Everyone's favorite muffin-loving pony is back in this fun-filled adventure! Follow Derpy as she goes on one fantastic journey!
Derpy longed to be accepted... she longed to do something to make anypony happy... When Princess Celestia needs assistance from the invasion of an evil menace, she tries to contact the Mane 6. But unfortunately, they got caught! Who can help them now? Derpy Hooves of course! *Warning: contains love of muffins, fun adventure, adorableness, and just pure Derpiness.
(Note: The Mane 6 are in this story, with Twilight as an Alicorn but I couldn't fit them in the character selection. I can only select 5.)
This is the story of how one special pony got the chance to save the day. Now nopony ever thought that this particular mare was ever going to do something like this. But that's what they all say. But before we begin the adventure, let's take a peek into the past...
It was a beautiful sunny day at the beach. The clouds were positioned perfectly, the sun glowed the greatest gold yet, and the ocean glistened with sparkles and twinkles like stars. Suddenly, a gray head with a blonde mane popped up out of the water, causing the sparkles and twinkles to splash and spread around her. Her golden eyes glistened in the light. Her mane was a pretty pale blonde, her bangs stuck to her forehead like tape was on them. Her wings splashed the water playfully, creating funny shapes in the water. She flipped her tail, which revealed itself to be that of a Merpony's. It was a gorgeous gray, camouflaging within her coat. Her cutie mark revealed bubbles, representing her love of blowing the peppy floating balls of fun.
She looked up at the sun, watching how it burned and blinded her vision. She looked down to turn to look at the beach. She saw small blobs of light dance around her vision. And yet, that wasn't what bothered her. Oh how she longed to walk that beach. But she knew she couldn't... she didn't have four legs, but only two. She also needed to stay in the water, so as to keep herself hydrated at all times. Without water, her skin would dry out severely, her gills would gasp desperately for the watery air, and she would curl up into a dry heap and die. The thought sickened her and made her stomach bounce up to her chest and cause her to want to hurl. Thank Celestia she didn't. She looked sadly up at the sun again. “Oh how I wish that I could one day walk and swim! Is there not a way for me to do so? Oh woe is me!!” she cried out, putting a hoof to her forehead and closing her eyes. She was only 6 years old, and that her dream was a little much, but she still stuck to the idea. Unfortunately, she didn't have a family in the ocean. She was born from a magic shell. Nopony was there to claim her. And yet, every other Merpony was given a family. There was a reason for this: she was well... different. The reason that none of them accepted her was because her eyes were “walled up”, or goofy. One eye always would stick up, and one would always stick down. Sometimes they would switch up, changing directions. But that didn't change how they thought of her. So here she was, sitting here, or well floating, all by herself.
She sighed and looked up at the sun again. “Dear Celestia, I wish that I could be a normal Pegasus pony. Since I have wings, I can fly. Everypony else makes fun of me for my wings, eyes, even my oddness period. It's my dream, and maybe I can make new friends too! Oh please, Princesses, help me!” She wailed and cried, devastated that nopony was here to listen... or was there? Answering her pleas, the sun shot a beam of light down on the poor pony, engulfing her entirely. She shrieked out loud, then fainted from the impact...
The pony woke with a start, gasping for water, until she realized that she didn't need to anymore, for when she looked down... she saw that she had two legs below her hips! She couldn't believe it! She cried out with joy, jumping around and trying out her wings for the first time. She never had a use for them until now. She got the hang of it within three minutes. She glided down to the ground and felt the sand grind beneath her hooves. She smiled and whispered, “Thank you.” Then she flew high into the air and said, “With this new ability, I shall fly and walk anywhere I can! I will befriend anypony that comes across my path! And if there are those who don't want to be my friend, then I'll keep trying! And I'll stop those who try to destroy me or anypony that is good... or my name isn't Derpy Hooves!!” And with that, she flew off into the sky to find a new place to call home...
Derpy glided towards a bustling town. She saw fillies and colts alike, laughing and giggling. She saw that the town was known as Ponyville, based on what the huge sign at the entrance said. She saw many buildings, from houses to shops to one that looked like something out of the story “Hansel and Gretel”, where they get to the witch's candy-like home. She licked her lips, thinking about how good candy was. “Yum,” she said. She looked and saw a huge cloud community. “Ooo,” she intrigued. She flew up to see that there were other ponies like her. She remembered that their kind was known as Pegasus, or Pegasi for more than one. She looked around at the buildings. She also saw how they could walk on the clouds. She had learned that Pegasi were the only ones to be able to walk on clouds. Unless of course, Unicorns came up with a spell that allowed them to walk on clouds as well.
She plopped down on her hooves and looked around. She saw that there was a house on sale. It said that anypony could take it, even young fillies and colts. She smiled with glee, squeaking with joy. Her eyes twinkled when she saw a place called “Flight Camp”. She grinned from ear to ear. Then she heard a voice talk to her. She turned to see a pale blue Pegasus with a minty green mane. She looked at Derpy with her yellow eyes. Her cutie mark was that of little foal faces and hearts around them. “Oh, you poor dear. You look like you don't have a family.” Derpy cocked her head to one side. “You knew?” The Pegasus nodded. “Yes. You see, I take care of small fillies and colts who don't have families. I can tell right away. I also saw you gazing at that house that's for sale. It just so happens to be right next to mine, on the right. If you'd like, I can take care of you.” Derpy's eyes widened, despite the fact that they were going in opposite directions. The mare smiled. “My name is Peppy Mint. And you are?” Derpy smiled up at her new mother and family. With a derpy grin she said, “Derpy. Derpy Hooves.”
So now we know just how this little filly came to be. Now you're probably wondering... just what is she going to do? What kind of excitement is going to occur? Well, stayed tuned and find out...
“Wait up, Rainbow Dash!” Derpy called out to the rainbow-maned Pegasus. Her iris eyes turned to Derpy. “Huh? Derpy! C'mon, or we're gonna be late.” The two Pegasi were flying down from Cloudsdale to the special announcement that the mayor was going to give out. And the best part... Princesses Celestia and Luna were going to be there! Derpy gave a toothy grin at the thought, especially since Applejack promised something to her. Make that Pinkie Promised(thanks to Pinkie Pie)... muffins. She drooled at the image of the delicious treats. She could hear Rainbow's voice echo, calling her.
“Hey! Derpy!”
“Oh! Whoops!” Derpy crashed into Rainbow Dash, sending them both spiraling downward. “AAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!” they both screamed. They slammed down right into the ground. There was a huge crash and specks of grass and chunks of dirt went everywhere. It felt like an earthquake bombed all through Ponyville. Everypony yelled and shrieked, turning to where the supposed disaster shook. Pinkie Pie bounced over to the big gaping hole, its shape like a starburst. “Dashie! Derpy!” Pinkie chimed. In the moment that she said the goofy-eyed pony's name, everypony's faces turned from fear and shock to disappointment and boredom. And yet, they were relieved. Derpy's head was the first to pop up. Then Rainbow's head popped up. The adorable gray Pegasus hopped out the gaping hole and looked down at Rainbow.
“Oooo, Derpy,” Rainbow growled.
“Yeah yes?” Derpy asked.
“Why you—ah!” The Pegasus was hit with a piece of debris from a building near the crash site. She went crashing down farther into the hole.
“My bad!” Derpy said bubbly and cheerifully.
“Oh ow! I'm okay! Ope, maybe not!” Rainbow called out. Then there was low muttering.
“Now Dashie! We don't use that kind of language in this town! You know that there are young fillies and colts present!” Pinkie Pie chimed. Rainbow continued muttering.
“Haha! Oh no! Rainbow said no-no words!” Derpy giggled, but unhappily. A blue hoof reached out of the hole. Or maybe the more correct term would be ditch. Anyhow, she managed to get out, struggling desperately. She looked at the goofy Pegasus. Her mane was tattered and her tail was matted. Derpy giggled babyishly at her appearance. “You look funny!” she said giddily. Rainbow was about to lunge at her when the princesses appeared. The residents cheered and hoorayed. Rainbow gave a sheepish grin, blushing and her her arms behind her back. Then she zoomed off somewhere “off camera” to fix herself up. “Celmestiuuh and Cahoona! Hehe, oops, I mean Celestia! And Luna!” Derpy cheered. Celestia and Luna laughed heartily. “Hello, Derpy Hooves. And HELLOOO everypony!” Celestia shouted with glee. Everypony cheered once more. The mayor walked up to the two princesses. “Greetings, Princesses.” Celestia gave a smile and a wink. Luna trotted over to the podium on the stage.
“Greetings Ponyville! Wow I'm great at yelling. Any who, my sister and I are glad to be here for this glorious event!”
“Woo hoo! Go Luna!” cheered Twilight Sparkle.
“Muffins!” Derpy shouted happily. Everypony just stared blankly at her.
“Uh... okay! And muffins too! Now then, onto the business at hoof. We know that the Forest Fantasy Festival is going to begin soon. We wanted to make sure that all preparations were set. The Apple Family has graciously provided—”
“Muffins!” Derpy shouted out loud.
“Uh yes, Derpy. That's right. Now, besides that, they have also provided Zap Apple Jam from the harvest a few weeks ago. And Pinkie Pie has provided cup—” Everypony gasped. Pinkie turned to them all. “Oh, they're not that kind. See?” She disappeared for a sec and returned with a TV that was showing how she made her cupcakes. And they were normal. “And I'll even bake them during the festival so that you can see for yourselves live!” Pinkie smiled sheepishly. In the background, Fluttershy could be heard shyly saying, “Yay. Way to go, Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow could be heard whispering prayers about running a demon out of Pinkie. Luna smiled(also giving a worried look towards Rainbow Dash) and continued her speech. “And finally, performing live for the first time ever here in Ponyville... it's the one and only Wooden Toaster!” Everypony cheered more. Wooden Toaster was one of the best Pony Music Artists around. Nopony had ever seen him in pony before. “Celestia? Anything else?” Celestia shook her head and smiled. Derpy hopped up and down, or maybe it was down and up. But nevertheless, she was really happy. And so was somepony else...
Derpy hopped happily on home to her “humble abode” in Cloudsdale. Standing there was her adoptive mother, Peppy Mint. She was busy taking care of little Pegasus fillies and colts. “Oh, why hello Derpy! And how are you on this fine morning?” Peppy said, well, peppily. Derpy gave her a toothy grin. She giggled at the cute little fillies and colts climbing over one another. She knew that they were all orphans. It made her sad. But she cheered up right away, knowing that Peppy was there. “Okay Momma Peppy, I'm gonna go ahead and go inside now. Good luck! Goodbye you cute little muffin cakes!” Derpy said with glee. Peppy smiled and continued her work with the children. There was a total of six: two of them were twins, both with light curly pink manes and snow white coats and blue eyes. They were both fillies. Both of their tails were curly. The other filly was pure black with a semi curly pale blue mane. She had sea green eyes. Her tail was straight, curving at the end. The colts were all triplets. They all had a mane like Big Mac's, a lime green color with a pale yellow coat. They also all had orange eyes. The way that ponies could tell the difference between them was that the first had freckles, the second had none, and the third had a white muzzle. All six of them were about 5 years old, except for the third filly, who was six. She also was a bit taller and lankier than the others. Her wings were also a bit more slender. No matter what they looked like though, Peppy loved them all equally.
The mysterious figure watched intently at the cute children as they played together. He smiled crudely and licked his shadowy lips. Oh, he knew that this was going to be fun. But first he needed a certain pony's assistance. He flew down towards the house, taking precautions with all the Pegasi around. He snaked over to a nearby window and looked inside. Standing there, dancing around without a care in the world... was the one he was looking for. Derpy.
Derpy was dancing around, listening to Wooden Toaster's song “Rainbow Factory”. She knew all the lyrics, repeating the song over and over again. She was just starting over again for the sixth time when she thought that she heard a scratching noise. “Huh,” she shrugged. She continued on, until she stopped again. She pricked up her ears and dropped to the floor. She whipped her eyes, or tried, back and forth. Just then, there was knock at the front door. She crawled to the door, wiggling her legs furiously. Her nose touched the door. She raised a hoof to open it. She turned the knob... “THIS IS SPARTA!!!!!” she yelled out. She jumped on top of the supposed “invader”. There was a tiny squeak. Shaking furiously under her was Fluttershy. Derpy got all into her face. “Oh! Fluttershy! Hi!” Fluttershy wiggled out of Derpy's reach and ran off screaming—very quietly. Derpy gave off a sad look. Then she spotted Rainbow Dash. “Ah!” Derpy gasped suddenly. She rushed to Rainbow, shoving her to the ground while she ushered an “Oof!” in response.
“Derpy! Ah! What are you doing?”
“Shh, they're watching us...”
“Who's they?”
“...”
“Derpy?”
“... The Muffin Stealers,” she uttered.
“Oh dear Celestia, kill me now.”
“I said shoo shoo!” Derpy tapped Rainbow's muzzle. “I is trying to listens!”
“Really.”
“Yesh.” She lowered her ears, slanting slightly, making her butt shove straight into Rainbow Dash's face.
“Uh, Derpy? I really don't need to see your crack of dawn. So PLEASE GET YOUR SNOOTY BOOTY OUT OF MY FACE!!” Some ponies had heard her yell and looked to see what the hubbub was all about. They gasped, looking horrified. They thought that Rainbow was trying to sniff Derpy's butt. Derpy felt something poke her there and she shrieked, bucking Rainbow in the face. Rainbow shrieked, unfortunately making it sound like a dying donkey. “YEEHAAWW!!!!!!!” she shrieked. Derpy snorted and laughed, enjoying Rainbow's “funny”. Her face had a huge hoof mark right square in the middle. “OW!! GET THE BUCK AWAY FROM ME!!!!!!!!!!!” She screamed right in Derpy's face. Derpy curled into a ball. Everypony there gasped more. Rainbow saw the pain in her face. “Oh Derpy, I'm so sorry.” Derpy's left eye was trying to hold back a tear that was threatening her vision momentarily. It blurred her sight of Rainbow on the left side, and soon the right chimed in. Fortunately, she was able to make them disappear.
She got up and smiled. “I just don't know what went wrong! Oh, I know! Want to get a cupcake?” That was it for Rainbow Dash. Her coat turned snow white, her eyes rolling over her head. “Dear Celestia... oh dear!” She fell to the ground, passing out like a fainting goat. Her tongue stuck out the side of her mouth, her legs spread apart, her tail straight as an arrow. She just laid there on her back. “Hahaha! Rainbow Dash is practicing her acting skills! Uh, Dash? Dash? Ohmergard!” She realized that Dash really had passed out. Then she muttered, “Here lies Rainbow Dash's pride and dignity... what a baby.”
“Derpy! Dinner!” Derpy swam towards her neighbor, Mrs. Merrykins. She was making her favorite meal: Candy Shells. They were her favorite treat. She swam inside, taking in the smell. Her wings fluttered happily. Her gray tail wagged like a dog's. “Okay! I'm here!” But instead of finding Mrs. Merrykins, she found something else. It was a dark and cold figure. And it lunged out at Derpy. “AAAAAAHHHHH!!” Derpy shreiked as the darkness engulfed her...
Derpy woke up with a start, screaming and gasping for air. Her head was wet with sweat, beading on her forehead like drums. Her chest was desperately sucking in and out, her heart going at exactly 100 mph. Derpy got up and decided to get some water. She trotted towards the bathroom. Going to the sink, she poured herself a glass of water, grabbing a cup. She gulped it down as fast as she could, choking in the process. She coughed and gagged, spitting water out into the sink, thankfully. She pressed her front hooves against it. She turned the water back on and splashed her face with it, feeling how cool and serene it felt against her hot and sweaty face. “Aaaah, that feels nice,” she said with relief. Putting the glass by the faucet, she trotted back to her room. That nightmare... what was that? She never met something like that. Not even when she used to be a Merpony. Maybe it was just a random dream? But that couldn't be it. Derpy never had crazy dreams like that. Just what was that? She shrugged it off, thinking that maybe she had too much chocolate before bed. She got back into bed and tried to fall back asleep. Derpy drifted off into nothingness, letting the sleep and dreams take her in. She dreamed of Cloudsdale, and how her and Rainbow Dash would fly around and play. She dreamed of how her and Dr. Whooves would have picnics in the park. She even dreamed of her time as a Merpony and how she would swim around with the fish in the sea, letting them twirl around her and let her dance. She was finally at peace...
The next day, Derpy made her way slowly to Ponyville. She decided that she would forget that awful nightmare, having it replaced by sweet serene dreams of friendship. She dropped lightly onto the grass, feeling it beneath her hooves. Her mane and tail brushed lightly against the wind. She took in the air, puffing out her chest. Once she was done taking in her surroundings, she walked towards Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie Pie and Applejack said that they would have Derpy help bake some muffins.
She walked into the sugary-coated kingdom. She saw the party pony and the country gal already getting things set up. Derpy gave a faint smile and trotted towards the two.
“Oh hi Derpy Doo!! How's it goin'?”
“Why howdy there, Derpy! Everythang goin' okay for ya?”
“Ah nothing. Everything's fine,” Derpy shrugged. The two other ponies looked at each other and shrugged. Then they turned towards the kitchen. Derpy nodded, following the two of them. Sitting on the counter, there was all of the necessary ingredients. “Ahright, ladies! Let's get ta bakin'!” Applejack said with a cheer. She started humming “Raise This Barn” as she got the mixing bowl ready to put the ingredients in. Derpy bounced with excitement. She accidentally bumped the sack of flour on the counter. The flour flew in the air, the sack plopping right on Pinkie's head. “Aaah... ahh...” Pinkie took in. Derpy turned and gasped. Applejack covered her face with her hooves. Pinkie Pie then let loose. “Aaaaaachooooo!!!!!” Derpy laughed out loud, watching powdery white puffs of flour snowing around in the kitchen. Applejack rushed to Pinkie's rescue, grabbing a towel and starting to wipe the then pink pony who was now the snow white fairy off.
“Whoo! Thanks Applejack!”
“No problem, sugarcube.”
“Haha! My bad!” Derpy giggled. The two smiled and laughed heartily together with Derpy. After about 5 minutes, the kitchen was cleaned off and they were continuing their baking process.
2 hours later...
The muffins were perfect. They smelled delicious. Derpy licked her lips with anticipation. Applejack nodded and Derpy let loose. AJ promised her that she could have one muffin before the festive events went into full swing. Derpy was about to take a bite after jumping with joy for a minute(letting loose), when she heard somepony calling her name. It was Dr. Whooves. She decided to go and see what he wanted. “Be right back!” she said cheerily. She bounced out the front door. Pinkie and AJ smiled and started cleaning up the mess. They had finished in about 10 minutes. Just after that, Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake had woken up from their nap. Pinkie went to check on the adorable twins, Applejack volunteering. Shortly after they left, a dark figure entered the room and looked straight towards Derpy's muffin...
Derpy had returned when all of a sudden, she shouted at the top of her lungs. “Who ate mah MUFFIN?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!” she yelled, her voice booming through Sugarcube Corner. The floor shook with excitement, Pinkie and Applejack shrieking and throwing the twins in the air. Pound Cake hit the ceiling, fluttering his wings with laughter. Pumpkin Cake hovered herself with magic, giggling as well. Pinkie tried to catch Pound Cake, but to no avail. She tried and tried, but the adorable baby Pegasus kept calm and fluttered on. “Get. Down. From. Here. Young. Colt. Foal. I'm. The. Responsible. One. Gah!” Pinkie struggled. Applejack was running around the room, in a circle, trying to catch little Pumpkin Cake. The small Unicorn filly giggled and laughed as she flew around the room like Peter Pan. Derpy yelled once again from downstairs. “WHO ATE MAH MUFFERN!!!!!!!!!?” She had reached a very feverish pitch in anger. Ponies could have seen flames in her eyes, burning like infernos. What she didn't notice through all of this was that there was dark laughter going on outside...
Twilight Sparkle lifted her head from her desk, having written a long report to Princess Celestia. She fluttered her wings with suspicion from the noise coming from outside. She turned to Spike and said, “Did you hear something?” Spike turned to her and said, “Actually yes. I felt a disturbance in the force.” Twilight nodded and trotted over to the window. She squinted at the sight: she could've sworn that there was steam coming out of the chimney of Sugarcube Corner. And that the whole building was shaking. But there wasn't an earthquake. So, what could it be? Then she felt the worst revelation: somepony had taken Derpy's muffin. She just had that feeling. “Oh no,” she whispered, wide-eyed. “Somepony took Derpy's muffin. Quick Spike! Duck and cower—I mean cover!” Spike was already on it. Within minutes, they were barricaded, along with Twilight’s pet owl, down in the basement library. They were just getting relieved when all of a sudden, a terrible figure rose out of the ground. And it looked like a very familiar character. One who had fought the Mane 6 at the Crystal Empire. Spike and Twilight only had time to say “King—“ before being engulfed in darkness...
Fluttershy and Rarity were having another spa day when they heard roaring noises that sounded a lot like Derpy Hooves going through an exorcism. The two shuttered at the thought of Dr. Whooves shouting, “The power of Celestia compels you!” to a very psychotic, demon-filled Derpy. They were leaving the spa when Princess Luna popped up. “Why hello there Fluttershy and Rarity.” Fluttershy uttered a small “Hello” and Rarity gave a very feminine bow. Luna smiled and then jumped when a dark lightning bolt the size of a sonic rainboom jolted through the sky. Luna and Rarity shrieked, Fluttershy squealed as loud as she would allow herself and cowered behind a weed, unfortunately unable to camouflage herself. Fluttershy's tail shook with fright with a very quick “twitch twitch twitch” movement. Twilight was then seen being sent flying across the sky, Spike on her back. It looked like they were shot of a cannon of darkness. The expressions on their faces was pure terror and shock. The two of them looked like two deer in headlights. It was almost as if they were trying to say, “Farewell! We're off to save Equestria!” Luna gasped and charged after them, determined to save them while Rarity and an “emotionally scarred for life” Fluttershy watched on...
Derpy was in the middle of her rampage when a young Stallion peeped his head through an open window saying, “Is Mrs. Cake having another foal?” There was another voice that said, “Well, they did say that anything can happen in Ponyville!” Derpy turned towards him, giving him a death stare, despite how goofy her eyes made the stare look. The Stallion screamed like Fluttershy and took off running, shouting out that Derpy had serious problems. Derpy took a breather and looked outside, wondering why it was so dark all of a sudden. But the one thing that caught her attention: the muffin. “MUFFIN!” she cheered. The delectable treat was floating across the sky, as if taunting the Pegasus. She rushed out the back door, determined to catch the delightful goodie. She unfortunately ran into some obstacles: poles, trees, tripping on her hooves, and occasionally, on benches. She ran with all her might nevertheless, soon almost at her goal. “We are finally reunited my love!” Derpy shimmered. She was about to jump up and grab it when it was suddenly pulled away from her. It dropped on the ground, making a depressing mushing sound. The muffin was totally ruined. She dropped dead in her tracks, a really sad look spreading across her face. Tears formed around the bottom rims of her eyes. She sat there with a defeated posture. The song “How Could This Happen To Me?” played in her mind. Her ears were flopped downward, and she soon started to sniffle. (Poor Derpy just can't win today!) A very ashamed voice called to her from her head. All of a sudden, she was whisked off of the ground, it being ripped from its roots. “Wheeeeeeeee!!!!!!” Derpy squealed.
Celestia had just arrived on the scene when she spotted Derpy shooting across the town like a shooting star. She could hear her shouting, “I believe I can fly!” Celestia just stared. Then she spotted Luna gripping Twilight’s tail with her front hooves screaming, “Dear Celestia! Dear sister save me!!!!!” while she flapped wildly around. Spike was trying to grip onto Twilight's neck, all three though looking like they were on an extreme roller coaster ride. She turned to see Fluttershy and Rarity being trapped in a bowl of darkness. She looked to see Pinkie Pie and Applejack trying to restrain the Cake Twins, looking like they were just playing a happy game of “Ring Around the Rosie”. The twins giggled happily, Pinkie and AJ desperately pleading for them to stop. Darkness soon engulfed them too. Celestia panicked and looked up to see what she didn't want: floating in the middle of the sky, with all of his might... was King Sombre.
Chapter 3: King Sombre's Rise and Derpy's Heroic Decision
King Sombre just stared down at Celestia. He cackled devilishly as he said with a loud and booming voice, “Ponyville, branch of Equestria! “Bow down to me at once, for I am your new ruler: King Sombre!!!!!” Celestia stood appalled, mouth agape. Then, out of nowhere, Derpy landed right on top of him. “Ooooof!!!” he cried out. They both crash-landed into the town hall. The mayor ran out, screaming for her life. “Oh my feather hooves!!” she cried. Derpy emerged from the sudden pile of debris, which was what remained of the town hall. Trying to focus with her walled-up eyes, she scanned the scenery, and then gasped. The whole town was engulfed in darkness.
Quickly, she spotted Celestia trying to restrain the darkness that started to consume her. Derpy ran up to her quickly and started shaking in a state of panic. “Derpy!” Celestia cried out. Derpy whipped her head around and cocked her head to one side. “You must run! Go! Find someplace safe to hide!” And with that being said, Celestia was gone, only a whip of darkness standing in her place. Derpy screamed and ran as fast as she could, and miraculously, dodged everypony and everything in her path. She scurried out of Ponyville and watched sadly as the entire town was engulfed in black. She spotted Dinky Doo and Dr. Whooves, and, tears welling up, watched their terrified faces disappear into darkness. She ran off into the one place where she knew that nopony would dare try to find her: the Everfree Forest.
Zecora saw the awful tragedy as it struck down on Ponyville like an unwanted meteor. “Oh those dear ponies, what a sad sight! To have to be a part of this awful plight!” she rhymed sadly. Just then, she heard a cry for help: Derpy Hooves! Just as she was about to open the door, who none other than to slam right into it was Derpy. Zecora forced back a giggle as she observed how ridiculous the poor dear looked, having face-planted into a door. Wobbling to her hooves, Derpy looked at Zecora, her eyes going around and around in a circle. “Heh heh, oops! My bad! Sorry Zeboka!” Zecora furrowed her brow and said, “It’s Zecora, dear one. Might I ask what has happened to you, hon?” Derpy smiled proudly. “I just face-planted into a door! It was fun!” She fell to the ground, laughing. Zecora face-hoofed and shook her head. Derpy managed to sit up after a couple of minutes, and then gave Zecora a bored expression. “Listen up, young filly, for this is no time to be silly. Celestia needs our help, or well, she needs your help. The Mane 6 and others have been captured by King Sombre, like a poor fish trapped in a sea of kelp.” Derpy’s ears drooped lower and lower with each word said.
Suddenly, a loud crash was heard. Both zebra and pony turned their heads to see that Celestia and Twilight had broken free! Together, Derpy and Zecora hurried out the door, just in time to hear both princesses’ final words.
“Twilight!” Celestia called.
“Yes, princess Celestia!?” Twilight called back.
“Is there any way that you and your friends can use the Elements of Harmony!?”
“WHAT!? Are you nuts? I’m trapped in a cloud of darkness here! And so are my friends!” Celestia mentally face-hoofed, forgetting about the rest of the Mane 6 being captured. Before they could continue their conversation, they were swept away by King Sombre’s wrath. “No!” Derpy cried. She turned to ask Zecora for assistance, but… the cowardly zebra had already up and packed her things and fled into the Everfree. Derpy scowled and raced towards where Celestia was. “I told you to run!” she struggled, trying once again to break free. Derpy shook her head. “I’ll find a way to save you!!” she called up to the helpless princess. Celestia sighed and nodded. And with that, Derpy made a run for the Everfree once again, attempting to hide from King Sombre for a short time. With a bone-crushing roar, he shot off towards Canterlot, where nopony knew what in Equestria had occurred.
“Ah! Ah! Ah!” Derpy had been running for hours, and was now on the ground. She was a messy, sweaty heap of derpiness. She looked around for some water to drink, spotting a small pond not too far ahead. She trotted over and lapped up some refreshing H2O, replenishing her thirst. “Ah! Now that was tasty!” She plopped down on the ground and began to think very hard. Who am I kidding? I can’t save Equestria, let alone Ponyville! Heck, I can’t even walk right, what with my stupid eyes and everything. All though… Mom. She thought of the one dear pony who accepted her for who she was, raising her ever since she was a filly. She was just an abnormal child with no family, or even a proper education. She always did wonder why she was “chosen” though… why she was the one Merpony to become a Pegasus. Peppy Mint… the one who took care of her… Perhaps she was still there, up in Cloudsdale? There was only one way to find out…
King Sombre landed in Canterlot not more than an hour ago, and already ponies, Mares and Stallions alike, were being held hostage and/or in cages in a dungeon. Celestia and Luna were hung upside down in an abandoned room of the castle, gagged and muffling for help. He slithered over and removed the gags. Celestia and Luna stirred, trying desperately to break free. “You two must be hungry,” he said. “Servants! Fetch these two ponies a snack!” The “servants”, who turned out to be Lyra and Bonbon, were standing close behind him. They jumped at his sudden, booming voice.
Racing out of the room, they slid and slammed into the door as they stumbled along. “Oof!” was all that they uttered on the way out. King Sombre stifled a snicker and turned back to the helpless princesses. “So then, how has your day been?” he asked casually. Celestia thought to herself, He takes over our world, ties us up, and then just asks us how our day has been? Really!? Luna gave him a “Seriously?” look. King Sombre shrugged and turned away. Sounds of struggling hooves erupted the silence moments later. Lyra and Bonbon had returned with some loaves of bread, lightly smothered in butter. Guiltily, Celestia and Luna’s mouths drooled, their DNA dripping on the floor. King Sombre snapped his claws, and down they fell. Freed from their binds, they hurried over to the bread. Lyra and Bonbon nervously bowed their heads and left the room in silence. “Don’t think that you two can escape,” King Sombre said grimly. “Your magic has been disabled.” With that being said, he left the room. Celestia stopped her messy chewing and looked at Luna. They both knew it: only one pony could help them now… the one pony who didn’t get captured (hopefully, anyway)… and that certain pony was… Derpy Hooves.
Cloudsdale was totally deserted, but she still hoped that she was still there. Derpy took a long, deep breath and slowly knocked on the door to her childhood. There was a sing-songy hello, and Derpy called out, “It’s me, mommy!” Clattering dishes and the tripping of hooves on furniture could be heard all through the house. A few seconds later, the door opened, and emerging was a sweet pony no later than in her early 30’s. There was no mistaking who it was, with her long minty green sea of mane and her evermore golden yellow eyes, her coat a shimmering pale blue: Peppy Mint. “Derpy!” she exclaimed. Hugging her adoptee, she invited her in. Derpy gratefully took in the familiar smell of peppermints and lilies from her “mother”. Raising her since she was a filly, Peppy Mint just adored seeing Derpy. They hadn’t seen each other since Derpy left when she was 13 to go out and explore the world. “So, Derpy! How’ve you been?” The wall-eyed pony drooped her head sadly. Peppy looked at her with concern. “Did something happen? Did it not work between you and Dr. Whooves?” Derpy immediately flushed a bright crimson, embarrassed at that comment. How did she know that!? Why, I never even… Gah! Pinkie Pie! That blabber mouth!!! Derpy smiled sheepishly and said, “Oh nothing! He’s busy! But anyway, something did happen…” She went on to explain what events had transpired within hours before down in Ponyville.
After Derpy was finished, Peppy gasped at the details of her story. “Oh dear! I wonder if there’s anything that we can do!?” Derpy sat and thought to herself. Then it hit her: Celestia had told her to run. Somepony needed to save everypony else, but there was nopony. So… “Mom, I think that I should be the one to help!” Peppy looked shocked, and then said, “Are you sure!? I mean, the princess did say for you to run…” She trailed off, worried for her “daughter”. Derpy then exclaimed, “You can help me! Mommy, we can do together! Will you help me? Please???” She then gave Peppy the sad puppy eyes. “Oh alright… I’ll help you save Equestria. Just promise me that you won’t stay up too late, and also make sure to brush your teeth, and make sure to bath, and make sure—“ Derpy put up a hoof. Peppy looked at her in question, cocking her head. Derpy smiled and said, “Just promise me that you’ll pack plenty of muffins and ya got a deal!” The two hugged each other and high-hoofed. Derpy thought to herself, Once we save Equestria, I can move on to my next goal: winning over Dr. Whooves’ heart! Hang in there, my love! I’m coming!
The two were packed within hours. With everything set in stone, they took one last look at the overview of Cloudsdale. Hopefully, they would be back safe and sound. Together, they took off, flying sky-high. The breeze playfully whipped their manes. Laughing happily, they zoomed gracefully through the sky. Derpy then saw Zecora, who had somehow snagged the hot-air balloon Pinkie Pie was usually known to be seen with in the sky. “I have come to assist you, dear girls, for I fear that I might be getting what you call “the hurls”!” Derpy laughed and nodded. The threesome raced towards the highest peak of the blue wonders, determined to save their kind.
King Sombre watched menacingly as the helpless ponies trudged sadly through his new domain. He then noticed something: there was one pony who wasn’t around, one that he had seen earlier. Then he grimaced: it was that strange, messed up pony. What was her name? Dorky? Donkey? Dermy? Oh, it didn’t matter. It wasn’t like she was going to be able to stop him anyway, for she couldn’t even see straight. He laughed heartily at the sight of her running into a brick wall multiple times, confused at why she can’t seem to walk by it. He walked off, unaware that Twilight was secretly watching him. She also figured out how to use her magic. After all, her special talent was using magic. She turned to her counterpart: Trixie. “Did he do anything? Or did he spill anything information that could help us?” The Great and Powerful Trixie (just kidding) asked. Twilight shook her head. Trixie’s ears drooped down, her face showing how pitiful she felt. “Don’t worry, I’m sure that there was somepony who didn’t get caught by—oh my Celestia…” Twilight trailed off, Trixie following her thoughts. They both knew that Derpy hadn’t been caught. “Well, guess we better just cross our hooves and hope that Derpy can help… or that King Sombre is sympathetic at times,” Trixie said sadly. Twilight nodded slowly. Quietly as possible, they snuck back into the make-shift portal that Twilight had summoned. They went through and soon found themselves back in their cell with the rest of the Mane 6. Twilight just hoped that her and her friends would still be able to call themselves that a few years or more from now.
Derpy and Peppy flew closely alongside Zecora as they shot through the clouds. Hopefully, they could get past King Sombre’s shield. He had placed a massive field of magic around the whole town. Fortunately, he only surrounded Ponyville. But that didn’t mean that he wouldn’t want to capture every other place in Equestria. The three drifted slowly over the town as soon as it was in sight. Peppy tried to make her way down, but it was no use. She couldn’t get past the magical force that held the town hostage. Derpy drooped her head and arms downward, a sad expression springing across her face. Zecora sighed and said, “Perhaps we need to find a different way inside. Although, I really feel that right now, we should run and hide.” Derpy gave the zebra a distant glare. “Oh come on!!! You may as well have been named Zecoward.” Peppy shot Derpy a look that meant, “Don’t say things like that. It’s wrong.” Derpy shrugged and attempted to roll her eyes, except that they still went in odd directions.
Roseluck looked up at the sky with fear, worrying that she would never be able to get out. But flying way up there was… Derpy. She gasped and ran towards the edge of the field, just as Derpy flew down.
Just as Roseluck had, Derpy gasped and flew down towards the field. They both met and stared right at each other. Simultaneously, they each put up a hoof, mirroring each other’s movements. Roseluck could feel her hoof on Derpy’s, and vice versa. They looked at each other sadly, Derpy flapping her wings ever so slowly. Roseluck’s ears dropped, and Derpy knew that she couldn’t stay. They dropped hooves, and Derpy said, “I will find a way out of this for you. Just hang on, my dear friend. My dearest pal, Rosy!” Roseluck sighed and nodded, indicating that she had heard. Backing away, she turned and walked away, looking slowly over her shoulder and crying at the same time. Derpy once again dropped her head, and Peppy Mint came down to her and placed a hoof softly on her shoulder. “Come on, Derpy dear… we have to go.” Derpy sniffed and nodded. Together, they flew back up to Zecora, who had witnessed the sad scene alongside Peppy. They just had to find a way to save everypony. Or else, a loving friendship would be shattered.
King Sombre spotted the violet-red maned pony sadly walking back towards the town. It appeared that she was heading towards the park area. He looked up towards the sky. It was starting to get cloudy. He then got an idea, a very nasty idea that would surely scare the tails off of those worthless ponies. Using his magic, he summoned a portal. A bright, shining, purple light appeared. And then, everything started to warp and meld together. Within a few moments, he had teleported them to… the Everfree Forest, to the deepest part, where the Timberwolves roamed. Suddenly, ponies were screaming and running for their lives, Timberwolves hungrily lurching towards them and chasing them down. He cackled at the fear of the ponies, and bellowed with laughter as one was tackled to the ground, a pony-hungry Timberwolf drooling on top of them. The victim was none other than Bonbon, and Lyra was close by. She tried to scream out to Bonbon, but Sombre cut her off by cupping a clawed hand over her mouth, muffling her cry. She moaned and whined as Bonbon starting crawling backwards on her back, trying to cautiously get away. “Don’t you just love those Timberwolves?” he asked menacingly in poor Lyra’s ear. She squirmed with fright, crying in response. “Oh, don’t worry. I won’t wet him eat hewr,” he said in a baby-like voice. She looked up at him, tears streaming down her face.
Just then, there was a howl. Bonbon had kicked the vicious creature of the Everfree right in the kissers, and the animal fell backwards. King Sombre roared with laughter, Lyra still struggling to get away. Bonbon spotted Lyra and charged towards them. Sombre noted this and threw Lyra right at her, causing them to bonk heads. “Yah!” they both screeched. They fell backwards on their backs. The Timberwolf wandered off, forgetting his future “lunch”. King Sombre picked the ponies up by their tails, the two shaking like leaves. “Well now, I guess it’s time to get back, am I right?” he asked. With the ponies in claw, he slithered on back to towards the town, his victims shaking with fright.
Derpy and Peppy had been flying for hours, Zecora just sitting in the balloon, talking in rhyme to herself. “Gah!” Derpy yelled. Peppy turned towards her. “Hmm?” Derpy stretched and glided down towards the balloon. She plopped herself down and said, “My Celestia! My wings are aching so much from all this flying! I need to take a break.” And with that, she slowly lounged onto her chest, her butt sticking straight in the air. She let her tongue hang out and exhaled loudly. Zecora giggled at her hilarious posture. Peppy Mint scolded seriously, “Derpy! Don’t do that, that’s not polite!” Derpy switched onto her back and started laughing. Kicking her legs in the air, she guffawed as loud as she could. Just then, Zecora’s eyes widened. “AAAAAH!!!!” was all that she had time for, for out of nowhere, a huge gust of wind blew them forward. Peppy screamed and raced to catch up. Derpy felt whiplash pass through, her mane going up in clumps. She looked like a troll pony. “Aahahoooooohahahewhaheehaaaaaaaahaahoo!!!! OhmydearCelestiaNOOOO!!!!!” Zecora cried out, clinging to Derpy for dear life.
They zoomed faster and faster down to the ground, slicing through the sky like a knife through butter. Peppy managed to grab on to the balloon and soon saw what the problem was: a hole! Derpy held her arms in the air and said, “Weeeeeee!!!! It’s like a rollercoaster ride!!!!! Ahahaha!” Zecora turned her head to see poor Peppy Mint flinging up and down on the balloon, her mane whipping at her face. The poor dear was clinging to that balloon like it was her own child, screaming, “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!” The three helpless ponies, or perhaps two helpless since Derpy was enjoying the ride, plunged farther and farther down. Peppy’s face soon looked like a deer in headlights as the ground suddenly came up really fast, in the blink of an eye. “WE’RE GONNA CRASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Peppy Mint screamed. Zecora and Peppy Mint cried and screamed while Derpy just laughed and laughed…
“’Ah… gah.” Peppy slowly opened her eyes and scanned her surroundings. It appeared that they had landed in the middle of a forest. Thankfully, it wasn’t the Everfree. She turned and saw Zecora and Derpy laying on top of each other. Zecora was on her back as Derpy was right on top, face to face. “Oh, Dr. Whooves,” Derpy said dreamily. “I love you too. I wish that we could spend more time together. Mmmmmm…” Peppy stifled a giggle as Derpy actually kissed Zecora, and it was a full on smack-a-rooney of a kiss. Zecora opened her eyes at the same time Derpy did. And then… at the same time:
Birds went flying sky-high, the sound of wings fluttering about every which way in the forest. Peppy Mint couldn’t help herself and fell on her back, laughing and laughing while holding her stomach. “Gahahahahahahahaha!!!!” Tears streamed down her face as Derpy and Zecora frantically rushed off of each other. Blushing a fiercely red, Derpy looked at Zecora. “I see that you have somepony in your thoughts today, but Derpy dear… I don’t love you that way,” Zecora said nervously. Derpy slowly nodded, her eyes wide and herself feeling embarrassed. Clearing her throat, Derpy said, “So, uh… what should we do?” Peppy finally got a hold of herself and said, “Ah! Hah, well, hah, ahem… Well, I did hear that King Sombre had last been seen at the Crystal Empire. Maybe we could make our way there. The Crystal ponies must know something about him. So, let’s go there!” Derpy nodded happily.
So, they headed off through the forest, luckily having landed right at the end. Emerging into the light, they spotted a train not far off. “We can take the Express Way!” Derpy cheered. The three of them ran as fast as they could, hoping to catch the train before it was to leave. Lots of ponies near Ponyville had heard of the incident and were trying to get away. Some Pegasi said that their home had been captured, and Derpy remembered that the place was deserted. Peppy Mint must’ve been hiding. “I was really terrified when that giant ball of darkness sucked every single Pegasus into it,” Peppy said sadly. “I’m glad that I got away.” Derpy drooped her ears, Zecora covered her face in her hooves. The trio managed to get on the train just before the conductor said, “All aboard! Time to go!” Derpy thought to herself just then. Just where were they going?
“Hey Zecora?” Derpy said.
“Yes?” the zebra implied.
“Just where are we going?”
“Why, to the Crystal Empire, remember? Or, do you not remember?”
“Oh. Right.” Derpy looked out the window, watching the clouds slowly turn black. She really hoped that they could provide them with answers. The Crystal ponies were their only hopes right now. Peppy Mint had told her stories about them when she was a filly. And, Twilight and the gang got to actually meet them. Perhaps they really could help them?
The train was moving along very smoothly, so Zecora decided to get a nap in. Peppy settled in next to Derpy, stroking her mane and telling her to relax and that she’d wake her when they got there. It was a long ride, and Derpy was pretty comfy. So she drifted off into a deep slumber…
Derpy was galloping through a field of flowers, daisies and roses in fact. Dr. Whooves was prancing right next to her. They were laughing and enjoying themselves, without a care in the world. Dinky Doo bounced right behind them. Together, the three of them fell into the pile of flowers, smelling them and letting them lightly tickle their noses. Dr. Whooves looked at Derpy, as Derpy looked at him. Dinky sat up and asked, “Mommy? Daddy? What’s that?” She was pointing towards a dark cloud. Derpy sat up and gazed in horror as King Sombre came up out of nowhere. He blew all of the flowers down, causing them to wilt. She turned to Dr. Whooves, and realized that he was gone. Dinky also disappeared. Derpy screamed as King Sombre engulfed her in darkness… “AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!” Derpy shrieked. Zecora woke with a sudden start, banging her head on the ceiling. Peppy Mint had dozed off and cried out, “OhmyCelestiawhathappened???” She turned to see Derpy huddled in a sad heap on the floor. Peppy kneeled down next to her and said, “Oh… Derpy? Are you okay?” Derpy nodded her head really fast. Zecora gasped for air, whispering, “My word, I think my heart stopped. One moment I’m sound asleep and the next I feel my head being bopped.” Zecora turned to Derpy and sighed. Peppy sat back on the bench, cradling a traumatized Derpy. She looked like something had scarred her for life. “My love… so close, yet so far,” she whispered dramatically. Zecora rolled her eyes. Peppy smiled and said, “Oh! I knew it! My little Derpy Dee is in love!!!!!” Derpy then proceeded to give Peppy the death stare while Zecora laughed vigorously. Oh, me thinks that this is gonna be a looooooooong train ride, Derpy thought to herself.
Celestia and Luna desperately searched for a way out, but there was no way. The Mane 6 had been secretly spying for them, having gained the trust of King Sombre since they didn’t have the Elements of Harmony. “Dear sister, I fear that we won’t be able to leave…” Luna sat down sadly, looking up towards her sibling for comfort. Celestia put a hoof on her head, saying, “Fear not, dear one. We will get out… we just have to wait.” The two of them looked out through the one window that they called their “prison window”. Night was approaching, and Luna was really falling into depression. Celestia watched silently and miserably as Luna sat there, looking out the window. Crystal clear tears streamed slowly down her face. They sparkled like the sun on the ocean. Oh Twilight, my faithful graduate, please help us… please. Celestia begged Twilight mentally, hoping that maybe, just maybe, the Alicorn would be able to stop Sombre. But that of course was a BIG maybe…
Twilight Sparkle and her friends crept through the town, which was now the Everfree’s main dish. It swallowed the town up like somepony gobbling up a giant cheeseburger. Fluttershy squealed when Rainbow Dash accidently stepped on her tail. Pinkie Pie jumped onto Applejack’s back and she bucked her right into the air. Rarity screamed as the party pony came crashing down on her. Twilight turned and glared at everypony. They all looked squeamish, ready to run and hide (especially Fluttershy). Poof! Pinkie’s mane deflated like a popped balloon, and Rainbow immediately panicked. “No Pinkamena Diane Pie, no cupcakes please!!!!!” Pinkie cried then, tears pouring down her face. Twilight knocked Rainbow on the head for saying that, and Fluttershy squealed yet again. “EEEEEEAAAAAHH!!! Cupcakes!!!!” she squealed. She took cover behind Applejack, who rolled her eyes. Twilight flapped her wings in frustration. This day just couldn’t get any worse. Just then, Rarity pricked her ears up and listened for something. It was Sweetie Belle, singing a sad melody. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were sitting next to her, listening respectively. Fluttershy then hummed out a key and started singing “Hush Now, Quiet Now”, and Sweetie Belle joined in. She took the higher notes, Fluttershy the lower ones. Together, they created a beautiful piece. Their audience listened happily, and not too far off, Celestia and Luna were singing along…
King Sombre laughed arrogantly at the ponies’ sadness. “Hah! How peculiar. They try to sing their sorrows away! So redundant, it seems. Perhaps I shall enjoy this sad little show for a bit longer, and then create more chaos.” He continued to laugh as he blissfully enjoyed the melancholy of depression around him.
Derpy and Peppy were the first ones off of the train as soon as it stopped at their hopeful destination: the Crystal Empire. “Hopefully Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor can help us,” Peppy said. Derpy and Zecora nodded. They treaded on with excitement, the clops of their hooves sounding off like a freight train. Derpy almost crashed into a group of crystal ponies she was so excited. But then the thought of Roseluck struck her mind. She stopped abruptly, sorely skidding her hooves. Tears welled up as she remembered solemnly of the sight of her best friend. Derpy almost let out a wail of a cry when Cadence just happened to show up. “Oh! Guests of Ponyville? Who is this I see?” Peppy then went into a very long explanation as to why they were there. Cadence only nodded her head and responded with “Yes”, “Okay”, and “M-hm”. Once Peppy was finished with her story, Cadence closed her eyes and nodded slowly. “So, my sister-in-law, her friends, my two adopted aunts, and the whole entire town of Ponyville have been taken hostage by King Sombre… how terrible!!! I thought that what he’d done here to the Crystal ponies was horrid enough. But, clearly I was wrong!” She furrowed her brow into a frown, a growl erupting from her throat. Derpy giggled and said, “Oooo, a princess who actually shows her temper to be quite dangerous! I see why they say that she is a force to be reckoned with.” Zecora face-hoofed and shook her head. Peppy made a face of amusement, while Derpy giggled all the same.
Cadence cheered when Shining Armor suddenly appeared. The young stallion stared at the newcomers, cocking his head to one side with a confused look. Cadence did a quick run through to Shining Armor on the current events of what had become of Ponyville. Shining Armor’s mouth dropped wide open, his eyes bugged out. “Twily!!!!! Where is she!!!??? Is she safe!!!!???? Where are my men? We’ll take him on! Flash Sentry! Get over here, quick!” Suddenly, the Alicorn’s love interest galloped up to the prince’s side. Chest proudly outright, Flash looked up to the prince bravely and asked, “Yes sir! What is the problem, sir?” Shining Armor recapped on the events with his proud soldier, and told him that he had plans. “We’ll sneak down into Ponyville, find everypony, and free them all!” Shining Armor nodded happily, while Cadence turned her direction towards the girls. “Who has Celestia left in charge of this assignment?” Derpy sheepishly stepped forward. Shocked and appalled, Cadence just stood there. After a moment or two, she continued her speech. “Derpy, uh… you need to get to the library, here in the empire. You’ll be able to find information on King Sombre, hopefully. I don’t actually know much about him just yet. Once you find what you need about him, head to the Mountains of Secrets. There’s a special waterfall there, with a secret entrance. Once you find that secret entrance, follow the riddles on the map. If anypony can decipher riddles, it’s Zecora,” she said, finally turning to the zebra. “Twi has told me many interesting facts about you Zecora. Please do your best.” Cadence bowed her head and trotted off with her husband and Flash Sentry, whispering amongst themselves. Derpy gave a sign of salute and started heading towards the library.
There were many lines of books along the walls of the Crystal Empire’s sparkling halls of written words. Derpy stared in awe as Zecora trotted off to find the right book. Peppy Mint looked down sadly at her hooves, and Derpy gave her a concerned glance. “Everything okay, Momma?” Derpy asked. Peppy looked sorrowfully at her adopted daughter. “Yes, Derpy dear. It’s just that… Well… Hmm…” Peppy trailed off. Derpy was worried about Peppy. Perhaps she was thinking about something really important. Maybe, just maybe, it was about Derpy herself. The Pegasus knew that she wasn’t the minty-based pony’s biological daughter, but maybe she was thinking about something that Derpy didn’t even know about. And perhaps, it was about her. “Soooo, Peppy,” Derpy started. “Um, is there something that you’d like to tell me?” Peppy suddenly whipped her head in fear at Derpy, like she had just uncovered a huge secret. Derpy gasped as her adopted mother’s eyes inflated and overflowed with tears. “I LOST MY DAUGHTER A LONG TIME AGO!!!! I’M SO SORRY, DERPY!!!!!” Peppy wailed and raced outside. Derpy charged after her. Zecora was busy finding the book, happily stating, “Yes! Such a bless! I have found—Huh? Wah? Where have my dear friends gone, for I hope not homeward bound?” Zecora cocked her head, wondering just where the two Pegasi had gone.
Derpy called Peppy as she gave chase to the wailing Pegasus ahead of her. “Mommy! Come back!” she called desperately. Peppy finally stopped as soon as she was at the heart of the castle, where the Crystal Heart wafted softly up and down. Dropping to a pitiful heap, she hid her face in her hooves. Derpy trotted up and sat down quietly next to her. “Please,” she begged, “tell me what’s wrong.” Peppy raised her head and turned towards the goofy-eyed pony. “Okay… When I was barely into adulthood, I had given birth to a beautiful baby Pegasus, and I named her Minty Fresh. She was the most beautiful filly in all of Cloudsdale. She looked just like me, her eyes twinkling ever so brightly. One day, when she was 6 years old, she decided to explore outside of our yard. She had just gone past the border of our home cloud, when suddenly, a bright beam of light had penetrated our home! The one responsible for this awful disaster… Sombre! He had tried to take over the cloudy abode, but failed. Houses were destroyed, Pegasi struggled to fight for survival, and I tried to save my daughter. But, to no avail. He had her in his evil clutches, and with one swift attack, had…” She broke off, tears welling up once again. Derpy knew what came next. She could only imagine the lifeless body of a Pegasus filly just wafting on a cloud. Derpy shook her head furiously, tears spouting out like a hose. Then it struck her, like a lightning bolt from Rainbow Dash. That beam of light… was that the one that had turned Derpy into a Pegasus, from a Merpony!?
King Sombre paced the floor, trying to figure out what to do next. He had Celestia and her comrades at his mercy, and he also had a huge chunk of Equestria at his hooves. The dark stallion had finally been able to transform into his normal form, rather than a field of darkness with demonic-like features. It was a bit painful, however. The claws changing into hooves, the huge fangs shrinking, and the giant eyes as well were all painful. The reason for his delay of change… he was too busy bustling about, causing destruction. Now that all of that was over, he had more important things to focus on. And that, under his own circumstances, was to destroy those who opposed him. He trotted over to the window of the room that he existed in. He became worried… What was that wall-eyed pony up to? She was the only one who had escaped his grasp. Was she the one who was trying to stop him? He didn’t know. Once thing was certain, though… she had to be caught. “Guards!” he called. Four dark stallions under his dark control strolled into the room. “Find the messed up Pegasus and any who are considered her allies! Bring them to me!” he ordered. The four nodded and backed out of the room. King Sombre laughed darkly, relishing in the control that he was granted.
