//------------------------------// // Chapter 11: Winter Moon Festival // Story: Settling In // by pchn00 //------------------------------// Chapter 11: Winter Moon Festival A few foals were already making their way toward the school by the time Jen arrived. Cheerilee was already in the building, along with the crusaders and a couple others. Most were doing last minute reads from their scripts. “Hey everypony! We all getting ready for tonight?” A little chorus of cheers went up from the foals. Cheerilee breaking off from the group to join the eldest in attendance. “Here’s the attendance roster. Just check off when anypony arrives. If they come late make a check minus so I can have words with them next time we’re in class about being on time.” “Oh! Sure thing Miss Cheerilee. Heh I feel really silly calling you that now.” The little filly grinned. “You’ll do fine. Just relax. Most of the students already know what they’re doing Miss Pie.” This brought a little squawk from the mare but Cheerilee just giggled and rejoined her fellow actors. With a huff Jen began to check off the foals in attendance. By the time rehearsal was set to start only two fillies were missing. Just as she was about to go looking Silver Spoon trotted in alone. “Silver Spoon? Where’s Diamond Tiara? She’s supposed to be playing Princess Luna!” The spectacled filly backed away from the strange yelling mare. “Sh-she’s sick! I came to let everypony know she wouldn’t be able to make it…who are YOU?” A brief flash of irritation crossed Jen’s face. “I’m Jen. Poison joke, made me a mare. Go ahead and join the class.” Cheerilee spotted the look of worry forming on her student’s face and trotted over. “Something wrong Miss Pie?” Jen glared down at her. “I hope you’re happy, somepony heard you call me that and now they ALL are. And yeah…Diamond Tiara’s a no show.” “Well that’s alright. It’s why we have understudies. Who’s supposed to take over for Diamond Tiara?” Feeling a bit silly at panicking over nothing Jen checked the list. She’d forgotten some of her classmates either couldn’t get parts or chose to be an understudy. “Sweetie Belle it says. Hey Sweetie Belle!” The little unicorn trotted over. “Yes Miss Pie?” Shooting a death glare at her fillyfied teacher she turned back to Sweetie. “Diamond Tiara is sick, so you get to be Princess Luna tonight.” Her eyes popped wide and she shook her head rapidly. “No no no I can’t be Princess Luna! I only signed up because we HAD to for our grade!” Jen frowned. “What’s the problem? Didn’t you study your lines?” “I did! I know all the lines I just…” She leaned in whispering. “I’d have to sing in front of everypony.” “So?” “So? So I can’t do that! I’m not very good and they’re all going to laugh at me!” Jen looked to her teacher for help, but she was staying frustratingly silent. “I…well…” She WANTED to say every kid stinks in school plays and the only people there to enjoy them were the parents, but she had a feeling that’d spread like wildfire among the class. She had to settle on the floor to be closer to eye level with the filly. “I know it’s a little scary, having to be up in front of everypony with them all watching. I know I’m too big of a chicken to do it, it’s why Cheerilee is filling in for me.” The filly’s eyes widened at this revelation. “But you’re a lot braver than I am Sweetie Belle. You guys have done so many crazy, scary things! Fluttershy even told me you three went into the Everfree alone; I had to have Cheerilee with me.” The earth filly nodded when Sweetie Belle looked at her curiously. “Your whole class is counting on you now Sweetie. If you don’t go up there than everypony’s hard work the last week will have been wasted. You don’t want that do you?” “W-well no I don’t but…I don’t think I can sing in front of everypony.” Jen tapped her chin as she thought. “Well how about this? When it comes time for your song, I want you to close your eyes. Then take a minute to imagine you’re all alone up on the stage. Nopony else in the whole auditorium but you. We’ll try it in rehearsal and see how it goes, if you STILL don’t think you can do it after that you won’t have to. We’ll figure something out, alright?” “You promise?” “Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye.” Invoking the most sacred of all oaths Jen went through the arcane movements to seal the ritual. This did the trick and Sweetie Belle dashed off to join her fellow actors. “You handled that very well Jennifer.” Jen chuckled and stood moving toward the auditorium herself. “Well we’ll see if it worked. Then we can make the congratulations.” All the foals were busy getting into their embarrassingly adorable star costumes. The bulk of the class was playing stars. Scootaloo was the more important role of the moon, and Sweetie Belle was the lead as Princess Luna. A few parent volunteers were moving here and there helping everypony get ready. Jen looked down at her transmogrified teacher. “I need to run to the boutique for my fitting soon. Is it alright if I duck out for a few minutes?” “I think it should be fine. It’s going to be a bit yet before we’re even ready to go over the lines and I can take over again if you’re running behind.” Making a dash for the door Jen found herself back in the boutique. “Ah! Perfect timing Jennifer I was just putting on the finishing touches!” Swallowing the lump in her throat Jen dared to look at her dress for the evening. It was shockingly…plain. The silvery silk glittered in the light of the shop but it was lacking in the usual million dollars’ worth of gemstones. A single sapphire would hold the clutch at her throat and keep it fastened. The material would cover her sides and (embarrassingly blank) flanks. Silvery blue slippers would complete the simple ensemble. “I copied the design of Rainbow Dash’s gala dress I’ll admit. Since you seem to share her dislike of higher fashions I felt this would make you look fabulous and allow you to be comfortable at the same time.” Jen paced around it slowly before ascending the podium and allowing Rarity to magically settle it around her shoulders. “It’s a bit plain for your work isn’t it?” “Well yes I suppose it is. But one works with one’s model in these situations. You have very little beauty held in reserve that needs bringing out. I could probably drape the bathroom curtains around you and call it fashion.” This brought a laugh from her model as Rarity made a few last minute adjustments. “Should I wear it out or what?” “Of course not! You must be REVEALED darling. One doesn’t plod around town in her gown. I’ll bring it with me to the play and you can change when it’s finished.” “Speaking of the play your little sister is now playing Princess Luna. The regular had to bow out so she’s being bumped up.” “Oh how exciting! I simply must have a front row seat in that case!” Stepping down once Rarity finished with her Jen grinned. “I’ll make sure to reserve you one. Are we all set here?” “We are. You’re free to return to your directorial duties.” Making her way back to the shop Jen spied a familiar rainbow colored tail hanging off a low flying cloud. Twilight would pitch a fit if she caught Rainbow Dash lazing about so close to the festival beginning. Gripping a sizeable pile of snow in her magic she lifted it up over the snoozing pegasus…then released her hold. She was treated to an enraged bellow as she re-entered the auditorium. The class had just taken the stage and were beginning their opening lines as Jen found a seat near the front. Sweetie Belle was actually doing a good job with her lines, and the enchantments rigged up by Twilight had her mane and tail billowing just like the princess’s. A little glitter dust provided by her elder sister for the role and she made a fine miniature princess. The big moment of her song arrived and she seemed about to freeze up, before she glanced at Jen and saw the older pony scrunching her eye shut tight. Sweetie Belle took a moment to do the same. Slowly her erratic breathing eased and normalized…and she began to sing. Everypony, from her fellow class mates (save her two best friends), and the few volunteer parents in the audience stared mouths agape at the unicorns melodious voice. It wasn’t a very long musical number, just a little thing about how sad the princess felt for her lonely moon. When the song ended that was the ‘stars’ cue to jump out and dance about showing the moon wasn’t alone after all. It was of course a metaphor for Luna not being alone and that her subjects did in fact care for her. Which was the whole point of the entire festival after all. Thunderous applause met with the finale of the song and little Sweetie Belle was red as a tomato. The rehearsal finished without a hitch and everypony hurried back stage to make preparations for the actual play. As Jen arrived behind curtain Sweetie bounded up to her. “It worked just like you said it did!” “You did great Sweetie Belle. And you’ll do just as great during the real thing. There’ll be more ponies there but just do what I said and you’ll do fine, right?” “Uh huh!” Cheerilee approached as Sweetie rejoined her friends. “What about me Miss Pie? Wasn’t I fantastic in my role as star number seven?!” They shared a laugh at that before Cheerilee looked at the time. “Shouldn’t you be getting to town square? Princess Luna should be arriving any minute now.” Jen shrugged. “You don’t need me here?” “No no everything’s just fine. None of this would be happening without YOU Jennifer, you should definitely be there when she arrives.” The mare scoffed. “I just mentioned the idea to Twilight; she’s the one who put it together.” It was funny seeing such a young filly nod sagely. “True but it was still your idea. Nopony even thought of an event like this until you came along. Go be there for the princess.” Not needing further prodding Jen was out the door and making her way to town square. A small crowd was slowly beginning to gather and many seemed torn between adoring gazes for the gorgeous mare in their midst, and eager anticipation for their princesses arrival. “I must say you matured rather quickly my dear. Is that normal for your kind?” Jennifer grinned wide, recognizing the cultured tone. Turning to regard the approaching Fancy Pants she waved a little embarrassed. “Hey Fancy. Poison joke, made me older and hotter.” “Aha! Well I’ve seen it at work before and it has certainly produced favorable results on you Jennifer. I hope this isn’t indicative of what you’ll really turn out like or I may have to ignore our age difference and take a chance at wooing you myself.” He gave her a wink to show he was joking. Finding herself more comfortable around a friend she allowed herself to laugh. “I really doubt this is what I’ll wind up as in a few years if my human form is any indicator. It’s not exactly me. I can’t wait to get cured.” “Hm.” The cultured stallion joined the mare sitting on the plain ground. “It’s an admirable spirit that is so eagerly willing to throw away such physical perfection. You’re truly a remarkable young filly, and I consider myself fortunate to count you among my friends.” Her blush was threatening to return as she cleared her throat a little. “Oh stop, really. It’s not that big a deal.” He chuckled gently. “Yes very well.” His eyes were scanning the crowd, trying to seem casual but Jen detected a faint note of urgency in the usually collected stallions’ posture. “You haven’t seen Miss Rarity about have you?” ‘Aha!’ the mare thought to herself, allowing a smug grin to form. “She’s busy making some last minute preparations. She’ll be at the play during the opening ceremonies though. I’m sure you can catch her there.” “Good good…and look here comes the guest of honor.” It was a faint blot descending from Canterlot, but a few more ponies spied it and a cry went up to keep quiet. Pinkie Pie, the grand mistress of ceremonies had arrived and was demanding the crowd’s silence. This was a SURPRISE and she wouldn’t be very surprised if she could hear the crowd chattering excitedly. No pony dared contradict her. Pinkie was joined on the stage by Twilight Sparkle and the mayor, and everypony watched in hushed anticipation as the princess’ chariot touched down gently in the town square. Luna was indeed wearing a blindfold and was helped down by a beaming Echo. The young cadet’s wing was still tightly bound but she seemed to be on the mend. It was all the assembled crowd could do not to laugh as Luna unceremoniously stumbled on the steps leading up to the stage. “I swear if this is some prank by Jennifer I will-“ She was cut off by Echo removing the blind fold. The princess’ threat died in her throat as she looked about wide eyed at Ponyville. The town had been decorated in dark somber hues punctuated by bright silvers and enchanted stars and moons hanging from every building that glowed gently. Disbelieving eyes roamed about the town then up to the banner hanging above her head with the glittering letters “WELCOME PRINCESS LUNA” shining brightly. Giving the princess a moment to take in the sights around her Twilight finally stepped up to the microphone clearing her throat gently. “Good evening everypony. I would first like to take the opportunity to thank you all for working so hard for making our very first Winter Moon Festival what promises to be a wonderful success!” A cheer went up from the townspeople. Jennifer grinned when she saw the princess silently mouth the occasion’s name. “As everypony knows we celebrated the Summer Sun Celebration on the longest day of the year, by watching Princess Celestia raise the sun in the morning. It was brought to my attention by one of the younger residents of the town that a similar holiday should be held in honor of Princess Luna raising the moon, on the longest NIGHT of the year.” The lunar princess’ eyes roamed the crowd now, seeking precisely whom she knew to be responsible for this. And while she was surprised at the green mare she found she of course knew precisely who she was. “I’m sure everypony is eager to get to the games and buffet tables,” a laugh from the crowd punctuated this statement. “But before we get things going in full I would just like to welcome Princess Luna to our town on this special day just for her. On behalf of Ponyville, and Equestria herself we want to say thank you Princess Luna, for the wonderful night you bring us at the end of each day.” Twilight stepped aside making room for Luna herself to approach the mike the crowd all loosed a thunderous “THANK YOU PRINCESS LUNA!” as she eyed the unfamiliar device uncertainly for a moment. She was standing very still, eyes lowered. Several long moments passed, long enough for the crowd to begin to grow nervous. Had they offended her somehow? When she finally raised her eyes they were glistening with tears. “I find myself…overcome at the moment. I have been a princess for nearly two millennia and seen countless sights both wondrous and terrible in my long life. But never could I have dreamed of what I see before me. It is no secret that a little while ago I had a bit of a jealous streak regarding my sister.” She smiled now showing the crowd it was alright to laugh, which they did. “I cannot help but wonder if things would have been different had wonderful, large hearted ponies like yourselves existed back then.” She paused again letting her words sink in. “I do not believe there are words to properly express just how much your efforts this day mean to me. All I can say is thank you. Thank you citizens of Ponyville from the bottom of my heart. Were it in my power to do so I would see you all made lords and ladies of this wonderful country of ours, for surely you possess greater nobility than many of those who hold such titles in Canterlot. While it would be unfair of me to show favoritism to one group of my subjects over another, I can honestly say that Ponyville now has my eye firmly settled upon it. If you ever have a need that I can fill I pray you, do not hesitate to ask. It would be my honor…nay my privilege to fill those needs.” Everypony in the crowd was somewhere between glowing with pride and about to break down and weep at the generous words from one of their immortal rulers. That is until a bright pink party mare snatched the mike. “Well enough with the talking! This is a party so…let’s party!” Pinkie Pie’s words seemed to snap the townsponies from their enspellment and they all cheered again, many breaking from the crowd to partake in the prepared festivities. Fancy Pants was a bit misty eyed himself as he walked with Jennifer toward Luna who was still on the stage. “I dare say your little idea was a success. And I believe I just might have to look into getting some property in Ponyville for myself. Perhaps a summer home?” Luna was speaking with the mayor, but Jennifer could see the princess tracking her from the corner of her eye. Jen approached and remained a respectful distance allowing her conversation to end. Echo spied her and trotted her way head tilted curiously. “Is this a human thing?” Jen was getting a little tired of that question. “No I got cursed. I’ll be fine tomorrow.” “Huh…that’s not the worse curse I’ve ever seen.” Now the green mare was sticking her tongue out. “Try being harassed by every stallion in town all morning then see how much you like it.” The night pony rubbed the back of her head. “Yeah that sounds pretty awful…do you uh…not like stallions or something?” If Jen weren’t so focused on Luna she may have detected an odd note in Echo’s voice. “Eh I don’t have anything against stallions I’m just…I dunno not looking for one?” Her friend brightened at the answer. “I see! What about that promise bracelet?” Jen idly lifted her leg. “It’s fake. A friend’s pretending to be engaged to me to keep me from being hassled. There he is!” She spied Mac over at the Apple family stand and waved, he returned it with a faint smile. “Oh. And he’s JUST a friend yes?” “Heh, yeah he’s a sweet guy. I’ve been staying with his family while me and Pinkie’s house is being built.” The must more astute Fancy Pants cleared his throat. “If you ladies will excuse me I think I’ll go find Miss Rarity. I hope to see you both later this evening.” Luna politely excused herself and made her way to Jen’s side, draping a wing across the mare’s back and guiding her from the stage. “Could we speak privately for a few moments before I have to raise the moon?” A twinge of concern fluttered in Jen’s chest. WAS she upset after all? Should she have told the princess of the planned celebration? “Of course…” She followed her to a semi-secluded alley between two nearby buildings. “What inspired you to bring this idea before Twilight Sparkle?” Jen shuffled nervously. “Well...it was the first day of school. For ME that is. Cheerilee was talking about the Summer Sun Celebration and I asked when the holiday for raising the moon was. She said there wasn’t one and it just kinda…went from there.” Luna’s expression was unreadable for a moment, before she folded both wings about the mare and rested her head against the back of her neck. “Thank you Jennifer. You’re a good friend and through every action you take you only further validate my decisions.” Jennifer timidly returned the hug and stepped back scuffing the ground with her hooves. “I-it was nothing really! Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie did the heavy lifting.” “Perhaps. But none of this would have happened without you. And so again I thank you. Now…shall we return? I have a moon to rise.” They both walked toward the stage, but when Jen tried to veer off and join the gathering crowd the princess stretched a wing and gently guided her back to her side, forcing her to follow her on stage. Surprised whispering went up from the crowd at this as nopony really knew quite what to make of the extra mare on stage. Luna finally released her hold as she ascended the short dais looking down over the town, Jennifer standing at the bottom of it eyes focused on the princess….the less she saw of the crowd the better. No words were spoken by the princess as her horn flared to life. Her magic growing stronger and stronger as she cast her gaze out to the horizon. Ever so slowly the celestial body she held dominion over began to raise, a sliver of silver on the horizon as it rose into the sky. Everypony began to cheer as it rose higher and higher. Slowly at first, than faster and faster the stars began to wink into existence in the sky. This night had an extra flair however. Spelled out beneath the moon in twinkling stars was “Thank You Ponyville”. The ground practically shook from the strength of the cheering at that. The night sky tended to, Luna smiled down over the crowd. “Now…somepony mentioned a play by the school foals?” Jennifer made it backstage just as the foals were getting the final touches on their full costumes. Rarity had supplies glitter dust for the stars and moon so now all the little ponies were glinting and glittering in a dazzling array. “Alright everypony! Moms, dads and the princess are all waiting! Let’s go give them the best show they’ve ever seen!” A little chorus of cheers arose as the school foals scampered on stage. Sweetie Belle hung back waiting for her cue. Jen rested a comforting hoof on her back. “Just remember what to do when the song comes up right?” The little filly straightened up and nodded, determination burning in her eyes. “Right!” Rarity beckoned Jen down from the stage and the larger mare joined the unicorn. “Let’s get YOU into your dress.” “Oh! Right. Well now’s as good a time as any.” Jen held still while Rarity whisked the dress about her shoulders. “You neglected to tell me Fancy Pants would be attending the festival.” Rarity tugged the laces on the slippers a bit tightly. “Did I?” Jen smiled innocently. “You know he looked a little nervous about seeing you. I think he has a bit of a crush.” Giving a very ladylike hmph Rarity went to work brushing out Jen’s mane. “I doubt THAT very much. He was involved with Fleur for some time.” “Mmmm….you didn’t see him at Canterlot. And you didn’t see him at the opening ceremony; he’s interested in your Rarity.” Jen snapped her eyes shut as the other mare blew some glitter dust into her mane. “He IS a charming fellow isn’t he? Very handsome too…I…perhaps I’ll seek his company after the play. Now let me get a look at you.” Jen stepped back head held high. “Yes. Absolutely perfect. And if anypony asks where you got your dress…?” Jen adopted Rarity’s cultured tone. “From Carousel Boutique of course! Where everything is chic, unique, and magnifique!” “Absolutely perfect darling. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ve a performance to watch.” Now clad in her dress for the evening Jen retook her position just behind the curtain watching from side stage. Sweetie Belle was just getting ready for her musical number. Her knees were only shaking a little, but at a glance to a smiling Jennifer she took a deep breath and began to sing. At first with her eyes closed, but at about the half-way point she peeked them open. To see an audience full of ponies staring enraptured at the miniature siren on the stage. Her resolve almost faltered but she pushed on to the end. The applause was absolutely thunderous and Luna’s bellows of “ENCORE, ENCORE!” at the top of her lungs threatened to bowl the ponies sitting in front of her over. The little filly portraying Luna was smiling bright enough to rival the sun. The actors and actresses took their bows and slipped backstage all chattering excitedly. Parents and siblings were filtering in to congratulate the junior thespians. Everypony gasped softly and bowed as the princess herself arrived backstage, making right for an alarmed looking Sweetie Belle. “I wished to personally commend your fantastic talents on stage young filly. You nearly drove me to tears with your crooning.” Sweetie wrinkled her nose in confusion now. “Crooning?” “Your singing little filly. Truly your voice is among the most beauteous I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. I do hope you shall grace me with another song in the future.” “I-I-I…k-kay? D-did you REALLY like it?” Now it was Luna’s turn to be surprised. “But of course. I would not say so otherwise.” Brows furrowed the little filly took a seat as she pondered this. “Huh. Rarity always told me I was good but I figured it was just cause she was my sister!” The sister in question rolled her eyes as she worked to wipe the makeup from the blue-painted filly. She dropped the rag she was using to clean Sweetie Belle with at the sudden flash from her flanks. Adoring them proudly was a musical note ending in a heart. Jennifer wisely made her retreat in time to avoid the ear piercing shrieks of delight. Stepping out into the fresh night air she took a deep breath and chuckled, shaking her head. It was funny how easy it was for those fillies to get their marks once they got it through their heads what they were amazing at. Alone for the first time this evening she took the opportunity to stroll through the festival. Now and again a curious mare would inquire about her dress and she gave the rehearsed answer every time. Everywhere she turned there were smiling ponies having a good time. It seemed the festival was an unmitigated success. “Heya Jenny-bean! Oooo you sure blossomed fast!” Jen rolled her eyes and looked back with a smile. “Hi Pinkie Pie. I’m sure Twilight already told you what happened.” With a giggle the hyperactive earth pony nodded. “Of course but I had to sneak one in there. Having fun?” “I am! Did you see the play?” “Mmhm!” Pinkie helped herself to several cupcakes. “Cheerilee said no school tomorrow didja hear?” This was new to Jennifer. “I hadn’t. I guess I’ll have to find something to do with my afternoon now.” She laughed a bit. She’d been running around like crazy the last few days, the prospect of free time was a pleasant one. “Maybe I’ll visit dad before I have to open the daycare.” “I think that’s a good idea. Since the princess said its ok it’d be a good idea to see your human family sometimes. I’m sure he misses you.” “Yeah…” Jennifer frowned a bit as she nibbled a cupcake of her own. Her ears perked up as she spotted Zecora in the crowd waving her over. “Oh! There’s Zecora. I’ll see ya in a bit Pinkie!” The zebra looked Jen up and down as she approached. “Poison joke has victimized you I see; I have the herbs needed to restore you and Cheerilee. If you would be so kind as to fetch your friend, I can brew your cure and have you both on the mend.” “Oh! Great, it’d be nice to be myself for a little bit tonight! I’ll go grab her.” Carefully making her way through the crowds back to the auditorium she spied the little magenta filly trotting for the door as fast as her little legs would go. “Cheerilee! Zecora has our cure!” Relief flooded the fillies face. “Oh thank goodness. I forgot how hard it is getting around with such short legs.” She laughed gently as the pair made their way back to the zebra, who in turn led them to the spa. Twilight Sparkle was there with the keys. “Aloe and Vera didn’t want to leave the festival but they said we could use the same tub as before.” The little group was soon standing before a large wash tub. Twilight gently removed the dress from Jennifer. Zecora wasted no time in adding the herbs, and both ponies practically dove into the mixture. The surface of the water churned for a few moments before a mare and filly poked their heads up. Only this time the mare was magenta and the filly was a green coated teenage unicorn. “We’re back to normal! Thanks SO much Zecora!” Jen flung her dripping wet forelegs around the zebra in a tight embrace. Laughing gently she disengaged from the hug. “No thanks is needed to help I am always happy, just have more caution next time you enter the Everfree. “ Cheerilee was climbing out of the tub. “We absolutely will Zecora. Thank you so much for this.” Twilight drained the tub while the two sopping wet ponies dried off. Cheerilee excused herself to go enjoy some of the adult activities in the festival, while Jen looked helplessly at the now too large dress. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Rarity gets it back. You go have fun.” With a grin Jennifer bounded for the door. “Thanks Twilight! I’ll see ya later!” Back out in the festival she wasn’t getting so much as a second glance from anypony, and that suited her JUST fine. The promise bracelet was left behind with the dress, and she was relieved she hadn’t needed to tell anypony that Macintosh had given it to her, she didn’t want to cause any hassle for the stallion. Gorging herself on perhaps a few too many sweets it wasn’t long before she needed a spot to sit and let her stomach settle. Spying an unoccupied bench in the park she reclined with a soft sight. “Mind if I join you?” Glancing up Jen smiled to see Echo approaching. “Course not! You having fun?” The cadet pulled herself up onto the bench with a little nod. “I am. It’s weird having so many ponies just…talk to me like I’m one of them.” Jen laughed. “You ARE one of them. Bat wings and cat eyes don’t make you some kind of monster.” Echo smiled back a bit. “Back to normal I see.” “Mmhm. Zecora got us fixed right up. She’s pretty awesome.” The night pony was fidgeting with her hooves a bit. “I think you look better like this.” Jen blinked a couple times. “Oh uh…thanks! It’s kinda a relief lemme tell ya-“ She was cut off as Echo leaned in suddenly and planted her lips against Jennifer’s. It was a quick kiss but one with undeniable romantic intent. The bat winged filly looked down bashfully then back up. The look of surprise on Jen’s face was probably not what she was hoping to see. She opened her mouth to say something then closed it again and got up. “I-I’m sorry!” Jen tried to find her voice to call her back as she dashed off but all that came out was a little squeak. That had been her first kiss. A pony was her first kiss. A pony FILLY was her first kiss. Why did Echo kiss her? Did Echo…like her? Like…LIKE like her? …did she LIKE like Echo? No of course not. Echo is a pony and a filly. She didn’t like either of those! …did she? With a loud groan she let her head drop and thunk solidly onto the bench. “…ow.” Maintaining that position for a while became boring and she was soon on her hooves plodding toward town square slowly. It was beginning to get late. The foals were few and far between and many of the adults were heading home for bed. Luna smiled as she spied the green filly. “Jennifer! Will you be coming to Canterlot tomorrow evening? I would enjoy your company for the weekend again.” Numbly she nodded. “Uh…huh. Sure sounds nice?” Concern was clear in the princess’ eyes. “Is something amiss?” Jen blinked and looked up. “N-no…nothing you need to worry about. Really! It’s…nothing.” Not quite convinced but not wanting to push Luna simply nodded. “Very well. Thank you again for this night Jennifer. I hope it becomes as loved a tradition as the Summer Sun Celebration.” A genuine smile spread on Jen’s face. “You deserve it. Really. I’ll see you tomorrow evening.” Jennifer briefly tried to spot Echo in the crowd but she couldn’t pick the night pony cadet out. With a sigh she made her way home and right up to bed. She didn’t sleep of course. And as the sun began to rise she took an early shower in human form and got dressed. Slinging her bag over her shoulder she left a note telling Applejack where she’d be today, then gripped her amulet and willed herself home. It had been a great night despite the…confusion at the end and she was eager to share the story with her dad. “I’m hoooooome!” The house was dark and quiet. It was early but not THAT early. With a little frown she began to wander. “Dad? Daaaaad?” Every room was empty and she frowned. “Must be at the office.” She tried her uncle next. The cabin door unlocked and no one within. Of course that wasn’t TOO unusual. It was hunting season. With a defeated grunt she flopped into her uncles’ beat up arm chair. “Hmph. Come all the way from another dimension and no one to talk to.” Chewing her lower lip she dug out her sketch book and looked at the phone number scrawled on the inside cover. With only a moment’s hesitation she called. It rang twice before someone, a tired sounding someone answered. “….’lo?” “Hey! Alex. It’s Jen. From the uh…magical unicorn fight?” “…oh. Oh right THAT Jen. I thought it was the Jen that saved the Statue of Liberty from Godzilla. What’s up?” “Well I’m in town and d’you wanna like…hang out?” There was a brief pause on the other end. “Er…sure. Sure are you in the city?” “No but I can be in a sec. Gimme an address and I’ll google it then pop over.” “Ok. Cool…cool. My folks are gone for the day so…it’s a good time. Just a sec.” Resting her uncles’ ENORMOUS phone in the crook of her neck Jennifer took a seat at his antique computer. Soon enough she had a map and address. “Alright! I’ll be right over!” A quick swirl of multi-hued lights later and she was standing outside a pretty nice apartment building. Hitting the buzzer for the apartment Alex had given her she was soon riding the elevator to the top floor. Nervously knocking on the big penthouse doors, she was relieved when Alex answered and not like a butler or something. “Jen! C’mon in. You want a drink?” Jen blinked but followed him inside. “Oh uh…sure. Anything not carbonated is cool.” She took the opportunity to look around. His folks must be pretty loaded if they had such a nice place in New York City. “Go ahead and grab a seat in the living room!” Jen glanced at the kitchen as she passed seeing him pouring a couple glasses of juice. She smiled and took a seat on the couch. “This’ a nice place.” “Thanks. Mom’s a designer and dad’s an investment banker.” She accepted the glass of juice with a smile. “That’s cool. One of the ponies I’m friends with is a fashion designer.” This caught him by surprise. “So there’re more of those ponies? And they have like…jobs?” Jennifer sipped her juice nodding. “Mmhm! Oh they do pretty much everything we do here. I’m personally friends with a musician, a farmer, a librarian, a baker, a vet…and one of the princesses.” She added the last bit with a little hint of pride. “Oh cool…cool. That’s…cool.” Alex was flexing his hands a bit, looking around. “Hey…you ok? If I’m making you uncomfortable I can…uh…” She blinked. It felt like the room was spinning a bit. “Uh…izzis juice like…expired?” He was frowning as he gently took the glass. “I’m…I’m so sorry! They threatened my family if I didn’t do it!” Even through the growing fuzziness alarm bells were beginning to sound in her head. With a scowl she fumbled for her amulet but her arms didn’t seem to want to reach that far. Grunting softly she reached for her charm bracelet groping for the earth charm. Instead she brushed the pegasus and her wings exploded from her back forcing her from the chair and ruining her shirt. “Wh-whad you…do t’me?” She staggered toward him groping for the hilt of her sword. The door splintering in from behind caused her to whirl drunkenly almost sending herself sprawling to the floor. She caught sight of two men in dark suits raising what looked like…guns? Weird looking guns she idly thought. Then with a pair of pft sounds the wires streaked from the tasers connecting firmly in her chest and abdomen. She was so numb from the drugged juice she mercifully couldn’t feel the jolts of electricity. “Watch the wings. The boys at the lab don’t want her damaged.” She feebly tried to struggle as she felt herself being hauled off the ground. “Jeez she’s still not out, kid’s tough.” “Well no shit you saw the video. She left a crater in a brick wall and shrugged it off.” She was conscious as they carried her to a waiting van…then unable to fight it any longer, she fell unconscious.