//------------------------------// // Differences in generations // Story: The Girl and the Alicorn // by Brian Sheil //------------------------------// “Princess Celestia? Are you awake?” “Yes, my friend. What’s the matter? Can’t sleep?” “I’m afraid not. I have a lot on mind lately.” “Come sit next to me, Megan. Maybe, I can help you relax. Would you like some tea?” “Maybe later.” “So, what’s troubling you?” “Things have changed so much for me. Equestria sure isn’t like I remember it.” “Yes. You remember this place when it was called Ponyland.” “I can remember when I first came here. I was helping at my family’s farmland home when a Pegasus named Firefly came along and asked for help.” “And, she whisked you off to Ponyland so you can help the ponies from all kinds of danger.” “That’s right. And, it wasn’t long before I brought Danny and Molly along to share in the adventures.” “You three kids are very helpful to the ponies back then. Just like you’re helpful now.” “That’s true. But, sometimes we miss our friends from the past.” “I know. Wind Whistler, Gusty, Paradise, Shady, Heartthrob, North Star, Mimic, Sundance, and many others. They were special to you.” “They sure were. But, thanks to Twilight Sparkle, we were able to have new friends. Friends like Trixie, Moondancer, Miss Cherilee, Zecora, Cranky Doodle, Sassy Saddles, as well as the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Twilight’s friends of the Mane Six.” “That’s true, my friend. Twilight and her friends are happy that you three children could return to our home.” “I was very surprised when I saw a rainbow in the sky. And, flying across that rainbow was Twilight. I was very shocked!” “I understand why. You haven’t had a visitor from our world in two years of your time. Which is 2,000 here.” “I know. With each year that passes at my home, one thousand pass here.” “Things may have changed. But, the values of friendship hasn’t.” “I guess that’s true. I’d like to have that tea you offered, please.” “As you wish. And, I asked Pinkie Pie to bring up a slice of Rainbow Fruit Sponge Cake for you.” “Mmmm. One of my favorite desserts. A whole rainbow with six different flavors.” “I thought that would cheer you up.” “There’s one thing more that scares me a bit.” “And, what is that, Megan?” “All the villains and monsters the Mane Six fight off to protect Equestria.” “I would agree. Remembering such characters would frighten me too.” “And, the list is long. Nightmare Moon, Discord, Queen Chrysalis, King Sombra, Tirek, Gladmane, Cozy Glow, the Pony of Shadows. What a Rogues Gallery!” “Don’t forget, Megan. Sometimes, villains can be rehabilitated. Discord, Starlight Glimmer, and the changelings are on our side. Of course, Chrysalis didn’t stick around. She’s still evil.” “Can’t be helped.” “Speaking of evil characters, Luna and I learned of all the villains YOU faced.” “You did?” “Yes, we did. Your list is a bit long as well. Grogar, Squirk, Catrina, Crunch the Rock Dog, Queen Bumble, The Flores, Hydia and the Witch Sisters, Princess Porcina, and even Tirek’s ancestor, Tirac the Terrible.” “Wow. Names I’d love to forget.” “I’m sure some of them went on the good side too.” “Now that you mention it, Princess Celestia, after we used the Heart Stone, Crunch became kind and gentle. And, Porcina was sorry for all the trouble she caused.” “You see, we both are proud that those who are trouble makers can be on our side.” “Like your sister, Princess Luna. After she was no longer Nightmare Moon.” “Good memory.” “I’m starting to feel better already.” “I’m happy to hear that, Megan. By the way, how are Danny and Molly adjusting to Equestria?” “Little by little. I remember when Molly loved to play with Shady. Those two loved having fun together.” “Now, she gets along with young ponies who understand her.” “True. I know Molly gets along with Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. That group of six helped clean up an old playground so it can be restored.” “If anyone cares about a place like that, it might as well be the kids.” “That’s right. Danny’s favorite pony from the past is Surprise. Those two liked looking at the clouds together.” “So, who does Danny be friends with now?” “Believe it or not, Pinkie Pie. I think he sees a bit of Surprise in that pink giggling pony. Must be Surprise’s descendant.” “Could be. I haven’t thought of that. Any of the ponies YOU get along with?” “I think the one that knows me well is Applejack. She’s a farmer pony. And, being a farmer type myself, we get along well.” “I hope you’re not upset with me.” “With you? Why?” “Don’t forget, when a pony named Shadow Streak gave you a nervous breakdown, I had to use my magic to tie you up so you don’t hurt yourself.” “I understand why you did that. But, it did scare me for a while.” “But, thanks to Twilight and her friends, you got over that nightmare. As they tell you stories from the past, they helped remind you of some of your best moments.” “You’re right, Princess Celestia. Even Starlight Glimmer helped out.” “Speaking of the past, Mayor Mare recently found an old building that still stands. It was revealed to be called Paradise Estate.” “Paradise Estate?! It’s still around. Wow!! I thought it was no longer standing.” “The building is still intact. In fact, the mayor is in negotiations to have Paradise Estate restored to what it was in the days of Ponyland.” “If her honor can accomplish that, I’ll be impressed.” “The mayor is even thinking of inviting you, Danny, and Molly to the estate once the restoration is done. Maybe you three can tell the ponies about your times in that building.” “I can’t wait to tell Danny and Molly about this news. We’d all love to tell every pony about our past in Paradise Estate.” “Wonderful. Now, come with me. I want to show you something.” “Lead the way.” “Have a look. There’s Ponyville, with the lanterns all lit up. Do you see something you recognize?” “I sure do. I see Twilight’s castle. Also, I see the School of Friendship. Many creatures learned good friendship lessons there.” “Correct. Ponyville kind of reminds you of Dream Valley. Doesn’t it?” “You’re right. I never noticed it before. Thanks for pointing that out.” “You know, there maybe other signs of Ponyland here in Equestria. Besides Paradise Estate.” “I think you’re right. I guess spending the night here in Canterlot IS worth it.” “At least you know that despite many differences throughout the centuries, Equestria has one thing that hasn’t changed from it’s days as Ponyland.” “I know. The value and importance of friendship.”