The party that evening was one for the history books. Celestia had been right all along about things getting interesting when Twilight and her friends were around. Or more to the point when there was a party and Pinkie was involved. At first it was the usual social gathering of Canterlot elite, with every pony complementing one another on their outfits and standing in line to shake hooves with royalty. Good thing for Jake he was disguised as a gryphon, every pony thought he was some kind of ambassador instead of royalty. The ballroom was lavish with sculptures of the royal sisters and flowers in vases that adorned the walls. There were tables set to the outside for ponies to sit with candles on them. There were buffet tables set to the outside as well and the center of the room was for dancing. The stage was up front with musicians playing. The music was boring the food was…elegant (which means stuff that is expensive yet not very good). Rainbow looked like she was going to die from boredom. Applejack couldn’t stand the food. Fluttershy was trying to blend into the wall, while Twilight stood by Princess Celestia trying to spend some time with her. Rarity was trying to keep Prince Blue Blood at bay with Spike standing by her side. Seeing the sad state of the party Pinkie was prompted to action. She covertly walked around to every punch bowl and without any pony noticing produced a silver flask which she would add a little something extra to the punch. In no time at all the party started to become what some would refer to as “more colorful”. The most uptight, elitist ponies were starting to really let down their manes. The first sign of this happening was the music starting to pick up from classical to something that could hold a beat. The dancing became more erratic as did the party goers. Every time the punch bowls got refreshed Pinkie would make her rounds putting in her special ingredient. Finally Jake walked up to Pinkie.
“What are you doing?”
Pinkie giggled as she took a sip from the flask. “I call this Pinkie’s brew, guaranteed to put life into any party or your money back.”
“You mean alcohol.” Jake said flatly.
“Sir, you wound me. This isn’t just plain old booze; this is my family’s own secret formula that I brought with me from the rock farm. After a hard day on the farm this reduces pain, warms you up and chases away the blues.”
And also completely knocks you on your plot, don’t forget that one Pinkie. “So what you have there is good old fashion moonshine.”
Pinkie seemed blown away by Jake’s last comment. “Wow, that’s amazing. You didn’t tell me you could read minds.”
“I can’t but it doesn’t take a mind reader to see this. But take it easy ok, that stuff will kill ya.”
“Okie dokie lokie.” And she bounced back to the dance floor.
Jake had seen what was going on and had decided to stick with water for the evening. Too bad he was the only one who could say that. Twilight was ripping up the dance floor with her own unique style of dancing. As Jake kept walking around the room he came across Rarity having a heated discussion with Prince Blue Blood.
“You can’t be serious. You’re telling me that your date tonight is that little pipsqueak of a dragon?”
Rarity got into Blue Blood’s face with flushed cheeks and hint of slurred speech. “H-he’s more of a gentle ssstallion then you’ll ever be.”
“Oh yea, he’s not even a pony. That’s just creepy, I mean sure if he was your servant and all but your date? He doesn’t even have a title, I’m far superior.”
About this time Spike came back holding two glasses of punch. “Here you are Lady Rarity, some punch for you.”
“Thank you Spike, see, this is how your treat a lady. *hick* With that she downed the grass in one shot.
“I remember your deplorable behavior from the Grand Galloping Gala. Yyyou’re no gentlepony.”
Blue Blood had a smug look on his face. “Ha, you were in love with me from the start. Stallions like me don’t chase mares. Mares like you chase me.”
Rarity took a wobbly step backwards in disgust. As Spike went to steady her she looked at him and smile wolfishly. She then gave a sideways glance towards Blue Blood. “Well, I’m sorry to say but you don’t know everything.” With that she turned and planted a nice kiss on Spike in front of Blue Blood.
At seeing this Blue Blood recoiled in horror and then proceeded to retreat. Spike’s body went rigid and he almost passed out but Rarity caught him. “Darling how about we get some fresh air?”
Spike in a dreamlike state of shock just smiled and nodded his head as the two walked to one of the outside patios.
I hope she isn’t going to regret that one in the morning. He thought to himself as he went to check on the others. He found Applejack talking to a group of gentle stallions. As Jake got closer he could hear her making a sales pitch about how her Apple Family treats where better than anything they had here. Somehow she even had a sample for them to try and it seemed to be working. Even smashed out of her mind she was ever the business pony looking out for the family.
Suddenly he heard singing coming from the stage and it was Fluttershy?! She had a drink in one hoof and the microphone in the other. She was singing some old song that Jake couldn’t remember the title. She was really getting into it though. Finally he found Rainbow Dash with her role models the Wonderbolts. They were trading stories of each of their daring exploits as high risk aerial acrobats.
Satisfied that all of his friends/family were OK he went to check on the royal sisters. He decided to pick up his pace when from outside he could hear “ooohh, ahhh”.
Upon looking outside Jake discovered that one minute the moon was up then the next minute the sun was up. Jake jaw hit the floor as his eyes bugged out. AAAHHHHH!!!! Panic ran through his mind as he took to the air to look for the sisters. It didn’t take him long to find them on one of the towers giggling like a couple of fillies at play. “WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING?!” Jake yelled with panic written all over his face.
“Oh hhhi you. Wee weerrreee just playing night time, day time.” Celestia said obviously very intoxicated.
“It’sss a lot of fun. Oooh, want somme punch?” Luna asked levitating a cup towards Jake.
“Put the moon back up and the sun down NOW!” Jake said.
“Okkay Mr. Bossy pants. Sheesh we were just having a little funnn.” Celestia slurred.
With that the sun set immediately and the moon resumed its normal position. Jake whipped the sweat from his brow. Whew, crisis averted. Luna started to giggle. “Hey sis, you called him Mr. Bossy pants but hee isn’t wearing any. Heh”
Celestia looked at Jake still in his gryphon form as she swayed back and forth. “You’re right he isn’t.”
Suddenly the two were laughing uncontrollably as they fell over and rolled around. Royal bearing and common sense gone, thanks Pinkie. Jake just shook his head. “Seriously, you can’t play like that. You could’ve scared a lot of innocent ponies.”
“Ahhh, come on, we didn’t mean any harm?” Luna said trying to look innocent.
“What she said Prince Yummy Delicious.” Celestia said with a mischievous grin on her face. “I have to wonder, you do look yummy but are you really delicious? Inquiring minds want to know.” Celestia looked from Jake to her sister who was getting the idea and back towards Jake.
Jake suddenly felt like a scared rabbit cornered by Timber Wolves. He had to think fast before something happened he knew the sisters would regret in the morning. “Hey I have an idea. Let me try something new using my magic but I’ll need you both in the bed.”
“My room is closer!” Luna squeaked and with more speed and coordination then he thought possible by either one of them in their current state they dashed off towards her room.
Jake caught up with them in Luna’s bed awaiting his arrival. He had transformed back to his alicorn self and approached them. “Now I want you both to relax by taking a slow big breath in and letting it out slowly.”
Both of them did as instructed and then Jake’s horn began to glow. Using telekinesis he began to message both sisters simultaneously. He did their wings, their heads, necks, legs and backs. This went on for only about five minutes before Jake could hear rhythmic breathing from both of them. This let him know that both were now sound asleep. He covered the two with a blanket and made sure a glass of water was on either side of the bed on the night stands. He also made sure there were buckets by each one just in case Pinkie’s brew decided to make a comeback in the middle of the night. After that he went back to check on the rest of the party.
Once he returned he found Twilight, Pinkie and Fluttershy singing Love is in bloom at the top of their lungs on stage. It’s seemed though the party was winding down. Most of the guest had started to stumble home and thankfully they all had rides. Jake went to go check on the staff only to find that they too had partaken in some of the punch. Now they were just a little tipsy. Jake told the staff to call it a night and that clean-up would be handled in the morning. Every pony toasted the Prince as they gleefully went home. He went back into the room and it looked like a war had been waged there. Discord would be proud. Jake thought to himself. When he came back only Twilight and her friends remained, every pony else had gone home. They were now sitting at a table laughing and carrying on when they spied Jake and waved him over.
“Sooo, how was the party? I noticed you’re still mostly put together.” Twilight smiled.
“Yeah, it was…fun. Now all that’s left is clean up.”
“Hey hey hey, that can wait till the morning. *hick* Fluttershy said pointing a shaky hoof at Jake.
“No I’ll take care of it now. You guys are going to love this.”
With that Jake’s horn glowed and everything in the room came to life save for the table and chairs the friends were using. Suddenly cleaning supplies lined up in front of Jake like military troops forming for inspection. “Alright listen up. I want this room clean post haste. I want the floor swept and mopped, dirty linen report to hampers. Trash in the cans and then go to the dumpsters. Any questions…no, then let’s make it happen. With that the room set to straightening and cleaning itself. The Friends sat in awe as Jake continued to lead the cleaning efforts by calling out orders to objects and having them respond in action. In what took no time at all the room was cleaned and organized and ready to be used again for the next party. The friends stared at Jake.
“That was AWESOME!!! Can you come to my house and do that?” Rainbow asked.
“Sorry I’m not usually in the cleaning business.”
“That was pretty incredible Jake. Have you done that before?” Twilight asked looking very impressed.
“It’s how I kept my place clean in Ponyville since I didn’t have time to do it myself.”
“I should have made that your final exam. That was amazing but you have servants that can do that you know.”
“I know Twilight but they work hard every day. They deserved a little break and since they got into the punch I thought it would be better if I take care of this one.”
“Well that was sure nice of ya to look out for’em. Most royals wouldn’t have been so nice.” Applejack replied.
“Well thankfully, I’m not really a royal.”
“You may not have royal blood in you darling but you’re definitely royalty material.” Rarity said as she raised a partially empty glass.
“Speaking of royalty where are Princesses Celestia and Luna? I heard some ponies ooh and ahh earlier and some bright flashes of light outside. Were they doing a fireworks show?” Twilight asked.
“Something like that. There were exhausted and apologized for not bidding every pony goodnight but they needed sleep.” Jake said grimacing at the thought of the sun and moon bobbing up and down in the sky.
“Well I don’t know about all of you but I’m beat, time to hit the hay.” Rainbow Dash said as she stood and yawned.
“Sounds good to me Rainbow. I’ll see you all in the morning, goodnight.”
“Goodnight!” Was the universal response as Jake walked back to bed in Celestia’s room.
. . . . .
The next morning (or at least before sunrise) Celestia began to slowly wake-up. She had never been able to sleep in since she took over raising the sun over a millennia ago, her body just wouldn’t allow it anymore. She noticed a dark figure in her bed and she smiled as she wiped the sleep from her eyes. She leaned over and kissed the figure on the side of the head. “Do you know how much I love you?” She whispered into the figure’s ear.
The dark figure (who she assumed was Jake), rolled over and responded in her sleep. “I love you too.” Luna said with a smile.
Celestia was taken back. Luna?! But where’s Jake? She looked around getting her bearings and realized THIS was not her room. How in Equestria did I get here and what happened? The events from the following evening were a blur at best. She carefully removed herself from Luna’s bed and almost tripped over the bucket sitting beside it. She then noticed water on both nightstands and as she made her way to the front of the bed she noticed the other bucket on Luna’s side. This is Jake’s doing, he still looking out for us. Last night might still be a blur but she was starting to get an idea of what may have gone on as she walked towards the balcony.
The stars were out but there was light on the horizon as the day waited to be ushered in. Her head was pounding, stupid headaches. When are they ever going to leave me? She had been having these headaches every day for months now and they seemed to be getting worst with each passing day. Celestia tried to focus on the task at hand, raising the sun. She leapt into the air and as she rose towards the sky she raised her front legs over her head and…nothing happened. Celestia landed quickly and felt unsteady on her hooves. She grasped the railing so that she wouldn’t fall over and tried to catch her breath. There was shock and panic running through her mind. W-What’s going on?! Why didn’t the sun come up? She hadn’t failed to raise the sun since she had been taught by her mother countless ages ago. She took a few calming breaths and composed herself once more. She squared off with the horizon this time and really focused all of her magic on the sun. She gritted her teeth as beads of sweat formed on her brow. She was giving it her all and the sun barely poked above the horizon. She stopped, gasping for air as the world spun around her. It’s still not in the right place? Why is this so hard?!
Once the world stopped spinning and she was sure her legs wouldn’t fail her she went to Luna’s bedside. “Luna, Luna wake-up. I need your help.” She said as she put a hoof on her and started to shake her gently.
“Umm? Uh, what’s going on? Sister? What time is it?” A bleary eyed Luna said as she looked at her sister.
“It’s morning and we have a serious problem.”
“Morning…Holy Me the MOON!” As Luna came fully awake and realized that she hadn’t set the moon yet so that the sun could rise. “I’m so sorry dear sister. I’ll get the moon right away.”
Luna leapt from the bed and raced to the balcony. She stopped at the sight of the sun just barely peaking over the horizon. “That isn’t supposed to be there. And why didn’t you wake me to lower the moon. A better question is if you wanted to let me sleep why didn’t you just lower the moon yourself?” She asked as she looked over her shoulder towards her sister.
“That’s what I’m trying to tell you. I…” She trailed off and looked away trying to think how she was going to word this. “I don’t think I can raise the sun on my own. I tried this morning and that is as far as I could get it.”
Luna looked at her sister for a moment to make sure she wasn’t kidding around but the worry on Celestia’s face was obvious. “What do you suppose happened to you?”
“I don’t know, it was so hard and I nearly passed out. My head is pounding and it’s hard to focus.” Celestia said as she rubbed the side of her head.
At the mention of the headache Luna felt her start to ache as well. “Oww, I feel it too but we’ve been checked out by the doctor and we are fine. This is just stress, as for your powers you’re just not focused.”
“This isn’t stress Luna, something is very wrong with us. I think the headaches are connected to my powers being…off.”
“Ppbbbffftt, nothing is wrong. I will prove it. Once I lower the moon I will help you finish raising the sun.” Luna said giving a dismissal wave towards her sister’s concern. Like Celestia before she leapt into the air with hooves outstretched as she started over her head and lowered them. She landed hard on the balcony and as she looked towards her moon, it had barely moved. She held onto the railing and was breathing hard.
“Do you see now? Something IS wrong. That should have been nothing for you and yet here you are out of breath.”
Luna got to her hooves slowly and gave a glared at the moon then to her sister. “I am LUNA, daughter of Solaris and Evening Sky! The moon is MY birth right and I shall not be DENIED!”
She turned all of her magic on the moon and with everything she had, lowered it slowly. Once the moon was down she collapsed from exhaustion. “LUNA!” Celestia cried out as she raced to her sister’s side.
“S-see, I told you I could do it.” She said in a small voice with a weak smile. “I’m…going….b-back…sleep…night.” With that Luna passed out.
Jake I wish you were here. Celestia thought looking around in desperation.
Suddenly as if out of nowhere Jake came swooping in to land gracefully on the balcony. “What’s going on?” He looked from Luna to Celestia a serious tone dominating his voice.
Celestia wrapped her hooves around Jake. “Thank all of creation you’re here but how did you know we needed you?”
He quickly returned her embrace and then went to Luna’s side. “Something felt off. When I noticed the sun was late getting up I figured I should come back and check on the both of you. Now, what is going on here?”
“First please help me put Luna to bed and I will tell you everything.”
Jake levitated Luna’s unconscious body back to bed and tucked her in once he was convinced she didn’t need emergency medical attention. Celestia then proceeded to fill in Jake about the events of that morning and the headaches that the two of them had been suffering from.
“And you didn’t think to tell me about all this…the headaches I mean?”
“We didn’t think anything of them. We both saw the doctor and he suggested that it was stress or maybe diet. I didn’t want to bother you while you were training either. That was why you were sent to Ponyville in the first place. We were feeling run down and these stupid headaches and now this. I’m sorry for not telling you.” Celestia was on the verge of tears. She had promised not to keep things from Jake but at the time it had seemed so trivial.
Jake held Celestia and brushed her mane while staring towards the balcony. It’s alright; I would have done the same. I’m not angry just concerned that’s all. However something is very wrong and we have to get to the bottom on it. The world needs the sun and the moon and if you two are out of commission who is going to do it?”
The stress and fear slowly went away at Jake’s kind words softly spoken in her ear. Then she remembered the party from last night. She pulled away to look Jake in the eyes. “What happened last night?”
Jake gave Celestia a quick recount of the events that had gone on and how she was left in Luna’s bed.
“Hmm, so what you’re saying is that we were drunk and playing with the sun and the moon?”
“Like two kids playing with a couple of balls but you were both fine…other than trying to umm…” Jake started to blush at the memory but shook his head. “Maybe it was the alcohol?”
Celestia shook her head. “No, alcohol doesn’t work that way with us. We can get intoxicated but our magic keeps us safe. No sickness or hangovers and we recover faster than normal ponies. Sorry but we can’t blame this one on the party. So last night we had our powers and this morning we almost don’t…I don’t know what happened.”
Celestia looked to Jake who only shrugged. “I couldn’t tell you. After I put you both to bed I went back and cleaned up after everyone went home.”
She led Jake back towards the balcony. “What’s going on will have to wait. Right now I need your help raising the sun. I can’t do it and Luna is out. We were going to teach you this later but unfortunately we need you now.” Celestia was looking at the sun which hadn’t budged.
Jake took a deep breath in as he looked towards the horizon. He had seen Celestia do it several times and his magic had gotten better but this was…the SUN. Moving tables and chairs is one thing but a star is something else entirely. Celestia could see the doubt on his face. “Jake you can do this with my help. I will tell you what to do and we will raise the sun together, trust me.” She placed a reassuring hoof on his back.
He looked toward her and just smiled and nodded.
“Very well then, take your position here.” Celestia pointed at the center of the balcony.
Jake did as he was instructed. “Now I want you to close your eyes and visualize the sun. Do you see it?”
“Yes, I see it.” Jake said with his eyes closed.
“I want you to reach out and surround the sun with your magic. Like if you were grabbing it with both hooves.”
Jake horn began to glow and he started to focus on the sun. “It’s huge! Too big…I can’t.”
“Yes you can Jake. It will move for you, concentrate. Celestia said as her legs started to feel weak.
Jake leapt into the air his eyes were filled with white light. He raised his hooves above his head and the sun obeyed. Celestia looked on with pride and joy as her strength left her while the sun rose higher. Then it was like she was being hit by a bolt of lightning and she screamed in agony.
“AAAAGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!”
At the same time Luna cried out as well. “SISTER AAAHHHHH!!!”
Their eyes were pin points as every muscle locked and backs arched in pain. The sun reached its point in the sky and Jake stopped what he was doing. That’s when the sisters passed out.
. . . . .
Jake dropped to the ground when the screaming started. “Tia, TIA! What’s wrong?” He cried out as he held her in his hooves.
There was a pounding at Luna’s door. “My Lady, we heard screaming are you alright? The door is locked please let us in!” It was Luna’s royal guards.
Jake turned his attention to the door and unbolted it. Two guards came into the room to see what disturbance was. They looked to Luna then noticed Jake holding Celestia unconscious body on the balcony. “Your highness what is going…?”
Jake cut the guard off. “GET A DOCTOR, NOW!”
One of the guards turned and ran to fetch the doctor. “How may I help?” The guard asked as he approached Jake.
“Help me get the princess to bed.” He levitated Celestia’s limp body to Luna’s bed as the guard pulled back the blankets and Jake set her in. Jake then listened to both of them. He could make out heart beats when he put his head on their chests and felt them breathe. “They’re alive. As far as what happened I’m hoping the doctor can shed some light. He apparently has been treating them for fatigue and headaches. He must have missed something.”
It didn’t take long for the guard to return with the doctor and his nurse. Also several other guards had come back with him as well. Jake filled the doctor in on everything that happened as he and the nurse went right to examining the sisters. When the doctor had taken some blood and sent the nurse off he turned to Jake.
He bowed and then proceeded to explain. “There is nothing I can find physically wrong with them. We are going to run some tests but they have only been complaining about fatigue and headaches. I can tell they have suffered some physical trauma but I don’t believe this is a germ or disease. I will know more when the tests come back but they are alicorns. They don’t get sick. I think you may want to look into magic.”
“Magic? You think that might be the cause?”
“Yes your Majesty. I’m sorry I cannot be of more help.” The doctor looked worried either for his patients or that he wasn’t being very helpful.
“It’s alright doctor. You did the best you could. Let me know what you find out from the tests.”
“Yes your Grace.” He bowed and left the room.
Jake turned to one of the guards. “Get me Twilight Sparkle.” He then turned to the rest of the guards. I want this room secured. Keep the hall clear of traffic and I want a tight lid on this. If word gets out that the royal sisters have taken ill there could be a panic.”
The guards bowed and moved with purpose to Jake’s orders. Then he was alone with just the sisters; leaning in close to Celestia, he whispered. “I swear I’m going to figure this out.”
In no time at all the guard had returned with Twilight and her friends. “Prince Star.” She said bowing, “What’s wrong with the princesses?” Twilight walked to Jakes side and looked at her unconscious mentor.
It’s wasn’t hard to see the concern and worry all over their faces. “You may leave guard and please close the door on your way out.” The guard left and closed the door. Then Jake turned to the rest. I have no idea what is going on. But the doctor thinks this might be magic related.”
“What do you mean?” Twilight asked as the rest crowded around the bed.
Jake proceeded to tell them what had happened that morning when he arrived. “So there you have it. Twilight isn’t there some kind of spell to see if they are being hurt by magic?”
“I can try.” She looked towards the sisters and her horn glowed as her eyes lit up. Then in just a few seconds her eyes were normal and the glow from her horn was gone. “Their magic is being drained somehow.”
“Drained how?” Applejack got the question in before Jake could.
“Well, every pony has magic. For the Earth ponies it gives them their strength and is considered a passive magic. This means it’s always working. The Pegasi’s magic allows them to cloud walk and manipulate the weather. For the unicorns we have the most wide range and can use magic better than the rest. The spell I just cast allows me to see the magic auras that surround every pony. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s are very dim. That should be the exact opposite, they should be brilliant. Unlike the rest of pony kind, alicorn auras are beaming due to how much magic they possess. I’m not sure what is draining their magic but it’s barely there.”
“And what happens if all their magic goes away?” Spike asked.
“They will become weak and frail. But the question becomes what if the force that is draining their magic doesn’t stop there? What if moved onto their life essence? It could kill them.” When Twilight finished that last statement you could hear a pin drop in the room.
“Then we need to hit the libraries to see what can drain magic, from spells, to creatures.” Jake said. He walked out to the hallway. “You there,” a guard snapped to attention. “Go with Twilight and her friends to the library. See they are given all the resources they need.”
The guard bowed and waited for Twilight and her friends. They stepped into the hallway as Twilight turned to Jake. “What will you do now your Highness? You’re not coming with us to the library?”
“Not yet, I have a few things to attend to first. As soon as I’m done I’ll join you.”
They left with the guard as Jake turned to the captain of night guards. “I need a messenger to go to the Crystal Empire and inform Princess Cadence of the situation here.” Jake then turned towards the captain of the day guards. “Please inform Princess Celestia’s royal scheduling advisor Kibitz, that due to circumstances beyond our control that neither Princess will be available right now. So everything will just have to be cancelled or rescheduled. If any pony needs me I’ll be in the royal library. Please post a guard in the room and keep me informed of any new developments.” With that Jake turned and made for the library.
Jake made it about half way there when Dusty found him in the halls. “Prince Distant Star, I need a word with you in private.”
“Unless this is extremely important I don’t have the time right now.” Jake said not even stopping.
“Oh but it is. It’s about your favorite mirror.”
At the mention of the mirror Jake stopped dead in his tracks. He slowly turned to Dusty. “The one in Princess Celestia’s chambers?”
Dusty only nodded and Jake took her into a small closet and shut the door. “Ok you now have my full attention what’s going on?”
She levitated a piece of paper out of a pocket on her maids dress. Jake took it and read.
Jake you need to come to the mirror right away. I need to speak with you on matters most urgent.
Signed
A Friend
“I found this laying on the floor in front of the mirror. I was in there tiding up the place. The only other time I’ve seen paper on the floor was when you sent them.”
Dusty was the only pony outside of the mane six, Spike and the royal sisters who knew who he really was. Jake folded the piece of paper. “Did you see anything else?”
“No sir, nothing.”
“Well this is the best lead I’ve had all morning, thank you Dusty” Jake said.
“If you don’t mind me asking, what is going on? The guards are acting weird and where is my lady?”
“I will tell you only because you’re her lady in waiting and NO one else will know other than the guards.”
Dusty nodded and Jake told her what happened. She looked horrified. “It’s going to be alright. I’m going to figure this out. For now though I need you to be strong and silent ok? You may also keep attending Celestia. Just tell the guards I've sent you."
“You can count on me but please save my lady.”
Jake opened the door to the closet and smiled at Dusty as they stepped out. “Didn’t you know? That’s what princes do.”
With that he left her and went straight to Celestia’s room. He walked with purpose but didn’t run. He didn’t want to alert the castle that something might be very wrong. He would smile and bid the staff good morning as he pasted down the elegant hallways of stain glass windows and long red carpets in the center of the hall. Jake couldn’t stop thinking about the mirror. It had been how he had met Celestia in the first place. As far as Jake knew the mirror here was connected to the one in his old room back on Earth. You could even send note through the mirror and when the universe was in proper alignment one could travel between worlds. But for the life of him he couldn’t figure out who this person was. The note had been addressed to him and why now? As he reached the door to Celestia’s room and stopped and took a breath. Ok Jake, let’s do this. He stepped into the room and bolted the door behind him. “Hello? I’m here just like you asked. Now who are you?”
“Welcome, come closer and let’s have a look at you.” Said an elderly voice from the mirror.
Jake walked cautiously closer to the mirror. “Who are you?” Jake could see no one but his own reflection.
“Hmm, you’re looking quite healthy. Tell me any weird urges lately?”
“How come you can see me but I can’t see you?”
“Please answer the question boy.” The voice sounded a little impatient.
“Look I don’t have time for games right now. I don’t know who you are or how you activated this mirror…or…how you even know me, but I’m a little busy right now.” Jake’s temper was beginning to flare.
“Tell me, have Celestia and or Luna collapsed yet?”
Jake grabbed the mirror with his magic and held it off the ground. “I swear if you know anything you’ll tell me now or so help me I’ll destroy this thing!”
“Easy, EASY! Judging by your response the answer must be yes. Alright guess there is no choice then. You’re just going to have to come here. I have the answers you seek.”
“Here…where is here?” Jake put the mirror down and took a step back.
“Earth where else. Oh don’t worry, just a quick trip and your back before any pony knows you were even gone.”
“How do I know I can trust you?” Jake eyed the mirror cautiously.
“You don’t but I have the answers and without my help the three of you will die.”
“Three?”
“Celestia, Luna and you, now quite wasting time and get your plot over here.” The elderly voice sounded irritated by all the questions.
“But I thought the mirror only worked when the universe was in proper alignment?”
The elder voice laughed. “Yeah for you but for me it works when I want it too. So stand back and let me get this thing started.”
Spiraling clouds of purple smoke wrapped around the mirror and it grew in size till it was big enough for Jake to step through. Jake took one last look around Celestia’s room. Please let this not be a wild goose chase. And with that last thought he stepped through the mirror.
. . . . .
“And I think we’ll stop there for tonight.” Jake said smiling down at his daughter.
Day Lily had the covers up to her chin. She had Jake’s blue eyes. However the rest of her, from her pink mane to her white coat was all Celestia.
At the mention of the story being over she sat up. “B-but Daaaad… What happened to you next? Who did the voice belong to? When did you get you cutie mark? The story can’t be over it just can’t be.”
Jake chuckled and he put a hoof on his daughters to silence the barrage of questions and calm her down. “First, the story is not over but it’s getting late and past a certain princess’s bedtime. Secondly if I told you everything then what would I use for a story tomorrow night?”
Day Lily tried to pout and make herself as cute as possible. “Pleeassse??”
Jake just shook his head as he leaned over and kissed his daughter’s head. “I’m sorry but no more tonight. It’s time to play in Luna’s dream world.” Jake got up from his daughter’s bed and started for the door.
“Daddy, just one more question please?”
Jake turned toward her still wearing a warm smile. “What is it?”
“You’re all better now right? I mean you’re fixed.” There was concern on the filly’s face.
“Yes, my love. Daddy is all better now but you’re still going to have to wait to hear the rest tomorrow night.” He said with a wink. He and Celestia had become quite familiar with the stall tactics of their daughter when it came to bedtime.
“Uhg…fine.” Day Lily resigned herself that she was going to bed. “Goodnight Daddy I love you.”
“I love you to munchkin, goodnight.” With that Jake closed the door and turned to come face to face with Celestia.
“Finishing another bedtime story are we?” As she came up and nuzzled the side of her husband’s face.
“Yup, we left off with my trip back through the mirror.” Jake said smiling.
Celestia took a step back. “You stopped there? You’re going to give her nightmares.”
“No I won’t. Luna would never allow that to happen. She’s crazy about her niece and watches her like a hawk. If even a hint of a bad dream were to start she would crush it instantly.”
Celestia rolled her eyes knowing Jake was right. Luna would rather burn the world than see Day Lily scared. “Well I’m going to say goodnight to her. See you back at the room?”
Jake kissed Celestia deeply. “What do you think?”
Celestia cheeks flushed as she turned to push the door open to her daughter’s room. From inside the room Day Lily’s voice can be heard. “Mommy! Story time?”
Jake laughed quietly to himself as he took a quick look in on the two of them. Day Lily caught sight of him and waved as Celestia looked back over her shoulder with a warm smile and evening eyes.
“Daddy, come here really quick.”
Jake came back to into the room and took a seat opposite Celestia on his daughter’s bed. “What is it?”
Day Lily motions for the two to come closer and then she wrapped her hooves around both of them in a group hug. Jake returned the hug as did Celestia.
This is what it’s all about. Jake thought as he just enjoyed that moment with his family.
-To Be Continued-