//------------------------------//
// Arc 9(The Ponyville Providence Fair)-1: Journey through Everfree 
// Story: My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Life in Canterlot" 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


Arc 9: The Ponyville Providence Fair


Journey through Everfree



It was a bright and beautiful morning at the School for Gifted Unicorns.  Wanda and Sunset ran through the town as fast as they could, darting towards the School for Gifted Unicorns, all with Abigail clinged onto Sunset’s tail.  Wanda was looking different.  Instead of wearing her pink shirt and light blue overalls, she was now wearing a paled turquoise dress. 
“Hurry,” Wanda yelled.  “We’re going to be late for our field trip to the Ponyville Providence.”
“I’m running as fast as I can, sis,” Sunset yelled.  “If it weren’t for our busted alarm clock, we wouldn’t have had to skip breakfast.”
They made their way down the streets, running past the various ponies that lived in the city.  Soon, the duo was closing in on the archway leading into the School for Gifted Unicorns.  The gates were already wide open, ready to begin another day.
“There it is,” Sunset yelled as she ran as fast as possible.  “We’re going to make it.”
“I can’t wait for our field trip,” Wanda said.
“Hold it right there you two.”  Those words and the tone of that voice were enough to cause Wanda and Sunset to trip over and fall flat on their face.  Sunset’s tail flung fast enough to send Abigail flying forward, crashing into the pavement of the road outside the school entrance. 
“Oww,” Sunset said as she rubbed her nose. “That came right out of nowhere.”
“And I think I know who said that,” Wanda said as she turned to her right.  In front of her face was Chancellor Cinch, staring down at the two juveniles.  It looked like they were both in trouble.
“Just to be clear,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Running is absolutely dangerous on the streets of Canterlot.  You two could have collided with another pony and got them hurt.”
“Aww come on, Chancellor,” Sunset said as she got up.  “It’s nine o’clock.  We’re running late for our field trip.”
“First off,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “That’s no excuse to sprint down the streets.  And second off, you’re off by an hour.  It’s eight o’clock.  Not nine.”
“Eight o’clock?” Wanda said as she got up and dusted herself off.  “That’s impossible.  The clock said nine o’clock.”
“Then it appears you two have a case of a misguided clock,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I’ll let you both off the hook.  But don’t let it happen again.”
Wanda swallowed hard and said “Yes ma’am.”
Suddenly, Wanda, Sunset and Cinch overheard a loud crash nearby.  They turned around and saw Princess Celestia.  She had crashed into a nearby wheelbarrow, spilling grapefruit into the street.  The owner of the wheelbarrow was horrified as she saw her produce scatter across the streets.
“Mommy?” Wanda said as she and Sunset approached Princess Celestia.  The princess of the sun got herself up and shook off the grapefruit bits.  She looked a bit shaken, but she was alright.
“I’m fine,” Princess Celestia said.  “I was wondering why you two were in a hurry that I decided to go after you.  And then, this happened.”
“And this is why you don’t sprint in the streets,” Chancellor Cinch said as she approached Princess Celestia.  “Honestly, you’re becoming a bad influence on your own adopted children.”
Princess Celestia let out a smirk and said “Real cute for someone who ran down the streets before as a filly.”
“Well I.” Chancellor Cinch said, embarrassed by Celestia’s critique.  “I was naive back then.”
Cinch turned her head towards Wanda and Sunset, who were glancing at her with a smirk on their faces.
“Can’t win with a smug princess, a smug juvenile and a smug man’s cub,” Cinch said to herself.
Celestia walked up to Wanda and Sunset, still with small bits of grapefruit in her mane.
“Now you two were in such a hurry,” Celestia said.  “You forgot the most important meal of the day: Breakfast.”
The moment Celestia said those words, Wanda and Sunset’s tummies began to growl.  The two kids blushed with embarrassment.
“Oops,”  Wanda said.  “Guess we forgot about food, mommy..”
“Not to worry,” Princess Celestia said.  “I had a feeling something like this would happen, and I’ve got a kitchen ready for this kind of emergency in the school.”
Princess Celestia turned towards the grapefruit owner.  She used her magic to pick up all the grapefruit from the ground and placed it into a separate wheelbarrow.  She then proceeded to place a medium-sized sack full of bits right next to the owner.
“Here’s some money to compensate for the damage I caused to your produce,” Princess Celestia said.  “Plus a bit more.”
Princess Celestia took the wheelbarrow full of grapefruit and walked towards the entrance of the School for Gifted Unicorn.  Wanda and Sunset watched on, breathing a sigh of relief from early ago.
“You ready to get this day going, sis?”  Sunset said.  “I bet you’ll be enjoying cotton candy and lemonade at the fair.”
“Oh I will,” Wanda said. 
But before the two took off, they heard an “AHEM.”  Wanda and Sunset turned their heads to see Chancellor Cinch, who said to them “Walk.  Don’t run you two.”
“Yes, ma’am,”  Wanda and Sunset said as they reluctantly walked towards the school.  
As the duo approached, Abigail got up and jumped into Wanda’s waiting arms.  And without a second thought, they made their step into the school for a big day.
Chancellor Cinch watched from afar as the two kids walked into school.  Her scowl turned into a warm smile as she saw them disappear through the gates.
“Compared to the hog wash that I have to put up with in the senate,” Chancellor Cinch said. “These two, especially the man’s cub, seem more like decent individuals.”
The grapefruit owner, having placed the bag of bits into her shirt, said “Princess Celestia should be proud to have those two angels.  Even if she is a bit careless.”
“Careless might be too accurate of a word, citizen,” Chancellor Cinch whispered.

It had been one hour since Wanda and Sunset arrived at the School for Gifted Unicorns.  Every student at the school was gathered in a crowd, outside a royal carriage.  Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor were right next to the carriage, ready to load the students up.  Atop the carriage was Rainbow Dash and Ditzy Doo.
“Attention students,” Princess Celestia said.  “In a bit, you will all be joining us on a trip to the Ponyville Providence town of La Maresa.  The local Ponyville Fair is in town, and you are all invited to have fun there.”
“Also, six of you have been given an assignment at the fair,” Princess Cadance said.  “You will be accompanied by six locals who live in La Maresa.  We are joined by two of the locals: Rainbow Dash and Ditzy Doo.”
The crowd of kids cheered as Rainbow Dash and Ditzy Doo took a bow.   Rainbow Dash looked up to see Danged Spell waving to her.  Right next to him was Sunset Shimmer, Wanda Young, Starlight Glimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Sunburst, Moondancer, Abigail and Spike.  They were excited to get down to La Maresa, at the Ponyville Providence.
“You know,” Rainbow Dash said.  “There is one particular unicorn who has become twenty percent cooler for allowing us to stay at his folks’ home till now.  One I consider a rival on the track and field, but is also a good friend.  Come on up, Danged Spell.”
Danged Spell emerged from the crowd and jumped up onto the carriage, climbing up without any trouble.  He gave a hoof bump to Rainbow Dash as the two did a wild dance to the cheering crowd.  They paused to face each other.
“You know Spell,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I gotta give thanks to your parents Fortwright and Shanoa for allowing me and Ditzy to stay at your place for a week.  Even if you did have another joining in, and that tasty passion fruit jam.  That was delicious.”
“Anytime Rainbow,” Danged Spell said.  “But then again, with you two and Sunburst sleeping at my house, you could say it was...JAM PACKED!”
The whole crowd let out a huge “DANGED SPELL” before laughing really hard.  Even Rainbow Dash and Ditzy Doo couldn’t hold in their laughter.  
“Man,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I gotta remember that one when I see my buddies back at La Maresa.”
“I think that’s enough clownin around from you two,” Princess Cadance said as she approached the carriage.  “We better get inside and get ready.”
Rainbow Dash, Ditzy Doo and Danged Spell jumped off the carriage and jumped inside.  Right behind them, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Spike, Moondancer and Sunburst walked on in before the rest of the students entered.  The only ones who didn’t go in were Sunset Shimmer, Wanda Young and Abigail Albright.  Rainbow Dash stuck her head out to see the trio just standing.
“Don’t tell me you eggheads decided you want to stay behind,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Did you both get a trip to detention?”
“Not exactly,” Wanda said as she picked up Abigail.  “Mommy’s going to fly us to La Maresa.”
“And besides,” Sunset said.  “I thought you were going to fly back instead of just jining with the group.”
“Well I was,” Rainbow Dash said.  “But I think for once, I want to kick back and relax, and just see the sights.  Maybe check out what I was missing when I got here.”
“By the way,” Sunset said.  “Have you all seen what happened to Golden Lace?”
Twilight Sparkle stuck her head out and said “I heard she was back in Manehattan with her parents, attending some kind of big event.”
“After what she did last week,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I’m glad she ain’t trying to upstage the La Maresa fair.”
“I’d worry more about her parents,”  Princess Cadance said as she prepared to enter the carriage.  “Even compared to Chancellor Cinch, they’re the meanest ponies of all of Equestria.  Not even Tatarus could contain them.”
Princess Cadance stepped into the carriage with Shining Armor following right behind.  But as he turned around, he noticed Princess Luna was right next to her big sister.  Something was odd.
“Hey Cadey,” Shining Armor said.  “Seems your aunt is hesitant on stepping inside the carriage.”
“Aunt Luna,” Princess Cadance yelled.  “Aren’t you going to come inside?”
“No thanks,”  Princess Luna said.  “I’ll...uhhh….be on carriage pulling duties.”
“Luna,” Princess Celestia yelled.  “Are you kidding?”
“I’ve got this, sister,” Princess Luna said as she ran up to the front of the carriage and slipped herself into the harness.  “Besides, aren’t you going to take Wanda and Sunset on a separate flight?  Don’t want to keep you waiting.”
“There is something wrong with Princess Luna,” Princess Celestia said to herself as she took a glance at her younger sister.  “On the one hand, I do worry for her well being,  But at the same time, I shouldn’t let it distract me from enjoying a good time at the Ponyville Fair.  Besides, I’m doing this for them.” 
Without a second thought, Princess Celestia  turned towards Wanda, Sunset and Abigail and kneeled down.
“Okay you two,”  Princess Celestia said.  “Come on up.”
Despite a slight hesitation, Wanda placed Abigail on top of Princess Celestia’s back before climbing on top.  She turned to Sunset and pulled her up.  Once Sunset Shimmer was on Celestia’s back, Wanda allowed Abigail to jump on her chest before she held her tight.
“Are you both secure?”  Princess Celestia asked.
“I’m ready, mommy,” Sunset said.
“I got Abby ready,” Wanda said as she held Abigail close.
“Great,” Princess Celestia said.  She turned to Princess Luna and said “We’ll meet you at the fair.  I’ve got a little something to show Wanda and Sunset, like I did with Cadance years ago.”
“I’ll see you then,” Princess Luna said as she extended her wings out.
As the carriage doors were shut tight, Rainbow Dash stuck her head back in as Princess Cadance stuck her head out.
“Don’t worry,” Princess Cadance said. “If anything happens, I’ll be there to look after the kids, mother.”
“I don’t think Luna will need all that help,” Princess Celestia said.
And with that, Princess Luna galloped across the runway and flew off, pulling the carriage full of school children with her as they flew into the atmosphere.  Princess Celestia, Wanda, Sunset and Abigail watched as the students slowly, but surely disappeared.
“So,” Wanda said.  “Aren’t you going to take off like Aunt Luna?”
“Oh not this time,”  Princess Celestia said.  “I’m taking a little detour across Equestria on hoof.  But I’m not going to do so as your mother.  I’m going to do so….under my own Wolf’s Breath curse.”
“Wait wha?” Sunset said as she freaked out a bit.
“And don’t worry,” Princess Celestia said.  “I have total control of my curse.  So everything will be alright.  With that being said….HANG ON TIGHT MY DAUGHTERS!”
Sunset grabbed onto Wanda as tight as possible and said “That’s mommy.  Always willing to go beyond the rainbow for us.”
“Tell me about it,” Wanda said as she held onto Abigail.
Celestia glanced at the gate leading outside the School.  Her eyes turned completely white as a glow emitted from them.  She let out a ghastly howl before running off, dashing past the gate and running through town.  Sunset, Wanda and Abigail held on as tight as possible.
“Didn’t mommy get in trouble for running through town like we did?”  Wanda said as Abigail held tightly onto her chest.
“Yeah,” Sunset said.  “But this is her wolf form that we’re talking about.  And when she thinks she’s a wolf, she relies more on her instincts.”
As Wanda, Sunset and Abigail held on, Princess Celestia rushed through the streets of Canterlot City.  The ponies who were going about their lives watched as their beloved leader sprinted through the streets as fast as possible.
Up ahead at the game, a couple of the royal guards were on duty when they took notice of Princess Celestia running towards them in a hurry.
“Princess approaching the gates,”  one of the guards said.  “Open the gates, unless we want to saddle Canterlot with a high repair bill.”
Immediately, another guard pulled a lever.  This caused  the gate to open up and the drawbridge to lower outside the city limits.  The moment the bridge touched the surface, Princess Celestia ran past the guards and across the bridge, running as fast as she could away from the city.  
The guards looked outside as Princess Celestia ran as fast as possible with Wanda, Sunset and Abigail still hanging on.
“Never seen the princess pull that off before,” one guard said as he saw Princess Celestia disappear into the forest.
“It’s like she has the essence of a mustang in her soul,” another guard said.

Further upwards, Princess Celestia ran through the forest as fast as she could, panting as loud as a wolf.  Wanda, Sunset and Abigail held on as tight as possible.
“I knew she was fast,” Sunset said.  “But I never expected her to be this fast.”
“You’re not kidding,”  Wanda said as she held Abigail tightly.  “I wish I had a harness for Abigail.  I can barely hang on to her.”
“Don’t worry,” Sunset yelled.  “I got ya, and I’m not letting go.”
Princess Celestia continued to race through the forest, rushing through on the dirt path as the tree blaze past them.  She continued to gallop towards the light at the end of the forest, edging closer and closer until she reached the very end.  
With a mighty leap, Princess Celestia emerged from the forest and into the open grassy field of Equestria.  As Wanda, Abigail and Sunset held on tightly, Princess Celestia ran forth towards the open plains.  The entire area looked like it would be perfect for an ambush.  But the peaceful sound of the wind and birds indicated no threat on the horizon.
“Wow,” Wanda said as she took a peak outside.  “I’ve never seen Equestria like this up close and personal.”
“You’re not the only one, sis,” Sunset said as she took a peak.  “It’s so beautiful.”
Princess Celestia came to a stop before leaping upwards on to the top of a rocky hill.  She reached the very peak before extending her head upwards and howlings into the sky.  The vibrations of the howl were enough to startle Wanda, Sunset and Abigail.
“YIKES,” Wanda screamed as she tumbled off of Celestia’s back and onto the grass, still holding Abigail to her chest.  Sunset fell afterwards, landing right next to Wanda.  Princess Celestia snapped out of her trance and turned towards her daughters, who were rubbing their head and hip areas.
“That hurts,” Sunset and Wanda said.
“Oops” Princess Celestia said as she felt a bit embarrassed.  “My bad.”
Princess Celestia lowered herself down, allowing Wanda and Sunset to climb back on board with Abigail still clinging onto the Man’s Cub.  The alicorn then got up and looked into the sky.
“Do you see that up there?”  Celestia said.
“That small spec in the sky?”  Wanda said as she and Sunset looked upwards.
“Up there is Princess Luna,” Celestia said.  “And she’s carrying the other students with her.”
“Do you think they can see us?”  Sunset asked.
“Barely,” Celestia replied.  “We’re also like a small spec to them.  Not even Luna can make us out from up there.”
“So when do you suppose we’ll see them again?  Wanda asked.
“Once we get to La Maresa,”  Princess Celestia replied.  “But first, there is a little something I wish to show you both.  It’s located inside the Everfree Forest.”
“The Everfree Forest?” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Yes,” Celestia said as she turned her body towards the west.  “Some say the Everfree Forest is filled with magic and plants that aren’t even native to Equestria.  But what’s really strange is that the flora does not spread outside its boundaries.”
“It doesn’t?”  Wanda said.
“Not at all,” Celestia said as she prepared to take off.  “Now hold on tight.  The ride to Everfree may take awhile.”
Wanda, Abigail and Sunset held on as tight as possible as Celestia’s eyes glowed once more.  She howled into the air as she took off on four hooves, sprinting through the field towards the west once more.
Nearby in a canyon, a mysterious cloaked figure observed Princess Celestia as she took off with Wanda, Sunset and Abigail holding on tightly.  He took off his hood, revealing to be Coldnelius Snap.  He grinned at the sight of Princess Celestia as an aura of cold surrounded his unicorn horn.
“Playin' horsey with the kids, eh Princess Celestia?”  Coldnelius Snap said.  “I would freeze ya cold right now. But I want to save that pleasure for your time  in La Maresa. I’ll be waiting.”
And with that, Coldnelius Snap turned tail and ran off in another direction, with ambition in his cold heart and determination in his eyes.

Later that day, Princess Celestia had traversed the open field of Equestria, passing through meadows of grass and flowers, and various towns that occupied them.  She blazed through a waterfall, getting herself, Wanda, Sunset and Abigail drenched in water, only pausing to dry themselves off.  She ran through a canyon, and dashed alongside a mighty river.  It wasn’t long until they were nearing their destination, as a beautiful town was spotted in the distance.
“Hey,” Wanda said as she saw the town in front of her.  “That’s La Maresa.”
“And there’s a fair in town,” Sunset said.  “That’s where we’re supposed to go.
“Not exactly,” Celestia said as the glow in her eyes disappeared.  “I said I would take you on a detour.  And we’re not done yet.  See that forest to the right?”
Wanda and Sunset turned their heads to the right to see a forest unlike anything they had ever seen in their life.  The trees were different not just in shape, but also in a variety of colors. There was also a strange essence flowing out of the forest, as if the magic there was different than what the two youngsters had felt before.
“Hold on tight you two,” Celestia said as her eyes began to glow again.  “We’re going on a wild ride.”
WIth a mighty howl, Princess Celestia turned towards the forest and sprints forward, all while Wanda, Sunset and Abigail held on tight.  The Alicorn, under the Wolf’s Breath curse, ran as fast as possible as she entered the mysterious forest.

Inside this odd forest, Wanda, Abigail and Sunset held on tight as Celestia ran through the path.  The trees towered over them, frightening the young unicorn filly as she hid behind Wanda’s back.  Wanda observed the trees with curiosity.
“Wow,”  Wanda said.  “I’ve never been here before.  But for some reason, it feels...familiar.”
“Familiar?”  Sunset said as she stuck her head out.  “What do you mean by that?”
“It’s as if I recognize this place,” Wanda said.
“Do you think this is where you were born?”  Sunset asked.
“I don’t know to be honest,”  Wanda replied.  “But it feels all warm and fuzzy.”
But without warning, a voice echoed through the forest, calling out “Wanda.  Wanda.”  That caught Wanda, Sunset and Abigail’s attention.
“Did you hear that?”  Sunset said.
“Yeah,” Wanda replied.  “Even Abigail was alerted to the voice.”
“Where do you think it’s coming from?”  Sunset asked as the voice continued to echo through the forest.
“I have no idea,”  Wanda replied.  “I’ll ask mommy when we get the chance.”

As Wanda, Sunset and Abigail held on, Princess Celestia continued to sprint through the woods, running as fast as possible until she emerged from the other side, to the ruins of a castle.  Wanda, Sunset and Abigail looked at the castle as the Princess came slowly to a stop outside the entrance.
“What is this place?”  Wanda said as she was awe struck by the size of the castle.  “Even the castle we live in pales in comparison to this castle.”
“This is Castle Everfree,”  Princess Celestia said as the glow in her eyes disappeared.  “It’s where Luna and I used to live when we were fillies.”
“Must be amazing to live in a castle like this,” Sunset said as she leaped down from Celestia’s back onto the ground.
“It was,”  Celestia said as Wanda and Abigail also leaped off her back.
“What was it like to live in this castle?”  Wanda asked.
“It’s just like how you two live in mine,”  Celestia replied.  “Back then, me and Luna played together while my mother, Queen Eternia, ruled with a kind heart.”
“Queen?”  Sunset and Wanda said.
“Yes,”  Princess Celestia said.  “Back when I was a filly, my mother and my aunt Icelina both shared the title of Queen as they ruled a kingdom that once was the central capital of Equestria.  And the forest that we ran through?  It used to be a city of its own: Everfree City.  It was bigger than Canterlot is, and was home to a variety of ponies who lived life as it was.”
“What happened to it?”  Wanda asked.
“For some reason,”  Princess Celestia said.  “Aunt Icelina turned against my mother Eternia and began attacking her.  Eternia reluctantly fought back, hoping to knock some sense into her sister.  But each fight felt like a struggle, and our mother was losing.  In a last desperate plea, Queen Eternia ordered Starswirl the Bearded to take me and my sister and flee from the kingdom.  We never saw them again.”  Those words were enough to cause Wanda and Sunset to drop their jaws in shock.
“Do you think they’re...dead?”  Sunset asked.
“I don’t know,” Princess Celestia replied.  “But I assume that to be true.  I only hope that they’re both alive out there.”
Wanda stared at Princess Celestia and her eyes began to water.  She did her best to try to hold it in.  Sunset Shimmer saw her sister’s eyes tear up, and knew something was wrong.  So the filly got up on her hind legs and tapped Wanda’s shoulder, causing the man’s cub to turn towards her older sister.
“It’s okay,” Sunset said.  “I got ya, sister.”
Wanda cracked a weak smile and cried right into Sunset’s chest.  Her tears caught the attention of Princess Celestia, who grew concerned with Wanda.
“Wanda,” Princess Celestia said as she placed her hoof on her human daughter’s shoulder.  “I didn’t mean to make you cry like that.”
As Wanda looked up at Princess Celestia, Sunset said “Don’t worry, mom.  It happens to all of us.”
“Thanks Sunset,” Princess Celestia said.  “Compared to me, you’re the bigger hope for Wanda’s future.”
“Are you sure about that?”  Sunset asked.
“I’m sure of it,” Princess Celestia replied.  “If I was ever gone, you’re the one who can keep Wanda’s hope alive.”
Wanda wiped the tear from her face and turned towards Princess Celestia.  Something was on her mind despite the sad story she heard.  Celestia took notice and placed her hoof on Wanda’s head.
“Is something the matter, dear?”  Princess Celestia asked.
“Mommy,” Wanda said.  “When we were traveling through the Everfree Forest, I overheard a voice call out my name, as if it knew me.  Why is that?”  
Wanda’s question puzzled Princess Celestia, who was nearly at a loss for words.
“That’s something I have never thought about,”  Princess Celestia said.  “A voice that called your name in the forest.”
“Yeah,”  Wanda said as she picked up Abigail.  “Even Abby heard the voice of the forest.”
“Wanda also mentioned that the forest felt familiar to her, as if it may have been her home,”  Sunset said.  “Why do you suppose that is?”
“If I had the answers, I would have told you both,” Princess Celestia said, still puzzled by Wanda and Sunset’s discoveries.  “This is a mystery that both Princess Luna and I will have to look into when we get the chance.  But I promise, I will get to the bottom of this mystery.”
“Thanks mommy,” Wanda said as Abigail gave a friendly meow.  “I hope you do.”
Celestia took a few steps forward and knelt down.  “But for now, I believe we are due for a trip to the fair.”  She said,
Wanda placed Abigail on Princess Celestia’s back before jumping on.  Sunset followed suit and got up right behind Wanda.  Princess Celestia stood and looked ready to take off.
“Hold on tight you two,” Princess Celestia said.
“Oh I’m holding on tight,” Sunset said as she held Wanda from being.  Wanda looked like she was struggling from Sunset’s tight hug.
“I think that might be too tight, sis,”  Wanda said as she held onto Princess Celestia’s neck, all while Abigail held onto Wanda’s check.
With a scrape on the ground with her hoof, Princess Celestia said “Then I have nothing left to say except...TAKE OFF.”  Her eyes turned white and glowed once more as she ran off from Castle Everfree with Wanda, Abigail and Sunset holding on as tight as possible.  They ran deep into the forest as fast as possible, hoping to catch up with Princess Luna and the other students at La Maresa.



	To Be Continued in…


	La Maresa: Jewel of Ponyville