CHAPTER THREE: AN UNINVITED GUEST
“So do you think Twilight will be ok?” Spike asked. “The Princess seemed angry.”
“Don’t worry Spike.” Shooting Star comforted. “The Princess is a fair and just ruler, she loves all her subjects. She views Twilight as her daughter.”
“Did she really give you all of Twilight’s friendship reports?” Spike asked, he couldn’t see the Princess so openly violating Twilights trust.
“Not all of them.” The midnight coated unicorn answered. “I got the less personal ones, the ones that told me about her friends.”
“Guess that’s not too bad.” The dragon muttered.
“I’m sure Princess Celestia meant no harm.” Shooting Star replied turned her head to look at the dragon with her emerald eyes. “She just wanted me prepared. To be honest I felt…honored.”
“That’s a weird word to use.” Spike remarked.
“Think of it.” Shooting Star encouraged. “You are allowed a glimpse into the life of someone as famous as Twilight Sparkle! How could any pony say no?”
“Twilights famous?” Spike asked.
“Well she did save Equestria three times.” Shooting star replied. “She’s viewed as a hero.”
“I bet her handsome dragon assistant is viewed in the same light.” Spike said striking a heroic pose.
“You have some following.” Shooting Star said as she used her magic to force the dragon into a seated position.
“Aww, gee.” Spike blushed, then he decided to change the subject. “What about you?” Where you always this pretty?”
“I’m not that pretty.” Shooting Star said though her cheeks blushed. “I don’t want to be like those mean pretty ponies. Did you ever hear of the Canterlot Mare Allegiance?”
“Not really.” Spike replied scratching his head. “Oh, wait, do you mean a bunch of really pretty but mean ponies?”
Shooting Star nodded her head, her expression serious. Using her magic she opened her saddlebags and levitated out an old picture and gave it to the little dragon.
Spike looked at the picture which was of an awkwardly tall unicorn with thick glasses and braces. “Whoa!” Spike exclaimed. “A friend of yours?”
“It’s me when I was younger.” Shooting Star replied. “Those girls where horrible to me. I never felt so alone in my entire life.”
“They sound like two fillies I know back in Ponyville.” Spike said as he remembered Diamond Tiara and her friend Silver Spoon. Two stuck up fillies that looked down on just about any pony that wasn’t them. “Look at you now though! What happened?”
“When I got older and my magic finally kicked in I didn’t need glasses anymore.” Shooting star explained. “Also I got rid of the braces, I’ve always been tall, and thanks to my parents I just adapted.”
“Whoa.” Was all the baby dragon could say. As they cantered towards the train depot they heard a station worker cry out.
“Train from Ponyville pulling into the station now!”
“The train is here already?” Spike questioned.
“Hold on Spike.” Shooting star said as she burst into a gallop.
Spike cried out as he clung to the mare’s mane as she sprinted towards the train depot. Her long legs helped carry her towards her destination all that much sooner. When she reached the depot she saw a quintet of ponies leave the train.
“It’s them!” Spike pointed out as a pink blur headed their direction. “Umm Star? Duck!”
“What? Wh…” Shooting Star was cut off as the two of them got tackle hugged but a pink pony with a curly mane. She was only on them for a moment before a Rainbow maned blue Pegasus was over dragging the pink one away.
“Hey guys.” Spike said. “Shooting star this is Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. Pinkie, Rainbow this is Shooting Star, she’s coming to Ponyville.”
“Wait.” Pinkie Pie said. “You’re coming to Ponyville? That means I have to throw a welcome to Ponyville party! But I can’t throw a welcome to Ponyville party because we’re in Canterlot. I know I’ll do a…” Pinkie continued to ramble much to Shooting Star’s confusion.
Rainbow Dash took Star’s hoof and jammed it in Pinkie’s mouth, though the happy pony continued to blather. Shooting Star gave Rainbow Dash a confused look. “Sorry, sometimes it’s the only way.” The Pegasus said. “Anyway nice to meet ya, you’re a bookworm like Twilight?
“Rainbow!” Applejack scolded as she cantered up with Fluttershy and Rarity and their pets. “I’m sorry bout that, I’m Applejack.” She shook Shooting Star’s hoof with such force the lovely Unicorn shook.
“S-h-o-o-o-o-o-t-t-t-t-i-i-i-i-n-n-n-n-g-g-g-g S-t-t-t-t-a-a-a-r-r-r-r” Shooting Star said as she was shaken.
“Applejack!” Rarity scolded. “That is not how you treat a lady. Dear, I am Rarity and I simply adore your coat and mane, I must simply make an outfit for you.”
“Hello Rarity I’m Shooting Star.” She noticed a pale yellow Pegasus cowering in the background with a hostile looking bunny that looked to be scolding her.
“Hello.” Shooting Star said. “I’m Shooting Star.”
“I’m.” then Fluttershy mumbled as she tried to hide behind her mane. Earning a slap from the bunny. Angel looked up to see Shooting Star glaring at him. “Please don’t hurt Angel, he was just trying to convince me to be more assertive.”
“He needs to be nicer about it.” Shooting star said. “So what’s your name?”
“I’m Fluttershy.” Fluttershy said softly.
Shooting Star kept her smile, she knew from the friendship reports and from Celestia herself that Fluttershy was painfully shy. “The Princess told me that you tried to take care of her Phoenix once.”
Fluttershy brightened at that. “Oh Spike, you have someone who wants to see you.” She whistled and a baby phoenix came flying flying in and landed on the dragon’s tail.
“Hey PeeWee.” Spike said.
“You have a baby Phoenix?” Shooting Star questioned.
“Aw yeah!” Rainbow Dash said. “All he had to do was beat up some jerk dragons!”
Just then Fluttershy whimpered and the others backed up. Confused Shooting star looked behind her and saw the reason. Pinkie Pie was the size of a giant balloon! She removed the hoof from her mouth and the pink pony deflated like a balloon flying all over the train station before landing where she was standing.
“That was fun!” She laughed. The others just laughed at Pinkie Pie and her total randomness.
“Shooting Star!” A voice called, when they looked up they saw Princess Luna. The ruler of the night seemed out of place in the daytime but was majestic none the less. She landed before the group and they all dipped into bows.
“Princess Luna!” Shooting Star cried as she raced to her mentor.
“Tis good to see thee.” Luna said as she hugged her student. “Thou hast someone else to see thee.”
Before Shooting Star could question who, she was tackled by a white form.
“Ohwowohwowohwowohwowyouknowpinkiepie!” The streak blathered. When the duo stopped tumbling there was a White Pegasus that looked a lot like a certain Pink earth pony.
When the others saw the white Pegasus they stood there mouths agape. Even Pinkie Pie but only for a moment before she zoomed over to her Pegasus twin. The two mimicked each other’s movement as if they really where mirror images of each other. It ended when both happy ponies zoomed off and zoomed back with a gift, which they gave to each other and got a face full on confetti. Both Pinkie and Surprise fell to the ground laughing.
“Whoa nelly.” Applejack commented. “I don’t think we’re ready for two Pinkies.”
“Are you kidding? Rainbow Dash snorted. “We can hardly handle one.”
Shooting Star stood there shocked until she felt Luna give her a nudge. “Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rarity and Rainbow, this is Surprise. One of my few friends in Canterlot.” Shooting star said.
“If you would follow me.” Luna said. “You are missing your friend’s birthday party.” The group followed Luna all talking excitedly.
“A birthday party in Canterlot.” Applejack commented. “Ah remember her last birthday here.”
“Those fancy ponies didn’t know how to party like we do.” Rainbow Dash grumbled.
“It was a garden party Rainbow dear.” Rarity said. “One must act civilized at those. Even so those two dreadful ponies Jetset and Uppercrust needed a good hoof to the rear.”
They got to Celestia’s chambers which were streaming out streamers and party music.
“Go have fun!” Luna bellowed using her royal canterlot accent before flying away. The group entered and where quickly tackled by a happy Twilight. Shooting Star stood back with Spike still on her back.
“Go on.” Spike urged.
“They’re her friends.” Shooting Star said sadly. “Not mine. I have no right taking her place. I’m going to see Celestia.”
“About what?” Celestia asked. Shooting Star spun around with a squeal. “Something bothering you my little pony?”
“Princess!” Shining Armor said as he trotted over. “It’s almost time to lower the sun.”
“I’ll be right back.” Celestia said as she flew off.
“So.” Shining Armor said as she shifted his hoof. “You look well.”
“Oh Shining Armor!” Shooting star almost yelled. “I would love to talk, but..woops dropped my dragon!”
“No you didn’t.” Spike argued before he found himself in a magic aura and being dropped. As he turned to argue Shooting Star was running the other direction
“Spike?” Rarity asked as she cantered over. “What happened? Oh is my poor Spikey-wikey all right?”
“He’s fine.” Shining Armor said. “I guess Shooting Star still doesn’t want to talk.”
“Talk?” Rarity questioned then is dawned on her and her blue eyes lit up. “Tell me! I’ve always wanted royal gossip!”
“Rarity!” Twilight yelled as she pulled the gossip crazed fashionista away from her brother and placed her dragon on her back. “Sorry Shiney.”
“It’s fine Twilly.” Shining Armor said.
“Oh please forgive me Twilight!” The overdramatic Rarity wailed. “I just lost myself. I’m such a horrible friend! Could you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?”
Twilight, Shining Armor and Spike all exchanged looks varying from amused to confused.
“Rarity its fine.” Twilight finally said. “It’s just Shiney is My B.B.B.F.F. I’ll always be protective of him.”
Rarity gave a sheepish grin before trotting away with Spike on her back. Letting Twilight and Shining Armor catch up.
“It’s good to see you B.B.B.F.F” Twilight said as she hugged her older brother tightly.
“It’s not every day your L.S.B.F.F becomes a mare.” Shining Armor answered.
Twilight blushed, today was her eighteenth birthday and by traditions in Equestria that made her a mare. Though she was hardly a filly even before she turned eighteen. She was mature, smart and knowledgeable in just about anything. To Shining Armor however, he was a change, she was no longer the book worm loner. She had friends and he was glad for that.
“There’s our little Twilly Filly!” a female voice rang out. Twilight blushed as she saw a white coated mare with a pink and white mane trot over along with a blue stallion with a darker blue mane.
“Mooooom!” Twilight protested.
“Oh I can’t help it!” Twilight Velvet gushed. “You’ll always be my Twilly Filly just as Shining Armor will be my Shiney Whiney Poopy Pants.”
Shining Armor’s cheeks flushed a bright red, until the family heard laughter from above them. Rainbow Dash heard everything and found it hilarious.
“Rainbow!” Twilight scolded. “Where you listening in?”
“Relax.” Rainbow said as she proceeded to lounge on her back whiles hovering. “I just think Twilly Filly and Shiney Whiney Poopy pants are hilarious nicknames.”
Twilight snorted like a bull as her horn glowed with magic that was before a lasso twirled up and grabbed the athletic mare by her Rainbow colored tail and forcefully pulled her away.
“Thanks A.J.” Twilight thanked.
“Not a problem Sugarcube.” Applejack replied and after tipping her hat the farm pony was off with Dash in tow.
Twilight turned her attention to her family once again.
“We just wanted to say how proud we are of you.” Night Light said.
“Now go see your friends.” Twilight Velvet said as she pinched her daughter’s cheeks before leaving with her husband.
“Moms will be moms.” Shining Armor said as he nuzzled his little sister.
“Just like big brothers will be big brothers, best friends, forever.” Twilight said as she nuzzled her older brother. “Love you Shiney.”
“Back at ya Twilly.” Shining Armor returned. “Come on lets go watch the sun set and the moon rise. Twilight nodded as she trotted off with her B.B.B.F.F
XXXXX
In another part of the massive chamber, a food table was nearly knocked over and a yellow Pegasus almost scared out of her wits. As Shooting star zoomed under the table.
“What in tarnation was that?” Applejack asked as she cantered over having let Rainbow Dash free after forcing a Pinkie Promise that she wouldn’t pester Twilight and her family.
“I don’t know.” Fluttershy replied. She then looked under the table and saw the black coated mare. “What are you doing under there?”
“Hiding.” Came Shooting Star’s response.
“From who?” Applejack questioned.
“Every pony.” Came the response.
“That ain’t fair.” Applejack replied. “Hidin ain’t no way to make friends. So why dontcha tell us what the problem is.”
Shooting Star whimpered from where she hid, she then felt someone next to her. She saw Fluttershy and the timid Pegasus gave her the kindest smile she’s ever seen.
“Go on.” Fluttershy encouraged as she nudged Shooting Star. “I promise it will be all right.”
“I’m really sorry.” Shooting Star apologized as she came out of hiding. “See, Shining Armor and I used to date.”
“Whoa.” Applejack replied. “So what happened?”
“It didn’t work.” Shooting Star answered. “I never got any space with him. I know he was just looking out for me, but still. Now I see him today with Princess Cadence. And…she’s right behind me isn’t she?” the other two nodded. Her ears drooped. “I’m going back under the table now.” Before she could she was in a magic field.
“Not so fast.” Cadence said a hint of a smile on her face. “I don’t have much time before Aunt Celestia lowers the sun and Aunt Luna raises the moon. I do want to talk to you. Alone, please?” Seeing the sincere look on Cadence’s face made Shooting Star nod. “The two of you should go get a good spot to see them lower the sun and raise the moon.”
Applejack and Fluttershy left after nodding and Cadence looked at the stunning unicorn. “You know Shining Armor still talks about you?” Cadence asked her voice held no hostility if even sounded like a compliment.
“W..why?” Shooting Star stammered. “I’m nothing special. You’re a Princess, I can tell why he fell for you. I’m really happy that you found your special some pony.”
“You will too.” Cadence replied her smile never fading. “Come on, let’s go join the others. We can talk more after Auntie Tia and Auntie Lulu do their thing.” Nodding Shooting Star went with the Princess, now knowing why she was the Princess of Love.
XXXXX
In the chambers of Celestia the two royal sisters took center stage. They sit back to back, Celestia faced the sun, while her sister Luna faced where the moon would rise.
“Art thou ready sister?” Luna asked.
“I’m fearful.” Celestia answered honestly.
“I speak of what might happen.” Luna corrected.
“So am I.” came the response.
Celestia closed her eyes and she became one with the sun. The sun perhaps sensing what could happen refused to set. Celestia frowned and just asserted more force. Eventually after a minute the sun began to set.
Luna had an easier time rising the stars and the moon, as the day turned into night to the awe of the ponies in attendance. Celestia was watching Luna rise the moon a tight feeling in her chest. When she saw the moon rise she relaxed.
Then she and every pony in attendance heard a chilling voice sing a mocking rendition of happy birthday. It started off as Clean Sweep, the chamber maid for the sisters. However as more and more eyes turned towards her she changed she grew taller her legs grew longer and full of holes, she grew a jagged horn and her brown hair turned a teal color.
Queen Chrysalis was back.
“Guards!” Celestia barked not even knowing how scared she sounded. “Seize her!”
“For what crime?” Chrysalis asked. “I’m here for a birthday, though I fear I lost my invitation. I’ll simply claim what is mine and be off.” She looked right at Twilight Sparkle.
Without warning two Pegasus guards flew in on the Changeling Queen. With an unsettling calm she unleashed a blast of green fire on the guards. Defeating them but leaving them alive.
“Your hospitality is slipping Princess.” Chrysalis mocked. “I only want to see the birthday girl.”
“W..why.” Twilight stammered. “Princess Celestia?”
“You left her in the dark did you?” Chrysalis asked looking at the Princess. “Very well, once eighteen years ago was born a tiny foal that despite the valiant efforts of her birth parents and Princess was doomed to perish. A magic wisp of green smoke entered her body, gave her strength and molded her. The foal was Twilight Sparkle and her savior is me. You Twilight are my heir to my kingdom, congratulations are in order.”
“No way!” Rainbow Dash yelled.
“It’s a lie!” Applejack chimed in.
“Twilight is a Unicorn!” Rarity cried.
“And our friend.” Fluttershy added.
“We like cake!” Pinkie and Surprise cried in unison
With a cruel smile Queen Chrysalis landed before Twilight Sparkle. Others near Twilight cowered or fled, but Twilight bravely stood her ground. A look into her eyes and Chrysalis smiled again. She had grown to be defiant and true to herself. Twilight was joining by her five friends as well as Shooting Star who took a place at Twilights side.
Twilight winced why she saw a green flame wriggling up her body. The flame didn’t hurt, she felt no sensation from the flame. The smile vanished from Chrysalis’ face.
“Nothing.” She whispered. She looked at Celestia, yes it all made sense. That proud Allicorn, she did this, she removed the trace amount of changeling blood she placed in Twilight. “Curse you Celestia! Do you wonder why I hate you so! Your hatred towards us has doomed my race to extinction!”
“Three months ago you revealed yourself with the intention of taking over my kingdom!” Celestia shouted using her royal canterlot accent. “You abducted my niece, and my student, defeated me in combat and you DARE to wonder why I hate you? You are your kind is a blight on my kingdom and so I sentenced them.”
“Y..you are going to sentence a whole race to die out?” Shooting Star stammered unable to believe what she heard.
“That ain’t right!” Applejack protested.
“I agree.” Rarity added. “they might be dreadful but they still have a right to be here as much as any other pony.”
“Sister!” Luna cried. “What is wrong with thee? Thou art not acting like thineself! Please come to your senses!”
“Princess Celestia please!” Twilight pleaded.
‘Ingrates.’ Celestia thought as she glared down at her subjects. They cowered, how dare they? She was a Princess, ruler of the sun, defender of Equestria. She let their pitiful words fall upon death ears. After all who were they to question her? Celestia blinked, when her eyes opened they where black soul less pits and she turned them upon her subjects.
As Twilight and her friends tried to plead with the Princess, Shining Armor did what he had to do. He quickly and quietly got the attendee’s of the party out of there as quickly as he could. He hoped he would get them all free. When he heard Celestia’s voice his heart sank.
“So.” Celestia said though she still used her accent her voice was flat, her eyes that once held untold amounts of kindness and joy where black, soul less pits. “Even my prized student turns on me. Very well, I hereby pass sentence on those in attendance.
“And my sentence is DEATH!”