//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: The Wings of Lulamoon // by Azusa //------------------------------// The street lamps bathed Trixie’s carriage in a dim light as she surveyed the night sky. Rain poured from above, just inches from her face. A faint burst of thunder roared off in the distance. She closed the curtain, sunk back into her portable home, and laid back down on her futon. The sound of the showers tapping on the roof graced her ears, making her wonder how long it would be until her cart fell apart from age. Her savings had slowly grown over the past few months from donations; maybe she’d have enough to buy a new cart by the time her current one crumbled. A knock against the wall took Trixie out of her thoughts. She poked her head out to see a member of the royal Canterlot guard frowning at her. “Hey! Your cart’s in the middle of the road. Either move it or I’ll have it towed.” “Why should I? It not in anypony’s way.” “What if there was a fire? The cart would get crushed in all the hurry to put it out.” He struck the cart with a hoof, rocking it slightly. Trixie grumbled under her breath. “Do you have any idea who I am?!” “No, and I don’t particularly care.” Trixie scowled at the guard as the rain soaked the fur covering her face. “Just move it,” the guard said, stepping back. Trixie glanced back up at the liquid cascading from the heavens. Sighing, she stepped outside. “Yeah, yeah…” She hitched herself up the the cart and dragged it away. ~~~~~~~~~~ Twilight’s hind legs shivered as she sat upon the throne of the Crystal Empire. Everything in the room seemed as if it was sculpted out of frozen water. The great expanse of the room only served to emphasize how hollow it was since Twilight had taken over for Cadance. She eased herself back onto her hooves and trotted onto the outside balcony. The starry night sky was highlighted by the pastel aura streaming from the castle. It only served to remind her of Rainbow Dash—her friends. They all had jobs to do back in Ponyville. They all have lives, other friends… Even Spike had stayed behind to be with Rarity. Twilight wondered idly if he’d ever win her over. Perhaps he would end up with Sweetie Belle, or maybe he’d give up chasing after mares and find a nice dragoness to be with. In the meantime though, Twilight was alone. Her eyes drifted to the metropolis below her, and she wished that she could go out and play with them. With the shake of her head, she traveled back to her bedchamber. One of the castle maids was just finishing up dusting her bookshelves when she arrived. “Greetings, Your Highness.” Eyes wide, the maid quickly bowed to her. “Will there be anything else for the night?” Twilight tapped her chin in thought. “Hmm, would you like to play a game of chess?” “Not particularly.” A moment of silence passed between them. “Oh, uh… That is, unless this is an order.” Her knees started to shake. “No, if you don’t want to play, then it’s fine. I guess that will be all for tonight.” “Yes, Your Highness.” She bowed again and left. Twilight collapsed onto her bed. She acts just like everypony else does now that I have these wings. Her hooves wrapped around the top layer blanket, hugging it close. A moment later, her cheeks felt a little damp, and she soon drifted off to sleep. ~~~~~~~~~~ After trotting for some time, Trixie found a rest stop just outside Canterlot; she parked her cart nearby and went inside. A dull glow from the lantern hanging by the desk tried its hardest to brighten the room. Besides the fleeting storm outside, the only sound that drifted through the air was the snoring coming from behind the desk. Guess they won’t mind if I park my cart overnight. She was about to leave when she heard the door slam shut behind her. Her gaze snapped to the entrance, but nopony was there. Must be the wind. When she tried to open the door, however, it wouldn’t budge. She couldn’t see a keyhole either. A magenta aura enveloped the door. Trixie gritted her teeth and pulled with all her might. Her forehead started to sweat. It feels barricaded, somehow. She slowly inched it outward a little. Almost there. Then, the door flung open; the invisible barricade evaporated. The wind rushed in, shoving Trixie against the back wall. Papers flew everywhere. The lantern light flickered a little. Once the dust had settled, Trixie got back on her hooves. The pony at the counter continued sleeping. She looked around at the mess of journalism around her. What a waste. They’ll never be able to sell them now. Her horn ignited, and the newspapers danced around the room into a nice neat pile. A cluster of fog drifted through the open door. Speeding over the pile, it flipped one of the newspapers to the front page. Trixie gasped upon seeing the cover image. No, it can’t be! She snatched it within her magical grasp and sat down. Her eyes flew over the words, and when she was finished reading, she started again. Twilight, an alicorn princess? But her parents aren’t royalty. Trixie stood and trotted back to her carriage. Is it possible? Was she actually turned into an alicorn? An immortal, all-powerful deity among the living. Why, if a small town hick such as her could become one, then anypony— Her eyes widened in realization. She glanced back at her cutie mark. And if anypony can become one, then why not me? With all that I’ve been through, I certainly deserve it. Her lips formed a grin, and she hitched herself back up to her cart. I suppose Twilight could use a suitor, Trixie thought as she trotted ever closer toward the Crystal Empire.