//------------------------------// // An Invitation To Canterlot Castle // Story: Living Elements of Harmony: Neo Elements // by Intellect Stretcher //------------------------------// At Ponyville’s library, Spike remained in the kitchen eating the last of the muffins Midnight baked along with some other snacks. He’s off duty from number one assistant since Twilight currently wants to work alone on another one of her dangerous experiments. With nothing else to do Spike has no choice but to happily stuff himself like he usually does. Not thinking much of anything other than the sweet taste of food in his mouth, he loses track of time. And at some point he hears a sudden knock, or more like a bang, on the front door of the library. “What the heck,” he exclaimed. “Who could that be?” The knocking was continuous and loud. “Spike!” Twilight called from her bedroom. “Can you answer the door?!” “Ugh…Yeah I got it!” Spike gets down from his seat in the table and walks to the door. The knocking didn’t stop as he kept getting closer, and halfway there he yelled, “I’m coming, I’m coming!” When he gets to the door he opens it wide. His lazy and slightly annoyed countenance instantly turned into an almost gapping expression of surprise to the two standing at the other side of the door. “Wow! What are you two doing here?” “Aren’t we entitled to visit?” one of them remarked. “Also we need to speak with Twilight, is she here?” the other asked. “Well yeah; right now she’s working on something in her room, but I guess I can get her here… Then in that case come on in.” Spike invites the two guests inside the library and asks them if they could wait for a moment. “I’ll go get Twilight down here for you.” He starts rushing up the stairs and ran down the hall to get to Twilight’s bedroom. When Spike arrives just outside Twilight’s bedroom door, he wasn’t sure if he should knock. After all, he knew from experience how she could get if anypony interrupted her work. In fact Twilight’s rule is that: unless the world is ending or somepony is dead, don’t disturb. But Spike figured that the guests downstairs were of equal importance, or at least be an exception. Taking a chance he carefully lifts his right claw and slowly reaches out to the door. He rapidly knocks three times then covers his head as if the door would explode. Forcing his eyes shut he waited a moment for something to happen, but it was just silence. “What the…” he seemed confused, and foolishly let his guard down. All of a sudden, the door flew open and hit Spike causing him to hit the wall opposite the door. “What-what-what!?” Twilight shouted as she looked around outside her door. “What is it? Who died!?” she frightfully asked the dragon who is groaning in pain and rubbing his head. “Nopony died, Twilight!” the baby dragon angrily corrected. “It’s just that you need to see who is at the door and waiting for you downstairs!” “Who is it?” “You need to see for yourself, and trust me it is worth the interruption.” “Well, for your sake, it better be worth it. Just who could be at the door; I mean everypony I know knows not to bother me while I’m working! Especially when I’am in the middle of…” she gasped suddenly and her eyes widened like saucers. “Oh no!” Twilight turned around to face her room. Spike could see that her horn was glowing and she was moving some things around. The last thing that caught his eye was a large flask carrying some blue liquid that's quickly turning purple and bubbling. Twilight then stepped back, shut the door with magic, and with feverish haste turned back around and levitated Spike and placed him on her back. “Come on Spike let’s go!” she frantically cried as she now started galloping down the hall and headed downstairs. “W-what’s happening, Twilight?” “No time to explain!” Twilight was running as fast as she could to try to make it downstairs and possibly escape out of her home. But after reaching to the bottom of the stairs, she stops and becomes nonplussed as she laid eyes on the two colts standing in the library. She wanted to speak, but all she got out was, “What the… Shining Armor… General Cyclone?” “Yup it’s us,” Cyclone happily proclaimed. “Hey little sis,” Shining Armor greeted with a cheerful attitude, but then his tone changed when he noticed how much in a hurry Twilight seemed to have been a second ago. “Are you alright? What’s gotten you in such a rush?” “W-well I was uh-” Twilight was instantly silenced by the sudden loud bang that came from upstairs in her bedroom. Everyone there staggered in place, Spike fell off of Twilight, and every one of them, except for Twilight, shouted out, “What in Celestia was that!?” Twilight had to give an answer. “Uh, that was my um, failed experiment…” “You’re kidding?” Shining Armor gave a half entertained and half confused expression. Twilight responded with a look of embarrassment. “What kind of experiment were you doing?” Cyclone rhetorically asked as he started trotting upstairs, Shining following closely behind. The two get to the hallway to find that the door to the bedroom was blown into the wall it was facing and where it was before became a simple large hole in the wall. “Wow…” they both said in unison. They cautiously started moving closer to be able to peak their heads inside the room. “Oh yeah, there’s too much debris in the air to see anything,” Cyclone decided. “Shining Armor, do you mind?” “Not at all Cyclone,” Shining’s horn lit a faint purple light. Then from it came a small tornado shaped formation of wind. It swirled off of his horn and started heading toward the middle of the room, blowing away any smoke in its way. When it got to the middle it dissipated on all directions and stretched to reach the edges of the room and blew off all the dust and debris from the air. “There, that’s much better,” said Cyclone before actually looking at the damage. “Wow, that’s gonna take a while to repair…” There are black smears of burnt debris all over the room’s floor and walls, most of the objects there were either burnt beyond recognition, blown to oblivion, or black with cinders. The window next to the pile of ash that used to be the bed is shattered and smoke still continued to flow out of it. “Oh no,” whined the purple mare who just came upstairs and joined the two colts standing outside her room. “Great, now everything is destroyed.” “You seem rather calm about this…” Spike, who stood closely behind Twilight, skeptically remarked. “Well actually, the explosion did less damage than I thought it would… also you know I have a spare of everything in my room safe in the basement in case something like this happens.” “What were you trying to do in here?” Cyclone hesitantly asked. “Well uh, I was trying to uh,” Suddenly they heard a banging sound come from the library. And then instantly from nowhere came a cyan pegasus flying in with a panicky manner. “What happen here?” she asked. “What the, Shining Armor, what are you doing here?” Then, following the pegasus’s sudden entrance, came four more ponies who looked like they were about to ask the exact same thing. “We came here as fast as we could!” Rarity said between breathes. “What happen and…. What the, Shining Armor?” “Yup, it’s me,” said the rather composed stallion, waving his hoof at them. “But what are you doing here?” Rainbow insisted. Then she noticed Cyclone standing next to Twilight, “And who’s this other guy?” “Oh, this is General Cyclone,” Twilight started explaining. “He’s an old friend from when I was studying back in Canterlot with the Princess.” “Hello,” Cyclone happily greeted. Out of the five mares, Pinkie Pie seemed to be the only one to have bothered to happily wave back at the general. “Well it’s nice to meet you General Cyclone,” Applejack started. “But all that aside for now, what happened here; what was that explosion we heard?” Spike, Shining, and Cyclone all together turned their heads to look at Twilight, which then brought the other ponies to do the same. The lavender unicorn seemed too embarrassed to answer. “Well, I was uh-it was uh, one of my experiments had gone wrong…” she finally admitted after a few hesitant stutters. But even with the stumbles, her friends already understood what happened. “Ugh, were you bothered while you were doing your, um experiments?” Rarity asked, knowing that is most likely the case. Spike was the only one to notice Twilight slightly turning her head to look halfway at the baby dragon’s general direction. He then heard her quietly sigh and she turned her head back to face her friends. “Actually no, I actually made a-an error, and then it just…” “A mistake? How?” Applejack felt curious, but then decided that it be best if it wasn’t explained; she wouldn’t understand the fancy schmancy science talk anyway, “Actually don’t answer that. What matters is that nopony got hurt, right?” “You’re right, we were all downstairs when it happened,” Shining Armor explained. “But anyways, let’s move this whole thing aside for now, and let’s talk about why General Cyclone and I came here to Ponyville.” “Oh okay then,” Twilight said. “Come; let’s go downstairs in the library to talk.” As everypony started going back downstairs, Spike and Twilight made eye contact. For a moment Spike felt afraid; he wasn’t sure what Twilight was going to do. After all he is sort of responsible for Twilight messing up. However Twilight adopted a bright smile instead of looking angry. It was a caring smile that said soothingly “it’s all alright.” Spike was surprised by the unexpected compassion. But he assumed Twilight was just somehow in a good mood, despite her room being destroyed. As Twilight and everypony else left down the stairs, Spike just came up with a grim realization. “Wait a minute,” he said as he looked inside the destroyed bedroom. “Where am I going to sleep?” he complained to mostly himself. He turned around to see that he was alone, and then he rushed to meet up with the others. He stops when he gets midway up the staircase and sits to watch below. The six mares gather in front of the two stallions, eager to hear what they have to say. Once everypony was settled, Shining Armor spoke first, “Now for a while now, you all have faced many challenges as well as very formidable foes. Your friendships, willingness, and efforts have been put to heavy tests. All of it started a few years go with Nightmare Moon, and the last incident being just a few months ago in the royal wedding, my wedding.” The mane six each look at one other and relive their past adventures. Shining continues, “Well, the Princesses want to somehow thank the six of you for your services to Equestria.” Curiosity and confusion appeared on the faces of the six mares. Cyclone joined in on the explanation, “You see all of Equestria is eternally grateful for the things the six of you, the Elements of Harmony, have done to protect us. And the thing is we haven’t really thanked you for any of it, yet.” “So the princesses have invited you all to a full three week long vocational, celebratory get-together in the Royal Canterlot castle. There’s going to be a wide variety of activities, opportunities, and celebrations, all fit to each one of your likings. And best of all, it’s all being paid for by the Princesses, and even Spike gets to come!” Shining Armor finished off with the exciting announcement with his hoof pointing at the baby dragon sitting on the steps, who immediately couldn’t control his hyper movement and giggles of excitement. Immediately jaws drop. “A full three week stay at the Canterlot castle?!” the mane six shout simultaneously, drawing out excited cheers from them. “Yes-yes I know how exciting it sounds; however there is a catch,” Cyclone’s voice didn’t seem to have hindered the fillies’ excitement in even the slightest, but at least they turned their attention to the general. Cyclone continued, “and that catch is: this trip is meant for only the six of you, the Elements of Harmony. Nopony else is able to come; with the only exception being Spike, of course.” Immediately silence swept among the previously excited mares as they all thought about the ponies they wanted to invite. And a specific gray stallion just happens to be the first pony to appear in their minds. “Uh are you all okay?” Shining Armor asks noticing the awkward silence. The mane six look at each other with empty expressions before Rarity calmly asks, “Are you sure we can’t bring anypony else with use?” “We’re sorry,” Cyclone replied. “But the Princesses request that this trip be only for the seven of you, and nopony else.” “Why is that?” Applejack insisted. Shining Armor and Cyclone exchange quick looks. “Is there something wrong?” Shining Armor asks, completely avoiding Applejack’s question. “Actually-” Rainbow was ready to explain, but then, “No, there isn’t a problem,” Twilight suddenly cut off the cyan pony. All surprised eyes turn to look at the purple unicorn as she speaks. “We just need some time to talk about this grand opportunity we have been given. After all this is so sudden, and we were never really given an opportunity like this to simply relax. So if you two wouldn’t mind, Shining Armor and Cyclone, can you give us all a moment?” Twilight shifted her eyes between her friends and the two stallions, giving them all emotionless looks throughout her explanation. In return everypony present gave Twilight confused and curious expressions for her sudden speech. The captain and the general meet eyes for a second before making a silent agreement. “Alright then,” Cyclone said. “When you need us we’ll be by town hall, waiting for your answer.” “See ya Twili!” Shining Armor and Cyclone exit the library, leaving the six best friends to talk. Right when they shut the front door, the conversation started. “What the heck did you do that for, Twilight?!” Rainbow angrily insisted. “Indeed, why didn’t you let us inform them about Midnight Shine?” Rarity asked with a slightly annoyed tone. Twilight didn’t seem alert to her friends’ voices at first. She looked like she was spacing out, staring at nothing, and thinking carefully about something. For a long pause she remained quiet before she looked back at her friends with a weak smile. “I don’t think we should insist too much on them, after all we’re probably lucky they let Spike join us,” she says. “But what about Midnight Shine, don’t you think we should invite him?” Applejack immediately shot back. “Yes I do, but, we’re not really sure if he would even want to go. I mean he just came here from Canterlot to start new in Ponyville, do you think he would want to go back to Canterlot even if it’s just for a vacation?” Twilight held a good argument, and the others felt the same. “Still we have to at least tell him about this, maybe you’re wrong,” Spike said, coming down the stairs and joining the group. “You’re right Spike,” Twilight admitted. “In that case will any of you like to help me find Midnight and explain this to him?” “Ooo-ooo I’ll go! Pick me!” Pinkie Pie excitingly offered. “Count me in too!” Rainbow Dash eagerly volunteered. “Very well,” Twilight said. “Let’s go find him.” Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash trot out of the front door leaving Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Spike in the library. “What do we do now?” Fluttershy softly asked. “Well I don’t know about you all,” Rarity said, “but I’m going to pack my things for this trip.” Rarity said as she started trotting out the door. “Sounds like a good idea; I’m gonna go ahead and start getting ready too.” Applejack announced, following closely behind Rarity. “You coming too, Fluttershy?” “Oh, uh okay…” Fluttershy agreed without hesitation. “What about you Spike?” “I’ll stay here and do the same, you guys go ahead.” Spike started going back up the stairs, then he stopped halfway when he remembered something. “Wait a minute, ugh! All my things were in the bedroom!” He started frustratingly walking down the stairs, “Can I come with you guys; I have nothing to pack, it was all blown up.” “Sure Spike, let’s go.” ----- “Does anypony even know where Midnight is?” Twilight kindly asked the two mares following behind her as they wonder around Ponyville. “I actually haven’t seen him all day; not since last night,” said Pinkie Pie. “Yeah me neither,” Rainbow said as she flew above the other two mares. “Twilight, this morning, didn’t he tell you where he was going?” “Huh? How did you know that he and I met up in the morning?” Twilight curiously lifted one of her brows. “Well he did walk you home last night; you were both somewhat drunk, so didn’t you and him... you know?” Rainbow’s hoof gestures and sudden emphasis at the end of her sentence made her point clear. Twilight tried her hardest to keep a solemn look and instantly gave a grimace to the cyan mare’s question. “Rainbow Dash, I can see why you would think such a thing. But be aware that though I might’ve been intoxicated, I did not sleep with Midnight last night!” “Aw come on, why not?” Pinkie pie whined. “You two make such a cute couple! You sure Midnight didn’t come on to you last night, or maybe you to him?” Pinkie’s questionable emphasis also seemed just as lustful as Rainbow’s “H-how can you say that,” Twilight couldn’t control her face from turning a bright pink hue. “I just met him yesterday!” She also couldn’t control her nervous stuttering, “And he, uh I mean we, aren’t the kind of ponies to do that so early.” The lavender pony started getting more control of herself and her voice. “All he did last night was drop me off my house, he came to my house this morning just to check out a few books, and he didn’t tell me where he was going when he left, that’s all to it.” Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash turned to gaze at each other. Pinkie adopting a wide grin that said “I told you so”, while Rainbow bore a look of disappointment. Then they both decided to stop insisting on that topic. The three continued a silent search around town. Silent, until Pinkie just remembered something. She looked up at the cyan mare flying just above her, and recalled, “Rainbow Dash, so you and Applejack never found him when you left to look for him? Where did you even look?” “Huh, what are you talking about Pinkie?” Rainbow replied. “You know, this morning when we were all at the Sugar Cube Corner, we were uh… talking about Midnight; then you and AJ just got up and decided to look for him,” the pink pony’s voice was hesitant and was careful with her words, due to the certain purple mare’s presence. Rainbow comes down from the air and walks alongside the pink mare. Not knowing what she’s talking about, Rainbow needed to continue the talk. “Applejack and I never did that; are you sure you’re thinking of the right ponies?” Rainbow tried to keep her voice at a whisper, trying to be mindful of the lavender pony in front of her. However Twilight doesn’t really seem to be paying attention to them; she’s just continuously looking for the gray colt around town. “Yeah of course I’m sure, I specifically remember when this morning at the Sugar Cube Corner we were talking about Midnight, then you and Applejack got up and talked in some strange voices. You were all like, ‘we’re going to see how Midnight’s doing this morning’ and Applejack was like, ‘Yeah we’ll be back later’.” The more Pinkie explained the less life there was in her enthusiastic voice as she slowly started noticing Rainbow’s confused appearance. Pinkie can see it in the cyan mare’s eyes; she truly did not know what Pinkie was talking about. But that didn’t make any sense… Before Pinkie could investigate this… “Hey there he is!” Twilight exclaimed, immediately gaining the attention of the two ponies following her. The gray colt they were looking for was leaving the doors of the Boutique looking cheerful while levitating a new set of cloths and wearing a black hat with thin white stripes. “Midnight!” Twilight suddenly called out then started running after the colt. Pinkie and Rainbow weren’t sure how to respond but to do the same. Right away Midnight Shine noticed Twilight call his name, but he decided not to really react until she got was close enough to talk to. “Wow simmer down Twilight, what’s the rush?” He asked. “T-there’s something that I have to tell you, and ask you…” The mare spoke between breathes. “Is this about the vacation offer to Canterlot Castle?” “H-how did you know?” “Oh, well Rarity told me.” “Why were you-” Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie caught up and interrupted what Twilight was about to ask. “Did ya tell him yet?” they both simultaneously ask the lavender pony. “Oh don’t worry; I already know, Rarity told me everything. And the thing is I don’t really want to go to back to Canterlot, even if it’s a vacation.” Midnight passively adjusted his hat while he spoke. “What?” the mares call out in unison, except for Twilight who instantly gained a smug grin that said “I told you so”. “Why not?” Pinkie asked “Well…” unexpectedly Midnight’s smile shrunk a bit. “You see I just got here, and I haven’t really gotten to meet everypony in town yet… There’s a reason why I left Canterlot, but I don’t want to get to that yet,” he took off his hat and started compulsively running his hoof through its rims. “But anyways, I don’t want to go to this trip. I just don’t. For personal reasons. My place now is here in Ponyville, so it won’t be very fruitful to go to Canterlot.” He looked at the mare’s standing in front of him and noticed from their sentimental looks they started to understand his reasons. He sighed and then put his hat back on before he brought back that smile of his, “And besides I’ve already been to the castle plenty of times, and even been well acquainted the Princess.” A certain purple filly’s jaw dropped at the last statement, “What? You have? When? You’re kidding me aren’t you!? How was it that you?” “Now-now Twilight, that story is for a later, more personal time.” Midnight added with a tease. Remarkably Twilight got over the unexpected statement and brought herself more under control. “Well anyway, how much did Rarity tell you already?” she asks. “She told me that you all leave today, that even Spike is going too, and uh,” Midnight tilted his hat to the bottom left to partially cover his eye, “She also said something about the vacation being a repayment to you all for something, or something like that; I didn’t really hear her when she started talking about that…” A certain rainbow colored mare’s eyes shifted and her ear flickered in response; nopony seemed to notice it. Twilight spoke next. “Well okay then, I’ll be seeing you later. Don’t worry we’ll all be back in a three weeks.” Ending the conversation she said, “Bye,” before trotting away. Pinkie Pie hopped in front of Midnight with a wide smile “You think you’ll be fine with us gone for so long?” “Oh I’m sure I’ll be fine Pinkie. It’ll be a little boring and quiet without you around, but I can handle it.” “Oki-doki-loki! See ya later then; I got to go pack my things for the trip!” and with that the overjoyed pink pony started springing away. “Well at any rate,” Rainbow began, “I got to go and pack my things too.” “Alright; hope to see you come back wearing a Wonder Bolt’s uniform.” “Hehe, you and I both. Well anyway, gotta dash; I’ll see you in a few weeks!” She flew up in the air and sailed away, leaving Midnight by himself. He sighed and said to himself, “I wonder how the Princess and the others are doing nowadays… boy do I dislike having to go Canterlot…” then a glow came from his horn and he vanished in bright blue flash.