//------------------------------// // Chapter 12: Swarm of the Century // Story: Twilight’s Little Comet // by GoebelTron //------------------------------// Out by the field of the Everfree Forest, Fluttershy was picking out some flowers for the Princess’s arrival the next day. She had a squirrel helping her out. The squirrel was holding a dandelion. “Thank you little squirrel, but remember: these flowers are for Princess Celestia,” Fluttershy said. “Only the prettiest ones will do.” Just then, something chirped, startling her. “Gah!” She hid behind a bucket of apples. When she peeked her head, she saw a small blue creature. “Hello, little guy. I've never seen anything like you before,” Fluttershy said. The small creature then sniffed an apple until Fluttershy realized what it was doing. “Oh, are you hungry?” Fluttershy then squashed the apple into mush, and offered it to the small creature. “Here you go.” The creature then ate all the apples as quick as a termite, as Fluttershy was suddenly shocked. “I guess you were hungry,” Fluttershy said, as the cute creature then purred adorably and snuggled into her pink mane. Fluttershy smiled warmly, “You’re the cutest thing ever! I can’t wait to show you to my friends.” She then trotted back over to Ponyville. Back at Twilight’s library, Spike was cleaning up all the books so they can be restocked on the shelves. The entire town of Ponyville was decorated for the arrival of Princess Celestia. Twilight was suddenly nervous, “Oh! Hurry up, Spike! This place isn’t gonna clean itself.” “It also didn’t mess itself up,” Spike said. “Princess Celestia will be here tomorrow!” Twilight said, dusting every other corner of the room. “I thought this was just an unofficial casual visit,” Spike said. “There’s nothing casual about a visit from royalty. I want this place to be spotless, and you’ve barely made a dent in the clutter,” Twilight said. Spike climbed up the ladder to put the books back on the shelf, “Maybe you should, ugh, start reading them one at a time-- whoa ho! Aw.” “Everything’s got to be perfect. No time for fooling around,” Twilight said. “Mom! Mom!” Comet’s voice came. “Mommy! I learned a new spell!” “You did?! What is it?!” she asked. Comet then concentrated and with a quick flash from his horn, all the piled books were restocked back on every shelf. Twilight and Spike were amazed. “Comet… I don’t believe that you just casted an advanced spell nopony has ever conjured before,” she said, before bringing him over for a hug. “I’m proud of you, sweetie.” “Thank you, Mommy,” Comet said, hugging his mother’s chest. “I thought it’d be cool to use if Spike didn’t have to hurt himself.” “That’s very sweet of you, Comet. But you do know that Spike works hard,” Twilight said. “Plus, the reading why we’re cleaning everything up is because Princess Celestia is coming over tomorrow. And I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.” “SHE WILL?!” Comet asked. “Absolutely,” Twilight said, before she thought of an idea. “Why don’t we go see how everypony else’s preparations are going?” Comet nodded, and then Spike got a checklist ready, “I’ve got the checklist ready.” He then got onto Twilight’s back and then they left the library. While Twilight, Spike and Comet were walking, the ponies were chattering while Ponyville was decorated for Princess Celestia’s visit. Suddenly, they saw the banner that said “Welcome, Princess Celest” and suddenly got confused. “What happened to the rest of her name?” Twilight asked. “We couldn’t fit it all in,” Golden Harvest replied. “You can’t hang a banner that says “Welcome Princess Celest”. Take it down and try again,” Twilight said. “Sorry about that. She’s really eager to see everything perfect when she arrives,” Comet said. Twilight turned to Bon Bon, who was watering flowers, “That looks perfect. Keep up the good work.” Bon Bon nodded and continued watering the flowers. Twilight, Comet and Spike went over to Sugarcube Corner to check on the sweets, “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Cake. How’s the banquet coming?” Mrs. Cake then nervously replied, “Uh...it would be coming a little better if...” They suddenly saw the sweets eaten by none other than Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie! What are you doing? Those sweets are supposed to be for the princess,” Twilight exclaimed. “I know. That's why I’m tasting them. Somepony needs to make sure that everything is tasty enough to touch the royal tongue, and I, Pinkie Pie, declare that these treats are fit for a king, or a queen, or a princess,” Pinkie Pie said, before she was stopped by Comet, who took the cake away from her. “Aww…” At Carousel Boutique, Rarity was creating a renaissance outfit for Rainbow Dash to wear, but the pegasus mare was being too hesitant, “Stand still, Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow Dash groaned, “Ugh, I caaan’t, I need to flyyy!” Rarity suddenly tugged her tail. “This is waaay too boring for me.” “Do you want to look nice for Princess Celestia or not?” Rarity asked. Twilight, Comet and Spike suddenly came in, and she said, “Wow. Rarity, those outfits are gorgeous.” Rarity giggled, “Mmhmm. Thank you, Twilight. Nice to know somepony appreciates my talents.” Rainbow Dash then shook the wig and took the dress off, “Ugh, sooo boooring.” A voice suddenly came in, “Girls, you won’t believe... oh, I’m sorry. Uh, am I interrupting?” “No, not at all. Come on in and make yourself at home,” Pinkie Pie asked. “What’s going on, Fluttershy?” “You won’t believe what I found at the edge of the Everfree Forest,” Fluttershy said, until a chirping sound appeared. “Huh?” Rarity asked. “What’s that sound, Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked, until Fluttershy looked down at her mane. “Come on out, little guy. It’s okay.” The creature she found purred and popped out of her mane, until four more chirped. Fluttershy gasped, “Five?” “Wow, what are they?” Rainbow Dash said. “The better question is, where did they come from?” Fluttershy asked. “They’re amazing,” Twilight asked. “I’m not sure. I’m also not sure where these other four came from,” Fluttershy said. “I’ve never seen anything so... adorable. Besides, it’ll be nice to have a companion for Spike and Comet so they won’t bother me so much while I’m studying,” Twilight said, as the little creature nuzzled with her mane. “HEY!” Spike and Comet glared in unison. Fluttershy looked at Pinkie Pie, and asked, “Pinkie, do you want the other one?” Pinkie Pie then said, “Ugh! A parasprite? Are you kidding?” Fluttershy was confused, “Ugh?” Twilight was also confused, “A para-what now?” “How could you not like...” Fluttershy was then cut off by Pinkie, “Ugh. Now I gotta go find a trombone.” “A what?” Twilight asked. “A trombone, you know…” Pinkie then made a trombone imitation, before trotting off. “Ahhh, typical Pinkie,” Twilight said, until the small creature purred, while snuggling into Twilight’s mane. “Uh, I’ll take one,” Rainbow Dash said. “Me too. Oh, they’re perfect,” Rarity said. Pinkie Pie suddenly came back in, “Does anypony know where I can find an accordion?” The others were distracted by the adorableness of the small creatures while making baby talk noises. “Girls! Hello! This is important. Durgh! Thanks a lot.” Back at the library, Twilight checked everything that was on the list, and then sighed and said, “The decorations, the banquet, I really hope everything comes together in time for tomorrow.” Spike and the little creature were sleeping together, while Comet was in his bedroom with Beethoven. “Oh,” Twilight smiled warmly and then yawned, “…what’s there to worry about?” The next morning, Twilight woke up and what suddenly shocked her was that sleeping on Spike was more of the strange creatures. “Spike! Wake up! What happened?” Twilight asked. “Huh? Whaaa! What’s going on?” Spike asked. A swarm of parasprites were everywhere. “Where did they come from?” Twilight asked. “I don’t know. The little guy got hungry in the night, so I gave him a snack, but... I have no idea where these others came from,” Spike replied, until the parasprites started destroying everything. “Mom! They’re everywhere!” Comet said, hiding underneath her and behind her front legs. Twilight comforted her son, and then said, “The princess will be here in a few hours, but now we’ve got a bigger problem on our hooves!” “What do we do?!” Comet asked. “Spike, you and Comet help me round up these little guys,” Twilight said. Spike was somehow having trouble with keeping everything clean and away from the parasprites, “Ugh, what does it look like I’m doing?!” Comet used his magic to round them up, but it was no use. The girls somehow had mishaps with the other parasprites, leaving Pinkie Pie with a solution. Twilight, Comet and Spike were on their way over to Fluttershy’s cottage, but suddenly saw Rarity with her bags full of her parasprites. Rarity gasped, “I see we’re having the same problem.” Rainbow Dash’s voice suddenly appeared, “Ditto!” She then shook them off. “Fluttershy knows everything about animals, I’m sure she can tell us how to stop them from multiplying,” Twilight said, but suddenly as they got there, it was already a complete disaster as more parasprites were everywhere. “...or not.” “Ugh, do something Fluttershy, can't you control them?” Twilight asked, as she, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Comet saw what was happening. “I’ve tried everything I know. I’ve tried begging, and pleading, and beseeching, and asking politely, and...” Rainbow Dash moaned, until Twilight had a bad vision about the parasprites pestering Princess Celestia. “If we can’t get them under control before the princess arrives, it’ll be a total disaster. Rarity then saw a parasprite gagging a hair ball that became another parasprite. “Ew! If you ask me, it’s already a total disaster,” Rarity said. “She has a point, you know. Look,” Comet said pointing at Ponyville being destroyed by the swarming parasprites. They then got back into the library to look for answers. As they all looked for answers, Comet then headed to a section of the library and pulled out one book. He turned to one page and saw something that shocked him. “Mom! Look at this!” Twilight and her friends came over, “What is it, sweetie?” Comet showed her the page, until she gasped in shock, “Parasprites! Creatures who are extremely cute, but are a real pest. They eat every kind of food and multiplying in the grossest way possible. Oh, boy.” “We better chase out them pesky varmints and keep ‘em out of Ponyville,” Applejack said, as Pinkie Pie ran off. “It’ll be a tough road,” Twilight said. “But, at least we’ll have everything ready again before Princess Celestia comes… hopefully. We don’t want those things to keep causing a ruckus, until they swallow Ponyville whole.” Comet then went off, until he heard Twilight’s voice call him, “Comet! Where are you going?!” “To find Pinkie Pie!” Comet replied, before continuing to run off. “Hope she’s okay. Come on, let’s come up with a plan!” Twilight said, as they started to come up with strategies for the parasprites. Out in the middle of nowhere, Comet was still looking for Pinkie Pie, until he saw a wagon full of musical instruments and other equipment. “Pinkie? What are you doing?” Comet asked. “Oh, hey, Comet,” Pinkie Pie replied. “Are those instruments?” he asked. “Yep! I tried asking for their help, but they’re just too stubborn,” Pinkie replied. “What do you mean?” Comet asked. “I know a way to keep them from doing what they’re gonna do, which is right now!” Pinkie shouted. “They came to my family’s rock farm 10 years ago, and they got distracted by music. So, I need the instruments of a one pony band!” She then continued moving her wagon forward. Comet then realized what she meant, until an idea popped in his head, “One pony band… ONE PONY BAND! PINKIE, YOU’RE A GENIUS!” “I am?!” she asked. “Come on! I’ve got an idea!” Comet replied, as Pinkie trotted along with Comet. After failing to round up the parasprites, Ponyville was already destroyed, including Sweet Apple Acres and Rarity’s boutique, and Twilight’s library. The ponies were screaming in terror. Twilight was suddenly panicking, “Okay, here’s the plan. Rainbow Dash, you distract them.” Rainbow Dash screamed. “Good. Everyone else, we need to build an exact copy of Ponyville right over there,” Twilight said, before panicking again. “We’ve got less than a minute. Oh no, the princess’s procession is almost here. It’s all over! Oh, we’re doomed.” “Mom!” Twilight suddenly heard her colt’s voice from the distance, “Comet?! Where have you been?” “Getting help, plus I know how to make it work! In fact, we know how!” Comet said. “We?” the other mares asked. They suddenly heard music, which sounded like a circus, but it was Pinkie Pie with a one pony band set along with some other instruments from a circus parade. Twilight and the other mares were unamused, “Pinkie? We’re in the middle of a crisis here. This is no time for your...” Comet then cut her off, “No wait! Look!” Twilight and the others saw some parasprites following Pinkie, “…nonsense?” The Parasprites were enchanted by the music and followed Pinkie Pie as she was leading them all away from Ponyville. “What do you think?” Comet asked. “You planned this?” Twilight asked, as Comet nodded. She then put him on her back and then she and her friends followed Pinkie Pie, and then saw the Parasprites flying back to their natural habitat. “We did it!” Comet said in exclaim. Just then, they saw the chariot coming down. “Here she comes, everypony!” Twilight said. The eight of them watched as the chariot landed in front of them. Princess Celestia exited the chariot and came up to the Mane 6, Comet and Spike. “Twilight Sparkle, my prized pupil,” Princess Celestia said. “Hello, princess,” Twilight said. “So lovely to see you again, as well as your friends,” Princess Celestia said. She then looked down at Comet. “Hello there, Comet. Are you enjoying your time in Ponyville?” “I am…” Comet said, before giving a sad smile. “I know, it must be hard getting used to a new place in an unfamiliar form but in the same gender,” Princess Celestia said. “But I know that you’ll adjust. Just give it some time.” “Not all ponies see me that way,” Comet said. “Some ponies still don’t understand me, but some still want me...” Comet got nervous and shuttered. Princess Celestia leaned her head towards Comet and said, “I promise that that will never happen to a sweet, innocent soul like you.” She then kissed him on the forehead, and stood up straight and said, “And I will make it clear to the ponies of Canterlot at the Grand Galloping Gala. Which is why... you’ll be attending.” Princess Celestia levitated a ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala to Comet. Comet took the ticket in his magic, unsure whether to accept or decline. “Uhhhh... Do I have to attend?” “It would make things a whole lot more easier for both of us for you to attend the gala,” Princess Celestia said, smiling. “You’ll have no worries.” Comet sighed, as Twilight placed her hoof onto him. “But for now, I cannot stick around,” Princess Celestia said. “I’m afraid an emergency has come up in Fillydelphia. Apparently there’s been some sort of infestation.” “An infestation?” Twilight asked. “Yes, a swarm of incredibly bothersome creatures has invaded the poor town,” Princess Celestia said, getting back into her chariot. “I’m sorry Twilight, to have to put you all through so much trouble.” “It’s... alright, Princess,” Twilight said. “We understand.” “Before I have to go, would you care to give me your latest report on the magic of friendship in person?” Princess Celestia asked. “My... report?” Twilight asked. “Actually, I have,” Twilight said, looking towards Pinkie. “I’ve learned that sometimes the solution to your problems can come from where you least expect it. It’s a good idea to stop and listen to your friends’ opinions and perspectives... Even when they don’t always seem to make sense.” “I’m so proud of you, Twilight Sparkle, and I’m very impressed with your friends as well,” Princess Celestia said. “It sounds like you’re all learning so much from each other.” “Thank you, princess,” Twilight said. Then the chariot got lifted into the sky. Comet then looked down at the ticket he got from the Princess, and frowned. Twilight looked at Comet and asked, “What’s wrong, Comet?” “I’m... I’m not to sure that I want to go,” Comet said. That made Twilight’s friends look down at Comet, all gasping. Rarity then asked, “Well why not, darling? It’s a very big honor just to go to the Grand Galloping Gala.” “It's one of the biggest parties in all of Equestria!” Pinkie shouted. “How could you not want to go?!” “I... don’t really want to... you know...” Comet said, worried that the others wouldn’t understand. “It would make you feel more girly like those bullies treated you back then?” Twilight asked. Comet replied nodding, and also sighing sadly. Twilight sighed as well and said, “Well, you might not like it, but you should go as well. You can’t refuse the Princess’s invitation to the Gala. She’s expecting you to go there.” Comet bit his lip, getting nervous at what kind of trouble he was going to get into. As nighttime arrived, and Ponyville was restored, Comet was laying in his bed with Beethoven laying next to him. He was looking out the window, which was on the other side of the room, with worry. Twilight’s ear twitched until she turned her head towards Comet’s bedroom door, and opened her eyes. She then decided to do one more check on her son, but she saw him staring out the window. “Comet?” Twilight asked. “Are you alright?” Comet looked towards Twilight and sighed. He then said, “Not really. I don’t really want to dress up and go to this... Gala. It seems... boring and... uncomfortable for me because of the big crowds.” Twilight then walked towards Comet and said, “I know. You’re a little worried that you might lose your mind and start thinking about things from your past?” Comet nodded. “It’s okay. You might not enjoy it, but I’m sure that you’ll be able to go with it. I’ll be by your side all the way.” “Really?” Comet asked. Twilight nuzzled Comet before pulling him over for a hug as he was snuggled against her chest, and said, “Really. No matter what happens, I’ll be there with you.” Comet smiled. “At the Gala, I’ll be with you. As long as you stay with me when I’m gonna talk with the Princess.” “Okay,” Comet said. He then sighed. “I just won’t enjoy it much.” “I know,” Twilight said, she then placed him back on his bed. “Now, get some sleep. We’re gonna have to get ready.” Comet yawned and said, “Okay. Good night.” Comet then fell back asleep. Twilight kissed Comet’s forehead and said, “Good night, Comet.” She then headed for her bed and got in. Then, the two of them fell asleep in their bedrooms, hoping that the next day will be better for Comet.