Megan walked through Ponyville, Danielle and Michelle on her right and Scootaloo with her scooter and wagon to her left, Dinky and Sweetie Belle riding in the wagon she towed. She paused every now and then as ponies bowed their heads to her, some almost touching their foreheads to the grass. “Yes, it's nice to see you,” she said as she bowed. “Now please, stop bowing to me.”
The group continued on, Megan bowing once in a while to acknowledge more ponies until they eventually reached Carousel Boutique. Megan looked up and down the two-story shop. “Colorful,” she deadpanned. She glanced to her left at six mining carts, each one overflowing with precious gemstones. “Rarity doesn't joke around when she goes gemstone hunting!” Her eyes widened at the mineral wealth there.
Sweetie Belle stood up in the wagon and tossed her forelegs into the air. “That's my sis!” she shouted, waving her hooves about. Her expression changed to surprise as she toppled back, falling out of the wagon and landing on the grass with a mild thud.
Dinky leaned over the wagon's side. “Are you all right?”
Sweetie Belle's body rocked slightly before she sprang to her hooves. “I'm okay!”
Megan and Scootaloo exchanged a quick glance before Megan walked forward. She gasped and quickened her pace as the front door opened and Spike darted out, slamming it behind him. She reached him and knelt down beside him. “Spike, what's going on?” she asked, one hand straying to her rifle slung across her back and the her eyes drifting to the door.
Spike stood against the door for a moment, panting. His eyes darted around as the others caught up to Megan. “Megan, Rarity's gone nuts!” He balled his claws into fists and waved them in the air. “Her ponykins are dancing about in there!”
Sweetie Belle gasped. She charged the door and reared back, slamming her hooves against the door. “Sis, sis!” she cried out, continuing to beat at the door. Scootaloo, Dinky, Michelle and Danielle quickly flanked her as she dropped back to all fours. “We gotta help her!”
Danielle patted Sweetie Belle on her back. “We'll help her out.” She looked up at Megan. “Right, Mom?”
Megan nodded. “Right, Danielle.” She looked down at Spike. “Okay, Spike. Tell me exactly what Rarity's been doing. When did her odd behavior start?”
Spike took a deep breath and said, “Well, I woke up last night to use the little dragon's room, and found her downstairs surrounded by floating scrolls and ponykins. I didn't think much of it at first, but when I got up this morning, she was still there, and looked like she hadn't slept a wink!” he hung his head. “I should've said something, but she gave me this little pat on the head and a smile and...” He trailed off and sighed, a goofy smile crossing his mouth as he fluttered his eyes.
Megan looked Spike over. “Spike? Spike!” She snapped her fingers in front of his face, getting his attention back. “Okay, so then what?”
Danielle spoke up. “And how'd you get all those gems?” She waved her arm at the carts at the side of the Boutique. “That's an insane amount of work!”
Spike shrugged. “Rarity talked to the Diamond Dogs at the Gem Fields last night before we got home and 'asked' them for some gems by this morning. They had all six carts and the gems I ate here by sunrise.” He chuckled. “That's my Rarity for you.”
The door suddenly swung open, rattling on its hinges. Megan stood up. “Rarity?” She walked through the door, ducking her head. She stood up in the main showroom of Carousel Boutique and looked around, finally spotting her at the far end of the room. Her eyes widened. “Rarity, what have you been doing?”
Rarity sat on a stool, hunched over a table with several pieces of paper pinned to it and the adjacent wall. Her mane and tail were uncombed, with stray hairs sticking out. Her coat, normally smooth and shiny, had a dull look to it, as if it hadn't been washed since before yesterday's party. Her head whipped around as sketches telekinetically flew about, some of them crumbled up into balls and tossed into an already-overflowing wastebasket. “No, no no nonono!” Rarity threw her forelegs into the air. “Why can't I make this work?!”
Megan walked over to the wastebasket and picked up one of the sketches. She unfolded it, revealing a humanoid figure wearing a fancy dress. She looked over at Rarity. “Dresses?” She picked up another and unfolded it, revealing a tuxedo. “What's this for?”
Rarity hopped off the stool and looked up at Megan. She glanced to the side as Michelle, Danielle, the Crusaders and Spike walked in. “It's for the Gala, of course.” She sniffed and hiccuped. Ponykins floated about, along with measuring tape and gemstones. “You're the Mag'ne, the Giver of Gifts, but I'm the Element of Generosity. So I wanted to make formal attire for you and your family for the biggest event of the year. “ She threw her head back and let out a strangled scream. “But my muses have abandoned me!” She slumped to the floor, tears streaming from her eyes.
Megan's eyes darted about, focusing on Sweetie Belle, then back on Rarity. “The biggest event of the year?”
Rarity's head raised slightly. “Well, I believe the Gala may have been a bit... after your time, come to think of it.” She slowly brought her legs back under her, raising to a standing position. “Come to think of it offhoof I can't quite place the year of the first Gala.” She let out a sigh. “After what you and your family's done for us, I simply couldn't let you go in just any old thing you might have.”
Megan swallowed. “Well, you see, the old-”
Rarity continued, cutting her off. “And well, to be the designer of the Mag'ne's formal attire for her debut into Canterlot society? My reputation would soar into the heavens!” Her eyes widened and sparkled, but they quickly lost their shine. “But alas, I have nothing. Nothing!”
Sweetie Belle galloped forward, skidding to a halt next to Rarity. She threw her stubby forelegs around her big sister's neck. “You'll figure it out, Rarity! You're the best designer in Ponyville – no, all of Equestria!”
Rarity's muzzle turned up in a smile as she leaned into Sweetie Belle's hug. “Thank you, Sweetie Belle.” She let out a sigh as the filly let go. A few designs rose into the air and floated by. Rarity's head began nodding to an internal beat...
Step by step, stitching it together...
Megan sits, but the curvature of her hip. Just how does she sit?
I haven't got a clue. I think this day I'll rue!
I can't make ... Megan's dress.
Danielle's eyebrow quirked. “Wait, is she singing?” She looked down at Dinky. “Why is Rarity singing?”
Dinky shrugged. “You get used to it.”
Scootaloo merely stuck out her tongue, gagging.
Megan stood up. She held her arms out...
Rarity, you're stitching it together!
All these designs, why they're all simply divine!
I think you've got the clue, any of them simply will do.
You're making ... my new dress!
Megan spun around, picking up a sketch of her in a buttoned-up dress with a belt cinched at the waist and holsters. “Rarity, this would be perfect for me.” She knelt down in front of the seamstress. “Honestly, anything you can come up with will be great for us.” She glanced to her side at Danielle and Michelle, still at the doorway. “Right?”
Danielle rubbed her chin. “That'd look great on you, Mom.”
Michelle nodded, grinning. “A real Annie Oakley!”
Rarity's eyes shifted from the children to Megan. “Cultural hero of yours?”
“Yeah.” Megan leaned in close. “To tell you the truth, Rarity.. I was at the first Grand Galloping Gala.”
Every pony in the room gasped. Rarity's right eye spasmed. “Y-you what?!” She bounced around Megan. “Tell me, tell me how it was!” She hopped up onto her hind legs, leaning her forehooves against Megan and staring up at her. “How was the most glamorous event in all of Equestria back then?”
Megan scratched her temple with her thumb, sweat suddenly appearing there. “Well, not so glamorous...”
Applejack's legs tensed before she broke into a run down the small path. She quickly reached the end, but her front hooves clipped a small piece of wood driven into the ground. The earth pony let out a shriek as she tumbled head over tail, rolling around in sawdust before coming to a crashing halt.
Overhead, Firefly looked down and chuckled before flying off, Bloodwing on her tail. Prime Minister Smart Cookie of the Ponies of the Plains glanced over before turning back to Megan, Wind Whistler of Paradise Estate and Prince Blueblood II of the Mages of the Rock.
Luna and Celestia dug into pies that Surprise had baked, their muzzles covered with blueberry filling. Molly and North Star sat under a tree, simply talking. Other ponies played, ate food and engaged in games and merriment at surviving another year in Dream Valley, with hope and laughter in the air.
“I'd almost call it a glorified picnic,” Megan finished. She shook her head, a wistful smile on her mouth. She looked down at Rarity, who was back on the floor. “I'm guessing nowadays it's a bit more formal?”
Rarity's head bobbed up and down, her mane waving about. “Oh, darling! It's the biggest social event of the year! Princess Celestia is always in attendance.” She looked to her left. “Spike, has Twilight ever gone?”
Spike swallowed. His scales reddened slightly and he looked around, focusing on anything but Rarity. “Well, I uh, that is...” He scratched his cheek. “N-not really. Actually, she spent most of the time in the library.” He shrugged. “Well, what do you expect from her?”
Rarity blinked. “Good point, Spike. Thank you,” she said, smiling. She looked back to Megan. “I've already made dresses for Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Twilight and Fluttershy. Those were easy, after a fashion.” One final strand of her mane sprung out. “But for the human form, it's just so difficult! I don't even have measurements for your bodies!”
Megan looked herself over. She glanced to Danielle and Michelle. “Girls, up for a little modeling for Rarity for the Gala?”
Michelle clapped her hands together and rocked back and forth on her heels. “Sure, Mom!” She hopped down the stairs, bent down and picked up a stray measuring tape. She held it up, stretched it out and held it against her waist.
Rarity's horn glowed and the measuring tape floated out of Michelle's hands. She adjusted her glasses and trotted forward. “My dear Michelle, I see you in ribbons!” she exclaimed, waving a foreleg in the air.
Sweetie Belle bounded over to her sister's side. “Oh, oh! Lemme help, Rarity, please?”
Danielle walked over to Megan. “So, you think Dad, Uncle Danny and Aunt Molly will mind this?”
Megan opened her mouth, but the loud crash of Sweetie Belle tumbling into a ponykin caused her to wince slightly. “Well, Mike's here already, so shouldn't take too much arm-twisting,” she said, winking. “As for Danny and Molly, I think they can come over for a few hours to get measured.” She winced again as Sweetie Belle tumbled into a storage cabinet, knocking open the top doors and sending ribbons, spools of cloth and thread cascading down onto the filly. “Sweetie Belle, are you-”
The filly popped out of the pile, forelegs held high in the air. “I'm okay!”
Megan cracked her jaw and leaned close to her older daughter. “Okay, the tree sap makes a lot more sense now.”
Twilight's eyes bulged out. She slammed her hooves onto the table and spat out the barley soup she was eating. “What?” she shouted, head twitching back and forth. “You're getting married!”
Across the table at the open-air cafe sat Shining Armor and Cadance, both with bits of barley soup dribbling off their faces. Cadance's horn glowed and napkins floated up, dabbing at their muzzles and faces. Several other patrons and the waiter himself stared at the trio as Cadance cleaned herself and her fiance off. “Yes,” she said. She leaned in close to him, smiling.
Shining Armor's cheeks turned beet-red. “Ah, Schmoopie-doo...” He focused on Twilight. “It was a bit sudden, I'll admit, but a long time in coming.” His gaze drifted to Cadance. “We knew each other even before she foalsat for you, and we've been spending so much time together...” His head drifted close to Cadance's, their eyes locked together.
A sudden grunting to the side of the table snapped Shining Armor and Cadance out of their reverie. The waiter looked at them, his right eyebrow raising. "Is there anything wrong?” he asked, eyes narrowing.
Shining Armor scratched the back of his head, right behind his right ear. “No problems,” he muttered. He sighed and looked to Twilight, sitting there with a blank stare. “Twiley, are you all right?” he asked, leaning over the table.
Cadance swallowed. “Twilight, if you have any objections, please speak up. I don't want any hidden feelings between us, all right?'
Twilight finally blinked. “Objections?” She leaped off her chair and hopped about in a circle, barely avoiding other patrons and waiters. “Yesyesyesyesyes!” she cried out, grinning madly. She stopped next to her chair and sat back down. “This is great! When's the wedding? Can I help?” She looked to Cadance. “Can I be your mare of honor, please?”
Cadance hesitated a moment before speaking. “W-well, yes. Of course you can!” Her upper body sagged slightly and her wings fluttered a bit in relief. “Truth be told, I was a bit nervous about your reaction. Herd knows you can be a bit... protective of Shiny here.” She slid a foreleg around Shining Armor's foreleg, drawing him closer.
Shining Armor's cheeks blushed once more. He looked to Twilight. “I'm sorry I didn't tell you before, Twiley. Things have been a bit insane in Canterlot, what with the Mag'ne's return, my work with the Guard and the Gala coming up.” He looked to the sky. “But... there's no real excuse for us not to at least send you a letter or call you up.”
Cadance's lips twitched into a small smile. “Except we don't have the phone number for the Ponyville Public Library,” she said, winking at Twilight.
Twilight shook her head. “I should've made time to write or call you up. Or even tell my friends about you! Things have been a bit crazy here, too, but not as crazy-sounding as in Canterlot.” She hung her head. “I'm sorry,” she whispered.
Shining Armor reached over and patted his sister's foreleg. “No worries, Twiley. Already forgiven.”
Mike grunted slightly as he pulled back on his socket wrench, tightening the last nut on the broken wheel on the Apple family's market cart. He, Big Mac and Caramel were inside a maintenance shed near the main house. Caramel was sharpening and honing an ax on a pedal-powered grindstone while Big Mac was lifting the cart up from underneath. Mike looked to him. “All right, Big Mac. All set, now.”
Big Mac nodded, lowered himself down to the sawdust-covered wood floor and slid out from underneath it. The cart creaked slightly, but the axle hub held tight. Caramel flipped his head back, flipping his half-face mask up. He looked over at the cart. “That's some good work, Mike. I tell you, you really know what you're doing.”
Big Mac tapped the wheel with a hoof and nodded. “Yup. You did one bang-up job, Mike.” He tilted his head to the side, chewing on a stalk of wheat. “Them hands are mighty useful for you. This took a lot less time than it should've normally.”
Mike shrugged. “Two working on it instead of one speeds up anything.” He stepped over to his toolbox and began reorganizing it. “Although, you make do with your hooves, mouths and tail.” He stuck his tongue out and made a face. “Although some of the stuff you pick up with your mouth...” He grimaced and shuddered.
Caramel shrugged. “Not as bad as you think, Mike. I tell you what.”
Mike walked over to a wall lined with tools hanging from hooks. He picked up a hammer and hefted it. “Just like the stuff I use.”
Applejack, Granny Smith and Fluttershy soon walked in, Fluttershy clutching a basket in her mouth. Applejack trotted over to the cart and kicked at the hub. “Well, it's even better than before!” She looked to Mike and nodded briefly. “Thank you kindly, Mike. You're one decent fellow.”
Mike shrugged. “No big deal, Applejack.” He looked to his side at Granny Smith, looking up at him as she leaned on her walker. “Oh, hello,” he said, taking a half-step to his right. He held out a hand, but quickly withdrew it.
Granny Smith slowly shook her head. “What? Oh, sorry there, whippersnapper. Granny Smith's the name. Apple farmin's my game. Just, I never thought I'd live to see the day when a real-life human would be standin' here in Sweet Apple Acres.” She held up a trembling foreleg. “We've got stuff from before, so I know a wee bit about you. It's just, in the flesh.”
Mike bent down and gently took hold of Granny Smith's hoof. “Yeah, in the flesh. Just like you are. Nothing really special about me, ma'am.”
Granny Smith snorted. “'Don't you be 'ma'aming' me, you whippersnapper! I'm not that old!” She turned and shuffled off, muttering under her breath. “We got lunch ready anyhow, if you're hungry.”
Mike, Big Mac and Caramel's stomachs all growled, and all three chuckled or simply nodded. They followed Granny Smith and Applejack out of the shed, Caramel breaking from the group and heading to the one of the apple tree fields. Mike checked his watch. “Celestia told us to be back at Ponyville as soon as we can. I think I've got enough time for a brief bite to eat before heading back.”
Applejack nodded, sighing. “Aw, that's right. Consarnit, Iwas lookin' forward to that picnic.” She slowed her pace, letting Mike catch up to her. She looked up at him. “A real shame to let that picnic stuff go to waste, wouldn't you say?” She winked at him.
Mike opened his mouth and bobbed his head up and down. “Oh, right! Yeah, of course!” He looked to Big Mac on his left. “Listen, why don't you and Fluttershy go off and have a nice, leisurely lunch by yourself. No need to let this lovely day go to waste!”
Big Mac stopped dead in his tracks. “E... what?”
Applejack trotted up to Fluttershy and jabbed her lightly in the barrel, nearly knocking the her over. “Yeah, you two have fun, you hear?”
Fluttershy's eyes widened. She apt the basket handle out of her mouth. “W-what? I-I...” Her cheeks flushed scarlet. “But... but...”
A grunting from Granny Smith caught Applejack's attention. She swung around and trotted to the back of the group as the elderly earth pony eyed her. “Yes, Granny?” she asked, pasting a grin onto her muzzle.
Granny Smith leaned forward on her walker. “Laying it on a little thick, ain't you?”
Applejack's smile faltered slightly. “Well...”
A sigh escaped from Granny Smith. She leaned to her right. “Mike, before you go, could you tell me a bit about human life? I'm a bit curious.” She walked around Applejack, up to Mike. “I'm sure you won't mind, Big Macintosh, if I skip the picnic this time?”
Big Mac sighed and rolled his eyes. “Nope.”
Mike nodded. “Sure, sure!” He looked to Big Mac. “You and Fluttershy have fun.” He, Applejack and Granny Smith walked off leaving the earth pony stallion and the pegasus mare alone on the dirt path. He looked back over his shoulder at the two. “Think we weren't subtle enough?”
Applejack shrugged her shoulders. “Nah. Those two needed this.” She cocked her head to the side. “I hope.”
Fluttershy swallowed and kicked at the dirt, sending up a small dust cloud. Sweat formed on her brow. Her breath quickened slightly. “Ah...”
Big Mac walked up to her, leaned his head down and gently took the basket's handle in his mouth. He raised his head, locking eyes with Fluttershy with a second. His head lingered there for a moment before he took a step back, his cheeks turning a light violet. He tilted his head to his right, to another path that led away from the house and to another one of the orchards.
The two walked off past apple trees, their comfortable silence broken by the occasional bird chirping or squirrel chittering. Some of the birds flew around Fluttershy's head, causing her to smile and Big Mac to blush again. They emerged into a shadowed clearing, the sun filtered through tree branches. Big Mac set the picnic basket down, using hoof, tail and teeth to set the blanket and food down. He looked to Fluttershy. “They did have a point. A shame to let the food go to waste.” He sat down, folding his strong legs under his body.
Fluttershy followed suit, sitting at the edge of the blanket. She kept her eyes down. “Y-yeah. A-Applejack always m-m-makes good food.” She buried her face into a carton of apple fritters, munching on them.
Big Mac let out a sigh. “Mike's got a good heart, and he's a good guy. About as subtle as my old drill sergeant, though.” He snorted.
Fluttershy looked up. “Really? Oh, that's right. You were in the military for a while.”
The stallion nodded. “Yup. Tank Corps.” He took a bite from a wheat sandwich, silence descending for another few minutes as they ate. Big Mac finally looked back up at Fluttershy. “This ain't so bad. You're mighty fine company, Miss Fluttershy. Thank you for spenin' time with an old draft horse like myself.”
Fluttershy looked up at him, her eyes slightly wide. “'Old draft horse'? You're only two years older than I am, Macintosh. That's not 'old' at all!” She glanced away, her mane shifting to the half of her face closer to him. “Thank you for spending some time with me.” She let out a sigh. “I'm not the most exciting company, I know.”
Big Mac shrugged. “Sometimes you just gotta slow down a bit, stop and smell the roses.”
Fluttershy's head shot up, her mane moving away. “I know the feeling exactly! I dearly love my friends, but they sometimes just move so fast for me.” She looked around at the trees and sighed. “This is so nice.”
Big Mac swallowed. “Yeah. I wouldn't mind doing this again.”
Fluttershy looked up at him. “Y-you wouldn't?” She shrank back slightly. “Well it... has been enjoyable, if a little fast for me.”
Big Mac held up a foreleg. “Yup, nice and slow for me. I didn't mean nothin' by it. Just, this is nice.”
Fluttershy locked eyes with him. “I have a spa appointment with Rarity Thursday morning, but the rest of m-my day is free.” She gulped. “W-would you h-have time for a p-picnic after?” She winced, folding her wings over her head. “If you don't mind, that is...”
Big Mac stood up. He stepped over to her and gently lifted one of her wings, smiling down at her. “Yes, Miss Fluttershy. I reckon I'd have time for that. Thank you kindly for the invite.”
Fluttershy folded her wings back along her barrel. She stood up, her entire body trembling. “W-well thank you, but please, no 'Miss'. Fluttershy will do.” She paused. “If that's all right with you.”
Big Mac's eyes widened. A slow smile crossed his face. “Yup.”
Chip leaned forward over the table. “So Discord is pretty much unstoppable without the Rainbow of Light?”
Celestia, sitting opposite him, closed her eyes and shook her head. “Maybe not the only thing, but nothing else we tried back then worked. We could wound him, but whatever injuries he suffered healed almost instantaneously.”
Luna nodded. She sat next to her older sister, a cup of coffee hovering close to her. “Indeed. My most powerful spells and lightning hurt him, but ultimately were for naught.” She took a sip of coffee, her wings fluttering slightly. “It finally took reforging the Rainbow of Light into the Elements of Harmony to stop him. And now, the seals weaken,” she said, looking to the other occupants of the room.
Twilight, Megan, Mike, Danielle, Michelle, Shining Armor and Cadance sat or stood near the occupied table. Megan spoke up. “All right, at least you're aware of the problem. So break the seals where Twilight and the others have the Elements ready. Seal him back up and we'll shoot him into deep space or the heart of a star!”
Celestia shook her head. “A good idea, Megan, but I prefer to keep him close, observable.” She looked from her to Shining Armor. “Captain Armor, the Royal Guard is to post a twenty-four hour watch around Discord's statue. It is to be maintained at all times and at all costs. Anything odd is to be reported immediately. Is this understood?”
Shining Armor stood and bowed. “It will be done, your majesty.”
Chip rubbed his chin. “Wait, shouldn't that be Spanish Steel who gives that order?”
Celestia looked to Chip, nodding. “Very observant, Chip. Any other soldier, yes. The Royal Guard, however is under the control of Luna and myself.” She paused for a moment, as if to gather her thoughts. “Chip, Luna and I have told you much about Equestria, and you've told us much about Earth. When you go back, what will you tell President Abernathy?”
Chip glanced down at the table, drumming his fingers on the polished wood. “I can't set policy, but I can make recommendations.” He looked up at Celestia and Luna. “I'd recommend full diplomatic relations, technology and magic exchanges and the like. There's a lot we can learn from each other.” He barked a laugh. “There's one guy I know named Preston who'd kill to study your magic.”
Celestia stood up, bowing her head. “Thank you,” she said, tears glistening in her eyes. “Thank you, Chip. I just... thank you.”
Luna stood up and extended a wing over her sister in a hug. She looked to Chip. “May this day mark a new dawn for both our peoples, Chip.” She looked to Megan, still sitting on a cushion. “And thank you, Megan. Without you, Danny or Molly, none of this would even be possible.”
Megan's eyes darted about as everyone focused on her. A shaky smile crossed her lips and she blushed. “We just started it,” she mumbled, shrinking back a bit. “But you're welcome.”
Chip stood up, a slight whirring coming from his knees and ankles. He grabbed his briefcase, checked it and closed it. “Well, although I'd like to stay, I do have a report to file and a meeting with the President to attend.” He bowed to the princesses. “Thank you, Majesties.”
Celestia and Luna bowed back. “Thank you, Chip,” Celestia said. “I shall teleport you all back to Earh myself.
Luna bowed her head, clamping her lips shut. “And I shall retire for tonight's work. A good day to you all.” She nuzzled Celestia before trotting to the door, everyone standing in her wake. The door opened as she approached. Her body contracted, becoming an ephemeral mist that was carried away by the wind.
Celestia let out a sigh before smiling. “I have a good feeling about this.”
Mike's lips twitched. “Don't jinx yourself, Princess. It's a long road ahead.”
Celestia looked to him, inclining her head. “A good point, Mike, but I think we've taken our first step on it to a better future for us all.”
Well well, I never thought I'd see a story where the plan for dealing with Discord was "Blast him the moment he escapes."
So Discord will be in for a surprise when he breaks free.
1763187
That's human strategy for you.
"Now! While he's weak!"
1763187
"We should do this more often when we get advanced warning that our ancient evils are busting loose."
Then again we're never sure how much advanced warning Celestia gets for these things. In Canon she does seem to call the EoH squad as soon as she has confirmation both with Discord and with Sombra. It seems like she knows these things WILL happen and plans for them with her gambits but save for with Luna the exact when is up in the air. And against Nightmare Moon she had to let the EoH squad form on its own otherwise it wouldn't have worked so advanced set up wasn't an option.
Hmmm.....I wonder what exposure to the Matrix of Leadership will do to him.
1763355
Well then what was the point of keeping Discord in plain sight if they weren't going to watch him? It would have been better to toss the statue into the sun in that case, because at least when he broke free, they would have a few extra seconds of peace as he got himself back to Equestria.
Alt. Title: HPiE: Human Previously In Equestria
And now I will assume that when the time the Changeling invasion comes, there will be Joes and Autobots involved in the mess!
1763443
Good question. Well considering the last time it was used against Unicron, he exploded from the inside out. So it could be possible it will disintegrate Discord.
1763443 Or both the Elements and the Matrix?
rarity Dad fishing
http://coltsteelstallion.deviantart.com/art/Just-fishing-340359355
also today ep good!
It looks like I was right about the cause of Rarity's most recent bout of Cutie Mark Failure Syndrome (CMFS). Of course, Megan knows the power of Equestrian magic and, thus, knows how to use song to help when it starts spontaneously happening. She can handle it but the first time Mike or one of the girls start talking in tune and harmonising with each other and ponies will utterly freak them out.
I'm sure that Rarity will work out how to make human clothes fairly soon. After all, we're actually not dissimilar to equines in anatomical terms - most of the same major joint locations although our musculature is very different. The trick will be to work out how clothes shift around our bodies as we move.
I still say they should put Discord at the bottom of a multi-mile deep salt mine surrounded by robot nukes on motion triggers. I don't know if it will kill him but, a the very least, it would seal him in radioactive lava. I'm sure even he would have problems with that.
Vintage Rarity there! All that was missing was the fainting couch!
There doesn't seem to be that much conflict in the story. I know you're trying to tie the mythology of G1 with the current MLP generation, but it does get a bit too boring at times since there's almost nothing happening.
Still, I like the way you connected the two generations.
I read through this today, and I would like to compliment you on a reasonably well written backstory. I did enjoy the few crossovers... Jem and the Holograms reunion. indeed. I do have to point out that it is still a bit bland. Perhaps, to really deserve that adventure tag, you could write more of an arc? As of now I would qualify this story as more slice-of-life.
1764898
I'm pretty sure the adventure is coming but Striker is taking his time setting the universe. There is that prophecy about the Mag'ne returning after all.
1764898
Oh, don't worry. This is simply the first arc. Once all the worldbuilding underpinnings are in place, act two will start and things will no doubt heat up.
...also, Presto reference. Which reminds me, what happened to Uni?
1763881 Wait, Cutie Mark Failure? Rarity's Cutie Mark isn't actually in clothing design, but rather in detecting gems. I'd say it was more like an extreme form of Writer's Block... only, y'know, for dressmaking.
1763187 SHOOT HIM IN THE BALLS THIS TIME!!
1767630
That's Megan's part of the job. She brought that rifle for a reason you know.
Sweet an update!
Preston....that sounds familiar but I don't know from where.
1764407 1764898 I've noted the same feeling, but as others have mentioned, this is likely just a beginning arc--just incredibly extended to introduce a huge cast. Personally I still agree that maybe there were other ways to handle that, but if you're looking for more immediate conflict in the meantime, check out the author's somewhat pre-emptive sequel, "The Conversion Bureau: United We Stand". That one takes the currently established "Hasbroverse" and throws it right into a quickly developing conflict.
1767271 As if the story weren't packed with nostalgia enough... Is your avatar....by any chance...B&G related?
1793919 Only in that B&G practically invented the concept of a recolor. I just altered a Megaman sprite to look more like me.
1794339 Exactly the answer I hoped for. It'll work even better for you once you publish something. Then you'll be an author.
1794359 I have one thing non-pony related over on fanfiction.net, and I'm working on a few other possible projects for this site, but I work slow, so they probably won't be up for awhile, especially with college and all the other real life stuff.
1763448 Have you tried to keep an eye on something for months on end? Trust me, the checks get longer in between and shorter each time.
Spread that out to thousands of years (I refuse to believe everything except NMM happened just a thousand years ago) and I'd have been amazed if someone even caught on before his release.
Posting in two places. Smart.
1767271
I've always thought that Rarity's cutie mark was about making ponies look beautiful. It's just that she uses this particular talent for dress-making. However "The Games Ponies Play" demonstrates she's also excellent with make-overs and mane-dressing.
2394490 Actually, finding the beauty in everything, no matter how bad it looks on the outside. (aka, the rock she found when she was a filly was filled with gems.)
I understand that this story was conceived and written before the start of Season 2, and I understand that FlutterMac was a popular pairing.
Having said that, my one true pairing has always been Big Mac and Cheerilee.
There going to have to be careful with that. Precious stones are clearly much more common in Equestria than Earth. They wouldn't want to create some sort of economic crash by removing a lot of the lack of supply value behind precious stones.
Oh yes! Music numbers! Mike is going to be so confused, the poor guy. Wait does this mean we're going to get a remix of the gala song?
FluterMac YAY!
Preston. Preston. Pre ston. Why does that name sound familiar? Time for research! Gah I got nutin.
3288976 Look up the Hasbro Dungeons and Dragons cartoon for Preston.
I keep getting the felling the Cons will want some of this so called magic...
Operation:Windfall is a go, I repeat, Operation:Windfall is go!
Well, this is going to be fun!
"Well..." Sweetie tapped her chin. "A while ago, Mom told me a story. Apparently she wrapped a blanket around Rarity when she was born, and she complained about the colour meshing horribly against her coat."
Did you just... Did you really? You did. OMG. Inb4 Inspiration Manifestation.
Well, this will be interesting...
I liked the little touch with Rarity singing her song, and Megan joining in. It seems like something that would naturally happen to these characters. Normally songs don't work in text because we don't have an idea of the tune, but the way it's sung makes the intended tune quite obvious.
Oh, Sweetie Belle, you clumsy filly. Never change.
Why am I suddenly uneasy...? I mean, we've seen her power at work.
That foreshadow though.
Oh, ffs, Celestia.
Awwww, Megan and Rarity singing together, that is so awesome...and I have to sing in my Megan and Rarity voice. As if I didn't love this job enough!
So much to talk about these past few chapters. So let me get Discord out of the way. I want to disagree with one commentor above when he mentione that it seemed like she knew about Dissy already trying to escape and sent the bearers out first. It was more like "MEtallo has escaped, don't mince words send out that guy in the big blue suit who can actually do something against him and pray!" Shge knows that any guards she would send out would be chocolate before they could even touch him. HEck, when it comes to Sombra, we see how effective unicorn magic was against him when Shining got a severe case of Horn Rot. But, I digress about this. What I love here is what happens when an author takes his time to consider differrent ramifactions of the world he is crossing over.
In cannnon, Celestia did not count on Discord breaking out due to weakened seals, who could? Heck, she probably was too busy with a little blue alicorn to care at the moment. However, by telling the story, she is reminded of him and checks him out, thus having time to set up guards. Now it will be a little bit harder for him to break out. Not impossible (A good writer can make anything plausable if he works on it). This si what happens when a writer takes the time to look at what he is working with. The same can be said for Shining and Cadence. Cannon, there was no time for Shining to said "Hey Twily, gtting married," or or Twilight to mention "Oh, hey, hae a brother" without it being awkwards. Here thoug, with the appearence of the MAg'ne, we have an oppertunity. Would this make it harder or easier for Chrysalis to enat her plan? Harder, yes, but with th right materials, time, and skill, I think one could make it work.
Anothr point is the human and Celestia interaction. I already made a comment about intellegence, used to the same thing, and optimism that comes from all of that. However, there is something here I want to mention, and its in this quote right here
This is something that I feel like a lot o guys who do HIE, Hate Fics, or TCB seem to forget! Equestria may be a little bit better than our world in some regards, but in some? Just as bad. Because, if it was as perfect as you might thinkg...then why does Nightmare Moon even exsist? Heck, even G1 aint excatly perfect considering some o the monsters that show up there. The closest to an utopia that I can think of is freaking G3. Let's not orget, in season 1 alone we have: Genocidal god (Nightmare Moon), Arrogant Show-off (Trixie), misplaced wild live (Swarm of the century), bullies (Call of the cutie), racism (Bridle gossip), and snobs (Blueblood). But Celestia knows this and sees this abotu the human world, a thing TCB Celestia forgets.
What was it that was said in my favorite superhero movie o all time? The one I judge other movies by?
No, no that one.
"
Its this feeling of hope and bond that make this fic into something else for me.
Also, Celestia and Luna bonding I can't get enough of it
Well, with the mention of the Transformers I could tell that this is somewhat a crossover with the stuff from hasbro. All I'm waiting for now is an Autobot or even a Decepticon to come through the portal!
3288976
Actually, crashing the diamond market could be a good thing. Last I heard a significant amount of the money ends up in the hands of warmongers, plus the price is artificially inflated due to the biggest company controlling enough of the most productive mines and stashing most of them away rather than selling them as they are mined. I hope they get good synthetics going soon and that the public doesn't consider them inferior simply for being artificial...
Did I mention I hang out at a jewelry store learning how to do the metal-crafting?
7471445
If that's the sort of fic you're looking for, might I suggest this one?
5583373
Well actually he had plenty of time to send a letter but for some reason let her find out about the wedding from Celestia and twilight was ticked about him not even bothering to send a letter till she found out the bride was Cadence.