//------------------------------// // 11 Days until T-Day // Story: 14 Days Until T-Day // by bahatumay //------------------------------// 11 Days until T-Day Trixie's Airship 8:12 am Trixie was in a good mood as she readjusted herself deeper into her captain's chair. That imbecile of a chef had managed to not burn the pancakes this morning, and she was greatly enjoying her breakfast of pancakes drenched in syrup. At least, she was, until a little growl sounded next to her, interrupting her breakfast. Trixie turned to see Sky Dancer, who had not been given breakfast, looking at her with a flat look. “Did you say something?” Trixie asked, cocking her head in confusion. Sky Dancer kept her expression blank. “That wasn't you, was it?” Sky Dancer said nothing. “Oh, was that your stomach? Are you hungry?” Trixie asked kindly. She levitated over a fork, dripping with syrup and loaded with pancake-y goodness. “Do you want a bite?” Sky Dancer kept her face emotionless, but her eyes flicked quickly to the offered fork before returning to Trixie. She narrowed her eyes slightly. Trixie shrugged. “Your loss,” she said, popping the pancake into her mouth. She hid a smile. Sky Dancer would be given lunch, of course, but it was the little things that showed who was in charge. And frankly, these were delicious pancakes. Behind her, a guard sighed lightly. She was fighting well, but he had seen so many “assistants” come and so many go. She would break, too, eventually. The only question was how long it would take. 11 Days until T-Day Sweet Apple Acres 10:57 am Apple Bloom marched proudly as she led members of her extended family from the train platform through Ponyville. She had certainly grown into a fine young farm mare, and she had already received numerous compliments from relatives she hadn't seen in a while, and she had happily shown off her muscular frame and shiny cutie mark. And some of that pride may have been family pride. As she led the little coalition of ponies—most of them stallions—through town, mares everywhere stopped, turned, and stared. Apple Bloom even saw one of the flower ponies lick her lips with longing. Heh. Who says Apples aren't the best? Soon enough (too soon, if you asked the mares in town), they arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, where Applejack welcomed them with warm smiles and warmer apple pies, fresh from the oven. “Thank y'all for comin' out!” she said as she sliced and served. “Really means a lot t' me that y'all'd come out here on such short notice. Ah barely sent those letters two days ago.” Her cousin smiled as he took the plate. “Oh, it's no trouble at all.” Then he smiled. “You know the Rule,” he said. He may have smiled, but the glint in his eyes was sharper than iron. (1) Applejack, too, knew the Rule. “Well, thank ya again. Twilight wants us to work on throwing hay bales for distance, fer some reason.” “She didn't tell you why?” Applejack shrugged. “Nope, so Ah ain't exactly sure, and Ah haven't asked her 'cause Ah know that her explanation would jus' leave my head spinnin'” (here, she rolled her eyes to exaggerate her point) “so Ah say we just run with it.” Her family was just as easygoing as she was, and accepted this without question. “Well, she certainly picked the right ponies for the job!” one said around a mouthful of pie. Applejack was about to reply when she noticed that her hat was no longer on her head. She spun around, and saw it floating in the air. There was no glow of magic about it; it just floated. “What in tarnation...” she muttered, grabbing at it, but it hopped out of the way. “Come back here!” she yelled, chasing the hat through the field. Catching up to her escaping keepsake, she launched herself at the hat—and was surprised to feel resistance between her and the ground. Warm resistance. Almost as if she had tackled another pony... She looked down to see a purple unicorn underneath her. Having lost her concentration, the invisibility spell had dropped, revealing a very dazed Twilight Sparkle to the world. Her eyes shifted in and out of focus. “Twi?” “Came to check on your family.... they showed up and they're looking really good...” Twilight said, her speech slightly slurred. She levitated her checklist and drew a shaky check through one box. “Keep 'em practicing... Pick the top eight hay throwers in three days, the rest will be defensive line.... They all look like they can hold their own in a fight...” “Those Trixie-ites won't know what hit 'em,” Applejack promised proudly. She paused. “Ah should get up now, shouldn't Ah?” “Yes, please,” Twilight groaned. Applejack got up and helped Twilight to her hooves. “Anythin' else goin' on today?” Twilight examined the checklist. “I've planned on visiting Rarity and seeing how far she's gotten on her two assignments, and they're starting construction on the towers today so I'll go watch that. It's a pretty easy day.” Applejack nodded. “Sounds good. Hey, 'afore ya go...” She stretched out one hind leg and gave a tree a kick. One pristine apple fell from the tree and landed. right in front of Twilight. “On me.” 11 Days until T-Day Carousel Boutique 11:37 am Rarity found it the slightest bit strange that she would be talking to an invisible pony, but a lady takes whatever comes in stride. “So, as you can see, this is precisely fitted to Rainbow Dash's form. All I have to do is finish the hood and it will be completed.” “Perfect,” Twilight's voice came from... somewhere. Rarity shivered. That invisibility spell was quite disorienting. “Pegasi training can start tomorrow, right on schedule. How is the second project coming?” Rarity's sudden twitching eye and fluttering ear gave Twilight her primary answer; but before Rarity could elaborate, the bell by the door rang. In walked a seafoam green unicorn, with a slightly nervous expression on her face as she looked at the ground. “Hello, Lyra,” Rarity greeted her. “How may I help you today?” Lyra looked up and gave a small smile, and Rarity understood immediately. “You're not here for a new outfit, are you?” Lyra shook her head no. “No. I'm... well... Bon Bon... well... you see, it's... well...” Rarity could have sworn she heard one of her ponnekins sigh, and she shot it an angry glare before turning back to Lyra and placing a comforting hoof on her shoulder. “Oh, take your time, darling.” “She wants to leave.” “Leave?” Rarity was taken aback. “Whatever for?” “She thinks we're sitting ducks here. And I know all about sitting.” Rarity didn't understand that last part, but she nodded agreeably. “Well, I suppose I could see that. I mean, it's not like Twilight has been walking around recently, has she? I could certainly imagine that would make some ponies nervous.” “No. That's probably part of the problem. Bon Bon thinks... she thinks she ran away and abandoned us.” One of the ponnekins gave a little snort, and Rarity turned and gave it a glare. “That reminds me, I need to get Opal her hairball medicine,” she growled through clenched teeth. She turned back to Lyra and spoke gently. “I'm not supposed to say too much, dear, but I have it on good authority that Twilight is still here, and she's planning a way for us to come through on top.” (2) “Are you sure? When I told Bon Bon that, she accused me of just defending another unicorn.” “Well, Bon Bon has always been a bit brash,” Rarity conceded, before a slightly playful look crossed her face. “So you came to another unicorn for your information?” Lyra gave a slight chuckle. “Well, I trust you, Rarity; you've always been trustworthy. You keep all our orders secret, after all.” “Oh, yes.” It was Rarity's turn to give a slight chuckle, but this one was tainted with nervousness. “That I do.” Lyra smiled and leaned in close. “Speaking of which...” “Now?” Rarity squeaked. Lyra looked around. “There's nopony else here, is there?” Rarity gave a tense smile and her eyes flicked to one side. “Unless there's an invisible pony hiding behind one of my ponnekins, no.” Lyra laughed, her eyes lighting up for the first time all day. “You're funny. That spell's nearly impossible to hold for longer than a minute.” She leaned in closer, licking her teeth in excitement. “So, when's it gonna be done?” Rarity gave a nervous giggle and looked back to where she had last heard Twilight before responding, “I'm... finishing touches, really. And minor fitting, of course.” “Can I try it on now?” “No!” Rarity squealed, before looking back sheepishly. “I mean... Come back tonight. I'm working on a project for Twilight right now and that's top priority.” Lyra frowned slightly. “Ok...” she said, before her eyes popped back up again. “So, what's she into?” “Wha-? I never would... I mean...” Rarity stumbled before blurting, “It's for Rainbow Dash, actually.” Lyra laughed. “I didn't mean it like that! But, now that you say that...” “No! I mean, I don't know if she does or not, such a thing doesn't come up often in good conversation, but it's a lightning-proof suit.” Lyra's jaw dropped. “And I thought I was into some strange stuff...” Rarity let out an anguished squeal. “No, no no no no. Not like that. It's for pegasus training. Remember how I said Twilight was working on a plan? I'm part of that plan, and for that she needs a lightning-proof suit for Rainbow Dash and an outfit fit from Tartarus for Pinkie Pie.” She none-too-gently began to nudge Lyra towards the door. “And I'm really very sorry, but I must get back to work if I am to be done by tomorrow, so please come back later tonight, and we'll discuss your outfit then.” “All right!” Lyra agreed happily as she headed towards the door. “I love your stuff. It's tight where it should be, but still flexible enough and leaves me free enough to do the things I like, like...” “And we're leaving! We're leaving. If Bon Bon wants the opinion of an earth pony, the Cakes are in on this, too. Right up the road. Goodbye!” Sticking her tongue out playfully, Lyra headed out the door, with a spring in her step that certainly wasn't there before. No sooner had the door shut than Rarity turned towards where she assumed Twilight was and spoke in a flat voice. “I trust you already know that that conversation never leaves this room, correct?” Silence answered. “Correct?” “Sorry,” Twilight's voice came from behind Rarity. “Forgot I cast the silencing spell. What was that all about?” “Let's just say that while I choose the spa for tension release, other ponies choose... other activities that require... special outfits.” There was silence for a while. “Do I want to ask?” Twilight finally asked. “No.” Rarity's response was quick and final. “No, you really don't.” Twilight shrugged, though Rarity couldn't see. “So what was that you were saying about Pinkie's outfit?” Rarity resumed her normal attitude. “Oh, it's horrid! So many patches, so many designs on those patches, and the magic-repellant certainly isn't easy to weave into the fabric, and it has to be even, for what you have planned.... I've barely gotten two patches done, and there's no way I'll be able to keep up with this and my normal work at this rate. I'm simply swamped!” Rarity heard the sound of magic, and a parchment being unrolled. “Hmm... Today I'm supposed to check on the tower construction, and that's about it. That shouldn't take too long, so I'll come back and help you when I'm done.” “Please do,” Rarity said, trying and failing to hide her relief. “It has been a nightmare.” “Oh, trust me,” Twilight said, and Rarity could almost hear her devious grin. “Nightmare is exactly what we're going for.” 11 Days until T-Day Construction Site 2:43 pm Twilight scrunched her face, deep in thought, as she walked away from the construction site. Sure, the ponies had seemed suspicious of the order for four large wooden towers, but when the mayor orders a rush job with bonus pay, objections vanish like dew in summer. Hmm... that was another research project right there, wasn't it? Twilight shook her head as she walked. They had started, the foundation looked firm, the wood looked fine, but what was really occupying Twilight's mind was the way the ponies would whistle at mares walking by. What would that be like, to be on the receiving end? How strange it must be, to be the object of somepony's affection... and yet, how fun at the same time... Twilight shook her head harder this time, trying to clear it. She had more important things to worry about. Right now, and next on the checklist, was helping Rarity. 11 Days until T-Day Ponyville Library 7:25 pm Derpy looked up from her book at the sound of magic. She cocked her head and ran through the various scenarios, ranging from 'Trixie's attack has started!' to 'aliens are attacking', but soon deciding that the most likely answer was 'Twilight is home'. But if that were the case, why hadn't at least said 'hello', 'how was your day', or, at the very least, 'are those blueberry muffins I smell?'. And why was she home so early? Derpy bit her lip in indecision, but finally decided that as temporary librarian and caretaker, it was her responsibility to investigate, and so she marked her page, rolled off the cloud, and trotted up the stairs. Sure enough, Twilight was home. At least, that seemed the most logical explanation for the pony-sized indentation on top of the bed. “Twilight?” Derpy decided to ask, just to be sure. “Hi, Derpy,” came Twilight's muffled reply. “Are you ok?” “No. Yes. Maybe.” “What happened?” Twilight exhaled, still speaking as if she were burying her face into a pillow. “I miscalculated.” Derpy licked her lips nervously. She had heard stories of what Trixie had done, and anything that jeopardized Twilight's plan was indeed cause for concern. “You can always recalculate, though, right?” she asked, hoping she didn't sound too desperate. Twilight gave a little grunt in reply. “Not like that... Pinkie's outfit is... oh, right. Can't tell you anything.” Derpy nodded. This was established protocol. Sure, the mental-extraction spell was hard to cast, but it was effective, and also painful. Truth potions require but a month to stew, and are much easier to brew. {Thanks to Zecora for this line} Therefore, a captured pony could be forced to tell the truth, and say that they had been kept in the dark, thus sparing them the painful extraction spell. Although it wasn't very likely, Twilight didn't want to take any chances, and had sworn everypony she was working with to secrecy, and hadn't cross-shared any more information than she had had to. “Let's just say that it'll take twice as long to do what I wanted. Luckily, I built in some cushion room, but now I'll have to be at Rarity's more often.” Derpy giggled. “Don't tell Spike that. He'll get jealous that you're spending time at his crush's and he's not.” “How did... how did you...?” Derpy stuck her tongue out playfully, and relaxed her eyes, letting them shift and spin to face different directions. “I see eeeeverything, Twilight Sparkle,” she said in a surprisingly creepy voice, “Eeeeevrryythiiiiing.” (3) Twilight gave a slight chuckle, and when she spoke again, Derpy could hear a smile in her voice for the first time all evening. “All rightie, then. Ready for pegasus training tomorrow?” Derpy snorted. “Yeah. Rainbow Dash has been telling everypony. Eleven am sharp, she said.” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “But Blossomforth and I have a bet going that she'll be late.” “I'm in charge of that meeting, Derpy. She'll be there on time, even if I have to drag her tail there myself.” Derpy grunted as she realized that she was on the losing end of that bet, but relaxed. “Ah well. Any excuse to bake is fine by me.” She paused. “That reminds me. Blueberry muffin?” “Sure.” Within seconds, Derpy returned with three of the baked goods. She laid two down on the bed and kept one for herself. “You sound a bit stressed,” she said, gently stroking a hoof down where she assumed her mane would be. “Derpy? Please stop touching my tail.” Well, that was awkward. “Well, un-invisible yourself and I'll stroke your mane properly,” Derpy said. Twilight sighed, but canceled the spell, revealing a very strange position. Derpy leaned closer and stroked her mane. “You're going to be fine. You've planned for everything, and with you at the helm, there's no storm we can't weather.” And, for some reason, such simple words of affirmation helped Twilight relax. “I guess you're right,” she said, around a mouthful of blueberry muffin. “I know I'm right. There's a reason you're the Element of Magic and why you're always in charge of Winter Wrap-up, and you're using both talents greatly.” She paused. “I don't think that's a word.” Twilight smiled. “You know, you make a great mother.” Derpy giggled. “I hope so. Habits die hard, eh?” Her face suddenly shifted. “Have you heard from Dinky recently?” Twilight shook her head. “Spike burned her a letter two days ago, but she can't exactly reply. I know she got it, though, so I'm sure she's fine and on her way back.” “I still can't believe she went on that journey herself,” she said. “Up in the snowy mountains? What were you thinking, anyway?” “It was her idea,” Twilight protested. “I suggested the Appleoosan desert for her training.” “This 'going away and studying' is dumb,” Derpy said. Twilight shrugged from her position still on her back. “Yeah, maybe, but when you're at her level, you need room to practice. When she comes back with mage-level magic, you might change your mind.” “Still my daughter, still worry,” Derpy muttered, before turning back to Twilight. “Early sleep tonight?” Twilight nodded. “Pegasi training tomorrow, remember? I still have some things to finish before, and I'm beat.” “Well, I'll leave you alone then,” Derpy said. She leaned in, before pulling back in shock. “What?” Twilight asked, surprised. “I...” Derpy stammered, blushing furiously. “I was about to give you a good-night kiss.” Twilight laughed, a full, happy laugh. “I promise, as soon as I know she's back, I'll tell you. Good night.” (4) "Good night, Twilight Sparkle."