“N-no… get away, get away! STAY AWAY FROM ME!”
“She’s been like that for the past half an hour. Never before have I seen something like this.” A maroon earth pony guard sighed while looking trough some papers. “Ever since the attack at the gate, Secure Lines had been trembling and speaking nonsense. Apparently she seems to think something frightening is following her. We've brought experts on the topic, scholars with experience in several kinds of magic. Nopony can safely say what's going on.”
Midnight winced slightly, having been dragged out of her comfy medbay bed for this. And for good reason too.
“Could it be changelings?” Midnight asked the stallion as she looked at the poor mare. She’d had to be restrained, just to avoid injuring herself.
“Negative.” The stallion shook his head, “With changelings the victims are devoid of love and in more extreme cases other emotions, this looks like the complete opposite case. She has too much fear, irrational fear, like if some sort of curse was laid upon her.”
“I am well aware of what a changeling does!” Midnight clicked her teeth, making him flinch. She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them. She could see the magical ley line that ran through the mare’s body. Her wings and hooftips shone the brightest, the Aero magic of a pegasi showing there.
What made Midnight gasp, was the darkness that clutched her heart and head, just looking at it make Midnight Song sick to her stomach. She shook her head and turned off her Magic Sight.
“Okay, I think I have an idea. Do you think you can keep her safe here?”
“Affirmative. We still have to run a check on the fallen stallions anyways. It’s like if their minds forced their bodies shut, like if they went unconscious at their own will.” The guard said in extreme worry. He knew these colts, they were good colts.
Midnight sighed again. “Poor Secure, nopony deserves this. I’ll find who did this… and show them real fear!” She turned and left the medbay, she had a unicorn to find and a best friend to save!
Moondancer strode through the expansive halls of the castle. Something had happened a while ago, sending the guards into quite a tizzy. But none of them would explain it, saying it wasn’t for a civilian to know.
“Just what is going on here?” she muttered, Pockets trailing a little behind her. “And stop staring at my flank, or at least make it less obvious.”
Pockets kept staring, before blinking and looking up, “Oh, sorry. I’m not the most stealthy pony around which is kinda ironic considering my talent.” Pockets snorted before humming in thought, “I dunno… usually when things get this hectic it’s because some sort of crazy monster is attacking the city. But hey, if there’s someone who can tells us what’s going on, she’s in that room.” She grinned, pointing at Celestia’s office with her muzzle.
“Provided she’s in there,” Moondancer sighed as they approached. The two guards crossed their spears and stared flatly at the mares.
“Nopony gets inside,” the one on the left said.
Pockets groaned, she hated it when they did that, “Princess Celestia herself sent us guys, I’m a guard as well and this mare right here is her trusted student. So unless you want me to tell Celestia herself that you’re bothering us, you’re gonna let us in.”
They simply looked at one another, before Moondancer’s ear flicked. She got a prickling sensation on the back of her neck. She… knew this feeling…
She took a casual step to one side as something dropped from the ceiling, nailing Pockets in a tackling hug.
“Eep!” The unicorn squeaked and rolled all over the floor with her attacker, her fuzzy, sexy attacker, “Ouch, you could give me a heads up ya know?”
“Why would I do that~” Midnight purred as she trailed her mouth along her neck, nipping in a few places before licking her horn. “Mmm, tasty mare~”
Pockets hummed and purred in response really liking the sudden attentions.
Moondancer coughed and Midnight turned her head to look at the unicorn. “MOONIE!” she yelled and leapt off of Pockets before she tackled her, hugging the unicorn tightly. Moondancer simply teleported, leaving Midnight to hug air.
“Aren’t you injured?” she deadpanned and Midnight scoffed, brushing a hoof on her chest.
“Naw, I’m gooOW!” she winced as Moondancer poked her shoulder. “Mmrr, fine, so I’m still a little tender. But! This is important. I need to steal Pockets for a bit.”
“Well usually I’m the one stealing stuff.” Pockets snorted, “But what for?”
“Serious business,” Midnight said, actually looking quite serious. She motioned for the pair to follow as she led them towards the medbay. “I’m sure you’ve noticed that all the guards are on edge right now?”
“Yes,” Moondancer replied. “Why is that?”
“Because the guards at the city gate were attacked, and they’re in pretty bad shape,” Midnight said, clenching her jaw.
Pockets’ eyes widened, “Well… I know I’m pretty badass and all, but if the guards at the gate couldn’t deal with whatever attacked, I assure you I can’t do crap against whatever we’re dealing with.”
“Not that,” Midnight said with a shake of her head. “I need to employ your other talent.”
“Midnight… I know I’m a kinky mare and all but I doubt that is gonna help them.” Pockets blushed brightly.
Midnight actually paused as Moondancer blushed at the insinuation. The thestral sighed and shook her head. “Just… follow me alright?”
A short walk later, Midnight had returned to the medbay and Pockets got a look at the pegasus mare strapped to the bed.
“Ok… Midnight seriously I need an explanation because this is freaking weird.” Pockets quirked an eyebrow.
“We don't know,” Midnight said tersely. “We found her like this near the castle gates, along with a saturation of a weird type of unidentifiable magic.” She looked at the guard with a pained expression. “Something has gripped her heart with fear. I was hoping you could do with her, what you did with me when I was freaking out.”
Pockets looked at the mare in confusion, walking closer and feeling something… odd, a strange familiar aura, she couldn’t put her hoof down on it, “But I have no idea how I did that. I can’t even remember doing it.”
“Can you at least try?” Midnight asked her. “She’s my best friend and she’s suffering. Please? I'm begging you.”
Pockets looked at Midnight, and then glanced at the trembling mare. There was only one thing to do really, “I’ll do it. I don’t promise it’ll work… but I’ll do it.”
Midnight gave the little mare a loving kiss. “Thank you love.”
The small unicorn gulped and walked closer, the pegasus mare’s eyes widening in shock as she saw Pockets not like the small unicorn she was, but as a beast coming to eat her.
“N-no! Get away! Don’t touch me!” She shouted, trying to run as far as possible yet unable to do so due to the bindings.
“Don’t worry, I’m just here to help… I hope.” Pockets said nervously, extending her hoof towards the trembling mare. What’s the worst that could happen?
Her answer arrived when the hoof made contact, Pockets’ eyes widening as she felt a strong, unseeable force take over her body. It was nerve-wrecking, and utterly terrifying, as if thousands of screams filled her head,followed by laughter, terrifying laughter that made her ears buzz.
“Help… me…”
“GAH!” Pockets screamed, stepping back as searing pain took over her body, “Make it stop!”
“Pickett!” Midnight dashed forward and hugged her. “What happened? Are you alright!?”
Pockets panted, the strange sensations disappearing, “I… I heard her.”
“Heard her?” Moondancer questioned. “What do you mean? We didn't hear anything beyond your scream just now.”
“She, the guard!” Pockets exclaimed, “She’s in there and she needs my help. Midnight, let me go. I’ll free that mare even if it’s the last thing I’ll do.”
“Please don’t push yourself,” Midnight said as she let her go. “I don’t want to lose you too.”
She didn’t say it, but if the situation demanded it, Pockets would definitely push herself to the very limit.
The thief once more made her way towards the terrified pegasus and took a deep breath, “Here goes nothing.” She pushed her own hoof forwards against all warnings her mind gave out. And then… she placed her hoof on the tied up pegasus’ forehead and took a deep breath.
Once more, the sensation of sheer terror and the burning pain took over her mind, yet she used all her will to stay there, to find something to do. Pockets’ horn began glowing a strong black color. She let out a scream, a mix between fear, pain, and determination. Suddenly, Secure Lines’ body began glowing a similar color, letting a screech of her own as her eyes went black.
Midnight went to pull her away, but Moondancer shook her head as she held the Thestral back.
Pockets narrowed her eyes, the black glow of her horn slowly shifting to a light pink. But the terror in her body was getting to her, her front legs trembling, before the unicorn fell to her knees
“No… I’ll do this! I can feel her in there!” She stood up, and focused on her horn, on the reason she was doing this. This was Midnight’s friend, and she was going to do everything she could to fix this.
Midnight grit her teeth. “Stupid stubborn idiot. Don't you dare give up Pickett. Don't let some weirdo magic beat you. You're the one that stole my heart after all!”
Pockets’ ears perked up, that small piece of encouragement reaching the bottom of her heart and giving her strength. With a grunt, the soft pink gleam of her horn grew stronger, a small orb of pink light forming on the tip of her horn.
“How interesting,” Moondancer mused with a small smile. “Your words seem to have an effect. Keep going Moonlight.”
“Of course,” Midnight nodded. “I'll never give up on her. Go Pickett. I know you can save her! Kick that dark magic’s butt!!”
“Oh… I’ll kick it alright!” She grunted with a grin, the orb on the tip of her horn growing stronger, before firing a thin thread that landed on the mare’s chest, a thread that grew in size. The dark aura that surrounded Secure Lines’ began disappearing, turning into a pink light that gave the now static pegasus mare her usual vibrant colors once more.
“Woow…” Midnight breathed in awe. “You're beautiful. Keep going love!”
Pockets huffed, closing her eyes and focusing on not only her magic, but Midnight’s words. It gave her strength, it gave her the desire to give her best… it gave her the push she needed to completely overtake the darkness that surrounded the pegasus, a strong pink aura surrounding her entire being.
The pegasus gasped, and took fast breaths, seemingly levitating in the air.
“What… is happening?” Pockets asked with a grunt, unable to open her eyes.
“I… have no idea,” Moondancer gasped, raising a shield to surround the pair… in case they exploded.
“Keep pushing!” A voice said as Princess Cadenza Mi Amore stepped into the room. “You’re almost there!”
Pockets, although she didn’t recognize the voice, gave one final push and growled as her magic shot wild, a bright flash taking over the room and momentarily blinding everyone inside it.
After a few seconds, Midnight was the first to regain her vision, a slurping sound catching her attention… before seeing with wide eyes how Secure Lines hastily and erratically kissed Pockets’ muzzle like a mare in her heat, the unicorn trying to break free from what was going on.
“What. The. FUCK!?!” Midnight screeched and launched herself, only to be held back by Cadance and Moondancer. “Lemme go. That’s my mare she’s kissing!!”
Cadance rolled her eyes and her horn flashed, draining the excess magic from the Pegasus, said guard becoming acutely aware of what she was doing.
Secure Lines blinked as she saw the blushing unicorn mare beneath her, before eeping and jumping back, crashing into the wall while panting heavily. “What. The. FUCK!? What… What is going on!?”
“Hun I am as confused as you are.” Pockets blinked, this went from zero to a hundred real fast.
“Secuurreee!” Midnight growled and bared her fangs. “I'm glad you’re better. I'd have felt real bad about killing a sick mare.”
The pegasus looked at Midnight and jumped behind the bed, holding a pillow as her shield, “Ok… Midnight, I swear to Celestia I… whatever happened I didn’t mean to do it, well at least not this time. So please, calm your teats and let me live.”
“Midnight, I seriously think she didn’t mean it.” Pockets sighed as she stood up, “I… may have gone a bit overboard with the spell-thingy I did.”
“The… what now?” Secure frowned.
Midnight sighed and closed her mouth. “Fine. But only because Secure is cute and I haven't banged her yet.”
“You know I’m not into mares.” The pegasus deadpanned, “We discussed this multiple times already you maniac.”
“I mean… you just kissed me so.” Pockets smirked tauntingly.
“I had no idea of what I was doing dammit!” Secure huffed, “And can someone please explain me what the heck is going on, my head is hazy and I feel like I want to throw up… and for some reason catch butterflies and put them in a jar forever… what the heck is wrong with me?”
“Silly Cure, everypony is Songsexual~” Midnight smiled and bat her eyes at her. “As for what happened, we were hoping you could tell us. We found you and six meatheads passed out at the front gate. And you were crying like a foal that saw the boogeymare.”
“I… was?” Secure asked in confusion, trying to recall everything that had happened, “I… wait. Wait. I think I remember something now. There was this strange mare at the gate, she was… weird. Like a deer, but more magical-looking. She just walked in and somehow… hypnotized all the guys.” She was really trying her best, and from the winces and groans of pain her muzzle let out, this was obvious. She was fighting the headache of the century just to remember.
“Hmm,” Cadance hummed to herself as she walked over to the Pegasus and her horn shone, letting a wave of soothing magic wash over her. “Don’t worry about it for now. Rest up and you can make your report later okay?”
“Yeah…” Lines sighed, laying back and cooing at the warming sensation of the calming magic, “Oh… before that, the mare that attacked was looking for someone called ‘Primavera’ I think? I… can’t remember much. Maybe run a check through that.”
“We will look into it,” Cadance nodded and smiled warmly. “Now get some rest. You’ve been through quite the ordeal.”
Lines nodded and closed her eyes, “Oh and Midnight. We need to catch up later, also buck you.”
“Gladly. My bed is always open~” Midnight winked at her and blew her a kiss.
As they left the room to leave the mare have a well deserved nap, Pockets couldn’t help but look at the pink monarch that had appeared not long ago with a smirk, “So you’re the famous Princess Cadance huh? Gotta say, you look sexier live than in those old black and white newspaper pictures.”
“Thank you,” Cadance smiled as Moondancer facehooved over Pocket’s total lack of respect. “To be honest, the camera always adds ten pounds.” She rubbed her belly, which seemed a little rounder than normal. “And I’m big enough as is.”
“Nah, you look fine! There’s nothing wrong with a chubby lady.” Pockets grinned.
“Like a small unicorn when she eats like a loon,” Midnight poked her ribs with a wingtip.
“Heeey.” Pockets frowned, before poking her back, “I don’t get that pudgy, just a teeny tiny bit.” She chuckled, before taking a quick breath and dropping the bomb, “So, are we gonna talk about what the heck happened back there? Because I am honestly still freaked out by that.”
“All in good time,” Cadance smiled and looked at Midnight. “So, how have you been Songbutt?”
“Not bad Heartbutt,” Midnight grinned back as they bumped flanks. “You and Shining still good? Want to add some spice to the relationship~?”
Cadance pondered that for a moment. “Hmm… not yet.”
“Drat, so close,” Midnight sighed as the alicorn giggled.
“You haven’t changed a bit,” she said as the two shared a winghug.
“Why would I? I’m perfect,” Midnight replied back.
Pockets quirked an eyebrow at the shenanigans, “You know Princess Cadance as well? Is there a member of royalty you don’t know?”
“I don’t know Twilight all that well,” Midnight replied honestly. “I hit on her once and I think I scarred her for life, so she doesn’t talk to me now. But she’s just so darned adorkable!”
“Midnight and I met when Shiny ran home one evening, scared about the ‘lusty succubus mare’ that was chasing him.”
“Ahh, good times,” Midnight nodded and smiled fondly.
“You—” Pockets booped Midnight’s muzzle, “—Have a problem.”
“I do?” Midnight asked, looking confused.
“And yet you fell for her,” Moondancer pointed out.
“Well that’s because I’m just as crazy.” Pockets grinned and bumped Midnight’s flank with her own, thus causing the thestral’s butt to bump Cadance’s as well.
“Yes, well I was aware of that already,” Moondancer sighed and rolled her eyes. This was quickly becoming her default reaction to Pockets.
“Reminiscing aside,” Cadance said. “This situation is quite serious. So I believe we should—” A golden flash surrounded them and the scenery shifted, the foursome now finding themselves inside Celestia’s private chambers.
“—Find my aunt,” Cadance finished and sighed. “Really auntie?”
“My apologies, I was unaware that you were already on your way,” Celestia replied. She gestured to a pile of large cushions. “Have a seat. I’ll prepare some tea.”
“Tia!” Pockets squeaked and teleported onto Celestia’s back, “You would not believe what I just did! I just broke some freaky curse and rescued a mare and stuff! There were bright lights everywhere and she kinda kissed me which was awkward, but it was awesome!”
Celestia blinked, more from the sudden hug and the barrage of words that came from the unicorn. She chuckled softly as she lifted Pockets off of her and onto a cushion. “So I heard. It’s one of the reasons you’re here right now.”
“Wow, the news sure travels fast.” Pockets mused, getting comfy, “So, what are the other reasons?”
“Hmm, what indeed?” Celestia mused as she poured five cups of tea and one coffee. “We shall wait for—”
“Friend Pickett!” the unicorn was pulled into a tight, lung-crushing hug by Princess Luna as she teleported in. “How fare you?”
“I-I fare good Lu, lungs… need ‘em.” She gasped, her navy blue face soon becoming red.
“Oh.” Luna blushed sheepishly as she released the unicorn, who coughed and gasped as she sought to refill her lungs. “My apologies. I had heard what had happened and became worried.”
“Right, settle down everypony,” Celestia said as she floated the drinks over to everyone. “Now, to start with. Pickett Midnight, can you tell us what just transpired in the medical wing?”
“Ok…” Pockets gulped. She needed to be calm, she needed to relax and give the best explanation possible, “I… have no idea.”
Everypony just stared at her, ranging from disbelief, disappointment, to just general deadpan.
“Pockets? Seriously?” Midnight said. “You’ve done it twice now. And I want to know why Secure woke up and freaking kissed you!”
The former thief groaned at her own incompetence, “I’m know and I hate it! I’m sorry Middy… I’m so freaking useless.” She sighed sadly, a soft blue glow suddenly surrounding her horn.
Everyone fell silent as they stared at her horn.
“Sorry that I—” She blinked when her gaze turned up, noticing everyone’s gaze upon her, “What? Do I have something between my teeth or something? I knew I shouldn’t have eaten that hay sandwich!”
“Your horn is glowing blue,” Midnight stated rather bluntly.
Pockets blinked, and looked up, yet before she could see anything, the glow was gone, “Ok then horn, yeah thanks for not letting me see that.”
Cadance moved closer and then touched her horn to Pocket’s one. “As I live and breathe,” the alicorn whispered. “The legend was true.”
“The… legend?” Pockets quirked an eyebrow. And then, an idea came to mind, her eyes widening up, “No… no, you can’t be talking about—”
“The Legend of Tall Tale,” Cadance nodded as Moondancer’s jaw dropped.
“Seriously?” the unicorn exclaimed. “That foal’s story is real!?”
“Oh yes, quite real,” Cadance nodded.
“WHOOO!” Pockets shouted in excitement, rushing to Moondancer and hugging her, even lifting her from the ground with bone-crushing strength, “Oh I knew it! I knew my hunch was right, freaking… I am somehow connected to Tall Tale…” She dropped the other unicorn and her already big grin widened, “I am somehow related to one of my all-time inspirations… freaking… I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS! So that explains all the crazy dangerous crap my horn has been doing!”
“Whoawhoawhoa!” Midnight held up a hoof. “Back up a minute. Can somepony please explain this, and what my marefriend has to do with some foal’s story?” She was seriously confused right now.
“Alright,” Cadance reached into a bag and pulled out a book.
“Ohhh storytime~” Pockets said excitedly, hopping up and down.
“This right here is an old text that has been kept safe in the Crystal Empire’s Records. A legend that many believed was nothing but a myth.” Cadance showed them the cover before opening the ancient tome. “The Legend of Tall Tale, as told by the Breezie himself. A copy of his very own journal, a gift to my ancestor, Princess Amore.” Pockets’ eyes widened in awe and amazement at what she was hearing, quickly leaning closer as Cadance opened the book, the dust flying off and releasing an oddly charming scent.
The book seemed to be completely hoofwritten, or rather… whatever Breezies had for hooves. And on the front page there was nothing but Tall Tale’s signature.
“Can… I?” Pockets asked, motioning towards the tome with her muzzle. Cadance nodded, and the unicorn cleared her throat, turning the page and reading the first entry out loud.
Entry #1
Twenty days since winter began.
My family is starving. The whole tribe has been trapped in this cave. Nobody knows what happened. We weren't expecting winter to come for at least two hundred more moons. We weren't ready, we barely have any resources left. We need help.
Those strong enough to fly in the unforgivable cold and reckless winter breezes have gone out to search for anything that can be of help. None have returned.
But I won't lose hope. I know there is a way. There must be. I've seen the ponies, the horned ones, use their magic to aid them and to defend themselves from the dangers of this world. That got me thinking… could we use the magic inside us to protect ourselves as well?
This is why for the sake of helping my family, my dear wife and children, to protect my tribe and get us out of this misery, I shall use my limited knowledge of the arcane to bring the magic inside me to the outside. I shall make us strong, we shall not depend on the breeze to live, we shall survive… on our own.
Entry #2
Thirty four days since winter began.
I have gotten nowhere. There seems to be no way for a Breezy to generate any source of heat, or any sort of defensive mechanism. Our magic seems to be purely aesthetical. But not everything is lost.
Two days ago, an explorer sent to scout the area came back nearly frozen to death. He claims he found a creature as white as snow resting not far from where we are. After a more detailed description, I was able to identify the creature as a mighty Windigo, the Bringers of Winter. They seem to be the ones responsible for this deadly weather.
Luckily, a certain tome my father passed down to me, “Fantastic Creatures and Where To Find Them” was the name, shows that Windigos have one rather simple weakness. They are terrified by love and friendship and the strange magic they emanate.
So perhaps if I can somehow find a way to emulate the strange patterns, replicate what the horned ponies do. Then perhaps I can defeat the Windigo and end this winter.
Entry #3
Sixty seven days since winter began.
It has been more than three months since we've been stuck in this cave. We barely have any resources left, the tribe is desperate. And yet...I can't help them. I’m so close, yet so far. I have managed, after several hours of meditation, potion-making, and countless hours without sleep, to transforms a plethora of emotions into small working spells of several kinds. Yet the magic us Breezies hold isn’t nearly enough to use this in combat.
Yet my time is running out. I must try and test this magic to fight the Windigos, end this eternal winter once and for all. I really hope my work wasn’t for naught.
Entry #4
Seventy days since winter began.
I failed. My magic wasn't nearly strong enough to defeat the creature. And now I've lost my way back home. I've kept flying in a straight line to try and find something, someone… there's only snow, snow, and more snow.
Entry #5
??? days
I'm cold, lost. I have nothing. My wings barely work, my magic is barely functional. I am alone. I am Tall Tale, must find help. Must end winter.
Entry #8
???
Never give up.
Entry #9
I should be dead. Winter should have taken my life back then in the empty, white fields of cold despair. But it didn't.
When I thought everything was lost, I was rescued by an angel. A winged creature with a heart full of kindness and mercy, an angel, yes, an angel of love.
She introduced herself as Princess Amora of the Crystal Empire. A civilization of ponies unlike any I've seen before, where the horned ones, the strong ones, and the winged ones all lived together in harmony, protected by the power of an ancient crystal artifact from the unforgiving cold.
She treated me, a strange creatures from a faraway land, like royalty. Celebrations were made in my honor, feasts made to commemorate my bravery. But deep inside, I knew that I still had a mission, that my tribe still needed my help. While on the outside I showed glee and excitement, on the inside I felt regret and frustration.
After a long night rest, I gave Princess Amora my gratitude and deepest apologies, for I had to go back home. She understood and wished me farewell, but not before blessing me we with a magic-filled kiss on my diminutive head.
Entry #10
I have begun my way back home. I have begun my journey through the white cold living Tartarus that are the northern lands. My magic… my magic has changed, it has become stronger, more efficient, more abundant! Princess Amore’s blessing was the final ingredient, the missing link to bring the full potential of my magic out.
Using the power of love, thinking about my family and friends, those who I want to protect, it has kept me warm. Using the anger and courage, the will of beating these creatures, I have boosted my flight and now travel at speeds never before matched by a Breezie. Using my gratitude and joy of fulfilling my mission, my destiny, I have kept myself strong. Finally… I can save my village, no, the world itself.
Entry #11
My newfound powers have allowed me to perform feats none other, nor breezie nor pony, has ever accomplished. I have traveled to the most inhospitable of places, fought the mightiest of creatures, all in preparation for my final goal. Although the ponies have fought the Windigos with reckless abandon, pushing them back to the Frozen North, several of those deadly demons still roam around, and now more than ever, death follows closely behind.
The cave my kin had resided in for the last few months has been blocked off entirely by the magical ice that covered the mountain. If I want to save them before it is too late…
I must first get rid of the Windigo. Tomorrow… I'm ending this.
Pockets kept reading, reacting with every bit of the story. She gasped when Tall Tale mentioned his now stump leg, and cheered when he announced he beat the Windigo and freed the village. She was simply marveled by this, by the legit actual story of the one who against all odds, against the mockery and underestimations, did the impossible. Finally she reached the last entry of the Journal, the final page.
Entry #15
Many things have happened since the last time I recorded my adventure. I have grown as a breezie and so has my magic. I have a family of my own now, a beautiful wife and three beautiful children. Two inherited a fraction of my powers, my two youngest daughters. Yet it was my firstborn son who shows the most promise.
Because of my brave actions and wisdom, my village has named me as their Elder, their leader and guide. And I plan to follow along with my first plan, the plan I had since I was young. To be independent of the breeze, to explore and travel this world, to find our paradise, a land where we'll be forever happy.
Tomorrow we're moving to the Crystal Empire once more, to visit my old friend, she who made this all possible. I shall give her a copy of these journals, the story of my struggle. So hopefully she alongside her faithful subjects, will learn that no matter what others may think of you, no matter your size or your experience, no matter who you are… with enough effort and determination, anyone can be a hero.
My name is Tall Tale, and soon, me and my tribe will disappear forever, to never be seen again, to create my own tribe, my own kingdom inside this still young kingdom of Equestria. I will make the breezies respected, powerful creatures.
Pockets closed the book, lacking words. This was… amazing, kinda confusing, but amazing.
“So, the magic Miss Pickett has,” Moondancer slowly pieced together the evidence. “Is some sort of hybrid between Pony and Breezie magic?”
“That’s the short version,” Cadance nodded. “To be perfectly honest, I only found this book next to its foal’s story counterpart a few days ago when I was searching for something to read to some of the foals I was watching. It’s pure luck that Aunt Celestia contacted me when she did and this book was still in my mind.”
“Wait… lemme get something straight. “ Pockets raised a hoof, “So this magic I apparently have somehow uses my emotions to do all sorts of crazy things? Is that how this works?”
“Yes, your magic is emotion based,” Cadance nodded. “At least from what that book tells anyway. At the very least, to have this power. That would make you a direct descendant of Tall Tale.”
Pockets blinked, “Can. . you repeat that? I… think my ears ain't working properly. “
“I believe you heard me just fine,” Cadance giggled. “That book states that Tall’s power was passed down his line, but only to direct descendants. So yes, he was likely your many times great grandfather.”
“Oh. My. Gosh…” Pockets’ eyes widened, a gigantic grin forming on her muzzle, “I am a descendant of one of the most badass small guys ever… I… can't freaking believe this. “ Suddenly, the small unicorn began hopping like a maniac all over the room,hops that would make Pinkie proud, letting the world know of this massive discovery, “I COME FROM AN AWESOME FAMILY! I AM FREAKING AWESOME. No, wait… I was awesome already… I AM EVEN AWESOMER THEN!”
“Okay, one…” Midnight said as she thought over what was read. “The book said that Tall tale and his tribe disappeared forever. And two? I’ve seen a Breezie. How the heck does one of those and a pony have a foal? There’s a small matter of massive size difference.”
Pockets stopped, and shot Midnight a deadpan expression, “Really? Did you really have to ruin my fun? You are such a party pooper.”
I’m just pointing out facts,” Midnight said. “There is no such thing as coincidence, only inevitability.”
“Well there must be a reason behind that, right?” Pockets asked the other mares in the room, suddenly seeing her bond with Tall Tale fade away into nothingness.
“There very well might be,” Cadance nodded in response. “And while Middy raises some valid points, history has a way of distorting things. he may very well have come back at some point.”
“And the second could easily be solved with a Transmogrification spell,” Luna added. “I can think of a half dozen different ways a child could be conceived. But without solid proof.”
“What about the intruder?” Midnight suddenly spoke. “That spell she cast on Secure. It looked an awful lot like a twisted version of Pockets’ magic.”
“Yeah.. . isn't fear an emotion as well?” Pockets hummed, “Whoever did that could also have Tall Tale’s magic! Maybe a sibling… an evil twin! Oh my gosh that is awesome!”
“So this intruder may very well have the answers we seek?’ Luna said and tapped her chin. “Very well, we shall make apprehending them our top priority!”
“I want to know who this ‘Primavera’ is that Secure said she was looking for,” Midnight spoke up. “Plus there’s those thieves to worry about.”
“So many problems,” Celestia sighed. “I may very well have to call in a favour. Though that favour will likely come with a high price tag.”
“Princess Celestia!” Came a sudden shout from the door as a guard broke in, “We have a problem!”
“That appears to be the flavour of the day,” the regal alicorn sighed and looked at the guard. “And that door was locked… with a lock that was three hundred years old. So now you’ve broken that priceless antique. What problem would demand this interruption?”
“M-my deepest apologies your Majesty. But I was sent to give you a message of the utmost importance.” The guard said nervously, “The high-security dungeon was compromised, a prisoner has escaped!”
Celestia’s eye gave an imperceptible twitch. “Which one?”
“D-Dead Drop, your Majesty. The killer for hire. “ The guard responded.
Midnight fell very silent as Moondancer moved next to her, leaning against the suddenly shivering mare.
“It’s one thing after another,” Celestia frowned and got to her hooves. “Form a contingent of Guards. I want at least two Alpha battlemages and two Specialists. His capture is now your highest priority!” She turned to Pockets and Midnight. “The two of you will remain here in the palace. With that accursed stallion free, he will likely target the ones that put him away.”
“Hey, we kicked his butt once, we can totally do it again! “ Pockets stepped forwards.
Midnight just remained silent, though her hoof idly rubbed the scar under her wing.
“Nay, you must stay here where you'll be protected. If he managed to get out it was most likely with somepony’s help.” Luna shook her head, before glancing at Celestia with a frown, “Sister, I know you do not agree with their philosophy, but we must call them. We need their help.”
“So, we counter chaos with chaos,” Celestia frowned and took a golden ribbon from her desk. “Very well, I shall make arrangements. Midnight Song? I trust you know where the guest rooms are?”
Midnight was silent until Moondancer poked her. “Huh? Oh, um… yeah. I guess…”
Pockets noticed this, yet decided to remain silent… for now. “Fine, but if something goes wrong we're going in. If Dead Drop wants revenge, he'll have it. He still has to pay for the things he did back in Tall Tale, after all.”
Cadance was rather silent, rather… she was observing Midnight Song. And her expression wasn’t a happy one. “Midnight?” she said softly. “Would you mind taking a little walk with me?”
“What for?” the bat said, before Cadance’s horn shone.
“You know why,” she simply said and the pair teleported from the room.
“Wait!” Pockets called, but it was too late, “Oh for crying out… gah! Of course this day had to be ruined one way or another! Freaking Dead… And we have an evil Breeze-thing going around causing chaos and, freaking… a gang of weird ass thieves and-” she kept going and going, her horn suddenly glowing red with vibrant sparks coming from the tip, the room even feeling a bit… heated.
“Pickett, calm down,” Celestia said sternly. “Everything will be fine. And Cadance has a good reason for borrowing your marefriend.”
“Oh I bet she does!” Pockets scowled, her body leaving a soft glow, “Everyone has a reason! Everyone knows what's wrong with her but me. Oh but I have to respect her privacy right!?” She growled, her ethereal fangs showing?
“Pickett Midnight!” Celestia was standing over her, her horn glowing a vibrant gold. “Sit. Down!”
“No!” Pockets shouted in a voice that barely resembled her own, a strong red aura taking over her limbs. She stomped on the ground, leaving cracks on the marble floor due to her newfound strength, “I am tired of sitting down while everything happens around me, I'm tired of not knowing what the heck is going on with Midnight! I am tired of this a-” Her words were suddenly cut short, her eyes closing as she stumbled in her place, ready to fall at any minute. The exhaustion of all that sudden burst of magic taking its toll.
She was caught by Celestia’s magic before she fell, the alicorn levitating her over to a pillow. “Yes, perhaps some things should be explained to you. Do you know much about Midnight’s past?”
“I-I… don't know anything but the fact that she once dated her.” Pockets responded while pointing at Moondancer with a hoof, her other hoof rubbing the back of her pained and confused head as she finally came back to the real world, “But… with all due respect your Majesty. I… feel like Midnight should be the one telling me that story.”
“And knowing Midnight, she’d give you a rather… half-flanked explanation at that,” Celestia chuckled. “Besides, she was asleep for the important part. Now, I trust you heard about the Changeling Invasion a few months back?”
“Did I?” Pockets snorted, “It was all over the news.”
“Well, that was the start of it,” the alicorn said, taking a seat next to her and draping a wing over her. “Midnight was inside the palace at the time, guarding Luna’s room from intruders while she rested for the day. She… none of us expected an attack of that scale so quickly.”
“Let me guess, Middy kicked those Changeling’s flanks back into their hives, right?” Pockets grinned.
“It was true she beat back a fair number of them,” Celestia nodded. “However, my guards numbers at the time ranged in the hundreds… theirs in the tens of thousands. Midnight was… overwhelmed. And… I’m sure you know what a Changeling does to it’s victims.”
“Drains and feeds on… their love.” Pockets blinked, she didn't like where this story was going.
“Yes,” Celestia nodded. “If only I had known… If only I could have…”
“They took her love,” Moondancer said with a flat tone. “Magically… and physically.”
Pockets’ eyes widened. She couldn't believe it, she didn’t want to believe it, “N-no, they… but she… why didn't she tell me before!?”
“Because she doesn’t know,” Celestia said. “A memory like that. Would you want to remember it? No, I used my magic and… I erased that memory. At her request I might add.”
“But… that can't be right. If what you're saying is true then how is it that she loves me!?” Pockets’ heart was racing several miles per hour, only able to imagine the worst case scenario, “D-does she really love me? Or is that just another spell? Was… it all because of my magic?”
“I doubt your magic works like that,” Celestia said, hugging her closer. “Do not worry about it.”
“It gets worse though,” Moondancer continued the story. “They really drained her good. So much that… that her heart was near dead inside. That’s… what happened between me and her.” The unicorn looked down. “The mare that you love… do you know how hard it was… to hear that she didn’t love you anymore. That she felt absolutely nothing?”
“I… I just…” She knew that feeling all too well. Memories of a past she didn't want to remember flooding back, her body twitching anxiously.
“I didn’t know what to do honestly,” Celestia said, sounding… disappointed really. “But that’s when Cadance came to me with an idea. And using her magic, we… instilled new emotions into her.”
“Installed!?” Pockets thought to herself, tears forming in her eyes, “W-what do you mean?“
“She had none of her own,” Moondancer said. “Princess Cadance’s magic can remind a pony of what is truly in their heart. Namely, the ability to draw the love from it. It… seemed to have worked… but…”
“But what?” Pockets asked in what seemed like a mix between anger and worry.
“You’ve seen her lately,” Celestia said. “She’s… wild, prone to great anger with little provocation. Whatever it was that Cadance did… is… for the lack of a better word. Breaking.”
“So she's emotional, so what!? So am I!” Pockets shouted with a pained scowl, “There is nothing wrong with her! She's a perfect mare dammit!”
“Pickett!” Moondancer yelled and got in her face. “Not once did we say we blamed Midnight for this! And you think I don’t know that about her. I still…” She bit her tongue and looked away. “Look. You wanted to know what happened alright? So there you have it. My greatest failure all wrapped up in one neat little package!”
Pockets opened her mouth, ready to shout with all her might… yet she didn't, the only thing that came out was a faint whimper, before she teleported out of Celestia’s grasp and tackle-hugged Moondancer, keeping her close as she whispered quietly, “Sorry… I’m so sorry you had to live through that. I… had no idea, I really didn't. And I feel so bad, because I feel like I've taken something precious from you.”
“Idiot,” Moondancer said and pushed her back with a hoof as she turned her head away to wipe her eyes. “You make her happy. Incredibly so. When she got back from Tall Tale. She spent half the damn day talking about you. It was both good to hear and really really annoying. But…” She turned back and hugged the smaller unicorn. “I’m really glad somepony could open her heart again. You hurt her though… and I will do the most unspeakable things to you.”
Pockets giggled, finally relaxing enough to think clearly once more, “I’ll keep that in mind you bookworm. And hey, you seem like a great gal, so after this is over, if you ever want to just hang out and like have tea or whatever normal ponies do, I’d be more than glad to do that. How does that sound?”
“I’d like that,” Moondancer smiled as the doors opened and Cadance re-entered, minus Midnight Song.
“Miss Pickett, a moment of your time please?”
Pockets blinked and looked at Cadance in confusion, “I’ll be there in a sec I guess.” She turned to Celestia and sighed, “Hey, Tia, about what happened earlier with me getting all angry and everything…”
“It’s alright, I’d have stopped you if you did anything… regrettable,” the alicorn smiled. “Now, go and see what Cadance wants.”
“Will do!” Pockets nodded and trotted towards the pink princess, “Don't do anything fun while I'm gone you two, and if you do at least tell me all about it!” And so, the usual Pockets was finally back, looking back at the two mares and shooting them a wink, “Wish me luck, not like I'll need it but still, it makes me feel like you guys care.”
“Oh, you might need it still,” Cadance said as she led the unicorn from the room.
“Sooo…” Pockets began with a tap of her hoof, “What's the dealio?”
“You’ll see soon enough,” Cadance said as she led her down the hall. “But, do not get angry alright? What I need you to be is the exact opposite. Only love will help here.”
“OK… explanations, I need those.” Pockets was getting really tired of having no idea of what was going on.
“Sorry,” Cadance giggled and leaned down to nuzzle her. “When you live with Auntie Celestia for so long, some of her… quirks start rubbing off on you…” She frowned and looked at Pockets, whose mouth was already open. “And not like that, perverted mare.’
Pockets closed her mouth and shrugged, “What can I say, same thing happens with me and Middy. Blame that bat-butt.”
“Seems we’re both hopeless,” Cadance smiled. “Now, how much did Celestia tell you about Midnight?”
“From the changeling attack to you… installing new emotions into her.” Pockets said with a rather saddened tone.
“Ah.” Cadance made a note to scold her aunt for her choice of words. “Well, close enough I guess. The magic I used is somewhat similar to yours, but, nowhere near as potent or refined. This, my dear, is where you step in. With you here, and the feeling you have for Midnight. I can finally cure her properly.”
“Wait, you want to use me to fix Midnight!? I can barely understand what’s going on!” Pockets panicked. It was one thing to try and break a spell on a pony she barely knew, it was another thing altogether to fix whatever was wrong with her marefriend, “What if I screw up?”
“It’s very simple,” Cadance reassured her. “But, I do have one question. And, I need you to answer it truthfully. There cannot be any doubt in you heart okay?”
“Ok… sure, go ahead and ask away.” Pockets nodded.
“Do you love Midnight Song?”
Pockets blinked in surprise, before smiling, “Do I love Midnight Song? The mare who risked her life for me, who somehow keeps up with my randomness and who I know loves me with all her heart? The mare who risked getting in serious problems with the Princesses herself only to protect me and her family? The freaking sexy batmare who I adore because of how kind, how patient, how fun, and how in just about a month, has cared more about me than anyone else ever has?” The thief chuckled and gave a nod, “I love her to no end, and I couldn’t possibly be happier to have someone like that at my side.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Cadance smiled warmly as she opened a door. Inside the plain room, Midnight was resting on a bed, her body surrounded with a pink glow. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was so quiet it was hard to not mistake her for a corpse.
The unicorn slowly walked up to Midnight, staring in shock and confusion, “What… what happened?”
“Right now? I have her in a state of magical stasis,” Cadance said. “Now, we should begin as soon as possible. What I want you to do is activate your magic and focus on your feelings for Midnight. I will act as a conduit for your magic and add my own. Together… we can restore her heart to the way it should be.”
“Wait… for real? I-I mean, we can do that?” Pockets’ eyes widened, suddenly having a completely different look at this whole deal.
“Indeed… in theory,” Cadance nodded as she moved Pockets closer to Midnight. “Now let’s get started… and please know that I’m not entirely sure what will happen. Be prepared for anything alright?”
“Got it! If it’s to help Midnight with whatever problem she has, I’ll freaking do my best.” She took a deep breath, and focused on her horn, the long appendage glowing a strong, pink glow, “I’m ready!”
Cadance’s own horn glowed as a trail of light emerged from Pocket’s chest, and linked with Midnight Song’s. “Okay… your hearts are connected. Now, focus on those feelings you have!”
Images of all the great times they had flashed in Pockets’ mind, the first day they met, the fun they had at the beach, their first night together, the night when they took down Grumble, and every other happy moment after that, it all came back to the thief whose magic shot a massive wave that fled towards Midnight’s body, who began levitating off the bed while surrounded by a strong, vibrant pink aura.
“That’s it!” Cadance said, a little surprised by the sudden burst. “I think it’s working.”
“There you are.”
Pockets’ magic weakened for a second when she suddenly heard a strange voice coming from the back of her head, yet decided to ignore it to keep working on Midnight’s heart, reaching out to the core of it.
“I was wondering when you’d use the full potential of your magic.”
“Cadance… is that you talking?” Pockets asked with a grunt.
“What?” Cadance called out over the sound of the magic. It was taking most of her strength to hold back the flow as a steady stream, rather than a flood.
“Oh, are you perhaps ignoring me, dearie? Well isn’t that a little rude.Perhaps I should force your attention unto me.”
Pockets’ eyes widened when her horn began casting even more magic against her will. Yet unlike before, the pink beam of magic began to darken, slowly turning into a deep black.
“Hmm, I hope whatever you’re doing isn’t important. It’d be a shame if something bad happened to anyone you care for.”
“N-No!” Pockets shouted, trying to cut the flow of magic yet unable to do so. Suddenly, a searing, nerve-wracking pain took over her body, as a burst of magic shot out of her horn, a burst of pure blackness, full of fear itself. She grunted and tried to focus, to gain control once more, recalling why she was doing this for. The black beam began to change colors once more, becoming a faint pink that struggled to win the battle, “H-Help!”
“What are you doing!?” Cadance tried to separate her from Midnight, but the flow of magic was too powerful. “Pickett! Stop. You… You’ll kill her at this rate!”
“I… I can’t! Something… someone’s doing this!” Pockets shouted in fear and anxiety.
“Oh I can feel it, your power is going crazy isn’t it? Soon I’ll be able to find you~”
“NO!” Pockets shouted, “I will not let you take her away from me, I will not let you control me you… you monster!” She stepped back and gave it her all, focusing on what her heart wanted, “I… I won’t let you kill the one I love the most!” The unstable beam of magic straightened up, the black and pink colors fading away as a vibrant, blinding golden tone began taking over, an abundant amount of energy filling the room.
“Oh… well now this is interesting.” The voice said with a slight hint of anger.
“I… I!” Pockets tried to say, yet her body soon began trembling, her legs growing weak, her head hurting like if Tartarus itself burned inside it, this was too much for her. The golden beam started to fade away, the unicorn struggling to stay on her hooves, “N-no…”
And the world faded to black.