainbow Dash was regretful and sorry, Applejack was in denial…but at the same time…not? It was hard to explain. She had never seen her tough apple farmer friend act this way before. "Mah pappy's hat…Ah can't find mah hat. I…It fell off when Ah was chasin' Trot an…" "Hush darling I know…" Rarity said hugging her friend around the neck. Applejack tried to resist but it was futile. Rarity would not let the mare out of her grip. "Rarity…Stop it please." "Applejack. You didn't kill him...you didn't..." "Yes ah did." "No you didn't..." "YES AH DID!" Applejack gave a mighty shove, knocking Rarity off balance and onto the ground. Applejack immediately regretted her actions. But before she could apologize, a crack of lightning caused both of them to jump. When Rarity regained her composure she looked to face the Apple Farmer. "Doctor Herb Cart said he died from exerting himself too much…Who caused him to exert himself huh?" Rarity just stood there silent, closing the distance with her friend again. "It was me Rarity…Not Rainbow Dash. Ah killed him." Applejack looked up to see Rarity siting close to her, listening. Applejack felt like she could share the weight with her friend, but she didn't want to. The pain of having killed somepony was just too intense. She waited for Rarity to speak, but she just said nothing. Applejack lowered her head, then after thinking for a moment decided to apologize to her friend for being rough, and at the same time thank her. As she opened her mouth she saw something in the corner of her eye. Something Large and Black was heading their way. "Rarity? Do ya see that?" -------- Every citizen gathered to look at the stranger that had just arrived into town. A towering black pillar, that looked more like smoke than anything else. The pillar gave a strange moan. It didn't sound like a moan of hunger, or a moan malice, it sounded much darker. Several of the townsfolk backed away, not knowing if the pillar of smoke meant any harm. Sheriff Silverstar emerged from his office and after surveying the situation, approached it. "Ah am the sheriff of this here town. State your business." The pillar of black smoke only moaned in response. "Sheriff? What's going on?" The sheriff turned around to see Rainbow Dash and Garret emerging from his office behind him. "Good ta see ya out of that cell…It looks like we have a visitor." As soon as he finished his word, something that looked like an arm came out of the black pillar and swatted the sheriff away. Silverstar flew back and crashed into a nearby window. The whole crowd gasped, as the pillar of black smoke condensed and twisted. After a few seconds the black pillar had morphed itself into a massive creature, easily as tall as 4 ponies stacked on top of each other. It was covered in thick blue armor, with spikes protruding from its back. It stood on two legs and had two arms. A thick and large shield rested on its left arm, and attached to its right arm was what looked like a cannon. Once it finished forming, It hunched itself over, placing the shield in front of itself, making a large thud as it hit the ground. It leveled the contraption and pointed it at Rainbow Dash. The cannon started to glow a bright and sickly green. Sensing the danger Garret spread his wings, before yelling at Rainbow Dash: "FLY!" The creatures weapon discharged, missing Rainbow Dash and Garret as they flew in separate directions, the green ball of fire that flew through the air, exploded on contact and leveled half of the Sherrif's office. The citizens of Appaloosa turned and ran as the creature's weapon trained itself on them. But it refrained from firing, scanning the crowd and the surrounding buildings looking for a specific target. ---------- Twilight was startled by the sudden explosion. She jumped to the window to take a look outside and saw a strange creature taking notice of her. Twilight jumped back just in time, before the whole side of the inn exploded in green flames. "What is going ON!?" she yelled as she ran for her life. Several explosions rocked the inn as the monster fired rapidly, tracking Twilight through the building. Twilight jumped an entire flight of stairs as she heard another explosion right behind her. The heat was so close, she almost thought she had been caught in the explosion. She landed hard on the floor below. A nearby door swung open revealing a light blue unicorn in a bathrobe. "WHO DARES DISTURB THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE!?" She looked down at Twilight and raised an eyebrow. "Why is half your tail missing?" "Trixie, there's no time! We have to get out of here now!" Trixie raised a hoof, pondering her words. "Fine." She said before closing the door and emerging a split second later in her navy blue cape. Twilight resisted the urge to face hoof, and realized that the attacks on her had stopped. She had a sudden thought and turned to look at Trixie who had just stepped over her. Where's the princess!?" ------- The creature roared as a large wagon flew and collided with its back. The creature turned its attention from the inn to look behind him and see Princess Luna standing in the center of the road. Her eyes were bleach white and her horn glowed radiantly. "Leave…NOW!" She yelled. Her voice sounding more like nightmare moon than the actual Luna. Using her magic, she levitated a cart filled with heavy rocks and smashed it against the creature. It had a short lived effect of knocking it off balance, before it recovered. Luna concentrated harder. The stones that fell on the ground flew back up and surrounded the behemoth. At the same time, all rocks shot themselves down at it with terrifying speed, but they were ineffective and merely glanced off of the creature's blue armor plating. The creature brought his shield to bear and aimed his cannon at the princess. The weapon discharged three times and all three shots exploded on impact, but Luna was still standing. The shield she quickly erected, stood strong, and it was about to be tested to it's limits. In a matter of seconds the creature closed the distance and swung his shield up and down against the magic barrier. The creature was strong and Luna focused all her magic on keeping the barrier alive. Several meters away, the townsfolk arrived armed with their pastries. "Ready!?" Braeburn said raising a hoof. The townsfolk readied their pies. "Fire!" The pies flew high, most of them hitting their mark, but the creature ignored them. Malt came galloping into town from his bar and stopped next to Braeburn as the townsfolk continued to launch pastry after pastry at the creature. "Braeburn! What the hay is going on here?!" Braeburn turned from his target to explain the situation to Malt. "Some darned pillar o' black smoke arrived and turned into that… THING and started attacking the town! Give us a hand will ya!" "What on earth are you trying to do? Feed it!?" replied Malt. Braeburn shrugged. "It worked on the buffalo." Rainbow Dash and Garret were circling the sky, trying to find ways they could intercede from the sky. Rainbow Dash noticed that the creature had turned it's attention away from the princess. Her eyes widened as she realized why. "LOOK OUT!" she yelled out at the crowd of ponies still flinging pastries. The creature noticed the crowd in the midst of the pie firing line. It trained its cannon on them. The crowd scattered just in time to prevent themselves from being incinerated. Princess Luna lowered her shield to attack again with her magic but the creature was ready for her. It swung its heavy shield up, over itself and back down, but It hit nothing but air as a white streak took Princess Luna away. "Are you all right Princess?" Luna blinked as she looked into the face of Garret. Luna nodded. Garret released her and she used her own wings to fly. Touching down behind the clock tower, they met up with Pinkie Pie, Spike and Fluttershy who escaped the inn just after the creature fired upon it. "Uhm…Princess…What..What is that thing?" Fluttershy asked, obviously scared. She caught a glimpse of it, after it started attacking the town and knew immediately that it was not attacking out of some misunderstanding. Luna shook her head. "I wish I knew… But we have to get it away from the town." "Guys do you hear that?" Pinkie Pie exclaimed trying to gain their attention. Spike ignored her "Well how do we do that? Bait?" "Guys?" Pinkie said again. "Oh no no no no no." Fluttershy exclaimed. "We can't ask somepony to endanger themselves…" "Guys! Really! Listen!" Pinkie Pie was now jumping in front of their faces. "I'll go." Garret said bravely, spreading his wings. "GUYS! PLEASE LISTEN!!" "What is it Pinkie Pie? I don't hear anyth…" Luna stopped herself, realizing what she just said. "Exactly…" Pinkie Pie said quietly. It was complete silence. The firing had stopped and so did the screams and yells of ponies. The group moved around the building. One by one, they peaked around the corner dreading what they might find. Their jaws dropped. The creature was starring down the road, and so was everypony else. Rainbow Dash almost crashed into the ground below her, because of her wings freezing up from shock. Trot Steamer stood at the other end of the road, facing down the blue behemoth. Applejack's hat sitting securely on his head. Trot looked the monster up and down, after realizing what it was. He gulped. "Oh this is bad…This is very very bad…" He said quietly to himself. At the very least, his wounds and sores were gone, but he had the feeling he was going to be getting whole lot worse with this encounter. The creature assumed a fighting position and aimed it's cannon to fire at him. Trot was nothing but a blur as he dodged the green ball of fire, rolling into a standing position. The creature took aim at him, ready to fire another shot. Trot felt something inside of him come to life, almost like turning on a switch. He smiled and readied himself. He was afraid, very afraid…but he was used to it. The monster charged him, swinging his shield up and back down again, only to connect with the solid earth. The citizens of Appaloosa watched as the Trail Blazer catapulted himself around the creature. Spotting a crate of mining tools, he sprinted over and managed to pull a pick-axe out with his teeth before the crate exploded. The creature charged at him again. After a brief moment of dodging, Trot was able to get behind him, and slam the sharp point of the pickaxe into an exposed section of pink flesh. The beast roared in pain and anger, as it swung wildly at its attacker. Trot had to let go of the pickaxe in order to avoid getting smashed into the soil. As he rolled yet again to dodge another attack, He spotted Braeburn in the distanced, accompanied by Malt and Rainbow Dash. "Don't just stand there gawking! Help me kill this thing!" The request took the party by surprise, not so much by the fact that a pony they thought was dead just spoke to them, but more so by the fact that he requested help to 'kill'. Rainbow Dash was the first to recover from the shock. "You heard him! C'mon!" With Rainbow Dash in the lead they headed towards the Appaloosa Blacksmith. The beast was getting smarter. Trot had several close calls as it started targeting the ground, trying to kill the colt from the resulting explosions instead of a direct hit. One of the explosions got too close, and the resulting heat burned the left part of his flank and hoof as well as part of his tail. Trot collapsed in pain, and tried to move, but he was too late. The beast loomed over him. Trot lifted his hoofs up in a last attempt to defend himself, but he knew it was useless. The metal shield came crashing down on him. Trot opened his eyes and realized that he was still alive. The space around him glowed a bright blue. It was a magical barrier. He turned his head around and saw Twilight and Trixie in the distance, concentrating. Trot immediately saw the danger of what they were doing. "Stop! You guys are going to be sitting ducks!" "Don't you tell me what to do you blasted SHOW OFF!" Trixie yelled. "Coming back to life?! HA! Oldest trick in the book!" Trixie focused on her magic. "Trixie! Please focus!" Twilight commanded, before adding silently to herself. "I'm not losing a friend!" The creature trained its weapon and fired. "NO!" Trot yelled. The green explosion engulfed both unicorns, but as the blast cleared the two ponies were left unscathed. A pale shield enveloping both of them. "See?" Trixie said casually. "Told you I could do it! Piece of cake!" Relieved, Trot looked back at the monster. It looked back at him. "Well…" Trot said mockingly. "Looks like were in a bit of a stalemate here." Suddenly, he heard the sound of whistling winds followed by sickening piercing sounds. The creature roared and doubled over as several farming tools kept whistling itself down on its exposed back. "Or not…" Trot said, he looked up and saw the princess, her eyes white, with a pale aura glowing around her. The farming tools came flying out of a wagon pulled by Braeburn, with Rarity and Rainbow Dash took the tools out of wagon for Luna to concentrate on taking hold of them with her magic, and sending the lethal ends hurtling towards the Monsters exposed back. It took several farming tools, and almost a minute of attacking before the creature went limp. Wide eyed and panting she sat on her haunches, while Fluttershy and Garret attended to her. Trot was released from the barrier that protected him, and moved up to the dead creature. Gripping a pitch fork from its back, he pulled it out with his teeth. Locating an exposed piece of flesh near the neck he plunged it in repeatedly, until he was satisfied. The corpse of the monster then began to disintegrate, like ash blowing in the wind. Trot didn't show any sign that this disturbed him at all. Discarding the tool, he spat on what was left of the monster. "Woah…" Spike said watching in awe from a distance. Pinkie Pie covered his eyes. Trot looked around wildly. "Wheres the other one?!" Nopony answered him, not knowing what he was talking about. "Where's the OTHER ONE!?" He called out again, looking from Twilight to the Princess. "There was only one. Was there supposed to be more?" The Princess asked, worried. Trot looked around, scanning everything with his keen eyesight. Nothing. "This thing is called a Hunter…they always fight in Pairs!" He shouted again, frustrated. "WHERE IS THE OTHER ONE?!" Just as Trot finished that sentence, an explosion rocked the town. --- "Rarity!? Where are ya!" Applejack yelled into the darkness, the only source of light was the trees that were completely engulfed in flames. "Rarity!" She called out again, running through the smoke. Unable to see 10 feet in front of her, she tripped over fallen timber, coughing as she inhaled a good amount of smoke from the fire around her. The ground beneath her began to shake, as the black figure she saw earlier, approached. She was dead still, and almost yelled as a large blue plated foot nearly crushed her. The Hunter was plowing through the trees slowly, looking for its prey. It suddenly froze, and Applejack feared that it had noticed her. But to her greater horror, she realized that the monster had noticed something else. Rarity lay on the ground unconscious against an untouched tree. The apple tree Bloomberg stood defiant against the monster. It stood as defiant as any tree could, protecting the mare that lay unconscious behind it. Applejack felt helpless. The monster in front of her was terrifyingly powerful. One shot from its cannon had leveled a good chunk of the orchard, and it crushed entire trees like they were twigs. Yet as it aimed at Rarity, she got the courage to stand. "You are not hurting mah friend! Get away from her! IM HERE! YA SACK OF CODFISH!" The hunter turned its attention toward Applejack. Great...now what. The Hunter considered her for a brief moment, but decided to fire on Rarity anyway. "NOOOO!" Applejack yelled as Bloomberg and the space around it was obliterated in green fire. "OH CELESTIA! NO!! NOT RARITY! NOT MAH FRIEND!" Applejack yelled dropping to her knees, tears running down her cheek. The Hunter trained its cannon on her, ready to fire without hesitation after the cannon charged. From the smoke, a white Pegasus jumped over the flaming remains of Bloomberg. Gene, the royal guard, threw all of his weight against the monsters cannon, knocking it just high enough for the shot to overshoot Applejack by several meters. Applejack's legs felt like lead. She wanted to move, but she was frozen in fear. Applejack watched like a helpless filly as the poor royal guard stood his ground against the towering monster. Gene was without his armor, combine that with all his injuries and his all out attack against the monster's weapon, he was left staggering in pain. The monster swung its shield at Gene, and missed by only a few inches as Gene stumbled backwards, falling over debri. He was a sitting duck. Gene waited for the end, but it wouldn't come. At that moment, rain began to fall. The monster looked up and saw something that would make any mortal tremble. The Princess of the Night, and all her wrath. With a sudden crack, a continuous bolt of lightning struck the Monster. Finally a blinding light and then silence. ----- Applejack awoke on the cold soft mud, with rain soaking her already drenched mane. She could hear several voices and hooves moving around, splashing on the newly formed puddles. She thought she could hear Twilight barking orders, and the sound of Fluttershy constantly repeating "Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness!" "Hey Wake up! Are you alright?!" cried a vaguely familiar voice. Applejack opened her eyes to see her cowboy hat bobbing up and down. "Pappy is that you?" She mouthed. "Oi! Wake up! Rarity! Get over here she's delusional!" "Oh dear! Applejack!" At the sound of Rarity's voice. Applejack's eyes shot open. She was laying in the hooves of Trot Steamer. The pony she thought she had killed. Or maybe she did...and she herself was dead. Dead or not she needed to get out of the stallions hooves. She twisted and fought her way out of his grasp. She fell back on her haunches, as soon as she broke free. Rarity was in front of her, pulling her into a hug. "I'm so sorry dear applejack! I used an illusion spell to distract the hunter! I thought you had already run away! Please forgive me! I didn't want you to get hurt." Applejack was stunned. Happy. But stunned. Her eyes darted from the destruction around them to the Trailblazer. He smiled awkwardly and took the hat off, placing it firmly back on her head. "Your welcome." ----- AUTHOR's NOTE: "Thanks to everyone who commented and encouraged me to continue writing this. I hope you enjoy the story as it progresses. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Expect the next chapter by the end of this week, if real life doesn't get in the way first lol. "

Ar0k

280

Braeburn,Main 6,Original Character,Philomena,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Trixie,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,Comedy,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Falling Stars

A multi-universe crossover

incomplete

<p>What exactly were the four stars who aided in Nightmare Moon's escape? What happens when a star crashes into the earth causing the very foundation of Equestria to tremble? An expedition is dispatched by the Princess of the Sun, to the land where the star made contact. A land beyond the control of even the mighty rulers of day and night. Join Luna, Twilight ,Trixie and the rest of the expeditionary force as they journey across uncharted territory, unravel the mystery of the falling star and discover a threat far worse than the destruction of harmony. </p><p>AUTHORS NOTE: Be aware that the shipping in this story could be classified as light-shipping or friend-shipping. I left the shipping tag out initially, but since the relationships between the characters are a big part of the story I felt compelled to add it. Also, a new summary is in the works, one that best shows the reader what to expect in this crazy fanfic.</p>

teen

2012-02-13T02:12:59+00:00

2012-02-13T02:12:59+00:00

*** AUTHORS NOTE: This chapter has been long delayed. I originally intended for this to be a longer chapter (around 8,000 words). But quite frankly it was taking too long with real life happening at every turn. Go figure right? So I had to cut it down. This chapter went through three different drafts, trying to find the best way to tell the story, but in all honesty it was taking too long. So enjoy the chapter for what it is, and expect shorter chapters but quicker updates. Enjoy! Princess Luna gazed up at the night sky with a blank expression on her face, mulling the attack on Appaloosa over and over again in her mind's eye. It was clear that those blue plated monsters that Trot called "Hunters," did not stumble into the frontier town by accident. They were selective in their attacks, only targeting those ponies who were attached to this expedition. There was no question that this expedition was going to be dangerous, but now Luna was beginning to wonder if it was too dangerous. Whoever sent these Hunters, had to be the same pony responsible for those terrible dreams a few nights back, but who could hold the power to accomplish such things? Who could hold the power to command such powerful minions? Luna tore herself away from these worrisome thoughts and focused her attention on an important task. Something she had never thought to do until now. Her eyes glowed, and she focused her attention on the North Star. After a dreary sigh she began to count. Gene limped his way up the sandy hill. yThe poor guard’s injuries made walking, difficult and even painful at times but duty to his princess drove him forward. There was no way he would let the princess be alone, not after the recent attack. "Princess?" Gene called out in vain. Luna wasn't able to hear him because of the immense focus required to perform her task. Her loyal guard Gene set himself down behind her, standing vigil even with his extensive injuries. Minutes went by, then an hour and the Alicorn and the Pegasus spent the entire time in silence. One oblivious of the protection of the other, and the other thankful to still be able to stand and fulfill his duty. Luna's task lasted until Celestia's sun broke the horizon. It was tiresome, but Luna was able to accomplish it, and now she was one step closer to unraveling the mystery of the falling star. She turned to return to the others, and nearly screamed when she saw Gene standing behind her. "Gene! What are you doing here?" She exclaimed in surprise, but quickly stopped herself from continuing by placing a hoof to her mouth. Gene was on his feet, but sound asleep. The Royal Guard was snoring silently and Luna had to prevent herself from laughing. Luna couldn't help but feel Impressed and Annoyed at the same time. If she had it her way, she would have tied him down, or placed him underneath a sleeping spell , anything to stop this stubborn Royal Guard from making her worry about his injuries. She smiled, and levitated his sleeping body next to her as she walked back to camp. --- "Earth pony to moon princess! Come INNNNNN moon princess!" Pinkie Pie was beside Princess Luna, trying anything she could to get her attention. She tugged on her hair, poked her in the ribs, and even started playing several musical instruments in rapid succession. Pinkie had Princess Luna's attention at the blast of an annoying Tuba, but the hyperactive Pinkie Pie didn't notice. To Luna's relief Twilight came to her rescue and tackled the party pony to the floor. "Pinkie Pie! Don't do that! It's rude!" She reprimanded, keeping Pinkie pinned to the floor. "What? I was just going to ask her what she'd like for breakfast? Apple Pie, or Cherry Chunga?" "Twilight, it's alright, I just didn't get enough sleep last night." She paused before adding…"And I'll give that Cherry Chunga a try…I've never even heard of it." Twilight couldn't understand how her friend could be in her arms one second, and then standing beside her the next, but Pinkie Pie always had a certain knack for defying physics. Even the Law of magic was not a boundary to the party pony. "Okie Dokie Lokie!" She replied happily before trotting off to the supply wagon to fetch some supplies. With Pinkie Pie gone, The Princess was left alone with Twilight, Rarity, Applejack and Trixie. The rest were either still asleep, like Gene, or had left earlier in the morning to take care of some last minute tasks before the expedition officially began. Trixie sat the furthest away from all of them, but for the most part she was at least approachable and open to conversation however slight. Applejack was busy tending to the fire, laughing quietly to herself at Pinkie's antics. Rarity however was doing nothing but observing Luna. Rarity couldn't help but noticed how she looked like she was daydreaming, or constantly looking over her shoulder at the wagon where a certain royal guard was catching up on his sleep. Rarity smiled knowingly, and excited energy flowed through her like that of a little filly. Applejack noticed Rarity's strange behavior and with a feeling of dread, decided to comment. "Uh, Rarity…ur scarin' me with that look on your face. What are ya up to?" Rarity flipped her hair and glanced at Applejack innocently. "Whatever do you mean Applejack? I only just realized that this expedition could open up some amazing opportunities…" Applejack was curious but was afraid to ask. Twilight however jumped at the chance to discuss the expedition. "I know what you mean! I know that we may be facing many dangers…but think about what we are going to see! The land of Twisted Metal is something so obscure in pony history! It's so exciting that we'll be the first ones to study it…" Rarity cut her off by waving a hoof. "Oh Twilight, I'm not talking about that kind of opportunity…" Confused Twilight took a seat next to Trixie. "What kind of opportunity then?" Rarity cleared her throat and batted her eyelashes. "Why romance of course." Applejack face hoofed, Trixie snorted, and Twilight's confused expression didn't change at all. She opened her mouth and closed it a few times before she could string together a proper response. "Rarity, what are you talking about? We're on a dangerous quest of to save Equestria. Yesterday we were attacked by two giant blue monsters, and the day before that we've had some sort of attack on our minds. How can you possibly think that this is the time to pursue one of your fantasies..." Once again, Rarity waved her hoof, batting away Twilight's retort away like it was a fly. "Why, I don't need to pursue anything darling. Things just so happen to be playing out in a way that I couldn't help but notice." Applejack resumed stoking the fire, praying to Celestia that the subject would pass quickly, and thought she would help end the conversation. "Aren't we supposed to be waiting for the others to get back? Why don't we start talking about something useful while we're eatin' breakfast." Rarity ignored her attempt at changing the subjects and continued what she considered playful teasing. "It isn't the first time we've gone on an adventure to save Equestria. However, It IS the first time I have ever seen Rainbow so enthused about waking up early. Especially, since it involves accompanying a certain Royal Guard, to meet the Buffalo. "Pfft! So what?" Applejack declared giving up on the fire and reclining on a sack of grain. "In case ya forgot, she's good friends with little Strongheart. Why wouldn't she go with 'im?" Rarity giggled to herself, delighted at how uncomfortable the conversation was making Applejack. She grinned as she decided to probe her suspicions. Rarity positioned herself by the fire and for a moment it looked like she had completely dropped the subject... until... "Trot isn't so hard on the eyes either Applejack." Applejack froze. A second went by before she tilted her hat upwards, making eye contact with Rarity.The stinkeye she gave her was all she needed to know, Rarity hit her mark. "Hey!" Twilight exclaimed, tapping her hoof on the soil and doing her best to be restrained. "What's that supposed to mean?" The outburst surprised Rarity. Did she detect a hint of jealousy in her bookworm of a friend? This was only too good for Rarity to pass up. She feigned a look of shock, placing her hoof on her chest. "Oh my, how could I have forgotten! My apologies Twilight, how could I have forgotten that he was your long lost friend, separated by some tragic event until the mystery of the falling star brought you together." The drama in her voice was abundant, but it's effects were clear, a slight shade of pink appeared on Twilight's cheek. "That's not what I…What? I don't even…" "Now don't go putting any ideas into her head Rarity." Applejack finally stood on her feet getting on her feet and moving in between Twilight and Rarity as if shielding Twilight from the attacks of a Manticore. "That stallion there is dangerous. You can't trust him." "Applejack! Don't be so harsh on the 'stallion.' He saved our lives after all…" Rarity exclaimed in the same dramatic tone, feigning sincerity while she prepared to move in for the kill. "Although if I didn't know any better…I'd say you were afraid of the Trail Blazer." "What did you say to me?" "I for one, think the Trail Blazer is worthy of pursuing." Everypony in the campfire turned their heads to the one pony who has been silent this entire time. Trixie cleared her throat. "Any stallion brave enough to face off against the great and powerful Trixie, deserves some admiration." She smirked, looking at the reaction on everypony's faces. She caught Rarity’s eye and for a brief moment the two shared a feeling of comradeship, as they playfully teased on. Acting on Trixie’s sentence, Rarity turned to make a point. "As you can see, things are already progressing quicker than I could have hoped for…" She paused for dramatic effect, but Pinkie pie appeared out of nowhere before she could continue. "Ooo!Ooo! Don't forget that last night Luna left to watch the stars and Gene followed to make sure she was alright and safe! Then she came back the next morning carrying him on her back, I wonder what happened between them, that’s called romance right? I also heard…" Nopony knew how much marshmallow Pinkie's mouth could hold, but combine that number with the amount Luna tried to shove inside the pink ponies mouth and the Pinky Pie was finally silenced. "Ahahahaha!" Luna laughed awkwardly, earning her odd looks from her companions. "I am reminded of a sleepover Celestia once had, where all she talked about was her IDEAL stallion. It was great fun but not very practical. Time to move on to serious business." In one motion Pinkie Pie gulped down all the marshmallow in her mouth. "but you and Gene were…” "I said serious business.” Luna looked so serious that even Pinkie shrank back in fear. Seeing that she had everypony's attention, she continued in a very Royal Tone. "Let's not forget that were on a dangerous mission here. We were lucky last time that no pony got seriously hurt, but we wont be as lucky next time if we keep dawdling on about crushes and forget our mission. When Trot and the others get back, we are going to have a long talk everything." A few seconds of silence passed, the playful mood completely dissipating. "Okie Dokie Lokie!" Pinkie suddenly declared and acted as if not skipping a beat, before hopping away to serve the cherry chungas. --- The door to Appaloosa’s general goods store swung lazily open, as an equally lazy pony stepped out into the morning sun. Trot allowed the suns rays to melt away the last chills of the desert night. Usually, a simple pleasure like feeling the first rays of a sunrise did a lot for his mood. But with the task that lay before him, it felt less like a comfort and more like a long sorrowful goodbye. “Um…Excuse me. If I could just get through…” sounded a timid voice from behind him. Trot turned his head to watch as his butter yellow companion tried her best to squeeze past a line of ponies paying for their groceries. “Sir...Uhm....could you...” “Hey! No cutting in Line miss.” The cashier yelled. “MEEP!” Was Fluttershy's response as she flattened herself against a store shelf, desperately wanting to faze through the wall and disappear to the other side. Trot heaved a heavy sigh, and walked back into the store to fetch her. “Excuse me, she just needs to get through.” He declared politely while at the same time expressing his annoyance. The Cashier raised an eyebrow, confused, then looked at the Pegasus moping on the floor. “Oh! Trot! I didn't know she was with you!” He exclaimed while ringing up another patron."Go ahead lil missy! Sorry for the misunderstandin'.” Fluttershy tiptoed out of the store, keeping her head low and trying to hide her face with as much of her hair as possible. Trot felt something awful grip his heart. Out of everypony in the expeditionary force, there was no doubt she would be the most vulnerable. It made him sick, thinking about the horrors he’d seen and what they could do to the innocence that walked next to him. Fluttershy squeaked a quiet thank you, and Trot welcomed it with an awkward smile. “It's a good thing we got these extra supplies. Did we get everything we need Fluttershy?” He asked in an attempt to lift her spirits. “Oh! I’m sorry! let me check.” Fluttershy replied as she took a look into Trot's saddlebags. She carefully counted all the ointments, herbal remedies, bandages and other first aid supplies they had come to get this morning. She nodded and, to Trot's relief, looked like she had gotten past the incident at the grocery store. “Uhm...Thank you for carrying it all.” squeaked Fluttershy as she tilted her head, trying to hide her face. Trot shrugged. “It’s my pleasure. I usually carry more than this when I go adventuring anyway. Now on to the final stop of the day. The blacksmith.” Trot led the way down a busy Appaloosa street. Everypony recognized their hero, and almost everypony greeted the Trailblazer as he passed. Trot was used to the attention, but all it did was make Fluttershy even more self conscious. By the time they were half-way down the road, Fluttershy's face was almost completely covered by her hair. Trot sighed in resignation, and set his eyes on the blacksmith shack in the distance. He wanted this errand trip to be over quickly for her sake. Then, without warning Fluttershy spoke: “Are you angry at us?” Trot froze in his tracks. Not really knowing if his ears were functioning properly. He turned around to Fluttershy who immediately shrank away. “Oh, I’m sorry…I didn’t mean....I'm just...well...It must have been awful..." Fluttershy tapped the sand with her hoof nervously. Trot understood that they didn't have all day, Yesterday, the princess was adamant about not delaying the expedition any longer than necessary, but this was Fluttershy, the most bashful mare in all of Equestria, If he stopped her now who knows when she would speak up next. “What must have been?” He asked shifting his stance. It took Fluttershy two tries before she could finally respond. “Being um... buried alive?” Trot raised an eyebrow and nervously started rubbing his short mane. "No I'm not angry. I can't be angry. After all, you didn't do it on purpose." At this, Fluttershy brightened up considerably, even going so far as to look Trot in the eyes when they spoke. “Oh Thank Goodness. I was so worried that you wouldn’t like us very much after what we did.” Trot smiled and resumed walking, confident that they could now carry a normal conversation. “No…I was the one who overreacted. I never wanted to go back to that place. EVER. But it didn’t justify me hurting your friends.” Fluttershy nodded. “Apology accepted. But you changed your mind about helping us, why?” Fluttershy asked. Her confidence had increased considerably since she and Trot left the store. Trot gestured with his head for Fluttershy to take a look behind them. Fluttershy turned around and after a moment recognized the destroyed inn Twilight was in during the attack. Sheriff Silverstar was sitting in a wheel chair on the front porch of the inn and was busy talking to the owner who was also bound to a wheel chair. “That’s why.” He said quietly, choosing not to reveal that a disembodied voice told him about the Hunters when he was buried alive. “The evil’s of the Land of Twisted Metal are leaking out into Equestria…I thought everypony would be safe and secure, but I know now that security is an illusion. No pony is secure. Not ever. That’s why I have to go back, even if it kills me.” Trot said. They reached the entrance to the blacksmith and Trot was about to enter the blacksmith lounge but Fluttershy lagged behind. “I wish I was as brave as you.” Trot looked around and saw how Fluttershy's eyes were glued to the half destroyed inn. Trot sighed and walked up next to her. "I mean...when those monsters attacked...I didn't know what to do. All I could do was sit back and watch as my friends were almost...almost..." Fluttershy said softly. Her soft and gentle face was filled with worry and sorrow. Trot didn't look at the mare so Fluttershy didn't have to turn her head away. He could almost feel the anxiety and doubt emanating from her very being. Was this the reason she volunteered to come with him? Was this her way of trying to make up for not being able to fight? Trot cleared his throat before speaking “Fluttershy, let me share with you something that I learned a long time ago." Trot heard a sniffle and assumed that meant it was OK to continue. "Bravery is not the absence of fear, but the conquering of it." The statement caught Fluttershy's attention, even though she still hid her face behind her mane. Trot continued: “If you weren't afraid of something, how much bravery would you need to confront it? How much would you have to steel yourself to confront something" Fluttershy thought for a moment, forgetting her sadness. She shuffled her hooves and turned her head "I'm no Philosopony.... But I will tell you this..." Trot caught Fluttershy's eye's before "I believe you have the opportunity to be the bravest pony alive. It doesn't matter how much you're afraid of something. It only means that you have much more fears to overcome. And your friends, including myself will be there to help you conquer each and every single one of them. Understand?" "Fluttershy allowed herself to smile, letting Trot's words of encouragement soak through her." "Atta girl!" Trot exclaimed placing a hoof on her shoulder. "Now let's go see the blacksmith, I've got a surprise for everypony." Fluttershy tilted her head curiously. "What's the surprise?" Trot laughed a little to himself "Can't tell ya. If I did it wouldn't be a surprise!" Fluttershy giggled, brushing away the last tear on her cheek before batting her eyelashes and saying. "Pretty Pleeeaaase?" Trot froze. The over-all adorableness of the pony was too much. Trot instead just ran from Fluttershy and into the Blacksmith lounge, not knowing how to say no to her request. "Confound these mares..."

Ar0k

280

Braeburn,Main 6,Original Character,Philomena,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Trixie,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,Comedy,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Falling Stars

A multi-universe crossover

incomplete

<p>What exactly were the four stars who aided in Nightmare Moon's escape? What happens when a star crashes into the earth causing the very foundation of Equestria to tremble? An expedition is dispatched by the Princess of the Sun, to the land where the star made contact. A land beyond the control of even the mighty rulers of day and night. Join Luna, Twilight ,Trixie and the rest of the expeditionary force as they journey across uncharted territory, unravel the mystery of the falling star and discover a threat far worse than the destruction of harmony. </p><p>AUTHORS NOTE: Be aware that the shipping in this story could be classified as light-shipping or friend-shipping. I left the shipping tag out initially, but since the relationships between the characters are a big part of the story I felt compelled to add it. Also, a new summary is in the works, one that best shows the reader what to expect in this crazy fanfic.</p>

teen

2012-02-22T04:32:41+00:00

2012-02-22T04:32:41+00:00

Trot and Fluttershy returned to find everypony at the camp acting strange. Twilight refused to make eye contact with Trot and instead buried her face into a book while eating a strange cherry pastry. Applejack on the other hand, wouldn't stop staring him down. Her emerald eyes, full of contempt, as if he had somehow, insulted her pride. Even the normally docile and quiet Luna was in a rather Irritable mood, and Trixie was...well...Trixie. "Welcome back show off." Trixie greeted in a rather snotty manner. Trot, who by now understood that this was her way of saying she was genuinely glad to see him, grinned in response. "It doesn't feel welcoming. What's got everypony in such a bad mood?" Replied Trot A small, but mischievous smile appeared on Trixie's face, causing Trot more than a little bit of discomfort. "Nothing. Just had a...oh how did Rarity phrase it..." Trixie gave her muzzle a few taps with her hoof, trying to remember what Rarity had told her privately. "Intimate discussion about the possibilities of the heart. In other words...mare talk." That little bit of discomfort grew to a sizable stone at the bottom of Trot's stomach. Trot didn't know exactly what "mare talk" meant, but considering what these mares had done to him the past few days, such as causing him much physical pain and burying him alive, it couldn't be anything good. He looked around to confirm the results of this so called mare talk. Twilight was indeed reading her book, but he only now noticed that the book was upside down. Applejack was still giving him the death glare and the princess nearly lost it when Gene peaked his head out of the supply wagon, telling him to..."Get inside and go to sleep or, Celestia help me, I will send you to the MOON!" Fluttershy was having troubles of her own. Rarity wouldn't stop bombarding her with questions about their early morning trip and she seemed quite uncomfortable with whatever questions we're being asked. Trot broke out of his trance when the only pony who seemed to be acting herself in the camp, Trixie, shoved him in the chest. "Are you going to tell us what you went into town for, or are you going to be looking like that all day?" Asked Trixie, impatiently examining her hoof Trot swallowed his unease and wiped a little bit of sweat from his forehead. "Well, Fluttershy needed medical supplies...and I left to get these..." He gestured with a nod over his shoulder at a wooden cart full of brown packages "And WHAT, pray tell, are 'these?'" Interrupted Luna, stepping up to join Trixie in inspecting the brown packages. Trot sighed deeply. This was going to be a long expedition. “I’d be glad to answer that princess, but don’t you think we should start our journey? We’re delayed enough already…” Luna raised an eyebrow at him with suspicion. A few days ago he fought so hard NOT to be a part of this expedition, and now he seemed so eager to get there. The experience of being buried alive must have done something to him, or perhaps the encounter with the Hunters convinced him of the importance of this mission. Either way, Luna recognized that Trot was right. It’s about time they got this expedition started. “Very well, Trot, we shall leave as soon as Garret and Rainbow Dash return.” Luna left and Trixie followed to rally the others. Trot nodded in recognition hoping that he didn’t sound bossy. The last thing he needed was to get on the Princess’ bad side. He suddenly felt what could have been a tap on his back to get his attention, but instead felt close to a punch. "OW! What is it with everypony being rough today!" Trot turned to see that it was Applejack, who was almost muzzle to muzzle with him still looking as if she wanted nothing more than to pummel him into the ground. “Now listen 'ere Trot. Ah don’t like you.” “I can tell.” Responded the Trail Blazer. Applejack turned and walked away. She stopped and turned around again. "And ya better not have layed a hoof on Fluttershy while you we're in town. Otherwise, I'll make sure ta bury you dead next time." Something inside Trot snapped, and figured now was as good a time as ever. “Hey Applejack! Do you remember what I told you the last time we fought?” Applejack continued to walk away, ignoring him. “You won’t last ten seconds in the land of Twisted Metal, not unless you know how to kill.” His voice was growing steadily louder and louder, until he earned everypony's attention. "So hold on to whatever it is you're holding against me. Because by this time tomorrow I am going to teach each and everypony here how to take a life." And with that statement, the camp was dead still. "And that...Is a promise." --- Rainbow Dash and Garret returned, resounding success in their mission. The buffalo had agreed to help with the rebuilding of Appaloosa, meaning that they could leave without having to worry about another attack, or helping the Appaloosans rebuild the town which would delay them even further. Rainbow and Garret were sparred from Rarities probing and teasing due to Trot's earlier declaration. Promising everypony that he'd teach them how to kill, shook everypony's mindset out of the Mare talk, and Applejack was sorely wishing she had kept her mouth shut. With Garret and Rainbow's return, the Expedition finally set out past Appaloosa. Some ponies came to wave goodbye at the heroes who saved their town. Two ponies in particular followed them for a while until they were past the orchards. Braeburn and Malt flanked Trot on either side. "Now you ain't gonna go crazy on these ladies again are ya?" Asked Braeburn nudging his friend. "Ha! Ah might go crazy on your cousin. The darn mare just hate's my guts." replied Trot half-joking. "Mah cousin?" Braeburn tilted his head curiously. "Why Trot! Ah'm surprised at you! Ah thought you we're the most chivalrous of us. Goin' crazy on a mare only after ya just met..." Malt said laughingly. It was always in his nature to crack jokes on these subjects. Trot showed a look of annoyance. "Malt...I will buck you into Celestia's sun if you don't shut up right now." Malt grinned through his mustache, and Trot couldn't help but grin back. Malt wouldn't be malt if he couldn't pull a wise crack out of his flank at the worst of times. "Hey, where's Braeburn?" Malt asked. It was strange how they just now noticed Braeburn had left their company. But only after a few minutes did Braeburn return. "Man Trot, ah don' know what you did, but I've never seen mah cousin so wound up." Braeburn was scratching his head. Trot gave one of his trademark sighs and just shook his head in response. They finally said their goodbyes where the badlands ended and the desert truly began. Malt and Braeburn watched as they marched west. "Hey Braeburn?" Malt asked. "Ya ol' buddy?" Braeburn responded. "Ya think he'll be alright?" Braeburn paused for a moment before responding with something, he hoped, sounded confident. "Of course he'll be. This is Trot we're talking about! He's the stallion that saved Dodge from a Scorpio Major, took down the thieves guild of Stalliongrad, helped solve Appaloosa's drought, outsmarted the Trail Blazer Daring Do, and discovered a Land that was thought to be a myth!" "Ya and look where that last part took im'..." They were quiet for a moment. Braeburn took out a coin from his vest pocket. "Heads we follow im', and tails we don't." "Agreed." --- The journey was uneventful and quiet for the most part. The only exception was when Spike finally decided to wake up and Twilight scolding him for being asleep for half the day. As punishment, he had to make sure to do all the chores that came with setting camp that night. Spike grumbled something about not being woken up, and Twilight retorted that it's not her responsibility to wake up him up anymore. The day continued onward, and finally settled into dusk. Spike continued to grumble as he helped pitch the tents and start the fire, even having the responsibility of first watch with Garret. But by nightfall he was past it, chatting happily with the Royal Guard who seemed to have opened up a lot after the events of Appaloosa. Trot retired to his tent, saying something about preparing himself for the next day which caused everypony else to be a bit on edge. Back at the campfire everypony else ate their dinner in silence, until Rarity decided that they had enough quiet for one day. "So Rainbow Dash. Tell me about Garret." Rarity commanded. Rainbow Dash tilted her head confused. "Why would you ask me? Ask him yourself, he's right over there." She pointed a hoof towards spike and Garret who were patrolling the perimeter. Twilight face hoofed. "Not again Rarity, haven't you caused enough trouble?" Rarity giggled. "Yes Twilight and I'm truly sorry. I didn't intend for our little mare talk to sour everypony's moods. So I thought I'd make it up to you all for all the trouble." "Trouble? What Trouble?" Asked the oblivious Rainbow Dash. "Ya don't wanna know sugar cube, ya don't wanna know." Applejack chimed in before scarfing down her dinner in two bites. Pinkie Pie, who had been respecting her friends desire to be quiet jumped at the chance to speak. "Omigosh you missed it Rainbow! They were talking about you and they were talkin about Ga..." She couldn't get the last words out of her mouth. A faint blue dome surrounded her head. And Pinkie continued to talk, oblivious that nopony else could hear her rapid fire, but lengthy explanation. Luna chuckled to herself as she completed her spell before addressing Rainbow Dash. "As Applejack said, you don't want to know. I think now is a good time to to discuss some serious business about this trip." Rarity protested. "But Princess, can I give my formal apology first?" The princess sighed, and then smiled. She's been waiting for the right moment to reveal her findings from the previous night, but waiting a few more moments couldn't hurt. Pinkie was still talking rapidly when Rarity returned with several small boxes. She opened them with her magic and levitated what looked like leg bands to everypony around the campfire "Rarity...these are...really nice!" Twilight exclaimed, admiring the fine stitching and the peculiar symbol stitched in the center. "Why thank you Twilight. I figured, that since we are the expeditionary force under the banner of Princess Celestia, we should have something that distinguishes us." Everypony slipped on their bands, their moods brightening considerably. "Is that symbol what Ah think it is?" "Why yes Applejack! I'm glad you noticed!" Rarity clapped her hoofs happily. The leg bands were a dark purple and stitched together with a sturdy fabric. In the center was a rather abstract design of a shooting star in silver and gold. "Why Rarity...they are lovely." Said Fluttershy closely examining the stitching. "This is very durable fabric too...and the stitching is superb." "Impressive. It matches my cape." Was Trixie's only response. Rarity nodded. "Yes...The design is to help us focus on our goal, and not on stallions or hurt feelings." Fluttershy gave Rarity a small hug to show her friendship and just like that everypony's feeling of unrest left them. With everyone in a good mood, Applejack felt a sudden desire to confront Trot and apologize for her rudeness earlier, but she didn't want to interrupt whatever kind of preparation he was planning. Rarity, however, was not exactly finished yet. She pulled her saddlebag which was laying on the ground towards her. "I also have something special for you Pinkie. In addition to your armband." Pinkie tried to thank Rarity but Luna's silence spell was still in effect. Luna laughed and released her from her prison of silence ...thank you, thank you, thank you Rarity! What else ya got? Rarity pulled something hoof sized from her saddlebag and unwrapped it, revealing a amazingly delicious looking cupcake. "Here you are darling, We've been ignoring you all day, and I feel partly responsible. I was saving this as a personal snack...but you can have it since you love cupcakes so...." Rarity stopped. "Pinkie? What's wrong?" When Pinkie saw the cupcake nopony could have predicted her reaction. Her eyes dilated, but it wasn't from excitement or joy from seeing her favorite sweet. She looked horrified... almost disgusted. Pinky finally snapped from her daze. "Uhm...I appreciate it Rarity...but I'm not in the mood for cupcakes right now." "WHAT!?" Everypony yelled, catching the attention of the sentries and even Gene who finally woke up in alarm. Twilight and Fluttershy flanked her on either side. Feeling her temperature and taking her pulse respectively. "Pinkie, you can't be serious." Twilight said worryingly. Pinkie sighed. "I just lost my appetite for cupcakes is all. Ever since that one night on the train..." Immediatley, Fluttershy and Twilight stopped, their ears drooping. "You never did tell us about your nightmare." Fluttershy squeaked softly. "And I'd rather not..." Pinkie quickly responded. "Does it involve cupcakes?" Trixie added in. Pinkie's ear drooped and she backed away from everypony, her hair, quickly deflating. Twilight gave Trixie the death glare. Which Trixie responded with a cocked eyebrow. Trixie snorted. "What? It's an obvious question." Twilight thought of some way to respond to Trixie, but right before she could say anything... "If you guys are worrying about nightmares...you're in for a big surprise..." Everypony jumped upon hearing Trot's voice. Twilight begins to speak but stops as she sees him. Trot was wearing what looked like royal guard armor, but it was made in strange dark brown leather and covered more of his body than armor worn by the royal Pegasus. "since were passing out gifts...I think It's time I passed out mine as well." Trot tossed each of them the brown packages he brought from Appaloosa that morning. "Open them when you wake up tomorrow and then put them on." "What on earth are you wearing?" Asked a horrified Rarity, as she gazed upon the fashion disaster that stood before them. But Trot didn't answer and instead took his seat by the campfire, deliberately choosing to sit next to Applejack. but refused to make eye contact or even acknowledge she was there. Luna took the opportunity to finally begin the meeting she had been waiting all day to call. "Well, since you're here now Trot, I'm assuming we can discuss this expedition in all seriousness?" For a brief moment Trot asked himself whether or not the Princess was mocking him, but he quickly tossed the notion aside. Now was not the time to be so sensitive. He nodded, and everypony including Garret and Spike sat down to listen, though still being watchful of their surroundings. "So Trot, what can you tell us about the Land of Twisted Metal?" Trot raised an eyebrow. "Well what do your legends say?" The princess drew breath trying to proceed calmly. "Well Trot, anything the legends say are secondary to what you've been through, and since you had a change of heart and decided to lead us on this journey, you should probably share all you know with us." "Fair enough." Trot replied getting comfortable next to the fire. "Though first let me tell you all that I am bound by oath not to say certain things..." "To whom?" Luna asked suspiciously. "Not allowed to say. You'll know soon enough though. We're bound to run into them sooner or later, or at least I hope so...If those Hunters got through then..." Trot grew quiet not wanting to bring up the possibiliites "Don't you think that piece of information might be something important?" Luna interjected. "Sorry Luna... I'm keeping my promise." Princess Luna was about to protest more, but backed down when Pinkie Pie placed a hoof on her shoulder. One look at her told Luna enough to say how much the pink pony respected promises, and considering her reaction to the cupcake Rarity gave her, it was probably best not to upset her anymore tonight. So she decided to change the subject. "Then what can you tell us Trot?" Luna asked. Trot shrugged. "Not much." Luna face hoofed, this was going to be a long night. --- In the distance something watched the campfire glow. Green acid sputtered in its mouth and fell on the ground, burning a small crater into the dry soil. Every instinct told it to attack, every muscle and every fiber in it's being wanted to spring up and kill them in their sleep, but it is not what was ordered. Without making a sound, it burrowed under ground and started making its way west. Perhaps tomorrow it would be allowed to strike. AUTHORS NOTE: A much shorter chapter this time around, but the story is really going to be picking up from here though so stay tuned. Also don't forget to comment and rate, It's the only way I can get feedback and Improve. Next up: CHAPTER 09: SWARM OF THE MILLENIUM

Ar0k

280

Braeburn,Main 6,Original Character,Philomena,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Trixie,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,Comedy,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Falling Stars

A multi-universe crossover

incomplete

<p>What exactly were the four stars who aided in Nightmare Moon's escape? What happens when a star crashes into the earth causing the very foundation of Equestria to tremble? An expedition is dispatched by the Princess of the Sun, to the land where the star made contact. A land beyond the control of even the mighty rulers of day and night. Join Luna, Twilight ,Trixie and the rest of the expeditionary force as they journey across uncharted territory, unravel the mystery of the falling star and discover a threat far worse than the destruction of harmony. </p><p>AUTHORS NOTE: Be aware that the shipping in this story could be classified as light-shipping or friend-shipping. I left the shipping tag out initially, but since the relationships between the characters are a big part of the story I felt compelled to add it. Also, a new summary is in the works, one that best shows the reader what to expect in this crazy fanfic.</p>

teen

2012-03-05T04:00:08+00:00

2012-03-05T04:00:08+00:00

The strumming of a guitar opened Trot's eyes, greeting him with the familiar dark nothingness he experienced while he was buried alive. He looked around, taking in the darkness, re-acquainting himself with this familiar sensation. He checked to see if he could draw breath. There was nothing to breathe, but his lungs didn't need it. "Oh great..." Trot whispered to himself quietly. "Not needing air? Check. Creepy guitar music? Check. Now all that's missing is..." "Me..." replied the familiar old disembodied voice. It chuckled and Trot felt a cold shiver run down his spine. "Who are you?" Trot asked, trying to sound brave and wasting no time trying to sort out this mystery. "Ah assure you, Ah'm a friend." The voice responded, pausing in his strumming to tune the guitar again, before resuming to play a more upbeat tune. Trot tried to pinpoint the source of the guitar playing through the darkness, but soon found out that the music was everywhere at once. He tried several more times but finally understood that it was useless. He had the strangest feeling that more than this mysterious voice was observing him. "Why don't you trust 'em?" The voice asked in what Trot assumed to be sincerity. "They don't trust me." He responded quickly. The playing stopped and the voice responded in a way that almost sounded like scolding. "That's bull son and you know it. Is this because that cowgirl was givin' you a hard time? Get over yerself." Trot felt offended, but deep down he knew it to be true. Fumbling with his words for a moment, he finally came up with a reasonable enough response. "Even if she didn't act that way towards me, I still have my suspicions. I'm not sure if I even trust you to be quite honest." The voice chuckled again. "Ah don't blame ya kid. If disembodied voices were speakin' to me in mah sleep, Ah'd be suspicious too." Trot tried to suppress a grin and failed. He didn't know who this voice belonged too, or how he was communicating to him in his sleep. Maybe he was just plain losing his mind. Something other than the playing of the guitar sounded off in the distance. The sound was low at first but then it grew until it was finally audible. Grinding. Moaning. Tearing. The sound made Trot's stomach curl and his heart almost drop out from under him. "Looks like Ah'm running outta time." The voice said quickly. The strumming of the guitar increased at a quick pace, as if the music fended off whatever was coming through the darkness. Trot didn't know where to go, the horrific noises seemed to be coming from everywhere. "Please don't let them get me! Get me out of here! Wake me up!" Trot yelled into the darkness. "Ah'm trying mah best son... listen carefully. Two thing's ah need to tell you before ya go." "Just tell me quick! Get me out of here!" Trot was trembling now. The noise was drowning out the sound of the guitar. It was so horrifying, so loud and clear that it almost felt like he could feel the monstrous noise wrapping around his body. Trot curled himself into a ball; he knew there was no point in resisting. "This is the first thing Ah'm going to tell you. Ya can’t linger in that spot for much longer, when ya wake up, run for the mountains and don’t stop. The second is about the mare's your travelin' with.." "Tell me!" Trot finally yelled as the blood-curdling noises closed in around him. It was almost impossible to hear what the voice was trying to tell him. But despite all the tearing and moaning, Trot was able to hear the voice's final words, which almost came like a whisper. Then finally, almost as if those last words were the queue for the darkness to act, the impenetrable blackness took him. ----- "Last night was fruitless." Groaned a disgruntled Luna as she rolled off of her cot and strolled out of her tent, into the faint morning light. Twilight, who had woken up hours ago and was already busying herself with reading a book comfortably on her own cot, heard the princess and followed her out to cheer her up. "Don't say that princess. I'm sure Trot will come around eventually..." Luna sighed. "I certainly hope so. I'd rather not walk into a mysterious land and be blind as to what we'll experience." Luna noticed Gene coming back from his patrol of the perimeter and gave a quick good morning before proceeding with her question. "Did you find anything useful in what the old mare’s tales had to say about The Land of Twisted Metal? Trot said they did a better job of explaining it than he ever could..." Twilight retrieved the book from hers and Luna's tent with her magic. "I did princess... but there is just so much lore to sift through." Twilight began flipping the pages, trying to find one particular piece of lore that stood out." They can't all be true, much of the information contradict each other. But one in particular I thought was rather strange." Luna raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what is the tale called." Twilight scratched her head. "Well in this story, The Land of Twisted Metal goes by a different name." Twilight held the book up so that the princess could read for herself. "The Graveyard of Worlds?" Luna read, eyebrow still raised, before a light went off in her head. "Oh! I remember this one. Isn't this the story about the battle of good and evil? And how if a world succumbs to evil, it dies and ends up in the graveyard?" Twilight nodded and continued to speak. "The Graveyard of Worlds is said to traverse different universes to test the souls of the inhabitants. But the twist is, the Graveyard doesn't leave UNTIL the world succumbs to evil." Luna read the last few lines of the story and shuddered. "Everything decays. That which was once alive, dies. That which was once light, darkens. That which was once straight, becomes twisted. All will suffer... All will die... All hail the graveyard of worlds." Luna felt a bad taste in her mouth after she recited that phrase. "It certainly did a good job in scaring little foals into being good." Twilight chuckled for a bit, remembering when she first heard of this tale. It was even funnier when she remembered that Princess Celestia was the one who told it to her as a filly. Twilight's horn started glowing as she took another book from her saddlebags. "Here is another piece of lore I found interesting. It has a similar theme, except it portrays good and evil in the form of the mythological creatures such as angels and demons. This particular passage was quite interesting." Twilight cleared her throat and read it aloud, but not too loud as some ponies were still sleeping. "The battles raged, both in the heavens and on the earth, and when the demons claimed the earth for their own, the angels charged from the heavens in balls of fire..." "Falling Stars." Luna said, and twilight responded with a nod before continuing. "There really is a lot more to it than that... but it does mention that when the angels and demons were done fighting, all that was left of the earth, was a land of burning embers and twisted metal" Luna was oddly silent, but Twilight didn't notice; she was in too much of a good mood from being able to share her knowledge to the princess. She closed the book and tossed it back into the tent with her magic. "It's farfetched I know, but it's all we have to work with. Maybe if we all apologize to Trot... Princess?" Luna was staring off into space, deep in thought. Twilight waved a hoof in front of the Princess's face and Luna's eyes finally focused. "Twilight. It may not be so far fetched after all." said Luna circling the remains of last night's fire, thinking. "Last night I neglected to mention what I discovered a few nights ago. I know every star in my domain by heart, but when I counted them earlier, I noticed that not one of them was missing." It was Twilight's turn to raise an eyebrow, sitting down on a nearby grain sack to hear the Princess' explanation. It could be possible that some of these Old Mare's Tales could be true, the legend of Nightmare Moon certainly was. "When I first saw what fell from the sky, I was certain that it was a star. It gave off so much energy that there was no other way it could be anything else…but now… “ There was a loud crash behind them and Twilight and Luna spun around to find a stack of pots and boxes toppled over and Applejack flailing underneath her tent cover. "Dagnabbit! A little help here ya'all!" Applejack called out as she struggled to break free from the clutter. Luna and Twilight immediately rushed over to help their friend. The noise, though loud, did not wake up anypony else. Luna and Twilight freed Applejack from the tangled mess with their magic. When Applejack finally stepped back from the boxes and tent fabric, Twilight and Luna both froze and stared at her in awe. Applejack was wearing something similar to what Trot was wearing the night before, except it was slender and the armor covered her neck and chest almost completely. Only her muzzle and her mane were exposed. Her hooves were almost entirely covered by greaves, and the colors were a dull, neutral grey; except for a small hint of purple, which turned out, to be Rarities armband tied around her mane. Applejack cleared her throat to get their attention. "Well how do I look?" Twilight and Luna looked at each other before Twilight answered her. Twilight was the first to speak. "Uh...you look. Intimidating." "It also looks heavy." Luna added. Applejack shrugged a little, and retrieved her Stetson hat from the tangled campfire sheets. "Not really. Ah mean it's awkward an all, as proof of me trippin' over my own feet just a minute ago, but ah' figured it would make it a lot easier for Trot to accept mah' apology." Applejack said tilting her head away as if she wanted nothing to do with apologizing. But if she truly felt that way, then why put on the armor Trot gave her? Thinking about it just made her head hurt and she'd much rather get it over with. It was for the sake of their team after all. Luna suppressed a giggle, not wanting to sound insulting towards Applejack. But she did want to encourage them to make amends and get along. She gestured with her head towards Trot's tent. "Well maybe you could do something nice for him?" asked Luna. "Why not wake him up and give him an apple?" Applejack looked aghast. "Breakfast in bed!? Ain't that goin' a bit too far princess?" Applejack pleaded, hoping the princess wasn't about to order her to do just that. Luna looked Applejack straight in the eyes wanting to make sure Applejack understood what she was about to say. "Wasn't it too far when you told him you didn't like or trust him to his face? And in front of all of us?" Luna exclaimed. "Well that was because...well..." Applejack struggled with herself for a moment. Luna read her emotions well. Applejack thought she had killed Trot, and felt terribly guilty for it, and then Rarity insinuates that she had feelings for him, and that somehow Applejack was afraid of him. Both possibilities, humiliated Applejack in a way she probably wasn't very accustomed to. She was in a deep battle with herself, and the struggle was tearing her apart. "Fine then." Applejack turned around and took an apple from one of the unloaded food boxes and carried it in her teeth as she grumbled. She held it in her hoof to declare one last thing to the princess before she entered into Trot's tent. "But consider this the last time Ah give im'...or ANY stallion for that matter, breakfast in bed." Luna held her laughter until after Applejack went inside. But then she realized something, where did Twilight go? ---- Trot struggled in the dark as he exited the dream, he was falling back into consciousness, but the darkness kept trying to catch him and bring him back. He felt something heavy grip his shoulders, and he struggled against it. He tried hard to open his eyes, but the darkness was holding them shut. The grip on his shoulders tightened and he was being shaken. Finally, Trot's eye's snapped open, standing over him was a green eyed monster, it's skin felt cold to Trot's skin and its yellow mane only complimented how terrifying it looked. "AAAAAAAARRRGGGGHHHHHH!" Trot yelled in terror. He twisted and bucked with all his might and the monster was knocked out of the tent. Not wasting any time he grabbed a nearby pocket shovel with his mouth and charged out from the tent. He swung up and down but stopped just in time to see Applejack's eye's looking up at him in surprise and horror. Trot dropped the shovel and looked down at her confused. "TROT!" Both Applejack and Trot turned to see Twilight Sparkle, her own armor half on, followed by a shocked Luna, two combat ready Royal Guards and the rest of their friends wearing a shock expression on their faces. Applejack got up quickly, an amazing feat considering how heavy the armor she was wearing, was She shoved the apple into Trot's mouth with a hoof. "Ere! Breakfast!" She yelled before running off. The Trail Blazer just stood there confused. "TROT HOW COULD YOU!?" Twilight yelled. Princess Luna chimed in; Her eyes glowed a dangerous blue. "She went so far as to serve you breakfast in bed as an apology and you respond by attacking her!?" Trot looked at each of their faces, knowing full well that his next few words would decide whether or not he would live to see breakfast. He spat out the apple and let it fall to his hoof. "Breakfast?" He looked at the apple, and his eyes grew wide. He suddenly remembered those green eyes from when he woke up. If that was the case than that meant he... A blue blur stopped him from finishing his thought. Rainbow Dash plowed him into the ground so hard that it created a sizable dust cloud and a small crater. The cyan Pegasus had Trot’s chin in her hooves. She stared him down. “Nopony hurt’s my friends!” She yelled before a bright blue aura lifted her into the sky. “Take it easy Rainbow.” Trixie declared, tossing her nightcap aside to show her horn. “Let me go ya showmare! Let me go!” Trixie huffed and struggled to hold Rainbow Dash still in the air. Fluttershy took to the air to try and calm her friend down, but Rainbow Dash wouldn't hear any of it. Everypony was looking down at Trot accusingly and Trot knew the amount of trouble he was in, even though it was all just a misunderstanding. "I can explain! I had a nightmare and..." He quickly began, but was silenced by a hoof as Rarity took Rainbow Dash's place holding Trot down. Her eyes were narrow and her usually sweet and elegant voice was filled with righteous fury for her friend's safety. Trot felt the sudden urge to buck her off him, but he realized there was only one thing he could do to explain to them the truth. "Oh your night's will be FULL of nightmares once were done with you ruffian!" She declared, her own horn growing. "I KNOW WHO YOU ARE! GENEROSITY!” He bellowed thinking it was the only way they would listen to him. Rarity didn't back away, but she was definitely confused enough that Trot could writhe himself out from under her hooves. Every pony else just stared at him. Trot took the opportunity to get back on his hooves and to look around for a viable route of escape. "You're are the elements of Harmony, but I know more than that! You've all had a nightmare on your way to Appaloosa." He said quietly. "And just before you were consumed by it, a nursery rhyme played on a guitar saved you.” Trot stopped before saying the next think on his mind. "Who told you?" Princess Luna asked. Her eyes faded back to their original colors. She looked around at everypony else, but they were just as surprised as her. She knew for a fact that nopony would tell Trot about their dream because, just like Pinkie Pie, most would rather forget their terrible dream. Luna watched as Trot tried hard to explain. Trot tried hard to find a way to describe the old disembodied voice, but he was finally able to come with up with the perfect description. "I had a nightmare... and in that nightmare... there was this mysterious voice, and it sounded like he was playing a guitar. He told me." He said, hoping they would believe him. Pinkie Pie shuddered and backed away behind Twilight upon hearing about the guitar player. Twilight turned to ask Pinkie Pie what was wrong, and that was the only opportunity Trot needed. He picked up the apple with his teeth and bolted through the gap in their circle. Trot dashed around the large rocks that surrounded the campsite. "HALT!" Garret and Gene yelled simultaneously, but it did nothing to slow the Trail Blazer. It was of little use, however; Trot had already vaulted over the supply wagon and made his way over a sand dune, following Applejack's hoof mark's on the sand. The guards were about to give chase, but Trixie stood in their way blocking their path while still holding Rainbow Dash with her magic. Trixie gave the two guards a menacing look. “Bring it on.” Gene and Garret both snorted and was about to challenge Trixie's blockade. With hooves planted firmly on the ground, Gene and Garret readied to charge at Trixie. But before they could act, Luna broke in. “STOP!” Gene and Garret halted. They were forced to obey the Princess’s orders. Trixie and the Princess locked eyes for a brief moment, and Luna realized what Trixie already knew. Trot had plenty of opportunities to harm them and get away with it in the past few days. Trixie had no doubt in her mind that he was not their enemy. ---- "Ow..." Applejack flinched as her hooves passed over the bruises underneath her armor. She shuddered at what would have happened if Trot had hit her straight on. "He got me good." She said out loud to herself, trying her best to keep her pride intact. "That's what I get for letting ‘mah guard down Ah suppose..." Applejack tried chuckling to herself, but her voice died mid laugh. She sat there silently watching the sunrise. The warm light reflected off of her armor. She was thinking about her nightmare, thinking about their mission, thinking about Trot. She shook her head and pulled her Stetson further down over her head. A few moments passed before she noticed the Trail Blazer behind her. "Applejack?" Applejack spun around, shocked to see the Trailblazer a short distance away, peaking from around a large boulder in the sand, looking very much like he didn't want to intrude. Applejack only looked away and pulled her Stetson down further. "Are you ok?" Trot asked, daring to take a step out from behind the rock. Applejack felt something nudge her hoof; she looked down and noticed that it was an apple. Trot had rolled it to her from a distance. "Look..." he began while inching closer. "...I'm really sorry I attacked you. I had a nightmare and well...you just looked like a monster wearing all the combat armor in the dark. I brought you your apple back in case you yourself were hungry..." Applejack took off her Stetson hat and looked at Trot with an expression that said quite plainly: 'are you kidding me?' "Now let me get this ‘ere apology straight." She said not breaking eye contact with the Trail Blazer. "You attacked me, and are apologizing by sayin’ that ah look like ah monster in the dark and givin' me back the apple ah gave you this mornin? You sure know how to make a mare feel special, dont'cha Trot?" Trot was speechless and resigned himself to the simple fact that he was an idiot. He lowered his head and didn't say anything more. Applejack took a deep breath and swallowed hard, she took a few steps towards Trot and sat next to him, much to his surprise. "You know. This is all mah fault though...Ah shouldn't have treated ya like ah did yesterday. There was no excuse for it. The truth is..." Applejack shuffled her footing, fighting herself. Was she really going to admit it? Especially to him? "Ah shoot!" She finally yelled out. "There's no point in hidin' it. Everypony saw me bolt the scene from you back there." Trot just watched and listened not sure what he should be doing right now. "The truth… is Ah'm scared o you Trot! I am terrified of you! And ‘ah was acting like ah usually do when Ah'm scared. ‘Ah fight back. ‘Ah deny! ‘Ah attack!" Applejack was pressing her forehead against his, as if to make sure Trot knew she meant business. It very much resembled what Trot had done to her when they first met after Trot broke through the back of Malt's salt bar. She held his gaze for a few moments before Trot breathed a sigh of relief. "Well… That's a commendable way to face your fears. Though to be quite honest, I'm pretty scared of you too..." Trot picked up the apple with his hoof and cut it in half. Applejack didn't have a single clue as to how he achieved that, but accepted the other half of the apple anyway. "Friends?" Applejack paused for a moment, looking at the apple then back up at Trot. She lowered her gaze but nodded, trying hard not to smile too widely. Trot waited for her answer patiently, but just as she looked like she was going to accept his friendship. Trot caught something in the corner of his eye. Applejack saw it too and both of them turned to face the creature that had just appeared in front of them. It was larger than both of them, but not by much. It stood on four legs but had two bladed arms sticking outside its back. Its skin was covered in armored scales and its mouth consisted of pincers. The ferocious looking monster stood still, its red eyes staring both of them down. Applejack's blood ran cold; she didn't dare break eye contact with the creature. She found herself inching closer to Trot. "Applejack..." Trot stated, his voice suddenly deadly serious. "Do you remember that promise I made to you last night?" Applejack steeled her voice as she responded. Of course she remembered, how could anypony forget what he promised; even if they were staring down a terrifying looking monster. "Yes ah do..." Trot spoke back in cold voice. "Well it looks like you're going to be getting a crash course in how to take a life..." "Trot what is that thing?" Applejack asked her voice faltering. Trot stood before the horrible creature. It’s eyes were filled with nothing but bloodlust. Trot felt a lump form in his throat. The monster growled and hissed as it slowly approached the two. How could this be? Why were they here? First the hunters… now them? Trot’s mind was filled with all these thoughts. He didn’t have much time to think, he just needed to act. Trot’s voice cracked before he could speak. “Zerglings…” The ground underneath them shook and at once, seven more of the zerglings emerged from the ground around them. They were surrounded. Applejack and Trot were side to side, each facing away from the other, in order not to get ambushed from behind. Trot took a deep breath. The voice in the dream had told him to get everypony moving towards the mountains as soon as he woke up, but he forgot. He was distracted, and now he would have to deal with the consequences. Trot spoke in hushed whisper to Applejack, as to not aggravate the creatures surrounding them. "Applejack, listen very carefully to what I have to tell you." Applejack only nodded in response. The feeling of fear had a strong grip on every portion of her body. "Stay close to me… Show no fear, and for the love of all that is good and holy in this world... don't hesitate."

Ar0k

280

Braeburn,Main 6,Original Character,Philomena,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Trixie,Alternate Universe,Crossover,Adventure,Comedy,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Falling Stars

A multi-universe crossover

incomplete

<p>What exactly were the four stars who aided in Nightmare Moon's escape? What happens when a star crashes into the earth causing the very foundation of Equestria to tremble? An expedition is dispatched by the Princess of the Sun, to the land where the star made contact. A land beyond the control of even the mighty rulers of day and night. Join Luna, Twilight ,Trixie and the rest of the expeditionary force as they journey across uncharted territory, unravel the mystery of the falling star and discover a threat far worse than the destruction of harmony. </p><p>AUTHORS NOTE: Be aware that the shipping in this story could be classified as light-shipping or friend-shipping. I left the shipping tag out initially, but since the relationships between the characters are a big part of the story I felt compelled to add it. Also, a new summary is in the works, one that best shows the reader what to expect in this crazy fanfic.</p>

teen

2012-05-03T02:29:24+00:00

2012-05-03T02:29:24+00:00

<< First off, I'd like to apologize for the wait of this chapter, I know I said that there would be shorter chapters and quicker updates, but I didn't anticipate losing my job. So I had a wave of other priorities that brought upon this long wait. Hopefully I can get this situation under control quicker. So I hope you guys enjoy it. Feedback and Comments are greatly appreciated. >> Trixie stood tall, her navy cape fluttering slightly in the desert breeze. Garret and Gene stood before her, waiting. They could have flown around her and continued after Trot but they didn't. There was something other than their princess' orders to halt that held them fast. "Look at yourselves." Trixie snorted in disgust. "Your all acting like a bunch of school bullies." "What are you talking about?" Rainbow Dash declared, taking to the sky. "Did you see what he did to AJ? He knocked her clear out of his tent!" "What we saw?" Trixie interrupted, cocking an eyebrow and closing the distance between her and Rainbow Dash. "How about what actually happened? Rainbow Dash. What about that? Could it be possible that a LOT more is going on then what we saw?!" Rainbow Dash snarled, and swooped down stopping just short of Trixie. They were so close that they were almost touching muzzles. Trixie could feel the intensity of the stare from the cyan Pegasus, but she forced herself to hold her ground. "I saw my friend get hurt by somepony who just last night declared he would teach us all how to kill today! Can you blame me for making sure he doesn't turn Applejack into a demonstration!" Trixie considered this for a moment. Seeing her opportunity, Rainbow Dash darted around her, but didn't get far before a light blue aura surrounded and grounded her, dragging her back to her original position. Garret and Gene looked to Luna for orders but Luna paid them no attention, her eyes were fixated on Trixie, but her thoughts had wandered elsewhere. Something didn't feel right. Something in the back of her head told her to be on guard. But she wasn't sure if this ominous feeling was because of Trixie or something else. She shuffled her stance casually, the sand feeling strangely uncomfortable. The Great and Powerful Trixie brushed a strand of silver hair out of her face before responding cooly. "No. I suppose I can't. But I know what traumatizing, or life changing events can do to someponies..." Twilight approached Trixie carefully, eyes darting from Trixie to the subdued Rainbow Dash, who was thrashing about with such tenacity that Twilight could see Trixie straining to keep control. "Trixie." She began carefully. "You don't mean that time when we..." Trixie Interrupted her, not allowing Twilight to bring up the past. "Trot Steamer is a Trailblazer. Not just any Trailblazer, but the only pony who has ever ventured into the Land of Twisted Metal. But the experience changed him. Wanting to teach us how to kill proves that. He doesn't need your hate or distrust right now. He needs your help." Trixie let the statement hang in the air for a few seconds to let the reality of what she had said sink in. Even Rainbow Dash stopped her struggling and turned her head away in quiet resignation. Seeing that there was no need to restrain her any longer. Trixie let the aura around her fade away. Everypony was surprised when a soft and quiet voice added to the discussion. "Uhm...I don't believe Trot is a bad pony." Everypony turned to hear Fluttershy speak. The poor girl barely spoke, so when she did decide to add something, everypony turned to listen intently to what she had to say. "Earlier...When we were gathering supplies, I talked with him...and well...he was very kind and encouraging. He told me how much he didn't want to go on this expedition. But he felt that he had to. If it meant stopping evil creatures like those...'Hunters' from coming back and causing harm to everypony. Fluttershy flew to Trixie's side, as if to side with her. "What i saw...What I felt when I was with him...Was like talking to a wounded animal. Like a bird with only one wing..." Fluttershy shuddered at her own analogy. The idea of seeing such a helpless animal, broke her heart. Just like that, the voice that could soothe wild beasts, ended the standoff. Gene was amazed, as all mares attitudes suddenly changed, even rainbow dash stopped struggling. Despite the change of the situation, Gene still needed to be released from her order to stand down and pursue Applejack and Trot. If anything, to explain that the situation had changed and that they should return to camp. Gene looked up to the princess. "My princess? May we proce--" Gene stopped in mid sentence. Luna was frozen to the spot. Her eyes, fixated dead ahead. Dead and blank. Her mouth opened and closed, as if trying to form words. Gene spun around in shock. Garret did so a split second later, and everypony else looked on in horror as the princess spoke. She mumbled, loud enough that only her two guards could hear. Soon she stopped shaking, her eyes focused dead ahead and she spoke loudly and diffinitivley. "Assimilation Successfull." Jagged claws burst from the ground. --- Applejack's head hurt. Despite her armor, some sort of impact managed to knock her out cold. She could barely hear Trot, yelling at her from somewhere not far away. "Applejack! Wake up! You have to wake up now!" Applejack's eyes fluttered open, trying to make sense of her surroundings. But her vision had not completely cleared itself yet. "T...Trot? Wha...What happened?" "You hesitated, that's what happened!" Trot's words were mixed with a sigh of relief and agitation. At the word 'hesitate' Applejacks' memories started flooding back to her. They were surrounded, and outnumbered, by at least half a dozen of what Trot had called, zerglings. They circled them, waiting and watching. Applejack knew that they could tear them apart limb from limb if they wanted to, but something gave them pause. Suddenly the first creature attacked. Trot expertly sidestepped and bucked the monster in the ribbcage, avoiding it's extended claws that were aiming for his throat. She remembered being frozen in fear, being so stiff that Trot had to shove her out of the way of a pouncing zergling. After it's failed attack, the creature backed off and resumed to circle them. Trot was in the middle of telling her to "snap out of it", when the ground gave way and they plummeted through the sand and onto a rocky floor. Applejack jumped up as the flashback finished. She didn't care if her head hurt anymore, all she could think of was finding Trot and hoping to Celestia that they were out of danger. She swung her head left and right looking for him and almost immediately found him Stuck to a wall, subdued by some sort of mucus like substance. In the initial fall, Trot was able to catch himself, and land without receiving too much damage. But as soon as he recovered, he was pinned to the wall by something in the shadows. "Don't come any closer! Stay in the sunlight! You have to be able to see them." He cautioned. Fear and anxiety obvious in his voice. Trot noticed some movement in the shadows to Applejack's flank. "Behind you!" He yelled, just in time for Applejack to jump out of the way, of a charging zerg. Applejack panted heavily. The zerg quickly surrounded her, following the same pattern as before. Applejack had no choice, she had to fight. The horrible creatures would tear her to shreds, but what other choice did she have? She was surrounded and outnumbered, and if she didn't act soon she might as well lay down and let them devour her. Trot didn't know why he was still alive. The zerg were merciless killers, and almost never took prisoners. Unless... His eyes grew wide, suddenly understanding their motives. He watched the zerg circle around Applejack looking for an opportunity to strike her. One of them managed to catch her in her blind spot and almost sent its claw straight through her armor. Applejack bucked in retaliation but the zergling had jumped back and continued to circle her along with the other zerg. Trot had to help her somehow. "Applejack! You have to listen to me! You can do this! Fight them!" "Ah can't." She replied almost yelling. "There are too many of them." "Just listen to my voice!" At that exact moment, Trot saw one of the Zerg double back and move behind her. He saw exactly what it was trying to do and warned Applejack. "Applejack! To your right!" Applejack spun around and kicked without looking, and to her surprise her kick connected. The power of her buck was magnified by the iron greaves she wore, and it was strong enough to send the sizable creature barreling back and slamming against some of the collapsed stone. It slumped to the ground before standing up in an apparent daze. "You are NOT weak!" Trot exclaimed. He couldn't help but feel hopeful when he saw the damage Applejack had done. Applejack could not believe it herself, but the fear inside was slowly leaving her. Feeling her kick connect, combined with Trot's encouragement, gave her just enough confidence to feel like she could do this. Applejack took a deep breath and bent low, mimicking Trot's fighting stance. "LEFT!" Trot yelled. Applejack turned and bucked. --- Gene launched himself back while Garret took to the skies. The girls who were still around Trixie watched in shock as several terrifying creatures emerged from the ground around Luna. For a moment they looked like they were going to rip her apart with their ferocious claws, but their focus was directed solely on them. "EVERYPONY! GET BACK!" Garret yelled. The girls obeyed only to find out that more of those creatures were emerging from behind them. They were surrounded. "Around me girls! Don't panic!" Twilight yelled, although she herself was on the verge of panicking. She and Trixie were pressed together side to side with Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Spike and Rarity squeezing in on them. Rainbow Dash hovered in the air above them, while Garret flew down and pounced on Gene, who looked about ready to make a suicidal attempt at reaching the princess. "Unhand me brother! or have you forgotten your oath!?" He struggled against Garret who kept him firmly pinned to the ground. "I will never forget my oath to protect the royalty of Equestria! But we cannot protect her by rushing to our deaths!" Garret grunted hoping to slap some sense into his brother. This seemed to calm Gene down slightly, which allowed Garret to successfully drag his brother back towards the huddling mares. Garret looked over at the Princess, careful not to let his grip loosen on Gene should he decide to take matters into his own hands again. Her eyes were glowing white, and her demeanor was calm, as if the monstrous creatures around her were her closest friends. Garret noticed something coiled around the princess' hoof, sticking out from beneath the sand. He didn't know how... but there could be only one explanation about what was happening to their beloved princess. "Mind control..." He growled, loud enough for Everypony to hear. At that moment, the monstrous creatures all attacked at once. The girls screamed in terror, not knowing how to react. "Trixie!" Twilight yelled, horn already glowing. "I know!" Replied a shaken Trixie. And the two unicorns unleashed their spell. A bubble of magic exploded outward from the center of their huddled mass. All the monsters were thrown back at once by a massive light blue and purple sphere. The sphere remained and acted as a barrier between the ponies and certain death. The monsters only took seconds to recover from their shock and began to test the bubble for weaknesses. So far there were none, and the ponies relaxed however slightly. Spike was the first one to break from the huddle, wiping away a drop of sweat from his forehead. The rest of the mares followed suit reacting to the sudden ambush in their own way. Garret let go of Gene, who got up and immediately started pacing the perimeter of the bubble. Garret himself moved passed Pinkie Pie and Rarity to reach Twilight Sparkle. Twilight and Trixie weren't straining to keep the barrier up, despite the attempts by the monsters to claw their way through. They were holding off pretty well against the beasts. Surrounded by the protected bubble, the ponies recollected themselves. "Our princess is being controlled." Garret stated plainly, and calmly at Twilight Sparkle who sank to her haunches in exasperation. "I know, I heard you... But what are those things?" Twilight replied Garret shook his head; indicating that he didn't have the slightest idea. "I bet Trot would know..." Rainbow Dash grumbled, landing next to a curled up and crying Fluttershy. She nuzzled her a couple of time's but Fluttershy would not move from her spot. "It makes sense..." Trixie said, hoping to direct the discussion away from Trot. "If they had the ability to subdue minds, it would make sense that they would target the strongest of us. But why not all of us?" Garret pointed a hoof in the direction of Luna and Trixie walked up to the wall of the bubble, to get a better look. There was what looked like a tentacle griping the hoof of princess Luna. Twilight soon joined her and inspected the tentacle herself. She frowned as she watched two of the creatures stand guard next to her. Twilight noticed that Luna was beginning to move slightly. Her head tilted to one side, and then to the other although it looked like her muscles were straining. Was she fighting it? Twilight couldn't tell. "They are not going to get away with this..." It was a voice she didn't recognize. She turned and was surprised to see that it was Gene. She had heard him speak before, but never with such anger. The royal guard wasn't bothering to hide his rage, and Twilight couldn't blame him. She herself found that her fear was replaced with her own feelings of anger and feelings of injustice. Why did creatures like this even have to exist? Why couldn't they just leave them alone? "They won't." Twilight speaking with every ounce of determination she could muster. "We need a plan." Trixie added, after doing a lap around the circle barrier. Twilight nodded in response, but before she could even begin to think of a plan of action, something hit the barrier with such force that it threatened to break through it. Twilight and Trixie refocused their attention on the barrier, but the force was too strong. Both Twilight and Trixie had their eyes closed in concentration so neither of them saw what hit them. But everypony else did, and a cry from Rainbow Dash was the only indication as to who struck them. "Luna, NO!" The Princess was slowly walking forward. Her horn seemed to glow a brilliant white and purple. With each step she took, the force against the barrier grew stronger and a mere seconds later a crack appeared in the barrier. ---- Applejack panted heavily, she was doing damage but not enough. "The little critters just keep coming." She said out loud to herself. She was growing weaker by the minute and recognized what they were doing. They were wearing her down, trying to drain the last bit of strength from her. But then what? Applejack had a feeling that these creatures were playing with their food. As she sidestepped another swipe from one of her closest attackers, she risked a glance at Trot, who was still struggling against his mucus-like shackles. She had to reach him somehow, but that would involve breaking through the circle of monsters and charging through the darkness of the cave, which Trot had consistently warned her to stay away from. The zerglings stopped their attacks and circled Applejack once more. She used this time to quickly come up with a plan to reach Trot. It was a long shot, and she didn't like the plan one bit, but there was no other option. Applejack purposely fumbled in her step, showing signs of weakness, after a little while longer she started to breathe heavier, and finally after one of their attacks nicked her on the left side of her armored flank, she collapsed to her knees barely able to keep herself standing. "Applejack don't give up!" Trot yelled out now on the verge of panic. Applejack pretended not to hear him and continued to sink lower to the ground. The zerglings stopped circling her, and after a moment's pause they all moved in on her slowly. Just as one looked about ready to finish her off, Applejack sprang into action. Trot watched in surprise as Applejack used her crouched position to launch a kick that sent the offending zergling sailing through the air. Before the zerglings could react, Applejack sprinted through their gap. One of the zerglings dove for her, but their claws merely glanced the side of her armor. Applejack's heart was pumping. Fresh sweat poured down her forehead threatening to block her vision. She charged to where the sunlight ended and the shadow of the underground tunnel's began. To her great relief, nothing in the dark was waiting to ambush her. She reached Trot and looked over her shoulder, the zerglings had surrounded them both. More zerg from the shadows moved to encircle them "Impressive Applejack." Trot whispered, watching their odds for survival dwindle with each extra zergling that came to join the fight. "I don't suppose you have a plan to get me out of here?" Applejack, tugged on the gooey like substance with her teeth, and then subsequently gagged and spat the contents of it out of her mouth. Her mouth burned as the taste lingered, it didn't take any sort of genius to know that this slime was toxic. "Ah...Ah'll think o' somethin..." She said nervously, watching the massive amount of zerg closing in around them. "Well you'd better think quick, otherwise lets hope all they do is kill us..." Trot swallowed, trying to look defiant against certain death. "Whaddya mean?! How can anything possibly be worse than death?" Trot didn't answer. As if on cue, a strange gurgling noise reverberated around the cave. Trot felt his hair stand on end. From the shadows emerged a large, grotesque, wormlike creature. Its head was discernible from its terribly disfigured body. A jagged hard shell covered its face, with two orange glowing eyes visible around the sides of its head. Its mouth was an array of different sized tentacles that didn't seem capable of staying still. Close to it's head were two massive claws that carried the majority of the creature as it crawled its way towards them. There was no mistaking it. It was an Infestor. Trot scowled, and struggled against his bonds. The infestor moved towards him, the gurgling noise increasing in intensity. The creature was only a few feet away from him when it suddenly let out a mangled howl of pain. Applejack had leapt over it's claws and delivered a well placed buck to the creatures exposed eye, before retreating back to Trot. "Don't you touch him! " She growled menacingly. Applejack didn't know what caused her to act, or where this sudden burst of courage came from, but she didn't care. Trot tried to stop her, but his instructions fell on deaf ears. "Ah'm sorry sugarcube." Her voice was steady and devoid of fear. Something that unnerved Trot very much. The Infestor gave a garbled order and all the zerg around her attacked at once. Applejack only had time to brace herself, as the claws came tearing down after her, then, the world exploded. ---- The magical barrier was at it's breaking point. Princess Luna relentlessly sent beam after beam of magical energy, each shot getting closer to destroying the barrier. Trixie and Twilight's efforts to maintain the barrier were supplemented by Rarity who stressed her own magical ability to it's limits. Despite their efforts, the magical barrier was still failing. Twilight and Trixie Reduced the size of the barrier so they could focus and consolidate more of their energy, but the bubble was now so small that everypony was piled on top of each other to stay within the magical barrier. "We need to do something or we're done for!" Trixie exclaimed. "Tell me something I don't know!" Twilight retorted, trying to balance coming up with a plan and maintain the magical barrier. Think Twilight! She thought. Forget any sort of complex strategy! Just think of your basic needs! Twilight grit her teeth. Survival. But that wont happen if I can't maintain the barrier. The problem is the Princess. Snap her out of it? Unlikely. I don't know what method they are using to control her, besides that tiny tentacle attached to her hoof. Divert attention? Fine. How? "Twilight!" Pinkie Pie yelled at her to try and get her attention, But Twilight ignored her, focused on her multitasking. "I can't...I can't take much more of this..." Rarity said out loud, tears escaping her closed eyes. "Don't give up! Concentrate!" Garret commanded, letting go of his brother to lay a comforting hoof on the lady like unicorn who was not used to using her magical ability to this extent. Twilight thoughts continued to race. How? Think Twilight! Mass Teleport? No, too much magic needed. Split up? No. None of my friends are going to get hurt today! We have to stand together! But Maybe...The air? Rainbow Dash! She is the fastest among all of us, but what can she do to get Luna's attention away from us? That will have to be up to Rainbow Dash. I trust her. But what if she gets hurt? Well all get hurt if I don't do anything now. I trust her abilities! I trust her! "Rainbow Dash!" Twilight half-yelled, the strain of using her so much magic made it difficult to speak. Rainbow Dash made a gigantic effort to pull herself free of Spike and Fluttershy who were hanging onto her for comfort at the bottom of the pile. "What's the plan! I'll try anything!" She replied, panic evident in her voice even though she tried to look brave and collected. "Get to the sky and draw the Princesses' fire! I don't care what you do! Just don't get hurt!" There was only a slight pause in hesitation before the cyan pegasus saluted. "I'm on it!" She spread her wings and was about to take off before Trixie stopped her. "Wait for a lapse in her attacks!" Trixie grunted. "What do you take me for, a foal? Of course i know that!" Rainbow Dash gulped, watching Luna smash the barrier with powerful magic beams in rapid succession. Any opening to fly through the barrier unscathed was paper thin. "I can feel her attacks coming! Wait for my signal!" Trixie once again spoke, digging her hooves into the dirt and sand. Rainbow Dash looked at the beams of light and then back down at Trixie who who seemed to be in some serious pain. Again, Rainbow Dash gulped and then gave a shaky sigh. "Don't make me regret trusting you Trixie!" Rainbow Dash spread her wings and gave them a few flaps to warm them up. She spared one glance around her and noticed. Garret, trying to hold Rarity upright. Dash felt something flip inside of her, but shook it off. She had to focus. "Wait for it!" Trixie yelled, feeling each of Luna's attacks break on their barrier. She could trace the magic from the damage she received to its source. It was just a matter of being well practiced in the art of magic. She had no doubt Twilight could sense the same thing as well, seeing as she was fluctuating the barrier strength to just before the attacks connected to preserve energy. But Twilight was the stronger of the two and needed to focus on maintaining the barrier. This was solely up to her. The Great and Powerful Trixie swore to herself that she wouldn't let her new friends down. Feeling the right moment approach, Trixie opened her eyes and shouted with all her might. "Now!" Rainbow Dash took to the air with a burst of speed, just barely dodging a few stray magic beams from Princess Luna. She flew higher and higher, before leveling off and then darting towards the ground. She did a fly by, complete with agile barrel rolls to dodge a series of Luna's attacks, but after a while the princess just went back to bombarding her friends. Rainbow Dash growled, she had one idea that could maybe buy the others some time. It involved kicking up the dirt and sand with her flying speed to create some sort of dirt cloud her friends could maybe use for cover. But this involved getting dangerously close to the ground, and with that many monsters surrounding her friends, she doubted if it would do any good. This left one option. Rainbow Dash gulped, but decided to try it anyway. Rainbow Dash propelled herself high into the sky, for a brief moment enjoying the wind in her mane. She hovered for a moment before saying silently to herself. "So much for not getting hurt." Rainbow Dash dropped sharply towards the ground, flapping her wings as hard as they could go. Her mind focused, her body ready and eyes fixated on Princess Luna. -- "Go after the Trail Blazer ya said! It would be fun ya said..." Malt whined in an almost sing song voice, dragging his hooves across the barren desert. Two saddlebags were strapped across his flank and a empty canteen hung around his neck. Several hoof-steps away, Braeburn rolled his eyes, and only increased his pace. "Ah never said it would be fun! Now hush and try to keep up will ya! We gotta find some trace of where they went!" Malt grumbled but picked up his pace to match Braeburn's. They had been traveling for a full day, in the hopes of catching up with the expedition. But so far all they had managed to find was sand, dirt, rocks, and more sand. Braeburn stopped and held up a hoof to block out the rising sun from his eyes. He spotted mountains in the distance and wondered if that was where the Expedition had gone. "Ya know, the coin we flip landed on tails the first three times. Maybe that was the fates warnin' us not ta go on this 'ere adventure." Braeburn had just about had enough. "Then maybe ya shouldn't have kept flippin the darn coin!" He yelled out exasperated. "Heads we go find Trot, and Tails we don't! Yet we both kept flippin' it hopin' for it to be heads!" Malt grunted and then collapsed on his haunches, giving a sigh of defeat that ruffled his already messy mustache. Braeburn sat next to him staring at the sunrise. "We come too far to back down now. We WILL find Trot. Why? Because were his friends." He gave Malt a pat on the back before standing up. "Friends don't leave each other behind." Malt looked up at Braeburn with an annoyed look on his face. "Ya wan't some crackers with that cheese?" The annoyed look remained, but Malt got up nonetheless. Braeburn rolled his eyes once again at his friend's comment and turned to continue on their journey. Then they felt the ground shake. Off in the distance was a giant mushroom type cloud formed that nearly blocked out the sun. It looked colorful, almost like a rainbow. "Mother of Celestia..." Braeburn and Malt said simultaneously. After a moment's hesitation, they darted towards the rainbow colored mushroom cloud. ---- NOTES: *Back in the day, there was a bug in starcraft 2 where an infestor could perform its neural parasite ability while being burried. Im taking that bug and running with it.* *I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, and again, sorry for the delay. Comments and Feedback are greatly appreciated.*

ObssesedNuker

281

Braeburn,Little Strongheart,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The Bear, The Eagle, and The Ponies

A World War 3 Spills over into Equestria

cancelled

<p>When a experiment gone wrong lands a ruthless and powerful foe in the middle of Equestria, Twilight and her friends must put trust in a battered group of human soldiers if they are to stave off a revolution of the Bolshevik variety...</p>

everyone

2011-08-25T20:39:07+00:00

2011-08-25T20:39:07+00:00

Disclaimer: My Little Pony is owned by Hasbro. Command & Conquer is owned by EA Games. Please support both companies. The Bear, The Eagle, and The Ponies Chapter 1: Chrono Crunch Workers Apartment, Outskirts of Ulan Bataar, People's Republic of Mongolia "This is the biggest load of bullshit I have ever been in! Haven't the commies ever watched a movie? We're supposed to accomplish our mission against all odds! Or accomplish our mission and then get backed into a corner but get rescued in the nick of times by the cavalry! But no… instead intelligence screws the pooch and we get dropped into the middle of what has to be the whole fucking Red Army! This is bullshit of the greatest, grandest, and most spectacular-!" "Lance-Corporal, if you don't shut up and focus on shooting, I will save Ivan ammunition by putting my second-to-last round in your head! NOW KEEP FUCKING FIRING!" Captain Adam Gins did not silently mutter a prayer when the complaining corporal did as he was ordered. Instead, he substituted firing a burst from his assault rifle down at a squad of Soviet infantry who had broken cover to charge the apartment. Then he, and the rest of his fire-team, put as much distance between them and the window as possible, ducking behind a counter as they did so. They had been firing from that side of the room for too long. Sure enough, the far wall blew in as a salvo of dumb-fire helicopter rockets smashed it apart. One of Gins's men hadn't been fast enough and his body was shredded by concussion and shrapnel. Given how badly the mission had begun, the Captain considered himself pretty damn lucky. The officer and his company had been holed up in a worker's apartment smack in the middle of an industrial plant when they realized how much trouble they were facing. The building's steel-and-concrete construction might not have been very comfortable, but it held up to almost anything short of concentrated artillery fire or an all-out air strike. And since either would wreck the surrounding industrial facility, something Gins guessed (correctly, by the looks of it) that the Ruskie's did not want to do, that meant they were 100% safe from simply being shelled into oblivion. Of course, with firepower out of the question the Soviets had resorted to their favorite stand by: sheer numbers. The fighting had been going on for three hours non-stop. A trio of Hind gunships and six or seven T-64 tanks periodically broke cover to fire shells, unguided rockets, and missiles into the structure at whichever rooms they thought the Allied soldiers were hiding. Under the cover of this bombardment, Soviet infantry would try and storm the apartment, to be met first by withering gun fire from the Allied troops on the first-floor and then if they were lucky enough to survive that, they faced brutal hand-to-hand combat. Already the company had repulsed five successive attempts to breach the structure, the last of which had (much to everyone's consternation) a tesla trooper. The power-armored fiend cooked most of a squad before someone managed to fire a shoulder-launched rocket at point-blank range into the bastard. The shooter was never identified… he had, after all, fired a rocket launcher in close-quarters, a death sentence even without the exploding warhead bit, because of the back blast. A new figure that came running through the kitchen door at a crouch almost got three-rounds in the chest for his trouble. The newcomer dove towards Gins and almost slammed into a private taking cover right next to the Captain. The GI swore noisily, but Gins ignored him. "Lieutenant." Second Lieutenant Gerard Mullivan, British Army, gave a grin at his commanding officer. "Bit of a spot we are in, isn't it sir?" "Can't you ever stop with confirming the stereotypes?" Gins didn't wait for an answer, "What's the problem and why couldn't it come over the radio?" "We have a Hip coming in from the north. Also, our radio's stopped working… I think there might be a tesla tank in the area." The Captain's blood almost froze in his veins. A transport helicopter, probably with Spetznatz to finish them off in coordination with a ground assault, was bad enough. But a tesla tank? Gins had seen them burn through a M62 MBT's frontal armor with as much effort as a hot knife through butter. "Try to hit the heli and keep your rockets ready." "All well and done, sir." Mullivan paused and gave Gins a quick salute, "Just make sure not to die Captain." And with that, he scurried off. Of course, Gins knew they were all dead; he was down to two magazines and one of those was in his gun right now. As he popped out of the newly-formed hole in the wall to rake the ground with automatic fire, the captain knew Corporal Kinns was right: it wasn't goddamn fair. Intel had chosen the worst drop zone possible and now the Soviets knew that the Allies knew that the Soviets were close to copying Chronotechnology. The burning remnants of the company's IFVs a few blocks over were a testament to how badly intelligence had fucked up. The Captain squeezed the trigger and was rewarded with a dull-click. One magazine now… and two of the tanks had appeared again, pouring cannon and machine gun fire upwards. Another assault was coming… This would probably do it. Soviet Industrial-Military Complex, Outskirts of Ulan Bataar, People's Republic of Mongolia... "Are you sure no damage has been done to the plant?" Major-General Gennady D. Voroshilov, commander of the 233rd Motor-Rifle Division and commanding officer of the Ulan Bataar Soviet Military Base, asked the major in front of him. "Nothing that will affect the facility's operation, comrade general." The major's voice held complete conviction. "And the American raiders will soon be dealt with. They are using one of the on-site worker apartments for shelter and have repulsed five attempts to storm it so far, but are running low on ammunition. This next attack should overrun them." "See that it does." Voroshilov issued a stern look at his subordinate, "And make sure to inform Moscow. Premier Romanov will need to know that the Allies have discovered our investigation of their chronosphere…" The general then gave a small grin, "And will probably be glad to also know that the disrupters work as advertised." "At once, comrade general." The major saluted and went off at once to fulfill the order. Voroshilov glanced at his watch and stood-up. It was good to know that the plant would be fully functional again once the Allies were cleared out. So far it was the only facility in the communist bloc that could produce the parts needed for the project. More would come in the future… but only if the work at this base succeeded. The Allied commandoes probably thought that they had been located so far away on purpose, given the way the chrono-disrupters worked. That would be a blow to their morale. No matter, the raiders were contained and if anything with them changed, he would be informed immediately. For now, Doctor Zelinsky was about to conduct a new test run of the first prototype Soviet chronosphere. The trip to the experiment area took less than five minutes and Zelinsky, as seemed to be his habit when something important was about to occur, was a bundle of nerves. The general tried to put the scientist at ease "Calm down, Comrade Zelinsky. Even if something goes wrong, it is not your fault. This is simply a straightforward copy…" "I know, I know…" Zelinsky muttered, "But I can't help myself." "Just get on with it… what is the experiment procedure?" The doctor paused, blinked a few times and then visibly forced his composure into something more calm. "Yes, well… we shall start first, of course, with inanimate objects." The testing chamber was behind safety glass and contained what was obviously the Chronosphere experiment, the half-exposed orb glowing with readied power, and a pedestal with… "Any particular reason we are teleporting a Rubix Cube?" Zelinsky smiled sheepishly. "I find the game to be mentally stimulating." The general merely nodded and glanced around at the other assembled scientists, military men, and even some party bureaucrats who were here to observe the test. "Let us begin the experiment!" Zelinsky said, "Power readings are good. Feeds are good. Tachyon output is within expectations..." The doctor rattled off a list, sometimes containing words too convoluted for Voroshilov to understand, much less pronounce. The military men and other non-scientists also seemed completely lost. "… and everything is good!" Zelinsky gave an awkward grin, flipping the guard to a red button and placing a slightly-trembling finger over it. "Three… two… one and-!" He pressed the button. On the quantum scale… The mechanics of chronotechnology are interesting, to say the least. The first model of the teleporting device ever built, by the Allied Treaty Organization during the Great World War 2, was fraught with lethal problems when used on biological specimens. Unless a person was inside a building or vehicle, they simply ceased to exist. And even if inside a vehicle there was a small but quite noticeable chance that something bad would happen to them. Horror stories were everywhere of teleporting tank crews fused to their vehicle's interior, aircraft suddenly exploding on arrival for no apparent reason, filled personnel carriers teleporting somewhere successfully only for their passengers to be reduced to anatomically impossible boxes of flesh, bone, and muscle. The most unique story was of the USS Philadelphia, which was to be teleported from the United States all the way to Great Britain. The ship made the transition, but when it arrived the entire crew immediately went insane and killed themselves by whatever means they could find: knives, guns, jumping from the crow's nest, drowning themselves in the ocean, even bashing their heads open on the deck. And nobody knows why. The new chronosphere, updated and now used by the Allies, was much safer. The problems that existed with the previous version were gone, except for the lethality to exposed humans. The Soviet prototype chronosphere was a near direct copy of the Allied one and thus was supposed to be just as safe. The problem, as the Soviets were to learn later, was their new chrono-disrupter fields. Nobody had ever thought what would happen if they activated a chronosphere inside the disruption field. There wasn't any truly grandiose explosion, no tremendous thunderclap, no shaking earth. All that happened was an odd hiss, a faint blue dome appeared over an area twenty kilometers in diameter, centered on the building where the experiment was taking place, and then vanished. When the dome disappeared, what had once been a sprawling Soviet military facility and a somewhat larger factory complex were just gone. In its place was nothing but the soil just underneath all the buildings. At least, that is what happened from the perspective of someone on the outside. From within the affected area, everyone was rendered unconscious the moment the button was pushed. Unknown Location... "Ah… god… damn… what did they hit me with?" That was the first thing Gins heard as he came back to consciousness and it barely registered in his mind as he received more sensory information. Everything seemed bizarrely quiet, save for the rustle of wind through the trees and the chirping of distant birds. Wait one moment… where did the trees come from? "MEDIC!" The scream was surprising, but still perversely relieved Captain Gins of the awkward stillness when compared to his last memory. "OH JESUS CHRIST, MEDIC!" Gins opened his eyes as he rolled to his feet, glancing around. Around him, his men also picked themselves off the ground in varying states of confusion and dizziness… except for the ones who wouldn't ever move again. The captain realized his mind must have been off kilter from… whatever happened because it took him a moment to realize that the group was no longer in an apartment, or somewhere that might look like Mongolia for that matter. Instead, the thirty or so of his men that he could see, the ones that were still alive that is, were apparently picking themselves out of a variety of bushes, trees, and overgrown grass. They were in a forest, a very dense forest. A rustling to his left caused almost everybody in the woods to turn and aim their weapons, but out stumbled… "Lieutenant Mullivan, Sergeant Vince." The Captain said as the two men led another twenty or twenty-five Allied soldiers into the clearing. "What's going on?" "Thought you would know that, sir." Vince replied, leaning against a tree in exhaustion. The short, but solidly built man looked extremely tired, but then they all looked that way. "We woke-up just a bit away from here to that bloke yelling for a medic, Captain." Mullivan added, "We just kind of… stumbled towards here." The lieutenant fell silent for a few seconds and then finally added, "I think this is everyone…" Gins looked around. There was just greater than a platoon strength force here. Only fifty to sixty living men out of what was once two hundred, and then he looked at the bodies and realized that the numbers could add up in only one way. The man who had been shouting for a medic earlier was still now, even though he got what he wanted. As he watched, Gins saw the medic sigh and lean down to collect the dead man's dog-tag. "Alright." The Captain muttered, then cleared his throat. "Alright! Rally-up! First things first: we gotta grab the spare ammunition and food, these guys…" He paused, "They won't be needing it any more. Get their dog tags while you're at it!" The gathered Allied soldiers looked at their commanding officer for a few dumbfounded seconds, the disorientation from all the rapid events delaying their reaction. Finally, with a chorus of acknowledgement, they set to their grim task. Adam watched his men work for a few moments and finally turned back to his two more immediate subordinates. "Alright… now where the hell are we?" Chronosphere Test Observation Chamber, Unknown... The first thing Voroshilov awoke to was something he would rather not: the bald-headed head of the base's psi-corp detachment hovering over him. "Are you alright, Comrade General?" "Yes." The reply was snapped out. "What happened?" "Something went wrong… horribly wrong." Zelinsky cut-in from behind. The general turned to face the doctor and in doing so caught a view of the test chamber. The reverse-engineered mini-chronosphere within had… melted, for lack of a better word. "Comrade General." The eerily smooth voice of the psi-corp trooper cut in again. "We must return to the command center immediately… the chronosphere accident has caused a… change." "What do you mean?" Voroshilov snapped, but the psychic (the General was having a damnably hard time remembering his name… Vladimir, wasn't it?) merely shrugged. With that non-answer, a grumbling Voroshilov stormed out of the observation chamber and was immediately met by two soldiers who were his bodyguards. They were tense now and held their AK-47's more nervously. Ignoring them as they fell into place right behind him, Voroshilov stalked down the research facility's halls, out the main door and into a blistering heat. Ulan Bataar, despite its proximity to the Gobi, was actually rather temperate given its location, particularly in April. So it was with no small surprise that Voroshilov looked around at his base, the structures still in a recognizable lay-out, and realized that he was looking at a desert environment. Just what the hell had happened? End Chapter Author's Notes: So, when I first happened into becoming part of the herd, my first instinct was to naturally throw a modern(ish) fighting force at Equestria. I contemplated the 40K (of course), Call of Duty, and Battlefield franchises before finally settling on the Red Alert setting because it would allow me to combine three things I like: warfare, the Soviet Union, and ponies. Of course I have a plot, I can't just toss these things into a blender and call it a day. And some modifications have been made to the Red Alert setting, modifications that you may have noticed (the Rhino tanks being designated T-64's, for instance), but it's all in line with the actual setting. Don't worry though, we will still get plenty of that zany Red Alert weaponry we all know and love. Oh, and you might have noticed it's the Red Alert 2verse. Red Alert 3 never happened!

ObssesedNuker

281

Braeburn,Little Strongheart,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The Bear, The Eagle, and The Ponies

A World War 3 Spills over into Equestria

cancelled

<p>When a experiment gone wrong lands a ruthless and powerful foe in the middle of Equestria, Twilight and her friends must put trust in a battered group of human soldiers if they are to stave off a revolution of the Bolshevik variety...</p>

everyone

2012-07-25T05:23:05+00:00

2012-07-25T05:23:05+00:00

Disclaimer: My Little Pony is owned by Hasbro. Command & Conquer is owned by EA Games. Please support both companies. Also, translation from English has been done via an internet translator, transliteration to the English alphabet has been done manually. The author politely requests that Russian speakers (native or not) do not attempt to throttle him over the internet for any accidental transgressions against Russian words and/or grammar. It just isn't worth your computer screen. The Eagle, The Bear, and the Ponies Chapter 2: Where the Buffalo Roam Over a Unknown Desert... The disappointment inside the Mi-17 transport was so thick one could probably taste it. They had all been eager to deal out punishment to the Allied fools who dared venture so close to the motherland's territory, but the bizarre events had put a damper on that. When the helicopter crew and the Spetsnatz they were transporting came to, they had found themselves on the ground, with the engine shut-down, and on top of some desert plateau. Upon contacting the base, they had discovered that all the units that had been sent out to attack the American raiders had likewise been scattered in the area and were promptly ordered to return to base. "What the-!" The co-pilots exclamation cut through the dismal mood. "There seems to be a herd of animals moving on our three o'clock low…" The Spetsnatz team jostled for position with each other and the door machine gunner for a view out of the helicopter. As they did so, the helicopter slid rightwards in the direction of the sighting. Once each member of the team found themselves settled, the Special Forces trooper's eyes were immediately drawn to a cloud of dust being kicked into the air below. "Are those Buffalo?" One of the troopers asked, squinting down in puzzlement. The chatter over their headsets, a necessity when running about in a noisy helicopter, began immediately. "Can't be anything else." The squad sniper said. "I thought they were endangered, but that's a pretty big herd..." "So we are in America then?" The machine gunner studied the herd below. The stampeding creatures had apparently noticed the helicopter some hundreds of meters above them and if the man didn't know better he would swear that they looked confused. "Buffalo come from America, yes." This came from the squad leader, a sergeant who was probably the most educated man in the vehicle. "But not from the desert part of it, which is awfully close to the front right now... and I don't hear any artillery." After another moment the helicopter began to turn away back to its original course, the pilot probably deciding they had seen enough. It was at that fateful moment that the same trooper who had first spoken up commented: "I heard buffalo meat is delicious." The nine-men in the compartment, eight spetsnatz and one door gunner, shared a look as the same thought occurred to them simultaneously. As the squad leader switched his headset to talk with the helicopter's pilot, the sniper slid towards the door and flipped the safety off of his rifle. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Little Strong Heart, like the rest of the buffalo in the stampede, only heard the machine a few seconds before it swept overhead. The tribe was on the move, heading for a drink out of one of the few rivers that cut through the desert. Her first thought was there was some kind of insect swarm coming from their left, but that quickly faded away as she realized the buzzing was too steady to be one of those. Then it roared into view directly overhead and most of the stampede looked up in surprise. None of them stopped running, of course, but they couldn't help but tear their view away from the front at least temporarily. In just one glance, Strong Heart knew it was not a pony machine. The ponies' vehicles had an intricate and almost whimsical look to them, something that was standard for many of the more tool-oriented species of Equestria. This machine… it seemed to be of a completely alien design. Its round body gave her the vaguest impression of a bumblebee, but the construction and immense moving disk that apparently held it in the air made the flying contraption look… brutish to Strong Heart, something built to achieve a purpose with little or no room for any other job. The machine stayed there for a good ten or fifteen seconds, easily keeping pace with the herd as it moved. Then it tilted, beginning to slide away from its overhead position. Most of the herd thought that was that and those who had not returned their attention to the ground yet did so, but Strong Heart kept watching and she saw the machine suddenly tilt backwards and slide towards the back of the stampede. Strong Heart herself slowed, falling further back as the rest of the stampede overtook her until she dropped out behind it. In this part, there were only a few stragglers who did not keep up… not out of inability (the tribe provided for those) but out of laziness. The machine had also fallen back here and was now maintaining itself steadily even closer to the ground, but off to the left of the path. Strong Heart squinted and was able to make out an opening on the side of the contraption's body, a bit behind a large… window on the vehicles front. The little buffalo thought she saw some kind of figure kneeling in the opening with a protrusion pointing out… There was a flash from the opening, followed a few seconds later by a distant CRACK! At the same time the sound reached Strong Hearts ears, Taking Easy, one of the rear-most stragglers, collapsed mid-stride. Strong Heart noticed this and thanks to her relative small size was able to break and turn towards the collapsed figure very quickly. She almost immediately regretted it. Whatever that noise had been, it had clearly drilled through Taking Easy's head. The left side of the buffalo's head featured a relatively neat hole, but the right side… the right side had exploded into a mess of flesh, blood, bits of bone, hair and pieces of brain splattered onto the ground nearby. Strong Heart gagged and had to stop herself from throwing-up. She was saved from losing her breakfast by the flying machine, which roared in from just behind her at an extremely low altitude. Fear welled up inside Little Strong Heart as she realized the machine was going to land! Frantically, she glanced around for somewhere to hide and almost instantly found one of the innumerable boulders that dotted the desert. From behind the rock she watched the machine land facing away from her, close to Taking Easy's body. It was then that the four creatures emerged… They stood on only two legs and in place of forelegs they had a pair of limbs that ended in a hand, like a raccoon. The creatures were only slightly shorter than the average buffalo… or more than twice the size of Little Strong Heart, who was about the same size as most ponies! Beyond their dimensions, Little Strong Heart couldn't tell what the creatures actually looked like. Their actual bodies were hidden underneath what she recognized as these things' equivalent to the clothes that the Ponies sometimes wore. Mottled green fabric that stood out against the backdrop of the desert covered everything up to their head, which was then obscured by strange and terrifying black masks with some kind of mouthpiece that jutted forward and large, even blacker lenses. Completing the ensemble was what Strong Heart knew was called a helmet, something the Ponies often used when doing construction… only those were bright yellow. The creatures rapidly moved up to Taking Easy's still body, clutching some kind of… large metal-and-wooden sticks. One of them suddenly slung its stick over its haunch equivalent and strode forward, calling back to the other three. "Pomogite mne nesti eto!" Strong Heart blinked, confused by the utterly alien sounding language the creature spoke. For a moment, she thought it was those masks that made them sound different. Two of the other creatures followed the first's movement while the fourth looked across the plain where the stampede had gone... it would just be beginning to turn around by this point. A buffalo stampede is hard to reverse. The three creatures lifted Taking Easy's body off the ground. They paused for a moment and looked at each other. "Leghche, chem ya predpologal." "Da." Shrugging, the creatures began to carry Taking Easy's body back to the flying machine… back to the flying machine for what? Suddenly, the full weight of realization came down on Little Strong Heart: one of her fellow buffalo had just been killed. Not just knocked out for a few moments by a Pony apple pie or injured from a twisted hoof during a stampede, but actually killed. He had been rendered dead from an unnatural cause, by black-masked creatures who rode in large flying machines. And now they were taking his body. Why, she didn't have any idea but she doubted they were just going to bury it… Desecration of the dead... That thought initially horrified Little Strong Heart. Respect for the deceased was a concept that both the Ponies and the buffalo shared: when one of their own died, they were mourned, remembered, and honored in a funeral ceremony. If the deceased's body had been retrieved, it was respectfully disposed by burial. But the body was always handled with utmost respect, not almost-dragged uncaringly into some noisy contraption to who-knows-what-fate. Then her thought transformed into anger. These things were desecrating the dead! Worse, Strong Heart realized, they had killed a buffalo for seemingly no purpose! That was... she couldn't think of how to express the horror of the idea. Strong Heart had always been a deceptively small buffalo, but she was also an emotional one. For her, anger easily became action. She didn't waste another second observing the creatures and with a wild cry that cut over the roar of the nearby flying machine, she lept from her cover and charged just as the three beings carrying Taking Easy reached the strange contraption. Those three froze, their heads whipping around as they saw the small buffalo come at them. But the fourth swung around and raised its strange stick. Strong Heart was able to perceive the brief flashes of fire from the stick, a very loud, chunky, and brief TAK-TAK noise, a series of whines and hisses, and finally felt something akin to a really dull horn stabbing into her left fore-haunch. The small buffalo managed another step before toppling forward, pain bellowing at her from the joint. Strong Heart did a cartwheel, coming down on her back and with a wild cry of pain she twisted her head to see blood rapidly flowing from a neat hole drilled exactly where she had felt that impact. She heard the strange creatures muffled chatter but all of her attention was focused on the wound, a kind of sick fascination taking hold as the buffalo dully realized that it was her blood. Suddenly, a shadow fell over her and Little Strong Heart looked up to see the creature standing over her, looking down at her body and with its stick, what had to be a weapon, pointed at her. At this distance she could make out details on the creature's clothes: strange folds and attachments whose purpose she couldn't figure out. The creature just stood there, looking down at her, and for a moment, Strongheart thought she saw eyes through those black lenses. Then there was a shout, the creature turned away and moved out of sight. Strong Heart attempted to roll over so she could stand-up… only for her injury to protest so much she collapsed with tears in her eyes instead. Abruptly the roar of the flying machine increased in volume and a strong, sustained blast of wind and dirt pounded at Strong Hearts body. Now she squeezed her eyes shut until the wind abruptly stopped and the noise rapidly grew distant before vanishing altogether. Opening her eyes, Strong Heart tried to stand once more only to stop as her haunch voiced its complaint. Lifting her head to glance around as best she could, Strong Heart noted that the only evidence Taking Easy was ever here was his trail of blood… and her of course, as a witness. Another rumbling noise echoed from the distance, but this was much different than the flying machine sound. The stampede was finally returning. Too late to save Taking Easy, Strong Heart thought bitterly. Then the buffalo realized she was feeling a little light in the head and glanced at her wound again. An icy fear reached up into her heart and she prayed they were not too late to save her. Taking Easy had to have someone who saw what happen warn every buffalo, after all. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "It really is lighter than I expected." The Mi-16 pilot communicated over his headset with the Spetsnatz squad leader. "Are you sure you did not grab a scrawny one?" "I did not, comrade. Focus on getting us on back to base; I'll worry about the meat." The sergeant looked around at his team, who were all eyeing the dead buffalo with varying degrees of curiosity. All except one… "Is something wrong, Vasily?" Vasily, a long-time member of the team and the one who had provided watch when they retrieved the buffalo body tore his gaze away from the troop bay's ceiling. "Erm… no, comrade sergeant. I was just… thinking about the small one that came at us from behind a rock." "What about it?" The sergeant pressed. "It was actually rather good shooting on your part." "It's not that, comrade. It's just… when I took a closer look at it… I could have sworn…" The trooper shook his head. "It's nothing, just my imagination." The sergeant was not satisfied and kept pressing. "Then it should be no problem to share. What did you imagine?" "That it was intelligent, like a man." Silence for a few moments, then six out of the nine men in the bay started laughing. The sergeant simply settled for an amused grin while Vasily flushed with anger. The last man who did not laugh was the squad marksman. Instead he coughed noisily into his headset, grabbing everyone's attention. "Comrade Sergeant, if I may." The sniper said, and then leaned forward and plucked something out from behind the dead buffalo's ear, holding it up for the entire squad (and the door gunner) to see. "Did any of you notice this nicely groomed feather and wonder how it was inserted so securely behind the bison's ear, like a decoration?" Everybody stared at the feather and a memory clicked with the sergeant. A movie he had seen years before, an American import... "It looks like an Indian feather, from those American westerns." It took another few seconds before the squad fully was able to contemplate that statement. Unknown Forest... The remnants of Gins's company moved in a tight column. Normally, the captain would have hesitated to allow his men to bunch up so much, but this forest was too dense for armor and there was still enough spread to minimize any potential damage from a rocket propelled grenade or handheld FlaK gun. If they came in contact with enemy infantry, they could rapidly overwhelm them and then move on before hostile artillery and airpower came looking or, if the opposing force was too great, they could fall back into the thickets and disperse. But looking around the forest, Gins suddenly doubted he was anywhere near where he should be. The forest was too swampy to be in Mongolia and some of the bird calls too familiar. But birds were not the only noises the group heard, there was the rustling of creatures in the bushes and everybody in the company could feel hidden eyes on them. Predators, most likely… If this place was as remote as Gins thought, then the predators were unlikely to have encountered humans and just as unlikely to try and eat an unknown creature. The only man separate from the group by any significant degree was the point man, an assignment given to Sergeant First-Class Donald Burns, known respectfully by everyone else as Fallout Boy. A native of South Carolina, Burns was probably the single most respected figure in the company and simultaneously the most distant from everyone else. He rarely talked and when he did everybody listened, but most of the time he was either performing a task asked of him or listlessly staring into space with haunted eyes. Gins had placed him on point because of his experience growing up in the relative wilderness of the Appalachians. Gins understood that Burns was not the same man he used to be and for very good reason… the same reason he had that nickname. As far as Gins knew, nobody who had survived Chicago was ever themselves again. The company wasn't itself anymore either. Burns and Vince were one of the six non-commissioned officers left in the unit, and for officers it was literally just Gins and Mullivan… all the rest were dead. The Captain also now knew that he had precisely fifty-three men left. More positively, by stripping everything they could from the dead, the company had replenished their ammo and tripled the quantity of all their other supplies. They had also redistributed any spare heavy weapons, increasing the firepower to manpower ratio. Suddenly Burns stopped and an instant later so did the column. Gins immediately moved to the front and joined the assigned point man. The captain didn't have to ask why Burns had stopped, it was abundantly clear. The forest abruptly stopped too and the terrain turned into much more open grassland and rolling hills, the degree of change so drastic that Gins actually found it kind of disorienting. Taking a quick scan of the terrain, Gins located the tallest of the hills he could find before saying anything. First, he turned to Burns. "Good work sergeant, go and tell the company to rally here." The NCO merely nodded in response before turning and moving back into the still thick forest. Barely five minutes later, the rest of Gins troops were around him, peering out of the undergrowth. The Captain pointed at the hill he had located and said, "We're heading to the top of that hill, double-time. We're in the open so keep your spacing." There was a dull chorus of acknowledgement. "Alright, let's go!" The average Allied infantryman carried approximately seventy-pounds of gear, which made running anything more than short distances a predictably exhausting venture even on flat ground. By the time every one of the GI's reached the top of the hill, they were all panting from the exertion made worse by the previous weariness inflicted by combat and the modest march through the forest. But true to their training, they remained alert and did not drop down to rest until Gins gave the okay. The Captain had taken one look around and decided that there was no immediate threat to his company. One of the first to reach the hill, his eyes had immediately been drawn to an even taller hill another five kilometers away and two very familiar structures atop it, one red and one white. Gins made a more thorough inspection with his binoculars. Through them, he next sighted the trees with familiar red shapes a short distance from the barn and house. Even an American with no experience in agriculture would be able to tell that was an apple farm. The only life he could see was pigs in a pen next to the barn… but there had to be someone caring for them. "Sergeant Vince." The captain said as he lowered the binoculars. The non-com looked up from his place on the ground. "Sir." "I'm going to check out that farm, ask the locals where we are. Take a ten minute breather, then grab nine men of your choice and come with me." Gins waited for the sergeant to acknowledge before turning to his XO, who had set-up a little kettle. Gins paused at this sight for a few seconds before shaking his head with a sigh. "Lieutenant Mullivan, I'll be heading out in ten minutes with a squad, you'll be in charge until I get back." "That's quite alright Captain." Mullivan replied. "If I may say sir, this place does make me feel rather comfy." Gins took a moment to consider his XO's words. Now that it had been brought to his attention, the locale was making him feel rather comfortable too. Every which way he looked, beautiful hills of lush green rolled away, dotted with the occasional tree or shrub. The apple farm actually added to the peaceful scenery, with the only blot being the more foreboding forest his unit had come out of. For Gins the suddenly serene setting came off as bizarre and astonishingly new. He had spent almost a year in the sterile confines of a military facility (permanent and otherwise) or the wretched hell of both urban and rural combat zones. In both locations he had largely concentrated on surviving, carrying out his orders, and monitoring the situation of both his unit and any others he was working with. He had forgotten that there was such a thing as peace… or more accurately had become too used to the strain and toil of war. That thought was rather unsettling so Gins shoved it away, along with the feeling, and decided to grab some water from his canteen instead. Soviet Industrial-Military Complex Headquarters, Unknown Desert Voroshilov was a very unhappy man. Upon returning to his office, the first thing he did was order all Soviet formations he could contact back to the base. After that, he asked for information. When that came, he immediately called a staff meeting. The staff consisted of eight colonels (one of whom was from Soviet Frontal Aviation), four majors, the divisional KGB commissar, the psi-corp detachment head, Voroshilov's aide, and Nikolai Ryzhkov. Ryzhkov actually was not part of the usual staff. Instead he was the head of the civilian communist party representatives who had been sent from Moscow to observe the Chronosphere test. Now he was sitting directly across from Voroshilov, clearly feeling a little out of place amongst all the military men. The 16 assembled officers sat or stood around a table that was actually meant for a little under a third of that, so it was quite crowded despite the availability of space elsewhere in the room. Seating arrangements were determined by rank and seniority, with Ryzhkov automatically getting a seat for being a guest. The psi-corp head could have taken a seat too, but had elected to remain standing. Nobody asked him twice about it, nobody ever asked the psi-corp twice about anything. "Comrades," Despite his anger, Voroshilov kept his voice steady which was quite at odds with his expression. "You obviously know why I have called you here." Before he could continue, Ryzhkov spoke-up. "I am sorry to interrupt, comrade general, but where is Doctor Zelinsky?" Voroshilov nodded, Ryzhkov had been polite and it was a valid question. "The good doctor is reviewing the data, trying to figure out what went wrong with the test. Obviously, it is connected to why we are here… wherever here is. Lieutenant Ialovskii?" Voroshilov's aide, Valeriya Ialovskii spoke up. Despite her relative junior rank compared to all of the other officers, she was the general's aide and thus actually wielded plenty of power within his command. In that context, her lack of nerves at addressing so many superiors was understandable. "Comrades, we have no idea where we are. Our instruments are either telling us nothing or giving us nonsensical data. Ever since the test, all communications with other bases and formations have ceased. We have also confirmed that the satellites-ours, the Allies, and the independent states-are no longer there. It is as if they never existed in the first place. Additionally, intercepts show that the only radio, microwave, or other signals we can locate are those used by all formations and personnel that were stationed at this base and at the workers camp." The 'workers camp' was the location where most of the base civilians lived. It was the living quarters for most of the scientists and engineers who worked on the base and the industrial plant that surrounded it. The apartments which existed within the facility belonged to the less-essential labor. "Now, according to both inertial navigation and computer star charts, our location is at thirty-one-point-two latitude and negative-seventy-four-point-nine longitude." Ialovskii gave the assembled officers a few moments to run the numbers through their heads and compare them to their education. When they did, their eyes widened in disbelief. "You can't be serious Lieutenant." Commissar Fyedor Lyvaskov sputtered, "That's in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean!" "The Western Atlantic Ocean." Voroshilov corrected, "Almost 400 kilometers off the American coast." "Certainly not a desert." One of the majors said sardonically, his tone of voice set Voroshilov off. The general slammed his fist on the table and shouted, "Do you think this is funny? Without knowing where we are, we might all die out here!" Silence followed that proclamation. All eyes were on Voroshilov as he fumed in his seat. Finally he looked up at another one of the Majors, the one in charge of base supplies. "Comrade Malashenko, I want an inventory on all water, food, and fuel supplies, in that order. Then get me the status on our spare parts." The major nodded, "Yes, comrade general." "Good, now the rest of you, I want you to be ready to move your forces." As Voroshilov spoke, the door into the meeting room slowly swung open and a messenger slipped in. Only the psi-corps head noticed him as he walked up to Ialovskii. "We have already placed the base on heightened alert in response to the American raiders, but that should be wound down in preparation for-" "Comrade General." At Lieutenant Ialovskii's interruption, Voroshilov scowled for a moment before remembering that Valeriya would not interrupt him if it was not important. "What is it, lieutenant?" Ialovskii placed the paper the messenger had given her in front of him. "There have been further developments." She stood back-up, "First, the Spetznatz team made an unusual discovery on their way back to base and, just now, an intruder was apprehended…" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trixie was not lost. Yes, she was hot, she was thirsty, and she couldn't find any landmarks in this desert, but she was not lost. The Great and Powerful Trixie did not get lost! It was inconceivable! Trixie paused to think, was inconceivable the right word? After a moments consideration she decided that yes it was, she had used it after all. Trixie was happy to finally be well beyond merely back on her hooves after that annoyance in Ponyville. It had taken more work to keep showing her amazing powers, but Trixie had managed to reacquire everything she had lost. Only a little while ago she had gotten the idea of taking her show to the more remote parts of Equestria, like the desert town Appaloosa. She had rejected taking one of the train lines, after all crossing a desert was simple feat for The Great and Powerful Trixie! And so far Trixie was right again! Just as right as she was about not being lost! … Oh, who was she kidding? There wasn't even anyone to kid! With a sigh, the real Trixie, without The Great and Powerful decoration, collapsed onto the ground. The heat was getting unbearable. Making the decision to travel at night would be better since she could just follow the night lights to Appaloosa… or maybe one of the buffalo tribes. Shrugging off the harness that she used to pull her stage/house cart, she walked alongside the carriage and levitated a canteen of water for refreshment. This heat really was merciless! As she drank, a glint of light a ways off in the distance caught Trixie's eye. After placing the canteen back, the blue unicorn turned to take a better look, shielding her eyes from the sun. Her spirits soared as she saw a pool of water shimmering in the desert heat. Quickly hitching her cart back up, she began to run towards the inviting oasis. It was only when the oasis seemed to vanish into thin air five minutes later did Trixie realize she was chasing a mirage. The unicorn slowed down, once again thirsty. Despondent, Trixie again unhitched her cart, turned, and froze. For a moment, she thought the massive wall a few hundred yards off was another mirage. It was only after watching the strange obstruction for another few minutes that Trixie realized it was not, in fact, a mirage. Giving one last glance at her cart, Trixie set off towards the structure for closer examination. As Trixie got closer, she realized the wall must tower over thirty feet off the ground. Its material was also strange, not even the extremely high-quality stone the structures in Manehatten were made of looked this tough! Trixie also made out thick strands of some kind of wire on top of the wall, broken up by points where the wall jutted even higher than usual. Strangest of all were the giant vertical red stripes painted onto its side. Looking to either side, she noticed the wall seemed to stretch into the horizon on an unusually flat plain. Trixie was pulled out of her thoughts by a scuttling sound to her right. Suddenly alert, she spun towards the sound and found… nothing except a small formation of rocks three or four dozen yards away. Cautiously Trixie crept forward, thinking that maybe it had just been her imagination. Only a few feet from the rocks, she paused and listened. Nothing but the wind, the unicorn relaxed and turned away, wondering why she had suddenly gotten so worked up. The ground in front of her exploded. With a shriek, Trixie leapt back, crashing into the boulder behind her as a half-dozen metal… things leapt out at her. Momentarily disoriented, Trixie righted herself and got a better look at what had burst from the ground. They were strange machines with a single round body and were mounted on four legs. Trixie further noted that each legs' end had a drill the size of her hoof attached to it. Both the drills and the section of legs they were immediately attached to apparently cackled with electricity… but Trixie could sense no magic from any of the machines. It took Trixie another precious moment to realize the machines had backed her up against the rock she hit. She looked for a way to run, but all avenues of escape were cut-off. Before the unicorn realized she was going to have to fight, the middle machine sprang towards her. She barely had time to even register the machine spring off the ground towards her before one of the legs made contact. Trixie screamed in pain as it felt like her central nervous system was set on fire before she blacked out. As Trixie's body hit the ground, the Terror Drone standing over her took a moment to judge its target. The creature was unconscious, but according to the drone's sensors was still alive. If the Terror Drone were sentient and capable of emotions, it might have had concern over whether the amount of voltage from its tesla spikes would merely incapacitate the target. The amount used was a calculated guess on the part of the machine, made based on the biological data collected by the drone during its observation of the creature. Then it factored in tesla weaponry's unique kinetic and thermal effect alongside the electrical charge. The machine took a moment to request further instructions from the group controller, instructions which came only moments later. The drones monitored the body for a few more minutes until the Soviet Armored Personnel Carrier arrived. The soldiers within were astonished when they saw the drones discovery and soon Trixie was being driven into the base, an unknowing prisoner of the Soviet Union. Appleloosa, Painted Pinto Desert, Equestrian Frontier... "Sheriff!" Silverstar, sheriff of Appleloosa, stepped away from the wooden porch of the infirmary that he had been leaning on and turned towards the familiar voice. Simultaneously Chief Thunderhooves stood up from where he was resting, he had already sent most of the buffalo tribe on ahead and stayed in the town to wait for the news about Little Strong Heart personally. "I came as soon as I heard!" the Earth Pony continued. "What happened?" "We're not entirely sure, Braeburn." Silverstar said, he indicated Thunderhooves with his head, "The Chief here knows part of the story… but only Strong Heart can give us the whole thing." "And?" Braeburn anxiously looked past them and into the infirmary. One of the first buildings established in Appleloosa, it actually had some bricks in its construction as opposed to the mostly wooden structures throughout the desert town. "And we have to wait for the doctor's judgment, until then we will just get in their way." The sheriff nodded to Braeburn, "In the meantime, I think you should fill him in on what you know." Thunderhooves sighed. Concern over losing one member of his tribe and the potential loss of another created a very anxious buffalo, concern which he expressed clearly in both his face and voice. "The tribe was moving to one of our drinking holes when this strange flying machine appeared. I had never seen anything like it before… it certainly was no pony machine and obviously could not be buffalo. It merely followed the Tribe for a bit before turning away and most of us thought that it was then harmless." The chief shook his head and continued. "I did not see Strong Heart fall out of the tribe and the first clue that anything was wrong was a distant, unfamiliar crack. I brought the tribe to a halt and we realized two of our own were missing: Strong Heart and Taking Easy. I turned the Stampede around and we found Strong Heart… but the only sign of Taking Easy was a large…" He hesitated, "a large pool of blood. And Strong Heart, her leg… some kind- of… hole had been… I don't know. We brought her here first thing we could… your medicine is better than ours." "So… the doctors have not told you anything?" Braeburn asked. He and Little Strong Heart were very good friends, a state which had actually made him the most trustworthy pony in Appleloosa in the eyes of the Buffalo. "Not yet." The Sherriff repeated, "As I said, you and I would just get in their way and the chief… well." "You need not shelter your tongue: I am too big. We are lucky that Little Strong Heart is… little." Before Braeburn could say anything else, the clinic's front door creaked open and the doctor stepped out onto the porch. The unicorn pony was telekinetically holding something really small, which hovered next to him. Then he looked at the Chief and said, "I may not be as good with buffalo as with ponies and I had never seen something like this before but… she will live." Thunderhooves mood visibly improved at the news. The sheriff clapped the buffalo chief on the shoulder and said, "I knew she would pull through!" The doctor coughed, the tiny object floated forward and up to the chief. "I found this lodged in Strong Heart's knee, probably what created the hole. She was very lucky, given the speed this must have been moving, a smidge to the left and it would have shattered her leg bone. An inch to the right and it would have severed an artery… there would have been nothing I could do." Braeburn visibly paled, but the sheriff and chief were too interested in studying the projectile. The sheriff had picked it out of the air with his hoof and was holding it so both Thunderhooves and he could examine it. "What is it?" "Some kind of projectile, I think." The town doctor said, "I actually took a bit longer to do some personal studying of its material. Now I don't know as much about metals as, say, Forty-Niner, but I do know enough to say that it's made almost entirely of lead… although oddly enough there are some scraps of copper around the edges. Given the way it deformed, it must have been moving at tremendous speeds when it hit the poor pon... buffalo. There was actually some damage to the tissue it passed by, it was moving so fast." "Hm." The sheriff put it in the pocket of his forward vest. "I better find Forty-Niner then; see if he can give me any more information." "Alright, I'll catch-up with you later sheriff." Braeburn said. Silverstar tipped his hat in response and trotted off. "Can we see Little Strong Heart?" Thunderhooves asked next. The doctor removed his hat for a moment to scratch his mane in thought. "She's sleeping right now, so maybe Braeburn can as long as he does not wake her up… but, Chief Thunderhooves, I'm sorry but you are… well." "Too big?" Thunderhooves grinned as the doctor nodded. "You ponies should be more upfront sometimes." The doctor did not know how to take that from the buffalo chief, so he just remained quiet. "I'll wait around." Braeburn said, "Thunderhooves, go-on… your tribe needs you." "If it was any other pony in Appleloosa, Brahburn-" "Braeburn." The earth pony corrected. The chief paused, embarrassingly apologized, and then continued. "If it was any other pony, I would not agree… but I know I can trust you." "Thanks chief, that's mighty nice of you." A few moments of stillness passed as the buffalo chief tried to figure out a way to make his exit. Ultimately, he just said, "I go now. Tell me what Little Strong Heart says." And with that, he departed, leaving Braeburn alone with the doctor. The unicorn shook his head before saying, "Come on then." Braeburn steeled himself against emotions, and entered the clinic. Chapter Ends... A/N: No Mane Cast yet… next chapter, I promise. This will probably be roughly the update speed for every chapter, plus or minus a month. I was going to wait until Wednesday, when I meet with my Beta Reader, before throwing this up but then I figured I would just edit it when that day rolled around. Any how, I'm going to push up another chapter, then I got to devote my attention back to my Touhou/40K x-over Intrusion of the Dark Stars (I never quite realized just how pretentious italicized fanfic titles actually look… ah well) which has been languishing for far too long. You might have noticed the presence of both the imperial and metric systems. For the records, I am running on the assumption that Ponies use the Imperial system. No, it does not make much sense, but then again they are talking ponies! I also kind-of lied about the RA3 thing… I am stealing some of their better idea's (the V4's multi-warhead missile, for instance), but at its core I plan to keep the C&C-side of this fic more firmly in the earlier Red Alert games, before EA went overboard with the silliness. A bit of a fact adventure: Nikolai Ryzhkov is a real person… which probably makes this a kind-of real person fic, but oh well! In our timeline, he was Premier of the Soviet Union from September 1985 up until just before its collapse. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the (historical) USSR's power structure, this means he was their Head of State BUT much like the recent Royal Family of the United Kingdom, the Premier was more a figure head then actual leader. The real power lay in the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (commonly known as the Politburo), which was led by the General-Secretary. However, it there were a few cases where the General-Secretary too also take the position of Premier, a stunt which both Khrushchev and Stalin pulled. Now this is in OTL, obviously in the Red Alert timeline the Soviet power structure has changed as a result of its defeat in the (alternate) World War 2, what with Premier Romanov and all being the absolute ruler (supposedly… coughYuricough). Will that become important in this fic? No. But it might become important much later in the story. EDIT: All but the last two sections have been edited. EDIT2: Finished Betaing. Next Chapter: Close Encounters of the Third Kind

ObssesedNuker

281

Braeburn,Little Strongheart,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The Bear, The Eagle, and The Ponies

A World War 3 Spills over into Equestria

cancelled

<p>When a experiment gone wrong lands a ruthless and powerful foe in the middle of Equestria, Twilight and her friends must put trust in a battered group of human soldiers if they are to stave off a revolution of the Bolshevik variety...</p>

everyone

2011-08-29T15:21:07+00:00

2011-08-29T15:21:07+00:00

Disclaimer: My Little Pony is owned by Hasbro. The Red Alert series is owned by Electronic Arts. The United States was founded by a group of colonial intellectuals. The Soviet Union was founded by Vladimir Lenin (with assistance). I'm not sure who, exactly, founded Britain. The Eagle, The Bear, and The Ponies Chapter 3: Close Encounters of the Third Kind Carousel Boutique, Ponyville… Rarity was facing a crisis, a crisis that threatened her home, her family, her life, and all of her hopes and dreams. It was an implacable and stubborn enemy that refused to back down, one which she had no experience with and was slowly driving her crazy. It was a horrible experience. Rarity was in the middle of her first ever creative slump. It had begun innocently enough, the white unicorn reflected: she decided that it was time to drum up a new design. So Rarity grabbed her dress forms, several blank sheets of paper, her markers, and a bite to eat before lying down to begin the process. Several hours later, she realized she still didn't have a clue where to start despite strenuous thinking. Undeterred, Rarity decided to dig up her previous designs hoping that the past might give her inspiration. First, she got out the designs from the year before, then the year before that, then the year before that. The next thing she knew, she had dug out all her designs since she had first acquired her cutie mark, some of which had actually made her cringe on reflection. After another day or two of sorting through them, mixing-and-matching patterns, the unicorn still came out with nothing. Now feeling a little concerned, the fashionista resorted to her trump card: her friends. While Twilight had gone off to visit Canterlot for several days, the rest were still around. Whenever Rarity managed to convince them to spare the time, the other four ponies helped her out by modeling. But as session after session passed with no results, Rarity became more and more anxious. She even had Sweetie Belle and her friends model at one point, a task they actually leapt into eagerly… at first. Since the three fillies had already attempted to get their 'modeling cutie marks' , the Cutie Mark Crusaders were intractable from the start. When Twilight came back, one of the first things Rarity did was ask her to model in hopes that maybe salvation would be in a fellow unicorn with a different style. But that did not seem to be the case… "No, no, no, no…" Rarity muttered, as she threw various costumes onto Twilight at an astounding pace. By this point, she was well beyond pointing out just what she thought was wrong with each attempt. "No, no…" She paused, tilted her head at the Crowned Equestrian Statue costume she had placed on her best friend and thought for a moment. "Maybe it could…" Rarity perked up, "Yes!" Another pause, then she deflated again, "No, just no." And took the costume back off. Twilight Sparkle, for her part, had gained that nervous smile of hers as the session wore on. She had noticed Rarity's behavior and was trying to figure out how to bring it up. "So, Rar-" That was her first attempt, and it was interrupted as the other unicorn telekinetically shoved a bright red clown nose onto Twilight's nose. Rarity took a moment to do a double-take at the nose, the clown costume in her hooves that she did not remember ever having, and the fact that she had just interrupted Twilight. "No." She said at the clown costume decisively, then turned and levitated the fake nose off of Twilight's snout rather more gently then it had been shoved on. "I'm sorry about that dear." "Oh, no. It's fine." Twilight said, rubbing at the odd feeling the presence of a foreign object on her face had left behind, "It just seems you are rather… more intense than previously." "Oh, really?" Rarity asked, laughing nervously, "I'm so sorry about that, it's just that I have been having such trouble coming up with a new design recently… I'm afraid it's made me a little frustrated." "Trouble coming up with…" Twilight paused and raised an eyebrow. "Are you having a… I don't think the term is artist's block, is it?" Now Rarity's laugh had much more humor in it. "Not really. But the problem, I believe, is still the same." She sighed, "And yes, I am in a slump, my very first." "Well, I can understand how that feels." Twilight said, stepping down from the modeling plateau and placing a sympathetic hoof on Rarity, "Sometimes I get writer's block, but I have some tricks that I think can help." "Really?" Rarity inquired, interested and hopeful of a way out of this terrible situation. "Yeah. The first thing I try is to take my books, pens, and writing paper to somewhere scenic and try to draw inspiration from around me." "Oh, I wish I had thought of that!" Rarity said. "Do you have any suggestions on where to go?" Twilight thought for a few moments. "Well, Sweet Apple Acre's has a great view of the mountains… and there's this hill further out that has beautiful scenery! Although… it's a little close to the Everfree forest." Rarity didn't seem the slightest bit affected. "That's just fine. Honestly, that place has never been quite so frightening ever since we met Steve." "Steve?" Twilight asked, not sure what Rarity was talking about. Did she mean Zecora? "Who's Steve?" "You don't remember Steven Magnet? That fine water serpent back when we first met?" "Oh, him! I didn't really ever see him again…" Twilight said, somewhat embarrassed. "So wait, you go and meet him?" "Why yes. He recalls you, although he doesn't remember your name either. We actually just talk about the latest trends… hmm, I wonder if he could help." Twilight thought a little. The serpent had actually been rather nice. "Next time you go, can I come? I never really had a chance to talk with a Sea Serpent before." "Why most certainly, but first that hill… let me go get my things and we can be off." "Oh, yes… that." Twilight said as Rarity trotted off and ducked into her storage closet, she had almost forgotten about their outing after Steve had come up… Seemingly Random Cloud, Just Over Ponyville… Rainbow Dash had an odd way of napping. Unlike most ponies who fell into heavy sleepers, light sleepers, or some position in between, Rainbow Dash was all of them. Simply put, she would sleep like a log unless some rather specific audio cues caught her subconscious's attention. Pinkie Pie's voice was one of those cues. "HEY DASHIE!" At that horribly familiar call, Dash's eyes shot open and she leapt to her feet, head whipping around in an attempt to locate Pinkie Pie. It was then that the Pegasus remembered that she was napping on a cloud and there was no way for Pinkie Pie to be on a cloud with her unless… For a handful of seconds, the pink Earth Pony's head burst through the cloud in front of Dash. "You're awake!" Was all Pinkie Pie managed before she fell back through the cloud. A few seconds later, her head was back again. "It's an emergency!" That caught Rainbow Dash's attention... well, even more so than already. An emergency? Was there a fire? A creature from the Everfree forest attacking? Or was Equestria being invaded by technologically advanced bi-peds from another dimension? Dash struck the last possibility from the list before asking, "What is it?" Unfortunately, Pinkie Pie had already fallen back to the ground, so Dash had to wait a few seconds before she appeared again. When the Earth Pony showed up, however, all she said was: "What did you say?" And then she was gone again. With an annoyed sigh, Dash took off and landed on the ground next to the trampoline Pinkie Pie had been using to jump through the cloud. She waited for Pinkie to descend, brake before hitting the trampoline again, and hop down next to Rainbow Dash. "I said," Dash continued as if nothing had happened, "What is it?" Pinkie gave her a perplexed look, "What is what?" Dash face-hoofed and said in a strained voice, "The emergency..." "Oh, yeah! Well, I was working and-WOOOOOOAAAAHHH!" Pinkie bounced, but not the usual bouncing as in terms of hopping up and down. No, instead every part of her body simultaneously and individually wobbled up and down as if they had minds of their own. Dash widened as she recognized the motion. A few seconds later, Pinkie stopped bouncing and grinned sheepishly, "Erm… that's the emergency." "Oh great, a doozy." Dash said, dreading what was coming next. The 'doozy' was the most serious of Pinkie Pie's 'Pinkie Sense'. Unpredictable and often dangerous, the last doozy Pinkie Pie led to several of her friends running from a Hydra in the process. "Yeah! It's the doozy!" Pinkie said, "And whatever it is, it's going to happen at Sweet Apple Acres! I tried to find Twilight, but she wasn't home and Spike said she was at Rarity's, but neither Rarity or her were there and Applejack already left to go home and Fluttershy's home is too far away and then I saw you on top of that cloud, but I needed a trampoline to get up there and Mr. and Mrs. Cake's trampoline was busted so I had to go to that sports rental store with the strange-" "ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT!" Dash pleaded, "I get it… look, we don't have time to waste with this Pinkie. We have to get to Sweet Apple Acres!" "Oh, yeah ri-IIIEEEGHT!" Pinkie Pie bounced again as her Pinkie sense went off… again. "Let's go!" Dash cried, taking to the air with Pinkie bouncing after her… both against and then under her own control once the 'sense reaction' wore off. Countryside, Just Outside of Ponyville… "So, which sounds better?" Scootaloo said. "Cutie Mark Miners and Crafters or Cutie Mark Minecrafters?" "Cutie Mark Minecrafters," Sweetie Belle replied, "definitely." "Yeah, I thought so too." Scootaloo turned back to Applebloom, who was leading the trio to their 'secret' clubhouse. "So where did you get the tools for this anyways?" "From the barn, of course." The young earth pony replied, "Big Mac always keeps shovels, picks, and axes around in case he and Applejack need to clear some rocks, dirt, or dead trees out of the orchard." "I can buy that okay. But what if we encounter…" Sweetie Belle's voice dropped into a whisper, "Diamond Dogs?" "Really, do you think they would go to the same place twice?" Sootaloo asked, as she rolled her eyes, "Besides, your sister came out just fine, all we got to do is what she did." "Whine?" Applebloom asked. Scootaloo shook her head, "No, complain." Applebloom nodded in understanding and returned her attention to getting to the tree house. In the meantime Scootaloo got into a good-natured argument with Sweetie Belle on whether Rainbow Dash was cool or way cool. When Applebloom abruptly froze in her tracks, Scootaloo ran into her. "Oof!" The small Pegasus muttered, "Applebloom-" "Shhhh…" Applebloom muttered, Scootaloo was taken aback for a few seconds and was about to object at getting hushed when her friend continued, "Something's coming…" "What?" Sweetie Belle piped up, "What's coming?" "I don't know…" The ground the three fillies were on was adjacent to Sweet Apple Acre's orchards and therefore had been given a light foresting of regular trees with attendant bushes for appearance's sake. Now, as the first hint of voices began to reach the three, Applebloom was happy for those additions. "Hide!" She whispered to her friends before diving into a nearby copse. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle followed, any questions quelled by the urgency of their friend's voice. A few moments passed and the voices came closer and became quite audible… kind of. Whatever the oncoming group was, they were speaking in a strange language with very mushy sounds mixed in with a few hisses and what the three could only describe as sudden 'spits'. Scootaloo leaned over to Sweeite Belle and whispered, "Have you ever heard anything like that before?" Sweetie Belle shook her head and continued to peer through a small opening in the bush. Then the group of creatures came into sight. There were ten of them, tall and thin, standing only on two legs like Spike and with hands, again like Spike, clutching very large metallish sticks. In the few places where their body was exposed, the Cutie Mark Crusaders noticed they didn't appear to have hides, although a few of them had some minor hairs growing on their faces, and none had a tail. The creatures' faces were flat and had their mouths set into them with the noses protruding a little above them. All ten of the creatures wore dirtied clothing in a very dull green-gray fashion and similarly colored helmets. With just one look, Sweetie Belle knew her sister Rarity would have fits over these creatures' dress. The dresses also contained numerous pouches and objects hanging off of them. Additionally, Applebloom noticed that no matter how the creatures moved, they kept those sticks angled at the ground… never at anything else. The creatures moved in a slightly staggered file, apparently engaged in casual conversation with each other. One of them, towards the front and with a pair of bars barely visible on its fore-haunch, was engaged with a somewhat smaller and wider one who had a series of stripes instead. The group passed by the Cutie Mark Crusaders, one stepping so close that the three had to hold their breath as they caught a whiff and had to hold off coughing from the terrible smell of the mysterious group. The creatures passed by and moved off into the light woods, heading the way the Cutie Mark Crusaders had come. After waiting a few moments to make sure they were gone, Applebloom leapt out of her hiding place and stared off at the way the creatures had left. "Did you see them?" Scootaloo asked excitedly. "It was kind of hard to miss 'em." Applebloom replied. "What were they?" "I don't know." Sweetiebelle said, "I never heard of anything like those before." Applebloom began to reply when something about the creatures' path clicked in her mind. "They're heading for the house! Only Granny Smith is there right now!" "What?" Scootaloo looked at Applebloom, then back where the creatures had gone off. "But… are we sure they're not friendly?" "Are we sure they're not friendly?" Applebloom asked, "There's only one place they could have come from…" "Zecora lives in the Everfree forest too." Sweetie Belle pointed out, somewhat regretfully at the way the town had treated the Zebra. "Maybe we should follow them?" Scootaloo suggested. For once in her life, Applebloom thought the suggestion over. If the creatures were friendly, then it would be okay, but if they were hostile… "Big Macintosh is in the orchard, inspectin' the trees." Applebloom said, "We should go get him first!" Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle considered it themselves before nodding in agreement. Big Mac was a tough pony, surely he could handle whatever those creatures could do if they were bad… right? Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville Outskirts… "Picturesque place, isn't it?" Vince observed. "Yeah, real comfy..." Try as he might, Gins couldn't force himself to inject the sarcasm he wanted into that sentence. There was no way around it: the little farmstead he looked over right now did feel remarkably comfortable. Strangely though, the pigs in the sty seemed to have backed away into a corner and were watching the group of humans with a clear expression of wariness… He rapidly realized another oddity: the buildings were rather small. Gins realized the barn was only something like 2/3rds the size of even the smallest model. He would know: he had spent one of the earlier defensive actions against the Soviet invasion using one as a command post. The third oddity to leap out at the Captain and his men was the decor. As far as they could figure out, whoever ran the place was probably less an apple farmer and more an apple fanatic. The barn was covered weather-vane-to-foundation in cutesy decorations that made Gins feel like brushing his teeth by just looking at them. The squad had emerged from the tree line and into a small vegetable field, which turned into a dirt path. To the left of their entrance, the house sat at the end of a dirt road, which the men first had to reach by lugging themselves over a white fence. "Sir!" One of the soldiers spoke-up as they observed the surroundings, "I think I see a town." Gins turned in the direction the man was pointing and, sure enough, he could make out wooden roofs poking out from another light forest downhill from where they stood. "Alright then, if no-one's home here, we'll head there." Gins was pretty sure someone was home… there was a small light in one of the windows, barely perceptible (especially in the day) but there. As they approached the homestead, the squad instinctively fell into a semi-circle shaped formation, a bizarre feeling of apprehension suddenly welling up inside them. It was a wild contradiction from the previous sense of peace and relaxation they had been in… "Sergeant Vince, on me..." Gins said once the group came close enough. "Everybody else, hold here." And so he went forward, that strange apprehension only growing… and the captain finally identified the source of it. It was goddamn quiet, he would even say too quiet but this level of silence ran beyond merely 'too quiet' and straight into 'ridiculously quiet'. Gins reached the door, which was so small that he would have had to duck down if he was going through it, and finally knocked. To Gins, the sound of his knuckles rapping against the door broke the silence as surely as an artillery barrage. The captain knocked twice, one of those polite, business-like knocks that were rapid and clear while still being unobtrusive. From inside, a voice called out in a language that Gins did not understand or even recognize. Even though the voice was muffled by the door, it still sounded so sweet and syrupy that Gins unwillingly found himself thinking of maples. But it was hardly a viscous sort of syrupy, the language flowed as smoothly as a stream. But even in its light-hearted tone, Gins could tell the speaker was female but old… it had that weight of gravity that age seemed to lend to peoples voices. The door opened and Gins had already inclined his head forward expecting a midget to be answering, albeit a foreign one. He was not expecting a small, greenish horse to do so instead. Gins had to blink to make sure he was not hallucinating, but sure enough a small horse… no, he realized that a pony with a green hide and an apple pie… brand? tattoo? symbol? was staring up at him with an oddly expressive face… one which seemed to be just as shocked and surprised as he was. If it weren't for the fact that the pony was, impossibly, holding open the door with one of her forelegs, Gins would have thought there was some kind of joke being pulled on him. If Gins had looked over his shoulder, he would have seen Sergeant Vince and eight other US Army soldiers with their eyes threatening to fall out of their open sockets. Then the pony, which now Gins noticed had a number of wrinkles in her hide, said something in that same syrupy language… Gins didn't know what she said, but he did know it was short and rapidly followed by the creature making one unmistakably clear sound: "AAAAAAAHHH!" And then the pony slammed the door shut in his face. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applejack whistled as she trotted down the road linking Sweet Apple Acres to Ponyville. The orange earth pony was in a good mood and anyone looking at the cart she was towing could figure out why… she had finally earned enough bits to replace the old plow! It was about time too… if it hadn't been for those Parasprites forcing the family to replace the entire barn they could have bought the plow ages ago! Applejack was enjoying the satisfaction that the payoff to weeks of hard work brought about when she heard somepony calling her name. Slowing down and twisting her head around for a better look, she saw two familiar faces coming towards her. "Twilight, Rarity… how y'all doing?" "Oh, we're just going out to take in some scenery." Twilight said. "I suggested it to Rarity, it might give her some ideas." Applejack switched her attention to the other Unicorn, "Still havin' trouble with the new dresses?" "Yes…" Rarity sighed and pawed at the ground a little anxiously, "These things happen…" Twilight, on the other hand, was eyeing Applejack's cart and the pile of bits in it. "Good day at the market?" "The best!" Applejack grinned, "There was a big group in town, think they were some kind-a political types meeting with the mayor, sold me out at lunch time faster than you can say 'new plow'!" "Lunch?" Twilight and Rarity asked simultaneously, followed quickly by their stomachs growling at the reminder. "Oh…" Rarity said, "I guess we lost track of time in there." "Ya'll hadn't have lunch yet?" Applejack gave her friends a grin "Come on, I'll give ya a treat at the farm." "Oh, thanks a bunch Apple-" Twilight was interrupted by a shout followed instantly by a rainbow blur barreling into the trio. Rarity and Twilight took the brunt of the impact, sending the two unicorns sprawling to the ground, while Applejack staggered, her cart rocking alarmingly. When the dust settled, a furrow had been dug into the dirt road and at the end of that furrow, sprawled on her back, was Rainbow Dash complete with an awkward smile on her face. "Oops… sorry." "You know Dash," Twilight said as she picked herself off the ground and shook off the dirt, "For a racer you really do crash a lot when flying low to the ground. I think you should fly above tree-top level, at the very least… less ground clutter that way." "Silly Twilight!" Pinkie Pie broke in, seemingly appearing out of thin air, "Rainbow Dash isn't a radar station!" "A what?" Twilight asked even as she, Applejack, and Rarity jerked back in surprise. Even though she was one of their best friends, they still had trouble getting used to Pinkie Pie's ability to instantly sneak-up on anypony she wanted. Pinkie Pie never got a chance to answer as Rainbow Dash cut in, "Pinkie! We don't have time for this, remember?" Without waiting for a reply, she addressed the other three friends, "Look something's going to go down at Applejack's farm." "What?" Applejack said in alarm, then she added "What is it?" "I don't know, Pinkie's Pinkie Se-" "TH-TH-TH-THERE I-I-I-I-I-I GOES AGAIN!" Pinkie Pie shouted, as the doozy shook her up and down. "Oh no." Rarity gasped, recognizing the motion. "That's right, the doozy!" Dash said, "And Pinkie Pie says whatever is happening is gonna happen at Sweet Apple Ac-" "AAAAAAAHHH" A shriek cut through the air, its voice very familiar… "Granny Smith!" Applejack's eyes widened, "She's all alone at the farm!" Then the Earth Pony took off so fast that she broke the harness attached to the cart of bits. "I'M COMING GRANNY!" "Applejack, wait!" Twilight shouted, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie immediately began to follow after her, but Twilight only got a little distance before she realized something. "Rarity! Come on!" "But Applejack left her bits!" The white unicorn said, indicating the cart, "Someone might steal them!" "Then we report it to the local guards! And Applejack can always earn more bits, Granny Smith is much more important!" Rarity hesitated, clearly disliking the idea of leaving so much money out alone on the trail. The fashionista knew that money was important to one's survival, but a Pony's life was even more important. The Unicorn nodded and finally made to follow Twilight, the two leaving the cart behind for now. In the end, nopony ever did steal the bits, but even if there had been a case of theft, the events that followed would likely have pushed the cart well out of Twilight and her friends' mind. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What the fuck?" Was the first thing anyone uttered after recovering from the shock, "Was that a pony?" "It certainly wasn't a snail…" Sargeant Vince said to the man. "It was intelligent…" Gins said, "It was speaking a language…" "And we scared the piss out of it," Vince said. "Do we go into town now sir?" Gins stepped off the porch, Vince following, and turned his attention to the roofs in the distance, bringing his binoculars up to take a better look. The designs were just as whimsical as the barn… Gins noticed a sinking feeling in his chest "No, sergeant. I don't think we're on Earth any more…" Vince obviously did not follow and was about to ask something when a VERY angry voice, again in that cavity-inducing language, yelled out at the group of Allied soldiers. They turned fast enough to process the sight of an orange Pony, obviously a different one from before charging down at them. The troopers leapt out of the way in the nick of time, but the new pony rapidly halted and spun around, its posture obviously aggressive. The GI's, for their part, snapped their weapons up, taking aim and fingers a breadth away from the trigger, but waiting for the order before firing. The pony said something sharply, in a much younger yet obviously feminine voice. Now that the two sides had a moment to pause, they took stock of each other. Gins and his men noted the pony's braided hair and cowboy hat, clearly something a pony usually does not do on its own. Applejack, after demanding what these strange two-legged creatures had done with Granny Smith, noted the group's filthy appearance and the posture they had taken. The earth pony was not sure what those metallish sticks were, but from the way the creatures held them they had to be some sort of weapon. The impasse lasted for only a few seconds, because that was when Applejack's friends arrived on the scene. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie arrived in quick succession. Dash took one look at the situation and let out an impromptu war cry before diving at one of the creatures. The Allied trooper, a one Private Werve, spun around, saw a blue blur bearing down on him, and let off what was a short burst for a M60E4 medium machine gun. It was not an aimed shot so none of the six rounds actually hit the oncoming Pegasus, but the rattle of the gun immediately followed by the series of hisses and snaps that came from the bullets shooting by her head at various distances caused Dash to involuntarily jink in shock. She instinctively attempted to correct, but still disoriented from the noise, she misjudged and only her left wing collided with Private Werve. As a later comparison in physical qualities would show, this was very fortunate for the soldier. The pegasus pony and the human were knocked off their feet and tangled together, a rather awkward situation given the human's greater size. Gins, making a snap decision, rushed in to help Private Werve. Six of the other GI's, including Sergeant Vince, took this as an indication to follow the captain's lead and also rushed over to help. Applejack saw one of her best friends entangled amidst the group of creatures and came up with an improvised plan. First, she made as if to charge straight ahead but then took off at more of an angle instead. Fortunately for her, the two soldiers with their weapons still aimed were beyond confused at this point. Too much had happened too fast for these men and they didn't know whether to follow the rest, keep their attention on the orange pony, or aim at the new pink pony who was just standing there, gaping in surprise. It was the scene of Applejack and Rainbow Dash caught in a confusing tussle with a small group of unknown bi-peds that met Twilight Sparkle and Rarity when the two finally caught up. They stood there, mirroring Pinkie's reaction, as they fully lacked even the slightest context that could help. Finally, the two sides managed to disentangle themselves, neither ever figured out exactly how, and both groups fell back from each other. It was at this point that Big Macintosh and the three Cutie Mark Crusaders arrived. Applejack's older brother had been listening to Applebloom hurriedly telling him of their encounter in the orchard when Granny Smith encountered the humans and he had taken off immediately at her scream. Since Big Mac and the three fillies came in from the right of the homestead's front, the group of GI's belatedly realized that all of their routes of escape were cut-off. Behind them were a fence and the slope of a hill, to the squad's right was the house, to their front and left the strange sentient ponies. Before the squad could make any decisions, the final event of the crisis occurred: the house's door opened and Granny Smith cautiously poked her head out. Upon seeing her, Applejack, Big Mac, and Applebloom all made for the door, shouting with great relief "GRANNY!" And just like that, the crisis diffused itself. The humans didn't know what was happening, but could feel the previous tension vanish and relaxed, while the ponies noted the creatures less aggressive stances and followed suit. Then the aftermath began… -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So do ya know what they are Twilight?" Applejack asked a few minutes later. After getting the story from Granny Smith, Applejack had left the old pony in the care of her capable big brother and put her foot down with the Cutie Mark Crusaders in ordering them to go with him. Scootaloo and Applebloom complained, but Sweetiebelle seemed a little shakened and Applejack worried about that… she would have to tell Rarity about it. "I've never seen anything like them." Twilight and her friends looked across at the creatures with a mix of wariness and awe. A short distance away, the creatures gave them the exact same looks. A few of them were muttering to each other in their unfamiliar language. "More importantly, what are they doing here and what do they want? Are they hostile?" Rarity whispered, "I mean, they tried to attack Rainbow…" Her face scrunched up, "And those clothes are a travesty." "I don't know, but there's one way to find out." Twilight replied before beginning to approach the creatures. On the other side of the homestead, Gins' squad watched the strange Ponies. The captain himself was discussing the strangely bizarre situation with Sergeant Vince… or more likely ranting at him. "A civilization of ponies… not just ponies, but goddamn pegasi and unicorns!" Gins paused to wonder why he wasn't more shocked by this. Maybe the sheer shock of everything had yet to settle in? He continued on, "There's no way we are on Earth…" "Sir," Vincent said formally, his voice completely at odds with his pale look, "What are your orders?" Gins thought about it. What were his orders? What kind of orders should he give? The military academy had not exactly taught him how to deal with sentient, talking ponies… silently, Gins thanked himself that Werve had missed the blue Pegasus otherwise the others would likely have attacked and his men would have had to kill them too. … And he had never imagined being thankful that one of his men missed shooting what was a mythological creature. Before Gins could come to a decision, the purple unicorn (goddamn, what a crazy day he was having) began to approach them. The soldiers tensed but Gins rapidly divined her intentions. "Steady." He ordered. The Unicorn paused about six feet away and muttered something in that language of theirs… a feminine sounding voice, again. Were all of these ponies female? Although that big red one looked a little different… Gins was not prepared for the Unicorn's horn to be enveloped in a dancing aura for a few moments and he actually blinked in surprise. For a few moments, he was entranced as the light brightened and then dimmed. At the edge of his consciousness, the captain thought he felt a moment of pressure against his mind… but that vanished immediately. Then the Unicorn looked at the squad and said, "Umm… hi." All ten allied soldiers proceeded to do their best imitations of a fly catcher. "Sergeant," Gins' voice held every inch of disbelief he felt, "Did that pony just speak in English?" The reply was an oddly slow, "Yes sir…" The unicorn looked a bit put-off by that exchange, clearly not expecting it. "Oh…" Gins' paused, "Holy shit." End Chapter A/N: Man, Toy Soldiers Cold War is awesome! Now where were we? Oh yeah... Anyways, you might have noticed I changed the scene breaks a little. Suffice to say a line break indicates a time or minor perspective shift while a big bold location descriptor thingy indicates a major location switch… obviously. No, good news/bad news time. Good News: This story has really grabbed my muse something fierce. That means I'm going to keep prioritizing it rather then switch back to Intrusion of the Dark Stars until I lose it. Bad news: A new semester of college has begun, which is going to cut rather severely into my fic writing. Expect updates to take longer. I will say we won't be going back to the Soviets quite yet… Also, pony pun: Coltistan Desert = Cholistan Desert, which is on the border between Pakistan and India. EDIT: I made a decision, we're going back too the Soviets next chappy. The below has been updated too reflect that. Next Chapter: Brain Freeze

ObssesedNuker

281

Braeburn,Little Strongheart,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The Bear, The Eagle, and The Ponies

A World War 3 Spills over into Equestria

cancelled

<p>When a experiment gone wrong lands a ruthless and powerful foe in the middle of Equestria, Twilight and her friends must put trust in a battered group of human soldiers if they are to stave off a revolution of the Bolshevik variety...</p>

everyone

2012-07-25T05:22:30+00:00

2012-07-25T05:22:30+00:00

Disclaimer: My Little Pony is owned by Hasbro, Red Alert by EA. Also: Britain was founded by King Alfred the Great, or at least that's what Numbuh Six-Sixtysix told me. Cheerio old chap. THIS CHAPTER HAS BEEN BETA’D NOW! The Bear, the Eagle, and the Ponies Chapter 4: Brain Freeze Barracks-8, Soviet Military-Industrial Complex, Painted Pinto Desert... When the squad had left, the barracks had its heater running on low. Now the heater was off and instead the air conditioning was running at full blast. But the mess hall was still filled with roughly a hundred men, all of their conversation drowning out the AC’s noise. The conversations were also different from when the Spetznaz had left. The voices had a more nervous bent to them and there was an atmosphere of uncertainty hanging in the air. One thing that had not changed was the noticeable space the regular enlisted gave their Spetznaz counterparts. The average Soviet conscript respected the special forces men for the risks they took and the skills they possessed. The few soldiers who did not, often wound up in one of the medical wards, recovering from a bar brawl. Senior Sergeant Orlovsky was glad for that space, it let him think. The moment the helicopter had touched down on the pad, they were confronted by a mix of KGB troops and men from the divisional headquarters who confiscated the buffalo body, debriefed them, and then quite pointedly told the squad to keep their mouths shut. Now Orlovsky mulled over it all. The Indian feather had caused a mix of reactions amongst the squad… confusion, horror, and disbelief. There had been arguments over whether the feather was an indication of the buffalo’s intelligence, a decoration from a different creature, or just random chance. But now, reflecting on it, the sergeant found it odd that there had been an argument at all. “A ruble for your thoughts, comrade sergeant?” Orlovsky looked up to see Gennady, the squad marksman, standing before him. The sniper had withdrawn back into himself after the initial revelation… “Possibly.” Orlovsky replied, and then a thought occurred to him. “How are you, Gennady?” As the sniper sat down across from his squad leader, an odd expression passed over his face. “I am… a little saddened by events. It is unusual.” “How so?” Instead of answering the question directly, the sniper asked one of his own: “How many men have you killed, comrade sergeant?” Taken aback, Orlovsky considered his answer before giving a guesstimate, “A few dozen, I think.” “Ah… I have killed eighteen.” The sniper paused, as if mentally confirming the number, before speaking again, “Do you remember the first one?” “No.” “I do.” Gennady took a long drag on his cigarette, “He was an engineer. Probably some kid drafted out of one of the American’s technical schools. I remember the look in his eyes… and I remember feeling nothing but the recoil of my Dragunov.” The sniper gave Orlovsky a hard look, “You and I are killers, comrade sergeant. We are trained to kill and willing to kill. We kill for the motherland, for each other, and for ourselves. We kill because our enemies wish to kill us as well. And we don’t feel anything… or if we do, we justify it.” Another pause to take a drag on his cigarette, “So what if the buffalo was an intelligent creature… and I don’t know how that line of thought started… with family, hopes, and dreams? That is no different from the Allied soldiers we have killed, from the Allied civilians who might have been caught in our crossfire or executed for partisan activity. So why does this bother us?” Orlovsky stared at the sniper as the realization dawned upon him that Gennady was right. The entire squad was composed of combat veterans, even the newest of them had fought and killed at least once before. And they were not bothered by it... or at least not enough to noticeably affect them. So why should this kill be any different? Gennady had apparently finished and was watching his squad leader expectantly, as if waiting for a reply. The sergeant gave it: “I don’t know.” “I know.” The sniper said nodding, “And neither do I.” He stood up, “By your leave, comrade sergeant.” Orlovsky looked at the table, developing a sudden interest in considering its properties. “Dismissed.” The sniper left his commander with even more unanswered questions… even more troubling questions. The Salt Block, Appleloosa, Painted Pinto Desert… Only a few ponies glanced up as Sheriff Silverstar entered the Salt Block. Like most towns of its size, Appleloosa was a tight knit community where everypony knew every other pony on at least some level beyond just their name. One result of such a set-up was that there was rarely any alarm at seeing persons of authority entering a bar, another result was that news travelled fast. The latter fact was made abundantly apparent when the owner and bartender of the Salt Block, a big mustachioed stallion named Morton Shaker, immediately greeted Silverstar. “Howdy Sheriff, is Strong Heart going to pull through?” “Doctor says she’ll make a full recovery.” Silverstar replied, wholly unsurprised by Morton’s knowledge of the event, “But have you seen Forty-Niner? I’ve got some metal-related questions I need to ask him about.” “I think he went prospecting.” Morton shrugged, “I haven’t seen him since this mor-“ “MORT!” Everypony in the bar turned just in time to see Forty-Niner, a dusty-green coated unicorn just beginning to show his age with a cutie mark of a rock of ore wrapped in some measuring tape, come through the door. He was dragging another, even older earth pony behind him. “I need a lot of water!” “Is that Old Salty?” Morton said, “He still hasn’t paid his-“ “Not now Mort!” Forty-Niner shouted, “He’s badly dehydrated and needs water right now!” Spurred to action, Mort immediately began to fill a pitcher while the other patrons began to crowd around the unconscious form of Salty. Since the Salt Block was rather empty in the middle of the day, the crowd was by no means a big crowd but Silverstar still felt the need to break it up as he approached Forty-Niner. “Alright now, we’ll get him some water, move along little ponies.” With some minor muttering, the small gathering dispersed somewhat more slowly than it had gathered. Mort brought the pitcher around, along with a few cups, and Forty-Niner telekinetically poured a few glasses of water into Salty’s dried mouth. In the meantime, Silverstar began questioning, “Where’d you find him?” “On my way back from the desert… I had run out of water myself.” Forty-Niner set the cup down and turned to give the sheriff his full attention, “It looked like he had been running in a bit of a panic and had collapsed from exhaustion.” “Well I’m glad he made it.” Mort added, “Salty was always a few screws short of a full bolt…” The bartender’s voice dropped to a mutter, “Not to mention a good bunch of bits short of a paid tab.” Silverstar ignored him. Certainly, Salty was the town weirdo… not only was he a seapony, that is a salt-addict, but he also had all of these crazy theories. Still, the old stallion was harmless. “Welp, we’ll be sure to ask him about it.” Silverstar said, turning to Forty-Niner and producing the lump of metal he had been handed at the clinic and proffered it. “In the meantime, can you take a gander at this?” The unicorn pony telekinetically lifted the metal and held it in front of his eyes. “It has some lead… no, a lot of lead. Hmm, bits of copper… brass… that is some good quality brass. Now then…” He frowned, “Residue on this, seems like remnant of some kind of powder.” “You could tell all that just by looking?” Mort asked in surprise. Forty-Niner laughed, “Nah, the horn does most of it. Special talent and all…” He looked back at Silverstar, “I got the metals figured out, but the powders throwin’ me for a loop. Awfully similar to the stuff they use in fireworks, but it seems far too…” The stallion seemed to struggle for the words, “Clean. Where did you get this?” “From the doctor,” Silverstar replied, “He dug it out of Little Strong Heart’s leg.” “Wait? The little buffalo?” Forty-Niner said, “What happened?” “Apparently that hit her leg and embedded itself by her bones, according to the doc.” Forty-Niner whistled, in a tone that indicated simultaneous amazement and sympathy, as his attention turned back to the item. “Must have been moving really fast for that. How did that happen?” “Something about a-“ Was all Silverstar got out. “METAL BOXES!” Salty cried out, leaping from his previously-unconscious position, “METAL MONSTERS! There are metal monsters out in the desert! They gonna get us all!” “Woah there!” Before either Silverstar or Forty-Niner could react, Mort had already jumped Salty and had the old pony pinned against his porch. “That was quick.” The sheriff observed. Mort snorted, “I have to deal with him every evening… and I believe ya’ll have seen me throw him out of the bar on a number of occasions.” He turned his attention to the still struggling Salty, “Calm down ya old foal! Snap out of it!” Salty did seem to calm down somewhat, in that his struggle declined and he seemed to breathe easier, but he looked up at Silverstar and the Sheriff could see genuine panic in his eyes. “Sheriff! We’ve gotta evacuate the town! There’s metal monsters out in the desert!” “Let him go Mort.” Silverstar ordered and the bartender complied. The sheriff knew Salty wasn’t a threat, despite the rather wild eyed ‘moods’ he sometimes got into. “Salty, what is this talk about metal monsters?” “I was out in the desert when I heard a horrible rumblin’ sound and saw this great cloud of dust comin’ down on me.” Salty said, genuine fear in his voice, “I hid amidst some boulders and saw the… the metal monsters rolled by!” “Roll by?” “Yeah!” Salty was now shifting on his feet as he spoke, working himself up. Behind him, Mort tensed in case the old pony went nuts again. “They didn’t walk or slither like any ordinary ground creature, but they rolled on these great, big… tracks, I guess. But they were almost as big as Mort’s saloon! And they had huge bulbous metal heads, with great long snouts! And they belched black smoke from their rear ends!” Silverstar got the impression that ‘belched’ wasn’t the right word, but he stood there taking in Salty’s words for a few moments. “Did ya see any kind of flying machine that looked like a bumblebee?” The old stallion stopped in his tracks, his nervous tension rapidly replaced with confusion. “Uh… no, Sheriff. What kind of machine is that?” Silverstar sighed, he should have known better than to take Salty at his word. He also knew better than to argue with the old pony. “Alright Salty, thanks for the tip. I’ll get word down to Salt Lick on the next train.” Salty nodded rapidly at the sheriff, a new sense of urgency apparently taking over him, before he broke into a gallop with a speed that surprised even Mort. “What was all that about a metal flying machine that looks like a bumblebee?” Forty-Niner asked. “The Buffalo Chief said they saw one before Little Strong Heart got hurt.” “Well, Salty’s always been a few horseshoes short of a complete set.” Forty-Niner said, “I reckon there ain’t anything to worry about from his little tale.” “I suppose.” Silverstar said. He thought himself convinced enough, but something else was nagging at him… what was Salty doing out in the desert in the first place? [SCENE BREAK] Salty wasn’t an idiot. He knew what the townspeople thought of him, of his ideas. He didn’t fault them… most of the stuff he said he didn’t believe himself. He knew what was wrong and he didn’t really mind, at least not until now. Now he knew, he knew that the Sheriff didn’t believe him, he could see it in the stallion’s eyes. Salty cursed himself, he had been the foal who cried hydra! He also realized that the sheriff knew more than he let on. That question about a flying machine, for instance. His old conspiratorial mind realigned with the extra information and came to a new conclusion: they were being invaded by aliens! Salty ran out of town, back into the desert. When he had first seen the metal monsters roll by, he had tried to make it for the town taking the scenic route. This time, he would take the shorter route… He knew those old weapons would come in handy one day. Interrogation Block, Soviet Military-Industrial Complex, Painted Pinto Desert… “So…” Doctor Zelinsky said, as he observed the unconscious unicorn through a one-way window. “It is indeed intelligent?” The room was only attached to the cell by a shatter-proof one-way window and a second hallway antechamber. Zelinsky had been called here with one of his assistants and the equipment he had just finished setting up because of an intriguing feature noticed by the scientist who had studied the unicorn. It was an incidental discovery and the data behind it was so incomplete that Zelinsky was partially convinced that it was balderdash. The unicorn lay there a bandage added to its abdomen. The Terror Drones had accidentally inflicted some burns, but those were quickly treated. He and his assistant were not alone in the room, of course. Commissar-General Lyvaskov was there as well and a third technician was monitoring some recording equipment, aided by a linguistic specialist. Standing guard at the back of the door were a pair of combat troops, one KGB and one army. In the connecting chamber waited two more men, one KGB and one Psi-Corps, who would conduct the actual interrogation of the creature. “Your colleague, Doctor Barisov said as much.” The Commissar replied. The KGB General seemed to be staring at the prisoner as if he wasn’t sure that it was actually there. Zelinsky didn’t blame him, he was still having a hard time believing that there was a small azure unicorn in that room himself. “Surely you have seen his results?” Zelinsky fidgeted unconsciously as he returned his attention to his equipment, “Barisov is a biologist. I am a physicist. My knowledge of his field is… incomplete.” “I’m sure.” The Commissar replied. Despite himself, Zelinsky flinched. Of course the scientist knew enough about brains to check through Barisov’s data, but he hadn’t had the time, the commissar had to know that. Fortunately, Lyvaskov didn’t appear keen to press the issue. “The Psi-Corps confirmed it.” Lyvaskov added, off-handedly. Ah yes, the Psi-Corps… those wonderfully secretive and vaguely-sinister bunch. If anybody knew everything humans needed to know about brains, Zelinsky reflected, it would be them. The thought turned his attention back to the features of the interrogation room: it was a standard interrogation room, although the chair that the prisoner would usually sit in was replaced with a small mattress. There was a question that Zelinsky had wanted to ask about the upcoming interrogation, but his squeamishness… “So…” The scientist said, before pausing and starting again, “So are you going to be harsh with… uh, it?” The Commissar gave a humored snort, “Are we going to torture it, you mean?” Again, Zelinsky cringed, even as he nodded. “No.” Lyvaskov said, taking a moment to light a cigarette. “You have seen too many bad American action dramas. Information gathered from physical torture is only to be considered reliable if the torture is applied with little-to-no-warning, the question is a yes-or-no one, and the answer is given inside of the first five minutes of the session starting. Otherwise…” The KGB man shrugged, “There is, of course, psychological manipulation. That works better, but takes time, which we don’t have… oh, and it assumes the target has the same psychology as humans.” “I… uh… I see.” Zelinsky said, regretting ever asking the question. The way the Commissar had spoken about the subject was far too calm for his tastes. Looking at the unconscious unicorn in the interrogation room, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for the creature. He sighed, it was through his intellect alone that he had managed to rise so high in the Soviet scientific community and intellectually he knew he should be swelling with self-esteem on that fact. But he was a nervous wreck, lacking ambition and completely devoid of self-esteem. The only advantage of it was that he was perceived as such a non-threat by his potential enemies that they never quite realized what had happened when he sped by them up the hierarchy. It was rather similar to Premier Romanov during the Great Purges, now that he thought about it… although the personalities involved were different, they were both misinterpreted and underestimated. The door to the observation room swung open and Nikolai Ryzhkov entered the room. The civilian looked around for a moment before asking the obvious question, “Where are General Voroshilov and… the Psi-Corps man?” “The General is busy getting some things coordinated.” Lyvaskov finished his cigarette and stabbed it out against the wall. “As for Comrade Vladimir… I do not know.” “I… see.” Ryzhkov walked over to the observation window and looked through. He stood there for a good long time in disbelief. “Its… like something out of a fairy tale.” Zelinsky saw the Commissar roll his eyes at that. Ryzhkov turned to the scientist, “Is it going to awaken soon?” “She.” Lyvaskov pre-empted Zelinsky’s reply. “And I believe she is waking up now.” The other two men turned to the window and realized the political officer was right… the unicorn was beginning to stir. Lyvaskov crossed the room and punched a button on the intercom. “Captain Chernov and comrade Lebedjev… you may proceed.” [SCENE BREAK] Trixie did not remember waking-up, so there was some confusion when she realized that she was currently staring at a simple, white wall. With that mental double take, the memories from earlier came flooding back and the show pony’s head shot up in alarm. She only breathed easier once a quick look around showed that there was no creature other than her in the room. With her alarm subsiding, Trixie examined the room more thoroughly which, since there wasn’t much to look at, didn’t take long. She was sitting on a simple bench, which rested in front of a plain wooden table. Across the table she saw a chair… except its surface area seemed a little small for a pony to sit in. It was then that Trixie noticed the bandage around on her side. They had been carefully applied right at the spot where the… thing had struck her. What drew Trixie’s attention next was the lights… they weren’t the magic bulbous ones most Ponies used in place of candles, but some kind of big white strips built into the ceiling. Trixie quickly found that, also unlike the magic lights, they hurt her eyes and she averted her gaze, preventing any further examination. Beyond that, the only other thing of any interest was the door in the left corner of the room on the other side of the table from Trixie. It looked oddly big to Trixie and she couldn’t make out any opening mechanism. “Hello?” Trixie said stupidly and an instant later berated herself for the call. It was the kind of instinctive call that most people who just woke up in a strange place said even when they were blatantly alone and it made the show pony feel dumb. Deciding there was no point in hanging around, she was about to hop off the bench and head for the door when she was startled by a loud, mechanical buzzing sound. The noise lasted for a second before being followed by an audible click and the door swung open. Trixie stared at the two tall, bi-pedal creatures that entered the room. The first was clothed in some kind of vaguely bluish clothing with further… decorations pinned to its left upper section and wore a somewhat-peaked cap which was topped by a red star and what Trixie recognized as a hammer and sickle crossed over each other. The creature seemed to regard the unicorn with something akin to wary bemusement, as if it wasn’t entirely sure this was real… at least, that’s what Trixie thought. The creature’s face was unexpressive, from her perspective. But it still showed much more emotion than the second, which wore clothing that hanged down from its body, the coattail lending it an intimidating appearance. But what Trixie found much more intimidating was that the creature had no apparent mane atop its head. Instead, some kind of strange metal contraption was attached to that part of the creature’s body and the unicorn could see some of the metal sinking into the creature’s… skin, if she remembered correctly. The first creature sat down across from her and Trixie noted that it sat more like a dragon: with its back straight against the chair. Well, the creature was bi-pedal… And it spoke to her, slowly, carefully, deliberately and in an utterly alien language. Trixie desperately tried to remember a translation spell and failed, instead just returning an incomprehensive look. The creature apparently noticed her look and sighed, turning to the other one, which had remained standing. The two conversed for a moment and then the standing creature looked straight at Trixie. A shiver ran down her spine as the creature appeared to be staring right through the unicorn and into her very being. Yet Trixie found she couldn’t tear her gaze away… “Greetings.” A stale voice in Trixie’s mind said. Trixie literally leapt up, startled. The creature sitting across from her looked more alert but didn’t make any more movements. Instead, Trixie looked at the creature that was standing and voiced out loud, “Was that you?” “Yes.” The voice in her mind… the creature’s voice… replied. “What is this? Telepathy? How can you understand me?” “Yes, this is telepathy.” The creature replied through her mind. “As for how… the language of the mind is the same no matter the animal in question. When you speak, you think directly of what you are saying and those thoughts become clear to me.” “So-“ Trixie began. “What is your name?” “Eh?” Trixie blinked, surprised at being interrupted. Surprise turned to anger and the unicorn huffed as she finally began to adjust to the situation, her old arrogance reasserting itself. “I am Trixie! The Great and Powerful! Famous through all the land of Equestria as the most powerful Unicorn to have ever lived!” To the show pony’s chagrin, the creature ignored her for a moment and spoke to its comrade. They underwent a brief exchange before the bald-one turned back to her. “I am Lebedjev, of the Soviet Psi-Corp.” It… no he, Trixie could definitely identify a male touch to Lebedjev’s voice, said. “This is Chernov, a Captain in the Committee for State Security. Now: you say this land is Equestria?” “Yes!” Trixie said. “You said you were the most powerful Unicorn to have ever lived?” “Yes!” Trixie said, getting carried away with herself as usual. So what if it wasn’t true? She had an audience and she was a show mare… and the show had to go on even if it wasn’t a grander event! “The Great and Powerful Trixie’s magic has defeated even the dreaded Ursa Major! Only the princesses possess more magic!” Instead of pressing any further Lebedjev immediately turned to Chernov and apparently translated what she had said. Something she said must have come as a surprise because the two became engaged in an apparently heated conversation. As they talked, Trixie found her more logical mind asserting itself with its own questions, discomforting ones: where was she? What were these two creatures, apparently named Lebedjev and Chernov? What was the Committee for State Security? Why had they apparently brought her here? The discomfort only grew when Lebedjev turned and asked her: “You mentioned Princesses, as in more than one?” “Yes…” Trixie replied, wondering why they were focusing on that. “Who are they?” “Well… wait…” Trixie said, looking at Lebedjev squarely, “Trixie has questions of her own! Like what kind of creature are you, and why have you apparently brought me here?” Lebedjev turned and conversed with Chernov for a moment, annoying Trixie even more. Finally, Lebedjev turned back and transmitted: “We are sure you have many questions, and you may ask them when we are done asking you. To answer your first question quickly: we are humans. But please, try and help us out.” Trixie sat there for a moment, her nervousness fading a little at the reassurance. Somewhere in her subconscious, a piece of her mind told her that she was accepting this too easily but it went unnoticed to the unicorn’s attention. She gave an annoyed snort before speaking, “Very well, ask away.” “Again, who are the princesses you mentioned earlier?” [SCENE BREAK] Trixie didn’t know how long the question session went on, but she very rapidly came to realize that her audience was completely ignorant about Equestria. It was as if they didn’t even come from this planet! They asked her about the kingdom, about the various ponies, about the governments, about the economy, and quite a bit about magic. She struggled with some of the questions and every time she tried to interject or ask a counter-question they would deflect it with something like “We will answer later” or “Please focus, there will come a time for your questions.” And she accepted it, despite a growing unease, she accepted it. She answered to the best of her ability and when they presented a question that she didn’t know the answer to, she said as much and they moved on to another question. Finally, after a non-stop flurry of questions, there came a moment of silence as the human named Chernov leaned back and seemed to consider something. Then, like before, he spoke to Lebedjev. “Thank you Trixie, for your cooperation.” The human transmitted. Trixie gave a self-satisfied smile, “You are welcome. Trixie is pleased she could offer her significant knowledge… now, if I may-“ “I think not.” The human interrupted. Trixie barely managed to process that message before something seemed to metaphorically come down on her conscious like a ton of bricks. Whatever it was, it didn’t hurt but suddenly Trixie felt herself bombarded by thoughts as if her brain had decided to go overtime on her memories. She froze up for what seemed like an eternity, but was actually two or three seconds, before the chaotic flood was replaced with one, simple command: “Sleep.” And with that the unicorn fell over, instantly unconscious. [SCENE BREAK] “And no other objects allowed.” Lyvaskov finished, speaking into a landline, attached to the intercom. It was a short while later and a group of soldiers had carried off the unconscious Unicorn… ‘Pony’…. to a detention cell. The KGB man had called ahead, issuing further instructions on modifying the cell’s set-up based on the interrogation. It was bizarre how quickly he was coming to terms with the situation, but maybe that was because he had already become gripped by a more serious crisis looming before him: the issue of authority. The job of the KGB agents attached to the Soviet military was to act as watchdogs, to ensure they remained subservient to the civilian authorities. Of course, this meant that the KGB had power to and was a partial reason behind some of the… excesses of the Stalin-era. But the Psi-Corps was a new and frightening counter-balance to both the KGB and the military, even though they were technically part of the latter. The political officers attached to Soviet military units were much less powerful now than they were under Stalin, but they still could investigate possibly treasonous activity by an officer and, if the evidence warranted it, bring him to the attention of the rest of the Soviet security apparatus. But it was a system that required the support of the rest of the Soviet Union and Lyvaskov had rapidly realized during the interrogation that the rest of the Soviet Union was no longer available… quite likely permanently. In the face of that problem, even the Unicorn couldn’t hold the commissar’s attention for long. He didn’t let on the slightest bit about his worries to those around him… no use giving Voroshilov ideas. Lyvaskov knew of Voroshilov’s history, he knew about the picture of Ivan Konev, the infamous ‘Butcher of Hamburg’, which the general had hung up in his private office. The man had all the signs of a monster every bit as ruthless as Konev… the last thing the USSR needed was this man in a meaningful command. The history of Stalin and the current association with Al-Fulani in the Middle East and that Gaddafi figure in North Africa casted something of a bad mark on the Soviet Union. It was a mark that the Chicago fiasco only cemented, bringing the otherwise neutral Europeans and their associates into the war. “This is… astonishing, comrade commissar.” That was Ryzhkov. The civilian seemed overwhelmed by all the new information. Lyvaskov was a little overwhelmed himself for different reasons, but he schooled his appearance carefully… there was a kind of social art to being a political officer. There was another worry reaching into the commissar’s mind now and it was one they would all have to face. He waited to see if the party man would get it. “Indeed?” Lyvaskov said, “What do you make of it all, comrade Ryzhkov?” “Well, it’s clear that we have a whole new civilization in front of us!” The civilian said, apparently missing the blatantly obvious, “This is momentous! A whole new civilization, of aliens, on an entirely… new… world… oh…” Now he got it, “But… our home.” “But our home indeed.” Lyvaskov turned towards Zelinsky. The scientist seemed to be overly focused on his machinery, muttering something with his assistant. The political officer took the opportunity to walk unnoticed directly behind the man and loudly cleared his throat. The sight of seeing him jump a little brightened Lyvaskov’s otherwise grim mood by just a smidge. “And what do you make of it all, comrade Zelinsky?” “I-uh…” Zelinsky’s nervousness had apparently reasserted itself in full. His eyes darted in both directions as he tried to reply, like he was expecting to be attacked from the side. “I was… intrigued by some readings in the cell… I hope to look over the data and-“ “Look over the data all you want.” Lyvaskov cut the doctor off, “You have plenty of time now.” And then without waiting for any reply, the political officer simply strolled out of the observation room as if nothing was wrong… But so much was. Clinic, Appleloosa, Painted Pinto Desert… Earlier… Braeburn sat silently at Little Strong Heart’s side like he had for… a few hours now, he supposed. The only further company was the doctor stopping by, asking them how they were doing. The cowpony was actually starting to ache a little and just considering laying down when Strong Heart stirred. “Strong Heart?” Braeburn asked as the buffalo in question looked blearily around, “You feel alright lil’ missy?” Strong Heart chuckled, a number of Appleloosans called her that and she found the nickname rather amusing seeing how she was actually slightly bigger than a number of them. “Yes, a little stiff, but otherwise I am fine.” “That’s good.” Braeburn nodded. “Doctor said you’ll be up and moving by tomorrow…” A few moments of silence passed between them as the initial well of conversation dried up. A kind of awkward tension hung in the air, something Braeburn had not felt since the build-up to the incident with the grove. Strong Heart was the one who broke the silence and in a quite surprising manner: by bursting into tears. Alarmed, Braeburn shot to his feet but before he could take any more action, Strong Heart burst out, “They killed Taking Easy!” The amber yellow pony was completely unable to react as the buffalo immediately launched into a tear-filled explanation: the flying machine, the strange creatures within, the fate which befell the body of Taking Easy. When it ended, Braeburn was left sitting there, having to play mental catch up as Strong Heart cried. Finally things set in and Braeburn’s emotions turned from shock to anger. But it was an anger tempered by the need to help a friend. He wrapped a hoof around Strong Heart and carefully pulled her into a hug, letting her cry into his shoulder. “There, there… it wasn’t your fault at all. Those… critters, which you said rode in the flying machine, those are the ones you should be blaming.” “But…” Strong Heart said through her sobs, “I should have done something more! I should have knocked Taking Easy out of the way or-“ Braeburn was not just going to let Strong Heart drive herself into despondency like that, “There was no way you could have known. It can be tough to lose somepo-somebody you care about, but it happens.” “Not like this.” Strong Heart muttered, her voice muffled by Braeburn’s shoulder “Buffalo are supposed to go peacefully after a good life, in the care and company of their tribe. Not... cut down violently.” “That is how things should be, and how things are supposed to be with us Ponies too. But things do not always turn out like that… I’m sorry.” Braeburn paused as he recalled a bit of buffalo lore, “I’m sure Taking Easy is stampeding towards the herd of his ancestors, even now.” Braeburn was silent now and remained so for a few more seconds, then she settled back out of the hug and into her bed. Braeburn let her go, seeing that even though her face was matted with tears, Strong Heart now had a little smile. “Thank you, Braeburn.” The Earth Pony grinned, “Not a problem at all. After all, what are friends for?” Strong Heart looked like she was going to reply with something witty, when it happened. A strange humming sound, almost halfway to a constant groan had started to intrude into the room as Braeburn had spoken, but only now had it risen to a noticeable level. “What in tarnation…” Braeburn breathed as the humming sound seemed to reach a zenith, then receded even more quickly than it had arrived. Strong Heart and Braeburn looked at each other, the same thought running through their minds: that was odd. Tu-94, 30,000 feet, Painted Pinto Desert… Loud. There was really no other single word that could describe the experience of flying in the Tupolev reconnaissance plane so succinctly. The Tu-94 was loud, the noisiest aircraft on the face of the planet. It was easy to see why: its pair of contra-rotating turboprop engines rotated so fast that the propeller tips literally broke the sound barrier. If it wasn’t for their ear protection, the entire crew would have been rendered stone deaf in seconds. But even through the headsets, the crewmembers had to shout into their mouthpieces to be heard and hearing problems among Tu-94 crews were endemic. Still the Tu-94 could fly high and was the fastest propeller-driven aircraft in the world. Outfitted with some of the most sophisticated electronic warfare equipment Soviet industry could manufacture, the aircraft was an ideal reconnaissance platform that could only be reached by the Allies latest interceptors. Like the rest of the base personnel, the Frontal Aviation personnel had been surprised by the strange and sudden transfer. However, the crew of this particular aircraft had taken things in stride until they were ordered into the air. From the moment they left the air strip, they immediately realized something was very wrong; the clouds were far lower than they appeared from the ground, far lower than they should or even could have been. A conservative estimate had the lowest one only a dozen meters off the ground! The aircrew had grown ever more astonished as they continued their flight path. The desert was completely unfamiliar and unmapped, with only the way-point beacon of the base serving as an electromagnetic landmark. At first the towns were a welcome relief to the crewmembers… until the reconnaissance specialist saw their inhabitants through the aircraft’s observation scopes. The word had spread fast amongst the crew: a town of ponies! With a railroad showing signs of even more! It was ridiculous! At first, many of the aircrew refused to believe it even after seeing the feed from the plane’s cameras. But as the aircraft, on orders from base, followed the rail line, they came across more and more towns, some smaller and some larger than the first, but all inhabited by ponies. The crew was both fascinated and confused as they watched these ponies go about their lives, and they observed the supposedly mythological versions working with the regular-looking ones; Pegasus flying through the air and unicorns chatting on the ground. Many of the ponies would glance up, probably at the noise, as the airplane droned overhead, but the aircraft was too high to be seen as anything but a pinprick in the sky. Only contrails could have really given the plane away, but the conditions were not right. The airplane had come across its first real city, although compared to Soviet cities it was still rather pint-sized, resting at the foot of a large mountain range and made a large number of passes before they were ordered back. The aircraft had only flown a fraction of the distance it could have and there were still enormous quantities of fuel left in the tanks, but the crew didn’t voice even a grumble, they were too overwhelmed for that. Of course, even as the aircraft turned for home, the images and other sensor information it gathered had been transmitted back to the Soviet base in real-time. The combined info of the interrogated Unicorn, the biological examinations, and now an actual reconnaissance flight very rapidly led to another meeting called by General Voroshilov. Headquarters, Soviet Military-Industrial Complex, Painted Pinto Desert… Oddly enough, General Voroshilov was not there when the various commanders and Nikolai Ryzhkov turned up. Lyvaskov kept his appearance straight while his mind roiled, Voroshilov was not the only one missing… the Psi-Corps Head and Doctor Zelinsky were also absent. When Voroshilov finally showed up and Lyvaskov had a new piece of trouble to add to his state of mind: the General had entered with Doctor Zelinsky… although the Psi-Corps Head remained strangely absent. “Comrades, at ease and be seated.” The salutes dropped and the various officers sat down as Lieutenant Ialovskii, who had arrived ahead of the General, passed around copies of paper. The various men frowned when they saw the labels, it was a recent report from the local observatory. “Comrades, I am afraid it has been confirmed… we are no longer on our home planet or even in our home universe.” One of the colonels didn’t even get past the title page, instead he looked up incredulously, “With respect… how can you be so sure, Comrade General?” “Because the sun does not orbit around Earth, Comrade Colonel.” Voroshilov replied evenly. Perhaps the only way he could have gotten a greater reaction was if he had shot one of them. In spite of all their discipline, that absurd tidbit was too much for the assembled men. The room broke out into arguing and shouts of disbelief. “QUIET!” Lyvaskov yelled, immediately silencing the furor. “You are officers of the Soviet Red Army! Act like it, not like a bunch of squabbling children!” “Thank you, comrade Commissar.” Voroshilov said, “Whatever you may have believed previously, the evidence is overwhelming. I understand that our… unexpected guest was enough of a shock, but it has also provided the brilliant Doctor Zelinsky with a means to see us home.” He nodded towards the scientist, who hesitantly stepped forward. “I was observing the data collected during the interrogation of the… intruder when I noticed an unusual reading.” The explanation took a while, but long before it was done, the alarm bells were going off in Lyvaskov’s head. When the doctor finally finished, silence held for only a few moments. Major Malashenko was the one to speak up and ask a rather obvious question. “How… how many of the…” the Major paused to shake his head, “Unicorns… do we need?” “Impossible to say for certain without much more study and a wider sample of, ah… specimens,” Zelinsky took his glasses off and wiped them on his shirt nervously, “At least a few hundred, likely more.” “A few hundred…” The Frontal Aviation Colonel said in disbelief. “Probably more… and we should just expect a few hundred to just wander in here. I read the second report, there is an entire civilization of ponies out there. Are we to kidnap them in the dead of the night like some crackpot American mid-westerner’s tale?” The man must have been deployed in the United States, Lyvaskov thought. Then finally General Voroshilov threw down the gauntlet. “Of course not… our only option is to take them.” And the Commissar pounced. “I’m afraid, Comrade General that is out of line.” General Voroshilov had not been expecting that from the Commissar. After he recovered from the surprise, his face grew heated. “This is not 1939, Comrade Commissar. The dual-command system-“ “The long dead dual-command system is not relevant here. You are overstepping your authority, Comrade General, you are making policy. That is not the job of the military… that is the job of the State.” “Oh… well then I suppose I’ll ring Moscow for instructions.” General Voroshilov’s sarcasm was thick, “Use your head, comrade! This is the clearest shot we have at going home! Would you deny our soldiers from seeing their country and their families again?!” Lyvaskov was actually taken aback. He had not considered the soldiers’ view on things. Most of the scientists, engineers, and officers’ families lived on base… but the rest of the personnel’s families lived back in the Soviet Union, including most of the KGB troops. The Commissar’s position was even weaker than he thought. Instead he fell back on older communist ideology… a bad choice. “Still, we cannot have instruments of the State make decisions on its behalf.” Voroshilov glared at him, but the glare subtly changed after a few moments and the general looked at the ignored figure in the room. “Comrade Ryzhkov? What do you think?” The party-man had been quiet this whole time. The emotional and mental toll of all of the revelations made had left him stunned. Hence, he was wholly unprepared to be the sudden center-of-attention. “What?” “You are the highest civilian representative of the Soviet Government, and hence the Soviet State, we are in contact with.” The General stared down at the man, “Do we go to war with these Equestrians or not?” “Ryzhkov is-“ Lyvaskov began. “RYZHKOV IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN MAKE THE DECISION!” Voroshilov bellowed, leaping up. For a terrified moment, Lyvaskov was concerned the General would draw his sidearm. But instead the man reigned everything in and looked at Ryzhkov. “Comrade?” The party-man looked desperately around, only to find all eyes on him. Finally, he slumped down in his chair and sighed. “Fine… Comrade Major-General Voroshilov… I agree to your recommendation and instruct the forces available to the Red Army to take the necessary measures you request to fulfill this… plan.” “Thank you, Comrade.” Voroshilov looked over the assembled men, “We will meet back here at first light. Do not be late. Dismissed” As the meeting broke-up, nobody saw the silent, robed figure standing in the corner of the room. The Psi-Corps Agent’s eyes tracked Lyvaskov as the group exited the room, silently analyzing the KGB man… End Chapter A/N: Well after much distraction from that computer virus, Battlefield 3, Skyrim, Saints Row the Third, an obscure-but-addicting game called Anno 2070, and plain old procrastination, I present to you chapter 4 of this story! You guys are still following this, right? Right? The Tu-94 is, quite obviously, based off the Tu-95 bomber/maritime patrol aircraft/recon plane/ cruise missile truck. If you’ve played Yuri’s Revenge, it’s the plane that does the over flight when you use the Soviet reconnaissance ability. That isn’t its actual in-game name, just one I came up with on the spot. Well I must say that season 2 has been causing me to go a little nuts in regards to screwing with this stories fanon (notice how I said ’this stories’ fanon and not ‘my fanon’), but I have everything ordered out now. Suffice to say, ponies do not know of the same bullets as humans. Their tanks are also different… and cannons are more recreational… Yes, I am aware of all the stuff from the latest episodes. Everything will be explained when the time comes. If the time comes, I still have a lot more to get out of Skryim.

ObssesedNuker

281

Braeburn,Little Strongheart,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The Bear, The Eagle, and The Ponies

A World War 3 Spills over into Equestria

cancelled

<p>When a experiment gone wrong lands a ruthless and powerful foe in the middle of Equestria, Twilight and her friends must put trust in a battered group of human soldiers if they are to stave off a revolution of the Bolshevik variety...</p>

everyone

2012-06-27T19:26:25+00:00

2012-06-27T19:26:25+00:00

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony or Red Al-YURI OWNS EVERYTHING! ALL HAIL YURI! The Bear, the Eagle, and the Ponies Chapter 5: Full Stop Warfare Ely, Nevada, United States of America The noise was almost unbearable. The very air itself seemed to shake with the pressure and every blast kicked up torrents of dust from the cellar floor. But as much as she wanted to, she couldn’t run. As much as every bone in her body told her to go and find a new hiding place where the noise and dust and shaking could not find her, she refused to obey. She refused to obey her mind because she was too terrified to obey it. She was too terrified to obey because rationally she knew she would be exchanging fear and discomfort for certain death. But most of all she refused to obey because she refused to abandon one of her dearest friends. The rabbit she cuddled against also shook with the same fear. She could tell it too wanted to run and hide but wouldn’t because of that same fear… and because of her, just like her, he wouldn’t run because of her. Instead, she tried to keep the rabbit calm. Even though she couldn’t hear a thing over the roar, she felt her lips move as she sang the lullaby she learned so long ago and the words echoed as loudly in her mind as the roar of the bombardment… “Hush now, quiet now… it’s time to rest your sleepy head. Hush now, quiet now… it’s time to go to bed.” A shell landed particularly close, the noise of its detonation echoing off the basement walls. Masonry cracked under immense pressure and the floor shook so violently that she almost fell. Steadying herself, she noticed the rabbit wasn’t shaking anymore… but she could still feel him breathing and moving in her arms. He wasn’t panicking. In fact, he seemed rather calmed. It was so strange and yet so comforting. Then the barrage stopped. The shaking and noise ceased so suddenly that the following silence was equally discomforting. The dust however remained drifting in the air and irritated her nose. But the girl didn’t move, instead she continued to hug her little rabbit and sing softly to him. It wasn’t long until voices, soldiers most likely, loudly echoed upstairs alongside the boots hammering overhead. They were speaking, shouting in urgent and clipped tones. They pretty much barked at each other… her breath caught as she heard the basement door fall off its hinges, but no one came down the steps and all the noises remained upstairs. She literally jumped when the first weapon went off, a single shot that instantly grew into a fusillade of gunfire from upstairs. The soldiers’ shouting became even more urgent, desperate even. Their voices melding with the gunfire until one became indistinguishable from the other. In her arms, the rabbit started shaking again. Her only warning of what happened next was a single shout from one of the soldiers above, a scream of alarm that in spite of its brevity conveyed the message perfectly: “TANK!” THOOM! The explosion above finally dislodged her from her crouch, the rabbit falling from her protective embrace in the process. She looked over just in time to see him mere feet away, just glancing around in bewilderment… then a groan overhead announced new danger. “Run Angel!” She shouted irrationally, given that he was a rabbit, as the structure gave way. It was the first time she was able to hear her voice since the bombardment began, the first thing she had decided to shout… And the last thing she was conscious of before the ceiling collapsed. And Fluttershy shot awake with a gasp, tumbling off her couch in the process. Disoriented and scared from the nightmare and getting shocked awake, the Pegasus Pony scrambled to her hooves. “Angel?!” The panic began to subside as the Pegasus’ pet rabbit appeared, at first with a look of annoyance on his face but that became one of concern when he saw the genuine distress his owner was in. Quickly hopping over, Angel nuzzled Fluttershy’s cheek. The larger mare closed her eyes and sighed in relief. “Just a dream… thank you Angel, I’m okay now.” The rabbit in question backed away and watched with skepticism as Fluttershy got back up and oriented herself. She was still in her living room, where she had fallen asleep. There had been an emergency with Bruce the Bat late last night that had kept Fluttershy awake into the early morning and she had tried to use some of her free time to make up for the lost sleep. The couch had been a logical choice, but she never expected to have a nightmare. Fluttershy’s sudden awakening had thrown the well-ordered pillows around and the Pegasus immediately set about sorting them out before she moved on to other chores. Angel, seeing his owner functioning as normal, hopped away to resume whatever he had been doing. But the young mare was not okay… not really. The dream remained in her head, foggier than when she first awoke but still quite vivid. As she worked, Fluttershy pondered over it… She had been herself, that’s what she remembered. Except she wasn’t a pony… what her dreamself was, Fluttershy couldn’t puzzle out. The dream had felt so real that she could remember the overall feel of her dreamself’s body, but she couldn’t place it to any species. There were also things in the dream that Fluttershy recalled, things which her dreamself understood perfectly but which she couldn’t figure out in the slightest. Deciding that dwelling on the subject further was something she would rather not do, Fluttershy told herself it was just a dream, even if a particularly realistic feeling one, and she moved towards her door to check on the animals outside. And, as if on cue, somepony knocked. Still caught in her thoughts, the sudden noise took her by surprise. Like many things that surprised her, Fluttershy reacted with a short, quick, and very quiet shriek before diving behind the nearest piece of cover… a table in this case. The knocking came again, along with the familiar voice of a hyperactive Pink Earth Pony. “Fluttershy! Are you alright in there?!” Fluttershy blinked a few times, before quickly getting up and opening the door. “Oh, Pinkie! You startled me…” the Pegasus paused as an odd sense of deja-vu passed over her. Or would have, if Pinkie Pie were so inclined to let her have a pause. “Fluttershy! Come on, you have to come quick and meet them!” The Earth Pony was excited. Fluttershy could tell by how frequently and how high Pinkie jumped about. The Pegasus, on the other hand, reacted with more trepidation. “What? Why?” “Some new creatures came out of the Everfree forest and there was a misunderstanding, but they talk and actually are pretty nice and-!“ There was a blast of dust and when it cleared, Pinkie Pie saw she was alone. For a moment, the normally up-beat Earth Pony frowned in annoyance. “Hey! That’s my gag!” Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville Outskirts, Equestria Earlier… “Holy shit…” Twilight and her friends reacted in different, if predictable, ways to the strange creature’s words. Both Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash burst into laughter, Applejack cast an alarmed glance towards the door to make sure that none of the Cutie Mark Crusaders had wandered back out, Twilight herself blinked in surprise, and Rarity was both shocked and horrified. After a moment, the creature shuffled awkwardly, clearly embarrassed. “Sorry about that,” it said. “It’s just Ponies suddenly speaking English… took me by surprise.” “You cursin’ as a reaction took us by surprise!” Applejack replied angrily, “Don’t ya know there’s children about!” The creature looked at the Earth Pony in clear surprise, “Is that a Texan accent?” Applejack scowled in annoyance, “Acksent?! What acksent?! And I ain’t ever heard of this ‘Texas’!” The creature seemed to start getting angry, but then it shook its head and took a deep breath before exchanging a look with the second creature standing next to it. The rest of those creatures were a ways back, their own expressions a mix of confusion, wonder, and silent amusement at the situation. In this interval, Twilight mulled over the creatures’ appearances. The creatures’ voices, when gone through the translation spell, had a lot of similarities to a stallion’s so they were probably male. Their appearance made Twilight think of Spike, although these creatures didn’t have a tail or scales. The unicorn could also tell that they were heavily clothed, which was not common for Ponies. And they smelled! Twilight’s nose wrinkled, although she did her best not to show it. Although even visually, she could tell they were dirty… grime covered their clothing, their equipment, and the strange items they carried. Twilight was brought back from her reflection by the apparent leader, the one who had been talking so far, clearing his throat, “Look, maybe we got off on the wrong foot. Can we try this again?” “Of course.” Twilight said quickly, eagerly smiling. “I suppose we kind of misunderstood each other…” She looked over her shoulder, “Right girls?” “Ah guess so, Twi.” Applejack muttered. “Are you kidding?! Getting to meet somepony new… well, you aren’t ponies of course, but still you’re new here and-“ Pinkie gasped in excitement, “That means I’ll have to throw a PARTY! With balloons and streamers and-mphlmph!” Pinkie was somewhat put off to find Applejack’s hoof in her mouth, but accepted the signal to be quiet with a mere pout. Dash frowned and crossed her forehooves, she was giving a hard look at one of the creatures… the one she collided with. “I guess…” “I think we really should hurry along with a proper greeting…” Rarity eyed the creatures, “What have all of you been doing?! It can’t have been hygienic!” Twilight gulped, worried that the creatures might be insulted. But to her surprise they all laughed a little. “That tends to happen in our line of work, unfortunately.” The leader said, “Anyways, if we are introducing ourselves…” He stiffened straight up, impressive looking despite his otherwise ragged appearance, “I am Captain Adam Gins, United State Army,” He motioned to the creature standing at his side, “And this is Gunnery Sergeant Carl Vince…” Twilight grinned, happy to have names to give the individual creatures, “A pleasure to meet you! I am Twilight Sparkle-” She was interrupted by a few snickers from the other creatures standing further back, but those fell silent immediately when Carl Vince shot a look over his shoulder. “Uh, and these are my friends,” Twilight continued, pointing at each in turn with her hoof, “Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and-“ “HI!” The last of Twilight’s friends bounded the distance between her and Gins far more quickly than anypony anticipated. “I’m Pinkie Pie! I’m a pony, just like Twilight and the rest! What about you? And you introduced yourself and that Carl guy but what about your other friends here?” Without missing a beat, Pinkie Pie gave a tremendous gasp, “Oh my Celestia! Fluttershy isn’t here, she should be here, she loves meeting other creatures! Well, kind of but still Igottagogetherbye!” And just like that, the hyperactive Earth Pony zipped off as quickly as she had talked, leaving a bemused crowd behind. “What… what just happened?” Gins finally said after the long awkward silence. Twilight sighed and gave a nervous smile, “You just met Pinkie Pie…” “I… see” Twilight paused as she tried to bring the conversation back on track, “I‘m sorry if it’s rude, Adam, but I have to ask… what are you? I haven’t heard of any creatures like your group in Equestria before…” “Equestria? Is that what this place is called?” Once again, there were a few snickers from behind Gins, which he duly ignored… although apparently Carl didn’t. “Well, we’re humans or informally “men” or “people”, with man or person as singular. Homo Sapiens is the technical name. And before you ask… we’re lost. We were on a mission and… well, we’re not sure what happened but the next thing we knew we came to in a forest several klicks that way.” He waved his hand back. Rainbow Dash perked up at that, “The Everfree forest?! Man, you must have been some lucky humans or something…” Twilight ignored Rainbow’s outburst as she connected a different set of dots, “You said you are part of the ‘United States Army’? Is that like the Royal Guard?” The human didn’t seem to know how to reply for a moment, “I guess so?” “So why the hay did you come bargin’ in on my farm?!” Applejack finally joined her. Her temper was still somewhat hot from the scuffle earlier and she wasn’t a pony who believed in dallying. To his credit, Gins kept his cool and answered straightforwardly, which Twilight found herself immensely glad for. “This farm was the first location we spotted and we were hoping to find some assistance. So I grabbed a few of the men and hiked over here. We were expecting other humans not… ponies.” Rarity raised an eyebrow, “A few of the men? There are more of you?” Now some alarm entered the unicorn’s voice, “And you are all in this condition?!” This time Vince replied, simply echoing his Captain, “We were on a mission.” Rarity gasped, “Oh you poor little things!” That brought a rather mixed reaction from the humans, mostly surprise and confusion although Twilight did hear one of them mutter “Who is she calling little?” Fortunately Rarity didn’t hear him, “We are perfectly willing to help! I’m sure the mayor wouldn’t mind providing some assistance…” “Uh, Rarity…” Applejack quickly cut off the white unicorn, “Doesn’t that strike you as a little presumptuous? I mean, I don’t think the mayor is really all about just taking in any creatures that have come out of Everfree.” The apple farmer glanced over at the humans, “No offense.” “No problem.” Gins nodded back. “Oh dear, don’t worry about it. After all, I know the mayor would love some positive attention from Canterlot,” None of the ponies noticed one of the humans gag, “after all, first contact with a new civilization of creatures will attract all kinds of attention! Speaking of which, Twilight… you might want to write to Princess Celestia.” Twilight blinked as the implications of everything clicked in her mind. “Ohmygosh! You’re right! This hasn’t happened in hundreds of years! Oh I wish Spike was here, then I could-“ Gins decided to interrupt, but not to ask for any clarification although a number of what had been said between the ponies did raise questions in his mind. “Excuse me, but I have to go get my men and explain to them what is going on. I think that would be easier if one of you comes with us…” Twilight glanced over her shoulder at her friends, “Uh… well, I think I should. After all, I’ll have to be there in order for us to understand each other. I may have casted the translation spell on you but-” “Wait,” Again, Gins interrupted, “A translation spell? As in a magic spell?” Twilight replied with all the confusion she felt, “Well yes. Magic was the most efficient way we could quickly communicate…” “Magic?” Gins repeated. “Magic.” Twilight confirmed. “Magic.” Gins said one last time, his voice filled with doubt. He turned to Sergeant Vince, who just shrugged. “You are in a conversation with a small talking purple unicorn, sir.” “Right.” Gins turned back to Twilight and her friends, “Very well, I accept your offer of assistance.” “Magnificent!” Rarity exclaimed before Twilight could get over her bemusement, “Oh there will have to be arrangements made, you will all have to be cleaned up, oh and there will be Pinkie Pie’s party of course…“ “Don’t get ahead of yourself, sugarcube.” Applejack warned, but Rarity didn’t seem to take notice. One of the soldiers sighed in exasperation and said to another one, “Isn’t this just a strange day? We’re getting fussed over by a unicorn who reminds me too much of my mother…” “I always figured your mother was like a hor-“ For once, it was Gins who cut the conversation short by rounding on his troops. “Alright, that’s enough! Stow your crap and prepare to move out!” “Ah best check on the family.” Applejack said quickly, “You sure you can handle this Twi’?” “Of course she can!” Dash grinned, landing next to the unicorn. “Especially since I’ll be with her!” She turned to the humans and grinned, “Besides, these guys actually seem kind of cool.” “I guess we shouldn’t keep the others waiting anymore, if that is alright?” Gins interjected. “Certainly, lead the way captain.” Twilight replied, before glancing over at Applejack, “I’ll be fine. It was all just a misunderstanding... I suppose you should be ready when we come back.” And with that the group split, Twilight and Rainbow Dash headed off with the humans while Rarity made back for Ponyville to inform the mayor. Applejack was just stepping up to the farmhouse when a familiar voice broke the silence. “Umm… Applejack? Pinkie Pie-“ “I brought Fluttershy!” The interruption of the second voice was much less welcome than the first and after Applejack had recovered from the surprise, she managed to explain to the uncharacteristically eager pegasus that the “new creatures” had gone off but would be back. “Oh...” Fluttershy said, looking a little disappointed before perking back up. “But I can’t wait to meet them!” “Especially since we can use this opportunity!” Pinkie Pie said, “Applejack, you get the girls and Big Mac! We’re going to need their help. Fluttershy- “Hold up there sugarcube!” Applejack sternly looked at Pinkie, “Just what in the hay are you talking about? What opportunity is this?” Pinkie looked at the farmer like she had just asked what color the sky was, “Why the Surprise Welcome to Equestria Party of course!” And with that, the pink pony pulled out her signature party cannon from… somewhere. “This’ll help, but we also need a lot more! Like apple pie and cake and…” As Fluttershy silently enjoyed Pinkie’s familiar antics, she paused as something niggled at the back of her conscious. Something recent that had happened but she forgot, a nightmare of some sort? The Pegasus shrugged it off… it probably wasn’t that important. “Sir…” Vince said soon after the squad, with their two new additions, had left the farm, “Shouldn’t we radio the lieutenant and let him know we are coming?” “Shit.” Gins muttered, almost stopping in shock. He had completely forgotten to even have his radio on… Lieutenant Mullivan would undoubtedly have heard the shooting! Such a stupid cadet mistake! Twilight Sparkle, trotting alongside the two humans, merely tilted her head at the exchange. Gins quickly checked his receiver… he even had left the damn thing off! With a short scowl at his own stupidity, he flipped his combead on and rapidly switched to the company’s channel. “Hotel-2 this is Delta-6, how copy?” There was only a moment’s static before the familiar clipped tones of a British accent replied. “D-6, this is H-2. I read you five-by-five. We heard automatic fire earlier… what happened?” “Hotel-2, Delta-6. We ran into the natives, there was something of a misunderstanding but no casualties. Area is friendly but hold position until we get back. Be advised, we’ll have two guests.” “Who are you-?“ Twilight’s question was cut off by a raised finger. “Roger D-6, we will hold position until you get here. Interrogative, did you find out where we are?” Gins chuckled as a preface to his reply. “Kind-of. You’ll see in a moment Lieutenant. Delta-6 out.” He glanced over at Twilight, “You were asking a question?” “Well… I just wanted to know who you were talking too.” “Ah, that was Lieutenant Mullivan.” Gins shrugged, “I left him in charge of the rest of the company where we were camping out.” Twilight frowned in confusion, “But how were you talking with him?” “You don’t have radio?” Gins asked. When Twilight shook her head, he elaborated, “It’s a means of short to long distance wireless communication.” “Like a telegraph?” Twilight’s eyes lit up, “How fascinating! How does it work? Is it magically based? No… wait, your reaction earlier to my explanation of the translation spell indicates humans have never encountered magic. Let’s see… oh! Does it use one of the electromagnetic wavelengths on the light spectrum?” Gins looked down at the pony in surprise on two counts. First: he had just learned that this pony civilization had telegraph. Second: he had never thought he would ever meet a talking unicorn much less one who might have an idea how radio worked! “Yeah… that was a really good guess. Are you some kind of scientist?” Twilight blushed at the complement, “Oh no… I just remembered reading about the latest theories on the light spectrum in last month’s Canterlot Natural Sciences Update. They were talking about experiments in testing the higher wavelengths in the spectrum, which many of the writers thought could be used as a means of non-wired communication, although they were still thinking in terms of telegraph transcribing onto paper.” Suddenly, she perked up again and Gins swore that at any moment she was going to start jumping in circles excitedly. “Oh my gosh! You already have a practical means of using electromagnetism for similar purposes! This is big! It could revolutionize the telegraphing and mail-service industries!” “Uh…” Was all Gins could say. His thoughts were rapidly veering between how this pony knew so much, about all of the diplomatic challenges and policy decisions looming ahead that were most emphatically not his to face, and how absolutely adorable Twilight Sparkle looked all excited like that. He would never admit that last one out loud, but damn! He felt like he was on the verge of having a sugar-induced heart attack! Fortunately, he was saved from the sweetness attack by a chuckle from above. “That’s Twilight for you!” Rainbow Dash said, swooping down from her overhead eavesdropping to land to the right of Sergeant Vince, “She’s Ponyville’s bona-fide egg-head… has a degree and everything!” The Pegasus grinned at Twilight’s scowl, “Hey, Twi dont get me wrong. You may be an egg-head but you’re also awesome.” “Thanks Dash…”Twilight sounded more sardonic than thankful. “Don’t sweat it.” And with that, Rainbow Dash took off again and circled around. The humans didn’t stop walking, but their heads turned to follow her. The sight of a genuine flying pegasus was still extremely novel. Dash glanced over the crowd and quickly spotted the human she thought she was looking for. Swinging in next to him she spoke up. “Hey, you were the one I ran into right?” Werve hesitated a moment before speaking, still unnerved by technicolored equines “Uh… yeah.” He unconsciously lowered the barrel of his M60 machine gun further towards the ground as he spoke, “Sorry about shooting at you.” “Hey, it’s cool. You were looking out for your friends, right? Same with me.” Dash said, looking down at the weapon. So the metal sticks shot stuff? The pegasus considered that… obviously they were nothing like bows-and-arrows or slingshots. Maybe they acted like the spell bullets some Unicorns could use? She certainly remembered a lot of light and noise when that… thing was firing. That was good, if the projectiles were anything like magi-bullets it meant she wouldn’t have been killed by the weapon. With that settled, Dash added, “Sorry for jumping to conclusions and charging at you.” “Hey, it’s alright. We just had a misunderstanding” Werve replied awkwardly. It was an accurate way of phrasing his motives, although the actions hadn’t been anywhere as conscious as the words implied. He just quietly thanked god he hadn’t hit the Pegasus… he wouldn’t have known what would have happened had he killed her. A part of his conscious asked him why he had started to worry about who (or what) he killed now, but it was quickly lost amidst the more frenetic activity of his mind. “It’s Rainbow Dash, right?” “Heck yeah!” Dash puffed up her chest in pride as she hovered in mid-air. “Fastest pegasus in Equestria!” “James Werve,” The soldier said, “Private in the US Army.” At that moment another trooper from the squad broke in, “Hey, how fast is the ‘fastest’?” “Heh, well… I don’t like to brag.” Dash said loudly, ignoring the burst of laughter from Twilight Sparkle further ahead. “But you’re looking at the only pony that can pull off a Sonic Rainboom! All 800 miles per hour of glory! Although I only need to reach around 770 for the Rainboom to actually go off...” “Bull!” A third GI suddenly came into the conversation, “That’s impossible!” Dash scowled and moved towards the challenger, “You calling me a liar, chump?” “Damn right!” The soldier said, “Hell, if it weren’t for the fact you were hovering in mid-air in front of me I would have laughed at the idea of you flying! Your wingspan shouldn’t even make you able to fly! And you are telling me you can move almost four times than the fastest previous known living creature? I call bullshit!” “Christ, Pat.” The soldier who had asked “how fast” said, “Why don’t you pack that biology stuff away?” But Dash was not the kind of pony to take a challenge to her title lying down. “Oh yeah, you can’t even fly! What would you know about pegasus flying anyways?!” The challenging trooper was about to reply when Vince entered the picture from seemingly nowhere. “Goddamn it private! Don’t antagonize the locals, even if they seem to be making an absurd claim! Or are we going to have to play a game of BOMBARDMENT?!” The soldier visibly paled and muttered a quick “No sarge, sorry sarge.” Rainbow Dash was confused. She turned back to the human she first came back to speak to “Hey, James… what is bombardment?” The private shook his head, “It’s the Sergeant’s way of punishing the bigger troublemakers while in the field. It… well, don’t worry about it.” Dash seemed curious but let the matter drop. James was happy about that, he couldn’t dredge up the heart to tell her that ‘bombardment’ would have never been permissible in the army just a year ago and that it involved the use of rather hefty rocks… Captain Gins had already been anticipating the look on Mullivan’s face halfway through the trip back to the hill. As the squad, and their ‘guests’, approached the hilltop, the eyes of the entire company turned on them. At first, most of them just gave a mere glance. But those that remained widened in surprise and disbelief and the watchers nudged their less attentive comrades. Those comrades looked more closely now, saw the two ponies, and then nudged their comrades. It wasn’t long before Dash and Twilight Sparkle were feeling a little uncomfortable under the gaze of 40 humans… Gins was initially denied his enjoyment when the lieutenant met them. The British officer couldn’t seem to settle on an emotion and his first words after he saluted were: “Sir, forgive me if I may sound a mite daft… but do you see a small purple unicorn standing to your left?” Gins gave a wry grin, “Yes, yes I do. I don’t even have to look to know she is there.” “She?” Mullivan said, horribly confused. Gins ignored him for a moment. “If you would, Miss Sparkle.” For a short few moments Twilight Sparkle’s horn glowed that strange color and all of the humans, except for the just-arrived, felt that slight pressure in the backs of their minds. The glow from her horn died down and Twilight opened her mouth to speak… Only for Rainbow Dash to shoot forward and loudly proclaim: “Hey! Can you hear me now?” Now Mullivan’s face settled on an expression and Gins found himself wishing the British officer wore a monocle. A/N: Fin-uh-fucking-ly! Yeah, this took me ages… but not only do I find “lotsa talk, little action” pieces kind of tough to write, I’m also unsurprisingly horrendously lazy. I mean: 4.7 thousand words? I’ve put out chapters twice as long as that in a few weeks! Granted, I don’t recall that story actually being any good and I think I tore it off the web in shame, deleting it totally from that old computer. Suffice to say, I’m not entirely pleased with this chapter but I believe it is much better than my past attempts at writing “talkity-talk, not shooty-shoot” kind of pieces. But hey! Set-up, exposition, and introduction of characters who will play roles later is always good, right? Right? Where are all these crickets coming from? Anyways… now that season 2 is over I can safely declare that from here on out, this story will run largely with canon elements from then. If (as is eminently likely) this is still going when season 3 (and 4 and 5 and how many more there are) come out, then I’ll be picking what fits and discarding all the rest. For those of you who might complain about the whole “Sonic Rainboom at mach 1 and this scientificy aerodynamic yada-blah contradicts it”, I am going to remind you that My Little Pony is a kids cartoon while this fanfic certainly isn’t. While there will still be cartoony elements and plenty of humor (both dark and otherwise), this is mostly a serious fic. Here is a nice rule of thumb for this fic: the “strength” of the rule of funny will usually be inversely proportional. Anyways! Next time we start the steamroller with our frontier!ponies and ruskie friends in… Dark Night, Red Light

ScyStorm

283

Main 6,Nightmare Moon,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Lunar Lament

Life in Equestria comes to a grinding halt upon the surprise return of an ancient foe.

hiatus

<p>Life in Equestria comes to a grinding halt upon the surprise return of an ancient foe. A princess finds herself brought to the forefront of the conflict, as she must help guide the chosen heroes on an uncertain journey to save their land and friends.</p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#F00">Story currently on hiatus as I work on other projects. It is also pending a slight rewrite.</span></p>

teen

2011-07-21T09:16:29+00:00

2011-07-21T09:16:29+00:00

LUNAR LAMENT Chapter 1: The Coming Curse MLP:FiM Fan Fiction By: Scy Storm ssbs.furrynet.com AUTHOR'S NOTES: Now I've done it, haven't I? Yeah I went and caught the MLP bug, and now I'm writing about it. I thought up a lot of cool things for this story and I simply must get them down in words. The show is great and its characters lend itself well to a stories like this, so hopefully it works! It'll also be my first multi-chapter effort in quite a while. I hope you all enjoy it, but I guess we'll see. I eventually intend to write more MLP stuff in the future, so if you are interested, keep track of me! INEVITABLE DISCLAIMER: While most chapters of this story will be harmless, this story will feature violence and minor depictions of suffering. It won't be TOO intense, but if it all bothers you, then turn back. In addition, if you are not interested in MLP, you shouldn't bother reading the story either. Lastly, I don't read many MLP fics, but I'm sure the basic plot of this story has been done before. If you find this similar to any other MLP fic, I assure you it's a coincidence. "So I guess this is the place." "No, this is the OTHER big castle ruin of Everfree Forest." "Very funny..." The two ponies, shrouded in cloaks of fake leaves, climb their way to the top of a stone staircase, emerging in the ruins of a very large room. The floor sports many outlines of the large stone tile that make up its area. Huge stone pillars line the sides of the room, still holding up the ancient roof above. Many large windows allow the evening air to drift into the huge space, their glass having worn out long, long ago. The hoofsteps of the two visitors echo through the wide open area. "Wow... This must have been the ballroom," the female pony notes. "Think of all the galas that must have been held here by the princesses so long ago," states the male companion. "I don't think we're going to find anything here, though," the female notes. "This trip wasn't about treasure hunting, just sightseeing," the male replies, glancing out what were formerly glass windows as he walks. The two gradually make their way to the end of the giant room, where a raised platform awaits near the back wall. A small set of steps leads to an old, dilapidated throne sitting upon the platform. "Well I suppose this is where one of them sat during the galas. Definitely hasn't been taken care of, that's for sure," the male notes. "Well, that's not a shocker, but... what's all this on the floor?" the female asks. The two ponies look at the area of the floor in front of the throne, seeing shattered remains of unknown purple material. "I have no clue. This doesn't look very old. Did somepony break something here?" the male wonders. "It doesn't really look like glass or anything. It almost feels like metal," the female notes, tapping one of the pieces a few times with her hoof. Suddenly, a jolt of energy sparks from the piece, startling the pony into leaping backwards. The male gasps, and backs away quickly as more jolts of energy start to spark from the many pieces scattered on the floor. The two explorers stare in shock as the energy begins to resemble electricity, arcing between the broken objects, which slowly begin to melt into a deep purple, almost black mist. "W-What's going on?!" the female yells. "Let's get out of here!" the male yells in answer. The two turn tail and run full speed back toward the ballroom entrance, just as a shockwave of energy sends the dilapidated throne flying back against the nearby wall. Each piece of shattered metal becomes a cloud of mist, the many clouds swirling together in the air. The now singular cloud takes on a vague equine shape, the two fleeing ponies reaching the staircase as a terrifying yell bounces in a menacing echo across the walls of the giant room. The panicked trots of the fleeing ponies get faster, before gradually disappearing in the lower area of the ruins & the forest beyond. The equine of purple mist floats in place silently for a few moments, before eyes open wide upon its face, shining bright teal, irises shrinking to a slender, catlike appearance. The eyes glance around, taking in the sight of the ancient room and the orange-colored sky outside the windows. The venomous voice returns once more, this time in a sinister whisper. "Good evening, Equestria..." "This one might be the best I've tasted yet! I just don't know how you do it." Twilight Sparkle takes another sip from the teacup magically floating in front of her, her face beaming with a smile of delight. A deep chuckle sounds out from the zebra Zecora, as he removes a large mixing stick from her cauldron. "Your joyful words toward my work make me smile. This was my first new tea in quite a while," Zecora replies to the joyous pony. "A brand new recipe? Gee, you need to tell me the next time you do some experimenting, then. We'd love to be your taste testers again, right Spike?" Twilight says, looking at the baby dragon sitting at her side. Spike grumbles a little as he stares at his mostly-full cup. "It's okay, I guess," he says. He jerks to the side from a slight shove given by Twilight. "Spike!" she says, somewhat whispered. "Oh, uh, I mean, it's great! I love it!" Spike suddenly shouts. Spike abruptly dumps his entire cup of tea into his mouth, smiling widely with full cheeks. He glances up briefly at the glaring Twilight, and then manages to swallow the brew down, forcing an awkward grin for the zebra. Zecora lets out another deep chuckle. "Do not worry yourself, little dragon boy. It is okay if it is not what you enjoy," she says to him. "Well I'm glad to hear that," Spike replies, giving his own glare back at Twilight. Twilight laughs awkwardly and looks back up to Zecora. "A-Anyway, you really need to teach me some of these some time. I'd love to expand my recipes at home." The zebra shakes her head as she walks a few feet from her cauldron. "As I have said before, my dear pony, my greatest secrets shall stay with me," she retorts. "Yeah, I remember... but it was worth a shot, right?" Twilight asks. "Nope, not really," Spike adds. The pony flashes her dragon companion another glare, before noticing Zecora slipping into her brown cloak. "Oh! You're running out of ingredients, aren't you? I almost forgot about that," Twilight notes. Zecora nods, slinging a sack over her back as Twilight & Spike stand up, the three of them leaving the hut. "More herbs I must get to fill my store. You two are welcome to help me find more," Zecora states, as she lowers her head, allowing her hood to slip down while her tail closes the hut door. Twilight smiles, her eyes drifting upward to the orange sky above. "Thanks for the offer, Zecora, but it's getting late, and we still have things to do back at home. We'll go on a plant-gathering adventure with you another day," she says, cheerily. "'We?' Speak for yourself, Twi, I'm not going any deeper into this creepy place," Spike says. "Fine, fine. Then you can stay at home doing chores," Twilight replies, slipping her head underneath the baby dragon, lifting him up so he slides down her neck and lands on her back. "Sounds good to me! Now, giddyup!" Spike says cheerily, as he grasps gently onto her mane and tugs. Twilight can't help but sigh a little with a smile at her companion's antics. "So long, Zecora, and thanks again!" she says as she begins walking back toward the forest's exit. "Good night and good tidings, my friend. Be safe in your journey to the forest's end," Zecora replies, as she takes off walking in the opposite direction. Twilight smiles cheerily to herself, hearing Spike suddenly speak up after a moment. "Hey, Twilight?" "Yes, my number one assistant?" "Why DOES she talk like that?" Twilight gives the dragon a weird look, before giggling. "I think some things are best left a mystery, Spike," she answers. "So basically what you're saying is.... that you have no clue?" "Yes, that is one way of putting it, Spike." The dragon tugs on the pony's mane some more. "Come on, aren't you curious? You're curious about everything!" Twilight grunts in annoyance from the tugging, as well as the general topic of discussion. "I really don't see why it's so import- Ahh!" The pony cuts herself off with a sharp gasp as a cold breeze wafts from the woods behind her, sending a chill up her spine, leaving a confused Spike resonating with her shudder. Twilight turns her head and looks back at the dark woods behind her, Spike leaning over and eye-raising. "Uh, Twi? Is something wrong?" "Did you feel that, Spike?" "Huh? Feel what?" Spike asks, whipping his head around and looking around the immediate area. Twilight stares intently back at the woods, a feeling of dread coming over her, though she's not sure why. Is something happening out there? She feels like she's had a feeling like this before, a good while ago. But when? She begins to consider going back to check on Zecora, before another sharp tug from Spike snaps her out of her trance. "Hey, Twilight! What is it?" he asks, worriedly. Twilight shakes her head a bit and looks back forward, seeing the end of the forest and Ponyville beyond it. Perhaps it's best that she ignores this feeling for now. Zecora is resourceful, she can handle herself in the very forest she lives in. "N-Nothing, Spike. Just a weird feeling," she answers, beginning to walk again. "A weird feeling? You were spaced out just now, and you're not even looking at a book," Spike notes. "I'm sorry, Spike. Really, it's nothing," Twilight states, officially stepping out of the forest. "Nothing? Come on, you're starting to weird me out." "I think I'm just sleepy like you, that's all." "Huh? I'm not slee-" Spike says, suddenly cutting himself off with a yawn, and then groaning. "Aw, now look what you made me do!" Twilight can't help but laugh a little, slightly forcing it out as she looks forward, seeing Ponyville in the distance. She sighs softly and focuses on her journey home. Zecora drops her slightly-full sack in front of a bush, her eyes drifting over its twigs, all sporting small off-white flowers. "Ah, one of my favorites in bloom. For this, I shall surely make room," she says to herself. She nips her teeth down on one of the twigs, plucking it off of the bush easily and dropping it into her open bag. She begins to gently hum the tune of a nursery rhyme from her homeland, as twig after flowered twig drops into the sack. Suddenly, a cold breeze comes flowing through the area, causing the zebra to gasp and drop one twig onto the grass. Her eyes scan around the immediate area, which goes still again. Too still. She begins to notice the lack of wildlife in the area for the first time. Not a bird or furry creature in the trees. It's not late enough for the creatures to sleep yet, and the nocturnal ones should at least be showing their faces. Zecora takes a few steps away from her flowering bush and continues to intently scan the wilderness. Something is very wrong here. She takes a deep breath, and then closes her eyes with a sharp exhale. "The forest lies still preceding the night. Spirits of nature, grant me your sight," she speaks aloud. The zebra's eyes remain closed as her mind's eye reaches out, scanning the surrounding forest with a mystic sight. Her normal vision was not deceiving her; the animals of the forest are missing. Her sight stretches farther, and she begins to see why. The animals in the forest are sleeping far too early, and most appear to have slept right where they fell, instead of getting back to their burrows or nests. The nocturnal animals should also be waking now, but instead they remain quiet. Zecora is starting to get quite worried at this unknown phenomenon. Then, as if responding to her growing emotion, her spirit sight begins to darken. A heavy fog begins to roll across the ground, some of it beginning to lighten and mist its way upward into the air. Zecora gets a sinking feeling, and turns her sight toward one direction, the pathway leading deeper into the forest. The fog is coming from there. In silence the zebra stares at the foggy pathway, considering whether or not she should go further. Suddenly, the fog parts, revealing a figure of a pony shrouded in shadow. Zecora considers saying something, but her voice shakes, and no words come out. The figure stands perfectly still and silent, before suddenly rushing forward, a bright teal eye completely filling the zebra's spiritual sight. "YOU!" Zecora screams and opens her eyes, now viewing the normal forest again, her body turned and facing the pathway she just viewed in spirit sight. There's nothing there. No fog, no figure. Zecora knows better, however. Something malevolent lurks here, and it spoke to her just now, after doing something terrible to the wildlife. Her mind then centers on her friends who just left the forest, and the village they were heading back toward. If this thing is dangerous enough, then... The zebra makes up her mind, turning around and running full speed, leaving her bag of herbs & plants behind. "Darkness, evil, shadow, doom... I must warn the ponies soon!" The zebra doesn't take very long to reach her hut again going at full speed, intent on passing right by it, but instead she skids to a stop when something catches the corner of her eye. The door of her hut is open. She most certainly closed it when she parted with her friends. Did they come back? Zecora worriedly rushes back into her hut, stopping and glancing around. There's no one inside. She immediately turns around to go back, but the hut door slams shut, causing her to gasp and stumble backward into her cauldron. An evil laugh is then heard, starting out quietly, then quickly growing in volume and practically echoing across the walls of the zebra's hut. "Zecoorrrrraaaa..." The voice says, the same as the one in the figure from moments ago. Zecora gets back to a stable stance, her head whipping around, looking at all corners of her hut. There's nothing to be seen, nothing even out of the ordinary from how she left everything. "What is the meaning of this attack? Show yourself and I'll drive you back!" she yells. The voice laughs loudly again, and begins to speak in a much clearer, feminine tone. "You're very skilled and resourceful, shaman. I'm afraid I can't let you spoil things for me. I have many plans." Zecora paces around her cauldron, continuing to look all around her hut for wherever this entity could be, mentally considering what she could possibly do to get out of this situation. "I will not concede defeat to you. What is it you intend to do?" the zebra asks. "I shall make you my first major test subject," the voice solemnly states. Zecora's eyes perk as she feels a presence behind her, turning around swiftly, just in time for a blast of dark magic to strike her. The zebra yells out in pain, eyes clenched, an immense fatigue immediately coming over her as the pain fades. She opens her eyes, her vision incredibly blurred, making out the form of a very dark-colored pony in front of her. Her legs begin to give out as her vision is clouded with darkness. "I... will... not..." Zecora mumbles before her voice gives out. The white's of the zebra's eyes go completely black as she collapses to the floor, her consciousness fading immediately. The dark pony standing before her laughs, turning into a cloud of purple mist and swirling through the air of the hut. "My first major subject was a success, it seems... Sleep well, Zecora. You won't be waking any time soon." A loud, cackling laugh bounces off the walls of the hut again, before the hut door opens, the mist flying back outside and slamming the door shut behind it. The orange color of the sky is finally fading completely away, a deathly silence falling over the Everfree Forest with the coming of night, and its new lack of creatures. The black mist rises high to the air above the trees to view the immediate surroundings, its attention focusing on one location. "And now... to Ponyville." TO BE CONTINUED... MLP:FiM and all Characters/Locations Copyright Hasbro & Lauren Faust Characters/Locations used without permission ~ Scy

ScyStorm

283

Main 6,Nightmare Moon,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Lunar Lament

Life in Equestria comes to a grinding halt upon the surprise return of an ancient foe.

hiatus

<p>Life in Equestria comes to a grinding halt upon the surprise return of an ancient foe. A princess finds herself brought to the forefront of the conflict, as she must help guide the chosen heroes on an uncertain journey to save their land and friends.</p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#F00">Story currently on hiatus as I work on other projects. It is also pending a slight rewrite.</span></p>

teen

2011-07-29T17:00:46+00:00

2011-07-29T17:00:46+00:00

LUNAR LAMENT Chapter 2: Moonlight MLP:FiM Fan Fiction By: Scy Storm ssbs.furrynet.com "Hmm, maybe if I do it this way... No no, that won't work..." Twilight grumbles as she scratches something out on her scroll paper, her magic-controlled quill moving farther down the parchment and beginning to write again. It stops after a moment, Twilight's eyes narrowing in thought, contemplating how best to go about this spell. After a few seconds, something clicks, the unicorn's quill scribbling upon the scroll once more. She observes her writing closely, and a wide smile stretches across her face. "Yeah, I bet that's it!" She finishes writing, magically lifting the parchment in the air and giving it a good once over with her eyes. Then, she winces. "A lot of crossed out stuff though... I'm gonna have to rewrite it! Ugh!" She sets the scroll back on the table, next to a fresh one, magically picking up her quill and sighing, dipping it in the inkwell before writing again. "Curse my neat streak..." The unicorn stares almost unblinkingly at the scroll as she repeats the complex spell language, making sure every last detail is exact on the lettering. After gradually working her way three-quarters of the way down the page, she stops. Holding the page in the air again, she gives it a read, and grins. "Perfect! Now if only I could test it. Spike is asleep, though." She stares silently at the parchment for a few moments. "I should probably draw up alternate versions just in case, though. Ugh!" Twilight drops the scroll on the desk and sighs again, thinking for a moment before walking away from her work. She trots her way through her house and toward the front door. A sudden noise makes her stop in her tracks. "Hoo!" Twilight turns and looks at her nocturnal owl pet, perched near the door and watching her. "Oh, hey Owlowiscious. I'm just going out for a bit to clear my head. You be a good watchowl, okay?" "Hoo!" the owl replies. Twilight smiles, stepping out of her home and into the night air, closing the door behind her. She stares upward into the deep night sky as she trots forward, scanning her eyes over the beautiful stars that adorn it, working her sight toward the gorgeous full moon. Twilight takes in a sharp breath, breathing in the cool air, then exhaling with a smile. "Blessings be to Princess Luna for bringing this beautiful night to Equestria," she speaks aloud. She turns her eyes to her surroundings now as she walks deeper into Ponyville. The many houses of the residents lay quiet, dark, and still. What few lights may remain disappear quickly, and not a pony is seen roaming the streets. Unlike most ponies, Twilight is a fan of the night. Sure, she sleeps eventually, but sometimes the best thing for clearing her muddled head is a stroll under the pretty stars and a preferrably full moon like tonight. Something about viewing Ponyville at night keeps her fascinated, as well. A town normally so bustling, reduced to serene quiet under the light of only the moon. Twilight sighs pleasantly to herself, eyes going forward and scanning the main road in front of her as she walks. Soon enough, she begins to notice another pony in the distance, also walking the main road, though in a slower fashion. Twilight doesn't remember ever running into another pony during one of her infrequent walks under the moon. The unicorn quickens her trot a little bit to catch up with the pony a little faster. "Greetings!" she says once she's close enough. The other pony gasps in surprise, stopping and turning, making Twilight stop and stare in shock. Grayish purple coat, blue mane, white moon cutie mark shining like her eyes of teal... It takes a moment of disbelief to pass before Twilight realizes it's really her. "P-Princess Luna?!" Luna gets over her shock at her sudden visitor quickly when she sees who it is, the alicorn loosening her posture and smiling. "Twilight Sparkle, correct?" she asks. Twilight nods a little as she stares in amazement, quickly gasping and then lowering her front half in a bow. "I-It's an honor to see you here!" she says. The alicorn blushes a little and tucks her muzzle meekly. "O-Oh... That's not necessary, Twilight. Really," she stammers. Twilight stands up straight again, smiling brightly. "I haven't seen you since... since... Well, when I first met you," the unicorn says after a little thought. "Yes, that's true. I've been very busy, I'm afraid," Luna says. "That's to be expected. A thousand years is a lot of time to catch up on, I would think," Twilight remarks. Luna blinks once and lets out a soft laugh. "I suppose that's one way of putting it." "So I take it you're enjoying the night like me. Want to walk together?" Twilight asks, smiling cheerily at the meek princess. Luna gasps just softly, then shakes it off, the alicorn still not very used to much pony interaction beyond her sister. She works past it easily enough though, a smile curling across her face once more. "S-Sure. I'd love to," she replies. Twilight does her best to contain her excitement at meeting Celestia's sister again, the two starting to walk down the main road once more. She can tell Luna is still getting used to all of this, even though she's been free for quite some time now. The unicorn can't fathom being locked in one place for a millennia, so perhaps that's hampering things a bit. "So what are you doing out here in Ponyville, anyway?" Twilight asks, breaking a momentary silence. Luna looks in her direction briefly. "I've been undergoing a journey across Equestria, seeing how everything has changed in all the time I've been gone. It's something pleasant to do with my time while my sister sleeps," she explains. Twilight nods a bit, pondering briefly. "Why walk around all lonely at nighttime, though?" she asks. "Why not? I'm enjoying my own nighttime for the first time in... well, you know. Plus I think I'd just cause a scene if I went everywhere during daytime..." Luna responds. "Oh. Yeah, that's a good point," Twilight says, looking up to the moon afterward, "and the night is definitely something to enjoy." "I'm happy to hear that, Twilight," Luna says, smiling warmly. Twilight smiles back at her. Something about seeing Luna smile like that warms her heart. She can't imagine being stuck in the position that Luna was for so long, and then coming out of it seemingly no worse for the wear. "Were you able to get back into the swing of things quickly?" the unicorn asks. Luna tilts her head at Twilight's choice of words. "You mean my ability to summon the night? It didn't take as long as I thought it would. It's been a lot harder trying to regain the rest of my power. I still have a long way to go before I reach the level I was at a millennia ago," Luna explains. "I guess that's why you're... uh..." Twlight says, cutting herself off, not sure how to ask what she wants to ask. Luna glances at Twilight's awkward demeanor, pondering briefly before softly chuckling. "Small?" she asks. Twilight can feel herself blush a little as she forces an awkward smile. She was afraid she was going to offend the princess. "Y-Yeah. I thought you'd be the same size as Celestia, being as... long-lived as she is. You were about her size as Nightmare Moon, right?" Twilight asks, recalling the day mentally. Luna's reassuring smile melts away Twilight's worries of offending her. "I was as majestic as my sister once, yes. I do not know why I'm not anymore. How you see me now is how I looked when I was younger. My only theory is that it's related to my imprisonment," the alicorn explains. "Your imprisonment?" Twilight asks. Luna nods softly, her expression turning serious, perhaps a little... solemn. "I was trapped there for a thousand years, inert and unable to use my powers, before the prophecy freed me. As Nightmare Moon, I was not nearly as powerful as I should have been. Then, you freed me, and I appeared like this." Twilight nods slowly, a little unnerved by the princess' expression. "So you're just rusty then," she surmises. Luna looks toward Twilight, her expression lightening again. "Your vocabulary is... refreshing. But yes, that is my theory. Perhaps it will take me another thousand years to get it all back, but if that is how it must be, then so be it," she says. Twilight just nods quietly, her eyes showing a glint of sadness for the princess and her situation. If anything, Luna appears to be in good spirits, and happy. This thought keeps Twilight from feeling too much sorrow. The unicorn goes quiet for a spell, unsure on how to follow up this branch of conversation. Her thoughts are then disrupted by an unknown voice. "A thousand years is a long time to wait," the voice says. Twilight blinks in surprise, she and Luna stopping in their tracks, the unicorn glancing around briefly. Eventually she notices the figure of another pony sitting a few yards away, looking up toward the moon. The pony has a dark pelt, and in the shadow of night, Twilight can't make out her features from this far away. "Y-Yes it is..." Twilight stammers, not sure how to respond, a weird feeling coming over her. "It is a surprise your companion appears to be so sound of mind after so long," the voice continues. Twilight looks over at Luna, and gasps. Luna is staring at the figure sitting yards away, a look of intense fright on the her face. The princess' body shakes, taking a few steps backward. "It can't... No...!" she mumbles, almost in a whisper. Twilight becomes incredibly worried, starting to feel something come over her. That same feeling of dread she felt earlier in the day, when she was leaving Everfree with Spike. She turns an intense stare back toward the dark pony before them. "W..Who are you?" she asks, her voice shaky, trying to mask her growing fright. A low, long venomous chuckle sounds out of the pony stranger, her features beginning to become more defined as she stands up to all fours. Her coat turns from a near black to just a very dark blue, her mane a steady violet color. She extends pegasus wings outward, revealing what appears to be a moon on her flank. As her laugh ends, she quickly turns around to face the frightened ponies, cat-like eyes gleaming menacingly beneath a unicorn horn, belaying their otherwise pretty teal color. A wide, sick girn extends across her muzzle. "Has it really been that long, Twilight Sparkle?" she asks, speaking with a tone of pure malice. It takes everything Twilight has to keep from outright screaming. The unicorn's body shakes, swallowing down her almost-scream and stuttering out a reply. "It c-can't be! You're... You're..." "... dead? Is that what you wish to say? Did you not learn anything from your history books, little mage? You cannot kill Nightmare Moon!" Twilight clenches her jaws shut in disbelief. This can't be happening! She was right there, in what might have been the most important moment of her life, connecting with her destined friends and vanquishing an ancient evil. Nightmare Moon was dead! The unicorn shakes her head around briefly, taking a few steps backward, before turning to look to her side. Luna is still there, her eyes never having left Nightmare, still with a look of intense fright. Now Twilight is even more in disbelief. Luna was Nightmare Moon! How could they both be standing right here? Another venomous laugh comes from the mare of the moon, getting Twilight's attention again, the unicorn now noticing that Nightmare is strolling calmly closer to them. She notes some changes in the villain now that she's closer and easier to see. Her mane is now a solid violet color, not the always-wavy starry night violet look it had before. She also lacks the armor she wore on her head & chest, and her physical size is comparable to Twilight & Luna. There's no doubting who she is, however, despite these differences. "How quaint it is that I run into you so soon after my rebirth, Luna. This chance meeting will save me a lot of trouble, I wager," Nightmare states calmly. Luna sharply gasps, taking a few more shaky steps backward. "G-Get away from me," she says, her voice shaky. Twilight turns her attention to Luna again, then back to Nightmare, seeing the dark mare's attention is focused solely on the princess. Something comes over Twilight then, her eyes beginning to shine with anger. She suddenly steps to the side, standing in front of Luna and staring down their villain. This move actually surprises both alicorns. "You stay away from her!" Twilight tells, with only a hint of fright left in her voice. Nightmare throws her head back in hearty laugh, grinning widely afterward and staring back at the unicorn. "What are you going to do, little foal? Blast me with a giant rainbow? You see how well that turned out," she taunts. Twilight gasps softly, her hardened stance softening. "I'm... I'm going to..." she stammers out. "What you and your friends did was a fluke. A bunch of foals, possessed by the Spirits of Harmony? Foolish. The Elements did not stop me a millennia ago, and they certainly didn't stop me the second time around with a bunch of fillies at the helm. You are nothing to me, mage!" Nightmare rants, her horn glowing with dark energy. A quick, invisible pulse of energy goes through the area, sending Twilight flying backward clear over Luna's head. The unicorn yells out in panic, landing on the ground a few yards away and tumbling briefly. Luna spins around and cries out, "T-Twilight!" A deep laugh from the dark mare is heard directly in Luna's ear, the princess crying out and turning back to see Nightmare directly in her face, Luna nearly falling backward in shock. "Come now, Luna. This night above is quite beautiful. Let us achieve our goal and make sure it never ends," Nightmare says to her, eyes gleaming with malicious intent. Luna steps back away from the dark mare, shaking her head and trying to summon up any courage she can. "Th-That is my goal no longer, Moon. Not for hundreds of years. I'll never go along with you!" she manages to say with resolve. "Oh, dear Luna, you are mistaken. I'm not giving you a choice in the matter," Nightmare states, coldly. The dark mare's body below her neck suddenly warps into a familiar dark mist, her face ever-grinning. Luna gasps loudly, but before she can do anything, the mist extends forward and latches onto her like some sort of ooze. The princess screams and reacts violently, trying to pull herself away. A few yards behind her, Twilight is standing to her feet, raising up in response to the alicorn's scream. "L-Luna!!" she yells. Nightmare laughs incessantly as her mist spreads over Luna's body, the princess struggling mightily even as she becomes nearly engulfed. Just as the mist starts to spread up to her neck, a flash of magic blasts out of the alicorn's body, breaking up the mist immediately and causing her to tumble backward, thanks to how she was pulling herself that direction. Nightmare's laughing ceases immediately, her mist body retracting back into her normal form. "What is this?!" she yells. Luna's head raises up from her laying position, the princess blinking, overcome with utter confusion as well. Nightmare practically snarls, her horn glowing with darkness. "Come to me NOW, Luna!" she yells out. A blast of dark magic hits the princess as she's standing up, Luna wincing at first, before her expression goes right back to confusion. She feels absolutely nothing. Nightmare's spell is doing nothing to her. The dark mare snarls again, ending her spell. "What game are you playing here, Luna? Why are you... HOW are you resisting me?!" she practically screams out. The princess shakes off her confusion, hardening her stance and concentrating briefly, a blast of her own magic coming from her horn and striking the dark mare. Nightmare stands still, not even reacting to the spell, just like Luna's non-reaction to her own. She feels nothing. Luna gasps, her spell breaking off immediately. "Not me either?" she speaks quietly. Nightmare is beside herself in anger and confusion. This is not how it's supposed to be going! This encounter should be over and done with! Before she can say anything, a laser-like blast of magical energy strikes her in the face, causing her to recoil her head back and let out a grunt of pain. Both alicorns look to see Twilight Sparkle standing a few feet behind Luna, her face angry and her horn glowing. Nightmare stands quiet for a moment, before forcing out a laugh. "Good one, child. I actually felt that a little," she taunts. Twilight practically whines, her horn losing its glow as she drops her concentration, the dark mare's taunt getting to her. Nightmare stares silently at the two in contemplation, before taking a few steps back. "It appears we are at a stalemate, my dear Luna. It looks like I'm going to have to rethink things," she says, with an odd, forced calmness about her. Luna just stares at her in silence, many thoughts running through her head. Twilight trots up past Luna. "R-Rethink things?" she asks. Nightmare's wings flap as she hovers into the air, staring down at the two ponies. "Looks like I may have to do something... drastic. You'll be seeing me again soon enough," she answers. "You're not going anywhere!" Twilight yells, summoning what bravery she has left. The unicorn goes to step forward, but stops and lets out a slight yell as a sudden burst of dark energy hits the ground right in front of her, from the dark mare's horn. Nightmare then grins widely as her body begins to turn into dark mist again. "Sleep well, foals. This situation merely delays the inevitable. Soon enough, the world as you know it will end!" With a booming laugh, the dark mare turns into a swirling cloud of dark mist, shooting off into the night sky, her laugh quickly fading away as she disappears into the distance. Twilight watches her go, stomping one of her hooves into the ground. Many thoughts start to swirl through her head. How is Nightmare Moon back again? Why isn't she staying? What is she planning? Twilight breaks off her thoughts and turns to Luna. The princess is staring blankly down at the ground, breathing hard, her mind obviously quite crowded, body overcome with panic at what just nearly happened to her. Twilight turns and walks closer to her. "P-Princess Luna? Are you alright?" she asks. Luna takes a few seconds to turn her vision upward to Twilight's worried face. Luna swallows hard and tries to steady her breathing. "I... I think I'm okay. I don't know what to think about all this, Twilight!" she replies. "N-Neither do I, princess. This is bad, really bad. We... We need to do something! We need to tell Celestia!" Twilight turns the opposite direction to where they were walking, Luna watching her and turning with her. "Come on, let's go to my home first!" she says, immediately taking off in a run. The panting princess gasps a little, swallowing again and extending her wings, flying just above the ground and speeding after the determined unicorn. It only takes a few moments of flying before her vision blurs, her wings starting to feel much heavier than they should. She flies herself next to the running unicorn and speaks, "T-Twilight, I feel faint..." Twilight perks up, looking and seeing Luna stop in mid-flight and land. Twilight skids to a stop and turns toward her. "Princess? What's wrong?" she asks. Luna tries to answer, but instead she just exhales a sharp breath, falling unconscious to the ground. Twilight runs up to her. "L-Luna!" Luna breathes quietly. Nothing appears to be wrong with her. Twilight surmises that all the emotion and panic was too much for the princess. So much for going straight to Celestia. Twilight turns and sees that her home only a few yards away. She takes a sharp breath and concentrates, her horn glowing. Her magic surrounds the fallen princess, lifting her up off the ground, Twilight walking the rest of the way to her home with the floating alicorn behind her. Once inside, she floats Luna over to her couch, gently laying her down upon it and breaking her spell. Owlowiscious observes the proceedings with a few concerned hoots. Twilight nods to her pet in reassurance, proceeding immediately to her desk and magically moving her spell scrolls out of the way. "I shouldn't wake Spike from his sleep. I'll have to send this to Celestia myself." An empty scroll spreads out before her, her quill floating and dipping itself into ink. Twilight faulters just before she writes, her eyes fighting back tears as the emotions of what's just happened are starting to weigh down on her. She takes a deep breath, and begins writing her letter, as quick as she can get it out without ruining its readability. After barely a minute or two, the letter is written, the unicorn dropping her quill immediately. Magically the scroll lifts into the air, rolling up and tying itself, before glowing bright green for a few seconds and popping out of existance. Twilight lets out a heavy sigh. "There... That's all I can do for now..." Twilight can feel incredible fatigue on her shoulders now, a combination of how long she's been awake and all the sudden exercise she just got. "I can't bear the thought of sleeping in a situation like this, but I'll be useless if I have no energy for what I need to do tomorrow." She makes her way toward her bed, hearing the flapping wings of her concerned owl as he lands nearby, hooting at her. She looks up at him and forces a reassuring smile. "I'm okay, Owlowiscious. You observe Luna for me. Wake me up if anything happens, okay?" "Hoo!" the owl hoots out in understanding. Owlowiscious flies away from her to return to his perch. Twilight resumes her walk to her bed, almost passing out before she reaches it. She drops down onto it and lets out a heavy sigh, her eyes practically pulling themselves closed. "Please help soon, princess..." TO BE CONTINUED... MLP:FiM and all Characters/Locations Copyright © Hasbro & Lauren Faust Characters/Locations used without permission ~ Scy

ScyStorm

283

Main 6,Nightmare Moon,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Lunar Lament

Life in Equestria comes to a grinding halt upon the surprise return of an ancient foe.

hiatus

<p>Life in Equestria comes to a grinding halt upon the surprise return of an ancient foe. A princess finds herself brought to the forefront of the conflict, as she must help guide the chosen heroes on an uncertain journey to save their land and friends.</p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#F00">Story currently on hiatus as I work on other projects. It is also pending a slight rewrite.</span></p>

teen

2011-10-17T00:18:52+00:00

2011-10-17T00:18:52+00:00

LUNAR LAMENT Chapter 3: Desperate Times MLP:FiM Fan Fiction By: Scy Storm ssbs.furrynet.com AUTHOR'S NOTES: No, I don't feel like loading Applejack's dialogue with "Ah"s for all her "I" and "Y" noises. It gets REALLY tiring reading her dialogue in some fics I've gone through. I've made her accent obvious enough, otherwise, you guys know how she talks, use your imagination! :P The sounds of doors opening. The soft clatter of hooves across marble floors. The halls of the royal palace of Canterlot echo with the noise of ponies coming to life for the beginning of the new day, set to come any moment. Two lines of royal guardsmen, freshly suited up in armor, make their way down a specific hallway, stopping a few yards away from the ornate doors that lie at the end of it. They line up against opposite walls, looking at each other silently and waiting. In the dark room that lies beyond the doors, there comes a stirring, and with a delicate yawn the room becomes awash in magic light sources that lie amongst the wall decor. A royal pony steps out of her bed, her white pelt adorned with the soft pink color of her mane & tail. With a sharp inhale and a stretch of her muscles, her mane & tail expand into an ever-waving sea of four bright colors. She exhales, and smiles brightly, her eyes opening. "Good morning, Equestria." Celestia turns and looks out the window, seeing her sister's beautiful night still adorning the sky. The moon still lies roughly in the middle of the sky, complimented by a sea of stars. The ivory princess chuckles softly. "Oh Luna, did you forget again?" Normally the moon should be setting right about now, as Luna brings an end to nighttime, just in time for her sister to raise the sun. Luna's personal journey around Equestria has caused her to be a little forgetful, however, or a little too tired to pull it off on some nights. Thankfully Celestia still has the ability to rectify her occasional hiccups. She closes her eyes and concentrates, her multicolored mane appearing to shimmer with the glowing of her horn. The moon in the sky above shifts, sinking away toward the horizon, the stars blinking out of view with it. The alicorn's horn glows even brighter then, the night sky shifting colors gradually to a bright blue, giving way for the bright sun to rise from the other side of the sky, gradually bathing Equestria in its light. Celestia opens her eyes slowly, the glow disappearing from her horn, her eyes viewing the new daytime fondly. "Perfect." She turns away from the window then and makes her way across her chambers to her work desk. She doesn't expect her usual letter from Luna to be there, but it doesn't hurt to check. She's surprised, however, when she does indeed see a letter there. It floats in place above her desk, covered in a very specific green glow. It's been quite a while since this occurence has happened. This came directly from Twilight... With a quick flash of her horn, the letter opens, Celestia's eyes scanning over its words carefully. Her eyes slowly widen in horror, her mouth opening slightly before her lower jaw starts to quiver. What? This can't be happening again! She barely manages to finish the letter before gasping loudly from the sound of her window opening violently behind her, a cold gust of wind flowing through her room, carrying on it what sounds like sick laughter. The princess turns and stares silently at the now open window, a black mist beginning to flow into the room with the appearance of an ooze, sliding across the wall and floor. Celestia watches in horror as it all flows to one spot on the floor, lingering for just a moment before rising up into the form of a dark pony, her face forming into a sick grin & catlike eyes. "Celestia..." she mumbles in an almost hissing tone of voice. Celestia clenches her teeth briefly, trying to keep from visibly shaking in the dark one's presence. "Impossible!" she exclaims. Nightmare laughs into the air, her grin seeming to go even wider. "I see the little foal has already told you about me," she says, noting the open letter still floating behind the princess. The letter stops floating and simply drops onto the desk as Celestia takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. "What are you doing here, Moon?" The dark mare begins to slowly walk forward, eyes glaring, as if trying to pierce Celestia's very soul. "You likely already know about my encounter with your sister. I've been pondering my next move all night. Now, I have it..." she says, venomously. Celestia gasps softly, trying to back up away from the approaching mare, but her desk is right behind her. She glares back defiantly at the dark mare, her horn beginning to glow brightly. Nightmare stops walking and laughs again, staring right into Celestia's eyes. "Come now. You needed the Elements to stop me so long ago. You don't want to hurt me. You can't bring yourself to do it, can you?" she taunts. Celestia's body shakes as her will begins to falter, the glow leaving her horn, her hoof stomping once on the floor below. "Why?!" she yells out in frustration. "Hahaha... You still haven't figured it out, have you? No matter. The Elements didn't stop me, and neither shall you," Nightmare taunts again, her body beginning to shift into mist once more. Celestia shakes her head briefly, taking another breath to try and calm herself, her horn beginning to glow again, this time in a much softer light. The glow soon spreads to her magenta eyes. Nightmare stares at her curiously for a moment, trying to process what she's doing. Soon, she growls. "A Vision spell? Oh no you don't!" the dark mare yells. The princess blinks once, the glow leaving her eyes and her horn, making Nightmare gasp. Celestia flashes her a serious gaze. "Too late," she exclaims. Nightmare's teeth clench briefly, the dark mare soon practically roaring in anger, her entire body turning into mist and jetting right at the alicorn. Celestia gasps, the dark mist attaching onto her body like an ooze. The princess stumbles forward, looking down as the dark matter slides downward and covers her legs, then beginning to work its way upward. The princess begins to breathe hard, desperately trying to think of what to do, before her thoughts are interrupted by a searing pain shooting through her body. She cries out into the air of her room, the mist quickly spreading up her neck and over her mane, turning its wavy, colored surface into something different. The alicorn continues to scream, her voice starting to change as a loud banging comes from her locked chamber doors. "Princess! Princess, are you alright?!" yell the royal guardsmen that have been waiting in the hallway. After getting no answer, two of the guards take several steps back in the hallway, before charging forward and slamming their way through the doors to break the lock. The small platoon looks inside, and they all gasp in shock, seeing what they think is their princess standing in the middle of the room, her head bowed low and breathing hard. Her entire coat has turned a deep violet, her mane & tail now more resembling a dark, starry night, making a violent whipping motion instead of a gentle wind-blown one. The guardsmen stare in horror as the corrupted alicorn raises her head, her piercing teal gaze directed at the visitors as her horn begins to glow with malevolent energy... "No way, Nightmare Moon? It can't be!" Spike paces across a short area of floor as he processes this new information. Twilight stands at her work desk, magically working her quill across one of her scrolls. "It's true, Spike. I don't know how, but it's true," she says. "But... Luna was Nightmare Moon, right? Luna is here with us!" Spike notes. "Yes, Spike. I don't know the details, but Moon is somehow separate from Luna now. Equestria is in danger unless I do something," Twilight remarks. She finishes up her scroll and rolls it up, setting it down next to another rolled-up one. "Well, what are you doing to do, Twilight?" Spike asks. Before Twilight can answer, the two of them hear a groaning noise coming from the main foyer. Both of them gasp and rush to the noise, seeing Luna is finally waking up. She rubs one of her hooves on her aching head, her eyes adjusting, seeing the two standing before her. "Oh! Twilight..." she mumbles. "Princess! I'm so glad you're alright," Twilight exclaims. "I'm... glad you're alright, too. What is happening now?" Luna asks, looking around the immediate room. "I'm not sure. I sent a letter to Celestia last night, but she hasn't answered it yet. The sun is shining bright though, so I know she's awake. I guess she just didn't notice it," Twilight explains. Luna gasps a little bit, her eyes looking frightened. Twilight fails to notice the reaction, her's horn glowing a bit as the two scrolls she wrote a moment ago make their way through her house and over to her. "I can't wait around for Celestia to answer me. I need to get my friends together. We beat Moon before, so we can beat her again... Right?" "You bet you can, Twilight! But what are the letters for?" Spike asks. Twilight floats one of the scrolls over to the dragon. "Because I need your help, Spike. I need you to find Rarity & Pinkie here in Ponyville and tell them what's happened. If they don't believe you, they can read the letter. It's in my writing. Then you all can fetch Fluttershy," Twilight explains. Spike grabs the scroll and looks at it confusedly. Twilight walks over to her sleeping owl pet, a quick burst of magic going over him, causing him to become awake & alert. "I know you sleep during the day, Owlowiscious, but I need your help too. This spell should keep you awake long enough to fetch Rainbow Dash for me in the clouds. Take this letter to her, okay?" The scroll floats over to the owl, who hoots in understanding, flapping off of his perch and grasping the scroll with his feet. Spike clutches his own scroll worriedly. "What about you, Twilight? What are you doing?" he asks. "I'm going to Sweet Apple Acres to get Applejack. She's the farthest away from us and I can cover more ground on foot than you can," Twilight says. "A-Alright. Got it! I won't let you down!" Spike says, determined. Twilight smiles a little, and then turns her glance over to the quiet Luna, who appears to be lost in her thoughts, a worried look on her face. "Luna?" Luna gasps softly and looks toward the unicorn, who now has her own worried look. "No one besides us and Celestia knows you're here, so I think it's best you lay low until all my friends are together. We'll be back soon, okay?" Twilight says. The alicorn nods and straightens her posture, trying to hide her fear. She knows it's important that Twilight reach her friends, so she doesn't want to worry the mage. "I.. I understand. I'll stay here. Don't waste any more time," Luna answers. Twilight keeps a worried glance on the princess for another moment, before nodding, magically opening her front door. "Got it. Let's go!" she says. Luna watches the three rush out the door, which closes behind them, leaving everything quiet in the library. The alicorn steps off of the couch and stretches her body briefly, returning to her thoughts. Celestia... You always check for letters every morning, because I write to you. There's no way you missed Twilight's letter... She walks a short distance away to one of the windows, looking out to the sunny sky. The sun that her sister put there this morning. Sister... What's happening out there? Twilight gallops at her full speed down the road leading southwest out of Ponyville, starting to see the Sweet Apple Acres coming into view. From a distance, nothing appears to be out of the ordinary. This is a good sign. Twilight begins to slow down a little as she gallops into the farm's main area, passing through the main gate and ending her gallop just past the well. She begins panting, catching her breath and looking around the area. She doesn't see any of the Apple siblings. Shouldn't they be up and checking the crops by now? she thinks to herself. She takes a few more glances around before her breathing is finally steady. "Applejack! Applejack, where are you?!" she yells loudly. There's no initial response. Twilight starts to get worried, before she hears her friend yell out. "Twilight? That you makin' a racket out here?" Twilight looks toward the source of the voice, seeing Applejack's head leaning out of one of the windows of her home. "Oh, thank Celestia! Applejack, I need your help, we have a big problem on our hands!" she yells back. Applejack appears to be both annoyed and worried. "Well that's swell and all, but I got enough goin' on here!" she responds. Twilight trots closer to AJ's house. "W-What? What's going on?" she asks. "Just come inside and see for yerself," Applejack replies, before slipping her head back into the room. Twilight wastes no time, magically opening the front door to AJ's home, running inside and heading up the stairs. She sees one room's door open, and walks inside of it to see Applejack and her brother standing at Granny Smith's bedside. Twilight gets a sinking feeling in her stomach as she slowly approaches the bed. "What's wrong, AJ?" she asks. "I ain't got a clue, Twi. It's gettin' me right sick to my stomach," Applejack responds. "We can't get her to wake up," Big Macintosh says. Twilight glances at him briefly before looking at the elder pony laying in bed. She stirs around under her covers, occasionally letting out a grunt or a soft whine. Her sleep is obviously quite restless, as if she's having a bad dream. "We tried everythin', ya hear? Not even a splash'a water is workin'," Applejack notes. Twilight stares on in confusion, her horn glowing just slightly, manipulating Granny's eyelids. "Did you ever try opening her ey- EEP!" she suddenly exclaims. The Apple siblings gasp as well, as all three of them see Granny Smith's eyes are a swirling black color, as if darkness itself is swirling in her eyes. Twilight quickly shuts off her spell, allowing Granny's eyes to close again. "W-What the hay is goin' on here?!" Applejack yells out, exasperated. "It... It must be her..." Twilight mutters. The two siblings glance over at the unicorn, who is looking steadily more frightened. "Her? Who are ya talkin' about, girl?" Applejack asks. Twilight looks back into AJ's eyes with a serious stare. "Nightmare Moon." Applejack practically turns white. "... You best be eatin' bad apples, sugarcube..." "I'm very serious, AJ. She attacked me and Luna last night. I have no idea what she's doing now," Twilight explains. Applejack shakes her head around. "Wait an apple-pickin' minute, you and Luna? Ain't Luna supposed to be Nightmare Moon?" Twilight sighs. "Look, it's a long story, I'll tell you when we're all together as a group, alright?" Applejack stares at Twilight briefly, before taking a worried look at her grandmother. "I'll watch over her, sis. What your friend is talkin' about sounds important, eeyup," Big Mac suddenly interjects. AJ sighs, and nods, walking her way toward Twilight. "Let's go then," she says, sadly. Twilight looks at her friend worriedly, but stays determined. She needs to get all her friends together so they can figure out the next step. The two of them step out of the room and hurry their way out of the house, starting to gallop down the pathway toward the main gate. "Where's Apple Bloom?" Twilight asks. "She should be at Rarity's with her little fri- Aah!" The two nearly trip over their own hooves as the loud sound of striking lightning booms through the area. It's followed quickly by loud, cackling laughter. Twilight begins to shake in fear. The two watch as a swirling mass of dark energy forms in front of the gateway, eventually exploding with a blast of electricity, revealing the dark mare herself. "Where do you think you're going, foals?!" she yells. The two stare in shock. "No... No! Not now!" Twilight exclaims. "Ohhh horse apples, you weren't kiddin'..." Applejack says, her voice quivering. Nightmare Moon laughs again and starts to slowly walk toward the duo, forcing them to start backing up toward the direction of AJ's home again. Twilight starts to notice how much bigger the dark mare is compared to the previous night. She doesn't really look like her larger self from their very first meeting in Everfree, though. The unicorn shows a look of confusion, mingled with her fright. "You work fast, little mage. I was going to take care of your little apple friend first. I suppose I'll have to take you both out here instead..." Nightmare says. Applejack snorts in anger, trying to show some moxie even as her body quivers in fright. "You ain't takin' no one out, ya hear?" she proclaims. Nightmare laughs, a bolt of dark lightning striking on the ground in front of the two ponies, making them cry out and stumble backward several steps. A loud yapping is heard soon after, as Applejack's pet collie comes running out from the barn, scampering in front of the two scared ponies and barking angrily at the intruder. "W-Winona! Get outta here, girl!" Applejack yells. The dark mare snarls, her horn glowing as she unleashes a quick blast of dark energy at the dog. Winona yelps and falls unconscious, Applejack screaming in response. "Your little idiot dog is brave. Just as worthless as you, however," the alicorn remarks. Applejack practically whimpers, as Twilight clenches her teeth, her horn glowing. Nightmare notices it and lets out a hearty laugh. "What are you going to do, foal? You got a decent little hit on me last night, but as you can see, I've gotten stronger," she notes. Twilight quivers, trying to think of what she actually intends to do here. "I... I'm going to..." she mumbles. Applejack glances at the unicorn. "We gotta do somethin', Twilight! Anythin'!" Nightmare Moon continues to cackle as her horn begins to glow with malevolent energy once more. "Here's what you can do... Embrace eternal darkness!" Before the alicorn can get her spell off, she's slammed into by the sudden presence of Big Macintosh. Twilight and Applejack gasp in surprise as the dark mare is sent rolling to the side, off the pathway, Macintosh planting his hooves to stop his movement. The girls realize he used the distraction Winona caused to sneak around and flank Nightmare from her side. The stallion turns his gaze toward the shocked mares. "Run! Get outta here, now!" he yells. Applejack stares at him pleadingly, as if telling him not to do this. "B-But, Macintosh..." she mutters. "No arguin', sis! GO!!" Applejack erks, and nods quickly, looking at Twilight. Twilight suddenly gets an idea, concentrating with the spell energy she's been charging. Her hooves begin to glow brightly, along with Applejack's. "Run for it, AJ!" she says. The two start running, Applejack surprised to find that they're going a whole lot faster thanks to the spell, passing through the gate within seconds. She takes once glance back at her brother, who is now staring down Nightmare Moon as the dark alicorn stands up. She whimpers softly and looks forward again, unable to look at what's going to happen next. Unseen to the two girls, Nightmare Moon rises to her feet, a glare of pure evil focused on the red stallion before her. "Foolish bravery runs in this family. Trying to be a hero, are you? Do you even know who I am?!" she asks. Big Macintosh ignores her, returning her glare fearlessly, his nostrils huffing as his hoof scrapes a few times on the dirt below. He's preparing another charge. The dark mare just grins widely, and before the stallion can charge again, she yells out and blasts him with her dark magic. Macintosh groans loudly, his eyes going wide, quickly filling with darkness like Granny Smith's. He falls to the ground soon after, unconscious. The dark mare ends her spell and then looks toward the main gate, seeing no sign of the two girls. She narrows her eyes a little and ponders, before chuckling. "Very well... Perhaps it will be more fun to take out the whole group..." she says, before turning into a swirling cloud of mist and jetting into the air. A fair distance away, Twilight and Applejack continue to run at improved speed, seeing Ponyville approaching quickly. Twilight can hear Applejack sniffle a little bit, the unicorn glancing her way. "We'll get her back for this, AJ. I promise," she says. Applejack fights off her emotions and nods slightly, focusing on her gallop. "I'll be gettin' her back big time, I promise ya that," she says. Twilight nods, turning her glance back toward the upcoming town. "I just hope the others are okay..." TO BE CONTINUED... MLP:FiM and all Characters/Locations Copyright © Hasbro & Lauren Faust Characters/Locations used without permission ~ Scy

Amber Sin

286

Main 6,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore

The Elements' Demise

A grimdark tale of a horrible twist of fate for the mane six.

cancelled

<p>A horrible murderer is on the loose in Ponyville, and is killing off the Elements of Harmony, shrouding the town in a thick veil of death, sadness, and secrets.</p>

mature

2011-08-27T13:01:14+00:00

2011-08-27T13:01:14+00:00

“Hello Miss Rarity.” A dark grey mare with long hair sat with a notepad, looking out from over her glasses at the shaking white and purple unicorn before her. “Can you tell me why you’re here?” Rarity sat hunched over in the overly cushioned chair, her limp, dirty hair hanging in her face. “Twilight Sparkle forced, pardon me, brought me in. She thought I could use a pony to vent to. 'You need to calm down,' she says. 'you've got get over it, it's over now,' she says.” the unicorn tried to bite back an rude remark to her friend. Rarity’s normally pristine demeanor had faded away to show a shivering, paranoid mess. Long, shiny purple hair had turned to stringy clumps. Bright, happy blue eyes were full of darkness and red from tears. Her white fur was dull and discolored, and her eyebrows furrowed in a constant worry. “I really see no need for this, I’m fine.” She mumbled. The mare scribbled something and sat back up. “My name is Ms. Mareanda. I will help you through this, ok? Just tell me everything you know.” “But that’s just it. I know nothing.” Rarity’s frowned deepened. “Just that all my friends are... Gone.” “Ah, that’s a start! Good. I mean, bad. It’s bad that they’re gone.” The mare was excited that Rarity was cooperating, yet kept a sympathetic tone. “Of course it’s bad! It’s horrible! It’s… it’s absolutely horrifying!” Rarity wailed loudly, the force of her voice almost knocked the jelly bean bowl over that sat next to her. Ms. Mareanda reached over and steadied the bowl. “Of course, darling.” She said, leaning back and checking something off on her little pad. Rarity decided that if she ever got the chance, she would burn the damned pad and pen. Who is this pony to judge me? “Please, tell me all that you can remember, from the beginning.” the mare droned on. Rarity scowled at the floor. Her eyes were dry, no tears came, but if she had tears still in her, Rarity would drown the room with the memories of the last two weeks. “How is this going to help? You’ve already seen the news, the front pages in Equestria Daily. I’ll just be repeating what everypony already knows.” Ms. Mareanda sighed. She had experience with ponies who refused to open up. She tried to use Rarity’s ego against her. “Ah, but Rarity, darling, you have special insight. You are exactly what we need. You, and all your wisdom, will surely be the best source of information. Please, dear, we need you.” Rarity glanced up at that wretched mule. She was trying to brainwash her, She knew it. But Twilight wouldn’t forgive Rarity if she didn’t open up to this pony. Twilight... The last one. The pony that Rarity promised to guard with her life. She sighed. “Fine. But only for Twilight.” Ms. Mareanda smiled. “Good! Just sit back, relax, and tell me absolutely everything.” --- “Pinkie Pie! PINKIE PIE!” Rarity was yelling, trying to wake Pinkie from her sleep. “PINKIE! Wake up!” The pink, frizzy haired pony blinked her eyes open. “Wh.. whaat?” She mumbled, confused. “Pinkie, dear, wake up! Oh my, it’s almost 2 in the afternoon! What in heaven’s name you DOING last night?” Rarity prodded at the tired pony with her hoof. “Darling, I know it’s best to get your beauty sleep, and Celestia knows your hair needs it, but too much is never good for anypony!” She nudged Pinkie into standing position. Pinkie Pie shook her head. She blinked twice, then grinned like a maniac. “Rarity! Ohoh, Rarity it’s so nice to see you! I went to the bestest EVER party last night! It was hosted by DJ PON-3! Can you believe it?! DJ PON-3!” Pinkie gushed out, as she hopped up and down. “You shoulda been there! We were up all night!" Pinke giggled at the memory of the fantastic party. Rarity smiled politely. “Good thing you’re up, dear. Last night I was working on our dresses for the Grand Galloping Gala. Yours turned out great!" Pinkie sat down. “I still don’t think the Gala is the best idea. I mean, remember what happened last time? There wasn’t even any sarsaparilla!” She pouted. Rarity giggled. “Oh, but Pinkie darling, Celestia told me personally that she has redone the Gala this year, to fit all of our needs! Isn’t that just fabulous?” As she talked, Rarity pushed Pinkie out the door of her home and toward her own. “And your gown is simply adorable!” Pinkie squealed. “Really? That's so nice of her!” Rarity smiled and nodded. "This year, we have to be on our best behavior. Even if it's not exactly what we want, you must be polite." “Oh, fine. As long as I get to PARR-TAY!” Pinkie Pie stood up on her hind legs and did a series of silly looking dance moves. Rarity couldn't help herself, she fell on her rump and burst into a fit of giggles. “Pinkie! Rarity! Watch out, guys!” A burst of color swept past the two ponies, blowing their hair back. The color angled back; it was none other than Rainbow Dash. “’Sup?” She asked, as if she just walked up to them like any normal pony would. Rarity quickly tried to calm the frizziness Dash's gust of wind gave to her hair. “I’ve made Gala gowns, Rainbow Dash. The Gala is going to be much better this year, according to Celestia.” The unicorn said and she brought out her comb and began to fix her hair. Pinkie nodded, ignoring her hair. It was already frizzy beyond repair, anyway. “They'll have everything, Dashie! Aren't you excited?” Dash beamed at Pinkie. "Sounds AWESOME!" she said as she fell into step beside her bouncing pink friend. “Come on girls, hurry up now. I can hardly wait to show you the dresses.” Rarity said, trying to get to two mares that were talking quietly with their muzzles close together to go faster. Rarity opened the door for Pinkie and Dash. “Come on dears, come see your new gowns!” The two ponies were excited and nervous at the same time, and walked in cautiously. “Ooooh, Rarity! They’re super fantastically wonderfully awesome!” Gushed Pinkie. “They’re not even 20% cooler, they’re 100% cooler than last years’ gowns!” Squealed Dash. “Thank you, thank you. Do you want to see the others?” Rarity asked, humbled by their enthusiasm. “Yeah!” The two ponies said in unison. “Alright, wait just one moment.” Rarity walked over to something that was covered in a cloak. She pulled it off, revealing four more gowns. Rarity’s, Twilight’s, Fluttershy’s and Applejack’s. There was a moment of shocked silence, then three pairs of horrified shrieks filled the dress shop. The cloak Rarity was holding dropped to the floor. As it landed, all three ponies were staring wide-eyed at the horrendous site before them. Applejack’s gown was beautiful, yes. But instead of the usual mannequin, there was the stuffed, dead body of their dear friend AJ. A pole stuck straight through her spine, and head hanging limply, her hat tipping off her head, as if in a greeting. Her beautiful dress hanging off her body. A pool of dark red blood surrounded the horrendous sight, the stench of it gave away that the kill was fresh. All the dresses were designed to show off the ponies’ cutie mark. Some matched the color, some matched the shape. Apple Jack’s dress was fashioned so that the skirt was bright red and shiny, with cute little apples sewn on the hem. The skirt fell over her backside like a beautiful waterfall, but it was high enough on the back for one to see her cutie mark. However, there were no three cute apples that made up AJ's previous cutie mark; only a circle of dried blood, and stitches from where a new cutie mark was sewn in. The cutie mark was an apple, but a green one with poison seeping out of the bite mark in the side. It clearly showed the death of Snow White, a beautiful maiden in a old mare's tale. The three ponies reared back from the disgusting site. Rainbow's wings instinctively flew out to cover her eyes as she turned away from what was before her. Pinkie coughed and spluttered, barely holding back a wave of nausea, before crumpling to the floor. Rainbow Dash fell beside her, shaking and shivering with trepidation and disbelief. They spoke no words, it was too horrible for them to grasp. Tears streamed from Rainbow's eyes and down her muzzle, soaking Pinkie's mane as the two held each other closely, searching for comfort in each other's warmth. Rarity blinked and stuttered, staring at the mutilated body of her dear friend. Completely shocked bewildered, Rarity backed away from the scene until she hit the wall. She began to hyperventilate due to the shock, and soon her vision became cloudy and blotched with dark spots. She sobbed and choked, the tears staining her face and neck grey. Who would do such a thing or why was beyond comprehension. As the reality of the situation hit her like a solid wall, and she fell to the floor, unconscious. --- When she awoke, Rarity was sprawled out on a bed, but it wasn't her own and smelled of cleaning products. Sitting up, the unicorn looked around at the small white room. There was a chair covered in plastic pushed against the wall, and a series of confusing medical-looking items on one side of her bed. A nurse pony with bright, happy yellow hair and a off-white body slipped into the room quietly. As she attended to the robotic thing next to Rarity, she hummed a lullaby that sounded a little familiar to the sleepy unicorn. "Excuse me, but could you tell me exactly what I am doing here, miss?" Rarity asked. The nurse jumped. "Oh, you're awake! Pardon me, for I thought you were still asleep. You took such a long nap, dear. I'm glad you're up and about now!" Rarity coughed, holding her hoof to her hoof. "Ahem, I asked you something, ma'am." she reminded the nurse. "Y-you did? My apologies, I'm just so scatterbrained these days." she answered, giving off a nervous giggle. "I'm not quite sure why you are here, I wasn't told. I'm simply here to clean up." "Clean up?" Rarity repeated. She looked around the room again. "Why, this place is spotless! What do you have to clean up?" The nurse pony was silent for a moment, looking at the large robotic instrument. She flipped her golden mane a little out of her eyes, then started to talk again, "It's never dirty here, but these.... Things always need a good lookin' at. I guess all I'm supposed to do is check for some weird noise or blinking light. I don't see any, so it's fine for now. You have a nice day, ok? I hope you get better soon!" with that, she happily trotted from the room. Rarity huffed angrily. She hoped somepony would come and explain what was going on. She couldn't remember a thing-- "Wait," she whispered to herself. "I remember... Showing the dresses to Rainbow Dash and... Was it Pinkie Pie? Yes, it was Pinkie." Leaning back ont he pillows, she continued to rack her memory for what had happened earlier... Or last night. How long has she been here? Suddenly, it all came back. Applejack, the dresses, the mutilation. The stench of death and fresh blood filled her nostrils once again. Rarity coughed, trying her hardest to hold back the bile that surfaced in her throat. Even after a good sleep, the horrible reality of what happened to AJ still hadn't really sunk in, but the disgusting thought still brought nausea to her mind. "Hey, Rarity?" a familiar voice sounded from the doorway. Rarity turned and saw her friend Rainbow standing along with Pinkie in her door frame, frowning at her. "Uh, are you... Ok?" she asked. "N-not really," Rarity began shakily. "I just can't... Grasp this. Who would do..." Rarity trailed off as the horrible picture that was etched in her memory flashed across her vision. Pinkie Pie slowly made her way next to Rarity. Her hair had flattened out like it does when she's depressed. Her eye's weren't bright and crazy looking, however. they were dark and sad. "Hey..." she whispered, nuzzling her friend on the neck in an attempt to comfort her. "It'll be ok, I promise. We'll find out who did this. It's... A horrible incident, but it will be fixed." Rainbow Dash stood next to her friend. "Yeah, Pinkie Pie promise." "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." --- Rarity stopped talking, she began to choke up. She cried a tearless cry, just a series of moans and whimpers. For a few minutes the grey mare just watched her shake shudder, a sad look on her face. "After that, I told Twilight what happened. She saw how torn I was, and took me here." Ms. Mareanda nodded sympathetically. “Did anyone else see Miss Apple Jack?” She asked. Rarity nodded. “My sister, Sweetie Belle did. The poor sweetheart, she cried for days..” The therapist nodded slowly, scribbling more things on her pad. “Could you continue for me, dear?” Ms. Mareanda prodded Rarity's knowledge carefully, trying not to set her off. Rarity scowled at her. “No. you’ve heard enough. No pony can do anything, they’re already dead.” she said flatly. The anger in Rarity’s voice started the mare. “Oh, dear. No reason to get mad, now.” She forced a smile, trying to bring a happier mood to the situation, but it was in vain. "If you like, we can talk about something different for a while." "No." Rarity growled, increasingly becoming more annoyed with the therapist. "I don't want to talk at all. Not to you." Ms. Mareanda flinched at Rarity's harsh tone. "Dear," she continued. "We really need your help." Sighing, Rarity turned her face away from the mare. She knew she was being very rude to her, but at this moment she didn't care. Anger built up inside her as she thought more about it. "I don't have to tell you anything." she snapped. "I've told you plenty already." Rarity watched as Ms. Mareanda sighed and wrote a few more things on the pad. "Hey," she started, sitting up straighter. "What exactly are you writing on there, if you don't mind me asking?" "O-oh, that's confidential, actually..." "No, I want to see it." The unicorn's horn began to glow dimly. "I really shouldn't show you," Ms. Mareanda held the pad to her chest tightly. "Oh, but don't you think it would e best not to keep secrets from your patient?" Rarity continued, a suddenly calm look on her face. "U-uh..." Rarity's horn grew brighter, the pad along with it. She used her magic to carry it to her. Ms. Mareanda gasped and grabbed for it, but Rarity's magic was too fast for her to get to it. "Let's see what you've been writing about me..." She trailed off as she read. "Unclean appearance. In denial. Unwilling to talk. Easily frightened. Seems guilty of something." Rarity listed off the words scribbled on the paper. One thing was checked off, 'Angry disposition' among many other 'dispositions' on the list. Anger welled up inside Rarity. "You think I'm guilty. Guilty of what, exactly?" Ms. Mareanda gulped. "Uh, um. You shouldn't have read that, it's just for me to analyze what your symptoms are so I can help you..." She tried to keep calm, even though she knew that Rarity was going to burst into a fiery ball of fury at any moment. "Ponies can take it the wrong way when they read them." "Take it the wrong way?" the unicorn snapped. "Answer my question, what do you expect me to be 'guilty' of?" "Um..." "You think I did it, don't you?" Her eyes grew dark with anger, her horn beginning to glow dimly again. "N-no, I--" Rarity’s anger flared. “How DARE you accuse me of such a heinous thing? They’re my friends! My best friends! Why would I kill them? The whole reason I’m here is FOR my friend!” Her anger was so intense, her horn began to glow more intently. Books and tissue boxes began to float all around, pulsing with Rarity’s own unstoppable anger. “The past two weeks were hell, and you expect me to come in here, sit down, and tell you the whole story, smiling all the way?” She fumed, the glass bowl began to shake and quiver next to her. “I didn't KILL THEM!” As Rarity screamed, the bowl shattered, glass and jelly beans flying everywhere. Book pages were torn out of their covers, tissue boxes practically imploding in themselves. Ms. Mareanda pressed against the back of her seat, shocked by Rarity's outburst. In the heat of the moment, the horrified therapist slammed her hoof down on the emergency button that had been hidden in the wall next to her, camouflaged to match the wallpaper. The button was used for emergencies, such as a patient threaten to kill the therapist and/or hurt them, or maybe a fire. Rarity was confused by the action, causing her anger to die down a bit. "What does that button do?" she asked. "I'm very s-sorry," Ms. Mareanda stuttered, calming herself as she sat back down. "I'm not qualified to handle your anger. Don't be offended, dear, but you'll get much more help from a more qualified therapist." She honestly liked Rarity, even though she had a ad temper, and felt bad about sending her away. A knock came to the door. "Ms. Mareanda? You requested assistance?" a soft voice snaked through the door. "Yes, please send somepony to escort Rarity here to Mr. Buck." The mare called back. "Okay, just one moment." Ms. Mareanda turned back to Rarity. "Honey, don't you fret." she told her, smiling, trying to act motherly for the poor dear. "You'll get help. Everything will be alright." “Fuck off.” Even Rarity was surprised when the words left her mouth, but she didn’t take them back. She was too angry to care about her reputation of being proper and well controlled. I don't need help. I need Twilight. I need a real friend! For a long, drawn out ten minutes the two mares sat in an awkward silence, one hurt emotionally and one angry. beyond words. Then, an large colt came into the room. He acted calm and unafraid, as if he had no worries of taking a very powerful unicorn into custody. “C’mon, Miss Rarity. Time to go, hun.” He held out his hoof, and Rarity slapped it away from her. “Shut up and just take me to wherever you want me to be. Don’t touch me either, you cocky piece of--” “Alright, no need for insults Miss Rarity.” Said the officer calmly. “Let’s get going. When we get to Mr. Buck's place, you can have a nice big meal, and tell him all about your troubles, ok?” Rarity snorted and turned her nose to the air snootily, but followed the colt. These next few days may be worse than the last…

Amber Sin

286

Main 6,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore

The Elements' Demise

A grimdark tale of a horrible twist of fate for the mane six.

cancelled

<p>A horrible murderer is on the loose in Ponyville, and is killing off the Elements of Harmony, shrouding the town in a thick veil of death, sadness, and secrets.</p>

mature

2011-08-27T02:26:30+00:00

2011-08-27T02:26:30+00:00

“Ah, good to have you here. Miss Rarity, please, have a seat.” A mean-looking colt was standing at one end of a long table. The seat Rarity was instructed to sit in looked hard and uncomfortable, with a few stains of something Rarity didn’t want to think about scarring the dull silver color. She glanced at the pony, hesitating. He motioned to the seat with his head. She carefully sat down. The coldness made her shiver. “Thank you.” Said the pony. He leaned forward over the table. “My name is Mr. Buck. But you, my sweet, can call me Alexander.” He winked slightly, looking Rarity up and down. He pulled out the chair and sat down, touching his hooves in front of his face. Rarity was already disgusted by this pony, and glared angrily at him. The officer had kept his promise, Rarity was given a meal. A shower, too. She looked much better, but felt all the same, if not worse. She was in no mood to spend her time talking to such a… a… repulsive and distasteful pony. “Just get on with it then, this is no time for flirting.” Rarity’s eyes glinted dangerously with anger, and Alexander sat back, nodding. “Oh, yes. I suppose you're right.” He grinned, but it wasn't comforting. “Listen,” he continued. "I'm not going to be as easy on you as Ms. Mareanda was. If there is any suspicion of you doing anything against the law, I can and will have you taken to the station for questioning. Do you understand?" Rarity snorted. "I haven't done anything against the ordinance of the law, so don't even bother having me questioned. I don't plan on telling anypony anything more, for that matter. I'd like to go home now, sir." Alexander shook his head slowly. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that." He told her, a hint of sympathy in his voice. Rarity frowned. "Then I just won't say a word. No matter what you do, I won't say anything" "But why, Rarity? What makes you hold back?" "I... I just can't do it." Images of the mutilated body of one of her best friends flashed before her eyes. "It's just too much." Alexander sighed. He understood why she was holding back, but he really needed the information. The police colts took pictures and such, but in order to find the killer they needed every last drop of information. Things like this never happen in such tranquil environments such as Ponyville, so the detectives and police ponies weren't very qualified. Rarity saw the confused and fallen look on the colt's face. She felt... torn. In one hoof, there was her sanity. Although she barely had any left, she'd like to stay somewhat sane. In the other, was the killer being found and brought to justice. Being the Element of Generosity, Rarity decided the safety of other ponies was more important than her sanity. "On second thought," Rarity started, smiling at Alexander. "I could tell you, seeing as it's really important." Alexander nodded, clearly happy with her decision. "Thank you, Rarity. It's very generous of you to tell me this, even if it is hard for you." You have no idea... Rarity thought to herself. She sighed, readying herself for a very painful story telling. "O-of course," she stammered. "I hate to see you ponies work so hard when I could offer a hoof." She blinked a few times, then forced herself to start the story, no matter how hard it was for her. I have to help these ponies, before somepony else gets hurt. --- There came a knocking on Rarity’s door. “R-rarity? Are… are you in there? Are you okay?” It was Twilight’s voice. Rarity hurried to the door, dropping the funeral gown she was creating for Applejack’s ceremony. “Coming, dear.” She called. Rarity pulled open her door, showing a nervous looking Twilight Sparkle. Spike, the young dragon, was sitting upon her back. He was looking at Rarity with awe, as always, but a sad look was also on his face. “Oh, Twilight! Thank heavens you’re safe!” Rarity gave out a sigh of relief. Ever sense the day they found Apple Jack’s body, everypony in Ponyville was acting jumpy. They always walked in pairs or groups, never alone. Royal guards were scattered about for safety, even though Princess Celestia was hesitant to send them out. No pony ever questioned the Princess, but they did think it odd. Twilight shook her head, a tear glistening on the edge of her eye. “Rarity, I’m so worried. I… I haven’t seen Fluttershy all day.” As Twilight said this, a heavy silence fell over the ponies and dragon. They were all thinking the same thing, but it was too horrible to say. “Well, have you checked her home? Maybe she’s taking care of animals.” Rarity said, her voice half hope and half dread. Fluttershy can't... I mean, it just can't happen. She's so nice, who would ever want do anything to harm her? Rarity wondered to herself nervously. Twilight nodded. “Let’s go check on her then. Can’t be too safe now-a-days.” She laughed nervously, the tear falling from her eye as she laughed. The two ponies trotted quickly down the road towards Fluttershy’s. A few other ponies called out greetings to them, and they returned with curt nods. Pinkie Pie popped her head out and started to say something, but when she saw the solemn stare in her three friends’ eyes, she quickly retracted into her home. She didn’t want anymore nightmares filled with the thoughts of dead ponies. Finally, Twilight, Rarity, and Spike reached Fluttershy’s house. Rarity walked slowly up to the door, and knocked. But there was no answer. She knocked again, and again nothing. She started to become frantic. Knock knock. Silence. Knock knock knock. More silence. Knockknockknockknockknockknockknockknock! The silence was deafening. Finally, Rarity burst into the room, on the verge of tears. “Fluttershy!” she called, “Fluttershy, no! Please be here, please! Don’t leave us.” Twilight came in beside her, looking around. They all saw nothing. Then Spike made a horrible, half gagging half gasping sound. “Look.” He choked. “Look up.” And so they did. Twilight screamed, and Rarity stared in pure horror and disbelief. It was horrible, it was hideous. It was the most disgusting thing Rarity had seen in all her lifetime. She put her hoof to her mouth, and tried to hold back the nausea. She blinked away the dark spots in her eyes that threatened to overtake her and cause Rarity to pass out, again. There, hanging above the ponies, was a limp, dangling Fluttershy. She was hung from the ceiling like a macabre chandelier by a series of ropes. The ropes twisted around her, and would have been sort of pretty. If it wasn’t for the torn butterfly wings and mock-dead-stuffed-animals sewn on them, yes, it could have been a strange but interesting gown, maybe seen in a fashion show by Photo Finish. The ropes were wrapped tight in some places, loose in others. There was a pattern, too. Butterfly, bunny, butterfly, bird, butterfly, mouse, butterfly, bunny. The animals were so bloody and torn, they almost looked real. The stuffing that fell from them was the only thing that gave away that they were toys. Fluttershy’s head hung low, a grin plastered on her face. Her pretty, big, sad looking eyes were replaced by flower heads, poppy flowers to be exact. As they stared, a petal broke from the flower and floated silently to the ground. The threes’ eyes trailed over the body, until they found the cutie mark. Instead of Fluttershy’s cutie mark of three little butterflies, which indicated her fall from a cloud and being saved by a group of butterflies years before, was replaced, like Applejack's. The thin ring of blood circled a picture of the heel of a glass slipper, impaling a small clothed mouse. It was an obvious reference to Cinderella, but a horrendous one. Spike cried out and clung to Twilight as if she were his mother. Out of the corner of her eye, Rarity almost thought she saw the two exchange a few whispers. She didn't think anything of it, she was too engrossed in the disturbing current situation. Sobbing loudly tears falling heavily to the ground, Rarity used her horn to bring Fluttershy down. As she laid the yellow body on the floor gently, she noticed a small cut in the skin on her stomach. Rarity leaned forward to look at it, and nudged it gently with her snout. She jumped back and screamed with horror as the cut broke open, and a thousand dead butterflies poured out of Fluttershy’s stomach. A few even trickled out of her mouth. Then a typed note fell out too. It read: “I always get butterflies in my stomach when I think about you.” It was signed with a heart. Twilight turned her head away and gagged. She spluttered out noises that could have been words, but she was so horrified to speak correctly. She swayed from side to side as if she might pass out, her eyes rolling back into her head. Spike steadied the unicorn, petting her mane. “It’ll be ok. We can get through this. I promise.” He said, attempting to sooth her. --- “That’s quite enough, Miss Rarity.” Said Alexander. “I needn’t know what happened afterward.” He looked down at the table, frowning, eyebrows furrowed, lost in thought. “I thought I was here for therapy, not to explain murders to you." retorted Rarity. He glanced at her. "In all truth," he began, "You were brought to Ms. Mareanda for therapy. I, her manager, was the one to told her to get information from you. You see, we really need all the details in order to catch this criminal. Twilight Sparkle refused to help with investigation, we thought it odd, but she is the Princess's student. We can't really ask that much of her. So it's you that holds all the information." Rarity sighed. "I... I just want to go home. I want to lay down, listen to some soothing music, take a nap. If I become inspired, maybe make a dress. If I keep fretting over this, It'll drive me insane." “Ah, but Miss Rarity.” Said Mr. Alexander Buck. “Insanity is such a short drive.” He clapped his hooves together once, and several large colts rushed into the room, picking up Rarity and dragging her out. Rarity flailed her hooves, trying to wiggle free. "What... What are you doing!?" she yelled. Mr. Buck held a hoof up, halting the other colts. "Miss Rarity," he began, "I have a feeling that we will need you int he future. I also have a feeling that by then, you may leave Ponyville." "Wh-what? If you want help that bad, It would be completely inconsiderate of me to leave! Trust me, Mr. Buck, I'll stay in Ponyville." Rarity begged, tugging her arm away from one of the colts. He shook his head slowly. "The fact that you're fighting this makes me even more worried that you plan on running out on me." "P-please, no, I don't want to go. I just want to go home!" A whine showed in her voice, similar to when she faced the Diamond Dogs. This time, however, she was truly whining. She really just wanted to relax at her own home, it was the only thing she wanted at the moment. "Sorry, Rarity, but I can't do that." Alexander waved his hoof at the colts, and they dragged her out. She screamed and squirmed, but it was all in vain. Dear Celestia, Rarity prayed silently. give me the strength to outlive this horrible predicament.

Amber Sin

286

Main 6,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore

The Elements' Demise

A grimdark tale of a horrible twist of fate for the mane six.

cancelled

<p>A horrible murderer is on the loose in Ponyville, and is killing off the Elements of Harmony, shrouding the town in a thick veil of death, sadness, and secrets.</p>

mature

2011-08-27T02:26:45+00:00

2011-08-27T02:26:45+00:00

[NOTE: This chapter is told from the killer’s point of view, in 1st person. If the killer’s name is brought up, it will be replaced with “K” for Killer. Also, K is known by the other ponies as a friend.] [AND: I do not own Saw or the traps from Saw, I simply thought the trap was a brilliant idea and decided to have the character use it. Please don’t be angry, at least I’m not saying it was all my idea!] Killing ponies? No, it’s not a hobby. It’s just something that… must be done. I have my reasons. I will keep my favorite pony to myself, of course. But the rest simply have to be taken care of. I'm alone in this operation, except for a few... helpers of mine. Ditzy does the most work. I know what you’re thinking. Ditzy Doo? She’s retarded, are you kidding? Well, quite the contrary. My good friend Ditzy is very clever. Her lazy eye has cursed her with a life of being judged. But, that eye comes in handy when on guard duty. Ditzy Doo is smart enough to not mess with a killer like me, and I promised her I would reward her fondly if I got through this. If? What am I talking about, of course I'll get through this. there's nothing stopping me. I was thinking the other day, however, that killing the ponies in such a… poetic way was such a smart thing. I might as well add some more passion to my poetry. So, I decided to kill Pinkie and Dash together. Everypony knows that those two have a thing going on. I mean, duh. So, I thought, since they are so cute together, why not have them die together? Gosh, I am brilliant. --- “Hey, Pinkie pie.” I said, poking my head into Pinkie’s little cottage. “I brought you something!” I waved a basket in front of my face. Pinkie’s head poked from around a coner, frizzy hair bouncing. “A present? Yay! I love presents!” she raced towards me excitedly. “Whatisit whatisit?” I smiled. “I’ve got some sweets, for the sweetest pony in ponyville.” Pinkie blushed deeply. “Oh, K. Stop it! That’s just silly. Everypony is the best pony in ponyville!” She sniffed the basket. “What kinda sweets? Huh huh?” She didn’t wait for an answer. She snatched the bag right out of my hand and ripped the little cloth off of it. “CUPCAKES! YAY!” She squealed. “Can I eat them now? Pretty please?” “Of course!” I said, coming through the door. “I wouldn’t keep you from eating your favorite food, that’s just cruel.” Pinkie gobbled the cupcakes. When she was done, she blinked slowly. “Those… those were… good… sleepy…” I watched triumphantly as Pinkie fell to the floor. Chuckling, I poked my head out of the door. I saw Ditzy in the clouds, circling, caught her eye and nodded. She flew down, and I set the mail bag onto her back, with the sleeping Pinkie inside. She flew off to Applejack’s old apple farm, just as planned. I walked out, and scanned the town. No ponies looked suspicious of anything. Nervous, yes. Terrified, yes. But no suspicion. Then I saw Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle standing together, conversing. I felt a pain of sympathy for a moment. Rainbow Dash had such potential with her life. She could become one of the Wonderbolts if she tried hard enough. She was already a bit wealthy, judging from her huge cloud home. Such a shame she had to die soon young. I approached the two ponies, smiling. “Hello ladies, how are you this fine afternoon?” I asked politely. “Oh, hey K. We’re... not so good.” Said Twilight, frowning. Dash nodded. "We both miss AJ and Fluttershy so much..." I notice her eyes glint with wetness. I'd never seen her cry before. "B-but they'd want us to be happy, right?" “Well, of course. There's nothing you can do but be happy for the wonderful lives they lived." I flashed a sad smile. "I’d hate to put you in a worse mood but, I seemed to have lost Pinkie Pie.” I frowned at the two. “Could you help me find her?” Dash nodded. “Of course, of course. Oh no… I hope to Celestia she’s alright.” Fear was already making her shake slightly. I nodded. “Come with me Rainbow, dear, and Twilight, could you look in that direction? I’ve already checked her house.” Twilight nodded and immediately trotted off in the opposite direction. “Come, Dash.” I said, walking towards the direction Ditzy went. We walked for a while, calling out Pinkie’s name. Finally, Rainbow Dash realized the direction we were going. “H-hey.. Why are we going to Applejack’s place? No pony lives there anymore, not after Big Mac moved to that barn on the other side of Ponyville." I glanced at Dash from the corner of my eye. “Oh, why not try. I mean, knowing Pinkie, she could be planning a party there. You never know what she could be up to…” Rainbow Dash nodded slightly, as if this satisfied her question. Soon enough, we reached the barn doors. I turned to Dash and said, “Close your eyes. You never know what could be in there.” Dash looked horrified and confused, but followed instructions. I quickly took a ball gag that I had kept in my bag and shoved into her mouth. I had put covered the gag in a gooey, disgusting tasting substance that would keep Dash from trying to push it out with her tongue. Dash’s eyes opened wide and she started screaming against the gag. “Shut up already.” I mumbled, walking over to her flank. “I’m sorry, Dashie, really. Hah, just kidding.” I laughed, and grabbed hold of her wings and pulled them back hard, and twisting them in a direction that they shouldn’t go. I heard a definite snap, and Dash moaned out in pain. I shoved her through the big barn doors. In the room there wasn’t much. The barn was pretty small, about the size of a two bedroom apartment. There was a cage, which held a slumbering pink lump, a gurney, a table piled with medical instruments, and eight large chains hanging from the wall, used for tying up ponies. Dash squirmed and tried to run away. “Stop it! You’ll only make it worse!” I reached out and smacked her. She calmed down a bit, but still shook violently. I guided her to the wall where the chains were, and locked her up. She hung from the wall, head low, tears streaming heavily from her eyes. “You little baby.” I mocked, staring angrily at her. “You’ve just got here, and you cry before the party’s even begun? Again; baby.” Dash stared at me, a begging look in her eyes. She tried to make words, but the gag only allowed her to make muted, guttural screams. I laughed in her face. "So pathetic." I turned from Dash, facing the cage. “Pinkie, oh Pinkie!” I called, walking near it. “Time to wake up, Pinkie.” I took the needle I was holding and jabbed it into her. The drug I had put into her system was Methamphetamine. Soon, Pinkie would be awake and alert, if not a little silly. I opened the cage and dragged her out, strapping her tightly to the gurney. I left her head unstrapped, just for fun. As Pinkie blinked her eyes open, I smiled evily at her. "How ya feeling, Pinkie?" "Uhh..." she started, her eyes glazed. I watched at the drug kicked in, her eyes growing increasingly more wide and bright. Her pupils got large and almost filled up her entire eyes. "H-hey, where am I?" she asked, her eyes darting around. She swivled her head back and forth, terrified. Her face flushed red and I heard her jaw clench down and a squeaky noise was heard as she ground her teeth together. So the Meth did work. Good. "You're at a party, Pinkie." I said, patting her arm reassuringly. "Just calm down and enjoy it!" She jumped at my touch, and wriggled around in the straps, tryign to break free. "T-this isn't a party! what's g-going on?" Her eyes darted around her, never really stopping on one area. She twitched violently as she talked. "Is... is there other ponies here? H-hey! Somepony help me!" she yelled. I pushed her head roughly down. "Shut up." I growled, nearing her face. She shrunk away from me, her pupils quivered, but they continued to fill her eyes. "K? Is that you? K, why do you look like a giraffe? That's not r-right..." I laughed, going along with her hallucination. "This is a theme party, Pinkie!" I told her, a large grin on my face. "It's a murder theme party. In celebration of AJ and Fluttershy!" Pinkie blinked. "Why would we celebrate them? They're...GAH! Bugs, there's bugs on me!" Pinkie screamed and squirmed, panic in her eyes. "G-get them off of me!" I watched her become covered with invisible bugs. She looked at me, fear and confusion filling her large eyes. "H-help me!" she whined. I didn't say a word, just pulled out the meth-filled needle. She stared at it. I watched as it sunk in. She shook her head back and forth. "W-what have you done to me?" she yelled, tears flowing down her face. "What are you going to d-do to me?" I silently walked closer to her and injected the rest of the drug into her neck. There was more than enough Meth in there to cause her to overdose. “No, no, please K no!” she whimpered, voice wavering with fear. Her eyes darted around more, beads of sweat dotted her forehead. I imagined that if I could see what she saw right now, it'd be terrifying. She probably saw the shadows ripple and move, demons crawling out of the walls towards her. Poor girl. At least it was fun for me to watch. Her breath became rapid and short, a tell tale sign of reaching an overdose. Her pupils completely covered all but a thin line of color from her eyes. Her huge, black eyes rolled around as her body convulsed violently. The smell of urin filled the barn and Pinkie emptied her bladder, the wetness covering her inner thighs. She screamed, "I can't feel--" Pinkie cut off herself as vomit rocketed from her throat, covering her face and body. I noticed her grind her teeth and squeeze her eyes shut, obviously in pain. "What hurts?" I asked her, curious. "Head." she barked at me. I nodded. Vomit, numbness, headache. She was having a stroke, thanks to the methamphetamine overdose. I watched as her eyes rolled back into her head, and her body convulsed once. She wasn't dead, but she did pass out. Her body twitched slightly as I brought two needles to her forearm. I took the larger one and quickly injected 50 milligrams of methadone into the largest vein. With the smaller one, I filled her vein with 3 milligrams of benzodiazepines. When Pinkie woke up, her heart rate will have slowed down enough for me to cut her open and not have her die instantly of blood loss. She'll be barely awake, but will be able to feel it when I cut her open. As I waited for Pinkie to awake, I turned to Dash. The pegasus had been watching in horror for most of the time, I heard her moaning through the gag and her chains rattle as she tried to break free. At some point she had passed out, however. I pulled out my last two needles. One filled with adrenalin, the other with ecstasy. I laughed to myself. Rainbow will be very amusing once I inject with these. Sticking both needles into each of Dash's arms, I watched as the drug kicked in. Her chest almost instantly began fluttering as her heart rate rose and rose. Her eyes soon blinked open, her pupils dilated. She swung her head back and forth, her chains rattling. I pulled the gag from her mouth. "Good morning, sleepy head." I grinned at the mare. "Have a nice sleep?" She blinked at me, a big grin on her face. "Hahh, where am I? Am I at a party? Oooh," she rubbed her face against the wall behind her. "This feels so nice..." I held back a giggle. "Eeyup, you're at a party alright." She tried to move her arms, but soon realized that she was chained to the wall. "Hey... why am I... wait." she looked at me, her grin becoming wider. "Ooh, K, you kinky thing!" she slurred her words. I frowned. I thought I put in adrenalin. Why wasn't she getting jittery? I might have put in too much ecstasy. I went along with it though. "Oh yeah, boy do I have plans for you." I told her, inching closer. "Heh heh, yeah..." she trailed off, staring at the ceiling. "have you ever noticed how wonderful life is?" she breathed, her eyes crossing slightly. "Ya gotta live it up while ya can, amiright?" she glanced at me, then back to the ceiling. I narrowed my eyes. Did... she know? "Yeah," I said. "It's so short, though." I saw Pinkie's head role over to the other cheek, meaning she'd be waking up soon. I brought a large, metal contraption from my bad over to Dash, to stared at it, wonder in her eyes. "Listen, Dash. I really like you. But this is business. Be grateful you'll be able to hear your friend's voices one last time, unlike Pinkie here." I set the contraption onto her head. She didn't move around much, she was probably too high to understand. I had always liked horror movies. Not so much paranormal, but gore I loved. One of my favorites is Saw. There was one tool that Mr. Jigsaw had used that I found quite interesting. It was called the reverse bear trap. My favorite thing about it was that it went off on command. And, it killed the person swiftly, so there wasn’t much loud and annoying screaming. It pulled back the jaws of the victim with such a force that her jaw broke and their neck cracked, killing them instantly. Not too long ago, I recreated the reverse bear trap. It went off when I hit a certain button, and good for me the range was quite far. The trap wasn’t perfect, but I know for certain that it will kill a pony. Dash moved her head back and forth. "Hey, what is this?" she asked. Pinkie mumbled. I had to hurry. I'm loosing daylight. "Just shut up." I barked at her. "Say another word and I'll cut your tongue out." Her eyes widened. The reality of the situation broke through the dense fog of the ecstasy. The adrenalin kicked in just then, and she screamed and tugged at the chains. "Hellh!" she tried to yell, but the trap on her head kept her from saying words correctly. I turned to her, eyes blazing with fury. "What did I just say?" I growled. I moved to the tray of medical equipment, pulling out a small, rusty scalpel. I help it up as I neared her. "You'll hear your friend's voices before you die, be happy of that. But that's all I'll give you. You don't deserve to say goodbye to them, you filthy mule." I shoved the scalpel through the opening int he trap, and began to saw at her tongue. With one hand I held the tongue out and with the other I worked hard to get the blunt blade to cut through the muscle. Dash screamed loudly at the pain, the adrenalin coursing through muscles her aloud her to be able to push me away. I frowned and dove back in, sawing until there was a thread of muscle left. I tore the last bit off, holding up a raggedly cut tongue. Blood poured from Rainbow Dash's mouth, staining the metal of the trap and covering the blue fur on her chest with red. "Now, don't make any more noise." I growled in her face. She nodded, whimpering. I could deal with whimpering. But not screaming. I turned to Pinkie who was almost awake by now. From the tray of medical equipment, I rummaged through the many used needles. Finally, I found a large knife. I cu a slit in her arm to test it out. A drop of blood beaded at the cut, but there was not nearly as much blood as there would have been under normal circumstances. Pinkie's eyes blinked open as I slid the tip of the knife carefully into her chest. I cut a huge gash from there down to her crotch. Pinkie looked around, confused, as I stuck my hand into the gash. Pinkie made eye contact with me as I clutched her large intestine. She looked from me, to her stomach. She screamed loudly, causing Dash to jump, her chains rattling. “Shut your mouth." I barked. She looked at me, eyes wide, but continued to scream. I sighed. I took my hand from the gash, which blood was slowly leaking out of, and picked up a small blue box. Out of the box I pulled black thread and a needle. "I really didn't want to have to do this, but I guess I must," I frowned at Pinkie. "I'm very disappointed in you." I quickly slid the thread through the needle eye, and brought the needle to her lips. I clamped her mouth down with one hand and began to sew them tightly closed with the other. She screamed as I did so, but the drugs also caused her to be delayed and slow so I could keep her still enough to so it. I set the blue box back down after I had finished, and turned back to her. I held up my blood soaked hand and plunged it back into the gash, grabbing hold of her large intestine. I pulled it out slowly, savoring Pinkie's horrified face and muffled screams. I continued with the small one, not stoppinf to joke around. I had to hurry. She could survive an hour at most without her organs. I continued with the bladder and spleen, the stomach and liver. Soon, the only thing left inside pinkie was a heart surrounded by veins and blood. I used my sewing kit to sew the cut up as quickly as I could. I dragged her the wall and hooked her to the chains. She turned and looked at Dash, tears streaming down her face. Neither could say a word to each other; but that's just how I like it. They both made sobbing noises, the tears smeared the blood on Dash's chest, leaving long red trails that went down to her hooves. I took a different knife from the table, a smaller, pointier one. I slashed at Pinkie's belly and legs, leaving long cuts in the fur. She twitched at each cut, but otherwise didn't respond. She was fading into death, and I knew it. I cut a long, deep gash into her side, in which blood poured the most heavily from. Thick red rivers snaked down Pinkie's body and pooled at the floor beneath her. Dash was sobbing even more loudly now. I turned to her. I took the knife I had cut Pinkie's body with and began to cut out Dash's eyes. She screamed against the trap on her head, but I ignored her. I gouged them out, not wasting any time. When I had finished there were two blood filled sockets in her head, the blood tricking down her muzzle like tears. I set the eyes on the tray and turned to Pinkie and did the same. She may have already passed, or maybe she was unconscious. Either way, she didn't really respond. I brought her eyes to Dash and shoved them into her sockets. They fit quite nicely. I did the same with Dash's eyes to Pinkie. I sighed and rubbed my hand on my face to rid of the sweat that beaded there, leaving a smear of blood and body fluids. I didn't care, though. I turned and picked up Pinkie's organs, stringing them out on the floor to dry. I sat down for a moment on the gurney for a break. Boy, could I go for a glass of water. I stood up, ready for the last step. I took a very small surgical knife and brought it to Pinkie's neck. Sense she was propably already dead, I didn't worry about avoiding the two main arteries. I cut a medium size gash in her neck, putting two fingers inside to make it wider. I shoved my hand in deep until I felt her tongue, and pulled it as hard as I could through the hole. I dropped it and it flopped lifelessly on her chest, like a necktie. I figured that Pinkie should look her best for a party, right? I took a few steps back, admiring my work. It went just as planned. I patted Dash on the head. "Your friend's will be here soon." I whispered to her. She turned her head to me. While she was blind and mute, I could still see terror and pain twisting her face. I smiled. Leaving the barn, I wiped my face and hands off on a towel and put it into my bag, along with the remote that would kill Dash. I waved to Ditzy, who had been standing outside, keeping guard. We turned to the apple orchard, which was overgrown by now. We took a path home that no pony could find us or hear us on. “Sounded like a lotta fun in there.” Ditzy stated. “Was it real bloody?” I smiled. “A bit.” I chuckled. “What are you gonna tell the other ponies?” Ditzy asked, tripping over a small rock. I would have laughed, but she was known to get angry when people laughed at her clumsiness. “I figured I’d say me and Dash found Pinkie, and they wanted ‘alone’ time in the barn together. I’m sure some pony will want to check on them, seeing how no pony should want to have girly time in the barn of their dead friend.” Ditzy nodded. “We’re here.” She waved her hoof at me goodbye and flew off toward her own home. I walked into the town square of Ponyville, scanning the small crowd of ponies there. I then saw Twilight standing with Rarity, and came up to them slowly. “Hello, Twilight. Rarity.” I nodded to them both. “I found Pinkie. Her and Dash were saying something about ‘alone’ time in Applejack’s barn, however.” Twilight and Rarity exchanged worried looks. “We’ll go check on them,” the two mares said as they walked in the direction of Applejack’s old home. I watched them walk away for a while, and then followed from about 60 feet behind them. I watched, smiling evilly, as they walked through the doors. They screamed out at an ear shattering level. I heard Dash begin to make muffled sounds filled with panic. Her voice was cut off by a loud snap, and more screaming. I walked back towards my home, dropping the remote and stepping on it. Today was a good day, two birds with one stone.

Amber Sin

286

Main 6,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore

The Elements' Demise

A grimdark tale of a horrible twist of fate for the mane six.

cancelled

<p>A horrible murderer is on the loose in Ponyville, and is killing off the Elements of Harmony, shrouding the town in a thick veil of death, sadness, and secrets.</p>

mature

2011-08-27T02:26:53+00:00

2011-08-27T02:26:53+00:00

“Good morning and hello, everypony! This is Robin Tweet reporting to you live with Twilight Sparkle! Twilight, could you tell Ponyville and I what has been happening in the past few weeks?” A brown-red pony with a straight black mane held the microphone toward Twilight, who looked a bit uncomfortable. Rarity snapped to attention. She sat up in her overly cushioned bed and turned the volume up on the small old fashion TV in front of her. “W-well, as you should know, there have been a few murders in Ponyville. They all happen to be my c-closest friends…” Twilight trailed off as she tried to keep the tears at bay, breathing in deeply “Oh Twilight,” Rarity sighed, looking around the room. “I wish I could get out of this place so I could comfort you.” She looked around at the cushioned walls, the bare floor, the one big white chair in the corner. It’s not quite fair for me to be here. Rarity thought to herself. I’m not even crazy. I mean, sure, I am a bit paranoid but not insane! “Yes, we all know of this. It’s very tragic.” Robin’s voice was mostly unemotional, with a hint of sadness. She probably had some wort of training to keep her composure on TV.“Could you tell me about the last murder? From what I know it was especially horrible.” “I… I suppose,” Twilight looked down at her hooves. Rarity watched her friend, and wished she could hug her through that cold, glass screen. “Well,” Twilight’s voice continued. “A friend of ours told us that Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie had asked to be alone together in Applejack’s old barn. Of course, Rarity and I found this suspicious, seeing how AJ is… gone. So we went to check on them. When we got there… we saw the most horrendous sight.” The purple unicorn choked on her words. Her faithful assistant, Spike, stood next to her and grasped her hoof in his paw, wiping a single tear from his eye and handing her a tissue. “What was it that you saw, Twilight?” Robin asked, leaning a little closer. Twilight’s voice got soft and quiet. Rarity hurriedly turned the sound up to hear, even though she has already seen what Twilight was about to describe. “...Guts were all over the floor. In the corner was a tray of horrible looking medical things and a big, rusty cage. Pinkie and Rainbow were chained to the wall. Pinkie was long gone, her mouth was sewn shut. There were a bunch of cuts on her body, and blood was all over her. Rainbow Dash was still alive, but she had this contraption over her head…” “And what was that contraption?” Robin asked, a little more emotion in her voice, causing it to waver. “I’m not sure exactly,” Twilight answered. “I’ve never seen such a thing, and I couldn’t find it in any of my books. It was big and metal, and it was attached to her jaws. Rainbow started to yell, but right before she could something happened. Something in the … thing on her head snapped and it pulled her jaws apart with such force, I could hear her neck break. Blood and brains were pouring from her mouth… by then I couldn’t take the sight anymore and I ran home. Rarity stayed though. She took them to the police.” Twilight broke into tears as she finished, and hugged Spike to her chest tightly. The baby dragon cried a little too, but not nearly as much as Twilight’s loud sobbing. Robin Tweet lowered her head, a solemn look on her face. “Thank you, Twilight.” She turned to the camera, looking into the eyes of all the ponies watching. “I’d like to say one thing. Whoever this killer is, if they are watching, stop. You’re doing horrible things to innocent ponies. Just, stop. The police will find you." The news cast switched to the weather quickly, probably because Twilight’s sobbing grew to the point of hysteria and they don’t want that on live television. Rarity sighed and curled up on her bed. The past few weeks had been horrible to her. Three weeks ago, she was creating dresses and going to the spa with Fluttershy, having fun with her friends. Now, all but one of her friends are dead and she’s locked in a mental ward. Why, Celestia? Thought Rarity, as she began to drift off. Why is this happening to me? --- “Miss Rarity, you have a visitor.” Rarity awoke ungracefully from her sleep, almost falling off her bed. “A visitor?” She said aloud. “Who is it?” Rarity hurried to the door and looked through the small, square window. A big, grey colt looked back at her. “It’s Princess Luna, Miss Rarity.” He answered. “Princess Luna?” Rarity squealed. “W-why is she coming to see me? She must have the wrong... Rarity.” “I’m not sure, Miss. But she gave us a description, and she wants you.” “W-well, ok. Let me out, please.” Rarity quickly checked her mane and tail. They were both tied into messy buns. Rarity didn’t have much to work with, no brushes, no mane-spray, nothing besides a few hair ties she had kept on her hoof when they brought her in. Several locks turned, then the heavy door opened wide. The colt guided Rarity to the visiting room. In a corner there was a small table. Sitting in one of the chairs was Luna herself. She looked slightly scared and had her head lowered, as if she didn’t want to be noticed. Rarity walked over to her and sat down. “P-princess? What do you want from... me?” Luna looked at her, worry glinted in her eyes. "Are you okay?" she asked, ignoring Rarity's question. "I suppose," Rarity frowned. "But, Princess--" "Oh, Rarity!" Luna wailed, standing up and throwing herself at the unicorn. "I'll get you out of here, I promise. You'll be back home in no time, where it's safe." Luna drew back and looked Rarity in the eyes. "I'm so sorry." Rarity carefully wriggled away from the Princess's grasp. "Pardon me, Princess, but why--" Luna rambled on. "Oh, Rarity, when I heard what was happening I came down here as fast as I could! I'll keep you safe, I'll keep you company. No need to worry when Luna's here." She smiled at Rarity. "Princess Luna!" Rarity shouted, pulling away from her. "Please, just explain to me what is happening." Luna looked hurt for a moment, but nodded. "Sorry, Rarity." She said, blushing. "I came out here to Ponyville to keep you company! Oh, and to help keep order. It is one of the many duties of a princess to comfort her subjects in times like this. Celly thought I could use the practice." Rarity blinked. That sort of made sense. "But why me?" she asked. Luna grinned. "Well, you've obviously been the most affected, and I just can't allow you to stay here in this dump! Celly also told me to get you out of here, you are of royal blood, you know." Rarity stared at Luna, her jaw dropping to the floor. "R-royal blood?" she stammered. "Well, of course! Your family is not-so-distant cousins of mine." Luna frowned at Rarity. "You didn't know?" She shook her head. "N-no! I knew that my family was wealthy and of a higher class, but not royal!" The princess giggled. "Anyway, let's get you out of here, Miss Rarity." She smiled and walked towards the door. "I paid a good amount of bits to have you taken out." she added, nodding to one of the guards. A royal carriage awaited them outside. Luna and Rarity stepped in and got comfortable as the carriage strolled down the road towards Ponyville. Luna sat across from Rarity, never taking her eyes off her. "Thank you." she said suddenly. Rarity turned her gaze away from the passing scenery. "Whatever do you have to thank me for, Princess?" she asked. "For saving me, of course! If it wasn't for you, I would still be Nightmare Moon!" "Oh, yes. You're welcome, Princess." Rarity smiled nervously. They were silent for a moment. The young princess couldn't stand the awkwardness. "Do you mind if I stay with you?" she asked. "I'll need somewhere to sleep and eat while I'm here. Your house is big, right? Fit for a princess?" Rarity nodded. "It would be an honor for you to stay with me, Princess." she smiled. --- The carriage neared the entrance to Ponyville, stopping to let the two ponies off. One of the horses that pulled them in smiled at the princess and said in a gruff voice, "You be careful, Highness." Luna smiled back awkwardly and turned away. Rarity glanced at the colt, seeing a almost saddened look in his eyes. She wondered what kind of drama went on at the royal castle. "Oh, I can't wait to meet my subjects!" Luna squealed. "They all seem so nice!" Rarity nodded, smiling slightly. "Ponyville is a very hospitable place, Princess. I'm sure they will welcome your with open..." Rarity trailed off as she heard whispers fill the air. They were almost too quiet for the two ponies to hear. It's the dark princess. Has she taken Rarity as a hostage? What's she doing here? Has she come to make eternal night, again? Ruby, stand back. She's evil. Princess Luna held a stone cold facial expression, keeping her eyes straight ahead. The two ponies swam silently through an ocean of biting insults until they reached Rarity's home. The two stepped inside, the door closing loudly behind them. They were silent for a few moments as Rarity watched tears well up in the Princess's eyes. She turned to Rarity. "I'll go unpack my th-things," she stammered. "Please direct me to m-my room." Rarity pointed down the hall. "Very last door on the right, dear." she said, sympathy heavy in her voice. Luna nodded and speed-trotted down the hallway, obviously trying to hold back tears. Sighing, Rarity turned to her big, full body mirror she kept in the center of the main room. The mirror was almost as tall as the ceiling and shaped like an oval, golden roses and vines carved into the sides. The leaves were so well carved, you could see all of the veins and wrinkles. One would be afraid of touching a leaf in fear of it breaking off and falling to the ground. It was given to her by her grandmother before she passed on. She had told the young Rarity, “There's a legend that is you stare into your own eyes in this mirror, all the answers you seek will be found.” At the time, Rarity had thought Grandmama was going batty from old age, and didn’t think a thing of what she had said. Now, after all that had happened, Rarity wished with all her heart the legend was real. “Oh, Grandmama,” Rarity sighed, looking at herself in the mirror. “I wish you were still here. I need help, and you were always so good at solving problems.” Staring into her own blue eyes, Rarity searched for her soul. “I’ll always be with you, Rarity.” Her grandmother’s voice echoed inside her head. Suddenly, Rarity understood. Who would have killed off all of her closest friends, besides her and Twilight? What was so special about those two ponies? “Of course!” Rarity exclaimed, staring at herself in the mirror, a grin on her face. “It would have to be somepony close to twilight and I. Somepony who just happened to know where the bodies were… who happened to not be around when they had gone missing. Well maybe not somepony but some dragon!” Rarity squealed happily, knowing she had found the killer. “Wait,” Rarity deflated. “Why would Spike kill the ponies… I know he is quite in love with me, and Twilight has always been like a mother to him… but, why would he kill the others?” Luna popped her head around the corner, much happier than before. She must have given herself a pep talk or something. "Hey, Rarity. Whatcha doin'? she asked. "Nothing." Rarity replied briskly, lost in thought. Luna looked at Rarity more intently, and saw the detachment in her eyes. At first anger flared inside her that the pretty unicorn wasn’t paying attention to her, but then she calmed down. Scaring her won’t make her like me. “What’s wrong, Rarity?” the princess asked. Rarity ran to Luna and put her hooves on her shoulders, shaking her slightly. “I’ve figured out who’s been killing ponies! I’ve done it! ...I think.”

Amber Sin

286

Main 6,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore

The Elements' Demise

A grimdark tale of a horrible twist of fate for the mane six.

cancelled

<p>A horrible murderer is on the loose in Ponyville, and is killing off the Elements of Harmony, shrouding the town in a thick veil of death, sadness, and secrets.</p>

mature

2011-08-27T02:27:01+00:00

2011-08-27T02:27:01+00:00

"Uncle Cobalt? Hello? It's me, Rarity." The unicorn squinted into the mirror at the blue pony on the other side. The magic that allowed her to talk through mirrors to her uncle was weak, so the picture was a little fuzzy. Cobalt smiled. "Oh, Rarity! What is it, darling?" he asked. "Um, Uncle, I'm sure you've heard of the Ponyville murders. Well, I think I know who's the killer. I need you to investigate, however." Rarity sat down and frowned at Luna, who was pacing angrily as she talked. Whenever she was doing something and not paying attention to Luna, the princess got irritable. Is scared her a bit. "Oh, do you now? I'll come right over to help. Be there in a few, darling." The mirror blinked back to Rarity's reflection. She set the mirror down and turned to Luna. "Luna, dear." she said. "Pacing is not a very ladylike thing to do. You are a princess, you should act like one!" Rarity moved towards the princess, steadying her into one spot. "Hold your head high," she put her hoof on Luna's chin. "Keep your back straight. Always walk lightly and with grace. Do not flick your tail around often, keep it steady and high. Hold your expression with either a slight smile or a bored, tired look. And always, always try to be polite as possible." Luna did as she said, standing tall and straight with her head high, eyelids half closed. "how's this?" she asked, hoping for Rarity's approval. Rarity smiled politely. "Very nice, dear. But try and talk with a more... oh, how do i put this... with a more proper demeanor." Luna lowered her head, a fallen look on her face. What is wrong with this pony? I only gave her a little criticism and she acts so upset! Rarity tried to hold back her annoyance. "Oh, don't be upset darling. It takes a little practice. I will be opening up the shop today, so you can work on your speech with the customers!" Luna smiled and nodded at Rarity, who smiled back and trotted toward the main room. As soon as she rounded the corner, the princess's smile fell. "Darnit!" she growled, kicking at a cushioned couch. "Just one day, I only got one day of Rarity. And now she'll be letting strangers into the shop, and she'll only pay attention to them! Irk!" Luna yelped as she felt a sharp twinge in her stomach, her whole body cringing. "What the... oh no. It's happening again, that feeling... gah!" another sharp pain rippled throughout her body. Luna rain to the nearest mirror, terrified of what she might see. Looking back at her in the mirror was her normal self, curly blue mane, dark blue fur. But what she saw deep in her eyes was something ancient that she had never wanted to see again. The same crazed look... the same evil darkness. "Nightmare Moon..." she whispered. "No, it can't be. Ah!" "Hello, old friend." Luna heard the voice, she saw her mouth moving in the mirror, but it didn't come from her. "Leave me alone! I'll never turn to you again." Luna growled. She squeaked and cringed at the stab of pain that pierced her, much more painful than the last. Deep, manic laughter filled her ears. "Oh, but you will. Rarity obviously doesn't care for you. You have to catch her attention with something… bold!" The terrified princess backed away from the voice as it hissed in her ear. A dark purple cloud shrouded the room around her. More angry laughter echoed in the room. "Luna?" Rarity's voice called from the other room. "Luna, dear, I need your help with setting up these mannequins." "Just a moment, Rarity." Luna answered. Glaring at the purple cloud that shimmered around her, luna began to back out of the room. "I may crave her attention, but I will not turn to you for help!" she snapped, then turn and quickly trotted into the main room. Basking in the happiness of helping the wonderful Rarity, Luna was content. She moved around decorations, dusted off the mannequins, and dressed them up with Rarity's newest creations. Finally, the main room looked just like Rarity wanted, and she happily turned the sign to "Open." Luna smiled sadly as she watched Rarity fluff and ready the dresses for the customers. She knew that her love of the unicorn's attention was not the healthiest, but she didn't care. Someday Rarity would be hers, and for now she'd have to cooperate with her and make her happy. She needn't turn to Nightmare Moon's help to gain Rarity's affection. She could do this on her own. Luna learned many years ago that it's best to wait for someone's attention, rather than force it from them. Soon, customers began to fill the main room, Rarity was happily buzzing around, tending to their needs. Luna conversed with a few of them, testing how "proper" she could talk. Most of them kept away from her, or simply bowed their head in respect and didn't start up conversation. Soon, Rarity was swamped with ponies begging for dress designs. Luna took this chance to slip unnoticed into the guest room she was staying in. She pulled out a large wooden box. She opened it up to reveal her own personal shrine dedicated to Rarity. Several pictures of the unicorn were tied together with a small string. A bundle of purple hairs were laid delicately in one corner. An old, ratty hair brush was also in the box. The whole thing smelled of a mixture of several of Rarity's perfumes. A pile of old, used fake eyelashes sat in the center, accompanied by old makeup that Rarity has supposedly thrown out and misplaced bobby pins. Luna breathed in the wonderful scent of the shrine. She lit up several candles that had been once been used by Rarity, and added a few hairs to the bundle. She brought a camera from under the bed, and used a spell she had learned not too long ago that developed the pictures straight from the camera instantly. Soon, she had a small pile of pictures of her own obsession; Rarity. Luna spread out the photos she had, admiring the beauty of her idol. She picked out her personal favorite and held it close. In the picture, Rarity was bending over to pick up a fallen needle, her muzzle close to the ground, tail high in the air. Her pose was completely innocent, but had a seductive look to it, In the curvature of her body and her half-closed eyes. Luna drank in Rarity's beauty with her eyes greedily. Holding the picture in a tight embrace, the princess sighed. Ever sense the night she was saved from Nightmare Moon's grasp, Luna had been interested in Rarity. It had started out as a innocent crush, then as time bore on and Luna hadn't seen the beautiful unicorn, she began to crave the presence of of the mare. She asked one of Princess Celestia's royal servants about her, and they pointed her in the direction of Ponyville. Luna snooped around in alleyways and bushes, snapping pictures of Rarity. She often used invisibility spells so she could get a few pictures of her in her home. Almost a year had passed, but the princess had never worked up the courage to actually talk to Rarity. She continued to silently stalk her, until the day she saw her be taken into a mental hospital. There was no way she'd be able to get in there, her invisibility spells only lasted a little bit. Luna knew that Rarity would be vulnerable, and in need of a friend. She payed a good amount of bits to the owner of the asylum to let her out, and finally she had Rarity to her self. The only hard part was coming up with that brilliant reason for why she payed to have Rarity taken out. Luna let out a manic little giggle. "Yes," she said to herself, looking at the picture. "My sweet, sweet little Rarity. You will give into me someday, and we can live happily ever after..." A twinge of anger lighted inside of her stomach. "Unless you refuse, of course. Then we'll just have to punish you a bit, just so you know who's the boss. This time, I won't give into anypony, like I did with Celly." Luna broke into another fit of manic laughter. Suddenly, she heard hoofsteps coming down the hall. "Luna?" Rarity called. "Luna, darling, where have you gone?" Quickly, Luna shoved the pictures back into the box and slid the box and camera back under the bed. She stood up and called back, "Oh, sorry Rarity. I just wasn't feeling too good." She began to walk to the door, but glanced back at the bed. Someday... Someday she will be mine. Luna opened the door and peeked out at Rarity. "Luna!" Rarity said, waving her hoof for her to come out. "My uncle's here! Quickly, Princess." The two ponies trotted out into the main room, where a large blue colt stood. "Hello Rarity, darling. Good afternoon, Princess Luna. It's very kind of you to stay here in Ponyville to keep the ponies happy and calm, you know. I'm sure they're all very grateful." I doubt it. They all hate me. "It is the duty of a princess to keep her subjects happy." Luna plastered a fake smile on her face. "Hello Uncle Cobalt, It' been a while." Cobalt nodded. "Much too long, in my opinion." her sat down. "Now, we mustn't waste any time, Rarity. Who is it that you suspect of this horrendous crime?" "I have a feeling that Spike the dragon is doing it. He is never around when the ponies first go missing, and he knew where the bodies were twice in a row. I'm not quite sure what his motive would be, but it seems likely that he would keep Twilight and I alive the longest." Rarity told her uncle. The colt nodded, thoughtful. "That's enough for me to get a warrant i believe, I'll go to the station and get started." "Be careful, Uncle Cobalt." Rarity said, concerned about her uncle. She nuzzled him and watched him leave the store. Rarity turned to Luna and sighed. "I really hope he catches Spike, or whoever the killer is. I don't want to loose Twilight... or you." Inside, Luna was bursting with sheer happiness at those words. She kept calm not he outside, however. "As a princess, I must try my hardest to keep the ponies happy and healthy and alive. I have an idea, Rarity. Come outside with me." the princess stepped out the door, Rarity following behind her. Taking up position in the center of the town square, Luna rose her voice so all the ponies could hear. "Ahem, every pony please gather here int he center. I, Princess Luna, would like to speak with all of you." Slowly, almost all of the ponies in Ponyville gathered around the princess, murmuring amongst themselves. Luna speed her wings wide, casting a shadow on the ponies. They quoted down quickly. "You all have an idea for why I'm here. I'm sure some of you are very wrong. I'm not here to hurt anypony, I'm not here to cast eternal night. I'm here to help you." Luna's gaze traveled across the group of ponies, one by one. "I'm here to keep you safe." It was very quiet for a moment, then a pony spoke up in the middle of the crowd. "How do you plan on doing that?" a few agreeing whispers flitted around the crowd. "Yeah, how exactly are you gonna keep us 'safe'?" Luna kept composure. "I will patrol the town at night, while the guards are asleep. I will cast a spell that will allow me to hear the faintest of screams from miles away. I will catch the killer if they happen to be out. If any of you feel scared or threatened, come to me and I'll comfort you. I'm your friend now, you can trust me." The group was one huge accusing eye, staring at the young princess. After a few moments, an approving whisper floated throughout he crowd, then quickly grew to a loud cheering. Luna smiled. Rarity had been sitting in the far back, silently watching the princess. She felt very happy for her, but a deep worry turned her stomach. What if even a princess can't stop this murderer?

Amber Sin

286

Main 6,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore

The Elements' Demise

A grimdark tale of a horrible twist of fate for the mane six.

cancelled

<p>A horrible murderer is on the loose in Ponyville, and is killing off the Elements of Harmony, shrouding the town in a thick veil of death, sadness, and secrets.</p>

mature

2011-08-27T02:27:09+00:00

2011-08-27T02:27:09+00:00

[[NOTE: This chapter is told from several point of views.]] Ditzy Doo I was sitting quietly on a bench in town square, pony-watching. It wasn't a very exciting day, there were a lot of ponies wondering around aimlessly. They seemed more at ease after Luna's speech last night. To the left, I saw in one of my eyes a large blue colt approaching me. I turned my head to him and smiled politely, trying to keep at least one eye on him. The colt was obviously taken a-back by my lazy eye, but he didn't say anything. "Hello ma'am," he said. "I was looking for Spike the dragon. Do you know where he might be?" I blinked. "Why do you want to find Spike?" I asked. The colt glanced around, then leaned close to me. "Listen," he whispered. "I have reason to believe that he is the one killing ponies. I have a warrant to search him and take him into custody if I have to." he leaned back a bit. "Can you tell me what you know about him?" I began to feel nervous. If this colt is looking for the killer... he might find out who it is, and that I'm helping! Shoot... i thought. I'll have to get rid of him somehow. Or stop him from searching. "All I know about Spike is that he's very nice and he stays with Twilight Sparkle in the library. If you want to find him, however, I can show you where he is now, mister... um..." I can't believe I'm doing this... "Cobalt." he answered me. "And I'd be very grateful if you showed me to his whereabouts." He took a step back. I could see in the way he moved he was very high class, probably not used to fighting for himself. He probably has never been in a fight in his life. I was in a good share of fights when I was young and full of anger and angst, when people talked bad about my eyes. I'm sure to take him down easily. I bit back a groan. In the last few weeks I have seen -and heard- many murders. I even helped with one. Being a pegasus, it was quite easy for me to get that pony all tied up and on the ceiling. But I had never thought that I would have to commit my own murder all on my own. If I mess up, I am completely screwed. Our police force is not the best, but they certainly aren't the worst. I'll have to do this where no pony would go, so I can't be found. I stood up and nodded my head, gesturing for him to follow. Clumsily, I made my way to the western side of Ponyville, towards the Everfree Forest. Very, very few ponies go in there. Zecora wouldn't dare rat me out, I have some heavy blackmail on her. It turns out not only are her practices... 'Not exactly legal' but her spells sometimes call for a certain type of sacrifice. As we got nearer the forest, Cobalt began to get nervous. "U-um, why are we going to the forest?" he stuttered. He's clearly not the bravest of detectives. This should be pretty easy. "Spike is here collecting herbs for a experiment Twilight is doing. I know because he asked me to help earlier. I said no, I'm not quite fond of the forest. But anything to help stop the murders of ponies, of course." I turned to him. "I'd hate to see another one go." Cobalt smiled nervously. "S-sure, that makes sense. Do you think he's um, uh, really deep... in the... forest?" as he squeaked the last word out, it greatly reminded me of when I had to tie up that yellow pony. She was very quiet, and didn't scream a lot. She seemed to be expect that somepony would come and save her if she just waited it out. She made quiet squeaking noises that calmed the animals that tried to attack us, which I thought was odd. But the boss just said to ignore it. For a single moment, I felt sort of sad. That pony will never hold one of her bunnies again, never say hello to her friends. She probably never confessed her love to that purple pony in that picture that she held close to her as she died, either. That was only a single moment, however. I quickly turned my thoughts away from the yellow pony and focused on now. The boss told me that whenever you start to feel horrible or sad, just focus on something better or more important. It's better to not think about it too much, that's when you start to feel suicidal. "Not too deep." I answered, turning off the path into the more dense bushes. Cobalt whimpered behind me, stepping daintily through the undergrowth. We soon reached a small clearing. "We're here," I turned around and looked him in the eye, silently planning out the murder in my mind. --- Cobalt I am Cobalt, of the Gem family. We were not raised to go trekking around in forests. This odd pony seems to be hiding something, and I plan of finding out what. After I find Spike and question him, of course. I don't know why even a dragon would want to go this far off the path. Well... anything for Rarity's safety. Oh, the other ponies of Ponyville too. But mostly my niece Rarity. I picked my way through the hideous growth and bush underneath my hooves. The mare I had followed -I still never got her name- stopped in a clearing. She turned to me, a slightly pained and unsure look on her face, one eye focused and the other looking to the right, but there was also a sort of... evil glint in her eye. It made me worried. "We're here." she stated coldly. I looked around. "I don't see a dragon..." I mumbled, confused. "Oh," she started after a few moments of silence. "Spike is unavailable, sorry." First, I felt confused. Then annoyed. Then furious. "Then why the hay would you take me this far into the forest? You stupid, insolent, cloud-headed mare! It's got something to do with your eyes, doesn't it? You're that "Derpy Hooves" that some ponies talk about. Why don't you go eat your fatty muffins and think about how you'll never find a lover with your hideous face. Hmf!" I brought out all of the anger I had been building up over the past few weeks on the innocent pony. I breathed in deeply, realizing that this isn't how a gentlecolt acts. "I am so sorry, miss. I've just been horribly frustrated with work for the past few weeks, and--" "No, that's quite alright." she cut me off. "My name is Ditzy, actually." "Well, Miss Ditzy, could you please tell me the next time I could contact Spike?" Ditzy grinned a sort of loony, wide grin. "Oh yes. The next time you two will meet... will probably be never." "I... what?" I took a step back as the mare drew closer to me, her brow furrowed and her eyes were as close to completely focused I've seen yet. Suddenly, she leaped at me, wings spread open wide. In one swift movement, she brought out what seemed like a letter opener that she had kept in her tucked in wings and slashed at my windpipe. My eyes shot open wide at the pain that rippled throughout my upper body. Warm, thick liquid dripped down my neck and torso. I tried to scream out for help, but only throaty whisper escaped me. The vibration of the whisper on my cut windpipe sent even more stabs of pain into my body. I panicked. I can't scream, but I can't not scream. Before I could overcome the shock, Ditzy had me pinned to the ground, the thorns digging into my back. She was breathing heavily, Sweat trickled down the side of her face. Or was it a tear? I was in too much pain to care or tell. "I-I'm sorry," she mumbled around the dagger in her mouth. "I just... I have to." I shook my head back and forth. I tried to say something, but it came out as a painful, gurgled grunt that could not be understood. Rearing back onto her hind legs, Ditzy raised her head high and brought the dagger down on my chest with such a force, I felt a rib crackle under the weight. It pierced my heart and filled my body for a split second with searing, burning pain. I stared up at her, tears blurring my vision as I passed on. "Wh- why...?" I whispered painfully through the cut in my windpipe. A single tear rolled down her eyes and fell onto my face as I slipped into cold blackness. The last noise I heard was her soft sobbing filling the silent wood. Apple Bloom "Cutie Mark Crusader hikers YAY!" I squealed along with my two best friends as we gleefully entered the Everfree Forest. With our capes on and confidence high, we began to trek along the path. It was barely worn, not many ponies come into the forest. I glanced around, remembering the last time we ventured into these parts. I mentally shook myself. I'm a big pony, I don't need to be afraid! The sun was just above the tree tops, bathing the forest in a red-yellow glow. It was very beautiful, like the Sweet Apple Acres at sunset. Shadows crisscrossed the path, their ragged shaped giving them an evil looking feel. We walked quietly for a while, only the sounds of breaking twigs or a pony going "Ooh, that flower looks cool." breaking the silence. "Um... girls..." I heard Sweetie Belle murmur in her soft voice as the woods grew darker. "I'm scared..." "Aw, c'mon!" said Scootaloo. "We just got here! If we're gonna be real hikers, we gotta go off the path!" She turned around. "Don't be so worried all the time." "Ah'm not scared!" I protested, taking a step towards Scoot. "Ah'm a brave pony! You're the one's that chicken!" She sneered at me. "Well, if you're so brave, then you can clear the bushes for us." She held her hoof out to where the bushes blocked the edge of the path. "Ah'll show ya, Ah'm the bravest pony in Ponyville! I reckon clearing bushes ain't so hard. Ah'll just take this here stick an..." I trailed off as I saw hoof prints in the dirt. They lead to a crudely cleared path through the undergrowth. "Wh-what is it, Apple Bloom?" Sweetie Belle came up behind me, worry in her voice. "it's hoof prints!" I shouted. "Somepony was out here earlier. Let's see just where they go..." I held my head low to the ground, following the path. Scootaloo snorted behind me. "Oh course you found hoof prints. I knew you couldn't clear a path." I turned and glared at her. "Now hush! There might be somepony lost out here an' we'd be just silly to not go an' look for 'em! Applejack told me to never not help a pony when they need help! Now quit ya complaining and come on." I turned and continued to follow the prints. We all trekked in silence for a while. I heard Scoot mumble a few angry curses behind me, but Sweetie Belle and I ignored her. Soon, we reached the entrance to a clearing. I followed the track with my eyes to the center, where I saw something. It was blue and red and lumpy. "What's this here?" I asked aloud. Sweetie Belle took a step back. "I-I think w-we should g-g-go..." she whimpered. "No way!" said Scoot, pushing her forward a step. "What is that thing?" I shrugged. "Uh.... I reckon we better go see if we wanna find out what it is an' all..." I took a careful step forward, but curiosity took the better of me and I quickly trotted up to whatever the thing was. I stared at the bloody lump before me. At first, I had no idea what it was or how to react, but slowly it dawned on me. As the reality hit me like a bucket of apples, vomit rocketed suddenly from my stomach, pouring out onto the grass in front of me. I coughed, backing away from the thing. "It's a pony," I choked, my throat dry. "What?" Scootaloo asked, doubt in her voice. "Whaddya mean, it's a pony? Are they sleeping?" I turned to her. "I mean, IT'S A PONY! An' no he ain't sleepin! He's dead!" I burst out into tears and stumbled away from the blue lump, towards the path. Scoot's eyes became wide. She shook violently in fear, and I saw the insides of her legs become wet with her own urine. Sweetie Belle shrunk down, keeping her eyes away from the body. Even though she hadn't even seen it, tears pooled at her eyes and ran down her face, leaving rivers of grey stained on her cheeks. Anger welled up inside of me. "What are y'all DOIN'? We gotta tell somepony!" I raced toward the original path, the others behind me. I sprinted into Ponyville, the now blood-red forest behind me, screaming "HELP HELP! SOMEPONY HELP!" Twilight heard me first. "Girls!" she said, holding out her hoof to stop us. "What's going on? It's almost sunset, you should be inside." "Pony! In the woods!" I started. "There's a pony in the woods?" Repeated Twilight, confused. "Who?" "We don't know!" Wailed Scootaloo. Twilight glanced at us, starting to become worried. "What's going on, girls?" Sweetie Belle was shaking in her horseshoes. "They're... they're dead..." she whispered. Her strong singer's voice burst out of her, "THEY'RE DEAD!" she screamed. Twilight took a startled step back. "D-dead?" she repeated. "Oh, dear Celestia, not more! You girls go home right now and get safe with your parents." She turned and raced toward the police station, holding back worried tears. Ponyville had been peaceful for a week... and now it was starting all over again. I sat and sobbed loudly, holding my hooves to my face. "Apple... Applejack. I want Applejack. But... she's..." the horror and sadness that I had kept at bay since my sister passed bubbled over. I cried and sobbed curled up in the street for who knows how long. Eventually, I cried myself to sleep. When I woke up, Big Mac was carrying me home on his back. "B-big brother, is that you?" I whispered. "Eeyup." "Big Mac, I... I wish Applejack was home." He got quiet for a second. "I do too, Apple Bloom. We all do." I sniffled, burring my face into his warm, safe fur. "Don't ever leave me." "I would never leave you." His voice sounded very sad. "Promise?" "Promise."

Amber Sin

286

Main 6,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore

The Elements' Demise

A grimdark tale of a horrible twist of fate for the mane six.

cancelled

<p>A horrible murderer is on the loose in Ponyville, and is killing off the Elements of Harmony, shrouding the town in a thick veil of death, sadness, and secrets.</p>

mature

2011-09-10T16:13:26+00:00

2011-09-10T16:13:26+00:00

Big Mac stared off into the rolling hills of the Sweet Apple Acres, remembering the days of his foalhood. Ghost images of a young Applejack leaving him behind for a better life, teaching baby Apple Bloom how to plant the seeds just right, dragging that heavy plow around the field all day, only to be refreshed by AJ's happy voice as they all sat down for dinner. A single tear rolled down his muzzle, tickling his nose. Big Mac closed his eyes and turned away, trying to set up a dam in his mind to hold back the flood of tears that threatened to break through. "Hey, Big Mac?" a soft voice sounded behind the large red colt. "You okay?" Big Mac turned to see his good friend Caramel behind him, a worried look in his eyes. "I-I'm fine," he stuttered, brushing the tears from his eyes. "Just got dust in my eye, that's all. Eeyup, dust." The buff earth pony was slightly surprised when he heard his friend chuckle lightly. "Mac, you don't have to act so tough when I'm here. I know you're justa big softie..." Caramel stepped next to Big Macintosh, pressing against his flank. "It'll be alright, buddy. Applejack's pickin' apples in the sky with Momma and Pop now." The two farmer colts stared at the sky as the sun rose steadily into the air. If one looked hard enough, they could almost see the shadow of the great Princess Celestia against the huge yellow ball of fire. As always, Caramel's girl-ish mannerisms set Big Mac off a little, causing him to feel awkward as the colt pressed against him. However, the warm feeling of a smaller, daintier body next to him made him feel as if Applejack was there instead, happily watching Applebloom playing with her friends, or going on about stories of Momma and Pop. Big Mac sighed. "You're right, like always." he mumbled. "Ah shouldn't feel so sad, AJ would want me to be happy, wouldn't she?" he glanced at Caramel. "Sure she would!" he said, a bounce in his voice as he tried to cheer his friend up. He got silent for a moment, then turned and looked Big Mac in the eye. "So, what are you gonna do?" The red colt was confused for a moment. "Whad'ya mean, what am I gonna do? Not much I can do but continue workin' on the farm." Caramel shook his head, slightly annoyed. "No, ya big feather brained foal!" he flicked his tail angrily. "What are ya gonna do about AJ and all of those other ponies? I know you ain't gonna sit there and act sad, you gotta do something about it! Stop reminiscin' and act like the big, fearless colt you always try to look like!" Big Macintosh felt slightly angered and shocked at Caramel's outburst, but soon saw the truth in his words. "...You're... you're right! I gotta find the horrible pony that did this to my sister and her friends!" With that, Big Mac galloped towards the Ponyville Town square, leaving Caramel in the dust. As he watched him go, Caramel smiled. "Such a dense colt," he said to himself. "Yet so lovable." --- Big Mac was knocking furiously on Twilight Sparkle's door. "Twi, hey, Twi!" he yelled. "Are ya there? TWI!" He banged his large hooves harder on the door, nearly breaking the whole thing to splinters. The door swung wide open. "It's just after sunrise, Mac! What in Equestria do you want?" a sleepy Twilight Sparkle rubbed at her eyes and yawned widely. "Twilight, I need your help." Big Mac stated. "You see, you're one of the last two ponies left of that group of friends y'all were in, an' Rarity isn't as... emotionally stable as you, so Ah need your help in findin' who that murderer is." "Well that's very... ambitious of you, Big Mac, but the police are already working on that. Also, did you really have to come up with this plan so early in the morning?" Twilight was slightly surprised as Big Mac snorted angrily. "The police ain't doin' manure 'round here! Besides, I'll never let it go if I don't do somethin' to avenge AJ! C'mon Twi, you know you wanna help me." Twilight glanced behind her into the library, lost in thought for a moment. She turned back to Big Mac. "Fine." she answered. "Though I still think it's a better idea to leave the investigating to the police, but I guess helping them can't hurt." The big red colt grinned. "Thank ya kindly, Twilight. I need your brains and you need my strength, so it'll work out just fine." Twilight hesitated before responding. "Yeah." she said finally. The two ponies slipped into the library, the door slamming shut behind them. Twilight motioned for Big Mac to sit on a cushion near the center of the room. He sat down, getting comfortable. Spike scurried down the stairs, an eager smile on his face. For a moment, Big Mac though it odd that the baby dragon didn't ask what was going on. Maybe Twilight and him had some sort of connection, who knows? Twilight Sparkle's horn began to glow brightly, and Big Mac suddenly found himself bound and gagged, afloat in the air by Twilight's magic. His eyes widened as she went into panic, trying to thrash his hooves around to break free of the ropes that held him. The cotton rag stuffed in his mouth teased at his uvula, causing him to cough and gag against it. Twilight sat down in front of him, watching as Spike hurriedly took a shot filled with a large dose of an anesthesia and stuck it into Big Mac's side. The colt's eyes rolled back and he slowly slipped into a deep, dreamless sleep. --- What felt like not more than two minutes later, Big Mac groggily woke up in some unknown room. He was strapped to a gurney that was cold to the touch with dark stains across the straps. A disgusting smell emitted from it, like urine and vomit alike. There was a sort of feeling coming from the gurney, it felt like a mixture of fear and pleasure. It was a weird emotion that toyed with Big Mac's brain, so he soon turned his attention to what else was around him. It was very, very bright. Several lights were aimed at him, blinding him. He couldn't see anything but white if he tried to look further than his gurney, so he might as well been in the dark. Big Mac squirmed in the straps, yelping as they dug into his skin painfully. He was a pretty strong colt, but these were much too tight. Panic shot though Big Mac's body again as he realized the numbness he felt below his waist. He tried to move his leg, anything, even just barely flex a muscle, but he couldn't. The colt could barely tell if he had legs anymore. Gulping down his fear, Big mac called out to the whiteness, "Hello?" A familiar voice answered him. "Oh, look who's woken up finally!" The lights flickered out, shrouding the room in darkness. A single, dim light bulb came to life on the ceiling, lighting up a small space. Twilight sparkle entered the light. Tight black elastic gloves covered her forelegs all the way to the knees. She had her mane pulled back into a messy bun behind her head, long needles sticking out of it. her eyes were dark and bloodthirsty. A black apron was tried tightly around her body, the threads swinging by her sides as her walked. As much as Big Mac hated to admit it, Twilight Sparkle looked beautiful in her rage. Horn glowing dimly, Twilight stared at Big Macintosh. She smirked slightly, as if she could read his thoughts, and sat down. "Big Mac, please don't panic. Save that for later. For now, I want you to relax." Horrified thoughts and suspicions ricocheted in his mind, and his whole body was shivering under the straps of the gurney. He couldn't possibly relax now! Twilight either didn't notice his fear or chose to ignore it. "I've got a story to tell you." --- [Twilight's point of view] "What do you mean you didn't kill them?" I roared at the started griffin in front of me. "I saw you! You has plenty of chances to kill Rainbow Dash! The party!" I paced back and forth, Gilda cowering in the door way. "You had several chances at the party!" I stopped and turned back to her. "I though you said he had Pinkie Pie 'taken care of'?" "W-well, I thought I did! She dropped several miles out of the sky, for fuck's sake!" she stammered. I rolled my eyes. "You should have tried harder. The Princess used the best engineering to make her and the other four the ultimate warriors. She won't die from a simple fall." Gilda opened and closed her mouth, but couldn't come up with how to respond. I frowned, starting to pace again. "You don't know about that, do you? What did the Princess tell you, anyway?" "That those five had to be killed and disposed of soon. She wouldn't tell me why, though." I sighed. "When the Princess hears of your mistakes she'll be very upset, you know. I might as well tell you why you were sent off to kill them, before she punishes you." I glanced at Gilda. She looked much less frightening when she was frightened herself. If the Princess had seen her like this before, she never would have hired her. "Several years ago, the Princess became aware of Luna's threat to break free from the moon and cast eternal night. She knew she'd have to defeat Luna somehow. But, being the Princess she is, decided it wouldn't be her that defeats her." Gilda spoke up. "I thought Princess Celestia was the strongest unicorn in all of Equestia?" I nodded. "She is, but she's not one to fight. She didn't care for her younger sister, Luna wasn't even important enough to her to have the satisfaction of finally meeting Celestia in battle. So, she called forth the wives of her five strongest guards. Using her very powerful celestial magic, the Princess impregnated each mare with a specially designed child that would grow up to be the Elements of Harmony. When the fillies were born, Celestia quickly had them planted in families in Ponyville, where they could grow up together without any special treatment. That way, the Elements would be the most pure." I stopped and looked at Gilda. "Do you follow?" She nodded slightly, obviously surprised with my story. I continud. "Several years after that, Luna broke free. The Elements fought her, along with I, and turned her back to her normal self. But that's where things go wrong. You see, the original plan was to kill Luna. There's no need for her, and she has a disorder of some kind where she sort of goes crazy if she doesn't get attention. I know what you're thinking, why can't we just try to kill Luna again, instead of the Elements? Well, the Princess hates imperfection. Those warriors were made to do one thing, and they failed. Not only did they do that, but they also came with a long list of glitches. Schizophrenia, paranoia, multiple personality disorder, things like that." I swung around and face Gilda. "You were sent out to terminate them. You failed. You will most surely die next." "B-but, why do we have to kill them? Why can't we just leave them be?" Gilda asked. "They were created with the Princess's magic, therefore they are just as powerful if not more than the princess herself. Celestia can't bare to have ponies more powerful than her living." Gilda gulped, tapping her claws on the floor. "What about Luna? Who's gonna... kill her?" "Celestia will, but in a very unfair way. Something like stabbing her in her sleep, sawing off her horn and sending her back to the moon, so she won't be able to make food or air with her magic." I answered the question without emotion. Celestia was a bloody ruler behind the scenes, and she was training me to rule over Equestria in the same way. I feel no sympathy for the many ponies lost, they're clearly not important enough to worry about. Then, the Princess herself burst into the room. Her huge wings were expanded fully, a serious look was carved into her face. Her beautiful long hair mimicked the ocean as it rippled around her face. "Gilda," She started, nearing the terrified griffon. "Did you kill them?" "N-no," Gilda answered, voice shaking with fear. Celestia was quite for a moment, then leaned forward a little more. "Sorry, I don't think I heard you correctly." She said, dangerous laughter in her voice. "What was that?" "I... I failed. I'm sorry, Princess." The princess nodded once. She turned her head to the door way she came through. "Guards!" she called. Three guards hurridly rushed into the room, awaiting their master's order. "Take her to the chambers." The three nodded and escorted Gilda from the room. She knew better than to protest, but tears streamed steadily from her eyes as she walked. Celestia turned to me, eyes blazing with anger. "That rat! That lazy, weak, rat!" she spat, sitting down. I was surprised, the Princess rarely sits down in the company of others, even me. She thinks it makes her look weak. "I'm sorry, Princess. I'll go look for a stronger assassin if you'd li--" "No. I can't trust anypony outside of castle. The guards aren't nearly strong enough. I need you, Twilight. I teach you only the strongest spells, you've attended the lessons I have in the chambers. Someday, you will follow in my hoofsteps, Twilight, and become the bloody ruler I am today. It's the only way to keep total control." I gaped at Celestia. "princess, I would never question you, but are you sure I am strong enough?" She nodded, staring at me with pleading eyes. "Twilight, I need you." In that moment as I sat with the Princess, I realized how much she trusted me. Here she was, completely vulnerable in the presence of a unicorn she trained herself. Warmth flooding my body, and I smiled at Celestia. "Anything for you, Princess." --- "Do you understand, Big Mac?" Twilight asked. Big Mac couldn't answer, but she didn't care. Yawning slightly, the unicorn continued. "While I still have Rarity left to kill, I have big plans for her, the Princess told me to also kill anypony that gets in my way, who might find out the secret. You, Big Mac, are one of those ponies.Seeing as you woke me up early and I had nothing planned for today, I'm going to spend a lot of time on you." The straps on the gurney became shrouded in a purple glow, and fell off Big Mac's body like dying snakes. Big Mac flopped to the ground, holding himself up with his forelegs, his back legs laying uselessly behind him. Twilight grabbed him by the shoulders and dragged him into the darkness, her glowing horn the only light. She put his hooves into cuffs, having him hang upside down from the chains. Big Mac spit out the cloth, the gravity making it easier. He promptly vomited, the chunky liquid covering his face and dripping onto the floor. He coughed and yelled for help. Twilight didn't react, she just sat and watched in amusement as big mac panicked, swinging from his chains. "No pony can hear you." she stated after a while. "I put a spell on this place. This is Applejack's cellar, you know. You're going to die in your dead sister's cellar." Big Mac shook her head, "No, don't do this Twilight. I'll... I can help you! I won't tell a soul, I swear." Twilight laughed dryly. "For some odd reason, I don't trust you on that, Big Mac. If you don't mind, I'm going to begin now." Spike entered the very dim light, holding a knife. The knife was huge and curved, the blade stained with dark splotches. "Don't worry, you won't feel a thing." Twilight snatched the knife from Spike, and swung her foreleg around in a wide arch. Big Mac gasped at the blade cut his side. Twilight continued the slashing, moving with a warrior-like grace. She looked like a beautiful samurai, but a dangerous one. White lines crisscrossed Big Mac's vision as the pain burned through his body. He gasped and whimpered and yelped with each slash, each cut, tears mixing with the vomit on his face and dripping down into the disgusting mixture beneath him. After a while, Twilight stopped. She was breathing heavily, sweat making her fur damp. She laughed hard and long, a manic sounding guffaw. "Oh, this makes me feel so alive!" she breathed, handing the knife to Spike. She got seriously quickly. "We have to move him and finish this before he dies of blood loss." As she spoke, Twilight used her magic to free the colt. He floated limply over to a small bench, where her was tied down again. The puddle of vomit, tears, and blood alike was scooped into a small pail, and set on Big Mac's chest. Twilight neared him, holding up the bucket, smiling widely. Big Mac clamped his mouth shut, shaking his head. "Open uuup, Big Mac!" Twilight cooed. Big Mac refused. "Fine. Then I'll just have to force you to. SPIKE!" Spike scuttled to her side. "Star the pendulum." Spike nodded and hurried into the darkness, metal clanks and rope whooshing through the air was heard, and suddenly a huge, curved blade was lowered form the ceiling. Big mac stared at it, shivering in the straps. The blade began to swing back and forth, very slowly. Twilight backed away and watched quietly. As it swung, it neared the ground more and more. Big Mac whimpered, but still refused to open his mouth. The pendulum swished through the air, not two inches from Big Mac's chest. Twilight gasped, then giggled, as the blade made it's first contact with Big Mac. He moaned and squirmed, but the straps held him tight. In his absolute fear, Big Mac relieved himself, foul smelling yellow liquid dripping down his useless back legs. Finally, her opened his mouth. "F-fine! Just, stop that thing!" Twilight nodded to Spike, who pulled on a rope that caused the blade to stop and raise back into the darkness above. Twilight brought the bucket to where Big Mac's urine streamed off his leg. She held it there until it began to drip very slowly, then swished the bucket around and shoved it into the colt's face. "Drink." Big Mac maoned and stared at the repulsive mix. He could drink it, or he could die under that huge, swinging blade. "You're going to die anyway," Twilight said suddenly, as if she could read his mind. "Just do as I say and you'll live for a few more hours." The red colt gulped, sweat trickling down his brow. Twilight became impatient, and stuck her hoof into his mouth, opening it up widely. Big Mac thrashed and gurgled as the mizture was dumped into his mouth. It tasted disgusting and smelled of despair and death. As Twilight poured the liquid down his throat, Big Mac vomited several times. The chunky goo covered the two ponies, but Twilight never stopped. Finally, the horrified and disgusted red colt swallowed the last mouthful, holding back another wave of nausea. Twilight smiled triumphantly. Using her magic, she gather the stray vomit back into the bucket, but instead of forcing it down Big Mac's throat again, she handed it to Spike. "Ready the pool." Spike scurried away. Big Mac wanted to cry and scream and go running home to is Momma, but he can't now. He knew he was going to die. That was Big Mac's last thought as a weight came crashing down on his skull, and blackness overwhelmed him. --- Big Mac was awaken to the feeling of cold water enveloping him. Thrashing around, Big mac soon realized her was in a small cage. If he sat down (At this point, 'sitting down' meant putting his upper body weight on the twisted and limp back legs that crumpled beneath him.) his muzzle just barely rose out of the water. Sucking in a breath, the colt listened to Twilight begin to talk from some corner of the area. "Big Mac, I'd like to tell you that you are almost completely unsafe in every way at the moment." "Ah figured already, you rotten--" "Silence! I will not have you insulting me when you are in my chambers!" Twilight barked. "Big Mac, you are in a pool. A pool filled with filthy sewage, with a hint of your own urine and vomit. You're going to stay here for a few hours, while I go have some lunch and converse with the ponyfolk. They will notice if I'm gone all day, won't they? Scream all you want, Big Mac," Twilight added as the colt began hollering and shouting for help. "Nopony can hear you. Magic, duh." With that, Twilight Sparkle and Spike swiftly left the room, leaving Big mac in the pitch black, swimming in his own vomit. He wondered if maybe he went to sleep, he'd drown. He probably would, and then he wouldn't have to feel anymore pain. He clenched his teeth at the burning in his chest. The huge gash that cut from his chin to his pelvis was festering in the filthy water, and he knew that it would get infected and kill him, if he could make it through this. He doubted he could even make it until Twilight got back. Suddenly, Big Mac though of something. If he were to die now, Twilight wouldn't be able to play any more 'games' (That he would be alive to experience) that she enjoyed so much. It would make her so mad... and that's the best way of revenge Big Mac could think of. As he relaxed slightly, the colt realized how tired he actually was. The blood loss was making him dizzy and woozy, and all he really wanted to do was drift off into a peaceful sleep. As he slowly closed his eyes, Big Mac whispered into the empty, wet darkness; "I'll see you soon, sister." His eyes shut heavily and his body crumpled, his head dipping under the water. At first, his instincts made him panic and struggle, but soon he just simply drifted off, leaving the horrible torture and filthy water and memories behind. --- Meanwhile, Rarity was smiling at Twilight Sparkle who was standing at her door. "How may I help you, Twilight, dear?" she asked. Twilight grinned. "I'd like to look at some dresses. A funeral gown, for Rainbow Dash's upcoming ceremony." Each of the Elements had had their own ceremony over the past weeks. In each ceremony, the ponies' necklace that represented their Element was polished and sat on a coffin filled with pictures and such of the deceased (the ponies' bodies were sent to Canterlot for 'experiments'). Some ponies might say that the pendants glowed slightly, with an almost urgent feeling around them. As if they knew a horrible secret and had to tell everypony, but no pony would listen. Rarity nodded. "I've been working on those..." she started, but trailed off. Princess Luna was sitting in the very center of the main room, a angry look in her eyes. Twilight bowed deeply in respect for the Princess, but ground her teeth as she did so. She hated giving anypony respect besides her master, Princess Celestia. Luna was a fluke, anyway. She should have never been born. She was birthed of unlawful blood, a bastard child. All of the royals loathed her behind her back. Luna looked at Rarity, her eyes glinting. Rarity acted as if she heard words from that simple glance, and quickly turned to Twilight. "I'm sorry, Twilight, dear," she said mechanically, "but I cannot be of service to you at the moment. Please come back another time, dear." Twilight frowned. "What do you mean? You were just--" "I said, I can't be of service to you." "But--" "GET OUT! Can't you take a fuckin' order?" a loud and assertive voice boomed throughout the cottage. Twilight turned to Luna, surprised, but Rarity flinched and refused to look at the princess. "Princess?" Twilight said. "Princess, when did you start--" "Get out, before I throw you out. Can't you tell Rarity doesn't want you in here?" Rarity piped up, her voice weak. "Princess, you really don't have to be so rude to Twilight. I can take care of myself." Luna rolled her eyes. "You can't take care of shit" she spat. Turning back to Twilight, the princess continued. "And you better get your purple ass out of here before I do something you might regret." Twilight's rage flared in her stomach, engulfing her in an intense heat. Deep inside, she wanted to kill her. She wanted to torture her slowly, cut off her limbs one by one. However, Luna is much too strong for her. She could never take her down. Instead, twilight nodded once and left the cottage, painfully ignoring the thumps and whimpers emitting from it as she left. She knew she planned to kill Rarity eventually, so she shouldn't care if she gets abused, but she wanted to burn and cut that Luna so bad, it almost hurt. "One day," she whispered. "One day..."

Amber Sin

286

Main 6,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore

The Elements' Demise

A grimdark tale of a horrible twist of fate for the mane six.

cancelled

<p>A horrible murderer is on the loose in Ponyville, and is killing off the Elements of Harmony, shrouding the town in a thick veil of death, sadness, and secrets.</p>

mature

2011-08-31T22:40:03+00:00

2011-08-31T22:40:03+00:00

"L-Luna, please, you don't--" "Shut your mouth, and don't call me Luna!" "But--" "I said shut up!" a hoof reached out and slapped Rarity across the face heavily. Rarity fell to the floor, whimpering. The Princess frowned down at her. "Weak." she mumbled. There was no Princess Luna in the room. In her place, Nightmare Moon had taken over. Her anger spilled over onto the poor Rarity. The purple cloud floated about the room, pulsing with Nightmare's emotions. She spat at Rarity angrily. "Don't you know what is happening? Are you stupid?" she growled. "I... I don't understand, Princess..." "She's out to kill you! She's out to kill me! I should have realized this sooner. Of course Celestia would send out Twilight. That damned tyrant, that damned Twilight. She'll never lay a hoof on you, do you hear me? Never!" Nightmare Moon spun around and stuck her face near Rarity's, a manic look in her eyes. "never..." she whispered, more quiet and soft. Rarity trembled. "Wh...what?" "Celestia wants to kill me. She's always wanted to kill me. I'm not of royal blood, I'm not stable, I'm not anything a princess should be. Then there's you, an Element of Harmony. You were made to kill me." "Made?" Rarity repeated. "Yes, made." Nightmare sighed. "She used some sort of scientific spell to alter you and the other four Elements to be 'the perfect warrior'. You failed, you didn't kill me. Celestia doesn't like imperfection." "So, she wants us to die... because we didn't k-kill you?" "Yes. Like I said, she hates imperfection." Nightmare Moon stared off into space for a moment, a heavy silence filling the room. "if you want to live," she began again after a few moments, "You'll have to run away. With me." Rarity blinked at Nightmare Moon. She was terrified in her presence, shaking and shivering. She looked down at her legs, frowning at the bruises and cuts there. Nightmare Moon was far from a gentle friend; she forced Rarity to love her, to worship her. While she was horrified by the alicorn, Rarity wanted to live, too. She still didn't understand exactly what was happening, but she did know that even if Nightmare was abusive herself, she'd protect her form outside forces. "I'll go with you, as long as you promise to protect me, and explain this more when we get there." Nightmare Moon blinked at Rarity, happiness slowly filling her. The anger inside her evaporated, and Luna was herself once again. "I-I'm sorry if I hurt you," she always said this first, after mood swings like such. Rarity helped up the Princess. "It's ok, dear." "We'd better go. Get some stuff packed." Rarity nodded and hurried into her room, leaving Luna sitting thoughtfully in the main room. Is she leaving because she trusts me, or because it's her only chance of living?" --- Twilight's anger overflowed. "SPIKE!" Spike scurried into the room, trembling. "Y-yes, Twilight?" She pointed into the murky pool, at the cage, "He's dead." Spike glanced at it, and nodded. " Uh, yeah?" "He died... too... early!" Twilight stomped her hooves in frustration. "I didn't get to do all the other things I had planned!" "Well, Twi, he's not one of the Elements, so it's not like it really mattered how he died. The actual Elements have to be killed brutally to die." Twilight rounded on Spike. "I don't care, Spike! I have to learn to be a horrible killer just like the Princess! If she finds out I just let one slip after just barely grazing him with torture, she'll flip!" Spike shrugged. "Sorry, Twilight. I'm sure the Princess will understand." Spike neared the cage, and breathed a large gust of fire into it, sending it to Canterlot. Not ten seconds later, he burped out a note. He read it aloud. "Dearest Twilight, Thank you for the fresh kill. Gilda here has been getting hungry. I am slightly disappointed at the lack of damage to the corpse, but I'm sure my little murderer will do better next time. Please, hurry with the last Element. I know it will be hard, seeing as it is another unicorn, but I'm getting antsy. If Luna is out there, she might figure out what is going on, and inform Rarity. Many regards, Princess Celestia." Twilight sighed. "It's true. I need to continue with Rarity." Spike frowned. "I wish that--" "No, Spike." Twilight interrupted. "You're my pet, and I work for Celestia. You have to get used to these sort of things, even if you have feelings for the pony." Spike looked down at his feet and nodded sadly. "Spike, please clean up. I have to go and plan out my attack on Rarity." Spike's face became twisted with disgust, but he didn't argue. Quietly, Twilight walked upstairs and to her bedroom, pulling out the large quantity of books that were hidden under her bed. Murder mystery books, books on ancient tortures, and one book called Encyclopedia Magisica; a Guide To The Strengths and Weaknesses of Unicorn Magic. Twilight flipped through it, scanning the pages. After a while, she came across one very interesting section. She read it aloud to her self. "Unicorn magic," she read, "is made in a special part of an unicorn's brain. This special part, named the Magia Lobe, is located near the top on the brain, just under the horn. When a unicorn thinks of a certain spell, the Magia Lobe is notified and sends the correct signal to the horn, which casts the spell using large amounts of energy from said unicorn's body. If something were to happen to the horn and it broke, then it would be impossible to cast spells. There is something called an iaculator carminis near the tip of the horn. That iaculator carminis is what converts the energy into magic, and casts the spell. If the horn were to have more than one inch broken off, the iaculator carminis would either be cut in half, or taken out completely. This would be extremely painful, and would leave the unicorn incapable of magic. It is possible to have a donation of a new horn, but scientists are still working on connecting the iaculator carminis's nerves back into the Magia Lobe so late it can work again. "The iaculator carminis's secrets are still unknown to most scientists. It is a small, blue-purple ball that is slightly squishy and soft in texture. If one held it, they would feel a very light feeling of electricity coming from the ball, but it's actually just stored energy form the unicorn's body. Some scientists believe is is just an over sized nerve, and others believe it is a whole new concept to the unicorn body." Twilight looked at the diagram below the section, wondering how she could put Rarity in a position to dislocate her horn. As the unicorn continued reading the following chapter named "Defense and Attack Spells", Spike scurried up into the room. "So I cleaned up the blood and vomit and stuff, and drained the pool. Now what?" Twilight smiled at him. "Now, you can spend some time with me!" She held out her forelegs, and the two hugged each other tightly. Though neither one said anything, a heavy sad and serious feeling fell over them. "Spike," Twilight said softly into his ear, "I never stopped to ask you, but are you sure you're ok with what I'm doing? I've made you help, I've made you clean up, and you're still a baby dragon, after all." The dragon's body began to shake, and Twilight heard soft sobbing coming from him. "It's hard," he said after a while. " B-but, I'd do anything for you, Twilight. You're like my mom. I understand that you have to do this. It's the princess's orders." Twilight began to tear up herself. "Oh, Spike," she breathed, hugging him closer. "I'm so sorry you have to go through this. When this is over, I'll make sure you'll never have to see such horrid things again." Spike sniffled. "i love you, Twilight." "I love you too, Spike." --- Meanwhile, In Canterlot, Gilda was having her dinner. The griffon spat and pushed the mauled body away from her. "No," she choke. "I refuse to eat any more ponies. It's just not right." The Princess frowned at her. "Then you'll just have to starve. Somegriffon has to rid of the bodies, and you happen to be the only one being punished in the chambers at the moment." She leaned closer to the bars on Gilda's cell. "You should have at least killed Rainbow Dash while you could. Maybe I wouldn't have been so angry." Flashbacks of better days whooshed through Gilda's mind. Being alone and afraid at flight camp, and Rainbow Dash coming over to cheer her up and be her friend. The two sitting together at lunch, making jokes about the other feathered creatures at the camp. Growing up into awkward teens, sticking up for each other at school. Even sharing their first kiss together when they were growing older and learning their sexuality. How could Gilda ever kill somepony so important to her? Yet, the last time she'd seen Rainbow Dash she was just a barely recognizable body on her dinner plate. She turned away form the Princess, tears burning her eyes. "No." She repeated. Celestia's anger flared. Suddenly, Gilda was covered in a snaking pink cloud that held her several inches off the ground by her neck. The Princess leaned as close to the griffon as she could, her face pressing against the bars. "Eat it, or die slowly." she growled. Gilda coughed and spluttered, but managed to nod her head a few times. The Princess dropped her, and the griffin quickly tore into the carcass. Celestia laughed at her tears and gagging noises, watching her with a broad smile on her face. "You see, Gilda," she said, "If I were not as brutal as such, no pony would respect me. Besides, you deserve it. All the ponies and other creatures punished in these chambers deserved it. You've been a naughty griffon, and you should expect much more punishment after my dear Twilight has finished her duty. Hah! I thought you were tough, but some little unicorn can do better than you! Gilda, you are a disgrace to beasts of all kind. Your softness will be the reason for your death." Gilda angrily gulped down the cold meat, hate bubbling inside her as the Princess tore on with her verbal abuse. She thought that karma would reward her for not killing the Elements, but maybe, the Princess controls karma, too. Was it possible that not killing the Elements was wrong, though? Is the world supposed to be brutal and twisted like this? The Princess's laughter quieted down, and she turned around. "Two more weeks." She said simply as she quietly walked up into the palace. Gilda frowned. She pushed the remains of the body away from her, and turned to throw up the disgusting meal int eh corner. She couldn't bare the thought of having some innocent ponie's body in her belly. "Two more weeks..." she muttered to herself. "Two more weeks to live? Is that what she meant?" Gilda turned to the wall, where she used her claws to sketch a picture of the Elements, with Rainbow Dash in the center, smiling proudly. She held her paw to the drawing, tears pooling at her eyelids. "I miss you so much, Dash," she whispered. "I'll see you soon, though. In two weeks, we can fly together again, we can joke around together again. That is, if I don't go to h-hell..." Gilda choked on her words, looking down at her back paws. Tears blurred her vision and dropped heavily onto her fur. No, I can't think like that. Not now. She looked back up at the drawing of Rainbow Dash. "I promise, we'll be together again soon." Gilda pressed her body against the cold wall, tears falling steadily down her face. She stayed like that for a long while, until she eventually cried herself to sleep. She used to have nice dreams about flying through the clouds, a big smile on her face. Tonight, her dreams were crowded with images of horrible monsters and darkness, fire and hate.

Amber Sin

286

Main 6,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore

The Elements' Demise

A grimdark tale of a horrible twist of fate for the mane six.

cancelled

<p>A horrible murderer is on the loose in Ponyville, and is killing off the Elements of Harmony, shrouding the town in a thick veil of death, sadness, and secrets.</p>

mature

2011-09-05T22:09:10+00:00

2011-09-05T22:09:10+00:00

Rarity and Luna stood on the edge of Ponyville, the cold wind whipping through their manes. The night was very dark, Luna had used her magic to dim the moon's light so they could hide better. Luna did not control, however, the biting cold. it was the beginning of winter, and snowflakes fell lazily from the sky. Rarity looked up, a breif thought flitting through her mind. I hope my mane doesn't get ruined in this weather She soon turned her mind on the current situation, though. "Luna, where are we going?" Princess Luna sighed. "Somewhere far away, Rarity, love." Rarity was not quite sure if she was okay with Luna's obvious affection for her, but she didn't say a word. She wouldn't dare set off the princess again, she had learned her lesson. The permanent scars that flawed her body were a constant reminder. The unicorn shivered and wrapped the scarf more securely around her neck. Luna stared off into the two paths ahead. One steered into the Everfree Forest. While it was a wonderful place to keep hidden, she wasn't sure if it was safe for the two mares. They were both strong unicorn with trained and skilled magical abilities, but in the end, a manticore would kill them with one swipe of a gigantic paw. The other path was a rolling plain, with a small dirt path, that led to the nearest city, Manehatten. There wasn't much cover that way, but it was much safer. Once the two got to Manehatten, they would be safe among the crowd. The princess frowned. Her decision could lead to her and Rarity's death, or lead to the avoidance of such. At times like this, Luna really wished her mother was around. She was the only one of her family who really appreciated her. She understood Luna when she was engulfed with rage, and tried to stop Celestia. The princess of the sun responded with her usual tactics, which was the murder of her own mother. Luna's father was never of real royal blood, and had long ago fled her mother and herself. The king, Galixor, didn't care for Luna. She was alone, and had always been alone sense then. Rarity suddenly spoke up, "If we travel by night, we shouldn't come across any pony. Even if we did, what would be the odds that it was Twilight, or Spike, or the princess herself? I think Manehatten isn't that far away, we should take the path, don't you agree?" Luna was surprised, but understood Rarity's way of thinking. She nodded. "Let's go." The two unicorns set off onto the dirt path. Luna expected Rarity to whine about the conditions, but surprisingly she kept quiet. When the wind took up and whipped the two around in the freezing cold, Luna held Rarity close with her wings, giving her all her warmth. She had spent a thousand years on the moon, she was used to cold like this. Rarity was grateful for the warmth, but in truth she felt very awkward. She had searched her heart, but found no loving feelings to return Luna's with. She was fearful of her, and didn't she her as anymore than a moody ruler. She might have thought of her as a friend, if it wasn't for the abuse. --- Well into the night, Rarity collapsed to the ground. The moon was nearing the horizon, so it was actually early in the morning. Luna, heart filled with panic, frantically asked Rarity was was the matter. "I'm fine," Rarity yawned. "Just... really... sleep...yzzzz" Rarity dozed off, face first into the dirt. Luna used her magic to lay Rarity in the grass, and pulled a blanket out of the bag she had slung over her back. She set it gently on Rarity, and sat down beside her. The princess of night found that even she was a little drowsy, and lied down to take a short lap beside Rarity. --- "Wake up! The Great and Powerful Trixie demands it! Wake up!" The two unicorns were awoken to the sound of very loud talking. They grumbled and looked around, confused and angry. "Is that the princess?" a slow, deep voice almost lulled the two back to sleep. "Who's this pony she's with?" a shrill one pierced their ears and had them almost sitting straight up. "Be quiet, you two! Hey, they're getting up. Hello? About time. The Great and Powerful Trixie hates to be kept waiting." Luna frowned at the trio in front of her. "Who are you?" She asked. The blue unicorn rolled her eyes. "The Great and Powerful Trixie, of course!" "The most magical--" Snips started. "--Most beautiful--" Snails continued. "Unicorn in Equestia!" The two finished together, gesturing toward Trixie. "Ok..." Luna drawed, staring at them. "What do you want, then?" "You are princess Luna, right?" Trixie asked, dodging the question with another. "Um, yes." Luna answered, cautious. "Oh, then you're not an impostor, right?" The Great and Powerful Trixie leaned it, staring princess Luna down. "No..." "Good! Oh dear, where are my manners. Hello, princess." Trixie bowed down in front of Luna. Luna was shocked, no pony ever bowed down to her. Trixie straightened up. "Dear princess," she said. "I ask of you a favor. A simple favor, one that I'm sure a princess of your raw beauty and talent could pull off." Rarity gawked at the blue unicorn. She remembered Trixie quite clearly as being a stuck up snob who thought she was the best at everything. Why was she acting so... submissive? Luna stamered. "A... I... um... ah, ok..." "I wish for you to teach me your magic, princess." Trixie said, leaning close to Luna. "You are obviously the most powerful unicorn in Equestria, being able to cast eternal night, even if it was only for a few days, and taking over the princess like that! Even now that you're good and all, you can raise the moon. The moon! I want to be powerful like that." Luna stuttered "Ah, um... But..." Rarity glared at Trixie. "Oh, stop being such a kiss up. Luna, she's a very rude and bratty pony, don't listen to her." Trixie rounded on Rarity. "Oh you shut up! I'm not kissing up, I'm merely paying respect to the most wonderful and beautiful unicorn in Equestria!" Rarity sniffed. "Oh, psh. Suck up." Trixie stuck her tongue out. "Prick." "Oh, you take that--!" "Enough!" Luna shouted. She turned to the trio before her. "Yes, I am powerful. No, I will not teach you any magic. The situation we are in is much to urgent to stop and do things like such. My friend and I must get going, and I would prefer you leave us alone." The Great and Powerful Trixie ignored Luna's indirect order. She followed behind the two ponies as they set off for Manehatten. "Where are you going? Why can't you teach me magic?" She asked. "Why are you following me?" Luna mumbled, ignoring her questions. "Because, if you can't teach me magic I could at least keep you company and help you out!" trixie answered. "Kiss flank." Rarity murmered angrily. Trixie frowned at her. "Anyway, where are you going?" "Manehatten." Luna told her. "Why?" "We can't stay where we are." "Why is that?" "Because." "Because why?" "Because, we just can't." "Does it have something to do with those Ponyville murders going on?" "Maybe." "Are you going on an adventure?" "I guess. Not really." "Can I come?" "No. Go away." "Please?" "No." "Pleeeeeease?" "No. I just said no." "PLLLEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASE?" "No!" "PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEE!!??" "NO!" "Pretty please with cherries and sparkles on top?" "Of fine, just shut up." "Yay! So, what's your favorite color?" The rest of the way down the path was filled with never ending questions. At one point, Luna asked why Trixie was asking so many questions. "Because all I've had to talk to for the past six months are these dorks." she answered, gesturing toward Snips and Snails, who followed lovingly and loyally behind the unicorn, completely oblivious to her distaste for them. Luna sighed. She understood what Trixie felt, sort of. When one hasn't talk to anypony or anything interesting for a long while, she craves the conversation of somepony new. Rarity mumbled angry things toward the Great and Powerful Trixie, but never really directed them aloud to her. Luna frowned. On one side of her, was the mare she loved, who didn't love her back. On the other side, was a mare who adored her and her conversation, and whom she could relate to, but she also found a tad bit annoying, and was hated by the pony she loved. Just my luck. --- Meanwhile, Twilight was very angry. "She's gone! She's up and disappeared! Oh my stars, she knows! Do you understand what is happening, Spike? Rarity knows! She's run away, and now I'll never find her. Celestia is going to kill me! Ohh..." Twilight Sparkle paced in a circle around Spike, who sat down, staring worriedly at her. "You know, Twilight," She said, "You could just go looking for her. I mean, you know a lot of magic, right? Maybe you could use it." "Spike! that's a horrible... wait. No. That's a great idea!" Twilight turned and around and hugged Spike tightly. "Oooh, thank you! You're the best! Now, let's see if I can find a tracking spell..." The next few hours were spent looking for the right spell. Finally, a few hours before sunset, they found it. The library was a mess, books covered the floor. Twilight read the chant quickly, and held up a brush that belonged to Rarity with her magic. The spell quickly pointed her in the direction of where Rarity should be, and Twilight Sparkle followed her horn. Spike, holding on for dear life on Twilight's back as she galloped out of town, tried to keep the bag of supplies steady. Inside there were several different types of blades (Twilight wasn't sure what kind of blade would cut through a horn, so she brought all of them) a long string of rope, a gag, chloroform, and a few different types of liquid drugs kept safe in small bottles. Twilight stopped, panting, at the top of a hill. the dirt path that led to Manehatten was very long, and streched out almost endlessly before them. A tiny glimmer in the distance was the only thing they could see besides dirt and grass. According to her spell, Rarity was already within the city. How did Applejack walk all the way to there when she was a FILLY? Twilight wondered. "Shit," She cursed. "I'll never get her alone there! There's too many ponies around. And, it'd going to take forever to even get to the city! Hrumph." Twilight sat down heavily and angrily in the dirt, hooves folded across her chest. Spike climbed off Twilight Sparkle's back. "Maybe we should rest for the night. Celestia can wait a couple more days, can't she?" Twilight nodded, gingerly following Spike to the bottom of the hill. The two set up a makeshift camp a few yards away from the path. As they settled down, Twilight sighed. "Today went by pretty fast, huh?" she stated, snuggling close to her dragon to keep him warm in the cold wind. He nodded. "Yeah. I'm kind of excited to see Manehatten, though. I've never been there." Spike yawned widely, his eyes drooping. Twilight smiled at him. "You get some sleep, ok?" But she needn't say anything, Spike was already drifting off into slumber. Twilight carefully set a blanket over him, whispering "Sweet dreams," into his ear. The unicorn walked a few feet from the camp, staring up at the dark sky. The moon is not usually this dark, and there should be much more stars out, she realized. Obviously Luna's work. Twilight sighed. "I really don't want to kill her," she said aloud, to no pony in particular. "But I have to follow the princess's orders, right?" Twilight stared up at the few stars that were out, wishing they could talk back to her, tell her the right thing to do. "The princess told me that the only way to keep rule over Equestria is through violence. She has to be right, she's the princess! The princess is never wrong... right?" The young unicorn shivered as the snow began to fall more heavily, covering the ground in a shallow dust. As she sat there, staring up at the sky, a thought slipped into her mind. I could just ignore the princess, and not kill her... Instantly, Twilight shook her head. "No! I can't go against the princess!" she said aloud. "Equestria must be ruled by a killer to keep them under control, and the Elements must be destroyed so they aren't a threat to the Princess." she reassured herself. "Yeah, the princess knows what she's doing. I just have to follow her and ask no questions, and I'll turn out fine." As she stood there, she suddenly felt how exhausted she was. Yawning, Twilight walked over and snuggled next to Spike, who subconsciously buried his face into her warm fur. She smiled. "Just one more," she said. "Then you won't have to help me anymore." --- Gilda was pressing heavily against the bars of her cell, grinding huge gashes into her feathers and skin. She grunted and pushed as hard as she could, but they didn't give way to her weight. She flapped her wings is desperation, yet the bars held strong. Gilda cried out and fell, blood leaking from her arm and sides. "Let me out!" she screamed, crying loudly. "I'll do anything, just let me go." She crawled into the corner, crying pathetically. Her back paw was broken and infected, and she was horribly sick with some kind of flu. She coughed up blood several times a day, and each day she grew weaker. She new she would be going soon, if Celestia didn't kill her first. Turning to the carving of Rainbow Dash in the wall, Gilda sighed. "I'm sorry," she said. "I never meant to be so mean to you. You're not a flip flop, you're the most talented and beautiful pegasus I've ever known. I love you, Rainbow Dash. I wish I could have at least told you that before you died." Smiling sadly, she rubbed a claw over the drawing, feeling the bumps and curves. Suddenly, a surge of heavy emotion filled Gilda. She felt hate for Celestia, sadness for herself, love for Dash, and disgrace for her family. She didn't want to live int his torture for any longer, she wnated to be with Rainbow again. Celestia told her that if she killed herself, she would make sure her body was treated with no respect. She would violate it and destroy it beyond recognition, and let it rot in a far off forest. The griffons have always had a thing about treating the dead with care. They preserved their bodies and they were buried in beautiful coffins, lined with velvet. So, this was the worst of threats to give to Gilda. But, at this point, she just didn't care. As she stared into the eyes of her one and only love, Gilda brought her claw to her neck. She dug it in, screaming with pain, and drug it across her neck. Blood poured out of the wound, dripping down and soaking her belly. Gilda never looked away from Rainbow Dash as her life leaked form her body. The longer she stared, the more real the drawing looked. As Gilda slipped into the darkness, Rainbow Dash was there, smiling down at Gilda with love in her eyes. "See you soon,"

Amber Sin

286

Main 6,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore

The Elements' Demise

A grimdark tale of a horrible twist of fate for the mane six.

cancelled

<p>A horrible murderer is on the loose in Ponyville, and is killing off the Elements of Harmony, shrouding the town in a thick veil of death, sadness, and secrets.</p>

mature

2011-09-10T05:00:46+00:00

2011-09-10T05:00:46+00:00

Gilda knew she was awake. She could feel her chest moving up and down, the breath snaking in and out of her beak. She wiggled her claws, unsure of what to think. Then, the worst thought possible fluttered into her head; "Am I still alive?" Gilda forced her eyes open, hoping for some sort of white room or a cloudy area or something that was anything besides the stupid chambers. She saw a huge, vast, empty space. The ground was hard and soft at the same time, and streched in all directions. There were no walls, only white. White everywhere. If there was a ceiling, it went much too far up for Gilda to catch a glimpse of it. In awe, Gilda sat up and looked around. "Good morning." Gilda spun around. "Who said that? Where am I?" she shouted. "I'm right here." Slowly turning her head to follow the voice, the griffon was shocked to see another griffon standing behind her. She was huge, several times the size of Gilda. Her wings streched out to what seemed like a length a few times larger than her own body. Her color contrasted with the whiteness of the area. It was black, black as black could get. Not a single speck, not one tiny hair, flawed her coat. Her beak was a very bright gold, it curved into a sharp looking point. Her eyes seemed small for her huge body, but their blueness seemed to strech on for infinity. She was the most beautiful thing Gilda had ever seen. The griffon smiled. "Glad to see you're awake, finally." she said in a casual tone. "Do you remember me?" Gilda stammered. "Ah... I... um... no..." The magestic griffon's smile fell. She sighed deeply. "I should have thoguht so. I suppose there's more important things to teach in school now-a-days." Gilda blinked. "Huh?" she said, quite intelligantly. "Back in my youth, I was very well known. All the griffons worshipped me, they sacrificed themselves for me. It really was fun. As I grew older, though, and I noticed the times beginning to change, you forgot about me. You all forgot about me. I get very lonely, you know." She stared off into the distance, a sad look on her face. Suddenly, a glimmer of understanding flashed in Gilda's mind. "She Who Shouldn't Be Named," she breathed. "The old griffon goddess of death." "I go by Shi," she said, smiling again. "But I am glad someone remembered me. Now, time to get to buisness. The reason you are here, Gilda," She knows my name? Well duh, she's the goddess of death! She Who Shouldn't Be Named! Of course she knwos my name. "Is because you cannot leave this world just yet. You have one last task to complete, then you may cross over onto the other side." Shi said. Gilda was slack-jawed. "Uh, what? What do i have to do?" "Ohhh, um," Shi looked around, an annoyed look on her face. "Darnit. Some stupid pony goddess of Life or whatever told me to tell you, but I think I... oh! that's it! You have to tell this Twilight girl to not kill this other pony, or something. I don't know, she said you would understand. Anyway, it's about time you get going. I got things to do, griffons to kill." "But... but!" Gilda yelped as Shi began to cut a huge gash into the air with her claw. "I don't want... AH!" she was forced through the whole by Shi, who called "Good luck!" after her as Gilda screamed her lungs out. She wasn't screaming her lungs out because she had just met the goddess of death who promptly pushed her through a portal back to the living world, no. Gilda was screaming because she was falling face first into a huge forest several thousand feet below her. Wait, i have wings. Silently hating herself for being so dumb, Gilda unfurled her large wings and was pulled back violently by the force of the air. She flew down closer to the ground, and landed in a thick branch of a large tree. She began to lick her paws, the only cat-like behavior she partakes in. "I have to stop twilight Sparkle from killing somepony?" Gilda murmured out loud. "So, she has been killing of the Elements. I figured she was too... I don't know, dweeb-y to pull something like that off." Silently grooming herself, Gilda thought the situation over. She had died, she knew that, and as forced back into the living realm to stop Twilight. She had no idea why some awesome Goddess of death would care what some dorky pony goddess wanted her to tell one of her own subjects, but, whatever. It's not like she could ignore Shi, Gilda would only get trapped in the living realm forever. She thought she would just convince Twilight to not kill whatever Element it was, and then go back to being dead and stuff. Yeah, that could work. "But how the hell am i supposed to know where Twilight is?" Gilda frowned, staring at some stupid bird try to catch a bug. "Oh, sorry," a voice boomed in Gilda's ear. "Ahem, you should be able to find Twilight around like, Mane-hatt-aaan," the voice pronounced the city's name weird, like it was some new language. "or something. I'm out, good luck." The voice obviously belonged to Shi. While Gilda was grateful for the info, she still had no idea where she was. "Well," she said, unfurling her wings. "Nothing left to do but keep flyin' until I find some sorta city." Gilda leaped off of the tree and flew off into the horizon, a bored look on her face. --- Rarity, Luna, Trixie, Snails, and Snips stood in front of a huge building. It was painted gold and silver, and looked very fancy. Rarity, of course, was in her own little world. She marveled over the shining glass door, the glittery silver handles, the smooth granite flooring inside. Luna hadn't seen such a building in all he life. Being cut out from the world for 1,000 years, the last fancy building she saw was a brick bank. Trixie was a bit self conscious, seeing all the fancy unicorns strutting about. She tightened the cape around her body, shielding out cold wind and judgmental glances. Snips and Snails were, as always, engrossed in every move Trixie made, every word she uttered. Finally, Rarity worked up the courage to actually step inside the building, and the other four followed. The high ceiling held thousands of glittering lights that shone brilliantly down on the group. A male pony stood at a desk, humming a song to himself as he polished some sort of shiny award. He glanced up at the four, looked down at the award, then looked back up, startled. "P-princess Luna?" He gasped. Rarity was surprised to hear he had such a girly voice, he looked so manly. Luna blushed. "Um, hello." "Oh, it's so wonderful to have you here, princess!" said the colt, bowing his head in respect. "What is it you want?" "Um," Luna said, blushing even more deeply. "C-can we stay here a few nights?" "Of course! Do you have any bags?" "A few," Rarity answered, turning slightly to show the colt the medium sized pile of luggage Rarity and Luna had carried with their magic during the journey. The colt nodded, and clopped his hooves together. "Bell boy, bell boy!" he called. A young and jumpy looking earth pony dashed into the room. "Take our wonderful guest's luggage up to our finest room, please." "Yes sir!" He struggled to the elevator, trying to steady several bags on his back, and a few in his mouth. "Come," said the colt, taking them down the opposite hallway. "This elevator is only used for our finest of visitors. It has velvet walls, and moves faster than the others. Your room is 102, on the 23rd floor. The bell boy will have your key for you. have a nice stay!" the colt smiled warmly at the ponies as they crowded into the elevator. "I'm excited!" Trixie burst out. "We get the best room, which means the biggest, which the prettiest view! i can't wait for you to teach me some magic, Luna." Luna frowned. "I never said I was going to teach you anything." "Oh, but you will." Rarity sighed. Trixie really got on her nerves, always being so bossy and needy and totally inconsiderate of others. So rude. Especially to the princess! But... a voice in her mind whispered. Luna is less likely to get really angry and hit you if Trixie is around. Of course. She needed her there, to keep her safe. Rarity knew it would be hard, but she'd have to deal with it. At least until she could rid of Luna's overpowering grasp on her. --- Twilight and Spike stared up at the city before them. It was huge, and beautiful. The slowly dying sunlight was dark red, and bathed the whole city in fire. Lights blinked on and off, ponies called to one another and a mixture of all kinds of music drifted out from downtown. They were both in awe. Twilight took in a breath, and walked briskly into Manehatten. spike followed closely behind her, terrified of being separated from her and getting lost. They stopped at a rickity old hotel on the edge of downtown, the steel doors held a sign that read; "FOOD: OUT OF ORDER." Twilight stared at it, frowning. "How can food be out of order?" she asked. Spike shrugged. "Maybe they can't afford to make any." The purple unicorn sighed. "This is the only place we can afford." she said, pushing open the heavy doors. The floor was a dirty carpet, and the room was empty except for an angry looking mare leaning on the front desk, chewing gum with a bored expression. "Can I help you ma'am and sir?" she droned as the two approached the desk. "Um, can we have a room, please?" Twilight asked. "Yep." popping a pink gum bubble, the mare slowly typed something into the computer. Twilight was sort of surprised, computers were rather rare in Equestria. Maybe Manehatten is different from Canterlot or Ponyville, though. "Room 17, first floor. Here's your key. 20 bits a day. Enjoy your stay, or whatever." Twilight trudged off down the hall. She laughed dryly as she saw room 17 was literally the last room on the floor, and she had seen no elevators or stair cases on her walk. "Well," she sighed, sliding her key. "We'll only be here for a little bit, so I think we can handle it. Right, Spike?" Spike nodded, but he looked sort of scared at Twilight opened the door. Almost instantly, he saw several cockroaches scuttle into the shadows. Something leaped out from sight too fast for them to see, but it looked a lot bigger than a cockroach. Turning on the light, Twilight stepped into the room and sat the bags down. The metal and glass inside of them clanked loudly, but she didn't seem to care. The unicorn flopped onto the dirty and stained bed, and almost instantly fell asleep. Spike wondered around the tiny room for a little bit, trying to find whatever animal or thing had run from then earlier. When all he found was a cat-sized hole in the wall, Spike curled up next to twilight on the tiny bed. He tried to keep from crying as his body crawled with disgust. He had always hated unclean places and bugs, it creeped him out. After a very long time of tossing and turning and whimpering, Spike finally managed to drift into a light sleep. He dreamed of Twilight going off into a battle field, covered in armor. She told him she would be home soon, proudly carrying the helmet of her defeated opponent. Spike waited days and days for her to return, but she never did. When he finally got the courage to travel to the battle sight, he found her body rotting in the dirt. Spike shot up, screaming, from the bed. Twilight grumbled and turned over, she had always been a heavy sleeper. Breathing heavily, Spike looked around. He grabbed for Twilight, taking comfort in the feeling of her chest rising and falling, the warm breath billowing from her nose. he sighed, and lied back down. I wish this was over, Spike thought to himself as he tried to go back to sleep. I'm not sure if I can handle it anymore.

Amber Sin

286

Main 6,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore

The Elements' Demise

A grimdark tale of a horrible twist of fate for the mane six.

cancelled

<p>A horrible murderer is on the loose in Ponyville, and is killing off the Elements of Harmony, shrouding the town in a thick veil of death, sadness, and secrets.</p>

mature

2011-12-07T18:43:21+00:00

2011-12-07T18:43:21+00:00

Twilight prodded Spike with her hoof. "Wake-y wake-y!" "Uuuuhg." Spike sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes and yawning. "What do you want, Twilight?" "I want for you to get up! Today we are going Rarity hunting. Once we find where she is staying, and for how long, then we can begin to plot her demise." Twilight giggled to her self as she looked through the bag of weapons once again. She pulled out a few non-weaponry items like tooth brushes, mane combs, a scarf, and set them aside. "Let's see..." Twilight mumbled, staring at the needles and blades laid out on front of her. "We most likely will not get the chance to kill her today, so maybe bringing just two knives and the chloroform will be good, just in case. Okay!" she started putting the selected items into the bag, and flung it over onto her back. "Let's go." Spike groggily followed Twilight out of the hotel and into the city. The city was very quiet; only the sound of a distant train could be heard. As the two followed the streets into downtown, Twilight stopped to inspect every shop or building they came across. They saw no hotels or bed-n-breakfasts, only small businesses or bakeries. When they reached downtown, they were surprised. There were a lot of buildings, and all very close together. In the middle of the hoard of buildings was a wide open green space with a fountain and rose bushes. Twilight swung her head around, gaping at all the shapes and colors in the square. She plopped her behind down onto the sidewalk, and pouted. "We'll never find Rarity and Luna here!" she wailed like a young filly, stomping her hooves. "Hey, calm down." Spike patted Twilight on the shoulder. "We'll just ask around, okay?" Spike knew that in times of great stress, Twilight got really whiny and frustrated. When he was younger, she used to get so upset she'd sometimes go into a fit and knock over all of the books on the huge shelves in their Canterlot castle. Over the years, Spike learned ways to calm her down before she got really upset. Something deep in the back of his head squirmed. Hopefully, Twilight will never find Rarity. Spike thought. He instantly became guilty. How could he think like that? Twilight and the princess gave him an order to help murder all of the Elements, he could never go back on an order like that! Shaking his head to clear it, Spike led Twilight to the nearest store, a bakery. Twilight followed him gingerly, sniffling as if holding back tears. Spike wanted to sigh out loud at Twilight's baby-like attitude. I mean, I'm an actual baby, in dragons' terms, and I'm handling it better than her! Sometimes, Twilight really gets on my nerves. Opening the door to the bakery, Spike was instantly flooded with a mixture of smells. Chocolate cookies were set out on counters, and cakes of all flavors were baking in the ovens. It smelled a lot like home should smell, from what Spike read in books. Twilight never baked. A cheerful colt behind the counter waved at the two. "Well, howdy!" he said. "Would y'all care for a cookie or two? First customers of the day always get 'em free." Twilight smiled awkwardly. "No thanks," she said, stomping her hoof down on Spike's tail before he could go running off, arms extended, for the cookies. "We would just like to ask you something, if you don't mind." The colt grinned. "Well, that's alright with me! Name's Chocolate Chip, Chip for short. What can ah do ya for?" he pulled open a small door and sat down at one of the booths, waving for Twilight and Spike to sit with him. Twilight was very uncomfortable as she sat down, but Spike was still hoping to snag a cookie while they were there, and didn't notice the awkward vibes emitting from Twilight. "I seem to have lost my friend," Twilight said, never really making eye contact with Chip. "Her name's Rarity. She's a unicorn, about my age, with white fur and a purple curly mane." Chip thought for a moment. "Ah think ah mighta seen a unicorn like that aroun'. Saw one that fitted yer description walkin' about with a real loud blue unicorn. Boy, was she a spectacle! She had a cape on an' was hollerin' 'bout magic and bein' great an' powerful. Sure did cause a riot." Twilight brightened up and looked him in the eye. "Really?" she said. "Was she with anypony else?" Chip looked around the room, trying to remember. "Uh... no, not that ah know of. Sorry, sugarcube." Sugarcube. Spike looked up at Chip. Memories of Applejack flooded into his mind, and he almost broke into tears right there. Twilight opened her mouth to talk, but nothing came out. The two weren't sure of how to react to the word, and simply sat there in shocked silence. Thoughts swam slowly through Spike's mind. Why am I reacting like this to a simple word? I shouldn't be this upset. I mean, Applejack was just a pony. I was never really attached to her. But... why is it so painful to hear that word come form the mouth of somepony else? Chip glanced back and forth at Twilight and Spike. "Uh... Somethin' wrong?" he asked. Twilight shook her head. "N-no, we just knew somepony who would call us 'sugarcube' all the time. Her name was Applejack. She... she passed on." "Oh, ah'm sorry for yer loss. Y'all better go on lookin' for that friend of yours, ah gotta get 'ta cookin' anyway. Good luck!" Chip smiled gently at the two, and hurried into the kitchen and checked on the cooking food. Twilight called goodbye and walked slowly from the building. "Spike." she said sharply, turning to him. "Both you and I know how we reacted in there to Chip saying 'sugarcube'. We both know that's not good at all. Applejack was the very first one to go, the least important of all of the Elements. Let's both make a promise now, to each other, to not let ourselves begin to feel any sort of feeling for the fallen Elements. They were weak, they had flaws. Okay, Spike? Do you promise to not let yourself or me feel sorrow for the Elements of Harmony?" Spike's lip quivered. Deep down inside of his mind, a tiny voice screamed 'No!' His stomach turned and flipped, his brain doing cartwheels. Should he just say yes, or say how he really feels? I don't want to do this anymore! I want to sit down and cry for all of the ponies I've lost, I want to pay them the respect they deserve! Why can't I just tell her that? "Spike? Spike, answer me. Spike!" Twilight stomped her hoof angrily. "Do you promise?" "N...NO!" Squeezing his eyes shut, Spike screamed at the top of his lungs. He breathed heavily, a tiny flicker of fire escaping his nostril. "I won't do this anymore, Twilight! It's... It's just not right! The princess is wrong!" Heavy tears fell from hs face as he turned to run away, splattering the sidewalk. Twilight reached out a hoof to stop him. "Spike, wait--" "Don't touch me! I... I hate you! You're disgusting! Leave me alone!" Spike fled from Twilight, running blindly through the city. He had no idea where he was going, but anyway would be better than with her. Twilight Sparkle stared after Spike. She was shocked beyond words. "He was so helpful," she murmured. "Why didn't he just say something?" Her little baby dragon, whom she'd hatched on her own, and raised him for his whole life. He had never known his true parents, who were slaves of Celestia's, and had always thought of Twilight as his own mother. He rarely questioned her, and had always seemed to love her with all his heart. "He... hates me?" -- Gilda held out her paws, gaping at them. The sun was rising slowly behind her, and the dark golden light that spilled over the meadow below her filled her body with color. She'd soon figured out that she was ghostly and transparent, just like in the stories. She felt herself smiling at her honey colored fur. It looked really cool, she had to admit. Gilda imagined ponies and animals looking up to see a golden and regal griffon flying above them gracefully, sighing in awe. But, she knew that they couldn't see or hear her. She'd tried to ask a several different animals for directions, but they were all unresponsive. Gilda had flown for almost 24 hours straight, but she realized she didn't feel tired or hungry. One of the side-effects of being a ghost, she guessed. "Uhg," she groaned, flipping over on her back in mid air. "This is so boring. I mean, sunrise and sunset is cool, but i wanna find Manehatten already!" Staring up into the sky, Gilda watched as the lightness overcame the darkness. She wished she could paint of picture of this moment. The purple-black of the night and the golden caramel light of morning clashing together in the center of the sky, the moon and sun together in one moment of time. Gilda wondered why looking at the sky made her feel restless, and turned back over. She flapped her wings harder, wishing to see some sort of city sometime soon. Suddenly, something deep in the back of Gilda's mind tugged sharply to the left. Eyes wide, she found herself turning to the South without really telling her body to do so. Frowning, Gilda tried to turn back to the West, but she couldn't. She simply could not make her body move in that direction. "H-hey! What's gong on here?" She yelled, her body wriggling around as she tried to move it back to the direction she was flying. "Shi? Hey, tell me what you're doing to me?" A loud sigh sounded in Gilda's ear after a few moments of silence. "Uhg, what do you want? I'm getting ready to go kill this old guy who's got the flu or whatever. " Gilda tried to move again, her body staying rock hard, except for her wings, which flapped mechanically against her will. "I can't control myself!" she whined. Shi's eye roll was practically audible as she sighed again. "Well, what did you call me for? I didn't do it. Probably that pony goddess trying to steer you in the right direction. Go with it, and quit calling me all the time. Gotta go, see ya." Gilda roared in frustration. She hated how cool Shi was with everything. Frowning, she reluctantly let her wings take her in the direction that stupid pony goddess wanted them to go so bad, and let herself relax... sort of. Gilda still had no idea how she was going to stop Twilight from killing the last Element. "She can't hear me, or see me, then how the fuck am I supposed to influence her to do anything?" Gilda's eyes furrowed in thought. "Maybe I can write stuff in dirt. Oh, what if I can like, slip into her dreams like that one horror movie? that would be so sweet! Off in a different dimension, Shi smiled down at Gilda though a hole in space and time as she slowly sucked the life from another griffon. "She could have been a really great leader someday," she glanced down at he elderly male. He tried to tell her that he wasn't ready for the Goddess of death to take him, he had to say goodbye to his daughter. Shi wasn't one for sympathy. "Too bad she went and killed herself. Maybe I could make her my student? I am immortal, but I'd like to take a few thousand year vacation in the Horse Head Nebula sometime. Maybe she could take over. What do you think?" "P-please, She Who Should Not Be Named, spare me just one more hour..." Shi frowned. "That doesn't really answer my question." "Please... I'll do anything..." "Nah, a goddess of death's gotta do what a goddess of death's gotta do." She sucked the last bit of life from the griffon. Life, in Shi's dimension, is tangible once separated from a body. The old griffon's life was a dark red lump that felt sort of like jello. Shi gulped it down in one huge bite, his life filling her body with new energy. She left the body in the hospital bed and dissolved into the air as the griffon's relatives entered the room. She was comforted by their sobs and gasps that leaked through the portal as she settled down in her own home. "I have such a lovely job, don't I?" she said aloud. -- Rarity sat on the edge of the plushy bed, the Great and Powerful Trixie sobbing heavily, her face planted in Rarity's lap. "I get that you want to be famous, Trixie, but you can't force Luna to teach you magic. As much as I dislike your rudeness to my friend Twilight Sparkle... or, my former friend Twilight Sparkle, you really do have a lovely magic act. Just don't be so rude, and you'll go very far." Rarity patted Trixie on the head, trying to comfort her. Trixie sniffled. "I-I'm sorry, Rarity" she sat up, rubbing her puffy eyes. "You must think I'm such a cry baby." "No," Rarity smiled. "Everypony get's in these types of moods every now and then. You just have to pick yourself up and dust yourself off." Trixie smiled. "Thanks." "Anytime, de--" "RARITY? HELLO?" Trixie and Rarity nearly jumped out of their skin. knocknockknockknockknock. "RARITY! Are you in here?" a very familiar voice sobbed from the hotel door, tiny fists banging heavily. Using her magic to open the door, the two unicorns watched, shocked, as Spike fell through the doorway and onto the carpet, tears streaming heavily from his face. Wary, Rarity stood up and held her self in a defensive stance. "Spike?" Spike stood up. "R-rarity! Oh, Celestia, you're okay!" he ran to the object of his affection, hugging her front leg tightly. "Spike? What's going on?" Spike glanced at Rarity and Trixie. He remembered her, and all of her rudeness. Frowning, Spike looked back at Rarity. "It's a long story." Rarity glanced at Trixie and then back and Spike, then back at Trixie. Trixie shrugged. "Luna's out buying us supplies. We got an hour or so." "Fine," the white unicorn sat back down on the bed, still wary of Spike. She knew that he was working for Twilight, but she had a feeling that at the moment he wasn't looking for trouble. Spike went on to hastily explain to Rarity and Trixie about Twilight's plans for the Elements. Rarity already knew, of course, but it was news to Trixie, so she stayed silent. Spike began to choke up as he neared the end, explaining how he simply could not kill anymore ponies, or hold the guilt of the ponies he's already killed on his shoulders. "I t-tried to act strong, for Twilight, but I found myself crying myself to sleep every night. I'm such a baby... but... but... I just can't do it anymore, you know?" Trixie gaped at the baby dragon, completely taken a-back from his story. Rarity oozed with sympathy for him, and hugged him tightly. "oh, Spike," she sighed. "I'll keep you safe, I promise. I won't let Celestia or Twilight make you do such horrid things ever again." Spike hugged Rarity back tightly, wetting her fur with his tears. "Thank you, Rarity," he sniffled. "You have no idea how much this means to me. I won't let her hurt you, I swear." As Rarity held Spike in a tight and tearful embrace, Rarity wondered what she'd gotten herself into. How could she defend herself against Twilight Sparkle, student of the princess, defeater of an Ursa Minor? And, how could she deal with two admirers hanging on her every word? Rarity stiffed a sigh. She'd always thought things like this happened in soap operas and novels, not to her, in the real world.

Amber Sin

286

Main 6,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore

The Elements' Demise

A grimdark tale of a horrible twist of fate for the mane six.

cancelled

<p>A horrible murderer is on the loose in Ponyville, and is killing off the Elements of Harmony, shrouding the town in a thick veil of death, sadness, and secrets.</p>

mature

2011-12-07T18:52:30+00:00

2011-12-07T18:52:30+00:00

Twilight sat alone on the hotel bed, her as eyes dark as the night sky outside her window. Her mane was frizzy and dirty, clumps hanging into her face as she bent over the blade on her lap. She turned it slowly, the light of the moon reflecting off it and onto her chest, a long blue-grey slash. "I can't turn back now," Twilight whispered, as if she was talking to the knife she held. "I don't need Spike. He was a brat. In the end, he would have died anyway..." She laughed dryly. "He knew too much, Celestia would have killed him. I... I'm the only one she can trust." Twilight slid the cold metal over her hoof, shivering with a mixed feeling of giddiness and nervousness. I swear to Celestia; tonight, Rarity dies. Moving swiftly, Twilight gathered the supplies she brought. Flinging the heavy bag onto her back, the unicorn slinked from the hotel, moving quietly down the sidewalk into the city. She stuck to the shadows, trying not to look suspicious. The day Spike had left her, Twilight shifted into a higher gear. She searched all over the city, asked everypony she could, for Rarity. She learned that she was staying in a high class hotel in downtown, with Luna and Trixie. Smiling grimly to herself, Twilight plotted out the murder in her mind. I'll tell her I've changed my ways, that I've realized what I've done wrong. I'll make her believe me. And then once I've got her alone, I'll knock her out. I'll do the same with Trixie and Luna. Then, I'll use my magic to take them back here and get rid of their horns. After that... the fun can begin. Twilight tried to stifle a fit of manic giggles, holding her hoof to her face. She snorted loudly, causing the heads of the few other ponies wandering the streets to turn. Embarrassed, Twilight blushed and scurried down the alley, scolding herself for attracting attention. She peered from around a corner, the golden building in view. She glanced down and up the street and hurried into the building. Grinning at the clerk, Twilight shuffled into the hallway, being careful to not make the metal in her bag clanked too loudly. "Excuse me, ma'am?" Twilight stopped dead, scowling at the floor. "Yes?" she plastered a polite smile on her face and stuck her head from around the corner. "Are you staying here, or meeting up with a friend?" the colt leaned on the desk, looking skeptically at the unicorn. "I have a friend upstairs. I was just gonna go and check on her." "Mm." he looked Twilight up and down, pausing on her bulgy bag and her dirty mane. "Have a nice night, then." Twilight grinned at him and scurried back into the hallway, pushing the button for the elevator impatiently. As she rose slowly into the building, Twilight flicked her tail back and forth as she thought. Is my magic strong enough to teleport them all the way to my hotel room? Will somepony hear them if they scream? Do I know a spell that will make the room soundproof? Are my blades sharp enough to cut off a horn? What if I fail? Will Celestia put me in the chambers? Ding! The elevator stopped abruptly, snapping Twilight out of her thoughts. She stepped out into the hallway, breathing in the smell of cleaning products. As she prowled down the quiet hallway, the unicorn searched for room 102. She remembered the other night when she asked the mare at the counter for the room number. "Rarity, her name's Rarity. Can you tell me what room she's staying in?" "Um... yeah, just a sec. Did you forget your room number or somethin'?" the mare had asked, typing slowly on a sleek looking computer. Twilight stared at it, mesmerized in its milky whiteness. "Uh, I wanted to visit my friend. She's staying here." "You're friends with Princess Luna?" The mare looked up at Twilight. "...No, I'm friends with Rarity, she's the pony who's friends with the princess." Even though it was true, it sounded like a lie even to Twilight. "Oookay... that's room 102 floor 23. Have a nice stay." The mare watched Twilight nod and slip into the hallway. What she didn't see was Twilight sneak out a back door, galloping back home to set up her plan. "Room 102," Twilight whispered, staring at the door. She took a deep breath, and knocked her hooves lightly on the door, four times. Whispers and murmurs could be heard from the other side. The door shook slightly as somepony leaned on it to look into the peephole at Twilight, who was smiling awkwardly. "What do you want?" said a voice. Twilight couldn't tell who it was; she wasn't very familiar with it. "I've come to talk to Rarity. I... I have to explain to her that I'm not what I seem." More whispers. Somepony stomping their hooves. The door rattled again. "Go on." This time, the voice was familiar. "Rarity! Rarity, oh thank goodness you're alright. Listen, I know that you know I killed the others. But you have to understand... Celestia made me. When Spike left me, it made me realize the horrible things I've done. R-rarity, I feel awful. I need you to believe me; I really need to be comforted right now. I promise I won’t hurt you. Please." Twilight leaned against the door, forcing tears from her eyes. She tried to make it as real looking as she could, but she had no idea if Rarity would buy it or not. "Rarity, she's acting." The voice sounded hurt and angry at the same time. The sound of it rocketed straight into Twilight's heart like an arrow, piercing her with emotion. "Spike?" Twilight's shock was genuine. "Spike? Is that you? Spike, are you okay? I'm so sorry, sweetie. I... I miss you... it's you that made me change my mind. Spike, honey, I'm like your mother, remember? I love you. Please believe me." Twilight sat huddled against the door, sobs shaking her body. Some of them were real tears of frustration and desperation for Rarity to believe her, some were false, and others were of relief to hear that Spike was alive. Deep down, Twilight knew she wouldn't be able to cope with Spike leaving her. She loved him like a son, no matter what. "You killed them, Twilight. You killed our friends. Do you really expect me to just let you in?" Rarity's voice was tight with anger and emotion. "What can I do to prove it to you, Rarity?" Twilight stared up into the peephole, wondering if she was making eye contact with the unicorn. Rarity was silent for a moment. "...Pinkie Pie swear." What? Seriously? Alright then, this'll be easy. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Twilight followed the motions of the swear, but this time was more careful about stopping her hoof just before it hit her eye. "I promise I'm telling the truth, Rarity. Please, let me in." "Rarity, don't--" Spike's voice was cut off by a rattling of chains and turning of locks. The door opened widely to show Rarity's emotionless face. "Come in and explain yourself." she said coldly. Twilight slipped in, staring at the room. It was huge and very fancy, a large TV hanging on the wall and several realistic paintings of oceans and flowers hung up around it. On the bed, Luna stared at Twilight, anger and distrust in her eyes. Her tail flicked back and forth, hitting the bed with quiet thump... thump... thumps . Trixie was standing not far from the princess, her expression showing that she was confused. Snips and Snails were peeking out from behind her legs like she was their mother, innocent and afraid looks on their faces. Plastering on another smile, Twilight turned to Rarity and Spike. "Spike left me saying that the princess is wrong, and that what I'm doing is wrong. At first I didn't understand. I thought that whatever the princess said must be true, she's the princess! But... now I see where I was wrong. I wish you both would forgive me... I was only following orders... I now, too, mourn for the deaths of the Elements." Spike frowned at Twilight. "Why'd you bring the bag?" Twilight shrugged it off her shoulders, letting it fall heavily to the floor. "It's an offering... I guess. I brought it to give it to you, so you can do whatever you want with what's inside. You can destroy it. It's no longer in my hooves, I have nothing to attack or defend with. " "Except your magic." a voice piped up from the back of the room. Twilight turned, and saw it was Trixie. A voice she had forgotten. "You can defeat an Ursa Minor, what would stop you from defeating us?" The purple unicorn blinked. "I... I don't know. All I can tell you is that I promise I won't try to." "Even if she did, Trixie," Luna spoke now, her voice very level and cool. "I doubt she could overcome us. It's five unicorns against one." As Luna said that, Twilight realized for the first time it was true. They were all unicorns. Shoot... I should have planned this better. Now, I don't even have my chloroform! "What she says is true. But really, you don't have to worry. I won't hurt you." Twilight was becoming more desperate for them to believe her. Rarity stared her down, her face unchanging. Twilight noticed her hair was limp and was entering a more natural looking curly state. It fell around her face and brushed just above her knees. It curled slightly, reminding Twilight of Fluttershy's mane. While her expression seemed stone cold, the purple unicorn saw a mixture of emotions in her eyes. Anger, hurt, fear. "Twilight... I trusted you. I listened to you; I went to therapy like you told me to. I held onto your every word, because you were my last friend. You were so precious to me... but now I know that you killed them. When I was locked away in a mental hospital you were murdering ponies left and right. I let you inside of this room, but I'm not ready to let you inside of my heart. Please go, maybe I'll talk to you again tomorrow." Twilight's mouth was open slightly. Rarity's words echoed in her mind, ricocheting back and forth. At this point, her murder would be a blessing. She seems so broken... "Of course, Rarity. I'll be on my way." Twilight dipped her head to the ponies and dragon. She caught eye contact with Spike, but he only returned her apologetic look with a frown and eyes full of disgust. The door slammed behind Twilight, nearly hitting her behind. As she walked down the hallway, her head low, Twilight suddenly felt alone. She'd never really felt like this, even before she met the other Elements. She'd always had Spike or her books. Now, she had brought no books, and Spike had left her. All but one of the Elements had been murdered by her command, and the last one hated her. Twilight knew that it shouldn't matter to her, but it did. She tried to turn her thoughts on other things as the elevator sank to the bottom floor slowly, but her mind kept turning back. How would she get Rarity alone? How would she knock her out if she left her bag of drugs with the enemy? Why did she even do that? I should have left it at the hotel. I'm so stupid! Maybe I should just give up... Twilight fought her emotions as she stumbled toward the ratty excuse for a hotel; several ponies stared at her like she was insane. The worst part was, Twilight was beginning to believe that she was going insane. --- "Rarity, do you realize what sort of danger you just put us all in!?" Spike was seething with anger, not even stopping to wonder if he might hurt his crush's feelings. "She could have killed us all!" Rarity blinked at Spike. "But there's five unicorns against one." she murmured. Spike shook his head. "You have no idea what kind of raw power Twilight has. Her special talent is magic itself! Celestia trained her to be the strongest she can possibly be, and that's extremely strong. Trust me, Rarity. Twilight doesn't know it, but she's defiantly strong enough to have princess Celestia put up a fight. The princess has trained her to doubt her skills so that she would never try to overthrow her, but she is strong enough for Celestia to use for her own good." Luna nodded. "Celestia used to send me letters when I was one the moon, to keep me sort of updated. They were usually very rude and tried to make me feel left out, but I sort of enjoyed in information I got out of them. In one, she told me she had taken a student under her wing. She said she is training her to become stronger than herself one day, stronger than either of us ever could be. She wants her to become an even more brutal tyrant than her. It makes me sad to think that her powers will be used for evil, when they could bring so much good." Rarity sighed, her eyes staring off into the distance. "I... I just want to be alone, okay? I need to think." The others nodded and moved to the living room. Luna nuzzled Rarity's neck gently as she passed. "If I could, I would make sure you'd never have to deal with things like this. Remember; don't think about it too much. It will get to you, dig a hole in your mind, and plant an idea there that will never go away. Someday in the future, Twilight might turn out to be good, and you'll be unhappy when you realize you'll be incapable of letting it go." Rarity watched as Luna left, the door closing softly behind her. She crawled onto the bed, burying her face into he pillow. Swimming in her thoughts, tears leaked onto the soft cushion. I just don't know what to think. I've got all of these nice ponies around me, but I feel so empty. Rarity looked out the window at the night sky. The stars speckled across deep blue-blackness made her feel very, very small.

Amber Sin

286

Main 6,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore

The Elements' Demise

A grimdark tale of a horrible twist of fate for the mane six.

cancelled

<p>A horrible murderer is on the loose in Ponyville, and is killing off the Elements of Harmony, shrouding the town in a thick veil of death, sadness, and secrets.</p>

mature

2012-01-01T01:49:28+00:00

2012-01-01T01:49:28+00:00

Gilda sat perched on the edge of a dusty bed, watching Twilight pace back and forth. It felt weird for her to be in the same room but unnoticed by the unicorn. Shuffling her feathers uneasily, the griffon sat in silence, listening to Twilight talk frantically to herself. "Spike's so stupid. I mean, I shouldn't doubt the princess because of him; he's just too young to understand. When this is all over, if the princess doesn't kill him, then I'll try to explain it to him. That stupid infant can't see anypony besides Rarity. It's pathetic." Twilight stopped and abruptly sat down on the floor, holding her hooves to her temples. "Argh... I've got the worst headache. I wish I could just kill the mule and get this over with." Gilda shifted her weight between her talons. She wasn't sure how to communicate with the unicorn, but she knew she had to find out a way. As she watched Twilight rub her temples slowly and quietly, an idea struck the griffon. She had read stories about ghosts whispering to the living; maybe it was possible for her to do it. Gilda leaned towards Twilight and let out a tiny breath, “Hello.” "What was that? Who's there?" She jumped to her hooves, too shocked to even start some sort of defense spell. "Show yourself!" she shouted, her voice cracking. Gilda grinned. So, she can hear me. “I’m your conscience, Twilight. You can only hear me when you’re under a lot of stress.” Twilight slowly sat back down, but stayed extremely cautious. “Oookay… if you’re my conscience, then what do you think I should do?” She asked aloud, glancing around the room. “Twilight, if you look deep down into your heart, you’ll realize what choice is the better. The princess can’t always be right, and right now she is in the wrong. You don’t want to admit that to yourself yet, but I know it’s true,” Gilda paced around the pony, trying hard to plant the idea deeply into Twilight’s mind. “N-no… you’re wrong. Princess Celestia must be right. She’s always right. She’s the princess!” Twilight shook her head. “She’s trained for thousands, maybe millions, of years. There is no way she could make such a huge mistake. It doesn’t make sense.” Gilda frowned. Why is she so stubborn? The princess has brainwashed her so much she can't even get it through her head that murder is wrong. If the princess said frogs could fly, I bet she'd believe it, too. “You’ve been taught to believe her, Twilight, but you must learn to question her. You can’t lean on the princess forever. You have to make your own choice.” Twilight Sparkle was silent for a moment, and Gilda almost thought she was starting to believe her. But, the silence was broken as the pony stood back up. “I disagree. I’ll always have the princess. Besides, I’ve come this far…” Gilda heard the falter in Twilight’s voice. She saw the uncertainty in her eyes. Nodding once, even though she knew Twilight couldn’t see her, Gilda began to back towards the door. “You think about this, Twilight. Decide what you think is right.” The griffon turned and passed through the door silently and down the hall. She sighed as she passed the snoozing pony at the front desk and muttered to herself, “I can’t stay like this for eternity. Please, Twilight, make the right choice.” --- Sighing, Twilight ran her hooves over the rough wood of the bed frame as she climbed into the covers. The earlier situation confused her and left her worried for her own sanity. She wasn't sure of what to believe, but one, tiny, almost silent voice kept slipping in and out of her mind. Like the voice that claimed to be conscious early had flipped some sort of switch, causing a small part of her to defy everything she knew. "You don't have to kill Rarity," It whispered. The princess needs to be overthrown. She's a tyrant. A murderer." Twilight's head sank into the flat, uncomfortable pillow. Another voice, one much louder, fought to keep what she had known and believed for so many years alive. "The princess wouldn't lie to you, what she makes you do is for the good of Equestria. Any good leader would do the same in her position. It's just one last kill, then you can take a break. Yeah, you'll miss Spike, but the princess will make you new friends. Better friends. Less annoying friends." The unicorn rolled over onto her side. The beige wall she looked at was covered in stains and spots, looking like mocking and twisted faces in the gloom. As she lay there curled up into a ball, body shaking with confused and frustrated sobs, sunlight filtered in through the dirty window. Twilight could imagine the princess rising into the sky, her powerful magic taking the fiery ball up with her. She wondered, groggily, what the princess was thinking at the moment. Was she annoyed that Twilight hadn't finished yet, or was she proud with how far she'd come? Or was she thinking about somepony else, somepony more important...? The unicorn sighed and closed her eyes as the room turned to a dirty honey color. She had grown up worshiping the princess, following the princess, believing the princess. And now, everypony was telling her to turn on the princess? The thought of Celestia's long, flowing hair and tall, graceful body filled Twilight's mind. "Come, student," the hazy Celestia in her mind's eyes whispered, her voice heavy with lust. "It’s time for your lessons." Twilight shook her head. Now is no time for fantasies. I told myself long ago that my love for the princess is childish and very unlikely to ever turn into the real thing. Gosh, Twilight, focus. She rolled over onto her back, looking up at the ceiling. She had to make a choice. Right now. But she couldn’t. Yawning, Twilight decided to sleep on it. She pulled the covers around her tightly and closed her eyes. Sleep would help. It would give her brain time to relax. … Twilight couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned, she counted sheep and recited half of the Hoofington Dictionary to herself, but nothing helped. She leaped out of bed with a burst of energy and looked into the dirty cracked mirror on the wall. Twilight truly was a mess. She briskly combed her hair down, wiped the grim off her fur, and was out the door before she could stop herself. Twilight was going to talk to Celestia. --- Another day and several train rides later, Twilight Sparkle was finally knocking her tired hooves on the princess’s bedroom door. The guards had let her in immediately, but Twilight couldn’t tell if it was out of respect or fear. A golden cloud shimmered around the door handle and it swung open. “Twilight Sparkle,” said the princess. “I’ve been expecting you. Come, sit with me.” Twilight blushed deeply as she stepped into the room. Celestia was lounging on her huge bed, dressed in a delicate royal nightgown. Her long hair fell like a waterfall over the side of the bed, and her tail draped elegantly over her legs. Her eyes were half closed and a knowing smirk sat upon her lips. Her hoof beckoned Twilight towards her. Just around the corner of the bed several bottles of wine could be seen, but Twilight didn’t worry about those. All her life, she had dreamed of a scene like this. Her horn and backside tingled as she grew slightly aroused, but she pushed the feeling back down. “Princess,” Twilight said urgently as she slowly approached Celestia. “We have to do something about Rarity and the others now. I tried to trick them into trusting me but I only lost my weapons, and I need your help to get this over with. I… I think I’m starting to go a bit batty from the stress.” Celestia laughed long and loud, punctuated at the end by a hiccup. “Oh, Twilight, you’re always so practical. Have some fun why don’t you? C’mon… Take a break…” Celestia began to slip off the bed, moving like a wildcat hunting it’s prey. She snaked up to Twilight and circled her. “P-princess, this is serious…” Twilight stammered, her blush deepening. “Oh hush,” Celestia purred. “I know you’ve always wanted this. I’m d-hic-unk, don’t you want to take advantage of me?” Yes, oh Celestia yes! “Princess! That’s absurd. I’m trying to talk to you about the last Element, Raritiiiieeehhhh… oh, Princess….” Twilight’s train of thought crashed and burned as Celestia began to nose at her student’s flank. “S-stop, you know I’m sensitive…” Celestia giggled. “That’s exactly why I’m doing it!” Twilight shook her head. This isn’t real. I’ve seen her do this to the guards all the time when she’s drunk. “Celestia, stop. I’m being serious.” Celestia paused. Twilight never called her by her first name alone. She stared down at her student’s soft, purple flank and realized what she was doing. She sobered up quickly and stood up straight. “Ah… ahem, sorry, Twilight…” She said, turning away to hide her embarrassment. “That was… extremely unprofessional.” Twilight nodded. “That’s okay, princess,” she said as she helped Celestia back to her bed, as she was still mostly drunk and had a bit of trouble walking. “Listen, though. I need help. I—“ “Sh. I already know everything that has happened. I watch you closer than her may –hic- think.” The princess said, helping her hoof out to keep Twilight from speaking. “I already know what we’re going to do.” Twilight blinked. “What?” she asked. “For as long as time itself, there have been set rules for war between princesses. To issue the war, one princess must call for an eclipse. If the other princess accepts, then they meet on the battlefield. Only, the princesses don’t fight. They have their own armies fight on the fields before them as they use their magic to fight for control of the sky. Each princess commands the moon or sun to raise higher and higher. Whoever can push the other’s element back into the horizon wins.” Celestia gestured toward a large painting over her fireplace. “That is a painting of the last war, 1,000 years ago. The war against Nightmare Moon.” Twilight walked over to the painting and looked it over in awe. The painting showed a grey wasteland stained with dark reds of wounded warriors. On each end were large stone gazeboes with intricate patterns. “Why do warriors have to fight on the battle field?” Wondered Twilight. “It symbolizes the warrior’s need to protect their princess. Without them, anypony could come up and assassinate a princess while she was distracted.” “Oh,” said Twilight. “But why are you telling me this? You don’t mean to say that you are planning to start one of these wars, do you?” “Yes, I do. It is the simplest way. You can kill Rarity on the battlefield and I can defeat Luna, and hopefully that will keep her quiet for a while.” Celestia glanced up at the afternoon sun in her skylight. “I can’t kill her myself. I need help of all the Elements, and the last ones were too weak.” “What about me, Princess? Am I weak?” Twilight asked. “Of course you’re not!” Celestia said, a shocked look on her face. “Twilight, do you really think you’d be my student if I thought you were weak?” The purple unicorn looked back at the painting. “I suppose you’re right.” She stifled a sigh. Something about what the princess had just said made Twilight feel a bit… sad. Alone. Like the princess only saw her for her power. “So, are you going to summon an eclipse?” “Not until nighttime. Unless Luna sends out an eclipse first, that is.” Celestia glanced at Twilight and saw the unhappiness in her eyes. “Twilight, why don’t you come down to the chambers with me? I have a pony starving down there, and I think that I’ll let you use up the last bits of her time here. I’ll let you pick the torture device this time!” A month or two earlier, that would have sounded fun to Twilight. But, now, it only disgusted her. “Not now, Princess. I think I’m going to go to my room.” “Oh, okay. I’ll call for you when It’s time to summon the eclipse.” Celestia held open the door for her student. “And, uh, sorry again. About earlier.” Twilight smiled at her. She sort of liked Celestia when she was a bit drunk, she was softer, nicer. “That’s okay, Princess. It’s in the past.” --- Twilight Sparkle’s sleep was shattered when suddenly there came a tapping upon her chamber door. Or more like a sharp BANG, BANG, BANG! Yawning, Twilight stumbled to the door and opened it. A tall royal guard stood there, a serious look set on his face. “Twilight Sparkle, the Princess requests your presence at her bedchamber immediately. He said in s gruff voice. “Thank you, sir.” Twilight said, bowing her head slightly in respect. The guard nodded and marched off to wherever royal guards march off too, and Twilight drifted down the hall to Celestia’s room. The door swung open before Twilight even had a chance to knock, and Celestia pulled her in, locking the door behind her. “Princess, why--” “Hush!” Celestia cut Twilight off. “We need to prepare. My warriors are already gathering. Push all the furniture to the edges of the room. “But, why did—” “It’s part of the tradition for the princess to be secluded with the one she trusts the most. Get to work!” Celestia bolted from the room and into her large closet. Twilight frowned and pushed all the furniture to the walls in neat rows using her magic. As she squeezed the last cushion into a row, Celestia emerged from her closet in an intricate outfit. Her hooves her covered by her usual horseshoes, only long golden vines curled out of them and up around her legs. Glimmering yellow armor adorned her torso and neck, and on her head a thick headdress. Her horn emitted from it in stark white contrast, and the whole sight left Twilight dazzled. “Princess, I…” “Hush, we have to start.” Celestia trotted to the center of the room, and forced the skylight open with her magic. A cold nighttime breeze rolled in and caused Twilight to shiver, but the solar princess stayed completely still. She closed her eyes and her horn turned gold. She was stone still, but Twilight could see the struggle in the sweat forming on her brow. Slowly, the moon peaking through the skylight turned an orange color. As the color faded, Celestia let out a burst of air and toppled over, Twilight rushing to her side. “Water,” the princess croaked. “How do you know if Luna as excepted it?” Twilight asked as she brought a cup of water to Celestia. Celestia gulped down the whole glass quickly. “She sets the moon and stars. They’re cannot be a source of light in the sky during a war between princesses.” She explained. “It will be very dark for a while.” Twilight wondered how other ponies would react to sudden perpetual darkness. Maybe most of them are asleep, though. “Twilight, look!” Twilight looked up at the skylight. The moon was sinking down lower into the horizon, and the stars fell too. Like a million teardrops, falling back to ground.

James_Corck

287

Cheerilee,Twilight Sparkle,Comedy,Random,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex

The F-Grade Drinking Game

complete

<p>Cheerilee and Twilight Sparkle get together for an exam correcting session. What sound like a boring plan for a Sunday night turns into something else when Cheerilee and Twilight play Cheerilee's favourite game: The F-Grade Drinking Game.</p>

teen

2011-07-24T17:05:10+00:00

2011-07-24T17:05:10+00:00

THE F-GRADE DRINKING GAME. An MLP:FiM shipping fanfic with Cheerilee and Twilight Sparkle. WARNING: The following fanfic includes use of alcohol and suggestive situations. This fanfic is intended for Mature readers only. *** Cheerilee opened a desk drawer, removed a sheaf of papers and dropped them on the desk with a soft thump. They were the exams from the past week, awaiting correction. It was late at night and she was waiting for a certain pony to show up and help her correct them. It had been a very long day and she was really looking forward to company for this. Correcting tests and essays could be a very boring part of her job, but at least she had a plan to make it more entertaining. Cheerilee left a pen on the desk and waited for her guest. She tapped her hooves on the floor and looked at the clock, “Mmmm, thirty minutes after midnight. She should show up in about five minutes or less.” muttered Cheerilee. Five minutes later, somepony knocked on the door. “Come in…” The door opened and the teacher pony smiled, seeing who stepped inside. “…and lock it.” Cheerilee added. Twilight Sparkle closed the door behind her and locked it with a turn of her hoof. She was wearing saddle bags and, from the way she moved, there was something heavy inside them. “Good evening ‘Lee.” said Twilight. “Good evening Twi. Have you brought the ‘correction fluid’?” “I sure did!” Twilight took something out of her saddle bags. It was a bottle of Jaegermareister and two shot glasses. “How many exams do we have tonight?” “Fifty,” replied Cheerilee, “I think I over did it this week, Twi.” “Not at all, ‘Lee,” said Twilight. “Canterlot is way more severe. One time, I had ten exams in a week. That was crazy stuff, even for me.” “I can imagine.” The unicorn left the bottle and shot glasses on the desk as the earth pony organized the exams by days. There had been one test for every day of the week, from Monday to Friday. Cheerilee put the essays in five groups and turned to Twilight, who was pouring some drink in the shot glasses. “All right, shall we go over the rules again?” asked Cheerilee. “Oh, we definitely shall!” Twilight took a scroll from her saddle bags and unrolled it. Rules for “The F-Grade Drinking Game” • Take a shot every time a student misspells the word “Maressissippi”. • Take a shot if Applebloom spells “Ah” instead of “I”. • Take a shot if Silver Spoon draws a heart at the end of a sentence. • Take a shot if Diamond Tiara draws a gemstone anywhere in her exam. • Take a shot if Scootaloo draws a picture of Rainbow Dash. • Take a shot if a student misuses the past perfect tense. • Take a shot if a pony spells “yers” instead of “yours” or “its” instead of “it is” and vice-versa. • Take a shot if a long sentence doesn’t have commas. • Take a shot if a student writes a lot to say nothing at all. “Is that all?” said Cheerilee. “What? Isn’t that enough?” asked Twilight, raising an eyebrow, “We’re going to get drunk after the second exam with these rules. I suggest we trim it down to just a few.” “Well, I guess you’re right. Take out the rules regarding Applebloom and the one about the commas.” “Good idea.” said Twilight as she crossed out a few lines, “So, shall we start?” “Yes, let’s get to it!” Cheerilee took the first exam of the night. She had them organized alphabetically, so the first one in every group was Applebloom’s. The unicorn pony was always happy to see how careful and rich Applebloom’s muzzle writing was, and how clean the exam was. There were no smudges or erasing marks. “Applebloom’s exams are always so clean.” said Twilight. “Yeah, I rarely find errors in her exams. Oh! Maressissippi spelled wrong though. Take a shot.” “Aw, poor girl,” said Twilight. “That’s a very common mistake.” The scholar pony lifted the shot glass and emptied it down her throat. Cheerilee did the same, the sugary alcoholic drink stung her tongue but she loved the feeling of it going down. Twilight poured another two shots. “How much score are you going to take her off?” Twilight asked. “Zero point twenty-five points.” “Really? Just for the one letter?” “It’s the only way they learn.” said the teacher pony as she continued to examine the paper. “Poor girl, she’s going to be so sad tomorrow morning. But I agree with you, it’s the only way they learn.” Cheerilee finished checking Applebloom’s test. She only found two more errors, but those aside it was a spotless exam and the clean presentation gave Applebloom an extra few points. They left the paper on the pile and took another one. “Oh Celestia, look at Diamond Tiara’s.” said Cheerilee. “Oh dear, her essays are always riddled with mistakes.” said Twilight as she lifted the shot glass with her magic. It didn’t take them too long before noticing the gemstones drawn over every single letter ‘i’. “I suggest we take a shot for the entire exam.” suggested the teacher wryly. “Good idea. If we take a shot for every gem, we’re going to be dragging on the floor in five minutes or less,” said Twilight as she emptied her shot glass and poured another one. “Wow, this drink is really good.” “Don’t let it get to your head too soon.” “It won’t, it won’t, don’t worry.” Cheerilee couldn’t understand how such a fashion-obsessed attention-seeker like Diamond Tiara could have such terrible muzzle writing. Her F’s looked like L’s and her G’s looked like the number 8. Cheerilee had to re-read every sentence twice. “Oh my word, what is this?” “What? Where?” asked Twilight, looking at where Cheerilee was pointing. “‘...But then he grabbed onto the position of powering the exchange between the different members that have come to the chamber in order to signing the treaty’?” Twilight rubbed her eyes as they stung her painfully. “Oh my gosh! There should be a punishment for such terrible grammar.” “I’m afraid we have to count that. What do you think Twi?” Twilight dropped her empty shot glass on the table and poured another one. “I already did.” Her throat was a bit raspy, but she wasn’t tipsy or dizzy yet. Twilight had an enviable tolerance for alcoholic drinks and so did Cheerilee. The unicorn knew Cheerilee had been a big party pony when she was younger, but she wasn’t sure why she herself had such high tolerance. Maybe her magic had something to do with it. The earth pony emptied the shot glass and Twilight served her another one. “Are we done with this one?” said Twilight. “I’m afraid we are, yes.” “How much did she get?” “Oh poor girl, she’s got 2.5 out of 10. That’s a new low for her,” said Cheerilee as she put them exam away, “I’ll have to talk with her parents.” They kept correcting exam after exam, only focusing on those done on Monday, until they reached Scootaloo’s. Twilight had to rub her slightly red eyes when she saw that abomination. It was a mish-mash of lines and scribbles that made no sense to her. If there were any words in there, she thought to herself, they were pretty well hidden. Cheerilee read through it like it was nothing. “How can you understand her muzzle writing?” said Twilight. “I am a teacher. I’m used to terrible muzzle writing. You can say I am the antithesis of Pony Doctors.” They both giggled as Cheerilee turned the essay around. There was a rainbow drawn on the bottom of the page, crossing over the text. The earth pony turned to Twilight, one of her eyebrows raised, “Do we count that as a Rainbow Dash picture?” After a minute of consideration, Twilight turned very seriously to Cheerilee and replied, “Yes.” They both gulped down another shot. Aside from the rainbow and the terrible structure, the exam was spotless. It didn’t even have a single spelling mistake and that gave Scootaloo a high mark, even after her poor organizational skills. The next one they took was Silver Spoon’s. Twilight shook her head a little bit and looked at the paper. Each line was written in a different colour. The brightness of the colours was overwhelming. The purple unicorn found it hard to look at, but there seemed to be no grammatical errors. “I’ll never understand why she bothers to write in…in different colours,” said Cheerilee, her head shaking side to side, “I always tell her not to do it, but…there’s no way to talk her out of it.” “It looks pretty though,” joked Twilight with a tired voice, “do you see any hearts around there?” Cheerilee looked carefully, “Nope, there’s none.” “Oh right! I just remembered, she saves them for her math exams, of course.” said Twilight as she readied the shot glass in anticipation. Cheerilee turned the paper around and left it on the pile. She had taken 1 point off of Silver Spoon’s final note because of the presentation. They took the last exam from Monday: Sweetie Belle’s. Twilight looked at it, blinking in disbelief, “Oh my, I think this drink hit me harder than I thought! All the lines are wobbly!” “No, it’s not the alcohol. It’s written...it’s written like that, look.” The entire exam looked like somepony wrote it whilst riding on a boat in the middle of a storm. There were a lot of curls on the letters G, F, J and Y. Twilight was confused by the amount of presentation errors and she wondered if there were any grammatical mistakes. It was obvious that Sweetie Belle tried to make her test look pretty by adding all that frilly stuff. “I can’t read it, I can’t even look at it,” said Twilight, eyes blinking rapidly as she sought to focus on the twisting text. “It’s giving me a headache...or maybe it’s this...drinking game.” “Well, at least Sweetie Belle is as careful as her sister. I can’t seem to find any errors. But this presentation…This is going to hurt her mark real bad.” Cheerilee ended up taking 1.5 points off of the final score. She left the essays on one side of the table and she moved onto the ones for Tuesday, the mathematics exams. For a while, she wondered if playing a drinking game while correcting the papers would affect her attention, but she shrugged, convinced that whilst she was working she didn’t feel the effects of alcohol in her body. Her mind was as clear as ever. It was enjoyable to see Twilight getting tipsier and tipsier as the night progressed. “Alright Twi, now we move onto math.” “Oh, good…” said Twilight before clearing her scratchy throat. “How many do we have left?” “Forty.” “Oh, Celestia…” Twilight groaned as if in pain, “that’s terrible.” The night progressed quickly as they breezed through mathematics without much trouble. The lack of words saved them from taking most of the shots and the pair were thankful for that. They took the time to eat some daffodil sandwiches Twilight brought, while correcting. When partaking in a drinking game, thought Twilight to herself as she recited from her latest book ‘Drinking Games 101’, it is a good idea to have food around. They had to take their shot glasses again when they reached Silver Spoon’s. It was full of hearts. The pile from Wednesday was for biology and chemistry. Twilight giggled every time the ponies misspelled a scientific term. “Hahahaha, it’s not dexosirribonucleic, it’s deoxyribonucleic!” snorted Twilight. “We should…We should have counted that one, eh? Eh ‘Lee? That would be nice.” “Yeah, but it’s too late now, huh?” said Cheerilee. “Oh my, look at this poor filly.” “Oh my word…Is that what she thinks that organ does?” said Twilight in disbelief. “Her explanation of that part of the female organ is…” “Yuck! I am taking a shot just to erase that memory.” “So am I.” Two shot glasses slammed back down, empty, but were refilled quickly. They read through the biology exams without much trouble, aside from a few fillies and one colt (who had clearly copied each other) who thought that photosynthesis was the way photographs were developed. The marks for the science tests weren’t as high as Cheerilee would’ve wished. “I guess I don’t…I don’t have any new Neighstein in class.” sighed Cheerilee groggily. “So what?” Twilight replied. “You might have a new Shakesbear.” Cheerilee smiled faintly at that comment as she moved onto the pile of exams from Thursday: Literature. Even though Cheerilee called it an ‘exam’ it only had two questions: ‘what book did you read?’ and ‘what was it about?’ There were a few tests that had two pages. Twilight looked at those with eyes open wide, worried. “We’ve never done one of those.” said Twilight. “Do you think we’ll get through?” “Just for the sake of our livers, let’s not apply the rule regarding past perfect tense.” “Good idea.” As they read through essays it wasn’t so much the writing, but the book choices some of the fillies and colts had made. Applebloom chose “The Apples of Wrath”, and on her essay she said: “…This book is really boring. They never talk about growing apples, selling apples or eating apples. I couldn’t finish it because I fell asleep half way through (I am sorry Miss Cheerilee), but I bet it never said a word about how to get your apple cutie mark!” “That’s so adorable I can’t get angry,” said Cheerilee with a half drunken smile on her face. “I’ll give…give her that. That book is heavy reading. I see misuse of the past perfect, take a shot.” Twilight gulped down another shot before recalling their agreement. She frowned at Cheerilee but the teacher-pony just giggled. Twilight rolled her eyes and took the half full bottle of Jaegermareister and refilled the glasses. Her eyes were getting blurry, but her magic was still reliable. She never lost control of it, not even when totally drunk. “I…I l-love it.” said Twilight as she made the empty shot glass roll with her hoof. “Is there any book you don’t like?” said Cheerilee taking another exam. “No…Well, maybe that writer, Nickel Bristle…His books are always so silly, about science and technology and…characters that betray others and…nano machines that transform into ponies, I dunno…” They kept reading through the essays. Each book was weirder than the previous one. Cheerilee was happily surprised to see that Diamond Tiara had chosen “El Coltjote”, but she frowned at Scootaloo’s choice: “Speed and Feathers, How I Became The Fastest Flier in Cloudsdale - by Equestria’s Coolest Pony, Rainbow Dash”. “That can’t be the title.” said Twilight, leaning forward. “It is. And before you ask, yes, it’s real. And yes, I have a copy of it.” “What’s it like?” asked Twilight. “Dreadful.” said Cheerilee. The essay wasn’t so much an essay about the book but a list about the things that made Rainbow Dash such a cool pony. There was a small paragraph at the end of the article that pretty much summed up the entire book in a few words. “…I finished the book, but it was weird. Most of the writing was onomatopoyic sounds like “Whoosh!” and “Zoom!” and “Wham!” and “P-TOE!” and things like that. It was really cool! A bit odd, but so cool! Really cool.” “At least she thought it was cool.” said Twilight, covering her muzzle with a hoof to hide the giggles. “Oh my gosh, why?” complained the teacher pony. “That’s the last time I give them the freedom to choose.” Cheerilee left the essay, sure that it was the last time she would roll her eyes in the night. Sadly for her, the next and final essay was Sweetie Belle’s - and when she saw the title of the book she gasped and dropped the paper. Twilight took the paper close to her as she ogled at the earth pony. “What’s wrong ‘Lee? What did she write about…” Twilight looked at the paper, dumbfounded. “Strong Hearts in Strong Mares, a book written by Swift Moans?” “I thought Rarity put her private books away from her sister.” said Cheerilee. “I will have to talk to her again.” Twilight didn’t hear Cheerilee, she was busy reading Sweetie Belle’s essay. She wasn’t focusing on the spelling mistakes as much as she was focusing on the words. At least, as much as she could read with a quarter of a bottle of alcohol flowing in her veins. “This is a very silly book. It’s all about love and that’s fine, but the author makes it look so sappy that even I think it’s cheesy. And she (I think it’s a filly but I am not sure) has a huge fascination with sweat and perspiration. Every line has a reference to that. There were also lines I couldn’t understand. What’s a “throbbing stallionhood”? That’s so weird. Adults are weird. I dunno. I thought it was really funny, especially when the filly dies and her boyfriend starts crying. My sister says they are hammy. I don’t know, I didn’t see any pigs in the story.” Twilight left the essay on the pile and looked at Cheerilee. “Talk…T-Talk to Rarity about…about the…” “Yeah, I will, I will. If I remember. Can you pour me another one?” “I think I will pour three: One for you, and two for me.” The purple unicorn did so and gulped one shot after the other. She was starting to feel really drowsy as the second of the latest shots hit her stomach. Thanks to the sandwich she had before, there was no nausea building - all she had was the sensation that the floor was moving as if she was sailing on a boat. “Oh, I think the…the *hiccup* drink is getting to…me.” said Twilight. “What do we have…l-left?” “I think…Art, is all we have left.” Cheerilee took out the art tests; a bunch of different sized papers and cardboard squares. Twilight rolled her eyes as she looked over them with the tipsy attitude of a completely drunken pony. “Art? Why do you *hiccup*, why did you…make them take an a-art test?” “I thought…Oh, hang on a minute…” the earth pony closed her eyes hard and then opened them again. “Much better…I, yes, I mean… Wow, hang on another minute…” she passed her tongue over her teeth. Her gums were numb. “I thought it could…Help their creativity, I dunno, it seemed like a good idea *hiccup* at the time. It’s okay, let’s see the results.” Applebloom’s was the first one they saw, just like always. They were awestruck by the vivid colours and the graceful brush strokes that Applebloom used to make a picture of the sunset in Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight and Cheerilee stared at it for one long minute without saying a word. Finally Cheerilee put it down. “That kid is an artistic savant.” said Cheerilee softly. “Oh yes…” said Twilight. “Savant is right. I would’ve used genius…genius, yeah.” Cheerilee drew a 10 on a corner, but her muzzle writing was so erratic it resembled a sad face more than a number. Most of the drawings were quite generic. There were a lot of portraits of parents and super-ponies from popular comic books. They knew none of them, but a particular one appeared three times: He had a red and black costume, and carried two katanas with his mouth. When they came across Scootaloo’s drawing, Cheerilee didn’t even look at it. “And another shot.” said Twilight Sparkle after looking at the attempt at drawing Rainbow Dash. They emptied their shot glasses and dropped them on the table as Cheerilee felt the liquid falling in her stomach like a bomb. Her shot glass rolled off the table and bounced on the floor without shattering, but she didn’t care. She looked towards Twilight, who appeared to be as drunk or even more drunk than her. “Hey Twilight…” said Cheerilee with a tired voice. “You look snozzled.” Cheerilee snickered as she looked at the unicorn. “Yeah, you don’t look too good yourself, ‘Lee.” said Twilight. Cheerilee giggled like a filly, “Aww Twilight. I’m too drunk to walk home, can you take me?” “I dunno…I’m too drunk too, you might have to drag me.” said Twilight. “How do we figure out who’s drunker?” Cheerilee had no idea how to figure that out. She moved towards Twilight while holding the side of the desk with one of her front hooves. The room tilted as she advanced groggily towards her friend. “Well…” the earth pony smacked her lips. She had a very strong sugary taste in her mouth mixed with an empty raw flavour. “Let me taste your lips.” Twilight arched an eyebrow but she didn’t back up. Instead, she leaned forward and smiled. The room tilted for her like they were on a boat, in a storm, while riding a see-saw. She wanted to grab onto the desk. She walked forwards and placed a hoof over Cheerilee’s fetlocks, rubbing their legs together. Their chests pressed against each others. “Why do…do you wanna taste my lips, ‘Lee?” said Twilight with a smile. “Let me see if they are too sug-sugary…” said Cheerilee. “If yours are too sugary, I will take you home.” Without even giving it a second thought, Twilight shrugged and nodded, her head bobbing up and down erratically, “O…*hiccup*…kay.” The purple unicorn leaned forward and Cheerilee kissed her on the mouth. She was surprised when she noticed Twilight’s lips tasted really sweet. She slid her tongue inside and licked Twilight’s own. Cheerilee felt her chest warming up and a haze growing on her forehead. She had to force herself to break the kiss. She gasped for air after doing so. “Was it…*hiccup* Too sugary?” said Twilight. “A bit…a bit too much,” said the teacher. “Now you taste mine.” Twilight blinked at the request. Why would she want her to do that? She wasn’t sure. She also wasn’t sure why she was so electrified by that kiss Cheerilee gave her. It felt really great, she really loved it. Smiling, Twilight leaned forward and placed both of her front hooves on the table, keeping Cheerilee in the middle. “Why do I…*hiccup*. Why do I have to taste you n-now?” “We have to…to make sure I am not too drunk too, d-don’t you…think?” Twilight couldn’t argue against that line of thinking. She shrugged and darted forward without even thinking about it. Twilight kissed Cheerilee harder and deeper, sliding her tongue all the way inside the earth pony’s mouth. The indigo pony moaned as they kissed and so did Cheerilee, who started to lean back over the desk, slowly lying over the exams. Cheerilee worried they might mess them up. “Wait, wait…” said Cheerilee, breaking the kiss. “Wha-?” said Twilight, “But I…” “Gimme…two minutes.” Cheerilee went around her table, grabbed the papers and put them inside a drawer. She returned to her position, between Twilight and the desk, looking at the indigo unicorn with half closed eyes. “Okay, go.” Twilight leaned forward again and resumed her kiss. She kissed Cheerilee so hard the teacher had no other alternative but to move back and lie on the desk. She didn’t break the kiss, as the unicorn leapt over her and rubbed their bodies together, their furry coats rasping audibly. Cheerilee tasted really sweet, but also a bit raw and smoky. Twilight broke the kiss, “You taste…r-really sweet too, ‘Lee,” said Twilight. “What do we…*hiccup*. What do we do now?” They looked at each other and Cheerilee smiled as she wrapped her forelegs around Twilight’s shoulders, pulling her close and kissing her on the lips again. The teacher pony smooched Twilight very loudly. Twilight traced a hoof down her partner’s breastbone, before gently rubbing it across her soft stomach. The unicorn had to break the kiss again. She was running out of air. “I guess we do the...same thing we d-do every...Sunday night, Twi.” said Cheerilee. Twilight smiled and lowered her head down onto Cheerilee’s mouth as she started to kiss her harder than before. Cheerilee hugged Twilight with her hind legs around the unicorn’s thighs and pulled her close against her body. Their chests swelled with passion as the heat spread all over their faces. The constant rubbing of their bodies made them sweat lightly. Twilight muffled Cheerilee’s moans with her kisses, as she lowered a hoof down the teacher’s body. * * * * * * Twilight opened her eyes and the first thing that crossed her mind was, “Oh my Gosh, my head!” She stood up and her back gave her a shot of pain that, mixed with the headache, forced her into consciousness. She looked around. She was inside Ponyville’s school. There was warm sunlight coming through the windows and she was lying on the teacher’s desk. Next to her lay Cheerilee. “‘Lee…” said Twilight. Cheerilee snored but she didn’t reply. Twilight felt the dry sweat over her coat and her mouth tasted like ash. She looked at her reflection in a mirror and saw her mane was all messy and spiky. She moved away and down from the table. The pain stabbed every limb on her body. She retrieved her saddle bags from the floor as she heard Cheerilee waking up. The teacher pony coughed and cleared her throat as she voiced Twilight’s initial thoughts. “Oh my Gosh! My head!” “I know the feeling,” said Twilight. “Good morning.” Cheerilee had a terrible stabbing pain on her side. She always regretted sleeping on the table, and more than once she considered building a bed in the class. She stood up on the table and looked at her unicorn partner. “Good morning Twi. Do you remember anything?” “I…I remember enough,” said Twilight. “You know, like always.” “So, next Sunday, same time?” said Cheerilee. “Oh, definitely,” said Twilight. “But next time…” she pulled the bottle of Jaegermareister up. It was empty. “…you bring the drinks, deal?” “Sure.” Twilight leaned forward to kiss Cheerilee on the lips and the teacher pony leaned down to do the same. As soon as their lips met they were rewarded with each other’s morning breaths. Twilight and Cheerilee coughed as they made equal gestures of disgust and disappointment. “It doesn’t…It doesn’t matter how those sappy romance novels put it.” “Yes,” said Twilight. “This is neither sexy nor romantic.” “You know I still love you,” said Cheerilee. “As a friend with benefits, that is.” “Of course ‘Lee, of course,” said Twilight. “I love you too.” Twilight made sure she had everything as she walked towards one of the windows. After organizing her mane into a more or less decent hairstyle, she rubbed her eyes and walked towards the front door. She had a spring in her step, despite the chafing between her hind legs. Cheerilee giggled as she rolled over the desk and landed on the floor. Her legs hurt her a lot, but her happiness numbed the pain. She turned around to see Twilight’s rump exiting the school. She looked at the clock and noticed she still had one hour left before the kids showed up. That was enough time for her to go to her house, have a quick shower and return to school. She gathered her stuff from the desk, and then noticed there was one exam left she didn’t see. It was Sweetie Belle’s drawing, torn to shreds during her night of passion with Twilight. “Aww, poor kid,” she said. “I’ll ask her to do it again,” and then she added. “Though I doubt it will look any better.” Cheerilee left the school through the back door and locked it, already looking forward to next Sunday. THE END. Author’s Notes: I want to thank Axquirix and Llama Llumps from Ponychan for their initial reviewing of the fanfic. I specially want to thank Midnight Shadow for correcting and going over this fanfic more than once and delivering a great and constructive review beyond the call of duty. I wrote this after feeling quite gloomy for a good couple of weeks. There is nothing like some silly comedy to cheer up, eh? I hope my English is getting better, any comment or feedback send to james_corck3@yahoo.es

DavidReinold

289

Adventure,Comedy,Romance

The Puppeteer (Unfair Shipping Act III)

incomplete

<p>Continued from &#39;Star-Crossed Ponies&#39;.<br /><br />Twilight Sparkle and company are on a quest to find the root of &#39;Shipping Syndrome&#39;, a romantic epidemic sweeping Equestria! <br /><br />Our protagonists are attempting to remain strong and vigilant, but the syndrome has taken hold of Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and now Twilight as well! With their arrival at Canterlot Castle, Twilight hopes to discover information pointing to the root of the problem. But trouble presents itself in many forms, and Rarity suspects that Twilight will be the most vulnerable to the syndrome while she&#39;s protected by the walls of the castle. What will Twilight do to keep her feelings under control while she attempts to suss out the cause of it all? Find out in act III: The Puppeteer!</p>

everyone

2011-08-02T14:33:08+00:00

Just as Princess Luna had promised, we were given full access to the Canterlot Royal Library. It brought back memories for me. I hadn't been in there since I was a filly. When I came of age, Celestia provided me an off-site place of residence where I could study. It had a decent selection of books, sure, but it was nothing compared to the Canterlot Royal Library. Celestia had it packed with volumes upon volumes of reference material and historical texts. It was a rather humbling sight...well, to me anyway. The others didn't seem nearly as enthused. We decided to settle in early that night and prepare to search the entire next day. After we had all stashed our belongings in our respective rooms, Luna invited us to join her in the dining hall. It was a bit awkward. I had never properly talked to Luna before. I didn't know what to say to her after what had happened at the castle ruins. Celestia always told me that we had saved Luna from herself. That Luna was grateful. That Luna understood how we were only trying to preserve the peace. But I couldn't help but worry that Luna might be suppressing some residual bitterness, that we weren't as welcome as she said we were. I wished I could resolve the issue simply, but I was reminded of the cat and the poison hypothetical. I realized that I couldn't confirm or oust my suspicions of Luna's bitterness without perhaps creating a new tension. So I had no plan. All I could do was take a preemptive measure and attempt to be vague so that if things got bad I could back out easily. "Luna...I'm sorry." "It's no problem, Twilight Sparkle. There are rooms in this castle which are perpetually empty. Putting you all up is no burdon-" "No, I mean...for the whole 'Nightmare Moon' thing. I really feel bad about that." "What would make you say such a thing?" "I just thought-" "Twilight Sparkle, there is another side of my story I suspect you're not aware of. Make no mistake, I am not Nightmare Moon, and Nightmare Moon is not me. Nightmare Moon was a dominating personality which resided in my subconscious, formed from repressed fillyhood memories and unfulfilled dreams. I am the Luna I am now because you were able to destroy Nightmare Moon. I would never hold it against you that you saved me from myself." Luna's words hit me like a freight train to Appleloosa. Now that I'd heard all that, and thought it all through, my worry seemed narrow-minded and self-justifying. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize-" "Twilight Sparkle, please stop apologizing," and for the first time, she smiled at me. It was comforting, and I could tell that I was just being overly cautious. I let it go. "So," Luna broke the silence, "my work is caught up, and I am fully prepared to assist you all in your research tomorrow. It has occurred to me that a good starting place may be the archives of Equestria Daily." "What's 'Equestria Daily'? I've never heard of it." "It's an old newspaper, from long before your time. I myself just recently discovered it in the castle library. My sister, apparently, never missed an issue; for the longest time she was obsessed on a rather gruesome story written by a pony under the penname of 'Sergeant Sprinkles'. Anyway, the paper has been out of print for nearly 300 years. The writers split off into two separate papers: the Canterlot Times and the Ponyville Tribune. I assume you are familiar with these two publications?" "Yeah." "Now, the original Equestria Daily papers were comprised mostly of two sections: fiction and non-fiction. The non-fiction section held the news, world events, and the like. That part we can ignore completely. The fiction section, on the other hoof, held original stories which ponies would write. This section became a training ground for independent authors who wanted to share their ideas. Though there were many beloved stories among this section, many of the serials were amateurish and conformed to the most bare-bone tropes of their genres. There were many violent and gruesome stories, dubbed 'grimdark'. These are not the stories we're worried about. No, the stories we want are romance stories, referred to as 'shipping'. Such stories were quite abundant in Equestria Daily, and if my hunch is correct, we will find some similarities between these shipping stories and the strange romance which now grips the land. "...Anyway, we can check the Equestria Daily archives tomorrow; for now, it would be best to get our rest tonight, so we can be at our best when we begin our hunt." Taking that as their cue, everypony went their separate ways. Luna caught my eye and I held back a second. When it was just the two of us left, Luna said to me, "Make no mistake, Twilight Sparkle...you are my sister's protege. I hold an obligation to you as well." And with that, I walked away as well. But not before returning the smile from earlier.

Apple John

291

Derpy Hooves,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Rarity,Sweetie Belle,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Manec Depression

incomplete

<p>A surprising series of events brings a young mare to the hands to the family of Carrot and Cup Cake. The couple show her hospitality as she begins to reveal herself and what brings her to Ponyville, making friends along the way!</p><p>Pic thanks to Echowolf800</p>

everyone

2011-07-22T16:16:56+00:00

2011-07-22T16:16:56+00:00

Carrot Cake slouched by the sink as he absentmindedly hoof-dried the last of the recently washed plates for the night, setting it aside without even looking. By now, his chores were a simple matter of muscle memory, and his attention was fixated upon the evening sky. He looked at the sun, a warm disc falling slowly towards the horizon, producing colors of vivid shades of red and yellow, spread out yet correlated upon an azure canvas spotted with grey clouds. The stallion anticipated the progression of the evening, causing the sky and all its myriad of colors to grow darker and darker, until nothing left was visible besides the twinkling stars and the glowing moon above. He would watch the sight of the town grow dimmer in light, matched with the growing quieter ambience of Ponyville. He eagerly waited, because when the sun had set, along with the beautiful light show it produced above, it also meant the day of work was over. Not to say that Carrot didn’t like his job as a baker; quite on the contrary, he adored it. He loved working beside his wife as the owner and operator of their own store and restaurant, and in fact, he had claimed on numerous occasions that he would continue to run it until the day he died, and afterwards, he would pass the bakery on to his own children! But there was one problem with his claim, and it was his small family. When Carrot married his wife, Cup, they moved to Ponyville with a dream to create and run their own family bakery. It only seemed right, considering that the yellow stallion had a baker’s cutie mark, represented by three slices of cake, which complimented the three cupcakes on his wife’s blue flank. They were destined to be bakers together, bound by the love they had for each other. The two poured their hearts and souls into the dream, bringing it to life from the dirt up. They worked on it for many years, enjoying times of success as well as enduring hardships, but they never gave up on their dream of making the Sugarcube Corner what it is today. However, the Cake family put so much effort into their lifelong project that they forgot to plan for the family they dreamed about as well. The maize-colored stallion set down the rag he used to dry the dishes and waltzed through the swinging door from the kitchen and into the parlor as he saw his beloved sky-blue wife polishing off a table. She stood up to find Carrot admiring her with a smile as he leaned against the wall. She couldn’t help but return a grin as their gazes met. “Was there something you needed, dearie?” She knew that look on his face; the look screamed his thoughts aloud to her, it seemed. After a number of years in marriage, Cup could practically read him as easily as he read the Equestria Daily papers each morning. She already knew what her husband was about to suggest, but it made her spouse feel better when she allowed him to think that he wasn’t so predictable. “I was thinking, honey bun,” he took off his apron as he spoke, setting it on the coat rack in the corner, “we’ve been working so hard lately; I think we owe it to ourselves to close early this evening.” The way he said it almost sounded like a question, and in some sense, it was: Cup never cut any corners in the family business, and Carrot knew this better than anyone else in all of Equestria. “Oh really, dear? And do what exactly?” she shot him a sly smile, raising an eyebrow as if her response was sudden. This wasn’t the full story, and she was waiting to hear the rest of his explanation. Carrot started to blush slightly as he rubbed his hoof in circles against the wooden floor. “Well, sugar, I was hoping that maybe we could, y’know, try again before it gets dark.” He grinned back at his wife, who simply rolled her eyes as if she had no idea what was coming. “Carry, we tried last week. These things take time.” She comforted the stallion by setting her hoof on his shoulder. She kissed his cheek tenderly as a tear rolled down it. “How much time?” Carrot tried to hide his crying, but in vain, “We’ve been trying for a foal of our own for about two years now!” he gently sobbed as Cup wrapped her forelegs around her husband. “I know, dearie,” she started to tear up as well, “But we already sent the request form to the postal service last week, and the month before that, and the month before that one, too! I’m sure we’ll hear back from them soon!” She tried to reassure her husband, but the attempt had backfired and the mention of the postal service caused him to break from the embrace and go into an emotional rant. “Why are you always on their side?” he blurted out to his wife, “After waiting two long years, we still have never gotten a response from those mail ponies!” “Carry, sweetie, please calm down!” “And you know who I think is responsible?” his distress and frustration turned to anguish. He wasn’t thinking straight anymore, and he was more than ready to lash out at anypony, “It’s that new girl, the young Pegasus mare who they assigned to our block!” “Don’t you dare talk about her that way, Carrot Cake!” defended Cup, unaware that she was yelling in return, “She may look a bit off, but she’s a good girl!” “Cup, I honestly couldn’t tell you how many times that wall-eyed filly has mixed up our packages with the store across the street! Who knows? I wouldn’t put it past her to think that she delivered our baby to somepony else!” The mare was about to come to her defense once more, but her husband continued, “I don’t know how she keeps her job! The ponies running that service are a bunch of lousy good-for-nothings wh-“ He was interrupted midsentence by the sound of the bell that hung above the door, notifying the two of a guest. The couple turned to look at their customer, who seemed just as embarrassed to walk in on the older couple’s fight as they did. She was a new face to the bakery, a pink pony whose age was in the grey area of somewhere between a filly and a mare. With her, she carried a bulging suitcase on her back, as well as saddlebags which hung low on her sides. The three stood frozen as the ringing bell continued to interrupt the moment, but it soon died into a silence. She awkwardly brushed a hoof through her straight magenta mane as she started to turn around. “I’m sorry,” she said weakly, as if she was about to cry as well. The two were ashamed to think their quarrel had offended her to such an extent, though in truth, that wasn’t the source of her unhappiness at all. The filly started to head back out into the growing night, but Cup was quick to fix her mistake as she disregarded her upset husband to go to the pink visitor. “Oh please, do come in, sweetie!” she ringed, as if she forgot the whole fight ever happened. “Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! Here, let me help you with your things!” The straight-faced filly set her suitcase down as Cup assisted her with taking off the saddlebag, hanging it next to Carrot’s apron. The blue mare showed the guest to a table and put a small menu in her hooves. “Can I get you something to drink while you look at the menu, sweetie?” “I’m fine,” she moped, as she continued to read with eyes glued on the menu. Cup could hear the pouting clops of her husband upstairs, indicating that he had already turned in for the night. ‘He gets so emotional,’ she thought to herself, grimacing at the ceiling above. But her blissful expression had returned when she heard the visitor’s voice: “I’ll take the sweet apple tart,” she told her hostess plainly. “Excellent choice, dear! That’s my favorite!” the young mare rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed with the enthusiasm that Cup wore. The blue mare headed off into the kitchen shortly, then returned, setting a plate with the treat in front of her. “Enjoy!” The filly didn’t even respond when she began to nibble at it. Cup always chose to make friends with her customers, but now she tried more so than ever: aside from the previous conflict she had witnessed, an instinct told her that the pink pony needed a friend now more than ever! “So I’ve never seen your pretty face around here before,” she tried to start up a conversation with the pink visitor, but she only received a ‘gee, point out the obvious,’ look in return. Despite her rude manners, Cup was still bound and determined. She was as keen on making her happy as the guest was stubborn on staying upset. She disregarded her behavior, and started to think of other ice breakers, when she remembered the luggage she hauled into the store earlier. “I noticed your hefty luggage, are you planning to stay in Ponyville long, sweetie?” “No,” she hardly looked up to answer monotonously, dismissing any further questioning from her hostess. Cup decided to respect her privacy: the visitor obviously didn’t want to talk about it, and it wasn’t any of her business after all. The guest continued to eat in silence, undisturbed by the older mare who had resumed her clean-up routine at a new table. When the pink guest was done, she pushed the platter into the center of the table and trotted to her saddlebag, producing a small coin purse from within. Cup sprang to her hooves once more as the young mare dug through it. “Oh heavens no, dearie. This one’s on us!” It was a usual gesture for Cup to give out a free pastry to newcomers, but it was the last trick she had to leave the filly feeling warm and fuzzy inside. And to her delight, it worked! The younger mare produced a shy smile! Cup had become giddy from her accomplishment and began to hop slightly as she helped the pink pony with her saddlebag, handing her the suitcase on the way out. “Thank you for your hospitality, ma’am,” said the small pony as she was heading out. Though she couldn’t show it aside from a simple smile, she sincerely appreciated being welcomed. “Please, call me Mrs. Cake!” her sweet victory brought even more joy to her voice, “Oh, but do hurry home: its well after sundown, and you wouldn’t want your parents to worry about you, dear!” The gloominess returned to the mare’s expression, erasing all indications of her previous felicity. Her cyan eyes looked as if they were about to cry again as she slammed the door on the way out. Cup bit her lip at the mare’s sudden mood swing. ‘So much for serving up smiles,’ she thought, as she picked up the empty platter to set in the sink. With a guilty conscience, she returned to her normal nightly routine as she closed up shop. . . . It was even later in the night when Cup began to ascend to her room after finishing the chores. She did twice the work she normally did: after her husband’s tantrum, Cup figured it’d probably be for the best to just let him turn in early for the night while she did the mundane work all by herself this once. It wasn’t as if he’d make a habit of it, after all. In truth, Carrot usually did go beyond the call of duty in his work, without asking for any recognition or reward: he did it because he loved his wife and what they had together. In retrospect, Cup figured her spouse was right in his argument when he said that they owed it to themselves to take it easy every once in a while; but between the two of them, they could never find time to rest except for after sundown. She opened the door to her room and found Carrot already fast asleep in bed, leaving the lamp over by his wife’s side turned on for when she came back up. She imagined that he had likely tried to stay up for when she came in, but the worn out stallion dozed off sometime in between then and now. It was a sweet gesture, she thought, but he really did need his sleep. Regardless of her husband’s intentions, Cup tried to be as gingerly as possible as she approached the bed, in hopes to not awaken her sleeping spouse. She climbed in, and the mattress began to shrug slightly, as it usually did. To Cup’s demise, the feeble motion was enough to jolt Carrot awake and upright. “Wha-? Oh there you are! I was getting worried.” Cup sighed as she reached for her book and glasses on the night side table. She opened to the page where she left off the previous night, but before she started to read, she looked back at her dreary husband. “You worry in your sleep, dear?” she retorted, chuckling slightly. “Ha-ha,” Carrot mocked her joke, and then the room grew quiet and serious. He figured it was time to say what needed to be said, “Look, I’m really sorry about earlier. I was frustrated, and I took my anger out on you. It was wrong of me, and I’m sorry. I love you, honey bun!” It was his turn to kiss her on the cheek, and even though Cup knew his apology was a standard kiss-and-make-up line straight from the book, she accepted it. Carrot meant the things he said. “I forgive you, Carry dear.” The stallion was relieved his cheesy line worked. The mare returned to her book with a smile, and her husband rolled over to go back to sleep. He glanced at the clock and was surprised at the hour of night it was! “Why were you up so late, sugar? Did that filly stay long?” “No, the sweet thing left as soon as she finished her meal,” Cup recollected as she faced her husband once more. Remembering the pink mare’s depressed face unintentionally brought a sense of sorrow to her demeanor, “but the nightly chores did take me a bit longer than they should have.” She returned to her book, but Carrot’s yellow face was now a bright orange. “Oh jeez, I’m so sorry, honey bun!” he began, fumbling through his mind for ways to make it up to her, “Tell ya what: you can sleep in tomorrow morning if you want. Or wait, no- I insist you sleep in tomorrow! I’ll get everything ready in the morning!” She knew that it was a fair tradeoff, but Cup shook her head. “It’s really no big deal, Carry,” she turned over to kiss the stallion, “I couldn’t ask you to do that.” “Please, just do it for me?” his green eyes looked into Cup’s, and though they were sincere, his persuasion wasn’t working with the glazed I-just-woke-up look on his face. But alas, she shrugged her shoulders: she could use the extra sleep after tonight, and more importantly, it would make her husband happy. “If you say so, dear,” she winked at her husband through her reading glasses, “but you better go to bed now, you have a bunch of work to do tomorrow!” She turned back to her book as he fell back to sleep in an instant. Cup always read before bedtime: it was the only time when she could forget her own problems and calm down if she was worked up. During the day, she never had time to pick up a book during work, even on their slowest days. As was said before, the two had enough on their busy agenda to keep them on their hooves day in and day out, whether it was shopping, baking, or the lunch rush. Even on Sundays when they opened late and closed early, they could never manage to find a midday respite! In that respect, a book at the end of each day was the perfect escape from all the hustle and bustle of work. When she was about to close her book for the night, she heard storm clouds rumble in. She’d nearly forgotten that the Weather Team had scheduled a nighttime shower that night! “I can read one more chapter tonight,” she wittily remarked to herself, “After all, I’m sleeping in tomorrow,” If it wasn’t reading, the most peaceful thing she liked to do was watching the rain. She cautiously crawled out of her sheets, (thankfully Carrot remained asleep this time,) and tiptoed downstairs with her book and reading glasses in hoof as she turned on the parlor lights. Cup sat in her favorite chair by the window as she read. From this seat, she would have had a panoramic view of all of Ponyville, granted there was any light shining on the town. But for now, she could watch the storm from her peripheral only to about the distance of across the street in the darkness. She smiled at the peaceful pitter patter sound of the rain as she read her book, looking out only on occasion to watch the street receive the steady downpour. After she finished the chapter, she slid in the bookmark and took one final glance at the storm, which had grown immensely since she moved downstairs. When lightning crossed, the town was illuminated in the drizzle, and although she found it exciting, she could’ve sworn that she saw a pony huddled up across the street. “The lack of sleep must be getting to me,” she reassured herself, but for some reason, the recollection was burned within her mind as she started upstairs: as much as she tried telling herself the thought was absurd, she just couldn’t be convinced that it was a figment of her imagination. Halfway up the stairwell, the sound of a large thunderclap caused her to jump; if the sound startled her when she was safe from the elements, she thought, then if there was somepony out there, she could hardly imagine how they must feel! “Well there’s no harm in checking,” she mumbled. Part of her thought she was crazy, but something inside was telling her to take a closer look. Cup set down her glasses and novel as she headed down the stairs to retrieve her rain jacket from the closet by the door. She wanted to believe there was nopony outside, but when she opened the door, she saw differently: Over yonder by the local Quills and Sofas, Cup witnessed what looked like a smaller pony in the fetal position, hiding beneath a tree for shelter. Though the rain made it difficult to confirm for certain, Cup dashed out towards the poor pony. As she came closer, the picture became less hazy, and soon enough, she could clearly identify the victim as the mysterious young mare from sundown! Cup nearly slipped on the wet grass as she halted next to the filly. Her magenta mane drooped over her pink coat, soaked to the skin. She could hear the mare whimpering beneath the hooves that covered her face as she shivered uncontrollably. Cup nudged her as the filly raised her head to attention. “Sweetie! You must come inside! Hurry!” she didn’t want to shout, but the noisiness of the situation gave her no other alternative. The filly looked around and saw the opened door to the Sugarcube Corner. She quickly scampered inside as Cup followed, dragging the waterlogged luggage that the filly left behind. Cup dropped the suitcase on the floor, setting the saddlebag atop of it as she closed the door. She turned around to hang her jacket on the coat rack, and saw the filly wallowing in a puddle of water, still a weeping and shivering mess. Producing a towel out of a drawer, the two mares headed for the bathroom to dry off. “There, there, you’re alright, sweetie,” she began to rub the shaken filly down in attempt to dry her coat, “Everything’s going to be alright, you’re safe. Do you feel better now?” The young mare nodded to the older’s question, followed by hugging around her shoulders as the water from her mane dripped down her savior’s body. While the older mare didn’t mind the dampness, she searched for a remedy to the wet hair. Upon breaking from their embrace, Cup placed a small hairdryer in the hooves of the pink pony, who glanced at her with a look of uncertainty. It wasn’t an uncommon utility, so it was a fair judgment to assume that she’d at least know how to use a basic hairdryer. Her assumption was wrong, and the blue pony blushed as she began to take her through the ropes. “You just slide this to here-“ the air jet turned on, startling the filly at first, but she smiled and followed through with what came naturally afterwards. “There! Now when your mane is nice and dry, come back into the parlor; I’ll have a surprise for you!” Cup stepped out as the filly began to use the strange invention to dry her magenta mane. It was a long process for sure, but the blowing of warm air felt much better to her head than being weighed down in water. The wetness had evaporated from her head, causing the once straight mane to grow into a curly frizzled mess. The delighted filly giggled at her reflection in the mirror before she set the device invention down, shutting it off in the same way Cup had turned it on earlier. Soon after, she returned to the parlor, antsy for the surprise that awaited her! The older mare stood at the counter, thrilled to see her little friend grinning from ear to ear as she exited the washroom, proudly baring a magenta mayhem on her head. She couldn’t help but quietly laugh at the girl’s mane as she skipped forward. “We can fix your mane tomorrow, dearie,” she giggled, spinning around so that her flank faced the filly, “but I have a surprise for you!” she turned again to reveal a mug of hot chocolate, with three or four marshmallows floating on its surface. The filly gasped at her treat, shortly before gulping it down in a matter of seconds. Though she was flattered that the filly enjoyed it, she was still appalled. “That super extra delicious drink was so super cocoa-rrific! Can I have another?” Cup wasn’t sure how to respond, and much less what to think: the sudden change in the girl’s personality over a series of minutes was surprising, but never had she seen a pony gulp down a heated beverage in such haste as she did! Was it even possible, she wondered? With the shake of her head, she disregarded the question. “You may have another in the morning, dear, but now it’s time for you to get some rest. You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow!” She wasn’t quite certain what she meant by that last part. Cup knew absolutely nothing about the mare, besides her liking apple tarts and hot chocolate, but all of a sudden, she felt like a guardian to the filly, as if she had somehow taken up responsibility for her. The older mare led the younger up the staircase and through a short hallway, stopping at a decorated brown door. Cup twisted the knob to reveal a fairly large bedroom with creamy walls matched with a green wooden floor. There was a bed in the corner, with a spread that matched the floor, and a maple headboard resembling a balloon! The entire room was jubilant in scheme, from its coloration to the cute furniture, much to the filly’s delight. “This will be your room tonight, sweetie,” the mare smiled as she motioned in the pink filly, “I hope it’s comforting enough for you!” The girl stood in awe around what was now her room for the night: Cup was afraid that the girl was about to faint, but her fears were discharged as the filly started to bounce in place, eyes wandering nearly at the speed of light as she wore a smile far too big for her face! She wrapped her forelegs around her hostess tightly, so tight that she lost her breath. “Oh thank you thank you thank you soooo much, Mrs. Cake! I’ll see you bright and early in the morning!” The girl happily trotted into her room, still eying the place like a toyshop. But before she left her alone for the night, Cup needed to ask the pony a simple question: “Oh, and sweetie?” “Yes ma’am?” “What should we call you?” It had occurred to Cup that she never got her name earlier. “My name is Pinkamena Diane Pie! But my Granny Pie called me Pinkie!” The grin on Pinkie’s face never ended. Cup wished her goodnight as she began to shut the door to her room. “Wait!” Pinkie yelped, catching the mare’s attention as she did a double take. Her curly mane bounced as she skipped towards Cup once more. “Thanks again!” her voice was less sporadic as the filly hugged the blue mare again, this time allowing her to properly breath. It brought a tear to Cup’s eye. Pinkie proceeded to hop into the bed, her lower body digging under the green covers. Before lying her head down, she eagerly waved goodnight at the older mare as she flipped off the light switch. “Such a sweet girl,” she muttered to herself as the door shut closed. Walking to her own bedroom, she didn’t dare look at the clock, but she was aware that sunrise was only a short while away. Though she knew it cost her a night’s sleep, she was glad to have helped the poor soul out of the rain and into the shelter of her warm home. The feeling was exhilarating, but there was odd sense to it: not a negative kind of odd, but more like unexpected, as if a gap that was previously vacant in her life had been filled. After the night’s events, she started to feel a very special connection to her, a very guardian-like relation to the pink filly. She had no way of knowing at the time, but all three of them, Carrot, Cup, and Pinkie, were about to embark on a fateful journey of friendship that would last forever.

Apple John

291

Derpy Hooves,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Rarity,Sweetie Belle,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Manec Depression

incomplete

<p>A surprising series of events brings a young mare to the hands to the family of Carrot and Cup Cake. The couple show her hospitality as she begins to reveal herself and what brings her to Ponyville, making friends along the way!</p><p>Pic thanks to Echowolf800</p>

everyone

2011-07-30T01:20:33+00:00

2011-07-30T01:20:33+00:00

Before sun had returned over the horizon, Carrot was awake and ready for the day. After fixing his peppermint-themed bowtie, he put on his red and white cap to match as he began to head down the stairs. But when he descended, he stood petrified as he witnessed the tiny lake that encompassed the wooden plank floor! “How’d this happen?” he breathed. He remembered reading about the scheduled storm last night, but the establishment had two floors: the idea of a leaky roof defied all logic! Puzzled, he headed towards the utility closet to grab a mop, but along the way, he noticed the presence of a water-damaged luggage pack by the door. It seemed oddly familiar, yet he didn’t know for sure if he’d seen the bag before. Curiosity drove him towards the case, treading cautiously to keep his hooves dry, if at all possible in the swamp of a parlor. He took the bag, setting it on its side as he zipped it open just enough to take a peek inside. “Rocks?” he stated quizzically as he drew his head back, unzipping the rest of the suitcase to reveal the rest of its contents. Among the rocks laid an old phonogram, a bag of flour, a bucket full of turnips, and what looked like a collection of dryer lint. Lying below the miscellaneous items sat party hats and a pack of balloons; the two items that seemed normal in comparison, but were baffling all the same. Hearing a drawn-out, melodramatic gasp coming from the stairs, he jumped back, hesitating to snoop any further. At first, he believed it was his wife, but turning around, the source revealed itself to be the pink filly from the night before. She watched with mild embarrassment as her belongings were exposed to the light. The filly leapt down the stairs and began to gallop through the water and towards the opened bag, knocking over the stallion. He gave a yelp as his rump splashed into the puddle. “Why are you going through my things, hmm?!” she accused harshly, zipping her bag back up. Carrot was still trying to comprehend what all had happened when he heard the clops of his wife, climbing down the stairs in response to all the noise. “Carry dear, I heard you an-“ she paused. She forgot about all the water she and Pinkie Pie brought in the night before, and was extremely embarrassed to have left the mess after her husband had so generously offered to work double-time on this morning. The filly broke the silence once more: “Hiya Mrs. Cake!” she called out enthusiastically, as if she had already forgotten about the conflict with Carrot. This morning was getting weirder and weirder in the stallion’s mind. Was it a dream? “Good morning, Pinkie Pie!” she answered the filly sweetly, then turned to her husband. “And Carry? Why are you sitting in a puddle?” The speed of the situation caused him to forget about the water he wallowed in. He pushed himself up onto four legs, his backside saturated in wetness, and stomped towards his wife. “May I have a word with you in the kitchen?” he hardly tried to hide his frustration as he led his wife through the swinging doors. The two made sure they were out of earshot before they began fussing, but Carrot didn’t really know where to start his inquisition. Cup opened up first: “Carry dear, let me explain,” “Go right ahead,” he insisted dryly, his voice still fluster. She began to unveil to him the series of events from the night before, starting with when he had charged upstairs and left the mare alone with the filly customer. Carrot’s face turned a bright orange when he remembered that he had let his childish fit keep him away from his duty the night before. But the stallion continued to listen as his wife told him more: she mentioned how upset the filly was, and how hard it was to please her and make her smile. But then the mare instructed the filly something about returning home to her family, and she messed everything up. At that moment, Cup realized the gravity of what she had said. “So after one bad customer experience, you turned our bakery into a boarding house?!” Carrot lashed at her meditative pause. His cutting outburst broke Cup’s trance. “I’m not finished!” she declared, tears of sympathy for the girl were running down her cheeks. Carrot held his tongue as his wife continued to tell her story, picking up from after Carrot fell asleep and she had moved downstairs to watch the nighttime storm that had rolled in. “… and when I saw the poor dear outside, it nearly broke my heart. I had to offer her the guestroom for the night!” she concluded, then started to ponder again, this time uninterrupted by her husband, “But now, I feel like the sweet girl should stay with us a bit longer, just until she gets her hooves back on the ground.” The words caused Carrot to snap: “What?! Are you even listening to yourself, Cup?! We’re running a business here, not a homeless shelter!” “Carrot, listen: this filly has no one else to turn to. She needs us!” Cup was now kneeling on the ground as a bawling mess, and Carrot well knew that now his wife would be more than willing to defend the pink pony to the death. She was the kindest Earth Pony he had ever met, and this was one of the reasons why he had fallen in love with her: her compassion for everything else above herself. She was always a trusting friend, even to strangers, and always saw the best in everypony. It was why she usually ran the front of the store while her husband worked back in the kitchen. She was the face of Sugarcube Corner while he was the workhorse. Carrot was also considerate, but when compared to his wife, his kindness didn’t come close to rivaling. He was the brains of the operation, and usually had a better idea of how to run the bakery than his wife. She respected him greatly for it, even if he did slip up every once in a while, but Cup still had her own opinions. And right now, the two’s ideas were at a stalemate. Carrot sighed in regret at watching his wife’s reaction. He knew where she was coming from, and being so harsh with his last statement panged him emotionally. But that didn’t change the fact that he protested, although, he didn’t want to simply leave the argument in terms of agreeing to disagree. “Look, all I’m saying is that,” he paused as he carefully chose his words, “we can’t support a filly on our own welfare. We don’t have the time or money for it, and we’re not in the position to provide for a third pony under our roof. Do you see what I’m saying?” She took his words into account. He spoke the truth to the extent that they were always occupied in their work. However, he left a hole in his argument: “If we don’t have the time or the money,” she retorted slowly, as if to control each word as she climbed back to her hooves, “why are you so persistent on having a baby?” Carrot paused. He didn’t prepare for that kind of an accusation, but it led him to think about his own words: was he right earlier when he said that between the two of them, they don’t have the time or the money to support somepony else, not even a pony that could do her part in society and hold her own weight? If this was true, then how could they expect to support a foal of their own when they couldn’t even host a young mare like Pinkie? No: he decided that he was wrong. He was wrong in many respects about his own family. It was true that they had little spare time, but it was false to think they couldn’t make time for what was important, and while there was still an issue with money, there wasn’t anything they couldn’t do without. The strength of a family, he decided, wasn’t determined by the problems it encounters, but rather by the resilience in which it overcomes danger. So as long as the two loved each other, there was nothing they could not conquer; especially the accepting of another to their family. This thought brought warmth to Carrot’s soul as a proud smile began to sweep across his face. While Cup couldn’t read what was going on inside his head, she felt the gladness in his heart and was compelled to grin in response. He took her hoof in his two front ones, as he gazed into her lovely violet eyes. “Excuse for a second, honey bun, but there’s something I need to say to the girl,” he spoke. The stallion had an idea, a compromise that had both of their interests in mind. As his wife began to get the kitchen ready for the morning, Carrot proceeded to the front to find the filly. . . . As Carrot headed through the swinging doors, he halted suddenly at the sight of the parlor. The puddles were gone, but that was just the beginning of it! Everything was ready for the day ahead, which was a relief for Carrot, as he feared that the argument between him and his wife would have put the two farther behind in chores than usual! He was reanimated from his admiration when the rebound of the door whacked him from behind. As he stumbled towards the center of the room, he became less focused on the being of the shop and more so on finding Pinkie Pie. “Hi Mr. Cake!” Pinkie Pie called out from behind the front counter. “Pinkie Pie, did… did you do all of this?” Mr. Cake felt the weight of guilt; a few minutes ago, he wanted nothing more than to run her out of the shop! Carrot felt ashamed of himself for the thought. “Yessiree bob, Mr. Cake!” she began to bounce around him, “Since you were so extra super nice to let me stay here last night, I decided to help out around here a bit! So I wondered to myself, “what can I do right now?” and I figured, while you two went in there, it’d be the perfect Pinkie Pie place for me to get some of your chores done! Like I dried the floor, got the tables cleaned, washed the windows, dusted the cabinets, polished the disp-“ “Thank y-“ “Oh, and I got your newspaper!” she pulled a newspaper out from behind the counter and set it on its surface. “Umm yes, thank you Pinkie, I truly do appreciate it,” he tried to calm her down. The exuberant amount of energy in the filly was a bit overwhelming for him. The pink pony reduced her movements to short hops in place, and then to a halting stance. “Now Pinkie, if you have a moment, I’d like to have a word with you.” “Okay, what’s up?” she quickly replied. “My wife and I are two busy ponies-” “Uh huh” “And we run this bakery by ourselves-“ “Right” “And as you can imagine-“ “Of course,” “Between the two of us, we have a very busy-“ “Gotcha,” “Will you please stop interrupt-“ “I’m sorry,” Pinkie Pie’s shining grin grew more concerned as the stallion glared at her, but it soon resurfaced. “I’m done!” “So like I was saying, my wife and I are always extremely busy doing things, both here in the shop and around town, with little to no help,” her stare grew brighter, her teal-blue eyes started to sparkle at the possibilities of what was to follow. “So my wife and I were talking about it, and we agreed that we’d like to take you up as an apprentice to Sugarcube Corner, if you’d like.” Pinkie Pie froze in place. She couldn’t believe what had just happened! She was going to be working in a bakery, and not just any bakery, but what she thought was the happiest place in all of Equestria! Her hopping returned, followed by the spastic bounding across the room between gleeful cheers and ecstatic cries of joy! Cup had heard the outbursts and peeked her head inside the parlor to see what had happened. “Pinkie Pie!” she called out. She was just as giddy as the filly! Pinkie Pie stopped her endless jumping and skipped towards the mare as they hugged each other warmly. “I’m sooooo so super extra excited, Mrs. Cake! and we’re gonna have so much fun baking together! It’ll be like a party every day!” Pinkie Pie practically screamed the words to Cup, who wasn’t quite sure what had happened, but savored thrilled all the same! His husband shot her a wink as she started to put the pieces together: when she finally put the puzzle together, she squealed with delight! “Oh Pinkie Pie, you get to be my little assistant!” “I know! This is the best day ever!” As the two continued their jubilant banter, Carrot tried to sneak back into the kitchen before his wife called him out to do something for her. His plan didn’t work, and his wife caught him just as he was pushing through the door to the door to the kitchen: “Oh, and Carry, will you be a dear and move Pinkie Pie’s bags to her room? I have a lot of things to tell my star pupil!” Cup’s ringing voice hadn’t sounded so excited since the couple first opened the bakery, Carrot thought. Gratified with making his wife happy, he willingly trotted towards the bags, following her orders as he hauled them upstairs. . . . It was just after the lunch rush, and Pinkie Pie had already learned much about the bakery. Mrs. Cake was impressed at her student’s retention, even if they were only covering the basics of the kitchen, like the appliance names, their uses, and other simple matters. Regardless, the filly was getting nothing less than antsy to start baking! “I’ll help you with baking later, dearie. We have enough baked goods in stock for now, so we don’t need any more at the moment.” Pinkie Pie shrugged in contempt. She had really hoped she could put her lessons to use, and Mrs. Cake could see her disappointment. The mare started to look for new ways to keep her feeling involved. “I know! How would you like to run the front for a bit until Mr. Cake gets back with the groceries?” She had confidence in the filly, knowing that Pinkie Pie had watched intuitively as she dealt with so many customers during lunch. Knowing she had provided a strong model, she was comforted as she headed off into the kitchen. And besides, she didn’t expect many more ponies to come in, seeing that midday was usually their biggest crowd. Just as Mrs. Cake had walked out, a gray Pegasus with a flowing blonde mane passed through the door. The filly, of about Pinkie’s age, had golden eyes which pointed in different directions as she began to scan the room, as if looking for somepony. “Hello? Anypony home?” she called out, as if she expected to hear an echo in return. To answer, Pinkie Pie nearly landed on top of her as she sprang into action: “Hi! Welcome to Sugarcube Corner!” she said with a bright smile, as Mrs. Cake had done, “My name’s Pinkie Pie! How can I help you today?” “Oh umm, I’m not a customer,” she remarked shyly, motioning to her brown saddlebag baring the postal service insignia, “My name’s Derpy Hooves, and I’m the local mailmare. I’ve got some mail here for Mrs. Cake.” “Okie dokie lokie!” she replied. Before the gray pony could respond, Pinkie had already dashed through the swinging doors to retrieve Mrs. Cake. It wasn’t before long until she made her appearance in the parlor, standing at just about where the pink pony stood earlier. “Oh Derpy, it’s so good to see you, dearie!” she gave the girl a hug, as the filly responded by awkwardly wrapping a foreleg around her back, “How are you? Can I get you a muffin?” The filly broke the embrace as she returned to her professional persona: “No thanks, Mrs. Cake, I just had a sandwich. But thanks!” she looked to her bag again, reaching for some parcels. “I have some things for you today… one, two, three, and a magazine subscription!” Mrs. Cake wasn’t subscribed to any magazines. She unrolled the glossy periodical as she began to read the title aloud: “Sofa’s Digest? Sweetie, I think this might be for Mr. Davenport at the Quills and Sofas shop down the street.” “Oh gosh, I’m so sorry,” Derpy blushed. It wasn’t the first time something like this had happened, and after every time, she promised herself it’d be the last. It made her the laughing stock of the office whenever they received feedback of her mishaps. “Honey, don’t worry about it, it was just an accident,” she handed the magazine back, patting her on the shoulder, “here, just put it on Mr. Davenport’s front porch, okay?” “Okay, I will. Thanks, Mrs. Cake,” a shy smile arose from her face. It was what she had planned to do anyways, but hearing it come from Mrs. Cake helped alleviate some of the embarrassment that she tried to hide. The mare always knew what to say in these types of situations, and Derpy was relieved that the mistake happened in the Sugarcube Corner of all places. She was beginning to turn towards the door as she heard her name being called once more: “Oh, and Derpy, are you busy today, by chance?” “Umm, let me think,” her eyes wandered separately as she began to search through her head, “No ma’am, this is my last house for today. After I take this magazine to Mr. Davenport, I’m off for the day! Why? You need something?” “Well, I wanted to ask a favor of you,” Mrs. Cake began. Pinkie Pie, who was listening from the kitchen, perked up at the word ‘favor’ as she poked her head in from under the door, “I know this is unusual, but I need to ask you if you can deliver a cake to a birthday party tonight?” “I’d be delighted to!” but before she and Mrs. Cake had the opportunity to discuss details, Pinkie Pie broke into the conversation, feeling slightly betrayed at the nature of the request. “I can do it, Mrs. Cake! I’ll deliver the cake!” she defended herself, “But I thought you told me earlier that we don’t do deliveries?” “We don’t, under normal circumstances, but this is a special case,” she explained to the filly. Though she would have been able to trust her with a simple assignment like this, Mrs. Cake couldn’t expect the newcomer to be able to find her way around Ponyville by herself! “and now that I’m thinking about it, sweetie, I think you should go with her; Derpy knows the town well, and she can show you around.” The pink filly shook her head in defiance: “But Mrs. Cake, I don’t need-“ “No buts! That’s an order! You and Derpy will go to the party together. Do you understand?” “Yes, ma’am,” moaned the pink Earth Pony, turning to the grey Pegasus. She still didn’t like the idea, but she regretted trying to shut Derpy out, seeing that the two had ended up being partnered together for the job anyways. “Alright, Mrs. Cake, whatever you say; I’ll be back here in about an hour. Tootles!” the Pegasus seemed to be more content with her partner, but not by much. She pulled the door ajar, leaping into the air as she took off, but forgot to close the door behind her. It wasn’t before long that she remembered, reappearing to finish the task. “That silly little filly,” she chuckled to herself. She wasn’t quite sure how Derpy was such a screw-up at times, but it didn’t bother her: the young Pegasus was a sweetheart, and a very faithful friend to her. Mrs. Cake knew that the two fillies would warm up to each other in time. “Mrs. Cake,” Pinkie Pie still protested, “Why do I need to go with her? You know you could trust me to do the job myself!” “Sweetie, I do trust you, but I can’t expect you to know how to find Carousel Boutique! You’re new to Ponyville, after all,” Cake explained to her. The filly couldn’t argue with that, and nodded in affirmation. She began to head back to the kitchen before her mentor called her out once more: “And Pinkie Pie, do go upstairs and get ready for the party,” Pinkie Pie stared back in confusion. “Wait, what? I thought me and Derpy were just delivering the cake and coming right back! I mean, I still have things to do here, right?” “Derpy can do whatever she wants. As for you, young mare, you’re staying!” The order caused Pinkie Pie’s jaw to drop to the ground: she didn’t understand at all! “My husband and I will take care of the bakery while you’re gone. You still have a life to live, sweetie, and I can’t keep you away from that. Now go get ready! You’re going to make a lot of new friends tonight!”

Apple John

291

Derpy Hooves,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Rarity,Sweetie Belle,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Manec Depression

incomplete

<p>A surprising series of events brings a young mare to the hands to the family of Carrot and Cup Cake. The couple show her hospitality as she begins to reveal herself and what brings her to Ponyville, making friends along the way!</p><p>Pic thanks to Echowolf800</p>

everyone

2011-08-07T20:40:25+00:00

2011-08-07T20:40:25+00:00

“If you keep looking at the ground while we walk, how are you gonna learn your way around Ponyville?” Derpy told her companion who was kicking a rock that she found on the road. Pinkie Pie didn’t hear, or if she did, she completely ignored it. It was quite clear by her body language that she didn’t want to have any part of the night’s events, and Pinkie perceived a sense rivalry between the two of them. She hardly knew the grey filly, but she already had grown distaste for her. As opposed to her pink counterpart, Derpy was excited for a number of reasons: she didn’t normally go to parties, so she was looking forward to a slight change in pace. However, making a new friend is what she anticipated the most; a friend that she could relate to in ways that others could not. For the most part, Ponyville was a slow town, in the sense that most of its citizens were from families who had lived there for many generations. Not many ponies moved in, and even less moved away, so while it was a very close knit community, settling in at first could feel like a bit of a challenge for many newcomers. At an early age, Derpy’s parents grew tired of the hustle and bustle in the Pegasus city of Cloudsdale, and moved the family down to the ground. After all, a small town like Ponyville was a quieter and safer place to raise a young filly than the inner city of their metropolis home, where they felt crammed among everypony and lived each day in fear that their daughter may get lost, or worse! But In Ponyville, everypony knew just about everypony by name, so the family felt much more content: everypony in the family except Derpy. She initially hated her parents for the decision, going through childish phases of not talking to them, and she would spend days on end in her room when they first moved in. But in time, she eventually got over the change, and made some new friends. Derpy loved her new friends dearly; however, she could never relate to anyone about her past before she came to Ponyville. In this regard, she felt like there was a special connection between her and Pinkie Pie because they both had experienced the dynamic change of moving from one place to the other. If the pink pony ever needed anypony, Derpy hoped that she would come and find her. After all, the grey pony didn’t want anypony to go through the rough transition that she went through, and now was a perfect time to get to know each other. However, Pinkie Pie seemed more concerned with kicking pebbles, watching them as they rolled along the unpaved street: “You oughta stop kicking things, y’know. You’ll scratch Mrs. Cake’s shoes,” the Pegasus suggested. She tried to not sound demanding, but the way she said it caused Pinkie Pie to view her words as such: “Whatever you say,” she mocked. Although, she knew that Derpy was right: Mrs. Cake had been generous to let her borrow one of her own party ensembles for the event, since she lacked any sort of formal attire. It was a kind gesture, but Pinkie was starting to regret accepting it: the gown was from way back when Mrs. Cake was Pinkie’s size, and the style was outdated by decades. Not only was it old, but it featured shades of green that just didn’t compliment her pink coat at all! But nevertheless, Mrs. Cake had insisted for her to wear something as opposed to nothing. In addition, she straightened Pinkie’s magenta mane, which now hung over the shoulders and obtrusively contrasted with the dress. She felt very goofy looking, and was hoping no one else would see her. Derpy, on the other hoof, was looking stunning. She wore a simple grey evening gown, just a few shades darker than her own coat. The flat slingback shoes on her hooves were golden colored to match her eyes and blonde mane, which she had tied in the back with a white bow. The classy, yet minimalistic look was cancelled out by the blank white cake box supported on her back, but she knew that all in all, she looked pretty. She only wished that Pinkie Pie could feel the same: “It’s fine, I’m just being a bit protective, I guess” she tried to correct herself, but Pinkie Pie just rolled her eyes, “Y’know, if you’re gentle with her dress, maybe she’ll let you wear it again! I mean, I don’t know how you do it, but you pull the pull the look off well!” she lied. The forced enthusiasm in her voice was very obvious: “Really? I think you’re just saying that, you lying liar-pants!” she replied begrudgingly. Derpy was almost insulted at the haste in which Pinkie Pie had shut her down, but she shook it off. There was honestly no reason why she was being so rude, in Derpy’s mind, and from her first encounter with Pinkie Pie, it just didn’t seem normal. Had she said something to offend her? “C’mon Pinkie, you really should lighten up. I mean, we’re going to a party, after all!” “Will you stop telling me what to do! And why would we be welcome? We didn’t even receive an invitation!” “We don’t need one, silly filly,” she winked at the Earth Pony, “we’re bringing the cake!” Derpy giggled at her own joke as Pinkie Pie shot her a suspicious look. After all, they were simply being used as a delivery crew, not actual guests: “We’ll be kicked out for being misfits before we can even get to the punch table.” Derpy paused at the rude remark. She didn’t hold it against her; Pinkie was just a little intimidated, she thought. After all, it was her first full day here in Ponyville, and going to a party with a bunch of strangers is a bit of a leap up the social ladder. Maybe she just needed some comfort before she could relax: “Look, Pinkie, I’m sorry,” the pink filly stopped to curiously watch the Pegasus apologize, “I just want you to be happy here. I mean, I was new to Ponyville once, too. I moved here from Cloudsdale when I was younger, and, well, I remember it being the worst day of my life. Like, I had to leave all my friends behind, and I remember always thinking that I’d never make new ones. “I thought I had to make something of myself to get noticed by other ponies, so I took a job as a papermare here in Ponyville. I figured that if I could do a really good job at delivering things to other ponies, maybe they’d like me, but I always screwed up and everything. It was so humiliating that sometimes, I felt like I couldn’t show my face in town for days!” she paused to check if Pinkie Pie was still listening to her, but her eyes were pointed to her hooves again. Regardless, she continued: “Then one time, I took the wrong paper to Sugarcube Corner. I was so embarrassed, but Mrs. Cake told me it didn’t matter. In fact, she told me that it was silly to try to impress other ponies to make them my friends. Ponies should like other ponies for who they are, not what they do, and if nopony could accept me for who I am, then it isn’t even worth the trouble. “Basically, what I’m trying to say is, don’t be afraid that you don’t know anypony at the party tonight, or feel pressured to be somepony you’re not. You’ll make friends, I promise. Just be yourself!” Regardless of the sweet sentiment, Pinkie Pie didn’t want to deal with her grey partner, or anypony else for that matter. She didn’t realize it before she headed out, but the first day at Sugarcube Corner left her pretty exhausted. All she wanted to do at the moment was to go home and take a long nap. Having to put up with all this was frustrating for her: “I’m not afraid!” Pinkie Pie stomped angrily, “I’m not lonely, I’m not trying to impress anypony, and I definitely don’t need you here to lecture me about it! Just leave me alone!” Derpy jerked backwards in shock, causing the cake to lose its balance on her back. As the box wobbled, she tried to catch it’s momentum to keep it from splattering on the road, but the box tumbled off her back. Luckily, Pinkie Pie was able to catch the box before it hit the ground: “Well don’t drop it, feather-brain! Do you even look where you’re going?” Pinkie scolded, setting it on her own back, “I’ll carry it, before you trip and fall or something.” “I’m sorry,” apologized the clumsy filly, who shortly returned to her enthusiasm, “But that was a really good save! Thanks!” she applauded, but her companion wasn’t amused. She glanced at her as they continued to walk, and then shortly turned away; Pinkie Pie was fixated on the ground moving beneath her as Derpy led the way to Carousel Boutique, afraid to open her mouth again in fears that her new friend would say something else to spoil her fun. . . . The two finally reached their destination as the jovial-themed exterior of Carousel Boutique came into view, along with the dozens of ponies who were setting up for the evening’s party. The teams of Unicorns and Pegasi were hard at work, swarming around the place like bees as they did myriads of jobs, from setting up tables to making the sure outdoor lighting worked properly. At the center of the mass stood a white Unicorn mare with a pink mane, levitating a clipboard in front of her. It was clear that she was the one in charge, not only from the clipboard, but by the manner in which she yelled at all the ponies who spoke to her. “Umm, that must be Ms. Carousel, the hostess for tonight,” she pointed out to Pinkie Pie as she observed the mare’s stressed out behavior, “but she looks really busy. Maybe we shou-“ she turned to notice that her partner had already headed into the crowd. With a sigh, Derpy chased after her. Pinkie Pie sifted through the crowd of workers, overhearing bits and pieces of quiet conversations and slander from disgruntled laborers; some talked about their families, others about sports teams, and many others shared words about the crazy mare in charge, though Pinkie Pie ignored those comments. She had a responsibility to deliver the cake to the client, and then she was done for the day. Approaching the mare, she began to overhear part of a quarrel between the white mare and a Pegasus stallion: “… I can’t believe you ruffians brought me nine tables when I had asked for eight! I didn’t ask for nine tables, and we certainly don’t need nine tables!... Why yes, I’m aware that we don’t have to utilize the ninth, but I’ll have you know first and foremost that I refuse to pay for it!... Yes, now let’s see… How many table skirts, did you say?... Eight? Well why in Equestria would you have brought eight table skirts if you originally thought I had requested for nine tables! Are you daft? Can any of you goons count? How can you expect-” “Excuse me, ma’am,” Pinkie Pie interrupted, expressing the irritated tone in her voice. “And who are you?” the lady lashed out, wiping the sweat off her face, “Can you not see I’m in the middle of setting up for my daughter’s fête tonight? It’s in a short few hours, and I’m extremely busy! What is it that you need that couldn’t possibly wait until later?” The mare’s short temper almost caused Pinkie Pie to do something she would’ve regretted, but Derpy landed in between the two, separating the tensions as she took the matter into her hooves: “We’re terribly sorry for interrupting, but we wanted to tell you that the cake has arrived.” The mare leaned to the side as she eyed the pink filly behind Derpy. When the courier approached the mare with the cake, her furrowed brow relaxed: “Oh, you girls must be from Sugarcube Corner! Dear me, I do apologize, darling.” She held her nose to the sky as she spoke, “Allow me to introduce myself: I am Miss Tunica Carousel, owner and proprietor of this fine dressmaking establishment, and hostess for my darling daughter Rarity’s birthday party this evening.” By the way she said it, it seemed as though she was simply after recognition before an actual introduction. Regardless, the Pegasus’s friendly nature compelled her to reply: “I’m Derpy Hooves, and this is Pinkie Pie. Nice to meet you!” Derpy curtsied slightly, but the latter pony made no such gesture. “Oh darling, the pleasure’s all mine,” She replied arrogantly. Pinkie nudged Derpy in the side, urging her to wrap it up; she didn’t want to make any more unnecessary small talk with the stuck up mare, as Derpy could clearly see it in her expression: “Yes, well, anyway, what did you want us to do with the cake?” “Take the box inside and my daughter Rarity will see to it that it’s taken care of.” she stated plainly, as if ordering her subordinates, “Thank you girls!” As she had said, the two ponies began to make their way towards the blue-and-purple speckled building in search for Ms. Carousel’s daughter. Derpy had known Rarity from her school days, but the two hardly ever talked. Even so, she knew that the Unicorn didn’t have her head in the clouds, or at least nothing like her mother. Generally speaking, she was a humble pony who had always offered a helping hoof to those who needed it. Given this, as much as she hated to criticize other ponies, it baffled Derpy how a modest filly like Rarity could possibly come from such a conceited broad of a mare. She stopped her silent questioning as Pinkie Pie rang the doorbell. The two could hear the howling cry of a foal from the other side of the door. Could Rarity even hear the bell? Before Pinkie Pie moved to press it for a second time, the top half of the door swung open to reveal a white filly. She was breathing heavily, as if she had been galloping about, and her wavy violet mane drooped under the stress. Pausing from her gasping, she recognized the Pegasus who stood before her: “Oh, Derpy, how lovely of you to stop by. Is there anything I can help you with?” she took another deep breath. The family shared the same sophisticated dialect, with a fancy ring to her voice. It was odd, though: It felt as if Pinkie Pie already knew the girl… “We brought you the cake from Sugarcube Corner,” Pinkie Pie answered, motioning to the box. Why did nopony ever notice what she was carrying? “Oh yes, the cake, how did I miss it before? Please would you come in? I’ll be with you in just a second.” She opened the door, allowing her guests inside as she ran back into the depths of the facility. As the two entered and shut the door behind them, the voluminous cries of the little foal grew louder and louder, the source coming from a purple crib by a dress rack on one of the side walls. Pinkie Pie went to go set the cake box on a makeup table, while Derpy hovered over to look at the foal. The pink pony glanced at her as she bent over the sides of the crib, and soon brought the foal for Pinkie Pie to see as it continued to scream at the top of her lungs. “Isn’t she so adorable?” Derpy tried to exclaim over the sounds of the foal, rocking her gently. She was pure white, like the color of the two others in her family, with a light purple and rose colored mane, the colors parted symmetrically in the middle. The foal wore a lavender dress with floral designs, slightly wrinkled, but adorable all the same. Though Derpy tried all that she could to calm her down, Rarity came back and snatched the foal from her arms: “Derpy, you just can’t hold somepony’s baby sister without permission! There’s no telling where your hooves have been!” Rarity placed her back in the crib, and from it she produced a baby bottle. Setting it in her mouth, she dashed within the depths of the building once more. Within a minute, the white filly returned with a bottle full of baby formula. Grabbing her whining sister from the bed, the foal started to quiet down when she saw the bottle, then the outcries ceased completely as the teat met her mouth. After she had quieted down, she was a perfect angel: “Thanks for helping me find the bottle, Derpy. I never would’ve checked her cradle had you not taken her,” the white filly seemed to calm down as well, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow as the foal and its bottle telekinetically floated next to her. Although Derpy was glad to have helped, she blushed at her fault; she loved children, and couldn’t help but try to cheer the foal up when she saw how upset it was. Rarity knew that she had good intentions at heart: “Would you care to hold her?” “Omigosh, yes!” the Pegasus replied as the Unicorn began to levitate the foal to her. Derpy cradled the floating baby that continued to eat. Now that she wasn’t a screaming banshee, Derpy could really appreciate the cuteness of the foal as it lay in her forelegs. She watched her as she tried to hold the bottle with her own hooves, while Derpy ultimately secured it in place. “Your sister is so precious! What’s her name?” “Sweetie Belle,” said Rarity. Even though Derpy’s good eye was locked on the foal, she knew that the Pegasus had heard. “Aside from when she’s hungry, the name really does fit!” The two giggled at the banter, but Pinkie Pie stood in the corner, watching. She still couldn’t shake the idea that the white filly was someone she had seen before, and she occupied herself at the moment with piecing together the case of déjà vu. As Rarity remembered her other guest, she turned from the Pegasus to greet her: “Excuse me, where are my manners?” Rarity approached the pink pony, but gasped at the sight of her atrocious green dress. She forgot the introductions completely as her fashionista instinct involuntarily kicked in, “Darling, you just can’t wear that outfit to my soirée! It’s just so… Ugh, I don’t even know where to begin! Please, you must come with me, I insist! Derpy, please be a dear and put the cake in the icebox after Sweetie Belle is done eating. I have some business to attend to!” Rarity began to push the pink pony into the back room as they left the other filly and the foal. . . . The two ponies ended up in a dark room, but Rarity switched on the lights to reveal the dress studio. Pinkie Pie was first startled at the bright lights, but as she adjusted to the setting, she saw the white filly wearing a yellow measuring tape over her neck like a boa, along with a pair of red glasses and a clipboard as she marched towards her, looking as if she were ready for a fashion war: “Now, if you would just take off that horrendous mess of fabric, we can begin.” It was the first decent thing Pinkie Pie had heard since leaving Sugarcube Corner, and she quickly followed through with Rarity’s request, part in thanks and in curiosity. “I’ll put this old thing over on this hanger so that you can get it after the party, though I couldn’t understand why you’d even want it back after you see the dress I’ll give you tonight.” Rarity began to take the pink pony’s measurements, telekinetically jotting the numbers down. Pinkie Pie could start to see the family resemblance as the clipboard hung in front of the white pony, and while she wanted to continue getting to know her hostess for her own sake, she knew that she couldn’t afford anything like this: “I don’t have enough money to buy a dress,” she said plainly, causing Rarity to pause shortly: “Buy? Oh heavens no, dear: consider this a party favor, free of charge.” “I don’t want to make you work at your own birthday party.” “Oh no, no, no, I insist! I want you to look your best, dear! The pleasure is all mine!” It was the second time today that Pinkie Pie had heard that phrase used, but this time, she believed it to be sincere, as opposed to Ms. Carousel’s self-centered comment earlier. In fact, it caused her to recollect all the past events from her day, starting from after she had left her home at Sugarcube Corner. She thought about Derpy: the overall friendly Pegasus pony only wanted for her new friend to be happy, given the circumstances she was in. And some friend Pinkie Pie was in return! She didn’t even try to look like she enjoyed her company, and returned all of Derpy’s compliments with insults and rude comments. To think that she had only answered Derpy’s selflessness with her own selfishness was nothing less than an embarrassment for her! And then there was Rarity, who Pinkie Pie had misjudged from the beginning. Though she had held suspicion of her at first, it was clear that Rarity was nothing like her mother. From Pinkie Pie’s experiences with Rarity, or at least those she could confirm, the white filly had not done a single thing in her own interest, whether it was caring for her baby sister’s best interests when her own mother wouldn’t take responsibility, or offering to give a complete stranger a new dress, free of charge! She felt sick to her stomach as she realized that Rarity was truly a gem of generosity, despite what she thought before, and didn’t want to treat her like she had Derpy: “Thank you,” Pinkie Pie muttered with a smile, forgetting the suspicion of her hostess: even if she had met her in the past, it didn’t matter to her anymore. “Oh, but of course, dear!” Rarity replied as she returned to taking measurements. It had just dawned on her that she had skipped introductions earlier. Still working, she started to get to know her client: “Now dear, what did you say your name was?” “Pinkamena,” she said. Pinkie’s curiosity piqued as the white filly suddenly lost her focus: “Pinkamena?” she set the clipboard and tape down. Taking off her glasses, she looked over her client: pink coat, magenta mane, blue eyes… Why didn’t she see it before? “Pinkamena! Oh heavens, it’s been so long! How’s your farm? And your family? What brings you here to Ponyville?” Pinkie Pie was startled at the outburst; she hadn’t told anypony yet that she was from a rock farm! How did she know? Pinkie Pie wasn’t allowed to have friends back home- let alone, from a town- and it only fueled her search for answers more and more: “Wait, you know me? How? From where? Please tell me!” “Oh darling, you don’t remember? Well it was a while ago, wasn’t it?” Rarity’s smile pursed as she returned to her work. She spoke again when the measurements were complete: “Now then, I have this one dress that I think you’ll find quite flattering. It’s a cute blue gown, and it’ll compliment your eyes perfectly. Let me go get it for you.” Rarity turned to the dress rack, revealing to Pinkie Pie the three diamonds that formed a triangle formation on her flank, causing her to look back at the three balloons as her own cutie mark! She made the connection as her mane exploded into a set of curls, making a squeaky noise that caused the unicorn to double-take in surprise: “Oh Rarity!” Pinkie Pie laughed, suddenly delighted with the situation. She couldn’t help but squeeze the white pony tightly into a hug, “I could never ever, ever forget you!”

Desert pony with no name

292

Pinkie Pie,Alternate Universe,Dark,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The Cold, Empty bottle of Sarsaparilla

incomplete

<p>Pinkie Pie wakes up in a mental institution to find that here entire life in Equestria has all been a delusion, now she's cured of her &quot;illness&quot; but still has no idea who she is or what her real name even is. All she has now is a empty bottle of sarsaparilla, with a crumpled up birthday card inside, and an address..........</p>

everyone

2011-07-22T07:46:46+00:00

2011-07-22T07:46:46+00:00

The Cold, Empty bottle of Sarsaparilla Pinkie Pie woke up, stretched, and finished off with a great, big, “Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwn! What’s today gonna be like, I wonder,” she said as she hugged her pet alligator goodbye and bounced out the door. She was on her way to the usual place, Sugarcube Corner, for a fun filled day of baking and party planning. “After all,” she said to herself, “Isn’t it Twilight's birthday tomorrow? Or maybe Rainbow Dash - no no NO... it was Fluttershy, wasn’t it?” Pinkie Pie’s memory has been escaping her lately. She bounced along while trying to decide whose party she had planned in the first place when she spotted two strange figures in the distance. They were both an odd tan color with little to no mane, and were wearing white coats. They were both standing on their hind legs like they were trying some weird trick; the one on the left was holding a clipboard with some strange deformity on his hoof. The one on the right wore thick horn-rimmed glasses. “This,” he said looking at the figure to the left, “is patient #109.” “Well, what’s her real name?” the other figure inquired. “We found her with no identification. She goes by the name Pinkie Pie, but we don’t call her that as it may feed her delusions.” “Delusions, doctor?” “Yes. We’ve diagnosed her with a severe case of schizophrenia and an acute bipolar disorder. In short, she believes she is a pony” “Fascinating,” the one on the left said as he scribbled down notes. “I’d really like to study this one more, if you’d be so kind doctor?” “Well there might not be much to study soon; the boys upstairs approved her for a new experiential anti-psychosis drug called Serum #14-Q, which has shown great promise in permanently curing patients with even the most severe mental illness. She is scheduled for an injection tomorrow.” Pinkie Pie just stared at the alien creatures; she was too far to hear what they muttered to each other, but she watched them anyway in curiosity. Something about the creatures seemed familiar, despite being so eldritch. She could have sworn she’s seen them before, but- WAIT! She thought to herself, they must be new here, right? So that means I have to throw them a party! “HEY! Weird guys! YOO-HOO!” she shouted towards the figures. “You’re new to Ponyville, right? OhmygoshIllhavetoshowyoutoTwilightandRainbowDashandMrsCakeandeveryponyinPonyville!” shot through the mouth of the happy-tastic Pinkie Pie. The two figures exchanged curious looks. “She does that all the time, you know... virtually every time I’ve gone to visit her over these past several years,” stated the figure on the right. With that, the two figures vanished from sight as a loud metallic *CLANK* sound followed. “What was that all about?” Pinkie asked herself as she bounced along with her daily activities. “Oh well, I’ve got a party to plan.” She spent the rest of her day planning a party for one of her friends (she still couldn’t remember which one though). Throughout the day, she scarcely gave a second thought about the two creatures. Weird stuff comes out of the Everfree forest all the time, right? But she still couldn’t escape the fact that they seemed so familiar. The next day, Pinkie Pie was acting unusual. “Even for Pinkie Pie,” Spike noted. Pinkie lacked her usual pep and even walked as opposed to bouncing. “Hey Pinkie, what’s up?” her friend Twilight asked as she walked up to her from behind. “AAAAAUUUUUGGGGH!” Pinkie yelped as she jumped into the air. “Hey, what’s wrong Pinkie? You seem... off,” said the lavender coloured unicorn with widened eyes. “Oh Twilight, I’ve had a terrible nightmare last night! These two creatures kept poking me with needles!” “... But you know it’s just a dream right?” Twilight retorted. “But it wasn’t! I saw the same two creatures yesterday while I was walking to Sugarcube Corner!” “Maybe you saw the two creatures and then had a nightmare about them? What did they look like anyway?” asked the ever-so logical Twilight. “Dragons? Diamond Dogs?” “No, I mean it! THESECREATURESAREOUTTOGETMEANDIHAVENOIDEAWHY!” blabbered out the Pink pony, frustrated at Twilight’s skepticism. It wasn’t long until tears formed in her eyes as she began to sob. Twilight, who wasn’t taking her seriously, saw the torment in Pinkie’s eyes; it was enough to spark concern for her friend. “Alright Pinkie, alright. Do you wanna walk over to Sugarcube corner and talk about it over a slice of cake?” Twilight asked, gently hugging Pinkie as she nodded timidly. As the two walked towards Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie began to feel much better. “You know Twilight... I didn’t think you were going to believe me, but I’m really glad you decided to list-,” she stopped herself as she noticed Twilight wasn’t at her side anymore. “Hey! What’s the big idea?!” she exclaimed in disbelief. There was no response - only the blow of the empty wind. “Well then... I’ll just walk to Sugarcube Corner by myself!” she gave out a cute little “hmmph!” as she trotted along. After a short walk by herself, she arrived at Sugarcube Corner just in time for lunch. “Hello Mrs.Cake! Can I get a slice of carrot cake?” asked the now hungry pony. But as she looked around, she noticed that the shop was empty. “Where is everypony?” asked the usually perky Pinkie in a timid tone. “This place is usually crowded this time of day!” she told herself as she trotted off in search of another soul. Throughout her day, Pinkie found Ponyville to be a ghost town; she’d never seen the town so empty. It was unusual, surreal, and even downright terrifying to see not another pony all day. She wandered around Ponyville looking for someone until the sun had set, and then wandered home. When she opened the door she half-expected (or half-hoped) to see everypony in Ponyville jump out and yell “SURPRISE!!!!” but was sadly disappointed to be greeted by only her blank faced alligator Gummy. “Oh Gummy, at least you’re here. It seems there’s not anypony left in Ponyville...” she mumbled as her face sank into a gloomy, depressed expression before shooting back to its usual peachiness. “Well... maybe things will be better in the morning!” Things weren’t better in the morning...

Desert pony with no name

292

Pinkie Pie,Alternate Universe,Dark,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The Cold, Empty bottle of Sarsaparilla

incomplete

<p>Pinkie Pie wakes up in a mental institution to find that here entire life in Equestria has all been a delusion, now she's cured of her &quot;illness&quot; but still has no idea who she is or what her real name even is. All she has now is a empty bottle of sarsaparilla, with a crumpled up birthday card inside, and an address..........</p>

everyone

2011-07-22T07:47:22+00:00

2011-07-22T07:47:22+00:00

The Cold, Empty Bottle of Sarsparilla Part 2 Pinkie Pie woke up, stretched, and finished off with a great, big, “Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwn! What’s today gonna be like, I wonder.” Immediately after yawning, everything began to come back to her as she turned in her bed, trying to grab those last few precious moments of sleep. She began to remember that everypony in Ponyville mysteriously disappeared. Oh well at least I’m in my warm - actually, this bed feels a bit colder than usual, Pinkie thought to herself, and firmer... And where’s my alligator? WHERE’S GUMMY!?! Opening her eyes, she quickly scanned the room around her: her happily-decorated home seemed to have been replaced with a cold, cubic, concrete room. Her fluffy, cozy bed was substituted with a cold springy cot with no sheets and a single blanket that seems to be made of burlap. She looked at her surroundings several times to make sure they were correct. “Hello? Is anypony there? Please!” she shrieked, desperately trying to make sense of the situation. Her eyes began to tear up. “I just wanna go home!” Suddenly, the sound of footsteps from outside the large metal door at the other end of the room met with her ears. “I think this one’s awake finally! Do you mind if I check on her?” said a familiar voice. Pinkie perked up at the small trace of familiarity, hopeful to be liberated from whatever she was in. The metal door made a loud *CLANK* as the door unlocked and its slides opened. One of the two figures she’s been seeing in Ponyville a lot of late emerged from the door, smiling. “Hello miss, you’re awake! How are you feeling? Better perhaps?” asked the figure as he began to write notes on his clipboard. All Pinkie Pie could do was hide under the blanket and give out a faint *whine*. “I’m sorry miss, I didn’t mean to scare you! My name’s Mr. Nathan - soon to be a doctor though!” he said. “And who might you be?” “Um... umm...” Pinkie mumbled under her breath. She felt almost like Fluttershy at the moment, but she was somewhat glad her friends weren’t there to see her in her current condition. “Mr. Nathan!” came another voice as the other familiar figure with horn-rimmed glasses appeared. “Why didn’t you tell me she was awake?” Nathan just fiddled with his clipboard until he looked up at the other figure. “I’m sorry sir, she just woke up right now. And I was hoping to get in some notes on the effects of the-” “That’s enough, Mr. Nathan,” he interrupted, “just remember: we’re doctors. The well-being of the patient comes first!” Pinkie Pie was humming quietly to herself and thinking the words to a song to drum up some bravery: I'd hide under my pillow, From what I thought I saw. But Granny Pie said that wasn't the way To deal with fears at all. She said: Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall, Learn to face your fears. You'll see that they can't hurt you, Just laugh to make them disappear! The song did little to calm her nerves, but it did get the doctors’ attention. “I’m sorry miss, what song was that? It’s beautiful!” Nathan commented in an encouraging tone. “Yes, yes, miss, you must be a natural - amiright?” the horn-rimmed glasses doctor retorted to Nathan. “By the way miss, I’m Doctor Mathews, and what might your name be?” The doctors’ friendly faces helped put Pinkie’s mind at ease. “My name’s Pinkie Pie!” she said, putting on a brave face. The doctors just looked at each other with concern. “Uh, miss, what might your real name be?” asked Dr. Mathews. Pinkie looked at him in a bit of disbelief. “That is my real name, you silly willy!” Pinkie answered. Mr. Nathan began scribbling something onto his clipboard. “Um, miss - do you mind if I ask a few questions?” Dr. Mathews asked, somewhat nervously. “Okey dokey lokey!” she replied; her fear completely gone from her voice. Dr. Mathews cleared his throat. “First off, where are you from?” he asked with a straight expression on his face. Pinkie thought for a moment, surprised at the obvious question. “Well, I’m from Ponyville, of course!” Pinkie replied. Dr. Mathews’ facial expression remained straight. “Uh hum, and where is Ponyville?” “Well, I’m not too sure of the location on a map. My friend Twilight Sparkle could point it out! All I know is that it’s in Equestria!” Dr. Mathews’ raised an eyebrow. “Who is this ‘Twilight Sparkle’? What does she look like?” “Oh! She’s the smartest unicorn in all of Equestria, except maybe Princess Celestia.” Pinkie replied, still oblivious to the whole situation. “And who is Princess Celestia?” “Well duuuuuuuuugh! She’s the ruler of Equestria, of course!” “Where is this, Equestria?” “You don’t even know where Equestria is? Boy do I feel sorry for you!” she said as she giggled. “Alright, one last question miss. Without the use of a mirror, can you describe your physical characteristics?” he asked, still retaining his neutral expression. “Fish-full Mayor-picnics? Fizzy-cal Care-tear-tricks? UUMMMM...” “What you look like! Tell us what you look like!” he stammered with a tone of frustration. “Oh, well then! My coat is pink, my hair is also pink and curly, like cotton candy! And on my flank are three balloons. See?” She explained as she tried to look at her flank. But couldn’t see her cutie mark - or her tail for that matter. “HEY! Where’s my tail?” she shouted as she began to panic. “HEYIDON’TKNOWWHATITISTHAT’SGOINGONBUTSOMEPONYBETTERTELLME!” she screamed at the top of her lungs, flailing her arms about wildly. “NURSE! I need a tranq here!” Doctor Mathews shouted as he and Nathan held Pinkie Pie down. She kicked and shouted as the nurse came in with another needle filled with a clear liquid. “NOTTHENEEDLE!” was the last thing she shouted before feeling a prick in her flank, and falling asleep.

Desert pony with no name

292

Pinkie Pie,Alternate Universe,Dark,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The Cold, Empty bottle of Sarsaparilla

incomplete

<p>Pinkie Pie wakes up in a mental institution to find that here entire life in Equestria has all been a delusion, now she's cured of her &quot;illness&quot; but still has no idea who she is or what her real name even is. All she has now is a empty bottle of sarsaparilla, with a crumpled up birthday card inside, and an address..........</p>

everyone

2011-07-22T07:59:21+00:00

2011-07-22T07:59:21+00:00

The Cold, Empty bottle of Sarsaparilla Part Three The two doctors sat in the break room sipping at their cups of coffee, Dr.Mathews seems quiet. At this point of the day he and Nathan are usually chatting it up about their work with the patients; things like whose acting better, who’s getting worse. Exchanging theories about their perspective fields, but today there’s not a sound in the room, even the nurses seem to pick up on this and have been keeping conversation to a minimum. Dr.Mathews pours another cup of coffee, taking slow sips as not to burn his lips, he lets out a great big *sigh* which penetrates through the silence. Nathan looks at his notes on patient #109’s file; he works up the bravery to finally bring up the elephant in the room. “So what do you think went wrong?” A surprised Dr.Mathews looks up at him; “I think the transition between complete fantastic other-worldly delusions, and a cold hard reality can be painful for some-” he shakes his head “all people. I mean think about it! She lived in this world....this......Equestria for almost ten years now! She’s had many friends, imaginary friends, yes! but sometimes that’s all we have when the world turns its back on you, like a lonely child. Humans have a flight-or-flight response for physical danger, why not emotional danger? Maybe at the most troubling of times maybe people flee into the sweet bliss of denial, taking them where no one can hurt them. That is why I fear treating them my friend, I desire to make people happy and sometimes the right type of crazy is what happiness really is.” After that the silence set in again as the intern contemplated on his well thought out response “So why do we do it?” Taking another sip of coffee Dr.Mathews looks at his apprentice inquisitively “hmmmmm?” “I mean why do we treat them, Pinkie- I mean the girl was perfectly happy in her fantasy, then why do we treat her?” “The social consensus believes it is better for them, that reality, despite its flaws is better than a lie. But who’s to ague what is our reality? If you woke up tomorrow, in a twisted, horrifying world with alien beings telling you everything you know is a lie, what would you think?” “I’d want to get back to this world, I suppose.” Nathan answered. “Right! Despite all that it is our duty, whether we choose to do it or not, to cure this girl; I just hope she’s strong willed enough to handle things when we go talk to her again.” Pinkie Pie woke up in the middle of Sugarcube Corner, she looked around; everything seemed queer and distorted, the bright colors replaced with dreary faded colors, like that of an abandoned carnival. An empty shell of what fun there used to be in times long since past. There was another thing, everything looked.........off. Pinkie Pie didn’t even know how to describe it, “three-dimensional” and “textured” would be the words she’d use, had they been in her vocabulary. Every crack and crevice seemed meticulously placed, different objects had a different set of these bumps and jags, Some things, like the slice of cake sitting on the table, was full of tiny bubbles of air trapped in the cake. While other things, like tiles seemed to remain smooth, like in the world she remembered. The properties of the room itself seemed abnormal too; the room seemed more “spacey” things seemed to be placed in an odd fashion. The cake sat on a table which was in the middle of the room. It seemed easier to tell how far away it was other than the size of the table. She walked up to it, and looked at the cake; taking in all the tiny bubbles trapped inside. Pinkie grabbed the plate and rotated it, making these tiny shadows move relative to the light, at one angle it looked different than it did at other angles. Pinkie continued looking about the room, exploring this new “feel” to everything when an all too familiar *ding* as the shop door opened. It was Twilight; she looked the same despite all the surroundings, Pinkie Pie’s face lit up. “OhmygoshTwilightI’msogaldtoseeyouIcouldscream!” She jumped in the air and gave her a massive hug “What are you doing here?” Pinkie asked. Twilight just looked at Pinkie, with a cold blank expression on her face “Pinkie, I think I’ve figured all this out” “Oh you do? Thank Celestia! Cause I’ve got no clue as to what’s going on!” “Pinkie, I think this is all a hallucination.” she stated bluntly; Pinkie stared at her blankly. Twilight rolled her eyes “It means that this room, myself, and every pony in Equestria are all a fabrication of your mind!” Pinkie just looked at her with a confused look “That’s odd, that’s the same thing those creatures were trying to tell me!” her eyes widened in realization. She took a couple steps back as her eyes began to tear up “NO! That isn’t true!” “Pinkie, think about it! Danmit! This isn’t real! Those two creatures, they’re called humans, they’re trying to help you! I know you’ve been seeing them all your life! You just have been trying to deny everything!” “NO! I’ve never seen them before until the other day!” Twilight Sparkle shook her head “No Pinkie, I know that you know that isn’t true” “And how do you know that?” Pinkie enquired. Twilight just looked at her for a moment “I’m part of your subconscious” before Pinkie even had a chance to ask what does “Sub-launch-ness” means she stopped her “I means, that I’m part of your mind, I made this room to show you what the real world is like, I brought you here to tell you that your life in Ponyville is over” Pinkie Pie began bawling “WHHHHHHHHYY!” Twilight went to comfort her friend “I’m sorry, but this is the way it has to be.” Pinkie Pie’s face was sopping wet with tears “But what about all my friends? You, Apple Jack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Spike, Fluttershy?” “We’re all here, we’re part of you! You’ll never leave our sight, and we’ll never leave you!” She gave Pinkie Pie the biggest hug she’d ever received “It’s time to say goodbye, Pinkie Pie” Goodbye......................

Desert pony with no name

292

Pinkie Pie,Alternate Universe,Dark,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The Cold, Empty bottle of Sarsaparilla

incomplete

<p>Pinkie Pie wakes up in a mental institution to find that here entire life in Equestria has all been a delusion, now she's cured of her &quot;illness&quot; but still has no idea who she is or what her real name even is. All she has now is a empty bottle of sarsaparilla, with a crumpled up birthday card inside, and an address..........</p>

everyone

2011-07-22T08:09:47+00:00

2011-07-22T08:09:47+00:00

The Cold, Empty bottle of Sarsaparilla Part.4 Pinkie Pie was finally wide awake, having finally accepted her life in Equestria s a lie her eyes began to moisten, but she did not cry. She was past crying, she’s done more than her fair share of suffering, and it’s time to move on. She began to look around the room, taking in all the implications of the strange new world, the odd details of this world. She sat in silence for several minutes without moving a muscle; but then finally decided to get up and walk about the tiny room. She looked down at the blanket; it had a red stripe pattern that she kind of liked; it reminded her of a candy cane. The room was small but had the necessities, like a toilet; a cold chrome chemical toilet, but it did its job. At the other end of the room was a small window, about the size of her head, no perhaps a bit smaller. She walked up to it; the window was barred despite being so small, but she could still see outside of it. There wasn’t much to look at, an empty field of half-dead grass, overgrown with weeds, but somehow she liked it. All the plants seemed to have infinitely finer detail than back “home”, even the most ugly of the plants contained a complexity she’s never seen before. On the other side of the room was a large metal door, she was all too familiar with it though, so gave it little attention until she heard a loud *CLANK* which made her jump. She looked at the door to see a small metal slit was open and a curious pair of eyes was looking in, it was Nathan “Oh hello miss you’re awake......again, ummmmmmm.......we were hoping to talk to you if you’re feeling better, you know after last time.” Pinkie Pie couldn’t help but giggle slightly “Yeah, I’m better I promise I won’t fly off the handle like that again!” Nathans eyes brightened a little “Okay then! I’ll have to get Dr.Mathews, I’ll be right back!” he said as he closed the slit with another *CLANK* she could hear the sound of him trotting........walking down the hall. As he was leaving she couldn’t help but notice her voice, it was exactly the same as it was in Equestria “hello?” she said to test it out. Yeah it was the same, oddly enough she thought, wonder what else I got right? Just then she could hear two sets of footsteps walking towards her, then the familiar metal *CLANK* again. The slit slid open and now two sets of eyes were looking at her “Hello there!” Dr.Mathews said with a careful cheer in his voice “Are you feeling better? Are you ready to talk?” Pinkie just smiled “Yeah I’m okay! And I’m not going to freak out! Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a cupcake in my eye!” Nathan couldn’t help but snicker at her child-like antics. Dr.Mathews elbowed him, “Alright then, coming in!” he said as the slit closed with a *CLANK* and the door opened with another *CLANK* the door began to slide open and the two figures walked in cautiously, Pinkie couldn’t help but notice there was a nurse behind them with another sleepyneedle, should the need arise. “So is everything better?” asked Dr.Mathews, “Have you come to terms with your, umm.......lack of tail?” Pinkie tried to hold back a mischievous smile “MY WHAT?!?” she screamed, and with that the two doctors took a step back and the nurse got ready to grab hold of her...............until the sound of laughter was heard “GOTCH YA!!!” she laughed out loud, rolling on the mattress, with tears dripping down her face, her arms holding her sides. The two doctors stood there flabbergasted, Nathan trying to hold back laughter. The nurse seemed less than amused as she stood there with a stern glare at Pinkie, “May I be dismissed, doctor?” Dr.Mathews stood there grinning “Yes nurse Ratched, you may leave.” and with that the nurse marched out with a disgruntled look on her face. “So” Nathan looked at Pinkie “you seem to be feeling better, miss. Does this mean you’ve come to accept things?” Pinkie nodded “MMMMHHHHMMMMMMM!!! I’ve come to accept that my life in Equestria was all in my head! I am going to miss it just a lot though.” Nathan began writing his notes again “Don’t worry I’m sure there’s lots of things to appreciate about reality, just give it time.” “Can I ask for a favor please?” she requested. Dr.Mathews raised an eyebrow “Yes, miss?” She looked down at her new form “Can I look at myself in a mirror? I’ve never gotten a chance to see my real face” The two doctors looked at each other, it was an innocent enough request; they could easily bring her a little piece of foil so as not to create a danger by giving a patient glass or metal, but they thought about last time, and were concerned the shock would be too much for her to bear. After all she seems to have accepted reality a little too fast and they would hate to see her progress take another step back. “Ummmmm.....we’re not too sure if that’s a good idea at the moment, perhaps in a few hours, maybe. You understand right?” She nodded, she understood the reason why but was a little disappointed nonetheless. With that the doctors bid farewell to Pinkie, and closed the door with another *CLANK* She was alone again and now had to face a new dilemma, boredom. This was a problem she scarcely had to deal with in Ponyville, with all my friends and parties, and- She stopped that train of thought, this is her life now, and she’d have to stop comparing the real world to Ponyville. She stared at the wall for awhile, until she figured she’d get up and look out the window. Pinkie Pie enjoyed the empty field that lay just beyond her confines; the peaceful winds blew through every half-dead blade of grass. She found the utmost beauty in all of this; she wished she could go run in that field, to feel the grass as she rolled around in it. She spent the next few hours day dreaming about herself playing in that field, until a familiar sound startled her. I’m never gonna get used to that clanking sound. This time the metal slit opened and a small piece of foil slipped thorough, followed by an immediate closing of the slit. Pinkie gasped at the little piece of foil, she tried to yell “thank you” out the door but the footsteps were too far away for the person to hear. She picked up the little piece of foil and looked at herself with the utmost excitement. Her hair was the first thing she focused on; she expected her well known pink, cotton candy hair. Where in reality it was a dark red and strait; it flowed like water down to her shoulders. She looked at her face, it was pale; she supposed she hadn’t much sunlight over the years. Besides that she thought her new face was cute, beautiful even. She smiled at herself, her smile emanated joy. She slipped the foil under her bed; she wasn’t sure who it was that gave her the foil, but their anonymity suggested it was done in secret, so she decided to take no chances. She went back to her day dream, as she hummed a little tune to herself as she did so; after a length of time, she couldn’t tell really, she entered a deep sleep.

Desert pony with no name

292

Pinkie Pie,Alternate Universe,Dark,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The Cold, Empty bottle of Sarsaparilla

incomplete

<p>Pinkie Pie wakes up in a mental institution to find that here entire life in Equestria has all been a delusion, now she's cured of her &quot;illness&quot; but still has no idea who she is or what her real name even is. All she has now is a empty bottle of sarsaparilla, with a crumpled up birthday card inside, and an address..........</p>

everyone

2011-07-22T08:38:59+00:00

2011-07-22T08:38:59+00:00

The Cold, Empty bottle of Sarsaparilla Part.5 Pinkie Pie woke up, stretched and let out a great big *yaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwmnn* as she did so. She turned to look at the faint little light reaching her from her tiny little window. She sat up and stared at the wall for a few minutes when she heard the all-too-familiar clanking sound as the door opened. This time it was just Nathan who stepped in “Hungry?” Pinkie rubbed her stomach, which gave out a powerful *groooooooowwl*, Nathan just smiled “I guess that means yes!” he laughed. He strolled in a strange looking chair with two big wheels on the sides “Sorry miss, protocol states that I must transport you around in this.” She sat down in the strange looking device, it seemed comfortable enough; she did feel silly, almost as if she was just a toddler being pushed in a stroller. In a way she was a toddler; toddlers couldn’t walk by themselves or they might “get lost” or “run away,” pretty similar scenario, the more she thought about it, but she didn’t want to think about it anymore. She saw for the first time what it was like outside her little room. She was rolling through a plainly decorated hallway. With shiny black and white tiles, plain grey walls, all the windows were barred; a buzzing of incandescent lights could be heard above her. Despite all this she felt safe, the doctors (and most of the nurses) smiled warmly at her as she passed them. She momentarily passed through the lobby. She didn’t notice anything else about the room except a single pot of fresh flowers standing on a table in the far right of the room. It was the most beautiful thing she’s seen in this world, the intricate detail, much like the grass growing outside her window, along with the bright colors put her in a state of awe. She carried a big grin all the way to the lunch room. She was wheeled to a table, where she sat next to a couple of other patients. She waited as a nurse brought her a plastic tray of odd looking food. On her tray was some yellow, fluffy material that she supposed were scrambled eggs. Next to the eggs was a pile of shredded and salted potatoes, below two strips of some brown looking stuff called “bacon.” She grabbed her plastic spoon they gave her and began to play with the eggs. She pushed them around the tray for a minute or so before taking a bite. They tasted pretty good, she washed down the mouthful of food with a sip of so-called “orange juice,” I don’t know what sorta magic they use to make this water the same color as OJ, but if they think this is real OJ, they must be the ones who are crazy! She smirked at that thought as she took a nibble of the strange “bacon” strips. Oh my gosh this is delicious!!!! She shoved the entire strip in her mouth and began salivating furiously. I have no idea what this bacon stuff is, but it is awesome! She began munching at the second strip when one of the other patients sitting across from her looked up at her; “So I hear you talk now, eh?” Pinkie Pie looked up at him; he wore a jumpsuit very similar to hers, and had a scruffy-looking hair cut “Name’s Ricky, I’ve been told you’ve been pulled out of your little pony world you’re always yammering about.” Pinkie Pie’s face sunk when she realized everyone could hear her when she was in Equestria. Ricky could see the look of shame on her face “I’m sorry maim, didn’t mean to embarrass you! It’s just the other mates at this table don’t talk all too much.” He pointed at a mopey-looking man sitting next to him. “Oh whatever, like you have anything interesting to even talk about, at least the things she says were interesting, but now she’s normal again. Doomed to be boring and dull like the rest of us” he whined. Pinkie Pie, realized that these people were her “table-mates” so to speak; she must have been sitting by them for awhile now, she figured it would be best to be friendly to them “Hi! My name’s Pinkie Pie and you are?” she looked at the depressed-looking gentleman. “Oh names are meaningless, just a label really. We go around saying it till we die, then it’s written on our graves so the world knows who it is they’re pissing on after were gone.” Ricky rolled his eyes “See what I mean about him not being good for conversation? He just whines all the time.” The mopey-man just looked at him “That wasn’t whining, thiiiiiiis is whining.”At that he just began a series of complains in an irritating tone. Pinkie Pie snickered, as she tried to hold back a laugh, but the effort was in vain, as she burst out in an explosion of laughter. “What the heck is so funny?” Ricky asked in a slightly irritated tone. Pinkie tried to hold back her laughter long enough to explain “It’s just” she snickered “I had a friend who sounded just like that! She even once said those exact words!” She was trying to hold her sides as she almost fell off the table, tears were rolling down her face as she began mentally comparing the annoying-whiney-man to her friend Rarity. “Well I’m so glad I can amuse you!” he whined again “In case you really did want to know my name it’s Marvin, like you even care.” Ricky rolled his eyes as he tried to change the subject “So! I know you’ve been known in your little fantasy world as Pinkie Pie, but what’s your real name?” Pinkie Pie was getting tired of being asked this question, why is the name Pinkie Pie so unbelievable that everyone assumes that it’s wrong? It’s just my name dammit! “You know, I don’t know of any other name besides Pinkie Pie, so just call me that” she said in an irritated tone as she took another bite of her potatoes. “Alright, alright! Pinkie it is then, sheesh! I just figured that sense you’re finally out of crazyville, or whatever world it is you thought you were living in, you’d have a real name.” Pinkie didn’t respond, she just looked at her potatoes and tried to ignore his rude comments. “You know” Marvin charmed in “You are in this mental hospital too, so going around calling everybody crazy just makes you look like an even bigger jerk!” Needless to say Pinkie wasn’t enjoying her breakfast conversation, so when she saw Nathan she was thrilled. “You ready to go miss?” “Yes, please, yes” she said with enthusiasm; as she was being wheeled off she could hear Ricky saying “Well see you tomorrow, beautiful.” She cringed as she heard that; I sincerely hope that the people in this world aren’t all like that guy! She was finally back in her little room, by herself; after a few hours it almost made her feel like wanting to talk to Ricky, almost. Marvin seemed nice enough, albeit a little annoying, but Ricky just seemed like a jerk; other than that he seemed normal, she wasn’t entirely sure what sorta mental ailment he suffered from, other than being a complete asshole. Can they put you away for being an asshole? I mean that isn’t really a mental thing, no? She put that thought to rest; there was no point at all in thinking about it. Later on that evening she sat staring at the ceiling, in a state pure boredom; she was half-tempted to daydream about Ponyville for awhile, but decided against it. It would dampen, if not backtrack some of the progress I’m making here. But then again, do I really want to make progress here? I mean this world seems much less friendly here that back “home.”Why can’t I just go back? She shook her head, no I can’t go back! It doesn’t matter if things seemed better in Ponyville it’s not real! But what is real? And for that matter, why should I care? I mean, if I’m happier livings in some crazy delusion, then why not stay? Her thoughts chased themselves in this manner for some few hours, never reaching a conclusion. She felt stupid for her indecisiveness; she felt so uncertain about things, she didn’t know what to do. She began to tear up, what do I do? Why is this happening to me!? I’ve been taken away from the rolling green hills of Ponyville, and pushed into this little stone dungeon, with no friends. She began sobbing, she buried her face into her pillow, lemmie go back! I just wanna go back! I wish I’d just wake up and this was all just a dream! Her train of thought was interrupted by a loud *CLANK* sound, the door slid open and Nathan stood there, she tried to hide her weeping face in her pillow, but it was no use. The doctor-to-be could clearly see she was upset, so he sat down beside her and started rubbing her back. He didn’t say a word until Pinkie broke the silence “What do you want from me?” she asked with tears rolling down her face. Nathan just sat there for a moment “We just want to help miss.” She screamed at him “Don’t call me miss! My name is Pinkie! PINKIE PIE!!!” her scream echoed across the hallway. He didn’t for a moment flinch, he didn’t even seemed the least bit afraid; here’s this mental patient, ripped out of her world, prone to panic attacks; a huge threat in his experience as an intern over the past few months. All his common sense was screaming, Get outta here, you moron! She’s crazy! Pinkie now sat upright, tears on her cheeks, and a look of pure rage on her face. Two dagger eyes pointed strait in his direction, with a look of fire in her soul. “So!?! Say something!!!” she screamed again. Nurse Ratched ran to the room with another sleepyneedle in hand, with a look that said “Oh boy! Here we go again!” written across her face. Nathan motioned her away “That won’t be necessary, nurse.” he said calmly and coolly. “Sir, with all due respect, are you fucking kidding me? I could hear her scream from the nurses’ lounge!” “That is enough, Miss Ratched! You are dismissed!” he raised his voice. In all this time Pinkie buried her face back in her pillow as she screamed into it. Now it was Nurse Ratched’s turn to carry a look of pure rage “FINE! Let that psycho-bitch trash you, but don’t blame me!” she stomped away; making a bigger scene than Pinkies screaming did in the first place. Pinkie Pie was even more angry at herself for triggering an incident like this, she began clobbering the back of her head with her fists. Nathan grabbed both her arms and held them firmly “Stop that! That isn’t getting you anywhere!” he yelled. She stopped hitting herself, but continued to scream into her pillow with all her might. Nathan patiently waited for her to stop screaming, which took about five minutes. In that time of course, her screaming managed to attract more concerned doctors and nurses, but Nathan sent them all away. When she finally did stop screaming Nathan prepped her upright, pulling her face out of her pillow, and hugged her “Feel better?” he asked. Pinkie’s throat burned like never before, but she managed to say in a quiet raspy voice “No, I’m not feeling any better.” Nathan hugged her again “That’s okay Pinkie Pie, this is a slow healing, you’ll be okay.” Pinkie noticed that he finally called her by name. “Aren’t you not allowed to call me that?” she asked. “Doctor Mathews says I can’t enforce your delusions, but you Pinkie, have none.” She raised an eyebrow at him “Hmmmm?” Nathan chuckled, “If you were delusional, I highly doubt you’d of been screaming and weeping like that! No Pinkie, you are fully aware of the situation, painfully so, as a matter-of-fact; an emotional outburst like that is to be expected from you. And it’s best to not suppress it with sedatives, which is why I sent Nurse-Needle-Happy away.” “But, weren’t you afraid I’d act out irrationally or violently?” “Irrationally, yes. Violently, no. You’re not that type Pinkie; you don’t like to hurt others, you like to spread joy. You drive to make others smile. So I wasn’t afraid at all, I knew you were hurt, and restraining you and putting you to sleep would have made things worse.” Pinkie Pie smiled, it was the tiniest of smiles, but the first genuine smile in ages. She gave Nathan a hug and whispered in his ear a soft “thank you.” Nathan patted her back and smiled “Now for the real reason I came here! Tonight is movie night, and if we hurry we might catch the rest of it, are you feeling up to it Pinkie?” She nodded, despite not knowing what a movie was, but assumed it was some kind of performance. Nathan wheeled her down the hall, which was lit up in the same incandescent lights from earlier; she passed the same flower pot in the lounge which gave her a much needed boost. The “movie” was some kind of strange-looking device which projected a beam of light onto a screen, and the screen displayed a kind of “moving picture” complete with voices and music. She had missed the first twenty minutes or so, but Nathan told her the movie was called “The Wizard of Oz.” She was all too familiar with wizards, and figured the movie would be fun to watch. She laughed at the singing munchkins, and loved the Good Witch of the North, whom reminded her of Princess Celestia. She liked how scary they made the Wicked Witch look, but was kind of annoyed cause every time she appeared on screen, someone a few rows back would scream “Oh god! She gonna get me!” She was almost tempted to shout at him “Calm down! It’s not real” but decided that it would sound silly coming out of her. Her favorite part was when they went to meet the wizard, himself. His phony magic tricks couldn’t help but remind her of “The Great and Powerful Trixie” and chuckled to herself, as she imagined someone saying “Nopony can see the Great and Powerful Trixie! Not no way, not no how!” Most of all she loved the songs in the movie, the feeling of magic and whimsy they carried made her feel nostalgic. She sang as she was being wheeled all the way back to her room, and then some. She sat in her cozy little room and sang to herself “We’re off to see the wizard! The wonderful wizard of Oz! Because, because, becaaaaaaaaaaaause!” she jumped she heard a loud *BANG BANG BANG* on her door; the suddenness of the noise frightened her. “Hello? I’m sorry for singing so loudly, I’ll stop I guess” there was no response, “hello?” *BANG BANG BANG* she jumped again “I said I was sorry!” *BANG BANG BANG* After that she stopped saying anything, she just sat there in the cold silence, again, and went to sleep.

Desert pony with no name

292

Pinkie Pie,Alternate Universe,Dark,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The Cold, Empty bottle of Sarsaparilla

incomplete

<p>Pinkie Pie wakes up in a mental institution to find that here entire life in Equestria has all been a delusion, now she's cured of her &quot;illness&quot; but still has no idea who she is or what her real name even is. All she has now is a empty bottle of sarsaparilla, with a crumpled up birthday card inside, and an address..........</p>

everyone

2011-07-22T08:39:38+00:00

2011-07-22T08:39:38+00:00

The Cold, Empty bottle of Sarsaparilla Part.6 *Ding!* went the coffee maker, Nathan grabbed the pot and looked at the clock on the machine, 5:57AM it read. This was usually the time of day he would use to get some paperwork done, before all the patients woke up. It was a nice, simple morning ritual; the kind that you got used to after months of repetition. He walked over to his mailbox in the main lobby, as he walked to the main desk he looked at a pot of flowers sitting there, they needed watering, but that simply wasn’t his job. So he passed it without second thought. He looked at the stack of paper in his mail slot, mostly papers that needed to be filed, stamped, and refilled again; whatever kept the red-tapes happy. However, he noticed an urgent message in his mail today; it was in a bright red envelope that screamed “we mean business!” He opened it, not too sure of what to expect: From the desk of Dr. Krusen, I request a moment of your time Nathan regarding yesterdays “incident” about patient #109 a.k.a “Pinkie Pie.” I urgently need to speak with you regarding the manor of her behavior and any future treatment of such incidents. Meet me at 6:05 PM today, on the second floor in office #12. Nathan was puzzled, he’d never been called upstairs before, and he had doubts that they ever summoned someone regarding a patient before. It’s not like this kind of thing isn’t commonplace, it happens often enough. Despite his confusion, he walked to the rarely used staircase; some nurses gave him odd looks as he headed towards the stairs. The room that housed the staircase was frigid this time of day, and even carried a bit of a draft. Nathan opened the door to the second level of the hospital; the hallway was quiet, but held some people, who looked at him peculiarly. He walked down the hall, until he spotted office #12, a small gold plaque rested on the door front. Doctor Wilkinson J. Krusen PhD. in the Medical and Physiological Sciences Head Researcher Nathan wondered why this guy would bother himself with details of a patient, does it have something to do with the drug trial for Serum 14-Q? He was unsure what to think at the moment, it seemed the only logical theory. He cracked open the door to find a short, bald man sitting at his desk with a bottle of brandy. His office was dusty and unkempt, and the odor of brandy and cigars hung think. He looked at Nathan with eyes of anger, and a slight hint of fear. “Mr.Nathan, have a seat please.” he asked in an unsettling tone. Nathan did as he was asked; he held out his hand to shake with the doctor, but Dr.Krusen just stared at him, coldly. “Nathan, lets skip all the unpleasantries and get right down to the point, shall we?” he said in a calm cool manner “Now this patient of yours #109, who likes to be called Pinkie Pie.” he said with a tone of frustration, “I understand that she had a bit of a hiccup in her recovery, am I right?” Nathan’s words were stuck in his throat “Ummm......yes sir she did, but she was just a bit upset, and I didn’t-” “And when she was upset, did you get anyone to sedate her?” “Well, ummmm, Nurse Ratched came with a sedative, but I sent her away cause-” Dr. Krusen slammed his fist on the table, “Just what the fuck were you thinking!?! Huh?” Nathan jumped out of his seat a little, “I didn’t think it would be a real problem, but I mean, umm-” “Do you have any idea how dangerous that individual is, DO YOU?” “But, there was nothing in her file that said she was any sort of threat.” he began to trip over his own words. “I don’t give two shits, what was in her file! That girl is a serious threat to me, you and everyone in this hospital!” he paused to catch his breath “I didn’t mean to get worked up like that, Christ” he poured himself another glass of brandy. He tilted his head back and downed the entire glass in one gulp “Now you listen here, and you listen good! If that girl starts to flip out like that again, hell if she so much as looks at you funny, you better fucking tranq her so fast that her head will spin, do you understand me?!” Nathan was stunned, but managed to speak in a soft, timid voice “Ummmm.......sir, I don’t really think that’s nessiss-” “I said, do you fucking understand me?! It’s a simple fucking question, yes or no?!” All of Nathan’s bravery was sapped; he couldn’t even muster up a response, so he just nodded. Dr. Krusen sat back down in his swivel chair, “I’m glad we have an understanding, I’m sending a notice out to all the nurses, now get the hell out of here!” Nathan scurried to the door, with his tail between his legs; he ran down stairs, without giving any of his co-workers a passing glance. He was back in the break room where his morning started. Dr.Mathews could see the fear in his face, “Jeez man, what the heck happened to you?” Dr.Krusen sat alone again in his empty room, he poured himself another glass of brandy and put the bottle away. He took a sip of the glass and set it down “I just pray that her amnesia sticks, so help me god” he said as he took another drink. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pinkie awoke in her usual manner, a stretch followed by another big *yaaaaaawwwnnn* to wake her up. She heard the *CLANK* sound as the door opened, her face brightened, as she expected to see Nathan, but was disappointed to see Dr.Mathews. “Hello there Pinkie!” he said in a cheery voice. “Hi Dr.Mathews! Where’s Nathan?” “Well, he’s busy at the moment, so today I’ll be wheeling you to breakfast, ‘kay?” Pinkie smiled and nodded as she got in the chair, she was eager to see the flowers in the lobby again; but her eagerness turned to disappointment, as she saw the once vibrant and lively flowers wilting away. Did anyone water them? She thought to herself as she passed through the lobby. She was wheeled into the cafeteria, and set at her regular table. She saw Marvin look up at her and nod slightly at her presence. Ricky looked up at her from his tray of food and smiled “Well hey there, beautiful.” Pinkie did all she could to ignore him, refusing to even acknowledge his comment at all. She looked down at her own tray of food; today’s meal consisted of blueberry pancakes, and eggs. The so-called “blueberries” tasted like little clumps of rock. The eggs were a tad too runny as well, but she ate them all the same. “So you’re ignoring me today, I take it? That’s fine doll, your silence says no but your eyes say yes, more of this guy. Am I right, Marv?” Marvin just rolled his eyes, “Will you please just shut up? For the love of god, you’re just annoying her, and me, not like you give a shit anyway.” “Now that’s not true Marv, I’m not annoying you, am I doll?” he turned to Pinkie Pie, who just looked back, disgruntled. “Why yes, as a matter of fact you are annoying me” she grumbled. Ricky’s face seemed shocked for a moment, as if he actually was surprised to be rejected; but then his face reddened, not in shame but in anger. “Oh! So I’m annoying am I!? Well sweetheart, I say it’s you, who annoys me! How do you like that?” Is this guy for real? Seriously? Her face never became more serious in her entire life in Equestria; her lips formed a perfectly straight line, her eyes shot sternly across the table toward the bumbling idiot. “Quite frankly, I don’t give a fuck!” she raised her voice slightly; just to make sure she got her point across. Ricky was fuming now, his face turned a bright cherry red. He stood up, pushing his chair back, which fell down with a loud metal *THUNK* that made everyone look in their direction. One of his massive arms swiped his and her trays off the table, which sent the food flying away from the table. “You godamn bitch! Don’t you ever talk to me like that!” Pinkie was scared beyond belief, she couldn’t even remember a time where she was more scared then right now. She tried to think back to other times she was so frightened, come on Pinkie, think! What is it you normally do when you’re frightened? Oh I got it! “Ha, ha, ha!” she laughed out loud in Ricky’s face. Marvin’s eyes widened as if to say, did she seriously laugh in his face? She’s either the bravest person in the world, or the biggest idiot. Or both. A single vein popped up on Ricky’s forehead; never before had Pinkie realized the brute’s true size. He towered over her looking down at her, partly drooling as he hyperventilated in rage. “BITCH I’LL SHOW YOU NOT TO LAUGH!” he screamed as he raised his arm high in the air. For a moment Pinkie looked behind her, she saw two large male nurses, each with a sleepyneedle in hand. They started to dart towards them, but were held back by Nurse Ratched. She looked at them sternly, and they both took a step back. I guess I’m on my own with this one! Why did I have to laugh?! That was such a stupid idea! His arm began to swing towards her; she closed her eyes and mentally braced herself for the pain she was all too sure she’d experience. Any second now! She winced at the thought, ummmmmm.....did it happen yet? She refused to open her eyes in fear that he was just holding back for a moment, still nothing? She waited perhaps another five seconds or so before she finally worked up the courage to open her eyes. What she saw was the face bright-red colored, fuming giant, with a look, not of rage but fear. His lip quivered as all his strength was being over powered, by what? Pinkie thought. She followed his arm to see a hand holding it mid-place, about half way to her face. Nathan! Oh my god I love you! It wasn’t Nathan’s arm however, she looked at it again, and it had a more feminine quality to it, Nurse Ratched?!? Nope, the arm was too youthful to be from her. Whose arm is this? She followed the arm with her eyes to find that the arm was her own. What the hell!?!?!?!?! Her jaw hung open in disbelief. She couldn’t even believe it was possible that someone like her could hold back someone like him; not just hold back, but overpower. Pinkie looked back at his face to see his eyes; they beamed in fear and cowardice. As a fear reaction he struggled to get free, as he raised his other arm into the air. But then, without even realizing what happened, almost like a reflex; she flipped him on his back and onto the table, the two legs on the right half of the table gave out with a *SNAP* as Ricky rolled down the table side, Marvin’s food tray followed and landed on the back of his head with a splat. Then the other two legs decided enough was enough, and gave out as well with another loud *SNAP* Pinkie Pie stood there in shock, her jaw hung open is awe. She felt a slight prick in her side, as she began to feel sleepy. She turned around to see Nathan with a look of sadness and shock on his face “I’m sorry about this Pinkie.” Was the last thing she heard, before falling into a deep sleep.

LlamaLlumps

295

Main 6,Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Zecora,Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex

Spurs of Blood

Strange things are ahoof in Canterlot, can the Mane 6 solve the mystery?

incomplete

<p>In the magical land of Equestria crime was in its infancy, while law enforcement's parents were still fumbling towards second base. In contrast, bureaucracy had its PhD in Pain In My Rump Studies, a nice fat research grant dedicated to making my life difficult and a highly motivated staff of thousands.</p>

teen

2012-01-24T02:00:24+00:00

2012-01-24T02:00:24+00:00

By LlamaLlumps Llama neither owns, nor cLlaims ownership of My LlittLle Pony; Friendship Is Magic. Its setting, characters, concept and art are the soLle property of Hasbro Inc. PLlease don't sue Llama's wooLly haunches into obLlivion. Llama seeks onLly to amuse and entertain his Bronies with a taLle of mystery, mischief and daring-do. Warning, this narrative features bawdy humor, aduLlt concepts Llike: drug use, sexuaLl innuendo and death. If you fear Grim/lite, or disLlike RibaLld jests, perhaps a different seLlection couLld be made. On a further note, this taLle wiLl incLlude narratives from very different sociaLl, poLliticaLl, cuLlturaLl and reLligious perspectives. This may seem schizophrenic at the start, but trust Llama, aLl wiLl be made cLlear. Now on to the story! Spurs of Blood: Prologue Beneath wildly flashing lights, Canterlot's young and hip shook their haunches on the insanely crowded dance floor. A fit and handsome unicorn stallion smiled winningly at the young mare dancing before him, her wide grin revealing a coating of pale, glimmering blue dust on her muzzle and coating her teeth. “You like that don't you sweetheart? Want some more, care to follow me back to my place?” She nodded mutely, her eyes wide and glinting with a faint whitish glow, as her horn began sparkling with undirected magic. Heading for the door, she barely noticed her wing-fillies attempts to intercept the pair. “Where is she going?” “Who is that colt?” “Does she look odd to anypony else?” These questions and more swirled around the tight knot of fillies, as they chased the newly formed duo towards the door of the club. They had agreed at the beginning of the night to remain close together, as they all were freshmares at Canterlot University and all believed in the three universal truths every college filly knew: Friendship is, in fact, magic. Fillies just wanna have fun. Colts only want one thing, and don't always care how they get it. Now sweet, shy, bookish Moonflower was following some strange, handsome stallion into the night- alone. “Is her horn sparking?” Asked Opal Haze, peering at the retreating pair through the press of ponies. With renewed vigor the five mares began forcing their way through to the exit. Reaching the cool dimness of the street, they spotted their friend, stumbling slightly as she was led into the predawn darkness. “Moonflower! Wait up!” Turning dazedly at the familiar call, she paused. The golden maned unicorn stallion snorted in frustration at their interruption of his plans for the evening. “G- girls...?”, she stammered in a confused, slurred voice, her bleary eyed face illuminated by the increasingly frequent flashes of random magic from her horn. As her friends dew close she wavered on her hooves and then slumped to the cobblestones in a heap of creamy white and feebly twitching legs. Her escort took one glance, and bolted into the early morning shadows, vanishing like a ghost. “Moonflower!” the fillies screamed as they charged to the fallen young mare. “Somepony call a doctor! She's not breathing!” ….................................................................... Spurs of Blood Ch 1 I was in the main office of the Big Apple Barrel's branch of Celestia's personal guard, and it fairly reeked of authority and permanence. Like every public building in Manehattan, it had once been a grand testament to Celestia's rule, but was now showing its age. Countless layers of beige paint coated every wooden surface, with dents and dings showing through from the strata below. The floors and stairs were subtly concave from many decades of pony hooves passing over them. The old structure was still solid, and gave back the echoes of my hoof fall with firm and resolute clippity-clops. Long hallways and corridors were nearly empty of traffic, despite the dozens of ponies working in the offices on either side. The most cosmopolitan city in Equestria had little need for guards, most of the business being transacted dealt with permits and trade regulations, not crime. In the magical land of Equestria crime was in its infancy, while law enforcement's parents were still fumbling towards second base. In contrast, bureaucracy had its PhD in Pain In My Rump Studies, a nice fat research grant dedicated to making my life difficult and a highly motivated staff of thousands. My destination was the open double door at the end of the corridor. The office belonged to Captain Ironhoof, named for his unique method of locomotion. That stalwart old war-pony was magically bound to a specially constructed steel leg, since being savaged by a rampaging hydra many years before. Despite the loss of his right front leg above the knee, the Captain, in his heart, was still a pony of action. His enforced semi-retirement to the post of Head of the City Guard detachment made him irksome and brusque on the best of days. Any summons to the Captain's office was to be punctually obeyed, if that pony did not want to feel the jagged edge of the old soldier's tongue. I was no exception, despite being the only Detective and the only zebra on the force. I coughed quietly at the door to announce myself and was rewarded with a curt nod to enter. “Good morning Neigh-quee-mee.” He butchered my name horribly; even so it was better than what the rest of the force, and most of the ponies in the city, called me behind my back and often to my face. “We have a problem that calls for your- special talents, in Canterlot. The youngsters are using some kind of intoxicating potion or drug that we have never seen before, they call it ‘Spur’ on the streets and it's really getting out of hoof up there.” I stamped the floor in agitation at this news. “I've heard of it, but we haven't seen it here, yet. Nopony seems to know where it comes from or where it's made.” Equestria had very little in the way of a criminal element, so keeping tabs on developments was blessedly straightforward. Seriously, there was even a trade magazine, published semi-monthly by Equestria Daily, under a discrete masthead that bore no mention of the Old Grey Mare. Rustlers and Reprobates was less well known than Pony of Fortune, and had a much smaller circulation than PlayPegasus (and fewer wingboners), but was invaluable to my job. That month's cover story was a poorly veiled exercise in journalism as advertisement, or perhaps the other way around. The magazine dedicated five pages to the rise of Spur as the drug of choice for Canterlot's young unicorn elite. It detailed how to use the drug, without revealing much more about it. The Captain fixed me with a stare which brooked no questions. “That's why we, (and by we, I mean the Highest Authority) are sending you to investigate. Her Highness, Princess Luna asked for you specifically to be assigned to this case. It seems she heard how you resolved the Cloppingham murders, and thinks you are the po- sorry, zebra for the job.” Cloppingham: that was a bit of ugly business I would rather have forgotten. A mad cult of Nightmare Moon worshipers, who believed that grisly pony sacrifices could return Princess Luna to her former dark personality. Their insane plan seemed to be intended to bring about night eternal. Three innocent fillies were horribly slaughtered before I tracked down the cultists. I am not proud of what I did to end their terror spree, but neither do I regret it. Justice must be swift and unswerving at times, even in this gentle land. The Captain must have seen the look in my eyes, because he pushed on quickly with his orders, not giving me time to ponder that dark day not so very long ago. “You need to pack your gear and head out immediately, Her Highness wants this off her hooves as soon as possible, Celestia be with you.” I know a dismissal when I hear one, and I beat hooves out and down the stairs. I passed offices, where clerks could be heard whispering the familiar refrain. “Hey is that...?” “Don't say it, he'll hear you, he's got ears like a bat!” “I heard he's one bad mother-” “Shut your mouth!” “I'm just talkin' about-” I'd heard it all before, just as I knew they were all straining to get a look at my cutie marks under the traveling cloak I always wore to hide them. Once in the streets I felt a little less obvious. Zebras are rare, even in Manehattan but outside headquarters and with my hood up, I at least had the illusion of anonymity. Once in my apartment, I began filling my saddle bags quickly. I rented a small first floor studio, whose only real advantage was that its back wall was a bank of large windows, opening onto a patio and garden, which lead directly into Central Pasture. Manehattanites simply called it the Park: a swath of rolling parkland, with ponds, light forests and even a fair sized lake. For reasons I could not understand, apartments overlooking the park were ridiculously costly, but any that let directly onto its cool, moist grass could be had for a song. Sure, it was not uncommon to wake after a long night-shift, to find the faces of fillies and colts pressed against my windows, as though I were a display at the menagerie, but zebras have a different idea of what privacy entails and the thought of living in a high, enclosed box above the city did not appeal to my savanna-bred sensibilities. It did not take long to pack my traveling bags: my waterproof rain-cloak of tightly woven wool, a few bags of oats, barley, corn and dried fruits, spare horseshoes and my shoeing kit. On a whim I loaded up my carved ebony Justicar's mask and staff scale. The latter was a leg length rod, carved with traditional totems and images, topped with a functional balance scale for settling trade disputes. Every zebra Justicar carried one, as the badge and sign-board of the trade. Finally with a twinge of memory, my baobab wood hoof-clubs, made from the knobbed and iron-hard roots of that slow growing tree from my distant home. Even though I knew I had cleaned them thoroughly, it still seemed as though I could feel the greasy taint from their last use. They seemed to grow heavier every time I picked them up. Since I was already wearing my traveling cloak of dust colored linen it was time to be off. The law givers of my land always traveled light. My road led south through Hoofington, past Fillydelphia just visible in the east. Turning west, I cantered into the heartland of Equestria. A trip of three, or maybe four days trot in fair weather, if nothing arose on the road. But then Equestria always had fair weather, and seldom did unpleasantness ever intrude on her tranquil highways and byways. To most zebra Lawgivers, this country would be a nightmare of boredom and ease. I had seen enough horror, violence and crime on my long journey to this peaceful land's borders to last me a lifetime and well beyond. Spending my time settling disputes between shopkeepers and their customers made up the bulk of my duties in Manehattan, and that was just fine for me. The farther I trotted from The City That Only Occasionally Sleeps, the more stares I gathered while passing through tranquil hamlets and farming villages. Most travelers did not wear any clothing at all on the road, so my cloak was cause for some comment. Without it though, fillies and colts would stare gape mouthed at my black and white striped coat and spiky mane. Their elders, however would be disturbed by the scars of my initiation ritual, oblong ridges of scar tissue running in horizontal stripes across my neck. To any zebra, this ritual scarification was as telling of my trade as the mask and staff protruding from my saddlebags. Of course, to Equestrians, they simply looked wild and savage, but my collar bearing the badge of Celestia's Royal Guard at my throatlatch eased their fears without fail. No folk I had ever seen trusted their ruler with the unquestioned faith of these ponies. It pleased me to serve a monarch so guileless and honorable, that even the idea of doubting her guards was as foreign as- well, as foreign as I myself was. Passing farther into the interior, houses, farms and villages became scarce. Habitation giving way to green rolling fields, and clusters of forest. It was good country, green and cool, crossed by smooth, level roads. Equestria's rivers were spanned by majestic bridges of stone, while small streams could be crossed on charming wooden covered bridges. In the distance stood isolated farms and orchards. Uncrowded villages without protective walls appeared at the end of each days travel. These tranquil hamlets were welcoming and open to all ponies. I too would be welcome, were I to doff my cloak and show my badge of office. I however, preferred to sleep under the stars. I took pleasure even in the carefully scheduled rainstorms, which the weather pegasi marched in orderly lines across the countryside to water the farms. After two days of quick trotting, Canterlot could be seen in the distance, high on its mountain. I despised mountains, so steep and high, always cold and breezy. Like most of my kin, my distaste for heights was ingrained. A youth spent on rolling grasslands, under the warm tropical sun, made the idea of mountains seem slightly unnatural. We have them in zebra lands of course, and some zebra folk live among them, just not me or my kin. In turn, those mountain bred zebras I had met on my travels seemed to be as uncomfortable in my wide open plains as I was in their mountain fastness. Not far from the feet of the mountain stood a small town, which my map labeled Ponyville- creative name choice. It would make a good stop to resupply, and buy some extra blankets before making the last push to Canterlot in the morning. A pegasus-pulled chariot could have gotten me to Canterlot in three hours, instead of four days by hoof. Royal orders or not, nothing was going to get my sweet flanks in one of those flying death traps! Two hour's easy trot down hill brought me to the outskirts of town, It was quaintly charming but something was off about this place. I could not escape the feeling of- I had no idea what the feeling was. Ponies of all ages strolled the streets, or gathered in clusters to talk and gossip. Fillies and colts gamboled in the park just off the town square, flying their kites and playing tag with shrill cries of joy. House painters were painting, bakers were baking and carpenters were- carping? Equestrian seemed quite a silly language at times. Yet this strange feeling was almost oppressive, something was deeply wrong here. Pulling my hood closer, I made my way deeper into town. Then it hit me, nopony was staring at me! Not at my striped legs with their bronze, brass and gold rings, nor at my subtly patterned Zebra cloak. I had not felt this in so long, not since my Justicar's mark appeared on my haunches when I was just a colt. Even in zebra lands the sight of a Lawgiver was cause for comment by honest folk, and fear for wrongdoers. Suddenly, the sensation ended, replaced by a feeling I was quite familiar with. The tingling down my mane told me I was being watched- no, stalked by something. My ears pivoted and nostrils flared, but the town was too full of scents and sounds to pick out my stalker. Still, the feeling persisted, growing ever stronger as I walked towards the square. Without warning, instinct took over and I spun, whipping off my cloak. An unknown assailant flew from a nearby shrub, leaping at my back! Whirling my cloak, I quickly entangled and bound my would be assassin. Rearing with a whinny of rage, I moved to stomp and trample my bundled attacker with an iron shod hoof, and halted just in time. Poking from my cloak were the blank flanks of a tiny yellow filly! Muffled deep within the folds, a sweet twangy voice called out; “Goooolee' Zecora, you never pulled that move a-fore! Y'all wanna' let me out now? its kinda' stuffy in here!” she yelled. Now everypony was looking at me, looking on in horror! Few introductions to a new town are as unwelcome as nearly pounding a local filly to a pulp in the village square. Stallions and mares from every corner and shop stopped, and stampeded towards me with wild eyes to defend the little filly still squirming her way out of my cloak. “Gee Zecora, you smell funny today- Zecora?” A large red bow and the yellow head of a tiny pony finally wriggled out. “Yer' not Zecora!” she yelped, frightened now, she began to cry piteously. Her weeping made the ring of angry stamping ponies surrounding me even less welcoming than before; which is to say they went from hostile to murderous! “Calm down pony-folk, your filly was playing a joke! Your child is still unhurt, don't look at me like I'm the jerk!” I facehooved, slipping into my native rhyming pattern was not a good way to defuse this. Ponies found those rhyming couplets confusing at best and they were certainly not at their best just now. From above, a pastel yellow and pink streak swooped down to stand over the still struggling filly, fixing me with a glare more fearsome than any I had ever encountered. The voice from behind that stare was smooth and sweet, like a silken cloth, wrapped around a flint edged knife of raw protective fury. “Stay away from Apple Bloom! Stay back or I’ll... I'll... I'll do something and you won't like it mister! Just what do you think you’re doing? Scaring my friends is unacceptable behavior, a full grown zebra should know better!” As disconcerting as that stare was to me, it had a chilling effect on the ponies surrounding our tableau as well, like an unscheduled rainstorm at a picnic. The stamping hooves stopped and the herd began to disperse a little. “I did not mean to hurt your filly, but sneaking up gave me the willies! My actions were not in anger, but she should not leap upon a stranger! By Celestia's sun-marked hiney, why is my speech still so rhymey!?” “Ohhh! You’re good Mr. Zebra!” I heard from behind, turning slightly I saw an earth pony so pink, so flamboyant, so utterly without a shred of seriousness, even the lambent glare of the yellow pegasus could not cast a pall over her. She seemed to vibrate and bounce, even when standing still. Behind her stood four more young mares: another earth pony, two unicorns and a pegasus. Their presence finished defusing the angry mob surrounding me, as though these young mares were a detachment of Celestia's guard, come to resolve the issue. From her position behind the firm planted hooves and flared wings of the glaring pegasus, my 'attacker' was telling the phalanx of young mares her story. “I thought he was Zecora. We were playing Cutie Mark Crusaders Ninja Warriors with her- but he's not Zecora! Then everything went black, and I was so scared!” So piteous was her face, even I began to grow angry. Until I remembered who the miscreant in question happened to be... that was awkward. Now that these six mares were on the scene, the crowd rapidly began to withdraw, apparently satisfied that they were more than a match for any trouble a lone zebra could unleash. I was still under the pegasus' baleful stare, so I could not question the truth of it. “Apple Bloom, Sweety Belle, Scootaloo, y'all stay back behind Fluttershy now, let the big ponies handle this.” drawled the orange earth pony with apple cutie marks. Indeed there were now three fillies peeking from under that feathered bulwark. “Ah' am a big pony!” the yellow filly protested feebly, still sniffling and wiping at her puffy eyes with the back of a hoof. “Citizens of Ponyville, I come in peace, and mean no ill. My journey has been very long, and I regret nearly doing wrong.” even after years in this country my speech was still unreliable under stress. “Rhyme some more, rhyme some more!” the prancing pink pony chanted with indefatigable joy. She seemed even more enthusiastic than before, if that could be possible. “The pink one sees I mean no harm, I came here to buy something warm. Young fillies will play their silly pranks, let us end this trouble and you’ll have my thanks.” mastering my compulsion for verse, I managed to spit out my next statement without rhymes. “ I am Nquem'eah, Detective Constable of Celestia's royal guard, on detachment to Princess Luna, my mission in Canterlot must not be delayed.” The ponies seemed puzzled by my words, despite my lack of rhyming couplets. “Detective?” asked the yellow earth pony. “Constable?” puzzled the white unicorn mare. “Nee qweeemee?” My exuberant pink pony queried. I was beginning to like her, Celestia buck me if I could understand why. “I investigate unusual occurrences and enforce the law when it has been violated; my badge of office is- tangled up in my cloak on the ground there.” this was not my day, and the looks in the eyes of most of these mares seemed to hold little promise of an improvement in my lot. “But what's an een qween mee?” pressed the pony whose mane looked like a mass of cotton candy. Ponies were lovely and cheerful creatures, though they possessed a few cultural blind spots. Their difficulty with the native, rhyming cadence of zebra speech was one. Even more challenging, was their inability to relate to names without a direct and obvious description, or tangible relation to the bearer. Oh, and cutie marks, their damnable cutie mark fixation! “Nquem'eah, that is my name.” I received blank looks from all around. I knew where this was going and I was not a fan. Despite my personal feelings on the matter, I had little choice. 'When in Roan, do as the Roanans do' was the old saying. “Ok, you can call me Ebony Shaft.” I said, with a long suffering sigh. This was familiar territory after so long in Equestria. “Ahhh! Ebony Shaft, that makes sense!” they said in near unison. I had been through this many times before, and knew what was coming next. The mares were already staring at the Justicar's marks on my haunches. I wished I had time to replace my concealing cloak, but one cannot un-ring a bell. With long experience, I could even tell which one would say what I knew was coming next. It would be the blue pegasus with the rainbow mane, she looked to be the type. I watched her draw a breath to speak and cringed. Her voice was pleasantly rough and husky, her stare was open and frank. This was not going to be subtle. “Ebony Shaft huh? Is that why your cutie marks look like colt parts? So what does that mean about your special talent?” as she spoke, her wings raised behind her, displaying their full plumage impressively. The two unicorns, and the yellow pegasus blushed and looked away, while the orange earth pony scolded her friend. “Dash! The girls are right here! y'all can't be sayin' stuff like that in front of them! An' fold yer' dang wings!” The cerulean pegasus waved her off dismissively, while blushing fiercely. “Yeah, yeah, you were thinking it too! I just asked first!” it seemed as though she had to struggle to lower her wings back to her sides. “I wasn’t thinking it... but I am now!” the irrepressible pink one chimed in. “Why do you have the very stallioniest of stalliony parts as cutie marks?” her huge, limpid blue eyes trembled with curiosity and innocent wonder. Despite the cringe-worthy nature of the question, I nearly answered, such was the power of her gaze. Barely in time, I halted myself. I was NOT going to get pulled into this again! I tossed my cloak over my back and settled my badge in plain view. “I am going to buy supplies now, if you wish to file a complaint with the guard against me, that is your privilege. The markings on my person however, are not open for public debate.” each in turn peered closely at my badge, seeking to find fault with it, perhaps hoping to find a reason to doubt its validity. The purple unicorn snorted in frustration, finally deigning to speak, “That badge looks legitimate. But you can rest assured that if it turns out to be anything but the real thing-”. The earthpony in the battered cowcolt hat pushed to the front, interrupting her friend while glaring at me angrily. “Badge or no badge pardner', ain't no excuse fer' buckin' little fillies, specially' my sister. We have a nice peaceful town here abouts an' ah, don't cotton to you, not one bit.” she pressed forward, violating my personal space uncomfortably. “Ah'm gonna' keep my eye on you, and if you make any trouble ah'm gonna buck you between yer' cutie marks until they start callin' you Ebony Gelding, you hear me?” having said her piece, she withdrew to the edge of the crowd and continued to shoot me withering glares; while stretching out her bucking muscles. Just under an hour later, I was on my way out of town. Though I was still under the watchful gaze of everypony around, particularly that of the apple marked earth pony. I would be avoiding this town from now on I decided. Darkness fell as I climbed the mountain, forcing me to make camp in a small meadow just off the road. It was a pleasant little glade, with a splendid view of the countryside and the night sky. I made no fire, satisfying my hunger with cold rations from my saddlebags, before slipping into restive slumber. Once again I dreamed of Cloppingham, of the faces of the missing fillies. Three had returned to their homes, traumatized and emotionally scarred, but otherwise unharmed. My dream was of the three for whom no help came in time. The flickering ring of torches, feminine screams ripping through the night as I ran down the narrow forest trail. A trail which, in my dreams at least, grew ever longer as I ran. I saw again the clearing, with its crude stone altar and three bodies, their hearts cut cruelly from their chests. Ten wild eyed cultists, and the mad priest with his obsidian knife, still gleaming wetly as he approached the helpless unicorn filly bound to the stone. Worst of all was the song of blood-lust and rage I sang, as I stomped, bucked, bit, and clubbed my way through the cultists. Finally, the stark terror in the three remaining victims, their horror shared equally between the remains of their tormentors, and the gore spattered and ghoulish nightmare I had become that night. As always, I awoke from that dream with a pounding ache in my head and a weight on my heart. Gazing at the moon, still high overhead I knew I would not be sleeping more that night. Worse still was the knowledge that the robed and cowled priest had vanished into the darkness that night, and remained at large and unidentified. After spending a chilly and restless night on the shoulders of the mountain, I trotted through the gates of Canterlot a few hours after dawn on the fourth day since departing Manehattan. I was ushered directly into a small sitting room to await Princess Luna's summons. I had expected to at least be shown to my quarters to unpack and dust off first, but if the Princess wanted to see me in my travel-stained state who was I to question? Her Highness, Princess Luna of Equestria, Ruler of the Night and Monarch of the Moon, bustled in with a short stack of scrolls levitating behind her. She looked me up and down appraisingly and seemed satisfied. I was glad now that I had kept my cloak on, despite the castle butler's insistent requests to take it. If the Princess asked about my marks I would have a harder time dodging the question than with those pesky young mares in Ponyville. What a Princess she was! Her deep midnight blue coat was glossy and smooth. Her mane of almost blue black was draped smoothly across her shoulders. Even more impressively, her regal rump featured a crescent moon on a field of deepest blue, spangled with a galaxy of winking eldritch stars. In contrast, while her mane and tail were shadowy and dark, her keen intellect burned brightly behind eyes as deep as the eternal night itself. Her smile was cool and refreshing, like a breeze at nightfall after a warm day. My people had no royal class, but if we did, I would hope for a Princess like this. Settling herself on a cushion of deepest blue and glimmering silver damask with a sigh, Her Highness offered me a plate of elegant cookies and tidbits which I declined as politely as I could. My last experiment with the cuisine favored by Equestria's elite had resulted in an embarrassing display of digestive dysfunction. Just one spicy prune croquette with fig compote was clearly sufficient to bring a grown zebra to his knees. Niceties satisfied, she wasted little time getting down to business. “It's well past my bedtime Constable, so I am going to keep this brief. These scrolls detail all we currently know about Spur and its distribution, and there is not much. All we know for certain is that there are four young ponies in comas at the university hospital from using the stuff, and one mare dead from overdose. This drug seems to be of magical origin, and is growing in popularity at the university, especially with the more... privileged students on campus.” The Princess of the night took a more diplomatic tone, while absently toying with an elegant lapis lazuli and rosewood abacus set in a place of honor on the low table serving as her desk. “I know you work alone as a rule, but I thought it would be helpful to have a small team of young ponies, who might move more freely among the students and cause less comment, than yourself. My sister and I trust them implicitly, and I believe they will be of great help to you. As an added benefit, giving them some insight into your particular talents may be helpful to Equestria in the future. You will find the six of them in a small town at the foot of the mountain.” A groan escaped my lips “Your Majesty is too generous by far, but I typically prefer to operate alone. If you will indulge my curiosity however, please let me guess, in Ponyville: two earth ponies, two unicorns and a pair of pegasi.” She looked surprised, “Exactly, how did you know?” my mirthless smile seemed to take her slightly aback. “Just my luck, your Highness. Is this an order, working with the ponies I mean?” I asked, hoping for a way out. “Do I have to make it an order, Constable?” she fixed me with one cool, piercing eye, while the abacus accelerated its quiet clicking. “As you wish Highness, I will do my best to serve you and Equestria.” this case was rapidly spiraling out of control, and I had yet to even lay a hoof on the files. Princess Luna slid one more scroll into the stack with a small smile that warmed my heart. “Here is a brief dossier on the ponies in question. I believe you will need an edge when you meet them, they can be a hoof full at times. I am certain you will find them gathered at the Ponyville library when you arrive, good luck Constable.” once more she graced me with her smile, it was like pouring moonlight into a forest glade during a warm summer night. “Rest assured that you will have my full support and confidence during this investigation, without regard for where it leads. Celestia will be keeping strictly hooves off however. In Canterlot, politics and money connect everything, my special situation makes me apolitical and free from, we shall call them, entanglements.” As she rose to leave she turned once more to smile at me; I could never tire of that. “Quarters have been arranged at the university for yourself and your new staff, you will be under cover as a visiting scholar, the dossiers will detail their individual cover stories. I also suggest that you take at least a day or two to get to know your team and train them in your methods, good luck Nquem'eah.” she spoke my name with perfect intonation, accent and cadence. What a princess indeed! She departed, leaving the scrolls on the table for me, but carrying away the abacus in the violet glimmer of her telekinetic field. Most ponies would have felt slighted at the lack of formal introductions, small talk and the exchange of names. I guessed she had done her homework and knew how awkward I felt in that very situation. Her Highness had breezed past that awkward exchange with class and elegance. She never even tried to get a look at my marks, something ponies seemed obsessed with as a rule. Cutie marks, their own, others, mine, it was a topic for which all ponies seemed to have an insatiable appetite. If only mine weren’t- but there was nothing to be done for them, the hoof of fate can never be turned away, no matter how much one wishes for it.

LlamaLlumps

295

Main 6,Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Zecora,Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex

Spurs of Blood

Strange things are ahoof in Canterlot, can the Mane 6 solve the mystery?

incomplete

<p>In the magical land of Equestria crime was in its infancy, while law enforcement's parents were still fumbling towards second base. In contrast, bureaucracy had its PhD in Pain In My Rump Studies, a nice fat research grant dedicated to making my life difficult and a highly motivated staff of thousands.</p>

teen

2012-01-24T02:07:31+00:00

2012-01-24T02:07:31+00:00

Ch 2 It was quiet that morning, even by Ponyville library standards. Spike was in the kitchen making a late breakfast while slowly savoring a shard of amethyst with obvious pleasure. Whether because it was a particularly tasty stone, or that it was a gift from Rarity, Twilight could not say. She was deeply engrossed in a twelve volume set of: Zebran Myth, Culture and Legend, by Hoofestian the Elder, Greatest Historian of the Classical Pony Age. That was how the author signed the manuscript, on every page. Must be a distant ancestor of the Great and Powerful Trixie, she mused silently. Her reverie was disrupted by a thunderous release of gas from the kitchen. That could only mean one of two things, either Spike was eating Pinkie Pie's baked bads with hot sauce again, or- “Is that a letter from the Princess?” She asked, while readying the gas mask spell she had created after Spike's last bout of flatus. The whole tree had been uninhabitable for days after. Since then however, the library had no more troubles with termites, silverfish or bookworms. “It's a letter from a Princess. It's from Princess Luna!” Spike said in awe as he walked into the reading room, holding the scroll with reverence and wonder writ plain across his scaly features. “Well don't just stand there, open it!” Twilight's anticipation was almost unendurable. Her tail switched and thrashed in equine impatience and distress, while her ears pinned themselves back against her skull. Spike just folded his arms smugly, “It's not addressed to you, it's for all the Elements of Harmony, and me too! Princess Luna knows my name!” The star struck dragonling hugged the scroll in wonder, seeing his name above the red wax of a royal seal was a novelty that would not wear off soon. Twilight stamped her hoof in impatience, “come on Spike, let's get the gang together and read it! I'll get Rarity, you tell Pinkie, and then have Dash fly out to Sweet Apple Acres and Fluttershy's cottage.” Little could frustrate this scholar more thoroughly or quickly than a text which she was unable to read immediately. “Aww, I can tell Rarity...” Spike began. Twilight smiled tolerantly at the dragon whose crush on Rarity was the worst kept secret in Ponyville. “I think Pinkie is making cookies, you should bring a few for everypony to snack on while we read this letter. Madelines are Rarity's favorite in the whole world-” …............................... The bell over the door at Sugarcube Corner tinkled for the first time that day. All over Ponyville it was quiet, even ponies who typically were early risers had yet to set a hoof out of bed. Except Pinkie Pie of course, sleeping late was for her, quite unlikely. “Hiya Spike! You are sure up early, everypony is exhausted because of that new zebra in the square yesterday, and even the ponies who weren’t there are pooped just from hearing the story about how he nearly stomped Apple Bloom and now the whole town is sleeping late, but somepony has to bake the goodies and that pony is me! How could ponies sleep all day anyway? There was a new zebra in town and that means that a welcome party needed to happen right away, sure he left before I could get it together, but that just means it has to be ready for when he comes back to town. Maybe I should set up a tactical party reserve with quick deployment streamers and rapid fire cupcake launchers, maybe a party pony dynamic entry protocol, I need the blueprints to every house in town, lots of rope and some flash bang party poppers...” The breathless pink pony was busily sketching a complex diagram in the flour scattered on the floor under her worktable. “...ohh yeah and a new-pony detection and early warning network too, this can't happen again. no siree!” “Pinkie. Pinkie! PINKIE!” Spike finally yelled, his draconic temper causing a brief gout of green flame to immolate a plate of cupcakes resting nearby. …................................................................. Miles away, in the castle overlooking her beautiful, sun-drenched and happy domain, Princess Celestia of Equestria, Sovereign of the Solar Cycle, Potentate of Ponies and Ruler of all She Surveyed, was deluged with frosted confections during a meeting with her minister of finance. “Would you care for a snack Minister PonyBucks?” she asked, with the kind of aplomb and dignity which can only be cultivated over many centuries of unquestioned rule. …..................................................................... “Oh! Hiya Spike, what-cha need? I'm kinda busy, but there’s always time for friends! Oh! I know, you came to help me plan the Ponyville new-pony emergency party response system right? You're good! I only just thought it up, and here you are!” “Pinkie, Twilight needs you.” there was an almost audible screech as her mind shifted gears. “Twilight needs you to get on your contraption and fly up to tell Rainbow Dash that we need her, Applejack and Fluttershy, at the library in a half hour, that includes you too Pinkie, got it?” “Ooo, are we getting the band back together? Sweet! I've been working on some solo projects, but nothing I can't put on hold, Gummy has some lyrics and melodies he thinks might work, if we are gunna' cut a new album. I know, I know, his stuff is a little out there, but if you give him a chance and find a producer that’s not afraid of 'gators...” “No Pinkie, no band, there never was a band, you dreamed it last week remember? I also need some cookies, madelines, lots of madelines!” The lovestruck dragonling sighed wistfully, as he lost himself in dreams of a certain alabaster unicorn. “Sure Spike, those are Rarity's favorites you know.” “I know.” Spike sighed in breathless abandon. Moments later, the stillness of the clouds over Ponyville was shattered by a rhythmic chopping sound, as the sugar fueled legs of Pinkie Pie frantically pumped her candy striped flying machine into the sky. ….............................. High over the peaceful Ponyville morning, a singular cloud formation drifted lazily to and fro. At first glance it seemed to be an elaborate villa, formed of cottony cloud-stuff. Complete with a rainbow waterfall, cascading in a series of drops to finally arch gracefully off into the distance. At second and third glance the impression solidified into an improbable but clear reality; it was a house in the clouds, made of clouds. Equally unlikely was the visitor rapidly approaching from below. “Wakie wakie Dasharino!” Pinkie Pie shouted, as she hovered near the front door. Experience had shown her the uselessness of trying to knock on a door made of water vapor and pegasus magic, to earth pony hooves it was simply a cloud. “Come on Dash, birds are singing, the sun is up and Twilight needs us all at the library ASAP... ooo! Library, tree, A sap... I made a funny! Ok, not really, but hey, its a work in progress...” Inside, a sky blue head with a messy rainbow mane popped up from a particularly fluffy mass of cumulus. With an exasperated look, she hoofed her nose and blew mightily, causing a puffy wad of cottony vapor to poof from each ear. “Pinkie? Is that you? Whatchawant?” Shortly thereafter, a rainbow contrail shot off to gather her far flung friends, while the party pony puffed and pedaled back to land. The collected friends waited in breathless anticipation as Spike, now perched high on a makeshift stage of stacked books, eyed his audience. Producing the still sealed scroll, with a show-dragon like flourish he paused. “Umm, Twilight, are you sure I can't get you to conjure a quick mustache? I really feel like the event calls for the old number twenty five.” “Spike!” the gathered ponies shouted in chorus. “Okay, okay, I get it.” With a flick of his claw the opened the seal, dramatically unrolled the document, and read. …........................................... Secret, eyes only, unauthorized dissemination punishable by: imprisonment, banishment, or Imprisonment in the place where we banish you. From: Luna, Princess, Canterlot Castle Office of Internal Security To: Harmony, the Elements of; Applejack, Sweet Apple Acres Fluttershy, Everfree Forest, adjacent Pinkamina Diane Pie, Sugarcube Corners, Ponyville Rainbow Dash, Ponyville, upper atmosphere Rarity, Carousel Boutique, Ponyville Twilight Sparkle and Spike, Ponyville Library Cc: Celestia, Princess, Luna, Princess, Ironhoof, Captain, Manehattan Royal Guard Re: Ongoing Investigation codename: CUTIEMUFFIN (I need to fire the pony in charge of creating code names) Subject: request full assistance and cooperation with detective constable Nquem'eah (Ebony Shaft) Effective immediately, the above named ponies and dragonling shall consider themselves recruited into the Equestrian Royal Guard, Investigative and Enforcement Branch. Said ponies and dragonling shall be given effective rank and privileges of Constable, under direct supervision and command of Detective Constable Ebony Shaft. All further communication and briefing will follow chain of command. ........................................................ As he read the last line, seven small bronze and silver stars appeared from the scroll in a puff of purple smoke, and tumbled to the floor at Spike's feet. Meanwhile, the scroll evaporated into nothingness, with a magical whisper of “Seeeecret!” “Wow! Princess Luna's writing style is a little cold, but what a finish!” Spike marveled, as he gathered the badges and distributed them. “I still don't get it.” Pinkie said, visibly confused. “What's a neigh que mane, some kind of zebra cupcake? Cause that might be good!” Twilight facehooved and tried to explain, “Its a name Pinkie, a zebra name, like Zecora's-” “Um yeah, I've been meaning to ask her about that, what the hay is a Zecora? I don't get it.” even Twilight's will failed in the face of Pinkie's inability to comprehend the concept of an abstract name, unrelated to any descriptive or tangible object. “Moving on Pinkie.” Twilight took her badge from the tiny dragon and addressed the assembled friends. “It seems we will be working with that zebra from yesterday, on some kind of investigation. Princess Luna must trust him, but I think we should watch ourselves around him. Something feels off about that colt to me.” She looked directly at Rainbow Dash. “We need to be PROFESSIONAL, at all times with him, until we know more. Strictly professional, Dash.” The stunt flier looked aggrieved. “Is it about the cutie mark question? Cause the Crusaders were there, so it was gonna come up, I just asked first. Besides, AJ was thinking it too- mpph!” From across the room, a lasso snaked out and snapped around the aviatrix's muzzle. “Was not ya' feathered polecat! Ah never even look't at that stallion's rump, well not fer' long anyway!” She stamped the ground in frustration, while Dash squirmed free of the rope. “Ah' know how Apple Bloom and the Crusaders can be, but tarnation! What kinda pony could come that close tah' stompin' a tiny little filly like that? Ah' just cain't trust him.” Twilight nuzzled her orange friend comfortingly. “I know how you feel AJ, and so we are going to do what we always do when confronted by a mystery.” “Run and hide?” queried Fluttershy. “Get to work?” asked Applejack. “Party!” Pinkie insisted. “Kick some rump!” added Rainbow Dash. “Design some uniforms to go with these lovely badges!” Rarity cooed. “Get a snack and watch Rarity design the uniforms?” Spike piped up. “No, yes, maybe, no, if you want to, and no.” said Twilight to each in turn. “Dash, I need you to bring Zecora here, and then keep a lookout, so he won’t surprise us again. Spike, you can have a snack, but we have some research to do. We should all make arrangements in case this requires us to be out of town.” A multicolored stampede flowed out the door of the library, and into the streets of a still sleepy Ponyville, then separated into five different directions. …................................................. I could see Ponyville in the distance from the castle gates. Just a few brief hours trot away, slightly longer if I loitered at the tourist overlooks on the way down. Soon I would have to face those ponies again, and endure the inevitable cutie mark interrogation which the sight of my striped backside always engendered. Curse cutie marks, and curse the ponies’ infatuation with them to a thousand flaming devils! …............................................... At the base of the mountain far away, in the comfortable and quiet dimness of the library tree, a pink form tumbled through the door in a wild spasm. “Ooo! Twitacha twitch! Nostril noogie, lumpy rumpy and a touch of vacillating vagi-” Twilight interrupted just in time. “Whoa there, just tell me what your Pinkie senses are saying, I don't need to hear about the more- intimate twitches.” The party pony grew quite somber, and continued. “ I feel a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of Cutie Mark Crusaders suddenly cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced! Somepony somewhere is questioning their cutie mark! More than that, somepony is regretting their cutie mark something awful, and I think its Mr. Shaft!” Zecora stepped from behind a bookshelf and smiled at her irrepressible pink friend. “For generations unknown and time out of mind, stripes alone marked a zebra's behind. In our native lands where zebras come from, most cutie marks are butt pictures on bums. My pun was intentional and slightly crude, please forgive, if you found it rude!” “Oooo! Zecora! That new zebra that came to town, is he a friend of yours? Is he your special friend? Does his cutie mark mean what me and Dash think it means?” Twilight slipped between them with another well timed interruption. “Well Zecora, thank you for all your help, I wish you did not have to rush off and do that thing at the place right away, and could stay to answer all Pinkie's very blunt and penetrating questions...” “Ahh yes, that thing at the place, to whatever it was, I must race! Fare well dear Pinkie Pie, I will see you when next I stop by!” With a look of profound relief on her face, the zebra sped off into the late morning sun, her cloak flapping like the wings of a frightened bird. “So Pinkie, why not go up to the balcony and help Dash keep watch until the other girls show up... you can use my telescope if you like.” Twilight cringed inside with fear for her precious astronomical tool, but weighed against the very real possibility of more questions from the erratic equine, she felt it was the right choice. “Okie dokie loki” Pinkie bubbled, while hopping up the stairs three at a time. Forty minutes or so had passed swiftly, in quiet activity for Twilight, when the bustling trio of:Applejack, Fluttershy and Rarity entered. “Right on time girls, you get settled, while I go collect our lookouts.” Twilight called as she trotted up the stairs. Using a book stand as a podium to hold her notes, Twilight addressed the gathered friends. “Ever since we met Zecora, I have been gathering information on Zebra culture and traditions, just to satisfy my own curiosity. This morning, I met with Zecora to go over what I learned, and have prepared a short presentation. I will take questions at the end.” Two hooves shot into the air instantly, one pink and one light blue. “After the presentation girls, and non stallion parts questions only.” Both hooves slowly sank back into the crowd. “First the basics, Spike the projector please.” a blinding light shot from the back of the room, illuminating a bed sheet tacked to a bookcase as a screen. Shortly, a sketch of a small cluster of simple huts, surrounded by a wall of thorny brambles slid into view. “Here we see a typical zebra village, circa four hundred BNM (That’s Before Nightmare Moon girls.), so about one thousand four hundred years ago. Zebras live either in small villages, or semi nomadic family herds, roaming their territory to feed and visit the often scarce water sources. Next slide please Spike.” Another drawing eased into position on the screen, this time of a zebra standing in a field of tall brown grass. “Thank you Spike, this sketch is also from around four hundred BNM. Zebras, while they are not technically ponies, are closely related to us, they live in tropical regions, typically in open, arid grasslands called savannas. Without pegasus teams to control the weather, or unicorn magic for defense, they are much more at the mercy of the climate and predators endemic to their home than we are here in Equestria. Zebra culture may seem crude and primitive to us, but this is only an illusion, they are quite advanced in their own way. Zebra society is very well attuned to the chaotic natural cycle of their native lands, next slide please.” “Wait just a minute there sugarcube, ah' hate ta' interrupt, but wheres that zebra's cutie mark?” Twilight smiled at her rustic friend. “Nice catch AJ, all my books on zebra culture are from the tales of traveling ponies, recorded before Nightmare Moon. Before then, zebras had no cutie marks.” A collective gasp filled the room, making the improvised screen flutter as though to display the striped, but otherwise unmarked rump to more dramatic effect. Twilight went on, “That’s right, no cutie marks. According to Zecora, when the sun went down and didn’t rise a thousand years ago, it threw zebra lands into confusion. When Princess Celestia banished Nightmare Moon, she used the Elements of Harmony, but without the bonds friendship needed to help direct and control the power she unleashed. The Elements were never meant to be used by a lone pony, even one as powerful as the Princess. As a result, the Princess was denied the control needed to purify Nightmare Moon. She had no choice but to banish her to the moon, in hindsight the magic she used was crude and undirected, though no other pony could have hoped to survive, let alone succeed in wielding such forces alone. As a result, a magical shock wave created by the Elements of Harmony, washed over the entire globe, that was when zebras first received cutie marks.” Rarity could no longer restrain herself. “So how did they know what their special purpose would be? How did they manage to find their place in the world? All this sounds simply dreadful! Think of the chaos, the uncertainty, the confusion!” Twilight rapped the podium with a professorial hoof. “Exactly, with no way to know where their talents lay, and no Princesses of their own, zebras were led by the biggest and toughest of their herds and villages. As a result, conflicts arose constantly between tribes, which often resulted in violence. Because of these cultural differences, zebra cutie marks don't work like their pony counterparts. Most zebra marks are more indicative of family or tribal affiliation first, and talents after, much like the apple family's fruit related theme.” Even Rainbow Dash sat in rapt attention as the lecture unfolded. The insatiable pony hunger for all things cutie mark related overpowering her natural aversion to scholastic endeavors. “There seem to be two notable exceptions to the magic that created zebra cutie marks. Two classes of zebras, who's marks show no tribal affiliation at all. First there are the Shaman like Zecora, her swirling earth symbol mark indicates her membership in the all female priestly class. They are dedicated, by talent and training, to maintaining the oral histories and religious traditions of zebra culture. They serve as physicians, teachers, and counselors as well.” Maybe Spike was right, a mustache would make the presentation seem more scholarly and serious. Twilight mused to herself while taking a drink from her massive coffee mug. Perhaps a tweed jacket, with elbow patches of suede. Rarity felt an involuntary shudder creep up her spine, as though somepony had walked across her grave, somepony, somewhere was contemplating a horrid crime against all known standards of fashion and style. She would need to be alert. Not on my watch... “Each tribe is only allowed one full fledged Shaman at a time, when a filly develops a mark like Zecora's, she is trained by the current Shaman. If the older priestess is old enough, she will retire. Otherwise, after her final initiation, the younger Shaman must wander off to find a tribe without their own, or whose Shaman wishes to retire. This has fostered inter tribal cooperation and understanding for a thousand years, and is a major reason for the peace that zebras have enjoyed since then.” A soft chorus of “Ooh” whispered through the room. “What about the other class of zebra?” Came the gentle voice of Fluttershy, her question barely drifting to the front of the room. “Excellent, the next exception to the tribal pattern is slightly more disturbing in nature, and is the root cause of yesterday's kerfuffle in the square. The zebra from yesterday, Mr. Shaft, when I described him to Zecora, she seemed certain that he is what the zebra call a Justicar, or Lawgiver. Like Shaman, each village or herd has only one at a time, and many spend years wandering, looking for a tribe that needs their services.” “Just as the Shaman are innately compassionate and introspective, Lawgivers are driven to bring justice and peace, solving disputes between zebras and between tribes, as well as hunting criminals, without mercy. Each one is a zebra judge, jury, and executioner onto himself, and is trained in diplomacy, martial arts and law. Zecora seemed confused when I described his cutie mark, but the distinctive lines of ritual scars on his neck are apparently self inflicted, to remind him of the punishments and judgments he has delivered in his career.” A pink hoof once more rose into the air. “whats an ex-e-cute-tioner?” Pinkie asked. “Is that a pony who scolds bad ponies for doing bad things, by telling them how not cute they have been?” Dewy eyed optimism and cheer radiated from her, creating a joyful bubble in the center of the room. Twilight drew a deep breath to steady herself, this was not going to be easy. “No Pinkie, it means if he thinks a pony has been bad enough, he has the power to execute them.” a blank stare was Twilight's reward. “He can kill them Pinkie.” With an audible hiss Pinkie's bouffant mane deflated into a pale limp mop, as much of her vibrant color drained away. “That's just awful. No, its terrible! That means all those scars on his neck- each one, was a zebra or pony?” Even as she spoke the room seemed to darken and become gloomy, as though the possibility of laughter had vanished from view. “What kind of party would you even throw for that? How would I fit, Sorry You Killed That Pony And Had To Mutilate Your Neck One More Time, on a cake? I bet Madame LeFleur would know, she has such a grasp of etiquette, or maybe Sir Lintalot, he always seems so classy...” As she spoke her pupils dwindled in size and began to drift slowly apart, leaving her with a disturbingly vacant thousand yard stare. Seeing where this was headed, the aviatrix grabbed the proverbial yoke and sought to pull her friend out of a precipitous nosedive into psychosis. “Pinkie has left the building guys, lets break for some...” Dash paused to prepare herself, and with a breathless whisper, spoke a single word of inestimable power directly into Pinkamina's ear. “Cupcakes.” The net effect of that single word was comparable to dropping a basket of kittens and a ball of yarn into Fluttershy's lap, or a dusty tome of hundred year old census data before Twilight. With an explosion of color and motion, the Premier Party Pony reasserted herself, producing a vast tower of immaculately frosted cupcakes, from seemingly nowhere at all. “That's funny... where did I even have these?” She asked nopony at all, her mouth stuffed with frosting and cake. With a carefree shrug, she continued passing the treats to, in her words: “My most favoritest ponies in the whole wide ponyverse!”

LlamaLlumps

295

Main 6,Original Character,Princess Luna,Spike,Zecora,Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore,Sex

Spurs of Blood

Strange things are ahoof in Canterlot, can the Mane 6 solve the mystery?

incomplete

<p>In the magical land of Equestria crime was in its infancy, while law enforcement's parents were still fumbling towards second base. In contrast, bureaucracy had its PhD in Pain In My Rump Studies, a nice fat research grant dedicated to making my life difficult and a highly motivated staff of thousands.</p>

teen

2012-01-24T02:12:09+00:00

2012-01-24T02:12:09+00:00

Ch 3 In far Neighpon, where Celestia's sun rises, they have a saying: Duty is as heavy as a mountain, death is as light as a feather. In my experience, between the former and the latter, one could find my saddlebags. Certainly they were lighter than a mountain. Though it seemed to me, the addition of a single feather would send me to the dusty road in a wretched heap. Perhaps it was the mountain climbing, following a three day trot across Equestria. It may have been the meeting with the co-ruler of the nation; or perhaps the simple weight of dread and anticipation of a return to Ponyville was the source of my burden. Pausing at the site of my camp the night before, I consumed a meager lunch of roadside grass, a hoof-full of dried oats, corn, barley and a dried apple. The palace staff had packed me a lunch before I left, kind ponies that they were, but I was reluctant to venture into that elaborately wrapped package. One never knows what horrors may dwell within a meal designed around the far more sophisticated palates of the Equestrian elite. Using small stones as paperweights, I was reading the Princess' scrolls while munching on my provisions, hoping they would take the taste of the local grass from my mouth, hoping in vain as it turned out. I had to say one thing for Ponyville, it was surrounded by lush, sweet smelling, verdant fields. My stomach lurched in protest at what it was forced to endure, with such fare so nearby. When did I become so delicate? Once I could consume the dry, tough, saw edged grasses of my home without complaint. Now I lived in fear of a few dainties and a little tough, sour grass. Equestria leaves its mark on all who walk its fields or dart through its azure skies, this land may well be too accommodating. The case files were on individual scrolls, and very slim on details: names, dates, locations, witnesses and a few medical details on the comatose ponies. All unicorns it seemed, that fit with what I already suspected about the drug. The file on the fatality was even more slender, no autopsy, no interviews with the family or friends. Somepony was not doing their job. Long ago I learned to trust my instincts, and they were whispering that this was more than it appeared, on more than one level. I had the distinct feeling as I rolled the files back up and stowed them, that this was going to muss some very highly placed manes before it was over. Shadows were lengthening as I neared my destination. It was such an idyllic town, strange it should fill me with dread. As I approached the library its massive boughs spread welcome shade across my weary frame. I paused at the door and prepared to knock, before I noted the 'Open' sign and that the door was slightly ajar. I girded my loins, metaphorically speaking. I was determined to start this off with professionalism and dignity. These were serious matters at hoof, and judging by the Princess's recommendation, these were serious ponies. Certainly, they were capable of following orders and maintaining discipline. After all, this was Equestria, a land known far and wide for courtesy, civility and good manners. …..................................... “Come on Twi, I just wanna know if what they say about zebra stallions is true... you know, whether they have... you know.” Her bawdy wink left little doubt as to what she was referencing. “Besides, with a cutie mark like that, on a rump like that, he must be able to...” Here Dash made a very crude thrusting gesture with a fore-hoof. “If you fillies aren't interested in what he's lugging around under there, that's your business, but I wanna' know!” At this point the pegasus flier realized that the whole group was staring at the door behind her. “Oh, horse-apples, how long has he been behind me?” Well so much for courtesy, civility and manners. I knew that my only chance was to take control of the situation immediately, or risk watching my career and this investigation spiral down the drain. “Five minutes my little ponies, fall in behind the library in five minutes. Get your selves under control, we have a lot to go over.” Not one rhyme, I was inordinately pleased with myself for that. ….............................................. Four minutes and thirty seconds later, six ponies tumbled out the back door of the library and arrayed themselves in loose formation on the grassy field. I would only get one chance to assert control over these mares, I needed to make an impression from the start. “Her Royal Highness, Princess Luna of Equestria, Sovereign of the Night, and Ruler of the Lunar Cycle has tasked me with two missions. The first is to resolve an issue of national import in Canterlot, with your assistance. We will discuss that matter later. My other task is to instruct you all in the methods and techniques of civil and criminal investigation. Without this groundwork, you will be of very limited aid to me in our mission. Are we all clear on what I have just covered? Any questions so far?” Two hooves shot up immediately, one pink and one pale blue. “Non cutie mark related questions only.” The pink hoof sank, only to pop right back up. “Very well, Rainbow Dash, your question please.” “So what is this case we will be working on? Is it spies? Cause' I could really get into some counter espionage action!” She struck a pose she had no doubt seen on the cover of some spy novel or comic book and looked at me expectantly. “Miss Dash, the details of the case will be revealed after we establish some basics, please refrain from speculating until then. Miss Pinkie Pie, your question?” I faced the Pink pony with as much confidence as I could muster, something told me to expect the unexpected from this equine. “So, about your cutie marks Mr. Shaft-” I cut her off before she could derail what little progress I had made so far. “I specifically requested non cutie mark related questions Miss Pie.” “Oh, this is not cutie mark related, it's entirely about your cutie mark.” Some ponies can be stubborn, others are careless, a few are stupid, rare individuals are even capable of cruelty. This pony was clearly none of those, she was simply fixated on the symbol emblazoned on my striped arse. “Ladies, if it will allow us to proceed, I solemnly promise to reveal all the details of my cutie mark, AFTER we have finished with the issues at hoof.” this seemed to satisfy Pinkie, for now. Gazing down the ragged line of ponies before me I had no idea where to start; just as long as they did not figure that out I would be fine. “Twilight Sparkle step forward please.” Her stance and expression shifted rapidly between caution and determination as she stepped to the front, but she showed no hesitation, I liked that. “Her Highness, Princess Luna informed me in no uncertain terms that you are quite a clever pony.” She preened slightly at this praise but kept her wits, another good sign. “On her recommendation, you will be my second in command, I was also informed that you have a dragon assistant, where is he?” A small purple and green reptile snapped smartly to attention before me with a clumsy but enthusiastic salute. “Spike Sir, reporting for duty, Sir!” “Excellent, Mr Spike, your duties will be relatively unchanged, simply continue what you do for Miss Sparkle. Though if you would be kind enough to assist me with the writing and filing of reports, and forward my reports to the Princess, I would be grateful.” At this the dragon seemed disappointed, almost dejected, spying a copy of Detective Comics: Hard Boiled Stories under his arm, I hurriedly added “At least until we run into some hard-cases that need grilling.” Even a baby dragon's grin was entirely too filled with sharp, carnivorous teeth for my comfort, but he seemed much happier at the prospect of administering the 'third degree' to some hapless villain in the future. “Now my little ponies, and dragon, raise your right hooves- and paw?” I asked looking at the dragonling. “Hand Sir, we call them hands Sir!” “Very well, raise your right hooves and hand. Do you swear to protect the lives, rights and property of every citizen of Equestria, be diligent in the pursuit of justice, and discharge your duties with honor and dignity in the Princesses names?” A ragged chorus of “I Do” and one affirmative squeak from the line of recruits made it official. “You are now Constables in the Equestrian Royal Guard, Enforcement and Investigation Branch, congratulations.” The few hours until sunset were dedicated to teaching the basics of Equestrian law enforcement: civil rights, probable cause, paperwork, evidence handling and interviewing witnesses. Then we went into: paperwork, interrogation, public safety and of course, paperwork. “No miss Pie, that is not what assault means. I promise, if we ever encounter anypony committing the criminal act of sprinkling salt on another pony's hind end I will allow you to name the foul deed. Any further questions?” Pinkie Pie, so random and so irresistibly charming. As the sun sank into the west I dismissed my little ponies for the night, with an admonishment to discuss their new duties with nopony, and instructions to meet at the library an hour after dawn. Once alone, I ambled to the edge of town and made camp in a small copse of trees not far from the road to Canterlot. It was as I had predicted, the grasses near Ponyville were delicious and satisfying. After a pleasantly dreamless night I awoke to the scent of- coffee? Outside the tent which my rain cloak and Justicar's staff combined to create, sat a small pot of steaming coffee and a plate of warm muffins. Naturally I was curious as to the identity of my benefactor, as well as concerned that somepony could approach so near in my sleep without waking me. Peering about, it took only a moment to identify my stealthy snack supplier. A nearby shrub was clearly wearing a set of novelty nose and mustache glasses. The bold pink tuft of cotton candy tail, vibrating in obvious pleasure at its owner's cleverness was another subtle clue. Celestia singe my nethers, I liked this Pinkie Pie, banish me to the moon if I could understand why though. “Curses, now I will never know who left these delicious muffins here, and they are even carrot-apple-raisin, my favorite!” Taking a bite and sipping the coffee, I proclaimed in my strident voice military, “Buck me in my nose if this is not the best breakfast ever.” From the shrub I detected a faint sqeee of joy. When I glanced up however, the bush had silently vanished without a trace. She was truly a sneaky pony, with a little work on her disguise skills she could be quite helpful. Back at the library, I called them to order around a small table. Resting in the center was a tiny vial of a glittering blue powder. “This is called Spur on the streets of Canterlot, look but do not touch, it is a dangerous drug and is the reason behind our orders.” Pinkie peered closely and turned to Twilight. “A drug? Like medicine? Somepony is sick? Is it me? Cause' I don't feel sick-” “I don't think it's that kind of drug Pinkie, he means that this did not come from a doctor, somepony made it to get ponies high.” Twilight explained patiently. I was feeling better about making her my Lieutenant already. With the foundation of an explanation firmly laid I attempted to weigh in. “A drug like this is made and sold in secret and can contain dangerous things, some are performance enhancers and some are 'party drugs' for-” I am still not certain exactly what happened as I attempted to explain recreational drugs to Pinkie and the others. I am certain however, that Twilight's frantic hoof waving clued me in to my poor choice of words a little too late. The events that followed can only be described in the brief flashes of lucidity I managed to snatch from the gaping maw of chaos: A wide and disturbing grin spread across Pinkie's face, as she slowly slid beneath the table and vanished from sight. Peering under the table mere seconds later revealed no Pinkie. Something black and pink moved outside the upper story window on Twilight's stairs. With a crash, that something, a pony in a black skin tight suit and balaclava burst through the glass on a zip line (How did that zip line lead through the glass anyway?). What appeared to be a small alligator in a black body stocking and climbing harness lowered from the skylight on a rope, clutching a punch bowl. A blinding flash accompanied by a pop and whistling sound stole my sight. As my vision returned, normality remained on holiday indefinitely. The room was crowded with confused looking ponies of all descriptions. Some that I recognized from the events in the square, others were new to me. Also filling the now crowded room were: pies, muffins, cupcakes, balloons, streamers, party games, a massive zebra striped four tier cake with a marzipan zebra village on top, and a banner proclaiming “WELCOME Nquem'eah” in Equestrian and even more puzzling, in old Zebran cuneiform script. As the mystified ponies gazed around the room they spotted the party favors, shrugged and began dancing, eating and drinking as though they found themselves mysteriously transported like this on a regular basis. I heard more than one announce “Its a Pinkie Pie Party.” as though that explained everything. Pinkie herself was dangling from her zip line, still clad in a black catsuit, balaclava and harness, while passing out treats to everypony in range. …..................................... By mid-morning the party died a natural death, succumbing to the need to actually get on with the business of running a small town. All seven of my new team waded into the wreckage gamely, striving to clear away the remains of the party with no complaints. I remained mystified by the entire process, puzzling over how an entire party had been dropped on us without warning. My queries directed to Twilight on the matter were answered with, “It's a Pinkie Pie thing, don't try and figure it out.” Suddenly I remembered my sample of Spur and began searching frantically for the tiny vial in the wreckage of what began as a legitimate training session. “Twilight, where is my sample? Do you see it anywhere?”

Shrinky Frod

297

DJ P0N-3,Gummy,Pinkie Pie,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Comedy,Random,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex

Five Minutes

complete

<p>Twilight has decided that it's high time to figure out what's going on with Pinkie Pie, and there's only one way to do it!</p><p>Author’s Note: This story was inspired by Sub-level 03’s song, “Five Minutes,” from the album Undercover. I suggest you look it up on iTunes, or through their website at <a href="http://www.sublevel3.us" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.sublevel3.us" rel="nofollow">http://www.sublevel3.us</a></a>! Listening to the song and lyrics might give you some idea where the imagery came from. And the rest of the story, for that matter. I quote a few of them in the story, but not the whole thing.</p><p>Edit: This story already skirted the edges of Teen, and after Chapter 2 was added? Oh yeah. It's <b>definitely</b> teen now.</p>

mature

2011-07-22T21:03:12+00:00

2011-07-22T21:03:12+00:00

Twilight groaned as she climbed down the stairs from her bedroom, shaking her head. Her mouth felt like cotton, her eyes itched, and her nose was still filled with the potent scents from last night. “I told you so,” Spike glared up at her, his little dragon arms crossed across his chest. “Not now, Spike,” Twilight muttered, yawning widely. “I need you to take a letter to the Princess.” “Now?” He asked her incredulously. “But Twilight, you’re still –“ “’Cuddle Barn?’” Twilight asked crisply. “On it,” he blushed, pulling out a scroll and quill as Twilight began to dictate. Dear Princess Celestia, I am writing you this morning not about a lesson in friendship, but about a lesson in the limits of scientific exploration. I have learned that there are things nopony was meant to know, and that the pathways leading to these things are often littered with temptations that are difficult to ignore. And yet, they must be ignored, because sometimes the things we learn in the end expose truths that can destroy the unprepared mind…. ~~~One Day Earlier…~~~ Twilight Sparkle pored over the results of her latest tests carefully, looking for any signs of an anomaly. “So, how’d it go?” Vinyl Scratch asked, her goggles up on top of her head as she read over Twilight’s shoulder. Twilight frowned for a minute, inspecting a stretch of the paper that had spooled out of the machine, analyzing the frequency pattern carefully. “Perfect!” The purple unicorn announced brightly once she was satisfied. “The Mind Melder is a complete success, thanks to your contributions!” “Cool,” the pony DJ grinned, glancing at where Spike was sitting, with a far-too-large metal dish over his head, attached by wires to a matching, pony-sized dish that had been on Twilight’s cranium mere minutes before. “So… what’s it like inside dragon-boy’s skull?” Twilight thought back to the brief time she’d spent in what could best be described as ‘Raritopia,’ trying to come up with a delicate way to phrase it. “Very focused on a particular pony,” she decided. “Cool. Uhm… he gonna be okay?” Vinyl asked, glancing over her shoulder. “He’s looking a little… twitchy,” she offered. Twilight looked over at her number-one assistant, who was indeed twitching in place, his claws fully extended, his tail flicking back and forth erratically. Her horn glowed as she cast a quick diagnostic spell; she was sure he'd be fine, but it wouldn't hurt to check. Satisfied with the results, she gave a quick nod. “Oh, he’ll be fine, he's just still coming out of it. The neurophysiologies of ponies and dragons aren’t quite compatible, and I built it for ponies.” “So… why’d you test it on him?” Vinyl asked, scratching her spiky hair with a hoof. “Because he’s my number-one assistant!” Twilight said cheerfully, trotting over to pull the helmet off of Spike, undoing the temporary leather straps she’d used to restrain him. “Besides, he volunteered. Who else could I responsibly test it on?” Spike practically oozed out of the chair once the restraints were off. “Hmm… I guess the finer points of motor control are still kicking in,” Twilight mused. “Don't worry! He’ll be fine in a couple minutes.” “If you say so,” Vinyl murmured, poking Spike with a hoof cautiously. “After all, you’re the expert.” “Oh, I’d hardly call myself an expert. Thaumechanical neurophysiological entanglement is an entirely new field! Which, I suppose, makes me the de facto expert in it, but it’s a little premature when I’ve only just proven that it’s even possible today.” “Wait… I thought you told me you’d been working on this for a few months now?” Vinyl frowned, looking at Spike with entirely new concern. “Oh, I have. The first time we both needed to restart our brains afterwards. Complete failure.” “O…kay.” Vinyl Scratch decided that, perhaps, it was best not to ask about taking the second ride in the machine after all. Owlowicious flew down from his perch in the rafters of the basement, landing on the chair Spike had just vacated. The owl twisted its head almost upside down, looking at the dragon in the face. “Hoo?” He hooted. Spike blinked blearily, opening his eyes to the sight of Owlowlicious’ upside down head. “AUGH!” He shouted, scrambling off the floor and up onto Twilight’s back. “Don’t do that!” He added as his fellow assistant righted his head. “Gives me the creeps,” he muttered. “See? All better!” Twilight said cheerfully. “Come on, Spike, let’s go get some lunch. Thanks for your help, Vinyl Scratch. Will you be available later to help with the big experiment?” “Uhm… sure! As… long as I’m not one of the test subjects,” she added quickly. “Oh, no, I’ve already got the perfect subject in mind,” Twilight reassured her. The white unicorn pushed her goggles back into place. “Then DJ P0N-3 is at your service!” She grinned. “Great! We’ll bring you back some lunch,” Twilight promised, starting up the stairs while the DJ pony checked her equipment. “So, did it work?” Spike asked as they walked out into the streets of Ponyville. “The perfect test!” Twilight said confidently. “Now it’s time for the big event! By the way, Spike… what was it like?” “It was… weird,” Spike admitted. “But it wasn’t, at the same time! It was just like normal, except I knew that you were looking around and I could always feel about where you were. So, uhm… how much do you remember?” He asked her nervously. Twilight giggled and shook her head. “Enough that I think we really need to have a discussion about what schoolmares get up to, ‘Sheriff Spike,’” she said knowingly. Spike promptly turned several shades redder, sinking down on Twilight’s back until his head was completely hidden behind her mane. “Aheh… uhm… big event!” He exclaimed, picking up another subject as quickly as possible. “Who’re you going to test it on next?” “We’re going to go meet her right now for lunch,” Twilight told him, trotting towards her destination cheerfully. “Oh, cool, so where are we….” Spike poked his head out so he could see where they were going, his eyes getting wide as he saw the familiar confectionary-inspired form of…. Sugarcube Corner. “Twilight? Please tell me we’re meeting Rainbow Dash for lunch.” “Nope!” “Fluttershy?” He asked more nervously. “No….” “Rarity?“ He suggested, his tone more panicked than hopeful this time. “We could find out if –“ “No, Spike! The Mind Melder is only to be used for the furtherance of Science! And there’s only one pony in Ponyville whose mind needs to be explored in such depth!” Spike leaped off of Twilight’s back, running back towards the library screaming. “Doomed! We’re all doomed, I tell you! Eaaaahahahahaha!” Twilight rolled her eyes and walked into Sugar Cube Corner, paying no attention as the door swung shut behind her. “Hi, Twilight!” Pinkie called out from the kitchen. “What brings you here?” “Doomed! ” Came one last echoing cry from Spike as Twilight shoved the door the rest of the way closed with a hoof. “Oh, I was just coming by to pick up lunch for myself and Vinyl Scratch… say, Pinkie, are you busy this afternoon?” She asked craftily. “Nopey-dopey!” Pinkie grinned as she bounced out with a fresh tray of cupcakes balanced perfectly on her head, somehow not tipping or falling despite bouncing up and down with her. Twilight’s eye twitched faintly at the display, minor as it was, of Pinkie’s bizarre abilities. “Are you okay, Twilight?” “Just fine,” the purple unicorn said, perhaps a little tightly. “So, what’s good today, Pinkie?” “Well, I just finished making up these for my lunch. How about we split them?” She offered with a grin, grabbing the edge of the tray in her teeth and giving it a little flip to distribute the cupcakes onto a plate. “You’re sure? I mean, I wouldn’t want you to go hungry,” Twilight pointed out. Of course, with what she’d seen Pinkie do in the past, that could well mean the entire town would have to go hungry to make it happen. How one pony could put down so many pastries was perhaps the least of the mysteries she hoped to solve today. “Of course I’m sure, silly!” Pinkie giggled. “Come on, let’s go! I haven’t seen Vinyl Scratch in forever!” That word, albeit with less threatening emphasis than the last time Twilight had heard it from her, brought up all sorts of memories. Pinkie, exploding out of a bowl of sponges she couldn’t possibly fit into. Pinkie, somehow knowing to pop out of an apple cart and shake her head at her. Pinkie, disappearing back into the sponge bowl. Pinkie’s reflection talking to her, and without Pinkie there to cast it! Those were mysteries she hoped to solve, and ones well worth looking into. Twilight lifted the plate telekinetically, turning to follow Pinkie out of the store. As she opened the door, Spike streaked through the square. “Doomed!” “What’s up with Spike?” Pinkie asked, not in the least perturbed by the purple and green Cassandra making a nuisance of himself in the market. “Oh, he’s just being a little silly about my latest experiment,” Twilight said, rolling her eyes. “I don’t suppose you’d like to help me out with it, Pinkie?” “Sure! What is it?” Pinkie asked enthusiastically. “A new way to make cupcake batter?” “No, Pinkie.” “Ooh, ooh, quantum cupcakes with more sugar inside them than can physically fit?” “Pinkie –“ “A gateway to places beyond time and space that’ll unleash overly amorous tentacle-y beasties on all of Ponyville? Oh, that’d be the best!” “Pin- What?!?” Twilight asked, turning to look at her bouncing friend, who had somehow found the time to dress up in a white blouse, blue skirt, and matching scarf while she wasn’t looking. “Pinkie, stop doing that!” “Gomen,” Pinkie pouted. “What?” Twilight blinked, but Pinkie was already skipping along towards the library, her outfit nowhere to be seen. “So, what is it?” She asked. Twilight hurried to catch up. “Well, I’ve worked on a machine that would let me go into another pony’s mind,” she explained. “Wow! Into my mind? I don’t think I’ve even been there before!” Pinkie said excitedly. “Can we try it out Twilight, huh, can we?” Twilight smiled privately to herself. Hook, line, and sinker. “Sure thing, it’s down in the basement where we did those experiments about your Pinkie Sense.” “Okie dokie lokie! Hey….” Pinkie seemed to catch onto something. “This isn’t about my Pinkie Sense, is it? I thought you believed in it now!” “I do, Pinkie,” Twilight promised her. “But just because I believe in something doesn’t mean I’m still not curious about how it works. I believe in comets and stars, but it's still fascinating to study them. And with all those other weird things you do… well, it’s in the interests of science that I find out what’s going on inside that cotton-candy cranium of yours!” “Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie said cheerfully, reassured. She pranced into the library, holding the door open for Twilight to carry the cupcakes in. Mere minutes later, the door to the library had been closed and latched, the sign in the window announcing “Closed for Experimentation.” ~~~===~~~ “Hey, thanks for the cupcakes, Pinkie Pie, they really hit the spot,” DJ P0N-3 said, wiping a bit of frosting from one of her goggles. “You sure you want to let Twilight hook you up in that thing?” “Why wouldn’t I?” Pinkie giggled as the metal manacles closed around her hooves, locking her in place. “It sounds like fun!” “I don’t know, it didn’t –“ “Well, look at the time,” Twilight interrupted, hopping into the chair herself. “We really ought to get this experiment under way, don’t you think, Scratch?” “Hey, hey – it’s DJ P0N-3 when I’ve got the goggles on,” the white unicorn corrected her, taking the hint to not bring up Spike’s little ‘restart.’ It was safe. Twilight wouldn’t risk one of her friends getting brain-fried, and Pinkie was a pony, right? Not a dragon, like Spike, and Twilight had said that the machine was built to work best with ponies. Spike had been fine despite that, and Pinkie would be too. Everything was going to be just fine. All the same, maybe it would be best to arrange a few gigs in Manehattan after this, just in case…. “Now, I only want to go in for five minutes,” Twilight explained. “Do you have anything suitable for music?” “Ooh, music? Will there be dancing?” Pinkie asked from her perch under the silver helmet and electrodes hooked up through her frizzy mane. “Nah,” DJ P0N-3 chuckled. “Just the music. Twilight figured out earlier that the trick is having some rockin’ beats to trance out to! And I’ve got just the thing for your turntable timer,” she added, levitating a record out of her selection and setting it on the player. As the needle landed, the music started, a booming, descending sound, and then the electronica behind it, a throbbing bass beat blending with the rest and lulling Twilight and Pinkie into a hypnotic state as the machine’s lights began to blink in rhythm with it. All that was left was the button to initiate the transfer. Twilight, her head bobbing along with the music, closed her eyes. “Punch it.” The DJ unicorn’s horn glowed, and the button depressed. There was a crackle of pink and purple energy along the wires, and the real world snapped out of view, leaving Twilight spiraling down into the realm of Pinkie’s mind as the music throbbed around them. A landscape began to take form; grass made out of dyed coconut, gumdrop hills, licorice trees standing tall above everything else, and the sun, bouncing in time with the pulsing beat, was more like a giant glowing vanilla lemon drop than anything else. Squirrels and bunnies were dancing around, and the wind blew great clouds of confetti off the dandelions instead of fluff-carried seeds. “So this is Pinkie’s brain,” Twilight murmured. “Somehow, I’m not entirely surprised.” Suddenly, Pinkie’s voice boomed out from nowhere and everywhere at once, kept strangely low-pitched, but perfectly in time with the music. Give no mind to things you’ve tried, I’m the one that can satisfy you! Wait… lyrics? Where were the lyrics coming from? And why were they echoing inside of Pinkie’s head… in… Pinkie’s… voice? “Oh horse apples,” Twilight thought to herself, only now pausing to consider just what might happen with Ponyville’s most prolific songsmith given music to work with inside her subconscious mind. The purple unicorn tried to pull back, hoping to abort the trip until she could recalculate for the new variables, but it was too late. A great, flowing river of sarsaparilla syrup, thick and sweet, welled up from somewhere inside Pinkie’s brain, splashing around the hillsides. Twilight was swept up in it, along with the assorted wildlife, and carried deeper into Pinkie’s mind. The river flowed towards a red cave, and Twilight realized that it was Gummy’s mouth, the size of a house and swallowing everything that the river brought it! She started swimming upstream as fast as she could, but she wasn’t making any headway against the current. Desperate, she tried to magic herself out of the river, but her horn just fizzled and popped. “Great, my magic doesn’t work in Pinkie’s head,” she grumbled to herself as Gummy swallowed her, leaving her falling into blackness. Pinkie’s face came up at her from the void. Her blue eyes turned to green, and started spiraling the same way they had during her ‘Evil Enchantress’ song. Twilight felt utterly helpless, drawn into those eyes as though she was being hypnotized... after being hypnotized already! Pudgy pink hooves came up, gripping her face and drawing her into a kiss. Pinkie’s lips tasted like bubblegum, her tongue like velvet against Twilight’s lips, and the poor unicorn felt no alternative but to kiss back. The two swirled around, the trance deepening as they fell further into the mind-meld. Parties, streamers, and balloons were everywhere, exploding around them like fireworks. Twilight shook her head, coming out of the ‘trance’ that Pinkie had put her into. She felt hot, helpless, like she had a fever burning through her entire body at Pinkie’s heated kisses. She pushed herself back; she needed to be able to think, she needed to be objective… she needed a moment to breathe! “Pinkie? Where are we?” She asked, looking all around her as they tumbled. “The mysterious fantasies of the mind!” Pinkie announced, prancing on thin air. “Whose power rises from the dark depths of the unconscious psychic!” Twilight tried to follow her, finally grabbing Pinkie’s tail in her mouth and letting herself be dragged along. Her tail tasted like cotton candy in here, instead of just looking like it! “What in the name of all things candy-coated are you talking about, Pinkie?” She demanded, dragging herself up closer to Pinkie and clinging to her hindquarters. “Give your hooves some idle time, let’s expose what’s on our minds!” Pinkie sang, peeling the top of her head open and bucking Twilight up into the air. The unicorn somersaulted helplessly, and then fell inside. As the top of Pinkie’s skull closed over her, she found herself staring up at… Pinkie, pinning Twilight down, and licking at her chest. As Twilight looked down, her eyes grew wider and wider. Pinkie was licking at Twilight’s exposed heart, though it seemed to be made out of purple candy rather than anything else! “Pinkie!” Twilight screamed. Pinkie giggled, batting her eyes up at her. The music kept pulsing outside… how long had she already been in here? She couldn’t remember. She’d been spun around and tipped over so many times that she had no clue what was going on. And why had Pinkie kissed her, of all things? “Remember, Twilight, you’re inside Pinkie’s subconscious, and you know how random her conscious mind is!” She reminded herself. “Don’t expect any sort of logic or meaning behind what she gets up to in here….” Pinkie suddenly leaned up with a playful growling sound in the back of her throat. “Press your lips up to mine baby,” she sang with the music, pressing another kiss against Twilight’s lips. “Let your feelings take control! As you crawl into my head now, I feel the fever take hold!” “Fev-mmph?!?” The words started pulsing and pounding above them again, Pinkie’s mental stand-in just a little busy otherwise. 1, 2, 3 ... give in to my fantasies! 4 and 5 minutes that will set me free! The raw passion behind Pinkie’s kiss was almost frightening. It absorbed all of Twilight’s attention, even knowing that it wasn’t actually physically happening. The words reverberating through all of existence were swallowing her will. Were these Pinkie’s fantasies? Did she have a crush on Twilight? It would explain some of what she’d seen so far, though it didn’t do anything to explain Pinkie’s bizarre abilities. Twilight wrestled herself free. She had to get control again! This wasn’t going at all how she’d planned. Pulling herself out from under Pinkie, she started running. She was supposed to go into Pinkie’s mind and figure out what it was that let her break the laws of physics! She wasn’t supposed to go into Pinkie’s mind and be smothered with kisses and sarsaparilla. She especially wasn’t supposed to go into Pinkie’s mind and have her heart turned into a candied treat! She glanced down at her chest as she ran, making sure that everything was intact. When she looked up, there was Pinkie again. “Yipe!” She leaped upwards and, somehow, kept going without any attention to gravity. She flew upwards, noticing a familiar ivory-colored tower in the clouds above her… she’d never bothered to look for her own mind while she was exploring Spike’s mindscape, but she hoped that was it. 1, 2, 3 ... give in to your fantasies! 4 and 5 minutes that will set you free! Hang on a minute. Her fantasies? Her fantasies didn’t have anything to do with Pinkie Pie! She reached the ivory tower, climbing inside the window, her hooves scrambling at the masonry. She thought she was about to fall, when a helpful hoof reached out and took hers, pulling her inside. The music outside changed, becoming more soothing and calming. “Hey, thanks, I….” She looked up at Pinkie Pie, her expression drooping. “How did you get up here before I did?” “I bounced,” Pinkie offered helpfully. “Are you gonna kiss me again?” “Maaaaaaybe,” Pinkie giggled. “Pinkie, you’re a great, a wonderful friend, but why the kissing and stuff all of a sudden?” Twilight asked, while Pinkie seemed to be at least trying to contain herself. “You… it’s in your subconscious mind, you can’t control it, that’s it, right?” Pinkie shook her head, giggling again. “No, silly!” Pinkie giggled. “Of course I can control it! It’s just fun, and Pinkie is all about fun, remember? Besides, why do you mind? You’re the one who wanted to look inside my head so bad you built a giant machine to break the laws of neurology! If anypony has a crush here, it’s you!” “I’m trying to figure out how it is you do all that crazy stuff that you do! It doesn’t mean I have a crush on you, or that I’m obsessed about you, or… Pinkie, are you paying any attention… to what… I’m….” Twilight trailed off as she looked around at what Pinkie was. In her very nice, very orderly mind, the walls were decorated with assorted diagrams (mostly hoof-drawn) of Pinkie. Most of them were spattered with notes, like the one that hypothesized she kept the vast amount of calories she consumed in a literal hollow leg. Finally, Pinkie’s gaze settled on the central fixture of the room; a life-sized bronze statue of her holding a magnet with eyes, both of them looking quizzically at each other. Engraved into the base were the words ‘how do they work?’ “Okay, maybe just a little obsessed,” Twilight muttered sullenly. “But I don’t have a crush on you!” “It’s okay, Twilight!” Pinkie giggled. “It’s like I said, it’s all about fun! Did it make you feel good?” “Pinkie, you were licking my heart,” Twilight replied as evenly as she could given the words that were coming out of her mouth. “It tasted like grapes!” “Be that as it may, I would like to keep my heart inside my chest for the foreseeable future.” “Okie dokie lokie!” “Thank you.” “But I was asking about the kissing,” Pinkie pointed out helpfully. “Well… I… it didn’t make me feel bad, but….” How had it made her feel? Awkward, embarrassed... warm, she remembered that. “Maybe if I’d known it was going to happen….” Pinkie pouted prettily, then giggled and pressed up against Twilight. “Well, you know it’s coming now,” she grinned, giving Twilight another, somewhat less manic kiss as another musical theme started. “It’s just a little –“ “Pinkie!” Twilight interrupted, a sound like a needle scratching across a record coming out of nowhere. “We’re already in the middle of one musical interlude! We can’t just break into another!” “Oh, all right,” Pinkie groused as the throbbing beat from before started up again. “So, was that better?” “I uhm… guess so?” Twilight blushed. “Great! Once we’re back in our real bodies, I can show you even more ways we can play! First, we just need to jump out the window!” “Wait, what?” Rather than explaining, Pinkie grabbed hold of Twilight, diving out the window with the screaming, flailing, panicking unicorn. Some part of Twilight’s mind knew that she couldn’t be in any danger. This wasn’t the real world. She’d flown up into the tower in the first place! And yet, at the same time, the dream-ground was approaching so very, very quickly, and the dream-winds were very convincing! 1, 2, 3 ... give in to my fantasies! 4 and 5 minutes that will set me free! 1, 2, 3 ... give in to your fantasies! 4 and 5 minutes that will set you free! They plunged through cotton-candy clouds, finally hitting the top of a licorice tree. The massive, coiled trunk bent down like a catapult before it launched them back up into the air. 1, 2, 3 ... give in to my fantasies! 4 and 5 minutes that will set me free! 1, 2, 3 ... give in to your fantasies! 4 and 5 minutes that will set you free! A gumdrop hill was the next thing to catch them. As they sank into its gooey center, Twilight noticed Gummy chewing his way through the body of it. The ‘hill’ bounced back up, shooting them straight into the air again, this time towards a swirling vortex of pink, purple, and green. 1, 2, 3 ... give in to my fantasies! 4 and 5 minutes that will set me free! 1, 2, 3 ... give in to your fantasies! 4 and 5 minutes that will set you free! As they came closer and closer, Twilight saw the very solid wooden interior of her tree-library basement taking form on the other side. She squeezed her eyes shut, not sure if she should be expecting an impact or not. 1, 2, 3 ... Give in to my fantasies! 4 and 5 Minutes that will set me free! 1, 2, 3 ... Give in to your fantasies! 4 and 5 minutes that will set us free! As the music came to a stop, Twilight’s eyes snapped open, and she found herself staring into Pinkie’s eyes. “Ack!” She gasped intelligently, trying to fall back, but instead finding herself still restrained in her chair. Pinkie giggled, and licked Twilight’s nose. “Hi!” “Pinkie, how did you get out?” Twilight asked her. “Same way I did last time, silly!” Pinkie grinned. “I just pulled my cute li’l hoovesies free!” Twilight looked around, noticing that DJ P0N-3 was packing up. “Gotta get to the club to set up, Twilight! Thanks for asking me over, hope you found what you were looking for!” “Uhm… hey! C-can you unlock the cuffs first?” She asked the white unicorn, worried about being left locked up until Spike came back who-knew-when. Alone. With Pinkie Pie. “Don’t worry, I gave Pinkie the key,” she called down. “Oh, and thanks for the cupcakes!” She added, just before the door upstairs closed. “Pinkie? Why don’t you unlock the restraints?” Twilight asked her nervously. Pinkie giggled, and tucked the key into her frizzy hair. “I will!” She promised. “But first… well, I did promise to show you some of those other games ….” Twilight swallowed hard, smiling shyly. “Aheh… uhm… shouldn’t I be loose for new games?” She suggested. “Not for this game,” Pinkie winked, hopping up and bouncing over to the light switch. “But don’t worry. If you really want to stop, you just have to say ‘rutabaga!’” With that, she flipped off the lights, plunging the basement into darkness. ~~~Today~~~ …As I’m sure you can understand, I would rather not dwell on exactly what happened inside the non-Eucoltean (and exceedingly sugary) confines of Pinkie Pie’s mindscape. I am incredibly grateful that I took the precaution of having Vinyl Scratch limit my time; had I waited longer, I am sure that my mind would have shattered under the weight of the revelations. Even as things stand, I will be haunted by the memories of things nopony should ever see. Science is a harsh mistress, and she carries a sharp crop. Despite such setbacks I remain, Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle P.S.: I have learned about a new form of friendship, ’friends with benefits.’ I am aware that this is outside of the original scope of my studies, but given their vague nature, will include it in my future research until receiving further instructions. Spike stared at Twilight, and then turned back to the letter he had just finished writing for her. “You want to send this to the Princess?” He asked her dubiously. “It’s very important that she knows about my findings, Spike,” Twilight told him confidently, turning around to start back up the stairs, now carrying a tray with two plates of pancakes and two glasses of orange juice. “There are limits to science, and not merely in what it can explain in its current state!” “Hey, where are you going?” The little dragon asked as he coiled up the scroll and took a deep breath, preparing to send it off through flame-mail. “To continue my studies, of course!” Twilight called down to him. “Oooh! Strawberry syrup, my favorite!” Pinkie’s voice squealed from the bedroom. Spike shook his head, roasting the scroll with a breath and sending it off to the Princess. “I think I’m going to go work downstairs today,” he muttered, setting about any of his chores that would take him away from the increasingly giggly noises in Twilight’s quarters.

Shrinky Frod

297

DJ P0N-3,Gummy,Pinkie Pie,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Comedy,Random,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex

Five Minutes

complete

<p>Twilight has decided that it's high time to figure out what's going on with Pinkie Pie, and there's only one way to do it!</p><p>Author’s Note: This story was inspired by Sub-level 03’s song, “Five Minutes,” from the album Undercover. I suggest you look it up on iTunes, or through their website at <a href="http://www.sublevel3.us" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.sublevel3.us" rel="nofollow">http://www.sublevel3.us</a></a>! Listening to the song and lyrics might give you some idea where the imagery came from. And the rest of the story, for that matter. I quote a few of them in the story, but not the whole thing.</p><p>Edit: This story already skirted the edges of Teen, and after Chapter 2 was added? Oh yeah. It's <b>definitely</b> teen now.</p>

mature

2013-06-07T02:19:46+00:00

2013-06-07T02:19:46+00:00

Lightning flashed and thunder crashed as Twilight Sparkle looked upon her work. Her mane was almost as wild as her amethyst eyes, her horn glowing with pale lavender light that traced her indelicate stitch-work. Pinkie Pie lay still in front of her, great, gaudy stitches at the joints where Twilight had made repairs, tracing the incision that had been made along her barrel so that the unicorn could replace all the necessary parts. Of course, the brilliant mare had gone beyond mere repair work; an equine shaft fit to make Big Macintosh himself jealous had been fitted between Pinkie’s legs, just below her existing marehood. Wires of copper and silver had been traced from the new ‘equipment’ to the old, ensuring that Pinkie would be able to feel through both when the time came. And, as the storm’s fury grew outside, Twilight knew that the time would come very, very soon. She just hoped it wouldn’t be the only thing that did! Throwing open the door to her balcony, Twilight jumped aboard the platform that her perfect creation, her Frankenpie, was laid out upon, and began to move it up and closer to the window, raving as she did. “From that fateful day when stinking bits of slime first crawled from the sea and shouted to the cold stars, ‘I am mare!’, our greatest dread has always been the knowledge of our mortality!” As though preaching to an unseen congregation, or performing upon a stage for an audience only she could see, Twilight stood, heedless of the wind that whipped her already-unkempt mane about. “But tonight, we shall hurl the gauntlet of science into the frightful face of death itself!” Lightning flashed, a bright, blinding white that was answered by a flash of lavender light from Twilight’s own horn as she stoked the fires of the sky. “Woo!” Pinkie giggled. “Good timing!” Twilight jabbed Pinkie just a little roughly with a hoof, reminding her to stay in character, and the party pony was distressingly still again as rain poured down upon the platform. “Tonight,” Twilight continued, “we shall ascend into the heavens! We shall mock the earthquake! We shall command the thunders, and penetrate into the very womb of impervious nature herself!” Wind howled around Twilight’s head as she cast her spell, whipping her labcoat about and revealing her nude body beneath it as magical energy arced from her horn to Franken-pie’s shaft, crackling along the wires that led to Pinkie’s marehood. When the energy struck home, Pinkie’s body arched, a carnal moan of lust and life emanating from deep within her very being! “LIFE, YOU HEAR ME?!?” Twilight roared into the storm. “GIVE MY CREATION… LIIIIIIIIFE!” She threw her hooves to the sky, magic pouring into Pinkie’s body as the mad mare of science cackled with insane glee. Suddenly, there was a creaking behind her as the door to her bedroom opened. “Twilight?” Spike asked, poking his head inside. “What’s… going….” Twilight stared at Spike, her left eye twitching slightly. Spike stared back at Twilight, standing in front of her open balcony as rain and wind intruded on the normally tranquil bedroom. His eyes involuntarily found their way down from his insane-looking mother figure to Pinkie, who was strapped to the ‘platform’ (which he preferred to call ‘Twilight’s bed’) with fuzzy hoof-cuffs that were attached to the corners. She was frozen in mid-thrash, a sheepish look on her face as the metal strap-on she was wearing actually looked like it wanted to retreat into a sheath that wasn’t there. Perhaps the most bizarre part were the black “stitches” that had clearly been drawn on Pinkie’s coat in the process of preparing for the evening’s festivities. “Spike,” Twilight started to say, “I can –“ Spike simply turned around and walked out, closing the door behind him. “Well, at least now I know where the good markers went,” the two mares heard him muttering faintly as he stalked down the stairs. “Do you think he’s figured out what we do up here on Tuesday nights?” Twilight asked her marefriend, looking down at her bound form with a frown. “Rahr,” Frankenpie moaned in response. “I guess it it is kind of obvious,” Twilight agreed with a blush. “Should I go after him and try to explain things?” “Rah-ah-ar,” Frankenpie shrugged. “You’re right. I can worry about therapy bills tomorrow. Tonight... is for…” She swept a hoof back through her windswept mane, giving it an appropriately insane flourish as she finished. “Science!” She threw her head back as the thunder crashed outside, cackling again as another bolt of energy arced between her horn and Frankenpie’s “stallionhood.” “RAHR!” Frankenpie roared, straining at her bonds. The straps around her hooves snapped (as Twilight surreptitiously unfastened them with her magic), and the monster was unleashed. Frankenpie leaned up from the platform, wrapping her forehooves around her startled creator. “No! Down! I’m your creat-or!” Twilight let out a startled yelp as Frankenpie twisted and threw the unicorn down to the platform, standing above her, massive shaft still crackling with magical energy. The lightning flashed, reflecting off of Frankenpie’s brilliantly white, surprisingly predatory grin. Twilight’s lapcoat fell open, leaving her exposed and vulnerable to the monster she had created. Twilight swallowed hard, looking from Frankenpie’s sparkling blue eyes, down to the shaft between them, and then back up. “I-I-I-I’m engaged!” She stammered out excuses as Frankenpie slowly stalked closer, “A-a-and once he t-but I didn’t-it was never that ti-ah-ah-ah…!” Meanwhile, down in the main room, Spike rolled his eyes as he finished up his evening chores. Owlowiscious flew down to his perch with an inquisitive ‘hoo?’ “Don’t ask, dude,” Spike sighed. “AAAAAAH,” Twilight’s voice sang out from above, “sweet mystery of life, at last I’ve found yooooooou!” “Just… don’t ask.”

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-06-13T01:34:20+00:00

2012-06-13T01:34:20+00:00

An Azure Future Based off the conversion bureau and other TCB fan fics Italics are thoughts. Alone. Again. Just like yesterday, and the day before that and the day before that and the years before that. Johnathan "Coke" Norris was completely alone. Ever since those bureaus opened ten years ago, he had started losing those around him until he was completely alone.. His friends, his family, all got ponified. Even the only woman he’d ever love got ponified. He didn’t hate ponies, he just couldn't bring himself to part with his humanity, it was a part of who he was. John felt that every scar he earned was a trophy to be shown off, the stains on his skin, nerve damage, all testaments to his human will. If he got ponified, he wouldn’t have any of them. Currently, Johnathan Norris hadn't left his room in a bit over two weeks. Standing at six foot three John had a runner’s build with a passable upper body, he towered over all the ponies and the few humans left. Having been a recluse for so long he definitely needed a good bit of sun. He lived in the top floor penthouse of an apartment complex, or more rather, imprisoned himself there. There was a time when he used to jog the old course that weaved through the city but the gawks and whispers of ponies had a draining effect over the years. Whispering accusations that ranged from holding mankind back to being a member of the Human Liberation Front constantly bombarded him whenever he left his room. Mares would take their foals to the other side of the streets, Various ponies gave him dirty looks, foals always asking what he was, if he was a monster. After a while John went out less and less frequently, at first he’d stay in about three or four days, then a week then two, and for almost the last few years he’d been staying in for a month at a time. He lit a cigarette took a drag and thought back seven years ago, recollection a past time of his, when the ponies had come. His friends, His family, Catherine and their reactions. His best Friend was the first person he knew that got ponified, one of the first in line. John even went with him to the bureau for moral support. It was his friend’s decision to get ponified and he respected that, just as his friend respected his decision to remain human. His dragged on his cigarette which was half gone. Then His family went, there was bickering, fighting, pleading, he wondered occasionally why they would never let him be. If they want to be ponies, let them. John was hopelessly loyal to his humanity. He drained the cigarette, relishing the sensation. It was then Catherine, the only woman he’d ever love, left. They had met years ago, while John was running his course through the city and she was running hers, it started raining and they both ducked into a small family owned eatery. They hit it off famously, love at first sight one might say. They started meeting to run together and showed each other things around the small city one usually wouldn’t notice. The had been living together for over a year when one morning he woke up to an empty Condo. There was a note on the morning dresser that read simply, “Going to get ponified, I’m Sorry.” followed by her signature. The only person he ever held close to his heart had left without even saying goodbye. She just left without even a word. The note had no explanation, just an apology. John needed another cigarette. He grabbed the pack and sighed at its emptiness. "Now," he stated to no one at all. "What is a man to do with ALL THIS..." motioning around the room. "When he has nothing?" It was a question he had asked the desolate room many times with no reply. He had taken to putting his thoughts out loud to stave off the undoubtedly onsetting insanity. "Good God, where are those cigarettes?" He asked himself, getting up he frantically searched the wrecked room. He just finished the last of the pack and could not for the life of him remember where the rest of the carton was. He had been searching for approximately eight minutes and was checking underneath the couch when there was a knock at the door. "Who the blueberry fuck? No one visits me." He swore while getting up off the floor. The knocking came again, he could tell that it came from the lower portion of the door. Whoever it was, it was a pony. "God damn ponies, can't they just leave me alone? I've told them a hundred times, I don't want to be a pony." He muttered under his breath, getting up. The pony at the door grew impatient and beat the door again. "Hold on, I'm coming! Holy fuck!" He stomped over to door mumbling obscenities to himself. John threw open the door and there on his doorstep, there was a young pegasus colt whose coat was one of the darker shades of blue, sporting a deep steely grey mane with a wild look, though it was well kept. The young pony's eyes reminded John of ice. He barely had time to get a good look at the young pegasus before he was tackled to the ground. "Daddy!" The young sky blue Pegasus sitting on his chest shouted. The weight pressing down from the surprisingly heavy pegasus was very uncomfortable. John picked the pegasus up off his chest and got up himself. "Did you just call me daddy? I don't know how to tell you this kid, but I never banged a pony.’ John was genuinely confused. “Whats your name kid?" He asked after a brief pause. "My names Azure wind! Grandma said you were my daddy and she would never lie to me like that! She did say you'd be sketi, skept, skep a pu tal? Or whatever. So she gave me a letter explaining!" The colt hopped off his chest and started digging through his bag. John's mind started racing. Here There was a young pegasus colt, claiming the he was his father. Someone must’ve put him up to this. He thought. He observed the Pegasus as he dug through his bag. He seemed to genuinely believe that John was his father. Let just see where this goes. It’s entertaining "Ha! Found it!" Exclaimed the pegasus colt with pride. In his mouth was a plain vanilla envelope. John took it from the colt. He opened the envelope, it contained a letter, birth certificate, and a few other things. John removed the letter and started reading. Dear Johnathan, This is Dancing Leaf's mother, you might remember her as Catherine. Now first things first, this is in fact your child. She came home crying the night you said you didn't want to get ponified with her. I never found out exactly what you said but she'd never cry over a simple "no". She packed her things that morning and headed to the conversion bureau. I went with her. We were both ponified on the same day. She became an Earth pony. We moved to Los Angeles after we were given the okay to leave the bureau. She worked in the parks and I got a job as a librarian. We lived. Happily for almost two months when she started to get sick. We had her checked out. She was with foal, 3 months along. You were the only one she ever had. She wanted to tell you. She was scared how'd you react after last time. She had the foal on the 16th of april four years past. She raised the colt with all the love she had. He'd ask about you, hardly a day went by he didn't beg her to see you. Two weeks ago, She agreed to take Azure to see you. Oh, you should have seen him, it was the cutest thing. Of course she wanted me to go with her and make sure you are still there. It is now I’m afraid I must break some bad news. As we were walking down to your apartment, we were... attacked by some Human Liberation Front extremists. She didn’t make it, I’ve been given a week to live at the time of writing this. Im not long for this world and You’re the only family he has left. He doesn't know what happened. Please raise him well for Catherine Sincerely, Morning Dew (Kelly) Before John could really absorb the contents and weight of the letter there was a large CRASH and the sound of shattered glass from the bathroom. He ran towards the source to find Azure next to a large amount of shattered glass. “I didn’t do it!” Blurted the young pegasus, putting his forehooves up in front of him in a show of false innocence. His large wall mirror was comletely lost. “Hey, do have anything to do around here? All I can find is trash. When was the last time you cleaned this place anyhow?” The steely maned pegasus asked while walking off. “Uhhh...” John trailed. Things had gotten much more livelier than He would like. “Just wait in the living room while I make you a room.” “But I’m bored!” The colt whined. “Then watch some movies or something.” John snapped back. “You’re the best! Mom NEVER let me watch movies!” And on that note Azure galloped into the living room. A little under ten minutes of picking up the shattered mirror shards later, John walked into the living room and there was Azure, furiously trying to work the blu-ray player. John caught himself chuckling at the sight, it was quite adorable. “How do you work this thing?!” Asked Azure well he fiddling with the old device. What are you trying to watch anyways?” “Box said ‘Repo: The Genetic Oprea’” He noted as he continued to fiddle with it. “Uhhh, Maybe you should watch something else... Here try this, ‘The Lion King’. Classic. You just put the disc in the tray, close the tray and then it wait till the menu pops up...” He paused as the disc span and some trailers came up. John skipped through to the menu. “And you hit ‘play’.” “Cool. Hows it work?” He asked as he sat down on. “Ummm, Magic?” “Really?” “No. Now just watch the movie while I fix up a room for ya.” “Will do!” Azure happily exclaimed. John walked to the upstairs area, his bedroom a bathroom, a music/party room, a storage room, and an empty room were up there. He grabbed an extra mattress from the storage room, some sheets a blanket and a pillow. John carried the full load to the empty room, which would be semi spacious to human, and set them down. After a few moments, the bed was made. He took a step back to examine his handiwork. “The bed should be fine. But this room needs some color.” He walked back to the storage room. He looked around casually, scanning the room, to see if he had any paint. “I KNOW I have paint in here.” He growled moving boxes and supplies. After John had searched a good portion of the Room he finally he found a can of forest green paint behind some emergency rations. “This should do nicely, now where are those rollers?” After a quick search he had found them. Satisfied with what he had found John headed into Azure’s room. He set up and started painting, Throwing the deep, rich green on the bleach white walls. The fumes started to give John a headache. He tried to crack the window, but had rusted shut. John struggled with it for a few minutes. After failing to open the window he grew frustrated. He Tried one last time, pulling with all his might, the window finally came free. The window jammed into the frame and became stuck. I’ll deal with it later. John got back to painting the room. Up, down, up down, up, down. Like grass growing anew, the room springs to life with a vibrant deep green. John chuckled at the sentiment. After thirty more minutes of painting the room was a nice shade of green. As John admired his work The letter the young pegasus bore came to mind. Catherine still loved him, she was pregnant, she never told him, then she was murdered. She was going to come back. He had a son. They were going to be a family like they always talked about. He remembered the last thing the letter said, “...You’re the only family he has left... Please raise him well for Catherine.” He sighed, “If I’m all he’s got, I feel bad for the kid.” He remembered the colt was still downstairs. John moved downstairs to check on him. The young colt was completely engrossed in the movie, which was about over. John snuck into the room and sat down unnoticed. Instead of watching the old familiar movie he watched the soft glow it cast upon Azure. That is my son. Echoed in John’s head. He watched as his son was engrossed in the movie. His reaction to certain scenes, The return to pride rock, the raid, the final battle and the final scene. Azure watched intently, as if trying to piece together a puzzle. The movie finished. “So what did you think Azure?” John asked, making his presence known. “It was a very well told tale of a son trying to live up to the standards of his father whom he knew only very briefly.” Azure answered, still looking at the blank screen. “What.” Azure turned around to face his father, “I mean, he knew his dad for a very small portion of his life, and then spent the rest of it either in shame from falling short, or trying to live up to the imagined expectations of his father.” He explained. “I... never thought about it that way...” John responded. The young pegasus yawned deeply. ‘Hey, lets get you to bed boy-o.” The pegasus didn’t protest. John motioned for him to follow him, and lead him to his room. “Its a bit... empty...” Azure noted upon seeing the bare room with a sole mattress on the floor. “Well, feel free to spruce it up however.” John replied a bit listless. The deep blue pegasus made his way to bed and laid down, pulling the blanket over his small form. “Can you read me a bed time story dad?” The young pegasus asked juat as John was about to turn away. “You have a bed time story kid?” “In the left saddle bag.” John opened up the said saddlebag and pulled out a good sized book. ‘A collection of bed time stories’. He opened the book and read the table of contents, “An Equestrian Bedtime Story (title lost, though also known as The Three Trials), Upon a Shooting Star, The Spoiled filly, Seven Ponds, The Juggler, Tale of the Royal Sisters, False Feathers, Rise of the Everfree, The Shore of Chestnut Cove, The Forest’s Guardian, and finally The Voyage of the Stowaway. Which one do you want to hear?” Azure considered it for a moment, “Upon a shooting star.” John flipped to the proper page and read aloud. As he finished the last word, he noticed Azure was soundly asleep. He closed the book and set it with the rest of the pegasus’ things. John turned and paused at the doorway, finger on the light switch. He looked upon the snoozing colt for a moment, taking in the sight. “Goodnight, Azure.” He said, as he flicked the lights off. ******************************************************************************************************** -Azure wind is a pretty cool name huh? dot hack? never heard of it. - I knew a John, I knew a Norris. I know crazy people. -The nickname comes in later. Like next update.

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-06-13T01:34:48+00:00

2012-06-13T01:34:48+00:00

An Azure Future part 2: THE BAKERY “GET DOWN FROM THERE!” John shouted in a panic and anger. Azure Wind, a four year old pegasus colt who had turned out to be his long lost son, was on the top of bookshelf. “But I LIKE IT up here!" protested Azure. He had been living with his father for almost a week now but it felt like much longer to John. "You're gonna get hurt! Just get down!" John with a tinge of annoyance "But it was HARD to climb up here!" Pouted azure, it’d taken him almost five minutes to climb atop the twelve foot bookshelf. "Oh my go- Why'd you climb? You have-" John stammered, he may not have left his apartment much, but he knew that a pegasus' most prized possession were their wings and they'd make up an excuse to use them if they had too. Come to think of it, Azure had been here about a week, and he'd... "That’s not the point. You could fall and get hurt. Just... Just jump down and I'll catch you." "You sure? Its kinda far..." "Azure... Are you afraid of heights?" "N-No!" "Its okay if you are. I'm not going to judge you." "I said I'm not afraid. Its just... REALLY far down..." "Its twelve feet to the floor. I’m six three. I have a reach that extends.. lets say fifteen inches. That’s about seven five. That’s only about four seven to fall and you're not falling. I’m catching you." John explained. "I don't know..." Why'd you climb up there if you're afraid of heights anyways Azure?" "I'M NOT AFRAID OF HEIGHTS! I'M A PEGASUS DAD!" "Azure, I don't care if you are afraid of heights. It’s okay.” “Pegasus can fly dad. These wings aren’t for show.” “Haven't seen you use ‘em.” “Th-Thats because... Its... Ummm... too cramped in here?” “Azure, we’ ll deal with this later. Just jump. You’ll be okay, I promise.” “Here goes...” Azure closed his eyes and gave a little hop. John caught him and set him down. “Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?” John asked with a slight grin. The young Pegasus averted his eyes. “N-no...” “Do you wanna talk about it?” “I-I wasn’t scared...” stammered Azure, his face getting red from embarrassment. John let out a sigh, “If ya say so.” He dropped the subject at that. “What do you want for lunch? I got stuff for sandwiches. Or some potatoes. Or a Salad.” John listed as he looked through the kitchen. Azure cringed at the list. It was all he had eaten for almost a week. “Dad... do you think we could, I don’t know, Go out to eat?” John froze. He found he aspect of going out horrifying. “You SURE you don’t want some cheesy potatoes?” John asked nervously. “Dad. we’ve had potatoes every day for the last week. It’s getting old, and you need to get out.” Azure stated. It was John's turn to cringe. But Azure did have a point. It couldn't be healthy to coop up a young pegasus. “Fine, if you really want to.” John conceded. "Huzzah!" exclaimed Azure. He finally had convinced his father to venture out the door. John gave Azure a funny look. "What? You got a problem with 'Huzzah'?" John just shook his head and rolled his eyes in response. "You got a place in mind there big boy?" He asked with a heaping helping of sarcasm in his voice. "Well... Can't say I do..." "So what’s the plan? Just roam the city and hopefully find a place that seems good?" "Uhhh..." John smirked. "Sounds like a plan." "Awesome!" "But first, I need to go grab some bits from the Money Room." John stated. "You have a money room?" "Wanna see it? It’s pretty cool." John said, his grin growing bigger. “Well why not?” John walked into his room, Azure following him, and opened his closet. He brushed aside a light trench coat to reveal a keypad. He hit a few numbers with the deftness and precision of a marksman and the back of the closet slide to the right. The wall hid a room about six meters wide, ten meters back and its roof was that of the apartment's second floor. Bits were contained in locked steel mesh cages that ran down the walls on either side. Azure had never seen so many bits in his life. “How-how did you GET all this? How much IS there?” John took a deep breath, sighed and delved into a little backstory. “A long time ago, well before the ponies came, well before I even met your mother, I used to play the stock market. When I was fourteen, I invested a new company called ‘Intelligent Designs’ You may know them a the company that invented produced and perfected Artificial Intelligence. When it was near the height of its power, I was the second most majority shareholder, The guy who had just a few thousand less shares than I opted to buy me out to become the majority shareholder. I accepted. Got a few billion. I was eighteen, retired, and filthy rich. I bought this apartment complex and moved into the penthouse on top. When the ponies came and I saw the alarming rate of conversions, I exchanged all my money for bits when the exchange rate was still good. Just in time too, in a few weeks dollars were hardly worth the paper it was printed on. There is about... three billion four hundred million and some change in there.” John opened up a cage and grabbed a good number of bits and pocketed them. Turning around, he covered his mouth to stifle his laughter. If Azure’s jaw was any lower, it’d be on the floor, and the look of shock was priceless. “Sooo... we gonna go before I change my mind?” “Why don’t you ever do anything if you that rich?!” Exclaimed Azure, snapping out of the initial shock. “It’s... complicated.” John shrugged, unsure how or even if he should explain his mother left with no warning and more or less lost the will to live. “We doin’ this?” “Lets go.” ****************************************************************************** John stared at the door to the outside world. Its had been years since he left for anything unnecessary. He took a deep breath, collected himself, and stepped outside. John was instantly blinded. “Gyaaaaah! My EYES!” Azure facehoofed in response and pushed his overreacting father the rest of the way out of the entrance way. John blinked a few times in rapid succession to help adjust to the light. The streets looked like a rainbow threw up, they were practically INFESTED with pastel colored ponies. “Shit thats a lottta ponies.” John mumbled. He looked around, which way to go? “Lets go this way!” Azure exclaimed while pointing down the street, and started walking off. Not even one hundred meters walking down the sidewalk John started to panic. Ponies. Ponies. PONIES! John’s paranoia was kicking into full gear. I KNOW they’re talking about me, saying bad things. Horrible things! John started fidgeting. “Are you alright dad?” Azure asked with some concern. “Never better!” John said nervously, giving a weak laugh. “Nopony cares that you’re human dad, and if they do, they can suck on a muffin.” The pair continued down the street. John thought about what Azure said. Maybe... It really is all in my head. Nopony’s even really looking at me, no second glances, no odd looks, no glares. He examined the day. A gentle breeze was blowing, The sun was shining, a few pure clouds were lazily trekking across the sky. It was a typical Californian day. The natural weather must make it easy on the weather team. Hell, they probably don’t even work most days. They continued down the street just enjoying the day. They finally came to a small bakery, John recognized the bakery from his past, It was where he met Catherine. He smiled at the memory. “Hey let’s go in here Azure. If it’s half as good as it used to be, you’ll love their donuts.” John said, opening the door and heading in. “Welcome to Top Goods! I’m Cream Baker, what can I get you today?” The Cream colored earth pony from behind the counter called, preoccupied with putting a fresh batch of cupcakes in the oven. “Sup, Grindah, it’s Coke.” The baker pony dropped the tray and whipped around. “Ho-lee shit. Its the Muther-fuckin Coke. I haven’t seen you in about... three and a half years. Me and the rest of the Get’em gang thought you died. We placed bets on what we thought happened, I opted for ‘Abducted by a Pegasus gang who buried you on Mt. Everest’. But Noob always thought you went insane and moved to the middle of nowhere and stockpiled weapons for the ‘oncoming war’ or somethin’.” Cream Baker sighed. “Good times, good times. So who’s this little pegasus?” queried Baker, taking a bite of a banana nut muffin. “I’m his son!” Azure exclaimed. Baker choked on his muffin. “YOU HAVE A SON! WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN!” Baker shouted. “Eh, I just found out too bro.” John shrugged. “So, how about some donuts?” “Man, never thought YOU of all people would have a kid. The usual coming right your way Coke.” “Bring another for the kid would ya Grindah?” “Waaaaaay ahead of you, as always.” Baker said, finishing John’s order. “Dude, everyone saw you push me into that ravine Grindah.” “But, ‘I’ won.” Stated the earth pony, puffing out his chest pridefully, and set down the pastries on the table. “What ARE these?” Azure asked sniffing the donuts. “They’re good is what they are. So what you’ve been up to Grindah?” “Runnin’ the shop mostly, I have to get back to work now, don’t be a stranger!” The earth pony trotted into the bakery of the shop. Azure sniffed the pastries and took a small exploratory bite. “These. Are. AWESOME!” Azure snapped up half the donut. “Sho, howsh do yoush kniw dats poniesh?” Azure asked, his mouth still full of the sugary treat. “Me, him and few other demented souls were the best bunch of crazies you could find. Went to high school together. Had all sorts of adventures. Hung out all the time.” “What happened?” “Ponies. I’ll just leave it at that.” John said. They finished their meal. He yawned and arched his back. John looked outside, it was starting to get dark out. “So, ya ready to go?” “Yeah, we should head back.” John paid for the food, bid farewell to his old friend, and exited the shop. “Hey, how about a race?” “A race?” “Yeah, back to the apartment complex.” “Heh. Sure. on the count of three.” “One...” “Two...” “GO!” And with that, the odd pair took off. ****************************************************************************** “Beat ya dad.” Azure gasped between heavy breaths. “You cut me off in the hallway!” “Bah. You’re just a sore loser.” “Whatever.” John opened the door to his apartment and walked in, Azure following. ------------------------------------------------- Notes: I already have names for everypony in Johns Get’em Gang and we’ll met most of the later. The town they’re in is based loosely off the town In california where I grew up. It was a fun chapter, leave a review, thought, and stuff you’d like to see whereever. If I like it I’ll use it.

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-06-13T01:35:37+00:00

2012-06-13T01:35:37+00:00

An Azure Future Part 3: Once more! With PLOT! John Norris checked his watch. It was that time. Again. It had come early this time around, but he had another mouth to feed now and it was his fault. He should’ve calculated for increased usage. It was time to shop for groceries. John shuddered, A chore most loathsome. He mentally kicked himself for lack of planning. He walked up to Azure’s room, the pegasus was asleep. He let out a sigh of relief. The last thing he needed was his son to accompany him on his godless mission. He went to his room, hit a few numbers on the keypad to the hidden room, gathered an impressive sum of bits and loaded them into his backpack. He scrawled a quick note explaining where he was going, what to do in an emergency and what to do if he never came back. John headed out the door, pausing to observe the room for what may be the last time. John made his way out of the dead apartment complex, it seemed desolate and forbidding as he walked down the stairs. The doors slid open silently as he approached. He was finally outside. The high noon sun blinded him instantly. How he hated the sun. He ducked into the parking complex across the street and let out a sigh of relief. That was close... The parking lot was full of cars collecting dust with red X’s on them He made his way through the mausoleum of cars, truck and motorcycles to his personal modus of transportation. It was older than him by far, but a classic 2015 F150, One of the last gs engine models released. He unlocked the door with his key, having lost the clicker long ago, and got in the driver seat. He turned the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life. He put it in drive and headed to the market. He reached the market after a short drive, and parked in an empty spot. He turned off the truck and dewelled in the silence of the cab for a moment or two. Letting out a sigh he readied himself mentally and exited the truck. The grocery store seemed like an indomitable fortress of doom to John. What horrors lie within, awaiting me, this time? He braced himself one last time and headed inside. “Hello!” Exclaimed a bright yellow pony at the door. Oh god. The name tag read Sunny Smiles and Her cutie mark was a smiling sun. Not very creative with names, this lot. John observed. “How may I help you today?” The yellow pony beamed. It made John’s stomach churn. How I despise social interaction. “Uhm, yes. I need some help with the impressively extravagant amount of groceries I will undoubtedly be purchasing this evening. It usually is about three carts full, and I have some trouble managing that amount by my lonesome. So, if it is not too much trouble, I would like to ask if I could get two helpers to be in charge of the other two carts while I shop.” John threw up in his mouth a little bit. Oh god, she’s going to yell at me. I asked for too much... Why can’t I just suffer in silence? Why do I bother others? John’s face, instead of betraying his true emotions, just displayed a cheesy smile. “Oh, why that would be no trouble at all sir! Let me go get someponies from the loading area, they shouldn’t be occupied! No problem!” OhgoditsworsethanIthought. She was back in a few moments with two colts following behind. The one on the right was a pegasus with a deep green coat and mane a few shades lighter than his coat, his cutie mark was a simple brown box. his name tag simply read Soarin. The one on the right was a white unicorn whose cutie was a rusty dolly. His name tag stated he was Twink Express. “Hello again! This is Soarin and Twink! They will be assisting you today! Just let me know if you need anything else byeee!” Sunny Smiles came and went like a flash of lightning. “So... Uh... Grab a cart I guess?” They simply grunted in reply. John twitched nervously at their reply. “Well then, lets get started!” He exclaimed. John headed off and started snaking through the isles. I should grab more of a variety of fruits, vegetables, and just food in general. I wish I knew what Azure likes... Ah well. I don’t want him to experience the horrors of this place, everyone silently judging... giving me LOOKS... John shuddered. The first aisle held nothing of interest to John, It was just various cooking utensils. He merely used it to get to the back wall, where all the produce and meat was. How there was still meat in stores when the majority population was vegetarian never failed to astound him. John just took it as good proof that there were still enough humans around to market it and farm it. As long as there is meat in the market, mankind isn’t going to be extinct any time soon. He thought with some pride. He grabbed a substantial amount of the freshest meat and produce, filling his own cart to brink and even placing a small amount in Soarin’s cart. He noted their confused and just slightly horrified looks. They don’t mean harm, they don’t mean harm, they don’t mean harm... Okay. I’m good now. A short trip down the cereal aisle and John had managed fill Soarin’s cart to the point the pegasus was starting to struggle with it. He had gathered a good amount of meat, a truly impressive array of various produce item and now only had one last aisle. Snacks and soft drinks. He ventured down the aisle. He cleaned the store of its entire supply of Diet coke. What little room was left in Twink’s cart was filled with an assortment of snacks. He moved to check out. “Thats a lot of food mister.” Noted the cashier pony. “Eh. I stock up.” After about twenty five minutes, silent except for the beeping of the scanner, the process was done. John paid and made his way to his truck with the help of Twink and Soarin. He thanked them for their help and loaded up the bed of his truck. He unlocked the truck and opened the door, what he saw horrified him. He had left the headlights on. His heart sank. He jammed the keys and turned the ignition but no luck, the battery was drained. John shouted a string of profanities. He had a trickle charger back in the apartment. The apartment ten miles away. No choice but to walk John gave. Welp, I ain’t gonna get there by magic. John checked his watch and the sun, it was four o’clock and it was already starting to get dark. He started down the walkway. It was a brisk evening, by Californian standards. Not too many ponies out and about right now. John observed. He turned his attention skyward. Only a handful of Pegasi too. Usually its pretty lively up there. There was a faint siren crying a few blocks from John. Some things never change. He looked towards the sound and saw black smoke rising on the horizion. Welcome to California, home of the Fire Season. Winter wrap-up? No thanks, we prefer to put out brush fires. John was lost in thought when a gray unicorn approached him. “Hello sir!” The gray unicorn exclaimed, surprising John. John jumped. “Where’d you come from!” “Places.” Stated the unicorn motioning to nowhere it particular with his hooves. “I’m from ‘Ponification for Earth’s Rebirth’, Or P.E.R. for short.” Fuck. John had heard about PER. Humans had HLF and various things like it, ponies had PER. This is very no beuno. “I can tell by the look on your face that you HAVE heard of us. I’m here to talk about... Ponification.” John was in a bad spot. Then John was unconscious. John snapped awake. He didn’t recognize his where abouts. He was tied to a stretcher. Leather straps kept him in place. He tried them with a small tug. They were strong. He looked around. There were syringes and a cup of potion on the small table next to him. The height of the roof suggested that this was a warehouse. It was kept very sanitary. The whole thing reminded John of a doctors office. Well. This just keeps getting better. “Oh! You’re awake! I was SO worried my friend over here used too much force, but don’t worry, he’s being... taken care of.” As if on cue John heard a painful scream tear from an unseen room somewhere down a dark hall. “I assure you that he won’t be making that mistake ever again.” The Unicorn beamed. “So, who are you and why are you doing this?” John asked plainly. I just want to go home... “Oh! My stars, how rude of me! I’ve yet to introduce myself! I am Gray Crusader, and I run the orange county chapter of PER. I heard there was still a human in this sector, and I just had to make sure. A few questions and well placed bits and I’ve finally found you! as for why I am doing this, you are familiar with our purpose correct? I believe we had a good number of believers come to your apartment numerous times before.” John knew. The almost daily assualts on his door. The zealous ponies telling him how he was holding mankind back by remaining human. How being human holds back humans is just a bit odd. He could almost recite the pamphlet from how many time they read it to him. It was a simple train of thought. The ponies had come bearing peace, tolerance, and came from a pristine land. They promised to make the rest of the earth like their land but humans could not survive the process. PER’s goal was to eliminate the human race via ponification or other means if it came to it. Their exploits were infamous, When princess Celestia caught wind of the organization, she announced that there were to be human preservation areas set up, areas free of magic where humans could live, SoCal being one of them. Most of the PER disbanded that day, but some diehards remained, bent on ridding the human race.. “So, you scoured the town looking for the only human left living in it to force ponification on it? Really? You guys are crazier than I thought.” “Hey now, I prefer to be called forward thinking. You know we’ve sworn to make way for this planet’s purification by removing the human race. Either through ponification or other means.” Gray smiled. “Still crazy.” “If you insist.” “You know Celestia said she would be erecting human preservation areas right? Areas free of magic where humans could live.” “Ah. Yes, but as you may remember, our goal is the complete restoration of earth. As long as there are humans, this planet will bear the scars they have made.” “You... There is nothing I can say. You’ve set your mind in stone on this matter. You can’t fix stupid, you can’t fix crazy, and you’re crazy stupid.” Gray laughed in response. “Now,” stated Gray, levitating the potion toward John. “Let’s get started.” _________________________________________________________NOTES: And then, OUT OF NOWHERE, plot. Whatever that is. I NO BE GOOD AT MAKING PONI NAMES. Yeah, Azure’s not in this really, but you now what? Whatever. Its only named An Azure Future. Shout out to lightsideluc for helping me with probably reason for the run-in with the ponify now group As always, Comments, thoughts, and what’d you like to see can be posted in the current TCB thread or emailed to me.

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-06-13T01:36:06+00:00

2012-06-13T01:36:06+00:00

An Azure Future Part 4 So Very Strapped The Styrofoam cup floated in front of John Norris' face. This is what I wanted when I woke up this morning. Eyup. Nothing like being strapped down by a madman. Or is that Madcolt? Madstallion? Madpony? Oh god, I’m about to be ponified and my last human thoughts are of TERMINOLOGY. When did this become my life? Wonder what kind of pony I’d be? ...What would Azure think? The thought of his son woke something up in John. Aw shit, the note! He must think I’m dead. I have to get out of here, for Azure! John examined the straps on his wrist, they had a small amount of give but the leather was good. Then John noticed something about the strapping system itself, it was a metal button in a well worn notch in the leather strap. All he had to do was push out against it. A plan quickly formed in John’s racing mind. “So, you mind if I ask a question before this happens?” John asked as nonchalantly as he could manage given the situation. This had to work. There was no plan b. There was hardly a plan a to begin with. A twisted smile adorned Grey Crusader’s face at the perceived crushed spirit before him. ”You caught me in a good mood, I’ll tell you what, you get three.” The gray pony smirked, already celebrating victory judging from his tone. He kept the cup floating in front of John’s face. John’s plan was working. So far so good, now if only I actually had questions... PER members are mostly all ex-human and hate their human past, that could work for me. “So, what’s your story? start at when you human. Equestrian ponies wouldn’t hardly ever bother with humans like you PER ponies do, so don’t play like you’re equestrian born.” John was taking a lot of risks, if he messed up he'd be ponified anyways, if he somehow succeeded... “You know, your very mouthy for someone strapped down.” Crusader spoke through gritted teeth. “But I will answer nonetheless.” He cleared his throat and began. “I was born in Anaheim, just a few block from here infact. I grew up in what you would call a ‘broken home’ never knew my father, mother was either not around or on something. I kept my head down and my nose clean. I lost my closest friend when I was eighteen to gang violence, wore the wrong color shirt on the wrong street. I graduated shortly after the incident. I broke ties with home and studied ecology at FCSU. When the AI’s finally took over my job and my degree wasn’t worth the paper it was printed on, as if some sort of saviour, the ponies came, offering ponification, offering peace, offering to take away the corruption I’ve seen, offering to heal the earth. I was among the first covenrtee’s. But then the HLF came along, they refused ponification, they refused to heal the planet. It was then I founded Ponification for Earth’s Rebirth. Things went well at first, but then we were condemned by our own kind and now we have to work in complete secrecy. Next question?” John thought for a bit. He had undone the straps on his hands but was now at the full attention of his captor. Oh man, that was pretty all inclusive... I need something else... “So... Uh... Come here often?” Dammit. Grey Crusader blinked out of confused, “You can’t be serious. Are you fucking real with that question? This is the local chapters base of operations. I am the Grand Master of the PER and headquaters is nearby. I spend a good deal of time here. Do you even HAVE a third question?” John smirked, “Why yes I do.” John mentally prepped himself mentally, Here we go... “What happens when you throw a styrofoam cup of ponification anaesthetic in an insane ponies face?” Before the gray pony could react, John snatched the cup out of the air and threw its contents at Grey Crusader. It hit him square in the face. John unstrapped his legs with haste, he had no idea if it would do as he tought it would and render his captor uncounsious. “What the fuck?! Do you know how much this shit stings when it gets in your eyes?! Motherfuck son!” The gray pony screamed, blinded by the potion. John removed the strap from the chair and placed it over Grey's muzzle, tightening it so he couldn't scream. He moved on to check the door Locked. Right by the door was a map of the building in the form of a fire escape route on a piece of paper taped to the wall. Must be my lucky day. John looked at the map, the closest room was well down the way. Maybe nobody heard him scream. The alarm’s eerie siren started blazing. “Goddamit.” The intercom came to life “We are under attack, I repeat we are under attack. This is not a drill. Enforcers, to your battle stations. This is not a drill.” The recording played endlessly. “Well, that sounds like fun. I need a plan...” John stared listlessly at the fire routes for a few long moments, trying to make sense of the multilevel map. “Screw this, lets just get out and roll with whatever.” John kicked the door open. The scene before him was one of war. Scattered across the large compound were men in dark clothing, HLF across their backs, wielded various weapons. A few would charge into a building, shots were fired, sounds of struggle came from within, even fewer emerged from the room. Sometimes, no one would come out. The local HLF found the Local PER, the two terrorist orginizations fighting over the fate of mankind. John ran into the closest building, careful to avoid the crossfire. It apperead to be dedicated to the weaponization of potion. Looking around, John could see various projects that would put the final gravemarker on mankind. There was modifications for pistols, rifles, and machines to shoot potion tainted rounds. A picked apart 81mm mortar round suggested their development of a long range area ponification. What really caught his eye was a tear gas canister marked 'Ponification Gas X-17'. If they could just carpet bomb an area with gas... There was a sudden noise, an earth pony with fresh crimson stains on his chest and streaks across his side stumbled from somwhere in the back. "You..." it rasped, blood dripping from its muzzle. John stepped back in shock. "W-what did I do?" "This," The pony motioned to itself with a hoof. "to me." "I'm not with the HLF." John tried to reason. "Oh, are you sure about that? Why are you still human then?" The pony posed his last question just before there was the crack of a gunshot and a large chunk of the pony's skull disappeared. “Are you okay? I didn’t expect to see a non-combatant here.” John turned to the voice. The boy seemed to be about seventeen years old. He was holding an old bolt action rifle. John identified it as world war two era. His dad was a gun aficionado and he knew a few things himself as a rule. “The names Enfield, we need to get you out of here, ASAP. Lets go.” The young man took off, leading the way. They ran through the large PER compound, which John now knew was mostly dedicated to R&D. Bullets wizzed through the air and there was a ceasless chatter of gun fire. The pair ducked into cover behind a concrete slab. Checking the map, John tried making sure they were headed out but was pulled away from where he crouched as potion splattered against the slab's corner. "That was close eh?" Enfield smirked. A few ponies filed out of a building and Enfield quickly dispatched them the moment they dared come into view. John was perturbed by the how easily the young man pulled the trigger. There was no hesitation, no visible remorse, he didn’t even looked troubled. "This way!" Enfield bolted and John chased after. Soon, John could see a large gate that lead to the street. Better yet, it was open. John and Enfield charged through the gate. He looked around whilst panting, John recognized his surroundings, he was just a bit over a mile from his apartment, he could see the high rise from here. There was a good number Human Liberation Front vans parked askew around the building. A few men heavily armed guarding the front in case they needed to make a hasty retreat or some support. “Where the fuck did you find him?” One of them asked Enfeild. “We kinda ran into each other. I think they were going to forcibly ponify him.” He answered. Well, out of the frying pan and into the fire. I probably could make a run for it, but knowing HLF they’re likely to shoot me down for fun. I wonder if these are the same bastards that killed her... John looked around for an escape route. He had to get out of here. I need a distraction. Then the night exploded. Standing before him was a pony as dark as the night itself with all the night’s stars in its mane. It was a pony that John had seen before, both in person and on TV. Princess Luna. That’ll work. John took off, the barbaric screams of humans and the fearful screams ponies mixing in the night. ********** John was out of breath when he reached the entrance of the apartment. He made his way to the elevator and hit the button for his floor. He collapesed on the floor of the elevator as it began its ascent. “Jesus, that was fun stuff.” He sighed. The doors slid open, John exited the elevator and entered the apartment. “And where the hay were you?” Asked a small pegasus staring at him from the counter. “Did you think it’d be funny just to leave this note and disappear?” Azure asked with as much anger as he could muster up, then he started to tear up. “I worried about you, dad. I don't want to be alone again.” His voice wavered. ”Azure, its okay now, I’m here. I kinda realized after the fact that the note was a bad idea. I... got caught up with some.... stuff.” John checked the time, it was eight pm the following day. I must’ve been knocked out for a good while. “Hey how about some dinner?” “Sure, where are the groceries?” Azure asked. “Shit." John cursed, realizing they were still in the truck, miles away. "Knew I was forgetting something. Wanna help me go get some fresh groceries tomorrow?” Azure laughed lightly “Sure dad, why not?” _______________________________________________________________NOTES: Thats right, of all the references to be made, I reference one of the only fics whose author dosen’t hang out on the tcb /fic/ threads anymore..What son? (Ten rounds Written by defoloce) Also, The character from the show is none other than Luna in Princess mode. Fun chapter. I was just playing around with my imagination and everything got INTENSE. As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. I’m going to try to put a cameo in each update from here on. So post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at or if your interested in a cameo. Anonymous Is Grammar NUTZI. Also a dirty liar.

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-06-13T01:36:33+00:00

2012-06-13T01:36:33+00:00

An Azure Future Part 5: The Park and The Jump (for real this time) It was sunny outside. Horridly so. It was a cloudless day, with a gentle breeze. John Norris was taking his son, Azure Wind, to the park. It was a one on one thing. John picked one thing for them to do and Azure picked one. Today was Azure's turn to go first, and he chose a picnic in the park. John was adamant and swore vengeance. "Do we have to go?" The six foot three inch well built two hundred pound human complained. "Hey, you made the rules, any one thing I want and any one thing you want. Only disqualifier was that it had to be done together. It’s a beautiful day out, the weather team and Celestia herself would be cross if we didn't enjoy it." Azure stated. "Fiiine." John admitted defeat. (I'll just have to make azure do something horrid too...) "The parks just three blocks down, we don't even need to drive. You ready dad?" The small blue pegasus said ecstatically, Azure had been dragging John out of the cooped apartment as much as possible. "But the other ponies are mean!" "Dad, I've said this once, and I'll say it again. STOP BEING PARANOID. NOPONY IS TRYING TO STEAL YOUR SOUL. Or your thumbs." Azure sighed, every time he'd try to get his dad outside, he always pulled this same act. It was tiring to say the least. "Fine, but if one of those damn unicorns even THINKS about doing magic on me, I’m hateshanking them with their own horn." The human pouted. "Holy- Ugh, can we go now, PLEASE?" The pegasus begged. John sighed, "Lead the way." He said while picking up the basket and motioning to the door. The pair decided to forsake the elevator and take the stairs. For the first part at least. Azure and John were tired after the fifth flight of stairs and ended up in the elevator. One of the tenants from John’s building was there. “Oh, hey-John, long-time-no-see! Hey-whos-this-little-guy?” A hyperactive light green earth pony bombarded John, spitting words out at a million words a minute. John knew the pony when he was human, hard to believe he was as much of a recluse as John was. At least before ponification. “Hey Joseph, how the equine life treating you?” John smirked. He knew he hated his human name, something about a relic from the shambles of his former life. How he reacted was always worth the interaction. The pony’s head snapped to the left and his right eye twitched. “My name... Is Breezy Fields. NOT. JOSEPH.” John neighbor seethed through gritting teeth. Success. “Calm down Breezy, just messin’ with ya man. Calm down.” Its a bit mean, but it always calms him down. “Sorry ‘bout that, so who is this plucky young pegasus?” Beamed Breezy Fields. “Oh, him? I just let him follow me around” John joked. ‘I’m his son.” Azure added. “YOU have a SON? Omigosh-this-is-so-exciting! Oooh, I-just-cant-WAIT-tell-Everfree! How-old-is-he? Who’s-his-mother? Is-it-Catherine-I-think-her-name was? I-just-can’-BELI-” the door of the elevator slid open and John and Azure made a break for the exit. “What... was that... about?” Azure gasped between breaths. “He’s been all uppity ever since he got ponified. They say it doesn’t affect personality but that man right there is proof otherwise. I guess its an improvement but I still don’t like the idea of my head being messed with.” Explained John in a very matter-of-fact tone. “Huh.” Azure dismissed. The pair started down towards the park, the odd pair garnering the attention of some of the many ponies enjoying the day. John looked skyward. It was alive with pastel pegasus, looking as if there was an ocean of color above them. How he world has changed. John was searching the sky when Azure asked “What’s that?’ pointing towards a building wih a neon sign and blacked out windows. Yet some things never change. The sign read ‘The hosieried hoof’ and underneath the sign, ‘Pretty fillies in frilly things!’. What’s the point of a stripclub when... wait a minute... they’re clothed? A dressclub? Oh I GOTTA see this... “Uhm, I don’t know Azure, Wait here while I find out. Be back in five-ten minutes.” John lied and headed towards the dressclub. “Okay! Tell me what it is!” Azure beamed as his father left towards the blackened building. John paid the entrance fee and walked inside the dressclub. "My god..." The place was designed exactly like its human counterpart, lingerie and seductive clothing was everywhere. There was one fundamental difference, instead of stripping down to nudity, the fillies on stage started off naked and put on the scanty clothing. John ducked out after he noticed he caught one of the dancer's eyes. "So what was it?" Azure bounced. John couldn't meet the gaze of the young pegasus. "I'll... I'll tell you when you're older, okay?" John compromised. Starting down towards the park once more. "Awww... Okay..." Azure looked defeated. “Hey, don’t get down Azure. Look, we’re here!” John cheered. The park lay before them about one hundred meters, it was vibrant and alive. Various ponies inhabited the parks ground, air, and fourth dimension. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to magic... “So Azure, how about a race to that hill?” John grinned, pointing to one of the hills in the park.. “You are ON.” The pegasus beamed. “ONETWOTHREE GO!” Azure took off, galloping as fast as he could. “Cheatin’ Bastard!” John shouted as he gave chase. He caught up to Azure in a matter of moments, Azure reacted by cutting him off, this resulted in John falling onto Azure and the pair slid up the hill into the tree with a loud thud. John started to laugh, “I guess we tied then, eh kiddo?” When was the last time I laughed like this? “You wish, I was totally ahead by like an inch!” Azure countered, sticking his tongue out at John. John just shook his head in reply, set up sheet, impaling the corners with loose sticks he found. Opening up the picnic basket he brought with him, he set up a few BLT’s he made for himself, two daisy sandwiches he made for Azure, and a few snacks for them to share. The pair sat under the tree and enjoyed each others company, eating a little of their food. I wonder what a flower sandwich tastes like... “Hey Azure, wanna try each others sandwiches?” John asked. The blue pegasus thought for a moment “...Sure. Why not?” Azure said while offering John his daisy sandwich. John switched out the daisy sandwich in Azure's hoof with his BLT. "On the count of three we take a bite." Azure nodded in reply. "One... Two... Three!" They took a large bite of each others sandwich. John started gagged immediately and Azure started coughing. "You LIKE this stuff? It tastes like grass covered in shit." John coughed. Azure hit his chest a few times with his hoof. "I still don't understand the appeal of meat, but to each his own. Or something like that." John laid down on the sheet, lit a cigarette and took a drag. It is a nice day. His view of the blue sky was obstructed by a young filly with yellow coat and unkempt brown mane. “Are you a human?!” It shouted with a look of joy, inches from John’s face. “Uhhh...” Where the hell did she come from? “That would appear to be the case, wouldn’t it?” “Thats SO COOL. I’ve only seen like a few other humans before and they protected us from some other humans who wanted to become ponies and kill Celestia. Hey mister, why didn’t you become a pony huh?” You know what... I’m in a good mood. “Well it started in lets say... high school. My friends and I were always a bit off, a group of loners, stoners, emos, goths, nerds, all the outcasts, the best group of crazies you’d ever find. We didn’t get along with society’s rules, so we made our own. We called ourselves the Get ’em gang. We had all had nicknames, mine was Coke. We all had our vices, drugs, self harm, as for me, I felt I had obligations, extreme loyalty kinda thing. Also extreme paranoia and social anxiety. Being around people that decided that we should celebrate our flaws, for they made us unique, certainly didn’t help. I got it in my head to... well I don’t know. I guess I became loyal to my humanity? It slowly became all I have left as more and more of my friends and family got ponified. I cling to it because its all I have really.” The earth pony filly’s eyes were wide. “Are you sad that you can’t get ponified anymore?” She asked. “Really now, what happened?” John asked, Did they close down all the conversion bureaus? “Yeah, Like three days ago, there was an incident between the PER and HLF, Princess Luna got involved and they closed down all conversion bureaus and recalled all the potion. Oh shoot, my mom’s calling me, gotta go. It was nice talking to you mister Coke!” As the young earth pony trotted off to her mother, John noticed her cutie mark was an open book. Quite appropriate... But, all the bureaus are closed? Feels kinda... odd. Not having that option... “Hey dad, who was that?” Azure asked. “Oh, hey little guy. I don’t believe I got her name... Interesting little filly though. Where were you?” “Oh, I was playing with my ball.” Azure explained, bouncing the ball into the air and catching it with his back hoof in a demonstration. “I’m kinda done here, lets do your thing now.” A devious smile spread across John’s face and he hollered, “TO THE TRUCK-MOBILE!” After a quick walk back to the complex, Azure and John got in the vintage truck. “So were are going?” Azure questioned. “Oh trust me, you will love it.” A wicked smile adorned John’s face. “But first you need to put this blindfold on. Its a SURPRISE.” Azure looked concerned. “Uhhh, o... kay...?” he slipped the blindfold on and John started the truck and drove. Forty minutes later, John was parking the car on a bridge. “We’re here Azure. You can take it off now.” Azure took off the blindfold and immediately wished he hadn’t. A sign over the bridge read ‘BUNGEE JUMPING, 50 BITS A PONY.’ “I hate you so much right now.” “Oh c’mon Azure, it’ll help with your fear of heights! Shock therapy!” John beamed. “Thats wrong and you’re stupid.” A unicorn with a taut bungee cord for a cutie approached them. “Hi, you must be John and this little guy must be Azure Wind! Welcome to The Bridge, I’m Bounce and I’ll be your jump-master today. Come right this way and we’ll get started.” He smiled, just as he had for the last hundred customers and just like he will for the next hundred. Azure begrudgingly followed John to the harnesses. “Okay lets strap you up!” Bounce exclaimed, his horn lighting up with magic as he placed the harness on John and Azure. “Its perfectly safe, you won’t even come within one hundred meters of the ground!” “How far up are we?” Azure asked, the pegasus looked sick. Bounce thought for a moment, “About six hundred and fifty meters, why?” “OH HAY N-” Azure started, but then Bounce had already pushed him and John hurtling into the abyss. Azure screamed in terror. Then the line went taut and they bounced back up, this repeated about several times. Azure never stopped screaming. This was a mistake... GOD I’m so STUPID. Bounce brought them back off and thanked them. The pair got into the truck and drove in silence until John spoke up. “Hey, Azure, I’m... I’m sorry about putting you through that...” Azure didn’t respond at first. Oh man, I really messed it up this time... “I promise to never put you through anything like that again.” John apologized, Azure could hear the sincerity in his voice. “Its... okay. Im over it now... Dad, can I ask a favor of you?” Azure looked at John, sincerity, seriousness, and sadness were all blended together in those icy eyes. It was enough to stop a raging bull. “For you Azure, anything. What is it?” “Can you teach me to fly?” The blue pegasus asked. “Uhhh... I could hire a professional fli-” Azure cut John off, a move unusually brash for the young pegasus, “No dad, I want you to teach me.” John realized what Azure was hinting at. Once more, someone close to him wanted him to get ponified. John thought about it. I’ve... lost so many people to this, to the point where I was completely alone. Until Azure came along, I was in bad shape, mentally. All the scars I earned , tributes to battles I’ve both won and lost, journeys I’ve been on. I worked so hard and so long on making my body the ultimate testament to my will. The nerve damage in my feet from the thousands upon thousands of miles I’ve ran, the large scars on my shins from falling down that mountain. My immense stature. Becoming a pony would erase it. I don’t think I can take losing another person over this. I... I think its time to let go of my pride. Having a human father and being a pony... I’m done losing the people I love over this. Its... Its time I got ponified. John solemnly stated, “Sure.” _)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_NOTES: And out of fucking nowhere, the main plot. The Dress club is by - anon, we may see them again (dressclubs that is). Bungee jump by same anon as above. IM KRASS MCWRITER AND THIS MY FAVORITE PART IN THE WHOLE SERIES That filly in park definitely WAS NOT a yellowstone reference. Not in the SLIGHTEST. I really enjoyed writing this. A little TOO much... I thought it was a good stopping point... As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. I’m going to try to put a cameo in each update from here on. So post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at KrassMcWriter@gmail.com or if you’re interested in a cameo.

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-06-13T01:38:51+00:00

2012-06-13T01:38:51+00:00

An Azure Future part 6 The Get’em Gang Has A Problem AKA: AAF’s sub-plot so the story lasts longer John Norris and his son, Azure Wind, were at Top Goods, a local bakery run by an old friend of John’s. Cream Baker as he was known to the general populous, he was better known to John as Grindah. John ordered a chocolate twist, a glazed donut, and a dozen donut holes from one of the clerks, his usual fare when he would make a trip from his apartment. Azure mimicked John and had the same. The baked goods shop did not have its usual cheery atmosphere today. Grindah, instead of being his usual happy and energetic, if not overly so, self, seemed a bit lethargic. John was observing his ponified high school friend’s behavior and noted it was uncharacteristic of him, even when he was a human. Grindah was called so for his ability to keep a sunny and upbeat disposition even when he was doing something most people would detest or just a menial and repetitive task, or grinding as it was called. It also worked on the level that he ground his own flour. “Hey, shop keep!” John called out to his friend. Even when they were down, the Get’em gang was always up on each other with jokes made at personal expense. The cream colored earth pony’s head turned slowly to John’s voice. “Whatcha need bro?” His voice carried an outstanding amount of his exhaustion. The pony’s body showed it too, there were heavy bags under his eyes and his steps were shaky. He had lost a lot of sleep to insomnia. John caught on, his friend was hiding something. John wasn’t going to have it. His friend was having trouble, his friend needed help. Secrets are cool, but not when they’re fucking with you. He may not want help but, by golly, he’s getting it! “Hey, Grindah, whats up man?” John said nonchalantly. “Huh, oh, sorry bro. I’m just really tired, is all.” The pony yawned. John didn’t buy it. Grindah could sleep through finals in high school, and occasionally did. If he’s having sleep issues, then there is something wrong in the most hardcore way. “Dude, you are the worst liar ever. I know you too well. What’s up?” John moved into full accusation mode. He wasn’t going to have his friends go alone trough troubles. His friend sighed. “You remember Noob?” The name alone had memories flooding back. He was his best friend, they were hanging out well before they started the Get’em Gang, he was the closest thing they had to a leader. They were as close as two friends could be. John silently acknowledged Grindah. “He’s in trouble...” “Wait, what kind of trouble? How come he didn’t contact me?” John felt wounded. Grindah was Noob’s second closest friend, and was picked over him. The pony picked up on John’s distress. “Hey, we thought you were dead, remember? I thought I was seeing a ghost when you first walked in my shop. He’s in trouble with the HLF in New York. He knew I was in contact with you, but he didn’t have your info. He said something about reciprocation for the ‘dog incident’ whatever that means.” Goddammit. I knew that’d come back to bite me in the ass. “What does the HLF HQ want with Noob of all people? I mean, no offense, but he’s kinda the craziest and periodically retarded person I know. Lots of fun, he is, but damn.” John was quite confused. If he’s calling in the Dog Incident, it must be serious... “It didn’t say.” His friend shrugged. Or at least John thought it was a shrug. I need to hang with ponies more... “All I know is that he’s in trouble. I... I have some sleep to catch up on... if you don’t mind.” John motioned him to go off. Azure had been watching the exchange in silence and finally, after several short moments, decided to ask, “What’s that all about, dad?” He posed, tilting his head in confusion. “That,” John swallowed the last donut hole, “is us going on a road trip to New York, boy-o.” He stood up and left the shop, Azure followed after a momentary hesistation. “You do realize that doesn’t explain a single thing, right?” Azure stated more then asked as he caught up to his father. “Well, he was my best friend for about eight years, and I owe him big time for a favor done a while back. He’s called me up on it so we’re going.” John explained. A confused look spread across his face. “What did he do that you gotta drag yourself and your son to the other side of the country?” John remembered the events that constituted the ‘Dog Incident’ as it was called by those unfortunate enough to present for them. He tried to hide his shudder. “Something you should never, ever know about. Ever. If he tries to bring it up, leave.” He gritted through his teeth at the memory of his past shame. “Bu-” Azure started before he was interjected. “No Buts. Butts are for pooping. Trust me on this Azure. Its a part of my life no one should know about. I don’t want to know about it and I’m the guy who did it.” John spoke quickly, trying to keep his stomach down. They arrived at the apartment, and john started packing immediately. “Go get your good saddlebags and a duffel bag. Pack whatever you need. We leave tomorrow.” John dead panned. Azure stomped. “You said you’d teach me to fly four days ago! You haven’t even done anything for that yet.” Azure was mad. No, Azure was pissed, furious, John had never seen him this angry. It seemed he had finally had enough of his fathers procrastination. His dad was running off, dragging him along, breaking promises. “I’m sick of not being able to fly. I’m sick of being afraid to talk about flight. You said you would help! Now you’re just running off to New York!” John dropped what he was doing. What do I say? What should one say in this situation? ‘I’m looking for potion so I can personally give you lessons?’ ‘I’m working on it’?’ ‘Shut up?’ Christ... Lets go with this. John knelt down to Azure. “Azure, I’m looking at professional flight coaches and how they teach. I said I will do it. I need your trust. The man in trouble has helped me with more than I care to say and now its time I do the same for him. He needs my help. Trust me Azure, I haven’t forgotten.” The pegasus shifted and appeared to be in deep thought for a moment.. “Fine. On one condition. No more delays once this, whatever it is, is over.” He demanded. John dwelled on the proposal. “Fine, I’ll see what I can do. But you have to start school when we get back. Now go pack.” John spoke with an ultimatum in his voice. Azure seemed to accept this and went to his room to pack. John moved up to his room. This better be worth it Noob. Now what to pack for myself? If he’s calling in that favor, I’m going to need some weapons, can’t go wrong with emergency rations, some basic survival gear wouldn’t be out of place either. HLF is involved, so something will need to be done with Azure. Maybe as a pretend prisoner? I should bring some rope in that case. John stared at an old rifle that his dad used in the last great war, the war on terror as they called it, and a gravity knife with a four and a half-inch blade. Seeing the old rifle reminded John of his own father. The only good thing the old man did for me was when he left me these. I don't like them but sometimes you have to deal with the hand you got. The old man had hardly a sober moment or a kind acknowledgement. He was known more to his harsh hand than kind words. John sighed and shuddered at the memory off his father. What would he say if he could see me today? Prepared to go to battle with his old gear. John lingered on the horrid thought for a moment before dismissing it. He’s gone now. No use thinking about it. He packed them in his bag, and proceeded to do so with the other supplies he imagined he’d need. Wait a minute... Does Azure even know how to pack? Oh god. I better check on him. John made his way to Azure’s room. He looked around the room, it was a far cry from the cot on the ground he and Azure shared on his first night here, the wall was more posters and trinkets than paint. A majority of them were for the Wonderbolts, John made a mental note to take Azure to a show sometime. The young pegasus had a layout on his bed consisting of a two books, a few comics, a portable game system (How does he even use it?), and a wonderbolt game for said system. “Is that all you’re bringin’?” John asked with a bit of worry. Azure answered with a confused look. “If there's one thing my father taught me, its be prepared. You might want to bring a sleeping bag and some food just in case the truck breaks down or some unforeseeable event occurs.” John sighed. “Well dad, I figured that's your problem being the parent and all. Also, I really doubt that the truck will break down, its older than you and still in mint condition. Either way, the trip shouldn’t be more than a week or two.” Never looking up at John, instead looking for more stuff to bring. “Bah. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so if it happens.” John dismissed. He re-examined the posters on the wall. A good number were for the Wonderbolts, a majority of the remainder for pony bands and musicians. What caught John’s eye was the what the last few were. They were posters of stallions in various poses. I may not have much experience with ponies and their culture, but that would seem to be a centerfold poster. Why does my son have centerfold stallions on his wall? Isn’t he a bit... young for that? Could he... nah. You know what? Fuck it. I’m going in. “Azure, what’s the deal with these posters?” John prepared for the fallout. “Hm? I know you’re still human and all dad, but I know you’ve heard of the Wonderbolts.” Azure seemed genuinely confused. “Not... Not those posters...” “Oh, those are just some bands I like dad. I’ll bring their CDs so we can listen to them on the way!” Azure beamed, happy his father was taking notice of his interests. John coughed. It was getting pretty awkward on his part. “The um... The other posters...” Azure figured out which ones he meant. “Oh. Those posters. It’s the Stallions of the Wonderbolts poster series, next month they’re putting out the first one of the mares. It’s supposed to be Spitfire.” “Oh thank god. For a moment I thought. Oh man... that was close.” John let out a sigh of relief. “What was close?” Azure asked, curious. “Nothing. Nothing at all. I’m pretty tuckered out from events. I'm going to bed. Don’t stay up too late Azure.” John walked to his room. “Oh Jesus, for a moment there I thought, oh man.” John flopped onto his bed, set his alarm, and passed out. Tomorrow his ‘adventure’ would start. _)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_NOTES: First and foremost, Thanks to windchaser or this may have never materialised. Also for editing. Out of fucking nowhere, the sub plot. Collectibles Posters. Yeah. fun times. I hope you guys like the concept of the Get’Em Gang, because we will be meeting these crazies at an accelerated rate. As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. I’m going to try to put a cameo in each update from here on. So post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at KrassMcWriter@gmail.com or if your interested in a cameo.

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-06-13T01:39:26+00:00

2012-06-13T01:39:26+00:00

An Azure Future Part 7: Roadtrip. I find it both depressing and exciting that I wrote 7 parts... John Norris woke up to the sound of his alarm clock. He checked his watch, it was five in the morning. Lets get this show on the road. John grabbed a few of his bags and made his way to the stairs. He paused at Azure’s room. The alarm John had set up in his room was blaring. Goddammit. It should get him up eventually. John continued down to his truck and threw the bags in the bed. After two more trips John had the truck packed. John went to check on Azure. The first thing he noticed was the alarm’s blaring electric buzz was no longer in the air. John opened the door. The alarm he gave Azure was smashed and in shambles. Well, fuck. Too bad I don’t have a watergun. Note to self: buy super soaker. “Azure, get up!” Bellowed John. Azure had slept in. John had already packed the truck with various supplies and the only thing preventing them for leaving, was Azure. The pegasus shifted under the sheets and groaned. Okay then, lets do it your way. John carefully grabbed the corners of the sheet on the bed, taking care to not wake Azure, and with one sudden movement pulled it up, forming a sack containing the young pegasus. Azure instantly became fully aware and started thrashing about inside the makeshift sack. “Dear Luna on the moon! What the hay dad?!” Azure swore as he struggled. “We are going. Now.” John stated, walking down the stairs. “Can, I at least walk now? I’m pretty sure I’m awake now.” Azure had given up on breaking free from the sheet-sack John had him trapped in. “Your walking privileges are been revoked. You are now my sack pony. I shall keep you in the sack accordingly due to your new status. We shall go everywhere with you in sack. You shall never leave sack. Sack is new home now. You will eat in the sack. You will sleep in sack You with urinate in the sack. You will defecate from sack, but I recommend not doing it in sack. You will love sack. The sack is all there ever was, all there ever will be. You will try to recall a life before that sack and you will see that it was always sack. Hope is useless. resistance is futile. Look upon the sack and despair!” John spoke, imitating a strong Austrian accent. He was now outside of the apartment complex. “Dude, what?” “Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!” John screeched in response. “You are so random.” Azure replied with true concern in his voice. “Thats mister random to you boy. We are here.” John swung the sheet-sack over his shoulder and opened his truck, putting the sheet-sack in the passenger seat. He walked around the front, got in the driver seat and started the engine. Azure shrugged off the sheet and pushed it off the seat. “Ya know that was pretty much unnecessary, right? I have perfectly good legs and all.” Azure cracked his neck from side to side to accentuate his point. John shrugged. “Now you have a story to tell your kids. No need to thank me, you’re quite welcome.” He put the car into drive and started got on the road. “Now lets get going! It says the fifty seven north for nine miles, which turns into the sixty. From there I get on the interstate fifteen for almost five hundred miles. Then the forty for over a thousand miles. Damn. The seventy eight, and then we’re there pretty much. ” John got on the first freeway. “now, going the speed limit average of seventy five would take forty six hours to get there. Good thing is, there are no cops anymore, and therefore, the whole thing is an autobahns and this truck may be older than me, but its seen some upgrades, this baby can easily hold speeds upwards of 200 miles per hour and has a driving AI to boot. we should be there before midnight, considering food and restroom stops.” After hitting a few buttons on the touch screen in the dash, the truck accelerated tremendously and John put his feet on the dash. “It must’ve sucked to have to do this manually for almost fifty hours.” He boasted. The truck fell silent and remained so for the next hour when Azure spoke up. “So what are we doing again?” “My best friend has called in a very old favor. He helped me with the ‘Dog Incident’.” John explained. “What was the ‘Dog Incident’ anyways?” Azure asked furrowing his brow in confusion over what it could possible entail to drag his father across the country John shuddered at the memory. “All I will say on the subject is that I wasn’t always a nice person.” Another uncomfortable silence followed only to be broken by Azure once more. “Hey dad, where did mom go?” The question hit John like a sack of hammers and his heart skipped. He had dreaded the day Azure would ask about Catherine. How do you tell a child his mother was murdered? Its not going to be pretty. Best just give it straight. “Azure, you are familiar with mankind's long kept tradition of hate and violence more often than not based on nothing?” Azure nodded in response, a worried look on his face. “Well, in the letter you gave me it explained that she and your grandmother were on their way to check on me, make sure I was still there, they were attacked by some human liberation front fanatics and beaten savagely. Your mother didn’t make it. Your grandmother died a few days later from wounds.” The silence that followed hurt worse than speaking. Azure’s features hardened, “So...” Azure finally spoke after a long silence, His voice was shaking, “Mom’s... gone? Forever?” John’s heart shattered at the sight of Azure. He clenched his jaw to the point where it caused significant pain to keep his emotions steady. “Yeah kid, I’m afraid she’s gone. You know what though Azure?” “Huh?” the reply was barley audible over the dull sound of the engine as the pony fought back tears. “I shared some of the best moments and years of my life with your mother. I knew her better than she did, and she knew me better than I did. She was all I wasn’t and wanted to be, a truly happy and outgoing individual. If there is one thing I know, its that she would want us to be happy. Its okay to be sad though, don’t get me wrong, but don’t let it get in the way of your life. I wasted the last four years of my life like that...” The truck rolled on, much like life itself. The silence perfectly accentuated the mid-morning scenery, somewhere in new mexico, the wide feilds and cliffs were even more desolate now that the few houses and towns that dotted along them had long since been abandoned. After a very extensive amount of time, Azure broke the silence,“I think... I think I understand. If we spend all our time and energy focusing on how much we miss her, we’ll be letting her down by not living.” “Yes. Exactly.” He seems to have taken it well. He’s pretty rational for being so young. John checked his progress. They were making good time, better than he expected. They were a third of the way across the country. John decided to take a nap. John woke up a few hours later. First things first, progress. Damn, almost there now. Oh man I really got to pee. Pee and poop. “Pull over at the next stop with a restroom.” He directed the onboard AI. The screen said it would arrive shortly. John looked over at the passenger seat, Azure was sound asleep. John shook him gentley, “Hey Azure, we’re pulling over to take a rest stop. If you need to use the facilities, nows the time, we’ll be in New York soon enough.’ “Okay.” Azure replied simply. He stretched out his legs and yawned deeply. They arrived at a convenience store a few minutes later and exited the truck The pair walked inside, much to John’s surprise, the store was active, and a pony behind the counter welcomed John to the store. John went to restroom first, and when he finished, Azure walked into the small water closet. When John exited the restroom, He saw something he hadn’t seen on good terms in a long time. Another human. The man had shaggy unkempt hair, and was just a bit shorter than John. It looked like he hadn’t had a decent meal for a long time. He was the first to speak, “Are you going to Fort Stillwater as well?” John was in shock. Last time he had seen another human at all wasn’t in the best of situations, the last time he actually had a real conversation with a human was months ago. “Whats that?” Were the first words out of his mouth. “You haven’t heard? The International Human Survival Association. They’ve made strongholds for humans all over the globe. A last ditch survival measure. I’m Isaac by the way, Isaac Hamilton.” The man claimed, extending his hand for a handshake. John reciprocated. “I’m John Norris, been quite some time since I’ve seen another human on good terms. Can’t say I’ve heard of that organization before.” “Hey, you should come with me and my friend, and join up with the IHSA.” Isaac offered. “Actually-” John started, when Azure came out from the bathroom. “Hey dad, who’s this?” The pegasus asked upon seeing the other human. “Did that pony just call you ‘dad’? Did you... you know... with a pony?” Isaac questioned. “Oh. Oh God no. His mother got ponified when she was pregnant. I’d never do.. that with a pony.” John explained. There was a honking outside, “Oh, thats Will, I should go now.” With that Isaac left. Nice to know there’s still some good humans left. John grabbed some snacks and checked out. John and Azure left the store got back in the truck. John started it up and got on the road, driving manually. Twenty minutes later, They were pulling into a parking lot across from a building that proclaimed itself simply as ‘HLF HQ’. “We’re here.” On that note John exited the truck and faced the building, unsure of what he would find within. It was time to saave his friend from the hands of mad men. _)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_NOTES: ALL SHALL LOOK UPON THE SACK AND DESPAIR!!! Yes, those are the actual directions more or less. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&xhr=t&q=new+york+new+york&cp=12&qe=bmV3IHlvcmsgbmV3&qesig=UFaR7hVkofukdtG_t8sIBA&pkc=AFgZ2tkKG_cyR1d1jYz45QIcc-ICr995NdY8WySbZMxE4Z1Tr7yDWxlnKq2OY5G5FhlBHS6BGFQA7BcxGK8QhWEiQFaJmX_fIA&safe=off&biw=1280&bih=622&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x89c24fa5d33f083b:0xc80b8f06e177fe62,New+York,+NY&gl=us&ei=zlkFTunuOOX00gG-5bmCCw&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CCoQ8gEwAA Isaac Hamilton from LMS. Thought it’d be a believable mesh to have them meet like that. For an austrian accent see The Terminator Not much for notes. I enjoyed the sack bit a little too much. I made the trip so quick because I didn’t want 2+ parts on a roadtrip. As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. I’m going to try to put a cameo in each update from here on. So post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at KrassMcWriter@gmail.com or if your interested in a cameo.

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-06-13T01:40:32+00:00

2012-06-13T01:40:32+00:00

An Azure Future part 8 John Norris stared at the building in front of him that boasted its purpose, the headquarters of the human liberation front. A more prideful bunch of madmen has never before been gathered in such multitude before and quite likely never again... The human noted to himself. He grabbed the rope from the bench in the truck, pausing to prepare himself mentally for what he had to do. "Hey Azure, I'm going to need you to stay here." John informed Azure. "What, why?" The young pegasus asked concerned. John got a knee and bent down, lowering himself to the pony’s level. “The men in that building are the of worst sort imaginable. They are closer to monsters than men. I don’t know what horrors they get up to in there, and it’s better if you don’t either. So please, stay here, and keep low.” John walked across the noticeably empty streets. >Where is everybody?< He scanned up and down the street, as far as he could see, there were no cars. His truck was also the only vehicle in the otherwise desolate parking lot. He reached the large glass door of the HLF headquarters. Trying the door handle, he found it was unlocked. Stepping into what seemed to be the reception room, he noticed that inside was as desolate as the street, even the front desk was unmanned. "Hello?" John ventured. Immediately the loudspeakers came to life. "AI Model: HK7. Serial: HK2017. Copyrighted and patented by Intelligent Designs. Human life form detected. Message playback initiated." There was a moment of silence before the message played. "Hello," A man's voice came over the speakers. "this is Frank Dunland, leader of the HLF. If you can hear me, know this: the HLF is no more. For years we have fought the demons invading our planet, but we no longer have the numbers. Thus we have birthed the International Human Survival Association. Where we WILL persevere!" The speakers played a few seconds of static before the AI informed John it was the end of the message. Well fuck, Noob might not even be here! Maybe I can find out where they moved him at least. But if no one else is here, I might as well bring Azure. John left the empty building and crossed the street that was just as desolate. "Hey Azure!" John called, a pegasus colt with a dark steely mane and a coat that took after his name poked his head out of the bed of the truck. "What's up Dad?" The young pony queried, standing up to come into full view. John closed the rest of the distance and leaned into the bed, “Hey Azure, want to go into the desolate ruins of a place that belonged to a group of people who’d kill us on site if they were here?” His only response was an estranged look. “C’mon kiddo! It will be fun!” Azure squinted his eyes and cocked his head slightly, feigning a look of worry “Are you positive you’re alright?” “Oh shut it.” John snapped. “Now come on, I can use an extra set of han-uh, hooves.” He nodded towards the HLF HQ building. The azure pegasus rolled his icy eyes and hopped out of the bed to black-top. “Thanks boy-o.” The pair headed across the street and through the glass doors. The message played again as John entered with Azure. "Are you sure he's even here? The message said their gone..." Azure asked, unsure why his dad was still here. "Hey, do you see that on the front desk? I know you ponies are short but you should still be able to see it." Azure examined the object in question. It was nothing special, just a typical receptionist desk. Chestnut brown with a fine glossy shine, a computer sat on it with a few papers. It was a post unmanned. Then it hit Azure, "They didn't pack up and leave, they abandoned ship!" John smirked. "Exactly. We might be able to at least find out if and where they moved any prisoners." John looked around. "Now where would I put a pony that I never wanted to see the light of day again?" "A sack." John shook his head, "C'mon, it’s serious time." Azure gave him a look of disbelief. "I can be serious!" This only intensified the look. "...Moving on, I think the lower levels would be a good spot to start." "Are you sure you even know what you’re doing?" "Not really, but I'm doing it anyway!" John beamed. "Now... which way is down?" John looked around and found a reasonable source of directions, a fire exit map. Stairs were just down the hall to the left. After a short walk to the staircase, John walked inside and noted that the stairs went far down. There were at least seven basement levels. "Well ain't that shit." John stated, looking down with a twinge of worry. "So, what do we do now?" Asked the blue pegasus next to him. "I guess we just start going floor by floor." John responded with a shrug. Thus the odd pair started the painstaking task of checking every floor for signs of prisoners. Two flights per level. They made their way down the first set. John opened the door. The room revealed was dark, lockers lined the walls to the left and right, with a small cluster against the back wall. There was a security uniform on a hanger on a locker. Out of curiosity, John walked inside. Most of the lockers had security uniforms, towels, and civilian clothes. A few would have a pill bottle, probably steroids, or a picture of a family. John was most curious in the small patch of lockers at the end. Half the size of all the other lockers by all means, the design itself was of sterner stuff. While the other lockers were crisscrossing strips of metal, the ones at the end had octagons made of thick steel. The gaps were also smaller than their larger compartments. Most importantly, John could see there was something still there and the door was slightly cracked. John approached the locker and opened it. Inside was a single forgotten shotgun and three boxes of ammunition. John stared at it a moment, contemplating on taking it. If they left a weapon and ammunition on the very first sub-level, there was no telling what the lower ones held. It might come in handy. He remembered the last time he used a gun. His father had decided that John should learn how to use the said weapon efficiently, as the son of an old soldier. He took him out to a desolate spot in the desert, miles away from all civilization. The set up bottles, propane cans, fruits, and various other things that the shooting of which gave a nice effect. "Dig the rifle into your shoulder, focus, line up the sights, control your breathing, relax, pull the trigger slowly, don't jerk it. It should surprise you when it fires." His father instructed. John did his best to keep the pointers in mind as he practiced the bead of the rifle and heirloom onto a watermelon. His target was maybe fifty meters away and the gun felt heavy in his hands. He pulled the trigger steadily with a slow methodicalness. The gun rocked into John's shoulder suddenly and forcefully. He imagined he'd have a bruise to show for it, though this turned out fanciful. John could still see the effect the low caliber weapon had on his target. He had fired a .22 hollow point into the dead center of the now decimated fruit. There were no scraps left of his victim bigger than a good sized bite. John shuddered a little at the thought of what such a thing could do to a live body and his father congratulated him at a well done first shot. John recovered from the brief memory and decided that whatever horrors remained below, if there were any, he would deal with without the gun. "There's nothing here Azure, let's go to the next level." Azure just shifted his shoulders in what could only be a shrug and the pair left the room with the weapon. Down another two flights to the second sub-level. John opened the door and revealed a room filled with high tech equipment, monitors, and other things used in the pursuit of science. "Wow... I wonder what they were researching..." gawked the ever curious Azure. "Let's find out." John walked to the only computer left, it was unhooked but in mere moments John had it up and running. "Let's see..." John opened up the computer's data files. To his dismay and Azure's disappointment, they were wiped clean. "Damn." John swore. "I wonder..." After a few moments of thought and some of John's special brand of techno-wizardry later, he was able to recover a single corrupted file. It mentioned something about an immunity to magic, at least as best as he could figure. "That's stupid, how can anyone be immune to magic?" Azure posed. "Kid, thaumaturgical studies are not my strong suit." John shook his head in surrender to the lacking of the requested knowledge. "Let's get moving, I don't want to stay here too long." Another pair of stairs, another room. A room of which the very contents and nature would baffle John and Azure to no end. "Who the hell build a break room three stories underneath the earth?!" Azure just stared at the room in front of him. There was a pool table, snack and drink machines, a large television, plush couches, there was even presence of a bar! Words finally found the steely maned pegasus. "But... why?!" "Maybe its for the people who work on the lower levels?" John tried to reason. "But... the snack machine has ALFALFA in it!" "Maybe it’s stocked by ponies?" "But that makes even less sense! It’s THE HLF headquarters!" "I think we need to leave before this room summons Cthulu through its total impossibleness, or we go mad." John rubbed his temples messaging his oncoming migraine. "I am right behind you dad." Azure agreed. The pair made their way from the overwhelming contradictions that the room held to the fourth sub-level. Immediately John knew they had found the right area. There were what was undoubtedly holding cells. What John heard next cost him a good nights sleep and some faith in his species. There was a faint clopping of hooves. The human liberation front had left their prisoners to die. John was filled with an unparalleled rage. He wasted no time in finding the controls for the door switches. The desk staring down the aisle had a built in touch control. He hit the screen to turn it on and waited as the machine booted up. The infuriating seconds ticked by as John waited on the machine. Finally, the machine finished loading. John swore, it needed a passcode. John guessed at what he thought were likely entries: We will prevail, their motto and In God's Own Image, their older motto. After both failed, John had to resort to back door methods. These had their own dangers as there could be technological traps. He got in, seemingly avoiding any security protocols. With a few swift and precise flicks of his fingers, John unlocked all the doors. Then all hell broke loose. A turret unfolded out of the ceiling and began firing. John scooped up Azure and shielded him and not a moment too soon as three rounds grazed John's left arms bicep. >Shit! Now what?!< John's mind went into a panic as it tried to come up with a plan, any plan. Suddenly, John remembered the pre-recorded message kept by the AI. The AI developed by Intelligent Designs, the company that John built his wealth of off. If that was a House Keeper mark II, then this was most likely the Guardian Mark III. Back when the company was still around and he was in charge, he insisted on an universal override code hardwired into each and every AI. The code was in every AI up to the Mark IV series, the last one developed before John pulled out. It was better than sitting there getting shot at. John took a deep breath and bellowed, "OVERRIDE COMMAND: CATHERINE 12-05-20-37!" There was a long, pregnant pause and John held his breath and hoped. "... OVERRIDE ACCEPTED. GUARDIAN MARK IV STANDING DOWN." The metallic voice rang before the unit powered down. John released his breath. I got lucky. If they had a slightly better budget or resource... "Hey, you alright Azure?" John asked the shaken colt. "Azure?" "I-I'm fine." Azure managed. He may have lived with a human for almost a month now and become desensitized to many a harsh thing, but getting shot at was something else. "Your arm!" Azure noticed the three bullet wounds on John's arm, and they were bleeding quite profusely. The adrenaline that had been coursing through John up till that point faded, and John found his arm to be in a good deal of searing pain. "Ffffffffffff-" John gritted through his teeth. John needed to pack the wound immediately or risk fainting from blood loss. Lacking gauze, he'd have to improvise. He took his shirt off and ripped a long thin piece from it. He took the remainder of the shirt, balled it up and put it atop the wounds. He then placed the long strip over the makeshift packing and tied it as tight as possible. It would do. For now. "I'm good Azure, see?" He waved the limb about to show that the bleeding had slowed to a near stand-still. "Now, let's save some ponies." >Or what's left of them.< Azure seemed to brighten a little, "Okay." "Hey, stay here while I go gather everyone, okay?" Azure nodded in agreement. John moved into the hallway. Steeling himself, he dared to poke into the first room. The smeel of fecal matter, urine and death stung John's nostrils. There in the room was what may have once been a pegasus. Its wings were missing but stubs remained, it was shriveled and dried, a husk. John fought the urge to vomit and removed himself as quickly as possible. At the second doorway, he prayed for mercy for what he would find. Looking in it was blessedly empty. He moved to the third one. He went in, there, on the floor was a unicorn with a shattered horn. John would of thought the poor wretch to have expired if its broken form didn't utter the most haunting moan at the sight of the human. John felt his heart give at the sight. He contemplated for a second on what to do. He picked up the unicorn as gently as he could and carried it over to Azure. "Please... don't hurt me... I never... did... an-" It managed through its immense pain. "Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you." John gingerly set the unicorn down by Azure. "Azure, keep him company. I'll be right back." Azure only nodded solemnly at the acceptance of the task. John went back to his own grim task. He checked the fourth room. He suppressed his gag reflex as he saw a re-enactment of the first room with an earth pony this time. He moved onto the fifth room, once more an unbearable pungent stench attacked him. >How can people do such things? How does a man do THIS to another living creature and live with himself?< John boggled at the seemingly endless capacity of evil some humans enjoyed. He was no stranger to cruelty himself, but he learned from his mistakes. The sixth room was a bittersweet sight. There was no corpse and very little smell at least. That was the good part. However the wingless pegasus cowering in corner, wasn't such a welcome sight. The whimpering plead didn't help either "St-stay away! Please... no more..." "Shhh... I'm not going to hurt you..." John spoke softly as he slowly approached with his arms out and his hands open. "L-liar... that's what all you humans say. Then you be-beat me, o-or stab, or th-the machine." The former flyer squirmed backwards against the corner. "It's okay, the bad people are gone. I'm here to rescue you." John was steadily approaching and was now a little more than halfway across the small room. "Wh-why would a human ever help me?" The battered creature's eyes twitched around the room, looking for the non-existent escape. "I'm not like them." John stated as comfortingly as he could. The pony seemed to relax and John quickly embraced it while its defenses were down. The pegasus seized up at first and then struggled madly against John. John stayed there, just holding the poor pony. After a few moments of fighting the pony finally realized what this was. A hug. The pegasus relaxed and placed its head on John's shoulder. "Can you walk?" The pegasus nodded. "My son is at the end of the hall, go wait with him. I'll be right back after I check these last four rooms." The pony nodded once more and walked down the hall to meet Azure, dragging its hooves. The seventh room marked the second unoccupied cell. John let out a sigh of relief. All of which fled the moment John looked inside the eighth room. All the various smells the previous rooms were present, accompanied by a few new ones. It smelled strongly of burnt flesh and hair. There was another scent, very faint, but could only be registered as sex. The scene grisly. A good two thirds of the former ponys form burnt and black. Its hind legs were broken and out at odd angles. Its chest was flayed, organs on display. And the face! It was left untouched. The look of complete horror, pain, dismay and sorrow painted upon the perfect visage would haunt John until the end of his days. John lost the battle against his stomach. Puking, John stumbled out of the room. He activated the individual controls, shutting the door. John heaved again. He took long deep breaths to regain his composure. After doing so, he moved to the second to last room. "John? Is that you?" The fuschia earth pony queried weakly. He had found his friend. Alive at that. "Its me bro. Can you walk?" A slight nod. "Meet the others at the front. I've got one more room to check." The pony got up weakly and headed to the instructed spot. John took a deep breath and headed into the last room. Empty. Maybe there was a kind and loving deity. John turned back and headed down the hallway. The closed door catching his eye and invoking the images contained within into his mind. He continued to the end where Azure waited. "Everpony ready?" Three solemn nods. "Let's go." John picked up the unconscious unicorn and left the jail. The process of leaving the HLF HQ was a silent and somber one. Up the stairs, out the lobby, across the street. Upon reaching his truck, he opened the back door driver side and sat the pony in it. He walked around to the other side and helped the other two malnourished ponies into the back. Azure hopped into the passenger seat on his lonesome. John moved back to the driver's side and got in. He turned on the truck and navigation AI. "Nearest hospital." John commanded as he turned the key. Directions popped up on the front windshield. John threw the truck into drive and floored it. Left, right, right, left. Destination on left. John whipped around the corners and drove like a mad man. He slammed his brakes pulling up to the hospital. "Azure, stay here, this won't be long." He said while getting out and grabbing the unconscious unicorn. "Either of you wanna come? You can ride with me back to good ol' Cali." The wingless pony wanted to come surprisingly and Noob wanted to as well which was expected. John carried the pony inside. "I found this in the old HLF HQ." He stated to the shocked receptionist pony. In seconds they had a stretcher and took away the beaten pony. After answering a few questions, John was clear to go. They'd be sending a team to the headquarters. John went back to the car, got in the drivers and started the engine. The other two ponies he rescued were sound asleep. "So where to dad?" asked the steely maned pegasus next to him. "Home." His stomach grumbled. "Right after we eat, that is." John smiled weakly. He put the truck in drive and set off.

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-06-13T01:41:46+00:00

2012-06-13T01:41:46+00:00

An Azure Future Part 9 John had come home one evening to an official looking letter bearing the Equestrian seal of Foal Services. He broke the seal in both curiosity and interest. The letter’s parchment was a little rough and tinged slightly yellow, a notable difference from the usual milky white, smooth paper. The envelope held only two pages, John picked up the first page and began to read. Dear Mr. John Norris, It has come to our attention that on March 5, 2046, custody of Azure Wind defaulted from a Miss Dancing Leaf to you. This was due to her unfortunate passing from actions by members of the H.L.F.. We would like to take a moment and express our condolences for your loss. However, there are several occurrences that have been brought to attention that demand immediate examination of your parenting ability. A Mr. Gray Crusader has informed us of various dangerous activities you have involved your son in. These include, but may not be limited to: The groups Ponification for Earth’s Rebirth and The Human Liberation Front attacking you and your son in in your apartment in order to elicit an extravagant amount of bits from you, on April 1, 2046. Being involved with the incident on March 16, 2046, which involved P.E.R. kidnapping you, a raid upon the P.E.R. by H.L.F., and The Honorable Princess Luna. Most disturbing of all, a raid on the H.L.F. headquarters in New York on your own volition, where you used your son as a hostage in order to obtain ease of access into the building which took place on March 29, 2046. Then there is the unknown probable psychological damages of a young colt having a human for a father. Documentation of these events are included in the second page of this letter. It is due to such events that we have decided to investigate whether or not you are a fit enough parent for Azure Wind. We have attached a paper with the date and time we will be having an Caretaker stopping by. For The Foals, Caretaker Philharmonic John put the letter behind the other paper and hurriedly looked at the appointment. It was on the fifth, today was the third. They’d be here in just two days. John looked around the apartment, the entire place looking like a storm blew through it. It was completely trashed from two days ago when PER burst in. God damn you Gray. First, you try to take my humanity. That upset me. Then you send goons after my money. I was angered, I worked hard for that money. But now? Now you are after my son. And that’s just too far. John lit a cigarette and swore under his breath. He had work to do. ----------------------------------------------Two Days Later----------------------------------------------- John Norris rubbed his bandaging absent-mindedly. He surveyed the nigh spotless living room, making sure it was perfectly clean. He doubled checked that the new iron door was secured on it hinges. Like Fort Knox. Filth and deficiencies would not do on this most important day. Today he was being examined by Child Services. There were many reasons why John was nervous. The PER and the HLF both attacked his home three days ago, a week ago, he raided the HLF HQ and before that he was captured by the PER and almost forcibly ponified. And that was just what they would know about, not mentioning the time he broke a Wonderbolt’s wing in a show, accidentally of course, and it’d be hard for someone to prove it. The bungee jumping. And recently, the acid he gave Azure, as well as he himself taking a bullet in his upper left arm. He had cleaned the large apartment to the point where it was completely immaculate. John checked his watch. One hour remained. He had no idea how to say what needed to be said, but it was time to talk to Azure. John made his way up the stairs to Azure’s room. John paused at the door to take a deep breath. He stepped into the room. It was the same as always, with the exception that his new Spitfire poster was up in the wall. The pegasus colt was snoozing peacefully, the light from the window playing across his body. It made John’s heart sink at the prospect of losing him; the only thing that really mattered to him anymore. John moved silently and delicately across the room to the bed. He knelt down to his son, who appeared to be having a lovely dream judging by the look of content on his face. Reaching out, he put his hand on Azure’s shoulder and gently woke him. “Azure… We need to talk.” The young pony awoke slowly, yawning and rubbing his eyes with one of his hooves. “Whahuh? What’s happening then?” His voice slightly groggy. Azure stretched out his hooves, arching his back and rotating his neck. “Do you want to stay here? With me?” John asked, there was a tinge of sorrow that leaked into his voice. Azure was made awake by the serious tone. “Dad, what’s going on?” John sighed. “Azure, the equivalent of child services is going to be here in about fifty five minutes. They are here to see whether or not I’m a fit enough parent to keep you. They think I‘m bad for you because of how many times you and I have been in danger.” He explained. Azure was silent for a moment, “And what if they decide you’re not a good parent? What happens then?” “They take you away from me. You won’t see me again. They’ll give you to some other family to live with.” He explained, tone of sorrow in his voice. Azure appeared downcast for a moment, then angry. “You’re my dad. The only one I have. The only one I will ever have. I will refuse.” He stomped his hoof on the last statement for emphasis, against the mattress. John gave a half hearted laugh then said, “Well, neither of us really have a choice. Its up to the agent from the Equestrian Foal Services. So here’s what I need. First and foremost, follow my lead. Whatever I say, play off it. Second, they know about the HLF HQ thing we did last Friday. I have no idea how to play that one off, so I’m going with a ‘my bad’ thing. Claiming temporary lack of judgment, as my best friend was in trouble. So remember, you were okay with it. Third, don’t bring anything up like the bungee jumping incident. For both our sakes. Finally, think before you say something. ‘How will this look to someone who knows nothing about the situation?’ Can you handle all that Azure?” Azure nodded three times in acknowledgement. “Got you loud and clear. Follow your lead and don’t say nothing stupid!” Azure beamed, then added, “Don’t worry, you’re a great dad. Just a tad nontraditional. I’m proud to call you my father.” and nuzzled the large human’s leg. John smiled weakly at the young pegasus. “Heh. Thanks kiddo. I’m proud to call you my son.” Almost instantly, Azure’s eyes lit up. “You called me son.” he said, looking up at John in wonder. John wore a confused look for moment, “Why is that a big deal?” Azure was dumbfounded. He couldn’t believe John never noticed. “That was the first time you said, acknowledged, or otherwise called me your son.” John humphed at this. “Really now. How quaint. I should get on saying that more then, shouldn’t I?” John checked his watch. Twenty minutes remained. Twenty measly minutes until some stranger decided his fate. It’s not enough, John thought, but would any amount be sufficient? Better to get it over with than prolonging. John informed Azure of the proximity of the visit and instructed the pegasus to meet him in the living room shortly. He headed down to unlock the door and put some fresh black tea out on the main coffee table, as he used to when he entertained guests on a more regular basis. He took out a small bag of sugar as well and placed it next to the large pitcher. He looked over the whole set up of the living room. It was satisfactory, it looked and felt like the loving home it was. John just prayed that the Foal Services agent would think so as well. His phone rang. Picking it up John answered, “Hello?’ The voice on the other end replied, “Hi, this is Sweetie Pop, the receptionist. Are you expecting a visit from Foal Services, Mr. Norris?” “Why in fact I am. Send him up.” John could hear Sweetie Pop and the Foal Services agent make a short exchange, though he couldn’t make out the details. “He’ll be right with you Mr. Norris.” The phone clicked as she hung up, John reciprocated the act. John slouched just slightly into the couch. Azure came down shortly. A minute or two later, a hollow, ringing knock came from the iron door. The pair shot a look at the sound. The Foal Services agent was here. John’s judgment had begun. John got up and opened the door, revealing a purple unicorn with a jet black mane and tail, his cutie mark a band-aid. He had a clipboard and a pen magically suspended in front of him. The unicorn spoke without looking up from the clipboard. “Hello Mr. Norris, I am Caretaker Obsidian, but you may call me Obsidian if you wish. I am here on behalf of The Equestrian Foal Services, and I am to ask you and your son, Azure Wind, a few questions about some situations that have come to our attention, give you what could be equated to a personality quiz for your parenting, and then ask Azure some questions. Do you understand everything I just said?” Obsidian spoke dryly as though he was bored of saying the rehearsed lines. “Yeah. Pretty simple really. Your interviewing me and my son to see what’s up.” John shrugged. Maybe this won’t be so bad. “Yes.” The unicorn spoke with contempt, “I’m here to see ‘what’s up’ with you and your son.” Obsidian walked into John’s condo, taking notes as he looked around. He made his way to an armchair and sat down. “Now Mr. Norris, if you would, I like to get started. In your own words, explain your involvement with the incident on March 16, 2046.” John sat down on the couch Azure occupied on the opposite corner. He took a silent deep breath, in… and out… Then John started. “I had been monitoring the levels of food, snacks and various other supplies as per usual, and had noticed that it was time to restock the pantries and the storage. I went up stairs to check on my son, who was asleep at the time, then I left a note with an explanation of my whereabouts including a full five point contingency plan and some emergency contacts.” “I left the condo penthouse at eight pm. I had two thousand five hundred bits with me so that I may stock up on the needed supplies. I arrived at the grocery store, exited my truck, and proceeded inside. I was asked for assistance from a greeter who worked there to push my carts. I usually have about two to three carts full of groceries, being one man, I require help.” “After finishing grocery shopping, I loaded up my truck. Upon entering said vehicle I noticed that the headlights had been illuminated during my time in the store, my battery having been drained. I locked up the vehicle and proceeded to walk home, as there are no more auto services really, so I could get my trickle charger.” “Well walking home I was approached by a Mr. Gray Crusader. We had a brief conversation about PER and ponfication, then one of his thugs bucked me in the back of the head without provocation. I think it is worth noting that Gray Crusader is also the one who filed this case. Just a thought. “ “I woke up approximately thirty hours later. I was strapped to stretcher where he tried to forcibly ponify me. I was able to distract him enough with both wit and humor to escape my bonds and throw the potion back at him. The HLF found me and before I could even think what they’d do to me, the night exploded. I believe you call her Princess Luna, but she looked more like a nightmare shrouded in the infinite darkness and light of space. “Then I ran. I ran all the way back here. That’s pretty much what happened.” John finished. Obsidian scribbled just a few more notes, and then read off the next question. “Okay then, can you explain what occurred on April 1, 2046?” He magically flipped to a new page in the note book. The event was fresh in his head. “Four days ago late in the morning, there was an loud explosion outside of my apartment. It turned out the noise was from of one of those teleporting jets exiting its jump here. Some people and ponies broke through my door, which I’m still a bit angry about, being that my granddad carved it out. Anyways, they burst in and say that they’re some sort of government elite guard. “About thirty or forty minutes later, I get a room call for a package. I wasn’t expecting a package so the really buff cowboy one, Hawk I think his name was, took my place. Then I don’t know, apparently some mess happened with a giant spider downstairs. My neighbor, Breezy Fields, came knocking at my door in a panic. “Unbeknownst to me, he was panicking due to being held hostage by seven PER members. The result of four unicorns blowing down my door wasn’t very fun at all. I was knocked down and out by a few of them. I was told Azure tried to help me. One of the unicorns picked him up and put him in a sack with magic. Not a second too soon, the female that was with the first group came in and blew them all to oblivion. Nothing of note really happened after that. I had some ponies clean up the bodies, set in a new carpet, and install a new door. Fortunately, the Princesses and the President gave me a blank check for my troubles to get the place fixed up. I had a talk with Azure about it, and he seemed to take it very well. Even the death of his mother, as tragic as it was, had logic applied to it to ease the pain.” John really needed a cigarette at this moment, but suppressed the need best he could, it just wouldn’t do to light up with his son right there and the agent watching. Obsidian jotted down some notes and read the main atrocity of parenting that John had committed. “Now, the most disturbing of all these. Can you even explain what occurred on March 29th?” John dreaded the coming of this question. He swallowed nervously. He needed this combination of omissions, lies, and sorrys to work. “A long time ago I got mixed up in a bad incident. I was a stupid kid. One of my friends got me out of it, and I owed him for life. He was captured by the Human Liberation Front. So, he called in the favor. “Was it the best idea I had to bring my son along? No. But I was unable to find a babysitter and like hell I was leaving him here alone. So I brought him along. I threw the truck into autopilot, we talked about various things and then took a nap. “Upon arrival I decided that it would be easier to gain access to the dungeon area with a ‘prisoner’. I asked Azure if he was okay with it and he said yes. I did not expect the alarm. We were both lucky that my poor decisions and rasher actions did not claim our lives.” John finished, perhaps too soon. The Unicorn gave him an intense look, as if he was trying to gauge the sincerity in John. “Well then,” he spoke, breaking his gaze, “I have a few situations to present to you, then I will speak to Azure, and then I will make my final assessment.” “Shoot.” John replied. Obsidian read off the first question, “Your foal comes home and has been bullied at school. What do you do?” “I’d teach him to fight like my dad taught me, and he his, and so on and so forth. So he can stick up for himself.” John said with sincerity. “Interesting.” The unicorn jotted down the answer. “You are going through your foal’s room and find something unsavory. Let’s say drug paraphernalia. What do you do?” “Well, I’d probably confront him about it and go from there. I'll do what I can to help him through it if he’s doing drugs. In all honesty, I really believe he has enough sense to avoid that altogether though.” John shrugged. “Alright, fair enough. Last one for you. Your foal comes home with a, ahem, very close friend. They are of the same gender. What do you do?” Obsidian asked, ready to scribe John’s reaction. “Well. If he really does swing that way, I’d just be happy as long as it’s a serious love-based relationship. It’s hard enough to find it as is.” John shrugged. “Okay. Well then, I will have to ask you to leave the room so I may speak to young Azure privately. I will call you down when we are done.” The unicorn motioned towards the staircase with his hoof as he shuffled through papers with magic. John solemnly nodded and walked up the stairs. He went into his room and flopped onto the large bed. Well, nothing to do but wait... A minute passed. Then another. Five minutes. Ten minutes. What’s going on down there? Why is it taking so long? Oh god, did Azure talk? Did he slip up? No. Must. Remain. Calm. Fifteen. Twenty. Twenty five. “Holy fuuuckk...” He sighed out loud. Just before it hit the half hour mark, he heard Obsidian holler for him. Popping up, he went down to the living room. Obsidian spoke up, for the first time his attention wasn’t divided in slightest. “Why don’t you have a seat over there?” He motioned towards the couch opposite him and Azure, who had a troubled look on his face. John complied. “Mr. Norris, you are a danger to yourself and your son. I am sorry to say this but... I have no choice. Azure Wind must come with me. If you would Azure, please go pack your things.” Everything stopped. The universe froze in place. Time refused to budge. Reality shattered. No. The simplistic thought reverberated against the nothingness where John’s heart used to be. He had just found a reason to continue living, only to have it torn away. Azure looked down as he moved slowly to the staircase and up it. John spoke up, “What do I have to do?” “Excuse me?” Obsidian replied. “You want bits? You can have all of them. You want goods, name it and it’s yours. You want my condo? Have it. My father’s M4. Take it. You want my humanity? Give me the damn potion and I’ll do it right now. Power? I can get that. Fame? It’d be at your doorstep. Anything. Everything. Just name it. Just... Just don’t take my son, he’s the only thing I have left.” John, the wealthy, tall, prideful human was fighting back tears. He never felt so small before. “Are you really willing to give up absolutely everything for your son? Even though you have put him in danger inadvertently and on purpose?” Obsidian queried. “He is my everything. I just wallowed here alone until he came along. I never even left my room except to stock on food. My son is my life. I’ve made mistakes, but who hasn’t? Please don’t take him from me.” John’s voice was starting to crack as much as his heart had. Then something happened out of left field. Obsidian smiled and proclaimed happily, “You passed.” “What?” John asked in utter confusion. “Though it is true that Azure is in danger here by being your son, you being a high profile target and all. I discerned from what he told me and your reaction right now that you’d never harm him truly on purpose, and that you really do love him as your son.” “What?” John was still in shock from the immense change of demeanor. “It was a test Mr. Norris.” “What.” This time anger seeped into his voice. “Please Mr. Norris,” Obsidian said in a calm tone, “I do not like taking foals away from their sires. We at Foal Services do everything to try and make sure that they may keep their children, as long as they truly mean well. From what you and young Azure said, it’s quite obvious that you two have a healthy, mayhaps odd, relationship. Of course there are few things that have come to my attention that need addressing.” John was making a slow recovery back into normalcy. “O...kay...” Obsidian appeared oblivious. “First, it seem young Azure is not currently enrolled in school. That needs to be addressed. Second, enrollment in a public school should take care of it, but he should spend time with foals his age. Third, Mr. Norris, Foal Services is a little reluctant to the fact that you are human while he is an impressionable young pegasus colt. We are weary of the psychological effects of such. Though I cannot force such a decision upon you, I urge you on the behalf of Foal services to get ponified. For your son’s sake. That’s all I have. I will be checking to make sure he gets enrolled within the week.” Obsidian got up to walk out the door, thanking John for his time before he left. John sat in silence for a good while. Azure came back down the stairs and sat on the seat he occupied before leaving. The air was thick with a myriad of emotions. After what felt like a small eternity, Azure spoke up. “Sorry dad. He told me to play along.” John got up and moved over to sit by Azure and answered slowly, “It’s alright Azure. You did good.” Then a smile crept onto John’s face. “So I guess your ass is mine then.” Azure laughed weakly and nuzzled against his father, “Forever and a day, you sack of hay.” _________________________________________________________________NOTES: Wow. I love this part yet despise myself for putting them through such emotional turmoil. It was emotionally racking to me to write this. Fun stuff to write this thing here. But it can be troubling. The story is starting to end. I COULD finish the main AAF in 2/3 parts and an epilouge. I have 6/7 planned not including epilouge. What’s that? When did that wonderbolt thing happen? That’s lost chapters material. As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. Just want a cameo? Post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at KrassMcWriter@gmail.com.

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-01-14T22:21:04+00:00

2012-01-14T22:21:04+00:00

An Azure Future: The Lost chapters: Dressclub. (you knew this was coming) (the following takes place in between parts 9 and 10) Azure was in bed, and John was making his way to his own bed when his phone rang. John’s first reaction was one of confusion, phone calls were years past being regular. John slide the phone out of his pocket and checked the caller id.The phone displayed Grindah with a picture of his human form. I damn near forgot what he used to look like. Let’s see what’s up. John changed his course to the living room as he answered the call. immediately his ears were abused by a very drunk Grindah. “Hey broseph! Whatya doing fag?!” John held the phone away from his ear to compensate for the volume. He was about to attempt to diffuse the situation when he was treated to another bombardment. “Hey. Hey. Me and few other guys are going to the local dressclub, and you’re coming with!” “I don’t think I-” John was able to start before being cut off. “Too late!” Grindah stated, as John heard the sound of his door swinging open. He turned towards the sound and there was Grindah and Noob. “Hey faggot! Grab yo’ coat, we’re heading out!” The pony was having trouble standing up, made evident by his stumbling. “How much did you too drink?” John asked. “Does that really mater?” Asked the fuchsia pony. “You’re coming, thats final.” Grindah stated as he pushed him towards the door. Might as well. “Okay, okay. Just let me grab a jacket.” John went up to his room, grabbed his jacket and came back down. “Lets do this then.” The trio left through the door, and headed out into the night. *****TIME LAPSE***** *****AT THE HOISERIED HOOF***** The blacked out glass door swung open inwards. The revealed room was reminiscent of a strip club we had once been to. There was bar to the left of where he stood, ‘dancing’ area to his left, and a spacious viewing area in front of him. John almost jumped out of his skin when an earth pony mare popped out of nowhere and welcomed them to the dressclub. "Are you all right sir?" The earth pony asked John. "Quite fine! Never Better." John lied. "Do you serve alcohol?" I could really use a drink right now. "In fact, we do! We serve Equestrian beers and liqours and even a few human ones!" The mare beamed. "Great, give me some beer." John looked around nervously. "You know what? Make that a lot of beer and a bottle of whiskey." The mare giggled and walked off. "Nice bro, that's some high grade tail right there!" Leggos said giving John a pat on the back. John was taken aback, "Wait, what?" "She wants ya bro!" Grindah explained. Oh god what. John's friends sat down in the front row of one of the stages and instructed him to sit down in the empty seat next to him. The earth pony mare brought John his whiskey and two pitchers of beer, giving him a small wink as she set it down. Oh shit. Wait a minute, I’ve see her before "Do I know you? You look familiar." The eartth pony mare blushed, "Oh, um, well you popped in about ten days ago when I was on stage, but now I work the floor. If you need anything else, give me holler. My name's Persephone." She turned a left to attend to the other ' customers'. Some where a speaker blarred to life. "NOW ON STAGE, CANDY SHORES!" John couldn't tell if that was a working name or a pony name. An earth pony whose colores were very much that of the beach came on stage with a bag in her mouth. John could tell she was going for a seductive walk. He downed as much whiskey as he could manage then poured a beer. Candy set down the bag and unzipped it, revealing a scanty school girl outfit. The room started swirling as John took another shot of whiskey. John was feeling drunk enough to actually enjoy his enviroment. Candy was tantilizing as she ever so slowly slipped on a sock, followed by three more. John noticed the room started spinning and his thoughts were dull. He caught himself throwing out some bits as she slipped on a skirt. This garnered her attention, which John immediately regretted. The earth pony made the short walk over to John as enticing as possible. “Hey there big boy,” her voice was sweet, “not often we get humans in here.” She slowly rubbed his left arm with her hoof. She didn’t break eye contact or let her sly smile drop as she slipped on the top and the tie that completed the outfit. John held a small bag of bits up close to his face and took a long draught from his beer. She removed the bag from John’s hand with her mouth, placing it in her clothing bag. Her smile grew impossibly more erotic. “Meet me at the VIP room in five.” She said before grabbing her bag and walking off behind stage, her hips swaying. “No way man! Give me high five!” Demanded the fuchsia pony on his left. John obliged, too drunk to fully process what was going on. “Dude go get that shit.” He nudged john off toward the VIP room. John staggered off, not entirely aware of what was going on. After a brief exchange with the bouncer, John made his way into the VIP room. it had numerous curtained off seats, Candy Shores was in one of the rooms with the curtains open. She was wearing see through lingerie. The fuck? “Hey there.” she called seductively. "Uh, hi." John replied in a drunken stupor. This response elicited a giggle from Candy. She motioned with her hoof for John to sit down next to her. John obliged. "So big boy," She placed a hoof on the crotch of John's pants and leaned in close to the human. "ya got a thing for ponies?" A simple "What?" was all John could manage. "Oh, no need to be so shy about it, we get humans in here all the time. Sometimes we even get some high ranking HLF individuals." It was at this moment her hoor slid into John's pants. It would be an amazingly large understatement to say John freaked out. It was a flurry of events. Almost simultaniously he ripped his blue jeans off and rolled off the bed. He didn't hear the surprised protests of Candy Shores as he bolted off. In his hurry he forgot to open the glass door and ended up going through it, causing it to shatter. John managed to locate his friends immeaditly. "We're going. NOW." Panic in his voice. The two ponies exchanged a breif look before following John's lead out the exit. The trio barely made it past the bouncer and bolted out into the night. "What did you do bro?!" Leggos accused. "She touched me man!" John spat back, never slowing. After a few blocks they stopped in front of John's building, wheezing as the caught their breath. "Man, I forgot how introverted you were." commented Grindah. John responded the most dignified way he could, by throwing up and passing out. The two ponies sighed, "Just like old times eh?" They proceeded to drag Johns uncounscious form inside. ------------------------------NOTES: I went to a strip joint and got wasted to research this instillation. The things I do for you.

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-06-13T01:42:18+00:00

2012-06-13T01:42:18+00:00

An Azure Future Part 10 John Norris loomed over a snoozing Azure Wind, his shadow cast over the young pegasus. “Heh heh heh...” He laughed inwardly as he prepped his new super soaker. Lets see you if you sleep through your alarm again. I know I sure didn’t. Let’s give him one last chance. “Hey Azure!” There was no response. Time to super soak his shit. John pulled the trigger. A jet of water drenched Azure. The effect was immediate. “What the hay dad?!” John released another torrent. “Ease up dad! I’m awake! I’m awake!” Azure exclaimed while moving with a purpose out of his bed. John lit a cigarette and threw a faded black and red trimmed backpack at Azure. “You start school today. This is also the fifth and last time you’ve slept through your alarm. Unless of course you like being woken up with the super soaker.” Azure examined the backpack. It was of an obvious human design with two large straps for arms. “Dad. This is for humans. I can’t use this thing.” He noted while holding it as if it was contaminated. John snorted in response. “That is why it has straps you fool.” He adjusted the straps for a pony his size and placed the backpack on Azure. It fit well enough, but the design looked funny on Azure. John stifled a laugh, “Okay, I’ll get you some new saddlebags this weekend. But this’ll work for now.” “It’s actually surprisingly comfortable. I think I’ll roll with this.” Azure shifted the backpack around into a comfortable position. “Well thats good.” John took another drag of his cigarette. “Breakfast is on the table, c’mon down when you’ve dried off.” John turned and walked down the stairs. He plopped on the couch and turned on the TV. He flipped to the news. Another debate was on. Usually John would change the channel, but the identity of the debaters caught his attention. It was an old friend representing the HLF, known to John as Tall Guy back in high school, and none other than Grey Crusader representing the PER. John turned up the volume. “...There were no survivors.” The newspony beamed, ever happy to be spitting headlines. “Now we go to a live interview of The founder of the Human Liberation Front and the founder of the Ponfication for Earth’s Rebirth for their thoughts on the closing of all conversion bureaus and recalling of all the ponification serum. We go live to Mr. Frank Dunland your thoughts on this Frank?” “You will address me as Mr. Dunland.” The man shot a glare at the camera. “Sorry. Mr. Dunland, what do you think about the closing of all the conversion bureaus?” The newspony corrected. The man that John once considered a friend had a pleased look on his face. “As a representative of the H.L.F., I am quite pleased at the turn of events. Maybe now, between the founding of the International Human Survival Association and the halting of ponifications, the human race may once again take up their mantles as the owners and sole proprietors of Earth.” The smugness in his face and tone made John want to punch him square in the face. Azure had finally made his way down stairs, he grabbed the vegetarian breakfast and joined his father. “Whatcha watching?” he asked. “Two old friends go at it. Shhhhh.” John was immersed in the debate. The newspony was back on the television. “Well, good luck with that Mr. Groebirch. Now, Grey Crusader, can I call you Grey?” It switched over to a grey pony who had a victoriously waving white flag that had the latin word ‘Veni, Vidi, Vici’ in it on his flank that John was all too familiar with, who simply nodded in response. “Good. Now Gray, your group’s goal, if I remember correctly, is a complete character foil of the HLF. Consisting entirely of ponies, you aim to ponify and ‘cleanse’ humanity. What are your plans now that the conversion bureaus are closed and the serum recalled?” “Well Mr. Front Page, PER retains the ability to produce serum if we so choose. We will continue to cleanse the earth of its filth for its eventually rebirth at the hands of the goddesses. “So am I to understand that PER still has ponification serum?” The newspony replied. “No comment.” The reply was as simple as it was ominous. The newspony cleared his throat. “So any last remarks?” “Superabimus, we shall prevail!” The human exclaimed with passion. Grey just shook his head, respectfully declining. “All right, that wraps this up.In other news the human race now stands a feeble one millio-” The newspony started, before John shut off the television. Well fuck. He cracked his neck and sighed. He got up off the couch and grabbed his keys off the kitchen counter. “Come on son, once more to the truck-mobile. Then onwards to school.” John continued, not even bothering to check if Azure was behind him. The only confirmation he had was the sound of his hooves against the floor. The stairs were mostly empty, except for some of the staff, who were about their various duties. The pair went down at a moderate pace reaching the lobby in two and a half minutes. He walked outside and was greeted by a rare sight, an overcast sky. John noted the occasion but kept moving to his truck. He hit the unlock button on his truck fob, to which the truck chirped in response. They covered the rest of the short distance and John opened the driver’s door. Sitting down he leaned over and opened the door for Azure. “Hop in kiddo, I got candy.” Azure chuckled at poor joke, “You’re so silly.” Then jumped into the car. “So where are we going?” The young pony asked. “I told you, you’re going to school.” John replied while turned the keys in the ignition and the engine roared to life. “Well, duh. But where? Is it down the block? Other side of town? Whats the school called? Give me something to work with here.” Azure snapped. John put the truck in drive and started down the street. “Its about three miles from here, it’s called Valencia Park, which is where I went when I was your age. Its a nice little place.” He explained as the truck moved down the empty street, garnering looks from the various ponies on the sidewalk. For the first time. John didn’t mind it. The truck was silent, but only for a moment when Azure asked a troubled question, “What if none of the other ponies like me?” John had expected this. He recalled a speech his own father gave him long ago, whenever he needed advice. “Well boy-o, I’m going to give a speech that is an old Norris family tradition, passed down from father to son. Every generation adding to it. One day, you will tell it to your son and add your own bit. Here goes,” John cleared his throat. “If they don’ like you, that’s their own damn problem. You’re you. That’ all ya are and all ya can be. You can either embrace it, run from it, or fight it. You can also kill yourself, but if ya do that I’ll bring ya back to kill you again. Don’t be afraid to get into a scrap, but try words first for god’s sake. If it does come to a fight, be sure to win, or failing that, take it like a man and don’t give up till he’s done. Don’t go around starting shit neither, nobody likes an asshole who goes around starting shit. Its okay to be afraid. Stand on your own two feet. It’s not okay to let fear stop you. Being afraid and going on in spite of that is the definition of courage. As for recreational drugs, if you got to do it, don’t let it get in the way of life. If you love someone, go for it, disregard what others may say. Love is rare enough and precious in all forms. Don’t abuse the one’s you-” “Dad.” Azure interrupted. “What is it?” “I’m going to school. Not moving out.” John shrugged, “Tradition dictates I say the whole thing. Almost done anyways. Now where was I? Ah yes. Don’t abuse the ones you love. One last thing, never ever betray those loyal to you. There. You were that close. That betrayal bit was mine.” John hit himself on the chest at the mention of his contribution, obviously proud. “So what purpose does that speech serve besides killing time and advice?” Azure asked, sounding a little short. “Well you forgot about being nervous for starters, and second adding to that speech is the step to manhood in this family my little pegasus. Hold onto your ass!” John spun the wheel all the way to the left, throwing Azure against the door and causing the tires to squeal. “Holy hay!” Azure exclaimed while pressed firmly against the door. The truck pulled into the old school and into one of the many available parking spots. “We’re here.” The human stated simply. “I noticed.” Azure retorted while regaining composure. Azure looked out the window, all sorts of ponies his age were going in through the gate. His wings fluttered out and promptly returned flush. “Hey... Can you walk me to my classroom?” John pondered for a moment and then agreed, “Sure, why the fuck not?” He turned off the engine and threw open his door as the truck shuddered to a halt. He slammed his door, moved around the front and opened Azure’s door. The pegasus hopped out onto the cool blacktop. John threw the door closed. “C’mon kiddo, it’s this way.” John took the lead, going through the chain link gate. “Now you are in room twenty, which if I remember correctly is...” John hesitated a took a moment to familiarize himself with his old campus. “This way?” he pointed down the hall and to the right from where they stood. He double checked mentally. “Yeah. This way. Follow me.” John once again took point motioning for Azure to follow. He moved down the hallway and to right. A few doors down was room twenty’s propped open green door. John went into the room first, followed by Azure. The room had about fifteen desks and a teacher’s desk. A majority of the seats were taken. John was surprised to see a multitude of adult ponies in the classroom. He turned to the white board which had ‘BRING YOUR FATHER TO SCHOOL!!!’ Fuck. “Excuse me, but are you Mr. Wind?” The teacher, a yellow earth pony with a picture of chalkboard on her flank asked. “Uh... no. I’m John Norris.” John corrected. “Oh, but I thought you were Azure Wind’s father.” “I am Azure’s father.” John was confused for moment then it clicked. “This is obviously some sort of big cultural misunderstanding. I am John Norris, thats a human name, My son is a pony, so he has a pony last name in place of a hereditary one.” “Oh, I see. Well Mr. Norris, you can have a seat back there by Forest Mint. We will begin momentarily. Azure, why don’t you introduce yourself?” The teacher motioned towards the front. Azure looked to his father, who just shrugged and took a seat in the back. Azure shifted around a little bit. He swallowed then gave a shaky introduction, “H-hi, I’m Azure Wind. I live with my dad.” The entire class spoke in unison, “Hi Azure Wind!” The teacher instructed Azure to take a seat, Azure complied sitting next to a deep green unicorn filly with a lighter mane of the same color. The filly shot him a bright smile which he returned weakly. If John didn't know better he'd say Azure was blushing slightly. “John is that you?” Called an all too familiar voice. John turned to see his old friend, Cream Baker, better known as Grindah. “No shit. What are you doing here broseph?” He beamed. “The twins are mine.” He motioned toward two identical looking earth pony fillys. ‘No shit, you never told me.” “You never asked, now shhh. It begins.” The teacher walked to the front of the class and cleared her throat. The room fell silent and the teacher spoke, “Hello class, for the visitors and new folk, I’m Miss Shale Quarry I was born and a raised on a rock farm. I teach this class. Today is ‘Bring your father to school’ day. We will be having your fathers talk about what they do.” The teacher proceeded to take down a list of the other fathers names, John’s being the last. She called the first up. A very serious looking white unicorn with vanilla folder cutie mark stepped up to the front of the class. “Hello, I am Dawn Filer.” The deep green filly next to Azure acknowledged her father with a wave. “I am an accountant. I work with numbers, organize files, handle payrolls and do various other work to keep businesses running. Anypony have any questions?” The class was dead silent. Forest Mint shuffled in her chair and her father was a bit flustered. Shale Quarry called up the next one, An orange earth pony that looked like he could crush boulders with a half hearted buck, in fact that was his cutie mark. “Ah’m Stonebreaker. Ah work construction.” The earth pony drawled in a southern accent. “Questions?” Two hooves shot up. “You.” Stonebreaker pointed at a young orange pegasus. “What do you do in construction?” The pegasus asked. “Ah usually haul around beams and clear land fer development. Ah do what’s required of me though.” He answered. “Next.” The question came from Forest Mint whom John noticed Azure was just a little shy from full on staring at. John enjoyed an inward laugh at the sight. “What kind of things do you build?” “All sorts o’ things, playgrounds, bakeries, houses... Whatever needs built really.” He paused. “Anypony else got a question?” The class didn’t respond. “Okay then. Guess I’ll take a seat.” The earth pony moved slowly to a seat in the back. There were only three ponies left then it was John’s turn. The next one called up to the whiteboard was a Pegasus wearing a flight suit. “Hi!” He was bursting with energy, “I’m Blitz! I’m the captain of the local weather team!” The hooves of all four pegasi in the class instantly shot up. “Yes?” He pointed at Azure. This should be interesting. “Exactly what does your job entail given your leadership position versus a casual member of the weather team?” Azure asked. The well spoken question caught Blitz by surprise, obviously whatever he rehearsed did not entail such a question. “Uhhh, I mostly just either receive orders and give or pass them on to the weather team. I usually just pass on the orders from the mayor though...” The other hooves went down. Heh. The leader of the weather team walked back to the chair set up in the back, murmuring something about ‘a tough crowd.’ Shale Quarry called up the next father, a unicorn with a yellow coat and orange mane walked up to the front of the class. “Hello, I’m Aquis. I’m a firefighter at station two.” Once again a small collection of hooves shot into the air, Azure’s among them. “Yes?” He pointed at a pure white Unicorn filly. “Um, how many fires have you put out?” She asked nervously. “I’ve been involved in twelve large fires since arriving here from Equestria.” He answered.”Next question?” He asked openly. The next one came from jet black pegasus colt. “Have you saved anypony? Like from a fire?” He asked. The firepony looked lost in thought for a moment before he answered, “Three times. The last one was here. The other two back in Equestria. I... don’t really like talking about it...” There was a small awkward silence before Aquis spoke up once more, “Alright, one more question then.” He pointed at Azure, “Kid with the interesting questions.” “Um, yes. I have two questions. First off is the origins of your name, is it a derivation of aqua for water, or does it come from the greek mythos slash zodiac sign of Aquarius which means water carrier?” Aquis was about to respond when Azure shot of the next question. “Also, you said you originate from Equestria. Why, may I ask, did you leave to come here?” Azure finished. The orange maned Unicorn coughed twice into his hoof, “Um, I just like the way it sounds. I wasn’t aware that there were lines to be drawn. As for why I came out here, well, I’ve been here for two months and been involved in twelve fires. Back in Equestria I was only involved in one fire in the ten years I’ve worked there as a firepony. I was needed here more.” He answered solemnly. “Okay, can we have the next father up here? Mister Cream Baker?” The teacher spoke quickly interjecting the downcast looking firepony. “Hi, I’m Cream Baker and I run a baked goods shop called Top Goods. Are there any questions?” Grindah beamed. Only one hoof raised, one of the earth pony twins in the class. “Of course you would ask a question. Proceed.” “When are you going to teach me how to cook daddy?” The filly asked. “This isn’t the time sweetie, we can talk about this at home.” “But daddy-” The young filly whined. “No buts, last time you set the kitchen on fire. Your special talent is not cooking.” Grindah rubbed his face with his hoof. “Anypony else?” Silence. “Okay then. John, it’s your turn now.” He said while walking back to the seats. Before John could get up, Shale Quarry spoke up, “We have a very special guest today as you all know, we have a human in class today!” She turned to face John. “Mr. Norris? If you’d please?” She motioned towards the chalk board. John got up to his feet and made his way to the front of the class. He stood before a room of fourteen young ponies and six of their fathers. He cracked his neck from side to side, yawned, then stated, “Hello, I am John Norris. I used to play the stock markets way back when and became obscenely rich. I am now retired. Questions?” Thirteen hooves shot up. Shit. “From left to right, you first.” He pointed a beige earth filly. “How do fingers work?” The young pony asked. John was taken a little aback by the question. “Um. I do not really know how to explain it... I just use them.” He wriggled his fingers to make his point. The next question came from a unicorn filly. “What’s it like being soooo tall?” John laughed a little, “I’m not that tall by human standards, not by a long shot. I’ve seen plenty taller than myself. Next question?” It came from a jet black pegasus “Just how rich are you anyways?’ John coughed dryly “Ummm... I have about a few billion bits.” The looks of envy elicited from the response were absolute. There was a short moment of silence. “So, how’s about that there next question, eh?” “My daddy says humans are inherently evil. Are you evil?” Forest Mint asked with genuine curiosity. “Uhhh... Nooo...” John was little weirded out by the question. “Some humans are no doubt, but then again, so are some ponies. Now to you, the honey colored earth pony.” “Um, yes. So what do you do retired being so young and rich?” She asked a bit nervously. “Whatever I want really. I usually just kick back with my son. I have nothing stopping me or making me do anything.” He replied. “Next question?” The next two in line, cream colored earth fillies, counted off to each other silently then spoke in unison, “What’s meat taste like?!” they shouted. John grew a little scared at the nature of the question. Only Grindah’s kids... “W-well, it’s kinda bad unless you cook it. Then its pretty kick ass.” An eager looking pegasus spat out the next question, “Can humans fly?” “Not without a machine.” This seemed to make the pegasus sad. Okay? “Next question?” “Do humans really have fangs?” The unicorn asked. John opened his mouth and pointed to his canines in response. “Are you a member of the HLF?” A Unicorn colt asked. “No. Never ask me that again. Just because I’m human doesn't mean I’m a bad guy. I never hurt anyone on purpose.” John glared at the unicorn colt, who sunk down a little in his chair. “Next question.” “Uh, uhm, yes, Why didn’t you get ponified?” A unicorn filly asked. John paused for a moment. “Well, that’s... very personal. I’m sorry to say.” He spoke a bit nervously. The filly looked sad, John rubbed his arm, “Next question?” A pegasus pony with a mane and tail the washed form light blue to pure white asked John’s his next question.“So what was life like before ponies came?” “Now that's a good question.’ John admitted, “What’s your name kid?” “Wind Rapids.” “Well, Rapids, let me tell you of the time before contact.” John cleared his throat. “Once upon a time there was something not too unlike peace, yes there were wars and murders and thievery and all sorts of corruption. But there was relatively little. The air could be a bit sour, the food a bit nasty, but it was life. I grew up around humans and thought nothing of it, for that was all there really was. My dad was a cruel and bitter remnant of the war on terror.My mom was a sweet thing, a bit too soft spoken though. Life went on. Then AI’s came about, I was there as an investor when the first one was ‘born’. Within eighteen months the job market was shit. Crime was high. War was approaching faster everyday.” John paused for effect. “Then something happened. You lot showed up. Promising happiness and health and a paradise, all we had to do was become you. That’s more or less a brief look at things.” John shrugged on the last line. The class seemed taken aback. “So, last question then.” It was an earth pony filly, “Do you have a cutie mark?” John noticed she lacked hers, “Humans don’t get cutie marks.” “Then how do know what your special talent is?” The filly looked a mix between sad and confused. John shrugged for what felt like the hundredth time that day. “We just do if we ever figure it out. Any more questions?” The class seemed to have their thirst satiated. The teacher instructed John to move to the back of the class. He sat down and reclined in the seat. It was revealed that it was a short day today, due to some Equestrian holy day. John didn’t pay attention to what it was exactly. The teacher assigned some chapters in a book and released them shortly after. John walked over to Azure as he bid Forest mint goodbye. John motioned for Azure to follow him. The pair headed out the classroom door, “So, what’d you think of school Azure?” John asked of the young pony. Azure seemed to dwell on it for a moment.before answering, “It seems alright, this was my first day though, one occurrence does not make a pattern. So I can’t really judge.” John opened both of the truck doors and hopped in the driver’s seat as Azure did the same into the passengers. John started the truck and slyly posed a question, “So... Azure... Anypony catch your fancy?” Azure’s normally blue face was bright red. He started down the road to the apartment. “Aha! I knew it! You like what’s-her-face!” “Forest Mint.” Azure corrected. “Heh. Take it easy kiddo, I think she likes you too.” John leaned into his seat, reclining. The young pegasus seemed to light up, “R-really? You think so?” “If she doesn't she’s batshit insane. Crazier than your ol’ dad.” He smirked. “Why don’t you invite her and the rest of your class to your birthday party this Saturday. So how about it?” John pulled into his parking spot at the complex. “Alright.” Azure agreed. They got out of the truck and headed inside to the penthouse condo they shared. __________________________________________________________________NOTES: I know what John’s pony form is going to be, as well as how Azure gets his cutie mark and what it is now. No word on John’s though. Scratch that. Best part, some of you know how he looks but don’t know you know! Town is Fullerton, California. It may or may not have changed its name in the fic due to ponies. Deal with it. Cultural misunderstandings should be more common eh? What in the fuck is THAT? Is that CANON SHIPPING? In MY AAF?! But HOW? So we have Azure, Forest, Two unnamed Pegasi colts, one filly, earth pony twins three more earth ponies. then four unicorns (not including forest) I made a seating chart for ya’ll at the end. enjoy. I murdered myself over it. FOR YOU.

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-06-13T01:42:57+00:00

2012-06-13T01:42:57+00:00

An Azure Future 11 I apologize for formatting and various errors, as this was written on my phone. >stuff here is thoughts< John surveyed the living room. Everything was in order. There was a large table with every kind of sweet imaginable on display. A similar sized table was empty for the purpose of holding presents. A medium sized circular table held a cake which was a maginificent interpretation of the wind itself. The decorations around the room mirrored the artistry of the cake. When John hired the pink earth pony to organize the party, he was doubtful about his vision for it. Fortunately, those doubts were severely unfounded. It was a pity that the decorations had to be taken down by the end of the day. The patio outside was decorated the same as the interior, along with another long table covered with even more sweets. He unlocked his phone and checked the appointments. The party was scheduled to start in one hour. The entertainment to arrive in three. John sat upon his couch and flipped on his television. The news was on. John observed various reports of happenings in his changing world, though none caught his eye. Just new reports of the same things, HLF becoming IHSA. PER movements. The red plauge. John grumbled and turned the TV off. Any moment Azure would be waking up. As if on cue a sleepy pegasus came down the stairs, brushing his dark steely mane out of his icy eyes. "Impeccable timing Azure." John stood up and waved his hands around the room at the bright decorations. "What do you think?" The sleep left the young pegasus' eyes as wonder replaced it. "You set this all up?" "Well... no. I got the best equestrian party planner." John admitted, shrugging. Azure just luaghed in response. "I love it dad. Thank you." There was a small silence. "So what's for breakfast?" John stood up and stretched, "What ever you want kiddo, it's your day." Azure pondered for a moment. "How about we just eat some candy like cereal in our PJ's. Just visit, you know?" A weak smile creeped onto his muzzle at the warmth of the thought. John felt something inside him waiver. "Sure kid, That sounds nice." -------------------------- John and Azure sat next to each other, sharing the middle seat of the three cushion couch. The television was playing a nonsensical cartoon as the pair muched on super sugary chocolate flavored cereal. John wore an old pair of pajamas he got as part of his family's christmas tradition when he was seventeen. They were of simple design and color, but surprisingly soft to the touch. Azure had donned his Wonderbolt style pajamas. The pegasus leaned against the human as he munched on his cereal. The two sat silently, the crunching of cereal the only sound interrupting the tv. Moments passed. John broke the semblance of silence, "So how's things with that filly you got your eye on?" Azure almost swallowed his spoon. After a small series of coughs he managed to respond. "Luna's night Dad!" He choked out, still coughing. John stifled a laugh. "I was just wondering..." John scooped up a spoonful of cereal. "So who'd you invite to this shindig anyways?" Azure brightened up. "Oh! I invited Wind Rapids, Sugar dew and Sweetie cane, Blazing Star, Clay, he's new, and... Forest Mint..." His voice went quiet, barely above a whisper. "What was that last name now?" Azure spooned some cereal into his muzzle to postpone awnsering. "Well?" John prodded further. "Forest Mint." Azure sighed in defeat. John wore a sly smile in victory. "On another note, hows school going?" Finishing his bowl off. "Good I guess." Azure shrugged. "Ms. Shale Quarry says I'm doing really well, yesterday I passed a pop quiz. She was impressed because I wasn't there for most of the lesson. Then there's Jet Blaze and Cloudbreaker. They were making fun of Forest Mint, something about her dad. Anyways, I told them to stop it. They said 'Make us.'. So I did." Azure finished off his own bowl of chocolate cereal and guzzled the milk. "By the way, I have detention on Monday." He added. "Wait, what?" "I... sorta bucked Jet Blaze in the face..." Azure shifted his eyes downward. Then John did something Azure didn't expect to happen. He laughed. "Well shit, why'd you do that?" "When I told them to leave Forest alone, they did. Then they started making fun of me... about you... So, I kinda lost it and bucked Jet Blaze in the muzzle." Azure avoided looking at John, facing away. John patted Azure on the back. "Son," John started, breaking out the 's' word and getting Azure's attention, "I'm going to pass something on that my father told me after I got in my first fight. 'You have to stand up for your self or no one will.' There is no reason to feel bad. Hell, what you did deserves commendation." John beamed. "What was your dad like?" Azure asked, curious. John's left eye twitched in response. "He was a soldier. Through and through. Fought in what's now known as the Last Great War. When it ended he came back and settled down with my mom. He was tough on me. When my mother died, he was broken. After all he did, killing was his only way to solve problems. So he killed himself when I was seventeen. I would say I cried but... he was never a kind man..." John trailed off, lost in the memories. It was Azure's turn to comfort John. Azure hooves wrapped as far around the human's waist as he could, his steely grey mane brushing up against John's arm. "I think you're a great dad." John felt something stir that hadn't for years. Then his watched beeped. "Oh shi- its time to get ready. Go get dressed Azure." John started cleaning up the mid-morning mess. "You know we don't normally wear clothes, right?" ------------------------------------------------------------------ John had put on a pair of blue jeans, boots and one of his favorite graphic tees. He had come downstairs to answer a knocking at the door. He made his way across the living room as the weak knock came again. He opened the door, revealing the unicorn filly known to him as Azure's crush, Forest Mint, and a large grey pegasus with an eyepatch partially hiding a jagged scar across his eye. He snorted at John, "Are you sure you wish to stay at this human's place?" He said with noticable disdain. Then added, "Alone?" "Oh please Thunder Head, I'll be quite fine." Forest Mint groaned, rolling her eyes. "Then I shall take my leave. Do not hesitate to contact me if you’re in trouble." The pegasus then pounded his chest with his right hoof and bowed his head in some sort salute. He proceeded to fly out the nearest window. "Huh. Well come on in! Don't just stand in the hallway!" John beamed, inviting the green unicorn filly in. She proceeded to walk in levitating a gift behind her. "Where's Azure?" She asked as she floated the gift onto the table. As if on cue, Azure came down from his room. "I heard somepony come in! Who is-" he cut off mid sentence upon seeing his guest. "Oh." He stopped in the living room. "Hey Azure!" She trotted up and made the day memorable. She gave Azure a small kiss on the cheeck which proceeded to turn his blue muzzle bright red. "That's for helping me out yesterday, the teachers took you away before I could thank you..." She paused for a moment "So, um, thank you. I'll be checking out your snacks." She walked off towards the appropiate table. "Are you okay Azure?" John asked slightly concerened but mostly trying to keep from laughing. Azure shook his head violently and regained composure. He walked off to awnser the knocking at the door. "That's my boy." John said, laughing softly. Two identical earth pony fillies tackled Azure in a hug as he opened the door. "Happy birthday Azure!" They shouted in unision. "We got you a present!" In unison again. They released him from their coordinated attack hug, picking up their present from the hallway and setting on the table. They left behind a comically dizzy pegasus in their wake. After Azure regained composure yet again. The party started up proper. Azure put the music, some almost obnoxiusly happy beat, and started dancing. Azure danced and talked to twins, occasionally he even dared a word or two to Forest Mint. Checking the time, John noted that there was a little over hour until the entertainment arrived. He was about to get things started when there was a furious pounding at the door, accompanied by a voice. "Are you sure this is the right place? I don't even think this is the building." "We already checked the other building!" Another voice replied with a slight whine. John threw the door open in a sucessful effort to startle them. There was a white pegasus who was hovering in the air acommpanied by brightly colored unicorn levitating three gifts and an earth pony. "Ah told ya we shoulda came 'ere first." The earth pony colt spoke with a southern drawl. His coat was a shade similar to that of Azure's, but a decent bit darker. "You said nothing!" Shot back the pegasus. "Well, if you stopped to listen-" Started the unicorn. "Hey look guys, I got us here!" Shouted the pegasus over his freinds. Azure took notice of the commotion and troted over to greet his friends. "Hey Rapids, Star, Clay! You made it! What's up?" The pegasus put Azure in a playful headlock. "Of course we made it! I was leading!" Azure broke the headlock and laughed. "Hay, now I'm surprised you guys are even in the right state!" He prodded, eliciting a laugh from all but Rapids who sat on his flank with his forehooves crossed in response. "So where do I put these?" Asked Star floating up three wrapped boxes in question. "Right over here, c'mon!" Azure walked off motioning for them to follow. John felt a tugging at his blue jeans pants leg. "Excuse me sir, but ah'd like to introduce mah self. Ah'm Clay, Ah just moved from New Appleloosa. Pleased to meet ya." "Uhhh... likewise." John responded, unsure how to act. The response seemed to satisfy the young pony as he trotted off towards the party. Well, let's get this started before they get here. John picked up a megaphone and clicked the trigger. "WE WOULD LIKE YOUR ATTENTION!" He blared with the help of the megaphone. Simultaniously and immeadiatly the music schreeched to a stop and all eyes were on him. "THANK YOU." Clicking the megaphone to life once more. "IT IS THE TIME FOR THE CERMONIAL UNWRAPPING OF PRESENTS AND SERVING OF CAKE." He annouced, setting aside the megaphone. Azure walked up to the table containing five brightly wrapped presents and one with black wrapping paper from John. "Alright buddy, the floor's yours." Azure carefully examined the presents, deciding which one to open first. "Try to make mine last." John requested. Azure made his selection, the present from the twins. He tore into the wrapping with his hooves. How the hell do they grip things like that? He opened the box and pulled out a small plushie of a familiar form. It was Azure in a wonderbolt suit. "We made it ourselves!" The pair beamed. "Thanks guys, I love it!" Azure smiled with almost genuine enthusiam. Next on the chop block was Clay's gift. Azure made short work of the box and its wrapping. He lifted the lid and revealed a cowboy hat. "How do I look?" He asked as he slid the hat over his dark steely mane. "Ya look like uh real cowpony." Clay smirked. Wordlessly Azure opened Wind Rapids gift. It was a book on philsophy and its history entitled 'Obscure Thought and YOU'. The present was almost as curious as Azure's elation upon seeing the gift. "Oooo, I've been dying to read this! Thank you!" "No prob Azzy. I remember you talking about it, so it seemed a pretty obvious gift." Only two gifts and John's remained. Azure saved Forest Mint's for next, opting to open Blazing Star's present first. He took an odd amount of caution, slowly and carefully untying the bow. The moment the bow was off, the box exploded, sending the lid flying. "Sweet Luna! Next time a little less, yes?" The unicorn looked a little sheepish. Azure peered into the charred remains of the box, then turned it over, dumping out a large pile of ash. Azure glared at Blazing Star. "I'll use less magnesium next time, sheesh," the unicorn defended. Azure rolled his eyes and turned his attention to Forest Mint's gift. He opened it as normal but with a bit more reserve. It was a rose contained in a simple vase. Oh boy. "I saw it and thought of you." She spoke timidly while shying away. John noticed her gift looked excatly like her cutie mark. "Thanks. I love it." John couldn't dechipher the myraid of emotions in Azure's voice. One present remained, John's. Azure opened the untied, decorative box. With a look of disbelief, Azure lifted the contents up: An official Wonderbolt flight suit and a permenant marker. "Thanks Dad!" He cheered, his face lighting up. "No problem Azure." Only fifteen minutes remained. "Let's hurry up and get this cake served!" John announced. The gathering moved over to the large cake whose colors were based of Azure himself. In frosting that reflected his mane it proclaimed 'Happy Birthday Azure!' with eight candles framing it. John lit a match and ignited the candles. "Make a wish." Azure seemed to concetrate for a while then blew out all the candles. John proceeded to cut the cake and serve it up to all the guests. No sooner had everyone received their cake and John finished serving the entertainment arrived. The Wonderbolts were here. They annouced their arrival by way of a blinding flash. "Everyone to the patio!" he ordered needlessly, as they were heading out before he could finish. Three pegasi wearing characteristic blue flight suits with lightning bolts. Trailing behind them were dark storm clouds. They broke their chevron formation and started writing in the sky. With a unsupassed deftness the message was wrought. 'Happy Birthday Azure!' The trio then reformed and weaved in and out of each other pulling a tight loop at a high speed. As the show progressed the stunts became more complex and intricate. Then the trio seperated, taking equidistance spots in the sky. The began to sprial up and closer to each other. Once they were making body contact with eachother they dove down as a ball of lightning filled the sky. It was much better than the show he went to see, though significantly shorter. The wonderbolts swooped down and landed on the patio, removing their goggles. "I heard it was somepony's birthday!" Beamed the leader, Spitfire. She was flanked by Wildfire and Cirrus, who was filling in for Soarin on account of a broken wing. Azure looked like he was about to explode. He opened his mouth to say something but only emitted a squeak. "Are you alri-" Cirrus began. "Oh my gosh! Stay right there, be right back" blurted Azure before he bolted off, returning with John's gift. "Could you sign this?!" "Heh, sure kiddo." Spitfire took the marker in her mouth and scribbled her name on the suit. "So you wanna go for a flight?" Wildfire offered, striking a pose. Azure immediatly averted his eyes down. "I... I can't fly..." Cirrus and Spitfire shot her a look. John told them to avoid the subject, but apprantly she didn't read the memo. Thankfully, Spitfire came to the rescue. She placed a hoof on Azure's shoulder. "Hey, don't worry about it, I didn't learn to fly until I was ten. In fact, when you can fly, write us and we'll do a flight together." She comforted, to accuntate, she removed her goggles and put them around Azure's neck. Azure's mood did a one eighty. "Really?!" "Yep. Just be patient. You'll get it." Spitfire smiled. Azure started machine gunning questions like only he could. "How'd you become a Wonderbolt? How many times did you try to get in? How'd you make captain? How much do you practice?" "Woah, uhhh... Well I got in my second try by sucessfully pulling off my signature move, The Volcano. I got captain for knowing how to run the squad better than anypony else when the spot opened. As for practice... about four hours as a team. I practice an additional two on my own. Except for the day of and the day before a performance." Azure seemed satisfied, as he stopped asking questions. Cirrus nuged Spitfire and motioned that it was time to go. "Hey kid, it was fun meeting you and all, but we gotta bolt." Spitfire explained. "Oh, that's okay. I understand." Azure admitted, and with that the Wonderbolts left. "Man that was so awesome! Why didn't you tell me the Wonderbolts where coming?!" Wind Rapids gushed. "I didn't even know." Azure shrugged, wearing a smile that wouldn't fade for the rest of the evening. He turned to face John and gave him a hug. "Thanks dad." "No problem" John grinned. ------------------------------------- The party winded down after the Wonderbolts left and the guests went as they came. First was Azure's friends who bid him farewell til Monday. The twins left next. Once more Azure and Forest were alone. "I had a lot of fun Azure. Maybe we can hang out next Saturday?" Forest offered. Azure was still riding high from the party. "That sounds good. Hell, let's make it a sleep over. Can you come over Friday night?" Forest mint smiled, "Sure, I'd like that." There was a pounding at the door. "That's Thunder. I gotta go." Then, the second time that day, she leaned in and kissed Azure. This time, however it wasn't on the cheek. Azure's wings shot straight up. "See you later." She turned and exited the penthouse. "So... Azure?" "Yeah dad?" "Did you have a good day?" "Best. Day. Ever."

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-06-13T01:43:23+00:00

2012-06-13T01:43:23+00:00

An Azure Future pt. 12 John was flying over open fields, multi-colored ants, ponies, were down beneath him. There were pegasi flying lower than John, if by just a few hundred meters. John banked right towards abstract mountains with peaks that soared out of sight. I REALLY need to teach Azure... was the sole thought that passed through his head, an odd one with his present situation considered. John came upon the mountain, it was as contorted and as strange as it seemed from afar. He hovered at its side and craned his neck upward, straining to see the peak. The mountain rose out of sight. He stretched his wings and flew upwards. Time endless passed, the cloud floor seemed miles below. Then there was a nothingness, the world was black. All that remained was the never ending mountain and John. Untold ages passed as John finally reached the summit. Upon the mountain was a castle with a stylized sun and moon on it. The royal palace, John recognized, or at least A royal palace. John folded his wings and walked inside. Upon two thrones sat the twin goddesses of sun and moon. He bowed and they nodded acknowledging the act. “John, I have long wondered when I would see you.” The room shook as the white one spoke. After a few moments, the vibrations failed to diminish but instead began to grow in intensity. Colossal boulders fell from the roof as the palace began to collapse from the earthquake. John went into full panic, spinning in place and bounding for the exit as a large piece of the ceiling denied him his leave. John’s eyes dashed from side to side in a panic, searching for any way out. He looked back to where the divine entities sat but a few moments before, but was instead greeted by two empty thrones. He could swear he hear Azure’s voice in what seemed to be his final moments. Then John woke up. The first thing he noticed was he was being shaken quite violently. The second thing was that an all too familiar pegasus was severely violating his personal space. As he woke up more and regained audio processing, he felt the shouting. “Dad, c’mon! C’mon! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! She’s coming over TODAY! And we haven’t prepared AT ALL!” John begrudgingly regained his senses and checked his watch. “Azure, you have approximately five seconds to explain why in god’s name I am awake at five in the morning.” “DADFORRESTMINTISCOMINGANDWEHAVENTEVENGOTTENEVERYTHINGREADYANDIFSHECOMESANDITSLIKETHISWHA-” The pegasus machine-gunned, only to be cut off by John holding his muzzle shut. “Azure. She’s not due til six o’clock. In the afternoon. I am going back to bed. If you wake me up, I will give you immediate flight lessons by tossing you out the window.” John turned over and pulled the sheets over his head. A few short moments later, he was off to a dreamless sleep. Azure sat there for a few moments considering various options. After a while, he chose what seemed to be the best one. He wiggled under the blanket and curled up to his snoozing dad, taking care not to wake him, then proceeded to drift off on his own. _________________________________ The pair woke up at about three thirty in the afternoon, the early rising negating all previously gathered sleep. Mornings, if they could be called that, were usually silent affairs. John went to the bathroom and then proceeded to the kitchen, where he microwaved a precooked meal for himself. Azure came into the kitchen in time to see John snag a pre-made salad in a bag, and rip it in half over a bowl, pouring out the green contents. Azure sighed. It was going to be another one of THOSE days. Their meal passed silent and uneventful. “So, what in god’s name did you want to prepare anyways?” John ask as he policed the remains of the late breakfast. The pegasus ran an azure hoof through its dark steely mane as it puzzled over the question. “I... don’t really know. Maybe plan some stuff to do? I never had a sleep over before.” “Huh. No shit. Hmmm...” John trailed off into thought. “How about... some movies, a video game or two, maybe even something like truth or dare... I don’t know.” “Hm... That could work...” said Azure while tapping his muzzle. The pair were locked in thought until a furious rapping at the door interrupted them. The time was checked and grim news was delivered. It was four forty-two, Forest Mint had arrived. "Quickly, to the door!" John shouted as he mounted and jumped over the counter separating the kitchen and the living room. He bolted across the floor to the door and threw in open inwards. A familiar gray pegasus with an eye patch partially covering a scar over his left eye accompanying a forest green unicorn filly awaited him. "Is this young Azure's residence?" Thunder Storm leered at the human. "Uh, I guess you can say that..." Thunder snorted, “I will be leaving Lady Forest at this residence for her planned ‘sleep over’ with young Azure.” The battle scarred guardian intensified his glare. “If any harm comes to her, HUMAN, nothing good will come of it. I assure you.” “Oh c’mon Thundie, give it a break.” The filly interjected. Once more, the pegasus snorted. He then proceeded to do what was either a deep nod or a shallow bow and took his leave. The unicorn filly was noticeably absent of any kind of luggage. I guess they don’t need extra clothes... “Hey Azure, what are we doing first?” Forest mint asked seductively, walking by Azure and brushing her tail underneath his muzzle. The simple action sprung Azure’s wings all the way up as they quivered in place. What is WRONG with this filly? “I-uh, I... have... uh...” Azure stammered, trying desperately to to regain control of his stiff wings and blushing furiously. Forest giggled, not helping Azure’s situation at all. “How about we watch some cartoons, hm?” “That uh, that sounds... nice.” Azure was finally regaining control of himself. “So, I guess I’ll leave you kids alone then. If you need me, holler. I’ll probably check up on you from time to time throughout the night.” John informed, before turning and going upstairs. He went up the spiral staircase and into his personal room. He booted up his computer and the security system. On one monitor he had the internet, on the other the security system output. Azure and Forest were watching cartoons. Seemed innocent enough. John zoomed in and enable audio. “...is that scary dude with you all the time for?” Azure asked over the cartoon. “Hm? Oh Thunder Storm? He’s just my body guard.” Came the dismissive awnser. This of course only confused Azure further. “Why in Luna’s name *chrzt* -odyguar- *chrzt*?” “Shit!” Johns audio was cutting out. He played with the wires and when that failed, he checked the software. >Dammit. It’s the hardware. Bah, I'll get it in a moment.< John turned to the other monitor and started browsing the news. >Let's see... Tabloid bullshit, tabloid bullshit, tabloid bullshit... 10 ways to get a firmer ass... fuck man, no wonder why ponies are getting so many sign ups. We do stupid fucking shit.< John typed in the url of site dedicated to the more serious side of news. >HERE we go. 'Two killed in HLF attack on Bureau' 'Despite threats renowned cellist announces third tour in US' 'Break-in at conversion Bureau, prototype zebra potion missing' 'HLF Reports mass Kidnapping' 'Mysterious jail break at HLF HQ. Hero Remains Unnamed' Heh, sweet. 'One man walks in, Six ponies walk out. The amazing story of Thomas Thail' What in gods name? Sounds stupid.< John refreshed the page to see if anything new had come in. Sure enough in big scarlet letters: 'BREAKING NEWS!: IHSA SAN DIEGO HUMAN STRONGHOLD ATTACKED BY PER WITH WEAPONIZED POTION!' John clicked immediately. "DAAAD!" a voice wailed from downstairs. John swore under his breath; he'll have to read it later. >Fuck, San Diego is a just a short ride south of here...< He thought as he went down the stairs, the broken security audio forgotten. "What ya need Azure?" John asked, a little annoyed. "Can we talk in the kitchen?" The pegasus asked, looking pleadingly up at the human. John sighed. "Alright. Fine." The azure colt jumped off the couch elicitin a look of half curiousity from the filly accompanying him. Once in the kitchen Azure started flipping out. "HOLY SHIT DAD, SHE SAID SHE LIKES ME! WHAT DO I DO?!" John blinked a few times, dumbfounded. "What did you do?" "I called you!" Azure exclaimed. John's hand met his face. "What is WRONG with you? GET IN THERE AND MAKE OUT! Before its too late!" John picked Azure up and tossed him carefully into the living room. The colt made his way over to the couch, shaking the whole time. He jumped up on the couch. "Uh... Hey, Forest..." The deep green unicorn filly took the nervous colt by surprise and cyan was made as blue met green. Azure pushed back after inital shock left. The kiss lasted a moment longer before they parted. "Took you long enough." Good for Azure but damn if she doesn't work fast. they’ve only known each other for about two weeks. I’ve heard a lot about how ponies are ‘better’ but I never thought relationships was part of the deal. Or maybe its just her. I’m definitely going to have to look into this later... Maybe the PER attack is on the news, I should check. John walked into the living room and sat on the opposite side of Azure. "You two lovebirds mind if I put the news on?" The two were lost in each other. John changed the channel. Just as he hoped, the article he saw upstairs was on TV. "We are now on scene where the group PER has utilized an aerolized form of ponification serum to forcibly convert the west coast IHSA stronghold!" There behind the unicorn reporter was San Diego University covered in a thick purple crowd. The area was alive with commotion and spectators. The pony counterparts of firemen, police, and various other emergency were running about doing god knows what. The news caught the attention of the ponies on his couch. John thought he heard Forest murmur something. She seemed worried about something. “The western US installation of the International Human Survival Association has been reported to contain about ten thousand humans. All of whom have been victimized this evening.” The newspony had a genuine look of concern, worry and horror. "This coming in, Princess Celestia is going to speak on this attack! We go live to Canterlot." The screen now displayed a familar royal visage upon the balcony of which she made a majority of her speeches. "My little ponies and remnants of the Human race, I am here before you today due to the genocide committed by a terrorist organization comprised of our own people." The alicorn wore an ageless, undefinable expression. "Ten years ago, our kind extended a helping hoof to the human race. They had war. They had most of their own kind starving and impoverished. Asking a human for what to us are simple generosities would more often end in violence than kindness. Pollution was beginning to choke their world. “We offered them solace when they needed it most. We offered to take away their poverty, their war, their overly violent nature, and heal their planet. But sadly, mankind was found to be incompatible with the magicks inside Equestria. “We were determined to save our neighbouring sentient species despite this. If they could not survive as humans, perhaps they could still survive... as one of our own. We worked hand in hoof with them to create ponification serum in hopes of a better future for mankind. “Today, the purity that the serum held has been vandalized. Today the choice that was always upon the humans was taken away from ten thousand nine hundred sixty three of them in the greatest act of terrorism ever known to us. The serum was weaponized, aerolized and without any sedative, and some did not make it trough the conversion process, while others suffered from dreadful mutations and defects. A heartbreaking majority were rendered mentally unsound from the process.” The ageless monarch’s face shifted from a sadden expression to one John nor the rest of the world had yet to see on the princess, an expression of pure fury. “It is for the victims of this attack that I, Princess Celestia of Equestria, herby swear that the all members, former or current, of PER shall know no mercy nor peace, and that they WILL be brought to justice!” The TV switched back to the newspony who continued to cover on-site. John changed the channel back to Azure’s cartoon, some action filled filth with no real plot called Yellowstone. “Well, shit.” An expected response from the unexpected source of Azure. “Azure! Watch your language!” John shouted as fatherly as he could. “You cuss all the time!” Was the retort. “Azure, we both know its far too late for me, save yourself.” The only other being in the room was being oddly silent. A fact noticed by Azure, "Hey, are you alright Forest?" He asked putting a hoof on her shoulder. Forest looked around, everywhere except John and Azure. "I.. I'm alright... I'll be fine..." "Cool, I'll get some snacks and show y'all a real cartoon." John proclaimed a he turned to the kitchen. He rifled through the drawers and grabbed some vegetarian snacks and a bag of beef jerky for himself. Azure met his father on the way back to the couch. "Dad, I think she's actually in some emotional turmoil." "What? You heard her, she's fine. Don't worry about it. C'mon, it adventure time." John finished his journey to the living room. Upon returning he booted up the old Blu-Ray player and inserted a disc. "This was my dad's favorite when he was young and one of my favorites too." The disc booted and the cartoon played. John slouched out of relaxation into the couch on its right most seat. "What am I watching?" Azure asked, slightly disturbed. "Adventure." "That dosen't awnser the-" "No buts, ADVENTURE." "I didn't even say-" "Ad. Venture." Having long ago realizing the futility of ever debating anything with his father using real logic, Azure gave up. John was John. Instead he leaned against Forest. "Sorry, my dad gets a little weird sometimes." There was no reply. "Are you worried about your dad?" This time a slight nod. "He'll be fine, don't worry about it." A faint smile. "Thanks Azure. I needed that." The deep green unicorn relaxed and went back to enjoyin the date, regardless of the unexpected intteruption. There was a furious rapping at the door, one that would be associated with anger, panic, or eccentricity of the person at the door. John, Azure and Forest all turned at the queer sound with a single simple collective thought: >Who?< The rapping came again, harder and faster than before. This time however, it was accompanied by a someone shouting, "Open up! Forest! Its your dad!" >I know that voice...< John got up with a look as if he had just entered the twilight zone. He walked to the door. The persistent pounding of fate itself came once more, more savage than before. John opened the door of destiny. There on the otherside of the doorway was an all too familiar gray unicorn. The world froze in place for the pair. "Gray." "Norris."

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-01-14T22:23:05+00:00

2012-01-14T22:23:05+00:00

An Azure Future part 8 Yeah. This fic again. It never ends. LSD, ALICORN SPIDERS AND CAPTAIN AMERICA EDITION John Norris stared at the building in front of him that boasted its purpose, the headquarters of the human liberation front. A more prideful bunch of madmen has never before been gathered in such multitude before and quite likely never again... The human noted to himself. He grabbed the rope from the bench in the truck, pausing to prepare himself mentally for what he had to do. "Hey Azure, I'm going to need you to take this aphrodisiac and tie you up. If you wake up, don't give us away." John informed Azure. "What." The young pegasus stated more than asked. “At least I think they are aphrodisiacs... Aphrodisiac’s are sleeping pills right?” John asked himself, fiddling with the drugs in question “You can’t be serious...” “I’ll get you an official Wonderbolt flight suit.” Azure contemplated for a few moments. “Aw hay. Give it here.” John handed Azure the pills who looked at them for a moment before ingesting them. Approximately four minutes passed. “Hoooly haaaaay. Everythings sooo...” Azure staggered to the left three steps and then to twice to the left. “Dad. When did you join the Shadowbolts? How could you betray me like that?” John got a little concerned. “Are you alright Azure?” “dot dot dot...” “Okay. You happen to be an in area I have experience in. You are obscenely high.You need to be unconscious.” Azure jumped five feet in the air, “Holy shit, did you see that alicorn spider?!” “Azure.” “Oooooooooh myyyyyyyyyyyyyy celestia.” John took a hold of Azure and made makeshift blindfold out of an extra shirt he had packed.”Azure, try to sleep it off and for God’s sake keep quite.” The human carefully tied up his son making sure not to cause discomfort. This is so bad... Little guy’s probably having the time of his life. he thought to himself. He took a deep breath, prayed to whatever God there may be, and walked across the street, into the HLF Headquarters. John pulled the door open, which gave more resistance than expected. As he stepped inside with the young pegasus tripping balls slung carefully over his shoulder. The lobby was not too unlike that of his home’s, outside of being smaller and much more empty. Pretty desolate for being the HQ of one of the major players in these final days. A young man with a wild look who sat at the desk stopped playing with his Rubik’s cube to raise an eyebrow at John. “Can I help you?” He asked seeming annoyed that he actually had to do something on his shift. John paused for a moment, “Uhhh... I found this one... uh... snooping around? I captured him, where do I put ‘im?” There was a complete lack of confidence in his voice. The wild looking young man either didn’t notice or didn’t care as he went back to his Rubik’s cube. “Its down stairs, third basement level. Put him an an empty cell for interrogation later.” He explained non-chalantly. That was much easier than I thought. John made his way to the stairs, and proceeded down them. He opened up the door to find what looked like an old time prison that’d you’d see in the movies. Expect it had a distinct office feel, courtesy of the cubicles. Even more shocking then the HLF dungeon was who was there: No one. This is starting to seem a mite too easy... not that I can do anything about it. Okay, there has to be a rooster, or a list or chart or something of who’s in what. John set Azure down in a chair in one of the cubicles, who appeared aleep. Poor kid must’ve really been tuckered out. Well, I did give him LSD, thinking it was an aphrodisiac, which I’m still pretty sure means sedative. That’s going be hard as shit to explain to child services... Man, I’m like the worst parent sometimes. “DAAAaaaAAAd, why are crying?” Azure giggled. Guess not. “Azure, you can’t see. You have a blindfold on. It should pass in about four hours.” John sighed. “But I can see! He rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. My physical eyes may be gone, but they have been replaced! I have been blessed with sight in a third eye I can see into your mind, and you are crying.” Azure spoke rapidly and unsure, seemingly on the verge of mad laughter. Goddammit. John stopped rummaging through the front desk. “Azure. You are on drugs, not chosen by God, or Celestia or what have you. Now please be quite so we don’t get caught.” Azure was smiling like a madman, but silent. John looked the desk over, He found a map with cell numbers and prisoners. Lets see, Cell 16: For quitting the internet three times a day: King Of Gets | Cell 15: For going against God: Smittons Cell 14| For Impersonation a famous pony and being generally drunk: VodKaRoo | Cell 13: For silliness: Anonsi | Cell 12: High ranking pony: Midnight Shadow | Cell 11: For atrocities against writing and fracturing human emotions: Videomaster | Cell 10: For general stupidity and overall horribleness: Krass McWriter | Cell 9: For betraying the human race: Rose | Cell 8: For being a pony: Windchaser | Cell 7: For Using magic on a human child Erac | Cell 6: For quitting Lightsdieluc | Cell 5: For founding foreign conversion bureaus: Purple Prose | Cell 4: for never finishing and giving out really short parts Sonic | Cell 3: For biological warfare Sir Issac Johnington | Cell 2: For never updating even on status: Mush | Cell: 1 For creating music to convince others to get ponified: Leggos. Bingo. John made his way to cell one. Aw fuck. Its electronically locked. John looked around for the switch. It was nowhere to be seen. “Are you looking for something father?” Azure spoke delicately. “Azure... I’m out of things to say. Shoot.” John gave up. “Its the desk. The whole desk. Flip it.” “What?” John asked puzzled. “The Alicorn spider told me.” He stated. John decided it was best not to respond and just comply. He made his way back to the desk and kicked it over. Then all hell broke loose. Alarms started going off and all the doors slammed open. Well, fuck. I probably don’t have more than a minute. John threw Azure over shoulder and sprinted to the first cell. There, unconscious and laying in the cell was an earth pony with a fuchsia coat and a rusty colored mane. He had an acoustic guitar on his flank. John hesitated a moment, then he made a decision. “Azure, I need you to walk by yourself. I’m going to take off your blindfold.” “They brought a blind man to The Lord and asked him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and brought him outside of the village. Then he spit on his eyes, placed his hands on his eyes and asked, ‘Do you see anything?’ Regaining his sight he said, “I see people, but they look like trees walking.” Azure paraphrased as John removed the blindfold and untied him. The pegasus was set down. “Azure, this we have angry men with guns on their way down here. I sorta left the rifle in truck, and only have the knife.” “But its a magic knife. You just have to believe!” Azure exclaimed, his pupils were all that was visible of his eyes. John heard heavy footsteps. He took a quick look around, scanning the room for anything he could use. He spotted a metal trashcan lid. He picked it up and drew his gravity knife, holding the combination as a sword and shield. “Azure, stay close and don't wonder off.” John took a deep breath a swallowed, then he charged up the stairs shield first with Azure following. The red light gave everything an eerie glow. The footsteps were growing louder as John’s own footsteps thudded loudly against the steps. There were three men with guns just a few steps ahead of him. Before the could lift their weapons, John pushed through them, using the trashcan lid as a shield. “Azure, ya there?” John verbally checked as he continued to rush up the stairs. “Right behind you and the Alicorn Spider! When did you become Captain America? Can you get on of the other Avengers to teach me how to fly?” Azure shot back in response. “Azure, now is NOT the time!” John shouted back. He had reached the ground floor, he had a fatal funnel, about forty meters of open area and linear danger area. John was in deep shit. “Azure. I’m going to bust through this door. If something happens, keep running to the truck. I have instruction in the center console. “One...” John started. “Two...” John’s heart was stopped dead. He kicked the door, which slammed open. He charged towards the exit, trash can lid first. There were HLF combatants wait who fired at john without hesitation. Much to John’s surprise, the makeshift shield held up under fire. John let out a barbaric yell and charged, makeshift shield in front and the Luftwaffe gravity knife out and tight to his right. He pushed trough the hallway, making sure to incapacitate the HLF soldiers so he wouldn’t get shot in back. For the first time in his life he thanked his father. John clocked one of the HLF with the trash can lid, rendering him unconscious. He looked around. The hall was clear. He put away the knife and searched the soldier, finding a small automatic with three clips and two grenades. “Daaad. The Alicorn spider says we should go now. Or else bad things will happen.” Azure spoke nervously.” “Azure. Just...“ John stumbled on the words then just sighed, ”Whatever. Lets go.” John moved to the end of the hall pausing to prep the grenades and toss them in the lobby. John rushed in as he heard them go off. He charged through the smoke and debris filled lobby, firing blindly at anything that moved. He busted out of the door like a bat out of hell, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He threw the arm with the makeshift shield behind him as he charged towards his goal. He slid the fuchsia pony off of his shoulders, preparing to throw him inside the truck. After about ten meters of dodging bullets John threw open his truck tossed in the fuchsia coated pony in the back, his head slamming against a door. He started the car as Azure hopped in, looking as if he hadn’t a care in the world. He threw it into drive and as he squealed off, he caught a bullet in his left arm. John swore profusely and Azure giggled, “You’re it!” John wordlessly put the truck on auto, pulled out the old German knife once again and stabbed himself in the bullet hole. He grunted in pain. He twisted and flicked the knife, removing the bullet. He took some bandages and wrapped the wound. John let out an exhausted sigh as the adrenaline left his body. “Ima... take a nap...” “May Luna bring you dreams sweeter than a cool summer night.” Azure beamed in return, as he stared off into the distance. John yawned as he looked around the cabin of the old truck. He dwelled for a moment on Azure and his old friend. He smiled at the young pegasus who was staring out the window. Then he sighed one last time as he drifted off to sleep. ____________________________________________________________NOTES: That was bad and I should feel bad. AN AZURE FUTURE PART 10. Azure woke up to the sound of his blaring alarm. He hated that alarm with a burning passion. The pegasus swore vengeance upon all thing that beep. He made his way down stairs where his father and some scottish dude were passed out on the couch. They made all sorts of weird noises last night. It worried Azure. He hugged his Soarin throw pillow til he passed out from exhaustion. Azure sighed at the scottish mans nudity. He made his way to kitchen and poured some wonderbits©, the wonderbolts official breakfast cereal, into a bowl of DIAMONDS that john bought when he was drunk. Azure was still hungry, so he at the box too. Azure was going to wake up his dad, but he was under a naked human. And naked human germs are of the worst sort. Instead he rearranged the furniture and the surround sound system. Then he plugged in his dad’s MP3 player and blasted some five years of broken glass. When nothing happened he tried to push the couch out the window, but lacked the strength. So he went upstairs and grabbed a pointy stick. He had no idea why John had a pointy stick, but he was going to use it. He went back to the living room and saw that the naked scot was missing.This troubled Azure. He did not like strange men running around naked. Even more so when it was in his house. Azure turned to the sound of two drunken stomps. There the naked hairy scot was standing, his manhood fully out. “Ah assume ye ar da wee pony tha i john’s sun? Ah’m McDrunk!” “You are naked.” “Nye, Ah’m scottish.” “Yo dick be out sonny.” The scottish man looked down. “Why, would ye lookit dat!” “I’d much rather not...” Then John was a pony. But he wasn;t an pegasi. Instead he was a filthy earth pony. So he flew out the window. Azure grew up and got into the wonderbolts by sucking off the leader and substantial bribes. Later they got married. then John was a tree for no reason. the end. ______________________________________________________________NOTES: Never again. Pt 10 for real will be done whenever. 100% non-canon

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-06-13T01:44:18+00:00

2012-06-13T01:44:18+00:00

An Azure Future Part 13 The Final Chapter Its not whether or not you know the destination, but if you enjoy the journey. I'd like to take the time to thank each and everyone of you who has put up with my shenanigans throughout the writing of this fic. Its been real fun getting to know all of you! I hope you have enjoyed reading as much as I have writing. Though I doubt it. I was drunk half the time. ********************* John stared intently at the grey coated white maned unicorn on his doorstop. This was the pony that had tried to steal Azure, the pony who was hellbent on removing his race from existence. He remembered the last time he was face to face with this pony. He was strapped down and about to be forcibly ponified. "Long time no see." John seethed. "Move aside skin bag. I'm here for my daughter." Grey Crusader growled. "First things first, you organized that attack didn't you?" John leered at the pony before him. "Yes I did, what's it to you?" The was no remorse in his tone. "You are without a doubt the most wanted man in the world. Top of Celestia's list and every single human's. You took the ponification potion and weaponized it. You forced what should be a choice upon thousands of people." It was hard to decipher his emotion. "And?" "And, I may regret this, but I need a favor from you." It was resignation. "Oh, do you now?" Grey smirked. "I think this is a conversation better held in more..." he waved his hoof around as if he were searching for the right word, "...private areas." John begrudingly stepped aside, letting the fugitive into his home. "Daddy!" The green filly cried in an attack hug. "You're alright!" John knew by now that Grey was the filly's father, but seeing the kind, almost too friendly foal hug Grey was an odd sight indeed. "Of course I'm fine, sweetie." "But they were talking about your work on the TV and Celestia herself is overseeing your capture and-" Forest machine gunned. She was cut off by her father with a gentle embrace. "Its okay honey," he said softly, he then glared at John, "I think I found a way out." "What's he talking about dad?" Azure asked, catching on. "Azure, go play." John deadpanned. "Me and Mr. Crusader have some business to discuss." "I think you should accompany Azure, Forest." Grey dismissed his own child. "When ya need to talk about it..." Azure trailed as he sulked off to his room, accompanied by Forest. Once their respective offspring were out of ear shot, John and Grey began their bartering. "So, you want to be the little pony eh?" Grey smirked. "Be serious." John snapped in response. "Heh. I am no idiot, you want a service I can provide and I believe you can help me with my... situation." "Name it." John stated. "E-Excuse me?" The unicorn stammered, taken aback by the unexpectedness and bluntness of it. "You heard me." His temper rising. "Name it." The PER leader regained his composure, "You know, a blank check isn't the best way to get what you want from a negotiation." "What I WANT," John was uncharacteristically calm for the given circumstance, "is to raise my son. The barrier's growing. Flying lessons or not, I'd have at best three years. Realistically, eight to fourteen months. And that's not accounting for its random growth spurts. I'm all he has left." "'The Beast slain by love' eh?" John glared at Grey. "Now, now. No need for that. As for my price Mr. Norris, listen closely." If John acknowledged him, he didn't show it. "I have three things I require. First, I am going to assume you are indeed rich and influential. You are going to use this to help me escape the wrath of Celestia. >Help to escape the wrath of a supposedly immortal being that some believe to be a goddess...? that's going to be a hell of a trick.< "Second, you are to impart ten million bits to the cause. You will also help the cause as needed as a member." The prospect of actually joining the insane stallion on his crusade to eliminate all mankind was both foreign and unwelcome. John gritted his teeth and reminded himself of his purpose. "Third, you are to help us launch the attack on Fort Stillwater. Our transportation is... indisposed at the moment. You will drive us there. Once we are finished, you will help us escape. Upon returning to the headquarters you will have your prize." John was silent. He would be betraying his species. Marked a terrorist. Help the greatest villain of the century get away Scott free. "Where do we start?" Grey smiled. "Let's get those bits and then get me out of here." John led the way up. Past Azure's shut door, into his own room. "Turn around." John instructed Grey. "Excuse me?" "Just because you have secured some reluctant favors does not mean I'm about to let you know my code." "Fair enough Mr. Norris." Grey complied. John punched the code into the keypad and the false wall slid away out of sight. John entered the room stacked with bits. Over a period of several minutes, he counted out the required sum by the stacks of thousand and piled them outside of the entrance. "There. Now how do you plan on getting this out of here?" John gestured towards the sizable pile. Grey just gave John an odd look and tapped his horn. "The transportation of inanimate objects is foal’s play." His horn glowed with grey light as did the pile. Then it disappeared. "Now how do YOU plan on sneaking me out of here?" John paused for a moment and pondered. Then a wicked smile crossed his face. "Follow my lead." John made haste to Azure's room and kicked the door open upon an odd scene. Forest Mint had Azure pinned to his bed and was inches away from the young colts muzzle. "FOREST?!" Her father bellowed. "D-Dad! Uh, its not what it looks like!" The filly defended, removing herself from the nervous looking colt. "Damn. Your daughter works FAST." John stated. "What's THAT supposed to mean?!" Grey turned to John furious. "I'll have to show you the video later. Its fucking hilarious. Your filly was damn near presenting herself to Azure earlier." John chuckled. "You RECORDED that dad?!" Azure exclaimed, to which John just shrugged. "We are going to have a talk later little missy." Grey glowered at his daughter. "Okay kiddies, off the bed. Grey, hop on." John orderd. Once he sat alone on the bed, Grey asked, "I fail to see what y-" He was cut off by john suddenly snatching up the corners of the comforter and gathering them up into a bundle in a move he made once before. "Trust in the power of the sack, inexperienced one." He smirked. "What the hay are you doing?!" The PER leader and founder struggled against his makeshift prison. "You told me to sneak you out. This is me sneaking you out. Now stop making so much commotion." John explained. "I am a pony of prestige and respect! I refuse to be subjected to such barbaric measures and I fail to see how this could possibly work!" Grey complained. "Well, for better or worse the tenants of this building have come to expect a good deal of eccentricities from yours truly. Also, I own this building so they can fuck themselves." The pony in the sack was oddly silent for a few moments. "You are truly mad." John ignored the comment. "Azure, grab your female and let's go." "'His female?!" Apparently Forest would be having none of that. "Holy hell, we can work this out later, let's go. Azure, Forest, follow me." John kicked the door open and tromped down the stairs. "AWAAAY!" The filly and the colt just looked at each other for a moment, confused, before finally shaking their heads in disapproval and following. The group consisting of a human, a sacked unicorn, a young unicorn and a pegasus colt made their way awkwardly out of the penthouse condo. They were stopped by a light green earth pony. "Hey John!" It beamed. "Jo- I mean Breezy, this isn't the time. I'm kinda busy right now..." John tried to dodge. "Did you see the news?! PER is carrying out attacks on the human race all over the globe man! You’re, like, the last human on the West Coast! Maybe the world! Hey, what's in the sack?" John scanned the area and found nothing. He busted out his fallback, "HEY LOOK, A DISTRACTION!" John pointed behind the pony and bolted towards the stairs the moment he turned, Forest and Azure following closely. They screamed down the stairs, Grey's sack bouncing against John's back and the walls every time they turned a corner. John stopped about two thirds of the way down, panting heavily. "I... think we... lost him." "John." Came a muffled voice from the makeshift sack. "Yes?" "Could you do me a favor and BE MORE GENTLE?!" The unicorn shouted. "Shouting will get you nowhere. Except caught. Now pipe down boy-o." John lazily formed the words. He shifted the sack as Grey muttered something intelligible. Probably insults and swears. The group finally descended the final flight of stairs and exited into the lobby. Once more their smuggling effort was interrupted by social nuances. "Hello, Mr. Norris!" Cheered the receptionist, Sweetie Pop. A confused look crossed her face once she saw John towing a large comforter over his shoulder like a sack. "What's with the blanket Mr. Norris?" "Its just the world's largest shit bag, wanna see?" John smirked as he leaned into the counter. He could've sworn he heard Grey murmur a death threat under his breath. "Uh.. N-no... I'm quite alright..." she shied, going back to the computer in front of her. "Well, then, I'll carry on my merry way." John beamed before turning and exiting the building. The group crossed the lit street to the parking complex where John kept his truck. He unlocked the truck and tossed the sack inside. A very angry unicorn burst out. "What the horsefeathers Norris!" Gray seethed. "I got you down unnoticed, what more could you ask for?" John shrugged. "Oh I don't know... How about not slamming me into walls and tossing me around?!" "That's your own damn problem. What did you expect when you let me make the plan? To use my secret emergency escape route?" John shot back. "We have a secret escape route dad?" Azure asked as he hopped into the passenger seat. "Since when?" He asked as he situated himself. "Since forever. I'll have to show it sometime, its really cool. You'd dig it." John beamed as he got behind the wheel. Forest climbed into the back and was trying to calm her father out of his nigh uncontrollable rage. "So ponydude, how do I get there?" John asked. Grey swallowed his rage the best he could, though his voice was still trembling with it, "Its not far... just at the old junior college." "Really? FJC? That's about an eight minute drive from here. Why there of all places?" John queried as he started the engine and put it drive. "It was abandoned and convenient. Has buildings and areas suitable to our needs. And it was close." The truck had rolled out of the parking complex and unto the street. John drove slowly as much of the town walked about the street with moving cars being quite a rare sight. The truck garnered looks from the few ponies about at night. "So, basically 'because'?" "Sure. 'Because'." Grey gave to John's illogical approach to debates. The rest of the way was silent. John arrived at the old junior college after a short drive. The truck unloaded. "Follow me, I know the way." Grey lead the group out of the complex and onto the campus. It wasn't long til they came across the first pony of many. An earth pony whose eyes went wide with shock. "Grand Master Crusader! You escaped!" He bowed. John was taken a little aback. >No wonder why Grey is pissed at my escape. He's the Grand Master of PER, it must've been a hellava blow to his pride. One of the few to escape the PER and from their leader no less. Never thought about that before...< "Squire, take me to Grand Knight Pathfinder, I found us a way to Fort Stillwater." Grey commanded. "Right away Grand Master!" The Earth pony turned and began to trot away, the group followed closely. It was a silent journey. John noticed looks of respect and adoration directed at Grey. It wasn't long until the earth pony leading the group stopped in front of the library. "He is inside Grand Master, in the observation deck with Grand Knight Cross, Grand Knight Silence, and Grand Knight Whisper." The pony bowed out of the way. "Thank you squire." Grey dismissed. His horn lit up dully as he grabbed the wood and glass doors magically. "Welcome to the PER Knight Norris." The Library was just as grand and majestic as is was for his time as a student here, cut short by a wise investment and a young fortune. The ponies roaming were new though. All the effects of seeing this place again were lost to John. "'Knight?'" "Well of course." Grey lead the way to and up the staircase. "I told you you would be inducted into our ranks. If you can help me escape Fort Stillwater I will happily promote you to High Knight." Grey paused for a moment, "Maybe even Grand Knight once you become a pony proper, if I'm in the mood." He continued. "Now, let us meet three of The Nine." They summited the stairs and John could see them, two earth ponies and two pegasai in the observation area that overlooked the campus. They approached the table where they sat; there were maps, charts and assorted layouts strewn about it. "Grand Master Crusader, I was just beggining to think those skin bags got you." Said one of earth ponies without lookin up from the papers in front of him. "I made it out quite fine Grand Knight Cross. I am happy to inform you that not only did I escape, but I found a driver." Grey motioned towards John. "Well that's fantastic news!" Piped the other Earth Pony. "What's with the foals, Grey?" Posed a female pegasus that was lightly armored. "Ah, this my daughter, Forest Mint." "I know that Grey." She interjected. "Remember your place Grand Knight Silence. The other one is Azure Wind, he is Knight Norris' son." "Let me guess, he knocked some human up and she ran off and ponified?" The other pegasus guessed. John clenched his fist, to hear it put so bluntly. Before he could he awnser, Pathfinder spoke up. "Wait, Norris? As in THE Norris? The one who escaped not once, but twice?!" John smiled a little at his reputation. "Both assumptions are correct." He answered both questions with a single statement. "Well, we have been discussing the manner in how we'll carry out the final stage of Operation Disinfect." Pathfinder continued to indulge specifics. They would be expected, so a distraction was necessary. They'd send in a single unicorn, with the liqud ponification potion. Once he was captured, he'd cast the spell to turn it into a vapor. Then three teams of three pegasi would swoop in and drop gas canisters. After the area was flooded they'd hurry back to where John was waiting on an unregistered back road. "Sounds solid." Grey approved. "Now let's begin." John turned to Azure. "Son, I want you to stay here. I will return." Azure smiled weakly. "Okay dad. Just... Just stay safe. For me?" John gave Azure a hug. "I promise." He said as he embraced his son. He turned to the assembled leaders of PER. "Let's do this thing." "Alright then, Knight Norris, Squire Sugar will escort you to the vehicle." He stated. "Squire Sugar, escort Knight Norris and fetch him a gas mask." He orderded to one of the earth ponies standing by. The pony bowed. "If you would follow me Knight." She asked and lead the way. John followed and cast one last look at Azure as he left. Once his son was out of sight, he resigned himself to his fate and went along silently. They came to a garage after a while, inside was a completly unremarkable semi truck with a trailer attached. It was inconspicous. It was perfect. John never noticed the earth pony leave, just that it suddenly reappeared, gas mask in the clutches of its mouth. John jumped. "Tath thith!" She said around the mask. He regained his composure and took the mask. It was suprisingly dry for just having been in a mouth. >How the hell do they do that?< "Grand Master Crusader and High Knight Streak will be here with the rest of the strike force shortly." The pony bowed and dismissed herself. >Did she... just bow to me?< John decided to get behind the wheel. He noticed it had a Navigator Mk I. It was little buggy in mint condition and probably had broken self driving capabilities given the situation. On the plus side its auto balance and anti-tip programs were nigh infalliable, meaning John could go as fast as he wanted. John ran a quick diagnostics check that only proved his suspicions right. Auto Drive was shot, balance and tip counter measures were gold. He took a look at the Auto Drive, it was a hardware failure. John swore. There was no way out of it, he was driving the whole way. It was no sooner than John finished his checks that he noticed Grey and an unfamiliar Pegasus approach. Behind them was a group of nine pegasi and a single nervous looking unicorn. They unceriousmonly loaded into the semi's trailer. Grey hopped in the front with John. "Let us finish the final chapter of mankind." He stated as he buckled down, there was a look of sereness, upon his face. As if he knew his lifes purpose and was about to see it finished. John took this as the signal to go. So he started and drove out of the now open garage. ************ They had been on the road for two days now and were a little over half way to Fort Stillwater. They should arrive tomorrow around noon. The previous day was painstakingly silent and John felt he would go insane if it were silent again. "So... Grey. What's with the King Arthur rank system?" John ventured. "Its based off that of The Crusades in the ninth century actually. Its because I intend to lead the last great crusade against the last great evil in the name of the goddesses Luna and Celestia." It seemed Grey also desired conversation. "Now now, 'Last Great Evil'? Isn't that a bit harsh?" Anything but silence. "Mr. Norris, as one of the prime contributors to the problem, you don't make the best advocate. Or should I call you 'The Great Job Thief'?" A few years back, when AIs had replaced a majority or workers, Time magazine had printed a distasteful article about John using the very same title. Even though he never personally developed an AI, he owned them. Thus, he received the blame. It hurt then and Grey had only reopened old wounds. "Oh hey now, Grey, that kinda hurt. C'mon just tell me what's burning ya?" "Are you quite sure you want to know?" Grey asked. John motioned to the open road. "From the beggining mankind has only killed, hurt, or desecrated anything and anyone that stood in their way. Their fellow animals. Their own species. Their own family. The very planet they stood on. "Now, for a time, some of this was necessary. But then man became master over all! Did they need to contiune their rampant destruction? Did the need to keep each other down? No! They had thousands of years, billions of chances to make utopia theirs. "The people with power, such as yourself, held onto it greedily. Unwilling to share and all happily ready to do whatever was necessary to keep it. I saw mankind for what it is. A monster that fancies itself a saint. A demon who believes he's an angel. "Then along came ponies. They didn't fight each other beyond a strongly worded dispute. They worst they'd ever do is exchange verbal blows however dire the circumstance. If something else fucked with them, they'd subdue them no more than was absolutely needed. They didn't pillage their planet, they lived in harmony with it. "From the moment I saw Celestia, heard about their lands, found out about the potion. I knew what I had to do. I would help her on her noble crusade. I founded PER." Grey finished his monolouge. John almost felt sorry for the pony. Sure it may be true that the last ten years or so John was one of the wealthiest men who ever lived. But he grew up in a broken home. No mother figure to speak of; an abusive father. If his dad had never committed suicide, John would never have had the money or opportunity to invest in AIs. John couldn't, and may never be able to explain it, but for some reason - despite all the horrors and tragedies of his past - He still believed in his race. His ‘doomed to go extinct and fade from all memory’ race. "So... what kind of music you listen to?" John changed the subject. Grey smiled slightly. "You ever hear of a band called Lamb of God? Their 'Wrath' album is amazing." "Hear them?" John beamed. "I've been listening to them since I was twelve." The rest of the trip was filled with delightful small talk between the odd pair. ************* They were an hour away from Fort Stillwater. John check his watch, it was ten fifty-eight in the morning. "Grey, where's this back road you were talking about?" "Give it a moment..." Grey paused, waiting for it to appear. "Take the next thing that even looks like a left." He instructed after a couple minutes. John saw the path, it was quite small. He hoped it didn't narrow further on down as the semi was barely fitting on the small dirt trail already. It veered and curved in what would be a relaxing drive in anything but an eighteen wheeler. It might not tip, but it could still get stuck in the woods. Fortunately the road didn't narrow. Soon John came to an area that looked recently cleared. "Turn around here and stop. This is where you will wait." John performed the action and exited the truck as did the Grand Master of PER. John went around back and opened the trailer. The ten pegasai and lone unicorn unloaded. They assembled into two ranks of five with High Knight Streak in front. Grey positioned himself in front of the formation. "Knights," He began. "Today is the day PER erases the last stronghold of mankind from the face of the earth. Whether or not we survive this day, know this: We will have done all of pony kind and Celestia herself a service. No longer will the violent apes roam free! The way for Purification will be paved clear! Today the final chapter of mankind is written!" The ponies cheered. Grey approached his fellow unicorn. "Knight Fresh, you have been awarded the honor of leading the charge. Go now and carry out your task." The unicorn bowed nervously and set about his purpose at a slow trot. "Now, we wait." John, Grey, and the assembled pegasai sat and stood around waiting. Moments turned to minutes, minutes to hours. Suddenly, Grey's horn glowed and everyone jumped, John heard the faint sound of distant shots fired shortly after. "That's the signal! Let's go!" He ordered. "Stand at guard, and wait for our return! And wear that mask in case it comes down here!" He shouted back at John as the pegasai took flight. John put the gas mask on. There was nothing to do but wait in the semi. Just wait in the semi and think. >They've been gone for two hours... I hope Azure is ok... Alone... with lots of anti human crazy ponies. Well fuck. He's an intelligent little guy, he should be alright. I hope.< John decided to light a cigarette while he waited. He removed the mask, a cigarette and his lighter. After he lit it, he just sat there smoking, watching the cherry slowly descend towards the filter. When it was gone he sat there and watched the smoke play around the cab. He heard a rustling sound in the forest. John threw the engine on. He looked towards the sound and saw Grey galloping towards the truck with four pegasi behind him. Grey simultanously threw open the passenger door, jumped in, and slammed the door to the trailer. "Drive!" He shouted,shutting his own door. John started back down the dusty trail. The drive was made infinetly more intense by the slow carefulness it required. "Did you smoke in here?" Grey accused. "Uh, yeah." John admitted. "Why?! You knew I was returning!" Grey shot, offended. "That wasn't a given." John retorted. Grey seethed. John reveled in it. The forest started to thin out ahead. "Take it slow when we get to the road. No need to draw attention by speeding." John rolled his eyes. >Yeah I was going to do a hundred and seventy eight while swerving.< He took a right onto the hardball and sped up to seventy-eight miles per hour. Ten minutes after leaving the dirt trail John saw something that seemed impossible. It was another vehicle. Then John heard the faint siren of a cop car. >There's still human cops?< His internal question was answered as the car grew closer. "Fuck." Any hope Grey or John had of it passing by quickly disapeared as it made a quick, tight U-turn shortly after passing. John calmly pulled over and the officer followed. "John, put the mask on." Grey ordered. "What?" "Just do it Knight." Grey's horn was lit and John saw an odd canister in his magical grip. There was only one thing it could be. Ponification gas. John obliged, strapping on the mask and making sure it was sealed tight. Grey popped the canister and the cab was quickly filled with a purple gas. John could vaugly make out what was probably the last human cop in america approaching. John waited for his fellow human to come closer. The purple smoke was viscous and so thick that it limited John's vision. The mask seemed to be working, as he didn't feel any changes. He heard a curious rapping on his window and rolled it down. The vaporized potion flooded out of the window. As soon as he saw the human collapse from the beginning of the change, John sped off. "It seems Grand Knights Gear and Aether really got their departments to improve the anesthetic. There wasn't any screaming this time around." "Wait, what? Wouldn't you know that already?" John puzzled. "Bah, some people scream anyways." Grey rolled his eyes. They crossed the state border not too long after. Now there was nothing to do but drive home. John kept the window down to air out the cab. Even with the wind whipping around, it would be hours before John could remove the Gas Mask. John turned on the radio and relaxed. It was a long journey home. ************** John recognized the area, he had been here many times before. They were just outside of the recently redubbed New Foalerton. His hometown. They weren't too far from the PER HQ. It was nine in the morning. "Homestretch." John's statement was blunt and accurate. His journey of over a month and a half would be complete by day's end. Tomorrow he would wake up on hooves. "Indeed." Grey agreed. The two had driven across the country and back. Celestia had found PERs front; the real HQ was safe. Unfortunately, it was only be a matter of time until someone talked. Thus, Ponification for Earth's Rebirth was moving once more. Though never again would they gather as they had. PER would spread across the Earth, scouring it for remaining humans. At least that’s what Grey had said on the drive over. John and Grey had spent a good time talking about their lives. Turns out they weren't so different and actually became fast friends. Grey wanted to immortalize John as a PER hero for his services rendered. John declined but Grey wouldn't hear it. The short remainder of the long week was surprisingly relaxed. John let out a sigh. This last month and a half felt closer to about a year. John took a right. The garage was three blocks down the street. Moments later John was pulling into the garage. This was it. Azure was waiting there as was Forest, and a fair amount of PER. John put the truck into park. John and Grey exited the truck to the stamping of hooves from the various PER members. Which only was re-doubled when John opened the back and let out the remaining pegasai. John was tackled to the ground by a wild blue streak. "I was so worried dad!" Azure was crying. John held his son and comforted him. Then he noticed something that wasn't there before. It was a partially unfurled scroll, with three checks down the left side of it. It was located on his flank. "Azure... is... that what I think it is?" Azure's mood changed immediatly and brightend. "I got my cutie mark! Some of the ponies here were having a debate about humans being evil, but I know you aren't! So I talked about how mankind's unique drive is what's lead to it advancing far beyond what Equestria. How the main reason mankind should convert is mostly due to Equestria devouring the Earth, not because we're inherently better. Which isn't true, both species have their advantages, its just ponies have the advantage of overall survival. I used the stories you told me and the histories I read and applied them. I mean I've done it before but I only then realized just how much fun it was when I saw the looks on their faces. Then IT appeared!" He beamed as he machine gunned the story. John smiled, "I guess we'll have to have a party then." The crowd had died down. "Cutecenera." "A what?" John asked, puzzled. "A party that celebrates a cutie mark is called a Cutecenera." Azure answered. John was about to make a remark when he felt a hoof on his shoulder. He turned to face Grey Crusader. He was floating a small flask of the type that usually held alcohol. "Your prize, be it well earned." Grey placed it in John's hand and trotted away. It wouldn't be the last time John saw him, but it felt as such. John turned to Azure. "Let's go home." *********** John stood in his living room. Azure was sitting attentively on the couch. "Are you sure dad?" He asked, a hint of remorse in his voice. John stopped. He stared down into the flask. A viscous, purple liquid stared right back. He had betrayed his race to obtain these few ounces. He had labeled himself a terrorist for them. He had attacked an officer to get away. There may be hell to pay down the road. >Why?< He found his answer in that pegasus colt with the azure coat and dark steely grey mane. Before he had come along, John was broken. Alone. Purposeless and just waiting to die. He was afraid of all social interactions. Now, he was actually happy to wake up in the morning. He hung out on the weekends. He had someone that looked up to him. It was painfully obvious. "I have never been more sure of anything in my life." John downed the contents like he was shooting whiskey. It tasted like grape, just as he knew it would. John smiled faintly at Azure and collapsed unconscious. ***********************Authors Notes: Wow, been a while since I did this huh? Look at that! A cliffhanger! Whodathunk? Oh god Azure almost got laid. Just the epilogue left. It shouldn't be too long. Once I actually start it! HUZZAH!

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-06-13T01:44:46+00:00

2012-06-13T01:44:46+00:00

An Azure Future: Epilogue One Month After Conversion The mahogany brown pegasus lay in wait for his prey. Any second now, his target would be walking through the door. He swayed his jet black tail to keep time. He had held his position for an hour, just in case. The door flew open and his target presented itself in the form of a deep blue pegasus with a steely grey mane. John lept and tackled Azure. “Gyah!” Azure let out a surprised yelp. John pulled himself off his son, “Told you I’d pay you back for last week.” He smirked. “Geez dad,” Now it was Azure’s turn to pick himself up and dust off. “I guess that’s why you didn’t pick me up?” “Sure as sugar boy-o!” “You are so weird dad. Besides, I didn't even do it, Blazing Star did!” He defended. “Don’t care.” “But-” “Don’t. Care.” Somethings just weren’t fixed through ponification. Azure decided it was high time to change the subject. “Hey Forest wants to go to a movie next Saturday, can I borrow the truck?” John raised an eyebrow. “It drives itself, I don’t see why not... I’m going to have to program you into the AI though.” “That’s alright.” Azure shrugged. “Hey, How about we do today’s lesson in the park?” John suggested. He had been giving Azure the long awaited flying lessons everyday for the last eight days. Ever since he himself had finished his own flying lessons from a local teacher chosen at random, some pegasus called Derpy. To say that the lessons were something special was a whole new category of an understatement. She needed the bits for her daughter though, her mailmare job just didn’t pay enough. Besides it wasn’t like she was a bad teacher, just a little... all over the place. “Sounds good.” Azure agreed. “Hey, you go ahead kiddo. I’ll meet you there.” There was some business John needed to attend to. It still seemed odd to John that he was no longer actually able to properly look down on Azure. “Well, don’t take too long dad.” Azure turned and trotted out, a tinge of concern in his voice. “Don’t worry, it wont be long.” John smiled weakly. “I just... need to say... goodbye to someone...” He was speaking to the now shut door, Azure being long gone. It was no matter. John made his way up the stairs, the clacking of his hooves reminding him of a time not too long ago at all where he could hardly stand. He laughed a little internally at the memory. Into his room. He hardly slept here anymore, most nights spent cuddling with his son. He needed to get to the black box under his bed. His was a task that would have been done long ago, if he didn’t have to relearn his body. Now was as good a time as any. He hoped she’d understand. She needed to... He lowered himself to the ground and began crawling underneath, it was a tight fit, dark and cramped. Finally, after a few moments he reached his goal. A black box he had hidden under there years ago, the silver sharpie inscription was faded but ‘Catherine’ could still be made out. He grasped it in his mouth and reversed his direction. Making it out from underneath the bed, he stood up and removed the lid. There was a jacket on top, her favorite. Green with white trim and a reflective Nike logo across the breast. The jacket she was wearing when they met. He removed it, revealing a collection of photos. Photos... and a small jewelry box. There was a good number of Catherine and John from when they first met. There were some from their later years of course, but her smiles grew so few and far between then. John let a sigh loose. He removed the box and opened it. His mother’s wedding ring glistened brilliantly in the light of the room. Just a week before she left, he had planned on proposing to her. She always seemed so down those days, and John could think of nothing better than proposing to the love of his life to cheer her up, they had been together for four years at that point and it seemed it would last forever. Funny how things turn out sometimes. John shook the memory away and went back to riffling through the precious memories. Finally he came to his favorite photo. It was framed in gold leaf and treated with a special material so it would never fade. At least in his lifetime. It was the last photo taken of Catherine smiling. She so loved the beach, John had bought a home upon that very shore as well as the beach itself as a gift, it was taken the day he gave it to her. She was wearing the Nike jacket, her light brown hair blowing in the breeze. Waves gently crashing on the rocky shoreline. The sunset behind her lending an angelic glow to her features. But of all the things, it was her smile that stood pout the most, brilliant and pure. “Hey Catherine...” John started, his voice heavy. “It’s been what, about nine years since we last spoke?” He gave a weak laugh at his own failed attempt to lighten the mood. “Well, I’ve missed you, but I guess that goes without saying. I’m trying my best to raise Azure like Celestia asked, not that she needed too. He misses you too, you know...” John was choking back his tears as best he could. “Why did you leave Catherine? We were going to get married, and start a family... Well, I guess we already did that last one kind of.” John chuckled weakly and dried his eyes with a fore leg, only for it to become soaked again. “You’d be proud of Azure, he got his cutie mark, ya know! He’s very smart too. He even has a fillyfriend now. You know, she kinda reminds me of you. I’ve even started teaching him how to fly. Kid’s gonna be somepony important.” John smiled with pride for his son. “Now... There’s something sucky I did you should know... They shut down the bureaus and Celestia stopped making potion. Only one group still continued mass production... Well, I made a deal with some bad ponies. I helped them assure mankinds destruction. Yeah, you heard right, there’s no more humans. At least, not that many. “When I was having my conversion dream thingy, Celestia approached me. She KNEW. It was the first time I felt afraid for myself since the night my dad killed himself. She wanted to know why, and I told her, ‘for my son’. She seemed... saddened? Touched? It was hard to tell for sure. But she made me promise something, that I would love and look after our son and to be the best father I could. Heh, easy enough I guess... She also wanted me to try to find... a mother... for our son. I love you, I always will. But sometimes... Sometimes people need to move on.” John thought a moment, making sure he didn’t forget anything. “I love you Catherine, may we meet in the Celestial Herd.” John planted a kiss on the photo and placed it back in the box with the rest of the contents, this time with the photo on top. He slid it back under the bed for the last time. John looked back at the room before turning off the lights and heading out to the park. ******************************************************************************************************** John touched down in front of his son. “There you are dad, I was beginning to worry!” Azure was tapping his hoof out of impatience. “Well, I’m here now. So are you ready for today’s lesson?” John asked. “Hay yeah!” “Well lets start!” John leapt up and soared thirty feet into air, his son following. “Today we will be going over basic flying maneuvers...” **************************************AUTHOR’S NOTES: That was fun. davidhedrick95: I thought I would be editting the sequel to this story, not this one... But I could still edit it, when I can motiivate myself that is

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-02-16T02:10:16+00:00

2012-02-16T02:10:16+00:00

John stood in his living room. Azure was sitting attentively on the couch. "Are you sure dad?" He asked, a hint of remorse in his voice. John stopped. He stared down into the flask. A viscous, purple liquid stared right back. He had betrayed his race to obtain these few ounces. He had labeled himself a terrorist for them. He had attacked an officer to get away. There may be hell to pay down the road. >Why?< He found his answer in that pegasus colt with the azure coat and dark steely grey mane. Before he had come along, John was broken. Alone. Purposeless and just waiting to die. He was afraid of all social interactions. Now, he was actually happy to wake up in the morning. He hung out on the weekends. He had someone that looked up to him. It was painfully obvious. "I have never been more sure of anything in my life." John downed the contents like he was shooting whiskey. It tasted like cheeries. Odd I thought they were supposed to be grape... John smiled faintly at Azure and collapsed unconscious. *************************** John woke up a little disorientated. His conversion dream consisted of a lot more giggling alicorns than he thought it would. “D-dad?” It was a question, honest and true. “It’s me Azure.” Is my voice supposed to be that high? “You’re... uh... ummm... How do I put this?” Oh shit. Did something go wrong? Am I disfigured? “What happened? Is it my face?!” John was panicking. “No... You’re face is just fine...” “Well, out with it then! What happened?!” John snapped. “Well, there is really no use for delaying.” Azure took a deep breath. “Dad, you’re a mare.” Time froze in place as the universe cracked and shattered into countless fragments revealing the truth that his life was in fact a joke. “Please tell me your joking.” John’s own voice was evidence against him. “I am unfortunately telling the truth dad. Wait, do I call you ‘mom’ now?” Azure wore a puzzled look. “No!” John snapped. “I am your father!” “But you’re a mare now. You have mare bits and everything.” “That’s besides the point! I am you father and you will call me ‘dad’!” “You’re also in heat.” Azure pointed out. “And another thi- Wait, WHAT?!” John was about to go on yet another nonsensical rant when she processed what Azure said. “You know what?” She said after a long pause. “Whats that?” John got up and made her way to the kitchen as best as she could, stumbling and falling occasionally. After a few bumps, scrapes,bruises and a lot of Azure giggling, John finally made it to the refrigerator. Nuzzling it open, she sent up a small prayer for prior habits. John grabbed the bottle of whiskey and managed to remove the cap. Taking the mouth of the bottle in her muzzle she quickly started guzzling the liqud before her gag reflex could kick in. “Wait! Alcohol is really strong for ponies, most cant handle more than two beers!” Azure called desperately. Alas, it was too late. After a few considerable gulps, John spit out the bottle and coughed up the remainder in her mouth. She vomited immediately, swayed once to the left, once to the right, and then fell unconscious in her own puke. **************************************************************** And thats it for the original! Well, one more thing, but thats not until after the sequel ends, so Im slapping a complete on this for now. BUT HOLY FUCK. THAT WAS TOO AWESOME AN IDEA TO RESIST.

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-02-19T14:39:00+00:00

2012-02-19T14:39:00+00:00

An Azure Future: Alternate Epilouge. I promised myself I wouldn’t write this... Fuck. ***A One week coma and Three conscious ones later.*** John climbed wearily out of her bed, she was still slightly sore from when she chugged a good third of her whiskey. Not that the name ‘John’ really suited her at all anymore. She had been a mare for about a month now. She looked at the alarm clock by the bed. Three o’ four pm. Aw, hell. Azure must be waiting. She sighed and trotted outside and down the stairs. She brushed off the stares and greetings, which had taken a turn for the uncomfortable. Not to mention that she seemed to be in the longest heat EVER. The doctors claimed the alcohol, coma, potion, and sunlight were to blame. John muttered silent curses to these elements everyday. She finally came to the truck, thankful that the whole thing was voice operated. Hopping inside she started the truck and set its destination to Azure’s school. ************************* The truck screeched to a stop in front of a very pissed off looking Azure. “Hey buddy, hope in!” “You’re late, ‘Dad’.” He accused. John had made it clear once he woke up that he still wanted to be adressed as ‘Dad’ and sometimes Azure liked to poke fun at John’s unfortunate situation. “You’re stupid. Now hop in.” John shot back. “Sooo...” “So?” “Park today dad?” “Yeah, sure. What are supposed to be covering today? Basic flight mechanics and maneuvers?” John tried to recall. “You’re supposed to be keeping track of that!” John though for a bit, “Yeah, yeah its mechanics and maneuvers.” In short order the very odd father and son arrived at the park. Getting out of truck, the pair was heading to their usual spot when the unthinkable happened. “Uh, excuse me miss, I’ve never seen you around before and you’re very pretty. I was just wondering if you were available later for some tea?” John spun around, revealing a blushing white unicorn stallion. Oh lord. “Uh... well... that’s... very nice, and I thank you for the offer but I’m busy later...” John tried to doge. No reason to really hurt the poor guy. “Well, how about tomorrow?” He offered. Oh holy fucking shit. TAKE A HINT! “Ummm... actually I’m REALLY busy this weekend too...” John issued strike two. Azure was barely containing his laughter. “Oh... Well, when ARE you available.” Strike three. “I like mares.” You’re out. Azure could no longer contain himself and started laughing hysterically. “Oh. I’m terribly sorry m’am.” The stallion quickly disappeared, clearly embarrased. “Now where were we Azure? Ah yes.” John took off thirty feet into the air and was joined by Azure after he recovered from his laughing fit. “Basic flight mechanics and manu-” A voice chimed in, cutting him off, “Excuse me miss...” ***************************************************************NOTES: I hate all of you.

Krass McWriter

298

Original Character,Alternate Universe,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

An Azure Future

A Human Father and his Pony Son. A TCB story.

complete

<p>John Norris is another broken man in the last days of humanity. It has been years since he last left his apartment for something outside of restocking his food and water supply. Enter Azure Wind, a young pegasus colt, bearing a letter that explains he is his son. The two bond and much is learned by both in this light hearted comedic tale.</p><p>A conversion bureau fic.</p><p>Now with 27.6% More Sequel!</p><p><a href="/story/11415/An-Azure-Future%3A-Moving-On" rel="nofollow">Find it Here!</a></p>

everyone

2012-07-15T23:54:12+00:00

2012-07-15T23:54:12+00:00

An alt ending to An Azure Future, By: a lunatic. . . I mean, EracTick. “The first thing I’ll need from you mister Norris is a contribution to the cause,” Gray smirked. “How much?” “Mister Norris, A blank check isn’t the best thing to use during a negotiation,” Gray deadpanned. “I don’t give a fuck, I’m doing what’s best for my boy,” John sneered. “I’d say about three million bits will suffice,” he smirked, taking pleasure in Johns rage. “Allright, but first things first, We have to get you out of here,” John said waving his hands for Gray to stop. “What about the money?” “Look me in the eye Gray. Do I look like the type of person who’d keep a heavily reinforced vault with keypad/fingerprint scanner, with 10 inch thick titanium doors in his home to store his vast riches. without going scrooge mcduck with the billions of bits that are held inside?” “. . . I guess not. So how do you suppose we escape?” * * * “I swear to the goddess’s that I’ll get you back for this, this INDIGNITY!” Gray growled from his sack. “Welp, this is what you get when you come to me making threats and such Gray,” John smiled. “What are you doing Mr.Norris?” Gray said banging against John’s back as he walked down the hallway towards the garbage chute. “Same thing I do with all shit bags,” John smiled at Azure as he trotted alongside him giving him a nod. “and what pray tell is that?”Gray Crusader growled. “Garbage chute,” He cheered grinning like a loon, The bag flashed with magic as Gray ensnared it with his telekinesis, “Oh come on, you and I both know that unicorn magic can’t do shit if you can’t see what your trying to grab, visualization and all that jazz.” “I see you’ve been doing your homework. Of course there’s no way you could have prepar- OUCH!” Gray cried out as he was stuck with a needle.” “Sorry to disappoint, but I know you guys can’t do offensive magic if you can’t concentrate,” John chuckled before unceremoniously stabbing at the bag with a needle once more. “Stop th-OW I’ll kill Y-OUCH!” Gray cried out as Azure simply shook his head in disappointment. “What, he’ll kill us both the second he gets a chance anyways,” John shrugged, looking at Azure who simply facehoofed. “Still shouldn't do this dad, I don’t see the point.” “Well Buck-O. This is the point,” John said sticking Gray once more. “OW! MY EYE-EEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeee~!” Gray called out as he was dumped down the trash chute. “Will he be alright?” Azure asked slowly. “. . . what day is today?” John said rubbing his chin, idly as he balled up the sheet in the other. “Tuesday, why?” Azure said tilting his head. “Oh good then the furnace might not be lit today,” John smiled. “. . .” Azure shot John a look (Not a nice one, mind you). “What?” John said raising his hands defensively. “. . .” Azure glared. “Wat?” John said innocently. * * * “Oh I get it now!” Azure declared watching Gray as he cursed, dragging himself from the rubbish heap. “So we follow him back to his hideout and steal the potion.” “Sort of.” “what do you mean ‘sort of’?” “You're half right, we follow him there and then I start throwing some money around, and then we get to watch a little show.” John grinned. “Your gonna cause a lot of bad things to happen, aren’t you dad?” “Oh you bet son,” John beamed. * * * “Yep, Nice and straight forward, just gonna follow this smug bastard back to his hideout.” “. . . Dad, can’t he teleport?” “I have no idea,” Azure and John ducked behind a nearby dumpster just as Gray looked back. “. . .Must be hearing things,” Gray muttered. “Well well well,” John chuckled as Azure and he moved quickly down a side ally, almost as though to cut Gray off, stopping to duck behind a dumpster once more to avoid their prey, “Dad, what do you think he’ll do to us if he catches us?” “Hmm. . . Probably blast us with some wicked mojo from his horn, most likely. . .” John mused. “Hey look, isn’t that a old college campus?” Azure said looking up to his father who had a manic grin painted across his face, one you mostly see on men in straight jackets. “Oh this ‘IS’ going to be fun!” John laughed, Azure pushing him down behind cover as Gray turned around to see the noise, with a scratch of his head Gray continued into the seemingly abandoned campus. “Hey, don’t be so rough there,” “Stop being loud, we almost got caught,” Azure said flatly. “Nah, now ready for a car ride?” John said grinning as he wrapped his jacket around his arm, striding towards an abandoned police cruiser. “Dad we should take something a little less conspicuous!” “Hey, I’m not going to have thumbs by tomorrow, I plan to have a little fun!” * * * Azure stopped screaming as the police car jumped the steep hill at eighty miles per hour, time slowed down as he looked at his father hanging halfway out the window with a bottle of jack and an already spent uzi. “When you're no longer able to drive, the world will be a safer place!” Azure yelled, eyes peeled wide open. “LIVININ IT UP, WOOOT!” John howled with glee, as the tires screeched along the road taking a hard right, the rear end fishtailing just enough to tap a lamp post and send various ponies running, screaming for their lives. “DAD, SLOW DOWN!” “LIVININ IT UP!” John yelled with adrenaline fueled bravado, taking the car to a full spin before tapping against the edge of the sidewalk, just like in the movies. “. . .” “You alright son?” John said leaning close, *BLEGH!* Azure vomited into the floor board, “Eww. . . well. . . not our problem,” John said moving to the other side to let his son out. “Is this the place you wanted to go?” “Yep, heard this Ol piss bucket had some real scum, real shady place where you're as likely to get your throat slit as getting tetanus from some bum who’ll try and stab you with a needle. . . perfect place to find some mercenaries!” John grinned wide. * * * John and Azure walked through the last of the dirty alleyways before finding the entrance they were looking for. “Alright, let’s have a look at your wrist there,” growled the large man guarding the door. “Wait what are you talki- HEY!” John yelled as his left arm was grabbed and roughly pulled up, lifting John off the ground as the man examined his arm. “No mark, No entry.” “Hey liste-!” John shouted, stamping a foot. “No mark, no entry, no way no how, dem’s the rules and the rules be the rules be the rules always,” The man said with a voice that didn’t sound unlike he was gargling tar. “Isn’t that last part redundant?” John said raising a brow, before being dropped back to his feet. “Well, dem’s da rules as their written.” “Well, my mark just got burned off is all,” John grinned sheepishly. “Oh?” “Yeah, so let me in I need to talk to someone,” John, held his breath, hoping he was as stupid as he thought. “Piss off, how stupid you think I am?” “. . . Depends,” John hissed silently. “ I heared that.” “Listen, I’m sorry but I really do need to get in here,” John pleaded. “Sorry can’t do that, cau-,” “Dems the rules is the rules. . . I know that, but please for my son,” John asked, hope soaring. “. . .Double no. dis is a bar, bar’s ain’t for minors. T’aint no way you’s is changin da rul-. . .” The thugs eyes lit up as a large handful of bits was shoved in front of his face, “Screw the rules, I have money,” John smiled. “. . . Oh I see it know, your tat just got burned off, but. . . Rules is still rules, and ya can’t get in without a tat or without someone to escort ya, and since I gots to guard the door. . .” * * * “Wow dad, just wow.” Azure said looking as his father tried not to vomit. “. . . He tore off his own skin to give this to me,” John repeated to himself, unsure of what just happened. “Just. . .wow. They take rules seriously here.” The duo looked around scanning the scene, before them lay the scum of the city, thugs of all races and all creeds lurked around the bar, blanketed by acrid smoke, glasses clinked as the patrons hastily drank their low quality liqueur, men and griffin at one side arm wrestling, The losers against the griffins clutching there still bleeding hands from the talon marks. “Damn, so I heard there was this guy who strolled into the Palace and attacked the princess’s directly.” “Wat, happened to him?” “Fucker just got back from Jersey, apparently after he clobbered the sun goddess she pulled the rug out from under him. . . so to speak.” “Huh?” Said the thug “He brought back a piece of her mane to prove it.” “But ain’t it all wispy wisp like’un. . . um. Mist?” the thug drooled. “. . . Yeah, he’s in the back showing it off with that fat bastard Gill,” “Oh, Shush they might hear you, you know’s dat them there Perfect Weapon types get a lil antsy when you be sayin shit like dat!” “Who?” John said striding up to the pair, who glared at him “And whos you supposed to be?” “Heh, Ha huh, look he’s all dressed fancy like, pertey, wanna know what we be doin to pertey types back here?” Grinned the thug before his eyes widened eyes nearly poping out of his skull. “Wat is it?” said his companion. “He done tore door keeps arm to get himself a tat, He’s he’s wona does Freaks!” The bar was swept with a deathly blanket of quiet, all eyes going to Norris and his son, “We we didn’t thinks you was a weapon and all, we was foolin, Honest!” “. . .Um, don’t let it happen again,” John said not completely sure of what was going on anymore. “Please don, kill us by rippin off our arms, spin em around and shit, then usin dem ta impale out our heart from behind us with our own arms!” the man lept back, knocking over his chair as he scampered away. One of the bartender’s quickly leapt over the bar and rushed to John, and his son. “Really very sorry for the inconvenience, but I don’t need you gettin blood everywhere when you kill these morons. Here I know who you must be lookin for, and they're back this way!” The bartender said, with a forced smile on his face, Fear in his eyes as he led John and Azure to the back room, and the lair of the ‘Weapons’. * * * “Here you go mister crazy psychotic bioweapon, heres your friends,” The bartender rattled off shoving John and Azure through the door. “GILL IS HIGHLY DISTURBED AT THIS INTRUSION!” Gill rumbled. Everyone averted their eyes from the mostly naked man, as it was evident that the poker game they were playing wasn’t going well for him. “We’re gonna start paying him to keep them on eventually.” “Shadup motherfucker, don’ be sayin dat.” “Umm, alright.” John coughed uncomfortably, “Who here is dangerous and will work for mon-?” John stopped as everyone raised their hands cept one women, who fired off a round into the ceiling. “. . . good. . . So, let’s get down to business,” John said giddily, clapping his hands together. As John’s mind turned to business Azure began to wander about the room. “Heh heh, hey kid, wanna see a magic trick?” grinned SeVen ushering Azure closer, “Let me see your hoof.” “Oh, um, all right,” Azure said nervously as he began to place his shaky hoof into SeVen’s hand, a thunderous report rang out, and SeVens head slumped back as a .45 slug was placed between his eyes, “AHHHH!” Screamed Azure, before calming down, now noticing SeVen raise his head again with a smear of lead across his forehead, exposed bone underneath where he was shot, “I don’t think you’d be too smart to try that again, ya idjit!” said the woman, “Ya ain’t gonna hurt the kid!” “DAMMIT! I wasn’t this time, I just wanted to try somethin first! Oh well, hey kid get me dat thick steel pipe over their,” SeVen said rubbing his wounded skull while pointing at a rusted pipe with the other. “H-here,” Azure said nervously dropping the pipe into the man's outstretched hand, Azure stared in wonder as the man opened wide enough to swallow his head whole, triangular teeth glistening with saliva before snapping together with a sickening crunch, and biting the pipe in two.”Woah, that’s amazing!” “Dat ain’t nuthin kid!” SeVen mumbled with his mouth full, he began to chew viciously before giving the women who shot him a evil look, grinning before spitting out a stream of hot lead like a machine gun. “HA, TAKE THAT YA BITCH!” The women reeled before dropping to the floor, new holes gracing her shoulders face and chest. A thin wisp of steam leaked from each wound before they knitted themselves back together. “Oh, you're DEAD!” She screamed, lunging at SeVen, who simply laughed like a maniac. “D-Dad, are you sure you want to hire these guys?!” “Yeah, they seem nice enough to me.” “THEY’RE PSYCHOPATHS!” “Well, you know what they say, fight fire with fire,” John grinned. “DAD, THIS IS GOING TO BE LIKE TRYING TO USE NAPALM TO PUT OUT A GREASE FIRE!” Azure yelled, dumbfounded at his father's willingness to work with theses monsters. Azure’s eyes widened as the women proceeded to chase SeVen around the room with a fireaxe, bringing it crashing through the door as SeVen slammed it behind him in his mad dash to freedom, the room grew silent as yelps of terror could be heard down the hall in the main room proper, There was the muffled sound of a shotgun being fired, before an unhappy SeVen came walking in, Missing half of his face, he grumbled as it slowly began to heal (Slow for a healing factor that is). “. . . Well. . . while that was fun and all, who do I speak to about hiring some killers?” John said, clapping his hands together with a smile. “. . . I guess, that’d be Bartleby.” Said a soft spoken women, John looked every which way, but her wide brimmed hat seemed to shield her face whichever way he looked at her. “Who are you?” John inquired. He recoiled as a disembodied shadow punched him square in the nose. “OMAGOSH, I’m so so very sorry!” The women apologized frantically. “It doesn’t like sitting still for long. . . my shadow that is.” “. . . it's all right.” John said before thinking to himself ‘. . . Oh shit, scary shadow lady! Maybe Azure was right, but it’s a little late now.’ * * * “The, the GALL, THE NERVE TO ASK ME TO HELP YOU THROW AWAY YOUR HUMANITY, How, HOW DARE YOU EVEN CONSIDER ASKING ME SUCH A QUESTION?!” The large man bellowed at the cowering John Norris. “It’s not for my sake it’s fo-.” John whimpered “I WILL HAVE NONE OF IT! LEAVE NOW, Before I try and see if I can’t send you into low orbit,” growled the man. His eyes widening as he saw the young blue colt step out from behind his father, and made himself known. “He want’s to to teach me to fly, he’s not betraying anyone!” Azure yelled, giving the large muscular man pause. “Who is this? WHAT IS THE MEANING OF, OF THIS?!” Bartleby barked. “He’s my son, and if you have a problem with that, well. . . You’ll just have to deal with it.” John said with a stiff upper lip. “. . .You’re going to give up your humanity for a one in three chance. . . of being able to teach your son to fly?” Bartleby said in a hoarse voice, now completely awestruck. He stood there for a moment repeating what he had just said, wordlessly. John yelped as he was grabbed in the man's vice like grip, iron clad and unbreakable. “Wait, you don’t have to ki-!” John tried to yell before he was crushed in a bear hug. “THE COURAGE, THE, the AUDACITY. TO ASK ONE OF THE HLF’S ELITE SOLDIERS TO HELP. TO HELP HIS SON FLY, SO POIETIC! SUCH COURAGE SUCH, SUCH RAW. MANLINESS!” Bartleby cried towards the heavens, knocking loose plaster from the ceiling, and eliciting yelps of panic from everyone within earshot (about a quarter mile). John struggled against the man's grip, but was only crushed harder against his chest, as the man reeled on. “Um, I don’t think my dad can breathe.” Azure said, watching helplessly as his father turned an uncomfortably similar shade to his coat, as he attempted in vain to ‘tap’ out, whether Bartleby noticed or not is anyone’s guess. “FATHERHOOD IS THE EPITOME OF MANLINESS, THE CARE FOR ONE’S OWN FLESH AND BLOOD, TRANSCENDING THROUGH ALL BARRIERS OF RACE, CREED, AND RELIGION, AND BEFORE MY VERY EYES TODAY! I WITNESS AN ACT, NAY A DECLARATION OF ONE FATHER'S LOVE FOR HIS SON, A LOVE SO INTENSE THAT HE WOULD BRAVE THE DEN OF THE PERFECT WEAPONS, JUST FOR THE CHANCE! THE MERE CHANCE TO TEACH HIS SON TO FLY! Of course I will help you in this most noble of endeavors, Mister Norris.” Bartleby smiled at him, finally realizing that John was almost past the point of passing out. With quick apology he released John. John sat on the floor for a while trying to regain his breath, before he began again. “That’s, that’s wonderful. . .” John gasped, color returning to his face. “what do we do to set this, show up?” He panted. * * * “Everything is alright on the east side of the campus, over.” The earth pony said into his walkie talkie clipped to his vest. his shift for guard duty was coming to an end, he moved stealthily through the buildings keeping out of sight, suddenly he spun around. “Footsteps.” He frantically activated his communicator, but was met by only static. “Luna damn it! It’s jammed,” He moved to meet the intruder who had darted into a side room, “HALT, STAY WHERE YO- OOMPH!” He cried out as two heavy boots came crashing down on his head, John muttered into his wrist watch, “Allright big guys, all the guards on this side are down, move in and let’s take that potion without them even noticing.” John grinned, ‘bout time he got some exercise’ he thought to himself, as he crouched low and took off in a stealthy run. He skidded to a stop as he looked out a window, facepalming at the scene taking place before him. “GILL MOVES SILENTLY THROUGH THIS WRETCHED HIVE, ALL SHALL TREMBLE BEFORE MY STEALTH!” Gill bellowed, rattling windows as he merrily charged down the center of the road, head first at the auditorium doors. *Such a lack of finesse, is most appalling.* Bartleby said over the communicator, “Oh well, TAKE THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE THAT WE HAVE LEFT, CHARGE!” John’s forehead turned red from the force of his palm grinding into his face, John sighed and checked his dart launcher once more, fast acting horse tranquilizers filled its clip, "Oops, this one had Drain-O in it." John chuckled before replacing the chambered round. John stealthy moved to where the fight would soon take place. * * * "DEFEND THE TANKS, THE SERUM MUST NOT BE DESTROYED!" Cried the pegasus, before dive bombing the mountainous man who was tearing at the support struts of the tank, He came down hard against his stomach, but bounced harmlessly away, "PATHETIC, WHO HAS SENT SUCH INCOMPETENTS TO FIGHT ME!" Gill roared, busting the support struts of the vat of cherry potion, it collapsed under its own weight, flooding the room with a flood of cherry, Gill remained unmoved and unchanged by the goop, even as the wave slammed the ground bound defenders against the far wall. "NO, I DON'T WANNA BE A WOMEN!" "I feel pretty," Giggled a newly turned unicorn. " I mean. YOU'LL DIE FOR THAT!" "WORDS MEAN LITTLE, ACTION!" Bartleby cried as he burst into the building, the glass glistened and fell with a tinkle as Bartleby landed heavily. He grinned, turning to meet the PER members. 'Now, just to distract them for a while longer, then I'll destroy the tanks’. * * * John crept at an even and slow pace, he froze as several ponies ran in front of his hiding place, rushing to greet the intruders who were making quite the spectacle. Two darts in their flanks apiece sent them tumbling down for the count, "I hated to do that, really." John couldn't help but snicker at a funny thought, "Guess I'm a real stickler for Metal Gear, eh?" He chuckled to his victims before locking them in a handy janitors closet, *Hurry it up!* John simply grimaced at the voice, he'd hurry as fast as he damned well please. He moved quickly along the catwalks to the open tank of sparkling purple goo, and lowered a flask attached by fishing line into the tank, pulling it up quickly he toweled off the flask with a rag held in gloved hands, last thing he needed was getting any on himself here after all. As he looked up he caught sight of a familiar unicorn. "YOU!" hissed Gray Crusader, charging John Norris at a full gallop, John snapped the lid closed and was off like a shot, Gray was simply too quick down the straight hallways and would be on him in an instant, but two legged creatures have an advantage over four legged ones, the two legged ones will always beat a four legged creature in the short distance, enough for John to duck into an office, and double back around. Doing his best to lose his pursuer, "Dammit." John hissed as Gray skidded out in front of him, he had cut him off! John dodged the first blazing barrage of arcane missiles, he was close to the exit, and only a short sprint away would find him safely seated behind the wheel of a truck. John cried out in pain as the magical bolt tore through him and burst out of his chest. 'NO, SO CLOSE!' He gasped, with sure force of will, and grit. He forced himself to continue his charge towards the door. The door slammed shut behind him, and he tripped, crying out as his chin smashed against the unforgiving cement, he gasped as his leg throbbed. Ankle twisted, John lay there fumbling desperately for the dart gun, he grimaced as he looked at the faulty thing, busted from the impact. "Cheap Taiwanese trash!" He cursed. “Nowhere else to run Mr.Norris,” Gray said in a low voice narrowing his eyes as he followed the blood trail. “I said you would pay dearly when I found you again, did you think I would bestow the gift of the goddess onto the likes of you!” Gray launched a blast of telekinetic energy, the point of the magical dart smashing into the metal door in front of him and collapsed into a finite point of brilliant energy, Gray cracked a smile as he saw John sprawled out on the ground, clutching what must be a twisted ankle. “Oh, it would seem you're hurt.” Gray smiled trotting closer “allow me to ease your pain.” His horn flared, the glow changing from a lifeless gray to a foreboding black, all light seemed to fade in the room, swallowed by that one horrific glow. “Time to die Mr.Norris.” Gray smirked standing over John. “Heh, one problem with that buddy boy.” John smiled wide, and a split began to appear from the corner of his mouth, cracks spreading from his left eye. “I’m not John.” SeVen grinned a wicked, razor sharp smile, and lunged. “MONSTER!” Gray cried, rolling to dodge SeVen’s deadly bite, his horns fey light burst in a brilliant mockery of moonlight and all consuming darkness, SeVen howled in pain as the blast seared flesh, and flayed muscle from bone, He swiped in a wide arc, leaving a deep gash, and slashing deeply into Gray’s already wounded eye, Gray gritted his teeth and let the torrent of dark magic flow freely through him, his horn glowed cheery red, and he paled as he felt his very essence being consumed to fuel the spell. The room grew still as a loud pop emanated through the room, the light slowly crept back into the void where Gray stood, as though afraid of the forbidden spell used. “Hah!” Gray gave one final cheer looking at the smear at what little remained of SeVen. “Weak.” He panted before the bliss of unconsciousness took him. * * * “YOU CAN NOT STAND BEFORE GILL!” Gill charged, shaking the ground with enough force to topple the less sure footed of the ponies, a cinnamon coated mare and a tan earth pony stallion moved quickly behind Gill and smashed into his back side, the force of his own charge sending him skittering across the floor as he rolled and shattered bleachers. *BLOW THE TANKS! WE NEED TO MOVE NOW!* The P.A. blasted, the room shook as the ponies rushed to escape, warning lights flashed and Bartleby moved deftly and quickly to move and launch Gill out of a window before they blew. “Sorry about this!” Bartleby shouted hurling Gill through an upper window, when one of the tanks blew, in a burst of arcane light and deadly shrapnel. Bartleby cringed as he was coated in purple mutagenic goo, and grimaced. “Thank the gods for an immunity to this blasphemy.” * * * Azure looked worriedly at his father as the sound of the explosion reached them. “Dad, what’s going on?” “I’m not sure, this was supposed to be a stealth mission.” John sighed, moving the wrist watch up to his mouth. +Hey, what went wrong?!+ John’s brow furrowed as he got no response, He and Azure scanned the lot from their vantage point across the way, Azure with a telescope and he with a set of binoculars. the minutes seemed like hours as they waited. they turned with a shot as the door opened, and Gill appeared before them. “THE TANKS WERE BLOWN, NO POTION COULD BE RECOVERED!”Gill said in his booming voice, and shook his head in disappointment, “WE FAILED YOU, TONIGHT THERE WILL BE NO CAKE.” “Where is SeVen and Bartleby?” John asked, frowning deeply, maybe he should have taken Grays offer after all. “I am here Mr. Norris.” Bartleby said with a solemn look on his face. “I thought you said you didn’t get any potion?” Azure said tilting his head. “GILL DID NOT LIE, SeVen COULD NOT BE LOCATED!” Gill boomed, angered over the thought someone would think him a liar. “What, but Bartleby is soaked in it.” Azure pointed out at the muscle man in shredded clothes “He’s right, John there is still hope for your son.” Bartleby grinned mustache bristling. “Wait, what?” John asked becoming weirded out. “QUICKLY JOHN NORRIS, HUG MY NAKED CHEST!” Bartleby yelled, spreading his arms wide in a dramatic flourish, The lights glistening off his potion covered chest. “No. . . this is gay, can’t you just, you know, scrape some of it off?” “Dad, it’s only gay if you make it gay, now get naked and hug the glistening naked muscle man so you can teach me to fly.” “Never said your dad didn’t do anything for you. . .Allright, but I keep the undies ON!” * * * “But, but THE WHOLE REASON I DID THIS IS SO I COULD TEACH MY SON TO FLY!” John yelled at the princess’s, He rubbed his new horn with a shaky hoof, “PLEASE BREAK THE RULE THIS ONCE!” “Life isn’t always fair mister Norris, be happy that you have your health. Now go and live your life happily with you son for he lo-.” Celestia stopped as Johns shadow began to darken and lengthen. “Tia, what’s happening?” Luna whispered to her sister. “I’m not sure myself,” Celestia said in a low voice as the shadow became more solid, and soon took on a new shape as the silence was broken by one uttered word. “Manliness.” The shadowy silhouette whispered. “What?” Luna asked leaning forward, “Oh no. . . Please not him, what in the nine hells could HE be doing here?!” “YOU SHALL NOT STAND IN THE PATH. OF FATHERHOOD!” The shadow lunged at Celestia, peeling away as Bartleby emerged like a cannon shot, striking her and smashing her into the back wall. “BIG MISTAKE COMING HERE, THIS IS OUR REALM! WE HOLD ABSOLUTE POWER HERE!” The princess’s shouted in tandem. “. . .What’s going on,” John asked. Cadence simply shrugged. “Aren’t you going to help?” “. . .Um, I’m just going to sit this one out, I’ve seen what this guy can do. . .” “You got knocked the fuck out by him, didn’t you?” “. . .Yes.” Cadence sighed, Raising a shield to shelter them from the shower of rubble picked up by Luna tossing a statue at Bartleby, who cleaved it in two with a punch. “STAND STILL, I WANT TO PUNCH YOU. WITH MY RING HAND!” Bartleby cried leaping back into the fray. “So he actually did beat you guys.” John asked “. . .Yes, I still don’t know why though.” Cadence sighed. “. . . So. . . about teaching my son to fly. . .” John began, Cadence sighed heavily before letting out a sharp ‘EEP!” Teleporting them away from the blast zone of Celestia’s solar fire. Bartleby emerged badly burnt but seemed unbothered as he simply lepta gain at the Alicorn sister. “. . . I’m sorry John, I really am but rules can’t be broken with jus- AHH!” Cadence screamed as she was knocked head over hoof, by her aunt being bowled into her. “HAVE AT YOU!” Bartleby cried, smashing his fist into the ground, the resulting wave of earth pounding the Princess’s into a wall, while miraculously throwing John into the air, to land with an ‘Omph’ on top of a statue. “Sorry, My friend. I will be more careful next time!” Bartleby hooked his hands together, and spirled once then twice in a front flip, before pounding Celestia straight in the face, and sending her spiraling at John, “HOLY SHI-!” Johns cry was cut off as he leapt off the statue, as Celestia smashed through. John walked over to the downed Princess. “Hey. . . hey. . . Princess. . . yoohoo!” John said poking her with a hoof, pulling back as she groaned, eyes snapping open to reveal bloodshot orbs of rage, that instantly cooled to a calm understanding gaze. “Did, did anypony get the number of dat wagon dat hit me?” She mumbled dazed. John cringed before beginning to speak. “You do realize there's at least four more that are going to be here soon to help him right?” John’s gaze was motionless as stone as he looked into her eyes. “I bet, he’d leave willingly if you’d just swap out the Ol’ horn here for a set of wings.” John smiled sheepishly. ‘Am I really trying to threaten a god here for my son?. . . All right, so. . . I’m threatening a physical god for my son. . . neat!’ “So. . .” Celestia began, standing back up. the sound of her regenerating organs and bones snapping together made John cringe. “He’ll leave, if I break the rules this once? Will he attack my sister without warning again if I were to allow this, this once?” Celestia spoke slowly. “I don’t even believe that the others can get here.” She smiled coyly. John tilted his head to the side, and smiled a much too wide, razor tooth filled smile. “WRONG PRINCESS, WE’RE ALREADY HERE!” Cried out ‘not John’ in a cry of glee and bloodlust. SeVen lunged at the princess, Jaws snapping through the tip of her horn, gnashing together for a chance at devouring more. Celestia screeched as SeVen latched onto her. * * * Cadence, Cringed as the ground rumbled, A mountainous human standing above her, emerging from shadows. “GILL, I AM CALLED, ENEMY OF BUREAUS!” Gill blasted, each step shaking the ground, and breaking tile under heavy foot, “I AM UNSTOPPABLE, UNBEATABLE, NONE HAVE STOOD BEFORE ME AND DID. NOT. FALL!” Cadence began to crawl backwards, away from the booming voice of the man. “I, I HAVE DONE NOTHING TO HARM YOU!” Cadence called out. Quickly pointing her horn, a Heart blossomed out from the tip and fluttered to pop gently against his head, Cadences eyes shone with hope for a moment before he continued. “ALL WILL BE CRUSHED UNDER MY MIGHTY FEET!” Gill boomed, slowly beginning to charge. picking up speed before bellybutting the young Cadence through the wall and into the maw of the gaping black sky. Gill rolled and bounced, as a lightning bolt struck him squarely in the chest. “THE NIGHT IS NOT TO BE TOYED WITH!” Hissed Luna, firing a gobs of dark wobbling energy at Gill, Tendrils of red lighting lashing out snatching up anything in its wake to be consumed. Gill winded back, and punched the glowing orb with a meaty fist, the Orb continued and engulfed him, in a burst of light and necrotic energy Gill Emerged, completely nude. Luna screamed as she used her most powerful spell to bind herself in concealing shadows so dark that even she could not fully see through the inky black. “DO NOT ACT LIKE YOU ARE NOT IMPRESSED, WELP!” boomed Gill. “YOU WILL SHOW DECENCY IN FRONT OF A LADY!” Luna boomed back, the force causing Gill’s gelatinous rolls to wave. causing her to gag once again. * * * “Wow. . . just. . . wow.” John muttered to himself, he leapt up with a yelp as a meaty thunk hit the floor next to him, still smoldering from atmospheric reentry Cadence looked up with tired eyes. “I yield. I offer no more objections to this exchange.” Cadence coughed weakly. “What about the other two?” John said motioning towards Luna in a battle of the blasting voice, and Celestia flying erratically through the air screaming as she barrel rolled, slinging SeVen to the ground. Bartleby's manly laugh could be heard by the two as Bartleby caught SeVen and sent him flying back at the princess with a spinning toss. “. . . At this point I don’t think they’ll object much.” Cadence sighed, her horn glowed as she healed herself, before she turned it on Joh. John’s horn glowed and slid down the back of his skull and spine till it came to the shoulder blades, it split into two bones spikes that wavered and bent before slowly morphing into wings. “It is done, two things before you go John.” “Yeah?” John said flexing his new appendages with a smile. “I want you to settle down, and find someone to raise Azure with, he deserves a happy childhood. . . Plus, well I mean you did already go through the trouble of threatening physical gods to do right by him. . . Oh and the other thing.” “Yeah?” John said leaning forward to bask in the wisdom all alicorns must possess. She sighed “Now. . . TAKE YOUR FRIENDS AND GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE!” She whipped her head once and a whip of pure light smashed into John's face. Everything went dark. * * * “Dad. . . Dad. DAD!” Azure called out, as John slowly opened one eye then the other. “Ah HA, IT WORKED!” John said pumping a new foreleg into the air and flaring his wings, He tried to fall back onto all fours but realized he was stuck to something. . . someone. “GAH!” John cried out in pain as Bartleby unceremoniously pealled him off of himself. “AH HA, John you have earned your wings. in the manliest way possible. By beating down a goddess and making her hand them to you!” Bartleby cracked a smile. “Yeah. . . we all did it, woo hoo,” SeVen replied sarcastically. “ Now if you excuse me, I have to lie down. I have a headache from somebody spinning me like atop and hurling me like a javelin towards a pissed horse princess!” SeVen grumbled before stomping away. “I am glad you completed your task,” smiled the shadowy women, John was still unnerved by the fact that all the shadows in the room reached out for her as though wishing to greet her. John wiggled uncomfortable noticing the boxer shorts he was still wearing. “A little hel- *YIPE*” John yelped, as the women's shadow reacted quickly slicing through the clothing quickly, with enough gentleness to not harm a hair on his. . . back side. “When you’d get here anyway?” “SeVen was harmed, I collected him as he regenerated and carted him here, I sent the others into the dream world to assist you in your quest.” She smiled. John chuckled once. “Well, thank you for your help I’ll pa-.” John was stopped by Bartleby raising his hand. “No John, we require no payment for this deed. because of you we shut down the source of forced ponification, ‘WE’ are indebted to you,” Bartleby smiled, chuckling to himself. “WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR, CAKE FOR ALL!” The windows cracked and fell to the ground from Gills over zealous yell. everyone shrugged and began to follow after Gill Enemy of Buffets. ******************************************************************************************************** Well. This was fun to write, even though I took my sweet time with it. It may be awful it may be good, and it may be funny. please don’t let it color your view of Krass however, if you have a complaint PM me. Daniel Overton: think you could just use 'get' here Daniel Overton: more extra capitals Daniel Overton: rippin' Daniel Overton: comma

DCN

301

Pinkie Pie,Twilight Sparkle,Comedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Pinkie Pie Tries Vegetables

complete

<p>Twilight Sparkle tries to introduce Pinkie Pie to the world of vegetables!</p><p>For the 300 word story event on Equestria Daily.</p>

everyone

2011-07-23T03:46:10+00:00

2011-07-23T03:46:10+00:00

Pinkie Pie eyed suspiciously the plate of strange foliage Twilight had placed in front of her. "What do you call this stuff again?" "Vegetables," Twilight replied, "You need to eat something besides cupcakes all day, Pinkie. It's unhealthy." "So, there's no frosting in this at all?" Pinkie looked up from the plate, puzzled. "None. It's a salad." Twilight stated. Still confused, Pinkie Pie poked at a leaf with her hoof. "There's no sugar?" "Only natural sugars." "Oh goody, sugar!" squealed Pinkie Pie, reassured. "No," said Twilight, becoming increasingly impatient, "naturally occurring sugars. Not the kind that you're used to." Pinkie Pie stared hard at the plate of leaves, as if trying to bore a hold in it with her mind. Twilight rolled her eyes. "Remember when you had that apple once?" "Oh yeah! It was juicy!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed after a small hop. "Well, this is the same thing, kinda. That was a 'fruit', this is a 'vegetable'" said Twilight, holding up a carrot. "I've seen those things before!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "That's right!" said Twilight. "Both fruits and vegetables have lots of nutrients that everypony needs to grow strong and healthy." Twilight smiled to herself, pleased. Pinkie Pie was catching on. Soon, they would go over the Food Pyramid, cooking light, and even eating sweets in moderation! This was the start of a new day for Pinkie Pie, Twilight thought. "Can I add frosting to it?" asked Pinkie Pie. "No Pinkie, you can't add frosting to it." Twilight replied, deflated. "Chocolate chips?" "No." "What about sprinkles?" "No." "Cupcakes?" "No!" Twilight put her hoof down. This was getting to be more trouble than it was worth.

Hyperion

302

Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Dark,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

MLP:FIM Elements of Nothingness

incomplete

<p>After Twilight wakes up in a destroyed Ponyville, she's must find way home as a evil copy lurks in her world as it searches for the elements of Nothingness.</p>

everyone

2011-07-24T22:45:15+00:00

2011-07-24T22:45:15+00:00

Prologue Deep within the forest, this was known as Everfree, a young dark blue female winged unicorn step in front of a large castle which was in ruins. She was hesitance at first but soon cast that away and entered the castle. As she walks in the old and collapsing hallway, a fade voice could be heard within the shadows. The young mare didn't listen to the voice as she continued down her path. As each step she took, the voice grew louder and louder, until it could finally be understood. The voice was calling out the young mare name and saying things like she will always be alone and no one cared for her. Along time ago, the mare would've believed this but now she knew this was false. Soon the young mare enters an old throne room and soon found what she was looking for. Standing in front of her was a broken and scatter armor. The same armor she once used but suddenly something happen. The armor started to leak s dark mist and soon the voice return as it took shape of a pony in shadows. “...You finally return, Luna” smiled the shadow as it step forward “...We can be one again and destroy this pitiful world!” Luna hover the armor in the air with her magic and with one strong thrust to the ground, she finally destroy the armor as it vanish into the darkness. “I'll NEVER be part of you ever again!” spoke Luna as walk away from the spot where the armor once was “farewell...” As Luna exited the castle, she could see the sun rising to the sky as the beautiful night she made, vanish and was replace with a beautiful golden sky but soon that sky vanish as the blue sky appeared once more. Luna could only smile at this beautiful day that her sister made but unknowing to her, so was her shadow as it gave off a dark aura. Elements of Nothingness