//------------------------------// // Chapter 13: NOW Can We Have the Party? // Story: The Best Babysitter // by pchn00 //------------------------------// Chapter 13: NOW Can We Have the Party? The next few days dripped by with agonizing slowness for Jennifer. Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle were both discharged the day after she woke up, both with orders to get plenty of bed rest for the next couple of weeks. This left her alone for the mornings and bulk of the afternoons while her friends were busy with their own jobs. Rarity was by the second day to take her measurements. It was a bit of a chore with her being confined to bed but the generous unicorn had insisted on having some garments for the girl to wear upon her departure. The very day after there was a lovely (if a bit too frilly for Jen’s liking), silk blouse and flowing skirt waiting for her. While she’d have prepared a new t-shirt and pair of jeans she wasn’t sure if the ponies had denim…so she gave Rarity her most heartfelt thanks, the unicorn promising to have a whole wardrobe ready for her in no time. Pinkie came by as soon as she was done working for the day of course, and usually stayed until visiting hours were over. The others would stop by for shorter visits…but it was still really boring. It came as quite a relief when her doctor finally pronounced her fit to leave. “You’ll need to take it easy. Very easy. That barrel wound is still pretty bad…but as long as you don’t do any real physical activity you’ll be free to go home. Ah…do you have a home to go to?” Jennifer was nodding eagerly, the prospects of leaving today went far to bring her mood up. “I do. Applejack invited me to stay with her family at Sweet Apple Acres, until Pinkie Pie saves enough to get a place of her own.” The doctor only raised an eyebrow at the prospects of his patients’ future primary caregiver being the pony with possibly the worst reputation for responsibility. “Yes well…as soon as Ms. Pie comes to check you out, you’ll be on your way. Just remember, plenty of bed rest alright? You’re fit to walk so long as you take it slow, but I’d keep it to short trips for now.” She gave him a grateful smile. “Thanks doctor, really. I’m sure it’s been a hassle for you.” With a chuckle the stallion replaced her chart at the end of her bed. “Oh it was touch and go at first but despite your ah…unusual packaging most of the insides are the same hm? Take care Miss Allen.” Left alone once again Jen did what she had been doing best the past few days, she settled down to sleep. She was awakened sometime later by a loud squealing “Wheeeeeee!” Coming from the door to her room. In burst Pinkie Pie whizzing into the room in a wheel chair that looked several sizes too big for her. “Heya Jenny-bean check out the cool chair you get to take home!” With a very tiny laugh Jen forced herself to sit up. “It’s just until I’m all better, than I have to bring it back. So don’t break it…those things cost a fortune back home I bet they’re expensive here too.” A cheery giggle was the pink earth pony’s reply as she hopped out. “I know. But aren’t you excited?! You get to leave today!” Jen nodded emphatically… scooting to the edge of her bed with agonizing slowness. Gently she eased her hospital gown off and tugged on the clothes Rarity had made for her. She’d worn silk once or twice when getting drug to her mother’s functions, but these felt like she was wearing a cloud. Gingerly setting her legs on the floor she oh-so-slowly settled her weight onto them. Almost instantly she felt them threaten to buckle, but with an annoyed grunt she forced them to support her. She carefully moved to the waiting chair and settled in it slowly. Pinkie bounded over with her shoes, which she slid on happily. The poor things looked a lot worse for wear than they had before her whole adventure started, but she refused to let Rarity replace them. “Surprised they have one in my size really.” Pinkie grabbed Jen’s effects… mostly her shield and the gem from Discord, slinging them over a handle on the chair. She moved to trot beside Jen as the nurse entered to wheel her out. “It’s in Big Mac size! They have to keep some BIG stuff on hand for when the draft ponies get hurt. We’re not all little ponies’ y’know?” A little blush came unbidden to her cheeks. Applejack’s siblings had come to visit with their sister a couple days back. She keenly remembered the excitable Applebloom (though she recalled her name being Anna Belle at the time), from her frequent visits with her sister in the human world. She also remembered Big Mac…who just went by Mac in her world. He had come to one of their picnics once, with his ripply muscle and chiseled good looks Jen developed an instant crush. Of course here he was a huge red stallion so the image of her handsome future husband was shattered… but she couldn’t entirely banish the memory of his human form. If Pinkie noticed she didn’t comment. “So! The Princesses want us to head to Canterlot! I know you’re supposed to be resting up so you can just keep your butt planted in that chair the whole way if you like.” Nodding slowly, she waited patiently while Pinkie filled out the release forms. Idly wondering if she would eventually have to learn to write with her mouth…and suddenly very grateful for her magic giving horn. She found herself looking forward to the trip to Canterlot and meeting Luna face to face, without a crazy chaos monster interrupting. “Are we going right away?” Pinkie happily took over pushing duty as she guided Jen from the hospital and into the crisp winter afternoon. Jen winced a bit at the sudden bright sunlight, but she couldn’t hide a huge smile as she inhaled the fresh air. “Yup! The others’re already waiting for us at the train station. Twilight was a little upset that you weren’t getting any time to rest up at Applejack’s place but Princess Celestia’s letter said she needed to see us right away. So we’re going right away!” Jen just gave a little ‘oh’ and settled back to enjoy the sensation of being outside. Even if it was pretty cold she didn’t want to zip up her jacket. Having the thin blouse over her tender stomach was uncomfortable enough. She didn’t really care if she was going to AJ’s farm or for a train ride to the royal castle; as long as she didn’t have to do a lot of walking she was content. Shifting to get more comfortable in the chair as she was pushed along the little lane through Ponyville, she was keenly aware all eyes were on her again. It didn’t bother her as much as it had in Detrot, though it was still a little unnerving. Still she was supposed to live here now so she should get used to it. She just smiled and gave little waves to anypony she made eye contact with. Most seemed to get over their initial surprise easily enough… especially seeing the resident party pony so friendly with the weird creature. Her smile widened as she saw a familiar little yellow filly charging her way. When she’d first seen Applebloom in her hospital room she couldn’t hide a girlish squeal. The little filly was just so cute. With those stubby little legs and chubby body she looked like a big stuffed animal. Hot on her heels were another pair of fillies, one a white unicorn with a lavender and pink mop of curls for a mane who must be Rarity’s little sister Sweet Belle, the other a little orange pegasus with tiny buzzing wings that had to be Scootaloo. Jen had been warned extensively on the antics of the ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders’ as they called themselves, by their elders. “Hey girls.” She gave a little smile. “It’s nice to see you all again.” “Are ya really gonna be livin on the farm with us til Pinkie gets her own house?” “Is it true you’re staying in Equestria?” “Didja reallyget in a sword fight with Discord!?” Even briefed on how much energy the fillies generally put out Jen was still a bit taken aback by the barrage. “Um…yes, yes…and yes.” At confirmation of the third question all three fillies eyes widened considerably (which almost got another little eeee from Jen at how adorable it looked), “Coooooool.” They all said in unison. “Hey d’ya think…?” “It is something we haven’t tried yet…” “And it’s super cool!” The trio had stopped following Jen and Pinkie to mutter amongst themselves…then suddenly belted out in unison, “Cutie Mark Crusader Sword Fighters!” Then dashed off excitedly. Jen couldn’t hide a grimace glancing back at the vanishing trio. “That doesn’t sound good.” She got a cheery giggle from Pinkie. “Oh don’t worry I’m pretty sure the only actual sword in Ponyville is yours Jenny-bean.” They reached the train station soon after without further delays. Jen couldn’t hide a grin as she saw Rainbow Dash free of the bulk of her bandages, flying above the group and darting back and forth impatiently. “Finally! We’ve been waiting forever!” Twilight was looking much better as well, good as new in fact. She only rolled her eyes at Dash’s antics. “We’ve been waiting for about ten minutes.” Rarity of course was gushing over Jennifer in the new outfit. “Oh it suits you marvelously darling, I’m a little out of practice making clothes for humans but I think it came out wonderfully don’t you?” Giving a little nod Jen smiled. “They’re perfect…very comfy. Though it has been awhile since I wore a skirt.” “Hm.” The snowy coated unicorn carefully studied her as they boarded the train. “Perhaps I can get you some slacks…it is lovely to be challenged again. I’ve been in something of a rut even before all this Discord business.” Pinkie and Applejack stood on either side of Jen, allowing her to use them as braces to shift from the chair to the bed in their train car. Sinking into it slowly she pulled her legs up after herself and lay down. “Who’da thought being pushed around in a wheel chair could tire someone out?” Her friends all shared a little laugh, except Twilight. “Actually it was more likely you sitting up for such a long period of time coupled with the mental stimulation that made you tired.” That set the group to laughing again, all save a perplexed Twilight Sparkle. Holding her sore stomach with a little grimace Jen stared out the window beside her bed, watching the Equestrian country side roll by. Someone was gently prodding her shoulder and jerked up right, then gave out a little yelp of pain as her stomach reminded her of its condition. The sun was slowly setting outside, and she could feel the train rolling to a stop. With a huff she realized she must have fallen asleep. Looking down she saw a rather aghast looking Fluttershy holding her hooves over her muzzle. “Oh no…I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to startle you…it’s just we’re here and the girls sent me to make sure you were up…” The poor pegasus was gushing. With a little smile Jen eased out of bed and to her chair, settling in with a grunt. “It’s alright Fluttershy, my fault for falling asleep.” Wings flapping gently Fluttershy lifted from the ground and nudged Jen’s chair out of the car and onto the waiting platform. “Oh no, not at all. You need plenty of rest…I’m surprised the princesses asked to see you all so soon…they should know better.” Settling back in the chair Jennifer gave a lazy shrug. She even managed to tune out the gawks she was receiving from the comically snooty looking pony elite of Canterlot. “I can lie around in a bed at AJ’s farm or I can sit in this chair and get wheeled around Canterlot. Doesn’t make much of a difference to me.” “That’s the spirit Jenny-bean! Besides it’s always fun to visit with the Princess…uh…es! Except when Discord is attacking! Or the changelings! Or we have a parasprite invasion or Fluttershy foalnaps Princess Celestia’s bird…of course it’s not foalnapping then its birdnapping!” Rainbow Dash quieted the excitable Pinkie Pie with a thump to the head with one of her wings. “She gets it Pinkie Pie.” With a slow nod the girl settled back in her chair taking in the sights of the royal city. She saw plenty of statues and murals depicting Princess Celestia, but she couldn’t find a thing featuring Princess Luna. Maybe this was the Celestia District of the city or something. Soon enough the group arrived at the palace gates. The guard eyed their guest for a moment, but she WAS with the elements of harmony so no one made any great effort to bar their path. They passed a trio of what Jen assumed were armored pegasi only… “…do those guys have bat wings?” She asked, eyes wide. Twilight glanced to the passing group and nodded. “Yes those are members of Princess Luna’s night guard. When she takes over and the night court begins the changing of the guard occurs. They have a glamour woven into their armor that gives them their more…intimidating appearance.” Jen craned her head to watch them go, before settling back in her chair. “Cool…” They were greeted by the same mare who met them in the courtyard. “Ah good you’re here. Princess Luna is just about finished with her business for the evening and will see you all momentarily.” Everyone settled into the waiting room. “The evening’s just started; I’m surprised she doesn’t have more stuff t’do. I mean the sun’s just barely down.” Jen checked out the nearest window to see the moon just beginning its ascent. “Well…most of the ponies conduct their business during the day, with Princess Celestia. Princess Luna was gone for a very long time after all and everypony just got used to having one princess. I think a lot of ponies are still a little…intimidated by her.” Jen nodded slowly as Twilight finished, though she was frowning a touch too. That didn’t make a lot of sense; the Luna visiting her dreams seemed very kind. Maybe a touch formal but she was a princess after all. She was pleasantly surprised when the charming unicorn stallion she’d met on her first trip here stepped through the doors from the throne room soon, holding a small medal encased in a placard in his magic aura. Jen to her credit didn’t snicker at all when she recalled his name was Fancy Pants…poor guy. “Ah! Delightful to see you all again. And looking much better than last time hm?” He even sounded fancy… he definitely lived up to his name. Rarity smiled radiantly. “Oh it’s wonderful to see you again too darling. And we simply cannot thank you enough for looking after us while we were ah…so inconvenienced.” The stallion chuckled warmly and shook his head. “Not at all my dear, anypony would have done the same.” He trotted a bit closer to Jen, his monocle drifting in a touch closer to get a better look. “I say you are an interesting young filly aren’t you? I do wish I had more time to stay and chat but I’ve a busy night planned. Perhaps you’ll do me the honor of joining me for tea sometime soon?” Feeling a little out of place…this guy seemed to be pretty much a ‘rich dude’ among ponies…not the type of people Jen usually associated with…she gave a little shrug. “Uh…sounds cool?” Fancy gave a sharp laugh. “Ha! Indeed I do believe it would be… cool. Until then my dear. Rarity, always a delight to see you and your charming friends.” And with a tip of his head he was gone, leaving an impatient looking secretary gesturing them toward the throne room. Jen was relieved to find all the damage she’d accidentally done in her tantrum toward Discord had been repaired. The lovely stain glass windows were whole once more, depicting what she assumed were great moments in pony history. She could see her friends occupying a number of them no less. Princess Luna sat upon the throne wearing a welcoming smile. “It is good to see you all once again. And once again you have been asked to come to us this day so that we might honor your heroism. This marks the fourth time you young ponies have saved all of Equestria from near certain disaster.” Seeing the look of concern on Twilights face Luna turned to address her personally. “My sister is resting now, and wishes to see you soon. I will only hold you a moment then you may go to her side Twilight Sparkle.” At a happy nod from Twilight she continued. “In recognition of your many heroic acts and after consulting with my sister on the matter…we have decided you six shall be awarded official noble titles. You will have authority to act in our names in a more official capacity should the need arise.” Everyone turned to find the source of the sudden WHUMP coming from the middle of the group. Rarity had fainted at the announcement. With a little chuckle the Princess continued as if nothing had happened. “You will perhaps be asked to come to the court now and again, your opinions would be valued by me in the near future…” She trailed off seeming a bit troubled. “…however we can discuss this further at another time.” Pinkie was suddenly hopping from hoof to hoof excitedly as Princess Luna settled her gaze on her. “Is it time? Is it time now??” The Princess gave a faint nod and Pinkie sprang behind one of the pillars… rolling out a canon. “Leeeeeet’s party!” With a BOOM the air was filled with balloons and confetti…more surprising to Jen was the sudden table filled with snacks, punch, and a bevy of games spread about the floor. There was even a record player going. She turned an incredulous look to Applejack who just shrugged. “Eh…s’just Pinkie Pie bein Pinkie Pie…surprised ya didn’t see none of her uh…Pinkieness on the road.” Shaking her head Jen again regarded the party that exploded from the cannon. “…not this kinda Pinkieness…” But she was smiling as she said it. Twilight slipped from the room toward Princess Celestia’s private quarters during the commotion. Luna watched her subjects delve into their celebration for a few moments before stepping out onto a balcony overlooking the castle garden. With a firm set to her jaw Jen forced herself up from her chair and made a slow shuffle to follow the Princess. Almost immediately Fluttershy moved to help her along…but was stopped by a pink hoof. The gentle pegasus was surprised at the unusually stern look on her friend’s face. “She’s fine Fluttershy. If she wanted help she would have asked.” Tucking her wings back against her flanks with a nod Fluttershy returned to the snack table. “You’re going to take excellent care of her Pinkie Pie, I can tell.” Her friends’ words helped soothe Pinkie’s nerves…as did the party. Her friends were all smiling and nothing made her happier than to see them smile…but she had filled out the papers to be Jen’s guardian here in Equestria without asking her first. She was sure she wouldn’t mind, even be happy about it but… what if she wasn’t? “Another beautiful night your highness… that’s right, right?” Jen slowly moved to stand beside the regal alicorn looking out over the gardens. Luna laughed lightly. “It is indeed…but I prefer my friends to call me Luna, and I do count you among that unfortunately small number.” The girl nodded a little at that looking up at the sky again. “So you raise the moon and bring out the starts?” “Mmhm.” Luna was a bit more animated now…there really were so few who enjoyed her night sky, even in this era where ponies were active in the evening. Most of it was in the big cities like Fillydelphia and Manehattan, and most of those ponies were more concerned with their evening’s entertainment than the stars. “I raise the moon and place the stars rather.” Jennifer tilted her head. “Place them? You mean you can move them around?” A little glint of mischief glinted in the Princess’ eye as she looked up at the starry sky. Her horn glimmered as a large cluster of stars began to slowly swirl in the sky. The look of awe on her audiences face warmed her heart more than she expected it to. “That’s amazing! You can make them do whatever you want?” She would probably be bouncing up and down Pinkie style if she wasn’t so wiped out from the epic sojourn of fifty feet from her chair to the balcony. Luna’s nod was emphatic, her own excitement matching Jennifer’s. “Oh yes… though you should hear some of the astronomers moan when I do. I will no doubt receive no less than a dozen complaints for this from some of the more curmudgeony sorts. Though the young ponies that are about at night seem to appreciate such displays.” “I can see why.” Slowly Jen sank onto a stone bench on the balcony, breathing a bit heavily. The princess regarded her with a touch of concern. “Are you well? Shall I fetch your chair?” When Jen waved a hand dismissively she nodded. “Very well. I am glad you accepted our invitation, my sister would have liked to be here to speak with you as well but that will be… difficult for a time. Regardless, we will respect your decision to become a full citizen out our land… however you must understand there will be difficulties. Adjustments to be made. After Discord, human visitors have been… scarce to say the least. The last one was some years ago, and Celestia kept her in the castle under her supervision at all times.” Jen was frowning now, but the Princess cut her off before she could voice her concerns. “I do not believe I need to keep you here, nor do I wish to.” The relief on the girl’s face told her she had correctly guessed the coming question. “However, I should very much like it if you agreed to come to Canterlot on your weekend breaks from your regular school lessons. There is much I would enjoy teaching you, perhaps give you a little insight on the political system of Equestria, and I was quite the terror on the battlefield in my day. I believe you would like an instructor on how to properly use the Sword of Harmony.” She wasn’t sure how excited she was about learning politics, though it was probably a good idea to know something about how government worked here. She was never too interested in the political scene back home so she hadn’t even thought about it here. The last bit however had her more than a little excited. “I’d love to! It was a pretty embarrassing fight with Discord to be honest.” She laughed a little…than winced at held her stomach. “Well now that that is settled… we have another issue to discuss. I understand Discord gave you a not-insignifgant portion of his own power. I trust you are aware of just how dangerous it is?” Jen nodded, the good cheer from a moment ago gone. “Good. My sister and I believe it would be better suited with us rather than left in your care.” Now Jen frowned, looking to her chair in the other room where the gem was looped around the handle under her shield. “I… think I want to keep it. Uh… with all due respect. I made a promise after all, and my shield keeps it from talking to me.” Luna’s frown was more than a little troubled. “Very well Jennifer… though Celestia will not agree with me, I believe you are mature enough to ignore the temptation to wield so dangerous a power.” Her mood brightened a touch. “Before I allow you to return to your celebration, we crafted something for you.” Again her horn glimmered, and a small silvery chain lifted from beneath one of her wings. It was a charm bracelet… tiny silver charms of an earth pony, pegasus, and unicorn adorned it. “The last human who stumbled upon Equestria was given this bracelet. It allowed her to take on an aspect of the tribe she wished to experience before settling on the one she most preferred. Celestia thought it would help her adjust easier if she had some freedom of choice.” Wide eyed Jen accepted the bracelet, fastening it around her left wrist. “So… can I uh…” She nodded toward Luna’s wings. The Princess spread them wide, the sight took Jen’s breath away in a quick gasp. The Princess was a beautiful and imposing creature with her wings folded against her flanks, but when the magnificent plumage was spread to its full size she was breathtaking. “Grow wings? If you choose the pegasus aspect, yes. I would suggest you spend time as each. Have your friends teach you what it means to be a member of that tribe, before moving onto the next. It would be best if you started with the earth tribe. There are no ponies in Equestria more centered and grounded. It will help give you a better clarity of thought. Without Discord meddling with your inner workings, you should absorb enough Equestrian energy to become a pony within a year and a half, perhaps two” Fingering the charms on the bracelet Jen nodded. While she really really really wanted to fly with wings of her own…the princess had been nothing but kind to her, and her advice did sound pretty good. She was also pretty relieved it was gonna take so long for her to wind up a pony. While it wasn’t as terrifying a prospect as it had first seemed, she was still pretty fond of her fingers…and bipedal locomotion. “Alright your high..er… Luna. I’ll try that first then. Should I like… do it now or…?” Luna shook her head gently. “No, wait until you are feeling better. Right now you are of the unicorns, and the change from one tribe to another can be a strain on the body. It won’t do you any harm at all when you’re healthy. As you are now it could be slightly dangerous.” Almost instantly Jen jerked her hand away from the bracelet. “Oh… well then.” She pushed herself to her feet, rising to eye level with the Princess. “Thank you so much for this… and for all your help while we were on the road.” Luna dipped her head low, almost in a bow. “Thank you for all you did. Without you Discord would have run unchecked in Equestria. It gives me great pleasure to officially welcome you to Equestria.” A particularly loud bout of laughter rolled from the throne room. “Now… I believe you should rejoin your friends hm?” With a little grin Jennifer nodded and hobbled back into the party. -Twilight Sparkle- Twilight gingerly made her way through the halls of the palace. She walked with steady confidence; she’d made the trip through the castle to Princess Celestia’s chambers often enough she could probably do it blindfolded. She was even more excited to see her brother and sister-in-law waiting outside Celestia’s rooms. “Shining Armor! Cadence! What are you doing here?” She rushed up giving them both a tight embrace before stepping back. Her joy dimmed a little at their stoic expressions. “Princess Luna asked us to come.” Princess Cadence frowned a touch, the expression almost as foreign on her gentle features as it was on Pinkie Pie’s. The youngest of the alicorns, she was only a little larger than the average pony. Shining Armor stepped up beside his wife, leaning against her affectionately. “It’s best if you just go in and talk to her yourself Twily. Just… try not to panic.” This of course was precisely the wrong thing to say to the high strung unicorn, who was in fact on the verge of panicking as she burst into Celestia’s chambers. Her panic was validated she felt, at the sight of her beloved teacher. Princess Celestia lay by a crackling fireplace. The Princess of the sun’s coat was closer to dull grey then it’s usually pearly white. Her once luminous tail and mane lay flat against her body, the colors faded greatly. Deep lines ran along her eyes and mouth. All in all she looked…old. really old. Gingerly Twilight approached. “P… Princess?” Celestia lifted her head, letting her tired gaze fall upon her beloved student. “Twilight… I’m so glad you’ve come.” Even her voice sounded thin and strained. Twilight knelt beside the princess, feeling tears welling in her eyes. “Princess I don’t understand… what happened to you?” With a sigh the princess rested her head on her forehooves once more. “I’m going to share something with you that isn’t common knowledge Twilight… I wish it to remain between a very select few, do you understand?” Wide eyed… and with some of her worry forgotten at the hint of some ancient forbidden secret, Twilight leaned forward eagerly. “While we alicorns are immortal… even we need to rest. In ages past, Luna and I would take turns. Just a week or so every hundred years was enough to replenish out energy and vitality for the next century.” She paused to glance at Twilight to make sure she was paying attention; she allowed herself a smile at the notion that her student would somehow not pay attention to every word. “As you might expect… I couldn’t very well take a week away from raising the sun while Luna was…away. And so, I put it off. Year after year I ignored it, I forced myself to push onward. And between you and me, I think I did a pretty good job.” She laughed lightly. Twilight shook her head, looking over her teacher again. “But Princess what about Cadence? Couldn’t she have taken over your duties? She did a fine job with the sun and the moon the past few days!” Celestia sighed softly. “You have to understand Cadence is very young still, and not just by alicorn standards. She’s only a little older then yourself, and has only just grown into her power to the point where she could move the heavenly bodies.” Seeing Twilight begin to grow frazzled Celestia gently draped a wing over her. “Now… there’s no need to panic. I’m going to be just fine. I just need a more… drastic revitalization this time.” This did seem to go a long way towards calming Twilight. “Drastic how Princess?” “We’ll get to that in a moment. Just know that I will be indisposed for perhaps a year, no more than two at the most.” Twilight’s eyes popped wide enough Celestia was afraid they’d roll out of her head. “It’s going to be fine. Luna is here now, and she’s more than ready to look after Equestria. Cadence will take over raising the sun for me in the interim. As for you, I’m sure you don’t want to put your studies on hold so…” Her horn glimmered with a flickering golden aura. Across the room a doorway appeared outlined in sparkling gold light. At a nod from the princess Twilight approached, her curiosity over riding her concern. Inside the doorway was… a library. She looked back to Celestia, confusion on her face. “I don’t recognize this library Princess.” The sun princess rose slowly, making her way to stand at Twilight’s side. “From what I’ve been told you were unconscious when Jennifer and Pinkie Pie entered the library of Clover the Clever, so I’m not surprised you don’t recognize it.” She was more than a little amused that Twilight seemed on the verge of hyper ventilating again…this time in excitement. “Are you serious? This is the library of the Clover the Clever! The most esteemed unicorn in history after Starswirl the Bearded?!” She was practically dancing on her hooves. With a grin Celestia nudged her through the magical door. “It is. Many of the books here were penned by Clover herself. The ones that weren’t, were written by Starswirl.” Every word seemed to increase Twilight’s excitement until she couldn’t contain it anymore. She dashed about from shelf to shelf. “There’s so much to read! And so much to organize… none of these seem to be in any sort of order! Spike! I’ll need Spike of course. We’ll have a lot of lists to make and…” Her teacher interrupted her manic rant with a light ahem. “There’s plenty of time for that Twilight. This doorway will be visible to you and only you anytime you enter my chambers.” Reluctantly Twilight tore herself from the books and followed her mentor back to her place by the fire. “While I’m unavailable I hope you’ll help yourself to as many books as you like. Just… try to be careful with them. Many are irreplaceable.” Wide eyed Twilight nodded emphatically. Even without being told she’d planned to treat them as if they were worth a kingdom’s worth of bits each…which some of them very well may be. She settled down next to Celestia again, a million questions wanting to spill forth. Before she could ask any of them…she noticed Celestia was beginning to… glow. “Princess? Are you… alright?” The concern in Twilight’s voice was more than clear. Glancing back over her increasingly brighter glowing form Celestia nodded. “The process is starting Twilight. I won’t be gone for very long at all…and I’m sure you have more than enough to keep yourself occupied. Just know that I’m very proud of everything you and your friends have accomplished…and I’m excited to hear all about what you get up to while I’m gone.” As she spoke the glow around the Princess had intensified rapidly. Eventually reaching the point Twilight had to look away or risk damaging her eyes. Abruptly the glow vanished and Twilight blinked the spots from her eyes…looking to where Celestia had lay. In her place was…a tiny white foal. Sleeping contently on the floor. Cadence and Shining entered soon after, the young Princess gently lifting the slumbering foal and cradling her in a foreleg. “Celestia asked Shining Armor and myself to take care of her. She said she would age quickly enough… but until she reached adulthood she’d be a trifle… precocious was how she phrased it.” Looking from the tiny filly to his shocked sister Shining gave Twilight a firm nuzzle. “it's fine Twily, you know she’s in great hooves with us. She’ll be back to herself in no time at all.” Twilight just let out the breath she’d been holding, planting her backside down firmly. “This is just…she’s so…tiny.” Cadence nodded and held the foal a bit closer. “She is… tiny and defenseless Twilight. If anyone not friendly to Equestria learns of this she could be in danger. You can tell the other elements of harmony, but no one else. We want this to remain as quiet as possible. Luna plans to explain Celestia’s absence as her sister taking a diplomatic trip to a distance realm.” Finally tearing her eyes from the tiny foal who was her teacher just moments ago, Twilight nodded solemnly. “You can count on us you guys. And if you ever need help you can ask anytime.” She even managed a smile. Her brother gave her another firm embrace. “Thanks Twily. We should get going… we want to get back to the Crystal Empire as soon as possible. And leaving this late there won’t be many out to see us go.” Looking from her brother to Cadence Twilight sighed. “Well it was nice to see the two of you again. Maybe next time there won’t be some horrible momentous occasion and we can just enjoy a normal visit.” Cadence laughed and ruffled her sister-in-law’s mane. “I hope so too Twilight. We’ll see you soon I’m sure.” With that she left with her husband and their new little bundle of royal joy. -Elsewhere- A dark figure quietly slipped through the house, her feet making not a sound as she expertly stepped around creaky floor boards and squeaky stairs. Making her way to the second floor of the house, she carefully laid a piece of parchment wrapped in a red ribbon, and sealed with wax on the floor before a door, where loud snoring could be heard from the other side. With a little smile she turned and slowly eased back down the stairs. Clutching something around her throat, a chaotic swirl of every color imaginable swallowed her up…and then the figure was gone. -Still Elsewhere- With another swirl of color she appeared outside a small cabin, situated deep in the snowy woods. Her movements were a bit slower, as if she was growing tired. She gingerly climbed the steps of the old cabin, wincing at each tiny creak. Oh so slowly she knelt down leaving another letter before the front door. Turning she made her way back down the steps…then froze as the door swung open. “Missing for two weeks an ya turn up here? Where the hell’ve ya been Jennifer?” The figure turned to see her grizzled uncle standing larger than life like always in the doorway. She knew it was silly to think she could sneak up and leave without the cunning woodsman noticing. Gently she lowered the hood on the dark cloak she wore. Jen gave a weak smile back to her uncle, whose eyes widened when he saw the horn clearly jutting from his niece’s forehead. “Jenny…what th’hell happened t’you?” With a sigh she made her way back up the cabin steps. “Can we go inside and talk then? I’m freezing.” Her uncle just stepped aside to admit her into the cabin. She stepped in smiling at the familiar smell of the place. It was close to Equestria in its untainted outdoorsy smell. Close but not quite as pure. She settled slowly on the sofa… her uncles’ eyes following her every step. Eventually he joined her in the chair seated across from her. “Well first I wanted to know where you’ve been…but I think you got something else you need t’explain first young lady.” With a little grin she reached up and tapped her horn. “What this? This’ nothing.” Seeing her uncle hadn’t quite appreciated her attempt at humor her smile faded. “It’s… complicated.” Her uncle was unmoved. “Try me.” With a deep breath… she started talking. Not leaving out a single detail of where she’d been and what she’d been up to for the past couple of weeks. Obviously her story sounded insane… but it was a lot easier to prove true when she demonstrated a bit of magic (rocketing one of her uncles beers into the stratosphere in the attempt), and displaying the obviously magical properties of her sword. Her uncle just sat through the telling, only getting up to get a beer from the fridge… then returning to his seat as she continued. Finally she stopped, and sat fingering the charm bracelet around her wrist. Her uncle took another sip from his beer (his fifth one of the night), and took a deep breath. “So yer safe? Yer happy over in uh….” “Equestria.” His niece supplied . “Equestria.” He repeated. “…I remember you bringin that Pennie up with ya t’visit one time. She was a good kid. Weird… but good. I s’pose you could do worse.” She gave a nod. “I Could do a lot worse. I’m supposed to start helping AJ out on the farm tomorrow…which is gonna suck since I’ve been up all night talking to you but…I didn’t want you to think I just forgot all about you y’know?” Giving one of his trademark ‘hrmphs’ he got to his feet. “Well if you got work t’morrow you best get going. …you gonna be able to visit again?” She stood as well, frowning a little at his question. “Probably not in person… if the Princess knew I’d come at all in the first place I’d be in crazy trouble…” She again fingered the glimmering jewel around her neck. “But I can probably send letters.” Her uncle gave another grunt, but nodded. “S’pose that’s better than nothing. And you don’t gotta worry about me runnin around talkin about all this I s’pose… I’d just sound nuts.” This caused his niece to grin now. “Crazier than usual y’mean?” Now his harrumph was strong enough to count for two or three surely. But he cracked one of his rare smiles. “Well alright then kid. I’ll look forward to hearin' from ya then.” They stood awkwardly for a moment, before he finally folded his arms around her in a hug, slapping her back firmly. She winced from a twinge in her mostly healed belly… but didn’t let him see. “Alright alright… I better get goin before you start gushing or something.” Her grin showed she was just teasing. At a nod from him she stepped back outside. “See ya later Uncle Derek. Love ya!” He had to hold his hand against the barrage of magical light flaring around his young niece…when it cleared she was gone, just a patch of bare grass in the snow where she’d stood. “Love you too kid.” -Sweet Apple Acres- Jen carefully slipped her necklace from her neck and tucked it into the drawer in the guest room of the Apple family’s house she was using. Resting the Sword of Harmony against the dresser she slowly eased into bed. “I’m sure sending letters won’t be a big deal…not like I’m doing anything bad or anything…” Content in the knowledge that her wielding of Discord’s gifted power was nothing but mature and intelligent, she settled in to sleep. “…maybe grab my iPod next time…then I’m done with it for sure.”