Who would've thought that summer vacation would come so quickly, yet just blow by like a tumbleweed in a hurricane? It felt as if summer had just barely started when Independence day came, along with a couple of days of swimming for Poppytart, a traditional family trip to a berry farm twice this year, then followed by a sleepover with her friends just before August. Already it was the middle of August...wow. Just...wow. It was almost 6 p.m. and Poppy was in her room working on a redo build of an already previously built castle on ManeCraft. She followed a pixeled floor plan on her paint program and used virtual sticky notes on her computer desktop to keep track of the time she's spent on said project. So far, the project has been going for almost 58 hours, stretched over the course of several weeks of course, including the elimination of random herds of sheep, cows, pigs or flocks of chickens here and there in the entirely flat world. She recorded down the time it was when she heard the doorbell ring. She took off her headphones and left the room to answer the door. When she opened the door, outside was Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, RainbowDash, and Rarity. Spike was on Twilight's back, holding a thick scroll with a few whiter, shiny scrolls wrapped up tightly inside one another.
"Oh hi guys," Poppy greeted them, pushing up her glasses. "Whatcha doin' here? And whatcha holdin' Spike?"
"Come outside," Twilight answered. "We have to have a chat."
"Are you sure you don't wanna come inside?"
"Wait," RainbowDash butted in. "Why don't we go back to the library? I mean, we don't want Poppy's 'mom' to come in and interrupt us at all, right?"
"Oh yeeaaahh," Poppy said. "You're right Rainbow, that's a good idea. Lemme go ask my mom."
"No," Twilight interrupted urgently. "There's no time! If we're going to talk about this at the library, we have to go now."
"Besides," Pinkie added. "It's just a short trot away."
"Siiiggghhh. Mom," Poppy called to her mom behind her. "I'm going to the library were Twilight lives, is that ok?"
"How far away is it," her mom replied.
"It should - it should be walking distance, I won't be gone long."
"OK."
When the five ponies reached the library, Twilight immediately guided everypony to a nearby table to talk about whatever important thing she has to share. She'd already previously discussed the matters with Pinkie, Rainbow, and Rarity.
"Alright then," Twilight began. "You know that story you told us about Poppy?"
"Yeah," Poppy replied.
"Well, after I sent my report to Celestia, including said tale, she wrote back to me commenting on it." Twilight's horn began to glow, along with the first of the scrolls in the fat bundle of scrolls as she levitated it into mid-air and passed it to Poppy. When Poppy began to read it, not only did her facial expression change from straight-faced to wide-eyed, but her mane went crazy! First looked like Pinkie Pie's, then it looked like Fluttershy's, but then her mane was like Pinkie's and her tail like Fluttershy's, then switched to the other way around. In her facial expression, she looked like she was surprised, excited, and like she was about to cry all at once.
"Oh...my...Celestia," Poppy said quietly, almost whispering.
"Poppy," Twilight said, trying to grab her attention. But Poppy was too stunned and her focus was locked on the letter from the Princess. She was eyeing it up and down and all over the paper, her face and mane and tail continuously switching back and forth.
"I was right," Poppy whispered, beginning to smile and a tear escaping from her eye.
"But that's not all," Twilight continued. "That dream of yours wasn't just a dream at all. It was intentionally made to happen by somepony. This race of alicorns apparently must have some sort of special magic they can use to send dreams to us mortal ponies in Equestria. That young stallion you saw was telling you of this prophecy." Twilight unraveled the whiter, spirit-like scrolls with her magic and showed the photos to Poppytart. Poppy's mane went crazy again switching even faster now, but this time her mane and tail alternated between Pinkie Pie's and Rainbow's mane styles.
"Oh my Celestia," Poppy said, her voice rising to normal and her smile growing wider. "I knew it!!!"
"I've already discussed these matters with the others here," Twilight continued again. "I guess all we have to do is show you a good time by the end of the summer - "
"Wait no," Poppy interrupted. "Not by the end of the summer; by th - by the arrival of my next birthday."
"Your birthday," Twilight asked, confused.
"Because silly," Pinkie butted in. "It would make her next birthday the best one she's ever had! I know it would be for me if I were in Poppy's place. Then we could have a humongous super awesome party at that castle and all your friends can be invited and it'll be so much fun!"
"Ok, a couple of things first," Poppy began, her mane falling back to normal again. "Firs - first of all, yes, it should be for my birthday because I believe that I was born on my brother's first birthday. And if I were in his place, I know - I know the one thing I'd want for my birthday the most is for my sibling to come home. Second of all, how do you supposed you could help throw a party in a place you can't even see, let alone touch?"
"Easy," Pinkie replied. "Twilight can use that special spell to allow ponies that aren't pegasi to walk on clouds."
"But how will you be able to see the kingdom," Poppy repeated with emphasis. "In fac - in fact, I doubt you'll even see the cloud it's built on."
"Oh yeah," Pinkie realized as she recalled totally forgetting about that part due to her excitement.
"Well," Twilight began. "Perhaps there's a spell we can use to make it so we can see and reach the other kingdom."
"Wait a minute," Poppy started. "Princess Celestia is an alicorn, and so are my real family and their kingdom. Maybe that's how Celestia could see them."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, perhaps the only ponies in Equestria that can see my kin are other alicorns. Maybe - maybe they're immortal because I know my kin are immortal."
"THAT'S IT," RainbowDash shouted.
"What's it," Twilight asked.
"If only alicorns can see the other kingdom," Rainbow continued. "Then maybe we should try a spell that turns ponies into unicorns at the same time!"
"Ok wait," Poppy interrupted. "I said this race of alicorns are all immortal. That also means they're all equivalent to ghosts and spirits. I don't think just because somepony has a horn and wings from a spell makes them an immortal spirit, too. If Celestia isn't immortal, then my brother had to have made himself visible to her just like ghosts are suppos - are able to do. They can do that in front of mortals."
"Well then," Rarity began. "I think we know what'll have to happen there if a couple of spells doesn't do the trick. And you can certainly count me out of it unless it means I can go back to a mortal life afterwards."
"Actually," Poppy began. "Like I said, they're capable of making themselves appear and not appear in front of mortals. In fact, if they're in a room full of them they can choose any certain one or more of them out of everyone else to be visible to. All you guys really need are the wings spell and we'd do the rest."
"Oh...uh...well then...ahem you have a good point there I must say."
"However, I think that means only themselves themselves rather than all the clouds and buildings. But that's why we're alicorns. Probably just gotta touch our horns to your heads with a spell of our own to let you in and still be alive...mortals."
"Then it's settled," Twilight announced. "We all know what to do now, right?"
"Right," everypony replied expect for RainbowDash.
"Hang on a second," Rainbow stepped in. "If Poppy's gonna pull off any Sonic Rainbooms she's gonna need lots and lots of training. Luckily, you guys got me! If anyone can train somepony to fly so fast you should ask the legendary pony that pulled off such an awesome trick as a filly!"
"She's got a good point there, too," Pinkie responded. "I've never seen another pony fly as fast as Dashie!"
"Oh I can't wait to have those same dazzling wings I had last time when it's time for the party," Rarity squeaked in excitement, bouncing with delight.
"Actually Rarity," Twilight stopped her. "I don't think anypony here that can't fly is going to need wings this time. Last time I perfected the spell for that race neither me, Pinkie, or Applejack had wings at all."
"Oh...yeah," Rarity stopped bouncing as she recalled that day. Twilight was right which meant no dazzling, giant, butterfly wings for her. "eh-heh...that's right..."
"Ok then, now it's settled," Twilight finally announced as the five mares' meeting ended and everypony returned home.
*~*~☾~✿~✧~★~✧~✿~☾~*~*
"Alrighty then," RainbowDash exclaimed toughly as she paced back and forth like an army leader in front of Poppytart, Poppy's mane fluffy and her expression determined and fearless. It was 9 AM, middle of the month, and it was the first day of Poppytart's flight training. Fluttershy was there, too, to help cover the VERY basics like getting off the ground period.
"Are you ready to get those artificial wings goin' like a winner?!"
"Yes ma'am!" Poppy exclaimed in reply.
"I said ARE YOU READY?!?!"
"YES MA'AM!"
"Good!"
"Alright. Step one." Fluttershy stepped in. "Flap your wings until you lift off the ground. But not too much because you don't wanna get too high."
Poppytart began to flap her wings, but nothing happened. Rainbow encouraged her to flap harder and harder, and it finally payed off. Poppy was then hovering 5 inches off the ground and maintaining it, as she instantaneously slowed her wings to regulate a safe distance from the ground.
"Wow," Rainbow said, surprised. "You really got the hang of it."
"Thanks," Poppytart blushed. "I tend to get the how-to parts on some - on somethings."
"Ok, Step 2," Fluttershy continued. "Can you land without dropping yourself?"
"She'll have to fly a little bit higher though," Rainbow reminded them. Poppytart flapped her wings a little harder until she was about two feet from the ground, then successfully landed by slowly and softly slowing her wing speed.
"Wow," Poppytart exclaimed. "I've been a unicorn my whole life and never knew what it was like to fly and already I must be a natural!"
"You can say that again," Rainbow chuckled. "You are originally an alicorn anyway, y'know."
"Yeah, that's right, that's right."
Throughout the day, Poppy got down plenty more of the basics in flying: flying higher and higher, getting used to sky heights, working out with light-weight to heavy clouds, flying from one place to another, increasing speed and distance each time. Poppy was getting down the routines and skills so quickly, she might not have to wait until her birthday to be ready for her super-magical sonic rainbooms! And come to think of it, how would sonic rainbooms turn Poppytart into the angel she's literally and physically supposed to be? And why three times instead of one? Even Poppytart can tell RainbowDash is stronger than her and fast flying is Rainbow's talent so she could definitely handle one rainboom. As for Poppy who's never endured such a thing, would she get hurt if she trying to attempt it? Maybe her artificial wings will get so worked up, they'll give out and maybe even fade away until they disappear in mid-flight? But if the prophecy foretells of the stunt being performed three times by the speckled unicorn to make the transformation, it must be possible. Because you know prophecies and prophecies never lie.
A week later in the end of the month, it was a beautiful Sunday and Pinkie Pie had just came into Sugarcube Corner for some cupcakes. Then, she noticed Poppytart came trotting in just after her, her mane matching her own and her average-pegasus-sized wings were spread out in a very positive expression. She seemed to be in a very good mood today.
"Hey Poppy," Pinkie greeted her. "How'd the flight training go with Dashie? Doesn't look like it was very hard today 'cause you don't seem all tired or sweaty."
"Oh, I didn't do any training today Pinkie," Poppy replied with a chuckle. "I requested to take the day off today because I was hoping to see my coltfriend, and I kinda needed the time to get ready. Today's our one year anniversary!"
"Oh congratulations! You know what this calls for?"
"WAIT PINKIE," Poppy quickly stopped Pinkie in her tracks. "Thanks, but a party is a little much. Besides, he's busy today, unfortunately. But we'll be seeing each other tomorrow. I'll be re-continuing training later today."
"Okie dokie then."
"However, I did want to come and get some cupcakes for another sleepover I'm having with my school friends this weekend. And me and my coltfriend were planning on doing something for our anniversary and if we can't tomorrow, then we might go out on Tuesday for ice cream."
"Sounds super! Hope you two have fun!"
"Thanks Pinkie."
"Your welcome! Oh, and happy anniversary!"
"Thanks again!"
After Poppy left, she flew off to find RainbowDash and explain that her coltfriend, Bullet, wasn't available today so she was free to do more training. Poppytart was able to fly at an average pegasus flying pace, seeing as she tackled the beginners practices in just a few days. The rest of the past week was just tests and an obstacle course. And after such a successful week, she passed her final flight test where she flew off a 2-meter-high drop off and the training was over for today. She decided to walk home today, seeing as her wings were tired as hell. But as she was making her way home, Poppy had realized she forgot to get the cupcakes she was going to get for her sleepover this weekend! Y'know what, Poppy thought to herself. That's ok. They would've gotten stale anyway. Cupcakes are better when they're fresh. With that settled in her mind, Poppy just kept walking home. Again, Poppy's wings wore very sore and becoming numb, a sign that the spell was beginning to wear off. Luckily, Twilight had taught Poppy in between training on how to do the spell to restore her wings herself.
The next two days had gone as planned. On Monday, Poppy and Bullet hung out at Bullet's neighborhood and walked around for a while. It was really hot out and the pool was open. Unfortunately for her, she was wearing one of her favorite t-shirts and she didn't bring her swimwear or an extra t-shirt. But instead, she decided to just dip her feet in. On Teusday, the couple went to an ice cream parlor that was within walking distance from Poppy's house. Poppy had a banana split and Bullet a root beer float. Poppy noticed Bullet's awkward expression as he was eating his cold treat, a bottle soda on the side.
"There's something wrong," he said.
"What's wrong," Poppy asked between spoon scoops.
"Why would they call this a root beer float if they didn't use root beer in it?" Some of Bullet's soda was used for the ice cream drink and he got to have the rest for free. However, it wasn't root beer; it was just a regular cola. "If they give you a root beer float, they shouldn't change the recipe. Instead of a cola they've got to use actual root beer."
Poppy gave a small giggle, even though Bullet was actually kind of serious (she had to agree with him though) and continued eating her ice cream until she got to the bottom. By then, the sweetness of the chocolate syrup was just way to much for her to handle and it was just downright disgusting. Soon enough, she and Bullet were on their way back to Poppy's place. The whole way back, Bullet was being his annoying-in-a-funny-way self again and constantly "bugging" her and joking around, having fun with her.
"This was fun," he finally said.
"Yeah, it was," Poppy agreed.
When the 20 minute trek was finally over, Bullet immediately plopped down onto one of the couches in Poppy's living room. It wasn't long before he'd fallen asleep. Poppy decided to sit down in front of couch and just watch him sleep, resting her head on an open spot on the couch. Suddenly, Poppy noticed his eyelids were twitching. Her mane relaxed back to it's original style as she began to realize something was wrong. At the moment, she didn't even know he actually fell asleep. Soon after, his face itself was twitching. She tried nudging him but he wouldn't respond. His face was was creeping her out so she moved to the other couch. It wasn't until now she realized he was asleep, so she went into her room and grabbed the teddy bear he'd given her earlier in their relationship because she knew how much he liked it when she brought it out. He'd always grab it and be like "lol claimage". When she came back, his eyes suddenly shot open. The was a wild furious look on his face she'd never seen before and he muttered something through clenched teeth. She could've sword she heard "I'm gonna kill-" in all that loud muttering. Her mane fell to the straight style of Fluttershy's mane as soon as she saw that frightening look. This worried her so bad, it scared her to where she ran out of the room, still holding the teddy bear with her magic, sent into tears worried sick. Sadly for her, she completely forgot about Bullet's slight insanity. He even told her what it'd look like a long time ago but she'd totally forgot it all in the fun she's been having with his company in the time between then and now. She loved him that much to where she always only cared about the good parts and ignored the bad parts. She quickly shut her bedroom door, jumped onto her bed, and hid under the covers. She hid there weeping for somewhere close to a minute or two before she heard a knock on the door.
"What, wha - who is it," Poppy answered between sobs.
"It's me," a quiet, sorry-sounding voice came from the other side of the door. It was Bullet.
"Come in."
Poppy brought herself to poke her face out from under the covers.
"I'm sorry," Bullet said to her quietly, trying to comfort her. "It's ok, don't cry please." He stroked her head trying to make her feel better, but he was still trembling after what happened back in the living room. That made Poppy shrink back into the covers more, but she quickly calmed down, too, and brought herself to get out from under the covers and give him a hug. She was just glad he was ok.
"I'm really sorry," he began again. "It...it was this...this car sound, it was just pissing me off."
"*Sniff* wh-what car sound," Poppy asked, confused.
"It was like this car door shutting and it kept waking me up over and over. But then I realized it was just your grandmother getting stuff from her car."
"Oh, really? I wasn't paying attention. I didn't even know because I was too busy paying attention to you."
"It's ok."
"A-and I'm sorry I ran away, I was just so worried. Thi-this isn't - this isn't the first time, though. One time, Fruitloop was eating toast for dinner an - and she began to choke on it. I thought she was gonna choke to death so I tried to run away be-because it was so scary anythi - anything like that will be super scary to me. Anything bad like that or like what happened back there, death, anything, it'll scare me to death." At this point, Poppy began trembling, too. Fruitloop, her youngest sister, had scared her a while back and she did try to run away. But when she tried to run, her father came rushing in past her and she froze before she could keep going. Bullet held her closer and she began to relax again. this frightful event that occured today haunted Poppy for the rest of the evening, but she kept her mind off of it a little by playing around on her computer on ManeCraft and doing random stuff on the Internet. All was fine while Poppy was goofing off until her parents called her out from her room. That's when everything took a terrible turn for the worst.
*~*~☾~✿~✧~★~✧~✿~☾~*~*