//------------------------------// // Lost History Part 2 // Story: Cursed Eclipse - Across Equestria // by AImostpure //------------------------------// “The time before the founding of Equestria was blissful. We sisters remained close knit, every day spent together sharing in the harmony of family. Certainly, did we have our fights and arguments,” Celestia said anew. Transparent images appeared once again to the ponies. Granite floors became covered in a thin, fog like illusion of carved stone. Around them, multiple images of ancient Celestia and Luna gave shape. Some had the two sisters locked in biter arguments, magic enhanced food fights, and many instances of the two pulling and tugging Eclipse between them like children fighting over a toy. Celestia stopped her tale momentarily, watching the tug of war. “I remember this. A servant came and offered to cut Eclipse in half so we wouldn't bicker over her anymore. We did not believe he was serious until he produced an ax. We quickly agreed not to fight over her after.” Celestia grinned to Luna who had become washed over from her withers to her nose in red. “Yes, I do remember it, though dully. She was four at the time, and he was tired of cleaning up our fights. Imagine if we had agreed to it, I wonder what he would have done,” Luna spoke. A hoof set to her chin to ponder the possible outcomes. Scenarios and contemplations aside, Luna gave her attention back to Celestia to continue. “Eclipse loved to sing since learned to talk properly. Every chance she had she either sang or danced for us.” Spectral images changed creating a fire glowing hearth as a backdrop. In front, a filly Eclipse sat on her haunches, right foreleg extended out, her head tilted back just a bit. Her lips were parted in song. Before her, Luna and Celestia were laid side by side with bent legs beneath them. Their eyes never wavered from the song bird who's melody so entranced them. Stories were put aside letting the sisters revel in the memory. “Eventually, her magic would wander and become active during her song and dances. I think she even began to sing just to cast spells.” Moments later, Celestia returned to the story once more, “As told in the Hearth 's Warming Eve tale, the six ponies emerged from the cave to find the splendor of Equestria before them. Luna and I greeted them as they came forth offering them aid in returning home and spreading the wonderful gifts they had found during the night. With their return to the barrens of ice, a small summit was held. The six leaders took quick charge conveying the windigos' presence to blame on everypony. No one side held more blame than the other. With this message firmly lectured, they quickly began to move all ponies northward to Equestria.” Celestia extended her wings outwards, touching each tip to the walls on either side. “What was once broken, became complete. To perhaps garner favor from their goddesses, and to establish peace, Luna and myself were asked to rule over the ponies. So no one tribe held favor over the other. Unfortunately...” Cadance did not know what to think of all of this. She was born both alicorn and of royal blood she should have known the secrets of the Celestial Sisters, but she did not. The night of the last eclipse left her near phobic. For everything that she knew, there was still so much she did not. What else could have been hidden from her? If the eclipse never occurred, would it still be hidden? Inquiries on the subject were met with brick walls. Neither sister wanted to divulge information on Eclipse. It wasn't until Iron Mind sent a letter stating his departure for Trottingham that she was told of her aunts' plans for tonight. The wait was felt as horrible as being left in the dark to begin with. She hoofed at the smooth floor in front of her. Though she listened, her gaze came down away from her aunts. “Eclipse was far too young to participate in relations both political or worship in nature. She mostly stayed in the gardens or one of our rooms avoiding contact with ambassadors or advisers.” When Celestia started speaking once more, the images of the two sisters vanished. They were replaced with Eclipse. The glowing eyed, mismatched winged filly in various stages of life. The terrible twos showed her bouncing around from wall to wall. Hyper threes the group witnessed Eclipse randomly using her magic to teleport away from nannies and her sisters. Next, a tiny gray bundle was curled in the middle of the floor surrounded by big, black fur with eight legs. The tiger like beast protectively wrapped around his little charge. Several images continued showing Eclipse's growth till the age of eight. “We had prominent teachers and scholars come to help teacher her basic education. Luna and I had become too busy to handle many of the day to day chores for raising a foal...” “It must have been difficult. Did she ever have any friends? What of the creature with her?” Cadance inquired motioning a hoof to the big, furry black beast. Her head turned hearing a relief filled sigh leave Twilight. It seemed that she was not the only pony who had been waiting to ask about the ominous creature. Fur ruffled just imagining such a fearsome, large creature hovering above the poor filly. It had been in past images, but to grow to such a substantial size could not have made it easy on anypony. A creature of its kind nopony save for the two oldest would have seen lest they traveled to the deepest hollows of the Everfree. Releasing a soft, dark blue glow from her horn, Luna created a new image solely of the tiger creature. It ran from one end of the hall to the next with great strength and speed. Its paws stuck to the wall letting it climb upwards across smooth stone until it was upside down over head. It then released its self dropping down, perfectly on all eight legs, in front of the group. “This is a veravyn. They are a combination of a tiger and a spider. Though they produce no webbing, they are able to scale most surfaces such an arachnid can.” Luna's explanation was kept simply without touching onto the mystical side of the creature. “At the time of Eclipse's arrival, the nest mother delivered one of her cubs to us as a gift for our newest addition. He was named, Tenebris.” Luna giggled, elegantly placing a hoof to her mouth. Eyes fell closed, her body shaking lightly. “The two were inseparable. Tenebris would never leave Eclipse's side whether she slept with Celestia or I, bathing, or just playing in the gardens. He was a jealous one. Often snarled at ponies who, aside from we, tried to take up too much of her time.” “Oh yes. For a while he was becoming angry with both of us, wasn't he?” Celestia chimed in as the illusions vanished. “Princess! What happened to him?” Vinyl tilted her head forty five degrees to the right. Her tail lifted up, the middle, and end drooping in such a way that it appeared as a question mark. Volume control was no longer an option. Growing hunger did strange things to this pony. Celestia shifted herself to stand once more, stepping on graceful movements towards the painting of herself and Eclipse. “We will come to that soon.” She cleared her throat, staring wishfully at the portrait. “Eclipse's chance to meet with other ponies was short lived. We held a party formally introducing Eclipse beyond the royal meetings. We decided to hold it on her birthday, mid spring.” Illusions poured out in waves across walls and floors. Yellow light filled the walkway as the tiger busts changed into golden suns with artificial flames scorching at their centers. Carpet woven from vanilla colored fabric with black crescent moons and white swirl suns. Dozens of pony shadows crowded around talking, dancing, and feasting. Three ponies stood out from the others; an earth pony, an unicorn, and a pegasus. An argument had broken out among them. Their black lips rapidly shot out silent insults between them. Other guests ignored the silent feud choosing not to return to an age of the windigos. “The three ponies were arguing over the past. All three had lived in the icy cold and still blamed one tribe over another than accept they could have been responsible.” Silver cloth loosely covered Eclipse's body. Cross wrapped over her chest pulled back over her flank and back down her back thighs. The top ends of the material met at her necklace, attached to the diamond stone centered in the silver metal. Twinkling hair was pulled back decorated with previous stones set aglow by silken locks. Her crown sat curled around her horn wrapping downwards just above the ridge of her skull. She first stood with her sisters at the entrance welcoming the ponies who came to celebrate the day of her birth. Offerings of a happy celebration and welcoming to royal duties. Presents were few in demand but none had been expected. Only a few had come delivered by messenger before the celebrations began. Celestia leaned down, appearing to whisper to Eclipse. “I had told her to go ahead and enjoy the party. Luna and I would finish welcoming the guests.” Silver hoof guards click clacked as she scampered across the ancient hall towards the waring three. She appeared to try and speak to the three. Moving behind each and between them to try and cease their arguing words. “Celestia and I had many times held council for ponies establishing settlements. We acted as mediator for arguments between tribes, offering compromises and ways to merge traditions without having either side give up more. Eclipse sat it on many of these, and she thought to settle this herself.” Luna turned her head to watch the recreation reproduce the events of that night. Without warning, earth pony bucked his hind leg back striking Eclipse by her mouth. With a yelp, her small form thrown, bouncing twice against stone and rug. Guests became quiet turning to the pained sound of a hurt pony. Eclipse raised to her hooves, holding back tears. She charged forward coming close to the three. Her lips as the tip of her horn surged forth with magic. The three ponies became encased in a swirling miasma of gray energy. They raised upwards several feet until a flash of light blanketed the room. Each dropped to the ground after flat on their bellies with legs extended in random ways. Eclipse backed from them slowly, a stern visage remaining on her features as she verbally chastised them for their actions. Luna exhaled a shaky breath. “Celestia and I entered shortly after the flash alerted us to what was happening. We were met with a stampede of terrified ponies running away from the farther end of the hall.” Many of the shadow ponies vanished, popping from existence one by one until only Eclipse remained, sitting alone, her head hung low and tears pooling on the floor. “She had used her gift to weaken the three ponies. When their cutie marks near vanished, it sent everypony into panic. They screamed monster, that she cursed them for their actions. We tried to cheer her up, but the thorns dug too deep for us to simply remove.” “We opened the few gifts she received for her when she refused to even look at them. Most were of no use for a filly, or even things you would give a foal. One thing took her attention. It was a a doll, made by an amateur, of her. No name was attached for who sent it, but she took to it instantly.” Celestia rose to her hooves coming towards the sad image of her youngest sister. Though still disheartened, Eclipse now clutched her precious new gift to her body, curling on the ground with Tenebris standing behind her. Her guardian's back was turned to her, his head raised surveying the surroundings defensively. “Nopony would approach her. If she was in attendance when we held council, ponies refused to enter. Stories reached our ears that ponies were referring to Eclipse as the 'Cutie Mark Curse'. She became withdrawn, avoiding ponies just as they avoided her. Next, we will tell how the event that forced us to erase the past, and how Eclipse got her cutie mark.” With this, the specters vanished from sight, and the group raised unanimously. Cadance stopped a moment, Shining Armor waiting with her. She stared long at the painting of Eclipse and Celestia. Up until the end of the story things seemed perfectly reasonable and normal. Selfish ponies caught up in their own petty arguments ruined another pony's happiness. Even after loosing one home they just could not rid themselves of stupid hatred. She shook free a growing bitterness to the ponies of old. Not all of them held the beliefs that the three ponies did, but it still burned her heart to know that some did, and other paid for it. Offering a weak smile to her husband, they moved to join the group. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “So, what's up with that freaky horn ya got?” “Hey! Don't ask something that maybe personal straight like that!” “Trixie has heard of such things before, but only seen it once or twice. Did it really hurt as ponies say?” It had taken the time that Open Heart left and returned for Prim Rose to setup an area of the parlor to take her photographs. Crates were removed from the storage room then covered with black sheets forming an artificial wall. Pillows were pulled from her bedroom in different positions across a white sheet on the floor in front of the black. Spot lights, used to give ample light for precision work, were pulled and shinned on the makeshift area. Several feet away at tripod with a camera was in position to begin snapping the photographs. It was a newer model that automatically wound to the next film without requiring extra actions. “Look, you come up with a better way to ask Miss Hot Flank about her horn and I'll do it! Frankly, as long as she keeps that flank in view I may just listen!” “Maybe not be sexist...Can mares be sexist to other mares?” “How should Trixie know? Trixie would not be so vulgar as to blatantly gawk at a mare's flank.” “No, you just stalk or hire ponies to stalk a mare.” “Oh Celestia, you're going to get shot out a roof again.” “Trixie is happy with her cake enough to ignore such an insinuation.” Eclipse was positioned centered on the white sheet. She sat on her haunches with her front hooves, together, in front of her. It was the first outfit of the night. A form fitting camisole made from ruby red material clung to her like a sleeping lover. Holes were in the back, zippers to make them larger when first putting it on, for wings to easily come through. Rose designed lace was sewn in at the hems and neck. Decorative red ribbons, and gilded hairpins tied her hair back pulling her bangs from her eyes forming a curled low bun at the base of her neck. Socks on each hoof were thin. Silk material had been dyed pink with four roses stitched in along the top each centered with one opposite of another. Only her glowing eyes went to focus on her friends. She didn't dare move or speak unsure how exactly to act when modeling. Magic fluttered across Eclipse's body bringing a near transparent cloth blanket down across her back, slopping along her curved flank. Prim moved quickly around Eclipse setting a pillow beneath her flank and right hoof. Several stuffed toys, pulled from a closet or chest from Prim's foalhood, were used as decorations with the filly. “Yes... Okay now life both your front hooves, bend them and put your ankles against your chin. I want a natural smile.” Eclipse did as she was told, raising her legs, bending her hooves, then waiting for her next instruction. Sudden sensation of hooves pressing across her belly caused her to squeak aloud. She had not expected such a ticklish sensation from Prim. This quickly drew glares from two ponies not far from them. With Open now in attendance, the four ponies circled around the plastic table Eclipse and Prim sat at with them moments ago. A dozen Styrofoam containers sat open revealing various cakes and pastries; cheese cake, triple chocolate lava cake, cupcakes, and sugar powdered scones. Four mugs sat in front of each of the ponies. Two thermos were brought back with in, one filled with orange tea and the other a special blend Open refused to share with anypony but Prim and Spiral. With the way Spiral was knocking back the special tea, it must have been delicious. “Seriously, you're over there fondling our friend and wont tell us about your sticken horn!” Spiral spat out then carnivorously stuffing a brightly iced cupcake into her mouth. Her hoof came to her mug lifting it to supply four quick gulps to her parched throat. “Just tell us about your horn or put Eclipse in something skimpier!” Any attempts to ignore the abominable earth pony finally broke the walls of her patience. “Alright Eclipse, please hold that pose, smile and I'll begin taking the pictures.” Flank swayed, tail raising just a few inches when Prim returned behind the camera. She did not take her eyes off the glowing filly in her dangerously alluring pose. Magic held the camera at every inch, taking quick photos in succession. “You want to know how my horn became this way? Yes, it is practice that adult unicorns sometimes do in either a rebellious stage or to express themselves. Acid and a chisel is used, Eclipse, lower your chin down, and look up at me as if hiding your face now, while mine was done without regard to my own wants by my mother when I was three.” Quick flashes captured the many angles of Eclipse, Prim making motions with her hooves to parts of her body for her to mimic. “And no, there will not be any erotic nor 'skimpy' outfits being modeled. I asked for her to simply do casual and comfortable garments, nothing more.” Open was having the time of his life listening and watching the interactions between them. Like a mother watching their foal come out from behind her skirt for the first time, so did he enjoy Prim actively conversing with these other ponies. “It is an extremely painful process for unicorns. Very similar to the wing modifications some pegasus have done. You know, adding fake bones to give their wings spikes or an earth pony breaking both their hind legs.” Deftly he sipped the special tea, closing one eye but watching with the open for the reactions. “You know, snapping the cartilage, shattering the bone, using drills to set special screws in place. Such a horrid affair.” If she could have become whiter imagining the pain such procedures caused, Open would have become giddy at how pale Copy was turning. No words could express the ill feeling she suddenly felt. So she chose instead to look away, sipping the orange scent tea to calm her nerves. Something broke her concentration. In a duo act, Copy and Spiral twisted their heads back to the modeling display when Eclipse squeaked once more. Her jaw dropped watching Prim slid a hoof across Eclipse's lower back pushing it forward, then moved seeming to caress over Eclipse's chest pressing it back. Prim moved the filly so her back was to the camera this time. She moved back behind the photographer's instrument. “Turn your head and look at me.. Perfect.” Sequence of flashes followed once more. Prim smirked to herself, she could feel the daggers being stared at her. For some reason, she didn't seem to care. Invasive hoof touches sent twitches to her wings. Eclipse froze statuesque in position becoming a mound of clay for Prim to move. Prim moved in close paying extra attention to her hair, mouth and hooves were used instead of magic to bring each lock back into place away from the glowing moons. Lids fell across her field of visions raising back removing the familiarity of the boutique. It was replaced by a vast walled garden. Vines climbing the gray stone walls, a kaleidoscope of colors dyed into the petals of thousands of flowers around her. Eclipse felt a feeling of disheartening loneliness. In a blink, it returned back to the boutique. “Trixie must say, it's interesting you chose her to wear rose themed clothing first.” She smirked locking gaze with Open, who smirked in return. It was as if two kindred spirits had found one another and sought to bring calamity. “Yes, I was certain she would choose something that wouldn't have any other implications.” Both unicorns began to giggle, scooting closer to one another. “Open Heart, tormentor of high class ponies and on the side I'm a doctor, as mentioned before.” An extended hoof was met in kind by the azure magician's. “The Great and Powerful Trixie. Most magical unicorn in all of Equestria.” Trixie said in kind. Drawing her hoof back she brushed back her silver and blue mane, settling back watching the three main ponies. Eclipse was just an innocent sheep among wolves, her reactions were not what would bring amusement. “So, Primrose, why ain't you yellow? Primrose means yellow flower or something right? So why the roses? Doesn't make sense. Dye job?” Agitated movements had her hind, right leg tapping the ground. Special tea was being drunk like water until, annoyingly, the thermos had run dry. She glanced towards Copy then back to Eclipse and Prim. Eclipse, her eyes darted across her examining exposed flesh. She diverted desires stuffing another hunk of cake past her lips. Primrose. A word that caused her fur to stand on end. Prim mentally counted down from ten locking her eyes on Eclipse. She would not give Spiral the benefit of seeing her annoyed look. “Eclipse, we're going to switch costumes now.” Prim did not remove her eyes from the filly as she moved from the photo stage. Eclipse used magic to remove each article of clothing, folded and placed aside for her to take with her. “Let's get photos of the younger article. The white set.” White socks, white shirt, and a variety of matching lace for her hair, Eclipse began to get ready for the next group of photos. “My name is Prim Rose. Prim meaning formally precise or proper, and rose as in the flower. Primrose is a yellow flower or pale yellow. My name is two words, what you are saying is one word.” Each hoof raised up once to pull the sock up to beneath her knee, then raised a second time making sure it was put on properly. They were void of any designs and made from simply cotton. A t-shirt, as Eclipse heard a few ponies call them, it was extra long in the back reaching down to her hind legs. There were no holes for wings this time, thus she had to keep her wings pressed down. The hole for her head was larger, letting one side hang down off her shoulder. She turned back to the ponies taking in their sight again. Copy never stopped watching Eclipse it seemed. Trixie and Open were enjoying their own conversation. Spiral appeared antsy squirming and twitching on her seat. “Is th..this alright?” She asked coming back to position. “A name that fits you're appearance.” Stammered words escaped Copy's mouth. She flinched when Spiral scowled at her. “Thank you, and yes, Eclipse, you look beautiful. When you take position again, hug one of the stuffed animals, show how much you love it, okay?” Instructions given returning to pretending that no other ponies were in the boutique with them. Magic went to take up the white lace, carefully removing each hairpin and jewel and replacing it with the cloth. Eclipse's hair no longer held its bun shape. Instead it was pulled back from her eyes, as before, and braided with the lace act as a portion of her hair. Braided mane was then set over Eclipse's shoulders, hanging down in front of her chest. It finally hit a boiling point. Why wont she have her wear a saddle at least? Spiral glanced at a black and gray saddle hanging upon a wall. Chrome trimmed over the edges and the thick knob handle on the top front. Yeah, have her wear something like that. Something strong and naughty... Ya know, forget this. “Faker! You're coming with me!” Spiral shot up onto her hooves, wiggling her flank and back to readjust her saddlebags. Copy's wings shot up off her back seeing Eclipse become encased in white. A chaste appearance in the color that the pegasus knew most of was an enticing appearance to behold. No warning was given when Spiral shouted out the nickname that was thrust upon her. “What? What?! What?! No! I haven't taken my medication since two days ago! I can't!” She shouted jumping onto all four hooves. She wouldn't have a chance to make her own move, Spiral latched teeth around Copy's tail dragging her to the front door. All eyes set to the departing two.”Still have the spray, Eclipse?” Muffled words spoken through mouth filled with pony tail. Spiral halted momentarily for an answer, but ignored Copy's pleas. “Ye..yes!” Answer shot back instantly. Sure enough, the cylinder on a necklace sat with chain coiled around it like a serpent on the floor where Eclipse set the first of her many to come come gifts for this excursion. “Good. Use it if some rose decides to try and prick you with their thorns. We'll be back in a few hours!” Spiral's announcement met with their departure. Copy clawing her front hooves against the ground trying to free herself from the larger pony's hold. It would be of little use and the two ponies left from the boutique. “Trixie has a question now that the two adolescence minded ponies have left, Trixie has a question about giving a gift.” Trixie resorted to filling her cup with the orange tea this time. “She does not wish to appear too forward but wishes to express certain feelings as well.” “If you like after I finish with this outfit I can show you something, Miss Trixie.” Prim offered while motioning with her hooves again for Eclipse to mimic. “Oh don't you worry one bit, Prim, I'll answer anything she has to answer. Not like I've not been bored and helped customers before.” Green Mohawk bounced with the bobbing of his head. He shifted himself up to his hind legs, bending his back at a reverse arc while pressing fore hooves against his lower spine. Dropping forward, he waved for Trixie to follow him towards the more gift associated area of the boutique. “So, Eclipse, tell me of yourself. You live in Manehatten, correct? I worked there on occasion years ago. Do you and your parents reside there?” Small talk was a corner stone to friendship. One could not be friends with someone for long without asking something about them. Prim opened the conversation on something simple and easy. Head shook lightly when she took a moment to reposition herself for the camera. “No I li..live with my fri..friends. They to...took me in.” A quick answer, not giving away too much. Eclipse barely knew this pony, then again, as she thought it over, she barely knew any of these ponies. Questions shouldn't be intrusive, she figured, she had been asked similar things other times by random ponies she met at Vinyl's clubs. “Wh..what would you li..like to know?” Prim offered a glance and nod back to Open whom did the same. “Friends can be a wonderful thing. Where are you from? Or is Manehatten your home since birth?” A brilliant, showmare's smile flashed on Prim's face. It had won her many awards and tonight, she planned for it to win her just a minor prize. Questions. Another pony asking her questions she would rather keep buried away in a place never to dwell upon. Absence of a smile was captured with the flash of a camera. Eclipse appeared lost, gazing away to the front door of the boutique. Lips down turned at the corners but held high at the center. Body tensed when she hesitated to speak the few words. “I'm fr...from Manehatten.” She partially lied holding back the truth. When she looked back to the camera, she gasped. Without a sound to her hoof steps, Prim was in front of Eclipse. “That look you made. Can you do it again?” Her voice was only a whisper lulling worries away. The closeness of the mature pony became confusing for Eclipse. Her snout was practically in her mane. “Let me fit the t-shirt a bit at the bottom.” Sugar sweet sound dripped off her tongue. Hooves held the edge of the bottom of the shirt pulling it away from Eclipse's side to tie it into a precise knot. Teeth came back to the white lace in twinkling mane. Without magic, she once again adjusted the cloth with hoof and mouth creating a large bow and a pony tail propped out of its center. “Perfect, darling, wouldn't you agree?” Once Prim moved back enough they were nose to nose, Eclipse could only nod. She didn't understand why magic couldn't have been used to adjust her hair and shirt. Unhinged dropped jaws and stares from Open and Trixie went unnoticed. Eclipse simply returned to posing with the cozy stuffed toy. She wished she had brought her dolls with her now. It would have made for a much for delightful photo. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “How many ponies know of any Equestrian civil wars?” Whispers copied the sounds of insects as the assembled ponies exchanged notes, ideas, or moments in history that would mimic a civil war. “According to our history, within the twenty five hundred years since Equestria's birth, ponies had never experienced a civil war. We have had wars, yes, short wars with various countries on our borders who did not understand that we, the Alicorn Royalty, control the sun and moon for this world. Northern Griffons, Kobolds, those across the Eastern Seas, and the United Nation to the South East waged short wars at some time or another until realizing the futility of engaging a species that could control weather itself.” Celestia lectured. Luna and Celestia were seated as they had been the first two times in front of the group of guests. Stained glass window and painting were revealed to them. Glow from the window gave rise to the uncertainty of the time. A black sun at the center with ponies depicted in stages of fright and worry. Above it depicted a blank night sky devoid of the stars. Painting was Luna and Eclipse whom posed for this portrait. Luna sat, on her haunches on the left angled diagonal from the painter. Front hooves set to block hind hooves. Her cutie mark on display revealing the black splotch with the crescent moon. Black royal crown set behind her horn. Wrapped around her neck the necklace decorated with a white moon. Eclipse, seated besides her in a similar manner, her hair was drawn back from her white eyes with the use of black and gold hairpins. Her crown of silver behind her horn, silver necklace around her neck depicting half a black moon and half a black sun at its center. Her cutie mark had a black star within a white moon and black aura around it. Behind them the glory of the Everfree forest was seen from a high over watch at night. “It was painted at night, correct?” Octavia did not mean to interrupt. The painting did depict the later hours, but as paintings are the time they were painted wasn't always detailed by the features. “That is correct. Pray tell, how did you know?” Luna inquired raising her eyebrows to the cellist. “Vinyl was the first to notice, but Eclipse's cutie mark changed colors according to night and day.” Hoof pointed to Eclipse's flank, “During the day, the colors are reversed to a white star, black circle, and white aura.” “Correct, my little pony, her cutie mark represented a solar eclipse during the day and lunar eclipse at night. It was fun to watch it change colors. As unique as her wings.” Chuckling, Celestia gave a kind smile. “You will need to tell us what else your marefriend and you noticed of her. How much is different and similar to how she was before. Now, to the story.” She tipped her head to Luna. Magic gathered in a whirlwind effect of energy between the princesses and the group. An image of an older stallion unicorn was created. Deep shade of red was his coat, carmine, and his mane apple green with streaks of gray from his age. A monocle sat on his right eye gilded metal surrounding the product of glass. An unusual metal was used for the chain. It appeared clear, more so than the apparition already did, hanging down connected to a necklace around his neck of a similar material. A locket carved from ebony stone was attached at the center of the necklace. He wore a periwinkle robe, made from the most expensive material of the time, with a yellow rope tied around the waist. Mane was slicked back ending near his withers. On his flank was the cutie mark of a cross. The corners of the cross were curved out creating a spiral. Small jewels set into each curl. A blue gem sat at the center, oval in shape. “As the rulers of the new land we needed representatives and advisers. Aside from the six ponies who made the perilous journey, other leaders came forward to held lead the united tribes. One such leader, was Grudging Cross, who is presented here.” Luna raised a hoof pointing to the image centered between them all. “Grudging was a leader of the unicorns during the Windigo Crisis. His leadership kept unicorns safe, properly dispensing food, and creating order if it ever broke down. Charisma was in no shortness for him, and many unicorns held him in the highest respect.” Celestia looked away from the image, resting her eyes on the other ponies. “Another pony who you will not find in the history books past the founding of Equestria. He did not take to the lessons of friendship. Rather, he still blamed the pegasi and earth ponies for the loss of the old lands. Every week he held tirades demanding concession from the other tribes to the unicorns for grievances that were not of their doing. Eventually, something turned him away from blaming the pegasi. Perhaps he had found a kindred spirit in them, but his relentless hatred turned solely onto the earth ponies.” Movement and life was given to the image. Cross began to speak silently to an invisible crowd or to the princesses themselves. A hoof always accusingly pointed at somepony or another. “Though his words were unpopular, and most ponies ignored him, his renown kept him well in the public eye. As it would become, some pegasi and unicorns began to follow his lead when he began to fully speak out on the earth ponies alone.” A flash of resentment flashed in Luna's eyes. Her wings beat sending a gush of wind destroying the fabrication of the old unicorn. “He proclaimed, 'Earth ponies have no traits unto themselves. Loathing creatures whom suckle at the teat of Equestria proclaiming thy selves to be the soul nurturers of the land.' Cross ignored our words that everypony tribe was held magic. Pegasi controlled the weather and flew, unicorns wielded magic spells, and Earth ponies...” “Earth Ponies are capable of turning sand into rich soil. Earth ponies can live in almost any environment. Their magic affects their bodies directly rather than in spells. Appleloosa, Trottingham, and even in the old land with the cold, earth ponies created environments that would be difficult to produce for the other tribes. Cross refused to accept this.” With her head lowered, Celestia whispered something, to herself, inaudible to other ponies, then spoke, “Eventually, we cast him out of court. The final cord came when he called for earth ponies to be placed as indentured servants to the other tribes. As it sounds today to be a cliché, from the various movie reels and comic books young ponies enjoy, he vowed he would not be kept silent and would return. Thankfully, an event came that would stem the tide of his threats. For, Eclipse would finally get her cutie mark...” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Exposed. Color Copy felt exposed and frightened in the new setting Spiral Flame dragged her to. Loud music beat from multiple speakers stationed at the upper corners of the large, spacious room. It was dark, barely lit by faded lights hanging in holes on the ceiling. A smoke machine fogged the ground with a sickly green pigment. Laser lights decorated the ceiling given visible life in due to the smoke blowing upwards from the movements of ponies. From the front doors two bars were setup in opposing corners. At the center left, from the door, was a large stage jutting out from the wall. Three brass poles came from ceiling to floor, spot lights shinned outwards from the edge of the raised portion. Three pony dancers were on the stage dressed in saddles, lace, and socks having what could only be described as an intimate relationship with their pole. Bar stool seats were bolted into the ground along the stage for ponies to gawk and throw bits at the dancers performing. Past the perverts and admirers of flesh delights, was a normal dance floor filled with ponies moving and shaking to the beats being played. A DJ booth literally hung over the dancing horde. Steel cables held the bowl shaped booth to the ceiling and a cat walk from the wall opposite the front doors let the DJ come and go. Further past the dancing frenzy were the tables and booths for ponies taking a breaking, enjoying a private show, or just wanting to sit down. In the back, below where the catwalk met the wall, were four doors. Three lead to the private, VIP rooms where the delights were not spoken of outside the walls. The forth door was an employees only entrance to supplies, dressing rooms, and break rooms. This was the Sore Saddle Club. And Color Copy felt more terrified in this unfamiliar scenario than she had in her entire life. She was here, sitting on a table with a pony she saw as a rival. “Loosen up, faker! It was either you or that damned blue pony and you should feel lucky I picked you!” It was Spiral Flame who addressed Color Copy. She was sitting opposite of her with her back to the back wall. Several empty and full shot glasses, a few bottles of hard cider, and two bowls of peanuts. “It's all on me so enjoy yourself. Ask nicely and maybe I'll get a pony to give you a special dance!” “Would you stop calling me 'faker'! My name is Color Copy!” She hissed suddenly ducking her head down feeling the heat rise to her face. Red painted over her cheeks, so painfully obvious one could see it even in the darkened club. Wings swooped down over her head as a saving grace for her self induced, and self believed, humiliation. In an instant, another two shots were downed by the earth pony followed by a hoof full of peanuts. Spiral felt alive in this place. Getting in hadn't been a problem. Celebrity status took her to the front and right inside. Instantaneously, she regretted every bringing somepony like Copy here with her. “Fine, I'll call you whatever you want, just get in a good mood before I buck your face in for ruining my buzz.” Spiral hissed kicking a hind leg into Copy's leg beneath the table. “While in here, just pretend we're friends enjoying a good show and a good time. Can you do that for me?” Copy winced when hoof collided with shin creating a painful bruised mark beneath her fur. Fore hooves dropped down rubbing the damaged spot when she raised the leg up for an easier access. She flinched her lids closed, biting back a tear or two. She mumbled, at first, her response to Spiral but realized by the impatient look she expressed, that her words did not come across. “Friends don't kick friends under the table.” Groaning, Spiral put both her hooves to her face. Such infuriate feelings from the pony across from her made her want to kick twice just to get the point across. It would only make things worse. Dropping her hooves, a moment was taken to glance around. She found it odd, ponies at tables around them were glancing her way now. They were whispering, pointing, and glaring at the stunt pony. “Fine, I'm sorry I kicked you. Now stop slouching and sit up. This is a happy place. Heck, I'd say it's the happiest place in Equestria. You like Eclipse, right? Maybe one of the dancers puts on fake wings or a fake horn.” “I'd rather not. I...” Copy released a long, held in sigh. Forelegs crossed on her chest, hooves resting to opposite shoulders. She glanced around uneasy of the setting. There were too many ponies in one place. Too many ponies she didn't know. Breath, Copy, breath. “I'd rather just go back to the boutique.” “Don't be such a wuss. Why not just fake you're having a good time, huh? You're good at faking things. I know, 'Copy' somepony who's having a good time.” A hoof was waved at a random pony. “Right there, the one with the flank implants, pretend you're them.” Eyes flinched closed, her body shaking at the barrage of insulting words rattled her ears. “I don't copy just to do it.” Copy whispered staring down at the table top. “Fine. Act like you do around friends. You have friends right?” Spiral hung her head letting it shake lightly. Fore hooves pressed together when elbows set to the table top. “Just pretend I'm one of them, for Luna's sake. Act freaking normal.” “I don't.” She flinched as a loud beat hit the speakers above them. She tilted her head up to look at Spiral but diverted it away feeling the annoyance the pony must have felt for her. “Don't what? Know how to act normal? Have friends? What don't you do? It's obvious you don't do fun if this is any indication. Or do you only do the weirdo copy thing for fun?” Words were spoken as quickly as Spiral could think. “So which is it? Or can't you say anything else right now?” “I don't...” It was sudden. The scratching of a chair thrust back over the smooth floor. Hooves slapped against the table top. Copy's voice raised higher than she had anytime since she came across Eclipse and Spiral. “I don't have any friends! None! Not a single one! I've never had a friend, okay? Nopony wants me around like that! Does that make you happy to hear?” By now, tears streamed down her cheeks in twin rivers dripping to the table. She hadn't realized she began crying, not until the sting finally hit her. Her breathing was erratic and heavy sucked in through her mouth to exhale harshly through her nasal passages. “I freak out in crowds, I take pills so I have some chance not to. You'd know this if you didn't drag me out! But why should you care, you never cared about anypony but yourself and your libido! So just.. just.. Buck off!” In a rushed action, she dropped back onto her chair. Hind legs came up to her torso with her forelegs wrapping around the bent limbs. Her face pressed to her knees, wings lifting to cover her body while she quietly sobbed. She would not see the shocked expression that warped Spiral's face from an emotionless tyrant to a surprised, worried sinner. Music died down to a faint whisper. Everypony in the club ceased their lively activity to stare at the drama unfolding at the table with the large earth pony and pegasus. Then began the whispers. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Keeping away from Prim's work area, Open held back no stops in showing Trixie the variety of items that could be given away to somepony. This side of the store displayed a jewelry case of pieces sold on commission, a variety of comfort first socks pre-designed with random symbols, small stuffed toys, and light articles of clothing. They were priced to move and easy to access for anypony in a hurry. “Trixie has to ask... What do you give somepony you haven't exactly... met?=” Trixie, hesitant to say it, spoke while her magic raised up a thigh length pair of socks. They were for the winter days to keep a pony warm when magic nor heat was readily available. Without missing a beat, Open gripped a different item with his magic. He held the shirt up besides him. A ruby red cloth with 'Love is down here' printed on the front and arrows pointing downwards. “Wear this when you see this pony, and you're sure to impress.” There was no worry that his joke would not achieve what he wished. Truth be told, when Trixie saw what he held up for her to see, the azure color of her fur was discarded from her cheeks to be replaced with a fine red that could match the ruby cloth. “Trixie would wear no such thing!” She denied in a loud whisper. A hoof slammed down pulling the shirt roughly away from the prankster unicorn. “A gift is needed for a first date. We wish to make the best impression without appearing too forward. Trixie has much to makeup for, you see.” Relation was easy to take in with Trixie's words. Open understood all too well what she was saying to him. “How long have you known this pony? Please be honest. I cannot help you if you leave anything out. The most critical of detail left out can decide if the gift is a bang or a flop.” Lips pursed together in a defiant frown. “Fine! Trixie shall tell you. Truth is Trixie has not... physically seen this pony in near two years. We exchange letters but she does not know Trixie is the one she sends them to. She sends them to the next town Trixie goes to, and Trixie sends one back.” A mannequin and its ensemble of specifically chosen items. Open traced the path of Trixie's sight to the mannequin and its assortment. Hoof slippers, similar to those worn by ballet dancers, sparkling with glitter stuck onto ivory felt. Smooth inch wide lengths wrapped from the slipper up the mannequin's thigh meeting onto a garter. Over the mannequin's body wore a marble colored summer dress. It was firm around the torso, and ruffled along the hem of the skirt. Darker pearl cloth wrapped around the neckline and leg holes. A silk belt fastened at the back with a large bow hugged the waist. “Do you like this? It's something of an experiment for Prim. She isn't much of a dress maker, but wanted to do something a pony would wear on a date. Like it?” Hoof came up clearing away drool collecting along Trixie's lower lip. Images flashed in her mind of a certain lavender pony wearing the angelic dress. It took all she could not to rush to her carriage to get all her bits to purchase the outfit. “Yes. Trixie does. Prim Rose! Miss Rose! Since you are giving Eclipse anything she models for, Trixie thinks you should let her model this!” An answer was not given immediately. Trixie and Open watched as Prim came close to Eclipse, aiding her physically to put on the third outfit for the night. Teeth snatched the edge of a pair of loose fitting, jasmine colored short shorts tugging them up over Eclipse's flank. Not to be too brazen, Prim used magic to tug Eclipse's tail through the appropriate opening. At the side of each leg a slit came up halfway. The entire piece was trimmed with sun shaped sequins around the leg holes, tail hole and waist. A short sleeved pale yellow shirt worn short ending at the midsection. Reflective paint, specific for clothing, created shimmering sun on the back. Prim dragged her hooves, purposely slow down Eclipse's body smoothing it against her gray coat. Hoof booties, tied with laces in the front, made from the same color as the shirt wrapped around each of Eclipse's hooves. “Trixie must ask, is she always so... forward?” “No. She normally isn't. This is fantastic though!” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Only four ponies among the eleven individuals could claim they have seen Celestia in a huffing mad state. A scene played out between the alicorn sisters and their guests. A young Celestia stood across from a young Luna. Small objects ranging from house plants to books were tossed with magic between the pair. Neither seemed to be able to land a hit as each reacted flawlessly to avoid the other. Lips moved in speech but not a word could be heard from the astral images of old. Hair was in disarray with random lengths shooting out in various directions. They lacked their crowns and necklaces, it seemed both sisters were not among company other than themselves. Horns glowed prepared for the next volley to be sent off. Teeth set to clench with a deep stare locking to the other. Whatever had set the two sister's off, Eclipse was caught in the middle. She sat with Tenebris behind her curled protectively around her body, a book laid out before her, and the doll she anonymously received tucked beneath one of her legs. Her flank still blank. If her smile was any indication, the young filly seemed content just to sit beneath the bombardment of household items being launched from either side of her. She too did not wear the royal garments that fitted her duty and stature. Appearance was kept from being raggedy or worn out. She wasn't apart of the fight, not until she noticed something strange. White magic circled her book and blue magic her doll. Both lifted up and away from her going to join either of her sisters. This brought her to break from the comforting fur of her friend standing in defiance of the theft. Gray illuminated her horn as she swayed her attention between the two stolen items in a futile tug of war with two far more powerful beings. She was powerless to do anything but watch as the items pulled back behind Celestia and Luna's heads as if in sling shots, then fire forward at the other. Eclipse dropped down on her flank as an expression of horror lowered her ears, formed an 'O' from her lips, and widened her glowing gaze. Her doll and book then flew at the other only to vanish from sight. Tenebris reacted when Eclipse took on a distraught appearance. The massive form of the tiger rose up moments too late to stop what seemed to be the destruction of her precious things. White fangs revealed, his mouth opening releasing a silent roar that brought both princesses down from their adrenaline and rage fueled war. Snarling, the tiger seemed to berate both of them through growls and roars for their behavior. It only stopped when all three came to look on their youngest sister. Mismatched wings shot out from her back extending to their full lengths. Once gray glow of magic from her horn became a swirl of white and black gathering at the tip. Mouth moved shouting at her sisters a silent command. All at once a burst of black shot out from around Eclipse. It engulfed the four beings entirely sucking them into a void of nothingness. Minutes seemed like hours until the bleak nothing shattered like glass vanishing in a mist. Eclipse was gone from sight leaving the three in the wake of confusion. What the images did not see at the time, Luna and Celestia's cutie marks were faded. An astonishing sight for the ponies to see. None of them could ever claim they had seen Celestia, even Luna in the few years since her return, act in such a selfish and foalish manner. In one fell swoop of magic Eclipse silenced both of them from their arguments, but she had to lose precious items to bring it about. For two ponies in the hall, it was nearly an identical scene to one they themselves brought about. “We have seen that before...” Front hooves tip tapped the ground. Octavia felt contrition for the event that mirrored the one they watched. “Vinyl and myself, we...” “We so did exactly that. Except I tossed her two dolls, of you two! Well kinda you two. You and Nightmare Moon. So you and old you. Out the window from our condo.” Animated hoofs waved through the air, at times pointing at either princess, at times moving her hooves together to show the flight of the dolls. Vinyl waved her hooves in front of her then moved over the tiny lenses of her round shades. “She did that trippy black out thing and next thing you know. Octy's hot butt is nearly blank, and my magic only fizzed. Honest to Celestia.” Hoof motion made a cross motion over her heart. “What?” She asked hearing Octavia sigh next to her. “That must have been the last eclipse we had then. It explains much. Did you two make it up to her?” A Nightmare Moon doll? This brought back memories to Luna. When she was a moving shadow wisp confined in the cellar to watch Eclipse, she watched the happy filly play with her two dolls. Prominently, Octavia proudly smiled lifting her right foreleg to slide across Vinyl's withers. “Yes. I put Eclipse to bed and Vinyl ran outside to find the dolls. She spent most of the night going door to door in our building finding somepony to repair the dolls. She then insisted we sleep next to Eclipse so she wouldn't have any nightmares when she woke. When she woke, she was fearful she had hurt us. After assuring her we were fine, she told me of when her father... Well, learning much of these things the pony who believes he is her father, broke her horn.” Vinyl leaned over nuzzling Octavia's cheek lovingly. She loved it when her marefriend spoke well of her. Like a puppy being praised and given a treat. “Our marks returned the next morning without worry.” “I see. Thank you both. It seems you both cared about her dearly in such a short time meeting her. What did you argue about to cause it?” Celestia tilted her head back looking down on the pair. Brows arched curious to what could have sent these two to throw dolls at one another. “Prank war. I'd say more but Octavia would hurt me.” Affirming nod as Vinyl slid her hoof across her throat. “Yes. I would rather not relive the events at this time. If that is fine.” Despite the stares, Octavia stood firm in her decision. She didn't even know how to begin telling of the glue, poison joke, or changelings shapes like Vinyl. “Luna? What was that argument about?” Lowering her head, repressing a chuckle at the way the two ponies hid their quarrel, she chose instead to reveal theirs. “You stole my abacus. I made an image of your royal flank with stars in the sky. You covered me in flour then water. I retaliated by gluing her hooves to her bedsheets. She then with parasprites, and I with green dye in her mane. Magic helped remedy the last two before we finally began throwing things at one another.” Luna faced Celestia but looked away from her sister. If only they knew how similar their fight mirrored Vinyl's and Octavia's. “We looked outside to find the sun blackened.” Finding it for the best, Luna began to tell the rest of the story. “We sought Eclipse in her bedroom, but she had barricaded herself within. Our magic was weakened and we could not find a way inside. She said she would not come out until Celestia and I made peace.” Images appeared of the ancient sisters outside of a large, oak door. They hopped, one following the other, in a circle while appearing merry and singing. It changed to a scene of the pair performing a play with various maids and guards aiding in their attempt. “We tried to starve her out also, but Tenebris always brought her food and water. We had the chef make her favorite treats, but Tenebris brought them to her as well. Finally, after twelve days of an endless eclipse, Luna and I collapsed from exhaustion in front of her bedroom door.” Celestia released a swirl of magic to change the scene forward. It showed now, outside of the door, Celestia, Luna, and Eclipse curled against one another asleep. Eclipse's cutie mark had appeared where once only gray was. “When we woke that morning, Eclipse was asleep with us. Her cutie mark had appeared. We held back punishing her too severely, as Luna and I were mostly to blame for it.” A light bulb appeared in Twilight's head. “A twelve day eclipse? I remember reading of that! Ponies had become frightened they had upset you both, so for ten days they performed friendship plays, held festivals, and feasts to show they were still cooperating. To think, Eclipse caused it because of a crisis of friendship between Princess Celestia and Princess Luna....” Twilight held a hoof to her chin, gazing sideways in thought. “Yes. Now let us move on. We soon move to the end of the tale, but first we must speak of her. Of the traitor, Divine Essence.” Luna was quick to cut off Twilight from speaking any further. Already the sisters had showed how pony they could be. It would not further anypony to further erode their godly images. Sweet sister image of love vanished into mist. Ponies stood together moving forward now coming upon the fifth window and painting. The story was nearly over. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Rapid flashes of blinding light created a barrier to which Prim Rose could hide the intensity of her stare. For the past hour and half she had been dressing, stripping, and essentially fondling Eclipse. Her mind was a powder keg of emotions and thoughts trying to figure out what was coming over her. What is it? I see this pony, run out after her, offer her clothing and possible financial gain to do impromptu modeling, all for what? For an advertisement I may not actually do? Tail dusted the floor speeding up each time Eclipse took a new position. Her troubles would not be in such a dire state if not for the heckling from her best friend and his new accomplice behind her. Eclipse wore the garment that had attracted Trixie's eye. At first, Trixie had given commands for how she would pose, but a vengeful stare from Prim put a stop to this. It began with Eclipse laid out with a book in front of her, then a dragon plush standing beside her, and ending with her strikingly badly thought of dance positions. Prim had her return to the normal after Trixie had her fun. With a suitable amount of photos, and needing a new cartridge of film, Prim made a motion of her hoof. “Eclipse? You can take those off now. I'll get the final outfit and we'll conclude it.” A threatening hoof wave kept Open from volunteering to help Prim. She retreated back to her workroom to get the final piece. She leaves tomorrow. Leaves tomorrow and I know nothing about her but a name, her address she gave me after much pressure, and the scent of her fur. Among the mess she had created drawing out each of the outfits she had selected, one stood out among the rest. She kept it in a tidy box by itself. It was a favorite of her's. Nothing too flashy, it was simplistic in design and color. Magic took the box up with her, along with another reel of negatives for use with her camera. She glanced behind her at the door letting out a heavy sigh. Maybe she'll let me write her letters. Get to know her more than just somepony I began lusting over. This isn't love, it's just like I told Open this morning, it is lust at first sight. Why this pony, I haven't the clue. Stupid physical attractions. Ponies do this sort of thing towards me, not me towards other ponies. She stopped at the door. Finding composure through breathing and focus on the task rather than the pony she was using as a doll, she came back out. An inventory of the room was taken into perspective. She needed to know where each pony was before she finished. Open and Trixie, like a pair of gossiping hens, remained in the far back of the boutique watching and whispering. Eclipse had finished shedding her clothes to be folded then placed with the other three on the side. Prim trotted quickly to come back to the young Eclipse. “Here, the final garment. A favorite of mine. I hope you do not mind.” Prim lowered her head removing lid of the box. Her teeth clamped down, one by one, removing the items inside. Four sheen black silk socks were the first to come out. Eclipse pulled them up her legs. They were excitingly long leaving only six inches of her fur showing. The top was lined with sheer rose pattern cloth. Next came the skirt. Matching black to join with the socks, Prim sewn ebony gems into the hem. It was stiff, sticking straight out off the body. Latex shorts were to be worn beneath, they shorter than what she wore before easily compared to panties. Another ribbon was to finish it. For some reason Prim loved seeing big bows in Eclipse's hair. There was no assistance from Prim to get on the assortment of well tailored clothing. Eclipse used her magic to slowly raise each long sock up her slender legs. The tight spandex encasing her flank behind the black material. Skirt was unhooked, pulled around her waist and reattached once more. Even with magic, it Eclipse was having difficulty getting the bow just right. Taking it upon herself again, Prim moved face to face with Eclipse. She could feel the alicorn's breath on her nose. Magic consumed the entirety of the ribbon raising it to Eclipse's neck. Prim's hooves moved drawing back her crystalline, twinkling mane. Ribbon was lustrous white to be set against the black backdrop of the rest of the clothes. Here she is again. I'm so close I can smell her sweetness. Forelegs came to Eclipse's shoulders holding firmly her mane while tying the ribbon in a neat, big bow high on the back of her head. Bangs were moved completely from Eclipse's eyes, gilded hairpins used before retrieved to add effect against the ribbon's lustrous color. She'll be gone tomorrow. What will she have to remember me by except my clothes? Eyes drifted from the work securing the ribbon in place. They drifted over Eclipse's face, settling her glowing pools, then to her lips. Warm. Her lips are probably warm and soft. Yeah, they feel exactly like that. Like that? Prim jolted back to her senses. Awareness of what she had just done struck her with the strength of a thousand spells. She was kissing Eclipse.