The first thing he noted was the soft touch of grass against his right cheek, along with something else. It felt to him like feathers, though not so much touching his face as it seemed to be part of it. Before processing this further, another sensation came upon the left of his face. First there was warmth from the glowing sunrise, then a puff of air that came with a whimper. Something wet brushed against him. The whimpering continued, as he flickered his eyelids open to a blurred whiteness blanketing his vision.
“Alright, Snowy,” he groaned a reply. “I’m alright.”
The fox terrier panted with excitement and relief it seemed, as he backed away from his friend and master. The youth stretched his back and limbs, noticing that peculiar oddity again. Feathers and fur seemed to rest between his head, backside, and grass. Furthermore, he grew acutely aware of a fifth, sixth, and seventh ligament moving from his person.
“What happened, Snow? I don’t recall ever lying on grass.” He got his answer from a nervous bark to his right as he rose to his knees. For his effort, he sensed only the tips of his toes and palms of his hands planting squarely on the ground. Again, he felt the fur, but now an odd texture of skin and nails from his hands was added. He scanned the trees about him and his dog. “Where are we?”
“Augh! Thundering typhoons.”
“Captain,” he gasped with recognition. Turning towards the direction of that voice, he expected to set his eyes on the blue sweater, and black-bearded human of his good friend.
“Tintin,” said the most unusual creature instead, lying prone before him, “my face. It’s been tarred and feathered by marauders!”
The creature sprang onto all fours, the forelegs resembling those of talons, while its hind quarters had hooves. Wings outstretched, and talons to its beaked horse head, it screamed further in Haddock’s voice. “Blistering blue barnacles, I’m bewitched! Doomed to an eternal beasty existence like the devil, himself!”
“Captain, is that you?” The shock expressed by the youth was reciprocated when the creature turned to face him.
“Ah! So, I’m to be prey to this beasty demon too am I?” He charged at the boy with ferocious vengeance, prompting Tintin to spring out of the way with surprising ease.
“Captain, stop! It’s me, Tintin!”
“Bad enough he takes my body,” he growls with furious vengeance, “and gives me that of a mutant gargoyle. Now he’s got me best mate’s voice and ginger head to mock me!”
“Captain, wait! Please!” With each pounce the fumbling creature makes, Tintin evades with such swiftness that he backs away to gage their situation better. He spotted Haddock’s sweater most clearly, and his captain’s hat was lying on the ground. The disheveled, black mane of what seemed to be a hippogryph resembled the Captain’s head of hair. And a full-grown beard somehow managed to surround his avian maw and engulf his equine jaw. “Captain, what do you see?”
“A gryphon,” snarled Haddock, “one that makes an owlish mockery of Tintin’s eyes, voice and wavy cowlick.”
“Captain, believe me. It’s Tintin.” He found himself receiving his current state surprisingly well. “I’m as much disturbed by all this as you are. But look! Snowy’s still the same as we know him.”
Both men faced the white terrier barking at them during the whole exchange. Just then, Snowy rushed up to Haddock’s talon forelegs with a comforting brush of fur and licks. Frozen stiff with fright, Haddock gradually eased the tension off his new legs and wings. His face might have flushed beneath the fur and feathers, but Tintin could not tell. Not sure what to make of all this, Haddock muttered, “So, we're the only ones here, then?”
“It looks that way, yes.”
“Good. Because it’s dawned on me I’ve got no trousers.”
“Captain, we’ve got more pressing matters ahead of us! We’ll worry about clothes when we can. But first we must keep our wits about us, look for a road or stream, then find someone who can help us.”
“Or attack us,” he whined.
“All the more reason not to dilly-dally. Come on, Captain. Walk with me, one step at a time.”
Captain Haddock went to retrieve his hat from Snowy’s mouth, then cautiously moved towards Tintin on all fours. Placing one talon limb upon each other’s back, they traversed the tranquil wilderness. They were slowly getting used to their latest body shape and movements, as Snowy encircled them forward. Thankfully, they could hear the sound of a stream, or brook nearby. Following the source, they came upon a dirt trail leading to a small cobblestone bridge. Past that, they spotted thatched cottages and talking, colourful creatures resembling horses. It almost made Tintin believe they were in the Land of Oz. A titanic peak could be seen on the horizon, with towers of some sort jutting out from its sheer cliff face.
“What in ghastly gales is all this,” asked Haddock in a shared stupor. “Tintin, where are we?”
“I’m not sure. The air and landscape suggest near the North American Rockies . Or, perhaps Mongolia.”
“Don’t recall ever hearing fish stories about this sort of thing. What are they? How can all this be here? And how did we get on the mainland? Oh, my sea legs are missing my ship, among other things.”
“I don’t know, on all accounts. But I do know this. We're in great need of help, and we’ve found a civilized place that can help us.”
“One step at time then, eh?”
“Yes, Captain, exactly. Now, to fin-” The terrier barked for their attention as he raced to the left of the bridge before crossing it. “What is it, Snowy?”
It took a while for the strange pair of stranded men to catch up, but thankfully not so far. They heard the sound of melodic birdsong in the air, soft and gentle, yet vibrant and clear. Around the brush, away from the village’s immediate view, they spotted an even more unusual sight. While birds sat perched on branches singing, a hovering, yellow Pegasus with rose mane and tail moved its forelegs about as if conducting the avian chorus.
“Tintin,” Haddock whispered, “we’re not dreaming, yea?”
“Shh,” said Tintin, equally dumbstruck by the scene.
“I swear I haven’t a bottle on me.”
“Hush, Captain,” he sternly rebuked him again. “We don’t want to cause unwelcome disturbances.”
“Aside from our own, ye mean?”
“Wait, Snowy.” Before Tintin could make another command, Snowy raced forward with a mild yelp. He startled the orchestrating creature, and scared the birds away. Turning around, the Pegasus spotted him.
“Oh, hello” it spoke in a soft, female voice, “Where did you come from?”
Running back to Tintin and Haddock, Snowy drew her attention to the pair of them, still staggering on three of their limbs. Frightened at first, she asked, “You mean, these are your friends?”
Then she noticed how the terrier ran back to her, barked, and returned to them. As if she understood exactly what he meant, she feebly stepped toward them. “Um, are you both lost?”
“Yes,” nodded Tintin, “yes, we are. We’re not sure where we are, nor how we got here. My name is Tintin, and this is Captain Haddock.”
“Charmed, lass.”
“You think you can direct us to the nearest constable?”
“Oh, there’s no police or sheriff in Ponyville. But if you two are injured, I can treat you at my- oh, no I mean, guide you to the hosp- oh, no my cottage is much closer.”
“No, no injuries, thanks. Just regaining our balance, but your concern is greatly appreciated. Though now I’m curious about something. Your expression suggests a brief discourse between you and my dog, Snowy. Can you understand him?”
“Oh, um. Yes.” That last bit sounded less confident. “Oh, and I’m…Fluttershy.”
The stuttering pause and faint whisper at the end baffled him at first, but he came to realize how the pair might be intimidating her. “Well it’s very good to meet you, Miss Flutter-er, shy. If you would point us to where we can find adequate lodgings, I’m sure we can manage from here and leave you peacefully.”
“O-okay. The town library has a few vacant rooms, just down the road and near Ponyville Hall.”
The library, Tintin pondered. Of course! The one place where we might find the answers.
“The town hall, yes? Tallest building, close by there?”
“Mm-hm.”
“Thank you. We’ll be on our way then.” Turning to stagger towards the road, the two men heard their new acquaintance talking with Snowy again.
"Okay, I will. I promise." Stopping them she asked, “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“No.” “Quite sure, thanks.”
“Maybe I can help you with your, um, friend Snowy, while you help each other.”
“Only if there’s no trouble.”
“Mighty kind of ye to offer,” said Haddock. By then the birds have returned to their branches, for they heard Fluttershy saying she would return, and how they should continue practicing their trills.
Trotting past them at a steady pace with the terrier, she firmly, yet warmly said, “Follow me, if you don’t mind.”
They were confused, at first, upon seeing a simple sign of a book standing before a massive oak tree with windows, doors and a small terrace. But once they saw Fluttershy step through the doorway, Tintin and Haddock followed with less perplexity. They walked in to see shelves, floor, stairs, and even some furniture that were either carved into the tree, or crafted by its own wood. It offered a rather warm, inviting ambience to the place. Something they both needed greatly, and have received since leaving that serene forest.
“Thank you, Miss Fluttershy for your aid,” huffed Tintin, as he and Haddock tried to sit down and relax. “When will we expect the librarian, or lodger to arrive? So that we can arrange for compensation?”
“Nopony lives here anymore,” she replied. “The librarian retired and moved away last spring. Right now, the Mayor is managing the upkeep. As long as everything is kept orderly, you’re welcome to stay for as long as you need.”
“Very well. Again, thank you.”
“Aye, many thanks and blessings to you, lass.” Fluttershy strolled briskly out of the arbor structure, as Tintin made his way toward the nearest privy. His nerves and dry stomach finally caught on to reality. Catching the sounds he made with a twist of the ear, Fluttershy darted back in to help him steady.
“Tintin,” Haddock exclaimed, as Snowy whined with unease. “You well, lad?”
“Still much to process,” he gasped, after catching his breath. “Something to settle the stomach might do some good.”
“You go ahead and rinse,” said Fluttershy, “I’ll make a light snack.”
“No, Miss,” Haddock gently declined, “I’ll watch him. We’ve taken too much of your time, as it is.”
“We owe you a debt of gratitude,” Tintin added. “Let us know if we can ever repay you.”
"Don't worry, that won't be necessary." With that, she warily stepped outside once again, just as a blue Pegasus with prismatic mane hovered the doorway with great suspicion. The pair heard a raspy voice asking Miss Fluttershy about them, but paid no further attention. Snowy came to sit with his gryphon master and friend, as the hippogryph Captain rushed to find something to eat.
“Oh, Tintin, I’ve been so selfish! All along you’re keeping a level head during this infernal nonsense. And here I was behaving like a miserable wretch.”
“Captain, that’s enough,” Tintin grunted, weak to properly rebuke his self-loathing. “We're alive, and have shelter. We- Snowy made a new friend. And on top of that, we have exactly what we need to learn where we are, and what this place is about. It’s a miracle also that we got here so fast.”
“Aye, but now you need to gather your strength. You’re no good to yourself, Snowy and me if you don’t rest. Tell you what, eh. I’ll get a nice kettle boiling with some piping-hot tea for ye, then find whatever passes for food in this place. One thing I’m glad of having still, sort of, is our fingers. Can’t see how they use any of these things with hooves.”
“Then in the meanwhile,” asked Tintin. “what will you do?”
“I’ll rest a bit, myself. But then step out to gather my bearings. What did she call this place, Ponyvale?”
“That’s as good a plan as any,” Tintin nodded. “Just be sure not to travel too far from here. Neither of us can afford to be more lost than we are.”
“I hear ye, Tintin. You just rest easy on that nice, long sofa there.”
After the kettle was done, and Haddock found some slices of bread and butter for toast, he told Snowy to watch Tintin and stay put before stepping outside. He was shocked, once again, by the swift arrival of a golden chariot from the sky driven by two white Pegasus in gold armor. Their plume tops made him think of the Romans. Hopping out of the chariot came a pair of creatures he never expected to see pop out of his childhood. The first was a purple unicorn, with the grooming and voice to express that of the feminine persuasion. The second was a short, stout reptile of green and purple that reminded him of an iguana swimming off the Galapagos. They were arguing about something for a brief moment, before they turned to see a very, very, very pink horse see them, gasp at their presence, then rush past like a hurricane. “Augh, it worsens before it gets better doesn’t it.”
But then, something else caught his eye. He noted the small reptile carrying a scrolled parchment, and pointing a certain direction for the pair to travel. Recognizing a hardy navigator when he saw one, Haddock strolled briskly towards the unicorn and her scaly friend to learn more.
“Hello,” he called out for their attention. “If ye don’t mind me saying, you two strike me as the sort who, er, display such high standing and notable character.”
“A hippogryph,” asked the unicorn with bewilderment. “I never thought I'd meet one up close.”
“No kidding,” the reptile muttered. “I’m Spike, by the way. And this is Twilight Sparkle.”
“Haddock. Archibald Haddock.” He shook both claw and hoof with a firm grip. “Me and my best mate just came to town without a clue of where everything is. And we’re wondering if someone might help us with the lay of the land.”
“Well, why ask us,” Twilight enquired. “We just arrived, ourselves.”
“Oh, well I couldn’t help but notice this lavender salamander, here. It seems he’s got the means and skill to navigate these unchartered waters.”
“Um, I’m a dragon actually. But yeah, I've got a map with this list of things to do while we’re here for the Summer Sun Celebration.”
“Where’s your friend?”
“Caught a slight case of travel sickness,” he answered Twilight, pointing at the library behind him. “Nothing serious, but the lad’s resting from our hard day’s journey to Ponybelle.”
“Ponyville,” Spike corrected.
“Aye, that’s what I said. Ponydale. I don’t suppose you mind if I just stow myself away with ye?”
“I’m sorry,” Miss Sparkle stated, “but we’re on official Canterlot business.”
“Ahem,” Spike grunted with a hidden meaning.
She sighed most reluctantly before saying, “Though I won’t mind learning more about hippogryphs in the process.”
“Excellent! That makes two of us.” He strolled down the road before Miss Sparkle could ask for clarity. “Well come on, then! Where to first?”
“Uh, the other way?” Following Spike’s pointed claw, Haddock veered full rudder and took the opposing path with surprising ease.
“Lavender salamander.”
“Ugh,” groaned Twilight, “this’ll be a long day.”
“Come on, Twilight,” said Spike, “Making new friends isn’t just being happy with the first, or second try.”
“Can we stop at three?” As the trio set course for apple orchards, a distrusting figure rears its head from behind the clouds above. Always trailing them from a short distance, the cloud carried its sole passenger.
With time to regather himself, Tintin stood in front of a full-size mirror. While the Captain’s hippogryph figure bore a charcoal coat, feathers, and pitch-black mane and tail, Tintin’s gryphon shape presented itself with a peculiar spectrum of pastel colours. His fiery red owl head kept a wild tassel of feathers for his quiff, and he noticed his blue check suit covering the white of his chest feathers and abdomen fur. The red-tan shade of his folded wings and cougar body were also an interesting sight, seeing as how they neither interfered with, nor were bothered by his solitary piece of clothing. Also, much like the Captain’s brown eyes, his own blue set were widened to be emphatically pronounced.
“I’ll tell you one thing, Snowy,” he remarked, “this is unlike my brother’s Boy Scout days with our Texas relations.”
Receiving a snide groan in response, he turned to face his terrier friend. “Alright, alright. I know I seem emotionally divested in this harrowing endeavor. But I can’t help but marvel at how everything seems to align so well for us. Take, for instance, these shelves. Mounds of knowledge in our grasp, all about a world we can’t even imagine existing, written in letters and tongues so foreign to us. Yet in a Pentecostal manner of Providence, I can translate the titles on these spines with definitive accuracy! Which raises the question, Snowy: is this another world, or a time before humanity? The globe suggests a Pangaea sort of landmass, with smaller regions attached or near it.”
Then he pulled out a rolled-up map to examine. “And this chart! The star clusters differ greatly, yet some of the constellations are consistent with our own. There’s just so much I don’t understand! So many differences, yet familiar all at once. What is it about this place that brought us here?”
He and Snowy heard the door open downstairs of the main library, with a female voice calling out, “Hello? Any pony here?”
Not recognizing it as Miss Fluttershy’s, both decided to head down to greet the newcomer. “Not sure how to respond to that, seeing this is a public library.”
“Ah, well spoken darling,” said the white unicorn before them. She brushed the curls of her violet mane to the side, while carrying folded blankets of various colours. “I’ve been told some poor, helpless travelers were found lost in Whitetail Wood this morning, and were brought here. I said to myself: ‘Gracious me! They must feel so distraught by such a traumatic ordeal. I must put my décor for the celebration on hold, and offer whatever I can to make them feel more welcomed.’”
“That’s very thoughtful of you, Miss…?”
“Rarity, dear. Plain, simple, yet elegant Rarity to you, Sir…?”
“Tintin. And this is Snowy.” The fox terrier offered a fond yelp in greeting.
“Very pleased to meet you, Sir Tintin.”
“Likewise, Rarity. And it’s just Tintin also.”
“And sweet, dear Snowy! Such a fitting name, much like my Opalescence.”
“You have a dog as well?”
“No, Opal’s my dearest, feline diva.” This evoked a sneering growl from the canine.
Tintin replied, “I first gave him the name Milou, but he always prefered it when others called him Snowy in passing. So that one stayed.”
“And I must say, Tintin sounds quite unique and colourful on its own. I don’t suppose you’ve ever been to Trottingham or Hoofdale?”
“Neither I’m afraid. Though I certainly travel quite often for my assignments.”
“You’re a reporter?”
“Journalist, actually.”
“My, what brings the pair of you all this way into Equestria?”
“Three of us, really. My friend, Captain Haddock, Snowy, and I found ourselves in the wood unsure of where we were, nor how we got there.”
“Foalnapped,” Rarity gasped. “Or more, catnapped in your case. Cubnapped? Birdnapped?”
“We’re not sure of that even. All we’ve got to go on are the wings and clothes on our backs, and Snowy as our brave assurance throughout.”
“Well, that most certainly won’t do! If you don’t mind my taking liberty, I brought some quilts and afghans to help with any turmoil you might be having.”
Watching her levitate her back’s cargo onto the sofa with a soft, blue glow from her horn, Tintin observed this current marvel with high fascination before saying, “Thanks. Your neighborly gift is most welcome. I’m sure we’ll soon find some way to compensate you.”
“Pish-posh, dear. Like you said, this is my welcoming gift to you. Also, if it’s not too much trouble, I can take your measurements for more suitable attire to match that fur and extravagant tuft of feathers you have.”
“I suppose not. But perhaps if we wait for the Cap-” Immediately, the unicorn whipped out a pair of spectacles, as well as a tape measure to spin, wrap, and slide down his neck, shoulders, and torso before he could even blink an owl’s eye.
Writing on a levitating notepad with a floating pencil, she stated, “There we are. After the Summer Sun Celebration, I’ll be sure to get straight to work on this! You must be positively exhausted from all that’s happened, so I’ll let you be. Hope you recover nicely, darling. Til then, Tintin: Ta-ta!”
“Rarity.” The door shut from behind her brisk departure.
After a momentary pause, he turned towards Snowy and said, “If she weren’t otherwise preoccupied, I wonder how long she might’ve stayed?”
His terrier yelped in affirmative.
“But Rarity did mention something peculiar. Summer Sun Celebration. I bet it involves the solstice. Now we really need to gather information. I noticed a history section earlier, as well as a cultural reference around the bend. Come on, Snowy!”
Racing up the stairs, Tintin heard his dog bark and chase after him.
Captain Haddock cast off from Sweet Apple Acres with a grin on his face, and a hearty meal in his stomach. Whatever courses and delicacies those pony farmers offered, he accepted without fail. And whatever Miss Sparkle or Spike could not finish, he gladly assisted in their cause. This much-called-for meal prompted a gratifying belch, as he strolled down the road with a stored keg of cider, courtesy of his new, honorary family. Speaking of which, his honorary kin in Miss Twilight and Spike were glad of the experience in different ways. One was happy to take a load off his scaly back, and the other was simply relieved to go.
“Begging your pardon, Miss. Oh, I tell ye. Nothing may ever top me Mum’s cooking, but that sure struck close to my heart for second place.”
“You can say that again,” said Spike in kind.
“I would, if my mouth wasn’t so full.” Both laughed, as the unicorn carrying her reptile ward grunted with annoyance.
“One thing I learned about hippogryphs,” she muttered, “is that some can only be outspoken by their appetite.”
“But that can be applied to almost every creature, Twilight,” Spike remarked.
“Exactly my point. Nothing new has been learned from this endeavor, so far.”
“Now then, on that note,” Haddock spoke up in earnest, “tell me lass. What’s so special about this here Summer Celebration anyways?”
Happy for a subject change, and a chance to share her knowledge, Twilight began, “Well, every year Princess Celes-”
“Hold on a second, egghead!” They were rudely introduced to the same blue Pegasus Haddock caught a glimpse of this morning. “Don’t just give total strangers information about Equestria. They can try to use it against us.”
“If that's the case,” said Twilight, “then why would your neighbor put them in a library for housing?”
“Sometimes,” Spike uttered, “she can be sharp when she wants to.”
“And I’m guessing you’re Rainbow Dash,” Twilight continued.
“The one and only.”
“Yea, you’re the mare Spike mentioned who’s meant to clear the skies for tomorrow, eh?”
“Among other things, pal. I’m also training for the Wonderbolt tryouts. You are from this century to know about the Wonderbolts, right? The greatest flyers in the whole world?”
“Well so far,” finished Twilight, scanning overhead, “it doesn’t look like a job well done from down here.”
“Hey! I can buck these clouds to nothing in ten seconds flat.”
“She’s full of air, this one,” Haddock proclaimed. “All gob and no spit. Judging by Applejack’s harvest, I wager she won’t need no puny wings to finish the job for her.”
"Unless she can support her claim."
Now that he mentioned it, maybe he could do something about his aft hoof limbs, as well as his own feathery ligaments, despite his personal preference to sailing. But something Haddock said must have flipped Miss Rainbow’s lid. Instantly she darted, zipped, spun, kicked and brushed off every cloud in the sky before Twilight or Spike remembered to blink.
“Ha! You see that? What'd I tell you, old geezer!”
He blankly stared at her with a dark scowl. “You were supposed to do it in ten seconds flat.”
“Yeah, so?”
“That was eight seconds, you overzealous, cockamamie jockey!”
“What’s that got to do with anything?”
“You just wasted all that energy and speed. That could’ve been used if an actual storm blew in.”
“Where’re you from, the Everfree or Dragon Lands? No storm clouds come up on their own here in Equestria.”
“Oh-ho, so you’re not just a showboat, eh? You got some marauding, troglodyte-laboring factories doing the dirty work for ye to show your stuff.”
“You’re so smart, why not show me what you got, cider-toting, loudmouth bird-brain for a sailor with dragon breath!”
“Hey,” shouted Spike, as Twilight trotted away anxiously with him on her back. Along the way, she shoved Spike’s checklist parchment over her ears and ruffled her mane in frustration. Haddock no longer paid attention to his departing troupe, as he was busy glaring mutual daggers at the hovering, prismatic mare, seemingly to no end. A crowd of ponies silently viewed the exchange with hitched breaths.
Suddenly, both Pegasus and hippogryph collapsed onto the road with a belly-aching outburst, tearfully laughing to their hearts’ content. With that, the town returned to its ordinary activities.
“He-hey, you’re alright, old-timer,” chuckled Rainbow Dash, but then turned to see where the others had gone. “Though it looks like your bookworm friends missed out on all the fun.”
“Aye. Bless their wee, gold hearts,” he nodded a benevolent sigh. “That lass, she’s got the mind of a vast ocean, but makes port in the shallows of social ineptitude. Best not let her off the hook so easily.”
“You’re kidding, no way! I think she was starting to warm up, during that whole ten-second spiel."
"Eight seconds."
"Whatever. But what makes you say all that sappy, ‘heart of gold’ stuff?”
“I heard her pestering her dragon mate about some dangerous threat during the Summer Celebration. She seeks to warn us about it, but instead feels her time’s been wasting away making sure everything’s ready for the big event.”
“What kind of threat?”
“Not sure, something about it happening after a thousand years.”
“Wait, you mean, during the thousandth Summer Sun Celebration? This year?”
“Maybe, though I can’t say really. What do you know about this hullabaloo?”
“It’s the Summer Solstice, the first day of the season. Princess Celestia celebrates this day with us ponies by visiting different places each year. Something that happened to keep summer and daylight from never happening again, or whatever.”
“What happened then?”
“It’s just some pony’s tale, I don’t know. Nopony takes it seriously.”
“Then how come Miss Twilight is?”
Snowy hopped back onto the seat beside his gryphon friend and master. He was scanning tome after tome about Equestria, atop a pile of several others he examined throughout the afternoon. Tintin found it odd at first how they were alphabetized by title, rather than authorship. The fox terrier did not try to let Tintin know about his venture downstairs.
“Here’s something else, Snowy,” he exclaimed. “The Pillars of Equestria were those of six ponies bearing the magical properties of Sorcery, Hope, Bravery, Healing, Strength, and Beauty. I think I’m translating this right, but sorcery and magic seem to be used under a separate context from demonic influences, séances or satanic rituals. Otherwise, this entire civilization would have collapsed on itself ages ago. After all, ‘a house divided against itself shall never stand.’ And these ponies seem to emulate fraternal charity more than anything else.”
Imagine Thomson and Thompson hearing about this place, one without a police force.
Tintin kept reading: “The Pillars sent the aquatic pony sirens, who were poisoning the hearts of Equestria, into another world. One that mirrors the qualities of Equestria, but inhabited by alien creatures. What sort of world are they talking about, Snowy? They use the same technique against the Pony of Shadows…locking themselves with it in Limbo. But before their departure, the Pillars of Equestria planted saplings of their pivotal charms into the heart of a forest known for its untamed magic. From those saplings grew the Tree of Harmony, which bore the Elements.
The princess sisters harness the Elements against Discord, master of chaos…they built their castle over the Tree of Harmony’s cave…used the Elements against Tirek…obscure reference to an empire lost to memory. And they were used to banish Nightmare Moon, who wished to bring eternal night out of jealous rage. After she was sent to live in the very moon she was tasked to govern, Equestria has since celebrated the Summer Solstice to commemorate Princess Celestia’s salvation of the balance between night and day.
There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth remains a complete mystery. It is said that the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters, located in what is now called the Everfree Forest. When those five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed. But only after a thousand years, when the planets align, the spell breaks, and the Nightmare escapes from her lunar prison, can the Elements be harnessed by new bearers with pure hearts. Only then can peace and unity be fully restored throughout the world.”
Leaning back on his seat in contemplation, Tintin sat quietly for some time before turning to face his canine friend with uncertainty, yet also determination.
“Nothing's adding up, Snowy. This world has a strong source of magic to manipulate the world and moon’s orbit, and can alter reality as we know it if ever abused. Does that mean the Nightmare has already escaped? But the solstice isn’t ‘til tomorrow, so not yet it seems. Then how were we brought here? This makes no sense. But the answer to our questions must lie with the Elements from the Tree of Harmony, if not the Tree itself. Nightmare Moon is most surely acquainted with them, and who knows how many others are aware of their existence during this time? All that considering…”
His eyes widened at what may come. Tintin could not shake it, nor attempt to deny it. For with all that has happened, he knew full well something much worse than pirates, crime syndicates, tyrants and war lords was amiss. There was only one clear, yet terrible conclusion he could reach: “…it's now a race to the finish.”
Just then, every lamp throughout the library dimmed. The sun was low, such that no natural light could enter through the windows. At least, not until the moon rose. Something was shifting, grumbling, hushing and bumping against furniture from the main study downstairs.
“Steady on, Snow,” he hushed the yapping canine. “Steady.”
Quietly, carefully, Tintin hoisted Snowy upon his feral feline back. He was making his slow approach to the staircase with both ears and owl eyes wide. No further noise could he pick up from the obvious intruders.
Suddenly a door swung open, then slammed furiously shut.
“Huh. Rude much?” It sounded like a boy, but Tintin was unsure. He caught the shapes of a unicorn and small reptile in the darkness.
“Sorry, Spike,” spoke the unicorn, with another female voice, “but I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time! I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time.”
Realizing they were not the intruders, Tintin feared the worst. Next, he felt Snowy jump off his back to run down the dark staircase. He whispered hoarsely, “No, Snowy. Wait!”
“Now, where's the light?” As if on cue, the entire library blazed with light, balloons, streamers, and ponies surrounding them.
“Surprise!”
“Ah,” Spike cried out.
“Great snakes!”
“Thundering typhoons!”
“Captain?”
“Tintin!”
“Hi, Snowy!” The white terrier barked his reply.
"It's supposed to be quiet in the library!"
In short, almost every pony in town gathered together in that compact reception space. Almost every pony, until Miss Fluttershy entered. Tintin was shocked at how the entire main floor was decorated without his or Snowy’s notice. In addition, he spotted Haddock breaking free from a pink horse’s grip and both were heading in the direction both pairs of creatures were standing.
“Captain, what’s all this?”
“They’re here for us, Tintin,” Haddock exclaimed, “all of them! They came under the motley leadership of that sugary, salmon-coloured trout to bushwhack us! Taking us somewhere in the wilderness under cover of night, where nobody will take note of us and our plight after dark.”
Eyeing the ponies, they started to mingle, laugh, eat, and some breaking into song even. He said, “Captain, look. They’re not here to abduct us. They’re hosting the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration. But why have it inside a public libr-”
“Hey, Mister Owl-Face and Captain Bird-Pony,” exclaimed the pink horse. She rushed to meet Haddock and Tintin in a tick, after rambling with the purple unicorn and dragon Tintin overheard. “I’m Pinkie Pie! And I got this whole party ready for just the two of you, and that unicorn and dragon over there, because you’re all new in town, and if you’re new in town then that means you might not have any friends here, and if you don’t have friends here, then that means you might feel so left out and worried about what to do, and who to ask to be your new friends, and where to go to make new friends here, so then I brought this party and everypony here to the library because I figured that at least your owl face and the unicorn’s must really, really, really like to read books, so that way you don’t have to feel so worried or left out, and your friends, the Captain and dog Snowy made sure to help me keep it all a surprise for you! What do you think? Do you like it? What’re your names? I already heard your Captain friend call you Tintin, but I just thought I’d ask you directly! I’m Pinkie Pie, by the way! Do you want to be friends?”
“I’m starting to really miss Madame Castafoire now,” moaned Haddock.
After such a barrage of questions and a run-on sentence, the gryphon youth shook out of his stupor to notice the purple unicorn darting upstairs and away from the festivities. The small, purple dragon picked up a bottle and straw from among the refreshments, seeing that it was labeled a sauce with burning spices. The pink horse, formally known as Miss Pie, rushed to pour some of it onto a cupcake prior to consumption.
“That celebration, Tintin,” whispered Haddock once they were left to themselves, “I found out that it’s the thousandth summer since the Mare in the Moon.”
“Nightmare Moon, yes Captain. Before the dawn of the solstice, after the planets realign, she will escape imprisonment.”
“Well I’m glad to know we’re on the same page. But how does that fit with our getting back home?”
“Right now, we can only guess. But it’s no coincidence that we found ourselves here, in this extraordinary world, while gaining such knowledge about an upcoming event. We must get to the bottom of it, seeing that’s our only lead.”
“But none of these equine folk even know of the threat, thinking it’s all a bunch of hooey. An old Mother Goose fable.”
“Mother knows best,” Tintin remarked. But then his eyes widened with realization. “Of course! The unicorn who passed us up the stairs.”
“Twilight Sparkle.”
“You met her?”
“Aye, she and her fire-breathing iguana arrived on some flying chariot shortly after us.”
“What brought them here, do you know?”
“She kept prattling on to her dragon friend, Spike about wanting to get here. Find out more about Nightmare Moon and warn the Princess, rather than talking to ponies and preparing the festival.”
“I was able to discern as much when she barged in. Captain, gather Snowy, the dragon, any and every willing hoof you find, to meet us outside right away! We need all the help we can get.”
“What will you be doing?”
“I need to compare notes with Miss Sparkle.”
He turned to rush up the stairs again, as Captain Haddock called out to the gryphon. “Just mind your step with that one, Tintin! An uptight, flabbergasting firecracker of a fussbudget she is.”
“Hooey! It sure is swell seeing you again, Cap.” The hippogryph sailor turned to see a familiar orange pony with a long mane and tail of gold, while wearing an American Stetson to boot.
“Hello, Miss Applejack,” he greeted stoically.
“Archie, what I tell ya? We’re honorary kin, remember? It’s AJ to you and my friends. You, Twilight and that Spike character you was helping out.”
“Right, yea. Of course, AJ.” His talon stroked his beard in deep thought, before facing her directly again. “Er, I don’t suppose, what with your harvesting skills, if they translate into putting up a tussle in a pinch?”
“Well, shoot. I ain’t no Canterlot Royal Guard material, but I reckon I know how to work my four hooves against a chimera if need be. Plus, Rainbow Dash and me put on some friendly competitions to keep ourselves ready for anything. Nothing violent, though.”
“Yea, that’ll have to do,” he muttered, appreciating the honest sentiment. “I’d like to see some of that competitive spirit in action, if ye don’t mind.”
“Well, Rainbow and me are set for a fine game of horseshoes in a few weeks, if that’s what ya mean.”
“No, no, no, I mean tonight! Something’s about to happen that could mean big trouble. I’m trying to find some folks willing to lend me, Twilight, and my friend a ha-hoof!”
“What sort of trouble are we talking here, sugar cube?”
“The worst! The kind that could spell doom to us all. Ye think you can find me an abled-body crew amongst these yellow-livered beasties?”
“Well, I can’t promise ya nothing, except that I won’t leave no family member out in the cold with a pack of timber wolves. Let me see what I can do.”
“Good on you, lass!” After giving Applejack a hardy pat on the shoulder, she rushed back into the pony crowds. Haddock turned around then to find Snowy directly at his stern. “Ah, there he is!”
Snowy stood amongst foals, Fluttershy, Miss Pie, and some white unicorn pampering and grooming him. Haddock spotted Spike as well, standing and gawking at the unicorn mare. Noting a bit of anxious displeasure from both terrier and Fluttershy, the Captain popped his talon knuckles, rolled his horse neck then withers before getting to work.
“Hold fast, Snowy. I’m coming for ye.”
Tintin calmly, patiently leaned towards the door that Miss Sparkle slammed shut a few minutes prior. Picking up very little sound from outside with his avian ear, the youth firmly, yet gently tapped against the wooden barrier from the library’s hallway. He received no answer, nor heard signs of movement from within. Tapping on the door again, more loudly this time, the gryphon was unable to gauge the state of the study’s current occupant where he sat previously. He checked to see if the door was bolted. Finding it not to be the case, he pushed it slightly ajar to speak.
“Miss Sparkle, are you alright?” Again, no reply came to him. More anxious of what might have happened than social etiquette, Tintin slowly widened the gap as he called out a second time. “Miss Twilight Sparkle, please answer.”
Once he opened the door completely, he spotted the unicorn mare of purple coat and nightly blue mane with magenta and purple strands. She sat engrossed in the solitary candlelight, with the pages he examined previously. Amethyst irises narrowed with fascinating concentration at every word traversed.
“This is incredible,” she gasped, most likely to herself. “Everything I was looking for is right here. But I don't understand. I was right all along, yet Princess Celestia told me it was not worth looking into. Why would she tell me that?”
“What exactly did the Princess say?”
“Oh, it’s more what she didn’t say,” she huffed with indignation. “She just sends me a letter to tell me I should make new friends and spend less time reading some dusty old books, after I sent her a message to warn her about this exact thing that’s been in plain view for everypony to read!”
“While I certainly appreciate a good novel, or an historical account, perhaps she was offering something of greater value.”
“She does this to me all the time,” she said, ignoring Tintin’s suggestion, “Telling me something that makes me interpret it one way, when she means it in a completely different way. Princess Celestia always likes her riddles. Why can’t she just tell me what she’s trying to say?”
“You find it hasn’t been a helpful learning tool? One without merit?”
“I ran a statistical analysis on the subject one day, when she told me to choose a subject of study that I wanted. Instead of the constellations in relation to feral star beasts, or the correlation between one lost civilization and another, I really wanted to know if her teaching me through puzzles is a legitimate method of instruction.”
“And?”
“And…well. I gathered records from every student she taught throughout Equestria, first from their former schools and academies, then as Celestia’s pupil. Test results consistently show an overall rate of improvement in most, if not all fields. A few showed the opposite effect, but only because they dropped out from their studies with her. Plus, historians and witness testimonies support the claim that she’s used the same method with those pupils as she does with me. It’s uncanny!”
“What does that mean to you?”
“I don’t know! I mean, I found the answer that I was looking for in this book. And she told me not waste any more time staring at books! Maybe this is one of those rare occurrences when her method of teaching reveals its…its…”
“Go on?”
He detected a level of dread, mixed with confusion and guilt from her movements and facial expressions. “Flaws? Weak points? Or maybe it’s just about how I’m receiving the lessons, I don’t know.”
“Every teaching method has them, however well-ordered. Even when they're used by one with great wisdom and authority.”
“Maybe there’s just some things she knows she can’t teach me through books and lectures? That there’s some things I just have to learn for myself, from my own experience?”
Tintin would admit to not expecting such a candid interview with this level of sensitivity. But he also had his share of interactions with those he found disagreeable, at least on first meeting, to sympathize her plight. Captain Haddock, for example, he would have never guessed to become such a constant and good friend in his life, or vice versa. Nor had he ever taken the time to reflect on it so deeply as he did during these pressing matters and trying times.
“The method may not be perfect, but it doesn't detract from the lesson by default. What is it that she wants you learn? What’s obstructing you?”
“I’m not sure. I mean, maybe she’s right abou-” That was when the unicorn finally looked up to face whomever she was speaking. From her perspective, Miss Sparkle must have seen the silhouette of an owl at the doorway, with refracting blue irises staring back at her, as well as the feathery rendition of his quiff. “I’m sorry, was this your resting station?”
He smiled faintly at her sudden shift to someone with well-mannered hospitality, before answering her question. “On the contrary, Miss Sparkle, I believe everything here was placed exactly for you to find.”
“How do you know my name? I don’t remember meeting a gryphon in Ponyville.”
“We haven’t met, that’s true. But you’re acquainted with my friend, Captain Haddock. Already he speaks highly of you.”
“How can that be? We barely know each other.”
“In his own way, I suppose, he finds you quite amiable. With his hyperboles, alliterations, and coarse bearing, I’d say you left him with quite the impression.”
“And you are?”
“My name is Tintin. Much like yourself, I’m looking for answers pertaining to the Elements of Harmony.”
“Well, if that’s the case, then you're probably aware of Nightmare Moon and her inevitable return to Equestria.”
“Yes, indeed. Which is why Captain Haddock is gathering all that he can to help us find the Elements before she does.”
“What was that you said earlier? How things are set up in a way for me to find?”
“It’s just something I picked up, during my travels to strange places and extraordinary events. That no matter how things may seem to be sheer happenstance or commonplace, or however badly they turn out, nothing ever unfolds by accident. Including the accidents.”
The shadow of his figure shifted, enabling some light to touch her meditating countenance. “Why?”
“I’m sorry?”
“I mean, what is it that you hope to gain from this? Helping me find the Elements? Why not just look for them, yourself?” He was discerning what baffled him most: figuring out how to answer her, or himself.
“Mr. Tintin!” The voice shouted from downstairs.
“Aye, Captain?”
“We’re all set, lad! Charting a course for Nightmare Moon, and what is likely our own hurried demise.”
“We're on our way. Just a moment.” Turning to face the mare, he saw her rise from the desk of books, tomes, scrolls, and parchment. The young gryphon detected an air of eager determination, which made him wonder if others viewed him that way. “Are you ready to learn something new, Miss Sparkle?”
Smiling with some anxiety, she answered, “Only one way to find out, Mr. Tin…tin.”
“Just Tintin will do.”
“Twilight.”
They stepped down the narrow stairs single-file, with Tintin going first since he was closest to them. Ponies on the first floor halted the festivities as they were quietly watching the two newcomers departing for a destination unsure to be real. One even asked if they were going to visit the Nightmare statue near the Everfree, while another scoffed at the prospect that the two were chasing after nonsense and sheer folklore. Stepping out onto the street-lit road, Tintin and Twilight caught a glimpse of the troupe that Haddock enlisted.
“Wait,” said Twilight, recognizing them all from the preparations, “you want to help me?”
“Well of course, darling. Nopony should ever brave that malevolent Nightmare all by herself.”
“You’re darn tooting. We sure ain't letting no friend of ours go out bucking all by her lonesome. We're sticking to you like caramel on a candy apple.”
“Especially if there's candy apples in there! What? Those things are good.”
“Besides, some of us can’t let you four take all the glory. Five, if you count the dog.” That earned a growl from Snowy.
“Miss Fluttershy,” asked Tintin, “you’re joining us too?”
“I just want to make sure all my friends will be okay.”
“What about your birds,” Twilight wondered.
“Oh, a veterinarian I met knows the melody that we rehearsed. She was at the party when she heard about somepony asking for my help.” With a yap from the canine, she added, “Oh, also I promised Snowy I would make sure Tintin and the Captain are okay when they were lost.”
“You must be full of surprises then, Miss Fluttershy. And they're certainly most welcome.” Tintin spoke with admiration, prompting a meek smile from the yellow Pegasus. As he stood beside the hippogryph sailor and Snowy, he said, “Well, Captain, is this every soul on deck?”
“Believe me, Tintin. They may be a bunch of neophyte ninnies on the surface, but something's telling me they got more than what it takes. Let's just hope they believe that, themselves.”
“So,” whined Rainbow, “what’re we waiting for? Let’s go and kick some Nightmare Moon flank!”
“Yippee! Super mystery, scary, nighttime quest! Those are always my favourite!”
“Hopefully, not too scary.”
“Where are we heading, Twilight,” asked Applejack, “We ain’t exactly broached on all the details.”
“We’re looking for the Elements of Harmony,” she answered, “which were last seen in the Castle of the Two Sisters a thousand years ago.”
“And with those Elements, six in total,” joined Tintin, “we must seek out those with pure hearts to harness and use them to restore the magic of this realm, starting with Nightmare Moon.”
“Awesome! So where’s this castle at, huh?”
“It’s located in the neighboring woodlands…”
“Of the Everfree Forest,” Twilight finished. That sent an icy chill throughout, with a silence that evoked shattered glass from inside the library.
“Unfortunately,” Tintin added, “we’re not sure if the Elements are still there. We can only surmise that at least some sort of lead can be found to indicate what might’ve happened, and where they could’ve gone during the past millennium.”
“The solstice hasn’t begun yet,” said Twilight. “That’s approximately eight hours away. This means we have that much of a head start to look for clues before Nightmare Moon even shows up.”
“Whatever happens out there, always stay together. There’s no telling what, or whom we might encounter. As Twilight reminded me earlier, this information was open to the public for centuries. Others with piqued interest may be checking those ruins to determine whether the legends are true, and to whatever end.”
“Oh, dear,” Fluttershy muttered.
“With that in mind,” Twilight finished, “are there any questions, comments, or concerns.”
“Yeah, are we ready to go yet?”
“I have something of input, darling,” Rarity said after Rainbow Dash. “Before we can even decide on what to do with the Elements upon finding them, how do we prepare for such unsavory characters, wild beasts, or dank obstacles of nature from the Forest?”
“Like Tintin said, missy. Stay close, make sure your eyes are peeled, and ears close to the ground.”
“That last part worries me,” she told Haddock while stroking her mane.
“Anything that happens, AJ, Rainbow, Tintin and myself will hold the line while the rest of ye follow Miss Twilight's lead.”
“Sounds good to me,” nodded the farm pony.
“What about me,” asked Spike. “What do I do?”
"Actually, Spike, I need you to stay here and let Princess Celestia know what's happening."
"What? But what about assisting you?"
"You are still my number one assistant, and always will be. That's why I'm counting on you to do this for me."
"Then, why was I out here?"
“I was unaware of your actual age before this," said Tintin. "But it's good to have everyone here who might share some valuable suggestions. Save your fire breath for later, if you have it. We don’t want a wildfire getting us lost, separated, or worse.”
“Don't fret about it, lad. I’m sure you can put up a good fight in some capacity someday.” The Captain’s words seemed to have brought the small drake some relief.
But then Spike asked, “Does anypony have a map?”
Realization struck Twilight with a spark, seeing as how both she and Tintin had forgotten. With a flash of light, she left their presence momentarily. Upon returning, she was seen levitating two scrolls with the magenta glow of her horn. “There should be a trail leading straight to the ruins. If we hurry, it’ll take about twenty minutes. There’s also a rough schematic of the castle as soon as we reach it.”
“Excellent,” Haddock nodded. “Another three cheers for our reptilian renegade.” That seemed to lift his spirits also.
Miss Dash was growing more impatient with time. “Okay, okay! Now can we go?”
“I suppose with any surprising developments,” replied Tintin, “we just improvise and work with what we’ve got.”
“And with that being said,” Twilight nodded, “let’s go.”
“Finally!”
“You said it, partner. Best get a move on before there’s no more daylight to burn.”
“Yay! Adventure time! Adventures of the gryphs, and ponies, and baby dragon, and puffy dog too!”
“Yea, that’s the spirit!”
“Save your energy for the road,” warned Tintin. “Who knows what lies ahead.”
Snowy yelped with a gusto that was felt by all. Including Fluttershy, who muttered, “I hope you’re right about that.”
The company of nine quietly marched with eager focus and wary anticipation, as the smallest ran back inside. Unbeknownst to them, however, a solitary cloud glided high in the starlit night. It made an effort to avoid the moon’s glow from casting its shadow over Ponyville. Watching the company’s progress as it did this morning, its hiding occupant recognized a need for distance, especially when it came to a watchful flyer in that prismatic mare. Machinations and desires cut swiftly as comets across the starry dome, though patience was key to achieving whatever was sought, and at any cost.
To be continued...