Two lights shone in the morning sky. One of them was Celestia's sun, yellowish white and familiar. The other...
Rainbow Dash flew at full speed towards the blue and maroon star, fully ready to buck it into next week, whatever it was. As her back hoof reached the unknown light, an object emerged, making contact with the brash Pegasus.
As the now very sore Rainbow swore like a pony (she said ow), the object landed in front of Princess Twilight's castle. It was gunmetal blue in color, and round like two bowls held together. A circular platform was deployed out the bottom of the craft. standing upon it were two figures, both ponies.
Princess Twilight was already outside by the time the platform had touched the ground. "Um, greetings!" she said, "I'm- I mean, I am Princess Twilight Sparkle."
The pony stepped forwards. She was a crystal pony with a gold coat and an emerald-green mane, her cutie mark was of two trees with pink leaves. "Greetings Princess. I am Cherry Grove of To-Kyoto. And this is Princess Cornucopia."
The Princess was a pink Crystal pony with a Kirin's horn and magenta Zebra stripes running across their body. Their cutie mark was of a woven ram's horn filled with fruits and vegetables. Sitting atop her orange and red mane was a bronze crown tipped with rubies. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Princess."
"And you, Princess." Twilight said, bowing. "May I ask, where did you come from and how did you get here?" She looked at the craft which the two had arrived in. It was truly unlike anything she had ever seen before.
The strange princess smiled, "To put it simply, we are from another universe."
= = =
Twilight had invited the, apparently interdimensional visitors, inside her castle. She had also informed the other three Princesses, all of whom had since arrived. The rest of the Council of Friendship were also present.
"I take it you are already familiar with the concept of alternate universes?" Princess Cornucopia asked, taking a sip of the tea Twilight had Spike prepare.
"Yes. We've actually visited a few before." Twilight said.
"Then you know how complicated it can be." Cherry said, standing at her Princess's side. "When our Universe discovered how to travel freely between them, The Ancients decreed that this discovery was too dangerous to be left in the control of mortal creatures."
"I'm sorry, The Ancients?" Starlight asked.
"It's a term some creatures use to describe creatures like myself, Luna, and Discord." Celestia explained.
"Precisely." Cornucopia continued, "The Ancients of our universe have allowed one event to take place before inter-universal travel is banned, however. A fighting tournament, between the strongest fighters of the different universes."
This was a shock to the ponies present. "So this will be the only time individuals from other universes are able to meet each other, and you want them to spend it, beating each other up?" Cadence asked.
"That sounds AWESOME!" Rainbow cheered. "Count me in!"
"Rainbow! Why?"
"Why not? We solve all our problems by either talking about our feelings or using the Elements of Harmony. I want the chance to show off my moves." She said, striking a pose on the table/map. "Do I get a trophy if I win?"
"Better, a genie will grant you three wishes. If you want a trophy, or your own castle, it will be yours if you win."
"I'm sorry, did you say three wishes?" Rarity asked. "Forgive me Twilight, but I'm in."
"Me too!" Applejack chimed in.
"Me four!" Pinkie cheered. "Will I be allowed to use my party cannon?"
Cherry nodded, "Weapons will be allowed, as will all forms of magic."
Shining Armor, who had joined his wife in coming here, sighed, "Well, if you girls are joining, I might as well to."
"Shiny?" Cadence asked, concerned.
"Well, I was Captain of the Royal Guard. It's about time I put all that training to work."
Starlight stepped forwards. "I'm joining as well, there are a few combat spells I'd like to try out."
Celestia finished off her cup of tea. "Well, sister? Are we going to let our little ponies face danger alone?"
Luna grinned. "I think not, sister."
Twilight sighed, "Alright, if this is what everyone wants."
"I don't want to fight." Fluttershy squeaked out.
Princess Cornucopia stood up, "The rest of you are welcome to come and watch but not participate. We will be departing in a few minutes. If there is anything you need, now is the time to get it."
= = =
A few minutes later, everypony was gathered by the ship. Pinkie Pie had a wheelbarrow's worth of baking supplies and Rarity had Spike carry her usual stack of suitcases. Twilight for her part had her saddlebags filled with black scrolls for taking notes, a surplus of quills and ink bottles; and just as a precaution, the Elements of Harmony. She hoped they wouldn't need them, but it was always better to be prepared. And Cadence had Flurry Heart
"Is everyone ready?" Princess Cornucopia asked. "Then let's be off." They all stepped onto the platform that rose into the vessel.
The inside of the ship was a bronze green, with flashing lights on the walls and control panels attached to the walls.
"So how long until we get there?" Rainbow asked impatiently.
Cherry smirked as she pulled a lever. "Instantaneous."
A feeling very similar to falling filled the ponies as the vessel disappeared in a burst of blue and red.