Star Dust
Chapter 11
Winter (Pony)Nap Up!
Princess Luna woke up early - too early for her taste - but her fatigue soon washed away when she remembered what today was. She was going to spend more time with Twilight! Soon her mind too an entirely different turn, a turn that caused her cheeks to feel quite warm.
It's nothing like that! Just a casual visit like any other! Even if she didn't want to admit it, she felt quite nervous to go and visit Twilight once more.
Now her consciousness was toying with her thoughts about what to do while staying in Ponyville.
After her talk with Celestia a couple weeks ago, she had started to worry about how and when she could bring it up to Twilight that Star Dust wasn't exactly the pony she was thought she was.
Well, that isn't fully a lie... Luna thought to herself. I have given her bits of my own life, so not all of them were lies!
Even though the older alicorn hadn't talked about the subject in a while, she knew that Celestia might bring her duplicity up again once she returned back from today’s Ponyville trip. Then there were the looks the elder diarch had given her younger sister a couple of times. Not really saying anything, but judging all the same.
Why is this such a big deal? I only have to tell her the truth and maybe her friends too... Luna thought hopefully, but the hopefulness quickly turned to doubt. But what if when I reveal myself it will be something like back at the first Nightmare Night? No! Calm yourself Luna. No time or need to think about something like that... yet. Luna’s nerves escalated as time drew closer to her departure.
“Everything alright Luna?” Celestia asked. Luna's heart skipped a couple beats as she only now noticed her older sister with her. How long has she been here?
Celestia chuckled, as if reading Luna's mind. Telepathy was likely unnecessary, however, given how transparent Luna’s expression was: a mixture of nervous anticipation and terrified stress. “Just in time to see your little breakdown,” she said sweetly. “You have nothing to fear my little sister. Just try to be...well, I guess yourself. But Luna, even if you aren't going to tell them this time, you need to do it soon,” she said, stepping closer and wrapping a comforting wing around her younger sister.
“I know, I know...” Luna replied, rolling her eyes. But her tone quickly changed a bit, now full of doubt. “But it's just that-”
“-if they will still accept you when you are going to show them your true-self?” Celestia finished Luna's words, to which she gave an embarrassed nod. “You have nothing to be afraid of, little sister,” Celestia insisted, once again trying to boost her sister’s confidence. “They are the kind of ponies who no doubt know when someone wishes to be treated as a friend, Twilight Sparkle most of all.”
“That first Nightmare Night clearly proved that...” Luna mumbled loudly enough for Celestia to fully hear.
“Yes, but what about the Nightmare Night after? Don't tell me that nothing good came of it?” Celestia smiled.
Luna couldn't help but to roll her eyes, but still returned her sister’s smile with one of her own. “Yes, it certainly has,” she admitted, amused. After a moment’s ponderance, she returned, “But I still can't shake the feeling off...”
Luna could feel Celestia's wing wrapping around her more tightly, catching her attention. “It will pass. Just give them time,” Celestia said calmly. “And don't forget to come to me. I'm always here to help you, my dear Luna.” Elder sister quickly nuzzled younger sister, slowly releasing her wing’s grasp.
“Thank you Tia.” Luna smiled, returning with her own nuzzling. “I don't think I could do this without you.”
“You don't have to worry, my dear Lulu.” Luna blushed at the nickname. “But if everything else fails, I can always say to them that they are to be banished from Equestria if they won't make friends with you,” Celestia said, giving a toothy grin at the shocked look upon Luna’s face.
“Sister! That... was horrible!” Luna replied. “And so uncouth,” she then added.
“I know,” Celestia answered, smiling awkwardly. “I just tried to lift the mood.”
“Well, you still need much improvement!” Luna laughed. But her laughter quickly stopped when she looked at the clock. Which was fifteen over twelve “Oh no! I'm going to be late!” She quickly grabbed the jacket with her magic, hurriedly activating her transformation spell.
“Aren't you a bit late from the train?” Celestia asked puzzled. “I think the train left about an hour ago.”
“I never mentioned taking a train, did I?” Luna replied. As her body started to shift and her height dropped a bit, her coat took on a much lighter color.
Celestia watched as Luna's figure changed more; soon, her sister’s wings disappeared. She couldn't help but feel sad as she gazed upon the form Luna had taken. It immediately brought back memories from the past.
The look didn't go unnoticed by the now fully transformed Luna, who gave Celestia a mixed look of annoyance and apology. “I know, I know...” she replied, the voice making Celestia slightly flinch inwardly, as the voice caused more memories to flood back.
“But I will get there soon. Honest.”
“I know,” Celestia replied, sighing. She walked closer to the now-smaller unicorn. “And I'm sorry if I'm causing you any stress...” Luna gave Celestia a puzzled look.
“What do you mean?”
Celestia sighed. “Right now I’m simply a scared older sister who is afraid that her little sister is doing something that not only hurts her, but her new friends as well,” she then explained. Star was about to oppose that but Celestia cut her off. “But you are an old enough mare already.”
Star sniffed at the remark, while also grumbling: “I'm not that old...”
“You are old enough to make your own decisions. So, what are you waiting for? Weren't you going to be late or something?”
Star jumped from that remark and her horn immediately started glowing. In a few seconds, she had disappeared from the room. “Have a good time,” Celestia called. With that, she began to leave her sister’s room. Hmm... she certainly looked nice with that jacket... she mused, amused. Maybe I should have one for myself. And maybe with a hood too...
One moment Star had been standing in her room with her sister; now she stood just outside Ponyville's borders. Star’s concerns about being seen were swept away when a cold gusting wind started to blow.
Why didn't I also ask for a cap? she lamented, slowly walking towards the town. Or at least a scarf! My ears are freezing!
Thankfully the walk wasn't so long, but the wind made every step near-agony. Now she was finally at library's door and knocking on it. And waiting, and waiting. But no one came to open the door. She heard no hoofsteps or anyone calling.
So she tried knocking again, this time a bit louder. Still nothing. “Twilight?” She tried to call her again, having a feeling that she might be stuck with her nose in some book. But then shouldn’t Spike have answered already?
Where are they? she thought, confused. Twilight had said that there wasn't anything for her to do this day and that she should be free. But then again, that was few weeks ago and we haven't exchanged any letters since. I need to work on that problem...
“Looking for Twilight?” she heard somepony asking. Star quickly looked behind her, seeing a familiar, mint-green colored unicorn standing behind her. “I saw her going to Sweet Apple Acres with Spike about an hour ago.”
“What? Why?” Star asked, turning to the unicorn.
“Not sure, but it seems there is some trouble at Sweet Apple Acres as Applejack was asking other ponies to help,” the unicorn explained.
“Ah, I see...” Star replied bit awkwardly. “Well, I guess that'll be my next destination then.” Star then started to walk away from the library.
“Do you know your way?” the unicorn asked, to which Star nodded. “Ah, all right then. Well, I hope you don't mind me going with you. Where I'm going is on the way.”
“I don't mind,” Star replied, walking a bit slower to allow the unicorn to follow her. The unicorn was quickly by her side and Star couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. I certainly remember her from that party Pinkie threw couple weeks ago, but I still can't remember her name. This is so embarrassing!
After a long and awkward silence, Star decided to ask the obvious question. “Sorry, but what was your name again?” she asked. Not sounding awkward at all... she thought bitterly to herself as the unicorn gave a look. “I mean, we didn't exactly meet under the best of circumstances...” she quickly corrected.
The unicorn then let out a small laugh. “No need to worry,” she reassured. “That was one crazy night, although we did spent a nice time together... still not hitting on you, by the way,” she joked, which was rewarded by a small giggle from Star. “But it is Lyra Heartstrings,” she then said. “Hope you will remember this time.”
“Oh, I think I might this time.” Star smiled. “Especially when there isn't bunch of cider screwing with your head,” she joked. Lyra replied with her own laughter. “So, why are you out here and not with Applejack if she asked ponies to help?” Star then asked.
“Well, she asked only a couple ponies to come with her,” Lyra started explaining, “But Twilight was the first one she went for. And why I'm not with them is because right now I’m having a small break.”
Star raised a puzzled brow at this. “A break? A break from what?”
“Well, from time to time I work at Bon Bon’s,” Lyra said, “And this is one of those weeks that I have to work there and I just happened to have a small break and decided to go buy a couple of tools...” she slightly nudged towards her saddlebags. Star wasn't sure what to react to that.
“Just something for tonight,” Lyra said, a small smile on her lips. It sounded like it was directed more towards towards herself than Star.
“I see,” she trailed off, now feeling uncomfortable. She felt as if she was invading somepony's personal life, even though Lyra bequeathed the information with a smile. “So, you work at that candy shop?” Star then asked, trying desperately to relive the awkwardness.
“Yeah. That'll be 'Bon Bon's Sweets',” Lyra said proudly, “And she certainly can make some nice sweets. Can almost beat good ol' Sugarcube Corners pastries.”
“Hard to imagine that...” Star muttered.
“You said something?”
“Uhh.. nothing important...” Star replied nervously.
“Right,” Lyra said back. The two of them walked in silence again before Star broke it.
“So, what exactly is in your saddle?” Star asked. For some reason, she wanted to know what exactly the unicorn was planning.
“Well...” Lyra started, unsure. “It’s a secret,” she put it simply. Star raised a puzzled and slightly annoyed eyebrow at the reply.
“Alright,” Star replied.
“But I can tell you that it is something special,” Lyra then said. “At least in my opinion.”
“Oh really?” Star asked, intrigued, “Is it your anniversary or something?”
“No, not really,” Lyra answered casually.
“Then why are you doing this?” she asked, slightly confused.
“I don't know.” Lyra answered matter of factly. Her face softened up a bit. “I just thought that Bons deserves bit of romantic attention.” She paused before continuing. “It’s just something we like to do. To spice things up, and maybe spoil one another, another way for us to spent time, and remember why we are together.” Lyra then sighed happily. “It's really nice when you have someone you can share these kinds of moments.”
“It sure sounds like that...” Star replied, her tone a bit down. She couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of Lyra and her relationship at the moment. It is something I might never be able to have...
“Oh, don't worry.” Lyra chuckled. “I'm sure you will find your mare or a stallion one day. Unless...there is somepony you have your eyes on maybe?” she teased, purring.
Star stuttered while her face burned. She then clamped her mouth down, making an annoyed face. “Oh don't worry.” Lyra chuckled. “I was only teasing you.”
Star huffed at the tease, giving Lyra an angry look. Her attempts at intimidation fell flat, as her face was no doubt almost as bright as a tomato. “Hey, no hard feelings,” Lyra said, trying to calm Star. “If you are crushing on somepony then that's good for you, but just make sure you'll get your hooves on him or her before somepony else might take them.”
Star only nodded at that. Why did I act like that? she thought to herself. I've never thought of Twilight like that. Maybe Tia’s right, I’ve got so much to learn about being socially aware...
Suddenly Lyra stopped. “Oh hay, how’d we get this far from Ponyville!” she exclaimed in distress, looking behind her.
Star did the same, and couldn't help but notice that they walked away from the town that was now behind them. “So?”
“So!?” Lyra this time fully exclaimed. “That means I'm going to be late! We are already away from Ponyville, and Bon Bon's shop isn't exactly at the edge of the town!”
Star could feel the horrible guilt washing over her; her ears lowered slightly in shame. Lyra noticed it. “Don't worry. It's not your fault. I should have paid more attention to where I was going. Bon is going to have a field day with this. Again!”
Before Star knew what was happening, Lyra had disappeared. From a fair distance away, Star heard the echo of a call from the road back to Ponyville. “SorryIgottogo! Hopewecanmeetagain!”
For a moment, Star just stood where she was, staring at the unicorn who was running as fast as she could back to the town. She then turned her gaze back to the road that would take her to the Sweet Apple Acres.
Thankfully the trip wasn’t long. Once she got the home of the Apples, she found it to be deserted. “Hello?” she called, hoping that maybe somepony was there, but no answer came. They all are probably out. Star thought as she left the building. Just what is going on here anyway?
“SUSPICIOUS!” a voice suddenly yelled out right above Star, making her scream and jump backwards, right on her back. “Oh, sorry. NOT suspicious.” Pinkie giggled as she dropped from the tree's branch.
Am I cursed to always face this pony like this!? Star wondered to herself.
“Sorry about that Starrie,” Pinkie said, still holding her cheerful personality, which made Star wonder just what the Element of Laughter digested in order to keep herself like that every morning.
“Applejack sent me here to see if there was anything suspicious going on with the barn again,” Pinkie explained while Star got back onto her hooves, shooting an annoyed, deadpan look at her. Pinkie, in true Pinkie style, managed to completely ignore her. “So, I came here, only find somepony, or... someone was here. So I hid inside the tree, and covered my eyes so that someone couldn't see me.”
“Why did you cover your eyes?” Star interrupted, her voice holding a slightly annoyed tone as she got up, dusting away the snow from her jacket.
Pinkie just gave one big, and somewhat stupid grin. “Because then you wouldn’t be able to see me, silly.” Star gave out an annoyed and surrendering sigh/groan. No need to fight with this pony’s logic.
“So,” she then asked, “What is it exactly that Applejack wanted with you all? Is there trouble with Sweet Apple Acres?”
“The problem is that somepony here is stealing mah' family’s hardly earned firewood,” Applejack cut in suddenly, appearing before the pair. She pointed at the barn that had its doors fully open and slightly damaged on the hinges. “Just go an' take a look for yerself,” she said. Star went and peeked inside, seeing rather horribly low piles of wood at the end of the barn.
“An' this winter has already been bad enough that we've had to use lot of wood,” Applejack then continued explaining, walking next to Star. “And now in these last couple days somepony, or someone has been coming in here at night, and stealing big chunks of it.”
“Well, it certainly isn't somepony who is stealing them,” another voice suddenly cut in. Both ponies looked behind them, finding Twilight standing there with a book that was levitating in front of her. Wow, she certainly looks cute with that outfit and that book... wait what!?
The jacket Star so admired was the same rich lavender as Twilight’s coat, but with pristine white fur linings along the sleeves. It accentuated Twilight’s slim figure and framed her face wonderfully.
“What do ya mean with that Twilight?” Applejack asked, turning to her friend.
“Well, these hoofprints are rather obvious,” Twilight said, pointing at the strange prints on the snow. Star couldn't help but feel embarassed for not seeing them until now. Applejack seemed to have the same thoughts as well. “And the fact that something really big must have broken those barn doors of yours.”
“Yeah, that was rather obvious...” Applejack commented. “It looks like a bear came crashing down on the poor door.”
“Well, it certainly can't be a bear,” Fluttershy said, suddenly above them. She must have just arrived. “They’re all hibernating,” she said, slowly descending. In flash, Rainbow Dash suddenly appeared next to her.
“Ah was makin’ a simile, Flutters. Ah didn’t mean an actual bear,” Applejack commented.
“We just have to keep on looking and maybe expand our search perimeter even more,” Twilight added, closing the book and placing it in her saddlebag with her magic.
“Yeah, but we can't all just go alone if there’s something big that can tear barn doors open like it was nothing,” Rainbow Dash commented, swooping down from her latest patrol.
“Rainbow Dash speaks the truth.” This time it, was Rarity who was talking, Spike walking with her as they joined the rendezvous. “If we are going to do this, we need to create a small group this time.”
“Yeeap.”
Where did all of these ponies come from?! Star thought, distressed, noticing that the rest of the Apple family had joined. Or have I just ignored them all this time because I was so focused on Twilight?
Star moved her gaze to the doors and down to the snow where a couple of the footprints were still visible. Who, or whatever is behind this theft certainly has enough strength and intelligence to actually steal something. she examined. But not smart enough to cover their tracks it seems… she added, looking at the snow.
But what creature is strong and enough to do this? The foot is almost big as bear pawn, but it is missing the sharp edges... I don't think I have ever seen a creature like this before.
“...Star, would you like to accompany me?” Star's head quickly turned from the footprints, to Twilight with a confused and shocked expression.
“What?” she asked, a bit hastily. Guess I really need to pay attention...
“I was asking if you wanted to accompany me with the search,” Twilight repeated kindly. Star could suddenly feel her heart taking a small, faster beat for a second. She decided to ignore it.
“I’d love to,” Star said, a bit more eager than she expected.
“All right then,” Twilight said. Turning back to the group that had gathered behind her, she announced, “We all know what to do. And if any one of us might find something, just use this flare. Just pull the string and it will send out a flare that will give your position.”
Everypony took their flares and placed them in their saddle bags. Star gave a quick look at her flare. It was rather simple looking, and no doubt was homemade and made rather hastily. As if in last minute or so. Hopefully this flare will work...
“So, are you ready to go Star?” Twilight asked, now suddenly a bit closer to her than before. That proximity caused a slight warmth to course through her cheeks.
“Uuuh... yeah.” Star replied. “Let's go.”
“So, how did you exactly knew where we were?” Twilight then asked puzzled.
“A unicorn named Lyra was nice enough to tell me where you were,” Star answered, smiling.
“Oh. Well, I’m glad she did,” Twilight replied, smiling back.
“...and that's how Applejack let us help her out with the Bucking Season,” Twilight finished.
The search had been going for a long time, and not much had been found. Even the footprints seemed to have almost disappeared, which was almost impossible considering the size of the thieves. To pass the time, and maybe also to soothe their nerves, Twilight had told Star her experiences with the Apple Farm.
She couldn't help but laugh slightly when Twilight finished her tale, because she was quite sure that, if Celestia was here, she would find a couple references to Applejack’s stubbornness. Thankfully she isn’t here...
“Well, it is certainly a good thing that things turned out okay for all of you,” Star said.
“It sure was. I think Applejack couldn't take much more of it.”
While the two unicorns continued talking, Star couldn't shake the feeling that somepony, or something, was watching them. It's nothing, just my nerves and that bizarre hoofprint. There is no danger here-
Star's thoughts were cut off when she suddenly heard a very quiet “snap” behind them. The fur on her back stood up immediately and her heart rate had increased.
“Star? What is it?” Twilight asked, when noticing that the other unicorn had stopped and was looking over her shoulder.
“I was sure I heard something,” she answered, her tone lowered. That got Twilight's attention, who quickly went to her side. “As if somepony, or something is here.”
“What dp you think it might be?” Twilight whispered.
“Certainly not a bear...” Star half-joked.
Then another snap was heard. This time it sounded more closer. The two unicorns tensed up at this, their horns slowly starting to glow. “Star...” Twilight whispered again. “Should we take the flare?
“I think that might a good idea...” she replied. She reached to her saddlebag and took the flare out.
But then suddenly the snow beneath them exploded around them, and before neither of them knew what had happened, their entire bodies were encased in thick ice. The flare dropped as Star’s magic faded from her immediate shock.
“What in the name of Equestria!?” Twilight exclaimed when the ice had covered most of her and Star’s bodies, leaving only their heads revealed.
“De ponies are stuck!” a voice yelled from the place where Star had heard the snap. Following a short snort like sound.
“Get de horns!” another voice yelled.
Both of them could hear heavy footsteps coming towards them and soon their captors came into view. Twilight reacted with a terrified shriek while Star just stared, shocked and scared. Before them stood three very large and heavy trolls. Seeing them in the flesh was different than her nightmares. Their fur was much more darker than she had expected, and unlike her illusionary vision, these trolls seemed to wear some form of clothing, probably to protect themselves from the cold.
One of the trolls took quick and large steps towards the trapped unicorn pair. “Stay away!” Twilight shrieked again, her horn starting to glow. Star followed her friend, beginning to conjure a spell to repel the attackers.
“If you come any closer, we'll fry that fur of yours!” Star threatened.
The troll hesitated for a moment, but only for a moment before running towards them, quickly placing what looked like some kind of miniature leash on their horns.
“What!” both them exclaimed when they felt their magic simply just vanish. Now even Star could feel herself become terrified. She had pretty much lost her only means of fighting against these creatures.
“Take de purple one!” the first troll ordered. Star’s heart started to beat faster, and she gave the troll a nasty glare. “She's de one we need!”
“Keep your filthy hands off of her! I won't be responsible for the consequences!” Star threatened, even though knowing there was right now nothing with which she could threaten them.
“Shud yerself little poonie!” one of the bigger trolls yelled, lumbering her. “Now, let's take 'er an' leave!”
“No! Don't! Please!” Twilight pleaded.
“SHUT IT!” the troll almost roared. Twilight squealed from fright before fainting from the stress. “Let's go already!”
“NO!” Star yelled. Her distress, sense of helplessness and anger all grew exponentially. She had to save Twilight from these creatures even if it killed her! She started to call her magic again, but still felt nothing. Come on! I can do better than this! she thought to herself. I am a goddess! I can't be beaten like this! And I can't let them take Twilight!
She concentrated even harder, but couldn't still feel anything and the coldness around her body had started to become a bother. “Try all ye want little pony,” the troll mocked as he and his companions started to leave. “But ye won't be able to break free jus' yet.” The troll let out a snorting laugh.
“NO! COME BACK YOU COWARDS!” Star called out. She summoned every ounce of strength she had, but nothing happened. “Come on you stupid horn...!” she groaned, her head starting to hurt. “TWILIGHT!” she screamed as the three figures disappeared from her view.
With that, suddenly Star started to feel a small spark, but a very weak one. She reached towards it with all she had. And then her sight turned white as snow and magic erupted from her horn, blazing upon the sky.
Star lost consciousness.