CHAPTER TWO: CONFLICTS, THE SPA AND THE MEETING
Celestia sat in her throne room as several nobles plead their cases for their various causes. She barley heard them, her mind was elsewhere. As of late her troubles seemed to be adding up.
After she went on a rampage a month ago that resulting in Twilight getting hurt, the Griffon Empire demanded she step down as Princess. The Minotaur and Dragon empires stayed clear, abstaining from casting their vote.
Equestria as a whole forgave her, and the blame was placed on Chrysalis. Then there was the changeling matter, Celestia let Twilight handle that matter, she herself was unwilling to deal with Chrysalis. She noticed the latest noble had finished speaking.
“I will consider your offers.” Celestia said putting on a smile. She bowed and they bowed in turn. As she left her smile vanished, more money, more funds that the regular ponies wouldn’t see.
“Princess?” A unicorn with a white mane and a gold coat asked. “What do you want me to do with the proposals you just heard?”
“Wait a week then deny them, tell them to give something back to the ponies and I might consider it.” Celestia said.
“Yes your highness.” The pony said as she bowed. “Oh, your highness the Griffon emissary is here, she wants to see you as soon as your free.”
“You can tell that stuffy..” Celestia paused. “Did you say she?”
“Yes, Emissary Zubera.” The unicorn said. “She’s in your audience chamber.”
“I’ll go see her Smart Bits.” Celestia said sounding giddy. “Thank you, after you deal with those proposals, you may take the rest of the day to yourself, I do believe your daughter has a party in Canterlot park right?”
“Y..yes” Smart Bits said. “Oh thank you Princess! I’ll get on this right away!” She skipped away. Celestia smiled as she went to her private audience chambers.
There she saw a Griffon, she was slender with black and gold feathers. She smiled at seeing the Sun Princess.
“TIA!” she yelled as she wrapped Celestia in a hug.
“It’s been too long.” Celestia said returning the hug. “I thought I would have to endure Golden Feather.”
“My brother is busy in Londoon.” Zubera said. “With failing relations with the ravens and eagles.”
“I’m sorry to hear.” Celestia said.
“They like me!” Zubera said happily. “They just don’t like him. I already worked out peace, but don’t tell him.”
“I won’t.” Celestia giggled.
“You know why I’m here Tia.” Zubera said her tone turning serious. “The empire still wants you to step down.”
“I cannot do that.” Celestia said. “Equestria needs me, I cannot step down.”
“You recently added another Alicorn.” Zubera said. “A Twilight Sparkle, she can take over.”
“Twilight is having difficulty in Ponyville,” Celestia said. “To put her on the throne would only plunge Equestria into harder times.”
“I was told you had faith in her.” Zubera said.
“I do.” Celestia replied trying to keep calm. “she has only been an Alicorn a month, there must be something I can do to get the Griffon Empire to change their mind.”
“Tia.” Zubera said softly. “You’re my oldest and dearest friend, if it where me I would let you stay on. My father isn’t so understanding, he’s afraid you will attack again, and that the Griffon empire will be your target. However he also sent me, he knows Summer Sun is coming and has allowed me to stay until then. To prove that another rampage won’t happen.”
“If something like what happens again last month happens again. Then I’m sorry Celly, we’ll have to force you to leave the throne. However if nothing bad happens then it’s all fine!”
Zubera tried to add some umph to the last part of her statement. She noticed Celestia looked at her with some concern.
“I hope nothing happens.” Celestia said weakly.
“There’s something else.” The griffon observed. “What’s bothering you Celly?” When Celestia remained silent. “We’ve known each other for a quarter of a century. You can tell me.” Celestia turned away.
“Perhaps another time.” Celestia said.
“As you wish.” Zubera said. Then she tried to lighten the mood. “Think we can see Lu-lu?”
“She hates being called that.” Celestia said.
“Oh I call her that all the time.” A young voice said. Zubera turned and saw Cadence. She smiled and ran to hug her.
“Look how you’ve grown!” Zubera said happily. “The Crystal Princess!”
“It…good..to…se..you…to..” Cadence grunted being crushed by the hug. “Need…air!”
“Wilst thou cease with the yelling!” an angry voice boomed.
Before Zubera could say anything Celestia stepped up. “It’s ok sister, I was going to wake you up anyway. Cadence, perhaps you could give Zubera a tour while I have a word with Lu-lu.”
Giggling the two left leaving Celestia with Luna. Luna entered her chambers followed by her sister. “What do you need of me sister?” Luna asked.
“I need you to go to a town meeting in Ponyville tonight an hour after I set the sun. I will postpone Night court.” Celestia said.
“So I won’t have to deal with noble stepping on each other to gain my favor?” Luna asked.
“Instead you will have to deal with a town full of needy ponies who forgot how to handle their own problems and have been drowning Twilight in their problems.” Celestia said.
“I will agree sister,” Luna said. “Only because it’s Twilight and I have little desire to see her turned into a nervous heap. The same desire I hold for my sister.”
“Is it that obvious I am on edge?” Celestia sighed.
“Tis easy to tell why.” Luna replied. “Morning Dew.”
“It bothers me she escaped Tartarus.” Celestia confessed.
“We already increased our guard detail dear sister,” Luna assured her elder sister. “Please, try to relax, I will attend the Ponyville meeting. I will make an effort to catch up with Zubera soon. Everything will be fine sister.”
“I still have my doubts.” Celestia said.
“There will be guard details from all over Equestria.” Luna explained. “I should know I arranged the security part of Summer Sun. Saddle Arabia has agreed to send Camel guards, and Londoon already sent their guards. Trust me when I say sister, it will all be fine.”
“I’m supposed to tell you that.” Celestia said with a grateful smile. “But I’m glad you did Lu-Lu.”
“I hate that name.” Luna growled.
“Elder sisters’ right.” Celestia smiled as she left her sisters chambers.
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While the sisters talked, Zubera the emissary to the Griffon court of Londoon, walked with Cadence the Crystal Princess. The duo caught up on various topics as Cadence showed Zubera around. Cadence told her of her husband Shining Armor, and of the wedding that almost didn’t happen.
She talked of the vile Queen Chrysalis and the plot of her and her changelings to take over Canterlot. She brought up Celestia’s defeat and of the heroic effort of Twilight Sparkle and her friends, allowing her to free Shining Armor and bring victory.
“Twilight Sparkle sounds like a remarkable mare,” Zubera commented when Cadence finished. “How did she become an Alicorn?”
With a sigh Cadence recalled the all too recent events, from Chrysalis’ return at Twilight’s Eighteenth birthday, to the kidnapping that lead to a confrontation between Celestia and Chrysalis and how Twilight was involved and lost her life as a result.
“It was only because of a baby phoenix known as PeeWee that Twilight returned to life as an Alicorn.” Cadence said with a shudder as a tear ran down her muzzle.
“I’m sorry,” Zubera said as she stopped and wrapped her wing around the pink Alicorn. “I had no idea.”
“It’s ok.” Cadence sniffled. “Twilight has always been a special mare to me, ever since she was a filly. I am so proud of all she’s done, I hope you get to meet her.”
“She sounds amazing.” Zubera agreed.
“She is.” Celestia said as she trotted up, the two could tell her spirit have picked up immensely. The spring was back in her step. Cadence smiled as she hugged her aunt, Celestia smiled as she nuzzled her. “I’m ok.” She whispered to Cadence. “Now Zubera, we have some time before Luna awakens for her nightly routine. Perhaps we can discuss events in Londoon.”
“I would love that Celly.” Zubera said as she left with her old friend. “Cadence would you like to join us?”
“Certainly.” Cadence chirped as she joined them.
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To Twilight’s amazement she wasn’t bothered on her way there, which seemed to amaze Fluttershy as well.
“Looks like Celestia’s decree really worked.” Twilight said.
“She made a decree?” Fluttershy gulped.
“Told everpony to solve their own problems,” Twilight smiled. “Look there’s Rarity! Is that Fleur De Lis with her?”
“Twilight!” Rarity said happily, “I’m so glad you could make it! I hope you don’t mind but I asked Fleur to join us.”
“Bonjur” Fleur said cheerfully.
“Twilight.” Rarity said. “You and Fleur will start in the mud bathes while Fluttershy and I get a pony pedicure. Then wing massages for you and Fluttershy and horn filings for all the unicorns and Alicorns.”
“We’ll see you in a bit then,” Twilight said as she and Fleur got ushered to a room with several pools of mud. Both settled into a pool.
“I needed zis.” Fleur sighed.
“Things hard in Canterlot?” Twilight asked.
“Oui.” Fleur said as she told Twilight about her morning and even her dream. “She got upset when I asked about Morning Dew.”
“Morning Dew.” Twilight mused, she remembered. “According to Princess Celestia, she was the ruler before Celestia was.”
“I always thought zat was Discord.” Fleur said amazed.
“That’s a common mistake,” Twilight said. “I found out that Discord actually ruled with Celestia and Luna, before he got bored and decided to rule on his own. Then they trapped him in stone.”
“I see.” Fleur muttered.
“I still don’t get why The Princess wouldn’t tell you who Morning Dew was.” Twilight wondered.
Fleur said nothing and before Twilight could think of how to reproach the subject Rarity and Fluttershy came in. Rarity squealed in joy at seeing the mud as two of the spa workers set to wrapping her white coat in seaweed. While Fluttershy settled in a mud bath.
The four mares engaged in various small talk in between leaving the bath to get preened or various other spa treatments, with Rarity and Fleur talking about life in Canterlot and Ponyville and how it was different. Twilight just smiled, that is until she heard a ghastly shriek from a nearby room. Fluttershy diving into the mud trying to hide herself. Rarity and Fleur looked up from having their horns filed, while Twilight looked up from the table she was laying getting her wings cleaned.
“I told ya to watch the feathers!” a voice screamed.
“Who eez zat?” Fleur asked aghast that anything could be so brutish.
“Gilda,” Twilight grumbled. “What’s she doing back?”
“You mean that dreadful griffon who bullied Fluttershy?” Rarity questioned.
Lotus Blossom one of the workers back into the room fearfully as Gilda with curlers in her feathers.
“Can’t ya airheads do anything right?” Gilda growled.
“Leave them alone.” Fluttershy cried as she rose up in the mud, however when Gilda turned her glare to Fulltershy, the Pegasus hid back into the mud. The Griffon stared down at the mud covered Pegasus who with now hiding behind her hooves.
“Go something ya wanna say to me Ducky?” Gilda threatened.
“Don’t you dare lay a talon on her you brute!” Rarity cried, though her tight binding in seaweed prohibited her from doing any damage.
“Shaddup!” Gilda growled, “What’re ya gonna do, get mud on me?”
“Leave my friends alone Gilda.” Twilight growled, the Alicorn was on her hooves but crouched down ready to pounce.
“I’m not the villain here.” Gilda snorted. “Least I don’t steal friends!”
“I’m sorry you feel we stole Rainbow Dash from you,” Twilight said a hint of regret in her voice. “Until you come to grips with the fact that you bullying others ponies, ponies like Fluttershy who didn’t do anything to you, is what chased Dash away. Then there is nothing we can do.”
“You think you can lecture me just because you have wings?” Gilda laughed. Though she did back away from Fluttershy. “You dweebs are a waste of my time!” The Griffon left as Fleur and Twilight got the crying Fluttershy out of the mud.
“There, there dear.” Rarity comforted as she hopped over.
“Sh…she’s so mean.” Fluttershy whimpered.
“Non.” Fleur said suddenly.
“Fleur?” Twilight asked looking at the mare.
“I feel eet,” Fleur said. “Deep inside she wants to change, but can’t.”
“Why would you want to go through life like that?” Rarity asked confused.
“It must be awful.” Twilight said softly. “To be so angry, all the time, and not know why.”
“I’m dreadfully sorry.” Rarity said. “This afternoon is a horrid bust.”
“Fluttershy,” Twilight purred making the timid Pegasus look up. “Maybe you can show fleur your cottage and your animal friends?”
“Oui!” Fleur said excitedly. “Please madam Fluttershy, I would love to see your special gift.”
“Well,” Fluttershy said. “Ok, just be careful Harry Bear is a little cautious when he meets strange ponies.”
“I’ll keep zat in mind.” Fleur said as they left.
“Please, today is on the house. As our apology.” Aloe, one of Lotus’ assistants said apologetically.
Rarity walked with Twilight, she knew what was going through her friends mind. She found is refreshing that Twilight had a purpose, but Rarity still worried about her. Gilda was a griffon a race known for being fierce and intimidating.
“Don’t tell me you’re going to talk to Gilda?” Rarity gasped.
“Don’t worry Rarity,” Twilight assured. “I doubt she would even listen to me. There is somepony who she will listen to, hopefully.” She spread her wings and flew off towards sweet Apple acres.
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Gilda flew through the air, her spa session was a total bust, she only wanted to relax and get pampered, but those ponies apparently never saw a griffon before and had no idea how to pamper one. That and those ponies, the pink one, purple one and white one, Rainbow Dash’s friends. Ever since that party she and Rainbow Dash didn’t speak to each other. She didn’t know why, maybe pride on her part.
She expected Rainbow Dash to come crawling back, begging for her forgiveness. She didn’t so Gilda saw no reason to stay in Cloudsdale and went back home to Londoon, across the sea. She would have been happy there if not for The King sending her back here.
When Goldtalon King of the Griffons, asks of something, he isn’t asking, he’s telling you to do something in a polite way. That’s why Gilda was sent back, she would have been happy not to see any of Rainbow’s friends. That didn’t stop her from almost approaching her on several occasions.
She stopped when she considered everything, she was awful to the ponies. She deserved what she got, if she could only tell her pride that. Her pride was still wounded, so she stayed away, now with her latest outburst, she was sure Rainbow wouldn’t want to talk to her.
She accepted that as she flew into a cave found in the mountain range next to the Whitetail Woods. Her home for now, and tried to forget about Rainbow Dash.
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The air above an old abandoned barn exploded in a prismatic cloud. Rainbow Dash hoofpumped after seeing the damage she did.
“That’s it Rainbow!” Applejack called from bellow her. “Ya did a real number on that’s fer sure.”
“Aww yeah!” Rainbow bragged as she came in for a landing. She was handed a bottle of apple juice by the farm pony.
“Ah’m sorry fer how Ah acted before Rainbow.” Applejack said.
“Don’t worry about it,” Rainbow said before taking a sip of apple juice. “Still think you should just tell her.”
Applejack just gave a grunt in response, she then saw a lavender streak in the sky. She saw Twilight land near them, looking troubled.
“What’s wrong sugercube?” Applejack asked.
“Gilda’s back.” Twilight said gravely.
“How’s that a bad thing?” Rainbow questioned. “She was my friend, maybe she just wants to apologize or something.”
“Could hardly tell from the way she acted at the Spa.” Twilight grumbled.
“Hate ta say Dash,” Applejack said. “I hardly think someone like that can change.”
“Oh so you’re the expert now!” Rainbow growled as she jabbed a hoof at Applejack.
“Listen Rainbow,” Applejack said as she adjusted her hat. “Last time she was in ponyville, she stole, made Fluttershy cry, nearly gave Granny Smith a heart attack all cuz she could.”
“Not to mention she threatened me, Rarity and Fluttershy at the spa.” Twilight said.
“So she’s not one of your buddies, she’s no good?” Rainbow said. “Trixie took over Ponyville and you still forgave her!”
“She was being controlled.” Twilight said defensively. “Listen Rainbow, maybe if you talk to her you can convince her not to be a big jerk.”
“Whatever.” Rainbow Dash said as she flew away.
“Ergh!” Twilight grunted. “I so don’t need this right now!”
“It’s jus Rainbow bein Rainbow.” Applejack comforted. “Ah really hope the meetin tonight changes things fer the better.”
“I really owe you girls.” Twilight said.
“How ya figure that?” Applejack asked.
“You girls kept me from losing my mind this past month,” Twilight said. “I just wished the town would give me some peace.”
“They seem ta be doin it now,” Applejack commented. “All it took was Celestia yellin at em.”
“So AJ,” Twilight said with a glint in her eye. “Tell me about your special somepony.”
“Wha,” Applejack stammered. “Heck, Twi, you don’t wanna hear about boring old me.”
“Oh stop being so humble,” Twilight joked. “Your one of my best friends, of course I want to hear.”
“Well,” Applejack said thoughtfully. “They are amazing, they are smart, and no matter what you do to em they always seem to get through somehow.”
Twilight starred at Applejack for what seemed to be an eternity. Applejack wasn’t sure what to do or say. She knew Twilight was smart, Applejack thought she was vague, but still it didn’t make this any easier.
“Oh.” Was all Twilight said her eyes going wide, she spread her wings.
“Twi!” Applejack cried, starting to panic.
“Sorry AJ,” Twilight said. “I need some time, I’ll see you tonight.” She flew away leaving a distraught Applejack bellow.
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Twilight just flew, she didn’t know where, she needed to clear her head. Was Applejack really saying she had feelings for her? Maybe she was just seeing too far into it like she always did. Still ever since she became an Alicorn, Applejack came to the library more often looking for books in areas where she should have general knowledge.
That alone would have been fine, but Twilight kept remembering the moment when she came back as an Alicorn. When she prevented Chrysalis from killing Applejack, it haunted her. What if she had been a moment too late? Celestia was in no condition to help Applejack. Chrysalis would have killed her, and that scared Twilight.
When she came to Ponyville, Applejack was one of the first to reach out in friendship. When Nightmare Moon revealed she banished Celestia, it was Applejack who got the others together to stay with Twilight. Of the five of them, Twilight always felt comfortable with Applejack, sure she might not have her magic knowledge, but she was practical. Unlike the others Applejack often remained calm in the face of danger.
This? What Applejack said was she loved a pony that sounded like her. Could she handle that? No, she couldn’t, she couldn’t deal with the pain, when Applejack would finally die. It would be hard enough when they were friends, as lovers? She wouldn’t be able to cope.
Twilight landed just by Fluttershy’s Cottage. Luckily the Pegasus wasn’t home, Twilight sighed, what was she going to do? She needed the truth from Applejack, but she was afraid of the truth. She looked into the sky and saw Celestia’s sun start to drift, by her guess it was about one in the afternoon.
Her stomach growled, she sighed and spread her wings. It was time for her to go home for lunch, and maybe some advice.
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“STUPID!” Applejack screamed as she bucked an apple tree. The apples landed in their baskets. Her brother trotted up and placed the baskets on his back. Applejack put a basket on her back as well.
“Ya ok AJ?” Big Macintosh asked.
“Ah’m fine.” Applejack huffed.
“Ya kicked Chester pretty hard.” Big Mac said.
Applejack looked at her brother. “Ya know I love you, ya big goof.” Applejack said. “I jus need sometime ta think.”
“Jus remember we’re family AJ.” Big Mac reminded her.
“Ah know.” Applejack said.
The two reached the barn and deposited their apples. Still their day was far from over. They needed to buck the rest of the trees in the eastern yard before the day was out. Applejack followed her brother and got back to work, trying to push thoughts of Twilight to the back of her mind.
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Spike enjoyed working with Shooting Star, in the month since Shooting Star came to ponyville to learn of friendship very much like Twilight did. Spike had liked the black coated mare and her relaxed work ethic. This wasn’t the same as being lazy, but Shooting Star had a much more laid back personality than Twilight and let things roll off her back easier.
“Did you put Twilight’s bed back in her room?” Spike asked.
“Sure did,” Shooting Star replied. “Did you make sure to clean her room?”
“Best as I can.” Spike replied. “She likes to do it herself.”
Just then the door swung open and Twilight entered, the Alicorn looked distraught, enough for Spike and Shooting Star to worry.
“Are you ok Twilight?” Shooting Star asked.
Twilight fell to her haunches as she recalled her conversation with Applejack. After she was done she just got looks from Spike and Star.
“Well,” Star said. “I don’t think it’s anything bad, so what if she has feelings for you. She’s your best friend, can you really say you don’t care for her?
“Of course I do!” Twilight yelled her wings unfurling. “I love all of them! I wouldn’t be here without them! They..they are like another family.”
“I know your stressed.” Shooting Star said as she nuzzled her friend. “Maybe you can talk to her tonight.”
“At least the town is leaving you alone.” Spike commented. “Nopony has been at the library to try to find you all day.”
Twilight smiled as her two friends hugged her. She knew she would be ok, she glanced around at the library.
“Come on,” Twilight said the excitement returning to her voice. “We still have work to do.”
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As soon as Celestia’s Sun set over ponyville, Luna’s moon and stars rose. Oh her balcony in Canterlot Luna smiled. Since her return from banishment she finally found out how much ponies enjoy her night.
“Your night sky looks beautiful sister,” Celestia said as she joined her younger sister.
“Thank you Tia,” Luna said she noticed her sister was alone. “Where are Zubera and Cadence?”
“Cadence returned to the Crystal Empire,” Celestia said. “Zubera is in her quarters, and I received this from her brother Goldenfeather.”
Luna took the letter in her magic aura and read it, her face grew serious. “Dist thou ask Zubera of this?”
“She told me her brother was simply jealous,” Celestia sighed. “She’s an old friend and I want to believe her, yet this letter, doesn’t put her in the best light Luna.”
“So what do we do?” Luna asked.
“I’ve ordered her be kept under strict supervision for her visit.” Celestia said. “She didn’t protest, and told me she understood, something I’m still not sure I believe. Until I get answers, there isn’t much I can do.”
“Thou still wants me to go to Ponyville?” Luna questioned.
“Yes,” Celestia said. “Nopony should have to deal with what they are doing to Twilight, drowning her in their own problems. I am counting on you sister, you seem to have, a way, with confronting ponies.”
Luna furrowed her brow. “Didst thou just say I have a talent for yelling at ponies?”
“I just got you to admit it.” Celestia giggled. “Now I’m depending on you Luna, I pray they will listen to you.”
“I shall not disappoint.” Luna said.
“I know you won’t sister.” Celestia replied as she nuzzled her younger sibling. “You best get going Luna. I’ll await your return.”
“Fare thee well Tia.” Luna said as she spread her wings and flew off to Ponyville.
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Many ponies think Alicorns simply grow the wings of a Pegasus when they become an Alicorn. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Alicorns not only have bigger wings than Pegasus but they are infused with magic, thus allowing them swift flight. While Twilight’s and Cadence’s wings haven’t been fully infused yet, the process alone takes centuries. Her and Celestia’s wings are fully infused thus making a trip from Canterlot to Ponyville in fifteen minutes. Unlike the four hours it would take a regular Pegasus. Half that time in the case of Rainbow Dash or a Wonderbolt.
Luna flew over Ponyville enjoying her flight, it was rare when she would use her own wings. She felt her chariot would draw too much attention, she caught glimpse of a rainbow blur.
“Hey Princess Luna.” Rainbow Dash said. As she joined her in flight.
“Good Eve to you Rainbow Dash,” Luna said. “I hope thou wilt not cause mischief on this eve. Thou dost have a penchant for doing so.”
“Naw,” Rainbow said waving her hoof. “I just want the ponies to leave Twi alone. Hey you haven’t seen a griffon around have ya?”
“Thou speaks of Gilda?” Luna asked. When Rainbow was about to ask how she knew, “I oversee dreams Rainbow Dash, I know you wish to make amends with her.”
“Well, she’s my friend,” Rainbow said. “I mean I know she was mean to Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, but Trixie took over all of Ponyville and Twilight forgave her.”
The pair landed in front of Golden Oaks Library. Luna laid a reassuring hoof on her shoulder.
“You are loyalty,” Luna assured her. “To all friends, yet you are unsure if Gilda wishes to return your friendship and make amends. I do not have her location, sadly, but I will keep my ears open.”
“Thanks Luna,” Rainbow said she then hovered in the air. “See ya at town hall!” she called as she flew away.
Luna strode to the Library door, where Shooting Star answered before she could even knocked.
“Princess Luna!” Star said as she happily hugged her mentor.
“Hello Shooting Star!” Luna said returning the hug.
“You just missed Twilight,” Star explained as she used her magic to float Spike who had just come downstairs onto her back. “She said something about talking to Applejack before the meeting.”
“You might want to sneak in somehow Princess.” Spike said.
“I have my own method.” Luna said. “My sister gave me permission to scare them tonight, so I shall if they are as bad as you say.”
“Well it’s going to start soon.” Star said as she left the library with Luna and Spike. The trio saw ponies making their way to Town Hall. She turned around to say something to Luna but noticed she wasn’t there. “Luna?”
“Invisible.” Luna said her voice low. “Go and I will catch up when the time is right.”
“Ok Princess,” Spike said. “See ya there.”
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Just outside Sweet Apple Acres Applejack was making her way towards Town Hall, though the meeting was the last thing on her mind. Earlier Applejack nearly confessed her feelings towards Twilight and the lavender Alicorn left. Ever since then Applejack was mentally kicking herself.
As she reached the property line of her farm she noticed something in the sky. Twilight Sparkle landed before her, her expression told she had something on her mind.
“I’m sorry for before AJ.” Twilight said. “I jumped to conclusions, and I got scared. I should have known that you where trying to say you cared for me. I feel the same AJ, I feel the same about all you girls.”
Applejack almost wanted to scream with frustration at Twilight missing the point in how she felt. Still the farm pony smiled and nodded. She was surprised when Twilight nuzzled her.
“Maybe we should get goin.” Applejack said. Twilight nodded and the two went to Town Hall.
When they got there they noticed every pony in town was there. Twilight began to panic where they heard a voice.
“Back here!” Rainbow Dash yelled as loud as she dared. The two ran to where there was a back entrance.
“Never noticed this before.” Twilight observed.
“I found it.” Pinkie Sang as she bounced by.
“The mayor has already started the meeting.” Rarity informed them. Rarity was joined by Fleur and Sweetie Belle.
“There they are.” A small voice called as Scootaloo and Applebloom raced behind the stage in Town Hall where the others where.
Town Hall was almost totally destroyed during the Parasprite problem. Thanks to donations from Canterlot the Hall was rebuilt better than ever. Complete with a stage and a backstage area.
“Does yer granny know yer here?” Applejack scolded.
“She knows sis.” Applebloom said. “She said as long as I’m with you, Ah’ll be fine.”
“Everypony please!” The Mayor’s voice rang out. “Let’s not turn this into a fiasco!”
“She’s an Alicorn!” a voice yelled.
“She should do more to help us!”
More shouts sounded and Twilight winced. Why did everypony thing she could do everything now? All that was different was she had wings and she was taller with a more sparkly mane. She was still the same from before. Then she heard something that made her blood freeze.
“THERE SHE IS!”
As one the mass of ponies surged towards Twilight anxious to have her deal with their problems for them.
Twilights friends tried to makes a barrier, but they were outnumbered. Twilight groaned and was ready to accept her fate.
Then the lights in the town hall went out! When the candles relight there was something standing on the stage. An indigo Alicorn in armor, terrified screams went out.
“NIGHTMARE MOON!”
Terrified the ponies surged for the exits only to find them locked. The Alicorn’s horn glowed indigo.
“Be still!” she bellowed. The quivering mass of ponies stayed still.
Still Luna knew not all of them where guilty. She used her magic to teleport ponies like Cherilee, The Cake Family, and ponies she knew left Twilight alone, with Twilight and her friends backstage.
With the innocents out of the way Luna in the form of Nightmare Moon glared at the ponies. She reverted to the form of princess Luna knowing how scared they were of Nightmare Moon. Luna glared at the ponies her face a stern mask.
“Thou dost dare to put the problems of thineselves onto the shoulders of Twilight Sparkle?” Luna bellowed. “Hast thee lost all capabilities of dealing with problems that we need to be called here?” she looked at the ponies who where groveling on the ground. “Mine sister has warned thee, now we shall do the same! If we hear word of Twilight Sparkle beings harassed WE SHALL STIRKE VENGENCE!” She called lighting to strike vacant areas of the hall and let the lights flicker to prove her point.
“We promise!”
“We’ll leave her alone!”
Was all Luna heard, she smiled as the lights went out. When they came back on due to Rarity and Twilight relighting the candles Luna was gone. Twilight looked to her friends and The Mayor who nodded.
“So,” Twilight Sparkle asked to the crowd. “any questions?”
The wide eyed crowd shook their head.
“Meeting dismissed then.” The Mayor said and the Town Hall quickly emptied. “Well that should do it.” The Mayor said. “I’m sorry about this Twilight, please thank Luna for us.”
“She’s standing right next to you.” Twilight said.
In an Indigo flash Luna appeared with a smile.
“You really had them going!” Applejack said.
“That was the best prank ever!” Rainbow Dash cheered. She looked for Fluttershy who was hiding under a bench.
“To real.” Futtershy squeaked. Luna went to where Fluttershy was hiding.
“My apologies Fluttershy.” Luna said as she extended a hoof. Fluttershy shyly shook it and smiled.
“How did you pull off the while Nightmare Moon thing?” Star asked.
“A Simple matter of shape shifting magic.” Luna said. “I bid the rest of you a Good Night. I do hope I helped.”
“Thanks Luna.” Twilight said. Luna teleported back to Canterlot, Twilight looked to her friends. “Ok girls, let’s go home, we still have a lot to do for Summer Sun.”