//------------------------------// // Catching up, PT. 1 // Story: Brave Frontier Equestria // by Titan Commander Sebaste //------------------------------// Two months had passed since Mira and Cassie had been summoned by Jolis. After Cassie had explained what had happened, Twilight and the girls had shown both shock and relief at what they had been told. A month later, the two were summoned to another Equestria. When they had returned, Twilight had been shocked by the change Mira had gone through, but she also showed disappointment with how Cassie had acted. “You need to be more careful! You both could've been killed!” She had scolded, while Cassie sighed and admitted that she had been out of line. A few days later, they came back battered and bruised from helping defend another world’s Scootaloo. Now, both Twilight, Spike and Midnight watched as Mira practiced with her new armament.  The summoner dodged a swing from Cassie's blade before shield bashing her, sending her reeling. Midnight whistled, her eyes widening as Cassie recovered and knocked Mira’s legs from under her, sending her sister crashing to the ground. “Looks like that training they're getting from Seria is paying off.” she commented. Twilight nodded as the two sisters continued to clash. “She may be rude at times, but there's no denying that she knows what she's doing.” Her eyes then clouded with worry. “Cassie mentioned something that she had heard in a dream from some sort of being.  Look to the west where beasts of legend roam as subjects to a king, and when the Ivory Tower appears, the goddess will arrive to wreak destruction upon Equestria.” Midnight raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure she didn't just imagine that?” she asked. Twilight shook her head. “It’s too much of a coincidence to be something she imagined.” she replied. “I do question what this being’s motives are, but from what I can guess, he’s talking about the Dragon Lands.” “The what?” Midnight asked in confusion. “From what I’ve read, it's where the dragons live, and they're ruled by a king. But it's past a place known as the Badlands, and no one has really explored there, so not much is known about it.” Twilight explained. Midnight nodded in understanding before looking back at the now resting sisters. “Think we should tell them to stop now? They're gonna wear themselves out if they keep going at it.” she asked. The unicorn nodded. “Cassie, Mira, you can stop now.” She called out. Cassie raised an hand in acknowledgement, her breathing coming in short gasps. Spike soon walked out with cold drinks for the four of them, which they accepted gratefully. “Thanks, Spike.” Mira said as she took a sip. “No problem, you guys looked like you needed a drink after that training.” he replied. “So what’s it like, going to other worlds?” “It’s… honestly hard to describe.” Cassie said, her eyes thoughtful. “But I guess it's a way to meet new people and learn more about what being a Displaced is like.” Mira set her cup down and turned to Twilight. “So… do you have any idea where Maxwell will show up?” she asked. Twilight gave a slight nod. “If my guess is correct, she’ll be appearing in the Dragon lands.” “The Dragon lands?” Cassie repeated, a confused look on her face. “You mean there's more of Spike's kind?” Twilight nodded. “Yes, but they're not as welcoming. So you’ll need to be very careful when you travel there.” The two girls glanced at each other nervously. “Anything else we should know about?” Mira asked. Twilight gave them a slightly worried look. “To get there, you're gonna need to pass through the Badlands. They're a part of Equestria that hasn't fully been explored yet, so we don't know what or who lives there. For all we know, all kinds of beasts live there…” she replied. Cassie frowned. “So technically we’re going through unknown territory to get to these 'Dragon lands’...  That'll be fun…” she muttered. She then stood up and stretched. “Well, I’m gonna go see if Applejack needs any help with harvesting apples. Mira, you wanna help?”  she asked. Her sister nodded, also getting up. “We’ll see you two later. Thanks for the drinks, Spike.” she said, getting a wave from Spike. Midnight nodded. “I need to pick Squeaks up from school anyways, if my mom hasn't already. See you guys later.” The two summoners then walked off in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres, chatting all the while. But as they got within range of the barn, a violet glow suddenly surrounded them. “What the…?!” Cassie yelped before the two disappeared off the path entirely. Twilight frowned as she felt a magic spike nearby, even more confusing was that it was her magic signature and she knew she hadn't cast a spell at all after the girls had left. Writing it off as her being absent-minded, she returned to the book she was reading. Later that afternoon... A knock on her door caused her to look back up in irritation. ‘Can't I be able to read a book in peace?’ she thought as she trotted over. To her surprise, Applejack was standing in front of the library. “Howdy Twi, are the girls here? They promised to help with Applebuckin’ earlier.” she asked. Twilight frowned at that. “I thought they were already helping you… Did they not show up?” She asked, hoping she was wrong. Applejack’s words only confirmed her fears. “I waited over 3 hours for them. Although I did see  the darndest thing…. A flash of light on the path leading towards the barn. It looked like your magic, but I couldn't exactly tell.” Twilight blinked. “Funny, I felt a magic spike near your place, and it felt like my magic…. But I never even used my magic.” she said. Applejack frowned. “Then… who was it then?” she asked, a confused tone in her voice. “I don't know… but I have a feeling Cassie and Mira will know…” Twilight replied. Her eyes widened as a portal opened up nearby and the two humans stumbled out. Both girls bore bruises and scrapes, while their armor was badly dented in places. Cassie's eyes held a haunted look, as if something had happened to her. “Whut in tarnation happened to y’all?” Applejack asked, a shocked look on her face, which was echoed by Twilight. “Giant crab…” Cassie said, her voice tired. “Giant….what?” Twilight repeated, her voice disbelieving.  Rubbing her forehead, she sighed. “I’m just glad you two are alright. But what exactly happened with you two? I felt a magic spike by Sweet Apple Acres, but it felt like my magic.” “Because it was you, at least from a different Equestria. She used her magic to activate our token.” Mira said. “We ended up helping her and the Displaced of that world rescue A.K. Yearling from some sort of giant crab monster.” No need to tell her she’s Daring Do… yet… she thought. Twilight's eyes widened. “The A.K. Yearling?! Author of the Daring Do series!?” She gasped. Mira nodded. At once there was a squee from Twilight. “You’re so lucky! I’ve yet to meet her!” Mira chuckled before yawning. Twilight saw this and gave a small smile. “You two better get some rest. You both look like you could use it.” Mira nodded before turning to Applejack. “We’ll come and help tomorrow bright and early.” she said. “I’m really sorry we vanished on you.” Applejack waved her apology off with a hoof. “Pshaw, ain’t nothing to worry about, sugercube. I’m just glad you helped the fellers that needed your help.” she said. “But I expect the two of you to be up and early to help with the Applebuckin’ tomorrow.” Both girls nodded before heading to their respective rooms. Applejack then turned to Twilight. “Ah’m not sure if I was the only one who noticed it, but didn't Cassie look like she got spooked by something?” Twilight nodded, a worried look on her face. “I’ll ask her about it later. But right now, I’ll let them rest.” “Ask her about what?” Pinkie asked from behind them, causing the two to whirl around in surprise. “Pinkie! Don't sneak up on us like that!” Twilight scolded, her heart hammering. “I didn't sneak up on you, silly! I was with you for a while!” the hyperactive mare giggled. Twilight opened her mouth to say something, then closed it. It's just Pinkie being Pinkie…. She repeated to herself. “Cassie looked like something scared her, but I don't know what.” “Oooh! She got turned into a dragon to help Wyatt defeat a giant crab monster that attacked them and Daring Do, but she didn't want to become a dragon because of her Omni form, so she got really scared of it! But I’m not gonna say anything else because spoilers, duh!” Twilight blinked in confusion and irritation. “Forget I even mentioned that…” she muttered, feeling a headache coming on. Applejack looked between Twilight and Pinkie. “Well, I’d better get back to the farm. I’ll see you y’all tomorrow.” She then trotted off. “Bye Applejack!” Pinkie called out. She then seemed to realize something and gasped. “I NEVER THREW CASSIE AND MIRA A “WELCOME TO PONYVILLE” PARTY!” She made to leap up, but was brought back to earth by Twilight. “Not now, Pinkie! They're exhausted, and throwing a party for them this moment will make them more exhausted.” She said. Pinkie's mane and tail seemed to deflate a bit. “Tomorrow would be better because they’ll be helping Applejack with harvesting. Would that suit you?” Pinkie nodded happily. “Okie-Dokie! Sounds good to me! Also, you might wanna move from that doorway soon…” She said. “Huh?” Twilight said, a confused look on her face. “Just wanted to let you know!” With that, Pinkie bounced away. Twilight shook her head. “That mare makes no sense sometimes…” She muttered as she made to open the door, only to find herself flattened between the door and the tree. “Twi?” Spike called out. As he came out, the door slammed shut behind him causing Twilight to crash onto the ground. Spike turned and gulped. “Sorry Twi…” All Twilight could utter was an pained groan. It's gonna be one of those weeks….. She thought ruefully as her body flared in pain.