> Rise of the Zodiac
>  by Brony Brush
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Spell
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Rise of the Zodiac


Twilight was sitting on her cushion, in the middle of the library with a large tome open in front of her. The label of the book was ‘Ancient Mares and Stallions of the past’. She was fascinated with the subject when she heard about it, and asked Celestia if there was any type of book or scroll on such a subject. Celestia had given her the tome after she asked, allowing her to get a better idea of who she was researching. 

“How long are you going to read that thing?” Spike whined as he walked into the room. Twilight rolled her eyes and looked up from her book to look at her purple and green assistant. 

“Spike, I have only been reading for a hour.” Twilight said smiling. 

“Its been a day.” Spike deadpanned. 

“Really?” Twilight said looking at the clock. “But it says it’s only five...” 

“Fine, it has felt like a day to me.” Spike sighed.

“Then you can go out for a little while, so I can finish this book.” Twilight said giggling.

“I have an idea.” Spike said raising a claw, “Maybe instead of reading that, you can use your magic to bring them here so you can talk to them.” Spike suggested. 

“You mean bring the ponies of the past, to the present?” Twilight said raising an eyebrow. “Do you know how traumatizing that would be for them?” 

“It worked for you.” Spike reminded her. 

“After I had a mental breakdown.” Twilight quipped. 

“Because you wouldn't listen to yourself.” Spike said. 

“... Okay okay point taken. But the problem still remains that that would require a tremendous amount of energy.” Twilight said looking back at the book. 

“Ok fine, read your book, I’m going to help Rarity.” Spike said, walking over to the door and opening it, before leaving. Twilight just giggled before mulling over Spike’s idea in her head as she read the book. After a few minutes an idea struck her. If she were to get them all at once, instead of individually, that would require less energy and less concentration! 

“That’s it!” She exclaimed before she jumped up from her cushion to go prepare. “This is going to be so exciting!!” She squealed as she began to gather the necessary items for the spell to work properly. 
______________________________________________________________________________

Twilight read over the spell scroll again, making sure she hadn’t missed a single detail. She was combining the Timespell with the Teleportation spell, a difficult process, but this was a delicate procedure and nothing could be wrong. Thanks to her minor compulsive OCD like nature, she had made everything perfect for the spell. The room she was using, meaning her basement, had been cleared and was only a large empty space. There was back up measures in place in case this spell failed, buckets of water in case the spell singed or set fire to her home, and finally tons of parchment, quills, and ink pots.

“Alright. I hope this works.” Twilight muttered to herself as her horn glowed softly before turning a fluorescent white as more and more magic was being charged. The magic buildup was so vast that sparks were beginning to fly out of her horn before there was a blindingly bright flash that filled the room and dazed Twilight. She opened her eyes to see that there was nothing in the room and she gave a small pout. “What did I miss? Maybe it was a-” 

There was an almost comically quiet ‘Pop!’ from in front of her before she looked to see seven ponies standing there, all with different expressions. 

The first one was a pale green Unicorn mare with a Blue mane and tail with a lighter blue stripe going through the top along with purple eyes. Her Cutie Mark was two curved lines going vertically with a horizontal line going through their middles. She was sitting on her haunches with a blank look on her face as she simply stared off into nothing. 

The second was a Cyan Earth Pony stallion with a grey mane and a braided tail with amber eyes. His Cutie Mark was a bell shaped line that had a small circle on the left end of the line.  He was sitting next to the Unicorn Mare trying to grab her attention. 

The next was a Magenta Unicorn Mare with a light purple mane and a tail that had bands along it and a pointed tip to give it the appearance of a scorpion's tail along with having dark green eyes. Her cutie mark looked like a cursive M with the bottom of the last line going horizontal for a few inches. She had an expression of ‘What is going on?!’ plastered across her face as she haphazardly whipped her head back and forth to look at every corner of the room she was in.

The fourth had a surprised, but calm expression as he looked about the room, almost silently studying it. He was a Pegasus Stallion with a pale orange coat and light purple mane and tail with a dark orange stripe running through the middle. His Cutie Mark was a Half circle over a horizontal line. 

the fifth pony was a unicorn and was staring at the sixth pony which appeared the be like the Spa twins as the colors of their coats were inverted to their own. The fifth pony was Mint green with a cream colored mane that had a white stripe going down the middle, and the sixth pony had the exact colors only switched. The oddest thing about the two ponies staring at each other was their Cutie Marks. It was the Romane symbol for the number two, only the top and bottom lines where curved. Twilight shook her head and shoved the odd duo aside from her mind. 

The final and seventh pony was a light blue earth pony with a navy blue mane and a short tail. She was smiling happily, albeit her eyes held confusion, as she scanned the place with a gleeful glance here and there. Her Cutie Mark was a curved line that mirrored itself to create a line pointing down to the floor. The most peculiar part about this pony was the fact she had two horns curling out the side of her head. 

“Wheeere are we?” The orange pegasus asked as he looked around. 

“It seems safe.” The navy blue pony with horns on her said said. Just then the pony that was staring into space shook her head and looked around confused before looking at the stallion that was trying to get her attention a minute ago. 

“Leo, what happened to my fish?” She asked the stallion, presumably Leo. 

“Finally! I thought you fell asleep.” Leo said chuckling. 

“I would love to try and fall asleep with my eyes open.” The mare said smiling. 

“I missed you!” The two twin ponies said to each other, before hugging. 

“You saw each other literally not ten seconds ago. Why did you miss each other?” The orange pegasus asked. 

“We closed our eyes!” The ponies said. 

“Could you please stop with the synced talking, it’s kinda creeping me out.” The magenta Unicorn said as she shook her head and looked at the two twins. 

“What do you mean?” The ponies asked, tilting their heads in confusion. 

“Stop talking at the same time Gemini!” The Magenta Unicorn said. 

“Sorry Scorpio.” One of the twins said as the other was silent. 

“Thank you...” Scorpio said sitting and rubbing her head with a hoof while she looked at the orange pegasus. “Libra, do you have any clue where we are?” 

“You are asking me if I know where a wooden enclosed room is?” Libra asked back looking at Scorpio before looking at the twisted horned earth pony. “What do you think Aries?” 

“I think there is a purple unicorn looking at us confused.” The earth pony said, looking at Twilight.

“Oh so she is... Shall we introduce ourselves?” Leo asked looking at all the other ponies. The pony next to leo looked at Twilight as she tilted her head and studied her before talking.

“I think we can trust her, anyway, my name is Pisces, nice to meet you.” Pisces said, nodding at Twilight, who was looking back at her with a confused, and slightly awed, expression. 

“I am Aries, good to make acquaintances.” The bull horned earth pony said. 

“We are Gemini!” The twins said together, smiling, “Most ponies call me Gem and her Ini though.” The pale yellow unicorn said, pointing to the other. 

“I am Scorpio.” The Magenta unicorn said smiling. 

“I’m Leo! Nice to meet you.” The cyan stallion said with a grin. 

“And I am Libra.” The orange Pegasus said nodding his head with a small smile. “We are all part of the Zodiac family.” 

“But some of us are missing...” Leo said looking around. 

“Maybe they are back at the castle, Leo.” Pisces suggested. 

“That is always possible.” Leo said nodding. 

“.... It worked... it worked!” Twilight said smiling happily before bouncing around. “It worked, it worked, it worked, it worked!” 

“What worked?” Arias asked, walking closer to the bouncing Twilight. 

“The Time and Teleportation spell! I can’t beleive it worked!” Twilight said almost squealing in delight. 

“Yay!” The twin Gemini said, bouncing around with her. 

“Oh dear Celestia...” Libra said rubbing his temples with his hoof. “They are wound up again.” 

“Gemini, calm down please.” Arias said, turning to look at the twins. 

“Oh let them have their fun.” Leo said chuckling. 

“Fine, but I’m worried more about the unicorn over here, she is acting crazy.” Arias said. 

“Hey! I am not crazy!” Twilight said stopping her bouncing and looking at the light blue mare. 

“You seem like it.” Scorpio chuckled. 

“She seems like it, but she is just happy that her spell worked, usually those spells don’t work or backfire and it can hurt the caster, she was lucky, but she is also tired.” Pisces said. 

“I am a little tired...” Twilight said as she suddenly felt a tidal wave of fatigue overcome her, making her waver from side to side for a moment. 

“I wonder how little Luna is right now!” Gem said as she hopping with her twin in circles. 

“I’m more worried about where she is. Luna was always the adventurous one.” Libra said shaking his head. 

“She got a lot of that because of us.” Pisces said, looking at Scorpio. 

“One time! I went into the forest with them one time!” Scorpio huffed. “Leo said if I was careful, it was okay!” 

“I wasn’t the one who let them wander off.” Leo pointed out. 

“You seemed like you were having fun with them.” Gem said as she and her sister stopped bouncing around. 

“Well it was at first, but manticore pups aren’t supposed to be pet when the mother is RIGHT THERE!” Scorpio said making a pointing motion. 

“Wait wait, what?” Twilight said tilting her head. “You even know the princesses?” 

“I sense confusion in you, what is your name?” Pisces asked, looking at Twilight. 

“I’m Twilight Sparkle... Nice to meet you.” Twilight said shaking her head real quick. 

“Same, are you confused because you don't know Luna and Celestia?” Pisces asked. 

“No, I am confused on how you know the princesses.” Twilight asked. 

“We are the little princesses caretakers since their parents died.” Pisces said. 

“I still maintain that we should have told them sooner.” Libra said as he sighed. 

“You know how sensitive Luna is!” Pisces said, pointing a hoof at Libra. 

“Everypony grows up at one point or another. It just stings more to be lied too.” Libra said narrowing his eyes at Pisces. 

“You can’t feel the sadness when somepony is told something sad.” Pisces said, shivering slightly. 

“I can feel emotions just fine!... I just choose to ignore them.” Libra said. 

“I can't ignore them.” Pisces muttered. 

“She does have a point Libra.” Scorpio said nudging him making him groan. 

“Yeah yeah, can we leave please? We need to check up on the little ones, it is almost our shifts.” Libra said. Twilight’s tiredness faded in an instant before she shook her head quickly. 

“Oh no no no no! You can’t leave yet!” She said hastily. 

“They seem fine to us!” Gemini said together, smiling as they looked at nothing. 

“Gemini, that is a wall.” Leo said looking at the twins. 

“Yes it is.” Gem said. 

“... Anyway. Why can’t we leave?” Leo asked Twilight. 

“Because!... Um.. I wanted to ask you all a few questions?” She said with a sheepish smile. 

“Twilight!! I’m back!” Spike yelled as he closed the upstairs door. 

“Down here Spike! I am going to need your help!” Twilight shouted upstairs. 

“Alright, I’m coming.” Spike said as footsteps were heard coming down some stairs before a door opened and Spike walked into the room. 

“Dragon!” Arias yelled as she ran and tackled Spike to the ground while the rest of the ponies took up defensive stances in front of Twilight. 

“Ahhh!” Spike screamed. 

“Wait! He is my assistant!” Twilight said worriedly. “He isn’t going to do anything!” 

“A dragon for an assistant? Are you trying to kill yourself?” Arias asked, looking down at Twilight. 

“Yes, the dragons have been trying to destroy the pony territories for the past century!” Scorpio stated. 

“They almost got Pisces once!” Gem said smiling. 

“Gem that is nothing to smile about.” Leo said frowning. 

“I know, I am sad about it.” Gem said. 

“Then why are you smiling?” Libra asked. 

“Its better to smile then to frown!” Gem exclaimed as Ini smiled. 

“Strangely true. Takes more muscles to frown than smile.” Libra said nodding his head. 

“Look, that conflict ended a few millennia ago! Now they are in their own lands!” Twilight said panicking.

“Now you are lying! It can't be millenia ago, because we would be dead!” Arias said, but nonetheless got off Spike and let him stand up. 

“Wait, everypony, didn’t she say she used a time spell...” Libra said as he looked at his family members. 

“I do remember her saying that.” Pisces said nodding. 

“But if she did that means.... Oh buck.” Scorpio said falling onto his haunches. 

“Luna and Celestia could be dead!” Pisces muttered, her eyes wide. 

“We have to get back to the castle!” Leo said starting to panic. 

“We said they are alive!” Ini said as she walked over to the others with Gem

“You don't know!” Arias said beginning to run around in a panic. 

“Everypony calm down!” Libra shouted in a frustrated tone. 

“We are calm.” Gemini stated together. Everypony else slowly began to calm down, taking deep breaths and such before they all finally stopped panicking. 

“Everypony, let’s ask the mare what time we are in, what became of Luna and Tia, then ask her to take us home.” Libra said. “Sound like a plan?” 

“Sounds good for me, how about you Leo?” Pisces asked, rubbing against Leo affectionately. 

“If it means getting back to the little ones, then yes.” Leo said smiling. 

“They are fine, the plan is good.” Gemini said. 

“Again with the synced talking...” Scorpio muttered as Libra just hugged her. 

“Alright, Mrs. Sparkle, what time are we in?” Libra asked. 

“And how did you get the dragons to back off.” Arias said, glaring slightly at Spike, who was behind Twilight. 

“Um, you're in year one thousand-oh-two, A.N.” Twilight said. 

“What does A.N. stand for?” Gemini asked together. 

“After Nightmare?” Twilight said unsure. 

“Who is Nightmare?” Pisces asked. 

“Oh boy... Look can we go upstairs? I’d prefer not to talk in the basement.” Twilight said as she began to walk upstairs. 

“Yes!” Gemini said before running quickly towards the door and up the stairs. Twilight just shook her head and walked upstairs while the others soon followed after, while Spike mostly cowered behind Twilight. Once everypony was situated upstairs in her living room, after many questions about living in a Library, they began to talk again. 

“Now for the Dragon conflict, if I remember my history, Celestia and Luna went to the dragon lord-” Twilight began. 

“Our little Luna and Celestia?” Pisces interrupted. 

“Well they weren’t little then.” Twilight said as she levitated a book off the shelf and over to her before turning to a specific page. “Here it says that they were around the age of.. Thirty when they approached the dragons.” 

“That’s... Fascinating.” Leo said as he shook his head at the fact. 

“Are you sure that they won't come back though?” Arias asked, looking at Spike instead of Twilight. 

“Yes I am quite sure. There hasn’t been a dragon attack in over four thousand years. The occasional dragon will slip into our lands to sleep, but that is the extent of their intrusion.” Twilight said smiling.

“Fine.” Arias said, as she took her attention away from Spike. 

“What I am more concerned about is what became of the little ones.” Scorpio said as she laid against Libra. 

“Well today they reside in Canterlot Castle today, ruling over all the ponies in their realm.” Twilight said smiling. “It’s been that way for a millenia.” 

“The little ones are safe and happy!” Gemini exclaimed. 

“I knew they would live a long life, but this is just ridiculous.” Libra said shaking his head.

“When you consider that they are the only two alicorns, with the abilities of all three tribes of ponies, it isn't that ridiculous to consider them almost immortal.” Pisces stated, looking at Libra. 

“Yes, but still. What I am more worried about is the others of our family.” Libra said sighing as he rubbed his forehead. 

“They are probably fine, they were able to protect the princesses into marehood at least.” Arias said shrugging, “Cancer probably had a lot of fun with Luna.” 

“Oh here is something interesting...” Twilight mumbled to herself. “It says seven of the twelve ponies that were originally there to help protect and keep the princesses healthy all disappeared, and no pony ever figured out how, or even when they went missing... Uh oh...” 

“We can still get sent back though.” Pisces said, not seeing the full picture to what Twilight had said. 

“Oh great...” Scorpio said facehoofing. 

“Uh, Pisces?” Leo said chuckling nervously. 

“Yes?” Pisces asked, looking at Leo. 

“I think what the unicorn is trying to say is that we may not be able to go back...” Leo said wincing slightly. 

“Goodbye.” Pisces said, before her eyes glazed over and she stared at a wall. 

“Oh great there she goes again.” Libra said facehoofing as well. 

“It isn't her fault she likes going into her mind whenever she cant take something.” Arias growled. 

“This seems like fun!” Gemini exclaimed as they jumped up and down. 

“Did...you get Pinkie’s ancestors here?” Spike asked nervously as he watched Arias. 

“Maybe?” Twilight said as she flipped through the book. “Look, it doesn’t matter. Spike, I need you to take a letter, so I can inform the Princesses of what is going on.” 

“Ok!” Spike said, taking out a quill and a scroll from behind him. Twilight quickly summarized what she had done, what happened afterwards, and who was currently in her home while she was writing this letter before signing it off and letting Spike send the letter. 

“... You just let that dragon burn your letter...” Leo said raising an eyebrow.

“Enchanted dragon fire that can still burn you?” Arias asked. 

“Well technically yes it could still burn you, but Spike has enough common sense to not do anything like that.” Twilight said waving a hoof dismissively.

“Ok.” Arias said shrugging. 

______________________________________________________________________________

“Dear sister, what has Twilight Sparkle given you for a friendship report now?” Luna asked as she walked over to Celestia, who was holding the unopen scroll with her magic. 

“I don’t know, but I am going to assume that it’s something good, or else she wouldn’t have written.” Celestia chuckled as she rolled her eyes and looked over the scroll. 

“True.” Luna said. Celestia’s expression slowly turned into a furrowed brow and puckered lips as she read the letter. 

“This... doesn’t make sense.” Celestia stated as she looked over the letter again. 

“What?” Luna asked as she looked at the scroll. 

“Remember our old caretakers? The Zodiac family?” Celestia asked. 

“The ponies I turned into stars when they died? Yes I do, they are all in the sky.” Luna said, smiling. 

“Remember how several of them went missing?” Celestia asked again. 

“Yes.” Luna said. 

“Twilight found out why.” Celestia said showing Luna the letter. 

“That’s great!” Luna said smiling, looking over the letter herself, before her eyes widened, “She made them go missing?” She said wonderingly. 

“Now I know why she was asking about all those old ponies.” Celestia said rubbing her temples with her hooves.

“I do not believe she meant to take the Zodiacs, she may have meant some other ponies from history.” Luna suggested. 

“She shouldn’t have taken other ponies at all.” Celestia muttered before pulling out a scroll and quill. She quickly wrote on the scroll before rolling it up and sending it off to Twilight and looking at Luna. “Shall we go visit our old friends?” 

“Lets let them adjust first, we don’t want to scare them more then they probably are.” Luna said. 

______________________________________________________________________________

“BURRRRRP!” Spike belched as green fire escaped from his mouth as well as a scroll. Twilight caught the scroll in her magic before levitating it over to her and unraveling the piece of parchment. 

“And the dragon burps letters out as well.” Arias muttered. 

“Mailing by Dragon fire. That’s rather interesting. Faster than letting a mail pony take it, I’ll give him that.” Libra said nodding in approval. 

“Do it again!” Gemini said excitedly. 

“Calm down Gemini.” Leo said chuckling. Twilight rolled her eyes and began to read over the letter. 

“Dear Twilight Sparkle, I am glad to hear that you have found the research you were looking for, but I must protest against the type of magic you used. Nonetheless, I am happy to hear that the ponies that you brought through time are in good health and are keeping calm. We will be down to see these individuals as soon as we have the time. Signed, Princess Celestia.” Twilight read out loud. 

“She remembers us!” Gemini said happily. 

“She would Gemini, we took care of her for years.” Arias said. 

“That is true.” Leo said nodding his head. 

“I wonder what they are going to think when they get down here and see us.” Scorpio said giggling. “I can think of a few things that might happen.” 

“One of them being go crazy?” Spike asked meekly. 

“Yeppers!” Scorpio said chuckling as Libra just rolled his eyes. 

“Why does everypony always over exaggerate things.” Libra muttered as he smiled slightly. 

“Because the world is magical.” Arias said. 

“He has a point.” Leo said smiling. 

“I hope Pisces snaps out of it soon.” Arias said, looking at the unicorn before her horn started glowing a soft blue as she continued staring and water came under her, shooting up a few feet so she was floating on cloud like water, “And there she goes again.” 

“Ah dang it! I don’t like getting wet...” Libra said as he scooted away a few feet. 

“Isn't this about the time we try to snap her out of it?” Arias asked backing a little further away from the air water. 

“Well, I don’t have magic, so I don’t know how to get her down.” Leo said scooting away himself. 

“We will get her.” Gemini said as she flew over to Pisces and held her, before flying down with her and setting her on the floor as the cloud like water disappeared as her horn stopped glowing. 

“Well that’s one problem taken care of.” Leo said shaking his head. 

“Yep.” Arias muttered. 


> Greetings!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Rise of the Zodiac


“What are we going to do Twilight?” Gemini asked. “Are we going to have fun?” 

“Well, I think the best course of action would be to get you all acquainted with today’s life.” Twilight said tapping her chin. 

“Sounds good to me.” Arias said. Twilight smiled and nodded before heading to the door, leaving spike in the library.

“If you all would please follow me, I will show you around the town of Ponyville.” Twilight said smiling. 

“Oh how original...” Libra muttered. 

“Leo, can you try and wake Pisces up from her daydream?” Arias asked. 

“Yeah yeah.” Leo said rolling his eyes before he began to shake Pisces. “Hey, wake up! Come on, Picy wakey wakey!” Pisces shook her head again and looked at Leo. 

“You know I don’t like that nickname.” Pisces said getting back onto her hooves. 

“Well then don’t go into your head.” Leo said snickering. 

“Easier said than done.” Pisces said. Leo just rolled his eyes and hugged her before explaining what happened while she was out. 

“Lets get going.” Arias said, trotting towards the door after Twilight and Gemini. The group of seven all walked out of the building while observing where they were. As they got into the light, not only did they get several curious glances here and there, they slowly took in their surroundings. 

“Its a nice town.” Pisces said. 

“Very bland. I like it.” Libra said smiling ever so slightly. 

“Oh come on, every town or village has a bit of excitement in it!” Scorpio said as she spun around, looking at all the buildings.

“There is a cloud home!” Gemini said, flying in circles in the air with each other. 

“This is beautiful, even if it does seem boring.” Arias said. 

“Seems like a nice place to live.” Leo said smiling. 

“Glad you all think so.” Twilight said smiling. The ponies continued to look around until there was the faint smell of cotton candy in the air. 

“Does anypony else smell something sweet?” Libra asked raising an eyebrow before he turned his head to see the incredibly close face of a certain pink pony. 

“HIYA!” The pony said excitedly. 

“AAAAAAAAH!” Libra bellowed out before flailing wildly and falling on his back. 

“Are you ok?” Pisces asked as Gemini landed. 

“Ponies never get past me...” Arias muttered confused. 

“Ow...” Libra groaned from the ground. That was when the pink pony was giggling next to Arias. 

“That pony is silly.” The pink one giggled out. 

“He isn't the only one.” Arias said, moving away a bit. The pink pony just giggled and bounced up before jumping over to Gemini. 

“Hey you two are like the spa twins! Only you have wings and you aren’t wearing those weird mane bands!” She exclaimed with an unnaturally large smile and bouncing in place. 

“Yay!” Gemini exclaimed happily as they bounced with her, sharing the smile. 

“Oh dear maker... There is a third...” Libra groaned out as he covered his eyes with his hooves.

“Need help getting up?” Pisces asked. 

“No, I am just going to shrivel up and die here. I don’t think I could stand a third Gemini.” Libra muttered.

“Oh I doubt it would be that bad. Now they have someone that can keep up with them.” Leo said smiling and chuckling.

“Yes, that is true.” Pisces said. 

“This one is pink.” Arias said. 

“And she doesn’t have wings.” Scorpio added. 

“Pinkie, stop terrorizing the Zodiacs.” Twilight said shaking her head. 

“Hey! I wasn’t terrorizing! I was just saying hi!” Pinkie said with mock hurt.

“That’s true!” Gem said. 

“She is nice.” Ini said. 

“And I was going to do what I normally do and make a PARTY!” Pinkie exclaimed smiling even wider.

“I think that pony’s face is going to break.” Scorpio said worriedly.

“I feel like she isn't an earth pony...” Pisces said. 

“Hey! I am an earth pony!” Pinkie said from under Pisces as she was laying on the ground and staring up at her. 

“Uhm...” Pisces said, looking down at Pinkie. 

“And you are a unicorn!” Pinkie said poking her snout with a hoof. 

“Yes I am...” Pisces said, starting to get very confused by what was happening. 

“So a party?” Arias asked. 

“PARTY!” Pinkie shouted as she exploded into confetti and appeared next to Arias. 

“Can you stop doing that?” Arias asked, jumping in surprise. 

“Stop what?” Pinkie asked tilting her head far more than should be possible.

“Stop...” Arias said, not knowing what to tell her to stop doing. “Stop being impossible.” 

“Maybe it’s best I tell you to not question what she does. It’ll make your brain hurt less.” Twilight said giggling. 

“I’m going to take your word for it.” Arias sighed, walking over to Twilight and away from Pinkie. 

“Cupcake anypony?” Pinkie asked holding out a tray of cupcakes.

“What kind?” Pisces asked. 

“Oh dear... You shouldn’t have asked that.” Twilight muttered facehoofing as Pinkie took a massive breath. Thirty minutes later Pinkie finally finished talking about all the cupcakes she had. 

“...And that one has rainbow frosting!” Pinkie finished smiling. 

“Yay for cupcakes!” Gemini said. 

“I think I have a tumor...” Libra groaned as he rubbed his head. 

“I... Didn’t think there could be that many.” Leo said scratching his chin. 

“Um... Whatever happened to normal old vanilla?” Scorpio asked herself as she tried to comprehend how many flavors the pink one spouted out.

“Now I am actually really hungry.” Pisces said using her magic to take a chocolate cupcake from the tray and bit into it. 

“My head hurts, and I didn't try to understand her.” Arias said, shaking her head. 

“That will happen. Don’t worry, it’ll go away soon.” Twilight said chuckling. 

“Mmmm, this is actually really good.” Pisces said smiling as she swallowed. 

“Of course they are! I used lots of sugar, flour, milk-” Pinkie began before her mouth was shut by a magenta glow.

“They get it Pinkie.” Twilight said rolling her eyes as Pinkie gave a cheery, and muffled, ‘Okay!’.  

“Can we go on before my brain leaks from my ears?” Libra asked. 

“I want to try a cupcake now, and I don't know why...” Arias said, looking at Gemini eating their cupcakes. There was not even five seconds before a cupcake was shoved into Arias’s mouth by the pink pony herself.

“There you go!” Pinkie said smiling. Arias choked a little bit before she recovered from the surprise and remembered to chew. The cupcakes tasted like a dark chocolate velvet with creamy frosting on top.

Arias swallowed and looked at Pinkie “Those are good.” 

“I told you!” Pinkie said pressing a hoof against Arias’s nose. 

“Yes you did...” Arias said. Pinkie just continued to stare at Arias for a good five minutes before laughing hysterically and falling back on the ground. 

“Is she ok?” Pisces asked, looking at Twilight. 

“Like I said, she is Pinkie being Pinkie.” Twilight said rolling her eyes. 

“Can someone explain to me what is so funny?” Libra said shaking his head. 

“I think that pony is mental.” Scorpio whispered to him. 

“Okay, now I have to ask. Why are you laughing?” Leo said as he looked at Pinkey quizzically as Arias stared at her, not sure what to do. 

“They have frosting mustaches!” Pinkie cackled as she pointing to both Pisces and Aries. 

“That’s enough to send you on a crazed laughing fest?” Arias asked, using a hoof to take the frosting off her mouth as Pisces used her magic to make it disappear. 

“Yeah!” Pinkie said as she suddenly stopped laughing and was sitting upright, staring at Aries. “Why, is it not funny to you?” 

“This pony is starting to scare me.” Libra whispered to Pisces.

“She is just having fun, she seems to be a lot like Gemini.” Pisces whispered back. 

“Frosting isn't really funny.” Arias said. Pinkie just gasped before grabbing Aries face and pulling her so they were eye to eye.

“Can you not laugh!? Oh no, did you get into a patch of Poison Joke!?” Pinkie began to panic before shaking Aries back and forth. “Speeeak to meeee!” 

“Please stop!” Arias said, terrified. 

“Pinkie, let go of Aries.” Twilight said as she used her magic to remove the pink pony from Aries’s face. “I think you have terrified them enough.” 

“I wasn’t scaring them! I was just seeing why this pony doesn’t laugh!” Pinkie defended.

“I laugh, there is nothing wrong with me.” Arias said. 

“Oh reeeeally?” Pinkie said leaning back towards Aries with one eye locked on her. 

“Yes...” Arias said, not liking where this seemed to be going. 

“Okay then!” Pinkie said before she happily began to bounce away. “The party will be at the Sugarcube Corner tonight!” 

“Dear maker...” Arias sighed, relaxing as Pinkie disappeared. 

“She seemed fun!” Gemini said. 

“I think my brain cells just committed suicide.” Libra groaned as he rubbed his temples again while Scorpio just patted him on the back. 

“She was.... Interesting.” Leo said blinking as he was still trying to process what happened. 

“I kept a cupcake for you, if you want it Leo.” Pisces said. 

“Oh really?” Leo said smiling and looking at her. 

“Yes.” Pisces said, smiling back before taking out a chocolate cupcakes with fluffy white frosting and levitating it over to Leo. 

“Alright, shall we continue?” Twilight said chuckling as Leo practically gulped the cupcake down, leaving a frosting goatee on his mouth before licking it off. 

“Yes, lets continue.” Arias said, already forgetting about the encounter with Pinkie. 

______________________________________________________________________________

“So why don’t you guys go in the forest?” Scorpio asked looking at the large collection of trees in the distance. 

“Because it’s dangerous.” Twilight said looking back at her. 

“But that’s half the fun!” Scorpio said smiling.

“Seems fine to us!” Gemini said, flying closer to the forest. 

“Gemini, you could be face to face with a dragon and you’d try to hug it.” Leo deadpanned.

“They want hugs.” Gem said. 

“You're both insane.” Libra grumbled as he walked. 

“A lot of darkness in there.” Pisces remarked. 

“It doesn't look too scary to me.” Arias said walking after Twilight. 

“Looks like the forest me and the little ones used to go into. Playing ‘Pirate’ and all their other shenanigans.” Scorpio said sighing as she reminisced. 

“It is.” Pisces said. 

“You played in the forest?” Twilight asked looking back as they walked. 

“Why not? There weren’t many dangers that we couldn’t handle back then. Other than dragons, those were out of even our skill.” Scorpio sighed out. 

“As well as some bears out for blood.” Arias said, “I didn't know they had cubs in the cave.” 

“We have all saved each other’s flanks more times than any of us care to count.” Libra said as he looked around the town.

“I shocked a dragon with lightning.” Gem said

“And I went into its nose and made it unable to breath fire.” Ini said. 

“That sounds gross.” Leo said raising an eyebrow. 

“We were there, we know its gross.” Pisces said. 

“Yeah yeah.” Leo said rolling his eyes. “Sorry if I was too busy trying not to get stomped on.” 

“Look at the pony flying at high speed here...” Gem said, looking up. 

“Really?” Libra said looking up along with all the others only to see a rainbow going across the sky. “Oh Gemini, that is just a rainbow.” 

“No it isn't.” Gemini said, shaking their heads. 

“Gemini, it doesn't look like a pony, it looks like a rainbow, unless more of those long rainbow ponies are still alive.” Arias said as Pisces squinted up at the rainbow. 

“Oh those ponies died out long ago.” Leo said shaking his head. 

“There is a pony flying who is making the rainbow!” Gemini said, sounding frustrated. 

“Gemini, just stop being silly.” Libra said rolling his eyes. 

“I see the pony.” Pisces said looking up at the sky at a cyan blur getting closer.

“That is a pony.” Arias stated, watching as a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane got closer and suddenly flew up and over before she could hit them and, without losing any speed, flew quickly over to a cottage by the forest and landed at the door.

“... I am not going to dignify this with a response.” Libra groaned as he facehoofed. 

“If the forest is so dangerous, why is somepony living close to it in the first place.” Arias stated. 

“Oh that is Fluttershy, one of my friends. You see, she is like the towns veterinarian. She is the best pony to go to if you have a problem with animals.” Twilight said as she turned towards the house’s direction and began to walk over to it with the Zodiac’s in tow.

“And the cyan mare that just flew by with enough speed to make a rainbow is who?” Arias asked. 

“That would be Rainbow Dash, another one of my friends. I am not lying when I say she may be the fastest pegasus in all of Equestria.” Twilight said smiling. 

“That title goes to me!” Gem said.

“And me!” Ini said proudly.

“I’d like to see you try and tell Rainbow that.” Twilight giggled thinking about what Rainbow’s reaction would be like. 

“We will challenge her to a race!” Gemini exclaimed flying in loops as they flew above the others. 

“Gemini, stop trying to instigate something.” Leo said looking up at the twins.

“We aren't trying to do anything, just trying to have fun.” Gemini said. 

“That’s not how Rainbow is going to see it.” Twilight mumbled as she shook her head. The small group walked over to Fluttershy’s home while Rainbow was waiting outside. “Hey Rainbow Dash!”  

“Hm? Oh hey Twilight! How goes your egghe-... Why are there a bunch of ponies following you?” Rainbow asked looking at all the ponies. 

“Hello!” Gemini exclaimed, flying down to look at Rainbow. 

“Um, hi?” Rainbow said unsure as she waved a hoof. 

“Hi.” Gemini said waving back. 

“Riiiight.” Rainbow said raising an eyebrow. “So who are these ponies, Twilight?” 

“They are the Zodiac family from... A very far off place.” Twilight said smiling nervously. 

Rainbow looked at Twilight weirdly before shrugging. “Okay then, who are they?” Rainbow asked smiling. 

“We are Gemini!” Gemini said smiling wide smiles. 

“I am Scorpio.” Scorpio said smiling and bowing her head. 

“I’m Arias, hey.” Arias said. 

“I am Libra.” Libra said plainly. 

“I am Leo, pleased to meet you.” Leo said with a smile. 

“And I am Pisces, it is nice to meet you.” Pisces said, smiling. 

“Well I am the one and only Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow said flaring her wings and striking a small pose.

“Would there be another one?” Pisces asked confused. 

“I think it’s an expression.” Leo whispered to Pisces. 

“You made a nice rainbow before almost mowing us over.” Arias said. 

“Yeah, sorry about that. I didn't’ see y-... Dude, what's with your horn? I thought Unicorns’ horns are supposed to be straight!... And to only have one... And to be in the center of the forehead...” Rainbow said looking at Arias confused. 

“I am an earth pony.” Arias stated. 

“But... You have horns.” Rainbow said tapping one of the curled horns on her head. 

“Unlike unicorn horns, they are not sensitive, and they are also not a unicorn's horn to begin with, they are rams horns, they are different, and I cant use magic, which is why they are not sensitive like a unicorns.” Arias sighed, hating having to explain herself. 

“Oh. Well I have to say...That’s pretty cool!” Rainbow said grinning widely. 

“Thank you.” Arias said, smiling back. 

“Also I have to ask...” Rainbow leaned in a bit closer. “Why are those two talking in sync?” Rainbow pointed upwards with a wing at Gemini.

“Because they do that.” Arias said. 

“So pretty much, just don’t question it?” Rainbow deadpanned. 

“Yep.” Arias said. 

“Oh great, we have two more pinkies to deal with...” Rainbow groaned quietly as she facehoofed. 

“Tell me about it.” Libra said to himself as the door to the cottage opened slightly.

“Hello?” A small voice asked as a blue green eye looked out and saw the seven ponies standing there with Twilight and Rainbow. 

“Oh Hey Fluttershy!” Rainbow said turning around to face the pony hidden behind the door. 

“Hello, Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy said as she opened the door all the way. 

“Her name really speaks who she is, huh?” Libra said to no one in particular.

“Yeah no kidding.” Scorpio said chuckling quietly.

“You told me there was a problem with Tank, where is he?” Fluttershy asked. 

“He is back at my house sleeping. He was too sick to fly and I didn’t want to risk him hurling if I brought him here.” Rainbow said as she rubbed her left arm with her right hoof.

“Oh...can you tell me what his symptoms are then?” Fluttershy asked. 

“Ehm. Tummy troubles, a little bit of puking, no appetite, and a small fever if I remember correctly.” Rainbow said tapping her chin. 

“Oh, well that is easy to fix! It’s just a little flu, give him plenty of fluids and hot soup and he should be fine in a few days.” Fluttershy said smiling. 

“Alright thanks Fluttershy!” Rainbow said smiling before her ears perked up. “Oh, have you met these new ponies? They are pretty cool!” 

“No...I haven't.” Fluttershy said, looking at the Zodiacs next to Twilight. 

“Well come on out and meet them!” Rainbow said hooking a hoof around Fluttershy’s neck and pulling her towards the Zodiacs.

“Hi...” Fluttershy squeaked as she looked at the ponies. 

“Hello.” Libra said calmly. 

“Hello.” Gem said.

“Hi!” Ini said happily.

“Hello.” Arias said nodding. 

“Sup!” Scorpio said smiling. 

“Greetings.” Leo said bowing his head slightly. 

“Hello.” Pisces said, a little concerned as she walked closer to Fluttershy, “You don’t have to be scared of us, we aren't going to hurt you.” She said. 

“O-ok.” Fluttershy stuttered. 

“I feel as if what you are doing is going to accomplish nothing.” Libra said raising an eyebrow.“

“You think that about everything.” Scorpio deadpanning as she looked at him only making him shrug.

“We are Gemini!” Gemini said walking closer to Fluttershy and smiling, “We are fast.” 

“Fast huh? How fast are you?” Rainbow asked curiously. 

“Fast!” Gemini said. 

“Oh really?” Rainbow said with a competitive tone beginning to line her words. 

“Oh no.” Libra muttered. 

“Yes.” Gem said. 

“Fast.” Ini said. 

“Well then, how about a race?” Rainbow said smiling. 

“Fun!” Gemini said together. 

“This is going to end badly, I can already tell.” Libra said shaking his head. 

“Don’t be so negative.” Pisces said. 

“Because negativity can kill you.” Arias said sarcastically. 

“I have to be negative because if I don’t, nopony will.” Libra said in a Matter of fact tone.

“Somepony else will, but you don't have to be negative all the time.” Pisces said. 

“I am not negative all the time!” Libra defended. 

“Alright then, meet at the park in half an hour, got it?” Rainbow said as she hovered over the ponies with her hooves crossed.

“Got it!” Gemini said happily. 

“Okay then! See ya Flutters! See ya Twilight!” Then the prismatic pony rocketed off into the clouds. 

“I don’t think you two are going to win against that.” Libra said watching the rainbow trail fade. 

“We have a secret way!” Gem said. 

“It’s secret.” Ini said smiling. 

“Do you have any more friends? I think I would like to meet them.” Pisces said, turning to look at Twilight. 

“Yes I do! Come with me, we are going to go meet my friend Applejack.” Twilight said smiling. 

“Alright, lets go. Nice meeting you Fluttershy.” Pisces said, waving at Fluttershy who timidly waved back as the group walked away. 

______________________________________________________________________________

Soon the group arrived atop a small hill where Sweet apple acres was clearly seen. After a quick admiration of the beautiful scene, they saw a orange mare wearing a cowcolt hat and bucking the apple trees and knocking the apples down. 

“Here we are! And there is my friend Applejack!” Twilight said smiling. 

“Nice little country farm.” Arias said. 

The orange pony looked up as she bucked a tree and apples fell down into buckets, “Howdy there Twilight!” Applejack grunted as she bucked another tree. “Who are yer friends?” 

“Hey Applejack! These are the Zodiacs.” Twilight said smiling. 

“Thats nice!” Applejack said. 

“Yes it is! I was just bringing them by because they are new to Ponyville and wanted to meet some of my friends.” Twilight said happily. 

“Why doesn’t she get a unicorn to help with the apple picking? Would increase production of apples.” Libra said looking around. 

“Ah heard that, the reasin bein that ah can do it just fine without fancy magic.” Applejack said as she finished bucking a tree and walked over. 

“I was just suggesting.” Libra said raising an eyebrow. “Didn’t mean to offend.” 

“Ah know what ya were suggestin.” Applejack said. 

“Okay then.” Libra said as he continued looking around. “Must take long time to clear this orchard.” 

“Nothin better then good an honest work, thats the apple family way.” Applejack said proudly, crossing her hooves. 

“I see. I would have to agree with that one, but I found that taking care of children is enough to keep me in shape.” Libra said with a small short chuckle. 

“Even foals can learn ta help round and work, it helps em some.” Applejack said as she looked at the barn to see a small filly running towards her, “Theres ma little sister now.” 

“Hey Applejack!... Who are all these weird ponehs?” Apple Bloom said as she looked at all the ponies. 

“It ain't nice ta call other ponies weird Applebloom.” Applejack scolded. 

“Sorry, Applejack. But ah was talkin bout their cutie marks!” Applebloom said walking over and pointing to Arias’ Cutie mark. “They are jus ah bunch of squiggly lines!” 

“They may be just squiggly lines, but they still mean something.” Arias said defensively. 

“What does it mean then?” Applebloom asked innocently as she sat on her rump, looking up at Arias with her big and curious eyes.

“It means I am brave, assertive, and protective of my friends and family.” Arias said. 

“Ooooh... Wait a Cutie mark can mean more than one thing?” Applebloom said scratching her head.

“It doesn't anymore?” Arias asked as the other Zodiacs looked confused. 

“Eh heh heh, I’ll answer that later.” Twilight said as she patted Applebloom on the head. “So Applejack, where is Big Mac?” She said a bit louder than necessary to change the subject.

“Big Mac is in the barn, moving some hay ta put into the field later.” Applejack said. 

“Hey, miss?” Applebloom said poking Arias’ leg. 

“Yes?” Arias asked, looking down at Applebloom. 

“Why do ya have horns? Did you get hurt or somthin and now yer horn is all wonky?” Applebloom asked innocently. 

“No.” Arias said. 

“Um, guys?? I just noticed something peculiar.” Leo said looking at Twilight, then to the other zodiacs.

“What Leo?” Pisces asked. 

“Are ponies smaller now than the time we previously came from?” Leo asked.

“What are ya talkin about?” Applejack asked. 

“Oh nothing, just we are used to seeing taller ponies roaming about.” Leo said sheepishly.

“Ya do seem taller, like Big Mac.” Applejack observed. 

“Why are we just now noticing this?” Scorpio asked looking at the other Zodiacs. 

“We are terrible at noticing stuff.” Arias said, still looking at Applebloom. 

“It didn't seem important to mention.” Pisces said shrugging. 

“I thought we were just in a dwarf pony village.” Libra said plainly. 

“We are taller?” Gemini asked. 

“Oh I don’t think it matters anymore.” Libra said waving a hoof dismissively. “At least we don’t have to stretch our neck to look for something now.” 

“Guess that’s a plus.” Arias said, looking back up as Applebloom continued to look at her’s and the other’s cutie marks. 

“Ah still think all the weird lookin lines are a bit silly to have for a cutie mark.” Applebloom muttered. 

“Everypony has their opinions.” Arias said. 

“So other than the sudden revelation of being taller...” Twilight said before looking back at Applejack. “Do you possibly have some apples to spare? I think it’s around lunch and I don’t think my friends here have eaten.” 

“Are ya kidding? Ah always have apples ta spare! Applebloom, git our guests some apples.” Applejack said, trying to distract her sister from the ponies cutie marks.

“Huh? Oh okay Applejack!” Apple Bloom said before running off to the barn. She soon came back dragging a large bucket of apples out of the barn and rested them next to Applejack, panting and huffing slightly. “Why are these dern buckets so heavy?” 

“Thank ya kindly.” Applejack said. “There heavy because the apples are heavy.” 

“They aren’t that heavy.” Leo said walking over and gripping the bucket of apples and lifted it up rather effortlessly before putting it back down. “See?” 

“Show off.” Scorpio giggled making Leo roll his eyes. 

“That is awesome!” Gemini said excitedly, clapping their hooves. 

“If ah didn't know better, ah’d think ya would like a job workin here.” Applejack said. 

“Heh heh, sorry but I have a job... Elsewhere.” Leo said smiling. “If time would allow, I’d be more than happy to come and help out.” 

“Alright.” Applejack said. The ponies all took some apples and happily ate and chatted for a while, laughing and talking before Gem opened her eyes and turned to her twin. 

“We are going to be late for our race!” Gem and Ini exclaimed at the same time. 

“I still maintain that the synced talking is kinda creepy.” Libra muttered. 

“We should be used to them doing that Libra.” Arias sighed. 

“Ah race with who?” Applejack asked. 

“A rainbow!” Gemini said. 

“I think you mean, Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said as she stood up from her sitting position. 

“Ya we got to go!” Gemini said, before jumping up and flying away from the farm.

“Do they even know the way to where they want to be?” Applejack asked. 

“No they don't.” Pisces said. 

“Should I try and catch them?” Libra asked, almost hesitantly. 

“Ah think we should all go after them and see them race when we bring em to the race.” Applejack said. 

“Okay then.” Libra stretched his wings before going into a small hover and flying after the twins while everypony else, save for Apple Bloom ran after them in pursuit. 

______________________________________________________________________________

They had caught up to Gemini and Twilight and Applejack showed them the way to the park, where Rainbow Dash was waiting, with Rarity talking to her as they walked up behind her, 
“...All I am asking of you Rainbow is that you think about it.” Rarity pleaded. 

“I am not going to let you make me a summer gown!” Rainbow groaned. 

“You would like it I promise!” Rarity said. 

“Rarity, I would go to the spa to get my wings preened with you, but I am not going to let you make me a dress unless its for something important!” Rainbow huffed. 

“Oh fine.” Rarity said pouting. 

“And I am not letting you do my mane either. I like it just the way it is.” Rainbow said giving one last huff. 

“Alright, ruin my fun.” Rarity said. 

“Hey Rarity! Hey Rainbow! How are you guys?” Twilight asked as the group walked over.  

“Oh hello Twilight, who are your friends?” Rarity asked, turning around and looking at the Zodiacs, surprised by how tall they all seemed to be.

“We are not late!” Gemini said. 

“Well the two that are talking are Gemini. She is Gem and she is Ini.” Twilight said pointing to the twins. “And these other ponies are the Zodiac family.” 

“Well we aren't exactly a family, except for the twins, we are all just friends who feel like family.” Pisces said sheepishly. “I am Pisces.” 

“And I am Leo.” Leo said bowing his head. 

“I am Arias, and no I am not a unicorn.” Arias said quickly before Rarity could ask. 

“And I am Libra, and she is Scorpio.” Libra said pointing to himself then to Scorpio. 

“It is lovely to meet you, you all seem quite proper and handsome, although a little oddly tall.” Rarity said, rubbing her chin with her right hoof. 

“Yes, where we come from, everypony is much taller.” Libra said giving a small smile that lasted a minute before his stoic expression was back. 

“Ah, ok, so Rainbow is racing Gemini?” Rarity asked. 

“Ah do believe that is what they said.” Applejack said. 

“And I still maintain that it will end badly.” Libra added in. 

“Oh Libra just stop it.” Scorpio said giving him a light punch to the shoulder. 

“Yeah, I am ready to show that I am still the fastest pegasus in Equestria!” Rainbow said confidently as she hovered in the air. 

“We are going to have so much fun!” Gemini said as they hovered in the air as well. 

“I think this shall be interesting.” Rarity declared. 

“I hope that this goes well.” Pisces whispered to Leo. 

“I do too, but knowing those two, it’ll end up with us trying to gather up snakes again.” Leo whispered back.

“I never liked snakes.” Pisces said shivering slightly. 

“Does anypony?” Leo asked chuckling slightly and hugging Pisces.

“I don’t know.” Pisces said, hugging him back. 

“Alright, Applejack you ready?” Rainbow asked as she got ready on the ground. 

“Ya, ahm ready.” Applejack said. 

“Then whenever you want, start counting.” Rainbow said as she got into position. 

“Alright, one, two three, go!” Applejack said. Rainbow Dash and the Gemini fly off as Gem and Ini took hold of each others front hooves and start flipping and spinning each other in the air as they flew, somehow making them go faster than Rainbow spinning and flipped their way back to the starting line as they yell in delight at having fun with each other with Rainbow coming a minute after them and hovering in the air. 

“So their plan was to use momentum?” Libra deadpanned. 

“Apparently.” Arias said. 

“Is that cheating or is it fair play?” Libra asked. 

“Ah think that is fair, they did fly and they also did do the race.” Applejack said, looking at Twilight.  

“To be fair, we didn’t even place any rules.” Twilight said shrugging. “But then again, together they are faster than Rainbow Dash... But apart I think Rainbow Dash is still faster... But.. Augh! Now my brain hurts again! Why do they have to be so close to Pinkie Pie!?” 

“Ah don't know Twilight.” Applejack said. 

“I do believe that was quite impressive.” Rarity said smiling as Rainbow looked at the twins. 

“It was so much fun!” Gemini said. 

“That wasn’t fair, you guys helped each other!” Rainbow huffed as she landed. 

“Ya didn't set no rules sugarcube.” Applejack said. 

“Ye-, bu-!... Aug!” Rainbow growled out before sighing. “Fine, you’re right. They won... As bitter as those words taste.” 

“You didn't have fun?” Gem asked. 

“Not everypony has as much fun as you two when you race.” Arias said. 

“I lost.” Rainbow muttered as she looked away. 

“Told you all it would end badly.” Libra said before receiving a smack from Scorpio.

Pisces walked over to Rainbow and put a leg around her in a hug, “Losing doesn't mean you're bad at anything, it means that you can learn and grow to be better.” Pisces said. 

“Uhm... Yeah. Right.” Rainbow said as she awkwardly got out of the hug. 

“Ya know how Pinkie got someplace before ya before Rainbow? They are like her with wings, with a different sense of flyin’.” Applejack said. 

“Oh! Then why didn’t you say so?” Rainbow said smiling as she hovered in the air. 

“Ah didn't think ah would have ta.” Applejack sighed.

“Well, I have only met them once, so I didn’t know what they were like.” Rainbow said shrugging. “You can’t beat somepony that’s like Pinkie Pie, unless you are Pinkie.”

“Just like how Twilight always says! She is just being Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie said as she was sitting on Arias’ back giggling.

“...How...” Arias said confused as she looked behind her at the pink pony. 

“I just did a hop, skip, and a jump!” Pinkie said smiling. 

“You got on my without anypony noticing, and somehow got past me. Two things in one day...” Arias muttered. 

“And?” Pinkie asked tilting her head. 

“You should not exist and you can't possibly be an earth pony.” Arias said. 

“But if I don’t exist, does that mean I am a... Zombie!?” Pinkie said gasping loudly. “But I don’t want to eat other ponies brains! That’s not nice at all!” 

“Dear maker get off me.” Arias said trying to shake Pinkie off her. Pinkie grabbed onto Arias’ horns before letting out a small ‘Wheeee!’ as she tried to shake the pink one off.  

“This is fun!” Pinkie giggled. 

“This is funny.” Gemini said as they giggled. 

“This reminds me of a bull trying ta buck off a pony.” Applejack said watching as Arias tried to get Pinkie off her. 

“Wheeeeeeee!” Was all Pinkie responded with. 

“Heh, this is amusing.” Libra said giving a small chuckle. 

“How long do you think she is going to stay on there?” Leo asked. 

“Pinkie can keep at it fer a long time and not git right tired.” Applejack stated. 

“She’s not kidding either.” Rainbow said snickering at the sight of Pinkie and Arias.

“This isn't funny.” Arias stated as she continued to try and buck Pinkie off her. 

“I think it’s funny.” Rainbow said before bursting into laughter. 

“What I am more curious is how long Arias can keep this up.” Twilight said giggling slightly. 

“She can keep it up forever! Celestia and Luna loved it.” Gemini said smiling. 

“What?” Applejack said. 

“Whatever do you mean?” Rarity asked. 

“Oh, we were the caretakers for Luna and Celestia when they were foals.” Libra said without thinking before his stoic expression gained one of realization. “... I wasn’t supposed to say that, was I?” 

“What?!” Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow dash all asked together. Twilight only groaned and facehoofed as Pinkie continued to ride on Arias back. 
> Party
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rarity looked at Twilight with a worried expression, “Twilight, are you quite sure that these ponies haven't lost their minds to think this?” She asked

“I am quite sure, but the reason for me thinking this is something I’d rather not say in public.” Twilight said sheepishly.

“Please, get this crazy pony off me.” Arias pleaded as she resorted to running to try and get Pinkie off. 

“Wheeeeeeeeee!” Pinkie just kept squealing with delight as she held on. “I can see why the Princesses liked doing this!” 

“She really is like a filly...” Pisces said, slightly stunned. 

“Ya gotta love her though.” Applejack said. 

“She is a bit annoying... But all around enjoyable.” Libra said nodding. 

Arias stopped running with a look of realization and looked up at Pinkie with a smile, “Didn't you have to get ready for some party?” She asked. Pinkie just gasped loudly before jumping ten feet in the air.

“YOUR RIGHT! IGOTTAGOBYE!” Then she zipped away in mid air, leaving only a small pink cloud behind as Arias smirked. 

“I don’t honestly know how that worked, but I’m glad that it did.” Arias said, trotting back over to the others. 

“Just wait till you see the party.” Rainbow snickered. 

“I bet it will be interesting.” Pisces said. 

“More sweets!” Gemini said excitedly. 

“Great, they are going to be buzzing, literally, for two weeks after this.” Arias said facehoofing. 

“They were buzzing before we even got here.” Scorpio said giggling.

“Fine, they will be buzzing so much more, we won’t see them at all.” Arias said, rolling her eyes. 

“Ah think we would all like an explanation as ta why there are past ponies in ta future.” Applejack said stubbornly, not wanting to believe the zodiac are from the past. 

“Well... I was really interested in the lives the ponies in the past lead, and so I kinda.... Brought them here. I was only trying to get one of them then I would have send him, or her, back!” Twilight said. 

“Ain't that impossible?” Applejack asked. 

“Heh heh, you’d say that... Buuuut.” Twilight turned her head to look at Arias. “I am sure most ponies nowadays don’t have goat horns.” 

“I am the only one with goat horns actually, everypony always goes after the horns...” Arias muttered as she lied onto the ground. 

“O-oh, I am sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.” Twilight said in apologetic tone.

“I’m used to it.” Arias said. 

“You should have seen what ponies were saying back home. Believe it or not, we weren’t as tolerant as a lot of ponies thought.” Libra said as he ruffled his wings.

“One pony named Blue Hoof outright called Arias a monster.” Gem said. 

“Then we all beat the snot outta him!” Scorpio said smiling wickedly.

“It was fun.” Arias said smiling darkly as she stood up. 

“You beat other ponies for fun?” Twilight asked shakily. 

“No, we didn't do it for fun, we don't believe in doing that.” Pisces said. 

“We did it for honor, back then, if someone challenged a friend or family member, you challenged them to a duel.” Arias said. 

“No magic, no wings. Just good old fashion hoof fighting!” Scorpio said getting on her hind legs and kicking her front hooves out in front of her.

“How terribly brutish.” Rarity commented. 

“Well to be fair, we didn’t have a stable government just yet. Luna and Celestia’s parents had yet to return from the war.” Leo pointed out. 

“Not to mention all of the depressions.” Pisces sighed. 

“The griffon depression, where they ate anything!” Gem said.

“The dragon depression, where they ate each other and didn't care.” Ini said

“There was even the great pony depression...no jobs, no homes, they didn't have much to eat, a few ponies even ate each other.” Pisces said grimacing. “We had to give the food we had to the little ones so they could stay alive, we almost died.” 

“That sounds dreadful!” Rarity said. 

“Ah agree.” Applejack said, uneasy. 

“It was horrifying.” Pisces said. 

“Things were really that bad back then?” Twilight asked uneasily.

“You better believe it.” Libra said before he began chuckling lightly. “It makes sense now.” 

“What are you going on about you crazy pegasus?” Scorpio asked looking at him. 

“Why the little ones became the princesses. They saw what happened long ago, and they want to make sure that will never happen again!” Libra said as he cackled slightly before clearing his throat and resuming his usual stoic expression. “Sorry for my outburst.” 

“Are you quite sure we should be talking about a dreadful subject at the park?” Rarity asked, looking at the ponies walking around. 

“I am sure they don’t mind.” Libra said waving a hoof in their directions. 

“Cutie mark crusaders cutie mark decipherers!!” Three voices shouted as Applebloom and two other fillies ran up to the group of ponies. 

“Oh it’s little Applebloom!” Scorpio said smiling as she looked down.

“You were right, they do have weird marks.” The white unicorn said, looking at the marks. 

“And they are huge! I bet they are taller than Big Mac!” The orange pegasus said looking up. 

“Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, do not be rude!” Rarity chided. 

“Why are you guys so freakin big!?” Scootaloo said as she walked under their legs and around them. 

“Somepony has personal space issues.” Arias growled. 

“Arias, they are just foals. The pink pony is one thing, but foals are another.” Leo said in a stern tone.

“Foals used to also be respectful... I’m starting to sound like my dad.” Arias said. 

“Come on, Scoots. Don’t get into other ponies space unless they let you.” Rainbow said as she landed on the ground. 

“We just wanted to ask about their cutie marks.” Sweetie Belle said as she looked at Applebloom. 

“Yeah! I was jus’ tellin’ them about the tall ponies and then we wanted to figure out what the rest of their marks ment!” Applebloom said. 

“Ah thought ya were still at the farm helpin out Big Mac.” Applejack said, looking at Applebloom 

“He let us go because he said he had it all covered!” Applebloom said smiling. 

“Alright then.” Applejack said. 

“Our cutie marks mean we are smart, talkative, and love fun!” Gemini said, showing their identical cutie marks. 

“I thought every cutie mark was unique...” Sweetie Belle said. 

“They are the same because they are twins.” Leo explained, chuckling lightly. 

“But...I have seen twins before, they don’t have the same mark...” Sweetie said. 

“Let’s just say things work a bit differently where we are from.” He said patting Sweetie on the head. 

“You guys must be from some weird place.” Scootaloo said sitting on her haunches and looking up at them again. 

“Yeah, we are from a pretty weird place.” Scorpio said giggling. 

“Um, my cutie mark means I am a little bit psychic, I am good at anything with water, and I am adaptable and adventurous in any situation.” Pisces said.  

“I already told you mine.” Arias said, looking at Applebloom. 

“Ugh we are doing this again?” Libra groaned as he rubbed his forehead. “Fine. Mine means I am a bit of a ‘Yes Stallion’. It also means I am creative and prefer a life of solitude. But these ponies would never let me.” 

“Oh hush you. You love us and you know it.” Scorpio said shoving him lightly, making him rolls his eyes. “I am kind of the opposite of Libra. I say ‘No’ when I mean yes a lot of the time, and I am a bit headstrong. Other than that it means I am persistent and adventurous.” 

“I guess I am up now.” Leo said chuckling. “Mine means I am loyal, faithful, and most of all devoted.” 

“That sounds a little bit sappy.” Scootaloo said sticking out her tongue. 

“It sounds adorable!” Sweetie Belle said. 

“Sounds like Rainbow Dash!” Apple Bloom said giggling. 

“Ah gotta say that does sound mighty interestin’.” Applejack said. 

“How do a bunch of squiggly lines mean that?” Scootaloo asked as her little wings buzzed with curiosity. 

“It just does.” Arias said. 

“Oh...” Scootaloo said as her brow furrowed. “... That doesn’t make sense...” 

“A lot of things don't make sense right now.” Arias sighed as she looked down at Scootaloo. 

“Oh cool! You have horns!” Scootaloo said as she hopped up and looked at Arias.

“Yes I do.” Arias said. 

“Can I see them?” Scootaloo asked her tail slightly wagging from side to side.

“You're a very touchy filly aren't you?” Arias asked as she raised an eyebrow at the pegasus. 

“Well, seeing and touching is believing.” Scootaloo said shrugging. 

“What...” Arias said. 

“I wouldn’t question anything nowadays just yet Arias.” Leo suggested with a whisper.

“Can I still question the crazy pink pony that rode me like a bull?” Arias asked. 

“I think if you don’t want to have a splitting headache, it would be advised not to.” Leo whispered chuckling. 

“Ah think thats enough of this crusadin’ girls, you’re gettin a bit too personal.” Applejack suggested, glaring at the fillies. 

“All I did was ask!” Scootaloo said lowering her head. 

“Sorry Applejack, we were just curious...” Applebloom said tracing circles in the dirt with her hoof.

“I’m sorry.” Sweetie Belle said. 

“It’s alright, but we are havin’ a big pony conversation, ya run along now and crusade someplace else.” Applejack said. 

“Oh okay...” Applebloom said.

“Lets try cooking again!” Sweetie said. 

“Yeah! I am sure the juice won’t set fire this time!” Scootaloo said as she turned and began to run into town. “Race you there!” 

“Oh dear...” Rarity said as the fillies raced each other to town. 

“... Did they just say ‘Juice setting on fire’?” Libra asked looking at Rarity. 

“Lets not talk about my sisters lack of cooking skill please...” Rarity said embarrassed. 

“How do you burn juice...” Libra muttered to himself.

“Same way you can burn and liquify toast.” Rarity said. 

“... Sounds like a lovely breakfast.” Scorpio said struggling to hold back her bouts of laughter.

“It was quite dreadful that mother thought that cooking would be her talent when they came over.” Rarity said, her ears flattening to her head. 

“Ah just hope they don't burn anythin’ down.” Applejack said. 

“Speaking of cooking, is there a kitchen I could use? I’d like to cook myself. It’s a relaxing thing to do.” Libra said slightly smiling. 

“Well, considering we are in the park...” Rarity said. 

“I meant back at Twilight’s home.” Libra said.

“Of course! My assistant, Spike, cooks for everypony!” Twilight said smiling. 

“The dragon?” Arias asked. 

“Dragons don't cook!” Gemini said giggling. 

“Well other dragons don’t. Spike is a fine cook though.” Twilight said happily.

“Little Spikey Wikey is an absolute gem and so sweet.” Rarity said. 

“I am wondering about where we will sleep, and if I might ask, where some water is, perhaps a lake?” Pisces asked. 

“Why would you need to go to the lake?” Rainbow Dash asked as she lazily hovered in the air. 

“Everypony has their own likes and dislikes of where they sleep.” Pisces said. 

“She likes sleeping in odd places.” Arias said. 

“You sleep in the water?” Twilight asked tilting her head. 

“I sleep above or below it yes.” Pisces said. 

“That’s... Pretty strange.” Rainbow said raising an eyebrow. 

“You should have seen her old room.” Libra said rolling his eyes.

“Would make a sea serpent weep.” Arias said. 

“That sounds quite interesting.” Rarity said. 

“I like sleeping with my fish friends.” Pisces said. 

“Brings a whole new meanin ta sleepin with the fishes I guess.” Applejack said chuckling. 

“What?” Leo asked tilting his head. 

“It means... Ah never mind. It’s just a silly expression.” Rainbow said waving a hoof dismissively.

“We love silly things!” Gemini said happily. 

“Gemini, you love dragon fire.” Leo said looking at the two.

“You do too.” Gemini said. 

“Only when it’s not directed at me.” Leo said chuckling. 

“Do ya think Pinkie got the party ready by now Twi?” Applejack asked, looking at Twilight. 

“Probably. Knowing Pinkie, she set it up before we even knew about it.” Twilight said before the pink pony herself appeared on Arias’ back again. 

“Oh you silly ponies! I just finished setting up stuff!” Pinkie said happily. 

“What is with you and being on my back!?” Arias exclaimed. 

“...You’re soft?” Pinkie said tilting her head and smiling. 

“That is not an answer, that is a question.” Arias said frustrated. 

“What better answer to a question than another question!” Pinkie said happily.

“An actual answer.” Arias said. 

“Butterscotch.” Pinkie said nodding her head. 

“That isn’t an answer either.” Arias said. 

“Technically it is, just not the answer you wanted.” Pinkie said bopping Arias’ nose with a hoof.

“Get off me.” Arias said. 

“Just as soon as I have finished saying what I was here for!.... What was I here for again?” Pinkie asked tapping her chin with a hoof.

“Uhh...” Arias said before she sat down, hoping to make Pinkie slide off her back. Pinkie just went diagonal and kept, somehow, sitting on her back. 

“Oh I remember now!” Pinkie said pointing a hoof in the air. “The ‘Supersecretawesomeplanofparties’ is ready!” 

“That sounds great!” Gemini said. 

“Ok, that sounds...fun.” Pisces said. 

“I don’t want to go to a party... I don’t like parties. Too many ponies.” Libra muttered. 

“Alright, can you bring us to wherever we are supposed to be then?” Arias asked as she stood back up, seeing it would be useless to shake the pony off her.

“Yuppers! Let’s go!” Pinkie said as she grabbed Arias’s horns and kicked her in the sides with her hind hooves. “Yah!” 

“Ow...” Arias said looking back at Pinkie. 

“Oops, sorry!” Pinkie said grinning sheepishly. “I was trying to get you to start running...” 

“It’s fine...” Arias said. 

“Um.. Can you start galloping? Please?” Pinkie asked as she slowly began to pout and bring out those dreaded Puppy Eyes.

“Fine...” Arias sighed before running at full speed in the direction of the town. 

“Weeeeee!” Pinkie exclaimed in excitement as she held onto Arias horns. 

“... Follow them?” Libra asked looking at the other ponies.

“I guess so.” Pisces said. 

“Lets go!” Gemini said as they flew after Pinkie and Arias. 

“This seems to be gettin interestin.” Applejack said as she trotted after them with the others. 

“Well, it’s better than the time Gemini tried to make a cake... Using Phoenix eggs.” Libra groaned out. “That was quite the mess to clean up...” 

***
Soon the ponies, directed by Pinkie riding Arias, came to the bakery and stopped to look at it. 

“Its a gingerbread house!” Gemini said smiling widely. 

Arias looked behind her at Pinkie and sighed, “Can you get off me now?” She asked. 

“Aaawww... Oh fine.” Pinkie said giving a mock pout before literally just hopping off and landing in front of Arias.

“This seems like an interesting place for a bakery.” Pisces said. 

“It is quite lovely.” Rarity said. 

“It looks like it will give me diabetes just from being near it.” Libra muttered looking over the building.

“Why are you so pessimistic?” Scorpio asked looking at him. 

“Keeps me on the tips of my hooves.” Libra said shrugging. “Assume the worst and you won’t always get it.” 

“Interestin philosophy fer the princesses caretaker.” Applejack said. 

“I mostly cooked. But I will not lie, they are a delight to be around.” Libra said smiling softly. “Can’t wait to see how they have grown up.” 

“Well, I am sure you are going to be pleasantly surprised.” Twilight said smiling knowingly. 

“I never liked it when somepony smiled like that...usually meant they were about to throw something at me.” Arias said before Pinkie quickly put a pie behind her back and looked from side to side, “Don’t think I didn't see that.” Arias said squinting at her.  

“See what?” Pinkie asked as her cheeks were stuffed and her face had pie filling all over it.

“She is so much like Gemini...” Pisces said. 

“I never threw pie in her face!” Gem said.

“Me neither!” Ini said. 

“Let’s just get this over with please?” Libra asked sighing. 

“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie said as she was bouncing to the door and opened it up, a mint green flash quickly disappearing to the left. “Everypony just walk right in!”  

“Alright...” Arias said, glancing at Pinkie before walking inside, the others in tow. As they entered the dark room, there was a good ten minutes before lights flash on and the room was filled with decorations, a huge banner that said ‘Welcome to Ponyville!’, a bunch of games, and refreshments and finally practically the whole town was in the room.

“Lovely...” Arias muttered. 

“A whole town comes to welcome a few ponies?” Pisces asked. 

“Did I mention I have a case of claustrophobia?” Libra said shaking slightly in place. 

“Of course! Everypony loves meeting new ponies!” Pinkie said happily bouncing in place. “Sodoyalikeit, doyoulikeit!?Huh, huh, huh?!”

“I like it, its nice.” Pisces said smiling. 

“Its awesome! The mint pony is interested in us, this is an awesome party!” Gemini said as they flew over to a group of ponies. 

“It’s nice enough.” Arias said shrugging. 

“I think I am going to have a panic attack.” Libra said panting slightly. 

“Yay!” Pinkie said happily jumping into the air. “Now let’s have some fun!” 

And so the party carried on with all the ponies enjoying themselves in their own way. Gemini talking with all the ponies, all the ponies dancing, Scorpio having the time of her life in telling stories of her adventures, Pisces doing tricks with water. All the ponies happily spent their time conversing or simply letting the sight of everypony enjoying themselves. 

Sadly, the party ended as quickly as it started, the last of the guests going home, leaving only the Zodiacs, Spike, Twilight, and her friends left in the room. 

“That... Was an ordeal.” Libra said sighing as he finally had some space to move freely.

“It wasn’t that bad.” Applejack said.

“It is always fun at these parties.” Rarity said. 

“It was fun, I just don’t like being in large crowds or cramped rooms for extended periods of time.” Libra said stretched his wings out. 

“I don’t understand how a whole town can fit into a tiny bakery.” Arias said. 

“I had a back room!” Pinkie said smiling. 

“Or course you do...” Arias said shaking her head. 

“It was so much fun!” Gemini said as they flew rapidly around the room, on a sugar rush. 

“It was fun seeing others reactions to my tricks.” Pisces said smiling. 

“It...was nice meeting you all again.” Fluttershy said quietly. 

“Same to you Fluttershy.” Leo said bowing his head lightly. 

“Yeah, this has been fun!” Scorpio said stretching out. 

“I didn’t like the look the mint unicorn kept giving up, like we knew something.” Arias said. 

“Arias, you say that about everypony.” LIbra said rolling his eyes. 

“I don’t, only sometimes.” Arias said. 

“She felt very excited about something, I can say that.” Pisces said. 

“Well how would you feel if you saw seven foreign, apparently unnaturally tall visitors waltz into your town?” Scorpio asked. 

“Honestly, if ah didn’t know ya, ah would probably think ya were up ta somethin.” Applejack said. 

“... Okay, I’ll give you that one.” Scorpio said sighing in defeat. 

“That is true, it took us awhile to get used to Zecora, unfortunately, it took Twilight coming to help us see she wasn't bad.” Rarity said, “Along with poison joke.” 

“You talked about that before, what is poison joke?” Pisces asked, turning to look at Twilight. 

“Well. To put it bluntly, it’s pretty much as the name says. It’s like Poison oak, only it plays a joke.” Twilight said giggling at the rhyme. 

“I don’t think I would like that very much.” Arias said, frowning. 

“You probably wouldn’t. It’s effects vary from pony to pony.” Twilight said snickering. 

“Its quite awful, it ruined my beautiful coat and couffer.” Rarity said, pouting.  

“It made my wings be put on backwards.” Rainbow said in an annoyed tone.
“It...made me have a deep voice...” Fluttershy said quietly. 

“It made me shrink, it was not fun ta be smaller then yer friends and have them worry bout ya.” Applejack said. 

“I couldn’t talk and it was the worst thing in the world because I love to talk!” Pinkie spouted off. 

“Yep, worst thing ever.” Arias said under her breath. 

“It made my horn go all floppy.” Twilight said blushing slightly. 

“It was hilarious!” Spike said laughing. 

“I’d imagine so.” Libra said giving a small smirk. 

“Those don’t sound as funny as I thought they would be.” Pisces said. 

“It would be amazing to fly with your wings upside down!” Gemini said, landing on top of Rainbow. 

“You would think that, but it’s almost impossible to control where you are going.” Rainbow said sighing before feeling her legs begin to shake. “Also, can you two get off? You’re kinda crushing me.” 

“Sorry.” Gem said as they both got off Rainbow. 

“Twilight?” Fluttershy asked. 

“Yes, Fluttershy?” Twilight replied looking at the butter yellow pegasus.

“Where are they going to stay?” Fluttershy asked. 

“Oh. I... Hadn’t thought about that.” Twilight said as she rubbed her chin in thought. There was a blinding flash of light and the almost thunderous sound of air being displaced before everypony in the room looked to see Celestia and Luna standing tall and proud.

“...Hello?” Arias said uncertainly, not knowing who they were. 

“Hello!” Gemini said happily, recognising who they were right away. 

“... So that’s what Scorpio meant when she said I should stop feeding them my cooked food.” Libra muttered to himself as he looked at the princesses. 

“Hello.” Pisces said. 

“Why do they look so familiar?” Scorpio whispered. 

“Its the little ones!” Gemini said. 

“Luna and Celestia!?” Leo sputtered out. 

“Yes!” Gemini said. 

“Oh. I told you to stop feeding them whatever it was you were!” Scorpio said smacking Libra, making him chuckle. 

“His feeding had nothing to do with our growth.” Luna said, smiling. 

“See? I was right.” Libra said sticking his tongue out at Scorpio. He then turned to the princesses before smirking. “So! Princesses huh?” 

“Yes, it has been hard on us.” Luna said. 

“I’d believe it. And I mean that in the sense, that I was chasing you down to make sure you and Tia weren’t getting into trouble.” Scorpio giggled out remembering the times she had to chase after the little ones.

“That was quite the time wasn’t it?” Celestia said giggling at her fond memories. 

“It was.” Luna said, smiling slightly. 

“How have you been all these years?” Arias asked. 

“Busy. Very very busy.” Celestia said shaking her head. 

“On the moon.” Luna said. 

“... Beg your pardon?” Leo sputtered out. 

“That is a story for another time. For right now, we came to visit our old caretakers.” Celestia said with her usual smile. 

“We are fine!” Gemini said smiling. 

“We are doing well, nice little town here.” Pisces said. 

Arias shrugged, “Could be better, if ponies wouldn't keep getting on my back or asking about my horns.” She looked at Pinkie when she said that. 

“Pinkie was always the excitable one.” Celestia said giggling. 

“She still is.” Luna reminded Celestia. 

“No kidding.” Scorpio said shaking her head. 

“If ya don’t mind princesses, ah have ta say ah didn't believe what Twilight had said until ya came here and said it yerself.” Applejack said apologetically. 

“It’s understandable. I have to say, I probably would have called them crazy myself if I had not remembered them disappearing from us many years ago.” Celestia said giving a small sad smile.

“Oh dear, that must of been dreadful.” Rarity said. 

“Yeah, I couldn’t imagine what it must have been like.” Rainbow said sympathetically. 

“It was hard yes, but we had the other Zodiac’s helping us. Although they were busy looking for their family. We eventually just assumed a dragon had taken them and had to move on.” Celestia said giving a sad sigh.

“I would have given a dragon indigestion.” Arias said. 

“You’re giving me indigestion.” Leo said snickering. 

“Don't be mean Leo.” Pisces said. 

“Sorry, sorry. I couldn’t help myself.” Leo said snickering. 

“Same joke all the time with you.” Arias said rolling her eyes. 

“At least he keeps his sense of humor up.” Scorpio quipped, laughing slightly. 

“I remember late at night, being able to hear them arguing.” Luna said smiling. 

“It is fun to argue sometimes.” Gemini said. 

“I don’t argue. I keep talking until I win.” Libra said smiling. 

“Yes, you do, until Scorpio whips you into shape.” Arias said, smirking. 

“And she smiles! Tis a glorious day!” Scorpio said throwing her hooves in the air. “Praise the maker!” 

“Laugh it up.” Arias said, “Remember the time I set fire to one of your precious things?” She asked. 

“Hey! That was a antique cloak you burned!” Scorpio said somewhat glaring at Arias.

“It looks more antique now that it has a few holes.” Arias said, smiling. 

“I am going to go make some snacks or something before one of you blows up the bakery.” Libra said as he walked into the kitchen, shaking his head.

“Princess, I have a question, are you going to let them stay here in Ponyville?” Fluttershy asked. 

“It all depends on them. They may return to the castle or stay here.” Celestia said smiling. 

“What is it like at the castle now?” Pisces asked. 

“Noisy, loud, obnoxious royals thinking they are better, not something enjoyable.” Luna said. 

“Yeeeeeah, I am going to have to say ‘Staying here’.” Scorpio said scratching the back of her head.

“I never liked the city kinds of places, to loud and too many thoughts.” Pisces said. 

“We would go with you, but its nice here.” Gemini said. 

“It’s all just a bunch of unneeded noise and confusion that never ceases.” Libra said as he walked back in with a tray on his wings. “In short, I’d rather remain here with the nice quiet life.” 

“I would rather not be with snooty ponies, had to much of that with Blue Hoof.” Arias said. 

“Well, I am not going far away from Pisces so you already know where I stand.” Leo said smiling. 

“We knew about thy love even as a filly, it is understandable.” Luna said. 

“I have to say, it’s going to be a bit lonely at the castle without you, but I am sure everything will work out.” Celestia said smiling. 

“It will work out, because it will be good!” Gem said. 

“So sayin yer family is jus’ an exaggeration then? Yus close friends?” Applejack asked, looking at them. 

“Pretty much.” Libra said as he put the tray down. “Family is merely those you are closest to.” 

“Ah hear that.” Applejack said. 

“Um...I was asking Twilight before you got here, where they might be staying.” Fluttershy squeaked. 

“Well I am sure we could have a few ponies build them a home, but it is going to take a few days.” Celestia said rubbing her chin with a hoof.

“Considering they all of strange likes to the way they like their homes.” Luna said. 

“I jumped into a volcano once!” Arias exclaimed. 

“Then took a bath in the lava.” Pisces said. 

“Me and Scorpio went hunting for those... Stick wolves or whatever they were called.” Libra said shuddering. “It took me a week to get the splinters out.” 

“Wait, when did she do that?” Scorpio asked looking at Pisces.

“I went into a volcano just to see what was there, it was nothing.” Arias said. 

“So then decided to jump into molten rock?” Leo asked looking at Arias.

“It was impossible to miss it.” Arias said. 

“Riiiiight.” Leo said shaking his head. 

“There wasn’t anything besides the lava at the bottom.” Arias insisted. 

“That is still no reason to jump into a pool of lava.” Libra said as he picked up a small cup and began to sip at some tea.

“I have the ability to use fire, fire is an extension of lava, fire is my element.” Arias said, “I was fine.” 

“Fire’s my element too, but you don’t see me jumping into volcanos.” Leo said blinking.

“You’re scared.” Arias said simply. 

“And your crazy.” Leo retorted. 

“Pinkie is crazy.” Arias shot back. 

“Which is why she is so attracted to you.” Leo said smirking. 

“Fine, believe what you want.” Arias said. 

“I think I shall.” Leo snickered.

“Anypony want some cake?” Libra asked raising an eyebrow. 

“Ah think ah can come up with some arrangements for housin’ em, more en enough room at Sweet Apple Acres.” Applejack interjected. 

“I could go for that! be nice to get some exercise.” Scorpio said smiling. 

“Sounds good enough to me.” Arias said. 

“I guess I am following then.” Libra said sighing. 

“It will be fun!” Gemini said. 

“Is there water close by anywhere?” Pisces asked. 

“Other than the well and bathroom in the house, there ain't much water.” Applejack said. 

“Is a lake anywhere around here?” Pisces asked. 

“It was always hardest for anypony to get Pisces a room if I recall, nopony could put water into a room and keep it there.” Luna said, reminiscing, “Do I remember correctly?” Luna asked, turning her head to look at Celestia. 

“Yes, always had to have water near her. Kind of like a fish or an amphibian.” Celestia said giggling.

“My element being water, strongly influenced that, considering my magic is water based.” Pisces said. 

“It is great to see that you are well, we shall leave now to let you get situated.” Luna said. 

“Thank you for coming out to visit us, Luna. Means a lot.” Scorpio said smiling. 
“I couldn't miss the chance to see my old caretakers.” Luna said, before her and Celestia’s horns glowed and they disappeared. 

“Ah guess we should go now an git ya used ta the house.” Applejack said. The ponies all nodded as they followed Applejack walking out.