//------------------------------// // Rough Beginnings // Story: Escaping The Invasion // by Starlight Fan //------------------------------// Starlight was really tired and irritated, currently she and the group were all beyond the borders of Equestria, and in a REALLY hot desert. Thankfully with Twilight’s alicorn level teleportation spells, she made the journey to go beyond the Badlands much less strenuous than it needed to be but it was still really hot. “Starliiiiiiight, I’m hoooooooot.” Trixie whined, clearly suffering heat exhaustion, and clearly the heat was starting to affect her, she couldn’t do much about that but Starlight needed to snap Trixie out of that whiny state. “Well whining like a foal won’t make it easier so keep the complaints to a minimum!” Starlight commanded angrily. “Heat makes you irritable doesn’t it?” Trixie panted as she leaned against her friend’s shoulder. “It does.” Starlight sighed miserably, “Sorry Trix.” “It’s fine. The heat can be a pain. The Winded and Exhausted Trixie knows that from travel experience.” Trixie waved it off. Starlight soon heard Pinkie Pie giggle deliriously before fainting, to which Starlight used her magic to pick her up. “Gosh this is draining.” Starlight croaked. “We could be going in... circles.” Spike began coughing and wheezing, “Endless... sand…” Spike inhaled deeply, “Nothin' for miles... but sand…” He then picked up a rock and threw it, “and this rock... and this cactus…” Spike gestured to the cactus on his butt, “and this roooooaaad” Spike groaned as he went to his knees before laying flat on his stomach, “this rooooooad....” Spike put his claw in the air lamely before laying down. Starlight sighed, using her magic to put Spike on her back. Twilight seemed to have heard what Spike said before making a realization, “A road? Where there's a road, there's a…” She gasped with a smile before Starlight walked over with Spike on her back and Pinkie in her telekinetic hold and smiled as well, seeing that there was a town just a few miles ahead. “Yes! Civilization! THANK CELESTIA!” Starlight laughed a bit maniacally due to the heat but joyful nonetheless. Soon Pinkie Pie woke up once she heard this and smiled brightly, “Ooh a city. We are doing it you guys!” “You know what they say: where there's a city, there's a spa!” Rarity said enthusiastically, as she flicked her frazzled mane away from her face. “Ooh yes. A spa sounds great.” Trixie smiled enthusiastically as Starlight set Pinkie Pie down on her hooves. “Uh, we’re kinda in the middle of something Trixie.” Starlight told the stage magician a bit sternly. “Starlight isn’t wrong, because in case you forgot, we're on a mission to save Equestria.” Applejack reminded the two drama queens. “I can multitask.” Rarity scoffed. Starlight rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless. As Twilight led her friends across this new town with Starlight and Spike each by her side, she began to notice things were very strange. This town apparently was home to some weird pig like creatures, with horns and soon a cloaked vendor with red claws looked at Starlight with a smirk, “Ooh, Hey! You with the horn, you selling?” Starlight immediately began hyperventilating as she began walking faster to which Twilight sped up to catch up to her friend and covered her mouth, “Calm down. He won’t hurt you, I won’t let him.” She whispered calmly, knowing Starlight’s fears can get the better of her sometimes. “Thank you.” Starlight smiled gratefully, “He just had this…” she shuddered before continuing meekly, “…disturbing vibe towards him. I felt he was targeting me.” “Don’t worry, like I told you when you graduated, I’ll always be here for you.” Twilight smiled at her friend who smiled back. She then looked to see a large blue turtle creature and decided to try and acquaint herself with at least one of the townsfolk, “Hi there.” She smiled warmly, causing the giant turtle to drop their barrel on the other, causing them both to roll back down. “Oh sorry.” Twilight apologized, clearly sympathetic, “Let me help you with that.” She then used her magic to stack the barrels neatly and balanced but the large turtle did not seem pleased, “Hey! No magic around my merchandise!” He screamed threateningly which caused the group to leave the area quickly and once they slowed down and were away from the ruckus, Twilight spoke up, “Okay, we just gotta stick together. Be careful who you talk to. And try to blend in.” She instructed. “Of course.” Starlight nodded firmly but then Twilight heard a familiar shout, “Can I have your attention please?!” She didn’t need to look to know who it was. As Starlight followed Twilight, she heard Pinkie yammer on and on about some random stuff she had, and soon they finally reunited with the party pony. “Pinkie. You can’t just take off.” Twilight said through clenched teeth, “And you don't need to announce to every creature about our situation.” “Aw come on Twilight. Not everyone in this place can be that bad. Pinkie was just trying to help.” Starlight reassured Twilight softly who looked a bit sternly at her, which was new. “Yeah Twilight. Relax, I totally got this.” Pinkie Pie smiled absentmindedly. Suddenly a giant dinosaur creature spoke up as a crowd began to form around the ponies and dragon, “How much for the giant gecko?!” “Who are you calling a gecko?!” Spike asked furiously. “Uh… Spike isn’t for sale.” Twilight stepped in front of her little buddy. “I want that fancy purple hair! I'll give ya two storm bucks for it!” A giant troll creature pointed at Starlight with a smirk. “Are you insane?! I am not selling my own hair!” Starlight cried out incredulously in which Twilight placed a hoof on the unicorn’s chest, “Control yourself please.” She begged with clenched teeth. Soon more townsfolk began to gather around and practically surround the group, to which Trixie began chattering her teeth in terror. Starlight began flaring up her horn angrily, ‘Magic may not always be the solution to your problems but given we are practically being mobbed, blasting these cretins is needed.’  Suddenly a giant cat jumped in front of Starlight and her friends and spoke up with arms outstretched, “Back up, everyone! Back it up! Y'all in some serious danger! Now you didn't touch any of them, did you?” The cat soon went near one of the citizens before sliding towards another. “Just look at all those colors! You think that's natural?” He then whispered to one of the locals, loud enough for all to hear, “They're infected with ‘pastelis coloritis’.” He said with feigned fear much to the shock of the citizens. “Now you listen…” Applejack began to say angrily before Trixie quickly put a hoof on her mouth, to shut the farm pony up, much to Starlight’s relief, as she knew this was clearly a ploy. The cat soon went behind one of the citizens but only Starlight and her friends saw him dip his tail in purple paint and splash it onto the large blue gecko’s arm. “Don’t worry, as long as you're not covered in purple splotches, you'll be fine.” He said, before he moved away fearfully and pointed at the gecko’s arm, “Whoa! Oh man, that is not good.” He soon moved back towards the ponies. “Gah! What do I do?!” The gecko asked pleadingly. “Enjoy your last moments and don't touch anyone. Because parts will fall off.” The cat spoke eerily, much to the shock of Starlight. ‘Whoa! That’s convincing and fear inducing. Glad he’s helping us.’ Starlight’s eyes widened. The townsfolk soon scattered fearfully and soon Rainbow Dash immediately showed her gratitude, “You are so AWESOME!” “And quite charming.” Rarity complimented. “Barf.” Trixie commented stoically to the amusement of Starlight. “Capper's the name. Charming's my game.” The one known as Capper introduced himself before asking, “So... to the Hippos, then?” “Yep. That sounds about right.” Starlight smiled before she began following him enthusiastically along with Pinkie before Twilight blocked their way with her left wing outstretched, “It’s nice you two are eager to make new friends but I don’t think we should trust him.” She whispered. “You trusted me in the past and look how I turned out, besides we can use a friend out here.” Starlight argued with an encouraging smile. Soon Capper lowered Twilight’s wing and spoke up, “You know what? Little Teal Streak is right. And, if I do say so myself…” He spoke up before singing. “This town is not a nice place For little fillies all alone There are lots of twists and corners That could lead to the unknown.” Capper sang in a melancholy as he circled around the group. “Let me guide your way And I'll be sure to help you through You could really use a friend out here And luckily for you…” Capper harmonizes before he smiles and jauntily sings as he faces the entrance to a new area, (Song Begins) “I'm the friend that you need When you're lost and don't know what to do I'm your pal, your amigo.” Capper does a secret handshake with a green beaver creature before they are let into an area with shopping stands. “Useful and resourceful, too And my help, you'll concede Is a plus guaranteed.” Capper continued as he stole three mangos with his tail. “You can call and I'll come running Just follow my lead.” Capper juggled the mangos before throwing two mangoes to two vendors and then handing one to Applejack who smiled. “'Cause I'm the friend you need!” Capper finished the verse. “He's a friend Quite a friend! He's a friend indeed!” The two townsfolk sang before eating the mangoes. “You need a bud to spot the danger A pal to stop the creep A chum and not a stranger to assist.” Capper sang as he first stopped the group from getting stomped on by something huge, then kept a tentacle from grabbing Spike, and finally using a plank of wood to make a bridge. “You need a bro who is cunning That can help you take the leap.” Capper sang as he rode a mine cart with the Mane 6, Spike, and Trixie while Starlight used her magic to levitate before they landed on the other side of the broken rail. “A friend who knows what's lying in the mist.” Capper sang as he went into the mist before Fluttershy looked fearful at the darkened alley that was ahead. “Don't fear these darkened alleys They're scary, yes, I know Why, you could use a friend To protect you wherever you go.” Capper sang as he used an umbrella to shield the shy pegasus from the oncoming bats. “And such a dazzling beauty Covered in dirt and muck.” Capper sang blissfully as he gestured to Rarity’s muddy hooves. “But now your fate is changing Now you are in luck.” Capper sang as he rolled out a carpet for the ponies and dragon to walk on. “'Cause I'm the friend that you need When you're lost and don't know what to do I'm your pal, your amigo Lookin' out for friends like you And my help, you'll concede Is a plus guaranteed Just call and I'll come running We'll say it's agreed…” Capper sang triumphantly as he led the seven trusting ponies, Spike, and Twilight to the windmill tower. Capper soon put a slip of paper inside some small blue gecko’s scarf, “Here. Tell Verko, ‘My place, twenty minutes.’ I've got something that will ‘magically’ erase all my debt.” He instructed gleefully. “Because I’m the friend you need!” Capper harmonized as he went on the shifting gears with the ponies and Spike. “He’s a friend!” Everyone but Twilight sang. “Quite a friend.” Rarity spoke up. “He’s a friend indeed.” The ponies finished. (Song Ends) Twilight had to admit as she entered through the floorboard of Capper’s manor, for how small the place was, Capper did a good job at being tidy with the place. “Wow! That looks more fancy than my own wagon!” Trixie smiled in awe. “Isn’t that thing a cluttered mess?” Starlight asked with a raised eyebrow. “Ugh, are you still upset about Saddle Arabia?” Trixie rolled her eyes. “Nah. I’m over it by now. I’m just stating facts.” Starlight gave her friend a reassuring smile. “Apologies for the state of my litter box. I wasn't expecting guests.” Capper apologizes politely, though Twilight wasn’t sure if he even cared. She then analyzed the books from Capper’s library in curiosity as she faintly heard Pinkie and Capper’s banter when her eyes fell on a certain book involving maps. Starlight was enjoying the quick rest from the journey to save Equestria, Tempest probably wasn’t around yet so she supposed there was enough time for them to bond with Capper. “Stop playing me. A sonic rainboom?” Capper laughed kindly towards Rainbow Dash before wondering, “That’s not a real thing. Is that a real thing?” “I’ll show ya.” Rainbow Dash smirked in determination before Capper spoke fearfully, “Naw-naw-naw, I don't need you sonic ‘rainbooming’ up in my place, thank you very much.”  Starlight couldn’t blame the anthropomorphic cat for his hesitation, she saw the Rainboom herself, beautiful as it was, it was also explosive. Suddenly Starlight saw Capper’s right arm glow light blue before seeing Rarity use a sewing needle to fix the sleeve of his red worn down jacket. “Here you go. I do apologize. If we were back home, I could've done something truly fabulous.” Rarity apologized remorsefully. “Okay, what’s the catch?” Capper asked skeptically. “What do you mean by that?” Starlight asked curiously. “Uh… usually you have to give something to gain something in return.” Capper admitted sheepishly. “Well after all you’ve done for us, consider it a thank you.” Rarity smiled at the cat who looked shocked. “Trust us, Trixie can see why you’re confused. Me and Starlight have been outsiders back at our old home before and we figured we had to take what we want.” Trixie put a hoof around her friend with a smile. “Our methods weren’t very noble.” Starlight admitted sheepishly before speaking fondly while gesturing to Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash who were behind her, “but these ponies still gave us a chance to better ourselves and we didn’t have to do anything else in return except improve ourselves.”  “Oh…” Capper said in shock before sighing, “You don’t have to thank me, really.” Starlight’s eye raised in confusion, it almost seemed like Capper felt guilty. “Guys!” Twilight beckoned everyone over to the table where she laid out a map with a mountain and some flying feathery ponies on it and soon everyone gathered around the table, Starlight chose to stand next to Twilight. “We've been looking for the wrong queen! We don't need the Queen of the Hippos! We need the Queen of the Hippogriffs! Part pony, part eagle!” Twilight explained enthusiastically much to Starlight and the others’ delight. “Oh! Oh, the Hippogriffs! Now, the trouble with that is…” Capper spoke nervously before smiling with his hands spread out, “No one knows where they are…” “Says here that they're on the top of Mount Aris!” Twilight spoke suspiciously towards Capper which rose Starlight’s suspicions too but maybe Capper just didn’t read that or something. “You mean the mountain right outside the window?” Pinkie Pie asked with a smile, as she pointed to the mountain from the distance, covered by some fog. “Objects in windows may be less mountainous than they appear. Heh heh heh…” Capper said sheepishly as he twiddled his fingers. “Let’s go everypony.” Twilight commanded sternly, Starlight looked a bit wary at Capper before following close behind Twilight and next to Trixie while Spike and the other five ponies trailed behind, heading to the exit downstairs. “WAIT!” Capper cried out as he blocked the exit, “You can't…you can't make it by yourselves. You need an airship! And lucky for you, I can get you a ride.”  “I think we can get there on our own.” Twilight bumped Capper’s stomach before using her magic to open the door but was greeted to a mole-like creature with goggles and a fancy suit and hat. “Here’s Verko.” Verko snickered much to Twilight’s fear. “These ponies better shoot rainbow lasers out their eyes if they're gonna settle your debt.” Verko told Capper sternly before gesturing to his carriage driver, “Brought the big cage. Let’s load them up!” He said with a smile causing Starlight to gasp along with everyone else. “You were going to sell the Great and Powerful Trixie and her allies?!” Trixie asked angrily. “I knew we couldn’t trust you!” Twilight furiously stated before turning to Starlight, “You see why we can’t take risks outside of Equestria?!” She asked angrily. “” “I…I just-“ Starlight spoke sheepishly before Trixie intervened, “Hey leave Starlight alone. She was just going off of what YOU taught her.” “No matter the case. We’re getting out of here.” Twilight said sternly before a familiar chuckle was heard, and soon Tempest entered the building with a bone chilling smirk along with the Storm Guards and that small hedgehog from earlier, “Silly little ponies.” “Tempest!” Twilight cried out fearfully. “Gah!” Spike screamed which prompted Starlight to stand in front of him protectively, she knew Twilight would likely be able to handle herself but she would rather be in Tartarus than let Spike get hurt. “Trusting strangers? Big mistake. Big…” Tempest spoke coldly as she entered the house with the hedgehog besides her. “Huge!” Grubber interrupted. “Shut it Grubber.” Tempest commanded which caused the hedgehog, now known as Grubber to shrink back. “Hoo-hoo! My goodness.” Verko said as he grabbed Tempest’s face, distracting her and the Storm King’s forces which caused Twilight to push Starlight and Trixie towards the window where the windmill was spinning, the two unicorns got the message and hung onto the windmill flap along with Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity. Once Twilight saw that Tempest had blasted Verko and their distraction was gone, she immediately flew in front of the wooden flap but she and Rainbow Dash were alerted by their friends’ screams and saw that the Storm Guard was pushing the windmill back so Twilight and Rainbow Dash used their strength and wings to try and push back the windmill in the correct direction but soon the windmill breaks off which causes it to hop around the town so they hang onto it.  They soon reach an unbuilt house so Applejack, Spike, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Starlight, and Trixie all let go of the windmill and run across the wooden structure as the windmill destroys the only safety they have until they reach a window and jump inside it. Once they all get out of that situation, Twilight notices the airship just above them, “We have to get there! To the docks! Hurry!” And that’s what they did, but the ship already seemed to be flying off but thankfully Rainbow Dash grabbed onto the loose hanging rope from the back of the ship and used it as a balance beam. Twilight saw as Applejack directed Trixie and Rarity to the ship calmly while Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy merely used the tips of their hooves to balance on the rope and made it through with Spike following them. However Starlight got a little too scared and accidentally misstepped as she walked across the rope and began falling. “Starlight!” Twilight cried out in absolute fear before diving down with her wings unfolded, she knew Starlight’s magic wouldn’t react in time with how fast her fall was so she dove down and intercepted her before she hit the jagged rocks and carried her to the back of the ship, out of breath and threw her onboard while Twilight laid down next to her. “Y-You had me really worried.” Twilight panted, looking at her friend in concern to which Starlight frowned remorsefully at. Soon they found themselves lassoed by Applejack and thrown into the inside of the cargo hold. “Shh.” Spike shushed them as Trixie silently embraced Starlight who did the same. “Did you hear something?” A shadowy figure asked. A squawk was all that he got. “Eh, probably just the rats. If we find 'em, we'll eat 'em.” The voice shrugged before walking off. “Twilight, I’m so-“ Starlight silently whispered before Twilight covered her mouth, “Just be quiet please.” She whispered with a sad sigh, “You’re okay, that’s all I care about.” Though that didn’t ease any of Starlight’s guilt.